bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible Impacts of Climate Change on Wind Gusts under Downscaled Future Climate Conditions: Updated for Canada
Authors: Cheng Chad Shouquan , Lopes Edwina , Fu Chao , Huang Zhiyong 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The methods used in earlier research focusing on the province of Ontario, Canada, were adapted for the current paper to expand the study area over the entire nation of Canada where various industries (e.g., transportation, agriculture, energy, and commerce) and infrastructure are at risk of being impacted by extreme wind gust events. The possible impacts of climate change on future wind gust events across Canada were assessed using a three-step process: 1) development and validation of hourly and daily wind gust simulation models, 2) statistical downscaling to derive future station-scale hourly wind speed data, and 3) projection of changes in the frequency of future wind gust events. The wind gust simulation models could capture the historically observed daily and hourly wind gust events. For example, the percentage of excellent and good validations for hourly wind gust events ≥90 km h−1 ranges from 62% to 85% across Canada; the corresponding percentage for wind gust events ≥40 km h−1 is about 90%. For future projection, the modeled results indicated that the frequencies of the wind gust events could increase late this century over Canada using the ensemble of the downscaled eight-GCM simulations [Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A2 and B1]. For example, the percentage increases in future daily wind gust events ≥70 km h−1 from the current condition could be 10%–20% in most of the regions across Canada; the corresponding increases in future hourly wind gust events ≥70 km h−1 are projected to be 20%–30%. In addition, the inter-GCM and interscenario uncertainties of future wind gust projections were quantitatively assessed.
Multidecadal Variability of North China Aridity and Its Relationship to PDO during 1900–2010
Authors: Qian Cheng , Zhou Tianjun 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
North China has undergone a severe drying trend since the 1950s, but whether this trend is natural variability or anthropogenic change remains unknown due to the short data length. This study extends the analysis of dry–wet changes in north China to 1900–2010 on the basis of self-calibrated Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) data. The ensemble empirical mode decomposition method is used to detect multidecadal variability. A transition from significant wetting to significant drying is detected around 1959/60. Approximately 70% of the drying trend during 1960–90 originates from 50–70-yr multidecadal variability related to Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) phase changes. The PDSI in north China is significantly negatively correlated with the PDO index, particularly at the 50–70-yr time scale, and is also stable during 1900–2010. Composite differences between two positive PDO phases (1922–45 and 1977–2002) and one negative PDO phase (1946–76) for summer exhibit an anomalous Pacific–Japan/East Asian–Pacific patternlike teleconnection, which may develop locally in response to the PDO-associated warm sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean and meridionally extends from the tropical western Pacific to north China along the East Asian coast. North China is dominated by an anomalous high pressure system at mid–low levels and an anticyclone at 850 hPa, which are favorable for dry conditions. In addition, a weakened land–sea thermal contrast in East Asia from a negative to a positive PDO phase also plays a role in the dry conditions in north China by weakening the East Asian summer monsoon.
A Probabilistic View on Raindrop Size Distribution Modeling: A Physical Interpretation of Rain Microphysics
Authors: Tapiador Francisco J. , Haddad Ziad S. , Turk Joe 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The raindrop size distribution (RDSD) is defined as the relative frequency of raindrops per given diameter in a volume. This paper describes a mathematically consistent modeling of the RDSD drawing on probability theory. It is shown that this approach is simpler than the use of empirical fits and that it provides a more consistent procedure to estimate the rainfall rate (R) from reflectivity (Z) measurements without resorting to statistical regressions between both parameters. If the gamma distribution form is selected, the modeling expresses the integral parameters Z and R in terms of only the total number of drops per volume (NT), the sample mean [m = E(D)], and the sample variance [σ2 = E(m − D)2] of the drop diameters (D) or, alternatively, in terms of NT, E(D), and E[log(D)]. Statistical analyses indicate that (NT, m) are independent, as are (NT, σ2). The Z–R relationship that arises from this model is a linear R = T × Z expression (or Z = T−1R), with T a factor depending on m and σ2 only and thus independent of NT. The Z–R so described is instantaneous, in contrast with the operational calculation of the RDSD in radar meteorology, where the Z–R arises from a regression line over a usually large number of measurements. The probabilistic approach eliminates the need of intercept parameters N0 or , which are often used in statistical approaches but lack physical meaning. The modeling presented here preserves a well-defined and consistent set of units across all the equations, also taking into account the effects of RDSD truncation. It is also shown that the rain microphysical processes such as coalescence, breakup, or evaporation can then be easily described in terms of two parameters—the sample mean and the sample variance—and that each of those processes have a straightforward translation in changes of the instantaneous Z–R relationship.
The usefulness of the oblique coronal plane in knee MRI on the evaluation of the posterior cruciate ligament
Authors: Park Hee-Jin , Lee So-Yeon , Chung Eun-Chul , Rho Myung-Ho , Ahn Jin Hwan , Kim Mi-Sung , Park Ji-Yeon , Lee Eun-Ja 
Published: October 2013

