bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Model of the Northeast Pacific Stratocumulus to Cumulus Transition Based on the Climatological Surface Energy Budget
Authors: Karlsson Johannes , Teixeira João
Published: April 2014

Air advected equatorward by the trade winds off the coast of California is associated with decreasing cloud cover and is subjected to increasingly warmer sea surface temperatures. These gradients imply large gradients in the surface energy fluxes. Based on the surface energy balance and on the assumption of a small net surface energy flux, which is supported by reanalysis data, a cloud cover model of the climatological stratocumulus to cumulus transition in the northeastern subtropical Pacific Ocean is developed. Using climatological meteorological surface variables, the model, despite its simplicity, is able to describe the transition from stratocumulus to cumulus reasonably well in terms of cloud cover.
A statistical literacy hierarchy for interpreting educational system data
Authors: Pierce Robyn , Chick Helen , Watson Jane , Les Magdalena , Dalton Michael
Published: April 2014

As a result of the growing use of state and national testing of literacy and numeracy among school students, there are increasing demands for teachers to interpret assessment data. In light of this, there is a need to provide benchmarks or a framework that identifies critical aspects of teachers’ understanding that are needed to interpret data effectively. In this study, 24 items from the Attitudes and Statistical Literacy Instrument are used with 704 teachers to provide a hierarchical scale of teacher ability to interpret these assessment data. Using an item response theory model for partial credit scoring, three levels of ability are identified, related to reading values, comparing values, and analyzing a data set as a single entity. Teacher ability is then compared across various demographic variables, such as number of years of teaching, main teaching grade levels, previous professional learning experience, last time statistics was studied, and gender. Implications are drawn for professional learning for teachers and for further research.
Urban governance in the South: How did Bogotá lose its shine?
Authors: Gilbert Alan
Published: April 2014

There are all too few examples of good urban governance in the ‘South’. One city which improved its performance dramatically after 1992 was Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. It joined the ranks of exemplar cities and its former mayors toured the world advertising this ‘miracle’. Unfortunately, after 2008, the city’s administration became mired in corruption and its image ratings have dived. The current administration has so far failed to revive trust in the city’s governance. Based on interviews with key personalities in the city, this paper examines the causes of Bogotá’s recovery and its recent relapse. Bogotá’s experience is useful to students of urban governance in showing not only how a city in the ‘South’ can improve its performance but also that any improvement is fragile. A decent working relationship between technocrats and politicians is critical in guaranteeing both public support and progress in implementing major public works.
The ‘constant size neighbourhood trap’ in accessibility and health studies
Authors: Vallée Julie , Le Roux Guillaume , Chaix Basile , Kestens Yan , Chauvin Pierre
Published: April 2014

In literature on neighbourhood effects and resources accessibility, the number of neighbourhood resources to which residents may have access are often estimated from spatial units whose constant size fails to account for unique ways residents experience their neighbourhoods. To investigate this ‘constant size neighbourhood trap’, we compared numbers of healthcare resources included in Constant Size Buffers (CSBs) and in Perceived Neighbourhood Polygons (PNPs) from cognitive neighbourhood data collected among 653 residents of the Paris metropolitan area. We observed that residents of deprived and peripheral areas had smaller PNPs than their counterparts. Studying residents assessments of the quantity of neighbourhood practitioners, we then assessed the validity of using PNPs rather than CSBs to estimate number of neighbourhood resources. Lastly, resource inequalities across the Paris metropolitan area were found to be far wider when considering PNPs rather than CSBs.

Using constant neighbourhood delineation can lead to inaccurately measured individual accessibility to neighbourhood resources and to downplay the extent of inequalities in urban resources.
Regional financial development and foreign direct investment
Authors: Chen Yanjing , Gao Yu , Ge Ying , Li Juan
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we examine the link between regional financial development and foreign direct investment using a large micro-level dataset of Chinese manufacturing enterprises. We first investigate the effect of regional financial development on foreign direct investment location choices, and find such development to significantly promote foreign direct investment. We then show that regional financial development also plays an important role in foreign direct investment productivity spillovers. Domestic firms located in financially developed regions gain positive knowledge spillovers from foreign direct investment, but the competitive pressure from multinationals exerts a negative influence on the productivity of domestic firms.
Prematurity Reduces Functional Adaptation to Intestinal Resection in Piglets
Authors: Aunsholt Lise , Thymann Thomas , Qvist Niels , Sigalet David , Husby Steffen , Sangild Per Torp
Published: April 2014

