bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Observed Midtopped Cloud Regimes Associated with Southern Ocean Shortwave Radiation Biases
Authors: Mason Shannon , Jakob Christian , Protat Alain , Delanoë Julien 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Clouds strongly affect the absorption and reflection of shortwave and longwave radiation in the atmosphere. A key bias in climate models is related to excess absorbed shortwave radiation in the high-latitude Southern Ocean. Model evaluation studies attribute these biases in part to midtopped clouds, and observations confirm significant midtopped clouds in the zone of interest. However, it is not yet clear what cloud properties can be attributed to the deficit in modeled clouds. Present approaches using observed cloud regimes do not sufficiently differentiate between potentially distinct types of midtopped clouds and their meteorological contexts.
This study presents a refined set of midtopped cloud subregimes for the high-latitude Southern Ocean, which are distinct in their dynamical and thermodynamic background states. Active satellite observations from CloudSat and Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) are used to study the macrophysical structure and microphysical properties of the new cloud regimes. The subgrid-scale variability of cloud structure and microphysics is quantified within the cloud regimes by identifying representative physical cloud profiles at high resolution from the radar–lidar (DARDAR) cloud classification mask.
The midtopped cloud subregimes distinguish between stratiform clouds under a high inversion and moderate subsidence; an optically thin cold-air advection cloud regime occurring under weak subsidence and including altostratus over low clouds; optically thick clouds with frequent deep structures under weak ascent and warm midlevel anomalies; and a midlevel convective cloud regime associated with strong ascent and warm advection. The new midtopped cloud regimes for the high-latitude Southern Ocean will provide a refined tool for model evaluation and the attribution of shortwave radiation biases to distinct cloud processes and properties.
Structural and behavioural independence: mapping the meaning of agency independence at the field level
Authors: Jackson Carolyn 
Published: June 2014

For regulators, independence is associated with good governance, reform and best practice. It has become one of the most claimed characteristics of the regulatory state. But what does it really mean to be an independent agency? This article explores this question with stakeholders of five privacy (and information) commissions to map the understanding of those actually involved in the everyday processes of regulation. It is argued that the beliefs and expectations of stakeholders shape not only relationships but ultimately the legitimacy of regulatory practices. Six separate themes of understanding are identified. The themes represent areas of particular concern for each stakeholder group. Together they suggest a shared understanding of independence that encompasses both behavioural qualities as well as structural arrangements. A framework is proposed that provides a means for incorporating the different accounts of independence and recognizing the active role of agencies in determining independence. Points for practitioners Agency independence relates to behavioural qualities as well as structural arrangements. Behavioural qualities of independence encompass championing public interest, engendering trust and demonstrating impartiality. Procedures and routines based on clear principles of procedural fairness and transparency are likely to enhance agency independence.
The accuracy of V/Q SPECT in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kan Ying , Yuan Leilei , Meeks Jacqui K , Li Chunlin , Liu Wencao , Yang Jigang 
Published: June 2014

Background Ventilation perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (V/Q SPECT) and CT pulmonary angiography have all been used in the diagnosis of acute PE. Previous studies have shown higher sensitivity and specificity and a marked decrease in the non-diagnostic rate of V/Q SPECT than planar scan. Purpose To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of published data on the performance of V/Q SPECT in the diagnosis of acute PE. Material and Methods A comprehensive computer search was conducted on literature published through 31 December 2013 in an effort to find relevant articles on the diagnostic performance of V/Q SPECT in the diagnosis of PE patients. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio (LR), and positive LR, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve of V/Q SPECT in the diagnosis of PE patients were calculated. Results Nine studies, comprising a total sample size of 3454 patients, were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity of V/Q SPECT in the diagnosis of acute PE patients, calculated on a per-patient-based analysis, was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95–97%), 97% (95% CI, 96–98%). The pooled negative LR, positive LR of V/Q SPECT in acute PE patients was 0.06 (range, 0.02–0.19) and 16.64 (range, 9.78–31.54). The area under the ROC curve of V/Q SPECT in the diagnosis of acute PE patients was 0.99 on a per-patient-based analysis. Conclusion V/Q SPECT is an accurate method in acute PE patients with high sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of PE.
Quantitative assessment of pulmonary perfusion using dynamic contrast-enhanced CT in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: correlations with pulmonary function test and CT volumetric parameters
Authors: Guan Yu , Xia Yi , Fan Li , Liu Shi-yuan , Yu Hong , Li Bin , Zhao Li-ming , Li Bing 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundPulmonary function test (PFT) is commonly used to help diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases. However, it cannot be used to evaluate regional function and morphological abnormalities.PurposeTo quantitatively evaluate pulmonary perfusion imaging using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) computed tomography (CT) and observe its correlations with PFT and CT volumetric parameters in COPD patients.Material and MethodsPFT and CT pulmonary perfusion examination were performed in 63 COPD patients. Perfusion defects were quantitated by calculating the CT value ratio (RHU) between perfusion defects (HUdefect) and normal lung (HUnormal). Volumetric CT data were used to calculate emphysema index (EI), total lung volume (TLV), and total emphysema volume (TEV). Emphysematous parenchyma was defined as the threshold of lung area lower than –950 HU. Correlations between RHUand TLV, TEV, EI, and PFT were assessed using Spearman correlation analysis.ResultsThe positive rate of perfusion defects on CT perfusion images was higher than that of emphysema on CT mask images (χ2 = 17.027, P < 0.001). The Spearman correlation test showed that RHUwas positively correlated with FEV1( R = 0.59, P < 0.001), FEV1% Predicted ( R = 0.61, P < 0.001), FVC ( R = 0.47, P = 0.002), and FEV1/FVC ( R = 0.65, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with EI ( R = –0.67, P < 0.001).ConclusionCT perfusion imaging is more sensitive in detecting emphysema that is inconspicuous on CT images. RHUis correlated with PFT and CT volumetric parameters, suggesting that it is more sensitive in detecting early COPD changes and may prove to be a potential predictor of focal lung function.
Diagnostic value of dual time-point 18 F-FDG PET/CT versus single time-point imaging for detection of mediastinal nodal metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Guohua , Hu Shuang , Deng Houfu , Jia Zhiyun 
Published: June 2014

