bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Quality Measurement for Anticoagulation
Authors: Razouki Zayd , Ozonoff Al , Zhao Shibei , Jasuja Guneet K. , Rose Adam J.
Published: September 2014

Background—

Among patients receiving warfarin, percent time in therapeutic range (TTR) and international normalized ratio (INR) variability predict adverse events individually. Here, we examined what is added to the prediction of adverse events by using both measures together.

Methods and Results—

We included 40 404 patients anticoagulated for atrial fibrillation, aged 65+, within the Veterans Health Administration. TTR and log-transformed INR variability were calculated for each patient. Our study outcomes were ischemic stroke and major bleeding, defined using International Classification of Diseases-9 codes. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) for the study outcomes using 3 nested Cox regression models, including (1) TTR or log INR variability separately; (2) TTR and log INR variability together; and (3) both predictors together plus an interaction term. We divided TTR into 3 categories (high, >70%; moderate, 50% to 70%; low, <50%) and log INR variability into 2 categories (stable and unstable). The reference groups high TTR and stable anticoagulation each denote good control.

Higher log INR variability (ie, unstable control) predicted ischemic stroke (HR=1.45,
P
<0.001) and major bleeding (HR=1.57,
P
<0.001) independently, regardless of TTR levels. Our model with interaction terms showed that High log INR variability predicted a significantly higher risk for ischemic stroke and major bleeding compared with low log INR variability, at moderate TTR levels (HR= 1.27 and HR=1.29, respectively) and at high TTR levels (HR=1.55 and HR=1.56, respectively), but not at low TTR levels.

Conclusions—

Unstable anticoagulation predicts warfarin adverse effects independent of TTR. Moreover, knowledge about anticoagulation stability further stratifies the risk for adverse events at given levels of TTR.
Impact of System and Physician Factors on the Detection of Obstructive Coronary Disease With Diagnostic Angiography in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Qiu Feng , Bennell Maria C. , Natarajan Madhu K. , Cantor Warren J. , Smith Stuart , Kingsbury Kori J. , Ko Dennis T.
Published: September 2014

Background—

Wide variation exists in the detection rate of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) with elective coronary angiography for suspected stable ischemic heart disease. We sought to understand the incremental impact of nonclinical factors on this variation.

Methods and Results—

We included all patients who underwent coronary angiography for possible suspected stable ischemic heart disease, from October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2011, in Ontario, Canada. Nonclinical factors of interest included physician self-referral for angiography, the physician type (invasive or interventional), and hospital type. Hospitals were categorized into diagnostic angiogram only centers, stand-alone percutaneous coronary intervention centers, or full service centers with coronary artery bypass surgery available. Multivariable hierarchical logistic models were developed to identify system and physician-level predictors of obstructive CAD, after adjustment for patient factors. Our cohort consisted of 60 986 patients, of whom 31 726 had obstructive CAD (52.0%), with significant range across hospitals from 37.3% to 69.2%. Fewer self-referral patients (49.8%) had obstructive CAD compared with nonself-referral patients (53.5%), with an odds ratio of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.86–0.93;
P
<0.001). Angiograms performed by invasive physicians had a lower likelihood of obstructive CAD compared with those by interventional physicians (48.2% versus 56.9%; odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.90;
P
<0.001). Fewer angiograms at diagnostic only centers showed obstructive CAD (42.0%) compared with full service centers (55.1%; odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.98;
P
=0.04). Nonclinical factors accounted for 23.8% of the variation between hospitals.

Conclusions—

Physician and system factors are important predictors of obstructive CAD with coronary angiography.
Association of Uric Acid Genetic Risk Score With Blood Pressure
Authors: Sedaghat Sanaz , Pazoki Raha , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Hofman Albert , Stricker Bruno H.Ch. , Ikram M. Arfan , Franco Oscar H. , Dehghan Abbas
Published: September 2014

High levels of serum uric acid are associated with hypertension in observational studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of uric acid gene variants with blood pressure. We studied 5791 participants aged ≥55 years from the Rotterdam Study. Thirty gene variants identified for serum uric acid level were used to compile genetic risk score (GRS). We used linear regression models to investigate the association of the uric acid GRS with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the whole study population and separately in participants with and without comorbidities and medication use. In the age- and sex-adjusted model, each SD increase in uric acid GRS was associated with 0.75 mm Hg lower systolic blood pressure (95% confidence interval, −1.31 to −0.19) and 0.42 mm Hg lower diastolic blood pressure (95% confidence interval, −0.72 to −0.13). The association did not attenuate after further adjustment for antihypertensive medication use and conventional cardiovascular risk factors. In subgroup analysis, the association of uric acid GRS with systolic blood pressure was significantly stronger in participants (n=885) on diuretic treatment (
P
for interaction, 0.007). In conclusion, we found that higher uric acid GRS is associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Diuretics treatment may modify the association of uric acid genetic risk score and systolic blood pressure. Our study suggests that genome wide association study’s findings can be associated with an intermediate factor or have a pleiotropic role and, therefore, should be applied for Mendelian Randomization with caution.
AAV Delivery of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Short Hairpin RNA Attenuates Cold-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension and Pulmonary Arterial Remodeling
Authors: Crosswhite Patrick , Chen Kai , Sun Zhongjie
Published: September 2014