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis and congenital gastrointestinal malformations in infants often require intestinal resection, with a subsequent risk of short bowel syndrome (SBS). We hypothesized that immediate intestinal adaptation following resection of the distal intestine with placement of a jejunostomy differs between preterm and term neonates. Methods: Preterm or term piglets were born by cesarean section and fed enterally for 2 days. On day 2, piglets were subjected to 50% distal intestinal resection with placement of a jejunostomy. On the following 4–5 days, piglets received parenteral nutrition with gradually increasing doses of enteral nutrition (bovine colostrum). Intestinal tissue samples were collected at delivery and 2 and 6–7 days after birth for histological examination and assessment of digestive enzyme activities. Results: Preterm and term piglets showed similar increases in intestinal weight and digestive enzyme activities from birth to 2 days. On days 6–7 after birth, the remnant intestine showed a similar density (g/cm) and mucosal mass in term and preterm piglets, but villus height, crypt depth, enzyme activities (sucrase, maltase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV [DPPIV]), and hexose uptake capacity were significantly higher in term piglets (P < .05). Preterm piglets were more prone to develop hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, dehydration, and circulatory instability after surgery compared with term piglets. Conclusion: Studies on intestinal adaptation after resection are feasible in both preterm and term piglets, but intensive clinical support is required when rearing preterm piglets with SBS. Physiological instability and immaturity of the intestine may explain the fact that immediate adaptation after resection is reduced in preterm vs term neonates.
Physician Scientist Training in the United States
Authors: Kosik R. O. , Tran D. T. , Fan Angela Pei-Chen , Mandell G. A. , Tarng D. C. , Hsu H. S. , Chen Y. S. , Su T. P. , Wang S. J. , Chiu A. W. , Lee C. H. , Hou M. C. , Lee F. Y. , Chen W. S. , Chen Q.
Published: April 2014

The declining number of physician scientists is an alarming issue. A systematic review of all existing programs described in the literature was performed, so as to highlight which programs may serve as the best models for the training of successful physician scientists. Multiple databases were searched, and 1,294 articles related to physician scientist training were identified. Preference was given to studies that looked at number of confirmed publications and/or research grants as primary outcomes. Thirteen programs were identified in nine studies. Eighty-three percent of Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) graduates, 77% of Clinician Investigator Training Program (CI) graduates, and only 16% of Medical Fellows Program graduates entered a career in academics. Seventy-eight percent of MSTP graduates succeeded in obtaining National Institute of Health (NIH) grants, while only 15% of Mayo Clinic National Research Service Award-T32 graduates obtained NIH grants. MSTP physician scientists who graduated in 1990 had 13.5 ± 12.5 publications, while MSTP physician scientists who graduated in 1975 had 51.2 ± 38.3 publications. Additionally, graduates from the Mayo Clinic’s MD-PhD Program, the CI Program, and the NSRA Program had 18.2 ± 20.1, 26.5 ± 24.5, and 17.9 ± 26.3 publications, respectively. MSTP is a successful model for the training of physician scientists in the United States, but training at the postgraduate level also shows promising outcomes. An increase in the number of positions available for training at the postgraduate level should be considered.
An integrative review of dignity in end-of-life care
Authors: Guo Qiaohong , Jacelon Cynthia S
Published: April 2014

Background:

Dying with dignity is regarded as a goal of quality end-of-life care. However, the meaning of dying with dignity is ambiguous, and no comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature has been published.

Aim:

To synthesize the meaning of dying with dignity and to identify common aspects of dignity in end-of-life care.

Design:

This is an integrative review article. Methodological strategies specific to the integrative review method proposed by Whittemore and Knafl were followed to conduct data analysis. The matrix method was used to summarize characteristics of included articles.

Data sources:

Five electronic databases were searched in October 2012, with no date restriction: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, and Social Sciences Abstracts. Theoretical reports, and both qualitative and quantitative empirical reports, focused on dignity in end-of-life care were included.

Results:

Themes of dying with dignity are as follows: a human right, autonomy and independence, relieved symptom distress, respect, being human and being self, meaningful relationships, dignified treatment and care, existential satisfaction, privacy, and calm environment. Factors influencing dignity include demographic, illness-related, and treatment-/care-related factors, as well as communication. Models of dignity in end-of-life care and instruments to measure dignity were reported. Interventions to support dignity stressed physical, psychological, and spiritual supports not only to dying patients but also to family members.

Conclusion:

This review clarified the meaning of dying with dignity and synthesized common aspects of dignity in end-of-life care. Further research is needed to evaluate the meaning of dying with dignity across cultures and to explore individualized dignity-based care.
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy During Pancreatic Insufficiency
Authors: Berry Amy J.
Published: April 2014

Pancreatic stimulation and therefore digestion is a tightly controlled and hormonally mediated process. Any alterations affecting any of the systematic steps for successful digestion and absorption to occur will impair appropriate pancreatic enzymatic secretion, entry into the bowel lumen, functionality once inside the lumen, and thus appropriate mixing with foods and nutrients. Many causes of pancreatic insufficiency may require the initiation of pancreatic enzyme therapy, including but not limited to cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic surgery. This purpose of this article is to help clarify the conditions that cause pancreatic insufficiency, how to determine if the patient is malabsorbing, and the best use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for treatment in these conditions. The first step in determining if pancreatic enzyme therapy is appropriate is to determine if the patient is malabsorbing specifically due to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. An overview of the methods used to determine pancreatic insufficiency is provided, as well as appropriate treatment methods. Recent Food and Drug Administration regulations require a more thorough process, including randomized controlled trials to prove the safety and efficacy of pancreatic enzymes, to approve them for use. The studies used to verify efficacy also are examined. Last, dosing guidelines and some unconventional ways to administer pancreatic enzymes, such as during enteral feedings, are reviewed.
A spline wavelet collocation method for the optimal control of flexible spacecraft
Authors: Zhang Qingbin , Feng Zhiwei , Tang Qiangang , Malcolm Macdonald
Published: April 2014

