bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE NANOGRAV NINE-YEAR DATA SET: LIMITS ON THE ISOTROPIC STOCHASTIC GRAVITATIONAL WAVE BACKGROUND
Authors: Arzoumanian Z. , Brazier A. , Burke-Spolaor S. , Chamberlin S. J. , Chatterjee S. , Christy B. , Cordes J. M. , Cornish N. J. , Crowter K. , Demorest P. B. , Deng X. , Dolch T. , Ellis J. A. , Ferdman R. D. , Fonseca E. , Garver-Daniels N. , Gonzalez M. E. , Jenet F. , Jones G. , Jones M. L. , Kaspi V. M. , Koop M. , Lam M. T. , Lazio T. J. W. , Levin L. , Lommen A. N. , Lorimer D. R. , Luo J. , Lynch R. S. , Madison D. R. , McLaughlin M. A. , McWilliams S. T. , Mingarelli C. M. F. , Nice D. J. , Palliyaguru N. , Pennucci T. T. , Ransom S. M. , Sampson L. , Sanidas S. A. , Sesana A. , Siemens X. , Simon J. , Stairs I. H. , Stinebring D. R. , Stovall K. , Swiggum J. , Taylor S. R. , Vallisneri M. , Haasteren R. van , Wang Y. , Zhu W. W. ,   (The NANOGrav Collaboration)
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
We compute upper limits on the nanohertz-frequency isotropic stochastic gravitational wave background (GWB) using the 9 year data set from the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) collaboration. Well-tested Bayesian techniques are used to set upper limits on the dimensionless strain amplitude (at a frequency of 1 yr−1) for a GWB from supermassive black hole binaries of

A

gw

<
1.5
×

10

−
15

. We also parameterize the GWB spectrum with a broken power-law model by placing priors on the strain amplitude derived from simulations of Sesana and McWilliams et al. Using Bayesian model selection we find that the data favor a broken power law to a pure power law with odds ratios of 2.2 and 22 to one for the Sesana and McWilliams prior models, respectively. Using the broken power-law analysis we construct posterior distributions on environmental factors that drive the binary to the GW-driven regime including the stellar mass density for stellar-scattering, mass accretion rate for circumbinary disk interaction, and orbital eccentricity for eccentric binaries, marking the first time that the shape of the GWB spectrum has been used to make astrophysical inferences. Returning to a power-law model, we place stringent limits on the energy density of relic GWs,

Ω

gw

(
f
)

h

2

<
4.2

×

10

−
10

. Our limit on the cosmic string GWB,

Ω

gw

(
f
)

h

2

<
2.2

×

10

−
10

, translates to a conservative limit on the cosmic string tension with

G
μ
<
3.3
×

10

−
8

, a factor of four better than the joint Planck and high-l cosmic microwave background data from other experiments.
Fe–K LINE TIME VARIABILITY AND Ni ABUNDANCE OF DISTANT REFLECTORS IN SEYFERT GALAXIES
Authors: Fukazawa Yasushi , Furui Shun’ya , Hayashi Kazuma , Ohno Masanori , Hiragi Kazuyoshi , Noda Hirofumi 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
We have performed systematic studies of narrow Fe–K line (6.4 keV) flux variability and Ni–K line intensity for Seyfert galaxies, using Suzaku and XMM-Newton archival data. Significant Fe–K line variability of several tens of percent was detected for a pair of observations separated by 1000–2000 days (Cen A, IC 4329 A, NGC 3516, and NGC 4151) and 158 days (NGC 3516). These timescales are larger by a factor of 10–100 than the inner radius of the torus, consistent with the view that X-ray reflection by a torus is a main origin for a narrow Fe–K line. The Ni–K line was detected with a >2σ level for the Circinus galaxy, Cen A, MRK 3, NGC 4388, and NGC 4151. A mean and variance of the Ni–Kα to Fe–Kα line intensity ratios are 0.066 and 0.026, respectively. Comparing this with the Monte-Carlo simulation of reflection, the Ni to Fe abundance ratio is 1.9 ± 0.8 solar. We discuss the results and the possibility of Ni abundance enhancement.
A new species of inseminating seasonal killifish of the Cynopoecilus melanotaenia complex from southern Brazil (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)
Authors: Costa Wison José Eduardo Moreira da , Fasura de Amorim Pedro , Mattos José Leonardo 
Published: April 2016

