bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of WRF/Chem-MADRID and WRF/Polyphemus in Europe – Part 1: Model description and evaluation of meteorological predictions
Authors: Zhang Y. , Sartelet K. , Wu S.-Y. , Seigneur C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Comprehensive model evaluation and comparison of two 3-D air quality modeling systems (i.e. the Weather Research and Forecast model (WRF)/Polyphemus and WRF with chemistry and the Model of Aerosol Dynamics, Reaction, Ionization, and Dissolution (MADRID) (WRF/Chem-MADRID) are conducted over western Europe. Part 1 describes the background information for the model comparison and simulation design, as well as the application of WRF for January and July 2001 over triple-nested domains in western Europe at three horizontal grid resolutions: 0.5°, 0.125°, and 0.025°. Six simulated meteorological variables (i.e. temperature at 2 m (T2), specific humidity at 2 m (Q2), relative humidity at 2 m (RH2), wind speed at 10 m (WS10), wind direction at 10 m (WD10), and precipitation (Precip)) are evaluated using available observations in terms of spatial distribution, domainwide daily and site-specific hourly variations, and domainwide performance statistics. WRF demonstrates its capability in capturing diurnal/seasonal variations and spatial gradients of major meteorological variables. While the domainwide performance of T2, Q2, RH2, and WD10 at all three grid resolutions is satisfactory overall, large positive or negative biases occur in WS10 and Precip even at 0.025°. In addition, discrepancies between simulations and observations exist in T2, Q2, WS10, and Precip at mountain/high altitude sites and large urban center sites in both months, in particular, during snow events or thunderstorms. These results indicate the model's difficulty in capturing meteorological variables in complex terrain and subgrid-scale meteorological phenomena, due to inaccuracies in model initialization parameterization (e.g. lack of soil temperature and moisture nudging), limitations in the physical parameterizations of the planetary boundary layer (e.g. cloud microphysics, cumulus parameterizations, and ice nucleation treatments) as well as limitations in surface heat and moisture budget parameterizations (e.g. snow-related processes, subgrid-scale surface roughness elements, and urban canopy/heat island treatments and CO2 domes). While the use of finer grid resolutions of 0.125° and 0.025° shows some improvement for WS10, Precip, and some mesoscale events (e.g. strong forced convection and heavy precipitation), it does not significantly improve the overall statistical performance for all meteorological variables except for Precip. These results indicate a need to further improve the model representations of the above parameterizations at all scales.
Stratospheric lifetimes of CFC-12, CCl4, CH4, CH3Cl and N2O from measurements made by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment-Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS)
Authors: Brown A. T. , Volk C. M. , Schoeberl M. R. , Boone C. D. , Bernath P. F.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Long lived halogen-containing compounds are important atmospheric constituents since they can act both as a source of chlorine radicals, which go on to catalyse ozone loss, and as powerful greenhouse gases. The long term impact of these species on the ozone layer is dependent on their stratospheric lifetimes. Using observations from the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) we present calculations of the stratospheric lifetimes of CFC-12, CCl4, CH4, CH3Cl and N2O. The lifetimes were calculated using the slope of the tracer-tracer correlation of these species with CFC-11 at the tropopause. The correlation slopes were corrected for the changing atmospheric concentrations of each species based on age of air and CFC-11 measurements from samples taken aboard the Geophysica aircraft – along with the effective linear trend of the VMR from tropical ground-based AGAGE sites. Stratospheric lifetimes were calculated using a CFC-11 lifetime of 45 yr. These calculations produced values of 113 + (−) 26 (18) yr (CFC-12), 35 + (−) 11 (7) yr (CCl4), 195 + (−) 75 (42) yr (CH4), 69 + (−) 65 (23) yr (CH3Cl) and 123 + (−) 53 (28) yr (N2O). The errors on these values are the weighted 1-σ non-systematic errors. The stratospheric lifetime of CH3Cl represents the first calculations of the stratospheric lifetime of CH3Cl using data from a space based instrument.