A spline wavelet collocation method is presented to solve optimal control problem (OCP) of flexible spacecraft, which is often required to reorient and reposition with minimum manoeuvre time or fuel consumption. It is very difficult and computationally expensive to determine the open-loop optimal control inputs for flexible spacecraft, because the optimal control profile is often characterised by discontinuities or switching in the control variables. In our approach, the state and control variables are expanded via cubic spline wavelet decomposition, and then an OCP would be converted into a nonlinear programming problem where the wavelet coefficients are treated as the optimisation variables. As opposed to the usual pseudospectral method based on polynomial approximation, the wavelet advantageous properties of compact representation would inherently make it efficiently and accurately to solve nonlinear programming problem using standard solver. The novel approach is demonstrated by two typical optimal problems. The results show that our approach outperforms Gauss pseudospectral method for discontinuous OCPs arising from the flexible spacecraft.
β-Blockers
Authors: Ripley Toni L. , Saseen Joseph J.
Published: April 2014

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic properties of commonly used β-blockers (atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol succinate, metoprolol tartrate, and nebivolol). Data Sources: A MEDLINE literature search (1966-May 2013) was performed using the following key terms: hypertension, β-blockers, atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol tartrate, metoprolol succinate, nebivolol, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, blood pressure, metabolic, lipid, central aortic pressure, diabetes, and insulin resistance. References from publications reviewed were included. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language articles identified were reviewed. Animal studies and studies in patients for a primary diagnosis of coronary artery disease were excluded. Data Synthesis: β-Blockers are no longer recommended first-line therapy for primary hypertension, based on data showing that β-blockers are inferior to other antihypertensives and no better than placebo, in spite of provision of blood pressure reduction. Because atenolol is the β-blocker used in 75% of these studies, uncertainty about widespread application to all β-blockers exists. Different pharmacological and physiological properties, both within β-blockers and compared with other antihypertensives, may explain divergent effects. Evidence shows that β-blockers have a truncated effect on central aortic pressure, an independent predictor of cardiovascular events, compared with other antihypertensive classes; differences within the class may exist, but the evidence is inconclusive. Metabolic effects differ within the β-blocker class, with evidence that carvedilol causes less metabolic dysregulation. Conclusion: Emerging evidence reveals physiological differences within the β-blocker class and in comparison to other antihypertensives. These differences provide insight into the diverse clinical effects β-blockers provide in cardiovascular disease.
A Systematic Review of Genetic Influences on Coping
Authors: Dunn Sandra H. , Conley Yvette P.
Published: April 2014

Coping refers to the way that an individual manages stress. Coping strategies vary; for example, problem-focused coping is directed at reducing or removing a stressor, while emotion-focused coping is directed more at managing reactions that accompany the stressor. How individuals cope with stress can impact their health, but the physiological effects of coping are not well understood. The field of genetics provides tools that could help illuminate the physiology of coping. This review of the literature was conducted to determine what is currently known about the phenotype of coping from a genetic perspective. PubMed, HubMed, PsychInfo, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were used to conduct the search, and reference lists were reviewed to identify additional publications. Only studies that measured coping style or a coping domain specifically, were written in English language, and were human-subject focused were included in the review. We identified 19 studies that met these criteria, and 2 types of genetic studies emerged for the review: heritability ( n = 9) and candidate gene association ( n = 10) studies. Heritability estimates of .68–.76 support a nonadditive genetic component to coping. Replication of association was found for the serotonin transporter and adrenergic receptor beta 2 genes. In addition to finding evidence supporting a role for genetic variability with coping phenotype, it is worth noting that the review revealed a lack of consistency in instruments used to phenotype coping across studies.
Stressful life-events in childhood and risk of multiple sclerosis: a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Nete Munk , Pedersen Bo V , Stenager Egon , Koch-Henriksen Nils , Frisch Morten
Published: April 2014

Background:

Current knowledge concerning the association between exposure to stressful life-events (SFLEs) in childhood and later risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) is sparse.

Objectives:

We studied the associations between SFLEs in childhood and subsequent risk of MS in a nationwide cohort of 2.9 million Danes born from 1968 to 2011.