The Cynopoecilus melanotaenia complex is a morphologically homogeneous killifish group, endemic from an area encompassing southern Brazil and northeastern Uruguay. It presently comprises four valid species: C. melanotaenia, the type species of the genus, and C. fulgens, C. intimus, and C. nigrovittatus.
Cynopoecilus feltrini, n. sp., from the lower Tubarão river basin, southern Brazil, is distinguished from all congeners of the C. melanotaenia complex by having frontal E-scales medially overlapped, branchiostegal region orangish red in males and dorsum with few dark brown spots above opercular region. A phylogenetic tree derived from the analysis of a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (681 bp) indicates that C. feltrini is a member of the clade that includes all species of the C. melanotaenia complex except C. melanotaenia, as well as that C. feltrini is the sister group of a clade comprising C. fulgens and C. nigrovittatus.
Reduction in Serum Uric Acid may be Related to Methotrexate Efficacy in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Data from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH)
Authors: Lee Jason J. , Bykerk Vivian P. , Dresser George K. , Boire Gilles , Haraoui Boulos , Hitchon Carol , Thorne Carter , Tin Diane , Jamal Shahin , Keystone Edward C. , Pope Janet E. 
Published: April 2016

Objectives The mechanism of action of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is complex. It may increase adenosine levels by blocking its conversion to uric acid (UA). This study was done to determine if methotrexate lowers UA in early RA (ERA). Methods Data were obtained from Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort, an incident ERA cohort. All ERA patients with serial UA measurements were included, comparing those with methotrexate use vs. no methotrexate exposure (controls). Analyses were exploratory. Patients with concomitant gout or taking UA-lowering therapies were excluded. Results In total, 49 of the 2,524 ERA patients were identified with data available for both pre-methotrexate UA levels and post-methotrexate UA levels (300 μmol/L and 273 μmol/L, respectively; P = 0.035). The control group not taking methotrexate had a mean baseline UA level of 280 μmol/L and a follow-up level of 282 μmol/L ( P = 0.448); mean change in UA with methotrexate was -26.8 μmol/L vs. 2.3 μmol/L in the no methotrexate group ( P = 0.042). Methotrexate users with a decrease in UA had a disease activity score of 2.37 for 28 joints when compared with the controls (3.26) at 18 months ( P = 0.042). Methotrexate users with decreased UA had a lower swollen joint count (SJC) of 0.9 at 18 months, whereas methotrexate users without lowering of UA had an SJC of 4.5 ( P = 0.035). Other analyses were not significant. Conclusions Methotrexate response is associated with lowering of serum UA in ERA compared to nonusers. This may be due to changes in adenosine levels. Methotrexate response is associated with lower UA and fewer swollen joints compared to nonresponders.
Benefits of Family Meals for Children With Special Therapeutic and Behavioral Needs
Authors: DeGrace Beth W. , Foust Ruth E. , Sisson Susan B. , Lora Karina R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFrequency of family meals (FMs) is associated with favorable child outcomes; however, no study to date has examined the relationship between frequency of FMs and outcomes for children with disabilities. Data from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health for children with disabilities (N = 4,336) were used. Logistic regression for each dependent variable was completed using frequency of FMs and covariates of age, gender, race, family structure, and poverty level. Each day per week increase in the frequency of FMs increased the likelihood for positive social skills (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.01, 1.19]) and engagement in school (OR = 1.09, 95% CI [1.02, 1.16]). Frequency of FMs was not associated with problematic social behaviors or parental aggravation with child. Our findings suggest that children with disabilities whose families participate in frequent FMs have a greater likelihood of positive social and family health outcomes.
Health Literacy in Older Adults With and Without Low Vision
Authors: Warren Mary , DeCarlo Dawn K. , Dreer Laura E. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. In this study, we investigated whether older adults with low vision (LV) from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) demonstrated lower functional health literacy than older adults without LV.
METHOD. Fifty adults with AMD were matched with adults without LV on age, gender, education, and income. We measured visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading speed and administered the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) using two test time conditions, standard and unlimited, to measure health literacy levels.
RESULTS. The group with LV had considerably lower TOFHLA scores for both time conditions (p &lt; .001) and took notably longer to complete the test (p &lt; .001). Poorer acuity correlated with lower TOFHLA scores in the group with LV.
CONCLUSION. Older adults with LV may take longer to read and understand health information, which has important implications for providing health education to support self-management. Modifying components of the reading task may facilitate reading performance and understanding of health education materials.
Effectiveness of a Handwriting Intervention With At-Risk Kindergarteners
Authors: Zylstra Sheryl Eckberg , Pfeiffer Beth 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. We examined the effectiveness of an occupational therapist–led handwriting intervention for special education and at-risk kindergarteners.
METHOD. We incorporated a two-group, pretest–posttest design. Both groups consisted of kindergarteners receiving individualized education program (IEP) or Response to Intervention (RtI) support. An occupational therapist provided biweekly group handwriting instruction using the Size Matters Handwriting Program to students in the intervention group (n = 23). The control group (n = 12) received the standard handwriting instruction.
RESULTS. Students in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater gains in handwriting legibility than students in the control group. Students in the intervention group also demonstrated significantly greater gains in the prereading skills of uppercase letter recognition, lowercase letter recognition, and letter sound recognition.
CONCLUSION. This study provides preliminary support for an occupational therapist–led handwriting intervention to improve writing legibility and letter recognition in kindergarteners receiving RtI and IEP supports.
Motor Function Cutoff Values for Independent Dressing in Stroke Patients
