bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CASE Tool Evaluation and Selection Methodology
Authors: Guha Biswas Aniruddha , Tandon Raveesh , Vaish Anurika
Published: October 2013

CASE Tools have been considered as the most advanced technique to derive quality products. The cost associated with CASE tools is generally high due to their steep learning curves and is a matter of concern for software engineering houses. This makes it imperative that the right set of CASE tools are evaluated and selected for a particular set of tasks. This research paper proposes a methodology for the purpose of comparison and selection of various CASE tools available in the market. The proposed methodology allows its users to easily identify and select the best CASE tool suited to their purpose. The paper proposes a matrix based model, mapped across parameters and their attributes that produces an optimised score card that supports the decision making process.
Enhancing the Daily Routines of Equine Veterinarians using Mobile Technology
Authors: Leskinen Sonja
Published: October 2013

The goal of this paper is to introduce and understand the equine veterinarians’ needs in their daily routines and develop a web-based support system to promote their work. An equine veterinarian works in both clinic and stable environments, which requires resilience and smart functionality from the support system’s interfaces. Especially when horse treatment is in the stable environment, a mobile interface is required. The development of the system must also take into account the needs of the other stakeholders around horses. This paper introduces the requirements to develop a mobile interface for the web-based support system, m-equine. The trial of m-equine will start with an influenza vaccination protocol that is used by veterinarians, horse owners and riders as well as competition organizers. In conclusion the future developments and added values of the system are introduced.
Regression Testing-Based Requirement Prioritization of Mobile Applications
Authors: Gupta Varun , Chauhan D. S. , Dutta Kamlesh
Published: October 2013

Mobile software application development process must be matured enough to handle the challenges (especially market related) associated with the development of high quality mobile software development. Ever increasing number of both mobile users and mobile applications had presented software engineers with the challenge of satisfying billions of users with high quality software applications to be delivered within deadline and budgets. Always there had been a lot of pressure to develop complex software categorized by thousands of requirements, under resource constrained environment. Requirement prioritization is one of the activities undertaken by software engineer to deliver partial software product to its customers such that most important requirements are implemented in the earliest releases. During next releases some changed and pending requirements are implemented, an activity that generates ripple effects. Such ripple effects need to be tested by executing modified source code against test cases of previous releases (regression testing). Regression testing is a very effortful activity that requires a software tester to select test cases that have high fault detection capability, execute the modified code against selected test cases and performing debugging. This regression testing activity can be lowered to the maximum extend by considering dependencies between requirements during the time of requirement prioritization. Thus requirement prioritization will be carried out not only against aspects like cost, time, risks, business values etc but against dependencies also. The aim is to implement almost all dependent highest priority requirements in current release so that implementation of new requirements is unlikely to have ripple effects. Changes in requirements might not be related to variable usage and definition and might not involve a change in functionality. In such cases there is no need to select already executed test cases of previous versions. Module dependencies can lead to test case selections of previous versions if changes of requirement lead to ripple effects. This paper aims to implement highest priority requirements such that regression testing is performed to minimum thereby improving development process of mobile applications. The proposed technique had been successfully evaluated on Android based notification software application that meets the specification of Aakash tablets.
Insulator Recognition Based on Moments Invariant Features and Cascade AdaBoost Classifier
Authors: He Si Yuan , Wang Ling , Xia Yong , Tang Yan Dong
Published: October 2013

A method based on moments invariant features and cascade AdaBoost classifier for insulator recognition is put forward to solve the problem of poor performance of insulator recognition. At first, the insulator image is preprocessed by median filtering, dilating, eroding and Otsu thresholding. Then, for the better extraction of moments invariant features, the preprocessed insulator image is tilted correctly based on PCA (Principal Component Analysis). Next, the moments invariant features are extracted and chosen to compose complex classifier in the process of training AdaBoost. Finally, the complex AdaBoost classifiers are combined in a cascade method for insulator recognition. The results of experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can recognize the insulator from complex background in the mountainous area, and it has better robustness, accuracy and validity.
Mix Design and Road Performance of Strong Interlocked Skeleton Close-Grained Lime-Flyash Stabilized Aggregate
Authors: Xu Xiao He , Cao Fan , Xue Jin Shun , Jiang Ying Jun
Published: October 2013

To improve the road performance of lime-flyash stabilized aggregate (LFSA), mix design method for skeleton close-grained LFSA is proposed by the method of multi-level filling theory and particle interference theory. Road performance of it is verified by indoor test. The results show that the designed LFSA, with the mix design method of strong interlocked skeleton close-grained (SISC) LFSA proposed in this article, has good road performance. Compared with LFSA of the gradation of Chinese technical specification for construction of highway asphalt pavements (CS gradation), the late strength of LFSA of SISC gradation increases 18%, the temperature shrinkage coefficient and dry shrinkage coefficient respectively increase by 15% and 45%, the scour resistance increases by 20%. Therefore, the SISC LFSA has a broad application prospect.
Length Parameter Optimization of Systematic Bolt in Loess Tunnel Based on the Field Test
Authors: Su Zhong Ming , Liu Rui
Published: October 2013

