bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causes of Increasing Aridification of the Mediterranean Region in Response to Rising Greenhouse Gases*
Authors: Seager Richard , Liu Haibo , Henderson Naomi , Simpson Isla , Kelley Colin , Shaw Tiffany , Kushnir Yochanan , Ting Mingfang 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The hydrological cycle in the Mediterranean region, as well as its change over the coming decades, is investigated using the Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) historical simulations and projections of the coming decades. The Mediterranean land regions have positive precipitation minus evaporation, P − E, in winter and negative P − E in summer. According to ERA-Interim, positive P − E over land in winter is sustained by transient eddy moisture convergence and opposed by mean flow moisture divergence. Dry mean flow advection is important for opposing the transient eddy moisture flux convergence in the winter half year and the mass divergent mean flow is a prime cause of negative P − E in the summer half year. These features are well reproduced in the CMIP5 ensemble. The models predict reduced P − E over the Mediterranean region in the future year-round. For both land and sea, a common cause of drying is increased mean flow moisture divergence. Changes in transient eddy moisture fluxes largely act diffusively and cause drying over the sea and moistening over many land areas to the north in winter and drying over western land areas and moistening over the eastern sea in summer. Increased mean flow moisture divergence is caused by both the increase in atmospheric humidity in a region of mean flow divergence and strengthening of the mass divergence. Increased mass divergence is related to increased high pressure over the central Mediterranean in winter and over the Atlantic and northern Europe in summer, which favors subsidence and low-level divergence over the Mediterranean region.
Measuring Turbulent Dissipation Using a Tethered ADCP
Authors: Lucas N. S. , Simpson J. H. , Rippeth T. P. , Old C. P. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The structure function method for estimating the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy, previously validated for measurements from seabed fixed mounts, is applied to data from 1.2-MHz acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) instruments operating in pulse–pulse coherent mode and mounted in midwater below a tethered buoy. Movements of the buoy introduce additional relative velocity components, but it is hypothesized that these flow components should not seriously interfere with the turbulence information because (i) horizontal or vertical translation induces the same flow component in all cells of an ADCP beam and (ii) any rotation of the instrument about its center induces flow components that are normal to the beam direction, and thus neither affect the structure function. This hypothesis is tested by comparing a series of dissipation measurements from a moored ADCP with those from a free-falling Vertical Microstructure Profiler (VMP) shear probe deployed from a nearby research vessel. The results indicate generally good conformity in both mean and variability over almost two decades of dissipation rates. The noise level of the structure function estimates with the pulse–pulse coherent ADCP is close to that of the VMP at ~3 × 10−10 W kg−1. This approach offers the prospect of long time series measurements of dissipation rate from moorings, albeit with restricted vertical range of a few meters.
Spatial Optimal Interpolation of Aquarius Sea Surface Salinity: Algorithms and Implementation in the North Atlantic*
Authors: Melnichenko Oleg , Hacker Peter , Maximenko Nikolai , Lagerloef Gary , Potemra James 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A method is presented for mapping sea surface salinity (SSS) from Aquarius level-2 along-track data in order to improve the utility of the SSS fields at short length [O(150 km)] and time [O(1 week)] scales. The method is based on optimal interpolation (OI) and derives an SSS estimate at a grid point as a weighted sum of nearby satellite observations. The weights are optimized to minimize the estimation error variance. As an initial demonstration, the method is applied to Aquarius data in the North Atlantic. The key element of the method is that it takes into account the so-called long-wavelength errors (by analogy with altimeter applications), referred to here as interbeam and ascending/descending biases, which appear to correlate over long distances along the satellite tracks. The developed technique also includes filtering of along-track SSS data prior to OI and the use of realistic correlation scales of mesoscale SSS anomalies. All these features are shown to result in more accurate SSS maps, free from spurious structures. A trial SSS analysis is produced in the North Atlantic on a uniform grid with 0.25° resolution and a temporal resolution of one week, encompassing the period from September 2011 through August 2013. A brief statistical description, based on the comparison between SSS maps and concurrent in situ data, is used to demonstrate the utility of the OI analysis and the potential of Aquarius SSS products to document salinity structure at ~150-km length and weekly time scales.
Precipitation Banding in Idealized Baroclinic Waves
Authors: Norris Jesse , Vaughan Geraint , Schultz David M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMoist idealized baroclinic-wave simulations show the development of precipitation bands from a zonally uniform initial midlatitude jet. For a frictionless lower boundary, and with no latent-heat release or surface heat and moisture fluxes, warm advection is strong and a bent-back warm front forms. Although a narrow vertical-velocity maximum forms within the area of synoptic-scale ascent near the triple point, only a wide warm-frontal band forms. As surface roughness length increases between simulations to that of an ocean then a land surface, warm advection is reduced and the cold front becomes stronger relative to the warm front. A separate narrow rainband forms along the cold front, which is more intense and farther removed from the wide warm-frontal band when roughness length is greater. In the simulation with roughness length appropriate to the ocean, after the narrow band decays, the precipitation becomes oriented along the warm conveyor belt in the warm sector. When latent-heat release is included, this warm-sector precipitation evolves into multiple bands, which eventually weaken with the cyclone. When surface heat and moisture fluxes are included, the ascent at the surface cold front stays strong and a well-defined cold front of the anafront variety persists through this mature stage. The surface precipitation remains in a single intense band along and ahead of the cold front. Therefore, strong surface heat and moisture fluxes inhibit multiple bands, but a simulation with lower sea surface temperature (SST) more closely resembles the simulation without surface heat and moisture fluxes, demonstrating that the detailed structure and evolution of precipitation banding is sensitive to SST.
Differential extraction of endogenous and exogenous 25-OH-vitamin D from serum makes the accurate quantification in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assays challenging
Authors: Lankes Ulrich , Elder Peter A , Lewis John G , George Peter 
Published: April 2014

