bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Ensemble Spread–Error Relationship
Authors: Hopson T. M. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The potential ability of an ensemble prediction system (EPS) to represent its own varying forecast error provides strong motivation to produce an EPS over a less expensive deterministic forecast. Traditionally, this ability has been assessed by correlating the realized forecast error with the ensemble's dispersion. This paper revisits the limitations of the skill–spread correlation, but uses aspects of the correlation to introduce two metrics to assess an EPS's capacity to provide a reliable likelihood of its own error. Using a perfect EPS, skill–spread correlation is shown to be limited by its dependence on how “skill” and “spread” are defined and, perhaps most fatally, by its inability to distill the skill–spread reliability from the stability properties of the physical system being modeled. Building from this, it is argued there are two aspects of an ensemble's dispersion that should be assessed. First, is there enough variability in the dispersion to justify the expense of the EPS? The factor that controls the theoretical upper limit of the spread–error correlation can be useful in diagnosing this. Second, does the variable dispersion of an ensemble relate to a variable expectation of the forecast error? Representing the spread–error correlation in relation to its theoretical limit can provide a simple diagnostic of this attribute. A context for these concepts is provided by assessing two operational ensembles: western U.S. temperature forecasts and Brahmaputra River flow before and after postprocessing. It is shown that “skill–spread” reliability can be improved by postprocessing to that of a perfect EPS, but at the cost of the potential information content of the EPS's variable dispersion.
Randomized trial of two swallowing assessment approaches in patients with acquired brain injury: Facial-Oral Tract Therapy versus Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
Authors: Kjaersgaard Annette , Nielsen Lars Hedemann , Sjölund Bengt H 
Published: September 2013

Objective: To examine whether patients assessed for initiation of oral intake only by Facial-Oral Tract Therapy had a greater risk of developing aspiration pneumonia during neurorehabilitation than patients assessed by Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Specialized, national neurorehabilitation centre. Subjects: Adult patients with acquired brain injury. Six hundred and seventy-nine patients were assessed for eligibility and 138 were randomly allocated between June 2009 and April 2011. Interventions: Assessment by Facial-Oral Tract Therapy (control group) or Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (intervention group). Main measure: Primary outcome was the number of aspiration pneumonias that developed after initiation of oral intake. Results: One hundred and nineteen patients were included in the analysis of the primary outcome (62 controls/57 interventions). Sixteen patients were clinically diagnosed with pneumonia (4 controls/12 interventions). Nine patients had to be excluded: 6 patients got pneumonia before initiating oral intake; 3 patients with the clinical diagnosis of pneumonia did not show radiological signs. Seven patients were left for analysis, 4 of whom developed aspiration pneumonia within 10 days after initiating oral intake (1 control/3 interventions). Conclusion: In the presence of a structured clinical assessment with the Facial-Oral Tract Therapy approach, it is unnecessary to undertake an instrumental investigation of swallowing before initiation of oral intake.
Effect of the temperature gradient on the interfacial strength of polyethylene/polyamide 6 during the sequential injection molding
Authors: Zhang Xianlong , Jiang Genjie , Wu Hong , Guo Shaoyun 
Published: September 2013

Effect of the temperature gradient on the interfacial strength of polyethylene (PE)/polyamide 6 (PA6) during the sequential injection molding (SIM) was investigated in this article. PE grafting with maleic anhydride (PE- g-MAH) was added into PE matrix to enhance the interfacial strength through the formation of the copolymer at PE/PA6 interface. The results showed that the reaction at PE + PE- g-MAH/PA6 interface was incomplete due to the steep temperature gradient built from the melt (the second part) to the solid (the first part) during SIM. However, the interfacial reaction proceeded further during annealing through the diffusion of the reactive groups into PE + PE- g-MAH/PA6 interface so that much more copolymers were formed at PE + PE- g-MAH/PA6 interface, resulting in obvious improvement of the interfacial strength after annealing. It was also found that the relationship between interfacial strength and PE- g-MAH content was a linear relation through data fitting under gradient cooling during SIM. However, the relationship became the square relation after annealing at 220°C for 10 min. Through the rheological analysis and morphological observation, it was concluded that the interfacial temperature was a very important factor to control the interfacial strength during SIM.
Assessing adherence to oral chemotherapy using different measurement methods: Lessons learned from capecitabine
Authors: Walter Thomas , Wang Lisa , Chuk Karen , Ng Pamela , Tannock Ian F , Krzyzanowska Monika K 
Published: September 2013

