bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive solutions of nonlinear Robin eigenvalue problems
Authors: Papageorgiou Nikolaos , Rădulescu Vicenţiu
Published: February 2016

We consider a nonlinear eigenvalue problem driven by the

p
p

- Laplacian with Robin boundary condition. Using variational methods and truncation techniques, we prove a bifurcation-type result describing the set of positive solutions as the positive parameter

λ
\lambda

varies. We also produce extremal positive solutions and study their properties.
Extending holomorphic maps from Stein manifolds into affine toric varieties
Authors: Lärkäng Richard , Lárusson Finnur
Published: February 2016

A complex manifold

Y
Y

is said to have the interpolation property if a holomorphic map to

Y
Y

from a subvariety

S
S

of a reduced Stein space

X
X

has a holomorphic extension to

X
X

if it has a continuous extension. Taking

S
S

to be a contractible submanifold of

X
=

C

n

X=\mathbb {C}^n

gives an ostensibly much weaker property called the convex interpolation property. By a deep theorem of Forstnerič, the two properties are equivalent. They (and about a dozen other nontrivially equivalent properties) define the class of Oka manifolds.

This paper is the first attempt to develop Oka theory for singular targets. The targets that we study are affine toric varieties, not necessarily normal. We prove that every affine toric variety satisfies a weakening of the interpolation property that is much stronger than the convex interpolation property, but the full interpolation property fails for most affine toric varieties, even for a source as simple as the product of two annuli embedded in

C

4

\mathbb {C}^4

.
A note on inner quasidiagonal C*-algebras
Authors: Li Qihui , Li Ze
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we give two new characterizations of separable inner quasidiagonal C*-algebras. Based on these characterizations, we show that a unital full free product of two inner quasidiagonal C*-algebras is itself inner quasidiagonal. As an application, we show that a unital full free product of two inner quasidiagonal C*-algebras with amalgamation over a full matrix algebra is inner quasidiagonal. Meanwhile, we conclude that a unital full free product of two AF algebras with amalgamation over a finite-dimensional C*-algebra is inner quasidiagonal if there are faithful tracial states on each of these two AF algebras such that the restrictions of these states to the common subalgebra coincide.
On logarithmically Benford Sequences
Authors: Chen Evan , Park Peter , Swaminathan Ashvin
Published: February 2016

Let

I

⊂

N

\mathcal {I} \subset \mathbb {N}

be an infinite subset, and let

{

a
i

}

i
∈

I

\{a_i\}_{i \in \mathcal {I}}

be a sequence of nonzero real numbers indexed by

I

\mathcal {I}

such that there exist positive constants

m
,

C
1

m, C_1

for which

|

a
i

|

≤

C
1

⋅

i
m

|a_i| \leq C_1 \cdot i^m

for all

i
∈

I

i \in \mathcal {I}

. Furthermore, let

c
i

∈
[
−
1
,
1
]

c_i \in [-1,1]

be defined by

c
i

=

a
i

C
1

⋅

i
m

c_i = \frac {a_i}{C_1 \cdot i^m}

for each

i
∈

I

i \in \mathcal {I}

, and suppose the

c
i

c_i

’s are equidistributed in

[
−
1
,
1
]

[-1,1]

with respect to a continuous, symmetric probability measure

μ
\mu

. In this paper, we show that if

I

⊂

N

\mathcal {I} \subset \mathbb {N}

is not too sparse, then the sequence

{

a
i

}

i
∈

I

\{a_i\}_{i \in \mathcal {I}}

fails to obey Benford’s Law with respect to arithmetic density in any sufficiently large base, and in fact in any base when

μ
(
[
0
,
t
]
)

\mu ([0,t])

is a strictly convex function of

t
∈
(
0
,
1
)

t \in (0,1)

. Nonetheless, we also provide conditions on the density of

I

⊂

N

\mathcal {I} \subset \mathbb {N}

under which the sequence

{

a
i

}

i
∈

I

\{a_i\}_{i \in \mathcal {I}}

satisfies Benford’s Law with respect to logarithmic density in every base.

As an application, we apply our general result to study Benford’s Law-type behavior in the leading digits of Frobenius traces of newforms of positive, even weight. Our methods of proof build on the work of Jameson, Thorner, and Ye, who studied the particular case of newforms without complex multiplication.
Generalized reciprocal identities
Authors: Huber Tim , Schultz Daniel
Published: February 2016

Included in Ramanujan’s Notebooks are two reciprocal identities. The first identity connects the Rogers-Ramanujan continued fraction with an eta quotient. The second identity is a level thirteen analogue. These are special cases of a more general class of relations between eta quotients and modular functions defined by product generalizations of the Rogers-Ramanujan continued fraction. Each identity is shown to be a relation between generators for a certain congruence subgroup. The degree, form, and symmetry of the identities is determined from behavior at cusps of the congruence subgroup whose field of functions the parameters generate. The reciprocal identities encode information about fundamental units and class numbers for real quadratic fields.
Support theorems for the light ray transform on analytic Lorentzian manifolds
Authors: Stefanov Plamen
Published: February 2016

We study the weighted ray transform of integrating functions on a Lorentzian manifold over lightlike geodesics. We prove support theorems if the manifold and the weight are analytic.
A note on 𝐿^{𝑝}-bounded point evaluations for polynomials
Authors: Yang Liming
Published: February 2016

We construct a compact nowhere dense subset

K
K

of the closed unit disk

D

¯

\bar {\mathbb D}

in the complex plane

C

\mathbb C

such that

R
(
K
)
=
C
(
K
)

R(K) = C(K)

and bounded point evaluations for

P
t

(
d
A

|

K

)
,
 
1
≤
t
>
∞
,

P^t(dA | _K), ~ 1 \le t > \infty ,

is the open unit disk

D

.

