bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forcing Mechanisms for an Internal Rear-Flank Downdraft Momentum Surge in the 18 May 2010 Dumas, Texas, Supercell
Authors: Skinner Patrick S. , Weiss Christopher C. , Wicker Louis J. , Potvin Corey K. , Dowell David C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe forcing and origins of an internal rear-flank downdraft (RFD) momentum surge observed by the second Verification of the Origin of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) within a supercell occurring near Dumas, Texas, on 18 May 2010 is assessed through ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) storm-scale analyses. EnKF analyses are produced every 2 min from mobile Doppler velocity data collected by the Doppler on Wheels and Shared Mobile Atmospheric Research and Teaching radars, as well as radial velocity and reflectivity data from the KAMA (Amarillo, Texas) WSR-88D. EnKF analyses are found to reproduce the structure and evolution of an internal RFD momentum surge observed in independent mobile Doppler radar observations.Pressure retrievals of EnKF analyses reveal that the low-level RFD outflow structure is primarily determined through nonlinear dynamic perturbation pressure gradient forcing. Horizontal acceleration into a trough of low perturbation pressure between the low-level mesocyclone and mesoanticyclone and trailing the primary RFD gust front is followed by an abrupt deceleration of air parcels crossing the trough axis. This deceleration and associated strong convergence downstream of the pressure trough and horizontal velocity maximum are indicative of an internal RFD momentum surge. Backward trajectory analyses reveal that air parcels within the RFD surge originate from two source regions: near the surface to the north of the low-level mesocyclone, and in the ambient flow outside of the storm environment at a height of approximately 2 km.
Sulla diaspora della letteratura e cultura italiana
Authors: Fontanella Luigi 
Published: August 2015

Questa recensione/articolo mette a fuoco due importanti antologie, pubblicate, ambedue, nel 2014 dalla Fordham University Press, il cui argomento riguarda lo sfaccettato e complesso fenomeno della letteratura e cultura italiana d'emigrazione sia negli Stati Uniti sia nel mondo. Pubblicato originariamente in Italia, il primo volume Italoamericana: The Literature of the Great Migration, 1880–1943, curato da Francesco Durante, presenta un ricco patrimonio, fino ad oggi non del tutto accessibile e mai tradotto prima in inglese, di una larga varietà di testi: poesia, narrativa, teatro, giornalismo, testimonianze e cronache socio-politiche, biografia e autobiografia. La seconda antologia, Poets of the Italian Diaspora, a cura di Luigi Bonaffini e Joseph Perricone, disegna un vasto quanto discutibile panorama della poesia moderna e contemporanea prodotta fuori dai confini italiani. Nell'insieme, i due volumi additano a una componente significativa della storia culturale italiana espressa all'estero, che ha agito fecondamente non soltanto all'interno della storia italiana e italiana-americana tout court, ma anche in quella prodotta in vari paesi del mondo ai quali gli scrittori e intellettuali italiani espatriati hanno offerto uno stimolante contributo di idee e di creatività.
Determinants of rupture of the unscarred uterus and the related feto-maternal outcome: current scenario in a low-income country
Authors: Batra Kanika , Gaikwad Harsha S , Gutgutia Isha , Prateek Shashi , Bajaj Bindu 
Published: August 2015

Background Rupture of the gravid uterus is one of the most grievous obstetric events accounting for considerable maternal morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods An audit over a period of 2 years from October 2010 to September 2012 was performed on pregnant women irrespective of gestational age who had a uterine rupture of a uterus, presumed to be unscarred. Results There were 141 ruptures among 43,886 deliveries (0.3%). Of those, 18 (12.8% of the ruptures and 0.04% of the deliveries) occurred in presumed unscarred uteri. The aetiologies were: obstruction 50%, uterine anomaly 22.2%, oxytocic administration 16.6 %, instrumental deliveries 5.5% and miscellaneous 11.1 %. Hysterectomy was performed in 55.6% of cases. Fetal mortality was 83.3% and maternal mortality was 16.6%. Conclusions Training of traditional birth attendants for early referrals, screening for uterine anomalies by ultrasound in early pregnancy and counselling the women, especially multiparas and grand-multiparas are mandatory. Oxytocin should only be used for those if the doctor who prescribed its use stays with the patient continuously and stops oxytocics as soon as there are reasonable contractions. In emergency, the decision to delivery time should be less than 30 min. These are some ways through which a tragic event like uterine rupture and its consequences can be averted.
Whole body computed tomography for trauma patients in the Nordic countries 2014: survey shows significant differences and a need for common guidelines
Authors: Wiklund E , Koskinen SK , Linder F , Åslund P-E , Eklöf H 
Published: August 2015

