bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of heat transfer in a triple-glazing type window at greek climate conditions
Authors: Vrachopoulos Michalis , Koukou Maria , Filos George , Moraitis Christos 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHeat loss through building windows has a major effect on the energy efficiency of the buildings. The window studied in this paper is a triple-glazing type window pane in which spaces contain dry air. The window is placed in a specially developed test chamber at the Energy and Environmental Research Laboratory of Central Greece University of Applied Sciences at Chalkida. At one side of the test chamber variable temperature environment for different temperature waving scenarios (20–30°C, 25–35°C, 20–35°C) adequate for Greek climate and at the other side steady constant temperature environment (20°C, 25°C) representing indoors conditions were created. Glass surface temperatures at both sides of the tested window pane and heat flux through it were measured. For triple-glazing thermal transmittance calculation a model of equations in visual basic was developed which accounts for the equations of conduction, convection and radiation in every layer of window pane. A sufficient agreement between the experimental results and the results of the model is noticed.
Model of nitrogen management on farms specializing in livestock production
Authors: Szymańska Magdalena , Szara Ewa , Korc Marian , Labętowicz Jan 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the efficiency of agricultural production and selected parameters of farms and data describing the flow of nutrients on the farms. An analysis model was developed for nitrogen management on farms specializing in livestock production. The study was conducted on 20 farms located in 12 municipalities of the Mazowieckie province in central Poland in 2009.2012. The model was developed using multiple linear regression analysis in accordance with the backward stepwise method. Based on the regression analysis, the farm parameters that did not determine the dependent variable were eliminated. In the end, there were 10 independent variables included in the model. The model indicates that the efficiency of nitrogen management, expressed in cereal units per 1 kg of nitrogen (CU·kg-1 N), is significantly affected by: crop rotation, the demand for purchasing animal feed, the intensity of livestock production, the nitrogen content of farmyard manure, the nitrogen doses applied in mineral and natural fertilizers, and nitrogen outflow from farms with the sale of plant and animal products. The developed model explains 70% of the variation in the coefficient of efficiency expressed in cereal units per 1 kg N.
Aktywność Składników Chemicznych Gleby Lekkiej i Ciężkiej w Syrii po Zastosowaniu Miejskich Osadów Ściekowych z Deir ez Zor / The Activity of Chemical Components of Light and Heavy Soil in Syria After Use of Municipal Sewage Sludge from Deir Ez Zor City
Authors: Wojcieszczuk Teresa , Hammal Othman , Malinowski Ryszard , Wojcieszczuk Marta , Chorągwicki Łukasz 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
In the bi-factor experience (I-st factor . municipal sewage sludge dose: I . 0; II . 10; III . 20; IV . 30 t×ha.1; II . nd factor . texture: A . light soil, B . heavy soil) was examined for the influence of municipal sewage sludge from Deir the Ez the Zor City in Syria on solubility of chemical components in water, in the conditions of Syria climate. The results of conducted investigations did not prove in appointed proprieties a positive change of light and heavy soil. The salinity of soil grew independently from applied dose sewage sludge, it did not change significantly the organic carbon amount, but concentration and dissolubility, for example Zn, Pb and Na, in both soils grew.
Silica: A lung carcinogen
Authors: Steenland Kyle , Ward Elizabeth 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSilica has been known to cause silicosis for centuries, and evidence that silica causes lung cancer has accumulated over the last several decades. This article highlights 3 important developments in understanding the health effects of silica and preventing illness and death from silica exposure at work. First, recent epidemiologic studies have provided new information about silica and lung cancer. This includes detailed exposure‐response data, thereby enabling the quantitative risk assessment needed for regulation. New studies have also shown that excess lung mortality occurs in silica‐exposed workers who do not have silicosis and who do not smoke. Second, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recently proposed a new rule lowering the permissible occupational limit for silica. There are approximately 2 million US workers currently exposed to silica. Risk assessments estimate that lowering occupational exposure limits from the current to the proposed standard will reduce silicosis and lung cancer mortality to approximately one‐half of the rates predicted under the current standard. Third, low‐dose computed tomography scanning has now been proven to be an effective screening method for lung cancer. For clinicians, asking about occupational history to determine if silica exposure has occurred is recommended. If such exposure has occurred, extra attention might be given to the early detection of silicosis and lung cancer, as well as extra emphasis on quitting smoking. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:63–69. © 2013 American Cancer Society, Inc.
