bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topology Optimization of the Fiber-Reinforcement of No-Tension Masonry Walls
Authors: Bruggi Matteo , Taliercio Alberto
Published: July 2017

An innovative approach is proposed to define the optimal fiber-reinforcement of in-plane loaded masonry walls, modeled as linear elastic no-tension (NT) bodies. A topology optimization formulation is presented, which aims at distributing a prescribed amount of reinforcement over the wall, so as to minimize the overall elastic energy of the strengthened element. Perfect bonding is assumed at the wall-reinforcement interface. To account for the negligible tensile strength of brickwork, the material is replaced by an equivalent orthotropic material with negligible stiffness along the direction (s) undergoing tensile principal stress (es). Compressive principal stresses in the reinforcement are not allowed. A single constrained optimization problem allows both the equilibrium of the NT body to be enforced, and the optimal reinforcing layout to be spotted out, without any demanding incremental approach. Some preliminary numerical examples are shown to assess the capabilities of the proposed procedure and to identify the optimal reinforcement patterns for common types of masonry walls with openings.
Confinement of Full-Scale Masonry Columns with FRCM Systems
Authors: Maddaloni Gennaro , Cascardi Alessio , Balsamo Alberto , di Ludovico Marco , Micelli Francesco , Aiello Maria Antonietta , Prota Andrea
Published: July 2017

The effectiveness of FRP systems as a confinement technique to strengthen masonry columns has been widely investigated in the last decades. Recently, a new technique, Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM), based on the use of fibrous nets embedded in inorganic matrix, has been developed and investigated as a strengthening solution in masonry buildings. Actually, the number of experimental tests on masonry columns confined by using FRCM systems is very limited, especially for real scale specimens. To fill such gap an experimental program aimed at investigating the behaviour of full scale columns made of limestone masonry blocks confined with different FRCM systems has been carried out. The results of four uniaxial compression tests are illustrated and discussed. The used FRCM systems are made with glass and basalt dry nets embedded in a lime-based mortar. The influence of transverse confinement by using internal reinforcement in forms of pultruded GFRP bars has been also investigated. The mechanical properties of the confined specimens resulted increased in terms of load-carrying capacity and ultimate axial strain.
Experimental Behavior of Glass-FRCM Composites Applied onto Masonry and Concrete Substrates
Authors: Gonzalez-Libreros Jaime , D'Antino Tommaso , Pellegrino Carlo
Published: July 2017

The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites has become a popular solution for retrofitting and strengthening of existing concrete and masonry structures. However, some drawbacks of this technique, mainly associated with the use of organic resins, have been reported. To overcome such drawbacks, the development of composite materials in which the organic resins are replaced with inorganic matrices has recently caught the attention of the civil engineering industry. Among these newly developed systems, Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites, which are comprised of high strength fibers embedded within an inorganic matrix, have shown promising results. However, research on this topic is still limited and important aspects, such as the bond behavior between the composite and the substrate, are not fully understood and require further study.
This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign aimed at investigating the influence of the type of matrix and substrate on the bond behavior of FRCM composites. Glass-FRCM composite strips were applied onto concrete and masonry substrates and then tested by means of a classical push-pull single-lap direct-shear test set-up. A cementitious and a lime-based matrix were employed to apply the same type of fiber on concrete and masonry substrates, respectively. FRCM-concrete and FRCM-masonry joints reported the same failure mode. However, higher values of the peak load were obtained for the lime-based glass-FRCM composite applied onto masonry substrates than with the cementitious glass-FRCM composite applied onto concrete substrates.
Structural Interpretation of Data from Static and Dynamic Structural Health Monitoring of Monumental Buildings
Authors: Baraccani Simonetta , Palermo Michele , Azzara Riccardo M. , Gasparini Giada , Silvestri Stefano , Trombetti Tomaso
Published: July 2017

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has a crucial role in the diagnosis and conservation of historical buildings, which are typically characterized by articulated fabrics, constructed over decades using different materials and construction techniques. All these issues lead to very complex structural behaviour whose reliable assessment cannot disregard from a sound interpretation of data from SHM systems. SHM systems can be classified into (i) static systems, monitoring the long term time evolutions of specific quantities (such as amplitude of cracks, inclination of walls, relative distances, etc.) and (ii) dynamic systems, continuously monitoring the dynamic response (velocities, accelerations) in order to gather information upon overall dynamic properties such as natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios. The recorded raw data need to be processed in order to distinguish eventual evolutionary trends from the seasonal and daily variations related to thermal effects. In the present work, a simple unified approach for data interpretation acquired from both static and dynamic SHM systems installed in historical buildings is presented. The approach is aimed at: (i) introducing reference quantities for interpretation of seasonal and daily variations, (ii) providing order of magnitudes of reference quantities and (iii) identifying eventual evolutionary trends which could be related to the presence of potential structural criticalities. The approach is illustrated referring to the “Two Towers” of Bologna.
Pseudo-Static Response of Masonry Cross Vaults to Imposed Shear Displacements at the Springings
Authors: Carfagnini Carmela , Baraccani Simonetta , Silvestri Stefano , Theodossopoulos Dimitris
Published: July 2017

