bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stochastic Unified Convection Scheme (UNICON). Part I: Formulation and Single-Column Simulation for Shallow Convection
Authors: Shin Jihoon , Park Sungsu
Published: November 2019

By extending the previously developed unified convection scheme (UNICON), we develop a stochastic UNICON with convective updraft plumes at the surface randomly sampled from the correlated multivariate Gaussian distribution for updraft vertical velocity w^ and thermodynamic scalars ϕ^, of which standard deviations and intervariable correlations are derived from the surface-layer similarity theory. The updraft plume radius R^ at the surface follows a power-law distribution with a specified scale break radius. To enhance computational efficiency, we also develop a hybrid stochastic UNICON consisting of n bin plumes and a single stochastic plume, each of which mainly controls the ensemble mean and variance of grid-mean convective tendency, respectively. We evaluated the stochastic UNICON using the large-eddy simulation (LES) of the Barbados Oceanographic and Meteorological Experiment (BOMEX) shallow convection case in a single-column mode. Consistent with the assumptions in the stochastic UNICON, the LES w^ and ϕ^ at the surface follow approximately the half- and full-Gaussian distributions, respectively. LES showed that a substantial portion of the variability in ϕ^ at the cloud base stems from the surface, which also supports the concept of stochastic UNICON that simulates various types of moist convection based on the dry stochastic convection launched from the surface. Overall, stochastic UNICON adequately reproduces the LES grid-mean thermodynamic states as well as the mean and variance of ϕ^, including their dependency on the domain size and R^. A sensitivity test showed that the perturbations of ϕ^ as well as R^ at the surface are important for the correct simulation of the grid-mean thermodynamic states.
Surface Fluxes Modulate the Seasonality of Zonal-Mean Storm Tracks
Authors: Barpanda Pragallva , Shaw Tiffany A.
Published: November 2019

The observed zonal-mean extratropical storm tracks exhibit distinct hemispheric seasonality. Previously, the moist static energy (MSE) framework was used diagnostically to show that shortwave absorption (insolation) dominates seasonality but surface heat fluxes damp seasonality in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) and amplify it in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). Here we establish the causal role of surface fluxes (ocean energy storage) by varying the mixed layer depth d in zonally symmetric 1) slab-ocean aquaplanet simulations with zero ocean energy transport and 2) energy balance model (EBM) simulations. Using a scaling analysis we define a critical mixed layer depth dc and hypothesize 1) large mixed layer depths (d > dc) produce surface heat fluxes that are out of phase with shortwave absorption resulting in small storm track seasonality and 2) small mixed layer depths (d < dc) produce surface heat fluxes that are in phase with shortwave absorption resulting in large storm track seasonality. The aquaplanet simulations confirm the large mixed layer depth hypothesis and yield a useful idealization of the SH storm track. However, the small mixed layer depth hypothesis fails to account for the large contribution of the Ferrel cell and atmospheric storage. The small mixed layer limit does not yield a useful idealization of the NH storm track because the seasonality of the Ferrel cell contribution is opposite to the stationary eddy contribution in the NH. Varying the mixed layer depth in an EBM qualitatively supports the aquaplanet results.
A Hindcast Approach to Diagnosing the Equatorial Pacific Cold Tongue SST Bias in CESM1
Authors: Siongco Angela Cheska , Ma Hsi-Yen , Klein Stephen A. , Xie Shaocheng , Karspeck Alicia R. , Raeder Kevin , Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: November 2019

An ensemble seasonal hindcast approach is used to investigate the development of the equatorial Pacific Ocean cold sea surface temperature (SST) bias and its characteristic annual cycle in the Community Earth System Model, version 1 (CESM1). In observations, eastern equatorial Pacific SSTs exhibit a warm phase during boreal spring and a cold phase during late boreal summer–autumn. The CESM1 climatology shows a cold bias during both warm and cold phases. In our hindcasts, the cold bias during the cold phase develops in less than 6 months, whereas the cold bias during the warm phase takes longer to emerge. The fast-developing cold-phase cold bias is associated with too-strong vertical advection and easterly wind stress over the eastern equatorial region. The antecedent boreal summer easterly wind anomalies also appear in atmosphere-only simulations, indicating that the errors are intrinsic to the atmosphere component. For the slower-developing warm-phase cold bias, we find that the too-cold SSTs over the equatorial region are associated with a slowly evolving upward displacement of subsurface ocean zonal currents and isotherms that can be traced to the ocean component.
The Impact of Dropsonde and Extra Radiosonde Observations during NAWDEX in Autumn 2016
Authors: Schindler Matthias , Weissmann Martin , Schäfler Andreas , Radnoti Gabor
Published: November 2019

