bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Float-Derived Isopycnal Diffusivities in the DIMES Experiment
Authors: LaCasce J. H. , Ferrari R. , Marshall J. , Tulloch R. , Balwada D. , Speer K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAs part of the Diapycnal and Isopycnal Mixing Experiment in the Southern Ocean (DIMES), 210 subsurface floats were deployed west of the Drake Passage on two targeted density surfaces. Absolute (single particle) diffusivities are calculated for the floats. The focus is on the meridional component, which is less affected by the mean shear. The diffusivities are estimated in several ways, including a novel method based on the probability density function of the meridional displacements. This allows the determination of the range of possible lateral diffusivities, as well as the period over which the spreading can be said to be diffusive. The method is applied to the float data and to synthetic trajectories generated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology General Circulation Model (MITgcm). Because of ballasting problems, many of the floats did not remain on their targeted density surface. However, the float temperature records suggest that most occupied a small range of densities, so the floats were grouped together for the analysis. The latter focuses on a subset of 109 of the floats, launched near 105°W. The different methods yield a consistent estimate for the diffusivity of 800 ± 200 m2 s−1. The same calculations were made with model particles deployed on 20 different density surfaces and the result for the particles deployed on the neutral density surface γ = 27.7 surface was the same within the errors. The model was then used to map the variation of the diffusivity in the vertical, near the core of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). The results suggest mixing is intensified at middepths, between 1500 and 2000 m, consistent with several previous studies.
Effects of short-term resistance training and pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone metabolism and joint function in severe haemophilia A patients with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Parhampour Behrouz , Torkaman Giti , Hoorfar Hamid , Hedayati Mehdi , Ravanbod Roya 
Published: November 2013

Objectives: To assess the effects of short-term resistance training and pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone metabolism and joint function in patients with haemophilia with osteoporosis. Design: A randomized, controlled, patient and blood sample assessor-blinded, six-week trial, three times weekly. Setting: Hospital outpatients with severe haemophilia A and osteoporosis. Subjects: Forty-eight patients were randomly assigned to resistance training (RT, n = 13), combined resistance training with pulsed electromagnetic fields (RTPEMF, n = 12), pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF, n = 11) and control ( n = 12) groups. Intervention: The RT group received 30–40 minutes of resistance exercises and placebo pulsed electromagnetic fields. The RTPEMF group received the same exercises with lower repetition and 30 minutes of pulsed electromagnetic fields. The PEMF group was exposed to 60 minutes of pulsed electromagnetic fields (30 Hz and 40 Gauss). Main measures: Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, N-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen, and joint function, using the modified Colorado Questionnaire, were measured before and after the programme. Results: The absolute change of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was significant in the RT and RTPEMF groups compared with the control group (25.41 ± 14.40, 15.09 ± 5.51, and −4.73 ± 2.93 U/L, respectively). The absolute changes in the total score for joint function were significant for knees, ankles, and elbows in the RT group (9.2 ± 1.38, 5.1 ± 0.5, and 3.2 ± 0.8, respectively) and the RTPEMF group (7.7 ± 1.0, 3.3 ± 0.6, and 2.5 ± 0.7, respectively) compared to the PEMF and control groups. This value was significant for knee joints in the PEMF group compared to the control group (3.4 ± 0.5 and 0.66 ± 0.4, respectively). Conclusions: Resistance training is effective for improving bone formation and joint function in severe haemophilia A patients with osteoporosis.
The effect of a novel core stabilization technique on managing patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled, experimenter-blinded study
Authors: You Joshua H , Kim Suhn-Yeop , Oh Duck-Won , Chon Seung-Chul 
Published: November 2013

Objective: To identify the effect of a novel augmented core stabilization exercise technique on physical function, pain and core stability in patients with chronic low back pain. Design: A block randomized controlled trial with two groups. Setting: A sports rehabilitation clinic. Participants: Forty patients with low back pain (20 experimental, mean (SD) age 50.35 (9.26) years and 20 control, 51.30 (7.01)), 19 men and 21 women. Interventions: In the experimental group ankle dorsiflexion was used in addition to drawing in the abdominal wall; the control group involved drawing in the abdominal wall alone. Both groups received the same conventional physical therapy training three days a week for eight weeks. Main outcome measures: Physical disability instruments; Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire; pain intensity assessments; visual analogue scale, Pain Disability Index, and a pain rating scale; and core stability measures, such as the active straight leg raise, were determined at pretest, posttest and two-month follow-up. Results: After the intervention, the experimental group showed significant greater improvement at two months compared with the control group. Physical disability results included Oswestry Disability Index ( P = 0.001, from 24.25 (7.08) to 13.35 (4.17)) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire ( P = 0.001, from 15.55 (1.99) to 8.15 (1.69)), pain intensity including visual analogue scale ( P = 0.001, from 6.30 (1.03) to 3.35 (0.59)), Pain Disability Index ( P = 0.001, 31.25 (5.44) to 19.00 (3.58)) and pain rating scale ( P = 0.001, from 72.25 (18.73) to 50.10 (15.47)), and the core stability test such as active straight leg raise ( P = 0.001, from 7.40 (0.75) to 2.15 (0.49)). Conclusions: This study provides the clinical evidence that adding ankle dorsiflexion to drawing in the abdominal wall gave increased benefit in terms of physical disability, pain and core stability in patients with chronic low back pain.
Images of deep neck space infection and the clinical significance
Authors: Wang Bing , Gao Bu-Lang , Xu Guo-Ping , Xiang Cheng 
Published: November 2013

