bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Evaluation of the Day-1 IMERG over the Upper Blue Nile Basin
Authors: Sahlu Dejene , Nikolopoulos Efthymios I. , Moges Semu A. , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. , Hailu Dereje 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
This work presents a first evaluation of the performance of the Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) precipitation product over the upper Blue Nile basin of Ethiopia. One of the unique features of this study is the availability of hourly rainfall measurements from an experimental rain gauge network in the area. Both the uncalibrated and calibrated versions of IMERG are evaluated, and their performance is contrasted against another high-resolution satellite product, which is the Kalman filter (KF)-based Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH). The analysis is performed for hourly and daily time scales and at spatial scales that correspond to the nominal resolution of satellite products, which is 0.1° spatial resolution. The period analyzed is focused on a single wet season (May–October 2014). Evaluation is performed using several statistical and categorical error metrics, as well as spatial correlation analysis to assess the ability of satellite products to represent spatial variability of precipitation in the area. Results show that both IMERG products have a better bias ratio and correlation coefficient on both time scales as compared to CMORPH. Comparison statistics show a slight improvement in the skill of detecting rainfall events in IMERG products compared to CMORPH. Results also show a decreasing trend in the detection ability of satellite products for increasing threshold values, highlighting the need to further improve detection during heavy precipitation.
Comparison of In Situ Soil Moisture Measurements: An Examination of the Neutron and Dielectric Measurements within the Illinois Climate Network
Authors: Coopersmith Evan J. , Cosh Michael H. , Jacobs Jennifer M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe continuity of soil moisture time series data is crucial for climatic research. Yet, a common problem for continuous data series is the changing of sensors, not only as replacements are necessary, but as technologies evolve. The Illinois Climate Network has one of the longest data records of soil moisture; yet, it has a discontinuity when the primary sensor (neutron probes) was replaced with a dielectric sensor. Applying a simple model coupled with machine learning, the two time series can be merged into one continuous record by training the model on the latter dielectric model and minimizing errors against the former neutron probe dataset. The model is able to be calibrated to an accuracy of 0.050 m3 m−3 and applying this to the earlier series and applying a gain and offset, an RMSE of 0.055 m3 m−3 is possible. As a result of this work, there is now a singular network data record extending back to the 1980s for the state of Illinois.
Are Domestic Violence Offenders Specialists? Answers from Multiple Analytic Approaches
Authors: Bouffard Leana A. , Zedaker Sara B. 
Published: July 2016

Objectives: Existing theory and policy regarding domestic violence (DV) often assume a highly specialized offender. Specialization literature in general, however, holds that specialization is not very common—even in DV. The current study builds on previous work by using multiple analytic methods to assess specialization/versatility among DV offenders, with a focus on gender differences. Methods: The sample includes 730 individuals processed through a misdemeanor DV docket. Demographic measures were available, and complete criminal histories were compiled for each defendant. Analyses include the diversity index and offense specialization coefficient, multivariate models predicting those measures, multilevel item response theory analysis, and latent class analysis (LCA). Results: Results are generally consistent in finding an effect of gender on DV specialization as well as relationships between the age of onset and the overall offending frequency. Female offenders demonstrate a greater degree of DV specialization than male offenders did. However, gender did not distinguish between the DV specialist group and two more versatile groups derived from the LCA. Conclusions: Findings of the overall generality of offending among DV offenders, as well as a greater degree of specialization among female offenders, suggest the need to reevaluate current specialized theory, policy, and practice.
Acute anxiety and social inference: An experimental manipulation with 7.5% carbon dioxide inhalation
Authors: Button Katherine S , Karwatowska Lucy , Kounali Daphne , Munafò Marcus R , Attwood Angela S 
Published: July 2016

Background: Positive self-bias is thought to be protective for mental health. We previously found that the degree of positive bias when learning self-referential social evaluation decreases with increasing social anxiety. It is unclear whether this reduction is driven by differences in state or trait anxiety, as both are elevated in social anxiety; therefore, we examined the effects on the state of anxiety induced by the 7.5% carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation model of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) on social evaluation learning. Methods: For our study, 48 (24 of female gender) healthy volunteers took two inhalations (medical air and 7.5% CO2, counterbalanced) whilst learning social rules (self-like, self-dislike, other-like and other-dislike) in an instrumental social evaluation learning task. We analysed the outcomes (number of positive responses and errors to criterion) using the random effects Poisson regression. Results: Participants made fewer and more positive responses when breathing 7.5% CO2 in the other-like and other-dislike rules, respectively (gas × condition × rule interaction p = 0.03). Individuals made fewer errors learning self-like than self-dislike, and this positive self-bias was unaffected by CO2. Breathing 7.5% CO2 increased errors, but only in the other-referential rules (gas × condition × rule interaction p = 0.003). Conclusions: Positive self-bias (i.e. fewer errors learning self-like than self-dislike) seemed robust to changes in state anxiety. In contrast, learning other-referential evaluation was impaired as state anxiety increased. This suggested that the previously observed variations in self-bias arise due to trait, rather than state, characteristics.
Evaluation of a corrected implementation of a method of simulating pulmonary nodules in chest tomosynthesis
Authors: Svensson Frida , Söderman Christina , Svalkvist Angelica , Rossi Norrlund Rauni , Vikgren Jenny , Johnsson Åse Allansdotter , Båth Magnus 
Published: July 2016

