bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Short-Term Climate Prediction with Indirect Soil Variables Assimilation in China
Authors: Wang Chenghai , Cui Zhiqiang
Published: November 2017

Short-term climate prediction based on a regional climate dynamical model heavily depends on atmospheric forcing and initial soil moisture state. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with different nudging schemes is used for approximate 2-yr simulations for investigating the importance of soil variables in seasonal temperature and precipitation simulations. The results show that the improvement of seasonal climate simulation (precipitation and air temperature) is more evident in the experiment of assimilating both soil and atmospheric variables than that in the experiments of assimilating atmospheric variables only. Further investigation of the impact of indirectly assimilating soil moisture on precipitation prediction with an indirect soil nudging (ISN) scheme shows that the precipitation reproducibility in summer is better than that in winter, and the effect of ISN is particularly prominent in the region where seasonal precipitation exceeds 200 mm. Moreover, statistical results also illustrate that initial soil moisture plays a crucial role in seasonal precipitation forecasts because of its slowly evolving nature, and its effect is more distinct in semiarid and semihumid regions than in arid and humid regions. The effects of indirectly assimilating soil moisture on precipitation can last two and three months in semiarid and semihumid areas, respectively.
Effect of the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool on Lower-Stratospheric Water Vapor and Comparison with the Effect of ENSO
Authors: Xie Fei , Zhou Xin , Li Jianping , Chen Quanliang , Zhang Jiankai , Li Yang , Ding Ruiqiang , Xue Jiaqing , Ma Xuan
Published: November 2017

Time-slice experiments with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model, version 4 (WACCM4), and composite analysis with satellite observations are used to demonstrate that the Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP) can significantly affect lower-stratospheric water vapor. It is found that a warmer IPWP significantly dries the stratospheric water vapor by causing a broad cooling of the tropopause, and vice versa for a colder IPWP. Such imprints in tropopause temperature are driven by a combination of variations in the Brewer–Dobson circulation in the stratosphere and deep convection in the troposphere. Changes in deep convection associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) reportedly have a small zonal mean effect on lower-stratospheric water vapor for strong zonally asymmetric effects on tropopause temperature. In contrast, IPWP events have zonally uniform imprints on tropopause temperature. This is because equatorial planetary waves forced by latent heat release from deep convection project strongly onto ENSO but weakly onto IPWP events.
Machine Learning for Real-Time Prediction of Damaging Straight-Line Convective Wind
Authors: Lagerquist Ryan , McGovern Amy , Smith Travis
Published: November 2017

Thunderstorms in the United States cause over 100 deaths and $10 billion (U.S. dollars) in damage per year, much of which is attributable to straight-line (nontornadic) wind. This paper describes a machine-learning system that forecasts the probability of damaging straight-line wind (≥50 kt or 25.7 m s−1) for each storm cell in the continental United States, at distances up to 10 km outside the storm cell and lead times up to 90 min. Predictors are based on radar scans of the storm cell, storm motion, storm shape, and soundings of the near-storm environment. Verification data come from weather stations and quality-controlled storm reports. The system performs very well on independent testing data. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve ranges from 0.88 to 0.95, the critical success index (CSI) ranges from 0.27 to 0.91, and the Brier skill score (BSS) ranges from 0.19 to 0.65 (>0 is better than climatology). For all three scores, the best value occurs for the smallest distance (inside storm cell) and/or lead time (0–15 min), while the worst value occurs for the greatest distance (5–10 km outside storm cell) and/or lead time (60–90 min). The system was deployed during the 2017 Hazardous Weather Testbed.
Bayesian Model Averaging for Wind Speed Ensemble Forecasts Using Wind Speed and Direction
Authors: Eide Siri Sofie , Bremnes John Bjørnar , Steinsland Ingelin
Published: November 2017

In this paper, probabilistic wind speed forecasts are constructed based on ensemble numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecasts for both wind speed and wind direction. Including other NWP variables in addition to the one subject to forecasting is common for statistical calibration of deterministic forecasts. However, this practice is rarely seen for ensemble forecasts, probably because of a lack of methods. A Bayesian modeling approach (BMA) is adopted, and a flexible model class based on splines is introduced for the mean model. The spline model allows both wind speed and wind direction to be included nonlinearly. The proposed methodology is tested for forecasting hourly maximum 10-min wind speeds based on ensemble forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts at 204 locations in Norway for lead times from +12 to +108 h. An improvement in the continuous ranked probability score is seen for approximately 85% of the locations using the proposed method compared to standard BMA based on only wind speed forecasts. For moderate-to-strong wind the improvement is substantial, while for low wind speeds there is generally less or no improvement. On average, the improvement is 5%. The proposed methodology can be extended to include more NWP variables in the calibration and can also be applied to other variables.
A 10-Year Survey of Tropical Cyclone Inner-Core Lightning Bursts and Their Relationship to Intensity Change
Authors: Stevenson Stephanie N. , Corbosiero Kristen L. , DeMaria Mark , Vigh Jonathan L.
Published: November 2017

