bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capability of the SMAP Mission to Measure Ocean Surface Winds in Storms
Authors: Meissner Thomas , Ricciardulli Lucrezia , Wentz Frank J.
Published: March 2017

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission was launched in January 2015 and has been providing science data since April 2015. Though designed to measure soil moisture, the SMAP radiometer has an excellent capability to measure ocean winds in storms at a resolution of 40 km with a swath width of 1,000 km. SMAP radiometer channels operate at a very low microwave frequency (L band, 1.41 GHz, 21.4 cm), which has good sensitivity to ocean surface wind speed even in very high winds and with very little impact by rain. This gives SMAP a distinct advantage over many spaceborne ocean wind sensors such as C-band [Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT)] or Ku-band [Rapid Scatterometer (RapidScat)] scatterometers and radiometers operating at higher frequencies [Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI), WindSat, Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR), and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI)], which either lose sensitivity at very high winds or degrade in rainy conditions. This article discusses the major features of a new ocean wind vector retrieval algorithm designed for SMAP. We compare SMAP wind fields in recent intense tropical cyclones with wind measurements from current scatterometer missions as well as WindSat. The most important validation source in hurricanes is the airborne stepped frequency microwave radiometer (SFMR), whose wind speeds are matched with SMAP in space and time. A comparison between SMAP and SFMR winds for eight storms in 2015, including Patricia, one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded, shows excellent agreement up to 65 m s–1 without degradation in rain.
Submesoscale Eddies in the Taiwan Strait Observed by High-Frequency Radars: Detection Algorithms and Eddy Properties
Authors: Lai Yeping , Zhou Hao , Yang Jing , Zeng Yuming , Wen Biyang
Published: March 2017

This study compared the efficiencies of two widely used automatic eddy detection algorithms—that is, the winding-angle (WA) method and the vector geometry (VG) method—and investigated the submesoscale eddy properties using surface current observations derived from high-frequency radars (HFRs) in the Taiwan Strait. The results showed that the WA method using the streamline and the VG method based on the streamfunction field have almost the same capacity for identifying eddies, but the former is more competent than the latter in capturing the eddy size. The two algorithms simultaneously identified 1080 submesoscale eddies, with the centers and boundaries determined only by the WA method, and they were further used to investigate the eddy properties. In general, no significant difference was observed between the cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies in terms of radius, life span, and kinematics, as well as the evolution during their life cycles. The typical radius of the eddy in this region was 3–18 km. And a strong correlation was observed between the life span and the radius. The spatial distribution of the eddies indicated that topography played a significant role in the generation of the eddies. And the trajectories of the eddies suggested that all the eddies in this area mostly tended to move southeastward. Statistically, three different stages of the eddy’s life span could be identified by the significant growth and decay of the radius and the mean kinetic energy. This study shows the great capability of HFRs in oceanography research and applications, especially for observing the submesocale dynamics.
Reply to “Credible Research Designs for Minimum Wage Studies”
Authors: Neumark David , Wascher William
Published: March 2017

The authors make three points in this reply to the article by Allegretto, Dube, Reich, and Zipperer (ADRZ 2017). First, ADRZ shed no new light on the sensitivity of estimated minimum wage employment effects to the treatment of trends in state-level panel data, and they make some arguments in this context that are misleading or simply wrong. Second, the key issue ADRZ emphasize—using “close controls” to account for shocks that are correlated with minimum wage changes—does not generate large differences in findings, and ADRZ do not address evidence from Neumark, Salas, and Wascher (NSW 2014a) that questions the validity of the close controls used in Allegretto, Dube, and Reich’s (ADR 2011) and Dube, Lester, and Reich’s (DLR 2010) work. Third, ADRZ ignore or dismiss a growing number of studies that address in various ways the same issue of potential correlations between minimum wages and shocks to low-skill labor markets that ADRZ argue generate spurious evidence of disemployment effects, yet often find rather large negative effects of minimum wages on low-skilled employment.
The politician and the civil servant: Pierre Trudeau, Marcel Cadieux, and the Department of External Affairs, 1968–1970
Authors: Kelly Brendan
Published: March 2017

This article uses the experience of Marcel Cadieux, the Canadian under-secretary of state for external affairs at the time, as a lens through which to understand the adaptation of the Department of External Affairs to the government of Pierre Trudeau during its first year-and-a-half in power. Drawing on Cadieux’s private papers, especially his diary, and other archival sources, it explores the prime minister’s attitude toward senior civil servants, his personality, and the review of national defence policy undertaken by the bureaucracy at his request. It concludes that the difference between Pierre Trudeau and Marcel Cadieux was essentially that between the brilliant politician who sought to redefine government and the consummately professional civil servant who believed in his department’s traditional role.
The changing nature of social work
Authors: Beckett Jonathan P
Published: March 2017

