bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote Environmental Monitoring Units: An Autonomous Vehicle for Characterizing Coastal Environments*
Authors: Moline Mark A. , Blackwell Shelley M. , von Alt Chris , Allen Ben , Austin Thomas , Case James , Forrester Ned , Goldsborough Robert , Purcell Mike , Stokey Roger 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn oceanography, there has been a growing emphasis on coastal regions, partially because of their inherent complexity, as well as the increasing acknowledgment of anthropogenic impacts. To improve understanding and characterization of coastal dynamics, there has been significant effort devoted to the development of autonomous systems that sample the ocean on relevant scales. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are especially well suited for studies of the coastal ocean because they are able to provide near-synoptic spatial observations. These sampling platforms are beginning to transition from the engineering groups that developed and continue to improve them to the science user. With this transition comes novel applications of these vehicles to address new questions in coastal oceanography. Here, the relatively mature Remote Environmental Monitoring Units (REMUS) AUV system is described and assessed. Analysis of data, based on 37 missions and nearly 800 km of in-water operation, shows that the vehicle’s navigational error estimates were consistently less than 10 m, and error estimates of mission duration, distance, velocity, and power usage, once the vehicle was properly ballasted, were below 10%. An example of the transition to science is demonstrated in an experiment conducted in 2002 in Monterey Bay, California, where the vehicle was used to quantify critical horizontal length scales of variability. Length scales on the order of tens to hundreds of meters were found for the region within 25 km of the coastline, which has significant implications for designing proper sampling approaches and parameterizing model domains. Results also demonstrate the overall utility of the REMUS vehicle for use by coastal oceanographers.
Application of Coherent ADCP for Turbulence Measurements in the Bottom Boundary Layer
Authors: Lorke Andreas , Wüest Alfred 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
This paper presents a novel approach for estimating the rate of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation from pulse-coherent acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) measurements using the inertial dissipation method. Although the inertial dissipation technique is widely accepted and used in oceanographic and atmospheric research, its application to ADCP data is limited by the loss of directional information for high-wavenumber velocity fluctuations. However, measurements in the bottom boundary layer of a lake revealed astonishing agreement between dissipation rates estimated from temperature microstructure profiles and those estimated by applying the inertial dissipation method to data from two different brands of ADCPs.
A Comparison of GOES Moisture-Derived Product and GPS-IPW Data during IHOP-2002
Authors: Birkenheuer Daniel , Gutman Seth 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) sounder–derived total column water vapor is compared with other data sources obtained during the 2002 International H2O Project (IHOP-2002) field experiment. Specifically, GPS-derived total integrated precipitable water (GPS-IPW) and radiosonde observations (raob) data are used to assess GOES bias and standard deviation. GPS integrated water calculated from signal delay closely matches raob data, both from special sondes launched for the IHOP-2002 exercise and routine National Weather Service (NWS) soundings. After examining the average differences between GPS and GOES product total precipitable water over the full diurnal cycle between 26 May and 15 June 2002, it was discovered that only 0000 UTC time differences were comparable to published comparisons. Differences at other times were larger and varied by a factor of 6, increasing from 0000 to 1800 UTC, and decreasing thereafter. Reasons for this behavior are explored to a limited degree but with no clear answers to explain the observations. It is concluded that a component of the GOES total precipitable water error (between sonde launches) might be missed when solely assessing the data against synoptic raobs.
Measurement of Atmospheric Turbulence by 2-μm Doppler Lidar
Authors: Smalikho Igor , Köpp Friedrich , Rahm Stephan 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Two methods for the estimation of the turbulence energy dissipation rate (TEDR) from data measured by a 2-μm coherent Doppler lidar are described in this paper. Based on data measured at the Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées International Airport in summer 2003, height profiles of TEDR have been retrieved. The results of TEDR estimation both from the Doppler spectrum width and from the velocity structure function are compared. Moreover, the experiment has been treated by numerical simulation and the theoretical results have been used for verification of the described methods.
