bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More on the Scale Dependence of the Predictability of Precipitation Patterns: Extension to the 2009–13 CAPS Spring Experiment Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Surcel Madalina , Zawadzki Isztar , Yau M. K. , Xue Ming , Kong Fanyou
Published: June 2017

This paper analyzes the scale and case dependence of the predictability of precipitation in the Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecast (SSEF) system run by the Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS) during the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Experiments of 2008–13. The effect of different types of ensemble perturbation methodologies is quantified as a function of spatial scale. It is found that uncertainties in the large-scale initial and boundary conditions and in the model microphysical parameterization scheme can result in the loss of predictability at scales smaller than 200 km after 24 h. Also, these uncertainties account for most of the forecast error. Other types of ensemble perturbation methodologies were not found to be as important for the quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs). The case dependences of predictability and of the sensitivity to the ensemble perturbation methodology were also analyzed. Events were characterized in terms of the extent of the precipitation coverage and of the convective-adjustment time scale , an indicator of whether convection is in equilibrium with the large-scale forcing. It was found that events characterized by widespread precipitation and small values (representative of quasi-equilibrium convection) were usually more predictable than nonequilibrium cases. No significant statistical relationship was found between the relative role of different perturbation methodologies and precipitation coverage or .
“I’m Not Mopping the Floors, I’m Putting a Man on the Moon”: How NASA Leaders Enhanced the Meaningfulness of Work by Changing the Meaning of Work
Authors: Carton Andrew M.
Published: June 2017

It is assumed that leaders can boost the motivation of employees by communicating the organization’s ultimate aspirations, yet evidence on the effectiveness of this tactic is equivocal. On some occasions, it causes employees to view their work as more meaningful. At other times, it causes them to become dispirited. These inconsistent findings may in part be explained by a paradox: the very features that make ultimate aspirations meaningful—their breadth and timelessness—undermine the ability of employees to see how their daily responsibilities are associated with them. To understand how leaders can help employees resolve this paradox, I analyzed archival evidence to explore the actions of President John F. Kennedy when leading NASA in the 1960s. I found that Kennedy enacted four sensegiving steps, each of which helped employees see a stronger connection between their work and NASA’s ultimate aspirations. When this connection was strongest, employees construed their day-to-day work not as short-term tasks (“I’m building electrical circuits”) but as the pursuit of NASA’s long-term objective (“I’m putting a man on the moon”) and the aspiration this objective symbolized (“I’m advancing science”). My findings redirect research by conceptualizing leaders as architects who motivate employees most effectively when they provide a structural blueprint that maps the connections between employees’ everyday work and the organization’s ultimate aspirations.
Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure: Patient Characteristics and Outcomes From the HEARTS Registry
Authors: Ajlan M. , Almazroa L. , AlHabib Khalid F. , Elasfar Abdelfatah A. , Alfaleh Hussam , Albackr Hanan , Kashour Tarek , Hersi Ahmad , Hussein Gamal A. , Mimish Layth , Almasood Ali , AlHabeeb Waleed , AlGhamdi Saleh , Alsharari Mubrouk , Chakra Esmail , Malik Asif , Soomro Raza , Ghabashi Abdullah , Al-Murayeh Mushabab , Abuosa Ahmed
Published: June 2017

Effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on short- and long-term outcomes in heart failure (HF) is controversial. Accordingly, we examined this relationship in a national multicenter project using data from the Hearts Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia that studied the clinical features and outcomes of patients admitted with de novo and acute on chronic HF. Out of 2593 patients with HF, 449 (17.8%) had AF at presentation. Patients with AF were more likely to be males and older (mean age 65.2 ± 15.0 vs 60.5 ± 14.8 years) to have a history of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (3.1% vs 1.9%) or cerebrovascular accident (15.0% vs 8.5%). However, they were less likely to have diabetes (66.0% vs 55.9%) or coronary artery disease (55.6% vs 42.3%). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year crude mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with AF (23.2% vs 18.3%, 27.4% vs 22.3%, and 27.8% vs 23.2%, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in mortality after adjusting for covariates. Thus, in patients admitted with HF, AF upon presentation was not associated with increased mortality.
Oral Histories of the Business and Society/SIM Field and the SIM Division of the Academy of Management: Origin Stories From the Founders
Authors: Wokutch Richard E. , Steiner John F. , Waddock Sandra , Mallott Mary J.
Published: June 2017

This issue of Business & Society contains the transcripts of 12 oral history interviews with founders of and early contributors to the business and society/social issues in management (SIM) field. The publication of these interviews is the culmination of a very long-term project, with the first interview having been conducted in 1993 with Lee Preston and the most recent interview having been conducted in 2011 with Jim Post. This project has been very much of a team effort with Sandra Waddock, John Steiner, Mary Mallott, Ariane Berthoin Antal, and, of course, our interviewees all playing important roles.
A University and District ESOL Partnership: Collaboration Within the Context of Common Core State Standards Implementation
Authors: Russell Felice Atesoglu
Published: June 2017

