bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Lake-Effect Snow Using Convection-Allowing Ensemble Forecasts and Regional Data Assimilation
Authors: Saslo Seth , Greybush Steven J. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Lake-effect snow (LES) is a cold-season mesoscale convective phenomenon that can lead to significant snowfall rates and accumulations in the Great Lakes region of the United States. While limited-area numerical weather prediction models have shown skill in prediction of warm-season convective storms, forecasting the sharp nature of LES precipitation timing, intensity, and location is difficult because of model error and initial and boundary condition uncertainties. Ensemble forecasting can incorporate and quantify some sources of forecast error, but ensemble design must be considered. This study examines the relative contributions of forecast uncertainties to LES forecast error using a regional convection-allowing data assimilation and ensemble prediction system. Ensembles are developed using various methods of perturbations to simulate a long-lived and high-precipitation LES event in December 2013, and forecast performance is evaluated using observations including those from the Ontario Winter Lake-Effect Systems (OWLeS) campaign. Model lateral boundary conditions corresponding to weather conditions beyond the Great Lakes region play an influential role in LES precipitation forecasts and their uncertainty, as evidenced by ensemble spread, particularly at lead times beyond one day. A strong forecast dependence on regional initial conditions was shown using data assimilation. This sensitivity impacts the timing and intensity of predicted precipitation, as well as band location and orientation assessed with an object-based verification approach, giving insight into the time scales of practical predictability of LES. Overall, an assimilation-cycling convection-allowing ensemble prediction system could improve future lake-effect snow precipitation forecasts and analyses and can help quantify and understand sources of forecast uncertainty.
Prostate cancer: in-bore magnetic resonance guided biopsies at active surveillance inclusion improve selection of patients for active treatment
Authors: Elkjær Maria Carlsen , Andersen Morten Heebøll , Høyer Søren , Pedersen Bodil Ginnerup , Borre Michael 
Published: July 2017

Background Active surveillance (AS) of low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) is an accepted alternative to active treatment. However, the conventional diagnostic trans-rectal ultrasound guided biopsies (TRUS-bx) underestimate PCa aggressiveness in almost half of the cases, when compared with the surgical specimen. Purpose To investigate if additional multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate and MRI-guided in-bore biopsies (MRGB) at AS inclusion would improve selection of patients for active treatment. Material and Methods All patients enrolled in AS programs at two Danish centers, from October 2014 to January 2016, were offered an mpMRI 8–12 weeks after the initial diagnostic TRUS-bx. Candidates had low-risk disease (PSA < 10 ng/mL, <cT2b, Gleason score [GS] < 7). Prostate lesions were scored on the five-point PIRADS scale (version 1 and 2). MRGB were performed on PIRADS 4 or 5 lesions. Significant cancer was defined as GS > 6 or GS 6 (3 + 3) lesions with ≥ 6 mm maximal cancer core length (MCCL). Results A total of 78 patients were included and in 21 patients a total of 22 PIRADS-score 4 or 5 lesions were detected. MRGB pathology revealed that 17 (81%) of these and 22% of the entire AS population harbored significant cancers at AS inclusion. In eight (38%) cases, the GS was upgraded. Also, nine patients (43%) had GS 6 (3 + 3) foci with MCCL ≥ 6 mm. Conclusion In an AS cohort based on TRUS and TRUS-bx diagnostic strategies, supplemental mpMRI and in-bore MRGB were able to efficiently reclassify a substantial number of patients as candidates for immediate active treatment.
Applying Positive Deviance for Improving Compliance to Adolescent Anemia Control Program in Tribal Communities of India
Authors: Sethi Vani , Sternin Monique , Sharma Deepika , Bhanot Arti , Mebrahtu Saba 
Published: July 2017

