bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Coplane Analysis Technique for Three-Dimensional Wind Retrieval Using the HIWRAP Airborne Doppler Radar
Authors: Didlake Anthony C. , Heymsfield Gerald M. , Tian Lin , Guimond Stephen R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe coplane analysis technique for mapping the three-dimensional wind field of precipitating systems is applied to the NASA High-Altitude Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP). HIWRAP is a dual-frequency Doppler radar system with two downward-pointing and conically scanning beams. The coplane technique interpolates radar measurements onto a natural coordinate frame, directly solves for two wind components, and integrates the mass continuity equation to retrieve the unobserved third wind component. This technique is tested using a model simulation of a hurricane and compared with a global optimization retrieval. The coplane method produced lower errors for the cross-track and vertical wind components, while the global optimization method produced lower errors for the along-track wind component. Cross-track and vertical wind errors were dependent upon the accuracy of the estimated boundary condition winds near the surface and at nadir, which were derived by making certain assumptions about the vertical velocity field. The coplane technique was then applied successfully to HIWRAP observations of Hurricane Ingrid (2013). Unlike the global optimization method, the coplane analysis allows for a transparent connection between the radar observations and specific analysis results. With this ability, small-scale features can be analyzed more adequately and erroneous radar measurements can be identified more easily.
Probabilistic Multisite Statistical Downscaling for Daily Precipitation Using a Bernoulli–Generalized Pareto Multivariate Autoregressive Model
Authors: Ben Alaya M. A. , Chebana F. , Ouarda T. B. M. J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA Bernoulli–generalized Pareto multivariate autoregressive (BMAR) model is proposed in this paper for multisite statistical downscaling of daily precipitation. The proposed model relies on a probabilistic framework to describe the conditional probability density function of precipitation at each station for a given day and handles multivariate dependence in both time and space using a multivariate autoregressive model. Within a probabilistic framework, BMAR employs a regression model whose outputs are parameters of the mixed Bernoulli–generalized Pareto distribution. As a stochastic component, the BMAR employs a latent multivariate autoregressive Gaussian field to preserve lag-0 and lag-1 cross correlations of precipitation at multiple sites. The proposed model is applied for the downscaling of AOGCM data to daily precipitation in the southern part of Québec, Canada. Reanalysis products are used in this study to assess the potential of the proposed method. Based on the mean errors (MEs), the root-mean-square errors (RMSEs), precipitation indices, and the ability to preserve lag-0 and lag-1 cross correlation, results of the study indicate the superiority of the proposed model over a multivariate multiple linear regression (MMLR) model and a multisite hybrid statistical downscaling procedure that combines MMLR and stochastic generator schemes.
An Improved Near-Surface Specific Humidity and Air Temperature Climatology for the SSM/I Satellite Period
Authors: Jin Xiangze , Yu Lisan , Jackson Darren L. , Wick Gary A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA near-surface specific humidity (Qa) and air temperature (Ta) climatology on daily and 0.25° grids was constructed by the objectively analyzed air–sea fluxes (OAFlux) project by objectively merging two recent satellite-derived high-resolution analyses, the OAFlux existing 1° analysis, and atmospheric reanalyses. The two satellite products include the multi-instrument microwave regression (MIMR) Qa and Ta analysis and the Goddard Satellite-Based Surface Turbulent Fluxes, version 3 (GSSTF3), Qa analysis. This study assesses the degree of improvement made by OAFlux using buoy time series measurements at 137 locations and a global empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. There are a total of 130 855 collocated daily values for Qa and 283 012 collocated daily values for Ta in the buoy evaluation. It is found that OAFlux Qa has a mean difference close to 0 and a root-mean-square (RMS) difference of 0.73 g kg−1, and Ta has a mean difference of −0.03°C and an RMS difference of 0.45°C. OAFlux shows no major systematic bias with respect to buoy measurements over all buoy locations except for the vicinity of the Gulf Stream boundary current, where the RMS difference exceeds 1.8°C in Ta and 1.2 g kg−1 in Qa. The buoy evaluation indicates that OAFlux represents an improvement over MIMR and GSSTF3. The global EOF-based intercomparison analysis indicates that OAFlux has a similar spatial–temporal variability pattern with that of three atmospheric reanalyses including MERRA, NCEP-1, and ERA-Interim, but that it differs from GSSTF3 and the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR).
