bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Apathy in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Radakovic Ratko , Colville Shuna , Cranley Denise , Starr John M. , Pal Suvankar , Abrahams Sharon
Published: May 2020

Apathy is prevalent in dementia, such as behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and Alzheimer disease (AD). As a multidimensional construct, it can be assessed and subsumed under a Dimensional Apathy Framework. A consistent apathy profile in bvFTD and PPA has yet to be established. The aim was to explore apathy profiles and awareness in bvFTD, PPA, and AD. A total of 12 patients with bvFTD, 12 patients with PPA, 28 patients with AD, and 20 matched controls, as well as their informants/carers, were recruited. All participants completed the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS), assessing executive, emotional, and initiation apathy subtypes, a 1-dimensional apathy measure, depression measure, and functional and cognitive screens. Apathy subtype awareness was determined through DAS informant/carer and self-rating discrepancy. Apathy profile comparison showed patients with bvFTD had significantly higher emotional apathy than patients with AD ( P < .01) and significantly higher apathy over all subtypes than patients with PPA ( Ps < .05). Additionally, patients with bvFTD had significantly lower awareness for emotional apathy ( P < .01) when compared to patients with AD and PPA. All patient groups had significant global apathy over all subtypes compared to controls. The emergent apathy profile for bvFTD seems to be emotional apathy (indifference or emotional/affective neutrality), with lower self-awareness in this subtype. Further, lower self-awareness for executive apathy (lack of motivation for planning, organization, or attention) differentiates bvFTD from PPA. Future research should investigate the cognitive and neural correlates as well as the practical impact of apathy subtypes.
The influence of classical Stoicism on John Locke’s theory of self-ownership
Authors: Hill Lisa , Nidumolu Prasanna
Published: May 2020

The most important parent of the idea of property in the person (self-ownership) is undoubtedly John Locke. In this article, we argue that the origins of this idea can be traced back as far as the third century BCE, to classical Stoicism. Stoic cosmopolitanism, with its insistence on impartiality and the moral equality of all persons, lays the foundation for the idea of self-ownership, which is then given support in the doctrine of oikeiosis and the corresponding belief that nature had made all human beings equal, self-preserving, and self-regarding. On the Stoic account, self-ownership (or our preferred term self-guardianship) is a natural correlate and consequence of oikeiosis, the natural urge to self-preservation, proprioception, and the individuation that came with it. In recognising that people are separate and individual, and entrusting each individual’s welfare to herself, Zeus appears to make everyone a ‘self-guardian’. We uniquely argue that Locke was directly inspired by these Stoic ideas, which he then develops and incorporates into his own theory.
Influence of environmental conditions and oxidation on the coefficient of friction using microalloyed rail steels
Authors: Viesca JL , González-Cachón S , García A , González R , Bernardo-Sánchez A , Hernández Battez A
Published: May 2020

In railway systems, certain atmospheric conditions – mainly related to temperature and relative humidity – lead to the creation of iron oxides which can affect the coefficient of friction between the wheel and the rail. This can result in increased wear of the rail, reducing its service life and thus increasing replacement costs. Pin-on-disc tests were conducted in a climate chamber to study the influence of environmental conditions and iron oxides on the coefficient of friction. The iron oxides generated on the surface of specimens extracted from microalloyed rail steel during wear tests were analysed using X-ray diffraction. The results show that hematite (α-Fe2O3) is the predominant iron oxide among all the oxides generated on the worn surfaces. It was further noted that the oxide layer resulting from the rise in both temperature and relative humidity does not significantly affect the average coefficient of friction for each steel samples tested. High relative humidity combined with high temperature leads to the formation of α-Fe2O3, which tends to increase the coefficient of friction. However, a boundary lubrication effect is observed at higher relative humidity due to a condensed water film, which reduces the coefficient of friction and counteracts the increase of the coefficient of friction expected due to the presence of hematite.
Minor impact of constraint from perivascular flow probes on wave intensity analysis
Authors: Mynard Jonathan P , Smolich Joseph J
Published: May 2020

