bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Local Unscented Transform Kalman Filter for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Sung Kwangjae , Song Hyo-Jong , Kwon In-Hyuk 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes an efficient data assimilation approach based on the sigma-point Kalman filter (SPKF). With a potential for nonlinear filtering applications, the proposed approach, designated as the local unscented transform Kalman filter (LUTKF), is similar to the SPKF in that the mean and covariance of the nonlinear system are estimated by propagating a set of sigma points—also referred to as ensemble members—generated using the scaled unscented transformation (SUT), while making no assumptions with regard to nonlinear models. However, unlike the SPKF, the LUTKF can reduce the influence of observations on distant state variables by employing a localization scheme to suppress spurious correlations between distant locations in the error covariance matrix. Moreover, while the SPKF uses the augmented state vector constructed by concatenating the model states, model noise, and measurement noise, the system state for the LUTKF is not augmented with the random noise variables, thereby providing an accurate state estimate with relatively few sigma points. In sensitivity experiments executed with a 40-variable Lorenz system, the LUTKF required only three sigma points to prevent filter divergence for linear/nonlinear measurement models. Comparisons of the LUTKF and the local ensemble transform Kalman filters (LETKFs) reveal the advantages of the proposed filter in situations that share common features with geophysical data assimilation applications. In particular, the LUTKF shows considerable benefits over LETKFs when assimilating densely spaced observations that are related nonlinearly to the model state and that have high noise levels—such as the assimilation of remotely sensed data from satellites and radars.
Projecting End-of-Century Human Exposure from Tornadoes and Severe Hailstorms in Eastern Colorado: Meteorological and Population Perspectives
Authors: Childs Samuel J. , Schumacher Russ S. , Strader Stephen M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSevere convective storms along the Front Range and eastern plains of Colorado frequently produce tornadoes and hail, leading to substantial damage and crop losses annually. Determination of future human exposure from these events must consider both changes in meteorological conditions and population dynamics. Projections of EF0 + tornadoes (on the enhanced Fujita scale) and severe [1.0+ in. (25.4+ mm)] hail reports out to the year 2100 are computed using convective parameter proxies generated from dynamically downscaled GFDL Climate Model, version 3 (GFDL CM3), output by the WRF Model for control and future climate scenarios. The proxies suggest that tornado and hail days in the region may increase by up to one tornado day and three hail days per year by 2100, with the greatest increases across northeastern Colorado. Using a spatially explicit Monte Carlo model, projected future frequency and spatial changes in tornadoes and hail are superimposed with population projections from the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) to provide a range of possible scenarios for end-of-century human exposure to tornadoes and hailstorms. Changes in hazard frequency and spatial distribution may amplify human exposure up to 117% for tornadoes and 178% for hail in the region by 2100, although specific results are sensitive to uncertain combinations of future overlaps between hazard spatial distribution and population. Findings presented herein not only will provide the public, insurers, policy makers, land-use planners, and researchers with estimates of potential future tornado and hail impacts in the Front Range region, they also will allow the weather enterprise to better understand, prepare for, and communicate tornado and hail risk to eastern Colorado communities.
Impact of Pharmacist-Directed Simplified Procalcitonin Algorithm on Antibiotic Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Willmon Julie , Subedi Bibidh , Girgis Ramy , Noe Myint 
Published: June 2020

Purpose The purpose was to determine whether a simplified procalcitonin (PCT) algorithm guided by pharmacist recommendations reduces antibiotic duration of therapy in critically ill patients with suspected sepsis. Methods This was a single-centered pre-post study conducted at a 1368-bed community teaching hospital in the United States. A prospective cohort with pharmacist intervention utilizing a simplified PCT algorithm was compared with a retrospective historical cohort with standard therapy. Adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with suspected sepsis who received intravenous antibiotics were included. A pharmacist recommended continuation or discontinuation of antibiotics based on the PCT level per our algorithm and full clinical assessment of the patient. Primary outcome was total duration of antibiotic therapy. Secondary outcomes were ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), reinitiation of antibiotic therapy within 72 hours of discontinuation, and 28-day in-hospital mortality. Results From September 2017 to May 2018, 360 patients were screened for eligibility. Of these, 26 patients were included in the PCT group and 26 patients in the standard therapy group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. A significant difference in duration of antibiotic therapy was detected with a median of 9 days in the PCT group versus 12 days in the standard therapy group ( P = .02). There were no significant differences in secondary endpoints of ICU and hospital LOS, reinitiation of antibiotics at 72 hours, or 28-day mortality. Conclusion Use of a simplified PCT algorithm with pharmacist-guided recommendations significantly reduced the duration of antibiotic therapy in critically ill patients with sepsis.
