bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Alternative Scenarios for the Cause of Underpressures in the Ordovician Sediments along the Eastern Flank of the Michigan Basin
Authors: Normani Stefano D. , Sykes Jonathan F. , Jensen Mark R. , Sykes Eric A.
Published: December 2017

Geoscientific investigations for a proposed deep geologic repository at the Bruce Site, located on the eastern flank of the Michigan Basin, have identified unique and significant underpressured conditions. Along with the measurement of environmental tracer profiles (e.g., helium), this study aims to explore, through a series of numerical simulations, the nature of long-term phenomena responsible for the generation and preservation of formation underpressures. Three families of inverse numerical experiments for underpressure formation were examined by means of one-dimensional hydromechanically coupled models through the vertical hydrostratigraphic column: (i) uncertainty in glaciation scenarios; (ii) uncertainty in initial heads prior to glaciation; and (iii) uncertainty in the degree of hydraulic connectivity between the more permeable Guelph Formation at the Bruce Site and the applied glacial loading, for a total of 20 scenarios, assuming fully saturated conditions. Underpressured initial heads for the paleohydrogeologic simulations lead to lower calibrated vertical hydraulic conductivities. The robustness and resilience of the groundwater system to external perturbations are greater for the state where underpressured conditions predate the onset of glaciation and are better able to preserve the present day helium tracer profile in 260 Ma exhumation analyses.
Safety of Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin Combination Therapy in a Patient Who Developed Anemia due to Ribavirin
Authors: Suii Hirokazu , Ozeki Itaru , Tatsumi Ryoji , Yamaguchi Masakatsu , Kimura Mutsuumi , Arakawa Tomohiro , Nakajima Tomoaki , Kuwata Yasuaki , Ohmura Takumi , Hige Shuhei , Karino Yoshiyasu , Toyota Joji
Published: December 2017

Interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy was previously the standard of care for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 infection. But, it often induced hemolytic anemia. In 2014, sofosbuvir (SOF) was approved for the treatment of chronic HCV genotype 2 in Japan. SOF/RBV therapy is more effective against genotype 2 than IFN/RBV therapy. We report a case of a 74-year-old woman with chronic HCV genotype 2b infection. She received five treatments including RBV and IFN therapy before SOF was approved and all of them were ineffective. Therapies that included RBV induced severe anemia and led to discontinuation of treatment. With pegylated IFN/RBV therapy, the maximum change in hemoglobin (Hb) from baseline was −3.7 g/dL. However, SOF/RBV therapy was effective and she achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) with a maximum change in Hb from baseline of only −1.2 g/dL. We also found reticulocyte count was very low during treatment in this case and speculate it was one of the reasons that she developed hemolytic anemia with RBV. In conclusion, SOF/RBV therapy is effective and allowed the patient to achieve SVR. An SOF/RBV regimen is safe and effective for patients who have or are at risk of anemia induced by RBV.
Seasonal Regional Differentiation of Human Thermal Comfort Conditions in Algeria
Authors: Sahabi Abed Salah , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: December 2017

The thermal conditions of the bioclimate of Algeria are investigated applying especially the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) seasonal variability of five main Algerian cities representing different climate and geographical conditions: coastal region, highland region, and Sahara zone. The physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) calculated for this study at 12.00 UTC (13.00 local time) is used to emphasize the impacts of climate on human heat stress in different seasonal and regional regimes. This study is important since it is performed for the first time in Algeria using a deterministic approach through the calculation of PET based on the body-atmosphere energy balance using the Munich Energy-Balance Model for Individuals (MEMI). Applying PET is a new feature in assessing the bioclimate of Algeria and serves the touristic and the health sector in particular. For touristic purposes, it is part of the new internationally introduced climate touristic/transfer information scheme (CTIS) enabling the Algerian results to be paled in comparison to other countries. Considering climate change, the study shows as a new feature a significant increase in the number of days with strong and extreme heat stress within the last three decades and discusses the risks and advantages for future tourism in Algeria.
The Comparison of the Surgical Outcome for the Full-Thickness Macular Hole with/without Lamellar Hole-Associated Epiretinal Proliferation
Authors: Ubukata Yuri , Imai Hisanori , Otsuka Keiko , Nishizaki Masaya , Hara Rumiko , Uenishi Mamoru , Azumi Atsushi , Nakamura Makoto
Published: December 2017

