bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From ‘poor parenting’ to micro-management: coalition governance and the sponsorship of arm’s-length bodies in the United Kingdom, 2010–13
Authors: Flinders Matthew , Tonkiss Katherine 
Published: June 2015

The delegation of public tasks to arm’s-length bodies remains a central feature of contemporary reform agendas within both developed and developing countries. The role and capacity of political and administrative principals (i.e. ministers and departments of state) to control the vast network of arm’s-length bodies for which they are formally responsible is therefore a critical issue within and beyond academe. In the run-up to the 2010 General Election in the United Kingdom, the ‘quango conundrum’ emerged as an important theme and all three major parties committed themselves to shift the balance of power back towards ministers and sponsor departments. This article presents the results of the first major research project to track and examine the subsequent reform process. It reveals a stark shift in internal control relationships from the pre-election ‘poor parenting’ model to a far tighter internal situation that is now the focus of complaints by arm’s-length bodies of micro-management. This shift in the balance of power and how it was achieved offers new insights into the interplay between different forms of governance and has significant theoretical and comparative relevance. Points for practitioners For professionals working in the field of arm’s-length governance, the article offers three key insights. First, that a well-resourced core executive is critical to directing reform given the challenges of implementing reform in a context of austerity. Second, that those implementing reform will also need to take into account the diverse consequences of centrally imposed reform likely to result in different departments with different approaches to arm’s-length governance. Third, that reforming arm’s-length governance can affect the quality of relationships, and those working in the field will need to mitigate these less tangible challenges to ensure success.
A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Arson
Authors: Grubb Jonathan A. , Nobles Matt R. 
Published: June 2015

Objectives: To investigate the characteristics of spatial and temporal patterning of arson incidents in a large urban county. Methods: Using multiyear geocoded crime data from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office (2005 to 2012), arson incidents are analyzed for significant space–time interaction using the Monte Carlo simulation-based Knox method, originally developed for epidemiology research. Several additional contrasts are presented according to situational and routine activities factors that may be implicated in target selection and guardianship efficacy. Results: Evidence illustrates that arson generally exhibits enhanced likelihood of near repeat follow-up incidents in close spatial and temporal proximity to an initiating event. Also, spatiotemporal patterns for arson exhibit systematic differences when contrasting subtypes including residential versus non-residential, daytime versus nighttime, and weekday versus weekend arsons. Conclusions: Comparatively little empirical research has been published in criminology journals concerning this “invisible” Uniform Crime Report index crime. This study provides a theoretically informed, aggregate-level examination of trends and patterns for arson in an urban environment. Results may aid in inductive theory building as well as efforts to investigate and prevent arson.
Laryngoscope Illuminance in a Tertiary Care Medical Center
Authors: Murphy Michael K. , Volsky Peter G. , Darrow David H. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that a substantial proportion of laryngoscopes exhibit substandard illuminance by comparing laryngoscope illuminance in a tertiary‐level medical center to established standards and identifying features associated with poor illuminance.Study DesignCross‐sectional observational study.SettingAcademic tertiary care medical center (level 1 trauma center, specialty cardiac hospital, and general hospital).Subjects and MethodsLaryngoscopes from main, cardiac, and outpatient operating rooms; emergency department; and code carts were tested using a standard technique. Illuminance (lux) was chosen as the outcome measure. Benchmarks were derived from the International Standards Organization and medical literature. Light types included incandescent bulb, light‐emitting diode, and xenon. Personnel were surveyed regarding maintenance practices.ResultsAcross all hospitals, 691 laryngoscopes were tested. Mean (SD) illuminance was 810 (700) lux for incandescent bulb‐on‐blade designs (n = 237), 1860 (1220) lux for incandescent bulb in‐handle designs (n = 79), 4730 (3210) lux for LED (n = 354), and 28,800 (34,500) lux for xenon (n = 21). Seven percent of units failed to turn on (n = 45). Using an established threshold of 867 lux, 28% of devices (47% of incandescent, 12% of LED, and 10% of xenon) were substandard. All laryngoscopes were cleaned according to standard protocols following use; no preventive maintenance was reported.ConclusionTwenty‐eight percent of laryngoscopes in a tertiary care hospital exhibit substandard illuminance; these results corroborate the findings of our inaugural study on this subject. Consequently, our hospital is instituting changes to reduce the likelihood of substandard performance by laryngoscopes in circulation.
Microcirculatory response during on-pump versus off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Bienz Marc , Drullinsky David , Stevens Louis-Mathieu , Bracco David , Noiseux Nicolas 
Published: June 2015

