bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crossed Cerebellar Atrophy in Perinatal Stroke
Authors: Craig Brandon T. , Olsen Cheyanne , Mah Sarah , Carlson Helen L. , Wei Xing-Chang , Kirton Adam
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose—

Perinatal stroke causes most hemiparetic cerebral palsy and lifelong disability. Crossed cerebellar atrophy (CCA) is chronic cerebellar volume loss following contralateral motor pathway injury. We hypothesized that CCA is quantifiable in perinatal stroke and associated with poor motor outcome.

Methods—

Term-born children with perinatal stroke, magnetic resonance imaging beyond 6 months of age, and no additional neurological disorders were recruited. Blinded scorers measured cerebellar volumes expressed as ratios (contralesional/ipsilesional), with values <1 suggesting CCA. Motor outcomes including perinatal stroke outcome measure (PSOM) motor and cognitive scores (good/poor), Assisting Hand Assessment, and Melbourne Assessment were compared with cerebellar volume measures.

Results—

Seventy-three children met criteria (53% male). Mean cerebellar ratios were <1.0 (0.975±0.04; range, 0.885–1.079;
P
<0.001) suggesting occurrence of CCA. Cerebellar ratios did not differ between stroke types or across PSOM motor outcomes. Larger ipsilesional cerebellar volume was associated with poor PSOM cognitive outcome (
P
=0.042), possibly with poor PSOM motor outcome (
P
=0.063), and overall PSOM score (
P
=0.034).

Conclusions—

CCA occurs in perinatal stroke but is not strongly associated with motor outcome. However, ipsilesional cerebellar volume is associated with poor cognitive and overall outcomes.
Risk of Radiation-Induced Cancer From Computed Tomography Angiography Use in Imaging Surveillance for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Malhotra Ajay , Wu Xiao , Chugh Aditya , Mustafa Adel , Matouk Charles C. , Gandhi Dheeraj , Sanelli Pina
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose—

Although computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an excellent, noninvasive imaging modality for surveillance of intracranial aneurysms, radiation concerns have been cited to restrict its use in surveillance imaging. The goal of this study was to estimate distributions of radiation-induced central nervous system cancer incidence from CTA surveillance for intracranial aneurysms, and the impact of frequency and duration of surveillance imaging using follow-up CTAs.

Methods—

Simulation-modeling approach was performed using data on CTA associated radiation risk. We used the Radiation Risk Assessment Tool, based on the data using the BEIR VII report (BEIR VII). Each CTA was assigned as a separate exposure event. Men and women, respectively, starting surveillance imaging at 30, 40, and 50 years and receiving annual CTAs were considered as separate subgroups. As a comparison, we also calculated the radiation-induced cancer risk in the same groups of patients but receiving CTAs every 2 and 5 years, respectively.

Results—

CTA-associated excess cancer risk per exposure increases relatively more rapidly with the first 10 exposures and plateaus after the 44th exposure. On average, per CTA incurs ≈0.0026% in excess lifetime cancer risk. Receiving CTA follow-up at a younger age, more frequent follow-up, longer surveillance period, and men are the major factors contributing to an elevated excess lifetime risk. In the highest risk group, male patient receiving annual CTA follow-ups from the age of 30 years, the excess lifetime risk is 0.115% at the age of 81 years.

Conclusions—

Radiation-induced brain cancer incidence associated with unruptured intracranial aneurysm surveillance strategies using CTA is low relative to the risk for aneurysmal rupture. Further cost-effectiveness/utility analyses might help assess this risk in the context of aneurysmal ruptures prevented by surveillance imaging.
Higher Pulsatility in Cerebral Perforating Arteries in Patients With Small Vessel Disease Related Stroke, a 7T MRI Study
Authors: Geurts Lennart J. , Zwanenburg Jaco J.M. , Klijn Catharina J.M. , Luijten Peter R. , Biessels Geert Jan
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a major cause of stroke and dementia, but underlying disease mechanisms are still largely unknown, partly because of the difficulty in assessing small vessel function in vivo. We developed a method to measure blood flow velocity pulsatility in perforating arteries in the basal ganglia and semioval center. We aimed to determine whether this novel method could detect functional abnormalities at the level of the small vessels in patients with stroke attributable to SVD.

Methods—

We investigated 10 patients with lacunar infarction (mean age 61 years, 80% men), 11 patients with deep intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) considered to be caused by SVD (ICH, mean age 58 years, 82% men) and 18 healthy controls that were age- and sex-matched. We performed 2-dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging at 7 T to measure time-resolved blood flow velocity in cerebral perforating arteries of the semioval center and the basal ganglia. We compared the number of detected arteries, pulsatility index and mean velocity between the patient groups and controls.