Aims. To compare the surgical outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) with and without lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP). Methods. This retrospective study included 158 eyes of 158 patients with FTMH treated with PPV. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, preoperative best corrected visual acuity (pre-BCVA), BCVA 6 months after the surgery (6M-BCVA), the axial length of eye, the minimum diameter of FTMH, the diameter of basal side of FTMH, postoperative continuity of subfoveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM), and the preoperative presence of LHEP. Results. Twenty-eight eyes had FTMH with LHEP and 130 without LHEP. The mean ± SD age (years) was 72.6 ± 7.9 and 68.6 ± 8.7, respectively (p=0.02). 6M-BCVA was 0.38 ± 0.30 and 0.26 ± 0.25, respectively (p=0.03). The diameter of basal side of FTMH (μm) was 901.5 ± 404.9 and 658.9 ± 288.1, respectively (p=0.00027). EZ was disrupted in 24 eyes and 63 eyes, respectively (p=0.00071). ELM was disrupted in 15 eyes and 23 eyes, respectively (p=0.00015). The FTMH diameters and the presence of LHEP were inversely correlated with the continuity of EZ and ELM. Conclusion. The preoperative appearance of LHEP could be one of the prognostic factor for the treatment of FTMH.
Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitors on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia: A Meta‐Analysis of 35 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Karatasakis Aris , Danek Barbara A , Karacsonyi Judit , Rangan Bavana V , Roesle Michele K , Knickelbine Thomas , Miedema Michael D , Khalili Houman , Ahmad Zahid , Abdullah Shuaib , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: December 2017

Background

We sought to examine the efficacy and safety of 2 PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors: alirocumab and evolocumab.

Methods and Results

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing treatment with and without PCSK9 inhibitors; 35 randomized controlled trials comprising 45 539 patients (mean follow‐up: 85.5 weeks) were included. Mean age was 61.0±2.8 years, and mean baseline low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was 106±22 mg/dL. Compared with no PCSK9 inhibitor therapy, treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor was associated with a lower rate of myocardial infarction (2.3% versus 3.6%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.81];
P
<0.001), stroke (1.0% versus 1.4%; OR: 0.80 [95% CI, 0.67–0.96];
P
=0.02), and coronary revascularization (4.2% versus 5.8%; OR: 0.78 [95% CI, 0.71–0.86];
P
<0.001). Overall, no significant change was observed in all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.71 [95% CI, 0.47–1.09];
P
=0.12) or cardiovascular mortality (OR: 1.01 [95% CI, 0.85–1.19];
P
=0.95). A significant association was observed between higher baseline low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and benefit in all‐cause mortality (
P
=0.038). No significant change was observed in neurocognitive adverse events (OR: 1.12 [95% CI, 0.88–1.42];
P
=0.37), myalgia (OR: 0.95 [95% CI, 0.75–1.20];
P
=0.65), new onset or worsening of preexisting diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.05 [95% CI, 0.95–1.17];
P
=0.32), and increase in levels of creatine kinase (OR: 0.84 [95% CI, 0.70–1.01];
P
=0.06) or alanine or aspartate aminotransferase (OR: 0.96 [95% CI, 0.82–1.12];
P
=0.61).

Conclusions

Treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor is well tolerated and improves cardiovascular outcomes. Although no overall benefit was noted in all‐cause or cardiovascular mortality, such benefit may be achievable in patients with higher baseline low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Residual Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events in Relation to Reductions in Very‐Low‐Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Lawler Patrick R. , Akinkuolie Akintunde O. , Harada Paulo , Glynn Robert J. , Chasman Daniel I. , Ridker Paul M , Mora Samia
Published: December 2017

Background

It is uncertain whether pharmacological reductions in very‐low‐density lipoproteins (VLDLs), and their component triglyceride and cholesterol could reduce residual risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events among individuals in whom low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) has been adequately lowered. We examined whether individuals with greater on‐statin reductions in VLDL‐related measures—beyond reductions in LDL‐C—were at further reduced risk of ASCVD.

Methods and Results

In 9423 participants in the JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention) trial (NCT00239681), at baseline and on statin we measured standard lipids, 400‐MHz proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy‐measured VLDL particle subclasses (small, medium, and large VLDL lipoprotein particle concentration), and total VLDL cholesterol mass. Compared with individuals allocated to placebo, we examined risk of incident ASCVD (N=211) among statin‐allocated participants who achieved minimal (<median) or greater (≥median) marker reductions using adjusted Cox models. On‐statin changes in VLDL‐related markers were only modestly correlated (Spearman
r
≤0.29) with change in LDL‐C. On‐statin median LDL‐C was 54 mg/dL and triglyceride was 101 mg/dL. Dose‐response reductions in ASCVD risk were observed for greater reductions in LDL‐C, VLDL cholesterol mass, and small VLDL lipoprotein particle concentration; the latter 2 remained significant after incremental adjustment for change in LDL‐C (
P
≤0.006). Conversely, there was no further risk reduction with greater reductions in triglycerides or large/medium VLDL lipoprotein particle concentration.

Conclusions

Pharmacological reduction in small, cholesterol‐enriched, triglyceride‐depleted VLDL was associated with reduction in ASCVD risk. Chemically measured triglycerides may not sufficiently capture risk related to VLDL pathways. These findings also support broader profiling of lipid and lipoprotein changes in response to statins as prognostic markers of individual benefit, supporting more precision‐medicine, individualized approaches to cardiovascular risk reduction.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00239681.
Prognostic Utility of Morning Blood Pressure Surge for 20‐Year All‐Cause and Cardiovascular Mortalities: Results of a Community‐Based Study
Authors: Cheng Hao‐Min , Wu Chung‐Li , Sung Shih‐Hsien , Lee Jia‐Chun , Kario Kazuomi , Chiang Chern‐En , Huang Chi‐Jung , Hsu Pai‐Feng , Chuang Shao‐Yuan , Lakatta Edward G. , Yin Frank C. P. , Chou Pesus , Chen Chen‐Huan
Published: December 2017

Background

Morning blood pressure (
BP
) surge (
MS
), defined by the
MS
amplitude, is an independent prognostic factor of cardiovascular outcomes in some, but not all, populations.

