bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of a Mesoscale Eddy Pair on Internal Solitary Waves in the Northern South China Sea revealed by Mooring Array Observations
Authors: Huang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Xiaojiang , Qian Hongbao , Zhao Wei , Tian Jiwei
Published: April 2017

Both internal solitary waves (ISWs) and mesoscale eddies are ubiquitous in the northern South China Sea (SCS). In this study, the authors examine the impacts of mesoscale eddies on the ISWs transiting the northern SCS deep basin that evolve from the steepening internal tide generated in the Luzon Strait, using in situ data collected from a specifically designed mooring array. From November 2013 to January 2014, an energetic mesoscale eddy pair consisting of one anticyclonic eddy (AE) and one cyclonic eddy (CE) propagated across the mooring array. Observations revealed that the amplitude, propagation direction, and speed of the transbasin ISWs were significantly modulated by the eddy pair. When the moorings were covered by the southern portion of the AE, the ISW amplitudes decreased by as much as 67% because of the thermocline deepening along the wave direction and the energy divergence along the wave front. When the moorings were covered by the northern portions of both eddies, the amplitude of ISWs also decreased but to a relatively smaller degree. ISWs propagated the fastest inside the southern portion of the AE, where both the thermocline deepening and eddy currents enhanced the propagation speed of ISWs. Under the influence of the AE (CE) core, ISWs propagated more northward (southward) than usual. The observational results reported here highlight the importance of resolving mesoscale eddies in circulation–internal wave coupled models to accurately predict kinematic characteristics of ISWs.
Visual Presentation Style 1: A Test of Visual Presentation Styles and Candidate Evaluation During the First 2016 Presidential Debate
Authors: Wicks Robert H. , Stewart Patrick A. , Eubanks Austin D. , Eidelman Scott , Dye Reagan G.
Published: April 2017

This study explores whether visual presentation style (i.e., camera shot variation) may influence perceptions of Presidential candidates during televised debates. In a field experiment, 341 randomly assigned college students viewed or listened to one of seven broadcast network or cable/satellite channel conditions during the first televised Presidential debate between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump. A feeling thermometer and 19 leadership and personal traits were assessed during the time leading up to the debate and again immediately afterward. No differences were found based on presentation style, likely reflecting lack of variance in visual differences between the networks and broadcast channels. However, participant political ideology was significantly related to postdebate feelings toward each candidate. Judgments of Clinton’s professional and personal traits increased as was also the case albeit less significantly for Trump. Reasons for these changes in perceptions of the candidates following the debate are explored.
Development and validation of a prediction algorithm for the onset of common mental disorders in a working population
Authors: Fernandez Ana , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Choi Isabella , Calvo Rafael , Harvey Samuel B , Glozier Nicholas
Published: April 2017

Objective:

Common mental disorders are the most common reason for long-term sickness absence in most developed countries. Prediction algorithms for the onset of common mental disorders may help target indicated work-based prevention interventions. We aimed to develop and validate a risk algorithm to predict the onset of common mental disorders at 12 months in a working population.

Methods:

We conducted a secondary analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, a longitudinal, nationally representative household panel in Australia. Data from the 6189 working participants who did not meet the criteria for a common mental disorders at baseline were non-randomly split into training and validation databases, based on state of residence. Common mental disorders were assessed with the mental component score of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (score ⩽45). Risk algorithms were constructed following recommendations made by the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Prevention Or Diagnosis statement.

Results:

Different risk factors were identified among women and men for the final risk algorithms. In the training data, the model for women had a C-index of 0.73 and effect size (Hedges’ g) of 0.91. In men, the C-index was 0.76 and the effect size was 1.06. In the validation data, the C-index was 0.66 for women and 0.73 for men, with positive predictive values of 0.28 and 0.26, respectively

Conclusion:

It is possible to develop an algorithm with good discrimination for the onset identifying overall and modifiable risks of common mental disorders among working men. Such models have the potential to change the way that prevention of common mental disorders at the workplace is conducted, but different models may be required for women.
Immunizing Children: A Qualitative Analysis of Future Parental Decision Making
Authors: Espeleta Hannah C. , Beasley Lana O. , Ridings Leigh E. , Smith Tyler J. , Shields Jennifer D.
Published: April 2017

Vaccinations are considered one of public health’s greatest accomplishments. Despite evidence for vaccine effectiveness, uptake levels are still well below the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines. The immunization decision-making process for parents is complex and depends on factors associated with knowledge and experiences. This qualitative study sought to expand on a previous decision-making model for immunizations by examining how individuals receive vaccination information, determining the role of experience in influencing decisions, and understanding how young adults might locate vaccination information in the future. Three focus groups were conducted with 29 undergraduate students without children. Results suggest that young adults exhibit an awareness of information regarding vaccine use and effectiveness, value doctor opinions and recommendations, and desire more robust research on vaccinations. Implications of these results include the importance of (1) disseminating vaccination education to young adults, (2) enhancing consistency/trust between medical professionals and youth, and (3) expanding public policy to increase vaccine uptake.
Drought, Local Institutional Contexts, and Support for Violence in Kenya
Authors: Linke Andrew M. , Witmer Frank D. W. , O’Loughlin John , McCabe J. Terrence , Tir Jaroslav
Published: April 2017

