bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organisational barriers to and facilitators for female surgeons’ career progression: a systematic review
Authors: Hirayama Megumi , Fernando Senaka
Published: September 2018

Objective

To identify organizational barriers to and facilitators for female surgeons' career progression.

Design

Systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies relating to organizational barriers to and facilitators for female Surgeons' career progression. After the quality assessment of the peer-reviewed journal articles, twelve articles were selected for full review. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes in these selected articles.

Setting

The studies solely focused on organizational factors linked to female physicians' career progression in surgical specialties.

Partcipants

Female surgeons.

Main outcome measures

Organizational barriers and facilitators

Results

Twelve peer-reviewed journal articles were included in the study which focused on barriers to female surgeons' career progression, ways of facilitating female surgeons' career progression, and female surgeons' job satisfaction.

Conclusion

The major organisational factors contributing to the lack of career progression for female surgeons are (1) organizational culture which promotes rigid career structure that is inclined to support male surgeons than female surgeons and also male domination in which male surgeons feel superior to female surgeons (2) work family conflict whereby women feel that they have to make a family sacrifice by being women; they experience the difficulty in securing a work-life balance in the masculine career structure in surgical specialties. This implies that policy makers and healthcare organizations need to pay significant attention to organizational facilitators for female surgeons' career progression such as flexible career pathways and work patterns, a variety of different viable career progressions, more family-friendly working conditions, and the promotion of female mentors and role models in surgical specialties to support female surgeons in dealing with the organizational barriers in the male-dominated organizational culture and the lifestyle issues as well.
Changes in out of home care and permanence planning among young children in Scotland, 2003 to 2017
Authors: Woods Ruth , Henderson Gillian
Published: September 2018

UK policy has increasingly promoted early intervention and permanence planning for children who experience, or are at risk of experiencing, abuse or neglect, raising the question of whether these practices have actually increased ‘on the ground.’ There is already evidence of growing early intervention in the form of out of home care, in England as well as Australia and Canada. However, we do not yet know whether this trend also exists in Scotland. Furthermore, there is no research investigating whether rates of permanence planning have changed anywhere in the UK or globally. The current study addressed these gaps through a comparison of two samples of children in Scotland: 110 children born in 2003 and 117 born in 2013, all of whom were placed under compulsory measures of supervision prior to three years of age. The 2013 cohort was significantly more likely than the 2003 cohort to be removed from their parents at birth, to reside away from parents throughout the first three years of life and to live apart from parents at three years of age. Significantly more of the 2013 cohort than the 2003 cohort had a plan for permanence by three years. These findings are consistent with the view that policy changes in the UK are affecting practice (although practice changes may have resulted from other sources as well/instead). The fall in parental care was largely compensated by an increase in the use of foster care, which has resource implications. Children removed from their parents at birth were usually not returned in the first three years of life, not raised by extended family members, and were separated from one or more siblings. This typically reduced instability for young children, but also entailed substantial birth family fragmentation. The impact on children and families of early removal into foster care must therefore be carefully assessed in light of the increasing prevalence of this practice in Scotland and elsewhere.
The Prospects and Challenges of Socially Engaged Urban Planning and Architecture in Contemporary China
Authors: Kochan Dror
Published: September 2018

The paper explores the structural limitations of the current urban planning system and the emerging calls for socializing urban development policies in China, discussing the emergence of two models—a “public creativity” approach and a “change from within” approach—that urban planners and architects are increasingly using to challenge the dominant urban planning discourse, methodologies, and practices. The paper then illustrates the prospects and limitations of local engagements with social issues by planning professionals in Shenzhen that utilize these two approaches.
Who Are the Classmates of Students With Disabilities in Elementary Mathematics Classrooms?
Authors: Gilmour Allison F. , Henry Gary T.
Published: September 2018

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act stresses the importance of educating students with disabilities (SWDs) in the least restrictive environment, often with peers who do not have disabilities. Prior research has examined the extent to which SWDs are included in general education classrooms, but not the characteristics of the peers with whom SWDs are educated. We examined the math classmates of fourth- and fifth-grade SWDs from one state. On average, SWDs were grouped with twice as many other SWDs, about four per class, than students without disabilities. Students with learning disabilities had fewer peers with disabilities in their classrooms than students with other disabilities. Students with intellectual disabilities, autism, or emotional/behavioral disorders more often had peers with disabilities, often their same disability. Our results provide directions for future research regarding peer effects and understanding how schools group SWDs.
Perceived Empowerment, Social Support, and Quality of Life Among Chinese Older Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Junqiao , Cao Yuling , Jia Shoumei , Wu Bei
Published: September 2018

