bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Citywide Blackout on an Urban Emergency Medical Services System
Authors: Freese John , Richmand Neal J. , Silverman Robert A. , Braun James , Kaufman Bradley J. , Clair John 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroduction:On 14 August 2003, New York City and a large portion of the northeastern United States experienced the largest blackout in the history of the country. An analysis of such a widespread disaster on emergency medical service (EMS) operations may assist in planning for and managing such disasters in the future.Methods:A retrospective review of all EMS activity within New York City's 9-1-1 emergency telephone system during the 29 hours during which all or parts of the city were without power (16:11 hours (h) on 14 August 2003 until 21:03 h on 15 August 2003) was performed. Control periods were established utilizing identical time periods during the five weeks preceding the blackout.Results:Significant increases were identified in the overall EMS demand (7,844 incidents vs. 3,860 incidents; p<0.001) as well as in 20 of the 62 calltypes of the system, including ca rd i ac arrests (119 vs.76, p= 0.043).Significant decreases were found only among calls related to psychological emergencies (114 vs. 221; p= 0.006) and drugor alcohol-related emergencies (78 vs. 146; p = 0.009). Though median response times increased by only 60 seconds, median call-processing times within the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system EMS dispatch center of the city increased from 1.1 to 5.5 minutes.Conclusions:The citywide blackout resulted in dramatic changes in the demands upon the EMS system of New York City, the types of patients for whom EMS providers were assigned to provide care, and the dispositions for those assignments. During this time of increased, system-wide demand, the use of cross-trained firefighter and first-responder engine companies resulted in improved response times to cardiac arrest patients. Finally, the ability of the EMS dispatch center to process the increased requests for EMS assistance proved to be the rate-limiting step in responding to these emergencies.These findings will prove useful in planning for future blackouts or any disaster that may broadly impact the infrastructure of a city.
The Sphere Project: Next Steps in Moving Toward a Rights-Based Approach to Humanitarian Assistance
Authors: Ouyang Helen , VanRooyen Michael , Gruskin Sofia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSince the Sphere Project was launched in 1997, it has sought to integrate principles of human rights norms with adherence to technical standards. While the Sphere Handbook has evolved as both a field tool and a resource for articulating human rights, it does not fully offer a rights-based approach to humanitarian assistance. In the handbook's current edition, its Humanitarian Charter asserts and affirms human rights principles, but the technical Minimum Standards Section that follows has yet to truly embody a rightsbased approach; that is, it does not clarify how to operationalize human rights in the field, particularly with respect to the health sector. Using human rights documents, the Sphere documents, and existing, published literature in the field of humanitarian practice and human rights, this article provides critical commentary and suggests how strengthening the link between rights and standards, as well as rhetoric and action, can advance the Sphere Project beyond its current applicability as a handbook of technical standards in the field to operationalizing an effective rights-based approach to humanitarian aid.
Health Impacts of Floods
Authors: Du Weiwei , FitzGerald Gerard Joseph , Clark Michele , Hou Xiang-Yu 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroduction:Floods are the most common hazard to cause disasters and have led to extensive morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The impact of floods on the human community is related directly to the location and topography of the area, as well as human demographics and characteristics of the built environment.Objectives:The aim of this study is to identify the health impacts of disasters and the underlying causes of health impacts associated with floods. A conceptual framework is developed that may assist with the development of a rational and comprehensive approach to prevention, mitigation, and management.Methods:This study involved an extensive literature review that located >500 references, which were analyzed to identify common themes, findings, and expert views. The findings then were distilled into common themes.Results:The health impacts of floods are wide ranging, and depend on a number of factors. However, the health impacts of a particular flood are specific to the particular context. The immediate health impacts of floods include drowning, injuries, hypothermia, and animal bites. Health risks also are associated with the evacuation of patients, loss of health workers, and loss of health infrastructure including essential drugs and supplies. In the medium-term, infected wounds, complications of injury, poisoning, poor mental health, communicable diseases, and starvation are indirect effects of flooding. In the long-term, chronic disease, disability, poor mental health, and poverty-related diseases including malnutrition are the potential legacy.Conclusions:This article proposes a structured approach to the classification of the health impacts of floods and a conceptual framework that demonstrates the relationships between floods and the direct and indirect health consequences.