Objectives: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is associated with a systemic inflammatory response, resulting in altered microcirculation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether beating heart surgery can preserve the microcirculation. Methods: Sublingual microcirculation was characterized by a Sidestream Darkfield Imaging Microscope during off-pump (OPCABG) and on-pump (ONCABG) surgery. Microcirculatory parameters were evaluated during eight precise perioperative time points. Results: The quality of the microcirculation decreased during early ONCABG. OPCABG resulted in a significantly better microcirculation compared to ONCABG for three of six parameters during surgery. However, by the end of surgery and postoperatively, the microcirculatory parameters were no different between the groups. Conclusions: While the results do not show a marked preservation of the microcirculation during and after OPCABG compared to ONCABG, they coincide with the body temperature fluctuations of each group during and after surgery. Our work suggests that active warming could impact the microcirculation parameters.
Serum homocysteine is associated with the severity of primary chronic venous disease
Authors: Smith Ross K , Quigley Frank , Tosenovsky Patrik , Velu Ramesh , Bradshaw Barbara , Buettner Petra , Golledge Jonathan 
Published: June 2015

Objective This study was conducted to assess whether serum homocysteine concentration was associated with the severity of primary chronic venous disease. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods A total of 282 primary chronic venous disease patients were enrolled from outpatient vascular services. The severity of venous disease was graded using the Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology classification system. The association of serum homocysteine concentration with advanced primary chronic venous disease (C4-6) was assessed using the Mann Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis. Results Median (interquartile range) serum homocysteine concentrations were 9.10 µM (7.55–10.75) and 10.40 µM (8.85–13.10) in patients with primary chronic venous disease classified by C1-3 (n = 209) and C4-6 (n = 73) grades, respectively, p < 0.001. Serum homocysteine concentration was positively associated with clinical grade 4–6 after adjusting for other risk factors including age, diabetes, male sex, hypertension, recurrent varicose veins and stroke. Patients with serum homocysteine in the third (odds ratio, 2.76, 95% confidence interval, 1.01–7.54) and fourth (odds ratio 3.29, 95% confidence interval 1.15–9.43) quartiles were more likely to have grade C4-6 chronic venous disease than subjects with serum homocysteine in the first quartile. Conclusions Serum homocysteine is positively associated with the severity of primary chronic venous disease and therefore could play a role in promoting chronic venous disease complications.
Changes in the rate of prophylactic vena cava filter insertion at a university hospital
Authors: Smith Andrew , Adrahtas Demetri , Elitharp Doreen , Gasparis Antonios , Labropoulos Nicos , Tassiopoulos Apostolos 
Published: June 2015

