bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EFCAM: A METHOD FOR ASSESSING ALTERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW COMPONENTS
Authors: FitzHugh T. W. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe environmental flow components (EFCs) are a set of 34 streamflow statistics computed by the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration software, which are used for environmental flow assessments and developing environmental flow recommendations. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a methodology for analysing and summarizing the alteration of EFCs, called the EFC assessment method (EFCAM). EFCAM uses non‐parametric rank‐sum statistical tests, sometimes in conjunction with per cent change, to produce ratings of alteration for each EFC statistic, for both central tendency and range of variability. These ratings are combined into summary indexes of alteration, by event type (extreme low flow, low flow, high‐flow pulse, small flood and large flood), flow characteristic (frequency, magnitude, duration, timing and rise/fall rates) and overall. EFCAM is demonstrated by analyzing typical patterns of EFC changes in 66 rivers across the United States where flow is altered by dams. The results reported here show that EFCAM is an effective method for efficiently summarizing flow alteration of ecologically relevant components of flows, and hence would be a useful addition to the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration software. Results of this study show an overall trend towards compression of the hydrograph from above and below into a more limited overall range on these 66 rivers. The results shown here add to previous findings on dam impacts on river flows by separating out alteration in different segments of the hydrograph, and identify some patterns of alteration not previously reported. Although the version of EFCAM used here is believed to be appropriate for most situations, it is flexible and can be tailored to the needs of a particular project by including or excluding certain flow statistics or using a different weighting system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of interactive visual data mining techniques for knowledge discovery
Authors: Stahl Frederic , Gabrys Bogdan , Gaber Mohamed Medhat , Berendsen Monika 
Published: July 2013

In the past decade, the analysis of data has faced the challenge of dealing with very large and complex datasets and the real‐time generation of data. Technologies to store and access these complex and large datasets are in place. However, robust and scalable analysis technologies are needed to extract meaningful information from these datasets. The research field of Information Visualization and Visual Data Analytics addresses this need. Information visualization and data mining are often used complementary to each other. Their common goal is the extraction of meaningful information from complex and possibly large data. However, though data mining focuses on the usage of silicon hardware, visualization techniques also aim to access the powerful image‐processing capabilities of the human brain. This article highlights the research on data visualization and visual analytics techniques. Furthermore, we highlight existing visual analytics techniques, systems, and applications including a perspective on the field from the chemical process industry.This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools
Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation
Technologies > Visualization
Automatic construction of lexicons, taxonomies, ontologies, and other knowledge structures
Authors: Medelyan Olena , Witten Ian H. , Divoli Anna , Broekstra Jeen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract, structured, representations of knowledge such as lexicons, taxonomies, and ontologies have proven to be powerful resources not only for the systematization of knowledge in general, but to support practical technologies of document organization, information retrieval, natural language understanding, and question‐answering systems. These resources are extremely time consuming for people to create and maintain, yet demand for them is growing, particularly in specialized areas ranging from legacy documents of large enterprises to rapidly changing domains such as current affairs and celebrity news. Consequently, researchers are investigating methods of creating such structures automatically from document collections, calling on the proliferation of interlinked resources already available on the web for background knowledge and general information about the world. This review surveys what is possible, and also outlines current research directions.This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Text Mining
Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation
Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Muzzle‐to‐target distance determination by X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Fonseca J. F. , Cruz M. M. , Carvalho M. L. 
