bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of flow structures in a turbulent separating flow using hybrid RANS-LES model
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , De Ashoke , Gopalan Harish
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes large eddy simulation (RANS-LES) methods have become popular for simulation of massively separated flows at high Reynolds numbers due to their reduced computational cost and good accuracy. The current study aims to examine the performance of LES and hybrid RANS-LES model for a given grid resolution.

Design/methodology/approach

For better assessment and contrast of model performance, both mean and instantaneous flow fields have been investigated. For studying instantaneous flow, proper orthogonal decomposition has been used.

Findings

Current analysis shows that hybrid RANS-LES is capable of achieving similar accuracy in prediction of both mean and instantaneous flow fields at a very coarse grid as compared to LES.

Originality/value

Focusing mostly on the practical applications of computation, most of the attention has been given to the prediction of one-point flow statistics and little consideration has been put to two-point statistics. Here, two-point statistics has been considered using POD to investigate unsteady turbulent flow.
Reactor modelling assessment for urea-SNCR applications
Authors: Finnerman Oskar , Razmjoo Narges , Guo Ning , Strand Michael , Ström Henrik
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This work aims to investigate the effects of neglecting, modelling or partly resolving turbulent fluctuations of velocity, temperature and concentrations on the predicted turbulence-chemistry interaction in urea-selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical predictions of the NO conversion efficiency in an industrial urea-SNCR system are compared to experimental data. Reactor models of varying complexity are assessed, ranging from one-dimensional ideal reactor models to state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics simulations based on the detached-eddy simulation (DES) approach. The models use the same reaction mechanism but differ in the degree to which they resolve the turbulent fluctuations of the gas phase. A methodology for handling of unknown experimental data with regard to providing adequate boundary conditions is also proposed.

Findings

One-dimensional reactor models may be useful for a first quick assessment of urea-SNCR system performance. It is critical to account for heat losses, if present, due to the significant sensitivity of the overall process to temperature. The most comprehensive DES setup evaluated is associated with approximately two orders of magnitude higher computational cost than the conventional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes-based simulations. For studies that require a large number of simulations (e.g. optimizations or handling of incomplete experimental data), the less costly approaches may be favored with a tolerable loss of accuracy.

Originality/value

Novel numerical and experimental results are presented to elucidate the role of turbulent fluctuations on the performance of a complex, turbulent, reacting multiphase flow.
Community resilience to natural disasters: the role of disaster entrepreneurship
Authors: Linnenluecke Martina K. , McKnight Brent
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the conditions under which disaster entrepreneurship contributes to community-level resilience. The authors define disaster entrepreneurship as attempts by the private sector to create or maintain value during and in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster by taking advantage of business opportunities and providing goods and services required by community stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds a typology of disaster entrepreneurial responses by drawing on the dimensions of structural expansion and role change. The authors use illustrative case examples to conceptualize how these responses improve community resilience by filling critical resource voids in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Findings

The typology identifies four different disaster entrepreneurship approaches: entrepreneurial business continuity, scaling of organizational response through activating latent structures, improvising and emergence. The authors formulate proposition regarding how each of the approaches is related to community-level resilience.

Practical implications

While disaster entrepreneurship can offer for-profit opportunities for engaging in community-wide disaster response and recovery efforts, firms should carefully consider the financial, legal, reputational and organizational implications of disaster entrepreneurship.

Social implications

Communities should consider how best to harness disaster entrepreneurship in designing their disaster response strategies.

Originality/value

This research offers a novel typology to explore the role that for-profit firms play in disaster contexts and adds to prior research which has mostly focused on government agencies, non-governmental organizations and emergency personnel.
Social enterprise, sustainability and community in post-earthquake Christchurch
Authors: Berno Tracy
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Since 4 September 2010, the greater Christchurch region has endured a series of destructive earthquakes. As a result, food resilience, as a component of community resilience, has become highly relevant. This paper aims to explore the role of social entrepreneurs and the local food system in building community resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quasi-case study method, four social enterprise food initiatives are presented to illustrate conceptually how these local food systems contribute to community resilience in the post-earthquake context in Christchurch.

Findings

The results suggest that a generation of social entrepreneurs have emerged, giving rise to networked local food system initiatives that share the common goals of building multiple and unique forms of capital (human, social, natural, financial and physical). In doing so, they have contributed to creating conditions that support community resilience as both a process and an outcome in post-earthquake Christchurch.

Research limitations/implications

This research included only four enterprises as the case study, all located in central Christchurch. As such, the results are indicative and may not represent those found in other contexts.

Practical implications

The research suggests that social entrepreneurs make a significant contribution to both enhancing food security and building community resilience post-disaster. How policy infrastructure can empower and enable entrepreneurs’ post-disaster warrants further consideration.

