bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parallelizing dynamic programming through rank convergence
Authors: Maleki Saeed , Musuvathi Madanlal , Mytkowicz Todd 
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes an efficient parallel algorithm for an important class of dynamic programming problems that includes Viterbi, Needleman-Wunsch, Smith-Waterman, and Longest Common Subsequence. In dynamic programming, the subproblems that do not depend on each other, and thus can be computed in parallel, form stages or wavefronts. The algorithm presented in this paper provides additional parallelism allowing multiple stages to be computed in parallel despite dependences among them. The correctness and the performance of the algorithm relies on rank convergence properties of matrix multiplication in the tropical semiring, formed with plus as the multiplicative operation and max as the additive operation.
This paper demonstrates the efficiency of the parallel algorithm by showing significant speed ups on a variety of important dynamic programming problems. In particular, the parallel Viterbi decoder is up-to 24x faster (with 64 processors) than a highly optimized commercial baseline.
Circulating Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Genetic Association Study Identifies a Novel Gene Cluster Associated With Stroke in Whites
Authors: Pereira Naveen L. , Tosakulwong Nirubol , Scott Christopher G. , Jenkins Gregory D. , Prodduturi Naresh , Chai Yubo , Olson Timothy M. , Rodeheffer Richard J. , Redfield Margaret M. , Weinshilboum Richard M. , Burnett John C. 
Published: December 2014

Background—
The goal of this study was to identify genetic determinants of plasma N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) in the general community by performing a large-scale genetic association study and to assess its functional significance in in vitro cell studies and on disease susceptibility.

Methods and Results—

Genotyping was performed across 16 000 genes in 893 randomly selected individuals, with replication in 891 subjects from the community. Plasma NT-proANP
1–98
concentrations were determined using a radioimmunoassay. Thirty-three genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the
MTHFR-CLCN6-NPPA-NPPB
locus and were all replicated. To assess the significance, in vitro functional genomic studies and clinical outcomes for carriers of a single-nucleotide polymorphism rs5063 (V32M) located in
NPPA
that represented the most significant variation in this genetic locus were assessed. The rs5063 variant allozyme in transfected HEK293 cells was decreased to 55±8% of wild-type protein (
P
=0.01) as assessed by quantitative western blots. Carriers of rs5063 had lower NT-proANP levels (1427 versus 2291 pmol/L;
P
<0.001) and higher diastolic blood pressures (75 versus 73 mm Hg;
P
=0.009) and were at an increased risk of stroke when compared with wild-type subjects independent of age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and cholesterol levels (hazard ratio, 1.6;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

This is the first large-scale genetic association study of circulating NT-proANP levels performed with replication and functional assessment that identified genetic variants in the
MTHFR-CLCN6-NPPA-NPPB
cluster to be significantly associated with NT-proANP levels. The clinical significance of this variation is related to lower NT-proANP levels, higher blood pressures, and an increased risk of stroke in the general community.
Stable Water Isotopes across a Transect of the Southern Alps, New Zealand
Authors: Kerr Tim , Srinivasan M. S. , Rutherford Jeremy 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Stable water isotope concentrations were obtained from samples of stream water at 29 sites in a west–east transect across the Southern Alps of New Zealand, where westerly conditions dominate the precipitation regime. The samples were taken from small catchment streams during a time of extended recession as a means of collecting time and space averages of the source precipitation. The isotopic concentrations from sites at either end of the transect lead to a drying ratio estimate of 22%–34% for this region of the Southern Alps. The isotope concentrations increased from west to east, indicating that precipitation in the lee area originates from higher and/or colder condensation than on the windward side. The transect was divided into three regions according to the deuterium-excess (d excess) results. Increasing d-excess values on the windward side of the mountains were speculated to be a result of some unknown combination of reducing relative evapotranspiration, increasing recycling of water vapor, and increasing nonequilibrating condensation from high-intensity precipitation. Low d-excess values in the region immediately lee of the mountains were consistent with below-cloud evaporation associated with increased hydrometeor drift into the drier lee side. High d excess in the more distant lee side was attributed to a secondary source of moisture (from the east and south). The information gained has supported current concepts of the precipitation processes dominant in the region and has provided additional quantitative measurements with which to validate future precipitation modeling efforts.