Cold temperatures are associated with increased mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Cold exposure causes lung inflammation, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and right ventricle hypertrophy, but there is no effective therapy because of unknown mechanism. Here, we investigated whether RNA interference silencing of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α decreases cold-induced macrophage infiltration, PH, and pulmonary arterial (PA) remodeling. We found for the first time that continuous cold exposure (5.0°C) increased TNF-α expression and macrophage infiltration in the lungs and PAs right before elevation of right ventricle systolic pressure. The in vivo RNA interference silencing of TNF-α was achieved by intravenous delivery of recombinant AAV-2 carrying TNF-α short hairpin small–interfering RNA 24 hours before cold exposure. Cold exposure for 8 weeks significantly increased right ventricle pressure compared with the warm controls (40.19±4.9 versus 22.9±1.1 mm Hg), indicating that cold exposure caused PH. Cold exposure increased TNF-α, interleukin-6, and phosphodiesterase-1C protein expression in the lungs and PAs and increased lung macrophage infiltration. Notably, TNF-α short hairpin small–interfering RNA prevented the cold-induced increases in TNF-α, interleukin-6, and phosphodiesterase-1C protein expression, abolished lung macrophage infiltration, and attenuated PH (26.28±1.6 mm Hg), PA remodeling, and right ventricle hypertrophy. PA smooth muscle cells isolated from cold-exposed animals showed increased intracellular superoxide levels and cell proliferation along with decreased intracellular cGMP. These cold-induced changes were prevented by TNF-α short hairpin small–interfering RNA. In conclusions, upregulation of TNF-α played a critical role in the pathogenesis of cold-induced PH by promoting pulmonary macrophage infiltration and inflammation. AAV delivery of TNF-α short hairpin small–interfering RNA may be an effective therapeutic approach for cold-induced PH and PA remodeling.
Role of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ in Vascular Muscle in the Cerebral Circulation
Authors: De Silva T. Michael , Modrick Mary L. , Ketsawatsomkron Pimonrat , Lynch Cynthia , Chu Yi , Pelham Christopher J. , Sigmund Curt D. , Faraci Frank M.
Published: September 2014

Although peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is thought to play a protective role in the vasculature, its cell-specific effect, particularly in resistance vessels, is poorly defined. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in vascular biology in the brain. We examined the hypothesis that selective interference with PPARγ in vascular muscle would impair NO-dependent responses and augment vasoconstrictor responses in the cerebral circulation. We studied mice expressing a dominant negative mutation in human PPARγ (P467L) under the control of the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain promoter (S-P467L). In S-P467L mice, dilator responses to exogenously applied or endogenously produced NO were greatly impaired in cerebral arteries in vitro and in small cerebral arterioles in vivo. Select NO-independent responses, including vasodilation to low concentrations of potassium, were also impaired in S-P467L mice. In contrast, increased expression of wild-type PPARγ in smooth muscle had little effect on vasomotor responses. Mechanisms underlying impairment of both NO-dependent and NO-independent vasodilator responses after interference with PPARγ involved Rho kinase with no apparent contribution by oxidative stress–related mechanisms. These findings support the concept that via effects on Rho kinase–dependent signaling, PPARγ in vascular muscle is a major determinant of vascular tone in resistance vessels and, in particular, NO-mediated signaling in cerebral arteries and brain microvessels. Considering the importance of NO and Rho kinase, these findings have implications for regulation of cerebral blood flow and the pathogenesis of large and small vessel disease in brain.
Effects of Sapropterin on Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Patients With CADASIL
Authors: De Maria Renata , Campolo Jonica , Frontali Marina , Taroni Franco , Federico Antonio , Inzitari Domenico , Tavani Alessandra , Romano Silvia , Puca Emanuele , Orzi Francesco , Francia Ada , Mariotti Caterina , Tomasello Chiara , Dotti Maria Teresa , Stromillo Maria Laura , Pantoni Leonardo , Pescini Francesca , Valenti Raffaella , Pelucchi Claudio , Parolini Marina , Parodi Oberdan , Sedda Valentina , Spagnolo Elisabetta , De Stefano Nicola
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral autosomal–dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by
NOTCH3
mutations, is characterized by vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells abnormalities, altered vasoreactivity, and recurrent lacunar infarcts. Vasomotor function may represent a key factor for disease progression. Tetrahydrobiopterin, essential cofactor for nitric oxide synthesis in endothelial cells, ameliorates endothelial function. We assessed whether supplementation with sapropterin, a synthetic tetrahydrobiopterin analog, improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in CADASIL patients.

