bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Group Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Veterans Diagnosed With Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Sloan Denise M. , Unger William , Lee Daniel J. , Beck J. Gayle 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRelative to advances in the literature that have examined individual treatment approaches for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), scientific knowledge about group treatment approaches has lagged, resulting in no currently available group treatment for PTSD despite the frequency with which this format is used. Our goal was to build upon the existing literature by examining the efficacy of a group cognitive‐behavioral treatment (GCBT) for PTSD relative to group present‐centered treatment (GPCT). The sample consisted of 198 male veterans with PTSD who were recruited at two Department of Veteran Affairs medical centers and randomly assigned to either GCBT (n = 98) or GPCT (n = 100); both treatments were 14 sessions. Assessments occurred at baseline, midtreatment, posttreatment, and 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐ups. Findings indicated significant reductions in PTSD severity and PTSD diagnostic status following treatment for both GCBT, d = 0.97, and GPCT, d = 0.61. In addition, we observed significant reductions for depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and functional impairment for both group treatments as well as a reduction in the percentage of veteran participants who met diagnostic status for co‐occurring major depression disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Notably, these treatment gains were maintained at 12‐month follow‐up. Contrary to expectations, there were no significant differences between treatment conditions. Veterans diagnosed with PTSD were successfully treated using a group approach. Consistent with a growing body of evidence, the findings also suggest GPCT is as equally efficacious as group trauma‐focused treatment. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01544088).
Human activities in a tropical Mexican desert: Impact of rainfed agriculture and firewood extraction on vegetation and soil
Authors: Sosa‐Quintero Jessica , Godínez‐Alvarez Héctor 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe impacts of human activities on temperate and subtropical deserts have been evaluated worldwide. However, data about tropical deserts are scarce. In this study, we evaluated the impacts of rainfed agriculture and firewood extraction on vegetation and soil of abandoned croplands (mesquite cropland and goldeneye cropland) and mesquite shrublands (open‐canopy mesquite and closed‐canopy mesquite) in a tropical Mexican desert. We interviewed peasants to understand their management practices and evaluated vegetation traits and soil properties of sites. We also examined the impacts of land management on vegetation and soil with structural equation modeling. Rainfed agriculture consisted of cultivating crops, fertilizing with manure, and introducing goats to croplands after harvest. Goldeneye cropland had higher canopy cover, vegetation structure, and litter cover than mesquite cropland. However, soil in both croplands was highly compacted with low infiltration rate, organic matter, and nutrient content. Firewood extraction only consisted of removing mesquite branches. Open‐canopy mesquite had lower canopy and litter cover and higher biological soil crust cover than closed‐canopy mesquite. The soil in both shrublands was less compacted with relatively high infiltration rate, organic matter, and nutrient content. Rainfed agriculture decreased soil nutrient content due to removal of native vegetation, plowing, and goat introduction to croplands. In contrast, firewood extraction maintained a relatively high soil nutrient content because branch removal enables the establishment of biological soil crusts, which increased the infiltration rate and nutrient availability. Thus, firewood extraction has a lower impact on the structure and function of fluvial terraces than rainfed agriculture in this tropical desert.
Automated data extraction and ensemble methods for predictive modeling of breast cancer outcomes after radiation therapy
Authors: Lindsay William D. , Ahern Christopher A. , Tobias Jacob S. , Berlind Christopher G. , Chinniah Chidambaram , Gabriel Peter E. , Gee James C. , Simone Charles B. 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ensemble methods (e.g., random forests) and single‐model methods (e.g., logistic regression and decision trees) in predictive modeling of post‐RT treatment failure and adverse events (AEs) for breast cancer patients using automatically extracted EMR data.MethodsData from 1967 consecutive breast radiotherapy (RT) courses at one institution between 2008 and 2015 were automatically extracted from EMRs and oncology information systems using extraction software. Over 230 variables were extracted spanning the following variable segments: patient demographics, medical/surgical history, tumor characteristics, RT treatment history, and AEs tracked using CTCAEv4.0. Treatment failure was extracted algorithmically by searching posttreatment encounters for evidence of local, nodal, or distant failure. Individual models were trained using decision trees, logistic regression, random forests, and boosted decision trees to predict treatment failures and AEs. Models were fit on 75% of the data and evaluated for probability calibration and area under the ROC curve (AUC) on the remaining test set. The impact of each variable segment was assessed by retraining without the segment and measuring change in AUC (ΔAUC).ResultsAll AUC values were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Ensemble methods outperformed single‐model methods across all outcomes. The best ensemble method outperformed decision trees and logistic regression by an average AUC of 0.053 and 0.034, respectively. Model probabilities were well calibrated as evidenced by calibration curves. Excluding the patient medical history variable segment led to the largest AUC reduction in all models (Average ΔAUC = −0.025), followed by RT treatment history (−0.021) and tumor information (−0.015).ConclusionIn this largest such study in breast cancer performed to date, automatically extracted EMR data provided a basis for reliable outcome predictions across multiple statistical methods. Ensemble methods provided substantial advantages over single‐model methods. Patient medical history contributed the most to prediction quality.