We address two questions on the effects of climate change for social instability. First, do droughts and their associated environmental impacts affect support for the use of violence? Second, do local-level formal and informal institutions moderate support for violence when and where droughts worsen? To answer these questions, we conducted a national survey of 1,400 Kenyans in 2014. Respondents were asked about patterns of rainfall and the presence of rules regulating natural resource use and access. Survey data are joined to spatially disaggregated observed rainfall trends. The survey uses endorsement experiments to elicit honest responses about support for using violence. There is some evidence of a direct, though limited, link between observed drought and violent attitudes. Certain local-level natural resource use rules have moderating effects on support for violence where drought is reported and precipitation is less frequent. This conditional and contextual effect is an important modification of overly simplistic narratives of universal climate change effects.
When the Grass Could Be Greener: Psychological Correlates of Positive Affect Discrepancies in White American and Taiwanese Samples
Authors: Tran Alisia G. T. T. , Su Jenny C. , Chong Shiqin S. , Woei-Haur Lin
Published: April 2017

Drawing on self-discrepancy, social comparison, and affect valuation theories, this cross-cultural investigation explores the associations of actual–other and actual–deal discrepancies in positive affect with psychological functioning (i.e., psychological distress, satisfaction with life). Across White American ( n = 157) and Taiwanese ( n = 220) samples, results indicated that individuals reported poorer psychological functioning the more that the positive affect they wanted to feel (actual–deal discrepancies) or believed others felt (actual–other discrepancies) exceeded their own. Moreover, the magnitude of association between low-arousal positive affect (LAPA; for example, peaceful) and psychological functioning was generally stronger for the Taiwanese sample. Moderated mediation models further indicated cross-cultural variations. Specifically, lower independent self-construal was linked to greater actual–deal and actual–other LAPA discrepancies, which were associated with poorer psychological functioning for both samples; but these mediation effects were stronger for the Taiwanese sample than the American sample. A similar moderated mediation effect was significant for actual–deal high-arousal positive affect (HAPA; for example, excited) in relation to psychological distress but countered predictions based on affect valuation theory. The potential merits and limitations of theoretical assumptions in light of these findings are discussed. Results extend current knowledge on possible correlates (e.g., LAPA discrepancies) of poor psychological functioning among individuals in different cultural contexts.
Reading Disability Spectrum: Early and Late Recognition, Subthreshold, and Full Comorbidity
Authors: Törő Krisztina Tárnokiné , Miklósi Mónika , Horanyi Eszter , Kovács Gábor Pers , Balázs Judit
Published: April 2017

Several studies have reported high comorbidity for reading disability (RD) and psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the comorbidity of subthreshold and full psychiatric disorders with RD while comparing subgroups based on age of RD recognition (early vs. late). We analyzed data from 130 children with RD and 82 typically developing children aged 7 to 18 years. RD was assessed with the Dyslexia Differential Diagnosis Maastricht-Hungarian Standard Test. Psychiatric diagnoses were based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Kid. Chi-square tests were used for group comparisons of the prevalence of subthreshold and full disorders. A higher proportion of children in the RD group were assessed as having internalizing or externalizing disorders. When subthreshold and full diagnoses were considered together, the prevalence of internalizing but not externalizing pathology was higher in the RD group than the control group. The prevalence of internalizing pathology was similar in the early and late RD subgroups, but externalizing pathology was more common in the late RD subgroup. When subthreshold and full diagnoses were considered together, mood disorder and externalizing pathology were more prevalent in the late RD subgroup than the early RD subgroup. This study demonstrated that early recognition of RD may play a role in determining comorbid psychopathology and should therefore be an educational and clinical priority. Clinicians should routinely screen children with RD for comorbid disorders, including subthreshold pathology.
Optimization of the balance between effort and yield in unilateral surgical transfer of mouse embryos
Authors: González-Jara Pablo , Fontela Tomás , López-Mimbela Esther , Cereceda Marta , Del Olmo Daniel , Moreno Manuel
Published: April 2017