Background Imaging findings of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury may be equivocal, particularly when the patient has suffered a partial ligament tear. Some PCLs are positioned more horizontally, making it difficult to diagnose injury based on routine imaging planes alone due to partial volume artifact. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of combining oblique coronal imaging (PCL view) with traditional orthogonal views for PCL evaluation. Material and Methods This retrospective study included 20 patients with PCL injury and 43 patients with intact PCL who underwent PCL view imaging. Anatomic identification of PCL pathology on the orthogonal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and PCL views was evaluated. Subjective scoring of the PCL was performed by two radiologists who assessed the possibility of a PCL tear based on an entire length view, an entire width view, and margin sharpness according to a 4-point scale. Diagnostic accuracy using these two views was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Arthroscopic and clinical findings were used as the reference standard. Results Total scores for the PCL view were higher than those of orthogonal views ( P < 0.001). Both readers found that anatomic identification using the full width view and sharp margin to be superior using the PCL view compared with the orthogonal views ( P < 0.001). The specificities and accuracies were higher in cases where an additional PCL view was provided, but did not show statistical significance. Conclusion PCL view provides better anatomic evaluation of the PCL and mild improvement in the specificity and accuracy.
A Study in Africana Existential Ontology: Rum as a Metaphor of Existence
Authors: Headley Clevis 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates the idea of rum as an ontology of life. More specifically, it explores the rum as metaphor in the context of Africana existential ontology. Here it is argued that rum drinking can serve as the basis for understanding and conceptualizing certain basic structures of human existence in the Caribbean mode of existence. In pursuing these tasks, ontology is not construed as the study of the kinds of entities that exist; rather, ontology is given an existential twist in the sense of focusing on patterns of human existence, as well as practices that are indicative of human creative agency.
Rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Duxbury B , Combescure C , Chizzolini C 
Published: October 2013

The wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and high relapse rate represent a therapeutic challenge in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Observational studies suggested efficacy of rituximab (RTX), a B-cell-targeting antibody, to control the activity of SLE. Two randomized trials controlled by placebo did not prove the superiority of RTX when used in addition to conventional treatment in nonrenal (EXPLORER) and renal (LUNAR) lupus. A systematic review of studies exploring the efficacy of RTX in SLE patients was conducted. The pooled percentages of response were assessed. Thirty studies with 1243 patients were analyzed. In studies using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), the complete response (CR) rate was 46.7% (95% CI 36.8%–56.8%) and the partial response (PR) was 37.9% (95% CI 30.6%–45.8%). With the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), the CR was 56.6% (95% CI 32.4%–78.1%) and the PR was 30.9% (95% CI 8.9%–46%). In renal lupus the CR was 36.1% (95% CI 25.2%–48.6%); PR was 37.4% (95% CI 28.5%–47.3%). In EXPLORER, CR was 12.4% and PR was 17.2%; in LUNAR CR was 26.4% and PR was 30.6%, in both cases not different from controls. Assessment and standardization of SLE response to treatment remain a challenge. The discrepancy in the perceived efficacy of RTX between controlled and observational studies reflects the heterogeneity of lupus and stringency in criteria of response. Further randomized trials focusing on selected SLE manifestations and using composite response indices are warranted.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of intact human integrin αIIbβ3: new implications for activation-dependent ligand binding
Authors: Choi Won-Seok , Rice William J. , Stokes David L. , Coller Barry S. 
Published: October 2013

