bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urine TREM-1 as a marker of urinary tract infection in children
Authors: Sierra-Diaz Erick , Bravo Cuéllar Alejandro , Ortiz Lazareno Pablo Cesar , García Gutiérrez Mariana , Georgina Hernandez Flores , Anaya Prado Roberto
Published: April 2017

Objective

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 is a receptor that is thought to improve recognition of patients with true infection. In this study, we investigated whether Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM-1) is present in urine samples from children with urinary tract infection (UTI) and in samples from healthy children.

Methods

A total of 128 samples met the inclusion criteria for the study. Urine samples were processed for culture and urinalysis as a regular protocol for patients with UTI. Samples were classified according to culture and urinalysis results. TREM-1 protein expression was detected with flow cytometry and sTREM-1 was assessed by ELISA.

Results

Flow cytometry showed detectable expression of TREM-1 in 100% of samples, UTI and non-UTI groups ( p < 0.001). Mean fluorescence intensity of TREM-1 was different between the groups ( p < 0.001). Levels of sTREM-1 were detected in patients with UTI, but not in non-UTI patients.

Conclusions

All of our patients (healthy and diseased) showed TREM-1 expression. However, TREM-1 levels in patients with UTI tend to be higher and are associated with increased neutrophils and cytokine activity induced by bacteria.
A case report: Non-alcoholic Wernicke encephalopathy associated with polyneuropathy
Authors: Liang Hudong , Wu Lan , Liu Ling-ling , Han Jinming , Zhu Jie , Jin Tao
Published: April 2017

We report a rare case of non-alcoholic Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) with polyneuropathy. A 24-year-old woman who had recently served a 4-month prison sentence and underwent a short period of dieting manifested slow response, weakness, language disorder and amnesia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed typical lesions of WE. Examination of nerve conduction velocity revealed sensory-motor axonal polyneuropathy. The patient was immediately treated with thiamine. Neurological symptoms were alleviated in a few days and abnormal signals were markedly decreased in a follow-up MRI 1 week later. Polyneuropathy symptoms ameliorated during hospital therapy and significantly improved after 4 months. This case suggests that WE may be associated with polyneuropathy in non-alcoholic patients. Early thiamine treatment in symptomatic patients may improve prognosis.
Use of the chop hook to stabilize the capsular bag in patients with crystalline lens dislocations and cataracts
Authors: Zeng Yanfeng , Fan Licheng , Lu Peirong
Published: April 2017

Objective

To observe the treatment effects of chop hook-assisted phacoemulsification surgery in patients with crystalline lens dislocation.

Methods

Thirty-seven eyes with cataracts and crystalline lens dislocations underwent cataract surgery. An L-shaped chop hook was introduced into the anterior chamber, and the tip was pushed or pulled to the centre of the anterior capsular edge of the zonular dialysis during the cataract operation. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for ≥ 1 month.

Results

All patients’ postoperative visual abilities improved except one patient with glaucoma. One patient who underwent −5D intraocular lens implantation exhibited vision of 1/50. Visual acuity was less than 6/20 in 6 eyes, 6/20 to 10/20 in 7 eyes, and greater than 10/20 in 22 eyes.

Conclusions

L-shaped chop hooks can be used to push or pull the anterior capsular edge of the zonular dialysis for protection and avoidance of further zonular damage. This strategy provides satisfactory effects and reduces use of additional instruments.
Dis/articulations and the interrogation of development in GPN research
Authors: McGrath Siobhan
Published: April 2017

In spite of serving as the purported goal of the global production network (GPN) approach, development has been left undefined in the GPN literature, with ‘GPN 2.0’ now offering an impoverished understanding of development. This article reviews the elaboration of the ‘core concepts’ of the GPN approach: value, power, embeddedness – and development. I argue that the dis/articulations perspective is useful in offering a critical interrogation of d/Development, and that this has implications for value, power and embeddedness. The disarticulations perspective takes the determination of value into account and highlights the role of borders and discursive boundaries in structuring power relations
Long-acting insulin allergy in a diabetic child
Authors: Mastrorilli Carla , Rizzuti Laura , Cangelosi Antonina Marta , Iovane Brunella , Chiari Giovanni , Caffarelli Carlo
Published: April 2017