Objective: This study examines how older residents’ social support and perceived empowerment are associated with their quality of life (QOL) in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Shanghai, China, controlling for their health-related conditions, facility type, and other socio-demographic characteristics. Method: Using a convenient sampling approach, we selected nine LTC facilities in Shanghai, China. We surveyed 515 older residents from these facilities. Results: Older participants in this study rate their QOL, social support, and perceived empowerment as moderate, and these variables are positively associated with their QOL. Older residents who live in government-owned and private-run LTC facilities are more likely to have a higher level of perceived QOL compared with those living in government-run facilities. Discussion: There is an urgent need to increase staff awareness and capacity to empower older residents, and to engage them in their care plan and delivery. LTC facilities could provide more opportunities for older residents’ social networking within and outside LTC facilities. Improvement of older residents’ QOL is critical in the future development of resident-centered care models in LTC facilities.
The consequences of nurses’ endeavors to overcome inter-professional discrimination
Authors: Shohani Masoumeh
Published: September 2018

Background:

Discrimination in nursing has led to the formation of some taboos that often impact the individual’s professional development. Nurses use strategies to overcome discrimination that can lead to consequences.

Research objective:

This study assessed nurses’ experiences to explore the consequences of Iranian nurses’ strategies to overcome intra-professional discrimination.

Research design:

This qualitative content analysis study employed purposive sampling to reach 25 nurses working at educational hospitals in Tehran, Tabriz, and Ilam, Iran. The data were collected using deep and unstructured interviews along with notes in a period of time between April 2016 and May 2017. Interviews were simultaneously analyzed using inductive and conventional content analysis method after being transcribed.

Ethical consideration:

This study was approved by the Regional Committee of Medical Research Ethics. Also, voluntary participation, anonymity, and confidentiality were considered.

Findings:

Two themes emerged from our analysis due to consequences of nurses’ efforts to overcome intra-professional discrimination: “seeking justice” and “passivity.”

Discussion:

Nurses’ efforts to overcome professional discrimination have led to outcomes. These outcomes can be affect on their individual effort to achieve organizational goals, provide better care or feel disabling or nurses turnover.

Conclusion:

Strategies adopted by nurses to overcome intra-professional discrimination have led to consequences which vary from negative to positive and impact their performance.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Energy Consumption in Agriculture: A Causality Analysis for India
Authors: Ghosh Sudeshna
Published: September 2018

This article utilises the vector error correction model (VECM) and Granger causality tests to explore short-run and long-run relationships, in India, across carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, energy consumption, agriculture value added (AV), trade liberalisation and financial development over the time period 1971–2013. The study adopts the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)-bound testing approach and Johansen–Juselius maximum likelihood procedure to find out the cointegrating relation among the variables. Both ARDL approach and Johansen–Juselius cointegration approach show that the concerned variables under study are cointegrated. Short-run Granger causality results indicate the existence of bidirectional causality between AV and CO2 emissions, and energy used and CO2 emissions. In the long-run trade, financial development, energy consumption and AV affect CO2 emissions. The results put thrust on the need to utilise energy-efficient technologies in agriculture to save the damage of the environment.

JEL: C32, O53, Q43
Exploring the Perceived Effectiveness of Applied Theater as a Maternal Health Promotion Tool in Rural Zambia
Authors: Massar Karlijn , Sialubanje Cephas , Maltagliati Irene , Ruiter Robert A. C.
Published: September 2018

In the current study, we aimed (a) to extend the previous research conducted in Kalomo District on the psychosocial factors that influence women’s intention to utilize maternal health care services (MHS) and (b) to explore community members’ perceptions of the use of a theater-based health promotion program to positively influence these factors among pregnant women. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 44 respondents, and confirmed the importance of knowledge, perceived behavioral control, attitudes, social norms, and risk perception as influences on women’s health care utilization. The majority of respondents were positive about the use of theater interventions in improving maternal health care–seeking behavior. The behavior change methods proposed to incorporate in theater plays were seen as appropriate and useful to convey health-related information in theater plays, in particular if the main character was an identifiable role model. Discussion focuses on the unique contributions and possibilities of utilizing theater in (maternal) health promotion.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety Between Milrinone or Dobutamine as Initial Inotrope Therapy in Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Lewis Tyler C. , Aberle Caitlin , Altshuler Diana , Piper Greta L. , Papadopoulos John
Published: September 2018

