bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Results of Surgical Treatment for Calcaneal Fractures better than Nonoperative Treatment?
Authors: Gahlot Nitesh
Published: July 2014

The methods of treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) have always been surrounded by controversies, whether operative treatment is better or conservative. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been published comparing the operative vs conservative management options for DIACFs, but the conclusions are varied, with some of them supporting operative treatment while others showing equivocal results. To get some clarity on this subject, we reviewed 9 RCTs and 4 meta-analyses to evaluate the evidence that was present for both operative and nonoperative methods of management. Most studies report equivocal outcomes of operatively and nonoperatively managed DIACFs when looked at; however on stratification of groups, the evidence seemingly points towards better functional results in the operated patients who do not develop a complication, but poorer outcomes in patients with more severe injury patterns (higher Sanders’ Type). Complications were associated with both groups; no differentiation between closed and open fractures is made in most studies, leading to slightly higher rate of complications in the operated group (probably due to open cases inclusion); nevertheless the difference was not found significant. Despite a high level of interest in calcaneal fractures, the current evidence in published literature does not support a specific management protocol for DIACFs, although detailed analysis points to importance of patient selection, surgeon experience and soft tissue status. As of today, there is a need for larger randomized trials, which should also clarify the role of extensile approach vis a vis Minimally Invasive Surgery, to address this question and bring out a conclusive answer.

How to cite this article

Dhillon MS, Gahlot N. Are Results of Surgical Treatment for Calcaneal Fractures better than Nonoperative Treatment? J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2014; 1(1):17-23.
Talectomy in a Neglected Club Foot in Zambia: A Low Cost One Step Option in a Developing Country
Authors: Usuelli Federico G , Lastroni Giorgio , Grassi Miriam , Malerba Francesco
Published: July 2014

Talectomy was first described in 1608, but the enthusiasm for this procedure peaked in the 1920s.

Nowadays, it is considered only as a salvage procedure and it is used extremely rarely. Ponseti treatment and multiple stage surgery are both better alternatives than talectomy, but they require a long follow-up pieriod, which could not be affordable for all patients in any developing countries.

Our equipe has been involved in a charity program in Zambia and we are presenting as a case report the clinical results of a talectomy performed to a 12 years old male child, affected by a severe neglected clubfoot.

The surgery was performed through an anterior approach, the patient was casted for 4 weeks.

At 6 months follow-up, he presented a good limb alignment with apparently a good function and a residual 20 degrees of range of motion.

Ponseti treatment and multiple-step surgery should be both preferred to talectomy, which, anyway, sometimes for social reasons, represents a viable alternative to those treatments.

