bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Range-Oversampling Processing on Tornado Velocity Signatures Obtained from WSR-88D Superresolution Data
Authors: Torres Sebastián M. , Curtis Christopher D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWSR-88D superresolution data are produced with finer range and azimuth sampling and improved azimuthal resolution as a result of a narrower effective antenna beamwidth. These characteristics afford improved detectability of weaker and more distant tornadoes by providing an enhancement of the tornadic vortex signature, which is characterized by a large low-level azimuthal Doppler velocity difference. The effective-beamwidth reduction in superresolution data is achieved by applying a tapered data window to the samples in the dwell time; thus, it comes at the expense of increased variances for all radar-variable estimates. One way to overcome this detrimental effect is through the use of range oversampling processing, which has the potential to reduce the variance of superresolution data to match that of legacy-resolution data without increasing the acquisition time. However, range-oversampling processing typically broadens the radar range weighting function and thus degrades the range resolution. In this work, simulated Doppler velocities for vortexlike fields are used to quantify the effects of range-oversampling processing on the velocity signature of tornadoes when using WSR-88D superresolution data. The analysis shows that the benefits of range-oversampling processing in terms of improved data quality should outweigh the relatively small degradation to the range resolution and thus contribute to the tornado warning decision process by improving forecaster confidence in the radar data.
Time–Space SST Variability in the Atlantic during 2013: Seasonal Cycle
Authors: Liu Liyan , Lozano Carlos , Iredell Dan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA 2-yr-long daily gridded field of sea surface temperature (SST) in the Atlantic centered for the year 2013 is projected onto orthogonal components: its mean, six harmonics of the year cycle, the slow-varying contribution, and the fast-varying contribution. The periodic function defined by the year harmonics, referred to here as the seasonal harmonic, contains most of the year variability in 2013. The seasonal harmonic is examined in its spatial and temporal distribution by describing the amplitude and phase of its maxima and minima, and other associated parameters. In the seasonal harmonic, the ratio of the duration of warming period to cooling period ranges from 0.2 to 2.0. There are also differences in the spatial patterns and dominance of the year harmonics—in general associated with regions with different insolation, oceanic, and atmospheric regimes. Empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of the seasonal harmonic allow for a succinct description of the seasonal evolution for the Atlantic and its subdomains. The decomposition can be applied to model output, allowing for a more incisive model validation and data assimilation. The decorrelation time scale of the rapidly varying signal is found to be nearly independent of the time of the year once four or more harmonics are used. The decomposition algorithm, here implemented for a single year cycle, can be applied to obtain a multiyear average of the seasonal harmonic.
A Review Over the Past 15 Years of the Management of the Internal Piriform Apex Sinus Tract of a Branchial Pouch Anomaly and Case Description
Authors: Josephson Gary D. , Black Kaelan 
Published: July 2015

Objectives: Literature review of treating the piriform apex sinus tract through microlaryngoscopy and a case description. Review Methods: Fourteen papers were identified in PubMed using the search criteria of piriform sinus fistula, microlaryngoscopic repair, and endoscopy. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Results: One hundred forty-five cases including ours were available for review, with 182 procedures. Sixty-two cases were male, 73 female, and 10 genders were not reported. Multiple treatment options were used, including electrocautery, chemocautery, mass excision, fibrin glue, lasers, suture closure, or combination of stated modalities. Of the 182 procedures, 147 procedures were performed endoscopically. There were 37 recurrences (25%). These patients either underwent a repeat endoscopic procedure or an open excision. One hundred and ten (75%) endoscopic procedures were successful. Conclusions: Piriform sinus tract anomalies often present as a mass and recurrent neck infections. This review reveals that treating the internal piriform sinus opening alone can be successful. This procedure has low morbidity, short operative time, and high success. We advocate this approach first with a combined open/laryngoscopic approach for failed cases. To our knowledge, our technique of CO2 laser ablation of the tract followed by suture closure has not been previously described. We believe this to be the first comprehensive review of this topic and the largest series of cases included in a single report.
Intraoperative Ultrasonography During Transoral Robotic Surgery
Authors: Clayburgh Daniel R. , Byrd J. Kenneth , Bonfili Jennifer , Duvvuri Umamaheswar 
Published: July 2015