Key PointsThe αIIbβ3 headpiece points away from the lipid bilayer, and the lower legs are either bent (αIIb) or freely coiled (β3). The linking region between the ecto- and TM domains likely transmits the TM conformational changes associated with inside-out activation.
Extent of cortical involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – an analysis based on cortical thickness
Authors: Thorns Johannes , Jansma Henk , Peschel Thomas , Grosskreutz Julian , Mohammadi Bahram , Dengler Reinhard , Münte Thomas F 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Besides the defining involvement of upper and lower motor neurons, the involvement of extramotor structures has been increasingly acknowledged in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods
Here we investigated a group of 14 mildly to moderately affected ALS patients and 14 age-matched healthy control participants using cortical thickness analysis. Cortical thickness was determined from high resolution 3D T1 magnetic resonance images and involved semiautomatic segmentation in grey and white matter, cortical alignment and determination of thickness using the Laplace method. In addition to a whole-cortex analysis a region of interest approach was applied.

Results
ALS patients showed regions of significant cortical thinning in the pre- and postcentral gyri bilaterally. Further regions of cortical thinning included superior and inferior parietal lobule, angular and supramarginal gyrus, insula, superior frontal, temporal and occipital regions, thus further substantiating extramotor involvement in ALS. A relationship between cortical thickness of the right superior frontal cortex and clinical severity (assessed by the ALS functional rating scale) was also demonstrated.

Conclusions
Cortical thickness is reduced in ALS not only in motor areas but in widespread non-motor cortical areas. Cortical thickness is related to clinical severity.
Left atrial volumes and associated stroke subtypes
Authors: Shaikh Quratulain , Ahmed Bilal , Ahmed Maryam , Mahar Jamal Hussain , Ahmad Masood , Ahmed Ayesha , Majeed Farzin , Ali Fariha Sadiq , Khan Maria , Kamal Ayeesha Kamran 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Cardio embolism and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis are two major mechanisms of stroke. Studies investigating associations between advanced echocardiographic parameters and stroke mechanisms are limited.

Methods
This study is a standardized review of 633 patients admitted to the stroke service of a tertiary care hospital following a standardized stroke investigation and management pathway. Stroke subtypes were characterized using the Causative Classification System, using the hospitals online radiologic archival system with CCS certified stroke investigators. Patients with two mechanisms were excluded.

Results
Patients with cardioembolic stroke had a higher proportion of atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001), acute myocardial infarction (p < 0.001) and ischemic heart disease (p < 0.001). On electrocardiogram (ECG) and transthoracic Echo (TTE), patients with cardioembolic stroke had a greater atrial fibrillation (p < .00), left ventricular thrombus (p < .00), left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (p < .00) and global hypokinesia (p < .00) Patients with cardioembolic stroke had higher mean left atrial volume indices (LAVi) (p < 0.001), mean left ventricular mass indices (LVMi) (p < 0.05) and mean left atrial diameters (LAD) (p < 0.05). At LAVi of 29–33 ml/m2, the risk of atherothrombotic stroke increased. The risk of cardioembolic stroke increased with LAVi of 34 ml/m2 and above.

Conclusion
Left atrial volume indices may be linked to specific stroke phenotype. At mild increases in left atrial dimensions, the risks of atherosclerotic stroke are high, and probably reflect hypertension as the unifying mechanism. Further increases in left atrial dimensions shifts the risk towards cardioembolic stroke.
Criteria for symptom remission revisited: a study of patients affected by schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders
Authors: Pinna Federica , Tusconi Massimo , Bosia Marta , Cavallaro Roberto , Carpiniello Bernardo ,   the Cagliari Recovery Group Study
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
This study aims to compare severity criteria defined by the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group (RSWGcr) with other criteria in relation to functional and neurocognitive outcome.

