bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurovascular coupling and cerebral autoregulation in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Junejo Rehan T , Braz Igor D , Lucas Samuel JE , van Lieshout Johannes J , Phillips Aaron A , Lip Gregory YH , Fisher James P
Published: August 2019

The risk of cognitive decline and stroke is increased by atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to determine whether neurovascular coupling and cerebral autoregulation are blunted in people with AF in comparison with age-matched, patients with hypertension and healthy controls. Neurovascular coupling was assessed using five cycles of visual stimulation for 30 s followed by 30 s with both eyes-closed. Cerebral autoregulation was examined using a sit–stand test, and a repeated squat-to-stand (0.1 Hz) manoeuvre with transfer function analysis of mean arterial pressure (MAP; input) and middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity (MCA Vm; output) relationships at 0.1 Hz. Visual stimulation increased posterior cerebral artery conductance, but the magnitude of the response was blunted in patients with AF (18 [8] %; mean [SD]) and hypertension (17 [8] %), in comparison with healthy controls (26 [9] %) ( P < 0.05). In contrast, transmission of MAP to MCA Vm was greater in AF patients compared to hypertension and healthy controls, indicating diminished cerebral autoregulation. We have shown for the first time that AF patients have impaired neurovascular coupling responses to visual stimulation and diminished cerebral autoregulation. Such deficits in cerebrovascular regulation may contribute to the increased risk of cerebral dysfunction in people with AF.
A case of simultaneous acute cardio-cerebral infarction in a woman with essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Wang LingQing , Mao Xiang , Zheng JiPing , Gu XingJian , Yang JianGuang
Published: August 2019

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) can cause arterial embolism. Patients with arterial thrombosis usually have additional risk factors, such as smoking and hypertension. We report a 70-year-old woman with ET who had no risk factors, except for age. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed fresh lacunar infarction in several lobes. Electrocardiography showed ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Coronary angioplasty and stenting were successfully performed. We checked the bone marrow and performed genetic testing. The Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F gene mutation was found. This case was a rare initial presentation of previously undiagnosed ET with embolism of cardiovascular and cerebral vessels. Anti-platelet drugs and hydroxyurea were used to prevent further thrombosis in the coronary and cerebral arteries.
Diagnostic value of heat shock protein 90α and squamous cell carcinoma antigen in detection of cervical cancer
Authors: Han Songtao , Cheng Zhenzhen , Zhao Xiaoqun , Huang Yanchun
Published: August 2019

Objective

To ascertain plasma levels of heat shock protein 90α (HSP90α) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) and their diagnostic potential in cervical cancer.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, patients’ cervical tissue samples were screened for high risk (HR) human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA and underwent a thinprep-liquid based cytology test (TCT). Plasma samples were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for HSP90 α and SCC-Ag levels.

Results

Of the 295 women who underwent screening, 75 were healthy controls 75 (HR-HPV−ve TCT−ve), 110 were HR-HPV+ve, TCT−ve and 110 were HR-HPV+ve TCT+ve. There were significant differences between levels of HSP90α and SCC-Ag proteins across the patient groups with those positive for cervical cancer having the greatest levels of proteins compared with other groups. For patients with high grade SCC there was a significant correlation between levels of HSP90α and SCC-Ag. The area under the ROC curve for combined HSP90α*SCC-Ag was the largest compared with the single proteins. Using a cut-off value of 16.4 ng/ml to delineate cervical cancer diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity of HSP90α*SCC-Ag were 90.3% and 95.1% respectively.

Conclusion

Plasma HSP90α protein levels correlated well with SCC-Ag levels in patients with cervical cancer and the combination of HSP90α*SCC-Ag may be a useful diagnostic biomarker.
Association between 24-hour diastolic blood pressure and renal function in patients receiving treatment for essential hypertension
Authors: Sveceny J , Charvat J , Hrach K , Horackova M , Schück O
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the association between diastolic blood pressure (BP), measured by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and renal function in patients receiving treatment for essential hypertension.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, ABPM, transthoracic echocardiography, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on the basis of serum cystatin C (eGFRcyst) and the renal resistive index (RRI) were measured in patients with essential hypertension.

Results

The cohort consisted of 105 patients (39 men, 66 women), with a mean ± SD age of 58 ± 12 years who had been receiving treatment for 11 ± 8 years. 24-hour diastolic BP significantly positively correlated with eGFRcyst and negatively correlated with RRI. No correlation was observed with 24-hour systolic BP values. 24-hour diastolic BP values ≤70 mmHg were associated with eGFRcyst ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (i.e., decreased GFR).

Conclusion

24-hour diastolic BP values were significantly associated with markers of kidney function in patients receiving treatment for essential hypertension and values ≤70 mmHg may be associated with subnormal eGFRcyst.
Relationships between smoking duration, smoking intensity, hypothetical tobacco price increases, and smoking habit change intention among current smokers in Shanghai
Authors: Wang Ruiping , Jiang Yonggen , Li Xin , Zhao Qi , Zhu Meiying , Guan Ying , Zhao Genming
Published: August 2019

Objectives

We conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the effect of a hypothetical tobacco retail price increase on smoking habit change intention, and the role of smoking duration and intensity in smoking change intention.