Method and Results

We enrolled 2020 participants (1029 men; aged 30–79 years) with 24‐hour ambulatory
BP
data. During a median 19.7‐year follow‐up, 607 deaths (182 by cardiovascular causes) were confirmed from the National Death Registry. The amplitude of sleep‐trough
MS
(
STMS
) was derived from the difference between morning systolic BP (
SBP
) and lowest nighttime
SBP
. The rate of
STMS
was derived as the slope of linear regression of sequential
SBP
measures on time intervals within the
STMS
period. Thresholds for high
STMS
amplitude and rate were determined by the 95th percentiles (43.7 mm Hg and 11.3 mm Hg/h, respectively). Multivariable Cox models, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, 24‐hour
SBP
, night:day
SBP
ratio, and antihypertensive treatment, revealed that a high
STMS
rate (hazard ratio, 1.666; 95% confidence interval, 1.185–2.341), but not
STMS
amplitude (hazard ratio, 1.245; 95% confidence interval, 0.984–1.843), was significantly associated with a greater mortality risk. Similarly,
STMS
rate (hazard ratio, 2.608; 95% confidence interval, 1.554–4.375), but not
STMS
amplitude, was significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 0.966; 95% confidence interval, 0.535–1.747). Moreover, the prognostic values of
STMS
rate were comparable in subjects with or without morning and nocturnal hypertension (
P
>0.05 for interaction for all). In simulation studies,
STMS
rate was less susceptible to measurement errors of the sleep‐trough
SBP
than
STMS
amplitude.

Conclusions

STMS
rate could independently help identify subjects with an increased cardiovascular risk.
Religious Ethics: An Antidote for Religious Nationalism
Authors: Poruthiyil Prabhir Vishnu
Published: December 2017

Social movements driven by a combination of religious nationalism and economic fundamentalism are globally grabbing the levers of political, economic, and intellectual control. The consequence is a policy climate premised on polarization in which inequality and destruction of the natural environment are condoned. This creates demands on key academic institutions like business schools, with stakeholders who are complicit in the sustenance of these social movements. Scholars in these schools have an opportunity to respond through curricula that facilitate reflection on the ideological preferences of such groups under their influence. However, stakeholders influenced by religious nationalism tend to reject the premises of liberal secular vocabulary as elitist or alien and hence suspicious. This article considers a teaching strategy to instill values of equality and respect for nature among the stakeholders by grounding curriculums in the tenets of the same religion valorized by the social movements. The consequences of such a strategy is discussed through its application to the business curriculums taught in India, where a regressive social movement with totalitarian pretensions— Hindutva—combined with neoliberalism has secured unparalleled power. Elements of this strategy could inform educators in other democratic societies facing similar challenges.
The mental health of married immigrant women in South Korea and its risk and protective factors: A literature review
Authors: Lee Yeeun , Park Subin
Published: December 2017

Background and aims:

Married immigrant women in South Korea undergo a wide array of psychosocial challenges in the process of adapting to a new culture and marriage with a Korean husband. For an integrative understanding of women’s mental health status and to determine the key risk and protective factors, we systematically reviewed empirical articles about the mental health of married immigrant women.

Methods:

We searched and reviewed articles from nine online databases: PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, DBpia, KISS, KMbase, KoreaMed and RISS, which were published up until January 2017. We identified 38 quantitative studies that examined psychiatric symptoms and pertinent factors for this population.

Results:

The relative risks of psychiatric symptoms among married immigrant women varied across diverse samples. We summarized the associated factors existing prior to and after marriage migration that may moderate their mental health consequences. We identified five key risk factors: acculturative stress, country of origin, family stress, domestic violence and extended family structure, and two protective factors: social support and marriage satisfaction, which were consistently supported by the included studies.

