bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distance to Thrombus in Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Friedrich Benjamin , Gawlitza Matthias , Schob Stefan , Hobohm Carsten , Raviolo Mariana , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Lobsien Donald 
Published: February 2015

Background and Purpose—
In patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke, therapeutic decisions are influenced by the location of the occlusion. This study aimed to analyze clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic MCA stroke treated with systemic intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, according to the location of the occlusion.

Methods—
Of 621 patients screened, 136 with acute stroke and MCA occlusion confirmed by CT angiography were retrospectively included in this study. The distance from the carotid T to the thrombus (DT) on coronal maximum intensity projection images and the thrombus length were measured. The correlation between DT and the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days was analyzed.

Results—

DT was an independent predictor of clinical outcome in stroke patients treated with IVT. A long DT was significantly correlated with a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days ≤2). A poor clinical outcome was exponentially more likely than a good outcome when the DT was <16 mm (
P
<0.001). The thrombus length was not correlated with the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. A long thrombus (>8 mm) occurred significantly more often in the proximal MCA than the distal MCA (
P
<0.001).

Conclusion—
DT is an independent predictor of clinical outcome in patients with acute MCA occlusion treated with IVT. In acute stroke with MCA occlusion confirmed by CT angiography and DT <16 mm, the likelihood of a good clinical outcome after treatment with IVT was exponentially <50%. This might warrant the evaluation of other therapy forms than IVT in patients with proximal MCA occlusion.
The Legitimacy of Provisional General Budget Laws in the Jordanian Legal System
Authors: Shabeeb Lena 
Published: February 2015

This study examines the legitimacy of the recurrent conduct, adopted by the Jordanian
Executive Power, of issuing Provisional General Budget Laws, in the absence of the
Legislative Power. This study proves the unconstitutionality of such conduct, and looks
at the prospects of progress in the future.
Issuing Provisional General Budget Laws is a culmination of several misconceptions
of some important Constitutional Articles; especially the ones that reflect how the principle
of separation of powers is adopted in the Jordanian Constitution, and how the
different interlocking functions of both the Executive and the Legislative Powers should
be interpreted and applied.
Article 94, providing for the legislative function of the Executive Power in the
absence of the Legislative Power, is interpreted and applied broadly. Issuing Provisional
General Budget Laws mean that the Executive Power assumes the legislative Power and
not a temporary legislative role, as provided in the Constitution. Hence, contradicting
another two important systems provided therein: first, the financial check, as part of the
checks and balances system, provided in Chapter Eight, especially Article 112. Second,
the apportionment method, provided in Article 113, which should be applied in the
absence of the Legislator.
Unfortunately, the 2011 Constitutional Reform, although somewhat progressive, does
not remove such well-rooted misconceptions; leaving the Constitutional Court as the
last resort in rectifying the situation.
Toward a Mesoscale Hydrological and Marine Meteorological Observation Network in the South China Sea
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Dongxiao , Huang Jian , Wang Xin , Zeng Lili , Shi Rui , He Yunkai , Xie Qiang , Wang Shengan , Chen Rongyu , Yuan Jinnan , Wang Qiang , Chen Ju , Zu Tingting , Li Jian , Sui Dandan , Peng Shiqiu 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Air–sea interaction in the South China Sea (SCS) has direct impacts on the weather and climate of its surrounding areas at various spatiotemporal scales. In situ observation plays a vital role in exploring the dynamic characteristics of the regional circulation and air–sea interaction. Remote sensing and regional modeling are expected to provide high-resolution data for studies of air–sea coupling; however, careful validation and calibration using in situ observations is necessary to ensure the quality of these data. Through a decade of effort, a marine observation network in the SCS has begun to be established, yielding a regional observatory for the air–sea synoptic system.
Earlier observations in the SCS were scarce and narrowly focused. Since 2004, an annual series of scientific open cruises during late summer in the SCS has been organized by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), carefully designed based on the dynamic characteristics of the oceanic circulation and air–sea interaction in the SCS region. Since 2006, the cruise carried a radiometer and radiosondes on board, marking a new era of marine meteorological observation in the SCS. Fixed stations have been established for long-term and sustained records. Observations obtained through the network have been used to study regional ocean circulation and processes in the marine atmospheric boundary layer. In the future, a great number of multi-institutional, collaborative scientific cruises and observations at fixed stations will be carried out to establish a mesoscale hydrological and marine meteorological observation network in the SCS.
The Impacts of California’s San Francisco Bay Area Gap on Precipitation Observed in the Sierra Nevada during HMT and CalWater
Authors: White Allen B. , Neiman Paul J. , Creamean Jessie M. , Coleman Timothy , Ralph F. Martin , Prather Kimberly A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAtmospheric rivers (ARs) are narrow regions of enhanced water vapor transport, usually found on the warm-sector side of the polar cold front in many midlatitude storms formed primarily over the oceans. Nonbrightband (NBB) rain is a shallow orographic rainfall process driven by collision and coalescence that has been observed in some of these storms. NBB rain accounts for about one-third, on average, of the total winter season rainfall occurring at a coastal mountain site in Northern California. During the California Energy Commission’s CalWater project, nearly the same fraction of NBB rain was observed at a northern Sierra Nevada foothills site as compared to the coastal mountains, whereas less than half of the fractional amount of NBB rain was observed at a southern Sierra Nevada foothills site. Both Sierra Nevada sites often experience terrain-induced blocked flow, that is, Sierra barrier jet (SBJ) during landfalling winter storms. However, the northern Sierra Nevada site often is oriented geographically downwind of a gap in the coastal terrain near San Francisco during AR landfall. This gap allows maritime air in the AR to arrive at the northern site and enhance the collision–coalescence process in orographic feeder clouds as compared with the southern site. As a result, a greater amount and intensity of NBB rain and overall precipitation was produced at the northern site. This study uses a variety of observations collected in the coastal and Sierra Nevada ranges from the Hydrometeorology Testbed and CalWater field campaigns to document this behavior. A detailed case study provides additional context on the interaction between AR flow, the SBJ, and precipitation processes.
Non-pharmacological strategies for treatment of inpatient depression
Authors: Crowe Marie , Beaglehole Ben , Wells Hayley , Porter Richard 
Published: February 2015