Published: July 2013

One of the most important aspects of the criminal investigation of a shooting incident is the target‐to‐muzzle distance determination. This determination can establish the relative positions of the shooter and the victim or even help to establish the shooters' intent.Forensic laboratories use chemographic tests as the standard procedure for this kind of analysis. These tests require the preparation of several chemical reactions and imply the partial destruction of the tested samples.This work demonstrates that energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) can constitute an alternative for the chemographic methodology with the big advantage of being fast, non‐destructive and without the need of chemical preparation.Using plain white cotton tissue as target material, Glocks 17, 19 and 26 and FN Browning High Power MKIIIS handguns, several samples were prepared by shooting pieces of cloth at different distances. Lead was found to be the element present in higher concentration, reaching 1000 µg/g in some cases, followed by Sb, Ba, Zn and Cu. Four squares (4 × 3 cm2) of each target were cut and analysed directly by XRF to obtain the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Sb, Ba and Pb as a function of the shooting distance. As expected, the concentration decreases with the distance for all elements. This behaviour was studied, and its dependence with barrel length and rifling (polygonal vs conventional) was characterized. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients With Benign Thyroid Goiters (Pre‐ and Post‐Thyroidectomy): A Prospective Study
Authors: Mishra Anjali , Sabaretnam Mayilvaganan , Chand Gyan , Agarwal Gaurav , Agarwal Amit , Verma Ashok Kumar , Mishra Saroj Kanta 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundPreservation of quality of life (QoL) seems an important therapeutic goal in patients with benign thyroid diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of thyroidectomy on QoL in patients with benign goiters and to assess the significance of various factors affecting the outcome.MethodsA prospective study consisting of 100 patients with benign goiters was conducted between November 2009 and March 2011. Patients completed a disease‐specific ThyPRO questionnaire to assess QoL before and 6 months after thyroidectomy. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared; and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsMean age of the patients was 40.5 years (M:F = 1:4.3); 82 % of the patients had nodular goiters, and the remaining 18 % had diffuse disease. None of the patients had overt thyroid dysfunction at the time they completed the questionnaire. Operative treatment for 54 % of the patients involved total thyroidectomy, whereas 46 % underwent hemithyroidectomy. None of these patients developed any permanent morbidity following surgery. Mean scores of QoL in the 12 domains examined were low and improved significantly (p < 0.001) after surgery: symptoms, 19.4 versus 0.7; fatigue, 29.5 versus 1.5; vitality, 44.4 versus 3.0; memory and concentration, 25.7 versus 1.5; nervousness, 29.6 versus 1.8; psychological well‐being, 33.9 versus 1.3; mood swings, 34.9 versus 0.8; relationship, 15.4 versus 1.4; daily activity, 18.7 versus 1.3; sex life, 20.9 versus 1.7; appearance, 14.7 versus 1.0; and overall, 27 versus 5.5. On univariate analysis, weight of goiter was found to be significantly associated with improvement in the scores of the memory and concentration domain (p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with improvement in different domains were young age (nervousness, p = 0.009), female gender (fatigue, p = 0.02), and weight of goiter (symptoms, p = <0.001; vitality, p = <0.001; and memory and concentration, p = <0.001).ConclusionsPatients with benign goiters experience significant improvement in QoL after thyroidectomy.
Normative Intra‐operative Electrophysiologic Waveform Analysis of Superior Laryngeal Nerve External Branch and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Potenza Andre S. , Phelan Eimear A. , Cernea Claudio R. , Slough Cristian M. , Kamani Dipti V. , Darr Ashlie , Zurakowski David , Randolph Gregory W. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundInjury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) can occur during superior pole dissection in thyroid surgery; the EBSLN injury rate is reported as high as 28 % (Cernea et al., Head Neck 14:380–383, 1992). Injury to the EBSLN leads to variable symptoms that may be overlooked, but that can be significant, especially to professional speakers and singers. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) is employed widely to aid in nerve identification. We report on normative electroneuromyography (EMG) data on EBSLN‐IONM and cricothyroid muscle (CTM) twitch response during stimulation as an aid to EBSLN identification.MethodsA prospective study of the SLN and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) IONM data in 72 consecutive thyroid surgeries was carried out. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative laryngeal exams, and patients with abnormal preoperative laryngeal function were excluded. Normative EMG data and CTM twitch response during EBSLN stimulation were recorded and analyzed.ResultsStimulation of the EBSLN resulted in a positive CTM twitch response in 100 %, whereas EMG response was recordable in 80 %. Electromyographic amplitude was ~1/3 of ipsilateral RLN amplitude and did not change through the case with multiple stimulations. Stimulation of the EBSLN was similar for men and women and at 1 and 2 mA stimulation levels.ConclusionsIntraoperative nerve monitoring of the EBSLN aids in EBSLN identification and provides electroneuromyographic information in 80 % of cases. The laryngeal head of the sternothyroid muscle is a useful landmark to locate EBSLN.
Transesophageal Echocardiography during Cardiac Arrest in Orthopedic Surgery Patients: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Garvin Sean , Stundner Ottokar , Memtsoudis Stavros G. 
Published: July 2013

Background Cardiac arrest situations represent an enormous clinical challenge to the physicians involved. Research suggests that the utilization on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may provide important diagnostic information and allows for institution of more specific treatment, while not hampering resuscitation efforts. Case Description In this review, we highlight the usefulness of TEE in cardiac arrest situations in the orthopedic setting, by presenting two perioperative cases. In one case, TEE was used to diagnose intraoperative pulmonary embolism and guide thrombolytic therapy. The second case highlights the use of TEE in management of hemodynamic instability in a patient with aortic stenosis. Literature Review Memtsoudis et al. showed that in 19 of 22 cardiac arrests, an underlying pathological process could be established with TEE, leading to specific interventions beyond the institution of advanced cardiac life support measures. Clinical Relevance TEE can provide rapid diagnostic information guiding treatment in patients with hemodynamic compromise. The use is expanding beyond the cardiac operating theater and given the potential clinical impact consideration should be given to utilizing this valuable imaging modality in appropriate clinical situation.
