bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arctic and Antarctic four-month oscillations detected from Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A measurements
Authors: Qin Z. , Zou X. , Weng F. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSatellite microwave measurements can penetrate through clouds and therefore provide unique information of surface and near-surface temperatures and surface emissivity. In this study, the brightness temperatures from NOAA-15 Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) are used to analyse the surface temperature variation in the Arctic and Antarctic regions during the past 13 years from 1998–2010. The data from four AMSU-A channels sensitive to surface are analysed with wavelet and Fourier spectrum techniques. A very pronounced maximum is noticed in the period range centred around four months. Application of a statistical significance test confirms that it is a dominant mode of variability over polar regions besides the annual and semi-annual oscillations in the data. No evidence of this feature could be found in middle and low latitudes. The four-month oscillation is 90° out of phase at the Arctic and Antarctic, with the Arctic four-month oscillation reaching its maximum in the beginning of March, July and November and the Antarctic four-month oscillation in the middle of April, August and December. The intensity of the four-month oscillation varies interannually. The years with pronounced four-month oscillation were 2002–03, 2005–06 and 2008–09. The strongest year for the Arctic and Antarctic four-month oscillations occurred in 2005–06 and 2008–09, respectively. The sign of four-month oscillation is also found in the surface skin temperatures and two-metre air temperatures from ERA-Interim reanalysis, with strongest signal in 2005–06 when this oscillation is strongest in the data. It is hypothesized that the Arctic and Antarctic four-month oscillations are a combined result of unique features of solar radiative forcing and snow/sea ice formation and metamorphosis.
Pandemic Influenza Extension Areas in an Urban Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Charney Rachel L. , Armbrecht Eric S. , Kennedy Brian R. , Flood Robert G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroduction The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic created a surge of patients with low-acuity influenza-like-illness (ILI) to hospital Emergency Departments (EDs). The development and results of a tiered surge plan to care for these patients at a Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) were studied.Hypothesis/Problem By providing standard assessment and treatment algorithms within physically separate ILI Extension Areas, it was hypothesized that patient care could be streamlined and the quality of care maintained.Methods Hospital administrators created the tiered H1N1 surge plan within the framework of the existing emergency operations plan (EOP). After the initial expansion of space and staff utilization within the existing PED footprint, ILI Extension Areas were opened and staffed by non-ED physicians and nursing to provide care rapidly for ILI patients after Registered Nurse (RN) screening. Volumes, length of stay (LOS), left without being seen (LWBS) rates, patient satisfaction, and costs were tracked and measured.Results Significantly elevated volumes of patients were seen in the months of September and October of 2009 (42.0% and 32.7% increase over 2008). During this time, 612 patients were triaged to the ILI Extension Areas. The LOS was similar to that experienced in prior years. The LWBS rates in September (4.8%) and October (3.4%) were slightly elevated over the 2009 yearly average (3.2%), but remained lower than during a prior, high-volume month. Satisfaction, measured as patients’ “likelihood to recommend,” remained within the range observed during other parts of the year. Cost estimates indicate favorable financial performance for the institution.Conclusion The tiered surge response plan represented a success in managing large volumes of low-acuity patients during an extended period of time. This design can be utilized effectively in the future during times of patient surge.
Disaster Metrics: A Proposed Quantitative Model for Benchmarking Prehospital Medical Response in Trauma-Related Multiple Casualty Events
Authors: Bayram Jamil D. , Zuabi Shawki 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroductionQuantitative benchmarking of trauma-related prehospital response for Multiple Casualty Events (MCE) is complicated by major difficulties due to the simultaneous occurrences of multiple prehospital activities.Hypothesis/ProblemAttempts to quantify the various components of prehospital medical response in MCE have fallen short of a comprehensive model. The objective of this study was to model the principal parameters necessary to quantitatively benchmark the prehospital medical response in trauma-related MCE.MethodsA two-step approach was adopted for the methodology of this study: an extensive literature search was performed, followed by prehospital system quantitative modeling. Studies on prehospital medical response to trauma injuries were used as the framework for the proposed model. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) triage categories (T1-T4) were used for the study.ResultsTwo parameters, the Injury to Patient Contact Interval (IPCI) and Injury to Hospital Interval (IHI), were identified and proposed as the principal determinants of the medical prehospital response in trauma-related MCE. IHI is the time interval from the occurrence of injury to the completion of transfer of care of critical (T1) and moderate (T2) patients. The IHI for each casualty is compared to the Maximum Time Allowed described in the literature (golden hour for T1 and Friedrich's time for T2). In addition, the medical rescue factor (R) was identified as the overall indicator for the prehospital medical performance for T1 and T2, and a numerical value of one (R = 1) was proposed to be the quantitative benchmark.ConclusionA new quantitative model for benchmarking prehospital response to MCE in trauma-related MCE is proposed. Prospective studies of this model are needed to validate its applicability.Bayram J, Zuabi S. Disaster metrics: a proposed quantitative model for benchmarking prehospital medical response in trauma-related multiple casualty events.Prehosp Disaster Med.2012;27(2):-7.