Background Deep neck infection is not difficult to diagnose clinically, but correct localization of the involved space for timely incision and drainage is not easy without assistance of imaging. Purpose To investigate the images of deep neck space infection of phlegmon and abscess and the role of imaging examination in correct localization and treatment. Material and Methods Between June 2004 and June 2010, 28 patients were diagnosed with deep neck infection (14 men, 14 women; age range, 17–72 years; mean age, 46 years). Clinical presentations included neck swelling, pain, dysphagia, fever, and elevated white blood cell count. Of the 28 cases, 20 had computed tomography (CT) scans, 18 had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, and 10 had both CT and MRI. Results All 28 patients were confirmed by CT and/or MRI to have deep neck infection, with 11 cases in the retropharyngeal space, five in the parapharyngeal space, four in the masseteric space, and eight in multiple spaces. Thirteen cases had abscesses that were successfully treated with incision and drainage under CT guidance in combination with large doses of antibiotics, and 15 had phlegmon managed with large doses of antibiotics. Followed up for 5–20 months, all patients recovered completely. Two patients were confirmed by imaging examination to have retropharyngeal infection spreading to the superior mediastinum with abscess formation and another two patients had multiple space infection because inappropriate puncture or incision for drainage without imaging guidance in these patients caused the spread of infection. Clinical diagnosis was not accurate with only 12 patients (42.9%) being correctly diagnosed of the exact deep neck space involved before imaging confirmation. CT and/or MRI made the correct diagnosis in all 28 patients. CT and/or MRI also directly changed the treatment plan in seven patients and contributed to the recovery of these patients. Conclusion CT and MRI play a crucial role in both the diagnosis and correct puncture and incision for drainage of the deep neck space infection.
Perspectives and experiences of health care professionals and patients regarding treatments for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gauthier Bernard , Singh Sumeet R. , Virani Adil , Staples Heidi , Colbourne Ann 
Published: November 2013

Background: Several treatment options exist for type 2 diabetes, but little is known about the factors considered by health care providers (HCPs) and patients in Canada in making therapeutic decisions. This study explores perceptions and practices of HCPs and patients related to add-on (i.e., second-line) therapy for type 2 diabetes when initial therapy no longer provides adequate glycemic control. Methods: HCPs (pharmacists, family physicians, diabetes educators, endocrinologists and nurse practitioners) and patients with type 2 diabetes in Ottawa and Halifax were randomly selected to participate in the study. Phone interviews were conducted with endocrinologists and nurse practitioners and focus groups with the other HCPs and patients. Results and Interpretation: Sixty HCPs and 14 patients participated in the study. Metformin was consistently reported by prescribers (physicians and nurse practitioners) as the preferred initial therapy. Important factors in choosing second-line therapy (once glycemic control was inadequate with metformin) were antihyperglycemic efficacy, risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain, and long-term safety. Other considerations were cost, insurance coverage and patient preference. There were differences within and between HCP groups in how these other factors were considered and in the perceived advantages and disadvantages of each drug class. Some patients expressed anxiety when second-line agents were prescribed, and others felt poorly informed about treatment options. Conclusion: In choosing a second-line therapy for type 2 diabetes, most HCPs placed a high priority on antihyperglycemic efficacy, although there was considerable variability in the relative weight placed on other factors. These findings point to an opportunity for pharmacists to collaborate more actively with other HCPs to ensure that treatment decisions are based on the best available evidence and to educate and involve patients in these decisions.
Defining working patterns for UK consultant urologists: results of a national census
Authors: Finch W , Payne S , Joyce A , Burgess Na 
Published: November 2013