Objective: To examine the evidence for non-pharmacological interventions in the treatment of moderate to severe depression in an inpatient setting. Method: An integrative review of original research papers was conducted. The electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsychINFO were searched using the following search terms: depression, psychosocial, psychosocial intervention, therapy, and inpatient. Results: Twelve studies were identified in the search for non-psychopharmacological interventions for depression commenced in an inpatient setting. The interventions included psychotherapies, behavioural activation, and chronotherapeutic interventions (controlled exposure to environmental stimuli). These studies suggest it is possible to engage severely depressed inpatients in structured interventions in an inpatient environment. The majority of studies reported favourable outcomes for the interventions compared to a control, but methodological issues were common. Conclusions: A diverse range of treatment strategies has been identified in this review. These studies provide evidence that non-pharmacological treatments for depression can be given to enhance outcomes and that research can be undertaken in inpatient settings. Whilst the evidence base has limitations, this review also highlights therapeutic and research opportunities in this area.
The Effect of Preinjury Sleep Difficulties on Neurocognitive Impairment and Symptoms After Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Sufrinko Alicia , Pearce Kelly , Elbin R.J. , Covassin Tracey , Johnson Eric , Collins Michael , Kontos Anthony P. 
Published: February 2015

Background: Researchers have reported that sleep duration is positively related to baseline neurocognitive performance. However, researchers have yet to examine the effect of preinjury sleep difficulties on postconcussion impairments. Purpose: To compare neurocognitive impairment and symptoms of athletes with preinjury sleep difficulties to those without after a sport-related concussion (SRC). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The sample included 348 adolescent and adult athletes (age, mean ± SD, 17.43 ± 2.34 years) with a diagnosed SRC. The sample was divided into 2 groups: (1) 34 (10%) participants with preinjury sleep difficulties (sleeping less as well as having trouble falling asleep; SLEEP SX) and (2) 231 (66%) participants without preinjury sleep difficulties (CONTROL). The remaining 84 (24%) participants with minimal sleep difficulties (1 symptom) were excluded. Participants completed the Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) and Postconcussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) at baseline and 3 postinjury intervals (2, 5-7, and 10-14 days after injury). A series of repeated-measures analyses of covariance with Bonferroni correction, controlling for baseline non–sleep-related symptoms, were conducted to compare postinjury neurocognitive performance between groups. Follow-up exploratory t tests examined between-group differences at each time interval. A series of analyses of variance were used to examine total PCSS score, sleep-related, and non–sleep-related symptoms across time intervals between groups. Results: Groups differed significantly in PCSS scores across postinjury intervals for reaction time ( P < .001), with the preinjury SLEEP SX group performing worse than controls at 5-7 days (mean ± SD, 0.70 ± 0.32 [SLEEP SX], 0.60 ± 0.14 [CONTROL]) and 10-14 days (0.61 ± 0.17 [SLEEP SX]; 0.57 ± 0.10 [CONTROL]) after injury. Groups also differed significantly on verbal memory performance ( P = .04), with the SLEEP SX (68.21 ± 18.64) group performing worse than the CONTROL group (76.76 ± 14.50) 2 days after injury. The SLEEP SX group reported higher total symptom ( P = .02) and sleep-related symptom ( P = .02) scores across postinjury time intervals. Conclusion: Preinjury sleep difficulties may exacerbate neurocognitive impairment and symptoms after concussion. The findings may help clinicians identify athletes who are at risk for worse impairments after a concussion due to preinjury sleep difficulties.
Hydronephrosis alters cardiac ACE2 and Mas receptor expression in mice
Authors: Zhang Yanling , Ma Lulu , Wu Junyan , Chen Tingting 
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Hydronephrosis is characterized by substantial loss of tubules and affects renin secretion in the kidney. However, whether alterations of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2 and Mas receptor in the heart are observed in hydronephrosis is unknown. Thus, we assessed these components in hydronephrotic mice treated with AT1 receptor blockade and ACE inhibitor. Materials and methods: Hydronephrosis was induced by left ureteral ligation in Balb/C mice except sham-operated animals. The levels of cardiac ACE, ACE2 and Mas receptor were measured after treatment of losartan or enalapril. Results: Hydronephrosis led to an increase of ACE level and a decrease of ACE2 and Mas receptor in the heart. Losartan decreased cardiac ACE level, but ACE2 and Mas receptor levels significantly increased in hydronephrotic mice ( p < 0.01). Enalapril increased ACE2 levels ( p < 0.01), but did not affect Mas receptor in the heart. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and Ang II decreased in hydronephrotic mice, but significantly increased after treatment with losartan or enalapril. Conclusions: Hydronephrosis increased cardiac ACE and suppressed ACE2 and Mas receptor levels. AT1 blockade caused sustained activation of cardiac ACE2 and Mas receptor, but ACE inhibitor had the limitation of such activation of Mas receptor in hydronephrotic animals.
Inter-rater, intra-rater and inter-instrument reliability of an electrogoniometer to measure wrist range of motion
Authors: da Silva Camassuti Patrícia Aparecida , Marcolino Alexandre'Marcio , Tamanini Guilherme , Barbosa Rafael Inácio , Barbosa Amanda Matias , de Cássia Registro Fonseca Marisa 
Published: February 2015

