bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constraining a 3DVAR Radar Data Assimilation System with Large-Scale Analysis to Improve Short-Range Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Vendrasco Eder Paulo , Sun Juanzhen , Herdies Dirceu Luis , Frederico de Angelis Carlos 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIt is known from previous studies that radar data assimilation can improve short-range forecasts of precipitation, mainly when radial wind and reflectivity are available. However, from the authors’ experience radar data assimilation, when using the three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) technique, can produce spurious precipitation results and large errors in the position and amount of precipitation. One possible reason for the problem is attributed to the lack of proper balance in the dynamical and microphysical fields. This work attempts to minimize this problem by adding a large-scale analysis constraint in the cost function. The large-scale analysis constraint is defined by the departure of the high-resolution 3DVAR analysis from a coarser-resolution large-scale analysis. It is found that this constraint is able to guide the assimilation process in such a way that the final result still maintains the large-scale pattern, while adding the convective characteristics where radar data are available. As a result, the 3DVAR analysis with the constraint is more accurate when verified against an independent dataset. The performance of this new constraint on improving precipitation forecasts is tested using six convective cases and verified against radar-derived precipitation by employing four skill indices. All of the skill indices show improved forecasts when using the methodology presented in this paper.
Seasonal–Interannual Variation and Prediction of Wet and Dry Season Rainfall over the Maritime Continent: Roles of ENSO and Monsoon Circulation
Authors: Zhang Tuantuan , Yang Song , Jiang Xingwen , Zhao Ping 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The authors analyze the seasonal–interannual variations of rainfall over the Maritime Continent (MC) and their relationships with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and large-scale monsoon circulation. They also investigate the predictability of MC rainfall using the hindcast of the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2).
The seasonal evolution of MC rainfall is characterized by a wet season from December to March and a dry season from July to October. The increased (decreased) rainfall in the wet season is related to the peak-decaying phase of La Niña (El Niño), whereas the increased (decreased) rainfall in the dry season is related to the developing phase of La Niña (El Niño), with an apparent spatial incoherency of the SST–rainfall relationship in the wet season. For extremely wet cases of the wet season, local warm SST also contributes to the above-normal rainfall over the MC except for the western area of the MC due to the effect of the strong East Asian winter monsoon.
The CFSv2 shows high skill in predicting the main features of MC rainfall variations and their relationships with ENSO and anomalies of the large-scale monsoon circulation, especially for strong ENSO years. It predicts the rainfall and its related circulation patterns skillfully in advance by several months, especially for the dry season. The relatively lower skill of predicting MC rainfall for the wet season is partly due to the low prediction skill of rainfall over Sumatra, Malay, and Borneo (SMB), as well as the unrealistically predicted relationship between SMB rainfall and ENSO.
The Role of Moist Processes in Shortwave Radiative Feedback during ENSO in the CMIP5 Models
Authors: Li Lijuan , Wang Bin , Zhang Guang J. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The weak negative shortwave (SW) radiative feedback αsw during El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over the equatorial Pacific is a common problem in the models participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). In this study, the causes for the αsw biases are analyzed using three-dimensional cloud fraction and liquid water path (LWP) provided by the 17 CMIP5 models and the relative roles of convective and stratiform rainfall feedbacks in αsw are explored. Results show that the underestimate of SW feedback is primarily associated with too negative cloud fraction and LWP feedbacks in the boundary layers, together with insufficient middle and/or high cloud and dynamics feedbacks, in both the CMIP and Atmospheric Model Intercomparsion Project (AMIP) runs, the latter being somewhat better. The underestimations of SW feedbacks are due to both weak negative SW responses to El Niño, especially in the CMIP runs, and strong positive SW responses to La Niña, consistent with their biases in cloud fraction, LWP, and dynamics responses to El Niño and La Niña. The convective rainfall feedback, which is largely reduced owing to the excessive cold tongue in the CMIP runs compared with their AMIP counterparts, contributes more to the difference of SW feedback (mainly under El Niño conditions) between the CMIP and AMIP runs, while the stratiform rainfall plays a more important role in SW feedback during La Niña.