Objective We previously demonstrated a high rate of prophylactic vena cava filter (VCF) insertion at our institution. We have since attempted to restrict the use of VCF to indications supported by Level-I evidence. This study was designed to evaluate the success of our interventions. Methods All patients receiving VCF between 2007–2009 and 2012–2014 at a university hospital were reviewed. After assessing the use of VCF in the first period, a meeting was convened among the Departments of Radiology, Vascular Surgery and Trauma. Policy was implemented to avoid the inappropriate use of VCF. Data were prospectively collected in the second period to assess the effect of our intervention. Results There were 156 VCF placed from 2012 to 2014. VCF was absolutely indicated in 84% of cases, relatively indicated in 9% and prophylactic in 7%. These data contrast our previous experience from 2007 to 2009. In the earlier series, a total of 244 filters were placed, in which 54% of patients had an absolute indication, 14% relative, and 32% prophylactic. There was a significant decrease in filters placed for pure prophylaxis: whereas 76 prophylactic filters were placed between 2007 and 2009, only 11 were placed between 2012 and 2014 ( p < 0.0001). No significant differences existed for relatively indicated filters. The department of trauma and surgical critical care (TSCC) observed the most dramatic change in practice. TSCC placed 61 prophylactic VCF between 2007 and 2009 (57% of all filters placed by the department), and 4 prophylactic VCF from 2012 to 2014 (15% of filters placed by TSCC) ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion These findings demonstrate a significant change in the attitudes regarding prophylactic VCF insertion between the two periods of study. Further investigations must be performed to assess changes in clinical outcomes that may result from the altered practice at our university.
Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch 80 kVp coronary computed tomography angiography with 30 mL of 270 mg I/mL contrast material and iterative reconstruction
Authors: Qi Li , Wu Sheng Yong , Meinel Felix G , Zhou Chang Sheng , Wang Qing Qing , McQuiston Andrew D , Ji Xue Man , Schoepf U Joseph , Lu Guang Ming , Zhang Long Jiang 
Published: June 2015

Background The smallest diagnostically appropriate amount of contrast medium should be used in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Purpose To investigate the feasibility of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA using 30 mL of 270 mg I/mL contrast material, 80 kVp, and iterative reconstruction (IR). Material and Methods Eighty-two consecutive patients underwent CCTA with a prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch protocol. Forty-three patients were examined at 100 kVp with filtered back projection after 60 mL of 370 mg I/mL contrast material was administered. Another 39 patients were examined at 80 kVp with IR after 30 mL of 270 mg I/mL contrast material was administered. Subjective and objective image quality was evaluated for each patient. Radiation doses were estimated and compared. Results Mean attenuation, noise and signal-to-noise ratio in 80 kVp group were significantly lower than in 100 kVp group (all P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), although a trend towards a lower CNR in 80 kVp group was observed ( P = 0.099). The subjective image quality between the two groups was not significantly different ( P = 0.905). The effective dose and iodine load in 80 kVp group were reduced by 54% and 64%, respectively, when compared with 100 kVp group. Conclusion Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 80 kVp with 30 mL of 270 mg I/mL contrast material and IR is feasible for patients with BMI less than 25 kg/m2 and reduces radiation dose and iodine load when compared with the standard CCTA protocol.
A comparison between prospective Internet-based and paper diary recordings of headache among adolescents in the general population
Authors: Krogh Anne-Berit , Larsson Bo , Salvesen Øyvind , Linde Mattias 
Published: June 2015

Aim The aim of this article was to develop and apply an Internet-based headache diary (i-diary) for adolescents and compare it with a paper-diary (p-diary) regarding adherence, user acceptability and recorded headache activity. Methods In a cross-sectional school-based study, a representative sample of 488 adolescents aged 12–18 years were randomly allocated by cluster sampling to record for three weeks in i-diaries or p-diaries their headache intensity, disability, and use of acute medication. Results A significantly ( p = 0.008) higher proportion of adolescents in the i-diary group used the diary at least once during the 21-day period (86% vs 76% for the p-diary). However, the p-diary group completed a significantly ( p < 0.001) higher number of diary days (20.8 vs 15.0 days for the i-diary). The response rate for the i-diary-group was largely evenly distributed over the study period; conversely, approximately two-thirds of the adolescents using the p-diary responded on all 21 days, whereas one-fourth did not respond at all. The two diary types were rated as equal in easiness to remember ( p = 0.25), but the i-diaries were more bothersome to use ( p = 0.029). Conclusion Although p-diary users completed a higher proportion of diary days, i-diaries provided more reliable and credible estimates of headache parameters because of better real-time assessment.
Head, Face, and Eye Injuries in Collegiate Women’s Field Hockey
Authors: Gardner Elizabeth C. 
Published: June 2015

