bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Composite Analysis of Large-Scale Environments Conducive to Western Pacific Polar/Subtropical Jet Superposition
Authors: Handlos Zachary J. , Martin Jonathan E. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Although considerable research attention has been devoted to examination of the Northern Hemisphere polar and subtropical jet streams, relatively little has been directed toward understanding the circumstances that conspire to produce the relatively rare vertical superposition of these usually separate features. This study investigates the structure and evolution of large-scale environments associated with jet superposition events in the northwest Pacific. An objective identification scheme, using NCEP–NCAR Reanalysis 1 data, is employed to identify all jet superpositions in the western Pacific (30°–40°N, 135°–175°E) for boreal winters (DJF) between 1979/80 and 2009/10. The analysis reveals that environments conducive to western Pacific jet superposition share several large-scale features usually associated with East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) northerly cold surges, including the presence of an enhanced Hadley cell–like circulation within the jet entrance region. It is further demonstrated that several EAWM indices are statistically significantly correlated with jet superposition frequency in the western Pacific. The life cycle of EAWM cold surges promotes interaction between tropical convection and internal jet dynamics. Low–potential vorticity (PV), high- air, appearing to be associated with anomalous convection in the western Pacific lower latitudes, is advected poleward toward the equatorward side of the jet in upper-tropospheric isentropic layers, resulting in anomalous anticyclonic wind shear that accelerates the jet. This, along with geostrophic cold air advection in the left jet entrance region that drives the polar tropopause downward through the jet core, promotes the development of the deep, vertical PV wall characteristic of superposed jets. A conceptual model synthesizing the results of this analysis is introduced.
The Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index: Methodology and Operational Implementation
Authors: Rolinski Tom , Capps Scott B. , Fovell Robert G. , Cao Yang , D’Agostino Brian J. , Vanderburg Steve 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Santa Ana winds, common to Southern California from the fall through early spring, are a type of downslope windstorm originating from a direction generally ranging from 360°/0° to 100° and are usually accompanied by very low humidity. Since fuel conditions tend to be driest from late September through the middle of November, Santa Ana winds occurring during this time have the greatest potential to produce large, devastating fires upon ignition. Such catastrophic fires occurred in 1993, 2003, 2007, and 2008. Because of the destructive nature of such fires, there has been a growing desire to categorize Santa Ana wind events in much the same way that tropical cyclones have been categorized. The Santa Ana wildfire threat index (SAWTI) is a tool for categorizing Santa Ana wind events with respect to anticipated fire potential. The latest version of the index has been a result of a three-and-a-half-year collaboration effort between the USDA Forest Service, the San Diego Gas and Electric utility (SDG&E), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The SAWTI uses several meteorological and fuel moisture variables at 3-km resolution as input to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to generate the index out to 6 days. In addition to the index, a 30-yr climatology of weather, fuels, and the SAWTI has been developed to help put current and future events into perspective. This paper outlines the methodology for developing the SAWTI, including a discussion on the various datasets employed and its operational implementation.
The Psychological Cost of Making Control Responses in the Nonstereotype Direction
Authors: Chan Alan H. S. , Hoffmann Errol R. 
Published: July 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a scale for the “psychological cost” of making control responses in the nonstereotype direction. Background: Wickens, Keller, and Small suggested values for the psychological cost arising from having control/display relationships that were not in the common stereotype directions. We provide values of such costs specifically for these situations. Method: Working from data of Chan and Hoffmann for 168 combinations of display location, control type, and display movement direction, we define values for the cost and compare these with the suggested values of Wickens et al.’s Frame of Reference Transformation Tool (FORT) model. Results: We found marked differences between the values of the FORT model and the data of our experiments. The differences arise largely from the effects of the Worringham and Beringer visual field principle not being adequately considered in the previous research. Conclusion: A better indication of the psychological cost for use of incorrect control/display stereotypes is given. It is noted that these costs are applicable only to the factor of stereotype strength and not other factors considered in the FORT model. Application: Effects of having controls and displays that are not arranged to operate with population expectancies can be readily determined from the data in this paper.
Organizational commitment of public service employees in Ghana: do codes of ethics matter?
Authors: Kumasey Anthony Sumnaya , Bawole Justice Nyigmah , Hossain Farhad 
Published: July 2016