Methods

In 2016 and 2017, we collected questionnaire data from 36,698 residents aged over 18 years in Songjiang district, Shanghai. Chi-square tests and weighted logistic regression were used for data analyses.

Results

The prevalence of current smoking was 19.78% (men: 48.36% and women: 0.22%). A total of 10.83% (men: 10.89% and women: 2.04%) and 9.39% of smokers (men: 9.42% and women: 6.12%) expressed the intention to smoke less or quit, respectively, given tobacco retail price increases. If the current tobacco retail price doubled, 75% of smokers stated that they would smoke less and 60% of smokers would consider quitting. Smokers with longer smoking duration and lower smoking intensity were more sensitive to tobacco price increases and more likely to change their smoking habits.

Conclusions

An increase in tobacco retail prices could induce some smokers to change their smoking behavior, particularly those with longer smoking duration and lower smoking intensity. A tobacco retail price increase is recommended, which should apply to all cigarette brands.
Exploring how therapeutic horse riding improves health outcomes using a realist framework
Authors: Martin Rachelle A , Graham Fiona P , Levack William MM , Taylor William J , Surgenor Lois J
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Evaluating how therapeutic horse riding improves health for children experiencing disability is made complex by a lack of clarity around mechanisms of treatment effect. This research develops an explanatory theory outlining how health outcomes may be optimised, by exploring what works for which riders, under what conditions and how.

Method

Within a realist research framework, we undertook three phases of study using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis approaches. Findings were then integrated into an overall evaluative account.

Results

Riders with a range of impairments ( n = 32; aged 5 to 17 years), caregivers ( n = 29) and therapeutic horse riding providers ( n = 16) participated. Three key mechanisms of intervention effect are proposed: (1) therapeutic horse riding facilitates development of a rider’s self-concept through opportunities for accessible, meaningful participation; (2) the context in which therapeutic horse riding is provided promotes a focus on riders’ capacities and strengths and (3) therapeutic horse riding provides opportunities for a broad range of learning experiences.

Conclusion

Therapeutic horse riding provides opportunities for meaningful occupational participation for children experiencing disability. Ensuring that the physical and ideological context in which therapeutic horse riding is provided focuses on a rider’s capacities and strengths will enhance self-concept development and participation outcomes.
Anaesthetic challenges for pelvic reconstruction with custom three-dimensional-printed titanium implants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chua Alfred WY , Chua Matthew J , Kam Peter CA , Broekhuis Demien , Karunaratne Sascha , Stalley Paul D
Published: August 2019

Custom 3D printed titanium implant pelvic reconstructive surgery was implemented as a novel technique at our institutions in the last five years. It provided an option for pelvic bone malignancy patients who were previously deemed unsuitable for re-implantation of irradiated resected bone segments, as well as in revision total hip arthroplasty associated with excessive acetabular bone loss. A retrospective cohort study of the anaesthetic management of patients who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery using custom 3D printed titanium implants from August 2013 to July 2018 was conducted. Twenty-seven patients were included in the study; 23 patients completed single-stage procedures with a mean (standard deviation) duration of surgery of 7.5 (3.3) hours (median 6.8, range 3.0–15.8 hours), and mean intraoperative blood loss of 5400 (3100) mL (median 6000, range 1400–10,000 mL). Surgery involving the sacrum ( n = 7) was associated with longer intensive care stay, longer total length of hospital stay and, in three cases, unplanned two-stage procedures. The twenty procedures not involving the sacrum were successfully completed in a single stage.

The major anaesthetic challenges included massive blood loss, prolonged surgery, interventions to prevent calf compartment syndrome, and perioperative thromboembolism. Preoperative pelvic radiotherapy, malignant tumours, and procedures involving the sacrum were associated with massive intraoperative blood loss and more prolonged surgery.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Using Acupressure to Promote the Health of Older Adults
Authors: Chen Meng-Chin , Yang Li-Yen , Chen Kuei-Min , Hsu Hui-Fen
Published: August 2019

Acupressure is noninvasive, safe, and appropriate for use among older adults. However, there remains little evidence of the common elements that contribute to the effectiveness of acupressure in promoting the health of older adults. A systematic review using meta-analysis was designed to examine the effects of acupressure on the health promotion in older adults. Studies published between 2012 and 2017 were searched for in 11 electronic databases. Acupressure was highly effective for improving sleep quality and cognitive functioning (0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.49, 1.22]; 1.23, 95% CI = [0.88, 1.59]). A slight to moderate effect was found in alleviating constipation (0.37, 95% CI = [0.03, 0.71]), and a moderate effect was found for alleviating pain and improving quality of life (0.71, 95% CI = [0.09, 1.32]; 0.59 95% CI = [0.36, 0.82]).
Are Moderate and Vigorous Leisure-Time Physical Activity Associated With Musculoskeletal Pain? A Cross-Sectional Study Among 981 Physical Therapists
Authors: Ezzatvar Y. , Calatayud J. , Andersen L.L. , Casaña J.
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Musculoskeletal pain (MP) is common among workers, especially for health-care professionals. Paradoxically, many of those rehabilitating patients for pain—that is, physical therapists (PTs)—also have pain. Adequate levels of physical activity are recommended for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. However, the association between physical activity and MP among PTs remains unknown. This study aims to determine the association between moderate and vigorous leisure-time physical activity levels and MP in PTs.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Workplace.

