bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operational Implementation of the 1D+3D-Var Assimilation Method of Radar Reflectivity Data in the AROME Model
Authors: Wattrelot Eric , Caumont Olivier , Mahfouf Jean-François 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper presents results from radar reflectivity data assimilation experiments with the nonhydrostatic limited-area model Application of Research to Operations at Mesoscale (AROME) in an operational context. A one-dimensional (1D) Bayesian retrieval of relative humidity profiles followed by a three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D-Var) technique is adopted. Several preprocessing procedures of raw reflectivity data are presented and the use of the nonrainy signal in the assimilation is widely discussed and illustrated. This two-step methodology allows the authors to build up a screening procedure that takes into account the evaluation of the results from the 1D Bayesian retrieval. In particular, the 1D retrieval is checked by comparing a pseudoanalyzed reflectivity to the observed reflectivity. Additionally, a physical consistency between the reflectivity innovations and the 1D relative humidity increments is imposed before assimilating relative humidity pseudo-observations with other observations. This allows the authors to counteract the difficulty of the current 3D-Var system to correct strong differences between model and observed clouds from the crude specification of background-error covariances. Assimilation experiments of radar reflectivity data in a preoperational configuration are first performed over a 1-month period. Positive impacts on short-term precipitation forecast scores are systematically found. The evaluation shows improvements on the analysis and also on objective conventional forecast scores, in particular for the model wind field up to 12 h. A case study for a specific precipitating system demonstrates the capacity of the method for improving significantly short-term forecasts of organized convection.
Heptanol Application to the Mouse Round Window: A Model for Studying Cochlear Lateral Wall Regeneration
Authors: Stevens Shawn M. , Xing Yazhi , Hensley Christopher T. , Zhu Juhong , Dubno Judy R. , Lang Hainan 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveIdentify cells supporting cochlear lateral wall regeneration.Study DesignProspective controlled trial.SettingLaboratory. Human presbyacusis occurs, in part, secondary to age‐related degeneration of cochlear lateral wall structures such as the stria vascularis and spiral ligament fibrocytes. This degeneration is likely linked to the diminished regenerative capacity of lateral wall cells with age. While lateral wall regeneration is known to occur after an acute insult, this process remains poorly understood and the cells capable of self‐replication unidentified. We hypothesized that spiral ligament fibrocytes constitute these proliferative cells.Subjects and MethodsTo test the hypothesis, an acute ototoxic insult was created in 65 normal‐hearing, young adult mice via cochlear exposure to heptanol. Sacrifice occurred at 1 to 60 days posttreatment. Auditory brainstem responses, 5‐ethynyl‐2′−deoxyuridine assay, and immunostaining were used to assess regeneration.ResultsPosttreatment hearing thresholds were elevated in nearly all treated mice. Selective fibrocyte apoptosis and strial injury were observed at the time of peak hearing loss around 1 to 7 days posttreatment. Cellular proliferation was detected in the region of type II fibrocytes during this time. Hearing thresholds plateaued at 7 days posttreatment followed by a significant recovery of both hearing and morphologic appearance. Permanent outer hair cell degeneration was observed.ConclusionsHeptanol application to the round window of young adult mice is a rapid, selective, and reliable technique for investigating proliferation in the cochlear lateral wall. The data indirectly showed that spiral ligament fibrocytes may be the proliferative cells of the cochlear lateral wall. Further studies of this process are needed.
A Frailty Index Identifies Patients at High Risk of Mortality after Tracheostomy
Authors: Johnson Matthew S. , Bailey Travis L. , Schmid Kendra K. , Lydiatt William M. , Johanning Jason M. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of a modified frailty index as an indicator of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing tracheostomy.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care veterans hospital.Subjects and MethodsA chart review was conducted of consecutive tracheostomies performed between April 2007 and September 2012. A modified frailty index consisting of 11 items based on the Revised Minimum Data Set Mortality Rating Index (MMRI‐R) was retrospectively applied using the patient's status immediately prior to tracheostomy. The resultant 6‐month calculated mortality risk was compared with both the Veterans Health Administration Surgical Quality Improvement Program's (VASQIP) 30‐day calculated mortality and actual mortality.ResultsOne hundred consecutive tracheostomies were analyzed. No patients were excluded. Sixty‐nine patients died within the study period, with 1‐, 6‐, and 12‐month mortality rates of 25%, 43%, and 59%, respectively. The average calculated 6‐month mortality risk using the modified frailty index was 40.5% for nonsurvivors compared with 25.4% for survivors (P =. 001). Both the VASQIP calculator and modified frailty index differentiated mortality risks between patients without head and neck cancer who survived less than 6 months versus those who survived longer than 6 months (P =. 006 and. 01). However, neither the VASQIP nor the modified frailty index differentiated mortality risks for head and neck cancer patients who survived less than 6 months versus greater than 6 months (P =. 94 and. 26).ConclusionA modified frailty index identifies patients without head and neck cancer at high risk of postoperative mortality after tracheostomy.
Meta-analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions
Authors: Hu Qiao , Wang Xiao Yan , Zhu Shang Yong , Kang Li Ke , Xiao Yan Ju , Zheng Hong Yu 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundContrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a non-invasive method for the assessment of breast lesions. The accuracy of CEUS in diagnosing of breast cancer has never been systematically assessed.PurposeTo determine the overall performance of CEUS in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions using meta-analysis.Material and MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and article references published before October 2012 were searched. Published studies that used histopathologic results as golden reference to assess the diagnostic performance of CEUS in patients suspected of having breast cancer and the data necessary to calculate the diagnostic results were included. The qualities of eligible studies for final meta-analysis were assessed by using the quality assessment of diagnostic studies (QUADAS) instrument. Sensitivity, specificity, summary receiver-operating characteristic (sROC) curves, and area under the curve were calculated to examine the diagnostic performance of CEUS.ResultsOf 16 eligible studies, 957 breast lesions were included in the original meta-analysis, among which heterogeneity arising from factors other than threshold effect was explored. Meta-regression analysis confirmed the contrast agent was the most significant factor cause of heterogeneity ( P = 0.0012, relative diagnostic odds ratio [DOR] = 7.06). The use of perfluoro containing microbubbles (Sonovue or Optison) significantly increased the diagnostic precision compared with Levovist. The pooled weighted estimates of sensitivity and specificity for CEUS in the diagnosis of breast lesions were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83, 0.89) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75, 0.83), respectively.ConclusionCEUS has good sensitivity and specificity in the characterization of breast lesions and can potentially help to select suspicious breast mass for surgery.
Rheological models for modeling the viscoelastic behavior in liquid composite molding processes (LCM) review
Authors: Abdellaoui Hind , Echaabi Jamal 
Published: January 2014

