bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Installation of roof-top solar PV modules and their impact on building cooling load
Authors: Kotak Y , Gago EJ , Mohanty P , Muneer T 
Published: March 2014

It has been shown by many researchers that over a long term there has been a slow but steady rise of ambient temperature within the Indian sub-continent. Due to an increased economic prosperity there has been an accompanied increase in the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, urbanisation of large cities in India has also led to higher population densities. The above factors had the combined effect of a significant increase of cooling load of buildings. The high density of dwellings and other building construction has resulted in shading of walls. However, the flat roof spaces are exposed to an uninterrupted solar radiation regime and this in turn leads to generation of high sol-air temperatures which cause higher cooling loads. Presently, it has been argued that roof spaces are one of the major contributors to building cooling load. In this article, the reasons behind the phenomenal rise in the installation of air-conditioners in India are reviewed. The dual role of roof-top PV systems in electricity generation and reduction of building cooling load due to the shading they provide is then investigated. For this purpose, the CIBSE method to obtain sol-air temperature with solar radiation and outdoor ambient temperature has been used. Sol-air temperature for five key Indian locations (Delhi, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and Chennai), based on the recently presented data by the NREL-India Meteorological Department consortium, were then obtained. A computer simulation routine was presently developed for solving the classical transient heat conduction problem with hourly sol-air temperature data and roof construction details provided to the routine. This program was executed to obtain the cooling load profile for each of the five Indian locations for the respective design day. Practical application: The present work reviews the reasons behind the phenomenal rise in the installation of air-conditioners in India. The dual role of roof-top PV systems in electricity generation and reduction of building cooling load due to the shading they provide has been investigated. The computer simulation demonstrated that the energy required for roof-induced cooling load decreased between 73% and 90% after installation of the PV system. The method used in this work has the advantage that it enables the user to obtain cooling load estimates using a general transient heat conduction approach. Moreover, all software was developed within MS-Excel environment, this is also an additional advantage as the cost associated with purchase and training of proprietary building energy software can be prohibitive for many consultants who are based in developing countries.
Detection of Delta-like 1 ligand for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis: An effective and rapid diagnostic method
Authors: Peng Tao , Zhou Yan , Li Jinyi , Li Jinghong , Wan Wencui , Jia Yanjie 
Published: March 2014

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of Delta-like 1 ligand (DLL1) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum, in tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Methods Patients with a definite diagnosis of central nervous system infection (TBM, viral meningitis/encephalitis or bacterial meningitis) were prospectively enrolled alongside patients with intracranial metastatic tumour and patients with no diagnosis (who served as controls). DLL1 content in CSF and serum was measured quantitatively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; analyses were blinded. Results A total of 173 patients were enrolled: 62 with TBM; 38 with viral meningitis/encephalitis; 26 with bacterial meningitis; 17 with intracranial metastatic tumour; 30 with no diagnosis. CSF DLL1 content was highest for TBM; there were no differences in CSF DLL1 between the other groups. Serum DLL1 content was highest for the TBM and intracranial metastatic tumour groups, with significant differences between the TBM group and the viral meningitis/encephalitis, bacterial meningitis and nondiagnosed groups. There were no differences in serum DLL1 between the viral meningitis/encephalitis, bacterial meningitis and nondiagnosed groups, or between the TBM group and the tumour group. Conclusion As a new biomarker, DLL1 may be of great clinical importance in the diagnosis of TBM.
Limited-Open Achilles Tendon Repair Using Locking Sutures Versus Nonlocking Sutures
Authors: Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Gilbert Susannah L. , Young Elizabeth , Baxter Josh R. , Deland Jonathan T. 
Published: March 2014

Background: Several limited-open Achilles tendon repair techniques that use locking or nonlocking sutures have been developed, but direct comparisons of in vitro mechanical properties have not yet been reported in the literature. It was our hypothesis that loads applied to the repaired Achilles tendon would be better resisted by limited-open techniques that use locking stitches compared with limited-open repairs that use nonlocking stitches. Methods: The Achilles tendons of 31 fresh-frozen cadaver lower limbs were incised 4 cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion. Tendons were then repaired using 1 of 2 limited-open Achilles tendon repair tools, one using 3 nonlocking sutures and the other using a combination of locking and nonlocking sutures. Repaired specimens were cycled to 1000 cycles from 20 to 100 N and from 20 to 190 N followed by a single load to failure test. Nonparametric analyses were performed to compare the number of cycles to gapping and total load to failure between the 2 repair techniques. Results: During cyclic loading, more cycles occurred prior to detection of 2-mm and 9.5-mm gaps in the locking suture construct compared with the nonlocking suture construct ( P = .012 and P = .005, respectively). There was no difference in the number of cycles to a gap of 5 mm ( P = .053). The locking suture construct also resisted a significantly greater load to failure compared with the nonlocking suture construct ( P < .001; median 385.0 and 299.6 N, respectively). Conclusion: Limited-open repair techniques using locking sutures provided greater construct strength under both cyclic and ultimate loads compared with a repair technique that used only nonlocking sutures. Clinical Relevance: Limited-open Achilles tendon repairs using locking sutures are better able to resist forces simulating early accelerated rehabilitation than repairs using nonlocking sutures.
Modification of the Weil/Maceira Metatarsal Osteotomy for Coronal Plane Malalignment During Crossover Toe Correction
Authors: Klinge Stephen A. , McClure Philip , Fellars Todd , DiGiovanni Christopher W. 
Published: March 2014