One of the most difficult and under-examined issues in the ethics research of developing countries is whether the establishment of codes of ethics in public service organizations leads to employees’ organizational commitment. This study investigates the link between codes of ethics and organizational commitment, as well as its three dimensions of affective, normative and continuance commitment, in Ghanaian public service organizations. Correlational, regression and descriptive statistics were used to study 228 participants conveniently sampled from selected public service organizations within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Empirical evidence showed that codes of ethics significantly and positively predicted employees’ organizational commitment, as well as the three dimensions of the affective, normative and continuance commitment of employees. Points for practitioners Codes are intended to educate the general public, and employees in particular, about the mission of an organization, to foster a good ethical climate, and to provide guidance for resolving ethical problems in an organization. To ensure employee commitment to the organization, the codes should be effectively implemented, well communicated and strictly enforced with impartiality; otherwise, the codes will appear merely as ‘cosmetic dressing’ to the organization.
Exploring the Relationship between Subjectively Experienced Severity of Imprisonment and Recidivism
Authors: Raaijmakers Ellen A. C. , Loughran Thomas A. , de Keijser Jan W. , Nieuwbeerta Paul , Dirkzwager Anja J. E. 
Published: July 2016

Objectives: This study assessed to what extent differences in the subjectively experienced severity of imprisonment (SESI) affect postrelease offending behavior. Methods: Interview and questionnaire data from the Prison Project, a sample of 1,344 Dutch inmates who were incarcerated for up to two years. Results: Bivariate analyses indicate that inmates who experience their imprisonment as more aversive are less likely to be reconvicted following release. While this relation persists after accounting for the duration of confinement, it disappears once potential confounders are accounted for. Conclusions: Even when accounting for the SESI, more severe prison sentences do not deter offenders from subsequent involvement in crime. Hence, while a growing number of scholars argued that accounting for the SESI would result in a different conclusion about the specific deterrent effect of imprisonment than previously assumed, this body of skepticism is not grounded in empirical evidence.
Ultrasonography features of medullary thyroid cancer as predictors of its biological behavior
Authors: Kim Cherry , Baek Jung Hwan , Ha EunJu , Lee Jeong Hyun , Choi Young Jun , Song Dong Eun , Kim Jae Kyun , Chung Ki-Wook , Kim Won Bae , Shong Young Kee 
Published: July 2016

Background Although there are many well-known prognostic predictors of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), the ultrasonography (US) findings of MTC have not been sufficiently validated in this regard. Purpose To investigate the US findings of MTC and their relationship with the biological behavior of MTC. Material and Methods The US findings and clinical and pathology records of 123 MTC nodules from 108 patients were retrospectively analyzed at two tertiary referral hospitals. MTCs were classified according to US findings, i.e. MTC with benign (B-MTC) and malignant US findings (M-MTC). We then compared the clinical and pathology findings between the two groups. Results Eighty-two M-MTCs (66.7%) and 41 B-MTCs (33.3%) were identified. M-MTCs showed a significantly higher prevalence of lateral lymph node metastases as well as extrathyroidal and extranodal extension (all P < 0.05). M-MTCs larger than 1 cm showed a significantly higher prevalence of multifocality, recurrence, extrathyroidal and extranodal extension than B-MTCs larger than 1 cm in the largest dimension (all P < 0.05). Tumors > 1 cm were more likely to be B-MTC and one-third of all MTCs had benign US features. The common findings of B-MTC included a solid, ovoid to round shape, with a smooth margin, hypoechogenicity, and without calcification. Conclusion The biological behavior of M-MTCs results in poorer outcomes than that of B-MTCs.
Radiographic Correction Following Reconstruction of Adult Acquired Flat Foot Deformity Using the Cotton Medial Cuneiform Osteotomy
Authors: Aiyer Amiethab , Dall Graham F. , Shub Jeffrey , Myerson Mark S. 
Published: July 2016

Background: The Cotton osteotomy has been used to correct residual forefoot supination in flexible flatfoot deformity reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to delineate the radiographic effects of the Cotton osteotomy by controlling for concomitant procedures used for deformity correction. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 67 patients who underwent a Cotton osteotomy as part of a flatfoot reconstructive procedure. We evaluated 12 radiographic parameters including the articular surface angles of the foot, Meary angle, and a newly defined medial arch sag angle (MASA). Twenty-eight of these patients were matched to a cohort that did not undergo a Cotton osteotomy. Results: In all patients who underwent a Cotton osteotomy, there were statistically significant changes in the articular surface angles and medial arch height ( P < .05). No radiographic secondary sag of the medial column was seen at final follow-up. Compared to 28 matched controls, the Cotton osteotomy did not improve Meary angle but provided an additional 6.5 degrees correction of the MASA ( P = .002). After reliability testing, the intraclass correlation coefficient was found to be substantial for the MASA compared to Meary angle. Discussion: The data suggest that the MASA was a useful radiographic tool for assessing midfoot collapse in the setting of pes planovalgus. The current study demonstrated the corrective capacity of the Cotton osteotomy on the MASA; at final follow-up, there was no evidence of radiographic instability. This is suggestive that a naviculocuneiform arthrodesis may not be warranted for medial column stabilization in the setting of flatfoot reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control study.
Conclusions: Calls to action for improving the life of MS patients and their families
Authors: Vermersch Patrick , Smets Louis , Gold Ralf 
Published: July 2016

