bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Range Overlaid Echoes Using Polarimetric Radar Measurements Based on a Fuzzy Logic Approach
Authors: Park S.-G. , Kim Ji-Hyeon , Ko Jeong-Seok , Lee Gyuwon 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of South Korea operates two S-band dual-polarimetric radars, as of 2013, to manage water resources through quantitative rainfall estimations at the surface level. However, the radar measurements suffer from range ambiguity. In this study, an algorithm based on fuzzy logic is developed to identify range overlaid echoes using seven inputs: standard deviations of differential reflectivity SD(ZDR), differential propagation phase SD(ϕDP), correlation coefficient SD(ρHV) and spectrum width SD(συ), mean of ρHV and συ, and difference of ϕDP from the system offset ΔϕDP. An examination of the algorithm’s performance shows that these echoes can be well identified and that echoes strongly affected by second trip are highlighted by high probabilities, over 0.6; echoes weakly affected have probabilities from 0.4 to 0.6; and those with low probabilities, below 0.4, are assigned as echoes without range ambiguity. A quantitative analysis of a limited number of cases using the usual skill scores shows that when the probability of 0.4 is considered as a threshold for identifying the range overlaid echoes, they can be identified with a probability of detection of 90%, a false alarm rate of 6%, and a critical success index of 84%.
A Morphing-Based Technique for the Verification of Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Han Fan , Szunyogh Istvan 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This paper describes a morphing-based approach for the verification of precipitation forecasts. This approach employs a pyramid matching algorithm to morph the precipitation features in a forecast into features that match the related precipitation features in the verifying analysis (observations) as closely as possible. The algorithm computes an optical flow (vector field) that maps the original forecast features into the morphed forecast features. The optical flow also provides quantitative information about the error in the location of the forecast features. This information, combined with information about the error in the prediction of the total precipitation over the verification domain, is used to quantify the structure error in the precipitation forecast. The proposed approach has three novel aspects compared to the published morphing-based verification strategies. First, it imposes a constraint on the pyramid matching algorithm to prevent overconvergence toward strong precipitation features during morphing. Second, it introduces an objective criterion for the selection of the subsampling parameter to avoid splitting or distorting features due to an arbitrary maximum displacement limit. Third, the proposed definitions of the location and structure errors are new. The behavior of the proposed multivariate verification metrics is investigated by applications to both idealized and numerical forecast examples.
Breast parenchymal signal enhancement ratio at preoperative magnetic resonance imaging: association with early recurrence in triple-negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Park Vivian Youngjean , Kim Eun-Kyung , Kim Min Jung , Yoon Jung Hyun , Moon Hee Jung 
Published: October 2015

Background The signal enhancement ratio (SER) of surrounding non-tumor parenchyma at breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be helpful in breast cancer patients, but has not been investigated in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Purpose To investigate the association between background parenchymal SER around the tumor on preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with recurrence-free survival in patients with TNBC. Material and Methods Between April 2012 and May 2013, 71 TNBC patients who underwent preoperative MRI were included. SER values were calculated from regions of interest placed in the breast parenchyma around the tumor. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine associations between MRI variables, clinical-pathologic variables, and recurrence-free survival. Results Recurrence occurred in 8.5% (6/71) of patients. At univariate analysis, a higher SER around the tumor, larger tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, receipt of total mastectomy, and not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with worse recurrence-free survival. At multivariate analysis of preoperative variables, a higher SER around the tumor was independently associated with worse recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 7.072, P = 0.003 for SER1; HR = 6.268, P = 0.006 for SER2; HR = 3.004, P = 0.039 for SER3). Conclusion Higher SER around the tumor at preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is an independent predictor for recurrence in TNBC patients.
Alemtuzumab for multiple sclerosis: Long term follow-up in a multi-centre cohort
Authors: Willis MD , Harding KE , Pickersgill TP , Wardle M , Pearson OR , Scolding NJ , Smee J , Robertson NP 
Published: October 2015