This article examines a pilot project that engaged a university-based teacher educator as a collaborating partner within a local school district. The partnership was established to provide English to Speakers of Other Languages teachers with professional development in a school district with a growing English learner population. The process for developing this innovative collaboration and teacher perceptions of this work are analyzed, with a focus on the specific demands and opportunities resulting from Common Core State Standards implementation. In particular, how this university and district collaboration provided opportunities to grapple with meeting the instructional needs of English learners within the context of Common Core State Standards implementation and teacher perceptions of engaging with a university-based partner are illuminated. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Modifying Spearman’s Attenuation Equation to Yield Partial Corrections for Measurement Error—With Application to Sample Size Calculations
Authors: Nicewander W. Alan
Published: June 2017

Spearman’s correction for attenuation (measurement error) corrects a correlation coefficient for measurement errors in either-or-both of two variables, and follows from the assumptions of classical test theory. Spearman’s equation removes all measurement error from a correlation coefficient which translates into “increasing the reliability of either-or-both of two variables to 1.0.” In this inquiry, Spearman’s correction is modified to allow partial removal of measurement error from either-or-both of two variables being correlated. The practical utility of this partial correction is demonstrated in its use to explore increasing the power of statistical tests by increasing sample size versus increasing the reliability of the dependent variable for an experiment. Other applied uses are mentioned.
The figure of the refugee in Hassan Blasim’s “The Reality and the Record”
Authors: Atia Nadia
Published: June 2017

This article considers Hassan Blasim’s short story, “The Reality and the Record”. It argues that Blasim’s asylum seeker should be read as a powerful challenge to extant responses to the ever-growing global refugee crisis: a vision of the many difficulties faced by twenty-first century displaced persons, no longer confined to the refugee camps of the mid-twentieth century most often associated with Palestinian literature in the Middle East, but seeking elusive shelter in Europe. I argue that Blasim’s short story highlights the impossibility of the demands placed upon those seeking shelter in the developed world, reminding us of the under-recognized role of trauma, narrative, agency, and especially evidence in seeking humanitarian asylum. By undermining any confidence we might have in an idealized “truth”, the text questions the morality of asylum-seeking processes in the developed world, demanding that its readers reevaluate their own stance in relation to displaced persons, and asserting that the burden of narrating oneself into a place of safety, of performing worthy victimhood, is neither just, nor feasible.
Comparison of methods for the characterization of voids in glass fiber composites
Authors: Abdelal Nisrin , Donaldson Steven L
Published: June 2017

Voids are a concern in composite materials, as they may have a negative effect on the mechanical properties of the laminates. Voids may develop especially in low cost or off-optimum process conditions. In this study, samples of glass reinforced epoxy laminates with void volume fractions in the 0.5–7% range were successfully obtained by varying the vacuum in the hand layup vacuum bagging manufacturing process. Void content was experimentally characterized using four different methods: ultrasonic scanning, epoxy burn off, serial sectioning, and X-ray computed tomography. The goal of this paper was to determine how the methods compared with respect to each other at quantifying void content. The specimens were taken from nearby locations in the same panels, so a true comparison of the methods could be obtained. The results showed, for the specific material and manufacturing conditions used, that the four different techniques can quantify voids content but with a large variation in the accuracy. X-ray computed tomography was the most successful technique to characterize voids, followed by serial sectioning. Ultrasonic scanning and epoxy burn off were not recommended techniques to characterize voids for laminates manufactured with these materials and process conditions. However, epoxy burn off was a successful technique to calculate fiber and resin weight fraction.
A fatal case of hypothermia caused by dog bites
Authors: Li Yanning , Shen Ruipeng , Ding Runtao , Wen Gehua , Du Ao , Dong Zhibin , Ren Xinghua , Yao Hui , Zhu Baoli , Li Rubo , Lu Yan , Wu Xu
Published: June 2017

Death from hypothermia usually *We presented a fatal case of hypothermia after being bitten by dog in this article. occurs among people exposed to cold and humid environmental conditions when they are homeless, aged, suffering from natural or psychiatric diseases and drug or alcohol intoxication. A normal healthy person dying from hypothermia due to dog bites is unusual and rare. Here, we present a fatal case of hypothermia following dog bites causing blood loss and multiple wounds on the body. A 56-year-old man was found dead in a remote roadside puddle of a small village, early in the morning. He was naked, and his body trunk and limbs had multiple irregular wounds. Gray animal hairs could be seen in parts of the wound cavities and surrounding areas. In addition, there was a kennel near the scene. Family members argued that the deceased was bitten to death by a dog. However, autopsy revealed several findings which were strongly supportive of fatal hypothermia. Moreover, we saw no obvious changes caused by blood loss, either on the body surface or internal organs. Accordingly, we concluded the true cause of his death was fatal hypothermia; bites from a dog was a necessary causative factor.
Still Making Music: How Students with Traumatic Brain Injury Can Continue with Musical Activities
Authors: Bennington Patrick M.
Published: June 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in the United States. All age groups are at risk for TBI, but there is a larger occurrence among school-age children and young adults. No matter the severity of a student’s injury, he or she can benefit from music education, whether listening to music, singing, or performing on an instrument. Students can engage in music listening assignments that include selected pieces of music or music that an ensemble is currently rehearsing. For students with mild TBI who are able, performing music has also been shown to be beneficial.
Gifted 101: Unlocking the Mystery of Academically Gifted Education
Authors: Councill Kimberly H. , Fiedler Lynn
Published: June 2017

