bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting for Radiation-Induced Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Yu Simon C.H. , Zou Winnie X.Y. , Soo Yannie O.Y. , Wang Lily , Hui Joyce Wai Yi , Chan Anne Y.Y. , Lee Kwok Tung , Ip Vincent H.L. , Fan Florence S.Y. , Chan Annie L.C. , Wong Lawrence K.S. , Leung Thomas W. 
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—
We aimed to evaluate the procedural safety, clinical, and angiographic outcome of carotid angioplasty and stenting for high-grade (≥70%) radiation-induced carotid stenosis (RIS) using atherosclerotic stenosis (AS) as a control.

Methods—
In this 6-year prospective nonrandomized study, we compared the carotid angioplasty and stenting outcome of 65 consecutive patients (84 vessels) with RIS with that of a control group of 129 consecutive patients (150 vessels) with AS. Study end points were 30-day periprocedural stroke or death, ipsilateral ischemic stroke, technical success, procedural characteristics, instent restenosis (ISR; ≥50%) and symptomatic ISR.

Results—

The median follow-up was 47.3 months (95% confidence interval, 26.9–61.6). Imaging assessment was available in 74 vessels (RIS) and 120 vessels (AS) in 2 years. Comparing RIS group with AS group, the rates of periprocedural stroke or death were 1.5% (1/65) versus 1.6% (2/129;
P
=1); ipsilateral ischemic stroke rates were 4.6% (3/65) versus 4.7% (6/129;
P
=1); the annual risks of ipsilateral ischemic stroke were 1.2% (3 patient/254.7 patient year) versus 1.2% (6 patient/494.2 patient year;
P
=0.89); technical success rates were both 100%. Stenting of common carotid artery and the use of multiple stents was more common in the RIS group (
P
=0 in both cases); ISR rates were 25.7% (19/74) versus 4.2% (5/120;
P
<0.001); symptomatic ISR rates were 6.8% (5/74) versus 0.8% (1/120;
P
=0.031).

Conclusions—
The safety, effectiveness, and technical difficulty of carotid angioplasty and stenting for RIS are comparable with that for AS although it is associated with a higher rate of ISR.

Clinical Trial Registration—
This trial was not registered as enrollment started in 2006.
Clinical Investigation of the Protective Effects of Palm Vitamin E Tocotrienols on Brain White Matter
Authors: Gopalan Yogheswaran , Shuaib Ibrahim Lutfi , Magosso Enrico , Ansari Mukhtar Alam , Abu Bakar Mohd Rizal , Wong Jia Woei , Khan Nurzalina Abdul Karim , Liong Wei Chuen , Sundram Kalyana , Ng Bee Hong , Karuthan Chinna , Yuen Kah Hay 
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—
Previous cell-based and animal studies showed mixed tocotrienols are neuroprotective, but the effect is yet to be proven in humans. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective activity of mixed tocotrienols in humans with white matter lesions (WMLs). WMLs are regarded as manifestations of cerebral small vessel disease, reflecting varying degrees of neurodegeneration and tissue damage with potential as a surrogate end point in clinical trials.

Methods—
A total of 121 volunteers aged ≥35 years with cardiovascular risk factors and MRI-confirmed WMLs were randomized to receive 200 mg mixed tocotrienols or placebo twice a day for 2 years. The WML volumes were measured from MRI images taken at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years using a validated software and were compared. Fasting blood samples were collected for full blood chemistry investigation.

Results—

According to per-protocol (88 volunteers) and intention-to-treat (121 volunteers) analyses, the mean WML volume of the placebo group increased after 2 years, whereas that of the tocotrienol-supplemented group remained essentially unchanged. The mean WML volume change between the 2 groups was not significantly different (
P
=0.150) at the end of 1 year but was significant at the end of 2 years for both per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses (
P
=0.019 and
P
=0.018). No significant difference was observed in the blood chemistry parameters between the 2 groups.