Participants:

Nine hundred eighty-one PTs.

Measures:

Data on MP and leisure-time physical activity were collected using an online survey.

Analysis:

The odds for having lower level of MP as a function of physical activity were estimated using binary logistic regression controlled for various confounders.

Results:

Performing ≥75 min/week of vigorous leisure-time physical activity increased the odds of experiencing lower levels of neck–shoulder pain (odds ratio = 1.43, 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.94). No association was found neither between vigorous nor between moderate leisure-time physical activity and MP in the arm-hand or back.

Conclusion:

Performing ≥75 min/week of vigorous leisure-time physical activity is associated with lower levels of MP in neck and shoulders among PTs. No associations were found between vigorous or moderate leisure-time physical activity and MP in arm-hand and back.
Mechanical properties and thermal and electrical conductivity of 3D printed ABS-copper ferrite composites via 3D printing technique
Authors: Hamzah Khairul Amali , Yeoh Cheow Keat , Noor Mazlee Mohd , Teh Pei Leng , Aw Yah Yun , Sazali Shulizawati Aqzna , Wan Ibrahim Wan Mohd Arif
Published: August 2019

This study examines the effect of particulate reinforcement on the mechanical properties of 3D printed acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS). Copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) as a reinforcer with various loadings was used to print ABS composite specimen, namely, 8, 11 and 14 wt%. Mechanical testing such as tensile test and hardness test was performed on the printed samples. Specimens with 14 wt% of CuFe2O4 showed a 135% increase in tensile strength compared to the pure ABS specimens. Specimens printed with 14 wt% of CuFe2O4 are 14% harder compared to the pure ABS specimens. Thermal conductivity increased 93% for specimen loaded with 14 wt% reinforcer. Electrical conductivity shows a one-order increase for composite specimen compared to control specimen.
Computational analysis of tensile damage and failure of mineralized tissue assisted with experimental observations
Authors: Misra Anil , Sarikaya Rizacan
Published: August 2019

In this study, deformation and failure mechanisms of mineralized tissue (bone) were investigated both experimentally and computationally by performing diametral compression tests on millimetric disk specimens and conducting finite element analysis in which a granular micromechanics-based nonlinear user-defined material model is implemented. The force–displacement relationship obtained in the simulation agreed well with the experimental results. The simulation was also able to capture location of the failure initiation observed in the experiment, which is inside out from the hole along the loading axis. Furthermore, propagation of micro-sized cracks into failure was observed both in the experiment using simultaneous slow-motion microscopy imaging and in the simulation analyzing the local distortion and local volume change within the specimen. The anisotropy evolution was found to be significant around the hole along the loading axis by evaluating the anisotropy index computed using finite element results. In conclusion, this work revealed that the prediction capability of granular micromechanics-based user-defined nonlinear material model (UMAT) is promising considering the match between the results and observations from the physical experiment and finite element analysis such as force–displacement relationship and failure initiation/pattern. This work has also shown that the tensile damage and failure of mineralized tissues can be characterized using diametral compression (split tension) test.
Linguistic Shifts: A Relatively Effortless Route to Emotion Regulation?
Authors: Orvell Ariana , Ayduk Özlem , Moser Jason S. , Gelman Susan A. , Kross Ethan
Published: August 2019

Prior research indicates that psychological distance facilitates emotion regulation. Here, we propose that the ability to transcend one’s immersed perspective may be hidden in plain sight, within the very structure of language. We review evidence regarding two linguistic mechanisms, distanced self-talk and generic “you,” that promote emotion regulation by allowing speakers to shift from an immersed to a more distanced perspective through the words they use to reflect on the self (e.g., shifting from “I” to their own name or other non-first-person-singular pronouns). We conclude by suggesting that these linguistic shifts occur relatively seamlessly and thus may provide a less effortful route to emotion regulation.
Semiotics Consultants (Pvt.) Limited: Framing the Collaborative Education Project
Authors: ul Haque Ehsan , Mansoor Suwaibah
Published: August 2019