Insulin allergy has been uncommon since the introduction of human recombinant insulin preparations; the prevalence is 2.4%. Insulin injection could elicit immediate reactions, which are usually induced by an IgE-mediated mechanism, within the first hour after drug administration. In the present study, we describe the case of a child who experienced immediate urticaria after long-acting insulin injection. A 9-year-old girl affected by type I diabetes mellitus referred a history of three episodes of urticaria 30 min after insulin subcutaneous injection. During the first week of insulin therapy, she developed generalized immediate urticaria twice after long-acting insulin glargine first and then once after insulin degludec administration. Symptoms resolved within a few hours after treatment with oral antihistamine. She tolerated rapid insulin lispro. Her personal allergological history was negative. Skin prick tests with degludec, glargine and detemir were performed, showing negative results. Intradermal 1:100000-diluted tests were immediately positive for both degludec and glargine but not for detemir. In light of these findings, detemir was administered without any reaction. Our results show that detemir is tolerated by patients with clinical hypersensitivity reactions to degludec and glargine. Although reactions could be attributable to additives allergy, such as zinc or metacresol, this was excluded since all three preparations contain the same components. So, insulin itself acted as offending allergen. Detemir differs from degludec and glargine in a few aminoacids. Therefore, it is possible that the conformational rather than the linear epitope may be responsible for the reaction. This result suggests integrating intradermal tests in the diagnostic flowchart for insulin allergy. Insulin allergy should always be suspected in patients with immediate symptoms after drug injection. As allergologic work-up, prick by prick test and intradermal test to insulin preparations should be performed. In case of negative results of cutaneous tests, insulin analogs may be administered.
Are Individual Differences in Sleep and Circadian Timing Amplified by Use of Artificial Light Sources?
Authors: Swaminathan Krithika , Klerman Elizabeth B. , Phillips Andrew J. K.
Published: April 2017

Within the human population, there is large interindividual variability in the timing of sleep and circadian rhythms. This variability has been attributed to individual differences in sleep physiology, circadian physiology, and/or light exposure. Recent experimental evidence suggests that the latter is necessary to evoke large interindividual differences in sleep and circadian timing. We used a validated model of human sleep and circadian physiology to test the hypothesis that intrinsic differences in sleep and circadian timing are amplified by self-selected use of artificial light sources. We tested the model under 2 conditions motivated by an experimental study (Wright et al., 2013): (1) a “natural” light cycle, and (2) a “realistic” light cycle that included attenuation of light due to living indoors when natural light levels are high and use of electric light when natural light levels are low. Within these conditions, we determined the relationship between intrinsic circadian period (within the range of 23.7-24.6 h) and timing of sleep onset, sleep offset, and circadian rhythms. In addition, we simulated a work week, with fixed wake time for 5 days and free sleep times on weekends. Under both conditions, a longer intrinsic period resulted in later sleep and circadian timing. Compared to the natural condition, the realistic condition evoked more than double the variation in sleep timing across the physiological range of intrinsic circadian periods. Model predictions closely matched data from the experimental study. We found that if the intrinsic circadian period was long (>24.2 h) under the realistic condition, there was significant mismatch in sleep timing between weekdays and weekends, which is known as social jetlag. These findings indicate that individual tendencies to have very delayed schedules can be greatly amplified by self-selected modifications to the natural light/dark cycle. This has important implications for therapeutic treatment of advanced or delayed sleep phase disorders.
Listening to the Therapeutic Needs of Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Rapsey Charlene , Campbell Anna , Clearwater Ken , Patterson Tess
Published: April 2017

Childhood sexual abuse of males is not uncommon with estimated prevalence rates across countries and different studies indicating that 8% of boys experience sexual abuse before age 18. A number of adverse outcomes are recognized in terms of mental health, behavioral, and relational difficulties. However, research also indicates that there is potential for healing. The present study explores the barriers, benefits, and processes involved in engagement in formal therapy for adult survivors of CSA from the male survivor’s point of view. Nine men spoke of their treatment experiences in response to semistructured interviews. Participants were all members of a group for male survivors of sexual abuse. Seven participants reported benefiting from treatment. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of the interviews identified three superordinate themes: “motivation to engage in treatment,” “developing a connection with treatment providers,” and “changing thinking about the abuse.” These themes reveal a number of obstacles that are encountered in seeking treatment including stigma, process barriers, and engagement of a skilled and empathic therapist. For the men who were able to take part in therapy despite these barriers, improved quality of life were noted through the two primary mechanisms of relationship and changed thinking. Key changes in thinking included developing an awareness that they were not responsible for the abuse, understanding the effects of abuse, and developing an identity distinct from the experience of abuse. These changes in thinking occurred within the context of a robust therapeutic relationship.
Human rights of North Korean migrant workers
Authors: Rim Yejoon
Published: April 2017

There is growing concern over the human rights situation of North Korean migrant workers. Related to the labour system under North Korea’s socialist planned economy, whereby the authorities have direct control over allocation of the labour force, the issue is also relevant to each host country’s protection of the rights of migrant workers. This article examines the human rights conditions of North Korean migrant workers, and assesses whether their situation amounts to slavery and forced labour from the perspective of international law. Through analysis of North Korea’s Socialist Labour Law and the country’s regime, which frames its labour structure, this article seeks to determine the root causes of the situation—and ultimately to invoke international cooperation for amelioration of the human rights of these workers.
Systemic integration between climate change and human rights in international law?
Authors: Quirico Ottavio
Published: April 2017