Objective: This study describes the potential application of intraoperative ultrasound imaging during transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Methods: Ultrasound imaging was performed during transoral robotic resection of oropharyngeal tumors in 10 patients at a tertiary academic center. Ultrasound imaging was utilized to identify large-caliber vessels adjacent to the surgical site. Measurements were also taken on the ultrasound of tumor thickness to determine the deep margin. Following resection, the tumor was sectioned, and a gross measurement of the tumor thickness was obtained. Results: Intraoperative ultrasound use led to the identification of larger-caliber blood vessels within the operative field prior to encountering them visually. Ultrasound could also aid in defining deep tumor margins; the tumor thickness measured via ultrasound was found to be accurate within 1 to 2 mm of the grossly measured tumor thickness. This allowed for focused, careful dissection to protect and avoid blood vessels during dissection as well as improved tumor resection. Conclusions: The use of intraoperative ultrasound provides additional information to the head and neck surgeon during TORS. This may be used to identify blood vessels and assess tumor margins, thereby improving the safety and efficacy of TORS.
Detrimental Effect of Repeated and Single Subacromial Corticosteroid Injections on the Intact and Injured Rotator Cuff
Authors: Maman Eran , Yehuda Chaim , Pritsch Tamir , Morag Guy , Brosh Tamar , Sharfman Zachary , Dolkart Oleg 
Published: July 2015

Background: The effect of corticosteroids on tendons is poorly understood, and current data are insufficient and conflicting. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of corticosteroid injections on intact and injured rotator cuffs (RCs) through biomechanical and radiographic analyses in a rat model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 70 rats were assigned to 7 groups. Uninjured rats (no tear) received either a single saline injection, a single methylprednisolone acetate (MTA) injection, or triple MTA injections. Injured rats (unilateral supraspinatus injury) received either a single saline injection, triple saline injections, a single MTA injection, or triple MTA injections (injections were subacromial; repeat injections were administered weekly). Rats were sacrificed 1 week after final injection. Shoulders were harvested and grossly inspected, and the supraspinatus tendon was evaluated biomechanically. Bone density at the tendon insertion site on the greater tuberosity was assessed by micro–computed tomography. Results: Intact RCs exposed to triple MTA injections had significantly decreased maximal load and stiffness compared with the control group (14.43 vs 21.25 N and 8.21 vs 16.6 N/mm, respectively; P < .05). Injured RCs exposed to steroid treatment had significantly lower maximal load (single saline: 10.91 N, single steroid: 8.43 N [ P < .05]; triple control: 15.77 N, triple steroid: 11.65 N [ P < .05]) compared with the control at 3 weeks. Greater tuberosity volume density and connectivity density were significantly lower in undamaged rats after triple MTA injection ( P < .05). Conclusion: The study results clearly showed that repeated doses of corticosteroids significantly weaken rat RC and negatively affect bone quality in addition to possibly causing deterioration of the osteotendinous junction. However, data retrieved from animals must be scrupulously analyzed before extrapolation to humans. As such, the potential benefits and harms of subacromial corticosteroid treatment must be considered before administration. Clinical Relevance: The potential benefit and detrimental effects of corticosteroid injection should be thoroughly considered before it is administered subacromially in patients with RC injuries.
In vitro differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells into insulin-producing 3D spheroids
Authors: Okere Bernard , Alviano Francesco , Costa Roberta , Quaglino Daniela , Ricci Francesca , Dominici Massimo , Paolucci Paolo , Bonsi Laura , Iughetti Lorenzo 
Published: July 2015

Regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy may represent the solution for the treatment of non-curable human diseases such as type 1 diabetes. In this context of growing demand for functional and safe stem cells, human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) from term placenta have attracted increasing interest for their wide availability, stem cell properties, and differentiation plasticity, which make them a promising tool for stem cell-based therapeutic applications. We initially assayed the stemness characteristics of hAECs in serum-free conditions. Subsequently we developed a culture procedure on extracellular matrix for the formation of three-dimensional (3D) spheroids. Finally, we tested the immunomodulation and differentiation potential of hAEC spheroids: the presence of pancreatic endocrine hormones was revealed with transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence analyses; the release of C-peptide in hyperglycemic conditions was assayed with ELISA. The serum-free culture conditions we applied proved to maintain the basic stemness characteristics of hAECs. We also demonstrated that 3D spheroids formed by hAECs in extracellular matrix can be induced to differentiate into insulin-producing cells. Finally, we proved that control and induced cells equally inhibit the proliferation of activated mononuclear cells. The results of this study highlight the properties of amnion derived epithelial cells as promising and abundant source for cell-based therapies. In particular we are the first group to show the in vitro pancreatic induction of hAECs cultured on extracellular matrix in a 3D fashion. We accordingly propose the outcomes of this study as a novel contribution to the development of future cell replacement therapies involving placenta-derived cells.
Evaluation of resistance to low pH and bile salts of human Lactobacillus spp. isolates
Authors: Fuochi Virginia , Petronio Giulio Petronio , Lissandrello Edmondo , Furneri Pio Maria 
Published: July 2015

There are nearly 100 trillion bacteria in the intestine that together form the intestinal microbiota. They are ‘good’ bacteria because they help to maintain a physiological balance and are called probiotics. Probiotics must have some important characteristics: be safe for humans, be resistant to the low pH in the stomach, as well as bile salts and pancreatic juice. Indeed, their survival is the most important factor, so that they can arrive alive in the intestine and are able to form colonies, at least temporarily. The aim of our study was the evaluation of resistance of Lactobacillus isolates from fecal and oral swabs compared to that found in a commercial product. Seven strains were randomly chosen: L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. salivarius, L. fermentum, L. rhamnosus, L. crispatus, and L. delbrueckii. We observed a large variability in the results: L. gasseri and L. fermentum were the most resistance to low pH, while only L. gasseri showed the best survival rate to bile salts. Interestingly, the commercial product did not show tolerance to both low pH and bile salts.
Gender, union leadership and collective bargaining: Brazil and South Africa
Authors: Ledwith Sue , Munakamwe Janet 
Published: July 2015

AbstractLinks between gender politics and leadership in trade unions and how these impact collective bargaining gender agendas are explored in this study of trade unionism in Brazil and South Africa. What the International Trade Union Confederation and others refer to as ‘unexplained’ gender pay gaps are discussed in relation to the absence of women in the collective bargaining process. This examination draws on research in both countries and concludes that gender leadership gaps and gender pay gaps are related.
Contribution of Lateral Column Lengthening to Correction of Forefoot Abduction in Stage IIb Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity Reconstruction
Authors: Chan Jeremy Y. , Greenfield Stephen T. , Soukup Dylan S. , Do Huong T. , Deland Jonathan T. , Ellis Scott J. 
Published: July 2015

