bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulations to Project Argo Float Positions in the Middepth and Deep Southwest Pacific
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Gille Sarah T. , Mazloff Matthew R. , Zilberman Nathalie V. , Du Yan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractArgo float trajectories are simulated in the southwest Pacific basin (25°–45°S, 170°E–165°W) using velocity fields from a 1/12° Southern Ocean model and a Lagrangian particle tracking model programmed to represent the vertical motions of profiling Argo floats. The system is applied to simulate both core Argo floats (typically parked at 1000-m depth and profiling to 2000-m depth) and Deep Argo floats (parked 500 m above the seafloor). The goal is to estimate probability density functions (PDFs) predicting future float positions. Differences are expected in the trajectory statistics, largely because of limitations in the temporal and spatial resolution of the model fields and uncertainties associated with a random walk component included in the particle advection scheme to represent this unresolved variability. Nonetheless, the core Argo float displacements over ~100-day time intervals are mostly consistent with the derived PDFs, particularly in regions with stable midlayer flows. For the Deep Argo floats, which are released into the open ocean and parked near the bottom, the simulations predict an average total displacement of less than 50 km within 100 days, in good agreement with the Deep Argo floats deployed as part of a pilot study. The study explores both the representativeness and the predictability of float displacements, with an aim to contribute to planning for the float observing system.
“Sometimes da #beachlife ain't always da wave”: Understanding People’s Evolving Hurricane Risk Communication, Risk Assessments, and Responses Using Twitter Narratives
Authors: Demuth Julie L. , Morss Rebecca E. , Palen Leysia , Anderson Kenneth M. , Anderson Jennings , Kogan Marina , Stowe Kevin , Bica Melissa , Lazrus Heather , Wilhelmi Olga , Henderson Jen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article investigates the dynamic ways that people communicate, assess, and respond as a weather threat evolves. It uses social media data, which offer unique records of what people convey about their real-world risk contexts. Twitter narratives from 53 people who were in a mandatory evacuation zone in a New York City neighborhood during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 were qualitatively analyzed. The study provides rich insight into the complex, dynamic information behaviors and risk assessments of people at risk, and it illustrates how social media data can be collected, sampled, and analyzed to help provide this understanding. Results show that this sample of people at significant risk attended to forecast information and evacuation orders as well as multiple types of social and environmental cues. Although many tweeted explicitly about the mandatory evacuation order, forecast information was usually referenced only implicitly. Social and environmental cues grew more important as the threat approached and often triggered heightened risk perceptions or protective actions. The results also reveal the importance of different aspects of people’s cognitive and affective risk perceptions as well as specific emotions (e.g., fear, anger) for understanding risk assessments. People discussed a variety of preparatory and protective behavioral responses and exhibited multiple types of coping responses (e.g., humor) as the threat evolved. People’s risk assessments and responses were closely intertwined, and their risk perceptions were not continuously elevated as the hurricane approached; they exhibited different ways of interpreting, coping, and responding as they accessed and processed evolving information about the threat.
Steroid Versus Antibiotic Drops in the Prevention of Postoperative Myringotomy Tube Complications
Authors: Alvi Sameer A. , Jones Joel W. , Porter Paul , Perryman Mollie , Nelson Karen , Francis Carrie L. , Larsen Christopher G. 
Published: May 2018

Objectives: To determine the incidence of early postoperative tympanostomy tube insertion otorrhea and obstruction in pediatric patients receiving antibiotic ear drops with or without steroid perioperatively. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent outpatient myringotomy and tube placement. Patients from June 2013 to February 2014 received ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone perioperatively while patients from May 2014 to April 2015 received ofloxacin. Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes between the cohorts. Results: One hundred thirty-four patients received topical ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone, and 116 patients received topical ofloxacin. The rate of postoperative otorrhea was 5.2% for the ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone group and 8.2% for the ofloxacin group. Tube obstruction was seen in 6.0% of the ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone group and 5.2% in the ofloxacin group. Neither outcome had a statistically significant difference ( P = .21 and .85, respectively). There was no difference in the rate of effusion at the time of tube placement between the 2 cohorts ( P = .16), and this included subgroup analysis based on effusion type (mucoid, purulent, serous). Patients with a mucoid effusion at the time of surgery were more likely to experience otorrhea/obstruction than patients with dry ears (odds ratio = 2.23, P = .02). Conclusion: No significant difference in the incidence of immediate postoperative tympanostomy tube otorrhea or obstruction was seen between the antibiotic-steroid and antibiotic alone cohorts, regardless of effusion type. Overall, patients with mucoid effusions are more likely to develop tube otorrhea or obstruction at follow-up. Cost-effective drops should be used when prescribing topical therapy to prevent complications after ear tubes.
Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a risk factor for osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a case–control study
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Feng , Gao Yan-Long , Li Jia-qi , Zhang Jing-tao , Miao De-chao , Shen Yong 
Published: May 2018