The theoretical solution to the distribution of axial force in Mindlin displacement problem and the plastic radius of surrounding rock in the condition of elastoplastic homogeneous soil are deduced. Based on the results of field test, the problem of length optimization of systematic bolt in loess tunnel was discussed from the two perspectives of mechanical characteristic under the drawing force and the axial force at the location of neural point. The obtained results will offer the technical support for the length optimization of systematic bolt in loess tunnel, which has the guiding significance in the design and construction.
TheAlloxysta(Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Charipinae) type material in the United States National Museum of Natural History and the Canadian National Collection of Insects
Authors: Ferrer-Suay Mar , Selfa Jesús , Pujade-Villar Juli
Published: October 2013

AlloxystaFörster, 1869 (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) type material of 19 nominal species deposited in the Canadian National Collection of Insects (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and the United States National Museum of Natural History (Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America) were studied. Nine species are treated as valid:A. australiae(Ashmead, 1900),A. commensuratusAndrews, 1978,A. japonicus(Ashmead, 1904),A. lachni(Ashmead, 1885),A. longiventrisBaker, 1896,A. minusculaAndrews, 1978,A. nothofagiAndrews, 1976,A. vandenboschiAndrews, 1978, andA. xanthopsis(Ashmead, 1896). The following synonymies are established:A. affinis(Baker, 1896) andA. quebeciAndrews, 1978 junior synonyms ofA. castanea(Hartig, 1841);A. alaskensisAshmead, 1902 andA. coniferensisAndrews, 1978 junior synonyms ofA. macrophadna(Hartig, 1841);A. bicolor(Baker, 1896) andA. anthracinaAndrews, 1978 junior synonyms ofA. obscurata(Hartig, 1840);A. dicksoniAndrews, 1978 junior synonym ofA. pilipennis(Hartig, 1840); andA. leguminosa(Weld, 1920),A. megourae(Ashmead, 1887), andA. rauchiAndrews, 1978 junior synonyms ofA. brevis(Thomson, 1862). The type material ofA. schlingeriAndrews, 1978 andA. halliAndrews, 1978 could not be found and we consider them asnomina dubia. Alloxysta vandenboschiAndrews is removed from synonymy withA. obscurataand considered a valid species. Comments on the type material are given. Complete redescriptions and images are presented for the valid species.
Revision of the Aphthona cookei species group in Sub-Saharan Africa: pests of Jatropha curcas L. in biodiesel plantations (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)
Authors: Biondi M. , Urbani F. , D’Alessandro P.
Published: October 2013

The Aphthona cookei species-group from Sub-Saharan Africa, comprising some pests of Jatropha curcas L., is herein analyzed and revised. This species-group includes: Aphthona cookei (Gerstaecker, 1871), A. dilutipes Jacoby, 1906, A. nigripes (Allard, 1890), A. thikana Bryant, 1940, A. usambarica Weise, 1902, A. weisei (Jacoby, 1899b), A. whitfieldi Bryant, 1933 and the new species A. namibiana sp. n. from Namibia. The following new synonymies are proposed: Aphthona cookei (Gerstaecker, 1871)=Aphthona weisei abokana Bechyné, 1959 syn. n.; Aphthona dilutipes Jacoby, 1906=Aphthona damarorum Weise, 1914 syn. n.; Aphthona nigripes (Allard, 1890)=Pseudeugonotes vannutellii Jacoby, 1899a syn. n. A key to the species, micrographs of male and female genitalia, scanning electron micrographs of peculiar morphological characters, and distributional and ecological data are supplied. Finally, the results of a discriminant analysis using six morphological characters are also reported.
Challenges in optimizing chemoradiation in locally advanced non small-cell lung cancers in India
Authors: Agrawal Sushma
Published: October 2013

Data supporting use of concurrent chemoradiation in locally advanced lung cancers comes from clinical trials from developed countries. Applicability and outcomes of such schedules in developing countries is not widely reported. There are various challenges in delivering chemoradiation in locally advanced non small cell lung cancer in developing countries which is highlighted by an audit of patients treated with chemoradiation in our center. This article deals with the challenges in the context of a developing country. We conclude that sequential chemoradiotherapy is better tolerated than concurrent chemoradiation in Indian patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancers. Patients with stage IIIa, normal weight or overweight, and adequate baseline pulmonary function should be offered concurrent chemoradiation.
Rezensionen
Authors: Bettinaglio M.
Published: October 2013