Background A method of simulating pulmonary nodules in tomosynthesis images has previously been developed and evaluated. An unknown feature of a rounding function included in the computer code was later found to introduce an artifact, affecting simulated nodules in low-signal regions of the images. The computer code has now been corrected. Purpose To perform a thorough evaluation of the corrected nodule-simulation method, comparing the detection rate and visual appearance of artificial nodules with those of real nodules in an observer performance experiment. Material and Methods A cohort of 64 patients with a total of 129 pulmonary nodules was used in the study. Artificial nodules, each matching a corresponding real nodule by size, attenuation, and anatomical location, were generated and simulated into the tomosynthesis images of the different patients. The detection rate and visual appearance of artificial nodules generated using both the corrected and uncorrected computer code were compared to those of real nodules. The results were evaluated using modified receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Results The difference in detection rate between artificial and real nodules slightly increased using the corrected computer code (uncorrected code: area under the curve [AUC], 0.47; 95% CI, 0.43–0.51; corrected code: AUC, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.38–0.46). The visual appearance was however substantially improved using the corrected computer code (uncorrected code: AUC, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.63–0.76; corrected code: AUC, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29–0.65). Conclusion The computer code including a correct rounding function generates simulated nodules that are more visually realistic than simulated nodules generated using the uncorrected computer code, but have a slightly different detection rate compared to real nodules.
Longitudinal changes in cerebral blood flow velocities in different clinical courses of migraine
Authors: Lee Mi Ji , Chu Min Kyung , Choi Hanna , Choi Hyun Ah , Lee Chungbin , Chung Chin-Sang 
Published: July 2016

Objective To assess longitudinal changes in cerebral blood flow velocities (ΔCBFVs) according to the clinical course of migraine. Methods We retrospectively included migraine patients with two or more attacks per month at baseline who were followed up within 2 years with transcranial Doppler in a tertiary headache clinic. ΔCBFVs were analyzed in relation to clinical courses, defined as remission (0–1 headache days/month), persistence (2–14/month), or progression (≥15/month) in episodic migraine (EM), and conversion to EM (<15/month) and persistence (≥15/month) in chronic migraine (CM). Results A total of 166 patients (90 EM and 76 CM) were included. In EM, the remission group ( n = 30) showed a decrease in CBFV in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the basilar artery (BA). The progression group ( n = 10) showed increasing CBFVs in the bilateral MCAs. Patients with the persistence course ( n = 50) showed generally unchanged CBFVs. In CM, ΔCBFVs decreased in the BA and increased in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) after conversion to EM ( n = 61), whereas they remained unchanged in the persistence group ( n = 15). In all patients, % change in headache days was positively correlated with the %ΔCBFVs of the bilateral MCAs and the BA. Conclusions CBFV changes are associated with the different clinical courses of migraine. The association is more prominent in EM than CM.
Trade and Distributional Impacts of Genetically Modified Crops in India: A CGE Analysis
Authors: Chatterjee Amrita , Pohit Sanjib , Ghose Arpita 
Published: July 2016