Examining Deep Convective Cloud Evolution Using Total Lightning, WSR-88D, and GOES-14 Super Rapid Scan Datasets*
Authors: Bedka Kristopher M. , Wang Cecilia , Rogers Ryan , Carey Lawrence D. , Feltz Wayne , Kanak Jan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-14 (GOES-14) Imager operated in 1-min Super Rapid Scan Operations for GOES-R (SRSOR) mode during summer and fall of 2012 to emulate the high temporal resolution sampling of the GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). The current GOES operational scan interval is 15–30 min, which is too coarse to capture details important for severe convective storm forecasting including 1) when indicators of a severe storm such as rapid cloud-top cooling, overshooting tops, and above-anvil cirrus plumes first appear; 2) how satellite-observed cloud tops truly evolve over time; and 3) how satellite cloud-top observations compare with radar and lightning observations at high temporal resolution. In this paper, SRSOR data, radar, and lightning observations are used to analyze five convective storms, four of which were severe, to address these uncertainties. GOES cloud-top cooling, increased lightning flash rates, and peak precipitation echo tops often preceded severe weather, signaling rapid intensification of the storm updraft. Near the time of several severe hail or damaging wind events, GOES cloud-top temperatures and radar echo tops were warming rapidly, which indicated variability in the storm updraft that could have allowed the hail and wind gusts to reach the surface. Above-anvil cirrus plumes were another prominent indicator of impending severe weather. Detailed analysis of storms throughout the 2012 SRSOR period indicates that 57% of the plume-producing storms were severe and 85% of plumes from severe storms appeared before a severe weather report with an average lead time of 18 min, 9 min earlier than what would be observed by GOES operational scanning.
Are patients admitted to hospitals from care homes dehydrated? A retrospective analysis of hypernatraemia and in-hospital mortality
Authors: Wolff Anthony , Stuckler David , McKee Martin 
Published: January 2015

Objectives To compare risks of hypernatraemia on admission to hospital in persons who were with those who were not identified as care home residents and evaluate the association of hypernatraemia with in-hospital mortality. Design Retrospective observational study. Setting A National Health Service Trust in London. Participants A total of 21,610 patients aged over 65 years whose first admission to the Trust was between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013. Main outcome measures Hypernatraemia on admission (plasma Na > 145 mmol/L) and in-hospital death. Results Patients admitted from care homes had 10-fold higher prevalence of hypernatraemia than those from their own homes (12.0% versus 1.3%, respectively; odds ratio [OR]: 10.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.43–13.0). Of those with hypernatraemia, nine in 10 cases were associated with nursing home ECOHOST residency (attributable fraction exposure: 90.5%), and the population attributable fraction of hypernatraemia on admission associated with care homes was 36.0%. After correcting for age, gender, mode of admission and dementia, care home residents were significantly more likely to be admitted with hypernatraemia than were own-home residents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 5.32, 95% CI: 3.85–7.37). Compared with own-home residents, care home residents were also at about a two-fold higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared with non-care home residents (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.59–2.45). Consistent with evidence that hypernatraemia is implicated in higher mortality, the association of nursing homes with in-hospital mortality was attenuated after adjustment for it (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.26–2.06). Conclusions Patients admitted to hospital from care homes are commonly dehydrated on admission and, as a result, appear to experience significantly greater risks of in-hospital mortality.