Conclusions—
Mixed tocotrienols were found to attenuate the progression of WMLs.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00753532.
Evaluation of WRF Parameterizations for Dynamical Downscaling in the Canary Islands
Authors: Pérez J. C. , Díaz J. P. , González A. , Expósito J. , Rivera-López F. , Taima D. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations to perform climate regionalization studies in an orographically complex region, the Canary Islands, is analyzed. Six different 5-yr simulations were carried out to investigate the sensitivity to several parameterization schemes and to uncertainties in sea surface temperature (SST). The simulated maximum and minimum temperatures, together with the daily rainfall, were compared with observational data. To take into account the climatic differences in this archipelago, observational sites were grouped using a geographical regionalization based on principal component analysis and a clustering technique to group the stations according to their climatic characteristics. The analysis showed that both the microphysics and the boundary layer schemes have a large impact on the simulated precipitation. However, the largest differences were observed when the cumulus parameterization, in the coarser domains, was changed. An analysis of the vertical profiles of the simulated hydrometeors was performed to study the differences revealed by the different simulations. Although the cumulus scheme was not applied in the innermost domain, the total amount of water available in the atmospheric column is modified. Moreover, an average increase of 0.7°C in SST, estimated from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) variability, produces changes of the same order as those those obtained with different parameterizations. Temperatures are similarly simulated by the different configurations, except for the case in which an SST increment was introduced. Two configurations (CTRL and LSM-PX) were able to correctly reproduce the studied variables in the Canary Islands, improving the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data and showing their abilities for regional-scale climate studies in this archipelago.
Combining Datasets of Satellite-Retrieved Products. Part I: Methodology and Water Budget Closure
Authors: Aires Filipe 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This study addresses in general terms the problem of the optimal combination of multiple observation datasets. Only satellite-retrieved geophysical parameter datasets are considered here (not the raw satellite observations). This study focuses on the terrestrial water cycle and presents methodologies to obtain a coherent dataset of four water cycle key components: precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, and terrestrial water storage. Various innovative “integration” methodologies are introduced: simple weighting (SW), constrained linear (CL), optimal interpolation (OI), and neural networks (NN). The term “integration” will be used here, not “assimilation,” as no model will be included in the data fusion process. A simple postprocessing filtering (PF) step can be used to impose the water cycle budget closure after the integration method. It is shown that this constraint actually improves the estimation of the water cycle components. The integration techniques are tested using real observation data over the Mississippi and Niger basins from satellite and in situ measurements. A Monte Carlo experiment with a synthetic uncertainty perturbation model is used to measure the ability of the SW, OI, and NN, with or without the PF step, to retrieve the four water cycle components. Once the PF closure constraint is added, the methodologies have equivalent accuracies. The need for these types of methodologies should increase in the future since multiple observation datasets are now available and the climate community needs to combine them into a unique, optimal, and coherent dataset of multiple parameters. A companion paper will test these methodologies on satellite observation datasets at the basin and global scales.
Using Reanalysis and Remotely Sensed Temperature and Precipitation Data for Hydrological Modeling in Monsoon Climate: Mekong River Case Study
Authors: Lauri H. , Räsänen T. A. , Kummu M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMany large basins in the “Monsoon Asia” region have sparse surface observation networks of the hydrometeorological parameters needed for hydrological modeling. These models are often used in water resources–related planning, impact assessments, and flood forecasting, which sets strict requirements for model accuracy and reliability. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of several publicly available reanalyses and remotely sensed datasets when used in modeling of discharges in the Mekong River basin. Tested precipitations were extracted from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42, versions 6 and 7; Asian Precipitation–Highly-Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation of Water Resources (APHRODITE); Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR); and Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) datasets. Temperature data were extracted from CFSR and ERA-Interim datasets. The model results obtained using these datasets were compared to measured discharges and modeled values based on daily surface observations. It was found that using TRMM, version 7, and APHRODITE precipitation datasets together with CFSR temperature data resulted in similar accuracy of computed discharges in the Mekong main stem as using surface observation data. This indicates that these gridded datasets might support well the modeling efforts in monsoon-driven large river basins in Monsoon Asia.
Multiple Equilibria and Hysteresis of Two Unequal-Transport Western Boundary Currents Colliding at a Gap