How to cite this article

Usuelli FG, Lastroni G, Grassi M, Malerba F. Talectomy in a Neglected Club Foot in Zambia: A Low Cost One Step Option in a Developing Country. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2014;1(1):32-33.
Aerosol light-scattering enhancement due to water uptake during the TCAP campaign
Authors: Titos G. , Jefferson A. , Sheridan P. J. , Andrews E. , Lyamani H. , Alados-Arboledas L. , Ogren J. A.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Aerosol optical properties were measured by the DOE/ARM (US Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurements) Program Mobile Facility during the Two-Column Aerosol Project (TCAP) campaign deployed at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, for a 1-year period (from summer 2012 to summer 2013). Measured optical properties included aerosol light-absorption coefficient (σap) at low relative humidity (RH) and aerosol light-scattering coefficient (σsp) at low and at RH values varying from 30 to 85%, approximately. Calculated variables included the single scattering albedo (SSA), the scattering Ångström exponent (SAE) and the scattering enhancement factor (f(RH)). Over the period of measurement, f(RH = 80%) had a mean value of 1.9 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.4 in the PM10 and PM1 fractions, respectively. Higher f(RH = 80%) values were observed for wind directions from 0 to 180° (marine sector) together with high SSA and low SAE values. The wind sector from 225 to 315° was identified as an anthropogenically influenced sector, and it was characterized by smaller, darker and less hygroscopic aerosols. For the marine sector, f(RH = 80%) was 2.2 compared with a value of 1.8 obtained for the anthropogenically influenced sector. The air-mass backward trajectory analysis agreed well with the wind sector analysis. It shows low cluster to cluster variability except for air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean that showed higher hygroscopicity. Knowledge of the effect of RH on aerosol optical properties is of great importance for climate forcing calculations and for comparison of in situ measurements with satellite and remote sensing retrievals. In this sense, predictive capability of f(RH) for use in climate models would be enhanced if other aerosol parameters could be used as proxies to estimate hygroscopic growth. Toward this goal, we propose an exponential equation that successfully estimates aerosol hygroscopicity as a function of SSA at Cape Cod. Further work is needed to determine if the equation obtained is valid in other environments.
Dispersion of the Nabro volcanic plume and its relation to the Asian summer monsoon
Authors: Fairlie T. D. , Vernier J.-P. , Natarajan M. , Bedka K. M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We use nighttime measurements from the Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite, together with a Lagrangian trajectory model, to study the initial dispersion of volcanic aerosol from the eruption of Mt. Nabro (Ethiopia/Eritrea) in June 2011. The Nabro eruption reached the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) directly, and the plume was initially entrained by the flow surrounding the Asian anticyclone, which prevails in the UTLS from the Mediterranean Sea to East Asia during boreal summer. CALIPSO detected aerosol layers, with optical properties consistent with sulfate, in the lower stratosphere above the monsoon convective region in South and Southeast Asia within 10 days of the eruption. We show that quasi-isentropic differential advection in the vertically sheared flow surrounding the Asian anticyclone explains many of these stratospheric aerosol layers. We use Meteosat-7 data to examine the possible role of deep convection in the Asian monsoon in transporting volcanic material to the lower stratosphere during this time, but find no evidence that convection played a direct role, in contrast with claims made in earlier studies. On longer timescales, we use CALIPSO data to illustrate diabatic ascent of the Nabro aerosol in the lower stratosphere at rates of ~ 10 K per month for the first two months after the eruption, falling to ~ 3 K per month after the Asian anticyclone dissipates. Maps of stratospheric aerosol optical depth (AOD) show local peaks of ~ 0.04–0.06 in July in the region of the Asian anticyclone; we find associated estimates of radiative forcing small, ~ 5–10% of those reported for the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Additionally, we find no clear response in outgoing shortwave (SW) flux due to the presence of Nabro aerosol viewed in the context of SW flux variability as measured by CERES (Clouds and Earth Radiant Energy System).
Modelling street level PM10 concentrations across Europe: source apportionment and possible futures
Authors: Kiesewetter G. , Borken-Kleefeld J. , Schöpp W. , Heyes C. , Thunis P. , Bessagnet B. , Terrenoire E. , Amann M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Despite increasing emission controls, particulate matter (PM) has remained a critical issue for European air quality in recent years. The various sources of PM, both from primary particulate emissions as well as secondary formation from precursor gases, make this a complex problem to tackle. In order to allow for credible predictions of future concentrations under policy assumptions, a modelling approach is needed that considers all chemical processes and spatial dimensions involved, from long-range transport of pollution to local emissions in street canyons. Here we describe a modelling scheme which has been implemented in the GAINS integrated assessment model to assess compliance with PM10 (PM with aerodynamic diameter < 10 μm) limit values at individual air quality monitoring stations reporting to the AirBase database. The modelling approach relies on a combination of bottom up modelling of emissions, simplified atmospheric chemistry and dispersion calculations, and a traffic increment calculation wherever applicable. At each monitoring station fulfilling a few data coverage criteria, measured concentrations in the base year 2009 are explained to the extent possible and then modelled for the past and future. More than 1850 monitoring stations are covered, including more than 300 traffic stations and 80% of the stations which exceeded the EU air quality limit values in 2009. As a validation, we compare modelled trends in the period 2000–2008 to observations, which are well reproduced. The modelling scheme is applied here to quantify explicitly source contributions to ambient concentrations at several critical monitoring stations, displaying the differences in spatial origin and chemical composition of urban roadside PM10 across Europe. Furthermore, we analyse the predicted evolution of PM10 concentrations in the European Union until 2030 under different policy scenarios. Significant improvements in ambient PM10 concentrations are expected assuming successful implementation of already agreed legislation; however, these will not be large enough to ensure attainment of PM10 limit values in hot spot locations such as Southern Poland and major European cities. Remaining issues are largely eliminated in a scenario applying the best available emission control technologies to the maximal technically feasible extent.
Major contribution of neutral clusters to new particle formation in the free troposphere
