bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-speed laminar flow past a fin–body junction
Authors: Tutty O. R. , Roberts G. T. , Schuricht P. H. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInterference heating effects generated by a blunt fin-type protuberance on a flat plate exposed to a hypersonic flow have been investigated experimentally and numerically. Experiments and simulations were carried out at a free-stream Mach number of 6.7 under laminar flow conditions. The surface heating on the plate was measured experimentally using liquid-crystal thermography, which provided quantitative data with high spatial resolution. Complementary surface oil flow and schlieren experiments were also carried out to gain a better understanding of the interference flow field. The effects of fin leading-edge diameter on the heating distribution on the flat plate surface were explored. The results of the experiments and simulations agree well and reveal a highly complex interaction region which extends over seven diameters upstream of the fin. Within the interaction region surrounding the fin, heating enhancements up to ten times the undisturbed flat plate value were estimated from the experimental data. However, the liquid crystals have a limited range, and the numerical simulations indicated localized peak heating many times this value both on the plate and the fin itself.
The Boussinesq approximation in rapidly rotating flows
Authors: Lopez Jose M. , Marques Francisco , Avila Marc 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn commonly used formulations of the Boussinesq approximation centrifugal buoyancy effects related to differential rotation, as well as strong vortices in the flow, are neglected. However, these may play an important role in rapidly rotating flows, such as in astrophysical and geophysical applications, and also in turbulent convection. Here we provide a straightforward approach resulting in a Boussinesq-type approximation that consistently accounts for centrifugal effects. Its application to the accretion-disc problem is discussed. We numerically compare the new approach to the typical one in fluid flows confined between two differentially heated and rotating cylinders. The results justify the need of using the proposed approximation in rapidly rotating flows.
THE ASEAN HUMAN RIGHTS DECLARATION AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF RECENT SOUTHEAST ASIAN INITIATIVES IN HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTION-BUILDING AND STANDARD-SETTING
Authors: Doyle Nicholas 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOn 18 November 2012 the ‘Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD). ASEAN has existed since 1967 and as a result allows Southeast Asia to be identified as a ‘region’ comparable with other regions such as Africa, the Americas and Europe which have been seen as such in human rights terms for over 40 years. However, until recently Southeast Asia has not been involved in a process of regional human rights institutionalization which in other regions has been an important means of implementing international human rights treaty commitments adopted by their member-States in global forums. Furthermore, the ten States of ASEAN as a group are parties to relatively few of the principal international human rights standard-setting and monitoring regimes. Hence vesting ASEAN with a human rights mandate would seem to present an opportunity to enhance the range of human rights commitments to which ASEAN States are subject. However, after reviewing the ‘ASEAN human rights mechanism’ it is concluded that much recent ASEAN activity amounts either to political rhetoric or has potential to fragment the human rights norms recognized by those ASEAN States which are committed to international human rights treaties. For the ASEAN States which are relatively uncommitted to international human rights treaty regimes, participating in the ASEAN mechanism may reduce pressure to recognize international norms.
Hypertrophy and Fibrosis of the Ligamentum Flavum in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis is Associated With Increased Expression of LPA and LPAR1
Authors: Zhang Kai , Sun Wei , Liu Xin-yu , Zhao Chang-qing , Li Hua , Sun Xiao-jiang , You-zhuan Xie , Ding Wei , Zhao Jie 
Published: November 2013

Study Design:
Histologic, immunohistochemical (IHC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis of the human ligamentum flavum (LF).

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine the level of expression of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in the LF from lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients and to analyze the relationship among LPA, LPA receptors (LPARs), and LF hypertrophy.

Summary of Background Data:
LF hypertrophy and fibrosis are important causes of LSS. LPA is involved in the fibrotic process in multiple organ systems. Therefore, we hypothesized that LPA and its receptors might also play a role in degeneration of the LF in LSS patients.

Methods:
Forty-one LF samples were enrolled in this study. The thickness of the LF was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Histologic analysis using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome stain was performed for each LF to evaluate the architecture of the extracellular matrix. The content of LPA and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in LF samples was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of LPAR1 was determined by IHC.