Social implications

Collectively, the four enterprises included in the research were found to have created local solutions in response to local problems. This embeddedness with and responsiveness to the community is a characteristic of resilient communities.

Originality/value

Post-earthquake Christchurch is a living laboratory in relation to understanding community resilience. The processes by which it is occurring, how it is sustained over time and the shapes it will take in the future in such a dynamic environment are not yet understood. This paper contributes to understanding local food systems as part of this process.
The Australian Housing System: A Quiet Revolution?
Authors: Wood Gavin A. , Ong Rachel
Published: June 2017

The Australian housing system is quietly undergoing a major transformation. Many young and middle‐aged home owners are paying down large mortgages that leave them precariously positioned on the margins of ownership. As house prices have remained stubbornly high relative to incomes, renters are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve home ownership status. For some low income households, precarious housing circumstances will result in worrying levels of homelessness, which is symptomatic of a housing system that is failing the most vulnerable in society. This article describes long‐run trends derived from nationally representative datasets that offer some insights into how the Australian housing system has reached this position.
Effect of known history of heart disease on survival outcomes after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests
Authors: Lee Magdalene HM , Fook‐Chong Stephanie , Wah Win , Shin Sang Do , Nishiuchi Tatsuya , Ko Patrick Chow‐In , Naroo Ghulam Yasin , Wong Kwanhathai Darin , Tiah Ling , Monsomboon Apichaya , Siddiqui Fahad J , Ong Marcus EH ,   on behalf of the PAROS Clinical Research Network
Published: June 2017

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effect of known heart disease on post‐out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival outcomes, and its association with factors influencing survival.

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective study involving an OHCA database from seven Asian countries in 2009–2012. Heart disease was defined as a documented diagnosis of coronary artery disease or congenital heart disease. Patients with non‐traumatic arrests for whom resuscitation was attempted and with known medical histories were included. Differences in demographics, arrest characteristics and survival between patients with and without known heart disease were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing survival to discharge.

Results

Of 19 044 eligible patients, 5687 had known heart disease. They were older (77 vs 72 years) and had more comorbidities like diabetes (40.9 vs 21.8%), hypertension (60.6 vs 36.0%) and previous stroke (15.2 vs 10.1%). However, they were not more likely to receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (P = 0.205) or automated external defibrillation (P = 0.980). On univariate analysis, known heart disease was associated with increased survival (unadjusted odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.30). However, on multivariate analysis, heart disease predicted poorer survival (adjusted odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.58–1.00). Other factors influencing survival corresponded with previous reports.

Conclusions

Known heart disease independently predicted poorer post‐OHCA survival. This study may provide information to guide future prospective studies specifically looking at family education for patients with heart disease and the effect on OHCA outcomes.
Do all adult orthopaedic injuries seen in emergency departments need to attend fracture clinic? A Queensland multicentred review
Authors: Cleary Aidan , Zeller Robert , Maguire Chris , Goh Shyan , Shortt Nick
Published: June 2017

Objective

Musculoskeletal injuries account for a significant proportion of ED presentations annually, with a large percentage being referred to the fracture clinic (FC). A literature review found that many referrals could be safely managed outside the traditional model of care. The present study aims to review all adult presentations to FCs at two Queensland metropolitan hospitals, finding low‐risk injuries that can safely and appropriately be managed by their general practitioner (GP) or allied health professionals (AHPs), potentially affording significant savings to the health system.

Methods

A retrospective study at Logan and Redland Hospitals was undertaken, reviewing all adult patients (≥16 years) referred to FCs over an eight week period. Injuries were categorised into those requiring FC care supervised by an orthopaedic surgeon (fracture clinic pathway) and those that could be safely managed by GPs or AHPs, with the aid of evidence‐based, protocol‐driven guidelines known as the primary care pathway (PCP).

Results

A total of 1367 patients were referred to FC over the study period, of whom 546 (40%) were assessed as suitable candidates for PCP. Redland Hospital accounted for 65% of all PCP‐suitable patients, whereas Logan Hospital accounted for 35%. Failure‐to‐attend rates were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the PCP patients compared to other patients attending FCs.

Conclusion

Adopting the PCP could potentially reduce fracture clinic referrals by 40%. Having a structured pathway has the potential to empower primary health professionals, which could result in a more streamlined process that aids in significant time and financial savings and maintains good patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Epidemiology and outcomes of missing admission medication history in severe trauma: A retrospective study
Authors: Miller Matthew , Morris Richard , Fisicaro Nicoletta , Curtis Kate
Published: June 2017

Objective

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet (ACAP) drugs are associated with increased mortality in trauma patients, therefore medication history on admission is important. Whether these medications are recorded on trauma admission has not been investigated, nor if absence of a medication history is associated with worse patient outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective database review combining demographic and outcome data from the St George Hospital (Sydney) trauma registry with admission medication history in the electronic record. To contrast medications with a known increased risk (ACAP) to patients with unknown risk, patients were divided into three groups: those on ACAPs, no‐ACAP if medication history was present and no‐ACAP documented, or no‐Hx if no medication history recorded. Inclusion criteria were aged >16 and Injury Severity Score (ISS) >12. Admission demographic data and outcome data were compared between all three groups.

