bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixing Driven by Radiative and Evaporative Cooling at the Stratocumulus Top
Authors: de Lozar Alberto , Mellado Juan Pedro
Published: August 2015

The stratocumulus-top mixing process is investigated using direct numerical simulations of a shear-free cloud-top mixing layer driven by evaporative and radiative cooling. An extension of previous linear formulations allows for quantifying radiative cooling, evaporative cooling, and the diffusive effects that artificially enhance mixing and evaporative cooling in high-viscosity direct numerical simulations (DNS) and many atmospheric simulations. The diffusive cooling accounts for 20% of the total evaporative cooling for the highest resolution (grid spacing ~14 cm), but this can be much larger (~100%) for lower resolutions that are commonly used in large-eddy simulations (grid spacing ~5 m). This result implies that the κ scaling for cloud cover might be strongly influenced by diffusive effects. Furthermore, the definition of the inversion point as the point of neutral buoyancy allows the derivation of two scaling laws. The in-cloud scaling law relates the velocity and buoyancy integral scales to a buoyancy flux defined by the inversion point. The entrainment-zone scaling law provides a relationship between the entrainment velocity and the liquid evaporation rate. By using this inversion point, it is shown that the radiative-cooling contribution to the entrainment velocity decouples from the evaporative-cooling contribution and behaves very similarly as in the smoke cloud. Finally, evaporative and radiative cooling have similar strengths, when this strength is measured by the integrated buoyancy source. This result partially explains why current entrainment parameterizations are not accurate enough, given that most of them implicitly assume that only one of the two mechanisms rules the entrainment.
Propagation of Strong Rainfall Events from Southeastern South America to the Central Andes
Authors: Boers Niklas , Barbosa Henrique M. J. , Bookhagen Bodo , Marengo José A. , Marwan Norbert , Kurths Jürgen
Published: August 2015

Based on high-spatiotemporal-resolution data, the authors perform a climatological study of strong rainfall events propagating from southeastern South America to the eastern slopes of the central Andes during the monsoon season. These events account for up to 70% of total seasonal rainfall in these areas. They are of societal relevance because of associated natural hazards in the form of floods and landslides, and they form an intriguing climatic phenomenon, because they propagate against the direction of the low-level moisture flow from the tropics. The responsible synoptic mechanism is analyzed using suitable composites of the relevant atmospheric variables with high temporal resolution. The results suggest that the low-level inflow from the tropics, while important for maintaining sufficient moisture in the area of rainfall, does not initiate the formation of rainfall clusters. Instead, alternating low and high pressure anomalies in midlatitudes, which are associated with an eastward-moving Rossby wave train, in combination with the northwestern Argentinean low, create favorable pressure and wind conditions for frontogenesis and subsequent precipitation events propagating from southeastern South America toward the Bolivian Andes.
Wavelet-Based Optical Flow for Two-Component Wind Field Estimation from Single Aerosol Lidar Data
Authors: Dérian Pierre , Mauzey Christopher F. , Mayor Shane D.
Published: August 2015

A motion estimation algorithm was applied to image sequences produced by a horizontally scanning elastic backscatter lidar. The algorithm, a wavelet-based optical flow estimator namedTyphoon, produces dense two-component vector flow fields that correspond to the apparent motion of microscale aerosol features. To validate the efficacy of this approach for the remote measurement of wind fields in the lower atmosphere, an experiment was conducted in Chico, California, in 2013 and 2014. The flow fields, estimated every 17 s, were compared with measurements from an independent Doppler lidar. Time series of wind speed and direction, statistical assessment of the 10-min averages, and examples of wind fields are presented. The comparison of 10-min averages at 100 m AGL reveals excellent correlations between estimates from theTyphoonalgorithm and measurements from the Doppler lidar. Power spectra and spectral transfer functions are computed to estimate the filtering effects of the algorithm in the spatial domain.
Pulse Pressure Amplification and Arterial Stiffness in Low-Risk, Uncomplicated Pregnancies
Authors: Gomez YH , Hudda Zahra , Mahdi Noha , Hausvater Anais , Opatrny Lucie , El-Messidi Amira , Gagnon Robert , Daskalopoulou Stella S.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Arterial stiffness, a composite indicator of vascular health and predictor of future cardiovascular (CV) disease and events, was assessed in low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies.

Methods:

Women with low-risk pregnancy were recruited consecutively (recruitment across the 3 trimesters). Vessel hemodynamics and arterial stiffness were measured every 4 weeks from recruitment until delivery and at 6.5 weeks postpartum.

