bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Approach to Error Correction for Real-Time Radar-Rainfall Estimation
Authors: Chumchean Siriluk , Sharma Ashish , Seed Alan 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A procedure for estimating radar rainfall in real time consists of three main steps: 1) the measurement of reflectivity and removal of known sources of errors, 2) the conversion of the reflectivity to a rainfall rate (Z–R conversion), and 3) the adjustment of the mean field bias as assessed using a rain gauge network. Error correction is associated with the first two steps and incorporates removing erroneous measurements and correcting biases in the Z–R conversion. This paper investigates the relative importance of error correction and the mean field bias–adjustment processes. In addition to the correction for ground clutter, the bright band, and hail, the two error correction strategies considered here are 1) a scale transformation function to remove range-dependent bias in measured reflectivity resulting from an increase in observation volume with range, and 2) the classification of storm types to account for the variation in Z–R relationships for convective and stratiform rainfall. The mean field bias is removed using two alternatives: 1) estimation of the bias at each time step based on the sample of observations available, and 2) use of a Kalman filter to estimate the bias under assumptions of a Markovian dependence structure. A 7-month record of radar and rain gauge rainfall for Sydney, Australia, were used in this study. The results show a stepwise decrease in the root-mean-square error (rmse) of radar rainfall with added levels of error correction using either of the two mean field bias–adjustment methods considered in our study. It was found that although the effects of the two error correction strategies were small compared to bias adjustment, they do form an important step of radar-rainfall estimation.
The COX-2 Specific Inhibitor Valdecoxib versus Tramadol in Acute Ankle Sprain
Authors: Ekman Evan F. , Ruoff Gary , Kuehl Kerry , Ralph Lee , Hormbrey Philip , Fiechtner Justus , Berger Manuela F. 
Published: February 2006

Background The cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitor valdecoxib has not been approved in the United States for treatment of acute pain. Hypothesis Valdecoxib 20 mg twice daily or once daily (both with a 40-mg loading dose) is not clinically inferior to tramadol for treating the signs and symptoms of acute ankle pain. Study Design Randomized, controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Patients (N = 829) with acute firstor second-degree ankle sprain received 7 days’ treatment with valdecoxib 20 mg either twice daily or once daily (both with 40-mg loading dose), tramadol 50 mg 4 times daily, or placebo. The primary end point was Patient's Assessment of Ankle Pain visual analog scale on day 4; a test of noninferiority compared valdecoxib with tramadol. Results On day 4, both valdecoxib doses were significantly better versus placebo and were comparable with tramadol in relieving ankle pain. On day 7, valdecoxib, but not tramadol, significantly reduced pain versus placebo. On days 4 and 7, more patients resumed normal walking with valdecoxib (45%-47% and 73%-79%, respectively) than with placebo (35% and 64%, respectively) or tramadol (38% and 67%, respectively). In contrast to valdecoxib, the number of withdrawals due to adverse events was significantly higher in the tramadol group (12.2% vs 3.4%; P = .0005). Conclusions Valdecoxib was comparable with tramadol and was significantly better than placebo in treating acute ankle sprain, and it enabled more patients to resume normal walking on days 4 and 7. Both valdecoxib and tramadol were well tolerated.
A Comparison between Clinical Assessment and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Acute Hamstring Injuries
Authors: Schneider-Kolsky Michal E. , Hoving Jan Lucas , Warren Price , Connell David A. 