Rezension zu:
M. Frantz:
Viewpoints. Mathematical Perspective and Fractal Geometry in Art
. 258 Seiten, ca. $40.–. Princeton University Press, New Jersey, 2011; ISBN 978-0-691-12592-3.
Atmospheric inversion of the surface CO2 flux with 13CO2 constraint
Authors: Chen J. M. , Mo G. , Deng F.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Observations of 13CO2 at 73 sites compiled in the GLOBALVIEW database are used for an additional constraint in a global atmospheric inversion of the surface CO2 flux using CO2 observations at 210 sites for the 2002–2004 period for 39 land regions and 11 ocean regions. This constraint is implemented using the 13CO2/CO2 flux ratio modeled with a terrestrial ecosystem model and an ocean model. These models simulate 13CO2 discrimination rates of terrestrial photosynthesis and respiration and ocean-atmosphere diffusion processes. In both models, the 13CO2 disequilibrium between fluxes to and from the atmosphere is considered due to the historical change in atmospheric 13CO2 concentration. For the 2002–2004 period, the 13CO2 constraint on the inversion increases the total land carbon sink from 3.40 to 3.70 Pg C yr−1 and decreases the total oceanic carbon sink from 1.48 to 1.12 Pg C yr−1. The largest changes occur in tropical areas: a considerable decrease in the carbon source in the Amazon forest, and this decrease is mostly compensated by increases in the ocean region immediately west of the Amazon and the southeast Asian land region. Our further investigation through different treatments of the 13CO2/CO2 flux ratio used in the inversion suggests that variable spatial distributions of the 13CO2 isotopic discrimination rate simulated by the models over land and ocean have considerable impacts on the spatial distribution of the inverted CO2 flux over land and the inversion results are not sensitive to errors in the estimated disequilibria over land and ocean.
Identification of column-integrated dominant aerosols using the archive of AERONET data set
Authors: Choi Y. , Ghim Y. S. , Holben B. N.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Dominant aerosols were distinguished from level 2 inversion products for the Anmyon Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) site between 1999 and 2007. Secondary inorganic ions, black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) were separated from fine mode aerosols, and mineral dust (MD), MD mixed with carbon, mixed coarse particles were separated from coarse mode aerosols. Four parameters (aerosol optical depth, single scattering albedo, absorption Angstrom exponent, and fine mode fraction) were used for this classification. Monthly variation of the occurrence rate of each aerosol type reveals that MD and MD mixed with carbon are frequent in spring. Although the fraction among dominant aerosols and occurrence rates of BC and OC tend to be high in cold season for heating, their contributions are variable but consistent due to various combustion sources. Secondary inorganic ions are most prevalent from June to August; the effective radius of these fine mode aerosols increases with water vapor content because of hygroscopic growth. To evaluate the validity of aerosol types identified, dominant aerosols at worldwide AERONET sites (Beijing, Mexico City, Goddard Space Flight Center, Mongu, Alta Floresta, Cape Verde), which have distinct source characteristics, were classified into the same aerosol types. The occurrence rate and fraction of the aerosol types at the selected sites confirm that the classification in this study is reasonable. However, mean optical properties of the aerosol types are generally influenced by the aerosol types with large fractions. The present work shows that the identification of dominant aerosols is effective even at a single site, provided that the archive of the data set is properly available.
Phacoemulsification with Malyugin Ring in an Eye with Iridoschisis, Narrow Pupil, Anterior and Posterior Synechiae: Case Report
Authors: Wilczynski Michal , Kucharczyk Magdalena
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Iridoschisis is a rare, bilateral condition, found in the elderly and connected with the coexistence of closed-angle glaucoma. Stromal atrophy or separation of the anterior from the posterior laminae with coexisting posterior synechiae are present. Phacoemulsification in eyes with a narrow pupil, unresponsive to preoperative pharmacologic mydriasis, is challenging.

Methods

In the presented case of iridoschisis with anterior and posterior synechiae, 2 ophthalmic viscosurgical devices were used and balanced salt solution was used as the infusion fluid. The Malyugin ring was used to widen and stabilize the pupil, synechiae were removed, and burst mode of phacoemulsification and “divide and conquer” technique of dividing the nucleus were used.

Results

We present a case of iridoschisis with anterior and posterior synechiae, which was successfully operated for cataract using standard phacoemulsification with Malyugin ring.

Conclusions

The case suggests that Malyugin ring is an effective intraoperative tool, which may assist the surgeon in cases of cataract with iridoschisis and both anterior and posterior synechiae.
Relação entre a independência funcional pós-AVE e a sobrecarga do cuidador
Authors: Oliveira Mirella Regina de , Rocha André De Souza , Michaelsen Stella Maris
Published: October 2013

Objetivos: Verificar o nível de independência funcional pós-AVE, as principais sobrecargas dos cuidadores e analisar o relacionamento entre estas variáveis. Método: Participaram do estudo 40 indivíduos, 20 sobreviventes de AVE na fase crônica, avaliados pela Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF); e 20 cuidadores, pelo Índice de Sobrecarga do Cuidador Modificado (ISCm). As análises incluíram estatística descritiva e correlação de Spearman. Resultados: Entre os participantes com AVE, 70% foram dependentes para os itens “banho”, “vestir­se” e “escadas”. Em 60% dos cuidadores, houve sobrecarga no item “cuidar é limitante”; e 75% deles mostraram conhecimento “ruim” sobre o AVE. Correlações negativas fortes (p
Sensibilidade em membro superior após cirurgia de câncer de mama com linfadenectomia
Authors: Venâncio Ludmila , Campanelli Nathália Carminatti , Sousa Ligia De
Published: October 2013