UN human rights organs have persistently invoked the integration of fundamental rights into the UNFCCC regime and the Paris Agreement now provides that the ‘Parties should, when taking action to address climate change, respect, promote and consider their respective obligations on human rights’. How integration should be achieved is nevertheless a matter of international law development. At the regional level, a tendency seems to progressively emerge to ground integration in the fundamental right to a sustainable environment. Against such a background, it is argued in this article that a third generation environmental claim simplifies the complex establishment of a causal nexus between anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and first and second generation fundamental rights. This would allow international human rights protection mechanisms to be triggered based on (minimum) reduction targets under the UNFCCC regime. The international recognition of a human right to a sustainable environment therefore emerges as fundamental to determining human rights responsibility for climate change, with particular regard to States. It thus facilitates systemically integrating fundamental rights into climate change regulation and taking consequential institutional action. This argument adds strings to the bow of those scholars who support the idea of intergenerational environmental justice on legal and moral grounds.
Design of a highly efficient friction clutch apparatus for vehicle applications using a self-energizing mechanism
Authors: Kim Sooyoung , Choi Seibum B , Kim Saebom
Published: April 2017

This study proposes a new design for a friction clutch actuator using the self-energizing principle for vehicle applications such that the power consumption for clutch control is significantly reduced. The self-energizing effect can be created by simply adding wedge structures to a conventional clutch system, and it assists in significantly reducing the actuation energy of the clutch with little additional cost. In this paper, a mathematical model of the clutch actuation system is derived on the basis of static force analyses with particular emphasis on the torque amplification factor due to the self-energizing effect. The slope angles of the wedges in the proposed clutch actuator are determined in order that the clutch system ensures appropriate torque amplification while considering various factors such as the variations in the friction coefficient and the return spring force. In addition, model-based analyses of the new clutch actuator system are performed in order to predict the dynamic effects of the self-energizing mechanism on the system, particularly for the clutch engagement process. The feasibility of the proposed clutch design and its high energy efficiency are verified experimentally using three prototypes with different slope angles.
Influence of nozzle configuration on the flow field of multiple jets
Authors: Kannan BT , Panchapakesan NR
Published: April 2017

Turbulent jet flows with multiple nozzle inlets are investigated computationally using OpenFOAM. The configurations vary from single to five axisymmetric nozzles. First-order closure is used with Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. Computed results are compared with the available experimental data. The effect of nozzle configuration on the jet flow field is discussed with predicted mean flow and turbulent flow data. Near-field of multiple jets shows the nonlinear behavior. Multiple jets show better performance in the near-field based on entrainment, secondary flows, and area-averaged turbulent kinetic energy. The downstream evolution of the multiple jets differs for configurations with and without central jet. The shape parameter confirms the evolution of the multiple jets towards an axisymmetric jet.
Early- to mid-Holocene paleohydrology in northeast Mediterranean: The detrital record of Aliakmon River in Loudias Lake, Greece
Authors: Styllas Michael Nikolaos , Ghilardi Mathieu
Published: April 2017

One of the prominent features of northeast Mediterranean (NEM) Holocene climate are recurrent phases of cold and aridity; their impacts on the hydrological cycle remain at large unknown, as few existing paleohydrological records are either restricted to lake-level fluctuations or focus near the ‘8.2 kyr BP’ event. Here, we present the detrital record of Aliakmon River in Lake Loudias between 9500 and 3000 cal. BP. Magnetic susceptibility (MS) exhibits high correlation with mean grain size ( r = 0.7) of silt-sized fractions and is used as a proxy of the distal clastic input of Aliakmon River, whereas organic matter (OM), carbonate content (CaCO3), water content (WC), and clay concentrations decipher sedimentological and biological processes in Lake Loudias. Periods of high hydrological activity were interrupted by short intervals of low river discharge at c. 9400, 8600, 8200, 7500, 7000, 6200, 5300, and 4500 cal. BP and during a multi-century event centered at 3500 cal. BP, in agreement with marine and terrestrial paleoclimatic reconstructions from NEM. With exception of the wet period between c. 8.6 and 7.9 cal. BP, periods of increased hydrological activity are synchronous to contraction of Pinus forests and increased sea surface temperatures and silt transport in the Aegean Sea. The long-term (~580 years) variability of MS is in-phase with southeast Europe pollen-inferred annual temperature variations and with North Atlantic Ice Rafted Debris (IRD) events.
Masculinity nostalgia: How war and occupation inspire a yearning for gender order
Authors: MacKenzie Megan , Foster Alana
Published: April 2017

