bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connecting Atmospheric Blocking to European Temperature Extremes in Spring
Authors: Brunner Lukas , Hegerl Gabriele C. , Steiner Andrea K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAtmospheric blocking is an important contributor to European temperature variability. It can trigger cold and warm spells, which is of specific relevance in spring because vegetation is particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures in the growing season. The spring season is investigated as a transition period from predominant connections of blocking with cold spells in winter to predominant connections of blocking with warm spells in summer. Extreme temperatures are termed cold or warm spells if temperature stays outside the 10th to 90th percentile range for at least six consecutive days. Cold and warm spells in Europe over 1979–2014 are analyzed in observations from the European daily high-resolution gridded dataset (E-OBS) and the connection to blocking is examined in geopotential height fields from ERA-Interim. A highly significant link between blocking and cold and warm spells is found that changes during spring. Blocking over the northeastern Atlantic and Scandinavia is correlated with the occurrence of cold spells in Europe, particularly early in spring, whereas blocking over central Europe is associated with warmer conditions, particularly from March onward. The location of the block also impacts the spatial distribution of temperature extremes. More than 80% of cold spells in southeastern Europe occur during blocking whereas warm spells are correlated with blocking mainly in northern Europe. Over the analysis period, substantial interannual variability is found but also a decrease in cold spells and an increase in warm spells. The long-term change to a warmer climate holds the potential for even higher vulnerability to spring cold extremes.
Performance of Emerging Technologies for Measuring Solid and Liquid Precipitation in Cold Climate as Compared to the Traditional Manual Gauges
Authors: Boudala Faisal S. , Isaac George A. , Filman Peter , Crawford Robert , Hudak David , Anderson Martha 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPrecipitation amount, type, and snow depth ) have been analyzed using data collected during the 4Wing Cold Lake Research Project in northeastern Alberta, Canada. The instruments used include the Vaisala present weather detector PWD22 and present weather sensor (FS)11P, the OTT Pluvio2 automatic catchment-type gauge, the manual standard Canadian Nipher (CN) and Type B rain gauges, and a snow ruler. Both the PWD22 and FS11P performed well at detecting snow, rain, and drizzle events as compared to the human observer. The sensors predicted a higher frequency of ice pellet cases than the human observer. Segregation of precipitation phase using temperature alone appeared unrealistic at near-freezing temperatures. All the sensors agreed well at measuring liquid precipitation, but the Pluvio2 gauge with a single Alter shield underestimated the snowfall amount by 40%, mostly due to wind effects. After correcting the CN gauge catch efficiency (CE) due to wind effects, the CE of the Pluvio2 relative to the CN gauge was found dependent on wind speed (ws). Using these data, a new transfer function (TF) for the Pluvio2 as a function of ws has been developed. The new TF was used to correct the Pluvio2 gauge, and the corrected data agreed well with the PWD22 measurements. Using the and corrected CN data, snow density ratios ( were derived, varying from 4.2 to 35 with a mean value of 12.2. The mean value derived in this study is higher than the 10:1 ratio usually assumed for converting to snow water equivalent in Canada. On average increases with increasing temperature and the 10:1 ratio appears to be more appropriate for warmer temperatures.
Eastern U.S. Verification of Ensemble Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Sharma Sanjib , Siddique Ridwan , Balderas Nicholas , Fuentes Jose D. , Reed Seann , Ahnert Peter , Shedd Robert , Astifan Brian , Cabrera Reggina , Laing Arlene , Klein Mark , Mejia Alfonso 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The quality of ensemble precipitation forecasts across the eastern United States is investigated, specifically, version 2 of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Ensemble Forecast System Reforecast (GEFSRv2) and Short Range Ensemble Forecast (SREF) system, as well as NCEP’s Weather Prediction Center probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecast (WPC-PQPF) guidance. The forecasts are verified using multisensor precipitation estimates and various metrics conditioned upon seasonality, precipitation threshold, lead time, and spatial aggregation scale. The forecasts are verified, over the geographic domain of each of the four eastern River Forecasts Centers (RFCs) in the United States, by considering first 1) the three systems or guidance, using a common period of analysis (2012–13) for lead times from 1 to 3 days, and then 2) GEFSRv2 alone, using a longer period (2004–13) and lead times from 1 to 16 days. The verification results indicate that, across the eastern United States, precipitation forecast bias decreases and the skill and reliability improve as the spatial aggregation scale increases; however, all the forecasts exhibit some underforecasting bias. The skill of the forecasts is appreciably better in the cool season than in the warm one. The WPC-PQPFs tend to be superior, in terms of the correlation coefficient, relative mean error, reliability, and forecast skill scores, than both GEFSRv2 and SREF, but the performance varies with the RFC and lead time. Based on GEFSRv2, medium-range precipitation forecasts tend to have skill up to approximately day 7 relative to sampled climatology.
Effectiveness of a Family-based Diabetes Self-management Educational Intervention for Chinese Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in Wuhan, China
Authors: Cai Chun , Hu Jie 
Published: November 2016

