bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Nitrate Reductase Assay for Rapid Detection of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Sah Ranjit Kumar , Bhatta DR , Ghimire GR , Kandel BP , Tiwari BR , Sherchand JB 
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) urgently demands for simple, rapid and inexpensive methods of its detection for the effective treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis, particularly in low-income countries. Methodology: This prospective study was carried out at National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory and South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre, Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal, from November 2009 to May 2010 to evaluate nitrate reductase assay (NRA) efficacy for rapid determination of streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Results: A total of 113 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis were tested for four first line antitubercular drugs by nitrate reductase assay and were compared with standard proportion method. Results were available in 7-14 days by NRA as compared to proportion method which generally takes 4-6 weeks. The sensitivity and specificity of NRA were 98.1% and 100% for isoniazid, 95.1% and 98.6% for rifampicin, 91.4% and 94.9% for streptomycin, and 78.6% and 97.9% for ethambutol, respectively. Agreement between NRA and proportion method were 99.1%, 97.3%, 93.8%, 95.6% for isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and ethambutol, respectively. Conclusion: NRA is easier, inexpensive and reliable method for susceptibility testing of Mycobacterum tuberculosis for isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most important drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis. The reduction in susceptibility testing time, and higher sensitivity and specificity of NRA method is of fundamental importance in detecting MDR-TB. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2012; IX(2) 5-8 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v9i2.7971
Patient Characteristics Associated with Non-Adherence to Anti Tuberculosis Treatment in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayawardena KAS , Sarukkali C , De Alwis AKSB , Samaraweera S , Waidyaratne D , Nawaratne S , Perera R , Darmasiri R , Kariyawasam A , Illangakoon RASE , Wijesingha DNK , Karunadasa PM 
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Sri Lanka had achieved a significant improvement in the tuberculosis control including a reduction of the default rate since introduction of the DOTS strategy to the National TB control Programme in 1997. Patients’ adherence to anti TB treatment may be measured using either process oriented or outcome oriented definitions. Default rate is an outcome oriented definition that may be used as an indicator of poor patient adherence to anti TB treatment. One of the main obstacles in achieving the best tuberculosis (TB) control is that patients do not complete full course of anti TB treatment. A prospective cohort study was carried out with the objective to identify patient characteristics that associate with defaulting anti tuberculosis treatment. Methodology: This was a prospective cohort study of new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients registered for treatment between 1.6.2008 and 31.8.2008 in seven districts in Sri Lanka. Data on the patient characteristics and the plan of management were collected at the beginning of the treatment using a pre tested structured questionnaire. During the follow up and at the end of the treatment, results of sputum microscopy and the treatment outcome were recorded. The patients who interrupted treatment for 2 months or more (defaulters) during the course of treatment were again investigated in the field. In the statistical analysis, patient characteristics of the defaulters were compared with the characteristics of patients who were cured. Results: There were 22 defaulters giving a default rate of 4.59%. Being a male, poor educational background, having a casual job, regular smoking, and regular alcohol use were significantly associated with defaulting treatment (p < 0.05). Sinhalese had lower default rate than other ethnic groups. At the field investigation, 43% of the defaulters were found not living in the addresses given to the treatment providers. Field investigators have further reported that financial reasons, substance abuse, feeling well, and lack of family support also as causes of defaulting treatment. Conclusion: Identification of risk factors by careful patient interview, early home visit, and monitoring of patient behaviour early in the course of treatment will help to predict whether adherence is likely to be a problem. So that, the treatment provider will be able to arrange a flexible and patient centered approach to ensure maximum adherence. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS; 2012; IX(2) 19-25 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v9i2.7974
Multisensor data and thermodynamic sea-ice model based sea-ice thickness chart with application to the Kara Sea, Arctic Russia
Authors: Similä M. , Mäkynen M. , Cheng B. , Rinne E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe introduce a method to construct an ice thickness chart using two satellite datasets and a one-dimensional high-resolution thermodynamic snow and sea-ice model (HIGHTSI). Thin-ice thickness up to 40 cm is retrieved using MODIS ice surface temperature data. For thicker ice, thickness is retrieved from a combination of SAR image and background level ice thickness chart Hi provided by HIGHTSI. Because Hi is inherently static, we utilize passive microwave data based sea-ice concentration charts to introduce mesoscale ice dynamics into Hi. In order to create the thickness chart, the value of modified Hi is scaled by a factor which depends on the magnitude of backscattering coefficient σ0. The proposed method is effective in cold winter conditions. We calculated a series of ice thickness charts covering the Kara Sea, Arctic Russia, during winter 2008/09. The ice thickness charts were validated against Russian ice charts. Our method gave realistic results in the thickness range 30–120 cm and was uncertain for the detection of thinner-ice areas. Due to the limitations in our reference dataset, more validation work is needed to establish the accuracy in more detail. Our thickness charts can be used for operational purposes and in climate studies.
