bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of wet and dry periods in Serbia
Authors: Tošić Ivana , Unkašević Miroslava 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, wet and dry periods were analysed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) on timescales of 1, 3, 6 and 12 months (SPI1, SPI3, SPI6 and SPI12) at ten stations in Serbia during the period 1949–2011. The onset of severe wetness and drought during the period 1999–2001 was presented. The distributions of the monthly precipitation amounts for each station were modelled by a gamma distribution. The severity and duration of the wet and dry periods were calculated. The generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) was applied to the SPI values for the timescales of 1 and 12 months during the period 1936–2011 in Belgrade. Furthermore, the severity and duration of the wet and dry periods for timescales of 1 and 12 months were analysed using the extreme value theory. Using the time series of the SPI, it was found that the frequency of droughts in the southern part of Serbia was higher than in the other parts of the country. The obtained results indicated that the GPD could be an appropriate distribution for SPI values less than −1 at the 1‐ and 12‐month timescales, and for the severity of the wet and dry periods at the 1‐month timescale.
Associations between circulation pattern frequencies and sea ice minima in the western Arctic
Authors: Ballinger Thomas J. , Sheridan Scott C. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, a synoptic climatological approach is employed to assess the relationship between the frequency of circulation patterns (CPs) and the latitude of mid‐September sea ice minima in the western Arctic. Fifteen CPs are created via principal component analysis and cluster analysis from daily NCEP/NCAR reanalysis sea‐level pressure (SLP) fields across a grid from 50 to 90°N and 150°E–100°W from 1979 to 2011. The frequency of these CPs are statistically compared with the latitude of the sea ice minimum from passive microwave data for each of 11 equally‐spaced longitudes (176°W to 126°W) extending into the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. Monthly frequencies for each of the 15 CPs from March to September, signifying the melt season, for each year are correlated with the ice minimum for that September. These monthly frequencies are then entered into a stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and collectively, CP frequencies explain 40–79% of the total ice retreat variance across the longitudes. The frequency of one cluster, CP 11, representing a broad high pressure area over the Beaufort Sea, is highly correlated with the latitude of the sea ice minima; June and August frequencies of this pattern are the initial predictors at 8 of the 11 longitudes and explain 22–32% of the variance. This pattern has occurred more frequently from 2007 onwards; compared with a June mean occurrence of 9 days during 1979–2006, CP 11 occurred 16 times in June 2007, and on average more than 17 days per month during June 2008–2011. The Arctic Dipole (AD), Arctic Oscillation (AO), and Pacific‐North American (PNA) pattern indices are significantly correlated with CPs 11–13 frequencies throughout certain summer months, further indicating strong relationships between summer circulation and sea ice minima in the region.
Round window membrane permeability to golimumab in guinea pigs: A pilot study
Authors: Ghossaini Soha N. , Liu Jenny P. , Phillips Brett 
Published: June 2013

Objectives/HypothesisAutoimmune inner ear disorder is one of a few types of sensorineural hearing loss that is treatable and potentially reversible. Treatment involves oral steroids and methotrexate. Other treatment modalities have been tried with variable success. All such treatments are systemic, with inherent side effects limiting their effectiveness. Recently, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α blockers have been suggested as a modality of treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the round window membrane permeability to golimumab, a TNF‐α blocker. This study is the first to look at the feasibility of local golimumab delivery into the inner ear, which may allow for targeted immune modulation of autoimmune inner ear disorders without the consequences of systemic treatment.Study DesignThis is a single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, pilot study using guinea pigs to assess round window membrane permeability to golimumab.MethodsGolimumab was instilled into the guinea pigs' middle ear. Inner ear fluid was sampled through the round window membrane after approximately 30 minutes of drug exposure. Golimumab presence in the inner ear was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in both drug‐treated and control ears.ResultsHigher concentrations of golimumab were detected in the inner ear fluid samples of golimumab‐exposed ears than in the control ears. The difference was statistically significant (P < .001).ConclusionsGolimumab crosses the round window membrane and is detected in measurable concentrations in the inner ear fluid after 30 minutes of exposure to the membrane. Further studies are needed to learn its pharmacokinetics and the time needed to reach optimal concentration in the inner ear.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 123:2840–2844, 2013
Transoral partial epiglottidectomy to treat dysphagia in post‐treatment head and neck cancer patients: A preliminary report