\mathbb D.

In fact, there exists

C
=
C
(
t
)
>
0

C=C(t) > 0

such that
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="integral Underscript double-struck upper D Endscripts StartAbsoluteValue p EndAbsoluteValue Superscript t Baseline d upper A less-than-or-equal-to upper C integral Underscript upper K Endscripts StartAbsoluteValue p EndAbsoluteValue Superscript t Baseline d upper A comma">

 

∫

D

|

p

|

t

d
A
≤
C

∫
K

|

p

|

t

d
A
,

\ \int _{\mathbb D} |p|^t dA \le C \int _K |p|^t dA,

\]
for

1
≤
t
>
∞

1 \le t > \infty

and all polynomials

p
.

p.
On the dimension of self-affine sets and measures with overlaps
Authors: Bárány Balázs , MichałRams  , Simon Károly
Published: February 2016

In this paper we consider diagonally affine, planar IFS

Φ
=

\Phi =

<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="left-brace upper S Subscript i Baseline left-parenthesis x comma y right-parenthesis equals left-parenthesis alpha Subscript i Baseline x plus t Subscript i comma 1 Baseline comma beta Subscript i Baseline y plus t Subscript i comma 2 Baseline right-parenthesis right-brace Subscript i equals 1 Superscript m">

{

S
i

(
x
,
y
)

=

(

α
i

x
+

t

i
,
1

,

β
i

y
+

t

i
,
2

)

}

i
=
1

m

\{S_i(x,y)\!=\!(\alpha _ix+t_{i,1},\beta _iy+t_{i,2})\}_{i=1}^m

. Combining the techniques of Hochman and Feng and Hu, we compute the Hausdorff dimension of the self-affine attractor and measures and we give an upper bound for the dimension of the exceptional set of parameters.
Every 3-manifold admits a structurally stable nonsingular flow with three basic sets
Authors: Yu Bin
Published: February 2016

This paper is devoted to proving that every closed orientable

3
3

-manifold admits a simple Smale flow

X
t

X_t

. Here a simple Smale flow is a structurally stable nonsingular flow whose chain recurrent set is composed of a periodic orbit attractor, a periodic orbit repeller and a transitive saddle invariant set, i.e., a saddle basic set.
Singular integrals with angular integrability
Authors: Cacciafesta Federico , Lucà Renato
Published: February 2016

In this note we prove a class of sharp inequalities for singular integral operators in weighted Lebesgue spaces with angular integrability.
Interpreting Weak König’s Lemma using the Arithmetized Completeness Theorem
Authors: Wong Tin Lok
Published: February 2016

We present a previously unpublished proof of the conservativity of

W
K
L

0

\mathrm {WKL}_0

over 

I

Σ
1

\mathrm I\Sigma _1

using the Arithmetized Completeness Theorem, which, in particular, constitutes an

ω
\omega

-interpretation of 

W
K
L

0

\mathrm {WKL}_0

in 

I

Σ
1

\mathrm I\Sigma _1

. We also show that

W
K
L

0
∗

\mathrm {WKL}_0^*

is interpretable in

I

Δ
0

+

e
x
p

\mathrm I\Delta _0+\mathrm {exp}

.
Topology, intersections and flat modules
Authors: Finocchiaro Carmelo , Spirito Dario
Published: February 2016

It is well known that, in general, multiplication by an ideal

I
I

does not commute with the intersection of a family of ideals, but that this fact holds if

I
I

is flat and the family is finite. We generalize this result by showing that finite families of ideals can be replaced by compact subspaces of a natural topological space, and that ideals can be replaced by submodules of an epimorphic extension of a base ring. As a particular case, we give a new proof of a conjecture by Glaz and Vasconcelos.
Testing for Complementarity: Glyphosate Tolerant Soybeans and Conservation Tillage
Authors: Perry Edward D. , Moschini GianCarlo , Hennessy David A.
Published: February 2016

