bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SimSphere model sensitivity analysis towards establishing its use for deriving key parameters characterising land surface interactions
Authors: Petropoulos G. P. , Griffiths H. M. , Carlson T. N. , Ioannou-Katidis P. , Holt T.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Being able to accurately estimate parameters characterising land surface interactions is of key scientific priority today due to their central role in the Earth's global energy and water cycle. To this end, some approaches have been based on utilising the synergies between land surface models and Earth Observation (EO) data to retrieve relevant parameters. One such model is SimSphere, the use of which is currently expanding, either as a stand-alone application or synergistically with EO data. The present study aims at exploring the effect of changing the atmospheric sounding profile to the sensitivity of key variables predicted by this model assuming different probability distribution functions (PDFs) for its inputs/outputs. To satisfy this objective and to ensure consistency and comparability to analogous studies conducted previously on the model, a sophisticated, cutting edge sensitivity analysis (SA) method adopting Bayesian theory is implemented herein on SimSphere. Our results did not show dramatic changes in the nature or ranking of influential model inputs in comparison to previous studies. Model outputs of which the SA was examined were sensitive to a small number of the inputs; a significant amount of first order interactions between the inputs was also found, suggesting strong model coherence. Results obtained suggest that the assumption of different PDFs for the model inputs/outputs did not have significant bearing on mapping the most responsive model inputs and interactions, but only the absolute SA measures. All in all, this study extends our understanding of SimSphere's structure and further establishes its coherence and correspondence to that of a natural system's behaviour. Consequently, the present work represents a significant step forward in the efforts globally on SimSphere verification, especially those focusing towards the development of global operational products from the synergy of SimSphere with EO data.
A PUBLIC PLATFORM FOR GEOSPATIAL DATA SHARING FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT
Authors: Balbo S. , Boccardo P. , Dalmasso S. , Pasquali P.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Several studies have been conducted in Africa to assist local governments in addressing the risk situation related to natural hazards. Geospatial data containing information on vulnerability, impacts, climate change, disaster risk reduction is usually part of the output of such studies and is valuable to national and international organizations to reduce the risks and mitigate the impacts of disasters. Nevertheless this data isn't efficiently widely distributed and often resides in remote storage solutions hardly reachable. Spatial Data Infrastructures are technical solutions capable to solve this issue, by storing geospatial data and making them widely available through the internet. Among these solutions, GeoNode, an open source online platform for geospatial data sharing, has been developed in recent years. GeoNode is a platform for the management and publication of geospatial data. It brings together mature and stable open-source software projects under a consistent and easy-to-use interface allowing users, with little training, to quickly and easily share data and create interactive maps. GeoNode data management tools allow for integrated creation of data, metadata, and map visualizations. Each dataset in the system can be shared publicly or restricted to allow access to only specific users. Social features like user profiles and commenting and rating systems allow for the development of communities around each platform to facilitate the use, management, and quality control of the data the GeoNode instance contains (http://geonode.org/). This paper presents a case study scenario of setting up a Web platform based on GeoNode. It is a public platform called MASDAP and promoted by the Government of Malawi in order to support development of the country and build resilience against natural disasters. A substantial amount of geospatial data has already been collected about hydrogeological risk, as well as several other-disasters related information. Moreover this platform will help to ensure that the data created by a number of past or ongoing projects is maintained and that this information remains accessible and useful. An Integrated Flood Risk Management Plan for a river basin has already been included in the platform and other data from future disaster risk management projects will be added as well.
MONITORING THE URBAN GROWTH OF DHAKA (BANGLADESH) BY SATELLITE IMAGERY IN FLOODING RISK MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Bitelli G. , Franci F. , Mandanici E.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. There is large consensus that demographic changes, the lack of appropriate environmental policies and sprawling urbanization result in high vulnerability and exposure to the natural disasters. This work reports some experiences of using multispectral satellite imagery to produce landuse/cover maps for the Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh, which is subject to frequent flooding events.The activity was conducted in collaboration with the non-profit organization ITHACA (Information Technology for Humanitarian Assistance, Cooperation and Action). The Landsat images acquired in 2000, 2002 and 2009 were used to evaluate the urban growth in order to support risk assessment studies; to identify areas routinely flooded during the monsoon season, the image of October 2009 (the most critical month for the effects of rain) was compared with two images acquired in January and February 2010. The analysis between 2000 and 2009 was able to quantify a very rapid growth of the metropolis, with an increase in built-up areas from 75 to 111 km2. The analysis highlights also a sharp rise of Bare soil class, likely related to the construction of embankments for the creation of new building space; consequently a decrease of cultivated land was observed. In particular, these artificial islands have been invading flooding areas. The change detection procedure also showed that the flooding in October 2009 affected about 20% (115 out of 591 km2) of the entire study area; furthermore these areas became wetlands and farmland over the next three/four months.
Brief communication"Estimating rockfall frequency in a mountain limestone cliff using terrestrial laser scanner"
Authors: Guerin A. , Hantz D. , Rossetti J.-P. , Jaboyedoff M.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Using terrestrial laser scanner, 344 rockfalls larger than 0.05 m3 have been detected for a period of 1180 days, in a thinly bedded limestone cliff of width 750 m and height 200 m. The complementary cumulative distribution of the rockfall volume is well fitted by a power law, with an exponent b of 0.75 ± 0.04. In order to compare the rockfall frequencies in different geological contexts, a rockfall activity parameter has been defined, which is the number of rockfalls larger than 1 m3, which occur per century and per hm2.
Lidar snow cover studies on glaciers in the Ötztal Alps (Austria): comparison with snow depths calculated from GPR measurements
Authors: Helfricht K. , Kuhn M. , Keuschnig M. , Heilig A.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The storage of water within the seasonal snow cover is a substantial source of runoff in high mountain catchments. Information about the spatial distribution of snow accumulation is necessary for calibration and validation of hydro-meteorological models. Generally, only a small number of precipitation measurements deliver precipitation input for modelling in mountain areas. The spatial interpolation and extrapolation of measurements of precipitation is still difficult. Multi-temporal application of lidar techniques from aircraft, so-called airborne laser scanning (ALS), provides surface elevations changes even in inaccessible terrain. These ALS surface elevation changes can be used to derive changes in snow depths of the mountain snow cover for seasonal or subseasonal time periods. However, since glacier surfaces are not static over time, ablation, densification of snow, densification of firn and ice flow contribute to surface elevation changes. ALS-derived surface elevation changes were compared to snow depths derived from 35.4 km of ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles on four glaciers. With this combination of two different data acquisitions, it is possible to evaluate the effect of the summation of these processes on ALS-derived snow depth maps in the high alpine region of the Ötztal Alps (Austria). A Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper image was used to distinguish between snow covered area and bare ice areas of the glaciers at the end of the ablation season. In typical accumulation areas, ALS surface elevation changes differ from snow depths calculated from GPR measurements by −0.4 m on average with a mean standard deviation of 0.34 m. Differences between ALS surface elevation changes and GPR derived snow depths are small along the profiles conducted in areas of bare ice. In these areas, the mean absolute difference of ALS surface elevation changes and GPR snow depths is 0.004 m with a standard deviation of 0.27 m. This study presents a systematic approach to analyze deviations from ALS generated snow depth maps to ground truth measurements on four different glaciers. We could show that ALS can be an important and reliable data source for the spatial distribution of snow depths for most parts of the here investigated glaciers. However, within accumulation areas, just utilizing ALS data may lead to systematic underestimation of total snow depth distribution.
Feedbacks and mechanisms affecting the global sensitivity of glaciers to climate change
Authors: Marzeion B. , Jarosch A. H. , Gregory J. M.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Mass loss by glaciers has been an important contributor to sea level rise in the past, and is projected to contribute a substantial fraction of total sea level rise during the 21st century. Here, we use a model of the world's glaciers to quantify equilibrium sensitivities of global glacier mass to climate change, and to investigate the role of changes in glacier hypsometry for long-term mass changes. We find that 21st century glacier-mass loss is largely governed by the glacier's response to 20th century climate change. This limits the influence of 21st century climate change on glacier-mass loss, and explains why there are relatively small differences in glacier-mass loss under greatly different scenarios of climate change. The projected future changes in both temperature and precipitation experienced by glaciers are amplified relative to the global average. The projected increase in precipitation partly compensates for the mass loss caused by warming, but this compensation is negligible at higher temperature anomalies since an increasing fraction of precipitation at the glacier sites is liquid. Loss of low-lying glacier area, and more importantly, eventual complete disappearance of glaciers, strongly limit the projected sea level contribution from glaciers in coming centuries. The adjustment of glacier hypsometry to changes in the forcing strongly reduces the rates of global glacier-mass loss caused by changes in global mean temperature compared to rates of mass loss when hypsometric changes are neglected. This result is a second reason for the relatively weak dependence of glacier-mass loss on future climate scenario, and helps explain why glacier-mass loss in the first half of the 20th century was of the same order of magnitude as in the second half of the 20th century, even though the rate of warming was considerably smaller.
How do icebergs affect the Greenland ice sheet under pre-industrial conditions? – A model study with a fully coupled ice sheet–climate model
Authors: Bügelmayer M. , Roche D. M. , Renssen H.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Icebergs have a potential impact on climate since they release freshwater over a wide spread area and cool the ocean due to the take up of latent heat. Yet, so far, icebergs have never been modelled using an ice sheet model coupled to a global climate model. Thus, in climate models their impact on climate was restricted to the ocean. In this study, we investigate the effect of icebergs on the Northern Hemisphere climate and the Greenland ice sheet itself within a fully coupled ice sheet (GRISLI)–Earth system (iLOVECLIM) model set-up under pre-industrial climate conditions. This set-up enables us to dynamically compute the calving sites as well as the ice discharge and to close the water cycle between the climate and the cryosphere model components. Further, we analyse the different impact of moving icebergs compared to releasing the ice discharge at the calving sites directly. We performed a suite of sensitivity experiments to investigate the individual role of the different factors presiding at the impact of ice release to the ocean: release of ice discharge as icebergs vs. as freshwater fluxes; freshening and latent heat effects. We find that icebergs enhance the sea ice thickness south and east of Greenland, thereby cooling the atmosphere and decreasing the Greenland ice sheet's height. In contrast, melting the ice discharge locally at the calving sites, causes an increased ice sheet thickness due to enhanced precipitation. Yet, releasing the ice discharge into the ocean at the calving sites while taking up the latent heat homogeneously, results in a similar ice sheet configuration and climate as the icebergs. Therefore, we conclude that in our fully coupled atmosphere–ocean–cryosphere model set-up, the spatial distribution of the take-up of latent heat related to icebergs melting has a bigger impact on the climate than the input of their melt water. Moreover, we find that icebergs affect the ice sheet's geometry even under pre-industrial equilibrium conditions.
The business of integrative medicine in a large hospital system
Authors: Lanni Thomas , Patricolo Gail Elliott
Published: January 2014