Inotropes are an integral component of the early stabilization of the patient presenting with cardiogenic shock. Despite years of clinical experience with the 2 most commonly used inotropes, dobutamine and milrinone, there remains limited data comparing outcomes between the two. We conducted a retrospective review to compare the effectiveness and safety of milrinone or dobutamine for the initial management of cardiogenic shock. Adult patients with cardiogenic shock regardless of etiology who received initial inotrope therapy with either milrinone (n = 50) or dobutamine (n = 50) and did not receive mechanical circulatory support were included. The primary end point was the time to resolution of cardiogenic shock. Changes in hemodynamic parameters from baseline and adverse events were also assessed. Resolution of shock was achieved in similar numbers in both the groups (milrinone 76% vs dobutamine 70%, P = .50). The median time to resolution of shock was 24 hours in both groups ( P = .75). There were no differences in hemodynamic changes during inotrope therapy, although dobutamine trended toward a greater increase in cardiac index. Arrhythmias were more common in patients treated with dobutamine than milrinone, respectively (62.9% vs 32.8%, P < .01), whereas hypotension occurred to a similar extent in both groups (milrinone 49.2% vs dobutamine 40.3%, P = .32). The use of concomitant vasoactive medications, dosage required, and duration of therapy did not differ between groups. There was no difference in the overall rate of discontinuation due to adverse event; however, milrinone was more commonly discontinued due to hypotension (13.1% vs 0%, P < .01) and dobutamine was more commonly discontinued due to arrhythmia (0% vs 11.3%, P < .01). Milrinone and dobutamine demonstrated similar effectiveness and safety profiles but with differences in adverse events. The choice of milrinone or dobutamine as initial inotrope therapy for cardiogenic shock may depend more on tolerability of adverse events.
Home and Community-Based Service Organizations’ Capacity for and Experiences With Quality Improvement Initiatives
Authors: Noureldin Marwa , Abrahamson Kathleen , Arling Gregory W.
Published: September 2018

Few studies have examined quality improvement (QI) initiatives among home and community-based service (HCBS) providers. Study objectives were to (1) examine HCBS organizations’ QI capacity, (2) explore organizational differences in providers’ QI experiences, and (3) explore the impact of a state’s QI initiatives on providers’ efforts. A survey assessing HCBS providers’ experiences and QI capacity was administered. Overall, respondents reported a moderate amount of previous QI experience. In terms of QI capacity, smaller and rural organizations were more likely to report inadequate support for project implementation ( p < .05). Larger organizations were more likely to report challenges with staffing. Smaller organizations reported less of a perceived impact of the state’s initiative ( p < .05). Smaller and rural providers need individualized support to overcome lack of QI experience and resources.
Accounting for What Matters to Patients in the G-DRG System: A Stakeholder’s Perspective on Integrating Functioning Information
Authors: Hopfe Maren , Stucki Gerold , Bickenbach Jerome E , Prodinger Birgit
Published: September 2018

Functioning information constitutes a relevant component for determining patients’ service needs and respective resource use. Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) systems can be optimized by integrating functioning information. First steps toward accounting for functioning information in the German DRG (G-DRG) system have been made; yet, there is no systematic integration of functioning information. The G-DRG system is part of the health system; it is embedded in and as such dependent on various stakeholders and vested interests. This study explores the stakeholder’s perspective on integrating functioning information in the G-DRG system. A qualitative interview study was conducted with national stakeholders in 4 groups of the G-DRG system (health policy, administration, development, and consultations). Interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. In total, 14 interviews were conducted (4 administration and 10 consultation group). Three main themes were identified: (1) functioning information in the G-DRG system: opportunities and obstacles, (2) general aspects concerning optimizing G-DRG systems by integrating additional information, and (3) ideas and requirements on how to proceed. The study offers insights into the opportunities and obstacles of integrating functioning information in the G-DRG system. The relevance of functioning information was evident. However, the value of functioning information for the G-DRG system was seen critically. Integrating functioning information alone does not seem to be sufficient and a systems approach is needed.
Relationships in Ongoing Structural Maintenances of the Two Cerebral Cortices of an Individual Brain
Authors: Xie Hong , Wall John , Wang Xin
Published: September 2018

A human brain has separate left and right cerebral cortices, each of which must be continuously structurally maintained during adulthood. There is no understanding of how ongoing structural maintenances of separate parts of a mature individual brain, including the 2 cortices, are related. To explore this issue, this study used an unconventional N-of-1 magnetic resonance imaging time-series paradigm to identify relationships between maintenances of structural thicknesses of the 2 cortices in an adult human brain over week intervals for 6 months. The results suggest that maintenances of left and right cortical thicknesses were symmetrically related in some, but asymmetrically related in other, respects. For matched times, thickness magnitudes and variations on the 2 sides were positively correlated and appeared to reflect maintenance symmetry. Maintenance relationships also extended from earlier to later times with temporal continuity and apparent “if-then” contingencies which were reflected in symmetry and asymmetry dynamics spanning 1- to 2-week periods. The findings suggest concepts of individual brain cortical maintenance symmetry, asymmetry, and temporal continuity dynamics that have not been previously recognized. They have implications for defining cortical maintenance traits or states and for development of N-of-1 precision medicine paradigms that can contribute to understanding individual brain health.
Critical Management Education in challenging times
Authors: Perriton Linda , Reynolds Michael
Published: September 2018