Methods:

A SFLE in childhood was defined as exposure before age 18 years to parental divorce, parental death, or death of a sibling, using information from the Danish Civil Registration System. MS cases in the cohort were identified in the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry. Associations of SFLE with MS risk were evaluated by incidence rate ratios (RR) of MS obtained in log-linear Poisson regression models.

Results:

Persons exposed to any SFLE in childhood were at 11% elevated risk of MS (RR = 1.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.20), compared to non-exposed persons. Stratification by subtype of SFLE showed that parental death and death of a sibling were not associated with MS risk. However, persons exposed to parental divorce were at 13% increased risk of developing MS compared to non-exposed (RR = 1.13; 1.04–1.23).

Conclusions:

Associations of SFLEs in childhood with risk of MS are weak. However, parental divorce is somehow associated with modestly increased risk of MS.
New Screen Action and Its Memories
Authors: Rowe David
Published: April 2014

The experience of watching sport on television is changing with the proliferation of screens, the diversification of screen-based content, and the extension of interactive screen-facilitated communication. In recent decades, sport broadcast television viewing opportunities shifted from a primary reliance on a single “box in the corner” in the domestic living room environment to the availability of a multiplicity of television sets in different household spaces. Later, as television screen size increased, picture quality improved, and public viewing sites multiplied, new interactive screen-based devices emerged that have enabled audiences simultaneously to watch sport in many different spaces and to communicate about the experience to distant others. This “live” performance of mediated sport spectatorship parallels in some respects “live” mediated athletic performance, involving sharing the now and the making of digital memory.
Why Is It So Difficult to Lose Weight?
Authors: Frank Arthur
Published: April 2014

Obesity is notoriously difficult to treat. Effective treatment has been encumbered by traditional assumptions about the cause of the disease. Obesity is typically considered a manifestation of the patient’s dietary misconduct, a simple lack of willpower, or the inability to modify dysfunctional eating habits. Abundant evidence suggests that eating behavior is much more complex than patient choice alone. Eating and the system of regulating eating and body weight are largely controlled by complex signals from multiple organ systems that monitor food intake, gastrointestinal function, and energy storage and send multiple messages to the brain. The brain coordinates the physiological messages and creates additional signals about eating, appetite, hunger, and satiety. Multiple survival, environmental, and genetic factors become part of a biological regulatory system that controls eating and body weight. The system appears to be unstable and often becomes dysfunctional, particularly in an environment of abundant food and calories. Despite the difficulty in modifying the regulatory system, opportunities for management of the disease do exist. Comprehensive lifestyle management can be useful, as can selective pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Public policy changes will likely be helpful in changing community understanding of the disease and its management.
Open Fracture Dislocation of the Talus With Total Extrusion
Authors: Dumbre Patil Sampat Shivajirao , Abane Sachin Ramdas , Dumbre Patil Vaishali Sampat , Nande Prasanna Narendra
Published: April 2014

Open fractures with complete extrusion of talus are high-energy injuries. While treating these injuries, union of the fracture, vascularity of the body, and possibility of infection are main issues predicting less favorable outcomes. At present, there are no recommended treatment protocols for the management of such injuries. Early debridement, wound care, anatomic reduction, and adequate fixation are key factors in the management of compound injuries of the talus. There are few reports in the literature on successful reimplantation of talus when it is completely extruded. Encouraging functional outcomes of reimplantation of extruded talus suggest that excision of the talus with or without tibiocalcaneal fusion should be kept as a salvage procedure. We report a case of a farmer who sustained fracture of the talar neck. Both head and body fragments were completely extruded from the wound on the anterolateral aspect of the ankle. The patient was treated 18 hours postinjury. Thorough debridement of wound and bony fragments was done. Talus was reimplanted and fixation was performed with Kirschner wires. At 3-year follow-up, satisfactory functional outcome was noted with AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score of 83 and MOXFQ (Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire) scale score of 23. The purpose of presenting this case is to demonstrate the successful outcome of reimplantation of talus.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case study
One-pot Three-component Synthesis of β-amino Carbonyl Compounds Using Nanocrystalline Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Teimouri Abbas , Ghorbanian Leila
Published: April 2014

This study presents a simple highly versatile and efficient synthesis of various β-amino carbonyl compounds in the Mannich reaction of acetophenone with aromatic aldehydes and aromatic amines in the presence of nanosulfated zirconia, nanostructured ZnO, nano-γ-alumina, and nano-ZSM-5 zeolites as the catalyst in ethanol at moderate temperature. The optical properties of the nanostructured organic molecules were studied. The advantages of methods are short reaction times, milder conditions, easy workup, and purification of products by nonchromatographic methods. The catalysts can be recovered for the subsequent reactions and reused without any appreciable loss of efficiency.
Glycemic effects of vildagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes before, during and after the period of fasting in Ramadan
Authors: Malha Line P. , Taan Ghazi , Zantout Mira S. , Azar Sami T.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To study the incidence of hypoglycemia, glycemic control and body weight changes in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with vildagliptin and metformin versus another group treated with sulphonylureas and metformin during and after the period of fasting in Ramadan.

