bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Error Model for Uncertainty Quantification in High-Time-Resolution Precipitation Products
Authors: Maggioni Viviana , Sapiano Mathew R. P. , Adler Robert F. , Tian Yudong , Huffman George J. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This study proposes a new framework, Precipitation Uncertainties for Satellite Hydrology (PUSH), to provide time-varying, global estimates of errors for high-time-resolution, multisatellite precipitation products using a technique calibrated with high-quality validation data. Errors are estimated for the widely used Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42 product at daily/0.25° resolution, using the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Unified gauge dataset as the benchmark. PUSH estimates the probability distribution of reference precipitation given the satellite observation, from which the error can be computed as the difference (or ratio) between the satellite product and the estimated reference. The framework proposes different modeling approaches for each combination of rain and no-rain cases: correct no-precipitation detection (both satellite and gauges measure no precipitation), missed precipitation (satellite records a zero, but the gauges detect precipitation), false alarm (satellite detects precipitation, but the reference is zero), and hit (both satellite and gauges detect precipitation). Each case is explored and explicitly modeled to create a unified approach that combines all four scenarios. Results show that the estimated probability distributions are able to reproduce the probability density functions of the benchmark precipitation, in terms of both expected values and quantiles of the distribution. The spatial pattern of the error is also adequately reproduced by PUSH, and good agreement between observed and estimated errors is observed. The model is also able to capture missed precipitation and false detection uncertainties, whose contribution to the total error can be significant. The resulting error estimates could be attached to the corresponding high-resolution satellite precipitation products.
A New Sea Surface Height–Based Code for Oceanic Mesoscale Eddy Tracking
Authors: Mason Evan , Pascual Ananda , McWilliams James C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a software tool that enables the identification and automated tracking of oceanic eddies observed with satellite altimetry in user-specified regions throughout the global ocean. As input, the code requires sequential maps of sea level anomalies such as those provided by Archiving, Validation, and Interpretation of Satellite Oceanographic (AVISO) data. Outputs take the form of (i) data files containing eddy properties, including position, radius, amplitude, and azimuthal (geostrophic) speed; and (ii) sequential image maps showing sea surface height maps with active eddy centers and tracks overlaid. The results given are from a demonstration in the Canary Basin region of the northeast Atlantic and are comparable with a published global eddy track database. Some discrepancies between the two datasets include eddy radius magnitude, and the distributions of eddy births and deaths. The discrepancies may be related to differences in the eddy identification methods, and also possibly to differences in the smoothing of the sea surface height maps. The code is written in Python and is made freely available under a GNU license (http://www.imedea.uib.es/users/emason/py-eddy-tracker/).
Reference intervals for parathyroid hormone for 70-year-old males and females: exclusion of individuals from the reference interval based on sex, calcium, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or reduced kidney function has limited effects on the interval
Authors: Larsson Anders , Ridefelt Peter , Melhus Håkan , Lind Lars 
Published: March 2014

Background A problem when producing reference intervals for elderly individuals is that they often suffer from a number of diseases and they are most often on medication. If all such persons are excluded, there is a risk that the residual subgroup may not be representative of the population, we therefore wanted to compare the effects different exclusion criteria has on the reference intervals. Methods We measured parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, albumin and cystatin C in a cohort of 70-year-old males and females ( n = 1003). Reference intervals for PTH for males and females were calculated for the entire population and after exclusion of persons with calcium >2.60 mmol/L, calcium >2.51 mmol/L, diabetes, reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and cardiovascular diseases. Results The calculated PTH reference interval 16 (CI 14–17) to 94 (CI 87–101) ng/L. Exclusion of study subjects resulted in smaller reference sample groups, but the reference limits remained within the 90% confidence intervals of the original reference limits. The selections thus had a very limited effect on the calculated reference interval for PTH. Conclusions Exclusion of elderly individuals with high calcium concentrations, diabetes, reduced GFR or cardiovascular disease has little effect on the reference interval for PTH. It is better not to exclude these individuals, as it will provide a broader base for the reference interval.
An Individual Level Test of the “Feminization of Poverty” Hypothesis
Authors: Owusu-Afriyie John , Nketiah-Amponsah Edward 
Published: March 2014