Ajmal Baig, CEO of Semiotics Consultants, a development consulting firm based in Islamabad, Pakistan is in the midst of heated debates with his team members on the evolution and performance of their currently ongoing project on education in the province of Punjab. The project, ‘Collaborative Education Project (CEP)’, is an GDA funded project for which a grant of Euro 10 million was allocated. The project was launched in 2003 and is now in its mid-term stages. During the life of the project, its Logical Framework Analysis (LFA) has been revised four times in the light of feedback from stakeholders and experience on the ground. The project team at Semiotics is reviewing and debating this journey. A robust and well thought out LFA is the starting point for any good program design and it also serves as its monitoring and evaluation tool. However, learning organisations expect that changes will be made based on ground realities and changing circumstances leading to revisions in the LFA. The key question is how much deviation from the original design is kosher. Too little and too much flexibility both have the potential to adversely impact the project outcomes.
City Profile: Faisalabad, Pakistan
Authors: Javed Nasir , Qureshi Nadia N.
Published: August 2019

The urban scape of Faisalabad is shaped by factors that have affected the urban story of Pakistan in general, and that of the city in particular. At the national level, these include the development of the irrigation system in the late nineteenth century, followed by partition of India and the mass migration of over a million people into the new country, industrialization in the 1960s, Indo-Pak and Afghan wars, massive natural disasters (floods and earthquakes) and the war on terrorism in Afghanistan; each of these events coupled with the natural increase in population and rural to urban migration have led to irreversible migration of people into the cities of Pakistan. Against this background, Faisalabad’s centrality in location and nearness to various transport nodes have given rise to several unprecedented challenges not only in the form of unplanned sprawl but also in the form of shortage of water, housing and sanitation facilities.

This profile examines the unique challenges and opportunities that are city specific as well as those that afflict other similar cities in Pakistan or any city in the developing world. This discussion is expected to help draw lessons and provide solutions to manage cities. The profile also examines the city’s unique features and comparative advantages, to assess its potential for future growth, so that Faisalabad is equipped to compete with other large cities in Pakistan and also within the region.
Teaching Adolescents to Manage Their Own Health Care
Authors: Aeschbach Chelsea J. , Burrough William B. , Olejniczak Amy B. , Koepsel Erica R.
Published: August 2019

Many factors impact an adolescent’s willingness to appropriately use health-care services and intent to begin the health-care transition process. Published literature continues to show that the way adolescents experience and utilize health-care services is ineffective and has long-term impacts on individuals and systems. Building upon the success of an existing peer-to-peer workshop, a Toolkit was created to provide school-based health professionals the information and resources needed to deliver pertinent information to high school students in one lesson. Of 416 students, over two thirds reported that they plan to be more involved in their health care (69.8%), advocate for themselves in health-care settings (68.0%), talk openly and honestly with health-care providers (71.9%), and learn more about managing their own health care (68.6%). Integrating this information into existing health curricula provided a broader reach with minimal work and promising results that could improve overall health-care transition efforts.
Fracking in Canadian Print News: A Sociotechnical Debate
Authors: Bronson Kelly , Dobson Jennifer A. , O’Doherty Kieran
Published: August 2019

It is widely recognized that fracking is a topic of debate in the news, which is largely “compartmentalized” into stories on fracking as economically beneficial or risky to environment and health. Building on previous scholarship, we take a constructivist position and focus on fracking as potentially technical and social, or sociotechnical. Our qualitative textual analysis of news printed in two high-circulation newspapers in Canada (2013-2015) reveals that normative positions on fracking are furthered alongside normative descriptions of Indigenous Peoples and regional cultures. We argue that science communication practitioners perform specific normative work via their communicative acts.
Integrating Worksite Smoking Cessation Services Into the Construction Sector: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Asfar Taghrid , McClure Laura A. , Arheart Kristopher L. , Ruano-Herreria Estefania C. , Gilford Clark G. , Moore Kevin , Dietz Noella A. , Ward Kenneth D. , Lee David J. , Caban-Martinez Alberto J.
Published: August 2019

Background. Smoking prevalence among Hispanic/Latino construction workers in the United States is very high (31%). Aims. To investigate tobacco use profiles in these minority workers and explore their management’s views about implementing sustainable worksite smoking cessation services. Methods. Analysis of baseline data from a smoking cessation trial among Hispanic/Latino construction workers ( n = 134; adult men ≥18 years), and semistructured, 45-minute interviews with 24 key personnel at six construction companies in south Florida were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Results. Overall, 43.3% of workers were Cuban, and 81.3% had low acculturation level. Nicotine dependence levels were “high” in 61.8% of workers. Half of the workers had a successful quit attempt but only 9.9% received advice from a physician to quit smoking, 16.7% used medication to quit, and 79.2% did not receive assistance. Participants in the interviews stated that nothing was provided to help smokers quit smoking and considered distributing self-help materials with free medications as the most appropriate service. Challenges to integrating the service were time restriction and cost. Recommendations for implementing the service were local/state government mandate. Discussion. Tailoring tobacco treatment to Hispanic/Latino construction workers’ job circumstances and culture is essential to support their cessation efforts. Integrating worksite tobacco treatment services into other available health promotion programs (e.g., safety) and enforcing smoke-free legislation in the construction sector can facilitate its adoption. Conclusion. Involving key stakeholders and mandating the service by the State and local government are necessary to integrate sustainable worksite smoking cessation services in the construction sector.
Fandom while black: Misty Copeland, Black Panther, Tyler Perry and the contours of US black fandoms
Authors: Martin Alfred L
Published: August 2019