Methods—

In a 24-month, multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, CADASIL patients aged 30 to 65 years were randomly assigned to receive placebo or sapropterin 200 to 400 mg BID. The primary end point was change in the reactive hyperemia index by peripheral arterial tonometry at 24 months. We also assessed the safety and tolerability of sapropterin. Analysis was done by intention-to-treat.

Results—

The intention-to-treat population included 61 patients. We found no significant difference between sapropterin (n=32) and placebo (n=29) in the primary end point (mean difference in reactive hyperemia index by peripheral arterial tonometry changes 0.19 [95% confidence interval, −0.18, 0.56]). Reactive hyperemia index by peripheral arterial tonometry increased after 24 months in 37% of patients on sapropterin and in 28% on placebo; however, after adjustment for age, sex, and clinical characteristics, improvement was not associated with treatment arm. The proportion of patients with adverse events was similar on sapropterin and on placebo (50% versus 48.3%); serious adverse events occurred in 6.3% versus 13.8%, respectively.

Conclusions—

Sapropterin was safe and well-tolerated at the average dose of 5 mg/kg/day, but did not affect endothelium-dependent vasodilation in CADASIL patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu
. Unique identifier: 2007-004370-55.
Efficacy of Antidepressants in Animal Models of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: McCann Sarah K. , Irvine Cadi , Mead Gillian E. , Sena Emily S. , Currie Gillian L. , Egan Kieren E. , Macleod Malcolm R. , Howells David W.
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose—

Poststroke depression is a prevalent complication of stroke with unclear pathogenesis. The benefits of antidepressants in this context and their effects on stroke recovery other than effects on mood are not clearly defined, with some studies suggesting efficacy in improving functional outcome in both depressed and nondepressed stroke patients. We have analyzed the preclinical animal data on antidepressant treatment in focal cerebral ischemia, modeled±depression, to help inform clinical trial design.

Methods—

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from experiments testing the efficacy of antidepressants versus no treatment to reduce infarct volume or improve neurobehavioral or neurogenesis outcomes in animal models of stroke. We used random-effects metaregression to test the impact of study quality and design characteristics and used trim and fill to assess publication bias.

Results—

We identified 44 publications describing the effects of 22 antidepressant drugs. The median quality checklist score was 5 of a possible 10 (interquartile range, 4–7). Overall, antidepressants reduced infarct volume by 27.3% (95% confidence interval, 20.7%–33.8%) and improved neurobehavioral outcomes by 53.7% (46.4%–61.1%). There was little evidence for an effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on infarct volume. For neurobehavioral outcomes there was evidence of publication bias. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most frequently studied antidepressant subtype and improved neurobehavioral outcome by 51.8% (38.6%–64.9%) and increased neurogenesis by 2.2 SD (1.3–3.0).

Conclusions—

In line with current clinical data and despite some limitations, antidepressant treatments seem to improve infarct volume and neurobehavioral outcome in animal models of ischemic stroke.
Two new species of Dermoloma from India
Authors: Raj K. N. Anil , Latha K. P. Deepna , Paramban Raihana , Manimohan Patinjareveettil
Published: September 2014

Two new species of Dermoloma, Dermoloma indicum and Dermoloma keralense, are documented from Kerala State, India, based on morphology. Comprehensive descriptions, photographs, and comparison with phenetically similar species are provided.
Morphological variation and taxonomy of Atractus latifrons (Günther, 1868) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae)
Authors: ALMEIDA PAULA C. , FEITOSA DARLAN T. , PASSOS PAULO , PRUDENTE ANA L. C.
Published: September 2014

As currently understood Atractus latifrons is widely distributed in South America, occurring from Suriname to the east of the Andes in Bolivia. Throughout this widespread distribution, at least three distinct color patterns were previously reported in the literature. Here, we test whether quantitative variation and qualitative distribution of morphological characters are correlated with any color pattern displayed by the species along its range. We recognize three aposematic color patterns (bicolor in monads, tricolor in dyads, and tricolor in tetrads) for A. latifrons. We found no obvious correspondence between these patterns and any character systems analyzed herein. Additionally, we redescribe the holotype of A. latifrons and report on morphological variability (meristics, morphometrics, color patterns, and hemipenis) and geographical distribution (extending its distribution to the state Roraima, Brazil) of the species.
Archaeoditomotarsus crassitylus, gen. and sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Acanthosomatidae) from Chile
Authors: FAÚNDEZ EDUARDO I. , CARVAJAL MÁRIOM A. , RIDER DAVID A.
Published: September 2014