Purpose Adherence to oral medication is important in oncology. Few studies have evaluated adherence with cancer agents such as capecitabine, which is given on a complicated schedule. Furthermore, little guidance exists regarding the best methods for monitoring adherence with oral cancer drugs. The purpose of our study was to evaluate adherence to capecitabine using several accepted measures. Patients and methods Patients treated with capecitabine for gastrointestinal cancers were included in this prospective cohort study. Adherence was evaluated during two consecutive cycles of capecitabine using three assessment methods: self-report, pill count, and use of a microelectronic monitoring system. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients adherent to capecitabine (>80% of adherence according to the three methods of measurement); the secondary objective was to compare the three methods of measurement. Results Nineteen patients were accrued to this study. Further accrual was stopped after the first planned analysis, because 18 and 19 patients were adherent by self-report and pill count, respectively. The overall adherence rates were 99, 100, and 61% with self-report, pill count, and microelectronic monitoring system cap, respectively. Ten (53%) patients were classified as nonadherent (<80% of adherence according to at least one method of measurement), but four of them transferred their pills into another medication container suggesting that measurement of adherence using microelectronic monitoring system technology may not be useful. Conclusion While we did not identify a major adherence issue with capecitabine in our study, it provides insight into problems associated with measurement of adherence in oncology and suggests that combining measures of adherence maximizes accuracy.
Digital Arthrodesis With a One-Piece Memory Nitinol Intramedullary Fixation Device
Authors: Sandhu Jaytinder S. , DeCarbo William T. , Hofbauer Mark H. 
Published: September 2013

A 1-piece memory Nitinol intramedullary fixation device (Smart Toe; Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, MI) was used for proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis for correction of painful hammertoes in digits 2, 3, and 4. Sixty-five implants were placed in 35 patients. The mean age of our patients was 62.2 years (range = 27-82; standard deviation = 12.5). Mean follow-up time was 27 months (range = 12-40 months; standard deviation = 7). Overall, a 93.8% fusion rate was noted. Complications were noted in 4 patients (6.1%): 1 asymptomatic nonunion (1.5%), 2 hardware failures (3%), and 1 implant displacement (1.5%). To date, no patients required revisional surgery or hardware removal. Level of Evidence: V
The Gata1 5′ region harbors distinct cis-regulatory modules that direct gene activation in erythroid cells and gene inactivation in HSCs
Authors: Takai Jun , Moriguchi Takashi , Suzuki Mikiko , Yu Lei , Ohneda Kinuko , Yamamoto Masayuki 
Published: September 2013

Key PointsThe combination of 3 core cis-elements represents the lineage-specific regulatory function of the Gata1 gene regulatory region. Gata1 gene expression is inactivated in HSCs by the cis-repressive activity of a 3.2-kb element in the upstream Gata1 gene regulatory region.
Nonlinear integral inequalities with delay for discontinuous functions and their applications
Authors: Mi Yuzhen , Deng Shengfu , Li Xiaopei 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This paper investigates integral inequalities with delay for discontinuous functions involving two nonlinear terms. We do not require the classes ℘ and ȷ in Gallo and Piccirillo’s paper (Bound. Value Probl. 2009:808124, 2009). Our main results can be applied to generalize Gallo and Piccirillo’s results and Iovane’s results (Nonlinear Anal., Theory Methods Appl. 66:498-508, 2007). Examples to show the bounds of solutions of an impulsive differential equation are also given, which can not be estimated by Gallo and Piccirillo’s results.

