bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Development–Economic Growth Nexus: Evidence from South Asian Middle-income Countries
Authors: Murari Krishna
Published: May 2017

In this article, we have tried to explore the relationship between financial development and economic growth, using a panel data of South Asian middle-income countries for the years 1980–2013. The macroeconomic data include real GDP index as an indicator of economic growth, proxies for financial development—domestic credit by banking sector/GDP, domestic credit to private sector/GDP, net inflows of FDI/GDP, M2/GDP and market capitalization/GDP and control variables such as fixed capital formation/GDP, investment/GDP, and inflation in consumer prices/GDP. The results indicate that the domestic credit provided by the banking sector has a significant association with economic growth in both directions but domestic credit to the private sector is associated with the economic growth in forward direction only, which confirms dearth in credit allocation in the region and suggests pathetic financial regulation and supervision. As far as the stock market developments are concerned, the results indicate that the stock market capitalization and liquidity have a significant role in growth and economic growth induces the stock market capitalization (size). Both the forms of investment (domestic and FDI) contribute significantly to economic growth in either direction. Stronger financial institutions, fixed capital formation and low inflation are crucial growth controlling factors.
Psychopathology of adolescents with an intellectual disability who present to general hospital services
Authors: Theodoratos Oreste , McPherson Lyn , Franklin Catherine , Tonge Bruce , Einfeld Stewart , Lennox Nicholas , Ware Robert S
Published: May 2017

Objective:

Adolescents with intellectual disability have increased rates of psychopathology compared with their typically developing peers and present to hospital more frequently for ambulant conditions. The aim of this study is to describe the psychopathology and related characteristics of a sample of adolescents with intellectual disability who presented to general hospital services.

Method:

We investigated a cohort of adolescents with intellectual disability in South East Queensland, Australia between January 2006 and June 2010. Demographic and clinical data were obtained via mailed questionnaires and from general practice notes. Psychopathology was measured with the Short Form of the Developmental Behaviour Checklist.

Results:

Of 98 individuals presenting to hospital, 71 (72.5%) had significant levels of psychopathology. Unknown aetiology for the intellectual disability was associated with presence of problem behaviours. Adolescents with more severe intellectual disability were more likely to have major problem behaviours. Co-morbid physical health issues were not associated with psychopathology. Only 12 (12.1%) adolescents had undergone specialized mental health intervention.

Conclusions:

The general hospital environment may offer opportunities for liaison psychiatry services to screen and provide management expertise for adolescent individuals with intellectual disability presenting for physical health issues.
Comparison of the BBL mycobacteria growth indicator tube, the BACTEC 12B, and solid media for the isolation of Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Yates Gary F. , Price-Carter Marian , Bland Kirstie , Joyce Maree A. , Khan Farina , Surrey Melissa , de Lisle Geoffrey W.
Published: May 2017

We compared different methods for their ability to isolate Mycobacterium bovis from tissue samples from animals with lesions resembling bovine tuberculosis. In the first trial, M. bovis was isolated from 86 of 200 tissue samples that were cultured using 2 liquid media, BACTEC 12B and BBL mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT), and a solid medium, Middlebrook 7H11 supplemented with pyruvate (7H11P). M. bovis was isolated from 2 samples with MGIT but not BACTEC 12B. M. bovis was isolated from 9 samples with BACTEC but not MGIT; these 9 samples came from the North Canterbury/Marlborough region of New Zealand. The proportion of tissues from which M. bovis was isolated with BACTEC 12B or MGIT and the mean time for isolation was different for samples from the North Canterbury/Marlborough region but not the rest of New Zealand. In the second trial, M. bovis was isolated from 401 of 1,033 tissues that were cultured using MGIT, Middlebrook 7H9 broth, or solid 7H11P. The proportion of isolates of M. bovis and the mean time for their isolation with MGIT was different for the North Canterbury/Marlborough and the rest of New Zealand. The reason for this difference was not determined but may be related to the genotypes present in this region. Genotyping using variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) of 197 isolates of M. bovis revealed that the 44 isolates from North Canterbury/Marlborough were represented by 2 closely related VNTR types that were not found in 153 isolates from the remainder of New Zealand.
Biomechanical Analysis of Suture Anchor vs Tenodesis Screw for FHL Transfer
Authors: Drakos Mark C. , Gott Michael , Karnovsky Sydney C. , Murphy Conor I. , DeSandis Bridget A. , Chinitz Noah , Grande Daniel , Chahine Nadeen
Published: May 2017

Background:

Chronic Achilles injury is often treated with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to the calcaneus using 1 or 2 incisions. A single incision avoids the risks of extended dissections yet yields smaller grafts, which may limit fixation options. We investigated the required length of FHL autograft and biomechanical profiles for suture anchor and biotenodesis screw fixation.

