bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurointerventional Procedural Volume per Hospital in United States
Authors: Grigoryan Mikayel , Chaudhry Saqib A. , Hassan Ameer E. , Suri Fareed K. , Qureshi Adnan I. 
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—
Availability of neurointerventional procedures is recommended as a necessary component of a comprehensive stroke center by various regulatory guidelines that also emphasize adequate procedural volumes. We studied the volumes of neurointerventional procedures performed in various hospitals across the United States with subsequent comparisons with rates of minimum procedural volumes recommended by various professional bodies or used in clinical trials to ensure adequate operator experience.

Methods—
We reviewed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database in the United States for the years 2005 to 2008. Using International Classification of Disease—Clinical Modification, 9th revision, and Medicare severity diagnosis-related group codes, we identified among hospitals that admit stroke patients those that met the minimum criteria for overall and individual procedural volumes specified in various guidelines. We then compared the characteristics between the high-volume hospitals that performed at least 100 cervicocerebral angiograms and met ≥1 other procedural criterion (n=79) and low-volume hospitals (n=958).

Results—

Proportions of hospitals that met individual procedural volume criteria over the 4-year period according to procedure were: cervicocerebral angiography (7.0%–7.8%); endovascular acute ischemic stroke treatments (0.4%–2.6%); carotid angioplasty/stent placement (3.0%–5.3%); intracranial angioplasty/stent placement (0.3%–1.3%); and aneurysm embolization (1.3%–2.6%). There were significant trends for increasing numbers of all the endovascular procedures except intracranial angioplasty/stent placement over the course of 4 years. The high-volume hospitals were more likely to be urban teaching hospitals (70.9% versus 13.1%;
P
<0.001), had larger bed size (79.7% versus 26.9%;
P
<0.001), and had significantly higher rates of hemorrhagic stroke admissions and lower rates of transient ischemic attack admissions. Urban teaching location/status (OR, 8.92; CI, 4.3–18.2;
P
<0.001) and large bed size (OR, 4.40; CI, 2.0–9.5;
P
<0.001) remained as independent predictors of a high-volume hospital when adjusted for age, gender, risk factors, and stroke subtype.