Feminization of poverty is a hypothesis that postulates that women experience poverty at higher rates than men. Over the years, empirical examination of this hypothesis has relied on the comparison between poverty status of female-headed and male-headed households due to lack of gender disaggregated data in many household surveys. However, the use of poverty among female-headed households as a representative measure of women’s poverty masks the extent of poverty among women. Hence, this study uses individual gender disaggregated data from the Ghana Living Standards Surveys IV and V (GLSS IV and V) and the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) classes of poverty measure to empirically test the “feminization of poverty” hypothesis in Ghana. The study also finds out whether this hypothesis is affected by the education level of the individual. The article finds that “feminization of poverty” is prevalent at all three levels of FGT poverty measures. The result further indicates that when education is taken into consideration, “feminization of poverty” is found to be prevalent only amongst the no education and primary education cohorts while masculinization of poverty is rather found among the secondary and tertiary education cohorts. Generally, in terms of the dynamic changes in “feminization of poverty,” the study finds that over the last two sets of surveys (GLSS IV and V), the phenomenon has reduced. Based on the results, we recommend that measures that target education as a tool for combating poverty should be strengthened amongst females whilst non-educational tools for combating poverty should target males.
Prevention of Cisplatin‐Induced Hearing Loss by Intratympanic Dexamethasone: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Marshak Tal , Steiner Mariana , Kaminer Margalith , Levy Levana , Shupak Avi 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the role of intratympanic Dexamethasone (ITD) in the prevention of Cisplatin‐induced hearing loss.Study DesignProspective randomized controlled clinical trial.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsTwenty‐six patients suffering from a neoplastic disease for which the treatment protocol included Cisplatin were recruited. Prior to each Cisplatin treatment session ITD was injected to the baseline randomly assigned ear while the other ear of the same patient served as the control. Audiometry and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) test results of the baseline and follow‐up examinations were compared within and between the study and control ears.ResultsThe cumulative dose of Cisplatin was greater than 400 mg for the 15 subjects who completed the study. The pure tone threshold at 8000 Hz and pure tone average threshold at 4000 to 8000 Hz significantly increased in both the study (P <. 005, P <. 03, respectively) and control ears (P <. 01, P <. 005, respectively). Significant increase in the pure tone threshold for 6000 Hz was observed in the control (P <. 02) but not in the study group. Within the groups comparison also revealed significant decrease in the DPOAE average signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for the f2 frequencies 7031 (P <. 04) and 8391 Hz (P <. 04) and SNR average for 4000 to 8000 Hz in the control (P <. 04) but not in the study ears.ConclusionsITD significantly attenuated hearing loss at 6000 Hz and decreased the outer hair dysfunction in the DPOAE f2 range of 4000 to 8000 Hz. ITD might have potential in the reduction of Cisplatin‐induced hearing loss.
Transoral Robotic Surgery: A Population‐Level Analysis
Authors: Chen Michelle M. , Roman Sanziana A. , Kraus Dennis H. , Sosa Julie A. , Judson Benjamin L. 
Published: March 2014

Objective(1) To determine baseline demographic, geographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics of patients who had transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancer. (2) To analyze margin status and unplanned readmission after TORS versus nonrobotic surgery.Study DesignRetrospective database review.SettingNational Cancer Database (2010‐2011).Subjects and MethodsSearching the National Cancer Database for adults with oropharyngeal cancer, we identified 877 patients who had TORS and 4269 patients who had nonrobotic surgery. Outcomes of interest included likelihood of adjuvant therapy, margin status, and unplanned readmission. Statistical analysis included chi‐square, t tests, and multivariate regression.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2011, there was a 67% increase in the use of TORS for oropharyngeal cancer. Compared with patients who had nonrobotic surgery, TORS patients were more likely to be at academic centers (80.8% vs 49.1%, P <. 001), to have private insurance (62.2% vs 57.4%, P <. 001), and to have human papilloma virus (HPV)–positive tumors (48.3% vs 27.1%, P <. 001). TORS (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39‐0.63) and HPV positivity (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53‐0.99) were independently associated with decreased likelihood of adjuvant chemoradiation versus radiation therapy. TORS patients were less likely to have positive margins than were patients who had nonrobotic surgery (20.2% vs 31.0%, P <. 001). High‐volume TORS centers had lower rates of positive margins (15.8% vs 26.1%, P <. 001) and unplanned readmissions (3.1% vs 6.1%, P <. 03) than did low‐volume centers.ConclusionsTORS is being rapidly adopted by academic and community cancer centers. TORS is associated with a lower rate of positive margins than nonrobotic surgery, and high‐volume centers have the lowest rates of positive margins and unplanned readmissions.
Increasing mean arterial pressure during cardiac surgery does not reduce the rate of postoperative acute kidney injury
Authors: Azau A , Markowicz P , Corbeau JJ , Cottineau C , Moreau X , Baufreton C , Beydon L 
Published: March 2014