Authors: Rose C. , Sellegri K. , Asmi E. , Hervo M. , Freney E. , Junninen H. , Duplissy J. , Sipilä M. , Kontkanen J. , Lehtipalo K. , Kulmala M.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The formation of new aerosol particles in the atmosphere is a key process influencing the aerosol number concentration as well as the climate, in particular in the free troposphere (FT) where the newly formed particles directly influence cloud formation. However, free tropospheric new particle formation (NPF) is poorly documented due to logistic limitations and complex atmospheric dynamics around high altitude stations that make the observation of this day-time process challenging. Recent improvements in measurement techniques make now possible the detection of neutral clusters down to ~ 1 nm sizes, which opens new horizons in our understanding of the nucleation process. Indeed, only the charged fraction of clusters has been reported in the upper troposphere up to now. Here we report observations of charged and neutral clusters (1 to 2.5 nm mobility diameter) during day-time free tropospheric conditions at the altitude site of Puy de Dôme (1465 m a.s.l.), central France, between 10 and 29 February 2012. Our findings demonstrate that in the free troposphere, the formation of 1.5 nm neutral clusters is about 40 times higher than the one of ionic clusters during NPF events, indicating that they dominate in the nucleation process. We also observe that the total cluster concentration increases by a factor of 5.5 during NPF events compared to the other days, which was not clearly observed for the charged cluster population in the past. In the FT, the nucleation process does not seem to be sulphuric acid-limited, as previously suggested, and could be promoted by the transport of pollutants to the upper troposphere.
Surface matters: limitations of CALIPSO V3 aerosol typing in coastal regions
Authors: Kanitz T. , Ansmann A. , Foth A. , Seifert P. , Wandinger U. , Engelmann R. , Baars H. , Althausen D. , Casiccia C. , Zamorano F.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. In the CALIPSO data analysis, surface type (land/ocean) is used to augment the aerosol characterization. However, this surface-dependent aerosol typing prohibits a correct classification of marine aerosol over land that is advected from ocean to land. This might result in a systematic overestimation of the particle extinction coefficient and of the aerosol optical thickness (AOT) of up to a factor of 3.5 over land in coastal areas. We present a long-term comparison of CALIPSO and ground-based lidar observations of the aerosol conditions in the coastal environment of southern South America (Punta Arenas, Chile, 53° S), performed in December 2009–April 2010. Punta Arenas is almost entirely influenced by marine particles throughout the year, indicated by a rather low AOT of 0.02–0.04. However, we found an unexpectedly high fraction of continental aerosol in the aerosol types inferred by means of CALIOP observations and, correspondingly, too high values of particle extinction. Similar features of the CALIOP data analysis are presented for four other coastal areas around the world. Since CALIOP data serve as important input for global climate models, the influence of this systematic error was estimated by means of simplified radiative-transfer calculations.
Application of a GC-ECD for measurements of biosphere–atmosphere exchange fluxes of peroxyacetyl nitrate using the relaxed eddy accumulation and gradient method
Authors: Moravek A. , Foken T. , Trebs I.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) may constitute a significant fraction of reactive nitrogen in the atmosphere. Current knowledge about the biosphere–atmosphere exchange of PAN is limited, and only few studies have investigated the deposition of PAN to terrestrial ecosystems. We developed a flux measurement system for the determination of biosphere–atmosphere exchange fluxes of PAN using both the hyperbolic relaxed eddy accumulation (HREA) method and the modified Bowen ratio (MBR) method. The system consists of a modified, commercially available gas chromatograph with electron capture detection (GC-ECD, Meteorologie Consult GmbH, Germany). Sampling was performed by trapping PAN onto two pre-concentration columns; during HREA operation one was used for updraft and one for downdraft events, and during MBR operation the two columns allowed simultaneous sampling at two measurement heights. The performance of the PAN flux measurement system was tested at a natural grassland site, using fast-response ozone (O3) measurements as a proxy for both methods. The measured PAN fluxes were comparatively small (daytime PAN deposition was on average −0.07 nmol m−2 s−1) and, thus, prone to significant uncertainties. A major challenge in the design of the system was the resolution of the small PAN mixing ratio differences. Consequently, the study focuses on the performance of the analytical unit and a detailed analysis of errors contributing to the overall uncertainty. The error of the PAN mixing ratio differences ranged from 4 to 15 ppt during the MBR and between 18 and 26 ppt during the HREA operation, while during daytime measured PAN mixing ratios were of similar magnitude. Choosing optimal settings for both the MBR and HREA method, the study shows that the HREA method did not have a significant advantage towards the MBR method under well-mixed conditions as was expected.
Continuous-flow IRMS technique for determining the 17O excess of CO2 using complete oxygen isotope exchange with cerium oxide
Authors: Mrozek D. J. , van der Veen C. , Kliphuis M. , Kaiser J. , Wiegel A. A. , Röckmann T.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. This paper presents an analytical system for analysis of all single substituted isotopologues (12C16O17O, 12C16O18O, 13C16O16O) in nanomolar quantities of CO2 extracted from atmospheric air samples. CO2 is separated from bulk air by gas chromatography and CO2 isotope ratio measurements (ion masses 45/44 and 46/44) are performed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The 17O excess (Δ17O) is derived from isotope measurements on two different CO2 aliquots: unmodified CO2 and CO2 after complete oxygen isotope exchange with cerium oxide (CeO2) at 700 °C. Thus, a single measurement of the 17O excess requires two injections of 1 mL of air with a CO2 mole fraction of 390 μmol mol−1 at 293 K and 1 bar pressure (corresponding to 16 nmol CO2 each). The required sample air size (including flushing) is 2.7 mL of air. A single analysis (one pair of injections) takes 15 min. The analytical system is fully automated for unattended measurements over several days. The standard deviation of the 17O excess analysis is 1.7‰. Repeated analyses of an air sample reduce the measurement uncertainty, as expected for the statistical standard error. Thus, the uncertainty for a group of ten measurements is 0.58‰ for Δ17O in 2.5 h analysis. 270 repeat analyses of one air sample decrease the standard error to 0.20‰. The instrument performance was demonstrated by measuring CO2 on stratospheric air samples obtained during the EU project RECONCILE with the high-altitude aircraft Geophysica. The precision for RECONCILE data is 0.03‰ (1σ) for δ13C, 0.07‰ (1σ) for δ18O and 0.55‰ (1σ) for δ17O for sample of 10 measurements. The samples measured with our analytical technique agree with available data for stratospheric CO2.
A halocarbon survey from a seagrass dominated subtropical lagoon, Ria Formosa (Portugal): flux pattern and isotopic composition
Authors: Weinberg I. , Bahlmann E. , Eckhardt T. , Michaelis W. , Seifert R.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Here we report fluxes of chloromethane (CH3Cl), bromomethane (CH3Br), iodomethane (CH3Cl), and bromoform (CHBr3) from two sampling campaigns (summer and spring) in the seagrass dominated subtropical lagoon Ria Formosa, Portugal. Dynamic flux chamber measurements were performed when seagrass patches were air-exposed and submerged. Overall, we observed highly variable fluxes from the seagrass meadows and attributed them to diurnal cycles, tidal effects, and the variety of possible sources and sinks in the seagrass meadows. Highest emissions with up to 130 nmol m−2 h−1 for CH3Br were observed during tidal changes from air exposure to submergence and conversely. Furthermore, at least during the spring campaign, the emissions of halocarbons were significantly elevated during tidal inundation as compared to air exposure. Accompanying water sampling during both campaigns revealed elevated concentrations of CH3Cl and CH3Br indicating productive sources within the lagoon. Stable carbon isotopes of halocarbons from the air and water phase along with source signatures were used to allocate the distinctive sources and sinks in the lagoon. Results suggest CH3Cl rather originating from seagrass meadows and water column than from salt marshes. Aqueous and atmospheric CH3Br was substantially enriched in 13C in comparison to source signatures for seagrass meadows and salt marshes. This suggests a significant contribution of the water column to the atmospheric CH3Br in the lagoon. A rough global upscaling yields annual productions from seagrass meadows of 2.3–4.5 Gg yr−1, 0.5–1.0 Gg yr−1, 0.6–1.2 Gg yr−1, and 1.9–3.7 Gg yr−1 for CH3Cl, CH3Br, CH3I, and CHBr3 respectively. This suggests a minor contribution from seagrass meadows to the global production of these halocarbons with about 0.1% for CH3Cl and about 0.7% for CH3Br.
