bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic Changes by Flow Diverters in Rabbit Aneurysm Models
Authors: Huang Qinghai , Xu Jinyu , Cheng Jiyong , Wang Shengzhang , Wang Kuizhong , Liu Jian-Min 
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—
The effect of flow diverter (FD) on hemodynamic changes observed in aneurysms is inevitably affected by the actual structural configuration of deployed FD. We studied the resultant hemodynamic changes after implantation of FDs using computational fluid dynamic simulations based on micro–computed tomography reconstructions in rabbit aneurysm model.

Methods—
The FDs by micro–computed tomography images and vascular model based on rabbit-specific angiograms in 14 rabbits were reconstructed for computational fluid dynamic studies, and rabbit-specific inlet flow waveforms were used as boundary conditions. The occluded group (n=10) and unoccluded group (n=4) were divided according to the follow-up angiography. Hemodynamic parameters were separately evaluated for significance with respect to FD implantation and healing.

Results—
The normalized mean wall shear stress of the aneurysm sac and inflow volume were significantly reduced after FD deployment, and the relative residence time was significantly increased after treatment, without significant differences in mean pressure of aneurysm sac. When compared with the unoccluded group, the average relative residence time increment and percentage of inflow volume reduction in occluded group were higher. Additionally, the inlet of stream after FD deployment in the occluded group was more prevalent near the central region of the neck, whereas in the unoccluded group, it was more likely to occur near the proximal part of the neck.

Conclusions—
This study provided the real structural configurations of fully deployed FDs in vivo. We demonstrated the decrease of wall shear stress, inflow volume, increase of relative residence time, and change of inflow stream induced by FD implantation. The higher relative residence time increment, percentage of inflow volume reduction, and location of stream inlet near the central part of the neck may be closely related to healing.
Calgary’s Chinese Kinship Associations: Their Role in Chinese Canadian Integration
Authors: Sciban Lloyd , Wong Lloyd 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The kinship associations in Calgary’s Chinese community were formed to assist Chinese immigrants in meeting their needs, such as housing and moral support, in the face of the discrimination they encountered during their early days of settlement in the city. In providing for these needs the kinship associations helped Chinese immigrants establish themselves, and thus, integrate into Canadian society. However, over time the opportunities to integrate into the Canadian society have increased and the question arises whether the kinship associations have been willing or able to take advantage of these opportunities. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether kinship associations in Calgary’s Chinese community are effectively promoting Chinese Canadian integration into mainstream society. Personal face-to-face interviews revealed the records of the kinship associations in integrating their members into Canadian society; these records were then compared with those of newer, non-kinship Chinese Canadian associations. The authors conclude that the integration efforts by the kinship associations are inadequate as compared to newer Calgary Chinese organisations, and that the integrative role of these kinship associations has diminished over time.
The Stereotyping of Religion in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Kenji Ishii 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This paper offers an analysis of the nature of information related to religion presented on television news programs in contemporary Japan. The author maintains that information coming from television programs plays an influential role in formulating people’s perception of religion. This includes not only incidents that have occurred in the case of new religions (e.g., Aum Shinrikyō and Hō no Hana Sanpōgyō), but also events related to well-established religious traditions, such as Buddhist and Shintō denominations, and religions outside of Japan, in particular Islam. Through the use of data on TV broadcasting compiled by a database-producing company, the author examines information about religion aired on the news programs of NHK (Nihon Hōsō Kyōkai) and Nihon TV. In this context, the author categorizes four types of religion-related programs that are aired on TV: (1) religious programs provided by religious organizations themselves; (2) general educational programs that feature religious elements; (3) news reporting on religion; and (4) religious programs as entertainment programs. The author concludes that news reporting on religion in Japan today follows predictable patterns, contributing to what he calls “the stereotyping of religion.”
The New French Operational Polarimetric Radar Rainfall Rate Product
Authors: Figueras i Ventura Jordi , Tabary Pierre 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn 2012 the Météo France metropolitan operational radar network consists of 24 radars operating at C and S bands. In addition, a network of four X-band gap-filler radars is being deployed in the French Alps. The network combines polarimetric and nonpolarimetric radars. Consequently, the operational radar rainfall algorithm has been adapted to process both polarimetric and nonpolarimetric data. The polarimetric processing chain is available in two versions. In the first version, now operational, polarimetry is only used to correct for attenuation and filter out clear-air echoes. In the second version there is a more extensive use of polarimetry. In particular, the specific differential phase Kdp is used to estimate rainfall rate in intense rain. The performance of the three versions of radar rainfall algorithms (conventional, polarimetric V1, and polarimetric V2) at different frequency bands (S, C, and X) is evaluated by processing radar data of significant events offline and comparing hourly radar rainfall accumulations with hourly rain gauge data. The results clearly show a superior performance of the polarimetric products with respect to the nonpolarimetric ones at all frequency bands, but particularly at higher frequency. The second version of the polarimetric product, which makes a broader use of polarimetry, provides the best overall results.
Height Correction of Atmospheric Motion Vectors Using Airborne Lidar Observations
Authors: Weissmann Martin , Folger Kathrin , Lange Heiner 
Published: May 2013