Conclusions—
There are very few hospitals in the United States that meet all the neurointerventional procedural volume criteria for all endovascular procedures recommended to ensure adequate operator experience. Our results support the creation of specialized regional centers for ensuring adequate procedural volume within treating hospitals.
MODIS Cloud-Top Property Refinements for Collection 6
Authors: Baum Bryan A. , Menzel W. Paul , Frey Richard A. , Tobin David C. , Holz Robert E. , Ackerman Steve A. , Heidinger Andrew K. , Yang Ping 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis paper summarizes the Collection-6 refinements in the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) operational cloud-top properties algorithm. The focus is on calibration improvements and on cloud macrophysical properties including cloud-top pressure–temperature–height and cloud thermodynamic phase. The cloud phase is based solely on infrared band measurements. In addition, new parameters will be provided in Collection 6, including cloud-top height and a flag for clouds near the tropopause. The cloud parameters are improved primarily through 1) improved knowledge of the spectral response functions for the MODIS 15-μm carbon dioxide bands gleaned from comparison of coincident MODIS and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) radiance measurements and 2) continual comparison of global MODIS and Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) instantaneous cloud products throughout the course of algorithm refinement. Whereas the cloud-top macrophysical parameters were provided through Collection 5 solely at 5-km spatial resolution, these parameters will be available additionally at 1-km spatial resolution in Collection 6.
An Investigation of the Short-Term Predictability of Precipitation Using High-Resolution Composite Radar Observations
Authors: Ruzanski Evan , Chandrasekar V. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe short-term predictability of precipitation patterns observed by meteorological radar is an important concept as it establishes a means to characterize precipitation and provides an upper limit on the extent of useful nowcasting. Predictability also varies on the basis of spatial and temporal scales of the observed meteorological phenomena. This paper describes an investigation of the short-term predictability of precipitation patterns containing microalpha (0.2–2 km) to mesobeta (20–200 km) scales using high-resolution (0.5 km–1 min–1 dBZ) composite radar reflectivity data, extending the analysis presented in previous work to smaller space and time scales. An experimental approach is used in which continuous and categorical lifetimes of radar reflectivity fields in Eulerian and Lagrangian space are used to quantify short-term predictability. The space–time scale dependency of short-term predictability is analyzed, and a practical upper limit on the extent of Lagrangian persistence-based nowcasting is estimated. Connections to the predictability of larger scales are made within the context of previous work. The results show that short-term predictability estimates in terms of lifetime are approximately 14–15 and 20–21 min in Eulerian and Lagrangian space, respectively, and suggest that a linear relationship exists between predictability and space–time structure from microalpha to macrobeta (2000–10 000 km) scales.
A Mechanism for the Effect of Tropospheric Jet Structure on the Annular Mode–Like Response to Stratospheric Forcing
Authors: Simpson Isla R. , Blackburn Michael , Haigh Joanna D. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
For many climate forcings the dominant response of the extratropical circulation is a latitudinal shift of the tropospheric midlatitude jets. The magnitude of this response appears to depend on climatological jet latitude in general circulation models (GCMs): lower-latitude jets exhibit a larger shift.
The reason for this latitude dependence is investigated for a particular forcing, heating of the equatorial stratosphere, which shifts the jet poleward. Spinup ensembles with a simplified GCM are used to examine the evolution of the response for five different jet structures. These differ in the latitude of the eddy-driven jet but have similar subtropical zonal winds. It is found that lower-latitude jets exhibit a larger response due to stronger tropospheric eddy–mean flow feedbacks.
A dominant feedback responsible for enhancing the poleward shift is an enhanced equatorward refraction of the eddies, resulting in an increased momentum flux, poleward of the low-latitude critical line. The sensitivity of feedback strength to jet structure is associated with differences in the coherence of this behavior across the spectrum of eddy phase speeds. In the configurations used, the higher-latitude jets have a wider range of critical latitude locations. This reduces the coherence of the momentum flux anomalies associated with different phase speeds, with low phase speeds opposing the effect of high phase speeds. This suggests that, for a given subtropical zonal wind strength, the latitude of the eddy-driven jet affects the feedback through its influence on the width of the region of westerly winds and the range of critical latitudes on the equatorward flank of the jet.
Supervised Learning Approaches to Classify Sudden Stratospheric Warming Events
Authors: Blume Christian , Matthes Katja , Horenko Illia 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Sudden stratospheric warmings are prominent examples of dynamical wave–mean flow interactions in the Arctic stratosphere during Northern Hemisphere winter. They are characterized by a strong temperature increase on time scales of a few days and a strongly disturbed stratospheric vortex. This work investigates a wide class of supervised learning methods with respect to their ability to classify stratospheric warmings, using temperature anomalies from the Arctic stratosphere and atmospheric forcings such as ENSO, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and the solar cycle. It is demonstrated that one representative of the supervised learning methods family, namely nonlinear neural networks, is able to reliably classify stratospheric warmings. Within this framework, one can estimate temporal onset, duration, and intensity of stratospheric warming events independently of a particular pressure level. In contrast to classification methods based on the zonal-mean zonal wind, the approach herein distinguishes major, minor, and final warmings. Instead of a binary measure, it provides continuous conditional probabilities for each warming event representing the amount of deviation from an undisturbed polar vortex. Additionally, the statistical importance of the atmospheric factors is estimated. It is shown how marginalized probability distributions can give insights into the interrelationships between external factors. This approach is applied to 40-yr and interim ECMWF (ERA-40/ERA-Interim) and NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data for the period from 1958 through 2010.
Intermediate Zonal Jets in the Tropical Pacific Ocean Observed by Argo Floats*
Authors: Cravatte Sophie , Kessler William S. , Marin Frédéric 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Argo float data in the tropical Pacific Ocean during January 2003–August 2011 are analyzed to obtain Lagrangian subsurface velocities at their parking depths. Maps of mean zonal velocities at 1000 and 1500 m are presented. At both depths, a series of alternating westward and eastward zonal jets with a meridional scale of 1.5° is seen at the basin scale from 10°S to 10°N. These alternating jets, with mean speeds about 5 cm s−1, are clearly present in the western and central parts of the basin but weaken and disappear approaching the eastern coast. They are stronger in the Southern Hemisphere. Along the equator at both 1000 and 1500 m, a westward jet is seen. The jets closer to the equator are remarkably zonally coherent across the basin, but the jets farther poleward appear broken in several segments. In the western half of the basin, the 1000-m zonal jets appear to slant slightly poleward from east to west. At the western boundary in the south (east of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea), the alternating jets appear to connect in narrow boundary currents. Seasonal zonal velocity anomalies at 1000 and 1500 m are observed to propagate westward across the basin; they are consistent with annual vertically propagating Rossby waves superimposed on the mean zonal jets. Their meridional structure suggests that more than one meridional mode is present.
Experimental Determination of Forecast Sensitivity and the Degradation of Forecasts through the Assimilation of Good Quality Data
Authors: Semple Adrian , Thurlow Michael , Milton Sean 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe case of a small vigorous cyclone crossing the United Kingdom on 1 November 2009 is investigated. Met Office Global Model forecasts at the time displayed a marked change in solutions at a forecast range of 72 h, with those at longer ranges being more representative of the correct solution and those at shorter ranges only gradually migrating toward it. The strong bimodal nature of the Global Model forecasts is enough to overwhelmingly dominate the solutions from the Met Office Global Ensemble on which it is based. An investigation into the case is used as a vehicle for developing an experimental method determining the critical location of assimilated data leading to the largest impact on forecast consistency and the origins of the bimodal solutions. It allows the identification of one global positioning system radio occultation (GPSRO) and three surface observations located around the developing low that have conclusively led to the degradation in forecast skill. An assessment of these observations concludes that they are of relatively good quality and correctly assimilated. The case is suggested to be an example of forecast degradation as a result of the addition of growing errors by the data assimilation scheme.
Strength of Titanium Intramedullary Implant versus Miniplate Fixation of Mandibular Condyle Fractures
Authors: Frake Paul C. , Howell Rebecca J. , Joshi Arjun S. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo test the strength of internal fixation of mandibular condyle fractures repaired with titanium miniplates versus titanium intramedullary implants.Study DesignProspective laboratory experimentation in urethane mandible models and human cadaveric mandibles.SettingMaterials testing laboratory at an academic medical center.MethodsOsteotomies of the mandibular condyle were created in 40 urethane hemimandible models and 24 human cadaveric specimens. Half of the samples in each group were repaired with traditional miniplates, and the other half were repaired with intramedullary titanium implants. Anteroposterior and mediolateral loads were applied to the samples, and the displacement was measured with reference to the applied force.ResultsTitanium intramedullary implants demonstrated statistically significant improved strength and stiffness versus miniplates in the urethane model experimental groups. Despite frequent plastic deformation and mechanical failures of the miniplates, a 1.6‐mm‐diameter titanium intramedullary pin did not mechanically fail in any of the cases. Intramedullary implantation failures were due to secondary fracture of the adjacent cortical bone or experimental design limitations including rotation of the smooth pin implant.ConclusionMechanical implant failures that were encountered with miniplate fixation were not seen with titanium intramedullary implants. These intramedullary implants provide stronger and more rigid fixation of mandibular condyle fractures than miniplates in this in vitro model.
A prospective, randomized, controlled trial of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for aggressive multiple sclerosis: a position paper
Authors: Saccardi R , Freedman MS , Sormani MP , Atkins H , Farge D , Griffith LM , Kraft G , Mancardi GL , Nash R , Pasquini M , Martin R , Muraro PA 
Published: March 2012