Background Lymph node staging in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is challenging and important for determining treatment policy. Conflicting results have been presented to date. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of dual time-point (DTP) 18 F-FDG PET/CT compared with single time-point (STP) imaging for detecting mediastinal nodal metastases in patients with NSCLC. Material and Methods The PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, and Web of Knowledge databases were searched for relevant articles. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were calculated using Meta-Disc software. Summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curves were also constructed. The potential for between-study heterogeneity was explored using subgroup analyses. Results A total of eight studies involving 654 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. On a per-patient analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for DTP PET/CT were 0.85 (0.78–0.91), 0.75 (0.68–0.82), and for STP imaging, they were 0.79 (0.70–0.85), 0.73 (0.65–0.79), respectively. On a per-lesion basis, the corresponding values for DTP imaging were 0.84 (0.81–0.86), 0.89 (0.87–0.91), and for STP imaging, they were 0.84 (0.80–0.86), 0.83 (0.81–0.85), respectively. Conclusion DTP PET/CT performed better than STP imaging in evaluating the lymph node status of NSCLC patients and had the potential to be broadly applied in clinical practice. However, due to the small sample size and large heterogeneity, current evidence does not justify the implementation of DTP imaging in routine PET protocols for mediastinal lymph node staging of NSCLC.
Toward interventions to address moral distress
Authors: Musto Lynn C , Rodney Patricia A , Vanderheide Rebecca 
Published: June 2014

Background: The concept of moral distress has been the subject of nursing research for the past 30 years. Recently, there has been a call to move from developing an understanding of the concept to developing interventions to help ameliorate the experience. At the same time, the use of the term moral distress has been critiqued for a lack of clarity about the concepts that underpin the experience. Discussion: Some researchers suggest that a closer examination of how socio-political structures influence healthcare delivery will move moral distress from being seen as located in the individual to an experience that is also located in broader healthcare structures. Informed by new thinking in relational ethics, we draw on research findings from neuroscience and attachment literature to examine the reciprocal relationship between structures and agents and frame the experience of moral distress. Conclusion: We posit moral distress as a form of relational trauma and subsequently point to the need to better understand how nurses as moral agents are influenced by—and influence—the complex socio-political structures they inhabit. In so doing, we identify this reciprocity as a framework for interventions.
Evaluating Compassion–Mindfulness Therapy for Recurrent Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Lo Herman H. M. , Ng Siu Man , Chan Cecilia L. W. 
Published: June 2014

Objective: To evaluate the effects of compassion–mindfulness therapy (C-MT), an adapted version of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy that integrates compassion training. Method: Individuals aged 17–69 with recurrent depressive and anxiety symptoms were recruited from a community mental health service unit. Half of the participants were randomized to an 8-week C-MT program ( n = 41) and the other half to a wait-list control condition ( n = 41). Results: Intent-to-treat analyses showed significant improvements in all measures in the treatment group. The effect sizes for depression and anxiety were 1.11 and 1.10, respectively, and those for physical distress, daily functioning, positive affect, and negative affect ranged from 0.71 to 1.04. All improvements were sustained at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: The results provide preliminary support for C-MT as a viable treatment option for individuals with recurrent depression and anxiety symptoms. Time-limited treatments such as C-MT should be promoted in social work practice.
Information and decision support needs in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Weymann Nina , Härter Martin , Dirmaier Jörg 
Published: June 2014

