bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-point MEMS heat flux sensor for turbulent heat transfer measurement in internal combustion engines
Authors: Dejima Kazuhito , Nakabeppu Osamu , Nakamura Yuto , Tsuchiya Tomohiro , Nagasaka Keisuke
Published: April 2018

A heat flux sensor was developed with micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technologies for investigating turbulent heat transfer characteristics in engines. The sensor has three thin-film resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) of a square 315 µm on a side on a 900 µm diameter circle in rotational symmetry. The performances of the MEMS systems sensor were tested in an open combustion chamber and a laboratory engine. In the open chamber tests, it was revealed that the MEMS sensor can measure the wall heat fluxes reflecting flow states of gas phase. In addition, the noise was evaluated as 3.8 kW/m2 with the standard deviation against the wall heat flux of a few hundred kW/m2. From these results, it was proved that the MEMS sensor has the potential to observe turbulent heat transfer on the order over 10 kW/m2 in the engine. In the laboratory engine test, the wall heat flux for continuous 200 cycles was measured with a good signal-to-noise ratio. The noise was evaluated as 13.4 kW/m2 with the standard deviation despite the noisy environment. Furthermore, it was proved that the MEMS sensor has the comparable scale with the turbulence in the engine because the three adjacent detectors measured similar but different phase oscillations in the local instantaneous heat fluxes. In addition, a heat flux vector reflecting the state of the local instantaneous heat transfer was visualized by the adjacent three-point measurement. It is expected that the three-point MEMS sensor will be a useful tool for the engine heat transfer research.
Addressing the mismatch through culturally responsive literacy instruction
Authors: Hilaski Danielle
Published: April 2018

The American demographic is drastically changing from a largely white, European-American population to one that is extremely diverse. This shift in demographics has impacted on state schools. Students often experience a cultural shock due to a mismatched monocultural, monlinguistic curriculum in schools. This qualitative study explored the way four Reading Recovery teachers attempted to make their Reading Recovery instruction culturally responsive for their culturally and linguistically diverse students. Through constant comparative analysis of data collected through pre- and post-interviews, bi-weekly professional development sessions and debriefings, reflective journals, and artefacts, it was found that the teachers' practices shifted in three main ways: observation, conversation and instruction. Participating teachers found ways to utilize students' social, cultural and linguistic knowledge to establish links between the familiar and new to make learning to read and write easier for their students. Thinking intentionally about the tenets of culturally responsive teaching as well as students' linguistic, social and cultural knowledge, participating teachers found ways to enact culturally responsive teaching in their Reading Recovery instruction.
A human rights approach to advocacy for people with dementia: A review of current provision in England and Wales
Authors: Dixon Jeremy , Laing Judy , Valentine Christine
Published: April 2018

In this article, we review current advocacy services for people with dementia in England and Wales (provided, respectively, under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 , the Mental Health Act 1983 /2007 and the Care Act 2014) through the lens of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). We examine what a human rights’ approach to advocacy support would entail, and whether current frameworks in England and Wales are adequate for this approach and provide a sufficient safeguard. First, we consider how the human rights of persons with dementia have become increasingly important and the extent to which the CRPD provides an opportunity to bolster safeguards and protection. Second, we discuss cause and case advocacy, and how these advocacy models could be shaped by the CRPD to promote the rights of persons with dementia at each stage of the disease. Third, we highlight current dilemmas and challenges in the provision of advocacy support in England and Wales by focusing on case law, commissioning of services and current practice. In particular, we analyse how the different legislative schemes have given rise to some confusion about the various advocacy provisions, as well as potential for overlap and discrepancies between different regimes. We also highlight the need for further research to address important gaps in knowledge, including the scale of need, patterns of referral and attitudes to advocacy services. The article concludes by highlighting how advocacy support could be recalibrated as a universal right to promote the aims and aspirations of the CRPD, and how education is needed to address the stigma of dementia and promote the benefits of advocacy in protecting the rights of those with dementia.
Exploring Nurse Leaders' Policy Participation Within the Context of a Nursing Conceptual Framework
Authors: Waddell Ashley , Adams Jeffrey M. , Fawcett Jacqueline
Published: April 2018