Stability of Ampicillin in Normal Saline Following Refrigerated Storage and 24-Hour Pump Recirculation
Authors: Huskey Mariah , Lewis Paul , Brown Stacy D. 
Published: June 2020

Objective Use of ampicillin in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) has historically been complicated by frequent dosing and limited stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate stability of ampicillin using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in an OPAT dosing model using continuous infusion at room temperature over 24 hours immediately following preparation compared with batches stored under refrigeration for 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days. Methods An HPLC method was developed and validated as stability indicating using guidance in USP general Chapter <1225>. Four ampicillin batches were prepared for each experimental condition (immediate use and refrigerated storage for 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days). A pump was used to recirculate the solutions through medical-grade tubing for 24 hours. Triplicate 1-mL aliquots were removed from each batch at time 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours and analyzed for ampicillin concentration. Results Each batch was assayed for initial concentration (20.34-21.50 mg/mL), and percent recovery compared with that concentration thereafter. For the duration of infusion, the average recoveries were 96.4%, 95.8%, 94.6%, and 90.3% for immediate use, 24-hour storage, 72-hour storage, and 7-day storage, respectively. The recovery remained above 90% for all batches and time points, except for 7-day storage, which fell below 90% after 4 hours of circulation. Conclusion Ampicillin can be prepared and stored in a refrigerator for up to 72 hours prior to continuously infusing at room temperature over 24 hours with less than a 10% loss of potency over the dosing period. This model supports twice weekly OPAT delivery of ampicillin.
Taking Process-Based Theory Seriously: Could ‘Discrete and Insular Minorities’ Be Protected Under the Australian Constitution?
Authors: Loughland Amelia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe High Court is committed to protecting the substantive rights necessary for the effective functioning of the constitutionally entrenched system of representative and responsible government. This is consistent with a ‘representation-reinforcing’ approach to constitutional review as advocated by John Hart Ely in the United States, in which judicial intervention is limited to protecting the ordinary political processes established by the Constitution rather than adjudicating on its outcomes. While the High Court has demonstrated an Elyian commitment to keeping open the channels of political change, it has not engaged with the protection of minority rights or equality concerns more broadly which were a key element of process-based theory. In this article, I argue that the judicial protection of minority rights is a necessary and desirable corollary of the constitutional entrenchment of representative government in the Australian Constitution. I explore how this could arise through either a freestanding guarantee of equality or in a weaker form by inflecting other areas of constitutional practice. Ultimately, I acknowledge that while the High Court’s current interpretive approach may not support a broad protection of equality, its process-based protection of representative government provides an available means to recognise minority rights under the Australian Constitution.