Background: The first and second Pan-European MS Multi-stakeholder Colloquia were set up to increase cross-talk and communication between the different stakeholders in MS and developed joint Calls to Action to improve (equal) access to quality care and treatment for MS in Europe. Objective & Methods: To summarise the 10 integrated and interrelated Calls to Action developed. Results & Conclusion: Call 1: increase awareness in the European community about the burden MS places on patients, caregivers and society. Call 2: improve communication towards the European community on the direct and indirect cost burden of MS. Call 3: perform patient research to (re)define treatment goals/endpoints from a humanistic/patient perspective point of view. Call 4: develop new tools to better capture the total clinical burden of MS. Call 5: develop a protocol for standardisation of MRI for optimising its use as a marker of disability progression in MS. Call 6: support research to find other (molecular) biomarkers which can predict long-term disability progression and (monitor) individual treatment response. Call 7: align CHMP/EMA and HTA decision-making process. Call 8: develop separate EMA guidelines for evaluating follow-on products of non-biological complex drugs. Call 9: support people with MS remaining (physically) active and at work and stimulate the implementation of specialised care centres. Call 10: support the continuation of multi-stakeholder colloquia.
The clinical perspective: How to personalise treatment in MS and how may biomarkers including imaging contribute to this?
Authors: Vermersch Patrick , Berger Thomas , Gold Ralf , Lukas Carsten , Rovira Alex , Meesen Bianca , Chard Declan , Comabella Manuel , Palace Jacqueline , Trojano Maria 
Published: July 2016

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly heterogeneous disease, both in its course and in its response to treatments. Effective biomarkers may help predict disability progression and monitor patients’ treatment responses. Objective: The aim of this review was to focus on how biomarkers may contribute to treatment individualisation in MS patients. Methods: This review reflects the content of presentations, polling results and discussions on the clinical perspective of MS during the first and second Pan-European MS Multi-stakeholder Colloquia in Brussels in May 2014 and 2015. Results: In clinical practice, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures play a significant role in the diagnosis and follow-up of MS patients. Together with clinical markers, the rate of MRI-visible lesion accrual once a patient has started treatment may also help to predict subsequent treatment responsiveness. In addition, several molecular (immunological, genetic) biomarkers have been established that may play a role in predictive models of MS relapses and progression. To reach personalised treatment decisions, estimates of disability progression and likely treatment response should be carefully considered alongside the risk of serious adverse events, together with the patient’s treatment expectations. Conclusion: Although biomarkers may be very useful for individualised decision making in MS, many are still research tools and need to be validated before implementation in clinical practice.
The importance of a multi-disciplinary perspective and patient activation programmes in MS management
Authors: Feys Peter , Giovannoni Gavin , Dijsselbloem Nathalie , Centonze Diego , Eelen Piet , Lykke Andersen Stine 
Published: July 2016

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease associated with a large variety of symptoms and changing patients’ needs during the disease course. In order to provide appropriate care in every disease stage and let patients live their lives to the full, a multi-disciplinary approach and patient activation is needed. Objective: To summarise the multi-disciplinary perspective of MS, with focus on the organisation of a multi-disciplinary care team and possibilities to support patient activation. Methods: This review reflects the content of the presentations, audience polling results and discussions on the multi-disciplinary perspective of MS during the second Pan-European MS Multi-stakeholder Colloquium. Results: In many countries, the neurologist with or without the support of an MS nurse is responsible for the long-term care of MS patients. When needed, they should refer to other (non-)medical specialists. However, the patient should be empowered as well to manage his/her disease and to implement a physically active lifestyle in order to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. Conclusion: To create equal access to care for MS patients across Europe, evidence-based standards of care, symptom self-monitoring tools and educational programmes for patients and healthcare professionals including non-medical treatment strategies should be developed at the European level.
The regulator’s perspective: How should new therapies and follow-on products for MS be clinically evaluated in the future?
Authors: Crommelin Daan JA , Broich Karl , Holloway Chris , Meesen Bianca , Lizrova Preiningerova Jana , Prugnaud Jean-Louis , Silva-Lima Beatriz 
Published: July 2016