Background: While there is concern regarding head, face, and eye injuries in field hockey, prompting some to recommend the use of protective equipment such as goggles and helmets, little has been written about their incidence and mechanism of injury in the modern game of field hockey. The elucidation of this information will better inform the development of maximally effective injury prevention schemes to protect the athlete while maintaining the integrity of the game. Purpose: To determine the incidence and epidemiology of head, face, and eye injuries in United States collegiate women’s field hockey players from 2004-2005 to 2008-2009. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: All head, face, and eye injuries reported to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System for collegiate women’s field hockey athletes from the 2004-2005 through 2008-2009 seasons were analyzed. Data regarding the event type, injury mechanism, body part injured, type of injury, outcome, and time lost were reviewed. The weighted injury incidence per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) was calculated using the exposure data set for the same years; 95% CIs were calculated based on a normal approximation to the Poisson distribution. Results: There were 150 reported traumatic injuries during this time period, with a weighted occurrence of 1587.3 injuries. The overall incidence of head, face, and eye injuries in collegiate women’s field hockey was 0.94 per 1000 AEs (95% CI, 0.86-1.19). Injuries to the head or face, other than the mouth, nose, and eye, accounted for 75.3% of these injuries. The incidence of eye injuries was 0.07 per 1000 AEs (95% CI, 0.03-0.12); nose injuries occurred at a rate of 0.10 per 1000 AEs (95% CI, 0.05-0.15). The rate of traumatic dental injuries was 0.06 per 1000 AEs (95% CI, 0.04-0.14). Contact with an apparatus caused 72.9% of all injuries; specifically, contact with an elevated ball accounted for 47.9% of all injuries, and contact with an elevated stick caused 21.7% of all injuries. While the majority of players suffering a head, face, or eye injury were able to return to sport that season (90.0%), the remaining athletes suffered season-ending injuries (10%). Concussions accounted for 42.8% of all head, face, and eye injuries reported (0.40 per 1000 AEs; 95% CI, 0.32-0.53). Conclusion: Head, face, and eye injuries occur regularly in women’s field hockey. This description of the injury profile and mechanisms of injury may be used to design appropriate injury prevention schemes for the sport.
Statistical Comparison of the Pediatric Versus Adult IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation Form in Adolescents
Authors: Oak Sameer R. , O’Rourke Colin , Strnad Greg , Andrish Jack T. , Parker Richard D. , Saluan Paul , Jones Morgan H. , Stegmeier Nicole A. , Spindler Kurt P. 
Published: June 2015

Background: The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form is a patient-reported outcome with adult (1998) and pediatric (2011) versions validated at different ages. Prior longitudinal studies of patients aged 13 to 17 years who tore their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have used the only available adult IKDC, whereas currently the pediatric IKDC is the accepted form of choice. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study compared the adult and pediatric IKDC forms and tested whether the differences were clinically significant. The hypothesis was that the pediatric and adult IKDC questionnaires would show no clinically significant differences in score when completed by patients aged 13 to 17 years. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 100 participants aged 13 to 17 years with knee injuries were split into 2 groups by use of simple randomization. One group answered the adult IKDC form first and then the pediatric form. The second group answered the pediatric IKDC form first and then the adult form. A 10-minute break was given between form administrations to prevent rote repetition of answers. Study design was based on established methods to compare 2 forms of patient-reported outcomes. A 5-point threshold for clinical significance was set below previously published minimum clinically important differences for the adult IKDC. Paired t tests were used to test both differences and equivalence between scores. By ordinary least-squares models, scores were modeled to predict adult scores given certain pediatric scores and vice versa. Results: Comparison between adult and pediatric IKDC scores showed a statistically significant difference of 1.5 points; however, the 95% CI (0.3-2.6) fell below the threshold of 5 points set for clinical significance. Further equivalence testing showed the 95% CI (0.5-2.4) between adult and pediatric scores being within the defined 5-point equivalence region. The scores were highly correlated, with a linear relationship ( R2 = 92%). Conclusion: There was no clinically significant difference between the pediatric and adult IKDC form scores in adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. This result allows use of whichever form is most practical for long-term tracking of patients. A simple linear equation can convert one form into the other. If the adult questionnaire is used at this age, it can be consistently used during follow-up.
Biomechanical Analysis of Simulated Clinical Testing and Reconstruction of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee
Authors: Spencer Luke , Burkhart Timothy A. , Tran Michael N. , Rezansoff Alex James , Deo Shaneel , Caterine Scott , Getgood Alan M. 
Published: June 2015