Droplet Spectra Measurements with the FSSP-100. Part II: Coincidence Effects
Authors: Coelho Afrâniode Araújo , Brenguier Jean-Louis , Perrin Thierry 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
At high droplet number concentration, measurements of the droplet number concentration, of the droplet spectrum, and of the liquid water content with the FSSP-100 are significantly affected by the coincidences of particles in the probe’s detection beam and by count losses during the dead time of the probe’s electronics. Accurate statistical procedures have been proposed in the literature for the correction of the coincidence and dead-time losses in the estimation of the droplet number concentration. There are, however, no techniques available for correction of the spectral distortion, hence of the derived liquid water content. The model of probe functioning described in Part I of this series is now used on a stochastic mode in order to simulate all possible events of coincidences and dead-time losses. Observed features, such as variations of the depth of field and beam edge acceptance ratios with the droplet concentration, are correctly reproduced by the simulator. The three most currently used techniques for the correction of the droplet concentration are then evaluated with the simulator. The distortion of the spectral shape is also examined. The simulator shows that the measured droplet mean volume diameter increases with the droplet number concentration, by up to 40% at a concentration of 1500 cm−3. An empirical procedure is finally proposed for the correction of the spectral distortion and of the derived liquid water content.
Experimental glomerulonephritis induced by hydrocarbon exposure: A systematic review
Authors: Ravnskov Uffe 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundMuch epidemiological evidence suggests that hydrocarbon exposure may induce glomerulonephritis and worsen its course in many patients. The mechanisms are unknown, however, no specific microscopic pattern has been identified, and it has also been argued that hydrocarbon exposure causes tubular damage mainly. Studying experimental animals may best answer these questions, and as no systematic review of glomerulonephritis produced experimentally by hydrocarbon exposure has been performed previously, I found it relevant to search for and analyse such studies.MethodsAnimal experiments having mimicked human glomerulonephritis by hydrocarbon exposure were sought on Medline and ToxnetResultsTwenty-six experiments using thirteen different hydrocarbons were identified. Several human subtypes were observed including IgA nephritis, mesangial, proliferative and extracapillary glomerulonephritis, focal and focal-segmental sclerosis, minimal change nephropathy, anti-GBM and anti-TBM nephritis, and glomerulonephritis associated with peiarteritis nodosa. Glomerular proteinuria was seen in 10/12 experiments that included urine analyses, and renal failure in 5/8 experiments that included measurements of glomerular function. All experiments resulted in various degrees of tubular damage as well. In most studies, where the animals were examined at different times during or after the exposure, the renal microscopic and functional changes were seen immediately, whereas deposits of complement and immunoglobulins appeared late in the course, if at all.ConclusionThese experiments are in accord with epidemiological evidence that hydrocarbon exposure may cause glomerulonephritis and worsen renal function. Probable mechanisms include an induction of autologous antibodies and a disturbance of normal immunological functions. Also, tubular damage may increase postglomerular resistance, resulting in a glomerular deposition of macromolecules. In most models a causal role of glomerular immune complex formation was unlikely, but may rather have been a secondary phenomenon. As most glomerulonephritis subgroups were seen and as some of the hydrocarbons produced more than one subgroup, the microscopic findings in a patient cannot be used as a clue to the causation of his disease. By the same reason, the lack of a specific histological pattern in patients with glomerulonephritis assumed to have been caused by hydrocarbon exposure is not contradictive.
The hospital anxiety and depression rating scale: A cross-sectional study of psychometrics and case finding abilities in general practice
Authors: Olssøn Ingrid , Mykletun Arnstein , Dahl Alv A 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
General practitioners' (GPs) diagnostic skills lead to underidentification of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) and major depressive episodes (MDE). Supplement of brief questionnaires could improve the diagnostic accuracy of GPs for these common mental disorders.
The aims of this study were to examine the usefulness of The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale (HADS) for GPs by: 1) Examining its psychometrics in the GPs' setting; 2) Testing its case-finding properties compared to patient-rated GAD and MDE (DSM-IV); and 3) Comparing its case finding abilities to that of the GPs using Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) rating.