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a family-based self-management educational intervention on self-management in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Wuhan, China. Methods A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was employed. Chinese patients with T2DM (N = 57) and their family members were assigned to 2 groups. The intervention group (n1 = 29) received a tailored 7-session educational intervention and the control group (n2 = 28) received routine care in the community. Data were collected at pre- and postintervention and at the end of the 3-month follow-up. Descriptive analysis and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Results Participants with T2DM in the intervention group showed significance in greater reductions in A1C, body mass index, and waist circumference and significant improvements in diabetes knowledge, diabetes self-efficacy, self-care activities, and health-related quality of life compared with those in the control group. Family members in the intervention group had significant improvements in diabetes knowledge and health-related quality of life. Conclusion Study findings demonstrated that a family-based diabetes self-management intervention incorporating self-efficacy theory may help Chinese adults with T2DM in modifying their lifestyle and performing self-care activities to improve A1C management.
Capturing schizophrenia-like prodromal symptoms in a spinocerebellar ataxia-17 transgenic rat
Authors: Amato Davide , Canneva Fabio , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Bauer Peter , Riess Olaf , von Hörsten Stephan , Müller Christian P 
Published: November 2016

Rationale: The polyglutamine disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to severe neurological symptoms during development. Additionally, patients affected by SCA17 display psychosis earlier than their motor disorders. Objective: Here the putative psychotic phenotype and endophenotype of transgenic SCA17 rats was examined. Methods: The expression of schizophrenia-like symptoms was evaluated over a longitudinal period before and after the onset of neurological symptoms in SCA17. To this end, transgenic SCA17 rats’ monoamine neurotransmission was investigated along with their locomotion at baseline and in response to amphetamine using in-vivo microdialysis in free moving conditions, their sensorimotor gating using pre-pulse inhibition of startle reaction, and their object memory using the novel object recognition test as an index of cognitive impairments. Results: Presymptomatic SCA17 rats displayed dysregulated monoamine levels at baseline and in response to amphetamine compared with control wild-type (wt) rats. At that stage, neither amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion nor sensorimotor gating differed from that in wt rats. Symptomatic SCA17 rats developed sensorimotor gating deficits and also showed an impaired object memory, while their monoaminergic responses remained supersensitive to amphetamine. Conclusions: The data of the present study demonstrate a neurochemical endophenotype in SCA17 rats resembling that of prodromal schizophrenia. These findings suggest that a sensitization of the monoamine systems arises early in adulthood in SCA17 rats and may predispose them to express schizophrenia-like symptoms later in life.
Peripheral invariant natural killer T cell deficiency in metabolically unhealthy but normal weight versus metabolically healthy but obese individuals
Authors: Wang Xiao-Li , Chang Xiang-Yun , Tang Xiao-Xiao , Chen Zhi-Gang , Zhou Ting , Sun Kan 
Published: November 2016

Objective To investigate the proportion of circulating invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in four body health types. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants were classified into four body health types according to the body mass index and metabolic status: metabolically healthy and normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy but normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy but obese (MHO), or metabolically unhealthy and obese (MUO). Demographic and clinical characteristics were measured, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were calculated. The proportion of circulating iNKT cells was also evaluated by flow cytometry. Results The study enrolled 41 MHNW, 37 MUNW, 30 MHO, and 43 MUO participants. Compared with the MHNW group, the MUNW, MHO, and MUO groups had significantly lower iNKT cell proportions. The iNKT cell proportion was significantly higher in the MHO group than the MUNW and MUO groups. The iNKT cell proportion was inversely correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, HOMA-IR, and VAI values. Conclusion The proportion of iNKT cells was lower in people (lean or obese) with excessive visceral fat accumulation, suggesting that iNKT cell deficiency may be involved in the pathophysiology of obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio index is a good noninvasive biomarker for predicting liver fibrosis in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Wang Rong-Qi , Zhang Qing-Shan , Zhao Su-Xian , Niu Xue-Min , Du Jing-Hua , Du Hui-Juan , Nan Yue-Min 
Published: November 2016