Persistent decadal-scale rainfall variability in the tropical South Pacific Convergence Zone through the past six centuries
Authors: Maupin C. R. , Partin J. W. , Shen C.-C. , Quinn T. M. , Lin K. , Taylor F. W. , Banner J. L. , Thirumalai K. , Sinclair D. J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Modern Pacific decadal variability (PDV) has global impacts; hence records of PDV from the pre-instrumental period are needed to better inform models that are used to project future climate variability. We focus here on reconstructing rainfall in the western tropical Pacific (Solomon Islands; ~ 9.5° S, ~160° E), a region directly influenced by PDV, using cave deposits (stalagmite). A relationship is developed between δ18O variations in the stalagmite and local rainfall amount to produce a 600 yr record of rainfall variability from the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ). We present evidence for large (~1.5 m), abrupt, and periodic changes in total annual rainfall amount on decadal to multidecadal timescales since 1423 ± 5 CE (Common Era) in the Solomon Islands. The timing of the decadal changes in rainfall inferred from the 20th century portion of the stalagmite δ18O record coincides with previously identified decadal shifts in PDV-related Pacific ocean–atmosphere behavior (Clement et al., 2011; Deser et al., 2004). The Solomons record of PDV is not associated with variations in external forcings, but rather results from internal climate variability. The 600 yr Solomon Islands stalagmite δ18O record indicates that decadal oscillations in rainfall are a persistent characteristic of SPCZ-related climate variability.
The effect of flow and orography on the spatial distribution of the very short-term predictability of rainfall
Authors: Foresti L. , Seed A.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The spatial distribution and scale-dependence of the very-short term predictability of precipitation by Lagrangian persistence is studied under different flow regimes in connection with the presence of orographic features. Data from the weather radar composite of eastern Victoria, Australia, a 500 km × 500 km domain at 10 min temporal and 2 km × 2 km spatial resolutions, covering the period from February 2011 to October 2012, were used for the analyses. The scale-dependence of the predictability of precipitation is considered by decomposing the radar rainfall field into an 8-levels multiplicative cascade using a Fast Fourier Transform. The rate of temporal development of precipitation in Lagrangian coordinates is estimated at each level of the cascade under different flow regimes, which are stratified by applying a k-means clustering algorithm on the diagnosed velocity fields. The predictability of precipitation is measured by its lifetime, which is derived by integrating the Lagrangian auto-correlation function. The lifetimes were found to depend on the scale of the feature as a power law, which is known as dynamic scaling, and to vary as a function of flow regime. The lifetimes also exhibit significant spatial variability and are approximately a factor two longer on the upwind compared with the downwind slopes of terrain features. The scaling exponent of the spatial power spectrum also shows interesting geographical differences. These findings provide opportunities to perform spatially inhomogeneous stochastic simulations of space-time precipitation to account for the presence of orography, which may be integrated into design storm simulations and stochastic precipitation nowcasting systems.
Factors controlling the geochemical composition of Limnopolar Lake sediments (Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetland Island, Antarctica) during the last ca. 1600 years
Authors: Martínez Cortizas A. , Rozas Muñiz I. , Taboada T. , Toro M. , Granados I. , Giralt S. , Pla-Rabés S.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We sampled a short (57 cm) sediment core in Limnopolar Lake (Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands), which spans the last ca. 1600 years. The core was sectioned at high resolution and analyzed for elemental and mineralogical composition, and scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS) analysis of glass mineral particles in selected samples. The chemical record was characterized by a contrasted pattern of layers with high Ca, Ti, Zr, and Sr concentrations and layers with higher concentrations of K and Rb. The former were also enriched in plagioclase and, occasionally, in zeolites, while the latter were relatively enriched in 2 : 1 phyllosilicates and quartz. This was interpreted as reflecting the abundance of volcaniclastic material (Ca rich) versus Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous marine sediments (K rich) – the dominant geological material in the lake catchment. SEM-EDS analysis revealed the presence of abundant volcanic shards in the Ca-rich layers, pointing to tephras most probably related to the activity of Deception Island volcano (located 30 km to the SE). The ages of four main peaks of volcanic-rich material (AD ca. 1840–1860 for L1, AD ca. 1570–1650 for L2, AD ca. 1450–1470 for L3, and AD ca. 1300 for L4) matched reasonably well the age of tephra layers (AP1 to AP3) previously identified in lakes of Byers Peninsula. Some of the analyzed metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Cr) showed enrichments in the most recent tephra layer (L1), suggesting relative changes in the composition of the tephras as found in previous investigations. No evidence of significant human impact on the cycles of most trace metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) was found, probably due to the remote location of Livingston Island and the modest research infrastructures; local contamination was found by other researchers in soils, waters and marine sediments on areas with large, permanent research stations. Chromium is the only metal showing a steady enrichment in the last 200 years, but this cannot be directly attributed to anthropogenic pollution since recent research supports the interpretation that climatic variability (reduced moisture content and increased wind intensity) may have resulted in enhanced fluxes of mineral dust and trace elements (Cr among them) to Antarctica. At the same time, some features of the chemical record suggest that climate may have also played a role in the cycling of the elements, but further research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms.
A single-center experience of non-bioartificial liver support systems among Chinese patients with liver failure
Authors: Xia Qi , Dai Xiahong , Huang Jianrong , Xu Xiaowei , Yang Qian , Liu Xiaoli , Chen Yuemei , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Liver failure is one of the most deadly, prevalent, and costly diseases worldwide. Non-bioartificial liver support systems (NBALs) have been shown to be effective in improving the clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters of patients with liver failure. The main aim of this large case series analysis was to investigate the status of NBALs and their effectiveness in improving survival in liver-failure patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 460 patients with liver failure who received NBAL treatment in addition to conventional medications were compared with 422 patients who were treated with conventional medications alone. Kaplan-Meier and life table analyses were used to estimate survival rates.

