bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass-Flux Characteristics of Tropical Cumulus Clouds from Wind Profiler Observations at Darwin, Australia
Authors: Kumar Vickal V. , Jakob Christian , Protat Alain , Williams Christopher R. , May Peter T. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Cumulus parameterizations in weather and climate models frequently apply mass-flux schemes in their description of tropical convection. Mass flux constitutes the product of the fractional area covered by convection in a model grid box and the vertical velocity in cumulus clouds. However, vertical velocities are difficult to observe on GCM scales, making the evaluation of mass-flux schemes difficult. Here, the authors combine high-temporal-resolution observations of in-cloud vertical velocities derived from a pair of wind profilers over two wet seasons at Darwin with physical properties of precipitating clouds [cloud-top heights (CTH), convective–stratiform classification] derived from the Darwin C-band polarimetric radar to provide estimates of cumulus mass flux and its constituents. The length of this dataset allows for investigations of the contributions from different cumulus cloud types—namely, congestus, deep, and overshooting convection—to the overall mass flux and of the influence of large-scale conditions on mass flux. The authors found that mass flux was dominated by updrafts and, in particular, the updraft area fraction, with updraft vertical velocity playing a secondary role. The updraft vertical velocities peaked above 10 km where both the updraft area fractions and air densities were small, resulting in a marginal effect on mass-flux values. Downdraft area fractions are much smaller and velocities are much weaker than those in updrafts. The area fraction responded strongly to changes in midlevel large-scale vertical motion and convective inhibition (CIN). In contrast, changes in the lower-tropospheric relative humidity and convective available potential energy (CAPE) strongly modulate in-cloud vertical velocities but have moderate impacts on area fractions. Although average mass flux is found to increase with increasing CTH, it is the environmental conditions that seem to dictate the magnitude of mass flux produced by convection through a combination of effects on area fraction and velocity.
Visual Performance With Small Concave and Convex Displays
Authors: Mustonen Terhi , Kimmel Jyrki , Hakala Jussi , Häkkinen Jukka 
Published: February 2015

Objective: In this study, we aim to investigate how users’ visual performance with a small flexible display changes based on the direction (i.e., convex, concave) and the magnitude (i.e., low, high) of the display curvature. Background: Despite the wide interest in flexible display materials and deformable displays, the potential effects of nonplanar display surfaces on human perception and performance have received little attention. This study is the first to demonstrate how curving affects visual performance with an actual flexible display (4.5-in. active-matrix organic light-emitting diode). Method: In a series of three experiments, we compared the performance with a planar display to the performance with concave and convex display surfaces with low and high curvature magnitudes. Two visual search tasks were employed that required the subject to detect target letters based on their contrast (Experiments 1 and 2) and identity (Experiment 3). Performance was measured as the sensitivity of target detection ( d′) and threshold time of the search, respectively. Results: There were similar sensitivities for targets across the curvature variants, but the high-magnitude curvatures resulted in prolonged search times, especially for the convex form. In both of the tasks, performance was dependent on the display location, which was defined as the target’s distance from the display center. Conclusion: High curvature magnitudes should be avoided, even in small displays, because large local changes in visual stimuli decrease processing speed outside the central display. Application: The findings have implications for the development of technologies, applications, and user interfaces for flexible displays and the design of visual display devices.
Novel legislation for pediatric advance directives: Surveys and focus groups capture parent and clinician perspectives
Authors: Boss Renee D , Hutton Nancy , Griffin Pamela L , Wieczorek Beth H , Donohue Pamela K 
Published: February 2015

Background: Legislative measures increasingly require consideration of pediatric inpatients for Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. Aim: To explore pediatric clinicians’ experiences with life-sustaining treatments prior to the Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment mandate and to describe clinician and family concerns and preferences regarding pediatric Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. Design: Clinician surveys and clinician and parent focus groups. Setting/participants: Pediatric clinicians and parents from one of Maryland’s largest health systems. Results: Of 96 survey respondents, 72% were physicians and 28% were nurse practitioners. A total of 73% of physicians and 34% of nurse practitioners felt able to lead discussions about limiting therapies “most” or “all” of the time. A total of 75% of physicians and 37% of nurse practitioners led such a discussion in the prior year. A total of 55% of physicians and 96% of nurse practitioners had written no order to limit therapies in the past year. Only for children predicted to die within 30 days did >80% of clinicians agree that limitation discussions were warranted. A total of 100% of parent focus group participants, but 17% of physicians and 33% of nurse practitioners, thought that all pediatric inpatients warranted Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment discussions. Parents felt that universal Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment would decrease the stigma of limitation discussions. Participants believed that Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment would clarify decision making and increase utilization of palliative care. Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment communication skills training was recommended by all. Conclusion: A minority of clinicians, but all parents, support universal pediatric Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment. Immediately prior to the Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment mandate, many clinicians felt unprepared to lead limitation discussions, and few had written relevant orders in the prior year. Communication training is perceived essential to successful Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment conversations.
Quantitative Assessment of the Latarjet Procedure for Large Glenoid Defects by Computed Tomography
Authors: Moon Seong Cheol , Cho Nam Su , Rhee Yong Girl 
Published: February 2015