Background: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been tried in the last 15 years as a therapeutic option in patients with poor-prognosis autoimmune disease who do not respond to conventional treatments. Worldwide, more than 600 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been treated with HSCT, most of them having been recruited in small, single-centre, phase 1–2 uncontrolled trials. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes from case series reports or Registry-based analyses suggest that a major response is achieved in most patients; quality and duration of response are better in patients transplanted during the relapsing–remitting phase than in those in the secondary progressive stage. Objectives: An interdisciplinary group of neurologists and haematologists has been formed, following two international meetings supported by the European and American Blood and Marrow Transplantation Societies, for the purpose of discussing a controlled clinical trial, to be designed within the new scenarios of evolving MS treatments. Conclusions: Objectives of the trial, patient selection, transplant technology and outcome assessment were extensively discussed. The outcome of this process is summarized in the present paper, with the goal of establishing the background and advancing the development of a prospective, randomized, controlled multicentre trial to assess the clinical efficacy of HSCT for the treatment of highly active MS.
Renin and prorenin have no direct effect on aldosterone synthesis in the human adrenocortical cell lines H295R and HAC15
Authors: Jansen Pieter M , Hofland Johannes , van den Meiracker Anton H , de Jong Frank H , Danser AH Jan 
Published: March 2012

Introduction: Transgenic rats expressing the human (pro)renin receptor (h(P)RR) have elevated plasma aldosterone levels despite unaltered levels, in plasma and adrenal, of renin and angiotensin II. Materials and methods: To investigate whether renin/prorenin–(P)RR interaction underlies these elevated aldosterone levels, the effect of (pro)renin on steroidogenesis was compared with that of angiotensin II in two (P)RR-expressing human adrenocortical cell lines, H295R and HAC15. Angiotensin II rapidly induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and increased the expression of STAR, CYP21A2, CYP11B2, and CYP17A1 at 6 and 24 hours, whereas the expression of CYP11A1 and HSD3B2 remained unaltered. Incubation with renin or prorenin at nanomolar concentrations had no effect on the expression of any of the steroidogenic enzymes tested, nor resulted in ERK phosphorylation. Angiotensin II, but not renin or prorenin, induced aldosterone production. Conclusion: Although the (P)RR is present in adrenocortical cells, renin and prorenin do not elicit ERK phosphorylation nor directly affect steroid production via this receptor at nanomolar concentrations. Thus, direct (pro)renin–(P)RR interaction is unlikely to contribute to the elevated aldosterone levels in human (P)RR transgenic rats. This conclusion also implies that the aldosterone rise that often occurs during prolonged renin–angiotensin system blockade is rather due to the angiotensin II ‘escape’ during such blockade.
Use of ethnographic approaches to the study of health experiences in relation to natural landscapes
Authors: O’Brien Liz , Varley Pete 
Published: March 2012