Background: Positive deviance (PD) is an asset-based social and behavior change communication strategy, utilizing successful outliers within a specific context. It has been applied to tackling major public health problems but not adolescent anemia. Objective: The study, first of its kind, used PD to improve compliance to adolescent anemia control program in Jharkhand, India, where anemia prevalence in adolescent girls is 70%, and program compliance is low. Methods: With leadership of state government, the study was designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary 42 member PD team, in Khunti district, in 2014. Participatory appraisals were undertaken with 434 adolescent girls, 18 frontline workers, 15 teachers, and 751 community leaders/parents/relatives. Stakeholders were interviewed to identify positive deviants and PD determinants across 17 villages. Results: Perceived benefits of iron folic acid tablet and nutritional care during adolescence are low. Positive deviants exist among adolescent girls (26 of 434), villages (2 of 17), and schools (2 of 17). Positive deviant adolescent girls consumed variety of iron-rich foods and in higher frequency, consumed iron folic acid tablets, and practiced recommended personal hygiene behaviors. Deviant practices in schools included supervision of students during tablet distribution among others. Conclusion: Government-led PD approach uncovered local solutions and provided a forum for government functionaries to listen to and dialogue with, and an opportunity to adapt the program according to the needs of the affected communities, who are missing partners in program design and management.
Nursing Student Attitudes toward Euthanasia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Kazem , Rafiei Hossein 
Published: July 2017

Background: Euthanasia is among the most common and controversial end-of-life care issues. Examining the attitudes of nursing students to this issue is important because they may well encounter these issues during the course of their clinical placements. Research aims: This study aims to examine the attitudes of a sample of Iranian nursing students towards euthanasia. Research design: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants and research context: Using convenience sampling, 382 Muslim nursing students were enrolled in this study. Methods: Data were collected using a demographic variables checklist and a self-administered questionnaire that included a definition of euthanasia and 11 closed questions that sought to record participants’ level of agreement with euthanasia based on a Likert scale. Ethical consideration: Consent for participation was implicit, indicated by the participants having returned the completed questionnaires. Participants were assured that their data would remain anonymous, be kept confidential and be stored safely. Findings: Of the 382 participants, 61.5% were female, and the remainder were male. The mean age was 62.6 ± 14.1 years (range: 32–91 years). In total, 34.2%, 41.6% and 24% of students reported a negative, neutral and positive attitude to euthanasia, respectively. Most students with clinical experience, and 38.5% of students with no clinical experience, indicated their agreement with active euthanasia. Discussion: There are a number of misconceptions among Iranian Muslim nursing students regarding the definition of euthanasia. Nonetheless, most students exhibit positive attitudes to euthanasia consistent with their clinical experiences. Conclusion: It is recommended to explore the factors that induced nursing students’ tendency to euthanasia.
The use of fluoroscopic guided percutaneous pedicle screws in the upper thoracic spine (T1–T6): Is it safe?
Authors: Kwan Mun Keong , Chiu Chee Kidd , Chan Chris Yin Wei , Zamani Reza , Hansen-Algenstaedt Nils 
Published: July 2017