The Impact of Arab American Culture on Diabetes Self-management Education
Authors: Bertran Elizabeth A. , Fritz Heather , Abbas Malak , Tarakji Sandra , DiZazzo-Miller Rosanne , Pociask Fredrick D. , Lysack Catherine L. , Arnetz Judith , Jaber Linda A. 
Published: October 2015

Purpose The purpose of this study was to better understand barriers and facilitators of diabetes self-management education (DSME) among Arab American patients with diabetes. Little is known about the impact of Arab culture on DSME. Methods Arab American adults (N = 23) with medically managed diabetes participated in 1 of 3 focus groups. An Arabic-speaking, trained moderator conducted video-recorded sessions. Verbatim Arabic transcripts were translated into English. Transcripts underwent a qualitative content analysis approach. Results Arab American cultural traditions such as food sharing, religious beliefs, and gender roles both facilitated and at times impeded DSME. Patients also held conflicting views about their interactions with their providers; some participants praised the authoritative patient-physician relationship style while others perceived the gaps in communication to be a product of Arab culture. Participants expressed that lack of available educational and supportive resources are key barriers to DSME. Conclusion Arab American culture affects DSM activities, and culturally sensitive educational resources are lacking. Development of DSME programs tailored to address relevant aspects of Arab culture might improve DSME outcomes in Arab American population.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Authors: Triplitt Curtis , Solis-Herrera Carolina 
Published: October 2015

Purpose Type 2 diabetes (T2D) imparts an increased risk of adverse health outcomes in patients unable to achieve glycemic control. Patient education and individualization of treatment are important for effective management of T2D. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are a class of injectable glucose-lowering agents that lower A1C with added benefits of weight loss and improved cardiovascular risk markers. This review discusses the role of GLP-1RAs currently approved in the United States (exenatide, liraglutide, albiglutide, dulaglutide) for T2D management and characterizes the efficacy and safety profiles of individual GLP-1RAs. Conclusions GLP-1RAs are recommended as a preferred add-on agent to existing metformin monotherapy, as first-line therapy if metformin is contraindicated or poorly tolerated, and for use in combination with other oral glucose-lowering agents or basal insulin. Shorter-acting GLP-1RAs (exenatide and liraglutide) offer improved coverage of postprandial hyperglycemia, while longer-acting GLP-1RA formulations (exenatide extended-release, dulaglutide, and albiglutide) further improve fasting plasma glucose, which can result in additional A1C lowering. Reductions in body weight and blood pressure appear similar among individual agents, and small increases in heart rate are of unknown clinical relevance. Gastrointestinal adverse events abate over time with continued treatment and are less frequent with longer-acting GLP-1RAs. Hypoglycemia incidence is low but increased when GLP-1RAs are used with insulin secretagogues or insulin. GLP-1RAs target multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms in patients with T2D and improve glycemic control, although there are some differences within this drug class that may be relevant in clinical practice. Therefore, selection of the most appropriate treatment for individual patients is important.