Aims: This paper discusses the use of ethnographic approaches to explore how engagement with natural landscapes might benefit people’s health. Methods: Drawing on a selected review of empirical research we identified 30 relevant research papers that utilised qualitative methods to explore health issues and engagement with nature. Three examples of ‘alternative’ – i.e. non-mainstream qualitative approaches – are used to illustrate how different methods can be used to explore people’s experiences of engaging with nature for health. Results: While quantitative methods are dominant in health research, qualitative approaches are becoming more widely used. Approaches such as autoethnography can add value to nature and health studies by providing opportunities for researchers to be self-critical of their role as a researcher. Accompanied visits and visual ethnography can afford the researcher rich data about bodily movement, facial expressions and journeys, as well as dialogues associated with the meanings of nature for health. Conclusions: The paper concludes by suggesting that ethnographic methods can provide useful and important insights into why people engage with the natural environment and the range of health benefits they may gain from contact with nature.
CD4+ T-cell epitopes associated with antibody responses after intravenously and subcutaneously applied human FVIII in humanized hemophilic E17 HLA-DRB1*1501 mice
Authors: Steinitz Katharina N. , van Helden Pauline M. , Binder Brigitte , Wraith David C. , Unterthurner Sabine , Hermann Corinna , Schuster Maria , Ahmad Rafi U. , Weiller Markus , Lubich Christian , de la Rosa Maurus , Schwarz Hans Peter , Reipert Birgit M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractToday it is generally accepted that B cells require cognate interactions with CD4+ T cells to develop high-affinity antibodies against proteins. CD4+ T cells recognize peptides (epitopes) presented by MHC class II molecules that are expressed on antigen-presenting cells. Structural features of both the MHC class II molecule and the peptide determine the specificity of CD4+ T cells that can bind to the MHC class II–peptide complex. We used a new humanized hemophilic mouse model to identify FVIII peptides presented by HLA-DRB1*1501. This model carries a knockout of all murine MHC class II molecules and expresses a chimeric murine-human MHC class II complex that contains the peptide-binding sites of the human HLA-DRB1*1501. When mice were treated with human FVIII, the proportion of mice that developed antibodies depended on the application route of FVIII and the activation state of the innate immune system. We identified 8 FVIII peptide regions that contained CD4+ T-cell epitopes presented by HLA-DRB1*1501 to CD4+ T cells during immune responses against FVIII. CD4+ T-cell responses after intravenous and subcutaneous application of FVIII involved the same immunodominant FVIII epitopes. Interestingly, most of the 8 peptide regions contained promiscuous epitopes that bound to several different HLA-DR proteins in in vitro binding assays.
Ageing in general practice (AGP) trial: a cluster randomised trial to examine the effectiveness of peer education on GP diagnostic assessment and management of dementia
Authors: Pond Constance D , Brodaty Henry , Stocks Nigel P , Gunn Jane , Marley John , Disler Peter , Magin Parker , Paterson Nerida , Horton Graeme , Goode Susan , Paine Bronwen , Mate Karen E 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Dementia is increasing in prevalence as the population ages. An earlier rather than later diagnosis allows persons with dementia and their families to plan ahead and access appropriate management. However, most diagnoses are made by general practitioners (GPs) later in the course of the disease and are associated with management that is poorly adherent to recommended guidelines. This trial examines the effectiveness of a peer led dementia educational intervention for GPs.

Methods
The study is a cluster randomised trial, conducted across three states and five sites. All GPs will complete an audit of their consenting patients aged 75 years or more at three time points - baseline, 12 and 24 months. GPs allocated to the intervention group will receive two educational sessions from a peer GP or nurse, and will administer the GPCOG to consenting patients at baseline and 12 months. The first education session will provide information about dementia and the second will provide individualised feedback on audit results. GPs in the waitlist group will receive the RACGP Guidelines by post following the 12 month audit
Outcomes: Primary outcomes are carer and consumer quality of life and depression. Secondary outcomes include: rates of GP identification of dementia compared to a more detailed gold standard assessment conducted in the patient's home; GP identification of differential diagnoses including reversible causes of cognitive impairment; and GP referral to specialists, Alzheimers' Australia and support services. A "case finding" and a "screening" group will be compared and the psychometrics of the GPCOG will be examined.
Sample size: Approximately 2,000 subjects aged 75 years and over will be recruited through approximately 160 GPs, to yield approximately 200 subjects with dementia (reducing to 168 by 24 months).

Discussion
The trial outlined in this paper has been peer reviewed and supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. At the time of submission of this paper 2,034 subjects have been recruited and the intervention delivered to 114 GPs.

Trial registration
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12607000117415.