Modafinil Augmentation of SSRI Therapy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Excessive Sleepiness and Fatigue: A 12-Week, Open-label, Extension Study
Authors: Thase Michael E. , Fava Maurizio , DeBattista Charles , Arora Sanjay , Hughes Rod J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroduction:Many patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have residual symptoms (eg, persistent fatigue, excessive sleepiness) despite an overall antidepressant response. Placebo-controlled studies indicate that modafinil, a wake-promoting agent, may relieve residual symptoms.Methods:This 12-week, open-label, dose titration, extension study followed an 8-week placebo-controlled study of modafinil augmentation in patients with MDD. The dose was 100–400 mg/day. The median stable dose was 300 mg/day. Assessments were the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale, 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale.Results:Of the 245 patients treated, 194 completed the study; 70% reported Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale responses of “much improved” or “very much improved” between open-label baseline and final visit (previous randomized modafinil group: 74%; placebo group: 66%). When data were analyzed for four subsets of patients (former modafinil responders, placebo responders, modafinil nonresponders, and placebo nonresponders), improvements in scores on all outcome measures were at least twice as great among former modafinil and placebo nonresponders compared with responders. Most common adverse events were headache (18%), nausea (9%), and dizziness (7%); all were generally mild to moderate in severity.Conclusion:Twelve weeks of modafinil augmentation relieved excessive sleepiness, reduced fatigue, and improved patients' overall clinical condition, including mood.
Aripiprazole in the Treatment of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Chart Review
Authors: Biederman Joseph , McDonnell Mary Ann , Wozniak Janet , Spencer Thomas , Aleardi Megan , Falzone Richard , Mick Eric 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundPediatric bipolar diorder is a serious neuropsychiatric disorder asociated with high levels of morbidity and disabilty.ObjectiveThis is a systematic chart review of all outpatient youth with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and bipolar spectrum disorder treated with aripiprazole either alone or as add-on to ongoing treatments.MethodMedical records were reviewed to identify all subjects with bipolar and bipolar spectrum disorder prescribed aripiprazole in our clinic. During the chart review, the Clinical Global Impression scale was completed by the treating clinicians to determine usefullness.ResultsForty-one youths (mean age±SD: 11.4±3.5 years) with bipolar spectrum disorder who had been treated with aripiprazole were identified. These children received a mean daily dose of aripiprazole 16.0±7.9 mg over an average of 4.6 months. Using a Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale score of <2 (very much/much improved) to define robust improvement, 71% showed improvement in manic symptoms. Treatment with aripiprazole was well tolerated.ConclusionThis study suggests that aripiprazole may be a useful and well-tolerated treatment for youth with bipolar disorder and it supports the need for controlled clinical trials of this compound in juvenile mania.
Reproductive Health and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Suppes Trisha 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe presentations and clinical courses of patients with bipolar disorder differ greatly by gender. In addition, medical therapy must be tailored differently for men and women because of emerging safety concerns unique to the female reproductive system. In November 2005, these topics were explored by a panel of experts in psychiatry, neurology, and reproductive health at a closed roundtable meeting in Dallas, Texas. This clinical information monograph summarizes the highlights of that meeting.Compared to men with bipolar disorder, women have more pervasive depressive symptoms and experience more major depressive episodes. They are also at higher risk for obesity and certain other medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Mood changes across the menstrual cycle are common, although the severity, timing, and type of changes are variable. Bipolar disorder is frequently associated with menstrual abnormalities and ovarian dysfunction, including polycystic ovarian syndrome. Although some cases of menstrual disturbance precede the treatment of bipolar disorder, it is possible that valproate and/or antipsychotic treatment may play a contributory role in young women.Pregnancy does not protect against mood episodes in untreated women. Maintenance of euthymia during pregnancy is critical because relapse during this period strongly predicts a difficult postpartum course. Suspending therapy in the first months of pregnancy may be an option for some women with mild-to-moderate illness, or those with a long history of euthymia during pre-pregnancy treatment. However, a mood stabilizer should be reintroduced either in the later stages of pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. Preliminary data suggest that fetal exposure to some mood stabilizers may raise the risk of major congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental delays. For women planning to become pregnant, clinicians may consider switching to other drugs before conception. The value and drawbacks of breastfeeding during treatment must be considered in partnership with the patient, with close monitoring of nursing infants thereafter. The risks and benefits of medical treatment for women with bipolar disorder should be carefully reconsidered at each stage of their reproductive lives, with a flexible approach that is responsive to the changing needs of patients and their families.
