bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
6-Year trends in lipids among adults in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yuan Xueli , Ni Wenqing , Wang Rui , Chi Hongshan , Sun Yuanying , Lv Deliang , Liu Peng , Xu Jian 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
There may be a beneficial effect on lipid levels in Shenzhen in recent years. In this study, we aimed to examine trends in serum lipids in population in Shenzhen between 2009 and 2015.

Methods
We enrolled 2210 adults aged 18–70 years from two independent cross-sectional studies conducted in 2009 and 2015. Blood lipid profiles, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were measured. Chi-square test, t-test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied for data analysis.

Results
From 2009 to 2015, mean LDL-C declined from 3.05 ± 0.76 mmol/L in 2009 to 2.27 ± 0.75 mmol/L in 2015 (P &lt; 0.001). Similarly, a significant 7.09% decrease in the prevalence of high LDL-C was observed over the same period (P &lt; 0.001). There was an increasing trend in the prevalence of low HDL-C among adults in Shenzhen (P &lt; 0.001). A no-significant increase in prevalence of dyslipidemia was also observed over this 6-year interval (P = 0.139). The prevalence of dyslipidemia was closely related with increasing age, male gender, current smoker, diabetes, obesity and overweight.

Conclusion
This study shows a favourable downward trend in LDL-C concentration in Shenzhen. However, more intense strategies are needed to control dyslipidemia.
What do Workplace Wellness Programs do? Evidence from the Illinois Workplace Wellness Study*
Authors: Jones Damon , Molitor David , Reif Julian 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWorkplace wellness programs cover over 50 million U.S. workers and are intended to reduce medical spending, increase productivity, and improve well-being. Yet limited evidence exists to support these claims. We designed and implemented a comprehensive workplace wellness program for a large employer and randomly assigned program eligibility and financial incentives at the individual level for nearly 5,000 employees. We find strong patterns of selection: during the year prior to the intervention, program participants had lower medical expenditures and healthier behaviors than nonparticipants. The program persistently increased health screening rates, but we do not find significant causal effects of treatment on total medical expenditures, other health behaviors, employee productivity, or self-reported health status after more than two years. Our 95% confidence intervals rule out 84% of previous estimates on medical spending and absenteeism.
The association between benzodiazepine use and falls, and the impact of sleep quality on this association: data from the TILDA study
Authors: Marron L , Segurado R , Kenny R A , McNicholas T 
Published: August 2019

Summary

Background
Benzodiazepines (BZD) are associated with adverse effects, particularly in older adults.

Aim
This study assesses the association between BZD use and falls, and the impact of sleep quality on this association, in community dwelling adults aged over 50.

Design
Cross-sectional analysis of data from wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

Methods
Participants were classed as BZD users or non-users and asked if they had fallen in the last year, and whether any falls were unexplained. Sleep quality was assessed via self-reported trouble falling asleep, daytime somnolence and early-rising. Logistic regression assessed for an association between BZD use and falls, and the impact of sleep quality on this association was assessed by categorizing based on BZD use and sleep quality variables.

Results
Of 8175 individuals, 302 (3.69%) reported taking BZDs. BZD use was associated with falls, controlling for confounders [Odds Ratio (OR) 1.40; 1.08, 1.82; P-value 0.012]. There was no significant association between BZDs and unexplained falls, controlling for confounders [OR 1.41; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.95, 2.10; P-value 0.09]. Participants who use BZDs and report daytime somnolence (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.12, 3.31; P-value 0.017), early-rising (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.20, 3.11; P-value 0.007) or trouble falling asleep (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.12, 2.97; P-value 0.015), have an increased odds of unexplained falls.