Methods:

Single-incision FHL transfer with suture anchor or biotenodesis screw fixation to the calcaneus was performed on 20 fresh cadaveric specimens. Specimens were cyclically loaded until maximal load to failure. Length of FHL tendon harvest, ultimate load, stiffness, and mode of failure were recorded.

Results:

Tendon harvest length needed for suture anchor fixation was 16.8 ± 2.1 mm vs 29.6 ± 2.4 mm for biotenodesis screw ( P = .002). Ultimate load to failure was not significantly different between groups. A significant inverse correlation existed between failure load and donor age when all specimens were pooled (ρ = −0.49, P < .05). Screws in younger specimens (fewer than 70) resulted in significantly greater failure loads ( P < .03). No difference in stiffness was found between groups. Modes of failure for screw fixation were either tunnel pullout (n = 6) or tendon rupture (n = 4). Anchor failure occurred mostly by suture breakage (n = 8).

Conclusion:

Adequate FHL tendon length could be harvested through a single posterior incision for fixation to the calcaneus with either fixation option, but suture anchor required significantly less graft length. Stiffness, fixation strength, and load to failure were comparable between groups. An inverse correlation existed between failure load and donor age. Younger specimens with screw fixation demonstrated significantly greater failure loads.

Clinical Relevance:

Adequate harvest length for FHL transfer could be achieved with a single posterior incision. There was no difference in strength of fixation between suture anchor and biotenodesis screw.
Comprehensive Analysis of Circulating microRNA Specific to the Liver, Heart, and Skeletal Muscle of Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Iguchi Takuma , Niino Noriyo , Tamai Satoshi , Sakurai Ken , Mori Kazuhiko
Published: May 2017

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) could represent sensitive and specific biomarkers for tissue injury. However, their utility as biomarkers in nonclinical toxicological studies using nonhuman primates is limited by a lack of information on their organ specificity and circulating levels under resting condition of the animals. Herein, liver, heart, and skeletal muscle-specific expression patterns of miRNAs were determined in 27 tissues/organs from male and female monkeys (n =2/sex) by next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. This analysis revealed organ-specific miRNAs in the liver (miR-122), heart (miR-208a and miR-499a), and skeletal muscle (miR-206). Next, plasma was collected from conscious-naive male and female cynomolgus monkeys (n = 25/sex) to better understand the expressions of organ-specific circulating miRNAs. The absolute values of circulating miRNAs were quantified using a Taqman microRNA assay. MiR-1, miR-133a, and miR-208b showed preferential expression in the heart and skeletal muscles, whereas miR-192 was abundant in the liver, stomach, small intestine, and kidney. These miRNAs had identical sequences to their human counterparts. Six organ-specific miRNAs (miR-1, miR-122, miR-133a, miR-192, miR-206, and miR-499a) could be evaluated quantitatively by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with or without preamplification. No significant sex differences were noted for these circulating miRNAs. For their circulation levels, miR-133a showed more than 900-fold interindividual variation, whereas miR-122 showed only a 20-fold variation. In conclusion, we profiled circulating organ-specific miRNAs for the liver, heart, and skeletal muscle of cynomolgus monkeys.
‘It doesn’t seem like PE and I love it’: Adolescent girls’ views of a health club physical education approach
Authors: Timken Gay , McNamee Jeff , Coste Sarah
Published: May 2017

School-based physical education (PE) is the most efficient and cost-effective means of increasing girls’ physical activity. Therefore, this project used a health club (HC) approach to alter a high school PE experience for 17 grade nine girls (M age = 14.6 ± .49). As part of a larger mixed-methods study, this qualitative element gauged adolescent girls’ perceptions of their HC experience using the frameworks of interpretive description and practice-referenced research. Students participated in both pre- and post-intervention semi-structured focus group interviews and completed journals throughout the 14-week intervention. Results revealed autonomy as one organizing theme, including students reporting the importance of choice, variety, and novelty. A second organizing theme was relatedness, with subthemes specific to how girls appreciated having a single-gender PE experience, and their desire for a positive relationship with the research assistants who were leading the experience at the health club.
Adolescents’ physical activity levels on physical education and non-physical education days according to gender, age, and weight status
Authors: Viciana Jesús , Mayorga-Vega Daniel , Parra-Saldías Maribel
Published: May 2017

All Latin-American countries are affected by the lack of physical activity and its consequences on youth. Chile’s population has shown troublingly low levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. This is the first study using objectively measured physical activity levels in Chilean adolescents. The objectives were to compare the compliance with daily recommendations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity between physical education and non-physical education days, and to compare physical activity levels according to gender, age and weight status. A total of 123 Chilean secondary students (52 girls and 71 boys; 13.5 ± 0.7 years old) participated in this study. Physical activity was registered by GT3X accelerometers during an entire week. Results showed that there was a significant increase in the proportion of adolescents achieving the daily recommendation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on physical education days (23.6%) than on non-physical education days (14.6%) ( p ≤ 0.05). Boys and older adolescents presented statistically higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on physical education days than on non-physical education days. No differences were found in weight status comparison. Physical education has been found to be a crucial element in achieving the daily recommendations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Diverse strategies in order to increase the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in physical education according to the factors analysed are reported and discussed.
Telehealth for diabetes self-management in primary healthcare: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: So Chi F , Chung Joanne WY
Published: May 2017