Background: Although there is still no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), the introduction of several innovative drugs with modes of action different from that of the existing drug arsenal and the progress in monitoring disease progression by imaging and using biomarkers are currently causing a knowledge surge. This provides opportunities for improving patient disease management. New therapies are also under development and pose challenges to the regulatory bodies regarding the optimal design of clinical trials with more patient-focused clinical endpoints. Moreover, with the upcoming patent expiry of some of the key first-line MS treatments in Europe, regulatory bodies will also face the challenge of recommending marketing authorisation for generic and abridged versions based on appropriate requirements for demonstrating equality/similarity to the innovator’s product. Objective: The goal of this article is to improve the understanding of the relevant guidance documents of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on clinical investigation of medicinal products and to highlight the issues that the agency will need to clarify regarding follow-on products of first-line MS treatments. Conclusion: Today, it is clear that close collaboration between patients, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies and industry is crucial for developing new safe and effective drugs, which satisfy the needs of MS patients.
Which way is better for teacher evaluation? The discourse on teacher evaluation in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Juei-Hsin , Chen Yen-Ting 
Published: July 2016

There are no summative evaluations for compulsory and basic education in Taiwan. This research discusses and analyzes present teacher evaluation implementation. The implementation of policy nowadays means “Teacher evaluation for professional development”. Teacher evaluation for professional development is a voluntary growing project of the Ministry of Education. The objective of this research is to understand the professional development of teachers and school leaders as a microscopic phenomenon, and discuss the interaction between strategies for school principals’ leadership and teachers’ professional development. This research attempts to understand the correlation between school leadership and teacher evaluaction for professional development. The case study used the qualitative narrative inquiry method to gather information in the form of documents, records, interviews and observations. This research deals with both teacher evaluation policies and school case experiences in Taiwan. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations on enhancing the school administrative units. It also provides some suggestions for teacher evaluation programs in the future.
Impact of ornithine phenylacetate (OCR-002) in lowering plasma ammonia after upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Ventura-Cots Meritxell , Concepción Mar , Arranz José Antonio , Simón-Talero Macarena , Torrens Maria , Blanco-Grau Albert , Fuentes Inma , Suñé Pilar , Alvarado-Tapias Edilmar , Gely Cristina , Roman Eva , Mínguez Beatriz , Soriano German , Genescà Joan , Córdoba Juan 
Published: July 2016

Background: Ornithine phenylacetate (OP) has been proven effective in lowering ammonia plasma levels in animals, and to be well tolerated in cirrhotic patients. A trial to assess OP efficacy in lowering plasma ammonia levels versus placebo in cirrhotic patients after an upper gastrointestinal bleeding was performed. The primary outcome was a decrease in venous plasma ammonia at 24 hours. Methods: A total of 38 consecutive cirrhotic patients were enrolled within 24 hours of an upper gastrointestinal bleed. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive OP (10 g/day) or glucosaline for 5 days. Results: The primary outcome was not achieved. A progressive decrease in ammonia was observed in both groups, being slightly greater in the OP group, with significant differences only at 120 hours. The subanalysis according to Child–Pugh score showed a statistically significant ammonia decrease in Child–Pugh C-treated patients at 36 hours, as well as in the time-normalized area under the curve (TN-AUC) 0–120 hours in the OP group [40.16 μmol/l (37.7–42.6); median (interquartile range) (IQR)] versus placebo group [65.5 μmol/l (54–126); p = 0.036]. A decrease in plasma glutamine levels was observed in the treated group compared with the placebo group, and was associated with the appearance of phenylacetylglutamine in urine. Adverse-event frequency was similar in both groups. No differences in hepatic encephalopathy incidence were observed. Conclusions: OP failed to significantly decrease plasma ammonia at the given doses (10 g/day). Higher doses of OP might be required in Child–Pugh A and B patients. OP appeared well tolerated.
Closed-Loop Double Endobutton Technique for Repair of Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Struhl Steven , Wolfson Theodore S. 
Published: July 2016

Background: Displaced fractures of the distal clavicle are inherently unstable and lead to nonunion in a high percentage of cases. The optimal surgical management remains controversial. Hypothesis: Indirect osteosynthesis with a closed-loop double endobutton construct would result in reliable fracture union and obviate the need for additional surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Eight patients with an acute unstable Neer type IIB distal clavicle fracture were treated with a closed-loop double endobutton implant. Mean follow-up averaged 3.4 years (range, 1-9 years). Two patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 6 patients underwent a detailed functional and radiologic evaluation. Results: Definitive fracture healing was achieved in all patients. There were no complications, and no patients required additional surgery related to the index procedure. The mean Constant score was 97 at final follow-up. Conclusion: The closed-loop double endobutton technique was reliable and effective in achieving fracture union in all patients with unstable Neer type IIB fractures of the distal clavicle. This technique obviates the need for late hardware removal that is often necessary when direct osteosynthesis is used and avoids potential complications associated with coracoclavicular cerclage constructs that require knot fixation.