Defining the nature of social work can be both complex and nebulous. This article seeks to analyse the three historical strands to the subject: (1) the centralisation of poor relief, (2) the development of the philanthropic ‘settlement’ movement and (3) the proliferation of charitable outreach projects into the community. In so doing, it examines social work and social change, the interface of social work and the law, and the tensions and contradictions within the law governing social work and practice. The boundaries between society, the law and social work practice appear ambiguous, and changes within the state and law have left paradoxes.
When Men Grieve: Widowers’ Stories of Coping With Their Wives’ Deaths
Authors: Silverman Phyllis R. , Thomson Susan
Published: March 2017

To increase our understanding of the role gender plays in spousal loss, this qualitative study analyzes bereavement narratives of 33 recent widowers, aged 45–89 years, all of whom accessed the National Widowers’ Organization website. In particular, we look at how these widowers’ lives changed, the impact of changing gender norms, and coping strategies. To illuminate the temporal process evident in these narratives, we utilize Silverman’s nonlinear characteristics of bereavement and the anthropological concept of liminality. In contrast to studies of widowers in earlier decades, our analysis reveals questioning and rejection of stereotypical masculine gender norms, a wide variety of creative responses to spousal loss, and the need for individualized support.
“Keep All Thee ‘Til the End”: Reclaiming the Lifeworld for Patients in the Hospice Setting
Authors: West Emily , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje , Philipsen Hans , Higginson Irene J. , Pasman H. R. W.
Published: March 2017

St Christopher’s Hospice, London, was founded to provide specialist care to the incurably ill. We studied the dimensions of difference that set St Christopher’s Hospice apart from hospital care of the dying, focusing on physical space and social organization. Material from 1953 to 1980 from the Cicely Saunders Archive was analyzed qualitatively. Through thematic analysis, quotes were found and analyzed using open coding. Five themes were developed. Themes identified were home/homelike, community, consideration of others, link with outside world, and privacy. The hospice philosophy functioned as the catalyst for the development of the physical environment of St Christopher’s Hospice. Taking Habermas’ concept of lifeworld, it seems that, in contrast to acute care, the need for hospice to formulate their own lifeworld to support and fully engage patients was central. As lifeworlds are culture sensitive, this underlines the need for variation in design and organization of hospices around the world.
What Citizens Want in Terms of Intra-Party Democracy: Popular Attitudes towards Alternative Candidate Selection Procedures
Authors: Close Caroline , Kelbel Camille , van Haute Emilie
Published: March 2017

Reforms of intra-party decision-making processes often rest on the idea that citizens want more direct say in these processes, but empirical data to support this claim are scarce. Using original data from the 2014 PartiRep voter survey in Belgium, this article explores the extent to which citizens support alternative intra-party processes. It shows that voters have heterogeneous preferences in terms of candidate selection procedures and that these are not random. ‘Disaffected’ citizens tend to support open procedures, whereas critical citizens tend to prefer closed selectorates, that is, intra-party actors. It also finds that voters’ preferences for intra-party models of democracy match their preferences for models of democracy at the system level. Our findings confirm that citizens do have clear preferences for how parties should organise and that these match their general views on how democracy should work.
Climbing the property ladder: An analysis of market integration in London property prices
Authors: Holmes Mark J , Otero Jesús , Panagiotidis Theodore
Published: March 2017

We investigate the long-run convergence of house prices across the London boroughs based on a pairwise unit root probabilistic testing procedure. In sharp contrast to the earlier literature, we employ a dataset that distinguishes between four different types of property in each borough. Using a quarterly dataset that spans from 1995 to 2014, we find evidence in favour of long-run convergence thereby suggesting that the great majority of London borough house prices are driven by a single common stochastic trend. In a further contribution, we offer new insights through analysing the determinants of long-run convergence, by considering the role of geographic proximity, type of accommodation and amenities (quality of life).
Iconic architecture and place-specific neoliberal governmentality: Insights from Hamburg’s Elbe Philharmonic Hall
Authors: Balke Jan , Reuber Paul , Wood Gerald
Published: March 2017

As a global travelling idea, iconic architecture plays an increasingly important role within transnational urban policy discourses. Nonetheless, the locally specific geographies of governmental rationalities and technologies often remain vague and inexplicit, although they have a profound impact on the powerful processes of iconic architectural production. This aspect can be made particularly clear with regard to the case study of Hamburg’s Elbe Philharmonic Hall – the new iconic concert hall on Hamburg’s redeveloped waterfront. Thus, the case study on hand emphasises the locally distinct ways in which place-specific ‘arts of government’ are tied to contemporary processes of neoliberal urbanisation. Drawing on the Foucauldian notion of governmentality, the paper first lays open the contingent rationalities of the Elbe Philharmonic Hall project and discloses how fundamental transformations within geopolitical and geo-economic discourses gave rise to local policy objectives that emphasise the need to translate Hamburg’s urban change into an ‘adequate’ urbanistic shape. Second, the paper reflects on how place-specific discourses and practices of civic commitment and patronage become instrumentalised for the public legitimation and political enforcement of the project and thus become integral parts of a post-political regime of neoliberal governmentality.
Low- and high-text books facilitate the same amount and quality of extratextual talk
Authors: Muhinyi Amber , Hesketh Anne
Published: March 2017