Results—

In the basal ganglia, the number of detected perforators was lower in lacunar infarction (26±9,
P
=0.01) and deep ICH patients (28±6,
P
=0.02) than in controls (35±7). The pulsatility index in the basal ganglia was higher in lacunar infarction (1.07±0.13,
P
=0.03), and deep ICH patients (1.02±0.11,
P
=0.11), than in controls (0.94±0.10). Observations in the semioval center were similar. Number of detected perforators was lower in lacunar infarction (32±18,
P
=0.06), and deep ICH patients (28±18,
P
=0.02), than in controls (45±16). The pulsatility index was higher in lacunar infarction (1.18±0.15,
P
=0.02), and deep ICH patients (1.17±0.14,
P
=0.045) than in controls (1.08±0.07). No velocity differences were detected.

Conclusions—

This exploratory study shows that SVD can be expressed in terms of functional measures, such as pulsatility index, which are derived directly from the small vessels themselves. Future studies may use this technique to further unravel the mechanisms underlying SVD.
Prognostic Significance of Plasma CLEC-2 (C-Type Lectin-Like Receptor 2) in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhang Wei , Wu Xuechun , Li Hui , Zhang Chunyuan , Huang Zhichao , Shi Rongfang , You Tao , Shi Jijun , Cao Yongjun
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose—

CLEC-2 (C-type lectin-like receptor 2) is a C-type lectin receptor highly expressed on platelets with the prominent involvement in platelet activation, which was increased in coronary heart disease. Given the role of platelet activation in ischemic stroke and the connections between coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke, CLEC-2 might be a candidate marker of ischemic stroke. Here, we aimed to examine the prognostic significance of CLEC-2 in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods—

Three hundred fifty-two patients with AIS within 7 days and 112 healthy controls were prospectively studied. Plasma CLEC-2 (pCLEC-2) and some conventional risk factors of stroke were examined. Stroke progression was defined as any new neurological symptoms/signs or any neurological worsening within 7 days after stroke onset, and poor prognosis was defined as modified Rankin Scale scores >2 at 90 days. The association between pCLEC-2 and stroke progression/prognosis was evaluated using regression models.

Results—

Patients with AIS had a significantly higher level of pCLEC-2 than that of healthy controls (
P
<0.05). Patients with AIS with progressive stroke or poor prognosis had a much higher level of pCLEC-2 compared with those with stable stroke or good prognosis (all
P
<0.05). Increasing pCLEC-2 was significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke progression (odds ratio, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.11–3.50;
P
=0.021) and poor prognosis (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.17–2.48;
P
=0.006). Patients with the highest pCLEC-2 level were 7- to 8-fold more likely to have stroke progression compared with the lowest quartile (odds ratio, 7.69; 95% CI, 1.43–41.41). Patients with the highest pCLEC-2 level were also more likely to have poor prognosis at 90 days (odds ratio, 5.58; 95% CI, 1.76–17.68). The optimal cutoff points of pCLEC-2 for predicting stroke progression and poor prognosis were 235.48 and 207.08 pg/mL, respectively.

Conclusions—

Increased pCLEC-2 was associated with stroke progression and poor prognosis at 90 days significantly, which indicates the prognostic role of pCLEC-2 in AIS. However, it needs to be confirmed in large-scale studies.
Scoring System to Optimize Pioglitazone Therapy After Stroke Based on Fracture Risk
Authors: Viscoli Catherine M. , Kent David M. , Conwit Robin , Dearborn Jennifer L. , Furie Karen L. , Gorman Mark , Guarino Peter D. , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Stuart Amber , Young Lawrence H. , Kernan Walter N. ,   for the IRIS Trial Investigators
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose—

The insulin sensitizer, pioglitazone, reduces cardiovascular risk in patients after an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack but increases bone fracture risk. We conducted a secondary analysis of the IRIS trial (Insulin Resistance Intervention After Stroke) to assess the effect of pretreatment risk for fracture on the net benefits of pioglitazone therapy.

Methods—

IRIS was a randomized placebo-controlled trial of pioglitazone that enrolled patients with insulin resistance but without diabetes mellitus within 180 days of an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Participants were recruited at 179 international centers from February 2005 to January 2013 and followed for a median of 4.8 years. Fracture risk models were developed from patient characteristics at entry. Within fracture risk strata, we quantified the effects of pioglitazone compared with placebo by estimating the relative risks and absolute 5-year risk differences for fracture and stroke or myocardial infarction.

Results—

The fracture risk model included points for age, race-ethnicity, sex, body mass index, disability, and medications. The relative increment in fracture risk with pioglitazone was similar in the lower (<median point score) and higher (≥ median point score) risk strata. However, the absolute risk difference (ARD) for fracture was less in the low-risk group (5.8% in pioglitazone group versus 4.0% in placebo group; ARD, 1.8%; 95% CI, −0.7% to 4.4%) compared with high-risk group (18.0% versus 11.6%; ARD, 6.4%; 95% CI, 3.2% to 9.6%). Reductions in risk for stroke or myocardial infarction did not vary by fracture risk (low-risk ARD, −3.7%; high-risk ARD, −3.5%). In low-risk patients, pioglitazone prevented 2.0 strokes or myocardial infarctions for each fracture caused, compared with 0.5 among those at high risk.