Systematic revision ofPlatantherain the Azorean archipelago: not one but three species, including arguably Europe’s rarest orchid
Authors: Bateman Richard M. , Rudall Paula J. , Moura Mónica 
Published: December 2013

Background and Aims.The Macaronesian islands represent an excellent crucible for exploring speciation. This dominantly phenotypic study complements a separate genotypic study, together designed to identify and circumscribePlatantheraspecies (butterfly-orchids) on the Azores, and to determine their geographic origin(s) and underlying speciation mechanism(s).Methods.216 individuals ofPlatantherafrom 30 Azorean localities spanning all nine Azorean islands were measured for 38 morphological characters, supported by light and scanning electron microscopy of selected flowers. They are compared through detailed multivariate and univariate analyses with four widespread continental European relatives in theP. bifolia-chloranthaaggregate, represented by 154 plants from 25 populations, and with the highly misleading original taxonomic descriptions. Physiographic and ecological data were also recorded for each study population.Key Results.Despite limited genetic divergence, detailed phenotypic survey reveals not one or two but three discrete endemic species ofPlatantherathat are readily distinguished using several characters, most floral:P. pollostantha(newly named, formerlyP. micrantha) occupies the widest range of habitats and altitudes and occurs on all nine islands;P. micrantha(formerlyP. azorica) occurs on eight islands but is restricted to small, scattered populations in laurisilva scrub; the trueP. azoricaappears confined to a single volcanigenic ridge on the central island of São Jorge.Conclusions.Although hybridity seems low, the excess of phenotypic over genotypic divergence suggests comparatively recent speciation. The most probable of several credible scenarios is that AzoreanPlatantheras represent a single migration to the archipelago of airborne seed from ancestral population(s) located in southwest Europe rather than North America, originating from within theP. bifolia-chloranthaaggregate. We hypothesise that an initial anagenetic speciation event, aided by the founder effect, was followed by the independent origins of at least one of the two rarer endemic species from within the first-formed endemic species, via a cladogenetic speciation process that involved radical shifts in floral development, considerable phenotypic convergence, and increased mycorrhizal specificity. The recent amalgamation by IUCN of AzoreanPlatantherasinto a single putative species on their Red List urgently requires overruling, as (a)P. azoricais arguably Europe’s rarestbona fideorchid species and (b) the almost equally rareP. micranthais one of the best indicators of semi-natural laurisilva habitats remaining on the Azores. Both species are threatened by habitat destruction and invasive alien plants. These orchids constitute a model system that illustrates the general advantages of circumscribing species by prioritising field-based over herbarium-based morphological approaches.
Influence of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation on the monsoon rainfall and carbon balance of the American tropics
Authors: Parsons Luke A. , Yin Jianjun , Overpeck Jonathan T. , Stouffer Ronald J. , Malyshev Sergey 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe examine the response of the American Tropics to changes in Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) strength using a set of water‐hosing experiments with an Earth system model that explicitly simulates the global and regional carbon cycle. We find that a moderate weakening (27%) of the AMOC, induced by a 0.1 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) freshwater addition in the northern North Atlantic, drives small but statistically significant drying in the South American monsoon region. By contrast, a complete shutdown of the AMOC, induced by a 1.0 Sv freshwater addition, acts to considerably shift the ITCZ southward, which changes the seasonal cycle of precipitation over Amazonia. Our results indicate that AMOC weakening can have a significant impact on the terrestrial primary productivity and carbon storage of the American Tropics.
Atmospheric tides in the low‐latitude E and F regions and their responses to a sudden stratospheric warming event in January 2010
Authors: Gong Yun , Zhou Qihou , Zhang Shaodong 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAn extensive analysis of atmospheric tides in the low‐latitude thermosphere and their responses to a major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event (18–23 January 2010) is presented. The analysis is based on observational data from the Arecibo dual‐beam incoherent scatter radar. Important findings of the present study are as follows. (1) The diurnal tide with an evanescent phase structure dominates the F region meridional wind field. The diurnal tide has a peak amplitude of 45 m/s occurring at about 245 km, and it is very stable throughout the nine consecutive days' observation. Below 114 km, the vertical structures of the diurnal tide in the meridional and zonal components are consistent, which resemble the classical solar S1, 1 tidal mode. (2) The F region semidiurnal tide is much weaker and has larger day‐to‐day variability than the diurnal tide. In the E region, the semidiurnal amplitudes in the meridional and zonal components grow continuously in the altitude ranges from 106 to 121 km and from 100 to 115 km, respectively. The vertical wavelength of the zonal component is estimated to be 45 km above 100 km, which is close to the solar S2, 4 and S2, 5 tidal modes. (3) The semidiurnal and terdiurnal tides respond strongly to the SSW while the impact that the SSW has on the diurnal tide in the meridional wind is limited. During the SSW event, the amplitudes of the semidiurnal and terdiurnal tides are enhanced in the F region but reduced in the upper E region.