Recent research suggests that caregiver–child extratextual talk during shared book reading facilitates the development of preschool children’s oral language skills. This study investigated the effects of the amount of picturebook text on mother–child extratextual talk during shared book reading. Twenty-four mother–child dyads (children aged 3;01–3;11) were video-recorded as they read two books: low text and high text. Book reading interaction was transcribed, and mothers’ extratextual talk coded for level of abstraction, mean length of utterance and lexical diversity. The mean number of extratextual utterances was calculated for mothers and children, separately. Low-text books facilitated a similar amount of extratextual talk, but higher rates per minute because of their shorter reading durations. The amount of text did not affect the level of abstraction, mean length of utterance, or lexical diversity of maternal extratextual talk. The amount of picturebook text should be considered by those developing and implementing interactive reading interventions. Low-text books facilitate the same amount and quality of extratextual talk in shorter time periods.
A Review of Ultrasound Tissue Characterization with Mean Scatterer Spacing
Authors: Zhou Zhuhuang , Wu Weiwei , Wu Shuicai , Jia Kebin , Tsui Po-Hsiang
Published: March 2017

Tissues exhibiting quasi-periodic structures can be modeled as a collection of diffuse scatterers and coherent scatterers. The mean scatterer spacing (MSS) of coherent and quasi-periodic components is directly related to tissue microstructure and has become an important quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameter in the characterization of quasi-periodic tissues. In this paper, a review of the literature on the development of MSS as a QUS parameter was conducted. First, a unified theoretical background of MSS estimates was provided. Then, the application of MSS estimates was summarized with respect to liver, spleen, breast, bone, muscle, and other tissues. MSS estimation techniques were applied to (a) the diagnosis of hepatitis, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and lesions in tissues such as liver, breast, and spleen; (b) the differentiation between benign and malignant breast tumors, and the grading of breast cancer; (c) the detection of cancellous bone; and (d) the monitoring of the efficacy of treatments such as thermal ablation, with various levels of success. Future developments were also discussed in terms of real-time implementation of MSS estimates, local MSS estimation, relationship of MSS to other QUS parameters, combination of MSS with other QUS parameters, in vivo validation of MSS estimates, MSS parametric imaging, and three-dimensional ultrasound tissue characterization.
Quality of Life in 807 Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma: Comparing Treatment Modalities
Authors: Soulier Géke , van Leeuwen Bibian M. , Putter Hein , Jansen Jeroen C. , Malessy Martijn J. A. , van Benthem Peter Paul G. , van der Mey Andel G. L. , Stiggelbout Anne M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

In vestibular schwannoma treatment, the choice among treatment modalities is controversial. The first aim of this study was to examine the quality of life of patients with vestibular schwannoma having undergone observation, radiation therapy, or microsurgical resection. The second aim was to examine the relationship between perceived symptoms and quality of life. Last, the association between quality of life and time since treatment was studied.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 1208 patients treated for sporadic vestibular schwannoma between 2004 and 2014 were mailed the disease‐specific Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL) questionnaire and additional questions on symptoms associated with vestibular schwannoma. Total and domain scores were calculated and compared among treatment groups. Propensity scores were used, and results were stratified according to tumor size to control for potential confounders. Correlations were calculated to examine the relationship between self‐reported symptoms and quality of life, as well as between quality of life and time since treatment.

Results

Patients with small tumors (≤10 mm) under observation showed a higher PANQOL score when compared with the radiation therapy and microsurgical resection groups. A strong negative correlation was found between self‐reported symptoms and quality of life, with balance problems and vertigo having the largest impact. No correlation was found between PANQOL score and time since treatment.

Conclusion

This study suggests that patients with small vestibular schwannomas experience better quality of life when managed with observation than do patients who have undergone active treatment.
The State of the Otolaryngology Match: A Review of Applicant Trends, “Impossible” Qualifications, and Implications
Authors: Bowe Sarah N. , Schmalbach Cecelia E. , Laury Adrienne M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

This State of the Art Review aims (1) to define recent qualifications of otolaryngology resident applicants by focusing on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status, and research/publications and (2) to summarize the current literature regarding the relationship between these measures and performance in residency.

Data Sources

Electronic Residency Application Service, National Residency Matching Program, PubMed, Ovid, and GoogleScholar.

Review Methods

Electronic Residency Application Service and National Residency Matching Program data were analyzed to evaluate trends in applicant numbers and qualifications. Additionally, a literature search was performed with the aforementioned databases to identify relevant articles published in the past 5 years that examined USMLE Step 1 scores, AOA status, and research/publications.

