bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Assimilating Ocean Velocity Observations Inferred from Lagrangian Drifter Data Using the NCOM-4DVAR*
Authors: Carrier Matthew J. , Ngodock Hans , Smith Scott , Jacobs Gregg , Muscarella Philip , Ozgokmen Tamay , Haus Brian , Lipphardt Bruce 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Eulerian velocity fields are derived from 300 drifters released in the Gulf of Mexico by The Consortium for Advanced Research on Transport of Hydrocarbon in the Environment (CARTHE) during the summer 2012 Grand Lagrangian Deployment (GLAD) experiment. These data are directly assimilated into the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) analysis system in a series of experiments to investigate their impact on the model circulation. The NCOM-4DVAR is a newly developed tool for data analysis, formulated for weak-constraint data assimilation based on the indirect representer method. The assimilation experiments take advantage of this velocity data along with other available data sources from in situ and satellite measurements of surface and subsurface temperature and salinity. Three different experiments are done: (i) A nonassimilative NCOM free run, (ii) an assimilative NCOM run that utilizes temperature and salinity observations, and (iii) an assimilative NCOM run that uses temperature and salinity observations as well as the GLAD velocity observations. The resulting analyses and subsequent forecasts are compared to assimilated and future GLAD velocity and temperature/salinity observations to determine the performance of each experiment and the impact of the GLAD data on the analysis and the forecast. It is shown that the NCOM-4DVAR is able to fit the observations not only in the analysis step, but also in the subsequent forecast. It is also found that the GLAD velocity data greatly improves the characterization of the circulation, with the forecast showing a better fit to future GLAD observations than those experiments without the velocity data included.
Evaluation of the novel ultrasound score for large joints in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: six month experience in daily clinical practice
Authors: Schäfer Valentin S , Fleck Martin , Kellner Herbert , Strunk Johannes , Sattler Horst , Schmidt Wolfgang A , Ehrenstein Boris , Backhaus Marina , Hartung Wolfgang 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the utility of the recently introduced SOLAR score (sonography of large joints in Rheumatology), which has been validated in RA patients, in a cohort of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) presenting with involvement of large peripheral joints.

Methods
The recently established SOLAR score has been designed to determine the degree of inflammation in the shoulder, the elbow, the hip and the knee joint in patients suffering from RA. Since large joints are frequently involved in PsA and AS, synovitis and synovial vascularity were scored semiquantitatively (grade 0–3) by grey scale (GSUS) and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) utilizing the validated scoring system. Each joint was scanned from different angles, the knee joint for example was divided into four areas to score for synovitis: the suprapatellar longitudinal, the medial longitudinal, the lateral longitudinal, and the posterior region. Each area was scored from 0–3, so a maximum score of 12 could be achieved. PsA and AS patients presenting with peripheral joint disease involving large joints were examined at baseline, 3 and 6 months after initiation of local or systemic therapy (DMARDs/Biologics). For evaluation of the inflammatory status, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined.

Results
A cohort of 126 patients were enclosed, and 83 of these were followed for 6 months. At baseline before modification of the therapy, patients received DMARDs (n = 83), DMARDs plus biologics (n = 30), or biologic monotherapy (n = 29). Following intervention, all US scores demonstrated a marked improvement. The GSUS and the PDUS scores for all joint areas, except the PDUS score of the hip, exhibited a significant improvement (p < 0.05), while the GSUS of the knee showed even a highly significant (p < 0.001) change. The ESR displayed a significant decrease from 27 to 19 mm (p < 0.002) representing good treatment response.

Conclusion
The SOLAR score, which has been recently introduced for RA patients, is a very suitable instrument for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of large joint involvement in PsA and AS patients and allows for treatment monitoring.
Intraoperative parathyroid hormone level in parathyroidectomy: Which patients benefit from it?
Authors: Zawawi Faisal , Mlynarek Alex M , Cantor Arielle , Varshney Rickul , Black Martin J , Hier Michael P , Rochon Louise , Payne Richard J 
Published: December 2013

