bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty Characteristics of Total Water Path Retrievals in Shallow Cumulus Derived from Spaceborne Radar/Radiometer Integral Constraints
Authors: Lebsock Matthew D. , Suzuki Kentaroh 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA precipitating marine cumulus cloud simulation is coupled to radiation propagation models to simulate active and passive microwave observations at 94 GHz. The simulations are used to examine the error characteristics of the total water path retrieved from the integral constraints of the passive microwave brightness temperature or the path-integrated attenuation (PIA) using a spatial interpolation technique. Three sources of bias are considered: 1) the misdetection of cloudy pixels as clear, 2) the systematic differences in the column water vapor between cloudy and clear skies, and 3) the nonuniform beamfilling effects on the observables. The first two sources result in biases on the order of 5–10 g m−2 of opposite signs that tend to cancel. The third source results in a bias that increases monotonically with the water path that approaches 50%. Nonuniform beamfilling is sensitive to footprint size. Random error results from both instrument measurement precision and the natural variability in the relationship between the water path and the observables. Random errors for the retrievals using the CloudSat PIA are estimated to be the larger of either 20 g m−2 or 30%. A radar/radiometer system with a measurement precision of 0.3 K or 0.05 dB could reduce this error to the larger of either 10 g m−2 or 30%. All error mechanisms reported here result from variability in either the spatial structure of the atmosphere or the hydrometeor drop size distribution. The results presented here are specific to the cloud simulation and in general the magnitude will vary globally.
Efficiency in Elementary Education in Urban India
Authors: Purohit Brijesh C. 
Published: June 2016

Increasing literacy in the Indian states is possible by increasing enrolments in elementary education. This study explores the latter by primary and upper primary enrolments for 19 major Indian states for the year 2012–2013. Using a non-parametric approach, namely data envelopment analysis (DEA), the results for urban primary and upper primary enrolments indicate that many of the states may be able to improve efficiency of input usage or maximise enrolments more efficiently provided that an adequate infrastructure could be expanded which keeps pace with rising population growths in the states. In rural areas an additional supportive input, namely, electricity supply for villages, may also help in enhancing the objective of increasing elementary education in the states. JEL Classification: C14, H52
How does competitive tendering and contracting affect satisfaction with municipal health and care services?
Authors: Holum Marthe Liss 
Published: July 2016

In this article, an investigation is made into the relationship between competitive tendering and contracting and satisfaction with health and care services in Norwegian municipalities. There is an ongoing public debate concerning privatization and contracting as a way of providing municipal services. Several studies suggest improved productivity, as well as service quality, as a result. Based on public choice and property rights theories, public organizations are argued to be inefficient. Thus far, we have little knowledge about the effects of competitive tendering and contracting on citizens’ evaluations of the services exposed to competitive tendering and contracting. To explore this, data from the Norwegian Citizen Study, covering over 35,000 individuals, are employed. The findings show that citizens and users are more satisfied with health and care services that are subject to competitive tendering and contracting compared to those provided solely by the public sector. Points for practitioners The findings of this article encourage the competitive tendering and contracting of health and care services. A positive relationship is found between competitive tendering and contracting and satisfaction with these services. Findings provide support for arguments made in Scandinavian evaluations; the introduction of competition and contracting is argued to increase municipal focus on service quality and increase service-oriented care, and is suggested as representing an improvement in attention to the ‘secondary needs’ of residents. This is especially important for public managers in social-democratic countries where the use of competitive tendering and contracting is still a controversial topic.
Contested Spaces
Authors: Wilde Matt 
Published: July 2016

Since their launch in 2006, the communal councils have been heralded as a significant step toward the establishment of a radical, participatory democracy in Venezuela. Ethnographic fieldwork carried out in a working-class barrio in Valencia, Venezuela’s third-largest city, shows that local residents perceive and make use of the communal councils in a variety of ways. Older women in particular have become central players in community political life as a result of the reforms, although the burdens they take on arguably reproduce patterns of gendered inequality. Some residents express suspicion of new community leaders, accusing them of corruption, and there are conflicting views of what participatory democracy actually means in practical terms. The communal councils should be understood as contested spaces, the ambiguities and conflicts within them reflecting broader tensions within the Bolivarian project as a whole. Desde su lanzamiento en 2006, los consejos comunales han sido aclamados como un paso importante hacia el establecimiento de una democracia radical y participativa en Venezuela. Trabajo de campo etnográfico en un vecindario de clase trabajadora en Valencia, la tercera ciudad más grande de Venezuela, demuestra que los residentes locales perciben y hacen uso de los consejos comunitarios de muy diversas maneras. Las mujeres mayores, especialmente, han alcanzado un papel fundamental en la vida política de la comunidad como resultado de las reformas, aunque, podría decirse que las cargas que ellas asumen reproducen los patrones de la desigualdad de género. Algunos residentes tienen desconfianza de los nuevos líderes comunitarios y los acusan de corrupción. También, hay opiniones contrapuestas sobre lo que la democracia participativa en verdad significa en términos prácticos. Los consejos comunales deben entenderse como espacios en disputa y sus ambi-güedades y sus conflictos como reflejos de unas tensiones más amplias dentro del proyecto bolivariano en general.
Experimental investigation on the airflow characteristics of an attachment-based personalized ventilation method
Authors: Wang Yi , Ma Zewei , Zhou Yu , Zhu Huaxin , Huang Yanqiu , Yang Yang 
Published: July 2016