Dropsonde observations from three research aircraft in the North Atlantic region, as well as several hundred additionally launched radiosondes over Canada and Europe, were collected during the international North Atlantic Waveguide and Downstream Impact Experiment (NAWDEX) in autumn 2016. In addition, over 1000 dropsondes were deployed during NOAA’s Sensing Hazards with Operational Unmanned Technology (SHOUT) and Reconnaissance missions in the west Atlantic basin, supplementing the conventional observing network for several intensive observation periods. This unique dataset was assimilated within the framework of cycled data denial experiments for a 1-month period performed with the global model of the ECMWF. Results show a slightly reduced mean forecast error (1%–3%) over the northern Atlantic and Europe by assimilating these additional observations, with the most prominent error reductions being linked to Tropical Storm Karl, Cyclones Matthew and Nicole, and their subsequent interaction with the midlatitude waveguide. The evaluation of Forecast Sensitivity to Observation Impact (FSOI) indicates that the largest impact is due to dropsondes near tropical storms and cyclones, followed by dropsondes over the northern Atlantic and additional Canadian radiosondes. Additional radiosondes over Europe showed a comparatively small beneficial impact.
Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Bresler Amishav , Povolotskiy Roman , Nguyen Brandon , Zuliani Giancarlo F. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Paskhover Boris , Svider Peter
Published: November 2019

Objective:

The safety and efficacy of extracorporeal septoplasty (ECS) has long been debated. Our objective was to determine this technique’s functional and aesthetic outcomes and complications through a systematic review of the literature.

Data Sources:

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were evaluated for studies detailing functional or aesthetic outcomes of ECS.

Review Methods:

Bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) score. Aesthetic and functional outcomes in addition to complications were evaluated using subjective and objective measures. Meta-analyses were performed when appropriate.

Results:

Seventeen studies encompassing 1418 patients were included. The average MINORS score for observational studies was 9.2. Overall there was a significant improvement in subjective nasal function with a preoperative average Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score of 75 (±16) decreasing to 19.5 (±16.5) postoperatively for a mean difference (MD) of −55 (95% confidence interval (CI): –60 to −49.5). In terms of objective nasal function, at 6 months postoperatively, there was an improvement of nasal flow measured by rhinometry ranging from 70 to 71% across studies. Anthropometric measurements were utilized for objective aesthetic outcomes. There was a significant improvement in I-shaped deviations (MD: –2.7°, 95% CI: –5.6 to −0.16) and C-shaped deviations improved by 11.9° (95% CI +2.8-+21.2). Complication rates ranged from 0 to 18%.

Conclusion:

ECS can achieve significant improvements in the subjective and objective function of the nose. The associated complication rate is low but variable between surgeons.
Pediatric Integrated Care Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Burkhart Kimberly , Asogwa Kenneth , Muzaffar Nida , Gabriel Mary
Published: November 2019

Psychiatric disorders are becoming more frequently diagnosed within the pediatric primary care setting. Despite increased diagnosis within primary care, only a minority of patients receive further psychiatric or specialty care. The integrated/collaborative care treatment model was designed to improve access within primary care. The purpose of this review is to identify randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that have investigated whether increased access improves treatment engagement, satisfaction, and improved mental health outcomes. Six studies met inclusion criteria. Studies reviewed indicated increased access to behavioral health treatment through use of the integrated/collaborative care model and improved mental health outcomes. Recommendations for screening and treatment are provided. Limitations of the reviewed studies include lack of generalizability to urban populations, minority youth, and youth younger than 4 years of age. Practice recommendations to address these limitations are identified.
Masticatory Capacity and Mortality: The Preventive and Clinical Investigation Center (IPC) Cohort Study
Authors: Darnaud C. , Thomas F. , Danchin N. , Boutouyrie P. , Bouchard P.
Published: November 2019

Poor oral health (OH) has been associated with mortality, but the association between OH components and mortality remains imprecise. The present observational study aimed to investigate if there is an association between oral masticatory efficiency and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a large French subject cohort. The study was based on a cohort of 85,830 subjects aged between 16 and 94 y at recruitment. The follow-up extended from 2001 to 2014 and the mean follow-up was 8.06 ± 2.73 y. The number of deaths totaled 1,670. Full-mouth examinations were performed. Dental plaque, dental calculus, gingival inflammation, missing teeth, and masticatory units were recorded. Masticatory units represent the number of natural or prosthetic opposing premolars and molar pairs and can be considered an accurate indicator for masticatory efficiency. Causes of death were ascertained from death certificates. Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs). In the fully adjusted model, the number of masticatory units <5 is associated with an HR of 1.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54 to 1.91) for all-cause mortality, HR of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.99) for CV mortality, HR of 1.76 (95% CI, 1.44 to 2.15) for cancer mortality, and HR of 1.85 (95% CI, 1.55 to 2.20) for non-CV and noncancer mortality. Significant statistical associations with the other oral variables were also found for all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and non-CV and noncancer mortality in the adjusted models. Our study indicates that after full adjustment, all oral parameters are associated with all-cause, cancer, and non-CV and noncancer mortality. However, the low number of masticatory units is associated with an increased risk of CV mortality. We highlight the association of masticatory units and CV mortality.
A Look Back: Education in the media, as seen in Kappan
Authors: Preston Teresa
Published: November 2019