Results

Of 533 consecutive patients, 21% comprised the no‐Hx group, while 22% were on an ACAP and 57% not on an ACAP. No‐Hx patients had more severe head injuries and a younger median age compared to ACAP patients (42 vs 82 years old, P < 0.001). Mortality was higher for ACAP (24%; 95% CI 17–33%) compared to no‐ACAP (11%; 95% CI 8–16%) or no‐Hx patients (12%; 95% CI 7–20%) (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

While a large number of severe trauma patients were admitted without a medication history, no‐Hx patients did not appear at increased risk of adverse outcomes. ACAP patients had a higher mortality compared to no‐ACAP highlighting the vulnerability of this group.
Persistence of transgenes in wild rice populations depends on the interaction between genetic background of recipients and environmental conditions
Authors: Dong S.S. , Xiao M.Q. , Ouyang D.X. , Rong J. , Lu B.‐R. , Su J. , Wang F. , Chen J.K. , Song Z.‐P.
Published: June 2017

The persistence of transgenes in wild populations may cause unintended ecological consequences, and the possibility of transgenes' persistence and introgression is dependent on fitness performance of transgenic crop–wild hybrids. To investigate the effects of transgene and genotype × environment on the fitness of crop–wild rice hybrids, a total of 11 cross‐combination progenies between insect‐resistant transgene (CpTI and Bt/CpTI) rice lines and wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) were evaluated at different sites with contrasting insect treatments. The results showed that fitness performance varied between transgenic hybrids having different wild parents and under different environmental conditions, indicating that fitness effects of transgenes on hybrid progenies depend heavily on the genetic background of recipient plants and growing environment. Significant fitness advantages conferred by transgenes were found only in some hybrids under high insect pressure condition, demonstrating that the level of target insects in the field environment influences the persistence and spread of insect‐resistant transgenes in wild rice populations. These findings suggest that evolutionary fate of escaped transgenes is different in wild populations with diverse genetic backgrounds under various environmental conditions.
Characterization of a deletion in the Hsp70 cluster in the bovine reference genome
Authors: Suqueli García M. F. , Castellote M. A. , Feingold S. E. , Corva P. M.
Published: June 2017

The 70 kilodalton heat shock proteins (Hsp70) are highly conserved molecular chaperones which have a crucial role in the stress response of the cell. In mammals, the Hsp70 proteins are encoded by a cluster of three genes: HSPA1A, HSPA1B and HSPA1L. In bovines, this cluster is located on chromosome 23 downstream of the major histocompatibility complex (BoLA). We detected inconsistencies in the location of markers on the Hsp70 genes reported in the literature that pointed to a potential deletion in the bovine reference genome UMD 3.1.1. An in silico analysis of the bovine genomic region of the Hsp70 cluster, using available information from public databases, confirmed the existence of a deletion of 11.1‐kb spanning the HSPA1B gene and the intergenic region between HSPA1B and HSPA1A. Although we originally considered this an assembly error, it is most likely a particular condition of L1 Dominette 01449, the cow sequenced in the Bovine Genome Project. Moreover, we suggest a new classification of bovine Hsp70 sequences reported in NCBI and a reassignment of the location of SNPs from dbSNP that map to the deletion on BTA23. We also compared the location of selected transcription factor binding sites on the promoters of HSPA1A and HSPA1B. The results generated in the present work could be helpful to refine the reference genome of an important livestock species and also to understand the role and the regulation of the bovine Hsp70 genes.
Parent and Peer Predictors of Change in Attachment Security From Adolescence to Adulthood
Authors: Allen Joseph P. , Grande Leah , Tan Joseph , Loeb Emily
Published: June 2017

Interview, self‐report, peer report, and observational data were used to examine parent and peer relationship qualities as predictors of relative changes in attachment security in a community sample of adolescents followed from ages 14 to 24. Early maternal supportive behavior predicted relative increases in attachment security from adolescence to adulthood, whereas psychological control and interparental hostile conflict predicted relative decreases. Peer predictors of relative increases in security included collaborative and autonomous behaviors and lack of hostile interactions, with peer predictions growing stronger for relationships assessed at later ages. Overall, models accounted for sufficient variance as to suggest that attachment security across this period is well explained by a combination of stability plus theoretically predicted change linked to social relationship qualities.
Geometric Detection Algorithms for Cavities on Protein Surfaces in Molecular Graphics: A Survey
Authors: Simões Tiago , Lopes Daniel , Dias Sérgio , Fernandes Francisco , Pereira João , Jorge Joaquim , Bajaj Chandrajit , Gomes Abel
Published: June 2017

