bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
North Sea Storminess from a Novel Storm Surge Record since AD 1843*
Authors: Dangendorf Sönke , Müller-Navarra Sylvin , Jensen Jürgen , Schenk Frederik , Wahl Thomas , Weisse Ralf 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The detection of potential long-term changes in historical storm statistics and storm surges plays a vitally important role for protecting coastal communities. In the absence of long homogeneous wind records, the authors present a novel, independent, and homogeneous storm surge record based on water level observations in the North Sea since 1843. Storm surges are characterized by considerable interannual-to-decadal variability linked to large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns. Time periods of increased storm surge levels prevailed in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries without any evidence for significant long-term trends. This contradicts with recent findings based on reanalysis data, which suggest increasing storminess in the region since the late nineteenth century. The authors compare the wind and pressure fields from the Twentieth-Century Reanalysis (20CRv2) with the storm surge record by applying state-of-the-art empirical wind surge formulas. The comparison reveals that the reanalysis is a valuable tool that leads to good results over the past 100 yr; previously the statistical relationship fails, leaving significantly lower values in the upper percentiles of the predicted surge time series. These low values lead to significant upward trends over the entire investigation period, which are in turn supported by neither the storm surge record nor an independent circulation index based on homogeneous pressure readings. The authors therefore suggest that these differences are related to higher uncertainties in the earlier years of the 20CRv2 over the North Sea region.
Robust Response of the East Asian Monsoon Rainband to Solar Variability
Authors: Zhao Liang , Wang Jing-Song 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study provides evidence of the robust response of the East Asian monsoon rainband to the 11-yr solar cycle and first identify the exact time period within the summer half-year (1958–2012) with the strongest correlation between the mean latitude of the rainband (MLRB) over China and the sunspot number (SSN). This period just corresponds to the climatological-mean East Asian mei-yu season, characterized by a large-scale quasi-zonal monsoon rainband (i.e., 22 May–13 July). Both the statistically significant correlation and the temporal coincidence indicate a robust response of the mei-yu rainband to solar variability during the last five solar cycles. During the high SSN years, the mei-yu MLRB lies 1.2° farther north, and the amplitude of its interannual variations increases when compared with low SSN years. The robust response of monsoon rainband to solar forcing is related to an anomalous general atmospheric pattern with an up–down seesaw and a north–south seesaw over East Asia.
Reliability of Regression-Corrected Climate Forecasts
Authors: Tippett Michael K. , DelSole Timothy , Barnston Anthony G. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractRegression is often used to calibrate climate model forecasts with observations. Reliability is an aspect of forecast quality that refers to the degree of correspondence between forecast probabilities and observed frequencies of occurrence. While regression-corrected climate forecasts are reliable in principle, the estimated regression parameters used in practice are affected by sampling error. The low skill and small sample sizes typically encountered in climate prediction imply substantial sampling error in the estimated regression parameters. Here the reliability of regression-corrected climate forecasts is analyzed for the case of joint-Gaussian distributed ensemble forecasts and observations with regression parameters estimated by least squares. Hypothesis testing of the regression parameters provides direct information about the skill and reliability of the uncorrected ensemble-based probability forecasts. However, the regression-corrected probability forecasts with estimated parameters are systematically “overconfident” because sampling error causes a positive bias in the regression forecast signal variance, despite the fact that the estimates of the regression parameters are themselves unbiased. An analytical description of the reliability diagram of a generic regression-corrected climate forecast is derived and is shown to depend on sample size and population correlation skill, with small sample size and low skill being factors that increase overconfidence. The analytical reliability estimate is shown to capture the effect of sampling error in synthetic data experiments and in a 29-yr dataset of NOAA Climate Forecast System version 2 predictions of seasonal precipitation totals over the Americas. The impact of sampling error on the reliability of regression-corrected forecast has been previously unrecognized and affects all regression-based forecasts. The use of regression parameters estimated by shrinkage methods such as ridge regression substantially reduces overconfidence.
The effects of suicide prevention measures reported through a psychoeducational video: A practice in Japan
Authors: Sakamoto Shinji , Tanaka Eriko , Kameyama Akiko , Takizawa Tohru , Takizawa Shiho , Fujishima Satoko , Nara Mieko , Sakashita Tomoe , Oyama Hirofumi , Ono Yutaka 
Published: January 2014