Background Whole body computed tomography in trauma (WBCTT) is a standardized CT examination of trauma patients. It has a relatively high radiation dose. Therefore, well-defined clinical indications and imaging protocols are needed. This information regarding Nordic countries is limited. Purpose To identify Nordic countries’ WBCTT imaging protocols, radiation dose, and integration in trauma care, and to inquire about the need for common Nordic guidelines. Material and Methods A survey with 23 multiple choice questions or free text responses was sent to 95 hospitals and 10 trauma centers in and outside the Nordic region, respectively. The questions were defined and the hospitals selected in collaboration with board members of “Nordic Forum for Trauma and Emergency Radiology” ( www.nordictraumarad.com ). Results Two Nordic hospitals declined to take part in the survey. Out of the remaining 93 Nordic hospitals, 56 completed the questionnaire. Arterial visualization is routine in major trauma centers but only in 50% of the Nordic hospitals. The CT scanner is located within 50 m of the emergency department in all non-Nordic trauma centers but only in 60% of Nordic hospitals. Radiation dose for WBCTT is in the range of 900–3600 mGy × cm. Of the 56 responding Nordic hospitals, 84% have official guidelines for WBCTT. Eighty-nine percent of the responders state there is a need for common guidelines. Conclusion Scanning protocols, radiation doses, and routines differ significantly between hospitals and trauma centers. Guideline for WBCTT is presently defined locally in most Nordic hospitals. There is an interest in most Nordic hospitals to endorse new and common guidelines for WBCTT.
CT texture analysis can help differentiate between malignant and benign lymph nodes in the mediastinum in patients suspected for lung cancer
Authors: Andersen Michael Brun , Harders Stefan Walbom , Ganeshan Balaji , Thygesen Jesper , Torp Madsen Hans Henrik , Rasmussen Finn 
Published: August 2015

Background In patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma NSCLC the lymph node staging in the mediastinum is important due to impact on management and prognosis. Computed tomography texture analysis (CTTA) is a postprocessing technique that can evaluate the heterogeneity of marked regions in images. Purpose To evaluate if CTTA can differentiate between malignant and benign lymph nodes in a cohort of patients with suspected lung cancer. Material and Methods With tissue sampling as reference standard, 46 lymph nodes from 29 patients were analyzed using CTTA. For each lymph node, CTTA was performed using a research software “TexRAD” by drawing a region of interest (ROI) on all available axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) slices covering the entire volume of the lymph node. Lymph node CTTA comprised image filtration-histogram analysis undertakes two stages: the first step comprised an application of a Laplacian of Gaussian filter to highlight fine to coarse textures within the ROI, followed by a quantification of textures via histogram analysis using mean gray-level intensity from the entire volume of the lymph nodes. Results CTTA demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the malignant and the benign lymph nodes ( P = 0.001), and by binary logistic regression we obtained a sensitivity of 53% and specificity of 97% in the test population. The area under the receiver operating curve was 83.4% and reproducibility was excellent. Conclusion CTTA may be helpful in differentiating between malignant and benign lymph nodes in the mediastinum in patients suspected for lung cancer, with a low intra-observer variance.
Deficits in Glenohumeral Passive Range of Motion Increase Risk of Shoulder Injury in Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Wilk Kevin E. , Macrina Leonard C. , Fleisig Glenn S. , Aune Kyle T. , Porterfield Ron A. , Harker Paul , Evans Timothy J. , Andrews James R. 
Published: August 2015