Conclusions

Compared with other highly competitive fields over the past 3 years, the only specialty with decreasing applicant numbers is otolaryngology, with the rest remaining relatively stable or slightly increased. Additionally, USMLE Step 1 scores, AOA status, and research/publications do not reliably correlate with performance in residency.

Implications for Practice

The consistent decline in applications for otolaryngology residency is concerning and reflects a need for change in the current stereotype of the “ideal” otolaryngology applicant. This includes consideration of additional selection measures focusing on noncognitive and holistic qualities. Furthermore, otolaryngology faculty should counsel medical students that applying in otolaryngology is not “impossible” but rather a feasible and worthwhile endeavor.
The Effect of Montelukast on Mild Persistent OSA after Adenotonsillectomy in Children: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Wang Bing , Liang Jia
Published: March 2017

This study sought to evaluate the treatment effect of montelukast in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (T&A). Fifty‐eight children with persistent OSA after T&A were included and randomly divided into 2 groups: one group was administered montelukast for 12 weeks, and the other received no treatment. Clinical information, such as the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and nadir oxyhemoglobin saturation (nadir SpO2), was recorded. Symptoms of OSA were evaluated using the validated Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). After surgery, there was no difference in terms of AHI, nadir SpO2, and PSQ scores between 2 groups. After the 12‐week course of montelukast administration, the treatment group had significant improvement in the AHI, nadir SpO2, and PSQ scores (P <. 001), while the no‐treatment group had no change over time (P >. 05). In summary, montelukast as a complementary therapy can improve sleep disturbances in children with OSA after T&A.
Experimental analysis of fire-cracked rocks from varied use contexts
Authors: Custer Jay F
Published: March 2017

This experimental study of fire-cracked rocks sought to determine if varied rock fracture attributes could be correlated with specific past uses of heated stones. A total of 864 rocks were heated in 41 fires that replicated hearth, stone boiling, sweat lodge, and earth oven uses of quartz, quartzite, and sandstone cobbles as heating elements. Analysis of experimental results considered three fire-cracked rock attributes (fracture rate, fragment type, and fragment shape) which can be correlated with some of the specific uses of rocks as heating elements. These attributes can be applied to fire-cracked rock assemblages from archaeological contexts to determine their past uses with relatively consistent results as long as the archaeological context of the fire-cracked rocks is carefully considered.
Surgical challenge in situs inversus with dextrocardia and Lutembacher syndrome
Authors: Jenasamant Saumya Sekhar , Jawarkar Manish V , Srivastava Swarnika , Padhy Ajit Kumar , Geelani Muhammad Abid
Published: March 2017

Situs inversus with dextrocardia and Lutembacher syndrome is a rare cardiac anomaly. It is associated with other complex cardiac anomalies and anatomical defects. A 30-year-old woman with this condition underwent mitral valve replacement and closure of a secundum atrial septal defect. We describe the surgical approach, position of the surgeon, and bicaval cannulation technique for this anatomical aberration.
μ-Opioid and 5-HT1A receptors in the dorsomedial hypothalamus interact for the regulation of panic-related defensive responses
Authors: Roncon Camila Marroni , Yamashita Paula Shimene de Melo , Frias Alana Tercino , Audi Elisabeth Aparecida , Graeff Frederico Guilherme , Coimbra Norberto Cysne , Zangrossi Helio
Published: March 2017

The dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) and the dorsal periaqueductal gray (DPAG) have been implicated in the genesis and regulation of panic-related defensive behaviors, such as escape. Previous results point to an interaction between serotonergic and opioidergic systems within the DPAG to inhibit escape, involving µ-opioid and 5-HT1A receptors (5-HT1AR). In the present study we explore this interaction in the DMH, using escape elicited by electrical stimulation of this area as a panic attack index. The obtained results show that intra-DMH administration of the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (0.5 nmol) prevented the panicolytic-like effect of a local injection of serotonin (20 nmol). Pretreatment with the selective μ-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist CTOP (1 nmol) blocked the panicolytic-like effect of the 5-HT1AR agonist 8-OHDPAT (8 nmol). Intra-DMH injection of the selective MOR agonist DAMGO (0.3 nmol) also inhibited escape behavior, and a previous injection of the 5-HT1AR antagonist WAY-100635 (0.37 nmol) counteracted this panicolytic-like effect. These results offer the first evidence that serotonergic and opioidergic systems work together within the DMH to inhibit panic-like behavior through an interaction between µ-opioid and 5-HT1A receptors, as previously described in the DPAG.
ASPECTS-based reperfusion status on arterial spin labeling is associated with clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Yu Songlin , Ma Samantha J , Liebeskind David S , Yu Dandan , Li Ning , Qiao Xin J , Shao Xingfeng , Yan Lirong , Yoo Bryan , Scalzo Fabien , Hinman Jason D , Sharma Latisha K , Rao Neal , Jahan Reza , Tateshima Satoshi , Duckwiler Gary R , Saver Jeffrey L , Salamon Noriko , Wang Danny JJ
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a scoring system for assessing reperfusion status based on arterial spin labeled (ASL) perfusion MRI in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients receiving thrombolysis and/or endovascular treatment. Pseudo-continuous ASL with background suppressed 3D GRASE was acquired along with DWI in 90 patients within 24 h post-treatment. An automatic reperfusion scoring system (auto-RPS) was devised based on the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) template, and compared with manual RPS and DWI-ASPECTS. TICI (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction) scores were graded in 48 patients who received endovascular treatment. Favorable outcomes were defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at three months. Auto-RPS was positively correlated with DWI-ASPECTS (ρ = 0.6, P < 0.001) and was on average 1 point lower than DWI-ASPECTS ( P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for discriminating poor functional outcome (n = 90) was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.64–0.86) for manual RPS, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76–0.94) for auto-RPS, and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.71–0.90) for DWI-ASPECTS. Multiple logistic regression analysis in the TICI-graded patients (n = 48) showed that auto-RPS is highly associated with functional outcome (OR = 25.2, 95% CI 4.02–496, P < 0.01). Post treatment auto-RPS within 24 h provides a useful tool to predict functional outcome in AIS patients.
Incidence, risk factors and the effect of polyomavirus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Hu Jianhua , Li Siying , Yang Meifang , Xu Lichen , Zhang Xuan , Zhao Hong , Dong Huihui , Huang Yaping , Fan Jun , Li Lanjuan
Published: March 2017