Conclusion
BZD use is associated with falls, with larger effect size in those reporting poor sleep quality in community dwelling older adults. Appropriate prescription of medications such as BZDs is an important public health issue.
First to “Read” the News: News Analytics and Algorithmic Trading
Authors: von Beschwitz Bastian , Keim Donald B , Massa Massimo 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Exploiting a unique identification strategy based on inaccurate news analytics, we document an effect of news analytics on the market independent of the informational content of the news. We show that news analytics speed up the stock price and trading volume response to articles, but reduce liquidity. Inaccurate news analytics lead to small price distortions that are corrected quickly. The market impact of news analytics is greatest for press releases, as news analytics exhibit a particular skill in “seeing through” the positive spin of press releases. Furthermore, we provide evidence that high-frequency traders rely on the information from news analytics for directional trading on company-specific news.
Received: May 17, 2018; Editorial decision: June 14, 2019 by Editor: Thierry Foucault. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
(Il)legal Assignments in School Choice
Authors: Ehlers Lars , Morrill Thayer 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In public school choice, students with strict preferences are assigned to schools. Schools are endowed with priorities over students. Incorporating constraints from different applications, priorities are often modelled as choice functions over sets of students. It has been argued that the most desirable criterion for an assignment is stability; there should not exist any blocking pair: no student shall prefer some school to her assigned school and have higher priority than some student who got into that school or the school has an empty seat. We propose a blocking notion where in addition it must be possible to assign the student to her preferred school. We then define the following stability criterion for a set of assignments: a set of assignments is legal if and only if any assignment outside the set is blocked with some assignment in the set and no two assignments inside the set block each other. We show that under very basic conditions on priorities, there always exists a unique legal set of assignments, and that this set has a structure common to the set of stable assignments: (i) it is a lattice and (ii) it satisfies the rural hospitals theorem. The student-optimal legal assignment is efficient and provides a solution for the conflict between stability and efficiency.
How do patients with systemic sclerosis experience currently provided healthcare and how should we measure its quality?
Authors: Spierings Julia , van den Ende Cornelia H M , Schriemer Rita M , Bernelot Moens Hein J , van der Bijl Egon A , Bonte-Mineur Femke , de Buck Marieke P D , de Kanter Meeke A E , Knaapen-Hans Hanneke K A , van Laar Jacob M , Mulder Udo D J , Potjewijd Judith , de Pundert Lian A J , Schoonbrood Thea H M , Schouffoer Anne A , Stel Alja J , Vercoutere Ward , Voskuyl Alexandre E , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska K , Vonk Madelon C ,   for the ARCH Study Group
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To gain insight into SSc patients’ perspective on quality of care and to survey their preferred quality indicators.

Methods
An online questionnaire about healthcare setting, perceived quality of care (CQ index) and quality indicators, was sent to 2093 patients from 13 Dutch hospitals.

Results
Six hundred and fifty patients (mean age 59 years, 75% women, 32% limited cutaneous SSc, 20% diffuse cutaneous SSc) completed the questionnaire. Mean time to diagnosis was 4.3 years (s.d. 6.9) and was longer in women compared with men (4.8 (s.d. 7.3) vs 2.5 (s.d. 5.0) years). Treatment took place in a SSc expert centre for 58%, regional centre for 29% or in both for 39% of patients. Thirteen percent of patients was not aware of whether their hospital was specialized in SSc. The perceived quality of care was rated with a mean score of 3.2 (s.d. 0.5) (range 1.0–4.0). There were no relevant differences between expert and regional centres. The three prioritized process indicators were: good patient-physician interaction (80%), structural multidisciplinary collaboration (46%) and receiving treatment according to SSc guidelines (44%). Absence of disease progression (66%), organ involvement (33%) and digital ulcers (27%) were the three highest rated outcome indicators.