Objetivo: Avaliar a sensibilidade no trajeto do nervo intercostobraquial, após cirurgia de câncer de mama com linfadenectomia axilar. Metodologia: Realizou-se uma pesquisa transversal com mulheres mastectomizadas, submetidas à linfadenectomia axilar. Avaliou-se a sensibilidade dos membros superiores homolateral e contralateral à linfadenectomia axilar, no trajeto do nervo intercostobraquial (região medial e superior) pelo Estesiômetro de Semmes-Weinstein, calor e gelo, com as participantes vendadas e iniciando pelo membro acometido. Questionou-se sobre a presença de adormecimento, formigamento, pontadas, queimação, anestesiamento total ou peso na região avaliada. Efetuaram-se análises descritivas e comparativas com nível de significância ≤ 0,05. Resultados: As dez participantes apresentaram redução não significativa da sensibilidade pelo Estesiômetro de Semmes-Weinstein. Houve diminuição da sensibilidade térmica, e queixa mais frequente de sensação de dormência. Conclusão: Verificou-se redução de sensibilidade no membro homolateral à linfadenectomia, quando comparado ao contralateral, sugerindo alterações nervosas durante o procedimento cirúrgico para retirada de câncer de mama.
Effects of muscle inhibition technique on relief of masticatory pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders: an experimental study
Authors: Dias Livia Moura , Spinato Itana Lisane , De Vasconcelos Thiago Brasileiro , Rodrigues Danielle Varela , Macena Raimunda Hermelinda Maia , Magalhães Clarissa Bentes De Araujo , Farias Maria do Socorro Quintino , Câmara Teresa Maria Da Silva , Macêdo Danielle Silveira , Bastos Vasco Pinheiro Diógenes
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To verify the effects of the technique of muscle inhibition in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Methods: A longitudinal, interventional, exploratory, comparative study was conducted of seven female subjects with a mean age of 42.8 (± 19.12) years. Participants were submitted to an active muscle inhibition technique until muscle relaxation occurred. We analyzed pain intensity, range of motion and bite force. Results: The pain decreased after use of the technique(p 0.01) from 6.3 to 2.3; the range of motion showed gains in the opening (p=0.04) and an increase by 2 mm of right laterality(p=0.01) and left laterality (p=0.01), while protrusion was not affected (p=0.35). The bite force increased by 13 mmHg after the use of the technique(p 0.01). Conclusion: The technique of muscle inhibition was responsible for significant reductions in the frequency and intensity of kinesiological episodes and in changes of the functional conditions of patients with TMD.
Robot Control near Singularity and Joint Limit Using a Continuous Task Transition Algorithm
Authors: Han Hyejin , Park Jaeheung
Published: October 2013

When robots are controlled in the task space, singularities and joint limits are among the most critical and difficult issues that can arise. In this paper, we propose a new approach for the robots to operate in the regions near singularities and joint limits using the operational space control framework. Specifically, a continuous task transition algorithm called the intermediate desired value approach is applied to the hierarchically structured controller in the operational space control framework. In this approach, new tasks are defined for dealing with singularities and joint limits, and the tasks are activated or deactivated using the continuous task transition algorithm to guarantee the continuous execution of the tasks during the execution of the main task. The proposed approach is implemented on a 6-DOF manipulator called Roman-MD. The experimental results demonstrate its performance near the singular regions and joint limits.
The effect of an asymmetric core on convection in Enceladus' ice shell: Implications for south polar tectonics and heat flux
Authors: Showman Adam P. , Han Lijie , Hubbard William B.
Published: October 2013

Enceladus exhibits a strong tectonic contrast between its south polar terrain (SPT), which is young and geologically active, and its northern hemisphere, which is relatively ancient and stable. Previous global three‒dimensional (3‒D) spherical models of convection exhibit patterns that are symmetrical around the equator and fail to explain the formation of a hemispheric dichotomy. Here we present global 3‒D spherical models of convection in Enceladus' ice shell to show that convection in Enceladus' ice shell with plasticity and irregular core geometry can self‒consistently generate a hemispheric dichotomy in tectonics and heat flux. With a spherical core, convection produces global overturning, which cannot explain the regional confinement of Enceladus' current tectonic activity to the SPT. Models with appropriate nonspherical core geometry and plasticity tend to produce overturning confined to the SPT or regional overturning in different regions at different times, which can explain the tectonic dichotomy and local age differences on Enceladus. Our models predict heat flows up to 5–10 gigawattts (GW) during active episodes, consistent with Cassini observations.
Global analysis of aerosol properties above clouds
Authors: Waquet F. , Peers F. , Ducos F. , Goloub P. , Platnick S. , Riedi J. , Tanré D. , Thieuleux F.
Published: October 2013

The seasonal and spatial variability of Aerosol Above Cloud (AAC) properties are derived from passive satellite data for the year 2008. A significant amount of aerosols are transported above liquid water clouds on the global scale. For particles in the fine mode (i.e., radius smaller than 0.3 µm), including both clear‐sky and AAC, retrievals increase the global mean aerosol optical thickness by 25(±6)%. The two main regions of originated anthropogenic AAC are the tropical Southeast Atlantic, for biomass‐burning aerosols, and the North Pacific, mainly for pollutants. Man‐made AAC are also detected over the Arctic during the spring. Mineral dust particles are detected above clouds within the so‐called “dust belt” region (5–40° N). AAC may cause a warming effect and bias the retrieval of the cloud properties. This study will then help to better quantify the impacts of aerosols on clouds and climate.
An open ocean region in Neoproterozoic glaciations would have to be narrow to allow equatorial ice sheets
Authors: Rodehacke Christian B. , Voigt Aiko , Ziemen Florian , Abbot Dorian S.
Published: October 2013

