bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Big Tests’ Origins in Japan and the United States: The Characteristics of the “Elementary School Examination” of the Early Meiji Era
Authors: Hashimoto Akihiko 
Published: May 2015

It is known that Japanese elementary school examination was developed in the early Meiji era, around the 1870–80s, under the influences of the American school examination. But little has been known about the similarities or the differences of those examinations in both countries hitherto.
Close investigation uncovered that early Meiji examination inherits many tools from the samurais’ examination of the feudal ages, e.g. the examination hall’s layout, preparation procedure, and the format for questioning, scoring, marking, and reporting. And those Japanese examinations were mainly given to encourage prudent learners as opposed to making selections, promotions, accreditations, or any other high-stakes decisions.
Even Japanese, following the Meiji era, had imported “the purpose of testing” to make such significant decisions, the Japanese had not changed their manners of handling examinations in a true sense. This could lead to examinations in Japanese schools functioning differently from the “intended” purpose of the examination.
From Persecuted Minority to Confessional Church
Authors: Michels Georg 
Published: May 2015

The essay argues that Old Belief did not emerge as a popular movement giving voice to the aspirations of ordinary Muscovites but rather as an elite culture that drew its inspiration from erudite churchmen closely affiliated with the Kremlin. The popularization of Old Belief occurred only during the last two decades of the seventeenth century, and was not completed even until the third decade of the eighteenth century. Most important in this process – which one might call the confessionalization of Old Belief – were the systematic dissemination of manuscripts, the canonization of Old Believer saints (such as the martyred Avvakum), and the development of an efficient school system. The author draws attention to the little-studied fact that Old Believers – both the founding fathers of the 1650s and eighteenth-century community leaders such as Andrei Denisov – drew inspiration from Ukrainian Orthodox models: they assimilated ideas from polemical texts against the Union of Brest (such as the idea of the Antichrist) and adopted the teaching methods of the Ukrainian seminary school which Denisov and other Old Believer intellectuals observed while studying at the Kievan Theological Academy.
Real-Time Simulation of the GOES-R ABI for User Readiness and Product Evaluation
Authors: Greenwald Thomas J. , Pierce R. Bradley , Schaack Todd , Otkin Jason , Rogal Marek , Bah Kaba , Lenzen Allen , Nelson Jim , Li Jun , Huang Hung-Lung 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In support of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R series (GOES-R) program, the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is generating high quality simulated Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) radiances and derived products in real time over the continental United States. These data are mainly used for testing data-handling systems, evaluating ABI-derived products, and providing training material for forecasters participating in GOES-R Proving Ground test bed activities. The modeling system used to generate these datasets consists of advanced regional and global numerical weather prediction models in addition to state-of-the-art radiative transfer models, retrieval algorithms, and land surface datasets. The system and its generated products are evaluated for the 2014 Pacific Northwest wildfires; the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma, tornado; and Hurricane Sandy. Simulated aerosol optical depth over the Front Range of Colorado during the Pacific Northwest wildfires was validated using high-density Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) measurements. The aerosol, cloud, and meteorological modeling system used to generate ABI radiances was found to capture the transport of smoke from the Pacific wildfires into the Front Range of Colorado and true-color imagery created from these simulated radiances provided visualization of the smoke plumes. Evaluation of selected simulated ABI-derived products for the Moore tornado and Hurricane Sandy cases was done using real-time GOES sounder/imager products produced at CIMSS. Results show that simulated ABI moisture and atmospheric stability products, cloud products, and red–green–blue (RGB) airmass composite imagery are well suited as proxy ABI data for user preparedness.
A Cluster-Based Method for Hydrometeor Classification Using Polarimetric Variables. Part I: Interpretation and Analysis
Authors: Wen Guang , Protat Alain , May Peter T. , Wang Xuezhi , Moran William 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHydrometeor classification methods using polarimetric radar variables rely on probability density functions (PDFs) or membership functions derived empirically or by using electromagnetic scattering calculations. This paper describes an objective approach based on cluster analysis to deriving the PDFs. An iterative procedure with K-means clustering and expectation–maximization clustering based on Gaussian mixture models is developed to generate a series of prototypes for each hydrometeor type from several radar scans. The prototypes are then grouped together to produce a PDF for each hydrometeor type, which is modeled as a Gaussian mixture. The cluster-based method is applied to polarimetric radar data collected with the CP-2 S-band radar near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The results are illustrated and compared with theoretical classification boundaries in the literature. Some notable differences are found. Automated hydrometeor classification algorithms can be built using the PDFs of polarimetric variables associated with each hydrometeor type presented in this paper.
Supraglottoplasty in Infants
Authors: Walner David L. , Neumann Daniel B. , Hamming Katherine K. , Miller Robert P. 
Published: May 2015