In this monthly Kappan column, Teresa Preston shares a sampling of what past Kappan authors have written about the interactions between schools and the media. In the 1940s, authors began encouraging educators to build relationships with local media outlets, both to show they were meeting community expectations and to counter false narratives. In later decades, authors analyzed how schools and teachers were depicted in newspapers, in fiction, on television, and in movies. The picture painted was often grim. An especially persistent narrative that several authors across the decades sought to debunk was the idea that schools are failing. This idea doesn’t necessarily stand up to close scrutiny.
Feminism, Masculinity, and Active Representation: A Gender Analysis of Representative Bureaucracy
Authors: Kennedy Alexis R. , Bishu Sebawit G. , Heckler Nuri
Published: November 2019

Representative bureaucracy examines how identity impacts bureaucratic decision-making. Under certain circumstances, identity congruence between government officials and citizens will result in positive outcomes. This article explores how representative bureaucracy literature studies the effects of gender identity and matching. Although studies demonstrate that context and organizational environment impact identity, scholars don’t systematically analyze how outcomes are affected by gender, rely predominantly on binary gender variables, seldom acknowledge organizations as masculine spaces, and don’t problematize masculinity. Using critical gender theory, we offer new proposals for how to expand our understanding of institutionalized gender norms as they relate to public sector decisions.
Cracking the Black Box: Capturing the Role of Expectation States in Status Processes
Authors: Kalkhoff Will , Melamed David , Pollock Josh , Miller Brennan , Overton Jon , Pfeiffer Matthew
Published: November 2019

A fundamental task for sociology is to uncover the mechanisms that produce and reproduce social inequalities. While status characteristics theory is the favored account of how social status contributes independently to the maintenance of inequality, it hinges on an unobserved construct, expectation states, in the middle of the causal chain between status and behavior. Efforts to test the mediation mechanism have been complicated by the implicit, often unconscious, nature of status expectations. To solve this “black box” problem, we offer a new conceptualization and research approach that capitalizes on the accuracy and precision of neurological measurement to shed new light on the biasing role of expectations in the status–behavior relationship. Results from an experimental study provide a unique illustration of ways in which social status is inscribed in the brain and how, in turn, these inscriptions are related to behavioral inequalities that emerge during interaction.
The age of the incendiarist
Authors: Seabrook Jeremy
Published: November 2019

In an evocative polemic the author traces the ways in which man-made fire, ‘incendiarism against creation’, has marked the planet in the last century. Starting with the burning Amazon forests but taking in Grenfell, he looks back to personal experiences of war-time bombing, knowledge of Hiroshima, Vietnam and Star Wars. As the Cold War ended, human detonation became the new risk. Prosperity, which should have provided a shield, has, instead, engulfed the whole world in new combustions.
Modified Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: Suture-Button Fixation Achieves Excellent Remodeling at 3-Year Follow-up
Authors: Xu Jian , Liu Haifeng , Lu Wei , Deng Zhenhan , Zhu Weimin , Peng Liangquan , Ouyang Kan , Li Hao , Wang Daping
Published: November 2019

Background:

Some studies have advocated the use of suture-button fixation during the Latarjet procedure to reduce complications associated with screw fixation. However, the sample size of these studies is relatively small, and their follow-up period is short.

Purpose:

To investigate the efficacy of the suture-button Latarjet procedure with at least 3 years of follow-up and remodeling of the coracoid graft.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 152 patients who underwent the suture-button Latarjet procedure between February 2013 and February 2016 were selected, and 128 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical results were assessed. The position and healing condition of the coracoid graft and arthropathy of the glenoid and humeral head were also assessed using radiography and 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT).

Results:

The mean follow-up time was 40.3 ± 5.8 months. There were 102 patients included in this study. The mean visual analog scale score for pain during motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Rowe score, and the Walch-Duplay score were improved considerably. A total of 100 grafts achieved bone union. The overall absorption rate was 12.6% ± 4.3%. Graft absorption mostly occurred on the edge and outside the “best-fit” circle of the glenoid. A vertical position was achieved in 98 grafts (96% of all cases) immediately postoperatively, with the mean graft midline center at the 4 o’clock position. In the axial view, CT showed that 89 grafts were flush to the glenoid, whereas 2 and 11 grafts were fixed medially and laterally, respectively. In all cases, the bone graft and glenoid tended to extend toward each other to form concentric circles during the remodeling process. During follow-up observations, the height of the 11 grafts that were positioned laterally (ie, above the glenoid level) exhibited a wave-curved change. No arthropathy was observed in any patient.