Conclusions—

A simple point score identifying patients at low risk for fracture may assist in selecting patients with a favorable benefit-risk profile for pioglitazone therapy after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Outcomes After Use of Standard- and Low-Dose Non–Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants in Asian Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Cho Min Soo , Yun Ji Eun , Park Ji Jeong , Kim Yun Jung , Lee Jessie , Kim Hyungmin , Park Duk-Woo , Nam Gi-Byoung
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose—

Limited data are available describing the relative effectiveness, safety, and optimal dosing of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in East Asian patients. We tried to compare effectiveness and safety outcomes of standard- and low-dose NOACs and warfarin in this population.

Methods—

Using nationwide administrative claims-based datasets from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database (July 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016), this study comprised 56 504 anticoagulation-naive nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with high thromboembolic risk (CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score, ≥2) treated with oral anticoagulants. Main study outcomes included thromboembolic events (ischemic stroke or systemic embolism), major bleeding, and mortality.

Results—

Among the study patients, 10 409 (18.4%) received warfarin and 46 095 (81.6%) were treated with NOACs: dabigatran (n=12 593; 22.3%), rivaroxaban (n=21 000; 37.2%), and apixaban (n=12 502; 22.1%). Low-dose NOAC (75.1% dabigatran, 59.7% rivaroxaban, and 62.7% apixaban) was more frequently used than standard-dose NOAC. During median follow-up of 15.0 months, each NOAC was associated with significantly lower risk of thromboembolic events (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.75–0.81 for dabigatran; HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65–0.83 for rivaroxaban; and HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.59–0.78 for apixaban). Regarding safety outcomes, dabigatran (HR, 0.81; CI, 0.69–0.95) and apixaban (HR, 0.67; CI, 0.56–0.79) were associated with lower risk of major bleeding but not with rivaroxaban (HR, 0.96; CI, 0.84–1.11). Among adults <75 years of age without chronic kidney disease, use of low-dose apixaban did not demonstrate clinical benefit over warfarin with respect to thromboembolic events (HR, 0.99; CI, 0.76–1.28) and mortality (HR, 0.85; CI, 0.62–1.16).

Conclusions—

In this cohort of East Asian patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, NOACs were associated with better effectiveness and safety outcomes versus warfarin. Lower NOAC doses were more often used, but an unjustified underdosing of apixaban seems to result in lower clinical benefit.
Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease in Pregnancy
Authors: Liu Shiliang , Chan Wee-Shian , Ray Joel G. , Kramer Michael S. , Joseph K.S. ,   for the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose—

Few studies have examined the epidemiology of stroke in pregnancy, despite the high associated burden of death and disability. We aimed to quantify the incidence, temporal trends, risk factors, and case fatality associated with stroke and cerebrovascular disease in pregnancy.

Methods—

All antepartum, peripartum, and postpartum hospitalizations and readmissions within 42 days of delivery in Canada (except Quebec) were obtained from the Canadian Institute of Health Information for the years 2003 to 2016. We assessed temporal trends in stroke and quantified associated risk factors using logistic regression.

Results—

Five hundred twenty-four stroke cases were identified among 3 907 262 deliveries (13.4 per 100 000). The majority of cases were hemorrhagic strokes (307 cases, 58.6%) and most occurred in the postpartum period (270 cases, 51.5%). The case fatality rate was 7.4%. Stroke incidence rose from 10.8 per 100 000 in 2003 to 2004 to 16.6 per 100 000 deliveries in 2015 to 2016 (
P
=0.002). Risk factors for stroke included older maternal (age ≥40 years; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6), preeclampsia (AOR, 7.1; 95% CI, 5.3–9.6), eclampsia (AOR, 65.9; 95% CI, 43.6–99.6), maternal congenital heart disease (AOR, 38.1; 95% CI, 22.1–65.8), connective tissue disorders (AOR, 12.6; 95% CI, 6.1–26.9), sepsis (AOR, 7.6; 95% CI, 3.6–16.2), severe postpartum hemorrhage (AOR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.8–8.0), and thrombophilia (AOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.5–12.1).

Conclusions—

The rising incidence of stroke in pregnancy, especially during the postpartum period, and its strong association with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (especially preeclampsia) suggest that follow-up of severe hypertensive patients is required after delivery.
Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Total Cerebrovascular Disease in Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Hovland Anders , Mundal Liv J. , Igland Jannicke , Veierød Marit B. , Holven Kirsten B. , Bogsrud Martin Prøven , Tell Grethe S. , Leren Trond P. , Retterstøl Kjetil
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose—

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant disease leading to increased level of serum LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and risk of coronary heart disease. Whether FH increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease, including ischemic stroke, is debated. Accordingly, we studied the incidence of cerebrovascular disease in a cohort of people with genetically verified FH compared with the entire Norwegian population and examined whether people in this cohort with previous cohort had increased risk of cerebrovascular disease.

Methods—

Incidence rates of hospitalization for cerebrovascular disease (among 3144 people with FH) and ischemic stroke (among 3166 people with FH) were estimated by linkage of FH people to Cardiovascular Disease in Norway—a nationwide database of cardiovascular disease hospitalizations (2001–2009). We calculated standardized incidence ratios and used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios.