Readability Assessment of Online Tracheostomy Care Resources
Authors: Kong Keonho (Albert) , Hu Amanda 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the readability of online tracheostomy care resources.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.Setting:Academic center.Subjects and MethodsA Google search was performed for “tracheostomy care” in January 2014. The top 50 results were categorized into major versus minor websites and patient‐oriented versus professional‐oriented resources. These websites were evaluated with the following readability tools: Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook (GFOG).ResultsReadability scores for the websites were FRES 57.21 ± 16.71 (possible range = 0‐100), FKGL 8.33 ± 2.84 (possible range = 3‐12), SMOG 11.25 ± 2.49 (possible range = 3‐19), and GFOG 11.43 ± 4.07 (possible range = 3‐19). There was no significant difference in all 4 readability scores between major (n = 41) and minor (n = 9) websites. Professional‐oriented websites (n = 19) had the following readability scores: FRES 40.77 ± 11.69, FKGL 10.93 ± 2.48, SMOG 13.29 ± 2.32, and GFOG 14.91 ± 3.98. Patient‐oriented websites (n = 31) had the following readability scores: FRES 67.29 ± 9.91, FKGL 6.73 ± 1.61, SMOG 10.01 ± 1.64, and GFOG 9.30 ± 2.27. Professional‐oriented websites had more difficult readability scores than patient‐oriented websites for FRES (P <. 00), FKGL (P <. 00), SMOG (P <. 00), and GFOG (P <. 00).ConclusionOnline tracheostomy care resources were written at a level more difficult than the recommended fourth‐ to sixth‐grade level for written health information. There was no significant difference in readability between major and minor websites. Professional‐oriented websites were more difficult to read than patient‐oriented websites.
Evaluation of Short Term Outcomes of Transportal Femoral Cross Pin Fixation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Zehir Sinan , Şahin Ercan , Çalbıyık Murat , Kalem Mahmut , İpek Deniz , Songür Murat 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: Many fixation techniques are currently in use for femoral side graft fixation at ACL reconstruction surgery. Short term success following ACL reconstruction highly depends on fixation strength of the graft. In this study we report short term results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using double hamstring tendon autograft using double cross pin for femoral tunnel fixation. Methods: Between years 2009 and 2013, 51 male adult anterior cruciate ligament injury cases treated surgically, in a single center, with at least one year follow up were investigated. Professional athletes, multi-ligamentous instability cases, cases requiring meniscus repair or further treatment for chondral injuries and cases with concomitant medial and lateral meniscus lesions were not included in the study. Femoral tunnel was prepared anatomically through accessory medial portal, opened medially and distally. Reconstruction was performed using double loop hamstring tendon autograft. Femoral side was fixed using double cross pin, whereas tibial side was secured using single biodegradable interference screw and titanium staple. No external immobilization method such as brace was administered. Patients were encouraged to bear weight as tolerated. Standard physiotherapy was instructed to all patients postoperatively. All cases were evaluated clinically at the end of at least one year follow-up. Clinical and functional evaluation consisted of pivot shift and Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores and Tegner activity evaluation systems. Results: Mean age was 28.4 (18-39) years. Mean time between the injury and reconstruction was 13 (3-21) weeks. Average duration of surgery was 48 (35-70) minutes. No case of graft failure or posterior cortical fracture was encountered. In two cases, infection was treated successfully with local debridement and antibiotics with retention of the graft. At the end of follow-up period, none of the cases demonstrated positive pivot shift test. Pre-operative and follow-up Lysholm scores were 58.3±6.7 and 87.1±5.3 (p<0.001) respectively. Pre-operative IKDC scores were evaluated as C at 37 cases and D at 14, whereas, follow-up IKDC scores were evaluated as A at 42 cases, B at 8 and C at 1 case. Pre-operative and follow-up Tegner scores were 3.7±0.6 and 6.7±0.4 (p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Although fixation strength of transcondylar graft fixation techniques has been questioned over loop systems with cortical fixation, it was reported that transcondylar fixation causes less tunnel widening at long term. Our study revealed successful short term results, with femoral tunnel preparation using accessory medial portal and double cross pin femoral fixation, allowing early weight bearing and rehabilitation without graft and fixation failure.