Background Intraoperative parathyroid hormone level (IOPTH) is withdrawn during parathyroidectomy to confirm the success of the procedure. Recently, the importance of IOPTH has been put to question. The purpose of this study is to determine whether IOPTH is necessary for all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy in the presence of frozen section. Materials and methods A cohort study of parathyroidectomies was performed in three university affiliated hospitals during 2007-2012. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1: Patients with two preoperative concordant imaging localizing a hyperactive gland. Group 2: Patients without two concordant imaging. A comparison of benefit of IOPTH was carried out. Frozen section results were also analyzed to determine sensitivity and predictability of a parathyroid adenoma. Results The study considered 221 patients having parathyroidectomies for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Of them, 10 were excluded due to incomplete data. Among the remaining, 186 had 2 concordant imaging preoperatively localizing an adenoma. 93.5% of whom were found intraoperatively in that location. IOPTH was not found to be of importance in 98.92% of the preoperative localized adenomas in the presence of frozen section. IOPTH added an estimate of 30.9 minutes on average to the surgery time. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the added operating time associated with IOPTH may not be justified for patients undergoing parathyroidectomy who have 2 concordant imaging preoperatively in the presence of frozen section. This study suggests a simple algorithm, The McGill Parathyroid Protocol (MPP), to help in approaching PHPT patients undergoing parathyroidectomy.
Association between allergic rhinitis and asthma in a Northern Alberta cohort
Authors: Jeffery Caroline C , Bhutani Mohit , Vliagoftis Harissios , Wright Erin D , Seikaly Hadi , Côté David WJ 
Published: December 2013

Background Many published epidemiologic studies confirm a marked increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The link between allergic rhinitis and asthma has been extensively studied and approximately 75% of patients with asthma have allergic rhinitis. The proportion of patients with asthma in populations of allergic rhinitis patients has not been well studied. Objective The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed asthma in a specific population of patients presenting to an Otolaryngologist with symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Study design Prospective cohort study. Methods: Patients presenting with symptoms of allergic rhinitis to two tertiary care Rhinology practices in Northern Alberta were asked to undergo allergy skin testing, serum IgE quantification, and pulmonary functional testing. Patients with previous asthma screening or known history of reactive airway disease or asthma were excluded. Results 107 patients with allergic rhinitis symptoms were recruited between September 2010 to January 2013. Patients predominantly had perennial or persistent rhinitis (64.5%) with moderate-severe symptoms (50.5%). While only 14.9% of patients had abnormal IgE levels, 68.8% had positive skin testing. Abnormal pulmonary function tests were obtained in 39.1% of patients and 26.1% of patients were diagnosed with asthma. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of undiagnosed asthma in patients presenting to tertiary Rhinology care with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis symptoms. Screening lung function testing should be considered in this patient population.
Iron biofortification of rice using different transgenic approaches
Authors: Masuda Hiroshi , Aung May Sann , Nishizawa Naoko K 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
More than 2 billion people suffer from iron (Fe) deficiency, and developing crop cultivars with an increased concentration of micronutrients (biofortification) can address this problem. In this review, we describe seven transgenic approaches, and combinations thereof, that can be used to increase the concentration of Fe in rice seeds. The first approach is to enhance the Fe storage capacity of grains through expression of the Fe storage protein ferritin under the control of endosperm-specific promoters. Using this approach, the concentration of Fe in the seeds of transformants was increased by approximately 2-fold in polished seeds. The second approach is to enhance Fe translocation by overproducing the natural metal chelator nicotianamine; using this approach, the Fe concentration was increased by up to 3-fold in polished seeds. The third approach is to enhance Fe influx to the endosperm by expressing the Fe(II)-nicotianamine transporter gene OsYSL2 under the control of an endosperm-specific promoter and sucrose transporter promoter, which increased the Fe concentration by up to 4-fold in polished seeds. The fourth approach is introduction of the barley mugineic acid synthesis gene IDS3 to enhance Fe uptake and translocation within plants, which resulted in a 1.4-fold increase in the Fe concentration in polished seeds during field cultivation. In addition to the above approaches, Fe-biofortified rice was produced using a combination of the first, second, and third approaches. The Fe concentration in greenhouse-grown T2 polished seeds was 6-fold higher and that in paddy field-grown T3 polished seeds was 4.4-fold higher than in non-transgenic seeds without any reduction in yield. When the first and fourth approaches were combined, the Fe concentration was greater than that achieved by introducing only the ferritin gene, and Fe-deficiency tolerance was observed. With respect to Fe biofortification, the introduction of multiple Fe homeostasis genes is more effective than the introduction of individual genes. Moreover, three additional approaches, i.e., overexpression of the Fe transporter gene OsIRT1 or OsYSL15, overexpression of the Fe deficiency-inducible bHLH transcription factor OsIRO2, and knockdown of the vacuolar Fe transporter gene OsVIT1 or OsVIT2, may be useful to further increase the Fe concentration of seeds.
Becoming poor and the cutback in the demand for health services in Israel
Authors: Deutsch Joseph , Lazar Adi , Silber Jacques 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis paper examines whether individuals facing the threat of poverty are curtailing their consumption of various goods and services in a given order and, if among the expenditures that are cut back, there are also health expenditures. The location of individuals in this order of cutback is then used to derive the degree of their deprivation and the factors that affect the extent of this deprivation.MethodsThis order of curtailment of expenditures is obtained on the basis of an algorithm originally devised to derive the order of acquisition of durable goods. Having found the order of curtailment of expenditures on the basis of the 2003 Israel Social Survey, we then estimate an ordered logit regression whose latent dependent variable is assumed to measure the individual degree of deprivation.ResultsThe results of this estimation show that, other things constant, the individual latent level of deprivation increases with the size of the household, first increases and then decreases with the age of the individual, is higher when the individual has children under the age of five, has a low educational level, a low income, and when he/she is separated or divorced. Finally, deprivation is found to be lower among individuals with good health.ConclusionDiscovering the order of curtailment of expenditures, including health expenditures, of individuals facing economic difficulties and finding the determinants of the extent of such deprivation should help policy makers focus their attention on the population subgroups that are most likely to curtail their health expenditures when facing economic difficulties.
Computational neuroscience in research for depression
Authors: Juckel Georg 
Published: December 2013

