bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Unknown Ocular Hypertension, Glaucoma Suspects, and Glaucoma in Patients Seen in an Ophthalmology Center in France
Authors: Chamard Chloé , Villain Max , Bron Alain , Causse Alexandre , Bentaleb Yacine , Pelen François , Baudouin Christophe , Daien Vincent
Published: February 2020

Introduction: The rate of unknown glaucoma is around 50% in industrialized countries. The purpose of our study was to estimate the prevalence of unknown cases of ocular hypertension, glaucoma suspects, and glaucoma in patients consulting for refractive disorders in France. Methods: A retrospective study in the Point Vision ophthalmology center was led in Toulouse, France. All participants consulting for refractive disorders between June 2015 and June 2017 in the ophthalmology center were included. The cases were identified by the assessment of intraocular pressure, optic nerve head structure, and visual field. Ocular hypertension was defined as an intraocular pressure >21 mm Hg. Glaucoma was defined as the association of a glaucomatous papilla and two successive pathological visual fields. Glaucoma suspect was defined as the association of a glaucomatous papilla without visual field defect. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of unknown ocular hypertension, glaucoma suspects, and glaucoma in patients seen in an ophthalmology center. Results: A total of 66,068 patients (mean age = 37 years) consulted for a refraction visual assessment during the study period. Among them, 234 had a visual field and a retinal nerve fiber layer assessment for ocular hypertension and/or suspicious papilla. The prevalence of unknown cases of ocular hypertension, glaucoma suspect, and glaucoma was 2.6, 0.8, and 0.5 per 1,000 consultants, respectively. Median age at diagnosis of ocular hypertension, glaucoma suspect, and glaucoma was 52, 53, and 65 years, respectively. Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of glaucoma screening in people over 40 years old with the measurement of intraocular pressure and an optic nerve head assessment.
Membranous Nephropathy in Pregnancy
Authors: Liu Zi-ning , Cui Zhao , He Ying-dong , Zhang Yi-miao , Wang Fang , Wang Xin , Meng Li-qiang , Cheng Xu-yang , Liu Gang , Zhao Ming-hui
Published: February 2020

Background: Primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) is less common in women of child-bearing age. The kidney risk factors to adverse maternal-fetal outcomes and the effects of pregnancy on pMN process need to be investigated. Methods: We retrospectively screened all the patients with biopsy-proven pMN from 2008 to 2018. Any cases of pregnancy that occurred at the time of pMN diagnosis or during follow-up were included in the study. Clinical and pathological data were collected from all patients at the time of kidney biopsy and their gestational results were recorded. Results: Of the 27 pregnancies with gestational time of 35.9 ± 4.5 weeks, 10 adverse maternal-fetal events occurred, including fetal loss (11%), preterm delivery (26%), and severe preeclampsia (15%). The kidney parameters were relatively stable with all preserved kidney function. Time-averaged urinary protein (p < 0.001) and serum albumin (p < 0.001), maximum urinary protein (p = 0.001) and minimum serum albumin (p = 0.01) before week 20, anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) positivity (p = 0.03), and no remission during pregnancy (p = 0.004) were risk factors to adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. Time-averaged urinary protein and serum albumin correlated with the birth weight percentile of neonates. Conclusions: Pregnancy in pMN patients showed risks to adverse maternal-fetal events. Heavy proteinuria, especially before week 20 of gestation, severe hypoalbuminemia, positive anti-PLA2R, and no remission were risk factors to worse outcomes.
A Decade of Experience with the Ovine Model of Myelomeningocele: Risk Factors for Fetal Loss
Authors: Galganski Laura A. , Yamashiro Kaeli J. , Pivetti Christopher D. , Keller Benjamin A. , Becker James C. , Brown Erin G. , Saadai Payam , Hirose Shinjiro , Wang Aijun , Farmer Diana L.
Published: February 2020

Introduction: The ovine model is the gold standard large animal model of myelomeningocele (MMC); however, it has a high rate of fetal loss. We reviewed our experience with the model to determine risk factors for fetal loss. Methods: We performed a retrospective review from 2009 to 2018 to identify operative factors associated with fetal loss (early fetal demise, abortion, or stillbirth). Operative risk factors included gestational age at operation, operative time, reduction of multiple gestations, amount of replaced amniotic fluid, ambient temperature, and method of delivery. Results: MMC defects were created in 232 lambs with an overall survival rate of 43%. Of the 128 fetuses that died, 53 (42%) had demise prior to repair, 61 (48%) aborted, and 14 (11%) were stillborn. Selective reduction of multiple gestations in the same uterine horn was associated with increased fetal demise (OR 3.03 [95% CI 1.29–7.05], p = 0.01). Later gestational age at MMC repair and Cesarean delivery were associated with decreased abortion/stillbirth (OR 0.90 [95% CI 0.83–0.90], p = 0.03, and OR 0.37 [95% CI 0.16–0.31], p = 0.02), respectively. Conclusion: Avoiding selective reduction, repairing MMC later in gestation, and performing Cesarean delivery decreases the rate of fetal loss in the ovine MMC model.
Intracytoplasmic Lumen in Urine Cytology Predicts Worse Prognosis in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancers
Authors: Terauchi Toshie , Nakada Satoko , Takenaka Michiho , Mizuguchi Seiya , Okanemasa Yoshiiku , Tsubata Yumi , Miyazawa Katsuhito , Kinjo Mitsuru , Shioya Akihiro , Guo Xin , Kurose Nozomu , Yamada Sohsuke
Published: February 2020