This article investigates how war and occupation disrupt and produce new gender norms. It explores civilian masculinities and the ways in which masculinities are impacted by conflict and insecurity. Focusing on the West Bank, we argue that insecurity and occupation create the conditions for masculinity nostalgia, or a yearning for a set of gender norms and relations linked to fantasies of a secure, ‘traditional’ and ordered past. Masculinity nostalgia builds on conceptions of thwarted masculinity and the ways in which individuals are held accountable to gender norms. The article draws on interviews with Palestinians to highlight how masculinity nostalgia is associated with three particular identities: father, breadwinner and landowner. We demonstrate that Palestinian civilians lament the ways in which the occupation has impacted men’s ability to fulfil such archetypical identities, at the same time as they reaffirm the value and legitimacy of these identities. We argue that peace and security are often assumed to be dependent upon ‘the return’ of men to their presumed rightful places at the head of households and as economic providers. In turn, masculinity nostalgia emphasizes the ways in which yearnings for peace and security can be interwoven with yearnings for patriarchal gendered orders.
Overcoming the conflict requirement between high-speed stability and curving trafficability of the train using an innovative magnetorheological elastomer rubber joint
Authors: Sun Shuaishuai , Yang Jian , Du Haiping , Li Weihua
Published: April 2017

The conflict requirement between high-speed stability and curving trafficability has been always a critical issue of train. This article proposed an innovative stiffness variable magnetorheological elastomer rubber joint, which contains two sets of electromagnetic coil, magnetorheological elastomer, and three iron flanks to overcome the conflict requirement. To characterize the proposed magnetorheological elastomer rubber joint, an MTS machine was used to test the field-dependent property, the amplitude-dependent performance, and the frequency-dependent response. The test results verified the stiffness variation capability of the proposed magnetorheological elastomer rubber joint. After the characterization, the magnetorheological elastomer rubber joint was then embedded onto a train model. In the simulation, different curve tracks and different train speeds were simulated to evaluate the effectiveness of the magnetorheological elastomer rubber joint on reducing the angle of attack. Additionally, the critical speeds of the train models were tested and compared when the magnetorheological elastomer rubber joint was working in softened and stiffened mode, respectively. The simulation results demonstrated that the magnetorheological elastomer rubber joint can offer soft and hard wheelset positioning stiffness under different requirements so that both the high-speed stability and curve trafficability of the train can be guaranteed.
Extremist Violence From the Fatherland to the Homeland
Authors: Parkin William S. , Gruenewald Jeff , Jandro Elisabeth
Published: April 2017

The creation of open-source terrorist and extremist crime databases has led to a more complete understanding of violence committed by members of the extreme far-right movement in the United States. Yet, important questions remain about how serious forms of extremist violence in the United States compare with far-right violence in other nations, which are also facing this type of threat to homeland security. The current study draws from structured action theory of extremist violence and extends an open-source methodology for the purposes of making cross-national comparisons of incident-, offender-, and victim-level characteristics of extreme far-right homicide in the United States and Germany. Despite some similarities, such as in offender race, legal outcomes, and places where homicides occurred, we find several key differences in the nature of extreme far-right homicide across these two countries. In particular, we find differences in geographic and temporal patterns as well as offender and victim demographic and background characteristics. We conclude our study by considering how the unique social, political, and economic contexts of the United States and Germany over the last 25 years serve to shape our findings.
Direct numerical method for isoperimetric fractional variational problems based on operational matrix
Authors: Ezz–Eldien Samer S , Bhrawy Ali H , El–Kalaawy Ahmed A
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we applied a direct method for a solution of isoperimetric fractional variational problems. We use shifted Legendre orthonormal polynomials as basis function of operational matrices of fractional differentiation and fractional integration in combination with the Lagrange multipliers technique for converting such isoperimetric fractional variational problems into solving a system of algebraic equations. Also, we show the convergence analysis of the presented technique and introduce some test problems with comparisons between our numerical results with those introduced using different methods.
A Template Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Experiences of Animal Maltreatment: Implications for Safety Planning and Intervention
Authors: Collins Elizabeth A. , Cody Anna M. , McDonald Shelby Elaine , Nicotera Nicole , Ascione Frank R. , Williams James Herbert
Published: April 2017

This study explores the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal cruelty in an ethnically diverse sample of 103 pet-owning IPV survivors recruited from community-based domestic violence programs. Template analysis revealed five themes: (a) Animal Maltreatment by Partner as a Tactic of Coercive Power and Control, (b) Animal Maltreatment by Partner as Discipline or Punishment of Pet, (c) Animal Maltreatment by Children, (d) Emotional and Psychological Impact of Animal Maltreatment Exposure, and (e) Pets as an Obstacle to Effective Safety Planning. Results demonstrate the potential impact of animal maltreatment exposure on women and child IPV survivors’ health and safety.
Strategies for Implementing the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Home Health Care
Authors: Narayan Mary Curry
Published: April 2017