MSC:26D15, 26D20.
Analysis of the immunologic status of a newly diagnosed HIV positive population in China
Authors: Shen Yinzhong , Lu Hongzhou , Wang Zhenyan , Qi Tangkai , Wang Jiangrong 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
The immunologic status of a newly diagnosed HIV positive population in the era of antiretroviral therapy in China has not been extensively evaluated. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to evaluate the CD4 counts of newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons and determine the factors influencing these counts in China.

Methods
Two thousand eight hundred and sixty-six newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients from 10 provinces in China were selected during 2009 to 2010. Serum samples were collected to measure CD4 counts by flow cytometry. Demographics and medical histories were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with low CD4 count (<100 cells/mm3) at HIV diagnosis.

Results
Among the 2866 patients, 2159 (75.33%) were male. Mean age was 40 years (range: 18–86 years). The median CD4 count at HIV diagnosis was 83 cells/mm3, 72.02% of the patients had a CD4 count that was ≤200 cells/mm3, 53.98% had CD4 counts <100 cells/mm3. The difference in CD4 counts between males and females was not statistically significant (P=0.469). The median CD4 count differed significantly according to age (P=0.002), province (P<0.001), ethnicity (P<0.001) and HIV transmission route (P<0.001). In multivariate logistic analysis, factors associated with greater odds of low CD4 count at HIV diagnosis included male sex, younger age, HIV transmission route classified as unknown transmission risk, having been diagnosed in provinces Guangxi, Henan, Heilongjiang, Jiangxi, Shanghai and Yunnan.

Conclusions
At the time of HIV diagnosis, a large proportion of HIV-infected patients in China had an initial CD4 count that was consistent with relatively advanced disease. Low CD4 count was associated with male gender, younger age, route of HIV transmission and geographical areas. HIV testing policy that promotes routine testing for HIV infection is needed to facilitate earlier HIV diagnosis.
Novel PTRF mutation in a child with mild myopathy and very mild congenital lipodystrophy
Authors: Ardissone Anna , Bragato Cinzia , Caffi Lorella , Blasevich Flavia , Maestrini Sabrina , Bianchi Maria Luisa , Morandi Lucia , Moroni Isabella , Mora Marina 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Mutations in the PTRF gene, coding for cavin-1, cause congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4 (CGL4) associated with myopathy. In CGL4, symptoms are variable comprising, in addition to myopathy, smooth and skeletal muscle hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmias, and skeletal abnormalities. Secondary features are atlantoaxial instability, acanthosis nigricans, hepatomegaly, umbilical prominence and metabolic abnormalities related to insulin resistance, such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis.

Case presentation
We describe a 3 year-old child of Moroccan origin with mild muscle phenotype, mainly characterized by mounding, muscle pain, hyperCKemia and mild caveolin 3 reduction on muscle biopsy. No CAV3 gene mutation was detected; instead we found a novel mutation, a homozygous single base pair deletion, in the PTRF gene. Only after detection of this mutation a mild generalized loss of subcutaneous fat, at first underestimated, was noticed and the diagnosis of lipodystrophy inferred.

