bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stochastorm: A Stochastic Rainfall Simulator for Convective Storms
Authors: Wilcox Catherine , Aly Claire , Vischel Théo , Panthou Gérémy , Blanchet Juliette , Quantin Guillaume , Lebel Thierry 
Published: November 2020

AbstractStochastic rainfall generators aim to reproduce the main statistical features of rainfall at small spatial and temporal scales. The simulated synthetic rainfall series are recognized as suitable for use with impact analysis in water, agricultural, and ecological management. Convection-driven precipitation, dominant in certain regions of the world such as the intertropical belt regions, presents properties that require specific consideration when modeling: (i) strong rainfall intermittency, (ii) high variability of intensities within storms, (iii) strong spatiotemporal correlation of intensities, and (iv) marked seasonality of storm properties. In this article, improvements for an existing stochastic generator of rainfall fields that models convective storms are presented. Notable novelties include (i) the ability to model precipitation event timing, (ii) an improved temporal disaggregation scheme representing the rainfall distribution at subevent scales, and (iii) using covariates to reflect seasonal changes in precipitation occurrence and marginal distribution parameters. Extreme values are explicitly considered in the distribution of storm event intensities. The simulator is calibrated and validated using 28 years of 5-min precipitation data from the 30-rain-gauge AMMA-CATCH network in the Sahelian region of southwest Niger. Both large propagative systems and smaller local convective precipitation are generated. Results show that simulator improvements coherently represent the local climatology. The simulator can generate scenarios for impact studies with accurate representation of convective precipitation characteristics.
Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Disease-Modifying Therapies
Authors: Wnuk Marcin , Drabik Leszek , Marona Monika , Szaleniec Joanna , Bryll Amira , Karcz Paulina , Kolasinska Justyna , Kolasinska Monika , Ziekiewicz Maciej , Skladzien Jacek , Popiela Tadeusz , Slowik Agnieszka 
Published: November 2020

Background: Olfactory dysfunction evaluated with time-consuming tests was more common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in controls and correlated with neurological deficit. The aim of the present study was to compare olfactory function between patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and controls with short and simple screening tool—the Sniffin’ Sticks Identification Test (SSIT)—and search for its association with clinical and radiological features of the disease. Methods: The study included 30 controls and 30 patients with RRMS treated with disease-modifying therapies—injectables (interferon β or glatiramer acetate, N = 18) and oral drugs (dimethyl fumarate or fingolimod, N = 12). Hyposmia was defined as a score of 6 points or fewer in the SSIT olfactory test. The data concerning number of previous relapses, disability in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and recent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan were collected. Moreover, thalamic volume and third ventricle width were recorded in every patient. Additionally, cognition and fatigue in patients were evaluated 24 months after olfactory assessment with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), respectively. Results: Patients with RRMS had a higher risk of hyposmia than controls (66.7% vs 36.7%, OR = 1.82, 95% CI, 1.10-3.67, P = .02). Neither inflammatory (number of previous relapses or new brain MRI lesions) nor neurodegenerative (EDSS, SDMT, and FSMC scores; thalamic volume; third ventricle width) MS features did not correlate with SSIT score ( P > .05). In patients treated with oral drugs, olfactory dysfunction correlated with FSMC cognitive subscale ( r = −0.90, P = .006). Conclusions: Olfactory dysfunction is nearly twice as common in RRMS as in controls and correlates with fatigue level in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate or fingolimod.
The Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on the Health Belief Model on Preventive Behaviors of Prostate Cancer in Military Men
Authors: Abhar Rasoul , Hassani Laleh , Montaseri Maryam , Ardakani Mahdi Paydar 
Published: November 2020

Background Prostate cancer is the most common malignant cancer, and after lung cancer, is the second cause of death among all types of cancer in men. This study was done to assess the educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model on the promotion of preventive behaviors of prostate cancer among military men. Methods The present study is a semi-experimental study that was conducted on 80 men of a military collection by using randomized-stratified sampling with proportional allocation approach in BandarAbbas in 2017. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups, intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 40). The data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic questions, knowledge questions and questions about Health Belief Model constructs and efficiency of preventive behavior that was completed in two stages and PSA Test doing. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software-version 21-, descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent T-test and paired T-test). Results After three months intervention, the mean score of Perceived Susceptibility, Severity, Benefits, Barriers, Self-Efficacy, and preventive behavior performance were seen significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05), 52.5% of them was done PSA Test. Conclusions Based on the health belief model, educational intervention has been effective in promoting preventive behaviors. According the effect of Health Belief Model components on preventive behaviors it is suggested that health care providers identify the benefits and barriers of preventative behaviors and through enhancing the benefits and reducing the barriers, help men to prevent prostate cancer.
Evaluation of Lip Position in Esthetically Pleasing Profiles Using Different Reference Lines: A Photographic Study
Authors: Pandey Shweta , Kapoor Sudhir , Agarwal Sonahita , Shukla Ivy 
Published: November 2020

