bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Sclerostin Levels Vary With Season
Authors: Dawson-Hughes Bess , Harris Susan S. , Ceglia Lisa , Palermo Nancy J. 
Published: November 2013

Context:
To establish the clinical utility of serum sclerostin levels, it is important to know whether there is seasonal variation in the measurements.

Objective:
This study was done to determine whether serum sclerostin levels vary by season in healthy older men and women.

Methods:
Serum sclerostin levels were measured in archived serum of 314 healthy men and women aged 65 years and older and examined for seasonal variation. Several factors known to vary by season and previously reported to be associated with serum sclerostin levels, including serum osteocalcin, physical activity, and serum PTH levels, were also measured in these subjects. Sex did not modify the association of season with sclerostin, so the men and women were analyzed together.

Results:
Serum sclerostin levels varied significantly by season (P &lt; .001, after adjustment for sex). Sclerostin levels in the wintertime were 20% higher than the all-year mean, the levels gradually declined through the spring and summer, and by the fall, they were 20% below the all-year mean. Adjustment for serum osteocalcin, physical activity, and serum PTH did not alter the seasonal means. Seasonal differences in serum osteocalcin, physical activity, and serum PTH were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:
This study documents marked seasonal variation in serum sclerostin levels. It is important to recognize this source of biological variability when considering the potential clinical utility of sclerostin measurements.
Synthesis and Conformational Characterization of Diketopiperazines Bearing a Benzyl Moiety
Authors: Nakao Michiyasu , Toriuchi Yuriko , Fukayama Shintaro , Sano Shigeki 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Diketopiperazines bearing a benzyl moiety with different para-substituents were synthesized and analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. All of these diketopiperazines were found to adopt a folded conformation according to the upfield chemical shift of the cis-proton (cis to the benzyl moiety) due to a shielding effect in the 1H NMR spectra. An intramolecular CH–π interaction appears to be an important factor for the folded conformation due to the effects of para-substituents on the benzyl group.
On-Shore Wind Farm Cable Network Optimisation Utilising a Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Pemberton A. M. J. , Daly T. D. , Ertugrul N. 
Published: November 2013

A wind farm is a collection of large scale (usually > 1MW) wind turbines generally located across wide and uneven terrain in order to capture sufficient wind resources to generate a source of electrical energy. The electric power networks of such farms serve to electrically connect all the turbines in the farm back to a central substation, which is in turn connected to a load, often via an existing electricity distribution or transmission network. While optimisation methods currently exist for the design of cable networks in off-shore wind farms, which primarily aim to reduce installation cost and energy loss, the design for onshore farms is usually achieved manually and iteratively, and can often result in a suboptimal design. This paper offers a Genetic Algorithm based optimisation method for onshore applications, and demonstrates how an optimal wind farm cable network design solution can be reached in terms of minimum cost, minimum power losses and maximum reliability. The algorithm developed performs the required calculations and demonstrates that an optimised solution has been reached. It is demonstrated that this method provides faster calculations than the manual method and can be used for any standard on-shore wind farm layout design, utilising components as desired by the user such as underground or overhead cables and single or triple-core cables. Index Terms — Energy networks, genetic algorithms, multi-objective optimization, wind energy.
Consumer Stockpiling and Competitive Promotional Strategies
Authors: Gangwar Manish , Kumar Nanda , Rao Ram C. 
Published: November 2013