Background: Coracoid transfer to a large glenoid defect is considered an excellent method to restore the surface area of the anteroinferior glenoid. However, there is little quantitative evidence supporting whether a coracoid graft can sufficiently restore the glenoid arc. Purpose: To assess whether the Latarjet procedure can sufficiently restore the surface area of the glenoid. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 44 patients who underwent a Latarjet operation for a large glenoid defect between February 2009 and July 2011 were enrolled in this study. Three-dimensional computed tomography was used to calculate the surface areas of the preoperative glenoid defect size and the reconstructed glenoid. Preoperative and postoperative clinical results also were assessed. Results: At the last follow-up, the mean visual analog scale score for instability during motion improved significantly from 5.1 points (range, 3-10 points) preoperatively to 1.3 points (range, 0-4 points) ( P < .001). The mean deficit in external rotation at the side, external rotation at 90° of abduction, and internal rotation to the posterior were 10° ± 20°, 7° ± 16°, and 1.9° ± 4°, respectively ( P = .004, .022, and .009, respectively). The overall recurrence rate was 4.5% (2 of 44 shoulders). The mean preoperative glenoid defect size was 157 ± 38 mm2 (range, 141-239 mm2; 25.3% ± 6% of the intact glenoid surface). The mean surface area of the coracoid graft used for reconstruction was 152 ± 34 mm2 (range, 146-236 mm2; 24.8% ± 5% of the intact glenoid surface). After the Latarjet procedure, the mean surface area of the reconstructed glenoid was 706 ± 32 mm2 (range, 639-749 mm2). Finally, postoperative glenoid defect size was 5 ± 11 mm2 (range, 3-28 mm2; 1.5% ± 2% of the intact glenoid surface). Conclusion: The Latarjet procedure can provide satisfactory outcomes, including a low recurrence rate and reliable functional recovery. Defects at the anteroinferior glenoid were restored to nearly normal after coracoid transfer by use of the Latarjet procedure, which is an anatomically matched reconstruction.
Patient Satisfaction With Pharmacist-Led Chronic Disease State Management Programs
Authors: Schuessler Tyler J. , Ruisinger Janelle F. , Hare Sarah E. , Prohaska Emily S. , Melton Brittany L. 
Published: February 2015

Purpose: To assess patient satisfaction, perception of self-management, and perception of disease state knowledge with pharmacist-led diabetes and cardiovascular disease state management (DSM) programs. Methods: A self-insured chain of grocery store pharmacies in the Kansas City metropolitan area administers pharmacist-led diabetes and cardiovascular DSM programs for eligible employees and dependents. A modified version of the Diabetes Disease State Management Questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction with the DSM programs. Demographic information was also collected. Survey items were based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree). Patients were eligible to complete the survey if he or she had been in at least 1 DSM program for 6 months. Data were assessed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Results: Across 20 pharmacies, 281 eligible participants were identified, and 46% (n = 128) completed a survey. Means for summed items relating to overall satisfaction (8 items), self-management (5 items), and knowledge (4 items) were 36.6/40 (standard deviation [SD] = 3.9), 20.9/25 (SD = 3.4), and 17.6/20 (SD = 2.1), respectively. Participant comments further indicated that the program and pharmacists are helpful and increase motivation and accountability. Conclusions: Positive patient responses to the program support use of pharmacist-led DSM programs.
Exploring nurses' personal dignity, global self-esteem and work satisfaction
Authors: Sturm Bonnie A , Dellert Jane C 
Published: February 2015