Background: Metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) instability, which often involves the second ray, may result in dorsal translation and coronal drift of the proximal phalanx, with subsequent crossover of the first and second toe. After traditionally described soft tissue and osteotomy procedures are used to treat this deformity, coronal plane malalignment may persist, but few additional surgical options have been described to address this problem. Methods: We present a retrospective series of 5 patients who underwent a supplemental technique to augment coronal plane MPJ realignment. All patients underwent preplanned concomitant procedures. Crossover angulation of the second MPJ, amount of coronal translation required, and overall first-second ray alignment were compared pre- and postoperatively. Results: Depending on the severity of refractory deformity after soft tissue release and decompressive metatarsal osteotomy, 1.5 to 4.5 mm of coronal plane metatarsal head translation was required to achieve 3 to 20 degrees of overall valgus correction at the MPJ and complete correction of the crossover toe deformity. All patients were satisfied and had good function at last follow-up, a mean of 10.2 months, although 3 patients exhibited some level of second MPJ stiffness. One patient ended up with a component of residual floating toe deformity that was considered more of an incomplete correction of dorsal MPJ subluxation rather than any technical complication of this translational osteotomy modification designed to primarily correct coronal plane malalignment. A second patient had asymptomatic angular malalignment through partial (coronal plane) malrotation of the metatarsal osteotomy before it had healed. Conclusions: We have found this technique modification to be a very effective and simple means of treating recalcitrant lesser MPJ coronal plane malalignment when traditional soft tissue and bony techniques fail to fully restore anatomic MPJ position. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Veterans Healthcare Administration providers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding pragmatic trials embedded at the point of care
Authors: Weir Charlene R , Butler Jorie , Thraen Iona , Woods Patricia A , Hermos John , Ferguson Ryan , Gleason Theresa , Barrus Robyn , Fiore Louis 
Published: March 2014

Background The Veterans Healthcare Administration (VA) is implementing an adaptation of a pragmatic trial program, Point of Care Research (POC-R). The goal of POC-R is to embed research into clinical practice, contributing to a Learning Healthcare System. Provider acceptance and participation in POC-R is essential to its successful implementation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate provider’s perceptions and beliefs regarding the POC-R program. Methods Provider focus groups and interviews were conducted at seven VA medical facilities involving 62 providers. A semi-structured script was used that included descriptions of four use cases and targeted questions regarding perceptions, concerns, and attitudes about the POC-R program. Sessions were audio-taped, de-identified, transcribed, and analyzed using systematic qualitative techniques to create response categories and overarching themes. Results The emergent themes were as follows: (1) POC-R is a valuable component of evidence-based practice, providing an opportunity to base clinical practice on more generalizable evidence as well as providing tools to improve local practice; (2) POC-R highlights the tension between the need for autonomy of practice and compliance with protocols; (3) POC-R may create increased time and burden resulting from added research responsibilities; (4) concern about the scientific validity and reliability of results; (5) potential for a negative impact on the provider–patient relationship; and (6) uncertainty regarding what constitutes equipoise, given differences in provider knowledge and preferences. Despite substantive concerns, barriers were generally felt to be solvable. Implementation should include provider education, careful attention to workflow for all arms of the study, inclusion of the entire team, and adequate oversight. Limitations The study design is qualitative with limited implications for causal inference. Participants are from the VA and may not be representative of other clinicians. Conclusion VA providers are supportive of the importance and value of pragmatic trials in general and of POC-R in particular. However, providers have significant concerns regarding the burden, ethics, and evidence regarding equipoise. Results are discussed in terms of implementation recommendations.
A green and black tea extract benefits urological health in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Katz Aaron , Efros Mitchell , Kaminetsky Jed , Herrlinger Kelli , Chirouzes Diana , Ceddia Michael 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a green and black tea extract blend [AssuriTEA Men’s Health (AMH)] in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 46 men aged 30–70 with an American Urologic Association symptom score (AUAss) of at least 8 and up to 24 were randomized to 500 mg AMH, 1000 mg AMH, or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline (BL), week 6 and week 12 for AUAss, simple uroflowmetry, postvoid residual volume (PVR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Results: A total of 40 subjects completed the study. AUAss decreased 34.5% from BL to week 12 in the 1000 mg AMH group ( p = 0.008). At week 12, CRP increased in the 500 mg AMH ( p = 0.003) and placebo ( p = 0.012) groups from their BL levels but not in the 1000 mg group. Average urine flow (Qmean) increased in the 500 mg ( p = 0.033) and 1000 mg AMH ( p = 0.002) groups versus placebo. PVR decreased in the 1000 mg AMH group ( p = 0.034) from BL at week 6. Treatment group effects were observed for the physical functioning and sexual desire domains of the SF-36 and IIEF ( p = 0.051 and p = 0.005 respectively). AMH was well tolerated. Conclusions: Oral administration of AMH improved LUTS and quality of life in as little as 6 weeks.
Prevalence of Freestyle Biomechanical Errors in Elite Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Virag Bonnie , Hibberd Elizabeth E. , Oyama Sakiko , Padua Darin A. , Myers Joseph B. 
Published: March 2014