Background: As the suicide rate in Japan has remained high since 1998, various suicide prevention measures have been implemented in Japanese local communities. Aims: To report our findings on the effect of a psychoeducational video as a suicide prevention measure in a Japanese rural town. Methods: Questionnaires were randomly mailed to 2,000 residents aged between 30 and 79 years. Within 4 weeks, volunteers in the town visited the residents individually and collected the questionnaires. The variables reported in this study are demographics, awareness of suicide prevention measures available in the town, whether the residents watched the video, help-seeking from advisers regarding suicidal ideation and financial problems and attitudes towards suicide. Results: We analysed data collected from 1,118 people who reported their demographics (i.e. sex, age, and job) and whether they had watched the video. By conducting a series of logistic regression and multiple regression analyses and controlling for demographic variables, we found that watching the video had substantial psychoeducational effects. Conclusion: Despite conducting a cross-sectional study, our new suicide prevention measures were considered effective for psychoeducation. However, further studies using a longitudinal design are needed.
Chaperones for intimate examinations in family medicine: findings from a pilot study in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Jones Kay , Biezen Ruby , Beovich Bronwyn , van Hecke Oliver 
Published: January 2014

Background The use of medical chaperones during clinical examinations is important whether one practises as a specialist, nurse, medical student or generalist. Chaperone use in general practice remains largely unknown in most countries across the world and, what is known is limited to a handful of countries. Their use in Australian general practice remains unknown. Objective To explore the attitudes and practices of a cohort of general practitioners in urban Melbourne regarding the use of chaperones in their daily clinical practice. Methods Self-administered postal questionnaire to pilot group of general practitioners in urban Melbourne, Australia. Main outcome measures: Frequency of chaperone use; views on chaperone use itself; preferred choice for the role of chaperone; main reasons for using chaperones. Results The majority (95% respondents) had never or occasionally used a chaperone. The use of chaperones correlated with general practitioner gender – male general practitioners were more likely to use a chaperone. General practitioners preferred choice as chaperone was the practice nurse. There was no association found between chaperone use and the respondents’ age, practice size or the availability of a practice nurse. The most highly rated influence by general practitioners for using a chaperone was because of anticipated patient embarrassment and/or distress. Conclusion This is the first step in understanding attitudes and experiences of general practitioners in general practice in Australia. The results of a larger, national study would provide further insight into this important issue taking into account the realities of general practice in Australia and relationship between general practitioners and patients.
Difficult Airway Management for Novice Physicians: A Randomized Trial Comparing Direct and Video‐Assisted Laryngoscopy
Authors: Ambrosio Art , Pfannenstiel Travis , Bach Kevin , Cornelissen Chris , Gaconnet Cory , Brigger Matthew T. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo detect a difference in (1) intubation success and (2) successful intubation times between novice physicians using a Macintosh‐style or video‐assisted laryngoscope on a difficult airway manikin.Study DesignProspective randomized trial.SettingAcademic, tertiary medical center.MethodsForty first‐year residents across a variety of disciplines with fewer than 5 total live intubations were recruited for the study. Testing took place during orientation prior to commencement of clinical duties. The entire group was provided training by faculty otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists using both laryngoscope types on a manikin airway simulator in a standard intubating scenario. Subjects were then randomized into 2 testing groups, using either a Macintosh laryngoscope or video‐assisted laryngoscope in a difficult intubation scenario. The difficult airway simulation entailed oral cavity/oropharyngeal obstruction using inflation of the tongue, as well as cervical spine immobilization with a rigid collar preventing extension and elevation of the head and limiting oral cavity opening. Success was defined as a confirmed endotracheal intubation by the testing instructor in 120 seconds or less.ResultsThe Macintosh laryngoscope group (n = 19) had an intubation success rate of 47.4% with a mean intubation time of 69.0 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.7, 85.2). The video‐assisted group (n = 21) demonstrated a significantly higher success rate of 100% (P <. 0001) and a decreased mean intubation time of 23.1 seconds (95% CI: 18.4, 27.8; P <. 0001). The mean difference in success rate between groups was 52.6% (95% CI: 30.0%, 75.3%).ConclusionsNovice physicians with little to no prior intubation experience showed significantly higher intubation success with lower intubation times using a video‐assisted laryngoscope in a difficult airway manikin simulator.
Estimation of proliferative potentiality of central neurocytoma: correlational analysis of minimum ADC and maximum SUV with MIB-1 labeling index
Authors: Sakamoto Ryo , Okada Tomohisa , Kanagaki Mitsunori , Yamamoto Akira , Fushimi Yasutaka , Kakigi Takahide , Arakawa Yoshiki , Takahashi Jun C , Mikami Yoshiki , Togashi Kaori 
Published: January 2014

