bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Improved Estimation and Gap-Filling Technique for Sea Surface Wind Speeds Using NARX Neural Networks
Authors: Silva Murilo T. , Gill Eric W. , Huang Weimin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis work presents the use of a nonlinear autoregressive neural network to obtain an improved estimate of sea surface winds, taking Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as a study case. The network inputs and delays were chosen through cross correlation with the target variable. The proposed method was compared with five other wind speed estimation techniques, outperforming them in correlation, precision, accuracy, and bias levels. As an extension, the temporal gap filling of missing wind speed data during a storm has been considered. Data containing a measurement gap from a 40-yr windstorm that hit the same location has been used. The proposed method filled the gaps in the dataset with a high degree of correlation with measurements obtained by surrounding stations. The method presented in this work showed promising results that could be extended to estimate wind speeds in other locations and filling gaps in other datasets.
Weather, Climate, and Narrative: A Relational Model for Democratizing Risk Communication
Authors: Lejano Raul P. , Casas Eulito V. , Montes Rosabella B. , Lengwa Lynie P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThere is growing evidence that the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events may be increasing in conjunction with climate change. This means that many communities will encounter phenomena, such as extreme storm surge events, never before experienced by local residents. The tragic effects of Typhoon Haiyan on the city of Tacloban, Philippines, in November 2013 were attributed, in part, to the inability of routine technical bulletins to communicate the unprecedented nature of the predicted storm surge. In response, the authors construct a relational model of risk communication that suggests that narrative messages that simulate direct face-to-face communication may be more effective in spurring action. Conducting a postevent target audience study in the city of Tacloban, the authors tested the relative effectiveness of narrative-based versus technical message designs on residents who chose not to evacuate during the typhoon. Results show increased effectiveness of the narrative design vis-à-vis intent to evacuate, self-relevance and vividness of the message, and perceived authority of the message source. The study also explored factors behind noncompliance with evacuation advisories. The research supports the relational model, which captures insights from recent research on evacuation and emergency preparedness for extreme hazard events. It supports a broader effort to democratize risk communication and, in so doing, increase people’s sense of agency in preparing for these events.
La parola rivoluzionaria abbassata al corporeo: Parodia carnevalesca e trauma in Abitare il vento di Sebastiano Vassalli
Authors: Della Gala Beniamino 
Published: June 2018

Il romanzo di Sebastiano Vassalli Abitare il vento (1980) costituisce un’interessante testimonianza della tematica dei cosiddetti “anni di piombo” nella letteratura italiana a partire dagli anni Settanta. Il protagonista, Cris, è uno sbandato uscito di galera che ha intrattenuto e intrattiene rapporti non ben definiti con la lotta armata. Attraverso un soliloquio che impasta differenti codici e registri linguistici senza soluzione di continuità, egli trascina il lettore in un’odissea tragicomica: alla ricerca di vecchie e nuove amanti, finirà per essere coinvolto come carceriere in un rapimento operato da una cellula di brigatisti. Una caratteristica peculiare dell’opera è il tono comico con cui questa tematica viene affrontata; l’articolo propone dunque un’analisi della comicità del romanzo a partire dalla categoria del “carnevalesco” teorizzata dallo studioso russo Michail Bachtin. In effetti nel testo ricorrono numerosi elementi tratti dal repertorio comico scandagliato dal critico nel suo studio dell’opera di Rabelais: tra questi risalta l’abbassamento declassante del lessico rivoluzionario alla sfera semantica del basso materiale e corporeo. Individuati gli elementi carnevaleschi del romanzo, l’articolo si interroga sulle funzioni di questa comicità, che si dispiega come critica parodica dell’ideologia, ma anche come strategia di “derealizzazione” finalizzata ad allontanare un’esperienza storica vissuta come trauma.
Monitoring of tumor burden in vivo by optical imaging in a xenograft SCID mouse model: evaluation of two fluorescent proteins of the GFP-superfamily
Authors: Böhm Ingrid , Gehrke Stephan , Kleb Beate , Hungerbühler Martin , Müller Rolf , Klose Klaus J , Alfke Heiko 
Published: June 2018

