bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Real-Time Satellite Precipitation Data for Global Drought Monitoring
Authors: Zhou Tian , Nijssen Bart , Huffman George J. , Lettenmaier Dennis P. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) near-real-time (RT) data are considered less accurate than the TMPA research quality (RP) data because of the simplified data processing algorithm and the lack of gauge adjustments. However, for near-real-time hydrological applications, such as drought nowcasting, the RT data must play a key role given latency considerations and consistency is essential with products like RP, which have a long-term climatology. The authors used a bivariate test to examine the consistency between the monthly RT and RP precipitation estimates for 12 yr (2000–12) and found that, for over 75% of land cells globally, RT and RP were statistically consistent at 0.05 significance level. The inconsistent grid cells are spatially clustered in western North America, northern South America, central Africa, and most of Australia. The authors also show that RT generally increases with time relative to RP in northern South America and western Australia, while in western North America and eastern Australia, RT decreases relative to RP. In other areas such as the eastern part of North America, Eurasia, and southern part of the South America, the RT data are statistically consistent with the RP data and are appropriate for global- or macroscale hydrological applications.
Comparison of Downscaled Precipitation Data over a Mountainous Watershed: A Case Study in the Heihe River Basin
Authors: Pan Xiaoduo , Li Xin , Yang Kun , He Jie , Zhang Yanlin , Han Xujun 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Development of an accurate precipitation dataset is of primary importance for regional hydrological process studies and water resources management. Here, four regional precipitation products are evaluated for the Heihe River basin (HRB): 1) a spatially and temporally disaggregated Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) at 0.25° spatial resolution (DCMAP); 2) a fusion product obtained by merging China Meteorological Administration station data and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission precipitation data at 0.1° spatial resolution supported by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (ITP-F); 3) a disaggregated CMAP downscaled by a statistical meteorological model tool at 1-km spatial resolution (DCMAP–MicroMet); and 4) a Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulation with 5-km resolution (WRF-P). The validation metrics include spatial pattern, temporal pattern, error analysis with respect to observation data, and precipitation event verification indicators. The results indicate that 1) precipitation from the DCMAP product may not be suitable for water cycle studies at the watershed scale because of its coarser spatial resolution and 2) ITP-F, WRF-P, and DCMAP–MicroMet precipitation products generally show similar spatial–temporal patterns in HRB but have varying performances between different subbasins.
Currents Associated with the Quasi-Stationary Jet Separated from the Kuroshio Extension
Authors: Wagawa Taku , Ito Shin-Ichi , Shimizu Yugo , Kakehi Shigeho , Ambe Daisuke 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The hydrographic structure of a quasi-stationary jet separated from the Kuroshio Extension, a phenomenon that possibly leads to deepening of the winter mixed layer, is revealed via intensive observations using a conductivity–temperature–depth profiler and a ship-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) carried out in September 2009. Data collected from profiling floats set to drift isopycnal layers and time series of sea surface buoys and satellite altimeters were also analyzed to understand the continuity, water characteristics, and time variation of the jet. Although the flow field was complex due to disturbances such as energetic eddies, the jet transported subtropical water to the downstream (northeastern) observation region in a layer shallower than 400 dbar and its highest velocity was concentrated in the mid- and deep layers (≤0.30 m s−1 at the sea surface and ≥0.05 m s−1 at 800-m depth). The velocity axes of the jet detected from the satellite data corresponded to those detected through analysis of the ADCP data, and the intensity of the jet at the sea surface varies over interannual-to-decadal time scales. Part of the interannual-to-decadal variation in the velocity field of the jet is controlled by the dynamic state of the Kuroshio Extension and is correlated with that of the Kuroshio Extension latitude (linear correlation coefficient r ~ 0.67). The relationship between these variations can be interpreted qualitatively as being responsible for the inertial streamers that separate from the crests of meanders of the Kuroshio Extension to the jet region due to the large steering effect.
The comparability of oxalate excretion and oxalate:creatinine ratio in the investigation of primary hyperoxaluria: review of data from a referral centre
Authors: Clifford-Mobley Oliver , Tims Christopher , Rumsby Gill 
Published: April 2014