The static and dynamic performances of historical masonry churches are closely related to the behaviour of each substructure, as well as to the mechanical properties of the constituent materials. Information on damage location and extent, collected after recent violent Italian earthquakes, highlighted that masonry vaults are among the most vulnerable elements. The investigation of their dynamic behaviour under earthquake excitation (stress and deformation states) is a fundamental issue for effective structural interventions. During an earthquake ground motion, cross vaults are basically subjected to two phenomena: (i) the "shaking"/dynamic response of the vault system itself, vibrating above the lateral walls and piers, and (ii) the response of the vault to imposed displacements at its springings, accommodating the significant movements of the lateral walls and piers. Within this context, this paper aims at improving the knowledge of the structural behaviour of cross vaults under static shear deformation at the springings, by means of an experimental test representative of a Gothic cross vault from the aisle of the Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh (UK). The experimental test was performed on a 1:4 scaled specimen built with timber and lime mortar. The shear displacement was applied by moving two abutments until failure. The deformation of the vault was recorded in space with a Total Station. The results of the tests are reported in this paper in terms of crack pattern evolution, vertical displacements of the transverse ridge, identifying the shear displacement levels corresponding to significant damages in the vault.
Quick Seismic Protection of Weak Masonry Infilling in Filled Framed Structures Using Flexible Joints
Authors: Viskovic Alberto , Zuccarino Luigia , Kwiecień Arkadiusz , Zając Bogusław , Gams Matija
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with research related to repair and strengthening of weak and brittle masonry infills in R.C. or steel frame structures. Masonry infills are commonly used in 20th century architectural heritage residential and office buildings. In case of earthquake damage to the weak and brittle masonry infills the commercial buildings go out of service and residents of residential buildings are prohibited from living in their homes although the main frame structure is not damaged. The new retrofitting method proposed in this paper may be either a preventive seismic improvement or a quick emergency intervention before seismic aftershocks: it is proposed to use a polymer PM to fill new horizontal and vertical joints between infilling masonry and frame or to fill cracks generated by the earthquake. The test results presented in the paper confirmed ability of polymer PM to fulfil requirements of quick repair material for seismic area.
Multi-Scale Approach towards Groningen Masonry and Induced Seismicity
Authors: Rots Jan G. , Messali Francesco , Esposito Rita , Mariani Valentina , Jafari Samira
Published: July 2017

In the last years, the induced seismicity in the northern part of the Netherlands has considerably increased. The existing building stock was not designed for seismic loading, and it is characterised by very slender walls, limited cooperation between walls and floors, and use of cavity walls. As a consequence, the validation of analytical and numerical models for the assessment of unreinforced masonry buildings and the characterisation of the masonry at both material and structural level have become of great importance. An extensive large-scale testing program was performed at the Delft University of Technology in 2015 to create benchmarks for the validation of the numerical and analytical models. The attention was mainly devoted to a terraced house typology, which was widely adopted for housing in the period 1960-1980, and focused on the characterisation of the typology at various levels: material, connection, component and assemblage level. The experimental tests at component and assemblage levels were also reproduced by nonlinear finite element analysis, validated and calibrated against the data available from the testing campaign at material level. In this paper, an overview description of performed experiments and numerical analyses is provided; specific devotion is given to the main outcomes of the campaign and to the lessons learned by the experimental evidences for improving the numerical models.
Numerical Investigation of Composite Materials with Inclusions and Discontinuities
Authors: Viola Erasmo , Tornabene Francesco , Fantuzzi Nicholas , Bacciocchi Michele
Published: July 2017

The present study aims to show a novel numerical approach for investigating composite structures wherein inclusions and discontinuities are present. This numerical approach, termed Strong Formulation Finite Element Method (SFEM), implements a domain decomposition technique in which the governing partial differential system of equations is solved in a strong form. The provided numerical solutions are compared with the ones of the classic Finite Element Method (FEM). It is pointed out that the stress and strain components of the investigated model can be computed more accurately and with less degrees of freedom with respect to standard weak form procedures. The SFEM lies within the general framework of the so-called pseudo-spectral or collocation methods. The Differential Quadrature (DQ) method is one specific application of the previously cited ones and it is applied for discretizing all the partial differential equations that govern the physical problem. The main drawback of the DQ method is that it cannot be applied to irregular domains. In converting the differential problem into a system of algebraic equations, the derivative calculation is direct so that the problem can be solved in its strong form. However, such problem can be overcome by introducing a mapping transformation to convert the equations in the physical coordinate system into a computational space. It is important to note that the assemblage among the elements is given by compatibility conditions, which enforce the connection with displacements and stresses along the boundary edges. Several computational aspects and numerical applications will be presented for the aforementioned problems related to composite materials with discontinuities and inclusions.
Implicit 3D modelling of geological surfaces with the Generalized Radial Basis Functions (GRBF) algorithm
Authors: Hillier M J , de Kemp E A , Schetselaar E
M
Published: July 2017

