bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating Subsurface Velocities from Surface Fields with Idealized Stratification
Authors: LaCasce J. H. , Wang J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA previously published method by Wang et al. for predicting subsurface velocities and density from sea surface buoyancy and surface height is extended by incorporating analytical solutions to make the vertical projection. One solution employs exponential stratification and the second has a weakly stratified surface layer, approximating a mixed layer. The results are evaluated using fields from a numerical simulation of the North Atlantic. The simple exponential solution yields realistic subsurface density and vorticity fields to nearly 1000 m in depth. Including a mixed layer improves the response in the mixed layer itself and at high latitudes where the mixed layer is deeper. It is in the mixed layer that the surface quasigeostrophic approximation is most applicable. Below that the first baroclinic mode dominates, and that mode is well approximated by the analytical solution with exponential stratification.
Molecular level analysis of carbon nanofiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Sharma Sumit , Chandra Rakesh , Kumar Pramod , Kumar Navin 
Published: July 2015

The present study focuses on modeling of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and evaluating the effect of their reinforcement in polypropylene (PP) matrix. A novel approach for modeling of CNF has been explained in this study. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has been used to study the effect of CNF volume fraction ( Vf) and aspect ratio ( l/d) on mechanical properties of CNF–PP composites. Materials Studio 5.5 has been used as a tool for finding the modulus and damping in composites. CNF composition in PP was varied by volume from 0 to 16%. Aspect ratio of CNF was varied from l/d = 5 to l/d = 100. Results have also been obtained for longitudinal loss factor ( η11). To the best of the knowledge of the authors, till date there is no study, either experimental or analytical, which predicts η11 for CNF–PP composites at nanoscale. Hence, this will be a valuable addition in the area of nanocomposites. Results show that with only 2% addition by volume of CNF in PP, E11 increases by 748%. Thereafter, the increase is at a lower rate. Increase in E22 is very less in comparison to the increase in E11. With increase in CNF aspect ratio ( l/d) till l/d = 60, the longitudinal loss factor ( η11) decreases rapidly. Thereafter, the decrease is smaller. Results of this study are in agreement with those predicted by Shinichi et al.
Effect of very early mobilisation on functional status in patients with acute stroke: a single-blind, randomized controlled trail
Authors: Chippala Purusotham , Sharma Raghava 
Published: July 2015

Objective: To evaluate the effect of very early mobilisation on functional status following acute stroke. Design: Single blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: University hospital. Subjects: Eighty-six patients with acute stroke (42 men and 38 women) aged 30-80 years were randomized to an Intervention group and a Standard care group. Interventions: All participants received 45 minutes standard care once a day for seven days. In addition, the intervention group ( n=43) performed very early mobilisation consisting of early and frequent out of bed activities which started within 24 hours of stroke onset for 5 to 30 minutes at least twice a day, for seven days. Outcome measures: Functional status was measured with Barthel ADL Index on admission, discharge and three months follow up. Results: Intervention group showed a significant improvement in Barthel Index change scores (discharge - admission) (median=35, IQR=30-38.75 versus median=17.50, IQR=10-30) than the standard care group. Intervention group showed a significant improvement in Barthel Index change scores (three month follow up - admission) (median=42.50, IQR=35-55) versus (median=30, IQR=20-35) than the standard care group. The Intervention group reported statistically significant improvement in functional status at discharge ( P<0.001) and at three months follow up ( P<0.001) compared with the Standard care group. Conclusions: The results indicate that very early mobilisation in addition to the standard care may be effective in improving the functional status following acute stroke.
Estimating the cost of caring for people with cancer at the end of life: A modelling study
Authors: Round Jeff , Jones Louise , Morris Steve 
Published: July 2015

Background: People with advanced cancer require a range of health, social and informal care during the final phases of life. The cost of providing care to this group as they approach the end of their lives is unknown, but represents a significant cost to health and social care systems, charities patients and their families. Aim: In this study, we estimate the direct and indirect costs for lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer patients at the end of life (from the start of strong opioids to death) in England and Wales. Methods: We use a modelling-based approach to estimate the costs of care. Data are estimated from the literature and publicly available data sets. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis is used to reflect uncertainty in model estimates. Results: Total estimated costs for treating people with these four cancers at the end of life are £641 million. Breast and prostate cancer patients have the highest expected cost per person at £12,663 (95% credible interval (CI): £1249–£38,712) and £14,859 (95% CI: £1391–£46,424), respectively. Lung cancer has the highest expected total cost (£226m). The value of informal care giving accounts for approximately one-third of all costs. Conclusion: The cost to society of providing care to people at the end of their lives is significant. Much of this cost is borne by informal care givers. The cost to formal care services of replacing this care with paid care giving would be significant and demand for care will increase as the demographic profile of the population ages.
The role of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool in palliative home care: A qualitative study of practitioners’ perspectives of its impact and mechanisms of action
Authors: Ewing Gail , Austin Lynn , Grande Gunn 
Published: July 2015

