bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of the cobas CT/NG Test Compared to the Aptima AC2 and Viper CTQ/GCQ Assays for Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Van Der Pol Barbara , Liesenfeld Oliver , Williams James A. , Taylor Stephanie N. , Lillis Rebecca A. , Body Barbara A. , Nye Mindy , Eisenhut Carol , Hook Edward W. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

The next-generation amplification test for
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(Roche cobas 4800), a fully automated system, was compared head to head, using female samples, to Gen-Probe Aptima Combo 2 and BD ProbeTec using Viper. Endocervical swabs, female urine, and endocervical samples in liquid-based cytology medium were run on at least two of three platforms. A total of 4,316 samples were evaluated, and 281 chlamydial and 69 gonococcal infections were identified. Estimates of sensitivity and specificity were obtained relative to the patient infection standard (PIS) and using latent class analysis (LCA). Chlamydia sensitivity estimates ranged from 86.9 to 95.6% using PIS and 97.6 to 98% using LCA. Specificity was ≥99.6% for all sample types. Sensitivity ranged from 95.6 to 100% using PIS and 96.9 to 100% using LCA for the detection of gonococcal infections. Specificity for gonococcal infections was ≥99.8%. cobas 4800 performance was equivalent to the comparator assays (all
P
values, >0.05), and the fully automated system provides high laboratory efficiency.
Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay for Rapid Detection of Francisella tularensis
Authors: Euler Milena , Wang Yongjie , Otto Peter , Tomaso Herbert , Escudero Raquel , Anda Pedro , Hufert Frank T. , Weidmann Manfred 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Several real-time PCR approaches to develop field detection for
Francisella tularensis
, the infectious agent causing tularemia, have been explored. We report the development of a novel qualitative real-time isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay for use on a small ESEQuant Tube Scanner device. The analytical sensitivity and specificity were tested using a plasmid standard and DNA extracts from infected rabbit tissues. The assay showed a performance comparable to real-time PCR but reduced the assay time to 10 min. The rapid RPA method has great application potential for field use or point-of-care diagnostics.
Simultaneous Detection of Seven Enteric Viruses Associated with Acute Gastroenteritis by a Multiplexed Luminex-Based Assay
Authors: Liu Yan , Xu Zi-qian , Zhang Qing , Jin Miao , Yu Jie-mei , Li Jin-song , Liu Na , Cui Shu-xian , Kong Xiang-yu , Wang Hong , Li Hui-ying , Cheng Wei-xia , Ma Xue-jun , Duan Zhao-jun 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTRapid and broad diagnostic methods are needed for the identification of viral agents of gastroenteritis. In this study, we used Luminex xMAP technology to develop a multiplexed assay for the simultaneous identification of major enteric viral pathogens, including rotavirus A (RVA), noroviruses (NoVs) (including genogroups GI and GII), sapoviruses (SaV), human astrovirus (HAstV), enteric adenoviruses (EAds), and human bocavirus 2 (HBoV2). The analytical sensitivity allowed detection of 103(EAds, HBoV2, and RVA) and 104(NoV GI and GII, SaV, and HAstV) copies per reaction mixture. Compared to conventional PCR, the Luminex-based assay yielded greater than 75% sensitivity and 97% specificity for each virus, and the kappa correlation for detection of all viruses ranged from 0.75 to 1.00. In conclusion, this multiplexed Luminex-based assay provides a potentially rapid, high-throughput, and maneuverable diagnostic tool for major viral pathogens associated with gastroenteritis.
Combined Standard Medication and Acupuncture for Copd: A Case Series
Authors: Suzuki Masao , Namura Kenji , Ohno Yasushi , Egawa Masato , Sugimoto Takako , Ishizaki Naoto , Fujiwara Hisayoshi 
Published: April 2012