Results—

A total of 46 cases (19 women and 27 men) of cerebrovascular disease were observed in the cohort of people with FH, with no increased risk of cerebrovascular disease compared with the general population (standardized incidence ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.8–1.4). Total number of ischemic strokes in the cohort of people with FH was 26 (9 women and 17 men), with no increased risk compared with the general population (standardized incidence ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.7–1.5). Prior coronary heart disease significantly increased cerebrovascular disease risk in women (hazard ratio, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.20–9.00) but not in men (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.45–2.37;
P
interaction
=0.04).

Conclusions—

In a large cohort of genetically verified FH, risks of cerebrovascular disease and ischemic stroke were not increased compared with the total Norwegian population.
Factors Affecting the Extent and Quality of Nature Engagement of Older Adults Living in a Range of Home Types
Authors: van Heezik Yolanda , Freeman Claire , Buttery Yvette , Waters Debra L.
Published: December 2018

Nature interaction is seen as a potentially inexpensive intervention to address many health issues. Aging is associated with declining health and mobility. Older people are known to benefit from nature contact; however, less is known about how aging limits access to nature. We investigated older adults occupying family, downsized, and rest homes to determine factors driving changes in nature engagement, and the quality of available nature. Less time was spent in natural places as people aged, depending on the extent of nature connectedness, frailty status, home type, and whether they lived alone or not. Most reported reduced nature engagement and expressed feelings of sadness, frustration, and anger. Gardens assumed an important role in enabling nature contact to continue, in that time spent in gardens was unrelated to age or frailty. Garden variability meant the quality of the nature experience was likely lower for those living in downsized and rest homes.
Total Factor Productivity and Openness in Indian Economy: 1970–2011
Authors: Haider Salman , Ganaie Aadil Ahmad , Kamaiah Bandi
Published: December 2018

The present article aims to explore the causal link between total factor productivity (TFP) and openness in the Indian economy during the period 1970–2011. The study employs the cointegration and error-correction approach, along with Granger causality test. The TFP index used in the study is based on the Tornqvist index and export plus import as a percentage of GDP is used as a measure of openness. It is found that trade openness is cointegrated with TFP using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method. In the short run, there is evidence of unidirectional Granger causality running from trade openness to total factor productivity. The finding suggests that heavy protection for the domestic industry would deprive the country of efficiency gains in the long run. The resultant effect would be the wastage of resources. For a developing country, lower efficiency levels will halt the process of development. However, enhancement of TFP can not only be due to increase in trade, along with it, the investment in human and physical capital are also better avenues to be taken care of.

JEL Codes: F10 O40 O33 C22
Trade Openness and Economic Growth Nexus: A Case Study of BRICS
Authors: Burange L. G. , Ranadive Rucha R. , Karnik Neha N.
Published: December 2018

The article analyses a causal relationship between trade openness and economic growth for the member countries of BRICS by using an econometric technique of time series analysis. Member countries of BRICS adopted a series of liberalization reforms, almost simultaneously, from the late 1980s. The article attempts to study the impact of trade openness on their growth in GDP per capita. It captures structural composition of GDP and openness of trade in four aspects, that is, merchandise exports, merchandise imports, services export and services import. In India, the study found growth-led trade in services hypothesis. The article supports the growth-led export and growth-led import hypothesis for China and export- and import-led growth for South Africa. However, no causal relationship was evident for Brazil and Russia.

JEL Codes: F43, C22
Entertainment, social media use and young women’s tanning behaviours
Authors: Willoughby Jessica Fitts , Myrick Jessica Gall
Published: December 2018

Objective:

While research suggests media use is positively associated with skin-damaging behaviours, especially among US college-aged women, less is known about the role of specific media types in potentially promoting indoor or outdoor tanning.

Design:

We used an online survey to examine the relationship between demographic variables, entertainment media and social media use, attitudes towards looking like people in the media and indoor tanning and outdoor sunbathing frequency.

Setting:

US Pacific Northwest.

Method:

Online survey with a convenience sample of college women ( N = 502) in September 2016.

Results:

Attitudes towards looking like people in media were a significant predictor of frequency of indoor and outdoor tanning, above and beyond demographic variables and media use. Greater magazine use predicted increased indoor tanning and social media use predicted outdoor sunbathing frequency. Greater use of visual-oriented social media platforms like Instagram, SnapChat and Pinterest predicted increased sunbathing.