Disaster Metrics: Quantification of Acute Medical Disasters in Trauma-Related Multiple Casualty Events through Modeling of the Acute Medical Severity Index
Authors: Bayram Jamil D. , Zuabi Shawki 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroductionThe interaction between the acute medical consequences of a Multiple Casualty Event (MCE) and the total medical capacity of the community affected determines if the event amounts to an acute medical disaster.Hypothesis/ProblemThere is a need for a comprehensive quantitative model in MCE that would account for both prehospital and hospital-based acute medical systems, leading to the quantification of acute medical disasters. Such a proposed model needs to be flexible enough in its application to accommodatea prioriestimation as part of the decision-making process anda posteriorievaluation for total quality management purposes.MethodsThe concept proposed by de Boer et al in 1989, along with the disaster metrics quantitative models proposed by Bayram et al on hospital surge capacity and prehospital medical response, were used as theoretical frameworks for a new comprehensive model, taking into account both prehospital and hospital systems, in order to quantify acute medical disasters.ResultsA quantitative model called the Acute Medical Severity Index (AMSI) was developed. AMSI is the proportion of the Acute Medical Burden (AMB) resulting from the event, compared to the Total Medical Capacity (TMC) of the community affected; AMSI = AMB/TMC. In this model, AMB is defined as the sum of critical (T1) and moderate (T2) casualties caused by the event, while TMC is a function of the Total Hospital Capacity (THC) and the medical rescue factor (R) accounting for the hospital-based and prehospital medical systems, respectively. Qualitatively, the authors define acute medical disaster as “a state after any type of Multiple Casualty Event where the Acute Medical Burden (AMB) exceeds the Total Medical Capacity (TMC) of the community affected.” Quantitatively, an acute medical disaster has an AMSI value of more than one (AMB / TMC > 1). An acute medical incident has an AMSI value of less than one, without the need for medical surge. An acute medical emergency has an AMSI value of less than one with utilization of surge capacity (prehospital or hospital-based). An acute medical crisis has an AMSI value between 0.9 and 1, approaching the threshold for an actual medical disaster.ConclusionA novel quantitative taxonomy in MCE has been proposed by modeling the Acute Medical Severity Index (AMSI). This model accounts for both hospital and prehospital systems, and quantifies acute medical disasters. Prospective applications of various components of this model are encouraged to further verify its applicability and validity.Bayram JD, Zuabi S. Disaster metrics: quantification of acute medical disasters in trauma-related multiple casualty events through modeling of the Acute Medical Severity Index.Prehosp Disaster Med.2012;27(2):1-6.
A Public Health Enforcement Initiative to Combat Underage Drinking Using Emergency Medical Services Call Data
Authors: Lemkin Daniel L. , Bond Michael C. , Alves Donald W. , Bissell Richard A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether Emergency Medical Services (EMS) records can identify bars that serve a disproportionate number of minors, and if government officials will use this data to direct underage drinker enforcement efforts.MethodsEmergency Medical Services call logs to all bars in the study area were cross-referenced with a local hospital's records. The records of patients with alcohol-related complaints were analyzed. Outlier bars were identified, and presented to government officials who completed a survey to assess if this information would prompt new enforcement efforts.ResultsEmergency Medical Services responded to 149 establishments during the study period. Eighty-four responses were distributed across six bars, and 78 were matched with the hospital's records. Fifty-one patients, 18 (35%) of whom were underage, were treated for alcohol intoxication, with 46% of the cases originating from four bars. Government officials found the information useful, and planned to initiate new operations based on the information.ConclusionsAlcohol consumption by minors can lead to life-long abuse, with high personal, financial, and societal costs. Emergency Medical Services response data and hospital records can be used to identify bars that allow underage drinking, which is useful in directing law enforcement efforts.Lemkin DL, Bond MC, Alves DW, Bissell RA. A public health enforcement initiative to combat underage drinking using emergency medical services call data. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(2):1-5.