Use of a multilayer snow model to assess grazing conditions for reindeer
Authors: Vikhamar-Schuler D. , Hanssen-Bauer I. , Schuler T.V. , Mathiesen S.D. , Lehning M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHigh-density snow layers deteriorate grazing conditions for reindeer during winter. We compare two different methods for identifying past winters with difficult grazing conditions for reindeer in Kautokeino, northern Norway. A long-term climate analysis based on monthly values of precipitation and temperature (1900–2011) demonstrated that the reported winters were difficult to identify systematically. The processes leading to hard layers or ground-ice layers occur on daily, not monthly, timescales, and whether or not specific conditions are problematic depends on the development throughout the winter, not just on single values. To better analyse the weather conditions and development over time that favour the formation of high-density snow layers, we apply the multilayer model SNOWPACK over the period 1956–2010. We simulate the evolution of the snowpack by forcing the model with 6 hour interval meteorological data. The model output was analysed by summing up the vertical extent of the simulated high-density snow layers (>350 kg m–3) for each winter. These results were compared with historical records of difficult winter grazing conditions reported in the period 1956–2010. In particular, the heavy losses of reindeer during the catastrophic 1967/68 winter were caused by the occurrence of ground ice together with long snow-cover duration. This unfavourable coincidence is well reproduced by our model results, together with eight of the ten reported difficult winters.
Parameter uncertainty, refreezing and surface energy balance modelling at Austfonna ice cap, Svalbard, 2004-08
Authors: Østby Torbjørn I. , Schuler Thomas V. , Hagen Jon Ove , Hock Regine , Reijmer Carleen H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe apply a physically based coupled surface energy balance and snowpack model to a site close to the equilibrium line on Austfonna ice cap, Svalbard, over the 2004-08 melt seasons, to explain contributions to the energy available for melting and to quantify the significance of refreezing. The model is forced using in situ meteorological measurements and precipitation downscaled from ERA-Interim reanalysis. Applying a Monte Carlo approach to determine the tunable parameters of the model, we estimate the uncertainty related to the choice of parameter values. Multiple criteria are evaluated to identify well-performing parameter combinations, evaluating the model performance with respect to longwave outgoing radiation, snow and ice temperatures and surface displacement. On average, over the investigated melt seasons (1 June to 15 September) net radiation and sensible heat contributed 90 ± 2% and 10 ± 2%, respectively, to the mean energy available for melting snow and ice. The energy consumed by subsurface heat exchange reduced runoff by 15±2% in 2004 and 49±3% in 2008. Refreezing of meltwater and rain was estimated to be 0.37 ± 0.04 m w.e. a-1 on average over the five seasons, which represents a considerable reduction of mass loss during summer. Our findings suggest that refreezing potentially exerts a decisive control on glacier mass balance in persistently snow- or firn-covered areas.