Results:
Degeneration of the LF was characterized by an increase in disorganized elastic fibers and fibrotic transformation by extracellular collagen deposition. The thickness of the LF and the concentration of LPA and CTGF in the hypertrophic LF group were significantly higher than the control group. Furthermore, the LPA and CTGF concentrations had a positive correlation with the LF thickness (r=0.91, P<0.001 and r=0.943, P<0.001, respectively). On the basis of IHC analysis, the expression of LPAR1 was increased in the hypertrophy group.

Conclusions:
The increased expression of LPA and LPAR1 is associated with the fibrosis and hypertrophy of the LF in patients with LSS. Further study on the mechanism underlying LF fibrosis may lead to new therapies for LF hypertrophy and fibrosis.
Comparison of Radiofrequency-targeted Vertebral Augmentation With Balloon Kyphoplasty for the Treatment of Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Bornemann Rahel , Jansen Tom R. , Kabir Koroush , Pennekamp Peter H. , Stüwe Brit , Wirtz Dieter C. , Pflugmacher Robert 
Published: November 2013

Study Design:
A retrospective study.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was the evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency-targeted vertebral augmentation (RF-TVA) in comparison with balloon kyphoplasty (BK) for the treatment of acute painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) on the basis of matched pairs.

Summary of Background:
Vertebroplasty and BK are the common surgical interventions for the treatment of VCF. Both are effective and safe but pose some risks such as adjacent fractures and cement leakage. In 2009, RF-TVA was introduced as an innovative augmentation procedure for the treatment of VCF.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 192 patients (116 female; 51–90 y) with VCF (n=303) at 1 to 3 levels were treated with RF-TVA or BK. Functionality (Oswestry Disability Index), pain (visual analogue scale), vertebral height (anterior, middle), and kyphotic angle were evaluated over a 2-year period (postoperatively, 3–4 d, 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo). In addition, operating time and occurrence of cement leakage were recorded.

Results:
Pain and functionality were significantly improved after both treatments. In both groups, there was an increase in the vertebral height and a decrease in the kyphotic angle, which remained relatively consistent during 24 months. The incidence of cement leakage was 9.4% (n=9) in the RF-TVA group and 24.0% (n=25) in the BK group. The mean operating time with radiofrequency kyphoplasty was 25.9±9.9 minutes, and with balloon kyphoplasty 48.0±18.4 minutes.