Fatty Acid Composition in Ergosteryl Esters and Triglycerides from the Fungus Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Deng Zi‐Long , Yuan Jian‐Ping , Zhang Yan , Xu Xiao‐Ming , Wu Chou‐Fei , Peng Juan , Wang Jiang‐Hai 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFree and esterified ergosterols are detected almost solely in fungi and are often employed as a biomarker of living fungi. In this work, the fatty acid composition and δ13C values of major fatty acids in triglycerides and ergosteryl esters from the fungus Ganoderma lucidum were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer and gas chromatography–isotopic ratio mass spectrometer, respectively. The results showed that the fatty acid profiles varied in triglycerides and ergosteryl esters. The percentage of saturated fatty acids in ergosteryl esters was remarkably higher than that in triglycerides, where C18:1Δ9c was the predominant fatty acid and constituted 61.26 % of the total fatty acids. In contrast, C16:0 was the predominant fatty acid and constituted 71.88 % of the total fatty acids in ergosteryl esters. The study suggests that, after fungal death, free ergosterols in the cell membrane of the dead fungus were esterified with preferentially saturated fatty acids, mainly C16:0, from triglycerides and then stored in lipid particles for a longer period while free ergosterol markedly decreased. The δ13C values of C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 and C18:2 in ergosteryl esters exhibit a pronounced depletion in 13C compared with that in triglycerides within the range of −1.3 to −0.9 ‰, supporting the above inference. It is again suggested that free ergosterol in the cell membrane should be used as an indicator of living fungi, and ergosteryl esters in the lipid particles should not be included in the measurement of living fungal biomass.
Single Motherhood and Child Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Life Course Perspective
Authors: Clark Shelley , Hamplová Dana 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSingle motherhood in sub-Saharan Africa has received surprisingly little attention, although it is widespread and has critical implications for children’s well-being. Using survival analysis techniques, we estimate the probability of becoming a single mother over women’s life course and investigate the relationship between single motherhood and child mortality in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Although a mere 5 % of women in Ethiopia have a premarital birth, one in three women in Liberia will become mothers before first marriage. Compared with children whose parents were married, children born to never-married single mothers were significantly more likely to die before age 5 in six countries (odds ratios range from 1.36 in Nigeria to 2.61 in Zimbabwe). In addition, up to 50 % of women will become single mothers as a consequence of divorce or widowhood. In nine countries, having a formerly married mother was associated with a significantly higher risk of dying (odds ratios range from 1.29 in Zambia to 1.75 in Kenya) relative to having married parents. Children of divorced women typically had the poorest outcomes. These results highlight the vulnerability of children with single mothers and suggest that policies aimed at supporting single mothers could help to further reduce child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.
Microcredit and Domestic Violence in Bangladesh: An Exploration of Selection Bias Influences
Authors: Bajracharya Ashish , Amin Sajeda 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article explores the relationship between women’s participation in microcredit groups and domestic violence in Bangladesh. Several recent studies have raised concern about microcredit programs by reporting higher levels of violence among women who are members. These results, however, may be attributable to selection bias because members might differ from nonmembers in ways that make them more susceptible to violence to begin with. Using a sample of currently married women from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) (N = 4,195), we use propensity score matching (PSM) as a way of exploring selection bias in this relationship. Results suggest that the previously seen strong positive association between membership and violence does not hold when an appropriate comparison group, generated using PSM, is used in the analyses. Additional analyses also suggest that levels of violence do not differ significantly between members and nonmembers and instead could depend on context-specific factors related to poverty. Members for whom a match is not found report considerably higher levels of violence relative to nonmembers in the unmatched group. The background characteristics of members and nonmembers who do not match suggest that they are more likely to be younger and from relatively well-to-do households.
The Effect of School Quality on Black-White Health Differences: Evidence From Segregated Southern Schools
Authors: Frisvold David , Golberstein Ezra 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This study assesses the effect of black-white differences in school quality on black-white differences in health in later life resulting from the racial convergence in school quality for cohorts born between 1910 and 1950 in southern states with segregated schools. Using data from the 1984–2007 National Health Interview Surveys linked to race-specific data on school quality, we find that reductions in the black-white gap in school quality led to modest reductions in the black-white gap in disability.