Conclusions
The PTRF gene should be investigated in patients with hyperCKemia, mild myopathy associated with spontaneous or percussion-induced muscle contractions like rippling or mounding, and no CAV3 mutation. The analysis should be performed even if cardiac or metabolic alterations are absent, particularly in young patients in whom lipodystrophy may be difficult to ascertain.
Associations between psychological stress, eating, physical activity, sedentary behaviours and body weight among women: a longitudinal study
Authors: Mouchacca Jennifer , Abbott Gavin R , Ball Kylie 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is an increased risk of obesity amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and emerging evidence suggests that psychological stress may be a key factor in this relationship. This paper reports the results of cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of relationships between perceived stress, weight and weight-related behaviours in a cohort of socioeconomically disadvantaged women.MethodsThis study used baseline and follow-up self-report survey data from the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study, comprising a cohort of 1382 women aged 18 to 46 years from 80 of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. Women reported their height (baseline only), weight, sociodemographic characteristics, perceived stress, leisure-time physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviours at baseline and three-year follow-up. Linear and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between stress (predictor) and weight, and weight-related behaviours.ResultsHigher perceived stress in women was associated with a higher BMI, and to increased odds of being obese in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were found between stress and both less leisure-time physical activity, and more frequent fast food consumption. Longitudinal associations were also found between stress and increased television viewing time.ConclusionThe present study contributes to the literature related to the effects of stress on weight and weight-related behaviours. The findings suggest that higher stress levels could contribute to obesity risk in women. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these associations. However, interventions that incorporate stress management techniques might help to prevent rising obesity rates among socioeconomically disadvantaged women.
Malaysian child infected with Plasmodium vivax via blood transfusion: a case report
Authors: Anthony Claudia N , Lau Yee-Ling , Sum Jia-Siang , Fong Mun-Yik , Ariffin Hany , Zaw Wai-Linn , Jeyajothi Indra , Mahmud Rohela 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Malaria may be a serious complication of blood transfusion due to the asymptomatic persistence of parasites in some donors. This case report highlights the transfusion-transmitted malaria of Plasmodium vivax in a child diagnosed with germ cell tumour. This child had received blood transfusion from three donors and a week later started developing malaria like symptoms. Nested PCR and sequencing confirmed that one of the three donors was infected with P. vivax and this was transmitted to the 12-year-old child. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported transfusion-transmitted malaria case in Malaysia.
VEGF-A isoform modulation in an preclinical TNBS model of ulcerative colitis: protective effects of a VEGF164b therapy
Authors: Cromer Walter E , Ganta Chaitanya V , Patel Mihir , Traylor James , Kevil Christopher G , Alexander J Steven , Mathis J Michael 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease in the USA. A key component of UC is the increase in inflammatory angiogenesis of the colon during active disease. This increase is driven to a great extent by the over expression of VEGF-A. Recently, VEGF165b (VEGF164b in mouse), an anti-angiogenic form of VEGF-A was described and its regulation was determined to be disturbed in many pathologies such as cancer and pre-eclampsia.

Results
The aims of this study were to examine the role of this inhibitory VEGF by expressing this molecule in a model of intestinal inflammation, and to evaluate its expression as a potential new therapeutic approach for treating UC. A modified model of TNBS colitis was used to determine the effects of rVEGF164b expression on colon inflammation. Expansion of the vascular system was assessed by immunhistochemical methods and macro- and microscopic measurements of inflammation in the colon were measured. Leukocyte invasion of the tissue was measured by myeloperoxidase assay and identification and counting of lymphoid follicles. Both angio- and lymphangiogenesis were reduced by expression of rVEGF164b, which correlated with reduction in both gross and microscopic inflammatory scores. Leukocyte invasion of the tissue was also reduced by rVEGF164b expression.

