bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Forecasting of Thunderstorms in the Eastern Alps
Authors: Simon Thorsten , Fabsic Peter , Mayr Georg J. , Umlauf Nikolaus , Zeileis Achim 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA probabilistic forecasting method to predict thunderstorms in the European eastern Alps is developed. A statistical model links lightning occurrence from the ground-based Austrian Lightning Detection and Information System (ALDIS) detection network to a large set of direct and derived variables from a numerical weather prediction (NWP) system. The NWP system is the high-resolution run (HRES) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) with a grid spacing of 16 km. The statistical model is a generalized additive model (GAM) framework, which is estimated by Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation. Gradient boosting with stability selection serves as a tool for selecting a stable set of potentially nonlinear terms. Three grids from 64 × 64 to 16 × 16 km2 and five forecast horizons from 5 days to 1 day ahead are investigated to predict thunderstorms during afternoons (1200–1800 UTC). Frequently selected covariates for the nonlinear terms are variants of convective precipitation, convective potential available energy, relative humidity, and temperature in the midlayers of the troposphere, among others. All models, even for a lead time of 5 days, outperform a forecast based on climatology in an out-of-sample comparison. An example case illustrates that coarse spatial patterns are already successfully forecast 5 days ahead.
20 years of researching stroke through audit
Authors: Rudd Anthony G , Hoffman Alex , Paley Lizz , Bray Benjamin 
Published: June 2018

Over the last 20 years, England, Wales and Northern Ireland have developed an audit programme that now encompasses nearly all patients admitted to hospital with a stroke. This article records and reviews some questions that have been answered using data from the audit: Is the rate of institutional care after rehabilitation a possible measure of outcome? Does stroke unit care in routine practice give the benefits shown in randomized controlled trials? How is the quality of stroke care affected by a patient’s age and the time of their stroke? Do patient-reported measures match those obtained from the professionals recording of processes of care? How do the processes of care after stroke affect mortality? Is thrombolysis safe to use in patients over the age of 80? Do staffing levels matter? Does assessing the safety of swallowing really make a difference? Do clinicians make rational decisions about end-of-life care in patients with haemorrhage? Does socioeconomic status influence the risk of stroke, outcome after stroke and the quality of stroke care? How much does stroke really cost in England, Wales and Northern Ireland? The article concludes that this national audit has improved stroke care across the United Kingdom, has given answers to important questions that could not be answered in any other way and has shown that benefits found in research do generalize into real clinical benefits in day-to-day practice.
Resolving Revenue Allocation Challenges in Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable National Development
Authors: Ohiomu Sylvester , Oluyemi Sunday Ade 
Published: June 2018

This study examines the structure and formula for revenue allocation in Nigeria which has been fraught with challenges, proffers solution, and highlights its implications for sustainable national development. The work uses the methodology of Group Unit Root Test, auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) Bounds Testing and Cointegrating Long Run tests for robust policy recommendations. Using the Gross Domestic Product as the dependent variable and revenue allocation to the three levels of government, and oil revenue as the independent variables, the results from the study show that revenue allocations and the other variables have significant relationship with economic growth in Nigeria. Based on our findings, the study recommends among others that the current revenue allocation formula should be reviewed to embrace autonomy in its entirety to achieve national goals and objectives. Various levels of government should be adequately funded to enable it carry out its expenditure responsibilities to accelerate grass root development. JEL classification: C22, C32, C58
Mental Health in the Cree Peoples of Northern Quebec: Relationships Among Trauma, Familial Psychological Distress, and Mood or Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Heath Laura M. , Torrie Jill , Gill Kathryn J. 
Published: June 2018

Objective: This study examined the physical and mental health of Cree adults, as well as the personal, clinical, and environmental factors associated with the presence of lifetime anxiety and mood disorders. Methods: Mental health was assessed using the computerised version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (CDIS-IV), and standardised instruments were used to assess physical health, addiction severity, and psychological distress in 506 randomly selected participants from 4 Northern Cree communities in Quebec. Results: Overall, 46.1% of participants reported chronic medical problems, 42.1% were current smokers and 34.5% met the DSM-IV criteria for an anxiety or mood disorder. Individuals with an anxiety or mood disorder were younger, predominantly female, and with higher educational levels, and a large proportion (47.7%) met the lifetime criteria for substance dependence. Hierarchical regression determined that anxiety or mood disorders were associated with serious problems getting along with parents, a history of physical and sexual abuse, and a lifetime diagnosis of substance dependence. Overall, 29.7% of Cree adults reported sexual abuse, 47.1% physical abuse, and 52.9% emotional abuse. Conclusions: This study highlights the high rates of physical and mental health problems in Cree communities and the association among parental history of psychological problems, history of abuse, and psychological distress. Participants expressed a desire for additional medical and psychological treatments to address the patterns of abuse, trauma, and mental disorders that are burdening the Cree communities in Northern Quebec.
Between History and Religion: The New Russian Martyrdom as an Invented Tradition
Authors: Bogumił Zuzanna , Łukaszewicz Marta 
Published: June 2018