Objective

The effect of polyomavirus infection in HSCT recipients is poorly understood.

Methods

We evaluated 38 HSCT recipients. Polyomavirus was detected by nested qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays of urine. The risk factors for BK virus and JC virus were analysed. The kidney and liver functions of infected and uninfected patients were compared.

Results

BK virus, JC virus, and simian virus 40 were detected in 21%, 42%, and 0% of HSCT recipients respectively. HCMV infection was found to be an independent risk factor for JC virus infection (odds ratio (OR): 8.528), while transplants with mismatched HLA are more susceptible to BK virus infection (OR: 12.000). Liver function of JC virus-infected subjects was worse than that of uninfected subjects.

Conclusion

We must be vigilant for opportunistic polyomavirus infections in HSCT recipients, especially those with HCMV co-infection or a mismatched HLA transplant. When unexplained liver function deterioration is observed, JC virus infection should be considered.
Larger Stimuli Require Longer Processing Time for Perception
Authors: Kanai Ryota , Dalmaijer Edwin S. , Sherman Maxine T. , Kawakita Genji , Paffen Chris L. E.
Published: March 2017

The time it takes for a stimulus to reach awareness is often assessed by measuring reaction times (RTs) or by a temporal order judgement (TOJ) task in which perceived timing is compared against a reference stimulus. Dissociations of RT and TOJ have been reported earlier in which increases in stimulus intensity such as luminance intensity results in a decrease of RT, whereas perceived perceptual latency in a TOJ task is affected to a lesser degree. Here, we report that a simple manipulation of stimulus size has stronger effects on perceptual latency measured by TOJ than on motor latency measured by RT tasks. When participants were asked to respond to the appearance of a simple stimulus such as a luminance blob, the perceptual latency measured against a standard reference stimulus was up to 40 ms longer for a larger stimulus. In other words, the smaller stimulus was perceived to occur earlier than the larger one. RT on the other hand was hardly affected by size. The TOJ results were further replicated in a simultaneity judgement task, suggesting that the effects of size are not due to TOJ-specific response biases but more likely reflect an effect on perceived timing.
Streamlining the teaching of unsteady heat conduction in regular solid bodies with heat convection to neighboring fluids
Authors: Campo Antonio , Chang Jane Y
Published: March 2017

In the analysis of unidirectional, unsteady heat conduction for simple solid bodies (large slab, long cylinder and sphere), the modern tendency adopted by authors of heat transfer textbooks is to calculate the temperatures and total heat transfer with “one-term” series accounting for the proper eigenquantities, which are expressed in terms of the Biot number. The supporting information is available in tables for a large slab, a long cylinder and a sphere. To avoid linear and quadratic interpolation for the Biot numbers listed in the tables, the goal of the present study is to use regression analysis in order to develop compact correlation equations for the first eigenvalues, the first eigencontants and the first constants (for the total heat transfer) varying with the Biot number for large slabs, long cylinders and spheres, all in the ample range 0 <  Bi ≤ 100. This direct approach will speed up the step-by-step calculations of a multitude of unsteady heat conduction problems for engineering students.
Why Are Regulations Changed? A Parcel Analysis of Upzoning in Los Angeles
Authors: Gabbe C. J.
Published: March 2017