Authors: Wang Zheng , Yuan Dongliang 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The nonlinear collision of two western boundary currents (WBCs) of Munk thickness LM colliding near a gap of width 2a is studied using a 1.5-layer, reduced-gravity, quasigeostrophic ocean model. The work is a continuation of our recent study on nonlinear collision of two equal-strength WBCs at a wide gap. It is found that, for narrow gaps, a &lt; 5.7LM, and both of the WBCs fail to penetrate into the western basin due to the restriction of friction; for intermediate size gaps, 5.7LM ≤ a &lt; 9.6LM, and multiple equilibrium states exist for the colliding WBCs: the penetrating state, the choking state, and the eddy-shedding state. The current system transits between them through a hysteresis procedure, with transitions at different Reynolds numbers from those in the equal-transport case. The stronger WBC tends to intrude more deeply into the western basin than the weaker WBC; for wide gaps, a &gt; 9.6LM, and only penetrating and eddy-shedding states exist. No choking state is identified for either WBC. It is found that the critical gap width for the disappearance of the choking state decreases with the asymmetry of the WBC system. The theory is used to explain some of the circulation features at the entrance of the Indonesian Throughflow in the western Pacific Ocean recently observed with satellite-tracked surface drifters.
3D Turbulence Measurements Using Three Synchronous Wind Lidars: Validation against Sonic Anemometry
Authors: Fuertes Fernando Carbajo , Iungo Giacomo Valerio , Porté-Agel Fernando 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This paper presents a technique to measure the time series of the three components of the wind vector at a point in space from synchronous measurements of three scanning Doppler wind lidars. Knowing the position of each lidar on the ground and the orientation of each laser beam allows for reconstructing the three components of the wind velocity vector. The laser beams must intersect at the desired point in space and their directions must be noncoplanar, so that trigonometric relationships allow the reconstruction of the velocity vector in any coordinate system.
This technique has been tested during a measurement campaign carried out at Cabauw’s Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research (CESAR) in the Netherlands and compared against measurements from sonic anemometers installed in a meteorological mast. The spatial resolutions of both measurement techniques differ by one order of magnitude. Therefore, in order to properly compare the results, a pseudospatial filter that mimics the attenuation induced by the lidar technology at small scales of turbulence has been applied to the velocity time series provided by the sonic anemometer.
Good agreement between both measurement systems is found in terms of the measured instantaneous velocity vector, turbulence statistics, Reynolds stresses, and the spectra of the three components of the velocity and the turbulent kinetic energy. These results provide a successful validation of the proposed technique.
Origin and Maintenance of the Long-Lasting, Outer Mesoscale Convective System in Typhoon Fengshen (2008)
Authors: Chen Buo-Fu , Elsberry Russell L. , Lee Cheng-Shang 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Outer mesoscale convective systems (OMCSs) are long-lasting, heavy rainfall events separate from the inner-core rainfall that have previously been shown to occur in 22% of western North Pacific tropical cyclones (TCs). Environmental conditions accompanying the development of 62 OMCSs are contrasted with the conditions in TCs that do not include an OMCS. The development, kinematic structure, and maintenance mechanisms of an OMCS that occurred to the southwest of Typhoon Fengshen (2008) are studied with Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations. Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) observations and the simulations indicate the low-level TC circulation was deflected around the Luzon terrain and caused an elongated, north–south moisture band to be displaced to the west such that the OMCS develops in the outer region of Fengshen rather than spiraling into the center. Strong northeasterly vertical wind shear contributed to frictional convergence in the boundary layer, and then the large moisture flux convergence in this moisture band led to the downstream development of the OMCS when the band interacted with the monsoon flow. As the OMCS developed in the region of low-level monsoon westerlies and midlevel northerlies associated with the outer circulation of Fengshen, the characteristic structure of a rear-fed inflow with a leading stratiform rain area in the cross-line direction (toward the south) was established. A cold pool (Δθ &lt; −3 K) associated with the large stratiform precipitation region led to continuous formation of new cells at the leading edge of the cold pool, which contributed to the long duration of the OMCS.
How Do Laypeople Evaluate the Degree of Certainty in a Weather Report? A Case Study of the Use of the Web Service yr.no
Authors: Sivle Anders D. , Kolstø Stein Dankert , Kirkeby Hansen Pål J. , Kristiansen Jørn 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Many people depend on and use weather forecasts to plan their schedules. In so doing, ordinary people with no expertise in meteorology are frequently called upon to interpret uncertainty with respect to weather forecasts. With this in mind, this study addresses two main questions: 1) How do laypeople interpret online weather reports with respect to their degree of certainty and how is previous knowledge drawn upon in this interpretation? and 2) How do laypeople integrate information in weather reports to determine their degree of certainty? This qualitative study is based on semistructured interviews with 21 Norwegians. The results show the following: (a) only a portion of uncertainty information was used, (b) symbols were sometimes ascribed different meanings than intended, and (c) interpretations were affected by local experiences with wind direction and forecast quality. The informants’ prior knowledge was found to prevail in the event of a conflict with forecast information, and an expected range of uncertainty was often inferred into single-valued forecasts. Additionally, (d) interpretations were affected by the integration of information used to predict the time and location of precipitation. Informants typically interpreted the degree of certainty differently (more or less uncertain) than was intended. Clearer presentation of uncertainty information, a clear intent of all nuances in information, a thorough use of multimodal information, and consideration of users’ needs can help improve communication of forecast uncertainty. The diversity of user approaches makes forecast uncertainty more difficult to communicate and provides possible explanations for why communicating uncertainty is challenging.
A retrospective review of clopidogrel as primary therapy for migraineurs with right to left shunt lesions
Authors: Spencer Barbara T , Qureshi Yasir , Sommer Robert J 
Published: April 2014