Results of Meniscus Repair for the Hypermobile Medial Meniscus
Authors: Söylev Serdar , Pınar İbrahim Halit 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: There have been very few studies on hypermobile lateral meniscus, but hypermobility of the medial meniscus has not been reported; the latter is more common in our practice. It is characterized by lax peripheral attachment of the middle 1/3 of the medial meniscus without a tear existing. In its most severe form (grade III) the meniscus can be displaced to the middle of the plateau and everted more than 60 degrees by probing the meniscocapsular attachment. The purpose of the present study is to analyse the clinical features of hypermobile medial meniscus and the results of meniscus repair. Methods: 14 patients (14 knees; 10 right) underwent arthroscopic meniscal repair for hypermobile medial meniscus. Men and women were equally affected; average age was 28 (14-46). The mean duration of symptoms was 18 (2-96) months. Six cases (43 %) had no history of trauma. The most common symptoms were medial joint line pain (n:14), locking (n:9), giving way (n:9), rest pain (n:9) and inability to squat (n:5). The most common clinical findings were medial joint line tenderness (n:11), positive McMurray’s test (n:9), medial retinacular tenderness (n:6), and effusion (n:3). 13 patients were rated as poor by the Lysholm scale; average 52(35-85), average Tegner activity level was 5.6 (3-9). MRI, available for eight patients, did not show any spesific findings. Arthroscopy did not reveal any other lesions to explain the mechanical symptoms. SPSS 16,00 for Windows (Statistical Program for the Social Services Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) program was used for statistical analysis. Continuous variables were defined as mean ± standard derivation. Variables were tested for normal distribution by using the Kolmogorov–Smirnow test. Differences between the groups were assessed by using unpaired t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test instead, if continuous variables did not have normal distribution. Paired sample t-test was used to compare continuous variables (data of Tegner and Lysholm scores, preoperative and at last control). P < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: All the patients were available for follow-up; average 32 (6-59) months. 11 patients (78 %) had no mechanical symptoms. Patients’ own evaluation was; 3 very good, 7 good, 3 fair and 1 poor. 13 patients were better. At follow-up, significant improvement was obtained in Lysholm score which was 84(52-100) in average (p<0.01) ; 9 (64 %) good-excellent,4 (28%) fair and 1 (7%) poor. Tegner levels were almost regained: Decrease by 1 grade (4.7 in average (1-9)) (p=0.026). Despite satisfactory results, more than half had minor symptoms and findings. Conclusion: Hypermobile medial meniscus is characterized by medial pain and mechanical symptoms. Two types can be distinguished: traumatic and atraumatic. For significant hypermobility, the meniscus should be stabilized by repair. Patients benefit from repair, but more than half continue to have minor symptoms.
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients
Authors: Yercan Hüseyin Serhat , Kale Gürler , Erkan Serkan , Özalp Taçkın , Okcu Güvenir 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical outcome after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for patellofemoral instability in skeletally immature patients. Methods: Study participants were 8 patients ( median age, 10 years; range, 5-14 and one male , others female) who had suffered from persistent patellofemoral instability. Our technique preserves femoral and patellar insertion anatomy of MPFL using a free semitendinosus autograft, together with tenodesis to the adductor magnus tendon thus sparing the open physis of distal femur and the patellar attachment of MPFL. The clinical results were evaluated preoperatively and the final follow-up period using the Kujala patellofemoral score. Patellar shift, tilt and height were measured preoperatively and on the latest follow-up on plain radiographs. Results: At average 42 months follow-up ( range, 16 to 56), %80 of patients were satisfied with the treatment. Redislocation or instability symptoms occurred in two patients. No apprehension signs or redislocations were seen in the remanining six patients. A significant improvement (p&#x2039;0.05) in Kujala score (from 36 to 77) was found. Patellar shift & tilt decreased to anatomic values in six patients but patella alta persisted. Conclusion: The result of this study show that MPFL reconstruction with our technique seems to be an effective treatment for recurrent and habitual patellofemoral dislocation in skeletally immature patients; leading to significant increases in stability and functionality.
The Immediate Effects of Kinesiotm Taping on Shoulder External Rotation in People with Shoulder Pain
Authors: Gözbek Arman , Üstün Elif , İnal Habibe Serap 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: Observing the immediate effect of KinesioTMTaping(KT) on dynamic balance(DB) and acceleration(ACC) of athletes and sedentary subjects. Methods: The mean ages of athletes(n=25) and sedentary(n=25) were 21,36±2,07 and 21,64±1,62 years, weight 82,36±1,75 and 79,48±7,41kg, height 1,81±0,65 and 1,77±0,56cm, and body mass index were 24,99±4,07 and 25,20±2,12kg/cm2, respectively. They were all male and students of Yeditepe University. The athletes were in the soccer and American football teams of the university. All gave their own written consent to participate in the test protocols of the study voluntarily.Their lower extremity (LE) muscle power (JTech Myometry), and the flexibility of the LE antigravity muscles were assessed before. Their DB (Prokin PK 200) of both sides, speed and acceleration in 30m sprint (Research Tracker RT6) were assessed as before and after the KT applications on both calves to observe their immediate effects on the gastrosoleus group of muscles (p<0.05). The Y shaped KT were used starting from Achilles tendon as one piece and ending over medial and lateral heads of M.Gastrocnemius. Descriptive statistics were used to understand the physical properties of the participants. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used for the significance (p< 0.05) of the data and Pearson Correlation was used to understand the relation between the data. Results: Athletes’ lower extremity muscles were stronger (p< 0.05) than the sedentary, except the M.Gluteus maximus and ankle invertors. They achieved higher performance in 30m sprint and in DB tests than the sedentary. KT on gastrosoleus group improved the DB of both sides as perimeter length(°) of the centre of pressure (COP) and the area covered (%) by COP (p< 0.05) of the athletes, but not in the ML and AP displacements (°) of COP. The athletes forward (X) and resultant (XYZ) ACC and velocity (m/sec) were significantly higher after KT application (p<0.01). The soleus, ankle invertors-evertors were effective on the forward (X) ACC, but invertors were also effective on mean velocity of the athletes, compared to sedentary. Conclusion: The athletes benefited from the immediate effects of KT application during sprinting. It increased the ability of athletes to control the movements of COP in shorter distance and smaller area compared to sedentary. Since there is no difference in AP-ML displacement of COP of both groups, we can conclude that KT does not have immediate effect on ankle strategy for DB.
