bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Development of an Inversion Technique to Extract Vertical Current Profiles from X-Band Radar Observations
Authors: Campana Jeffrey , Terrill Eric J. , de Paolo Tony 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe influence of wave–current interactions on time series of marine X-band radar backscatter maps at the mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) near Astoria, Oregon, is examined. The energetic wave environment at the MCR, coupled with the strong tidally forced currents, provides a unique test environment to explore the limitations in accurately determining the magnitude and vertical structure of upper-ocean currents from wavefield measurements. Direct observation in time and space of the wave-induced radar backscatter and supporting acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) current measurements provide a rich dataset for investigating how currents shift the observed wave dispersion relationship. First, current extraction techniques that assume a specific current–depth profile are tested against ADCP measurements. These constrained solutions prove to have inaccuracies because the models do not properly account for vertical shear. A forward solution using measured current profiles to predict the wavenumber–Doppler shift relationship for the range of ocean waves sensed by the radar is introduced. This approach confirms the ocean wavefield is affected by underlying vertical current shear. Finally, a new inversion method is developed to extract current profiles from the wavenumber-dependent Doppler shift observations. The success of the inversion model is shown to be sensitive to the range of wavenumbers spanned by observed Doppler shifts, with skill exceeding 0.8 when wavenumbers span more than 0.1 rad m−1. This agreement when observations successfully capture the broadband wavefield suggests the X-band backscatter is a viable means of remotely estimating current shear.
High-Speed Volumetric Observation of a Wet Microburst Using X-Band Phased Array Weather Radar in Japan
Authors: Adachi Toru , Kusunoki Kenichi , Yoshida Satoru , Arai Ken-ichiro , Ushio Tomoo 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper reports a high-speed volumetric observation of a wet microburst event using X-band phased array weather radar (PAWR) in Japan. On 10 September 2014, PAWR observed the three-dimensional structure of a convection cell, which had a vertical extent of 5–6 km and a horizontal dimension of 2–10 km, moving toward the east-northeast. At 2310 Japan standard time (JST), a precipitation core with a radar reflectivity of >40 dBZ appeared at 3–5 km above ground level. The core then increased in size and intensity and rapidly descended to the ground. During this time, a reflectivity notch associated with midlevel inflow was initially formed near the top of the precipitation core and, subsequently, at lower altitudes. A strong low-level outflow with a radial divergence of >4 × 10−3 s−1 appeared just below the notch at around 2321 JST. The outflow lasted for approximately 13 min and eventually disappeared after 2333 JST along with dissipation of the causative storm cell. These results suggest that, in addition to hydrometeor loading, evaporative cooling due to the entrainment of midlevel relatively dry air played an additional role in driving a strong downdraft. The preceding signatures including descending precipitation core, reflectivity notch, and midlevel convergence observed by PAWR are useful precursors to forecast the occurrence of low-level wind shear 5–10 min ahead, which is important for safe air traffic operation.
The Female Condition in Africa: A Literary Exploration by Mariama Ba
Authors: Cham Mbye Baboucar 
Published: July 2016

The emergence in recent years of a small but significant body of fiction by African women is indeed one of the most interesting developments in post-1970 literary activity in Africa. In a field for too long the predominant preserve of men from whose pens and imagination come the bulk of the literary portrayals of women in African societies, the appearance of African female novelists not only extends, but, in extending, also reshapes and redefines both the contours and content of the African literary landscape, especially in the area of women and their role in society. One of the leading artists in this category of new female literary figures is the late Senegalese novelist, Mariama Ba. This article examines, on a general level, the question of male/female and female/female relationships and the personal as well as sociopolitical and cultural implications of these for Senegalese and African societies. At a more specific level, the article looks at the theme of abandonment, its causes and its effects on spouses, especially females, and the various mechanisms adopted by these to cope with or transcend the emotional and other traumas brought about by abandonment. Our examination focuses on Mariama Ba's only two novels, Une Si Longue Lettre ( So Long A Letter) and Un Chant Ecarlate, and much of the thematic discussion is done through a close look at Ba's use of technique and form culled from Western, Islamic and African artistic traditions, especially her expert use of the letter as narrative vehicle.
Angola and the Soviet Union
Authors: Abegunrin Layi 
Published: July 2016