Detecting and analysing protein cavities provides significant information about active sites for biological processes (e.g. protein–protein or protein–ligand binding) in molecular graphics and modelling. Using the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of a given protein (i.e. atom types and their locations in 3D) as retrieved from a PDB (Protein Data Bank) file, it is now computationally viable to determine a description of these cavities. Such cavities correspond to pockets, clefts, invaginations, voids, tunnels, channels and grooves on the surface of a given protein. In this work, we survey the literature on protein cavity computation and classify algorithmic approaches into three categories: evolution‐based, energy‐based and geometry‐based. Our survey focuses on geometric algorithms, whose taxonomy is extended to include not only sphere‐, grid‐ and tessellation‐based methods, but also surface‐based, hybrid geometric, consensus and time‐varying methods. Finally, we detail those techniques that have been customized for GPU (graphics processing unit) computing.
Regulating drivers with epilepsy in Maryland: Results of the application of a United States consensus guideline
Authors: Ma Brandy B. , Bloch John , Krumholz Allan , Hopp Jennifer L. , Foreman Perry J. , Soderstrom Carl A. , Scottino Mary A. , Matsumoto Martha , Krauss Gregory L.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Driving regulations for people with seizures vary widely throughout the United States and the world. Maryland updated their guidelines in 2003 to reflect those of a U.S. consensus guideline requiring a minimum 3‐month seizure‐free period as well as an individual risk assessment by a Medical Advisory Board (MAB). This retrospective study provides the first analysis of outcomes after the implementation of the consensus guidelines and an assessment of their predictive validity through longitudinal outcome data.

Methods

MAB reviews and licensing records for Maryland driver applicants with seizures between 2004 and 2005 were reviewed, during which 254 first‐time applicants were processed. The initial licensing decisions were assessed and the subsequent seizure recurrence and crash rates over the following 7 years were evaluated.

Results

The MAB approved driving for 74.8% of initial applicants; most had been seizure‐free for over 6 months. Approved drivers had a longer median seizure‐free period (563 days) compared to those who were denied (104.5 days, p < 0.01), and 22.7% of approved drivers had seizures recur during monitoring over the next year, although none resulted in crashes or deaths. Of applicants initially denied (n = 50), 89.3% were eventually licensed. Treating physicians recommended driving for 84.4% of applicants rejected by the MAB.

Significance

Maryland's individualized system for assessing driving applicants with seizures resulted in a dynamic process of approvals and denials based on favorable and unfavorable risk factors and lengths of seizure freedom. Seizure recurrences were comparable to internationally accepted rates. Over the course of monitoring, most applicants were eventually licensed. Treating physicians recommended that nearly all their patient applicants be permitted to drive, which raises safety concerns for the 10 states that rely solely on physician recommendations. Further assessment is needed of the risk factors deemed favorable and unfavorable by the U.S. consensus guidelines.
Metabolic rewiring in mutant Kras lung cancer
Authors: Kerr Emma M. , Martins Carla P.
Published: June 2017

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide, reflecting an unfortunate combination of very high prevalence and low survival rates, as most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment efficacy is limited. Lung cancer comprises several disease groups with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for ~ 85% of cases and lung adenocarcinoma being its most frequent histological subtype. Mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) affect ~ 30% of lung adenocarcinomas but unlike other commonly altered proteins (EGFR and ALK, affected in ~ 14% and 7% of cases respectively), mutant KRAS remains untargetable. Therapeutic strategies that rely instead on the inhibition of mutant KRAS functional output or the targeting of mutant KRAS cellular dependencies (i.e. synthetic lethality) are an appealing alternative approach. Recent studies focused on the metabolic properties of mutant KRAS lung tumours have uncovered unique metabolic features that can potentially be exploited therapeutically. We review these findings here with a particular focus on in vivo, physiologic, mutant KRAS activity.
Quantitative Easing and Liquidity in the Japanese Government Bond Market
Authors: Iwatsubo Kentaro , Taishi Tomoki
Published: June 2017

