bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wave Extremes in the Northeast Atlantic from Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Breivik Øyvind , Aarnes Ole Johan , Bidlot Jean-Raymond , Carrasco Ana , Saetra Øyvind 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
A method for estimating return values from ensembles of forecasts at advanced lead times is presented. Return values of significant wave height in the northeast Atlantic, the Norwegian Sea, and the North Sea are computed from archived +240-h forecasts of the ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) from 1999 to 2009. Three assumptions are made: First, each forecast is representative of a 6-h interval and collectively the dataset is then comparable to a time period of 226 years. Second, the model climate matches the observed distribution, which is confirmed by comparing with buoy data. Third, the ensemble members are sufficiently uncorrelated to be considered independent realizations of the model climate. Anomaly correlations of 0.20 are found, but peak events (&gt;P97) are entirely uncorrelated. By comparing return values from individual members with return values of subsamples of the dataset it is also found that the estimates follow the same distribution and appear unaffected by correlations in the ensemble. The annual mean and variance over the 11-yr archived period exhibit no significant departures from stationarity compared with a recent reforecast; that is, there is no spurious trend because of model upgrades. The EPS yields significantly higher return values than the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and is in good agreement with the high-resolution 10-km Norwegian Reanalyses (NORA10) hindcast, except in the lee of unresolved islands where EPS overestimates and in enclosed seas where it has low bias. Confidence intervals are half the width of those found for ERA-Interim because of the magnitude of the dataset.
Dynamic and Thermodynamic Relations of Distinctive Stratus Clouds on the Lee Side of the Tibetan Plateau in the Cold Season
Authors: Zhang Yi , Yu Rucong , Li Jian , Yuan Weihua , Zhang Minghua 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Given the large discrepancies that exist in climate models for shortwave cloud forcing over eastern China (EC), the dynamic (vertical motion and horizontal circulation) and thermodynamic (stability) relations of stratus clouds and the associated cloud radiative forcing in the cold season are examined. Unlike the stratus clouds over the southeastern Pacific Ocean (as a representative of marine boundary stratus), where thermodynamic forcing plays a primary role, the stratus clouds over EC are affected by both dynamic and thermodynamic factors. The Tibetan Plateau (TP)-forced low-level large-scale lifting and high stability over EC favor the accumulation of abundant saturated moist air, which contributes to the formation of stratus clouds. The TP slows down the westerly overflow through a frictional effect, resulting in midlevel divergence, and forces the low-level surrounding flows, resulting in convergence. Both midlevel divergence and low-level convergence sustain a rising motion and vertical water vapor transport over EC. The surface cold air is advected from the Siberian high by the surrounding northerly flow, causing low-level cooling. The cooling effect is enhanced by the blocking of the YunGui Plateau. The southwesterly wind carrying warm, moist air from the east Bay of Bengal is uplifted by the HengDuan Mountains via topographical forcing; the midtropospheric westerly flow further advects the warm air downstream of the TP, moistening and warming the middle troposphere on the lee side of the TP. The low-level cooling and midlevel warming together increase the stability. The favorable dynamic and thermodynamic large-scale environment allows for the formation of stratus clouds over EC during the cold season.
Comparing Idealized and Complex Topographies in Quasigeostrophic Simulations of an Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Nadeau Louis-Philippe , Straub David N. , Holland David M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe circumpolar transport of a wind-driven quasigeostrophic Antarctic Circumpolar Current is considered. Simple theory suggests transport in a strongly forced regime—the focus of this study—is largely determined by a partitioning of the southward Sverdrup flux into Drake Passage latitudes: some streamlines feed a “basin contribution” to the circumpolar transport and others feed a large-scale recirculation gyre. Simulations assuming an idealized Scotia Ridge topography are considered to test for sensitivity to resolution. Considerable sensitivity to both vertical and horizontal resolution is found, and associated with this is a tight stationary eddy trapped on the western flank of the ridge. That is, this eddy is sensitive to resolution and exerts an influence that acts to reduce the circumpolar transport. Simulations using the Scotia Ridge–like topography are also compared to others using more realistic topography. In the idealized (ridge) topography experiments, there is only a single ridge against which topographic form drag can act to remove eastward momentum from the system; in the complex topography experiments, there are many. It is found that the experiments assuming realistic topography do not develop an analog to the single topographically trapped eddy prevalent in the Scotia Ridge topography simulations. Additionally, circumpolar transport in these simulations agrees better with the theory. Whether this agreement is simply fortuitous, however, is unclear. To address this, a series of simulations assumes topography that varies smoothly between the idealized ridge and realistic configurations.
Pedal Errors Among Younger and Older Individuals During Different Pedal Operating Conditions
Authors: Wu Jinglong , Yang Jiajia , Yoshitake Masayuki 
Published: May 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of pedal errors by younger and older drivers that relate to sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) accidents. Background: SUA during an accident is a serious issue that causes numerous critical injuries and deaths every year. Previous studies have indicated that the major factor in these accidents is pedal error; however, the characteristics that relate to SUA accidents in older drivers remain unclear. Method: Twenty younger drivers (YDs; 23.1 ± 0.22 years) and 20 older drivers (ODs; 68.9 ± 1.16 years) used either one or both feet to participate in six tasks that involved pressing accelerator or brake pedals in response to various visual stimuli. Results: Both the reaction times (RTs) and the pedal error rates of the YD and OD groups significantly increased with the difficulty of the task. Other than the simple reaction condition, we found that the pedal error rates were significantly higher for the OD group than for the YD group; the OD group also demonstrated longer RTs. Moreover, the rates of accelerator error were consistently two or three times higher than the rates of brake error in both the YD and OD groups. Conclusion: For the older population, the use of the left foot to operate the brake pedal and the right foot to operate the accelerator could decrease the accelerator error rate and may reduce the rate of SUA-related accidents that are caused by pedal error.
Recommendations for managing missing data, attrition and response shift in palliative and end-of-life care research: Part of the MORECare research method guidance on statistical issues
Authors: Preston Nancy J , Fayers Peter , Walters Stephen J , Pilling Mark , Grande Gunn E , Short Vicky , Owen-Jones Eleanor , Evans Catherine J , Benalia Hamid , Higginson Irene J , Todd Chris J ,   on behalf of MORECare
Published: May 2013