This study seeks to reconcile discrepancies between previous studies analyzing the relationship between lightning and tropical cyclone (TC) intensity change. Inner-core lightning bursts (ICLBs) were identified from 2005 to 2014 in North Atlantic (NA) and eastern North Pacific (ENP) TCs embedded in favorable environments (e.g., vertical wind shear ≤ 10 m s−1; sea surface temperatures ≥ 26.5°C) using data from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) transformed onto a regular grid with 8-km grid spacing to replicate the expected nadir resolution of the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM). Three hypothesized factors that could impact the 24-h intensity change after a burst were tested: 1) prior intensity change, 2) azimuthal burst location, and 3) radial burst location. Most ICLBs occurred in weak TCs (tropical depressions and tropical storms), and most TCs intensified (remained steady) 24 h after burst onset in the NA (ENP). TCs were more likely to intensify 24 h after an ICLB if they were steady or intensifying prior to burst onset. Azimuthally, 75% of the ICLBs initiated downshear, with 92% of downshear bursts occurring in TCs that remained steady or intensified. Of the ICLBs that initiated or rotated upshear, 2–3 times more were associated with TC intensification than weakening, consistent with recent studies finding more symmetric convection in intensifying TCs. The radial burst location relative to the radius of maximum wind (RMW) provided the most promising result: TCs with an ICLB inside (outside) the RMW were associated with intensification (weakening).
Transnational solidarity, the refugees and open societies in Europe
Authors: Nowicka Magdalena , Krzyżowski Łukasz , Ohm Dennis
Published: November 2017

The recent massive arrival of war refugees has challenged Europe’s political unity and fanned the flames of anti-Muslim populism. Both discourses have been framed in terms of ‘shifting solidarity’ between the European Union member states, their citizens and the refugees. At stake, the article argues, is the delineation of the collectivity linked by the obligation of solidarity. Drawing on insights from research conducted among Polish-born migrants in Germany about their practices and attitudes towards helping the refugees, and critically engaging with social theory, this article offers a new understanding of transnational solidarity. Transnational solidarity, it argues, needs to embrace the tension between cosmopolitan and particularistic ideas around belonging. The article suggests defining transnational solidarity as an outcome of socio-culturally and spatio-temporally specific interpretations of the norm of solidarity. As a heuristic device, transnational solidarity helps us to understand the shifting alliances for and against refugees in Europe.
Mathematical Interventions for Secondary Students With Learning Disabilities and Mathematics Difficulties: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jitendra Asha K. , Lein Amy E. , Im Soo-hyun , Alghamdi Ahmed A. , Hefte Scott B. , Mouanoutoua John
Published: November 2017

This meta-analysis is the first to provide a quantitative synthesis of empirical evaluations of mathematical intervention programs implemented in secondary schools for students with learning disabilities and mathematics difficulties. Included studies used a treatment-control group design. A total of 19 experimental and quasi-experimental studies containing 20 independent samples met study inclusion criteria. Results of a random effects model analysis indicated that mathematical interventions influence mathematics outcomes ( g = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [0.18, 0.56]) for students with learning disabilities and mathematics difficulties. In addition, instructional time moderated the relation between mathematics interventions and student learning. Limitations of the study, future directions for research, and implications for practice are discussed.
Employability among low-skill workers: Organizational expectations and practices in the US health care sector
Authors: Dill Janette S , Morgan Jennifer Craft
Published: November 2017

In today’s unstable and uncertain economy, middle-class and professional workers are expected to participate in employability activities, such as ongoing higher education and obtaining additional credentials. These activities are expected by employers, protect workers against layoff, and help to advance workers’ careers. In this article, we argue that the expectations of employability are increasingly being placed on lower-level workers by their employers, in partnership with educational institutions. We draw on 20 case studies of career development programs in a variety of health care settings across the United States. We found that through the development (and requirement) of credentials and partnerships with educational institutions, employers encouraged low-level employees to be continually considering their employability and career pathways. However, while the career development programs in our sample use many of the same employability practices seen among middle-class and professional workers, there were often minimal financial or educational rewards for low-level workers. Career programs that focused on established credentials (e.g. surgical technicians, registered nurses), though, were able to provide substantial upward social mobility for workers.
Examining African American Parent-Daughter HIV Risk Communication Using a Black Feminist-Ecological Lens: Implications for Intervention
Authors: Opara Ijeoma
Published: November 2017