Background: Intracytoplasmic lumina (ICL) are observed in several cancers, including urothelial carcinoma (UC). We have reported that ICL in urine cytology (cICL) is more frequent in high-grade UCs than in low-grade UCs; however, the correlation between the presence of ICL and prognosis is unclear. Objectives: The aim of this work was to determine the association between cICL and prognosis in bladder cancer. Method: We retrospectively investigated 87 patients with bladder cancer who received a histological diagnosis within 3 months of urine cytology at Kanazawa Medical University between 2003 and 2007. The cytological diagnosis and the number of cICL, histological diagnosis, tumor grade or variant, pT stage, ICL in histological specimens, and immunohistochemistry for mucins were evaluated. Data on the treatment type, recurrence, survival, cause of death, and length of follow-up were collected from electronic medical records. Results: Muscle invasion, high-grade UC, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, adjuvant therapy, and disease-related mortality were more frequent in patients with cICL-positive bladder cancer than in those without cICL-positive bladder cancer. Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of Muc-1 and Muc-4 in patients with cICL-positive bladder cancer. Univariate analysis revealed that cytological diagnosis by the Paris system and the 2015 version of the Japanese reporting system, muscle invasion, high-grade UC, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were significant factors associated with prognosis. Furthermore, survival was shorter in patients with cICL-positive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer than in those with cICL-negative non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. In the multivariate analysis, only distant metastasis was significantly associated with survival. Conclusions: cICL predicted shorter survival in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, suggesting that ICL is one of the important diagnostic features of high-grade UC with a worse prognosis in urine cytology.
Choice of Initial Brain Imaging in Patients with Suspected Acute Stroke: STROKE69, a Population-Based Study
Authors: Xue Yufeng , Haesebaert Julie , Derex Laurent , Viprey Marie , Termoz Anne , Della Vecchia Claire , Tassa Ouazna , Kerd Hela , Cakmak Serkan , Meyran Sylvie , Ducreux Bruno , Pidoux Christelle , Du Besset Marc , Bony Thomas , Gueugniaud Pierre-Yves , Douplat Marion , Potinet Veronique , Jacob Xavier , Sigal Alain , Tazarourte Karim , Lablanche Christophe , Melaine Regis , Nighoghossian Norbert , Schott Anne-Marie
Published: February 2020

Background: In patients with suspected stroke, brain imaging is recommended in the acute phase for appropriate management and treatment. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are considered reasonable choices for initial brain imaging. When both techniques are available, choosing one or the other might be associated with specific factors related either to patients, stroke symptoms, and severity or management organization. Methods: The study was performed within the STROKE 69 database, a population-based cohort of all adult patients with suspected stroke admitted in one of the emergency departments (ED), primary stroke center, or stroke center of the Rhône County, from November 2015 to December 2016. Patients were included if they were admitted within 24 h following either symptom onset or last known normal. To identify factors potentially associated with the choice of initial brain imaging, a multivariate logistic regression was performed. Results: Among the 3,244 patients with suspected stroke enrolled in the STROKE69 cohort, 3,107 (95.8%) underwent brain imaging within the first 24 h after admission. Among those 74.6% underwent CT as initial imaging while 25.4% had an MRI. In multivariate analyses, several factors were associated with a lower probability of having an MRI as initial brain imaging versus CT. These were either patient characteristics: older age (>80 years old, OR 0.39 [95% CI 0.28–0.54]), preexisting disability (OR 0.55 [95% CI 0.36–0.84]), use of anticoagulants (OR 0.52 [95% CI 0.33–0.81]), stroke characteristics: stroke of unknown onset (OR 0.42 [95% CI 0.31–0.58]) or factors associated with overall management: onset-to-door time (>6 h, OR 0.38 [95% CI 0.23–0.60]), initial admission to ED (OR 0.02 [95% CI 0.02–0.04]) or intensive care unit (OR 0.01 [95% CI 0.001–0.08]), personal transport (OR 0.66 [95% CI 0.45–0.96]), and admission during working hours (OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.51–0.84]). Conclusions: Besides CT or MRI availability, a number of other parameters could influence the choice of first imaging in case of stroke suspicion. These are related to patient characteristics, type of stroke symptoms, and type of organization.
Employment in Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guastafierro Erika , Tramacere Irene , Toppo Claudia , Leonardi Matilde , Mantegazza Renato , Bonanno Silvia , Frangiamore Rita , Raggi Alberto
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease whose period of typical onset is around 20–40 years (i.e., early onset), thus in the peak of working age, or around 60–80 years (i.e., late onset). However, the information on work-related issues and employment status are sparse and not systematically reported. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review with meta-analysis to address the employment status of MG patients. Methods: We searched for papers reporting employment status on participants with MG published between January 2000 and May 2019. Information on employment was extracted. Random-effects models were used to produce meta-analytic estimates for the proportion of employed patients. Results: In total, 1,045 records were retrieved, of which 19 fitted the inclusion criteria. In total, 3,600 participants (average age 47.5, range 35–60) were included in the studies and 1,579 of them were employed. The proportion of employed patients varied from 28 to 82%, with an extreme heterogeneity between studies. Overall, the pooled proportion of workers was 50% (95% CI 41–60%). Subgroup analyses suggested a possible, although not significant, higher proportion of workers among women, younger participants, those with a higher level of education, shorter MG duration, and less frequently thymectomized, whereas a lower proportion was observed among those with generalized, bulbar, and respiratory symptoms. Conclusions: The results of our meta-analysis show that the percentage of employment is considerably low if we take into account that the mean age of MG patients involved in the included studies was around 48 years, thus in peak of working life. Therefore, it is important to understand what kind of influence MG exerts on work dynamics.
Morphometric Features of Patent Foramen Ovale as a Risk Factor of Cerebrovascular Accidents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hołda Mateusz K. , Koziej Mateusz
Published: February 2020