A major goal of understanding Neoproterozoic glaciations and determining their effect on the evolution of life and Earth's atmosphere is establishing whether and how much open ocean there was during them. Geological evidence tells us that continental ice sheets had to flow into the ocean near the equator during these glaciations. Here we drive the Parallel Ice Sheet Model with output from four simulations of the ECHAM5/Max Planck Institute Ocean Model atmosphere‐ocean general circulation model with successively narrower open ocean regions. We find that extensive equatorial ice sheets form on marine margins if sea ice extends to within about 20° latitude of the equator or less (Jormungand‐like and hard snowball states), but do not form if there is more open ocean than this. Given uncertainty in topographical reconstruction and ice sheet ablation parameterizations, we perform extensive sensitivity tests to confirm the robustness of our main conclusions.
Newly observed, deep slow slip events at the central Hikurangi margin, New Zealand: Implications for downdip variability of slow slip and tremor, and relationship to seismic structure
Authors: Wallace Laura M. , Eberhart‐Phillips Donna
Published: October 2013

We present previously undocumented deep (25–45 km depth), moderate‐duration (2–3 months) slow slip events (SSEs) directly downdip of known shallow (<15 km depth), short‐term (2–3 weeks) SSEs at the central Hikurangi margin, New Zealand. The moderate‐duration SSEs produce 2–6 mm of horizontal displacement at continuous Global Positioning System stations in 2006 and 2008, similar to Cascadia SSEs. They involve 2–5 cm of slip over ~5000 km2 of the subduction interface. Tremor occurs just downdip of the deep SSE source area. We also present results from a large, shallow (<12 km) SSE in 2013 just updip of the 2006/2008 SSEs. The location of deep SSEs between shallow, short‐term SSEs and tremor indicates strong downdip variation of subduction interface slip behavior at central Hikurangi. The deep SSEs occur where Qp and Vp/Vs data suggest an accumulation of fluid‐rich underplated sediment at the interface, consistent with the idea that SSEs occur under high fluid pressure.
Biophysical responses near equatorial islands in the Western Pacific Ocean during El Niño/La Niña transitions
Authors: Gierach Michelle M. , Messié Monique , Lee Tong , Karnauskas Kristopher B. , Radenac Marie‐Hélène
Published: October 2013

The biological response in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean during El Niño/La Niña transitions and the underlying physical mechanisms were investigated. A chlorophyll a bloom was observed near the Gilbert Islands during the 2010 El Niño/La Niña transition, whereas no bloom was observed during the 2007 El Niño/La Niña transition. Compared to the previously observed bloom during the 1998 El Niño/La Niña transition, the 2010 bloom was weaker, lagged by 1–2 months, and was displaced eastward by ~200 km. Analysis suggested that the occurrence, magnitude, timing, and spatial pattern of the blooms were controlled by two factors: easterly winds in the western equatorial Pacific during the transition to La Niña and the associated island mass effect that enhanced vertical processes (upwelling and vertical mixing), and the preconditioning of the thermocline depth and barrier layer thickness by the preceding El Niño that regulated the efficiency of the vertical processes. Despite the similar strength of easterly winds in the western equatorial Pacific during the 1998 and 2010 transitions to La Niña, the 2009–2010 El Niño prompted a deeper thermocline and thicker barrier layer than the 1997–1998 El Niño that hampered the efficiency of the vertical processes in supplying nutrients from the thermocline to the euphotic zone, resulting in a weaker bloom.
Saturn's magnetospheric dynamics
Authors: Thomsen M. F.
Published: October 2013

The dynamics of Saturn's magnetosphere are driven by two major features of the system: First, the dominant source of magnetospheric plasma is the icy moon Enceladus, located deep within the magnetosphere; and second, like Jupiter, Saturn is a very fast rotator, with a rotational period of only 10.7 h. The dynamical imperative is to rid the magnetosphere of the continuously supplied plasma, and the fast rotation provides the mechanisms to do so. Thus, magnetospheric dynamics are intimately related to mass transport processes, including radial diffusion, flux tube interchange, magnetic reconnection, and plasmoid formation. We review recent progress and new questions relating to these processes at Saturn.
Oceanic control of sea level rise patterns along the East Coast of the United States
Authors: Yin Jianjun , Goddard Paul B.
Published: October 2013