The number of patients seeking complementary and alternative medicines combined with conventional treatments has grown considerably over the past decade. To meet the growing demand, a dedicated oncology integrative medicine program was initiated in the Beaumont Health System to address the needs of this patient population. Due to its resounding success and patient satisfaction, as evidenced by patient utilization and testimonials and physician referrals, the program was expanded across the healthcare system to every medical specialty. This study outlines how the program was implemented and its business model. A number of methods were used to evaluate the feasibility of starting the program and determine the services required. Financial analyses were developed to understand the costs associated with starting the program without financial assistance. In 2006, an Integrative Medicine program was launched in the Beaumont Cancer Institute (Royal Oak, MI). The initial offering for patients was clinical massage; however, the program rapidly expanded. Currently, services include clinical massage, a clinical massage training program, Reiki, guided imagery, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine. Patients and physicians expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of complementary services offered at the institution, and the services are heavily utilized. In 2012, the program had more than 18,000 patient visits, of which, 10,191 were for clinical massage, 6,515 for acupuncture, and 1,030 for naturopathic medicine. In this study of developing and implementing an Integrative Medicine program in a large healthcare system, it is shown that a successful program could be initiated with the appropriate planning and support from administration. The program is shown to be financially viable, as the Integrative Medicine (IM) department has become self-sufficient and no longer requires financial support from other hospital departments, and the numerous testimonials indicate that the program has been rewarding for practitioners, staff, and patients.
Effect of Storage Temperature on the Behaviour of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium on Salad Vegetables
Authors: Likotrafiti Eleni , Anagnou Marios , Lampiri Panagiota , Rhoades Jonathan
Published: January 2014