Surgical transfer of embryos is carried out daily in animal facilities worldwide for the rederivation of mouse strains/lines, among other purposes. Current protocols described in laboratory manuals recommend using a high number of embryos during transfer, typically in the range of 15 up to 25. To optimize the use of resources it is necessary to estimate and relate the effort required and the yield obtained. Here, we analyse the balance between the number of embryos transferred (the effort), and the yield as the number of born pups obtained from surgical embryo transfer. To accomplish this, we have analyzed data obtained during rederivation of nearly one hundred lines of mice to a new animal facility. Our results confirm that the use of increasing numbers of embryos per transfer increases the yields of born pups, as has been described previously in the literature, but they also highlight the disproportionate effort required, i.e. in the number of embryos that needed to be transferred. An estimate of the mean expected yields of surgical transfers and their comparison with the actual observed yields indicated that the balance between effort and yield is optimized when using lower numbers of embryos than in currently used protocols, in the range of 8 to 12. Given the heterogeneous nature of the data presented and analyzed here, which is from a population of mice that may be considered as representative of any animal facility, our optimization approach should help save resources in similar facilities and improve the yields of embryo transfer procedures.
Salivary Cortisol Responses and Session Ratings of Perceived Exertion to a Rugby Match and Fatigue Test
Authors: Caetano Júnior P. C. , Castilho M. L. , Raniero L.
Published: April 2017

This study compared the effects of an official rugby match and a fatigue test on the salivary cortisol responses of 13 rugby players. We also examined the relationship between this cortisol response and session ratings of perceived exertion (session-RPE). We collected saliva before and after the match and fatigue test and assessed physical effort intensity via session-RPE using a CR-10 scale. We measured cortisol concentration by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results were greater session-RPE and cortisol concentrations for the rugby match, compared with the fatigue test. There was a significant difference between cortisol concentrations obtained pre- and postmatch ( p < .022) and significant correlations between cortisol response and session-RPE sampling in both the rugby match ( r = .81; p < .001) and fatigue test ( r = .91; p < .001). This study provides evidence of greater perceived effort and higher cortisol concentrations in actual competition versus a fatigue test. Our data further support session-RPE as a relatively inexpensive close correlate of a stress biomarker (cortisol response). Thus, session-RPE can be used by coaches as a valid indication of training loads and adequate recovery time after exertion.
Assessing the Effects of Exposure to Supermax Confinement on Offender Postrelease Behaviors
Authors: Butler H. Daniel , Steiner Benjamin , Makarios Matthew D. , Travis Lawrence F.
Published: April 2017

A number of studies have examined whether the carceral experience has a criminogenic, deterrent, or null effect on offenders’ postrelease behaviors, but it is less clear whether exposure to different types of confinement similarly affects offenders’ postrelease behaviors. Using data collected from offenders released under postrelease supervision in Ohio, we examine the impact of exposure to one type of penal environment, supermax confinement, on offenders’ odds of recidivism and other postrelease outcomes. The findings revealed that exposure to supermax confinement had no impact on offenders’ postrelease behaviors.
Capture-Recapture: Using Existing Data Sources to Improve Perinatal Hepatitis B Surveillance, Philadelphia, 2008-2014
Authors: Kuncio Danica E. , Newbern E. Claire , Ma Liyuan , Madera Robbie , Barlow Bruce , Robison S. Ginny , Viner Kendra M. , Johnson Caroline C.
Published: April 2017

Objective:

The objective of this study was to describe the capture-recapture method used by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to enhance surveillance of perinatal hepatitis B virus (HBV), report on results and limitations of the process, and determine why some HBV-positive mother-infant pairs were not initially identified by Philadelphia’s Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program (PHBPP).

Methods:

We performed capture-recapture retrospectively for births in 2008 and 2009 in Philadelphia and prospectively for births from 2010 to 2014 by independently matching annual birth certificate data to PHBPP and HBV surveillance data. We compared the number of HBV-positive mother-infant pairs identified each year to the point estimates and lower-limit estimates calculated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the Philadelphia PHBPP.

Results:

Of 156 605 pregnancy outcomes identified between 2008 and 2014, we found 1549 HBV-positive mother-infant pairs. Of 705 pairs that were initially determined, 358 (50.7%) were confirmed to be previously unidentified HBV-positive pairs. Reasons for failing to identify these mother-infant pairs prior to capture-recapture included internal administrative issues (n = 191, 53.4%), HBV testing and reporting issues (n = 92, 25.7%), and being lost to follow-up (n = 75, 20.9%). Each year that capture-recapture was used, the number of pairs identified by the Philadelphia PHBPP exceeded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s lower-limit estimates for HBV-positive mother-infant pairs.