Perivascular flow probes are considered the gold-standard for measuring volumetric blood flow in animal studies. Although flow probes are generally placed non-constrictively around the vessel of interest, pressure-elevating interventions performed during an experiment may lead to vessel expansion and some probe-vessel impingement, particularly in highly compliant vessels such as adult sheep aorta or major pulmonary arteries in fetus lambs. This study assessed to what extent such mild flow probe constraint may impact on wave intensity analysis. We also investigated whether errors arising from flow probe constraint could explain apparent pressure reflection indices ( Rp > 1) that have been observed in fetus lamb pulmonary arteries under some experimental conditions. These questions were investigated with one-dimensional models of an adult sheep aorta and fetus lamb pulmonary artery, with a virtual flow probe incorporated as a non-linear external constraint term in the vessel constitutive equation. Model-derived flow and pressure were subjected to standard analysis procedures that would be applied experimentally (correcting for apparent velocity lags and calculating wave speed via the PU-loop method). For the adult sheep model, simulations covering a wide range of haemodynamic conditions revealed a mostly minor effect (<10%) of probe constraint on the intensity and pressure effects of the three major waves (forward compression wave, forward decompression wave, backward compression wave). Moreover, flow probe constraint had essentially no impact on Rp in the fetus lamb model, suggesting that such constraint is unlikely to be responsible for an observed Rp > 1. Mild flow probe constraint is likely to have little impact on wave intensity analysis.
Prevalence and risk factors of herpes zoster infection in patients with biopsy proven lupus nephritis undergoing immunosuppressive therapies
Authors: Mok Chi Chiu , Tse Sau Mei , Chan Kar Li , Ho Ling Yin
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To study the prevalence of herpes zoster infection in patients with biopsy-confirmed lupus nephritis undergoing immunosuppressive therapies.

Methods

Patients who had histologically active lupus nephritis between 2004 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and laboratory data at baseline and six months post-therapy were collected. The incidence of herpes zoster reactivation within two years of lupus nephritis treatment was calculated. Risk factors for herpes zoster reactivation were studied by logistic regression.

Results

Patients ( N = 251) with 311 episodes of lupus nephritis were studied (92% women; age 34.2 ± 14.2 years; histological classes III/IV ± V (69%)). Within two years of therapy, 55 (18%) episodes of lupus nephritis were complicated by herpes zoster infection (incidence 8.84/100 patient-years). Fourteen episodes (25%) of herpes zoster were treated by intravenous anti-viral drugs in hospital but disseminated disease or mortality was not reported. Significant post-herpetic neuralgia developed in 9% of the episodes. Patients with herpes zoster reactivation, compared with those without, were more likely to have first-time renal disease and a shorter systemic lupus erythematosus duration at lupus nephritis than those without. Disease activity, treatment response and other clinical/laboratory parameters were not significantly different between patients with and without herpes zoster reactivation. Herpes zoster-infected patients had been treated with a significantly higher dose of prednisolone as induction therapy. Logistic regression revealed that first-time renal disease, peak daily mycophenolate mofetil dose and cumulative cyclophosphamide dose during induction therapy were significantly associated with herpes zoster reactivation.

Conclusions

Herpes zoster reactivation is common in lupus nephritis patients but unpredictable from clinical parameters. Although adverse outcomes of herpes zoster infection are uncommon, using the minimally effective doses of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide during induction therapy may help reduce the risk of herpes zoster infection.
Semi-Automated Assessment of Human Islet Viability Predicts Transplantation Outcomes in a Diabetic Mouse Model
Authors: Salgado Mayra , Gonzalez Nelson , Medrano Leonard , Rawson Jeffrey , Omori Keiko , Qi Meirigeng , Al-Abdullah Ismail , Kandeel Fouad , Mullen Yoko , Komatsu Hirotake
Published: May 2020

In clinical and experimental human pancreatic islet transplantations, establishing pretransplant assessments that accurately predict transplantation outcomes is crucial. Conventional in vitro viability assessment that relies on manual counting of viable islets is a routine pretransplant assessment. However, this method does not correlate with transplantation outcomes; to improve the method, we recently introduced a semi-automated method using imaging software to objectively determine area-based viability. The goal of the present study was to correlate semi-automated viability assessment with posttransplantation outcomes of human islet transplantations in diabetic immunodeficient mice, the gold standard for in vivo functional assessment of isolated human islets. We collected data from 61 human islet isolations and 188 subsequent in vivo mouse transplantations. We assessed islet viability by fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide staining using both the conventional and semi-automated method. Transplantations of 1,200 islet equivalents under the kidney capsule were performed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic immunodeficient mice. Among the pretransplant variables, including donor factors and post-isolation assessments, viability measured using the semi-automated method demonstrated a strong influence on in vivo islet transplantation outcomes in multivariate analysis. We calculated an optimized cutoff value (96.1%) for viability measured using the semi-automated method and showed a significant difference in diabetes reversal rate for islets with viability above this cutoff (77% reversal) vs. below this cutoff (49% reversal). We performed a detailed analysis to show that both the objective measurement and the improved area-based scoring system, which distinguished between small and large islets, were key features of the semi-automated method that allowed for precise evaluation of viability. Taken together, our results suggest that semi-automated viability assessment offers a promising alternative pretransplant assessment over conventional manual assessment to predict human islet transplantation outcomes.
Predicting Financial Health of Banks for Investor Guidance Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Viswanathan P. K. , Srinivasan Suresh , Hariharan N.
Published: May 2020