This study was designed to describe and quantify the experiences of nurse leaders working to influence policy and to build consensus for priority skills and knowledge useful in policy efforts within the context of a nursing conceptual framework. The conceptual model for nursing and health policy and the Adams influence model were combined into a conceptual framework used to guide this two-round modified Delphi study. Twenty-two nurse leaders who were members of a state action coalition participated in the Round 1 focus group; 15 of these leaders completed the Round 2 electronic survey. Round 1 themes indicated the value of a passion for policy, the importance of clear communication, and an understanding the who and when of policy work. Round 2 data reinforced the importance of clear communication regarding policy engagement; knowing the who and when of policy closely followed, and having a passion for policy work was identified as least important. These themes inform learning objectives for nursing education and preparation for interactions with public officials because influencing policy requires knowledge, skills, and persistence. Study findings begin to describe how nurse leaders influence policy within the context of a nursing conceptual framework and generate implications for research, education, and professional practice.
Assessment of Parents’/Guardians’ Initial Comprehension and 1-Day Recall of Elements of Informed Consent Within a Mozambican Study of Pediatric Bacteremia
Authors: Ossemane Ezequiel B. , Moon Troy D. , Sacarlal Jahit , Sevene Esperança , Kenga Darlene , Gong Wu , Heitman Elizabeth
Published: April 2018

Participants’ understanding of key elements of a research protocol is essential to their ethical enrollment in the study. Ongoing participation should be based on continued comprehension and consent, which presumes a high degree of recall. Many obstacles can prevent full understanding of information about the research protocol. This study’s aim was to evaluate the comprehension and 1-day recall of the elements of informed consent by the parents/guardians of children enrolled in a clinical study in Mozambique. We developed a 10-question test based on the study’s informed consent document. We asked participants to answer questions shortly after being read the informed consent document and again the following day. Participants who did not demonstrate good or reasonable understanding at enrollment were provided the information again as a refresher. Overall high rates of initial comprehension demonstrate that attention to the informed consent process can result in Mozambicans’ informed, voluntary participation in clinical trials.
On novel compliant mechanisms for remote center motion
Authors: Gandhi Prasanna S , Bobade Rupesh S , Chen Chao
Published: April 2018

This article presents the synthesis, parametric analysis with a semi-empirical model, and experimental validation of novel compliant remote center motion mechanisms with high cross-axis stiffnesses. The literature backs up ample use of rigid links in the synthesis of remote center motion mechanism in various applications. Compliant remote center motion mechanisms reported earlier are cable-driven mechanisms for endoscopy manipulation. On the contrary, in this article we propose spatial, compliant-link (leaf flexure link) remote center motion mechanisms (patent pending). Synthesis of the proposed compliant mechanism poses the main challenge of achieving precise remote center motion with prominent cross-axis stiffnesses. The proposed design is conceived using angularly assembled compliant links (with fixed–fixed boundary) which upon application of force undergo simultaneous twisting and bending resulting in the proposed remote center motion. Higher width as compared to the thickness along with angular arrangement gives the desired cross-axis stiffness. Extensive nonlinear finite element analysis establishes the accuracy of the remote center motion, high cross-axis stiffnesses, and the accuracy of the proposed semi-empirical model based on parametric analysis. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism is fabricated and preliminary experiments validate remote center motion in an example case.
Research on the mobile assistant decision-making system based on service-oriented architecture for transport accident rescue
Authors: Wang Haiyong , Zhang Yanpeng , Gao Jieqiong , Dang Jianwu
Published: April 2018

As for the problems of car rescue scheduling delay caused by the information separation from traffic accident rescue departments, the service-oriented architecture technology has been adopted to integrate the information systems in related rescue departments within the transport accident region after the deep analysis of information characteristics of rescue departments. A transport accident rescue model with the acquisition and processing of information has been established, and the methods of the optimal resource scheduling and the optimal path selection in the process of rescue have been proposed. Meanwhile, with the support of Web Service and Android, a mobile assistant decision-making system based on service-oriented architecture for transport accident rescue has been designed, and the effectiveness and feasibility of rescue planning of assistant decision-making have also been demonstrated by examples. The research not only provides theoretical basis for the traffic management departments to make a reasonable rescue planning but also greatly improves the efficiency of transport accident rescue.
A reduced-order extended state observer–based trajectory tracking control for one-degree-of-freedom pneumatic manipulator
Authors: Zhao Ling , Liu Xin , Wang Tao , liu Bo
Published: April 2018

In this article, a reduced-order extended state observer is proposed to deal with uncertainties and disturbances in tracking control for a one-degree-of-freedom manipulator pneumatic system. A tracking differentiator is designed to generate a smooth tracking signal and a corresponding differential signal of the reference input. A non-linear state error feedback is adopted to ensure the response rapidity and control precision. Furthermore, stability analysis of the proposed reduced-order extended state observer and the closed-loop system is also presented. Finally, the experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed scheme for the one-degree-of-freedom manipulator pneumatic system.
Health monitoring of electromechanical flight actuators via position-tracking predictive models
Authors: Di Rito Gianpietro , Schettini Francesco
Published: April 2018

