bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of CloudSat Data to Evaluate Retrievals of Total Ice Content in Precipitating Cloud Systems from Ground-Based Operational Radar Measurements
Authors: Matrosov Sergey Y. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAn approach is described to retrieve the total amount of ice in a vertical atmospheric column in precipitating clouds observed by the operational Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) systems. This amount expressed as ice water path (IWP) is retrieved using measurements obtained during standard WSR-88D scanning procedures performed when observing precipitation. WSR-88D-based IWP estimates are evaluated using dedicated cloud microphysical retrievals available from the CloudSat and auxiliary spaceborne measurements. The evaluation is performed using measurements obtained in extensive predominantly stratiform precipitation systems containing both ice hydrometeors aloft and rain near the ground. The analysis is based on retrievals of IWP from satellite and the ground-based KWGX and KSHV WSR-88D that are closely collocated in time and space. The comparison results indicate a relatively high correlation between satellite and WSR-88D IWP retrievals, with corresponding correlation coefficients of around 0.7. The mean relative differences between spaceborne and ground-based estimates are around 50%–60%, which is on the order of IWP retrieval uncertainties and is comparable to the differences among various operational CloudSat IWP products. The analysis performed in this study suggests that the quantitative information on ice content of precipitation systems can generally be obtained from operational WSR-88D measurements, when they perform routine scans to observe precipitation. The limitations of WSR-88D IWP estimates due to radar beam tilt restrictions and the overshooting effects due to Earth’s sphericity are discussed.
The Melting Arctic and Midlatitude Weather Patterns: Are They Connected?*
Authors: Overland James , Francis Jennifer A. , Hall Richard , Hanna Edward , Kim Seong-Joong , Vihma Timo 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The potential of recent Arctic changes to influence hemispheric weather is a complex and controversial topic with considerable uncertainty, as time series of potential linkages are short (&lt;10 yr) and understanding involves the relative contribution of direct forcing by Arctic changes on a chaotic climatic system. A way forward is through further investigation of atmospheric dynamic mechanisms. During several exceptionally warm Arctic winters since 2007, sea ice loss in the Barents and Kara Seas initiated eastward-propagating wave trains of high and low pressure. Anomalous high pressure east of the Ural Mountains advected Arctic air over central and eastern Asia, resulting in persistent cold spells. Blocking near Greenland related to low-level temperature anomalies led to northerly flow into eastern North America, inducing persistent cold periods. Potential Arctic connections in Europe are less clear. Variability in the North Pacific can reinforce downstream Arctic changes, and Arctic amplification can accentuate the impact of Pacific variability. The authors emphasize multiple linkage mechanisms that are regional, episodic, and based on amplification of existing jet stream wave patterns, which are the result of a combination of internal variability, lower-tropospheric temperature anomalies, and midlatitude teleconnections. The quantitative impact of Arctic change on midlatitude weather may not be resolved within the foreseeable future, yet new studies of the changing Arctic and subarctic low-frequency dynamics, together with additional Arctic observations, can contribute to improved skill in extended-range forecasts, as planned by the WMO Polar Prediction Project (PPP).
An Evaluation of Advanced Dvorak Technique–Derived Tropical Cyclone Intensity Estimates during Extratropical Transition Using Synthetic Satellite Imagery
Authors: Manion Alexander , Evans Clark , Olander Timothy L. , Velden Christopher S. , Grasso Lewis D. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
It is known that both Dvorak technique and advanced Dvorak technique–derived intensity estimates for tropical cyclones during extratropical transition are less reliable because the empirical relationships between cloud patterns and cyclone intensity underlying each technique are primarily tropical in nature and thus less robust during extratropical transition. However, as direct observations of cyclone intensity during extratropical transition are rare, the precise extent to which such remotely sensed intensity estimates are in error is uncertain. To address this uncertainty and provide insight into how advanced Dvorak technique–derived intensity estimates during extratropical transition may be improved, the advanced Dvorak technique is applied to synthetic satellite imagery derived from 25 numerical simulations of Atlantic basin tropical cyclones—five cases, five microphysical parameterizations—during extratropical transition. From this, an internally consistent evaluation between model-derived and advanced Dvorak technique–derived cyclone intensity estimates is conducted. Intensity estimate error and bias peak at the beginning of extratropical transition and decline thereafter for maximum sustained surface wind. On average, synthetic advanced Dvorak technique–derived estimates of maximum sustained surface wind asymptote toward or remain near their weakest-possible values after extratropical transition begins. Minimum sea level pressure estimates exhibit minimal bias, although this result is sensitive to microphysical parameterization. Such sensitivity to microphysical parameterization, particularly with respect to cloud radiative properties, suggests that only qualitative insight regarding advanced Dvorak technique–derived intensity estimate error during extratropical transition may be obtained utilizing synthetic satellite imagery. Implications toward developing improved intensity estimates during extratropical transition are discussed.