Planners, officials, and neighborhood groups often debate zoning changes, yet there is little empirical evidence explaining why zoning and other land use regulations are changed. I use logistic regression models to examine density-enabling rezoning (“upzoning”) in Los Angeles. I find that upzoning occurs where there are development opportunities combined with limited political resistance. Upzoning is most likely on well-located parcels zoned for low-intensity, nonresidential uses. Meanwhile, homeowners—and particularly homeowners with access to valuable amenities—are associated with regulatory stasis. I conclude by recommending strategies for addressing homeowners’ concerns about higher density housing.
Protein Kinetics and Metabolic Effects Related to Disease States in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Martindale Robert G. , Heyland Daren K. , Rugeles Saúl J. , Wernerman Jan , Weijs Peter J. M. , Patel Jayshil J. , McClave Stephen A.
Published: March 2017

Evaluating protein kinetics in the critically ill population remains a very difficult task. Heterogeneity in the intensive care unit (ICU) population and wide spectrum of disease processes creates complexity in assessing protein kinetics. Traditionally, protein has been delivered in the context of total energy. Focus on energy delivery has recently come into question, as the importance of supplemental protein in patient outcomes has been shown in several recent trials. The ICU patient is prone to catabolism, immobilization, and impaired immunity, which is a perfect storm for massive loss of lean body tissue with a unidirectional flow of amino acids from muscle to immune tissue for immunoglobulin production, as well as liver for gluconeogenesis and acute phase protein synthesis. The understanding of protein metabolism in the ICU has been recently expanded with the discovery of how the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 is regulated. The concept of “anabolic resistance” and identifying the quantity of protein required to overcome this resistance is gaining support among critical care nutrition circles. It appears that a minimum of at least 1.2 g/kg/d with levels up to 2.0 g/kg/d of protein or amino acids appears safe for delivery in the ICU setting and may yield a better clinical outcome.
Trajectories of Cigarette Smoking From Teens to Young Adulthood: 2000 to 2013
Authors: Lenk Kathleen M. , Erickson Darin J. , Forster Jean L.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To identify trajectories of smoking behaviors of a cohort of youth followed through young adulthood from 2000 to 2013.

Design:

The Minnesota Adolescent Community Cohort study, a population-based cohort study.

Setting:

Nationwide, originating in the Midwestern United States.

Participants:

Cohort of youth surveyed for 14 years beginning at ages 12 to 16 (N = 4241 at baseline; 59% recruitment rate).

Measures:

Main variable of interest was the number of days smoked in the past 30 days. Also included time-varying and time-invariant covariates.

Analysis:

We utilized growth mixture modeling to group individuals into trajectories over time.

Results:

We identified 5 distinct trajectories: nonsmokers (59.5%), early-onset regular smokers (14.2%), occasional smokers (11.5%), late-onset regular smokers (9.4%), and quitters (5.3%). Adjusted models showed that early- and late-onset regular smokers (compared to nonsmokers) had lower odds of attending or graduating from a 4-year college ( P < .05). Participants in all smoking classes compared to nonsmokers had greater odds of having more close friends who smoked ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Our results show that individuals in their teens through young adulthood can be classified into 5 smoking trajectories. More people in this age range remained abstainers than found in most previous studies; however, a sizable group was identified as regular smokers by the time they reached young adulthood. Interventions targeted at teens, including those that address social and environmental influences, are clearly still needed to prevent escalation of smoking as they move toward young adulthood.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Gram-Negative Infections Treated With Optimized Dosing Cefepime Over Various Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations
Authors: Altshuler Jerry , Guervil David J. , Ericsson Charles D. , Wanger Audrey , Aitken Samuel L. , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis
Published: March 2017

Background:

The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) revised cefepime interpretive criteria, introducing the susceptible dose-dependent category for Enterobacteriaceae with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 to 8 μg/mL in 2014. Limited clinical data support these new categories. This study compares outcomes of patients treated with standard and high-dose cefepime across various MICs.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed cases of pneumonia or bacteremia caused by gram-negative organisms treated with adequate doses of cefepime for ≥48 hours. Outcomes were compared for MICs of ≤2 (low), 4 (medium), and 8 μg/mL (high). The primary end point was clinical failure, the secondary end point was microbiological failure.

Results:

Ninety cases met the inclusion criteria: 46, 25, and 19 patients with low, medium, or high MIC, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the medium (odds ratio [OR]: 9.13, P < .01) and high (OR: 6.79, P = .01) MIC groups had increased clinical failure.