Background Mouse models of human-malignant-melanoma (MM) are important tools to study tumor dynamics. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) is widely used in molecular imaging approaches, together with optical scanners, and fluorescence imaging. Purpose Currently, there are no data available as to whether other fluorescent proteins are more suitable. The goal of this preclinical study was to analyze two fluorescent proteins of the GFP superfamily under real-time in vivo conditions using fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI). Material and Methods The human melanoma cell line MeWo was stable transfected with one plasmid: pEGFP-C1 or pDsRed1-N1. We investigated two severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-mice groups: A (solid xenografts) and B (xenografts as metastases). After three weeks, the animals were weekly imaged by FRI. Afterwards the mice were euthanized and metastases were imaged in situ: to quantify the cutis-dependent reduction of emitted light, we compared signal intensities obtained by metastases in vivo with signal intensities obtained by in situ liver parenchyma preparations. Results More than 90% of cells were stable transfected. EGFP-/DsRed-xenograft tumors had identical growth kinetics. In vivo the emitted light by DsRed tumors/metastases was much brighter than by EGFP. DsRed metastases were earlier (3 vs. 5 weeks) and much more sensitive detectable than EGFP metastases. Cutis-dependent reduction of emitted light was greater in EGFP than in DsRed mice (tenfold). Autofluorescence of DsRed was lower than of EGFP. Conclusion We established an in vivo xenograft mouse model (DsRed-MeWo) that is reliable, reproducible, and superior to the EGFP model as a preclinical tool to study innovative therapies by FRI under real-time in vivo conditions.
Role of elastography for downgrading BI-RADS category 4a breast lesions according to risk factors
Authors: Koh Jieun , Kim Eun-Kyung , Kim Min Jung , Yoon Jung Hyun , Park Vivian Youngjean , Moon Hee Jung 
Published: June 2018

Background Elastography has been introduced as an additional diagnostic tool to ultrasonography (US) which helps clinicians decide whether or not to perform biopsy on US-detected lesions. Purpose To evaluate the role of strain elastography in downgrading Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4a breast lesions according to personal risk factors for breast cancer in asymptomatic women. Material and Methods Strain elastography features of a total of 255 asymptomatic category 4a lesions were classified as soft and not soft (intermediate and hard). Malignancy was confirmed by surgery or biopsy, and benignity was confirmed by surgery or biopsy with no change on US for at least six months. Malignancy rates of lesions with soft and not soft elastography were calculated according to the presence of risk factors. Results Of 255 lesions, 25 (9.8%) were malignant and 230 (90.2%) were benign. Of 195 lesions in average-risk women, the malignancy rate of lesions with soft elastography was 1.5% (1/68), which was significantly lower than the 14.2% (18/127) of lesions with not soft elastography ( P = 0.004). Of 60 lesions in increased-risk women, the malignancy rate of lesions with soft elastography was 15.0% (3/20), which was not significantly different from the 7.5% (3/40) of lesions with not soft elastography ( P = 0.390). Conclusion In average-risk women, category 4a lesions with soft elastography could be followed up with US because of a low malignancy rate of 1.5%.
Impact of metabolic syndrome on quality of life of liver transplant recipients
Authors: Wang Zhenshun , Li Ning , Lin Dongdong 
Published: June 2018

Objective The incidence of metabolic syndrome (MS) increases after liver transplantation. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of MS on patients’ quality of life after liver transplantation. Methods We collected the medical records of 152 patients during their post-liver transplantation outpatient follow-up. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Data on the patients’ general condition as well as MS-related indicators were assessed in all patients. Based on the MS diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Diabetes Federation in 2005, the patients were divided into two groups: those with and without MS. We then analyzed the factors influencing MS and their impact on the patients’ quality of life. Results After liver transplantation, age and underlying liver disease were significantly associated with MS and diabetes, and sex and body mass index were associated with central obesity. Central obesity affected the patients’ general health (GH) score and health transition (HT) score, and hypertension affected their GH score and physical component score (PCS). Conclusions After liver transplantation, central obesity had a negative impact on patients’ GH score and HT score, and hypertension affected their GH score and PCS.
A Cross-Sectional Study of the Awareness and Implementation of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace in Canadian Employers
Authors: Sheikh Manal S. , Smail-Crevier Rachel , Wang JianLi 
Published: June 2018

Objectives: The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard) was released in 2013. The objectives of this study were to 1) estimate the proportion of Canadian employers who were aware of the Standard, 2) examine the extent to which the Standard has been implemented, and 3) describe perceived barriers to implementing the Standard in Canadian organizations. Methods: A cross-sectional survey in Canadian employers was conducted between February 2015 and January 2017. A random sample of Canadian employers was selected, and the individuals who were knowledgeable about the occupational health policies of the organizations were interviewed by telephone. The participants answered questions about the awareness, implementation, perceived effects, and barriers to implementation. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to characterize the results. Results: A total of 1010 companies participated in the study. Overall, 17.0% reported that they were aware of the Standard; 1.7% and 20.3% reported that their organizations had implemented the entirety or elements of the Standard, respectively; and 71.4% of participants believed that elements of the Standard would be implemented within the next year. The perceived effects associated with implementation of the Standard included increased job satisfaction and employee retention while the greatest barrier to implementing the Standard was the belief that psychological health and safety are irrelevant in the workplace. Conclusions: Many Canadian employers are still unaware of the Standard’s existence; however, most Canadian employers are positively inclined toward the Standard in its potential to help employee productivity and job satisfaction.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor utilization postautologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant in multiple myeloma patients: Does one size fit all?
Authors: Jackson Emily R , Jared Jason R , Piccolo Jennifer K , Woo Kaitlin M , Mably Mary S , Reed Michael P , Callander Natalie S 
Published: June 2018