Authors: Jamal Nausheen , Erman Andrew , Chhetri Dinesh K. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectivesTo determine symptoms and findings in patients with dysphagia related to epiglottic dysfunction. To analyze outcomes in patients who underwent partial epiglottidectomy due to dysphagia related to epiglottic dysfunction.Study DesignReview and analysis of clinical data obtained as part of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with dysphagia related to epiglottic dysfunction.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all post‐treatment head and neck cancer patients who underwent epiglottidectomy at a single tertiary care referral center. Objective pre‐ and postprocedure swallow findings, endoscopic evaluation, and subjective improvement based on patient self‐reports were reviewed.ResultsSeven patients were identified based on endoscopic evaluation and modified barium swallow study (MBSS) as having epiglottic pathology leading to dysphagia. Specific anatomic and functional findings included thickening of the epiglottis, absence of epiglottic deflection, vallecular bolus retention during and after the swallow, and bolus backflow from the pharynx to the oral or nasal cavity. Partial epiglottidectomy was performed in these patients. Postoperative MBSS was analyzed for changes in swallow efficiency and safety. Nearly all patients demonstrated improved pharyngeal bolus passage with little to no added swallowing morbidity.ConclusionsPreliminary findings suggest a role for partial epiglottidectomy in post‐treatment head and neck cancer patients with swallowing disorders. Ideal candidates have intact tongue base contraction and poor retroflexion of the epiglottis, which results in bolus obstruction at the level of the valleculae. Partial epiglottic resection enables improved bolus passage in the pharyngeal phase. Minimal postoperative morbidity occurs in the appropriately selected patient.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 124:665–671, 2014
Synthesis of poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(ethylene)‐block‐poly(3‐hexylthiophene) via a combination of ring‐opening olefin metathesis polymerization and grignard metathesis polymerization
Authors: Kang Songsu , Ono Robert J. , Bielawski Christopher W. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTNovel rod–coil–rod ABA triblock copolymers, poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐block‐poly(ethylene)‐block‐poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT‐b‐PE‐b‐P3HT) were synthesized by using a combination of a Ru‐catalyzed ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of 1,4‐cyclooctadiene in the presence of a suitable chain transfer agent (CTA) and a Ni‐catalyzed Grignard metathesis polymerization of 5‐chloromagnesio‐2‐bromo‐3‐hexylthiophene followed by hydrogenation. Using this methodology, the molecular weights of the poly(butadiene) (PBD) or the P3HT blocks were controlled by adjusting the initial monomer/CTA or the initial monomer/macroinitiator ratio, respectively. In addition, the triblock structure was confirmed by selective oxidative degradation of the PBD block found in the intermediate P3HT‐b‐PBD‐b‐P3HT copolymer produced in the aforementioned method, followed by analysis of the degradation products. Thermal analysis and atomic force microscopy of P3HT‐b‐PE‐b‐P3HT revealed that the material underwent phase separation in the solid state, a feature which may prove useful for improving charge mobilities within electronic devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3810–3817
Phosphoric acid‐doped imidazolium ionomers with enhanced stability for anhydrous proton‐exchange membrane applications
Authors: Si Zhihong , Gu Fenglou , Guo Jiangna , Yan Feng 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTPhosphoric acid‐doped crosslinked proton‐conducting membranes with high anhydrous proton conductivity, and good chemical stability in phosphoric acid were synthesized and characterized. The synthetic procedure of the acid‐doped composite membranes mainly involves the in situ crosslinking of polymerizable monomer oils (styrene and acrylonitrile) and vinylimidazole, and followed by the sulfonation of pendant imidazole groups with butanesultone, and further doped with phosphoric acid. The resultant phosphoric acid‐doped composite electrolyte membranes are flexible and show high thermal stability and high‐proton conductivity up to the order of 10−2 S cm−1 at 160 °C under anhydrous conditions. The phosphoric acid uptake, swelling degree, and proton conductivity of the composite membranes increase with the vinylimidazole content. The resultant composite membranes also show good oxidative stability in Fenton's reagent (at 70 °C), and quite good chemical stability in phosphoric acid (at 160 °C). The properties of the prepared electrolyte membranes indicate their promising prospects in anhydrous proton‐exchange membrane applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013, 51, 1311–1317
Silicene on hydrogen‐passivated Si(111) and Ge(111) substrates
Authors: Kokott Sebastian , Matthes Lars , Bechstedt Friedhelm 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBy means of first‐principles calculations we predict the stability of silicene as buckled honeycomb lattice on passivated substrates of group‐IV(111)1 × 1 surfaces. The weak van‐der‐Waals interaction between silicene and substrates does not destroy its linear bands forming Dirac cones at the Brillouin zone corners. Only very small fundamental gaps are opened around the Fermi level.magnified imageSilicene adsorbed on a hydrogen‐passivated Si(111)1 × 1 surface (H: red, Si: blue).(© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Linear parameter varying control of a doubly fed induction generator based wind turbine with primary grid frequency support
Authors: Wang Chen , Weiss George 
Published: June 2013