Conclusion:

Cefepime therapy, even at CLSI-recommended doses, had an increased risk of clinical failure for gram-negative pathogens with MICs of 4 or 8 μg/mL. This finding suggests that higher dosing regimens (2 g every 8 hours or 1 g every 6 hours) may be necessary to treat serious gram-negative infections with elevated MICs.
Investigation of hypersensitivity potential of diacetyl by determining cytokine profiles
Authors: Elkama A , Ulker OC , Teker E , Karakaya A , Karakaya AE
Published: March 2017

Exposure to chemicals in workplace settings leads to significant occupational diseases related to hypersensitivity reactions. In recent years, diacetyl which is used as a food additive is thought to be as an important hazard due to its sensitization potency for worker’s health. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the sensitization potency of diacetyl for the purpose of its hazard evaluation. Nonradioactive ex vivo local lymph node assay: BrdU-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method with short-term and long-term exposure protocols were conducted based on animal welfare principles. As end points, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine releases, and total serum IgE levels were measured by ELISA method. After short-term dermal exposure to diacetyl, primary Th1 cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased relatively to vehicle control, whereas such significant increases were not observed in long-term exposure. According to our measurements of IgE levels after long-term dermal exposures to chemicals, diacetyl led to significant increase. In conclusion, the findings that showed significant increases in IL-13 and total serum IgE levels induced with diacetyl can be relevant to respiratory sensitizing hazard of this chemical.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis Is Associated With Biomass Fuel Use Among Rural Women in Pakistan: An Age- and Residence-Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Rabbani Unaib , Sahito Ambreen , Nafees Asaad Ahmed , Kazi Ambreen , Fatmi Zafar
Published: March 2017

Facility-based, age- and residential area–matched case-control study was conducted in Sindh, Pakistan to determine association between biomass fuel use for cooking and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Cases were women with pulmonary TB, and controls were those suffering from other diseases. Current users of biomass fuel were at higher risk of pulmonary TB (adjusted matched odds ratio [mOR] = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.1-4.9) compared with nonusers. In comparison with former biomass users (women not using biomass for >10 years), recent biomass users (women who switched from biomass to nonbiomass ≤10 years ago), and current (lifetime) users were at a higher risk in a dose-response manner (adjusted mOR = 2.8, 95% CI = 0.9-8.2 and adjusted mOR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.4-10.7, respectively). Population attributable fraction for TB related to biomass fuel use was 40.6% (95% CI = 35.5%-45.7%). This study strengthens the evidence that biomass fuel use for cooking is associated with pulmonary TB and risk increases with duration of exposure.
Assessment of yoga as an adjuvant treatment for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: McCarthy Linda , Fuller Judith , Davidson Georgina , Crump Alicia , Positano Sandro , Alderman Chris
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

This study assessed yoga as an adjuvant strategy for symptoms of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods:

Subjects had significant, combat-related PTSD. Control data were collected during an eight-week waiting period. Trauma-sensitive yoga sessions of 90 minutes duration were provided every seven days for eight weeks. Assessments included the PTSD checklist (PCL); the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS); the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP); the SF36 Quality of Life instrument; and a brief, structured pre-enrolment assessment of attitudes towards yoga. Biomarkers were also assessed.

Results:

Thirty participants were recruited, with 28 completing the protocol ( Mage=63.5 years). For most variables, there was no significant change in results after the waiting period. Comparing measurements obtained immediately prior to the commencement of the intervention to those taken after completion of eight yoga sessions, significant changes included an increase in the serum dehydroepiandrosterone concentration, decreased total PCL score (and all PCL sub-scales), decreases in all DASS sub-scale scores and significant improvements in PSQI and SF36 scores. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

A range of benefits were observed after yoga, consistent with the theoretical construct for the long history of yoga as a strategy to reduce stress and promote well-being.
A Critique of Risk Disclosure as the Solution for Minimizing Toxic Exposures in Pregnancy
Authors: Ford Anne Rochon , Scott Dayna Nadine
Published: March 2017

The issue of pregnant women’s exposures to everyday chemicals and the implications for the health of future children are receiving increased attention in popular media and in the academic press. In response, health profession organizations are developing clinical practice guidelines for warning pregnant women about the risks associated with exposures to certain toxics. We evaluate different sides of a risk-avoidance approach for pregnant women in the context of a hypothetical case study involving phthalates and women who work in nail salons. We consider the ubiquitous nature of low-dose exposures and both the positive aspects and limitations of promoting avoidance measures with respect to phthalate exposures. We conclude that a risk-disclosure approach has both practical limitations and equity dimensions which must be factored in to public health guidelines and messaging and the development of clinical practice guidelines. Upstream solutions including regulatory action on chemicals and heightened attention to environmental justice would result in optimal management of this issue.
Prevalence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Hospitalized Patients With Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Ruled Out by Multislice CT Angiography
Authors: Vazquez Fernando Javier , Posadas-Martinez Maria Lourdes , Boietti Bruno , Giunta Diego , Gandara Esteban
Published: March 2017

