bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local Balance and Variability of Atmospheric Heat Budget over Oceans: Observation and Reanalysis-Based Estimates
Authors: Wong Sun , L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , Olson William S. , Jiang Xianan , Fetzer Eric J. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The authors quantify systematic differences between modern observation- and reanalysis-based estimates of atmospheric heating rates and identify dominant variability modes over tropical oceans. Convergence of heat fluxes between the top of the atmosphere and the surface are calculated over the oceans using satellite-based radiative and sensible heat fluxes and latent heating from precipitation estimates. The convergence is then compared with column-integrated atmospheric heating based on Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission data as well as the heating calculated using temperatures from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder and wind fields from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA). Corresponding calculations using MERRA and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Interim Re-Analysis heating rates and heat fluxes are also performed. The geographical patterns of atmospheric heating rates show heating regimes over the intertropical convergence zone and summertime monsoons and cooling regimes over subsidence areas in the subtropical oceans. Compared to observation-based datasets, the reanalyses have larger atmospheric heating rates in heating regimes and smaller cooling rates in cooling regimes. For the averaged heating rates over the oceans in 40°S–40°N, the observation-based datasets have net atmospheric cooling rates (from −15 to −22 W m−2) compared to the reanalyses net warming rates (5.0–5.2 W m−2). This discrepancy implies different pictures of atmospheric heat transport. Wavelet spectra of atmospheric heating rates show distinct maxima of variability in annual, semiannual, and/or intraseasonal time scales. In regimes where deep convection frequently occurs, variability is mainly driven by latent heating. In the subtropical subsidence areas, variability in radiative heating is comparable to that in latent heating.
A Comparison of Precipitation Occurrence from the NCEP Stage IV QPE Product and the CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar
Authors: Smalley Mark , L'Ecuyer Tristan , Lebsock Matthew , Haynes John 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Because of its extensive quality control procedures and uniform space–time grid, the NCEP Stage IV merged Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radar and surface rain gauge dataset is often considered to be the best long-term gridded dataset of precipitation observations covering the contiguous United States. Stage IV accumulations are employed in a variety of applications, and while the WSR-88D systems are well suited for observing heavy rain events that are likely to affect flooding, limitations in surface radar and gauge measurements can result in missed precipitation, especially near topography and in the western United States. This paper compares hourly Stage IV observations of precipitation occurrence to collocated observations from the 94-GHz CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar, which provides excellent sensitivity to light and frozen precipitation. Statistics from 4 yr of comparisons show that the CloudSat observes precipitation considerably more frequently than the Stage IV dataset, especially in northern states where frozen precipitation is prevalent in the cold season. The skill of Stage IV for precipitation detection is found to decline rapidly when the near-surface air temperature falls below 0°C. As a result, agreement between Stage IV and CloudSat tends to be best in the southeast, where radar coverage is good and moderate-to-heavy liquid precipitation dominates. Stage IV and CloudSat precipitation detection characteristics are documented for each of the individual river forecast centers that contribute to the Stage IV dataset to provide guidance regarding potential sampling biases that may impact hydrologic applications.
Improving the Representation of Low Clouds and Drizzle in the ECMWF Model Based on ARM Observations from the Azores
Authors: Ahlgrimm Maike , Forbes Richard 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn this study, the representation of marine boundary layer clouds is investigated in the ECMWF model using observations from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) mobile facility deployment to Graciosa Island in the North Atlantic. Systematic errors in the occurrence of clouds, liquid water path, precipitation, and surface radiation are assessed in the operational model for a 19-month-long period. Boundary layer clouds were the most frequently observed cloud type but were underestimated by 10% in the model. Systematic but partially compensating surface radiation errors exist and can be linked to opposing cloud cover and liquid water path errors in broken (shallow cumulus) and overcast (stratocumulus) low-cloud regimes, consistent with previously reported results from the continental ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. Occurrence of precipitation is overestimated by a factor of 1.5 at cloud base and by a factor of 2 at the surface, suggesting deficiencies in both the warm-rain formation and subcloud evaporation parameterizations. A single-column version of the ECMWF model is used to test combined changes to the parameterizations of boundary layer, autoconversion/accretion, and rain evaporation processes at Graciosa. Low-cloud occurrence, liquid water path, radiation biases, and precipitation occurrence are all significantly improved when compared to the ARM observations. Initial results from the modified parameterizations in the full model show improvement in the global top-of-the-atmosphere shortwave radiation, suggesting the reduced errors in the comparison at Graciosa are more widely applicable to boundary layer cloud around the globe.
miR-202 expression concentration and its clinical significance in the serum of multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Yu Jiajia , Qiu Xiaojun , Shen Xianjuan , Shi Wei , Wu Xinhua , Gu Guohao , Zhu Baoli , Ju Shaoqing 
Published: September 2013