Published: February 2006

Background Physicians evaluating hamstring strains in professional football players are increasingly turning to magnetic resonance imaging to support the clinical diagnosis and management of the injury. However, little information is available to assess how magnetic resonance imaging compares with the clinical evaluation in establishing the duration of rehabilitation required. Hypothesis Magnetic resonance imaging of hamstring strains can be useful in determining duration of rehabilitation. Study Design Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 1. Methods Fifty-eight professional football players with a diagnosis of hamstring injury made by the team physician were enrolled in the study. All players underwent magnetic resonance imaging and a clinical evaluation by an independent physical therapist within 3 days of the injury. Presence, type, and location of injury were recorded in each examination. The physical therapist estimated the time required until return to competition, and the radiologist used the length of the injury (coronal view) to establish rehabilitation duration. Both clinicians were blinded to the other modality. Results Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging assessments were in agreement in 38 of 58 cases (65.5%). In 18 cases (31.0%), a clinically positive diagnosis was made, but no abnormalities were evident on magnetic resonance imaging. In 2 cases (3.4%), magnetic resonance imaging detected an injury, whereas the clinical examination had negative or equivocal findings. Both clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings were strongly correlated with the actual time required to return to competition (r = .69, P < .001 and r = .58, P < .001, respectively). The correlation coefficient between clinical predictions and magnetic resonance imaging findings was moderate (r = .36, P = .006). Conclusion This study shows that magnetic resonance imaging is not required for estimating the duration of rehabilitation of an acute minor or moderate hamstring injury in professional football players.
Weakness in End-Range Plantar Flexion after Achilles Tendon Repair
Authors: Mullaney Michael J. , McHugh Malachy P. , Tyler Timothy F. , Nicholas Stephen J. , Lee Steven J. 
Published: February 2006

Background Separation of tendon ends after Achilles tendon repair may affect the tendon repair process and lead to postoperative end-range plantarflexion weakness. Hypothesis Patients will have disproportionate end-range plantarflexion weakness after Achilles tendon repair. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Four-strand core suture repairs of Achilles tendon were performed on 1 female and 19 male patients. Postoperatively, patients were nonweightbearing with the ankle immobilized for 4 weeks. Plantarflexion torque, dorsiflexion range of motion, passive joint stiffness, toe walking, and standing single-legged heel rise (on an incline, decline, and level surface) were assessed after surgery (mean, 1.8 years postoperative; range, 6 months-9 years). Maximum isometric plantarflexion torque was measured at 20° and 10° of dorsiflexion, neutral, and 10° and 20° of plantar flexion. Percentage strength deficit (relative to noninvolved leg) was computed at each angle. Passive dorsiflexion range of motion was measured goniometrically. Passive joint stiffness was computed from increase in passive torque between 10° and 20° of dorsiflexion, before isometric contractions. Results Significant plantarflexion weakness was evident on the involved side at 20° and 10° of plantar flexion (34% and 20% deficits, respectively; P < .001), with no torque deficits evident at other angles (6% at neutral, 3% at 10° of dorsiflexion, 0% at 20° of dorsiflexion). Dorsiflexion range of motion was not different between involved and noninvolved sides (P = .7). Passive joint stiffness was 34% lower on the involved side (P < .01). All patients could perform an incline heel rise; 14 patients could not perform a decline heel rise (P < .01). Conclusion Disproportionate weakness in end-range plantar flexion, decreased passive stiffness in dorsiflexion, and inability to perform a decline heel rise are evident after Achilles tendon repair. Possible causes include anatomical lengthening, increased tendon compliance, and insufficient rehabilitation after Achilles tendon repair. Clinical Relevance Impairments will have functional implications for activities (eg, descending stairs and landing from a jump). Weakness in end-range plantar flexion may be an unrecognized problem after Achilles tendon repair.
The Effect of a Balance Training Program on the Risk of Ankle Sprains in High School Athletes
Authors: McGuine Timothy A. , Keene James S. 
