bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpreting the multi-biomarker disease activity score in the context of tocilizumab treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Reiss William G. , Devenport Jenny N. , Low Jason M. , Wu George , Sasso Eric H. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

The multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA) score measures 12 proteins involved in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to assess disease activity (DA). Previous studies demonstrated correlations between MBDA and clinical DA scores with some RA therapies. In this analysis, the relationship between DA and MBDA scores and changes in MBDA component biomarkers were evaluated in tocilizumab (TCZ)-treated patients. Patients from the ACT-RAY study were included in this analysis if they had DA measures and serum collected at pre-specified time points with sufficient serum for MBDA testing at ≥1 visit. Descriptive statistics, associations between outcomes, and percentage agreement between DA categories were calculated. Seventy-eight patients were included and were similar to the ACT-RAY population. Correlations between MBDA score and DAS28-CRP were ρ = 0.50 at baseline and ρ = 0.26 at week 24. Agreement between low/moderate/high categories of MBDA score and DAS28-CRP was observed for 77.1 % of patients at baseline and 23.7 % at week 24. Mean changes from baseline to weeks 4, 12, and 24 were proportionately smaller for MBDA score than DAS28-CRP. Unlike some other MBDA biomarkers, interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations increased in most patients during TCZ treatment. Correlations and agreement between MBDA and DAS28-CRP or CDAI scores were lower at week 24 versus baseline. The proportionately smaller magnitude of response observed for MBDA score versus DAS28-CRP may be due to the influence of the increase in IL-6 concentrations on MBDA score. Thus, MBDA scores obtained during TCZ treatment should be interpreted cautiously and in the context of available clinical information.
The importance of reproductive interference in ecology and evolution: from organisms to communities
Authors: Cothran Rickey D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractKnowledge of species interactions is vital to understand ecological and evolutionary patterns in nature. Traditional species interactions (e.g., competition, predation, symbiosis) have received a great deal of deserved attention and their general importance in shaping the evolution of populations and structure of communities is unquestioned. Recently, reproductive interference has been receiving attention as an important species interaction. Reproductive interference is defined as interspecific reproductive activities that decrease the fitness of at least one of the species involved in the interaction. Reproductive interference has the potential to affect the evolutionary trajectories of populations and structure of communities. Here, I comment on seven papers that make up this special feature on reproductive interference. Along the way I highlight key discoveries of these studies and areas of research that may contribute to our understanding of the causes and consequences of reproductive interference.
Low Grade Metamorphism in the Lalsot-Bayana Sub-basin of the North Delhi Fold Belt and its Tectonic Implication
Authors: Mehdi Muntazir , Kumar Santosh , Pant Naresh C. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
From west to east, the North Delhi Fold Belt (NDFB) is composed of the Khetri sub-basin, the Alwar sub-basin and the Lalsot-Bayana sub-basin. The metamorphic history of the easternmost Lalsot-Bayana sub-basin is considerably different from the other two as it has been reported to be nearly unmetamorphosed, while the other two subbasins display medium grade metamorphic assemblages. Textural, mineralogical and geothermometric data obtained for metabasic lithology, indicate metamorphism in the sub-greenschist facies conditions (~300°C temperature). This is corroborated by the development of chemically distinct authigenic phengitic muscovite in metasiltstone. The Alwar and the Khetri sub-basins preserve evidence of ~1000 Ma orogeny signifying closure of the Delhi basin in the form of amphibolites facies metamorphism which is lacking in the Lalsot-Bayana sub-basin. The lithopackage and metamorphism of this sub-basin suggests it to be a pre-Delhi intracratonic rift related volcanosedimentary sequence.