Background

Diabetes mellitus is prevalent worldwide and the majority of the patients with this metabolic disease are managed in primary healthcare settings. Self-management is, therefore, crucial for the health and wellbeing of people with diabetes. Due to the advancement of information technologies, telehealth intervention as self-management measures potentially offer a possible solution in the primary healthcare arena to cope with the increasing demand for diabetes control.

Methods

This study aims to systematically review the effectiveness of telehealth on diabetes control self-management in primary healthcare settings. A keyword search was conducted in six databases for randomised controlled trials. Data extraction and quality assessment of the reviewed studies were done with standardised forms and checklists. A meta-analysis was also performed in this review.

Results

Of the seven studies included in this review, all of them reported a decreasing level of glycated haemoglobin. Four studies examined the effect of telehealth interventions on fasting plasma glucose levels; however, the overall effects were insignificant. It is, nonetheless, encouraging to see two studies which investigated their effect on two-hour post-meal glucose levels, and showed positive effects for glycaemic control self-management in the short term. This finding, though only from two studies, points to a promising future of utilising telehealth interventions in controlling this metabolic disease in the primary healthcare arena.

Conclusions

This review showed positive effects of telehealth interventions for diabetes control self-management at the primary healthcare stage. Further studies are required to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of telehealth interventions.
Cooling energy reduction effect of parallel double-window system operation in residential buildings in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seung-Won , Leigh Seung-Bok , Kim Taeyeon , Cheong Chang Heon , Cho Sooyoun
Published: May 2017

This paper aims to derive the operational modes of a parallel double-window system that reduces cooling energy consumption and satisfies indoor comfort through natural ventilation. The parallel double-window system examined in this paper is a window system that could control indoor draft distribution and adjust the size of the opening depending on indoor and outdoor conditions. The system can be used in five ways (all close, out-open + in close, out-open+in open (tilt), out-open+in open (turn) and all open). This work verified the energy savings and indoor comfort of the existing mode experimentally, which were originally derived based on simple calculations at the time when the parallel double-window system was developed. A new operation mode, Alt 1, was derived, which addressed problems of the existing mode. In addition, in this work, the operation mode Alt 2 was derived, which simplified Alt 1 so that the actual occupant can use the system easily. By measuring these three operation modes and comparing the results with those of energy plus simulations, the work derived the amount of cooling energy savings and the level of indoor comfort through the use of an appropriate operation mode during inter-seasonal periods. Compared to when the natural ventilation operation mode was not used, cooling energy consumption was reduced by 60% when the operation mode was in use. The cooling temperature set point could have a significant impact on cooling energy consumption.
Emission characterization of size-resolved particles in a pre-school classroom in relation to children’s activities
Authors: Kim Jihye , Park Seongjun , Kim Heegang , Yeo Myoung Souk
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of children’s daily activity patterns on the size-resolved indoor particles in a pre-school classroom, qualitatively and quantitatively. Real-time particle number size distribution data in conjunction with activity were collected experimentally in a pre-school classroom during two seasons: late spring and early winter. We divided daily activities into six groups: Arrival, Large Group, Small Group, Naptime, Dismissal and Unoccupied. The concentration variation forms of coarse particles were compared qualitatively among activity groups. The results indicated that noteworthy coarse particle concentration variations were observed during each activity group. These variations were caused by four factors: presence/absence of children, variation in the number of children, activity intensity and presence of sources. The emission rates were estimated to quantify the impact of activities. Time series emission rates were deduced from the piecewise-constant inputs and outputs model. The piecewise-constant emission rates were averaged for sequential parts to reduce noise and ensure daily repeated peaks were not missed. The sequential part-constant emission rates were consistent with previously described particle number concentration variation results and the predicted indoor particle number concentration data with sequential part-constant emission rates agreed well with measured data.
Why prisons are not “The New Asylums”
Authors: Ben-Moshe Liat
Published: May 2017

