bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origins of Biases in CMIP5 Models Simulating Northwest Pacific Summertime Atmospheric Circulation Anomalies during the Decaying Phase of ENSO
Authors: Tao Weichen , Huang Gang , Wu Renguang , Hu Kaiming , Wang Pengfei , Gong Hainan
Published: April 2018

The present study documents the biases of summertime northwest Pacific (NWP) atmospheric circulation anomalies during the decaying phase of ENSO and investigates their plausible reasons in 32 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Based on an intermodel empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-related 850-hPa wind anomalies, the dominant modes of biases are extracted. The first EOF mode, explaining 21.3% of total intermodel variance, is characterized by a cyclone over the NWP, indicating a weaker NWP anticyclone. The cyclone appears to be a Rossby wave response to unrealistic equatorial western Pacific (WP) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies related to excessive equatorial Pacific cold tongue in the models. On one hand, the cold SST biases increase the mean zonal SST gradient, which further intensifies warm zonal advection, favoring the development and persistence of equatorial WP SST anomalies. On the other hand, they reduce the anomalous convection caused by ENSO-related warming, and the resultant increase in downward shortwave radiation contributes to the SST anomalies there. The second EOF mode, explaining 18.6% of total intermodel variance, features an anticyclone over the NWP with location shifted northward. The related SST anomalies in the Indo-Pacific sector show a tripole structure, with warming in the tropical Indian Ocean and equatorial central and eastern Pacific and cooling in the NWP. The Indo-Pacific SST anomalies are highly controlled by ENSO amplitude, which is determined by the intensity of subtropical cells via the adjustment of meridional and vertical advection in the models.
Estuarine Exchange Flow Is Related to Mixing through the Salinity Variance Budget
Authors: MacCready Parker , Geyer W. Rockwell , Burchard Hans
Published: April 2018

The relationship between net mixing and the estuarine exchange flow may be quantified using a salinity variance budget. Here “mixing” is defined as the rate of destruction of volume-integrated salinity variance, and the exchange flow is quantified using the total exchange flow. These concepts are explored using an idealized 3D model estuary. It is shown that in steady state (e.g., averaging over the spring–neap cycle) the volume-integrated mixing is approximately given by Mixing ≅ SinSoutQr, where Sin and Sout are the representative salinities of in- and outflowing layers at the mouth and Qr is the river volume flux. This relationship provides an extension of the familiar Knudsen relation, in which the exchange flow is diagnosed based on knowledge of these same three quantities, quantitatively linking mixing to the exchange flow.
Two Methods for Correcting Range-Dependent Limitations of Lightning Mapping Arrays
Authors: Weiss Stephanie A. , MacGorman Donald R. , Bruning Eric C. , Chmielewski Vanna C.
Published: April 2018

Lightning Mapping Arrays (LMAs) detect very high frequency (VHF) radiation produced by lightning as it propagates; however, VHF source detection efficiency drops off rapidly with range from the centers of the arrays, which results in a maximum of source points over the center of the network for large datasets. Using data from nearly one billion detected sources of various powers, an approximation of VHF source detection efficiency (relative to the number of sources detected within 25 km of the center of the array) for the Oklahoma LMA is calculated for different ranges and source powers. The calculated source detection efficiencies are then used to normalize the VHF source data out to a range of 125 km, as a method for correcting the detection efficiency drop-off with range. The data are also sorted into flashes using a popular flash-sorting algorithm in order to compare how well flash sorting corrects for detection efficiency drop-off with range compared to the normalization method. Both methods produce similar patterns and maxima of the lightning location, but the differences between them are identified and highlighted. The use of a flash-sorting algorithm is recommended for future studies involving large sets of data.
Associations between glycaemic control and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension
Authors: Griffin TP , Wall D , Browne GA , Dennedy MC , O'Shea PM
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Hyperglycaemia increases succinate concentrations and succinate receptor activation in the kidney resulting in renin release. The aim of our study was to determine if there is an association between glycaemic control as evidenced by glycated haemoglobin values and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Galway University Hospitals between December 2014 and March 2015. Participants ( n = 66) were identified following interrogation of the electronic database for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Baseline clinical demographics, aldosterone, plasma renin activity, direct renin concentration, urea and electrolytes, glycated haemoglobin, cholesterol, urine sodium and albumin creatinine ratio were recorded.

Results

There was a significant positive linear correlation between glycated haemoglobin and renin (both plasma renin activity [ P = 0.002] and direct renin concentration [ P = 0.008]) and between serum creatinine and aldosterone measured using both radioimmunoassay ( P = 0.008) and immunochemiluminometric assay ( P = 0.008). A significant negative linear correlation was demonstrated between serum sodium and plasma renin activity ( P = 0.005) and direct renin concentration ( P = 0.015) and between estimated glomerular filtration rate and aldosterone measured using radioimmunoassay ( P = 0.02) and immunochemiluminometric assay ( P = 0.016). A significant negative linear correlation existed between urine sodium and plasma renin activity ( P = 0.04) and aldosterone measured using radioimmunoassay ( P = 0.045).