In the annals of the Angolan revolutionary decolonization process, the Soviet Union and its ally, Cuba, have carved a significant nitch for themselves. Given this existing rapport, the aim of this article is to examine and analyze the Angolan-Soviet relations in the political and diplomatic spheres. An appraisal of their economic and trade link as well as their cultural rapport are also examined and analyzed. In addition, it is also within the scope of this article to verify the authenticity or otherwise of the charge that in the 1970s and to date, the Soviet Union's military support surpasses all other variables in their relationships with some Southern African countries especially in the light of Angola's contemporary experience. It is rather germane to mention at the onset that to say no chronicle of Angolan-Soviet relations without the role of Cuba is meaningless, is saying the obvious. Here allusions to Cuba and other Soviet allies should not be misconstrued as veering away from the scope of this article.
Guest Editorial: Apartheid South Africa: The Commonwealth Stand and U.S.-British Collusion
Authors: Hoskins Linus A. 
Published: July 2016

We consider that South Africa's continuing refusal to dismantle apartheid, its illegal occupation of Namibia, and its aggression against its neighbors constitute a serious challenge to the values and principles of the Commonwealth, a challenge which Commonwealth countries cannot ignore. We express the view that only the eradication of apartheid and establishment of majority rule on the basis of free and fair exercise of universal adult suffrage by all the people in a united and nonfragmented South Africa can lead to a just and lasting solution of the explosive situation prevailing in Southern Africa. The Commonwealth Accord on Southern Africa (October 1985).
Associations Between Recent Bereavement and Psychological and Financial Burden in Homebound Older Adults
Authors: Ghesquiere Angela R. , Bazelais Kisha N. , Berman Jacquelin , Greenberg Rebecca L. , Kaplan Daniel , Bruce Martha L. 
Published: July 2016

Introduction Bereavement is common in older adults, but it remains unknown whether bereavement contributes to poor outcomes in the vulnerable population of older adults receiving home-based services. We examine whether recent bereavement was associated with worse physical or mental health, presence of abuse or neglect, and financial strain. Research Design Cross-sectional analyses of an assessment of functional and social vulnerabilities collected by the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA), the largest Area Agency on Aging in New York. Assessments were completed on 5,576 New York City Department for the Aging long-term care program, recipients aged ≥60 who received services in 2012. Assessment also collected data on partner or child death in the last year. Results Logistic regression indicated that the recently bereaved were more likely than the nonbereaved to report both depression symptoms and financial strain. Conclusion Enhanced efforts to identify and address mental health and financial concerns in bereaved homebound older adults may be warranted.
Novel method to study pericyte contractility and responses to ischaemia in vitro using electrical impedance
Authors: Neuhaus Ain A , Couch Yvonne , Sutherland Brad A , Buchan Alastair M 
Published: July 2016

Pericytes are contractile vascular mural cells overlying capillary endothelium, and they have been implicated in a variety of functions including regulation of cerebral blood flow. Recent work has suggested that both in vivo and ex vivo, ischaemia causes pericytes to constrict and die, which has implications for microvascular reperfusion. Assessing pericyte contractility in tissue slices and in vivo is technically challenging, while in vitro techniques remain unreliable. Here, we used isolated cultures of human brain vascular pericytes to examine their contractile potential in vitro using the iCelligence electrical impedance system. Contraction was induced using the vasoactive peptide endothelin-1, and relaxation was demonstrated using adenosine and sodium nitroprusside. Endothelin-1 treatment also resulted in increased proliferation, which we were able to monitor in the same cell population from which we recorded contractile responses. Finally, the observation of pericyte contraction in stroke was reproduced using chemical ischaemia, which caused a profound and irreversible contraction clearly preceding cell death. These data demonstrate that isolated pericytes retain a contractile phenotype in vitro, and that it is possible to quantify this contraction using real-time electrical impedance recordings, providing a significant new platform for assessing the effects of vasoactive and vasculoprotective compounds on pericyte contractility.
Does Extended Preoperative Rehabilitation Influence Outcomes 2 Years After ACL Reconstruction?
Authors: Failla Mathew J. , Logerstedt David S. , Grindem Hege , Axe Michael J. , Risberg May Arna , Engebretsen Lars , Huston Laura J. , Spindler Kurt P. , Snyder-Mackler Lynn 
Published: July 2016