Introduction: It is still disputable whether specific morphometric features of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) may stratify patients by the related probability that a discovered PFO is incidental or stroke related. Objective: We aimed to determine whether certain morphometrical characteristics of PFO are associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents, using a meta-analytical approach. Methods: We performed a systematic review of electronic databases for studies that compared morphometric parameters of PFO assessed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in subjects with cryptogenic cerebrovascular accidents (Group 1) and control (Group 2). Data were extracted and pooled into a meta-analysis. Results: A total of 895 patients with PFO were reported (Group 1: 493, Group 2: 402). No difference was found in the PFO channel length (Group 1: 10.8 [8.6–12.9] mm vs. Group 2: 10.4 [9.1–11.7] mm), as well as in PFO height measured at rest (Group 1: 2.4 [1.5–3.3] mm vs. Group 2: 1.8 [1.4–2.2] mm). The PFO height measured during a Valsalva maneuver was larger in Group 1 (3.5 [2.8–4.1] mm) than in Group 2 (1.7 [1.2–2.2] mm). Also, the septal excursion distance was found to be larger in Group 1 (6.4 [5.1–7.8] mm) than in Group 2 (3.1 [1.8–4.4] mm). The risk of cerebrovascular accident was higher in patients with PFO and concomitant septal aneurysm (OR 4.00; 95% CI 2.63–6.09; p < 0.001) and with large right-to-left shunt PFO (OR 3.81; 95% CI 2.21–6.55; p < 0.001), no such relationship was found for the presence of a Eustachian valve or Chiari’s network (OR 1.90; 95% CI 0.90–4.05; p = 0.094). Conclusions: The TEE may help in identifying PFO that are of high risk of cerebrovascular accident. Greater PFO height during a Valsalva maneuver, larger septal excursion distance, concomitant atrial septal aneurysm, and large right-to-left shunt are associated with stroke-related PFOs.
Continuous Wearable Monitoring Analytics Predict Heart Failure Hospitalization
Authors: Stehlik Josef , Schmalfuss Carsten , Bozkurt Biykem , Nativi-Nicolau Jose , Wohlfahrt Peter , Wegerich Stephan , Rose Kevin , Ray Ranjan , Schofield Richard , Deswal Anita , Sekaric Jadranka , Anand Sebastian , Richards Dylan , Hanson Heather , Pipke Matthew , Pham Michael
Published: February 2020

Background:

Implantable cardiac sensors have shown promise in reducing rehospitalization for heart failure (HF), but the efficacy of noninvasive approaches has not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of noninvasive remote monitoring in predicting HF rehospitalization.

Methods:

The LINK-HF study (Multisensor Non-invasive Remote Monitoring for Prediction of Heart Failure Exacerbation) examined the performance of a personalized analytical platform using continuous data streams to predict rehospitalization after HF admission. Study subjects were monitored for up to 3 months using a disposable multisensor patch placed on the chest that recorded physiological data. Data were uploaded continuously via smartphone to a cloud analytics platform. Machine learning was used to design a prognostic algorithm to detect HF exacerbation. Clinical events were formally adjudicated.

Results:

One hundred subjects aged 68.4±10.2 years (98% male) were enrolled. After discharge, the analytical platform derived a personalized baseline model of expected physiological values. Differences between baseline model estimated vital signs and actual monitored values were used to trigger a clinical alert. There were 35 unplanned nontrauma hospitalization events, including 24 worsening HF events. The platform was able to detect precursors of hospitalization for HF exacerbation with 76% to 88% sensitivity and 85% specificity. Median time between initial alert and readmission was 6.5 (4.2–13.7) days.

