bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Spatial and Temporal Variability of Atmospheric Heat Transport in a Hierarchy of Models
Authors: Messori G. , Geen R. , Czaja A. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The present study analyzes the spatial and temporal variability of zonally integrated meridional atmospheric heat transport due to transient eddies in a hierarchy of datasets. These include a highly idealized two-layer model seeded with point geostrophic vortices, an intermediate complexity GCM, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim) data. The domain of interest is the extratropics. Both the two-layer model and the GCM display a pronounced temporal variability in the zonally integrated meridional transport, with the largest values (or pulses) of zonally integrated transport being associated with extended regions of anomalously strong local heat transport. In the two-layer model these large-scale coherent transport regions, termed “heat transport bands,” are linked to densely packed baroclinic vortex pairs and can be diagnosed as low-wavenumber streamfunction anomalies. In the GCM they are associated with both the warm and cold sectors of midlatitude weather systems. Both these features are also found in ERA-Interim: the heat transport bands match weather systems and occur primarily in the storm-track regions, which in turn correspond to planetary-scale climatological streamfunction anomalies. The authors hypothesize that the temporal variability of the zonally integrated heat transport is partly linked to oscillatory variations in the storm-track activity but also contains a background red noise component. The existence of a pronounced variability in the zonally integrated meridional heat transport can have important consequences for the interplay between midlatitude dynamics and the energy balance of the high latitudes.
Preliminary Clinical Validation of a Differential Correction Method for Improving Measurement Accuracy in Noninvasive Measurement of Blood Glucose Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Han Guang , Yu Xuyao , Xia Dandan , Liu Rong , Liu Jin , Xu Kexin 
Published: April 2017

One of the main challenges in the noninvasive sensing of blood glucose by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is the background variations from light source drift, sweating, and temperature change at the human–machine interface. In this paper, a differential correction method based on the spectra from the floating-reference position and measuring position is proposed to eliminate these spectral variations from background interferences. Its effectiveness was validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments in which the diffuse reflectance of intralipid solutions and human skin was collected at the source distances of 0.6 mm and 2 mm by the custom-built system with six super-luminescent emitting diodes (SLEDs) light source. The results showed that, for the in vitro experiments of intralipid solutions, the coefficients of variations of diffuse reflectance decreased by 20.5% under all the six wavelengths after differential correction. For the in vivo experiments of oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), partial least squares (PLS) regression models between glucose concentrations and the diffuse reflectance from palm skin were built, and the root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) decreased by 38.0% on average after the differential correction. Further, the spectra of the oral water tolerance tests (OWTTs) were collected for correlation with glucose concentration in OGTTs, and their correlation coefficients (R) decreased by 35.0% on average after the differential correction. Therefore, this differential correction method based on the spectra from the floating-reference position and measuring position can weaken the influence of background variations on the NIR spectroscopy and has promising potential in in vivo detection, especially for noninvasive blood glucose measurement.
A systematic review of discomfort due to toe or ear clipping in laboratory rodents
Authors: Wever Kimberley E. , Geessink Florentine J. , Brouwer Michelle A. E. , Tillema Alice , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel 
Published: April 2017

Toe clipping and ear clipping (also ear notching or ear punching) are frequently used methods for individual identification of laboratory rodents. These procedures potentially cause severe discomfort, which can reduce animal welfare and distort experimental results. However, no systematic summary of the evidence on this topic currently exists. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for discomfort due to toe or ear clipping in rodents. The review methodology was pre-specified in a registered review protocol. The population, intervention, control, outcome (PICO) question was: In rodents, what is the effect of toe clipping or ear clipping, compared with no clipping or sham clipping, on welfare-related outcomes? Through a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and grey literature, we identified seven studies on the effect of ear clipping on animal welfare, and five such studies on toe clipping. Studies were included in the review if they contained original data from an in vivo experiment in rodents, assessing the effect of toe clipping or ear clipping on a welfare-related outcome. Case studies and studies applying unsuitable co-interventions were excluded. Study quality was appraised using an extended version of SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE)’s risk of bias tool for animal studies. Study characteristics and outcome measures were highly heterogeneous, and there was an unclear or high risk of bias in all studies. We therefore present a narrative synthesis of the evidence identified. None of the studies reported a sample size calculation. Out of over 60 different outcomes, we found evidence of discomfort due to ear clipping in the form of increased respiratory volume, vocalization and blood pressure. For toe clipping, increased vocalization and decreased motor activity in pups were found, as well as long-term effects in the form of reduced grip strength and swimming ability in adults. In conclusion, there is too little evidence to reliably assess discomfort due to toe or ear clipping, and the quality of the available evidence is uncertain. Adequately powered, high-quality studies reporting reliable, relevant outcome measures are needed to accurately assess the impact of these identification techniques. Until more reliable evidence is available, any effect of toe clipping or ear clipping on animal welfare and study results cannot be confirmed or excluded.
Making Absence Visible: The Caravan of Central American Mothers in Search of Disappeared Migrants
Authors: Diego Rivera Hernández Raúl 
Published: April 2017