Chalcophile Element Depletion in Lower Deccan Trap Formations and Implications for Cu-Ni-PGE Sulphide Mineralization in the Deccan Traps, India akin to those of Norilsk-Talnakh, Siberian Traps, Russia
Authors: Krishnamurthy P. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Chalcophile element depletion in the basalts of Nadezhdinsky Formation, Siberian traps, manifested by the Cu/Zr ratios (&lt; 1) has been recognized as one of the most critical geochemical features in the ore genesis model of the world class Norilsk-Talnakh Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide deposit. Such a feature has been brought to light from the c.3 km thick lava pile of Deccan traps from the Western Ghats. In the lowest Jawhar, Igatpuri and Thakurvadi formations (c. 1.3 km) in the Kalsubai sub-group, where 62 out of the 65 samples have Cu/Zr ratios &lt; 1. Such depletion is also shared by several dykes from the Narmada and Tapti rift zones that are considered to be the source regions for the flows.
Sequential ore genetic processes envisaged for such depletion at Norilsk include, crustal contamination with country rocks, sulphur saturation, sulphide liquid immiscibility and finally enrichment in the tenor of Ni, Cu and PGE in the sulphides. Identification of such enriched zones in magma plumbing systems (chonoliths) and intrusions (dykes and sills) near the source regions within the Deccan traps is a huge challenge for exploration geologists in India.
First Estimate of Plate Motion at Maitri GPS Site, Indian Base Station at Antarctica
Authors: Ghavri Sapna , Catherine Joshi K , Gahalaut Vineet K 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
We analyse GPS data from the Indian permanent GPS station at Maitri for measuring the plate motion at this site. We find that this site moves at a velocity of 4.6 mm/year predominantly towards north, which is consistent with the expected plate motion of Antarctic plate at this site.
Slope Stability Monitoring by Quantification and Behavior of Microseismic Events in an Opencast Coal Mine
Authors: Vinoth S. , Kumar L. Ajay , Kumar E. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The application of a routine high resolution microseismic monitoring system installed in an opencast coal mine for monitoring highwall slope failures is discussed. A PC based microseismic network consisting of geophones, data loggers, GPS synchronization and Ethernet antennas for wireless communication is employed to study the impact of induced seismicity on the slope failures in real time. The study aimed to understand the rock mass response to mining induced seismicity from the behavior of seismic events within rock mass. The level of induced seismicity due to underground excavation is determined from the seismic source parameters such as locations, magnitude, and seismic energy. The status of the slope is assessed by the quantification of the microseismic events. The understanding of spatial and temporal distribution of the seismic events within the mining district correlated well with the existing geological structures and the excavation sequence. The application of microseismic system in the opencast mine has not only yielded confident results, but also marked as an effective tool for continuous monitoring of seismicity on the deep opencast slopes for mitigating the seismic risks and hazard management.
Spatial Assessment of Groundwater Over-exploitation in Northwestern Districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Shahid Shamsuddin , Wang Xian-June , Rahman M. Moshiur , Hasan Rashidul , Harun Sobri Bin , Shamsudin Supiah 
Published: May 2015

Abstract:
Groundwater demand in northwestern districts of Bangladesh is increasing rapidly with the growth of population and the expansion of irrigated agriculture. Development and management of groundwater resources are essential to supply the growing population with sufficient water for economic development as well as for the sustainable environment of the region. In the present study, groundwater recharge-abstraction balance method has been used for the spatial assessment of groundwater development potential. The abstraction of groundwater is estimated from irrigation and domestic water demands in the study area. The net recharge calculated from groundwater table fluctuation data, whereas the abstraction of groundwater is estimated from irrigation and domestic water demands in the study area. The study shows that out of twenty-six sub-districts, groundwater exploitation has reached to a critical condition in fourteen subdistricts. Development of surface water resources and water conservation are essential to reduce the stress on groundwater exploitation.