Background: Statistical analysis in palliative and end-of-life care research can be problematic due to high levels of missing data, attrition and response shift as disease progresses. Aim: To develop recommendations about managing missing data, attrition and response shift in palliative and end-of-life care research data. Design: We used the MORECare Transparent Expert Consultation approach to conduct a consultation workshop with experts in statistical methods in palliative and end-of-life care research. Following presentations and discussion, nominal group techniques were used to produce recommendations about attrition, missing data and response shift. These were rated online by experts and analysed using descriptive statistics for consensus and importance. Results: In total, 20 participants attended the workshop and 19 recommendations were subsequently ranked. There was broad agreement across recommendations. The top five recommendations were as follows: A taxonomy should be devised to define types of attrition. Types and amount of missing data should be reported with details of imputation methods. The pattern of missing data should be investigated to inform the imputation approach. A statistical analysis plan should be pre-specified in the protocol. High rates of attrition should be assumed when planning studies and specifying analyses. The leading recommendation for response shift was for more research. Conclusions: When designing studies in palliative and end-of-life care, it is recommended that high rates of attrition should not be seen as indicative of poor design and that a clear statistical analysis plan is in place to account for missing data and attrition.
Relationship Between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Saphenous Vein Graft Disease in Patients With Coronary Bypass
Authors: Doğan Mehmet , Akyel Ahmet , Çimen Tolga , Öksüz Fatih , Çelik İbrahim Etem , Aytürk Mehmet , Murat Sani Namık , Yeter Ekrem 
Published: May 2013