Portable Handheld Ultrasound in Austere Environments: Use in the Haiti Disaster
Authors: Shorter Meghan , Macias Darryl J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIntroductionA 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, resulting in 222,000 deaths and 300,000 injuries. Three weeks after the initial quake, the New Mexico Disaster Medical Assistance Team (NM DMAT-1) was deployed to Haiti for ongoing medical relief. During this deployment, a portable handheld ultrasound machine was tested for usefulness in aiding with patient care decisions.ObjectiveThe utility of portable ultrasound to help with triage and patient management decisions in a major disaster setting was evaluated.MethodsRetrospective observational non-blinded images were obtained on 51 patients voluntarily presenting to the Gheskio Field clinic at Port-au-Prince. Ultrasound was used for evaluation of undifferentiated hypotension, torso trauma, pregnancy, non-traumatic abdominal pain, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and dyspnea-chest pain, as well as for assisting with procedures. Scans were obtained using a Signos personal handheld ultrasound machine with images stored on a microSD card. Qualitative data were reviewed to identify whether ultrasound influenced management decisions, and results were categorized in terms of percent of scans that influenced management.ResultsFifty-one ultrasound scans on 50 patients were performed, with 35% interpreted as positive, 41% as negative, and 24% as equivocal. The highest yields of information were for abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound related to pregnancy. Ultrasound influenced decisions on patient care in 70% of scans. Most of these decisions were reflected in the clinician's confidence in discharging a patient with or without non-emergent follow-up.ConclusionThe use of a handheld portable ultrasound machine was effective for patient management decisions in resource-poor settings, and decreased the need to triage selected patients to higher levels of care. Ultrasound was very useful for evaluation of non-traumatic abdominal pain. Dynamic capability is necessary for ultrasound evaluation of undifferentiated hypotension and cardiac and lung examinations. Ultrasound also was useful for guidance during procedural applications, and for aiding in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases.Shorter M, Macias D. Portable handheld ultrasound in austere environments: use in the Haiti disaster. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(2):1-6.
Singular and plural functions for functional logic programming
Authors: RIESCO ADRIÁN , RODRÍGUEZ-HORTALÁ JUAN 
Published: May 2012

AbstractModern functional logic programming (FLP) languages use non-terminating and non-confluent constructor systems (CSs) as programs in order to define non-strict and non-deterministic functions. Two semantic alternatives have been usually considered for parameter passing with this kind of functions: call-time choice and run-time choice. While the former is the standard choice of modern FLP languages, the latter lacks some basic properties – mainly compositionality – that have prevented its use in practical FLP systems. Traditionally it has been considered that call-time choice induces a singular denotational semantics, while run-time choice induces a plural semantics. We have discovered that this latter identification is wrong when pattern matching is involved, and thus in this paper we propose two novel compositional plural semantics for CSs that are different from run-time choice.We investigate the basic properties of our plural semantics – compositionality, polarity, and monotonicity for substitutions, and a restricted form of the bubbling property for CSs – and the relation between them and to previous proposals, concluding that these semantics form a hierarchy in the sense of set inclusion of the set of values computed by them. Besides, we have identified a class of programs characterized by a simple syntactic criterion for which the proposed plural semantics behave the same, and a program transformation that can be used to simulate one of the proposed plural semantics by term rewriting. At the practical level, we study how to use the new expressive capabilities of these semantics for improving the declarative flavor of programs. As call-time choice is the standard semantics for FLP, it still remains the best option for many common programming patterns. Therefore, we propose a language that combines call-time choice and our plural semantics, which we have implemented in the Maude system. The resulting interpreter is then employed to develop and test several significant examples showing the capabilities of the combined semantics.
Safety Profile of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Stem Cells in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Posttraumatic Facial Nerve Paralysis—A Novel Modality (Phase One Trial)
Authors: Aggarwal Sushil Kumar , Gupta Ashok Kumar , Modi Manish , Gupta Rijuneeta , Marwaha Neelam 
Published: May 2012

Objectives The objectives of this study were to study the safety profile and role of mononuclear stem cells in the rehabilitation of posttraumatic facial nerve paralysis not improving with conventional treatment.
Study Design This is a prospective nonrandomized controlled trial.
Study Setting This study is conducted at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh between July, 2007 and December, 2008.
Patients We included eight patients of either sex aged between 18 and 60 years of posttraumatic facial nerve paralysis not improving with conventional treatment presented to PGIMER, Chandigarh between July 2007 and December 2008.
Methods All patients underwent preoperative electroneuronography (ENoG), clinical photography, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) temporal bone. All patients then underwent facial nerve decompression and stem cell implantation. Stem cells processing was done in well-equipped bone marrow laboratory. Postoperatively, all patients underwent repeat ENoG and clinical photography at 3 and 6 months to assess for objective and clinical improvement. Clinical improvement was graded according to modified House–Brackmann grading system.
Intervention Done All patients of posttraumatic facial nerve paralysis who were not improving with conventional surgical treatment were subjected to facial nerve decompression and stem cell implantation.
Main Outcome Measures All patients who were subjected to stem cell implantation were followed up for 6 months to assess for any adverse effects of stem cell therapy on human beings; no adverse effects were seen in any of our patients after more than 6 months of follow-up.