Conclusions:

Capture-recapture was useful for identifying HBV-positive pregnant women for Philadelphia’s PHBPP and for highlighting inadequacies in health department protocols and HBV testing during pregnancy. Other health departments with access to similar data sources and staff members with the necessary technical skills can adapt this method.
Dynamic analysis of the boiler drum of a coal-fired thermal power plant
Authors: Chandrasekharan Sreepradha , Panda Rames Chandra , Natrajan Swaminathan Bhuvaneswari
Published: April 2017

The subcritical coal-fired boilers of thermal power plants consist of a combustion chamber, economizer unit, drum unit (drum, riser, and downcomer), superheater unit (primary superheater, secondary superheater, and final superheater), and reheater unit. The input and output of these units are highly interactive in nature. The efficiency of the subcritical plants is only around 33%. The efficiency needs to be increased to produce more power for the increasing demand, which can be achieved only by implementing supercritical technology or ultra-supercritical technology. However, the conversion of existing subcritical power plants to supercritical power plants is impossible due to the installation cost. So in order to increase the overall efficiency of the existing subcritical power plants, boilers of such units must be examined in order to find safer operational practices. This paper highlights the mathematical modeling of the economizer unit and drum unit of boiler, which can help in enhancing the performance of the boiler system of the power plant. Mass and energy balances for the integrating boiler units have been formulated using first principle laws. The developed model has then been validated with actual plant data obtained from a 210 MW coal-fired thermal power plant. The performance of the open loop responses of the model are analyzed and are included in the results and discussion of the paper. The model provides support for level, pressure, and temperature measurements and predictions. The effect of changes in the parameters of the boiler are studied and discussed in detail.
High-risk neuroblastoma in a sub-Saharan African country: telling it like it is
Authors: Hadley GP , van Heerden J
Published: April 2017

Neuroblastoma is uncommon in Africa, but when seen usually presents as high-risk disease with a poor prognosis. This aggressive biology of the tumour is frequently augmented by delayed presentation. Current treatment depends upon technologies and skills that are scarce in developing countries and the cost involved is generally beyond the means of healthcare providers who are faced with a myriad more pressing healthcare issues. The presentation, treatment and outcome of 45 African children with neuroblastoma are described. Due to a lack of resources precise risk stratification was impossible but visceral or bone metastases were present in 73% of patients at diagnosis. In 91% the primary tumour was intra-abdominal. Three children (7%) were paraplegic on admission. A localised tumour was seen in one child (2%). Fifteen children (33%) underwent a surgical procedure, with intent to cure in five among whom resection was incomplete in three. For all other children, treatment was palliative using chemotherapy with judicious use of radiotherapy. Thirteen children (29%) survived longer than six months. Overall survival at three years was 4%.
Can non-profit employees’ internal desires to work be quantified? Validating the Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale
Authors: Renard Michelle , Snelgar Robin John
Published: April 2017

Intrinsic work motivation concerns the execution of work tasks as a result of such activities being deemed inherently interesting, enjoyable, and meaningful by the employee performing them. Such motivation is of particular importance to employees of non-profit organisations, whose motives often stem from altruistic values as opposed to monetary gain. Limited quantitative measuring instruments exist that have been validated and found to be reliable to measure intrinsic work motivation. This exploratory study aimed to develop and validate such a measuring instrument (the Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale) using 486 non-profit responders from Australia, South Africa, and the United States. It made use of reliability testing, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and Pearson’s product moment correlations to achieve this aim. The results indicate that the Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale is reliable and possesses construct, convergent, and discriminant validity. Factor analysis indicated that the Intrinsic Work Motivation Scale comprises three factors, namely, personal connection to one’s work, personal desire to make a difference, and personal desire to perform. Intrinsic motivation was found to correlate positively with work engagement and salary satisfaction and negatively with intention to quit. It is recommended that this instrument be utilised in further studies outside of the non-profit sector, to determine the relevance of intrinsic work motivation within differing employment contexts.
Major controlling factors for the high-quality shale of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation, Sichuan Basin
Authors: Wang Yuman , Li Xinjing , Dong Dazhong , Zhang Chenchen , Wang Shufang
Published: April 2017

Research on major controlling factors of the high-quality shale in Upper Ordovician Wufeng–Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation is a major subject. Based on the information of outcrops and drilling data acquired from Southern Sichuan combined with geochemical elemental analysis and biostratigraphy, this paper analyzed the sedimentary characteristics of Wufeng–Longmaxi organic-rich shale in Sichuan Basin, including plate movements, fluctuation of sea level, paleoproductivity, deposition rates, and paleogeographic environment, and revealed the distribution and sedimentary controlling factors of high-quality shale. Four preliminary conclusions were drawn: (1) The collision and joint of Yangtze Plate and its periphery plates, as well as the intraplate deformation, were gentle in early stage, strong in late stage, gentle in northwest, while strong in southeast, thus forming the northwestward migration of sedimentation center in Sichuan Basin, and the evolution of southern Sichuan sea closeness from weak to strong. (2) Sea level changed following the cycle of deep→shallow→deep→shallow at the turn of Ordovician–Silurian. High sea level and stable ocean basin in early stage created extensive anoxic tectonic sedimentary space which was in favor of organic matter preservation. (3) Influenced by tectonic movements and sea closeness, paleoproductivity of Southern Sichuan marine presented the trend of high in early stage and low in late stage, while the deposition rate also changed from slow in the early stage to fast in the late stage. (4) Extensive deposition and distribution of organic-rich silicic shale was mainly controlled by stable sea basin of low deposition rate, relatively high sea level, semienclosed water, and low deposition rate. The research showed that the high-quality shale in Sichuan Basin is characterized by multiphase superimposition, horizontal extension, and northwest renewal of sedimentary age; Wufeng–Rhuddanian is the main depositional period of high-quality shale, Aeronian comes next; the main exploration layers are Wufeng–Rhuddanian in southern–eastern Sichuan depression, Rhuddanian–Aeronian in Weiyuan, and Wufeng–Telychian in central-northern Sichuan.
Material Weakness in Internal Controls and Stock Price Crash Risk
Authors: Lobo Gerald , Wang Chong , Yu Xiaoou , Zhao Yuping
Published: April 2017