This article is an abridged version of a book chapter, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services, published in the Handbook of Home Health Care Administration, Sixth Edition (Marilyn Harris, editor). The article describes the importance of culturally and linguistically competent care for the success of home health agencies. It uses the 15 standards of the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care (CLAS Standards) as an outline for identifying strategies that home health leaders can incorporate into their agencies’ practices to enhance their care to culturally and linguistically diverse patients. Providing services that produce equitable outcomes for diverse patients is likely to enhance agency Home Health Compare and HHCAHPS (Home Health Care Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) scores, Star Ratings, and reimbursement in a value-based reimbursement model.
Safety of Treatments for ADHD in Adults: Pairwise and Network Meta-Analyses
Authors: Chierrito de Oliveira Danielly , Guerrero de Sousa Patricia , Borges dos Reis Camila , Tonin Fernanda Stumpf , Maria Steimbach Laiza , Virtuoso Suzane , Fernandez-Llimos Fernando , Pontarolo Roberto , Cristina Conegero Sanches Andréia
Published: April 2017

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze evidence comparing the profile of drugs used to treat ADHD in adult patients. Method: Systematic searches were conducted in electronic databases. Randomized, double-blind, parallel controlled trials that evaluated the safety of drugs in ADHD were included. The statistical analyses were conducted by pairwise meta-analyses and mixed treatment comparison (MTC). Results: Ten ( n = 3006) trials were included in the analyses. We observed statistical differences for the following outcomes: decreased appetite between atomoxetine and placebo (odds ratio [OR] = 0.15, 95% credibility interval [CrI] = [0.05, 0.38]) and extended-release mixed amphetamine salts and placebo (OR = 0.06, 95% CrI = [0.00, 0.51]); insomnia between atomoxetine and placebo (OR = 0.48, 95% CrI = [0.27, 0.88]) and extended-release mixed amphetamine salts and placebo (OR = 0.23, 95% CrI = [0.06, 0.76]); sleepiness between atomoxetine and methylphenidate OROS (OR = 0.24, 95% CrI = [0.06, 0.97]); and decreased libido between atomoxetine and placebo (OR = 0.28, 95% CrI = [0.08, 0.90]). Conclusion: It was possible to generate evidence about the safety profile of different ADHD drugs.
Modern Prediction Methods
Authors: Putka Dan J. , Beatty Adam S. , Reeder Matthew C.
Published: April 2017

Predicting outcomes is critical in many domains of organizational research and practice. Over the past few decades, there have been substantial advances in predictive modeling methods and concepts from the computer science, machine learning, and statistics literatures that may have potential value for organizational science and practice. Nevertheless, treatment of these modern methods in major management and industrial-organizational psychology journals remains minimal. The purpose of this article is to (a) raise awareness among organizational researchers and practitioners with regard to several modern prediction methods and concepts, (b) discuss in nonmathematical terms how they compare to traditional regression-based prediction methods, and (c) provide an empirical example of their application and performance relative to traditional methods. Beyond illustrating their potential for improving prediction, we will also illustrate how these methods can offer deeper insights into how predictor content functions beyond simple construct-based explanations.
A “Magic and Poetic” Moment of Dissensus: Aesthetics and Politics in the June 2013 (Gezi Park) Protests in Turkey
Authors: Aytekin E. Attila
Published: April 2017

This article departs from analyses that underline the middle-class character of June 2013 (Gezi Park) protests in Turkey by focusing on the relationship between politics and aesthetics in the protest movement. The predominant form of protest in the movement was aesthetic political acts, which did not bring about any distinction based on class or cultural capital. Rather, the artistic practices and cultural symbols employed by protesters bridged gaps by bringing a large and diverse body of people around a common political position. The June protests constituted a moment of “dissensus” in the Rancièrean sense as the shared position was based on an essential claim for equality of the dēmos and the demands of the anonymous to be seen, heard, counted in, and to partake. The article focuses on the role Second New Wave poetry played in the protests, as the protesters appropriated the ironic and ambiguous verses of the Second New Wave poets to create a unified movement.
The Resistance of Fun: Fixed-Gear Cycling in Urban Public Spaces
Authors: Eichler Roman
Published: April 2017

Even though it seems that riding a fixed-gear bike is to take the line of least resistance in search for the optimal flow in between cars, or with respect to traffic arrangements in general, in doing so, fixed-gear cyclists simultaneously reject social conventions of interaction with and within the urban space. Hence, the question emerges: how far can resistance, practical critique, or even social change be detected in fixed-gear cycling and related practices? A motto like “you own a car, not the road” indicates that some fixed-gear cyclists insist on a specific “right to the city”; a claim that particularly criticizes the relationship between drivers and cyclists and also touches upon the further issue of personal mobility centered on the term “urban cycling.” Two practical examples will be discussed to show that such claims are inherently “critical” meanings of the idealized—still bodily enacted—fixed-gear rider and to show the ambivalence and limits of such a critique’s potential.
Piano performance: Group classes for the lifelong learner
Authors: Haddon Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