Initial clinical experience with selective bladder denervation for refractory overactive bladder
Authors: Tu Le Mai , De Wachter Stefan , Robert Magali , Dmochowski Roger R. , Miller Larry E. , Everaert Karel 
Published: November 2018

AimsTo report the initial clinical experience with selective bladder denervation (SBD) of the trigone in women with refractory overactive bladder (OAB).MethodsFemales with refractory OAB underwent SBD of the bladder sub‐trigone region. Patients were treated using a 10‐s voltage‐controlled radiofrequency (RF) algorithm (RF10) at study onset. The protocol was modified during the study after which point remaining patients received 60‐s temperature‐controlled RF (RF60). Patients were followed for 12 weeks and evaluated for adverse events and changes in OAB symptoms. Exploratory analyses on the influence of RF duration were performed.ResultsAmong 63 patients, SBD resulted in statistically significant and clinically important improvements for most outcomes. Comparing RF10 (n = 34) to RF60 (n = 29), treatment benefit was greater with RF60 including mean reduction in urgency urinary incontinence (−2.5 vs −0.9; P < 0.01), urinary incontinence (−2.6 vs −0.8; P < 0.001), and total urgency and frequency score (−13 vs −7; P = 0.02); and improvements in symptom bother (−33 vs −18; P < 0.01) and quality of life (28 vs 16; P = 0.02) on the OAB questionnaire. The proportion of urgency urinary incontinence treatment responders (≥50% reduction in episodes) was 79% with RF60 and 31% with RF10. The frequency of device‐ or procedure‐related adverse events was comparable in RF10 versus RF60 groups (14.7% vs 17.2%).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility of SBD in alleviating symptoms of refractory OAB. A 60‐s RF algorithm using deeper ablations of the sub‐trigonal tissues was more effective and comparably safe to a 10‐s RF algorithm using more superficial ablations.
Clinical value of prenatal MRI for diagnosis of isolated ventriculomegaly and prediction of early postnatal developmental outcomes
Authors: Li Zhi , Lv Yidan , He Pingya , Luo Zhiqin , Pan Liming , Du Ying , Fang Rong , Liu Yuqin , Li Lan , Zhu Ling 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship of ventriculomegaly (VM) with postnatal neurological development.MethodsFetuses with isolated VM on MRI (n = 160; VM group) were separated into three subgroups according to lateral ventricle width: subgroup A (10.0‐12.0 mm; n = 113), subgroup B (12.1‐15.0 mm; n = 37), and subgroup C (>15.0 mm; n = 10). Fifty normal fetuses formed a control group. Post‐delivery changes in ventricular width and neurological development were assessed with MRI/ultrasonography and the Gesell Development Schedules (GDS), respectively, at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months.ResultsGDS scores of subgroup A and subgroup B did not differ from that of the controls at 3 and 6 months. Subgroup B scores differed significantly from the control scores at 12 and 18 months. Subgroup C scores differed from the control scores at all‐time points (all P < 0.05). In the VM group, GDS scores at 12 and 18 months were significantly different from the scores at 3 months, and the score at 18 months was significantly different from the score at 6 months (P < 0.05 for all).ConclusionThe milder the VM, the more likely it was to disappear or improve in the postnatal period. However, specific postnatal rehabilitation should be considered when fetal ventricular width is greater than 12.1 mm.