Methods
In a cross-sectional survey study 1,781 patients in three consecutive days in September 2001 attended 141 GPs geographically spread in Norway. Sensitivity, specificity, optimal cut off score, and Area under the curve (AUC) for the HADS and the CGI-S were calculated with Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire (GAS-Q) as reference standard for GAD, and Depression Screening Questionnaire (DSQ) for MDE.

Results
The HADS-A had optimal cut off ≥8 (sensitivity 0.89, specificity 0.75), AUC 0.88 and 76% of patients were correctly classified in relation to GAD. The HADS-D had by optimal cut off ≥8 (sensitivity 0.80 and specificity 0.88) AUC 0.93 and 87% of the patients were correctly classified in relation to MDE. Proportions of the total correctly classified at the CGI-S optimal cut-off ≥3 were 83% of patients for GAD and 81% for MDE.

Conclusion
The results indicate that addition of the patients' HADS scores to GPs' information could improve their diagnostic accuracy of GAD and MDE.
Promoting physical activity using an activity monitor and a tailored web-based advice: design of a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN93896459]
Authors: Slootmaker Sander M , Chin A Paw Marijke JM , Schuit Albertine J , Seidell Jacob C , van Mechelen Willem 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Ageing is associated with a decrease in physical activity. This decrease particularly occurs during specific transitional life stages. Especially during adolescence and young adulthood a steep decrease in physical activity is observed. Inactive people are often not aware of their inactivity. Providing feedback on the actual physical activity level by an activity monitor can increase awareness and may in combination with an individually tailored physical activity advice stimulate a physically active lifestyle.

Methods
In a randomized controlled trial the effectiveness of providing an activity monitor in combination with a personal physical activity advice through the Internet will be examined. Outcome measures are level of physical activity, determinants of physical activity, quality of life, empowerment, aerobic fitness and body composition. Participants are relatively inactive adolescents and young adults who are measured at baseline, after 3 months intervention and 5 months after the end of the intervention. In addition, facilitating and hindering factors for implementation of the intervention will be investigated.

Discussion
The use of a personal activity monitor in combination with web-based assisted individually tailored health promotion offers a good opportunity to work interactively with large groups of adolescents and young adults and provide them with advice based on their actual activity level. It has great potential to motivate people to change their behaviour and to our knowledge has not been evaluated before.
Indirect comparison of interventions using published randomised trials: systematic review of PDE-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Moore R Andrew , Derry Sheena , McQuay Henry J 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundThere are no randomised and properly blinded trials directly comparing one PDE-5 inhibitor with another in a normal home setting. Valid indirect comparisons with a common comparator must examine equivalent doses, similar duration, similar populations, with the same outcomes reported in the same way.MethodsPublished randomised, double-blind trials of oral PDE-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction were sought from reference lists in previous reviews and electronic searching. Analyses of efficacy and harm were carried out for each treatment, and results compared where there was a common comparator and consistency of outcome reporting, using equivalent doses.ResultsAnalysis was limited by differential reporting of outcomes. Sildenafil trials were clinically and geographically more diverse. Tadalafil and vardenafil trials tended to use enriched enrolment. Using all trials, the three interventions were similar for consistently reported efficacy outcomes. Rates of successful intercourse for sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil were 65%, 62%, and 59%, with placebo rates of 23–28%. The rates of improved erections were 76%, 75% and 71%, respectively, with placebo rates of 22–24%, and NNTs of 1.9 or 2.0. Reporting of withdrawals was less consistent, but all-cause withdrawals for sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil were 8% 13% and 20%. All three drugs were well tolerated, with headache being the most commonly reported event at 13–17%. There were few serious adverse events.ConclusionThere were differences between trials in outcomes reported, limiting comparisons, and the most useful outcomes were not reported. For common outcomes there was similar efficacy between PDE-5 inhibitors.
Technical efficiency of peripheral health units in Pujehun district of Sierra Leone: a DEA application
Authors: Renner Ade , Kirigia Joses M , Zere Eyob A , Barry Saidou P , Kirigia Doris G , Kamara Clifford , Muthuri Lenity HK 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method has been fruitfully used in many countries in Asia, Europe and North America to shed light on the efficiency of health facilities and programmes. There is, however, a dearth of such studies in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Since hospitals and health centres are important instruments in the efforts to scale up pro-poor cost-effective interventions aimed at achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, decision-makers need to ensure that these health facilities provide efficient services. The objective of this study was to measure the technical efficiency (TE) and scale efficiency (SE) of a sample of public peripheral health units (PHUs) in Sierra Leone.

Methods
This study applied the Data Envelopment Analysis approach to investigate the TE and SE among a sample of 37 PHUs in Sierra Leone.

Results
Twenty-two (59%) of the 37 health units analysed were found to be technically inefficient, with an average score of 63% (standard deviation = 18%). On the other hand, 24 (65%) health units were found to be scale inefficient, with an average scale efficiency score of 72% (standard deviation = 17%).