An attachment-based personalized ventilation method, different from the traditional personalized ventilation methods in mechanisms, is presented in this study to improve the micro-environment surrounding a human body. To identify the airflow characteristics of this personalized ventilation method, field measurements were performed to examine the air distribution via the airflow fields near the body. Three factors on the airflow fields under the personalized ventilation method were analyzed in this study, including the supplied air velocity, the horizontal distance between the air outlet and the human body, the vertical distance between the air outlet and the head of the man. According to the measurements in this study, the results show that the higher the supplied air velocity, the more easily the air attachment is formed. For a certain horizontal distance and a certain vertical distance, air attachment is formed only when the supplied air velocity is greater than a critical supplied air velocity. That critical supplied air velocity is an increasing function of the horizontal distance. When the horizontal distance reaches 0.3 m and regardless of the value of the supplied air velocity, air attachment cannot be formed. In addition, the critical supplied air velocity decreases with the vertical distance. Based on the field measurements, design parameters of the personalized ventilation method are analyzed to achieve optimization. Practical application: A novel personalized ventilation method, which is based on air attachment, is introduced in this paper. Such a personalized ventilation method can be applied to the worktable in factory, office, kitchen, and so on. The experimental results indicate that the novel personalized ventilation method can meet the requirements of fresh air in the breathing zone and provide an acceptable thermal comfort for occupants under certain conditions.
Bivalirudin for Alternative Anticoagulation in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sanfilippo Filippo , Asmussen Sven , Maybauer Dirk M. , Santonocito Cristina , Fraser John F. , Erdoes Gabor , Maybauer Marc O. 
Published: June 2016

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) offers therapeutic options in refractory respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Systemic anticoagulation with heparin is routinely administered. However, in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or heparin resistance, the direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin is a valid option and has been increasingly used for ECMO anticoagulation. We aimed at evaluating its safety and its optimal dosing for ECMO. Methods: Systematic web-based literature search of PubMed and EMBASE performed via National Health Service Library Evidence and manually, updated until January 30, 2016. Results: The search revealed 8 publications relevant to the topic (5 case reports). In total, 58 patients (24 pediatrics) were reported (18 received heparin as control groups). Bivalirudin was used with or without loading dose, followed by infusion at different ranges (lowest 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/h without loading dose; highest 0.5 mg/kg/h after loading dose). The strategies for monitoring anticoagulation and optimal targets were dissimilar (activated partial thromboplastin time 45-60 seconds to 42-88 seconds; activated clotting time 180-200 seconds to 200-220 seconds; thromboelastography in 1 study). Conclusion: Bivalirudin loading dose was not always used; infusion range and anticoagulation targets were different. In this systematic review, we discuss the reasons for this variability. Larger studies are needed to establish the optimal approach with the use of bivalirudin for ECMO.
Optimal Distribution and Utilization of Donated Human Breast Milk
Authors: Simpson Judith H. , McKerracher Lorna , Cooper Andrew , Barnett Debbie , Gentles Emma , Cairns Lorraine , Gerasimidis Konstantinos 
Published: July 2016

Background: The nutritional content of donated expressed breast milk (DEBM) is variable. Using DEBM to provide for the energy requirements of neonates is challenging. Objective: The authors hypothesized that a system of DEBM energy content categorization and distribution would improve energy intake from DEBM. Methods: We compared infants’ actual cumulative energy intake with projected energy intake, had they been fed using our proposed system. Eighty-five milk samples were ranked by energy content. The bottom, middle, and top tertiles were classified as red, amber, and green energy content categories, respectively. Data on 378 feeding days from 20 babies who received this milk were analyzed. Total daily intake of DEBM was calculated in mL/kg/day and similarly ranked. Infants received red energy content milk, with DEBM intake in the bottom daily volume intake tertile; amber energy content milk, with intake in the middle daily volume intake tertile; and green energy content milk when intake reached the top daily volume intake tertile. Results: Actual median cumulative energy intake from DEBM was 1612 (range, 15-11 182) kcal. Using DEBM with the minimum energy content from the 3 DEBM energy content categories, median projected cumulative intake was 1670 (range 13-11 077) kcal, which was not statistically significant ( P = .418). Statistical significance was achieved using DEBM with the median and maximum energy content from each energy content category, giving median projected cumulative intakes of 1859 kcal ( P = .0006) and 2280 kcal ( P = .0001), respectively. Conclusion: Cumulative energy intake from DEBM can be improved by categorizing and distributing milk according to energy content.
Moral sensitivity, moral distress, and moral courage among baccalaureate Filipino nursing students
Authors: Escolar-Chua Rowena L 
Published: July 2016