Academically gifted learners can both thrive and struggle in our music classrooms. This article offers a detailed approach to defining, recognizing, and meaningfully teaching gifted learners in the music classroom while providing differentiation ideas that can benefit all learners. In-depth discussion and examples of contracts, tiered instruction, and menu differentiation strategies are provided.
Humanizing the Deities of Jazz
Authors: Jeppesen Scott
Published: June 2017

As musicians, we have been taught to idolize certain figures in music history. These individuals are considered untouchable, unassailable, and unquestionably brilliant. This practice is increasingly evident in jazz. Figures like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis have all undergone a virtual apotheosis. While there is no question of their importance, the idolization of these people makes attaining what they have done difficult to grasp. We have dug a chasm between aspiring musicians and the music itself. This gap is wide in that we regard these figures and their music so glowingly that relating to them becomes difficult. Students must understand that these figures were ordinary people. Through technology and creative storytelling, students can explore the world in which these musicians lived. Providing context can help students gain a better understanding of how jazz music has evolved and why. Students can then use this knowledge to develop confidence in their creative process and in how it relates to their unique life context.
Low dose versus high dose anti-snake venom therapy in the treatment of haematotoxic snake bite in South India
Authors: Joseph Imanto M , Kuriakose Cijoy K , Dev Anand Vimal , Philip George A
Published: June 2017

Most of the studies on the appropriate dose of anti-snake venom (ASV) are from tertiary hospitals and the guidelines are unclear. Our observational study compared the outcomes of two prevalent treatment regimes for haematotoxic snake bite in a secondary care hospital in South India. The time to normalisation of whole blood clotting time, mortality and complications were not different between the groups. The average dose of ASV required in the low and high dose groups were 106 mL and 246 mL, respectively. Consequently, patients who received low dose ASV incurred approximately 50% less expense. Urticarial rashes were also significantly fewer in the low dose group.
Delayed care-seeking and outcome of dengue-infected patients
Authors: Wongchidwan Nantawan , Wattanagoon Yupaporn , Luvira Viravarn , Iamsirithaworn Sopon
Published: June 2017

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the effect of early (1–4 days after fever onset) and delayed (≥5 days) care-seeking on outcomes of dengue-infected patients. We used data of adult dengue-infected patients treated in Bangkok, Thailand between June 2012 and September 2013. There were 110 patients in the early care-seeking group and 100 in the delayed care-seeking group. There were no deaths. Bleeding complications were not significantly different between the two groups while the latter group had a significantly higher rate of admission compared with the former (98% versus 91.8%, respectively; P = 0.04). Being female was the only factor significantly associated with delayed care-seeking (63.0% versus 45.5%; P = 0.01).
Relationship of Depression With Executive Functions and Visuospatial Memory in Elderly
Authors: Klojčnik Monika , Kavcic Voyko , Bakracevic Vukman Karin
Published: June 2017

Cognitive deficits are a potential part of the clinical picture of depression, especially when it comes to late-life depression. The present study was carried out to establish whether distinctive cognitive deficiencies can be linked with depression in the late-life period, especially in executive functioning, working memory, and visuospatial memory. Our sample consisted of 71 seniors in the age range between 69 and 85 years. A battery of neurocognitive tests was used, including tests of executive functioning (Trail Making Test [TMT], part B, Stroop color word test, semantic word fluency test, and partially Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure test [ROCF]), tests of attention and working memory (TMT, part A and digit span), and test of visuospatil ability and memory (ROCF). Results demonstrated that depression scores were significantly negatively correlated with scores on Verbal Fluency test, Stroop test, and ROCF immediate copy and recall. Depression was also linked to slower functioning on Trail Making A and Trail Making B subtest. In general, higher depression scores were correlated with lower performance on neuropsychological tests. However, digit span showed no significant correlation with depression. In addition, results of regression analyses revealed that the strongest predictors of depression were performance on the Rey–Osterrieth test—immediate recall and Stroop test. Thus, we could ascertain that difficulties in executive functioning and visuospatial memory are the best predictors of depression in elderly.
A Teachable Ethics Scandal
Authors: Handelsman Mitchell M.
Published: June 2017