Along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. from Florida to Maine, sea level rise (SLR) shows notable patterns and significant deviation from the global mean, which have been attributed to land subsidence. Consistent with several recent studies, we analyze various observation and modeling data, and find that ocean dynamics is also an important factor in explaining these coastal SLR patterns. Despite a southward shift since the 1990s, an overall northward shift of the Gulf Stream during the twentieth century contributed to the faster SLR in the Mid‐Atlantic region (North Carolina to New Jersey). In response to the 21st century climatic forcing, the rise (fall) of the dynamic sea level north (south) of Cape Hatteras is mainly induced by the significant decline of ocean density contrast across the Gulf Stream. This baroclinic process is the likely cause of the recent switch of the coastal SLR to a pattern with faster (slower) rates north (south) of Cape Hatteras.
Radiation belt electron dynamics driven by large‐amplitude whistlers
Authors: Khazanov G. V. , Tel'nikhin A. A. , Kronberg T. K.
Published: October 2013

Acceleration of radiation belt electrons driven by oblique large‐amplitude whistler waves is studied. We show analytically and numerically that this is a stochastic process; the intensity of which depends on the wave power modified by Bessel functions. The type of this dependence is determined by the character of the nonlinear interaction due to coupling between action and phase. The results show that physically significant quantities have a relatively weak dependence on the wave power.
Quantifying the role of orographic gravity waves on polar stratospheric cloud occurrence in the Antarctic and the Arctic
Authors: Alexander S. P. , Klekociuk A. R. , McDonald A. J. , Pitts M. C.
Published: October 2013

The proportion of polar stratospheric clouds due to orographic gravity wave (OGW) forcing is quantified during four Antarctic (2007–2010) and four Arctic (2006/2007 to 2009/2010) winter seasons. OGW‒active days are defined as those days above major polar mountain ranges which have wave‒ice polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), tropospheric wind conditions appropriate for orographic wave generation and propagation, and stratospheric temperatures below the frost point: 37% of Antarctic days and 12% of Arctic days are OGW‒active. Regions downstream of these mountain ranges are defined using a forward‒trajectory model which follows particle movement from ridge lines for 24 h periods. In both hemispheres in these mountain regions, more than 75% of H2O ice PSCs and around 50% of a high number density liquid‒nitric acid trihydrate mixture class (Mix 2‒enh) are attributed to OGW activity, with the balances due to non‒orographic formation. For the whole Arctic (equatorward of 82°), 25% of Mix 2‒enh and 54% of H2O ice PSCs are attributed to OGWs, while for the whole Antarctic, 7% of Mix 2‒enh and 13% of H2O ice PSCs are attributed to OGWs. For all types of PSC, 5% in the whole Antarctic and 12% in the whole Arctic are attributed to OGW forcing. While gravity waves play a role in PSC formation in the Antarctic, overall it is minor compared with other forcing sources. However, in the synoptically warmer Arctic, much larger proportions of PSCs are due to OGW activity.
The influence of major sudden stratospheric warming and elevated stratopause events on the effects of energetic particle precipitation in WACCM
Authors: Holt Laura A. , Randall Cora E. , Peck Ethan D. , Marsh Daniel R. , Smith Anne K. , Harvey V. Lynn
Published: October 2013

We investigate the influence of major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) and elevated stratopause (ES) events in the Northern Hemisphere winter on the transport of NOx produced by energetic particle precipitation (EPP) from the mesosphere–lower thermosphere to the stratosphere using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). Increases in NOx following a major SSW and/or ES event are in excess of 100% compared to winters when no major SSW or ES event occurred. The increase in NOx is attributed to an increase in the descending branch of the residual circulation () following the event. The timing of the event strongly affects the amount of NOx that descends to the stratosphere: the earlier the event occurs, the more NOx descends to the stratosphere. We also quantify the amount of NOx produced by EPP descending to the stratosphere in each winter and find that the largest increases in NOx are in years that have a major SSW followed by an ES event early in the season (December or early January). The strength of following an event shows a very strong seasonal dependence and explains why the timing of the event affects the transport of NOx.
Management of Osteoarthritis in General Practice in Australia
Authors: Brand Caroline A. , Harrison Christopher , Tropea Joanne , Hinman Rana S. , Britt Helena , Bennell Kim
Published: October 2013

Objective

To describe management of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip (OA‐hip) and knee (OA‐knee) by Australian general practitioners (GPs).

Methods

We analyzed data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health program, from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2010. Patient and GP characteristics and encounter management data were extracted. Data were classified by the International Classification of Primary Care, version 2, and summarized using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals around point estimates.

Results

There were 489,900 GP encounters at which OA was managed (rate of 26.4 per 1,000 encounters). OA‐hip was managed at a rate of 2.3 per 1,000 encounters (n = 1,106, 8.6% OA) and OA‐knee at a rate of 6.2 per 1,000 (n = 3,058, 23.7% OA). The encounter management rate per 1,000 for OA‐hip was higher among non–metropolitan dwellers (2.85 per 1,000 versus 1.97 per 1,000) and lower for non–English‐speaking people (1.53 per 1,000 encounters versus 2.39 per 1,000). The rate for OA‐knee was higher for non–English‐speaking background (8.50 per 1,000 encounters versus 6.24 per 1,000) and lower among indigenous people (3.16 per 1,000 encounters versus 6.46 per 1,000). Referral to an orthopedic surgeon was the most frequently used nonpharmacologic management (OA‐knee 17.4 per 100 contacts and OA‐hip 17.7 per 100), followed by advice, education, and counselling. As first‐line treatment, medication prescription rates (OA‐knee 78.7 per 100 contacts and OA‐hip 73.2 per 100) were substantially higher than rates of lifestyle management (OA‐knee 20.7 per 100 contacts and OA‐hip 14.8 per 100).