The “Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing” enacted immediately after the inauguration of Bank of Japan Governor Kuroda brought violent fluctuations in the prices of government bonds and deteriorated market liquidity. Does a central bank's government bond purchasing policy generally reduce market liquidity? Do conditions exist that can prevent such a decrease? This study analyzes how the Bank of Japan's purchasing policy changes influenced market liquidity. The results reveal that three specific policy changes contributed significantly to improving market liquidity: (i) increased purchasing frequency; (ii) a decrease in the purchase amount per auction; and (iii) reduced variability in the purchase amounts. These policy changes facilitated investors' purchase schedule expectations and helped reduce market uncertainty. The evidence supports the theory that the effect of government bond purchasing policy on market liquidity depends on the market's informational environment.
Atrial fibrillation, cognition and dementia: A review
Authors: Aldrugh Summer , Sardana Mayank , Henninger Nils , Saczynski Jane S. , McManus David D.
Published: June 2017

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of cardiac arrhythmia, particularly among older adults. AF confers a 5‐fold risk for thromboembolic stroke as well as a 2‐fold higher risk for congestive heart failure, morbidity, and mortality. Although stroke remains an important and impactful complication of AF, recent studies have shown that AF is independently associated with other neurological disorders, including cognitive impairment and dementia, even after adjusting for prior ischemic stroke. We performed a review of the published literature on the association between AF and cognitive status. Further, we reviewed studies investigating the underlying mechanisms for this association and/or reporting the impact of AF treatment on cognitive function. While most published studies demonstrate associations between AF and impaired cognition, no AF treatment has yet been associated with a reduced incidence of cognitive decline or dementia.
The new kids on the block of arrhythmogenic disorders: Short QT syndrome and early repolarization
Authors: Mazzanti Andrea , Underwood Katherine , Nevelev Dmitriy , Kofman Shanna , Priori Silvia G.
Published: June 2017

Short QT syndrome (SQTS) is one of the rarest inheritable cardiac channelopathies, characterized by an accelerated cardiac repolarization, which is also the substrate for the development of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Up to this date, fewer than 200 SQTS cases have been reported in the literature worldwide. Patients with SQTS may experience a cardiac arrest as early as in the neonatal period or as late as 80 years old. The cumulative probability of experiencing a cardiac arrest by the fifth decade of life approaches 40%, highlighting the importance of early recognition and management. SQTS is an autosomal dominant disease with five identified causative genes, including three that encode for potassium channels (KCNH2, KCNQ1, and KCNJ2) and two that encode for subunits of the L‐type calcium channels (CACNA1C and CACNB2). The term “early repolarization” (ER) has long been used to refer to a heterogeneous group of specific QRS‐T junction patterns that are commonly found on the electrocardiograms of young healthy subjects. In the last decade, it has been suggested that in some individuals, the presence of ER may be associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, and thus the term “early repolarization syndrome” (ERS) has progressively entered into use. Up to this point, however, whether ER constitutes a true primary arrhythmic disorder or whether it is simply a predisposing substrate that facilitates arrhythmias in the presence of other triggers remains an unresolved issue. In this review paper, we aim to integrate the current literature on SQTS and ERS. For each, we will describe the key steps that first led to the identification of the syndrome before moving into a discussion of our current understanding of each entity, including the epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and management.
Clinical assessment of cryoballoon ablation in cases with atrial fibrillation and a left common pulmonary vein
Authors: Shigeta Takatoshi , Okishige Kaoru , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Aoyagi Hideshi , Nakamura Tomofumi , Yamashita Mitsumi , Nishimura Takuro , Ito Naruhiko , Tsuchiya Yusuke , Asano Mitsutoshi , Shimura Tsukasa , Suzuki Hidetoshi , Kurabayashi Manabu , Keida Takehiko , Sasano Tetsuo , Hirao Kenzo
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using a cryoballoon (CB) is a useful tool for treating atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the clinical efficacy of the CB has never been fully investigated in patients with a left common pulmonary vein (LCPV).

Methods and results

Three hundred twenty‐four consecutive paroxysmal AF patients underwent PVI with a CB. Three‐dimensional computed tomography was performed in all patients before the ablation. The clinical outcomes of the AF ablation between patients with (Group A) and without an LCPV (Group B) were compared. An LCPV was observed in 27 (8%) patients. There were no significant differences in the procedure time (149 ± 45 min vs. 143 ± 40 min, respectively; P = 0.42) and percentage needing touch up ablation between the 2 groups (26% vs. 20%, respectively; P = 0.45). At a mean follow‐up of 454 ± 195 days, 282 of 324 (87%) patients were free from any atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATs) after a single procedure. Twenty out of 27 (74%) Group A patients and 262 of 297 (88%) Group B patients were free from ATs (15‐month Kaplan–Meier event free rate estimates, 77% and 89%, respectively; P = 0.02). A multivariate analysis identified the presence of an LCPV and the left atrial diameter as reliable predictors of recurrent ATs.