Patients and methods

This is a randomized open-label clinical trial that recruited 69 patients previously treated with a combination therapy of metformin and sulphonylurea. Patients in the control group were maintained on their usual metformin and sulphonylurea regimen with dose adjustment for the fasting period. Patients in the study group were given vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily (at Suhur and at Iftar). One group remained on the previous background therapy unchanged and the other group was switched from sulphonylurea to vildagliptin in combination with metformin. Four visits were scheduled, one before the beginning of Ramadan (baseline), a second visit at mid Ramadan, a third at the end of Ramadan and a final visit 1 month after the end of Ramadan. At every visit, patients were assessed for hypoglycemic events and patient education was given on lifestyle needs and hypoglycemia monitoring and management.

Results

The calculated change in hemoglobin A1c from baseline to last visit was similar for both groups. The incidence of hypoglycemia during Ramadan was higher in the control group (26 episodes versus 19 episodes in the study group); this result was not statistically significant ( p = 0.334). However, the number of patients who dropped out from the study because of discomfort due to treatment and fear of hypoglycemia was higher in the control group.

Conclusion

For patients who insist on observing the fast, physicians can allow it only with close follow up and monitoring for hypoglycemic events, and vildagliptin may be a better agent than sulphonylurea.
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: are statistical reports accurate?
Authors: Kulchavenya Ekaterina
Published: April 2014

Before discussing the epidemiology of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and particularly urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB), unification of the terminology is necessary. The term ‘urogenital tuberculosis’ is preferable to ‘genitourinary tuberculosis’, as renal and urinary tract tuberculosis is more common than genital tuberculosis. Some understand the term ‘extrapulmonary tuberculosis’ as a specific tuberculosis (TB) lesion of all organs excluding the bronchus, lungs, pleura and intrathoracic bronchopulmonary lymph nodes, but others consider pleural TB as one form of EPTB – and it is a reason for very different proportions in the spectrum of EPTB. Enigmatic tendencies have also been revealed in patients' distribution – in neighbouring regions the incidence rate may differ significantly. Although there is no clear explanation for these tendencies, careful study of the epidemiology of EPTB in different conditions will improve early diagnosis.
Comparison of Functional Recovery in the Very Early Period After Surgery Between Plate and Nail Fixation for Correction of Stable Femoral Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Yamauchi Koun , Fushimi Kazunari , Shirai Goshi , Fukuta Masashi
Published: April 2014

Purpose:

This study aimed to compare the differences in functional recovery between patients undergoing plate and nail fixation in the very early period after surgery.

Method:

This study was designed as a controlled clinical trial that included 18 patients who were surgically treated with either dynamic hip screw as plate fixation or proximal femoral nail as nail fixation for stable intertrochanteric fractures. In particular, all patients selected for the study reported walking completely independently without the use of walking aids prior to sustaining their initial fracture. In all, 8 patients (mean age, 73.8 years; range, 65-89 years) were treated with plate fixation (group plate) and 10 patients (mean age, 79.7 years; range, 70-90 years) were treated with nail fixation (group nail). Functional evaluations were assessed every week after surgery using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip functional scores and active range of motion (ROM) of the hip joint.

Results:

The recovery of activities of daily living (ADLs) according to JOA hip functional scores at week 4 after surgery was significantly better in group nail than in group plate ( P = .03), whereas active ROM of hip flexion improved significantly in group plate than in group nail at weeks 3 and 4 after surgery ( P = .04 and P = .02, respectively).

Conclusions:

The results suggested that nail fixation may provide a more rapid recovery of ADLs than that of plate fixation in the very early period after surgery. However, plate fixation may provide better ROM of hip flexion than that of nail fixation.
Changing the Consultant On Calls From a Daily to Weekly Rotation System Reduces Time to Theater for Patients With Hip Fracture to Improve Quality of Care
Authors: Kommer Maya , Gokaraju Kishan , Singh Sameer
Published: April 2014

Objective:

To determine whether changing the consultant on-call schedule resulted in a reduction in time to theater for patients presenting with a hip fracture.

Summary Background Data:

Guidelines in the United Kingdom state that patients presenting with a neck of femur fracture should ideally be operated on the day of or the day after admission. However, there is a best practice tariff in the United Kingdom persuading trusts to operate on elderly patients with hip fracture within 36 hours of admission. Differing formats of daily trauma operating lists and varying consultant on-call schedules have the potential to affect a trusts ability to successfully meet such demands.

Methods:

This study retrospectively analyzed whether changing the on-call schedule from a system where the on-call consultant is changed on a daily basis to one which changes weekly resulted in a reduction in time to theater for such patients and an increase in best practice tariffs paid.