Background: Correction of forefoot abduction in stage IIb adult acquired flatfoot likely depends on the amount of lateral column lengthening (LCL) performed, although this represents only one aspect of a successful reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between common reconstructive variables and the observed change in forefoot abduction. Methods: Forty-one patients who underwent flatfoot reconstruction involving an Evans-type LCL were assessed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the foot at a minimum of 40 weeks (mean, 2 years) after surgery were reviewed to determine correction in forefoot abduction as measured by talonavicular coverage (TNC) angle, talonavicular uncoverage percent, talus–first metatarsal (T-1MT) angle, and lateral incongruency angle. Fourteen demographic and intraoperative variables were evaluated for association with change in forefoot abduction including age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, as well as the amount of LCL and medializing calcaneal osteotomy performed, LCL graft type, Cotton osteotomy, first tarsometatarsal fusion, flexor digitorum longus transfer, spring ligament repair, gastrocnemius recession and any one of the modified McBride/Akin/Silver procedures. Results: Two variables significantly affected the change in lateral incongruency angle. These were weight ( P = .04) and the amount of LCL performed ( P < .001). No variables were associated with the change in TNC angle, talonavicular uncoverage percent, or T-1MT angle. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that LCL was the only significant predictor of the change in lateral incongruency angle. The final regression model for LCL showed a good fit ( R2 = 0.70, P < .001). Each millimeter of LCL corresponded to a 6.8-degree change in lateral incongruency angle. Conclusion: Correction of forefoot abduction in flatfoot reconstruction was primarily determined by the LCL procedure and could be modeled linearly. We believe that the lateral incongruency angle can serve as a valuable preoperative measurement to help surgeons titrate the proper amount of correction performed intraoperatively. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Characterization of the renal renin-angiotensin system in transgenic mice that express rat tonin
Authors: Ribeiro Amanda A , Palomino Zaira , Lima Mércia P , Souza Leandro E , Ferreira Daniele S , Pesquero João B , Irigoyen Maria C , Pesquero Jorge L , Casarini Dulce E 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Tonin is an enzyme that is able to generate angiotensin II (Ang II) from angiotensin I (Ang I) or directly from angiotensinogen. Our goal was to characterize the renal renin-angiotensin system in transgenic mice that express rat tonin (TGM`(rTon)). Materials and methods: Mice were euthanized and the kidneys removed for analysis. Tonin activity was evaluated by radioimmunoassay and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity by HPLC. Tonin, ACE and angiotensin II-converting enzyme (ACE2) expression was analyzed by Western blotting. Results: Tonin activity was significantly increased in TGM`(rTon) compared to their respective wild-type (WT) littermates (1.7 ± 0.21 vs 0.11 ± 0.02 nmol of Ang II/min/mg of protein). Tonin activity had a strong positive correlation with tonin expression in both TGM`(rTon) and their respective wild-type littermates. The ACE activity and expression levels of 65-kDa N-domain angiotensin I-converting enzyme isoform were significantly increased in the TGM`(rTon) when compared with WT. ACE2 expression levels were statistically significantly higher in the TGM`(rTon) when compared with WT. Angiotensin 1–7 (Ang(1–7)) and Ang I levels were significantly lower in the TGM`(rTon). Conclusions: We suggest that the environment of tonin abundance may increase N-domain ACE activity liberated by a secretase able to cleave somatic ACE.
Heterogeneous cytogenetic subgroups and outcomes in childhood acute megakaryoblastic leukemia: a retrospective international study
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Zhou Yinmei , Abla Oussama , Adachi Souichi , Auvrignon Anne , Beverloo H. Berna , de Bont Eveline , Chang Tai-Tsung , Creutzig Ursula , Dworzak Michael , Elitzur Sarah , Fynn Alcira , Forestier Erik , Hasle Henrik , Liang Der-Cherng , Lee Vincent , Locatelli Franco , Masetti Riccardo , De Moerloose Barbara , Reinhardt Dirk , Rodriguez Laura , Van Roy Nadine , Shen Shuhong , Taga Takashi , Tomizawa Daisuke , Yeoh Allen E. J. , Zimmermann Martin , Raimondi Susana C. 
Published: July 2015

Key Points
AMKL patients in 2000 to 2009 had better survival than those in 1989 to 1999, but outcomes for patients in 2000 to 2004 and 2005 to 2009 were comparable. Heterogeneous cytogenetic groups can be classified into good, intermediate, and poor risk on the basis of prognosis.
von Willebrand factor propeptide: biology and clinical utility
Authors: Haberichter Sandra L. 
Published: July 2015