Background Extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis is the method of choice when it comes to the accurate quantification of 25-OH-vitamin D in blood samples. It is generally assumed that the addition of exogenous internal standard allows for the determination of the endogenous analyte concentration. In this study we investigated the extraction properties of endogenous and exogenous 25-OH-vitamin D. Methods Eight samples were used for the evaluation of the extraction procedure and 59 patients’ samples for a method comparison. The methanol-to-sample ratio (v/v) and the sample-to-hexane ratio (v/v) were varied and the LC-MS/MS signals of endogenous 25-OH-vitamin D3, spiked 25-OH-vitamin D2 and internal standard of the extracts recorded. The optimized ‘in-house’ LC-MS/MS assay was compared to two automated chemiluminescence immunoassays from DiaSorin and Abbott. Results Mathematical analysis of the data revealed a differential extraction of endogenous 25-OH-vitamin D3, spiked 25-OH-vitamin D2 and non-equilibrated internal standard. Exogenous 25-OH-vitamin D can be measured accurately if a definite methanol-to-sample ratio is used. Endogenous 25-OH-vitamin D is affected by critical quantification issues due to a differential slope in the extraction profile. The actual 25-OH-vitamin D concentration can be one-third above the measured extractable concentration. Results confirm that the ‘in-house’ LC-MS/MS assay provides reproducible 25-OH-vitamin D results. Conclusions Discordant concentrations of 25-OH-vitamin D from LC-MS/MS assays can be caused by selection of suboptimal extraction conditions. Furthermore, a different sample pretreatment or solvent extraction system may result in a different dissociation and extraction yield of endogenous 25-OH-vitamin D and therefore contribute to variations of LC-MS/MS results.
Spectral parametric segmentation of contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT to detect bone metastasis: feasibility sensitivity study using whole-body bone scintigraphy
Authors: Lee Young Han , Kim Sungjun , Lim Daekeon , Suh Jin-Suck , Song Ho-Taek 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundDual-energy computed tomography (DECT) images may be underutilized for the evaluation of skeletal metastasis. Spectral parametric segmentation of DECT can produce bone-iodine separated images, which have the potential to detect bone metastases.PurposeTo evaluate the potential of bone-iodine separation in the detection of bone metastasis with spectral parametric segmentation of DECT images which are acquired at clinical follow-up for patients with prior malignancy.Material and MethodsThe institutional review board approved the protocol of this retrospective review. Chest DECT scans using fast kV-switching between 80 and 140 kVp were included in this study. Bone-iodine separated reformatted images were produced by spectral parametric segmentation of synthesized monochromatic images. All chest CT images of 702 metastatic lesions from 54 patients were retrospectively evaluated in terms of visualization of metastatic lesions compared with99mTc-MDP (methylene diphosphonate) whole-body bone scintigraphy (WBBS) as reference standard of diagnosis.ResultsSpectral parametric segmentation images of DECT visualized metastatic lesions in 92.3% ( n = 648/702). Osteoblastic metastases were delineated as subtle enhancing lesions on DECT in comparison to WBBS.ConclusionSpectral parametric segmentation of iodine from cortical and medullary bone allowed visualization of bone metastasis. DECT might be utilized for the screening or detection of bone metastases.
Risk Factors for Poststroke Depression
Authors: De Ryck Annemieke , Brouns Raf , Geurden Marleen , Elseviers Monique , De Deyn Peter P. , Engelborghs Sebastiaan 
Published: April 2014