Results

Clinical outcomes were improved after NBAL treatment. The 30-day survival rates of subacute liver failure (SALF) patients were 63% among those who received NBALs and 21% among those who did not receive NBALs (p<0.01). Similarly, the 30-day survival rate of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients who received NBALs was 47%, significantly higher than that of the non-NBAL patients (p<0.05). The survival rates of ACLF patients with low Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores (MELD≤20) were 64% and 40% among whom received NBALs and those who did not, respectively (p<0.01).

Conclusions

NBAL treatment is helpful to improve the survival of patients with ALF, SALF or ACLF. ACLF patients with lower MELD scores showed improved outcomes relative to those with higher MELD scores.
A Responsive Approach to Organizational Misconduct: Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and the Reduction of Reoffense
Authors: Bertels Stephanie , Cody Michael , Pek Simon
Published: July 2014

In this article, we examine how regulators, prosecutors, and courts might support and encourage the efforts of organizations to not only reintegrate after misconduct but also to improve their conduct in a way that reduces their likelihood of re-offense (rehabilitation). We explore a novel experiment in creative sentencing in Alberta Canada that aimed to try to change the behaviour of an industry by publicly airing the root causes of a failure of one the industry’s leaders. Drawing on this case and prior work, we articulate a model for a responsive and restorative approach to organizational misconduct that balances the punitive role of regulators and courts with new roles in supporting and overseeing rehabilitation.
The Dual Function of Violence in Civil Wars: The Case of Colombia
Authors: Dufort Philippe
Published: July 2014

When considering both the economic and military dimensions of civil war it is clear that the violence of belligerents has the dual instrumental function of extracting resources and increasing control. Recently developed datasets of geo-localized violent events–such as the ACLED or the SCAD database–open new pathways for explaining strategic dynamics within conflicts. This article underlines how this task can be achieved through qualitative analyses of patterns in belligerents’ modes of operation and statistical analyses of violent incidents and macro-economic variables.
Growth of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in eastern Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Richardson S F , Stenson G B , Hood C
Published: July 2014