Conclusion:

With the paucity of prospective studies, longitudinal research is needed that addresses the long-term processes of married immigrant women’s psychological adaptation and the underlying risk and protective factors at diverse settlement phases. Furthermore, we suggest that future research should focus on how women’s personal attributes interact with macro-level, socio-cultural contexts, including familial relationship and the community social-support system. Future evidence-based policy and interventions should comprehensively address married immigrant women’s socio-cultural, economic and mental health needs.
Exercise Effects for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Metabolic Health, Autistic Traits, and Quality of Life
Authors: Toscano Chrystiane V. A. , Carvalho Humberto M. , Ferreira José P.
Published: December 2017

This study examined the effects of a 48-week exercise-based intervention on the metabolic profile, autism traits, and perceived quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We randomly allocated 64 children with ASD (aged 6–12 years) to experimental ( n = 46) and control groups ( n = 18) and used multilevel regression modeling to examine responses to receiving or not receiving the intervention. The experimental group showed beneficial effects on metabolic indicators (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol), autism traits, and parent-perceived quality of life. Our results provide support for exercise and physical activity, including basic coordination and strength exercises, as important therapeutic interventions for children with ASD.
Parametric study of condensation at heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct's external surface
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Memon Abdul Ghafoor , Memon Rizwan Ahmed , Ali Intizar , Nord Natasa
Published: December 2017

The compression of insulation causes around a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct usually resulted in dew formation around the outer surfaces because of low temperature, which causes significant energy and financial losses. The parameters such as supply air flow rate, supply air temperature, ambient air speed, and the convective heat transfer coefficient (ho) plays significant role in dew formation. In this paper, the parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of these parameters on the external surface temperature of the duct to avoid condensation. A mathematical model is developed to quantify these effects using preliminary data obtained from the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system of a pharmaceutical company. The results reveal that external surface temperature increases with an increase in insulation thickness and supply air temperature, whereas it decreases with higher supply air flow rate. It is estimated that the minimum insulation thickness at joint and bend should be maintained between 15–55 and 15–35 mm, respectively, with a variation in ho between 6 and 22 W/m2K to avoid condensation. Additionally, it is estimated that air flow rate should be greater than 1.4 m3/s at 10 W/m2 K and 2.2 m3/s at 22 W/m2 K. Similarly, the ambient air speed should be greater than 2.8 m/s at 6 W/m2 K, respectively.

Practical application: Building services engineers have a paucity of information on the effects of the compression of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct thermal insulation. It can cause condensation that will adversely affect the insulation material, thereby increasing the maintenance cost as well increasing the heat loss from the duct so affecting the conditions of supply air. Proper insulation thickness and operating parameters are important for building owners and operators to control ongoing expenses of buildings. This paper seeks to quantify the effect of insulation compression to improve understanding so that this important area may be properly considered by the building services engineer.
The depositional evolution, reservoir characteristics, and controlling factors of microbial carbonates of Dengying Formation in upper Neoprotozoic, Sichuan Basin, Southwest China
Authors: Song Jinmin , Liu Shugen , Qing Hairuo , Jansa Luba , Li Zhiwu , Luo Ping , Yang Di , Sun Wei , Peng Hanlin , Lin Tong
Published: December 2017

The Dengying Formation of Neoprotozoic age deposited in north Sichuan Basin, China, is dominated by dolomitic strata containing microbial carbonates. Thirteen cyanobacteria forms, one oncolite and two stromatolitic structures have been identified. Different microfacies may be related to different microbe forms or assemblages as well as depositional environments. Potential hydrocarbon reservoirs in microbial carbonates are of low porosity and permeability. Microbialites develop in the members Z2 dn1, Z2 dn2, and Z2 dn4. The member Z2 dn1 and Z2 dn2 lying in the lower part, dominated by thrombolitic and spongiostromata dolostone, with three reservoir intervals of overall 190 m thick. Laminite and stromatolitic dolostone are the most important in member Z2 dn4, with three reservoir intervals of 119 m thick. Microbial carbonate reservoirs in members Z2 dn1 and Z2 dn2 were effected by two stages of fresh water dissolution, three stages of burial dissolution, and one stage of hydrocarbon invasion. But one stage of fresh water dissolution, two stages of burial dissolution, and three stages of hydrocarbon invasion modified the reservoirs of member Z2 dn4. The dominant factors for microbial reservoirs were microbial textures and development of Mianyang-Changning intracratonic sag.
Diagenesis and reservoir characteristics analysis of the Late Triassic Xujiahe Formation tight gas sandstone in the northern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Yu Yu , Lin Liangbiao , Zhai Changbo , Wang Yanan , Li Yehan , Guo Yan
Published: December 2017

The Late Triassic Xujiahe Formation is a key target for tight gas in the northern Sichuan Basin. Thin section, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, porosity and permeability analyses have been performed to delineate the diagenesis and reservoir characteristics of Xujiahe sandstone. The results show that the Xujiahe Formation contains feldspathic litharenite, litharenite, sublitharenite and quartzarenite sandstone. Sandstones of the Xujiahe Formation are characterized by low feldspar content and both secondary and micro-fracture porosity. Porosity and permeability analyses of 185 core samples show a broad but low porosity range from 0.79 to 10.43% (average 4.55%) and wide but low permeability range (0.0021–26.001 mD, average 0.449 mD). The higher permeabilities result from micro-fracturing. Strong mechanical compaction plays a more important role in reducing primary porosity of sandstone than cementation during eodiagenesis. Carbonate cement is detrimental to reservoir porosity. Early carbonate cement precipitated from depositional water during eodiagenesis can block primary pores while late carbonate cement formed during mesodiagenesis can fill secondary pores. Quartz cement shows a slight relationship with porosity and permeability. There is a positive relationship between grain-coating chlorite and porosity and permeability. The effect of diagenesis on the reservoir quality of Xujiahe tight gas sandstone is greater that depositional environment during deep burial.
Deconstruction of a taboo: press coverage of sexual violence against children in pedagogical institutions in Germany 1950–2013
Authors: Görgen Arno , Fangerau Heiner
Published: December 2017