Background: Moral distress, moral sensitivity, and moral courage among healthcare professionals have been explored considerably in recent years. However, there is a paucity of studies exploring these topics among baccalaureate nursing students. Aim/objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between and among moral distress, moral sensitivity, and moral courage of undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. Research design: The research employed a descriptive-correlational design to explore the relationships between and among moral distress, moral sensitivity, and moral courage of undergraduate nursing students. Participants and research context: A total of 293 baccalaureate Filipino nursing students who have been exposed to various clinical areas participated in the study. Ethical considerations: Institutional review board approval was sought prior to the conduct of the study. Self-determination was assured and anonymity and confidentiality were guaranteed to all participants. Findings: Results indicate that a majority of the nursing students in the clinical areas encounter morally distressing situations that compromise quality patient care. However, despite the fact that they want to do what is in the best interest of their patients, their perception of being the inexperienced among the healthcare team drives the majority of them to ignore morally distressing situations to avoid conflict and confrontation. Another interesting finding is that 79.20% of the respondents hardly consider quitting the nursing profession even if they frequently encounter morally distressing situations. Analysis also shows associations between moral distress intensity and frequency ( r = 0.13, p < 0.05) and moral distress intensity and moral sensitivity ( r = 0.25, p < 0.05). The dimensions of moral courage are also related to both moral distress and moral sensitivity. Conclusion: Results of the study imply that moral distress is a reality among all healthcare professionals including nursing students and requires more consideration by nurse educators.
Neurostatus e-Scoring improves consistency of Expanded Disability Status Scale assessments: A proof of concept study
Authors: D’Souza Marcus , Yaldizli Özgür , John Roland , Vogt Deborah R , Papadopoulou Athina , Lucassen Elisabeth , Menegola Milena , Andelova Michaela , Dahlke Frank , Schnyder Franz , Kappos Ludwig 
Published: July 2016

Background: To improve the consistency of standardized Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assessments, an electronic data capture tool and analysis tool was developed, Neurostatus e-Scoring (NESC). This tool allows real-time feedback by comparing entries with established scoring rules. Objective: To test whether using NESC reduces inconsistencies as compared to the paper-and-pencil version of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (pEDSS). Methods: In all, 100 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were assessed in random order on the same day by pairs of neurologists, one using pEDSS and one NESC. We compared inter-rater reliability and frequency of inconsistencies in Neurostatus subscores, functional system (FS) scores, ambulation and EDSS steps. Results: Inconsistencies of any type were more likely to occur when using pEDSS (mean odds ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 2.93 (1.62; 5.29)). This was also the case for FS score inconsistencies (2.54 (1.40; 4.61)) and more likely for patients in the lower EDSS range (⩽3.5 vs >3.5) (5.32 (1.19; 23.77)). Overall, inter-rater agreement for the assessed Neurostatus subscores was high (median and inter-quartile range = 0.84 (0.73, 0.81)). Conclusion: Our data provide class II evidence that the use of NESC increases consistency of standardized EDSS assessments, and may thus have the potential to decrease noise and increase power of MS clinical trials.
Telemedicine coverage for post-operative ICU patients
Authors: Collins Tara Ann , Robertson Matthew P , Sicoutris Corinna P , Pisa Michael A , Holena Daniel N , Reilly Patrick M , Kohl Benjamin A 
Published: July 2016

Introduction There is an increased demand for intensive care unit (ICU) beds. We sought to determine if we could create a safe surge capacity model to increase ICU capacity by treating ICU patients in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) utilizing a collaborative model between an ICU service and a telemedicine service during peak ICU bed demand. Methods We evaluated patients managed by the surgical critical care service in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) compared to patients managed in the virtual intensive care unit (VICU) located within the PACU. A retrospective review of all patients seen by the surgical critical care service from January 1st 2008 to July 31st 2011 was conducted at an urban, academic, tertiary centre and level 1 trauma centre. Results Compared to the SICU group ( n = 6652), patients in the VICU group ( n = 1037) were slightly older (median age 60 (IQR 47–69) versus 58 (IQR 44–70) years, p = 0.002) and had lower acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores (median 10 (IQR 7–14) versus 15 (IQR 11–21), p < 0.001). The average amount of time patients spent in the VICU was 13.7 + /–9.6 hours. In the VICU group, 750 (72%) of patients were able to be transferred directly to the floor; 287 (28%) required subsequent admission to the surgical intensive care unit. All patients in the VICU group were alive upon transfer out of the PACU while mortality in the surgical intensive unit cohort was 5.5%. Discussion A collaborative care model between a surgical critical care service and a telemedicine ICU service may safely provide surge capacity during peak periods of ICU bed demand. The specific patient populations for which this approach is most appropriate merits further investigation.
Muscle strengthening activity associates with reduced all-cause mortality in COPD
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D , Sng Eveleen , Walker Jerome F 
Published: June 2016