While earlier studies have focused excessively on bankruptcy prediction of banks, this study classifies banks based on their financial strength from the perspective of retail depositors who currently do not have an authentic guiding framework that helps them identify banks with higher risk profiles. Using machine learning techniques, we classify 44 Indian banks into distinct categories of financial health based on 12-year data from 2005 to 2017. We first use unsupervised learning to identify a pattern leading to logical groups in terms of financial health and then move to supervised learning for prediction. Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), Classification and Regression Tree (CART) and Random Forest methods, we predict the cluster membership with the associated explanatory power alongside. We also compare our classification with the credit ratings awarded by rating agencies and highlight certain discrepancies that exist between what is predicted by our models and the credit rating awards.

JEL Codes: C53; M10
Enhancing Student Learning and Teacher Development: Does “Assessment for Learning” Matter?
Authors: Ng Shun Wing , Kwan Yee Wan , Huey Lei Ka Hio
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to report a case study of exploring the effect of “assessment for learning” on improving student learning and facilitating teachers’ professional development in the examination-oriented context of Hong Kong. By adopting Variation Theory of the Lesson Study approach, data were collected through pre- and post-tests, interviews with students and teacher participants and observation field-notes in order to help diagnose students’ learning difficulties and provide evidence for teachers to refine their teaching strategies to enhance students’ learning effectiveness. The students’ improvement in learning performance informed the teacher participants of the usefulness of ‘assessment for learning’ in the classroom.
School Nurses Perceptions on Managing Asthma in Alabama Schools
Authors: Gibson-Young Linda , Waldrop Julee , Lindahl Brenda , Buckner Ellen
Published: May 2020

Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children under 18. In Alabama, 11% of children report a diagnosis of asthma compared to the United States with 9.5%. Childhood asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to a chronic disease, and Alabama children with asthma miss approximately 10 days of school each year for uncontrolled asthma. Managing children in the school system with asthma can often be challenging for school nurses. In this cross-sectional study, perceptions of Alabama school nurses on managing asthma in the school were explored. School nurses feel prepared to manage asthma but identify lack of certain resources and supportive policies, especially access to medications as barriers to optimum care. Implications for statewide advocacy at the policy level and broadening educational activities are supported by the survey results.
Intervention Adherence and Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Child Outcomes in School Nurse–Delivered Interventions for Anxiety
Authors: Caron EB , Drake Kelly L. , Stewart Catherine E. , Muggeo Michela A. , Ginsburg Golda S.
Published: May 2020

This study examined the association between two implementation factors, nurse-reported intervention adherence and self-efficacy, and children’s outcomes in school nurse–delivered anxiety interventions. Data were collected in a pilot randomized controlled effectiveness trial with 54 children and 21 school nurses. Nurses implemented either a cognitive behavioral or relaxation-skills-only intervention. Nurse questionnaires assessed implementation factors. Independent evaluators assessed changes in children’s anxiety symptoms at postintervention and at 3-month follow-up using clinical improvement and global functioning scales. Regression analyses indicated that greater intervention adherence was associated with greater anxiety symptom improvement at follow-up. Nurse self-efficacy interacted with intervention group, such that nurses with higher self-efficacy who implemented the cognitive behavioral intervention tended to have children show improvement and higher postintervention functioning. The impact of implementation factors on children’s outcomes may differ depending on intervention type. Self-efficacy may be important for nurses using relatively complex interventions. Intervention adherence should be supported through training and consultation.
Anticoagulation Management for Impella Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices: An Analysis of a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Wood Ethan , Hayes Charles , Hart Anthony
Published: May 2020

Background:

Impella devices offer temporary mechanical circulatory support for cardiogenic shock. The manufacturer recommends systemic anticoagulation with a target activated clotting time of 160 to 180 s but provides no guidance on how to manage both the heparinized purge solution and the additional intravenous heparin needed to reach this therapeutic range. Previous publications demonstrated a lack of standardization in heparin management for Impella devices.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of 2 different heparin protocols for long-term Impella support.

Methods:

This single-center, retrospective study included adult patients on Impella support for greater than 24 hours. The primary end point was time to therapeutic range measured in hours, from time of implantation to the first of 2 consecutive measurements within the therapeutic range. Secondary end points included percentage of time in therapeutic range, rates of major bleeding, pump thrombosis, hemolysis, and nursing satisfaction.