Methods
112 chronic psychotic outpatients were examined. Symptomatic remission according to RSWGcr was compared with the outcome achieved using criteria based on PANSS Positive and Negative Scales (PANSS-PNScr) and the entire PANSS (PANNS-TScr).

Results
Remission rates were 50%, 35% and 23% respectively at RSWGcr, PANSS-PNScr and PANNS-TScr; functional remission rates were 32%, 42% and 54%. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and ROC analysis demonstrated the superiority of PANSS-PNScr in identifying patients with higher functional and cognitive outcomes. Regression analysis showed a significant predictive effect of PANSS-TScr on functioning. General linear model analyses demonstrated significantly higher mean scores at PSP and BACS for patients remitted according to PANSS-TScr.

Conclusion
The use of more restrictive severity criteria of remission seems to be associated with improved identification of truly remitted patients.
Ameliorating effects of aged garlic extracts against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment
Authors: Jeong Ji Hee , Jeong Hee Rok , Jo Yu Na , Kim Hyeon Ju , Shin Jeong Hae , Heo Ho Jin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn vitroantioxidant activities and neuron-like PC12 cell protective effects of solvent fractions from aged garlic extracts were investigated to evaluate their anti-amnesic functions. Ethyl acetate fractions of aged garlic had higher total phenolics than other fractions.MethodsAntioxidant activities of ethyl acetate fractions from aged garlic were examined using 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) inhibitory effect using mouse whole brain homogenates. Levels of cellular oxidative stress as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were measured using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA). PC12 cell viability was investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydtrogenase (LDH) assay. The learning and memory impairment in institute of cancer research (ICR) mice was induced by neurotoxic amyloid beta protein (Aβ) to investigatein vivoanti-amnesic effects of aged garlic extracts by using Y-maze and passive avoidance tests.ResultsWe discovered that ethyl acetate fractions showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity and MDA inhibitory effect. Intracellular ROS accumulation resulting from Aβ treatment in PC12 cells was significantly reduced when ethyl acetate fractions were presented in the medium compare to PC12 cells which was only treated with Aβ only. Ethyl acetate fractions from aged garlic extracts showed protection against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Pre-administration with aged garlic extracts attenuated Aβ-induced learning and memory deficits in bothin vivotests.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that aged garlic extracts with antioxidant activities may improve cognitive impairment against Aβ-induced neuronal deficit, and possess a wide range of beneficial activities for neurodegenerative disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease (AD).
The efficiency of the public dental services (PDS) in Cyprus and selected determinants
Authors: Charalambous Chrystalla , Maniadakis Nikolaos , Polyzos Nikolaos , Fragoulakis Vassilis , Theodorou Mamas 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundCurrently there is a dual system of oral healthcare delivery in Cyprus: the public dental system (PDS) run by the Government and the private system provided by private dental practitioners. Although 83% of the population is entitled to free treatment by the PDS only 10% of the population make use of them. As Cyprus faces now the challenges of the introduction of a new health care system and rising healthcare costs in general, surveys that examine, among other things, the efficiency of the PDS become very important as tools to make important cost savings. The aims of this study are to assess trends regarding the number of visits and the age distribution of patients using PDS from 2004 to 2007, to measure the technical efficiency of the PDS and to investigate various factors that may affect it.MethodsNon-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was employed to assess technical efficiency. Two separate cases were examined. Efficiency was calculated, firstly using as inputs the wages and the working hours of the personnel, and secondly the working hours of the personnel and the cost of the materials. As outputs, in both cases, the treatment offered (divided into primary, secondary and tertiary care) and the numbers of visits were used. In the second stage Tobit analysis was used to explore various predictors of efficiency (time per patient, location, age of dentists, age of patients and age of assistants).ResultsThe study showed that whilst there was an increase in the number of patients using the PDS from 2004 to 2007, only a small proportion of the population (10%) make use of them. Women, middle and older aged patients, make more use of the PDS. Regarding efficiency, there were large differences between the units. The average Technical Efficiency score was 68% in the first model and 81% in the second. Urban areas and low time per patient are predictors of increased efficiency.ConclusionThe results suggest that many of the rural PDS are underperforming. Given that the option of shutting them down is undesirable, measures should be taken to reduce inputs (e.g. by reducing the personnel’s working hours) and to increase outputs (remove barriers, make PDS more accessible and increase the number of patients).
The relationship between early atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetic patients as evidenced by measurement of carotid intima-media thickness and soluble CD146 levels: a cross sectional study
Authors: Dogansen Sema Ciftci , Helvaci Aysen , Adas Mine , Onal Suzan Deniz 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Detection of early vascular changes prior to clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, such as increased arterial carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and impaired endothelial function is of paramount importance for early identification of subjects at increased risk of accelerated atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to evaluate the relationship between early atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetic patients based on measurements of CIMT and soluble CD146 (sCD146) levels.