Conclusions:
RF-TVA is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures when compared with BK. Improvement in pain and functional scores after RF-TVA are durable through 24 months postprocedure and remained better than those after BK at long-term follow-up. Operating time for RF-TVA is shorter and the risk of cement leakage is lower. Both procedures provided similar results in vertebral height restoration and reduction in the kyphotic angle.
Leveraging Electronic Health Records to Develop Measurements for Processes of Care
Authors: Tai‐Seale Ming , Wilson Caroline J. , Panattoni Laura , Kohli Nidhi , Stone Ashley , Hung Dorothy Y. , Chung Sukyung 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo assess the reliability of data in electronic health records (EHRs) for measuring processes of care among primary care physicians (PCPs) and examine the relationship between these measures and clinical outcomes.Data Sources/Study SettingEHRdata from 15,370 patients with diabetes, 49,561 with hypertension, in a group practice serving fourNorthernCalifornia counties.Study Design/MethodsExploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multilevel analyses of the relationships between processes of care variables and factor scales with control of hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure (BP), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) among patients with diabetes andBPamong patients with hypertension.Principal FindingsVolume of e‐messages, number of days to the third‐next‐available appointment, and team communication emerged as reliable factors ofPCPprocesses of care inEFA(Cronbach's alpha = 0.73, 0.62, and 0.91). Volume of e‐messages was associated with higher odds ofLDLcontrol (≤100) (OR = 1.13,p < .05) among patients with diabetes. Frequent in‐person visits were associated with betterBP(OR = 1.02,p < .01) andLDLcontrol (OR = 1.01,p < .01) among patients with diabetes, and betterBPcontrol (OR = 1.04,p < .01) among patients with hypertension.ConclusionsTheEHRoffers process of care measures which can augment patient‐reported measures of patient‐centeredness. Two of them are significantly associated with clinical outcomes. Future research should examine their association with additional outcomes.
Topical diltiazem before transrectal ultrasonography‐guided biopsy of the prostate: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zargar Homayoun , Marshall Daniel , Siva Ganesh , King Quinten 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundInjection of local anaesthetic agents around the prostatic nerve bundles during transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate has shown to reduce the pain associated with the procedure. It has been shown that some of the discomfort associated with the procedure is secondary to spasm of the anal sphincter. Topical diltiazem can relax the anal sphincter. Our aim was to evaluate the use of topical diltiazem cream as an adjunct to periprostatic nerve block in reducing pain associated with TRUS‐guided prostatic biopsy.MethodBetween September 2009 and September 2010, 114 patients were enrolled in the trial (from two centres). Patients undergoing TRUS biopsy of prostate were randomized into diltiazem and placebo groups. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire at the end of the procedure. The questionnaire enquired about discomfort associated with various parts of the procedure using a 10‐cm visual analogue scale (VAS).ResultsFor discomfort due to the presence of the probe, pain during the biopsy and overall pain prior to leaving the department, mean VAS was higher for the placebo group, but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionDiltiazem cream has a better side effect profile than glyceryl trinitrate cream and is better tolerated. Although we have demonstrated trends favouring diltiazem use as an adjunct to local anaesthetic in TRUS biopsy of the prostate, this did not reach a statistically significant level. The pain scores associated with TRUS biopsy in our cohort were lower than those in the published literature. This phenomenon might have contributed to the results observed in this trial.
Retinal nerve fibre layer cross‐sectional area, neuroretinal rim area and body mass index
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Nangia Vinay , Gupta Rajesh , Agarwal Shubhra , Matin Arshia , Khare Anshu , Bhate Karishma , Sinha Ajit , Bhojwani Krishna , Kulkarni Maithili , Panda‐Jonas Songhomitra 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurposeTo examine associations between body mass index, neuroretinal rim area and retinal nerve fibre layer cross‐sectional area (RNFLCRA) in a population‐based setting.MethodsThe Central India Eye and Medical Study is a population‐based study performed in a rural region of Central India. The study included 4711 subjects (aged 30 + years). A detailed ophthalmic and medical examination was performed. Inclusion criteria for this study were an intra‐ocular pressure ≤21 mmHg, open anterior chamber angles and an axial length ≤26.5 mm. Neuroretinal rim area and RNFLCRA were measured by confocal laser scanning tomography.ResultsThe study included 3959 subjects fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Larger neuroretinal rim area (mean: 1.63 ± 0.32 mm2) was significantly (p = 0.004) associated with a higher body mass index after adjusting for larger disc area (p < 0.001), younger age (p < 0.001), lower intraocular pressure (p < 0.001), and hyperopic refractive error (p < 0.001). Larger