Results:

Sixty-three women (maternal age: 32.7 ± 4.9 years) with low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancy were recruited. Mean arterial pressure ( P = .04) and aortic pulse pressure ( P = .03) decreased during pregnancy, whereas heart rate gradually increased until delivery ( P = .0002) and decreased postpartum ( P = .06). Pulse pressure amplification (PPA) and carotid-to-radial pulse wave velocity initially decreased in the second trimester, followed by a steady increase until delivery ( P = .01 and P = .04, respectively). Interestingly, PPA sharply decreased postpartum ( P = .01). Augmentation index and the subendocardial viability ratio significantly increased postpartum ( P = .03 and .02, respectively).

Conclusion:

The PPA increased steadily after the second trimester and was sharply decreased postpartum in low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancy. Longer and larger longitudinal studies will evaluate changes in PPA and its potential as a marker of CV risk later in women’s life.
What we know and what we need to know about developmental and life-course theories
Authors: Piquero Alex R
Published: August 2015

This essay considers what is known and what needs to be known about developmental/life-course theories and research. In so doing, it remarks on the period before developmental/life-course came about and then segues into the period of the 1980s in criminological theory where intense and fruitful debates regarding age and crime and criminal careers help to spur developmental/life-course as it is known today. The essay then reviews some prominent developmental/life-course theories, what they tell us about longitudinal offending patterns, and closes with challenges for developmental/life-course theory.
Using Focus Groups and Rasch Item Response Theory to Improve Instrument Development
Authors: Mallinckrodt Brent , Miles Joseph R. , Recabarren Daniela A.
Published: August 2015

Item response theory (IRT) is not widely used in counseling psychology research, despite its considerable advantages for instrument development. Focus groups help create a broad and representative item pool that is more likely to tap the full range of the latent dimension, thereby capitalizing on IRT strengths. We provide suggestions for using these tools, with an empirical example, the Everyday Multicultural Competencies/Revised Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy (EMC/RSEE). Rasch IRT methods were used to (a) analyze response format performance and collapse poorly performing categories, (b) evaluate differential item functioning sex bias, and (c) select items to maximize subscale sensitivity and bandwidth. Traditional classical test theory (CTT) subscales composed of items with the highest factor loadings were compared with subscales based on IRT criteria. Compared with CTT subscales, IRT subscales used in the EMC/RSEE demonstrated generally higher correlations with other variables of interest, and superior sensitivity to change over time and to group differences.
Is the Public Convinced That “Nothing Works?”
Authors: Mancini Christina , Budd Kristen M.
Published: August 2015

It is presumed that public opposition to sex offender treatment derives from the “nothing works” philosophy. However, few studies have systematically unpacked perceptions about sex offender treatment. Drawing on national poll data, this study uses multinomial logistic regression to identify predictors of treatment views. Results indicate that misperceptions about sex crimes, particularly the belief in “stranger danger” and offense amplification, reduce support for treatment. Parents with children under age 17 were less likely to approve of treatment efforts, because they did not believe the treatment research. Separately, belief in high sex offender recidivism was associated with a greater likelihood of not sure responses about treatment. In contrast, desiring more information about how to prevent sexual offending increased support for interventions. Implications are discussed.
Planning in England: New Public Management, Network Governance or Post-Democracy?
Authors: Laffin Martin
Published: August 2015

Three frameworks – New Public Management, Network Governance and Post-Democracy – are applied to identify and explain the direction of institutional travel in the field of land-use planning in England. These frameworks are used to assess the extent to which land-use planning has been centralized or decentralized over the last 20 years. The last Labour government (1997–2010) is contrasted with the Conservative-led Coalition government (2010–2015). Labour introduced planning policies and an underpinning regional administrative machinery that the latter has replaced with a ‘localist’ planning system and sub-regional Local Enterprise Partnerships. The article concludes that both Labour and the Conservative-led Coalition embarked on policies that involved increased centralization, but that the centralization took different forms, though both parties denied sub-state institutions the political or other resources to challenge the central government in Westminster.

Points for practitioners

The dominant analytical perspectives on public administration are New Public Management and Network Governance. This article introduces a third perspective – Post-Democracy – not yet applied in public administration. Post-Democracy is developed here to depict government ministers as ‘political-bureaucratic managers’ oriented towards maintaining national economic competitiveness and mobilizing electoral support in new ways as the traditional, mass political party is declining. Consequently, ministers increasingly defer to business interests and default to a populist politics that often challenges established bureaucratic and professional interests within government. This article examines the implications of this political shift in the case of land-use planning in England.
Determinants of public trust in government: empirical evidence from urban China
Authors: Zhao Dahai , Hu Wei
Published: August 2015

Several studies suggest that public trust in government in China remains high and without any trend of decline despite the fact that public trust in government has declined dramatically in developed countries. This article analyses public trust in government in contemporary urban China with a comprehensive representative survey and tests the factors associated with public trust in government. Trust in government in China is found to be much lower than previous studies have indicated. Furthermore, the variables of citizen satisfaction with the quality of public services, general democracy, participation in government and the transparency of government are positively associated with public trust in government in China at both the city and central level. In addition, this research also finds that citizens who are younger, more highly educated and well-paid have a lower probability of trust in government in China. These findings suggest that maintaining political trust will be a challenge for the Chinese government.