In recent years, a crucial interest has focused on closed mold composites manufacturing technologies. Mainly due to the ability to handle the harmful emissions of hazardous gases and the ability to produce parts with complex geometry. The liquid composite molding term includes a list of manufacturing composite varieties, such as resin transfer molding, vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, compression resin transfer molding. All liquid composite molding varieties involve compressive strain reinforcement before and in many cases during mold filling. The compressive strain reinforcement response is generally considered as non-linear elastic for the modeling. The viscoelastic stress relaxation is thus taken into account. A better understanding of the compressibility phenomenon helps to improve control of implementation process of parts and tooling design. The quality of the parts can also be improved through a better understanding of the stresses acting in composite products. In this paper, we present a detailed review of the most important models that have focused on the compression and relaxation of fiber reinforcements. In the order of succession, we first present the models giving a non-linear elastic behavior for fibrous reinforcements, then the models considering the reinforcements as viscoelastic materials.
Use of Rasch analysis to refine a patient-reported questionnaire on satisfaction with communication of the multiple sclerosis diagnosis
Authors: Solari A , Grzeda M , Giordano A , Mattarozzi K , D’Alessandro R , Simone A , Tesio L ,   on behalf of the SIMS-Trial, SIMS-Practice and Agorà studies
Published: January 2014

Background: The Comunicazione medico-paziente nella Sclerosi Multipla – Revised (COSM-R) is a patient self-assessed questionnaire probing the moment of multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis disclosure (section 1, five items) and following period (section 2, 15 items). Objectives: This study examined COSM-R dimensionality and measurement properties through Rasch analysis (partial-credit model) and proposed a revised questionnaire. Methods: Cross-sectional COSM-R data were obtained from 1068 people with MS (PwMS, 1065 questionnaires) participating in four studies (102 centres). Mean age was 40 years (range 17–73); 70% were women; 53% were from Northern, 25% from Central, and 21% from Southern Italy. Results: Unidimensionality was not confirmed for COSM-R section 1, but was for section 2 after removal of three items. The revised instrument (COSM-S, Shortened) consisted of the original five-item checklist (section 1), modified by removing the table grouping of three items, and 12 of the original 15 section 2 items, which could now be summed and transformed into an interval scale. Scores were higher for items assessing emotional satisfaction than for those assessing informational satisfaction. Conclusions: The proposed COSM-S is a composite measure of satisfaction with MS diagnosis communication with improved metric properties over the original COSM-R, and whose section 2 satisfies Rasch model expectations.
A critical review of the core medical training curriculum in the UK: A medical education perspective
Authors: Laskaratos Faidon-Marios , Gkotsi Despoina , Panteliou Eleftheria 
Published: January 2014