Background: Poor freestyle stroke biomechanics is a suggested risk factor for shoulder pain and pathology, but this has not been proven in biomechanical or clinical studies. Furthermore, the prevalence of these theoretical errors has not been identified, which would help coaches, athletic trainers, and researchers determine the most appropriate errors to focus on and develop interventions. Hypothesis: The majority of swimmers will present with at least 1 freestyle stroke error. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Stroke biomechanics for 31 swimmers from a collegiate swimming team were captured using underwater/above-water cameras. Each video was evaluated for biomechanical errors: a dropped elbow during the pull-through phase, a dropped elbow during the recovery phase, an eyes-forward head-carrying angle, incorrect hand position during hand entry, incorrect hand entry angle, incorrect pull-through pattern, and inadequate body roll. Error prevalence was calculated, and relationships among the errors were evaluated using chi-square statistics. Results: A dropped elbow during the pull-through phase (61.3%) and a dropped elbow during the recovery phase (53.2%) had the highest prevalence. A dropped elbow during the recovery phase was significantly associated with a thumb-first hand entry angle ( P = 0.027) and incorrect hand entry position ( P = 0.009). An eyes-forward head-carrying angle was associated with an incorrect pull-through pattern ( P = 0.047). Conclusion: Biomechanical errors potentially detrimental to the shoulder are prevalent among swimmers. Many of the errors were interrelated, suggesting that one error may lead to other errors. Clinical Relevance: These errors highlight the need for proper stroke instruction and evaluation to decrease the risk of shoulder injury in competitive swimmers.
p57 regulates T-cell development and prevents lymphomagenesis by balancing p53 activity and pre-TCR signaling
Authors: Matsumoto Akinobu , Takeishi Shoichiro , Nakayama Keiichi I. 
Published: March 2014

Key PointsAblation of p57 in T cells blocks differentiation at an early developmental stage as a result of excessive activation of E2F. Additional ablation of E2F1 or p53 normalizes p57-deficiency phenotypes, but loss of both p57 and p53 eventually results in thymic lymphoma.
Gene mutations and treatment outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: results from the CLL8 trial
Authors: Stilgenbauer Stephan , Schnaiter Andrea , Paschka Peter , Zenz Thorsten , Rossi Marianna , Döhner Konstanze , Bühler Andreas , Böttcher Sebastian , Ritgen Matthias , Kneba Michael , Winkler Dirk , Tausch Eugen , Hoth Patrick , Edelmann Jennifer , Mertens Daniel , Bullinger Lars , Bergmann Manuela , Kless Sabrina , Mack Silja , Jäger Ulrich , Patten Nancy , Wu Lin , Wenger Michael K. , Fingerle-Rowson Günter , Lichter Peter , Cazzola Mario , Wendtner Clemens M. , Fink Anna M. , Fischer Kirsten , Busch Raymonde , Hallek Michael , Döhner Hartmut 
Published: March 2014

Key Points
Independent prognostic impact of biological markers, notably TP53 and SF3B1 mutations, in CLL patients requiring therapy. NOTCH1 mutation as a predictive factor for reduced benefit from the addition of rituximab to FC chemotherapy.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Exemestane blocks mesothelioma growth through downregulation of cAMP, pCREB and CD44 implicating new treatment option in patients affected by this disease
Authors: Nuvoli Barbara , Germoni Sabrina , Morosetti Carlotta , Santoro Raffaela , Cortese Giancarlo , Masi Serena , Cordone Iole , Galati Rossella 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Background
Recent evidence suggests that aromatase may be involved in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Here, we evaluated the effect of exemestane, an inhibitor of aromatase, in the treatment of mesothelioma using in vitro and in vivo preclinical models.