Results:

With the initial rotation system, the average time to theater for a fractured neck of femur was 44 hours 46 minutes, with 44.7% of patients having a time to surgery of less than 36 hours. Patients in the modified system underwent surgery with an average time to theater of 32 hours 19 minutes. In 71.7% of these patients, time to surgery was less than 36 hours.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that changing the schedule to permit a consultant to have a 7-day period of trauma on call at a time instead of only 1 day dramatically reduced the time to theater for patients with hip fracture. This significantly reduced the number of these cases done outside 36 hours and increased trust financial reward.
Clinico-epidemiological study of Schistosomiasis mansoni in Waja-Timuga, District of Alamata, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Nigus , Erko Berhanu , Medhin Girmay , Berhe Nega
Published: April 2014

Background

Intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by digenetic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, is the most prevalent water related disease that causes considerable morbidity and mortality. Although prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection has been reported for the present study area, earlier studies have not estimated intensity of infections in relation to periportal fibrosis, which would have been crucial for epidemiological and clinical evaluations. Hence, a community based cross sectional study was conducted from December 2011 to March 2012 to assess prevalence of infection and schistosomal periportal fibrosis in Waja-Timuga, northern Ethiopia.

Methods

In a cross sectional study involving 371 randomly selected individuals, fresh stool samples were collected and processed by the Kato-Katz method and examined microscopically. Ultrasonography was used to determine status of schistosomal periportal fibrosis and to detect hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly. Serum was collected for assay of hepatic activity. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 11 statistical soft ware. P-value <0.05 was reported as statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of S.mansoni infection was 73.9%, while the prevalence of schistosomal periportal fibrosis was 12.3% and mean intensity of infection was 234 eggs per gram of stool. Peak prevalence and intensity of S.mansoni infection was documented in the age range of 10–20 years. Among the study individuals, hepatomegaly was recorded in 3.7% and splenomegaly was recorded in 7.4% of the study individuals. Similarly, among the study individuals who had definite periportal fibrosis, 5.9% had elevated liver enzyme levels.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and schistosomal periportal fibrosis observed in the study area calls for a periodic deworming program to reduce disease, morbidity and transmission. Preventive chemotherapy complemented with other control measures is highly required for sustainable control of schistosomiasis in the study area.
Role of cyberinfrastructure in educating the next generation of computational materials scientists
Authors: Sinnott Susan B , Phillpot Simon R
Published: April 2014

An overview of cyberinfrastructures developed to advance the field of materials modeling is presented. The role of cyberinfrastructures in educating the next generation of the workforce is also discussed, with an emphasis on the Cyberinfrastructure for Atomistic Simulation (CAMS). The paper concludes with a summary regarding the future outlook of cyberinfrastructures, especially with regard to education.
Predrill prediction of subsalt pore pressure from seismic impedance
Authors: Banik Niranjan , Koesoemadinata Adam , Wagner Charles , Inyang Charles , Agarwal Vinod , Priezzhev Ivan
Published: April 2014

A target-oriented, predrill, pore-pressure prediction method using seismically estimated acoustic impedance is applied to recently acquired and processed dual-coil data in the Green Canyon and Walker Ridge areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Three deepwater subsalt wells are used in the study. One was used as a calibration well, and the other two were used as blind wells for comparing prediction results with the measured pore-pressure and mud-weight data. All three wells are in the Green Canyon area, penetrating thick salt bodies. A new seismic-inversion method is used for inversion of seismic impedance. The pore-pressure method uses a direct transform of the inverse of acoustic impedance, with two adjustable parameters. The optimization of the parameters is done through an iterative process to match the pore-pressure gradient obtained from the well acoustic impedance with those of pore-pressure measurements and mud weights within a tolerable range of those data for the calibration well. The optimized parameters are then used to transform the seismic acoustic-impedance volume to pore-pressure gradient volume. The predicted pore pressure at the blind wells from the well impedance and seismic impedance match reasonably with well data.
GSH-SEG 2014 Spring Symposium honors Fred Hilterman
Authors: Clark Dean
Published: April 2014

In 2007, the Geophysical Society of Houston changed the format of its Spring Symposium, an event cosponsored by SEG, to add recognition of a noteworthy geophysicist to its two-day menu of technical presentations. The official verbiage said honorees would be selected based on “lifetime achievements and contributions to our industry” and would be people who have spent a significant portion of their careers in the Houston area or have influenced industry practice in Houston.
Does stigma impair prevention of mental disorders?
Authors: Rüsch Nicolas , Thornicroft Graham
Published: April 2014

Prevention of mental disorders can be effective, but is rarely implemented in routine settings. Here we propose a matrix to show how different aspects of stigma, discrimination and lack of knowledge can hinder different types of prevention, including early intervention. Programmes to reduce stigma's impact and so to facilitate prevention are needed.
Unheard voices: outcomes of tertiary care for treatment-refractory psychosis
Authors: Sarkar S. Neil , Tracy Derek K. , Fernandez Maria-Jesus Mateos , Nalesnik Natasza , Dhillon Gurbinder , Onwumere Juliana , Prins Anne-Marye , Schepman Karen , Collier Tracy , White Thomas P. , Patel Anita , Gaughran Fiona , Shergill Sukhwinder S.
Published: April 2014

Aims and method

In up to a quarter of patients, schizophrenia is resistant to standard treatments. We undertook a naturalistic study of 153 patients treated in the tertiary referral in-patient unit of the National Psychosis Service based at the Maudsley Hospital in London. A retrospective analysis of symptoms on admission and discharge was undertaken using the OPCRIT tool, along with preliminary economic modelling of potential costs related to changes in accommodation.