Background Central neurocytoma was initially believed to be benign tumor type, although atypical cases with more aggressive behavior have been reported. Preoperative estimation for proliferating activity of central neurocytoma is one of the most important considerations for determining tumor management. Purpose To investigate predictive values of image characteristics and quantitative measurements of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for proliferative activity of central neurocytoma measured by MIB-1 labeling index (LI). Material and Methods Twelve cases of central neurocytoma including one recurrence from January 2001 to December 2011 were included. Preoperative scans were conducted in 11, nine, and five patients for computed tomography (CT), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), respectively, and ADCmin and SUVmax of the tumors were measured. Image characteristics were investigated using CT, T2-weighted (T2W) imaging and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1W) imaging, and their differences were examined using the Fisher's exact test between cases with MIB-1 LI below and above 2%, which is recognized as typical and atypical central neurocytoma, respectively. Correlational analysis was conducted for ADCmin and SUVmax with MIB-1 LI. A P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results Morphological appearances had large variety, and there was no significant correlation with MIB-1 LI except a tendency that strong enhancement was observed in central neurocytomas with higher MIB-1 LI ( P = 0.061). High linearity with MIB-1 LI was observed in ADCmin and SUVmax ( r = −0.91 and 0.74, respectively), but only ADCmin was statistically significant ( P = 0.0006). Conclusion Central neurocytoma had a wide variety of image appearance, and assessment of proliferative potential was considered difficult only by morphological aspects. ADCmin was recognized as a potential marker for differentiation of atypical central neurocytomas from the typical ones.
Anatomic variants of arteries often coil-occluded prior to hepatic radioembolization
Authors: Powerski Maciej J , Erxleben Christoph , Scheurig-Münkler Christian , Geisel Dominik , Hamm Bernd , Gebauer Bernhard 
Published: January 2014

Background: Prior to radioembolization (RE) treatment of malignant liver lesions, many interventionalists occlude the right gastric artery (RGA), the cystic artery (CA), and the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) to prevent radioactive microspheres from entering non-target vessels. Purpose: To systematically analyze anatomic variants of arteries that are important to know for the interventional radiologist performing RE of the liver. Material and Methods: The computed tomography (CT) angiographies and conventional angiographies of 166 patients evaluated for RE were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of anatomic variants of the RGA, GDA, and CA. Results: The RGA was found to arise from the left hepatic artery in 42% of cases, from the proper hepatic artery in 40%, from the GDA in 10%, from the right hepatic artery in 4%, and from the common hepatic artery in 3% of cases. The GDA originated in the common hepatic artery in 97% of cases, in the left hepatic artery in 2%, and in the celiac trunk in 1% of cases. The CA arose from the right hepatic artery in 96% of cases and from the GDA in 2% of cases; in 2% of our study population, the gallbladder was supplied by small branches from the liver parenchyma. Conclusion: Variant anatomy of the RGA is common, while it is quite rare for the GDA and CA. Knowledge of the variations of liver supplying arteries helps the interventionalist to embolize necessary vessels prior to RE.
Analysis of Irradiation on the Clinical Effectiveness of Allogenic Tissue When Used for Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Park Sam Si-Hyeong , Dwyer Tim , Congiusta Francesco , Whelan Daniel B. , Theodoropoulos John 
Published: January 2014

Background: It is unclear whether the use of low-dose irradiation or other tissue-processing methods, such as preservation by fresh-frozen (FF), freeze-drying (FD), or cryopreservation (CP) methods, affects the clinical outcomes of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using allograft. Hypothesis: Low-dose gamma irradiation (<2.5 Mrad) and method of allograft preservation do not affect subjective and objective clinical outcomes after primary ACLR in studies reviewed between November 2010 and September 2012. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A computerized search of multiple electronic databases was conducted from November 2010 to September 2012 for prospective and retrospective studies involving primary allograft ACLR. Inclusion criteria were English-language publications with a minimum average of 2 years’ follow-up. Studies were excluded if they involved revision surgery, open surgery, multiple ligament procedures, autograft, xenograft, meniscal allograft, skeletally immature patients, or grafts treated with ethylene oxide, Tutoplast, or irradiation >2.5 Mrad or if the tissue-processing methods were not specified. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm score, Tegner score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, KT-1000/2000 arthrometer score, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test, as well as by assessing complications related to graft rupture, revision surgery, and infections. Results: A total of 21 publications met the criteria, involving a total of 1453 patients, with 415 irradiated and 1038 nonirradiated allografts. Mean follow-up was 49.8 months (range, 12-170 months). Mean age of the patients was 32.2 years. Knees with nonirradiated allografts had higher mean Lysholm scores (89.8 vs 84.4; P < .05), and a higher proportion of <5-mm difference on KT-1000/2000 arthrometer (0.97 vs 0.84; P < .0001), grade 0 and 1 pivot-shift (0.99 vs 0.94; P < .0001), and grade 0 and 1 Lachman (0.94 vs 0.89; P < .01) than those with irradiated grafts. Knees with irradiated allografts had a higher proportion of grade A and B IKDC outcomes (0.91 vs 0.86; P < .05) and revision surgery (0.0250 vs 0.0022; P < .001) compared with those with nonirradiated allografts. The lack of data for FD and CP allografts meant no statistical analysis could be made comparing FF versus FD versus CP allografts. The effect of irradiation was similar within FF allografts. The effect of graft type and surgical technique could not be determined because of insufficient data. Conclusion: These results suggest that primary ACLRs using nonirradiated allografts may provide superior clinical outcomes than those using low-dose (<2.5 Mrad) irradiated grafts.
Swedish nurses’ perceptions of influencers on patient advocacy
Authors: Josse-Eklund Anna , Jossebo Marie , Sandin-Bojö Ann-Kristin , Wilde-Larsson Bodil , Petzäll Kerstin 
Published: January 2014