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD) and neutrophil-to-lympocyte ratio (NLR) with other possible confounding factors. Methods: A total of 120 patients were enrolled into the present study. Of all participants, 40 patients were with SVGD and 80 of them were with patent SVG. Results: The NLR, white blood cell (WBC) count, age of SVG, red cell distribution width (RDW), and mean platelet volume were significantly higher in the SVGD group. In regression analysis, NLR, WBC, RDW, and age of SVG remained as independent predictors of SVGD. Conclusion: To our knowledge, we showed for the first time that NLR is independently associated with SVGD. It can be easily used in this era, because it is easily available, widely used, and relatively cheap. Besides NLR, WBC count, SVG age, and RDW can also be used to predict SVGD.
Demographic and clinical factors associated with changes in employment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Moore Phil , Harding Katharine E , Clarkson Hannah , Pickersgill Trevor P , Wardle Mark , Robertson Neil P 
Published: May 2013

Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate demographic and disease factors associated with changes in employment role and status in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Questionnaires on current symptoms, employment status and factors associated with changes in employment were sent to a community sample of 566 MS patients. Results: A total of 221 completed questionnaires were analysed. Of 169 employed at diagnosis, 43.3% had left employment at a mean of 11.9 years after disease onset. Of those still employed, 55% had changed their role or working hours to accommodate symptoms relating to their disease. These patients reported greater fatigue ( p = 0.001), pain ( p = 0.033) and memory problems ( p = 0.038) than those whose employment had remained unaffected. Multinomial logistic regression revealed the factors most strongly predictive of employment status were disability level, years of education, disease duration and fatigue ( p = 0.032). Conclusions: Despite changes to public perceptions and legislative protection over the last 20 years, high rates of MS patients still leave the workforce prematurely, reduce working hours or change employment roles. These data have significant implications when considering social and economic impacts of MS, support the value of employment metrics as long-term outcome measures, and demonstrate the need to improve employment requirements and flexibility of working practices in individuals with MS.
The effects of long-term interferon-beta-1b treatment on cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis: a 16-year longitudinal study
Authors: Lacy Maureen , Hauser Meagan , Pliskin Neil , Assuras Stephanie , Valentine Mildred O , Reder Anthony 
Published: May 2013

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system that affects cognition. Short-term treatment with interferon-beta-1b (IFN-b-1b) has been shown to have beneficial effects on cognition. Objective: The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effects of IFN-b-1b on cognitive functioning in patients with MS over the course of 16 years. Methods: Sixteen subjects with relapsing–remitting MS participated in the study. Nine of these subjects received IFN-b-1b, while seven received placebo treatment in the pivotal MS trial. After five years, all subjects were switched to IFN-b-1b treatment. At two and four years into the study, all subjects underwent a brief neuropsychological test battery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and neurologic ratings; measures were repeated at 16 years. Results: Across the total cohort, cognitive functioning remained relatively stable over the course of 16 years. The placebo/IFN-b-b group exhibited increased visual memory performance relative to the IFN-b-1b treatment group, but had a greater decline in verbal memory. Initial MRI lesion load demonstrated a significant, negative correlation with overall cognitive performance at 16 years ( p = 0.00). Conclusion: We conclude that IFN-b-1b has beneficial effects on long-term cognition outcomes in MS.
Characterization and Outcomes of Iliac Vessel Injury in the 21st Century
Authors: Lauerman Margaret H. , Rybin Denis , Doros Gheorghe , Kalish Jeffrey , Hamburg Naomi , Eberhardt Robert T. , Farber Alik 
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Iliac vessel trauma (IVT) is traditionally associated with high mortality. We evaluated a modern series of patients with IVT to assess current outcomes and endovascular therapy use. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the National Trauma Data Bank. Patients with IVT were stratified by blunt and penetrating mechanism and arterial and venous injury. Results: In blunt IVT, there was no significant difference in mortality between those with and without pelvic fractures (odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-1.06). In penetrating IVT, combined arterial and venous IVT was associated with higher mortality (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.06-2.70) compared to isolated arterial IVT. Isolated venous IVT was associated with lower mortality (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.85) compared to isolated arterial IVT. Endovascular stenting was utilized in 11.3% of blunt IVT with pelvic fractures, 6.3% of blunt IVT without pelvic fractures, and 1.8% of penetrating IVT. Conclusion: Iliac Vessel Trauma has significant mortality. Endovascular intervention for IVT is applied sparingly.
An identification and brief advice programme for low-risk alcohol consumption in an acute medical setting: an implementation study
Authors: Woodrow Susannah R , Green Stuart A , Phekoo Karen J , Grover Vijay PB , Lovendoski James , Anderson Mike , Bowden-Jones Owen , Foxton Matthew R 
Published: May 2013