In 2010, Germany was shattered by a cluster of scandals concerning child sexual abuse in residential educational institutions. Previous attempts to broach the issue of child sexual abuse in institutions have repeatedly failed. This article investigates the historical preconditions that led to the immense awareness of child sexual abuse as raised by the media during this particular time. In order to create a holistic picture of the preconditions and awareness potential of the scandal, a database based on searching using a semantic field approach was created. The results were analyzed with respect to published discourses on child sexual abuse generally and in institutions in particular. Quantitatively, until the beginning of the 1990s, search results show a low but stable level of publication activity. This level increased strongly in the 1990s and, after a slight decrease in the new millennium, reached its peak in 2010. Qualitatively, the way violence against children in institutional settings was framed in the media coverage changed from emphasizing the motives of the perpetrator only (until the 1990s) to including more and more institutional and structural conditions that contribute to child sexual abuse.
Sialendoscopic Pneumatic Lithotripsy for Salivary Calculi: A New Technique and a Long‐term Clinical Experience
Authors: Serbetci Erhun , Celikoyar M. Mazhar , Altundag Aytug
Published: December 2017

We report our results comprising a series of 34 cases of sialolithiasis that were approached sialendoscopically with conventional instruments (ie, basket and/or forceps) and for which stone removal was unsuccessful and so were thereafter treated with pneumatic lithotripsy. Intraductal pneumatic lithotripsy was able to fragment 30 of 34 (88%) salivary calculi in total. No major complications occurred. All 30 treated glands returned to normal function without any symptoms. We believe that the success of sialendoscopy is closely related to the success of salivary stone fragmentability.
Gender, work and care in policy and practice: Working mothers’ experience of intergenerational exchange of care in South Korea
Authors: Sung Sirin
Published: December 2017

This article aims to uncover working mothers’ experiences in relation to intergenerational exchange of care and support in South Korea. It examines the impact of Confucian gender ideology on the operation of intergenerational reciprocity within the Korean family. Increasing numbers of working mothers make intergenerational exchange of care between working mothers and their family members an important issue. Although studies have focused on the importance of the Confucian virtue of filial piety in intergenerational support, little research has explored the influence of Confucian gender ideology on working mothers’ experiences of intergenerational exchange from a gender perspective. This article aims to fill this research gap by exploring the experiences of Korean working mothers in the intergenerational exchange of care. It draws on qualitative semi-structured interviews with 30 married women in paid employment in Seoul, Korea, carried out in 2014. This article argues that traditional gender expectations of married women’s responsibility for parents-in-law persist regarding intergenerational reciprocity, despite recent development of policies for care.
Health-Promoting Behaviors and Their Predictors in Iranian Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bakouei Sareh , Bakouei Fatemeh , Omidvar Shabnam , Bakhtiari Afsaneh
Published: December 2017

Health-promoting behaviors are one of the main determinative components of health in the prevention of many diseases. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine health-promoting behaviors and their relationship to sociodemographic variables on 330 women of reproductive age admitted to the selected primary health-care centers in Qom city (one of the biggest cities in Iran) from March 2016 to July 2016. Data were collected using the health-promoting lifestyle profile II (HPLP-II) questionnaire and the sociodemographic characteristics and also were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, with post hoc (if necessary), and multivariable linear regression. The total HPLP-II mean score of women was 136.64 ± 22.37. The highest score in the HPLP-II subscales of women was found for interpersonal relations subscale (26.43 ± 4.21) and the lowest score for physical activity subscale (14.66 ± 4.62). The educational level and income had significant association with some subscales ( p < .05).
Now I’m 3: Young Children’s Concepts of Age, Aging, and Birthdays
Authors: Woolley Jacqueline D. , Rhoads Amanda M.
Published: December 2017

In two studies, we examined 99 3- to 5-year-old American children’s concepts of age, aging, and birthdays. Previous research has shown that preschool-age children understand that all living beings grow, and that growth is a biological process. Humans, however, are distinct from other living things in that we attach great significance to the aging process. Specifically, in Western cultures, we have an annual ritual to celebrate the day we were born—the birthday party. Thus, although the biological mechanism of aging is continuous and invisible, it is marked by discrete yearly celebrations. We examine the proposal that, in part due to its salience as a cultural ritual, children interpret the birthday party as playing a causal role in the aging process. Results indicate that young children understand certain important biological aspects of the aging process but exhibit confusion regarding others, including the causal role of the annual birthday party.
Audio Facilitates the Perception of Cinematic Continuity by First-Time Viewers
Authors: Ildirar Sermin , Levin Daniel T. , Schwan Stephan , Smith Tim J.
Published: December 2017