This article is part of the special cluster titled Social practices of remembering and forgetting of the communist past in Central and Eastern Europe, guest edited by Malgorzata Glowacka-Grajper In the year 2000, during the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, more than one thousand victims of Soviet repressions—people persecuted and murdered by the Soviet regime—were glorified and named the New Russian Martyrs. By presenting the origin and background of the phenomenon, authors demonstrate that the New Martyrdom is a kind of invented tradition. They focus on analysis of the tension that occurs when history becomes religion by highlighting some problematic issues with regard to the New Martyrdom and showing how the Russian Orthodox Church is addressing them. The analysis sheds new light on the political use of religion for the creation of narrative about the past in contemporary Russia.
Statistical Arbitrage Strategies under Different Market Conditions: The Case of the Greek Banking Sector
Authors: Mavrakis Emmanouil , Alexakis Christos 
Published: June 2018

In this article, we examine the behaviour of cointegration-based pairs trading (PT) strategies, under different market conditions. Reported results indicate that changes in market conditions affect the stability of long-run relations between pairs of stocks, therefore suggesting that arbitrageurs should perform rebalancing between the examined stocks when a change in market trend is evident. The applicability of our results may be of importance to market participants; although cointegration applications have received considerable attention from hedge funds adopting statistical arbitrage (SA) strategies, little evidence has been reported for the validity of these trading strategies under changing market conditions. JEL Classification: C32, G11
Lifetime exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the risk of multiple sclerosis in the US radiologic technologists cohort study
Authors: Gallagher Lisa G , Ilango Sindana , Wundes Annette , Stobbe Gary A , Turk Katherine W , Franklin Gary M , Linet Martha S , Freedman D Michal , Alexander Bruce H , Checkoway Harvey 
Published: June 2018

Background: Low exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sunlight may be a risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Possible pathways may be related to effects on immune system function or vitamin D insufficiency, as UVR plays a role in the production of the active form of vitamin D in the body. Objective: This study examined whether lower levels of residential UVR exposure from sunlight were associated with increased MS risk in a cohort of radiologic technologists. Methods: Participants in the third and fourth surveys of the US Radiologic Technologists (USRT) Cohort Study eligible ( N = 39,801) for analysis provided complete residential histories and reported MS diagnoses. MS-specialized neurologists conducted medical record reviews and confirmed 148 cases. Residential locations throughout life were matched to satellite data from NASA’s Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) project to estimate UVR dose. Results: Findings indicate that MS risk increased as average lifetime levels of UVR exposures in winter decreased. The effects were consistent across age groups <40 years. There was little indication that low exposures during summer or at older ages were related to MS risk. Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that UVR exposure reduces MS risk and may ultimately suggest prevention strategies.
Assessing attitudes towards evidence-based practice among social workers in Hong Kong
Authors: Kim Minseop 
Published: June 2018

Summary Given that professionals’ attitudes towards evidence-based practice is a key to implementing evidence-based practice, considerable attention has been devoted to understanding social workers’ attitudes towards evidence-based practice, with interventions to change those attitudes and thereby promote the adoption of evidence-based practice. In the Chinese context, however, neither systematic studies nor interventions have been conducted, in part because of the lack of valid scales to measure such attitudes among Chinese social workers. This study examined the reliability and validity of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale, using data collected from 181 registered social workers in Hong Kong. Findings Confirmative factor analysis found that Chinese social workers’ attitudes towards evidence-based practice can be captured by four distinct constructs: (1) intuitive Appeal of evidence-based practice, (2) likelihood of adopting evidence-based practice given Requirements to, (3) Openness to change, and (4) Divergence of usual practice with research-based interventions. Reliability coefficients showed that the subscales and overall scale have good internal consistency reliability. With the demonstrated validity and reliability, scores on the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale indicated that Hong Kong social workers have less positive attitudes towards evidence-based practice, compared to their Western counterparts. Applications This study provides evidence about the potential usefulness of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale for research and practice in the Chinese context. The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale can be used for studies to uncover remediable barriers to the adoption of evidence-based practice, which may inform the development of tailored evidence-based practice implementation and dissemination strategies in the Chinese context.
Refining risk classification in childhood B acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of DFCI ALL Consortium Protocol 05-001
Authors: Vrooman Lynda M. , Blonquist Traci M. , Harris Marian H. , Stevenson Kristen E. , Place Andrew E. , Hunt Sarah K. , O’Brien Jane E. , Asselin Barbara L. , Athale Uma H. , Clavell Luis A. , Cole Peter D. , Kelly Kara M. , Laverdiere Caroline , Leclerc Jean-Marie , Michon Bruno , Schorin Marshall A. , Sulis Maria Luisa , Welch Jennifer J. G. , Neuberg Donna S. , Sallan Stephen E. , Silverman Lewis B. 
Published: June 2018