Social comparisons predict health‐related quality of life and depressive symptoms across the first year of breast cancer treatment
Authors: Bouchard Laura C. , Fisher Hannah M. , Carver Charles S. , Kim Youngmee , Antoni Michael H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundSocial comparisons (SCs) are common among cancer patients, but their prospective associations are not well understood. This study examined concurrent and prospective relationships of SCs with health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and depressive symptoms during the first year of breast cancer treatment.MethodsNonmetastatic breast cancer patients (N = 240) enrolled in a larger intervention trial reported on the frequencies of SCs postsurgery (T1) and 6 months later (T2). HRQOL and depressive symptoms were assessed at T1, T2, and 12 months after T1 (T3). Path analysis via structural equation modeling was used to assess three models relating SCs to HRQOL and depressive symptoms from T1‐T2, T1‐T3, and T2‐T3, controlling for stage of disease, intervention condition, and dispositional optimism.ResultsUpward contrast SCs were associated with poorer concurrent HRQOL at T1 and T2, and with more concurrent depressive symptoms at T2. However, upward contrast SC at T1 predicted better T2 and T3 HRQOL. Upward identification SC at T1 predicted more T2 depressive symptoms, and at T2 was associated with poorer concurrent HRQOL and more concurrent depressive symptoms. Downward identification SCs at T1 were associated with poorer concurrent HRQOL. Downward identification SCs at T2 predicted poorer T3 HRQOL.ConclusionsUpward SCs were related to compromised concurrent psychosocial well‐being, but prospective effects varied by the interpretation of the comparison (ie, contrast vs identification). Findings have implications for the development and deployment of group‐based psychosocial interventions during the early phases of survivorship, during which opportunities for SC are prevalent.
Effect of fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation in soya beverage on the intestinal absorption of calcium and iron in newly weaned rats
Authors: de Lima Correia Silva Maisa , da Graça Leite Speridião Patrícia , Oyama Lila Missae , de Morais Mauro Batista 
Published: November 2018

AbstractStudies have shown the positive effects of prebiotics on the intestinal absorption of Ca and Fe. The present study evaluated the effect of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation in soya beverage (SB) on absorption mechanisms of Ca and Fe in recently weaned rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: lactose-free cows’ milk (CM), lactose-free CM with FOS (0·8 g/100 ml) (CMF), SB and soya beverage with FOS (0·8 g/100 ml) (SBF). These rats were euthanised after 1 week of treatment. Organ weight, pH of the caecal content and absorption mechanisms of Ca and Fe were evaluated. The results showed that the weight of the caecal contents increased in the CMF and SBF groups, and the pH of the caecal contents was lower in these groups. The Hb levels of the CMF and SB groups were higher when compared with that of the CM group and lower in relation to the SBF group. The apparent Ca and Fe absorption and apparent Ca retention in the CM group were higher when compared with the SB group, whereas in the CMF group, they were higher in relation to the SBF group. Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) protein expression in the duodenum was higher in the SBF group than in the SB and CMF groups. SB resulted in lower intestinal Ca absorption and higher Hb concentration, despite the lower apparent Fe absorption in relation to CM. Supplementation with FOS provided beneficial effects on Hb and DMT1 protein expression in the duodenum, in addition to improving the absorption process.