Conclusions

There is a direct positive association between glycaemic control and renin. We advocate for renin measurement to be part of the diabetologist's armamentarium to assess, guide and optimize therapeutic strategies in patients with diabetes.
Influence of cytochrome P450 genotype on the plasma disposition of prochlorperazine metabolites and their relationships with clinical responses in cancer patients
Authors: Tashiro Masaki , Naito Takafumi , Kagawa Yoshiyuki , Kawakami Junichi
Published: April 2018

Background

Oral prochlorperazine, a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, is largely metabolized to sulphoxide, 7-hydroxylate and N-desmethylate by cytochrome P450s (CYPs). This study evaluated the influence of CYP genotype on the plasma dispositions of prochlorperazine and its metabolites and their relationships with antiemetic efficacy and prolactin elevation in cancer patients.

Methods

Forty-eight cancer patients treated with oral prochlorperazine were enrolled. Plasma prochlorperazine and its metabolites concentrations and serum prolactin concentration were determined at 12 h after the evening dosing. The genotypes of CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A5 and the incidences of nausea and vomiting were investigated.

Results

The plasma concentrations of the prochlorperazine metabolites were weakly correlated with that of the parent drug. The CYP genotypes did not affect the plasma concentrations of prochlorperazine and its metabolites. The plasma concentrations of prochlorperazine and its metabolites were not associated with the incidences of nausea and vomiting. The incidence of vomiting was significantly higher in females than in males. The serum prolactin concentration was weakly correlated with the plasma concentrations of prochlorperazine and its metabolites. The plasma concentrations of prochlorperazine metabolites rather than the parent drug had a weaker relation to serum prolactin concentration.

Conclusions

The CYP genotypes did not affect the plasma dispositions of prochlorperazine and its metabolites. The prochlorperazine metabolites did not have a strong effect on antiemetic efficacy, while they were slightly associated with prolactin secretion in cancer patients.
The development of an artificial stool usable for the surveillance of faecal haemoglobin testing
Authors: Miike Akira , Ogawa Zensuke , Sakurabayashi Ikunosuke
Published: April 2018

Background

Faecal occult blood testing is an important diagnostic tool for the detection of colorectal cancer. However, it has not been standardized due to the absence of suitable specimens for surveillance.

Methods

We developed a ready-to-use artificial stool made from rice flour. This new artificial stool homogeneously contains not only human haemoglobin A0 (HbA0) but also glycerol as an internal standard material. After the collection of the artificial stool into a buffer, the haemoglobin concentration in dispersed solution was measured using a method based on the peroxidase like activity of haemoglobin. The glycerol concentration was measured using a commercially available triglyceride measurement kit.

Results

With regard to the haemoglobin stability, the decrease in the level of human haemoglobin in the artificial stool was <2% when it was stored at −80℃ for four months, −20℃ for two weeks, and 5℃ for two days. The artificial stool was easily collected with the collecting tubes of a commercially available faecal haemoglobin test kit. The weight of the collected artificial stool could be calculated by measuring the concentration of glycerol in the extracting solution of the collected stool sample. The haemoglobin concentrations could be adjusted based on their collection weights.

Conclusions

The artificial stool has a paste-like consistency and contains both haemoglobin and glycerol homogeneously. Furthermore, the measured haemoglobin concentration could be determined based on the collected stool weight, which was directly related to the glycerol concentration. These features make it a useful material for the surveillance of faecal occult blood testing.
The bone remodelling cycle
Authors: Kenkre JS , Bassett JHD
Published: April 2018

The bone remodelling cycle replaces old and damaged bone and is a highly regulated, lifelong process essential for preserving bone integrity and maintaining mineral homeostasis. During the bone remodelling cycle, osteoclastic resorption is tightly coupled to osteoblastic bone formation. The remodelling cycle occurs within the basic multicellular unit and comprises five co-ordinated steps; activation, resorption, reversal, formation and termination. These steps occur simultaneously but asynchronously at multiple different locations within the skeleton. Study of rare human bone disease and animal models have helped to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the bone remodelling cycle. The key signalling pathways controlling osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation are receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin and canonical Wnt signalling. Cytokines, growth factors and prostaglandins act as paracrine regulators of the cycle, whereas endocrine regulators include parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcitonin, growth hormone, glucocorticoids, sex hormones, and thyroid hormone. Disruption of the bone remodelling cycle and any resulting imbalance between bone resorption and formation leads to metabolic bone disease, most commonly osteoporosis. The advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying bone remodelling have also provided targets for pharmacological interventions which include antiresorptive and anabolic therapies. This review will describe the remodelling process and its regulation, discuss osteoporosis and summarize the commonest pharmacological interventions used in its management.
Cognitive and educational outcomes of maltreated and non-maltreated youth: A birth cohort study
Authors: Mills Ryan , Kisely Steve , Alati Rosa , Strathearn Lane , Najman Jake M
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

Previous research suggests that child maltreatment is associated with adverse outcomes, but the potential impact on cognitive and educational outcomes into adulthood has rarely been studied using a birth cohort design. The aim of this study is to investigate whether child maltreatment is associated with adverse outcomes in cognitive function, high school completion and employment by the age of 21.

