bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attribution of the Recent Winter Sea Ice Decline over the Atlantic Sector of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Park Doo-Sun R. , Lee Sukyoung , Feldstein Steven B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWintertime Arctic sea ice extent has been declining since the late twentieth century, particularly over the Atlantic sector that encompasses the Barents–Kara Seas and Baffin Bay. This sea ice decline is attributable to various Arctic environmental changes, such as enhanced downward infrared (IR) radiation, preseason sea ice reduction, enhanced inflow of warm Atlantic water into the Arctic Ocean, and sea ice export. However, their relative contributions are uncertain. Utilizing ERA-Interim and satellite-based data, it is shown here that a positive trend of downward IR radiation accounts for nearly half of the sea ice concentration (SIC) decline during the 1979–2011 winter over the Atlantic sector. Furthermore, the study shows that the Arctic downward IR radiation increase is driven by horizontal atmospheric water flux and warm air advection into the Arctic, not by evaporation from the Arctic Ocean. These findings suggest that most of the winter SIC trends can be attributed to changes in the large-scale atmospheric circulations.
Observing and Simulating the Summertime Low-Level Jet in Central Iowa
Authors: Vanderwende Brian J. , Lundquist Julie K. , Rhodes Michael E. , Takle Eugene S. , Irvin Samantha L. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In the U.S. state of Iowa, the increase in wind power production has motivated interest into the impacts of low-level jets on turbine performance. In this study, two commercial lidar systems were used to sample wind profiles in August 2013. Jets were systematically detected and assigned an intensity rating from 0 (weak) to 3 (strong). Many similarities were found between observed jets and the well-studied Great Plains low-level jet in summer, including average jet heights between 300 and 500 m above ground level, a preference for southerly wind directions, and a nighttime bias for stronger jets. Strong vertical wind shear and veer were observed, as well as veering over time associated with the LLJs. Speed, shear, and veer increases extended into the turbine-rotor layer during intense jets. Ramp events, in which winds rapidly increase or decrease in the rotor layer, were also commonly observed during jet formation periods. The lidar data were also used to evaluate various configurations of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Jet occurrence exhibited a stronger dependence on the choice of initial and boundary condition data, while reproduction of the strongest jets was influenced more strongly by the choice of planetary boundary layer scheme. A decomposition of mean model winds suggested that the main forcing mechanism for observed jets was the inertial oscillation. These results have implications for wind energy forecasting and site assessment in the Midwest.
Verifying Forecast Precipitation Type with mPING*
Authors: Elmore Kimberly L. , Grams Heather M. , Apps Deanna , Reeves Heather D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn winter weather, precipitation type is a pivotal characteristic because it determines the nature of most preparations that need to be made. Decisions about how to protect critical infrastructure, such as power lines and transportation systems, and optimize how best to get aid to people are all fundamentally precipitation-type dependent. However, current understanding of the microphysical processes that govern precipitation type and how they interplay with physics-based numerical forecast models is incomplete, degrading precipitation-type forecasts, but by how much? This work demonstrates the utility of crowd-sourced surface observations of precipitation type from the Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground (mPING) project in estimating the skill of numerical model precipitation-type forecasts and, as an extension, assessing the current model performance regarding precipitation type in areas that are otherwise without surface observations. In general, forecast precipitation type is biased high for snow and rain and biased low for freezing rain and ice pellets. For both the North American Mesoscale Forecast System and Global Forecast System models, Gilbert skill scores are between 0.4 and 0.5 and from 0.35 to 0.45 for the Rapid Refresh model, depending on lead time. Peirce skill scores for individual precipitation types are 0.7–0.8 for both rain and snow, 0.2–0.4 for freezing rain and freezing rain, and 0.25 or less for ice pellets. The Rapid Refresh model displays somewhat lower scores except for ice pellets, which are severely underforecast, compared to the other models.
Cystatin C- and creatinine-based equations in the assessment of renal function in HIV-positive patients prior to commencing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Seape Tebogo , Gounden Verena , van Deventer Hendrick E , Candy Geoffrey P , George Jaya A 
Published: March 2015