This paper will offer an antidote to the axiom that jails and prisons are becoming “the new asylums” in the U.S. Without disregarding the reality of having disproportioned numbers of people with disabilities (psychiatric, cognitive, learning disabilities in particular) in jails and prisons, I will caution against declarations that prisons are becoming “the new asylums” in the U.S. and offer a more nuanced explanation that incorporates perspectives from those critiquing incarceration, institutionalization and psychiatry to shed new light on the connections between incarceration and deinstitutionalization at present and in the past. The claims that post-deinstitutionalization people with psychiatric disabilities were “abandoned to their fate” and re-incarcerated in jails and prisons via being homeless will be critically examined. While doing so, I will also discuss the processes of disablement inherent in prisons and in being housing insecure.
Computational analysis of the intermetallic formation during the dissimilar metal aluminum-to-steel friction stir welding process
Authors: Grujicic M , Snipes JS , Ramaswami S , Galgalikar R , Yen C-F , Cheeseman BA
Published: May 2017

The extent of inter-material mixing and the formation of intermetallic compounds play a critical role in the structural integrity and mechanical properties of the joints in the case of dissimilar metal friction stir welding. In general, there is a critical volume fraction of the intermetallic compounds in the mix zone of the friction stir welding-joint at which the mechanical properties of the joint are maximized. That is, insufficient inter-material mixing and the accompanying sub-critical volume fraction of the intermetallic compounds results in insufficient inter-material bonding and inferior joint strength. Conversely, super-critical volume fraction of the intermetallic compounds typically gives rise to the joint embrittlement. To address the problem of the effect of the friction stir welding process parameters on the extent of intermetallic compound formation, a multi-physics computational framework has been developed and applied to the case of dissimilar metal friction stir welding involving commercially pure (CP) aluminum and AISI 1005 low-carbon steel. The multi-physics framework comprises the following main modules: (a) finite-element-based friction stir welding-process modeling; (b) quantum-mechanics, atomistic and CALPHAD-type continuum material thermodynamics analyses of the intermetallic compound-nucleation process; (c) a continuum-type analysis of multi-component diffusion-controlled growth of the intermetallic compounds; and (d) Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami type analysis of the evolution of the intermetallic compound volume fraction within the friction stir welding joint as a function of the friction stir welding process parameters. The results obtained revealed that: (i) the extent and the spatial distribution of the intermetallic compounds is a sensitive function of the friction stir welding-process parameters; and (ii) among the six potential Al-Fe intermetallic compounds, FeAl and Fe3Al are associated with the largest volume fractions and, hence, play a key role in both attaining the required joint strength and in the potential loss of the joint fracture toughness.
The Views of Domestic Staff and Porters when Supporting Patients with Dementia in the Acute Hospital: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Ashton Caroline , Manthorpe Jill
Published: May 2017

There is increasing recognition that very many hospital patients have dementia but there are many concerns about the quality of care and support they receive. Consequently there have been numerous calls for hospital staff to have dementia training. While cleaning or domestic staff and porters form considerable parts of the hospital workforce they are infrequently considered in discussions of dementia care training and practice.

This exploratory study aimed to investigate the experiences of domestic staff and porters working in an acute hospital setting who are in contact regularly with patients with dementia. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken in 2016 with seven domestic staff and five porters in one English acute hospital to investigate their views and experiences. Data were analysed thematically by constant comparison technique and theoretical sampling. Themes were identified and realistic concepts developed.

Participants observed that caring attitudes and behaviour in their encounters with patients with dementia are important but challenging to put into practice. Several would have valued more information about dementia. Some noted situations in the hospital stay that seemed particularly difficult for patients with dementia such as travelling to different parts of the hospital for treatments.

The study suggests the need for improving the dementia-related knowledge and skills of all non-clinical staff especially those new to the NHS. The impact of witnessing dementia symptoms and distress on emotional well-being requires further research so that ancillary staff can improve the hospital stay of patients with dementia.
Silent owl flight: The effect of the leading edge comb
Authors: Geyer Thomas F , Claus Vanessa T , Hall Philipp M , Sarradj Ennes
Published: May 2017

The feathers of owls possess three adaptations that are held responsible for their quiet flight. These are a comb-like structure at the leading edge of the wing, fringes at the trailing edge, and a soft and porous upper surface of the wing. To investigate the effect of the first adaptation, the leading edge comb, on the aerodynamic performance and the noise generation during gliding flight, wind tunnel measurements were performed on prepared wings of a Barn owl ( Tyto alba) with and without the comb. In agreement with existing studies it was found that the leading edge comb causes a small increase in lift. Additionally, at high angles of attack the results from the acoustic measurements indicate that the presence of the comb leads to a reduction in gliding flight noise. Although this reduction is relatively small, it further helps the owl to approach its prey during the final stages of the landing phase.
How being appreciative creates change – theory in practice from health and social care in Scotland
Authors: Sharp Cathy , Dewar Belinda , Barrie Karen , Meyer Julienne
Published: May 2017

This paper develops understanding of appreciative action research that generates curiosity and motivation as a better platform for collaborative change. Blending theory and practice it draws on the example of the My Home Life leadership programme in Scotland that explores the concepts and approaches of ‘Caring Conversations’ and ‘playful provocation’ in care homes for older people. The paper shows how they expand notions of appreciation and help people to deepen inquiry, explore values, acknowledge and express emotion without dispute or judgement, articulate tacit knowledge and give voice to things previously thought to be ‘unsayable’. We explore how these generative approaches act as a powerful positive ‘disruption’ that brings existing relationships to life, supports a positive attitude to risk-taking and helps to devise new approaches to the local design and testing of approaches to problems.