Using a framework of ecological systems theory and Black feminist theory, this article provides a conceptual exploration of barriers and facilitators to HIV risk communication between African American parents and daughters. African American female adolescents are disproportionately diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and are more likely to engage in sexually risky behaviors, which increases their risk of contracting HIV. Researchers have documented the importance of parental beliefs, knowledge, and communication about sexual and HIV risk as a protective factor in influencing safe sexual behavior in their daughters. By incorporating the ecological influences that affect familial processes among African American parents, in addition to highlighting Black feminist concepts, this article proposes a racial and gender-specific theoretical model to guide future family-based HIV prevention interventions.
Rehabilitation Counselors’ Use and Perceptions of Peer-Reviewed Publications
Authors: McCarthy Amanda K. , McCarthy Randy J.
Published: November 2017

Peer-reviewed publications are one way for researchers to communicate information about service delivery to rehabilitation counselors. However, little is known about rehabilitation counselors’ actual use of peer-reviewed publications. Thus, the current research explored the extent to which rehabilitation counselors ( N = 334) read and use peer-reviewed publications, factors associated with their reading and using peer-reviewed publications, and several items assessing their judgments about peer-reviewed publications. Overall, we found that rehabilitation counselors used peer-reviewed publications a moderate amount, held generally positive judgments about peer-reviewed publications, and reported wanting to use information from peer-reviewed publications with a greater percentage of clients than they actually did. We also found that counselors’ reading and using of peer-reviewed publications increased as counselor opinions of peer-reviewed publications were more positive and as counselors perceived their professional organizations, universities, agencies, and supervisors encouraged reading and using peer-reviewed publication. Collectively, we believe the current study is useful for researchers to generate and communicate research to rehabilitation counselors.
Examining Impacts of Mindfulness in Requesting Job Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Vance Stacy , Campbell Amanda , Dong Shengli
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to examine the relationship between mindfulness and the request for job accommodations among individuals with disabilities. One hundred fifty individuals with disabilities who needed a job accommodation completed a survey assessing the cognitive, affective, and mindfulness factors involved with requesting job accommodations. Pearson correlations were calculated between scales and subscales measuring mindfulness, positive affect, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and intentions to request accommodations. The results showed significant correlations between mindfulness and all other scales. In addition, multiple regression and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the impacts of cognitive, affective, and mindfulness factors on an individual’s intention and decision to request or withhold a request for an accommodation. Mindfulness was not found significant in predicting the intention to request accommodations; however, positive affect, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations accounted for 35% of the variance in intention to request. The interaction between mindfulness and intention to request, along with self-efficacy, was found significant in predicting request behavior. Mindfulness and the interaction between mindfulness and intention to request contributed an additional 8% of the variance in requesting behavior. The results of this study indicate the need for more research into the relationship of mindfulness and the decision to request accommodations.
Believing and Seeing
Authors: Prosperi Paolo
Published: November 2017

This article reconsiders the relationship between vision and faith, recuperating an understanding of the “ray of darkness” accented by Church Fathers such as Gregory of Nyssa and Dionysius for a fuller understanding of the beatific vision. Vision and faith are not ultimately two opposite movements, but rather two inseparable aspects of one dynamism leading to a knowing union with God that is “ever-more.”
Cup of Suffering, Chalice of Salvation: Refugees, Lampedusa, and the Eucharist
Authors: Groody Daniel G.
Published: November 2017

This article explores the significance of the Eucharist in the context of the global refugee crisis. It analyzes this topic in light of the mass that Pope Francis celebrated on the island of Lampedusa on July 13, 2013 and the chalice he used that was hewn from the driftwood of a refugee shipwreck. Drawing on Virgilio Elizondo’s notions of the Galilean principle, the Jerusalem principle, and the Resurrection principle, it examines the migration of the no-bodies, their journey to becoming some-bodies, and their connection to the body of Christ.
A Place for Communion: Reflections on an Ecclesiology of Parish Life
Authors: Hoover Brett C.
Published: November 2017

Theologians have demonstrated curious restraint in assigning theological meaning to the parish. I argue here for a renewed attention to the parish as an “ecclesial place,” that is, a geographical site situated in particular contexts where ecclesial relationships of communion unfold by the power of the Holy Spirit for the sake of God’s mission. Simply put, parishes function—or at least ought to function—as the places where “histories of communion” are manifested in the context of grace and struggle in the real world.
Towards a new vocabulary of urbanisation processes: A comparative approach
Authors: Schmid Christian , Karaman Ozan , Hanakata Naomi C , Kallenberger Pascal , Kockelkorn Anne , Sawyer Lindsay , Streule Monika , Wong Kit Ping
Published: November 2017