Conclusion:

Patient outcomes were satisfactory after the modified arthroscopic suture-button Latarjet technique. Graft absorption mostly occurred on the edge and outside the “best-fit” circle of the glenoid. The graft exhibited the phenomenon of ectatic growing when it fused with the glenoid and finally remodeled to a new concentric circle with the humeral head analogous to the original glenoid. Grafts positioned laterally did not cause arthropathy of the joints within the period of the study.
Advancing Universalism in Neoliberal Times? Basic Income, Workfare and the Politics of Conditionality
Authors: Spies-Butcher Ben
Published: November 2019

Workfare is an exemplar of neoliberal welfare reform generating precarity. In response, critics have sought to advance a politics of universalism, through either a return to social democracy or the embrace of a universal basic income. Yet, these responses invoke different understandings of universalism. This paper explores the politics of universalism in the context of neoliberal reform to benefit systems. Using Australia as a case study, it applies a variegated understanding of neoliberalism to identify two distinct reform trajectories for family payments and unemployment benefits. While appearing to follow a common template of liberalization, in practice each trajectory fostered distinct social outcomes and political dynamics. I argue the more inclusive restructuring of family benefits reflected the influence of social movement pressure intersecting with an increasingly pro-competition and technocratic state, producing new, hybrid, patterns of universal social provision similar to forms of basic income. However, in reflecting on these political dynamics I highlight how the mobilization of universalism is contingent on existing welfare institutions, suggesting dangers in applying these lessons more broadly.
Collective identity and discourse practice in the followership of the Football Lads Alliance on Twitter
Authors: McGlashan Mark
Published: November 2019

Previous studies of online (collective) identity have explored how social media–specific practices like hashtags can enable identity construction and affiliation with a wider community of users. Practices such as mentioning and retweeting have also been discussed in the literature but the practice of following as a discourse practice is underexplored. This article presents a corpus-based Critical Discourse Analytical approach to the study of collective identity on Twitter that focuses on the relationships between following and language use and details a study conducted on the language used by followers of the Football Lads Alliance – a protest group who say they are ‘against all extremism’. This approach was fruitful in identifying correlations between salient discourses in follower profile descriptions and their tweets and suggests that a portion of the followership constructs identity in relation to radical right-wing and populist discourse specifically concerning Islam/Muslims.
Leveraging Technology for Optimization of Health Survey Research
Authors: Sivaraman Shobana , Soni Punit
Published: November 2019

Public health deals with promotion of health, prevention and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases by designing appropriate health interventions and services to deliver through the health systems. There is a need for robust database on the magnitude of disease burden, socio-demographic characteristics and associated risk factors for evidence-based effective planning and developing appropriate strategies, their implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Although India has vast information available through various large-scale surveys and research studies, it still lacks a reliable health information management system. The available data are seldom analysed to draw meaningful conclusions, to develop evidence for policies and strategies and to measure effectiveness of health programmes. The challenges faced in the survey research are multifaceted, from data collection in the field to its rapid transmission of data to central data servers. There is an increasing trend in using technology, especially computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) which is not only expensive but also requires extensive training and information management for transmission of data and its storage. This article examines the application of technology in survey research for efficient data management and to improve data quality. A software called Open Data Kit (ODK) was used for data collection and real-time monitoring of interviewers in field to improve the quality of data collection, achieve desired response rate (RR) and for better field operations’ management. The data collection and field reporting forms designed using ODK act as a significant tool to demonstrate how technology can be used to articulate research expectations at various levels with lower cost and higher efficiency. The research article examines all possible aspects of using technology in Health Survey Research. It aims to introduce further discussion of using technology for field data collection and monitoring.
Negotiating International Research Collaborations in Tajikistan
Authors: Sabzalieva Emma
Published: November 2019

The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 heralded not only the creation and opening of borders but also the rapid entry of new actors and ideas into this previously isolated part of the world. This is typified by dramatic increases in the number of international research collaborations involving an ever-growing array of actors. Yet instead of pluralizing knowledge creation and ways of knowing, intensifying processes of globalization have given rise to a “global science” system that has not flattened or significantly altered existing knowledge hierarchies, despite greater diversity in international research collaborations. In the former Soviet state of Tajikistan, this is further tempered by resourcing gaps, political controls, and cultural factors, offering a unique setting through which to explore how researchers negotiate international research collaborations. Centering the perspectives of Tajikistani researchers, the article offers new insights into the reframing of globally homogenizing models of international research collaboration.
Managing Opioids, Including Misuse and Addiction, in Patients With Serious Illness in Ambulatory Palliative Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Merlin Jessica S. , Young Sarah R. , Arnold Robert , Bulls Hailey W. , Childers Julie , Gauthier Lynn , Giannitrapani Karleen F. , Kavalieratos Dio , Schenker Yael , Wilson J. Deanna , Liebschutz Jane M.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Pain and opioid management are core ambulatory palliative care skills. Existing literature on how to manage opioid misuse/use disorder excludes patients found in palliative care settings, such as individuals with serious illness or those at the end of life.