Points for practitioners

The findings in this study suggest that public managers and policymakers in China should pay full attention to the challenge posed by maintaining public trust in government, and need to consider formulating specific and feasible measures to enhance public trust based on the determinants of public trust in government. Moreover, in terms of the fact that the determinants that make public trust in government decline in developed countries also affect public trust in government in China, such public managers and policymakers need to strengthen communication with developed countries to improve the handling of the common challenge of maintaining public trust in government.
Monarchical Rule in Swaziland: Power is Absolute but Patronage is (for) Relative(s)
Authors: Woods Dwayne
Published: August 2015

This article adopts a non-formalized decision−theoretic model to examine patronage strategies by the monarchy in Swaziland as a means to stave off threats to its hold on power. The article’s main argument is that the logic of patronage is largely about controlling and monitoring local chiefs and placating royal princes with administrative positions and sources of revenue and limiting the insurrectionary potential of non-traditionalist urban groups to absolute monarchical power in Swaziland.
The Journal of Commonwealth Literature in the 1970s
Authors: McLeod John
Published: August 2015

This article looks back across the development of the Journal of Commonwealth Literature in the 1970s and considers its evolution in the context of the wider disciplinary shift from Commonwealth Literature to postcolonial studies. It argues that the editorial generosity and wisdom of editor Arthur Ravenscroft empowered important opportunities of critique for contributors, some of whom anticipated the subsequent concerns of postcolonial thought in contending with the predominant Leavisite paradigms of Commonwealth literary criticism and arguing for a politicized, provincializing new mode of critical activity. In reviewing the journal in the 1970s, we might note that the shift from Commonwealth to postcolonial was more organic and transitional than is sometimes claimed.
Improvement of mechanical properties of concrete canvas by anhydrite-modified calcium sulfoaluminate cement
Authors: Han Fangyu , Chen Huisu , Li Xiangyu , Bao Buchuan , Lv Tao , Zhang Wulong , Hui Duan Wen
Published: August 2015

A carefully designed formulation of dry cement powder for concrete canvas, which is expected to have both high mechanical strengths and short setting times, is obtained by partially replacing calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA) with anhydrite at four levels (0%, 10%, 20% and 30% by mass of CSA cement). The influence of anhydrite fineness on the mechanical properties of concrete canvas and its mechanical anisotropy are both investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis and isothermal calorimetry are used to investigate the underlying mechanism. Results reveal that increasing anhydrite content or fineness improve the mechanical strengths of concrete canvas and shortened its setting times. However, a slight decrease of mechanical strength occurs at the later age when the replacement level was 30 wt%. A large amount of unhydrated particles is found in hardened specimens. The concrete canvas shows higher mechanical strengths in the warp direction than in the weft direction, and it exhibits the lowest compressive strength in the through-the-thickness direction.
Local strain and damage measurements on a composite with digital image correlation and acoustic emission
Authors: Flament Camille , Salvia Michelle , Berthel Bruno , Crosland Gérard
Published: August 2015

Non-linear stress–strain behaviour under monotonic loading can be caused by continuous damage. In order to understand this non-linearity, simultaneous strain and damage measurements were taken on composite specimens using digital image correlation and acoustic emission as these techniques give valuable local information. The latter is essential in the case of inhomogeneous or anisotropic materials, such as continuous fibre composites. On the one hand, digital image correlation gives access to full field strain and on the other hand, acoustic emission recording can be used for damage monitoring and location if, at least two sensors are placed on the specimen under loading. In this work, these two techniques were combined to correlate strain measurements and damage location on a complex composite material during a monotonic tensile test. The composite is a continuous fibre-reinforced friction material used in car clutches. These measures were used to understand the non-linearity of the stress–strain curve of the as-received material as well as detect volume damage after thermal cycling. In depth study of the strain field and acoustic emission events location revealed a correlation between non-homogeneous damage kinetics throughout the specimen and the evolution of the strain distribution.
The Insanity Defence
Authors: Hogg Claire
Published: August 2015

This article takes an abolitionist position towards insane automatism (or ‘the insanity defence’). With particular reference to Arlie Loughnan’s concept of ‘manifest madness’, it argues that mentally ill defendants are poorly served not only by the insanity defence as currently formulated, but by any defence which focuses on their status as ‘mentally ill’ rather than the specific excusatory elements of that illness. It contends, however, that advocates for abolition should not assume that existing criminal defences are currently primed to account for those elements. What is required is a thoroughgoing reform of all criminal defences, with mentally ill and/or disordered defendants in mind, to which abolition of the insanity defence must be secondary.
The Wolf Packs in Our Midst and Other Products of Criminal Joint Enterprise Prosecutions
Authors: Green Andrew , McGourlay Claire
Published: August 2015