The Mechanisms and Geotechnical Characteristics of Slope Failures at a Mining District, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Igwe Ogbonnaya 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
A procedure encompassing field, laboratory and numerical analyses was employed to re-analyze the mechanism of slope failures at a mining district in south eastern Nigeria. The slopes have been re-evaluated on the basis of new evidence. The study identified 43 landslide events which were mainly shallow, short run-out slides triggered during rainfall. The sand grains were analysed by scanning electron microscope for evidence of microstructures, surface texture and grain crushing. The analysis revealed that the soil particles associated with landslide are somewhat rounded, fairly sorted, and absence of any grain crushing. Shearing tests were carried out at various normal stress and relative density conditions. The specimens with relative density of about 32 % responded to shearing in a strain-softening pattern; and as normal stress and over-consolidation ratio increased, there was no transition from contractive to dilative behaviour. On the contrary, under a constant normal stress (196 kPa) and increasing relative density (from 45.9 % to 75.5 %), the soils exhibited dilative behaviours. It is shown that increase in relative density, normal stress or over-consolidation ratio did not affect the brittleness index significantly. A numerical method based on strength reduction technique simulated a landslide which structure, run-out distance and distribution area were consistent with field observations. It is deduced that the slopes are unstable under intense rainfall conditions due to the effects of soil characteristics, excess pore water generation and the alternating swelling and shrinkage of the claystone layers interbedded with the sand bodies.
Assessment of Sedimentary Basin effect on Soil Structure in Kerman City Deposits Using Destructuring Coefficient Criterion
Authors: Bazanjani Mohammad Reza Aminizadeh , Lashkaripour Golam Reza , Ghafoori Mohammad , Moghadas Naser Hafezi 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Destructuring coefficient is an index that shows effect of geological history and sedimentary processes on formation of fabric and structure in fine soils. In this research, the necessary studies for determining destructuring coefficient in Kerman city deposits were done by the behavior of natural and reconstituted soils. Thus, at first, reconstituted consolidation curves for the deposits called intrinsic compression curve was extracted. For evaluating soil destructuring coefficient, three different methods which are applicable in evaluating soil destructuring coefficient were applied. Thus, the required parameters of any model were extracted and natural compression curves were compared with intrinsic compression line or curves; then soil destructuring coefficient was calculated using theoretical model. The results showed that range of destructuring coefficient was less than unit and structure and fabric of soils were not developed. Also, formation of cement between the grains was not complete.
The Application of Velocity-Independent Normal Moveout Correction of Long-Offset Seismic Data
Authors: Si-Xin Zhu , Xing-Xiang Jian 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The paper deals with the long offset hyperbolic curve with time, on the basis of double parameter normal moveout (NMO) velocity analysis. A non-hyperbolic time equation independent of velocity and the time-curve slope was derived. By replacing velocity and inhomogeneity parameter S with slope and slope derivative, long-offset normal moveout method independent of velocity was achieved. The simulated data and the actual data show that, this method can be used to solve the problems when the hyperbolic time equation was applied to velocity analysis. In the deep layers, the NMO will be increasingly smaller with the increase of reflection stratum depth, resulting in higher NMO velocity error and lower the accuracy of analysis. The most obvious characteristic of this method is the accuracy of NMO velocity analysis in the long offset and deep layer seismic data. This method with easy rule can be popularized and applied very widely.
Classification of Alteration Zones Based on Whole-rock Geochemical Data using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Abbaszadeh Maliheh , Hezarkhani Ardeshir , Soltani-Mohammadi Saeed 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
One of the most important steps in the mineral resource estimation and detailed exploration of porphyry copper deposit is separating the alteration zones as a control parameter of the copper grade. The most popular method for this separation is petrological investigations (other methods are not much popular), but the method lacks the ability to predict alteration zones of the un-sampled points. In this paper a new method has been proposed which is based on the support vector machine (SVM) classification of the analyzed whole rock samples and it has been used in Sungun porphyry copper deposit to separate potassic, phyllic and transition alteration zones. To apply the SVM method, use has been made of the radial basis function (RBF) as the kernel function and to obtain the optimal values for the SVM parameters (γ and C being the most important); the grid search method has been used. The best values for γ and C that have had good performance in the training and test steps are 0.0625 and 32, respectively. Results have revealed that the SVM classification (used in this study) can effectively separate the alteration zones in the Sungun deposit. Specifically, the accuracy of this method has been 75% which proves that the support vector machine can offer an inexpensive, fast and robust classification technique and it can be a valid alternative to the well established methodologies in this area.