Is an Ounce of Remittance Worth a Pound of Health? The Case of Tajikistan
Authors: Kan Sophia 
Published: June 2020

This article investigates the impact of international remittances on health outcomes. While the existing literature finds that remittances increase healthcare expenditure, expenditure alone is an incomplete proxy for health outcomes. Consequently, this article explores the impact of remittances on proxies for health outcomes beyond expenditure and for all household members (adults and children). It uses an instrumental variable approach to control for the endogeneity of remittances and finds a mostly positive relationship between remittances and health outcomes. This article also explores several possible transmission channels for how remittances affect health, finding that remittances have a positive and significant effect on household members’ likelihood of seeking direct medical care. It confirms remittances’ positive role in improving the welfare of the receivers and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between remittances and other income sources in terms of their effects on development. JEL Classification: I15, F22, R23
Acceptance and commitment therapy for the treatment of depression in persons with physical disability: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zemestani Mehdi , Mozaffari Sharmin 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on depressive symptoms in physically disabled persons. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: State welfare organization in Kamyaran, Kurdistan, Iran. Participants: Fifty-two physically disabled participants with a primary diagnosis of depression were randomly assigned to either ACT or control groups. Interventions: Participants in the ACT group ( n = 23) received eight weekly 90-minute group sessions based on standard ACT protocol for depression. Participants in the control group ( n = 29) received psychoeducation regarding depression. Main measures: Measures were recorded at baseline, eight weeks (end of treatment), and 16 weeks (follow-up). The outcomes were the change in the depressive symptoms, measured by Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), psychological flexibility, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being measured by Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB), respectively. Results: After eight weeks, significant changes in depressive symptoms was observed in the experimental group (ACT –10.39 ± 0.79 vs control 0.66 ± 0.68, P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the experimental group also showed significant improvement in psychological flexibility (ACT 8.13 ± 0.52 vs control –0.03 ± 0.51, P < 0.001), adaptive emotion regulation strategies (ACT 10.74 ± 0.62 vs control 0.03 ± 1.03, P < 0.001), and psychological well-being (ACT 66.95 ± 4.01 vs control –1.90 ± 1.04, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Compared with control group, ACT significantly reduced the participants’ depression, and changed psychological flexibility, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being in persons with physical disability.
Right and left ventricle native T1 mapping in systolic phase in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Secchi Francesco , Alì Marco , Monti Caterina B , Greiser Andreas , Pluchinotta Francesca R , Carminati Mario , Sardanelli Francesco 
Published: June 2020

Background T1 mapping is emerging as a powerful tool in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to evaluate diffuse fibrosis. However, right ventricular (RV) T1 mapping proves difficult due to the limited wall thickness in diastolic phase. Several studies focused on systolic T1 mapping, albeit only on the left ventricle (LV). Purpose To estimate intra- and inter-observer variability of native T1 (nT1) mapping of the RV, and its correlations with biventricular and pulmonary function in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Material and Methods In this retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study we evaluated 36 patients with CHD, having undergone CMR on a 1.5-T scanner. LV and RV functional evaluations were performed. A native modified look-locker inversion recovery short-axis sequence was acquired in the systolic phase. Intra- and inter-reader reproducibility were reported as complement to 100% of the ratio between coefficient of reproducibility and mean. Spearman ρ and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to compare distributions. Results Intra- and inter-reader reproducibility was 84% and 82%, respectively. Median nT1 was 1022 ms (interquartile range [IQR] 1108–972) for the RV and 947 ms (IQR 986–914) for the LV. Median RV–nT1 was 1016 ms (IQR 1090–1016) in patients with EDVI ≤100 mL/m2 and 1100 ms (IQR 1113–1100) in patients with EDVI >100 mL/m2 ( P = 0.049). A significant negative correlation was found between RV ejection fraction and RV–nT1 (ρ = −0.284, P = 0.046). Conclusion Systolic RV-nT1 showed a high reproducibility and a negative correlation with RV ejection fraction, potentially reflecting an adaptation of the RV myocardium to pulmonary valve/conduit (dys)-function.