Purpose: This study analysed the accuracy and safety of the fluoroscopic guided percutaneous screws in the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1–T6). Methods: Computed tomography scans from 74 patients were retrospectively evaluated between January 2008 and December 2012. Pedicle perforations were classified by two types of grading systems. For medial, lateral, superior and inferior perforations: grade 0 – no violation; grade 1 – <2 mm; grade 2 – 2–4 mm and grade 3 – >4 mm. For anterior perforations: grade 0 – no violation; grade 1 – <4 mm; grade 2 – 4–6 mm and grade 3 – >6 mm. Results: There were 35 (47.3%) male and 39 (52.7%) female patients with a total 260 thoracic pedicle screws (T1–T6) analysed. There were 32 screw perforations which account to a perforation rate of 12.3% (11.2% grade 1, 0.7% grade 2 and 0.4% grade 3). None led to pedicle screw-related complications. The perforation rate was highest at T1 (33.3%, all grade 1 perforations), followed by T6 (14.5%) and T4 (14.0%). Conclusion: Fluoroscopic guided percutaneous pedicle screws of the upper thoracic spine (T1–T6) are technically more demanding and carry potential risks of serious complications. Extra precautions need to be taken when fluoroscopic guided percutaneous pedicle screws are placed at T1 and T2 levels, due to high medial pedicular angulation and obstruction of lateral fluoroscopic images by the shoulder girdle and at T4–T6 levels, due to smaller pedicular width.
Significance of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in human health
Authors: Zárate Rafael , el Jaber‐Vazdekis Nabil , Tejera Noemi , Pérez José A. , Rodríguez Covadonga 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn the last decades, the development of new technologies applied to lipidomics has revitalized the analysis of lipid profile alterations and the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism, together with their involvement in the occurrence of human disease. Of particular interest is the study of omega‐3 and omega‐6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs), notably EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n‐3), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n‐3), and ARA (arachidonic acid, 20:4n‐6), and their transformation into bioactive lipid mediators. In this sense, new families of PUFA‐derived lipid mediators, including resolvins derived from EPA and DHA, and protectins and maresins derived from DHA, are being increasingly investigated because of their active role in the “return to homeostasis” process and resolution of inflammation. Recent findings reviewed in the present study highlight that the omega‐6 fatty acid ARA appears increased, and omega‐3 EPA and DHA decreased in most cancer tissues compared to normal ones, and that increments in omega‐3 LC‐PUFAs consumption and an omega‐6/omega‐3 ratio of 2–4:1, are associated with a reduced risk of breast, prostate, colon and renal cancers. Along with their lipid‐lowering properties, omega‐3 LC‐PUFAs also exert cardioprotective functions, such as reducing platelet aggregation and inflammation, and controlling the presence of DHA in our body, especially in our liver and brain, which is crucial for optimal brain functionality. Considering that DHA is the principal omega‐3 FA in cortical gray matter, the importance of DHA intake and its derived lipid mediators have been recently reported in patients with major depressive and bipolar disorders, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The present study reviews the relationships between major diseases occurring today in the Western world and LC‐PUFAs. More specifically this review focuses on the dietary omega‐3 LC‐PUFAs and the omega‐6/omega‐3 balance, in a wide range of inflammation disorders, including autoimmune diseases. This review suggests that the current recommendations of consumption and/or supplementation of omega‐3 FAs are specific to particular groups of age and physiological status, and still need more fine tuning for overall human health and well being.
Smartphone citizen science: can a conservation hypothesis be tested using non specialist technology?
Authors: Wess T. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The work presented here, describes a citizen science scoping study using accessible stand-alone smartphone technology. Paper discolouration in a single journal type, the Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser published from the dates 1876–2004 was chosen as the focus of study, with a specific hypothesis to be tested; that the wartime journals were more discoloured by yellowing due to them being accessed more frequently. A series of measurements were carried out with a smartphone device using the camera to act as a colorimeter and converting the CIE L xy vector length into a yellowing parameter Y. A number of preliminary attempts were made to recreate conditions that corresponded to the measurements of Y using a conventional spectrophotometer, this was by standardising distance from object and through a number of lighting conditions. It was found that the most consistently comparable results (with an offset) could be obtained using an iPhone 6S with the light source from an additional iPhone with sample to aperture distance of 4 cm. Both studies showed that the large increase in Y occurred in journals printed around 1912 with a plateau of elevated Y value detected in journals until the 1950s after which the Y parameter decreased until 2004. This indicates the frequency access hypothesis to be false and this negative proof was able to be evidenced by the data collected by the iPhone. It would be suggested that great care needs to be taken if such an approach of stand-alone measurement were to be taken into citizen science; training and testing would need to be undertaken, because of the challenge of reproducibility and the risk of sampling irreplaceable objects.
Internet of things enabled real time water quality monitoring system
Authors: Geetha S. , Gouthami S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSmart solutions for water quality monitoring are gaining importance with advancement in communication technology. This paper presents a detailed overview of recent works carried out in the field of smart water quality monitoring. Also, a power efficient, simpler solution for in-pipe water quality monitoring based on Internet of Things technology is presented. The model developed is used for testing water samples and the data uploaded over the Internet are analyzed. The system also provides an alert to a remote user, when there is a deviation of water quality parameters from the pre-defined set of standard values.
Microscopy analysis of reconstituted COPII coat polymerization and Sec16 dynamics
Authors: Iwasaki Hirohiko , Yorimitsu Tomohiro , Sato Ken 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
The COPII coat and the small GTPase Sar1 mediate protein export from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via specialized domains known as the ER exit sites. The peripheral ER protein Sec16 has been proposed to organize ER exit sites. However, it remains unclear how these molecules drive COPII coat polymerization. Here, we characterized the spatiotemporal relationships between the Saccharomyces cerevisiae COPII components during their polymerization by performing fluorescence microscopy of an artificial planar membrane. We demonstrated that Sar1 dissociates from the membrane shortly after the COPII coat recruitment, and Sar1 is then no longer required for the COPII coat to bind to the membrane. Furthermore, we found that Sec16 is incorporated within the COPII–cargo clusters, and that this is dependent on the Sar1 GTPase cycle. These data show how Sar1 drives the polymerization of COPII coat and how Sec16 is spatially distributed during COPII coat polymerization.
No differences in radiological changes after 3D conformal vs VMAT-based stereotactic radiotherapy for early stage non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Badellino Serena , Muzio Jacopo Di , Schivazappa Giulia , Guarneri Alessia , Ragona Riccardo , Bartoncini Sara , Trino Elisabetta , Filippi Andrea Riccardo , Fonio Paolo , Ricardi Umberto 
Published: July 2017