Many decisions in agriculture are made over combinations of inputs and/or practices that may form a technology system linked through complementarity. The presence of complementarity among producer decisions can have far‐reaching implications for market outcomes and for the effectiveness of policies intended to influence them. Identifying complementarity relations, however, is made difficult by the presence of unobserved heterogeneity. Drawing on recent methodological advances, in this paper we develop a test for complementarity between glyphosate tolerant soybeans and conservation tillage that overcomes certain limitations of previous studies. Specifically, we develop a structural discrete choice framework of joint soybean‐tillage adoption that explicitly models both complementarity and the correlation induced by unobserved heterogeneity. The model is estimated with a large unbalanced panel of farm‐level choices spanning the 1998–2011 period. We find that glyphosate tolerant soybeans and conservation tillage are complementary practices. In addition, our estimation shows that farm operation scale promotes the adoption of both conservation tillage and glyphosate tolerant seed, and that all of higher fuel prices, more droughty conditions, and soil erodibility increase use of conservation tillage. We apply our results to simulate annual adoption rates for both conservation tillage and no‐tillage in a scenario without glyphosate tolerant soybeans available as a choice. We find that the adoption of conservation tillage and no‐tillage have been about 10% and 20% higher, respectively, due to the advent of glyphosate tolerant soybeans.
Clinical Characteristics and Lifestyle Behaviors in a Population-Based Sample of Chinese and South Asian Immigrants With Hypertension
Authors: Yi Stella S. , Thorpe Lorna E. , Zanowiak Jennifer M. , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Islam Nadia S.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States. Chinese Americans and their counterparts in Chinese countries have been shown to have an elevated risk of stroke compared to non-Hispanic Whites, while South Asian Americans and their counterparts in South Asian countries have an elevated risk of heart disease. Exactly how cardiovascular disease morbidity varies by Asian subgroup, however, is not well understood. The purpose of this analysis was to identify differences in clinical presentation and lifestyle behaviors between Chinese and South Asian American immigrants vs. non-Hispanic Whites in a representative sample of adults with self-report of physician-diagnosed hypertension.

METHODS

Data on adults with self-reported hypertension were obtained from the New York City Community Health Survey 2009–2013 (Chinese: n = 555; South Asian: n = 144; non-Hispanic White: n = 5,987).

RESULTS

Compared to non-Hispanic Whites with hypertension, foreign-born Chinese adults with hypertension were of a much lower socioeconomic profile and less likely to have private health insurance, and foreign-born Chinese and South Asian adults with hypertension had lower body mass index (BMI) values (25.3, 26.0 vs. 28.7kg/m 2 ; P < 0.001). South Asians were younger than non-Hispanic Whites (mean age: 49.5 vs. 62.1 years; P < 0.001) and had poorer diet quality. BMI and diet quality results persisted in multivariable regression models.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study highlight important clinical distinctions in hypertensive Chinese and South Asian immigrant communities with respect to age and body size. Whether targeted and culturally appropriate approaches would reduce cardiovascular disease-related mortality in these groups needs further study.
Chronic Pain Following Motor Vehicle Collision
Authors: Giummarra Melita J. , Ioannou Liane , Ponsford Jennie , Cameron Peter A. , Jennings Paul A. , Gibson Stephen J. , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie
Published: February 2016

Objective:

Motor vehicle collisions (MVC) are a major cause of injury, which frequently lead to chronic pain and prolonged disability. Several studies have found that seeking or receiving financial compensation following MVC leads to poorer recovery and worse pain. We evaluated the evidence for the relationship between compensation and chronic pain following MVC within a biopsychosocial framework.

Method:

A comprehensive search of 5 computerized databases was conducted. Methodological quality was evaluated independently by 2 researchers according to formal criteria, and discrepancies were resolved with a third reviewer.

Results:

We identified 5619 studies, from which 230 full-text articles were retrieved and 27 studies were retained for appraisal. A third of studies (37%) were of low quality, and 44% did not measure or control for factors such as injury severity or preinjury pain and disability. Most studies (70%) reported adverse outcomes, including all of the highest quality studies. Engagement with compensation systems was related to more prevalent self-reported chronic pain, mental health disorders, and reduced return to work. Recovery was poorer when fault was attributed to another, or when a lawyer was involved. Five studies compared Tort “common law” and No-Fault schemes directly and concluded that Tort claimants had poorer recovery.

Conclusions:

Although causal relationships cannot be assumed, the findings imply that aspects of loss, injustice, and secondary mental health outcomes lead to chronic pain following MVC. Further robust prospective research is required to understand the complex relationship between compensation systems and pain following road trauma, particularly the role of secondary mental health outcomes.
Affect and Low Back Pain
Authors: Hassett Afton L. , Goesling Jenna , Mathur Sunjay N. , Moser Stephanie E. , Brummett Chad M. , Sibille Kimberly T.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

Affect balance style, a measure of trait positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), is predictive of pain and functioning in fibromyalgia and healthy individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of affect balance styles and the relationship between these styles and clinical factors in low back pain.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, patients with low back pain (N=443) completed questionnaires and were categorized as having 1 of 4 distinct affect balance styles: Healthy (high levels of PA and low levels of NA), Low (low PA/low NA), Reactive (high PA/high NA), and Depressive (low PA/high NA). Comparisons between groups were made in regard to pain, functioning, and psychiatric comorbidity.