This qualitative research presents data relating to eight amateur pianists who completed a 10-week Piano Performance course for lifelong learners at the University of York, UK. This article discusses the development of learning through the impact of group participation, challenges faced by learners and pedagogical strategies used by the leader to create a positive and productive learning environment. The findings suggest that learning in a non-assessed semi-formal group not only informs individual practice, technique, musicianship, analytical and performance skills but also has a positive impact on other areas of the participants’ lives.
Comparing costs of illness of multiple sclerosis in three different years: A population-based study
Authors: Gyllensten Hanna , Wiberg Michael , Alexanderson Kristina , Friberg Emilie , Hillert Jan , Tinghög Petter
Published: April 2017

Background:

Little is known about changes in the costs of illness (COI) among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients during recent years.

Objectives:

To compare the COI among MS patients and matched controls in 2006, 2009, and 2012, respectively, indicating the costs attributable to the MS disease.

Methods:

Three cross-sectional datasets were analyzed, including all MS patients in Sweden aged 20–60 years and five matched controls for each of them. The analyses were based on 10,531 MS patients and 52,655 matched controls for 2006, 11,722 and 58,610 individuals for 2009, and 12,789 and 63,945 for 2012. Nationwide registers, including prescription drug use, specialized healthcare, sick leave, and disability pension, were linked to estimate the prevalence-based COI.

Results:

Adjusted for inflation, the average difference in COI between MS patients and matched controls were Swedish Krona (SEK) 243,751 (95% confidence interval: SEK 239,171–248,331) in 2006, SEK 238,971 (SEK 234,516–243,426) in 2009, and SEK 225,923 (SEK 221,630–230,218) in 2012. The difference in indirect costs were SEK 170,502 (SEK 166,478–174,525) in 2006, SEK 158,839 (SEK 154,953–162,726) in 2009, and SEK 141,280 (SEK 137,601–144,960) in 2012.

Conclusion:

The inflation-adjusted COI of MS patients was lower in 2012 than in 2006, in particular regarding indirect costs.
High EDSS can predict risk for upper urinary tract damage in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ineichen Benjamin V , Schneider Marc P , Hlavica Martin , Hagenbuch Niels , Linnebank Michael , Kessler Thomas M
Published: April 2017

Background:

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is very common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and it might jeopardize renal function and thereby increase mortality. Although there are well-known urodynamic risk factors for upper urinary tract damage, no clinical prediction parameters are available.

Objective:

We aimed to assess clinical parameters potentially predicting urodynamic risk factors for upper urinary tract damage.

Methods:

A consecutive series of 141 patients with MS referred from neurologists for primary neuro-urological work-up including urodynamics were prospectively evaluated. Clinical parameters taken into account were age, sex, duration, and clinical course of MS and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Results:

Multivariate modeling revealed EDSS as a clinical parameter significantly associated with urodynamic risk factors for upper urinary tract damage (odds ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.71, p = 0.02). Using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, an EDSS of 5.0 as cutoff showed a sensitivity of 86%–87% and a specificity of 52% for at least one urodynamic risk factor for upper urinary tract damage.

Conclusion:

High EDSS is significantly associated with urodynamic risk factors for upper urinary tract damage and allows a risk-dependent stratification in daily neurological clinical practice to identify MS patients requiring further neuro-urological assessment and treatment.
Accelerated performance and durability test of the exhaust aftertreatment system by contaminated biodiesel
Authors: Schröder Jörg , Hartmann Franziska , Eschrich Robert , Worch Denis , Böhm Jürgen , Gläser Roger , Müller-Langer Franziska
Published: April 2017

The consumption of fossil and especially alternative fuels from renewable sources is supposed to rise in the future. Biofuels as well as fossil fuels often contain alkali and alkaline earth metal impurities that are potential poisons for automotive exhaust catalysts. The impact of these contaminations on the long-time performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system is a major concern. However, engine test bench studies consume considerable amounts of fuel, manpower and time. The purpose of this research project was to examine whether accelerated engine tests can be achieved by a modified diesel aftertreatment system in a test bench and contamination of biodiesel with known amounts of elements potentially poisoning automotive catalysts. A variety of potentially harmful elements (sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S) and phosphorous (P)) were added all at once to enhance the contamination level in biodiesel. A diesel oxidation catalyst and a catalyst for selective catalytic reduction reaction were placed in a stream of exhaust gas generated with a single cylinder engine. For reference purposes, a second test series was performed with a commercially available biodiesel. Catalysts were analyzed post-mortem using a bench flow reactor and X-ray fluorescence regarding their activity and deposition of the harmful elements. For both diesel oxidation catalyst and selective catalytic reduction catalysts, significant deactivation and decrease in conversion rates could be proven. For diesel oxidation catalyst, linear correlations between mass fractions of added elements and aging time were observed.
The Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility in Victoria (Australia): Examining Stakeholders’ Views and the Need for Principled Reform
Authors: O’Brien Wendy , Fitz-Gibbon Kate
Published: April 2017