An examination of brand prices in several categories reveals that the distribution of prices is multimodal, with firms offering shallow and deep discounts. Another interesting feature of these distributions is that they may have holes in the interior of the support. These pricing distributions do not occur in extant theoretical models of price promotions. We develop a dynamic model of competition in which some price-sensitive consumers stockpile during periods of deep discounts. A game-theoretic analysis of our model generates a multimodal pricing distribution with a hole in the interior of the support. Consumer stockpiling in our model also gives rise to negative serial correlation in prices. This is consistent with our empirical observation of the pricing distribution of several brands across multiple categories in the IRI marketing data set. We generate several interesting insights into firms' optimal promotional strategies and their interplay with the clientele mix, market structure, and other market factors. We find that, in equilibrium, stockpiling by price-sensitive consumers neither harms nor benefits firms when they adopt equilibrium strategies. Interestingly, when price-sensitive consumers stockpile, even increased consumption as a result of stockpiling does not lead to higher profits for firms.
A New Fractional Modelling on Susceptible-Infected-Recovered Equations with Constant Vaccination Rate
Authors: Kumar Rajnesh , Kumar Sunil 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this article, the authors introduce a fractional
order SIR model with constant vaccination rate. The SIR
model has been used in the modeling of several epidemiological
diseases, biology and medical sciences. Qualitative
results show that the model has two equilibria; the disease
free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium points. The
local stability of the model for fractional order time derivative
is analyzed using fractional Routh-Hurwitz stability
criterion. The fractional derivative is described in Caputo
sense. The results obtained through numerical procedure
show that the method is effective and reliable.
Major QTLs Control Resistance to Rice Hoja Blanca Virus and Its VectorTagosodes orizicolus
Authors: Romero Luz E , Lozano Ivan , Garavito Andrea , Carabali Silvio J , Triana Monica , Villareal Natalia , Reyes Luis , Duque Myriam C , Martinez César P , Calvert Lee , Lorieux Mathias 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRice hoja blanca (white leaf) disease can cause severe yield losses in rice in the Americas. The disease is caused by the rice hoja blanca virus (RHBV), which is transmitted by the planthopper vector Tagosodes orizicolus. Because classical breeding schemes for this disease rely on expensive, time-consuming screenings, there is a need for alternatives such as marker-aided selection. The varieties Fedearroz 2000 and Fedearroz 50, which are resistant to RHBV and to the feeding damage caused by T. orizicolus, were crossed with the susceptible line WC366 to produce segregating F2:3 populations. The F3 families were scored for their resistance level to RHBV and T. orizicolus. The F2:3 lines of both crosses were genotyped using microsatellite markers. One major QTL on the short arm of chromosome 4 was identified for resistance to RHBV in the two populations. Two major QTL on chromosomes 5 and 7 were identified for resistance to T. orizicolus in the Fd2000 × WC366 and Fd50 × WC366 crosses, respectively. This comparative study using two distinct rice populations allowed for a better understanding of how the resistance to RHBV and its vector are controlled genetically. Simple marker-aided breeding schemes based on QTL information can be designed to improve rice germplasm to reduce losses caused by this important disease.
Using Electronic Health Records to Conduct Children’s Health Insurance Surveillance
Authors: Hatch Brigit , Angier Heather , Marino Miguel , Heintzman John , Nelson Christine , Gold Rachel , Vakarcs Trisha , DeVoe Jennifer 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:
Health insurance options are changing. Electronic health record (EHR) databases present new opportunities for providers to track the insurance coverage status of their patients. This study demonstrates the use of EHR data for this purpose.

METHODS:
Using EHR data from the OCHIN Network of community health centers, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of data from children presenting to a community health center in 2010–2011 (N = 185 959). We described coverage patterns for children, used generalized estimating equation logistic regression to compare uninsured children with those with insurance, and assessed insurance status at subsequent visits.

RESULTS:
At their first visit during the study period, 21% of children had no insurance. Among children uninsured at a first visit, 30% were uninsured at all subsequent visits. In multivariable analyses (including gender, age, race, ethnicity, language, income, location, and type of clinic), we observed significant differences in the characteristics of children who were uninsured as compared with those with insurance coverage. For example, compared with white, non-Hispanic children, nonwhite and/or Hispanic children had lower odds of being uninsured than having Medicaid/Medicare (adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.71–0.75) but had higher odds of being uninsured than having commercial insurance (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.44–1.56).