The behaviour of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium on fresh lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) epidermis and parsley (Petroselinum sativum) under different storage temperatures was studied. Inoculated vegetable pieces were stored at 10 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C and E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium were enumerated by plate count.

At 10 °C, both E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium declined slowly on all three vegetables whereas at higher temperatures the behaviour was markedly different. On parsley and lettuce at 20 °C S. Typhimurium population returned to roughly the starting count at the end of the experiment whereas it increased in cucumber. Growth of up to 0.9 log cfu/g was observed on parsley for E. coli O157:H7, but population changes on the other vegetables were negligible at 20 °C. At 30 °C growth was observed on all three vegetables for both E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium.

Growth of E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium increase the risk to the consumer of some types of fresh vegetable. Storage temperature abuse of the above fresh vegetables can lead to food poisoning if not decontaminated appropriately or via cross contamination. This study shows that food safety of fresh produce is improved via storage in chilled temperatures. Even relatively short exposure (a few hours) at higher temperatures can allow growth to occur in all three vegetables thereby increasing the risk to food safety. Chilling fresh vegetables as soon as possible after harvest could prevent growth of pathogens if vegetables are cross-contaminated.
Autor y lector en la traducción catalana del Decamerón de Boccaccio: análisis de una asimilación
Authors: Recio Roxana
Published: January 2014