In this article, I describe a recent scandal involving collusion between officials at the American Psychological Association (APA) and the U.S. Department of Defense, which appears to have enabled the torture of detainees at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. The scandal is a relevant, complex, and engaging case that teachers can use in a variety of courses. Details of the scandal exemplify a number of psychological concepts, including obedience, groupthink, terror management theory, group influence, and motivation. The scandal can help students understand several factors that make ethical decision-making difficult, including stress, emotions, and cognitive factors such as loss aversion, anchoring, framing, and ethical fading. I conclude by exploring some parallels between the current torture scandal and the development of APA’s ethics guidelines regarding the use of deception in research.
Pilot Feasibility Study of a Digital Storytelling Intervention for Immigrant and Refugee Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Wieland Mark L. , Njeru Jane W. , Hanza Marcelo M. , Boehm Deborah H. , Singh Davinder , Yawn Barbara P. , Patten Christi A. , Clark Matthew M. , Weis Jennifer A. , Osman Ahmed , Goodson Miriam , Porraz Capetillo Maria D. , Hared Abdullah , Hasley Rachel , Guzman-Corrales Laura , Sandler Rachel , Hernandez Valentina , Novotny Paul J. , Sloan Jeff A. , Sia Irene G.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this pilot feasibility project was to examine the potential effectiveness of a digital storytelling intervention designed through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach for immigrants and refugees with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The intervention was a 12-minute culturally and linguistically tailored video consisting of an introduction, 4 stories, and a concluding educational message. A structured interview was used to assess the intervention for acceptability, interest level, and usefulness among 25 participants with T2DM (15 Latino, 10 Somali) across 5 primary care clinical sites. After watching the video, participants rated their confidence and motivation about managing T2DM as a result of the intervention. Baseline A1C and follow-up values (up to 6 months) were abstracted from medical records.

Results

All participants reported that the intervention got their attention, was interesting, and was useful; 96% reported that they were more confident about managing their T2DM than before they watched the video, and 92% reported that the video motivated them to change a specific behavior related to T2DM self-management. The mean baseline A1C level for the intervention participants was 9.3% (78 mmol/mol). The change from baseline to first follow-up A1C level was −0.8% (−10 mmol/mol) ( P < .05).

Conclusions

Implementation of a digital storytelling intervention for T2DM among immigrant populations in primary care settings is feasible and resulted in self-rated improvement in psychosocial constructs that are associated with healthy T2DM self-management behaviors, and there was some evidence of improvement in glycemic control. A large-scale efficacy trial of the intervention is warranted.
Is It a Dangerous World Out There? The Motivational Bases of American Gun Ownership
Authors: Stroebe Wolfgang , Leander N. Pontus , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: June 2017

Americans are the world’s best armed citizens and public polling suggests protection/self-defense is their main reason for gun ownership. However, there is virtually no psychological research on gun ownership. The present article develops the first psychological process model of defensive gun ownership—specifically, a two-component model that considers both the antecedents and consequences of owning a gun for protection/self-defense. We demonstrate that different levels of threat construal—the specific perceived threat of assault and a diffuse threat of a dangerous world—independently predict handgun ownership; we also show how utility judgments can explain the motivated reasoning that drives beliefs about gun rights. We tested our model in two independent samples of gun owners (total N = 899), from just before and after the Orlando mass shooting. This study illustrates how social-cognitive theories can help explain what motivates Americans to own handguns and advocate for broad rights to carry and use them.
Technology, culture, and meanings: how the discourses of progress and modernity have shaped South Korea’s Internet diffusion
Authors: Kang Inkyu
Published: June 2017

South Korea is often called the ‘time machine’ or ‘world’s best laboratory’ to get a glimpse of how broadband services may evolve in the future. However, the Internet was not embraced actively en masse until 1998, when the nation was suffering a deepening economic crisis. In only half a decade, South Korea leapt to the most wired nation. What brought such a drastic change? This article seeks an answer by exploring the symbolic and semiotic aspects of information and communication technologies (ICTs), focusing on the implications of personal computer (PC) use. Against economic essentialism, this study examines the relationship between ICTs and discourses of ‘modernity’, ‘progress’, and ‘national identity’ in Korea in comparison with Japan.
Berrypicking and information foraging: Comparison of two theoretical frameworks for studying exploratory search
Authors: Savolainen Reijo
Published: June 2017