This article deals with the development and performance characterisation of model-based health monitoring algorithms for the detection of faults in an electromechanical actuator for unmanned aerial system flight controls. Two real-time executable position-tracking algorithms, based on predictors with different levels of complexity, are developed and compared in terms of false alarm rejection and fault detection capabilities, using a high-fidelity model of the actuator in which different types of faults are injected. The algorithms’ performances are evaluated by simulating flight manoeuvres with the actuator in normal operation as well as with relevant faults (motor coil faults, motor magnet degradation, voltage supply decrease). The results demonstrate that an accurate position-tracking monitor allows to obtain a prompt fault detection and fail-safe mode engagement, while more detailed monitoring functions can be used for fault isolation only.
A two-level global optimization method based on hybrid metamodel for expensive problems
Authors: Ran Renjie , Li Wenqiang , Li Yan
Published: April 2018

With the wide application of simulation and optimization tools in engineering problems, how to build a metamodel, which can satisfy the high accuracy requirements of real working conditions and realize fast optimization in the entire design space, becomes a hot issue. On the basis of sequential sampling optimization and updating design space optimization, a two-level global optimization method based on hybrid metamodel is developed. In this method, the hybrid metamodel is constructed using random sampling. In the first level, a space reduction strategy is proposed to reduce the design variable space and guide the search to the promising region. In the second level, Adaptive simulated annealing algorithm is integrated with metamodels to search the global optimal value in the promising region. Several global optimization problems and a real industrial design optimization example are utilized to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method.
Effects of valve needle speed on flow characteristics in control valve for unit pump fuel system
Authors: Qiu Tao , Dai Hefei , Lei Yan , Liu Yuwei
Published: April 2018

The control valve of a diesel unit pump fuel system adjusts the pressure of the high-pressure fuel line through rapid opening to achieve fuel cut-off control. Previous research shows that the inner flow of the control valve is a dynamic cavitation flow process, and both the inlet/outlet pressures and valve lift have great influence on this process. However, the effect of the valve needle speed on the flow characteristics is not clear. This study presents an investigation of the effect of the valve needle speed on the flow characteristics within the control valve region during the fuel offloading process of a diesel unit pump fuel system based on a homogenous two-phase unsteady flow numerical model. The results show that under the condition of same inlet/outlet pressures, as the valve needle speed increases, the cavitation intensities of both the conical region and the conical downstream region are weakened. The effects of the valve needle speed on the mass flow rate under the condition of small valve needle opening can be ignored; under the condition of large valve needle opening, the higher the valve needle speed is, the greater the mass flow rate is.
New insights into airfoil sail selection for sail-assisted vessel with computational fluid dynamics simulation
Authors: Ma Yong , Bi Huaxiong , Gan Runze , Li Xiang , Yan Xinping
Published: April 2018

Wind energy plays a significant role in the energy consumption reduction of the sail-assisted vessels. During the navigation process, how to select the ideal airfoil sails is crucial for the vessel safety and wind energy conversion efficiency. We resolve the airfoil sails selection problem by utilizing computational fluid dynamics simulation. Within the computational fluid dynamics simulation approach, with shear-stress transport k– ω turbulence model, we analyze the performance of the three typical airfoil sails including NACA23012, NACA0012, and NACA0018 in the wind field from the perspective of force condition, lift and drag coefficients, and lift–drag ratio under generous wind speeds and angles of attack. And we investigate the pressure contours of the airfoil sails. Then, we can determine the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil sails promptly and identify suitable sails for the sail-assisted vessels under the given wind field.
Early and mid-term results in the endovascular treatment of popliteal aneurysms with the multilayer flow modulator
Authors: Ucci Alessandro , Curci Ruggiero , Azzarone Matteo , Bianchini Massoni Claudio , Bozzani Antonio , Marcato Carla , Marone Enrico Maria , Perini Paolo , Tecchio Tiziano , Freyrie Antonio , Argenteri Angelo
Published: April 2018

Background

The endovascular approach became an alternative to open surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysm over the last few years. Heparin-bonded stent-grafts have been employed for endovascular popliteal artery aneurysm repair, showing good and stable results. Only few reports about the use of multilayer flow modulator are available in literature, providing small patient series and short follow-up. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of patients with popliteal artery aneurysm treated with the multilayer flow modulator in three Italian centres.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed a series of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with popliteal artery aneurysm treated with the multilayer flow modulator from 2009 to 2015. Follow-up was undertaken with clinical and contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations at 1, 6 and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Computed tomography angiography was performed in selected cases. Primary endpoints were aneurysm sac thrombosis; freedom from sac enlargement and primary, primary-assisted and secondary patency during follow-up. Secondary endpoints were technical success, collateral vessels patency, limb salvage and aneurysm-related complications.