Methods
Thirty-seven patients with type 1 diabetes, 14 males (37.8%) and 23 females (62.2%), of mean (SD) age 26.2 (4.1) years admitted to the outpatient diabetes clinic at Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, between January 2008 and December 2012, and 37 healthy controls, 16 males (43.2%) and 21 females (56.8%), of mean (SD) age 25.8 (3.1) years, selected from relatives of patients, were included. Anthropometric measures; fasting plasma glucose; and serum HbA1c, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and creatinine concentrations were compared, as were CIMT and serum sCD146.

Results
Mean (SD) sCD146 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (314.6 (141.9) ng/ml vs. 207.8 (34.5) ng/ml, p = 0.001), but mean (SD) CIMT did not differ (0.5 (0.1) mm vs. 0.4 (0.1) mm). ROC curves for sCD146 significantly differed in differentiating type 1 diabetics from healthy controls (p = 0.0047) with a significantly higher percentage of patients than controls having sCD146 levels >260 ng/ml (21/37 (56.8%) vs. 2/37 (5.4%), p = 0.00011).

Conclusion
Our findings emphasize that sCD146 levels may be a more sensitive marker than CIMT for earlier identification of type 1 diabetic patients at high risk for atherosclerosis.
A novel autoantibody against ephrin type B receptor 2 in acute necrotizing encephalopathy
Authors: Shirai Tsuyoshi , Fujii Hiroshi , Ono Masao , Watanabe Ryu , Shirota Yuko , Saito Shinichiro , Ishii Tomonori , Nose Masato , Harigae Hideo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is characterized by symmetrical brain necrosis, suggested to be due to breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We experienced a rare case of ANE complicated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and found that the patient’s serum (V10-5) had binding activity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). By SARF (Serological identification system for Autoantigens using a Retroviral vector and Flow cytometry) method using V10-5 IgG, a clone bound to V10-5 IgG was isolated. This cell clone was integrated with cDNA identical to EphB2, which plays critical roles in neuronal cells and endothelial cells. HUVECs and human brain microvascular endothelial cells expressed EphB2 and the V10-5 IgG bound specifically to EphB2-transfected cells. Anti-EphB2 antibody was not detected in other SLE patients without ANE. In this report, we identified EphB2 as a novel autoantigen, and anti-EphB2 antibody may define a novel group of brain disorders. Anti-EphB2 antibody can interfere not only with endothelial cells including those of the BBB (acting as an anti-endothelial cell antibody), but also neuronal cells (acting as an anti-neuronal antibody) if the BBB has been breached. Future studies should determine the clinical prevalence and specificity of anti-EphB2 antibody, and the molecular mechanisms by which anti-EphB2 antibody mediates neuronal and vascular pathological lesions.