SUMMARYThis paper proposes a control method for a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) driven by a wind turbine, whose rotor is connected to the power grid via two back‐to‐back pulse‐width modulation power converters. First, we design a rotor current controller for this system using the linear matrix inequality based approach to linear parameter varying systems, which takes into account the nonlinear dynamics of the system. We propose a two‐loop hierarchical control structure. The inner‐loop current controller, which considers the synchronous speed and the generator rotor speed as the components of the parameter vector, achieves tracking of the rotor current reference signals. The outer‐loop electrical torque controller aims for wind energy capture maximization and also grid frequency support, and it generates the reference rotor current. We perform a controller reduction for the inner‐loop linear parameter varying controller, which is not doable by conventional model‐reduction techniques, because the controller is parameter dependent. In simulation, the reduced‐order controller has been tested on a nonlinear fourth‐order DFIG model with a two‐mass model for the drive train. Stability and high performance have been achieved over the entire operating range of the DFIG in the wind turbine. Simulation results have demonstrated the capability of the proposed two‐loop control system to implement also grid frequency support. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of spatiotemporal image correlation at 11–14 weeks' gestation
Authors: Votino C. , Cos T. , Abu‐Rustum R. , Dahman Saidi S. , Gallo V. , Dobrescu O. , Dessy H. , Jani J. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess prospectively the use of four‐dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in the evaluation of the fetal heart at 11–14 weeks' gestation.MethodsThe study involved offline analysis of 4D‐STIC volumes of the fetal heart acquired at 11–14 weeks' gestation in a population at high risk for congenital heart disease (CHD). Regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of gestational age, maternal body mass index, quality of the 4D‐STIC volume, use of a transvaginal vs transabdominal probe and use of color Doppler ultrasonography on the ability to visualize separately different heart structures. The accuracy in diagnosing CHD based on early fetal echocardiography (EFE) using 4D‐STIC vs conventional two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound was also evaluated.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐nine fetuses with a total of 243 STIC volumes were included in this study. Regression analysis showed that the ability to visualize different heart structures was correlated with the quality of the acquired 4D‐STIC volumes. Independently, the use of a transvaginal approach improved visualization of the four‐chamber view, and the use of Doppler improved visualization of the outflow tracts, aortic arch and interventricular septum. Follow‐up was available in 121 of the 139 fetuses, of which 27 had a confirmed CHD. A diagnosis based on EFE using 4D‐STIC was possible in 130 (93.5%) of the 139 fetuses. Accuracy in diagnosing CHD using 4D‐STIC was 88.7%, and the results of 45% of the cases were fully concordant with those of 2D ultrasound or the final follow‐up diagnosis. EFE using 2D ultrasound was possible in all fetuses, and accuracy in diagnosing CHD was 94.2%. Five of the seven false‐positive or false‐negative cases were minor CHD.ConclusionsIn fetuses at 11–14 weeks' gestation, the heart can be evaluated offline using 4D‐STIC in a large number of cases, and this evaluation is more successful the higher the quality of the acquired volume. 2D ultrasound remains superior to 4D‐STIC at 11–14 weeks, unless volumes of good to high quality can be obtained. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Microdeletions/duplications involving TBX1 gene in fetuses with conotruncal heart defects which are negative for 22q11.2 deletion on fluorescence in‐situ hybridization
Authors: Chen M. , Yang Y.‐S. , Shih J.‐C. , Lin W.‐H. , Lee D.‐J. , Lin Y.‐S. , Chou C.‐H. , Cameron A. D. , Ginsberg N. A. , Chen C.‐A. , Lee M.‐L. , Ma G.‐C. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesConotruncal heart defects (CTD) are associated with del22q11.2 syndrome, which is often diagnosed by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH). However, in those negative for del22q11.2 on FISH, the etiology is usually obscure. We aimed to use high‐resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) to clarify the underlying genetic causes in these cases.MethodsIn this retrospective study, fetal samples of amniocytes or fibroblasts, taken either for prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis or for postnatal survey after termination of pregnancy, were obtained from 45 fetuses with CTD and were investigated by cytogenetic analysis including karyotyping and FISH for del22q11.2 syndrome. Eight fetuses with no findings on karyotyping and FISH were investigated further by array CGH, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Sanger sequencing of TBX1.ResultsArray CGH revealed that three of the eight fetuses carried submicroscopic genomic imbalances. Of these, two cases showed similar small microdeletions/duplications in 22q11.2 (one 0.85 kb microdeletion and one 8.51 kb microduplication). The minimal shared region spanned exon 2 of TBX1, a candidate gene responsible for cardiovascular defects in del22q11.2 syndrome. In all eight cases, the array CGH results were confirmed by qPCR, and Sanger sequencing did not detect other molecular pathologies.ConclusionOur findings indicate an association between TBX1 variations and fetal CTD. The results also demonstrate the power of array CGH to further scrutinize the critical gene(s) of del22q11.2 syndrome responsible for heart defects. Array CGH apparently has diagnostic sensitivity superior to that of FISH in fetuses with CTD associated with del22q11.2 (and dup22q11.2) syndrome. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Flower production of Aster tripolium is affected by behavioral differences in livestock species and stocking densities: the role of activity and selectivity