Exploratory search is a specialised form of information searching behaviour that is open-ended, dynamic and multi-faceted in nature. The study elaborates the picture of exploratory search by concentrating on two theoretical frameworks for studying searching of this type, that is, the berrypicking model and the information foraging theory. The study focuses on two major issues: the motivators for exploratory search and the nature of search processes. The findings draw on the conceptual analysis of 30 key studies on this topic. The berrypicking model posits changing information needs as the main motivator for information searching, while the information foraging theory emphasises the role need for performing a task as a main trigger of information seeking. The berrypicking model devotes more attention to focused searching as a key constituent of exploratory search, while the information foraging theory concentrates on the characterisation of exploratory browsing.
Polymer-coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuit attenuates upregulation of both proteases/protease inhibitors and platelet degranulation in pigs
Authors: Suehiro Shoichi , Shimizu Kouji , Imai Kensuke , Niii Atsushi , Akeho Kazuhiro , Nakata Hayato , Yamaguchi Akane , Matsumoto Ken-ichi , Oda Teiji
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

Interaction of blood with a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit activates the coagulation-fibrinolysis, complement and kinin-kallikrein systems that are mainly supported by proteases and their inhibitors.

Methods:

Biocompatibility of a new polymer-coated (SEC-coated) CPB circuit was globally evaluated and compared with that of a non-coated CPB circuit by quantitative proteomics, using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification labeling tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma samples were taken three times (5 min after initiation of CPB, just before declamping and just before termination of CPB) in 12 pigs undergoing 120 min of CPB with the SEC-coated CPB circuit or a non-coated CPB circuit (n = 6, respectively).

Results:

Identified were 224 proteins having high protein confidence (>99%) and false discovery rate (FDR) <5%. Among these proteins, there were 25 significantly upregulated proteins in the non-coated CPB group compared to those in the SEC-coated CPB group. Dominant protein functions were platelet degranulation, serine-type (cysteine-type) endopeptidase inhibitor activity and serine-type endopeptidase activity in the 25 proteins. Bioinformatics analysis similarly revealed upregulation of proteins belonging to platelet degranulation and negative regulation of endopeptidase activity in the non-coated CPB group; these upregulations were effectively attenuated in the SEC-coated CPB group.

Conclusion:

The new polymer (SEC)-coated CPB circuit effectively attenuated upregulation of proteins compared to the non-coated CPB circuit. These proteins were associated with both proteases/protease inhibitors and platelet degranulation.
Which patients die in their preferred place? A secondary analysis of questionnaire data from bereaved relatives
Authors: Raijmakers Natasja JH , de Veer Anke JE , Zwaan Rosanne , Hofstede Jolien M , Francke Anneke L
Published: June 2017

Background:

Previous studies on factors influencing the place of death have focused on cancer patients dying at home. However, home is not always the preferred place.

Aim:

To provide insight into the extent to which patients with various diseases die in their preferred place and into factors associated with dying in the preferred place.

Design:

A secondary analysis of the data set of the evaluation study of the National Quality Improvement Programme for Palliative Care was undertaken to explore factors related to ‘dying in the preferred place’.

Setting/participants:

A total of 797 bereaved relatives filled in the Consumer Quality Index Palliative Care, a validated and reliable questionnaire.

Results:

Two-thirds of the patients died in the preferred place. A preference for dying at home and having had a stroke decreased the likelihood of dying in the preferred place, while having a partner, dementia, contact with the general practitioner in the last week before death, and continuity of care between professionals increased the likelihood of dying in the preferred place. Furthermore, people who wanted to die at home and also had dementia were more likely to die elsewhere than people without dementia who wanted to die at home.

Conclusion:

Positive associations were found between continuity of care between healthcare professionals and contact with the general practitioner and the chance of people dying in their preferred place. Moreover, special attention for people who have had a stroke and for people with dementia who want to die at home seems indicated as their diagnosis is negatively associated with dying in their preferred place.
Evaluation of left ventricular strain in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yu Yaohan , Yu Sisi , Tang Xuepei , Ren Haibo , Li Shuhao , Zou Qian , Xiong Fakui , Zheng Tian , Gong Lianggeng
Published: June 2017

Objective

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can cause structural and functional changes in the left ventricle (LV). In this study, we evaluated whether cardiac magnetic resonance tissue-tracking (MR-TT) can be applied to the detection of LV abnormalities in patients with DCM.

Methods

We used MR-TT to analyze the global peak radial strain (GPRS), global peak circumferential strain (GPCS), and global peak longitudinal strain (GPLS) in every segment of the LV in 23 patients with DCM and 25 controls. The LV ejection fraction was also measured as a function indicator.

Results

Compared with the controls, the GPRS, GPCS, and GPLS were significantly reduced in patients with DCM, indicating global LV function impairment in all directions. We also identified a significant linear correlation between the GPRS, GPCS, and GPLS and the LV ejection fraction, indicating that LV function relies on coordinated wall motion from all directions. Moreover, we found that patients with DCM had a significantly reduced magnitude of the PRS, PCS, and PLS in most segments at different levels, indicating impaired myocardial function in most LV regions.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that LV myocardial strain in patients with DCM can be sensitively detected by MR-TT (not only the global LV function changes but also the segmental strain), which can help to identify the injured segment at an early stage and guide clinical treatment.
Implementation of ultra-low-dose lung protocols in CT-guided lung biopsies: feasibility and safety in the clinical setting
Authors: Frisch Barbara K , Slebocki Karin , Mammadov Kamal , Puesken Michael , Becker Ingrid , Maintz David , Chang De-Hua
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate the use of ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) for CT-guided lung biopsy versus standard-dose CT (SDCT).