Enablers of evidence-based management: Clues from the absorptive capacity literature
Authors: Criado-Perez Christian , Collins Catherine G , Jackson Chris 
Published: June 2020

Evidence-based management (EBM) is a framework well-suited to improving decision-making amid the deluge of available information. However, little is known about the enablers of EBM, particularly with regard to organisational-level factors. Drawing on the absorptive capacity (AC) literature, we identify novel multi-level factors that are likely to enable EBM implementation. Specifically, we review the empirical literature on antecedents of AC and use meta-analyses to determine the relationship between these antecedents and AC. Findings highlight organisational-level enablers of EBM including information system capabilities, transformational leadership, available resources and collaboration. Individual-level enablers include prior related knowledge, motivation for learning and employee empowerment. We contribute to the literature by illustrating the importance of organisational-level enablers for EBM, advancing a research agenda on EBM and providing recommendations for practitioners. JEL Classification: M10
Examining the Impact of Wellness Champions on the Effectiveness of a Workplace Health and Well-Being Program
Authors: Ellis Rebecca , Saringer Colleen , Davis Ashlee , Biber Duke , Ferrer David A. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of Desire2Move (D2M) implementation fidelity by Wellness Champions on program effectiveness. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Years 1, 3, and 5 of D2M; an annual peer support health and well-being initiative for university employees. Participants: D2M participants included 422 employees from 28 teams; however, only 144 provided survey data (34.1% response rate). Intervention: During the 8-week program, departments competed as teams to accumulate the greatest average physical activity (PA) minutes. Each team selected a Wellness Champion who delivered program information. Each team member recorded PA minutes with MapMyFitnes s. Measures: An electronic survey assessed program implementation fidelity and program satisfaction. Analysis: Median split (median [Mdn] = 21.2) categorized teams into “high” (n = 14; Mdn = 24.0, range = 21.4-25.0) and “low” (n = 14; Mdn = 19.4, range = 14.3-21.0) implementation groups. Independent samples t tests evaluated differences between groups on program satisfaction and team program average PA minutes. Results: Groups were significantly different for program satisfaction, t(26) = −2.76, P = .011, and team program average PA minutes, t(26) = −2.40, P = .024. The “high” implementation group reported greater program satisfaction (mean [M] = 12.6, standard deviation [SD] = 1.8) and team program average PA minutes (M = 2104.4, SD = 807.4) than the “low” implementation group (program satisfaction M = 11.1, SD = 1.1; team program average minutes M = 1340.8, SD = 875.8). Conclusion: Wellness Champions positively impacted employee PA participation and program satisfaction.
A clinical approach to non-neutropenic fever in children with cancer
Authors: AlAzmi Aeshah , Jastaniah Wasil , AlDabbagh Mona , Elimam Naglla 
Published: June 2020

Background There are a limited number of studies that address non-neutropenic fever episodes in children with cancer, and no standard approach exists. Method We opt to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of the current clinical approach for management of non-neutropenic fever episodes and the associated risk factors among children with cancer at the Princess Noorah Oncology Center from May 2016 through December 2017. Results A total of 480 non-neutropenic fever episodes were identified in 131 children, of which 62 episodes were triaged as high-risk non-neutropenic fever and 418 as low-risk non-neutropenic fever. Of those 480 non-neutropenic fever, 361 episodes (75.2%) were associated with the presence of central venous catheters. The overall failure rate of ceftriaxone mono-therapy was observed in 75.6% (11.7% in high-risk non-neutropenic fever with a mean C-reactive protein level of 21.1 (±23.2) mmol/L and 63.9% in low-risk non-neutropenic fever with a mean C-reactive protein level of 17.6 (±53.9) mmol/L). The overall bacteremia rate was 14.4%. The type of organisms isolated was mainly high-risk organisms in 59 non-neutropenic fever episodes (85.5%), OR 1.78 (95% CI: 0.45–7.04) p = 0.41. Of note, all bacteremia were associated with the presence of central venous catheter (100%). Of all the examined risk factors of outpatient treatment failure in low-risk non-neutropenic fever, only prolonged fever of more than three days were significantly associated with bacteremia OR 8.107 [95% CI: 1.744–37.691], p = 0.008. Noteworthy is that almost 43% of non-neutropenic fever episodes were associated with respiratory symptoms. This study provides a baseline for future prospective research assessing the pattern of non-neutropenic fever by focusing on associated risk factors.