In this article, we review the aims of the Critical Management Education project against the background of changes in the student population and increasing institutional pressures to protect sources of income. We revisit the foundations of the critical project in the contributions of radical – including critical management – educators, examine recent changes in the management education context and review the ways our theory and practice have responded and should respond to these changes. We call for the Critical Management Education community to review the basis of its critical work with students if the ‘classroom’ is to remain an important site for criticality.
Low-cycle fatigue test and life assessment of carbon structural steel GB Q235B butt joints and cruciform joints
Authors: Fang Zhao , Li Aiqun , Shen Sheng , Li Wanrun
Published: September 2018

Axial low-cycle fatigue tests are conducted on transverse butt joint specimens and cruciform joint specimens made of carbon structural steel GB Q235B. The effect of slip between the specimens and the grips of the test machine is considered by the proposal of a linear slip model. The cyclic softening properties are studied by observing the variation of stress amplitude with cycles. The cyclic stress–strain curve and the strain–life curve for both kinds of specimens are obtained based on the fatigue test data, and the corresponding coefficients are fitted. In order to verify the fatigue test results, finite element models of specimens are established and the corresponding fatigue life assessment is conducted using the local stress–strain approach and the equivalent structural stress approach, respectively. The results show that the effect of slip is unneglectable and the established linear slip model is reasonable. The two kinds of specimens both show a strain softening property, but cruciform joint specimens experience sudden falls of stress amplitude during the test due to the damage of welded lines; cruciform joint specimens show an either one-side failure mode or two-side failure mode while butt joint specimens only show a one-side failure mode; the two-side failure mode tends to lead to shorter fatigue life, so in the design of cruciform joint, such failure mode should be avoided.
‘Belonging’ in Australian early childhood education and care curriculum and quality assurance: Opportunities and risks
Authors: Sumsion Jennifer , Harrison Linda , Letsch Karen , Bradley Benjamin Sylvester , Stapleton Matthew
Published: September 2018

This article considers opportunities and risks arising from the prominence of the belonging motif in Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework and, more implicitly, in the National Quality Standard, against which the quality of the early childhood education and care services is assessed. A vignette constructed from case study data generated in the babies’ room in an early childhood centre in an Aboriginal community in rural Queensland is used to illuminate some of these opportunities and risks.
To follow a rule: The construction of student subjectivities on classroom rules charts
Authors: Drew Christopher
Published: September 2018

Rules charts are commonplace on classroom walls throughout the world. This article examines how such charts work to sustain discursive power relationships among teachers and students by mobilising idealised notions of the student within the classroom. The article reports on a discourse analysis of 50 rules charts and identifies three disciplinary and subjectivising discourses mobilised by charts: the Apollonian ‘good’, Dionysian ‘bad’ and Athenian ‘choice-making’ student. The article argues that awareness of the constitutive effects of discourse can enable practitioners to reflect on how their discursive practices might have material impacts on students’ capacity to move through educational spaces, and in particular can work to marginalise already disenfranchised students who do not fit the normative mould.
Different strokes for different folks: Generational differences, social salience, and social performance
Authors: Cox Kevin C , Stewart Steve A , Lortie Jason , Barreto Tais S
Published: September 2018

Empirical evidence establishes that entrepreneurs pursue and achieve different goals and objectives with their ventures ranging from purely economic to purely social (e.g. non-profits) in nature. The reason that individual entrepreneurs choose to pursue such divergent paths is currently poorly understood, however. We employ a perspective integrating generational theory, goal-setting theory and the theory of planned behaviour to determine why entrepreneurs of different ages pursue social performance in their ventures. Using a sample of 150 entrepreneurs belonging to Baby Boomer, Generation X and Millennial generations, we examined the relationship between age, social salience and the social performance of their firms. Findings suggest a mediated relationship between age, social salience and social performance.
Visualizing and Quantifying the Effect of the Inhibition of HSP70 on Breast Cancer Cells Based on Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Yu Biying , Yang Hongqin , Zhang Xiaoman , Li Hui
Published: September 2018