Introduction Assessment of the wrist is essential in hand rehabilitation. The flexible electrogoniometer has been used to measure joint range of motion in the wrist, although it has lack of reliability. The objectives of the study were to examine intra- and inter-examiner reliability, as well as inter-device reliability, of wrist range of motion obtained by a flexible electrogoniometer. Methods Twenty-four right-handed individuals (12 men and 12 women) took part in the study. Participants were actively and randomly subjected to radial and ulnar deviation, flexion and extension of the right wrist. The motions were measured by both the universal goniometer (CARCI®) and the electrogoniometer (MIOTEC®). Two examiners carried out three series of measurements. One of the examiners performed repeated measurement after seven days. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, standard error of measurement and the Bland-Altman limits of agreement were used for data analysis. Results Data showed excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability for all movements with the electrogoniometer (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient > 0.90), except for the inter-examiner analysis of wrist flexion, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.89. The correlation between the devices was deemed to be satisfactory. Even though the excellent reliability and low standard error of measurement results were presented, Bland-Altman graphs showed some discrepant data. Conclusion Based on this sample, we suggest that this electrogoniometer is a reliable device regarding intra- and inter-examiner for clinical application when compared with a universal goniometry for wrist motion.
Hot plasmonic electrons for generation of enhanced photocurrent in gold-TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Brennan Lorcan J , Purcell-Milton Finn , Salmeron Aurélien S , Zhang Hui , Govorov Alexander O , Fedorov Anatoly V , Gun’ko Yurii K 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In this manuscript, for the first time, we report a combination of electrophoretic and sintering approaches for introducing gold nanoparticles into nanoporous TiO2 films to generate ‘hot’ electrons resulting in a strong enhancement of photocurrent. The Au-TiO2 nanocomposite material was prepared by the electrophoretic deposition of gold nanoparticles into a porous nanoparticulate titanium dioxide film, creating a photoactive electrode. The composite film demonstrates a significant increase in the short circuit current (I
sc) compared to unmodified TiO2 when excited at or close to the plasmon resonance of the gold nanoparticles. Then, we employed a thermal ripening process as a method of increasing the I
sc of these electrodes and also as a method of tuning the plasmon peak position, with a high degree of selectivity. Photo-electrochemical investigations revealed that the increase in photocurrent is attributed to the generation and separation of plasmonically generated hot electrons at the gold/TiO2 interface and also the inter-band generation of holes in gold nanoparticles by photons with λ < 520 nm. Theoretical modelling outputs perfectly match our results obtained from photo-physical studies of the processes leading to enhanced photocurrent.
Optical properties and bandgap evolution of ALD HfSiOx films
Authors: Yang Wen , Fronk Michael , Geng Yang , Chen Lin , Sun Qing-Qing , Gordan Ovidiu D , zhou Peng , Zahn Dietrich RT , Zhang David Wei 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Hafnium silicate films with pure HfO2 and SiO2 samples as references were fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) in this work. The optical properties of the films as a function of the film composition were measured by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) ellipsometer in the energy range of 0.6 to 8.5 eV, and they were investigated systematically based on the Gaussian dispersion model. Experimental results show that optical constants and bandgap of the hafnium silicate films can be tuned by the film composition, and a nonlinear change behavior of bandgap with SiO2 fraction was observed. This phenomenon mainly originates from the intermixture of d-state electrons in HfO2 and Si-O antibonding states in SiO2.
Teaching for conceptual understanding: A cross-national comparison of the relationship between teachers’ instructional practices and student achievement in mathematics