Background: Shoulder injuries from repetitive baseball pitching continue to be a serious, common problem. Purpose: To determine whether passive range of motion of the glenohumeral joint was predictive of shoulder injury or shoulder surgery in professional baseball pitchers. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Passive range of motion of the glenohumeral joint was assessed with a bubble goniometer during spring training for all major and minor league pitchers of a single professional baseball organization over a period of 8 successive seasons (2005-2012). Investigators performed a total of 505 examinations on 296 professional pitchers. Glenohumeral external and internal rotation was assessed with the pitcher supine and the arm abducted to 90° in the scapular plane with the scapula stabilized anteriorly at the coracoid process. Total rotation was defined as the sum of internal and external glenohumeral rotation. Passive shoulder flexion was measured with the pitcher supine and the lateral border of the scapula manually stabilized. After examination, shoulder injuries and injury durations were recorded by each pitcher’s respective baseball organization and reported to the league as an injury transaction as each player was placed on the disabled list. Results: Highly significant side-to-side differences were noted within subjects for each range of motion measurement. There were 75 shoulder injuries and 20 surgeries recorded among 51 pitchers, resulting in 5570 total days on the disabled list. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, total rotation deficit, and flexion deficit were not significantly related to shoulder injury or surgery. Pitchers with insufficient external rotation (<5° greater external rotation in the throwing shoulder) were 2.2 times more likely to be placed on the disabled list for a shoulder injury ( P = .014; 95% CI, 1.2-4.1) and were 4.0 times more likely to require shoulder surgery ( P = .009; 95% CI, 1.5-12.6). Conclusion: Insufficient shoulder external rotation on the throwing side increased the likelihood of shoulder injury and shoulder surgery. Sports medicine clinicians should be aware of these findings and develop a preventive plan that addresses this study’s findings to reduce pitchers’ risk of shoulder injury and surgery.
Design and evaluation of an observer-based disturbance rejection controller for electric power steering systems
Authors: Mehrabi Naser , McPhee John , Azad Nasser L. 
Published: August 2015

The goal of this paper is to develop an observer-based disturbance rejection electric power steering (EPS) controller to provide steering assistance and improve the driver’s steering feel. For the purpose of control design, a control-oriented model of a vehicle with a column-assist EPS system is developed and verified against a high-fidelity multibody dynamics model of the vehicle. The high-fidelity model is used to mimic vehicle dynamics to study controller performance in realistic driving conditions. Then, a linear quadratic Gaussian approach is used to design an EPS optimal controller, in which a Kalman filter estimates the unmeasured steering system’s states and external disturbance. A new formulation for the linear quadratic regulator objective function is proposed to take advantages of the known information about the system dynamics to attenuate the disturbance and magnify the driver’s torque. Finally, the EPS controller is applied to the high-fidelity vehicle model in a software-in-the-loop simulation to evaluate its robustness and performance under realistic conditions. The results show that the proposed controller can effectively reduce the disturbance induced in the steering rack, and simultaneously magnify the driver’s steering torque by use of a bi-linear EPS characteristic curve. Then, to show the disturbance rejection properties of this EPS controller, its performance is compared with H2/ H∞ and PID control designs using time and frequency domain analysis.
A Protocol for the Control of Agitation in Palliative Care
Authors: Gonçalves Ferraz , Almeida Ana , Pereira Sara 
Published: August 2015

Background: Agitation is a distressing and dangerous behavior for all involved. Objective: To study a protocol effectiveness and safety. Methods: The time when the protocol was initiated and when the agitation was controlled, the number of doses needed and the complications observed were recorded. Results: One hundred and thirty-five inpatients of a palliative care service were included. The most frequent diagnosis was head and neck cancer, 37 (27%). The protocol was used 584 times, from 1 to 31 times on each patient, median of 3 times. Five hundred and thirty-four (91%) agitation episodes were controlled with only the first dose of the protocol, without significant complications. Conclusion: From those results, it can be said that this protocol is effective and safe.
Stability of four standardized preparations of methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone for intrathecal use
Authors: Olmos-Jiménez Raquel , Espuny-Miró Alberto , Díaz-Carrasco María Sacramento , Fernández-Varón Emilio , Valderrey-Pulido Manuel , Cárceles-Rodríguez Carlos 
Published: August 2015