We summarize an interpolation algorithm, which was developed to model 3D geological surfaces, and its application to modelling regional stratigraphic horizons in the Purcell basin, a study area in the SEDEX project under the Targeted Geoscience Initiative 4
program. We developed a generalized interpolation framework using Radial Basis Functions (RBF) that implicitly models 3D continuous geological surfaces from scattered multivariate structural data. The general form of the mathematical framework permits additional geologic information to be included
in the interpolation in comparison to traditional interpolation methods using RBF's such as: (1) stratigraphic data from above and below targeted horizons (2) modelled anisotropy and (3) orientation constraints (e.g. planar and linear).
Leadership styles: The role of cultural intelligence
Authors: Solomon Anthony , Steyn Renier
Published: July 2017

Orientation: Within both the South African context and abroad, leaders are increasingly being required to engage with staff members whose cultures differ from their own. As the attractiveness of different leadership styles varies in line with staff member cultural preferences, the challenge leaders face is that their behaviours may no longer be apposite. To this end, it is mostly unknown whether those leaders who are deemed culturally intelligent behave in a specific manner, that is, display the empowering and directive leadership styles.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between leader cultural intelligence and the empowering and directive styles of leadership, as perceived by subordinates.Motivation for the study: To operate successfully, leaders need to adopt and display those leadership styles that best match the cultural expectations of their staff members. Cultural intelligence may assist in this respect. Most of the studies on leader cultural intelligence and leadership styles have concentrated on the transformational leadership style. There is, thus, a requirement to examine how leader cultural intelligence relates to other leadership styles.Research design, approach and method: The study was quantitative in nature and made use of a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 1140 staff members spread across 19 diverse organisations carrying on business activities in South Africa. Correlation and regression techniques were performed to identify relationships.Main findings: Leader cultural intelligence was found to have a stronger relationship with empowering leadership than it had with directive leadership. With empowering leadership, leader metacognitive and motivational cultural intelligence acted as important antecedents, whilst for directive leadership, leader’s motivational, cognitive and metacognitive cultural intelligence played a predictive part that carried a medium effect.Practical/managerial implications: The findings can be used by organisations to guide the selection of leaders and to focus initiatives for their development.Contribution and value-add: The study adds to the cultural intelligence and leadership literature by offering empirical evidence of the relationship between leader cultural intelligence and the empowering and directive leadership styles.
The Decalogue and Igbo Traditional Ethics: Essential Values for Community Building
Authors: Umeanolue Ikenna L. , Anizoba Emmanuel C.
Published: July 2017

The paper analyzes the Decalogue or Ten Commandments (Ex 20:1-17) and Igbo traditional ethics as assets for community building. The giving of the Decalogue was an effort at building the Jewish community. Likewise Igbo traditional ethics provides moral values for Igbo community building. The Decalogue and Igbo traditional ethics have essential values for community building which include sense of the sacred, unity and fidelity. Both the Decalogue and Igbo traditional morality provide a sense of direction for the Jews and the Igbo respectively. They can be summarized as the love of God and the love of neighbour. When the Jewish people are compared with the Igbo people, one discovers that the Igbo have ground norms called omenala which stipulate moral codes guiding the lives of the people. Like the Jews, Igbo people have a sense of the covenant which they call igba-ndu and a sense of the sacred which they term nso-ala. With these the Igbo people build a sense of community. Thus the paper shows that the Ten Commandments and Igbo traditional ethics can be used as bases to tackle the challenges of Igbo community building. It is the conclusion of this paper that much community building can be achieved if the Igbo, who are predominantly Christians, can internalize the provisions and values of the Decalogue and Igbo traditional ethics.
The Role of Religion in Human Development
Authors: Ugorie Uchenna M.
Published: July 2017

Religion has been destructively criticized and is still passing through criticisms. This is due largely to the sufferings and devastated situations humanity has passed through over the centuries as a result of many wars caused or justified by religion. The Islamic Jihads, the Crusades, the European Religious Wars, are some of the examples. It was on the instances of the above negative manifestations Bertrand Russell, regards religion as a source of untold misery to the human race. This research aimed at discovering the positive contributions of religion in civilizing humanity. To achieve this objective, historical method was adopted and data were collected from journals, articles, textbooks, internet sources and magazines. The finding indicated that although religion has been seen as a source of worry to humanity, it has played enormous role in the sand of history in the development of humanity. Religion laid the foundations of formal education and library system, university institutions, the cultural foundations of Europe, Arab and numerous countries of the world. It also contributed to scientific discoveries and technological innovations. Religion laid the foundation for the sanctity of human life, fundamental equality of all men, man’s liberty, antislavery and abolitionist attitude, religious freedom, domestic stability and favourable attitude to work. The study recommended that religious leaders should as a matter of urgency and commitment review the tenets and creeds of their religions and get rid of anything that tends to erode their cherished value of human development and focus more on their works of civilizing humanity.
As fontes de conhecimento dos treinadores de jovens atletas de basquetebol
Authors: Rodrigues Heitor De Andrade , Teixeira Costa Gustavo De Conti , Dos Santos Junior Eugênio Lopes , Milistetd Michel
Published: July 2017