Background: This study examines nurses’ perceptions of dignity in themselves and their work. Nurses commonly assert concern for human dignity as a component of the patients’ experience rather than as necessary in the nurses’ own lives or in the lives of others in the workplace. This study is exploratory and generates potential relationships for further study and theory generation in nursing. Research questions: What is the relationship between the construct nurses’ sense of dignity and global self-esteem, work satisfaction, and identified personal traits? Participants and research context: This cross-sectional correlation study used a stratified random sample of nurses which was obtained from a US University alumni list from 1965 to 2009 ( N = 133). Ethical considerations: University Institutional Review Board approval was achieved prior to mailing research questionnaire packets to participants. Participation was optional and numerical codes preserved confidentiality. Findings: Statistical results indicated a moderately strong association between the nurse’s sense of personal dignity and self-esteem ( rx = .62, p = .000) with areas of difference clarified and discussed. A positive but moderate association between nurses’ personal dignity and nurses’ work satisfaction ( rx = .37, p = .000) and a similar association between self-esteem and nurses’ work satisfaction ( rs = .29, p = .001) were found. A statistically significant difference was found ( F = 3.49 ( df = 4), p = .01) for dignity and categories of spiritual commitment and for nurses’ personal dignity when ratings of health status were compared ( F = 21.24 ( df = 4), p = .000). Discussion: Personal sense of dignity is discussed in relation to conceptual understandings of dignity (such as professional dignity) and suggests continued research in multiple cultural contexts. Conclusion: The relationships measured show that nurses’ sense of dignity has commonalities with self-esteem, workplace satisfaction, spiritual commitment, and health status; the meaning of the findings has ramifications for the welfare of nurses internationally.
Risk Factors and Coping Style Affect Health Outcomes in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Huang Chiung-Yu , Lai Hui-Ling , Lu Yung-Chuan , Chen Wen-Kuei , Chi Shu-Ching , Lu Chu-Yun , Chen Chun-I 
Published: February 2015

Objective: Most psychosocial interventions among individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) target depressive symptoms (DSs) rather than causal antecedents that lead to DSs or affect health-related quality of life (HrQoL). This research investigated a conceptual model of the effects of risk factors and coping styles on HrQoL and DSs in patients with T2DM. Method: A descriptive, correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 241 adults with T2DM aged ≥ 20 years recruited from a hospital metabolic outpatient department. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the modified Ways of Coping Checklist, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Short Form 36 Health Survey, and physiological examination. HbA1C was collected from participants’ medical records. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to analyze relationships among risk factors, mediators, and HrQoL. Results: Younger age, more education, and longer duration of diabetes predicted better physical quality of life. Duration of diabetes and three coping styles predicted DSs. Longer duration of diabetes and lower fasting glucose predicted better mental quality of life. Three coping styles acted as mediators between risk factors and health, that is, active and minimizing styles promoted positive outcomes, while avoidance promoted negative outcomes. Conclusions: This integrated model provides a holistic picture of how risk factors and coping style influence HrQoL and DSs in individuals with T2DM. Nurses could use active coping strategies in cognitive behavioral therapy to enhance glycemic control in patients with T2DM.
Balance Error Scoring System Performance in Children and Adolescents With No History of Concussion
Authors: Khanna Neil K. , Baumgartner Katherine , LaBella Cynthia R. 
Published: February 2015

Background: The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a useful means of measuring postural stability, which frequently exhibits deficits after a concussion. However, it has limited applicability for children since there is insufficient normative data available for the BESS in the pediatric population. The purposes of this study were to report scores for the BESS in children 10 to 17 years old with no history of concussion and to identify whether BESS score is correlated with age, sex, sports participation, height, weight, or body mass index. Hypothesis: Baseline BESS scores will be related to age and sports participation. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: One examiner recruited 100 participants 10 to 17 years old over a period of 4 months; performed all of the BESS tests; surveyed participants regarding age, sex, and sports participation; recorded participants’ heights and weights; and calculated body mass indices. Intrarater reliability was measured. The main outcome measures were total, firm, and foam surface BESS scores. We assessed data for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test and used the Spearman rank test to determine whether BESS scores correlated with sex, age, sports participation, height, weight, or body mass index. Results: There was no correlation between the BESS firm surface (5.37 ± 4.4), BESS foam surface (12.28 ± 4.43), or total surface scores (17.64 ± 7.52) and age, anthropometrics, or sports participation. Male and female subjects had similar scores except in the 10- to 13-year-old age group on the foam surface, where girls performed better than boys (10.42 ± 4.53 vs 13.07 ± 4.23; P = 0.02). Conclusion: Baseline BESS scores in children aged 10 to 17 years were normally distributed and were not related to age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, or sports participation. Clinical Relevance: These results provide a reference for clinicians using BESS to evaluate and manage children and teens with concussions.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori by carbon-13 urea breath test using a portable mass spectrometer
Authors: Sreekumar J , France N , Taylor S , Matthews T , Turner P , Bliss P , Brook Alan H , Watson AJM 
Published: February 2015