Background: The association of patient foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine headache (migraine) with aura (MA) is well established. Current research suggests a mechanistic link between platelet activation, paradoxical embolization and migraine in some patients. Methods: Clopidogrel, a platelet inhibitor, was added to existing migraine therapy, as a 4-week open-label trial in 15 women, aged 16–56 years, with severe migraine and documented right to left shunt (RLS). Results: 13/15 had >50% reduction or complete elimination of migraine symptoms. After completing the trial period, five responders remain on clopidogrel with ongoing benefit at 11.9 ± 4.5 months (6.5–20), one stopped clopidogrel because of side effects. Nine other responders underwent PFO closure and clopidogrel discontinuation. Eight of nine have had ongoing benefit. Conclusions: Clopidogrel may have a primary prophylactic role in migraine/RLS patients, but may also help select candidates who would benefit from PFO closure. A randomized clinical trial is being established.
Short- to Medium-term Outcomes After a Modified Broström Repair for Lateral Ankle Instability With Immediate Postoperative Weightbearing
Authors: Petrera Massimo , Dwyer Tim , Theodoropoulos John S. , Ogilvie-Harris Darrell J. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Anatomic techniques of ankle ligament repair have the advantage of restoring the anatomy and kinematics of the joint. This study presents a technique for anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex by way of lateral ligament advancement using suture anchors associated with immediate protected full weightbearing; 2- to 5-year clinical outcomes are reported. Hypothesis: This technique of providing an anatomic reconstruction with a secure fixation will enable early rehabilitation with immediate, protected weightbearing, with favorable outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Fifty-five patients with chronic lateral ankle instability who failed nonoperative management underwent modified Broström repair (lateral ligament fibular advancement) between 2005 and 2008. The anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament were released from the fibula and advanced using 2 double-loaded metallic suture anchors (3.5 mm). Full weightbearing in a walking boot was allowed from the first postoperative day. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at a minimum 2-year follow-up using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. Complication, failure (recurrent instability), and return-to-sport rates were also recorded. Results: Six patients (11%) were lost to follow-up, leaving a study group of 49 patients (23 men, 26 women). The mean age at the time of surgery was 25 years (range, 18-37 years), with a mean duration of symptoms of 1.8 years (range, 6 months to 5 years). The mean follow-up time was 42 months (range, 24-60 months). Significant improvement was seen in the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score from preoperatively to postoperatively (from 36 to 75.4, P < .001): the pain subscale improved from 35 to 75 ( P < .001), the symptom subscale from 29 to 77 ( P = .01), the function subscale from 45 to 77 ( P < .001), the function in sports and recreation subscale from 38 to 70 ( P < .001), and the foot and ankle–related quality of life subscale from 35 to 78 ( P < .001). No significant difference in range of motion with the contralateral side was seen ( P = .34). The failure rate was 6%, with 3 patients reporting residual instability after a traumatic retear. Two cases of superficial wound infection were seen. One case of temporary neurapraxia of the superficial peroneal nerve was observed. The return-to-sport rate was 94%. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament advancement using suture anchor fixation is an effective procedure for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability and allows immediate weightbearing.
Silent error detection in numerical time-stepping schemes
Authors: Benson Austin R , Schmit Sven , Schreiber Robert 
Published: April 2014