Objectives To implement an identification and brief advice (IBA) intervention to detect low-risk/hazardous alcohol consumption. Design Implementation was guided through the use of quality improvement tools and training. Setting This study was conducted over an 18-month period from April 2010 to September 2011 on a 42-bed acute medical unit at a central London acute hospital. Participants All medical patients over the age of 18 admitted to the acute assessment unit were eligible; any patient unable to provide a medical history either through language barriers or due to illness was excluded. Main outcome measures Percentage of medical patients admitted each week to the acute assessment unit who were screened for low-risk/hazardous alcohol consumption. Results Weekly data were analysed in time series run charts and cross-referenced to the date of educational sessions and their effect on the uptake of screening monitored. A demonstrable change in the mean percentage number of patients screened was observed in different time periods, 67.3–80.1%, following targeted teaching on the AAU. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the successful use of quality improvement methodology to guide the implementation of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), an IBA intervention, in the acute medical setting. The incorporation of the AUDIT-C into an admission document has been well accepted by the junior doctors, attaining an average (mean) of 80% of patients being screened using the tool. Targeted teaching of clinical staff involved in admitting patients appears to be the most effective method in improving uptake of IBA by junior doctors.
Activated platelets can deliver mRNA regulatory Ago2•microRNA complexes to endothelial cells via microparticles
Authors: Laffont Benoit , Corduan Aurélie , Plé Hélène , Duchez Anne-Claire , Cloutier Nathalie , Boilard Eric , Provost Patrick 
Published: May 2013

Key Points
Activated platelets release microRNA miR-223 preferentially through MPs that can be internalized by endothelial cells. Platelet MP-derived Ago2•microRNA complexes are functional and can regulate endogenous gene expression in recipient endothelial cells.
Acceleration of sequence clustering using longest common subsequence filtering
Authors: Namiki Youhei , Ishida Takashi , Akiyama Yutaka 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Huge numbers of genomes can now be sequenced rapidly with recent improvements in sequencing throughput. However, data analysis methods have not kept up, making it difficult to process the vast amounts of available sequence data. This increased processing time is especially critical in DNA sequence clustering because of the intrinsic difficulty in parallelization. Thus, there is a strong demand for a faster clustering algorithm.

Results
We developed a new fast DNA sequence clustering method called LCS-HIT, based on the popular CD-HIT program. The proposed method uses a novel filtering technique based on the longest common subsequence to identify similar sequence pairs. This filtering technique makes the LCS-HIT considerably faster than CD-HIT, without loss of sensitivity. For a dataset of two million DNA sequences, our method was approximately 7.1, 4.4, and 2.2 times faster than CD-HIT for 100, 150, and 400 bases, respectively.

Conclusions
The LCS-HIT clustering program, using a novel filtering technique based on the longest common subsequence, is significantly faster than CD-HIT without compromising clustering accuracy. Moreover, the filtering technique itself is independent from the CD-HIT algorithm. Thus, this technique can be applied to similar clustering algorithms.
The microbiome of chronic rhinosinusitis: culture, molecular diagnostics and biofilm detection
Authors: Boase Sam , Foreman Andrew , Cleland Edward , Tan Lorwai , Melton-Kreft Rachel , Pant Harshita , Hu Fen Z , Ehrlich Garth D , Wormald Peter-John 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Bacteria and fungi are believed to influence mucosal inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However their presence and relationship to disease is debated. This study used multiple detection methods to compare microbial diversity and microbial abundance in healthy and diseased sinonasal mucosa. The utility of contemporary detection methods is also examined.