We investigate the association between material weakness in internal controls (MW) disclosed under Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) and future stock price crash risk. We argue that relative to firms with effective internal controls, firms with MW have lower financial reporting precision. The lower reporting precision (a) increases divergence of investor opinion with regard to firm valuation and (b) facilitates managers’ withholding of negative information, which increases the information asymmetry between managers and outside investors. We hypothesize that both these effects increase the probability of a future stock price crash. We find empirical evidence consistent with our prediction. In additional analyses, we document that the positive association between MW and crash risk is primarily driven by company level rather than by account-specific weaknesses, increases with the number of material weaknesses, and intensifies during the financial crisis. In addition, we find that both the existence and the disclosure of MW incrementally affect crash risk, and that MW facilitates managers’ withholding of bad news. Finally, we fail to find consistent evidence of a significant relation between MW disclosed under Section 404 of SOX and crash risk.
Comparison of Gravity Flow Rates Between ENFit and Legacy Feeding Tubes
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Duellman Wanda , Epp Lisa , Davidson Jacob , Hurt Ryan T.
Published: April 2017

Background: Misconnections between enteral supplies and other access devices have led to significant morbidity and mortality. To reduce misconnections, a standard small‐bore connector has been developed (International Organization for Standards 80369‐8; ENFit). The full impact of transition to this connector is not known, however. Method: Working with major manufacturers and Food and Drug Administration, we obtained ENFit and comparative legacy tubes of variable sizes (low‐profile, 14F, 18F, 20F, and 24F balloon gastrostomies). Gravity enteral feeding was simulated with an empty bolus syringe attached to the feeding tube to be tested. The tube was clamped and filled to the 60‐mL mark with liquid (water, Jevity 1 Cal, Isosource HN, Isosource 1.5 Cal, Two Cal HN, and Nourish). The clamp was released, and time for formula to leave the syringe was recorded. Results: There was no difference in flow rate between the aggregate legacy and ENFit tubes for the low‐profile, 18F, and 20F sizes. The ENFit 14F tubes had a lower flow rate vs the legacy tubes, largely due to the low flow rates seen with the 1 ENFit tube. Similarly, 24F ENFit tubes with some formulas yielded lower flow rates as opposed to legacy. Conclusion: Overall, for the low‐profile, 18F, and 20F sizes, the ENFit tubes had similar flow rates when compared with the legacy tubes. For the 14F and 24F sizes, the flow rate of ENFit tubes was significantly lower, which could result in longer EN delivery for patients who are using these tubes to provide gravity feeding.
Technology, Disability, and Law
Authors: Dalsen Jennifer
Published: April 2017

Disability law and technology services share a rich history. This article investigates this transformative relationship through the contextual framework of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A summary of legal cases, accommodation services, and barriers to access are explored. This includes an overview of the challenges facing technology as we develop the classrooms of the 21st century. A reflection of past rulings, technological advancements, and ongoing questions culminates in a look at where special education technology is heading.
Influence of Listener Characteristics on Perceptions of Sex and Gender
Authors: Hancock Adrienne B. , Pool Sara F.
Published: April 2017

Inclusion of sex-atypical voices in speech perception protocols can reveal variations in listener perception and is particularly applicable in developing guidelines for transgender speech treatment. Ninety-three listeners, divided into four groups based on sex and sexual orientation, provided auditory-perceptual measures of sex and gender display for 21 cisgender men, 21 cisgender women, and 22 transgender women. There was no significant evidence that those listener characteristics were influential, except transgender women were perceived as significantly more feminine by nonstraight compared with straight listeners.
Mechanochemical endovenous ablation of saphenous veins using the ClariVein: A systematic review
Authors: Witte Marianne E. , Zeebregts Clark J. , de Borst Gert Jan , Reijnen Michel M.P.J. , Boersma Doeke
Published: April 2017

Objective

To systematically review all available English literature on mechanochemical endovenous ablation and to report on the anatomical, technical, and clinical success.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library on mechanochemical endovenous ablation for the treatment of insufficient great and/or small saphenous vein. Methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the MINORS score. The primary outcome measure was anatomical success, defined as closure of the treated vein on follow-up duplex ultrasound imaging. Secondary outcomes were technical and clinical success, and major complications defined as deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms or paresthesia.