Objective: While generally well tolerated for the treatment of severe laryngomalacia, bilateral supraglottoplasty has potential complications including supraglottic stenosis and aspiration. We report a more conservative staged supraglottoplasty in infants with severe laryngomalacia. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of our patients who underwent staged supraglottoplasty from June 2007 to June 2012. Fifteen infants were identified and scored based on stridor, retractions, oxygen saturation, and feeding quality. Outcomes were compared with those reported in the literature for conventional bilateral supraglottoplasty. Results: Seventy-three percent had significant improvement or resolution of stridor following the first stage of surgery and 100% in those undergoing a second stage. Twelve patients (80%) had mild to no retractions following one procedure and 100% had resolution after a second surgery. All 6 patients with recurrent preoperative desaturations had resolution after the first stage of surgery. Of the 11 infants who had preoperative moderate-severe feeding problems, 9 of them (82%) had resolution after one surgery and the remaining 2 had resolution after a second surgery. There were no complications in any of the patients. Conclusions: Staged supraglottoplasty appears to be an effective, low-risk method to treat severe laryngomalacia. A second procedure was only required in 40% of patients.
Bereaved carers’ accounts of the end of life and the role of care providers in a ‘good death’: A qualitative study
Authors: Holdsworth Laura M 
Published: May 2015

Background: The way that people die is particularly important to those who are left behind and this memory is not limited to the moment of death, but encompasses the entire end-of-life phase. While a number of attributes for a ‘good death’ have been identified, less is known about how care providers feature within these conceptualisations. Aim: The aim of this article is to describe the end-of-life experience from the point of view of bereaved family carers with particular reference to the role that care providers play in shaping this experience. Design: Qualitative interviews carried out as part of a study to evaluate a new rapid response hospice at home service. An interpretive thematic analysis using the Framework approach was used to examine how family carers judge a ‘good death’ and how care providers feature in the attributes of a ‘good death’. Participants and setting: A total of 44 interviews with bereaved family carers from a hospice population in the South East of England. Results: Six themes were identified as attributes of a good death in which care providers had a key role: social engagement and connection to identity, care provider characteristics and actions, carer’s confidence and ability to care, preparation and awareness of death, presentation of the patient at death and support after death for protected grieving. Conclusion: Care providers played a much wider role in social aspects of care at the end of life than previously considered.
Meningeal transient receptor potential channel M8 activation causes cutaneous facial and hindpaw allodynia in a preclinical rodent model of headache
Authors: Burgos-Vega Carolina C , Ahn David Dong-Uk , Bischoff Christina , Wang Weiya , Horne Dan , Wang Judy , Gavva Narender , Dussor Gregory 
Published: May 2015

Background Migraine headache is a neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide. However, little is known about the mechanisms contributing to migraine. Recent genome-wide association studies have found single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding transient receptor potential channel M8. Transient receptor potential channel M8 is generally known as a cold receptor but it has been implicated in pain signaling and may play a role in migraine pain. Methods In order to investigate whether transient receptor potential channel M8 may contribute to the pain of migraine, the transient receptor potential channel M8 activator icilin was applied to the dura mater using a rat behavioral model of headache. Cutaneous allodynia was measured for 5 hours using Von Frey filaments. Results : Dural application of icilin produced cutaneous facial and hind paw allodynia that was attenuated by systemic pretreatment with the transient receptor potential channel M8-selective antagonist AMG1161 (10 mg/kg p.o.). Further, the anti-migraine agent sumatriptan (0.6 mg/kg s.c.) or the non-selective NOS inhibitor L-NAME (20 mg/kg i.p.) also attenuated allodynia when given as a pretreatment. Conclusions These data indicate that transient receptor potential channel M8 activation in the meninges produces behaviors in rats that are consistent with migraine and that are sensitive to pharmacological mechanisms known to have efficacy for migraine in humans. The findings suggest that activation of meningeal transient receptor potential channel M8 may contribute to the pain of migraine.
Variability of clinical features in attacks of migraine with aura
Authors: Hansen Jakob M , Goadsby Peter J , Charles Andrew C 
Published: May 2015