Burden of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Employment and Work Productivity: Data From a Large Cohort in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Drenkard Cristina , Bao Gaobin , Dennis Greg , Kan Hong J. , Jhingran Priti M. , Molta Charles T. , Lim S. Sam 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the burden of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on work loss, unemployment, and work productivity impairment in an SLE cohort from the southeastern US.MethodsWe examined 689 SLE patients ages 18–64 years from the Georgians Organized Against Lupus (GOAL) cohort. GOAL is a longitudinal cohort predominantly derived from the Georgia Lupus Registry, a population‐based registry established in metropolitan Atlanta. We used the Kaplan‐Meier method to assess the proportion of patients who self‐reported work loss since diagnosis. We compared unemployment between SLE patients and the general population from the same geographic area, calculating the standardized unemployment ratio (SUR) within demographic and disease strata. We also calculated the percentage of work productivity impairment by disease outcomes.ResultsOf 511 patients employed at diagnosis, 249 (49%) experienced work loss within an average disease duration of 13 years. The proportion of patients who lost their jobs since diagnosis was almost twice for African Americans than for whites. However, the SURs were similar across demographic characteristics, including race. Patients with severe disease activity and severe organ damage had the highest SUR at 4.4 and 5.6, respectively. Among those that remained employed, patients with severe fatigue, neurocognitive symptoms, and musculoskeletal symptoms had the highest impairment of work productivity.ConclusionSLE imposes a substantial toll on individuals and burden on society. Major factors that negatively impact work outcomes are fatigue, disease activity, and organ damage. More effective treatments along with coping strategies at the workplace are needed to reduce the burden of SLE on work outcomes.
Validation of Relapse Risk Biomarkers for Routine Use in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Rothmund Friederike , Gerss Joachim , Ruperto Nicolino , Däbritz Jan , Wittkowski Helmut , Frosch Michael , Wulffraat Nico M. , Wedderburn Lucy R. , Holzinger Dirk , Gohar Faekah , Vastert Sebastiaan J. , Brik Riva , Job Deslandre Chantal , Melo‐Gomes Jose Antonio , Saad Magalhães Claudia , Barcellona Roberto , Russo Ricardo , Gattorno Marco , Martini Alberto , Roth Johannes , Foell Dirk ,   for the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation (PRINTO)
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe myeloid‐related proteins 8 and 14 (MRP‐8/MRP‐14) and neutrophil‐derived S100A12 are biomarkers of inflammation. They can be used to determine the relapse risk in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) after stopping antiinflammatory treatment. In this study, we tested the performance of different enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in order to validate systems available for routine use.MethodsMRP‐8/MRP‐14 and S100A12 serum concentrations of 188 JIA patients in remission were analyzed. Commercially available test systems were compared to experimental ELISAs established in house. The ability of the assays to identify JIA patients at risk for relapse was analyzed.ResultsFor MRP‐8/MRP‐14, the PhiCal Calprotectin and Bühlmann MRP8/14 Calprotectin ELISAs revealed hazard ratios of 2.3 and 2.1, respectively. For S100A12, the CircuLex S100A12/EN‐RAGE ELISA revealed a hazard ratio of 3.1. The commercial assays allowed a JIA relapse prediction that was at least comparable to the experimental ELISAs.ConclusionFor the prediction of JIA relapse after stopping medication, the biomarkers MRP‐8/MRP‐14 and S100A12 can be determined by using assays that are available for routine use. The tested commercial MRP‐8/MRP‐14 and S100A12 ELISAs showed a performance comparable to well‐established experimental ELISA protocols when assay‐specific cutoffs for the indication of relapse prediction are thoroughly applied.
Impact of Psychological Factors on Subjective Disease Activity Assessments in Patients With Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Cordingley Lis , Prajapati Rita , Plant Darren , Maskell Deborah , Morgan Catharine , Ali Faisal R. , Morgan Ann W. , Wilson Anthony G. , Isaacs John D. ,   the Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics and Genomics Study Syndicate (BRAGGSS), Barton Anne 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), used to assess disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is a composite score comprising clinical, biochemical, and patient self‐report measures. We hypothesized that psychological factors (cognitions and mood) would be more strongly associated with patient‐reported components of the DAS28 than clinical or biochemical components.MethodsA cross‐sectional, observational study of 322 RA patients with active disease (mean DAS28 6.0) awaiting therapy with a biologic agent was undertaken. Patients' illness beliefs, treatment beliefs, and mood were measured using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ), the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. Relationships between psychological factors and 1) total DAS28 and 2) individual components of the DAS28 were analyzed using linear regression.ResultsTotal DAS28 produced significant but weak associations with 2 of the Brief IPQ items, but no associations with BMQ or HADS scores. There were larger significant associations between the patient‐reported visual analog scale (VAS) with 5 items of the Brief IPQ and with HADS depression. Low illness coherence was associated with higher tender joint count. Three Brief IPQ items and HADS anxiety scores were significantly associated with C‐reactive protein level or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. No psychological factors were associated with the swollen joint count.ConclusionOne of the subjective components of the DAS28, patient VAS, was highly correlated with cognitive factors and depression in those with severe RA. By reporting individual DAS28 components, clinicians may be better able to assess the impact of therapies on each component, adjusting approaches according to patients' needs.