AbstractUncertainties in the height assignment of atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) are the main contributor to the total AMV wind error, and these uncertainties introduce errors that can be horizontally correlated over several hundred kilometers. As a consequence, only a small fraction of the available AMVs are currently used in numerical weather prediction systems. For this reason, alternative approaches for the height assignment of AMVs are investigated in this study: 1) using collocated airborne lidar observations and 2) treating AMVs as layer winds instead of winds at a discrete level. Airborne lidar observations from a field campaign in the western North Pacific Ocean region are used to demonstrate the potential of improving AMV heights in an experimental framework. On average, AMV wind errors are reduced by 10%–15% when AMV winds are assigned to a 100–150-hPa-deep layer beneath the cloud top derived from nearby lidar observations. In addition, the lidar–AMV height correction is expected to reduce the correlation of AMV errors as lidars provide independent cloud height information. This suggests that satellite lidars may be a valuable source of information for the AMV height assignment in the future. Furthermore, AMVs are compared with dropsonde and radiosonde winds averaged over vertical layers of different depth to investigate the optimal height assignment for AMVs in data assimilation. Consistent with previous studies, it is shown that AMV winds better match sounding winds vertically averaged over ~100 hPa than sounding winds at a discrete level. The comparison with deeper layers further reduces the RMS difference but introduces systematic differences of wind speeds.
Dynamical and Physical Processes Leading to Tropical Cyclone Intensification under Upper-Level Trough Forcing
Authors: Leroux Marie-Dominique , Plu Matthieu , Barbary David , Roux Frank , Arbogast Philippe 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe rapid intensification of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Dora (2007, southwest Indian Ocean) under upper-level trough forcing is investigated. TC–trough interaction is simulated using a limited-area operational numerical weather prediction model. The interaction between the storm and the trough involves a coupled evolution of vertical wind shear and binary vortex interaction in the horizontal and vertical dimensions. The three-dimensional potential vorticity structure associated with the trough undergoes strong deformation as it approaches the storm. Potential vorticity (PV) is advected toward the tropical cyclone core over a thick layer from 200 to 500 hPa while the TC upper-level flow turns cyclonic from the continuous import of angular momentum.It is found that vortex intensification first occurs inside the eyewall and results from PV superposition in the thick aforementioned layer. The main pathway to further storm intensification is associated with secondary eyewall formation triggered by external forcing. Eddy angular momentum convergence and eddy PV fluxes are responsible for spinning up an outer eyewall over the entire troposphere, while spindown is observed within the primary eyewall. The 8-km-resolution model is able to reproduce the main features of the eyewall replacement cycle observed for TC Dora. The outer eyewall intensifies further through mean vertical advection under dynamically forced upward motion. The processes are illustrated and quantified using various diagnostics.
Essential Dynamics of Secondary Eyewall Formation
Authors: Abarca Sergio F. , Montgomery Michael T. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The authors conduct an analysis of the dynamics of secondary eyewall formation in two modeling frameworks to obtain a more complete understanding of the phenomenon. The first is a full-physics, three-dimensional mesoscale model in which the authors examine an idealized hurricane simulation that undergoes a canonical eyewall replacement cycle. Analysis of the mesoscale simulation shows that secondary eyewall formation occurs in a conditionally unstable environment, questioning the applicability of moist-neutral viewpoints and related mathematical formulations thereto for studying this process of tropical cyclone intensity change. The analysis offers also new evidence in support of a recent hypothesis that secondary eyewalls form via a progressive boundary layer control of the vortex dynamics in response to a radial broadening of the tangential wind field.
The second analysis framework is an axisymmetric, nonlinear, time-dependent, slab boundary layer model with radial diffusion. When this boundary layer model is forced with the aforementioned mesoscale model's radial profile of pressure at the top of the boundary layer, it generates a secondary tangential wind maximum consistent with that from the full-physics, mesoscale simulation. These findings demonstrate that the boundary layer dynamics alone are capable of developing secondary wind maxima without prescribed secondary heat sources and/or invocation of special inertial stability properties of the swirling flow either within or above the boundary layer. Finally, the time-dependent slab model reveals that the simulated secondary wind maximum contracts inward, as secondary eyewalls do in mesoscale models and in nature, pointing to a hitherto unrecognized role of unbalanced dynamics in the eyewall replacement cycle.
Observation patterns of dynamic occupational performance
Authors: MacKenzie Diane E. , Westwood David A. 
Published: May 2013