Contemporary processes of urbanisation present major challenges for urban research and theory as urban areas expand and interweave. In this process, urban forms are constantly changing and new urban configurations are frequently evolving. An adequate understanding of urbanisation must derive its empirical and theoretical inspirations from the multitude of urban experiences across the various divides that shape the contemporary world. New concepts and terms are urgently required that would help, both analytically and cartographically, to decipher the differentiated and rapidly mutating landscapes of urbanisation that are being produced today. One of the key procedures to address these challenges is the application of comparative strategies. Based on postcolonial critiques of urban theory and on the epistemologies of planetary urbanisation, this paper introduces and discusses the theoretical and methodological framework of a collaborative comparative study of urbanisation processes in eight large metropolitan territories across the world: Tokyo, Hong Kong/Shenzhen/Dongguan, Kolkata, Istanbul, Lagos, Paris, Mexico City and Los Angeles. In order to approach these large territories, a specific methodological design is applied mainly based on qualitative methods and a newly developed method of mapping. After the presentation of the main lines of our theoretical and methodological approach we discuss some of the new comparative concepts that we developed through this process: popular urbanisation, plotting urbanism, multilayered patchwork urbanisation and the incorporation of urban differences.
Complicity and contestation in the gentrifying urban primary school
Authors: Mansaray Ayo
Published: November 2017

The transformation of primary schools in gentrifying localities has sometimes been referred to as a form of ‘class colonisation’. This article draws on ethnographic research with teachers, teaching assistants and parents in two inner-London primary schools to explore the largely unexamined role of school leaders (headteachers) in mediating gentrification processes within urban schools. It argues that institutional history, contexts of headship and leadership style all play an important role in negotiating and recontextualising middle-class mobilisation and power to re-shape primary schools. Headteachers’ relationship to gentrification is therefore not simply one of complicity, but often of contestation and conflict. This article therefore challenges understandings of gentrification as a hegemonic process, and contributes to a more nuanced picture of the educational consequences of gentrification, particularly the institutional realities and experiences of urban social change.
The factor structure of the Normative Beliefs about Aggression Scale as used with a sample of adolescents in low socio-economic areas of South Africa
Authors: Padmanabhanunni Anita
Published: November 2017

The issue of adolescent aggression and violence has received significant attention in the literature. Normative beliefs about the acceptability of aggressive behaviour have been identified as central in influencing aggression. The Normative Beliefs about Aggression Scale was developed to identify cognitive beliefs about the acceptability of aggressive behaviour. The scale has been extensively used in research on child and adolescent aggression and has consistently demonstrated that normative beliefs account for variances in adolescent aggressive behaviour, predict aggression, and mediate the relationship between risk factors and aggression among this population group. Despite extensive use of this scale in other contexts, information is lacking on its psychometric properties. A full analysis of the factor structure of the Normative Beliefs about Aggression Scale has not yet been conducted. This study presents the first test of the factor structure of the full instrument and confirms that the Normative Beliefs about Aggression Scale is a reliable instrument when used in the South African context. The results point to the multidimensional nature of beliefs about aggression and provide an important foundation for future research into correlates of aggressive behaviour in different cultural contexts.
Meso-characterization of the effective thermal conductivity of selected typical geomaterials in an underground coal mine
Authors: Chu Zhaoxiang , Zhou Guoqing , Bi Shike
Published: November 2017

To comprehensively understand the bulk macro conduction characteristics of typical geomaterials existing in deep underground coal mines, i.e. coal, rock, and concrete (shotcrete), meso-scale composition (solid mineral and fluids such as water and air) and structure (particle and pore size, shape, and contact form) analyses were conducted via water absorbability and thermal conductivity measurements, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction technologies. The results indicate that coal, rock, and concrete's respective meso-scale composition and structures have different degrees of influence on their macro bulk effective thermal conductivity at various conditions. First, the fluid (water and air) composition significantly impacts thermal conductivity at a certain bulk effective porosity: coal < rock < concrete. The ranking of thermal conductivity shows two different forms: concrete < coal < rock in a dry state and coal < concrete < rock in a water-saturated state. Second, the surface morphology and face porosity obtained by scanning electron microscope imaging can explain thermal conductivity fluctuations at various moisture contents and magnification times. The face porosity as well as its quadrant anisotropy degree can also be achieved via scanning electron microscope digital image processing technology, and both of them have a certain relationship with magnification times (scale effect) and effective volumetric porosity, as obtained by water absorbability experiments. In addition, apart from the fluid composition, the mineral composition (species and content of mineral) of the solid skeleton or matrix also significantly influences the macro-scale thermal conductivity of geomaterials. Furthermore, a quantitative comparison analysis can be performed by X-ray diffraction, but further research is needed to improve its accuracy. This study's detailed meso-characterization of the macro effective thermal conductivity for typical geomaterials in an underground coal mine may be of reference value to establish the relationship between different properties of differing scales.
Teaching public administration
Authors: Fenwick John
Published: November 2017