Heat shock protein 70 has been recognized as a target for anticancer therapy. The overexpression of heat shock protein 70 is observed frequently in several types of tumors, including breast cancer. It is involved with increased cell proliferation, poor prognosis, and drug resistance in breast cancer. VER-155008 is an effective inhibitor of heat shock protein 70 that targets the adenosine triphosphatase–binding domain of heat shock protein 70. In this study, the effects of VER-155008, heat shock (43°C, 1 hour), and the combination treatment of VER-155008 and heat shock on the mitochondria of the MCF-7 breast cancer cells were investigated through a laser scanning microscope combined with mitochondrial membrane potential fluorescence probe. We observed broken mitochondria networks, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell size. The mitochondrial contents were reduced with the VER-155008 treatment and the combination treatment of VER-155008 and heat shock. The effects of the inhibition presented treatment time dependence. Moreover, the effect of the inhibition of the sole VER-155008 was alleviated when it was combined with heat shock although there was no obvious change with the sole heat shock treatment. The results indicated that VER-155008, the inhibitor of heat shock protein 70, induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells whatever it was in the sole or the combined manner, and its promoting apoptosis effect could be alleviated by heat shock. Our findings demonstrated that HSP70 can be a good target for developing breast cancer therapy.
Early recognition of inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Murphy Daniel
Published: September 2018

The term inflammatory polyarthritis describes a family of diseases, which includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis, where abnormal immune system function causes inflammation within joint tissues. We know that early diagnosis of inflammatory polyarthritis improves long-term outcomes significantly; if left untreated inflammation can cause irreversible joint damage and lead to persistent pain and disability. A recent national audit in the UK has shown significant delays in diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis in primary care, with only 16% of patients referred within the target time of 3 working days. It is important that GPs are aware of the key symptoms and signs of inflammatory arthritis, can confidently differentiate inflammatory and mechanical causes of joint pain, and are aware of when urgent referral to rheumatology is appropriate.
Stroke prevalence among the Turkish population in a rural area of Istanbul: A community-based study
Authors: Türk Börü Ülkü , Kulualp Ahmet Şükrü , Tarhan Ömer Faruk , Bölük Cem , Duman Arda , Zeytin Demiral Gökçe , Güçlü Altun İlknur , Taşdemir Mustafa
Published: September 2018

Background:

The population-based information on the prevalence of stroke from rural areas of Middle East countries including Turkey is unknown. Our aim is to evaluate the prevalence of stroke in those ⩾18 years in the Turkish population in a rural area of Istanbul.

Methods:

A cross-sectional door-to-door study was conducted in a rural area of Istanbul between 1 March and 30 March 2013. A research protocol recommended by World Health Organization for developing countries was used. Each screening teams consisted of one neurologist, one local nurse, and five surveyors. Teams were trained about the survey and questionnaire. The patients, who claimed to have suffered a stroke, were examined, and the diagnosis was confirmed by a neurologist on site. The findings and medical records were documented.

Results:

In total, 2906 people ⩾18 years were screened. 50 stroke cases were detected. 80% of those were found to have had an ischemic stroke, 14% of those were hemorrhagic cases, and 6% of those had an unclassified stroke type. The overall prevalence rate in those ⩾ 18 years was 1.7%. The male/female ratio was 0.92. Young (<45) stroke prevalence was found to be 0.6%.

Conclusion:

This study was the first of its kind to show the stroke prevalence among Turkish population ⩾ 18 years in a rural area of Istanbul. When compared to other studies which investigate people ⩾45 years from Turkey, the result (in the same age group) was moderate high. The male/female ratio was low compared to many other studies.
Use of intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of autoimmune encephalitis: audit of the NHS experience
Authors: Kinsella JA , Irani SR , Hollingsworth R , O’Shaughnessy D , Kane P , Foster M , Schott JM , Lunn MP
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The treatments of limbic and other autoimmune encephalitis include immunosuppression, symptomatic treatment, and in the case of paraneoplastic syndromes, appropriate therapy for underlying neoplasms. When immunotherapy is considered, intravenous immunoglobulin is one option for treatment, either alone or in combination with corticosteroids. To date, however, evidence for the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in this context comes from case series/expert reviews as no controlled trials have been performed. We aimed to analyse the NHS England Database of intravenous immunoglobulin usage, which was designed to log use and guide procurement, to explore usage and therapeutic effect of intravenous immunoglobulin in autoimmune encephalitis in England.

Design

We conducted a retrospective audit and review of the NHS England Database on intravenous immunoglobulin use.

Setting

NHS England Database of intravenous immunoglobulin use which covers secondary and tertiary care prescribing and use of intravenous immunoglobulin for all patients in hospitals in England.

Participants

Hospital in-patients with confirmed or suspected autoimmune/limbic encephalitis between September 2010 and January 2017.