Background: Rehabilitation before anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is effective at improving postoperative outcomes at least in the short term. Less is known about the effects of preoperative rehabilitation on functional outcomes and return-to-sport (RTS) rates 2 years after reconstruction. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare functional outcomes 2 years after ACLR in a cohort that underwent additional preoperative rehabilitation, including progressive strengthening and neuromuscular training after impairments were resolved, compared with a nonexperimental cohort. We hypothesized that the cohort treated with extended preoperative rehabilitation would have superior functional outcomes 2 years after ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study compared outcomes after an ACL rupture in an international cohort (Delaware-Oslo ACL Cohort [DOC]) treated with extended preoperative rehabilitation, including neuromuscular training, to data from the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohort, which did not undergo extended preoperative rehabilitation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria from the DOC were applied to the MOON database to extract a homogeneous sample for comparison. Patients achieved knee impairment resolution before ACLR, and postoperative rehabilitation followed each cohort’s respective criterion-based protocol. Patients completed the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at enrollment and again 2 years after ACLR. RTS rates were calculated for each cohort at 2 years. Results: After adjusting for baseline IKDC and KOOS scores, the DOC patients showed significant and clinically meaningful differences in IKDC and KOOS scores 2 years after ACLR. There was a significantly higher ( P < .001) percentage of DOC patients returning to preinjury sports (72%) compared with those in the MOON cohort (63%). Conclusion: The cohort treated with additional preoperative rehabilitation consisting of progressive strengthening and neuromuscular training, followed by a criterion-based postoperative rehabilitation program, had greater functional outcomes and RTS rates 2 years after ACLR. Preoperative rehabilitation should be considered as an addition to the standard of care to maximize functional outcomes after ACLR.
Sam’s Cake Factory—A Delectable Journey of a Woman Entrepreneur
Authors: Zulfiqar Soha , Sohail Kanza , Qureshi M. Shahid 
Published: July 2016

The case reflects on the life of a woman entrepreneur, Sumaira Waseem, who had set up an online cake business by the name of Sam’s Cake Factory. Sam’s Cake Factory was a start-up, which was only four years old but had become the preferred choice amongst the consumers looking for customized fondant cakes in Karachi. They offered bespoke creatively designed cakes, handcrafted to perfection using premium quality ingredients. The case describes the entrepreneurial journey embarked upon by Sumaira who, through her passion, resilience and creativity, turned a home-based small business into a full-fledged growing enterprise. The case further examines the vision Sumaira had of expanding her business and taking it to the next level. It was Sumaira’s dream to see herself established as the most famous cake designer in Pakistan. The case is extremely pertinent because of the dearth of literature available on female entrepreneurs in Pakistan. It aims to shed light on the mushroom growth of the women-led online business sphere in Pakistan.
Precarious work and intrinsic job quality: Evidence from Finland, 1984–2013
Authors: Pyöriä Pasi , Ojala Satu 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIt is often argued that job insecurity and precarious work are on the rise. However, the evidence to back these arguments remains mixed and inconclusive. In this study, we define and measure precarious work in Finland using five variables that reflect both objective and subjective insecurity: atypical employment, actually experienced unemployment, the threat of dismissal or unemployment, poor chances of finding a new job, and low earnings. Results based on Statistics Finland’s Quality of Work Life Surveys from 1984 to 2013 indicate that, from a labour market or forms of employment perspective, the proportion of precarious wage earners has increased from 11% in 1984 to 13% in 2013. From a second perspective, however, focusing on changing working conditions, growing inequality and eroding social security mechanisms, we also analyse how a precarious labour market position is related to intrinsic job quality. Precarious workers experience decreased levels of skill and discretion, and they work in a less supportive environment than other employees.
A Case of Scurvy—Uncommon Disease—Presenting as Panniculitis, Purpura, and Oligoarthritis
Authors: Mintsoulis Danielle , Milman Nataliya , Fahim Simone 
Published: July 2016

Importance: Scurvy remains prevalent in certain populations, including addicts, people of low socioeconomic status, and the severely malnourished. It classically presents as follicular hyperkeratosis and perifollicular hemorrhage of the lower extremities, as well as bleeding in other areas such as the gingiva and joints. This case presentation and literature review highlights the common pathophysiological findings associated with scurvy and current methods of diagnosis and treatment. Observation: The patient described in this case presented with sudden oligoarthritis and purpura of the lower extremities. Following progression of the patient’s symptoms and a low vitamin C serum concentration, the patient was treated with vitamin C supplementation and dramatically improved. This was considered to be the result of an underlying vitamin C deficiency secondary to insufficient fruit and vegetable intake due to allergies. Conclusions and Relevance: This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for scurvy in atypical presentations of purpura not better explained by another disease or in additional populations at high risk of vitamin C deficiency. Early diagnosis by either a primary care physician or dermatologist can expedite the treatment process and improve patient prognosis.
Telemedicine provision of medical abortion in Alaska: Through the provider’s lens
Authors: Grindlay Kate , Grossman Daniel 
Published: July 2016