Conclusions:

Multivariate physiological telemetry from a wearable sensor can provide accurate early detection of impending rehospitalization with a predictive accuracy comparable to implanted devices. The clinical efficacy and generalizability of this low-cost noninvasive approach to rehospitalization mitigation should be further tested.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT03037710.
Climate Change and Environmental Awareness: a Study of Energy Consumption among the Residents of Abu Dhabi, UAE
Authors: Al Blooshi Latifa Saeed , Ksiksi Taoufik Saleh , Gargoum Ali Soliman , Aboelenein Mohammed
Published: February 2020

The rising levels of greenhouse gases (GHG) have caused great concern about the impact of climate change on almost every aspect of our lives. Urban expansion and changing lifestyles have led to an increase in energy consumption. The main aim of this empirical study is to explore the environmental and socioeconomic impact of climate change on the energy consumption of a stratified random sample of the residents of three main regions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi city, Al-Ain city and AlDhafra) and to investigate residents’ awareness of this change. Data was gathered from 321 residents from these three regions. The response rate for the survey was 97 percent. Descriptive statistical methods and nonparametric tests were used to compare quantitative data at different levels of the sociodemographic variables. The findings revealed that more than 50 percent of the participants agreed that climate change is controlling their energy and water consumption. About 94 percent of participants believe that their energy consumption is increasing, while 44 percent of the sample spent 30 percent more money on water and electricity bills in the past 20 years. About 50 percent of participants consider moving to another city if energy prices increased due to energy consumption and the effects of climate change. Respondents over age of 40 tend to be more conscious and aware of climate change. Eighty-eight percent of the Emiratis believe that weather and climate change are affecting their energy and water consumption.
Pentecostal Canon of the Bible?
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: February 2020

Classical Pentecostalism is traditionally regarded as a restorationist movement that justified its origins and explained its new practices as a continuation of the early church, as a work of the Spirit. For that reason, the gifts of the Spirit (charismata) were purportedly restored to the twentieth-century Pentecostal movement. Early Pentecostalism also claimed that they followed the early church in its hermeneutical prerogatives of reading the Bible through the lens of their charismatic practices. The article poses the question whether Pentecostalism in its restorationist urge should not reconsider its canon, since it differs from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible used by the early church, to include the books found in the Septuagint, the translation used by early non-Jewish Christians. It suggests that Pentecostals reconsider their biblical canon in the light of their restorationist urge rather than groundlessly following the Protestant canon as their predecessors did by using the Apocrypha as deuterocanonical, implying that it is accepted for personal and ecclesial edification but not for judging the genuineness of gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not (1 Cor. 12.10) and establishing the authority of ecclesiastical doctrines.
Toward a Pentecostal Theological Aesthetic and Practice of Sacred Time
Authors: Rice Monte Lee
Published: February 2020

Pentecostal ecstatic-aimed oral-aural dynamics, along with other elements integral to the tradition, imply a latent though largely unexplored aesthetic of sacred time. The author begins by assessing this aesthetic through a constructed methodology defined as Pentecostal notions of Festive and Founding Time. From this analysis, he prescriptively delineates five steps for adapting the historic liturgical calendar to Pentecostal spirituality, thereby arguing for a Pentecostal theological aesthetic and practice of sacred time, in a manner related to the tradition’s improvisational aesthetics of oral-aural liturgy. The author concludes by focusing these themes on the notions of aesthetics, suggesting how a Pentecostal theological aesthetic and practice of sacred time may contribute toward an ecumenically shared vision of beauty that transforms worshipers through the Spirit before God in the face of Jesus.
Ontology Based Power Profiling for Internet of Things Deployed with Software Defined Data Center
Authors: Koorapati Koundinya , Rubini P. , Ramesh Prem Kumar , Veeraswamy Sairam
Published: February 2020

Cost effective, secure and environment friendly data centers are crucial for the success of embracing the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT). Regardless of the potential benefits of IoT, there are still many hurdles to be overcome to leverage the wide growth of the IoT technology.
One challenging vector is the efficient power profiling of the entities involved in an IoT ecosystem. Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC) virtualizes the key data center infrastructure such as compute, storage and network. IoT fabric with SDDC, due to virtualization and the reduction in the
hardware footprint, an extent of reduced power consumption is achieved when compared to a non-virtualized traditional data center. Today, in the end-to-end IoT and IT fabric, deficiency of intelligent power profiling techniques merits the need to supervise power in such an ecosystem, especially
from an OT/IT convergence point of view where SDDC represents IT (Information Technology) and IoT forms OT (Operational Technology). To that end, this paper looks at power profiling for IoT fabric with SDDC by modeling the IoT ecosystem using semantic approaches. Thus, we bring in a notion
of power awareness to the software defined IoT fabric. Specifically, this paper models a power profile ontology for the IoT fabric with SDDC and monitor such an ecosystem at run time and derive useful value by bridging the OT/IT convergence gap with respect to end-to-end power profiling.
Intelligent Bilingual Data Extraction and Rebuilding Using Data Mining for Big Data
Authors: Singh Shashi Pal , Kumar Ajai , Awasthi Rachna , Yadav Neetu , Jain Shikha
Published: February 2020