Key Points
Childhood B-ALL patients, including those with VHR features, had favorable outcomes on DFCI 05-001 risk-stratified therapy. IKZF1 deletion was an independent predictor of inferior outcome, including among patients with low end-induction MRD.
Effect of knee unloading shoes on regional plantar forces in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis – an exploratory study
Authors: van Tunen Joyce A. C. , Paterson Kade L. , Wrigley Tim V. , Metcalf Ben R. , Thorlund Jonas B. , Hinman Rana S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundKnee ‘unloading’ footwear can reduce the external knee adduction moment in people with knee osteoarthritis, yet effects of these shoes on regional plantar forces are unknown. We evaluated the effects of unloading shoes on in‐shoe regional plantar forces, and whether measures of foot posture and/or mobility moderate these effects in people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.MethodsIn this exploratory study 21 participants underwent testing while wearing knee unloading shoes (ASICS GEL‐Melbourne OA) and conventional shoes in random order. Peak total forces were compared across conditions for: lateral heel, medial heel, lateral forefoot, and medial forefoot. Arch index, centre of pressure position and medial‐lateral heel peak force ratio were also evaluated. Foot posture, foot mobility magnitude and navicular drop were separately added to the mixed linear model to investigate if these modified the effect of footwear on outcomes.ResultsUnloading shoes significantly increased lateral heel and lateral forefoot force (12.9 and 20.2% respectively, all P < 0.001), with concurrent decreases in the medial heel (8.9%, P = 0.001) and medial forefoot (9.9%, P = 0.005). Unloading shoes significantly shifted the centre of pressure anteriorly (4.7%, P < 0.001) and laterally (5.6%, P = 0.034), but did not affect the arch index (8.7%, P = 0.093). Foot posture, foot mobility magnitude and navicular drop did not moderate the effect of footwear on outcomes.ConclusionCompared to conventional shoes, unloading shoes caused a lateral shift in foot pressure and force patterns. Although these effects were not moderated by foot posture, FMM or navicular drop, variability in the individual increases in lateral heel force suggests participant characteristics other than foot posture may play a role.Trial registrationACTRN12613000851763. Registered 02 August 2013.
Stratification of the risk of bipolar disorder recurrences in pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Di Florio Arianna , Gordon-Smith Katherine , Forty Liz , Kosorok Michael R. , Fraser Christine , Perry Amy , Bethell Andrew , Craddock Nick , Jones Lisa , Jones Ian 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundPregnancy and childbirth are a period of high risk for women with bipolar disorder and involve difficult decisions particularly about continuing or stopping medications.AimsTo explore what clinical predictors may help to individualise the risk of perinatal recurrence in women with bipolar disorder.MethodInformation was gathered retrospectively by semi-structured interview, questionnaires and case-note review from 887 women with bipolar disorder who have had children. Clinical predictors were selected using backwards stepwise logistic regression, conditional permutation random forests and reinforcement learning trees.ResultsPrevious perinatal history of affective psychosis or depression was the most significant predictor of a perinatal recurrence (odds ratio (OR) = 8.5, 95% CI 5.04–14.82 and OR = 3.6, 95% CI 2.55–5.07 respectively) but even parous women with bipolar disorder without a previous perinatal mood episode were at risk following a subsequent pregnancy, with 7% developing postpartum psychosis.ConclusionsPrevious perinatal history of affective psychosis or depression is the most important predictor of perinatal recurrence in women with bipolar disorder and can be used to individualise risk assessments.Declaration of interestNone.
Association Between Intraoperative Oliguria and Acute Kidney Injury After Major Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Shiba Ayako , Uchino Shigehiko , Fujii Tomoko , Takinami Masanori , Uezono Shoichi 
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND:
Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in 6.1%–22.4% of patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. Previous studies have shown no association between intraoperative urine output and postoperative acute renal failure. However, these studies used various definitions of acute renal failure. We therefore investigated the association between intraoperative oliguria and postoperative AKI defined by the serum creatinine criteria of the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage kidney disease (RIFLE) classification.

METHODS:
In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we screened 26,984 patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during the period September 1, 2008 to October 31, 2011 at a university hospital. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years; duration of anesthesia <120 minutes; hospital stay <2 nights; local anesthesia only; urologic or cardiac surgery; coexisting end-stage kidney disease; and absence of serum creatinine measurement, intraoperative urine output data, or information regarding intraoperative drug use. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used as the primary analytic method.