Objective: Depression after stroke or poststroke depression (PSD) has a negative impact on the rehabilitation process and the associated rehabilitation outcome. Consequently, defining risk factors for development of PSD is important. The relationship between stroke and depression is described extensively in the available literature, but the results are inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review is to outline conflicting evidence on risk factors for PSD. Methods: PubMed, Medline, and Web of Knowledge were searched using the keywords “stroke,” “depression,” and “risk factor” for articles published between January 01, 1995, and September 30, 2012. Additional articles were identified and obtained from a hand search in related articles and reference lists. Results: A total of 66 article abstracts were identified by the search strategy and 24 articles were eligible for inclusion based on predefined quality criteria. The methodology varies greatly between the various studies, which is probably responsible for major differences in risk factors for PSD reported in the literature. The most frequently cited risk factors for PSD in the literature are sex (female), history of depression, stroke severity, functional impairments or level of handicap, level of independence, and family and social support. Conclusions: Many risk factors are investigated over the last 2 decades and large controversy exists concerning risk factors for development of PSD. These contradictions may largely be reduced to major differences in clinical data, study population, and methodology, which underline the need for more synchronized studies.
Preferences for autonomy in end-of-life decision making in modern Korean society
Authors: Kim Su Hyun 
Published: April 2014

Background: The demand for autonomy in medical decision making is increasing among Korean people, but it is not well known why some people prefer autonomy in decision making but others do not. Research objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which Korean adults wished to exercise autonomy in the process of decision making regarding end-of-life treatment and to determine whether economic issues and family functioning, in particular, were associated with preferences for participation in decision making in Korean people. Research design: This study was a cross-sectional correlational study using a survey. Participants and research context: Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 354 patients or their families who visited ambulatory departments at two general hospitals in South Korea, recruited by the proportionate quota sampling method. Data analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression analyses. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the hospitals’ directors and the ethics committee of Kyungpook National University Hospital. Written informed consent was given by all participants. Findings: A majority of Korean people wanted to make autonomous decisions regarding treatment at the end of life. Preferences for autonomous decision making regarding end-of-life treatment, rather than relying on family, showed a significant increase in association with poor family functioning and low income. Discussion: Results of this study suggested the necessity for development of alternatives to a dominant traditional “family-centered” approach in Korean people, in order to enhance end-of-life decision making for people who wish to take an active role in the decision-making process. Conclusion: Healthcare providers need to examine not only patients’ preferred decision-making style but also any reasons for their choice, in particular, family conflict and financial burden.
Plantar Pressure Anomalies After Open Reduction With Internal Fixation of High-Grade Calcaneal Fractures
Authors: Hetsroni Iftach , Ben-Sira David , Nyska Meir , Ayalon Moshe 
Published: April 2014

Background: Plantar pressure abnormalities after open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) of intra-articular calcaneal fractures have been observed previously, but high-grade fractures were not selectively investigated and follow-up times were shorter than 2 years. The purpose of this study was to characterize plantar pressure anomalies in patients with exclusively high-grade calcaneal fractures after ORIF with a minimum 2 years of follow-up, and to test the association between plantar pressure distribution and the clinical outcome. Methods: The orthopaedic registry was reviewed to identify patients with isolated high-grade calcaneal fractures (Sanders types III-IV) who were operated on and had a minimum 2 years of follow-up. Sixteen patients were evaluated. Mean age was 47 years and follow-up was between 2 and 6 years. The Pedar-Mobile system was used to measure 3 loading and 3 temporal variables and compare these between the operated and the uninjured limbs. Results: Mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 76 ± 7 at latest follow-up. Bohler’s angle was 5 ± 8 degrees before surgery and 25 ± 7 degrees at latest follow-up. Stance was shorter in operated limbs ( P = .001). Timing of the peak of pressure was delayed in operated limbs under the hallux and the second toe ( P ≤ .03). Peak pressure, force time integral, and pressure time integral were increased under the lateral midfoot ( P ≤ .03) and decreased under the second metatarsal ( P ≤ .03). Force time integral was decreased under the first metatarsal ( P = .02) and under the hallux and the lateral toes ( P ≤ .05). Increased loading under the lateral midfoot and decreased loading under the lateral toes were correlated with poorer clinical outcome ( r = −.53, P < .05, and r = .63, P < .01, respectively). Conclusions: Side-to-side plantar pressure mismatch persisted at more than 2 years after ORIF of high-grade calcaneal fractures performed via lateral approach, despite improvement of Bohler’s angle. This was characterized by shortened stance phase, delayed timing of peak of pressure under the hallux and second toe, lateral load shift at the midfoot, and decreased toe pressures in operated limbs. Since loading abnormalities were correlated with the clinical outcome, modifications in treatment strategy that can improve foot loading may be desirable in these cases. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control.
Oral chemotherapy practices at Ontario cancer centres
Authors: Ahmad Noor , Simanovski Vicky , Hertz Sherrie , Klaric Goran , Kaizer Leonard , Krzyzanowska Monika K 
Published: April 2014