Background Visual observation is a key component of both formal and informal occupational performance assessment, but it is unknown how therapists gather this visual information. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore observational behaviour of occupational therapists and non–health care professionals when watching videos of simulated clients post-stroke participating in everyday activity. Method Ten licensed occupational therapists and 10 age-, gender-, and education level–matched participants completed this eye-tracking study. Findings Contrary to our past work with static image viewing, we found limited evidence of differences in eye movement characteristics between the two groups, although results did support the role of bottom-up information, such as visual motion, as a determinant of looking behaviour. Implications These results suggest that understanding observational behaviour in therapists can be aided with eye-tracking methodology, but future studies should probe a broad range of factors that might influence observational behaviour and performance, such as assessment goals, knowledge, and therapist experience.
Perceptions of Barriers in Managing Diabetes
Authors: Hu Jie , Amirehsani Karen , Wallace Debra C. , Letvak Susan 
Published: May 2013

Purpose Hispanics show poorer self-management of type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. Although previous studies have reported socioeconomic and cultural barriers to diabetes self-management by Hispanics, little is known about perceived barriers to diabetes self-management from the perspectives of both Hispanics and their family members. The purpose of the study was to explore perceived barriers among Hispanic immigrants with diabetes and their family members. Methods A qualitative study using 5 focus groups was conducted. A total of 73 Hispanic immigrants with type 2 diabetes (n = 36) and family members (n = 37) were recruited in the southeastern United States for a family-based intervention study of diabetes-self management. Participants were asked to describe their perceptions of barriers to self-management. The 5 sessions were audiotaped and transcribed, translated from Spanish into English, and analyzed using standard content analysis. Demographics, hemoglobin A1C levels, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained both for participants with diabetes and for their family members. Results Barriers to diabetes self-management identified by participants with diabetes were in 3 major themes categorized as: suffering from diabetes, difficulties in managing the disease, and lack of resources/support. Two key themes emerged pertaining to family members: we can provide support and we lack knowledge. Conclusions Perceived barriers to diabetes self-management described by Hispanic immigrants with diabetes and family members indicate a lack of intervention strategies to meet their needs. Interventions should include culturally relevant resources, family support, and diabetes self-management skills education.
Engineering bone tissue using human dental pulp stem cells and an osteogenic collagen-hydroxyapatite-poly (l-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) scaffold
Authors: Akkouch Adil , Zhang Ze , Rouabhia Mahmoud 
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to design a new natural/synthetic bioactive bone scaffold for potential use in bone replacement applications. We developed a tri-component osteogenic composite scaffold made of collagen (Coll), hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly(l-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLCL). This Coll/HA/PLCL composite scaffold was combined with human osteoblast-like cells obtained by differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to engineer bone tissue in vitro. Results show that the 3D Coll/HA/PLCL composite scaffold was highly porous, thereby enabling osteoblast-like cell adhesion and growth. Cultured in the Coll/HA/PLCL scaffold, the osteoblast-like cells expressed different osteogenic genes, produced alkaline phosphatase and formed nodules more than did PLCL alone. Micro-CT analyses revealed a significant (30%) increase of tissue mineralisation on the surface as well as inside of the Coll/HA/PLCL scaffold, thus confirming its effectiveness as a bone regeneration platform.
The Impact of Group Music Therapy on Depression and Cognition in Elderly Persons With Dementia
Authors: Chu Hsin , Yang Chyn-Yng , Lin Yu , Ou Keng-Liang , Lee Tso-Ying , O’Brien Anthony Paul , Chou Kuei-Ru 
Published: May 2013