Previous studies concluded that first-time film viewers often had difficulty integrating shots into a coherent representation of the depicted events in the absence of a familiar action through the film cuts or a salient eye-gazing of a character in the film. In this study, we investigated whether diegetic sound (i.e., sound that seems to originate from the depicted cinematic space) could effectively bridge shots for first-time viewers. Across a range of films, both dialog, and salient environmental sound (e.g., barking dogs) helped first-time viewers connect shots. However, sound was not always successful in supporting first-time viewers’ interpretations. While experienced viewers were able to understand less-familiar linking sounds and environments, first-time viewers found this difficult. Overall, a range of diegetic sounds helped first-time viewers understand spatiotemporal relations between shots, but these viewers still had difficulty integrating views of unfamiliar environments.
Mechanical engineering, computer science and art in interdisciplinary project-based learning projects
Authors: Cavalcante Koike Carla MC e , Viana Dianne M , Vidal Flavio B
Published: December 2017

This article describes the approach to promote project-based learning and interdisciplinarity within established engineering undergraduate programs at the University of Brasilia. The implementation process and some representative projects developed are presented, as well, as a discussion about the role of interdisciplinarity in transferable skills acquisition and their many benefits for all students from undergraduate courses involved.
Further Evidence that Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep were Twins
Authors: Evans Linda , Woods Alexandra
Published: December 2017

The Saqqara tomb of Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep has been the subject of considerable debate. Unique wall scenes in which the tomb-owners hold hands and embrace have led to much speculation about their relationship: some scholars suggest that the two were simply brothers and show filial affection, others have proposed that they were twins, ranging from identical to conjoined siblings, while a third hypothesis views their relationship as homosexual. Recent re-examination of the tomb's decorative programme has revealed a significant number of paired images in which scenes or elements of a motif ‘mirror’ one another. Many of these motifs are either the first known examples in an elite tomb or images that are exclusive to this tomb. We propose that these unusual doubles allude to the tomb-owners' relationship, adding further support to the proposal that Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep were identical twins.
Two Yoke-Saddle Finials of Stone Found in the Ramesseum
Authors: Lurson Benoît
Published: December 2017

Publication of two fragmentary yoke-saddle finials of stone found in the Ramesseum's Temple of Tuya and in the Ramesseum's palace during the excavation seasons 2011 and 2013. Both pieces were found among the backfill of the Oriental Institute's excavations of the 1930s. Despite this context, these finials are of interest for two reasons: they are the only ones discovered on the western bank of Thebes in a non-funerary context and the typology of one of them may be non-standard.
Crisis? What crisis? A critical appraisal of World Bank housing policy in the wake of the global financial crisis
Authors: Waeyenberge Elisa Van
Published: December 2017

This paper critically assesses international policy advocacy on how to resolve massive shelter needs in the developing world. It does so by focusing on the World Bank as a leader in development. It argues that the Bank’s housing policy remains thoroughly limited by its persistent commitment to neoliberal and financialised policy practices. These put housing finance at the centre of attempts to relieve shelter needs in the developing world despite the dramatic failures of such an approach as laid bare through the global financial crisis. The paper takes a historical approach to examine the trajectory of World Bank housing policy and is based on close scrutiny of a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. It concludes that an urgent need persists for a decoupling of finance from housing in international policy advocacy.
Hydrolysis, setting properties and in vitro characterization of wollastonite/newberyite bone cement mixtures
Authors: Sopcak Tibor , Medvecky Lubomir , Giretova Maria , Stulajterova Radoslava , Durisin Juraj
Published: December 2017

Bone cements based on magnesium phosphates such as newberyite (N; MgHPO4.3H2O) have been shown as potential bone substitutes due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to support osteoblast differentiation and proliferation. Newberyite can hydrolyze to hydrated magnesium phosphate compounds (e.g. bobierite (Mg3(PO4)2.8H2O)) at alkaline conditions. In this study, 25 and 50 wt% of crystalline β -wollastonite (woll; CaSiO3) was admixed to newberyite powder in order to both enhance the acid-base hydrolysis of newberyite and to produce a functional bone cement. The setting process of wollastonite/newberyite cement mixtures started with the hydrolysis of the wollastonite with further transformation of newberyite into bobierite and the formation of magnesium silicate phase. The results demonstrated that 25 wollastonite/newberyite and 50 wollastonite/newberyite cement pastes at optimal powder/liquid ratios had final setting times of ∼34 and 25 min and compressive strength values of 18 and 32 MPa after seven days setting, respectively. The tests of cytotoxicity of cement extracts on osteoblastic cells and contact cytotoxicity of the cement substrates showed different results. The osteoblasts cultured in cement extracts readily proliferated which confirmed the non-cytotoxic concentration of ions released from both cements. On the other hand, a strong cytotoxic character of 25 wollastonite/newberyite sample surface in contrary to high (∼80%) proliferation activity of cells on the 50 wollastonite/newberyite cement substrate was observed. The differences in cell proliferation activity was attributed to different surface topographies of cement substrates, where needle-like precipitated microcrystals of magnesium phosphate phase (in 25 wollastonite/newberyite cement) prevented the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts contrary to the smoother surface covered by extremely fine nanoparticles in the 50 wollastonite/newberyite cement.
A differential planetary gear for regulation drive design and selected tests
Authors: Podsedkowski Leszek , Wroblewski Piotr , Fracczak Lukasz , Kobierska Agnieszka , Marciniak Emil , Wrobel Grzegorz , Marciniak Adrian , Jozwik Krzysztof , Papierski Adam , Sobczak Krzysztof , Obidowski Damian , Kryllowicz Wladyslaw
Published: December 2017