Are Older Adults Missing From Low Back Pain Clinical Trials? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Paeck Tatjana , Ferreira Manuela L. , Sun Clive , Lin Chung‐Wei Christine , Tiedemann Anne , Maher Chris G. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThere is evidence to suggest that older adults are underrepresented in randomized controlled trials of health interventions. The aim of this review was to systematically examine the age‐related inclusion criteria distribution of participants in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of low back pain (LBP) interventions and to investigate if this distribution pattern changes over time.MethodsWe identified, in PubMed, 1,047 RCTs on nonspecific LBP published since 1992, of which a random sample of 400 was assessed for inclusion in the review. Included studies were grouped according to treatment type. Data were extracted on year of publication, types of treatment, total number of participants, age inclusion criteria, and age of included participants.ResultsA total of 274 RCTs published between 1992 and 2010 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 41.6% (n = 114) of the included trials excluded people ages >65 years. The pooled mean age of participants was 44.3 years (95% confidence interval 42.4–46.3); the pooled minimum age for inclusion was 19.8 years and the pooled maximum age for inclusion was 65.4 years. We found no trend of including older participants in RCTs on LBP over time.ConclusionDespite an aging population around the globe, older adults are largely excluded from RCTs evaluating management of LBP, and there is no evidence of change in this practice over the last 2 decades.
Patients' Willingness to Trade Off Between the Duration and Frequency of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments
Authors: Poulos Christine , Hauber A. Brett , González Juan Marcos , Turpcu Adam 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveBiologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) vary widely in both the time required to administer treatment and treatment frequency. This study aimed to quantify the rate at which RA patients are willing to trade off between the time required to administer treatment (duration) and treatment frequency.MethodsRespondents with a self‐reported physician diagnosis of moderate to severe RA completed an online discrete choice experiment survey (also known as conjoint analysis). Respondents were presented with a series of treatment‐choice questions. Each hypothetical treatment included 6 attributes: response rate, mode of administration, treatment duration, treatment frequency, and the risks of immediate mild and serious treatment reactions. Preference weights, also called marginal utilities or relative importances, were estimated using mixed‐logit methods and then used to calculate the marginal rates of substitution between attributes, including treatment duration and treatment frequency.ResultsAmong the 901 respondents, 505 were in the RA Information, Service, and Education group (www.risesupport.com) and 396 were members of an online panel. The marginal utility of changes in treatment features was largest for a 1‐hour change in treatment duration, while a 1‐unit change in the annual frequency of treatment was the second least important change. The marginal utility of changes in annual treatment frequency depends on the treatment duration and vice versa.ConclusionRespondents would accept treatments with lower efficacy and greater risk to achieve lower duration and frequency. Previous studies have linked patient preferences to treatment adherence, suggesting that reductions in duration or frequency could improve adherence and health outcomes.
Brief communication: Emergence chronology of permanent teeth in Nigerian children
Authors: Oziegbe Elizabeth O. , Esan Temitope A. , Oyedele Titus A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThis study measured the mean age, duration, and sequence of the emergence of permanent dentition in Nigerian children and compared the findings with other population groups. The cross‐sectional study involved 1,078 Nigerian children, aged 4–16 years old, from selected primary and secondary schools in the Ife Central local government area in Ile‐Ife, Osun State. In general, compared to boys, girls had an earlier mean age of emergence of all the permanent teeth. Children from high socioeconomic class had an earlier mean age of emergence for the maxillary incisors (6.43 and 7.58 years) and mandibular incisors (5.28 and 6.44 years) compared to children from middle and low socioeconomic classes, although socioeconomic effects were more mixed for premolars and molars. Compared to their counterparts in the USA, Australia, Belgium, and Iran, Nigerian children showed an earlier mean age of emergence of all the permanent teeth studied except for Pakistani boys, who had an earlier mean age of emergence of the maxillary premolars and second molar. Poorer economic status has been associated with delayed dental development; however, when compared to other populations, the Nigerian children in this study have earlier mean emergence ages than children from wealthier countries such as the USA and Australia. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:506–511, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.