Although the stock relationships among harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Northwest Atlantic are unknown, it has been postulated that there are 4 local populations: Bay of Fundy/Gulf of Maine, Gulf of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, and west Greenland. Data on the Newfoundland population are extremely limited. To determine growth rates and examine if these animals can be differentiated from other sub-populations on the basis of growth characteristics, 94 porpoises caught incidentally in fishing gear along the southeast coast of Newfoundland during the summers of 1990 and 1991 were examined. Most porpoises (56%) were ≤ 4 years of age. Maximum age was 9 for females and 12 for males. Growth rates were similar for both sexes until one year of age, after which females grew longer and weighed more than males of similar ages. Using the Gompertz growth model, asymptotic values for body length were 156.3 cm for females and 142.9 cm for males. Asymptotic weights were 61.6 kg and 49.1 kg for females and males respectively. With the exception of West Greenland porpoise that were shorter and females from Norway that were lighter, Newfoundland porpoises could not be differentiated from animals collected in other areas based on growth data. However, differences in dental deposition patterns were noted suggesting that Newfoundland porpoise may belong to a separate population.
Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) of the Barents, Kara and Laptev seas
Authors: Boltunov Andrei N , Belikov Stanislav E
Published: July 2014

This paper reviews published information on the white whale or beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) inhabiting the Barents, Kara and Laptev seas. Some data obtained during multi-year aerial reconnaissance of sea ice in the Russian Arctic are also included. Ice conditions, considered one of the major factors affecting distribution of belugas, are described. The number of belugas inhabiting the Russian Arctic is unknown. Based on analysis of published and unpublished information we believe that the primary summer habitats of belugas in the Western Russian Arctic lie in the area of Frants-Josef Land, in the Kara Sea and in the western Laptev Sea. Apparently most belugas winter in the Barents Sea. Although it has been suggested that a considerable number of animals winter in the Kara Sea, there is no direct evidence for this. Apparent migrations of animals are regularly observed at several sites: the straits of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago, the waters north of the archipelago, and Vilkitskiy Strait between the Kara and Laptev seas. Calving and mating take place in summer, and the beluga mother feeds a calf for at least a year. Females mature earlier than males, and about 30% of mature females in a population are barren. Sex ratio is apparently close to 1:1. The diet of the beluga in the region includes fish and crustaceans and shows considerable spatial and temporal variations. However, polar cod (Boreogadus saida) is the main prey most of the year, and whitefish (Coregonidae) contribute in coastal waters in summer. Usually belugas form groups of up to 10 related individuals of different ages, while large aggregations are common during seasonal migrations or in areas with abundant and easily available food. Beluga whaling in Russia has a history of several centuries. The highest catches were taken in the 1950s and 1960s, when about 1,500 animals were caught annually in the Western Russian Arctic. In the 1990s, few belugas were harvested in the Russian Arctic. In 1999 commercial whaling of belugas in Russia was banned. Belugas can be caught only for research, cultural and educational purposes and for the subsistence needs of local people. With the absence of significant whaling, anthropogenic pollution seems to be the major threat for the species.
Surveys of larval sealworm (Pseudoterranova decipiens) infection in various fish species sampled from Nova Scotian waters between 1988 and 1996, with an assessment of examination procedures
Authors: McClelland G , Martell DJ
Published: July 2014

Between November 1988 and October 1996, >10,000 fish from the Breton Shelf, Sable Island Bank and the northeastern Gulf of Maine were examined for larval anisakines. Larval sealworm, Pseudoterranova decipiens, occurred in 30 of 39 species surveyed, including 8 new host records, Enchelyopus cimbrius, Lycodes reticulatus, Eumesogrammus praecisus, Lumpenus lumpretaeformis, Lumpenus maculatus, Cryptacanthodes maculatus, Artediellus atlanticus and Triglops murrayi. The parasite was most prevalent and abundant in mature demersal piscivores and benthic consumers. Sealworm densities (nr kg-1 host wt.), however, were greatest in small benthophagous fish including mature E. cimbrius, A. atlanticus, T. murrayi and Aspidophoroides monopterygius, and juvenile Hippoglossoides platessoides. ANOVA revealed that geographical disparities in sealworm prevalence and abundance were highly significant in 14 of 20 species tested, although significant disparities between samples from each of the three areas were evident only in H. platessoides. Almost invariably, infection parameters were greatest in fish from Sable Island Bank. ANOVA also indicated that sealworm prevalence and/or abundance increased significantly in Sable Island Bank populations of Gadus morhua, H. platessoides, and seven other species between 1985-1986 and 1989-1990. Routine examinations, in which host flesh was sliced and candled, proved as efficacious as digestion in warm (35° C) pepsin-HCl for detection of larval sealworm in the flesh of large frozen fish. Procedures employing fresh (iced) samples, digestion at ambient temperature and microscopy are recommended, however, for surveys of small benthic consumers. Many of the sealworm infecting the latter hosts are tiny (2 to 10 mm in length) nematodes, which escape detection by routine inspection, and may not survive in warm pepsin-HCl solution.
Distribution and abundance of sealworm (Pseudoterranova decipiens) and other anisakid nematodes in fish and seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence: potential importance of climatic conditions
Authors: Marcogliese David J
Published: July 2014

