bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A VAD-Based Dealiasing Method for Radar Velocity Data Quality Control
Authors: Xu Qin , Nai Kang , Wei Li , Zhang Pengfei , Liu Shun , Parrish David
Published: September 2010

This paper describes a new velocity–azimuth display (VAD)-based dealiasing method developed for automated radar radial velocity data quality control to satisfy the high-quality standard and efficiency required by operational radar data assimilation. The method is built on an alias-robust velocity–azimuth display (AR-VAD) analysis. It upgrades and simplifies the previous three-step dealiasing method in three major aspects. First, the AR-VAD is used with sufficiently stringent threshold conditions in place of the original modified VAD for the preliminary reference check to produce alias-free seed data in the first step. Second, the AR-VAD is more accurate than the traditional VAD for the refined reference check in the original second step, so the original second step becomes unnecessary and is removed. Third, a block-to-point continuity check procedure is developed, in place of the point-to-point continuity check in the original third step, which serves to enhance the use of the available seed data in a properly enlarged block area around each flagged data point that is being checked with multiple threshold conditions to avoid false dealiasing. The new method has been tested extensively with aliased radial velocity data collected under various weather conditions, including hurricane high-wind conditions. The robustness of the new method is exemplified by the results tested with three cases. The limitations of the new method and possible improvements are discussed.
An Observationally Generated A Priori Database for Microwave Rainfall Retrievals
Authors: Kummerow Christian D. , Ringerud Sarah , Crook Jody , Randel David , Berg Wesley
Published: September 2010

The combination of active and passive microwave sensors on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite have been used to construct observationally constrained databases of precipitation profiles for use in passive microwave rainfall retrieval algorithms over oceans. The method uses a very conservative approach that begins with the operational TRMM precipitation radar algorithm and adjusts its solution only as necessary to simultaneously match the radiometer observations. Where the TRMM precipitation radar (PR) indicates no rain, an optimal estimation procedure using TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) radiances is used to retrieve nonraining parameters. The optimal estimation methodology ensures that the geophysical parameters are fully consistent with the observed radiances. Within raining fields of view, cloud-resolving model outputs are matched to the liquid and frozen hydrometeor profiles retrieved by the TRMM PR. The profiles constructed in this manner are subsequently used to compute brightness temperatures that are immediately compared to coincident observations from TMI. Adjustments are made to the rainwater and ice concentrations derived by PR in order to achieve agreement at 19 and 85 GHz, vertically polarized brightness temperatures at monthly time scales. The database is generated only in the central 11 pixels of the PR radar scan, and the rain adjustment is performed independently for distinct sea surface temperature (SST) and total precipitable water (TPW) values. Overall, the procedure increases PR rainfall by 4.2%, but the adjustment is not uniform across all SST and TPW regimes. Rainfall differences range from a minimum of −57% for SST of 293 K and TPW of 13 mm to a maximum of +53% for SST of 293 K and TPW of 45 mm. These biases are generally reproduced by a TMI retrieval algorithm that uses the observationally generated database. The algorithm increases rainfall by 5.0% over the PR solution with a minimum of −99% for SST of 293 K and TPW of 14 mm to a maximum of +11.8% for an SST of 294 K and TPW of 50 mm. Some differences are expected because of the algorithm mechanics.
Regionalization in Fine-Grid GFS MOS 6-h Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Charba Jerome P. , Samplatsky Frederick G.
Published: September 2010

The recent emergence of the National Digital Forecast Database as the flagship product of the National Weather Service has resulted in an increased demand for forecast guidance products on fine-mesh grids. Unfortunately, fine-grid forecasts with geographically regionalized statistical models are usually plagued by nonmeteorological discontinuities at regional boundaries. This study treats the problem in a regionalized Global Forecast System (GFS)-based model output statistics (MOS) application that produces 6-h probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts (PQPFs) on a 4-km grid up to 192 h in advance. The technique involves incorporating areal overlap in the geographical regionalization and weighting multiple PQPFs in region-overlap zones. The degree of overlap ranges from about 20 km along meteorologically significant regional boundaries to about 150 km at quasi-arbitrary boundaries. The forecast-weighting constants for a grid point in an overlap zone vary in direct proportion to the distances to the closest associated regional boundaries.