The touring model employed by the Caravan of Central American Mothers in search of disappeared migrants in transit through Mexico creates processes of political empowerment for poor, indigenous peasant women who have no previous experience as activists and human rights defenders. Interviews and participant observation with members and organizers of the ninth caravan (held in December 2013) reveal three key moments that anchor the mothers’ transformation into political subjects and human rights activists: the creation of a collective identity based on maternal activism, the forging of an alliance with transnational human rights networks, and the emergence of a budding politics of visibility based on public acts of grieving that candidly lament the vulnerability of migrants caught in the drug war and border securitization across the hemisphere. El modelo itinerante de la Caravana de Madres Centroamericanas en busca de migrantes desaparecidos en tránsito por México genera procesos de empoderamiento político de mujeres pobres, indígenas, campesinas y sin experiencia como activistas y defensoras de derechos humanos. Entrevistas y observación participante con integrantes y organizadores de la novena Caravana (diciembre 2013) identifican tres momentos claves para entender la transformación de las madres en sujetos políticos y luchadoras sociales por la defensa de los derechos migrantes: la conformación de una identidad colectiva basada en el activismo maternal, la alianza con redes transnacionales de promoción y defensa de los derechos humanos, y la emergencia de una política de la visibilidad a partir de acciones de duelo público en respuesta a la vulnerabilidad de los migrantes en el contexto de la narcoguerra y la política hemisférica de securitización de fronteras.
Mining big building operational data for improving building energy efficiency: A case study
Authors: Fan Cheng , Xiao Fu 
Published: April 2017

Massive amounts of building operational data are collected and stored in modern buildings, which provide rich information for in-depth investigation and assessment of actual building operational performance. However, the current utilization of big building operational data is far from being effective due to the gaps between building engineering and advanced big data analytics. Data mining is a promising technology for extracting previously unknown yet potentially useful insights from big data. This paper aims to explore the potential application of advanced data mining techniques for effective utilization of big building operational data. A case study of mining the operational data of an educational building for performance improvement is presented. Decision tree, clustering analysis, and association rule mining are adopted to analyze the operational data. The results show that useful knowledge can be extracted for identifying typical building operation patterns, detecting operation deficiencies, and spotting energy conservation opportunities. Practical application:The current utilization of big building operational data in the building industry is rather limited due to the lack in experience of using advanced big data analytics. This study presents a data mining-based method for analyzing massive building operational data. The case study results validate the efficiency and effectiveness of the method proposed. It can help building professionals to discover valuable insights into building operation patterns and thereby developing strategies for improving building energy efficiency. The method can be fully realized using the open-source software R, which provides great flexibilities in its integration with building automation systems.
Emergency department staff priorities for improving palliative care provision for older people: A qualitative study
Authors: Wright Rebecca J , Lowton Karen , Robert Glenn , Grudzen Corita R , Grocott Patricia 
Published: April 2017

Background: Emergency department–based palliative care services are increasing, but research to develop these services rarely includes input from emergency clinicians, jeopardizing the effectiveness of subsequent palliative care interventions. Aim: To collaboratively identify with emergency clinicians’ improvement priorities for emergency department–based palliative care for older people. Design: This was one component of an experience-based co-design project, conducted using semi-structured interviews and feedback sessions. Setting/participants: In-depth interviews with 15 emergency clinicians (nurses and doctors) at a large teaching hospital emergency department in the United Kingdom exploring experiences of palliative care delivery for older people. A thematic analysis identified core challenges that were presented to 64 clinicians over five feedback sessions, validating interview findings, and identifying shared priorities for improving palliative care delivery. Results: Eight challenges emerged: patient age; access to information; communication with patients, family members, and clinicians; understanding of palliative care; role uncertainty; complex systems and processes; time constraints; and limited training and education. Through feedback sessions, clinicians selected four challenges as improvement priorities: time constraints; communication and information; systems and processes; and understanding of palliative care. As resulting improvement plans evolved, “training and education” replaced “time constraints” as a priority. Conclusion: Clinician priorities for improving emergency department–based palliative care were identified through collaborative, iterative processes. Though generally aware of older palliative patients’ needs, clinicians struggled to provide high-quality care due to a range of complex factors. Further research should identify whether priorities are shared across other emergency departments, and develop, implement, and evaluate strategies developed by clinicians.
Intra-arterial verapamil post-thrombectomy is feasible, safe, and neuroprotective in stroke
Authors: Fraser Justin F , Maniskas Michael , Trout Amanda , Lukins Doug , Parker Lindsey , Stafford W Lane , Alhajeri Abdulnasser , Roberts Jill , Bix Gregory J 
Published: April 2017