Radial fans with efficiency regulation during their work using variational geometry of the rotor have not been used in industries until now, despite the fact that this is the most economically effective regulation method. One of the causes for this was the lack of a convenient method of transferring drive to moving blades of the fan. This paper presents an innovative method of transferring drive on the blades using a differential planetary gear. The construction is described, and a strength calculation methodology and tests confirming correctness of work are shown as well. The presented solution can become a new standard in the construction of energy fans.
Investigation on the flow characteristics of a VNT turbine under pulsating flow conditions
Authors: Qi Mingxu , Lei Xinguo , Wang Zhen , Ma Chaochen
Published: December 2017

The turbines used in turbochargers naturally experience unsteadiness caused by inlet pulsating flow conditions and stator–rotor interaction. The unsteadiness has an influence on turbine performance. Meanwhile, under certain small-nozzle opening conditions, strong shock waves can be generated. The synergistic effect of turbine inlet pulsation and shock waves has a significant influence on the turbine performance, rotor blade loading as well as the excitation force exerted on the turbine rotor, which is responsible for turbine rotor high cycle fatigue. In order to understand the influence of pulsating flows on turbine performance and the shock wave characteristic at nozzle trailing edge as well as the incidence angle characteristic of the rotor blade, unsteady numerical simulations were performed to investigate the effect of pulsating flow conditions on the performance, flow characteristics in frequency domain and shock wave behavior in a variable nozzle turbine. The results indicate that the turbine inlet pressure pulsation has strong influence on the turbine performances. Meanwhile, the turbine inlet pulsation flow has a strong influence on the intensity of the shock wave and clearance leakage flow in the nozzle, which causes significant flow losses in the turbine. In addition, at the turbine rotor inlet, the unsteadiness caused by the turbine inlet pulsation varies significantly along the circumferential direction and spanwise. Up to two-thirds of the unsteadiness caused by the turbine inlet pulsation dissipates before entering the rotor due to the flow dissipation and mixing process along the nozzle streamwise. The excitation force exerted on the rotor blade leading edge caused by the turbine inlet pulsation is about the same level as that caused by the stator–rotor interaction.
Potential function methods: Efficient probabilistic approaches to model complex data distributions
Authors: Oliveri Paolo
Published: December 2017

Potential function methods are a family of non-parametric probabilistic techniques that estimate a probability density distribution of a class of interest as a sum of contributions from each single sample of the class. The resulting estimated overall probability distribution can be sectioned at different confidence levels, with isoprobability contours representing the boundaries of the class space at each confidence level. Boundaries of the class spaces can be very complex, capable of effectively describing non-normal and non-uniform sample distributions.
Understanding big data in librarianship
Authors: Zhan Ming , Widén Gunilla
Published: December 2017

Big data has been widely discussed. The diverse impacts and potential of big data have been pinpointed and empirically proven. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on the understanding of big data. Big data has been used to refer to different things and its characteristics are not universally accepted either. Therefore, this study aims to generate an overall understanding of big data. The domain of the study is limited to librarianship, because of its unique position in managing and utilising big data. Thus, the aim of this study is to understand big data in librarianship according to how it is defined in that profession. Articles containing definitions of big data were reviewed and 35 definitions were collected. Since the number of analysed definitions is small, a combined method was employed. Both a content analysis and a statistical description of these definitions were conducted. Five aspects are summarised based on the analysis of the collected definitions. These aspects help explicate libraries’ current understanding of big data and librarians’ big data skills.
Peer Network Dynamics and the Amplification of Antisocial to Violent Behavior Among Young Adolescents in Public Middle Schools
Authors: Kornienko Olga , Dishion Thomas J. , Ha Thao
Published: December 2017

This study examined longitudinal changes in peer network selection and influence associated with self-reported antisocial behavior (AB) and violent behavior (VB) over the course of middle school in a sample of ethnically diverse adolescents. Youth and families were randomly assigned to a school-based intervention focused on the prevention of substance use. Using a longitudinal social network modeling approach, we found that students with similar levels of AB were more likely to affiliate during the transition from sixth to seventh grade (peer selection). Higher levels of AB in the seventh grade led to growth in network size by eighth grade. No peer selection effects documented for VB, but youth became more similar to total levels of VB reported by their peers between seventh and eighth grades (peer influence). As expected, AB was positively associated with VB levels. Random assignment to intervention condition affected peer selection at Grade 7 but did not reduce levels of self-reported AB or VB. These findings suggest that managing peer networks using a variety of strategies is likely to reduce peer contagion for AB and VB in a public middle school setting. We discuss emerging intervention strategies for the management and the prevention of emotional and behavioral disorders.
A Recurrence of Bilateral Diffuse Sclerosing Lobular Hyperplasia of Breast: A Case Report
Authors: Elfituri Osama , Sonawane Snehal , Xu Haoliang , Warso Michael A. , Wiley Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