A Home-Visiting Diabetes Prevention and Management Program for American Indian Youth
Authors: Chambers Rachel A. , Rosenstock Summer , Neault Nicole , Kenney Anne , Richards Jennifer , Begay Kendrea , Blackwater Thomasina , Laluk Owen , Duggan Christopher , Reid Raymond , Barlow Allison 
Published: October 2015

Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a family-based, home-visiting diabetes prevention/management intervention for American Indian (AI) youth with or at risk for type 2 diabetes. Methods The Together on Diabetes program, developed through community-based participatory research, enrolled 255 AI youth (aged 10-19 years) with or at risk for type 2 diabetes and 223 support persons. Delivered by local AI paraprofessionals in 4 rural AI communities, the program included home-based lifestyle education and psychosocial support, facilitated referrals, and community-based healthy living activities. Changes in AI youth participants’ knowledge, behavior, psychosocial status, and physiological measurements were assessed over 12 months. Results Over one-half (56.1%) of youth were boys. The median age was 13.2 years. At baseline, 68.0% of youth reported no physical activity in the past 3 days; median percentages of kilocalories from fat (36.18%) and sweets (13.67%) were higher than US Department of Agriculture recommendations. Nearly 40% of participants reported food insecurity in the past month; 17.1% screened positive for depression. Support persons were predominantly family members, few reported having home Internet access (38.6%), and the majority reported being long distances (>30 minutes) from food stores. Whereas support persons were primarily responsible (≥69%) for obtaining medical care for the youth, the youth had a greater role in behavioral outcomes, indicating joint diabetes prevention/management responsibility. Conclusions: Baseline results confirmed the need for family-based youth diabetes prevention interventions in rural AI communities and indicated that enrolling at-risk youth and family members is feasible and acceptable.
Type 2 Diabetes and Depression
Authors: Kaltman Stacey , Talisman Nicholas , Serrano Adriana , Cabassa Leopoldo J. , Magee Michelle F. , Pulgar-Vidal Olga , Peraza Dorys , Cohen Nancy R. 
Published: October 2015

Purpose The purpose of the current study was to engage a local primary care clinic community that serves the Latino immigrant population to obtain their input regarding the design and implementation of a proposed integrated behavioral intervention that will simultaneously target T2DM and depression self-management in this high risk patient population. Methods Nine key informant interviews and 3 focus groups were conducted. Key informant interviews were conducted with the medical director, a primary care provider, a diabetes educator, and a medical assistant from each site, as well as the counselor who serves both sites. Fourteen patients with T2DM who screened positive for depression and 7 of their family members participated in the focus groups. Key informants and focus group participants were asked about patient challenges with diabetes management, the role of depression in T2DM, their impressions of the proposed intervention, and motivators and barriers to participation in the intervention. Results Commonly reported challenges with diabetes management included the struggle with healthy eating and information exchange upon diagnosis. T2DM and depression were seen as interrelated and described by many as having a cyclical relationship. Key informants and focus group participants uniformly supported the proposed intervention and recommended the involvement of family members. Conclusions Results of this study support the need and acceptability of individualized behavioral interventions that target T2DM and depression simultaneously.
Radiofrequency Ablation Turbinoplasty versus Microdebrider‐Assisted Turbinoplasty
Authors: Acevedo Jason L. , Camacho Macario , Brietzke Scott E. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo critically review published literature for treatment‐related outcomes for bilateral inferior turbinate reduction (IFTR) via either microdebrider‐assisted turbinoplasty (MAT) or radiofrequency turbinoplasty. The primary outcomes were relief of nasal obstruction according to visual analog scale and nasal airflow, volume, and resistance measures based on acoustic rhinomanometry.Data SourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Catalog, and CINAHL.Review MethodsThe databases were searched with the terms “turbinoplasty” and “turbinate reduction.” Inclusion criteria were English language, human subjects, and studies specifically relating to IFTR with radiofrequency turbinoplasty or MAT. Exclusion criteria were pediatric patients and concurrent nasal procedures. Results were tabulated, and the data were analyzed per random effects modeling. Subgroup analysis and quality assessment were also performed.ResultsA total of 976 articles were initially identified, with 26 meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Random effects modeling demonstrated a significant improvement after IFTR, as measured with the visual analog scale (4.26‐point improvement, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 3.32‐5.20, P <. 001, k = 21 studies, I2 = 99%) and with acoustic rhinomanometry measurements of volume (2.43‐cm3 improvement, 95% CI = 0.48‐4.38, P =. 015, k = 6 studies, I2 = 99%), flow (203‐mL/s improvement, 95% CI = 131‐276, P <. 001, k = 4 studies, I2 = 99%), and resistance change (2.78‐Pa/cm3 improvement, 95% CI = 0.433‐5.13, P =. 020, k = 5 studies, I2 = 99%). There was no difference in outcome by technique, allergic rhinitis, or quality score. The 2 highest‐quality papers favored MAT. The median follow‐up was 6 months.ConclusionsIFTR produces a significant subjective and objective improvement in nasal airflow in the short term. This change does not appear to be related to the technique used for IFTR.