Conclusion
The perceived quality of care evaluated in our study was fair to good. No differences between expert and regional centres were observed. Our prioritized process and outcome indicators can be added to indicators suggested by SSc experts in earlier studies and can be used to evaluate the quality of care in SSc.
STUDY OF EFFECT OF CONSECUTIVE HEATING ON THERMOLUMINESCENCE GLOW CURVES OF MULTI-ELEMENT TL DOSEMETER IN HOT GAS-BASED READER SYSTEM
Authors: Pathan Munir S , Pradhan S M , Datta D , Selvam T Palani 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to study the effect of consecutive heating of TL elements of a thermoluminescence dosemeter (TLD) card in hot N2 gas-based TLD badge reader. The effect is studied by theoretical simulations of clamped heating profiles of the discs and resulting TL glow curves. The simulated temperature profile accounts for heat transfer to disc from hot gas as well as radiative and convective heat exchanges between the disc and the surrounding. The glow curves are simulated using 10 component glow peak model for CaSO4:Dy using the simulated temperature profile. The shape of the simulated glow curves and trend in total TL signal of the three discs were observed to match closely with the experimental observations when elevated surrounding temperature was considered for simulation. It is concluded that the readout (heating) of adjacent TLD disc affects the surrounding temperature leading to the changes in temperature profile of the next disc.
REFERENCE SURFACE FOR IN SITU GAMMA SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Kroupa Tomáš , Setnička Michal , Čtvrtečková Alena , Marek René 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Chemical laboratories of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic are part of the radiation monitoring network and participate in the radiation situation monitoring in the Czech Republic. Measurements in situ are crucial for monitoring the radiation situation in emergencies associated with the deposition of radioactive substances on a large area. Those data can be used for estimating a possible dose obtained either by staying in a contaminated area or by consumption of food produced in the area. For correct setting of device parameters (e.g. efficiency calibration), standard samples should be measured regularly. Unlike in laboratory, verification in field conditions is difficult. Therefore, a search for suitable reference areas containing a higher amount of 137Cs homogeneously dispersed after the fall of a radioactive cloud passing through our territory following the Chernobyl accident was conducted. Small airports in the East Bohemia regions were identified as suitable candidates.
RADIOACTIVE REMEDIATION OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS USING MICROALGAE
Authors: Galanda Dušan , Tatarová Dominika , Kuruc Jozef , Gaálová Barbora , Slimáková Jana 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Radionuclides that have entered the environment through nuclear weapon tests, nuclear accidents or other human activities represent an ecological hazard. Many decontamination techniques are technically and financially demanding and often not environmentally beneficial. A suitable alternative is bioremediation techniques. One of them, phycoremediation utilizes the metabolic activity of microorganisms that degrade or eliminate contaminants from the environment. In our work, we focused on phycoremediation with microalgae Dunaliella salina and Chlorella vulgaris. An important parameter was the determination of the optimal pH values of the environment and subsequent monitoring of the radionuclide activity decline over time.
DETERMINATION OF TOLERANCE LEVELS IN RADIOTHERAPY DOSIMETRY BASED ON STATISTICAL INTERFERENCE
Authors: Koniarová Irena , Kotík Lukáš 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The most important dosimetry quantity that is determined at radiotherapy centers is the absorbed dose to water for external beams. Fixed tolerances for absorbed doses measured under reference conditions with an ionization chamber for high-energy photon and electron beams are usually 2 and 3%, respectively, regardless of uncertainties of the input variables and other conditions during evaluation. In reality, this agreement should be evaluated considering the uncertainties of the input variables because they affect the size of the random deviations of the measurements from their true values. The aim of this work was to develop a new approach to evaluate the agreement between measured and reported values based on statistical interference rather than to use fixed tolerance levels. The proposed method considers different scenarios that can occur during the evaluation of agreement. Because the method is described in general, it can be used in all similar situations when partial uncertainties can be established.
RADIATION EXPOSURE OF PAEDIATRIC GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY, FLUOROSCOPY AND CT PROCEDURES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC—PILOT STUDY
Authors: Chytrá Kateřina , Novák Leoš , Rejtar Pavel , Homola Martin , Daníčková Kateřina , Cĕrvinková Ivana 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The pilot dose survey on paediatric general radiography, fluoroscopy and CT procedures was performed in four university hospitals. The analysis of data was focused on the radiography and CT imaging of head, chest, abdomen, pelvis and spine and fluoroscopic procedures of gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. The survey was conducted by the National Radiation Protection Institute. Two hospitals exported data from the patient dose management system, while the others collected the data manually. The methodology of diagnostic reference levels assessment was proposed and tested. Local diagnostic reference levels were calculated in terms of air kerma-area product $P_{KA}$, CT air kerma-length product $P_{KL,CT}$ and volumetric CT air kerma index $C_{VOL}$. The lack of procedure standardisation, e.g. in tube voltage setting irrespective of patient’s weight, was revealed at one hospital. Dose and exposure parameters distributions with respect to patient’s anatomical constitution are presented in this article. In future, this pilot study will be a base for national survey of paediatric diagnostic reference levels.
VARIATION OF RADON ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION IN SELECTED KINDERGARTENS IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Müllerová Monika , Holý Karol , Smetanová Iveta , Kureková Patrícia 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Radon measurements were carried out in four kindergartens in Slovakia. RSKS detectors (Radosys Ltd., Hungary) and RamaRn (SUJCHBO, Czech Republic) were used for integral measurement in indoor air. AlphaGUARD (Saphymo, Germany) and TERA system (Tesla, Czech Republic) were used for continual measurement in indoor air. An annual variation with a maximum during the summer holidays was observed. Daily variation strongly depended on the ventilation of rooms. The average radon activity concentration per unit of time calculated from integral measurements was higher than that calculated for working time only.
PRE-ANTHROPIC AND PRESENT OUTDOOR GAMMA EQUIVALENT DOSE RATE OF THE HISTORIC CENTER OF ROME (ITALY)
Authors: Daniela Guglietta , Carloni Serena , Voltaggio Mario , Di Lisa Giuseppe Antonino 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The outdoor gamma background of the historic center of Rome was studied by in situ measurements and average values of the outcropping geological formations. The survey resulted in two maps of dose equivalent rate, related to pre-anthropic and present conditions. Presently, the average of the dose equivalent rate from outdoor gamma-ray field is equal to 0.31 μSv h−1, corresponding to an outdoor annual effective dose equivalent of 0.548 mSv a−1 and to an outdoor excess lifetime cancer risk [International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Recommendations of the ICRP, 21, 1/3, Publication 60, 1990] of 2.56 × 10−3. The originary radioactivity was enhanced by anthropic action up to a level of health risk comparable to that one deriving by fine particulate matter. The assessment of the evolution and dispersion of the outdoor gamma background offers a new perspective to study the urban architectural evolution. Such a mapping allows us to individuate mitigation actions and neighborhoods in which the monitoring of illicit trafficking of radioactive material can be efficiently tested.
Race, Gender, and the Rape-Lynching Nexus in the U.S. South, 1881-1930
Authors: Smångs Mattias 
Published: August 2019