Archaeoditomotarsus crassitylus, gen. and sp. nov. of Acanthosomatidae (Ditomotarsinae: Ditomotarsini), is described and illustrated. The biogeography of the new taxon is discussed and a key to the Chilean genera of Ditomotarsinae is included.
Variability of the Australian Monsoon and Precipitation Trends at Darwin
Authors: Evans Stuart , Marchand Roger , Ackerman Thomas
Published: September 2014

An atmospheric classification for northwestern Australia is used to define periods of monsoon activity and investigate the interannual and intraseasonal variability of the Australian monsoon, as well as long-term precipitation trends at Darwin. The classification creates a time series of atmospheric states, which two correspond to the active monsoon and the monsoon break. Occurrence of these states is used to define onset, retreat, seasonal intensity, and individual active periods within seasons. The authors demonstrate the quality of their method by showing it consistently identifies extended periods of precipitation as part of the monsoon season and recreates well-known relationships between Australian monsoon onset, intensity, and ENSO. The authors also find that onset and seasonal intensity are significantly correlated with ENSO as early as July.

Previous studies have investigated the role of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) during the monsoon by studying the frequency and duration of active periods, but these studies disagree on whether the MJO creates a characteristic period or duration. The authors use their metrics of monsoon activity and the Wheeler–Hendon MJO index to examine the timing of active periods relative to the phase of the MJO. It is shown that active periods preferentially begin during MJO phases 3 and 4, as the convective anomaly approaches Darwin, and end during phases 7 and 8, as the anomaly departs Darwin. Finally, the causes of the multidecadal positive precipitation trend at Darwin over the last few decades are investigated. It is found that an increase in the number of days classified as active, rather than changes in the daily rainfall rate during active monsoon periods, is responsible.
Understanding the Anthropogenically Forced Change of Equatorial Pacific Trade Winds in Coupled Climate Models*
Authors: Xiang Baoqiang , Wang Bin , Li Juan , Zhao Ming , Lee June-Yi
Published: September 2014

Understanding the change of equatorial Pacific trade winds is pivotal for understanding the global mean temperature change and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) property change. The weakening of the Walker circulation due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) forcing was suggested as one of the most robust phenomena in current climate models by examining zonal sea level pressure gradient over the tropical Pacific. This study explores another component of the Walker circulation change focusing on equatorial Pacific trade wind change. Model sensitivity experiments demonstrate that the direct/fast response due to GHG forcing is to increase the trade winds, especially over the equatorial central-western Pacific (ECWP) (5°S–5°N, 140°E–150°W), while the indirect/slow response associated with sea surface temperature (SST) warming weakens the trade winds.

Further, analysis of the results from 19 models in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and the Parallel Ocean Program (POP)–Ocean Atmosphere Sea Ice Soil (OASIS)–ECHAM model (POEM) shows that the projected weakening of the trades is robust only in the equatorial eastern Pacific (EEP) ( 5°S–5°N, 150°–80°W), but highly uncertain over the ECWP with 9 out of 19 CMIP5 models producing intensified trades. The prominent and robust weakening of EEP trades is suggested to be mainly driven by a top-down mechanism: the mean vertical advection of more upper-tropospheric warming downward to generate a cyclonic circulation anomaly in the southeast tropical Pacific. In the ECWP, the large intermodel spread is primarily linked to model diversity in simulating the relative warming of the equatorial Pacific versus the tropical mean sea surface temperature. The possible root causes of the uncertainty for the trade wind change are also discussed.
Observations of Internal Gravity Waves by Argo Floats
Authors: Hennon Tyler D. , Riser Stephen C. , Alford Matthew H.
Published: September 2014

This study examines the global variability of the internal wave field near a depth of 1000 m using data from a set of 194 Argo floats equipped with Iridium communications, capable of measuring hourly temperature and pressure during the park phase of their 10-day cycles. These data have been used to estimate vertical isotherm displacements at hourly intervals, yielding a global measure of the heaving due to internal gravity waves. The displacement results have been employed to examine the global variability of these waves and how the displacement power spectrum compares to the canonical Garrett–Munk spectrum. Using the data, the authors find correlations between internal wave intensity and seafloor roughness, proximity to the seafloor, and the magnitude of the local barotropic velocity. The measurements also show large seamount-trapped waves at high latitudes and coastally trapped subinertial waves. These observations provide a rough global census of the nature of these waves that can ultimately be used in studies of ocean mixing.
Estimation of Winds from GPS Radio Occultations
Authors: Verkhoglyadova Olga P. , Leroy Stephen S. , Ao Chi O.
Published: September 2014