Using 50 interviews with black people about their fandoms (and anti-fandoms) of Tyler Perry’s media output, the blockbuster film Black Panther and the African American ballerina Misty Copeland, this article illuminates black fandom’s four interlocking discourses. First, must-see blackness describes black fans’ “civic duty” to see blackness in all of its forms. Second, economic consumption drives “must-see blackness” in the sense that black fans are cognizant of the precariousness of blackness’s existence in spaces that are either historically white and/or have been hostile to the presence of blackness. Third, black fandoms (and anti-fandoms) are driven by their pedagogical properties: how fit are fan objects for learning and role modeling? Finally, the pedagogical fitness of fan objects intersects with economic consumption and must-see blackness, which, in turn, illuminates black fans’ attentiveness to the machinations of the culture industries.
Digging into the experiences of therapeutic gardening for people with dementia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Smith-Carrier Tracy A , Béres Laura , Johnson Karen , Blake Catherine , Howard Jennifer
Published: August 2019

Gardening programmes aim to promote improved engagement and quality of life in persons with dementia. Although a substantial literature has amassed documenting the overall positive outcomes associated with therapeutic gardening and horticulture for persons with dementia, little is known about the specific aspects of the gardening process that engender these benefits, and how and why they are important. The purpose of this research was to explore, using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the experiences of therapeutic gardening for persons with dementia, and their perspectives on the senses and emotions elicited in the gardening process that promote well-being. The themes that emerged in our analysis are to varying degrees substantiated in the literature: the usefulness of activating the senses, particularly those of touch and smell; the significance of being occupied in meaningful, productive work; the importance of cultivating a sense of curiosity, wonder, and learning; the positive gains derived from socialization in a group context; the peace and hope derived from being ‘in the moment’; and the positive mental and physical well-being derived from participating in the outdoor garden. Our findings support the integration of therapeutic gardening as a valuable practice for people with dementia.
Coverage intensity of optimal sensors for common, isolated, and integrated steel structures using novel approach of FEM-MAC-TTFD
Authors: Firoozbakht Mehdi , Vosoughifar Hamidreza , Ghari Ghoran Alireza
Published: August 2019

The coverage intensity of sensors is the most important issue on structural health monitoring technique. The geometric configuration of sensors must be optimized based on coverage intensity with proper objectives. In this article, a novel algorithm for optimal sensor placement in various steel frames was evaluated. These frames including moment-resisting frame, moment-resisting frame with base isolation, and moment-resisting frame with base isolation with steel shear wall were selected for case studies. This approach was proposed based on combination of common optimal sensor placement algorithm and nonlinear time history analysis. A new method called transformed time history to frequency domain approach was evaluated to transform nonlinear time history analysis results to frequency domain and then the effective frequencies according the maximum range of Fourier amplitude were selected. The modified type of modal assurance criterion values can be achieved from modal assurance criterion with the exact seismic displacement. All of novel optimal sensor placement processes were done through FEM-MAC-TTFD code modeled and developed in MATLAB by authors of this article. The results show that there is good relative correlation between the sensors number and coverage intensity obtained with modal and modified modal assurance criterion approaches for moment-resisting frame system, but for integrated frame such as moment-resisting frame with base isolation and moment-resisting frame with base isolation with steel shear wall, the modified modal assurance criterion approach is better approach. There is no significant difference between coverage intensity of sensors for top joints between modal assurance criterion and modified modal assurance criterion approaches for moment-resisting frame, moment-resisting frame with base isolation, and moment-resisting frame with base isolation with steel shear wall systems ( R2 = 0.994, 0.986, and 0.724, respectively). It was found that if reference point is located in center of frame, there is significant difference between modal assurance criterion and modified modal assurance criterion approaches, and modified modal assurance criterion generated slightly better results.
Maneuvering target recognition method based on multi-perspective light field reconstruction
Authors: Cai Lei , Luo Peien , Zhou Guangfu , Chen Zhenxue
Published: August 2019

It is difficult to reconstruct the complete light field, and the reconstructed light field can only recognize specific fixed targets. These have limited the applications of the light field in practice. To solve the problems above, this article introduces the multi-perspective distributed information fusion into light field reconstruction to monitor and recognize the maneuvering targets. First, the light field is represented as sub-light fields at different perspectives (i.e. the Multi-sensor distributed network), and sparse representation and reconstruction are then performed. Second, we establish the multi-perspective distributed information fusion under the condition of regional full-coverage constraints. Finally, the light field data from multiple perspectives are fused and the states of the maneuvering targets are estimated. Experimental results show that the light field reconstruction time of the proposed method is less than 583 s, and the reconstruction accuracy exceeds 92.447% compared with the existing spatially variable bidirectional reflectance distribution function, micro-lens array, and others. In the aspect of maneuvering target recognition, the recognition time of the algorithm in this article is no more than 3.5 s. The recognition accuracy of the algorithm in this article is up to 86.739%. Moreover, the more viewing angles used, the higher the accuracy.
Gender Composition of Teams and Studios in Video Game Development
Authors: Bailey Eric N. , Miyata Kazunori , Yoshida Tetsuhiko
Published: August 2019