In today’s World there exists various source of data in various formats (file formats), different structure, different types and etc. which is a hug collection of unstructured over the internet or social media. This gives rise to categorization of data as unstructured, semi structured
and structured data. Data that exist in irregular manner without any particular schema are referred as unstructured data which is very difficult to process as it consists of irregularities and ambiguities. So, we are focused on Intelligent Processing Unit which converts unstructured big data
into intelligent meaningful information. Intelligent text extraction is a technique that automatically identifies and extracts text from file format. The system consists of different stages which include the pre-processing, keyphase extraction techniques and transformation for the text extraction
and retrieve structured data from unstructured data. The system consists multiple method/approach give better result. We are currently working in various file formats and converting the file format into DOCX which will come in the form of the un-structure Form, and then we will obtain that
file in the structure form with the help of intelligent Pre-processing. The pre-process stages that triggers the unstructured data/corpus into structured data converting into meaning full. The Initial stage is the system remove the stop word, unwanted symbols noisy data and line spacing. The
second stage is Data Extraction from various sources of file or types of files into proper format plain text. The then in third stage we transform the data or information from one format to another for the user to understand the data. The final step is rebuilding the file in its original format
maintaining tag of the files. The large size files are divided into sub small size file to executed the parallel processing algorithms for fast processing of larger files and data. Parallel processing is a very important concept for text extraction and with its help; the big file breaks in
a small file and improves the result. Extraction of data is done in Bilingual language, and represent the most relevant information contained in the document. Key-phase extraction is an important problem of data mining, Knowledge retrieval and natural speech processing. Keyword Extraction
technique has been used to abstract keywords that exclusively recognize a document. Rebuilding is an important part of this project and we will use the entire concept in that file format and in the last, we need the same format which we have done in that file. This concept is being widely
used but not much work of the work has been done in the area of developing many functionalities under one tool, so this makes us feel the requirement of such a tool which can easily and efficiently convert unstructured files into structured one.
AWARE: The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) West Antarctic Radiation Experiment
Authors: Lubin Dan , Zhang Damao , Silber Israel , Scott Ryan C. , Kalogeras Petros , Battaglia Alessandro , Bromwich David H. , Cadeddu Maria , Eloranta Edwin , Fridlind Ann , Frossard Amanda , Hines Keith M. , Kneifel Stefan , Leaitch W. Richard , Lin Wuyin , Nicolas Julien , Powers Heath , Quinn Patricia K. , Rowe Penny , Russell Lynn M. , Sharma Sangeeta , Verlinde Johannes , Vogelmann Andrew M.
Published: February 2020

The U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) West Antarctic Radiation Experiment (AWARE) performed comprehensive meteorological and aerosol measurements and ground-based atmospheric remote sensing at two Antarctic stations using the most advanced instrumentation available. A suite of cloud research radars, lidars, spectral and broadband radiometers, aerosol chemical and microphysical sampling equipment, and meteorological instrumentation was deployed at McMurdo Station on Ross Island from December 2015 through December 2016. A smaller suite of radiometers and meteorological equipment, including radiosondes optimized for surface energy budget measurement, was deployed on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet between 4 December 2015 and 17 January 2016. AWARE provided Antarctic atmospheric data comparable to several well-instrumented high Arctic sites that have operated for many years and that reveal numerous contrasts with the Arctic in aerosol and cloud microphysical properties. These include persistent differences in liquid cloud occurrence, cloud height, and cloud thickness. Antarctic aerosol properties are also quite different from the Arctic in both seasonal cycle and composition, due to the continent’s isolation from lower latitudes by Southern Ocean storm tracks. Antarctic aerosol number and mass concentrations are not only non-negligible but perhaps play a more important role than previously recognized because of the higher sensitivities of clouds at the very low concentrations caused by the large-scale dynamical isolation. Antarctic aerosol chemical composition, particularly organic components, has implications for local cloud microphysics. The AWARE dataset, fully available online in the ARM Program data archive, offers numerous case studies for unique and rigorous evaluation of mixed-phase cloud parameterization in climate models.
Dynamic and Thermodynamic Modulators of European Atmospheric Rivers
Authors: Zavadoff Breanna L. , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: February 2020

Large-scale analysis of the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of landfalling atmospheric rivers (ARs) over western Europe is performed utilizing 38 years of the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), reanalysis dataset. A climatology of landfalling ARs from 1980 to 2017 is developed using a combination of integrated water vapor transport (IVT) calculations and a detection algorithm, which identified 578 ARs over the study period. Examination of the upper-level potential vorticity (PV) fields shows that 73% of these AR events are related to anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking (RWB), a dynamic feature which has been shown to play a role in AR strength and structure. Atmospheric river variability is also found to be closely tied to jet-stream latitude modulation by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), such that during a positive NAO the North Atlantic jet is shifted north, creating an environment that is more favorable for anticyclonic RWB and AR landfalls over northern Europe, and during a negative NAO it is shifted south, creating such an environment over southern Europe.Through the use of linear regression analysis, AR strength is shown to be dependent on atmospheric moisture availability, which is found to increase as sea surface temperatures (SSTs) increase. Therefore, in a warming climate warmer SSTs leading to higher atmospheric moisture availability will result in an increase in the average strength and intensity of ARs over western Europe—a trend that has already been observed.
Processes Preventing the Development of a Significant Tornado in a Colorado Supercell on 26 May 2010
Authors: Murdzek Shawn S. , Markowski Paul M. , Richardson Yvette P. , Tanamachi Robin L.
Published: February 2020