Interleukin-6 in cerebrospinal fluid as a biomarker of acute meningitis
Authors: García-Hernández Pablo , Prieto Belén , Martínez-Morillo Eduardo , Rodríguez Verónica , Álvarez Francisco V 
Published: May 2015

Background Microbiological culture of cerebrospinal fluid is the gold standard to differentiate between aseptic and bacterial meningitis, but this method has low sensitivity. A fast and reliable new marker would be of interest in clinical practice. Objective Interleukin-6, secreted by T cells in response to meningeal pathogens and quickly delivered into cerebrospinal fluid, was evaluated as a marker of acute meningitis. Design and Methods A total of 150 cerebrospinal fluid samples were analysed by an electrochemiluminescence method, selected according to patient diagnosis: (a) bacterial meningitis confirmed by positive culture ( n = 26); (b) bacterial meningitis with negative culture or not performed ( n = 15); (c) viral meningitis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction or immunoglobulin G determination ( n = 23); (d) viral meningitis with polymerase chain reaction negative or not performed ( n = 42); and (e) controls ( n = 44). Results Cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 concentration showed significant differences between all pathologic groups and the control group ( P < 0.001). As a diagnostic tool for bacterial meningitis, interleukin-6 showed an area under the curve of 0.937 (95% confidence intervals: 0.895–0.978), significantly higher than those of classical biomarkers. An interleukin-6 cutoff of 1418 pg/mL showed 95.5% sensitivity and 77.5% specificity, whereas a value of 15,060 pg/mL showed 63.6% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity, for diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Conclusion Interleukin-6 measured by electrochemiluminescence method is a promising marker for early differentiation between aseptic and bacterial meningitis. More studies are needed to validate clinical implications for future practice in an emergency laboratory.
Environmental Violence, Water Rights, and (Un) Due Process in Northwestern Mexico
Authors: Radonic Lucero 
Published: May 2015

Water-related struggles worldwide may not involve armed conflict or direct bodily harm, but they are still violent in nature. Over the past century the Yaqui Tribe has continually contested water development plans and challenged distribution schemes, seeking to regain control over its livelihoods and the production of space in its ancestral homeland. In the Mexican state of Sonora we are currently witnessing a new chapter of the violent saga around water access in the Yaqui River valley. In fighting the proposed construction of the Independencia Aqueduct, intended to transfer water from the Yaqui River to the capital city of Hermosillo, the tribe’s struggles for recognition as a rightful resource holder have intensified. Paradoxically, dispossession is justified through an international human rights discourse and the relentless interrogation of indigenous authenticity aimed at delegitimizing Yaqui traditional resource claims. Las luchas relacionadas con el agua en todo el mundo no necesariamente conllevan conflicto armado o daño físico directo, pero todavía son violentas por naturaleza. Durante el ultimo siglo la tribu yaqui han impugnado continuamente los planes de desarrollo del agua y cuestionado los programas de distribución, con el propósito de recobrar el control sobre sus medios de subsistencia y la producción del espacio en su tierra ancestral. En el estado mexicano de Sonora estamos siendo testigos de un nuevo capítulo en la saga violenta en torno al acceso al agua en el Valle del Río Yaqui. Con la batalla contra el proyecto de construcción del Acueducto Independencia— diseñado para transportar agua del Río Yaqui a la ciudad capital de Hermosillo—las luchas de la tribu por el reconocimiento como dueños legítimos del recurso se han intensificado. Paradójicamente, el despojo se justifica por medio de un discurso de derechos humanos internacionales y el cuestionamiento implacable de la autenticidad indígena con el propósito de deslegitimar los reclamos yaquis sobre los recursos.