Conclusions

The long‐term clinical outcomes of ablation of AF with the CB was worse in patients with an LCPV than in those without. The presence of an LCPV and the LA size seemed to be reliable predictors of a worse outcome.
Stabilizing Conditional Standard Errors of Measurement in Scale Score Transformations
Authors: Moses Tim , Kim YoungKoung
Published: June 2017

The focus of this article is on scale score transformations that can be used to stabilize conditional standard errors of measurement (CSEMs). Three transformations for stabilizing the estimated CSEMs are reviewed, including the traditional arcsine transformation, a recently developed general variance stabilization transformation, and a new method proposed in this article involving cubic transformations. Two examples are provided and the three scale score transformations are compared in terms of how well they stabilize CSEMs estimated from compound binomial and item response theory (IRT) models. Advantages of the cubic transformation are demonstrated with respect to CSEM stabilization and other scaling criteria (e.g., scale score distributions that are more symmetric).
Guardians Ad Litem and Children's Attorneys in Arizona: A Qualitative Examination of the Roles
Authors: Duchschere Jennifer E. , Beck Connie J. , Stahl Rebecca M.
Published: June 2017

An ongoing debate exists with little research support concerning the differences in the roles of guardians ad litem (GAL) and children's attorneys (CA) in dependency cases. Through qualitative interviews, this study examined GALs’ and CAs’ perceptions and execution of roles. Both executed their roles similarly and agreed the best interests of the child and the child's wishes are important. Shared goals included child safety, ensuring the child's voice is heard, keeping the family together, and minimizing the distress to the child. Challenges to executing their roles were often systemic, including overwhelmed courts and lack of community resources to serve clients’ needs.
Work and Family Research and Theory: Review and Analysis From an Ecological Perspective
Authors: Perry‐Jenkins Maureen , Wadsworth Shelley MacDermid
Published: June 2017

This invited review examines major trends and developments in the work and family field from an ecological perspective. We examine how research has developed over the past several decades with attention to the ways in which dominant theories and empirical findings, couched in specific historical and social eras, have moved the field forward and addressed important questions, while also raising many more. We first examine theoretical paradigms and empirical work on the topic of work and family across the decades spanning from the 1960s to 2000. We then pay significant attention to the major theoretical and empirical foci of the 21st century based on an analysis of more than 300 of the top‐rated work–family articles in the field. We close with a proposal for fruitful directions for future research and theory in the work and family field.
Patch testing in patients with suspected cosmetic dermatitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Garg Taru , Agarwal Soumya , Chander Ram , Singh Aashim , Yadav Pravesh
Published: June 2017

Background

Growing use of cosmetics has led to an increase in the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cosmetics. Patch testing helps to confirm allergy to cosmetics and pinpoint the exact offending allergens.

Aims and Objectives

The study aimed to find the frequency of positive patch test reactions in cases with suspected ACD to cosmetics, and the common allergens responsible for it.

Methods

This is a retrospective record‐based study of 58 patients, with suspected ACD to cosmetics, who had undergone patch testing with Indian standard series and Indian cosmetic and fragrance series from January 2013 to December 2015.

Results

The majority of patients (60.34%) belonged to the age group of 20‐40 years. The most common site of involvement was face (94.8%) followed by neck (22.4%). The most commonly implicated cosmetics in history were soaps (53.4%), and face creams (24.1%). The most common allergens detected on patch testing were cetrimide (20.7%) and thimerosal (15.5%) followed by paraphenylenediamine (6.9%), and fragrance mix (5.2). Positive allergic reactions were obtained in 2.12% of the patches.

Conclusion

Most common cosmetic products implicated for causing ACD were face creams, soaps, and hair dyes. The principal culprit allergens were cetrimide and thimerosal.
Multidisciplinary assessment of PFO with substantial right‐to‐left shunting and medium‐term follow‐up after PFO device closure: A single‐center experience
Authors: He Lu , Cheng Ge‐sheng , Du Ya‐juan , Zhang Yu‐shun
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To describe the multidisciplinary assessment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) with substantial right‐to‐left shunting (RLS) and medium‐term follow‐up after PFO closure for stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Background

PFO closure is a therapeutic option to prevent recurrent ischemic event in patients with cryptogenic stroke and TIA. The apparent lack of benefit seen in previous studies was in part due to the inclusion of patients with alternate mechanisms of stroke/TIA. However, the long‐term follow‐up results of RESPECT trial confirmed that PFO closure could reduce the recurrence rate of stroke compared to medical therapy. The obvious difference between RESPECT and the other studies is that RESPECT recruited more relevant patients with substantial RLS.

Methods

From May 2013 to October 2015, all subjects diagnosed as cryptogenic stroke or TIA with substantial RLS who underwent PFO closure at our institution were included. All patients underwent multidisciplinary assessment to exclude stroke/TIA with definite etiology. Baseline characteristics, clinical manifestations, procedural, and follow‐up data were reviewed.