A supercell produced a nearly tornadic vortex during an intercept by the Second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment on 26 May 2010. Using observations from two mobile radars performing dual-Doppler scans, a five-probe mobile mesonet, and a proximity sounding, factors that prevented this vortex from strengthening into a significant tornado are examined. Mobile mesonet observations indicate that portions of the supercell outflow possessed excessive negative buoyancy, likely owing in part to low boundary layer relative humidity, as indicated by a high environmental lifted condensation level. Comparisons to a tornadic supercell suggest that the Prospect Valley storm had enough far-field circulation to produce a significant tornado, but was unable to converge this circulation to a sufficiently small radius. Trajectories suggest that the weak convergence might be due to the low-level mesocyclone ingesting parcels with considerable crosswise vorticity from the near-storm environment, which has been found to contribute to less steady and weaker low-level updrafts in supercell simulations. Yet another factor that likely contributed to the weak low-level circulation was the inability of parcels rich in streamwise vorticity from the forward-flank precipitation region to reach the low-level mesocyclone, likely owing to an unfavorable pressure gradient force field. In light of these results, we suggest that future research should continue focusing on the role of internal, storm-scale processes in tornadogenesis, especially in marginal environments.
Job Turf or Variety: Task Structure as a Source of Organizational Inequality
Authors: Wilmers Nathan
Published: February 2020

What explains pay inequality among coworkers? Theories of organizational influence on inequality emphasize the effects of formal hierarchy. But restructuring, firm flattening, and individualized pay setting have challenged the relevance of these structuralist theories. I propose a new organizational theory of differences in pay, focused on task structure and the horizontal division of labor across jobs. When organizations specialize jobs, they reduce the variety of tasks performed by some workers. In doing so they leave exclusive job turf to other coworkers, who capture the learning and discretion associated with performing a distinct task. The division of labor thus erodes pay premiums for some workers while advantaging others through job turf. I test this theory with linked employer–employee panel data from U.S. labor unions, which include a type of data that is rarely collected: annual reporting on work tasks. Results show that reducing task variety lowers workers’ earnings, while increasing job turf raises earnings. When organizations reduce task variety for some workers, they increase job turf for others. Without assuming fixed job hierarchies and pay rates, interdependencies in organizational task allocation yield unequal pay premiums among coworkers.
The ‘mystical’ and the ‘modern’: Mutual entanglement and multiple interactions
Authors: Zarrabi-Zadeh Saeed
Published: February 2020

‘Mysticism’ and ‘modernity’, two constructs that emerged in the West during the post-medieval era, were created partly in opposition to each other. What were regarded as ‘mystical traditions’ were seen, by several influential thinkers of ‘modern’ discourses, as a phenomenon of the medieval era and the antithesis of rationality, and those traditions were employed by ‘counterculture’ currents in their critique of the modern world. This article problematizes and nuances the relationship between the mystical and the modern and highlights various aspects of their reciprocity, entanglement and harmony. It argues that the reconstruction of mystical traditions as ‘mystic-ism’, which started in the 17th century, resulted in the rejuvenation of those facets of such traditions that were harmonious with modern discourses along with the adoption of modern elements into the concept of mysticism. Therefore, the mystical and the modern enjoy a hybrid relation of ‘integrejection’ rather than a simple connection of exclusion.
Field Opacity and Practice-Outcome Decoupling: Private Regulation of Labor Standards in Global Supply Chains
Authors: Kuruvilla Sarosh , Liu Mingwei , Li Chunyun , Chen Wansi
Published: February 2020

Although firms in diverse industries increasingly adopt private regulation of labor standards for workers in their global supply chains, growing scholarly evidence suggests that this approach has not generated sustainable improvements in working conditions for those workers. The authors draw on recent developments in institutional theory regarding the development of opaque institutional fields that cause the decoupling between practices and outcomes to develop a new explanation for the lack of sustainable improvement in labor practices in supply chains. Using qualitative and quantitative data from a global apparel supplier and a global home products retailer, they demonstrate the various ways in which opacity causes decoupling between private regulation practices of global firms and outcomes for workers in supply chains.
Rethinking the Role of the State in Employment Relations for a Neoliberal Era
Authors: Howell Chris
Published: February 2020