Results

Twenty-three consecutive patients (19 males, age 72 ± 11) with 25 popliteal artery aneurysms (mean diameter 23 mm ± 1, 3 symptomatic patients) were treated with 40 multilayer flow modulators during the period of the study. Median follow-up was 22.6 ± 16.7 months. Complete aneurysm thrombosis occurred in 92.9% of cases (23/25 cases) at 18 months. Freedom from sac enlargement was 100% (25/25 cases) with 17 cases of aneurysm sac shrinkage (68%). At 1, 6, 12 and 24 months, estimated primary patency was 95.7%, 87.3%, 77% and 70.1%, respectively. At the same intervals, primary-assisted patency was 95.7%, 91.3%, 86% and 86%, respectively, and secondary patency was 100%, 95.7%, 90.3% and 90.3%, respectively. Technical success was 100%. The collateral vessels patency was 72.4%. Limb salvage was 91.4% at 24-month follow-up. One multilayer flow modulator fracture was reported in an asymptomatic patient.

Conclusions

Multilayer flow modulator seems a feasible and safe solution for endovascular treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms in selected patients.
Research on vertical air–water trans-media control of Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Underwater Vehicles based on adaptive sliding mode dynamical surface control
Authors: Ma Zongcheng , Feng Jinfu , Yang Jian
Published: April 2018

We address the problem of vertical air–water trans-media control of Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Underwater Vehicles in the presence of parameters uncertainty and disturbances. Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Underwater Vehicle suffers from huge changes of added mass, fluid drag force, and “ground effect” during crossing air–water surface, which easily lead to trans-media failure. A novel structure of Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Underwater Vehicle is built and introduced which adopts dual deck propellers including four air propellers and four water propellers. The dynamic model of trans-media process is developed for the trans-media process in condition that added mass, floatage, and drag force are linearized while linearization errors and “ground effect” are treated as disturbances. Attitude and altitude–depth controllers are designed based on Lyapunov stability theory and adaptive sliding mode dynamical surface control. The proposed controllers accomplish air, underwater, and “seamless” trans-media process integrated control without a priori boundary of disturbances, forcing the tracking errors to an arbitrarily small neighborhood of zero. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the control algorithm with good performance and robustness.
Analysis of hygrothermal parameters in Finnish and Lithuanian multi-family buildings before and after energy retrofits
Authors: Leivo Virpi , Kiviste Mihkel , Aaltonen Anu , Prasauskas Tadas , Martuzevicius Dainius , Haverinen-Shaughnessy Ulla
Published: April 2018

This study focuses on analyzing temperature- and moisture-related parameters based on data from 45 Finnish and 20 Lithuanian multi-family buildings. The data consist of two rounds of 2-month data-logging (1-h interval) of indoor temperature and relative humidity at two locations: one representing average occupied zone and the other one nearby the coldest spot of the building envelope. Between the two rounds of data-logging, 37 buildings from Finland and 15 buildings from Lithuania underwent retrofits, aiming to improve their energy efficiency. Measurement data were coupled with outdoor data from national weather stations, based on which a temperature factor ( fc) and excess indoor moisture content (Δ v) were calculated. Based on the results, fc was significantly higher in Lithuanian case buildings after the retrofits, whereas no significant differences were observed in Finnish buildings. In addition, Δ v was significantly lower in Finnish case buildings after retrofits, whereas an opposite trend was seen in the Lithuanian buildings.
Emerging concepts in non-invasive monitoring of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Marlicz Wojciech , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Dabos Konstantinos John , Łoniewski Igor , Koulaouzidis Anastasios
Published: April 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In light of evolving epidemiology of CD, its clinical management is still complex and remains a challenge for contemporary physicians. With the advent of new diagnostic and treatment paradigms, there is a growing need for new biomarkers to guide decision-making, differential diagnosis, disease activity monitoring, as well as prognosis. However, both clinical and endoscopic scoring systems, widely utilized for disease monitoring and prognosis, have drawbacks and limitations. In recent years, biochemical peptides have become available for IBD monitoring and more frequently used as surrogate markers of gut inflammation. Emerging concepts that revolve around molecular, stem cell, epigenetic, microbial or metabolomic pathways associated with vascular and epithelial gut barrier could lead to development of new CD biomarkers. Measurement of cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) in the blood of IBD patients is another emerging concept helpful in future disease management. In this review, we discuss novel concepts of non-invasive biomarkers, which may become useful in monitoring of CD activity and prognosis. We discuss metabolomics as a new powerful tool for clinicians to guide differential IBD diagnosis. In the coming years, new developments of prognostic tools are expected, aiming for breakthroughs in the management of patients with CD.
Test–retest reliability of wrist joint position sense in healthy adults in a clinical setting
Authors: Pilbeam Chloë , Hood-Moore Victoria
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Proprioceptive assessments of the wrist inform clinical decision making. In wrist rehabilitation, joint position sense has emerged as one way of assessing conscious proprioception with varying methods and minimal psychometric analysis reported. The purpose of this study was to standardise the wrist joint position sense test method for clinical use and to determine its test–retest reliability in a healthy population.