Ultimately these approaches play an important part in developing understanding of how to do appreciative action research to enhance relationships and more strengths or assets-based and collaborative ways of working and so, to develop new possibilities for changing social systems and a more future-making orientation to action research.
Desmoplastic fibroma versus soft-tissue desmoid tumour of forearm: a case series of diagnosis, surgical approach, and outcome
Authors: Jamshidi K. , Bagherifard A. , Mirzaei A.
Published: May 2017

We report a case series of aggressive fibromatosis of the forearm and discuss the differentiation criteria of overlapped intra- or extra-osseous origin of aggressive fibromatosis, surgical approach, and outcome. Ten cases of aggressive fibromatosis of the forearm were evaluated. When there was no involvement of vital adjacent structures, such as nerves, vessels, and tendons, en-bloc excision was performed for the removal of the soft-tissue mass. Bone involvement was observed in nine cases. Intercalary allograft was performed whenever one of the forearm bones was involved (six cases), while extensive curettage was used if both forearm bones were affected (three cases). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 90%, ranging from 80% to 97%. Limited forearm rotation was the most frequent complication. Three local recurrences were observed, none with intercalary allograft reconstruction. We conclude that the extensive curettage of the involved bone results in a higher risk of local recurrence compared with intercalary allograft.

Level of evidence: IV
Effects of Habitat Disturbance on Lizard Functional Diversity in a Tropical Dry Forest of the Pacific Coast of Mexico
Authors: Berriozabal-Islas Christian , Badillo-Saldaña Luis M. , Ramírez-Bautista Aurelio , Moreno Claudia E.
Published: May 2017

Tropical dry forests are complex and diverse ecosystems threatened by multiple anthropogenic factors, such as habitat disturbance caused by land use change. We assessed species and functional diversity of lizard communities in areas with different levels of tropical dry forest disturbance in the Chamela region, Mexico. Functional richness, functional evenness, and functional dispersion were assessed considering six lizard functional traits. We recorded 415 lizards of 15 species. Species richness, species diversity, functional richness, functional dispersion, and the number of functional groups are lower in disturbed sites than in undisturbed tropical dry forest sites. On the contrary, abundance and functional evenness were higher in strongly disturbed sites. We suggest that lizard functional diversity should be studied further in order to secure the integrity of herpetofaunal communities and ecosystem processes.
Assessment of cerebral microbleeds by susceptibility-weighted imaging in Alzheimer’s disease patients: A neuroimaging biomarker of the disease
Authors: Sparacia Gianvincenzo , Agnello Francesco , La Tona Giuseppe , Iaia Alberto , Midiri Federico , Sparacia Benedetta
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The objective of this study was to correlate the presence and distribution of cerebral microbleeds in Alzheimer’s disease patients with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau 181 protein levels) and cognitive decline by using susceptibility-weighted imaging magnetic resonance sequences at 1.5 T.

Material and methods

Fifty-four consecutive Alzheimer’s disease patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T to assess the presence and distribution of cerebral microbleeds on susceptibility-weighted imaging images. The images were analyzed in consensus by two neuroradiologists, each with at least 10 years’ experience. Dementia severity was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination score. A multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the associations between the number and location of cerebral microbleed lesions with the age, sex, duration of the disease, cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau 181 protein levels, and cognitive functions.

Results

A total of 296 microbleeds were observed in 54 patients; 38 patients (70.4%) had lobar distribution, 13 patients (24.1%) had non-lobar distribution, and the remaining three patients (5.6%) had mixed distribution, demonstrating that Alzheimer’s disease patients present mainly a lobar distribution of cerebral microbleeds. The age and the duration of the disease were correlated with the number of lobar cerebral microbleeds ( P < 0.001). Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-beta, phosphorylated tau 181 protein levels, and cognitive decline were correlated with the number of lobar cerebral microbleeds in Alzheimer’s disease patients ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Lobar distribution of cerebral microbleeds is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and the number of lobar cerebral microbleeds directly correlates with cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau 181 protein levels and with the cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Innocent Body-Shadow Mimics Physical Body
Authors: Kodaka Kenri , Kanazawa Ayaka
Published: May 2017