Methods:

Longitudinal birth cohort study commencing in the prenatal period, with mothers and infants followed up to age 21. Of the original birth cohort of 7223, 3778 (52.3%) young people participated at age 21. Child maltreatment was identified by linkage with prospectively collected data from the relevant government agency. Associations between child maltreatment (abuse and neglect) and the outcomes were adjusted for relevant sociodemographic and perinatal variables.

Results:

After full adjustment, young people who had been notified as cases of child maltreatment had reduced performance on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test by over a quarter of a standard deviation (coefficient = −2.85, p = 0.004). Maltreated young people also had three times the odds of failing to complete high school (odds ratio = 3.12, p < 0.001) and more than twice the odds of not being engaged in either study or employment at age 21 (odds ratio = 2.38, p < 0.001). Both abuse and neglect were similarly associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusion:

Child maltreatment, including both abuse and neglect, is associated with adverse cognitive, educational and employment outcomes in young adulthood. This adds further impetus to efforts to prevent child maltreatment and assist young people who have experienced it.
CEO Wrongdoing: A Review of Pressure, Opportunity, and Rationalization
Authors: Schnatterly Karen , Gangloff K. Ashley , Tuschke Anja
Published: April 2018

Wrongdoing, and specifically that which is committed by top executives, has attracted scholars for decades for a number of reasons. Among them, the consequences of wrongdoing are widespread for organizations and the people in and around them. Due to the vast array of consequences, there continues to be new questions and additional scholarly attempts to uncover why it occurs. In this review, we build upon previous efforts to synthesize the body of literature regarding the antecedents of CEO wrongdoing utilizing a framework that sheds light on the status of the literature and where unanswered questions remain. We apply the Fraud Triangle, a framework drawn from the accounting literature, to derive conclusions about what we know about the pressures faced by CEOs, the opportunities afforded to CEOs to commit wrongdoing, and contributing factors to a CEO’s ability to rationalize misbehavior. We organize the literature on these conceptual antecedents of CEO wrongdoing around internal (e.g., compensation structure and organizational culture) and external (e.g., shareholder pressure and social aspirations) forces. In doing so, we integrate findings from a variety of disciplines (i.e., accounting, finance, and sociology) but remain focused on management scholarship since the last review of organizational wrongdoing to provide an updated state of the literature. This review offers a clear framework and a common language; it highlights gaps in the literature and specific directions for future research with the ultimate goal of understanding why CEOs engage in wrongdoing.
Conceptualizing Numbers at the Science–Policy Interface
Authors: Kovacic Zora
Published: April 2018

Quantitative information is one of the means used to interface science with policy. As a consequence, much effort is invested in producing quantitative information for policy and much criticism is directed toward the use of numbers in policy. In this paper, I analyze five approaches drawn from such criticisms and propose alternative uses of quantitative information for governance: (i) valuation of ecosystem services, (ii) social multicriteria evaluation, (iii) quantification of uncertainty through the Numeral, Unit, Spread, Assessment, Pedigree approach, (iv) Quantitative Story-Telling, and (v) the heuristic use of statistics. The analysis shows the varied ways that numbers are conceptualized and how different conceptualizations matter for the science–policy interface. Alternative conceptualizations of numbers are used to challenge the model of science-speaking truth to power. Uncertainty, complexity, pluralism, malpractice, and values are mobilized to redefine the relations between science and policy. Alternative quantification may produce alternative facts, but reflexive approaches that use numbers to discuss the relevance of equity, positionality, and quality in science for policy may offer a remedy.
Continuation of oral nutritional supplementation supports continued growth in nutritionally at-risk children with picky eating behaviour: A post-intervention, observational follow-up study
Authors: Ghosh Apurba K. , Kishore Bala , Shaikh Irfan , Satyavrat Vinita , Kumar Anil , Shah Tapan , Pote Prahlad , Shinde Sandeep , Berde Yatin , Low Yen Ling , Tan Verena M.H. , Huynh Dieu. T. T.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the 120-day post-intervention growth trajectory of picky-eating children aged 2 to 6 years who previously completed a 90-day, randomized, controlled trial of oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) plus dietary counselling (DC) (SDC, n = 98) compared with DC alone (n = 105).