Total Variation-Based Reduction of Streak Artifacts, Ring Artifacts and Noise in 3D Reconstruction from Optical Projection Tomography
Authors: Michálek Jan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOptical projection tomography (OPT) is a computed tomography technique at optical frequencies for samples of 0.5–15 mm in size, which fills an important “imaging gap” between confocal microscopy (for smaller samples) and large-sample methods such as fluorescence molecular tomography or micro magnetic resonance imaging. OPT operates in either fluorescence or transmission mode. Two-dimensional (2D) projections are taken over 360° with a fixed rotational increment around the vertical axis. Standard 3D reconstruction from 2D OPT uses the filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm based on the Radon transform. FBP approximates the inverse Radon transform using a ramp filter that spreads reconstructed pixels to neighbor pixels thus producing streak and other types of artifacts, as well as noise. Artifacts increase the variation of grayscale values in the reconstructed images. We present an algorithm that improves the quality of reconstruction even for a low number of projections by simultaneously minimizing the sum of absolute brightness changes in the reconstructed volume (the total variation) and the error between measured and reconstructed data. We demonstrate the efficiency of the method on real biological data acquired on a dedicated OPT device.
Beef cattle welfare in the USA: identification of priorities for future research
Authors: Tucker Cassandra B. , Coetzee Johann F. , Stookey Joseph M. , Thomson Daniel U. , Grandin Temple , Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis review identifies priorities for beef cattle welfare research in the USA. Based on our professional expertise and synthesis of existing literature, we identify two themes in intensive aspects of beef production: areas where policy-based actions are needed and those where additional research is required. For some topics, considerable research informs best practice, yet gaps remain between scientific knowledge and implementation. For example, many of the risk factors and management strategies to prevent respiratory disease are understood, but only used by a relatively small portion of the industry. This is an animal health issue that will require leadership and discussion to gain widespread adoption of practices that benefit cattle welfare. There is evidence of success when such actions are taken, as illustrated by the recent improvements in handling at US slaughter facilities. Our highest priorities for additional empirical evidence are: the effect of technologies used to either promote growth or manage cattle in feedlots, identification of management risk factors for disease in feedlots, and management decisions about transport (rest stops, feed/water deprivation, climatic conditions, stocking density). Additional research is needed to inform science-based recommendations about environmental features such as dry lying areas (mounds), shade, water and feed, as well as trailer design.
The need for friendships and information: Dimensions of social support and posttraumatic growth among women with breast cancer
Authors: Hasson-Ohayon Ilanit , Tuval-Mashiach Rivka , Goldzweig Gil , Levi Rienat , Pizem Noam , Kaufman Bela 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjective:Employing a cross-sectional design, the current study examined the relationships between various agents and types of support and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among women with breast cancer.Method:Eighty married women who were coping with breast cancer completed social support and PTG questionnaires.Results:All agents of social support (family, friends, belief-based), excluding spousal support, and all types of social support were found to be related to the various PTG dimensions and its total score. Regression analyses revealed that, among the agents of support, only support provided from friends and belief-based support uniquely contribute to prediction of total PTG score. While examining the contribution of various types of support, only cognitive support had a unique contribution to prediction of total PTG score.Significance of results:Various agents and types of support play different roles in the PTG process following breast cancer. Accordingly, friends as an agent of support and information as a type of support seem to be most important in enhancing PTG among women with breast cancer.
Developing an Index of the Rule of Law: Sharing the Experience of Hong Kong
Authors: Tai Benny Y.T. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe Rule of Law is considered a major aspect of modern governance. For every legal system, it is important whether the Rule of Law is attained and how far it has been attained. Though there are various indicators and indexes of the Rule of Law they all have their limitations. This paper reported a study conducted in Hong Kong in 2005, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, to assess the level of attainment of the Rule of Law in Hong Kong. It is found that the level of attainment is high but a downward trend is also discovered. A main objective of developing this new methodology in assessing Rule of Law, is that it could be used for tracking the development of the Rule of Law in a particular legal system and facilitating comparison between legal systems.
Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: can Beliefs about Voices Mediate the Relationship Patients establish with them and Negative Affect?
Authors: León-Palacios María de Gracia , Úbeda-Gómez Juan , Escudero-Pérez Silvia , Barros-Albarán María Dolores , López-Jiménez Ana María , Perona-Garcelán Salvador 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study was designed to find out whether a person’s relationship with his voices and the negative affect he suffers from are mediated by beliefs about the voices. Research done to date shows contradictory results (Sorrell, Hayward, & Meddings, 2010, Vaughan & Fowler, 2004). A cross-sectional study was done to study the associations among variables, and a multiple mediation model (Preacher & Hayes, 2008) in which the beliefs about voices were the mediating variables was tested. Sixty subjects who heard voices participated. The VAY (Hayward, Denney, Vaughan, & Fowler, 2008), BAVQ (Chadwick & Birchwood, 1995), BAI (Beck & Steer, 1993) and BDI-II (Beck, Steer & Brown, 1996) were given. We found a significant positive correlation between perception of voices as dominant and intrusive and maintaining a position of distance from them on one hand, and negative affect [anxiety (r = .57, p < .001; r = .40, p < .001; r = .34, p < .01 respectively) and depression (r = .58, p < .001; r = .37, p < .01; r = .38, p < .001 respectively)] on the other. We also found that beliefs of malevolence and omnipotence mediated between relating style and negative affect (anxiety and depression). The theoretical implications of the results and clinical implications of the mediating relationships found are discussed.