Results:

There were 19 patients identified, with 7 using the original protocol and 12 using the revised protocol. Time to therapeutic range was similar between protocols (15.5 vs 12 hours, P = NS). Another 14 patients were managed with patient-specific protocols as a result of bleeding or physician preference. In total, 42% of all patients in this study experienced major bleeding. There were no confirmed thrombosis events. This study was limited by a small sample size.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Despite using different heparin protocols, outcomes and bleeding events were similar between groups. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal degree of anticoagulation necessary to reduce bleeding risk.
Research on mechanism and evolution features of frequency split phenomenon of tire acoustic cavity resonance
Authors: Liu Yuting , Liu Xiandong , Shan Yingchun , Hu Xiaojun , Yi Jiajing
Published: May 2020

The acoustic cavity resonance inside the tire–wheel assembly is known to contribute to audible noise in the passenger compartment of vehicles. To obtain control methods of tire acoustic cavity resonance, its characteristics and producing mechanism need to be clarified first. In this article, the finite element model of a tire coupled with acoustic medium in the tire cavity is constructed. The Euler method is introduced to study the modal characteristics of tire cavity under the influence of tire inflation pressure, load, and tire rotation velocity. Frequency splitting phenomena under four separate conditions (stationary tire without load, stationary tire with load, rotating tire without load, and rotating tire with load) are simulated and analyzed. The slope change of the resonance frequency as a function of rotation speed is found to be close to the reciprocal of tire radius which can be explained by a model of wave propagation in a ring-shaped channel with moving media inside the ring. The obtained function of the slope change can help determine the frequency variation range under different vehicle velocity, structure load, and tire inflation pressure, which can then help to control the cavity resonance energy and provide a more comfortable driving experience.
Moving Health Education and Behavior Upstream: Lessons From COVID-19 for Addressing Structural Drivers of Health Inequities
Authors: Schulz Amy J. , Mehdipanah Roshanak , Chatters Linda M. , Reyes Angela G. , Neblett Enrique W. , Israel Barbara A.
Published: May 2020

In this Perspective, we build on social justice and emancipatory traditions within the field of health education, and the field’s long-standing commitment to building knowledge and shared power to promote health equity, to examine lessons and opportunities for health education emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Examining patterns that emerged as the pandemic unfolded in Metropolitan Detroit, with disproportionate impacts on African American and low-income communities, we consider conditions that contributed to excess exposure, mortality, and reduced access to critical health protective resources. Using a life course framework, we consider enduring impacts of the pandemic for health equity. Finally, we suggest several strategic actions in three focal areas—environment, occupation, and housing—that can be taken by health educators working in partnership with community members, researchers, and decision makers, using, for example, a community-based participatory research approach, to reduce adverse impacts of COVID-19 and promote long-term equity in health.
Static and dynamic characteristics of nano-reinforced 3D-fiber metal laminates using non-destructive techniques
Authors: Soltannia B , Mertiny P , Taheri F
Published: May 2020

Uncontrolled vibration in mechanical systems (e.g. aircraft, trains, and automobiles) may result in undesirable noise and eventually, cause mechanical failure. In this context, the main objective of the present research is to explore parameters that govern and affect the frequency response of three-dimensional fiber metal laminates. Three-dimensional fiber metal laminates are a class of novel lightweight hybrid material systems with great potential for use in aforementioned applications. Therefore, the vibration characteristics of the two most commonly used configurations of three-dimensional fiber metal laminates are experimentally investigated by nontraditional and conventional approaches. Material damping is also improved by the inclusion of two different types of nanocarbon particles within the core and/or interfaces of the hybrid system. The results are presented and compared. The inclusion of nanocarbon particle improved the fundamental frequency of the system slightly; however, material damping was enhanced significantly when only 1 wt% nanocarbon particle was used in the interfacial sections of the system.
Influences of transient impact and vibration on the lubrication performance of spur gears
Authors: Huang Xingbao , Yang Bintang , Wang Youqiang
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the mathematical model of gear elastohydrodynamic lubrication is presented. The transient impact operating condition and underdamped load condition are considered. Taking thermal effect and squeeze effect into account, the full numerical solution of gear pairs is obtained. In this numerical calculation, multigrid method is applied to compute the film pressure; multigrid integration technique is used to calculate the solid surface deformation; column by column scanning technique is employed to calculate temperature. The simulation results show that an entrapped film dimple forms under transient impact condition; transient impact causes remarkable increases in film pressure and film temperature. Compared with the normal case the minimum thickness of the impact case is smaller, which is not beneficial to teeth lubrication. Thermal effect induces some decreases in film thickness because of the viscosity–temperature relationship. Vibrational load with high damped frequency causes greater increases in film thickness and greater decreases in the coefficient of friction than that of low damped frequency. However, the film temperature of high damped frequency is higher than that of low damped frequency.
The occidental otaku: Portuguese audience motivations for viewing anime
Authors: Gonçalves João , Navio Catarina , Moura Pedro
Published: May 2020

