bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding Uncertainties in Future Projections of Seasonal Tropical Precipitation
Authors: Kent Chris , Chadwick Robin , Rowell David P. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Projected changes in regional seasonal precipitation due to climate change are highly uncertain, with model disagreement on even the sign of change in many regions. Using a 20-member CMIP5 ensemble under the RCP8.5 scenario, the intermodel uncertainty of the spatial patterns of projected end-of-twenty-first-century change in precipitation is found not to be strongly influenced by uncertainty in global mean temperature change. In the tropics, both the ensemble mean and intermodel uncertainty of regional precipitation change are found to be predominantly related to spatial shifts in convection and convergence, associated with processes such as sea surface temperature (SST) pattern change and land–sea thermal contrast change. The authors hypothesize that the zonal-mean seasonal migration of these shifts is driven by 1) the nonlinear spatial response of convection to SST changes and 2) a general movement of convection from land to ocean in response to SST increases. Assessment of tropical precipitation model projections over East Africa highlights the complexity of regional rainfall changes. Thermodynamically driven moisture increases determine the magnitude of the long rains (March–May) ensemble mean precipitation change in this region, whereas model uncertainty in spatial shifts of convection accounts for almost all of the intermodel uncertainty. Moderate correlations are found across models between the long rains precipitation change and patterns of SST change in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Further analysis of the capability of models to represent present-day SST–rainfall links, and any relationship with model projections, may contribute to constraining the uncertainty in projected East Africa long rains precipitation.
On Uncertainty in Global Terrestrial Evapotranspiration Estimates from Choice of Input Forcing Datasets*
Authors: Badgley Grayson , Fisher Joshua B. , Jiménez Carlos , Tu Kevin P. , Vinukollu Raghuveer 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEvapotranspiration ET is a critical water, energy, and climate variable, and recent work has been published comparing different global products. These comparisons have been difficult to interpret, however, because in most studies the evapotranspiration products were derived from models forced by different input data. Some studies have analyzed the uncertainty in regional evapotranspiration estimates from choice of forcings. Still others have analyzed how multiple models vary with choice of net radiation forcing data. However, no analysis has been conducted to determine the uncertainty in global evapotranspiration estimates attributable to each class of input forcing datasets. Here, one of these models [Priestly–Taylor JPL (PT-JPL)] is run with 19 different combinations of forcing data. These data include three net radiation products (SRB, CERES, and ISCCP), three meteorological datasets [CRU, Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Aqua, and MERRA], and three vegetation index products [MODIS; Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS); and Fourier-Adjusted, Sensor and Solar Zenith Angle Corrected, Interpolated, Reconstructed (FASIR)]. The choice in forcing data produces an average range in global monthly evapotranspiration of 10.6 W m−2 (~20% of global mean evapotranspiration), with net radiation driving the majority of the difference. Annual average terrestrial ET varied by an average of 8 W m−2, depending on choice of forcings. The analysis shows that the greatest disagreement between input forcings arises from choice of net radiation dataset. In particular, ISCCP data, which are frequently used in global studies, differed widely from the other radiation products examined and resulted in dramatically different estimates of global terrestrial ET.
Updated Screening Procedures for GPROF2010 over Land: Utilization for AMSR-E
Authors: Meyers Patrick C. , Ferraro Ralph R. , Wang Nai-Yu 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Goddard profiling algorithm 2010 (GPROF2010) was revised for the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (EOS; AMSR-E) instrument. The GPROF2010 land algorithm was developed for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI), which observes slightly different central frequencies than AMSR-E. A linear transfer function was developed to convert AMSR-E brightness temperatures to their corresponding TMI frequency for raining and nonraining instantaneous fields of view (IFOVs) using collocated brightness temperature and TRMM precipitation radar (PR) measurements. Previous versions of the algorithm separated rain from surface ice, snow, and desert using a series of empirical procedures. These occasionally failed to separate raining and nonraining scenes, leading to failed detection and false alarms of rain. The new GPROF2010, version 2 (GPROF2010V2), presented here, prefaced the heritage screening procedures by referencing annual desert and monthly snow climatologies to identify IFOVs where rain retrievals were unreliable. Over a decade of satellite- and ground-based observations from the Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) and AMSR-E allowed for the creation of a medium-resolution (0.25° × 0.25°) climatology of monthly snow and ice cover. The scattering signature of rain over ice and snow is not well defined because of complex emissivity signals dependent on snow depth, age, and melting, such that using a static climatology was a more stable approach to defining surface types. GPROF2010V2 was subsequently used for the precipitation environmental data record (EDR) for the AMSR2 sensor aboard the Global Change Observation Mission–Water 1 (GCOM-W1).