Comparing three different methods to model scenarios of future glacier change in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Linsbauer Andreas , Paul Frank , Machguth Horst , Haeberli Wilfried 
Published: April 2013

AbstractOngoing atmospheric warming causes rapid shrinking of glaciers in the European Alps, with a high chance of their near-complete disappearance by the end of the 21st century. Here we present a comparison of three independent approaches to model the possible evolution of the glaciers in the Swiss Alps over the 21st century. The models have different levels of complexity, work at a regional scale and are forced with three scenarios of temperature increase (low, moderate, high). The moderate climate scenario gives an increase in air temperature of ∼2°C and ∼4°C for the two scenario periods 2021-50 and 2070-99, respectively, resulting in an area loss of 60-80% by 2100. In reality, the shrinkage could be even faster, as the observed mean annual thickness loss is already stronger than the modelled one. The three approaches lead to rather similar results with respect to the overall long-term evolution. The choice of climate scenarios produces the largest spread (∼40%) in the final area loss, while the uncertainty in present-day ice-thickness estimation causes about half this spread.
Comparative anatomy of the proximal tibia in healthy Labrador Retrievers and Yorkshire Terriers
Authors: Guillemot A. , Fontaine D. , Ragetly G. R. , Etchepareborde S. , Vedrine B. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryObjective 1) To provide specific quantitative data of tibial conformation in Labrador Retrievers and Yorkshire Terriers; 2) To compare the tibial conformation of these two breeds; and 3) To compare these data with previously reported data.Methods Mediolateral radiographs of the stifle were obtained from 30 consecutive Labrador Retrievers and 30 consecutive Yorkshire Terriers with an angle of extension of 135°. The tibial plateau angle (TPA), the angle between the tibial plateau and the patellar tendon (PTA), the Z angle, the distal tibial axis/proximal tibial axis angle (DPA), and the relative tibial tuberosity width (rTTW) were measured and compared among the two breeds.Results The breed had a significant effect on all of the measured variables (p <0.01): Labrador Retrievers had a lower TPA (25 ± 3° compared to 30 ± 4°), a lower Z angle (58.8 ± 3.2° compared to 69.2 ± 4.5°), a lower DPA (4.5 ± 2.3° compared to 10.8 ± 4.3°), and a lower rTTW (0.74 ± 0.1 compared to 0.86 ± 0.1) than Yorkshire Terriers. The PTA was greater in Labrador Retrievers compared to Yorkshire Terriers (106.9 ± 3.9° compared to 103.7 ± 6.5°). Four correlations were found to be significant: the DPA angle was correlated with the TPA, the Z angle, and the rTTW. The TPA was also correlated with the Z angle.Clinical significance Clinical significance: The variation in tibial conformation between breeds should be taken into account when studying the role of each measured parameter in the pathology of cruciate disease. When the relevance of each of the aforementioned measured parameters is better understood, it may help determine the most appropriate surgical treatment.
Feline pantarsal arthrodesis using pre-contoured dorsal plates applied according to the principles of percutaneous plate arthrodesis
Authors: Sajik D. , Farrell M. , Fitzpatrick N. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryObjective: To describe the surgical technique for pantarsal arthrodesis (PTA) in cats according to the principles of percutaneous plate arthrodesis with application of a pre-contoured dorsal plate, without external coaptation and to report the long-term clinical outcome.Materials and methods: Retrospective review was performed of all cats treated by percutaneous plate application using a new pre-contoured dorsal plate for PTA between 2008 and 2011. Inclusion criteria were clinical and radiographic records plus clinical follow-up to at least six weeks. Data recorded included signalment, indication for surgery, postoperative care, and complications encountered. Radiographs were assessed for arthrodesis progression and complications. Outcome was assessed using an owner questionnaire.Results: Eleven cats were treated for tarsal injuries and met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 86 ± 45 months, weight 4.50 ± 0.92 kg. The only major short-term complication encountered was wound dehiscence requiring sedation and re-suturing. In the medium-term (23.3 months ± 11.6 months) eight out of nine cats returned to normal activity and one cat showed intermittent lameness. Long-term (34.3 months ±17.5 months) radiographic evaluation was performed in seven out of nine cats; six manifested complete arthrodesis and one sustained plate breakage. Based on owner questionnaire, all nine cats returned to normal activity in the long-term, even the case with plate breakage.Conclusion: Based on our results, PTA using a custom pre-contoured dorsal plate is a suitable salvage surgery for treatment of severe tarsal injuries in cats.