Japanese animation, widely known as anime, has a global reach. It is simultaneously broadcasted by traditional media and easily distributed and discussed among fans in the digital and online realms. However, non-Japanese audiences’ motivations for watching this kind of content remain almost unstudied in some countries, with Portugal being one of them. This article presents and discusses the outcomes of an online survey completed by 568 respondents, most of them young and regular watchers of anime. A scale by Rubin and Perse (1987), originally used in regard to the audiences of soap operas, was adapted in the scope of this article. Five main motivations were found for anime viewing, with entertainment being the strongest. Age and gender are relevant predictors for the sample’s motivations and also influence audience preferences regarding genres. The survey’s outcomes are complemented by nine in-depth interviews conducted during an anime convention, further exploring the motivations derived from the survey.
Waterproof cast liners for pediatric forearm fractures – A comparison of two products
Authors: Trivellas Myra , Hennrikus William , Gupta Rahul , Slough Jennifer , Armstrong Douglas , Piazza Brian , Wieler Jane
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Waterproof lining in casting in the pediatric population is becoming more commonplace due to the improved quality of life for the child by providing patients with a higher physical functional level when compared to those with non-waterproof lining. The objective of this study is to compare patient satisfaction and outcomes of two commonly used waterproof liners.

Methods

A prospective, randomized-controlled trial of children with stable forearm fractures not requiring reduction was conducted. Of those who chose a waterproof lining, patients were randomized to one of two products: Delta Dry® or Aquacast®. At the time of cast removal, each patient and medical assistant who applied and removed the cast completed surveys about their satisfaction with the cast. A two-sample T-test for independent samples was used to compare the two cast liners.

Results

Both liners were well liked by patients with no statistically significant difference in satisfaction scores nor were there differences in water exposure between the two groups (pool use, showering, or lake swimming). The medical assistants scored Aquacast® higher in three out of four domains but again there was no statistical difference. There were no fracture complications nor problems from cast application or removal.

Conclusion

Both waterproof cast liners were safe and efficacious. No significant differences were detected in any measured parameter including overall high patient satisfaction.
Revenue per Quality of College Football Recruit
Authors: Bergman Stephen A. , Logan Trevon D.
Published: May 2020

There is significant debate about compensation of college athletes in revenue generating sports. In college football, the potential heterogeneity in player value has received little attention in the discussion. The relationship between player quality, team performance, and sport-specific revenue should inform any compensation scheme for college football players. In this article, we provide estimates of player monetary value in college football. This is the first study to exploit player-specific ex ante recruit ratings, team performance, and football-specific revenue and profit (revenue net of expenditures) to infer player valuations. This allows us to estimate value for players whose performance can be difficult to measure given traditional sport metrics. We use a unique data set which records individual recruits by ex ante star rating annually for every Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) school and combine that data with data on team performance, bowl appearances by type, and football-specific revenue. Using a valuation approach which links player-specific quality to team performance and subsequently to revenue, we infer the value of recruits by their ex ante recruit rating. We estimate that five-star recruits increase annual revenue by US$650,000, four-star recruits increase revenue by roughly US$350,000, and three-star recruits increase revenue by US$150,000. Two-star recruits, however, are negatively related to revenue and profit, with two-star athletes reducing annual revenue by US$13,000. Overall, our results imply that player valuations are heterogeneous and that ex ante ratings of player quality are strongly related to school-specific football revenue and profit and may be predictive measures in a compensation scheme.
Integrating fuzzy Kano model and fuzzy importance–performance analysis to analyse the attractive factors of new products
Authors: Xi Le , Zhang Hui , Li Sunan , Cheng Jianxin
Published: May 2020