Methods

A total of 203 children were included. Children were free to consume ONS during follow-up. Information on ONS consumption was collected. Weight-for-age percentile (WAP) and height-for-age percentile (HAP) were measured at Day 90 (beginning) and Day 210 (end point).

Results

Despite continued weight gain, there was a significant decline in WAP in both groups during the post-intervention period. However, children who took ONS voluntarily had a smaller loss in WAP compared with those who did not. Children in the SDC group showed no difference in a decline in HAP between those who took ONS during follow-up and those who did not. However, children in the DC group showed a marginally larger decline in HAP in those who did not take ONS during the follow-up compared with those who did.

Conclusions

Continued parental self-administration of ONS to their children slows down the loss of growth percentiles, supporting continued weight gain in picky-eating children at nutritional risk.
Comparison of modified agonist, mild-stimulation and antagonist protocols for in vitro fertilization in patients with diminished ovarian reserve
Authors: Yu Rong , Jin Hao , Huang Xuefeng , Lin Jinju , Wang Peiyu
Published: April 2018

Objective

To compare the efficacy of three protocols for ovarian stimulation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

Methods

This prospective randomized study enrolled patients with diminished ovarian reserve who underwent cycles of IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: a modified gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol (group A); (ii) a mild stimulation protocol (group B); or (iii) an antagonist protocol (group C). Demographic characteristics, clinical variables and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

A total of 116 patients were enrolled in the study: 54 in group A, 52 in group B and 60 in group C. Group B (32.69%) had a significantly higher cycle cancellation rate compared with groups A (11.11%) and C (16.67%). The early abortion rate of group C (44.44%) was significantly higher than group A (12.50%), but not significantly different from group B (16.67%). There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates among the three groups.

Conclusion

A modified GnRH agonist protocol achieved a comparable pregnancy rate to those of the mild stimulation protocol and antagonist protocol, whilst having lower cycle cancellation and early abortion rates.
Associations between and coexistence of disadvantages in the oldest old people in Sweden: Patterns of change between 1992 and 2011
Authors: Heap Josephine , Fritzell Johan , Lennartsson Carin
Published: April 2018

This study explored changes in the associations between and coexistence of disadvantages in several dimensions of living conditions in the oldest old people in Sweden. We used nationally representative data from 1992 (n = 537), 2002 (n = 621) and 2011 (n = 931). Indicators of limited social resources, limited political resources, limited financial resources, psychological health problems, physical health problems and functional limitations were used. The probability of reporting coexisting disadvantages tended to increase and was particularly elevated in 2002. Physical health problems became more common, and functional limitations, limited financial resources and limited political resources became less common during the studied period. Associations between health-related disadvantages remained fairly stable, whereas associations including other kinds of disadvantages varied somewhat over the studied period. These changes suggest that in general, the composition of coexisting disadvantages is likely to have altered over time. Consequently, the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups in 2011 may have been different from those in 1992. Moreover, the healthcare and social care services directed to older people have undergone significant changes during the past decades. These changes to the system accentuate the vulnerability of people experiencing coexisting disadvantages.
Long-term survival of kidney grafts in lupus nephritis: a Mexican cohort
Authors: Ramirez-Sandoval J C , Chavez-Chavez H , Wagner M , Vega-Vega O , Morales-Buenrostro L E , Correa-Rotter R
Published: April 2018

Kidney transplant for patients with lupus nephritis (LN) has satisfactory outcomes in studies with short-term or mid-term follow up. Nevertheless, information about long-term outcomes is scarce. We performed a retrospective matched-pair cohort study in 74 LN recipients compared with 148 non-LN controls matched by age, sex, immunosuppressive treatment, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matches, and transplant period in order to evaluate long-term outcomes of kidney transplant in LN recipients. Matched pairs were predominantly females (83%), median age at transplant surgery of 32 years (interquartile range 23–38 years), and 66% received a graft from a living related donor. Among LN recipients, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year graft survival was 81%, 79%, 57% and 51%, respectively, and it was similar to that observed in controls (89%, 78%, 64%, and 56%, respectively). Graft loss (27% vs. 21%, p = 0.24) and overall survival ( p = 0.15) were not different between LN recipients and controls. Also, there was no difference in episodes of immunological rejection, thrombosis, or infection. Only six LN recipients had biopsy-proven lupus recurrence and three of them had graft loss. In a cohort with a long follow up of kidney transplant recipients, LN recipients had similar long-term graft survival and overall outcomes compared with non-lupus recipients when predictors are matched between groups.
Found and Lost in Translation: Exploring the Legal Protection of Women from the Domestic Violence Act 2005 Through the Social Public Space of Kolkata
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amrita
Published: April 2018