Results

In-patient treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all symptom categories in patients already identified as having schizophrenia refractory to standard secondary care. The preliminary cost analysis showed net savings to referring authorities due to changes from pre- to post-discharge accommodation.

Clinical implications

Despite the enormous clinical, personal and societal burden of refractory psychotic illnesses, there is insufficient information on the outcomes of specialised tertiary-level care. Our pilot data support its utility in all domains measured.
Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial Assessing Treatment Preference for Pazopanib Versus Sunitinib in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: PISCES Study
Authors: Escudier Bernard , Porta Camillo , Bono Petri , Powles Thomas , Eisen Tim , Sternberg Cora N. , Gschwend Jürgen E. , De Giorgi Ugo , Parikh Omi , Hawkins Robert , Sevin Emmanuel , Négrier Sylvie , Khan Sadya , Diaz Jose , Redhu Suman , Mehmud Faisal , Cella David
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Patient-reported outcomes may help inform treatment choice in advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly between approved targeted therapies with similar efficacy. This double-blind cross-over study evaluated patient preference for pazopanib or sunitinib and the influence of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and safety factors on their stated preference.

Patients and Methods

Patients with metastatic RCC were randomly assigned to pazopanib 800 mg per day for 10 weeks, a 2-week washout, and then sunitinib 50 mg per day (4 weeks on, 2 weeks off, 4 weeks on) for 10 weeks, or the reverse sequence. The primary end point, patient preference for a specific treatment, was assessed by questionnaire at the end of the two treatment periods. Other end points and analyses included reasons for preference, physician preference, safety, and HRQoL.

Results

Of 169 randomly assigned patients, 114 met the following prespecified modified intent-to-treat criteria for the primary analysis: exposure to both treatments, no disease progression before cross over, and completion of the preference questionnaire. Significantly more patients preferred pazopanib (70%) over sunitinib (22%); 8% expressed no preference (P < .001). All preplanned sensitivity analyses, including the intent-to-treat population, statistically favored pazopanib. Less fatigue and better overall quality of life were the main reasons for preferring pazopanib, with less diarrhea being the most cited reason for preferring sunitinib. Physicians also preferred pazopanib (61%) over sunitinib (22%); 17% expressed no preference. Adverse events were consistent with each drug's known profile. Pazopanib was superior to sunitinib in HRQoL measures evaluating fatigue, hand/foot soreness, and mouth/throat soreness.

Conclusion

This innovative cross-over trial demonstrated a significant patient preference for pazopanib over sunitinib, with HRQoL and safety as key influencing factors.
“Peculiar and Characteristic”: New Orleans’s Exceptionalism from Olmsted to the Deluge
Authors: Lightweis-Goff Jennie
Published: April 2014

Two hundred years after Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to limn the boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase, demonstrating its seamlessness with the national body in direct travel to the West Coast, a different kind of travel narrative—one that demonstrated New Orleans’s profound discontinuity from the United States in the wake of Hurricane Katrina—dominated the national conversation about the city’s suffering and recovery. This paper seeks to examine what Barbara Eckstein calls “claims for New Orleans’s exceptionalism,” considering theorizations of the city’s uniqueness as products of terror at the abandonment of national amity and the evacuation of the category of citizenship. It adumbrates a history of New Orleans’s exceptionalism through Frederick Law Olmsted’s A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States (1856), considering the ways that African American women’s bodies become signifiers of disorder and potential in the city, as well as aberrations from economic norms of enslavement in the Upper South.
The Number of Collisions for the Occupancy Problem with Unequal Probabilities
Authors: Nakata Toshio
Published: April 2014

In this article we study a number of collisions concerning a simple occupancy problem with unequal probabilities. Using combinatorial arguments and negative associations of random variables, we have several limit theorems, namely, a weak law of large numbers and a Poisson law of small numbers including the Chen-Stein estimate.
Local and Global Survival for Nonhomogeneous Random Walk Systems on Z
Authors: Bertacchi Daniela , Machado Fábio Prates , Zucca Fabio
Published: April 2014