The application of the region-overlap and forecast-weighting techniques resulted in retention of sharp PQPF gradients along meteorologically significant regional boundaries and prevention of artificial discontinuities at quasi-arbitrary boundaries. The eradication of the discontinuities in the forecast patterns was achieved without sacrificing forecast skill. While the regionalization was customized for producing high-spatial-resolution 6-h PQPFs over the contiguous United States with a specialized gridded MOS application, the region-overlap and forecast-weighting techniques may have general applicability. Also, the quality of the 6-h PQPFs was not strongly dependent on customization of the regionalization.
High-Resolution GFS-Based MOS Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts on a 4-km Grid
Authors: Charba Jerome P. , G. Samplatsky Frederick
Published: September 2010

The Meteorological Development Laboratory (MDL) of the National Weather Service (NWS) has developed high-resolution Global Forecast System (GFS)-based model output statistics (MOS) 6- and 12-h quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) guidance on a 4-km grid for the contiguous United States. Geographically regionalized multiple linear regression equations are used to produce probabilistic QPFs (PQPFs) for multiple precipitation exceedance thresholds. Also, several supplementary QPF elements are derived from the PQPFs. The QPF elements are produced (presently experimentally) twice per day for forecast projections up to 156 h (6.5 days); probability of (measurable) precipitation (POP) forecasts extend to 192 h (8 days). Because the spatial and intensity resolutions of the QPF elements are higher than that for the currently operational gridded MOS QPF elements, this new application is referred to as high-resolution MOS (HRMOS) QPF.

High spatial resolution and enhanced skill are built into the HRMOS PQPFs by incorporating finescale topography and climatology into the predictor database. This is accomplished through the use of specially formulated “topoclimatic” interactive predictors, which are formed as a simple product of a climatology- or terrain-related quantity and a GFS forecast variable. Such a predictor contains interactive effects, whereby finescale detail in the topographic or climatic variable is built into the GFS forecast variable, and dynamics in the large-scale GFS forecast variable are incorporated into the static topoclimatic variable. In essence, such interactive predictors account for the finescale bias error in the GFS forecasts, and thus they enhance the skill of the PQPFs.

Underlying the enhanced performance of the HRMOS QPF elements is extensive use of archived fine-grid radar-based quantitative precipitation estimates (QPEs). The fine spatial scale of the QPE data supported development of a detailed precipitation climatology, which is used as a climatic predictive input. Also, the very large number of QPE sample points supported specification of rare-event (i.e., ≥1.50 and ≥2.00 in.) 6-h precipitation exceedance thresholds as predictands. Geographical regionalization of the PQPF regression equations and the derived QPF elements also contributes to enhanced forecast performance.

Limited comparative verification of several 6-h model QPFs in categorical form showed the HRMOS QPF with significantly better threat scores and biases than corresponding GFS and operational gridded MOS QPFs.

Limited testing of logistic regression versus linear regression to produce the 6-h PQPFs showed the feasibility of applying the logistic method with the very large HRMOS samples. However, objective screening of many candidate predictors with linear regression resulted in slightly better PQPF skill.
Finescale Single- and Dual-Doppler Analysis of Tornado Intensification, Maintenance, and Dissipation in the Orleans, Nebraska, Supercell
Authors: Wurman Joshua , Kosiba Karen , Markowski Paul , Richardson Yvette , Dowell David , Robinson Paul
Published: September 2010

Finescale single- and dual-Doppler observations are used to diagnose the three-dimensional structure of the wind field surrounding a tornado that occurred near the town of Orleans, Nebraska, on 22 May 2004. The evolution of the vorticity and divergence fields and other structures near the tornado are documented in the lowest kilometer. Changes in tornado intensity are compared to the position of the tornado relative to primary and secondary gust fronts. Circulation on scales of a few kilometers surrounding the tornado remains relatively constant during the analysis period, which spans the intensifying and mature periods of the tornado’s life cycle. Stretching of vertical vorticity and tilting of horizontal vorticity are diagnosed, but the latter is near or below the threshold of detectability in this analysis during the observation period in the analyzed domain. Low-level circulation within 500 m of the tornado increased several minutes before vortex-relative and ground-relative near-surface wind speeds in the tornado increased, raising the possibility that such trends in circulation may be useful in forecasting tornado intensification.
A Prediction Model for Atlantic Named Storm Frequency Using a Year-by-Year Increment Approach
Authors: Fan Ke
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a year-by-year incremental approach to forecasting the Atlantic named storm frequency (ATSF) for the hurricane season (1 June–30 November). The year-by-year increase or decrease in the ATSF is first forecasted to yield a net ATSF prediction. Six key predictors for the year-by-year increment in the number of Atlantic named tropical storms have been identified that are available before 1 May. The forecast model for the year-by-year increment of the ATSF is first established using a multilinear regression method based on data taken from the years 1965–99, and the forecast model of the ATSF is then derived. The prediction model for the ATSF shows good prediction skill. Compared to the climatological average mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.1, the percentage improvement in the MAE is 29% for the hindcast period of 2004–09 and 46% for the cross-validation test from 1985 to 2009 (26 yr). This work demonstrates that the year-by-year incremental approach has the potential to improve the operational forecasting skill for the ATSF.
Influence of Location, Population, and Climate on Building Damage and Fatalities due to Australian Bushfire: 1925–2009
Authors: Crompton Ryan P. , McAneney K. John , Chen Keping , Pielke Roger A. , Haynes Katharine
Published: September 2010