Introduction: We hypothesized that the optimization of renal haemodynamics by maintaining a high level of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) could reduce the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) in high-risk patients. Methods: In this randomized, controlled study, we enrolled 300 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. All had known risk factors of AKI: serum creatinine clearance between 30 and 60 ml/min for 1.73m2 or two factors among the following: age >60 years, diabetes mellitus, diffuse atherosclerosis. After a standardized fluid loading, the MAP was maintained between 75-85 mmHg during CPB with norepinephrine (High Pressure, n=147) versus 50-60 mmHg in the Control (n=145). AKI was defined by a 30% increased of serum creatinine (sCr). We further tested others definitions for AKI: RIFLE classification, 50% rise of sCr and the need for haemodialysis. Results: The pressure endpoints were achieved in both the High Pressure (79 ± 6 mmHg) and the Control groups (60 ± 6 mmHg; p<0.001). The rate of AKI did not differ by group (17% vs. 17%; p=1), whatever the criteria used for AKI. The length of stay in hospital (9.5 days [7.9-11.2] vs. 8.2 [7.1-9.4]) and the rate of death at day 28 (2.1% vs. 3.4%) and at six months (3.4% vs. 4.8%) did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Maintaining a high level of MAP (on average) during normothermic CPB does not reduce the risk of postoperative AKI. It does not alter the length of hospital stay or the mortality rate.
The putaminal abnormalities on 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging: can they separate parkinsonism-predominant multiple system atrophy from Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Feng Jie-ying , Huang Biao , Yang Wan-Qun , Zhang Yu-hu , Wang Li-min , Wang Li-juan , Zhong Xiao-ling 
Published: March 2014

Background The putaminal abnormalities detected on 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), such as putaminal atrophy, slit-like hyperintense rim, and hypointensity in the putamen on T2-weighted (T2W) imaging are important signs on differentiating multiple system atrophy with parkinsonism (MSA-P) from Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the putaminal abnormalities may have different manifestations on 3.0 T from those on 1.5 T. Purpose To investigate the diagnostic value of putaminal abnormalities on 3.0 T MRI for differentiating MSA-P from PD. Material and Methods The study included a MSA-P group (9 men, 9 women), a PD group (12 men, 14 women), and a control group (11 men, 13 women). All subjects were examined with 3.0 T MRI using the conventional protocol. Putaminal atrophy, T2-hypointensity in the dorsolateral putamenat, and a slit-like hyperintense rim on the lateral putamen were evaluated in each subject. Results There were no significant differences in the slit-like hyperintense rim ( P = 0.782) or T2-hypointensity in the dorsolateral putamen ( P = 0.338) among the three groups. Bilateral putaminal atrophy was found in 44.4% (8 of 18) of the MSA-P patients, in only 7.7% (2 of 26) of the PD patients, and in none of the controls. The proportion of subjects with putaminal atrophy was significantly higher in the MAS-P group ( P = 0.008) and control group ( P < 0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of putaminal atrophy for distinguishing MSA-P from PD was 92.3% and 44.4%, respectively. Conclusion The signal changes in the putamen on T2W imaging on 3.0 T MRI, including slit-like hyperintense rim and putaminal hypointensity, are not specific signs for MSA-P. Putaminal atrophy is highly specific for differentiating MSA-P from PD and healthy controls, but its insufficient sensitivity limits its diagnostic value.
Anti-NMDAR encephalitis mimicking HaNDL syndrome
Authors: Finke Carsten , Mengel Annerose , Prüss Harald , Stöcker Winfried , Meisel Andreas , Ruprecht Klemens 
Published: March 2014

Background Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis typically manifests as severe multistage neuropsychiatric syndrome. However, milder or incomplete forms of the disorder have been recognised. Here, we report on a patient with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with a clinical phenotype mimicking the syndrome of headache with neurological deficits and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytosis (HaNDL). Case A 67-year-old man presented with recurrent stereotyped episodes of hemianopia, aphasia and right hemiparesis accompanied by throbbing headaches as well as confusion and agitation. CSF analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis. Additional analysis revealed NMDA receptor IgG antibodies in the patient’s CSF. Following immunotherapy, no further episodes occurred and NMDAR antibodies became undetectable. No NMDAR or other neuronal antibodies were detected in archived serum and CSF samples of 12 HaNDL patients fulfilling the current diagnostic criteria. Conclusions While anti-NMDAR encephalitis can manifest with a HaNDL-like clinical picture, HaNDL syndrome itself does not appear to be mediated by anti-NMDAR antibodies.
Reliability and Validity of the IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC for Patients With Meniscal Injuries
Authors: van de Graaf Victor A. , Wolterbeek Nienke , Scholtes Vanessa A.B. , Mutsaerts Eduard L.A.R. , Poolman Rudolf W. 
Published: March 2014