O objetivo da pesquisa foi investigar as fontes de conhecimento que sustentam o processo de formação e o desenvolvimento profissional de treinadores de basquetebol de jovens atletas. A metodologia utilizada foi de natureza qualitativa, do tipo exploratória. A técnica de coleta de dados foi a entrevista semiestruturada e a técnica de análise foi a análise de conteúdo. Os sujeitos participantes da pesquisa foram seis treinadores de basquetebol de jovens atletas. Os resultados revelaram que a formação e o desenvolvimento profissional dos treinadores ocorreram por meio de fontes diversificadas de conhecimento, com destaque para a internet, o diálogo com treinadores experientes, as experiências como atleta, as experiências do cotidiano de trabalho, o curso de Educação Física e os cursos de curta duração. Identificou-se, ainda, a predominância de aprendizagem no contexto informal fora do ambiente educacional institucionalizado.
O itinerário de um atleta olímpico não medalhista: Willy Seewald (*1900+1929)
Authors: Mazo Janice Zarpellon , Da Silva Carolina Fernandes , Baia Anderson Da Cunha
Published: July 2017

A presente pesquisa busca investigar o percurso esportivo olímpico de Willy Seewald, desde o período em que começou a praticar esportes, transcorrendo pela sua participação nos Jogos Olímpicos de 1924, até o encerramento de sua carreira esportiva no final da década de 1920. Para a realização deste estudo, foram utilizadas entrevistas e jornais, revistas, documentos oficiais e de acervo pessoal da família Seewald. As informações extraídas, e interpretadas por análise documental, revelam que Willy Seewald, além de praticar um leque diversificado de esportes, obteve alta performance na modalidade olímpica Lançamento de Dardo, bem como demonstrou, pela sua conduta, que os valores olímpicos estavam incorporados no seu habitus.
Jovens: escola, futebol e projetos de vida
Authors: Ferreira Bruno Martins , De Souza Junior Osmar Moreira , Zanotto Luana , Alves Fernando Donizete
Published: July 2017

Esse artigo buscou compreender os projetos de vida de 11 meninos entre quinze e dezesseis anos, estudantes do primeiro ano de ensino médio de uma escola estadual situada em São Carlos-SP. De abordagem qualitativa, aplicaram-se questionários seguidos pela formação de grupos focais. Os resultados foram organizados em quatro categorias: “significado de ser jovem”, “significação da escola na vida dos jovens”, “significado do futebol na vida dos jovens” e “jovens, projetos de vida, crenças e desejos sobre o futuro”. Os participantes apontaram a escola como base em seus futuros, legitimando o cumprimento do ciclo regular na ideia de ser “alguém na vida”. Somado a isso, o futebol foi significado como modo de socialização, paixão, lazer e sonho, sendo visto como possibilidade de valorização pessoal, social e financeira, embora fora deflagrada a dificuldade de tal desejo ser sustentável em relação a crença dos próprios jovens.
Everyday Technology Use Related to Activity Involvement Among People in Cognitive Decline
Authors: Hedman Annicka , Nygård Louise , Kottorp Anders
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVE. We investigated how everyday technology use related to activity involvement over 5 yr in people with mild cognitive impairment.

METHOD. Thirty-seven older adults with mild cognitive impairment were evaluated regarding everyday technology use and involvement in activities over time. Information on diagnostic changes was collected from medical files. Linear mixed-effects models were used in data analysis.

RESULTS. Ability to use everyday technology showed a significant effect on activity involvement (p = .007) beyond the effects of time, diagnostic change, and age. Decreases in number of everyday technologies used (p < .001) and share of accessible and relevant everyday technologies used (p = .04) were associated with decreasing activity involvement. However, these two aspects did not reinforce each other.

CONCLUSION. When monitoring activity involvement in clients with cognitive decline, health care professionals should take into account clients’ ability to use everyday technologies and the amount of everyday technologies they use.
Bootstrapping disaster: The challenge of growing and maintaining a cross-sector collaborative network
Authors: Wachhaus, PhD Aaron
Published: July 2017

This article examines the interaction of nonprofit and private actors with the traditional bureaucratic structures of government in central Pennsylvania's recovery from hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee. That effort relied heavily on private and nonprofit organizations as drivers of the response and recovery. The author maps the organizations involved in the recovery effort and explores the impact of the recovery effort on those organizations. A social network analysis was conducted and complemented with follow-up interviews with key actors. The network analysis reveals weak communication between sectors and a reliance on nonprofits to deliver services; interviews uncover the challenges of intersectoral collaboration. The author addresses the successes and limitations of the means by which a network of nonprofit efforts were coordinated with federal and state relief efforts and draw lessons for improving future practices. The author finds that this case deviates from theory in several ways that complicated community response and recovery. In particular, the challenges of developing and maintaining a recovery network while simultaneously delivering services placed great strain on several organizations, as well as on the fledgling network as a whole.
Opioids and nonopioids for postoperative pain control in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Binhas, MD Michele , Egbeola-Martial, MD Julia , Kluger MD, MPH Michael D. , Roudot-Thoraval, MD Francoise , Grimbert MD, PhD Philippe
Published: July 2017