Objective To evaluate whether gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio index (GPRI) can diagnose the extent of liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Methods This prospective observational study used liver biopsy results as the gold standard to evaluate the ability of GPRI to predict hepatic fibrosis compared with two other markers, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4). The clinical and demographic factors that affected GPRI, independent of liver fibrosis, were assessed using multivariate linear regression analyses. Results This study enrolled 312 patients with CHB. GPRI had a significantly positive correlation with liver fibrosis stage and the correlation coefficient was higher than that for APRI and FIB-4. The areas under the receiver operating curves for GPRI for significant fibrosis, bridging fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 0.728, 0.836, and 0.842, respectively. Of the three indices, GPRI had the highest diagnostic accuracy for bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis. Age, elevated AST and elevated total bilirubin levels were independent determinants of increased GPRI. Conclusion GPRI was a more reliable laboratory marker than APRI and FIB-4 for predicting the stage of liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with CHB.
Establishment and evaluation of a prognostic model for surgical outcomes of patients with atlanto-axial dislocations
Authors: Guo Shuai , Chen Jie , Yang Baohui , Li Haopeng 
Published: November 2016

Objective Atlanto-axial dislocations (AADs) are potentially fatal disturbances with high spinal cord compression syndrome. As surgeons are still uncertain who is likely to benefit the most from surgery, a prediction tool is needed to provide decision-making support. Methods The model was established based on 108 patients with AADs using multiple binary logistic regression analysis and evaluated by calibration plot and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). Bootstrapping was used for internal validation. Results The prognostic model can be expressed as: logit(P) = −2.2428 + 0.3168SCOPE − 2.0375SIGNAL, in which two covariates were accepted (SCORE represents the preoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score and SIGNAL represents the intramedullary hyperintense T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) with AUC = 0.8081). Conclusions The model was internally valid, and the preoperative mJOA score and hyperintense T2WI were important predictors of outcomes. The threshold was defined as logit(P) = −0.7282 according to the receiver operating curve (ROC).
Diabetes mellitus and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence
Authors: Yao Xi-Yang , Jiang Cai-Qi , Jia Gen-Lai , Chen Gang 
Published: November 2016

Objective This systematic review aimed to define the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Methods Studies associated with DM and aSAH published until March 2016 were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. A random-effects model was used to calculate the relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Eighteen observational studies were retrieved. The overall RRs for DM and aSAH were RRs = 0.59 (0.44, 0.79), with moderate heterogeneity ( I2 = 55.7%, Pheterogeneity = 0.000). Subgroup analysis by study quality revealed a reduced association between DM and aSAH risk in high quality studies only (RRs = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.56; I2 = 0.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.549), therefore study quality may be a source of heterogeneity. Conclusion A potential decreased risk of aSAH in DM patients was found in high quality studies. Further studies are required to confirm this causal relationship and to investigate the biological mechanisms.
Age at menarche and risk of developing migraine or non-migraine headaches by young adulthood: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Maleki Nasim , Kurth Tobias , Field Alison E 
Published: November 2016

Importance Migraine is a highly prevalent and disabling primary headache disorder that is two to three times more prevalent in young women. Among females, there is a steep increase in incidence from puberty to young adulthood, but the mechanisms for the increase are unknown. Objective To determine if age of menarche is a risk factor for developing migraine headache vs. non-migraine headache by young adulthood. Design A prospective cohort study, The Growing Up Today Study (GUTS), of adolescents who have been followed since 1996, when they were nine, to 14 years of age. Headache questions were included on the 2007 and 2010 surveys. Setting Youth from across the United States who are offspring of women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II. Participants 6112 female participants who had provided data on headache symptoms, age at menarche and family history of migraine and were followed through 2007 or 2010 were included in this analysis. Main outcomes Migraine or non-migraine headache. Results Many females had a history of headaches, with approximately equal numbers reporting symptoms consistent with migraine (29.7%) and non-migraine headaches (25.3%). We found that, independent of age and family history of migraine, each one-year delay in onset of menarche decrease the odds of migraine by 7% (odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.97), but was not related to non-migraine headaches. Conclusions and relevance The findings of this study suggest that early puberty increases the risk of developing migraines by young adulthood. As such, the study emphasizes the need for understanding the pathophysiological links between puberty and developmental changes that occur in the brain during that period and the mechanisms of onset of the migraine disease and its trajectory.
Predicting Reintubation After Unplanned Extubations in Children: Art or Science?
Authors: da Silva Paulo Sérgio Lucas , Reis Maria Eunice , Fonseca Thais Suelotto Machado , Fonseca Marcelo Cunio Machado 
Published: November 2016