Background: Alemtuzumab has recently been approved for treatment of relapsing MS, but concerns remain about its use since long-term studies of adverse events remain limited. Furthermore, a clear understanding of its application and durability of effect in clinical practice has yet to evolve. Objectives: To investigate long-term efficacy and safety outcomes in a multicentre cohort of patients treated with alemtuzumab. Methods: Patients treated from 2000 and followed-up at three regional centres were identified. Baseline and prospective data were obtained and validated by clinical record review. Results: One hundred patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 6.1 years (range 1–13). Forty patients were retreated with at least one further treatment cycle. Annualized relapse rates fell from 2.1 to 0.2 ( p<0.0001) post-treatment and were sustained for up to eight years of follow-up. Mean change in EDSS score was +0.14. Forty-seven patients developed secondary autoimmunity. Conclusion: Observed reduction in relapse rates reflected those reported in clinical trials, but we were unable to corroborate previous observations of disability reversal. 40% of patients required additional treatment cycles. Autoimmune adverse events were common, occurring at a higher rate than previously reported, but were largely predictable, and could be managed effectively within a rigorous monitoring regime.
Multisite Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis Using Vein Graft for Uterine Cancer-Related Lymphedema After Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Yamamoto Nana , Yokoyama Ai , Numahata Takao , Koshima Isao 
Published: October 2015

Background: Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is becoming a treatment option for lymphedema. It is challenging to perform LVA when a lymphatic vessel is too far from a vein to anastomose directly. Methods: We applied vein grafting for simultaneous multisite LVA (SM-LVA), when there was a considerable distance between a lymphatic vessel and a vein. Five patients with lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) who underwent SM-LVA were included in this study. Feasibility and treatment effect of the method were evaluated. Results: Simultaneous multisite LVA resulted in 35 anastomoses. Vein grafting was performed in 5 of 35 anastomoses with 100% technical success. All LVAs showed good intraoperative anastomosis patency. At 6 months postoperatively, LEL index was significantly lower than preoperative LEL index (251.0 ± 33.0 vs 271.0 ± 38.5, P < .001). Conclusion: In SM-LVA surgery, a vein can be harvested from another surgical field without additional invasiveness and is useful for bridging a lymphatic vessel and a distant vein.
Degree of concordance between single balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after an initial positive capsule endoscopy finding
Authors: Shiani Ashok , Nieves Javier , Lipka Seth , Patel Brijesh , Kumar Ambuj , Brady Patrick 
Published: October 2015

Introduction: In patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OBGIB) capsule endoscopy (CE) is the initial diagnostic procedure of choice. Often patients undergo single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) with both diagnostic and therapeutic intention after CE. Although SBE offers a therapeutic benefit, long procedure times, complexity, and invasiveness are drawbacks. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic correlation between these two modalities after an initial positive CE finding. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 418 patients who underwent CE at our institution from January 2010 to May 2014. A total of 95 patients were analyzed after selecting patients that underwent SBE originally after a positive CE result for the evaluation for OGIB. Agreement beyond chance was evaluated using the κ coefficient. A p value less than 5% was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of our population was 65.8 ± 12.2 and it was female predominant: 57/95 (60%). The most frequent positive findings were vascular lesions found on SBE in 31.6% and on CE in 41.1%. There was a strong agreement when identifying active bleeding and clots [κ=0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–1.03; p ⩽ 0.0001], and a moderate agreement when diagnosing vascular lesions (0.41; 95% CI 0.21–0.61; p ⩽ 0.0001). There was fair agreement for ulcers (0.26; 95% CI 0.07–0.59; p = 0.005). There was a low correlation between masses, polyps, and others. Conclusion: CE still remains the initial test of choice in evaluating stable patients with OBGIB since it has strong-to-fair concordance for the major small bowel findings. However, in cases of severe overt small bowel bleeding, balloon-assisted enteroscopy can be considered the initial procedure of choice since it is therapeutic as well as diagnostic and this approach avoids delays in treatment. Further research should focus on methods to improve interpretation of CE and enhance the ability to evaluate the entire small bowel with SBE.
Childhood posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: Magnetic resonance imaging findings with emphasis on increased leptomeningeal FLAIR signal
Authors: Agarwal Ajay , Kapur Gaurav , Altinok Deniz 
Published: October 2015