Methods

Four wrist positions (20° and 45° flexion, 20° and 45° extension) were measured twice in a random order, by a single rater, using a universal goniometer on the same day. The absolute error in degrees between each position and reposition was calculated. For relative reliability analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient (3,1) was calculated. For absolute reliability the standard error of the measurement was calculated and Bland–Altman plots visually inspected.

Results

Fifty-five healthy volunteers (mean age 31.1 SD±10.25 years) were assessed. The mean absolute error, summarised for all positions for test and retest, was 3.98°. The intraclass correlation coefficients were poor to fair (0.07–0.47), and standard error of the measurement was 2° (rounded) for all positions. The limits of agreement were fairly narrow, and the Bland–Altman plots showed random distribution of errors for each position, therefore the measurement error was clinically acceptable.

Conclusions

The active wrist joint position sense test using goniometry demonstrated poor to fair test–retest reliability and acceptable measurement error in healthy volunteers. The wrist joint position sense angle of 20° flexion was the most reliable.
We Can Thank Harvey Weinstein for Doing What Congress and the Supreme Court Failed to Do
Authors: Sherwyn David , Wagner Paul
Published: April 2018

While the years 2017 and 2018 will be remembered for numerous geo political and social movements, any retrospective of this time will include the issue of sexual harassment and the corresponding “Me Too” movement. In this time, sexual harassment has transformed from a workplace legal concept to an issue that is defining the fabric of the country. While no one could persuasively argue that sexual harassment has not expanded from its legal roots to a movement that transcends the law, the fact is that the concept is rooted and adjudicated in law. Sadly, the commentators and the popular press often ignore or misstate the law. This creates a dangerous culture where the public is misinformed of their rights and responsibilities. More troubling, is the fact that there are serious problems with the law that need to be understand and, we contend, changed, in order for the entire problem to be eliminated, or, at least, mitigated. This paper explains the law with regard to what constitutes sexual harassment and when the employer is liable, identifies the problems, and proposes a fix so that we can create a future workplace where the authors’ five daughters (between them) and the rest of their generation will be able to honestly not raise their hands and not have to say: “Me Too!”
Evaluation and Management of Subchondral Calcium Phosphate Injection Technique to Treat Bone Marrow Lesion
Authors: Astur Diego Costa , de Freitas Eduardo Vasconcelos , Cabral Pedro Barreira , Morais Caio Carvalho , Pavei Bruno Silveira , Kaleka Camila Cohen , Debieux Pedro , Cohen Moises
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to compile available data in medical literature about subchondral calcium phosphate injection, comparing results obtained with this technique, as well as indications, complications, and other important factors in treatment of bone marrow lesions.

Designs

A literature review using PubMed and Medline database in order to identify works with terms “subchondral calcium phosphate injection,” “ subchondroplasty®,” “bone marrow lesion,” and “knee.” Eight relevant articles were found.

Results

A total of 164 patients with bone marrow lesion mainly on femoral condyle and tibial plateau recovered with significant functional improvement of knee after subchondral calcium phosphate treatment. Although 25% of them still had some type of pain complaint, they also showed improvement. There were few complications reported and return to activities occurred after 3 months on average.

Conclusions

Few studies evaluate the result of using subchondral calcium phosphate injection technique. However, all presented favorable results regarding pain and improvement of knee function. In addition, within 2 years, there was a 70% reduction in conversion to total knee arthroplasty in patients with previous surgical indication who choose calcium phosphate treatment.
Spontaneous rupture of a renal artery pseudoaneurysm with no precipitating risk factor
Authors: Hadjipavlou Marios , Abbaraju Jayasimha , Serafimov Viktor , Madaan Sanjeev
Published: April 2018

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication following renal interventional procedures or, although it may be spontaneous as described in this case. Clinicians should have a low threshold for early computer tomography (CT) imaging in cases of diagnostic uncertainty.
A quantitative analysis of antipsychotic prescribing trends for the treatment of schizophrenia in England and Wales
Authors: Roberts Rossela , Neasham Abigail , Lambrinudi Chania , Khan Afshan
Published: April 2018

Objective

This study aims to assess the current antipsychotic prescribing trends for the treatment of schizophrenia and to compare them with available guidelines and research evidence.

Design

An observational retrospective quantitative analysis.

Setting

Data were collected from the prescribing cost analysis for the period between 2007 and 2014, including all drugs from the British National Formulary 4.2.1 and 4.2.2. Prescriptions were included from primary and secondary healthcare settings in England and Wales.

Participants

None.

Main outcome measures

Defined daily doses of antipsychotics were used to compare popularity of individual drugs and classes of antipsychotics.