Objective This study aimed to identify the risk factors for vertebral compression fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Methods A total of 864 patients with osteoporosis were enrolled in a retrospective study from February 2010 to June 2016. Patients with diseases, such as pathological fractures, high-energy direct injury to the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae, and severe spinal deformity, were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups: those with vertebral compression fractures (288) and those with no vertebral compression fractures (576). Information on the patients’ age, sex, lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), trauma, body mass index, previous history of vertebral compression fractures, and spondylolisthesis was recorded. Logistic regression analysis and the chi-square test were applied for comparisons. Results Univariate logistic regression analysis and chi-square test results showed no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, type 2 diabetes, previous history of vertebral fracture, and trivial trauma between the groups. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between spondylolisthesis and BMD. Logistic regression analysis showed that spondylolisthesis and BMD were risk factors for vertebral compression fractures. Conclusions Lumbar spondylolisthesis is an independent risk factor for vertebral compression fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Therefore, patients with osteoporosis and lumbar spondylolisthesis require more attention.
Leadership in Southern Africa: A Regional Afrocentric Hierarchical Taxonomy
Authors: Grobler A. , Singh Mala 
Published: May 2018

Leadership and leadership research should be viewed in a particular context. The contextual lens is largely neglected when Afrocentric leadership in organisations is framed. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the qualitative assertions that there are distinctive characteristics that underpin Afrocentric leadership in organisations can be authenticated by an empirical study conducted in Southern Africa. The aim is to determine and validate a leadership behaviour taxonomy within the regional context using an empirical paradigm in a cross-sectional design. The sample was drawn from 30 organisations in Southern Africa: South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, consisting of 1,676 participants from all sectors. The original conceptualisation of leadership in terms of a Westernised leadership behaviour taxonomy was statistically confirmed, in a unique permutation. This literature as well as the empirical findings revealed that while some leadership behaviours are generic, there are unique behaviours in an Afrocentric leadership taxonomy. This context specific taxonomy includes the following meta-categories: task, relations, a combined category change and external, and an additional unique African meta-category, which has a participatory, democratic and communalistic focus. As this is a first empirical study of this nature and magnitude, it could serve as a reference for further conceptualisation of Afrocentric leadership. The reconfigured meta-category taxonomy has been positively examined for structural validity as well as an assessment of convergent and discriminant validity. Recommendations are made about further research in testing the universal application of this leadership taxonomy in Africa. Recommendations were made for future research and the application of the findings to leadership in Africa.
Early radiological and functional outcomes for a cementless press-fit design modular femoral stem revision system
Authors: Hancock Douglas S , Sharplin Paul K , Larsen Peter D , Phillips Fredrick TS 
Published: May 2018

Aim: To assess early radiological and functional outcomes of revision hip surgery with a cementless press-fit design femoral stem. Patients and methods: A retrospective review of 48 consecutive revision total hip replacements using the RECLAIM revision hip system, between October 2012 and August 2015. Radiographic assessment was undertaken with serial anteroposterior (AP) X-rays of the pelvis. Risk factors for subsidence were evaluated. Prospective clinical follow up was performed on 21 patients to assess functional outcomes. Results: Mean stem subsidence was 1.1 mm (95% confidence interval[CI]: 0.63–1.57). Median follow up of 12 months. An inverse relationship was observed between level of subsidence and femoral stem diameter r = −0.45, p = 0.001. Subsidence at the time of follow-up assessment was correlated with initial subsidence (correlation coefficient rho 0.69, p = 0.001). The mean Merle d’Aubigne score at the latest follow up was 14.2 (range 8–17). The mean OHS was 34.1 (range 15–48). Conclusion: Early radiological and functional outcomes for the RECLAIM revision system showed very low levels of subsidence and good functional outcomes. There was an association with smaller diameter femoral stems and greater levels of subsidence.
Differential Response of Bovine Mature Nucleus Pulposus and Notochordal Cells to Hydrostatic Pressure and Glucose Restriction
Authors: Saggese Taryn , Thambyah Ashvin , Wade Kelly , McGlashan Susan Read 
Published: May 2018