Results

The literature search identified 759 records, of which 13 were included, describing 10 unique cohorts. A total of 1521 veins (1267 great saphenous vein and 254 small saphenous vein) were included, with cohort sizes ranging from 30 to 570 veins. The pooled anatomical success rate after short-term follow up was 92% (95% CI 90–94%) ( n = 1314 veins). After 6 and 12 months these numbers were 92% (95% CI 88–95%) ( n = 284) and 91% (95% CI 86–94%) ( n = 228), respectively. The long-term anatomical success rates at 2 and 3 years were 91% (95% CI 85–95%) ( n = 136) and 87% (95% CI 75–94%) ( n = 48), respectively. Major complications and especially nerve injury were very rare (≤ 0.2%). All studies were of moderate or good quality using the MINORS scoring scale.

Conclusions

Mechanochemical endovenous ablation using the ClariVein in combination with liquid sclerosant is associated with an anatomical success rate ranging from 87% to 92% and good clinical success. To date, no randomized controlled trials are available studying the anatomical success after mechanochemical ablation, compared to the endothermal ablation. The risk of major complications is very low after the procedure.
Quantification of early cutaneous manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency by automated analysis of photographic images: Feasibility and technical considerations
Authors: Becker François , Fourgeau Patrice , Carpentier Patrick H. , Ouchène Amina
Published: April 2017

We postulate that blue telangiectasia and brownish pigmentation at ankle level, early markers of chronic venous insufficiency, can be quantified for longitudinal studies of chronic venous disease in Caucasian people.

Objectives and methods

To describe a photographic technique specially developed for this purpose. The pictures were acquired using a dedicated photo stand to position the foot in a reproducible way, with a normalized lighting and acquisition protocol. The image analysis was performed with a tool developed using algorithms optimized to detect and quantify blue telangiectasia and brownish pigmentation and their relative surface in the region of interest. To test the short-term reproducibility of the measures.

Results

The quantification of the blue telangiectasia and of the brownish pigmentation using an automated digital photo analysis is feasible. The short-term reproducibility is good for blue telangiectasia quantification. It is a less accurate for the brownish pigmentation.

Conclusion

The blue telangiectasia of the corona phlebectatica and the ankle flare can be assessed using a clinimetric approach based on the automated digital photo analysis.
Evaluation of reduced-dose CT for acute non-traumatic abdominal pain: evaluation of diagnostic accuracy in comparison to standard-dose CT
Authors: Othman Ahmed E , Bongers Malte Niklas , Zinsser Dominik , Schabel Christoph , Wichmann Julian L , Arshid Rami , Notohamiprodjo Mike , Nikolaou Konstantin , Bamberg Fabian
Published: April 2017

Background

Patients with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain often undergo abdominal computed tomography (CT). However, abdominal CT is associated with high radiation exposure.

Purpose

To evaluate diagnostic performance of a reduced-dose 100 kVp CT protocol with advanced modeled iterative reconstruction as compared to a linearly blended 120 kVp protocol for assessment of acute, non-traumatic abdominal pain.

Material and Methods

Two radiologists assessed 100 kVp and linearly blended 120 kVp series of 112 consecutive patients with acute non-traumatic pain (onset < 48 h) regarding image quality, noise, and artifacts on a five-point Likert scale. Both radiologists assessed both series for abdominal pathologies and for diagnostic confidence. Both 100 kVp and linearly blended 120 kVp series were quantitatively evaluated regarding radiation dose and image noise. Comparative statistics and diagnostic accuracy was calculated using receiver operating curve (ROC) statistics, with final clinical diagnosis/clinical follow-up as reference standard.

Results

Image quality was high for both series without detectable significant differences ( P = 0.157). Image noise and artifacts were rated low for both series but significantly higher for 100 kVp ( P ≤ 0.021). Diagnostic accuracy was high for both series (120 kVp: area under the curve [AUC] = 0.950, sensitivity = 0.958, specificity = 0.941; 100 kVp: AUC ≥ 0.910, sensitivity ≥ 0.937, specificity = 0.882; P ≥ 0.516) with almost perfect inter-rater agreement (Kappa = 0.939). Diagnostic confidence was high for both dose levels without significant differences (100 kVp 5, range 4–5; 120 kVp 5, range 3–5; P = 0.134). The 100 kVp series yielded 26.1% lower radiation dose compared with the 120 kVp series (5.72 ± 2.23 mSv versus 7.75 ± 3.02 mSv, P < 0.001). Image noise was significantly higher in reduced-dose CT (13.3 ± 2.4 HU versus 10.6 ± 2.1 HU; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Reduced-dose abdominal CT using 100 kVp yields excellent image quality and high diagnostic accuracy for the assessment of acute non-traumatic abdominal pain.
Spatial/Temporal Variations of Crime: A Routine Activity Theory Perspective
Authors: de Melo Silas Nogueira , Pereira Débora V. S. , Andresen Martin A. , Matias Lindon Fonseca
Published: April 2017