In Australia, children as young as 10 are charged, convicted and sentenced for breaches of the law. Drawing on interviews with youth justice professionals in Victoria, this study finds that inconsistencies in practice undermine the extent to which the common law presumption of doli incapax offers an effective legal safeguard for very young children in conflict with the law. This article advocates that the Australian minimum age of criminal responsibility be increased to 14, that the principle of doli incapax be applied consistently to all persons under the age of 18 and that justice responses be supplanted by therapeutic supports for children and families.
Gear tooth root fatigue test monitoring with continuous acoustic emission: Advanced signal processing techniques for detection of incipient failure
Authors: Crivelli Davide , McCrory John , Miccoli Stefano , Pullin Rhys , Clarke Alastair
Published: April 2017

The phenomenon of fatigue in gears at the tooth root can be a cause of catastrophic failure if not detected in time. Where traditional low-frequency vibration may help in detecting a well-developed crack or a completely failed tooth, a system for early detection of the nucleation and initial propagation of a fatigue crack can be of great use in condition monitoring. Acoustic emission is a potentially suitable technique, as it is sensitive to the higher frequencies generated by crack propagation and is not affected by low-frequency noise. In this article, a static gear pair is tested where a crack was initiated at a tooth root. Continuous acoustic emission was periodically recorded throughout the test. Data were processed in multiple ways to support the early detection of crack initiation. Initially, traditional feature–based acoustic emission was employed. This showed qualitative results indicating fracture initiation around 8000 cycles. A rolling cross-correlation was then employed to compare two given system states, showing a sensitivity to large changes towards the final phases of crack propagation. A banded fast Fourier transform approach showed that the 110- to 120-kHz band was sensitive to the observed crack initiation at 8000 cycles, and to the later larger propagation events at 22,000 cycles. Two advanced data processing techniques were then used to further support these observations. First, a technique based on Chebyshev polynomial decomposition was used to reduce each wavestream data to a vector of 25 descriptors; these were used to track the system deviation from a baseline state and confirmed the previously observed deviations with a higher sensitivity. Further confirmation came from the analysis of wavestream entropy content, providing support from multiple data analysis techniques on the feasibility of system state tracking using continuous acoustic emission.
Atmosphere perception of dynamic LED lighting over different hue ranges
Authors: Li B , Zhai QY , Hutchings JB , Luo MR , Ying FT
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates the atmosphere perception of dynamic coloured lighting over warm and cool hue ranges in a living room. Experiments were carried out with eight fully functional multi-channel tunable LED luminaires. Thirty Chinese observers (14 males and 16 females) evaluated 36 light conditions (2 luminance ×2 chroma ×3 hue range types ×3 speeds) using a questionnaire of 25 response scales. Four atmosphere factors were extracted: coziness, spaciousness, liveliness and warmth. Both dynamics and hue range significantly affected the atmosphere perception.
Research Note: LED chip-on-board packaging technology for strict colour tolerance
Authors: Zhang J , Ge P , Zhou Z , Liu D , Wang H , Su J
Published: April 2017

In the field of LED packaging, people usually pay more attention to colour temperature, luminous efficacy and colour rendering than colour tolerance. This paper focuses on how to meet strict colour tolerances in the process of chip-on-board packaging. The McAdam ellipses are used to explain the meaning of colour tolerance. A method based on adjusting the amount of phosphor glue and the proportions of different phosphors it contains is described. Measurements on samples packaged according to this method show that it makes it possible to meet strict colour tolerance requirements.
More than a Hashtag: Producers’ and Users’ Co-creation of a Loving “We” in a Second Screen TV Sports Production
Authors: Kroon Åsa
Published: April 2017

This article presents a case study of a series of Swedish football commentary webcasts where both producers and users engage in communication with each other during the FIFA World Cup in 2014. The main aim is to identify what the participants do to construct sociable bonds with each other using the technological affordances available, specifically those connected to second screens. Second screening is approached as a thoroughly sociable activity rather than a practice you engage in for primarily instrumental reasons like finding facts or statistics. The analysis shows how users and producers adopt strategies of inclusion oriented to creating a joint sense of “being here together” in the community that is formed around the official hashtag expressenvm. The results indicate that second screen setups of this kind have the potential of displacing the big TV screen and its live sports event, at least for a specific user crowd.
Fluoroquinolone-Associated Tendinopathy of the Hand and Wrist: A Systematic Review and Case Report
Authors: Berger Israel , Goodwin Isak , Buncke Gregory M.
Published: April 2017