Results

A total of 625 patients who were 18 years of age or older were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin for autoimmune encephalitis, of whom 398 were determined as having 'highly likely' or 'definite' autoimmune/limbic encephalitis. Ninety-six percent were treated with a single course of intravenous immunoglobulin. The availability and accuracy of reporting of outcomes was very poor, with complete data only available in 27% of all cases.

Conclusions

This is the first review of data from this unique national database. Whilst there was evidence for clinical improvement in many cases of patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, the quality of outcome data was generally inadequate. Methods to improve quality, accuracy and completeness of reporting are crucial to maximise the potential value of this resource as an auditing tool.
Tracking feels oppressive and ‘punishy’: Exploring the costs and benefits of self-monitoring for health and wellness
Authors: Orji Rita , Lomotey Richard , Oyibo Kiemute , Orji Fidelia , Blustein Jamie , Shahid Suleman
Published: September 2018

Self-monitoring is the cornerstone of many health and wellness persuasive interventions. However, applications designed to promote health and wellness that use this strategy have recorded varying degrees of success. In this study, we investigated why the self-monitoring strategy might work in some contexts and fail in others. We conducted a series of large-scale studies, with a total of 1768 participants, to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the self-monitoring strategy. Our results uncover important strengths and weaknesses that could facilitate or hinder the effectiveness of self-monitoring to promote the health and wellness of its users. The strengths include its tendency to reveal problem behaviours, provide real and concrete information, foster reflection, make people accept responsibility, create awareness and raise users’ consciousness about their health and wellness. Some of the weaknesses include its tendency to provoke health disorder, be tedious and boring. We contribute to the digital health community by offering design guidelines for operationalising self-monitoring to overcome its weaknesses and amplify its strengths.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Long noncoding RNA MIR31HG inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and metastasis by sponging microRNA-575 to modulate ST7L expression
Authors: Yan Shaoying , Tang Zhenrong , Chen Ke , Liu Yuyang , Yu Gangfeng , Chen Qiuxu , Dang Hao , Chen Fengjiao , Ling Jiaji , Zhu Liying , Huang Ailong , Tang Hua
Published: September 2018

Background

Emerging evidences have indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in the development and progression of cancers. Dysregulation of lncRNA MIR31HG has recently been reported in several types of cancers, and researches on the function of MIR31HG in cancers suggested that MIR31HG could act as either oncogene or tumor suppressor. But the functional involvement of MIR31HG has not been studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

In this study, MTS assays, colony formation assay, Wound-healing assay, Transwell assy, and tumor xenografts experiments were used to identify biological effects of MIR31HG on HCC cells HCC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to show the interactions of MIR31HG and miR-575. The bioinformatics methods were completed to find the target genes of miR-575. And Dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis were further used to confirm the target gene of miR-575.

Results

We found that overexpression of MIR31HG obviously suppressed HCC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, whereas knockdown of MIR31HG had the opposite effects. Besides, overexpression of MIR31HG significantly decreased the expression of microRNA-575 (miR-575), which plays an oncogenic role in HCC. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay revealed that MIR31HG exerted tumor-suppressive functions by binding directly to miR-575, and there was a reciprocal inhibition between MIR31HG and miR-575 in the same RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Furthermore, overexpression of MIR31HG enhanced the expression of suppression of tumorigenicity 7 like (ST7L), which was identified as a downstream target gene of miR-575. Thus, MIR31HG positively regulated ST7L expression through sponging miR-575, and acted as tumor suppressor in HCC.

Conclusions

Overall, our study illuminates the role of MIR31HG as a miRNA sponge in HCC, and sheds new light on lncRNA-directed diagnostics and therapeutics in HCC.
Effectiveness of educational intervention based on psychological factors on achieving health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Salahshouri Arash , Zamani Alavijeh Fereshteh , Mahaki Behzad , Mostafavi Firoozeh
Published: September 2018

Background

Managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) is assumed to be heavily dependent on patients’ active participation in their own self-care behaviors including prescribed diets.

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of educational intervention based on psychological factors on nutritional behaviors as well as levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with T2D referring to diabetes clinics and healthcare centers in the city of Izeh, Iran.