Results

There is a consistent increase in the proportion of atypical antipsychotics prescribed, compared to typical antipsychotics, between 2007 and 2014, with atypicals accounting for 79.9% of total antipsychotics prescribed in 2014.

Conclusion

The consistent popularity of atypical antipsychotics is not concordant with the current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia or the most recent research evidence.
Assimilation of China’s rural-to-urban migrants: A multidimensional process
Authors: Chen Zhenxiang , Liu Kayuet
Published: April 2018

This study explores the multidimensional process of assimilation in rural-to-urban migration in China. We distinguish between (a) intrinsic acculturation—the adoption of values; (b) extrinsic acculturation—the adoption of observable traits such as language; and (c) structural assimilation—the achievement of socio-economic status comparable to that of locals. Cross-provincial analysis shows that there are substantial variations in the social and economic distances faced by migrants across provinces. Our novel acculturation/assimilation measures take into account the different cultural and socioeconomic distances faced by migrants with heterogeneous places of origin and destinations. Hypothetical measurement errors are used in a robust hierarchical regression analysis to assess the potential effect of self-selection. Analyses of the Chinese General Social Survey 2012–2013 show that extrinsic acculturation typically takes place later than structural assimilation, while intrinsic acculturation can fail to happen despite a long stay. Assimilation is not guaranteed; only some rural-to-urban migrants, particularly those with high levels of education, from families of high socio-economic status, and interacting with friends and neighbors, manage to assimilate across all three dimensions.
Qualitative network analysis: A useful tool for investigating policy networks in transnational settings?
Authors: Ahrens Petra
Published: April 2018

An essential characteristic of political systems is the coexistence and interdependence of formal and informal policy networks. This article describes applying qualitative network analysis as an innovative method of gathering discursive forms of data on maintaining complex transnational networks in the everyday work of individual actors. Complementary to social network analysis, qualitative network analysis allows collecting details on (a) the meaning individual actors attach to their network ties and the network as a whole, (b) data on informal policy networks not available through quantitative analysis, and (c) an insider view on the relationship between informal and formal policy networks. The article contributes to developing new methodological techniques in studying the European Union policy-making by illustrating opportunities and challenges of qualitative network analysis for studying transnational policy networks.
End-Stage Renal Failure Is an Independent Risk Factor for 1-Year Mortality After Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Lo Louise Woon Theng , Yanling Xu , Chou Andrew Chia Chen , Howe Tet Sen , Allen John Carson , Koh Joyce Suang Bee
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

End-stage renal failure (ESRF) with its associated comorbidities increase postoperative mortality in hip fracture patients. This study investigated the association of ESRF with various comorbidities in patients on dialysis and assessed rates ESRF as an independent risk factor for all-cause postoperative 1- year mortality rates.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study on patients aged 55 years and older who underwent their first nonpathological, low-energy hip fracture surgery at an Asian tertiary hospital from June 2007 to 2012. Patients were identified as cases with ESRF on dialysis (study group) or non-ESRF patients (controls). Various comorbidity factors and postoperative 1-year mortality status were obtained from institutional electronic medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify significant risk factors for all-cause, 1-year mortality.

Results:

With no loss to follow-up, the 1-year postoperative mortality rate was 19.6% for the 46 patients with ESRF on dialysis and 8.4% for non-ESRF controls ( P = .028). Fisher exact test showed that hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), diabetes mellitus (DM), anemia, cerebrovascular disease, and vascular disease were significantly associated with ESRF ( P < .05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified ESRF (adjusted odds ratio[AOR] = 2.85, P = .021), cancer (AOR = 3.04, P = .003), IHD (AOR = 2.07, P = .020), DM (AOR = 2.03, P = .022), and age (AOR = 1.08, P <.0001) as independent risk factors for 1-year mortality following hip fracture surgery. The area under the receiver–operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) for the multivariable predictor of 1-year mortality was 0.75 (0.60-0.82).

Conclusions:

Although associated with multiple comorbidities, ESRF was found to be independently predictive of 1-year mortality in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, second to cancer in terms of magnitude of risk posed. As ESRF is a negative prognostic factor for 1-year mortality after hip fracture surgery, its importance should be recognized with implications on preoperative counseling to patients about the increased risk and implications on fracture prevention.
The Enduring Mental Health Effects of Post-9/11 Discrimination in the Context of the Great Recession: Race/Ethnic Variation
Authors: Brown Robyn Lewis , Richman Judith A. , Moody Myles D. , Rospenda Kathleen M.
Published: April 2018