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of group music therapy for improving depression and delaying the deterioration of cognitive functions in elderly persons with dementia. Method: The study had a prospective, parallel-group design with permuted-block randomization. Older persons with dementia ( N = 104) were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group received 12 sessions of group music therapy (two 30-min sessions per week for 6 weeks), and the control group received usual care. Data were collected 4 times: (1) 1 week before the intervention, (2) the 6th session of the intervention, (3) the 12th session of the intervention, and (4) 1 month after the final session. Results: Group music therapy reduced depression in persons with dementia. Improvements in depression occurred immediately after music therapy and were apparent throughout the course of therapy. The cortisol level did not significantly decrease after the group music therapy. Cognitive function significantly improved slightly at the 6th session, the 12th session, and 1 month after the sessions ended; in particular, short-term recall function improved. The group music therapy intervention had the greatest impact in subjects with mild and moderate dementia. Conclusion: The group music intervention is a noninvasive and inexpensive therapy that appeared to reduce elders’ depression. It also delayed the deterioration of cognitive functions, particularly short-term recall function. Group music therapy may be an appropriate intervention among elderly persons with mild and moderate dementia.
Intraluminal Crossing of Near-Impenetrable Occlusions by Balloon-Assisted Battering Ram Technique
Authors: Aerden Dimitri , Debing Erik , Brande Pierre Van den 
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Subintimal crossing of total occlusions and acquiring reentry into the true lumen may be hazardous in highly calcified lesions, with or without the use of expensive reentry devices. Even when desirable, intraluminal crossing may not be feasible, because the guidewire tends to follow a path of least resistance between the intimal plaque and the adventitia. Technique: A standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon is positioned just above the proximal cap of the occlusion and insufflated to 6 atmosphere. The balloon is used (1) to increase guidewire support close to the lesion and (2) for centralization purposes (limiting lateral movement of the guidewire). The ultra stiff back end of a regular guidewire can then be used to target the center of the cap while repeatedly pounding against it until it breaches. Conclusions: The balloon-assisted battering ram technique may be attempted if intraluminal crossing is warranted before resorting to other complicated, expensive devices.
Prognostic significance of peripheral monocyte count in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Huang Jia-Jia , Li Ya-Jun , Xia Yi , Wang Yu , Wei Wen-Xiao , Zhu Ying-Jie , Lin Tong-Yu , Huang Hui-Qiang , Jiang Wen-Qi , Li Zhi-Ming 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) has heterogeneous clinical manifestations and prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of absolute monocyte count (AMC) in ENKL, and provide some immunologically relevant information for better risk stratification in patients with ENKL.

Methods
Retrospective data from 163 patients newly diagnosed with ENKL were analyzed. The absolute monocyte count (AMC) at diagnosis was analyzed as continuous and dichotomized variables. Independent prognostic factors of survival were determined by Cox regression analysis.

Results
The AMC at diagnosis were related to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with ENKL. Multivariate analysis identified AMC as independent prognostic factors of survival, independent of International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Korean prognostic index (KPI). The prognostic index incorporating AMC and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), another surrogate factor of immune status, could be used to stratify all 163 patients with ENKL into different prognostic groups. For patients who received chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (102 cases), the three AMC/ALC index categories identified patients with significantly different survivals. When superimposed on IPI or KPI categories, the AMC/ALC index was better able to identify high-risk patients in the low-risk IPI or KPI category.

Conclusion
The baseline peripheral monocyte count is shown to be an effective prognostic indicator of survival in ENKL patients. The prognostic index related to tumor microenvironment might be helpful to identify high-risk patients with ENKL.
Predictors of HIV serostatus disclosure to partners among HIV-positive pregnant women in Morogoro, Tanzania
Authors: Kiula Elizabeth S , Damian Damian J , Msuya Sia E 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) has been scaled, to more than 90% of health facilities in Tanzania. Disclosure of HIV results to partners and their participation is encouraged in the program. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns and predictors of HIV sero-status disclosure to partners among HIV positive pregnant women in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania.

Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted in March to May 2010 among HIV-positive pregnant women who were attending for routine antenatal care in primary health care facilities of the municipality and had been tested for HIV at least one month prior to the study. Questionnaires were used to collect information on possible predictors of HIV disclosure to partners.

Results
A total of 250 HIV-positive pregnant women were enrolled. Forty one percent (102) had disclosed their HIV sero-status to their partners. HIV-disclosure to partners was more likely among pregnant women who were < 25 years old [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2–4.1], who knew their HIV status before the current pregnancy [AOR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.7–8.3], and discussed with their partner before testing [AOR = 6.9; 95% CI: 2.4–20.1]. Dependency on the partner for food/rent/school fees, led to lower odds of disclosure to partners [AOR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1–0.7]. Nine out of ten women reported to have been counseled on importance of disclosure and partner participation.

Conclusions
Six in ten HIV positive pregnant women in this setting had not disclosed their results of the HIV test to their partners. Empowering pregnant women to have an individualized HIV-disclosure plan, strengthening of the HIV provider initiated counseling and testing and addressing economic development, may be some of the strategies in improving HIV disclosure and partner involvement in this setting.
The Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation in supershaped annuli
Authors: Caratelli Diego , Gielis Johan , Tavkhelidze Ilia , Ricci Paolo E 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation in normal-polar annuli is addressed by using a suitable Fourier-like technique. Attention is in particular focused on the wide class of domains whose boundaries are defined by the so-called ‘superformula’ introduced by Gielis. A dedicated numerical procedure based on the computer algebra system Mathematica© is developed in order to validate the proposed methodology. In this way, highly accurate approximations of the solution, featuring properties similar to the classical ones, are obtained.