GPS radio occultations (RO) offer the possibility to map winds in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) region because geopotential height is the independent coordinate of retrieval. Most other sounders do not offer this possibility because their independent coordinate of retrieval is pressure. To estimate the precision with which GPS radio occultation data can map winds, dry pressure profiles are simulated from the Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) at the actual locations of the Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) soundings for the year 2007. Monthly wind maps were created by using Bayesian interpolation on subsampled ERA-Interim data in 3–5-day bins and subsequent averaging over a month. Mapping winds in this approach requires that 1) geostrophy approximates winds; 2) dry pressure approximates pressure in the UTLS; and 3) geopotential height can be mapped accurately given sparse, nonuniform distributions of data. This study found that, under these conditions, it is possible to map monthly winds near the tropopause with an accuracy of 5.6 m s−1 with CHAMP alone and 4.5 m s−1 with COSMIC alone. The dominant contributors to uncertainty are undersampling of the atmosphere and ageostrophy, particularly at the leading and trailing edges of the subtropical jet. The former is reduced with increased density of GPS RO soundings. The latter cannot be reduced even after iteration for balanced winds. Nevertheless, it is still possible to capture the general wind pattern and to determine the position of the subtropical jet despite the uncertainty in its magnitude. COSMIC radio occultation measurements from 2006 through 2011 were used to estimate monthly geostrophic winds maps in UTLS. The resultant wind dataset is posted online.
Assimilation of Lightning Data Using a Nudging Method Involving Low-Level Warming
Authors: Marchand Max R. , Fuelberg Henry E.
Published: September 2014

This study presents a new method for assimilating lightning data into numerical models that is suitable at convection-permitting scales. The authors utilized data from the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network at 9-km grid spacing to mimic the resolution of the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) that will be on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R). The assimilation procedure utilizes the numerical Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The method (denoted MU) warms the most unstable low levels of the atmosphere at locations where lightning was observed but deep convection was not simulated based on the absence of graupel. Simulation results are compared with those from a control simulation and a simulation employing the lightning assimilation method developed by Fierro et al. (denoted FO) that increases water vapor according to a nudging function that depends on the observed flash rate and simulated graupel mixing ratio. Results are presented for three severe storm days during 2011 and compared with hourly NCEP stage-IV precipitation observations. Compared to control simulations, both the MU and FO assimilation methods produce improved simulated precipitation fields during the assimilation period and a short time afterward based on subjective comparisons and objective statistical scores (~0.1, or 50%, improvement of equitable threat scores). The MU generally performs better at simulating isolated thunderstorms and other weakly forced deep convection, while FO performs better for the case having strong synoptic forcing. Results show that the newly developed MU method is a viable alternative to the FO method, exhibiting utility in producing thunderstorms where observed, and providing improved analyses at low computational cost.
A Spatial View of Ensemble Spread in Convection Permitting Ensembles
Authors: Dey Seonaid R. A. , Leoncini Giovanni , Roberts Nigel M. , Plant Robert S. , Migliorini Stefano
Published: September 2014

With movement toward kilometer-scale ensembles, new techniques are needed for their characterization. A new methodology is presented for detailed spatial ensemble characterization using the fractions skill score (FSS). To evaluate spatial forecast differences, the average and standard deviation are taken of the FSS calculated over all ensemble member–member pairs at different scales and lead times. These methods were found to give important information about the ensemble behavior allowing the identification of useful spatial scales, spinup times for the model, and upscale growth of errors and forecast differences. The ensemble spread was found to be highly dependent on the spatial scales considered and the threshold applied to the field. High thresholds picked out localized and intense values that gave large temporal variability in ensemble spread: local processes and undersampling dominate for these thresholds. For lower thresholds the ensemble spread increases with time as differences between the ensemble members upscale. Two convective cases were investigated based on the Met Office United Model run at 2.2-km resolution. Different ensemble types were considered: ensembles produced using the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS) and an ensemble produced using different model physics configurations. Comparison of the MOGREPS and multiphysics ensembles demonstrated the utility of spatial ensemble evaluation techniques for assessing the impact of different perturbation strategies and the need for assessing spread at different, believable, spatial scales.
Trust in Automation
Authors: Hoff Kevin Anthony , Bashir Masooda
Published: September 2014

Objective:

We systematically review recent empirical research on factors that influence trust in automation to present a three-layered trust model that synthesizes existing knowledge.

Background:

Much of the existing research on factors that guide human-automation interaction is centered around trust, a variable that often determines the willingness of human operators to rely on automation. Studies have utilized a variety of different automated systems in diverse experimental paradigms to identify factors that impact operators’ trust.

Method:

We performed a systematic review of empirical research on trust in automation from January 2002 to June 2013. Papers were deemed eligible only if they reported the results of a human-subjects experiment in which humans interacted with an automated system in order to achieve a goal. Additionally, a relationship between trust (or a trust-related behavior) and another variable had to be measured. All together, 101 total papers, containing 127 eligible studies, were included in the review.