Results Majority of the patients were male, with motor vehicle accidents as the most common cause of injury in our series. Majority had longitudinal fractures on HRCT temporal bone. The significant improvement in ENoG amplitude was seen between preoperative and postoperative amplitudes on involved side which was statistically significant (0.041). Clinical improvement seen was statistically significant both for eye closure (p < 0.010) and for deviation of angle of mouth (p < 0.008) at 6-month follow-up in 85% of our patients, far better than the results of previous conventional surgeries.
Conclusion Stem cell therapy can be used safely in human beings without any adverse effects on humans, and it appears to be a promising modality for rehabilitation of patients with posttraumatic facial nerve paralysis not improving with conventional surgical treatment but few more clinical series are required for validation.
The Human Genome Project: Novel Approaches, Probable Reasoning, and the Advancement of Science
Authors: Robidoux Charlotte A. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The Human Genome Project (HGP), a 15-year study that began in 1990, expects to locate the 50,000 to 100,000 genes spanning our clmmasomes. According to many scientists, this effort will result in cures for genetic diseases. Yet throughout the course of genetic research, scientific findings have been surrounded by much uncertainty. Even when Watson and Crick announced the discovery of DNA, they acknowledged that their data mted on assumptions. How then do geneticists conduct research when strict proof is not always possible? When no one has directly observed DNA nucleotide sequeneces? Scientists often rely on probable reasoning to arrive at truth. In this essay, I examine discussions on the HGP through an Aristotelian lens to understand how rhetorical figures, such as metaphor and analogy, are wed as dialectical tooh to advance the frontiers of science.
Classical and Christian Conflicts in Keekennann's De rhetoricae ecclesiasticae utilitate
Authors: Lares Jameela 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Little attention has been paid to the often profound differences between artes praedicandi written in the Europe of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. While the sermon theorists loyal to Rome often employed classical rhetoric without any sense of disjunction, the Reformers' dedication to Scripture as a model of discourse impelled them to ratify any use of classical rhetoric in terms of Scripture and Christian commentary. In Bartholomew Keckermann's De rhetoricae ecclesiasticae utilitate, for instance, the author makes use of Aristotle's Rhetoric, but not without heavy reference to similar concerns in Augustine's De docfrina christiana and the epistles of St. Paul. Keckermann's procedures parallel those of other reformers such as Philip Melanchthon and Gerhard Andreas Hyperius, and stand in sharp contrast to the works of Erasmus and the Milanese cardinal Saint Charles Borromeo.
Improvement of 3D protein models using multiple templates guided by single-template model quality assessment
Authors: Buenavista Maria T. , Roche Daniel B. , McGuffin Liam J. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Motivation: Modelling the 3D structures of proteins can often be enhanced if more than one fold template is used during the modelling process. However, in many cases, this may also result in poorer model quality for a given target or alignment method. There is a need for modelling protocols that can both consistently and significantly improve 3D models and provide an indication of when models might not benefit from the use of multiple target-template alignments. Here, we investigate the use of both global and local model quality prediction scores produced by ModFOLDclust2, to improve the selection of target-template alignments for the construction of multiple-template models. Additionally, we evaluate clustering the resulting population of multi- and single-template models for the improvement of our IntFOLD-TS tertiary structure prediction method.
Results: We find that using accurate local model quality scores to guide alignment selection is the most consistent way to significantly improve models for each of the sequence to structure alignment methods tested. In addition, using accurate global model quality for re-ranking alignments, prior to selection, further improves the majority of multi-template modelling methods tested. Furthermore, subsequent clustering of the resulting population of multiple-template models significantly improves the quality of selected models compared with the previous version of our tertiary structure prediction method, IntFOLD-TS.
Availability and implementation: Source code and binaries can be freely downloaded from http://www.reading.ac.uk/bioinf/downloads/.
Contact: l.j.mcguffin@reading.ac.uk
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. http://www.reading.ac.uk/bioinf/MTM_suppl_info.pdf
Putting biogeography’s cart back behind taxonomy’s horse: a response to Triantis et al.
Authors: Carine Mark A. , Jones Katy , Moura Mónica , Graciete Belo Maciel M. , Rumsey Fred J. , Schaefer Hanno 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn a recent paper, two of us discussed diversity patterns and diversification processes in the Azores flora. Triantis et al. (2012, Journal of Biogeography, 39, 1179–1184) challenged our hypothesis that palaeoclimatic differences had an effect on diversification rates and suggested that area, island age and isolation explain diversity patterns. They did not, however, fully address the results from our subsequent paper, in which we showed that diversity patterns evident from phylogeographic studies differ markedly from those suggested by checklists. Checklists are working hypotheses and we suggest that the discrepancies evident between molecular data and checklists may be indicative of deficiencies in our taxonomic understanding of the Azores flora. Patterns of molecular and morphological diversity need to be better understood, and the discrepancies between checklists and molecular data accounted for, before we can establish the relative importance of factors such as palaeoclimate, area, island age or isolation in generating endemic diversity patterns in the Azores flora.