Authors: O’Dwyer Laura M , Wang Yang , Shields Katherine A 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundEducators, researchers and policy-makers worldwide continue to struggle to understand the changes needed for improving educational outcomes and attainment for students, particularly in content areas such as mathematics and science that are essential for developing a highly skilled workforce. Given the continuing emphasis on linking teacher practices with student outcomes, this study aims to explore teachers’ use of particular instructional strategies and whether use is associated with student achievement.MethodsUsing data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2007, this study examines eighth grade teachers’ use of instructional practices that support students’ conceptual understanding, and examines the relationship between those practices and mathematics test scores. Data from four countries was examined: U.S., Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Descriptive statistics and a series of multilevel regression models were used.ResultsThe results show that teachers in the U.S. were most similar to Korean teachers in the frequency and types of teaching practices reported, and that they reported using some practices at least as frequently, or more frequently than teachers in the other countries. A sub-set of teachers’ instructional practices are related to mathematics achievement in the U.S. and Singapore, but not in Korea or Japan.ConclusionsTeacher practices explained very little of the variability in test scores, even in cases where particular instructional practices were positively and significantly related to achievement. This research highlights the challenges for examining the teacher-level correlates of student test scores using data from cross-sectional, international studies that do not include measures of students’ prior achievement, classroom observations, or estimates of students’ out-of-school instruction.
Optical efficiency characterization of LED phosphors using a double integrating sphere system
Authors: Gorrotxategi Paula , Consonni Marianne , Gasse Adrien 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
We report on the methodology and implementation of a robust and accurate double integrating sphere system for measuring the absolute photoluminescence quantum yield and its temperature dependence of commercially available phosphors (garnets, silicates and nitrides). The potential of our instrument for the examination of light interaction with samples of different absorption and diffusion coefficients is also presented, as optical properties of luminescent materials have a major impact on the efficiency of LED’s packaging. Our work gives special attention to the control and the optimization of light losses in the optical system in order to ensure reliable measurements. The YAG:Ce phosphor shows the highest luminescence quantum yield at 97% efficiency, the green silicate the lowest with 79% efficiency. Silicate phosphors show up to 15% loss of luminescence intensity when temperature is raised to 140°C.
Hybridization of Polyaniline on Sulfonated Graphene for an Electrochemical Supercapacitor
Authors: Lee Kang Seok , Park Young-Ho , Kim Sung Min , Lee Gibaek , In Insik , Park Sung Young 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Nanocomposite of polyaniline and graphene as an electrochemical supercapacitor was directly prepared through electrostatic complexation between negatively charged chemically reduced graphene oxide and emeraldine salt form of PANI, accomplishing improved specific capacitance of 640 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 and enhanced cycle life.
Spatiotemporal Control of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity by Caged Ligands
Authors: Isa Masayuki , Namiki Shigeyuki , Asanuma Daisuke , Hirose Kenzo 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
We developed a technique for spatiotemporally precise control of downstream signaling of receptor tyrosine kinase by ultraviolet light irradiation of caged fluorescein-based receptor ligands in cells expressing an antifluorescein antibody–receptor tyrosine kinase chimera. Light-driven ligand uncaging specifically elicited receptor phosphorylation and calcium mobilization in irradiated cells. This technique may be useful for detailed studies of the physiological roles and dynamics of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling.
Fluorescence Quenching Study for Characterization of Hydrophobic Microdomain of the Complex Formed from Hydrophobically Modified Polysulfonate and Hydrophobically Modified Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Mizusaki Masanobu 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Accessibility of water-soluble fluorescence quencher, thallium nitrate (Tl+), to pyrene (Py) sites of the Py-labeled random copolymer of sodium 2-(acrylamido)-2-methylpropanesulfonate and 50 mol % N-dodecylmethacrylamide (PAMPS-DodM-Py) was investigated with and without addition of the unlabeled random copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and 1.5 mol % N-dodecylacrylamide (PNIPAM-DodA) in aqueous solutions. The results revealed that the accessibility of Tl+ ions to the Py sites of PAMPS-DodM-Py was decreased by adding PNIPAM-DodA to PAMPS-DodM-Py, anticipating that more stable hydrophobic microdomain was formed due to the interaction between PAMPS-DodM-Py and PNIPAM-DodA.