bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transsphenoidal surgery using a high definition video telescope for pituitary adenomas in dogs with pituitary dependent hypercortisolism: Methods and results
Authors: Mamelak Adam N. , Owen Tina Jo , Bruyette David 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo (1) establish a technique for transsphenoidal removal of pituitary adenomas in dogs with pituitary dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) using a high definition video telescope, and (2) report initial outcomes.Study DesignProspective case series.AnimalsDogs with pituitary dependent hypercortisolism (PDH; n = 26) with suprasellar masses.MethodsPituitary tumors were removed using a modification of a transoral transsphenoidal approach. Surgery was observed using a high definition video telescope (VITOM™) and localization of the sella was performed by drilling pilot holes in the basisphenoid bone followed by computed tomography (CT).ResultsDogs had PDH confirmed by urinary cortisol to creatinine ratio (UCCR) and endogenous ACTH assays, and tumors confirmed by MRI. There were no postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks, wound dehiscence, or surgical site infections. Overall postoperative mortality was 19% with no mortality observed in the last 16 dogs, indicating an initial “learning curve” followed by good surgical results. All dogs that survived the immediate postoperative period (1 week) returned to their owners in good health, on hormonal replacement therapy. Follow‐up ranged from 3 to 36 months. Sustained tumor control and hormonal remission based on normalized ACTH and UCCR measurements were observed in 20/21 (95%) dogs at 1‐year follow‐up.ConclusionsModifications of a trans‐oral transsphenoidal technique for surgical removal of pituitary tumors provides a safe and effective strategy for long‐term remission of PDH with acceptable morbidity and mortality.
Plate fixation for management of plantar instability of the distal tarsus/proximal metatarsus in 5 horses
Authors: McCormick Justin D. , Watkins Jeff 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo report plate fixation for management of traumatic injuries resulting in plantar instability of the proximal intertarsal (PIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints.Study DesignCase series.Materials and MethodsMedical records (October 1988 to August 2007) of horses that had internal fixation of the distal aspect of the tarsus were reviewed. Horses that had a broad dynamic compression plate (DCP) or broad locking compression plate (LCP) applied on the plantar‐lateral aspect of the tarsus extending from the proximal calcaneus to the proximal one third of the metatarsus were included. Signalment, clinical signs, radiographic findings, time to surgery, implant type, postoperative management and complications were recorded. Long‐term (>1 year) outcome was obtained for 4 horses.ResultsFive horses were treated, 4 had DCP fixation and 1 had LCP fixation. Subluxation of the proximal intertarsal joint was treated in 3 horses and 2 horses had fractures of the distal tarsal bones or proximal aspect of the metatarsus. Perioperative complications included peroneus tertius rupture (2 horses) and postoperative infection.1 Four horses were discharged and 1 year after surgery were considered sound at pasture; 3 horses were sound enough for limited riding.ConclusionsPlate fixation provides adequate strength and stability for successful management of injuries that result in plantar instability of the tarsus and proximal metatarsus.
Perspectives of Employees with Intellectual Disabilities on Themes Relevant to Their Job Satisfaction. An Explorative Study using Photovoice
Authors: Akkerman Alma , Janssen Cees G. C. , Kef Sabina , Meininger Herman P. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThis study explored the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities on themes relevant to their job satisfaction in integrated and sheltered employment.MethodThe photovoice method was used. Nine participants with moderate to mild intellectual disabilities, working in integrated and sheltered employment, took pictures of aspects related to their job satisfaction. Each participant was subsequently interviewed about his/her pictures. Interview transcripts were content analysed to distinguish themes.ResultsNine themes were found: the nature of the work itself, working conditions, experienced job demands, social relations at work, received support, perceived autonomy, opportunities for using competencies, opportunities for growth and development and meaningfulness. All themes were applicable in integrated and sheltered employment.ConclusionsFrom the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities, various themes relate to their job satisfaction, either in positive or negative ways. Photovoice appeared to be a valuable approach, facilitating participants in expressing their views and providing in‐depth information.