Quantification of uncertainties of water vapour column retrievals using future instruments
Authors: Diedrich H. , Preusker R. , Lindstrot R. , Fischer J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. This study presents a quantification of uncertainties of total column water vapour retrievals based on simulated near-infrared measurements of upcoming instruments. The concepts of three scheduled spectrometers were taken into account: OLCI (Ocean and Land Color Instrument) on Sentinel-3, METimage on an EPS-SG (EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation) satellite and FCI (Flexible Combined Imager) on MTG (Meteosat Third Generation). Optimal estimation theory was used to estimate the error of a hypothetical total water vapour column retrieval for 27 different atmospheric cases. The errors range from 100% in very dry cases to 2% in humid cases with a very high surface albedo. Generally, the absolute uncertainties increase with higher water vapour column content due to H2O-saturation and decrease with a brighter surface albedo. Uncertainties increase with higher aerosol optical thickness, apart from very dark cases. Overall, the METimage channel setting enables the most accurate retrievals. The retrieval using the MTG-FCI build-up has the highest uncertainties apart from very bright cases. On the one hand, a retrieval using two absorption channels increases the accuracy, in some cases by one order of magnitude, in comparison to a retrieval using just one absorption channel. On the other hand, a retrieval using three absorption channels has no significant advantage over a two-absorption channel retrieval. Furthermore, the optimal position of the absorption channels was determined using the concept of the "information content". For a single channel retrieval, a channel at 900 or 915 nm has the highest mean information content over all cases. The second absorption channel is ideally weakly correlated with the first one, and therefore positioned at 935 nm, in a region with stronger water vapour absorption.
The Airborne Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric Imager (AirMSPI): a new tool for aerosol and cloud remote sensing
Authors: Diner D. J. , Xu F. , Garay M. J. , Martonchik J. V. , Rheingans B. E. , Geier S. , Davis A. , Hancock B. R. , Jovanovic V. M. , Bull M. A. , Capraro K. , Chipman R. A. , McClain S. C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The Airborne Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric Imager (AirMSPI) is an eight-band (355, 380, 445, 470, 555, 660, 865, 935 nm) pushbroom camera, measuring polarization in the 470, 660, and 865 nm bands, mounted on a gimbal to acquire multiangular observations over a ± 67° along-track range. The instrument has been flying aboard the NASA ER-2 high altitude aircraft since October 2010. AirMSPI employs a photoelastic modulator-based polarimetric imaging technique to enable accurate measurements of the degree and angle of linear polarization in addition to spectral intensity. A description of the AirMSPI instrument and ground data processing approach is presented. Example images of clear, hazy, and cloudy scenes over the Pacific Ocean and California land targets obtained during flights between 2010 and 2012 are shown, and quantitative interpretations of the data using vector radiative transfer theory and scene models are provided to highlight the instrument's capabilities for determining aerosol and cloud microphysical properties and cloud 3-D spatial distributions. Sensitivity to parameters such as aerosol particle size distribution, ocean surface wind speed and direction, cloud-top and cloud-base height, and cloud droplet size is discussed. AirMSPI represents a major step toward realization of the type of imaging polarimeter envisioned to fly on NASA's Aerosol-Cloud-Ecosystem (ACE) mission in the next decade.
Detection of convective initiation using Meteosat SEVIRI: implementation in and verification with the tracking and nowcasting algorithm Cb-TRAM
Authors: Merk D. , Zinner T.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. In this paper a new detection scheme for Convective Initation (CI) under day and night conditions is presented. The new algorithm combines the strengths of two existing methods for detecting Convective Initation with geostationary satellite data and uses the channels of the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) onboard Meteosat Second Generation (MSG). For the new algorithm five infrared criteria from the Satellite Convection Analysis and Tracking algorithm (SATCAST) and one High Resolution Visible channel (HRV) criteria from Cb-TRAM were adapted. This set of criteria aims for identifying the typical development of quickly developing convective cells in an early stage. The different criteria include timetrends of the 10.8 IR channel and IR channel differences as well as their timetrends. To provide the trend fields an optical flow based method is used, the Pyramidal Matching algorithm which is part of Cb-TRAM. The new detection scheme is implemented in Cb-TRAM and is verified for seven days which comprise different weather situations in Central Europe. Contrasted with the original early stage detection scheme of Cb-TRAM skill scores are provided. From the comparison against detections of later thunderstorm stages, which are also provided by Cb-TRAM, a decrease in false prior warnings (false alarm ratio) from 91 to 81% is presented, an increase of the critical success index from 7.4 to 12.7%, and a decrease of the BIAS from 320 to 146% for normal scan mode. Similar trends are found for rapid scan mode. Most obvious is the decline of false alarms found for synoptic conditions with upper cold air masses triggering convection.