Drug release from enzyme-mediated in situ-forming hydrogel based on gum tragacanth–tyramine conjugate
Authors: Dehghan-Niri Maryam , Tavakol Moslem , Vasheghani-Farahani Ebrahim , Ganji Fariba 
Published: January 2015

In the present study, injectable hydrogels based on gum tragacanth–tyramine conjugate were prepared by enzymatic oxidation of tyramine radicals in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Then, in vitro release of bovine serum albumin and insulin as model protein drugs from this polymeric network was investigated. Also, to improve the properties of this hydrogel, a blended hydrogel composed of tyramine-conjugated gelatin and tyramine-conjugated tragacanth was prepared. Experimental results showed that the gelation time ranged from 3 to 28 s depending on the polymer and enzyme concentrations. Results of morphological investigation of hydrogels indicated that the average pore size of hydrogels varied from 120 to 160 µm. Swelling degree of hydrogels and the rate of drug release decreased by increasing of hydrogen peroxide and polymer concentrations. The release profile of drug from hydrogels followed Higuchi and Fickian diffusion mechanism. Finally, it was shown that the swelling characteristics and drug release behavior of this polymeric network could be improved by blending it with tyramine-conjugated gelatin.
Comparing end-of-life practices in different policy contexts: a scoping review
Authors: Boivin Antoine , Marcoux Isabelle , Garnon Geneviève , Lehoux Pascale , Mays Nicholas , Prémont Marie-Claude , Chao Yi-Sheng , van Leeuwen Evert , Pineault Raynald 
Published: January 2015

Objectives End-of-life policy reforms are being debated in many countries. Research evidence is used to support different assumptions about the effects of public policies on end-of-life practices. It is however unclear whether reliable international practice comparisons can be conducted between different policy contexts. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of comparing similar end-of-life practices in different policy contexts. Methods This is a scoping review of empirical studies on medical end-of-life practices. We developed a descriptive classification of end-of-life practices that distinguishes practices according to their legal status. We focused on the intentional use of lethal drugs by physicians because of international variations in the legal status of this practice. Bibliographic database searches were supplemented by expert consultation and hand searching of reference lists. The sensitivity of the search strategy was tested using a set of 77 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Two researchers extracted end-of-life practice definitions, study methods and available comparisons across policy contexts. Canadian decision-makers were involved to increase the policy relevance of the review. Results In sum, 329 empirical studies on the intentional use of lethal drugs by doctors were identified, including studies from 19 countries. The bibliographic search captured 98.7% of studies initially identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies on the intentional use of lethal drugs were conducted in jurisdictions with permissive (62%) and restrictive policies (43%). The most common study objectives related to the frequency of end-of-life practices, determinants of practices, and doctors’ adherence to regulatory standards. Large variations in definitions and research methods were noted across studies. The use of a descriptive classification was useful to translate end-of-life practice definitions across countries. A few studies compared end-of-life practice in countries with different policies, using consistent research methods. We identified no comprehensive review of end-of-life practices across different policy contexts. Conclusions It is feasible to compare end-of-life practices in different policy contexts. A systematic review of international evidence is needed to inform public deliberations on end-of-life policies and practice.
Ang (1–7) is a modulator of the vasoconstrictor actions of Ang I and Ang II
Authors: Flores-Monroy Jazmín , Valencia-Hernández Ignacio , Martínez-Aguilar Luisa 
Published: January 2015

Introduction: The role of angiotensin (Ang) (1–7) on the vasoconstrictor effect induced by angiotensins could be different in the presence of an ACE inhibitor or an ARB because Ang II is formed through several pathways. Therefore, the role of Ang (1–7) in Ang I and Ang II contraction was evaluated in aortas from Wistar rats after 48-hour coronary occlusion treated with captopril or losartan. Methods: Concentration-response curves to Ang I or Ang II were conducted in the absence or presence of Ang (1–7) and A779: a) sham group; b) 48-hour coronary occlusion; c) treated with captopril or d) losartan (3.1 mg/kg, i.m.). Results: Captopril caused a significant increase in the contractile effect of Ang I and Ang II, while losartan reduced it. The presence of Ang (1–7) in the captopril group showed a reduction of the contraction compared to the sham group, while the treatment with losartan did not show a significant difference. Ang (1–7) presents effects different from Ang I or Ang II. Conclusion: Ang (1–7) showed a modulatory role, suggesting Ang I did as well after treatment with an ACE inhibitor but not with an AT1 receptor antagonist.