Resumen: Ese trabajo analiza la traducción catalana del Decamerón de 1429 centrándose en las particularidades de la narrativa, especialmente la relación entre el autor y el lector. Sin dejar de lado aspectos propios de la traducción en aquel momento, se enfatiza el valor de este texto, en ocasiones considerado una mera adaptación, como una obra humanística, un documento de la asimilación del humanismo italiano en la Corona de Aragón. El texto catalán es una muestra de cómo se entendieron las ideas narrativas del autor italiano, pues muchos de los que se han considerado defectos en la obra responden a estrategias narrativas en función de un determinado público y una determinada cultura. Se trata de traductores interesados en la creación literaria y en la búsqueda de la belleza, con lo que se puede observar la estrecha relación intelectual entre el autor/los autores catalanes y el nuevo estilo de Boccaccio. No debe verse como una simple traducción.Palabras clave: Curial e Güelfa; Boccaccio; traducción literaria; lector-autor; narrativa; adaptación; humanismoAbstract: This paper analyzes the 1429 Catalan translation of Boccaccio’s Decameron focusing on its main narrative characteristics, especially the relationship between the author and his readers. While not neglecting basic features of the translation in the period, the main emphasis is placed in the significance of this text, sometimes considered a simple adaptation, as a Humanist work, a document of the assimilation of Italian Humanism in the Crown of Aragón. This Catalan text constitutes an example of how Boccaccio’s narrative ideas were understood at the time, for many of the so called defects in this translation are the result of narrative strategies addressed to a specific audience and culture. We are in front of translators interested in literary creation and in the quest for beauty in their work, which reflects the close relationship between Boccaccio’s new style and the Catalan author’s/authors’ approach. It should not be viewed as a mere translation.Keywords: Curial e Güelfa; Boccaccio; literary translation; reader-author; narrative; adaptation; Humanism
La música polifónica flamenca del segle XV a les novel·les clàssiques catalanes Tirant lo Blanc & Curial e Güelfa
Authors: De Nijs Bob
Published: January 2014

Resum: Al Tirant lo Blanc i al Curial e Güelfa hi ha referències concretes al coneixement possiblement directe que els autors tenien sobre la música polifònica flamenca, que entrà a Itàlia pel nord durant la primera meitat del segle XV i arribà a Nàpols.Paraules clau: Tirant lo Blanc; Curial e Güelfa; polifonia flamenca a Itàlia; cultura europea del segle XVAbstract: There are specific references in Tirant lo Blanc and Curial e Güelfa to the probably direct knowledge that the authors had on Flemish polyphonic music, which came to the north of Italy during the first half of the fifteenth century and arrived in Naples.Keywords: Tirant lo Blanc; Curial e Güelfa; Flemish polyphonic music in Italy; fifteenth century European culture
Nimfes al Vinalopó. La poesia renaixentista d’un alacantí oblidat, Josep Gosalbes de Cunedo (S. XVI)
Authors: Biosca Bas Antoni
Published: January 2014

Resum: L’obra del poeta alacantí del segle XVI Josep Gosalbes de Cunedo ha passat a l’oblit. Alguns aspectes de la seua vida i obra mereixen atenció, com a mínim, per haver tractat temes propis de la seua terra. Alguns dels seus poemes tracten l’antiga Governació d’Oriola, al sud del regne de València, i celebren la creació del bisbat d’Oriola, motiu pel qual l’autor descriu el territori amb gust renaixentista. La seua amistat amb l’humanista Just Lipsi marca la seua biografia, on guerres i presó també estan presents.Paraules clau: poesia llatina; Renaixement; Oriola; Alacant; Just LipsiAbstract: The work of the 16th. century poet from Alicante Joseph Gosalbes of Cunedo has been forgotten. Some aspects of his life and work deserve attention, at least because he had written about topics of their own land. Some of his poems deal with the former Region of Orihuela, in the south of Valencia kingdom, and celebrate the creation of the diocese of Orihuela, so the author describes this territory in a Renaissance style. His friendship with the humanist Justus Lipsius mark his biography, where wars and prison are also present.Keywords: Latin poetry; Renaissance; Orihuela; Alicante; Justus Lipsius
La renovació de la narrativa europea: herència i petjades de Boccaccio a la Corona d’Aragó. Presentació del monogràfic.
Authors: Recio Roxana
Published: January 2014

Presentació del monogràfic
Ressenya a Bellomi P., Colombini F. e Neri S. (eds.) (2011-2012). Progetto Mambrino, Ciclo italiano di Amadis di Gaula. Collezione della Biblioteca Civica di Verona , Verona, QuiEdit, 2012
Authors: Trujillo Stefania
Published: January 2014

Ressenya a Paola Bellomi, Federica Colombini e Stefano Neri (Eds.), Progetto Mambrino, Ciclo italiano di Amadis di Gaula. Collezione della Biblioteca Civica di Verona. Edizione fotodigitale. Studi preliminari di Anna Bognolo e Paola Bellomi. Prefazione di Agostino Contò. Verona, QuiEdit, 2012.. ISBN: 978-88-6464-130-0
Randomization Schedule
Authors: Kuznetsova Olga M.
Published: January 2014