Background: A limited number of studies have shown that patient advocacy can be influenced by both facilitators and barriers which can encourage and discourage nurses to act as patient advocates. Objective: This study’s aim was to describe Swedish nurses’ perceptions of influencers on patient advocacy. Research design and context: Interviews with 18 registered nurses from different Swedish clinical contexts were analysed using the phenomenographic method. Ethical considerations: Ethical revisions were made in accordance with national legislation and guidelines by committees for research ethics at Karlstad University. Findings: Three levels of hierarchically related influencers on patient advocacy were found in the descriptive categories. The fundamental influencer, the nurse’s character traits, was described in the perceptions that advocacy is influenced by nurse’s having a moral compass, having control over the care situation, being protective and feeling secure as a nurse. The second most vital influencer, the nurse’s bond with the patient, was expressed in the perceptions of knowing the patient and feeling empathy for the patient. The third level of influencers, the organisational conditions, was described in the perceptions that the organisational structures and organisational culture influence patient advocacy. Discussion: The results correspond with findings from earlier research but add an understanding that influencers on patient advocacy exist at three hierarchically related levels. Conclusion: The nurse’s character traits are the fundamental influencer to patient advocacy, but in order to be comfortable and secure when advocating for patients, nurses also need to be familiar with both the patient and the situation. A supposition could be that all influencers interact, which needs to be further addressed in future studies.
Africa 2050
Authors: Racki Jeffrey , Patel Praful , DeGroot David 
Published: January 2014

The fast-evolving process of urbanization will transform Africa’s future. Urbanization can be harnessed to build an effective urban platform for the continent’s social and economic development, but this requires the right policies to capture the benefits of urban growth. The scope and scale of urban growth requires a fundamentally different approach to the current practice of making sporadic, large-scale infrastructure investments. Cities must be enabled to facilitate and finance ongoing investment programs, in partnership with local businesses and communities. This article puts forward an agenda for achieving the 2050 vision that focuses on unlocking a more systematic approach to urban development and management. This requires the development of new partnerships for urban development and management, between tiers of government, with the private sector and citizens. It requires a greater focus on using local resources to leverage the financing needed to support urban growth. And it requires strengthened capacity for city planning and management to meet projected demand for land and services. National governments will need to play a leading role in repositioning and strengthening local city managers to meet the challenges of urban growth.
Structural brain abnormalities are related to retinal nerve fiber layer thinning and disease duration in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: von Glehn Felipe , Jarius Sven , Cavalcanti Lira Rodrigo Pessoa , Alves Ferreira Maria Carolina , von Glehn Fadua H Ribeiro , Costa e Castro Stella Maris , Beltramini Guilherme Coco , Bergo Felipe PG , Farias Alessandro S , Brandão Carlos Otávio , Wildemann Brigitte , Damasceno Benito P , Cendes Fernando , Santos Leonilda M B , Yasuda Clarissa Lin 
Published: January 2014

Background: Although aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is widely expressed in the human brain cortex, lesions are rare in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Recently, however, several studies have demonstrated occult structural brain atrophy in NMO. Objective: This study aims to investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) abnormalities in patients with NMOSD and to assess the visual pathway integrity during disease duration correlation of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and pericalcarine cortex thickness. Methods: Twenty-one patients with NMOSD and 34 matched healthy controls underwent both high-field MRI (3T) high-resolution T1-weighted and diffusion-tensor MRI. Voxel-based morphometry, cortical analyses (Freesurfer) and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) analyses (TBSS-FSL) were used to investigate brain abnormalities. In addition, RNFL measurement by optic-coherence tomography (OCT) was performed. Results: We demonstrate that NMOSD is associated with GM and WM atrophy, encompassing more frequently the motor, sensory and visual pathways, and that the extent of GM atrophy correlates with disease duration. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time a correlation between RNFL and pericalcarine cortical thickness, with cortical atrophy evolving over the course of disease. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a role for retrograde and anterograde neurodegeneration in GM atrophy in NMOSD. However, the presence atrophy encompassing almost all lobes suggests that additional pathomechanisms might also be involved.