Authors: Fujita Takaaki , Sato Atsushi , Yamamoto Yuichi , Otsuki Koji , Tsuchiya Kenji , Tozato Fusae 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. This study established motor function cutoff values for dressing independence in inpatients with stroke.
METHODS. Ninety-eight first-time inpatients with stroke were divided into groups on the basis of independence level in dressing, and receiver operating characteristic curves were determined for balance, motor function of affected limbs, trunk function, motor function of unaffected upper limb, and cognitive function.
RESULTS. Area under the curve for the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was highest for the different motor functions. In distinguishing independence group and supervision or less level group, the cutoff value for the BBS was 44 points (sensitivity = 85%, specificity = 93%). In distinguishing supervision or higher level group and dependence group, the cutoff value for the BBS was 32 points (sensitivity = 94%, specificity = 79%).
CONCLUSION. Balance was strongly correlated with the level of dressing independence, and cutoff values for the BBS were indicators of the balance required to reach independent and supervision levels of dressing.
Effectiveness of Interventions to Address Cognitive Impairments and Improve Occupational Performance After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Radomski Mary Vining , Anheluk Mattie , Bartzen M. Penny , Zola Joette 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. To determine the effectiveness of interventions addressing cognitive impairments to improve occupational performance for people with traumatic brain injury.
METHOD. A total of 37 studies met inclusion criteria: 9 Level I systematic reviews, 14 Level I studies, 5 Level II studies, and 9 Level III studies.
RESULTS. Strong evidence supports use of direct attention training, dual-task training, and strategy training to optimize executive functioning, encoding, and use of memory compensations, including assistive technology. However, in most studies, occupational performance was a secondary outcome, if it was evaluated at all.
CONCLUSION. Although evidence supports many intervention approaches used by occupational therapy practitioners to address cognitive impairments of adults with traumatic brain injury, more studies are needed in which occupational performance is the primary outcome of cognitive intervention.
Effectiveness of Occupation- and Activity-Based Interventions to Improve Everyday Activities and Social Participation for People With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Powell Janet M. , Rich Timothy J. , Wise Elizabeth K. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
This systematic review presents research on the effectiveness of occupation- and activity-based interventions to improve everyday activities and areas of occupation and social participation for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Nineteen studies identified through a comprehensive database search were reviewed and synthesized into five themes: (1) multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary treatment approaches, (2) community-based rehabilitation programs, (3) treatment approaches using client-centered goals and relevant contexts, (4) social skills training and peer mentoring interventions, and (5) community mobility interventions. Evidence supports the use of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches across a variety of settings, with no single treatment approach or setting clearly superior to another. The specific contributions of occupational therapy practitioners and the nature of occupational therapy interventions have not been well studied, making it difficult to determine the extent to which occupation- and activity-based interventions provided by occupational therapy practitioners improve occupational performance and social participation after TBI.
A Historical Analysis of the US Stock Price Index Using Empirical Mode Decomposition over 1791–2015
Authors: Tiwari Aviral K. , Dar Arif B. , Bhanja Niyati , Gupta Rangan 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
In this paper, the dynamics of Standard and Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) stock price index is analysed within a time-frequency framework over a monthly period 1791:08–2015:05. Using the Empirical Mode Decomposition technique, the S&P 500 stock price index is divided into different frequencies known as intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and one residual. The IMFs and the residual are then reconstructed into high frequency, low frequency and trend components using the hierarchical clustering method. Using different measures, it is shown that the low frequency and trend components of stock prices are relatively important drivers of the S&P 500 index. These results are also robust across various subsamples identified based on structural break tests. Therefore, US stock prices have been driven mostly by fundamental laws rooted in economic growth and long-term returns on investment.
Dual-plane PIV investigation of acoustically excited jets in a swirl nozzle
Authors: Regunath Gavita S. , Zimmerman William B. , Rees Julia M. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract. A novel dual-plane dye laser particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique used to analyze helicity and energy dissipation in an unexcited turbulent swirling jet of pressurized cold air has established that regions within the flow field of the jet exhibiting high helicity are correlated regions of high turbulent kinetic energy dissipation. This PIV configuration provides estimates of all components of the velocity gradient tensor, facilitating calculation of the helicity from the vorticity components. Application of this novel dual-plane PIV technique is extended in this study to investigate helical structures in a turbulent swirling jet where the underlying shear flow is subjected to external acoustic sinusoidal forcing in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the jet. It was found that acoustic excitation had a significant effect on the mean velocity profile parallel to the direction of the jet. The horizontal forcing resulted in the generation of vorticity that was skewed with a pitch that favored a distribution of angles around 90° with respect to the velocity vector. The distribution of the time-averaged helicity angle indicated organized helical activity, but such activity is not dominated by large-scale coherent structures of maximal helicity.
A Two-stage Rotary Blood Pump Design with Potentially Lower Blood Trauma: A Computational Study
Authors: Thamsen Bente , Mevert Ricardo , Lommel Michael , Preikschat Philip , Gaebler Julia , Krabatsch Thomas , Kertzscher Ulrich , Hennig Ewald , Affeld Klaus 
Published: April 2016