Implementation of Deterministic Weather Forecasting Systems Based on Ensemble–Variational Data Assimilation at Environment Canada. Part I: The Global System
Authors: Buehner Mark , McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Beaulne Alain , Charette Cécilien , Garand Louis , Heilliette Sylvain , Lapalme Ervig , Laroche Stéphane , Macpherson Stephen R. , Morneau Josée , Zadra Ayrton 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
A major set of changes was made to the Environment Canada global deterministic prediction system during the fall of 2014, including the replacement of four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVar) by four-dimensional ensemble–variational data assimilation (4DEnVar). The new system provides improved forecast accuracy relative to the previous system, based on results from two sets of two-month data assimilation and forecast experiments. The improvements are largest at shorter lead times, but significant improvements are maintained in the 120-h forecasts for most regions and vertical levels. The improvements result from the combined impact of numerous changes, in addition to the use of 4DEnVar. These include an improved treatment of radiosonde and aircraft observations, an improved radiance bias correction procedure, the assimilation of ground-based GPS data, a doubling of the number of assimilated channels from hyperspectral infrared sounders, and an improved approach for initializing model forecasts. Because of the replacement of 4DVar with 4DEnVar, the new system is also more computationally efficient and easier to parallelize, facilitating a doubling of the analysis increment horizontal resolution. Replacement of a full-field digital filter with the 4D incremental analysis update approach, and the recycling of several key variables that are not directly analyzed significantly reduced the model spinup during both the data assimilation cycle and in medium-range forecasts.
The effect of storage conditions on sample stability in the routine clinical laboratory
Authors: Kift Rebecca L , Byrne Christopher , Liversidge Richard , Babbington Fiona , Knox Catherine , Binns Jeff , Barth Julian H 
Published: March 2015

Background ‘Add-on’ tests are often requested for samples already in the laboratory. This study was carried out to assess the stability of common analytes in uncapped samples stored in different conditions, and therefore their suitability for ‘add-on’ requests. Methods Storage conditions evaluated included initial storage at room temperature for 16 hours, followed by storage at 4℃ (Group 1: current conditions employed in the laboratory), compared with storage at 4℃ immediately following analysis (Group 2: optimum storage conditions). Results Some analytes were not suitable for ‘add-ons’ when samples were stored in either storage condition, whereas some were suitable for ‘add-ons’ irrespective of storage condition. Storage conditions influenced the suitability of ‘add-on’ tests for a proportion of analytes including urea, amylase, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, adjusted calcium, lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol; these analytes were stable in optimum conditions (Group 2) but not in current conditions (Group 1). Conclusions ‘Add-on’ tests can only be safely performed on a proportion of routine analytes. For some analytes, storage conditions affect their suitability for delayed analysis.
Quality of Life (QoL) Assessment in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)
Authors: Cosetti Maura K. , Golfinos John G. , Roland J. Thomas 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a multidimensional metric for assessing quality of life (QoL) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).Study DesignElectronically distributed questionnaire.SettingUniversity tertiary care hospital, NF2 support groups.Subjects and MethodsStructured interviews with NF2 providers and patients identified relevant domains. Items in each domain were extracted from validated QoL modules, then combined with items unique to NF2 and pretested on NF2 providers and patients. The final 61‐item questionnaire was administered electronically to patients with NF2 (N = 118). The form assessed overall QoL and 11 additional domains, including hearing, balance, facial function, vision, oral intake, future uncertainty, psychosocial, cognition, sexual activity, pain, and vocal communication. Responses were compared with reference values for the general population, patients with head and neck cancer, and patients with brain cancer.ResultsOverall, QoL in patients with NF2 was lower than that of the general population (P <. 01) and similar to that of patients with cancer. Patients with more facial weakness, hearing loss, and imbalance reported significantly lower QoL. However, domains most predictive of overall QoL were psychosocial, future uncertainty, and pain. Compared with patients with head and neck and brain cancer, patients with NF2 demonstrated significantly higher levels of psychosocial stressors, including disease‐related anxiety, personal and financial stress, and lack of social support (P <. 01).ConclusionPsychosocial stress and pain significantly affect QoL in NF2, indicating that mental health, pain management, and financial counseling could have an important impact on QoL in this population.