Results:

High NA was observed in 63% (n=281), whereas low PA was present in 81% (n=359). We found that having a Depressive style was associated with greater pain severity, increased odds for comorbid fibromyalgia, and worse functioning compared with having a Healthy or Low style. Yet, those with a Low style were at increased risk for depression compared with a Healthy style, whereas patients with a Reactive style had similar levels of pain, functioning, and depression as those with a Healthy affective style.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed that there are important differences between trait affect balance styles in regard to pain, mood, and functioning in low back pain. Findings related to Reactive and Low affective styles suggest that relationships between affect, pain, and disability in low back pain extend beyond considering NA alone.
Quadriceps Muscle Strength Correlates With Serum Vitamin D and Knee Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Javadian Yahya , Adabi Marzieh , Heidari Behzad , Babaei Mansour , Firouzjahi Alireza , Ghahhari Behnaz Y. , Hajian-Tilaki Karim
Published: February 2016

Background:

Quadriceps muscle weakness and vitamin D deficiency are associated with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and vitamin D in KOA.

Methods:

Patients with KOA aged 40 years and above were studied. QMS was assessed by the dynanometry method and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) by the ELISA method. Serum 25-OHD<20 ng/mL was considered as a deficiency. The intensity of knee pain was determined by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Pain Scale. The Pearson test was used for correlation analysis between QMS and serum 25-OHD as well as knee pain.

Results:

A total of 92 patients (female, 80%) with a mean age of 49.6±11.7 years were studied. QMS was correlated positively with serum 25-OHD (r=0.304, r
2=9.24%, P=0.005) and negatively with knee pain (r=−0.232, r
2=5.3%, P=0.034). After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, the positive correlation increased to a higher level (r=0.496, r
2=24.9%, P=0.01). For each 1 ng/mL increase in serum 25-OHD, the value of QMS increased by 14.2%±3.5% (P=0.014). There was no significant correlation between serum 25-OHD and knee pain (P=0.13).

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrated a significant correlation between QMS with both serum vitamin D and knee pain, indicating a confounding role for quadriceps muscle in the association between serum vitamin D and osteoarthritis knee pain. On the basis of the findings of this study, vitamin D supplementation may affect pain by strengthening quadriceps muscle in KOA.
Assessment of Procedural Pain in Children Using Analgesia Nociception Index
Authors: Avez-Couturier Justine , De Jonckheere Julien , Jeanne Mathieu , Vallée Louis , Cuisset Jean-Marie , Logier Régis
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

The Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI), based on heart rate (HR) variability analysis, is known to decrease after a painful stimulus during surgery under general anesthesia in adults. It is measured continuously and noninvasively. We studied ANI response to procedural pain in a pediatric population and ANI measurement’s feasibility in this context, across age.

Methods:

A prospective, noninterventional pilot study was performed. All children (between 6 mo and under 18 y) undergoing muscle biopsy conducted under analgesia and light sedation were included. Medical staff was blind to the ANI monitor. HR and ANI were recorded and analyzed during 2 periods: T1 before incision and T2 after incision. Pain was assessed by the FLACC scale at T2. We observed ANI and HR variations after incision. ANI, HR, and FLACC were compared between children younger or older than 6 years. Enrollment or technical issues were reported.

Results:

A total of 26 children were included (median age, 6 y; ranging from 6 mo to 16 y; 16 male). ANI decreased from T1 to T2. HR, ANI, or FLACC values were not different in children younger or older than 6 years. No parents or children refused to take part in the study. No technical issues was reported.

Discussion:

In this pilot study, ANI measurement seems relevant in pediatric procedural pain, across age. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Isometric Exercise Above but not Below an Individual’s Pain Threshold Influences Pain Perception in People With Lateral Epicondylalgia
Authors: Coombes Brooke K. , Wiebusch Matheus , Heales Luke , Stephenson Aoife , Vicenzino Bill
Published: February 2016

Objective:

To examine the acute effects of isometric exercise of different intensities on pain perception in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylalgia.

Materials and Methods:

Participants performed 3 experimental tasks completed in a randomized order on separate days: control (no exercise) and isometric wrist extension (10×15 s) at load 20% below (infrathreshold), and 20% above (suprathreshold) an individual’s pain threshold. Self-reported pain intensity (11-point numeric rating scales), pressure pain threshold, and pain-free grip were assessed by a blinded examiner before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after task performance. Relation analysis between pain ratings and clinical variables, including pain and disability and kinesiophobia was performed.

Results:

Twenty-four individuals with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia of median 3-month duration participated. Pain intensity during contraction was significantly higher during suprathreshold exercise than infrathreshold exercise (mean difference in numeric rating scale 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.5; P=0.002). Pain intensity during suprathreshold exercise was significantly correlated with pain and disability (R=0.435, P=0.034) and kinesiophobia (R=0.556, P=0.005). Pain intensity was significantly higher immediately after performance of suprathreshold exercise, compared with infrathreshold exercise (P=0.01) and control (P<0.001) conditions, whereas infrathreshold exercise and control conditions were comparable. Thirty minutes later, pain levels remained significantly higher for suprathreshold exercise compared with infrathreshold exercise (P=0.043). Pressure pain threshold and pain-free grip showed no significant effects of time, condition, or time×condition (P>0.05).