Purpose Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiologic syndrome characterized clinically by headache, seizures, and altered sensorium and radiological changes which are usually reversible. The purpose of this study was to describe the spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in childhood PRES, to determine the common etiologies for childhood PRES, and to have an insight into the pathophysiology of PRES. Methods The MRI results of 20 clinically diagnosed cases of PRES between July 2011 and June 2013 were reviewed. The final diagnosis of PRES was based on the clinical presentation and the MRI features at the time of presentation, which resolved on the follow-up imaging. The medical records of the patients were reviewed to determine the underlying medical disease. Results Eight out of the 20 patients included in the study were on cyclosporine or tacrolimus based immunosuppressant therapy for kidney transplant. Four patients had severe hypertension at presentation. The most common MRI finding was high T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal in the cortex and subcortical white matter of both cerebral hemispheres, particularly in the parietal and occipital lobes ( n = 16). The second most common MRI finding was increased leptomeningeal FLAIR signal ( n = 7). Out of seven patients with leptomeningeal signal, five demonstrated leptomeningeal enhancement as well. Four out of these seven patients had no other parenchymal findings. Conclusion Childhood PRES is commonly seen in the setting of immunosuppressant therapy for kidney transplant, severe hypertension and cancer treatment. There was high incidence of increased leptomeningeal FLAIR signal and leptomeningeal enhancement in our study. It supports the current theory of endothelial injury with increased microvascular permeability as the potential pathophysiology of PRES. Also, absence of elevated blood pressure in majority of the patients in our study supports the theory of direct endothelial injury by some agents leading to vasogenic edema.
Effect of age and surgical approach on perioperative wound complication following ovariohysterectomy in shelter-housed cats in Australia
Authors: Roberts Madeleine L , Beatty Julia A , Dhand Navneet K , Barrs Vanessa R 
Published: October 2015

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age and/or surgical approach on perioperative wound complication following ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Methods A retrospective search of perioperative monitoring records from a shelter desexing program was conducted to identify cats that underwent OHE between 1 June 2010 and 31 December 2012 inclusive. A wound complication was defined as gross observation of inflammation or wound dehiscence at the surgical site in the 5 day postoperative period. Cases were grouped according to age (≤12 weeks or >12 weeks) and surgical approach (flank or midline). Stratified analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between surgical approach and wound complications, after adjusting for age. Mantel–Haenszel adjusted risk ratio, Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test statistic and their 95% confidence intervals were presented. Results A total of 312 cases met the study criteria. The overall wound complication risk was low (6.09%) and was not related to age. A midline approach was associated with a 4.59-times increased risk of wound complication, compared with a flank approach in cats up to 12 weeks of age ( P = 0.015) but not in older cats. Conclusions and relevance These findings support the practice of prepubertal desexing for cats.
Measuring Consumer Attitude through Marketing Dimensions: A Comparative Study between Metro and Non-metro Cities
Authors: Khandelwal Utkal , Bajpai Naval 
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this article is to find the factors affecting consumer attitude from marketing dimensions through the review of literature and develop a simpler and a precise model of consumer attitude, and also to measure the difference in consumer attitude of metro and non-metro consumers, because metro and non-metro customers are different in their consumer behavior in many ways. The conceptual framework of factors affecting customer attitude—including brand equity, quality of products and services, pricing, marketing communication, risk aversion, purchase intention, consumer conformity, consumer reference group, consumer purchasing power, and consumer’s past-use experience—is developed by examining the theoretical foundation for general products and services. Linear regression and z-test are used to measure the impact of these attributes on consumer attitude and difference in metro and non-metro customers, respectively. Furthermore, dimensions such as pricing strategies, risk aversion, purchase intention, consumer conformity, consumer reference group, consumer purchasing power, and consumer’s past-use experience have a significant difference in these two regions, and consumer behavior based on brand equity, quality, and marketing communication has no significant difference. Regression results establish a significant positive linear relationship between consumer attitude and the various marketing dimension variables taken for the study in both the regions. The article proposes a conceptual framework of factors affecting consumer attitude. Results on the difference of consumer attitude from marketing dimensions in metro and non-metro customers and linear impact of the same on consumer attitude will help the marketers, academicians, and strategist in better understanding of these markets and help in the formulation of better policy.
Lipid Profile in HIV-Infected Patients Using First-Line Antiretroviral Drugs
Authors: Ombeni Walter , Kamuhabwa Appolinary R. 
Published: October 2015