Current evidence suggests that for outpatients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), multislice computed tomographic angiography (CTPA) is sufficient to rule out PE. However, the accuracy of CTPA alone has not been established for hospitalized patients. Our goal was to determine the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized patients who had PE ruled out by CTPA. We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients who developed symptoms indicative of PE, after being admitted to the hospital for any reason other than PE and were evaluated with multislice CTPA. The main outcome was proximal DVT. Between November 2011 and December 2014, 191 hospitalized patients were screened. A total of 99 patients satisfied our inclusion criteria. The average length of hospitalization for this group was 14 days (range: 2-127 days). While hospitalized, 54 (28%) patients underwent a major surgical procedure and 80 (79%) were receiving thromboprophylaxis. Of the 99 patients included, 7 (7.07%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 3.4-13.8) were diagnosed with a proximal DVT. The likelihood of developing a proximal DVT was higher for those with subtle and nonspontaneously reported symptoms of DVT, odds ratio [OR] was 50.93 (95% CI: 5.35-2572) and for those classified as PE likely OR was 37.54 (95% CI: 4.05-186.1). Given the prevalence of DVT in hospitalized patients with suspected PE ruled out by a negative multislice CTPA, our study suggests that compression ultrasonography would, in fact, be justified for patients with these characteristics.
Carbon nanotubes and superplasticizer reinforcing cementitious composite for aerostatic porous bearing
Authors: da Silva Leandro J , Panzera Tulio H , Vieira Luciano MG , Duduch Jaime G , Bowen Christopher R , Campos Rubio Juan C
Published: March 2017

Cementitious composites are low cost and readily manufactured materials which can be used for specialist applications such as the production of aerostatic porous bearings. A design of experiment was used to identify the effects of superplasticizer additions and carbon nanotube inclusions on the physical and mechanical properties of cementitious composites which can be applied as porous restrictor in aerostatic thrust bearings. The presence of carbon nanotubes was able to increase the bulk density, the compressive strength and the modulus of elasticity, and also decrease the apparent porosity of the composites. The composite made with 0.4 wt.% of superplasticizer and 0.05 wt.% of carbon nanotubes achieved acceptable properties for the use as double-layered porous restrictor in aerostatic thrust bearings.
Measurement of radium, thorium, potassium and associated hazard indices from the soil samples collected from Northern India
Authors: Mann Nisha , Kumar Amit , Kumar Sushil , Chauhan R. P.
Published: March 2017

The presence of radium, thorium and potassium in soil and building materials impose radiological hazards to human population. Both alpha and gamma radiation are produced from the decay chain of uranium and thorium while potassium is itself a source of gamma radiation. The measurement of these radionuclides in soil is important to prevent the general public from health hazards. The measurement of radium, thorium and potassium from soil samples collected from some locations of Northern India was carried out to assess the various radiological hazard indices using sodium iodide-based gamma ray spectroscopy. The observed specific activities of radium, thorium and potassium varied from 13 to 175, 141 to 399 and 276 to 1581 Bq/kg with an average of 78, 231 and 525 Bq/kg, respectively. The mean values from soil samples under study are more than the corresponding worldwide average values (35, 30 and 400 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K) but less than the recommended limits. The measured radium, thorium and potassium activity from the soil samples were used to find out the various hazards index and absorbed dose. The results show the soil of the study area does not pose any health hazards to people residing in this area.
Are we underestimating 2-year-olds? Recognising the links between schema and mark making, implications for future pedagogy
Authors: Brierley Julie
Published: March 2017

The findings from this study suggest that 2-year-old children regularly use mark making as a tool to further support their emergent thoughts and understanding of the world. The qualitative study of three 2-year-old children uses observations and informal interviews to construct narrative stories of their explorations and play both at nursery and home. Analysed against schema theory, the findings recognise the important links between 2-year-old children’s emerging patterns of cognition, their schema and their mark making. Indicating and illustrating the high cognitive levels, 2-year-old children are capable of achieving resulting from their playful encounters with the world. This article supports Lazzari’s call ‘for a critical reconceptualization of the relationship existing between research and policymaking’. Only through refreshing the relationship between research and policymaking will we begin to alter the ‘limited educational purposes of play and drawing in curriculum policies in England’, and truly recognise the capabilities 2-year-old children naturally posses.
Health estimation of fan based on belief-rule-base expert system in turbofan engine gas-path
Authors: Yin Xiaojing , Wang Zhanli , Zhang Bangcheng , Zhou Zhijie , Gao Zhi
Published: March 2017

Fan is an important rotating part in turbofan engine gas-path. The health condition of fan has a great impact on the health status of the whole aero-engine. Based on belief-rule-base, a novel health estimation model is proposed for fan in turbofan engine gas-path. In this model, the health condition of fan is reflected by the observable information which can represent the system health. In the process of health estimation, the expert knowledge is used fully to improve the precision and speed of the estimation. In the initial health estimation model, some parameters given by expert may not be accurate. To obtain the accurate estimation result, an algorithm for updating the parameters is proposed based on differential evolution algorithm. In order to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed model, back-propagation neural network is applied to comparison. The newly proposed model is applied to an actual test in the aero-engine test bed, which is used to testify the validity of the health estimation model. This model can also provide a reference for the health estimation of turbofan engine gas-path.