bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practical Predictability of the 20 May 2013 Tornadic Thunderstorm Event in Oklahoma: Sensitivity to Synoptic Timing and Topographical Influence
Authors: Zhang Yunji , Zhang Fuqing , Stensrud David J. , Meng Zhiyong 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The practical predictability of severe convective thunderstorms during the 20 May 2013 severe weather event that produced the catastrophic enhanced Fujita scale 5 (EF-5) tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, was explored using ensembles of convective-permitting model simulations. The sensitivity of initiation and the subsequent organization and intensity of the thunderstorms to small yet realistic uncertainties in boundary layer and topographical influence within a few hours preceding the thunderstorm event was examined. It was found that small shifts in either simulation time or terrain configuration led to considerable differences in the atmospheric conditions within the boundary layer. Small shifts in simulation time led to changes in low-level moisture and instability, primarily through the vertical distribution of moisture within the boundary layer due to vertical mixing during the diurnal cycle as well as advection by low-level jets, thereby influencing convection initiation. Small shifts in terrain led to changes in the wind field, low-level vertical wind shear, and storm-relative environmental helicity, altering locally enhanced convergence that may trigger convection. After initiation, an upscale growth of errors resulting from deep moist convection led to large forecast uncertainties in the timing, intensity, structure, and organization of the developing mesoscale convective system and its embedded supercells.
Election Laws and Agenda Setting: How Election Law Restrictiveness Shapes the Complexity of State Ballot Measures
Authors: Milita Kerri 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRecently, many U.S. states that allow citizen initiatives have passed laws designed to make it more difficult for an initiative to qualify for the ballot (e.g., by increasing the number of signatures required to get on the ballot), thereby making it harder for citizens to bypass the legislature and make direct changes to public policy. Such laws have reduced both the number of measures that make the ballot and the number that pass on Election Day. I show that laws governing access of initiatives to the ballot also shape the policy agenda; provisions making it harder for proposals to get on the ballot decrease the complexity of the initiatives on the ballot. As less complex initiatives are more likely to be understood by voters and voters are reluctant to vote for measures they do not understand, more restrictive laws actually increase the likelihood that an initiative will pass.
The prevalence of vascular calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Kraus Mark A. , Kalra Philip A. , Hunter John , Menoyo José , Stankus Nicole 
Published: April 2015

Background: This multicenter international cross-sectional observational study characterized vascular and valvular calcification burden and correlations with pulse pressure, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases in prevalent hemodialysis patients. Methods: We enrolled 275 consecutive adults with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis for ⩾3 months. Coprimary endpoints were prevalences of: (1) echocardiographic calcification in mitral valve, aortic valve or mitral annulus; (2) aortoiliac tree vascular calcifications by plain lateral lumbar X-ray. Correlations among calcification sites and with demographics and comorbidities were determined. Pulse pressures were determined. Results: Subjects’ mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 56 ± 15.9 years; mean (SD) dialysis duration was 4.5 ± 4.3 years. Overall, 100% of echocardiographically imaged patients ( n = 243) had calcification in aortic valve, mitral valve, or mitral annulus; 77.8% of X-rayed patients ( n = 248) had abdominal aortic calcification. Radiographic abdominal aortic calcification score correlated significantly with calcification of aortic valve ( p < 0.0001) and mitral annulus ( p = 0.0001) but not mitral valve. Aortic valve, mitral valve, and mitral annulus calcification correlated significantly among themselves ( p < 0.0001). Moderate/severe aortic valve calcification was significantly more prevalent in patients aged ⩾65 years than <65 years, men than women, and Whites than African Americans. Pulse pressure correlated significantly with vascular calcification score ( p = 0.0049) but not with valvular calcification at any site. Conclusions: Vascular and valvular calcification are highly prevalent in the hemodialysis population. Peripheral vascular calcification correlates significantly with elevated pulse pressure and can be assessed easily using lateral lumbar X-ray. Further studies investigating the interaction between pulse pressure and development or progression of vascular calcification are of interest.
Effects of Ru and Ag cap layers on microstructure and magnetic properties of FePt ultrathin films
Authors: Liu Mingfeng , Jin Tianli , Hao Liang , Cao Jiangwei , Wang Ying , Wu Dongping , Bai Jianmin , Wei Fulin 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The effects of Ru and Ag cap layers on the microstructure and magnetic properties of the FePt ultrathin films have been investigated. The results indicate that i) The Ag cap layer segregates from the FePt/Ag bilayer, lowers the FePt ordering temperature, promotes the FePt thin films to form island structure, and enhances the coercivity; ii) The Ru cap layer increases the FePt ordering temperature, helps to maintain smooth continuous structure film, and restrains the FePt (001) orientation and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). The effects become more pronounced for the 3-nm-thick FePt thin films. The effects can be mainly attributed to the different melting point and thermal expansion stress between the cap layer and FePt thin films.
Fingerprint-based crypto-biometric system for network security
Authors: Barman Subhas , Samanta Debasis , Chattopadhyay Samiran 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
To ensure the secure transmission of data, cryptography is treated as the most effective solution. Cryptographic key is an important entity in this process. In general, randomly generated cryptographic key (of 256 bits) is difficult to remember. However, such a key needs to be stored in a protected place or transported through a shared communication line which, in fact, poses another threat to security. As an alternative to this, researchers advocate the generation of cryptographic key using the biometric traits of both sender and receiver during the sessions of communication, thus avoiding key storing and at the same time without compromising the strength in security. Nevertheless, the biometric-based cryptographic key generation has some difficulties: privacy of biometrics, sharing of biometric data between both communicating parties (i.e., sender and receiver), and generating revocable key from irrevocable biometric. This work addresses the above-mentioned concerns. We propose an approach to generate cryptographic key from cancelable fingerprint template of both communicating parties. Cancelable fingerprint templates of both sender and receiver are securely transmitted to each other using a key-based steganography. Both templates are combined with concatenation based feature level fusion technique and generate a combined template. Elements of combined template are shuffled using shuffle key and hash of the shuffled template generates a unique session key. In this approach, revocable key for symmetric cryptography is generated from irrevocable fingerprint and privacy of the fingerprints is protected by the cancelable transformation of fingerprint template. Our experimental results show that minimum, average, and maximum Hamming distances between genuine key and impostor’s key are 80, 128, and 168 bits, respectively, with 256-bit cryptographic key. This fingerprint-based cryptographic key can be applied in symmetric cryptography where session based unique key is required.
Impacts of climate change on regional hydrological regimes of the Wujiang River watershed in the Karst area, Southwest China
Authors: Qin Nianxiu , Wang Junneng , Chen Xi , Yang Guishan , Liang Haoyuan 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
The impacts of climate change on streamflow in the Wujiang River watershed of Guizhou Province, Southwest China, were investigated by using a monthly distributed hydrological model and the two–parameter climate elasticity of streamflow approach.