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients using the first-line antiretroviral (ARV) drugs triple regimen. Methods: HIV-infected patients aged ≥15 years and attending Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) at Muhimbili National Hospital, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, were recruited for the study. Blood samples from patients were collected during their regular visits at the CTC and assayed for determination of total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and CD4 counts. Results: The median CD4 count was 346 cells/mm3 (2-2600). Triple therapy combinations of ARV drugs used by patients included zidovudine (ZDV)/lamivudine (3TC)/efavirenz (EFV; 42.4%), ZDV/3TC/nevirapine (NVP; 33.8%), tenofovir (TDF)/emtricitabine/EFV (19.9%), and TDF/3TC/EFV (3.9%). The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients was 77.5%. There were varied prevalence of derangement of individual lipids among patients. Age, body mass index, CD4 count, sex, and duration of ARV drug use were the predictors of poor lipid profiles. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate the need for routine monitoring of lipids among HIV-infected patients.
Assessing Children With Disabilities Using WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Child and Youth Version Activities and Participation D Codes
Authors: Illum Niels Ove , Gradel Kim Oren 
Published: October 2015

Aim: Evaluation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health child and youth version (ICF-CY) activities and participation d code functions in clinical practice with children across diagnoses, disabilities, ages, and genders. Methods: A set of 57 codes were selected and worded to describe children’s support needs in everyday life. Parents of children aged 1 to 15 years participated in interviews to discuss and rate their child’s disability. Results: Of 367 invited parents, 332 (90.5%) participated. The mean age of their children with disability was 9.4 years. The mean code scores were 50.67, the corrected code–total correlations were .76, intercode correlations had the mean of 0.61, and Cronbach’s α was .98. As a result of Rasch analysis, graphical data for disability measures paralleled clinical expectations across the total population of 332 children. Conclusion: The World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health child and youth version d code data can provide a coherent measure of severity of disability in children across various diagnoses, ages, and genders.
Understanding the role of hyperdiploidy in myeloma prognosis: which trisomies really matter?
Authors: Chretien Marie-Lorraine , Corre Jill , Lauwers-Cances Valerie , Magrangeas Florence , Cleynen Alice , Yon Edwige , Hulin Cyrille , Leleu Xavier , Orsini-Piocelle Frederique , Blade Jean-Sebastien , Sohn Claudine , Karlin Lionel , Delbrel Xavier , Hebraud Benjamin , Roussel Murielle , Marit Gerald , Garderet Laurent , Mohty Mohamad , Rodon Philippe , Voillat Laurent , Royer Bruno , Jaccard Arnaud , Belhadj Karim , Fontan Jean , Caillot Denis , Stoppa Anne-Marie , Attal Michel , Facon Thierry , Moreau Philippe , Minvielle Stephane , Avet-Loiseau Hervé 
Published: October 2015