Industry Ties in Otolaryngology
Authors: Rathi Vinay K. , Samuel Andre M. , Mehra Saral 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo characterize nonresearch payments made by industry to otolaryngologists in order to explore how the potential for conflicts of interests varies among otolaryngologists and compares between otolaryngologists and other surgical specialists.Study DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional database analysis.SettingOpen Payments program database recently released by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.SubjectsSurgeons nationwide who were identified as receiving nonresearch payment from industry in accordance with the Physician Payment Sunshine Act.MethodsThe proportion of otolaryngologists receiving payment, the mean payment per otolaryngologist, and the standard deviation thereof were determined using the Open Payments database and compared to other surgical specialties. Otolaryngologists were further compared by specialization, census region, sponsor, and payment amount.ResultsLess than half of otolaryngologists (48.1%) were reported as receiving payments over the study period, the second smallest proportion among surgical specialties. Otolaryngologists received the lowest mean payment per compensated individual ($573) compared to other surgical specialties. Although otolaryngology had the smallest variance in payment among surgical specialties (SD, $2806), the distribution was skewed by top earners; the top 10% of earners accounted for 87% ($2,199,254) of all payment to otolaryngologists. Otolaryngologists in the West census region were less likely to receive payments (38.6%, P <. 001).ConclusionOver the study period, otolaryngologists appeared to have more limited financial ties with industry compared to other surgeons, though variation exists within otolaryngology. Further refinement of the Open Payments database is needed to explore differences between otolaryngologists and leverage payment information as a tool for self‐regulation.
Growing Corruption
Authors: Tudu Preshita Neha , Pathak Pramod 
Published: March 2015

In this age of globalization, where economic motives precede over all virtues and traditions, protection of larger public interest from great corporate scandals has become matter of great concern. Faced with cut-throat competition, fraudulent conduct, illegitimate dealings and corrupt practices have become the norm. The exposes that have surfaced recently in the public and corporate domain have made a serious dent into the country’s image and in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, 2012, India ranked 94 out of 176. The issue, then, is one of the biggest challenges facing the country. What can be done? The political class has failed to tackle the issue, the complicity of the bureaucracy is an open secret and the corporate houses seem to be hand in glove with the unscrupulous. The answer has to come from the lesser mortals, the ordinary people who are the real stakeholders. Against this backdrop there is need to understand and strengthen the framework of whistle blowing. The paper attempts to understand a typical whistle blowing pattern and develop a model based on empirical studies. It also underscores the need to encourage and protect whistle blowers, thereby facilitating the creation of a whistle blower-friendly organizational culture.
High Rate of Recurrence Following Proximal Medial Opening Wedge Osteotomy for Correction of Moderate Hallux Valgus
Authors: Iyer Sravisht , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Sofka Carolyn M. , Ellis Scott J. 
Published: March 2015

Background: The proximal medial opening wedge (PMOW) osteotomy has become more popular to treat moderate to severe hallux valgus with the recent development of specifically designed, low-profile modular plates. Despite the promising results previously reported in the literature, we have noted a high incidence of recurrence in patients treated with a PMOW. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of an initial cohort of patients treated with a PMOW osteotomy for moderate hallux valgus. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively gathered data on a cohort of 17 consecutive patients who were treated by the senior author using a PMOW osteotomy for moderate hallux valgus deformity. Average time to follow-up was 2.4 years (range, 1.0-3.5 years). The intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the hallux valgus angle (HVA), and the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) were assessed on standard weightbearing radiographs of the foot preoperatively and at all follow-up visits. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was collected on all patients preoperatively and at final follow-up. Results: Despite demonstrating good correction of their deformity initially, 11 of the 17 patients (64.7%) had evidence of recurrence of their hallux valgus deformity at final follow-up. Patients who recurred had a greater preoperative HVA ( P = .023) and DMAA ( P = .049) than patients who maintained their correction. Improvement in the quality-of-life subscale of the FAOS was noted at final follow-up for all patients ( P = .05). There was no significant improvement in any of the other FAOS subscales. Conclusions: There was a high rate of recurrence of the hallux valgus deformity in this cohort of patients. Recurrence was associated with greater preoperative deformity and an increased preoperative DMAA. The PMOW without a concomitant distal metatarsal osteotomy may be best reserved for patients with mild hallux valgus deformity without an increased DMAA. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 2: Primary Prevention of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Barber Kirk , Searles Gordon E. , Vender Ronald , Teoh Hwee , Ashkenas John 
Published: March 2015

Background Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal and squamous cell carcinoma (BCC and SCC), represents the most common malignancy. Objective To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding primary prevention of NMSC. Methods Structured literature searches were conducted, using search terms including prevention, sunscreen, and sun prevention factor. All recommendations concern guidance that physicians should regularly discuss with their patients to help establish photoprotection habits. The GRADE system was used to assign strength to each recommendation. Results Ultraviolet exposure is the major modifiable risk factor for NMSC. Aspects of photoprotection, including effective sunscreen use and avoidance of both the midday sun and artificial tanning, are discussed. Several widespread misunderstandings that undermine responsible public health measures related to sun safety are addressed. Conclusions Photoprotection represents both an individual priority and a public health imperative. By providing accurate information during routine patient visits, physicians reinforce the need for ongoing skin cancer prevention.