The effectiveness of combined abdominal myomectomy and uterine artery embolization
Authors: McLucas Bruce , Voorhees William D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of abdominal myomectomy after uterine artery embolization (UAE‐AM) among patients with myomas.MethodsIn a retrospective study, chart data were reviewed for patients attending a center in California, USA, who underwent UAE‐AM between 1999 and 2012. Patients had been offered the combined procedure if the diameter of the myoma was at least 4 cm, they wished to preserve fertility, or they were candidates for a traditional abdominal myomectomy. Estimated blood loss, fluoroscopy times, and hospital stay were recorded. Follow‐up data on uterine volume and fibroid size had been collected via magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography approximately 3–6 months after UAE‐AM.ResultOverall, 20 patients underwent UAE‐AM. Approximately 6 months after the procedure, the mean decrease in uterine volume was 77.33% ± 14.25% and that in myoma diameter was 46.45% ± 25.61%. Six women subsequently became pregnant; one patient had two separate pregnancies. No patient required a conversion to hysterectomy or blood transfusion, and no recurrences were reported.ConclusionUAE‐AM was found to be an effective option available to women with large myomas who wished to preserve their uterus. With the combination procedure, patients had favorable outcomes with no fibroid recurrence.
Risk factors for heart failure during pregnancy among Chinese women with cardiac disease
Authors: Fu Qin , Lin Jianhua 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo identify risk factors for heart failure (HF) during pregnancy among women with pre‐existing cardiac disease.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of pregnant women with cardiac disease who attended Shanghai Obstetrical Cardiology Intensive Care Center, China, for delivery between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 2013. Independent predictors of HF were identified by logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong 1086 pregnant women with cardiac disease, 116 (10.7%) developed HF. In multivariate analysis, HF was associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (odds ratio [OR] 13.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.62–47.80; P < 0.001), history of HF before pregnancy (OR 11.66, 95% CI 5.83–23.33; P < 0.001), twin pregnancy (OR 11.63, 95% CI 4.10–32.99; P < 0.001), sinus tachycardia (OR 4.60, 95% CI 2.77–7.62; P < 0.001), New York Heart Association functional class higher than II (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.11–10.25; P = 0.033), and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10–1.78; P = 0.007).ConclusionWomen with cardiac disease who wish to become pregnant should be guided by risk factors for HF. Those who do conceive should be closely monitored during pregnancy to improve outcomes and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.
Risk factors associated with urinary incontinence in Portugal and the quality of life of affected women
Authors: Amaral Maria O.P. , Coutinho Emília C. , Nelas Paula A.A.B. , Chaves Claudia M.B. , Duarte João C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo identify risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) and assess the quality of life (QoL) of affected women.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted of all women with UI who attended the urology and gynecology services of four hospitals in central Portugal between March and December 2012. Information was obtained from participants using questionnaires assessing sociodemographic, obstetric, gynecologic, and lifestyle variables.ResultsAmong 505 participants, 351 (69.5%) had urgency UI, 107 (21.2%) stress UI, and 47 (9.3%) mixed UI. Stress UI was associated with smoking, alcohol consumption, constipation, gravidity, parity, and vaginal infections (P ≤ 0.02 for all). Urgency UI was associated with age above 50 years, employment, smoking, and sitting for 2 hours or less per day (P ≤ 0.02 for all). Mixed UI was associated with age 50 years or younger, smoking, sitting for 2 hours or less per day, and frequently carrying more than 3 kg in weight (P < 0.001 for all). A negative impact on QoL was reported by 501 (99.2%) women. Compared with younger participants, women older than 50 years presented with more sleep/energy disturbances and performance limitations (P ≤ 0.04 for both).ConclusionUI is associated with several risk factors and has a negative impact on QoL. Appropriate investigation regarding the factors associated with the types of UI should be performed to diminish its impact on QoL.