While prior study has linked discrimination experienced as a result of 9/11 with economic insecurity within the context of the Great Recession, the mental health effects of this linkage are unexamined. This study examined whether economic insecurity during the recession era helps account for long-term effects of 9/11-related discrimination on symptoms of depression and anxiety using structural equation modeling techniques to assess data from a national mail survey. Results reveal that the effects of 9/11-related discrimination on symptoms of depression and anxiety substantially derive from its association with recession era economic insecurity. The impact of 9/11-related discrimination on economic insecurity is also significantly greater for black Americans and Latinos compared to non-Hispanic whites and is further linked with more symptoms of depression and anxiety for both groups.
Practicing What We Preach: Reclaiming the Promise of Multicultural Transition Programming
Authors: Achola Edwin Obilo
Published: April 2018

Translating multicultural research and theory into practices that improve transition outcomes for all children especially, youth who come from predominantly culturally and ethnically diverse (CED) communities, remains a substantial challenge for career transition specialists (CTSs) today. The purpose of this article was to consider the state of transition programming for CED youth with disabilities, paying particular attention to the clinical applications of Banks’s dimensions of multicultural pedagogy in addressing inequities in transition programming. In light of this discussion, a set of five research- and practice-based tips for CTSs, special education teachers, and other members of individualized transition teams are shared.
On Allocation Contests for Publicly Provided Goods
Authors: Sen Arijit
Published: April 2018

In many countries, the government provides goods and services that are rival in consumption—essential commodities, such as water, public transportation and basic health care, and merit goods like professional education and tertiary health care. For such goods, the government has to specify allocation rules under which citizens can access them. Affluent citizens often have the incentive and the ability to influence public allocation rules by engaging in allocation contests. This article presents simple models of allocation contests for a divisible essential commodity and an indivisible merit good, and studies contest equilibria and their implications for social outcomes. Given allocation contests over public provision, falling public supply of an essential commodity can have magnified negative impact on social welfare, and raising the reservation quota of a publicly provided merit good for a set of disadvantaged citizens might effectively lower their access to the good.

JEL: C72, D61, H42
Book review: Milan Vaishnav, When Crime Pays: Money and Muscle in Indian Politics
Authors: Verniers Gilles
Published: April 2018

Milan Vaishnav, When Crime Pays: Money and Muscle in Indian Politics. New Delhi: Harper Collins. 2016. 410 pages. ₹799.
Book review: Paul R. Brass, An Indian Political Life: Charan Singh and Congress Politics
Authors: Ghate Prabhu
Published: April 2018

Paul R. Brass, An Indian Political Life: Charan Singh and Congress Politics. New Delhi: SAGE Publications. Volume 1, 1937 to 1961. 2011. 575 pages. ₹950; Volume 2, 1957 to 1967. 2012. 475 pages. ₹1,050; Volume 3, 1967 to 1987. 2014. 309 pages. ₹995.
Book review: Gautam Bhan, In the Public’s Interest. Evictions, Citizenship and Inequality in Contemporary Delhi
Authors: Björkman Lisa
Published: April 2018

Gautam Bhan, In the Public’s Interest. Evictions, Citizenship and Inequality in Contemporary Delhi. New Delhi: Orient Blackswan, 2016. 304 pages. ₹825.
Healing in the Absence of a Cure
Authors: Byrne Libby
Published: April 2018

This article offers a series of 3 vignettes exploring how art making has enabled me to understand my experience of the psychological and spiritual questions that have arisen throughout my diagnosis and subsequent treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the private hospital system in Australia. The findings of the article indicate that the challenge to maintain a sense of identity that is separate to the experience of illness is critical for people who are living with MS and the language employed by health-care workers has a profound capacity to help or hinder this. Opportunities to make art in hospital supports the efficacy of prescribed medical treatments by enabling patients to exercise power in the midst of a process over which they have little or no control.
Using Decision Analysis to Support Newborn Screening Policy Decisions: A Case Study for Pompe Disease
Authors: Prosser Lisa A. , Lam K. K. , Grosse Scott D. , Casale Mia , Kemper Alex R. ,   on behalf of the Condition Review Workgroup, Advisory Committee for Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children
Published: April 2018

Background: Newborn screening is a public health program to identify conditions associated with significant morbidity or mortality that benefit from early intervention. Policy decisions about which conditions to include in newborn screening are complex because data regarding epidemiology and outcomes of early identification are often incomplete. Objectives: To describe expected outcomes of Pompe disease newborn screening and how a decision analysis informed recommendations by a federal advisory committee. Methods: We developed a decision tree to compare Pompe disease newborn screening with clinical identification of Pompe disease in the absence of screening. Cases of Pompe disease were classified into three types: classic infantile-onset disease with cardiomyopathy, nonclassic infantile-onset disease, and late-onset disease. Screening results and 36-month health outcomes were projected for classic and nonclassic infantile-onset cases. Input parameters were based on published and unpublished data supplemented by expert opinion. Results: We estimated that screening 4 million babies born each year in the United States would detect 40 cases (range: 13–56) of infantile-onset Pompe disease compared with 36 cases (range: 13–56) detected clinically without screening. Newborn screening would also identify 94 cases of late-onset Pompe disease that might not become symptomatic for decades. By 36 months, newborn screening would avert 13 deaths (range: 8–19) and decrease the number of individuals requiring mechanical ventilation by 26 (range: 20–28). Conclusions: Pompe disease is a rare condition, but early identification can improve health outcomes. Decision analytic modeling provided a quantitative data synthesis that informed the recommendation of Pompe disease newborn screening.
Using an Audience Response System Smartphone App to Improve Resident Education in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chung Hoyoung , Kallay Tom , Anas Nick , Bruno Diana , Decamps Jose , Evans Darci , Vilasagar Niveditha , Mink Richard B
Published: April 2018

