bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decimal numbers and safe interpretation of clinical pathology results
Authors: Sinnott Michael , Eley Robert , Steinle Vicki , Boyde Mary , Trenning Leanne , Dimeski Goce 
Published: September 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the understanding of decimal numbers by medical laboratory scientists, doctors and nurses.MethodsA Decimal Comparison Test determined the comprehension of decimals numbers. Additional questions sought the participants’ understanding of concentrations and reference ranges, and their preferences for the presentation of clinical pathology results.ResultsOf the 108 participants, 40% exhibited poor comprehension of decimal numbers. One-third of the medical laboratory scientists, a quarter of doctors, and half the nurses were characterised as lacking numeracy skills. The majority of participants (60%) thought it would be safer for results to be presented as whole numbers rather than as decimals with leading zeros.ConclusionsThe number of laboratory and clinical staff who show numeracy issues that could lead to misinterpretation of clinical pathology results and contribute to medical error strongly supports recommendations that pathology results should be presented as whole numbers.
Comparison of immune and health markers in intact and neonatally castrated male pigs
Authors: Merlot E. , Thomas F. , Prunier A. 
Published: September 2013

Stress and sex hormones are known to regulate immune function. Castration of male piglets is used to avoid boar taint in the meat, but its consequences on immunity and health of male pigs are poorly known. In this study, intact and neonatally surgically castrated male pigs (n=20 per group) were compared along puberty for some immune parameters and hormone receptor expression in lymphoid organs. Pigs were immunised with keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) at 113 and 133 days of age. Blood lymphocyte numbers and proliferation, immunoglobulin titres, haptoglobin and hormone levels at 89, 119 and 152 days and the mRNA expression of androgen, α‐oestrogen, glucocorticoid and β2‐adrenergic receptors in liver, spleen and thymus at 160 days were assessed. Blood lymphocyte numbers were lower (at 119 and 152 days) and total IgG and haptoglobin concentrations were higher (at 152 days) in castrated than intact males. The concanavalin A and KLH proliferation responses and anti‐KLH IgG titres were not altered. At slaughter, intact pigs presented a heavier thymus and a lower hepatic expression of β2‐adrenergic receptor. In conclusion, the effects of neonatal castration were moderate. Other studies are needed to clarify the possible detrimental outcomes of castration on lymphocyte numbers and thymic growth.
A Brief History of the Association of Asia Pacific Physical Societies (AAPPS)
Authors: Phua Kok Khoo 
Published: September 2013

As early as the 1970s, physicists in the Asia Pacific had held some meetings to discuss the possibility of strengthening regional collaboration. The areas of focus of these discussions were three-fold: 1) Organising regional physics meetings 2) Establishing a regional physical society 3) Setting up a regional research centre
Metamorphic constraints on the Caledonian Upper Allochthon of Central Norway: the Gula Complex staurolite–garnet–kyanite mica schist
Authors: Engvik Ane K. , Grenne Tor , Lutro Ole J. , Meyer Gurli B. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Petrological studies of staurolite–garnet–kyanite–biotite schist and garnet–muscovite schist of the Gula Complex, central Norway, provide constraints on metamorphic evolution during Scandian continent–continent collision, burial and exhumation of the Caledonian Upper Allochthon. The biotite schist contains conspicuous porphyroblasts of Fe-rich staurolite, garnet and kyanite, set in a fine-grained, well-foliated matrix of biotite, quartz, minor plagioclase and muscovite. The muscovite schist is fine- to medium-grained with a muscovite–quartz-dominated matrix, including garnet, biotite, minor plagioclase and clinozoisite. Pressure–temperature (
P
–
T
) modelling based on thermobarometric calculations and construction of
P
–
T
pseudo-sections illustrate that metamorphism reached 680 °C with pressures estimated up to 1.01±0.11 GPa. Retrogression and decompression are constrained by secondary mineral reactions: local replacement of kyanite to fibrous sillimanite indicates decompression below 0.7 GPa. Growth of foliation-parallel chlorite reflects cooling below 640 °C and the chlorite formation proceeded during cooling and decompression towards 550 °C and 0.4 GPa. The metamorphism is associated with a strong north–south-trending regional foliation, and retrogression and decompression apparently continued within the same strain regime. The
P
–
T
modelling shows that even small variations in whole-rock chemistry and
P–T
conditions can explain heterogeneity and significant shifts in mineralogy and modal concentration of the index minerals of metapelites.
Leptin‐Induced Endothelial Dysfunction Is Mediated by Sympathetic Nervous System Activity
Authors: Wang Jintao , Wang Hui , Luo Wei , Guo Chiao , Wang Julia , Chen Y. E. , Chang Lin , Eitzman Daniel T. 
Published: September 2013

Background
The adipocyte‐derived hormone leptin is elevated in obesity and may contribute to vascular risk associated with obesity. The mechanism(s) by which leptin affects vascular disease is unclear, although leptin has been shown to increase sympathetic activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of leptin treatment on endothelial function and the role of the local sympathetic nervous system in mediating these effects.