Key PointsIn myeloma patients, trisomy 3 improved time to progression and trisomies 3 and/or 5 improved overall survival. In contrast, trisomy 21 significantly worsened overall survival.
Stable and bicistronic expression of two genes in somite- and lateral plate-derived tissues to study chick limb development
Authors: Bourgeois Adeline , Esteves de Lima Joana , Charvet Benjamin , Kawakami Koichi , Stricker Sigmar , Duprez Delphine 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Background
Components of the limb musculoskeletal system have distinct mesoderm origins. Limb skeletal muscles originate from somites, while the skeleton and attachments (tendons and connective tissues) derive from limb lateral plate. Despite distinct mesoderm origins, the development of muscle, skeleton and attachments is highly coordinated both spatially and temporally to ensure complete function of the musculoskeletal system. A system to study molecular interactions between somitic-derived tissues (muscles) and lateral-plate-derived tissues (skeletal components and attachments) during limb development is missing.

Results
We designed a gene delivery system in chick embryos with the ultimate aim to study the interactions between the components of the musculoskeletal system during limb development. We combined the Tol2 genomic integration system with the viral T2A system and developed new vectors that lead to stable and bicistronic expression of two proteins at comparable levels in chick cells. Combined with limb somite and lateral plate electroporation techniques, two fluorescent reporter proteins were co-expressed in stoichiometric proportion in the muscle lineage (somitic-derived) or in skeleton and their attachments (lateral-plate-derived). In addition, we designed three vectors with different promoters to target muscle cells at different steps of the differentiation process.

Conclusion
Limb somite electroporation technique using vectors containing these different promoters allowed us to target all myogenic cells, myoblasts or differentiated muscle cells. These stable and promoter-specific vectors lead to bicistronic expression either in somitic-derived myogenic cells or lateral plate-derived cells, depending on the electroporation sites and open new avenues to study the interactions between myogenic cells and tendon or connective tissue cells during limb development.
Extracorporeal decarboxylation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and ARDS enables effective control of intracranial pressure
Authors: Munoz-Bendix Christopher , Beseoglu Kerim , Kram Rainer 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with concomitant impairment of oxygenation and decarboxylation represents a complex problem in patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Permissive hypercapnia is not an option to obtain and maintain lung-protective ventilation in the presence of elevated ICP. Pumpless extracorporeal lung assist (pECLA) devices (iLA Membrane Ventilator; Novalung, Heilbronn, Germany) can improve decarboxylation without aggravation associated with invasive ventilation. In this pilot series, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of pECLA in patients with ARDS and elevated ICP after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods
The medical records of ten patients (eight male, two female) with severe ARDS and severe TBI concurrently managed with external ventricular drainage in the neurointensive care unit (NICU) were retrospectively analyzed. The effect of pECLA on enabling lung-protective ventilation was evaluated using the difference between plateau pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure, defined as driving pressure (ΔP), during the 3 days preceding the implant of pECLA devices until 3 days afterward. The ICP threshold was set at 20 mmHg. To evaluate effects on ICP, the volume of daily cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage needed to maintain the set ICP threshold was compared pre- and postimplant.

Results
The ΔP values after pECLA implantation decreased from a mean 17.1 ± 0.7 cm/H2O to 11.9±0.5 cm/H2O (p = 0.011). In spite of this improved lung-protective ventilation, carbon dioxide pressure decreased from 46.6 ± 3.9 mmHg to 39.7 ± 3.5 mmHg (p = 0.005). The volume of daily CSF drainage needed to maintain ICP at 20 mmHg decreased significantly from 141.5 ± 103.5 ml to 62.2 ± 68.1 ml (p = 0.037).

Conclusions
For selected patients with concomitant severe TBI and ARDS, the application of pECLA is safe and effective. pECLA devices improve decarboxylation, thus enabling lung-protective ventilation. At the same time, potentially detrimental hypercapnia that may increase ICP is avoided. Larger prospective trials are warranted to further elucidate application of pECLA devices in NICU patients.