Aim In current rotary blood pumps, complications related to blood trauma due to shear stresses are still frequently observed clinically. Reducing the rotor tip speed might decrease blood trauma. Therefore, the aim of this project was to design a two-stage rotary blood pump leading to lower shear stresses. Methods Using the principles of centrifugal pumps, two diagonal rotor stages were designed with an outer diameter of 22 mm. The first stage begins with a flow straightener and terminates with a diffusor, while a volute casing behind the second stage is utilized to guide fluid to the outlet. Both stages are combined into one rotating part which is pivoted by cup-socket ruby bearings. Details of the flow field were analyzed employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A functional model of the pump was fabricated and the pressure-flow dependency was experimentally assessed. Results Measured pressure-flow performance of the developed pump indicated its ability to generate adequate pressure heads and flows with characteristic curves similar to centrifugal pumps. According to the CFD results, a pressure of 70 mmHg was produced at a flow rate of 5 L/min and a rotational speed of 3200 rpm. Circumferential velocities could be reduced to 3.7 m/s as compared to 6.2 m/s in a clinically used axial rotary blood pump. Flow fields were smooth with well-distributed pressure fields and comparatively few recirculation or vortices. Substantially smaller volumes were exposed to high shear stresses >150 Pa. Conclusions Hence, blood trauma might be reduced with this design. Based on these encouraging results, future in vitro investigations to investigate actual blood damage are intended.
Microfluidic Approaches for the Assessment of Blood Cell Trauma: A Focus on Thrombotic Risk in Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices
Authors: Consolo Filippo , Dimasi Annalisa , Rasponi Marco , Valerio Lorenzo , Pappalardo Federico , Bluestein Danny , Slepian Marvin J. , Fiore Gianfranco Beniamino , Redaelli Alberto 
Published: April 2016