Authors: Nolte Stefanie , Esselink Peter , Bakker Jan P. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSemi‐natural grasslands are an important habitat for endangered plant and animal species. In grasslands, low‐intensity livestock grazing is frequently applied as a tool for nature conservation. We aim to investigate how different livestock species in various densities influence the state and flower production of a single plant species by selective defoliation and/or trampling. We hypothesized that (1) moderate stocking densities would cause more damage than low, and that (2) horses would cause more damage than cattle due to their higher activity. The experiment took place in a salt marsh in the Netherlands where grazing treatments with horses and cattle in two stocking densities were installed. Damage to individual Aster tripolium plants and number of flower heads were recorded at the end of the grazing season in late September. We found (1) more damage and fewer flower heads in moderate stocking densities compared to low densities. However, a reduction of flower heads by higher stocking densities was less clear with cattle. No clear difference (2) between livestock species was found, due to opposite trends in moderate and low densities. At low stocking densities, cattle caused more damage by selective defoliation. At moderate densities, horses caused more damage, because of their higher mobility, which led to damage by trampling. We conclude that the response of Aster to grazing is strongly affected by behavioral differences between livestock species. Grazing experiments and management schemes for semi‐natural grasslands should therefore not only consider stocking densities, but also livestock species to reach desired conservation goals.
Clinical Issues‐July 2013
Authors: Denholm Bonnie 
Published: June 2013

This MonthDisposal of unused medicationsKey words: pharmaceutical waste, medication, disposal, drug take‐back programs.Debris in sterile packKey words: event‐related sterilization, debris, sterile technique, breaks in sterile technique.Time‐out checklistKey words: documentation, Universal Protocol, time out, surgical checklist.Count sheetsKey words: count sheets, documentation, standardized count procedures.
Implementing AORN Recommended Practices for Sterile Technique
Authors: Kennedy Lynne 
Published: June 2013

AbstractUsing sterile technique helps prevent the surgical environment from becoming contaminated and thus can help reduce the incidence of surgical site infection. The AORN “Recommended practices for sterile technique” provides guidance for setting up, maintaining, and monitoring a sterile field. Topics include the use of surgical attire and personal protective equipment; appropriate selection and evaluation of surgical gowns, gloves, and drape products for each procedure; use of sterile technique to don sterile gowns and gloves; appropriate methods for establishing and monitoring a sterile field; and techniques to ensure that items such as surgical instruments that may be contaminated are not used. Breaks in sterile technique should be corrected immediately unless the actions necessary would endanger the patient. If remedial actions must be delayed, they should be undertaken as soon as possible. Adhering to best practices for sterile technique requires remaining up to date with new approaches and incorporating these into quality initiatives.
Use of second‐line therapies for management of massive primary postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Chan Lai‐Ling , Lo Tsz‐Kin , Lau Wai‐Lam , Lau Samuel , Law Bassanio , Tsang Hin‐Hung , Leung Wing‐Cheong 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine rates of use and success of second‐line therapies for massive primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among 91 women who gave birth at Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011. Inclusion criteria were gestational age of at least 24 weeks and massive PPH (defined as blood loss ≥ 1500 mL within 24 hours after birth). Second‐line therapies assessed were uterine compression sutures, uterine artery embolization, and balloon tamponade after failure of uterine massage and uterotonic agents to stop bleeding.ResultsThe rate of massive PPH was 2.65 per 1000 births. Second‐line therapies were used among 42 women with PPH, equivalent to a rate of 1.23 per 1000 births. Only 21.4% of the women who received second‐line therapies required rescue hysterectomy. A rising trend was observed for the use of second‐line therapies, whereas the incidence of rescue hysterectomy and estimated blood loss were found to concomitantly decrease.ConclusionIncreasing use of second‐line therapies among women with massive PPH was associated with a decreasing trend for rescue hysterectomy. Obstetricians should, therefore, consider all available interventions to stop PPH, including early use of second‐line options.
Dual process theory and the context of choice: Comments on Dhar and Gorlin
Authors: Stanovich Keith E. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractDhar and Gorlin show that default‐interventionist dual‐process theory differentially classifies several effects in the consumer choice literature and makes differential predictions across a variety of manipulations. One of the most startling differential classifications in their model is that it drives a wedge between the attraction and enhancement effects, because they arise from System 1 and System 2, respectively. System‐2 bias effects explain why sometimes less complex organisms (nonhumans, human children) can display more normative behavior than human adults. Such a finding does not at all undermine the heuristics and biases research tradition, as is sometimes argued.