Background There is significant variability in the clinical presentation of migraine, both among patients, and between attacks in an individual patient. We examined clinical features of migraine with aura in a large group of patients enrolled in a clinical trial, and compared retrospective migraine attack characteristics reported upon enrollment in the trial with those recorded prospectively in the trial. Methods Patients with migraine ( n = 267) with typical visual aura in more than 30% of their attacks were enrolled from 16 centers for a clinical trial. Upon enrollment, patients provided a detailed retrospective description of the clinical features of their attacks of migraine. During the trial, clinical symptoms in migraine attacks starting with aura were recorded prospectively in 861 attacks. Results Retrospectively reported visual aura symptoms were variable and often overlapping; the most common symptoms were dots or flashing lights, wavy or jagged lines, blind spots, and tunnel vision. Multiple patients reported more than one visual phenomenon. Approximately half of the patients reported nonvisual aura symptoms, the most common were numbness and tingling, followed by difficulty in recalling or speaking words. A significant percentage of patients also reported a change in olfaction. There were several inconsistencies between the features of prospectively recorded and retrospectively reported attacks. Headache, nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia were all less common in prospectively recorded attacks as compared with retrospective reporting. Nausea was prospectively recorded in only 51% of attacks and mostly with mild intensity. The occurrence and severity of nausea was reduced with advancing patient age. Phonophobia was not consistently recorded in conjunction with photophobia. Conclusion These findings are consistent with variable involvement of different brain regions during a migraine attack. The variable occurrence of nausea, and phonophobia in conjunction with photophobia, both defining features of migraine, may be an important consideration in designing clinical studies of migraine in which prospectively recorded attacks are diagnosed based on these clinical features.
Intravenous dexketoprofen vs placebo for migraine attack in the emergency department: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gungor Faruk , Akyol Kamil Can , Kesapli Mustafa , Celik Ahmet , Karaca Adeviye , Bozdemir Mehmet Nuri , Eken Cenker 
Published: May 2015

Objective Migraine is a leading headache etiology that frequently presents to the emergency department (ED). In the present study, we aimed to determine the efficacy of dexketoprofen in aborting migraine headaches in the ED. Methods This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in an ED of a tertiary care hospital using allocation concealment. Patients were allocated into two arms to receive the study drug; 50 mg dexketoprofen in 50 ml saline and 50 ml saline as placebo. Change in pain intensity was measured by the visual analog scale at baseline, both at 30 and 45 minutes after the study medication was administered. Rescue medication requirement and pain relapse were also recorded by a telephone follow-up at 48 hours. Results A total of 224 patients (112 in each group) were included into the final analysis. Mean age of the study participants was 37 ± 11 (SD) and 25% ( n = 56) of them were male. The median pain improvement at 45 minutes for patients receiving dexketoprofen was 55 (IQR: 49 to 60) and 30 (IQR: 25 to 35) for those receiving placebo. The mean difference between the two groups at 45 minutes was 21.4 (95% CI: 14.4. to 28.5). Rescue drugs were needed in 22.3% of patients who received dexketoprofen compared to 55.4% in patients who received placebo (dif: 33.1%; 95% CI: 20% to 45%). There were no adverse events reported in either group during the study period. Conclusion Intravenous dexketoprofen is superior to placebo in relieving migraine headaches in the ED. It may be a suitable therapy with minimum side effects in patients presenting with a migraine headache to the ED.
Bystander Sexual Violence Prevention Program
Authors: Elias-Lambert Nada , Black Beverly M. 
Published: May 2015

This research reports the findings of an evaluation of a peer-facilitated, bystander sexual violence prevention program to determine its effectiveness at changing attitudes and behaviors related to sexual violence with university males who are at low- and high-risk of using sexually coercive behavior. Bystander interventions focus on men and women as bystanders to change social norms in a peer culture that supports abusive behaviors. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of these interventions with high-risk populations, which is the focus of this study. A bystander sexual violence prevention program was presented to 142 fraternity members. A quasi-experimental design utilizing pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys was used to compare the effectiveness of this prevention program with university males who are at low- and high-risk of using sexually coercive behavior in intervention and comparison groups. Participants’ risk status was measured prior to the intervention using the Modified-Sexual Experiences Survey. The measures evaluated changes in attitudes (rape myth acceptance and bystander attitudes) and behaviors (sexually coercive behaviors, sexually coercive behavioral intentions, and bystander behaviors). Data analyses included Repeated-Measures Analysis of Covariances. The findings suggest that a bystander sexual violence prevention program has a positive impact on attitudes and behaviors related to sexual violence among fraternity members, however, the program had less impact on high-risk males. The results of this study will expand our ability to design programs that can have an impact on reducing sexual violence on campus by ensuring the programs are having the desired impact on the target audience.
Measurement of cholinesterase enzyme activity before and after exposure to organophosphate pesticides in farmers of a suburb region of Mazandaran, a northern province of Iran
Authors: Pakravan N , Shokrzadeh M , Bari MA Khalat , Shadboorestan Amir 
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Accidental toxicity by organophosphate (OP) agents may occur among farmers during spraying season due to improper use and handling. Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity measurement is recommended to monitor the extent of exposure to the OP agent. The aim of the current study was to measure plasma ChE activity before and after exposure with OP pesticides. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 36 farmers working in the farm field. The plasma ChE level was measured before spraying and 2 days and 8 weeks after spraying season and exposure to OP agent. Farmers were observed for clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity after exposure. Results: Vertimac was the most common agent used by farmers followed by diazinon and chlorpyrifos. The plasma ChE level significantly decreased after exposure by over 50%. The level returned to preexposure level after 8 weeks. Conclusion: Exposure to OP pesticide is a major concern in the developing countries. More than 50% reduction in the plasma ChE activity after spraying is an alarming message for health-care system and policy makers. Furthermore, workplace evaluation, serial ChE monitoring, and appropriate training and education to exposed individuals would be initial important steps to avoid the toxicity or reduce the severity of poisoning.
Merging perspectives: obstacles to recovery for youth from refugee backgrounds with comorbidity
Authors: Posselt Miriam , Procter Nicholas , de Crespigny Charlotte , Galletly Cherrie 
Published: May 2015