Background Traditional acupuncture has been used in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, only a few studies have been performed to determine the efficacy of this treatment. Objective To observe changes in the symptoms of COPD during acupuncture treatment in patients with COPD stratified according to the severity of the disease. Methods A prospective case series of 26 patients with dyspnoea on exertion due to COPD was followed from October 2004 to October 2008 in the Departments of Respiratory Internal Medicine, Gifu University of Medicine and Meiji University of Integrative Medicine, Japan. All participants received acupuncture treatments once a week for 10 weeks in addition to standard medication therapy. The main outcome measure was the modified Borg dyspnoea scale after the 6 min walk test (6MWT) and the secondary outcome measure was the BODE index. Results All 26 patients showed significant improvement in the Borg dyspnoea scale after 10 weeks of acupuncture treatment (from 4.02 (2.85) to 1.96 (1.97), mean difference −2.06, 95% CI −3.03 to −1.09, p=0.0002, paired t test). Improvements in the BODE index, 6MWT and oxygen saturation during exercise, which indicates better reduced dyspnoea on exertion and prognosis, were also found. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that acupuncture treatment has clinically useful effects, at least in the short term, in reducing dyspnoea on exercise in patients with COPD, particularly in those more severely affected.
Early lactation failure and formula adoption after elective caesarean delivery: cohort study
Authors: Zanardo Vincenzo , Pigozzo Anna , Wainer Gary , Marchesoni Diego , Gasparoni Antonella , Di Fabio Sandra , Cavallin Francesco , Giustardi Arturo , Trevisanuto Daniele 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of elective primary and elective repeat caesarean deliveries on lactation at hospital discharge.DesignCohort study.SettingFour Italian teaching hospitals – Padua, Brescia, L'Aquila and Udine.InterventionsDeliveries were classified as vaginal, elective caesarean (primary and repeat) or emergency caesarean. A total of 2296 (24.7%) infants born by caesarean section (CS), 816 of which (35.5%) classified as primary elective CS and 796 (34.7%) as repeat elective CS, were studied. Moreover, 30.2% of the elective CS deliveries took place before 39 weeks.Main outcome measuresFeeding modalities at discharge: formula, complementary and breastfeeding.ResultsAt discharge, 6.9% of the vaginal delivery mothers, 8.3% of the emergency CS mothers, 18.6% of the elective CS mothers, 23.3% of the primary CS mothers and 13.9% of the repeat CS mothers were using infant formula exclusively. Multivariate analysis (OR; 95% CI) identified primary elective delivery (3.74; 3.0 to 4.60), lower gestational age (1.16; 1.10 to 1.23), and place L'Aquila versus Udine (1.42; 1.01 to 2.09) and of Brescia versus Udine hospitals (6.16; 4.53 to 8.37) as independent predictors of formula feeding at discharge.ConclusionsThese findings provide new information about the risks of breastfeeding failure connected to elective CS delivery, particularly if primary and scheduled before 39 weeks of gestation.
An Integrated Amorphous Silicon Gate Driver Circuit Using Voltage-Controlled Capacitance Modeling for High Definition Television
Authors: Han Sang-Kug , Choi Hoon , Moon Kyo-Ho , Choi Young-Seok , Jeong Kyung-Deuk , Park Kwang-Mook , Choi Sie-Young 
Published: April 2012

We have developed the integrated amorphous silicon gate driver circuit using the model extraction technique of the inverted staggered and nonsymmetric amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film transistor. The relation between capacitance characteristics of hydrogenated a-Si (a-Si:H) integrated transistors and the output signal of the gate driver circuit is analyzed using UTMOST IV ver. 1.6.4.R and SMARTSPICE ver. 3.19.15.C. The accuracy of the simulated gate output signal using voltage-controlled capacitance modeling is verified with measured data. The a-Si gate driver circuit using the proposed (TFT) model increased the accuracy of rising (95.3%) and falling (92%) time, compared to the conventional model. The suggested model extraction technique can be used for bottom gate and asymmetric TFT structures.
Blood Pressure Control Among US Veterans
Authors: Fletcher Ross D. , Amdur Richard L. , Kolodner Robert , McManus Chris , Jones Ronald , Faselis Charles , Kokkinos Peter , Singh Steven , Papademetriou Vasilios 
Published: April 2012

Background—
Hypertension treatment and control remain low worldwide. Strategies to improve blood pressure control have been implemented in the United States and around the world for several years. This study was designed to assess improvement in blood pressure control over a 10-year period in a large cohort of patients in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Methods and Results—

A cohort of 582 881 hypertensive patients and 260 924 normotensive individuals treated in 15 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers between 2000 and 2010 were examined. Strategies used system-wide included blood pressure control as a performance measure, automatic notification to healthcare providers, electronic reminders, and a systematic revisit schedule. The main outcome measure was the percentage of hypertensive patients whose hypertension was controlled and the level of blood pressure each month. In the hypertensive cohort (mean age 62.9±13.4 years, 96.0% male), 52.3% of patients were white, 25.1% were black, and 21.1% were Hispanic. Blood pressure control rates improved from 45.7% in September 2000 to 76.3% in August 2010. Improvements were similar across ethnic, racial, age, and sex groups. Average systolic/diastolic blood pressure decreased from 142.6/77.1 mm Hg in 2000 to 131.2/74.8 mm Hg in 2010, a decrease of 11.3/2.3 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001 for both). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were lower in summer than in winter, and this trend continued through 2010. On average, control rates increased by 3.0% per year and were 6.8% higher in summer than in winter.