Objectives:

We conducted an exploratory study to: (1) Identify the challenges palliative care clinicians face when prescribing opioids in ambulatory settings and (2) explore factors that affect opioid decision-making.

Methods:

We recruited palliative care clinicians who prescribe opioids in ambulatory settings, which included open-ended questions and was conducted online. Results were analyzed qualitatively using a content analysis-based approach.

Results:

Eighty-three palliative care clinicians (mostly MDs/DOs) participated. Challenges faced when prescribing opioids included clinician differences in approach to care (eg, transitioning from another clinician with more permissive opioid prescribing), medication access (eg, inadequate pharmacy supply), resource constraints (eg, access to mental health and addiction expertise), managing problems outside the typical palliative care scope (eg addiction). Participants also discussed factors that influenced their opioid prescribing decisions, such as opioid-related harms and risks that they need to weigh; they also spoke about the necessity of considering other factors like the patient’s environment, disease, treatment, and prognosis.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the challenge of opioid management in patients with serious illness, particularly when misuse or substance use disorder is present, and suggests areas for future research focus. Our next step will be to establish consensus on approaches to opioid prescribing decision-making and policy in seriously ill patients presenting to ambulatory palliative care.
Simulation and adaptive control of back propagation neural network proportional–integral–derivative for special launcher using new version of transfer matrix method for multibody systems
Authors: Miao Yunfei , Wang Guoping , Rui Xiaoting
Published: November 2019

Rocket launcher system, as a special launcher placed on tactical vehicles, is a very complex mechanical system with characteristics of strong shock and vibration. In order to improve position accuracy, as well as reduce vibration, this paper creates a nonlinear dynamics model of the launcher system by using a new version of the transfer matrix method for multibody systems. The overall transfer equation of the nonlinear model is deduced. Combining with general kinematics equations of the rocket, the system launch dynamics are simulated and compared with experiments to verify the correctness of the model. On this basis, a backpropagation neural network proportional–integral–derivative adaptive control system is designed to improve servo control of the launcher. Then, the effectiveness of this method is verified by comparing with the traditional proportional–integral–derivative control method. Simulated results show that the backpropagation neural network proportional–integral–derivative control system makes the azimuth and elevation angles reach the target values smoothly and quickly, with higher accuracy. The results prove that the proposed method prominently reduces vibrations of the launcher, by adjusting the control parameters online according to the operation state of the system, presenting a better stability and robustness.
Track grid health index for grid-based, data-driven railway track health evaluation
Authors: Li Qing , Peng Qiyuan , Liu Rengkui , Liu Ling , Bai Lei
Published: November 2019

Railway managers must have accurate assessments of railway track health to optimize maintenance and replacement scheduling and allocate resources reasonably. A model for railway track health evaluation, in which a continuous track line is divided into adjacent segments of the same length, referred to as track grids, is proposed in this study. A condition-evaluation index system for track grids was established, and deep autoencoder networks were used to reduce the dimensions of data on multiple condition measures. The set of all possible health features of the track grids was obtained using the hybrid hierarchical k-means clustering method. The tree-augmented naïve Bayes algorithm was employed to obtain the track grid health index and evaluate the overall health of the track grids. The proposed model was verified using measurement data from the Lanxin Railway in China. The proposed model was found to be superior to conventional health evaluation methods used in railway management in China. These results will enhance railway management knowledge and enable accurate determination of track health on a smaller spatial scale.
Modelling and optimization of a modified sequential multilateration method for three-dimensional coordinate collection
Authors: Zhang Zhenjiu , Liu Mingjun , Jiang Jiaji , Xia Linzhong , Xu Xiaomei , Zhang Wei , Zhao Zhenyu
Published: November 2019

This article proposes a modified sequential multilateration method for measuring three-dimensional coordinates. The measuring system consists of a single laser tracker and four relay targets whose relative positions have been pre-calibrated by the multilateration method. The laser tracker is fixed on three prescribed positions successively, and these positions can be calibrated by using the distances between the laser tracker and the four relay targets based on the multilateration principle. Subsequently, the three-dimensional coordinates of each under-test point can be determined by the three laser trackers’ positions based on the trilateration principle. This method is more flexible than previous multilateration methods for three-dimensional coordinate collection, especially if the measurement space is partially covered by other objects. The mathematical model of this method is established. Based on the Monte Carlo method, a series of computer simulations are performed to optimize the system arrangement by investigating the performances of the measuring system with different system arrangement, and an optimal system arrangement is finally obtained. Practical measurement is also conducted to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method by comparing with a reference coordinate measuring machine.
Vibration control analysis of the power head for a rotary drilling rig
Authors: Wu Renzhi , Qin Lei , Diao Jixiang
Published: November 2019