Objectives To explore microRNA-202 (miR-202) expression in serum of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), and investigate correlations between serum miR-202 expression and the development and prognosis of MM. Design and methods RNA was extracted from serum by QIAGEN miRNeasy Mini kit. Reverse transcription was performed with specific stem-loop primers. SYBR Green I QF-PCR was applied to detect the relative expression of miR-202 in 40 MM patients and 30 healthy controls. The linearity, specificity and reproducibility were evaluated. In addition, correlations between the relative expression of serum miR-202 and the concentrations of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), β2M, λ light chain and κ light chain were assessed. Results The relative expression of miR-202 in MM patients 1.503 (0.161–9.831) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls 1.000 (0.105–3.046) ( P < 0.01) and was significantly correlated with serum β2M and κ light chain concentrations ( r = 0.366, P = 0.0305; r = 0.358, P = 0.0348). Conclusions The relative expression of serum miR-202 in MM patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls, and therefore it may prove to be useful in the auxiliary diagnosis of MM.
MyD88 mediates the decision to die by apoptosis or necroptosis after UV irradiation
Authors: Harberts Erin , Fishelevich Rita , Liu Juan , Atamas Sergei P , Gaspari Anthony A 
Published: September 2013

UV irradiation-induced cellular damage is classically associated with apoptosis and is known to result in systemic immunosuppression. How the decision to undergo apoptosis is made following UV is not fully understood. We hypothesize that a central mediator of TLR signaling, MyD88, determines cell fate after UV exposure. Survival after UV of immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and ex vivo peritoneal macrophages (PM) from MyD88 germline-deficient mice (MyD88-/-) was significantly higher than wild type (WT) PM. UV-induced apoptosis (DNA laddering) in PM and epidermis of MyD88-/- animals versus WT was decreased. In MyD88-/- PM, decreased cleavage of caspase 3, as well as pro-necroptotic protein, RIP1, and a significant increase in transcription and release of pro-inflammatory TNF-α, suggest that necroptosis, rather than apoptosis, has been initiated. In vivo studies confirm this hypothesis after UV, showing low apoptosis by TUNEL and inflammation in MyD88-/- skin sections. Considering that MyD88 participates in many TLR pathways, BMDM from TLR2-/-, TLR4-/- and WT mice were compared for evidence of UV-induced apoptosis. Only TLR4-/- BMDM and PM had a similar phenotype to MyD88-/-, suggesting that the TLR4–MyD88 axis importantly contributes to cell fate decision. Our study describes a new cellular consequence of MyD88 signaling after UV, and may provide rationale for therapies to mitigate UV-induced immunosuppression.
Citalopram-Related SIADH
Authors: Ertel Ginger J , Nesbit Todd W 
Published: September 2013

Objective: To report a case of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) after the initiation of citalopram and trazodone therapy. Case Summary: A 75-year-old white woman developed SIADH after the initiation of citalopram and trazodone therapy. Discussion: Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and trazodone have been associated with hyponatremia in the literature. There are numerous reports of SSRIs, primarily fluoxetine, associated with SIADH. There are 8 case reports of SIADH reported with citalopram in the literature, which were identified through a MEDLINE search that included all languages and bibliographic review of those cases. The number of citalopram cases may not be associated with a reduced incidence but with the infrequency of citalopram use compared with the widespread use of fluoxetine. The mechanism of action of citalopram is enhancement of serotoninergic neurotransmission, which is similar to other serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors. To date, there are only 2 reports of trazodone associated with hyponatremia in the literature, both as a result of an overdose. Conclusions: SIADH has been reported with several SSRIs, but to a lesser degree with citalopram, which may be attributed to the lower number of patients using it compared with other SSRIs. Increased awareness and monitoring of SIADH is important, especially in older patients who may be at an increased risk of SIADH.
Public Attitude toward Drug Technical Package Inserts in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bawazir Saleh A , Abou-Auda Hisham S , Gubara Othman A , Al-Khamis Khalil I , Al-Yamani Mohammed JMS 
Published: September 2013