Conclusions
This is the first report using an endogenous inhibitory VEGF-A isoform for therapy in a model of experimental colitis. Inhibitory VEGF molecules play an important role in maintenance of gut homeostasis and may be dysregulated in UC. The results of this study suggest that restoration of rVEGF164b expression has anti-inflammatory activity in a TNBS model and warrants further examination as a possible therapeutic for UC.
Perioperative evaluation of tumescent anaesthesia technique in bitches submitted to unilateral mastectomy
Authors: Credie Leonardo de Freitas Guimaraes Arcov , Luna Stelio Pacca Loureiro , Futema Fabio , da Silva Luciano Cacciari Baruffaldi Almeida , Gomes Giancarlo Bressane , Garcia Jaqueline Neratika Negrette , de Carvalho Lidia Raquel 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundTumescent anaesthesia (TA) is a widely used technique in oncologic surgeries necessitating large resection margins. This technique produces transoperative and postoperative analgesia, reduces surgical bleeding, and facilitates tissue divulsion. This prospective, randomised, blind study evaluated the use of TA in bitches submitted to mastectomy and compared the effect of TA with an intravenous fentanyl bolus. A 2.5-mcg/kg intravenous fentanyl bolus (n = 10) was compared with TA using 0.275% lidocaine (n = 10) in bitches submitted to unilateral mastectomy. Sedation was performed by intramuscular (IM) injection of 0.05 mg/kg of acepromazine combined with 2 mg/kg of meperidine. Anaesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg of intravenous propofol and maintained with isoflurane/O2. Heart and respiratory rates; systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial blood pressures; central venous pressure; SpO2; ETCO2; inspired and expired isoflurane concentrations; and temperature were measured transoperatively. Visual analogue scales for sedation and pain and the Glasgow composite and Melbourne pain scales were used for postoperative assessment. The surgeon investigated the quality of the surgical approach, considering bleeding and resection ability, and the incidence of postoperative wound complications.ResultsThe heart rate was lower and the end-tidal isoflurane concentration was higher in dogs treated with fentanyl than in dogs treated with TA. A fentanyl bolus was administered to 8 of 10 dogs treated with fentanyl and to none treated with TA. Intraoperative bleeding and the mammary gland excision time were lower in dogs treated with TA. The maximal mean and individual plasma lidocaine concentrations were 1426 ± 502 ng/ml and 2443 ng/ml at 90 minutes after infiltration, respectively. The Glasgow Composite Pain Scale scores were higher in dogs treated with fentanyl than in dogs treated with TA until 2 hours after extubation.ConclusionsCompared with intravenous fentanyl, TA in bitches: may be easily performed in non-inflamed, ulcerated, adhered mammary tumours; has an isoflurane-sparing effect; improves transoperative and immediate postoperative analgesia; is apparently safe for use in clinical conditions as evidenced by the fact that it did not produce any adverse signs or lidocaine plasma concentrations compatible with toxicity; does not modify the recovery time; and facilitates the surgical procedure without interfering with wound healing.
Improving the management of imported schistosomiasis haematobia in China: lessons from a case with multiple misdiagnoses
Authors: Hua Hai-Yong , Wang Wei , Cao Guo-Qun , Tang Feng , Liang You-Sheng 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Human Schistosoma haematobium infection that causes urinary schistosomiasis occurs in Africa and the eastern Mediterranean, and China is only endemic for S. japonicum. In this report, we reported an imported case with S. haematobium infection returning from Angola to Shaanxi Province, northwestern China, where S. japonicum is not endemic.

Findings
The case was misdiagnosed as ureteral calculus, invasive urothelial carcinoma and eosinophilic cystitis in several hospitals, and was finally diagnosed by means of serological assay followed by microscopic examination of the urine sediment. The patient was then treated with praziquantel, and a satisfactory outcome was obtained.

Conclusions
As S. haematobium is not indigenous to China, most Chinese doctors and medical technicians are unfamiliar with this introduced parasitic disease, therefore, they need to increase the awareness of its existence when they encounter persons who have visited or resided in endemic areas, and the techniques for detection of the parasite, so as to reduce the misdiagnosis. In addition, health education should be given to those who will go to the endemic areas to improve their knowledge and awareness on prevention and control of schistosomiasis haematobia, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to the infested freshwater.
Immunocytochemical localization of saikosaponin-d in vegetative organs of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Zheng Li , Si Jingjing , Miao Yan , Peng Yong , Cai Xia 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Saikosaponin-d (SSd) is an important active component of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Thus far, the biosynthetic pathway and biosynthetic site of saikosaponins in Bupleurum are largely unknown. The cellular localization of SSd will help in understanding saikosaponin biosynthesis and regulation.

Results
In this study, we characterize for the first time the localization of SSd in B. scorzonerifolium tissues and cells using histochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. The results show that the saikosaponin distribution in different plant organs changes as they mature. The number of SSd gold particles distinctly differed among the roots, stems, and leaves, with the particles mainly concentrated in the roots. The gold particles were mainly observed in vacuoles, with a few particles in the protoplasm; hence, SSd is mainly stored in vacuoles.

Conclusions
We speculate that saikosaponins are mainly synthesized via the mevalonate pathway in the protoplasm in young organs, and then transported to the central vacuole by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or the fusion of vacuoles, to protect plants from self-poisoning with the accumulation of more saikosaponins.