Impacting between the multilayer Kelly bar and the power head has a detrimental effect on the drilling system and may cause huge losses to the construction engineering and machinery. This study is a further development of the vibro-impact mechanism, and especially, the study considers the constraint of the steel rope on the multilayer Kelly bar. Efficient analytical models are presented, and the total responses are obtained. Three types of displacement response are found by changing the matching relationship of global parameters. The first type has the optimal vibration control performance with the shortest path and no periodicity. The second type is inferior to the first type. The third type has the worst vibration-control performance with the longest path and periodicity. Then this article proposes the general feasibility to get the first type of displacement response and the most effective way is controlling the steel rope velocity. The research provides the foundation for the intelligent control of steel rope velocity on the rig machine.
Parents’ knowledge and views of food allergy management in primary schools in Australia
Authors: Sanagavarapu Prathyusha
Published: November 2019

This study surveyed 115 Australian parents’ knowledge, views, and feelings of food allergy management and guidelines in primary schools. Although most parents were knowledgeable about food allergy management and related guidelines, half of them had limited understanding on how schools identify and respond to anaphylaxis, or teachers’ recent training in anaphylaxis. Overall, parents’ satisfaction surrounding the schools’ food allergy management was mixed. Yet they highly appreciated the schools’ efforts and practices in preventing the risks of food allergy, for example by identifying affected children and/or raising awareness about food allergies among the school community. Despite these efforts, parents were concerned about their child’s overall safety at school, especially in playground and non-routine activities such as school camps and lapses in communication and implementation of state guidelines. To address these concerns, parents suggested many improvements in the schools’ practices and guidelines, including proactive communication with parents on matters of food allergy. The implications of these findings for educators, along with recommendations for further research are presented.
Venous thrombosis at altitude presents with distinct biochemical profiles: a comparative study from the Himalayas to the plains
Authors: Prabhakar Amit , Chatterjee Tathagata , Bajaj Nitin , Tyagi Tarun , Sahu Anita , Gupta Neha , Kumari Babita , Nair Velu , Kumar Bhuvnesh , Ashraf Mohammad Zahid
Published: November 2019

Key Points

HA exposure alters hemostatic systems and contributes to the onset of VTE at a younger age. Aggravated disruption of coagulation, platelet, and endothelial function differentiates HA-induced VTE from VTE on the plains.
Mixed-gas CH4/CO2/CO detection based on linear variable optical filter and thermopile detector array
Authors: Zhang Shaoda , Bin Wu , Xu Binbin , Zheng Xingyu , Chen Binbin , Lv Xueqin , San Haisheng , Hofmann Werner
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a middle-infrared (MIR) linear variable optical filter (LVOF) and thermopile detectors that will be used in a miniaturized mixed gas detector for CH4/CO2/CO measurement. The LVOF was designed as a tapered-cavity Fabry-Pérot optical filter, which can transform the MIR continuous spectrum into multiple narrow band-pass spectra with peak wavelength in linear variation. Multi-layer dielectric structures were used to fabricate the Bragg reflectors on the both sides of tapered cavity as well as the antireflective film combined with the function of out-of-band rejection. The uncooled thermopile detectors were designed and fabricated as a multiple-thermocouple suspension structure using micro-electro-mechanical system technology. Experimentally, the LVOF exhibits a mean full-width-at-half-maximum of 400 nm and mean peak transmittance of 70% at the wavelength range of 2.3~5 μm. The thermopile detectors exhibit a responsivity of 146 μV/°C at the condition of room temperature. It is demonstrated that the detectors can achieve the quantification and identification of CH4/CO2/CO mixed gas.
CYR61, a potential biomarker of tumor inflammatory response in epithelial ovarian cancer microenvironment of tumor progress
Authors: Shi Jun , Huo Rongfen , Li Ningli , Li Haichuan , Zhai Tianhang , Li Huidan , Shen Baihua , Ye Jing , Fu Ruojin , Di Wen
Published: November 2019

Background

Recent studies have found that inflammatory response is involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. Advanced ovarian cancer is often presented with ascites that is rich in cytokines, inflammatory factors or cancer cells. Therefore, it is important to study the microenvironment of ascites in order to further clarify the occurrence and progression of ovarian cancer. As a pro-inflammatory factor, the Cyr61 expression patterns are inconsistent in human tumors. Although it has been reported that Cyr61 is related to the progression of ovarian cancer, its specific mechanism is not yet clear. This study sought to evaluate the Cyr61 levels of ascites, serum and different tissues of ovarian cancer to explore the potential association of Cyr61with the tumor-associated inflammatory microenvironment of EOC.