This study reevaluates the history of building damage and loss of life due to bushfire (wildfire) in Australia since 1925 in light of the 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria in which 173 people lost their lives and 2298 homes were destroyed along with many other structures. Historical records are normalized to estimate building damage and fatalities had events occurred under the societal conditions of 2008/09. There are relationships between normalized building damage and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean dipole phenomena, but there is no discernable evidence that the normalized data are being influenced by climatic change due to the emission of greenhouse gases. The 2009 Black Saturday fires rank second in terms of normalized fatalities and fourth in terms of normalized building damage. The public safety concern is that, of the 10 years with the highest normalized building damage, the 2008/09 bushfire season ranks third, behind the 1925/26 and 1938/39 seasons, in terms of the ratio of normalized fatalities to building damage. A feature of the building damage in the 2009 Black Saturday fires in some of the most affected towns—Marysville and Kinglake—is the large proportion of buildings destroyed either within bushland or at very small distances from it (<10 m). Land use planning policies in bushfire-prone parts of this country that allow such development increase the risk that bushfires pose to the public and the built environment.
Should the Size Threshold for Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair be Lowered in the Endovascular Era? Yes
Authors: Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Andrikopoulos Vassilios , Bessias Nikolaos , Bell Sir Peter R. F.
Published: September 2010

According to current international guidelines, patients with infrarenal or juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) measuring ≥ 5.5 cm should undergo repair to reduce the risk of rupture. The 5.5-cm-diameter threshold is the size when the AAA rupture rate balances the mortality rates of elective open surgical AAA repair (3%). Endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) is associated with lower perioperative mortality and complication rates compared with open surgical repair. This debate addresses the issue whether the current size threshold for elective AAA repair needs to be lowered in the endovascular era. This paper supports the position that the size threshold for AAA repair should be lowered in the endovascular era.
Talking past each other: Towards HIV/AIDS prevention in Nigeria
Authors: Iyiani Christian , Binns Tony , Shannon Pat
Published: September 2010

This study investigates the relationship between HIV/AIDS prevention programmes and the lived realities of people most ‘at risk’ in the poor community of Ajegunle in Nigeria’s Lagos State. While providers, international NGOs and their client NGOs, emphasize Western medical models for HIV/ AIDS intervention and prevention, ‘at-risk’ groups expressed strong feelings of powerlessness over socio-cultural and political conditions affecting them. We suggest that multi-sectoral responses with full community participation are necessary in order to engage in more effective preventive action. This requires a major power shift, whereby local people are fully involved in decision-making about policies and their implementation.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of SiC Fiber-reinforced Metal Matrix Composites Made Using Ultrasonic Consolidation
Authors: Yang Y. , Stucker B.E. , Janaki Ram G.D.
Published: September 2010

Ultrasonic consolidation was used for making SiC fiber-reinforced Al 3003 matrix composites. Peel tests, tensile tests, and bend tests were carried out on the composite specimens as well as on ultrasonically consolidated Al 3003 specimens containing no SiC fibers. The objective of this study was to examine whether the ultrasonically embedded SiC fibers serve as effective reinforcements or not. Incorporation of SiC fibers resulted in a considerable improvement in peel strength and tensile strength of ultrasonically consolidated parts. However, bend tests revealed some deterioration in the shear strength of the parts due to the presence of fibers. The results of mechanical testing are discussed based on microstructural and fractographic studies.
Characterization Study of the Thermal Conductivity of Carbon Nanotube Copper Nanocomposites
Authors: Guangyu Chai  , Quanfang Chen
Published: September 2010

In this study, thermal conductivity measurements of carbon nanotube (CNT) copper nanocomposite fabricated with a novel electrochemical co-deposition method were carried out. The measured thermal conductivity of a Cu-CNT nanocomposite is about 180% greater than that of pure copper. The resultant thermal conductivity of Cu-CNT composite is found to be proportional to the CNT addition.
Influence of Carbon Black on Properties of PZT-Cement Piezoelectric Composites
Authors: Hongyu Gong  , Yujun Zhang  , Songwei Che
Published: September 2010

A novel piezoelectric composite has been developed using white cement as matrix, lead zirconate titanate as the piezoelectrically active phase, and carbon black (CB) as the conducting additive. By increasing the overall conductivity of the composites, CB facilitates the poling process of the composites so that it can be carried out at room temperature. The influences of CB on the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the composites are investigated. A percolation threshold is observed with the threshold value for CB in the composites at about 1.4 vol.%. Before the threshold point, piezoelectric activity of the composites increases with increasing CB content. The highest piezoelectric strain factor (d33) is measured to be 28.5 pC/N, obtained by adding 1.0 vol. % CB. This is 148% higher than that of the composite without CB. This enhanced performance makes the composite particularly attractive for practical applications in the field of civil engineering.
An Experimental Study on the Fatigue of Cracked Aluminum Plate with Composite Patches Under Varied Temperatures
Authors: Ergun Emin , Topcu Muzaffer , Tasgetiren Suleyman
Published: September 2010