Conclusion
It is concluded that with the existing high levels of pure technical and scale inefficiency, scaling up of interventions to achieve both global and regional targets such as the MDG and Abuja health targets becomes far-fetched. In a country with per capita expenditure on health of about US$7, and with only 30% of its population having access to health services, it is demonstrated that efficiency savings can significantly augment the government's initiatives to cater for the unmet health care needs of the population. Therefore, we strongly recommend that Sierra Leone and all other countries in the Region should institutionalise health facility efficiency monitoring at the Ministry of Health headquarter (MoH/HQ) and at each health district headquarter.
The economic value of an improved malaria treatment programme in Zambia: results from a contingent valuation survey
Authors: Masiye Felix , Rehnberg Clas 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Zambia is facing a double crisis of increasing malaria burden and dwindling capacity to deal with the endemic malaria burden. The pursuit of sustainable but equity mechanisms for financing malaria programmes is a subject of crucial policy discussion. This requires that comprehensive accounting of the economic impact of the various malaria programmes. Information on the economic value of programmes is essential in soliciting appropriate funding allocations for malaria control.

Aims and objectives
This paper specifically seeks to elicit a measure of the economic benefits of an improved malaria treatment programme in Zambia. The paper also studies the equity implications in malaria treatment given that demand or malaria treatment is determined by household socio-economic status.

Methods
A contingent valuation survey of about 300 Zambian households was conducted in four districts. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) was elicited for an improved treatment programme for malaria in order to generate a measure of the economic benefits of the programme. The payment card method was used in eliciting WTP bids.

Findings
The study reports that malaria treatment has significant economic benefits to society. The total economic benefits of an improved treatment programme were estimated at an equivalent of US$ 77 million per annum, representing about 1.8% of Zambia's GDP. The study also reports the theoretically anticipated association between WTP and several socio-economic factors. Our income elasticity of demand is positive and similar in magnitude to estimates reported in similar studies. Finally, from an equity standpoint, the constraints imposed by income and socio-economic status are discussed.
Rapid screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and haemoglobin polymorphisms in Africa by a simple high-throughput SSOP-ELISA method
Authors: Enevold Anders , Vestergaard Lasse S , Lusingu John , Drakeley Chris J , Lemnge Martha M , Theander Thor G , Bygbjerg Ib C , Alifrangis Michael 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Mutations in the haemoglobin beta-globin (HbB) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) genes cause widespread human genetic disorders such as sickle cell diseases and G6PD deficiency. In sub-Saharan Africa, a few predominant polymorphic variants of each gene account for a majority of these deficiencies. Examining at a larger scale the clinical importance of these independent genetic disorders, their possible association with malaria pathogenesis and innate resistance, and their relevance for antimalarial drug treatment, would be easier if an accurate screening method with limited costs was available.

Methods
A simple and rapid technique was developed to detect the most prominent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HbB and G6PD genes. The method is able to detect the different haemoglobin polymorphisms A, S, C and E, as well as G6PD polymorphisms B, A and A- based on PCR-amplification followed by a hybridization step using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOPs) specific for the SNP variants and quantified by ELISA.

Results
The SSOP-ELISA method was found to be specific, and compared well to the commonly used PCR-RFLP technique. Identical results were obtained in 98% (haemoglobin) and 95% (G6PD) of the tested 90 field samples from a high-transmission area in Tanzania, which were used to validate the new technique.

Conclusion
The simplicity and accuracy of the new methodology makes it suitable for application in settings where resources are limited. It would serve as a valuable tool for research purposes by monitoring genotype frequencies in relation to disease epidemiology.
Exclusion of PINK1 as candidate gene for the late-onset form of Parkinson's disease in two European populations
Authors: Schlitter Anna Melissa , Kurz Martin , Larsen Jan P , Woitalla Dirk , Mueller Thomas , Epplen Joerg T , Dekomien Gabriele 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Recently, mutations in the PINK1 (PARK6) gene were shown to rarely cause autosomal-recessively transmitted, early-onset parkinsonism. In order to evaluate whether PINK1 contributes to the risk of common late-onset PD we analysed PINK1 sequence variations. A German (85 patients) and a Norwegian cohort (90 patients) suffering from late-onset PD were screened for mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PINK1 gene. Both cohorts consist of well-characterized patients presenting a positive family history of PD in ~17%. Investigations were performed by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), denaturating high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and sequencing analyses. SNP frequencies were compared by the χ2 test

Results
Several common SNPs were identified in our cohorts, including a recently identified coding variant (Q115L) in exon 1. Genotyping of the Q115L variation did not reveal significant frequency differences between patients and controls. Pathogenic mutations in the PINK1 gene were not identified, neither in the German nor in the Norwegian cohort.

Conclusion
Sequence variation in the PINK1 gene appears to play a marginal quantitative role in the pathogenesis of the late-onset form of PD, in German and Norwegian cohorts, if at all.