Changes in the law on secondary participation in joint criminal enterprises since 1985 have been driven by a judicial policy aiming to counter a perceived threat to social order from criminal groups. This article argues that these changes enable prosecutions to succeed through the use of tenuous forms of evidence and epistemologically unjustified inferences which juries are permitted to draw from such evidence, a combination which effectively lowers the standard of proof. The lowering of the standard of proof has two effects. First, it makes it easier and cheaper for police investigators to construct prosecution cases, and secondly, it is likely to result in injustice. Many claims have been made that it does indeed have the latter effect. The police view the joint enterprise doctrine as a useful tool, and other parts of the criminal justice system are willing to collaborate with the development and refinement of the tool. This article explores the reasons why support is given to a development which requires such a drastic change in accepted legal standards. The Law Commission justifies these changes by its adoption of a theory that an individual who joins a group engaged in criminal activity changes her or his normative position to that of the group, and so may be held responsible for any crimes committed by any member of the group. However, the theory is unsupported by empirical research. Rather it is grounded in the findings of courts trying cases in which the joint enterprise doctrine is applied, and has its origins in theories which assign to criminal courts the responsibility to identify certain groups as enemies of society. Its application produces the populist characterisation of casual groups of young people as ‘wolf packs’.
The relationship between the prescription of pyschotropic drugs and suicide rates in adults in England and Wales
Authors: Zhinchin Galina , Zarate-Escudero Sofia , Somyaji Manjunath , Shah Ajit
Published: August 2015

Background

A few studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between the general population and suicide rates and antidepressant prescribing rates. Correlations between general population suicide rates and prescribing rates of other psychotropic drugs have also been observed. There have not been any studies during the last decade.

Methods

The relationship between adult suicide rates and prescription rates of psychotropic drugs by the broad British National Formulary (BNF) categories, for individual psychotropic drug groups within the BNF categories (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and for individual psychotropic drugs was examined over a 12-year period (1995–2006) was examined using Spearman’s rank correlation. All data were ascertained from the archives of the Office for National Statistics.

Results

There was an absence of significant correlations between adult suicides rates and rates of prescriptions of psychotropic drugs in the broad BNF categories, individual psychotropic drug groups and individual psychotropic drugs.

Discussion

The findings may be due to methodological errors. Should the findings be accurate, then the following approaches require consideration to reduce suicide rates further: (i) development of strategies to ensure continued prescription of psychotropic drugs at the current level; (ii) development of strategies to improve non-pharmacological measures, including improved mental health services provision for adults, improved assessment of suicide risk, increased availability of psychosocial interventions and restricting the availability of methods of suicide; and (iii) development of strategies to implement improvement in distal risk (e.g. societal socio-economic status) and protective (e.g. societal educational attainment) factors for suicide at a societal level.
From cadavers to clinical practice: the anatomy of lifelong learning
Authors: Bradley Alison , Khan Khurram , Madurska Marta , Riddell Alexis , Saldanha James
Published: August 2015

Background

Much has been postulated about the perceived deterioration of anatomy knowledge amongst graduates. Little is known about levels of confidence in, and educational needs concerning, clinical anatomy knowledge amongst foundation year doctors.

Aims

To establish foundation year doctors’ perceptions of anatomy related to: importance to career, confidence in anatomy knowledge and its application, preferred methods of teaching. Secondarily, to determine impact of an integrated clinical approach to anatomy teaching on foundation year doctors’ level of knowledge and confidence in its clinical application of anatomy.

Methods

A course teaching anatomy through common surgeries and related radiology was delivered to foundation year doctors. A pre- and post-course assessment based on anatomy competence score assessed holistic knowledge acquisition. Foundation year doctors’ perceptions of anatomy and course satisfaction were measured through questionnaire.

Results

Confidence in applying anatomy knowledge was low. The average pre- and post-course assessment score increased from 55% to 81%; 92.86% felt an integrated clinical approach to anatomy teaching improved their confidence on the subject and 58.62% felt it improved their clinical skills.

Conclusion

This study identified a need for ongoing educational support for foundation year doctors regarding anatomy teaching. An integrated clinical approach to teaching anatomy proved both highly relevant and popular, as well as an effective teaching approach.
Impact of hot-stretching treatment on physical and mechanical properties of braided polyamide suture
Authors: Debbabi Faten , Abdessalem Saber B
Published: August 2015