Conclusion:

Health communicators should consider specific channels for prevention efforts, particularly social media for targeting sunbathers.
Outlook on the global trade competitiveness of Pakistan’s mandarin industry: An application of revealed symmetric comparative advantage framework
Authors: Naseer Muhammad Asad ur Rehman , Ashfaq Muhammad , Hassan Sarfraz , Adil Sultan Ali , Ariyawardana Anoma
Published: December 2018

Competitiveness is the ability to trade products that meet the requirements of global demand for better price, quality, and quantity. International competition in the agricultural and food industries has been significantly increased due to globalization. Furthermore, labor-intensive countries are losing competitiveness due to lack of local value addition and other development efforts. This study aims to examine the competitiveness of the mandarin industry for the world’s 15 leading mandarin exporters using revealed symmetric comparative advantage (RSCA). An attempt was also made to assess the effect of productivity growth and real effective exchange rate on the competitiveness of the mandarin industry through panel regression analysis. The results showed that RSCA patterns vary between the selected countries and only five countries, that is, Morocco, Spain, Pakistan, Turkey, and Peru have a comparative advantage in mandarin exports while all other countries have a comparative disadvantage. The highest change in the RSCA value was seen for Pakistan which gives a good indication of the status of the country in the development of its mandarin industry. For Pakistan, there is a need to explore the new high-value market to further exploit this comparative advantage and to increase export earnings.
Symbolically Maintained Inequality: How Harvard and Stanford Students Construct Boundaries among Elite Universities
Authors: Binder Amy J. , Abel Andrea R.
Published: December 2018

The study of elites is enjoying a revival at a time of increasing economic inequality. Sociologists of education have been leaders in this area, researching how affluent families position their children to compete favorably in a highly stratified higher education system. However, scholars have done less research on how students do symbolic work of their own to bolster elite status. In this study, we use qualitative interviews with 56 undergraduates at Harvard and Stanford Universities to explore how students construct a status hierarchy among elite campuses. Students come to campus with a working knowledge of prestige differences between top institutions but then are influenced by others to refine their perceptions. We find that Harvard and Stanford students value universities that offer a ‘‘well-rounded’’ liberal arts education while criticizing other selective institutions for being, alternatively, too intellectual, connected to the old-world status system, overly associated with partying and athletics, or having a student body too single-minded about career preparation. Our findings suggest that through constructing these nuanced perceptions of elite universities’ distinctiveness, students justify their rarefied positions and contribute to the ongoing status distinctions among social elites more generally.
Co-existence of mycobacterial infections: is it an emerging issue with retroviral infections?
Authors: Keragala BSDP , Herath HMMTB , Janappriya GHDC , Gunasekera CN
Published: December 2018

We report a 46-year-old woman presenting with leprosy, HIV and active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). It is advisable to screen for each one of TB, HIV and leprosy patients, especially when an extra feature emerges. Particularly in a leprosy case, if TB remains undiagnosed, the development of rifampicin resistance secondary to monotherapy in leprosy is a major concern.
Determination of sealing pressure in hyperelastic O-ring with different hardness using numerical method
Authors: Sukumar T , Bapu BR Ramesh , Prasad B Durga
Published: December 2018

In automotive industries, leakage is one of the major problem reducing the efficiency in hydraulic and pneumatic system. The leakage in a device can be identified only during the physical test, once after the product is developed, leading to increased development time and cost. The leakage is purely based on the type of sealing element (O-rings) and sealing pressure. Since the sealing elements are hyperelastic and exhibit highly nonlinear behavior, there is no standard formulation available to predict the sealing pressure. It can be predicted using finite element analysis (FEA) in the design stage itself. One of the main inputs for the finite element analysis is the exact material parameter of the sealing element. This article aims at determining the sealing element material parameter using stress–strain data generated from uniaxial compression test and sealing pressure considering different hardness using finite element analysis. To generate the stress–strain data, compression force is applied on the test specimen at the rate of 12 mm/min and compressed up to 25% of its initial height with help of uniaxial compression test machine as per ASTM D 575. In this article, O-ring is considered as sealing element with hardness ranging from 40 IRHD to 90 IRHD.
SVM-DS fusion based soft fault detection and diagnosis in solar water heaters
Authors: Jiang Song , Lian Minjie , Lu Caiwu , Ruan Shunling , Wang Zhe , Chen Baiyu
Published: December 2018

As faults in the solar water heaters are structurally complicated and highly correlated, an approach of fault diagnosis on the basis of support vector machine and D-S evidence theory has been proposed in this study, attempting to enhance the system’s thermal efficiency and ensure its safety. In the approach presented, information of audio conditions, temperature at the outlet of solar thermal collectors, hourly flow and hourly heat transfer rate are accessible, which facilitate the feature evidence and are diagnosed by using “one-against-one” multi-class support vector machine. Experiments are conducted to diagnose fault information fusion and the results show that the diagnosis approach proposed in this study is of high reliability with fewer uncertainties, indicating that the approach is capable to recognize and diagnose solar water heater faults accurately.
Rethinking Response Rates: New Evidence of Little Relationship Between Survey Response Rates and Nonresponse Bias
Authors: Hendra Richard , Hill Aaron
Published: December 2018

Background:

Federally funded evaluation research projects typically strive for an 80% survey response rate, but the increasing difficulty and expense in reaching survey respondents raises the question of whether such a threshold is necessary for reducing bias and increasing the accuracy of survey estimates.