Conclusions—
High rates of blood pressure control can be achieved in all age and ethnic groups and in both sexes.
Wind Rose Bias Correction
Authors: Applequist Scott 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWind rose summaries, which provide a basis for understanding and evaluating the climatological behavior of local wind, have a directional bias if a conventional method is used in their generation. Three techniques used to remove this bias are described and are compared for theoretical and observed wind distributions. All three techniques successfully remove the bias, with the simplest of the three performing as well as the more-complex techniques.
On the Relationship between Decadal Buoyancy Anomalies and Variability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Buckley Martha W. , Ferreira David , Campin Jean-Michel , Marshall John , Tulloch Ross 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Owing to the role of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) in ocean heat transport, AMOC variability is thought to play a role in climate variability on a wide range of time scales. This paper focuses on the potential role of the AMOC in climate variability on decadal time scales. Coupled and ocean-only general circulation models run in idealized geometries are utilized to study the relationships between decadal AMOC and buoyancy variability and determine whether the AMOC plays an active role in setting sea surface temperature on decadal time scales. Decadal AMOC variability is related to changes in the buoyancy field along the western boundary according to the thermal wind relation. Buoyancy anomalies originate in the upper ocean of the subpolar gyre and travel westward as baroclinic Rossby waves. When the buoyancy anomalies strike the western boundary, they are advected southward by the deep western boundary current, leading to latitudinally coherent AMOC variability. The AMOC is observed to respond passively to decadal buoyancy anomalies: although variability of the AMOC leads to meridional ocean heat transport anomalies, these transports are not responsible for creating the buoyancy anomalies in the subpolar gyre that drive AMOC variability.
Simulated Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation during the Holocene
Authors: Wei Wei , Lohmann Gerrit 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) and its possible change during the Holocene are examined in this study, using long-term simulations of the earth system model Community Earth System Models (COSMOS). A quasi-persistent ~55–80-yr cycle characterizing in the North Atlantic sea surface temperature is highly associated with the multidecadal variability of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) during the Holocene. This mode can be found throughout the Holocene, indicating that the AMO is dominated by internal climate variability. Stronger-than-normal AMOC results in warmer-than-normal surface temperature spreading over almost the whole North Hemisphere, in particular the North Atlantic Ocean. During the warm phase of the AMO, more precipitation is detected in the North Atlantic low and high latitudes. It also generates a dipolar seesaw pattern in the sea ice anomaly. The results reveal that the influence of the AMO can be amplified by a more vigorous AMOC variability during the early Holocene in the presence of a remnant of the Laurentide Ice Sheet and when freshwater entered the North Atlantic Ocean. This conclusion could have potential application for the past AMO reconstruction and the future AMO estimation.
Scintillometer-Based Estimates of Sensible Heat Flux Using Lidar-Derived Surface Roughness
Authors: Geli Hatim M. E. , Neale Christopher M. U. , Watts Doyle , Osterberg John , De Bruin Henk A. R. , Kohsiek Wim , Pack Robert T. , Hipps Lawrence E. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The estimation of sensible heat flux, H, using large aperture scintillometer (LAS) under varying surface heterogeneity conditions was investigated. Surface roughness features characterized by variable topography and vegetation height were represented using data derived from the highly accurate light detection and range (lidar) techniques as well as from traditional vegetation survey and topographic map methods. The study was conducted at the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, Southern California, over a riparian zone covered with natural vegetation dominated by tamarisk trees interspersed with bare soil in a region characterized by arid to semiarid climatic conditions. Estimates of H were obtained using different representations of surface roughness features derived from both traditional and lidar methods to estimate LAS beam height [z(u)] at each increment u along its path, vegetation height (hc), displacement height (d), and roughness length (z0) combined with the LAS weighing function, W(u), along the path. The effect of the LAS 3D footprint was examined to account for the contribution from the individual patches in the upwind direction, hence on the estimates of H. The results showed better agreement between LAS and Bowen ratio sensible heat fluxes when lidar-derived surface roughness was used, especially when considering the LAS 3D footprint effects. It was also found that, under certain conditions, the LAS path weighted hc and d obtained using the LAS weighting function W(u) is a good approximation of the 3D weighted footprint values.
Data Transformation and Uncertainty in Geostatistical Combination of Radar and Rain Gauges
Authors: Erdin Rebekka , Frei Christoph , Künsch Hans R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractGeostatistics provides a popular framework for deriving high-resolution quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) by combining radar and rain gauge data. However, the skewed and heteroscedastic nature of precipitation is in contradiction to assumptions of classical geostatistics. This study examines the potential of trans-Gaussian kriging to overcome this contradiction. Combination experiments are undertaken with kriging with external drift (KED) using several settings of the Box–Cox transformation. Hourly precipitation data in Switzerland for the year 2008 serve as test bed to compare KED with and without transformation. The impact of transformation is examined with regard to compliance with model assumptions, accuracy of the point estimate, and reliability of the probabilistic estimate. Data transformation improves the compliance with model assumptions, but some level of contradiction remains in situations with many dry gauges. Very similar point estimates are found for KED with untransformed and appropriately transformed data. However, care is needed to avoid excessive transformation (close to log) because this can introduce a positive bias. Strong benefits from transformation are found for the probabilistic estimate, which is rendered positively skewed, sensitive to precipitation amount, and quantitatively more reliable. Without transformation, 44% of all precipitation observations larger than 5 mm h−1 are considered as extremely unlikely by the probabilistic estimate in the test application. Transformation reduces this rate to 4%. Although transformation cannot fully remedy the complications for geostatistics in radar–gauge combination, it seems a useful procedure if realistic and reliable estimation uncertainties are desired, such as for the stochastic simulation of QPE ensembles.
Eddy-Train Encounters with a Continental Boundary: A South Atlantic Case Study
Authors: Azevedo José L. L. , Nof Doron , Mata Mauricio M. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Satellite altimetry suggests that large anticyclonic eddies (rings) originating from the Agulhas Current retroflection occasionally make their way across the entire South Atlantic Ocean. What happens when these rings encounter a western boundary current? In this work, interactions between a “train” of nonlinear lens-like eddies and a Southern Hemisphere continental boundary are investigated analytically and numerically on a β plane. The train of eddies is modeled as a steady double-frontal zonal current with the same vorticity and transport as the eddies themselves. The continental boundary is represented by a vertical wall, which is purely meridional in one case and is tilted with respect to the north in another case. It is demonstrated analytically that the eddy–wall encounter produces an equatorward flow parallel to the continental wall, thus suggesting a weakening of the transport of the associated (poleward flowing) western boundary current upstream of the encounter zone and unchanged transport downstream. A large stationary eddy is established in the contact zone because its β-induced force is necessary to balance the other forces along the wall. The size of this eddy is directly proportional to the transport of the eddy train and the meridional tilt of the wall. These scenarios are in good agreement with results obtained numerically using an isopycnal Bleck and Boudra model.
Feasibility of recruiting peer educators for an online social networking-based health intervention
Authors: Young Sean D , Harrell Lauren , Jaganath Devan , Cohen Adam Carl , Shoptaw Steve 
Published: April 2012

