bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Configuration and validation of a mesoscale atmospheric model for simulating summertime rainfall in Central Alberta
Authors: Hanrahan Janel , Kuo Chun‐Chao , Gan Thian Yew 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTExtreme precipitation events in Central Alberta have overwhelmed hydraulic structures several times in recent years, and it is generally expected that rainfall intensity in this region will continue to increase over the next several decades. Accurate rainfall projections are thus needed to assess future flood risks and to mitigate the possible impacts of these changes. Such data may be obtained through the use of regional climate models (RCMs), and one in particular, the fifth‐generation NCAR/Penn State mesoscale atmospheric model (MM5), is investigated here. MM5 is used to dynamically downscale European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) ERA‐Interim reanalysis data to evaluate its ability to accurately simulate rainfall in Central Alberta over two consecutive summers that represent contrasting precipitation regimes. It is determined that in complex terrain, different RCM preprocessing settings can result in vastly different input data which are used for the model simulation. After optimal preprocessing settings are identified, precipitation data from the resulting simulations are compared with data from Edmonton's local rain gauge network and a High Resolution Precipitation Product (HRPP), Climate Prediction Center (CPC) MORPHing technique (CMORPH). Precipitation data generated by MM5 reveal that this RCM can indeed distinguish between wet (2010) and dry (2009) years, but that simulated rainfall totals tend to be too high during May of both precipitation regimes, particularly during the dry year. This bias is partially attributed to the RCM's inaccurate simulation of available moisture in the presence of local terrain effects, and should be taken into consideration when making projections regarding possible changes to future precipitation conditions in Central Alberta and in other regions with similar climatology.
Texturing of polycrystalline photovoltaic materials using vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays
Authors: Flicker Jack , Ready W. Jud 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIn order to demonstrate that three‐dimensional carbon nanotube‐based photovoltaic devices show an increase in power output over similar planar cells, we have produced cells with texturing through the use of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays and cells without this texturing. The output power of these cells at varying incident angles of light was measured. The textured cells show an increase in the normalized power output compared with similar planar cells when the solar flux is at off‐normal angles. The power output versus incident angle curve takes an inverted C‐type curve as predicted by the theory developed previously, with very good agreement between experimental results and theoretical predictions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ALPPS Offers a Better Chance of Complete Resection in Patients with Primarily Unresectable Liver Tumors Compared with Conventional‐Staged Hepatectomies: Results of a Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Schadde Erik , Ardiles Victoria , Slankamenac Ksenija , Tschuor Christoph , Sergeant Gregory , Amacker Nadja , Baumgart Janine , Croome Kris , Hernandez‐Alejandro Roberto , Lang Hauke , de Santibaňes Eduardo , Clavien Pierre‐Alain 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundPortal vein occlusion to increase the size of the future liver remnant (FLR) is well established, using portal vein ligation (PVL) or embolization (PVE) followed by resection 4–8 weeks later. Associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) combines PVL and complete parenchymal transection, followed by hepatectomy within 1–2 weeks. ALPPS has been recently introduced but remains controversial. We compare the ability of ALPPS versus PVE or PVL for complete tumor resection.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients undergoing ALPPS or conventional staged hepatectomies using PVL or PVE at four high‐volume HPB centres between 2003 and 2012 was performed. Patients with primary liver tumors and liver metastases were included. Primary endpoint was complete tumor resection. Secondary endpoints include 90‐day mortality, complications, FLR increase, time to resection, and tumor recurrence.ResultsForty‐eight patients with ALPPS were compared with 83 patients with conventional‐staged hepatectomies. Eighty‐three percent (40/48 patients) of ALPPS patients achieved complete resection compared with 66 % (55/83 patients) in PVE/PVL (odds ratio 3.34, p = 0.027). Ninety‐day mortality in ALPPS and PVE/PVL was 15 and 6 %, respectively (p = 0.2). Extrapolated growth rate was 11 times higher in ALPPS (34.8 cc/day; interquartile range (IQR) 26–49) compared with PVE/PVL (3 cc/day; IQR2‐6; p = 0.001). Tumor recurrence at 1 year was 54 versus 52 % for ALPPS and PVE/PVL, respectively (p = 0.7).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that ALPPS offers a better chance of complete resection in patients with primarily unresectable liver tumors at the cost of a high mortality. The technique is promising but should currently not be used outside of studies and registries.