AbstractScholarship has long recognized the centrality of white racial sexual fears in the rhetoric and practice surrounding the lynching of African Americans in the U.S. South in the decades around 1900. The topic has not previously been taken up for systematic study beyond event-level analyses. This article presents theoretical and empirical evidence that whites’ intersecting racial and gender concerns converging in racial sexual fears were conducive to lynching related to interracial sex, but not to those unrelated to interracial sex, under certain conditions. The empirical findings, based on lynchings in 11 southern states from 1881–1930, demonstrate that lynchings related to interracial sex were more likely to occur in contexts characterized by higher levels of white female dependents residing with white male householders, higher levels of white female school attendance, and higher levels of adult black male literacy. These findings suggest that interracial sex-related lynching served to recover and retain white men’s racial and gender status, which postbellum developments had undermined, by oppressing not only African American men and women but disempowering white women as well. White racial sexual fears during the lynching era should, therefore, be seen as constituting a social force in their own right with long-term consequences for race and gender relations and inequalities.
The Anatomical Study and Clinical Significance of the Sinuvertebral Nerves at the Lumbar Levels
Authors: Zhao Qinghao , Cheng Liang , Yan Huibo , Deng Shangxi , Zhao Jianjun , Liu Zezheng , Tan Xuemei , Zhong Enyi , Zhuo Wentao , Jin Dadi , Li Qingchu 
Published: August 2019

Study Design.
A dissection-based study of 10 embalmed human cadavers.