Mammary sclerosing lobular hyperplasia is an uncommon benign fibroproliferative lesion of adolescent and young women, often of African American heritage with an incidence of ~3%. Patients generally complain of a palpable, painless, or slightly tender and well-defined lump in breast. Very rarely, this lesion may be bilateral and diffuse. The definitive diagnosis of sclerosing lobular hyperplasia requires histopathologic evaluation. Here, we describe a case of diffuse sclerosing lobular hyperplasia in a 29-year-old African American woman that required bilateral mastectomy and recurred bilaterally requiring second resections. This appears to be the first report of this phenomenon.
Impact of Accountable Care Organizations on Utilization, Care, and Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kaufman Brystana G. , Spivack B. Steven , Stearns Sally C. , Song Paula H. , O’Brien Emily C.
Published: December 2017

Since 2010, more than 900 accountable care organizations (ACOs) have formed payment contracts with public and private insurers in the United States; however, there has not been a systematic evaluation of the evidence studying impacts of ACOs on care and outcomes across payer types. This review evaluates the quality of evidence regarding the association of public and private ACOs with health service use, processes, and outcomes of care. The 42 articles identified studied ACO contracts with Medicare ( N = 24 articles), Medicaid ( N = 5), commercial ( N = 11), and all payers ( N = 2). The most consistent associations between ACO implementation and outcomes across payer types were reduced inpatient use, reduced emergency department visits, and improved measures of preventive care and chronic disease management. The seven studies evaluating patient experience or clinical outcomes of care showed no evidence that ACOs worsen outcomes of care; however, the impact on patient care and outcomes should continue to be monitored.
Corticosteroids for the management of immune-related adverse events in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Williams Kiersten J , Grauer Dennis W , Henry David W , Rockey Michelle L
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Due to enhanced T-cell activity, immune checkpoint inhibitors cause immune-related adverse effects. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of immune-related adverse effect management but the optimal strategy has not been determined, putting patients at risk for steroid-related adverse effects and potentially decreased efficacy of immunotherapy. This study aims to characterize the use of corticosteroids for the management of immune-related adverse effect.

Methods and materials

A retrospective, single-center evaluation of patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors was conducted. The primary objective was to evaluate corticosteroid use for immune-related adverse effects, including starting dose, taper strategy, total duration, and resumption of immunotherapy. Secondary objective was to describe the incidence and significance of hyperglycemia.

Results

One hundred and three patients met inclusion criteria and experienced 123 immune-related adverse effects. Prednisone was used most commonly (67%) at an average starting dose of 0.88 mg/kg (range 0.07–17.0). On average, steroid tapers began 9.2 days after initiation (range 0–89) and were continued for a total of 84.2 days (range 3–693). In 21.1% of cases, checkpoint inhibitor therapy was not delayed and 68.6% resumed checkpoint inhibitors, while the patient was taking steroids (30.4 mg prednisone on average, range 5–80). On average, checkpoint inhibitor therapy was resumed 18.6 days after detection of immune-related adverse effect (range 0–150). Clinically relevant hyperglycemia occurred in 8.9%.

Conclusion

Utilization of steroids for immune-related adverse effect at our institution is highly variable. The majority of patients received prolonged courses of steroids and resumed checkpoint inhibitor therapy with concomitant steroids above recommended doses. Additional monitoring for hyperglycemia and other steroid associated adverse effects should be considered.
Treatment of vincristine-induced ileus with metoclopramide: A case report
Authors: Masoumi Hamidreza T , Hadjibabaie Molouk , Zarif-Yeganeh Morvarid , Khajeh Behrouz , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is an invasive malignancy which ought to be treated with several cytotoxic medications. Vincristine-based regimen is among the most commonly used regimens for the treatment of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Peripheral neuropathy caused by vincristine provides a limitation in dose administration and can influence the treatment outcome and patient’s quality of life.

Case presentation

Ileus and constipation occurred as a result of autonomic neuropathy in a 58-year-old man who underwent vincristine-based regimen for acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment. Despite the administration of several laxative agents for constipation, the complication did not improve. So metoclopramide as a prokinetic agent was administered intravenously, and patient bowel movement and defecation started after 24 h.

Conclusions

There is no approved protocol for vincristine-induced autonomic neuropathy treatment; thus, prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide can be considered as an option for ileus treatment after ruling out the possibility of bowel obstruction. Prophylactic stool softeners should be administrated in all patients undergoing chemotherapy with vincristine to prevent gastrointestinal motility disorders.