Early lexical expression in children exposed to mixed input: A case of monolingual or bilingual development?
Authors: Gatt Daniela , Grech Helen , Dodd Barbara 
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectives: This study documents early lexical expression in children whose language input in the home was predominantly Maltese, accompanied by regular exposure to English lexical mixing. Bilingualism and language contact were also present at the societal level. The study attempts to determine whether the children’s pattern of vocabulary growth corresponded to a monolingual or bilingual mode of development. Methodology: The expressive vocabularies of 60 children aged 1;0 to 2;6 years were measured using caregiver reports and language sampling. Data and analysis: Expressive scores representing total vocabulary, Maltese and English words as well as translation equivalents were derived from the language samples and caregiver-completed vocabulary checklists. Findings and conclusions: Both Maltese and English words were identified in the children’s expressive vocabularies. Higher translation equivalent proportions were reported across daily settings than were sampled. Participants seemed to introduce new equivalents for words previously used in one language according to the needs of the communicative context. These findings demonstrate a basic level of bilingualism in the participants and suggest selective use of equivalents in response to environmental demands. The latter would imply the presence of a double lexical system, indicating a more refined bilingual status, although insufficient contextual evidence made this a tentative proposition. Fragmented exposure to English appeared unable to support the participants’ bilingual development beyond the lexical domain. Originality: While documenting lexical development in children exposed to a distinctive language-learning context that is as yet under-researched, this study adds to the limited evidence on lexical expression in young children exposed to substantial lexical mixing in their input. Significance: These findings highlight the development of bilingual proficiency as a process that spreads across linguistic levels in accordance with input variables. They also suggest that Maltese children’s bilingual lexicons may have the potential to kick-start their sequential bilingual development once systematic exposure to integral English is introduced through schooling.
Cannulation of the biliary tree under endoscopic control with an echoendoscope, without fluoroscopy: report of a case series
Authors: Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Mangiavillano Benedetto , Carrara Silvia , Petrone Maria Chiara , Santoro Tara , Testoni Pier Alberto 
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a validated technique allowing precise diagnosis and staging of pancreatic, biliary and ampullary disease. Developments in instruments and accessories have led to a more extensive use of this technology to perform operations. The use of EUS as an operative technique, alone or in conjunction with other endoscopic procedures, has already been described in the literature in several reports. However, despite the use of EUS, fluoroscopy has always been required to perform these operations. There are no data in the literature describing the feasibility, safety and efficacy of operative EUS in the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) obstruction, following a malignant or benign disease, performed completely under EUS guidance without fluoroscopic assistance. Methods: In this series we describe three cases of EUS treatment of CBD diseases performed without fluoroscopic assistance. Results: All the cases were treated by EUS without fluoroscopic assistance and no complications were encountered. Conclusion: Operative EUS without fluoroscopy appears to be a feasible technique. Its major advantages could be to shorten the examination time and to enable biliary or pancreatic operative endoscopy in patients in whom fluoroscopy could be dangerous, such as pregnant women. The endoscopist should have a good training both in EUS and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Prospective, larger studies are needed to confirm our preliminary data.
Interprofessional Teamwork and Collaboration Between Community Health Workers and Healthcare Teams
Authors: Franklin Catherine M. , Bernhardt Jean M. , Lopez Ruth Palan , Long-Middleton Ellen R. , Davis Sheila 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as a means of improving outcomes for underserved populations. However, their relationship within health care teams is not well studied. The purpose of this integrative review was to examine published research reports that demonstrated positive health outcomes as a result of CHW intervention to identify interprofessional teamwork and collaboration between CHWs and health care teams. Methods: A total of 47 studies spanning 33 years were reviewed using an integrative literature review methodology for evidence to support the following assumptions of effective interprofessional teamwork between CHWs and health care teams: (1) shared understanding of roles, norms, values, and goals of the team; (2) egalitarianism; (3) cooperation; (4) interdependence; and(5) synergy. Results: Of the 47 studies, 12 reported at least one assumption of effective interprofessional teamwork. Four studies demonstrated all 5 assumptions of interprofessional teamwork. Conclusions: Four studies identified in this integrative review serve as exemplars for effective interprofessional teamwork between CHWs and health care teams. Further study is needed to describe the nature of interprofessional teamwork and collaboration in relation to patient health outcomes.