Background We evaluated the accuracy and precision of creatinine- and cystatin C-based prediction equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate compared to measured glomerular filtration rate in an antiretroviral-naive human immunodeficiency virus population. Methods The study population consisted of 100 treatment-naive HIV patients. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the Cockcroft–Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations, as well as cystatin C-based equations (CKD-EPIcystatin C, cystatin Cvan Deventer and CKD-EPIcombined)) compared to 51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance-measured glomerular filtration rate. We calculated percentage bias, standard deviation of the differences, accuracy within 15 and 30% of measured glomerular filtration rate and sensitivity and specificity for predicting measured glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results Bias for all estimating glomerular filtration rate equations ranged from −9.4% to 38.4%. The CKD-EPIcombined without ethnicity correction factor equation had the least bias, 2.9% (−2.9 to 8.8). Bias was higher for the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and CKD-EPI equation with the African–American ethnicity factor (38.4 and 33.7%) than without (14.2 and 15.3%). Standard deviation of the differences ranged from 29.2% (CKD-EPIcombined without ethnicity factor) to 54.0% (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease with ethnicity factor). Accuracy within 30% of measured glomerular filtration rate ranged from 78% for CKD-EPIcombined without ethnicity factor to 56.7% for the Cockcroft–Gault equation. Sensitivity for creatinine-based equations was less than 50% and for the CKD-EPIcystatin C equation was 75%. Conclusion Sensitivity of creatinine-based equations for predicting glomerular filtration rate was poor in this group of patients. The CKD-EPIcombined equation performed better than creatinine-based equations.
Decision making for late-phase recovery from nuclear or radiological incidents: new guidance from NCRP
Authors: Nisbet A.F. , Chen S.Y. 
Published: March 2015

In 2010, the US National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) established a scientific committee (SC5-1) to prepare a comprehensive report on the framework and approach for optimising decision making in late-phase recovery from nuclear or radiological incidents that lead to wide-area contamination. The NCRP report builds on recommendations from the International Commission on Radiological Protection’s (ICRP) Publication 111 which specifically addresses the protection of people living in long-term contaminated areas. Based on this approach, the report addresses all relevant dimensions: health, environment, economic, psychological, cultural, ethical, and political. NCRP, like ICRP, considers optimisation to be the best approach to decision making for balancing these multiple risk factors in situations involving wide-area contamination where the conventional clean-up approach may encounter some serious constraints. The NCRP report describes optimisation as an iterative process that can be broken down into a series of steps, all of which involve deliberations with stakeholders as a necessary element for a community-focused recovery effort. The steps, elaborated on in the report, range from defining the situation to a series of actions involving assessing impacts, evaluating options, developing a strategy, and demonstrating its successful implementation. In conclusion, the NCRP report makes a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing and strengthening late-phase recovery following a major nuclear or radiological incident.
Comparison of automated breast ultrasonography to handheld ultrasonography in detecting and diagnosing breast lesions
Authors: Jeh Su Kyung , Kim Sung Hun , Choi Jae Jeong , Jung Sang Sul , Choe Byung Joo , Park Sarah , Park Mi Sun 
Published: March 2015

Background Automated breast ultrasonography (ABUS) is increasingly used as a screening tool. Several studies have demonstrated a similar diagnostic performance for ABUS compared with handheld ultrasonography (HHUS), but the overall results have been controversial. Purpose To compare the clinical utility of ABUS and HHUS for detection and diagnosis of breast lesions. Material and Methods ABUS and HHUS images of suspicious breast lesions were obtained for 173 consecutive women scheduled to undergo ultrasonography (US)-guided or stereotactic biopsy. There were a total of 206 lesions, 46 of which were malignant and 160 benign. Three breast radiologists took part in this study: two reviewed the ABUS images, and the third reviewed all of the images, ABUS and HHUS, as well as the patients’ medical records. The biopsied-lesion-detection rates were obtained. Using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), the images of the biopsied lesions were evaluated. Factors affecting ABUS detectability were analyzed. Results The overall detection rates were 83.0% for ABUS and 94.2% for HHUS. Ten lesions were not detected on either HHUS or ABUS and these were microcalcifications (one malignancy and nine benign lesions). Of the 194 HHUS-detected lesions, 169 were detected by ABUS and 25 benign were not. ABUS less frequently detected lesions of smaller size as well as those of benign appearance and lower final-assessment category ( P = 0.011 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion ABUS detected all of the malignant lesions that were detected on HHUS. ABUS missed several smaller benign lesions.
Cardiac MRI in patients with cardiac pacemakers: practical methods for reducing susceptibility artifacts and optimizing image quality
Authors: Kaasalainen Touko , Kivistö Sari , Holmström Miia , Peltonen Juha , Pakarinen Sami , Hänninen Helena , Sipilä Outi 
Published: March 2015