Temporal and spatial patterns of crime in Campinas, Brazil, are analyzed considering the relevance of routine activity theory in a Latin American context. We use geo-referenced criminal event data, 2010-2013, analyzing spatial patterns using census tracts and temporal patterns considering seasons, months, days, and hours. Our analyses include difference in means tests, count-based regression models, and Kulldorff’s scan test. We find that crime in Campinas, Brazil, exhibits both temporal and spatial-temporal patterns. However, the presence of these patterns at the different temporal scales varies by crime type. Specifically, not all crime types have statistically significant temporal patterns at all scales of analysis. As such, routine activity theory works well to explain temporal and spatial-temporal patterns of crime in Campinas, Brazil. However, local knowledge of Brazilian culture is necessary for understanding a portion of these crime patterns.
Roderick Peattie’s Mountain Geography – A Critique and Field Study (1936)
Authors: Butler David R
Published: April 2017

Roderick Peattie’s book, Mountain Geography – A Critique and Field Study (1936), is a classic work that established a format for English-language books on the subject of mountain geography that largely persists to the present day. Peattie’s work was based primarily on an extended period of study in the mountains of western Europe. His book reflects a strong Eurocentric view of mountain landscapes that carries over into late-20th century and 21st century English-language books on mountain landscapes.
Neuropathic orofacial pain: Facts and fiction
Authors: Baad-Hansen Lene , Benoliel Rafael
Published: April 2017

Definition and taxonomy

This review deals with neuropathic pain of traumatic origin affecting the trigeminal nerve, i.e. painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN).

Symptomatology

The clinical characteristics of PTTN vary considerably, partly due to the type and extent of injury. Symptoms involve combinations of spontaneous and evoked pain and of positive and negative somatosensory signs. These patients are at risk of going through unnecessary dental/surgical procedures in the attempt to eradicate the cause of the pain, due to the fact that most dentists only rarely encounter PTTN.

Epidemiology

Overall, approximately 3% of patients with trigeminal nerve injuries develop PTTN. Patients are most often female above the age of 45 years, and both physical and psychological comorbidities are common.

Pathophysiology

PTTN shares many pathophysiological mechanisms with other peripheral neuropathic pain conditions.

Diagnostic considerations

PTTN may be confused with one of the regional neuralgias or other orofacial pain conditions. For intraoral PTTN, early stages are often misdiagnosed as odontogenic pain.

Pain management

Management of PTTN generally follows recommendations for peripheral neuropathic pain.

Expert opinion

International consensus on classification and taxonomy is urgently needed in order to advance the field related to this condition.
Classification: The key to understanding facial pain
Authors: Svensson Peter , May Arne
Published: April 2017

It is indisputable that the global scientific advances in headache research, be it bench or bedside, have benefited enormously from the operational diagnostic criteria published in 1988. Today, this classification system is indispensable. The reason for this success is a low inter-rater variability. In general, orofacial pain conditions are less well characterised – with the noticeable exemption of temporomandibular disorder pain. Tremendous work has been put into changing this, and significant progress has been achieved – in particular, in terms of the clinical implications and overriding conceptual models for oro-facial pain. Scientific classifications have only one goal: To provide a scientific agreement about the main features of an object of research and a scientific consensus regarding the name. The main significance is not the fact that a good classification offers a detailed and accurate image of the reality. If we want to overcome the obstacles of different competing classification systems, we need to overcome specialisation borders. The key to success is to understand that such a definition does not mirror all possible clinical facets of a given pain condition but is simply a convention – that is, a consensus on a word used for a pain condition. Simply speaking, a classification creates a common language to be used by more than one profession. It will be crucial to define any given pain condition as precisely and rigid as possible, in order to ensure a homogenous population. Only this ensures a low inter-rater variability, which consequently allows combining and comparing research on a population across different professional settings. This is not easy for chronic facial pain without verifiable morphological cause or structural lesions, as these syndromes are often rather featureless. The new IASP classification of chronic pain is a big step forward to a better characterisation of such conditions, and will trigger future work on a new and operationalised classification of oro-facial pain.
How to understand engineering sciences with the techniques of the body: The case of the bridges collection of the Musée des Arts et Métiers explained by circus acrobatics
Authors: Dubois Arnaud
Published: April 2017