The randomization schedule is used in a clinical trial to assign subjects randomly to one of the treatment regimens studied in the trial. Randomization helps to make the treatment groups comparable in baseline characteristics (both measured and not measured) and thus lessen the potential for bias in the evaluation of the treatments. It also allows causal inference with respect to intervention effects. The schedule is generated prior to the trial start and provides the list of treatment assignments by subject number (allocation number). In a stratified trial, a range of allocation numbers is designated for each stratum, and a separate randomization schedule is provided for each stratum. Subjects randomized into the trial are assigned allocation numbers in order of entry in their respective randomization stratum and receive the corresponding treatment.
Simple Randomization
Authors: Perevozskaya Inna T.
Published: January 2014

An overview of general concept of randomization is given, and its importance as a crucial part of the study design to avoid selection bias is stressed. Simple randomization is the first and most intuitive of the randomization methods. Other, more sophisticated, methods of randomization are highlighted. We discuss properties of the simple randomization and its relationship to other randomization methods. Concept and properties of stratified randomization are discussed as well.
Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Simon Richard M.
Published: January 2014

Subgroup analysis refers to the practice of attempting to determine whether and how treatment effects vary among subgroups of subjects who are studied in intervention studies. This article reviews the variety of statistical methods that have been used and developed for subgroup analyses. These methods include testing null hypotheses of no treatment effects within subgroups,P‐value adjustments for multiplicity, confidence intervals for subgroup‐specific treatment effects, interaction tests, qualitative interaction tests, and empirical Bayes and fully Bayesian methods. The article addresses the distinction between preplanned subgroup analyses in which experiment‐wise type I error rate is controlled and an unplanned data‐dredging exercise for the purpose of generating hypotheses to be tested in subsequent studies. The article emphasizes the importance of restricting inferential methods to a very limited number of prespecified subgroups based on strong biological rationale or reports from other clinical trials. The article discusses the central nature of a limited number of planned highly focused subgroup analyses for pharmacogenomic clinical trials. The article also addresses the limited reliably evaluating consistency of treatment effects among subgroups in positive clinical trials, including center effects in multi‐center trials, and the article discusses limitations imposed by sample size for subgroup analyses and the role of meta‐analysis in subgroup analyses.
Algorithm‐Based Designs
Authors: He Weili , Liu Jun
Published: January 2014

First, we describe the traditional algorithm‐based A + B designs and the modifications of A + B designs, along with the advantages and drawbacks of these designs. Accelerated designs and a modification of the accelerated designs are delineated in the next section, then we introduce a model‐based approach in the estimation of the maximum tolerated dose following an algorithm‐based design. Finally, design properties for commonly used and less commonly used algorithm‐based designs are provided.
Diagnostic Studies
Authors: Schwenke Carsten
Published: January 2014

Diagnostic studies are performed to investigate the clinical usefulness of a new diagnostic procedure, for example, a new contrast agent for imaging or a new laboratory test to detect antibodies or antigens in blood. Sometimes, these studies are invented to substitute the standard procedure by an improved or less expensive procedure, which is not inferior in terms of efficacy and has some benefit compared with the standard procedure. Before starting a diagnostic study, first the unit for analysis should be defined in the terms “experimental unit” and “observational unit.”
Futility Analysis
Authors: Freidlin Boris
Published: January 2014

Most randomized clinical trials are designed to demonstrate benefit of experimental versus standard treatment. For ethical and economic reasons, it is important to stop a trial early for “futility” if there is no longer a reasonable chance that the experimental arm can be shown to be definitively better than the standard arm. Futility monitoring has become a widely accepted component of clinical trial methodology. We provide a review of commonly used futility procedures and discuss practical aspects of their implementation.
Predicting Random Effects in Community Intervention
Authors: Stanek Edward J.
Published: January 2014

The main objective in a group randomized trial is a comparison between treatments. Often, interest exists in the expected response for a particular group receiving a treatment. As a random sample of groups is included in the trial, the parameter for such a group is represented as a random effect. In this context, predicting the expected response for a group requires predicting a random effect. Proposed solutions to this problem are reviewed focusing on differences in the model assumptions in a simple setting. The author concludes that although popular computing solutions exist, fundamental open questions remain that impact interpretation.
Coronary Drug Project
Authors: Canner Paul L.
Published: January 2014

The Coronary Drug Project, which was conducted during 1966 to 1974, was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of five lipid‐modifying agents—estrogens at two dosage levels, dextrothyroxine, clofibrate, and niacin—in 8341 men with previous myocardial infarction. The primary efficacy outcome was all‐cause mortality for the entire follow‐up period. The first three named regimens were terminated early because of adverse effects. Only niacin significantly reduced the risk of (1) cardiovascular events during a mean follow‐up of 6.2 years and (2) all‐cause mortality during 6.2 years with study treatment plus an additional 9 years of post‐trial follow‐up. Analyses of treatment–placebo differences with respect to all‐cause mortality, subdivided by level of adherence to the study prescription and by amount of change in serum cholesterol level, could not be properly interpreted because reasons for good/poor adherence and for cholesterol changes in the placebo group were not well defined.
Alpha‐Spending Function
Authors: DeMets David L. , Lan K. K. Gordon
Published: January 2014