Methods

CT-guided lung biopsies from 115 patients (50 ULDCT, 65 SDCT) were analyzed retrospectively. SDCT settings were 120 kVp with automatic mAs modulation. ULDCT settings were 80 kVp with fixed exposure (20 mAs). Two radiologists evaluated image quality (i.e., needle artifacts, lesion contouring, vessel recognition, visibility of interlobar fissures). Complications and histological results were also evaluated.

Results

ULDCT was considered feasible for all lung interventions, showing the same diagnostic accuracy as SDCT. Its mean total radiation dose (dose–length product) was significantly reduced to 34 mGy-cm (SDCT 426 mGy-cm). Image quality and complication rates ( P = 0.469) were consistent.

Conclusions

ULDCT for CT-guided lung biopsies appears safe and accurate, with a significantly reduced radiation dose. We therefore recommend routine clinical use of ULDCT for the benefit of patients and interventionalists.
Updating Probability in Sex Offender Risk Assessment
Authors: Elwood Richard W.
Published: June 2017

Actuarial scales like the Static-99R are widely used to predict an individual’s risk of sexual recidivism. However, current actuarial scales only provide rates of detected sex offenses over 10-year follow-up and do not account for all recidivism risk factors. Therefore, some forensic evaluators extrapolate, adjust, or override recidivism rates derived from actuarial scales to predict the lifetime risk of committed offenses that accounts for external risk factors, those not addressed by the actuarial scales. However, critics contend that altering rates from actuarial scales degrades their predictive validity. This article makes the case for extrapolating risk for time of exposure and for evidence-based external risk factors. It proposes using odds ratios (ORs) from case-control studies to adjust predictions from follow-up cohort studies. Finally, it shows how evaluators can apply ORs and their margins of error to sex offender risk assessment.
Similitude analysis of thin-walled composite I-beams for subcomponent testing of wind turbine blades
Authors: Eydani Asl Mohamad , Niezrecki Christopher , Sherwood James , Avitabile Peter
Published: June 2017

In this study, the I-beam structure of a utility-scale blade is used as the basis for the design of a small-scale subcomponent emulating the same type of structural element of a utility-scale wind turbine blade. Governing equations for the bending of a shear deformable thin-walled composite I-beam are considered. Similitude theory is applied to derive the corresponding scaling laws. Accuracy of the derived scaling laws in predicting the strain and displacement fields of the full-scale I-beam is considered as a design criterion for small-scale I-beams. Both complete and partial similarity cases are discussed. A novel approach is proposed to design partially similar scaled I-beams with totally different layups from those of the full-scale I-beam. Using the proposed technique, scaled-down composite I-beams are designed that predict the strain and displacement fields of their full-scale parent I-beam with very good accuracy.
Characteristics and demographics of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: A large prospective series of Korean patients
Authors: Choi Hyun Ah , Lee Mi Ji , Choi Hanna , Chung Chin-Sang
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To report demographics and characteristics of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in the Korean cohort.

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients with definite (imaging-proven) RCVS and probable (imaging-negative) RCVS who visited Samsung Medical Center between June 2012 and September 2016. Clinical manifestations, neuroimaging, treatment, and clinical outcomes were evaluated in all patients. Characteristics of RCVS without typical causes (“idiopathic RCVS”) were compared with those of RCVS with identifiable causes (“secondary RCVS”). International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)-3 beta criteria for 6.7.3 RCVS and 6.7.3.1 probable RCVS were tested.

Results

A total of 138 patients (104 definite and 34 probable RCVS) were included in this study. Patients with definite RCVS were predominantly female (85.6%) and middle-aged (mean, 50.7 [range, 23–82] years). Probable RCVS was associated with less female predominance (70.6%, p = 0.049), more typical manifestations ( p < 0.001), and none of neurological complications. One-hundred and one (97.1%) patients with definite RCVS had headache, but the typical “recurrent and/or triggered” thunderclap headache was reported in only 83 (82.2%). In most patients with definite RCVS (84.6%), RCVS was idiopathic, while only 16 (15.4%) had secondary causes. Compared to those with secondary RCVS, patients with idiopathic RCVS were older (52.8 ± 11.42 vs. 39.1 ± 9.55 years, p < 0.001). Patients with secondary RCVS had more complications than those with idiopathic RCVS (40.5% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.018). Among idiopathic RCVS patients, 33 (37.5%) reported a preceding event or a change in lifestyle, environment, health, or medication within one month before onset.