Objectives:

This analysis focuses on a particular component of survey methodology: the survey response rate and its relationship to nonresponse bias. Following a review of the literature, new analysis of data from a large, multisite random assignment experiment explores the relationship between survey response rates and measured nonresponse bias.

Research Design:

With detailed survey disposition data, the analysis simulates nonresponse bias at lower response rates. The subjects included 12,000 individuals who were fielded for 16 identical surveys as part of the Employment Retention and Advancement evaluation.

Results:

The results suggest scant relationship between survey nonresponse bias and response rates. The results also indicate that the pursuit of high response rates lengthens the fielding period, which can create other measurement problems.

Conclusions:

The costly pursuit of a high response rate may offer little or no reduction of nonresponse bias. Achieving such a high rate of response requires considerable financial resources that might be better applied to methods and techniques shown to have a greater effect on the reduction of nonresponse bias.
A strategic approach to music listening with a mobile app for high school students
Authors: Cho Sunggi , Baek Yoomee , Choe E. J.
Published: December 2018

The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether three interaction strategies through mobile apps may be associated with increases in students’ music listening skills. Data was collected from 225 high school students and analysed using the ANOVA procedure in the three ways of music listening: analytic, aesthetic and sensory. Interaction with the app was least influential in the analytic listening of the participants. Interaction with peers was most influential in the aesthetic listening of the participants. Interaction with the app was most influential in the sensory listening of the participants.
Body-weight goals, trends, and weight-loss techniques among patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Addison O , Yang R , Serra MC
Published: December 2018

Background:

Obesity contributes to negative outcomes in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Little is known about the body-weight goals and trends among patients with PAD.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore self-reported body-weight trends and methods used to achieve weight loss in patients with PAD.

Methods:

Data from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was utilized to compare individuals with PAD who were overweight and obese ( n = 240), to matched individuals without PAD ( n = 480). Self-reported body weight at age 25 years, 10 years prior and 1 year prior to the current assessment, and age and weight of heaviest body weight were compared. Self-reported weight-loss techniques during the past year were compared between groups.

Results:

Individuals with PAD and controls reported similar weights 10 years prior (79.2 kg vs 78.5 kg; p = 0.60) and weight gain over the last 10 years of 5.7 kg. There was no significant difference in reported body weight at age 25 years, 10 years prior, 1 year prior, or heaviest weight. Compared with the control group, fewer participants with PAD reported attempted weight loss in the last year (27.50% vs 36.04%; p = 0.02) and were half as likely to report utilizing exercise as a weight-loss method (12.5% vs 21.7%; p = 0.003).

Conclusions:

These data indicate that those with PAD are less inclined to attempt weight loss, especially through means of increased physical activity. Future research is needed regarding the effectiveness of intentional weight-loss programs in this population.
Supporting incarcerated fathers: An exploration of research and practice in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Bartlett Tess S.
Published: December 2018

In recent decades the number of incarcerated parents has increased on a global scale. The majority of these prisoners are men, yet there has been very little formal attention concerning the parenting status of these men, despite knowledge about the impact of parental incarceration on children being well established. In Victoria, Australia, some 93 per cent of prisoners are men, and more than half of these are fathers, yet they have also attracted limited scholarly and practitioner attention. This article explores research and practice accounts regarding support for incarcerated fathers and their children, particularly emphasising visiting, supported/visiting and fathering units, to build knowledge in Victoria. To do so it examines 36 publications from 2000 to 2018, addressing a gap in knowledge relating to supporting father-child relationships from prison. It concludes by offering pragmatic solutions for the development of supports that will contribute to the maintenance of these relationships.
Deep venous thrombosis in the clinical course of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Stoeva Natalia , Staneva Milena , Kirova Galina , Bakalova Rumiana
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The aim of the study is to find how concomitant deep venous thrombosis (DVT) changes the clinical course of pulmonary embolism.

Methods

Three hundred and five patients with pulmonary embolism were examined and grouped into DVT and non-DVT groups. Both groups were compared with regard to demography, predisposing factors, clinical signs, thrombotic burden, and one-month mortality rate.

Results

The patients with DVT had a more severe clinical presentation: higher heart rate (94.80 ± 18.66 beats per minute versus 87.9 ± 13.90 in the non-DVT group, p = 0.00033), more hemodynamic instability (11.35% versus 3.05% in the non-DVT group, p = 0.005), and less pCO2 in arterial blood gases (30.81 ± 7.94 mmHg versus 32.59 ± 7.35 mmHg in the non-DVT group, p = 0.049). The DVT group had heavier thrombotic burden in pulmonary artery, measured by Mastora score. The one-month mortality rate did not differ statistically between groups.

Conclusions

Patients with symptomatic pulmonary embolism and concomitant DVT have heavier thrombotic burden in the pulmonary artery and more severe clinical presentation compared to those without DVT, but a similar one-month mortality rate.
The impact of environmental enrichment in an acute stroke unit on how and when patients undertake activities
Authors: Rosbergen Ingrid CM , Grimley Rohan S , Hayward Kathryn S , Brauer Sandra G
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

To explore the effect of environmental enrichment within an acute stroke unit on how and when patients undertake activities, and the amount of staff assistance provided, compared with a control environment (no enrichment).