Suture is the most used implant in the human body, but it is not yet perfect. Braided polyamide sutures have to undergo several manufacturing steps, including hot-stretching. The main objective of this work was to analyze physical structural changes of polyamide fibers after the hot-stretching step and to highlight mechanical property changes related to this treatment. The obtained results showed that hot-stretching of polyamide braided suture allows one to obtain uniform and compact suture. In this paper, modification of mechanical properties due to hot-stretching has been correlated to macromolecular properties, such as crystallinity, crystal size and macromolecular chain orientation. Hot-stretching braided suture at a temperature higher than 200℃ and the medium value of drawing ratio resulted in the best braided suture properties. Below 180℃, polyamide braided suture undergoes thermal shrinkage during hot-stretching, leading to an increase in breaking extension. Hot-stretching suture ameliorated fabricated braided suture crystallinity reached 33%, with the creation of numerous crystals with smaller size. Using an overlaid contours plot, we have determined optimal values for significant manufacturing parameters in order to manufacture polyamide braided suture that has high ultimate tensile strength, low extension at break, low rigidity and high crystallinity.
Experimental investigation of the influence of wool structures on the stab resistance of woven body armor panels
Authors: Reiners Priscilla , Kyosev Yordan , Schacher Laurence , Adolphe Dominique , Küster Katalin
Published: August 2015

In the production of body armor panels, multilayer aramid fabrics are normally used. A main problem of these panels is the high weight and consequential lower comfort for the wearer. In a recent survey it was shown that most officers in the United States would prefer an improved comfort and also reduced weight in their ballistic vests. To reduce layers with a concomitance of the same safety standards, the panel has to be improved. One solution is to reduce the slippage of the yarns during the penetration of the knife and with this to increase the absorbed impact energy. The tests showed that the placement of a layer of wool fabric on the top of the aramid panel changes the penetration behavior. The main goal of this work is the investigation of the influence of the woven wool structure over the penetration of aramid panels. For this investigation, the stab resistance of five aramid fabrics with different properties and patterns combined with one layer of wool on the top and bottom of the panel has been tested and compared against pure aramid panels, according to the VPAM test instruction “Stab- and Impact Protection”. In addition, an optical evaluation of the stab tests has been done using a high-speed camera. Also, the stab recess in the aramid layers was evaluated optically, using a digital microscope. The experimental results confirm that wool can increase the stab resistance of body armor panels, but results are dependent on the properties and pattern of the aramid fabrics, too.
Measuring the influence of space and time effects on time on the market
Authors: McGreal Stanley , Taltavull de La Paz Paloma , Kupke Valerie , Rossini Peter , Kershaw Paul
Published: August 2015

This paper is concerned with spatial effects of time on the market for residential property and time varying relationships using a dataset of properties from the Adelaide metropolitan area, Australia, during the period 2002–2011. The analysis firstly considers the spatial dependence in time on the market and secondly extends the analysis to a space-time model using 2SLS regression. The findings demonstrate the complexity in spatial analysis with results indicating a random distribution of time on the market in 86% of observations a pattern that is consistent over time. Spatial autocorrelation is shown to increase time on the market in the subject property while spatial error decreases time on the market in the subject property suggesting a high level of market transparency and improved liquidity. The compensating or nullifying effects of both types of spatial association is shown to contribute to the random distribution observed in time on the market. A strong explanatory capacity of the business cycle suggests that economic drivers are leading time on the market rather than prices.
School Disorder, School Connectedness, and Psychosocial Outcomes: Moderation by a Supportive Figure in the School
Authors: Hurd Noelle M. , Hussain Saida , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: August 2015

The current study examined whether students’ perceptions of school disorder influenced their psychosocial outcomes directly and indirectly via connectedness to school. The current study also explored moderation by the presence of a supportive figure in the school and investigated gender differences. Participants were 28,104 high school students. Results indicated that students’ perceptions of school disorder predicted more externalizing behaviors and internalizing symptoms directly and indirectly via reduced connectedness to school. Perceived school disorder also indirectly predicted lower academic grades. The presence of a supportive figure in the school lessened the detrimental influence of school disorder on student outcomes. Results also indicated that male students may stand to benefit more from the protective influence of a supportive figure in the school.
‘Securitization’ revisited: theory and cases
Authors: Balzacq Thierry , Léonard Sarah , Ruzicka Jan
Published: August 2015

Securitization theory seeks to explain the politics through which (1) the security character of public problems is established, (2) the social commitments resulting from the collective acceptance that a phenomenon is a threat are fixed and (3) the possibility of a particular policy is created. In the last decade, research on securitization has grown significantly. The aim of this article is to evaluate the achievements of securitization theory. First, its main concepts and premises are critically discussed. This article then proceeds to examine the empirical applications of securitization theory to a broad range of issues, as well as the theoretical implications of these studies. Finally, it discusses the main challenges faced by securitization scholars and puts forward strategies to overcome them. This article develops three inter-related arguments. First, notably thanks to empirical studies, securitization theory has significantly developed beyond its initial focus on the speech act. Second, as a result, the distinctiveness of securitization theory currently lies in its capacity to articulate a specific approach to security – influenced by the speech act – with an ‘analytics of government’, which emphasizes practices and processes. Third, securitization theory faces three types of challenges, related, respectively, to theory, method and methodology. The capacity of scholars to overcome those will strongly influence the extent to which securitization theory will be able to make significant contributions to the debates in Security Studies and International Relations in the years to come.
Outcome of open reduction for the neglected posterior dislocation of the elbow in a low-to-middle income country
Authors: Nicola Lollino , Birhanu Ayana , Aselefech Gelan , Giovanni Merolla
Published: August 2015

