bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial Transient Response of the Winter Polar Stratospheric Vortex to Idealized Equatorial Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies in the NCAR WACCM
Authors: Hegyi Bradley M. , Deng Yi , Black Robert X. , Zhou Renjun 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Perpetual winter simulations using the NCAR Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) are conducted to document the differences of the initial transient response of the boreal winter Northern Hemisphere stratospheric polar vortex to central (CPW) and eastern Pacific warming (EPW) events. Idealized patches of positive sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are superimposed onto a climatological SST field to mimic canonical CPW and EPW forcings. A 20-member ensemble was created by varying initial atmospheric conditions for both CPW and EPW cases. In the ensemble average, the vortex weakens under both CPW and EPW forcing, indicated by a negative zonal mean zonal wind tendency. This tendency is mainly tied to changes in the eddy-driven mean meridional circulation (MMC). A negative anomaly in the eddy momentum flux convergence also plays a secondary role in the weakening. The vortex response, however, differs dramatically among individual ensemble members. A few ensemble members exhibit initial vortex strengthening although weaker in magnitude and shorter in duration than the initial weakening in the ensemble average. The initial state and the subsequent internal variation of the extratropical atmosphere is at least as important as the type of SST forcing in determining the transient response of the stratospheric polar vortex. Interactions between the internal variability of the vortex and SST-driven wave anomalies ultimately determine the nature of the initial transient response of the vortex to EPW and CPW forcing. This sensitivity to the initial atmospheric state has implications for understanding medium-range forecasts of the extratropical atmospheric response to emerging tropical SST anomalies, particularly over high-latitude regions.
Profiling Sea Ice with a Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL)
Authors: Kwok R. , Markus T. , Morison J. , Palm S. P. , Neumann T. A. , Brunt K. M. , Cook W. B. , Hancock D. W. , Cunningham G. F. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe sole instrument on the upcoming Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2) altimetry mission is a micropulse lidar that measures the time of flight of individual photons from laser pulses transmitted at 532 nm. Prior to launch, the Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL) serves as an airborne implementation for testing and development. This paper provides a first examination of MABEL data acquired on two flights over sea ice in April 2012: one north of the Arctic coast of Greenland and the other in the east Greenland Sea. The phenomenology of photon distributions in the sea ice returns is investigated. An approach to locate the surface and estimate its elevation in the distributions is described, and its achievable precision is assessed. Retrieved surface elevations over relatively flat leads in the ice cover suggest that precisions of several centimeters are attainable. Restricting the width of the elevation window used in the surface analysis can mitigate potential biases in the elevation estimates due to subsurface returns at 532 nm. Comparisons of nearly coincident elevation profiles from MABEL with those acquired by an analog lidar show good agreement. Discrimination of ice and open water, a crucial step in the determination of sea ice freeboard and the estimation of ice thickness, is facilitated by contrasts in the observed signal–background photon statistics. Future flight paths will sample a broader range of seasonal ice conditions for further evaluation of the year-round profiling capabilities and limitations of the MABEL instrument.
A 4DVAR System for the Navy Coastal Ocean Model. Part I: System Description and Assimilation of Synthetic Observations in Monterey Bay*
Authors: Ngodock Hans , Carrier Matthew 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A 4D variational data assimilation system was developed for assimilating ocean observations with the Navy Coastal Ocean Model. It is described in this paper, along with initial assimilation experiments in Monterey Bay using synthetic observations. The assimilation system is tested in a series of twin data experiments to assess its ability to fit assimilated and independent observations by controlling the initial conditions and/or the external forcing while assimilating surface and/or subsurface observations. In all strong and weak constraint experiments, the minimization of the cost function is done with both the gradient descent method (in the control space) and the representer method (observation space). The accuracy of the forecasts following the analysis and the relevance of the retrieved forcing correction in the case of weak constraints are evaluated. It is shown that the assimilation system generally fits the assimilated and nonassimilated observations well in all experiments, yielding lower forecast errors.
Clinical engagement: improving healthcare together
Authors: Riches E , Robson B 
Published: January 2014