Introduction Intrathecal administration of methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone is commonly used to treat and prevent central nervous system involvement in leukemias and lymphomas. The use of intrathecal solutions with pH and osmolarity values close to physiologic range of CSF (pH 7.31–7.37, osmolarity 281–306 mOsm/kg) and standardization of the methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone doses in children and adults based on age is highly recommended. Stability studies of standardized intrathecal mixtures under these conditions have not yet been published. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical stabilities of four standardized mixtures of methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone stored at 2–8℃ and 25℃ up to 7 days after preparation. Methods Four different standardized intrathecal mixtures were prepared and stored at 2–8℃ and 25℃ and protected from light. Triplicate samples were taken at different times and precipitation, appearance, color, pH, and osmolarity were analyzed. Methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone concentrations were measured using a modified high-performance liquid chromatography method. Results No variation greater than 10% of the initial concentration of methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone was observed in any of the four standardized mixtures for the 7 days of study when stored at 2–8℃ and 25℃ and protected from light. The osmolarity of the four preparations was within the physiologic range of CSF for 7 days at both 2–8℃ and 25℃. The pH values close to the physiologic range of CSF were stable for 48 h at 25℃ and for 120 h at 2–8℃. Conclusions Triple intrathecal standardized preparations of methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone sodium phosphate are physically and chemically stable at 25℃ for 48 h and at 2–8℃ for 5 days.
Greening HRD
Authors: Valentin Claire 
Published: August 2015

The Problem Sustainability is an important issue that presents challenges in three areas—human resource development (HRD) practice, HRD research, and in the teaching of HRD. There is a need to develop multidisciplinary understandings. The Solution Organizational and HRD practices emerge from different perspectives and positions. Taking the triple bottom line as a starting point, this article develops a conceptual framework for thinking about and practicing HRD. Drawing on Habermas’s knowledge interests, this distinguishes three sustainability orientations: Compliance, Cooperation, and Coexistence. It argues for a critical focus and explores approaches to support deep learning and questioning, such as problem-posing education, dissensus, collaborative learning, and problematization in research. The Stakeholders HRD scholars, researchers, and practitioners. May also be of interest to others involved in environmental sustainability and critical management studies.
Perceptions of British Columbia residents and their willingness to pay for medication management services provided by pharmacists
Authors: Tsao Nicole W. , Khakban Amir , Gastonguay Louise , Li Kathy , Lynd Larry D. , Marra Carlo A. 
Published: August 2015

Background: Across Canada, pharmacists have expanded their scope of practice by performing medication management (MM) services. However, little is currently known about the opinions and attitudes of patients and the general population toward MM services. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey, including a best-worst scaling task, was designed to understand the general public’s opinions, preferences and willingness-to-pay with respect to MM services in British Columbia. Results: Of 977 individuals contacted, 819 responded to the questionnaire (84% response rate). The mean age was 45 years (standard deviation [SD] 16 years), and 37% were male. Overall, 93% of respondents felt that the medication advice from their pharmacist resulted in improvement in patient outcomes and/or medication use. This was also selected as the “best” attribute of MM, while other preferred attributes of MM included being able to obtain an appointment with the pharmacist on the same day or via walk-in, improved patient-physician relationships and MM sessions able to be completed in 15 minutes with the pharmacist. The average willingness to pay for MM was $24.55 (SD $21.44). Younger males with higher household income and those who had had MM in the past were willing to pay more for MM services out of pocket. Discussion and Conclusion: The accessibility of pharmacists was valued highly by respondents who, overall, were supportive of MM services and recognized the potential of pharmacists’ involvement in drug therapy management to improve patient outcomes and medication use. Alternative models of funding are worth considering for the sustainability of MM service provision.
Frailty and Physical Function in Chronic Kidney Disease: The CanFIT Study
Authors: Walker Simon R. , Brar Ranveer , Eng Frederick , Komenda Paul , Rigatto Claudio , Prasad Bhanu , Bohm Clara J. , Storsley Leroy J. , Tangri Navdeep 
Published: August 2015