In this article, the aim is to explore some of the key themes to emerge in the journal during the past two decades. Each selected theme will be reviewed in the light of issues raised in particular papers. The aim of this approach is, first, to facilitate reflection upon the contribution of the journal as its subject matter has moved from a concern with British public administration to something more international in its scope and, second, to encourage critical attention to the current state and future direction of the discipline of public administration itself. The identification of cross-cutting themes enables the reader to dig a little deeper and draw his/her own conclusions about where the journal has made its distinctive contribution.
Positive Feedback From Male Authority Figures Boosts Women’s Math Outcomes
Authors: Park Lora E. , Kondrak Cheryl L. , Ward Deborah E. , Streamer Lindsey
Published: November 2017

People often search for cues in the environment to determine whether or not they will be judged or treated negatively based on their social identities. Accordingly, feedback from gatekeepers—members of majority groups who hold authority and power in a field—may be an especially important cue for those at risk of experiencing social identity threat, such as women in math settings. Across a series of studies, women who received positive (“Good job!”) versus objective (score only) feedback from a male (vs. female) authority figure in math reported greater confidence; belonging; self-efficacy; more favorable Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) attitudes/identification/interest; and greater implicit identification with math. Men were affected only by the type of math feedback they received, not by the source of feedback. A meta-analysis across studies confirmed results. Together, these findings suggest that positive feedback from gatekeepers is an important situational cue that can improve the outcomes of negatively stereotyped groups.
Index Use of Smoflipid in a Tertiary Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplantation Program
Authors: Lam Kwai , Schiano Thomas , Fiel Maria Isabel , Iyer Kishore
Published: November 2017

Long‐term parenteral nutrition (PN) may be complicated by PN‐associated liver disease (PNALD), and some studies suggest an association between the use of soy‐based fat emulsions and PNALD development. Patients' liver function typically improves and PNALD resolves after reducing or stopping a soy‐based fat emulsion, and thus lipid minimization has been the primary strategy for managing PNALD in many intestinal rehabilitation programs. However, fat emulsions often cannot be stopped entirely, leading some patients to develop PNALD even after lipid reduction strategies have been implemented. Smoflipid emulsion (Kabi‐Fresenius, Bad Homburg, Germany), a balanced mixture of soybean oil, medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs), olive oil, and fish oil, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States as an equivalent alternative to Intralipid (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL). In several pediatric studies, patients who received Smoflipid had significantly lower serum bilirubin levels than those who received Intralipid. In this case report, we present a patient who developed severe PNALD with subsequent resolution after 20 weeks on Smoflipid.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Organizational Rankings: A Multidisciplinary Review of the Literature and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Rindova Violina P. , Martins Luis L. , Srinivas Santosh B. , Chandler David
Published: November 2017

A review of the literature on organizational rankings across management, sociology, education, and law reveals three perspectives on these complex evaluations—rankings are seen as a form of information intermediation, as comparative orderings, or as a means for surveillance and control. The information intermediation perspective views rankings as information products that address information asymmetries between the ranked organizations and their stakeholders; the comparative orderings perspective views them as representations of organizational status and reputation; and the surveillance and control perspective emphasizes their disciplining power that subjects ranked organizations to political and economic interests. For each perspective, we identify core contributions as well as additional questions that extend the current body of research. We also identify a new perspective—rankings entrepreneurship—which has been overlooked to date but presents significant opportunities to extend our understanding of the production and consumption of rankings.
Incidental Findings on FDG PET/CT in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Britt Christopher J. , Maas Austin M. , Kennedy Tabassum A. , Hartig Gregory K.
Published: November 2017

Objective

18F‐fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) imaging is common in head and neck cancer and often identifies incidental findings that necessitate additional patient evaluations. Our goal was to assess the frequency and nature of these incidental imaging findings on FDG‐PET/CT.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

All patients with head and neck cancer who had undergone FDG‐PET/CT imaging between January 2014 and June 2015 at our institution were evaluated for incidental findings.

Results

A total of 293 patients met criteria; more than one‐third (n = 103) had at least 1 finding unrelated to their head and neck cancer, for a total of 134 incidental findings. Incidental findings within the head and neck (33.5% of all) excluding the thyroid were most common: 35% incidental findings were concerning for malignancy; of these, 25.5% were malignant with further workup. Recommendations were given by the head and neck radiologist on 72 (53.7%) findings: 74.5% of potentially malignant findings and 42.5% of benign findings had recommendations for follow‐up. Significantly more patients with findings described as malignant were given recommendations for follow‐up (P =. 0004).