Background Urine oxalate measurement is an important investigation in the evaluation of renal stone disease. Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare inherited metabolic disease characterised by persistently elevated urine oxalate, but the diagnosis may be missed in adults until renal failure has developed. Urine oxalate results were reviewed to compare oxalate:creatinine ratio and oxalate excretion, and to estimate the potential numbers of undiagnosed PH. Methods Urine oxalate results from August 2011 to April 2013 were reviewed. Oxalate excretion and oxalate:creatinine ratio were evaluated for 24 h collections and ratio alone for spot urine samples. Results Oxalate:creatinine ratio and oxalate excretion were moderately correlated (R = 0.63) in 24-h urine collections from patients aged 18 years and above. Sex-related differences were found requiring implementation of male and female reference ranges for oxalate:creatinine ratio. Of samples with both ratio and excretion above the reference range, 7% came from patients with confirmed PH. There were 24 patients with grossly elevated urine oxalate who had not been evaluated for PH. Conclusions Oxalate:creatinine ratio and oxalate excretion were discordant in many patients, which is likely to be a result of intra-individual variation in creatinine output and imprecision in the collection itself. Some PH patients had urine oxalate within the reference range on occasion, and therefore it is not possible to exclude PH on the finding of a single normal result. A significant number of individuals had urine oxalate results well above the reference range who potentially have undiagnosed PH and are consequently at risk of renal failure.
The experience of urinary incontinence in stroke survivors: A follow-up qualitative study
Authors: White Jennifer H. , Patterson Kate , Jordan Louise-anne , Magin Parker , Attia John , Sturm Jonathan W. 
Published: April 2014

Background. No previous qualitative exploration of urinary incontinence (UI) or post-stroke urinary incontinence (PSUI) has been undertaken in an Australian population. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of community-dwelling stroke survivors who were living with UI/PSUI and understand how context shaped those experiences. Methods. A pragmatic approach using thematic analysis was employed for this study. Findings. Four themes emerged from the data: “I’ve got to go”: onset and daily experience of UI; “No one ever mentioned it”: lack of advice and information from the health system; “You can’t enjoy something if you’ve got to go the toilet”: experience of occupational restrictions; and “It’s just a matter of planning”: management strategies. Implications. UI continued well beyond discharge and was shaped by limited advice, distress, and role loss. Occupational therapists are encouraged to engage in assessment, management, and treatment of UI, including the provision of education that promotes continence, attenuates negative experiences, and enhances community participation.
Comparison of short-term efficacy and safety of TIROX and DCF regimens for advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Dong Lei , Li Jing , Lou Xiao-Ping , Miao Jin-Hong , Lu Pei , Chang Zhi-Wei , Han Zhao-Feng 
Published: April 2014

Objective To compare the short-term efficacy and safety profile of the S-1 + irinotecan + oxaliplatin (TIROX) and docetaxel + cisplatin + flurouracil (DCF) anticancer regimens in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Methods Patients with recurrent or metastatic gastric cancer diagnosed by pathology were randomly divided into two groups to receive six cycles of either the TIROX regimen (21-day cycle) or the DCF regimen (21-day cycle). After six chemotherapy cycles, the short-term efficacy was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines and adverse reactions were recorded according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria 2.0 standards. Results A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. The response rate (complete response + partial response) was significantly higher in the TIROX group (18/30 patients; 60.0%) compared with the DCF group (10/30 patients; 33.3%). The rates of grade III–IV leucopenia and neurotoxicity were significantly higher in the TIROX group than the DCF group. Conclusion The TIROX regimen was effective for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, but it was associated with leucopenia and neurotoxicity.
Clinical, Radiographic, and Histological Outcomes After Cartilage Repair With Particulated Juvenile Articular Cartilage
Authors: Farr Jack , Tabet Samuel K. , Margerrison Ed , Cole Brian J. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Biological repair of cartilage lesions remains a significant clinical challenge because of the lack of natural regeneration and limited treatment options. Hypothesis: Treatment of articular cartilage lesions in the knee with particulated juvenile articular cartilage (PJAC) will result in an improvement in patient symptoms of pain and function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at 2 years compared with baseline. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients with symptomatic articular cartilage lesions on the femoral condyles or trochlear groove of the knee were identified for treatment with PJAC. There were 25 patients with a mean age of 37.0 ± 11.1 years and a mean lesion size of 2.7 ± 0.8 cm2. All patients were assessed preoperatively (baseline) with a knee examination and surveys including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form, 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Patients were followed at predetermined time points postoperatively through 2 years. Also, MRI was performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. At 2 years, patients were given the option of undergoing voluntary diagnostic arthroscopic surgery with cartilage biopsy to assess the histological appearance of the cartilage repair including safranin O staining for proteoglycans and immunostaining for type I and II collagen. Results: Clinical outcomes demonstrated statistically significant increases at 2 years after surgery compared with baseline, with improvements seen as early as 3 months. Over the 24-month follow-up period, the IKDC score increased from a mean of 45.7 to 73.6, KOOS-pain score from 64.1 to 83.7, KOOS-symptoms score from 64.6 to 81.4, KOOS–activities of daily living score from 73.8 to 91.5, KOOS–sports and recreation score from 44.6 to 68.3, and KOOS–quality of life score from 31.8 to 59.9. The MRI results suggested that T2-weighted scores were returning to a level approximating that of normal articular cartilage by 2 years. Histologically, the repair tissue in biopsy samples from 8 patients was composed of a mixture of hyaline and fibrocartilage; immunopositivity for type II collagen was generally higher than for type I collagen, and there appeared to be excellent integration of the transplanted tissue with the surrounding native articular cartilage. Other than elective biopsies, there were no reoperations, although 1 graft delamination was reported at 24 months. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a rapid, safe, and effective treatment for cartilage defects. For the patient population investigated, the clinical outcomes of the PJAC technique showed a significant improvement over baseline, with histologically favorable repair tissue 2 years postoperatively.
The Effect of Lower Limb Cast Immobilization on Calf Muscle Pump Function
Authors: Hickey Ben A. , Morgan Amy , Pugh Neil , Perera Anthony 
Published: April 2014