Conclusion

OA‐hip and OA‐knee encounters and management differ. Nonpharmacologic treatments as first‐line management were low compared with pharmacologic management rates, and surgical referral rates were high. However, lack of longitudinal data limits definitive assessment of appropriateness of care.
Pilot Study of Etanercept in Patients With Refractory Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Rouster‐Stevens Kelly A. , Ferguson Lori , Morgan Gabrielle , Huang Chiang‐Ching , Pachman Lauren M.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of etanercept in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) refractory to standard treatment.

Methods

Nine patients with juvenile DM prospectively received etanercept 0.4 mg/kg subcutaneous twice weekly concurrently with baseline medications for 12 weeks. Patients were reevaluated 12 weeks (week 24) after stopping etanercept. Outcome measures included a validated Disease Activity Score (DAS), serum muscle enzymes, Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale (CMAS), and nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC).

Results

Six patients completed all visits; 2 patients completed through week 12 and 1 patient stopped after the fifth etanercept dose due to marked worsening of a rash. At week 12, 7 patients had a mild decrease in DAS and 1 patient noted worsening of the DAS. At week 24, 1 patient remained stable, 2 patients had worsening of the DAS, and 3 patients had improvement of the DAS (1 patient with inactive disease), including the patient who worsened while receiving etanercept. This patient and the patient who stopped (worsening rash) both had the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) 308A allele. There was a trend of worsening NFC at week 12, while at week 24 improvement of NFC was noted. There was no appreciable change in serum muscle enzymes or CMAS throughout the study.

Conclusion

In this trial of patients with refractory juvenile DM, etanercept did not demonstrate appreciable improvement and some patients noted worsening of disease. Caution should be taken when recommending TNF receptor inhibitors to patients with active symptoms of juvenile DM, and close followup is warranted. Further investigation of the interaction of the TNFα‐308A polymorphism and type I interferon is needed to define the mechanism of TNF blockade in juvenile DM.
Decline in Hand Bone Mineral Density Indicates Increased Risk of Erosive Change in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Black R. J. , Spargo L. , Schultz C. , Chatterton B. , Cleland L. , Lester S. , Hill C. L. , Proudman S. M.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Despite better disease suppression with combination disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have progressive erosive disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether hand bone mineral density (BMD) loss in the first 6 months of treatment indicates increased risk of erosions at 12 months.

Methods

Patients with DMARD‐naive early RA receiving treat‐to‐target therapy were studied (n = 106). Hand BMD was measured at baseline and 6 months by dual x‐ray absorptiometry. Hand and feet radiographs were performed at baseline and 12 months and scored using the van der Heijde modification of the Sharp method. A K‐means clustering algorithm was used to divide patients into 2 groups: the BMD loss group or the no loss group, according to their absolute change in BMD from baseline to 6 months. Multiple regression analysis (hurdle model) was performed to determine the risk factors for both erosive disease and erosion scores.

Results

Hand BMD loss at 6 months was associated with erosion scores at 12 months (P = 0.021). In a multiple regression analysis, hand BMD loss (P = 0.046) and older age at onset (≥50 years; P = 0.014) were associated with erosive disease, whereas baseline erosion scores (P = 0.001) and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (P = 0.024) were correlated with erosion severity/progression.

Conclusion

In RA patients receiving treat‐to‐target therapy, early hand BMD loss could identify patients who are at risk of developing erosive disease at 12 months, potentially allowing intensification of treatment to prevent erosive damage.
Association of Thrombotic Microangiopathy and Intimal Hyperplasia With Bleeding Post–Renal Biopsy in Antiphospholipid Antibody–Positive Patients
Authors: Jordan Natasha , Chaib Ahlem , Sangle Shirish , Tungekar Fahim , Sabharwal Tarun , Abbs Ian , Khamashta Munther , D'Cruz David
Published: October 2013

Objective

Renal biopsy remains the gold standard investigation for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes in the clinical management of lupus nephritis. However, it is not without potentially significant complications. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of significant bleeding post–renal biopsy in patients with lupus nephritis and to identify risk factors associated with hemorrhagic complications.

Methods

Clinical data were retrospectively collected on 215 renal biopsies performed over a 13‐year period (1999–2012). Patients were categorized into 3 groups: a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) alone, SLE with coexisting antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), or a diagnosis of SLE with either positive anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant (LAC) without clinical APS manifestations.