Using Simulation Technology to Teach Diabetes Care Management Skills to Resident Physicians
Authors: Sperl-Hillen JoAnn , O'Connor Patrick , Ekstrom Heidi , Rush William , Asche Stephen , Fernandes Omar , Appana Deepika , Amundson Gerald , Johnson Paul 
Published: January 2015

Background: Simulation is widely used to teach medical procedures. Our goal was to develop and implement an innovative virtual model to teach resident physicians the cognitive skills of type 1 and type 2 diabetes management. Methods: A diabetes educational activity was developed consisting of (a) a curriculum using 18 explicit virtual cases, (b) a web-based interactive interface, (c) a simulation model to calculate physiologic outcomes of resident actions, and (d) a library of programmed feedback to critique and guide resident actions between virtual encounters. Primary care residents in 10 U.S. residency programs received the educational activity. Satisfaction and changes in knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes were analyzed with mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: Pre- and post-education surveys were completed by 92/142 (65%) of residents. Likert scale (five-point) responses were favorably higher than neutral for general satisfaction (94%), recommending to colleagues (91%), training adequacy (91%), and navigation ease (92%). Finding time to complete cases was difficult for 50% of residents. Mean ratings of knowledge (on a five-point scale) posteducational activity improved by +0.5 ( p < .01) for use of all available drug classes, +0.9 ( p < .01) for how to start and adjust insulin, +0.8 ( p < .01) for interpreting blood glucose values, +0.8 ( p < .01) for individualizing treatment goals, and +0.7 ( p < .01) for confidence in managing diabetes patients. Conclusions: A virtual diabetes educational activity to teach cognitive skills to manage diabetes to primary care residents was successfully developed, implemented, and well liked. It significantly improved self-assessed knowledge and confidence in diabetes management.
Model-Based Closed-Loop Glucose Control in Type 1 Diabetes: The DiaCon Experience
Authors: Schmidt Signe , Boiroux Dimitri , Duun-Henriksen Anne Katrine , Frøssing Laurits , Skyggebjerg Ole , Jørgensen John Bagterp , Poulsen Niels Kjølstad , Madsen Henrik , Madsbad Sten , Nørgaard Kirsten 
Published: January 2015

Background: To improve type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management, we developed a model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for closed-loop (CL) glucose control based on a linear second-order deterministic-stochastic model. The deterministic part of the model is specified by three patient-specific parameters: Insulin sensitivity factor, insulin action time, and basal insulin infusion rate. The stochastic part is identical for all patients but identified from data from a single patient. Results of the first clinical feasibility test of the algorithm are presented. Methods: We conducted two randomized crossover studies. Study 1 compared CL with open-loop (OL) control. Study 2 compared glucose control after CL initiation in the euglycemic (CL-Eu) and hyperglycemic (CL-Hyper) ranges, respectively. Patients were studied from 22:00–07:00 on two separate nights. Results: Each study included six T1DM patients (hemoglobin A1c 7.2% ± 0.4%). In study 1, hypoglycemic events (plasma glucose < 54 mg/dl) occurred on two OL and one CL nights. Average glucose from 22:00–07:00 was 90 mg/dl [74–146 mg/dl; median (interquartile range)] during OL and 108 mg/dl (101–128 mg/dl) during CL (determined by continuous glucose monitoring). However, median time spent in the range 70–144 mg/dl was 67.9% (3.0–73.3%) during OL and 80.8% (70.5–89.7%) during CL. In study 2, there was one episode of hypoglycemia with plasma glucose <54 mg/dl in a CL-Eu night. Mean glucose from 22:00–07:00 and time spent in the range 70–144 mg/dl were 121 mg/dl (117–133 mg/dl) and 69.0% (30.7–77.9%) in CL-Eu and 149 mg/dl (140–193 mg/dl) and 48.2% (34.9–72.5%) in CL-Hyper, respectively. Conclusions: This study suggests that our novel MPC algorithm can safely and effectively control glucose overnight, also when CL control is initiated during hyperglycemia.