An experimental study on indoor thermal comfort of the coupled radiation panels with household replacement fresh air system
Authors: Qu Minglu , Chen Jianbo , Guo Lina , Pan Jimiao 
Published: May 2015

Yangtze Region of China has high temperature in summer and low temperature in winter, with high humidity most of the year. The conventional household air conditioner cannot control temperature and humidity separately. Recently, the research on temperature and humidity independent control mainly focused on large-scale buildings; however, study on small-scale buildings throughout the year was limited. This paper introduces a novel household air-conditioning system suits for small-scale buildings in hot-humid climate region, named coupled radiation panels with household replacement fresh air (RP&HRFA) system, which could independently control the temperature and relative humidity of the indoor air. The RP&HRFA system can be operated in five different modes so as to be adaptive to different weather conditions all year round. In this paper, an experimental study under three operating modes, namely, summer, transitive season A, and winter B, were carried out. The overall and local thermal comfort indexes of the system were investigated under stable experiment operation conditions. The experimental results indicated that these indexes basically met the requirements of ISO7730 and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010. Practical application: This paper introduced a novel household air-conditioning system suits for small-scale buildings in hot-humid climate region, which could independently control the temperature and relative humidity of the indoor air. The experimental results under three operating modes indicated that the system could provide an acceptable indoor thermal comfort for occupants. Such a system could be applied to small-scale buildings in hot humid region for its good thermal comfort.
128-slice dual-source CT coronary angiography with prospectively electrocardiography-triggered high-pitch spiral mode: radiation dose, image quality, and diagnostic acceptability
Authors: Matsubara Kosuke , Sakuda Keita , Nunome Haruka , Takata Tadanori , Koshida Kichiro , Gabata Toshifumi 
Published: May 2015

Background Dual-source computed tomography (CT) enables CT coronary angiography (CTCA) with a prospectively electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered high-pitch spiral (HPS) mode. Purpose To evaluate the radiation dose, image quality, and diagnostic acceptability of the HPS mode in CTCA and to compare HPS with the step-and-shoot (SAS) and low-pitch spiral (LPS) modes. Material and Methods One hundred and thirty-eight patients who underwent CTCA with a 128-slice dual-source CT scanner were retrospectively included in this study. Seventeen patients (average heart rate of ≤65 beats per minute [bpm] prior to acquisition) were evaluated in the HPS mode, 88 (average heart rate of >65 and ≤80 bpm prior to acquisition) in the SAS mode, and 33 (average heart rate of >80 bpm prior to acquisition or patients with an unstable heart rhythm) in the LPS mode. Radiation dose and image noise were recorded for each patient. Diagnostic acceptability was graded using a four-point scale (1, unacceptable; 2, suboptimal; 3, acceptable; 4, fully acceptable). Results The effective dose in the HPS mode was 1.5 ± 0.2 mSv, which was lower than that in SAS (8.9 ± 2.7 mSv) and LPS (21.5 ± 4.3 mSv) modes. There were no significant differences in the image noise levels in the descending aorta and left atrium. The average per-patient diagnostic acceptability was 3.2, 3.6, and 3.7 in HPS, SAS, and LPS modes, respectively. Conclusion The radiation dose is lower with HPS than with other modes, and the HPS mode-acquired images of patients with heart rates of ≤65 bpm are nearly acceptable for diagnostic image interpretation.