Methods and Results

Recombinant leptin was administered to C57BL6/J mice every other day for 1 week. Mesenteric arteriole myography revealed that leptin treatment caused significant impairment of endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation. Although leptin alone did not raise aortic blood pressure, leptin treatment augmented the blood pressure response to angiotensin II. The effects of leptin on mesenteric arteriolar function and aortic blood pressure response to angiotensin II were neutralized following sympathetic denervation to the mesenteric vasculature. The superoxide scavenger
TEMPOL
was also effective in preventing the effects of leptin on endothelial dysfunction.

Conclusions
Leptin causes endothelial dysfunction and enhances the effects of angiotensin II on blood pressure. These effects of leptin are mediated by sympathetic nervous system activation and superoxide and may contribute to vascular stiffness and hypertension in obesity.
The Composite Shape and Structure of Braid Patterns in Kelvin–Helmholtz Billows Observed with a Sodar
Authors: Lyulyukin Vasily , Kouznetsov Rostislav , Kallistratova Margarita 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe structure and dynamic characteristics of the Kelvin–Helmholtz billows (KHB), observed with a sodar in the stable atmospheric boundary layer, are studied by means of composite analysis, which consists in the averaging of samples selected according to certain criteria. Using a specific kind of this method allowed the authors to obtain the fine structure of the perturbation velocity fields from the sodar data. The events of most pronounced KHB were visually selected from echograms of continuous sodar measurements in the Moscow region over 2008–10. The composite patterns of KHB have been constructed for a few cases of clear inclined–stripes echogram patterns to derive a typical finescale structure of billows and a spatial distribution of wind speed and shear within them. The interconnection between echo intensity and wind shear variations within such patterns is shown. The typical distributions of velocity perturbation within various forms of billows are found.
Using SURFRAD to Verify the NOAA Single-Channel Land Surface Temperature Algorithm
Authors: Heidinger Andrew K. , Laszlo Istvan , Molling Christine C. , Tarpley Dan 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBecause of spectral shifts from instrument to instrument in the operational NOAA satellite imager longwave infrared channels, the NOAA/National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) has developed a single-channel land surface temperature (LST) algorithm based on the observed 11-μm radiances, numerical weather prediction data, and radiative transfer modeling that allows for consistent results from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-I/L (GOES-I/L), GOES-M–P, and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)/1 through 3 sensor versions. This approach is implemented in the real-time NESDIS processing systems [GOES Surface and Insolation Products (GSIP) and Clouds from AVHRR Extended (CLAVR-x)], and in the Pathfinder Atmospheres–Extended (PATMOS-x) climate dataset. An analysis of the PATMOS-x LST against that derived from the upwelling broadband longwave flux at each Surface Radiation Network (SURFRAD) site showed that biases in PATMOS-x were approximately 1 K or less. The standard deviations of the PATMOS-x minus SURFRAD LST biases are generally 2.5 K or less at all sites for all sensors. Using the PATMOS-x minus SURFRAD LST distributions to validate the PATMOS-x cloud detection, the PATMOS-x cloud probability of correct detection values were shown to meet the GOES-R specifications for all sites.
Assessment of Oncology Medical Records as per NABH Standards
Authors: Sinha Rajesh Kumar , Shenoy Nandana 
Published: September 2013

Background: A complete, accurate, adequate and timely medical documentation helps in reducing medical errors and serves as important medical–legal evidence. Objective: To evaluate Oncology Medical Records based on the National Accreditation Board of Hospitals Information Management System (NABH.IMS) and Patient Rights and Education (NABH.PRE) standards. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to assess the policies and procedures in relation to medical documentation against NABH.IMS 1–7 standards and NABH.PRE-3 Standards. A total of 520 discharged inpatient records were analyzed to understand the quality of medical documentation in practice. Results: The existing policies and procedures were found to be compliant with NABH.IMS and NABH.PRE standards. The analysis of medical records showed maximum compliance in Nurse’s records, Doctor’s order forms, Anaesthesia reports of Breast and Head & Neck Cancer and Radiotherapy Charts in Cervical Cancer. Conclusion: Overall documentation was found to be satisfactory as per the standards set by NABH. The study results revealed that the attention to compulsorily document patient clinical data in the respective forms of the medical records will enhance the completeness and accuracy of medical documentation of the hospital.
Spirituality and Resilience among Post-Graduate University Students
Authors: Gnanaprakash C. 
Published: September 2013