Objectives: To evaluate postoperative pain management (POPM) practices by anesthesiologists caring for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Design: Prospective one-time survey endorsed by the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SFAR).Setting: A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed to members of SFAR nationally.Participants: Three hundred seven SFAR members participated in the study.Intervention: Close-ended questions concerned: standard test used to assess renal function, analgesic agent selection and dose adjustment based on the CKD functional stage, and the availability of standard operating procedures.Main outcomes measures: The primary end-point was to identify the most frequently prescribed analgesics in case of CKD, variations in practice based on different stages of CKD, and drug dosing adjustments. The secondary end-point was to identify the most commonly used tests to evaluate kidney function.Results: The most commonly used postoperative analgesics were paracetamol (acetaminophen) and morphine. The most commonly used opioid was morphine, relative to oxycodone and sufentanil. Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft equations were used by 39 and 40 percent of anesthesiologists, respectively, to measure kidney function. Six percent of anesthesiologists declared following standard operating procedures for POPM in patients with CKD.Conclusions: There is considerable variability in POPM practices for patients with all stages of CKD. Morphine is favored even in end-stage renal disease. Departments of anesthesiology are insufficiently involved in drafting standard operating procedures.
Eleven years of children methadone poisoning in a referral center: A review of 453 cases
Authors: Hassanian-Moghaddam, MD, FACMT Hossein , Hakiminejhad, MD Masumeh , Farnaghi, MD Fariba , Mirafzal, MD Amirhossein , Zamani, MD Nasim , Kabir, MD, MPH, PhD Ali
Published: July 2017

Objectives: Methadone can be fatal due to respiratory failure even in little doses. This study aimed to evaluate the possible risk factors of death and/or intubation in methadone-poisoned children of 12 years or younger. Design: Retrospective routine database study.Setting: The only tertiary hospital for children poisoning in Tehran.Patients: Four hundred fifty-three methadone-poisoned patients aged 12 or younger were studied between 2001 and 2012.Main Outcome Measures: In-hospital mortality and intubation/mechanical ventilation.Results: Of a total of 475 children included, 22 were excluded due to coingestion of other drugs. Three (0.66 percent) expired and 12 (2.65 percent) were intubated during the course of hospital stay. Intubation (p < 0.001), fever (T axillary ≥ 37.5 °C, p = 0.01), being unresponsive at presentation (p = 0.02), tachycardia (p = 0.01), acidosis (p = 0.03), leukocytosis (p = 0.02), and longer hospital stay (p = 0.01) associated with death. Mortality (p < 0.001), fever (p = 0.004), aspartate aminotransferase (AST; p = 0.006), alanine transaminase (p = 0.04), creatinine (p = 0.005), corrected QT (QTc) interval in triage electrocardiogram (p = 0.02), and longer hospital stay (p = 0.005) associated with intubation in univariate analysis. However, after running regression analysis, only fever, QTc ≥ 480 ms, tachycardia, and AST independently associated with intubation and death. Axillary T ≥ 37.45 °C with an accuracy of 91.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 88.8-94.2) and odds ratio of 9.3 (95% CI 2.5-34.9) predicted intubation, and T ≥ 37.75 with an accuracy of 96.0 (95% CI 93.5-97.5) and odds ratio of 47.4 (95% CI 4.1-550.1) predicted death. Conclusion: A methadone-poisoned child presenting with tachycardia, fever, abnormal AST, or an initial prolonged QTc interval should be managed with great caution.
Survey of opioid tapering practices of pediatric healthcare providers: A national perspective
Authors: Fisher, PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC Deborah , Ameringer, PhD, RN Suzanne W.
Published: July 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the current opioid tapering practice.Design: Cross-sectional, online, survey research.Participants: Pediatric healthcare providers from a national sample of practicing nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians who participate in five different pediatric pain and/or palliative care list serves.Results: One hundred four participants responded to the survey. The respondents were predominantly physicians (n = 58, 62 percent). The majority of respondents worked in an academic children's medical center (n = 50, 52 percent). The average number of years in pediatric practice was 16 (mean = 16.33, range of 0-45 years). Of the 104 respondents, only 22 (27 percent) had a written protocol for opioid tapering. Use of expert consultants such as pharmacists or pediatric pain management teams varied. The majority of respondents (n = 46, 44 percent) seldom or never consult a pharmacist. Only 22 percent (n = 17) almost always or always consult a pediatric pain team. There was a wide range of personal tapering rate preferences. Conclusions: This study provided a baseline assessment of pediatric opioid tapering practices by pediatric healthcare providers. Results revealed a marked variation in practice patterns that may indicate deficits in the assessment and management of opioid withdrawal in children. The need for the development of assessment-based opioid tapering guidelines for the pediatric population is long overdue.
The prevalence of nasal obstruction as a consideration in the treatment of opioid overdose
Authors: Weiner, MD, MPH Scott G. , Joyce, PhD Andrew R. , Thomson, MS Heather N.
Published: July 2017