The sorting mechanism underlying the traditional evaluation grid method with attractive factors mainly represents the time or the paired comparison method. However, the current approach employed to identify abstract factors of attractiveness may not be comprehensive. The objective of this article is to propose a hybrid method with an integrated fuzzy Kano model and fuzzy importance–performance analysis to evaluate attractive factors. Fuzzy importance–performance analysis is a more accurate quantitative–qualitative method for two-dimensional analysis, and integrated fuzzy Kano model compensates for the low-resolution problem of the traditional Kano model. A combination of both models arrives at a more comprehensive and reliable evaluation grid method evaluation mechanism. The results indicate that the attractive factors sorted through integrated fuzzy Kano model–fuzzy importance–performance analysis have deconstructed abstract factors and feature factors of the customer service robot. Moreover, the key factors of the products sorted by through integrated fuzzy Kano model–fuzzy importance–performance analysis provide a better understanding of customer expectations associated with the products, which consequently enables developers and designers to accurately understand the design style and conceive new ideas.
Two-Stage Redo Aortic Arch Repair in a Patient With an Isolated Left Vertebral Artery
Authors: Kawajiri Hidetake , Khasawneh Mohammad A. , Bower Thomas C. , Bagameri Gabor
Published: May 2020

A 47-year-old male presented with an enlarging distal aortic arch false lumen 6 months status post ascending and hemiarch replacement with antegrade endograft insertion for acute type A aortic dissection complicated by lower body malperfusion. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography showed an isolated but dominant left vertebral artery. A 2-stage open surgical repair was performed. First, the left subclavian artery was transposed on the common carotid and vertebral onto the subclavian. At the second stage, a redo total arch reconstruction was done with bypass grafts taken to the innominate and left common carotid arteries. The patient did well postoperatively.
Endovascular coiling of large mastoid emissary vein causing pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Abdalkader Mohamad , Ma Alice , Cohen Michael , Aliphas Avner , Sakai Osamu , Nguyen Thanh N
Published: May 2020

The association of large mastoid emissary veins and pulsatile tinnitus has been reported. However, therapeutic options for this condition remain limited. We report a case of endovascular coiling of a large mastoid emissary vein in a patient with disabling pulsatile tinnitus with significant improvement of symptoms. To our knowledge, endovascular coiling of large mastoid emissary vein causing pulsatile tinnitus has not been reported.
Finite-element analysis and structure optimization of X-O composite seal of cone bit
Authors: Jing Shuang , Mu Anle , Zhou Yi , Xie Ling
Published: May 2020

The seal is the key part of the cone bit. To reduce the failure probability, a new seal was designed and studied. The sealing performance and structure optimization of the X-O composite seal was analyzed and compared by finite-element analysis. The stress and contact pressure were analyzed to establish the main structural parameters that affect sealing performance and the direction of the structural optimization. By optimizing these structural parameters, including the height, and the radial and axial arc radii, an optimized structure is obtained. The results show that (1) the X-O composite seal can meet the seal requirement, the excessive height of the X seal ring is the root cause of the uneven distribution of stress, pressure, and distortion. (2) A new seal structure is obtained, the distribution of pressure and stress is reasonable and even, and the values of stress and pressure are reduced to avoid distortion and reduce the wear. Finally, the field test results of the X-O composite seal of cone bit showed that the service life of the bit bearing increased by 16% on average and the drilling efficiency increased by 11% on average compared with the original cone bit with the O seal ring.
Dynamic analysis of double-helical gear system considering effect of oil film among meshing teeth
Authors: Yin Minghu , Cui Yahui , Meng Xiangjun , Zuo Jinzhong , Qi Yuhao
Published: May 2020

The oil film among meshing teeth is just like a spring-damping element, and it can dominate the friction and meshing characteristics of the gear pair and influence its dynamic performances further. Thus, this article focuses on a double-helical gear system and makes efforts to consider the effect of the oil film among meshing teeth more deeply, which can enhance the precision of dynamic analysis for the gear system. First, based on the elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication theory and “microtomy” method, the models of friction and meshing characteristics are developed including the friction state and spring-damping effect of the oil film among meshing teeth; then, the dynamic models of the double-helical gear system with the effect of the oil film among meshing teeth are established, and finally, the experiments are carried out to verify the value of the models developed in this article. According to the theoretical and experimental analyses, it can be seen that the dynamic model considering the effect of the oil film among the meshing teeth is more precise and practical, and the effect of the oil film should be considered in the dynamic analysis of the gear system, especially at the condition with heavy load or high speed.
Multi-parameter analysis of the effects on hydraulic performance and hemolysis of blood pump splitter blades
Authors: Yu Zheqin , Tan Jianping , Wang Shuai
Published: May 2020