Results

A total of 219 consecutive patients with substantial RLS undergoing PFO closure were identified. There were no procedure‐related deaths, strokes, or TIA. Mean follow‐up was 2.0 ± 0.7 years. Early residual shunting was visible in 9 patients (4.1%); however, during follow‐up, only 3 patients (1.4%) had residual RLS detected by contrast transthoracic echocardiography (cTTE). The annual risk of recurrent ischemic stroke or TIA was 0.457%.

Conclusions

PFO closure can be performed safely and effectively in patients with cryptogenic stroke or TIA. In selected patients with substantial RLS, following appropriate multidisciplinary assessment, excellent results with low incidence of recurrent events may be achieved.
Premarital Cohabitation and Marital Dissolution in Postreform China
Authors: Zhang Yongjun
Published: June 2017

The author uses cohabitation data from the 2010 Chinese Family Panel Studies to analyze the association of premarital cohabitation with subsequent divorce of first marriage. After balancing selection factors that influence premarital cohabitation through propensity score matching, the author uses Cox proportional hazards models to examine the selection, causation, and diffusion perspectives on the relationship between premarital cohabitation and marital dissolution. The results show that premarital cohabitation is positively associated with divorce for those married in the early‐reform period (1980–1994) when cohabitation was uncommon. However, this relationship disappears for those married in the late‐reform period (1995–2010) when cohabitation became more prevalent. The findings suggest variation in the link between premarital cohabitation and divorce across different marriage cohorts and provide strong evidence for the diffusion perspective in postreform China. Supplemental sensitivity analyses support the robustness of the conclusion.
Sodium MRI of T1 High Signal Intensity in the Dentate Nucleus due to Gadolinium Deposition in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Eisele Philipp , Konstandin Simon , Szabo Kristina , Ong Melissa , Zöllner Frank , Schad Lothar R. , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Gass Achim
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recently, several studies reported increased signal intensity (SI) of the dentate nucleus (DN) on unenhanced T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a possible consequence of multiple applications of gadolinium‐based contrast agents. The aim of this study was to investigate with sodium (23Na) MRI possible tissue abnormalities of the DN in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

METHODS

Sodium and conventional MRI were performed on a clinical 3T scanner. Total sodium concentrations (TSCs) of the DN, as well as DN‐to‐pons and DN‐to‐cerebellum SI ratios on unenhanced T1‐weighted MRI were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 18 subjects (6/18 normal controls, 12/18 MS patients [6/12 with T1 hyperintense DN]) were investigated. There was no significant difference of TSC values of the DN in MS patients with a T1‐hyperintense DN (33.70 ± 2.14 mM) compared to MS patients without those signal abnormalities (33.29 ± 1.67 mM; P = .67) or to healthy controls (33.14 ± 1.12; P = .32).

CONCLUSIONS

Normal sodium signal in the T1‐hyperintense DN in MS patients may point to relative tissue integrity despite gadolinium deposition in this area.
Asthma, bones and corticosteroids: Are inhaled corticosteroids associated with fractures in children with asthma?
Authors: Zieck Saskia E , George Johnson , Blakeley Brooke A , Welsh Liam , James Simon , Ranganathan Sarath , Simm Peter , Lim Angelina
Published: June 2017

Aim

The prevalence of asthma worldwide among older children varies between 10 and 20%. One of the most effective therapies to treat asthma and prevent exacerbations is inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). Systemic corticosteroids are known to decrease bone mineral density and increase the risk of fractures among children, but little is known about the effect of ICSs on fracture risk in children with asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the fracture rates in children with asthma using ICSs.

Methods

A survey on fracture history and risk, bone health and asthma was administered by a researcher to children aged 6–18 years attending a tertiary care children's hospital in Melbourne, Australia over a 6‐month period. Fracture risks were compared in children on low or high dose ICS with those not on any ICS and non‐asthmatics.

Results

A total of 216 healthy control participants were compared with 211 children with asthma – 22% (n = 46) on low dose ICS therapy, 44% (n = 94) on high dose ICS and 34% (n = 71) not on any ICS. There was no difference in the incidence of fractures between children with asthma (24.6% n = 53) and healthy controls (24% n = 51) (χ2 = 0.132; P = 0.717). There were no differences in fracture incidence in the sub‐groups of children with asthma (P = 0.695).