Diabetes and its sequelae cause a growing burden of morbidity and mortality. For many patients living with diabetes, the Internet is an important source of health information and support. In the course of the development of an Interactive Health Communication Application, combining evidence-based information with behavior change and decision support, we assessed the characteristics, information, and decision support needs of patients with type 2 diabetes. The needs assessment was performed in two steps. First, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 patients and seven physicians. In the second step, we developed a self-assessment questionnaire based on the results of the interviews and administered it to a new and larger sample of diabetes patients (N = 178). The questionnaire comprised four main sections: (1) Internet use and Internet experience, (2) diabetes knowledge, (3) relevant decisions and decision preferences, and (4) online health information needs. Descriptive data analyses were performed. In the questionnaire study, the patient sample was heterogeneous in terms of age, time since diagnosis, and glycemic control. (1) Most participants (61.7%) have searched the web for health information at least once. The majority (62%) of those who have used the web use it at least once per month. (2) Diabetes knowledge was scarce: Only a small percentage (1.9%) of the respondents answered all items of the knowledge questionnaire correctly. (3) The most relevant treatment decisions concerned glycemic control, oral medication, and acute complications. The most difficult treatment decision was whether to start insulin treatment. Of the respondents, 69.4 percent thought that medical decisions should be made by them and their doctor together. (4) The most important information needs concerned sequelae of diabetes, blood glucose control, and basic diabetes information. The Internet seems to be a feasible way to reach people with type 2 diabetes. The heterogeneity of the sample, especially with respect to diabetes knowledge, makes it clear that the projected Interactive Health Communication Application should tailor the content to the individual user, taking account of individual characteristics and preferences. A wide range of topics should be covered. Special attention should be paid to the advantages and disadvantages of insulin treatment and the fears and hopes associated with it. These results were taken into account when developing the Interactive Health Communication Application that is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (International Clinical Trials Registry DRKS00003322).
Synergistic defects of different molecules in the cytotoxic pathway lead to clinical familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Zhang Kejian , Chandrakasan Shanmuganathan , Chapman Heather , Valencia C. Alexander , Husami Ammar , Kissell Diane , Johnson Judith A. , Filipovich Alexandra H. 
Published: June 2014

Key Points
Synergistic effects were observed in the granule mediated lymphocyte cytotoxicity. Digenic pathogenesis contributed to the development of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Impact of daily Chlorella consumption on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Ryu Na Hee , Lim Yeni , Park Ji Eeun , Kim Joohee , Kim Ji Yeon , Kwon Sung Won , Kwon Oran 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
High level of serum cholesterol is considered to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed to test the hypothesis that a daily intake of Chlorella may improve serum lipid profile through enhancement of serum carotenoid concentration in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Methods
Eligible subjects (n = 63) were randomized to either Chlorella (5 g/day) or placebo for a double-blinded trial with a 2-week lead-in period and a 4-week intervention period. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins and carotenoids were assessed at the beginning and the end of the trial.

Results
Compared with the control group, the Chlorella group exhibited remarkable changes in total cholesterol (Chlorella −1.6%; placebo 0.03%; P = 0.036), triglycerides (Chlorella −10.3%; placebo 11.9%; P = 0.002), lutein/zeaxanthin (Chlorella 89.6%; placebo −1.7%; P < 0.0001), and α-carotene (Chlorella 163.6%; placebo 15%; P < 0.0001). Improvement of serum lipids was supported by significant reductions of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Chlorella −11%; placebo 11.8%; P = 0.006), apolipoprotein B (Chlorella −1.5%; placebo 1.7%; P = 0.044), non high-density lipoprotein (Chlorella −2.6%; placebo −0.5%; P = 0.032), and high-density lipoprotein/triglycerides (Chlorella 4.0%; placebo −9.5%; P = 0.023), suggesting an inhibitory effect of Chlorella on the intestinal absorption of dietary and endogenous lipids. Further, the changes of serum lipids appeared to be associated with the changes of serum carotenoids.

Conclusion
Daily consumption of Chlorella supplements provided the potential of health benefits reducing serum lipid risk factors, mainly triglycerides and total cholesterol, in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. The effect was related to carotenoid consumption.