Background

Neglected posterior dislocation of the elbow is common in developing countries. We evaluated the clinical results of open reduction focusing on range of motion (ROM), stability and pain.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen patients were treated for neglected dislocation of the elbow between January 2008 and December 2012 at St. Luke’s Catholic Hospital and College of Nursing, Wolisso, Ethiopia. Mean time from injury was 2.8 months (range, 2–48 months). All patients underwent open reduction using Speed’s technique. Mean follow-up was 12 months (range, 12–36 months). Range of motion (ROM) was measured, stability was checked with the lateral pivot shift apprehension test.

Results

All patients improved their range of motion (ROM). Pain decreased. One patient developed instability during the rehabilitation programme; in the remaining patients pivot shift test was negative.

Conclusion

Open reduction is an effective method to restore joint stability, improve function of neglected posterior dislocation of the elbow.
PETS-D
Authors: Sullivan-Bolyai Susan , Crawford Sybil , Bova Carol , Lee Mary , Quintos J. B. , Johnson Kim , Cullen Karen , Hamm Terri , Bisordi Jean , Ramchandani Neesha , Fletcher Jason , Quinn Diane , Jaffarian Carol , Lipman Terri , Melkus Gail
Published: August 2015

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Parent Education Through Simulation–Diabetes (PETS-D; clinical trial registration NCT01517269) for parents of children <13 years old newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes with 3 parent education vignette sessions using human patient simulation (HPS) as compared with formal parent-nurse education sessions (vignette only) regarding diabetes knowledge, problem-solving skills, hypoglycemia fear, anxiety, and self-efficacy.

Design and Methods

Subjects were randomized to the HPS parent diabetes education or the vignette-only arm. Using linear mixed modeling, we compared HPS and vignette-only groups at 2, 6, and 14 weeks. Effect modification of treatment by dichotomized child’s age (<6 and ≥6 years old) and parent education (≤high school and >high school) was also tested. All analyses were intent to treat and adjusted for baseline outcome level and clustering within site.

Results

We recruited 191 parents (116 children). Mean baseline A1C was 12%. Overall treatment-related differences were modest. There was a statistically significant effect modification of HPS by child’s age, with a larger HPS benefit among parents of younger children for several outcomes: A1C (8.16% vs 9.48% in control; P = .006), lower state anxiety ( P = .0094), and higher fear of hypoglycemia ( P = .03) for parents of children <6 years old in the HPS group.

Conclusions

Modest treatment-related differences may reflect ceiling/floor effects in many of the outcomes; we also compared HPS with another intervention rather than to usual education. Parents of younger children receiving the intervention may feel more comfortable with lower A1C levels because of management awareness gleaned from the HPS experience. Future research will include a retrospective case-control study of very young children.
Detecting and Managing Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes in Patients With Acute Stroke
Authors: Liu Aiqun , Carmichael Kim A. , Schallom Marilyn E. , Riley Martha J. , Klinkenberg W. Dean
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes (pre-DM) in acute stroke patients, to evaluate recommendations of diabetes treatment and follow-up care in a hospital setting, and to examine 1-year readmission rates based on admission A1C measure.

Methods

This retrospective study comprised 200 patients randomly selected from 1095 patients admitted with an acute stroke and an A1C measurement during admission. DM and pre-DM prevalence levels were determined per A1C level. Recommendations for diabetes treatment during and after hospitalization were assessed; charts were reviewed for readmission.

Results

Among 200 patients, 43% had known DM, and 0.5% had pre-DM. Among 113 patients without history of DM or pre-DM, 61.9% had A1C 5.7% to 6.4% (39-46 mmol/mol), and 8.8% had A1C ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol). None of the newly diagnosed pre-DM and 60% of newly diagnosed DM were documented. Only 7 of newly diagnosed DM or pre-DM patients received diabetes education. For patients with known DM and A1C ≥7.0% (53 mmol/mol), 40.5% registered no change of diabetic regimen. Few patients were recommended for diabetes follow-up care. Patients with A1C ≥6.5% or <5.7% were more likely to be readmitted for any reason within 1 year (33.3% and 31.6%, respectively) than patients with A1C levels of 5.7% to 6.4% (16.5%).

Conclusions

The majority of acutely admitted stroke patients without known DM or pre-DM had A1C ≥5.7%. Newly diagnosed DM or pre-DM patients received inadequate diabetes education and follow-up care. These findings provide significant opportunities for improving acute stroke management.
National Role Delineation Study of the Board Certification for Advanced Diabetes Management
Authors: Schreiner Barb , Kolb Leslie E. , O’Brian Catherine A. , Carroll Sarah , Lipman Ruth D.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this comprehensive role delineation study of the Board Certification for Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) examination was to ensure its content validity.