Abstractvon Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large multimeric glycoprotein that mediates the attachment of platelets to damaged endothelium and also serves as the carrier protein for coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), protecting it from proteolytic degradation. Quantitative or qualitative defects in VWF result in von Willebrand disease (VWD), a common inherited bleeding disorder. VWF is synthesized with a very large propeptide (VWFpp) that is critical for intracellular processing of VWF. VWFpp actively participates in the process of VWF multimerization and is essential for trafficking of VWF to the regulated storage pathway. Mutations identified within VWFpp in VWD patients are associated with altered VWF structure and function. The assay of plasma VWFpp has clinical utility in assessing acute and chronic vascular perturbation associated with diseases such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, sepsis, and diabetes among others. VWFpp assay also has clear utility in the diagnosis of VWD subtypes, particularly in discriminating true type 3 subjects from type 1C (reduced plasma survival of VWF), which is clinically important and has implications for therapeutic treatment.
Effect of Anatase Synthesis on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Sánchez-García Mario Alberto , Bokhimi Xim , Maldonado-Álvarez Arturo , Jiménez-González Antonio Esteban 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAnatase nanoparticles were synthesized from a titanium isopropoxide solution using a hydrothermal process at different pressures in an autoclave system while keeping the volume of the solution constant. As the autoclave pressure was increased from 1 to 71 atm (23 to 210 °C), the crystal size in the nanoparticles increased from 9 to 13.8 nm. The anatase nanoparticles were used to build dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Mesoporous films of this oxide were deposited over conducting SnO2:F substrates using the screen-printing technique and then annealed at 530 °C at 1 atm of air pressure. The morphology of the mesoporous film surface of anatase, studied using scanning electron microscopy, revealed that the crystal size and pore distribution were functions of the pressure conditions. The energy band gap of the films as a function of the crystal size exhibited quantum effects below 11.8 nm. The effects of the anatase synthesis conditions and properties of the mesoporous film on the DSSC-type solar cell parameters, η%,VOC,JSC, and FF, were also investigated: the mesoporous anatase films prepared at 200 °C (54 atm of pressure in the autoclave) and annealed at 530 °C in air generated the best solar cell, having the highest conversion efficiency.
Gathering and processing energy consumption data from public educational buildings over IPv6
Authors: Koumoutsos Kostas , Kretsis Aristotelis , Kokkinos Panagiotis , Varvarigos Emmanouel A , Nikolopoulos Vassilis , Gkioxi Eirini , Zafeiropoulos Anastatios 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Background
Reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in order to address climate change requires behavioral changes by the citizens, who will have to adopt more environmentally friendly and energy-saving practices.

Methods
We present a system and corresponding practices for gathering energy consumption data from public school buildings over the Internet, processing them to identify hidden correlations and produce actionable advice and presenting the results in real-time to its occupants over the Web. We describe the metering infrastructure installed at schools for energy consumption monitoring and the related actions carried out in order to motivate local school communities towards an environmentally friendly behavior. The introduction of IPv6 was found to be a key enabling technology for setting up such a system in a simple, secure, and efficient way.

Results
The proposed system and processes are put under test in a pilot installation composed of about 50 IPv6-enabled schools of the Greek School Network (GSN). These are also combined with appropriate educational and social engagement tools. In this way, energy consumption, operating costs, and greenhouse effects can be reduced in the area of educational and public administration buildings in general. Thus, people become almost instantly aware of the energy and environmental implications of their actions, which motivates them towards behavioral changes and the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.

Conclusions
The pilot provides a good example of collaboration between the ICT sector, the smart building and automation vendors, and the public authorities.
Inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its role in cardiovascular disease and lung cancer
Authors: King Paul T 
Published: July 2015

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by lung inflammation that persists after smoking cessation. This inflammation is heterogeneous but the key inflammatory cell types involved are macrophages, neutrophils and T cells. Other lung cells may also produce inflammatory mediators, particularly the epithelial cells. The main inflammatory mediators include tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin‐1, interleukin‐6, reactive oxygen species and proteases. COPD is also associated with systemic inflammation and there is a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (particularly coronary artery disease) and lung cancer in patients with COPD. There is strong associative evidence that the inflammatory cells/mediators in COPD are also relevant to the development of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. There are a large number of potential inhibitors of inflammation in COPD that may well have beneficial effects for these comorbidities. This is a not well‐understood area and there is a requirement for more definitive clinical and mechanistic studies to define the relationship between the inflammatory process of COPD and cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.