Acute polyarthritis immediately after kidney transplantation: A medication‐induced rheumatoid arthritis flare?
Authors: Brumby Catherine , Huang Louis , Lee Darren , McMahon Lawrence 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA patient with known steroid‐dependent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) developed an acute symmetrical polyarthropathy of small and medium‐sized joints associated with markedly elevated inflammatory markers suggestive of RA flare, on day 4 after deceased‐donor renal transplantation. The patient received standard induction immunosuppression with methylprednisolone and basiliximab, and had commenced prednisolone, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Serological investigations and joint aspirate to exclude infective causes and crystal arthropathy were unremarkable. High‐dose prednisolone (50 mg daily) resulted in partial but unsustained symptomatic improvement. On suspicion of a medication‐related adverse event, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil were changed to cyclosporine A and azathioprine on day 16. This was followed by rapid improvement in symptoms and normalization of inflammatory markers. Unexpected sequelae in the early post‐transplantation period create diagnostic and management challenges. Medication‐related adverse events are not uncommon, and we speculate in this case on the potential for medication‐induced immune system dysregulation stimulating disease activity in a chronic autoimmune condition after introduction of new immunosuppressants.
A cluster randomised controlled trial evaluating an incentive‐based outdoor physical activity programme to increase outdoor time and prevent myopia in children
Authors: Ngo Cheryl S. , Pan Chen‐Wei , Finkelstein Eric A. , Lee Chun‐Fan , Wong Inez B. , Ong Julia , Ang Marcus , Wong Tien‐Yin , Saw Seang‐Mei 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate an incentive‐based intervention to increase time spent outdoors among children in a 9‐month cluster randomised controlled trial.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty‐five children aged 6–12 years of age were randomised to the intervention (n = 147) or control arm (n = 138) in the Family incentive trial (FIT). The FIT intervention comprised of targeted education on myopia and good eye care habits, structured weekend outdoor activities and incentives for children to increase their daily steps via pedometers. The main outcome measure was outdoor time, measured by the WHO questionnaire and a 1‐week diary.ResultsInterim analysis at 6 months showed a significant increase in mean outdoor time per week in the intervention arm (14.75 h week−1) compared to the control arm (12.40 h week−1) as measured by the questionnaire (p = 0.04). However, greater outdoor time was not statistically significant at the end of the trial (15.95 h week−1 vs 14.34 h in the control group (p = 0.29).ConclusionsThere was an increase in outdoor time for children in the incentive‐based physical activity outdoor program after 6 months but not at the end of the trial. Further larger school trials with better compliance with the intervention and longer duration could be conducted to evaluate clinical outcomes such as myopic shifts.
Frontal alpha asymmetry and sexually motivated states
Authors: Prause Nicole , Staley Cameron , Roberts Verena 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAnterior alpha asymmetry of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals has been suggested to index state approach (or avoidance) motivation. This model has not yet been extended to high approach‐motivation sexual stimuli, which may represent an important model of reward system function. Sixty‐five participants viewed a neutral and a sexually motivating film while theirEEGwas recorded, and reported their sexual feelings after each film. Greater alpha power in the left hemisphere during sexually motivated states was evident. A positive relationship between self‐reported mental sexual arousal and alpha asymmetry was identified, where coherence between these indicators was higher in women. Notably, coherence was stronger when mental versus physical sexual arousal was rated. Alpha asymmetry appears to offer a new method for further examining this novel coherence pattern across men and women.
Strong Consistency of Reduced K‐means Clustering
Authors: Terada Yoshikazu 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTReduced k‐means clustering is a method for clustering objects in a low‐dimensional subspace. The advantage of this method is that both clustering of objects and low‐dimensional subspace reflecting the cluster structure are simultaneously obtained. In this paper, the relationship between conventional k‐means clustering and reduced k‐means clustering is discussed. Conditions ensuring almost sure convergence of the estimator of reduced k‐means clustering as unboundedly increasing sample size have been presented. The results for a more general model considering conventional k‐means clustering and reduced k‐means clustering are provided in this paper. Moreover, a consistent selection of the numbers of clusters and dimensions is described.