The aim of this article is to assess the lip position using five different reference lines in individuals with a pleasing profile. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 200 subjects chosen from the local North Indian population. Non-growing subjects, between the age group of 18 years and 25 years with a pleasing facial profile were screened for the study via a questionnaire-based method to confirm their North Indian ancestry (history of past two generations from North India). All subjects included in the study gave their due consent to be a part of the study. The following conclusions were derived: Norms for the horizontal lip position were derived for the North Indian population. Upper lip position in relation to S1 (Steiner’s) line and Ricketts’ E line showed females having protrusive lips, while S2 (Sushner’s) line showed protrusive upper lip in males. S1 (Steiner’s) line, showing protrusive lower lip in females. The norms derived in this study showed statistically significant difference with retrusive upper and lower lips when compared to normative values of Ricketts’ E plane and retrusive lower lip when compared to normative values of Sushner’s line. Sushner’s S2 line showed the maximum stability and consistency; hence, it is the line of choice to judge the sagittal lip positions in profile analysis.
Accurate Arthroscopic Cam Resection Normalizes Contact Stresses in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Van Houcke Jan , Khanduja Vikas , Audenaert Emmanuel A. 
Published: November 2020

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is increasingly recognized as a cause of hip pain in young adults. The condition leads to chondrolabral separation and chondral delamination and eventually predisposes to osteoarthritis of the hip. FAI that inflicts cartilage damage has been observed in hips with abnormal morphological characteristics and is related to a long-term evolution toward osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic surgery, which allows for correction of morphological characteristics and restores impingement-free motions, is the current standard of treatment. Hypothesis: Arthroscopic cam resection can restore the normal mechanical environment of the hip joint in cam-type FAI. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Patient-specific discrete element models from 10 patients with cam-type FAI (all male; age, 18-40 years) were defined based on preoperative computed tomography scans and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Complete cam resection postoperatively on MRI was confirmed with alpha angles <55°. The preoperative and postoperative peak contact stress findings during impingement testing were compared against a matched control group. Results: Peak contact stress was significantly elevated in patients with cam-type FAI during impingement testing, with increasing amounts of internal hip rotation (26.6 ± 11.64 MPa in cam patients preoperatively, 12.1 ± 4.62 MPa in those same patients postoperatively, and 11.4 ± 1.72 MPa in the virtual control group during impingement testing at 20° of internal hip rotation; P < .01). This effect was normalized after arthroscopic cam resection and loading patterns matched those of the control group. Conclusion: Accurate arthroscopic cam resection restored the normal peak joint contact stresses in the hip joint. This highlights the importance of early and complete cam resections in the face of a positive diagnosis of cam-type FAI. Clinical Relevance: Treatment of cam-type FAI effectively normalizes hip joint contact mechanics.
Early Tracheostomy Is Associated With Shorter Ventilation Time and Duration of ICU Stay in Patients With Myasthenic Crisis—A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Angstwurm Klemens , Vidal Amelie , Stetefeld Henning , Dohmen Christian , Mergenthaler Philipp , Kohler Siegfried , Schönenberger Silvia , Bösel Julian , Neumann Ursula , Lee De-Hyung , Gerner Stefan T. , Huttner Hagen B. , Thieme Andrea , Dunkel Juliane , Roth Christian , Schneider Hauke , Schimmel Eik , Reichmann Heinz , Fuhrer Hannah , Berger Benjamin , Kleiter Ingo , Schneider-Gold Christiane , Alberty Anke , Zinke Jan , Schalke Berthold , Steinbrecher Andreas , Meisel Andreas , Neumann Bernhard 
Published: November 2020