Women in video game development face issues such as the pay disparity reported at Rockstar North and the “bro culture” issues reported within Riot Games. Some development roles are rewarded more, whether by pay or creative voice, than others. Although there has been research into gender disparity by roles within other entertainment industries, such as the movie industry, there has yet to be a data-based examination of gender disparity broken down by role within the video game industry. To provide a more nuanced examination of the gender gap that exists in game development, we analyze the gender and roles for 14,265 staff listed in the credits of 27 games produced by seven of the video game publishers most represented in top seller lists to discover how the distribution of women and men varies by role.
ADHD-Related Mental Health Issues of Young Adult Male Prisoners in Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Colony (Lithuania)
Authors: Kuzmickaitė Jūratė , Leskauskas Darius , Gylytė Ona
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate mental health issues related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young adult male prisoners.

The study was performed in the Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony and represents the first study on adult ADHD in Lithuania. The sample consisted of 100 young males imprisoned for mild to moderate crimes. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the Adult Self-Report Scale v1.1 (ASRS v1.1) and Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) self-rating scales. Related mental health issues were evaluated using the DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5, and data from both medical files and offenses-incentives lists.

Clinically significant ADHD symptoms were found in 17% of the respondents. Prisoners with ADHD were younger and had shorter incentives lists. Personality traits of negative affect, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism with increased personality dysfunction were more prevalent in the respondents with ADHD. Medical files of prisoners with ADHD more frequently included data on substance abuse, psychiatric diagnoses, and psychopharmacological treatment. None of the respondents had been diagnosed or treated for this disorder.

Clinically significant ADHD symptoms were highly prevalent among imprisoned males, but ADHD was not diagnosed or treated correctly. These findings show that the problem of ADHD in young male adults with increased risk for criminal behavior needs recognition by the politicians and professionals responsible for health care in Lithuania in order to better care for prisoners with this psychopathology.
Enhancing ethics review of social and behavioral research: developing a review template in Ethiopia
Authors: Wassie Liya , Gebre-Mariam Senkenesh , Tarekegne Geremew , Rennie Stuart
Published: August 2019

Background:

Africa is increasingly becoming an important region for health research, mainly due to its heavy burden of disease, socioeconomic challenges, and inadequate health facilities. Regulatory capacities, in terms of ethical review processes, are also generally weak. The ethical assessment of social and behavioral research is relatively neglected compared to the review of biomedical and clinical studies, which led us to develop an ethics review assessment tool for use in the review of social and behavioral research in Ethiopia, which could potentially be of value in low- and middle-income settings.

Methods:

Initially, we did a comprehensive literature review on principles, guidelines, and practices of research ethics, on social and behavioral studies, from which we extracted query terms to explore the opinions of selected key informants and focus groups in Ethiopia. The discussants and informants were selected using a convenience sampling method to evaluate an ethics review template, which integrated issues that commonly arise in social and behavioral studies. Finally, we directly solicited opinions from the discussants about the desirability, feasibility, acceptability, and relevance of the ethics review assessment tool and used the resulting data to refine our initial draft.

Results and conclusion:

Although the same basic ethics principles govern all research studies, social and behavioral research have some disciplinary particularities that may require reviewers to exercise a different orientation of ethical attention in some cases. Using a qualitative approach, we developed a review assessment tool that could potentially be useful to raise awareness, focus attention, and strengthen the review of social and behavioral studies by ethics review committees, particularly in settings without a long-standing tradition of reviewing such research. This process also exposed some areas where further capacity building and discussion of ethical issues may be necessary among stakeholders in the review of social and behavioral research.
Sonogashira coupling reactions: Synthesis of 4-substituted-6-methyl-2-(methylthio)pyrimidines catalyzed by Pd–Cu
Authors: Rezaeimanesh Fatemeh , Bakherad Mohammad , Nasr-Isfahani Hossein
Published: August 2019

An efficient method is developed for the synthesis of 4-(3-arylprop-2-ynyloxy)-6-methyl-2-(methylthio)pyrimidines via palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira reactions of 4-methyl-2-(methylthio)-6-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)pyrimidine with electron-poor aryl iodides in acetonitrile at room temperature. Excellent yields of the products were obtained in reaction times of 9–11 h.
A domain adaptation model for early gear pitting fault diagnosis based on deep transfer learning network
Authors: Li Jialin , Li Xueyi , He David , Qu Yongzhi
Published: August 2019