The paradigm of the rubber hand illusion was applied to a shadow to determine whether the body-shadow is a good candidate for the alternative belonging to our body. Three kinds of shadows, a physical hand, a hand-shaped cloth, and a rectangle cloth, were tested for this purpose. The questionnaire results showed that both anatomical similarity and visuo-proprioception correlation were effective in enhancing illusory ownership of the shadow. According to the proprioceptive drift measurement, whether the shadow purely originated from the physical body was a critical factor in yielding the significantly positive drift. Thus, results demonstrated that the shadow can distort illusory ownership with the rubber hand illusion paradigm, but the proprioception was clearly distorted only when the body-shadow was purely applied. This implies the presence of special cognitive processing to discriminate the self-body shadow from the others.
Potential role of high-stress employment in hypertension
Authors: Buenz Eric J , Bauer Brent A
Published: May 2017

We report a patient with a reduction in blood pressure through cessation of high-stress employment.
An autopsy of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma with hemophagocytic syndrome
Authors: Fukunaga Hisanori , Kawashima Kazumasa , Kumakawa Hiromi , Hashimoto Yuko , Takahashi Yuta
Published: May 2017

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma presents with highly variable symptoms caused by the occlusion of small vessels by neoplastic cells in a variety of organs.
South Korea’s regional disparities and the 2018 Winter Olympics for regional development: Big Push revisited
Authors: Oh Jinhwan
Published: May 2017

Using the Theil decomposition method, this study analyzes regional inequality in South Korea and finds the country’s regional income disparities have been growing over the past two decades. Further group-specific analyses using the between and within group decompositions provide the following findings: (1) the inequality between Honam and non-Honam has been declining, repudiating the claim that Honam has been discriminated against by other regions; and (2) discrepancies between Gangwon and other regions have been growing, which is more serious than the Honam case and which is a priority of this research. In line with this, Gangwon Province the 2018 Winter Olympics is expected to contribute to narrowing this gap. Lessons from the Japanese experiences with the 1998 Winter Olympics will be discussed.
Enhanced Recovery After Colorectal Surgery (ERAS) in Elderly Patients Is Feasible and Achieves Similar Results as in Younger Patients
Authors: Forsmo Håvard Mjørud , Erichsen Christian , Rasdal Anne , Körner Hartwig , Pfeffer Frank
Published: May 2017

Aim: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal approach that aims to optimize perioperative treatment. Whether elderly patients receiving colorectal surgery can adhere to and benefit from an ERAS approach is uncertain. The aim of this study was to compare patients in different age groups participating in an ERAS program. Method: In this substudy of a randomized controlled trial, we analyzed the interventional ERAS arm of adult patients eligible for laparoscopic or open colorectal resection with regard to the importance of age. Patients were divided into three groups based on age: ≤65 years ( n = 79), 66-79 years ( n = 56), and ≥80 years ( n = 19). The primary end point was total postoperative hospital stay (THS). Secondary end points were postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, postoperative C-reactive protein levels, readmission rate, mortality, and patient adherence to the different ERAS elements. All parameters and measuring the adherence to the ERAS protocol were recorded before surgery, on the day of the operation, and daily until discharge. Results: There were no significant differences in length of THS between age groups (≤65 years, median 5 [range 2-47] days; 66-79 years, median 5.5 [range 2-36] days; ≥80 years, median 7 [range 3-50] days; p = .53). All secondary outcomes were similar between age groups. Patient adherence to the ERAS protocol was as good in the elderly as it was in the younger patients. Conclusion: Elderly patients adhered to and benefited from an ERAS program, similar to their younger counterparts.
Educational Obstacles Faced by Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon
Authors: Hammoud Mariam Salim
Published: May 2017

The process of becoming a refugee is certainly complex and intertwined with uncertainty and injustice. Not only one is starved of the right to freedom and liberty but is also left psychologically and physically stagnant and disoriented. The brutish negligence regarding their emancipation has become increasingly heightened. With this, one is left questioning the role such negligence plays in the attempt to fulfill “their right to return.” The aim of this article is to first examine the nature of the obstacles that Palestinian refugees in Lebanon experience. What role do external forces such as the Lebanese government and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) play in the deterioration of the educational pursuits partaken by Palestinian refugees? To what extent do they discriminate and deprive them of emancipation from an educational perspective? Second, it aims to examine the consequences of the external forces that administer such policies and how these diffuse adversely into the foundations of such isolated societies. It focuses primarily on the vulnerability and psychological shortcoming of such an experience. Education is a fundamental force in any society, and this article is a multifaceted exploration into the educational obstacles, both externally and internally, that are prevalent among Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
Clonal evolution underlying leukemia progression and Richter transformation in patients with ibrutinib-relapsed CLL
Authors: Kadri Sabah , Lee Jimmy , Fitzpatrick Carrie , Galanina Natalie , Sukhanova Madina , Venkataraman Girish , Sharma Shruti , Long Brad , Petras Kristin , Theissen Megan , Ming Mei , Kobzev Yuri , Kang Wenjun , Guo Ailin , Wang Weige , Niu Nifang , Weiner Howard , Thirman Michael , Stock Wendy , Smith Sonali M. , Nabhan Chadi , Segal Jeremy P. , Lu Pin , Wang Y. Lynn
Published: May 2017