In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), most teaching occurs during bedside rounds, but technology now provides new opportunities to enhance education. Specifically, smartphone apps allow rapid communication between instructor and student. We hypothesized that using an audience response system (ARS) app can identify resident knowledge gaps, guide teaching, and enhance education in the PICU. Third-year pediatric residents rotating through the PICU participated in ARS-based education or received traditional teaching. Before rounds, experimental subjects completed an ARS quiz using the Socrative app. Concomitantly, the fellow leading rounds predicted quiz performance. Then, discussion points based on the incorrect answers were used to guide instruction. Scores on the pre-rotation test were similar between groups. On the post-rotation examination, ARS participants did not increase their scores more than controls. The fellow’s prediction of performance was poor. Residents felt that the method enhanced their education whereas fellows reported that it improved their teaching efficiency. Although there was no measurable increase in knowledge using the ARS app, it may still be a useful tool to rapidly assess learners and help instructors provide learner-centered education.
Xanthine oxidase inhibition for the improvement of long-term outcomes following ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (XILO-FIST) – Protocol for a randomised double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Dawson Jesse , Broomfield Niall , Dani Krishna , Dickie David A , Doney Alex , Forbes Kirsten , Houston Graeme , Kean Sharon , Lees Kennedy , McConnachie Alex , Muir Keith W , Quinn Terry , Struthers Allan , Walters Matthew
Published: April 2018

Background

Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, reduced progression of carotid-intima media thickness and lowered blood pressure in a small clinical trial in people with ischaemic stroke. Xanthine oxidase inhibition for improvement of long-term outcomes following ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (XILO-FIST) aims to assess the effect of allopurinol treatment on white matter hyperintensity progression and blood pressure after stroke. This paper describes the XILO-FIST protocol.

Methods

XILO-FIST is a multicentre randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group clinical trial funded by the British Heart Foundation and the Stroke Association. The trial has been adopted by the Scottish Stroke Research Network and the UK Clinical Research Network. The trial is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT02122718). XILO-FIST will randomise 464 participants, aged greater than 50 years, with ischaemic stroke within the past month, on a 1:1 basis, to two years treatment with allopurinol 300 mg twice daily or placebo. Participants will undergo brain magnetic resonance imaging, cognitive assessment, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and blood sampling at baseline and after two years treatment. The primary outcome will be white matter hyperintensity progression, measured using the Rotterdam progression scale. Secondary outcomes will include change in white matter hyperintensity volume, mean day-time systolic blood pressure and measures of cognitive function. Up to 100 will undergo additional cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in a sub-study of left ventricular mass.

Discussion

If white matter hyperintensity progression is reduced, allopurinol could be an effective preventative treatment for patients with ischaemic stroke and clinical endpoint studies would be needed. If allopurinol reduces blood pressure after stroke, then it could be used to help patients reach blood pressure targets.
Visualizing migration patterns in China (1949–2012)
Authors: Liu Jingming , Cao Qian , Lu Peng
Published: April 2018

This paper aims to visualize historical traces and patterns of migration flows in China, based on survey data ranging from 1949 to 2012. The software Circos, which has been applied in other subjects such as genomics, is utilized to visualize migration flows and explore migration patterns. According to the key political, societal and economic criteria, the data is divided into six historical periods in order to investigate specific styles of policies and regulations. According to geographical and economic considerations, all provinces are classified into nine clusters or economic zones to inspect interactions between each two economic zones. The data shows that migration patterns are mainly influenced by two pivotal factors, the political mechanism and economy spontaneity. For different periods, these two forces vary accordingly. Before 1979, the migration pattern was more affected by political factors such as national planning, specific policies and regulations, and social and political movements; the economy as well as resources and opportunities were governed and allocated by political considerations, and the mechanism of economy spontaneity was relatively weak. In contrast, intrinsic spontaneity is more and more obvious after 1980. The pattern of migration is more influenced by economic factors, as more migration is driven by economic differences between unbalanced areas. With less and less regulation and fewer restrictions, people spontaneously migrated to more developed areas or cities looking for better employment, education, and other resources.