bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Michigan Prandtl System: An Instrument for Accurate Pressure Measurements in Convective Vortices
Authors: Halleaux Douglas G. , Sussman Jeffery M. , Rennó Nilton O. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article describes a Prandtl tube system developed at the University of Michigan to measure the static pressure, the total (or stagnation) pressure, and the velocity in flows whose direction and intensity change rapidly. The ever-changing wind vectors in convective vortices are a challenge for making accurate measurements on them. Accurate measurements of the static pressure are particularly problematic because they require the sensor air intake to be aligned perpendicular to the wind direction. This article describes calibrations and tests of the Michigan Prandtl System (MPS) and, in particular, the characterization of the errors in the static pressure measurements as a function of misalignments between the Prandtl tube and the wind vector. This article shows that the MPS measures the pressure with a relative error of 3.5% for wind flows whose direction is within about 10° of the MPS tube direction. It also shows that the MPS adjusts to changes in wind direction of 90° in about 1.5 s, the average rate of change expected in a typical dust devil of about 15 m of radius traveling at 10 m s−1 (Rennó et al.). Field tests indicate that misalignments between the MPS and the wind vector are usually smaller than ~30° during measurements in dust devils and that these misalignments always cause increases in the static pressure measured and decreases in the total pressure measured.
Comparing a Regional, Subcontinental, and Long-Range Lightning Location System over the Benelux and France
Authors: Poelman Dieter R. , Honoré Françoise , Anderson Graeme , Pedeboy Stéphane 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Increasing possibilities for using lightning data—for instance, in monitoring and tracking applications—necessitate proper spatial and temporal mapping of lightning events. It is therefore of importance to assess the capabilities and limitations of a ground-based lightning network of interest to locate electromagnetic signals emitted by lightning discharges. In this paper, data covering two storm seasons, between May and September 2011 and 2012, are used to compare the spatial and temporal lightning observations of three different lightning location systems over an area covering the Benelux and France. The lightning datasets from a regional network employing Surveillance et Alerte Foudre par Interférométrie Radioélectrique (SAFIR) sensors operated by the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMIB), a subcontinental network operated by Météorage (MTRG), and the Met Office's long-range Arrival Time Difference network (ATDnet) are considered. It is found that the median location difference among corresponding strokes and flashes between ATDnet and MTRG is 1.9 and 2.8 km, respectively, and increases by a factor of ~3 when comparing ATDnet and/or MTRG to SAFIR. The absolute mean time difference between shared events fluctuates between approximately 25 and 100 μs. Furthermore, lightning data are correlated in terms of relative detection efficiency, quantifying the number of detections that coincide between two different networks. The highest relative values are found among ATDnet and MTRG. In addition, a lower limit of ~25% of ATDnet's flashes are of type inter/intracloud. Finally, it is demonstrated that all three networks are competent in mapping the electrical activity in thunderstorms.
Estimation of serum neopterin in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Gurumurthy Prema , Borra Sai Krishna , Yeruva Rama Krishna Reddy , Babu Sai , Thomas Joy , Cherian Kotturathu Mammen 
Published: July 2013