Extra Credit: Bank Finance and Firm Export Status in Germany
Authors: Goldbach Stefan , Nitsch Volker 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper estimates the exporter premium in bank lending. We examine credit relationships in Germany, covering all loans of more than 1.5 million euro over the period from 2005 to 2010. Having controlled for a wide range of other firm and bank characteristics, our results indicate that exporting firms take out loans around 15 per cent larger than those of non‐exporters.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CONTRALATERAL BONES OF THE HUMAN LOWER LIMBS: A MULTISCALE INVESTIGATION
Authors: CRISTOFOLINI LUCA , BALEANI MASSIMILIANO , SCHILEO ENRICO , VAN SINT JAN SERGE , JUSZCZYK MATEUSZ MARIA , ÖHMAN CAROLINE , ZWIERZAK IWONA , LEFÈVRE PHILIPPE , JUSZCZYK JAN MARIA , VICECONTI MARCO 
Published: January 2014

This study addressed side asymmetry between human lower limb long bones.A multiscale approach was taken to investigate differences between contralateral femurs, tibias and fibulas, at body-level (total-body CT-scans, anatomical dissection), organ-level (volume and moments of areas; structural stiffness and strain distribution in bending and torsions) and tissue-level (mineral density, elastic modulus, hardness).Because of the large amount of measurements taken, the study was limited to two donors. However, high statistical power within the same donor was achieved thanks to a large number of highly-repeatable measurements. Muscle cross-sections suggested that both donors were right-legged. The right bones had higher structural stiffness (up to +115%, statistically significant, except for the tibia). The right bones also experienced generally lower strain than the contralateral ones (up to -25%, statistically significant). The right bones had larger volume (up to +16%) and moments of area (up to +116%, statistically significant in most cases) than the left ones. Difference in tissue density between contralateral bones (< 7%) was not statistically significant in most cases. Also the differences found in elastic modulus of the femur cortical tissue (2–5%) were not statistically significant. Similarly, tissue hardness in the right bones was only marginally higher than in the contralateral ones (+1% to +4%, not statistically significant). Therefore, it seems that structural differences between contralateral bones associated with laterality are mainly explained by differences in bone quantity (volume) and organization (area moments). Bone tissue quality (density, hardness) seems to give a marginal contribution to structural side asymmetry.
Aggregated Ratio Analysis in DEA
Authors: Zha Yong , Liang Liang 
Published: January 2014

DEA and ratio analysis are commonly viewed as alternatively effective tools in assessing the performance of different DMUs. Many researches have been developed to reveal their inherent relationship and to explore the integration of both methods as well. In this paper, we first question Theorem 1 by Wu et al. (International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making 4(3) (2005) 369–384) and illustrate a counter example to show the nonequivalence between the aggregated ratio model they proposed and CCR model. The errors which existed in its proof are also indicated. Further, an improved aggregated ratio model is established to better comprehend the inner relationship between the two methods. We demonstrate its equivalence to traditional CCR model, and propose an inference that the observed DMU is ratio efficient if and only if it is CCR efficient. Numerical analysis carefully describes the nontrivial difference between the proposed model and that by Wu et al. (International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making 4(3) (2005) 369–384), and validates the feasibility of our model.