In this article, fatigue of cracked 2024-T3 aluminum plate repaired with composite patches has been experimentally investigated. In the study, different aluminum thicknesses, numbers of patch layers, and temperatures have been taken into account. The problem has been considered under plain stress and Mode I conditions. First, mechanical properties of the samples used in the experiments have been determined. Then, cracked samples were bonded with composite patches and crack propagation and fatigue experiments have been conducted. From the experimental results, it has been shown that varied temperatures play an effective role on the fatigue life.
Rheological Characterization and Statistical Modeling of Resin Flow of No-flow Polyimide Prepreg in Rigid-Flex Printed Circuit Lamination
Authors: Huang S.Q. , Yung K.C.
Published: September 2010

Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) prepreg is used, instead of the conventional high-CTE material like acrylic adhesive, as a bonding sheet to improve the reliability of rigid-flex printed circuit (RFPC). No-flow polyimide prepreg is then developed to fulfill the requirement of minimizing resin flow. Thermal characterization of no-flow polyimide prepreg reveals the resin behavior when a heat load is applied. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis reveals the process window when the resin starts to melt and then cure. Rheological tests further help us to observe the change in viscosity when the temperature rises as well as the resin flow effects at different heating rates (HRs). Moreover, a study of design of experiment (DOE) reveals that the HR, pressure and conformal material will have a significant impact on the resin flow of the no-flow polyimide prepreg in RFPC lamination. The combination of the resin behavior and DOE result provides the necessary information to achieve an optimized RFPC lamination process with minimized resin flow.
Automatic measurements of partial cover factors and yarn diameters in fabrics using image processing
Authors: Tàpias Montserrat , Ralló Miquel , Escofet Jaume
Published: September 2010

Warp and weft cover factors and their mean yarn diameters were automatically estimated from microscope digital images of woven fabric samples. Regarding the periodicity of weaves, images were processed in the frequency domain. Frequencies were carefully analyzed to suitably crop the image to an integer number of complete yarn crossings in warp and weft directions, so as to eliminate possible bias due to fragmented yarn crossings, if any, in the original image. Warp and weft frequencies were identified in from the power spectrum of the cropped image by means of the Radon transform. Image filtering in the Fourier domain and binarization yielded partial cover factor estimates. The method was tested using a set of 81 diverse woven fabric samples and the results were consistent with their manufacturing specifications: yarn linear densities and thread counts. Finally, the mean yarn diameters were derived from partial cover factor estimates. To validate the proposed method the results were compared with the mean yarn diameters directly measured from images.
Urban Wages: Does City Size Matter?
Authors: Echeverri-Carroll Elsie L. , Ayala Sofia G.
Published: September 2010

The literature on the relationship between city size and urban wages argues that productivity and wages are higher in larger cities. Indeed, a doubling of city size is associated with a 4—8 per cent increase in wages. The human capital externalities literature finds evidence of higher wages in cities with an abundant supply of human capital where knowledge spillovers are plentiful. Interestingly, cities with a large supply of human capital are not themselves large. They have a population of fewer than 1.5 million inhabitants. In view of this evidence, this paper questions whether city size has lost its importance as a determinant of high wages. In other words, is city size necessary to explain wage variations, after controlling for knowledge spillovers? Using a large sample from the 5 per cent PUMS of the 2000 US Census, this paper presents econometric evidence for city size and learning spillover effects on productivity. According to the estimates presented, every additional 100 000 inhabitants in the local labour market raises individual hourly wages by 0.12 per cent. Moreover, a doubling of the human capital density in a metropolitan area results in approximately a 2 per cent increase in average individual hourly wages.
Household Excess Travel and Neighbourhood Characteristics
Authors: Fan Yingling , Khattak Asad , Rodríguez Daniel
Published: September 2010

This study proposes an alternative approach to estimate excess travel using activity diaries, extending it to non-work travel and capturing interhousehold variation. Central to this approach is a residential relocation exercise that helps to decompose the amount of travel by a household into two types of travel: required and excess travel. An empirical demonstration of the approach in North Carolina shows that on average 30 per cent of households’ travel in the study area is in excess. Furthermore, lower levels of required and excess travel are found among households living in neighbourhoods with more compact development patterns, suggesting that households in such neighbourhoods are able to concentrate daily destinations in relatively smaller geographical areas and achieve better spatial co-ordination between residential and activity locations. Results also indicate that households make trade-offs between travel efficiency and neighbourhood amenities such as security and school quality, suggesting the importance of social dimensions in addressing transport problems.
Rethinking the Creative City
Authors: Comunian Roberta
Published: September 2010