The splitter blade can effectively optimize pump performance, but there is still insufficient research in blood pumps that cover both hydraulic and hemolysis performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of key factors related to splitter blade on the performance and flow field of axial flow blood pump. In this study, the number of splitter blades, the axial length, and the circumferential offset were chosen as three objects of study. An analysis of the flow field and performance of the pump by orthogonal array design using computational fluid mechanics was carried out. A set of hydraulic and particle image velocimetry experiments of the model pumps were performed. The result showed that the pump had greater hydraulic performance without sacrificing its hemolytic performance when it had two splitter blades, the axial length ratio was 0.6, and the circumferential offset was 15°. Based on these reference data, the splitter blade may contribute to greater hydraulic performance of the pump and cause no side effect on the velocity distribution of the flow field. This finding provides an effective method for the research, development, and application of structural improvement of the axial flow blood pump.
Six-month results of stenting of the femoropopliteal artery and predictive value of interleukin-6: Comparison with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
Authors: Guo Songlin , Zhang Zhang , Wang Lei , Yuan Liangxi , Bao Junmin , Zhou Jian , Jing Zaiping
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To determine the association of pre- and postinterventional serum levels of interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein at the six-month evaluation of restenosis after stenting of the femoropopliteal artery.

Methods

Sixty-eight consecutive patients with steno-occlusive femoropopliteal artery disease of Rutherford category III or IV who underwent stent implantation were included. Six-month patency was evaluated with color-coded duplex ultrasound. The association of in-stent restenosis with interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels at baseline, and 24-h postintervention was assessed with a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

In-stent restenosis was found in 15 patients (22.1%) within six months. Interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly increased at 24-h postintervention compared to their preintervention values ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Interleukin-6 values at baseline (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.00, 1.23; p = 0.044) and 24-h postintervention (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.06; p < 0.001) were independently associated with six-month in-stent restenosis. Twenty-four-hour postinterventional high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were also found to be related to restenosis (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.26; p = 0.006), but high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels at baseline did not show an independent association with in-stent restenosis (odds ratio, 0.57; 95% confidence interval: 0.35, 1.80; p = 0.667). Smoking, diabetes mellitus, and cumulative stent length were other parameters associated with an increased risk for in-stent restenosis.

Conclusions

Femoropopliteal artery angioplasty with stent placement induces an inflammatory response. Interleukin-6 is a powerful independent predictor of intermediate-term outcomes for stenting of the femoropopliteal artery, suggesting that its predictive value may be superior to that of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
Effect of carvedilol on arteriovenous graft primary patency
Authors: Tseng Yuan-Hsi , Liu Chia-Yen , Lee Chuan-Pin , Lin Meng-Hung , Yang Yao-Hsu
Published: May 2020

Background

The major mechanisms of arteriovenous graft (AVG) failure due to intimal hyperplasia (IH) are smooth muscle cell proliferation and inflammation. Therefore, carvedilol may improve AVG primary patency because of its anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Methods

The data of end-stage renal disease patients receiving regular hemodialysis were collected from the National Health Insurance Research database. The end point was the first percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for AVG failure or death during a follow-up period of two years or the end of 2013. The analysis was calculated with Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

There were 3028 patients treated with carvedilol and 13,704 patients not treated with carvedilol. According to a univariate analysis, the carvedilol group was younger, received more anti-hypertensive medications and platelet aggregation inhibitors, and had higher rates of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia but had lower rates of hypotension and smoking. According to a multivariate analysis, after controlling for covariates, the use of carvedilol for more than 84 days reduced the probability of a first PTA for AVG failure by 9% compared with no use of carvedilol ( p = 0.021), but the use of carvedilol for 1 to 84 days did not.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the use of carvedilol for more than 84 days improves the primary patency of AVGs, but the use of carvedilol for less than 84 days does not.
Long-term outcomes of monascin – a novel dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ/nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor-2 agonist in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Fu Pengcheng , Liu Jiachen , Bai Qinqin , Sun Xingang , Yao Zhenjia , Liu Lirong , Wu Cuimei , Wang Gaiqing
Published: May 2020

Background:

Hematoma is the chief culprit in brain injury following intracranial cerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Noninvasive hematoma clearance could be an option to prevent and alleviate early brain injury after ICH. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor-2 (Nrf2) facilitate removal of hematoma in ICH. Monascin acts as the natural Nrf2 activator with PPAR-γ agonist, and the long-term effects of monascin following ICH have not been elucidated.

Methods:

ICH in rats was induced by stereotactic, intrastriatal injection of type IV collagenase. Monascin was administered twice daily by gastric perfusion for 14 days after ICH induction. Long-term neurological scores (T maze, Garcia scales, rotor rod test, and Morris water maze), hematoma volume, as well as iron overload around hematoma and brain atrophy were evaluated at 7, 14, and 28 days after ICH.

Results:

The results showed that monascin improved long-term neurological deficits, spatial memory performance, learning ability, and brain shrinkage after ICH. Monascin also reduced hematoma volume at 7 days and iron content at 7 and 14 days after ICH.