Objective:
To compare patterns of acute and late radiological lung injury following either 3D conformal or image-guided volumetric modulated arc therapy stereotactic radiotherapy for Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer.

Methods:
We included 148 patients from a prospective mono-institutional stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) series (time interval 2004–2014), treated with prescription BED10 Gy (at 80%) in the range 100–120 Gy. The first 95 patients (2004–2010) were planned with 3D-CRT, with a stereotactic body frame. The second cohort (2010–2014) included 53 patients, planned with volumetric IMRT on a smaller planning target volume generated from a patient’s specific internal target volume, with a frameless approach through cone-beam CT guidance. Acute and late radiological modifications were scored based on modified Kimura’s and Koenig’s classifications, respectively.

Results:
Median follow-up time was 20.5 months. The incidence of acute radiological changes was superimposable between the groups: increased density was observed in 68.4 and 64.2% of patients for 3D-CRT and VMAT, respectively, and patchy ground glass opacity in 23.7 and 24.5%, respectively; diffuse ground glass opacity was 2.6 vs 9.4%, respectively, and patchy consolidation 2.6 vs 1.9%, respectively. Late changes occurred in approximately 60% of patients: modified conventional pattern was the most frequent modification (25 vs 32.6%, respectively); other patterns were less common (mass-like 19.6 vs 17.4%, and scar-like 13 vs 10.9%, respectively).

Conclusion:
Results of the present study indicate that the pattern of radiological lung changes following SBRT for peripheral early stage non-small-cell lung cancer is not influenced by the different techniques used for planning and delivery.

Advances in knowledge:
This comparative observational study shows that smaller margins, image guidance and most importantly dose distribution do not change the pattern of radiological injury after lung SBRT; the same scoring system can be used, and expected incidence is similar.
Quantifying potential reduction in contrast dose with monoenergetic images synthesized from dual-layer detector spectral CT
Authors: Tsang Derek S , Merchant Thomas E , Merchant Sophie E , Smith Hanna , Yagil Yoad , Hua Chia-Ho 
Published: July 2017

Objective:
To estimate the potential dose reduction in iodinated contrast when interpreting monoenergetic images from spectral CT.

Methods:
51 paediatric patients received contrast-enhanced CT simulation for radiation therapy using a single-source, dual-layer detector spectral CT. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of blood vessels were measured relative to surrounding soft tissue. CNRs on monoenergetic 40–70 keV images were compared with polychromatic 120 kVp images. To compare with in vivo results, a phantom with iodine inserts (2–20 mg ml–1 concentration) was scanned and CNRs were calculated relative to water background.

Results:
Monoenergetic keV and body site had significant effects on CNR ratio (p &lt; 0.0001). Across all body sites, the mean CNR ratio (monoenergetic/polychromatic CNR) was 3.3 (20th percentile [%20] 2.6), 2.4 (%20 2.1), 1.7 (%20 1.5), 1.2 (%20 1.0) for 40, 50, 60 and 70 keV images, respectively. Image noise was highest at 40 keV and lowest at 70 keV. Phantom measurements indicated that the same CNR as 120 kVp images can be achieved with a 4.0-fold lower iodine concentration on 40 keV images and 2.5-fold lower on 50 keV images.