Objective Emerging research suggests that aerobic-based physical activity may help to promote survival among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. However, the extent to which engagement in resistance training on survival among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is relatively unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the independent associations of muscle strengthening activities on all-cause mortality among a national sample of U.S. adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We hypothesize that muscle strengthening activities will be inversely associated with all-cause mortality. Methods Data from the 2003–2006 NHANES were employed, with follow-up through 2011. Aerobic-based physical activity was objectively measured via accelerometry, muscle strengthening activities engagement was assessed via self-report, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was assessed via physician-diagnosis. Results Analysis included 385 adults (20 + yrs) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who represent 13.3 million chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in the USA. The median follow-up period was 78 months (IQR=64–90), with 82 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients dying during this period. For a two muscle strengthening activity sessions/week increase (consistent with national guidelines), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients had a 29% reduced risk of all-cause mortality (HR=0.71; 95% CI: 0.51–0.99; P = 0.04). Conclusion Participation in muscle strengthening activities, independent of aerobic-based physical activity and other potential confounders, is associated with greater survival among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Identification of factors promoting ex vivo maintenance of mouse hematopoietic stem cells by long-term single-cell quantification
Authors: Kokkaliaris Konstantinos D. , Drew Erin , Endele Max , Loeffler Dirk , Hoppe Philipp S. , Hilsenbeck Oliver , Schauberger Bernhard , Hinzen Christoph , Skylaki Stavroula , Theodorou Marina , Kieslinger Matthias , Lemischka Ihor , Moore Kateri , Schroeder Timm 
Published: July 2016

Key PointsAFT024-induced HSC maintenance correlates with early survival/proliferation whereas early death is a major reason for HSC loss in culture. Dermatopontin is required for ex vivo HSC maintenance, and also improves HSC clonogenicity in stroma-based and stroma-free cultures.
The bulk of the hematopoietic stem cell population is dispensable for murine steady-state and stress hematopoiesis
Authors: Schoedel Kristina B. , Morcos Mina N. F. , Zerjatke Thomas , Roeder Ingo , Grinenko Tatyana , Voehringer David , Göthert Joachim R. , Waskow Claudia , Roers Axel , Gerbaulet Alexander 
Published: June 2016

Key PointsAfter induced HSPC depletion, HSC numbers remain at low levels whereas progenitors show robust recovery. Despite low HSC numbers, hematopoiesis proceeds normally without increased proliferation of the few residual HSCs.
PhytoCRISP-Ex: a web-based and stand-alone application to find specific target sequences for CRISPR/CAS editing
Authors: Rastogi Achal , Murik Omer , Bowler Chris , Tirichine Leila 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Background
With the emerging interest in phytoplankton research, the need to establish genetic tools for the functional characterization of genes is indispensable. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is now well recognized as an efficient and accurate reverse genetic tool for genome editing. Several computational tools have been published allowing researchers to find candidate target sequences for the engineering of the CRISPR vectors, while searching possible off-targets for the predicted candidates. These tools provide built-in genome databases of common model organisms that are used for CRISPR target prediction. Although their predictions are highly sensitive, the applicability to non-model genomes, most notably protists, makes their design inadequate. This motivated us to design a new CRISPR target finding tool, PhytoCRISP-Ex. Our software offers CRIPSR target predictions using an extended list of phytoplankton genomes and also delivers a user-friendly standalone application that can be used for any genome.

Results
The software attempts to integrate, for the first time, most available phytoplankton genomes information and provide a web-based platform for Cas9 target prediction within them with high sensitivity. By offering a standalone version, PhytoCRISP-Ex maintains an independence to be used with any organism and widens its applicability in high throughput pipelines. PhytoCRISP-Ex out pars all the existing tools by computing the availability of restriction sites over the most probable Cas9 cleavage sites, which can be ideal for mutant screens.

Conclusions
PhytoCRISP-Ex is a simple, fast and accurate web interface with 13 pre-indexed and presently updating phytoplankton genomes. The software was also designed as a UNIX-based standalone application that allows the user to search for target sequences in the genomes of a variety of other species.