Methods
Sinonasal mucosa was analyzed from 38 CRS and 6 controls. Bacterial and fungal analysis was performed using conventional culture, molecular diagnostics (polymerase chain reaction coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results
Microbes were detected in all samples, including controls, and were often polymicrobial. 33 different bacterial species were detected in CRS, 5 in control patients, with frequent recovery of anaerobes. Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes were the most common organisms in CRS and controls, respectively. Using a model organism, FISH had a sensitivity of 78%, and a specificity of 93%. Many species were detected in both CRS and controls however, microbial abundance was associated with disease manifestation.

Conclusions
This study highlights some cornerstones of microbial variations in healthy and diseased paranasal sinuses. Whilst the healthy sinus is clearly not sterile, it appears prevalence and abundance of organisms is critical in determining disease. Evidence from high-sensitivity techniques, limits the role of fungi in CRS to a small group of patients. Comparison with molecular analysis suggests that the detection threshold of FISH and culture is related to organism abundance and, furthermore, culture tends to select for rapidly growing organisms.
Solvent-free enzymatic synthesis of 1, 3-Diacylglycerols by direct esterification of glycerol with saturated fatty acids
Authors: Zhong Nanjing , Gui Zhongyu , Xu Li , Huang Jianrong , Hu Kun , Gao Yongqing , Zhang Xia , Xu Zhenbo , Su Jianyu , Li Bing 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Pure 1, 3-diacylglycerols (1, 3-DAG) have been considered to be significant surfactants in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the effect on obesity prevention.

Methods
In this study, a vacuum-driven air bubbling operation mode was developed and evaluated for the enzymatic synthesis of 1, 3-DAG of saturated fatty acids, by direct esterification of glycerol with fatty acids in a solvent-free system. The employed vacuum-driven air bubbling operation mode was comparable to vacuum-driven N2 bubbling protocol, in terms of lauric acid conversion and 1, 3-dilaurin content.

Results
Some operation parameters were optimized, and 95.3% of lauric acid conversion and 80.3% of 1, 3-dilaurin content was obtained after 3-h reaction at 50°C, with 5 wt% of Lipozyme RM IM (based on reactants) amount. Of the lipases studied, both Lipozyme RM IM and Novozym 435 exhibited good performance in terms of lauric acid conversion. Lipozyme TL IM, however, showed low activity. Lipozyme RM IM showed good operational stability in this operation protocol, 80.2% of the original catalytic activity remained after 10 consecutive batch applications. Some other 1, 3-DAG were prepared and high content was obtained after purification: 98.5% for 1, 3-dicaprylin, 99.2% for 1, 3-dicaprin, 99.1% for 1, 3-dilaurin, 99.5 for 1, 3-dipalmitin and 99.4% for 1, 3-disterin.

Conclusion
The established vacuum-driven air bubbling operation protocol had been demonstrated to be a simple-operating, cost-effective, application practical and efficient methodology for 1, 3-DAG preparation.
GaAs-based resonant tunneling diode (RTD) epitaxy on Si for highly sensitive strain gauge applications
Authors: Li Jie , Guo Hao , Liu Jun , Tang Jun , Ni Haiqiao , Shi Yunbo , Xue Chenyang , Niu Zhichuan , Zhang Wendong , Li Mifeng , Yu Ying 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
As a highly sensitive strain gauge element, GaAs-based resonant tunneling diode (RTD) has already been applied in microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors. Due to poor mechanical properties and high cost, GaAs-based material has been limited in applications as the substrate for MEMS. In this work, we present a method to fabricate the GaAs-based RTD on Si substrate. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that the piezoresistive coefficient achieved with this method reached 3.42 × 10−9 m2/N, which is about an order of magnitude higher than the Si-based semiconductor piezoresistors.