Impact of preheparinization and sample volume on routine hematology findings in healthy cats
Authors: Norsworthy Gary D , Cook Audrey K , Lanier Christopher J 
Published: June 2020

Objectives It can be challenging to collect sufficient blood from feline patients for both a biochemical profile and a complete blood count (CBC). The ability to generate accurate hematologic and biochemical data from a single, small (<2 ml) sample could reduce patient stress and improve clinical efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of preheparinization and/or sample size on routine hematology findings in cats. Methods Blood was collected from 20 healthy cats; measured aliquots were placed directly into tubes containing either EDTA or lithium–heparin (Hep). Within 2 mins, specific volumes were removed from the Hep tubes and placed in additional EDTA tubes. Four distinct sample sizes/types were created from each cat: (1) 1.3 ml EDTA (criterion standard); (2) 0.5 ml EDTA; (3) 1.3 ml Hep + EDTA; and (4) 0.5 ml Hep + EDTA. Three CBCs were performed on each sample using an automated bench-top hematology analyzer. Drops of blood were contemporaneously used to create three air-dried stained slides from each tube. Triplicate results were averaged for statistical analysis; results were compared across all sample types and against the criterion standard. Significance was set at P <0.05. Results Preheparinization did not significantly impact determinations of erythrocyte number, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume and neutrophil count. Platelet counts for the non-traditional samples correlated poorly with the criterion standard, although numbers could be effectively estimated using stained slides. Cell morphology was well preserved across all sample types. Conclusions and relevance These results indicate that a 0.5 ml preheparinized EDTA blood sample can generate clinically useful hematologic data (excluding platelet count) in cats, using a bench-top analyzer. Our findings support the collection of a single small (<2 ml) sample that can be used for both biochemical and hematologic analyses. Further studies are needed to verify these findings using other hematology machines and in diseased cats.
Wide-field individual retinal layer thickness in healthy eyes
Authors: Singh Sumit Randhir , Invernizzi Alessandro , Rasheed Mohammed Abdul , Cagini Carlo , Goud Abhilash , Gujar Ramkailash , Pandey Priti , Vupparaboina Kiran Kumar , Cozzi Mariano , Lupidi Marco , Chhablani Jay 
Published: June 2020

Purpose To report the individual retinal layer thickness in healthy subjects using wide-field optical coherence tomography. Methods This was a prospective, cross-sectional study involving healthy subjects. A custom-designed semiautomated segmentation algorithm was used to split the retinal layers in seven bands, and individual retinal layer thicknesses were measured in horizontal (nasal, macular, and temporal segments) and vertical meridians (superior, macular, and inferior segments). The variation in retinal thickness was analyzed in different segments at an interval of 1 mm from reference points. Regression analysis was performed to identify the factors affecting retinal thickness. Results Twenty eyes of 20 healthy subjects with mean age of 28.9 ± 6.3 years were analyzed. Overall, nasal and superior segments (mean ± standard deviation: 279.6 ± 17.0 and 234.4 ± 19.2 µm) had maximum and minimum retinal thicknesses, respectively. A total of seven bands were delineated in each optical coherence tomography b scan in each segment. Retinal nerve fiber layer was thickest immediately nasal to optic disk margin in horizontal scan (72.4 ± 32.4 µm) and near the vascular arcades in vertical meridian. Outer plexiform layer, external limiting membrane–ellipsoid zone and interdigitation zone–retinal pigment epithelium–Bruch’s complex showed significant variation in both horizontal and vertical meridians (all p values <0.05). Macular segment in both meridians showed the highest coefficient of variation. Age was the only significant factor affecting retinal thickness in multiple regression analysis (p = 0.001). Conclusions Wide-field optical coherence tomography shows significant regional variation in overall and individual retinal layer thicknesses in macular and peripheral areas in healthy eyes with the highest variation in macular segment.