Objective: This study aims to determine the feasibility of recruiting peer leaders to deliver a community-based health intervention using social media. Method: We recruited 16 African American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) as peer leaders for either an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention or general health intervention using social media. Inclusion criteria required that peer leaders were African American or Latino MSM health communication experts experienced using social media. To receive certification, peer leaders attended three training sessions on using social media for public health. Questionnaires asking about health knowledge and comfort using social media to discuss health-related topics were provided at baseline and post-training to ensure that peer leaders were qualified post-training. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) models and χ2 tests tested for differences in peer leader knowledge and comfort using social media pre- and post-training. Results: After training, peer leaders were significantly more comfortable using social media to discuss sexual positions. There were no significant differences pre- and post-training on other comfort or knowledge measures as, at baseline, almost all peer leaders were already comfortable using social media. Conclusion: Results suggest that peer leaders can be recruited who are qualified to conduct health interventions without needing additional training. The discussed training plan can further ensure that any unqualified peer leaders will be prepared after training. To our knowledge, this is the first study to suggest that peer leaders can be recruited as peer health educators to communicate using social media.
Selective Neck Dissection in Node‐Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Givi Babak , Linkov Gary , Ganly Ian , Patel Snehal G. , Wong Richard J. , Singh Bhuvanesh , Boyle Jay O. , Shaha Ashok R. , Shah Jatin P. , Kraus Dennis H. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveThe optimal type of neck dissection in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with clinical cervical metastases has not been determined. The following study was performed to determine the rate of regional control with selective neck dissection (SND) in these patients.Study DesignCase series with planned data collection.SettingsSingle institution, cancer center.Methods and SubjectsPatients with cervical lymph node metastases from mucosal cancers of the head and neck who were treated with SND from 2000 to 2010 were selected. Demographics, tumor characteristics, extent of neck dissection, adjuvant treatments, locoregional control, and survival were recorded. Recurrence in the neck and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were primary and secondary end points.ResultsOne hundred eight patients underwent SND. Sixty‐nine (64%) were male. Median age was 62 (20‐89) years. The most common primary site was the oral cavity (71.3%). Ninety‐five (88%) received adjuvant treatment. Median follow‐up was 21 months. Six patients (5.5%) had isolated recurrence in the dissected neck. Patients with N2C disease had poorer neck recurrence‐free survival. At the end of study, 64 (59.3%) patients had no evidence of disease, and 23 (21.3%) had died of disease. Two‐year DSS was 76.9%. Number of positive nodes (P =. 026) and positive surgical margins (P =. 001), among others, were predictors of poorer DSS.ConclusionIn a highly selected group of patients with cervical lymph node metastases from head and neck SCC, selective neck dissection is effective in controlling the disease in the neck when performed in the setting of a multimodality treatment, including adjuvant radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy.