bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated Quality Control of In Situ Soil Moisture from the North American Soil Moisture Database Using NLDAS-2 Products
Authors: Xia Youlong , Ford Trent W. , Wu Yihua , Quiring Steven M. , Ek Michael B. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe North American Soil Moisture Database (NASMD) was initiated in 2011 to provide support for developing climate forecasting tools, calibrating land surface models, and validating satellite-derived soil moisture algorithms. The NASMD has collected data from over 30 soil moisture observation networks providing millions of in situ soil moisture observations in all 50 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. It is recognized that the quality of measured soil moisture in NASMD is highly variable because of the diversity of climatological conditions, land cover, soil texture, and topographies of the stations, and differences in measurement devices (e.g., sensors) and installation. It is also recognized that error, inaccuracy, and imprecision in the data can have significant impacts on practical operations and scientific studies. Therefore, developing an appropriate quality control procedure is essential to ensure that the data are of the best quality. In this study, an automated quality control approach is developed using the North American Land Data Assimilation System, phase 2 (NLDAS-2), Noah soil porosity, soil temperature, and fraction of liquid and total soil moisture to flag erroneous and/or spurious measurements. Overall results show that this approach is able to flag unreasonable values when the soil is partially frozen. A validation example using NLDAS-2 multiple model soil moisture products at the 20-cm soil layer showed that the quality control procedure had a significant positive impact in Alabama, North Carolina, and west Texas. It had a greater impact in colder regions, particularly during spring and autumn. Over 433 NASMD stations have been quality controlled using the methodology proposed in this study, and the algorithm will be implemented to control data quality from the other ~1200 NASMD stations in the near future.
Design-Dependent Calculation of the Prosthesis Length in Malleostapedotomy
Authors: Kaftan Holger , Blaurock Markus , Kaftan Silke 
Published: April 2015

Objective: The results of a recently published micro-CT study suggested a correlation of the distance between long incus process and stapes footplate and the required prosthesis length in malleostapedotomy. The goal of this study was to test the reliability of that assumption. Methods: Rectangular and bent prostheses were tested in 11 cadaveric human temporal bone specimens; 1 of them showed a stapedial artery. Prosthesis length was calculated based on the distance between long incus process and stapes footplate. The rate of acceptable prosthesis insertion into the vestibule was investigated. Results: In both prostheses designs, the insertion depth into the vestibule did not exceed 1.0 mm. Two prostheses did not pass the footplate level in bent prostheses (18%) and 1 in rectangular prostheses (9%). Conclusion: A rough estimation of the required prosthesis length in malleostapedotomy seems possible if the distance between long incus process and stapes footplate is known and a design-dependent equation exists.
Weight Control Behaviors Among Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hanna Kathleen M. , Weaver Michael T. , Slaven James E. , Stump Timothy E. , Shieh Carol 
Published: April 2015

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the association of weight control behaviors (WCBs) with living and educational situations among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes during the first year after high school graduation. Methods Among 184 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes, data were collected every 3 months for 12 months on WCBs, body mass index (BMI), living and educational situations; at baseline and 12 months, on impulse control; and at baseline, on sex, depressive symptoms, and glycemic control. Generalized linear models incorporated repeated measures (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). Results No significant associations existed between WCBs and living or educational situations, when controlling for covariates. More depressive symptoms and higher BMIs were associated with a greater likelihood of involvement in unhealthy WCBs, whereas more depressive symptoms—not higher BMI—were associated with higher odds for involvement in very unhealthy WCBs. Although healthy WCBs were also associated with more depressive symptoms and higher BMIs, they were also associated with greater impulse control. Conclusions Health care professionals should assess emerging adults with type 1 diabetes for WCBs along with BMI, depressive symptoms, and impulse control.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Hameed Fahad , Wahla Ali S. , Siddiqui Shakeel , Ghabashi Alaa , Al-Shomrani Majid , Al-Thaqafi Abdulhakeem , Tashkandi Yasir 
Published: April 2015

Background: An increasing number of patients are being infected with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) since the first case was identified in September 2012. We report the characteristics and outcomes of MERS-CoV–confirmed patients who developed critical illness requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of all MERS-CoV–confirmed cases who were admitted to our ICU from March 20, 2014, till June 1, 2014. Presenting symptoms, comorbid conditions, and details of their ICU stay were recorded. Results: Eight patients were admitted to the ICU with MERS-CoV infection. All had signs of respiratory distress with 7 requiring mechanical ventilation. Three patients were health care workers. In all, 6 patients had comorbid conditions and 5 patients developed multiorgan system failure (MOSF). In all, 5 patients expired, 2 were discharged alive, and 1 remained intubated at the end of the study period. Conclusions: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus carries a high mortality rate in patients who require ICU admission, with a significant number of patients developing MOSF. Further investigation is needed to determine optimal management guidelines for these patients.
Impairment of quality of life in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Zuily S , Rat A-C , Regnault V , Kaminsky P , Mismetti P , Ninet J , Baillet N , Magy-Bertrand N , Pasquali J-L , Lambert M , Pasquier E , Lorcerie B , Lecompte T , Guillemin F , Wahl D ,   for the TAC(I)T investigators
Published: April 2015

Objectives Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not been fully explored in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS); therefore, we compared HRQoL between APS patients and the general population and assessed the impact of thromboembolic history. Methods HRQoL was measured in a multicentre cohort study by the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (MOS-SF-36) questionnaire. HRQoL scores were compared to the French general population norms. Factors significantly associated with an impaired HRQoL were identified. Results A total of 115 patients with aPL and/or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were included (mean age 42.7 ± 14.1 years old, 86 women). In 53 patients APS was diagnosed. Compared to general population norms, patients with APS had an impaired HRQoL. SLE-associated APS patients had the worst HRQoL scores (physical component summary (PCS)=40.8 ± 10.6; mental component summary (MCS)=40.6 ± 16.5) in comparison with SLE or aPL patients without thromboembolic history. In APS patients, history of arterial thrombosis significantly impaired HRQoL (PCS score: 42.2 ± 9.4 vs 49.2 ± 8.5; MCS score: 33.9 ± 13.7 vs 44.6 ± 10.3). Conclusion Compared to the general population, APS patients experienced a lower HRQoL. In these patients, a history of arterial thrombosis significantly impaired HRQoL. Therefore, measurements of HRQoL should be included in APS patient management to assess the burden of the disease from a patient’s perspective and to provide patients with the support they need.
Developing a Web-Based Intervention to Prevent Drug Use Among Adolescent Girls
Authors: Schwinn Traci Marie , Hopkins Jessica Elizabeth , Schinke Steven Paul 
Published: April 2015

Objectives: Girls’ rates of drug use have met up with and, in some instances, surpassed boys’ rates. Although girls and boys share risk and protective factors associated with drug use, girls also have gender-specific risks. Interventions to prevent girls’ drug use must be tailored to address the dynamics of female adolescence. Methods: One such intervention, called RealTeen, is a 9-session, web-based drug abuse prevention program designed to address such gender-specific risk factors associated with young girls’ drug use as depressed mood, low self-esteem, and high levels of perceived stress as well as general drug use risk factors of peer and social influences. Web-based delivery enables girls to interact with the program at their own pace and in a location of their choosing. Implications: This article describes the processes and challenges associated with developing and programming a gender-specific, web-based intervention to prevent drug use among adolescent girls.
Comparison of Service Effectiveness for Youth With Depressed Versus Nondepressed Caregivers
Authors: McCarthy Michael , Schellinger Jeffrey , Smith Rachel R. , Behimer Gretchen , Hargraves Daniel , Scherra Karen 
Published: April 2015

Purpose: (1) To compare demographic, mental health, service usage, and emotional and behavioral characteristics and strengths of youth receiving care from depressed versus nondepressed caregivers and (2) to determine whether a community-based program for reducing problematic behaviors and bolstering strengths is equally effective for youth with depressed versus nondepressed caregivers. Methods: Data from 165 caregiver–youth dyads were analyzed using Pearson’s χ2 tests, unpaired t-tests, and paired t-tests to determine pretreatment differences between groups and differences in youth outcomes over time. Results: Results indicated that youth with depressed caregivers accessed different services, exhibited more problematic behaviors, and possessed fewer strengths. However, youth with depressed caregivers also showed significantly more improvement over time than did youth with nondepressed caregivers. Discussion: Findings suggest that additional outreach to depressed caregivers about available services is needed. Additionally, caregiver depression may not always have as negative of an impact on youth outcomes as previously thought.
Effect of Age on Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Adams Samuel B. , Queen Robin M. , DeOrio James K. , Nunley James A. , Easley Mark E. 
Published: April 2015