Results:

Our analysis revealed three layers of variability in human–automation trust (dispositional trust, situational trust, and learned trust), which we organize into a model. We propose design recommendations for creating trustworthy automation and identify environmental conditions that can affect the strength of the relationship between trust and reliance. Future research directions are also discussed for each layer of trust.

Conclusion:

Our three-layered trust model provides a new lens for conceptualizing the variability of trust in automation. Its structure can be applied to help guide future research and develop training interventions and design procedures that encourage appropriate trust.
Driving Speed of Young Novice and Experienced Drivers in Simulated Hazard Anticipation Scenes
Authors: Parmet Yisrael , Borowsky Avinoam , Yona Omri , Oron-Gilad Tal
Published: September 2014

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to demonstrate analysis methods that are sensitive to speed-related differences between experienced and young novice drivers. These differences may be linked to determining which group is better at anticipating hazards.

Background:

Awareness of hazardous situations, especially potential ones, is a major discriminator between experienced and young novice drivers who tend to misidentify potential hazards in the traffic environment.

Method:

Experienced and young novice drivers were asked to drive a sequence of 14 scenarios in a driving simulator. Scenarios were created in two city areas, residential and business district, and included various types of hazards. Group homogeneity of speed for each group of drivers was computed for each scenario, and two business district scenarios were subjected to piecewise linear regression analysis.

Results:

Group homogeneity analysis showed consistent and significant experience-based differences across all scenarios, revealing that the experienced drivers as a group were more homogenous in choosing their driving speed. Differences between groups were larger in the business district where speed was less restricted. Piecewise linear regression analysis revealed that experienced drivers approached uncontrolled intersections by slowing down and responded earlier to materialized events.

Conclusion:

Young novice drivers were more likely than experienced drivers to choose diverse values of speed at any given road section, presumably due to their poor awareness of potential and hidden hazards. Unlike other analysis methods, it is argued that group homogeneity of speed is a more sensitive measurement to reveal these gaps.

Application:

Speed management could be the basis of future hazard anticipation simulator assessments.
In the name of bringing services closer to the people? Explaining the creation of new local government districts in Uganda
Authors: Awortwi Nicholas , Helmsing A.H.J. (Bert)
Published: September 2014

Many governments in Africa and elsewhere in Asia and Latin America have created new local government (LG) jurisdictions as part of their decentralization policies. However, most decentralization studies have focused on fiscal, political and administrative assignments between levels of government. Much less attention has been given to the number and size of LG jurisdictions. Often, these are considered to be an accident of history, but the reality is not so. This article pursues five propositions concerning the rationale for creating LG jurisdictions and examines their relevance in the Uganda context. The article concludes that creation of LG jurisdictions in Uganda neither conforms to the policy objective of bringing services closer to the people nor to promoting participatory democratic governance. Instead, the practice conforms to central government gerrymandering tactics of forging an electoral alliance with small jurisdictions and to extend neo-patrimonial networks to win votes in order to stay in power.

Points for practitioners

Donors and development practitioners have often expressed their frustrations on decentralization policies and outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) because they have analysed the policy based on what governments say their intentions are. Until they understand the political economy of decentralization in Africa they will always be bewildered not only by the mismatch between policy objectives and outcomes but also by many unspoken rationales for implementing decentralization reforms. Decentralization can be a facade behind which quite different practices take place. In many countries in SSA, it is a narrowly political process that ruling governments pursue for their own benefit (or accept to pursue when pushed by donors where it hurts them least) and not for the nicely written policy statements of improving services.
Effect of insert material on artificial delamination performance in composite laminates
Authors: Le Cahain Yann M , Noden Jake , Hallett Stephen R
Published: September 2014

Delamination, a major cause of composite failure, is often simulated in experiments using artificial film inserts. In many cases the material used to create these inserts in not carefully controlled. Here a series of tensile tests were performed on central cut ply specimens with different insert film materials in both glass fibre epoxy (E-glass/913) and carbon fibre epoxy (IM7/8552) from which the mode II energy release rate can be calculated from the load at failure. When compared to specimens without inserts, some of the film inserts give a mode II the energy release rate, with considerable variation with film material. Also it was found that a change in specimen material can influence the effectiveness of the insert used.
Bone Regeneration at Dental Implant Sites with Suspended Stem Cells
Authors: Zheng R.C. , Park Y.K. , Cho J.J. , Kim S.K. , Heo S.J. , Koak J.Y. , Lee J.H.
Published: September 2014