Purpose: Reintubation following unplanned extubation (UE) is often required and associated with increased morbidity; however, knowledge of risk factors leading to reintubation and subsequent outcomes in children is still lacking. We sought to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes related to reintubation after UEs. Methods: All mechanically ventilated children were prospectively tracked for UEs over a 7-year period in a pediatric intensive care unit. For each UE event, data associated with reintubation within 24 hours and outcomes were collected. Results: Of 757 intubated patients, 87 UE occurred out of 11 335 intubation days (0.76 UE/100 intubation days), with 57 (65%) requiring reintubation. Most of the UEs that did not require reintubation were already weaning ventilator settings prior to UE (73%). Univariate analysis showed that younger children (<1 year) required reintubation more frequently after an UE. Patients experiencing UE during weaning experienced significantly fewer reintubations, whereas 90% of patients with full mechanical ventilation support required reintubation. Logistic regression revealed that requirement of full ventilator support (odds ratio: 37.5) and a COMFORT score <26 (odds ratio: 5.5) were associated with UE failure. There were no differences between reintubated and nonreintubated patients regarding the length of hospital stay, ventilator-associated pneumonia rate, need for tracheostomy, and mortality. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications were seen in 33% of the reintubations. Conclusion: The rate of reintubation is high in children experiencing UE. Requirement of full ventilator support and a COMFORT score <26 are associated with reintubation. Prospective research is required to better understand the reintubation decisions and needs.
Intracranial Pressure Soon After Hemicraniectomy in Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
Authors: Jeon Sang-Beom , Park Jung Cheol , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Yeon-Jung , Lee Seungjoo , Kang Dong-Wha , Kim Jong S. 
Published: November 2016

Background: Decompressive hemicraniectomy reduces secondary brain injury related to brain edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMI). However, a substantial proportion of patients still die despite hemicraniectomy due to refractory brain swelling. Objective: We aim to investigate whether ICP measured immediately after hemicraniectomy may indicate decompression effects and predict survival in patients with MMI. Methods: We included 25 patients with MMI who underwent ICP monitoring and brain computed tomography within the first hour of hemicraniectomy. Midline shifts were measured as radiological surrogates of decompression. The Glasgow Coma Scale and pupillary enlargements during the first day after hemicraniectomy were assessed as clinical surrogates of decompression. Long-term survival status at 6 months was used as the final outcome. We analyzed the relationships between early ICP and findings of midline shift, Glasgow Coma Scale, pupillary enlargement, and survival. Results: Initial ICP was correlated with mean ICP ( P < .001) and maximal ICP ( P < .001) during the first postoperative day. Intracranial pressure was associated with midline shifts ( P = .009), lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores ( P = .025), and the pupillary enlargement ( P = .015). Sixteen (64.0%) patients survived at 6 months. In a Cox proportional hazard model, elevated ICP was associated with mortality at 6 months (hazard ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.24; P = .008). Conclusion: Increase in ICP soon after hemicraniectomy was associated with midline shift, poor neurological status, and mortality in patients with MMI. Measurements of ICP soon after hemicraniectomy may permit earlier interventions as well as more refined clinical assessments.
Health Movement and Civil Society Activism: An Interface of Overlap and Exclusion
Authors: Sahu Skylab 
Published: November 2016

Of late, the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has become a cause of concern for both the state and the non-state actors. The activism led by civil society on HIV/AIDS and health movements espouses the health needs and rights of HIV positive people. While playing politically active role, at times civil society organizations (CSOs) support health movements, and their activities overlap. Although these groups are different in nature, structure and strategies, there are some commonalities among them. This article discusses the opportunities for coalition between CSOs and health movement, and also analyzes problems that lead to exclusion. The joint efforts of movements and CSOs have influenced the policy formulation and implementation towards ensuring rights of HIV positive people. There are several conducive factors towards building a strong network between CSOs and health movement. However, due to limitations associated with their activities, a strong coalition has not been possible resulting in a lack of a strong social movement.