Objectives: The intranasal route of administration for naloxone delivery is one treatment for opioid overdose, but treatment failures with this modality have been documented. This study determines the incidence of obstructive nasal pathology in patients who experienced serious opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD).Design: Retrospective analysis of the IMS LifeLink: Health Plan Claims Database to detect patients with at least one opioid pharmacy claim from 2009 to 2013 and who experienced serious OIRD. Four controls were randomly assigned to each case.Main Outcome Measures: A multivariable analysis determined the adjusted odds ratio of OIRD for patients with obstructive nasal pathology.Results: A total of 7,234 patients experienced a serious OIRD event; 840 (11.6 percent) had obstructive nasal pathology: 20 (2.4 percent) had deviated nasal septum (International Classification of Disease, 9th revision [ICD-9] 470), 246 (29.3 percent) had polyp of the nasal cavity (ICD-9 470.1), 130 (15.5 percent) had hypertrophy of nasal turbinates (ICD-9 478.0), and 659 (78.5 percent) had other disease of the nasal cavity (ICD-9 478.19). The adjusted odds ratio for patients who experienced serious OIRD having concurrent obstructive nasal pathology was 1.28 (95% confidence interval 1.13-1.46).Conclusions: Obstructive nasal pathology is relatively common in patients who experience serious OIRD, and in itself is associated with a higher risk of having OIRD.
A comprehensive clinical review of opioid-induced allodynia: Discussion of the current evidence and clinical implications
Authors: Hayes, PharmD, MPH Corey J. , Painter, PharmD, MBA, PhD Jacob T.
Published: July 2017

Opioid analgesics are one of the most often prescribed medication classes, and their use has increased dramatically, with the number of prescriptions doubling between 1998 and 2010. Moreover, long-term use of opioids is becoming more prevalent. The complications arising from opioid use have been clearly documented; however, a relatively unknown complication potentially linked to opioid use is allodynia. This article outlines how research on opioid-induced hyperalgesia has led to the discovery of allodynia. Next, this article provides a detailed review of the current literature on allodynia, which includes animal studies, case reports, case series, and randomized controlled trials. Finally, the authors provide some potential clinical implications and applications for clinicians in regards to prescribing practices of opioids in the presence of allodynia.
Cost of opioid-treated chronic low back pain: Findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation-based intervention
Authors: Zgierska, MD, PhD Aleksandra E. , Ircink, BBA James , Burzinski, MS Cindy A. , Mundt, PhD Marlon P.
Published: July 2017

Objective: Opioid-treated chronic low back pain (CLBP) is debilitating, costly, and often refractory to existing treatments. This secondary analysis aims to pilot-test the hypothesis that mindfulness meditation (MM) can reduce economic burden related to opioid-treated CLBP.Design: Twenty-six-week unblinded pilot randomized controlled trial, comparing MM, adjunctive to usual-care, to usual care alone.Setting: Outpatient.Participants: Thirty-five adults with opioid-treated CLBP ( ≥ 30 morphine-equivalent mg/day) for 3 + months enrolled; none withdrew. Intervention: Eight weekly therapist-led MM sessions and at-home practice.Outcome Measures: Costs related to self-reported healthcare utilization, medication use (direct costs), lost productivity (indirect costs), and total costs (direct + indirect costs) were calculated for 6-month pre-enrollment and postenrollment periods and compared within and between the groups.Results: Participants (21 MM; 14 control) were 20 percent men, age 51.8 ± 9.7 years, with severe disability, opioid dose of 148.3 ± 129.2 morphine-equivalent mg/d, and individual annual income of $18,291 ± $19,345. At baseline, total costs were estimated at $15,497 ± 13,677 (direct: $10,635 ± 9,897; indirect: $4,862 ± 7,298) per participant. Although MM group participants, compared to controls, reduced their pain severity ratings and pain sensitivity to heat stimuli (p < 0.05), no statistically significant within-group changes or between-group differences in direct and indirect costs were noted.Conclusions: Adults with opioid-treated CLBP experience a high burden of disability despite the high costs of treatment. Although this pilot study did not show a statistically significant impact of MM on costs related to opioid-treated CLBP, MM can improve clinical outcomes and should be assessed in a larger trial with long-term follow-up.
Tramadol-associated mania: A case report
Authors: Nimah, MD Jamaluddin , Chen, BA Alexander , Gable, PharmD, BCPP Kelly N. , Felthous, MD Alan R.
Published: July 2017