Lessons from a geospatial analysis of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate sales by licensed chemical sellers in Ghana
Authors: Shelus Victoria , Lebetkin Elena , Keyes Emily , Mensah Stephen , Dzasi Kafui 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo map access to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) from licensed chemical sellers (LCS); to estimate the proportion of women of reproductive age in areas with access; and to examine affordability and variability of costs.MethodsA geospatial analysis was conducted using data collected from 298 women who purchased DMPA from 49 geocoded LCS shops in the Amansie West and Ejisu‐Juabeng districts of Ghana from June 4 to August 31, 2012. The women reported on cost and average distance traveled to purchase DMPA.ResultsIn Amansie West, 21.1% of all women of reproductive age lived within average walking distance and 80.4% lived within average driving distance of an LCS. In Ejisu‐Juabeng, 41.9% and 60.1% of women lived within average walking and driving distance, respectively. Distribution of affordability varied across each district.ConclusionsAccess to LCS shops is high, and training LCS to administer DMPA would increase access to family planning in Ghana, with associated time and cost savings.
Gliomas with intratumoral abscess formation: Description of new cases, review of the literature, and the role of 99mTC‐Leukoscan
Authors: Campennì Alfredo , Caruso Gerardo , Barresi Valeria , Pino Mariangela , Cucinotta Mariapaola , Baldari Sergio , Caffo Maria 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAbscess formation within a brain tumor is uncommon. Intrasellar or parasellar tumors are the most common neoplasms that develop such complications. Cerebral gliomas with abscesses are extremely rare. In this paper three rare cases of glioma associated with abscess formation are described. The diagnosis of brain tumor associated with abscess is particularly difficult by conventional neuroradiological studies. 99mTc‐labeled sulesomab can be useful in the diagnosis of brain tumors with intratumoral abscesses. There are no precise guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral gliomas associated with abscesses formation for the low number of cases reported to date. Appropriate treatment, aimed at radical surgery, and a suitable antibiotic‐protocol, deferring adjuvant postoperative therapy, is associated with a more favorable outcome. A review of the pertinent literature is also performed.
Submental Muscle Activity is Delayed and Shortened During Swallowing Following Stroke
Authors: Kim Hye‐Ri , Lee Seung Ah , Kim Keewon , Leigh Ja‐Ho , Han Tai Ryoon , Oh Byung‐Mo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the activities of the submental muscles using surface electromyography (sEMG) in patients presenting with dysphagia secondary to middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction, and to compare the results with those in healthy volunteers.DesignRetrospective study design.SettingA dysphagia clinic at a tertiary care university hospital.ParticipantsTwenty‐one patients presenting with dysphagia after unilateral MCA infarction were recruited into the study within 2 months of stroke onset. To serve as a control group, 13 healthy volunteers were enrolled.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary sEMG parameters were swallowing onset, pretrigger duration, swallowing duration, and swallowing amplitude. Swallowing functional outcome was evaluated using the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale and the American Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System.ResultsPatients with MCA infarction demonstrated significantly delayed swallowing onset (P < .001) and shorter swallowing duration (P = .003) compared with the controls. Duration from the start of sEMG activity and actual laryngeal elevation also was delayed in the patient group (P = .042). At a cut‐off point of 0.13 seconds for swallowing onset, sensitivity was 85.7% and specificity was 69.2%. For swallowing duration, sensitivity was 84.6% and specificity was 66.7% with 1.05 seconds as the cut‐off point.ConclusionsPatients with MCA infarction showed not only delayed swallowing onset and pretrigger duration, but also shorter duration of sEMG activity compared with those in healthy volunteers. Our results suggest that dysphagia after stroke might be further compromised by delayed laryngeal response especially after the start of suprahyoid muscle activity, which represents impaired laryngeal protection mechanism.