A novel method for defining the Greyhound talocrural joint axis of rotation for hinged transarticular external skeletal fixation
Authors: Hadley N. R. , Wallace A. M. , Colborne G. R. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIn order to apply hinged transarticular external skeletal fixation for stabilization of the injured canine tarsal joint, knowledge of the three-dimensional (3D) location and orientation of the transverse axis is necessary. This method of immobilization may be used as a primary or adjunctive method of stabilisation for a large number of traumatic conditions. Using pin-mounted markers in the cadaveric Greyhound crus and talus, a closed-form solution of absolute orientation was used to identify, on radiographs, the lateral and medial locations of the transverse axis by tracking the 3D excursions of the markers during flexion and extension. A line was drawn across the dorsal aspect of the calcaneus from the most dorsal point on the distal articular surface (proximal intertarsal joint: PIJ) to the most dorsal point on its proximal articulation with the body of the talus, and the location of the centre of rotation was expressed in terms of the length of that line. In seven Greyhound tarsal joints, the medial end of the axis was located 73 ± 10% proximal to the PIJ and 11 ± 7% dorsal to the line. The lateral end was 73 ± 9% proximal to the PIJ and -2 ± 3% plantar to the line.
Microsatellite markers for Leucobryum boninense (Leucobryaceae), endemic to the Bonin Islands, Japan
Authors: Oguri Emiko , Yamaguchi Tomio , Kajita Tadashi , Murakami Noriaki 
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Leucobryum boninense, endemic to the Bonin Islands, Japan, to investigate its level of genetic diversity and population genetic structure.• Methods and Results: Using next‐generation sequencing, 21 primer sets were developed, among which nine loci were polymorphic in the populations of the Bonin Islands. Among these polymorphic loci, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 10 (mean = 3.444) and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.066 to 0.801 (mean = 0.338).• Conclusions: These results indicate the utility of the nine microsatellite markers that we developed for population genetic studies of L. boninense.
Financiarisation et fractures socio-spatiales
Authors: Godechot Olivier 
Published: April 2013

L’article complète les travaux sur la financiarisation des économies contemporaines à partir de données portant non pas sur les comptes des entreprises, mais sur la composition de leur personnel. Il retient pour cela plusieurs indicateurs susceptibles de signer la puissance directe et indirecte de la finance contemporaine : l’importance et la concentration relative au sein des fractions les mieux payées des salariés travaillant dans le secteur de la finance, au sein des holdings des entreprises non-financières, dans le secteur du conseil aux entreprises ou comme cadres financiers des entreprises non-financières. La concentration des salariés de la finance au sein des salariés les mieux payés semble être le phénomène le plus marquant du processus de financiarisation. L’article examine ensuite les conséquences de la financiarisation sur les inégalités socio-spatiales. À l’accroissement des inégalités, phénomène déjà connu et mis en évidence dans nos précédents travaux, s’ajoute un phénomène de fractionnement du territoire entre la « ville globale » (le grand Paris et en particulier son quartier d’affaires de La Défense) qui possède un centre financier international et les autres parties du territoire. Ainsi, le processus de ségrégation spatiale devient massif dès lors qu’on monte assez haut dans la distribution des salaires et qu’on prend en compte le lieu de travail. Quoique de moindre ampleur, la concentration des salariés riches, produite par la financiarisation, participe à la ghettoïsation résidentielle des salariés les plus fortunés.
De la crise financière à l’impasse sociétale ?
Authors: Lautman Jacques 
Published: April 2013

Trois tournants majeurs sont interconnectés dans l’évolution économique et la science économique : en 1971 toutes les monnaies sont devenues des biens marchands ; peu après le néolibéralisme domine ; les mathématiques financières fascinent les économistes du modèle standard, qui oublient le Bien-être de tous, cœur de leur discipline. Le présent article examine les conséquences politico-sociales de ce triple tournant : déclin de l’État-providence ; montée des inégalités ; dettes publiques et instabilité des banques. Le pire est sans doute à venir, – ce que les gouvernants semblent refuser de voir.