Background: Frailty, a manifestation of unsuccessful aging, is highly prevalent in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with comorbid conditions in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies investigating the progression of frailty in those with advanced non-dialysis CKD are lacking. Objectives: Canadian Frailty Observation and Interventions Trial (CanFIT). To determine the natural history, prevalence of perceived and measured frailty and its association with dialysis treatment choices and adverse outcomes in patients with advanced CKD. Design: Longitudinal observational study, designed to collect data from 600 participants over 2 years. Setting: Interprofessional non-dialysis CKD clinics at four tertiary health care centres in central Canada. Patients: People with CKD stage 4 and 5 (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2) who are not on dialysis at enrollment. Measurements: Multiple Frailty Definitions: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Fried Frailty Criteria, Frailty Index. Dialysis start: In-Centre Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes: Death, Opt-out or Lost to follow up. Methods: We will perform physical and cognitive assessments annually. We plan to analyze the relationships between frailty, treatment choices and patient centered outcomes. Results: We have recruited 217 participants in 2 centres; of these, 56 % had reduced physical function at baseline, as defined by the SPPB. Risk of reduced physical function was 8 fold higher in those with diabetes after adjusting for age, gender, eGFR and comorbidities. Limitations: Referred population, use of SPPB as a measure of frailty, inter-operator variability in measurement of hand grip and gait speed, cross-sectional analysis of baseline data in the subset recruited to date. Conclusions: People with advanced CKD have a high burden of reduced physical function, especially those with diabetes. We will continue enrollment into the CanFIT study to further understand the clinical history of CKD and frailty in this population.
Complete genome sequence of the phenanthrene-degrading soil bacterium Delftia acidovorans Cs1-4
Authors: Shetty Ameesha R. , de Gannes Vidya , Obi Chioma C. , Lucas Susan , Lapidus Alla , Cheng Jan-Fang , Goodwin Lynne A. , Pitluck Samuel , Peters Linda , Mikhailova Natalia , Teshima Hazuki , Han Cliff , Tapia Roxanne , Land Miriam , Hauser Loren J. , Kyrpides Nikos , Ivanova Natalia , Pagani Ioanna , Chain Patrick S. G. , Denef Vincent J , Woyke Tanya , Hickey William J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and microbial biodegradation is an important means of remediation of PAH-contaminated soil. Delftia acidovorans Cs1-4 (formerly Delftia sp. Cs1-4) was isolated by using phenanthrene as the sole carbon source from PAH contaminated soil in Wisconsin. Its full genome sequence was determined to gain insights into a mechanisms underlying biodegradation of PAH. Three genomic libraries were constructed and sequenced: an Illumina GAii shotgun library (916,416,493 reads), a 454 Titanium standard library (770,171 reads) and one paired-end 454 library (average insert size of 8 kb, 508,092 reads). The initial assembly contained 40 contigs in two scaffolds. The 454 Titanium standard data and the 454 paired end data were assembled together and the consensus sequences were computationally shredded into 2 kb overlapping shreds. Illumina sequencing data was assembled, and the consensus sequence was computationally shredded into 1.5 kb overlapping shreds. Gaps between contigs were closed by editing in Consed, by PCR and by Bubble PCR primer walks. A total of 182 additional reactions were needed to close gaps and to raise the quality of the finished sequence. The final assembly is based on 253.3 Mb of 454 draft data (averaging 38.4 X coverage) and 590.2 Mb of Illumina draft data (averaging 89.4 X coverage). The genome of strain Cs1-4 consists of a single circular chromosome of 6,685,842 bp (66.7 %G+C) containing 6,028 predicted genes; 5,931 of these genes were protein-encoding and 4,425 gene products were assigned to a putative function. Genes encoding phenanthrene degradation were localized to a 232 kb genomic island (termed the phn island), which contained near its 3’ end a bacteriophage P4-like integrase, an enzyme often associated with chromosomal integration of mobile genetic elements. Other biodegradation pathways reconstructed from the genome sequence included: benzoate (by the acetyl-CoA pathway), styrene, nicotinic acid (by the maleamate pathway) and the pesticides Dicamba and Fenitrothion. Determination of the complete genome sequence of D. acidovorans Cs1-4 has provided new insights the microbial mechanisms of PAH biodegradation that may shape the process in the environment.