Objective.
The purpose of this study was to describe the sinuvertebral nerves at the lumbar level and to discuss their possible clinical significance.

Summary of Background Data.
Discogenic low-back pain is mediated by the sinuvertebral nerves. However, the detailed descriptions of the sinuvertebral nerves at the lumbar level are lacking.

Methods.
One hundred L1-L5 intervertebral foramina from 10 embalmed cadavers were studied. The presence of the sinuvertebral nerves was noted. The quantity, origin, pathway, innervation range, and spatial orientations of the sinuvertebral nerves in the L1-L5 intervertebral foramina were examined.

Results.
A total of 450 sinuvertebral nerves were identified in the 100 lumbar intervertebral foramina; sinuvertebral nerves were observed in 100.00% of the intervertebral foramina. The sinuvertebral nerves were routinely divided into the following two types: the sinuvertebral nerve deputy branch and sinuvertebral nerve main trunk. Three hundred twelve sinuvertebral nerve deputy branches were found; on average, there were approximately 3.12 (range, 1–8) branches in each intervertebral foramen. One hundred thirty-eight sinuvertebral nerve main trunks were found, and sinuvertebral nerve main trunks were observed in 97.00% of the intervertebral foramina. The initial portion of the sinuvertebral nerve was located along the posterior-lateral edge of the disc to the spinal canal. Sixty-one (44.20%) sinuvertebral nerve main trunks originated from the starting point of the gray ramus communicans of the nerve root; 77 (55.80%) sinuvertebral nerve main trunks originated from the anterior surface of the spinal ganglia of the nerve root.

Conclusion.
This is a systematic anatomy study that describes the sinuvertebral nerve at the lumbar level and may be of clinical importance to spinal surgeons. A comprehensive understanding of the distribution of sinuvertebral nerves may lead to significant benefits for patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic treatment for discogenic low-back pain.

Level of Evidence: 4
Does Lumbar Interbody Cage Size Influence Subsidence? A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Yuan Wei , Kaliya-Perumal Arun-Kumar , Chou Siaw Meng , Oh Jacob Yoong-Leong 
Published: August 2019

Study Design.
An experimental laboratory-based biomechanical study.

Objective.
To investigate the correlation between cage size and subsidence and to quantify the resistance to subsidence that a larger cage can provide.

Summary of Background Data.
The assumption that a bigger interbody cage confers less subsidence has not been proven. There was no previous study that has shown the superiority of lateral cages to bullet cages in terms of subsidence and none that has quantified the correlation between cage size and subsidence.

Methods.
A cage was compressed between two standardized polyurethane foam blocks at a constant speed. Four sizes of bullet cages used for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and six sizes of lateral cages used for lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) were tested. The force required for a 5 mm subsidence, axial area of cages, and stiffness were analyzed.

Results.
A larger cage required a significantly higher force for a 5 mm subsidence. Longer bullet cages required marginal force increments of only 6.2% to 14.6% compared to the smallest bullet cage. Lateral cages, however, required substantially higher increments of force, ranging from 136.4% to 235.7%. The average force of lateral cages was three times that of bullet cages (6426.5 vs. 2115.9 N), and the average stiffness of the LLIF constructs was 3.6 times that of the TLIF constructs (635.5 vs. 2284.2 N/mm). There was a strong correlation between the axial area of cages and the force for a 5 mm subsidence. Every 1 mm2 increment of axial area corresponded to approximately 8 N increment of force.

Conclusion.
Cage size correlated strongly with the force required for a 5 mm subsidence. The LLIF constructs required higher force and were stiffer than the TLIF constructs. Among bullet cages, longer cages only required marginal increments of force. Lateral cages, however, required substantially higher force.

Level of Evidence: N/A