Published: February 2006

Background Ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal injuries that occur in athletes, and they have a profound impact on health care costs and resources. Hypothesis A balance training program can reduce the risk of ankle sprains in high school athletes. Study Design Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Seven hundred and sixty-five high school soccer and basketball players (523 girls and 242 boys) were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (27 teams, 373 subjects) that participated in a balance training program or to a control group (28 teams, 392 subjects) that performed only standard conditioning exercises. On-site athletic trainers recorded athlete exposures and sprains. Results The rate of ankle sprains was significantly lower for subjects in the intervention group (6.1%, 1.13 of 1000 exposures vs 9.9%, 1.87 of 1000 exposures; P = .04). Athletes with a history of an ankle sprain had a 2-fold increased risk of sustaining a sprain (risk ratio, 2.14), whereas athletes who performed the intervention program decreased their risk of a sprain by one half (risk ratio, 0.56). The ankle sprain rate for athletes without previous sprains was 4.3% in the intervention group and 7.7% in the control group, but this difference was not significant (P = .059). Conclusion A balance training program will significantly reduce the risk of ankle sprains in high school soccer and basketball players.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Rate Varies by Race in Professional Women's Basketball
Authors: Trojian Thomas H. , Collins Seamus 
Published: February 2006

Background Female basketball players are more likely to tear their anterior cruciate ligament than are their male counterparts. Many causes are postulated for the difference observed in the rate of anterior cruciate ligament tears between genders. However, little is known about the differences in tears within gender. Hypothesis The rate of anterior cruciate ligament tears is different in White European American female basketball players and non-White European American players. Study Design Cohort study (Prevalence); Level of evidence, 2. Methods The authors investigated the differences in anterior cruciate ligament tears by risk exposure in women of different racial or ethnic backgrounds playing in the Women's National Basketball Association for the 1999 through 2003 seasons. Using the injury surveillance data from the Women's National Basketball Association, the authors compared anterior cruciate ligament injuries in White European American and non-White European American players to determine differences in the rate of anterior cruciate ligament tears between racial groups. Results The anterior cruciate ligament tear rate for White European American players was 0.45 per 1000 athletic exposures, whereas for non-White European American players (black or African American, Hispanic, and Asian players) the rate was 0.07. The odds ratio of anterior cruciate ligament tears in White European American versus non-White European American players was 6.55 (95% confidence interval, 1.35-31.73). Conclusion Our retrospective study shows that the anterior cruciate ligament tear rate for White European American players was 0.45 per 1000 athletic exposures, whereas tear rates in the Women's National Basketball Association vary by racial group, with White European American players having more than 6 times the anterior cruciate ligament tear rate of other ethnic groups combined. Further prospective studies of athletes are needed to validate this finding and shed light on possible reasons.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Accelerates and a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Delays Knee Ligament Healing
Authors: Warden Stuart J. , Avin Keith G. , Beck Erin M. , DeWolf Marie E. , Hagemeier Molly A. , Martin Kristin M. 
Published: February 2006

BackgroundLow-intensity pulsed ultrasound and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat ligament injuries; however, their individual and combined effects are not established.HypothesesLow-intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerates ligament healing, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug delays healing, and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug inhibits the beneficial effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsSixty adult rats underwent bilateral transection of their knee medial collateral ligaments. Animals were divided into 2 drug groups and treated 5 d/wk with celecoxib (5 mg/kg) mixed in a vehicle solution (NSAID group) or vehicle alone (VEH group). One to 3 hours after drug administration, all animals were treated with unilateral active low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and contralateral inactive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. Equal numbers of animals from each drug group were mechanically tested at 2 weeks (n = 14/group), 4 weeks (n = 8/group), and 12 weeks (n = 8/group) after injury.ResultsUltrasound and drug intervention did not interact to influence ligament mechanical properties at any time point. After 2 weeks of intervention, ligaments treated with active low-intensity pulsed ultrasound were 34.2% stronger, 27.0% stiffer, and could absorb 54.4% more energy before failure than could ligaments treated with inactive low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, whereas ligaments from the NSAID group could absorb 33.3% less energy than could ligaments from the VEH group. There were no ultrasound or drug effects after 4 and 12 weeks of intervention.ConclusionsLow-intensity pulsed ultrasound accelerated but did not improve ligament healing, whereas the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug delayed but did not impair healing. When used in combination, the beneficial low-intensity pulsed ultrasound effect was cancelled by the detrimental nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug effect.Clinical RelevanceLow-intensity pulsed ultrasound after ligament injury may facilitate earlier return to activity, whereas nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may elevate early reinjury risk.