Spirituality relates more to personal search and personal growth, and to find greater meaning and ‘purpose of one’s existence’. Spirituality is believed to connect human beings with the powerful divine force that exists in the Universe. Likewise, it is also believed that spirituality plays a major role in coping with the life stressors. Coping is the process of managing and expending efforts to solve personal problems, and seeking to master, reduce or tolerate it. The aim of the study is to examine the existing relationship between spirituality and the ability to cope with stress among university post-graduate students. The sample for the study consisted of 100 university post-graduate students from various departments (50 men and 50 women) selected through the random sampling method. The examined research hypotheses are: ( a) there is a significant relationship between spirituality and stress coping ability among university students; ( b) there is a significant difference between men and women with regard to spirituality; and ( c) there is a significant difference between men and women with regard to stress-coping ability. In this study the spirituality level and coping ability for the sample were measured. The results reveal that students who have scored on spirituality are better able to cope with their stressors, are better able to adapt and have a positive outlook towards their problem situations.
Prospective Clarification of the Utility of the Palliative Prognostic Index for Patients With Advanced Cancer in the Home Care Setting
Authors: Hamano Jun , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Maeno Takami , Nagaoka Hiroka , Shima Yasuo , Maeno Tetsuhiro 
Published: September 2013

Aims: This study aimed to prospectively clarify the accuracy of the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) for advanced cancer patients in home care settings. Method: The study included 66 advanced cancer patients who received home visiting services between April 2010 and June 2012, and who died at home or in the hospital. Using medical records from initial home visits, we prospectively calculated PPI scores along with sensitivity and specificity. Results: For 3- and 6-week survival, prognostic prediction showed respective sensitivities of 60% and 70.6%, and specificities of 87.0% and 71.9%. Conclusion: The sensitivity of the PPI for advanced cancer patients in home care settings was lower than that reported for patients in palliative care units. Development of prognostic tools suitable for home care settings is needed.
Comparison of Extramedullary Versus Intramedullary Referencing for Tibial Component Alignment in Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Adams Samuel B. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Viens Nicholas A. , DeOrio James K. , Easley Mark E. , Queen Robin M. , Nunley James A. 
Published: September 2013

Background: The majority of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) systems use extramedullary alignment guides for tibial component placement. However, at least 1 system offers intramedullary referencing. In total knee arthroplasty, studies suggest that tibial component placement is more accurate with intramedullary referencing. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of extramedullary referencing with intramedullary referencing for tibial component placement in total ankle arthroplasty. Methods: The coronal and sagittal tibial component alignment was evaluated on the postoperative weight-bearing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of 236 consecutive fixed-bearing TAAs. Radiographs were measured blindly by 2 investigators. The postoperative alignment of the prosthesis was compared with the surgeon’s intended alignment in both planes. The accuracy of tibial component alignment was compared between the extramedullary and intramedullary referencing techniques using unpaired t tests. Interrater and intrarater reliabilities were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: Eighty-three tibial components placed with an extramedullary referencing technique were compared with 153 implants placed with an intramedullary referencing technique. The accuracy of the extramedullary referencing was within a mean of 1.5 ± 1.4 degrees and 4.1 ± 2.9 degrees in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. The accuracy of intramedullary referencing was within a mean of 1.4 ± 1.1 degrees and 2.5 ± 1.8 degrees in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. There was a significant difference ( P < .001) between the 2 techniques with respect to the sagittal plane alignment. Interrater ICCs for coronal and sagittal alignment were high (0.81 and 0.94, respectively). Intrarater ICCs for coronal and sagittal alignment were high for both investigators. Conclusions: Initial sagittal plane tibial component alignment was notably more accurate when intramedullary referencing was used. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of this difference on clinical outcomes and long-term survivability of the implants. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Prevalence of tobacco use among adults in Egypt, 2009
Authors: Fouad Heba , Awa Fatimah El , Naga Randa Abou El , Emam Awatef Hussien , Labib Sahar , Palipudi Krishna Mohan , Andes Linda J. , Asma Samira , Talley Brandon 
Published: September 2013