Introduction Mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) are emerging as a valuable therapeutic option for the management of end-stage heart failure. However, although recipients are routinely administered with anti-thrombotic (AT) drugs, thrombosis persists as a severe post-implant complication. Conventional clinical assays and coagulation markers demonstrate partial ability in preventing the onset of thrombosis. Through years, different laboratory techniques have been proposed as potential tools for the evaluation of platelets' hemostatic response in MCSD recipients. Most rely on platelet aggregation tests; they are performed in static or low shear conditions, neglecting the prominent contribution of MCSD shear-induced mechanical load in enhancing platelet activation (PA). On the other hand, those tests able to account for shear-induced PA have limited possibility of effective clinical translation. Aims and Methods Advances on this side have been addressed by microfluidic technology. Microfluidic devices have been developed for AT drug monitoring under flow, able to replicate physiological and/or constant shear flow conditions in vitro. In this paper, we present a newly developed microfluidic platform able to expose platelets to MCSD-specific dynamic shear stress patterns. We performed in vitro tests circulating human platelets in the microfluidic platform and quantifying the dynamics of PA by means of the Platelet Activity State (PAS) assay. Results Our results prove the feasibility of using microfluidics for the diagnosis of MCSD-related thrombotic risk. This study paves the way for the development of a miniaturized point-of-care device for monitoring AT drug regimen. Such a system may have significant impact on limiting the incidence of thrombosis in MCSD recipients.
In vitro Evaluation of Microleakage of Class V Cavities Restored with new Flowable Compomers on the Primary Teeth
Authors: Gungor Ozge Erken , Erdogan Yildirim , Güngör Ahmet Yalçin , Alkis Huseyin 
Published: April 2016

Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro microleakage of new flowable compomers in the class V cavities of primary teeth. Methods Thirty freshly extracted, non-carious, primary molars without visible defects were used in this study. Class V cavities (n = 60), with the occlusal and cervical margins located in the enamel, were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces. The samples were randomly divided into 3 groups of 20 each. Group 1: restored with Twinky Star Flow (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany), Group 2: restored with Dyract Flow (Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany) and Group 3: restored with R&D Series Nova Compomer Flow (Imicryl, Konya, Turkey) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After a thermocycling regimen of 1000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C, the samples were isolated, immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsine solution for 24 h at 37°C and sectioned longitudinally in a buccolingual direction. The sections were evaluated for values of microleakage with a stereomicroscope. Results All materials showed microleakage but no statistically significant difference was observed among the groups (p>0.05). The highest microleakage score was observed in group II (1.65 ± 0.49) and group I (1.75 ± 0.44) at occlusal and gingival margins, respectively. Conclusions Flowable compomers showed insignificantly least amount of microleakage in class V cavities prepared on primary molars.
Serum Markers Measured in FNA Fluids of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Occurring as a Cyst
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Guidobaldi Leo , Locuratolo Nicola , Piro Francesca R. , Giordano Marco , Giovanella Luca 
Published: April 2016

Background Diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is still a challenge, and the measurement of calcitonin in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) washout has been recently introduced. Rarely, MTC presents as a cyst and its preoperative detection is difficult. Methods A 66-year-old woman was referred to us with high serum calcitonin. Ultrasound evaluation showed one cystic and one solid nodule. FNA was performed in both nodules and calcitonin, procalcitonin and CEA were measured in the aspirate fluids. Results The markers showed elevated levels in the FNA washout of the cyst and the patient was operated on. Final histology demonstrated MTC of the cystic nodule. Four weeks later, all serum markers were undetectable. Conclusions In the presence of a cystic thyroid lesion the diagnosis of MTC should be taken into account, and measuring calcitonin in FNA fluid is relevant. The determination in FNA of other markers is technically feasible but its role should be evaluated in larger series.