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pacemaker patients has become available despite of previous contraindications. However, pacing systems containing ferromagnetic material may hamper the diagnostic quality of cardiac MR (CMR) images. Purpose To study methods for reducing susceptibility-based artifacts in CMR examinations of pacemaker patients. Material and Methods Altogether 16 patients were scanned with 1.5T MRI scanner using cine balanced steady-state free-precession (bSSFP) and spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) sequences. The use of frequency-scout was also evaluated. For myocardial late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) imaging, SPGR or bSSFP readout inversion-recovery prepared gradient echo sequences were used with and without phase-sensitive inversion-recovery (PSIR). Two radiologists subjectively compared the image quality (IQ) and the ranges of susceptibility artifacts were evaluated objectively. Results The IQ proved adequate for diagnosing each patient, although in a few patients with a left-side implanted generator, artifacts hampered IQ in the anterior and anteroseptal segments of the myocardium in bSSFP cine and LGE sequences. In bSSFP cine, the use of frequency-scout could often transfer the banding artifacts away from the left ventricular myocardium. In LGE imaging, the artifacts were more pronounced in IR-bSSFP and PSIR than in IR-SPGR sequences. The ranges of generator-based artifacts were greater in bSSFP (10–12 cm) than in SPGR (6 cm) sequences due to banding artifacts. Conclusion The artifacts caused by pacemakers typically did not compromise the diagnostic IQ. The use of frequency-scout prior to bSSFP cine or the use of SPGR-based sequences could also improve IQ.
High 18F-FDG uptake in PMAH correlated with normal expression of Glut1, HK1, HK2, and HK3
Authors: Cavalcante Isadora Pontes , Zerbini Maria Claudia Nogueira , Alencar Guilherme Asmar , Mariani Beatriz de Paula , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Almeida Madson Queiroz , Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho , Fragoso Maria Candida Barisson Villares 
Published: March 2015

Background Primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome, characterized by functioning adrenal macronodules and variable cortisol production. Recently, we demonstrated a high 18F-FDG uptake in PMAH, an unexpected finding for a benign disorder. Purpose To investigate whether there is a correlation between 18F-FDG high uptake and the expression levels of the glycolytic pathway components GLUT1, HK1, HK2, and HK3 in PMAH. Material and Methods We selected 12 patients undergoing surgery for PMAH who had preoperatively undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT. mRNA and protein expression of the selected genes were evaluated in the adrenal nodules from patients who underwent surgery through quantitative RT-PCR and by immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results SUVmax in PMAH was in the range of 3.3–8.9 and the adrenal size was in the range of 3.5–15 cm. A strong correlation between 18F-FDG uptake and largest adrenal diameter was observed in patients with PMAH. However, no correlation between 18F-FDG uptake and GLUT1, HK1, HK2, HK3 mRNA, and protein expression was observed. Conclusion High 18F-FDG uptake is observed in the majority of PMAH cases. However, 18F-FDG uptake in PMAH is independent of the expression levels of GLUT1, HK1, HK2, and HK3. Further investigation is required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying increased 18F-FDG uptake in PMAH.
Injuries and Illnesses in the Preparticipation Evaluation Data of 1693 College Student-Athletes
Authors: Matheson Gordon O. , Anderson Scott , Robell Kevin 
Published: March 2015

Background: While the preparticipation evaluation (PPE) is widely used by medical practitioners, its overall effectiveness is unknown, in part because there are no standardized or centralized mechanisms to collect and analyze medical history information. Purpose: To report on the injuries and illnesses identified with the use of an electronic PPE (ePPE) completed by first-time National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 varsity sport participants (N = 1693; 797 women, 896 men) upon entry to a single institution between 2010 and 2013. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Results: In total, 3126 discrete past injuries were reported (women, 1473 injuries; men, 1653 injuries). Time loss from sport participation averaged 31.4 days for each injury (women, 32.2 days; men, 30.7 days), and aggregate time loss from sport for all student-athletes before the ePPE was 256 years. Eleven percent of student-athletes had injuries that were unresolved and still symptomatic at the time of the ePPE. Thirty percent of injured student-athletes had a history of ≥1 surgeries for an injury (women, 176; men, 213), and these accounted for 57% of the time lost from sport before college participation. Head injuries accounted for 9% (110 women, 173 men), and loss of consciousness was reported in 19% of these. One in 3 student-athletes answered “yes” to ≥1 of the American Heart Association questions on cardiovascular health. While 15% of women reported a history of stress fracture, only 3% reported a diagnosed eating disorder. Conclusion: While some data in this population are self-evident, we were not aware of the high frequency of past injuries, the magnitude of time lost from sport, the high frequency of past surgery, and the number of participants still symptomatic from injuries. The ePPE is a valuable tool for collecting and analyzing aggregate injury and illness data in athletes, such as the finding that 11% of injuries that were reported were unresolved and still symptomatic.
Development and initial validation of a damage index (DIAPS) in patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Authors: Amigo M-C , Goycochea-Robles M V , Espinosa-Cuervo G , Medina G , Barragán-Garfias J A , Vargas A , Jara L Javier 
Published: March 2015