AbstractDepression is a common and hazardous mental disorder, which has been pathophysiologically associated with alterations of neurocircuitries involving medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Recent progress in computational neuroscience, particularly in the field of in silico psychopharmacology suggests the increasing potential of mathematical modeling in providing insights on the dynamics of these neuronal networks, which in turn may lead to further develop and clarify the present models of the pathophysiology of depression. Moreover, computational approaches provide well-defined non-invasive frameworks for investigation of the clinically common poly-pharmacological treatment strategies, which take us one step closer to the development of novel agents that will potentially result in diagnostic and prognostic indicators to be used in individualized treatment strategies.
Frequency and genetic spectrum of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) in southern New Zealand
Authors: Wheeler Benjamin J , Patterson Nicola , Love Donald R , Prosser Debbie , Tomlinson Paul , Taylor Barry J , Manning Patrick 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMaturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes, consisting of a heterogeneous group of autosomal dominant inherited disorders. Typical onset is in individuals prior to twenty five years, and presentation can mimic type 1 or 2 diabetes. Molecular genetic testing can allow precise identification of the different MODY sub-types. Making a specific diagnosis of MODY can have important implications for the guidance of appropriate treatment, prognosis and genetic counselling.We present the cases of three children and their families diagnosed with MODY over the past two years. These families highlight the features of three of the more common MODY subtypes, including two with novel mutations, one of which segregates in a kindred that is strongly affected by both MODY and classic autoimmune mediated diabetes. To date, we have identified a prevalence of MODY in the paediatric diabetes population of the lower South Island, New Zealand, of approximately 2.5%. This prevalence, along with increasing access to molecular genetic testing, highlights the importance of consideration of MODY in atypical diabetes presentations in the paediatric/adolescent population.
Chemical Solution Route to Thin Epitaxial Gallium Nitride Films
Authors: Xiong Jie , Xu Wenli , Feng Xiaohui , Guo Pei , Zhao Xiaohui , Tao Bowan 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Epitaxial GaN films are fabricated by a chemical solution approach of metal–organic decomposition (MOD) for the first time. The precursors employed are metal–organic compounds, which are dissolved in noninteracting solvents to form a stable and homogeneous anhydrous precursor solution with desired stoichiometry. The microstructure and photoluminescence of as-grown GaN film were characterized by high-resolution X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and room-temperature photoluminescence measurements. The reported simple, low-cost, highly controllable, reproducible solution-deposition technique enables extensive fundamental investigation and industrial applications of nitrides and carbides.
Negative pressure wound therapy for management of the surgical incision in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Karlakki S. , Brem M. , Giannini S. , Khanduja V. , Stannard J. , Martin R. 
Published: December 2013

Objectives The period of post-operative treatment before surgical wounds are completely closed remains a key window, during which one can apply new technologies that can minimise complications. One such technology is the use of negative pressure wound therapy to manage and accelerate healing of the closed incisional wound (incisional NPWT). Methods We undertook a literature review of this emerging indication to identify evidence within orthopaedic surgery and other surgical disciplines. Literature that supports our current understanding of the mechanisms of action was also reviewed in detail. Results A total of 33 publications were identified, including nine clinical study reports from orthopaedic surgery; four from cardiothoracic surgery and 12 from studies in abdominal, plastic and vascular disciplines. Most papers (26 of 33) had been published within the past three years. Thus far two randomised controlled trials – one in orthopaedic and one in cardiothoracic surgery – show evidence of reduced incidence of wound healing complications after between three and five days of post-operative NPWT of two- and four-fold, respectively. Investigations show that reduction in haematoma and seroma, accelerated wound healing and increased clearance of oedema are significant mechanisms of action. Conclusions There is a rapidly emerging literature on the effect of NPWT on the closed incision. Initiated and confirmed first with a randomised controlled trial in orthopaedic trauma surgery, studies in abdominal, plastic and vascular surgery with high rates of complications have been reported recently. The evidence from single-use NPWT devices is accumulating. There are no large randomised studies yet in reconstructive joint replacement. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:276–84.
Developing a Fully Integrated Medical Transport Record to Support Comparative
Effectiveness Research for Patients Undergoing Medical Transport
Authors: Reimer Andrew P. , Madigan Elizabeth 
Published: December 2013