Methods

Tumor specimens were procured from patients with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma and ovarian serous cystadenoma. Cyr61 and IL-6 levels of serum or ascites were determined by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay), while Cyr61 expressions of different ovarian tumor tissues were evaluated by IHC (Immunohistochemistry). Then the correlation of Cyr61 level in ascites with clinicopathologic features was analyzed. And other laboratory data were obtained from medical records.

Results

Both in ascites and serum, significantly higher Cyr61 levels were found in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma. In malignant ascites, higher Cyr61 level of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma was more closely associated with FIGO stage, initial tumor size > 10 cm and the residual tumor size. And the increased IL-6 level was linearly related to Cyr61 level. Moreover, the serum levels of Cyr61, IL-6 and CRP in advanced stage of ovarian cancer were much higher than those in early stage. Lastly, the IHC data demonstrate that Cyr61 expression of ovarian serous adenocarcinoma was higher than that of ovarian serous cystadenoma, but it was lower than the paired metastatic lesions.

Conclusions

As a pro-inflammatory factor, increased ascites Cyr61 level is associated with FIGO stage, initial tumor size > 10 cm and the residual tumor size. Moreover, serum Cyr61 may be used as a potential marker for EOC inflammatory response. Finally, Cyr61 may be involved in the process of tumor metastasis and progression by producing IL-6 and CRP in the EOC inflammatory microenvironment.
Case report: horse or zebra, ascites or pseudo-ascites? Care for pictural details!
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Di Dato Fabiola , Iorio Raffaele , Vallone Gianfranco , Mollica Carmine , Caprio Maria Grazia , De Ville De Goyet Jean , Spagnuolo Maria Immacolata
Published: November 2019

Background

Pseudo-ascites is a very rare condition in children and remains a challenging diagnosis. Targeted imaging may be helpful, but a high index of clinical suspicion is often necessary to guide the investigations, as pseudo-ascites may efficiently mimic true ascites. To date, still many cases of pseudo-ascites suffer diagnostic and therapeutic delay, and some are only diagnosed during surgical exploration. We report the case of a patient with a late laparoscopic diagnosis of pseudo-ascites. We retrospectively review our patient’s imaging findings and suggest new characteristic features which may help differentiate pseudo-ascites from true ascites.

Case presentation

A 7-month-old infant was referred for a progressive abdominal distention. Physical examination and initial ultra-sonographic findings evoked free ascites. An extensive diagnostic workup was then performed and was negative for hepatic, renal, cardiac, intestinal, pancreatic, inflammatory or infectious diseases, malignancy and congenital metabolic disorders. Pseudo-ascites was evoked and dedicated ultra-sonographic and magnetic resonance studies were repeated but could not confirm this diagnosis. Symptomatic diuretic treatment with spironolactone and furosemide was then started. A temporary and limited effect was noted but, with time, repeated paracenteses were necessary as the abdominal distention progressed causing discomfort and breathing difficulty. Last, because the patient’s quality of life deteriorated, a peritoneal-venous shunting was proposed; as the operation started with a diagnostic laparoscopy, a benign giant cystic mesenteric lymphangioma was identified and totally excised. The resolution of symptoms was immediate and the patient remained symptom-free throughout the subsequent observation period that lasted more than 1 year.

Conclusions

Increased awareness about pseudo-ascites is necessary, as the diagnosis is often overlooked, and treatment delayed. Targeted imaging may be helpful, as some specific, although not pathognomonic, features exist which may aid in the diagnosis.
Antenatal and postnatal diagnoses of visible congenital malformations in a sub-Saharan African setting: a prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kamla Igor , Kamgaing Nelly , Billong Serge , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Tolefac Paul , de Paul Djientcheu Vincent
Published: November 2019

Background

Visible congenital malformations (VCMs) are one of the principal causes of disability in the world. Prenatal diagnosis is a paramount mandatory integral part of the follow up of pregnancies with VCM of the foetus in high-income setting. We aimed to determine the incidence of prenatal diagnosis of VCMs in a low-resource setting with no policy on antenatal diagnosis of VCMs.

Methods

We carried out a prospective cohort multicenter study from July 2015 to June 2016 in 10 randomly selected maternity units of Yaoundé, Cameroon. We enrolled all newborns with one or more detectable VCMs at birth. Variables studied were findings of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters’ obstetrical ultrasound scans, in order to establish a concordance between the clinical and sonographic diagnoses of the VCMs and determine the frequency of antenatal diagnosis as well as the rate of medical abortion.