Conclusion

Incidental findings on FDG‐PET/CT are present in more than one‐third of patients with head and neck cancer. More than one‐third of incidental findings were concerning for malignancy. This study illustrates how the incidental findings discovered on FDG PET/CT frequently necessitate additional evaluations unrelated to the index head and neck cancer. The impact of these additional assessments on the cost and quality of health care warrants future evaluation.
Intranasal Budesonide and Quality of Life in Pediatric Sleep‐Disordered Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gudnadottir Gunnhildur , Ellegård Eva , Hellgren Johan
Published: November 2017

Objective

To study the efficacy of budesonide nasal spray on the health‐related quality of life and symptoms among children with sleep‐disordered breathing.

Study Design

Randomized, parallel, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty children (ages, 4‐10 years) who were referred because of snoring and/or apneas for >3 months were included between January 2015 and June 2016 and randomized in a double‐blind design to treatment with 64 μg/mL of budesonide nasal spray (n = 30) or placebo nasal spray (n = 30) twice daily for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measurement was the change in the mean OSA‐18 total score from baseline. Other variables examined were individual OSA‐18 domains, a visual analog scale for quality of life, symptoms (snoring, apneas, and nasal obstruction), and adenoid and tonsil size. The trial was investigator initiated and not sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry.

Results

Fifty‐five children completed the trial. An intention‐to‐treat analysis revealed a significantly greater improvement in the mean OSA‐18 total score after treatment with budesonide than placebo (19.5 vs 7.5, P =. 0014). Intranasal budesonide also improved 2 OSA‐18 domains (sleep disturbance, caregivers’ concerns), the visual analog scale score for quality of life, as well as snoring, apneas, and nasal obstruction. No serious adverse events were reported that could be linked to the treatment.

Conclusion

Among children with sleep‐disordered breathing, 6 weeks’ treatment with intranasal budesonide significantly improved quality of life and symptoms as compared with placebo nasal spray.
An empirical investigation of organizations’ switching intention to cloud enterprise resource planning: a cost-benefit perspective
Authors: Chang Yu-Wei , Hsu Ping-Yu
Published: November 2017

Although cloud computing has a number of benefits, privacy risks play a critical role in organizations’ decisions to switch to cloud services. However, few studies on cloud adoption have investigated effects of both benefits and costs on switching intention. Based on cost-benefit analysis and technology acceptance model, this study develops a research model to investigate how benefits (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) and costs (perceived risk and privacy concerns) influence organizations’ switching intention to cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The model also accounts for trust and perceived control in the context of cloud computing. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and privacy concerns significantly affect switching intention. Trust can enhance perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and reduce perceived risk. Perceived control can also reduce perceived risk and privacy concerns. The findings are useful to understand switching issues from traditional ERP to cloud ERP for both researchers and practitioners.
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI in a Great Dane Caused by a Nonsense Mutation in the ARSB Gene
Authors: Wang Ping , Margolis Carol , Lin Gloria , Buza Elizabeth L. , Quick Scott , Raj Karthik , Han Rachel , Giger Urs
Published: November 2017

Mucopolysaccharidoses are inherited metabolic disorders that result from a deficiency of lysosomal enzymes required for the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans. Lysosomal glycosaminoglycan accumulation results in cell and organ dysfunction. This study characterized the phenotype and genotype of mucopolysaccharidosis VI in a Great Dane puppy with clinical signs of stunted growth, facial dysmorphia, skeletal deformities, corneal opacities, and increased respiratory sounds. Clinical and pathologic evaluations, urine glycosaminoglycan analyses, lysosomal enzyme assays, and ARSB sequencing were performed. The urine mucopolysaccharide spot test was strongly positive predominantly due to the accumulation of dermatan sulfate. Enzyme assays in leukocytes and tissues indicated a deficiency of arylsulfatase B (ARSB) activity. Histologic examination revealed cytoplasmic vacuoles in many tissues. Analysis of the exonic ARSB DNA sequences from the affected puppy compared to the published canine genome sequence revealed a homozygous nonsense mutation (c.295C>T) in exon 1, replacing glutamine with a premature stop codon (p.Gln99*), predicting no enzyme synthesis. A polymerase chain reaction–based restriction fragment length polymorphism test was established to assist with the clinical diagnosis and breeding of Great Danes. This genotyping test revealed that the clinically healthy parents and some other relatives of the puppy were heterozygous for the mutant allele, but all 200 clinically healthy dogs screened including 15 Great Danes were homozygous for the normal allele. This ARSB mutation is the fourth identified genetic variant causing canine mucopolysaccharidosis VI. Mucopolysaccharidosis VI is the first lysosomal storage disorder described in Great Danes but does not appear to be widespread in this breed.
Serial testing of the ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria for probable reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: A prospective validation study
Authors: Lee Mi Ji , Choi Hyun Ah , Choi Hanna , Chung Chin-Sang
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To serially test the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) 3rd edition beta version criteria for 6.7.3.1 probable reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (probable RCVS) in patients with thunderclap headache.