Background: Myasthenic crisis (MC) requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) is a rare and serious complication of myasthenia gravis. Here we analyzed the frequency of performed tracheostomies, risk factors correlating with a tracheostomy, as well as the impact of an early tracheostomy on ventilation time and ICU length of stay (LOS) in MC. Methods: Retrospective chart review on patients treated for MC in 12 German neurological departments between 2006 and 2015 to assess demographic/diagnostic data, rates and timing of tracheostomy and outcome. Results: In 107 out of 215 MC (49.8%), a tracheostomy was performed. Patients without tracheostomy were more likely to have an early-onset myasthenia gravis (27 [25.2%] vs 12 [11.5%], p = 0.01). Patients receiving a tracheostomy, however, were more frequently suffering from multiple comorbidities (20 [18.7%] vs 9 [8.3%], p = 0.03) and also the ventilation time (34.4 days ± 27.7 versus 7.9 ± 7.8, p < 0.0001) and ICU-LOS (34.8 days ± 25.5 versus 12.1 ± 8.0, p < 0.0001) was significantly longer than in non-tracheostomized patients. Demographics and characteristics of the course of the disease up to the crisis were not significantly different between patients with an early (within 10 days) compared to a late tracheostomy. However, an early tracheostomy correlated with a shorter duration of MV at ICU (26.2 days ± 18.1 versus 42.0 ± 33.1, p = 0.006), and ICU-LOS (26.2 days ± 14.6 versus 42.3 ± 33.0, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Half of the ventilated patients with MC required a tracheostomy. Poorer health condition before the crisis and late-onset MG were associated with a tracheostomy. An early tracheostomy (≤ day 10), however, was associated with a shorter duration of MV and ICU-LOS by 2 weeks.
Intraocular mitomycin C use in the treatment and prophylaxis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy in severe traumatic retinal detachments
Authors: Gürelik Gökhan , Sül Sabahattin , Üçgül Ahmet Yücel 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomic and visual outcomes of a new intraocular mitomycin c (MMC) application technique in the treatment of severe traumatic retinal detachment (RD) with advance proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: The records of 15 eyes of 14 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery and intraoperative MMC application were reviewed retrospectively. Surgical technique: After performing complicated vitreoretinal surgical procedures (Pars plana vitrectomy, PVR membrane stripping, large retinotomy/retinectomies and intraocular foreign body removal if found etc. . .) retina was attached with perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) and partial fluid-air exchange. Endolaser was performed. PFCL was removed to the posterior borders of retinochoroidal wounds, breaks or retinectomy sites. The remaining PFCL was enough to cover and prevent MMC contact with the posterior vital structures including optic disc, macula and underlying RPE and major vascular arcades. Ciliary epithelium and other anterior segment structures were protected from MMC contact with the use of air in the rest of the eye. Then, a 10 µg/mL concentrated MMC solution was carefully injected above the PFCL bubble until it covered PVR or potential areas of PVR development and removed after 60 s. Finally, the remaining PFCL was removed and all eyes were filled with silicone oil. The patients were followed at least 6 months after silicone oil removal. Visual and anatomic outcomes were determined during follow-up period. Results: The mean follow-up time was 19.6 ± 6 months (range 12–27 months). About 100% retinal attachment was achieved with one vitreoretinal surgery during the follow-up period. PVR was not detected around the retinal breaks or retinotomy sites in any eye. Limited macular epiretinal membrane was detected in two eyes and subsequently peeled during silicone oil removal. Preoperative visual acuities were hand motions in seven eyes and light perception in eight eyes. Nine of 15 eyes had a visual acuity of ⩾0.1 during the follow-up period. The mean preoperative visual acuity was logMAR 2.16 ± 0.15 and postoperative visual acuity was 0.80 ± 0.50 ( p = 0.001). There were no additional complications related to intraoperative MMC use during follow-up period. Conclusion: Temporary intraocular MMC use in vitreoretinal surgery yielded good anatomic and visual outcomes after the treatment of traumatic RDs with PVR or those with high risk of PVR development. Furthermore, MMC application appeared to prevent further PVR development after vitreoretinal surgery.
Validation of virtual reality system based on eye-tracking technologies to support clinical assessment of glaucoma
Authors: Martínez-Almeida Nistal Ignacio , Lampreave Acebes Paula , Martínez-de-la-Casa José María , Sánchez-González Patricia 
Published: November 2020

Aim: The aim was to develop and implement a virtual reality tool based on eye-tracking technologies that allow to evaluate the characteristics of the gaze patterns of glaucoma patients in order to have a better understanding of the limitations that these patients experience in their daily life. Setting: This study took place on the Ophthalmology department of Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain. Methods: In total, 56 participants collaborated in the study. They were divided in two groups, a group composed of 33 glaucoma patients selected by the Ophthalmology department and a control group composed of 23 healthy individuals. Both groups completed two virtual tasks while their gaze was being monitored. The first task, defined as “static” consisted in two exercises based on the observation of images. The second task, defined as “dynamic,” consisted in a virtual driving simulator. Number of fixations, fixations duration, saccades amplitude and velocity, fixations/saccades ratio, total execution time, and other specific metrics were measured. These are the total search time for the second exercise of the first task and the number of collisions for the dynamic task. In addition, the dispersion of fixations was also discussed. Results: For the two exercises of the static task, patients exhibited significative differences in terms of number of fixations ( p = 0.012 in free observation exercise), mean saccadic velocity ( p = 0.023 and 0.017), fixations/saccades ratio ( p = 0.035 and 0.04), and also the search and total execution times of the visual search exercise ( p = 0.004 and 0.027, respectively). For the dynamic task, significative differences were found on average saccades amplitude ( p = 0.02), average saccades velocity ( p = 0.03), and the number of collisions ( p = 0.02). Conclusion: The results show that eye-tracking technologies can be used as a tool for evaluating the gaze patterns of glaucoma patients and differentiate them of healthy individuals. However, further studies with a larger cohort of participants and additional tasks are needed.
Helping Deluxe Beds to sleep easy: A case study of agile project management
Authors: Javed Sammar , Bamford Jim , Abualqumboz Moheeb 
Published: November 2020