Trial registration
WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform KCT0000259.
Improving scattering layer through mixture of nanoporous spheres and nanoparticles in ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kim Chohui , Choi Hongsik , Kim Jae Ik , Lee Sangheon , Kim Jinhyun , Lee Woojin , Hwang Taehyun , Kang Suji , Moon Taeho , Park Byungwoo 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
A scattering layer is utilized by mixing nanoporous spheres and nanoparticles in ZnO-based dye-sensitized solar cells. Hundred-nanometer-sized ZnO spheres consisting of approximately 35-nm-sized nanoparticles provide not only effective light scattering but also a large surface area. Furthermore, ZnO nanoparticles are added to the scattering layer to facilitate charge transport and increase the surface area as filling up large voids. The mixed scattering layer of nanoparticles and nanoporous spheres on top of the nanoparticle-based electrode (bilayer geometry) improves solar cell efficiency by enhancing both the short-circuit current (J
sc) and fill factor (FF), compared to the layer consisting of only nanoparticles or nanoporous spheres.
Pentachlorophenol removal from aqueous solutions by microwave/persulfate and microwave/H2O2: a comparative kinetic study
Authors: Asgari Ghorban , Seidmohammadi AbdolMotaleb , Chavoshani Afsane 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is one of the most fungicides and pesticides used in wood protection. Poisoning from PCP may be happened in dermal absorption, and respiration or ingestion. With regard to health and environmental effects of PCP, many methods were studied for its removal. Microwave assisted other methods are environmental friendly, safety, and economical method, therefore, in this study; a modified domestic microwave assisted hydrogen peroxide (MW/H2O2) and sodium persulfate (MW/SPS) was used for PCP removal from aqueous solutions. PCP removal rate was measured under different factors such as pH, energy intensity, SPS, H2O2 concentration, Tert- butyl alcohol (TBA) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The concentration changes of PCP were determined using spectrophotometer and HPLC spectra, respectively. The best removal PCP rate obtained in condition of pH of 11, 0.02 mol L−1 of SPS, 0.2 mol L−1 of H2O2 and energy intensity of 600 W. Moreover, COD removals in MW/H2O2 and MW/SPS process were 83% and 94%, respectively, also TBA test decreased 15% and 3% of PCP removal in MW/SPS and MW/H2O2 processes respectively. Experimental results indicated that sulfate radical was stronger than hydroxyl radical and examinations order reaction was in first order. In this study, was cleared that MW/SPS process was more effective than MW/H2O2 process in PCP removal.
Human kallikrein-2 gene and protein expression predicts prostate cancer at repeat biopsy
Authors: Satkunasivam Raj , Zhang William , Trachtenberg John , Toi Ants , Yu Changhong , Diamandis Eleftherios , Kattan Michael W , Narod Steven A , Nam Robert K 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Purpose
The human kallikrein-2 (hK2) protein and two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) (rs2664155, rs198977) of the gene are associated with prostate cancer risk. We examined whether hK2 protein and gene SNPs predict prostate cancer at the time of repeat biopsy.

Methods
We prospectively offered a repeat biopsy to men with a negative prostate biopsy performed for a PSA >4.0 ng/mL or abnormal Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) between 2001–2005. We genotyped and measured serum hK2 levels in 941 men who underwent a repeat prostate biopsy. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the significance of KLK2 SNPs and hK2 levels for predicting cancer at repeat biopsy.

Results
Of the 941 patients, 180 (19.1%) were found to have cancer. The rs198977 SNP was positively associated with cancer at repeat biopsy (OR variant T allele = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.04-3.13, p = 0.049). When combined, the odds ratio for prostate cancer for patients with high hK2 levels and the variant T-allele of rs198977 was 3.77 (95% CI: 1.94-7.32, p < 0.0001), compared to patients with low hK2 levels and the C-allele. The addition of hK2 levels and KLK2 rs198977 to the baseline predictive model did not significantly increase the area under the curve from a baseline model of 0.67 to 0.69 (p = 0.6).

Conclusions
The KLK2 SNP rs198977 was positively associated with hK2 levels and predicts prostate cancer at the time of repeat prostate biopsy. Further characterization of the KLK2 gene will be needed to determine its clinical utility.
Monitoring prognosis in severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Maas Andrew IR , Steyerberg Ewout W 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe choice of disease-specific versus generic scales is common to many fields of medicine. In the area of traumatic brain injury, evidence is coming forward that disease-specific prognostic models and disease-specific scoring systems are preferable in the intensive care setting. In monitoring prognosis, the use of a calibration belt in validation studies potentially provides accurate and intuitively attractive insight into performance. This approach deserves further empirical evaluation of its added value as well as its limitations.