Results
Results showed two different approaches obtained almost identical results in term of precipitation elasticity of streamflow, which is about 1.42 across different emission scenarios. Precipitation is the primary factor controlling runoff generation. However, the effects of temperature on the streamflow cannot be neglected with evidences of opposite signs of future precipitation and streamflow; the slight decline of streamflow is associated with an increase of precipitation and a higher temperature.

Conclusion
While the magnitudes of annual mean streamflow responses are minor, there would be a seasonal shift: drier spring and wetter summer would potentially result in the increasing frequency of spring drought events and summer flooding, and would produce serious challenge for water resources planning and management for Southwest China.
Calpain-10 Activity Underlies Angiotensin II-Induced Aldosterone Production in an Adrenal Glomerulosa Cell Model
Authors: Seremwe Mutsa , Schnellmann Rick G. , Bollag Wendy B. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Aldosterone is a steroid hormone important in the regulation of blood pressure. Aberrant production of aldosterone results in the development and progression of diseases including hypertension and congestive heart failure; therefore, a complete understanding of aldosterone production is important for developing more effective treatments. Angiotensin II (AngII) regulates steroidogenesis, in part through its ability to increase intracellular calcium levels. Calcium can activate calpains, proteases classified as typical or atypical based on the presence or absence of penta-EF-hands, which are involved in various cellular responses. We hypothesized that calpain, in particular calpain-10, is activated by AngII in adrenal glomerulosa cells and underlies aldosterone production. Our studies showed that pan-calpain inhibitors reduced AngII-induced aldosterone production in 2 adrenal glomerulosa cell models, primary bovine zona glomerulosa and human adrenocortical carcinoma (HAC15) cells, as well as CYP11B2 expression in the HAC15 cells. Although AngII induced calpain activation in these cells, typical calpain inhibitors had no effect on AngII-elicited aldosterone production, suggesting a lack of involvement of classical calpains in this process. However, an inhibitor of the atypical calpain, calpain-10, decreased AngII-induced aldosterone production. Consistent with this result, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of calpain-10 inhibited aldosterone production and CYP11B2 expression, whereas adenovirus-mediated overexpression of calpain-10 resulted in increased AngII-induced aldosterone production. Our results indicate that AngII-induced activation of calpain-10 in glomerulosa cells underlies aldosterone production and identify calpain-10 or its downstream pathways as potential targets for the development of drug therapies for the treatment of hypertension.
Helping parents achieve safer male infant circumcision
Authors: Harbinson Michael J 
Published: April 2015