Large vessel ischemic stroke represents the most disabling subtype. While t-PA and endovascular thrombectomy can recanalize the occluded vessel, good clinical outcomes are not uniformly achieved. We propose that supplementing endovascular thrombectomy with superselective intra-arterial (IA) verapamil immediately following recanalization could be safe and effective. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, has been shown to be an effective IA adjunct in a pre-clinical mouse focal ischemia model. To demonstrate translational efficacy, mechanism, feasibility, and safety, we conducted a group of translational experiments. We performed in vivo IA dose–response evaluation in our animal stroke model with C57/Bl6 mice. We evaluated neuroprotective mechanism through in vitro primary cortical neuron (PCN) cultures. Finally, we performed a Phase I trial, SAVER-I, to evaluate feasibility and safety of administration in the human condition. IA verapamil has a likely plateau or inverted-U dose–response with a defined toxicity level in mice (LD50 16–17.5 mg/kg). Verapamil significantly prevented PCN death and deleterious ischemic effects. Finally, the SAVER-I clinical trial showed no evidence that IA verapamil increased the risk of intracranial hemorrhage or other adverse effect/procedural complication in human subjects. We conclude that superselective IA verapamil administration immediately following thrombectomy is safe and feasible, and has direct, dose–response-related benefits in ischemia.
The relevance of emotional intelligence for leadership performance
Authors: Dulewicz Chris , Young Mike , Dulewicz Victor 
Published: April 2017

Leadership and Emotional Intelligence have become hot topics in organisations and management in recent years. This study explores the relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Leadership and Job Performance of Officers and Ratings within the Royal Navy. In particular, the focus is on the three elements of the new Leadership Dimensions Questionnaire (LDQ) – Intellectual (‘IQ’), Emotional (‘EQ’) and Managerial (‘MQ’) Competencies. These are related to performance measures derived from formal performance appraisals. Seven hypotheses were tested and all were fully or partially supported. Results showed that IQ, EQ and MQ were all related to overall performance and to Officer leadership appraisal, but not Ratings leadership appraisal. EQ made a greater contribution to overall performance, to Officer leadership appraisal and to all three leadership styles.
The Bow Tie Shape of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament as Visualized by High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Sohn Kang Min , Lee Min Jin , Hong Helen , Yoon Young Cheol , Park Chan Deok , Wang Joon Ho 
Published: April 2017

Background: Although numerous studies have examined the anatomic characteristics of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), its actual shape remains unclear. Purpose: To determine the average shape of the ACL by analyzing its cross section through the use of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: The study included 96 MRIs, conducted using a 3.0-T magnet, to analyze the shape of the ACL. Three-dimensional, curved multiplanar reconstruction was used to obtain cross sections at 7 points (femoral insertion; midsubstance 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 from the femoral side to the tibial side; and tibial insertion). The width and thickness of cross sections were measured by 2 independent observers, and the ratio of width to thickness was calculated to determine the proportions of each cross section. The 7 cross sections were accumulated and standardized to generate an average model through the use of image analysis software developed by the authors. Results: The mean ± SD width (femoral insertion, 17.02 ± 2.17 mm; tibial insertion, 17.33 ± 2.03 mm) and thickness (femoral insertion, 11.03 ± 1.75 mm; tibial insertion, 10.09 ± 1.70 mm) of both insertions were significantly larger than those of midsubstance 4 (width, 9.99 ± 1.87 mm; thickness, 6.53 ± 1.25 mm) ( P < .001). The mean ratios of width to thickness of the 7 cross sections from femoral insertion to tibial insertion were 1.57 ± 0.23, 3.36 ± 0.57, 3.07 ± 0.81, 2.18 ± 0.54, 1.56 ± 0.32, 2.16 ± 0.48, and 1.75 ± 0.28, respectively. The shape of the cross section at midsubstance 4 was an oval isthmus, which was the most narrow and well-balanced shape. It was transformed into a wide band at midsubstance 1 and 5. The shape of the femoral insertion was semicircular, with its anterior side slightly straight and its posterior side convex. The tibial insertion was kidney bean–shaped. Conclusion: On 3.0-T MRI, the ACL has a “bow tie” shape, including an oval isthmus, with a semicircular femoral insertion and kidney bean–shaped tibial insertion. Clinical Relevance: The measurement method will allow surgeons to quantitatively diagnose partial injuries of the ACL using a noninvasive system in actual patients.
Knee Arthroscopic Surgery in Middle-Aged Patients With Meniscal Symptoms: A 3-Year Follow-up of a Prospective, Randomized Study
Authors: Gauffin Håkan , Sonesson Sofi , Meunier Andreas , Magnusson Henrik , Kvist Joanna 
Published: April 2017