Randomized clinical trials are typically monitored periodically for early evidence of convincing benefit or of potential harm for both scientific and ethical reasons by a data monitoring committee. After increments in the number of patients randomized or in the number of observed events, interim statistical analyses may be conducted to evaluate emerging results. This process may be referred to as a group sequential design. However, repeated analysis of accumulating data with conventional statistical testing can lead to substantially increased Type I or false positive error rates. The alpha spending function provides a flexible approach to control the Type I error while allowing the data monitoring committee to review the data as needed without having to specifya prioriwhen and how many such interim analyses will be conducted. Other earlier group sequential methods had these somewhat restrictive requirements. This alpha spending function approach can be applied to several spending functions that approximate some of these earlier methods.
Global model of low‐frequency chorus (fLHR<f<0.1fce) from multiple satellite observations
Authors: Meredith Nigel P. , Horne Richard B. , Li Wen , Thorne Richard M. , Sicard‐Piet Angélica
Published: January 2014

Whistler mode chorus is an important magnetospheric emission, playing a dual role in the acceleration and loss of relativistic electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt. Chorus is typically generated in the equatorial region in the frequency range 0.1–0.8 fce, where fce is the local electron gyrofrequency. However, as the waves propagate to higher latitudes, significant wave power can occur at frequencies below 0.1fce. Since this wave power is largely omitted in current radiation belt models, we construct a global model of low‐frequency chorus, fLHR<f<0.1fce, using data from six satellites. We find that low‐frequency chorus is strongest, with an average intensity of 200 pT2, in the prenoon sector during active conditions at midlatitudes (20°<|λm|<50°) from 4<L∗<8. Such midlatitude, low‐frequency chorus wave power will contribute to the acceleration and loss of relativistic electrons and should be taken into account in radiation belt models.
Interesting Evidence for Template‐Induced Ferroelectric Behavior in Ultra‐Thin Titanium Dioxide Films Grown on (110) Neodymium Gallium Oxide Substrates
Authors: Deepak Nitin , Caro Miguel A. , Keeney Lynette , Pemble Martyn E. , Whatmore Roger W.
Published: January 2014

The first evidence for room‐temperature ferroelectric behavior in anatase‐phase titanium dioxide (a‐TiO2) is reported. Behavior strongly indicative of ferroelectric characteristics is induced in ultra‐thin (20 nm to 80 nm) biaxially‐strained epitaxial films of a‐TiO2 deposited by liquid injection chemical vapor deposition onto (110) neodymium gallium oxide (NGO) substrates. The films exhibit significant orthorhombic strain, as analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The films on NGO show a switchable dielectric spontaneous polarization when probed by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), the ability to retain polarization information written into the film using the PFM tip for extended periods (several hours) and at elevated temperatures (up to 100 °C) without significant loss, and the disappearance of the polarization at a temperature between 180 and 200 °C, indicative of a Curie temperature within this range. This combination of effects constitutes strong experimental evidence for ferroelectric behavior, which has not hitherto been reported in a‐TiO2 and opens up the possibility for a range of new applications. A model is presented for the effects of large in‐plane strains on the crystal structure of anatase which provides a possible explanation for the experimental observations.
Concise Synthesis of 1‐Naphthols under Mild Conditions through a Copper‐Catalyzed Arylation of Methyl Ketones
Authors: Lou Zhenbang , Zhang Shu , Chen Chao , Pang Xinlong , Li Ming , Wen Lirong
Published: January 2014

A concise synthesis of 1‐naphthols via cyclization of o‐iodoacetophenones and methyl ketones has been realized under very mild conditions. The cyclization process is initiated by a rare copper‐catalyzed arylation of simple methyl ketones with ortho‐iodoacetophenones.

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Endoscopic resection of orbital hemangiomas
Authors: Chhabra Nipun , Wu Arthur W. , Fay Aaron , Metson Ralph
Published: January 2014

Background

Cavernous hemangiomas are the most common orbital tumors in adults. Traditional orbitotomy approaches to resect these intraconal lesions are associated with patient morbidity due to difficulties with visualization and access in the region of the orbital apex.

Methods

In this retrospective chart review and case series, the records of 5 patients who underwent endoscopic resection of orbital hemangiomas by the senior authors (A.F. and R.M.) between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed. Patient demographics, preoperative, and postoperative variables were assessed.

Results

All tumors were located in the medial orbital apex. Mean tumor size was 1.7 cm in maximum dimension (range, 1.0–2.7 cm). Proptosis and/or optic neuropathy were present in all cases. Surgeries were performed through an entirely endoscopic transnasal approach. One patient underwent subtotal tumor resection. Proptosis improved by a mean ± standard deviation of 1.75 ± 0.87 mm. The average improvement in visual acuity was 1.8 lines on a Snellen chart (range, 1–4 lines). There were no long‐term adverse sequelae.