Prevalence and abundance of sealworm (Pseudoterranova decipiens) and other anisakid nematodes were determined in a variety of fishes from the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 1990 and 1992. Sealworm abundance and prevalence were also determined in three species of seals in the Gulf between 1988 and 1992. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and shorthorn (Myoxocephalus scorpius) and longhorn sculpin (M. octodecemspinosus) were the fishes most heavily infected with sealworm. Grey seals(Halichoerus grypus) proved to be the most important definitive hosts for sealworm in the Gulf. Abundance of sealworm increased, whereas that of Anisakis simplex and contracaecine nematodes decreased, from north to south in the Gulf. Abundance of sealworm increased compared to earlier surveys in most areas of the Gulf, but decreased in both cod and grey seals during the course of this study. In contrast, abundance of Contracaecum osculatum and Phocascaris spp. in grey seals and cod continued to increase during the study period. Observed increases of nematodes are attributed to growing populations of grey seals (for sealworm) and harp seals (for Contracaecinea). Levels of A. simplex remained relatively constant between 1988 and 1992 in both grey seals and cod. There is no evidence suggesting that observed patterns in nematode abundance were due to changes in grey seal diet. Nor was there any evidence of competition between P. decipiens and C. osculatum in grey seals affecting either sealworm abundance or fecundity. The trends detected herein are attributed to climatic events in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where water temperatures in the cold intermediate layer consistently decreased between 1986 and 1994. It is suggested that low temperatures inhibited development and hatching of sealworm eggs, but not those of C. osculatum.
Estimated food consumption of minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata in Northeast Atlantic waters in 1992-1995
Authors: Folkow Lars P , Haug Tore , Nilssen Kjell T , Nordøy Erling S
Published: July 2014

Data on energy requirements, diet composition, and stock size were combined to estimate the consumption of various prey species by minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Northeast Atlantic waters. In the period 1992-1995, the stock of 85,000 minke whales appeared to have consumed more than 1.8 million tonnes of prey per year in coastal waters off northern Norway, in the Barents Sea and around Spitsbergen during an assumed 6 month stay between mid-April and mid-October.Uncertainties in stock estimates suggest a 95% confidence range of 1.4 - 2.1 million tonnes. The point estimate was composed of 602,000 tonnes of krill Thysanoessa spp., 633,000 tonnes of herring Clupea harengus, 142,000 tonnes of capelin Mallotus villosus, 256,000 tonnes of cod Gadus morhua, 128,000 tonnes of haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus and 54,500 tonnes of other fish species, including saithe Pollaehius virens and sand eel Ammodytes sp. Consumption of various prey items by minke whales may represent an important mortality factor for some of the species. For example, the estimated annual consumption of herring corresponds to about 70% of the herring fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic in 1995. Minke whale diets are subject to year-to-year variations due to changes in the resource base in different feeding areas. Thus, the regional distribution of consumption of different prey items is highly dynamic.
The ringed seal (Phoca hispida) in the western Russian Arctic
Authors: Belikov Stanislav E , Boltunov Andrei N
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a review of available published and unpublished material on the ringed seal (Phoca hispida) in the western part of the Russian Arctic, including the White, Barents and Kara seas. The purpose of the review is to discuss the status of ringed seal stocks in relation to their primary habitat, the history of sealing, and a recent harvest of the species in the region. The known primary breeding habitats for this species are in the White Sea, the south-western part of the Barents Sea, and in the coastal waters of the Kara Sea, which are seasonally covered by shore-fast ice. The main sealing sites are situated in the same areas. Female ringed seals become mature by the age of 6, and males by the age of 7. In March-April a female gives birth to one pup in a breeding lair constructed in the shore-fast ice. The most important prey species for ringed seals in the western sector of the Russian Arctic are pelagic fish and crustaceans. The maximum annual sealing level for the region was registered in the first 70 years of the 20th century: the White Sea maximum (8,912 animals) was registered in 1912; the Barents Sea maximum (13,517 animals) was registered in 1962; the Kara Sea maximum (13,200 animals) was registered in 1933. Since the 1970s, the number of seals harvested has decreased considerably. There are no data available for the number of seals harvested annually by local residents for their subsistence.
Catch history of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) in Canada
Authors: Reeves Randall R , Wenzel George W , Kingsley Michael CS
Published: July 2014

The ringed seal (Phoca hispida) has always been a staple in the diet and household economy of Inuit in Canada. The present paper was prepared at the request of the NAMMCO Scientific Committee to support their assessment of ringed seal stocks in the North Atlantic Basin and adjacent arctic and subarctic waters. Specifically, our objective was to evaluate recent and current levels of use of ringed seals by Canadian Inuit. Annual removals probably were highest (possibly greater than 100,000) in the 1960s and 1970s, a period when sealskin prices were particularly strong. Catches declined substantially in the 1980s following a collapse in sealskin prices, presumably related to the European trade ban on skins from newborn harp and hooded seals (Phoca groenlandica and Cystophora cristata, respectively). Recent catch levels throughout Canada (1980s and early 1990s) are believed to be in the order of 50,000 to 65,000 ringed seals, with a total average annual kill (including hunting loss) in the high tens of thousands. No reliable system is in place to monitor catches of ringed seals, so any estimate must be derived from a heterogeneous array of sources.
Characterizing Lung Cancer in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Authors: Hatton Jessica N. , Kucera John , Seastedt Kenneth P. , de Andrade Kelvin César , Savage Sharon A. , Khincha Payal P. , Hoang Chuong D.
Published: August 2024