Methods

We prospectively screened consecutive patients with thunderclap headache who visited the Samsung Medical Center between October 2015 and March 2017. Patients were included in the analysis if they a) visited our hospital within 1 month after onset, b) completed a diagnostic work-up, and c) had no secondary causes other than RCVS. The ICHD-3 beta 6.7.3.1 criteria were evaluated serially during the first visit (visit 1), 2 weeks after the first visit (visit 2), and 1–3 months after onset (visit 3).

Results

A total of 99 patients completed this study. Based on the first clinical and radiological evaluation, 63 (63.6%) were diagnosed with angiogram-proven RCVS, whilst 36 (36.4%) showed normal neuroimaging. The ICHD-3 beta 6.7.3.1 criteria were fulfilled in 76.2% of patients with angiogram-proven RCVS. In patients with normal angiograms, the ICHD diagnosis of probable RCVS changed over time: 25.0%, 47.2%, and 38.9% at visits 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria at visit 1 were 72.4% and 95.5%, respectively, for the prediction of a final diagnosis of overall (angiogram-proven + probable) RCVS.

Conclusions

The ICHD-3 beta criteria for probable RCVS are applicable for patients with thunderclap headaches at the acute stage, with the exception of criterion C3. Criteria C1 and C2 are less reliable when applied at the first visit. Repeated evaluation is necessary to enhance diagnostic sensitivity.
Empowerment in a Controlling Place: Youth Program Facilitators and Resistance to School Discipline
Authors: Greenberg Max A.
Published: November 2017

Research has described a nearly monolithic culture of control that shapes the disciplinary practices and experiences of youth in urban schools. However, existing research does not adequately account for the diverse actions of school-based adults in relation to school discipline. Drawing on four years of fieldwork in violence prevention programs implemented in classrooms throughout Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), this study explores how program facilitators create and sustain a cultural frame of empowerment within the context of the culture of control. As the findings reveal, facilitators narrowed and refined empowerment, emphasizing student anonymity and leveling classroom authority. This enactment of empowerment temporarily subverted disciplinary and punitive mechanisms in ways that meaningfully impacted individuals. This article applies the theoretical framework of cultural heterogeneity to educational contexts, arguing that while schools are sites of an overarching culture of control, school-based adults enact multiple, often conflicting cultural frames.
Jihadist waves: Syria, the Islamic State, and the changing nature of foreign fighters
Authors: Tezcür Güneş Murat , Besaw Clayton
Published: November 2017

This article offers the first systematic analysis of cross-generational and cross-organizational aspects of jihadist foreign fighter (JFF) mobilization. How are individuals fighting in Syria different from foreign fighters who fought in the previous jihadist wars? What factors distinguish the Islamic State (IS) fighters from individuals joining other jihadist groups in Syria? The article builds an original sample of 477 JFFs from Turkey spanning three decades and employs the Random Forest technique, a method with several distinct advantages over regression analysis in the study of small N conflict data. The results have substantial and practical implications and show that fighters in Syria and IS fighters have different demographic characteristics and life experiences than fighters in pre-Syria wars and non-IS fighters in Syria, respectively. They inform more empirically grounded theory building about the recruitment motives and methods of JFFs.
Grimaldi’s iconic photograph: Bloody Sunday, Derry 1972
Authors: Side Katherine
Published: November 2017

This article examines the concept of photographic iconicity in relation to Italian press photographer, Fulvio Grimaldi’s photograph of the evacuation of Derry-born marcher, John [Jackie] Francis Duddy, at Bloody Sunday, 1972. This historical photograph continues to instigate remembering and forgetting among nationalists and unionists in the context of Northern Ireland. Its uses, in state-led government inquiries, among nationalist communities and in the form of artistic intersessions, are demonstrated to be consistent with the hallmarks of iconicity, particularly the ability to situate viewers close to events in a historically specific moment. Additional factors, such as the significance of the photographer and the materiality of the image and objects in the image are also considered, in relation to Grimaldi’s image, for the ways they instigate recall, compel contestation, and maintain the photograph’s iconic status.
Multi-objective lightweight optimization and design for body-in-white frontal sub-module
Authors: Wang Dengfeng , Lv Tiantong , Wang Chuanqing , Zhang Chunlin , Wang Fengying , Zhang Wen
Published: November 2017