Predictive factors for complete renal tumor ablation using RFA
Authors: Acosta Ruiz Vanessa , Lönnemark Maria , Brekkan Einar , Dahlman Pär , Wernroth Lisa , Magnusson Anders 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used to treat renal masses in patients where surgery is preferably avoided. As tumor size and location can affect ablation results, procedural planning needs to identify these factors to limit treatment to a single session and increase ablation success.PurposeTo identify factors that may affect the primary efficacy of complete renal tumor ablation with radiofrequency after a single session.Material and MethodsPercutaneous RFA (using an impedance based system) was performed using computed tomography (CT) guidance. Fifty-two renal tumors (in 44 patients) were retrospectively studied (median follow-up, 7 months). Data collection included patient demographics, tumor data (modified Renal Nephrometry Score, histopathological diagnosis), RFA treatment data (electrode placement), and follow-up results (tumor relapse). Data were analyzed through generalized estimating equations.ResultsPrimary efficacy rate was 83%. Predictors for complete ablation were optimal electrode placement ( P = 0.002, OR = 16.67) and increasing distance to the collecting system ( P = 0.02, OR = 1.18). Tumor size was not a predictor for complete ablation (median size, 24 mm; P = 0.069, OR = 0.47), but all tumors ≤2 cm were completely ablated. All papillary tumors and oncocytomas were completely ablated in a single session; the most common incompletely ablated tumor type was clear cell carcinoma (6 of 9).ConclusionOptimal electrode placement and a long distance from the collecting system are associated with an increased primary efficacy of renal tumor RFA. These variables need to be considered to increase primary ablation success. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of RFA on histopathologically different renal tumors.
Ten-year disease burden of acute poisonings in northeast Iran and estimations for national rates
Authors: Asadi R , Afshari R 
Published: October 2015

Background: Acute poisoning is a common health problem worldwide. Traditionally, the frequency of admitted cases, number of deaths or online resources were used to measure the volume of this problem. In this study, the burden of acute poisoning is addressed for the first time. Methods: Data related to 44,340 poisoned patients from 2004 to 2013 were analysed. Two sources including hospital information and forensic medicine data of the Khorasan Razavi catchment area. The disability-adjusted life years (DALY) method – including years of life lost (YLL) and years lived with disability (YLD) – was used to estimate the burden. Results: In this period and for all acute poisonings, the mean (SD, minimum–maximum) incidence of acute poisoning was 30,485 (3049 per year). In total, 29,208 DALY were lost, including 8499 YLD and 20,709 YLL. DALY have increased from 1808 in 2004 to 4283 in 2013. Among the total DALY over this 10-year period, 17,592 (60%) were related to males. Narcotic use accounted for the largest percentage of DALY (19.6%), followed by analgesics–sedative use (16.3%) and illegal drug use (11.41%). The health loss due to these causes was large (YLD = 8499 and YLL = 20,709) and showed a rapidly increasing trend. Conclusions: Estimating DALY is more informative than using the frequency of death. If we expect the same ratio in the country, we would expect a DALY rate of 729,750 years for the 75,000,000 inhabitants of this country in this time period or 72,975 DALY lost per year for poisonings.
Validation of Plantar Pressure Measurements for a Novel In-Shoe Plantar Sensory Replacement Unit
Authors: Sawacha Zimi 
Published: October 2015

An article by Ferber and coauthors in Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology reported on the ability of a novel in-shoe plantar sensory replacement unit (PSRU) to provide alert-based feedback derived from analyzing plantar pressure (PP) threshold measurements in real time. The study aimed at comparing the PSRU device to a gold standard pressure-sensing device (GS-PSD) to determine the correlation between concurrent measures of PP during walking. Data were collected simultaneously from 10 participants who walked overground with both devices. The variable of interest was the number of recorded data points greater than 32 mmHg for each of the PSRU sensors and corresponding average recordings from the GS-PSD. Authors concluded that the PSRU provides analogous data to the GS-PSD. However, several aspects of the study should be considered when interpreting their clinical relevance.