Conclusion

Endoscopic techniques for the treatment of patients with hemangiomas in the posterior medial orbit appear to offer the advantage of enhanced surgical access with reduced patient morbidity compared to conventional orbitotomy approaches.
Culture‐inappropriate antibiotic therapy decreases quality of life improvement after sinus surgery
Authors: Zhang Zi , Palmer James N. , Morales Knashawn H. , Howland Timothy J. , Doghramji Laurel J. , Adappa Nithin D. , Chiu Alexander G. , Cohen Noam A. , Lautenbach Ebbing
Published: January 2014

Background

Despite their widespread use, antibiotics have not been shown to improve chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) outcomes. We aimed to determine whether culture‐inappropriate postoperative antibiotic therapy was associated with less quality‐of‐life (QOL) improvement following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study recruited 376 adult CRS patients undergoing FESS between October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011. Patient demographics, comorbidities and medications were collected at baseline. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin were administered for 2 weeks postoperatively. The antibiotic appropriateness was determined based on bacterial resistance profile of organisms identified during intraoperative culture. The QOL outcome was defined as change of 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test scores from preoperative visit to 1‐month, 3‐month, and 6‐month post‐FESS. Clinically significant difference was defined as at least 0.5 standard deviations (SD) of baseline QOL score in the reference group. Mixed‐effects regression models were performed.

Results

Seven percent of patients (n = 27) had culture‐inappropriate antibiotic therapy, and additional 5% (n = 19) had culture‐specific antibiotic adjustment. Compared to patients with culture‐appropriate antibiotics, patients with culture‐inappropriate antibiotics had significantly less improvement of QOL from baseline to postoperative 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up where the difference became clinically significant; patients with antibiotic adjustment had more QOL improvement from baseline to 1‐month follow‐up, but their QOL worsened at 3‐month follow‐up, and these changes were not clinically significant. However, all effects washed out at 6‐month follow‐up with no significant differences.

Conclusion

Culture‐inappropriate postoperative antibiotic therapy decreased short‐term QOL improvement to a clinically meaningful level after FESS. Culture guided selection of antibiotics may improve short‐term FESS outcome.
Combined radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction and lateral outfracture of hypertrophic inferior turbinate in the treatment of chronic rhinitis: short‐term and long‐term outcome
Authors: Assanasen Paraya , Banhiran Wish , Tantilipikorn Pongsakorn , Pinkaew Bangon
Published: January 2014

Background

Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) of hypertrophic inferior turbinate (IT) is an effective way to treat patients with intractable nasal mucosal obstruction. We evaluated the effectiveness of combined RFVTR and lateral outfracture (LO) of hypertrophic IT in chronic rhinitis (CR) patients on reduction of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and nasal pruritus both short and long term.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients with CR who failed medical treatment were recruited to undergo combined RFVTR and LO of hypertrophic IT. Nasal congestion scores were recorded before the operation, and immediately, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after the operation. Rhinorrhea and pruritic score as well as total nasal airway resistance (TNAR) and total nasal airflow (TNAF) (measured by active anterior rhinomanometry) were recorded before the operation, and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after the operation.

Results

Forty‐five patients completed the follow‐up period of 3 years. Subjects consisted of 25 male and 20 female patients, with an average age of 31 years. Nasal congestion scores were significantly improved immediately after the operation. Nasal congestion scores and TNAR values were significantly decreased whereas TNAF values were significantly increased at every time point postoperatively. Rhinorrhea and pruritic scores were also significantly improved at every time point after 2 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusion

Combined RFVTR and LO of hypertrophic IT is an effective treatment for nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and nasal pruritus in CR and the result lasts up to 3 years postoperatively.
Molecular dynamics simulation of diffusion behavior of cyclohexane in natural rubber during reclamation
Authors: Li Yi , Wu Youping , Zhang Liqun , Wang Xiujuan , Ren Dongyun , Wu Sizhu
Published: January 2014

Reclaiming oil is a common additive involved in many physical rubber reclamation processes. In this work, molecular dynamics simulation is used to investigate the diffusion of oil in natural rubber (NR) under different temperatures and pressures. The structures of polyisoprene and cyclohexane molecules are constructed. The diffusion coefficients (Ds) of cyclohexane molecules in polyisoprene under different temperatures and pressures are calculated. The free volumes are also obtained to better understand the change in microstructure. The diffusion experiments of oil in NR samples under different temperatures and pressures are also conducted. The simulation results show that D increases as the temperature rises, especially at temperatures above 400 K, while the pressure does not affect D significantly. The fractional free volume calculated from the free volume and occupied volume exhibits a similar trend to that of D. Furthermore, the calculated Ds agree well with the experimental results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40347.
Synthesis of novel macrophotoinitiator for the photopolymerization of acrylate
Authors: Ma Zhengfeng , Niu Xiling , Xu Zhihua , Guo Jinshan
Published: January 2014