Background: The importance of supporting family carers is well recognised in healthcare policy. The Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool is an evidence-based, comprehensive measure of carer support needs to facilitate carer support in palliative home care. Aim: To examine practitioner perspectives of the role of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool intervention in palliative home care to identify its impact and mechanisms of action. Design: Qualitative – practitioner accounts of implementation (interviews, focus groups, reflective audio diaries) plus researcher field notes. Setting/participants: A total of 29 staff members from two hospice home-care services – contrasting geographical locations, different service sizes and staff composition. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Existing approaches to identification of carer needs were informal and unstructured. Practitioners expressed some concerns, pre-implementation, about negative impacts of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool on carers and expectations raised about support available. In contrast, post-implementation, the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool provided positive impacts when used as part of a carer-led assessment and support process: it made support needs visible, legitimised support for carers and opened up different conversations with carers. The mechanisms of action that enabled the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool to make a difference were creating space for the separate needs of carers, providing an opportunity for carers to express support needs and responding to carers’ self-defined priorities. Conclusion: The Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool delivered benefits through a change in practice to an identifiable, separate assessment process for carers, facilitated by practitioners but carer-led. Used routinely with all carers, the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool has the potential to normalise carer assessment and support, facilitate delivery of carer-identified support and enable effective targeting of resources.
Accuracy of Femoral Tunnel Placement in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Balcarek Peter , Walde Tim Alexander 
Published: July 2015

Background: Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is an established operative procedure for patients with recurrent episodes of lateral patellar instability. However, recent articles have reported remarkable complication rates, with nonanatomic femoral tunnel positioning in up to 64% of patients. Purpose: To evaluate the sensitivity of femoral tunnel placement using lateral fluoroscopic guidance to minor degrees of deviation from the true-lateral view using established radiographic landmarks. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Six human cadaveric femora were used for this study. A 6-mm radiopaque eyelet was used to mark the native femoral insertion of the MPFL according to previously described radiographic landmarks. Radiographic landmarks were also applied with the femur positioned in 2.5° and 5° of internal and external rotation, respectively, and with the femur in 2.5° and 5° of hip abduction and adduction, respectively. The distance between the center of the 6-mm eyelet to the center of the native femoral MPFL insertion, as established in the true-lateral view, was measured and determined as the degree of shift in each position. Results: Hip adduction, abduction, and internal and external rotations of 2.5° resulted in a shift from the native femoral MPFL insertion point to a more distal (adduction), proximal (abduction), anterior (internal rotation), and posterior location (external rotation) of 2.7 ± 0.7, 2.0 ± 0.7, 2.7 ± 1.1, and 3.0 ± 1.3 mm, respectively (all P < .05). Malpositioning increased to a distance of 5.0 ± 0.7 mm distally, 3.6 ± 1.0 mm proximally, 5.2 ± 0.8 mm anteriorly, and 6.2 ± 0.6 mm posteriorly to the native insertion point when the attachment was marked with 5° of divergence from the true-lateral view (all P < .05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the high sensitivity of femoral tunnel placement using lateral fluoroscopic guidance to minor degrees of deviation from the true-lateral view. Clinical Relevance: The study highlights the importance of an exact lateral view when fluoroscopic guidance is used for femoral tunnel positioning in the daily practice of MPFL reconstruction, and a possible explanation for the high incidence of nonanatomic tunnel placement is suggested.
Gold nanostars mediated combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy and X-ray imaging for cancer theranostic applications
Authors: Wang Lei , Meng Dehui , Hao Yongwei , Zhao Yalin , Li Dong , Zhang Bingxiang , Zhang Yun , Zhang Zhenzhong 
Published: July 2015

Gold nanomaterials possess unique physical and chemical properties, which attracted much attention in recent years. As a new type of gold nanomaterials, gold nanostars (GNSTs) have been prepared and characterized in this study. GNSTs under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation can exert not only cancer photothermal therapy via heat production but also photodynamic therapy via generation of reactive oxygen species. GNSTs were able to enter the cytoplasm as well as nuclei of human breast michigan cancer foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells. Under NIR light irradiation, GNSTs caused more severe DNA damage, arrest the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, and reduce more cellular glutathione level, causing more severe apoptosis and cell death in vitro. Intratumoral injection of GNSTs with NIR light irradiation significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. In addition, GNSTs were demonstrated to be a contrast agent for X-ray imaging. All the in vitro and in vivo results showed that GNSTs can be used for the potential diagnosis and medical treatment of cancer.
Sirolimus-eluting dextran and polyglutamic acid hybrid coatings on AZ31 for stent applications
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhao Nan , Zhu Donghui 
Published: July 2015