CONCLUSIONS:
Nearly one-third of children uninsured at their first visit remained uninsured at all subsequent visits, which suggests a need for clinics to conduct insurance surveillance and develop mechanisms to assist patients with obtaining coverage. EHRs can facilitate insurance surveillance and inform interventions aimed at helping patients obtain and retain coverage.
Pediatricians' Involvement in Community Child Health From 2004 to 2010
Authors: Minkovitz Cynthia S. , Grason Holly , Solomon Barry S. , Kuo Alice A. , O'Connor Karen G. 
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:Pediatricians are encouraged to engage in community child health activities, yet practice constraints and personal factors may limit involvement. The objective was to compare community involvement in 2004 and 2010 and factors associated with participation in the past year.METHODS:Analysis of 2 national mailed surveys of pediatricians (2004: n = 881; response rate of 58%; 2010: n = 820; response rate of 60%). Respondents reported personal characteristics (age, gender, marital status, child ≤5 years old, underrepresented in medicine), practice characteristics (type, setting, full-time status, time spent in general pediatrics), formal community pediatrics training, and community pediatrics involvement and related perspectives. We used χ2 statistics to measure associations of personal and practice characteristics, previous training, and perspectives with involvement in the past 12 months. Logistic regression assessed independent contributions.RESULTS:Fewer pediatricians were involved in community child health in 2010 (45.1% in 2004 vs 39.9% in 2010) with a higher percentage participating as volunteers (79.5% vs 85.8%; both P = .03). In 2010, fewer reported formal training at any time (56.1% vs 42.9%), although more reported training specifically in residency (22.0% vs 28.4%; both P &lt; .05). Factors associated with participation in 2010 included older age, not having children ≤5 years old, practice in rural settings, practice type, training, and feeling moderately/very responsible for child health. In adjusted models, older age, practice setting and type, feeling responsible, and training were associated with involvement (P &lt; .05).CONCLUSIONS:Formal training is associated with community child health involvement. Efforts are needed to understand how content, delivery, and timing of training influence involvement.
A Novel Eco‐Friendly Technique for Efficient Control of Lime Water Softening Process
Authors: Ostovar Mohamad , Amiri Mohamad 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT: Lime softening is an established type of water treatment used for water softening. The performance of this process is highly dependent on lime dosage. Currently, lime dosage is adjusted manually based on chemical tests, aimed at maintaining the phenolphthalein (P) and total (M) alkalinities within a certain range (2 P − M ≥ 5). In this paper, a critical study of the softening process has been presented. It has been shown that the current method is frequently incorrect. Furthermore, electrical conductivity (EC) has been introduced as a novel indicator for effectively characterizing the lime softening process.This novel technique has several advantages over the current alkalinities method. Because no chemical reagents are needed for titration, which is a simple test, there is a considerable reduction in test costs. Additionally, there is a reduction in the treated water hardness and generated sludge during the lime softening process. Therefore, it is highly eco‐friendly, and is a very cost effective alternative technique for efficient control of the lime softening process.
Changes of characteristics of daily precipitation and runoff in the High Tatra Mountains, Slovakia over the last fifty years
Authors: Bičárová Svetlana , Holko Ladislav 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The article presents the results of the analysis of time series of daily precipitation and runoff at selected places in the highest part of the Western Carpathians. It was focused on both wet and dry periods in precipitation and runoff data series. The precipitation data were analysed for a period 1961-2010. They revealed a significant increase of the number of days with daily precipitation 40-60 mm. Trend analysis for 67 analysed flow characteristics did not show statistically significant changes over the studied period. The focus was given particularly to the characteristics of the maximum and minimum flows, i.e. 3- and 7- day minimum flows, 1-, 3- and 7-day maximum flows. We found an increase of flows classified as small floods in two of three mountain catchments in the study area in the last decade (2001-2010). It may be linked to the above increased number of days with daily precipitation reaching 40-60 mm.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Transmission Lines / Elektropārvades Līnijas Daudzkriteriālā Optimizācija
Authors: Berjozkina S. , Sauhats A. , Neimane V. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction of new advanced electrical connections into a transmission grid reduces the capacity of existing overhead lines (OHLs). At the same time, designing & building of new OHLs and substations involves considerable technical, environmental and economical problems. The authors propose a concept of the multi-objective optimization for selection of transmission line routes, towers (their type, placement and geometry), of conductors, insulators, dampers, earthing and lightning protection systems, span lengths, etc.. The optimization is organized in five stages. At the first and second stages a search for optimum solutions is performed along with determination of the main impacting factors. The next two stages present a two-objective optimization based on Pareto’s approach. At the last stage (exemplified by a case study), the probability of the restriction removal conditions is assessed, and preventive measures are identified. The presented approach uses a real line design and is intended for minimizing the total invested capital and maximizing the net present value. In the framework of this approach 20 alternatives have been elaborated, which can successfully be applied in the cases described in the paper.
Xp 11.2 translocation renal carcinoma in young adults; recently classified distinct subtype
Authors: Kmetec Andrej , Jeruc Jera 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Background. XP11.2 renal translocation carcinomas are often encountered in paediatric group of patients where they are believed to be rather indolent. They are rare but more aggressive in young adults. They are slow growing, sometimes without characteristic symptoms and their biologic behaviour is uncertain.
Case report. We report two cases of this type of tumour in Slovenian young adult males with long and unusual history. Tumours were confirmed imunohistologically by positive reaction for CD10, P504S and TFE3.
Conclusions. According to the indications in the literature prognosis of these tumours in young adults depends upon the stage. It seems that cysts, haematomas and necrosis around the kidney are often encountered in these tumours. In advanced stage with lymph nodes involvement or distant metastases, the prognosis is poor. Surgery seems to be basic mode of therapy
Equations in simple matrix groups: algebra, geometry, arithmetic, dynamics
Authors: Bandman Tatiana , Garion Shelly , Kunyavskiĭ Boris 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We present a survey of results on word equations in simple groups, as well as their analogues and generalizations, which were obtained over the past decade using various methods: group-theoretic and coming from algebraic and arithmetic geometry, number theory, dynamical systems and computer algebra. Our focus is on interrelations of these machineries which led to numerous spectacular achievements, including solutions of several long-standing problems.
Employing different loss functions for the classification of images via supervised learning
Authors: Boţ Radu , Heinrich André , Wanka Gert 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Supervised learning methods are powerful techniques to learn a function from a given set of labeled data, the so-called training data. In this paper the support vector machines approach is applied to an image classification task. Starting with the corresponding Tikhonov regularization problem, reformulated as a convex optimization problem, we introduce a conjugate dual problem to it and prove that, whenever strong duality holds, the function to be learned can be expressed via the dual optimal solutions. Corresponding dual problems are then derived for different loss functions. The theoretical results are applied by numerically solving a classification task using high dimensional real-world data in order to obtain optimal classifiers. The results demonstrate the excellent performance of support vector classification for this particular problem.
QTL mapping for germination of seeds obtained from previous wheat generation under drought
Authors: Czyczyło-Mysza Ilona , Marcińska Izabela , Skrzypek Edyta , Cyganek Katarzyna , Juzoń Katarzyna , Karbarz Małgorzata 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe QTLs controlling germination and early seedling growth were mapped using seeds acquired from mapping population and parental lines of Chinese Spring and SQ1 grown under water-limited conditions, severe drought (SDr) and well-watered plants (C). Germination ability was determined by performing a standard germination test based on the quantification of the germination percentage (GP24) of seeds incubated for 24 h at 25°C in the dark. Early seedling growth was evaluated on the basis of the length of the root and leaf at the 6th day of the experiment. QTLs were identified by composite interval mapping method using Windows QTLCartographer 2.5 software. For the traits studied, a total of thirty eight additive QTLs were identified. Seventeen QTLs were mapped in C on chromosomes: 1A, 2A, 7A, 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 2D, 3D, 4D and 6D, while twenty one QTLs were identified in SDr on chromosomes: 1A, 2A, 5A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 3D, 5D and 6D. Most of the QTLs for GP and early leaf growth parameters were clustered on chromosome 4B (associated with the Rht-B1 marker) both in C and SDr plants. The results indicate the complex and polygenic nature of germination.
Collaboration between Content and Language Specialists in Late Immersion
Authors: Kong Stella 
Published: November 2013