Errors due to hardware or low-level software problems, if detected, can be fixed by various schemes, such as recomputation from a checkpoint. Silent errors are errors in application state that have escaped low-level error detection. At extreme scale, where machines can perform astronomically many operations per second, silent errors threaten the validity of computed results. We propose a new paradigm for detecting silent errors at the application level. Our central idea is to frequently compare computed values to those provided by a cheap checking computation, and to build error detectors based on the difference between the two output sequences. Numerical analysis provides us with usable checking computations for the solution of initial-value problems in ODEs and PDEs, arguably the most common problems in computational science. Here, we provide, optimize, and test methods based on Runge–Kutta and linear multistep methods for ODEs, and on implicit and explicit finite difference schemes for PDEs. We take the heat equation and Navier–Stokes equations as examples. In tests with artificially injected errors, this approach effectively detects almost all meaningful errors, without significant slowdown.
Older adults fighting obesity with bariatric surgery: Benefits, side effects, and outcomes
Authors: Marihart Cindy L , Brunt Ardith R , Geraci Angela A 
Published: April 2014

The aging population is growing exponentially worldwide. Associated with this greater life expectancy is the increased burden of chronic health conditions, many of which are exacerbated by the continued rise in obesity. In the US, the prevalence of obesity in adults aged 60 years and older increased from 23.6% to 37% in 2010. Objectives: This review examines bariatric surgery as a treatment option for obese adults > 60 years old. The most common types of weight-loss surgery are laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and the duodenal switch. Methods: A comprehensive literature search found 349 articles that referred to bariatric surgery in older adults. Of these, 70 relevant articles on bariatric surgery for older adults were utilized for this article. Results: Weight-loss surgery procedures were found to be equally safe for both older adults and their younger counterparts. Pre-surgical psychological assessment is critical for positive outcomes for older adults. Benefits of bariatric surgery include a decrease in comorbidities, chronic disease risk, and medication use coupled with improved mobility and quality of life outcomes. Side effects include surgical failure, changes in psychological status, and increased physical and mental stress. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery can offer patients an effective and long-lasting treatment for obesity and related diseases. There does not appear to be any one bariatric procedure that is recommended for older adults, so individual needs should be taken into consideration when exploring options. Costs range from US$17,000 for laparoscopic procedures to US$26,000 for open gastric surgeries. Estimated savings start accruing within 3 months of surgery making bariatric surgery a serious cost saving consideration.