During the maintenance of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), suspended cells are discarded normally. We noted the osteogenic potential of these cells to be like that of anchorage-dependent BMMSCs. Therefore, we characterized suspended BMMSCs from rabbit bone marrow by bioengineering and applied the suspended BMMSCs to double-canaled dental implants inserted into rabbits. After primary isolation of BMMSCs, we collected the suspended cells during primary culture on the third day. The cells were transferred and maintained on an extracellular-matrix-coated culture plate. The cells were characterized and compared with BMMSCs by colony-forming-unit fibroblast (CFU-f) and cell proliferation assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), in vitro multipotency, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also analyzed the osteogenic potential of cells mixed with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) and transplanted into immunocompromised mice. We compared the viability and proliferation of the suspended BMMSCs and BMMSCs on the titanium implant surface and observed cell morphology. Then, the cells mixed with HA/TCP were applied to the double-canaled implants during installation into rabbit tibia. Four weeks later, we analyzed bone formation inside the canal by histomorphometry. The suspended cells showed higher CFU-f on the extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated culture plate and similar results of proliferation capacity compared with BMMSCs. The cells also showed osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic ability. The suspended cells showed levels of attachment survival and proliferation on the surfaces of titanium implant discs to be higher than or similar to those of BMMSCs. The suspended cells as well as BMMSCs showed stronger bone formation ability in both upper and lower canals of the implants compared with controls on double-canaled implants inserted into rabbit tibia. In this study, we showed that suspended cells after primary BMMSC isolation have bone regeneration capacity like that of BMMSCs, not only in vitro but also in vivo. ECM was valuable for propagation of MSCs for cell-based bone regeneration. Therefore, the suspended cells could also be useful tools for bone regeneration after implant surgery.
Rare presentation of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the role of the radiograph in initial diagnosis
Authors: Khan MA , Thyagiarajan M , Laugharne M , Clinch J
Published: September 2014

Background

Polyarticular disease affects one-third of all juvenile idiopathic arthritides. It affects girls twice as much as boys. It usually involves peripheral joints throughout the course of disease. It is unusual for cervical spine involvement to be the presenting symptoms of RF negative polyarthritis.

Clinical case

This is the case of RF-negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis that was reported with six-week history of neck pain, torticollis and left knee effusion. The case was sent to the radiology department from primary care. Despite the fact that the symptoms occurred quite recently, on initial radiograph significant cervical spine inflammation and damage were revealed.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of early recognition of neck involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis as well as significance of close liaison between radiology and paediatric rheumatology. It also highlights the possible role of cervical spine imaging in all children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Afebrile seizures and electrocardiography abnormality: an unusual presentation of nutritional rickets
Authors: Gad KG , Khan MA , Mahmood K
Published: September 2014

Background

Nutritional rickets is not uncommon in the western world and has been reported widely. Occasionally, children have presented to paediatrics with afebrile seizures secondary to hypocalcaemia due to hypovitaminosis D. However, association of nutritional rickets with electrocardiography changes and prolonged QT interval is not well documented. It is a rare, potentially serious and yet easy-to-treat complication as shown in our case. Our case also highlights the importance of awareness and education of both parents and clinicians regarding this relatively common but easily treatable condition.

Clinical case

We report a case of undiagnosed nutritional rickets presenting as ‘Afebrile’ seizure in a seven-month-old Somali girl. Her initial blood work-up showed low ionised calcium (0.8 mmol/l) on blood gas sampling, confirmed by laboratory result (adjusted 1.49 mmol/l). She had prolonged QTc on electrocardiography which reverted to normal with treatment. She was treated with intravenous as well as oral calcium after which she had no further seizures. We present a unique case of nutritional rickets-associated hypocalcaemia.

Conclusion

This case highlights the resurgence of nutritional rickets in western societies. We need to keep this disease in our list of diagnoses as it is a potentially serious and yet easily treatable disease. We should be more vigilant for screening ethnic minorities as alarmingly high rates of hypovitaminosis D have been found in ethnic minorities living in Great Britain.
Multilevel Influences on Voluntary Workplace Green Behavior: Individual Differences, Leader Behavior, and Coworker Advocacy
Authors: Kim Andrea , Kim Youngsang , Han Kyongji , Jackson Susan E. , Ployhart Robert E.
Published: September 2014

Drawing on a multilevel model of motivation in work groups and a functionalist perspective of citizenship and socially responsible behaviors, we developed and tested a multilevel model of voluntary workplace green behavior that explicates some of the reasons why employees voluntarily engage in green behavior at work. For a sample of 325 office workers organized into 80 work groups in three firms, we found that conscientiousness and moral reflectiveness were associated with the voluntary workplace green behavior of group leaders and individual group members. Furthermore, we found a direct relationship between leader green behavior and the green behavior of individual subordinates as well as an indirect relationship mediated by green advocacy within work groups. Our theory and findings shed new light on the psychological and social conditions and processes that shape voluntary workplace green behavior in organizational settings and suggest implications for organizations striving to improve their social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Surrogate Science
Authors: Gigerenzer Gerd , Marewski Julian N.
Published: September 2014