Abstract: This paper reports a qualitative case study of a collaborative project between an ESL researcher and a history teacher teaching in a late immersion school in Hong Kong. The project aims to help a Grade 9 class to write history essays on their own instead of copying from the textbook, which is a common phenomenon in Hong Kong schools. The researcher and the history teacher collaborated on the design and teaching of four writing activities during a semester. The design of the writing activities was guided by a pedagogical framework for integrating content-language learning in late immersion, where content learning is increasingly complex and abstract and the language use is correspondingly more complex and specialized. The project was successful in helping students to write on their own and in improving that writing, particularly in terms of text structure. A major contribution to this success was the collaboration between a content specialist and a language specialist. Challenges faced in the collaboration between the content and language specialists and future directions for collaboration are shared.
Biomedical Informatics: We Are What We Publish
Authors: Brown S. H. , Wright G. , Elkin P. L. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryIntroduction: This article is part of a For-Discussion-Section of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Biomedical Informatics: We are what we publish“. It is introduced by an editorial and followed by a commentary paper with invited comments. In subsequent issues the discussion may continue through letters to the editor.Objective: Informatics experts have attempted to define the field via consensus projects which has led to consensus statements by both AMIA. and by IMIA. We add to the output of this process the results of a study of the Pubmed publications with abstracts from the field of Biomedical Informatics.Methods: We took the terms from the AMIA consensus document and the terms from the IMIA definitions of the field of Biomedical Informatics and combined them through human review to create the Health Infor -matics Ontology. We built a terminology server using the Intelligent Natural Language Processor (iNLP). Then we downloaded the entire set of articles in Medline identified by searching the literature by “Medical Informatics” OR “Bioinformatics”. The articles were parsed by the joint AMIA / IMIA terminology and then again using SNOMED CT and for the Bioinformatics they were also parsed using HGNC Ontology.Results: We identified 153,580 articles using “Medical Informatics” and 20,573 articles using “Bioinformatics”. This resulted in 168,298 unique articles and an overlap of 5,855 articles. Of these 62,244 articles (37%) had titles and abstracts that contained at least one concept from the Health Infor -matics Ontology. SNOMED CT indexing showed that the field interacts with most all clinical fields of medicine.Conclusions: Further defining the field by what we publish can add value to the consensus driven processes that have been the mainstay of the efforts to date. Next steps should be to extract terms from the literature that are uncovered and create class hierarchies and relationships for this content. We should also examine the high occurring of MeSH terms as markers to define Biomedical Informatics. Greater understanding of the Biomedical Informatics Literature has the potential to lead to improved self-awareness for our field.