Objective: To examine public opinion in Saudi Arabia regarding the technical drug package insert (PI) as a source of information and to assess the need for potential changes to the existing format in favor of a more patient-oriented package insert (PPI). Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March through May 1998 by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Setting: Eighty-four community pharmacies in Riyadh. Participants: Two thousand twenty-nine customers entering community pharmacies in Riyadh were enrolled in this survey. Results: Results of the survey showed that 88% of the respondents read the PI. The motives for reading the PI included the desire to know more about the medication (48.7%), to adhere to the prescription (21.7%), and to decide whether to take the medication (13.1%). From the list of information contained therein, respondents listed indications (47.1%) and adverse drug effects (46.6%) as the principal sections of interest. Respondents overwhelmingly endorsed the PI as a complementary source of drug information to the verbal instructions of the physician and the pharmacist. However, readers did criticize its detail, legibility, and poor graphic illustration. Respondents indicated their desire to see a concise PPI introduced, one that highlights only the most common adverse effects of a drug. It should be written in simple Arabic and include, whenever possible, illustrations to enhance comprehension. Conclusions: The PI does not have the power to overrule the physician's or pharmacist's instructions. Since some patients may cease taking their medicines if they feel threatened by the adverse effects mentioned in the PI, precautionary statements should be prominently placed in the PI to explain the purpose of mentioning such information and what proper action should be taken by the patient.
Training Pharmacy Technicians in Community Pharmacy about Technical Aspects of Blood Glucose Meters
Authors: Hilaire Michelle L , Powers Mary F , Kitz Michael J 
Published: September 2013

Objective: To develop a structured training module for community pharmacy technicians to enhance on-the-job training, with a focus on the technical aspects associated with blood glucose meters. Methods: A 3-hour live training session was offered about the technical features of blood glucose meters. A 54-page manual was developed and provided to enhance the training sessions and for later use as a reference. Participation was voluntary and participants answered a 10-item pre-training survey and a 15-item post-training survey. The surveys contained questions about the knowledge and beliefs the technicians had about blood glucose meters. Results: Thirty-nine pharmacy technicians from 21 pharmacies participated in the training. Seventy-three percent of the participants expressed that they were very interested in taking an advanced role as a pharmacy technician. Sixty-four percent of the participants strongly agreed that the content of the program added to their knowledge about blood glucose meters. Fifty-two percent of the participants have been employed for >3 years by their employer. Conclusions: Community pharmacists today are striving to integrate patient care with the goods and services traditionally associated with pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians are recognized as an important resource in helping pharmacists provide better patient care. The structured training module described in this article is designed to supplement on-the-job training. Formal training through accredited training programs may be required in the future. Structured technician training modules may provide a means for transition from predominantly on-the-job training to formal training.
Assessing Adherence to an Intravenous Pantoprazole Guideline
Authors: MacLaren Robert , Obritsch Marilee D , Sherman Deborah S , Jung Rose , Fish Douglas N 
Published: September 2013

Background: Despite minimal efficacy data, some institutions frequently use intravenous proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as pantoprazole, for prevention of stress-related mucosal disease (SRMD) bleeding, or the treatment of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleed (GIB). Due to the increased expense of intravenous pantoprazole compared with enteral PPIs, a guideline was implemented to reduce inappropriate use and provide dosing recommendations for SRMD and GIB. Objective: To comparatively assess the adherence rates before and after implementation of an institution-specific usage guideline for intravenous pantoprazole. Methods: A retrospective chart audit of consecutive patients receiving intravenous pantoprazole for 2 month periods before and after a guideline was implemented over a 2 month education period. The guideline restricted pantoprazole use to bleeding prevention of SRMD in patients unable to tolerate histamine2-receptor antagonists and to receive enteral administration of PPIs (80 mg/day or 40 mg twice daily) or patients with severe GIB (80 mg, then 8 mg/h). Outcomes assessed were the percentage of patients deemed appropriate to receive intravenous pantoprazole and compliance with dosing recommendations. Results: Overall, pantoprazole was appropriately chosen in 20 (42.6%) patients with SRMD and 34 (79.1%) of patients with GIB (p < 0.0001). Pantoprazole was appropriately chosen in 16 (55.2%) patients before and 24 (64.9%) patients after implementation of the guideline. The dosage regimen for SRMD was appropriate in 3 (21.4%) before-group patients and 10 (58.9%) after-group patients (p = 0.007). The dosage regimen for GIB was appropriate in 4 (26.7%) patients before and 6 (30%) patients after adoption of the guideline. Length of stay in the intensive care unit was shorter for the after group for both SRMD and GIB, and the mortality rate was lower in the after group for SRMD only, but these outcomes were likely unrelated to implementation of the guideline. Conclusions: An intravenous pantoprazole guideline did not change appropriate patient selection and improved prescribing practices for SRMD only.
Barriers to Implementing a Pharmacist-Run Immunization Service, as Perceived by Pharmacists, in a Community Pharmacy Chain
Authors: Capurso Kevin A , Powers Mary F 
Published: September 2013