Non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision, whether for religious or cultural reasons, is generally not available via the NHS. Tragedies can occur with unqualified practitioners, and some health-care Trusts have cooperated with local communities to provide approved services. Unfortunately, these are unevenly distributed throughout the UK and most involve cost. Midwives are well placed to help interested parents understand the procedure and contact an acceptable provider. This article hopes to give midwives some knowledge of infant circumcision, its controversial nature, the pros and cons, the groups for whom it is important and the methods commonly used in the UK. Points are listed for patient discussion and suggestions made for examining websites. As with Scottish guidelines, were midwives to discuss neonatal circumcision with all parents in the antenatal period, it would give them time to consider the procedure and access a safe and reliable service.
Diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia: A clinical perspective on recent advances in the field
Authors: Townsend Rosemary , O'Brien Patrick , Khalil Asma 
Published: April 2015

The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy encompass pre-eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension and essential hypertension, which may be complicated by superimposed pre-eclampsia. They represent a significant contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity worldwide. A sound understanding of the pathophysiology and management of the disease is essential to safe and effective care of all women in pregnancy. In addition, hypertension in pregnancy is associated with health risks in later life and detection in pregnancy represents an opportunity to provide women with health information that may protect them and their babies in later life. This article addresses the current understanding of the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia and the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and presents the latest developments in screening, diagnosis and management of the disease.
Returning to work and driving after spinal surgery: A web-based survey investigating the opinions of UK spinal surgeons
Authors: Hiett James , Chan Daniel , Clarke Andrew , Challinor Helen , Hourigan Patrick 
Published: April 2015

Background/Aims: The UK spinal surgical community has no published recommendations advising when patients can return to driving or to work following spinal surgery. This article aimed to establish the advice given by UK spinal surgeons on these two issues to determine whether specific recommendations can be made. Methods: Members of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons were invited to complete a web-based survey examining the post-operative advice given to patients following: (i) lumbar spine discectomy for radicular leg pain; (ii) single level lumbar spinal fusion for mechanical back pain; (iii) anterior cervical decompression and fusion for radicular arm pain. Results: The opinions of 131 spinal surgeons were obtained, revealing a wide variation in the post-operative advice given. Following lumbar discectomy, an earlier return to driving and work is advised compared with patients who have had lumbar and cervical fusion, with 55% of respondents recommending returning to driving within two weeks. Returning to driving four weeks post-operatively was advised following discectomy, anterior or posterior lumbar fusion, or anterior cervical fusion by 83%, 60% and 68% of respondents, respectively. More than half of respondents recommended returning to work in a light manual capacity after four weeks following discectomy and anterior cervical spine and fusion, and after six weeks following lumbar fusion surgery. Longer time frames were indicated for manual and ‘heavy manual’ workers, with the majority of respondents recommending six to eight weeks following discectomy and 12 weeks following cervical and lumbar fusion surgery. Conclusions: Recommendations on when patients can resume driving and return to work following spinal surgery cannot be definitively made on the basis of this study. Limited evidence suggests that post-operative driving restrictions may not be justified based on driver reaction times and many patients may be safer immediately following surgery than pre-operatively. Advice on returning to work appears justified. This survey may be useful in providing empirical evidence for the post-operative advice for patients undergoing surgical interventions such as lumbar discectomy, posterior lumbar fusion, anterior lumbar interbody fusion, and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
Is Twitter a Pedagogical Tool in Higher Education? Perspectives of Education Graduate Students
Authors: Bista Krishna 
Published: April 2015

This study presents the perspectives of education graduate students of using Twitter as a pedagogical tool for 15 weeks as a required social media activity in class. The results indicated that each course participants reported a positive learning experience of using Twitter. Although this was their first experience with Twitter, participants reported that Twitter provided space and opportunities to engage in academic activities as a new pedagogical tool. Participants reported they used Twitter to receive immediate and frequent course information, ask questions to the mentor, update course assignment, and to share helpful information from outside the text book to their fellow classmates and mentor. This study also highlights suggestions and implication of Twitter in personal and professional developments.
Major Landslides Stabilization on Orăştie-Sibiu Motorway
Authors: Chirică Anton , Danese Andrea , Russo Rosario , Sabini Lorenzo 
Published: April 2015

Rezumat
Lucrarea prezintă strategia complexă utilizată pentru stabilizarea unei alunecări majore de teren produse în timpul unei lucrări de remodelare a unui deal pe traseul autostrăzii Orăştie-Sibiu. Litologia locală, împreună cu influenţa schimbării stării de eforturi şi comportamentul special al argilelor structurate, au condus la proiectarea şi implementarea unor măsuri de stabilizare din partea constructorului "Astaldi".
Se prezintă câteva investigaţii suplimentare in-situ şi de laborator, precum şi principalele tipuri de lucrări care au condus la stabilizarea taluzului, analizate atât în condiţii statice, cât şi dinamice.
Challenges of Accurate Cost Estimation for Facilities
Authors: Boschee Pam 
Published: April 2015