Objective Our aim was to determine current working patterns for consultant urological specialists in the United Kingdom (UK), to create a contemporary job plan template for the ‘average’ UK urologist and to use this data to predict the workforce required to deliver UK Urology services in the future. Patients and methods A questionnaire-based study of 790 full British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) members was undertaken. This was specifically designed to provide information on the demographics of the workforce, individual consultant job plans and service provision. Data was analysed in conjunction with independent BAUS workforce reports, UK national statistics and Hospital Episodes statistics data to model future Urology workforce activity and numbers. Results In total, 415 responses were completed, representing an overall response rate of 53%. The average job plan consisted of 11 programmed activities per week comprising eight direct clinical care sessions and two supporting professional activities, with a median on-call intensity of 1:6. Some 90% of consultants provide a general urology outpatient clinic, seeing a mean of 7 new and 9 follow-up patients; 67% of respondents provide some-sort of sub-specialist clinic. Dedicated day case operating lists are in the job plans of 56% of urologists and typically comprise five general anaesthetic cases. Inpatient theatre activity is in the job plan of 96%, with a mean activity of four surgical cases on a general urology half-day list and two cases on a subspecialist half-day list. Conclusions This workforce survey highlights the different ways consultants deliver a urological service across the UK. The survey has enabled BAUS to develop a template for the job plan of the ‘average’ urologist. This essential information can assist colleagues in their individual job plan negotiations and help BAUS prepare a comprehensive consultant workforce that can meet the future urological demands of the UK population.
On containment measure and the mixed isoperimetric inequality
Authors: Xu Wenxue , Zhou Jiazu , Zhu Baocheng 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We first investigate whether for given convex domains

K
0

,

K
1

in the Euclidean plane, for any rotation α, there is a translation x so that

x
+
α

K
1

⊂

K
0

or

x
+
α

K
1

⊃

K
0

. Then, we estimate the mixed isoperimetric deficit

Δ
2

(

K
0

,

K
1

)

of domains

K
0

and

K
1

via the known kinematic formulas of Poincaré and Blaschke in integral geometry. We obtain the sufficient condition for domain

K
0

to contain, or to be contained in, convex domain

x
+
α

K
1

. Finally, we obtain the mixed isoperimetric inequality and some Bonnesen-style mixed inequalities. Those Bonnesen-style mixed inequalities obtained are the known Bonnesen-style inequalities if one of the domains is a disc. As a direct consequence, we obtain the strengthened Bonnesen isoperimetric inequality.

MSC:52A10, 52A22.
Iterative methods for hierarchical common fixed point problems and variationalinequalities
Authors: Sahu DR , Kang Shin Min , Sagar Vidya 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to deal with the problem of finding hierarchically acommon fixed point of a sequence of nearly nonexpansive self-mappings defined ona closed convex subset of a real Hilbert space which is also a solution of someparticular variational inequality problem. We introduce two explicit iterativeschemes and establish strong convergence results for sequences generatediteratively by the explicit schemes under suitable conditions. Our strongconvergence results include the previous results as special cases, and can beviewed as an improvement and refinement of several corresponding known resultsfor hierarchical variational inequality problems.

MSC: 47J20, 49J40.
Oscillation of second-order damped differential equations
Authors: Fu Xiaoling , Li Tongxing , Zhang Chenghui 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe study oscillatory behavior of a class of second-order differential equations with damping under the assumptions that allow applications to retarded and advanced differential equations. New theorems extend and improve the results in the literature. Illustrative examples are given.MSC:34C10, 34K11.
A spectral relaxation method for thermal dispersion and radiation effects in a nanofluid flow
Authors: Kameswaran Peri K , Sibanda Precious , Motsa Sandile S 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this study we use a new spectral relaxation method to investigate heat transfer in a nanofluid flow over an unsteady stretching sheet with thermal dispersion and radiation. Three water-based nanofluids containing copper oxide CuO, aluminium oxide Al2O3 and titanium dioxide TiO2 nanoparticles are considered in this study. The transformed governing system of nonlinear differential equations was solved numerically using the spectral relaxation method that has been proposed for the solution of nonlinear boundary layer equations. Results were obtained for the skin friction coefficient, the local Nusselt number as well as the velocity, temperature and nanoparticle fraction profiles for some values of the governing physical and fluid parameters. Validation of the results was achieved by comparison with limiting cases from previous studies in the literature. We show that the proposed technique is an efficient numerical algorithm with assured convergence that serves as an alternative to common numerical methods for solving nonlinear boundary value problems. We show that the convergence rate of the spectral relaxation method is significantly improved by using the method in conjunction with the successive over-relaxation method.
A community-based group-guided self-help intervention for low mood and stress: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: McClay Carrie-Anne , Morrison Jill , McConnachie Alex , Williams Christopher 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Depression is a mental health condition which affects millions of people each year, with worldwide rates increasing. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the treatment of depression. However, waiting lists can cause delays for face-to-face therapy. Also a proportion of people decline to present for help through the health service – the so-called treatment gap. Self-referral to CBT using community-based group interventions delivered by a voluntary sector organization may serve to resolve this problem. The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine the efficacy of such a guided CBT self-help course, the ‘Living Life to the Full’ (LLTTF) classes delivered by the charity Action on Depression (AOD). The primary outcome is level of depression at 6 months assessed using the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) depression scale. Secondary measures include levels of anxiety and social functioning.