Background: Thousands of people die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. Pharmacists can be a valuable resource in aiding the success of immunizations. Objective: To determine the barriers to implementing a program utilizing pharmacists as immunizers, as perceived by pharmacists, in a supermarket pharmacy chain. Methods: A 15 question survey regarding the perceived barriers to implementing a pharmacist-run immunization program was distributed to 60 pharmacists in a supermarket chain in northwestern Ohio. The responses were tabulated using a 5 point Likert scale. The data were analyzed utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Of the 60 pharmacists who received the survey, 43 completed the questionnaire (response rate 72.0%). A majority of the pharmacists surveyed believed that patient privacy was an issue in administering adult immunizations in a community pharmacy. The majority of pharmacists were concerned about the risk of adverse reactions to the vaccines and the need for a quick response to control these reactions. Twenty-five pharmacists believed that the prescription volume at their pharmacy limited them from having time to immunize. Twenty-one pharmacists cited cost as the main determining factor in a pharmacy immunization program. Conclusions: Many barriers to implementing a pharmacist-run immunization program exist. The future success of such an immunization program rests on overcoming the perceived barriers in a formal and timely manner.
Assessment of Pharmacy Technicians' Salary, Benefits, and Responsibilities in North Dakota
Authors: Scott David M , Halvorson Diane 
Published: September 2013

Background: While the number of pharmacist workforce studies being published is growing, few studies report accurate information concerning the wages, benefits, and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians. Objective: To evaluate the wages, benefits, and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians in North Dakota. Methods: A mail survey for pharmacy technicians was modified based on the Wage and Benefit Survey for pharmacists used in the Upper Midwest Pharmacists Workforce Study. A list of responsibilities was added to this survey to represent technicians' responsibilities in North Dakota. A survey packet then was mailed to the 456 pharmacy technicians registered in North Dakota. A follow-up postcard and a second survey were mailed to nonrespondents at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. Results: Overall, 256 (56.1%) completed surveys were available for analysis. Pharmacy technicians reported that they worked in a primary employment setting (n = 228) an average of 36.8 hours per week and received an average of 2.3 weeks of vacation. The average hourly rate was $12.34 ($7.00–25.48) and the gross 2004 salary (excluding benefits) was $21,627 ($880–41,600). Hospitals had the highest average hourly pay rate ($12.40), followed by independent ($12.35) and chain ($12.01) pharmacies. Grandfathered technicians (those registered in 1994 when the registration requirement was passed in North Dakota) received the highest average hourly pay rate at $13.11, followed by 1 year, 2 year, and Pharmacist-Assisted Technician Self-Instructional Modules (PATSIM) graduates. The hourly rate for grandfathered pharmacy technicians who have since become certified ($13.30) was highest. Differences between certified and noncertified groups were $0.10 more for 1 year graduates and $0.20 for PATSIM graduates; the difference between grandfathered technicians and 2 year graduates was $0.30. Commonly reported benefits included paid vacation (80%), health insurance for the employee (67%), sick leave (56%), and tax-sheltered plans (54%). Other benefits received were discounts on purchases (61%) and discounts on prescription drugs (54%). Among the most frequently cited distributive functions that technicians perform in their work setting included retrieving products from stock, followed by working with inventory, checking in and putting away medications, filling routine stock supplies, and affixing prescription labels to containers. Conclusions: Pharmacy technician wages, benefits, and responsibilities in North Dakota are reflective of levels of training, experience, and certification status. While similar assessments have been conducted on pharmacists in other states, there is a need for similar data on pharmacy technicians.
Impact of Over-the-Counter Medication Misuse and Adverse Drug Events on HIV Patients' Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Sansgiry Sujit S , Ajuoga Elizabeth , Ngo Caroline , Yeh Rosa F 
Published: September 2013

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) medication use has increased among HIV-infected patients. Inappropriate use of OTC drugs may increase the risk of potential adverse drug events (ADEs), thus decreasing health-related quality of life (HRQL). Objective: To examine the effect of OTC medication misuse and associated ADEs on HRQL of HIV-infected patients. Methods: A cross-sectional field study with HIV-infected patients from an HIV clinic in Houston, Texas, was conducted from April 1, 2005, to June 30, 2005. A validated questionnaire (including questions on OTC medications used; ADEs experienced; and HRQL, Short Form-12, version 2 scale) was administered using self-administered and personal interview techniques. Cronbach's α was estimated to evaluate internal consistency for HRQL scores and χ2 and t-test analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of OTC misuse on ADEs and on HRQL. Results: Of the 215 respondents, 80 (37.2%) misused OTC medications. Thirty-six participants (16.7%) experienced ADEs due to OTC use or misuse. ADE incidence was significantly higher in patients misusing OTCs. Significantly lower HRQL scores for the physical component summary score domains were observed in patients reporting ADEs versus those who did not. Conclusions: HIV-infected patients had lower HRQL scores when they experienced an OTC-associated ADE. Patients misusing OTC medications had a higher incidence of associated ADEs. Interventions by healthcare providers and patients aimed at reducing misuse and ADEs due to OTC medications would improve care and the quality of life for HIV-infected patients.