Objective The nucleus pulposus of the human intervertebral disc contains 2 cell types: notochordal (NC) and mature nucleus pulposus (MNP) cells. NC cell loss is associated with disc degeneration and this process may be initiated by mechanical stress and/or nutrient deprivation. This study aimed to investigate the functional responses of NC and MNP cells to hydrostatic pressures and glucose restriction. Design Bovine MNP and NC cells were cultured in 3-dimensional alginate beads under low (0.4-0.8 MPa) and high (1.6-2.4 MPa) dynamic pressure for 24 hours. Cells were cultured in either physiological (5.5 mM) glucose media or glucose-restriction (0.55 mM) media. Finally, the combined effect of glucose restriction and high pressure was examined. Results Cell viability and notochordal phenotypic markers were not significantly altered in response to pressure or glucose restriction. MNP cells responded to low pressure with an increase in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production while high pressure significantly decreased ACAN gene expression compared with atmospheric controls. NC cells showed no response in matrix gene expression or GAG production with either loading regime. Glucose restriction decreased NC cell TIMP-1 expression but had no effect on MNP cells. The combination of glucose restriction and high pressure only affected MNP cell gene expression, with decreased ACAN, Col2α1, and ADAMTS-5 expression. Conclusion This study shows that NC cells are more resistant to acute mechanical stresses than MNP cells and provides a strong rationale for future studies to further our understanding the role of NC cells within the disc, and the effects of long-term exposure to physical stresses.
In Vitro Effects of Cetylated Fatty Acids Mixture from Celadrin on Chondrogenesis and Inflammation with Impact on Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hudita Ariana , Galateanu Bianca , Dinescu Sorina , Costache Marieta , Dinischiotu Anca , Negrei Carolina , Stan Miriana , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Nikitovic Dragana , Lupuliasa Dumitru , Balanescu Andra 
Published: May 2018

Objective Cetylated fatty acids are a group of naturally occurring fats of plant and/or animal origin. Cetyl myristoleate, in particular, was initially involved in osteoarthritis related research as its therapeutic administration prevented experimentally induced arthritis in Swiss Albino mice. In this context, the aim of our study was to investigate the possible mechanisms of Celadrin cetylated fatty acids action at the cellular level inflammation related pain relief and chondrogenesis. Design For this, we tested the effects of the cetylated fatty acids mixture from Celadrin on an in vitro scaffold-free 3-dimensional mesenchymal stem cells culture model of chondrogenesis. Furthermore, we treated stimulated mouse macrophage cells with the cetylated fatty acids mixture to investigate the expression profile of secreted inflammatory cytokines. Results The cetylated fatty acids mixture from Celadrin significantly decreased the production of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF, key regulators of the inflammatory process, in stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells. The treatment with cetylated fatty acids mixture initiated and propagated the process of chondrogenesis as demonstrated by the increased expression and deposition of chondrogenic markers by the differentiating mesenchymal cells. Conclusion The cetylated fatty acids mixture from Celadrin reduces inflammation in vitro by significantly decreasing the expression of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF in stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells. These compounds facilitate the chondrogenic differentiation process of human adipose-derived stem cells by stimulating the expression of chondrogenic markers under chondrogenic induction conditions.
Deconstructing the algorithmic sublime
Authors: Ames Morgan G 
Published: May 2018

This special theme contextualizes, examines, and ultimately works to dispel the feelings of “sublime”—of awe and terror that overrides rational thought—that much of the contemporary public discourse on algorithms encourages. Employing critical, reflexive, and ethnographic techniques, these authors show that while algorithms can take on a multiplicity of different cultural meanings, they ultimately remain closely connected to the people who define and deploy them, and the institutions and power relations in which they are embedded. Building on a conversation we began at the Algorithms in Culture conference at U.C. Berkeley in December 2016, we collectively study algorithms as culture (Seaver, this special theme), fetish (Thomas et al.), imaginary (Christin), bureaucratic logic (Caplan and boyd), method of governance (Coletta and Kitchin; Lee; Geiger), mode of inquiry (Baumer), and mode of power (Kubler). [Box: see text]
Representation of actions and outcomes in medial prefrontal cortex during delayed conditional decision-making: Population analyses of single neuron activity
Authors: Francoeur Miranda J. , Mair Robert G. 
Published: May 2018

Background: To respond adaptively in a dynamic environment, it is important for organisms to utilise information about recent events to decide between response options. Methods: To examine the role of medial prefrontal cortex in adaptive decision-making, we recorded single neuron activity in rats performing a dynamic delayed non-matching to position task. Results: We recorded activity from 1335 isolated neurons, 458 (34%) with criterion event-related activity, of which 431 (94%) exhibited 1 of 10 distinct excitatory response types: five at different times relative to delivery (or lack) of reinforcement following sample and choice responses and five correlated with movements or lever press actions that occurred multiple times in each trial. Normalised population averages revealed a precisely timed cascade of population responses representing the temporal organisation behavioural events that constitute delayed non-matching to position trials. Firing field analyses identified a subset of neurons with restricted spatial fields: responding to the conjunction of a behavioural event with a specific location. Anatomical analyses showed considerable overlap in the distribution of different response types in medial prefrontal cortex with a significant trend for dorsal areas to contain more neurons with action-related activity and ventral areas more responses related to action outcomes. Conclusion: These results indicate that medial prefrontal cortex contains discrete populations of neurons that represent the temporal organisation of actions and outcomes during delayed non-matching to position trials. They support the hypothesis that medial prefrontal cortex promotes flexible control of complex behaviours by action–outcome contingencies.
Plasma hepcidin is associated with future risk of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Ellingsen Trygve S. , Lappegård Jostein , Ueland Thor , Aukrust Pål , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne 
Published: May 2018