Medical Student Appraisal
Authors: Markman T.M. , Sampognaro P.J. , Mitchell S.L. , Weeks S.R. , Khalifian S. , Dattilo J.R. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackground: Medical students are often afforded the privilege of counselling patients. In the past resources were limited to pen and paper or anatomic models. The evolution of mobile applications allows for limitless access to resources that facilitate bedside patient education.Objectives: To evaluate the utility of six applications in patient education and promote awareness of implementing mobile resources in clinical care.Methods: Six medical students rotating on various clerkships evaluated a total of six mobile applications. Strengths, limitations, and suggested uses in clinical care were identified. Applications included MeditoonsTM, VisiblePatientTM, DrawMDTM, CardioTeachTM, Visual AnatomyTM, and 360° Patient Education SuiteTM. Data was generated from narrative responses supplied by each student during their evaluation period.Results: Bedside teaching was enhanced by professional illustrations and animations depicting anatomy and pathophysiology. Impromptu teaching was facilitated, as resources were conveniently available on a student’s smartphone or tablet. The ability to annotate and modify images and subsequently email to patients was an extraordinary improvement in provider-patient communication. Universal limitations included small smartphone screens and the novelty of new technology.Discussion: Mobile applications have the potential to greatly enhance patient education and simultaneously build rapport. Endless opportunities exist for their integration in clinical practice, particularly for new diagnoses, consent for procedures, and at time of discharge. Providers should be encouraged to try new applications and utilize them with patients.Citation: Markman TM, Sampognaro PJ, Mitchell SL, Weeks SR, Khalifian S, Dattilo JR. Medical student appraisal: Applications for bedside patient education. Appl Clin Inf 2013; 4: 201–211http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-01-R-0007
In Pursuit of Safe Foods: Chinese Preferences for Soybean Attributes in Soymilk
Authors: Zheng Yue , Li Xianghong , Peterson Hikaru Hanawa 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThis study examines Chinese consumers’ preferences for organic and non‐GM (genetically modified) attributes of soybeans used in soymilk. An enumerated consumer survey was conducted in three types of grocery outlets in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. We found that respondents were willing to pay a premium for organic and non‐GM attributes as well as for information on where soybeans were produced. The organic attribute certified by U.S. agencies was valued more than that certified by Chinese agencies, but the converse was true for the non‐GM attribute. Preferences were heterogeneous, particularly toward U.S.‐certified organic and soybeans of Chinese origin. [JEL Classifications: Q13, Q17]
Improved recellularization of ex vivo vascular scaffolds using directed transport gradients to modulate ECM remodeling
Authors: Tosun Zehra , McFetridge Peter S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe regeneration of functional, clinically viable, tissues from acellular ex vivo tissues has been problematic largely due to poor nutrient transport conditions that limit cell migration and integration. Compounding these issues are subcellular pore sizes that necessarily requires extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in order for cells to migrate and regenerate the tissue. The aim of the present work was to create a directed growth environment that allows cells to fully populate an ex vivo‐derived vascular scaffold and maintain viability over extended periods. Three different culture conditions using single (one nutrient source) or dual perfusion bioreactor systems (two nutrients sources) were designed to assess the effect of pressure and nutrient gradients under either low (50/30 mmHg) or high (120/80) relative pressure conditions. Human myofibroblasts were seeded to the ablumenal periphery of an ex vivo‐derived vascular scaffold using a collagen/hydrogel cell delivery system. After 30 days culture, total cell density was consistent between groups; however, significant variation was noted in cell distribution and construct mechanics as a result of differing perfusion conditions. The most aggressive transport gradient was developed by the single perfusion low‐pressure circuits and resulted in a higher proportion of cells migrating across the scaffold toward the vessel lumen (nutrient source). These investigations illustrate the influence of directed nutrient gradients where precisely controlled perfusion conditions significantly affects cell migration, distribution and function, resulting in pronounced effects on construct mechanics during early remodeling events. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 2035–2045. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.