Background: The optimal treatment for middle-aged patients with knee pain and meniscal lesions has been extensively debated. Most previous studies have revealed only short-term beneficial results of knee arthroscopic surgery. The authors have previously shown a positive benefit of knee arthroscopic surgery and an exercise program after 1 year when compared with an exercise program alone. Purpose: To evaluate if knee arthroscopic surgery combined with an exercise program provided an additional long-term benefit after 3 years compared with an exercise program alone in middle-aged patients with meniscal symptoms. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Of 179 eligible patients, aged 45 to 64 years, 150 were randomized to (1) a 3-month exercise program (nonsurgery group) or (2) the same as group 1 plus knee arthroscopic surgery within 4 weeks (surgery group). The primary outcome was the change in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscore of pain between baseline and the 3-year follow-up. Results from the 1-year follow-up have been published previously. Results: Both treatment groups improved significantly in the KOOS pain subscore at 3 years’ follow-up in the intention-to-treat and as-treated analyses ( P < .001). The between-group difference for the change in the KOOS pain subscore between baseline and the 3-year follow-up was no longer statistically significant, neither in the intention-to-treat analysis (7.6 points; 95% CI, –0.6 to 15.9; P = .068) nor in the as-treated analysis (5.3 points; 95% CI, –3.1 to 13.8; P = .216). The factorial analysis of the effect of the intervention and age, onset of pain, and mechanical symptoms indicated that older patients improved more, regardless of treatment, and surgery may be more beneficial for patients without mechanical symptoms (as-treated analysis). The effect of the predictive factors on the KOOS pain subscore was uncertain because of the small sample size in the subgroup analyses. Conclusion: The benefit of knee arthroscopic surgery, seen at 1 year in middle-aged patients with meniscal symptoms, was diminished at 3 years and was no longer statistically significant. Clinical Relevance: Knee arthroscopic surgery may be beneficial for middle-aged patients with meniscal symptoms in addition to an exercise program. Older age and absence of mechanical symptoms should not be contraindications to surgery. Registration: NCT01288768 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)
Mobile Learning Game Effectiveness in Cognitive Learning by Adults: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wardaszko Marcin , Podgórski Błażej 
Published: April 2017

Background. The effectiveness of digital game-based learning is an important issue. Mobile learning games (MLG) are rapidly growing trends among the digital game-based learning genre. Although many studies have been conducted and mobile games have been shown to have an unquestionable potential as a learning method, their effectiveness has not been fully proven, and the positive impacts and outcomes of mobile learning games with respect to learning have yet to be investigated. Aim. The study aimed at capturing the cognitive learning outcomes and the process of knowledge acquisition. The study has demonstrated both positive and negative cognitive learning effects of using mobile learning game in comparison with the textbook learning process. Methodology. This article presents a comparative study conducted on a group of 160 freshman students majoring in management and finance. The participants of the study, divided into subgroups, were taught using either textbook-based learning or a mobile learning game. Three tests were applied to measure their performance: a pre-test at the beginning of the experiment, and two post-tests, the first administered directly after the learning process and the second 2-3 weeks after the initial learning. Results and recommendations. MLG have been proven to create many positive effect for learning. It is as effective in transferring factual knowledge as textbook learning, when measured directly after the learning process. In longer term, the effects are blurred because the affective effects interfere with the measurement.
The Double-Edged Sword of Gender Equality
Authors: Lo Celia C. , Ash-Houchen William , Gerling Heather M. 
Published: April 2017

Objectives: While the literature confirms the applicability of routine activity/lifestyle theory in studying individual crime victimization, this study asks whether neighborhood disorganization as well as—on the level of the nation—income inequality, attitudes about gender equality, and the meeting of citizens’ basic human needs are associated with opportunity for crime and so might contribute to the explanation of victimization. The study measures demographic variables that could indicate the presence of motivated offenders and likely crime targets, as well as the absence of effective guardians. Methods: The data come from the sixth wave of the World Values Survey (collected 2010–2014), from the Social Progress Index Report, and from information compiled by the World Bank. The present sample numbers 64,861 respondents, representing 46 countries. Results: The data analysis suggests that risk of victimization increases in the presence of income inequality and gender equality, and decreases where people’s basic human needs are met. The relationship between neighborhood disorganization and one employed victimization measure was found to be moderated by attitudes about gender equality. Conclusions: Further investigation of the role of opportunity and routine activity/lifestyle factors (macro- and individual-level) could improve understanding of victimization, particularly related to the complex interplay between structural and cultural predictors of victimization.