Conclusion:
50 keV monoenergetic images provided the best balance of improved CNR on all studies (mean 2.4-fold increase in vivo) for enhancing vessels vs image noise. A 50% reduction in contrast dose on a 50 keV image should maintain comparable or better CNR as compared with polychromatic CT in over 80% of CT studies.

Advances in knowledge:
Use of a novel, single-source, dual-layer detector spectral CT scanner to improve visualization of contrast-enhanced blood vessels will reduce the amount of iodinated contrast required for radiation oncology treatment planning.
Phase II study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with a modified target volumes delineation method for inoperable oesophagealcancer patients
Authors: Zhang Wenyi , Li Huifang , Chen Xingxing , Su Meng , Lin Ruifang , Zou Changlin 
Published: July 2017

Objective:
A Phase II study was designed to test the safety and efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with a modified target volumes delineation method for inoperable oesophageal cancer patients.

Methods:
All eligible patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The method of delineating target volume is as follows: Planning gross target volume (PGTV) was defined as the primary gross tumour volume (GTV-t) plus a 3 cm margin longitudinally and a 0.5 cm margin circumferentially, and positive lymph nodes(GTV-n) plus a 0.5 cm margin in all directions. Clinical target volume (CTV) was defined as PGTV plus a 0.5 cm margin in all directions and elective nodal region. Planning target volume (PTV) was defined as CTV plus a 0.5 cm margin in all directions. The dose of PGTV is 54–60 Gy in 27–30 fractions(2Gy per fraction). The dose of PTV is 48.6–54 Gy in 27–30 fractions(1.8Gy per fraction). The regimen consists of paclitaxel135 mgm− 2 on 1 day and DDP 25 mgm− 2 on 3 days per 3 weeks. The patients received 2 cycles of chemotherapy during radiotherapy and 2–4 cycles of chemotherapy after radiotherapy.

Results:
34 patients were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up time was 20.9 months (range: 3.7–28.4 months) for all patients. The 1- and 2-year survival rates for all patients were 70.5 and 44.1%, respectively. Clinical complete response was observed in 21 patients(61.8%), cPR was observed in 9 patients(26.5%) and cSD was observed in 4 patients(11.7%).

Conclusion:
This modified method with concurrent chemotherapy could achieve better locoregional control rate. The 1- and 2-year survival rates of this method were close to the survival rates of the current methods widely adopted.

Advances in knowledge:
The modified target volumes delineation method can enhance locoregional control rate of concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
DESALINATION AND BOREHOLE CONSTRUCTION FOR ABSTRACTION OF SALINE WATER AND CHANNELING BRINE DISPOSAL
Authors: Sampatakakis P. , Manthos G. , Kepas A. 
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this research is to present all the technical details, but also the scientific criteria according to which there is the possibility to make a borehole for the extraction of the saline water and channeling of brine in another borehole. This methodology has purpose to prove that this way of extraction of saline water (or sea water) through the borehole and the channeling of the remain into another one has multiple assets comparing to the classical method of the direct extraction and return of the residue into the sea. These assets are considered to be better because of the extraction which may be in the inland, hypsometrically more advantageous. Also, the channeling of the brine disposal in a nearby borehole is safer from an environmental point of view because does not disturb the flora and fauna in the benthic zone of the marine space, but also a less expensive solution than channeling it straight into the sea. In any case, it is a necessary presumption that the hydrogeologic conditions in the area where the work is taking place to ensure a high factor of permeability and hydraulic connection with the sea area. The application of this technique was completed with some success in the case of Agistri Island (and homonymous municipality) which is located in the Saronic Gulf, southwest of Salamis Island. Although the distance between the two boreholes should be larger in order to prevent the risk of dynamic input of brine disposal to the borehole extraction because of the radius of influence, which would destroy the osmosis membranes. After the appropriate evaluation of the test pumping elements, this was ensured by placing the appropriate sensors of salinity.