Background: We have investigated the role of the calf muscle pump in casted patients. An audit of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in casted patients showed that the thrombosis occurred in the casted leg; this has not been previously assessed. We postulated that local factors play a major role, and we set out to assess the calf muscle pump in casted patients and to determine whether this can be optimized despite below-knee cast immobilization. Methods: We measured the flow in the popliteal vein using a validated method of Doppler ultrasound measurement of peak velocity with and without a below-knee plaster cast. Results: We demonstrated that a simple strategy of toe and ankle exercises can maintain venous return despite below-knee cast immobilization. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the effect of the calf muscle pump in the presence of a plaster cast. Major muscle groups such as the flexor hallucis longus and gastrocsoleus extend beyond the field of control of the cast and can still be recruited. Clinical Relevance: We recommend that all patients treated with a below-knee cast be given a program of exercises that can be comfortably performed with the cast; this could provide a useful, inexpensive, and safe thromboprophylaxis strategy acting at the site of greatest risk and targeting a major cause of VTE.
Total Ankle Arthroplasty Accuracy and Reproducibility Using Preoperative CT Scan-Derived, Patient-Specific Guides
Authors: Berlet Gregory C. , Penner Murray J. , Lancianese Sarah , Stemniski Paul M. , Obert Richard M. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Preoperative navigation has provided many potential benefits for total knee arthroplasty, including patient-specific alignment, repeatable implant placement, and decreased operative time. For the first time, this technology was applied to total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This study evaluated repeatability of tibia and talus patient-specific guide placement and deviation between the preoperative plan and actual implant placement. Methods: Routine ankle CT scans were acquired of 15 cadaveric lower extremity limbs, converted into 3D solid models, and imported into a computer-assisted design assembly. Anatomic landmarks defining tibia/talus alignment were established and used to perform a virtual TAA. Commercially available implant components were placed to mimic traditional cases. An operative guide referencing the cadaver-specific anatomy was engineered to define the resection planes necessary to re-create virtual placement of traditional tibia and talus implants in the postoperative position. Board-certified TAA orthopaedic surgeons with no prior preoperative navigation experience placed the operative guides onto the bones based on tactile and visual feedback. Guide placement was repeated 4 times to determine variability. Final implant position was recorded with an infrared probe, confirmed with CT scans, and compared to the preoperative plan. Average deviations between planned and actual guide placement were determined for all rotational and translational degrees of freedom (DOF). In addition, implant component location was measured radiographically. Results: Intraobserver tibia and talus guide variation between all trials was 0.26 ± 0.18 degrees and 0.36 ± 0.25 degrees in flexion/extension, 0.61 ± 0.58 and 0.53 ± 0.53 in varus/valgus, and 0.79 ± 0.38 degrees and 1.15 ± 0.77 degrees in internal/external rotation, respectively. Average variation between preoperative and postoperative implant placement was less than 2 degrees and 1.4 mm in all specimens tested. Conclusion: Preliminary data suggest that preoperative navigation and custom operative guides result in reliable and reproducible placement of TAA implants and patient-specific ankle alignment. Deviation of final implant placement from the preoperative plan was less than 2 degrees in all angular DOF, providing greater accuracy than the ±3 degrees determined in other implant system studies using traditional instrumentation and computer navigation. Clinical Relevance: We have further demonstrated that final implant position is successfully guided by these patient-specific guides, with reproducibility of tibial component placement falling within 2 degrees of the intended target. This level of reproducibility suggests a promise for this technology, and it is hoped this level of accuracy will become the benchmark for the next generation of total ankle arthroplasty.
Featured Article: Interactions of surface-expressed TLR-4 and endosomal TLR-9 accelerate lupus progression in anti-dsDNA antibody transgenic mice
Authors: Lee Tai-Ping , Huang Jason C , Liu Chi-Jui , Chen Hsiu-Jung , Chen Yih-Horng , Tsai Yi-Ting , Yang Winnie , Sun Kuang-Hui 
Published: April 2014

The hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the presence of high levels of anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibody (anti-dsDNA) in sera. In addition, pathogen infections coincide frequently with the occurrence of lupus. Our study was designed to investigate the contribution of anti-dsDNA, extracellular and intracellular Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a family of pattern-recognition receptors for sensing invading pathogens, in the pathogenesis of lupus. Although cell surface-expressed TLR4 may promote lupus progression, intracellular nucleic acid-sensing TLR9 plays either stimulatory or protective roles in different murine lupus models. To examine the role of TLR4, TLR9, and anti-dsDNA in SLE, we generated transgenic mice carrying anti-dsDNA antibody transgene and challenged the mice with TLR4- and TLR9-agonists, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN1826 and 2216), respectively. Splenocytes from these mice were found to secrete higher levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and anti-dsDNA when treated with a combination of TLR4 and TLR9 agonists (LPS + CpG). In addition, the transgenic mice were intraperitoneally administered with CpG or combined CpG and LPS to determine whether extracellular TLR4 and intracellular TLR9 activations could affect lupus progression in vivo. It was found that serum levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies and interferon-alpha were higher in CpG + LPS-treated transgenic mice than those in non-transgenic mice. Besides, elevated levels of proteinuria, blood urine nitrogen, and immune complex depositions in kidney were found in treated transgenic mice. Anti-dsDNA and simultaneous activation of surface-expressed TLR4 and endosomal TLR9 are crucial to promote the lupus progression.
Towards a global framework for capacity building for non-communicable disease advocacy in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Shilton Trevor , Champagne Beatriz , Blanchard Claire , Ibarra Lorena , Kasesmup Vijj 
Published: April 2014

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent an increasing proportion of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Sustained advocacy, carried out by a skilled workforce, is an important strategy to realize the political will and implement the policy changes necessary to reduce the global burden of NCDs. Competencies for effective advocacy include a combination of scientific and technical as well as communication-based skills. Recognizing the need to build local capacity for NCD advocacy in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the InterAmerican Heart Foundation joined efforts to conduct two pilot advocacy courses, one in Thailand and one in Colombia. A Global Advisory Group engaged a Local Organizing Committee in each country to ensure the courses would meet the needs of the local stakeholders. While both courses contained a set of key competencies and helped participants develop joint strategies for moving forward with consensus advocacy targets, the courses differed in content and participant background depending on the local context. A key goal of the courses was to determine and describe the lessons learned and make recommendations for a framework to be used for future advocacy capacity-building activities in LMIC. The planning and execution of each course generated lessons in the following five areas that informed the development of a global framework for capacity building for NCD advocacy: 1) using a comprehensive theoretical framework to teach advocacy competencies, 2) engaging key stakeholders, 3) meeting local needs and priorities, 4) planning local logistics, and 5) ensuring the skills obtained through training are applied to sustained advocacy for NCDs.
Improving Type 1 Diabetes Management With Mobile Tools
Authors: Peterson Adam 
Published: April 2014

Background: This study aims to provide a better understanding of the ability of mobile health tools to offer glycemic control for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Data gained from research articles searched in PubMed, Ovid (Medline), and CINAHL from 2005 to 2013 focused on interventions introduced to a type 1 diabetic population. Articles were screened to identify interventions that examined mobile health tools effect on glycemic control using %A1C as a proxy. Fourteen articles were included in this study. Descriptive data, %A1C difference, and statistical significance, if available, were extracted for comparison. Results: Five major categories were identified across the spectrum of interventions, including “Internet,” “Mobile,” “Mobile and Internet,” “Phone,” and “Videoconference and phone.” Seven of the 14 articles reported statistically significant decreases in measured outcomes. Seven studies examine a single cohort, and 7 examined a double cohort. Eleven of the 14 authors (79%) reported success with their intervention. Twelve studies reported a decrease in %A1C values in their intervention groups. Conclusions: Initial results for glycemic control through these tools appear promising, though inconclusive. Additional measures of mobile health tool efficacy should be assessed more directly. More rigorous study methods are also needed to improve the reliability of results.
Merging with the Machines: Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and the Law of Exponential Growth
Authors: Kurzweil Ray 
Published: April 2014

This is Part I of a two-part interview with author and inventor Ray Kurzweil. His many books include The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence (Viking, 1999), The Singularity Is Near (Viking, 2005), and his most recent, co-authored with Terry Grossman, Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever (Rodale, 2009). He is the co-founder (along with X Prize Foundation chairman and CEO Peter Diamandis) of Singularity University. A documentary film about Kurzweil, Transcendent Man, had its premiere in 2009, and Kurzweil's own movie version of The Singularity Is Near, featuring commentary from Marvin Minsky, Alvin Toffler, and others, is set to appear at film festivals in 2010. He is to be a keynote speaker at WorldFuture 2010.