Context: In the non-invasive detection of markers of disease, mass spectrometry is able to detect small quantities of volatile markers in exhaled air. However, the problem of size, expense and immobility of conventional mass spectrometry equipment has restricted its use. Now, a smaller, less expensive, portable quadrupole mass spectrometer system has been developed. Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in the development of chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer. Objectives: To compare the results obtained from the presence of H. pylori by a carbon-13 urea test using a portable quadrupole mass spectrometer system with those from a fixed mass spectrometer in a hospital-based clinical trial. Methods: Following ethical approval, 45 patients attending a gastroenterology clinic at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital exhaled a breath sample into a Tedlar gas sampling bag. They then drank an orange juice containing urea radiolabelled with carbon and 30 min later gave a second breath sample. The carbon-13 content of both samples was measured using both quadrupole mass spectrometer systems. If the post-drink level exceeded the pre-drink level by 3% or more, a positive diagnosis for the presence of H. pylori was made. Results: The findings were compared to the results using conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometry using a laboratory-based magnetic sector instrument off-site. The results showed agreement in 39 of the 45 patients. Conclusions: This study suggests that a portable quadrupole mass spectrometer is a potential alternative to the conventional centralised testing equipment. Future development of the portable quadrupole mass spectrometer to reduce further its size and cost is indicated, together with further work to validate this new equipment and to enhance its use in mass spectrometry diagnosis of other medical conditions.
Chronoamperometric study of elemental sulphur (S) nanoparticles (NPs) in NaCl water solution: new methodology for S NPs sizing and detection
Authors: Bura-Nakić Elvira , Marguš Marija , Jurašin Darija , Milanović Ivana , Ciglenečki-Jušić Irena 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background
Elemental sulfur (S) persists in natural aquatic environment in a variety of forms with different size distributions from dissolved to particulate. Determination of S speciation mainly consists of the application of chromatographic and electrochemical techniques while its size determination is limited only to the application of microscopic and light scattering techniques. S biological and geochemical importance together with recent increases of S industrial applications requires the development of different analytical tools for S sizing and quantification. In recent years the use of electrochemical measurements as a direct, fast, and inexpensive technique for the different nanoparticles (NPs) characterization (Ag, Au, Pt) is increasing. In this work, electrochemical i.e. chronoamperometric measurements at the Hg electrode are performed for determination of the size distribution of the S NPs.

Results
S NPs were synthesized in aqueous medium by sodium polysulphide acidic hydrolysis. Chronoamperometric measurements reveal the polydisperse nature of the formed suspension of S NPs. The electrochemical results were compared with dynamic light scattering measurements parallel run in the same S NPs suspensions. The two methods show fairly good agreement, both suggesting a log-normal size distribution of the S NPs sizes characterized by similar parameters.

Conclusions
The preliminary results highlight the amperometric measurements as a promising tool for the size determination of the S NPs in the water environment.
Analgesia for Neuropathic Pain by Dorsal Root Ganglion Transplantation of Genetically Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Initial Results
Authors: Yu Hongwei , Fischer Gregory , Ebert Allison D , Wu Hsiang-En , Bai Xiaowen , Hogan Quinn H 
Published: February 2015

Background Cell-based therapy may hold promise for treatment of chronic pain. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are readily available and robust, and their secretion of therapeutic peptides can be enhanced by genetically engineering. We explored the analgesic potential of transplanting bone marrow-derived MSCs that have been transduced with lentivectors. To optimize efficacy and safety, primary sensory neurons were targeted by MSC injection into the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Results MSCs were transduced using lentivectors to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or to co-express the analgesic peptide glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and EGFP by a viral 2A bicistronic transgene cassette. Engineered MSCs were injected into the 4th lumbar (L4) and L5 DRGs of adult allogeneic rats to evaluate survival in the DRGs. MSCs were detected by immunofluorescence staining up to 2–3 weeks after injection, distributed in the extracellular matrix space without disrupting satellite glial cell apposition to sensory neurons, suggesting well-tolerated integration of engrafted MSCs into DRG tissue. To examine their potential for inhibiting development of neuropathic pain, MSCs were injected into the L4 and L5 DRGs ipsilateral to a spinal nerve ligation injury. Animals injected with GDNF-engineered MSCs showed moderate but significant reduction in mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia compared to controls implanted with MSCs expressing EGFP alone. We also observed diminished long-term survival of allografted MSCs at 3 weeks, and the development of a highly-proliferating population of MSCs in 12% of DRGs after transplantation. Conclusions These data indicate that genetically modified MSCs secreting analgesic peptides could potentially be developed as a novel DRG-targeted cell therapy for treating neuropathic pain. However, further work is needed to address the challenges of MSC survival and excess proliferation, possibly with trials of autologous MSCs, evaluation of clonally selected populations of MSCs, and investigation of regulation of MSC proliferation.