Comparative study of CT appearances in renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jingtao , Zhu Qingqiang , Zhu Wenrong , Chen Wenxin , Wang Shouan 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundRenal oncocytoma (RO) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) share histologic and some imaging features.PurposeTo investigate the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) characteristics of these two tumor types.Material and MethodsFifty-six patients with RO and 54 patients with ChRCC were studied retrospectively. MDCT was undertaken to investigate differences in tumor characteristics.ResultsCalcifications were visible in 24 (42.8%) patients with RO and in 11 (20.4%) patients with ChRCC ( P = 0.011). 26 patients with RO had stellate scars as did 14 patients with ChRCC ( P = 0.025). Spoken-wheel-like enhancement was visible in 41 patients with RO and in 11 with ChRCC ( P < 0.001). Thirty-nine (69.6%) patients with RO and nine (16.7%) patients with ChRCC showed segmental inversion ( P < 0.001). Two patients with RO had retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement as did 13 patients with ChRCC ( P = 0.002). Combined evaluation of stellate scar, spoken-wheel-like enhancement, and segmental enhancement inversion features were found to have a sensitivity of 99.1% (106 of 107), a speciﬁcity of 100% (3 of 3), a positive predictive value of 100% (106 of 106), and a negative predictive value of 75% (3 of 4). The attenuation of RO tumors was greater than that of ChRCC tumors, normal renal parenchyma on unenhanced CT ( P = 0.031). Enhancement was higher with RO than with ChRCC tumors in all phases ( P = 0.021, < 0.001, and 0.007, respectively).ConclusionCT imaging features such as stellate scar, spoken-wheel-like enhancement, and segmental enhancement inversion were more common in RO and they may help in differentiating RO from ChRCC.
The Association of Low Social Support with Breast Milk Expression in Low-Income Mother–Preterm Infant Dyads
Authors: Fabiyi Camille , Rankin Kristin , Norr Kathleen , Yoder Joseph C. , Vasa Rohitkumar , White-Traut Rosemary 
Published: May 2015

Background: Premature infants benefit from receiving expressed breast milk (BM), but expressing breast milk is difficult for new mothers. Little is known about mothers’ social support and BM expression during the premature infant’s hospital stay. Objective: We examined whether low maternal social support was associated with breast milk expression initiation and low breast milk expression among low-income mothers of premature infants. Methods: Maternal intake interview data and daily infant data on proportion of nutrition from BM during hospitalization were analyzed from a larger randomized trial testing a developmental intervention on 181 mother–premature infant dyads with at least 2 of 10 social-environmental risks. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to examine the relationship between social support (Personal Resources Questionnaire 2000; dichotomized as low for lowest quartile), initiation (any breast milk expressed vs none), and low breast milk expression (if BM was < 30% of infant total milk/formula intake during hospitalization). Results: Breast milk expression was initiated by 70.2% of mothers, and 32.3% of those mothers had low breast milk expression. In adjusted multivariable analyses, social support did not relate to the initiation of breast milk expression but was significantly associated with low breast milk expression among mothers who initiated (adjusted relative risk = 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.47). Conclusion: Low social support was not associated with initiation but was associated with low breast milk expression during hospitalization. Interventions to enhance social support for mothers of premature infants, especially those reporting low social support from family and friends, may increase in-hospital expression and long-term breastfeeding.
Exploring the trend of increased cervical intraepithelial neoplasia detection rates in the Netherlands
Authors: Rozemeijer Kirsten , van Kemenade Folkert J , Penning Corine , Matthijsse Suzette M , Naber Steffie K , van Rosmalen Joost , van Ballegooijen Marjolein , de Kok Inge MCM 
Published: May 2015

Objective Over the last decade, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) detection has increased in the Netherlands. We investigated the underlying mechanism by quantifying the increase, and analyzing patterns of CIN and cervical cancer detection over time. Methods We observed annual CIN and cervical cancer detection rates (DRs) per 10,000 primary smears within the Dutch screening programme for 2000–2011. Joinpoint analyses were performed to determine changes in time trends, logistic regression analyses to assess the relative risk of calendar time on histological outcomes, adjusted for demographic factors and type of primary cytology test used. Results Trends of increased detection occurred for all CIN grades (ie. DRs increased from 17.8 to 36.1, from 21.0 to 35.5, and from 43.4 to 64.6 for CIN I, II, and III from 2003 to 2009). After adjusting for demographic factors, DRs were still 2.11 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.95, 2.29), 1.79 (95% CI: 1.66, 1.92) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.50, 1.67) times larger in 2009. When also adjusting for the type of cytology test, DRs were 1.90 (95% CI: 1.62, 2.22), 1.48 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.79) and 1.55 (95% CI: 1.39, 1.73) times larger. No trends in cervical cancer DRs were found. Conclusions The implementation of liquid-based cytology contributed to the CIN increase. If some of these extra detected CIN are regressive this leads to overdiagnosis. Other factors, such as an increased cervical cancer risk, and implementation of imaging-assisted reading, could also have contributed.