We study an interacting random walk system on ℤ where at time 0 there is an active particle at 0 and one inactive particle on each siten≥ 1. Particles become active when hit by another active particle. Once activated, the particle starting atnperforms an asymmetric, translation invariant, nearest neighbor random walk with left-jump probabilityln. We give conditions for global survival, local survival, and infinite activation both in the case where all particles are immortal and in the case where particles have geometrically distributed lifespan (with parameter depending on the starting location of the particle). More precisely, once activated, the particle atnsurvives at each step with probabilitypn∈ [0, 1]. In particular, in the immortal case, we prove a 0-1 law for the probability of local survival when all particles drift to the right. Besides that, we give sufficient conditions for local survival or local extinction when all particles drift to the left. In the mortal case, we provide sufficient conditions for global survival, local survival, and local extinction (which apply to the immortal case with mixed drifts as well). Analysis of explicit examples is provided: we describe completely the phase diagram in the cases ½ -ln~ ± 1 /nα,pn= 1 and ½ -ln~ ± 1 /nα, 1 -pn~ 1 /nβ(where α, β > 0).
Error Bounds and Normalising Constants for Sequential Monte Carlo Samplers in High Dimensions
Authors: Beskos Alexandros , Crisan Dan O. , Jasra Ajay , Whiteley Nick
Published: April 2014

In this paper we develop a collection of results associated to the analysis of the sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) samplers algorithm, in the context of high-dimensional independent and identically distributed target probabilities. The SMC samplers algorithm can be designed to sample from a single probability distribution, using Monte Carlo to approximate expectations with respect to this law. Given a target density in d dimensions our results are concerned with d → ∞, while the number of Monte Carlo samples, N, remains fixed. We deduce an explicit bound on the Monte-Carlo error for estimates derived using the SMC sampler and the exact asymptotic relative -error of the estimate of the normalising constant associated to the target. We also establish marginal propagation of chaos properties of the algorithm. These results are deduced when the cost of the algorithm is O(Nd2).
Do Male-Female Wage Differentials Reflect Differences in the Return to Skill? Cross-City Evidence from 1980–2000
Authors: Beaudry Paul , Lewis Ethan
Published: April 2014

Male-female wage gaps declined significantly over the 1980s and 1990s, while returns to education increased. In this paper, we use cross-city data to explore whether, like the return to education, the change in the gender wage gap may reflect changes in skill prices induced by the diffusion of information technology. We show that male-female and education-wage differentials moved in opposite directions in response to the adoption of PCs. Our most credible estimates imply that changes in skill prices driven by PC adoption can explain most of the decline in the US male-female wage gap since 1980. (JEL J15, J24, J31, J71, O33, R23)
Geography and tourism: difference and common interests
Authors: Зырянов Александр , Zyryanov Aleksandr
Published: April 2014

The relationship of geography and tourism are considered. With interelations of these spheres each of them has its own views. Typical cases of there misunderstanding are described. The differences in approaches with respect to the spatial information, in formulation in research problems and in the travel planning are explained.
Tourism over a distance and time: the geographer´s view
Authors: Мажар Лариса , Mazhar Larisa
Published: April 2014

The article addresses the issue of the space and time nature of the tourist recreational activity. The author presents a geographical perception of various geo-space kinds and identifies certain peculiarities of the tourist recreational geo-space. The "space" category is examined in continuous and inseparable connection with the "time" category. It is in this unity that both categories make up the space and time continuum which, in turn, determines the properties of the tourist recreational activity.
The newest comprehension of tourism as a system
Authors: Александрова Анна , Aleksandrova Anna
Published: April 2014

The newest approaches to tourism studying based on systematic and structural points positions are summarized in the article. Polystructure of tourism system is considered. Basic geographic, social and production structures are analysed. Dynamic characteristics of tourism system and its interaction with external environment are considered. Particular attention is paid to current transformation of visitors´behavioural model and production structure.
Area of Russian landscape
Authors: Джанджугазова Елена , Dzhandzhugazova Elena
Published: April 2014

The article considers evaluation of esthetic characteristics of landscape on the basis of the best examples of Russian landscape pictorial art. The author offers readers to analyse and evaluate landscape scenes representing story line of popular Polenov´s landscapes.
National artistic trades in Russia
Authors: Ганьшина Галина , Ganshina Galina , Чаус Надежда , Chaus Nadezhda
Published: April 2014

National artistic trades as important element of culture and houshold activities are considered in the article. There is shown interdependence of natural and climatic, geographic, economical and social specifics of national artistic trades development in Russia. Maps of crafts in different federal regions are presented.
Extraction and Backfill Scheduling in a Complex Underground Mine
Authors: O’Sullivan Dónal , Newman Alexandra
Published: April 2014

We use mathematical optimization to determine a production schedule (i.e., a schedule of extraction and subsequent filling of the voids) for a complex underground mine in Ireland. The goal of the mining operation is to maximize metal production over the life of the mine, subject to constraints on maximum monthly extraction and backfilling quantities, maximum and minimum monthly metal production, and sequencing between extraction and backfilling operations. We solve our integer programming model with a heuristic to produce a schedule that adds value to the mining operation by (1) shifting metal production forward, (2) reducing waste mining and backfilling delays, (3) avoiding expensive mill-halting drops in ore production, and (4) enabling smoother workforce management.