Clinical engagement can achieve lasting change in the delivery of healthcare. In October 2011, Healthcare Improvement Scotland formulated a clinical engagement strategy to ensure that a progressive and sustainable approach to engaging healthcare professionals is firmly embedded in its health improvement and public assurance activities. The strategy was developed using a 90-day process, combining an evidence base of best practice and feedback from semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The strategy aims to create a culture where clinicians view working with Healthcare Improvement Scotland as a worthwhile venture, which offers a number of positive benefits such as training, career development and research opportunities. The strategy works towards developing a respectful partnership between Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the clinical community and key stakeholders whereby clinicians’ contributions are recognised in a non-financial reward system. To do this, the organisation needs a sustainable infrastructure and an efficient, cost-effective approach to clinical engagement. There are a number of obstacles to achieving successful clinical engagement and these must be addressed as key drivers in its implementation. The implementation of the strategy is supported by an action and resource plan, and its impact will be monitored by a measurement plan to ensure the organisation reviews its approaches towards clinical engagement.
Emergency Contraception Counseling in a Retail Pharmacy Setting
Authors: Ragland Denise , Payakachat Nalin , Stafford Rachel A. 
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Nonprescription emergency contraception (EC) is now available for purchase without age restrictions. This is a great opportunity for pharmacists to provide counseling to ensure that customers use EC correctly. Objective: This pilot study explored the impact of student pharmacist counseling on customer knowledge of EC in a retail pharmacy setting and assessed customer satisfaction with the counseling. Methods: Counseling was performed at 2 retail pharmacies during June and July 2012. Participants completed a 12-question pretest that measured baseline knowledge of EC prior to a 5- to 10-minute education session, followed by the same 12-question posttest. A follow-up test was conducted via telephone within 1 to 3 months after the counseling. Results: Eighty-seven women participated with a mean age of 30.2 (standard deviation = 7.2) years. The average posttest score was significantly higher than the pretest score (11.5 ± 1.0 vs 8.5 ± 2.5; P < .001). The mean follow-up score (9.9 ± 1.1) was significantly higher than the pretest score ( P = .014), which indicated retained knowledge. Participants reported being highly satisfied with the counseling session and strongly agreed that the counseling would help them use EC correctly. Conclusion: Student pharmacist-provided EC counseling increased participants’ EC knowledge both immediate and long term. This study suggests that EC counseling is feasible and valued by customers.
Anal cytology and p16 immunostaining for screening anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Arora Rahul , Pandhi Deepika , Mishra Kiran , Bhattacharya Sambit N , Yhome Vizodilhou A 
Published: January 2014

Summary Akin to cervical cancer in sexually-active women, men who have sex with men (MSM) are predisposed to anal cancers, especially those with HIV co-infection. This cross-sectional study endeavored to assess the prevalence of anal dysplasia using Pap smears and p16 immunostaining amongst Indian MSM. A total of 31 consecutive HIV-positive and 34 HIV-negative MSM, from a cohort of sexually transmitted infection clinic attendees, underwent anal cytological evaluation with Pap smear and p16 staining. Chi square test and coefficient of correlation were used for comparison. Eighteen (27.7%) had abnormal anal cytology; increased in HIV-positive as compared to HIV-negative men (35% versus 20%, p = 0.180). Similarly, both low-grade (25.8% versus 17.6%) and high-grade lesions (8.3% versus 4.8%) were comparable in HIV-positive and HIV-negative group. Thirteen (20%) smears were p16-positive with a sensitivity and specificity for anal dysplasia of 72.3% and 100%, respectively. Anal cytology may be used to screen for anal dysplasia in MSM irrespective of HIV status. Furthermore, the addition of p16, with greater specificity for high-grade lesions, may improve diagnostic accuracy especially for high-grade lesions. A larger study to further corroborate these observations is warranted.
Turning the tide: a history and review of hyperhidrosis treatment
Authors: Lee Kevin YC , Levell Nick J 
Published: January 2014

Summary Hyperhidrosis is a potential cause of severe physical and psychological distress, interfering in activities of daily living. Over the past 100 years, advances have been made regarding the treatment of this debilitating condition with some success. Surgical treatment with sympathectomy was successfully performed for hyperhidrosis in the early part of the 20th century, with various modifications of the technique over the past 100 years. Topical aluminium salt antiperspirants, anticholinergic medications, iontophoresis and botulinum toxin introduced less invasive ways to manage this condition. This historical review will enable dermatologists and non-dermatologists to manage this distressing condition.
Eligibility for bariatric surgery among adults in England: analysis of a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ahmad Ahmir , Laverty Anthony A , Aasheim Erlend , Majeed Azeem , Millett Christopher , Saxena Sonia 
Published: January 2014