Magnesium (Mg)-based cardiovascular stents are promising candidate as the next generation of novel stents. Clinical studies have revealed encouraging outcomes, but late restenosis and thrombogenesis still largely exist. Blood and vascular biocompatible coatings with drug-eluting features could be the solution to such problems. Objective This study was to investigate the feasibility of a three-layer hybrid coating on Mg alloy AZ31 with sirolimus-eluting feature for cardiovascular stent application. Materials and methods The first and third layers were low molecular weight dextran loaded with sirolimus, and the second layer was polyglutamic acid (PGA) to control sirolimus release. The hybrid coating was verified by scanning electron microscope (SEM). DC polarization and immersion tests were used to evaluate corrosion rate of the materials. Indirect cell viability and cell proliferation tests were performed by culturing cells with extract solutions of AZ31 samples. Blood compatibility was assessed using hemolysis assay. Results Coated samples had an enhanced corrosion resistance than that of uncoated controls, more PGA slower corrosion. Sirolimus had a burst release for the initial ∼3 days and then a slower release until reached a plateau. The PGA thickness was able to control the sirolimus release, the thicker of PGA the slower release. The overall cell viability was extract concentration-dependent, and improved by the hybrid coatings. Cell proliferation was correlated to coating thickness and was inhibited by sirolimus. In addition, all coated AZ31 samples were non-hemolytic. Conclusion Results demonstrated that such a three-layer hybrid coating may be useful to improve the vascular biocompatibility of Mg stent materials.
Giving In on the Field
Authors: Eisewicht Paul , Kirschner Heiko 
Published: July 2015

Because of the variety of ethnographic research nowadays, the need increases to locate the researcher’s own approach within this variety for the intersubjective comprehensibility of the research. The argument is that specific ethnographic research programs face different challenges when conducting fieldwork, especially in mediatized fields. This article proposes a differentiation of ethnographic research by theoretical paradigm, methodological stance, and scientific purpose. Following these categories, we specify life-world-analytical ethnography as originating from the (subject-centered) action theory with an emphasis on observational participation, an affirmative–descriptive attitude toward the research, as well as the implementation of data gathered by personal experience and its interactive verification within the field. Furthermore, we address the challenges ethnographers are facing when conducting their research in mediatized fields and illustrate the advantages of a life-world analytical approach on our case of online-livestreams and videogaming. We thereby introduce the concept of passing to methodologically expand this approach.
Validation of kappa free light chains as a diagnostic biomarker in multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndrome: A multicenter study
Authors: Presslauer Stefan , Milosavljevic Dejan , Huebl Wolfgang , Aboulenein-Djamshidian Fahmy , Krugluger Walter , Deisenhammer Florian , Senel Makbule , Tumani Hayrettin , Hegen Harald 
Published: July 2015

Background: Kappa free light chains (KFLCs) have been proposed as a diagnostic biomarker in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The objective of this paper is to validate the diagnostic accuracy of intrathecal KFLC synthesis in a multicenter study. Methods: KFLCs were measured by nephelometry under blinded conditions in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum sample pairs of patients with CIS ( n = 60), MS ( n = 60) and other neurological diseases ( n = 60) from four different MS centers. The upper normal limit for intrathecal KFLC concentrations depending on blood-CSF barrier function was previously calculated in a cohort of 420 control patients. Results: Diagnostic sensitivity of intrathecal KFLC synthesis, IgG synthesis according to Reiber, IgG index and oligoclonal bands (OCBs) was 95%, 72%, 73% and 93% in patients with MS and 82%, 47%, 43% and 72% in patients with CIS. Specificity of intrathecal KFLC synthesis was 95% and 98% for all other measures. Conclusion: These findings further support the diagnostic value of intrathecal KFLC synthesis in CIS and MS patients and demonstrate a valid, easier and rater-independent alternative to OCB detection.
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging in very early onset pediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rocca MA , Sonkin M , Copetti M , Pagani E , Arnold DL , Narayanan S , Sled JG , Banwell B , Filippi M 
Published: July 2015

Objectives: Active myelination during childhood may influence the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on brain structural integrity. We studied normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) in children with MS onset before age 12 years using diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: DT MRI scans were obtained from 22 MS children with their first attack before age 12 years, and 31 healthy controls from two referral centers. Using probabilistic tractography, brain tissue integrity within interhemispheric, intrahemispheric, and projection tracts was compared between patients and site-matched controls. The impact of disease and age at MRI on tract NAWM fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values was evaluated using linear models. Results: Compared to controls, pediatric MS patients had reduced FA and increased MD of the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum (CC), without center-by-group interaction. CC NAWM average FA was correlated with brain T2 lesion volume. In controls, the majority of the tracts analyzed showed a significant increase of FA and decrease of MD with age. Such a linear correlation was lost in patients. Conclusions: In very young pediatric MS patients, DT MRI abnormalities affect brain WM tracts differentially, and are only partially correlated with focal WM lesions. Impaired maturation of WM tracts with age may be an additional factor contributing to these findings.
Endocrinological and biochemical changes of scorpionism in children in Upper Egypt
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed E. , Abdel-Baseer Khaled A. , Saad Khaled , Hassan Asmaa F. , El-Houfey Amira A. 
Published: July 2015