Against the background of declining agricultural productivity and a large population, genetically modified (GM) crops could play a key role in India. The current article uses a modified GTAP model to study empirically the overall impacts of the adoption of GM cotton, soybean, maize and rice on various sectors of the Indian economy through computable general equilibrium analysis. The impacts of a compulsory labelling policy and positive and negative preference shifts towards GM rice by Indian consumers are also analysed along with the effects on income distribution. The results indicate that productivity improvements from GM technology adoption in India have a significant positive impact on India’s production, trade and welfare. Even a possible ban on the import of GM rice from India by European Union (EU) will not have any negative welfare impact on Indian consumers, though the export of Indian rice will be much lower. JEL Classification: C68, D33, D61, F17, O11
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Hypertension in Hemophilia: Cross-Sectional Analysis of a National Discharge Register
Authors: Seaman Craig D. , Apostolova Mariya , Yabes Jonathan , Comer Diane M. , Ragni Margaret V. 
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Improved life expectancy of persons with hemophilia (PWHs) has led to a greater interest in the role of age-related chronic diseases, such as hypertension, in this cohort. Several observational studies have reported an increased prevalence of hypertension in PWHs; however, this has not been assessed using a large, national database in the United States. Aims: We hypothesized the prevalence of hypertension is increased in PWHs and compared the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among patients with and without hemophilia. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using discharge data among adult males from the National Inpatient Sample over the 3-year period, 2009 to 2011. Hypertension was compared across groups using Rao-Scott χ2 test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of hypertension in patients with hemophilia after adjustment for hypertension-associated risk factors. Results: The prevalence of hypertension in patients with hemophilia was less than the prevalence of hypertension in patients without hemophilia (39.5% vs 56.3%, P < .001). Hemophilia was associated with a decreased odds of hypertension after adjusting for associated risk factors (odds ratio: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.81-0.94). Conclusion: In contrast to the findings of several other recent studies, we report a decreased prevalence of hypertension in PWHs. The discrepancy among the reported prevalence of hypertension in our study and several others highlights the potential biases inherent to retrospective and cross-sectional studies and underscores the need for well-designed prospective studies to determine the true incidence of hypertension in PWHs, which may lie somewhere in between our findings and the findings of others.
Considerations and values in decision making regarding mechanical ventilation for older patients with severe to very severe COPD
Authors: Jerpseth Heidi , Dahl Vegard , Nortvedt Per , Halvorsen Kristin 
Published: July 2016

Background The different considerations involved in decisions regarding whether or not to initiate mechanical ventilation for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are challenging for health professionals. Aim To investigate the considerations and values that influences decision-making regarding mechanical ventilation in older patients (≥65-years-old) with severe to very severe COPD. Furthermore, it aims to elucidate how physicians involve their patient in decision-making process. Participants and setting Seven intensive care physicians and seven physicians working in the respiratory units at two university hospitals and two district hospitals in Norway. Methods This study had a qualitative design consisting of focus group interviews with 14 physicians. The data was analysed according to the interpretative contexts: self-understanding, critical common-sense understanding and theoretical understanding. Results Decisions regarding mechanical ventilation were mainly based on the physicians' own experiences, their perceptions of the patients' situation, and biomedical data. The patients were not involved in the decision-making and such decisions were only occasionally made in a multi-professional context. Conclusion To decide whether older patients with severe COPD should be treated with mechanical ventilation is both medically and ethically challenging for physicians. Decision making in this context seems to be mainly driven by a paternalistic attitude, since the physicians interviewed in our study, in general, make such decisions without involving either the patient, their next of kin or the nurses. There is a need for broader cooperation between health professional and for the involvement of patients in the decision-making process regarding mechanical ventilation in cases of late stage COPD.
The effect of study type on research ethics committees’ queries in medical studies
Authors: Happo Saara M , Halkoaho Arja , Lehto Soili M , Keränen Tapani 
Published: July 2016

Background: Medical research involving human subjects must be evaluated by a research ethics committee (REC) before a study is initiated. However, knowledge of REC decision processes, particularly in relation to evaluating the risk–benefit balance in various study types, appears scant. Methods: The study protocols and records of a Finnish university hospital REC were surveyed for a time span of 5 years. All study procedures in each study plan were examined, and the studies were divided into clinical drug trials, clinical trials with medical devices, studies with other invasive interventions, studies with non-invasive physical procedures, and non-physical procedures only. Results: In clinical drug trials, the REC posed queries more frequently about the risk–benefit ratio and less frequently about study methods and participant-related issues in comparison with other study types. Relative to other studies, those with non-physical procedures were subject to more frequent queries related to reliability of the study methodology and to data protection and confidentiality. Most of the queries focused on the recruitment process. Conclusions: The emphasis on risk–benefit evaluation in clinical drug trials may arise from RECs’ concern that clinical drug trials are most often conducted on patients and may involve new chemical entities with limited safety data. The relative scarcity of method queries in relation to clinical drug trials may indicate high scientific quality of industry-sponsored research, whereas the elevated percentage of these queries in investigator-initiated studies with non-physical procedures may suggest a need for better scientific education of independent clinical investigators.
Factors impacting on menstrual hygiene and their implications for health promotion
Authors: Lahme Anne Mutunda , Stern Ruth , Cooper Diane 
Published: July 2016