Methods/design
Participants with symptoms of low mood will be recruited from the community through newspaper adverts and also via the AOD website. Participants will receive either immediate or delayed access to guided CBT self-help classes - the eight session LLTTF course. The primary endpoint will be at 6 months at which point the delayed group will be offered the intervention. Levels of depression, anxiety and social functioning will be assessed and an economic analysis will be carried out.

Discussion
This RCT will test whether the LLTTF intervention is effective and/or cost-effective. If the LLTTF community-based classes are found to be cost effective, they may be helpful as both an intervention for those already seeking care in the health service, as well as those seeking help outside that setting, widening access to psychological therapy.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN86292664
Design and analysis of a tunable synchronized oscillator
Authors: Ryback Brendan M , Odoni Dorett I , van Heck Ruben GA , van Nuland Youri , Hesselman Matthijn C , Martins dos Santos Vítor AP , van Passel Mark WJ , Hugenholtz Floor 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The use of in silico simulations as a basis for designing artificial biological systems (and experiments to characterize them) is one of the tangible differences between Synthetic Biology and “classical” Genetic Engineering. To this end, synthetic biologists have adopted approaches originating from the traditionally non-biological fields of Nonlinear Dynamics and Systems & Control Theory. However, due to the complex molecular interactions affecting the emergent properties of biological systems, mechanistic descriptions of even the simplest genetic circuits (transcriptional feedback oscillators, bi-stable switches) produced by these methods tend to be either oversimplified, or numerically intractable. More comprehensive and realistic models can be approximated by constructing “toy” genetic circuits that provide the experimenter with some degree of control over the transcriptional dynamics, and allow for experimental set-ups that generate reliable data reflecting the intracellular biochemical state in real time. To this end, we designed two genetic circuits (basic and tunable) capable of exhibiting synchronized oscillatory green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in small populations of Escherichia coli cells. The functionality of the basic circuit was verified microscopically. High-level visualizations of computational simulations were analyzed to determine whether the reliability and utility of a synchronized transcriptional oscillator could be enhanced by the introduction of chemically inducible repressors.

Results
Synchronized oscillations in GFP expression were repeatedly observed in chemically linked sub-populations of cells. Computational simulations predicted that the introduction of independently inducible repressors substantially broaden the range of conditions under which oscillations could occur, in addition to allowing the frequency of the oscillation to be tuned.

Conclusions
The genetic circuits described here may prove to be valuable research tools for the study of synchronized transcriptional feedback loops under a variety of conditions and experimental set-ups. We further demonstrate the benefit of using abstract visualizations to discover subtle non-linear trends in complex dynamic models with large parameter spaces.
Pattern of Rash, Diarrhea, and Hepatic Toxicities Secondary to Lapatinib and Their Association With Age and Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy: Analysis From the NeoALTTO Trial
Authors: Azim Hatem A. , Agbor-tarh Dominique , Bradbury Ian , Dinh Phuong , Baselga Jose , Di Cosimo Serena , Greger James G. , Smith Ian , Jackisch Christian , Kim Sung-Bae , Aktas Bahriye , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Vuylsteke Peter , Hsieh Ruey Kuen , Dreosti Lydia , Eidtmann Holger , Piccart Martine , de Azambuja Evandro 
Published: November 2013

Purpose We investigated the pattern of rash, diarrhea, and hepatic adverse events (AEs) secondary to lapatinib and their association with age and pathologic complete response (pCR) in the Neoadjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimisation (NeoALLTO) phase III trial. Patients and Methods Patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive lapatinib (Arm A), trastuzumab (Arm B), or their combination (Arm C) for 6 weeks followed by the addition of paclitaxel for 12 weeks before surgery. We investigated the frequency and time to developing each AE according to age (≤ 50 v > 50 years) and their association with pCR in a logistic regression model adjusted for age, hormone receptors, tumor size, nodal status, planned breast surgery, completion of lapatinib administration, and treatment arm. Results Only patients randomly assigned to arms A and C were eligible (n = 306). Younger patients (≤ 50 years) experienced significantly more rash compared with older patients (74.4% v 47.9%; P < .0001). Diarrhea and hepatic AEs were observed in 78.8% and 41.2% of patients, respectively, with no differences in rate or severity or time of onset according to age. Early rash (ie, before starting paclitaxel) was independently associated with a higher chance of pCR, mainly in patients older than 50 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.76; 95% CI, 1.69 to 8.34) but not in those ≤ 50 years (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.88; P for interaction = .01). No significant association was observed between pCR and diarrhea or hepatic AEs. Conclusion Our results indicate that the frequency and clinical relevance of lapatinib-related rash is largely dependent on patient age.