Introduction Since 2011, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands has been providing medical abortion via telemedicine at several clinics in Alaska. The purpose of this study was to evaluate providers’ experiences with telemedicine provision of medical abortion in Alaska using qualitative methods. In particular, we aimed to learn more about the impacts of telemedicine on patients, staff, and clinic operations and potential lessons for other service delivery settings. Methods Between October and November 2013, eight in-depth interviews were conducted with clinic providers and staff who were involved with the provision of medical abortion using telemedicine at Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands clinics in Alaska. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analysed qualitatively with inductive coding using grounded theory methods. Results Providers reported that telemedicine provision of medical abortion facilitated a more patient-centred approach to care where women were able to be seen sooner, have greater choice in abortion procedure type, and could be seen closer to their home. Providers felt that it was easy to integrate the new technology into clinic operations, and that a telemedicine visit largely required the same overall processes and clinic flow as an in-person visit, with minor additions related to technological set-up for the doctor interface. Discussion These findings are consistent with previously published literature on medical abortion provided via telemedicine, and indicate high acceptability among providers and the appropriateness for telemedicine application to this healthcare service.
Partitioned conditional generalized linear models for categorical responses
Authors: Peyhardi Jean , Trottier Catherine , Guédon Yann 
Published: July 2016

Abstract: In categorical data analysis, several regression models have been proposed for hierarchically structured responses, such as the nested logit model, the two-step model or the partitioned conditional model for partially ordered set. The specifications of these models are heterogeneous and they have been formally defined for only two or three levels in the hierarchy. Here, we introduce the class of partitioned conditional generalized linear models (PCGLMs) that encompasses all these models and is defined for any number of levels in the hierarchy. The hierarchical structure of these models is fully specified by a partition tree of categories. Using the genericity of the recently introduced [Formula: see text] specification of generalized linear models (GLMs) for categorical responses, it is possible to use different link functions and explanatory variables for each partitioning step. PCGLMs thus constitute a very flexible framework for modelling hierarchically structured categorical responses including partially ordered responses.
Economic impact of Tegaderm chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) dressing in critically ill patients
Authors: Thokala Praveen , Arrowsmith Martin , Poku Edith , Martyn-St James Marissa , Anderson Jeff , Foster Steve , Elliott Tom , Whitehouse Tony 
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To estimate the economic impact of a TegadermTM chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) gel dressing compared with a standard intravenous (i.v.) dressing (defined as non-antimicrobial transparent film dressing), used for insertion site care of short-term central venous and arterial catheters (intravascular catheters) in adult critical care patients using a cost-consequence model populated with data from published sources. Material and Methods: A decision analytical cost-consequence model was developed which assigned each patient with an indwelling intravascular catheter and a standard dressing, a baseline risk of associated dermatitis, local infection at the catheter insertion site and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI), estimated from published secondary sources. The risks of these events for patients with a Tegaderm CHG were estimated by applying the effectiveness parameters from the clinical review to the baseline risks. Costs were accrued through costs of intervention (i.e. Tegaderm CHG or standard intravenous dressing) and hospital treatment costs depended on whether the patients had local dermatitis, local infection or CRBSI. Total costs were estimated as mean values of 10,000 probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) runs. Results: Tegaderm CHG resulted in an average cost-saving of £77 per patient in an intensive care unit. Tegaderm CHG also has a 98.5% probability of being cost-saving compared to standard i.v. dressings. Conclusions: The analyses suggest that Tegaderm CHG is a cost-saving strategy to reduce CRBSI and the results were robust to sensitivity analyses.
Diabetes Educators
Authors: James Steven , Perry Lin , Gallagher Robyn , Lowe Julia 
Published: July 2016

Background: Various technologies are commonly used to support type 1 diabetes management (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy, continuous glucose monitoring systems, smartphone and tablet applications, and video conferencing) and may foster self-care, communication, and engagement with health care services. Diabetes educators are key professional supporters of this patient group, and ideally positioned to promote and support technology use. The aim of this study was to examine diabetes educators’ perceived experiences, supports, and barriers to use of common diabetes-related technologies for people with type 1 diabetes. Methods: This qualitative ethnographic study recruited across metropolitan, regional and rural areas of Australia using purposive sampling of Australian Diabetes Educators Association members. Data were collected by semistructured telephone interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants (n = 31) overwhelmingly indicated that overall the use of technology in the care of patients with type 1 diabetes was burdensome for them. They identified 3 themes involving common diabetes-related technologies: access to technology, available support, and technological advances. Overall, these themes demonstrated that while care was usually well intentioned it was more often fragmented and inconsistent. Most often care was provided by a small number of diabetes educators who had technology expertise. Conclusions: To realize the potential benefits of these relatively new but common diabetes technologies, many diabetes educators need to attain and retain the skills required to deliver this essential component of care. Furthermore, policy and strategy review is required, with reconfiguration of services to better support care delivery.