Background: In the lives of women, puberty is marked by the onset of menarche. From this stage onwards until menopause, reproductive health and menstrual hygiene are important aspects of women’s lives. In Zambia’s Western Province, the natural process of menstruation is a taboo and dealt with secretly. Information and knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls is inadequate. This paper explores the factors influencing the understanding, experiences and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Mongu District, Western Province of Zambia. Methods: An explorative study design was used by means of six focus group discussions conducted with 51 respondents, aged 13–20 years, from three secondary schools. Their age at menarche was 11–15. For data analysis thematic content analysis was used. Results: The paper shows that the girls suffer from poor menstrual hygiene, originating from lack of knowledge, culture and tradition, and socio-economic and environmental constraints, leading to inconveniences, humiliation and stress. This leads to reduced school attendance and poor academic performance, or even drop outs, and ultimately infringes upon the girls’ human rights. Conclusion: To address these shortcomings, a ‘super setting approach’ is recommended, in which a Health Promoting School could improve the girls’ individual and group needs, and a community setting which would address the broader socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions. This would enable creating a supportive environment for the girls to manage their periods. To successfully utilize the approach, all stakeholders (parents, teachers, children, governments and communities) should cooperate to generate context-specific solutions for creating safe menstrual care, and better and dignified conditions for adolescent girls. Therefore, this calls for comprehensive, strident advocacy for policy changes at national level, and mediation and involvement at community level.
How Much Is Short-Term Glucose Prediction in Type 1 Diabetes Improved by Adding Insulin Delivery and Meal Content Information to CGM Data? A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Zecchin Chiara , Facchinetti Andrea , Sparacino Giovanni , Cobelli Claudio 
Published: July 2016

Background: In type 1 diabetes (T1D) management, short-term glucose prediction can allow to anticipate therapeutic decisions when hypo/hyperglycemia is imminent. Literature prediction methods mainly use past continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) readings. Sophisticated algorithms can use information on insulin delivered and meal carbohydrate (CHO) content. The quantification of how much insulin and CHO information improves glucose prediction is missing in the literature and is investigated, in an open-loop setting, in this proof-of-concept study. Methods: We adopted a versatile literature prediction methodology able to utilize a variety of inputs. We compared predictors that use (1) CGM; (2) CGM and insulin; (3) CGM and CHO; and (4) CGM, insulin, and CHO. Data of 15 T1D subjects in open-loop setup were used. Prediction was evaluated via absolute error and temporal gain focusing on meal/night periods. The relative importance of each individual input of the predictor was evaluated with a sensitivity analysis. Results: For a prediction horizon (PH) ≥ 30 minutes, insulin and CHO information improves prediction accuracy of 10% and double the temporal gain during the 2 hours following the meal. During the night the 4 methods did not give statistically different results. When PH ≥ 45 minutes, the influence of CHO information on prediction is 5-fold that of insulin. Conclusions: In an open-loop setting, with PH ≥ 30 minutes, information on CHO and insulin improves short-term glucose prediction in the 2-hour time window following a meal, but not during the night. CHO information improves prediction significantly more than insulin.
PI3K p85 β regulatory subunit deficiency does not affect NK cell differentiation and increases NKG2D-mediated activation
Authors: Rojas José M , Spada Roberto , Sanz-Ortega Laura , Morillas Laura , Mejías Raquel , Mulens-Arias Vladimir , Pérez-Yagüe Sonia , Barber Domingo F 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Activation of NK cells depends on a balance between activating and inhibitory signals. Class Ia PI3K are heterodimeric proteins with a catalytic and a regulatory subunit and have a central role in cell signaling by associating with tyrosine kinase receptors to trigger signaling cascades. The regulatory p85 subunit participates in signaling through NKG2D, one of the main activating receptors on NK cells, via its interaction with the adaptor protein DAP10. Although the effects of inhibiting catalytic subunits or deleting the regulatory p85α subunit have been studied, little attention has focused on the role of the p85β subunit in NK cells. Using p85β knockout mice, we found that p85β deficiency does not alter NK cell differentiation and maturation in spleen or bone marrow. NK cells from p85β−/− mice nonetheless produced more IFN-γ and degranulated more effectively when stimulated with anti-NKG2D antibody. These cells also degranulated and killed NKG2D ligand-expressing target cells more efficiently. We show that p85β deficiency impaired NKG2D internalization, which could contribute to the activated phenotype. Decreasing p85β subunit protein levels might thus constitute a therapeutic target to promote NK cell activity toward NKG2D ligand-expressing cells.