RESULTS:
A total of 5894 patients were analyzed. The incidence of postoperative AKI was 7.3%. By multivariable analysis, ≥120 minutes of oliguria (odds ratio = 2.104, 95% CI, 1.593–2.778; P < .001) was independently associated with the development of postoperative AKI. After propensity-score matching of patients with ≥120 and <120 minutes of oliguria on baseline characteristics, the incidence of AKI in patients with ≥120 minutes of oliguria (n = 827; 10%) was significantly greater than that in those with <120 minutes of oliguria (n = 827; 4.8%; odds ratio = 2.195, 95% CI, 1.806–2.668; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Contrary to previous studies, we found that intraoperative oliguria is associated with the incidence of AKI after major noncardiac surgery.
High-Fidelity Simulation Nurse Training Reduces Unplanned Interruption of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Sessions in Critically Ill Patients: The SimHeR Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lemarie Pierre , Husser Vidal Solenne , Gergaud Soizic , Verger Xavier , Rineau Emmanuel , Berton Jerome , Parot-Schinkel Elsa , Hamel Jean-François , Lasocki Sigismond 
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND:
Although continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is common, unplanned interruptions (UI) often limit its usefulness. In many units, nurses are responsible for CRRT management. We hypothesized that a nurse training program based on high-fidelity simulation would reduce the rate of interrupted sessions.

METHODS:
We performed a 2-phase (training and evaluation), randomized, single-center, open study: During the training phase, intensive care unit nurses underwent a 6-hour training program and were randomized to receive (intervention) or not (control) an additional high-fidelity simulation training (6 hours). During the evaluation phase, management of CRRT sessions was randomized to either intervention or control nurses. Sessions were defined as UI if they were interrupted and the interruption was not prescribed in writing more than 3 hours before.

RESULTS:
Study nurses had experience with hemodialysis, but no experience with CRRT before training. Intervention nurses had higher scores than control nurses on the knowledge tests (grade, median [Q1–Q3], 14 [10.5–15] vs 11 [10–12]/20; P = .044). During a 13-month period, 106 sessions were randomized (n = 53/group) among 50 patients (mean age 70 ± 13 years, mean simplified acute physiology II score 69 [54–96]). Twenty-one sessions were not analyzed (4 were not performed and 17 patients died during sessions). Among the 42 intervention and 43 control sessions analyzed, 25 (59%) and 38 (88%) were labeled as UI (relative risk [95% CI], 0.67 [0.51–0.88]; P = .002). Intervention nurses required help significantly less frequently (0 [0–1] vs 3 [1–4] times/session; P < .0001). The 2 factors associated with UI in multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.81 [0.65–99]; P = .047) and the intervention group (odds ratio, 0.19 [0.05–0.73]; P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS:
High-fidelity simulation nurse training reduced the rate of UI of CRRT sessions and the need for nurses to request assistance. This intervention may be particularly useful in the context of frequent nursing staff turnover.
Transcriptional responses of Anopheles gambiae s.s mosquito larvae to chronic exposure of cadmium heavy metal
Authors: Muturi Catherine N. , Rono Martin K. , Masiga Daniel K. , Wachira Francis N. , Ochieng Richard , Mireji Paul O. 
Published: June 2018

Background: Anopheles gambiae larvae traditionally thrive in non-polluted environments. We previously documented the presence of the larvae in heavy metal polluted urban aquatic environments and the associated biological cost. The goal of this study was to unravel the molecular dynamics involved in the adaptation of the mosquitoes to the heavy metals. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from third instar larvae of both cadmium treated populations and untreated control populations. The RNA concentrations were normalized and complementary DNAs were prepared. Then annealing control primer (ACP) technology was applied to establish transcriptional responses in An. gambiae larvae following several generational (n=90) chronic exposures to cadmium. Differentially expressed genes were determined by their differential banding patterns on an agarose gel. Gel extraction and purification was then carried out on the DEGs and these were later cloned and sequenced to establish the specific transcripts. Results: We identified 14 differentially expressed transcripts in response to the cadmium exposure in the larvae. Most (11) of the transcripts were up-regulated in response to the cadmium exposure and were putatively functionally associated with metabolism, transport and protein synthesis processes. The transcripts included ATP-binding cassette transporter, eupolytin, ribosomal RNA, translation initiation factor, THO complex, lysosomal alpha-mannosidase, sodium-independent sulfate anion transporter and myotubularin related protein 2. The down-regulated transcripts were functionally associated with signal transduction and proteolytic activity and included Protein G12, adenylate cyclase and endoplasmic reticulum metallopeptidase. Conclusions: Our findings shed light on pathways functionally associated with the adaptation to heavy metals that can be targeted in integrated vector control programs, and potential An. gambiae larvae biomarkers for assessment of environmental stress or contamination.