Metabolic profiles in adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities
Authors: Moses L. , Katz N. , Weizman A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIntroductionLow levels of blood cholesterol have been found in some children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Psychotropic medications, commonly used by people with ASD and people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are frequently associated with altered metabolic profiles.PurposeWe aimed to compare metabolic features of adults with ASD or ID with those of a community-based population.Subjects and methodsData on blood fasting glucose (FBG), lipid profile, liver enzyme profile, TSH, BMI, medications and diagnoses of 80 adults with ASD, 77 adults with ID and 828 control adults were drawn from medical charts/database. Candidates that used glucose or lipid lowering medications were not included.ResultsTotal-cholesterol levels of people with ASD and ID were significantly lower than those of the controls (168.3 ± 32.78, 168.2 ± 32.91, 185.4 ± 40.49 mg/dL, respectively,P< 0.001) but after adjusting for gender, age and BMI and using Bonferroni correction, the significance was lost. Compared to controls, ASD and ID had significantly lower FBG (by –14.45 ± 1.81, –14.58 ± 1.54 mg/dl, respectively;P< 0.001 for both) and liver enzymes, despite using psychotropic medications.Discussion and conclusionIn contrast to other psychiatric patients receiving similar medications, people with ASD and ID have unaltered lipid profiles and lower glucose and liver enzyme levels compared to a community-based population.
Allelic variants in the zinc transporter-3 gene,SLC30A3, a candidate gene identified from gene expression studies, show gender-specific association with schizophrenia
Authors: Perez-Becerril C. , Morris A.G. , Mortimer A. , McKenna P.J. , de Belleroche J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPrevious microarray analysis of gene expression in frontal cortex showed differential expression of genes associated with synaptic function in schizophrenia compared to matched-controls in two independent cohorts. One of these genes validated in both cohorts,SLC30A3, which encodes the Zinc Transporter 3 (ZNT3), is localised to synaptic vesicles in glutamate synapses and known to be involved in cognitive function. In view of the robust depletion ofSLC30A3mRNA in two independent studies and the importance of this gene in cognitive function, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with schizophrenia could be detected in a UK case controlled schizophrenia cohort. Four SNPs were selected across this gene and genotyped in a cohort of cases and controls from East UK. We found significant associations with schizophrenia at the allelic (ORs: 1.51 to 1.57), genotype (ORs: 1.46 to 1.53) and haplotype level (P= 2.15 × 10−4). These associations proved to be gender-specific with significant effects of allele (ORs: 1.74 to 2.11), genotype (ORs: 1.78 to 2.14) and haplotype (P= 3.51 × 10−5) observed in female schizophrenia cases but not males, when split by gender. In conclusion, SNPs inSLC30A3showed a gender-specific association with schizophrenia in this East UK cohort, which merits further investigation in other population samples.
Stratigraphic evolution and source rock potential of a Lower Oligocene to Lower–Middle Miocene continental slope system, Hellenic Fold and Thrust Belt, Ionian Sea, northwest Greece
Authors: MARAVELIS A. , MAKRODIMITRAS G. , PASADAKIS N. , ZELILIDIS A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe Western flanks of the Hellenic Fold and Thrust Belt are similar to the nearby prolific Albanian oil and gas provinces, where commercial volumes of oil have been produced. The Lower Oligocene to Lower–Middle Miocene slope series at this part of the Hellenic Fold and Thrust Belt provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the anatomy and source rock potential of such a system from an outcrop perspective. Slope progradation is manifested as a vertical pattern exhibiting an increasing amount of sediment bypass upwards, which is interpreted as reflecting increasing gradient conditions. The palaeoflow trend exhibits a western direction during the Late Oligocene but since the Early Miocene has shifted to the East. The occurrence of reliable index species allowed us to recognize several nannoplankton biozones (NP23 to NN5). Organic geochemical data indicate that the containing organic matter is present in sufficient abundance and with good enough quality to be regarded as potential source rocks. The present Rock-Eval II pyrolytic yields and calculated values of hydrogen and oxygen indexes imply that the recent organic matter type is of type III kerogen. A terrestrial origin is suggested and is attributed to short transportation distance and accumulation at rather low water depth. The succession is immature with respect to oil generation and has not experienced high temperature during burial. However, its eastern down-slope equivalent deep-sea mudstone facies should be considered as good gas-prone source rocks onshore since they may have experienced higher thermal evolution. In addition, they may have improved organic geochemical parameters because there is no oxidization of the organic matter.
THE OBLIGATION TO REFRAIN FROM ASSISTING THE USE OF THE DEATH PENALTY
Authors: Malkani Bharat 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this paper, I assert that the prohibition on the death penalty brings with it an obligation on abolitionist States to refrain from assisting the use of the death penalty in retentionist States. By considering the law on complicity and State responsibility, the obligation to protect under international human rights law, and the practice of States, I argue that although there are jurisdictional issues and although the death penalty is not prohibited under general international law, an obligation to refrain from being complicit in the death penalty is developing in international law.