In recent years, research on gear pitting fault diagnosis has been conducted. Most of the research has focused on feature extraction and feature selection process, and diagnostic models are only suitable for one working condition. To diagnose early gear pitting faults under multiple working conditions, this article proposes to develop a domain adaptation diagnostic model–based improved deep neural network and transfer learning with raw vibration signals. A particle swarm optimization algorithm and L2 regularization are used to optimize the improved deep neural network to improve the stability and accuracy of the diagnosis. When using the domain adaptation diagnostic model for fault diagnosis, it is necessary to discriminate whether the target domain (test data) is the same as the source domain (training data). If the target domain and the source domain are consistent, the trained improved deep neural network can be used directly for diagnosis. Otherwise, the transfer learning is combined with improved deep neural network to develop a deep transfer learning network to improve the domain adaptability of the diagnostic model. Vibration signals for seven gear types with early pitting faults under 25 working conditions collected from a gear test rig are used to validate the proposed method. It is confirmed by the validation results that the developed domain adaptation diagnostic model has a significant improvement in the adaptability of multiple working conditions.
Energy regulation in Europe: The politics of regulation and regulatory policy revisited
Authors: Vasconcelos Jorge
Published: August 2019

In the first part, the author describes the evolution of European Union politics of regulation since liberalization of network industries and provides a critical assessment of its major shortcomings. The second part discusses the importance of consistent regulatory policies that take into account new technologies and increasingly complex public policies.
Cystic Fibrosis: The Sense of Smell
Authors: Di Lullo Antonella M. , Iacotucci Paola , Comegna Marika , Amato Felice , Dolce Pasquale , Castaldo Giuseppe , Cantone Elena , Carnovale Vincenzo , Iengo Maurizio
Published: August 2019

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease that involves the upper airways with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) causing nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, mouth breathing, facial pain, and olfactory dysfunction. Twelve percent to 71% of CF patients report smelling alterations with an impact on nutrition and quality of life.

Objectives

The goal was to study olfaction performance in CF patients with CRS that worsens quality of life.

Methods

A total of 121 subjects were enrolled in this study. Seventy-one had CF and underwent ear, nose, and throat evaluation with nasal endoscopy, sinonasal outcome test 22 (SNOT-22), visual analog scale (VAS), and “Sniffin’ Sticks.” Fifty subjects were age-matched with healthy controls.

Results

All 71 CF patients were affected by CRS; 59 of 71 (83.1%) had CRS without nasal polyps and 12 of 71 (16.9%) had CRS with early nasal polyps. None of the 50 controls had CRS. Total SNOTT-22 mean values in the 71 CF patients were 38.10 ± 21.08 points. If considering only the 59 CF patients without nasal polyps, the SNOTT-22 mean value was 36.76 ± 21.52 points. Moreover, based on the VAS scores, the degree of nasal symptoms was classified as mild for facial pain, smell alteration, nasal discharge, and sneezing and resulted in moderate symptoms for nasal blockage and headache. Among the CF patients, 55 of 71 (76.5%) declared to be normosmic, while the smelling ability assessed by “Sniffin’ Sticks” showed that only 4 of 71 (5.63%) were normosmic, 58 (81.69%) were hyposmic, and 9 (12.68%) were anosmic. In the controls, 41(82%) were normosmic, 9 (18%) were hyposmic, and none were reported to be anosmic ( P < .001).

Conclusions

We confirm that most CF patients have a relevant olfactory impairment, although only a low percentage declares such alteration. A careful evaluation with simple and rapid tests helps to select the patients who may benefit from specific therapies.
A Survey of High- and Low-Energy Acetabular Fractures in Elderly Patients
Authors: Dyskin Evgeny , Hill Brian W. , Torchia Michael T. , Cole Peter A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Geriatric patients represent 14% of acetabular fractures and are the fastest growing subset of patients affected by this injury in the US. Treatment outcomes have been reported as inferior to those achieved in younger patients after high-energy (HE) acetabular trauma. This study aimed to compare detailed demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes in elderly patients (≥65 years of age) treated in a tertiary North American trauma center for acetabular fractures after both high- and low-energy mechanisms of injury.

Methods:

Patients (≥65 years of age) diagnosed with an acetabular fracture were identified over a 7-year period. Patient and injury characteristics were extracted from our institutional trauma database. Length of stay, intervention, operative details, disposition, complications, readmissions, and mortality were analyzed.

Results:

One hundred nine patients were identified for inclusion. Low-energy mechanisms (simple falls) were found in 64 (58.7%) and HE mechanisms in 45 (41.3%) patients. The HE cohort was younger (74.6 vs 80.7 years; P < .001), had a higher male predominance (76% vs 56%; P = .10), a lower Charlson comorbidity index (1.29 ± 1.49 vs 2.16 ± 1.76; P = .01), and a higher injury severity score (19.90 ± 15.33 vs 6.46 ± 3.57; P < .001). Fracture patterns, described according to the Letournel-Judet classification, were similar between the 2 groups. Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher in the HE group (26.7% vs 3.1%; P < .001); however, the 1-year mortality rates were not statistically different (31.1% vs 25.0%; P = .20).