Predictors of Bone Mineral Density Improvement in Patients Undergoing Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Sharma Jyotirmay , Itum Dina S. , Moss Lewis , Chun‐Li Christine , Weber Collin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) results in increased bone turnover, resulting in bone mineral density (BMD) reduction and a predisposition towards fractures. Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is the only definitive cure.ObjectiveThe primary goals of this study were to investigate the impact of PTX on BMD in patients with PHPT and to identify factors associated with post‐operative BMD improvement using a multivariate model.MethodsBetween 1999 and 2010, a total of 757 patients underwent PTX for treatment of PHPT; 123 patients had both a pre‐ and a post‐operative dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. A prospective database was queried to obtain information about patient demographics, medications, comorbidities, and pre‐ and post‐operative laboratory values. A Cox regression model was used to stratify patients and to identify factors that independently predict BMD response following PTX in this patient population.ResultsOverall, mean percent change in BMD was +12.31 % at the spine, +8.9 % at the femoral neck (FN), and +8.5 % at the hip, with a mean follow‐up of 2.3 ± 1.5 years. A total of 101 (82.1 %) patients had BMD improvement at their worst pre‐operative site. In patients who improved, 69.9 % (n = 86) had >5 % increase. Factors associated with BMD improvement at the worst pre‐operative site were as follows: male gender (hazard ratio [HR] 2.29; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.54–4.21); pre‐operative BMD with T‐score less than −2.0 (HR 1.89; 95 % CI 1.11–2.39); age <55 years (HR 1.74; 95 % CI 1.14–2.25); BMD DEXA scan at >2.5 years post‐operatively (HR 1.71; 95 % CI 1.09–2.17); history of previous fracture (HR 1.24; 95 % CI 1.05–1.92); and private insurance (HR 1.18; 95 % CI 1.06–2.1). The use of bisphosphonates, estrogens, vitamin D supplementation, or tobacco; obesity; history of previous PTX, serum calcium or parathyroid hormone levels were not independently associated with post‐operative BMD improvement.ConclusionOsteoporosis is one of the established National Institutes of Health criteria for PTX in asymptomatic patients with PHPT, but BMD improvement is not consistently seen during the post‐operative period. Gender, age, more severe pre‐operative bone disease, and insurance status were all predictors for greater BMD improvement following PTX. Further studies with a rigorous post‐operative BMD regimen are needed in order to validate these results.
Miami Thrives: Weaving a Poverty Reduction Coalition
Authors: Evans Scotney D. , Rosen Adam D. , Kesten Stacey M. , Moore Wendy 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn an environment where community based organizations are asked to do increasingly more to alleviate the effects of complex social problems, networks and coalitions are becoming the answer for increasing scale, efficiency, coordination, and most importantly, social impact. This paper highlights the formation of a poverty reduction coalition in south Florida. Our case study approach chronicles a developing coalition in Miami‐Dade County and the role of one organization acting as lead to the initiative. Drawing on interviews with lead organization staff, participant observation field notes, network mapping and analysis of documents and artifacts from the initiative, we analyze the local organizational context and illuminate important processes associated with supporting a developing coalition. Findings offer a picture of the interorganizational relationships in the community using social network analysis and identify the organizational capacity factors that contribute to and inhibit the formation of a cohesive and effective coalition in this context. This study also highlights the utility of an action research approach to organizational learning about coalition‐building in such a way that informs decision making.
Management of paediatric tibial fractures using two types of circular external fixator: Taylor spatial frame and Ilizarov circular fixator
Authors: Tafazal Suhayl , Madan Sanjeev S. , Ali Farhan , Padman Manoj , Swift Simone , Jones Stanley , Fernandes James A. 
Published: April 2014

Background The use of circular fixators for the treatment of tibial fractures is well established in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the Ilizarov circular fixator (ICF) with the Taylor spatial frame (TSF) in terms of treatment results in consecutive patients with tibial fractures that required operative management. Method A retrospective analysis of patient records and radiographs was performed to obtain patient data, information on injury sustained, the operative technique used, time duration in frame, healing time and complications of treatment. The minimum follow-up was 24 months. Results Ten patients were treated with ICF between 2000 and 2005, while 15 patients have been treated with TSF since 2005. Two of the 10 treated with ICF and 5 of the 15 treated with TSF were open fractures. All patients went on to achieve complete union. Mean duration in the frame was 12.7 weeks for ICF and 14.8 weeks for the TSF group. Two patients in the TSF group had delayed union and required additional procedures including adjustment of fixator and bone grafting. There was one malunion in the TSF group that required osteotomy and reapplication of frame. There were seven and nine pin-site infections in the ICF and TSF groups, respectively, all of which responded to antibiotics. There were no refractures in either group. Conclusion In an appropriate patient, both types of circular fixator are equally effective but have different characteristics, with TSF allowing for postoperative deformity correction. Of concern are the two cases of delayed union in the TSF group, all in patients with high-energy injuries. We feel another larger study is required to provide further clarity in this matter. Level of evidence Level II—comparative study.