Results

The incidence of VCMs was 9 per 1000 births. The main VCMs were malformations of the skeletal (4.3%), neurological (2.2%), and gastrointestinal (2.1%) systems. The sex ratio was 1.1. Among the malformed newborns, 37% were premature and in 18.5% the diagnosis of a VCM was confirmed after a therapeutic termination of pregnancy (following suggestive findings of a malformation on antenatal ultrasound scan). The prevalence of sonographic antenatal diagnosis of VCMs was 21%. Hydrocephalus was the most diagnosed VCM antenatally. The mean gestational age at which antenatal clinics were initiated was 15 ± 5 weeks. The mean number of obstetrical ultrasound scans performed was two.

Conclusion

The incidence of VCMs in our resource-limited setting is high and antenatal diagnosis rates are very low. Overall, our study emphasizes on the importance antenatal diagnosis of VCMs, often overlooked in our setting. The goal being to reduce maternal and foetal morbidity in a setting already burdened by a high maternal and neonatal mortality.
Topical cutaneous application of carbon dioxide via a hydrogel for improved fracture repair: results of phase I clinical safety trial
Authors: Niikura Takahiro , Iwakura Takashi , Omori Takashi , Lee Sang Yang , Sakai Yoshitada , Akisue Toshihiro , Oe Keisuke , Fukui Tomoaki , Matsushita Takehiko , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: November 2019

Background

Clinicians have very limited options to improve fracture repair. Therefore, it is critical to develop a new clinically available therapeutic option to assist fracture repair biologically. We previously reported that the topical cutaneous application of carbon dioxide (CO2) via a CO2absorption-enhancing hydrogel accelerates fracture repair in rats by increasing blood flow and angiogenesis and promoting endochondral ossification. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of CO2therapy in patients with fractures.

Methods

Patients with fractures of the femur and tibia were prospectively enrolled into this study with ethical approval and informed consent. The CO2absorption-enhancing hydrogel was applied to the fractured lower limbs of patients, and then 100% CO2was administered daily into a sealed space for 20 min over 4 weeks postoperatively. Safety was assessed based on vital signs, blood parameters, adverse events, and arterial and expired gas analyses. As the efficacy outcome, blood flow at the level of the fracture site and at a site 5 cm from the fracture in the affected limb was measured using a laser Doppler blood flow meter.

Results

Nineteen patients were subjected to complete analysis. No adverse events were observed. Arterial and expired gas analyses revealed no adverse systemic effects including hypercapnia. The mean ratio of blood flow 20 min after CO2therapy compared with the pre-treatment level increased by approximately 2-fold in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study revealed that CO2therapy is safe to apply to human patients and that it can enhance blood flow in the fractured limbs.

Trial registration

This study has been registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (Registration number:UMIN000013641, Date of registration: July 1, 2014).
Coronal malalignment of lower legs depending on the locations of the exostoses in patients with multiple hereditary exostoses
Authors: Ahn Yeong Seub , Woo Seong Hwan , Kang Sung Ju , Jung Sung Taek
Published: November 2019

Backgrounds

Though malalignment of lower legs is a common pathologic phenomenon in multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE), relationship between locations of exostoses and malalignment of lower legs remains unclear. This study examined radiographs of MHE patients in an attempt to evaluate the tendency of coronal malalignment of lower legs with different location of exostoses on lower legs consisting of two parallel long bones.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2017, we retrospectively reviewed the anteroposterior films of the teleo-roentgenographics of 63 patients with MHE. The patients were classified into four different groups depending on the locations of the exostosis, which occurred on both proximal and distal tibiofibular joints (A), proximal tibiofibular joint (B), distal tibiofibular joint (C), and not for the tibiofibular joint area (D). To evaluate the influence of the location of exostoses on coronal malalignment of lower legs, medial proximal tibia angle (MPTA), lateral distal tibia angle (LDTA), and fibular shortening were analyzed for each group.

Results

Significant difference was observed in multiple comparative analyses for each of the four groups. On MPTA radiologic analysis, group A showed greatest value with significant difference compared with groups C and D (vs. (B): p = 0.215; vs. distal joints (C): p = 0.004; vs. (D): p = 0.001). Group B showed significant difference only with group D (vs. distal joints (C): p = 0.388; vs. (D): p = 0.002), but for group C and D showed no significant difference. For LDTA, only group A showed significant difference compared to other groups (p < 0.001). With regard to tibiofibular ratio for evaluation of fibular shortening, group A showed the lowest ratio (vs. (B): p = 0.004; vs. (C): p = 0.655; vs. (D): p < 0.001). Group C also presented the significant lower ratio than group D (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

For evaluation of the coronal malalignment of lower legs in MHE patients, not only ankle around the distal tibiofibular joint but also proximal tibiofibular joint should be examined, in that, lower limb deformity occurred by two parallel long bone which has self-contained joint.

Level of evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative study.