This article engages with the current research and debate about the creative city and the importance of cultural infrastructure in contemporary cities. It argues that much of the focus has been around the investment of cities in specific regeneration projects or flagship developments rather than addressing the nature of the infrastructure, networks and agents engaging in the city’s cultural development. The complexity theory and its associated principles can provide a new understanding of the connection between the urban space and the systems of local cultural production and consumption. Drawing on interviews with creative practitioners in the North East region of England, the paper argues that the cultural development of a city is a complex adaptive system. This finding has implications for both policy-makers and academic research. It emphasises the importance of micro interactions and networks between creative practitioners, the publicly supported cultural sector and the cultural infrastructure of the city.
Examining Neighbourhood and School Effects Simultaneously
Authors: Sykes Brooke , Musterd Sako
Published: September 2010

Neighbourhoods and schools are two contexts in which youth spend vast amounts of their time—making friends, forming opinions and attitudes, and learning the social and academic skills that help them navigate through life. In the neighbourhood effects literature, schools are theorised to be a pathway or mechanism of the neighbourhood’s influence on children and youth. We tested this hypothesis using a longitudinal dataset of 9897 secondary school students. We estimated school and neighbourhood effects separately, and then considered youths’ simultaneous membership in both contexts. In the latter analysis, the associations between neighbourhood characteristics and achievement were reduced to non-significance, while the associations with the school context remained strong and significant. These results point to schools as a pathway through which the influence of the neighbourhood may be transmitted, and underscore the need for better conceptualisations of the mutiple and interrelated contexts that youth inhabit.
Orthostatic and non-orthostatic headache in postural tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Khurana Ramesh K , Eisenberg Lindsay
Published: September 2010

Objective

Orthostatic and non-orthostatic headache spectrum was prospectively studied in 24 consecutive patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Methods

Patients were interviewed about clinical aspects of headache and its precipitation during head-up tilt (HUT). Autonomic functions were assessed using a standard battery of tests. The relationship of orthostatic headache to cardiovascular variables was examined using unpaired two-tailed t-test.

Results

Orthostatic headache occurred during daily activity in 14 patients (58.3%) and during HUT in 15 patients (62.5%). Age under 30 years and increasing duration of tilt were predictive for orthostatic headache. Of the 24 patients, 23 (95.8%) had non-orthostatic headache fitting the criteria of migraine or probable migraine.

Conclusions

Orthostatic headache affected two-thirds of POTS patients, especially those under age 30. Patients with orthostatic headache should be clinically assessed for POTS and informed of this association to reduce short-term morbidity. Migraine afflicted almost all POTS patients. This co-morbidity should be considered in management of POTS.
Analysing the production and treatment of solid waste using a national accounting framework
Authors: Delahaye Roel , Hoekstra Rutger , Nootenboom Leslie
Published: September 2010

Our knowledge of the relationship between the economy and the environment has increased significantly over recent decades. One of the areas in which this is most apparent is the area of environmental accounting, where environmental data is presented according to national accounting principles. These accounts provide consistent, complete and detailed information for understanding environmental-economic interdependencies. One of the modules of these accounts is the waste accounts which record the origin and destination of waste materials. The first part of this paper discusses the Dutch waste accounts and their relation with economic indicators. In the second part a number of applications, which are based on the input—output model, are applied to these accounts. This section includes a novel structural decomposition analysis which quantifies the underlying driving forces of changes in total waste and landfilled waste between 1995 and 2004. The results show that the total amount of waste is mainly driven by economic growth (positive effect) and the direct export of waste (negative effect). The models also show that the construction sector has played a very important part in the reduction of waste. Furthermore, the decrease in the amount of landfilled waste, which is caused by Dutch regulations, has led to a large shift towards recycling and to a lesser degree incineration. Finally, the calculations for the ‘environmental trade balance’ for waste show that the waste-contents of exports exceed that of imports. This paper shows that the waste accounts have many analytical and policy-relevant applications.
Local Antibiotic Delivery with Bovine Cancellous Chips
Authors: Lewis Christine S. , Katz Jordan , Baker Maribel I. , Supronowicz Peter R. , Gill Elise , Cobb Ronald R.
Published: September 2010

Infected bone defects and osteomyelitis are encountered frequently in trauma cases. Currently, the standard of care for osteomyelitis cases is prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy and implantation of antibiotic carrier beads. However, this method requires a secondary surgery to remove the beads after the infection has cleared. In the present study a common bone void filler was investigated for its ability to be infused with an antibiotic. This study demonstrates that the xenograft material tested can be loaded with gentamicin and release clinically relevant levels of the drug for at least 14 days in vitro allowing for the inhibition of bacterial growth on the graft. This study also demonstrates that the levels of gentamicin released did not have an adverse effect on primary osteoblast cell proliferation or ability to generate alkaline phosphatase. This bone void filler may represent a viable alternative to current methods of local antibiotic delivery in orthopedic applications.
Biosynthesis of Calcium Hydroxylapatite Coating on Sputtered Ti/TiN Nano Multilayers and their Corrosion Behavior in Simulated Body Solution
Authors: Subramanian Balasubramanian , Dhandapani Perumal , Maruthamuthu Sundaram , Jayachandran Muthirulandi
Published: September 2010