In this article, I will examine an experimental mediation performed by acrobats at the Paris Musée des Arts et Métiers in May 2016. I will ask if body techniques can facilitate the public’s understanding of the abstract engineering sciences exhibited in a science and technology museum. Using the ethnographic study of this performance, I will ask if this new type of museum mediation opens up new research issues about technical gestures and helps us to blur boundaries between tangible and intangible heritage in the museum context. In doing so I try to redeploy the methods of analysis of museum collections and to contribute to the theoretical and methodological renewal of the history of technology. I show that this new way to mediate science and technology museum collections using body techniques and gestures produces a methodological indistinctness between intentionality and contingency that often marks the epistemological break between art, technology and science in western culture. This anthropological way of looking at museums of science and technology opens up new research issues not only for the museum’s scientific and technical heritage but also for the history of science and techniques.
Influence of tension in T300/epoxy prepreg winding process on the performance of the bearing composites
Authors: Cui Yu Qing , Yin Zhong Wei , Li Hu Lin
Published: April 2017

In recent years, composite bearings are increasingly employed in marine and heavy load situations due to the specific properties of composites. However, for the tape winding composite bearings, the tension in process has not been studied in depth. In this study, a device was manufactured to apply tension to the process and the prepreg tape was T300/epoxy. Specimens with different tension values were selected for the experiment and the autoclave technology was applied to the curing process. Then, the appearance image and roundness of the bearing composites were acquired. Meanwhile, physical and mechanical properties of the specimen as well as the residual stress were measured. The experimental results show that the influence of tension in winding process on bearing composites is significant and the optimum tension can be defined. Subsequently, the article analyzes the function of the tension and it is concluded that the wrinkles and waves on the surface of the T300/epoxy bearing composites can be eliminated using proper method and the optimum tension should be determined through testing and experiment.
Moving support technique for delaminatoin detection in laminated composite beams using the first natural frequency
Authors: Torabi K , Shariati-Nia M , Heidari-Rarani M
Published: April 2017

A new practical procedure is presented for delamination detection in beam-like composite structures. This technique identifies the delamination axial location and its length accurately based on the only first natural frequency. An additional simply support condition besides the boundary conditions is defined and it is moved along the beam length. When this support is located on delamination, especially its tips, the frequency reduction will be noticeable. Simulating this idea in ABAQUS finite element software shows that the location and size of delamination can be detected accurately. To verify the numerical results, some experiments are conducted and a new fixture is designed and manufactured for simulating the additional moving support along the length of the beam. Both finite element and experimental results show the ability of the proposed method in delamination detection for different boundary conditions. Also, this new simple and applicable technique can be used even for small delamination lengths by monitoring only the first natural frequency, unlike the available methods in the literature.
Are Walkable Neighborhoods More Resilient to the Foreclosure Spillover Effects?
Authors: Won Jaewoong , Lee Chanam , Li Wei
Published: April 2017

Since 2007, many studies have explored the price spillover effect of foreclosures. However, none has examined the potential moderating effects of built-environment characteristics such as walkability. By using the interaction term between neighborhood foreclosure and walkability, this study found that property values in walkable neighborhoods were less subject to foreclosure spillover, but this was only significant for middle/high-income neighborhoods. Walkable neighborhoods were shown to offer more advantages in maintaining neighborhood stability during the recovery of 2013 than in the market crash of 2010. This study supports development strategies and policies that include walkability to achieve neighborhood stability and livability.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Serum Amyloid A Protein and Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 in Pediatric Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Abo-Hagar Hamdy H. , Abo-Elezz Ahmed Abd ElBasset , Mehrez Mostafa , Mabrouk Maaly M. , Elshora Ola A.
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

Study of inflammatory biomarkers which may aid in early detection of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in children and predicting their outcome.

Patients:

Thirty-five children, aged 2 months to 13 years, needed mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 48 hours due to causes other than pneumonia.

Methods:

Measurement of serum amyloid A (SAA) protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP), modified clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) and performing culture of endotracheal aspirate at the start and on the third day of MV.

Results:

Ventilator-associated pneumonia was diagnosed by CPIS in 6 (17.1%) of 35 patients. On the third day of MV, there was a significant increase in serum mean levels of SAA, sICAM-1, and CRP in comparison to the start of MV ( P = .005, .004, and .01, respectively). Three (50%) of 6 patients with VAP died, while 4 (14.28%) of 28 patients without VAP died. The sensitivity of serum SAA, sICAM-1, and CPIS were 100% for predicting VAP, while specificity was highest for CPIS (96.55%) followed by SAA (93.1%). Combination of CPIS and SAA increased the specificity to 100%. For predicting nonsurvival, serum SAA and sICAM-1 had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 92.86% and 89.29%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Serum amyloid A and sICAM-1 may be considered as reliable markers for detection of VAP. Combination of serum SAA with CPIS increased the specificity to 100%. Measurement of SAA in patients with VAP also had a good predictive value for nonsurvival in such patients.