Results
We show a significant reduction of cell proliferation, survival, migration and block of cells in S phase of cell cycle in mesothelioma cells upon exemestane treatment. Moreover, we find that CD44, which is involved in mesothelioma cells migration, was modulated by exemestane via cAMP and pCREB. Most importantly, in mice mesothelioma xenograft exemestane causes a significant decrease in tumor size and the association pemetrexed/exemestane is more effective than pemetrexed/cisplatin.

Conclusion
The preclinical mesothelioma model suggests that exemestane might be beneficial in mesothelioma treatment.
Measuring socioeconomic status in multicountry studies: results from the eight-country MAL-ED study
Authors: Psaki Stephanie R , Seidman Jessica C , Miller Mark , Gottlieb Michael , Bhutta Zulfiqar A , Ahmed Tahmeed , Ahmed AM Shamsir , Bessong Pascal , John Sushil M , Kang Gagandeep , Kosek Margaret , Lima Aldo , Shrestha Prakash , Svensen Erling , Checkley William ,   MAL-ED Network Investigators
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
There is no standardized approach to comparing socioeconomic status (SES) across multiple sites in epidemiological studies. This is particularly problematic when cross-country comparisons are of interest. We sought to develop a simple measure of SES that would perform well across diverse, resource-limited settings.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 800 children aged 24 to 60 months across eight resource-limited settings. Parents were asked to respond to a household SES questionnaire, and the height of each child was measured. A statistical analysis was done in two phases. First, the best approach for selecting and weighting household assets as a proxy for wealth was identified. We compared four approaches to measuring wealth: maternal education, principal components analysis, Multidimensional Poverty Index, and a novel variable selection approach based on the use of random forests. Second, the selected wealth measure was combined with other relevant variables to form a more complete measure of household SES. We used child height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) as the outcome of interest.

Results
Mean age of study children was 41 months, 52% were boys, and 42% were stunted. Using cross-validation, we found that random forests yielded the lowest prediction error when selecting assets as a measure of household wealth. The final SES index included access to improved water and sanitation, eight selected assets, maternal education, and household income (the WAMI index). A 25% difference in the WAMI index was positively associated with a difference of 0.38 standard deviations in HAZ (95% CI 0.22 to 0.55).

Conclusions
Statistical learning methods such as random forests provide an alternative to principal components analysis in the development of SES scores. Results from this multicountry study demonstrate the validity of a simplified SES index. With further validation, this simplified index may provide a standard approach for SES adjustment across resource-limited settings.
Blood-brain barrier damages and intrathecal synthesis of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR2 antibodies in diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hirohata Shunsei , Arinuma Yoshiyuki , Yanagida Tamiko , Yoshio Taku 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Although neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is one of the recalcitrant complications of the disease, its pathogenesis still remains unclear. Previous studies revealed that antibodies reactive with NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor NR2 (anti-NR2) are elevated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with diffuse psychiatric/neuropsychological syndromes (diffuse NPSLE), which is usually more recalcitrant than neurologic syndromes of NPSLE (focal NPSLE). Two mechanisms have been implicated for the elevation of CSF IgG, including intrathecal synthesis and transudation through the damaged blood-brain barrier (BBB). The present study was designed in order to elucidate the roles of BBB function and intrathecal synthesis of anti-NR2 in the elevation of CSF anti-NR2 with regard to the severity in NPSLE.

Methods
Paired serum and CSF samples were obtained from 81 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients when they presented active neuropsychiatric manifestations, and from 22 non-SLE control patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases. The 81 SLE patients consisted of 55 patients with diffuse NPSLE, including 23 patients with acute confusional state (ACS), the severest form of diffuse NPSLE, and 26 patients with neurologic syndromes or peripheral nervous system involvement (focal NPSLE). IgG anti-NR2 and albumin were measured by ELISA. BBB function and intrathecal synthesis of anti-NR2 were evaluated by Q albumin and by CSF anti-NR2 index, respectively.

Results
CSF anti-NR2 levels, Q albumin and CSF anti-NR2 index were significantly higher in NPSLE than in non-SLE control. CSF anti-NR2 levels and Q albumin were significantly higher in ACS than in non-ACS diffuse NPSLE (anxiety disorder, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorder and psychosis) or in focal NPSLE, whereas there was no significant difference in CSF anti-NR2 index among the 3 groups. CSF anti-NR2 levels were significantly correlated with Q albumin in diffuse NPSLE (r = 0.3754, P = 0.0053).

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that the severity of BBB damages plays a crucial role in the development of ACS, the severest form of diffuse NPSLE, through the accelerated entry of larger amounts of anti-NR2 into the central nervous system.