Titanium/titanium nitride (Ti/TiN) nanoscale multilayered films were deposited onto 316L stainless steel substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering using a Ti target. Coatings characterized by X-ray diffraction showed that the stack possesses centered cubic structure. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy survey spectra on the etched surfaces of the stack film on steel exhibited the characteristic Ti2p, N1s, and O1s peaks at the corresponding binding energies 454.5, 397.0, and 530.6 eV, respectively. Platelet adhesion experiments were carried out to examine the interaction between blood and the materials in vitro. The results indicated that the smoothness and lower isoelectric point contribute to better hemocompatibility of the Ti/TiN nanoscale multilayered coating. The biomediated synthesis of calcium hydroxylapatite (HA) was carried out on coated substrates using calcium-depositing bacteria. The observation of low corrosion current density ( Icorr) for the calcium HA-coated Ti/TiN specimens in simulated body fluid confirmed their highly resistive nature under the testing condition.
Cytotoxicity of Gold Nanoparticles Prepared by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Rudolf R. , Friedrich B. , Stopić S. , Anžel I. , Tomić S. , Čolić M.
Published: September 2010

The aim of this work was to study the cytotoxicity of different fractions of gold nanoparticles prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis from gold scrap. The target cells were rat thymocytes, as a type of nonproliferating cells, and L929 mouse fibroblasts, as a type of continuous proliferating cells. Fractions 1 and 2, composed of pure gold nanoparticles, as determined by scanning electron microscopy with a combination of energy dispersive X-ray analysis, were nontoxic for thymocytes, but reduced moderately the proliferative activity of L929 cells. The inhibitory effect of fraction 2, containing particles smaller in size than fraction 1, was stronger. Fraction 3, composed of Au and up to 3% Cu was noncytotoxic for thymocytes, but was cytotoxic for L929 cells. Fraction 4, composed of Au and Ag nanoparticles, and fraction 5, composed of Au together with Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, and In were cytotoxic for both thymocytes and L929 cells. These results suggest that USP enables the synthesis of pure gold nanoparticles with controlled size, even from gold scrap. However, microstructural analyses and biocompatibility testing are necessary for their proper selection from more cytotoxic gold nanoparticles, contaminated with other elements of gold alloys.
Improvement of the Cell-loading Efficiency of Biomaterials by Inoculation with Stem Cell-based Microspheres, in Osteogenesis
Authors: Langenbach Fabian , Naujoks Christian , Laser Andrea , Kelz Michael , Kersten-Thiele Pia , Berr Karin , Depprich Rita , Kübler Norbert , Kögler Gesine , Handschel Jörg
Published: September 2010

In critical-size bone defects, autologous or allogenic cells are required in addition to compatible biomaterials for the successful defect healing. State of the art inoculation methods of biomaterials are based on the application of cell suspensions to the biomaterial. However, only less amounts of cells can be applied and sufficient adhesion to the material is required. Therefore, it was investigated whether the advantages of stem cell-based microspheres and insoluble collagenous bone matrix (ICBM) scaffolds can be combined which can lead to an advancement in cell seeding on biomaterials. Microspheres were produced from unrestricted somatic stem cells from human umbilical cord blood and were mounted on ICBM scaffolds. Following the incubation with osteogenic or control medium, the constructs were analyzed histologically after 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Alizarin Red S and von Kossa staining revealed microsphere mineralization after 3 days in osteogenic and after 14 days in control medium. Meanwhile, a time-dependent increase in tissue, growing out of the microspheres, was detected. Our results provide evidence that microsphere–ICBM constructs are promising candidates for approaches of bone regeneration. They allow the transfer of substantially high numbers of cells in partially mineralized constructs.
News discourses on distant suffering: a Critical Discourse Analysis of the 2003 SARS outbreak
Authors: Joye Stijn
Published: September 2010

News carries a unique signifying power, a power to represent events in particular ways (Fairclough, 1995). Applying Critical Discourse Analysis and Chouliaraki’s theory on the mediation of suffering (2006), this article explores the news representation of the 2003 global SARS outbreak. Following a case-based methodology, we investigate how two Belgian television stations have covered the international outbreak of SARS. By looking into the mediation of four selected discursive moments, underlying discourses of power, hierarchy and compassion were unraveled. The analysis further identified the key role of proximity in international news reporting and supports the claim that Western news media mainly reproduce a Euro-American centered world order. This article argues that news coverage of international crises such as SARS constructs and maintains the socio-cultural difference between ‘us’ and ‘them’ as well as articulating global power hierarchies and a division of the world in zones of poverty and prosperity, danger and safety.
When Film Came to Madras
Authors: Hughes Stephen Putnam
Published: September 2010