The consolidation of health care systems to develop centers of clinical excellence
has led to an increased reliance on medical transport to move patients requiring
time-sensitive interventions and specialized treatments. There is a paucity of outcomes
data, specifically comparative effectiveness research, related to the efficacy of
different transport services and the overall morbidity and mortality of patients that
undergo medical transfer. The rapid development of electronic medical record (EMR) use
has also occurred with transport charting. However, limited studies have incorporated
transport chart data in outcomes analyses. We have begun development of a fully
integrated medical transport record, combining transport and hospitals EMRs, to support
research efforts and develop clinical decision support tools for transported patients.
In this paper, we describe the elements necessary to develop a fully integrated medical
transport EMR to support the conduct of comparative effectiveness research, outline the
current limitations and challenges, and provide insight into the future direction in
developing clinical decision support tools for patients requiring transport.
An Evaluation of a Multiyear Gun Buy-Back Programme: Re-Examining the Impact on Violent Crimes
Authors: Phillips Scott W. , Kim Dae-Young , Sobol James J. 
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study is to examine gun buy-backs as a policy response to gun-related crime. It improves upon past studies by examining a city that has used multiple gun buy-backs as a standard crime prevention approach, allowing the multiple intervention points to be assessed. Further, the study examined crime data over a longer period and included a comparison group of similar crime trends without a gun. Total crime, homicide, robbery and assault data spanning several years are subject to an interrupted time-series analysis. Non-gun crimes served as control variables. Examining the first two intervention dates indicated that the gun buy-back programme had no impact on reducing crimes. Specifically, the gun buy-back programme in the study location reduced gun homicide levels, but results failed to reach statistical significance. When the third intervention date was examined, the gun buy-back programme resulted in a significant decrease in gun robbery levels, controlling for non-gun robbery levels and unemployment rates. The results for gun robbery suggest that gun buy-back programmes may take years to affect crime numbers, although future research is warranted.
Risk factors of atherosclerosis in patients with history of breast cancer
Authors: Šrámek Vlastislav , Melichar Bohuslav , Indráková Jarmila , Študentová Hana , Kalábová Hana , Vrána David , Lukešová Lucie , Adam Tomáš , Hlídková Eva , Juráňová Jarmila , Petrová Pavla , Krčmová Lenka Kujovská , Solichová Dagmar 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of the risk factor of atherosclerosis in patients with history of breast cancer. C-reactive protein, lipoprotein (a), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine, fibrinogen, glucose, magnesium, uric acid, and urinary albumin were determined by routine methods in 61 patients with history of breast cancer and 74 control subjects. Urinary neopterin and creatinine concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and intima-media thickness was determined sonographically. Breast cancer patients were significantly older and also had higher systolic blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipoprotein (a), serum neopterin, and intima-media thickness. Serum HDL cholesterol and magnesium concentrations were significantly higher in controls compared with patients. Differential patterns of associations between the risk factors of atherosclerosis were observed in patients with history of breast cancer compared with controls. In conclusion, the prevalence of risk factors of atherosclerosis is high in patients with history of breast cancer. Differential associations between risk factors suggest possible differences in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in breast cancer patients and controls.
Cooling Capacity of Petroleum Oil Quenchants as a Function of Bath Temperature
Authors: Kobasko N. I. , Marques Adriana , Canale L. C. F. , Totten G. E. , Dobryvechir V. V. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOther than water, the most common quenchants used for hardening steel are based on petroleum oil base stock. Cooling capacity is dependent on a number of variables including oil viscosity and additives, agitation, and bath temperature and is characterized by critical heat flux densities and heat transfer coefficients. It is shown here that there is an optimal quench oil temperature at which the critical heat flux density reaches its maximum value. Computational results are compared with results from earlier reports. These data show that the optimal quenching temperature for petroleum oils may be used to reduce the distortion of hardened steel parts. Different methods of determining critical heat flux densities and heat transfer coefficients were considered, and the most accurate results were obtained when proprietary software was used to solve an inverse problem that simultaneously yields the current and critical heat flux densities and heat transfer coefficients versus the surface temperature. The computational approach used to determine the cooling capacity of a quench oil as a function of bath temperature is discussed here.