Introduction: We assessed the differences in overall use of tobacco and in the use of various tobacco products, by sex and by frequency of use across various demographic groups. Methods: We used data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), conducted in 2009 in Egypt. The data consist of answers to GATS by 20,924 respondents from a nationally representative, multistage probability sample of adults aged 15 years or older from all regions of Egypt. Current tobacco use was defined as current smoking or use of smokeless tobacco products, either daily or occasionally. We analyzed the differences in current cigarette, shisha, and smokeless tobacco use by sex and frequency of use (daily or occasional); and by demographic characteristics that included age, region, education level and employment status. Results: Overall, 19.7% of the Egyptian population currently use some form of tobacco. Men (38.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 36.8–39.4]) are much more likely than women (0.6% [95% CI 0.4–0.9]) to use tobacco. Almost 96% of men who use tobacco, do so daily. Men are more likely to use manufactured cigarettes (31.8% [95% CI 30.6–33.1]) than shisha (6.2% [95% CI 5.6–6.9]) or smokeless tobacco (4.1% [95% CI 3.4–4.8]). Few women use tobacco (cigarettes (0.2%), shisha (0.3%) and smokeless tobacco (0.3%)); however, all women who currently smoke shisha, do so daily. Lower educational status, being between ages 25–64 and being employed predicted a higher use of tobacco. Conclusion: Egypt has implemented several initiatives to reduce tobacco use. The World Health Organization (WHO) MPOWER technical package, which aims to reverse the tobacco epidemic, is implemented at various levels throughout the country. Our findings show that there is significant variation in the prevalence of tobacco use and types of tobacco used by adult men and women in Egypt. GATS data can be used to better understand comparative patterns of tobacco use by adults, which in turn can be used to develop interventions.
Exposure to secondhand smoke among adults – Philippines, 2009
Authors: Baquilod Marina M , Segarra Agnes B. , Barcenas Glen , Mercado Susan P. , Rarick James , Palipudi Krishna Mohan , Asma Samira , Andes Linda J. , Talley Brandon 
Published: September 2013

Introduction: We assessed the differences in exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) among adults at home, in indoor workplaces, and in various public places in the Philippines across various socio-demographic groups. Methods: Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey conducted in 2009 in the Philippines were used. The data consist of survey answers from 9705 respondents from a nationally representative, multistage probability sample of adults aged 15 years or older. We considered that respondents were exposed to SHS if during the previous 30 days they reported that they lived in a home, worked in a building, or visited a public place where people smoked. The public places included in our analysis were indoor workplaces, public transportation vehicles, restaurants, government buildings or offices, and healthcare facilities. The differences in various socioeconomic and demographic groups’ exposure to SHS in these places were also examined. Results: Of respondents who reported working indoors, 36.8% were exposed to SHS. Men (43.3% [95% CI 39.7–46.9]) were more likely than women (28.8% [95% CI 25.4–32.4]) to be exposed to SHS ( p < 0.001). Of those working in sites where smoking was not allowed, 13.9% were exposed to SHS, whereas 66.5% were exposed where smoking is allowed in some enclosed areas, and 90.7% were exposed where smoking is allowed everywhere. During the 30 days preceding the survey, more than 50% of those who took public transportation were exposed to SHS; exposure for those who visited public buildings was 33.6% in restaurants, 25.5% in government buildings or offices, and 7.6% in healthcare facilities. Conclusion: Despite a national law passed and several local government ordinances that have promulgated smoke-free workplaces, schools, government offices, and healthcare facilities, our findings show that a large proportion of adults were exposed to SHS at work and in public places, which offers opportunities to strengthen and improve enforcement of the smoke-free initiatives and ordinances in the Philippines.
Genome-wide analysis of small RNAs reveals eight fiber elongation-related and 257 novel microRNAs in elongating cotton fiber cells
Authors: Xue Wei , Wang Zhengming , Du Mingjian , Liu Yidi , Liu Jin-Yuan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and other types of small regulatory RNAs play critical roles in the regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level in plants. Cotton is one of the most economically important crops, but little is known about the roles of miRNAs during cotton fiber elongation.

Results
Here, we combined high-throughput sequencing with computational analysis to identify small RNAs (sRNAs) related to cotton fiber elongation in Gossypium hirsutum L. (G. hirsutum). The sequence analysis confirmed the expression of 79 known miRNA families in elongating fiber cells and identified 257 novel miRNAs, primarily derived from corresponding specific loci in the Gossypium raimondii Ulbr. (G. raimondii) genome. Furthermore, a comparison of the miRNAomes revealed that 46 miRNA families were differentially expressed throughout the elongation period. Importantly, the predicted and experimentally validated targets of eight miRNAs were associated with fiber elongation, with obvious functional relationships with calcium and auxin signal transduction, fatty acid metabolism, anthocyanin synthesis and the xylem tissue differentiation. Moreover, one tasiRNA was also identified, and its target, ARF4, was experimentally validated in vivo.

Conclusion
This study not only facilitated the discovery of 257 novel low-abundance miRNAs in elongating cotton fiber cells but also revealed a potential regulatory network of nine sRNAs important for fiber elongation. The identification and characterization of miRNAs in elongating cotton fiber cells might promote the further study of fiber miRNA regulation mechanisms and provide insight into the importance of miRNAs in cotton.