This article argues for the necessity of rethinking the beginnings of cinema in South India through a broader historical consideration of the specific entertainment contexts, which both preceded and were eventually transformed by the introduction of film. The first film exhibitors introduced film to Madras as a kind of European entertainment using the same local venues as the European variety circuit. Their shows conformed to a variety format and they frequently mixed films with other kinds of live performances. In addition to situating early touring cinema shows within the local, European entertainment circuits of Madras city, the second strand of my argument is that we need to rethink the mobility of early cinema in India. Rather than fixating on any discrete point of origin, I suggest that our attention needs to turn to how early cinema worked as a portable technology that traveled along various transnational networks through India. Thus, in our effort to ground early cinema as part of local history in Madras, we must also reconcile this with a better understanding of its spatial movement throughout South Asia and beyond.
The eternal divide? History and International Relations
Authors: Lawson George
Published: September 2010

On one level, history is used by all parts of the International Relations (IR) discipline. But lurking beneath the surface of IR’s approach to history lies a well-entrenched binary. Whereas mainstream positions use history as a means to fill in their theoretical frames (seeing history as a kind of ‘scripture’ of abstract lessons), many post-positivists reduce history to a pick-and-mix of contingent hiccups (a ‘butterfly’ of what-ifs and maybes). Interestingly enough, this binary is one reproduced throughout the social sciences. As such, there is a bigger story to the apparently ‘eternal divide’ between history and social science than first meets the eye. This article uses the various ways in which history is used — and abused — in IR to probe more deeply into the relationship between history and social science as a whole. This exploration reveals four frameworks, two drawn from history (context and narrative) and two drawn from social science (eventfulness and ideal-typification) which illustrate the necessary co-implication of the two enterprises. The article employs these tools as a means of re-imagining the relationship between history and social science (including IR), conceiving this as a single intellectual journey in which both are permanently in view.
Power and threat in intergroup conflict
Authors: Kamans Elanor , Otten Sabine , Gordijn Ernestine H.
Published: September 2010

We propose that in intergroup conflict threat content is important in understanding the reactions of those who experience threats the most: the powerless. Studies 1 and 2 show that powerless groups experience more threat than powerful groups, resulting in the experience of both more anger and fear. Threat content determines which emotions elicit behavior that adequately deals with the situation. When confronted with a physically threatening outgroup, fear elicits an avoidance reaction in powerless groups (Study 1). When valuable resources are threatened, anger makes powerless group members want to confront the outgroup, at least when they strongly identify with their group (Study 2). Study 3 replicates the finding that threat content determines which emotions are functional in directing behavior.
Psychological Trauma and Substance Abuse: The Need for an Integrated Approach
Authors: Dass-Brailsford Priscilla , Myrick Amie C.
Published: September 2010

There is consensus that an integrated approach which addresses the clinical needs of individuals who have histories of substance abuse and psychological trauma concurrently is an acceptable and preferred approach to treatment. Several integrated models have emerged in recent years. In this paper we first define the concepts of substance abuse and psychological trauma, investigate the relationship between both and proceed to discuss why an integrated approach is most compelling. Finally, we review and critically examine the different integrated models that have been developed in terms of efficacy, effectiveness and empirical evidence. The paper concludes with suggestions on how the field can be improved.
The roots of collective memory: Public knowledge of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson
Authors: Schuman Howard , Corning Amy
Published: September 2010

Claims that Thomas Jefferson fathered the children of Sally Hemings, a slave at Monticello, have received support over the past 35 years from revisionist biographies, DNA testing and other evidence. The claims have also been communicated to the general public through novels, films and other popular media. Both those persuaded by the claims and those critical of them assume that collective memory of Jefferson has been changed importantly, and that a considerable portion of the American public accepts the changes, which also include a new focus on Jefferson’s views and actions regarding slavery more generally. But collective memory at the individual level requires some degree of collective knowledge, and after reviewing the nature of memory of Sally Hemings at the cultural level, we explore the extent to which knowledge and belief about a Jefferson—Hemings liaison and Jefferson’s paternity has spread through the American population. We also consider differences in knowledge by race, education, gender and birth cohort. As part of our investigation, we compare the extent of knowledge of Sally Hemings — and the degree to which it carries hints of uncertainty — with what is true for other names and events from the past, including the name of another woman associated with an even more famous American president.
Climate change and communicable disease: what are the risks?
Authors: Nichols Andrew , Richardson Janet , Maynard Veronica
Published: September 2010