Genome-Wide Mapping of Cellular Protein–RNA Interactions Enabled by Chemical Crosslinking
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Song Jinghui , Yi Chengqi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
RNA–protein interactions influence many biological processes. Identifying the binding sites of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) remains one of the most fundamental and important challenges to the studies of such interactions. Capturing RNA and RBPs via chemical crosslinking allows stringent purification procedures that significantly remove the non-specific RNA and protein interactions. Two major types of chemical crosslinking strategies have been developed to date, i.e., UV-enabled crosslinking and enzymatic mechanism-based covalent capture. In this review, we compare such strategies and their current applications, with an emphasis on the technologies themselves rather than the biology that has been revealed. We hope such methods could benefit broader audience and also urge for the development of new methods to study RNA−RBP interactions.
Sexually dimorphic effects of prenatal exposure to propionic acid and lipopolysaccharide on social behavior in neonatal, adolescent, and adult rats: Implications for autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Foley Kelly A. , MacFabe Derrick F. , Vaz Alisha , Ossenkopp Klaus‐Peter , Kavaliers Martin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays an important role in immune functioning, behavioral regulation and neurodevelopment. Altered microbiome composition, including altered short chain fatty acids, and/or immune system dysfunction, may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with some children with ASD exhibiting both abnormal gut bacterial metabolite composition and immune system dysfunction. This study describes the effects of prenatal propionic acid (PPA), a short chain fatty acid and metabolic product of many antibiotic resistant enteric bacteria, and of prenatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial mimetic and microbiome component, on social behavior in male and female neonatal, adolescent and adult rats. Pregnant Long–Evans rats were injected once a day with either a low level of PPA (500 mg/kg SC) on gestation days G12–16, LPS (50 μg/kg SC) on G12, or vehicle control on G12 or G12–16. Sex‐ and age‐specific, subtle effects on behavior were observed. Both male and female PPA treated pups were impaired in a test of their nest seeking response, suggesting impairment in olfactory‐mediated neonatal social recognition. As well, adolescent males, born to PPA treated dams, approached a novel object more than control animals and showed increased levels of locomotor activity compared to prenatal PPA females. Prenatal LPS produced subtle impairments in social behavior in adult male and female rats. These findings raise the possibility that brief prenatal exposure to elevated levels of microbiome products, such as PPA or LPS, can subtly influence neonatal, adolescent and adult social behavior.
Systematic review of efficacy of LIFT procedure in crpytoglandular fistula-in-ano
Authors: Murugesan Jothi , Mor Isabella , Fulham Stephen , Hitos Kerry 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background fistula-in-ano is a common problem. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a new addition to the list of operations available to deal with complex fistula-in-ano.
Objective we sought to qualitatively analyze studies describing LIFT for crpytoglandular fistula-in-ano and determine its efficacy.
Data sources MEDLINE (Pubmed, Ovid), Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library were searched.
Study selection all clinical trials which studied LIFT or compared LIFT with other methods of treatment for anal fistulae, prospective observational studies, clinical registry data and retrospective case series which reported clinical healing of the fistula as the outcome were included. Case reports, studies reporting a combination with other technique, modified technique, abstracts, letters and comments were excluded.
Intervention the intervention was ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract in crpytoglandular fistula-in-ano.
Main outcome measure primary outcome measured was success rate (fistula healing rate) and length of follow-up.
Caspase‐8 mutations in head and neck cancer confer resistance to death receptor‐mediated apoptosis and enhance migration, invasion, and tumor growth
Authors: Li Changyou , Egloff Ann Marie , Sen Malabika , Grandis Jennifer R. , Johnson Daniel E. 
Published: April 2014

Little is known regarding molecular markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that predict responsiveness to different therapeutic regimens or predict HNSCC progression. Mutations in procaspase‐8 occur in 9% of HNSCC primary tumors, but the functional consequences of these mutations are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the impact of four, representative, HNSCC‐associated procaspase‐8 mutations on activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, as well as cellular migration and invasion, and in vivo tumor growth. All four mutant proteins acted to potently inhibit activation of apoptosis following treatment with TRAIL or agonistic anti‐Fas. In contrast to wild‐type procaspase‐8, the mutant proteins were not recruited to FADD following treatment with TRAIL or anti‐Fas, but may be constitutively bound by FADD. Three of the four procaspase‐8 mutants promoted enhanced cellular migration and invasion through matrigel, relative to that seen with the wild‐type procaspase‐8 protein. Procaspase‐8 mutation also stimulated the growth of HNSCC xenograft tumors. These findings indicate that HNSCC‐associated procaspase‐8 mutations inhibit activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway and are likely to represent markers for resistance to therapeutic regimens incorporating death receptor activators. Moreover, procaspase‐8 mutations may serve as markers of HNSCC tumor progression, as exemplified by enhanced migration, invasion, and tumor growth.
A cryogenic infrared calibration target
Authors: Wollack E. J. , Kinzer R. E. , Rinehart S. A. 