Behandlungsdiagnosen in universitären Ambulanzen für psychologische Psychotherapie im Jahr 2016
Authors: Velten Julia , Bräscher Anne-Kathrin , Fehm Lydia , Fladung Anne-Katharina , Fydrich Thomas , Heider Jens , Hentschel Sophie , Limberg-Thiesen Anke , Lutz Wolfgang , Margraf Jürgen , Schöttke Henning , Witthöft Michael , Hoyer Jürgen 
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Im Jahr 2013 entstand die Initiative, Daten der universitären Psychotherapieambulanzen zusammenzuführen, um so eine deutschlandweite Forschungsdatenplattform zu schaffen. Der Forschungsverbund KODAP (Koordination der Datenerhebung und -auswertung an Forschungs-‍, Lehr- und Ausbildungsambulanzen für psychologische Psychotherapie) organisiert dieses komplexe Vorhaben. Fragestellung / Methode: In der vorliegenden Studie wird die technische und organisatorische Machbarkeit einer solchen Forschungskooperation im Hinblick auf die Übermittlung und Zusammenführung der Daten dargestellt. Gleichzeitig wird die im Jahr 2016 in den Ambulanzen behandelte Patient_innenpopulation beschrieben und es werden erste Vergleichsdaten zur Häufigkeit ICD-10-basierter Diagnosen in diesem Versorgungssegment generiert. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt stellten 16 Ambulanzen Daten von 4504 Patientinnen und Patienten (MAlter = 37.87; SD = 13.47; Range = 15 bis 86; 65.3 % weiblich) aus dem Jahr 2016 zur Verfügung. Trotz der unterschiedlichen Systeme und Formate, in denen Patient_innen- und therapiebezogene Forschungsdaten verwaltet werden, erwies sich die Übermittlung und Zusammenführung der Datensätze als machbar. Affektive Störungen (F3) und Neurotische, Belastungs- und Somatoforme Störungen (F4) machten den Großteil der vergebenen Diagnosen aus. Bei mehr als der Hälfte der Patient_innen lag mehr als eine Störungsdiagnose vor (M = 1.84; SD = 0.99; Range = 0 bis 7). Schlussfolgerungen: Diese Studie konnte zeigen, dass die Aufbereitung, Zusammenführung und Auswertung von Forschungsdaten über Ambulanzen hinweg möglich ist. Der Forderung nach einer stärkeren Ausrichtung der Psychologie in Richtung kumulativer und kooperativer Forschungsprojekte kommt das KODAP-Projekt in besonderem Maße nach.
Transit Times and Rapid Chemical Equilibrium Explain Chemostasis in Glacial Meltwater Streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Wlostowski A. N. , Gooseff M. N. , McKnight D. M. , Lyons W. B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFluid transit time is understood to be an important control on the shape of concentration‐discharge (C‐q) relationships, yet empirical evidence supporting this linkage is limited. We investigated C‐q relationships for weathering‐derived solutes across seven Antarctic glacial meltwater streams. We hypothesized that (H1) solute fluxes in McMurdo Dry Valley streams are reaction limited so that C‐q relationships are characterized by dilution and that (H2) transit time explains between‐stream variability in the degree of C‐q dilution. Results show that C‐q relationships are chemostatic because solute equilibrium times are shorter than stream corridor fluid transit times. Between‐stream variability in the efficiency of solute production is positively correlated with transit time, suggesting that transit time is an important control on the solute export regime. These results provide empirical evidence for the controls on weathering‐derived C‐q relationships and have important implications for Antarctic ecosystems and solute export regimes of watersheds worldwide.
Evaluating Oceanic Uptake of Atmospheric CCl4: A Combined Analysis of Model Simulations and Observations
Authors: Suntharalingam P. , Buitenhuis E. , Carpenter L. J. , Butler J. H. , Messias M. J. , Andrews S. J. , Hackenberg S. C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe provide new estimates of the air‐sea flux of CCl4using simulations from a global ocean biogeochemistry model (NEMO‐PlankTOM) in combination with depth‐resolved CCl4observations from global oceanic databases. Estimates of global oceanic CCl4uptake are derived from a range of model analyses, including prescribed parameterizations using reported values on hydrolysis and degradation, and analyses optimized using the global observational databases. We evaluate the sensitivity of our results to uncertainties in air‐sea gas exchange parameterization, estimation period, and circulation processes. Our best constrained estimate of ocean CCl4uptake for the period 1996–2000 is 20.1 Gg/year (range 16.6–22.7), corresponding to estimates of the partial atmospheric lifetime with respect to ocean uptake of 124 (110–150) years. This new oceanic lifetime implies higher emissions of CCl4than currently estimated and therefore a larger missing atmospheric source of CCl4.