The collectivity of sexual behaviour
Authors: Cohen D A , Farley T A , Mason K , Ridgeway G 
Published: February 2006

Human behaviour can be viewed as a collective phenomenon, determined partly by the group to which individuals belong. Collectivities of health behaviour have been found in alcohol consumption, hypertension, obesity, mental illness, and sodium intake in that the average level of risk is associated with the percentage of individuals at extremely high risk. The goal was to investigate whether sexual behaviour may be collectively determined. A cross-sectional US survey was conducted. Across 45 states, the mean number of lifetime sex partners excluding persons with >10, >20, and >40 lifetime partners was strongly associated with the proportion with >10, > 20 and > 40 lifetime sex partners, respectively, among men and women. Sexual activity may represent collectively determined behaviour. If so, interventions to reduce high-risk sexual behaviour to prevent HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be more effective if they address the entire population, rather than target only those at the extremes of risk.
Diagnosis and prognosis of early rheumatoid arthritis, with special emphasis on laboratory analysis
Authors: Mierau Rudolf , Genth Ekkehard 
Published: February 2006

AbstractDiagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mainly based on clinical criteria of symmetric polyarthritis of the hands and feet, with morning stiffness lasting usually more than 1h. Autoantibodies typical for RA, i.e., rheumatoid factors and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, and measurements of inflammation add more specific information, especially for early diagnosis, where clinical presentation may be oligosymptomatic involving only a few joints. These laboratory parameters are also relevant for prognosis of disease persistence, functional impairment and radiological progression.
Laboratory network of excellence: enhancing patient safety and service effectiveness
Authors: Plebani Mario , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Messeri Gianni , Ottomano Cosimo , Pansini Nicola , Bonini Pierangelo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractClinical laboratories have undergone major changes due to technological progress and economic pressure. While costs of laboratory testing continue to be the dominant issue within the healthcare service worldwide, quality, effectiveness and impact on outcomes are also emerging as critical value-added features. Five Italian laboratories are therefore promoting a network of excellence by investigating markers of effectiveness of laboratory services and sharing their experience of using them in clinical practice. In the present study we report preliminary data on indicators of quality in all phases of the so-called total testing process, the key to evaluating all phases of the total testing process, including the appropriateness of test requests and data interpretation. Initial findings in evaluating pre-analytical causes of specimen rejection in three different laboratories and the effects of introducing three laboratory clinical guidelines are reported. These data should stimulate debate in the scientific community and encourage more clinical laboratories to use the same indicators to improve clinical effectiveness and clinical outcomes within the healthcare service.
Actual levels of soy phytoestrogens in children correlate with thyroid laboratory parameters
Authors: Milerová Jana , Čeřovská Jarmila , Zamrazil Václav , Bílek Radovan , Lapčík Oldřich , Hampl Richard 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies, along with serum concentrations of two phytoestrogens of the isoflavone series, daidzein and genistein, were measured in 268 children without overt thyroid diseases, screened for iodine deficiency in one region of the Czech Republic. Since both phytoestrogens have been reported to inhibit thyroid hormone biosynthesis and in high concentrations to exert goitrogenic effects, we investigated whether their presence in the circulation could influence thyroid hormone function in a population where soy consumption is not common. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive association of genistein with thyroglobulin autoantibodies and a negative correlation with thyroid volume. Multiple regression analysis of the relationships between actual phytoestrogen levels and measured thyroid parameters revealed only a weak but significant association between genistein and thyroid variables. Higher levels of free thyroxine were found in a subgroup of 36 children who ate soy food in the previous 24h. In conclusion, only modest association was found between actual phytoestrogen levels and parameters of thyroid function. On the other hand, even small differences in soy phytoestrogen intake may influence thyroid function, which could be important when iodine intake is insufficient.