A variety of medications, most notably tricyclic antidepressants, and other antidepressants including venlafaxine have been reported to have triggered manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. The synthetic opioid tramadol has also been associated with mania activation. This report describes an unusual case of tramadol-associated mania in a patient without a charted diagnosis of bipolar disorder. However, she had a history of two prior episodes of mania following administration of tramadol that were also believed to be related to medication-induced mood disorder rather than underlying bipolar disorder. We hypothesize that tramadol-associated mania may have an underlying mechanism involving monoamine neurotransmission and increased oxidative stress.
The SPARC water vapor assessment II: intercomparison of satellite and ground-based microwave measurements
Authors: Nedoluha Gerald E. , Kiefer Michael , Lossow Stefan , Gomez R. Michael , Kämpfer Niklaus , Lainer Martin , Forkman Peter , Christensen Ole Martin , Oh Jung Jin , Hartogh Paul , Anderson John , Bramstedt Klaus , Dinelli Bianca M. , Garcia-Comas Maya , Hervig Mark , Murtagh Donal , Raspollini Piera , Read William G. , Rosenlof Karen , Stiller Gabriele P. , Walker Kaley A.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. As part of the second SPARC (Stratosphere-troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate) water vapour assessment (WAVAS-II), we present measurements taken from, or coincident with, seven sites from which ground-based microwave instruments measure water vapor in the middle atmosphere. Six of the ground-based instruments are part of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) and provide datasets which can be used for drift and trend assessment. We compare measurements from these ground-based instruments with satellite datasets that have provided retrievals of water vapor in the lower mesosphere over extended periods since 1996. We first compare biases between the satellite and ground-based instruments from the upper stratosphere to the upper mesosphere. We then show a number of time series comparisons at 0.46 hPa, a level that is sensitive to changes in H2O and CH4 entering the stratosphere, but, because almost all CH4 has been oxidized, is relatively insensitive to dynamical variations. Interannual variations and drifts are investigated both with respect to the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) (from 2004 onwards), and with respect to each instrument's climatological mean. We find that the variation in the interannual difference in the mean H2O measured by any two instruments is typically ~ 1 %. Most of the datasets start in, or after, 2004, and show annual increases in H2O of 0–1 %/year. In particular, MLS shows a trend of between 0.5 %/year and 0.7 %/year at the comparison sites. However the two longest measurement datasets used here, with measurements back to 1996, show a much smaller trend of between +0.1 %/year and −0.1 %/year.
Trends in the surface UV radiation at the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund, Svalbard (77°00' N, 15°33' E), based on the homogenized time series of broad-band measurements (1996–2016) and reconstructed data (1983–1995)
Authors: Krzyścin Janusz W. , Sobolewski Piotr
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Erythemal daily doses measured at the Polish Polar Station, Hornsund (77°00' N, 15°33' E), for the period 1996–2001 and 2005–2016 are homogenized using yearly calibration constants derived from the comparison of observed doses for cloudless conditions with the corresponding doses calculated by radiative transfer (RT) simulations. Modeled all-sky doses are calculated by the multiplication of cloudless RT doses by the empirical cloud modification factor dependent on the daily sunshine duration. An all-sky model is built using daily erythemal doses measured in the period 2005–2006–2007. The model is verified by comparisons with the 1996–1997–1998 and 2009–2010–2011 measured data. The daily doses since 1983 (beginning of the proxy data) are reconstructed using the all-sky model with the historical data of the column ozone from the satellite measurements (SBUV merged ozone data set), the snow depth (for ground albedo estimation), and the observed daily sunshine duration at the site. Trend analyses of the monthly and yearly time series comprising of the reconstructed and observed doses reveal statistically significant trend only in March (~ 1 %/yr) in the period 1983–2016. The trends based on the observed data only (1996–2001 and 2005–2016) show declining tendencies during spring (March–April–May) of ~ 1 %/yr. An analysis of sources of the yearly dose variability since 1983 provides that cloud cover changes are a basic driver of the long-term UV changes at the location.
Improved observations of turbulence dissipation rates from wind profiling radars
Authors: McCaffrey Katherine , Bianco Laura , Wilczak James M.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Observations of turbulence dissipation rates in the planetary boundary layer are crucial for validation of parameterizations in numerical weather prediction models. However, because dissipation rates are difficult to obtain, they are infrequently measured through the depth of the boundary layer. For this reason, demonstrating the ability of commonly used wind profiling radars (WPRs) to estimate this quantity would be greatly beneficial. During the XPIA field campaign at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory, two WPRs operated in an optimized configuration, using high spectral resolution for increased accuracy of Doppler spectral width, specifically chosen to estimate turbulence from a vertically pointing beam. Multiple post-processing techniques, including different numbers of spectral averages and peak processing algorithms for calculating spectral moments, were evaluated to determine the most accurate procedures for estimating turbulence dissipation rates using the information contained in the Doppler spectral width, using sonic anemometers mounted on a 300 m tower for validation. The optimal settings were determined, producing a low bias, which was later corrected. Resulting estimations of turbulence dissipation rates correlated well (R2 = 0. 54 and 0. 41) with the sonic anemometers, and profiles up to 2 km from the 449 MHz WPR and 1 km from the 915 MHz WPR were observed.
Measurement of Atmospheric CO2 Column Concentrations to Cloud Tops with a Pulsed Multi-wavelength Airborne Lidar
Authors: Mao Jianping , Ramanathan Anand , Abshire James B. , Kawa S. Randy , Riris Haris , Allan Graham R. , Rodriguez Michael , Hasselbrack William E. , Sun Xiaoli , Numata Kenji , Chen Jeff , Choi Yonghoon , Yang Mei Ying Melissa
Published: July 2017