Background: Several patient-reported outcome measurements are used to measure functional outcome after treatment of meniscal injuries. However, for comparison of study results, there is a need for a uniform and standardized approach of measuring functional outcome. Selection of the instrument should be based on the quality of its measurement properties, and only the best instrument can be justified to be used. Purpose: This study aimed to determine and compare the measurement properties of the Dutch-language versions of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) in a homogeneous group of patients with meniscal tears. Study Design: Cohort study (design); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients on the waiting list for meniscal surgery and patients between 6 weeks and 6 months after meniscal surgery were included (n = 75). Patients were excluded if they received an arthroplasty or had surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), measurement error (SEM), smallest detectable difference (SDD), content validity, construct validity (factor analysis and hypothesis testing), and floor and ceiling effects were determined. Results: Results for the IKDC, KOOS dimensions, and WOMAC dimensions, respectively, were as follows: Cronbach alpha = .90, .72-.95, and .84-.95; ICC = 0.93, 0.84-0.89, and 0.77-0.89; SEM = 5.3, 7.0-12.6, and 7.3-12.2; SDD = 14.6, 19.4-35.0, and 20.2-33.9; hypotheses testing confirmation = 100%, 86%, and 85%. Floor effects within the SDD from the minimum score were found for the KOOS Sports/Recreation and Quality of Life dimensions. Ceiling effects within the SDD from the maximum score were found for the KOOS Activities of Daily Living and for all WOMAC dimensions. Conclusion: The IKDC showed the best performance on all measurement properties, implying that the IKDC, rather than the KOOS or WOMAC, should be used to assess functional outcome in patients with meniscal tears.
Interpersonal stress, not depression or hopelessness, predicts suicidality in university students in Macao
Authors: Zaroff Charles Mark , Wong Hon Lam , Ku Lisbeth , Van Schalkwyk Gertina 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: Joiner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, which states that an individual will desire death when they perceive themselves to be a burden to others, and experience social isolation, has received much support, but has not been directly assessed in non-Eurocentric individuals. Methods: Joiner’s Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (measuring both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness) and measures of depression, hopelessness, gender, relationship status and region of residence were evaluated as risk factors for suicidality after controlling for response biases. Participants were 273 undergraduate university students of Chinese ethnicity between the ages of 17 and 23 years in Macao. Results: The predictors in sum distinguished between the presence and absence of suicidality (χ2 = 62.759, p < .01). Perceived burdensomeness ( p < .01) and relationship status ( p < .01) made significant contributions to the presence of suicidality. Low internal consistency prevented thwarted belongingness from being assessed as a risk factor. Conclusions: Interpersonal variables may account for the seemingly disparate risk factors for suicide.
Partial acute transverse myelitis is a predictor of multiple sclerosis in children
Authors: Meyer P , Leboucq N , Molinari N , Roubertie A , Carneiro M , Walther-Louvier U , Cuntz-Shadfar D , Leydet J , Cheminal R , Cambonie G , Echenne B , Rondouin G , Deiva K , Mikaeloff Y , Rivier F 
Published: March 2014

Background: Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) in children is a rare and often severe disease for which there are few known prognostic factors, particularly the subsequent risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. Objectives: To determine the clinical course and prognostic factors after a first episode of ATM in children. Methods: Thirty children below 16 years of age diagnosed with a first neurological episode of ATM were included retrospectively. Clinical evaluation, treatment, laboratory, and MRI data were collected. Results: Median age at onset was 11 years (range 3–15 years). Follow-up data were available for a median of 4 years (range 0.5–16.7 years). Five patients subsequently had a diagnosis of MS (17%), which was associated with acute partial transverse myelitis (odds ratio 5; 95% confidence interval 2.3–11), with a 60% probability of having a relapse at five years ( p < 0.01). The 2011 Verhey criteria correctly identified MS in children with the highest specificity (96%) and sensitivity (80%). Conclusion: Acute partial transverse myelitis and brain MRI abnormalities at initial presentation are significantly predictive of a subsequent diagnosis of MS in children with ATM. These findings suggest that closer brain MRI monitoring after acute partial transverse myelitis might make the earlier introduction of disease-modifying therapies possible.
Decade-long trends in the characteristics, management and hospital outcomes of diabetic patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Tisminetzky Mayra , Joffe Samuel , McManus David D , Darling Chad , Gore Joel M , Yarzebski Jorge , Lessard Darleen , Goldberg Robert J 
Published: March 2014

Purpose: Our objectives were to describe recent trends in the characteristics and in-hospital outcomes in diabetic as compared with non-diabetic patients hospitalized with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 2537 persons with (n = 684) and without (n = 1853) a history of diabetes who were hospitalized for STEMI between 1997 and 2009 at 11 medical centres in Central Massachusetts. Results: Diabetic patients were more likely to be older, female and to have a higher prevalence of previously diagnosed comorbidities. Diabetic patients were more likely to have developed important in-hospital complications and to have a longer hospital stay compared with non-diabetic patients. Between 1997 and 2009, there was a marked decline in hospital mortality in diabetic (20.0%–5.6%) and non-diabetic (18.6%–7.5%) patients. Conclusion: Despite reduced hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with STEMI, diabetic patients continue to experience significantly more adverse outcomes than non-diabetics.