Discussion:

Patients with acetabular fractures sustained due to HE accidents demonstrate significantly higher 30-day mortality rate than patients with low-energy fractures, but similar mortality 1 year after the injury, despite having a much lower mean age and fewer comorbidities.

Conclusion:

Medical efforts made during initial hospital admission may have the biggest impact on survivorship following acetabular fracture.
Young Adolescents’ Digital Technology Use and Mental Health Symptoms: Little Evidence of Longitudinal or Daily Linkages
Authors: Jensen Michaeline , George Madeleine J. , Russell Michael R. , Odgers Candice L.
Published: August 2019

This study examines whether 388 adolescents’ digital technology use is associated with mental-health symptoms during early adolescence to midadolescence. Adolescents completed an initial Time 1 (T1) assessment in 2015, followed by a 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) via mobile phone in 2016–2017 that yielded 13,017 total observations over 5,270 study days. Adolescents’ T1 technology use did not predict later mental-health symptoms. Adolescents’ reported mental health was also not worse on days when they reported spending more versus less time on technology. Little was found to support daily quadratic associations (whereby adolescent mental health was worse on days with little or excessive use). Adolescents at higher risk for mental-health problems also exhibited no signs of increased risk for mental-health problems on higher technology use days. Findings from this EMA study do not support the narrative that young adolescents’ digital technology usage is associated with elevated mental-health symptoms.
First-Grade Reading Instruction and Reading Growth: Asian Language Minorities and Native-English-Speaking Peers
Authors: Kung Melody
Published: August 2019

The present study explores whether the relation between aspects of first-grade reading instruction and reading growth through eighth grade differed for Asian language minority (LM) children and native-English-speaking (NE) children. The sample consisted of 6,715 NEs and 242 Asian LMs, followed from first to eighth grade. Findings were as follows: (a) The relation between first-grade sounds/letters instruction and reading growth slightly differed for Asian LMs and NEs. For example, Asian LMs who received more sounds/letters instructional emphasis decelerated less through middle grades, and by eighth grade, performed on par with NEs. (b) The relation between first-grade meaning instructional emphasis and reading growth did not differ for the two groups. (c) NEs experienced more deceleration through middle grades. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Teaching Multiliteracies to Chinese Students: Challenges and Insights
Authors: Kohnen Angela M. , Adams Brittany
Published: August 2019

This article reports on a qualitative study of the graduate-level course “teaching multiliteracies.” At the time of the study, 24 of the 27 enrolled students were originally from China, and the experiences of 4 of these students are highlighted. Analysis examined how students’ figured worlds of education intersected with course concepts and suggests that, despite claiming to enjoy the class and to appreciate an expanded notion of literacy, students did not see how multiliteracies pedagogy could be compatible with the figured worlds of K–12 education in China. We argue that participants’ understandings of and challenges to course concepts help illuminate the complexities of teaching Western literacy pedagogies to Chinese students for teachers, researchers, and students themselves.
Does Projection Artifact Removal Improve Visualization of Images in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography?
Authors: Juncal Verena R. , Abadeh Armin , Koushan Keyvan , Berger Alan R. , Chow David R.
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

This study assesses the frequency of projection artifacts in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) en face images and compares images before and after applying a 3-dimensional projection artifact removal (3D-PAR) algorithm.

Methods:

This is a single-center, retrospective study that included consecutive patients with any underlying diagnosis who had OCTA obtained from January to March 2017. Patients with various retinal diseases and also healthy eyes were included. All participants underwent imaging with a scan area of 3 mm × 3 mm. The 4 default en face slabs were analyzed: superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), outer retina (OR), and choriocapillaris (CC). Images were qualitatively analyzed before and after 3D-PAR by 2 independent graders.

Results:

None of the SCP images had projection artifact before or after 3D-PAR. Scans of the DCP presented projection artifact in 96.5% of the cases. After 3D-PAR, 14.7% had a complete improvement of projection artifact, 56.5% had a partial improvement, 14.1% were worse, and 14.7% presented no change. In the OR, 2.9% had projection artifact, with a complete improvement after 3D-PAR in 40%, partial improvement in 20%, and no change in 40%. Projection artifact was initially present in 97.6% of the images in the CC. After 3D-PAR, there was a complete improvement in 72.9%, partial improvement in 26.5%, and no change in 0.6%. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was detected in 29 eyes (17.1%), and 3D-PAR improved detection of CNV in 12 cases (41.4%).

Conclusions:

OCTA with 3D-PAR technology minimizes the appearance of projection artifacts in the DCP and CC slabs.
Reduced ADAMTS13 activity during TTP remission is associated with stroke in TTP survivors
Authors: Upreti Harshvardhan , Kasmani Jamil , Dane Kathryn , Braunstein Evan M. , Streiff Michael B. , Shanbhag Satish , Moliterno Alison R. , Sperati C. John , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Brodsky Robert A. , Kickler Thomas S. , Chaturvedi Shruti
Published: August 2019

This study shows that the increased occurrence of stroke in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) during remission is associated with low ADAMTS13 values.