A two-stage clinical decision support system for early recognition and stratification of patients with sepsis: an observational cohort study
Authors: Amland Robert C , Lyons Jason J , Greene Tracy L , Haley James M 
Published: October 2015

Objective To examine the diagnostic accuracy of a two-stage clinical decision support system for early recognition and stratification of patients with sepsis. Design Observational cohort study employing a two-stage sepsis clinical decision support to recognise and stratify patients with sepsis. The stage one component was comprised of a cloud-based clinical decision support with 24/7 surveillance to detect patients at risk of sepsis. The cloud-based clinical decision support delivered notifications to the patients’ designated nurse, who then electronically contacted a provider. The second stage component comprised a sepsis screening and stratification form integrated into the patient electronic health record, essentially an evidence-based decision aid, used by providers to assess patients at bedside. Setting Urban, 284 acute bed community hospital in the USA; 16,000 hospitalisations annually. Participants Data on 2620 adult patients were collected retrospectively in 2014 after the clinical decision support was implemented. Main outcome measure ‘Suspected infection’ was the established gold standard to assess clinical decision support clinimetric performance. Results A sepsis alert activated on 417 (16%) of 2620 adult patients hospitalised. Applying ‘suspected infection’ as standard, the patient population characteristics showed 72% sensitivity and 73% positive predictive value. A postalert screening conducted by providers at bedside of 417 patients achieved 81% sensitivity and 94% positive predictive value. Providers documented against 89% patients with an alert activated by clinical decision support and completed 75% of bedside screening and stratification of patients with sepsis within one hour from notification. Conclusion A clinical decision support binary alarm system with cross-checking functionality improves early recognition and facilitates stratification of patients with sepsis.
Engaging Communities in Commodity Stock Monitoring Using Telecommunication Technology in Primary Health Care Facilities in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Okoli Ugo , Oduenyi Chioma , Onwudinjo Nonso , Ejeckam Chukwuebuka , Adegoke Femi , Holmlund Marcus , Dias Pedro Rosa , Crawford Emily 
Published: October 2015

Background: With several efforts being made by key stakeholders to bridge the gap between beneficiaries and their having full access to free supplies, frequent stock-out, pilfering, collection of user fees for health commodities, and poor community engagement continue to plague the delivery of health services at the primary health care (PHC) level in rural Nigeria. Objective: To assess the potential in the use of telecommunication technology as an effective way to engage members of the community in commodity stock monitoring, increase utilization of services, as well as promote accountability and community ownership. Methods: The pilot done in 8 PHCs from 4 locations within Nigeria utilized telecommunication technologies to exchange information on stock monitoring. A triangulated technique of data validation through cross verification from 3 subsets of respondents was used: 160 ward development committee (WDC) members, 8 officers-in-charge (OICs) of PHCs, and 383 beneficiaries (health facility users) participated. Data collection made through a call center over a period of 3 months from July to September 2014 focused on WDC participation in inventory of commodities and type and cost of maternal, neonatal, and child health services accessed by each beneficiary. Results: Results showed that all WDCs involved in the pilot study became very active, and there was a strong cooperation between the OICs and the WDCs in monitoring commodity stock levels as the OICs participated in the monthly WDC meetings 96% of the time. A sharp decline in the collection of user fees was observed, and there was a 10% rise in overall access to free health care services by beneficiaries. Conclusion: This study reveals the effectiveness of mobile phones and indicates that telecommunication technologies can play an important role in engaging communities to monitor PHC stock levels as well as reduce the incidence of user fees collection and pilfering of commodities (PHC) level in rural communities.