A new kind of macrophotoinitiator (MPI) was synthesized through the copolymerization of acrylic monomers and the polymerizable photoinitiator monomer 2959‐AA. Monomer 2959‐AA was obtained by an esterification reaction between acrylic acid (AA) and the water‐soluble photoinitiator Irgacure 2959 [2‐hydroxy‐4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)‐2‐methylpropiophenone]. By adjusting the monomer proportions in the MPIs, two series of MPIs with different 2959‐AA contents and different glass transition temperatures were obtained. The molecular structure of 2959‐AA was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic spectrometry, and mass spectrometry. Polymerization of 1, 6‐hexanediol diacrylate was initiated using Irgacure 2959 and 2959‐AA, and two series of MPIs to be polymerized were studied with a photo‐DSC test. Results showed that 2959‐AA had higher chemical reactivity than Irgacure 2959 because of the higher solubility of the former. It was evident from the experiments that 2959‐AA content in the MPI progressively increased the polymerization rate and monomer conversion when the glass transition temperatures of MPIs were similar. At the same 2959‐AA content, the polymerization rate slightly slowed down with increased glass transition temperature. However, the radical lifetime and polymerization time were prolonged. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40352.
Severe infections in children with acute leukemia undergoing intensive chemotherapy can successfully be prevented by ciprofloxacin, voriconazole, or micafungin prophylaxis
Authors: Yeh Ting‐Chi , Liu Hsi‐Che , Hou Jen‐Yin , Chen Kuan‐Hao , Huang Ting‐Huan , Chang Ching‐Yi , Liang Der‐Cherng
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the current study was to prevent bloodstream infection and invasive fungal infection (IFI) by administering prophylactic antibiotic and antifungal agents during intensive chemotherapy in patients being treated for acute leukemia.

METHODS

Prophylaxis treatment was administered during intensive chemotherapy in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012. Oral ciprofloxacin (at a dose of 300 mg/m2/12 hours) was administered after chemotherapy when a patient with AML or ALL became neutropenic and > 7 days of neutropenia was expected. Voriconazole (at a dose of 4 mg/kg/12 hours) was initiated at the onset of neutropenia in patients with AML and after 7 days of neutropenia in patients with ALL. Micafungin (at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day) was substituted for voriconazole when patients with ALL received vincristine. Prophylaxis treatment was discontinued when the absolute neutrophil count recovered to > 100/μL. All episodes of bloodstream infection, IFI, febrile neutropenia, and intensive care unit stays related to severe infection occurring between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012 were recorded.

RESULTS

During the preprophylaxis period, 62 children with ALL and 24 children with AML experienced a total of 44 episodes of bloodstream infection and 22 episodes of IFI. Seven patients died of severe infection. In contrast, in the prophylaxis period, 10 episodes of bloodstream infection occurred and no IFIs were reported to occur in 51 patients with ALL and 14 patients with AML. Moreover, no patient died of severe infection. Episodes of febrile neutropenia and intensive care unit stay were significantly reduced during the prophylaxis period.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin and voriconazole or micafungin was found to reduce the rates of bloodstream infection and IFI in children with acute leukemia undergoing intensive chemotherapy. Cancer 2014;120:1255–1262. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Reversible cellular automata with memory of delay type
Authors: Alonso‐Sanz Ramón
Published: January 2014

The effect of delay type memory of past states on reversible elementary cellular automata (CA) is examined in this study. It is assessed in simple scenarios, such as elementary CA, but the feasibility of enriching the dynamics with memory in a general reversible CA context is also outlined. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 20: 49–56, 2014
Own‐ and other‐race face scanning in infants: Implications for perceptual narrowing
Authors: Xiao Wen S. , Quinn Paul C. , Pascalis Olivier , Lee Kang
Published: January 2014

The present study investigated how 6‐ and 9‐month‐old Caucasian infants scan Caucasian and Chinese dynamic faces using eye‐tracking methodology. Analyses of looking times revealed that with increased age, infants decreased their looking time to other‐race noses, while maintaining their looking time for own‐race noses. From 6 to 9 months, infants increased their looking time for the eyes of both races of faces. Analyses of scan paths showed that infants were no more likely to shift their fixation between the eyes of own‐race faces than other‐race faces. Similarity between participants' scan paths suggested that facial information was collected more efficiently for own‐ versus other‐race faces at 9 months of age. Combined with previous eye‐tracking studies of infants' face scanning (Liu et al. [2011] Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 108, 180–189; Wheeler et al. [2011] PLoS ONE, 6, e18621. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018621; Xiao et al. [2013] International Journal of Behavioral Development, 37, 100–105), the findings are interpreted in the context of perceptual narrowing and suggest differential contributions of visual experience, facial physiognomy, and culture in accounting for similarity and difference in infants scanning of own‐ and other‐race faces. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 262–273, 2014.