Purpose To evaluate a single institution’s experience with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant in myeloma patients to identify populations that benefit most from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration. Methods Retrospective chart reviews were conducted on patients 18+ years with multiple myeloma that underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant at UW Health from January 2012 to May 2016. Data collection included demographics, length of stay, time to engraftment, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, and hematopoietic cell transplantation-comorbidity index. The primary outcome was days from transplant to engraftment, defined as absolute neutrophil count  > 500/mm3 for two consecutive days or absolute neutrophil count > 1000/mm3 once. A subset analysis was performed on patients whose date of engraftment was known. Results In total, 216 individual patients were included in the full cohort and 122 patients included in the subset analysis. Median time to engraftment between patients administered granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and the nongranulocyte colony-stimulating factor group was 12 versus 19 days (P < 0.001) in the full cohort and 12 versus 14 days (P < 0.001) in the subset analysis. The average length of stay posthematopoietic stem cell transplant in the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor group was 15 days versus 17 days in the nongranulocyte colony-stimulating factor group (P = 0.026) in the subset analysis. Additionally, no difference in time to engraftment was seen when stratified by age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, or hematopoietic cell transplantation-comorbidity index. Conclusion Our study supports use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor posthematopoietic stem cell transplant in myeloma patients to decrease time to engraftment and length of stay. Consideration should be given to utilization in all patients in this population posthematopoietic stem cell transplant. Further research is needed to identify the populations that benefit most from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration.
Clinical pharmacists’ contributions to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: Barboza-Zanetti Maria Olívia , Barboza-Zanetti Ariane Cristina , Rodrigues-Abjaude Samir Antonio , Pinto-Simões Belinda , Leira-Pereira Leonardo Régis 
Published: June 2018