Summary Objectives: This study aimed to determine the number eligible for bariatric surgery and their sociodemographic characteristics. Design: We used Health Survey for England 2006 data, representative of the non-institutionalized English population. Setting: The number of people eligible for bariatric surgery in England based on national guidance is unknown. The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence criteria for eligibility are those with body mass index (BMI) 35–40 kg/m2 with at least one comorbidity potentially improved by losing weight or a BMI > 40 kg/m2. Participants: Of 13,742 adult respondents (≥18 years), we excluded participants with invalid BMI ( n = 2103), comorbidities ( n = 2187) or sociodemographic variables ( n = 27) data, for a final study sample of 9425 participants. Main outcome measures: The comorbidities examined were hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease and osteoarthritis. Sociodemographic variables assessed included age, sex, employment status, highest educational qualification, social class and smoking status. Results: 5.4% (95% CI 5.0–5.9) of the non-institutionalized adult population in England could meet criteria for having bariatric surgery after accounting for survey weights. Those eligible were more likely than the general population to be women (60.1% vs. 39.9%, p<0.01), retired (22.4% vs. 12.8% p<0.01), and have no formal educational qualifications (35.7% vs. 21.3%, p<0.01). Conclusions: The number of adults potentially eligible for bariatric surgery in England (2,147,683 people based on these results and 2006 population estimates) far exceeds previous estimates of eligibility. In view of the sociodemographic characteristics of this group, careful resource allocation is required to ensure equitable access on the basis of need.
Automated alignment-based curation of gene models in filamentous fungi
Authors: van der Burgt Ate , Severing Edouard , Collemare Jérôme , de Wit Pierre JGM 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Automated gene-calling is still an error-prone process, particularly for the highly plastic genomes of fungal species. Improvement through quality control and manual curation of gene models is a time-consuming process that requires skilled biologists and is only marginally performed. The wealth of available fungal genomes has not yet been exploited by an automated method that applies quality control of gene models in order to obtain more accurate genome annotations.

Results
We provide a novel method named alignment-based fungal gene prediction (ABFGP) that is particularly suitable for plastic genomes like those of fungi. It can assess gene models on a gene-by-gene basis making use of informant gene loci. Its performance was benchmarked on 6,965 gene models confirmed by full-length unigenes from ten different fungi. 79.4% of all gene models were correctly predicted by ABFGP. It improves the output of ab initio gene prediction software due to a higher sensitivity and precision for all gene model components. Applicability of the method was shown by revisiting the annotations of six different fungi, using gene loci from up to 29 fungal genomes as informants. Between 7,231 and 8,337 genes were assessed by ABFGP and for each genome between 1,724 and 3,505 gene model revisions were proposed. The reliability of the proposed gene models is assessed by an a posteriori introspection procedure of each intron and exon in the multiple gene model alignment. The total number and type of proposed gene model revisions in the six fungal genomes is correlated to the quality of the genome assembly, and to sequencing strategies used in the sequencing centre, highlighting different types of errors in different annotation pipelines. The ABFGP method is particularly successful in discovering sequence errors and/or disruptive mutations causing truncated and erroneous gene models.

Conclusions
The ABFGP method is an accurate and fully automated quality control method for fungal gene catalogues that can be easily implemented into existing annotation pipelines. With the exponential release of new genomes, the ABFGP method will help decreasing the number of gene models that require additional manual curation.
Two case reports of bilateral vertebral artery tortuosity and spiral twisting in vascular vertigo
Authors: Hong-tao Zhang , Shu-ling Zhang , Dao-pei Zhang 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Tortuous blood vessels are commonly seen in the cerebral arteries. The association between vertebrobasilar artery tortuosity and vascular vertigo remains obscure.

Case presentation
We describe two patients with vascular vertigo who had bilateral curving and spiral looping in multiple segments of the vertebral arteries and also exhibited basilar artery tortuosity. Both patients had cerebrovascular risk factors and exhibited clinical features of vertigo with high severity, slow recovery, and recurrent tendencies. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the neck showed bilateral tortuosity in the V2 segments and spiral twisting in the V4 segments of the vertebral arteries, and basilar artery curving. No obvious sign of atherosclerotic stenosis was found in the vertebrobasilar arteries and no abnormalities were observed in the internal carotid arteries. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound showed decreased blood flow in tortuous vertebrobasilar arteries. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials showed that the interpeak latencies (IPL) of waves III-IV were prolonged, with a ratio of IPL III-V/IPL I-III > 1.

Conclusions
Vertebrobasilar tortuosity in combination with cerebrovascular risk factors may lead to vascular vertigo in these patients.
The importance of providing counselling and financial support to patients receiving treatment for multi-drug resistant TB: mixed method qualitative and pilot intervention studies
Authors: Baral Sushil C , Aryal Yeshoda , Bhattrai Rekha , King Rebecca , Newell James N 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
People with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in low-income countries face many problems during treatment, and cure rates are low. The purpose of the study was (a) to identify and document the problems experienced by people receiving care for MDR-TB, and how they cope when support is not provided, to inform development of strategies; (b) to estimate the effectiveness of two resultant strategies, counselling alone, and joint counselling and financial support, of increasing DOTS-plus treatment success under routine programme conditions.