Background: The aim of our study was to determine neopterin levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome, in which the release of various cytokines activates the cellular immune system. There is an increase in the number and activity of T-cells in unstable atherosclerotic plaques, and of type 1 helper T-cells that produce interferon γ, which in turn produces neopterin, a byproduct of the guanosine triphosphate-biopterin pathway and a marker for activated macrophages. Methods: We studied 600 subjects consisting of healthy volunteers and patients with noncardiac chest pain, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, or unstable angina. Neopterin levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Mean serum neopterin levels in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (11.5 ± 3.2 nmol·L−1), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (9.8 ± 2.9 nmol·L−1), and unstable angina patients (9.4 ± 2.3 nmol·L−1) were significantly higher than those in noncardiac chest pain patients (7.4 ± 1.9 nmol·L−1) and healthy volunteers (7.2 ± 0.6 nmol·L−1; p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that serum neopterin levels may be a useful marker of systemic inflammation, and measurement of serum neopterin may be helpful in assessing the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Modified constraint-induced movement therapy versus intensive bimanual training for children with hemiplegia – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deppe Wolfgang , Thuemmler Kerstin , Fleischer Judith , Berger Claudia , Meyer Susanne , Wiedemann Baerbel 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To clarify whether modified constraint-induced movement therapy provides greater improvement than intensive bimanual training both for motor functions and spontaneous use of the paretic arm and hand in everyday life activities. Design: Randomized controlled, single-blind trial. Setting: Inpatient paediatric rehabilitation clinic. Subjects: Forty-seven children with unilateral cerebral palsy or other non-progressive hemiplegia (aged 3.3–11.4 years) were randomly assigned to either a modified constraint-induced movement programme (kid-CIMT) or intensive bimanual training. Interventions: Patients in the kid-CIMT group received 60 hours of unilateral constraint-induced and 20 hours of bimanual training over four weeks. Patients in the bimanual treatment group received 80 hours of bimanual training over four weeks. Main outcome measures: Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function and Assisting Hand Assessment. Results: Modified constraint-induced therapy provided a significantly better outcome for isolated motor functions of the paretic arm than bimanual training (gain in Melbourne Assessment, percent score: 6.6 vs. 2.3, P= 0.033). Regarding spontaneous use both methods led to similar improvement (gain in Assisting Hand Assessment, percent score: 6.2 vs. 4.6, P= 0.579). More-disabled children showed greater improvement than less-disabled ones (correlation with Assisting Hand Assessment pretreatment score r = −0.40). Age did not affect treatment outcome. Conclusions: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy can improve isolated functions of the hemiplegic arm better than intensive bimanual training, but regarding spontaneous hand use in everyday life both methods lead to similar improvement. Improvements are generally greater in more impaired children. Age does not affect outcome.
Effects of a predefined mini-trampoline training programme on balance, mobility and activities of daily living after stroke: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Miklitsch Claudia , Krewer Carmen , Freivogel Susanna , Steube Diethard 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To investigate the effects of a predefined mini-trampoline therapy programme for increasing postural control, mobility and the ability to perform activities of daily living after stroke. Design: Randomized non-blinded controlled pilot study. Setting: Neurological rehabilitation hospital. Subjects: First-time stroke; age 18–80 years; independent standing ability for a minimum of 2 minutes. Intervention: Patients were randomized into two groups: the mini-trampoline group ( n = 20) received 10 sessions of balance training using the mini-trampoline over three weeks. The patients of the control group ( n =20) participated 10 times in a group balance training also over three weeks. Main measures: Postural control (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), mobility and gait endurance (timed ‘up and go’ test, TUG; 6-minute walk test, 6MWT) and the ability to perform activities of daily living (Barthel Index, BI). Measurements were undertaken prior to and after the intervention period. Results: Both groups were comparable before the study. The mini-trampoline group improved significantly more in the BBS ( P = 0.003) compared to the control group. Mean or median differences of both groups showed improvements in the TUG 10.12 seconds/7.23 seconds, the 6MWT 135 m/75 m and the BI 20 points/13 points for the mini-trampoline and control group, respectively. These outcome measurements did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: A predefined mini-trampoline training programme resulted in significantly increased postural control in stroke patients compared to balance training in a group. Although not statistically significant, the mini-trampoline training group showed increased improvement in mobility and activities of daily living. These differences could have been statistically significant if we had investigated more patients (i.e. a total sample of 84 patients for the TUG, 98 patients for the 6MWT, and 186 patients for the BI).
Experienced stigmatization reduced quality of life of patients with a neuromuscular disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: van der Beek Kyra M , Bos Isäac , Middel Berrie , Wynia Klaske 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To examine the influence of stigma on the quality of life of patients with a neuromuscular disease. Design: Cross-sectional postal survey. Setting: Outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands. Subjects: Patients diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease. Measures: The Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, the World Health Organization Quality of Life – abbreviated version questionnaires and some background and disease-related questions. The Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness was translated into Dutch according to international guidelines. The impact of stigma on quality of life was estimated using hierarchical multiple regression analysis after controlling for the extent of limitations and patient characteristics. Results: In total 235 patients (75% response rate) were diagnosed with neuromuscular disease and represented all four categories of the approximately 600 neuromuscular diseases. Most patients (86%) reported self stigma, while 64% reported to experience enacted stigma. Experienced quality of life was moderate to good. Stigma contributed to a unique and substantial extent to all domains of quality of life: explained variance for the impact of stigma on quality ranged from 0.13 (social relations) to 0.34 (physical functioning) for self stigma and from 0.09 (social relations) to 0.11 (physical and psychological health, and quality of the environment). Conclusion: Self stigma was a stronger predictor for poorer quality of life compared with enacted stigma. In other words: patients suffered more from shame and fear for discrimination (self stigma) than from the really experienced discrimination and exclusion (enacted stigma).
Applications of telecounselling in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: a systematic review with effect sizes
Authors: Dorstyn Diana , Mathias Jane , Denson Linley 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To investigate the short- and medium-term efficacy of counselling services provided remotely by telephone, video or internet, in managing mental health outcomes following spinal cord injury. Data sources: A search of electronic databases, critical reviews and published meta-analyses was conducted. Review methods: Seven independent studies ( N = 272 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of these studies utilized telephone-based counselling, with limited research examining psychological interventions delivered by videoconferencing ( Nstudy = 1) or online ( Nstudy = 1). Results: There is some evidence that telecounselling can significantly improve an individual’s management of common comorbidities following spinal cord injury, including pain and sleep difficulties ( d = 0.45). Medium-term treatment effects were difficult to evaluate, with very few studies providing these data, although participants have reported gains in quality of life 12 months after treatment ( d = 0.88). The main clinical advantages are time efficiency and consumer satisfaction. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for further evidence, particularly randomized controlled trials, to establish the benefits and clinical viability of telecounselling.
Correlation of MRI Grading of Bone Stress Injuries With Clinical Risk Factors and Return to Play
Authors: Nattiv Aurelia , Kennedy Gannon , Barrack Michelle T. , Abdelkerim Ashraf , Goolsby Marci A. , Arends Julie C. , Seeger Leanne L. 
Published: July 2013