Background: Anatomic anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction has been proposed to assist anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in controlling anterolateral rotational laxity of the knee. However, the biomechanical effects have not been reported. Purpose: (1) To investigate the effect of ALL transection on rotational knee kinematics and (2) to determine the effect on knee biomechanics of ALL reconstruction procedures compared with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 12 cadaveric knee specimens were tested in the following sequence: (1) ACLintact, (2) anteromedial bundle of ACL sectioned (ACLamb), (3) complete ACL sectioned (ACLfull), (4) ALL sectioned (ALLsec), (5) anatomic ALL reconstruction (ALLanat), and (6) LET. Biomechanical anterior drawer and Lachman tests were performed in which a 90-N load was applied to the posterior tibia, and anterior translation was measured. A combined load to simulate the early phase of the pivot-shift test was executed in which a 5-N·m internal rotation moment was applied to a fully extended knee; anterior translation and internal rotation were measured. Results: Anterior translation increased across conditions for the biomechanical tests. Internal rotation during the simulated early-phase pivot-shift test was significantly different between ACLfull and ALLsec. Anatomic ALL reconstruction did not significantly reduce internal rotation or anterior translation during the simulated early-phase pivot-shift test. After LET, a significant decrease in anterior translation was found. There was no evidence of overconstraint of the knee with either anatomic ALL reconstruction or LET. Conclusion: The ALL demonstrated a role in controlling anterolateral laxity. LET had a composite effect in governing both anterior and rotational laxity. Anatomic ALL reconstruction did not reduce anterolateral rotational laxity. Clinical Relevance: Profiling the biomechanical characteristics of anterolateral reconstruction is integral to understanding the implications and potential benefit of such an additional procedure to ACL reconstruction.
Neonatal screening external quality assessment in China, 2014
Authors: Zhong Kun , Wang Wei , He Falin , Wang Zhiguo 
Published: June 2015

Objective To analyze the 2014 results of neonatal screening external quality assessment (EQA) performed by the Chinese National Centre for Clinical Laboratories. Methods EQA test panels consisting of five dried blood spots (three panels for phenylalanine (Phe) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), two for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 17-alpha-hydroxy progesterone (17-OHP)) were distributed to laboratories and the results collected and evaluated. To compare the correct recognition rates, chi-square test was used. Results Test results were received from 170 laboratories for Phe, 176 for TSH, 65 for G6PD and 65 for 17-OHP. The total number of effective quantitative and qualitative results of Phe, TSH, G6PD and 17-OHP were 2520 and 2370, 2605 and 2450, 645 and 530, 645 and 645, respectively. The overall correct recognition rates for qualitative tests of Phe, TSH, G6PD and 17-OHP were 99.79 %, 99.67 %, 93.40 % and 99.84 %, and the proportion of acceptable quantitative results were 94.48 %, 98.31 %, 84.65 % and 99.84 %, respectively. There were significant differences in the rates of acceptable quantitative results of the two measurement systems for Phe, TSH and G6PD ( p<0.001); χ2 test showed significant differences in correct recognition or acceptable rates among programmes ( p<0.001). Conclusion Most of the quantitative results were acceptable and the overall correct recognition rates in qualitative results approached 100%. Distributing more challenging samples and increasing the range of concentrations of EQA samples will improve standards in future assessments.