Key Points

Del(18p), together with del(17p)/TP53 mutations, is present at a high frequency before ibrutinib treatment. BTK mutations drive ibrutinib relapse, but del(17p)/TP53 mutations may be dispensable.
Asthma in reproductive-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome and association with obesity
Authors: Htet Thaw D. , Teede Helena J. , de Courten Barbora , Loxton Deborah , Real Francisco G. , Moran Lisa J. , Joham Anju E.
Published: May 2017

Recent research suggests that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have a higher prevalence of asthma. However, there are no epidemiological studies aimed primarily at exploring the relationship between PCOS and asthma, and the effect of body mass index (BMI) on this association.

This study is a cross-sectional analyses of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, a large, community-based, prospective study to examine the association between PCOS and asthma in women aged 28–33 years (n=478 PCOS and n=8134 controls).

The prevalence of asthma was 15.2% in women with PCOS and 10.6% in women without PCOS (p=0.004). Women with PCOS who had asthma had a trend for a higher BMI compared with women without asthma (29.9±0.9versus27.7±0.4 kg·m−2; p=0.054). Women without PCOS who had asthma had a higher BMI compared with women without asthma (26.4±0.2versus24.9±0.1 kg·m−2; p<0.001). After adjusting for age, BMI and smoking status, PCOS was associated with increased odds of asthma (odds ratio 1.34, 95% CI 1.004–1.79; p=0.047).

This study showed both PCOS status and overweight/obese status were independently associated with asthma. Further prospective studies are required to explore the possible mechanisms underpinning the association between asthma and PCOS.
Associations in asthma between quantitative computed tomography and bronchial biopsy-derived airway remodelling
Authors: Berair Rachid , Hartley Ruth , Mistry Vijay , Sheshadri Ajay , Gupta Sumit , Singapuri Amisha , Gonem Sherif , Marshall Richard P. , Sousa Ana R. , Shikotra Aarti , Kay Richard , Wardlaw Andrew , Bradding Peter , Siddiqui Salman , Castro Mario , Brightling Christopher E.
Published: May 2017

Airway remodelling in asthma remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the association of airway remodelling measured on bronchial biopsies with 1) lung function impairment and 2) thoracic quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-derived morphometry and densitometry measures of proximal airway remodelling and air trapping.

Subjects were recruited from a single centre. Bronchial biopsy remodelling features that were the strongest predictors of lung function impairment and QCT-derived proximal airway morphometry and air trapping markers were determined by stepwise multiple regression. The best predictor of air trapping was validated in an independent replication group.

Airway smooth muscle % was the only predictor of post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % pred, while both airway smooth muscle % and vascularity were predictors of FEV1/forced vital capacity. Epithelial thickness and airway smooth muscle % were predictors of mean segmental bronchial luminal area (R2=0.12; p=0.02 and R2=0.12; p=0.015), whereas epithelial thickness was the only predictor of wall area % (R2=0.13; p=0.018). Vascularity was the only significant predictor of air trapping (R2=0.24; p=0.001), which was validated in the replication group (R2=0.19; p=0.031).

In asthma, airway smooth muscle content and vascularity were both associated with airflow obstruction. QCT-derived proximal airway morphometry was most strongly associated with epithelial thickness and airway smooth muscle content, whereas air trapping was related to vascularity.
Perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals on mHealth for asthma self-management
Authors: Simpson Andrew J. , Honkoop Persijn J. , Kennington Erika , Snoeck-Stroband Jiska B. , Smith Ian , East Jessica , Coleman Courtney , Caress Ann , Chung Kian Fan , Sont Jacob K. , Usmani Omar , Fowler Stephen J.
Published: May 2017

Mobile healthcare (mHealth) has the potential to revolutionise the self-management of long-term medical conditions such as asthma. A user-centred design is integral if mHealth is to be embraced by patients and healthcare professionals.

The aim of this study was to determine the perspectives of individuals with asthma and healthcare professionals on the use of mHealth for asthma self-management.

We used a sequential exploratory mixed methods design; focus groups informed the development of questionnaires, which were disseminated to individuals with asthma and healthcare professionals.

Focus group participants (18 asthma patients and five healthcare professionals) identified 12 potential uses of mHealth. Questionnaire results showed that individuals with asthma (n=186) most frequently requested an mHealth system to monitor asthma over time (72%) and to collect data to present to healthcare teams (70%). In contrast, healthcare professionals (n=63) most frequently selected a system alerting patients to deteriorating asthma control (86%) and advising them when to seek medical attention (87%). Individuals with asthma were less likely than healthcare professionals (p<0.001) to believe that assessing medication adherence and inhaler technique could improve asthma control.