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 (PWDVA) came into effect on 26 October 2006. The PWDVA introduced several legislative innovations that either are proclaimed as landmarks or remain underscored in the commentaries of the PWDVA. This article attempts to explore the landmark and the mundane PWDVA aspects by examining the implementation of the PWDVA through the relation between the formal legal sphere and the social sphere. It aims to examine how and in what ways has the formal domestic violence law fostered a legal culture engendering legal literacy of ordinary women and men. In doing so, the article explores how the implementation of the PWDVA responds to a particular sociocultural context of women experiencing violence at the hands of family members in India and offers a legal conception of domestic violence that is significantly different from the Western notion of domestic violence as interpersonal violence between two individuals.
Reliability of a Categorical Scale (GOSLON) and a Continuous Scale (10-cm Visual Analog Scale) for Assessing Dental Arch Relationships Using Conventional Plaster and 3D Digital Orthodontic Study Models of Children With Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Fowler Peter , Bellardie Haydn , Shaw Bill , Eyres Phil , Semb Gunvor , Thompson John
Published: April 2018

Objective:

To assess reliability of scoring plaster models and their 3D digital copy of children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP) using a continuous scale (10-cm visual analog scale [VAS]) and a categorical scale (GOSLON Yardstick).

Design:

Reliability observational study involving 3 trained GOSLON Yardstick assessors blinded to the origin of the models.

Patients:

Models from 35 New Zealand (NZ) and 35 Oslo CUCLP patients were standardized and randomly ordered before rating.

Outcome Measures:

Assessments were undertaken using the GOSLON and the VAS for both model formats. Twenty percent of sample were randomly selected and rescored at the first assessment, and whole sample was rescored 1 week later. Weighted κ was used to assess GOSLON reliability, while correlation was used for the VAS.

Results:

The VAS and GOSLON intra- and inter-rater agreement was similar for both model formats. Repeat measurements on the day have similar intra-rater reliability as repeat measurements at least a week part. There was no significant difference between the 2 model formats, and both the GOSLON and VAS found the NZ models were significantly worse than Oslo.

Conclusions:

A 10-cm VAS is a reliable method to assess dental arch relationships and appears to have good face validity when compared to GOSLON. The VAS allows for statistically robust rankings of the dental arch relationships, although more studies will be required to enable the VAS scores to have greater clinical meaning. The 3D digital models can be used for GOSLON and VAS rankings with a high degree of reliability.
Nasal Obstruction in Children With Cleft Lip and Palate: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study Utilizing the NOSE Scale
Authors: Zhang Rosaline S. , Lin Lawrence O. , Hoppe Ian C. , Jackson Oksana A. , Low David W. , Bartlett Scott P. , Swanson Jordan W. , Taylor Jesse A.
Published: April 2018

Objective:

To characterize the epidemiology and risk factors for nasal obstruction among subjects with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) utilizing the well-validated Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) survey.

Design:

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Cleft Lip and Palate Program, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Patients, Subjects:

One thousand twenty-eight surveys obtained from 456 subjects (mean age: 10.10 (4.48) years) with CL/P evaluated between January 2015 and August 2017 with at least 1 completed NOSE survey.

Interventions:

Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation surveys completed at each annual visit.

Main Outcome Measures:

Composite NOSE and individual symptom scores.

Results:

Sixty-seven percent of subjects had nasal obstruction at some point during the study period, with 49% reporting nasal obstruction at latest follow-up. subjects aged 14 years and older reported the most severe symptoms ( P = .002). Subjects with cleft lip and alveolus (CL+A) and unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) reported more severe nasal blockage than other phenotypes ( P = .021). subjects with a history of either posterior pharyngeal flap (PPF) or sphincter pharyngoplasty (SP) had significantly higher NOSE scores than subjects with no history of speech surgery ( P = .006). There was no significant difference ( P > .050) in NOSE scores with regard to history of primary tip rhinoplasty, nasal stent use, or nasoalveolar molding.

Conclusions:

There are more severe nasal obstructive symptoms among subjects older than 14 years of age, with CL+A or unilateral CLP, and with a history of PPF or SP. Future studies utilizing the NOSE are needed to evaluate and address this prevalent morbidity in the CLP population.
Relationship of Plantar Fascia Thickness and Preoperative Pain, Function, and Quality of Life in Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Gamba Carlo , Sala-Pujals Aleix , Perez-Prieto Daniel , Ares-Vidal Jesus , Solano-Lopez Alberto , Gonzalez-Lucena Gemma , Ginés-Cespedosa Alberto
Published: April 2018

Background:

The measurement of plantar fascia thickness has been advocated as a diagnostic and prognostic instrument in patients with plantar fasciitis, but there are no data relative to it in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the correlation between plantar fascia thickness and pain, functional score, and health perception in patients with this condition.