This cohort study describes lung cancer incidence, diagnosis, and outcome in individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Endophthalmitis Rates and Types of Treatments After Intraocular Procedures
Authors: VanderBeek Brian L. , Chen Yineng , Tomaiuolo Maurizio , Deaner Jordan D. , Syed Zeba A. , Acharya Binod , Zhang Qiang , Schuman Joel S. , Hyman Leslie
Published: August 2024

Importance

Long-term trend analyses of overall endophthalmitis rates and treatment patterns are scarce. It is also unknown if the deviation from the recommendations of the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study toward decreased utilization of vitrectomy is associated with different vision outcomes.

Objective

To determine whether the rate of endophthalmitis after intraocular procedures or the primary treatment (prompt vitrectomy vs tap and inject) for endophthalmitis has changed over the past 20 years.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study examined data for cohorts created by querying for different intraocular procedures, including intravitreal injections and surgeries for cataract removal, glaucoma, retinal conditions, and corneal transplants from 2000 to 2022. The data source was a US administrative medical claims database comprising commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance plans. Any intraocular procedure with at least 6 months of data available before and 6 weeks after the procedure was eligible. Exclusion criteria consisted of any previous diagnosis of endophthalmitis or another intraocular procedure during the follow-up period.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcomes were rate of postprocedure endophthalmitis and relative rate of prompt vitrectomy (vs tap and inject) as the primary method of treatment.

Results

Among 2 124 964 patients, the mean (SD) age was 71.4 (10.2) years; 1 230 320 were female and 894 414 male. Over 22 years, 5 827 809 intraocular procedures were analyzed with 4305 cases of endophthalmitis found for an overall endophthalmitis rate of 0.07%. The yearly rate of endophthalmitis varied but generally declined from a high of 7 cases per 3502 procedures (0.20%) in 2000 to a low of 163 cases per 332 159 procedures (0.05%) in 2022. The percentage of cases treated with prompt vitrectomy also varied but generally declined over time with a high of 17 of 35 (48.6%) in 2003 and a low of 60 of 515 (11.6%) in 2021. Multivariable analysis of the endophthalmitis incidence rate ratio (IRR) showed a per-year decrease of 2.7% (IRR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.97-0.98; P < .001) over the study period. A similar analysis also showed that the incidence rate of prompt surgical treatment decreased by 3.8% per year throughout the study period (IRR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.97; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that the incidence of endophthalmitis following intraocular procedures appears to have decreased substantially over the past 20 years while prompt vitrectomy is being used less frequently as primary treatment than in the past.
Introducing Volume 100 of
Organic Syntheses
Authors: Danheiser* Rick L.
Published: August 2024

For over one hundred years
Organic Syntheses
(OS) has provided the chemistry community with reliable procedures for the synthesis of organic compounds. Procedures for synthesizing specific compounds of interest comprised the subject of nearly all of the articles published in
Organic Syntheses
for many years. More recently, however, the majority of articles in
Organic Syntheses
showcase reactions serving to demonstrate a representative protocol for a generally useful synthetic method. “OS Perspectives” provide authors with an opportunity to provide personal perspectives on topics associated with the field of organic synthesis. Appropriate subjects for OS Perspectives include, but are not limited to, discussions of the following: Trends and developments in the strategies, methods, and the applications of organic synthetic chemistry; Trends and developments with regard to the community of researchers in the field; Reflections on how research in the field is carried out and published.
Preparation of Highly‐Substituted Pyridines via Diels‐Alder Reactions of Vinylallenes and Tosyl Cyanide
Authors: Faialaga Nathan H. , Gomez Christian , Bartko Samuel G. , Natho Philipp , Danheiser* Rick L.
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents the procedure for preparation of highly‐substituted pyridines via Diels‐Alder reactions of vinylallenes and tosyl cyanid. The procedures in Organic Syntheses are intended for use only by persons with proper training in experimental organic chemistry. All hazardous materials should be handled using the standard procedures for work with chemicals described in references such as “Prudent Practices in the Laboratory”. The development of practical and efficient methods for the construction of highly substituted pyridines remains a challenging goal for organic synthesis. Vinylallenes are reactive dienes in Diels‐Alder reactions which engage in cycloadditions with triple bonds to afford isoaromatic products that isomerize to aromatic systems spontaneously or under mild conditions. The authors have developed several strategies for the synthesis of highly substituted pyridines based on the cycloadditions of vinylallenes with nitrogen heterodienophiles. The chapter also describes the optimal conditions for the Diels‐Alder reaction of vinylallene 2 and tosyl cyanide.