Discussion:

Individuals with lateral epicondylalgia demonstrated increased pain intensity after an acute bout of isometric exercise performed at an intensity above, but not below, their individual pain threshold. Further investigation is needed to determine whether measurement of an individual’s exercise induced pain threshold may be important in reducing symptom flares associated with exercise.
Effect of Exogenous Albumin on the Incidence of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery with a Preoperative Albumin Level of Less Than 4.0 g/dl
Authors: Lee Eun-Ho , Kim Wook-Jong , Kim Ji-Yeon , Chin Ji-Hyun , Choi Dae-Kee , Sim Ji-Yeon , Choo Suk-Jung , Chung Cheol-Hyun , Lee Jae-Won , Choi In-Cheol
Published: February 2016

AbstractAbstract

Administration of 20% exogenous albumin immediately before surgery significantly reduces the risk of acute kidney injury after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with a preoperative serum albumin level of less than 4.0 g/dl.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background

Hypoalbuminemia may increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). The authors investigated whether the immediate preoperative administration of 20% albumin solution affects the incidence of AKI after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Methods

In this prospective, single-center, randomized, parallel-arm double-blind trial, 220 patients with preoperative serum albumin levels less than 4.0 g/dl were administered 100, 200, or 300 ml of 20% human albumin according to the preoperative serum albumin level (3.5 to 3.9, 3.0 to 3.4, or less than 3.0 g/dl, respectively) or with an equal volume of saline before surgery. The primary outcome measure was AKI incidence after surgery. Postoperative AKI was defined by maximal AKI Network criteria based on creatinine changes.

Results

Patient characteristics and perioperative data except urine output during surgery were similar between the two groups studied, the albumin group and the control group. Urine output (median [interquartile range]) during surgery was higher in the albumin group (550 ml [315 to 980]) than in the control group (370 ml [230 to 670]; P = 0.006). The incidence of postoperative AKI in the albumin group was lower than that in the control group (14 [13.7%] vs. 26 [25.7%]; P = 0.048). There were no significant between-group differences in severe AKI, including renal replacement therapy, 30-day mortality, and other clinical outcomes. There were no significant adverse events.

Conclusion

Administration of 20% exogenous albumin immediately before surgery increases urine output during surgery and reduces the risk of AKI after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with a preoperative serum albumin level of less than 4.0 g/dl.
A Method to Prevent Occipitocervical Joint Violation Using Plain Radiography During Percutaneous Anterior Transarticular Screw Fixation
Authors: Jin Hai-Ming , Xu Dao-Liang , Xuan Jun , Chen Jiao-Xiang , Goswami Amit , Chen Xi-Bang , Wu Ai-Min , Chi Yong-Long , Wang Xiang-Yang
Published: February 2016

Study Design.

A prospective study of anterior transarticular screw (ATS) fixation patients.

Objective.

To develop a method to determine screw tip position through plain radiography after percutaneous ATS fixation to prevent occipitocervical joint (OCJ) violation.

Summary of Background Data.

No studies using plain radiography to prevent OCJ violation during percutaneous ATS fixation have been performed.

Methods.

In total, 34 subjects (with 68 screws) who had undergone percutaneous ATS fixation were enrolled. To evaluate the screw tip location in relation to the C1 lateral mass (LM), the screw tip positions were graded 1, 2, or 3 on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs, and I, II, or III on lateral radiographs. OCJ violation was analyzed by postoperative computed tomography (CT).

Results.

Screws with tips located lower (tip I) in the LM did not result in OCJ violation. Only one tip in the tip 3 position showed OCJ perforation, and this screw was also located in tip III. Screw perforation rates of tip 1–tip II, tip 1–tip III, and tip 2–tip III were the highest (100%), followed by tip 2–tip II (10.5%) and tip3–tip III (10%).

Conclusion.

This study provides insights into OCJ violation during percutaneous ATS fixation. According to AP radiography, a percutaneous ATS with the screw tip located in the lateral part of the LM resulted in a lower rate of OCJ perforation, whereas screws located in the medial LM resulted in the highest rate of perforation. Percutaneous ATS with the screw tip located in the neutral part of the LM should ensure that the screw tip is below the upper part of the LM, preventing OCJ violation. These findings may help surgeons assess screw positioning both during and after the operation.

Level of Evidence: 3
Comparison of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Hispanic and Asian Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in Southern California
Authors: Zhu Jiaming , Khemichian Saro , Nghiem Dat , Zhang Shi-Rong , Limurti Joyce , Saito Takeshi , Fong Tse-Ling
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

There are few data regarding the clinical and serologic features of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection among Hispanics in the United States. The aims of this study were to compare and contrast clinical characteristics of Hispanic and Asian CHB patients.

Methods:

Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from Hispanic and Asian CHB patients seen between January 2013 and May 2014 at Los Angeles County Hepatitis Clinic.

Results:

A total of 55 Hispanic and 342 Asian CHB patients were identified. Almost all were foreign-born. Compared with Asians, Hispanics were more likely to report heterosexual transmission (P<0.0001) and blood transfusion history (P<0.0001) as risk factors. Overall, 31% of Hispanics had HBV>2000 IU/mL compared with 54% of Asians (P=0.004).