Methods:

Thirty-eight feet were studied with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to measure plantar fascia thickness. The visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hindfoot Score (AOFAS), and SF-36 were then recorded for each patient. The relationship between the fascia and these scores was analyzed to evaluate the correlation of thickness with pain, functional level, and health perception of patients.

Results:

In patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, plantar fascia thickness did not correlate with pain (VAS), AOFAS, or any item of the SF-36.

Conclusion:

The thickness of the plantar fascia in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis did not correlate with its clinical impact, and thus, we believe it should not be used in treatment planning.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Outreach Strategies to Recruit Low-Income African American Men to Participate in Health Promotion Programs and Research: Lessons From the Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) Project
Authors: Graham Louis F , Scott Lamont , Lopeyok Erus , Douglas Henry , Gubrium Aline , Buchanan David
Published: April 2018

African American men continue to bear a disproportionate share of the burden of disease. Engaging these men in health research and health promotion programs—especially lower-income, African American men who are vulnerable to chronic disease conditions such as obesity and heart disease—has historically proven quite difficult for researchers and public health practitioners. The few effective outreach strategies identified in the literature to date are largely limited to recruiting through hospital clinics, churches, and barbershops. The Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) project is a grassroots, community-driven initiative that has developed a number of innovative outreach strategies. After describing these strategies, we present data on the demographic and health characteristics of the population reached using these methods, which indicate that MOCHA has been highly effective in reaching this population of men.
Outcomes of early carotid stenting and angioplasty in large-vessel anterior circulation strokes treated with mechanical thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolytics
Authors: Mehta T , Desai N , Mehta K , Parikh R , Male S , Hussain M , Ollenschleger M , Spiegel G , Grande A , Ezzeddine M , Jagadeesan B , Tummala R , McCullough L
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Proximal cervical internal carotid artery stenosis greater than 50% merits revascularization to mitigate the risk of stroke recurrence among large-vessel anterior circulation strokes undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Carotid artery stenting necessitates the use of antiplatelets, and there is a theoretical increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation given that such patients may already have received intravenous thrombolytics and have a significant infarct burden. We investigate the outcomes of large-vessel anterior circulation stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolytics receiving same-day carotid stenting or selective angioplasty compared to no carotid intervention.

Materials and methods

The study cohort was obtained from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample database between 2006 and 2014, using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, ninth revision discharge diagnosis and procedure codes. A total of 11,825 patients with large-vessel anterior circulation stroke treated with intravenous thrombolytic and mechanical thrombectomy on the same day were identified. The study population was subdivided into three subgroups: no carotid intervention, same-day carotid angioplasty without carotid stenting, and same-day carotid stenting. Outcomes were assessed with respect to mortality, significant disability at discharge, hemorrhagic transformation, and requirement of percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy tube placement, prolonged mechanical ventilation, or craniotomy.

Results

This study found no statistically significant difference in patient outcomes in those treated with concurrent carotid stenting compared to no carotid intervention in terms of morbidity or mortality.

Conclusions

If indicated, it is reasonable to consider concurrent carotid stenting and/or angioplasty for large-vessel anterior circulation stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy who also receive intravenous thrombolytics.
Codimension-two bifurcation analysis and chaos synchronization of a quarter-car vehicle model
Authors: Chang Shun-Chang , Hu Jui-Feng
Published: April 2018

In this study, codimension-two bifurcation analysis was used in conjunction with a novel control method to mediate chaos in a semi-active suspension system based on a quarter-car model with excitation introduced by the road surface profile. The results of bifurcation analysis indicate that the hysteretic nonlinear characteristics of the damping forces produce codimension-two bifurcation, resulting in homoclinic orbits and pitchfork bifurcation. We also characterized the complex dynamics of vehicle suspension systems using a bifurcation diagram, phase portraits, Poincaré maps, and frequency spectra. Furthermore, the largest Lyapunov exponent was used to identify the onset of chaotic motion and to verify the results of bifurcation analysis. We also developed a continuous feedback control method based on synchronization characteristics to eliminate chaotic oscillations. Finally, we conducted analysis on the robustness of parametric perturbation in suspension systems with synchronization control using Lyapunov stability theory and numerical simulations.
Safety integrity level evaluation of nuclear centrifugal pump based on performance degradation data
Authors: Lin Zhao , Xue Wang
Published: April 2018