Over the past 30 years, state intervention to reshape employment relations has become a generalized feature of contemporary capitalism. A broad neoliberal reconstruction of the market order has gone hand in hand with a more active state. In this article the author argues that liberalization in the sphere of employment relations could not have taken place without a more active state. Building on a regulation theory framework and an elaboration of the concept of neoliberalism as the regulatory infrastructure of emergent growth models, the author examines how the widespread shift from wage-led growth to other forms of growth across the advanced capitalist world has encouraged changes in the role of the state in the regulation of employment relations. These roles include market making, individual employment regulation in place of collective regulation, state-directed social pacts, and redrawing the boundaries between work and non-work. The article concludes with an explanation for continuing variations in employment relations.
Are campus police ‘real’ police? Students’ perceptions of campus versus municipal police
Authors: Allen Andrea
Published: February 2020

Campus police (CP) actively enforce across US universities. Yet the public questions whether they are ‘real’ police, like municipal police (MP). Research finds students perceive CP and MP differently, generally holding the former in lower regard. However, little is known about exactly how students view CP as different from and similar to MP. This article addresses that gap by analyzing qualitative data from 73 university students. Participants perceive CP and MP as varying in training, powers, resources, sanction severity, and danger. The article concludes by discussing broader implications, including how comparing CP to MP can improve research, theory, and policing.
Understanding children’s perceptions and activities in urban public spaces: The case study of Zrêbar Lake Waterfront in Kurdistan
Authors: Mansournia Soran , Bahrami Bakhtiar , Farahani Leila Mahmoudi , Aram Farshid
Published: February 2020

As public spaces are often designed based on adults’ behavioural patterns and perceptions, children’s perceptions and physical needs based on their body size have received less attention in both the design of urban spaces and urban studies. Focusing on the interpretive reproduction theory, this study aims to investigate children’s perceptions of urban spaces. Using behaviour and mental mapping, this paper examines children’s activities in public spaces as well as their mental images of such spaces. Behaviour mapping was conducted over 37 days on the Zrêbar Lake Waterfront in Kurdistan. Sketches drawn by 36 children were then analysed to identify children’s perceptions of the Waterfront. Unlike conventional methods in which children’s demands are determined through caregivers, this study focuses on engagement with children. Results indicate that two main factors of actualised environmental affordances (AEA) and safety-conscious parenting practices (SPP) have a significant influence on children’s freedom of movement (CFM) and consequently children’s activities in public spaces.
From Text to Therapy: Dealing with Anxiety Conceptual Integration Based on Philippians 4:5–9
Authors: Polischuk Pablo , Kang Hyun Mok S.
Published: February 2020

A heuristic derived from an appeal to Scripture as an epistemological source of data is proposed, from which principles are extracted and interpreted, and integrated with psychological theory and research. It represents an effort to expand the utilization of conceptual integration in the domain of Christian counseling in particular. A key text is drawn from the apostle Paul’s letter to first-century Christians (Philippians 4:5–9) in view of its relevance in treating anxious conditions from a transdiagnostic perspective. The distinction is made between the scriptural use of the construct “anxiety” in the neo-testamentary context and present-day definitions framed in DSM-5 terms. The authors postulate the need to develop a faith-based heart-mindset, entrained and anchored in God—a relational subject and love object—that may provide a believer with intrinsic assurance of God’s peace that “surpasses understanding” and empowers their mindful, metacognitive-executive control system, potentiating an adaptive coping process. This approach draws from CBT, MC, and ACT principles, and resonates with Barlow’s transdiagnostic model in particular. An integrated, emergent dimension is introduced—“perichoretic thirdness”—defined in theological-psychological terms, where reliance on God’s transcending/immanent, coparticipatory presence empowers the metacognitive-executive feedforward control system of a believer in enacting purposive, adaptive responses vs. anxiety.
Gray (Literature) Matters: Evidence of Selective Hypothesis Reporting in Social Psychological Research
Authors: Cairo Athena H. , Green Jeffrey D. , Forsyth Donelson R. , Behler Anna Maria C. , Raldiris Tarah L.
Published: February 2020

Selective reporting practices (SRPs)—adding, dropping, or altering study elements when preparing reports for publication—are thought to increase false positives in scientific research. Yet analyses of SRPs have been limited to self-reports or analyses of pre-registered and published studies. To assess SRPs in social psychological research more broadly, we compared doctoral dissertations defended between 1999 and 2017 with the publications based on those dissertations. Selective reporting occurred in nearly 50% of studies. Fully supported dissertation hypotheses were 3 times more likely to be published than unsupported hypotheses, while unsupported hypotheses were nearly 4 times more likely to be dropped from publications. Few hypotheses were found to be altered or added post hoc. Dissertation studies with fewer supported hypotheses were more likely to remove participants or measures from publications. Selective hypothesis reporting and dropped measures significantly predicted greater hypothesis support in published studies, supporting concerns that SRPs may increase Type 1 error risk.
Gritty Leaders Promoting Employees’ Thriving at Work
Authors: Rego Arménio , Cavazotte Flávia , Cunha Miguel Pina e , Valverde Camilo , Meyer Marcel , Giustiniano Luca
Published: February 2020