Objective: This research aimed to identify challenges encountered by young people from refugee backgrounds with co-existing mental health (MH) and alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems (comorbidity) and sought to compare the perspectives of refugee youth and service providers in a metropolitan region of Adelaide, South Australia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two groups of participants: young people from refugee backgrounds (African, Afghan, Bhutanese) and workers from MH, AOD and refugee support services. Results: The refugee youth reported that the biggest difficulty they face once they develop MH and AOD problems is social disconnectedness. They lacked awareness that services are available to support them. In contrast, clinicians rated difficulty accessing and receiving culturally competent comorbidity care as the greatest challenge. Other reported challenges were relatively consistent across both groups. Conclusions: This study has implications for how we engage these young people in services, prioritise areas of care and effectively treat and support refugee youth experiencing comorbidity. These findings emphasise the need for a combined therapeutic casework approach, addressing needs such as social connectedness, housing, education and employment.
Mentalization-based intervention to recurrent acute presentations and self-harm in a community mental health service setting
Authors: Bosanac Peter , Hamilton Bridget , Beatson Josephine , Trett Robert , Rao Sathya , Mancuso Sam , Castle David 
Published: May 2015

Objectives: A proof-of-concept study over an 18-month period to determine whether a mentalization-based intervention (MBI) in a metropolitan community mental health service, when added to a recovery-based model of care, would be of clinical benefit to borderline personality disorder (BPD) consumers with a history of recurrent, deliberate self-harm. The feasibility of implementing the intervention, and factors that could improve its implementation, will be evaluated. Methods: Three-monthly focus groups with participating community mental health service case managers ( N = 8) assessed the implementation and the impact of an MBI added to a recovery model of care and the way the clinicians worked with consumers with BPD and recurrent, deliberate self-harm in this context. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed compatibility of the MBI with a recovery-based case management approach for the above group of consumers, albeit with operational barriers. Conclusions: MBI with consumers with BPD appears to be compatible with recovery-focused psychiatric case management and was accepted by consumers. The case managers perceived that no harm was rendered in terms of deliberate self-harm and acute service utilization. The MBI led to a sense of improved therapeutic alliance in case managers working with consumers.
Evaluation of associations among Coxiella burnetii and reproductive abnormalities in cats
Authors: Fujishiro Madeline A , Scorza Andrea V , Gookin Jody L , Lappin Michael R 
Published: May 2015

Objectives Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is found worldwide, is associated or suggested to be associated with reproductive abnormalities in a number of species including cats, and is the cause of Q fever in humans. In a previous study, C burnetii DNA was amplified from the uterine tissues of 8.5% of client-owned cats in the USA but reproductive history was unknown and histopathological examination was not performed. In this study, uterine tissues of 26 normal cats and 11 cats with histopathological evidence of uterine disease or other reproductive abnormalities were evaluated for the presence of C burnetii. Methods A PCR assay that amplifies the repetitive transposon-like region (Trans 1 and 2) and a PCR assay that amplifies the IS-1111-insertion sequence (IS-1111) were optimised and applied to the DNA extracts. The sensitivity threshold of both PCR assays was 12 pg/µl. Positive samples were evaluated for the presence of the organism using immunohistochemistry performed on paraffin-embedded tissue. Results Amplicons of the expected size developed in three samples (one from a cat with reproductive abnormalities) in the IS-1111 assay; however, there was not enough DNA for sequence analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to further evaluate these three samples and was negative for C burnetii. While C burnetii could not be confirmed by sequence analysis or immunohistochemistry, the PCR positive prevalence rate (8.1%) was similar to that published previously. Conclusions and relevance Biosafety precautions should be taken when working with cats that are aborting or parturient. Further research should be performed to evaluate the role that C burnetii may play in reproductive abnormalities in cats.