Methods

A total number of 145 patients were recruited in this clinical trial and then randomly assigned to two groups of intervention (n = 73 individuals) and control (n = 72 individuals). After that, a researcher-made multi-part questionnaire including a demographic characteristics information form, a nutritional perceptions and beliefs questionnaire; a scale measuring fears, concerns, and discomforts associated with diabetic diet, as well as the valid and reliable Perceived Dietary Adherence Questionnaire were used to collect the required data before and 3 months after the completion of the educational intervention. To this end, the patients in the intervention group attended an educational program for eight sessions but the individuals in the control group only received routine services. Data analysis was also conducted using the SPSS Statistics (Version 18) and via descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The findings revealed that the mean scores of the sub-groups of nutritional perceptions and beliefs (but not exaggerated ones) in the patients assigned to the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group after 3 months (p = 0.001). As well, the mean scores of the sub-groups of fears, concerns, and discomforts in patients as well as exaggerated beliefs witnessed a significant decrease in the intervention group compared to those in the control group (p = 0.001) 3 months after the educational intervention. Furthermore, the mean scores of adherence to a healthy diet in the intervention group had significantly increased compared to those in the control group. There was correspondingly a significant descending trend in the average levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the intervention group compared to those obtained in the control group (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study shed light on the importance of the effectiveness of psychological factors on achieving health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moreover, a new combination of diet-related psychological factors in patients with diabetes was introduced in the present study.

Trial registration IRCT. IRCT20180308039008N1. Registered 15 April 2018, http://www.irct.ir
A formal specification framework for smart grid components
Authors: Akram Waseem , Niazi Muaz A.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Smart grid can be considered as the next step in the evolution of power systems. It comprises of different entities and objects ranging from smart appliances, smart meters, generators, smart storages, and more. One key problem in modeling smart grid is that while currently there has previously been a considerable focus on the proof of concept aspect of smart grid, there have been very few modeling attempts and even lesser attempts at formalization. To the best of our knowledge, formal specification has not been applied previously in the domain of smart grid.

Methods

Using a state-based formal specification language namely Z (pronounced as ‘Zed’), we present a novel approach to formally modeling and specify smart grid components.

Results

The modeling exercise clearly demonstrates that Z is particularly suited for modeling various smart grid components.

Conclusions

The presented formal specification can be considered as a first step towards the modeling of smart grid using a Software Engineering formalism. It also demonstrates how formal specification can be used to model complex systems in general, and the smart grid, in particular.
Effectiveness of skull X-RAY to determine cochlear implant insertion depth
Authors: Fernandes Vinay , Wang Yiqiao , Yeung Robert , Symons Sean , Lin Vincent
Published: September 2018

Background

Cochlear implant (CI) insertion depth can affect residual hearing preservation, tonotopic range coverage, and Mapping. Therefore, determining insertion depth has the potential to maximize CI performance. A post-op skull X-RAY is commonly used to assess insertion depth, however its effectiveness has not been well established. Our primary objective was to assess the accuracy of post-op skull X-RAYs to determine insertion depth, compared to CT as the gold standard. Secondary objectives were to compare experience level of raters and different skull X-RAY views.

Methods

Thirteen patients with Advanced Bionic HiRes 90 K implants, and post-operative temporal bone CT scans were selected from the CI database at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Medical students, otology fellows, and CI surgeons evaluated insertion depths on post-op skull X-RAYs, while neuroradiologists evaluated CT scans. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and paired t-tests were used to compare the two types of imaging.

Results

X-RAYs and CTs provided an equivalent mean insertion depth of 337 degrees ( p = 0.93), a mean difference of − 0.9 degrees and a standard deviation of paired differences of 43 degrees. Although means were similar across rater groups, CI surgeons (45 degrees) had the lowest standard deviation of paired differences. Comparing X-RAY views, Caldwell (29 degrees) had less variation than Towne (59 degrees) for standard deviation of paired differences.

Conclusions

Skull X-RAYs provide accurate and reliable measurements for CI insertion depth. The Caldwell view alone may be sufficient for evaluations of insertion depth, and experience has a minor impact on the variability of estimates.
Q-factor inversion using reconstructed source spectral consistency
Authors: Shustak Matan , Lellouch Ariel
Published: September 2018

Seismic waves propagating in an anelastic medium undergo phase and amplitude distortions. Although these effects may be compensated for during imaging processes, a background [Formula: see text]-model is generally required for their successful application. We have developed a new approach to the [Formula: see text]-estimation problem, which is fundamentally related to the basic physical principle of time reversal. It is based on back-propagating recorded traces to their known source location using the reverse tomographic equation. This equation is a ray approximation of viscoelastic wave propagation. It is applied assuming a known and correct velocity model. We subsequently measure consistency between spectral shapes of traces that were back-propagated using the tomographic equation. We formulate an inverse problem using this consistency as an objective function. In conventional inversion, on the contrary, the discrepancy between modeled and recorded data, or some data characteristics, is minimized. The inverse problem is solved by ant-colony optimization, a global optimization approach, to avoid local minima present in the objective function. This method does not require knowledge of the source function and uses the full spectrum rather than its parametric reduction. Through synthetic and field cross-hole examples, we illustrate its accuracy and sensitivity in inverting for complex attenuation models. In the synthetic case, we also compare reconstructed source consistency with the conventional centroid frequency shift objective function. The latter displays poor resolution when recovering complex [Formula: see text] structures. We determine that the reconstructed source-consistency approach should be used as a part of an iterative workflow, possibly yielding initial models for a joint velocity and [Formula: see text] inversion.
A parameter-modified method for implementing surface topography in elastic-wave finite-difference modeling
Authors: Cao Jian , Chen Jing-Bo
Published: September 2018