Analytical performance and clinical efficacy for cardiovascular risk estimation of an Olympus immunoturbidimetric high-sensitivity C-reactive protein assay
Authors: Jovičić Snežana , Ignjatović Svetlana , Dajak Marijana , Majkić-Singh Nada 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIncreased C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration within the reference interval (<10.0mg/L) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in apparently healthy adults. Cutoff points for use of CRP in estimating CVD risk are <1, 1–3 and >3mg/L for low, average and high relative risk, respectively. For measuring CRP concentrations to assess cardiovascular risk, high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) assays have been developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance and clinical efficacy for cardiovascular risk estimation of the Olympus immunoturbidimetric latex CRP assay (sensitive application). The comparative method used was the CardioPhase* hsCRP assay, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in CVD risk assessment. The imprecision of the Olympus hsCRP assay in the concentration range 0.2–10.0mg/L was 0.38–8.16% within runs and 3.75–9.63% between runs. For method comparison studies, 194 fresh serum samples were selected to cover the interval 0.15–10.0mg/L CRP. Comparison of the Dade Behring and Olympus methods was performed using weighted Deming regression analysis (slope 0.99mg/L, intercept 0.002mg/L, S
Dynamic Modulus Testing of Thin Pavement Cores
Authors: Pellinen TK , Xiao S , Raval SY 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A novel method of testing thin surface cores using the dynamic (complex) modulus test is proposed that utilizes composite mechanics theory. Rectangular specimens are sawed from the round surface layer cores, and the sawed blocks are simply stacked horizontally without bonding. Two hydrostone caps are made to provide flat and smooth loading ends, as well as to restrain the blocks from moving during loading. Two Linear Vertical Differential Transformers are attached 180° apart to the flat uniform side of the horizontally stacked cores to obtain the strain response without measuring over the joint of the cores. The advantage of this approach over the diametral loading mode, used for resilient modulus testing, is that it provides homogenous testing conditions, which gives direct access to stress and strain and, therefore, constitutive equations.
Science and exile: David Bohm, the cold war, and a new interpretation of quantum mechanics
Authors: FREIRE OLIVAL 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT
In the early 1950s the American physicist David Bohm (1917-1992) produced a new interpretation of quantum mechanics and had to flee from McCarthyism. Rejected at Princeton, he moved to São Paulo. This article focuses on the reception of his early papers on the causal interpretation, his Brazilian exile, and the culture of physics surrounding the foundations of quantum mechanics. It weighs the strength of the Copenhagen interpretation, discusses the presentation of the foundations of quantum mechanics in the training of physicists, describes the results Bohm and his collaborators achieved. It also compares the reception of Bohm's ideas with that of Hugh Everett's interpretation. The cultural context of physics had a more significant influence on the reception of Bohm's ideas than the McCarthyist climate.
From white elephant to Nobel Prize: Dennis Gabor's wavefront reconstruction
Authors: JOHNSTON SEAN F. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT
Dennis Gabor devised a novel concept for optical imaging in 1947 that went by a variety of names over the following decade: holoscopy, wavefront reconstruction, interference microscopy, diffraction microscopy, and Gaboroscopy. A well-connected and creative research engineer, Gabor worked actively to develop, publicize and exploit his concept, but the scheme failed to capture the interest of many researchers. Gabor's theory was repeatedly deemed unintuitive and baffling and his technique of dubious practicality and limited applicability. By the late 1950s, Gabor's subject had been assessed by its handful of practitioners to be a white elephant. Nevertheless, other researchers in America and Russia later rehabilitated the project. What had been judged a failure was recast as a success during the 1960s as the foundation of the new and distinct subject of holography. This re-evaluation gained the Nobel Prize for Physics for Gabor in 1971. This paper focuses on the difficulties experienced in constructing a meaningful subject, a practical application, and a viable technical community from Gabor's ideas during the decade 1947-1957.