Conclusion

In our cohort, RCVS was benign and idiopathic in most patients, and occurred frequently in middle-aged women. Manifestations of RCVS were more diverse than previously recognized, and forms without any headache existed. Different genetic, social, and environmental factors should be taken into account to unveil the spectrum and pathophysiology of RCVS.
Building worldly insights
Authors: Tremblay Michael
Published: June 2017

This article offers health leaders in Canada an opportunity to build a more worldly understanding of healthcare challenges. The focus is on post-conflict countries and island/small countries. Small and island countries often depend on other countries for their workforce and for specialist healthcare services. Conflict usually undermines if it doesn’t destroy a country’s healthcare system. Small and island countries offer opportunities for the majority of Canadian provinces and territories to develop new approaches from novel comparator countries, with which they may have more in common. Post-conflict countries offer an opportunity to consider the applicability of the determinants of policy and institutional failure to Aboriginal healthcare in Canada.
Wait times in Canada
Authors: MacKinnon Janice Christine
Published: June 2017

A significant barrier to accessing healthcare in Canada is long waiting lists, which can be linked to the way that Medicare was structured. After significant pressure, provincial governments began to address wait times. An example of a successful strategy to reduce wait times for elective surgery is the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative, which saw wait times in the province change from being among the longest in Canada to the shortest.
The (Dys)Functionality of Girls’ and Young Women’s Violence
Authors: Arnell Linda
Published: June 2017

This article explores how professionals talk about girls’ and young women’s use of violence; more specifically, how violence is constructed and conceptualized and its effects on social work practice. The data analyzed consist of focus group sessions with 11 professionals within social and youth work. The findings revealed that violence is conceptualized through interpretative repertoires as social functionality, psychological functionality, or dysfunctionality, which affect the professionals’ conceptualizations of violence and social work practice. Accordingly, a multifaceted understanding of violence is needed, otherwise girls’ and young women’s violent acts risk being diminished and made into an individual problem to solved.
Formation and characterization of BC and BC-paper pulp films for packaging application
Authors: Pradipasena Pasawadee , Chollakup Rungsima , Tantratian Sumate
Published: June 2017

It was found beneficial to manufacture bacterial cellulose (BC) obtained from waste food sources to create value-added packaging products by firstly performing purification and disintegration processing of the BC and then reinforcing it with paper pulp. The purification treatment involved using sodium hydroxide (2% w/v at 100°C for 1 h) on BC pulp to remove the bacterial protein and the resulting cultured medium film was characterized with respect to its physical properties. An acid treatment on the purified BC pulp was applied to disintegrate cellulose network before forming a film. The results showed that the sodium hydroxide treatment increased the film burst index and brightness. Heating the BC pulp to 70–100°C in 1.25–5.00% v/v sulfuric acid treatment for 30 min degraded the film’s mechanical properties. Also, a study of the addition and mixing of paper pulps or modified cationic starch to the BC was found to improve the film properties with respect to packaging properties. Inclusion of short fiber paper pulp by 30 wt.% created a good synergistic effect by improving the mechanical properties of film especially for tear strength. Moreover, cationic-modified cassava starch (2% w/w) improved the tensile and burst index as well as resistance to oxygen permeation of the BC film. The results indicate that the BC pulp could be used to improve mechanical properties and resistance to water vapor and oxygen permeation of the short fiber paper pulp film which is ideal for packaging materials.
Effectiveness analysis of exoatmospheric interceptor using reachable set model
Authors: Hua Chai , Lei Wang
Published: June 2017

The effectiveness of exoatmospheric interceptor is analyzed in this paper based on the reachable set model. Firstly, the connotations of the reachable set model, including its precise definition, mathematic description and analysis algorithms are briefly introduced. Secondly, concerning the problem of interceptor system deployment, the defense zone is introduced as a metric of effectiveness. The factors that influence the configurations of defense zone are explored. Thirdly, concerning the problem of incoming target assignment, an index system composed of earliest intercept moment, interception time window and radar support distance is drawn to capture the effectiveness. The selection of optimal intercept plan is treated as a multi-alternatives sequencing problem and addressed by the multiple attribute decision making method. Simulation examples prove the efficiency of the raised approach. The reachable set-based approach proposed in this paper serves as a ready support to other studies related to interceptor capability.
Decentralized state estimation for networked spatial-navigation systems with mixed time-delays and quantized complementary measurements: The moving horizon case
Authors: Gao Chao , Zhao Guorong , Lu Jianhua , Pan Shuang
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the navigational state estimation problem is investigated for a class of networked spatial-navigation systems with quantization effects, mixed time-delays, and network-based observations (i.e. complementary measurements and regional estimations). A decentralized moving horizon estimation approach, featuring complementary reorganization and recursive procedure, is proposed to tackle this problem. First, through the proposed reorganized scheme, a random delayed system with complementary observations is reconstructed into an equivalent delay-free one without dimensional augment. Second, with this equivalent system, a robust moving horizon estimation scheme is presented as a uniform estimator for the navigational states. Third, for the demand of real-time estimate, the recursive form of decentralized moving horizon estimation approach is developed. Furthermore, a collective estimation is obtained through the weighted fusion of two parts, i.e. complementary measurements based estimation, and regional estimations directly from the neighbors. The convergence properties of the proposed estimator are also studied. The obtained stability condition implicitly establishes a relation between the upper bound of the estimation error and two parameters, i.e. quantization density and delay occur probability. Finally, an application example to networked unmanned aerial vehicles is presented and comparative simulations demonstrate the main features of the proposed method.
Incidence of disseminated Mycobacterium avium-complex infection in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy with use of Mycobacterium avium-complex prophylaxis
Authors: Jung Younghee , Song Kyoung-Ho , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Park Wan Beom , Bang Ji Hwan , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Hong Bin , Park Sang Won , Kim Nam Joong , Oh Myoung-don
Published: June 2017