Lightweight optimization and design on body in white (BIW) has a significant effect on reducing emissions, fuel consumption, and protecting the environment. Much lightweight study on complete BIW and single BIW parts has been done in recent years. However, the lightweight study of sub-modules is difficult for considering the complete BIW performances. The efficiency of sub-module lightweight optimization based on complete BIW is not high. A new method is proposed to conduct frontal sub-module lightweight optimization. Firstly, the implicit parametric frontal BIW structure is constructed by SFE-CONCEPT software. Then, the coupling BIW model is constructed by combining the above frontal BIW structure and rear finite element structure. The shape and thickness variables are extracted from the frontal BIW structure, and the performance of complete BIW can be analyzed. The efficiency of constructing BIW and the complete performances are all considered by the new method. In addition, a modular method is adopted to analyze performance. It can achieve the concept of “analysis leads design” to conduct lightweight optimization and design for frontal structure by combining with ISIGHT software. After lightweight optimization and design of BIW frontal structure, the weight is reduced by 4.91 kg, which is as much as 5.70%. The performances have little change; the improved maximum performance is 3.32%, and the reduced maximum performance is 1.81%.
Helicopter gas turbine engine performance analysis: A multivariable approach
Authors: Arush Ilan , Pavel Marilena D
Published: November 2017

Helicopter performance relies heavily on the available output power of the engine(s) installed. A simplistic single-variable analysis approach is often used within the flight-testing community to reduce flight-test data in order to predict the available output power under various atmospheric conditions. This simplistic approach often results in unrealistic predictions. This paper proposes a novel method for analyzing flight-test data of a helicopter gas turbine engine. The so-called “Multivariable Polynomial Optimization under Constraints” method is capable of providing an improved estimation of the engine maximum available power. The Multivariable Polynomial Optimization under Constraints method relies on optimization of a multivariable polynomial model subjected to equalities and inequalities constraints. The Karush–Khun–Tucker optimization method is used with the engine operating limitations serving as inequalities constraints. The proposed Multivariable Polynomial Optimization under Constraints method is applied to a set of flight-test data of a Rolls Royce/Allison MTU250-C20 gas turbine, installed on an MBB BO-105 M helicopter. It is shown that the Multivariable Polynomial Optimization under Constraints method can predict the engine output power under a wider range of atmospheric conditions and that the standard deviation of the output power estimation error is reduced from 13 hp in the single-variable method to only 4.3 hp using the Multivariable Polynomial Optimization under Constraints method (over 300% improvement).
Attitudes to, and experience of, pooled sampling for sexually transmitted infection testing: a web-based survey of English sexual health services
Authors: Shaw Jonathan , Saunders John Michael , Hughes Gwenda
Published: November 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae testing guidance recommends extragenital screening with locally validated nucleic acid amplification tests, with anatomical sites tested separately. Evidence supports multi-patient combined aliquot pooled sampling (PS) for population screening; evidence for within-patient PS is sparse. Within-patient PS could be more cost-effective for triple-site testing, but requires distinct clinical pathways and consideration over loss of information to guide risk assessments and treatment. We explored PS attitudes and practices amongst clinicians in England. A cross-sectional web-based survey was distributed to clinical leads of sexual health services throughout England in February 2016. Fifty-two (52/216, 23%) services responded. One service reported current within-patient PS and two were awaiting implementation. Of the 49 services not pooling, five were considering implementation. Concerns raised included the inability to distinguish infection site(s) (36/52, 69%), absence of national guidance (34/52, 65%) and reduced assay performance (18/52, 34%). Only 8/52 (15%) considered the current level of evidence sufficient to support PS, with 40/52 (77%) requesting further validation studies and 39/52 (77%) national guidance. PS was rarely used by respondents to this survey, although the response rate was low. The clinical challenges presented by PS need to be addressed through further development of the evidence base.
Long-term persistence of human papillomavirus in the skin of the glans penis of elderly men above 80 years of age
Authors: Kitamura Tadaichi , Suzuki Motofumi , Koyama Yasuhiro , Shigehara Kazuyoshi
Published: November 2017

Investigations of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the glans penis are scarce, especially with regard to its natural history. To elucidate HPV prevalence among Japanese men attending urological clinics, 798 adult participants were recruited consecutively and stratified into groups by age based on 10-year intervals. The overall HPV prevalence among the participants was 24.8%, with 15.5% positive for high-risk HPV and 9.3% infected with other HPVs. The HPV positivity rate was sustained in those over 80 years of age at nearly the same level as those in the younger age groups. We also determined the age at last sexual intercourse of 15 HPV-positive participants in the 80+ years age group. In addition, six participants positive for HPV were re-examined for HPV and all showed nearly the same HPV types as those identified in their first examinations. The difference between the age at the first test and the age of last intercourse was 8.3 ± 6.2 years. Except for the elderly group who reported sexual intercourse within the previous year, the duration was 10.0 ± 5.1 years. Our data suggest an HPV persistence of at least eight years. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate the long-term persistence of HPV infection in the glans penis.