The potential impacts of climate change have been well documented. It is suggested that these impacts will include changes to the environment and ecosystems, including that of the United Kingdom (UK). Environmental change could in turn lead to changes in the epidemiology of communicable disease within the UK. It has been argued that healthcare professionals, including those responsible for the control of communicable diseases, should discuss and be involved in the protection of the environment and in promoting public health through efforts to prevent, mitigate and adapt to climate change. In this paper we outline current and potential risks regarding communicable disease and climate change in the UK; we focus on three main areas, water, vector and food-borne disease, and the adaptation to and mitigation of the effects of climate change.
The increasing role of DNA molecular technologies in infection control-related medical bacteriology: what the infection prevention specialist needs to know
Authors: Jiru Xu  , Millar B Cherie , Loughrey Anne , Goldsmith Colin E , Coulter Wilson A , Dooley James SG , Moore John E
Published: September 2010

Molecular biology has the potential to revolutionise the way in which diagnostic tests are delivered in order to optimise care of infected patients, whether they are in hospital or in the community. Many routine hospital diagnostic laboratories are now beginning to adopt commercial molecular kits, which have dramatically expanded the availability of such tests into hospitals, which previously would not have used them. This has created a need among infection prevention specialists, microbiologists and infection control doctors as to what these tests mean, and how to formulate policy around them, so that there is added value for their use in the infection prevention scenario. This review wishes to explore their basis, their application in the infection prevention setting, their interpretation, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, in order to better inform infection prevention specialists.
Independent health care: using a board-to-ward approach to achieve improvement in infection prevention standards
Authors: Millward S. , Barnett S. , Jones A.
Published: September 2010

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 places a legal responsibility upon healthcare organisations to provide a clean environment where infection risks are minimised. From April 2010, the regulation of both the NHS and the independent healthcare sector will, for the first time, fall under the same legislative framework. Nuffield Health (NH) is an independent healthcare provider with 30 acute hospitals. Strategic management of infection prevention is led by the NH Director for Infection Prevention. Management at the hospital level is led by the matron/Director for Infection Prevention and Control supported by trained infection prevention link practitioners (IPLPs). High-quality infection prevention across a large geographical area presents many challenges and IPLPs have been used to both monitor and improve the quality of infection prevention using national audit tools and acting as role models to influence practice. Audit results over 4 years demonstrate yearly improvements and low rates of healthcare-associated infections.
Filtering, FDR and power
Authors: van Iterson Maarten , Boer Judith M , Menezes Renée X
Published: September 2010

Background

In high-dimensional data analysis such as differential gene expression analysis, people often use filtering methods like fold-change or variance filters in an attempt to reduce the multiple testing penalty and improve power. However, filtering may introduce a bias on the multiple testing correction. The precise amount of bias depends on many quantities, such as fraction of probes filtered out, filter statistic and test statistic used.

Results

We show that a biased multiple testing correction results if non-differentially expressed probes are not filtered out with equal probability from the entire range of p-values. We illustrate our results using both a simulation study and an experimental dataset, where the FDR is shown to be biased mostly by filters that are associated with the hypothesis being tested, such as the fold change. Filters that induce little bias on the FDR yield less additional power of detecting differentially expressed genes. Finally, we propose a statistical test that can be used in practice to determine whether any chosen filter introduces bias on the FDR estimate used, given a general experimental setup.

Conclusions

Filtering out of probes must be used with care as it may bias the multiple testing correction. Researchers can use our test for FDR bias to guide their choice of filter and amount of filtering in practice.
Functional characterization of the protein C A267T mutation: evidence for impaired secretion due to defective intracellular transport
Authors: Tjeldhorn Lena , Iversen Nina , Sandvig Kirsten , Bergan Jonas , Sandset Per Morten , Skretting Grethe
Published: September 2010

Background

Activated protein C (PC) is a serine protease that regulates blood coagulation by inactivating coagulation factors Va and VIIIa. PC deficiency is an autosomally inherited disorder associated with a high risk of recurrent venous thrombosis. The aim of the study was to explore the mechanisms responsible for severe PC deficiency in a patient with the protein C A267T mutation by in-vitro expression studies.

Results

Huh7 and CHO-K1 cells were transiently transfected with expression vectors containing wild-type (WT PC) and mutated PC (A267T PC) cDNAs. PC mRNA levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and the PC protein levels were measured by ELISA. The mRNA levels of WT PC and A267T PC were similar, while the intracellular protein level of A267T PC was moderately decreased compared to WT PC. The secretion of A267T PC into the medium was severely impaired. No differences in molecular weights were observed between WT and A267T PC before and after treatment with endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase. Proteasomal and lysosomal degradations were examined using lactacystin and bafilomycin, respectively, and revealed that A267T PC was slightly more susceptible for proteasomal degradation than WT PC. Intracellular co-localization analysis indicated that A267T PC was mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas WT PC was observed in both ER and Golgi.

Conclusions

In contrast to what has been reported for other PC mutants, intracellular degradation of A267T PC was not the main/dominant mechanism underlying the reduced intracellular and secretion levels of PC. Our results indicate that the A267T mutation most likely caused misfolding of PC, which might lead to increased retention of the mutated PC in ER.