Results

Major bleeding complications were significantly more common in those with coexisting APS and/or antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). LAC, presence of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) on renal biopsy, older age at the time of the biopsy (age >40 years), and elevated serum creatinine (>400 μmoles/liter) were independent risk factors for increased risk of bleeding. TMA and severe fibrous intimal hyperplasia on renal biopsy were significantly more prevalent in those who developed severe bleeding complications.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, lupus nephritis patients with coexisting APS, positive LAC, and histologic evidence of TMA and/or fibrous intimal hyperplasia are at increased risk of bleeding post–renal biopsy. aPL should be checked in all lupus nephritis patients before undergoing renal biopsy, as this subset of patients warrants particular caution pre‐ and postprocedure.
Alexithymia, Depression, Inflammation, and Pain in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kojima Masayo , Kojima Toshihisa , Suzuki Sadao , Takahashi Nobunori , Funahashi Koji , Kato Daizo , Hanabayashi Masahiro , Hirabara Shinya , Asai Shuji , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: October 2013

Objective

We previously reported that depression and inflammation have independent effects on pain severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by deficits in cognitive processing and regulation of emotions. A broad association between alexithymia and various health problems has been suggested, including depression, inflammation, and pain. The objective of this study was to examine the independent influence of alexithymia on pain perception and its relationship to depression and inflammation.

Methods

We evaluated 213 RA outpatients who completed self‐administered questionnaires, including the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) to measure depression severity, the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20) to measure degree of alexithymia, and a visual analog scale to quantify perceived pain. Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured to quantify inflammation severity.

Results

An initial significant positive association between the TAS‐20 score and pain severity (P = 0.01) lost significance after controlling for BDI‐II score and CRP level using regression analysis. An interaction was observed among alexithymia, depression, and inflammation with regard to perceived pain. Among those without alexithymia, pain severity increased linearly with the CRP tertile levels regardless of the presence of depression (P < 0.001 for trend). No linear association between pain severity and CRP level was observed among those with alexithymia. Moreover, depressed patients with alexithymia (BDI‐II score ≥14 and TAS‐20 score ≥61) reported severe pain even at low CRP levels.

Conclusion

Alexithymia might have a substantial role in pain perception as well as depression in patients with RA. A biopsychosocial approach is essential to achieve better pain control.
Comparison of Composite Measures of Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis Using Data From an Interventional Study With Golimumab
Authors: Helliwell Philip S. , Kavanaugh Arthur
Published: October 2013

Objective

To compare the performance of the Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS), the Arithmetic Mean of the Desirability Function (AMDF), the Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI), and the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) in the GO‐REVEAL data set. The Disease Activity Score using 28 joints (DAS28) was used as a comparator.

Methods

The GO‐REVEAL study did not allow full computation of all the composite scores (a modified version of CPDAI was used). The performance of the scores at baseline and followup (weeks 14 and 24) was compared using effect sizes.

Results

All indices could distinguish response to treatment at 14 and 24 weeks. Effect sizes at 24 weeks for the 50 mg (100 mg) golimumab doses were 2.18 (2.36), 2.08 (2.36), 1.09 (1.41), 1.80 (1.78), and 1.13 (1.18) for PASDAS, AMDF, modified CPDAI, DAS28, and DAPSA, respectively. Comparison of 24‐week values across the 3 treatment groups (placebo, golimumab 50 mg, and golimumab 100 mg) by an analysis of covariance using the baseline values as covariates gave the following F statistics: PASDAS 18.3, AMDF 19.6, modified CPDAI 9.4, DAS28 13.6, and DAPSA 7.9; all of these are highly significant. When the analysis was confined to the 2 golimumab treatment groups, there were no significant between–treatment group differences with any of the composite measures.

Conclusion

PASDAS and AMDF were better able to distinguish treatment effect, having larger effect sizes at 24 weeks. PASDAS, AMDF, and modified CPDAI better reflected domains such as skin, enthesitis, and dactylitis.
Brushite and Self‐Healing Flexible Polymer‐Modified Brushite Bone Adhesives for Fibular Osteotomy Repair
Authors: Abou Neel Ensanya A. , Salih Vehid , Revell Peter A. , Young Anne M.
Published: October 2013

The study aim was to compare in vitro properties of two experimental bone adhesives (brushite cement and polymer‐modified brushite composite) and then assess their in vivo suitability for fixation of a fibular osteotomy using a lapine model. The composite was produced by replacement of the aqueous phase of the brushite cement (800 × 10−3 M citric acid) by polypropylene glycol‐co‐lactide dimethacrylate. FTIR showed this modification enabled pre‐mixing and better control of set through light activated polymer crosslinking instead of the acid–base brushite reaction. Raman confirmed the brushite component [equimolar monocalcium phosphate (MCPM) and β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP)] of the composite could react upon water‐sorption to enable long‐term “bulk composite self‐healing.” SEM demonstrated precipitation of brushite crystals in cell culture medium on the composite surface (“surface self‐healing”) and improved cell attachment. The composite was considerably more flexible than the cement (33% strain before yield compared to 4.6% before sharp brittle fracture). This flexibility was used to explain the more complete union of the fibula osteotomy and high callus index observed with composite use. The presence of cartilage at the osteotomy site in one fibula treated with brushite cement, however, indicated the absence of complete bone healing in this case. Raman mapping also confirmed the composite enabled more rapid mineralization of the fracture site compared with the cement. Both materials provided immediate fixation in vivo. More surprisingly both brushite and adhesive composite showed complete degradation by 5 weeks in vivo enabling complete union particularly with the adhesive composite within this time.