Accurate seismic modeling with a realistic topography plays an essential role in onshore seismic migration and inversion. The finite-difference (FD) method is one of the most popular numerical tools for seismic modeling. But implementing the free surface on topography using the FD method is nontrivial. We have developed a stable and efficient parameter-modified (PM) method for modeling elastic-wave propagation in the presence of complex topography. This method is based on a standard staggered-grid scheme, and the stress-free condition is implemented on the rugged surface by modifying the redefined medium parameters at the discrete topography boundary points. This numerical treatment for topography needs to be performed only once before the wave simulation. In this way, we avoid the tedious handling of wavefield variables in every time step, and this boundary treatment can be integrated easily into existing staggered-grid FD modeling codes. A series of numerical tests in two dimensions and three dimensions indicate that with a spatial sampling of 15 grid points per minimum wavelength, our method is good enough to eliminate staircase diffractions and produces more accurate results than those obtained by some other staggered-grid-based numerical approaches. Numerical experiments on some more complex models also demonstrate the feasibility of our method in handling topography with strong variation and Poisson’s ratio discontinuity. In addition, this PM method can be used in a discontinuous-grid scheme in which only the regions near the irregular topography need to be oversampled, which is very important for improving its efficiency in real applications.
Theory of the detection function for migration-based methods for the detection of microseismic events
Authors: Trojanowski Jacek
Published: September 2018

A detection function is used during the migration-based detection of microseismic events. A potential event is detected when a detection function exceeds some specified threshold value. However, the value of this threshold is usually selected manually; therefore, the detection process is subjective and lacks constraints on the probability of exceeding the threshold. In practice, any change in the detection algorithm results in a change in the distribution of the detection-function values. Consequently, the threshold value must be adjusted to have the same probability of exceedance as before. I have developed a general probabilistic theory of the detection function that is valid for any migration-based detection method. For the sake of transparency and the interchangeability of the results, I recommend the definition of a threshold in terms of the exceedance probability. To do so, it is necessary to define a probability distribution of the detection function. I have also developed a general method for assessing the detectability of a given stacking method for the purpose of comparing different migration-based methods. A simple synthetic example indicates how to use the developed theory in practice.
Caledonian detachment deformation and deposition in the Fuling gas field of the southeastern Sichuan Basin in China: Implications for the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale gas exploration and production
Authors: Gao Dengliang , Duan Taizhong , Wang Zhiguo , Shang Xiaofei
Published: September 2018

The Fuling gas field in the southeastern Sichuan Basin is the first and the largest shale gas play in China that has been producing primarily from the organic-rich shale in the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation and the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation. Newly processed 3D seismic data along with well-completion data in the gas field reveal important structural, depositional, and reservoir details in the Lower Paleozoic sedimentary section. Lateral (along-stratal) variations in time structure and bed curvature demonstrate the diversity in faults that can be classified based on their orientation (regional and cross-regional), scale (small, intermediate, and large), and mode (contractional, extensional, and wrench). Vertical (cross-stratal) variations in time structure and bed curvature demonstrate that the deformational intensity increases from the Lower Cambrian to the Upper Ordovician, then decreases from the Upper Ordovician to the Silurian. Seismic isochron and facies analyses indicate that the structural deformation influenced the syntectonic deposition of turbidite sand in a channel complex above the reservoir. The pore pressure, porosity, and gas productivity of the reservoir are the highest in the central portion of the field, where small-scale faults dominate, but drop significantly at the edges of the field, where large-scale lineaments dominate. The relationships suggest that faults and fractures could either reduce or enhance pore pressure, porosity, and gas productivity, depending on their scale. Large-scale faults have the most negative impact on gas enrichment and pressure build-up, leading to reduced pressure, porosity, and productivity; whereas, small-scale ones have the least negative or even positive impact on gas enrichment and pressure build-up, leading to increased pressure, porosity, and productivity. These observations and interpretations offer new insight into the dynamic interplay among tectonic deformation, syn-tectonic sedimentation, and reservoir integrity during the Caledonian (Late Ordovician to Silurian) in the southeastern Sichuan Basin (China).