To reduce personnel and equipment risks related to centrifugal pumps in nuclear power plants, safety integrity level for centrifugal pumps must be evaluated. The safety integrity level evaluation methods in the IEC 61508 standard depend on statistical historical failure-dependent data and static threshold. However, for centrifugal pumps in nuclear power plants, the statistical historical failure-dependent data are insufficient, and the static threshold is not easily determined, especially under dynamically changing operation conditions. To overcome the aforementioned problems, this article proposes a safety integrity level evaluation method for centrifugal pumps based on the performance degradation data. This method constructs a Wiener degradation model to describe the degradation process of centrifugal pumps. The degradation trajectories in the upcoming cycles are predicted using a particle filter algorithm. The degradation trajectories with high credibility are selected based on reputation index. The failure time of each selected degradation trajectory is judged using catastrophe theory. The safety integrity levels are defined by performance degradation threshold on demand. Experiments are performed using the simulation data and the component cooling water pump condition-monitoring data set. By comparing to the risk matrix analysis recommended in the IEC 61508 standard, the proposed method is more reasonable and obeys the rule of the bathtub-shaped curve.
Threatening criminals and marginalized individuals: Frames and news conventions in reporting of radicalization and violent extremism
Authors: Larsen Anna Grøndahl
Published: April 2018

The phenomenon of so-called foreign fighters has in recent years attracted renewed public interest regarding why young people who have grown up in Western, democratic countries come to accept and engage in politically motivated violence, and these issues have received extensive news attention. Based on analysis of news texts published in four major Norwegian news outlets throughout 2014 and 2015, and supplemented with in-depth interviews with reporters, the present article investigates how radicalization and violent extremism are framed in the news, including how news conventions contribute to shape the ways in which these issues are defined in public debate. The analysis shows that authority definitions prevailed. ‘Radicalized’ individuals were predominantly presented as threats and criminals to be dealt with in the judicial system. A ‘marginalization approach’ was, however, also present in the reporting. This was partly due to reporters’ efforts to bring personalized human-interest stories, which, to some extent, served to broaden the overall range of depictions. Simultaneously, issues pertaining to radicalization were mainly discussed at micro- and mesolevels, and more abstract political or systemic explanations not actualized by specific events or easily concretized through foregrounding specific individuals were largely absent. The article contributes new insights into characteristics of public discourses of radicalization and violent extremism, and how these are constructed in the intersection between news conventions and (elite) sources.
The biomechanics of proximal humeral fractures: Injury mechanism and cortical morphology
Authors: Majed Addie , Thangarajah Tanujan , Southgate Dominic FL , Reilly Peter , Bull Anthony , Emery Roger
Published: April 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of arm position on proximal humerus fracture configuration and to determine whether cortical thinning would predispose to fracture propagation and more complex patterns of injury.

Methods

A drop test rig was designed to simulate falls onto an outstretched arm (‘parachute reflex’). Thirty-one cadaveric specimens underwent computer tomography scanning and cortical thicknesses mapping. Humeri were fractured according to one of the two injury mechanisms and filmed using a high-speed camera. Anatomical descriptions of the injuries were made. Areas of thinning were measured and correlated with zones of fracture propagation.

Results

Direct impact simulation resulted in undisplaced humeral head split fractures in 53% of cases, with the remainder involving disruption to the articular margin and valgus impaction. Alternatively, the ‘parachute reflex’ predominantly produced shield-type injuries (38%) and displaced greater tuberosity fractures (19%). A strong correlation was demonstrated between cortical thinning and the occurrence of fracture (odds ratio = 7.766, 95% confidence interval from 4.760 to 12.669, p<0.0001).

Conclusion

This study has shown that arm position during a fall influences fracture configuration of the proximal humerus. Correlating fracture pattern and mechanism of injury will allow more appropriate fracture reduction techniques to be devised.
Is hyponatremia associated with mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension?
Authors: Rudkovskaia Anastasiia A. , Tonelli Adriano R. , Rao Youlan , Hammel Jeffrey P. , Buller Gregory K. , Dweik Raed A. , Fares Wassim H.
Published: April 2018

Hyponatremia is associated with poor prognosis in left heart failure and liver disease. Its prognostic role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is not well defined. We investigated the association between hyponatremia and one‐year mortality in two large cohorts of PAH. This study is a secondary analysis evaluating the association between hyponatremia and one‐year mortality in patients treated with subcutaneous treprostinil (cohort 1). The results are validated using a PAH registry at a tertiary referral center (cohort 2). Eight‐hundred and twenty patients were enrolled in cohort 1 (mean age = 47 ± 14 years) and 791 in cohort 2 (mean age = 55 ± 15 years). Sodium level is negatively correlated with mean right atrial pressure (r = −0.09, P = 0.018; r = −0.089, P = 0.015 in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively). In unadjusted analyses of cohort 1, the sodium level (as a continuous variable) is associated with one‐year mortality (hazard ratio = 0.94; P = 0.035). Hyponatremia loses its significance (as a continuous variable and when dichotomized at ≤ 137 mmol/L; P = 0.12) when adjusted for functional class (FC), which is identified as the variable whose presence turns the effect of sodium level into non‐significant. Secondary analyses using a cut‐off value of < 135 mmol/L showed similar results. These results are validated in cohort 2. Although the sample size for patients with sodium < 130 mmol/L is small (n = 31), severe hyponatremia is associated with higher overall mortality (47% versus 23%; P = 0.01), even when adjusting for age, FC, and baseline 6‐min walk distance (P < 0.001). Although baseline hyponatremia is associated with one‐year mortality, it loses its significance when adjusted for FC.
Trismus, masticatory myositis and antibodies against type 2M fibers in a mixed breed cat
Authors: Blazejewski Stanley W , Shelton G Diane
Published: April 2018