Published: April 2014

A compact cryogenic calibration target is presented that has a peak diffuse reflectance, R ⩽ 0.003, from 800 to 4800 cm−1 (12 − 2 μm). Upon expanding the spectral range under consideration to 400–10 000 cm−1 (25 − 1 μm) the observed performance gracefully degrades to R ⩽ 0.02 at the band edges. In the implementation described, a high-thermal-conductivity metallic substrate is textured with a pyramidal tiling and subsequently coated with a thin lossy dielectric coating that enables high absorption and thermal uniformity across the target. The resulting target assembly is lightweight, has a low-geometric profile, and has survived repeated thermal cycling from room temperature to ∼4 K. Basic design considerations, governing equations, and test data for realizing the structure described are provided. The optical properties of selected absorptive materials—Acktar Fractal Black, Aeroglaze Z306, and Stycast 2850 FT epoxy loaded with stainless steel powder—are characterized and presented.
From Text to Political Positions
Authors: van Elfrinkhof Annemarie , Maks Isa , Kaal Bertie 
Published: April 2014

This chapter explores how three methods of political text analysis can complement each other to differentiate parties in detail. A word-frequency method and corpus linguistic techniques are joined by critical discourse analysis in an attempt to assess the ideological relation between election manifestos and a coalition agreement. How does this agreement relate to the policy positions presented in individual election manifestos and whose issues appear on the governmental agenda? The chapter discusses the design of three levels of text analysis applying text-as-data analysis; words-as-meaningful-data involving lexical-semantic analysis of subjectivity applying Wordscores; and words-in-context analysis for variation in constructions of worldviews. A comparison of the results reveals (im-)possibilities of combining qualitative with quantitative methods. We found that better results can be achieved for party positioning in combinations of qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Short-term effects of bottom trawling and a storm event on soft-bottom benthos in the eastern Bering Sea
Authors: McConnaughey Robert A. , Syrjala Stephen E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA Before–After Control–Impact (BACI) experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a commercial bottom trawl on benthic invertebrates in a sandy and previously untrawled area of the eastern Bering Sea. Six pairs of experimental and control corridors were sampled with a research trawl before and after four consecutive tows with the commercial otter trawl. A major storm event occurred during the experiment, and it was possible to differentiate its effect from that of the trawling using the BACI model. Species composition changed very little; Asterias amurensis and Paralithodes camtschaticus comprised over 80% of the total invertebrate biomass (kg ha−1) during each year of the study. In general, the commercial trawl did not significantly affect the biomass of the benthic invertebrate populations. The trawling effect after 4–14 d was statistically significant in three of the 24 taxa that were analysed, which was, as expected, because of nothing more than random variation with α = 0.10. Biomass immediately after the trawling disturbance was lower for 15 of the taxa and higher for the other nine, with a median change of −14.2%. Similarly, the effect of trawling on invertebrate biomass after one year was not statistically significant for any of the taxonomic groups (p ≥ 0.23), indicating no evidence of a delayed response to the commercial-trawl disturbance. Further analysis suggests that storms have an overall greater effect on the benthos than do bottom trawls at this location. Both the numbers of taxa significantly affected by trawling and the storm (3 vs. 12), as well as the median sizes of these effects −14.2% vs. −22.0%), were greater for the storm event. Results from this study are combined with those from a related investigation of chronic trawling effects to propose an adaptive management strategy for the study region, including rotating area closures to mitigate for temporary trawling effects.
Ultrastructure of pigmented eyes in Dorvilleidae (Annelida, Errantia, Eunicida) and their importance for understanding the evolution of eyes in polychaetes
Authors: Purschke Günter , Nowak Kathrin H. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAmong polychaetes, the errant forms are the only group known so far possessing true multicellular eyes in adults which are preceded by bicellular larval eyes in many species. Most likely, two pairs of such eyes showing a specific structure belong to the ground pattern of Errantia = Aciculata. However, these eyes have primarily been investigated in only two subgroups of Errantia, but data on the third main taxon, Eunicida, are available for only two taxa. In the present investigation, the eyes in two additional species of Eunicida, the dorvilleids Protodorvillea kefersteini and Schistomeringos neglecta, were studied. In P. kefersteini, usually described as possessing one pair of small eyes, two pairs could be detected, whereas in S. neglecta only one pair was found. Each eye is made up of rhabdomeric photoreceptor cells, pigment cells and unpigmented supportive cells. Lenses or vitreous bodies are absent. From their structure most likely all eyes represent adult eyes and even the small anterior eyes in P. kefersteini structurally resemble miniaturized adult eyes. Neither persisting larval eyes nor unpigmented rhabdomeric ocelli were found in the two species. The observations in Dorvilleidae confirm the hypothesis of a common origin of adult eyes in Errantia.