Conclusion

ICS use was not associated with fracture risk in children with asthma.
Diffusion‐limited PBPK model for predicting pulmonary pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in pig
Authors: Qian M. R. , Wang Q. Y. , Yang H. , Sun G. Z. , Ke X. B. , Huang L. L. , Gao J. D. , Yang J. J. , Yang B.
Published: June 2017

For most bacterial lung infections, the concentration of unbound antimicrobial agent in lung interstitial fluid has been thought to be responsible for antimicrobial efficacy. In this study, a diffusion‐limited physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to predict the pulmonary pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FF) in pigs. The model included separate compartments corresponding to blood, diffusion‐limited lung, flow‐limited muscle, liver, and kidney and an extra compartment representing the remaining carcass. The absorption rate constant and renal and hepatic clearance of FF were determined in vivo. Other parameters were taken from the literature or optimized based on existing pharmacokinetic data. All mathematical operations during the development of the model were performed using acslXtreme version 3.0.2.1 (Aegis Technologies Group, Inc., Huntsville, AL, USA). The model accurately predicted the concentration–time courses of FF in lung interstitial fluid, serum, and plasma following different dosing schedules, except at the dose of 15 mg/kg. When compared with the tissue residue data, the model generally underestimated the FF concentration at the injection site, whereas it gave good predictions of FF concentrations in lung, liver, and kidney at early time points. The model predictions provide a scientific basis for the dosage regimen design of FF.
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous clindamycin phosphate in captive Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus)
Authors: Watson M. K. , Papich M. G. , Chinnadurai S. K.
Published: June 2017

This study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of clindamycin, a lincosamide antibiotic, in Bennett's wallabies. The pharmacokinetic properties of a single intravenous (IV) dose of clindamycin were determined in six wallabies. A single 20‐min IV infusion of 20 mg/kg of clindamycin was administered, followed by blood collection prior to, and up to 12 hr after clindamycin administration. Plasma clindamycin concentrations were determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated using a two‐compartment model with first order elimination which best fit the data. The mean volume of distribution at steady‐state, distribution half‐life, and elimination half‐life were 898.25 ml/kg, 0.16 hr, 1.79 hr, respectively. No adverse effects were noted after IV administration.
Exploring the Dynamic Long‐Term Interaction Between Cognitive and Psychosocial Resources in Adult Second Language Development at Varying Proficiency
Authors: Serafini Ellen J.
Published: June 2017

This study draws on conceptual and methodological insights afforded within a dynamic systems perspective to explore shifting interrelationships between cognitive capacity and motivational resources in instructed adult second language (L2) learners of Spanish at increasing proficiency. Relationships that emerged showed both stability and fluctuation over a semester of instruction and varied by learners' stage of development. Findings support previous calls to improve upon mainstream approaches to conceptualizing and investigating learner individual differences (IDs) by adopting a holistic, non modular view of the L2 developmental system in general and learner IDs in particular (e.g., Dörnyei, , ; Dörnyei & Ryan, ; Larsen–Freeman, , , ). To further align with DST principles (see Hiver & Al‐Hoorie, ), future studies should endeavor to carry out longitudinal case studies with multiple data points in order to reveal intra‐individual complexity in the group‐level patterns seen here.
‘Any one of us could be among that number’: Comparing the Policy Narratives for Individualized Disability Funding in Australia and England
Authors: Needham Catherine , Dickinson Helen
Published: June 2017

In this article we compare the introduction of individualized budget policies for people with disabilities in Australia and England. Data is drawn from semi‐structured interviews undertaken in Australia with politicians, policymakers, providers, disability rights groups and care planners, along with analysis of policy documents. This data is compared to the authors’ earlier research from England on the personalization narrative. We argue that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) currently being introduced in Australia deploys an insurance storyline, emphasizing risk‐pooling and the minimizing of future liabilities. This contrasts with the dominant storyline in England in which attention has focused on the right to choice and control for a minority of the population. This difference can be explained by the different financial context: the NDIS needed to build public and political support for a large increase in funding for disability services, whereas in England the reforms have been designed as cost‐neutral. Tensions in the English narrative have been about the extent to which personalization reforms empower the individual as a consumer, with purchasing power, or as a citizen with democratic rights. Australia's approach can be characterized as a form of social investment, evoking tensions between the citizenship of people with disabilities now and the future worker‐citizen.
Relationship versus Transaction Marketing in China: An Institutional Approach
Authors: Sun Francis
Published: June 2017

This study takes a transaction governance institutional approach to predict firms’ choice between relationship versus transaction marketing in China. Drawing on the literatures on relational versus discrete transactions and their respective governance institutions of social relational governance versus market mechanisms, the paper posits that firms can either practice relationship marketing to reinforce social relational governance to support relational exchanges, or launch transaction marketing to enhance the effectiveness of market mechanisms to promote discrete transactions. The paper further argues that such decisions are determined by institutional, industry, and firm attributes. Empirical results support these arguments which provide strong research and practical implications.