Case summary

A 1-year-old male neutered mixed breed cat presented with a 2 month history of inability to fully open the mouth when yawning and decreased ability to prehend food. Physical examination revealed severe bilaterally symmetrical masticatory muscle atrophy, a restricted vertical mandibular range of motion of 11–12 mm, and a normal body condition score. Skull radiography was normal. A canine ELISA system against unique masticatory muscle fibers (2M antibody titer), was positive at 1:1000 (reference interval <1:100 in dogs, and was <1:100 using serum from five archived normal cats), indicating the presence of cross-reacting antibodies. Owing to the chronicity and clinical severity, corticosteroid treatment did not result in improved jaw mobility, consistent with end-stage masticatory myositis. Masticatory muscle biopsy was declined at initial presentation. However, 1 year later at elective euthanasia, CT ruled out temporomandibular joint osseous restrictions, and masticatory and biceps femoral muscle histopathology evaluation confirmed end stage feline masticatory myositis with normal limb muscle.

Relevance and novel information

Masticatory myositis should be included in the differential diagnosis of trismus in cats. A canine ELISA can be used to indicate the presence of feline 2M cross-reacting antibodies. More cases are needed to fully elucidate the clinical presentation and best course of treatment.
Gender Effects Across Place: A Multilevel Investigation of Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Region in Sentencing
Authors: Holland Melanie M. , Prohaska Ariane
Published: April 2018

Previous empirical research has indicated that women receive less punitive sentencing outcomes, compared to their male counterparts, while controlling for legally relevant case characteristics. This advantage persists at the federal level, despite the implementation of sentencing guidelines. However, drawing from the “intersectionalities” literature, it does not appear as though all women are equal beneficiaries of this courtroom leniency. Specifically, women of color are less inclined to receive sentencing benefits in response to the differential stereotyping of this demographic. Furthermore, due to differing sociohistorical contexts and gender ideologies, the influence of gender on sentencing outcomes will likely vary across place. This study contributes to the existing sentencing literature by examining whether, and to what extent, gender leniency is moderated by race/ethnicity and geographic region. Using data from the 2015 Monitoring of Federal Criminal Sentences, this study finds that women receive shorter sentence lengths than men. However, contrary to expectation, women of color receive shorter sentences than White women. Additionally, women who are adjudicated in the southern and border districts receive significantly longer sentences. These findings demonstrate the importance of contextualizing and disaggregating female criminal justice outcomes as well as the need to limit research and discourse that imply a singular shared experience among all women.
Risk Factors for 30-Day Readmissions and Reoperations After 3-Column Osteotomy for Spinal Deformity
Authors: De la Garza Ramos Rafael , Nakhla Jonathan , Echt Murray , Gelfand Yaroslav , Scoco Aleka N. , Kinon Merrit D. , Yassari Reza
Published: April 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective study of a prospectively collected database.

Objective:

To investigate the rate and risk factors for 30-day readmissions and reoperations after 3-column osteotomy (3CO).

Methods:

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2012-2014) was reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult patients who underwent 3CO. The rate of 30-day readmission/reoperation was examined, and the association between patient/operative characteristics and outcome was investigated via multivariate analysis.

Results:

There were 299 patients who underwent a 3CO for spinal deformity. The rate of 30-day readmission and reoperation was 11.0% and 8.4%, respectively; 7.7% of readmissions were related to the primary procedure and 3.3% were unrelated. The most common unique cause for readmission was wound infection in 27.2% of cases. Among reoperations, the most common unique indications were wound infection (20.0%) and implant-related complications (20.0%). On multivariate analysis, obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.96; 95% CI = 1.06-8.25; P = .038), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 20.8; 95% CI = 3.49-123.5; P = .001), and fusion of 13 or more spinal levels were independent predictors of readmission (OR = 4.86; 95% CI = 1.21-19.5; P = .025). On the other hand, independent predictors of reoperation included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 6.33; 95% CI = 1.16-34.5; P = .033) and chronic steroid use (OR = 6.69; 95% CI = 1.61-27.7; P = .009).

Conclusion:

Wound complications and short-term implant-related complications are important causes of readmission and/or reoperation after 3CO. Preoperative factors such as obesity, chronic lung disease, chronic steroid use, and long-segment fusion procedures may significantly increase the risk of 30-day morbidity following high-grade osteotomies.