Summary This paper represents a systematic evaluation of the Core Medical Training Curriculum in the UK. The authors critically review the curriculum from a medical education perspective based mainly on the medical education literature as well as their personal experience of this curriculum. They conclude in practical recommendations and suggestions which, if adopted, could improve the design and implementation of this postgraduate curriculum. The systematic evaluation approach described in this paper is transferable to the evaluation of other undergraduate or postgraduate curricula, and could be a helpful guide for medical teachers involved in the delivery and evaluation of any medical curriculum
Multimorbidity and unmet citizens’ needs and expectations urge for reforms in the health system of Cyprus: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Kiliari Nitsa , Theodosopoulou Eleni , Papanastasiou Elena 
Published: January 2014

Objective This study aims to investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity in Cyprus and the extent to which citizens are satisfied with the currently provided healthcare and to provide recommendations on the basis of findings. Design A nationally based survey conducted through personal interviews, using a structured questionnaire designed for this survey. Setting Cyprus rural and urban areas (excluding Turkish occupied areas). Participants Four hundred and sixty-five Cypriot adults, average age 53 years. Main outcome measures Lifetime prevalence of self-reported non-communicable diseases. Results This study demonstrated initial evidence for a high prevalence of non-age specific multimorbidity among Cypriots and dissatisfaction with their doctors, especially for the time allocated to discuss their general state of health. Recommendations focus on a new cost-effective, person-centred model of healthcare. The model prioritizes prevention rather than treatment, targeting the determinants of complexity before their influences create conditions that demand high-cost interventions, and it is based on three fundamental principles: (1) tackling health as a political issue, (2) empowering the patient and (3) introducing Applied Nutrition in the system. Conclusions This study threw light into the issue of patient complexity and revealed unmet people’s needs and expectations for a more person-centred care, providing a first challenge to the single disease-based system of healthcare in Cyprus. The findings of the study may have important implications for government policies and highlight the need for more research in this area to inform policy makers, particularly in view of the fact that a new Health System is currently being designed.
Mutations in linker histone genes HIST1H1 B, C, D, and E; OCT2 (POU2F2); IRF8; and ARID1A underlying the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Li Hongxiu , Kaminski Mark S. , Li Yifeng , Yildiz Mehmet , Ouillette Peter , Jones Siân , Fox Heather , Jacobi Kathryn , Saiya-Cork Kamlai , Bixby Dale , Lebovic Daniel , Roulston Diane , Shedden Kerby , Sabel Michael , Marentette Lawrence , Cimmino Vincent , Chang Alfred E. , Malek Sami N. 
Published: January 2014

Key Points
FL carries mutations in linker histone H1 B, C, D, and E genes in 27% of cases. FL carries recurrent mutations in OCT2 (POU2F2), IRF8, and ARID1A.
Relevance of the novel IASLC/ATS/ERS classification of lung adenocarcinoma in advanced disease
Authors: Campos-Parra Alma D. , Avilés Alejandro , Contreras-Reyes Susana , Rojas-Marín Carlos E. , Sánchez-Reyes Roberto , Borbolla-Escoboza Rafael J. , Arrieta Oscar 
Published: January 2014

Since the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) reported a new lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) classification, several groups have validated its association with prognosis in early stage disease. To our knowledge, there are no studies in advanced disease.We reviewed 313 patients with invasive lung ADC who were re-classified using the new IASLC/ATS/ERS criteria. Patients received platinum-based chemotherapy. Clinical characteristics, EGFR mutations, response and progression-free survival (PFS) after chemotherapy and overall survival were analysed.ADCs were classified as lepidic 7.4%, acinar 44.7%, papillary 10.1%, micropapillary 3.5% and solid 34.2%. When patterns were lumped into groups, response rates and PFS to platinum-based chemotherapy were better in high-grade ADC (micropapillary, papillary and solid-predominant)versusintermediate-grade ADC (lepidic and acinar-predominant) (36.9%versus25.4% p=0.034 and 6.4versus5.5 months p=0.009, respectively). Overall survival was better in high-grade ADC (25versus16.8; p=0.023). Factors associated with better overall survival were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (0-1), EGFR mutations and high-grade ADC.Prognostic differences found with the new classification in early disease may not apply to patients with advanced disease. Unlike in early stages, patients with high-grade ADC have longer overall survival compared with intermediate-grade ADC, probably due to a better response to chemotherapy.
Neural crest-specific deletion of Ldb1 leads to cleft secondary palate with impaired palatal shelf elevation
Authors: Almaidhan Asma , Cesario Jeffry , Landin Malt Andre , Zhao Yangu , Sharma Neeti , Choi Veronica , Jeong Juhee 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
LIM domain binding protein 1 (LDB1) is a transcriptional co-factor, which interacts with multiple transcription factors and other proteins containing LIM domains. Complete inactivation of Ldb1 in mice resulted in early embryonic lethality with severe patterning defects during gastrulation. Tissue-specific deletions using a conditional knockout allele revealed additional roles of Ldb1 in the development of the central nervous system, hematopoietic system, and limbs. The goal of the current study was to determine the importance of Ldb1 function during craniofacial development in mouse embryos.