Factors affecting faecal immunochemical test positive rates: demographic, pathological, behavioural and environmental variables
Authors: Symonds Erin L , Osborne Joanne M , Cole Stephen R , Bampton Peter A , Fraser Robert JL , Young Graeme P 
Published: May 2015

Objectives Positive rates in faecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based colorectal cancer screening programmes vary, suggesting that differences between programmes may affect test results. We examined whether demographic, pathological, behavioural, and environmental factors affected haemoglobin concentration and positive rates where samples are mailed. Methods A retrospective cohort study; 34,298 collection devices were sent, over five years, to screening invitees (median age 60.6). Participant demographics, temperature on sample postage day, and previous screening were recorded. Outcomes from colonoscopy performed within a year following FIT were collected. Multivariate logistic regression identified significant predictors of test positivity. Results Higher positive rate was independently associated with male gender, older age, lower socioeconomic status, and distally located neoplasia, and negatively associated with previous screening (p < 0.05). Older males had higher faecal haemoglobin concentrations and were less likely to have a false positive result at colonoscopy (p < 0.05). High temperature on the sample postage day was associated with reduced haemoglobin concentration and positivity rate (26–35℃: Odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.66–0.93), but was not associated with missed significant neoplasia at colonoscopy (p > 0.05). Conclusions Haemoglobin concentrations, and therefore FIT positivity, were affected by factors that vary between screening programmes. Participant demographics and high temperature at postage had significant effects. The impact of temperature could be reduced by seasonal scheduling of invitations. The importance of screening, and following up positive test results, particularly in older males, should be promoted.
Ethical aspects of caregivers’ experience with persons with dementia at mealtimes
Authors: Hammar Lena Marmstål , Swall Anna , Meranius Martina Summer 
Published: May 2015

Background: Persons with dementia are at risk of malnutrition and thus in need of assistance during mealtimes. Research suggest interventions for caregivers to learn how to facilitate mealtimes and eating, while other suggest a working environment enabling the encounter needed to provide high-quality care. However, the phenomenon of caring for this unique population needs to be elucidated from several perspectives before suggesting suitable implications that ensure their optimal health. Objectives: To illustrate the meanings within caregivers’ experiences of caring for persons with dementia during mealtime situations. We also measured weight and food intake among individuals with dementia to explain better the phenomenon of caring for them during mealtimes. Methods: Mixed method including focus group interviews with seven caregivers analyzed using phenomenological hermeneutics. In addition, for nine persons with dementia, weight and food intake were collected and descriptive statistics were calculated. Ethical considerations: Ethical review was obtained from an ethics committee, and all caregivers signed a consent form after being informed on the issue of research ethics. Relatives for persons with dementia were informed and signed the consent. In addition, throughout the study, the persons’ expressions were observed aiming to respect their vulnerability, integrity, and dignity. Findings: One theme emerged from interviews (struggling between having the knowledge and not the opportunity), which was built upon three subthemes (being engaged and trying; feeling abandoned and insufficient; being concerned and feeling guilty). Seven of nine persons with dementia lost a minimum of 1.3 kg of weight and ate a maximum of 49.7% of the food served. Conclusion: Caregivers struggle because they have knowledge about how to provide high-quality care but are unable to provide this care due to organizational structures. The weight loss and insufficient eating among the persons with dementia may support this conclusion. Sufficient time for adequate care should be provided.