Purpose The use of oral chemotherapy agents in cancer treatment is increasing. To better understand issues affecting the optimal use of these agents, Cancer Care Ontario conducted an environmental scan of current practices in Ontario related to prescribing, dispensing, patient education, and supporting regimen adherence. Methods A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted either by phone (11 regions) or via email (two regions) with Ontario’s Regional Cancer Centres over a 3-month period in 2012. A questionnaire was pre-circulated to the regions to guide the discussions. Results Responses were received from 13 of 14 regions. Considerable variation in practice was found. Of 13 responding regions, 12 (92%) lacked formal procedures or processes for the prescription of oral chemotherapy. Ten regions (77%) reported using either handwritten prescriptions or a mixture of methods with only three regions routinely using computerized order entry systems for oral chemotherapy prescribing. Oral chemotherapy was reported to be labeled as “chemotherapy” in 46% of the regions. Twenty-three percent indicated that they provide extensive patient education through a multi-disciplinary approach. A number of tools were used to encourage patient adherence in different regions. Patient education was identified as an area where more work could be done. Conclusion Results indicate a lack of formal policies and variable practices across all aspects of oral chemotherapy in many regions. However, some regions have developed and implemented successful initiatives. The results from this review are informing provincial priorities and being shared between regions to support collaborative learning.
Factors affecting short- and long-term outcomes of manipulation under anaesthesia in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
Authors: Theodorides Anthony A , Owen John M , Sayers Adrian E , Woods David A 
Published: April 2014

Background The present study aimed to evaluate and determine the factors that affect short- and long-term outcome following manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) of patients with adhesive capsulitis. Methods Patients recruited from January 1999 to January 2010 were retrospectively analyzed and classified as having primary or secondary adhesive capsulitis. All patients were assessed for range of movement (ROM) and Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) before and immediately postoperatively, as well as for OSS more than 1 year post MUA. Results In total, 295 patients (315 shoulders) were sequentially recruited, and information was collected at baseline, as well as at a mean follow-up of 28 days and 3.6 years. A significant improvement in OSS and ROM was noted 1 month post MUA ( p < 0.0001) with females benefiting more than males ( p < 0.0025). Long-term follow-up revealed that the improvement in OSS was maintained ( p < 0.0001). Secondary adhesive capsulitis significantly reduced the efficacy of MUA as assessed by ROM ( p < 0.0001). Other factors (age, initial ROM and OSS, and length of symptoms prior to MUA) did not significantly affect the outcome over the short- or long-term. Conclusions The findings of the present study show that all patient groups had a significantly improved ROM and OSS in the short-term with long-term maintenance of improved OSS.
Chondroprotective Effect of Kartogenin on CD44-Mediated Functions in Articular Cartilage and Chondrocytes
Authors: Ono Yohei , Ishizuka Shinya , Knudson Cheryl B. , Knudson Warren 
Published: April 2014

Objective: A recent report identified the small molecule kartogenin as a chondrogenic and chondroprotective agent. Since changes in hyaluronan metabolism occur during cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis, we began studies to determine whether there was a connection between extracellular hyaluronan, CD44–hyaluronan interactions and the effects of kartogenin on articular chondrocytes. Methods: Chondrocytes cultured in monolayers, bioengineered neocartilages, or cartilage explants were treated with kartogenin with or without stimulation by IL-1β. Accumulation of matrix was visualized by a particle exclusion assay or by safranin O staining and release of sulfated glycosaminoglycans was determined. Production of aggrecanases and aggrecan G1-ITEGE neoepitope, fragmentation of CD44 and the SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathway were evaluated by western blotting. Results: Kartogenin treatment enhanced chondrocyte pericellular matrix assembly and retention in the presence of IL-1β. The chondroprotective effects of kartogenin on IL-1β-induced release of sulfated glycosaminoglycans from articular cartilage explants, reduction in safranin O staining of neocartilage discs as well as a reduction in aggrecan G1-ITEGE neoepitope in chondrocyte and explant cartilage cultures were observed. Kartogenin partially blocked the IL-1β-induced increased expression of ADAMTS-5. Additionally, kartogenin-treated articular chondrocytes exhibited a decrease in CD44 proteolytic fragmentation. However, kartogenin treatment did not enhance proteoglycan in control, non-IL-1β-treated cultures. Similarly, kartogenin enhanced the SMAD1 phosphorylation but only following pretreatment with IL-1β. Conclusion: These studies provide novel information on the chondroprotective function of kartogenin in adult articular cartilage. The effects of kartogenin are significant after activation of chondrocytic chondrolysis, which may occur following disruption of homeostasis maintained by hyaluronan–CD44 interactions.