Unique Characteristics of the Pyrrolysine System in the 7th Order of Methanogens: Implications for the Evolution of a Genetic Code Expansion Cassette
Authors: Borrel Guillaume , Gaci Nadia , Peyret Pierre , O'Toole Paul W. , Gribaldo Simonetta , Brugère Jean-François 
Published: January 2014

Pyrrolysine (Pyl), the 22nd proteogenic amino acid, was restricted until recently to few organisms. Its translational use necessitates the presence of enzymes for synthesizing it from lysine, a dedicated amber stop codon suppressor tRNA, and a specific amino-acyl tRNA synthetase. The three genomes of the recently proposed Thermoplasmata-related 7th order of methanogens contain the complete genetic set for Pyl synthesis and its translational use. Here, we have analyzed the genomic features of the Pyl-coding system in these three genomes with those previously known fromBacteriaandArchaeaand analyzed the phylogeny of each component. This shows unique peculiarities, notably anamber  tRNAPylwith an imperfect anticodon stem and a shortenedtRNAPylsynthetase. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that a Pyl-coding system was present in the ancestor of the seventh order of methanogens and appears more closely related to Bacteria than to Methanosarcinaceae, suggesting the involvement of lateral gene transfer in the spreading of pyrrolysine between the two prokaryotic domains. We propose that the Pyl-coding system likely emerged once in Archaea, in a hydrogenotrophic and methanol-H2-dependent methylotrophic methanogen. The close relationship between methanogenesis and the Pyl system provides a possible example of expansion of a still evolving genetic code, shaped by metabolic requirements.Corrigendum to “Unique Characteristics of the Pyrrolysine System in the 7th Order of Methanogens: Implications for the Evolution of a Genetic Code Expansion Cassette”
Numerical Simulations of Sheared Conditionally Unstable Flows over a Mountain Ridge
Authors: Miglietta Mario Marcello , Rotunno Richard 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In two recent papers, the authors performed numerical simulations with a three-dimensional, explicitly cloud-resolving model for a uniform wind flowing past a bell-shaped ridge and using an idealized unstable (Weisman–Klemp) sounding with prescribed values of the relevant parameters. More recently, some observed cases of orographically forced wind profiles were analyzed, showing that, in order to reproduce larger rainfall rates, it was necessary to initialize the sounding with low-level flow toward the mountain with weak flow aloft (as observed). Additional experiments using the Weisman–Klemp sounding, but with nonuniform wind profiles, are performed here to identify the conditions in which the presence of a low-level cross-mountain flow together with calm flow aloft may increase the rain rates in conditionally unstable flows over the orography. The sensitivity of the solutions to the wind speed at the bottom and the top of a shear layer and the effect of different mountain widths and heights are systematically analyzed herein.
Large rainfall rates are obtained when the cold pool, caused by the evaporative cooling of rain from precipitating convective clouds, remains quasi stationary upstream of the mountain peak. This condition occurs when the cold-pool propagation is approximately countered by the environmental wind. The large precipitation amounts can be attributed to weak upper-level flow, which favors stronger updrafts and upright convective cells, and to the ground-relative stationarity of the cells. This solution feature is produced with ambient wind shear within a narrow region of the parameter space explored here and does not occur in the numerical solutions obtained in the authors’ previous studies with uniform wind profiles.
How Variable Is the Uncertainty in ENSO Sea Surface Temperature Prediction?
Authors: Kumar Arun , Hu Zeng-Zhen 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The magnitude of seasonal predictability for a variable depends on departure of its probability density function (PDF) for a particular season from the corresponding climatological PDF. Differences in the PDF can be due to differences in various moments of the PDF (e.g., mean or the spread) from their corresponding values for the climatological PDF. Year-to-year changes in which moments of the PDF systematically contribute to seasonal predictability are an area of particular interest. Previous analyses for seasonal atmospheric variability have indicated that most of atmospheric predictability is (i) due to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and (ii) primarily due to change in the mean of the PDF for the atmospheric variability with changes in the spread of the PDF playing a secondary role. Present analysis extends to the assessment of seasonal predictability of ENSO SSTs themselves. Based on analysis of seasonal hindcasts, the results indicate that the spread (or the uncertainty) in the prediction of ENSO SSTs does not have a systematic dependence on the mean of the amplitude of predicted ENSO SST anomalies, and further, year-to-year changes in uncertainty are small. Therefore, similar to the atmospheric predictability, predictability of ENSO SSTs may also reside in the prediction of its mean amplitude; spread being almost constant does not have a systematic impact on the predictability.