Aims The goal of the present review was to identify studies that assess how pharmaceutical services contribute to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of published studies describing results from clinical services provided by pharmacists working with HSCT, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines ( PROSPERO registration number CRD42017062391). A search strategy was applied within PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and LILACS databases in April 2017. Inclusion criteria were observational or experimental studies that addressed the following research question: “What are a clinical pharmacist’s main contributions to HSCT?” The quality of selected studies was evaluated using the Downs and Black checklist. Results We identified 1838 studies, and seven were included in the systematic review. The results indicated that clinical pharmacy is useful during HSCT treatment within both inpatient and outpatient settings. Pharmaceutical contributions identified included management of pharmacotherapy-related problems, participation in discussions with clinical teams, drug reconciliation, patient and team education regarding pharmacotherapy, preparation of guidelines and educational materials, and evaluation of medication adherence. These activities favored the control and prevention of pharmacotherapy-related problems, the maintenance of immunosuppressive serum levels, improvement in patients’ clinical and nutritional status, facilitated medication adherence, and provided economic and humanistic gains. Conclusions Despite the small number of articles discussing the topic under analysis, the results were unanimous in confirming the positive impact of pharmacists’ contributions to clinical practice for HSCT.
The predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging of retinoblastoma for the likelihood of high-risk pathologic features
Authors: Hiasat Jamila G , Saleh Alaa , Al-Hussaini Maysa , Al Nawaiseh Ibrahim , Mehyar Mustafa , Qandeel Monther , Mohammad Mona , Deebajah Rasha , Sultan Iyad , Jaradat Imad , Mansour Asem , Yousef Yacoub A 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging in retinoblastoma for the likelihood of high-risk pathologic features. Methods: A retrospective study of 64 eyes enucleated from 60 retinoblastoma patients. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed before enucleation. Main outcome measures included demographics, laterality, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting high-risk pathologic features. Results: Optic nerve invasion and choroidal invasion were seen microscopically in 34 (53%) and 28 (44%) eyes, respectively, while they were detected in magnetic resonance imaging in 22 (34%) and 15 (23%) eyes, respectively. The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting prelaminar invasion was 77% (sensitivity 89%, specificity 98%), 56% for laminar invasion (sensitivity 27%, specificity 94%), 84% for postlaminar invasion (sensitivity 42%, specificity 98%), and 100% for optic cut edge invasion (sensitivity100%, specificity 100%). The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting focal choroidal invasion was 48% (sensitivity 33%, specificity 97%), and 84% for massive choroidal invasion (sensitivity 53%, specificity 98%), and the accuracy in detecting extrascleral extension was 96% (sensitivity 67%, specificity 98%). Conclusions and relevance: Magnetic resonance imaging should not be the only method to stratify patients at high risk from those who are not, eventhough it can predict with high accuracy extensive postlaminar optic nerve invasion, massive choroidal invasion, and extrascleral tumor extension.
Risk factors for conversion surgery to total hip arthroplasty of a hemiarthroplasty performed for a femoral neck fracture
Authors: Grosso Matthew J. , Danoff Jonathan R. , Thacher Ryan , Murtaugh Taylor S. , Hickernell Thomas R. , Shah Roshan P. , Macaulay William 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients originally treated with hemiarthroplasty (HA) for displaced femoral neck fractures. Methods: In this case-controlled study, we identified 54 patients who were treated with HA for femoral neck fracture (FNF) who subsequently underwent conversion to THA at our institution between 2003 and 2013. We randomly selected 142 control patients who underwent HA for a displaced FNF without conversion surgery during the same time period. We compared demographic data, implant parameters, and radiographic data between the groups to identify risk factors for conversion surgery. Results: In the univariate analysis, younger age at index surgery (mean 75 vs. 80 years, p = 0.006), higher body mass index (26.1 vs. 23.7, p = 0.031), bipolar prosthesis (20% vs. 36%, p = 0.024), absence of dementia (6% vs. 23%, p = 0.01), increased leg length compared to contralateral limb (6.5 mm vs. 0.2 mm, p<0.001), and increased HA femoral head size compared to the contralateral femoral head (2.7 mm vs. 1.5 mm, p = 0.02) were associated with a significantly increased risk of conversion surgery. In the multivariate logistic regression, decreased age at index surgery, no dementia, use of a bipolar head, and increased leg length discrepancy (LLD) were associated with risk of conversion. Conclusions: Patient characteristics, including younger age, increased BMI, and absence of dementia can lead to increased risk for conversion of HA to THA. Intraoperative considerations of head size and increase in ipsilateral LLD may increase the risk of conversion surgery. These factors should be considered by surgeons who employ HA for displaced FNFs.
Outcomes and mortality after hip fractures treated in Kazakhstan
Authors: Amrayev Sultan , AbuJazar Ussama , Stucinskas Justinas , Smailys Alfredas , Tarasevicius Sarunas 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Patients with hip fractures are usually treated operatively in Western Europe. However, in Mid-Asia different indications are used to decide whether this patient is suitable for operative treatment and those are related to specific traditions and rules in hospital. Thus, traditions and surgeon/patient fears seem to affect treatment choices in hip fractures and subsequent outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate patients with hip fractures and compare outcome at 1-year follow-up in the operated and nonoperated patient groups. Methods: All patients over 50 years old who sustained a hip fracture, between January 2014 and December 2014, were included. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up, using questionnaires from National Swedish Hip Fracture Register and quality of life (Euroqol EQ-5D). Results: Out of 398 included patients, 299 were operated on and 99 were not. 344 patients remained for our analysis before the end of 1-year follow-up. 51 patients (65%) deceased in the nonoperated group as compared to 55 (21%) in the operated group, p<0.001. Out of 27 patients in the nonoperated group hip function was evaluated at 1-year follow-up, 11 (41%) were walking independently or using 1 stick, as compared to 192 (91%) in the operated group. Conclusions: We conclude that nonoperative treatment of hip fracture patients is associated with higher mortality and worse functional outcome as compared to those who were treated operatively. We therefore advocate operative treatment of the hip fracture in the vast majority of cases.
Effect of periarticular morphine injection for total hip arthroplasty: a randomised, double-blind trial
Authors: Iwakiri Kentaro , Ohta Yoichi , Minoda Yukihide , Kobayashi Akio , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: June 2018

Background: The periarticular multimodal cocktail injection is currently commonly used to treat postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Despite its analgesic effect, it is frequently reported to cause nausea and vomiting, which are adverse effects of opioids. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of morphine as a component of a multimodal cocktail injection for providing postoperative analgesia and alleviating swelling in patients who underwent THA. Materials and methods: This was a prospective, single-centre, randomised controlled trial involving 100 patients scheduled for unilateral THA. A mixture of steroids, local anaesthetics, NSAIDs, and epinephrine with or without morphine (0.1 mg/kg), was injected into randomly assigned patients. Postoperative assessment was performed with all attending personnel and patients blind to group assignment. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, range of motion (ROM), nausea numerical rating scale (NRS), the total dose of antiemetic drugs used and thigh swelling were compared between groups on postoperative days. Results: Pain VAS scores both at rest and on motion did not differ between the 2 groups at any postoperative time-point. The nausea NRS scores during the postoperative period from 0 minutes to 1 hour and the total dose of antiemetic drugs administered were significantly higher in the morphine group. The thigh girth showed no difference between groups on any of the postoperative days. Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that addition of morphine to the multimodal cocktail injection after THA is not effective for relieving postoperative pain, alleviating swelling, or improving ROM, and results in nausea and vomiting. Randomised controlled trial registration number UMIN000022668.