Background: Little is known about the efficacy and durability of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in younger patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of age on the clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes of patients with end-stage ankle arthritis treated with TAA using modern prostheses. Methods: Patients who underwent primary TAA from June 2007 to July 2011 were prospectively enrolled in the study. Three hundred and ninety-five consecutive patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (range, 2-5.4 years). Patients were divided into 3 groups based on age at the time of surgery (<55, 55-70, and >70 years). Patient-reported outcome scores, physical performance scores, and weight-bearing radiographs were used to assess patients preoperatively and at yearly postoperative office visits. Revision was defined as failure of either the tibial or talar components requiring removal of the metallic implants. A repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc testing and the Pearson chi-square test were used to assess differences between the 3 groups. Statistical significance was set at an alpha level of .05. Results: Patients under the age of 55 had a greater improvement in Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Vitality (P = .026) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Function scores (P < .001) compared with patients over the age of 70 at most recent follow-up. There were no differences in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score or the physical performance outcomes between the age groups. The incidence of wound complications, need for reoperation, and revision were not different between groups. Conclusions: Outcomes of TAA in younger patients were similar to outcomes in older patients at early follow-up. This study establishes a cohort of patients that will be followed to determine the effect of age on the long-term outcomes of TAA with an emphasis on the need for reoperation and revision. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.
Long-Term Natural Outcome (7–26 Years) of Lichtman Stage III Kienböck’s Lunatomalacia
Authors: Viljakka T. , Tallroth K. , Vastamäki M. 
Published: April 2015

Background and Aims: The natural history of Kienböck’s disease is controversial. Only three papers report a pure natural history without treatment. We hypothesized that the natural course of Kienböck’s disease may be better than reported. Material and Methods: We examined eight patients with Lichtman stage III Kienböck’s disease without any treatment, evaluating clinical and radiological results (9 wrists; 7 men, mean age at onset of symptoms 34 years) over a period of 10–38 years (mean, 27.3 years) after symptom onset. Results: Lichtman stage remained the same in five of nine wrists. The inner structure of the lunate improved in three, remained the same in three, and deteriorated in three wrists, and its shape improved in two, remained the same in four, and deteriorated in three wrists. Pain averaged visual analog scale 3.1 at rest, 3.4 during motion, 3.6 with slight, and 5.2 with heavy exertion. The range of motion improved at extension 19% and at flexion 14%, reaching 81% and 72% of that of the contralateral wrist, and grip strength reaching 93%. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand averaged 11.3, Optional Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand 18.0, and Mayo Clinic score 70.0. The radiographic course did not correlate with clinical course. Conclusions: The long-term natural history of Lichtman stage III Kienböck’s disease is insufficiently good to suggest thoughtful observation alone as an option to treat it.
Long-term oxygen therapy
Authors: Pickard Keir 
Published: April 2015

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is the provision of oxygen therapy to a patient at home for at least 15 hours a day, usually for the duration of the remainder of the individual’s life. There are at least 85 000 people prescribed home oxygen in England alone, and many of these patients are assessed and monitored in primary care, with the aid of respiratory specialists from secondary care within a multi-disciplinary team. This article outlines the indications and assessments required for the prescription of LTOT, the cautions and contraindications to home oxygen use, and the practicalities of instigation, delivery and monitoring. The article does not cover nocturnal oxygen therapy, ambulatory oxygen therapy or short-burst oxygen therapy.
Eosinophil-specific deletion of IκBα in mice reveals a critical role of NF-κB–induced Bcl-xL for inhibition of apoptosis
Authors: Schwartz Christian , Willebrand Ralf , Huber Silke , Rupec Rudolf A. , Wu Davina , Locksley Richard , Voehringer David 
Published: April 2015