Strong Hydro‐Related Localized Long‐Period Crustal Deformation Observed in the Plate Boundary Observatory Borehole Strainmeters
Authors: Lu Zhou , Wen Lianxing 
Published: November 2018

AbstractStrong localized hydro‐related long‐period strain variations, with amplitude up to about 2,000 ns (nanostrain) (1–2 orders of magnitude larger than the tidal deformation), are observed in some Plate Boundary Observatory borehole strainmeters in Parkfield and Anza, California. The long‐period strain signals exhibit compression from December 2010 to January 2011, extension till May 2011, and compression till 2014 to 2015. The observed strain signals are accompanied by similar pore pressure change at some strainmeters and no pore pressure change at other strainmeters. Similar long‐period signals are also observed in rainfall, groundwater, and soil moisture in the same regions. Poroelastic simulations suggest that the observed long‐period strains and their relationships with rainfall and pore pressure could be explained by a rainfall–hydrological diffusion–poroelastic deformation mechanism. Our study indicates that poroelastic response to hydrological water would generate significant underground deformation, which is intimately related to local hydrological properties and settings.
Synoptic and Mesoscale Forcing of Southern California Extreme Precipitation
Authors: Cannon Forest , Hecht Chad W. , Cordeira Jason M. , Ralph F. Martin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSouthern California water resources are heavily dependent on a small number of extreme precipitation events each winter season, which dictate the region's highly variable interannual accumulations. In the Santa Ana River Watershed, on average, three extreme events per year contribute half of annual precipitation, yet there are relatively few studies of the synoptic to mesoscale processes that drive precipitation during these events. This study uses an ingredient‐based approach in identifying the contributions of orographic forcing, dynamical forcing, and convective instability to extreme precipitation in the watershed in 107 storms that produced roughly 50% of all precipitation from 1981 to 2017. The influence of dynamical forcing and convective instability on event precipitation distributions is investigated relative to the dominant influence of orographic forcing that is typically found in landfalling atmospheric rivers. Case studies of two high‐impact events from the 2017 winter season demonstrate differences in the roles of synoptic ascent and mesoscale convective features in modifying precipitation location, rate, and accumulation over the watershed. The 17 and 18 February 2017 case study included a narrow cold‐frontal rainband that produced high‐intensity short‐duration precipitation over low elevations of the watershed. In the 107 extreme event records, similar modification of the precipitation distribution toward non‐orographic rainfall was related to significant changes in the synoptic‐scale circulation that favored enhanced dynamics and upstream ascent associated with frontogenesis. Variability in precipitation mechanisms is of primary interest to weather forecasters and water managers as it modifies event impacts and predictability.
A Seasonal Model of Nitrogen Isotopes in the Ice Age Antarctic Zone: Support for Weakening of the Southern Ocean Upper Overturning Cell
Authors: Kemeny P. C. , Kast E. R. , Hain M. P. , Fawcett S. E. , Fripiat F. , Studer A. S. , Martínez‐García A. , Haug G. H. , Sigman D. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn the Antarctic Zone of the Southern Ocean, the coupled observations of elevated diatom‐bound 15N/14N (δ15Ndb) and reduced export production during the ice ages indicates more complete nitrate (NO3−) consumption. This evidence points to an ice age decline in gross NO3− supply from the deep ocean to the surface wind‐mixed layer, which may help to explain the reduced CO2 levels of the ice age atmosphere. We use a seasonally resolved, two‐layer model of the N isotopes in the Antarctic Zone upper ocean to quantify the ice age decline in gross NO3− supply implied by the data. When model parameters are varied to reflect reduced gross NO3− supply, the concentration of wintertime upper ocean NO3− is lowered, but with a much weaker increase in NO3− δ15N than predicted by analytical models such as the Rayleigh and steady state models. Physical mixing is the dominant cause, with a modest contribution from foodweb dynamics. As a result, the observed δ15Ndb rise of ~3‰–4‰ must be explained mostly by a greater summertime increase in NO3− δ15N during the ice ages. The high degree of NO3− consumption required to generate this summertime δ15N rise indicates a >80% reduction in gross NO3− supply. Half or more of the modern gross NO3− supply is from wind‐forced Antarctic upwelling that drives the upper cell of Southern Ocean overturning. Thus, the decrease in NO3− supply cannot be achieved solely by a decline in vertical mixing or wintertime convection; rather, it requires an ice age weakening of the upper cell.