Is There a Relation Between Shoulder Dysfunction and Core Instability?
Authors: Hazar Zeynep , Ulug Naime , Yuksel Inci 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: Little is known about the relationship between core stability and shoulder dysfunction in shoulder impingement syndrome. The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference between healthy volunteers and patients with shoulder dysfunction in regard to core stability measures. Secondary purpose was to explore the relationship between measures of core stability and measures of shoulder dysfunction. Methods: 15 patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (mean age: 32.2±4.2 years) and 15 healthy volunteers (mean age: 33.8±6.2 years) participated in this study. Sorenson test, front plank and side bridge exercise was performed to assess anterior, lateral and posterior core endurance, respectively. Simple shoulder test (SSS) and seated medicine ball throw test was used to evaluate the functions of the shoulder joints. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of variables between groups. Analyses of relationships between variables were examined with Spearman correlation test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between patients with shoulder impingement syndrome and healthy controls in core stability and function (p<0.05). A strong positive correlation was found between shoulder functional test (SSS) and lateral bridge test (r= .874, p < .05). Additionally, a modest positive correlation was found between the SSS and the Sorenson test at (r= .695, p < .05), and a weak positive correlation was found between the SSS and the front plank test at (r= .365, p < .05). Conclusion: Core stability and functional deficiency was found in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. According to this study, greater shoulder dysfunction is correlated with greater stability deficiency. Therapists should consider incorporating core strengthening as an integral component of rehabilitation program in patients with shoulder dysfunction.
The Effect of Applying Rigid Taping to Quadriceps Muscles on Knee Extension Strength and Jumping Distance
Authors: Yasar Burak Yasin , Kaplan Tuba , Ercan Sabriye , Alp Erkan , Cetin Cem 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: The scientific literature is insufficient to support the use of elastic or rigid taping for the prevention or treatment of musculoskeletal injury or performance enhancement. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of applying rigid taping on the knee extension strength and lower limb function in healthy subjects. Methods: Twenty eight healthy volunteers (age: 20.9 ± 1.1 years) were randomly assigned to two groups of 14 subjects each: Placebo/sham tape and rigid tape (Rigid tape application over the same muscles). All individuals were assessed for single and double leg hops and peak isometric and concentric isokinetic torque before and after interventions. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in jumping distances, isometric peak torque, isokinetic peak torque and total work done between groups. Conclusion: Application of rigid tape to quadriceps muscles did not significantly change lower limb functions, jump distance and knee extensor peak torque in healthy sedentary subjects.
Mid-Long Term Results in the Arthroscopic Selective Capsular Release and Manipulation Treatment of Frozen Shoulder
Authors: Celik Haluk , Seckin Mustafa Faik , Kara Adnan , Camur Savas , Kilinc Eray , Akman Senol 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: Our aim was to present mid-long term functional outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic selective capsular release and manipulation for frozen shoulder refractory to conservative treatment. Methods: Between 2006 and 2012, 32 patients presented to our clinic with the diagnosis of frozen shoulder. 24 shoulders of 22 patients treated with arthroscopic selective capsular release and manipulation were included in the study. Functional results were analyzed with Constant shoulder score. The mean follow-up was 4.3 years (range 1-7 years). Results: We detected an average increase in passive range of motion in flexion 72°, abduction 90°, abduction-internal rotation 33°, and abduction-external rotation 38°, adduction-external rotation at 37° compared to the preoperative status. Constant shoulder score increased by an average of 44 points after surgery. Eighteen (82%) patients were satisfied with the operation. Three of four patients whose symptoms persisted had resistant diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Frozen shoulder is one of the most well-known causes of shoulder pain and disability. Although surgery has a good rate of success it does not help in all cases. Unsatisfactory results may be experienced in patients who have diabetes mellitus as a confounding factor.