The incidence of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in HIV patients has fallen markedly since the introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, current guidelines still recommend primary prophylaxis. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a university-affiliated hospital from January 1998 to January 2014. During that period, HIV patients who had at least one CD4 cell count below 50 cells/mm3 and had been treated with ART were enrolled. We compared incidence of disseminated MAC infection in the 12 months after the first CD4 cell count below 50 cells/mm3 between prophylaxis and nonprophylaxis groups. A total of 157 patients were enrolled and the total observation period was 144 patient-years (PY). Thirty-three patients (21%) received primary MAC prophylaxis. The initial CD4 cell count of the prophylaxis group was lower than that of the nonprophylaxis group ( P = 0.024), but the proportion of patients who reached a CD4 cell count >100 cells/mm3 ( P = 0.234) and were virologically suppressed ( P = 0.513) 12 months after ART commencement was not different in the prophylaxis and nonprophylaxis groups. The incidence of MAC did not differ significantly between the groups (3.4/100 PY versus 0.8/100 PY, P = 0.368). Routine MAC prophylaxis may be not required in the era of effective ART.
Fractional-order PIλDµ controller tuned by coefficient diagram method and particle swarm optimization algorithms for SO2 emission control process
Authors: Maheswari C , Priyanka EB , Meenakshipriya B
Published: June 2017

Environmental impacts are increased on human/animal health day by day. This research work focussed on the implementation of advanced control theory for the reduction of SO2 coming out from thermal power plants. Flue gas desulphurization technique in which packed column is used for gas–liquid mass transfer by externally adding H2O2 with H2SO4 as the scrubbing liquid. The concept of fractional calculus has tremendous potential to improve the controller performance. Hence, the fractional calculus is incorporated with coefficient diagram method to tune the proportional–integral–derivative controller, and it is named as fractional-order-based coefficient diagram method (FOCDM-PIλDµ) controller. Flow rate of externally added H2O2 is regulated by fractional-order-based coefficient diagram method PIλDµ controller tuned by particle swarm optimization algorithm. The performance of fractional-order-based coefficient diagram method controller is analysed and compared with the classical controllers such as Ziegler–Nichols proportional–integral–derivative and coefficient diagram method–based proportional–integral–derivative controller in a lab-scale SO2 emission control experimental setup.
A framework for prospectively defining progression rules for internal pilot studies monitoring recruitment
Authors: Hampson Lisa V , Williamson Paula R , Wilby Martin J , Jaki Thomas
Published: June 2017

Just over half of publicly funded trials recruit their target sample size within the planned study duration. When recruitment targets are missed, the funder of a trial is faced with the decision of either committing further resources to the study or risk that a worthwhile treatment effect may be missed by an underpowered final analysis. To avoid this challenging situation, when there is insufficient prior evidence to support predicted recruitment rates, funders now require feasibility assessments to be performed in the early stages of trials. Progression criteria are usually specified and agreed with the funder ahead of time. To date, however, the progression rules used are typically ad hoc. In addition, rules routinely permit adaptations to recruitment strategies but do not stipulate criteria for evaluating their effectiveness. In this paper, we develop a framework for planning and designing internal pilot studies which permit a trial to be stopped early if recruitment is disappointing or to continue to full recruitment if enrolment during the feasibility phase is adequate. This framework enables a progression rule to be pre-specified and agreed upon prior to starting a trial. The novel two-stage designs stipulate that if neither of these situations arises, adaptations to recruitment should be made and subsequently evaluated to establish whether they have been successful. We derive optimal progression rules for internal pilot studies which minimise the expected trial overrun and maintain a high probability of completing the study when the recruitment rate is adequate. The advantages of this procedure are illustrated using a real trial example.