Accuracy Evaluation of Five Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems: The North American Comparator Trial
Authors: Halldorsdottir Solveig , Warchal-Windham Mary Ellen , Wallace Jane F. , Pardo Scott , Parkes Joan Lee , Simmons David A. 
Published: January 2015

Background: This study evaluated differences in accuracy between the CONTOUR® NEXT EZ (EZ) blood glucose monitoring system (BGMS) and four other BGMSs [ACCU-CHEK® Aviva (ACAP), FreeStyle Freedom Lite® (FFL), ONE TOUCH® Ultra®2 (OTU2), and TRUEtrack® (TT)]. Methods: Up to three capillary blood samples ( N = 393) were collected from 146 subjects with and without diabetes. One sample per subject was tested with fresh (natural) blood; the other samples were glycolyzed to lower blood glucose to <70 mg/dl. Meter results were compared with results from plasma from the same sample tested on a Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) 2300 STAT Plus™ glucose analyzer. Blood glucose monitoring system accuracy was compared using mean absolute relative difference (MARD; from laboratory reference method results) and other analyses. Separate analyses on fresh (natural) samples only were conducted to determine potential effects of glycolysis on MARD values of systems utilizing glucose-oxidase-based test strip chemistry. Results: Across the tested glucose range, the EZ had the lowest MARD of 4.7%; the ACAP, FFL, OTU2, and TT had MARD values of 6.3%, 18.3%, 23.4%, and 26.2%, respectively. For samples with glucose concentrations <70 mg/dl, the EZ had the lowest MARD (0.65%), compared with the ACAP (2.5%), FFL (18.3%), OTU2 (22.4%), and TT (33.2%) systems. Conclusions: The EZ had the lowest MARD across the tested glucose ranges when compared with four other BGMSs when all samples were analyzed as well as when natural samples only were analyzed.
A Novel Insulin Combination of Insulin Degludec and Insulin Aspart Achieves a More Stable Overnight Glucose Profile Than Insulin Glargine: Results from Continuous Glucose Monitoring in a Proof-of-Concept Trial
Authors: Liebl Andreas , Davidson Jaime , Mersebach Henriette , Dykiel Patrik , Tack Cees J. , Heise Tim 
Published: January 2015

Purpose: Insulin degludec coformulated with insulin aspart (as IDegAsp) can cover 24 h basal insulin and postprandial insulin requirements after a main meal with one injection. We compared glycemic stability following IDegAsp or insulin glargine (IGlar) given before the evening meal in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A subset of 112 insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes patients from a randomized, parallel-group trial (IDegAsp versus IGlar, each added to metformin) underwent 72 h continuous interstitial glucose (IG) monitoring after 16 weeks of treatment. End points included mean IG concentrations, 2 h postprandial IG increments and postprandial peak, IG fluctuation (summed area above and below mean IG), within-subject coefficient of variation (day-to-day variation) in mean nocturnal IG, and episodes of low (<3.5 mmol/liter) and high (>10 mmol/liter) IG. Values were derived for the entire 72 h, with the nocturnal interval (0001–0559 h) also assessed. Results: The postdinner IG increment observed with IGlar did not occur with IDegAsp [IDegAsp — IGlar, −1.42 (−2.15, −0.70) mmol/liter]. Nocturnal IG fluctuation was 21% lower with IDegAsp [IDegAsp/IGlar, 0.79 (0.66, 0.96) mmol/liter], with 48% fewer nocturnal high IG episodes [ratio IDegAsp/IGlar, 0.52 (0.32, 0.87)]. Conclusions: IDegAsp given with the evening meal reduces postdinner glucose excursion and provides more stable nocturnal glycemia as compared with IGlar.