This case study describes the embedding of the Scrum project management framework as an innovation and operational improvement tool within a manufacturing Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) in the UK. The teaching notes inform 1) other UK manufacturing SMEs with novice teams, and 2) students at undergraduate and postgraduate level exploring innovation and operations management/improvement. The case advances our understanding of how small family-run manufacturing businesses can use contemporary frameworks such as Scrum to improve business operations and innovation. Deluxe Beds Ltd is a family SME manufacturing beds and mattresses with a technically novice workforce mainly with no formal educational background.
Relationship between the first pass effect and the platelet-lymphocyte ratio in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Sarioglu Orkun , Capar Ahmet Ergin , Bas Sokmez Demet Funda , Topkaya Pelin , Belet Umit 
Published: November 2020

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and first pass effect (FPE) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our secondary goal was to investigate other laboratory, demographic or technical parameters that may be related to FPE and to search for independent predictors of FPE. Materials and methods Patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in our hospital between January 2017 and February 2020 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: FPE and non-FPE. Demographic features, laboratory parameters, pretreatment imaging and clinical features, angiographic and clinical outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the independent predictors and a predictive model was produced for demonstrating the possibility to achieve FPE. Results The study consisted of 83 patients (37 female, 46 male; mean age 62.69 ± 15.16) who were treated by MT. FPE was achieved in 32 patients (32/83, 38.6%). PLR was higher in the non-FPE group (195.35 ± 101.49) when compared to the FPE group (103.17 ± 37.06). A PLR value of <126.3 and female sex were found as independent predictors of FPE. Our predictive model estimated the chance of FPE as 77.9% in female patients who had PLR values lower than 126.3 while it was 77.1% when only using the PLR cutoff value. Conclusions High levels of PLR were associated with the failure of FPE. High values of PLR may be considered as a negative predictor for FPE achievement prior to MT in patients with AIS.
‘Rechtsstaat’ and European criminal law – From the end of sovereignty
Authors: Braum Stefan 
Published: November 2020

Whoever punishes is sovereign. Those who punish fairly – or legitimately – are sovereign. At least that is how it was yesterday. But is it still the case today? Sovereignty is not what it used to be. Neither are punishments. What is the result? We do not know. I will try to explain the change of sovereignty in criminal law through the draft Regulation on the collection of electronic evidence. I am going to discuss three axes to set the framework for a critique. - What we know - What changes - What we can hope for or fear.
Complications in Patients With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Undergoing Ureteroscopy: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kalatharan Vinusha , Welk Blayne , Nash Danielle M. , McArthur Eric , Slater Justin , Sarma Sisira , Pei York , Garg Amit X. 
Published: November 2020

Background: Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive treatment option for upper tract stones. The distorted kidney anatomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) may place them at higher risk for ureteroscopic complications. Objective: To compare the 30-day risk of ureteroscopic complications between patients with and without ADPKD. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Ontario, Canada Patients: Seventy three patients with ADPKD and 81 445 patients without ADPKD who underwent ureteroscopy for upper urinary tract stones between April 1, 2002, and March 1, 2018. Measurements: A 30-day risk of (1) hospital presentation with ureteroscopic complications (which was a composite outcome of either emergency department visit or hospital admission with acute kidney injury, urinary tract infection, or sepsis); (2) all-cause hospital presentation; (3) all-cause hospital admission; and (4) all-cause emergency department visit. Methods: We regressed outcomes on demographic variables, health care use in the prior 1-year, various procedures and comorbidities related to the outcome in the prior 5 years, and prescribed medications filled in the past 120 days using modified Poisson regression to compare the risk ratio (RR) of each outcome between patients with and without ADPKD. Results: The median (interquartile, IQR) age was 44 (38-60 years) in the ADPKD group and 53 (42-64) in the control group. About 40% were women in both groups. The risk of ureteroscopic complications was not significantly different in patients with versus without ADPKD (8.2% vs 4.3%; adjusted RR = 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7-3.2). Patients with versus without ADPKD were more likely to present to hospital after their procedure (35.6% vs. 20.0%; adjusted RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.2), which included a statistically significant increase in the risk of presenting to the emergency department (32.9% vs. 19.0%; adjusted RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.2) but not hospital admissions (10.9% vs. 5.0%; adjusted RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.9-3.4). Limitations: The low numbers of events led to imprecision around the estimates. Conclusion: Patients with ADPKD have a higher risk of return to the hospital within 30 days of ureteroscopy for stone disease. Trial registration: We did not register this study.