Cost estimation for facilities depends on early concept selection and critical inputs, often complicated by uncertainty in one or more of the critical inputs. Empirical cost models and cost modeling methods using these inputs vary in degrees of scope, comprehensiveness, and robustness. Cost modeling is critical in developing project economics to determine if a project is a sound investment. Its importance extends from concept comparison and selection to use in planning and optimization of field development, and to benchmarking of projected and actual costs.
Although idiosyncrasies in projects and their required facilities drive cost estimations, differences in organizational capabilities further affect the validity and reliability of these estimations.
This article will examine the industry’s approach to cost estimation, highlighting challenges and sources of error, and then discuss models specific to the Arctic and offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM) regions.
Offshore Construction and Installation Innovations Aim for Deeper Waters
Authors: Boschee Pam 
Published: April 2015

Handling Increased Tensions in Deeper Water Depths
With ultradeep installations reaching deeper than 2000 m, laying pipe on the seafloor can present challenges, such as increased holding tensions on the pipe during installation. Proper tension must be maintained to prevent the buckling that can be caused by the hydrostatic pressures acting on the pipe.
The Value of Mentoring in Career Development
Authors: Nelson Brad 
Published: April 2015

Mentoring: A Lost Skill Set?
Today, mentoring seems more commonly used as a human resources term instead of being practiced. I have asked colleagues for their thoughts and it appears I am not alone in my opinion. My suspicion is that the advent of the Internet and social media, and the “great crew change” (GCC) has contributed to the loss of the mentoring skill set.
Two-Stage Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty in Cases of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: An Analysis of 50 Cases
Authors: Claassen Leif , Plaass Christian , Daniilidis Kiriakos , Calliess Tilman , Lewinski Gabriela von 
Published: April 2015

Objectives: A periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Still there is no agreement on a perfect diagnosis and treatment algorithm. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success and revision rates after two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and factors that affect the success rate.Material and Methods:50 consecutive two-stage revision TKAs were performed between January 2011 and December 2012. We retrospectively reviewed study patient's charts including demographics, prior surgeries, comorbidities, incidence of persistent infection and revisions. At the final follow-up examination the patient's satisfaction, pain level and disorders were evaluated. A successful clinical outcome was defined as a functioning prosthesis without wound healing disorders, no sinuses tracts or other clinical evidence of a persistent infection.Results: Re-implantation of prosthesis was performed in 47 cases; three patients received a septic arthrodesis. Twelve patients had a persistent infection despite two-stage re-implantation resulting in a success rate of 76.0%. In eight of these twelve patients an infecting germ was isolated during second-stage procedure. Three patients received another two-stage revision arthroplasty and one patient an above knee amputation. A revision was performed in 23 of 50 patients (46.0%). Factors that diminish the success rate were further operations after primary TKA (p = 0.048), prior revision arthroplasties after TKA (p = 0.045), nicotine abuse (p = 0.048), Charlson comorbidity index above a score of 2 (p = 0.031) and a mixed flora during first-stage procedure (p < 0.001). Age, sex, immune status, chronic anticoagulant use, rheumatoid arthritis, body mass index and the presence of multidrug resistant germs showed no significant effect on success rate (p > 0.05).Conclusion: We found that patients who required surgery after the primary TKA, had a higher Charlson comorbidity index or were found to have mixed flora during explantation. The treatment of PJI remains difficult, both for the patient and for the treating surgeons.
The Effect of Obesity on Theatre Utilisation Time During Primary Hip and Knee Replacements
Authors: Sawalha Seif , Ralte Peter , Chan Carol , Chandran Prakash 
Published: April 2015

Introduction :
The aim of this study is to assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) and body weight on theatre utilisation time during primary total hip (THR) and knee replacements (TKR).

Methods :
A total of 1859 cases were included (820 THR and 1039 TKR). Patients were divided into groups based on BMI and body weight. The time interval from ‘starting anaesthesia’ to ‘transfer back to recovery’ was used as total theatre time. Hierarchal regression analysis was then used to study the effect of BMI and body weight while controlling the effect of any confounding variables.

Results :
In THR cases, the median theatre time was significantly different between BMI and body weight subgroups (p=0.001). In TKR cases, the median theatre time was more significantly different between weight subgroups (p<0.001) than BMI subgroups (p=0.021). Regression analysis showed that only weight remained a significant predictor (p=0.018) of theatre time in THR cases after controlling for other variables. In TKR cases, body weight and BMI were not predictors of theatre time after controlling for other variables.

Conclusion :
Body weight is a significant predictor of theatre time during THR. Neither weight nor BMI predicted theatre time during TKR.