Results
We generated tissue-specific Ldb1 mutants using Wnt1-Cre, which causes deletion of a floxed allele in the neural crest; neural crest-derived cells contribute to most of the mesenchyme of the developing face. All examined Wnt1-Cre;Ldb1

fl/-
mutants suffered from cleft secondary palate. Therefore, we performed a series of experiments to investigate how Ldb1 regulated palate development. First, we examined the expression of Ldb1 during normal development, and found that Ldb1 was expressed broadly in the palatal mesenchyme during early stages of palate development. Second, we compared the morphology of the developing palate in control and Ldb1 mutant embryos using sections. We found that the mutant palatal shelves had abnormally blunt appearance, and failed to elevate above the tongue at the posterior domain. An in vitro head culture experiment indicated that the elevation defect was not due to interference by the tongue. Finally, in the Ldb1 mutant palatal shelves, cell proliferation was abnormal in the anterior, and the expression of Wnt5a, Pax9 and Osr2, which regulate palatal shelf elevation, was also altered.

Conclusions
The function of Ldb1 in the neural crest-derived palatal mesenchyme is essential for normal morphogenesis of the secondary palate.
Perinatal bisphenol A exposure promotes dose-dependent alterations of the mouse methylome
Authors: Kim Jung H , Sartor Maureen A , Rozek Laura S , Faulk Christopher , Anderson Olivia S , Jones Tamara R , Nahar Muna S , Dolinoy Dana C 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Environmental factors during perinatal development may influence developmental plasticity and disease susceptibility via alterations to the epigenome. Developmental exposure to the endocrine active compound, bisphenol A (BPA), has previously been associated with altered methylation at candidate gene loci. Here, we undertake the first genome-wide characterization of DNA methylation profiles in the liver of murine offspring exposed perinatally to multiple doses of BPA through the maternal diet.

Results
Using a tiered focusing approach, our strategy proceeds from unbiased broad DNA methylation analysis using methylation-based next generation sequencing technology to in-depth quantitative site-specific CpG methylation determination using the Sequenom EpiTYPER MassARRAY platform to profile liver DNA methylation patterns in offspring maternally exposed to BPA during gestation and lactation to doses ranging from 0 BPA/kg (Ctr), 50 μg BPA/kg (UG), or 50 mg BPA/kg (MG) diet (N = 4 per group). Genome-wide analyses indicate non-monotonic effects of DNA methylation patterns following perinatal exposure to BPA, corroborating previous studies using multiple doses of BPA with non-monotonic outcomes. We observed enrichment of regions of altered methylation (RAMs) within CpG island (CGI) shores, but little evidence of RAM enrichment in CGIs. An analysis of promoter regions identified several hundred novel BPA-associated methylation events, and methylation alterations in the Myh7b and Slc22a12 gene promoters were validated. Using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, a number of candidate genes that have previously been associated with BPA-related gene expression changes were identified, and gene set enrichment testing identified epigenetically dysregulated pathways involved in metabolism and stimulus response.

Conclusions
In this study, non-monotonic dose dependent alterations in DNA methylation among BPA-exposed mouse liver samples and their relevant pathways were identified and validated. The comprehensive methylome map presented here provides candidate loci underlying the role of early BPA exposure and later in life health and disease status.
Adult phenotype and further phenotypic variability in SRD5A3-CDG
Authors: Kara Bülent , Ayhan Özgecan , Gökçay Gülden , Başboğaoğlu Nurdan , Tolun Aslıhan 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background

SRD5A3 is responsible for SRD5A3-CDG, a type of congenital disorder of glycosylation, and mutations have been reported in 15 children. All the mutations are recessive and truncating.

Case presentation
We present 2 brothers at the age of 38 and 40 years with an initial diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia. We found the candidate disease loci via linkage analysis using data from single nucleotide polymorphism genome scans and homozygous truncating mutation SRD5A3 p.W19X, which was previously reported in 3 unrelated children, by exome sequencing.
Clinical investigations included physical and ocular examinations and blood tests. Severe ocular involvement with retinal bone spicule pigmentation and optic atrophy are the most prominent disabling clinical features of the disease. The serum transferrin isoelectric focusing (TIEF) pattern is abnormal in the patient investigated.

Conclusion
Our patients are older, with later onset and milder clinical phenotypes than all patients with SRD5A3-CDG reported so far. They also have atypical ocular findings and variable phenotypes. Our findings widen the spectrum of phenotypes resulting from SRD5A3 mutations and the clinical variability of SRD5A3-CDG, and suggest screening for SRD5A3 mutations in new patients with at least a few of the clinical symptoms of SRD5A3-CDG.