Design:

This is a substudy of a controlled before–after observational study.

Setting:

The study was conducted in an Australian acute stroke unit.

Participants:

The study included stroke patients admitted to (1) control and (2) environmental enrichment period.

Intervention:

The control group received standard therapy and nursing care, which was delivered one-on-one in the participants’ bedroom or a communal gym. The enriched group received stimulating resources and communal areas for mealtimes, socializing and group activities. Furthermore, participants and families were encouraged to increase patient activity outside therapy hours.

Main measures:

Behavioral mapping was performed every 10 minutes between 7.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. on weekdays and weekends to estimate activity levels. We compared activity levels during specified time periods, nature of activities observed and amount of staff assistance provided during patient activities across both groups.

Results:

Higher activity levels in the enriched group ( n = 30, mean age 76.7 ± 12.1) occurred during periods of scheduled communal activity ( P < 0.001), weekday non-scheduled activity ( P = 0.007) and weekends ( P = 0.018) when compared to the control group ( n = 30, mean age 76.0 ± 12.8), but no differences were observed on weekdays after 5 p.m. ( P = 0.324). The enriched group spent more time on upper limb ( P < 0.001), communal socializing ( P < 0.001), listening ( P = 0.007) and iPad activities ( P = 0.002). No difference in total staff assistance during activities was observed ( P = 0.055).

Conclusion:

Communal activities and environmental resources were important contributors to greater activity within the enriched acute stroke unit.
Discussing factors associated with quality of life in cancer follow-up appointments: a preliminary test of a pragmatic model for clinical practice
Authors: Lindner Oana C , McCabe Martin G , Boele Florien , Mayes Andrew , Talmi Deborah , Radford John , Wearden Alison
Published: December 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study is to perform a preliminary test of a practical, evidence-based model to enable discussions around quality of life–related concerns during cancer follow-up appointments.

Design:

Cross-sectional study measuring quality of life, illness perceptions, emotional distress, fatigue, and subjective cognitive complaints.

Setting:

Cancer outpatient follow-up clinics in four National Health Services in the United Kingdom.

Participants:

Working-age post-treatment cancer patients, treated with curative intent.

Interventions:

Not applicable.

Main measures:

European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer – Quality of Life Questionnaire – Core 30, Illness Perceptions Questionnaire – Revised, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire.

Results:

Fifty-seven cancer patients, with a mean age of 36 years and on average 2.75 years post treatment, returned the completed questionnaires. Anxiety partially mediated the association between subjective cognitive complaints and illness identity (60%) and timeline (25%). Cognitive complaints mediated the relationships between quality of life and anxiety (45%), depression (30%), and fatigue (62%). Depression mediated the relationships between quality of life and illness identity (48%) and timeline (40%).

Conclusion:

Our study provides a preliminary test of an evidence-based model to help elicit quality of life–related concerns during cancer follow-up appointments. Illness perceptions are associated with quality of life through the mediation of other cancer-relevant factors. Discussing the type, origin, and expected duration of symptoms may elicit other concerns, such as emotional distress, fatigue, or cognitive complaints, which explained a significant amount of the relationship between illness perceptions and quality of life.
Inequities in Access to Maternal Health Care in Enugu State: Implications for Universal Health Coverage to Meet Vision 2030 in Nigeria
Authors: Ozumba Benjamin C. , Onyeneho Nkechi G. , Chalupowski Malgorzata , Subramanian S. V.
Published: December 2018

We explored the equity issues in access to maternal health services in Enugu State, Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1,600 women who had babies within 6 months prior to the survey, drawn from four urban and rural local government areas in Enugu State of Nigeria, using structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions were held with grandmothers and fathers of the new babies. In-depth interviews were held with health workers. Results showed that inequities exist in access to quality health service when the mothers needed health care. The inequities in access to quality antenatal care (ANC) services were driven mainly by the type of localities of the mothers. Mothers who lived in the urban areas had better access ( p = .013). Other factors that facilitated access to better ANC services included being educated ( p = .049), being older ( p = .009), and belonging to the richer wealth quintile ( p < .001). With respect to access to health service when in need of health, differentials were seen with respect to living in urban residence ( p < .001), distance to the health facilities ( p < .001), and being rich ( p < .001). Access to health services was associated with odds ratio of 3.6 (95% CI [2.9, 4.4]) and 1.54 (95% CI [1.3, 2.0]) for living in urban residence and existence of good ANC service points, respectively. Similarly, living in urban areas was associated with an odds ratio of 1.3 (95% CI [1.1, 1.6]) of having access to good ANC services. These inequities in access to health service were also captured in the qualitative data. Suboptimal access to quality health care by segments of the populations poses challenge to universal health coverage in Enugu State. Action is needed to promote coordinated delivery of health services to ensure no one is left behind, irrespective of where they live or the socioeconomic strata they are born into.
Comments on “Marketing Systems and Market Failure”
Authors: Klein Thomas Arnold
Published: December 2018