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine some endocrinological and biochemical changes of scorpionism in children in Upper Egypt. In addition, it aimed to find any possible relationship between these changes and the severity of scorpionism. Patients and methods: The present study was carried out at two university hospitals in Upper Egypt and included 42 children with envenomation and 20 apparently healthy children as controls. In all subjects, levels were measured of noradrenaline, aldosterone, insulin and cortisol, and some biochemical parameters and electrolytes including nitric oxide (NO), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), Na+ and K+. Results: Na+, NO and CPK levels were significantly higher in children with envenomation compared with the controls. Also, there was a significant reduction in K+ in patients compared with controls. Children with severe envenomation had significantly higher levels of noradrenaline, cortisol and aldosterone compared with the controls and mild cases. However, insulin levels were significantly decreased in severe cases of scorpionism compared with mild ones. Moreover, hyperglycemia was detected in all patients with envenomation compared with controls, with significantly higher blood glucose levels among children with severe envenomation compared with mild cases. Conclusion: Endocrinological changes were common in all children with scorpion envenomation and more obvious in cases of severe envenomation. The released mediators may account for several inflammatory manifestations such as pulmonary edema, myocardial failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ failure. The use of insulin is recommended in cases of severe envenomation to improve the outcome.
Effect of balance training with Biodex Stability System on balance in diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Eftekhar-Sadat Bina , Azizi Roghayyeh , Aliasgharzadeh Akbar , Toopchizadeh Vahideh , Ghojazadeh Morteza 
Published: July 2015

Objectives: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) in the elderly is a common complication of diabetes that can negatively influence balance control. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of balance training program on postural stability of diabetic patients. Patients and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 34 elderly DN patients were divided into intervention ( n = 17) and control ( n = 17) groups. The experimental group underwent a balance training program using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) for 10 sessions. All subjects in both groups were assessed using timed ‘up and go’ (TUG) test, the Berg balance scale, and the fall risk and postural stability tests, at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: TUG ( p = 0.01), fall risk index ( p = 0.002), anterior/posterior index ( p = 0.01), medial/lateral index ( p = 0.04), overall stability index ( p = 0.01) and Berg balance scale ( p = 0.04) were significantly improved after the training in the intervention group, but had no significant differences in the control group. The changes in TUG ( p < 0.001) and fall risk index ( p < 0.001) in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Conclusion: According to our results, balance training would improve postural stability and balance in elderly patients with DN.
Patient preference and tolerability of a DPP-4 inhibitor versus a GLP-1 analog in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin: a 24-week, randomized, multicenter, crossover study
Authors: Lüdemann Jörg , Dütting Eva D. , Dworak Markus 
Published: July 2015

Objective: The present study aimed to assess the patient preference and tolerability of oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (vildagliptin) versus injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 analog (liraglutide) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy. Methods: This 24-week, randomized, multicenter, crossover study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin monotherapy with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ⩾6.5% and ⩽9.0% were randomized in a crossover manner to receive either vildagliptin/metformin single-pill combination (SPC) 50/1000 mg twice daily ( n = 32) or 1.2 mg liraglutide as an add-on to metformin (0.6 mg [weeks 0–1] followed by 1.2 mg [weeks 2–12] once daily/1000 mg twice daily) ( n = 30) for the first 12 weeks. Results: Patient preference at week 24 was similar, with 51.7% ( n = 31) patients preferring vildagliptin/metformin SPC compared with 48.3% ( n = 29) preferring liraglutide as an add-on to metformin therapy ( p = 0.449). Post hoc analyses showed that more elderly patients (⩾65 years) preferred vildagliptin (65%; n = 13) over liraglutide (35%; n = 7) therapy. Liraglutide was associated with better improvement in fasting plasma glucose (–21.5 mg/dl versus –3.4 mg/dl) and HbA1c (–0.5% versus –0.3%) levels. Fewer adverse events were reported with vildagliptin/metformin SPC ( n = 16) compared with liraglutide as add-on to metformin treatment ( n = 46). Conclusions: In this pilot study, although both vildagliptin and liraglutide therapies were preferred similarly by the patients and showed effective control of glycemia over 12 weeks, vildagliptin was associated with fewer adverse events and was preferred more by elderly patients.