Background: Fluoroquinolone use has been known to be associated with tendinopathy and tendon rupture for over 30 years. Hand and wrist involvement has been reported rarely, yet without early recognition and withdrawal of the fluoroquinolone, there is potential for significant morbidity. Methods: We searched Medline using a comprehensive search strategy for fluoroquinolones and tendinopathy of the hand and wrist, and provide a case report of a possible levofloxacin-related tendon rupture in a patient with a previous mutilating hand injury. Results: We located 10 previously reported cases of fluoroquinolone-associated tendinopathy in the hand or wrist ranging from 1983 to 2015. Unlike Achilles tendinopathy, women were no more likely than men to have tendon rupture affecting the hands or wrists. Our patient was a 59-year-old man with prior tendon repair but otherwise noncontributory medical history who experienced spontaneous tendon rupture on an extended course of levofloxacin and required extensive pulley and boutonnière repair. Conclusions: Given the extensive damage that may be caused to weakened tissue, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion of tendinopathy in patients taking fluoroquinolones who have had previous tendon repairs, particularly in the setting of unexplained changes in recovery trajectory.
A design process to eliminate bucket-to-bucket interference on chain bucket elevator
Authors: Xiong Xinhong , Gong Yuanhua , Wang Xiaoping , Dai Pengdan , Gong Xuelin
Published: April 2017

Bucket elevators are efficient machines to transport the granular materials in the vertical direction or along the inclined planes. Traditional bucket elevators have strong limitations in the discharging position and discharging mode. So it has important practical significance to design and develop a chain bucket elevator with multipoint discharge which can realize the horizontal and vertical simultaneous continuous transportation. The bucket is the load bearing component of the bucket elevators. This article presents the method of solving the maximum contour of the bucket, which is the combination of analytic method and graphical method. The constraint conditions and the mathematical model of the interference analysis are obtained by the interference analysis at the inflection points, and the boundary contour of the bucket at the inflection points is obtained by solving the constraint equation with MATLAB. And the boundary contour of the bucket at the discharging position is obtained by the graphical method. Therefore, the maximum contour of the bucket is determined, which can ensure not only that there is no interference between the adjacent buckets in the whole process but also that the granular materials can be fully discharged and the maximum loading capacity of the buckets can be achieved.
Friction stir welding of AA5083 aluminium alloy: Multi-response optimization using Taguchi-based grey relational analysis
Authors: Kundu Jitender , Singh Hari
Published: April 2017

In this research work, friction stir welding of aluminium alloy AA5083-H321 is performed for optimization of the process parameters for maximum joint strength. Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array has been used for three parameters – tool rotational speed, traverse speed and tool tilt angle. Multi-response optimization has been carried out through Taguchi-based grey relational analysis. The grey relational grade has been calculated for all three responses – ultimate tensile strength, percentage elongation and micro-hardness. Analysis of variance is the tool used for obtaining grey relational grade to find out the significant process parameters. Tool rotational speed and traverse speed are the two most significant parameters which influence most of the quality characteristics of friction stir welded joint. Validation of the predicted values done through confirmation experiments at optimum setting shows a good agreement with the experimental values.
The Battle for Recognition: Religious Freedom post-Obergefell
Authors: Von Hagel Alisa , Mansbach Daniela
Published: April 2017

This article analyzes the latest efforts by opponents of same-sex marriage to frame their battle against this practice as a matter of religious liberty. This strategy is found in federal and state public policy, as well as the discourse of the religious right, situating their opposition within the tradition of multiculturalism, by characterizing religious individuals as an oppressed minority in need of protection. By framing the opposition to same-sex marriage as an issue of religious liberty, the religious right is able to eliminate the need to change public opinion on same-sex marriage, arguing instead that this is an issue of conflicting rights, with the opposition simply advocating for their individual liberty.
Humour and laughter in meetings: Influence, decision-making and the emergence of leadership
Authors: Watson Cate , Drew Valerie
Published: April 2017

Recent constructions view leadership as a process of social influence which coordinates processes of change. Moreover, such processes are not necessarily linked to role hierarchy but may be emergent and distributed within teams. However, the micro-processes through which this occurs are not well understood. The significance of the article lies in its contribution to an understanding of the emergence of leadership in teams, and in particular how humour and laughter are drawn on as a resource by which to exert social influence. Here, we use the construct of the play frame, ‘non-serious’ talk in which participants jointly construct extended humorous sequences as improvisations, to analyse how team members manoeuvre in order to accomplish influence, decision-making and leadership. In taking this approach, we are not concerned with considerations of how managers use jokes to exercise control, or workers use humour to subvert management. Rather, we examine how humour, and particularly the laughter it engenders, can contribute to an understanding of organisations as centred on communication and founded on the precept that organisations are ‘talked into being’. We show how talk in a play frame institutes a context which can be utilised by participants to exert influence, and we demonstrate the highly contingent and contextual nature of the emergence of leadership within teams.