Methods
A mixed-method study comprising a formative qualitative study, pilot intervention study and explanatory qualitative study to better understand barriers to completion of treatment for MDR-TB. Participants were all people starting MDR-TB treatment in seven DOTS-plus centres in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal during January to December 2008. The primary outcome measure was cure, as internationally defined.

Results
MDR-TB treatment caused extreme social, financial and employment hardship. Most patients had to move house and leave their job, and reported major stigmatisation. They were concerned about the long-term effects of their disease, and feared infecting others. In the resultant pilot intervention study, the two strategies appeared to improve treatment outcomes: cure rates for those receiving counselling, combined support and no support were 85%, 76% and 67% respectively. Compared with no support, the (adjusted) risk ratios of cure for those receiving counselling and receiving combined support were 1.2 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.6) and 1.2 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.6) respectively. The explanatory study demonstrated that patients valued both forms of support.

Conclusions
MDR-TB patients are extremely vulnerable to stigma and extreme financial hardship. Provision of counselling and financial support may not only reduce their vulnerability, but also increase cure rates. National Tuberculosis Programmes should consider incorporating financial support and counselling into MDR-TB care: costs are low, and benefits high, especially since costs to society of incomplete treatment and potential for incurable TB are extremely high.
Existence and uniqueness of positive solutions to boundary value problem with increasing homeomorphism and positive homomorphism operator
Authors: Miao Fenghua , Zhou Chenxing , Song Yueqiang 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we consider the following nonlinear boundary value problem:

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MSC:34B18, 34B27.
A Putative Relay Circuit Providing Low-Threshold Mechanoreceptive Input to Lamina I Projection Neurons via Vertical Cells in Lamina II of the Rat Dorsal Horn
Authors: Yasaka Toshiharu , Tiong Sheena YX , Polgár Erika , Watanabe Masahiko , Kumamoto Eiichi , Riddell John S , Todd Andrew J 
Published: January 2014

Background: Lamina I projection neurons respond to painful stimuli, and some are also activated by touch or hair movement. Neuropathic pain resulting from peripheral nerve damage is often associated with tactile allodynia (touch-evoked pain), and this may result from increased responsiveness of lamina I projection neurons to non-noxious mechanical stimuli. It is thought that polysynaptic pathways involving excitatory interneurons can transmit tactile inputs to lamina I projection neurons, but that these are normally suppressed by inhibitory interneurons. Vertical cells in lamina II provide a potential route through which tactile stimuli can activate lamina I projection neurons, since their dendrites extend into the region where tactile afferents terminate, while their axons can innervate the projection cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether vertical cell dendrites were contacted by the central terminals of low-threshold mechanoreceptive primary afferents. Results: We initially demonstrated contacts between dendritic spines of vertical cells that had been recorded in spinal cord slices and axonal boutons containing the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), which is expressed by myelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptive afferents. To confirm that the VGLUT1 boutons included primary afferents, we then examined vertical cells recorded in rats that had received injections of cholera toxin B subunit (CTb) into the sciatic nerve. We found that over half of the VGLUT1 boutons contacting the vertical cells were CTb-immunoreactive, indicating that they were of primary afferent origin. Conclusions: These results show that vertical cell dendritic spines are frequently contacted by the central terminals of myelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptive afferents. Since dendritic spines are associated with excitatory synapses, it is likely that most of these contacts were synaptic. Vertical cells in lamina II are therefore a potential route through which tactile afferents can activate lamina I projection neurons, and this pathway could play a role in tactile allodynia.
De Novo 13q13.3-21.31 deletion involving RB1 gene in a patient with hemangioendothelioma of the liver
Authors: Rapini Novella , Lidano Roberta , Pietrosanti Silvia , Vitiello Giuseppina , Grimaldi Chiara , Postorivo Diana , Nardone Anna Maria , Del Bufalo Francesca , Brancati Francesco , Manca Bitti Maria Luisa 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Interstitial deletions of the long arm of chromosome 13 (13q) are related with variable phenotypes, according to the size and the location of the deleted region. The main clinical features are moderate/severe mental and growth retardation, cranio-facial dysmorphism, variable congenital defects and increased susceptibility to tumors. Here we report a 3-year-old girl carrying a de novo 13q13.3-21.32 interstitial deletion. She showed developmental delay, growth retardation and mild dysmorphism including curly hair, high forehead, short nose, thin upper lip and long philtrum. An abnormal mass was surgically removed from her liver resulting in a hemangioendothelioma. Array analysis allowed us to define a deleted region of about 27.87 Mb, which includes the RB1 gene. This is the first report of a 13q deletion associated with infantile hemangioendothelioma of the liver.