Significantly more Asian HBeAg-negative/anti-HBe-positive CHB patients had high HBV DNA levels (>2000 IU/mL) with elevated ALT compared with Hispanic patients (P=0.04). Compared with Asians, Hispanic CHB patients were more likely to have elevated ALT and low HBV DNA levels (P=0.001). Among CHB patients who received antiviral therapy, response was comparable among Hispanics and Asians. There were no Hispanic CHB patients who experienced spontaneous reactivation or developed hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusions:

There were important differences in the clinical, demographic, and serologic characteristics between Hispanic and Asian CHB. Response rate to antiviral therapy was comparable. Further studies of Hispanic CHB patients in the United States are warranted.
Outcomes and Predictors of Rebleeding After 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Injection in Acute Gastric Variceal Hemorrhage
Authors: Al-Bawardy Badr , Gorospe Emmanuel C. , Saleem Atif , Buttar Navtej S. , Wong Kee Song Louis M.
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim:

Endoscopic injection of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA) is used on an off-label basis for gastric variceal hemorrhage (GVH) in the United States. We assessed the efficacy, safety, and predictors of rebleeding after gastric variceal obturation (GVO) with 2-OCA in patients with acute GVH.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with GVH who underwent 2-OCA injection for GVO over a 15-year period. Rates of acute hemostasis, predictors of rebleeding, and cyanoacrylate-related adverse events were assessed.

Results:

A total of 95 patients (63 males, median age 59±14 y) were analyzed. Gastric varices were categorized as GOV-1 (3%), GOV-2 (61%), and isolated gastric varices type 1 (36%) per Sarin classification. Initial hemostasis was achieved in all patients. Successful GVO, defined as sustained hemostasis within a month after injection, was achieved in 87 (92%) patients. Failed GVO with in-hospital rebleeding was observed in 8 (8%) patients. On univariate analysis, only the model for end-stage liver disease score was associated with an increased risk of rebleeding (odds ratio 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.4; P<0.01). Glue-related adverse events consisted of pulmonary emboli in 2 patients (2.1%), resulting in death in 1 patient. All cause in-hospital mortality was 13% due to uncontrolled gastric variceal rebleeding (n=3), renal failure (n=6), metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (n=1), hemorrhagic stroke (n=1), and pulmonary embolism (n=1).

Conclusions:

Injection of 2-OCA was effective at achieving hemostasis in a high proportion of patients (92%) admitted for acute GVH. The risk of glue-related pulmonary embolism approximated 2% in our patient cohort, including 1 fatality.
Applicability of endoscopic indices in the determination of disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kucharski Marcin , Karczewski Jacek , Mańkowska-Wierzbicka Dorota , Karmelita-Katulska Katarzyna , Grzymisławski Marian , Kaczmarek Elżbieta , Iwanik Katarzyna , Rzymski Piotr , Swora-Cwynar Ewelina , Linke Krzysztof , Dobrowolska Agnieszka
Published: February 2016

Objective

The combination of clinical remission and mucosal healing represents a major goal of different treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to assess which of the endoscopic indices used to evaluate mucosal changes in UC are correlated with clinical indices currently used to determine disease activity, as well as which of the endoscopic indices are correlated with the Geboes Index used for histological evaluation. It also aimed to find correlations between the currently used clinical activity indices and the histological Geboes Index.

Methods

A group of 49 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of UC and a group of 52 individuals without a diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease, who constituted the control group, were investigated. All patients were evaluated by colonoscopy, and the severity of mucosal changes was scored in terms of nine different endoscopic indices commonly used in both pharmacological trials and clinical practice. Evaluation was also carried out using clinical and histological indices. Endoscopic indices used for UC were then correlated with different clinical and histological indices to find the strongest correlations.

Results and conclusion

A high correlation was demonstrated between three of the 11 evaluated clinical indices – Improvement Based on Individual Symptom Scores, Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index, and Schroeder Index – and all nine endoscopic indices – Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity, Baron Score, Schroeder Index, Feagan Index, Powell–Tuck Index, Rachmilewitz Index, Sutherland Index, Lofberg Index, and Lemman Index. Improvement Based on Individual Symptom Scores was the index with the highest correlation with all the endoscopic indices used for UC. The above indices are recommended for clinical evaluation of UC activity. The Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity was moderately correlated with a histological index, and it is therefore recommended for routine endoscopic mucosal evaluation in patients with UC.
Implementing an electronic observation and early warning score chart in the emergency department: a feasibility study
Authors: Pullinger Richard , Wilson Sarah , Way Rob , Santos Mauro , Wong David , Clifton David , Birks Jacqueline , Tarassenko Lionel
Published: February 2016

Background

Use of automated systems to aid identification of patient deterioration in routine hospital practice is limited and their impact on patient outcomes remains unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an electronic observation chart with automated early warning score (EWS) calculation in the high-acuity area of an emergency department.

Methods

This study enrolled 3219 participants before and 3352 after implementation of an automated system, using bedside vital-sign entry on networked mobile devices. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of participants for whom an EWS was accurately recorded at each stage.