Abstract. We have measured the column-averaged atmospheric CO2 mixing ratio to a variety of cloud tops by using an airborne pulsed multiple wavelengths integrated-path, differential absorption (IPDA) lidar. Airborne measurements were made at altitudes up to 13 km during the 2011, 2013 and 2014 ASCENDS science campaigns flown in the west and mid-west United States and were compared to those from an in situ sensor. Analysis of the lidar backscatter profiles show the average cloud top reflectance was ~ 5 % for the CO2 measurement at 1572.335 nm except to cirrus clouds which had lower reflectance. The energies for 1-μs wide laser pulses reflected from cloud tops were sufficient to allow clear identification of CO2 absorption line shape and then to allow retrievals of atmospheric column CO2 from the aircraft to cloud tops more than 90 % of the time. Retrievals from the CO2 measurements to cloud tops had minimal bias but larger standard deviations when compared to those made to the ground, depending on cloud top roughness and reflectance. The measurements show this new capability helps resolve CO2 horizontal and vertical gradients in the atmosphere. When used with nearby full column measurements to ground, the CO2 measurements to cloud tops can be used to estimate the partial column CO2 concentration below clouds, which should lead to better estimates of surface carbon sources and sinks. This additional capability of the range-resolved CO2 IPDA lidar technique provides a new benefit for studying the carbon cycle in future airborne and space-based CO2 missions.
Atmospheric gas records from Taylor Glacier, Antarctica, reveal ancient ice with ages spanning the entire last glacial cycle
Authors: Baggenstos Daniel , Bauska Thomas K. , Severinghaus Jeffrey P. , Lee James E. , Schaefer Hinrich , Buizert Christo , Brook Edward J. , Shackleton Sarah , Petrenko Vasilii V.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Old ice for paleo-environmental studies, traditionally accessed through deep core drilling on domes and ridges on the large ice sheets, can also be retrieved at the surface from ice sheet margins and blue ice areas. The practically unlimited amount of ice available at these sites satisfies a need in the community for studies of trace components requiring large sample volumes. For margin sites to be useful as ancient ice archives, the ice stratigraphy needs to be understood and age models need to be established. We present measurements of trapped gases in ice from Taylor Glacier, Antarctica, to date the ice and assess the completeness of the stratigraphic section. Using δ18O of O2 and methane concentrations, we unambiguously identify ice from the last glacial cycle, covering every climate interval from the early Holocene to the penultimate interglacial. A high-resolution transect reveals the last deglaciation and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in detail. We observe large-scale deformation in the form of folding, but individual stratigraphic layers do not appear to have undergone irregular thinning. Rather, it appears that the entire LGM–deglaciation sequence has been transported from the interior of the ice sheet to the surface of Taylor Glacier relatively undisturbed. We present an age model that builds the foundation for gas studies on Taylor Glacier. A comparison with the Taylor Dome ice core confirms that the section we studied on Taylor Glacier is better suited for paleo-climate reconstructions of the LGM due to higher accumulation rates.
Parametric Decadal Climate Forecast Recalibration (DeFoReSt 1.0)
Authors: Pasternack Alexander , Bhend Jonas , Liniger Mark A. , Rust Henning W. , Müller Wolfgang A. , Ulbrich Uwe
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Near-term climate predictions such as decadal climate forecasts are increasingly being used to guide adaptation measures. For near-term probabilistic predictions to be useful, systematic errors of the forecasting systems have to be corrected. While methods for the calibration of probabilistic forecasts are readily available, these have to be adapted to the specifics of decadal climate forecasts including the long time horizon of decadal climate forecasts, lead time dependent systematic errors (drift), and the errors in the representation of long-term changes and variability. These features are compounded by small ensemble sizes to describe forecast uncertainty and a relatively short period for which typically pairs of re-forecasts and observations are available to estimate calibration parameters. We introduce the Decadal Climate Forecast Recalibration Strategy (DeFoReSt), a parametric approach to recalibrate decadal ensemble forecasts that takes the above specifics into account. DeFoReSt optimizes forecast quality as measured by the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS). Using a toy model to generate synthetic forecast observation pairs, we demonstrate the positive effect on forecast quality in situations with pronounced and limited predictability. Finally, we apply DeFoReSt to decadal surface temperature forecasts from the MiKlip Prototype system and find consistent and sometimes considerable improvements in forecast quality compared with a simple calibration of the lead time dependent systematic errors.