Our data provide strong support for mHealth for asthma self-management, but highlight fundamental differences between the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals.
An evidence-based, point-of-care tool to guide completion of asthma action plans in practice
Authors: Kouri Andrew , Boulet Louis-Philippe , Kaplan Alan , Gupta Samir
Published: May 2017

Asthma action plans (AAPs) reduce healthcare utilisation, improve quality of life and are recommended across guidelines. However, fewer than 25% of patients receive an AAP, partly due to prescribers' inability to complete “yellow zone” instructions (how to intensify therapy for acute loss of control). We sought to review best evidence to develop a practical, evidence-based tool to facilitate yellow zone guidance in adults.

We reviewed recent asthma guidelines and adult studies addressing acute loss of asthma control (January 2010 to March 2016). We developed evidence-based rules for yellow zone therapy and operational guidelines to maximise adherence and minimise errors.

We reviewed three guidelines and 11 manuscripts (2486 abstracts screened). Recommendations were comparable but some areas lacked guidance. For 15/43 asthma regimens, the commonly recommended four- to five-fold yellow zone inhaled corticosteroid dose increase was problematic due to regulatory dose limits. We identified evidence-based alternatives for 8/15 regimens. Operational guidance included increasing to a maximum of four inhalations while maintaining baseline inhaler frequency and device in the yellow zone.

We developed a practical implementation tool to facilitate AAP delivery at the point of care, addressing existing gaps and uncertainties. Our tool should be implemented as part of a multifaceted approach to augment AAP usage.
College students’ acceptance of online mass-customized athletic shoes
Authors: Liang Yuli , Liu Chuanlan , McRoberts Lisa Barona
Published: May 2017

This research intends to understand the acceptance of online mass-customized athletic shoes among college students through applying the theory of reasoned action with a focus on whether utilitarian value and need for uniqueness influence favorable attitude formation differently. The questionnaires were distributed to 260 college students in a major southeastern US university using extra class credit as participation incentive. SPSS 23.0 and SPSS Amos 23 were used in data analysis. Structural equation modeling with a path comparison were used to assess construct validity and test the proposed hypotheses and conceptual framework. Results showed that college students’ acceptance and purchase intention could be predicted by attitudes and subjective norm. In addition to perceived security of the online environment, utilitarian value and need for uniqueness equally facilitated formation of favorable attitude toward acceptance of online mass-customized athletic shoes among college students. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as the limitations of the study are further discussed.
Polynomial chaos expansion for nonlinear geophysical inverse problems
Authors: Abbasi Mostafa , Gholami Ali
Published: May 2017

There are lots of geophysical problems that include computationally expensive functions (forward models). Polynomial chaos (PC) expansion aims to approximate such an expensive equation or system with a polynomial expansion on the basis of orthogonal polynomials. Evaluation of this expansion is extremely fast because it is a polynomial function. This property of the PC expansion is of great importance for stochastic problems, in which an expensive function needs to be evaluated thousands of times. We have developed PC expansion as a novel technique to solve nonlinear geophysical problems. To better evaluate the methodology, we use PC expansion for automating the velocity analysis. For this purpose, we define the optimally picked velocity model as an optimizer of a variational integral in a semblance field. However, because computation of a variational integral with respect to a given velocity model is rather expensive, it is impossible to use stochastic methods to search for the optimal velocity model. Thus, we replace the variational integral with its PC expansion, in which computation of the new function is extremely faster than the original one. This makes it possible to perturb thousands of velocity models in a matter of seconds. We use particle swarm optimization as the stochastic optimization method to find the optimum velocity model. The methodology is tested on synthetic and field data, and in both cases, reasonable results are achieved in a rather short time.
Nonlinear gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture analysis for improved seismic facies interpretation
Authors: Di Haibin , Gao Dengliang
Published: May 2017

Seismic texture analysis is a useful tool for delineating subsurface geologic features from 3D seismic surveys, and the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method has been popularly applied for seismic texture discrimination since its first introduction in the 1990s. The GLCM texture analysis consists of two components: (1) to rescale seismic amplitude by a user-defined number of gray levels and (2) to perform statistical analysis on the spatial arrangement of gray levels within an analysis window. Traditionally, the linear transformation is simply used for amplitude rescaling so that the original reflection patterns could be best preserved. However, the seismic features of interpretational interest often cover only a small portion of its amplitude histogram. For representing such features more effectively, it is helpful to perform a nonlinear rescaling of the amplitude distribution between different seismic features. To achieve such an objective, this study proposes a nonlinear GLCM analysis based on four types of nonlinear gray-level transformation (logarithmic, exponential, sigmoid, and logit) and investigates their implications for seismic facies interpretation. Applications to the 3D seismic data set from offshore Angola (West Africa) demonstrate the added values of the generated nonlinear GLCM attributes in better characterizing the channels, fans, and lobes in a deep-marine turbidite system.