Results

Of the participants, 52.7% before and 92.9% after implementation of the electronic system had an accurate EWS recorded on charts available to the study team. Participant groups were well balanced for baseline characteristics and acuity.

Conclusion

In this study, the feasibility and limitations of implementing an electronic observation chart in the ED were demonstrated. Accurate EWS documentation was more frequent after implementation of the electronic observation chart. Retrospective analysis suggests that the use of an electronic observation system may lead to a greater percentage of observations being taken from those patients with a higher EWS.
Duplex ultrasound in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia: a longitudinal cohort multicentric study
Authors: Sartini Stefano , Calosi Guido , Granai Carolina , Harris Tim , Bruni Fulvio , Pastorelli Marcello
Published: February 2016

Objective

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition requiring time-dependent treatment; thus, early recognition may improve outcomes. We hypothesized that clinician-performed mesenteric vessels duplex ultrasound (DUS) could facilitate early identification of patients with AMI in high-risk patients presenting with abdominal pain.

Methods

This was a single-operator, observational, prospective cohort study. Patients aged at least 65 presenting to Emergency Departments with acute abdominal pain and no clear diagnosis after an initial work-up were enrolled. All patients underwent multidetector computed tomography and these findings provided the reference standard in this study. DUS of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were obtained to measure the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and were performed within 24 h of admission. PSVs outside the normal range were considered to indicate AMI.

Results

Of 49 patients identified, 47 were consented to enrollment and diagnostic images were obtained in 45 (96%). Fifteen patients (33%) had AMI (six occlusive, nine nonocclusive disease). Among these, 12 (80%) had abnormal DUS velocities. SMA PSV showed a sensitivity of 78.57% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.2–95.34], a specificity of 64.52% (95% CI: 45.37–80.77), a positive predictive value of 50% (95% CI: 28.22–71.78), and a negative predictive value of 86.96% (95% CI: 66.41–97.22) for AMI. DUS had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 64%, and a negative predictive value of 100% for occlusive AMI. Assessment of celiac artery PSV did not improve diagnostic performance.

Conclusion

In this single-operator pilot study, mesenteric vessel DUS was performed successfully in the Emergency Department, with a high proportion of diagnostic images obtained. A normal SMA PSV was associated with a low risk of occlusive AMI.
Metapalette: Ak-Mer Painting Approach for Metagenomic Taxonomic Profiling and Quantification of Novel Strain Variation
Authors: Koslicki David , Falush Daniel
Published: February 2016

Metagenomic profiling is challenging in part because of the highly uneven sampling of the tree of life by genome sequencing projects and the limitations imposed by performing phy-logenetic inference at fixed taxonomic ranks. We present the algorithmMetaPalettewhich uses longk-mer sizes (k= 30, 50) to fit ak-mer “palette” of a given sample to thek-mer palette of reference organisms. By modeling thek-mer palettes of unknown organisms, the method also gives an indication of the presence, abundance, and evolutionary relatedness of novel organisms present in the sample. The method returns a traditional, fixed-rank taxonomic profile which is shown on independently simulated data to be one of the most accurate to date. Tree figures are also returned that quantify the relatedness of novel organisms to reference sequences and the accuracy of such figures is demonstrated on simulated spike-ins and a metagenomic soil sample.

The software implementingMetaPaletteis available at:https://github.com/dkoslicki/MetaPalette

Pre-trained databases are included for Archaea, Bacteria, Eukaryota, and viruses.
Service decomposition: a conceptual analysis of modularizing services
Authors: Eissens-van der Laan Monique , Broekhuis Manda , van Offenbeek Marjolein , Ahaus Kees
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Applying “modularity” principles in services is gaining in popularity. The purpose of this paper is to enrich existing service modularity theory and practice by exploring how services are being decomposed and how the modularization aim and the routineness of the service(s) involved may link to different decomposition logics. The authors argue that these are fundamental questions that have barely been addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors first built a theoretical framework of decomposition steps and the design choices involved that distinguished six decomposition logics. The authors conducted a systematic literature search that generated 18 empirical articles describing 16 service modularity cases. The authors analysed these cases in terms of decomposition logic and two main contingencies: modularization aim and service routineness.

Findings

– Only three of the 18 articles explicitly addressed the service decomposition by reflecting on the underlying design choices. By unravelling the decomposition in each case, the authors were able to identify the decomposition logic and found four of the six theoretically derived logics: single-level process oriented; single-level outcome oriented; multilevel outcome oriented; and multilevel combined orientation. Although the authors did not find a direct relationship between the modularization aim and the decomposition logic, the authors did find that single-level decomposition logics seem to be mainly applied in non-routine service offerings whereas the multilevel ones are mainly applied in routine service offerings.