Background: Bone stress injuries are common in track and field athletes. Knowledge of risk factors and correlation of these to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading could be helpful in determining recovery time. Purpose: To examine the relationships between MRI grading of bone stress injuries with clinical risk factors and time to return to sport in collegiate track and field athletes. Study Design: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 211 male and female collegiate track and field and cross-country athletes were followed prospectively through their competitive seasons. All athletes had preparticipation history, physical examination, and anthropometric measurements obtained annually. An additional questionnaire was completed regarding nutritional behaviors, menstrual patterns, and prior injuries, as well as a 3-day diet record. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed at baseline and each year of participation in the study. Athletes with clinical evidence of bone stress injuries had plain radiographs. If radiograph findings were negative, MRI was performed. Bone stress injuries were evaluated by 2 independent radiologists utilizing an MRI grading system. The MRI grading and risk factors were evaluated to identify predictors of time to return to sport. Results: Thirty-four of the athletes (12 men, 22 women) sustained 61 bone stress injuries during the 5-year study period. The mean prospective assessment for participants was 2.7 years. In the multiple regression model, MRI grade and total-body bone mineral density (BMD) emerged as significant and independent predictors of time to return to sport. Specifically, the higher the MRI grade ( P = .004) and lower the BMD ( P = .030), the longer the recovery time. Location of the bone injury at predominantly trabecular sites of the femoral neck, pubic bone, and sacrum was also associated with a prolonged time to return to sport. Female athletes with oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea had bone stress injuries of higher MRI grades compared with eumenorrheic athletes ( P = .009). Conclusion: Higher MRI grade, lower BMD, and skeletal sites of predominant trabecular bone structures were associated with a delayed recovery of bone stress injuries in track and field athletes. Knowledge of these risk factors, as well as nutritional and menstrual factors, can be clinically useful in determining injury severity and time to return to sport.
Pilot Study of Normal Development of Nipples during Pregnancy
Authors: Thanaboonyawat Isarin , Chanprapaph Pharuhas , Lattalapkul Jinda , Rongluen Saruttya 
Published: July 2013

Background: Numerous factors, both in the mother and in the infant, are involved in achieving breastfeeding. One maternal factor is normality of the nipples. However, no definition of normal nipple length or width or normal range and changes in pregnant women exists. Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate the change of nipple length and width and areola width during pregnancy in Thai women. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from March 2010 to July 2011. A total of 56 pregnant women with nipple length ≥ 7 mm on both sides were recruited for the study. All women were at 8 to 12 weeks of gestation. The patients were scheduled for nipple and areola measurements up to 9 times, depending on the routine antenatal care appointments and delivery date. Nipple length and width and areola width of all participants were consecutively evaluated in each prenatal visit. Results: The mean nipple length was 9.3 ± 1.5 mm at the first visit and significantly increased to 11.2 ± 1.8 mm by the time of the last visit ( P < .001). Similarly, the nipple width was 13.6 ± 1.8 mm in the first trimester and widened to 15.9 ± 2.3 mm at term ( P < .001). No differences of nipple length or width change were observed between both sides. The areola width of both sides considerably increased by 12.3 ± 6.1 mm during pregnancy ( P < .001). Conclusion: During pregnancy, nipple length and width as well as areola width increased significantly.
Adiponectin in coronary heart disease and newly diagnosed impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Azizi Ghanbari Aline , Dörr Rolf , Spitzer Stefan , Stumpf Juergen , Britz Andreas , Amann-Zalan Ildiko , Lodwig Volker , Ulm Bernhard , Schnell Oliver , Lohmann Tobias 
Published: July 2013