Key Points
Iron deficiency may explain the association between RDW and risk of VTE. Contrary to the hypothesis, increasing plasma levels of hepcidin, a biomarker of iron stores, were associated with increased risk of VTE.
The impact of chronic airway disease on symptom severity and global suffering in Canadian rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Luu Kimberly , Sutherland Jason , Crump Trafford , Liu Giuping , Janjua Arif 
Published: May 2018

Background Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) can suffer from a significant decline in their quality of life. CRS patients have a high prevalence of comorbid conditions and it is important to understand the impact of these conditions on their CRS-related quality of life. This study measures the impacts of chronic pulmonary comorbidities on quality of life, pain, and depression scores among patients with CRS awaiting Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS). Methods This study is based on cross-sectional analysis of prospectively collected patient-reported outcome data collected pre-operatively from patients waiting for ESS. Surveys were administered to patients to assess sino-nasal morbidity (SNOT-22), depression and pain. The impact of pulmonary comorbidity on SNOT-22 scores, pain and depression was measured. Results Two hundred fifthy-three patients were included in the study, 91 with chronic pulmonary comorbidity. The mean SNOT-22 scores were significantly higher among patients with chronic pulmonary comorbidities than among patients without (37 and 48, respectively). This difference is large enough to be clinically significant. Patients with chronic pulmonary comorbidities reported slightly higher depression scores than those without. Conclusions This study found that among CRS patients waiting for ESS, chronic pulmonary comorbidities are strongly associated with significantly higher symptom burden.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise interventions using digital activity trackers (E-DAT) in cancer patients.
Authors: Schaffer Kerry , Panneerselvam Narmadha , Loh Kah Poh , Herrmann Rachel , Kleckner Ian , Dunne Richard Francis , Lin Po-Ju , Heckler Charles E. , Bruckner Lauren B. , Storozynsky Eugene , Ky Bonnie , Mohile Supriya Gupta , Mustian Karen Michelle , Fung Chunkit 
Published: May 2018

108 Background: Exercise ameliorates cancer and treatment-related toxicities but adherence to exercise is a barrier. Few studies in the general population suggest that E-DAT may improve exercise adherence. We conducted a systematic review to examine the effects of E-DAT on physical function, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and serum inflammatory markers during and after cancer treatment. Methods: We used PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify RCTs of E-DAT in cancer patients aged ≥18 years published in English between 1/1/2008 and 7/27/2017. Two authors independently reviewed the titles of articles from the search (n = 160), removed duplicates (n = 49), and reviewed the remaining 111 articles for eligibility and substantive results. We excluded RCTs that used digital activity trackers solely for data collection. Results: Twelve RCTs met eligibility criteria, including 1,450 patients (mean age: 50-70 years) with the following cancers: breast (n = 5 RCTs), colon or breast (n = 2), prostate (n = 1), acute leukemia (n = 1) and various type (n = 3). Duration of E-DAT ranged from 4-24 weeks. Follow-up period was 4-24 weeks with retention of 54-95%. Half of the RCTs had E-DAT with in-person exercise training and the rest had self-directed training. The technology component of E-DAT included pedometers (n = 8); pedometers with smart phone application (n = 1), Wii-Fit (n = 1), or heart rate monitor (n = 1); and a wireless sensor with accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer (n = 1). Adherence to E-DAT was > 70% in 5 of 7 RCTs. Compared to controls (exercise interventions without digital activity trackers or standard of care), E-DAT significantly improved the step count in 60% of 5 RCTs, activity level in 56% of 9 RCTs, and HRQOL in 56% of 9 RCTs (all p < 0.05), with no significant changes of inflammatory markers (i.e. TNF, CRP, c-peptide) in 2 RCTs. No significant correlations were found between duration of E-DAT with adherence (Spearman’s r = 0.16; p = 0.75) or study retention (Spearman’s r = -0.42; p = 0.17). Conclusions: This systematic review shows that E-DAT is feasible to implement in cancer patients. Future research should examine the optimal type, dose and schedule of E-DAT.