retinal nerve fibre layer cross‐sectional area (mean:1.29 ± 0.39 mm2) was significantly associated with higher body mass index (p = 0.001) after adjusting for younger age (p < 0.001), shorter axial length (p < 0.001), larger optic disc area (p < 0.001), taller body height (p < 0.001) and male gender (p = 0.04).ConclusionsIn a rural Central Indian population, neuroretinal rim area and RNFLCRA as surrogates of the optic nerve fibres were related to a higher body mass index. Because body mass index is associated with cerebrospinal fluid pressure, the higher cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be associated with a larger neuroretinal rim area. It may vaguely point towards an association between cerebrospinal fluid pressure and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Review article: vitamin D and inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Mouli V. P. , Ananthakrishnan A. N. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackgroundVitamin D is traditionally associated with bone metabolism. The immunological effects of vitamin D have increasingly come into focus.AimTo review the evidence supporting a role of vitamin D in inflammatory bowel diseases.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed on PubMed using the terms ‘crohn's disease’ ‘ulcerative colitis’ and ‘vitamin D’.ResultsVitamin D deficiency is common in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (16–95%) including those with recently diagnosed disease. Evidence supports immunological role of vitamin D in IBD. In animal models, deficiency of vitamin D increases susceptibility to dextran sodium sulphate colitis, while 1,25(OH)2D3 ameliorates such colitis. One prospective cohort study found low predicted vitamin D levels to be associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease (CD). Limited data also suggest an association between low vitamin D levels and increased disease activity, particularly in CD. In a large cohort, vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was associated with increased risk of surgery (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.5) in CD and hospitalisations in both CD (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.6–2.7) and UC (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7–3.1). A single randomised controlled trial demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation may be associated with reduced frequency of relapses in patients with CD compared with placebo (13% vs. 29%, P = 0.06).ConclusionsThere is growing epidemiological evidence to suggest a role for vitamin D deficiency in the development of IBD and also its influence on disease severity. The possible therapeutic role of vitamin D in patients with IBD merits continued investigation.
Ultrastructural organization of the genital tracts in amphigonic females of Euceraphis betulae Koch (Aphididae: Calaphidinae)
Authors: Vitale Danilo G. M. , Viscuso Renata 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe ultrastructure of the genital tracts in amphigonic females of Aphidoidea is described for the first time, using Euceraphis betulae Koch (Aphididae: Calaphidinae) as a representative. The female reproductive apparatus consists of two ovaries, each one with three/four meroistic telotrophic ovarioles; two sac‐like accessory glands lie laterally to a sac‐like seminal receptacle, opening into the dorso‐medial part of the common oviduct by means of a spermathecal duct. A marked secretory activity takes place in the epithelial cells of all the investigated tracts as shown by ultrastructural observation of many organelles involved in this process. No evident golgian area was observed in the cytoplasm of these cells. Extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum, whose probable role is here discussed, was observed in epithelial cells of the wall of the accessory gland. Spermathecal duct and seminal receptacle had peculiar features that could be related to different secretory activities carried out by these two parts of the spermatheca.
Gonadal status and outcome of bariatric surgery in obese men
Authors: Aarts Edo , van Wageningen Bas , Loves Sandra , Janssen Ignace , Berends Frits , Sweep Fred , de Boer Hans 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackgroundObesity‐related hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (OrHH) occurs in over 40% of morbidly obese men. Obesity‐related hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism may reduce the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of OrHH on the outcome of bariatric surgery in men.Patients and methodsObservational study with measurement of serum gonadal hormones, and assessment of body composition, glucose, lipid and bone metabolism during the first year after bariatric surgery in 13 men with OrHH (free testosterone (free T) <225 pmol/l) and 11 age‐matched eugonadal morbidly obese men (free T > 225 pmol/l).ResultsSerum free T was inversely related to body weight (R = −0·65, P < 0·0001) and rose gradually after bariatric surgery, in eugonadal as well as in OrHH men, by 30 pmol/l for every 10 kg loss of weight. In three patients, serum free T remained within the hypogonadal range despite substantial weight loss. Gonadal hormone status prior to surgery did not affect the 1‐year outcome of surgery.ConclusionObesity‐related hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is a reversible condition in the majority of obese men. It does not reduce the efficacy of bariatric surgery. Preoperative weight‐adjusted normal values are recommended to avoid an incorrect diagnosis of hypogonadism in obese men.