Method

The comprehensive role delineation study was conducted in 3 phases. In the first phase, a panel of 12 currently credentialed BC-ADM subject matter experts produced a list of practice domains, a unique set of content subdomains for each, and a series of knowledge statements for every subdomain. In the second phase, a validation study survey consisting of 3 sections was created. The first section was to rate each subdomain on three factors: criticality, frequency, and point in career at which knowledge is first used. The second section asked respondents to estimate the percentage of the examination to dedicate to the four domains. The third section captured demographic information of the respondents. A total of 667 BC-ADMs and 18 physicians were invited to take the survey. In the third phase, the subject matter expert panel analyzed the survey results and determined the weight that the domains and subdomains should have on the 150-item BC-ADM examination.

Results

Final domain weights and the corresponding number of items for the BC-ADM examination are provided in this report; these constitute the BC-ADM examination blueprint.

Conclusions

The national role delineation study reported here for the BC-ADM examination ensures that it is reflective of the current practice and required knowledge of the advanced diabetes manager.
Opening the news gates? Humanitarian and human rights NGOs in the US news media, 1990–2010
Authors: Powers Matthew
Published: August 2015

This study examines whether changes in the media, political, and civic landscapes give leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) increased news access. Using longitudinal content analysis (1990–2010) of a purposive sample of US news outlets, it compares the prevalence, prominence, and story location of news articles citing leading human rights NGOs to human rights coverage more generally. In all outlets, NGO prevalence rises over time; media-savvy NGOs drive much of the growth. By contrast, prominence decreases, as do the number of NGO-driven stories. In all outlets, NGOs typically appear in stories already in the media spotlight; as sources, they appear after the statements of government officials. Finally, the news outlets most receptive to NGOs are those that commit the fewest resources to international news coverage. Overall, findings suggest that while NGO news access has indeed increased over time, such access continues to be shaped by established patterns of news construction.
Electoral systems, ethnic cleavages and experience with democracy
Authors: Raymond Christopher D , Huelshoff Michael , Rosenblum Marc R
Published: August 2015

Recent studies show that the effects of electoral systems and ethnic cleavages on the number of parties in emerging democracies differ from those effects observed in more established democracies. Building on recent arguments maintaining that the quality of democracy improves with experience, we argue the reason for the differences in the findings between established and emerging democracies is that the effects of these variables on the number of parties differ according to a country’s experience with elections. To test this argument, we analyse party system fragmentation in 89 established and emerging democracies and the conditioning effects experience with elections have on the effects of district magnitude, ethnic cleavages and variables relating to the presidential party system. The results show that the effects of institutional and social cleavage variables differ substantially between emerging and established democracies, but these effects begin to approximate those seen in more established democracies with additional experience with elections.
The Imperial College Cambridge Manchester (ICCAM) platform study: An experimental medicine platform for evaluating new drugs for relapse prevention in addiction. Part A: Study description
Authors: Paterson Louise M , Flechais Remy SA , Murphy Anna , Reed Laurence J , Abbott Sanja , Boyapati Venkataramana , Elliott Rebecca , Erritzoe David , Ersche Karen D , Faluyi Yetunde , Faravelli Luca , Fernandez-Egea Emilio , Kalk Nicola J , Kuchibatla Shankar S , McGonigle John , Metastasio Antonio , Mick Inge , Nestor Liam , Orban Csaba , Passetti Filippo , Rabiner Eugenii A , Smith Dana G , Suckling John , Tait Roger , Taylor Eleanor M , Waldman Adam D , Robbins Trevor W , Deakin JF William , Nutt David J , Lingford-Hughes Anne R ,   ICCAM Platform
Published: August 2015

Drug and alcohol dependence are global problems with substantial societal costs. There are few treatments for relapse prevention and therefore a pressing need for further study of brain mechanisms underpinning relapse circuitry. The Imperial College Cambridge Manchester (ICCAM) platform study is an experimental medicine approach to this problem: using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques and selective pharmacological tools, it aims to explore the neuropharmacology of putative relapse pathways in cocaine, alcohol, opiate dependent, and healthy individuals to inform future drug development. Addiction studies typically involve small samples because of recruitment difficulties and attrition. We established the platform in three centres to assess the feasibility of a multisite approach to address these issues. Pharmacological modulation of reward, impulsivity and emotional reactivity were investigated in a monetary incentive delay task, an inhibitory control task, and an evocative images task, using selective antagonists for µ-opioid, dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) and neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors (naltrexone, GSK598809, vofopitant/aprepitant), in a placebo-controlled, randomised, crossover design. In two years, 609 scans were performed, with 155 individuals scanned at baseline. Attrition was low and the majority of individuals were sufficiently motivated to complete all five sessions ( n=87). We describe herein the study design, main aims, recruitment numbers, sample characteristics, and explain the test hypotheses and anticipated study outputs.
Does Shared Decision Making in Cancer Treatment Improve Quality of Life? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kashaf Michael Saheb , McGill Elizabeth
Published: August 2015