Key PointsIL-3, IL-5, and GM-CSF promote eosinophil survival by NF-κB–induced upregulation of Bcl-xL, which can be blocked by specific inhibitors. Specific and constitutive deletion of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) in eosinophils in vivo reduced apoptosis during helminth infection.
Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with renal insufficiency using high-sensitivity troponin T
Authors: Huang Hualan , Zhu Shuai , Wang Weiqing , Yi Hong , Du Xiangyang , Nie Xin , He Yong , Song Haolan , Miao Qiang , Wang Lanlan , Li Guixing 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with renal insufficiency, since this population has a high incidence of non-AMI elevations of hs-cTnT.In this prospective study, we enrolled 2249 consecutive patients presenting with chest pain in the emergency department (ED), of whom 19.5% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)Of the patients, 1108 (49.3%) were diagnosed as having AMI [321 with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)]. In patients whose final diagnosis was not AMI, there was a low but significant correlation between hs-cTnT and renal function [eGFRUsing a higher hs-cTnT cut-off value based on eGFR level is necessary for accurate diagnosis of AMI or NSTEMI in patients with renal insufficiency.
Biological variation of high sensitivity cardiac troponin-T in stable dialysis patients: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Fahim Magid A. , Hayen Andrew D. , Horvath Andrea R. , Dimeski Goce , Coburn Amanda , Tan Ken-Soon , Johnson David W. , Craig Jonathan C. , Campbell Scott B. , Hawley Carmel M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractChanges in high sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT) concentrations may reflect either acute myocardial injury or biological variation. Distinguishing between these entities is essential to accurate diagnosis, however, the biological variation of hs-cTnT in dialysis population is currently unknown. We sought to estimate the within- and between-person coefficients of variation of hs-cTnT in stable dialysis patients, and derive the critical difference between measurements needed to exclude biological variation with 99% confidence.Fifty-five prevalent haemo- and peritoneal-dialysis patients attending two metropolitan hospitals were assessed on 10 consecutive occasions; weekly for 5 weeks then monthly for 4 months. Assessments were conducted at the same dialysis cycle time-point and entailed hs-cTnT testing, clinical review, electrocardiography, and bioimpedance spectroscopy. Patients were excluded if they developed clinical or physiological instability.In total 137 weekly and 114 monthly hs-cTnT measurements from 42 stable patients were analysed. Respective between- and within-person coefficients of variation were 83% and 7.9% for weekly measurements, and 79% and 12.6% for monthly measurements. Within-person variation was unaffected by dialysis modality or cardiac co-morbidity. The bidirectional 99% reference change value was –25% and +33% for weekly measurements, and –37% and +58% for monthly measurements.The between-person variation of hs-cTnT in the dialysis population is markedly greater than within-person variation indicating that hs-cTnT testing is best applied in this population using a relative change strategy. An increase of 33% or a reduction of 25% in serial hs-cTnT concentrations measured at weekly intervals excludes change due to analytical and biological variation alone with 99% confidence.
Politics at the Precipice: Fixing Social Security in 2033
Authors: Arnold R. Douglas 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSocial Security will be insolvent in 2033. If nothing is done, retirees will face an immediate 23% cut in their monthly benefits. The solvency cliff and its approximate date have been known for more than two decades. This paper examines why Congress has avoided fixing Social Security when the solutions were relatively affordable and when the baby-boom generation could have helped pay its share of the costs. It also examines what solutions will become politically feasible once the solvency cliff arrives. The surprise is that raising the wage base – in short, taxing the affluent – becomes the most politically appealing fix when insolvency arrives, despite the fact that this solution has no political appeal absent a crisis. Politics at the precipice is very different from ordinary politics.
Not Such a CLASS Act: America’s Long-Term Care Problem
Authors: Saldin Robert P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractLong-term care is a serious but largely unrecognized problem in the US. The CLASS Act was a new program embedded within the Affordable Care Act that was supposed to bring relief to disabled individuals and Medicaid, the primary payer for long-term care. However, the program had an unworkable design, and it was eventually abandoned by the Obama administration. CLASS’ flaws were largely the product of a policy area in which ignorance and misinformation render any effective and fiscally sound program politically unfeasible. As such, the rise and fall of the CLASS Act highlights the profound challenges facing any attempt to pass serious long-term care reform and underscores the need to raise awareness of America’s long-term care challenge.
Romeo and Juliet: The Importance of a Name
Authors: Carpi Daniela 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis paper focuses on the creative or de-creative function of names in Romeo and Juliet. The dialectics between name and existence (or non-existence) is constant in the text. Let us consider “What’s in a name?” uttered by Juliet in 2.2; or the repetition of “banished” (3.2) where Romeo declares that death is in that word; or “Art thou a man?” (Friar, 3.3) that expands the meaning of man from legal to illegal entity; or also, and foremost, when Capulet threatens Juliet “I’ll ne’er acknowledge thee” (3.5), thus depriving her of legal personhood. Names can create a human being into a social being or they can deprive him of social existence. In addition to this we have Capulet’s power over Juliet which entails the problem of patria potestas: in his wish to deprive Juliet of the family name he de-creates her as a social being but also prevents her from becoming an independent adult.
Unreliable Sources for Law: Dying Declarations in Shakespeare’s King John, Othello & King Lear
Authors: J. Majeske Andrew 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis essay discusses the right of confrontation generally by contrasting its fundamental import to Anglo-American legal systems with its more recent rise in significance in Continental European ones, before focusing narrowly upon a particular exception to the right of confrontation called the dying declaration. This essay analyzes a highly unusual intersection of literature and law in which a renowned legal scholar errs in relying upon a passage in imaginative literature as the primary support for his argument for how the dying declaration exception to the hearsay rule should be interpreted and applied.