Predictability of an Advection Fog Event over North China. Part I: Sensitivity to Initial Condition Differences
Authors: Hu Huiqin , Zhang Qinghong , Xie Baoguo , Ying Yue , Zhang Jiping , Wang Xin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The predictability of a dense advection fog event on 21 February 2007 over north China (NC) is investigated with ensemble simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). Members with the best and worst simulation are selected from the ensemble, and their initial condition (IC) differences are explored. To test the sensitivity of fog simulation to those differences, the model is initialized with ICs that change linearly from the worst member to the best member, and the changes in simulated results are examined. The improvement in simulations due to the linear improvement of ICs is found to be monotonic. The IC differences at lower levels are of more influence to the simulation than IC differences at higher levels. By removing the IC differences of each meteorological variable individually, it is found that improvements in potential temperature and horizontal wind are more important than that of water vapor mixing ratio in this case. Additionally, the linear improvement in each meteorological variable also contributes monotonically to the simulated results. The budget analyses of the tendency of potential temperature and water vapor mixing ratio show that turbulence mixing and advection are the major factors contributing to the formation of fog. The correct initial temperature field ensures the formation and maintenance of an inversion, and the correct initial wind field ensures the correct transport of temperature and moisture in this case. Further discussion examines the reasons for the monotonic behavior in the simulation improvement.
A Study of Competencies in the Information Technology Sector in Kolkata in the Era of Global HR Management
Authors: Chakraberty Shampa 
Published: January 2014

Competency enhancement is undertaken for business needs, aligning behaviours with business strategies and for integration of HR systems based on competencies. Managers of organizations face the globalization of business, rapid technological change, continual reorganizing and competence-based competition. These developments challenge the skills, competencies and capabilities of managers in organizations. In the light of these dynamic changes, managers’ competencies also need to be renewed and reviewed on a regular basis in order to improve their performance. This article has tried to analyze whether there is a high conformity between the rating patterns, in respect of performance, of individuals and their reporting heads based on competencies specified; it also tried to find out whether: non-core technical competencies can significantly predict the performance level of the individual.
ATF3 is a novel regulator of mouse neutrophil migration
Authors: Boespflug Nicholas D. , Kumar Sachin , McAlees Jaclyn W. , Phelan James D. , Grimes H. Leighton , Hoebe Kasper , Hai Tsonwin , Filippi Marie-Dominique , Karp Christopher L. 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
ATF3 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-driven CXCL1 production by airway epithelia. ATF3 controls neutrophil recruitment to the wild-type lung and chemotaxis in vitro via TIAM2 expression.
Forming-free bipolar resistive switching in nonstoichiometric ceria films
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Huang Chun-Yang , Panda Debashis , Hung Chung-Jung , Tsai Tsung-Ling , Jieng Jheng-Hong , Lin Chun-An , Chand Umesh , Rana Anwar Manzoor , Ahmed Ejaz , Talib Ijaz , Nadeem Muhammad Younus , Tseng Tseung-Yuen 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The mechanism of forming-free bipolar resistive switching in a Zr/CeO
x
/Pt device was investigated. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis indicated the formation of a ZrO
y
layer at the Zr/CeO
x
interface. X-ray diffraction studies of CeO
x
films revealed that they consist of nano-polycrystals embedded in a disordered lattice. The observed resistive switching was suggested to be linked with the formation and rupture of conductive filaments constituted by oxygen vacancies in the CeO
x
film and in the nonstoichiometric ZrO
y
interfacial layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study confirmed the presence of oxygen vacancies in both of the said regions. In the low-resistance ON state, the electrical conduction was found to be of ohmic nature, while the high-resistance OFF state was governed by trap-controlled space charge-limited mechanism. The stable resistive switching behavior and long retention times with an acceptable resistance ratio enable the device for its application in future nonvolatile resistive random access memory (RRAM).