Background. The growing consensus espousing the use of shared decision making (SDM) in cancer treatment has coincided with the rise of health care evaluation paradigms that emphasize quality of life (QOL) as a central outcome measure. This review systematically examines the association between treatment SDM and QOL outcomes in cancer. Methods. A range of bibliographic databases and gray literature sources was searched. The search retrieved 16,726 records, which were screened by title, abstract, and full text to identify relevant studies. The review included 17 studies with a range of study designs and populations. Data were extracted on study methods, participants, setting, study or intervention description, outcomes, main findings, secondary findings, and limitations. Quality appraisal was used, in conjunction with a narrative approach, to synthesize the evidence. Results. The review found weak, but suggestive, evidence for a positive association between perceived patient involvement in decision making, a central dimension of SDM, and QOL outcomes in cancer. The review did not find evidence for an inverse association between SDM and QOL. The poor methodological quality and heterogeneity of the extant literature constrained the derived conclusions. In addition, the literature commonly treated various subscales of QOL instruments as separate outcomes, increasing the probability of spurious findings. Conclusions. There is weak evidence that aspects of shared decision-making approaches are positively associated with QOL outcomes and very little evidence of a negative association. The extant literature largely assessed patient involvement, only capturing one aspect of the shared decision-making construct, and is of poor quality, necessitating robust studies examining the association.
The CREATE Method for Expressing Continuous Outcome Data in Absolute Terms for Use in Patient Treatment Decision Aids
Authors: McGillion Michael , Victor J. Charles , Carroll Sandra L. , Metcalfe Kelly , O’Keefe-McCarthy Sheila , Jamal Noorin , Arthur Heather M. , McKelvie Robert , Jolicoeur E. Marc , Hanlon John G. , Stone James , Niznick Joel , Beanlands Robert , Svorkdal Nelson , Coyte Peter , Stevens Bonnie , Stacey Dawn
Published: August 2015

Background. Patient decision aids (PtDAs) supplement advice from health care professionals by communicating the absolute risk or benefit of treatment options (i.e., X/100). As such, PtDAs have been amenable to binary outcomes only. We aimed to develop and test the validity of the Conversion to Risk Estimates through Application of Normal Theory (CREATE) method for estimating absolute risk based on continuous outcome data. Methods. CREATE is designed to derive an estimate of the proportion of those who experience a clinically relevant degree of change (CRDoC). We used a 2-stage validation process using real and simulated change score data, respectively. First, using raw data from published intervention trials, we calculated the proportion of patients with a CRDoC and compared that with our CREATE-derived estimate using chi-square tests of association. Second, 200,000 simulated distributions of change scores were generated with widely varying distribution characteristics. Actual and CREATE-derived estimates were compared for each simulated distribution, and relative differences were summarized graphically. Results. The absolute difference between the estimated and actual CRDoC did not exceed 5% for any of the samples based on real data. Applying the CREATE method to 200,000 simulated scenarios demonstrated that the CREATE method should be avoided for outcomes where the underlying distribution can be reasonably assumed to have high levels of skew or kurtosis. Conclusion. Our results suggest that standard statistical theory can be used to estimate continuous outcomes in absolute terms with reasonable accuracy for use in PtDAs; caution is advised if outcome summary statistics are assumed to have been derived from highly skewed distributions.
Robust real-time tracking combining 3D shape, color, and motion
Authors: Held David , Levinson Jesse , Thrun Sebastian , Savarese Silvio
Published: August 2015

Real-time tracking algorithms often suffer from low accuracy and poor robustness when confronted with difficult, real-world data. We present a tracker that combines 3D shape, color (when available), and motion cues to accurately track moving objects in real-time. Our tracker allocates computational effort based on the shape of the posterior distribution. Starting with a coarse approximation to the posterior, the tracker successively refines this distribution, increasing in tracking accuracy over time. The tracker can thus be run for any amount of time, after which the current approximation to the posterior is returned. Even at a minimum runtime of 0.37 ms per object, our method outperforms all of the baseline methods of similar speed by at least 25% in root-mean-square (RMS) tracking error. If our tracker is allowed to run for longer, the accuracy continues to improve, and it continues to outperform all baseline methods. Our tracker is thus anytime, allowing the speed or accuracy to be optimized based on the needs of the application. By combining 3D shape, color (when available), and motion cues in a probabilistic framework, our tracker is able to robustly handle changes in viewpoint, occlusions, and lighting variations for moving objects of a variety of shapes, sizes, and distances.