William Redmond (2018) recently explored the systems context of market failure, the circumstance where exchange systems, including their interactions with the social environments in which they are imbedded, perform at less than desirable levels. This commentary adds to the retrospective provided in that article, also noting that some aspects of the systems perspective on market failure were recognized before that concept was widely recognized in the macromarketing literature.
Carfilzomib-induced tumor lysis syndrome in relapsed multiple myeloma: a report of two cases
Authors: Terzi Demirsoy Esra , Birtas Atesoglu Elif , Eren Necmi , Gedük Ayfer , Mehtap Ozgur , Tarkun Pınar , Hacıhanefioğlu Abdullah
Published: December 2018

Background:

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially fatal complication of cancer therapy characterized by severe electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities such as hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcaemia. TLS usually occurs in aggressive hematologic malignancies such as Burkitt lymphoma and acute leukemia. TLS has rarely been observed in multiple myeloma (MM).

Case report:

We present 2 patients with relapsed MM who developed TLS after the first cycle of carfilzomib treatment.

Conclusion:

Carfilzomib is a next-generation proteasome inhibitor with proven efficacy in relapsed/refractory MM. Recently, increasing frequency of TLS has been reported in MM, especially after treatment with proteasome inhibitors. The potential complications of TLS should be considered especially during the first cycle of carfilzomib treatment.
Mapping participation of disabled youth in sport and other free-time activities to facilitate their livelihoods development
Authors: Lorenzo Theresa , McKinney Vic , Bam Armand , Sigenu Viwe , Sompeta Siphokazi
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The benefits of engaging in sport and other free-time activities empower youth to learn social and life skills. There is little research evidence that participation builds competence for livelihoods development of youth with disabilities. This article investigates the capacity of non-governmental organisations to extend the outcomes of participation in these activities for livelihoods development. It argues that occupational therapists employed in non-governmental organisations could play this key role.

Method

The study utilised an exploratory, intrinsic case study design to provide meaningful, context-related knowledge and insight about real-life events. Twenty disabled youth and 12 parents of disabled children, between the ages of 18 and 37 years, were selected through five non-governmental organisations in an urban metropole and town, and two rural farming communities in South Africa.

Findings

Two themes emerged: first, family as anchor and catalyst for social and economic inclusion; and second, creating capacity for inclusive environments, systems and services to maximise resources for livelihood development.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists in non-governmental organisations are well positioned to facilitate capacity-building of a community-based inclusive workforce to ensure systems for public service delivery are accessible and affordable. Then, the social and life skills developed through sport and free-time activities may enable the livelihoods development of all youth.
Labour mobility, skill-relatedness and new plant survival across different development stages of an industry
Authors: Cappelli Riccardo , Boschma Ron , Weterings Anet
Published: December 2018

Labour mobility is often considered a crucial factor for regional development. However, labour mobility is not good per se for local firms. There is increasing evidence that labour recruited from skill-related industries has a positive effect on plant performance, in contrast to intra-industry labour recruits. However, little is known about which types of labour are recruited in different stages of the evolution of an industry, and whether that matters for plant performance. This paper attempts to fill these gaps in the literature using linked employee–employer data at the plant level for manufacturing and services industries in the Netherlands for the period 2001–2009. Our study focuses on the effects of different types of labour recruits on the survival of new plants. We show that the effects of labour recruits from the same industry and from skill-related and unrelated industries on plant survival vary between different stages of the evolution of an industry. We also find that inter-regional labour flows do not affect new plant survival.

JEL classification: R11, R12, O18
The effect of knowledge spillovers on regional new firm formation: The Greek manufacturing case
Authors: Kanellopoulos Vasilios , Fotopoulos Georgios
Published: December 2018

This research examines the effect of knowledge spillovers on new firm formation across Greek regions in manufacturing over the period 2002–2010. The econometric analysis results reveal that knowledge spillovers, as proxied by innovation and high-tech labor measures, positively affect regional new firm formation rates. Intra-sectoral spillovers, as captured by geographic sectoral specialization and industrial intensity, also positively affect regional new firm formation. In contrast, inter-sectoral spillovers, as proxied by regional industrial diversity, reduce new firm formation across regions. The examination of other control variables suggests that GDP growth and small firms stimulate regional new firm formation, whereas sunk costs and unemployment have a discouraging effect.
Financial geography II: Financial geographies of housing and real estate
Authors: Aalbers Manuel B.
Published: December 2018

Geographers have started studying residential (housing) and commercial real estate (offices, retail, leisure) at the intersection of financial and urban geographies to understand how the built environment – chunky and spatially fixed – has been turned into a (quasi-)financial asset – ‘unitized’ and liquid – through a range of regulatory and socio-technical changes and constructions. The financialization of real estate is not limited to the rise in household debt, mortgage securitization and international investment in office markets, but increasingly also affects rental housing: private equity, hedge funds and REITs buy up large portfolios of social and private rented housing, while housing associations use derivatives and other financial instruments. This report surveys the most recent research on finance, real estate and housing.