The application of statistics to science is not a neutral act. Statistical tools have shaped and were also shaped by its objects. In the social sciences, statistical methods fundamentally changed research practice, making statistical inference its centerpiece. At the same time, textbook writers in the social sciences have transformed rivaling statistical systems into an apparently monolithic method that could be used mechanically. The idol of a universal method for scientific inference has been worshipped since the “inference revolution” of the 1950s. Because no such method has ever been found, surrogates have been created, most notably the quest for significant p values. This form of surrogate science fosters delusions and borderline cheating and has done much harm, creating, for one, a flood of irreproducible results. Proponents of the “Bayesian revolution” should be wary of chasing yet another chimera: an apparently universal inference procedure. A better path would be to promote both an understanding of the various devices in the “statistical toolbox” and informed judgment to select among these.
Human Error and Patient Safety: Managing Cognitive and Motivational Bias in Medical Decision Making
Authors: Arjmand Ellis M. , Shapiro Jo A. , Shah Rahul K. , Nussenbaum Brian A. , Balakrishnan Karthik
Published: September 2014

Program Description:

Quality improvement (QI) activities emphasize systems to prevent or detect inevitable errors by fallible humans. Aside from intentional misconduct or impaired judgment, human errors often are attributed to system factors, deemphasizing the role of individual decision making as a potential cause of error. Convincing data show that cognitive and motivational biases affect how providers collect and apply clinical data. Our purpose is to increase audience awareness of cognitive “traps” in medical decision making. We will discuss illustrative case studies, practical ways to incorporate these concepts into QI and patient safety activities, and uses of “debiasing” and other strategies to improve individual decision making.

Educational Objectives:

(1) Describe the importance of individual cognitive processes in medical decision making and error and situations in which these processes might be either beneficial or harmful. (2) Describe cognitive processes, heuristics, and biases that play a role in otolaryngologists’ medical and surgical decision making and how these factors may contribute to medical error. (3) Implement individual and institutional methods to identify and mitigate these factors to improve personal clinical performance.
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Foundation Clinical Practice Guideline: Tinnitus
Authors: Tunkel David E. , Bauer Carol A. , Sun Gordon H. , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: September 2014

Program Description:

More than 50 million people in the United States have reported experiencing tinnitus, an estimated prevalence of 10% to 15% in adults. The multidisciplinary American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Foundation–developed “Clinical Practice Guideline: Tinnitus,” will be presented. This guideline provides evidence‐based recommendations for clinicians managing patients with tinnitus. The guideline discusses evaluation of patients with tinnitus, including selection and timing of diagnostic testing and specialty referral to identify underlying treatable pathology. It then focuses on the evaluation and treatment of patients with persistent primary tinnitus, with recommendations to evaluate and measure its impact, for determining the most appropriate interventions to improve symptoms and quality of life for tinnitus sufferers.

Educational Objectives:

(1) Practice accurate and efficient diagnosis of primary tinnitus. (2) Improve the quality of care and mitigate the personal and social impact of persistent, bothersome tinnitus.
Smell Decline as a Good Predictor of Sinonasal Polyposis Recurrence after Endoscopic Surgery
Authors: Bakhshaee Mehdi , Naseri Masoud , Esmatinia Fereshteh
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

Evaluate the most sensitive symptom that predicts recurrence of nasal polyposis.

Methods:

In this prospective study, we evaluated 62 patients with diffuse nasal polyposis. All patients underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) was answered by patients at preoperative visit and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. All of the patients were on maintenance therapy with nasal corticosteroid and saline irrigation postoperatively for 6 months. Patients were followed up with serial endoscopic examination, and computed tomography (CT) scan was performed if indicated.

Results:

All 62 patients (37 male, 25 female) completed the study. The mean age was 41.24 ± 12.47 years. Allergic rhinitis and asthma existed in 45% and 43.5% of cases respectively. Seven patients (11.3%) underwent revision surgery during the 2‐year follow‐up period. Fifty‐two patients had a smell problem preoperatively, but 98.1% of them regained satisfactory olfaction after the surgery. The severity of symptoms gradually increased in patients with recurrence of polyposis but at a different point of time (P value =. 008). Sense of smell was the first symptom that became worse in patients with relapse (mean 6 months) followed by nasal secretion (12 months) and obstruction (24 months). Patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis showed the symptoms of recurrence sooner than other patients (P <. 05).

Conclusions:

The most sensitive symptom for the recurrence of nasal polyposis is decrease in sense of smell. Recurrence of nasal obstruction was noticed in the late stage of relapse when frank polyposis formation was established.