The influence of whole body vibration on the central and peripheral cardiovascular system
Authors: Robbins Dan , Yoganathan Priya , Goss‐Sampson Mark 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological changes of the cardiovascular system in response to whole body vibration during quiet standing and identify whether there is a greater influence on the central or peripheral cardiovascular system. Twenty healthy participants (12 male and 8 female) were assessed over two separate testing sessions for changes in peripheral skin temperature, peripheral venous function, blood flow velocity in the dorsalis pedis artery, blood pressure and heart rate during quiet standing with 40 Hz 1·9 mm synchronous vibration. Vibration exposure totalled 5 min in 1 min increments with 5 min recovery during each testing session. There were no significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure or peripheral skin temperature. Significant results were obtained for blood flow velocity with increases from 0·5 + 0·2 cm·s−1 at baseline to 1 + 0·2 cm·s−1 during vibration, returning to baseline levels during the recovery period. Due to the absence of changes in heart rate, blood pressure or lower leg and foot temperature, the change in blood flow velocity can be attributed to changes in peripheral vascular function. The results suggest a high level of sensitivity of the peripheral vascular system to vibration exposure; therefore, further studies should be completed to ascertain the physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of vibration on the peripheral vascular system.
Temporal regularity facilitates higher‐order sensory predictions in fast auditory sequences
Authors: Tavano Alessandro , Widmann Andreas , Bendixen Alexandra , Trujillo‐Barreto Nelson , Schröger Erich 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDoes temporal regularity facilitate prediction in audition? To test this, we recorded human event‐related potentials to frequent standard tones and infrequent pitch deviant tones, pre‐attentively delivered within isochronous and anisochronous (20% onset jitter) rapid sequences. Deviant tones were repeated, either with high or low probability. Standard tone repetition sets a first‐order prediction, which is violated by deviant tone onset, leading to a first‐order prediction error response (Mismatch Negativity). The response to highly probable deviant repetitions is, however, attenuated relative to less probable repetitions, reflecting the formation of higher‐order sensory predictions. Results show that temporal regularity is required for higher‐order predictions, but does not modulate first‐order prediction error responses. Inverse solution analyses (Variable Resolution Electrical Tomography; VARETA) localized the error response attenuation to posterior regions of the left superior temporal gyrus. In a control experiment with a slower stimulus rate, we found no evidence for higher‐order predictions, and again no effect of temporal information on first‐order prediction error. We conclude that: (i) temporal regularity facilitates the establishing of higher‐order sensory predictions, i.e. ‘knowing what next’, in fast auditory sequences; (ii) first‐order prediction error relies predominantly on stimulus feature mismatch, reflecting the adaptive fit of fast deviance detection processes.
Comparison of Encapsulated Versus Nonencapsulated 14C‐urea Breath Test for the Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Scintigraphy Study
Authors: Pathak Chander M. , Kaur Balwinder , Bhasin Deepak K. , Mittal Bhagwant R. , Sharma Sarika , Khanduja Krishan L. , Aggarwal Lalit , Rana Surinder S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and Aims14C‐urea breath test (14C‐UBT) is considered as “gold standard” for detection of active gastric H. pylori infection. However, till date no comparative study using encapsulated and non‐encapsulated 14C‐UBT protocols has been conducted in same subjects in identical conditions. We monitored gastric fate of capsule containing 14C‐urea with real time display and compared sensitivities of these protocols at different time points of breath collection.MethodsNon‐encapsulated 14C‐UBT was performed using 74 kBq of 14C‐urea in 100 dyspeptic patients by collecting breath samples at 10, 15 and 20 minutes. Thereafter, within 2 days a gelatin capsule containing 14C‐urea along with 6.0 MBq of 99mTc‐diethylene triamine penta‐acetic acid was administered to each patient for real time display of capsule movement and its fate in gastrointestinal tract by gamma camera. Simultaneously, breath samples were collected for 14CO2 measurement during image acquisition.ResultsEmploying non‐encapsulated 14C‐UBT, 74 out of 100 dyspeptic patients were found to be H. pylori positive. Discordant 14C‐UBT results were obtained in 4/74 (5.4%) cases using these two protocols. By employing encapsulated and nonencapsulated 14C‐UBT protocols, sensitivities of 14C‐UBT were found to be 90.5 versus 98.6% at 10 and 91.8 versus 97.2% at 15 minutes respectively; while these were 94.6 versus 100, 90.7 versus 98.6 and 83.7 versus 93.2% considering any one, two or all three positive values respectively.ConclusionsIncomplete/non‐resolution of 14C‐urea capsule in stomach during the phase of breath collections appears to decrease sensitivity of encapsulated 14C‐UBT as compared to nonencapsulated protocol for detection of H. pylori infection.