Conclusion:

PPAR γ and Nrf2 play a crucial role in hematoma clearance after ICH in rat. As a dual agonist of PPAR γ and Nrf2, monascin improved long-term outcomes by facilitating hematoma clearance, and by attenuating iron overload and brain atrophy after experimental ICH.
Information Sharing in the School Setting During a Public Health Emergency
Authors: Baker Christina , Galemore Cynthia A. , Lowrey Kerri McGowan
Published: May 2020

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is the federal law that protects the privacy of personally identifiable information from student education records and applies to all education entities that receive funding under any program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is the federal law that establishes privacy requirements for patients’ protected health information. Together these privacy laws establish rules that guide school nurses in the sharing of student information, even in times of public health emergencies. The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have issued special updates to privacy laws in response to the Novel Coronavirus Disease providing certain waivers of typical privacy requirements and direction to allow the sharing of information during this public health emergency. The purpose of this article is to briefly review the privacy laws as they relate to schools, as well as to provide an overview of the recent waivers to assist school nurses, school administrators, healthcare professionals, and public health agencies in protecting the health and safety of students during this current public health emergency.
Service user and staff acceptance of fetal ultrasound telemedicine
Authors: Bidmead Elaine , Lie Mabel , Marshall Alison , Robson Stephen , Smith Vikki J.
Published: May 2020

Objective

We present qualitative findings from interviews with frontline clinicians and service users of a fetal telemedicine service.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with clinical stakeholders and service users were conducted, undertaken as part of a service evaluation. Data collection was undertaken by different teams, using interview schedules aligned to independent evaluation aims. Data were subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

Sonographers reported four main challenges: delivering a shared consultation; the requirement to resist scanning intuitively; communications during the scan; and restricted room space. Notwithstanding, all clinicians reported that participating women were accepting of the technology. Service users reported few concerns. The main benefits of fetal telemedicine were identified as upskilled staff, increased access to specialist support and improved management of complex pregnancies. Convenience was identified as the main benefit by service users, including savings in time and money from not having to travel, take time off work, and arrange childcare.

Conclusions

Service users and clinical stakeholders were accepting of the service. Service users reported satisfaction with communications during the consultation and awareness that telemedicine had facilitated local access to clinical expertise. Whilst clinical stakeholders reported challenges, the iterative nature of the evaluation meant that concerns were discussed, responded to, and overcome as the pilot developed. Clinical stakeholders’ perception of benefits for service users encouraged their acceptance. Moreover, the evaluation established that fetal ultrasound telemedicine is a viable method to access expertise safely and remotely. It provided demonstrable evidence of a potential solution to some of the healthcare challenges facing rural hospitals.
The Effect of Sibling Size on Children’s Educational Attainment: Evidence From Indonesia
Authors: Feng (冯乃康) Naikang
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

This study examines the effect of sibling size on children’s educational attainment in Indonesia.

Design/Approach/Methods:

To establish causality, it exploits the exogenous variation of sibling size caused by twin birth in families.

Findings:

Results of instrumental variable (IV) estimation support a traditional wisdom of quantity–quality trade-off, where sibling size is negatively correlated with the completed years of schooling, educational levels, and likelihood of school attendance. Building on this, the subsample analysis reveals that the negative effect is larger for Muslim children, children with less educated mothers, and children belonging to earlier birth cohorts.

Originality/Value:

These findings provide insights into both population and education policymaking in developing countries.
Identifying the Entrepreneurial Success Factors and the Performance of Women-Owned Businesses in Pakistan: The Moderating Role of National Culture
Authors: Shakeel Muhammad , Yaokuang Li , Gohar Ali
Published: May 2020

Women’s entrepreneurship in Pakistan has been booming in recent years, and it has made a significant impact on social and economic expansion. However, it is notable that these businesses are smaller in size and considered less profitable when compared with men’s entrepreneurial efforts. This dilemma encourages the investigation of the success factors that contribute to the performance of women-owned businesses (WOBs) within this understudied region. Factors that may determine the success of WOB in Pakistan are divided into four broad headings: the entrepreneur’s characteristics, internal business environment, external business environments, and supportive factors. This study also explores the direct and moderating role of perceived national culture within the framework. The results demonstrate that the entrepreneur’s characteristics, external business environments, and supportive factors are positively related to the performance of WOB, while the internal business environment is of little significance. Furthermore, while perceived national culture does not influence the performance of WOB, it weakens the relationship between the entrepreneur’s characteristics and performance but strengthens the impact of supportive factors on the performance of the WOB. This study leads to a solid awareness about the critical success factors, the perceived national culture, and their association with the performances of WOB within Pakistan.