Egalitarianism and Sexual Prejudice: the Role of Ingroup Distinctiveness Motives
Authors: Falomir-Pichastor Juan Manuel , Berent Jacques , Mugny Gabriel , Faniko Klea 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe present research examined the hypothesis that heterosexual men’s motivation to differentiate their ingroup from gay men moderates the link between egalitarianism and sexual prejudice. In two experiments conducted in Switzerland (N= 74) and Ecuador (N= 104), we assessed heterosexual men’s endorsement of egalitarian values and experimentally manipulated scientific evidence supporting or refuting the existence of biological differences between heterosexual and gay men (the biological theory). The main dependent variable was attitude towards homosexuality. As predicted, the interaction between egalitarianism and the biological theory was significant in both experiments,t(67) = 3.18,p= .002, ηp2= .13, andt(100) = 2.26,p= .026, ηp2= .04, respectively. Egalitarianism increased positive attitudes towards homosexuality only when science supported the existence of biological differences between heterosexual and gay men. We discuss the relevance of this finding to intergroup relations.
Tropical storm‐induced near‐inertial internal waves during the Cirene experiment: Energy fluxes and impact on vertical mixing
Authors: Cuypers Y. , Le Vaillant X. , Bouruet‐Aubertot P. , Vialard J. , McPhaden M. J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNear‐inertial internal waves (NIW) excited by storms and cyclones play an essential role in driving turbulent mixing in the thermocline and interior ocean. Storm‐induced mixing may be climatically relevant in regions like the thermocline ridge in the southwestern Indian Ocean, where a shallow thermocline and strong high frequency wind activity enhance the impact of internal gravity wave‐induced mixing on sea surface temperature. The Cirene research cruise in early 2007 collected ship‐borne and mooring vertical profiles in this region under the effect of a developing tropical cyclone. In this paper, we characterize the NIW field and the impact of these waves on turbulent mixing in the upper ocean. NIW packets were identified down to 1000 m, the maximum depth of the measurements. We estimated an NIW vertical energy flux of up to 2.5 mW m−2 within the pycnocline, which represents about 10% of the maximum local wind power input. A non‐negligible fraction of the wind power input is hence potentially available for subsurface mixing. The impact of mixing by internal waves on the upper ocean heat budget was estimated from a fine‐scale mixing parameterization. During the first leg of the cruise (characterized by little NIW activity), the average heating rate due to mixing was ~0.06 °C month−1 in the thermocline (23–24 kg m−3 isopycnals). During the second leg, characterized by strong NIW energy in the thermocline and below, this heating rate increased to 0.42 °C month−1, indicative of increased shear instability along near inertial wave energy pathways.
Modeling aerosols and their interactions with shallow cumuli during the 2007 CHAPS field study
Authors: Shrivastava Manish , Berg Larry K. , Fast Jerome D. , Easter Richard C. , Laskin Alexander , Chapman Elaine G. , Gustafson William I. , Liu Ying , Berkowitz Carl M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry, using 2 km horizontal grid spacing, is used to simulate two important relationships between aerosols and clouds in the vicinity of Oklahoma City during the June 2007 Cumulus Humilis Aerosol Processing Study (CHAPS). First, the model reproduces the trends of higher nitrate volume fractions in cloud droplet residuals compared to interstitial nonactivated aerosols, as measured using an aerosol mass spectrometer. Comparing simulations with cloud chemistry turned on and off, we show that nitric acid vapor uptake by cloud droplets explains the higher nitrate content of cloud droplet residuals. Second, the model reasonably represents the observations of the first aerosol indirect effect where pollutants in the vicinity of Oklahoma City increase cloud droplet number concentrations and decrease the droplet effective radius. In addition, as documented using an offline optical code, simulated aerosol optical properties depend on several compensating effects including aerosol water content, size‐resolved chemical composition, and refractory index of various particle chemical species. All of our four sensitivity test cases clearly show an increase in simulated absorption and a decrease in single scattering albedo within the Oklahoma City plume relative to conditions outside the plume. While previous studies have often focused on cloud–aerosol interactions in stratiform and deep convective clouds, this study highlights the ability of regional‐scale models to represent some of the important aspects of cloud–aerosol interactions associated with fields of short‐lived shallow cumuli.