Four studies (a vignette-based experiment conducted in Portugal and Brazil, a two-wave multisource field study in Portugal, a three-wave field study in the United States, and a multisource field study in Portugal), in which conscientiousness, a “rival” of grit, was controlled for, provide theoretical and empirical evidence for a model testing what (e.g., grit in leaders), why (e.g., employee self-attributed grit), and when (e.g., leader support) grit supports thriving at work. First, gritty employees are more likely to thrive. Second, conveyed leader grit (i.e., grit as perceived by employees) predicts employee grit. Third, conveyed leader grit and leader self-attributed grit are conceptually different, and although the two relate positively with employee self-attributed grit, the former is a better predictor of employee self-attributed grit. Fourth, leader support operates as a boundary condition, in that the indirect association of conveyed leader grit with employee thriving is stronger when the leader is perceived as supportive. Our research also indicates that the concept of grit is more textured than habitually considered and that more attention must be paid to the boundary conditions of its development and impact.
Reading politics in 1562: Arthur Brooke’s Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet reconsidered
Authors: Frazer Paul
Published: February 2020

The English Romeo and Juliet tradition is seldom read in a political light. This essay reconsiders the political status of the story’s first English adaptation by Arthur Brooke (which Shakespeare would later borrow heavily from) by reading it against a large dataset of 1562 printed texts. I contend that we should read this poem politically because that is what its readers, including Shakespeare, would almost certainly have done. Arguing against dominant scholarly assumptions of the poem and author’s anti-Catholic bias, I explain how The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet resists religious persecution, instead emphasising tolerance and inclusivity across religious and political divides.
Effect of Scala Tympani Height on Insertion Depth of Straight Cochlear Implant Electrodes
Authors: Morrel William G. , Holder Jourdan T. , Dawant Benoit M. , Noble Jack H. , Labadie Robert F.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Studies suggest lateral wall (LW) scala tympani (ST) height decreases apically, which may limit insertion depth. No studies have investigated the relationship of LW ST height with translocation rate or location.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Cochlear implant program at tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

LW ST height was measured in preoperative images for patients with straight electrodes. Scalar location, angle of insertion depth (AID), and translocation depth were measured in postoperative images. Audiologic outcomes were tracked.

Results

In total, 177 ears were identified with 39 translocations (22%). Median AID was 443° (interquartile range [IQR], 367°‐550°). Audiologic outcomes (126 ears) showed a small, significant correlation between consonant‐nucleus‐consonant (CNC) word score and AID (r = 0.20, P =. 027), although correlation was insignificant if translocation occurred (r = 0.11, P =. 553). Translocation did not affect CNC score (P =. 335). AID was higher for translocated electrodes (503° vs 445°, P =. 004). Median translocation depth was 381° (IQR, 222°‐399°). Median depth at which a 0.5‐mm electrode would not fit within 0.1 mm of LW was 585° (IQR, 405°‐585°). Median depth at which a 0.5‐mm electrode would displace the basilar membrane by ≥0.1 mm was 585° (IQR, 518°‐765°); this was defined as predicted translocation depth (PTD). Translocation rate was 39% for insertions deeper than PTD and 14% for insertions shallower than PTD (P =. 008).

Conclusion

AID and CNC are directly correlated for straight electrodes when not translocated. Translocations generally occur around 380° and are more common with deeper insertions due to decreasing LW ST height. Risk of translocation increases significantly after 580°.
Primary Paraganglioma of the Facial Canal: An Evidence‐Based Approach
Authors: Yuhan Brian T. , Trang Amy , Hutz Michael J. , Leonetti John P.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To perform an evidence‐based review evaluating presenting symptoms, imaging, and management for primary paragangliomas of the facial canal (PPFCs).

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

Review Methods

Studies were assessed for quality of evidence and bias with the Cochrane bias tool, GRADE, and MINORS criteria. Demographic data, imaging modalities, management strategies, and status at last follow‐up were obtained.

Results

Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. In total, 21 patients with PPFCs were identified, 19 of which were histologically confirmed. Most common presenting symptoms included unilateral facial nerve dysfunction (n = 14, 73.7%) and pulsatile tinnitus (n = 8, 42.1%). Mean time from reported onset of facial dysfunction was 17.8 months. Computed tomography findings included an expanded descending facial nerve canal (n = 13, 76.5%). All cases with magnetic resonance imaging reported enhancement with contrast. Of the 18 patients who had surgery, 16 (88.9%) underwent full tumor resection while 1 (5.6%) had partial tumor debulking with adjuvant radiotherapy. Overall improvement in facial weakness was documented in 5 of 9 patients (55.6%) with initial facial nerve dysfunction and >6‐month follow‐up. No evidence of tumor recurrence was reported.

Conclusions

PPFCs are extraordinarily rare vascular neoplasms of the temporal bone. Early imaging with both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is essential for narrowing the differential diagnosis, assessing the extent of tumor invasion, and accurate surgical planning. Surgical tumor resection with subsequent facial nerve reconstruction is recommended for patients with facial nerve dysfunction, while tumor biopsy or debulking may be indicated when normal facial movement in present.