Originality/value

– By contributing to a common understanding of modular service decomposition and proposing a framework that explicates the design choices involved, the authors enable an enhanced application of the modularity concept in services.
Knowledge acquisition through process mapping
Authors: White Gareth R.T. , Cicmil Svetlana
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Business improvement initiatives have benefit for both an organisation’s operational effectiveness and its knowledge acquisition capabilities. These have a synergistic effect upon the ability to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Among the multitude of approaches that can be adopted process mapping (PMapping) is widely used. The purpose of this paper is to examine the utilisation of PMapping for undertaking business process improvement and the resultant acquisition of knowledge among those that are involved in its performance and the subsequent use of process maps (PMaps).

Design/methodology/approach

– Adopting the notion of " knowledge as knowing " and Activity Theory as the research framework, a four-year Participatory Action Research study of three organisations was conducted. Data were gathered through cyclically developed semi-structured interviews, on-site observation and instantaneously sampled field notes.

Findings

– It finds that PMapping is a useful technique for conducting business process improvements and acquiring knowledge of organisations and their people. It also finds that PMaps are useful knowledge repositories that have value beyond aiding the development of improved business processes. Socialisation is a key determinant of knowledge coproduction and transfer. This study finds that it occurs in formal and informal modes between individuals engaged in PMapping.

Research limitations/implications

– The choice of PMapping technique may have significant influence upon the knowledge that is acquired by individuals and organisations during business process improvement initiatives. Future research should explore the relationship between PMapping methods, their knowledge-generative potential and the usability of the resultant PMaps.

Practical implications

– Organisations undertaking business process improvement initiatives should take account of those factors that mediate its undertaking and its knowledge-generative potential. The objectives of improvement initiatives and of specific activities such as PMapping need to be carefully considered. Changes in objectives need clear communication and justification, and the purpose and benefit of such changes must be weighed against the potential detrimental effect that they may have upon the workforce. Inconsiderate goals setting and changing can lead to individuals coming under significant psychological and sociological pressures.

Originality/value

– This research furthers the understanding of knowledge acquisition and business process improvement in non-manufacturing environments. It identifies the challenges involved in adopting PMapping as a business improvement tool. It also provides insight into the use of the tool as a technique for fostering knowledge acquisition in individuals.
The impacts of China’s FDI on employment in Thailand’s industrial sector
Authors: Keorite Mathavee , Moubarak Mohamed
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to analyze the effect of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) on new job creation. This study pays attention to factors interrelated to China’s FDI by using the case of Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using time series data from 2001 to 2014, this paper explores the driving forces and reduction potentials of employment in Thailand’s industrial sector with consideration for dynamic changes within the vector autoregression model.

Findings

– The results show that government expenditure plays a dominant role in increasing employment in Thailand’s industrial sector and exports plays a dominant role in decreasing employment in Thailand’s industrial sector. All variables are co-integrated and the analysis of the impulse–response function also turns out to be synchronous. Furthermore, in the short term, exports are more critical than China’s FDI in industrial sectors in reduction potentials of employment in Thailand’s industrial.

Practical/implications

– Policies should be devised to increase skilled labour and improve the equality of infrastructure in the country to attract more FDI into the economy and for quick adjustment purposes in case of shock to the system.

Originality/value

– The paper uncovers some important factors influencing employment in Thailand’s industrial sector under study and provides a guide-map for policymakers.
Necessary and sufficient factors in employee downsizing? A qualitative comparative analysis of lay‐offs in France and the UK, 2008–2013
Authors: Goyer Michel , Clark Ian , Bhankaraully Shabneez
Published: February 2016

Embedded in the literature on financialization and institutional approaches, this study is an examination of the causal factors of employee downsizing in two institutionally dissimilar settings, France and the UK, using the fuzzy sets variant of Qualitative Comparative Analysis. The findings show that the roughly equivalent use of large‐scale lay‐offs in the two countries is coupled with strikingly different causal factors. Our argument suggests the importance of complex causation whereby employee downsizing reflects the growing influence of financial considerations in the governance of companies, but its diffusion across countries is shaped by different configurations of institutional arrangements.
Interobserver agreement of Neer and AO classifications for proximal humeral fractures
Authors: Papakonstantinou Maritsa K. , Hart Melissa J. , Farrugia Richard , Gabbe Belinda J. , Kamali Moaveni Afshin , van Bavel Dirk , Page Richard S. , Richardson Martin D.
Published: February 2016

Background

The classification of proximal humeral fractures remains challenging. The two main classification systems used, the Neer and the AO classification, have both been shown to have less than ideal interobserver agreement. Agreement in classification is required, however, to guide fracture management.

Method

Data from the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry were collected and the X‐rays of 104 proximal humeral fractures were reviewed by three orthopaedic consultants. They classified the fractures according to the Neer and AO classifications, as well as their simplified versions. Interobserver agreement was then assessed using kappa statistics.

Results

Interobserver agreement was better overall in the Neer classification, which was moderate (kappa = 0.40–0.58), than the AO classification, which was fair to moderate (kappa = 0.31–0.54). When simplified, the Neer and AO classification interobserver agreement remained similar.

Conclusion

The classification of proximal humeral fractures with both the Neer and the AO systems remains difficult with minimal improvements seen when reducing the number of categories in each classification system. From these results, the Neer classification system would appear slightly more useful in clinical practice to guide treatment.