Objective: Adiponectin is produced by adipose tissue and regarded as protective hormone for diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD). Its role in heart failure is discussed controversially. Methods: In this study, 1015 consecutive patients admitted for acute ( n = 149) or elective ( n = 866) coronary angiography were enrolled. Patients with known diabetes mellitus (DM) were excluded. All patients were classified by oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and by the results of coronary angiography as no/minor coronary heart disease (CHD), single-vessel disease (1-VD), double-vessel disease (2-VD) or triple-vessel disease (3-VD), by New York Heart Association (NYHA) criteria and by echocardiography for heart failure. Adiponectin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured in all patients. Results: Adiponectin was higher in patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (13.65 ± 10.31 mg/l) compared to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (11.12 ± 7.5, p < 0.001) or diabetes (11.22 ± 7.63, p < 0.001). There was a stepwise decrease in adiponectin from no CHD (18.16 ± 12.49 mg/L) to minor CHD (16.01 ± 11.42) to 1-VD (12.18 ± 8.8, p < 0.001 to no/minor CHD) to 2- and 3-VD (10.68 ± 7.5, p < 0.001 to no/minor CHD, p = 0.004 to 1-VD). Patients with heart failure NYHA III (17.4 ± 10.27) had higher adiponectin levels compared to NYHA II (12.94 ± 9.41, p < 0.001 to NYHA III) and NYHA I (10.3 ± 7.75, p < 0.001 to NYHA III/II). In this line, adiponectin levels were positively correlated to NT-proBNP levels ( r = 0.303), and patients with ejection fraction (EF) < 50% had higher adiponectin levels than those with EF > 50% (14.96 ± 4.35 to 11.78 ± 3.71, p = 0.006). Conclusion: Adiponectin levels are inversely correlated to progressing CHD and glucose intolerance but positively correlated to increasing heart failure.
Impaired endothelium-dependent skin microvascular function during high-dose atorvastatin treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tehrani Sara , Mobarrez Fariborz , Lins Per-Eric , Adamson Ulf , Wallén Håkan N , Jörneskog Gun 
Published: July 2013

Aims: The present study investigated the effects of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin on skin microvascular function in patients with type 1 diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Methods: Twenty patients received daily treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg or placebo during 2 months in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over study. Forearm skin microcirculation was investigated with laser Doppler perfusion imaging during iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside to assess endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent microvascular reactivity, respectively. Various biochemical markers of endothelial function were also investigated. Results: Endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity decreased during atorvastatin ( p < 0.001), showing a significant treatment effect compared with placebo ( p = 0.04). Atorvastatin treatment was also associated with increased haemoglobin A1C levels from 7.45% to 7.77% ( p = 0.008). Conclusions: The present study shows impaired endothelium-dependent skin microvascular function during high-dose atorvastatin treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes, thus implicating a risk for deterioration of microvascular function during such therapy in these patients.
Pim2 is required for maintaining multiple myeloma cell growth through modulating TSC2 phosphorylation
Authors: Lu Jing , Zavorotinskaya Tatiana , Dai Yumin , Niu Xiao-Hong , Castillo Joseph , Sim Janet , Yu Jianjun , Wang Yingyun , Langowski John L. , Holash Jocelyn , Shannon Kevin , Garcia Pablo D. 
Published: July 2013

Key Points
Pim2 expression is highly elevated in multiple myeloma and is required for multiple myeloma proliferation. Pim2 phosphorylates TSC2 and modulates mTOR-C1 activity to promote multiple myeloma cell proliferation.
Some properties of the sequence space "Equation missing"
Authors: Işik Mahmut , Altin Yavuz , Et Mikail 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper we define the sequence space "Equation missing" on a seminormed complex linear space by using an Orlicz function. We give various properties and some inclusion relations on this space.

MSC:40A05, 40C05, 40D05.
Next generation sequencing of viral RNA genomes
Authors: Marston Denise A , McElhinney Lorraine M , Ellis Richard J , Horton Daniel L , Wise Emma L , Leech Stacey L , David Dan , de Lamballerie Xavier , Fooks Anthony R 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
With the advent of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, the ability to generate large amounts of sequence data has revolutionized the genomics field. Most RNA viruses have relatively small genomes in comparison to other organisms and as such, would appear to be an obvious success story for the use of NGS technologies. However, due to the relatively low abundance of viral RNA in relation to host RNA, RNA viruses have proved relatively difficult to sequence using NGS technologies. Here we detail a simple, robust methodology, without the use of ultra-centrifugation, filtration or viral enrichment protocols, to prepare RNA from diagnostic clinical tissue samples, cell monolayers and tissue culture supernatant, for subsequent sequencing on the Roche 454 platform.

Results
As representative RNA viruses, full genome sequence was successfully obtained from known lyssaviruses belonging to recognized species and a novel lyssavirus species using these protocols and assembling the reads using de novo algorithms. Furthermore, genome sequences were generated from considerably less than 200 ng RNA, indicating that manufacturers’ minimum template guidance is conservative. In addition to obtaining genome consensus sequence, a high proportion of SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) were identified in the majority of samples analyzed.

Conclusions
The approaches reported clearly facilitate successful full genome lyssavirus sequencing and can be universally applied to discovering and obtaining consensus genome sequences of RNA viruses from a variety of sources.