Introduction In antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), certain principal manifestations are associated with a worse prognosis and organ damage. Objective The objective of this paper is to describe the development and initial content, criterion and construct validity of a disease-specific cumulative damage index in patients with thrombotic APS (DIAPS). Methods Through expert panel agreement, 47 items were considered to reflect damage in APS. This preliminary version of the DIAPS was submitted to four local and international clinical and research experts in APS who ranked each item according to severity. A Delphi exercise resulted in a final 37 item instrument. In the second phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted applying the DIAPS in patients included in a multicenter electronic registry of patients with APS. Quality of life related to health status was evaluated with the EuroQol for construct validation. An α Cronbach and correlation with the EuroQol scale were calculated with SPSS 20.0 ( p < 0.05). Results We evaluated the DIAPS in 156 patients, 77% female, with a mean age at diagnosis 34.7 ± 5.5 years. A total of 69% had primary APS. Common comorbidities included obesity, depression and dyslipidemia. The most frequent manifestations resulting in sequelae were deep venous thrombosis and ischemic stroke. Blindness, retinal occlusive vessel disease, myocardial infarction, cardiac valve requiring replacement, mesenteric thrombosis, and renal insufficiency also occurred. Homogeneity: α Cronbach 0.619. DIAPS items correlated with EuroQol domains with the exception of pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. Conclusion This study demonstrates content, criterion and construct validity of a new physician-reported instrument to assess the DIAPS. In addition, the DIAPS correlated with the EuroQol.
Barrett's Oesophagus Surveillance versus endoscopy at need Study (BOSS): protocol and analysis plan for a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Old Oliver , Moayyedi Paul , Love Sharon , Roberts Corran , Hapeshi Julie , Foy Chris , Stokes Clive , Briggs Andrew , Jankowski Janusz , Barr Hugh ,   the BOSS Trial Team
Published: March 2015

Objectives The absolute annual risk of patients with Barrett's oesophagus (BO) developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is ≤0.5%. Screening BO patients for malignant progression using endoscopic surveillance is widely practised. To assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this, we developed a protocol for a randomized controlled trial of surveillance versus ‘at need’ endoscopy. Methods In a multicentre trial, 3400 BO patients randomized to either 2-yearly endoscopic surveillance or ‘at need’ endoscopy will be followed up for 10 years. Urgent endoscopy will be offered to all patients who develop symptoms of dysphagia, unexplained weight loss >7lb (3.2kg), iron deficiency anaemia, recurrent vomiting, or worsening upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Participants must have endoscopically and histologically confirmed BO, with circumferential BO ≥1cm or maximal tongue/island length ≥2 cm. Candidates with existing oesophageal high-grade dysplasia or cancer, or previous upper gastrointestinal cancer will be excluded. Primary outcome will be overall survival. Secondary outcomes will be cost effectiveness (cost per life year saved and quality adjusted life years); cancer-specific survival; time to OAC diagnosis and stage at diagnosis; morbidity and mortality related to any interventions; and frequency of endoscopy. Conclusions This randomized trial will provide data to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of screening BO patients for OAC.
Biomechanical Analysis of an Arthroscopic Broström Ankle Ligament Repair and a Suture Anchor–Augmented Repair
Authors: Giza Eric , Whitlow Scott R. , Williams Brady T. , Acevedo Jorge I. , Mangone Peter G. , Haytmanek C. Thomas , Curry Eugene E. , Turnbull Travis Lee , LaPrade Robert F. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Clanton Thomas O. 
Published: March 2015

Background: Secondary surgical repair of ankle ligaments is often indicated in cases of chronic lateral ankle instability. Recently, arthroscopic Broström techniques have been described, but biomechanical information is limited. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the biomechanical properties of an arthroscopic Broström repair and augmented repair with a proximally placed suture anchor. It was hypothesized that the arthroscopic Broström repairs would compare favorably to open techniques and that augmentation would increase the mean repair strength at time zero. Methods: Twenty (10 matched pairs) fresh-frozen foot and ankle cadaveric specimens were obtained. After sectioning of the lateral ankle ligaments, an arthroscopic Broström procedure was performed on each ankle using two 3.0-mm suture anchors with #0 braided polyethylene/polyester multifilament sutures. One specimen from each pair was augmented with a 2.9-mm suture anchor placed 3 cm proximal to the inferior tip of the lateral malleolus. Repairs were isolated and positioned in 20 degrees of inversion and 10 degrees of plantarflexion and loaded to failure using a dynamic tensile testing machine. Maximum load (N), stiffness (N/mm), and displacement at maximum load (mm) were recorded. Results: There were no significant differences between standard arthroscopic repairs and the augmented repairs for mean maximum load and stiffness (154.4 ± 60.3 N, 9.8 ± 2.6 N/mm vs 194.2 ± 157.7 N, 10.5 ± 4.7 N/mm, P = .222, P = .685). Conclusions: Repair augmentation did not confer a significantly higher mean strength or stiffness at time zero. Clinical Relevance: Mean strength and stiffness for the arthroscopic Broström repair compared favorably with previous similarly tested open repair and reconstruction methods, validating the clinical feasibility of an arthroscopic repair. However, augmentation with an additional proximal suture anchor did not significantly strengthen the repair.