A cloud chemistry module for the 3-D cloud-resolving mesoscale model Meso-NH with application to idealized cases
Authors: Leriche M. , Pinty J.-P. , Mari C. , Gazen D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. A complete chemical module has been developed for use in the Meso-NH three-dimensional cloud resolving mesoscale model. This module includes gaseous and aqueous phase chemical reactions that are analysed by a pre-processor generating the Fortran90 code automatically. The kinetic solver is based on a Rosenbrock algorithm, which is robust and accurate for integrating stiff systems and especially multiphase chemistry. The exchange of chemical species between the gas phase and cloud droplets and raindrops is computed kinetically by mass transfers considering non-equilibrium between the gas and the condensed phases. Microphysical transfers of chemical species are considered for the various cloud microphysics schemes available, which are based on one-moment or two-moment schemes. The pH of the droplets and of the raindrops is diagnosed separately as the root of a high order polynomial equation. The chemical concentrations in the ice phase are modelled in a single phase encompassing the two categories of precipitating ice particles (snow and graupel) of the microphysical scheme. The only process transferring chemical species in ice is retention during freezing or riming of liquid hydrometeors. Three idealized simulations are reported, which highlight the sensitivity of scavenging efficiency to the choice of the microphysical scheme and the retention coefficient in the ice phase. A two-dimensional warm, shallow convection case is used to compare the impact of the microphysical schemes on the temporal evolution and rates of acid precipitation. Acid wet deposition rates are shown to be overestimated when a one-moment microphysics scheme is used compared to a two-moment scheme. The difference is induced by a better prediction of raindrop radius and raindrop number concentration in the latter scheme. A two-dimensional mixed-phase squall line and a three-dimensional mixed-phase supercell were simulated to test the sensitivity of cloud vertical transport to the retention efficiency of gases in the ice phase. The 2-D and 3-D simulations illustrate that the retention in ice of a moderately soluble gas such as formaldehyde substantially decreases its concentration in the upper troposphere. In these simulations, retention of highly soluble species in the ice phase significantly increased the wet deposition rates.
Interaction of a monopole vortex with an isolated topographic feature in a three-layer geophysical flow
Authors: Ryzhov E. A. , Koshel K. V.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. In the frame of a three-layer, quasi-geostrophic analytical model of an f-plane geophysical flow, the Lagrangian advection induced by the interaction of a monopole vortex with an isolated topographic feature is addressed. Two different cases when the monopole is located either within the upper or the middle layer are of our interest. In the bottom layer, there is a delta-function topographic feature, which generates a closed recirculation region in its vicinity due to the background flow. This recirculation region extends to the middle and upper layers, and it plays the role of a topographic vortex. The interaction between the monopole and the topographic vortex causes a complex, including chaotic, advection of fluid particles. We show that the model's parameters, namely the monopole and topographic vortices' strengths and initial positions, and the layers' depths and densities, are responsible for the diverse advection patterns. While the patterns are rather complicated, one can single out two major processes, which mostly govern the fluid particle advection. The first one is the variation in time of the system's phase space structure, so that within the closed region of the topographic vortex, there appear periodically unclosed particle pathways by which the particles leave the topographic vortex. The second one is chaotic advection that arises from the nonstationarity of the monopole–topography interaction.
The coherence of small island sea level with the wider ocean: a model study
Authors: Williams Joanne , Hughes Chris W.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Studies comparing tide gauge measurements with sea level from nearby satellite altimetry have shown good agreement for some islands and poor agreement for others, though no explanation has been offered. Using the 1/12° OCCAM ocean model, we investigate the relationship between sea level at small, open-ocean islands and offshore sea level. For every such island or seamount in the model, we compare the shallow-water sea level with the steric and bottom pressure variability in a neighbouring ring of deep water. We find a latitude-dependent range of frequencies for which off-shore sea level is poorly correlated with island sea level. This poor coherence occurs in a spectral region for which steric signals dominate, but are unable to propagate as baroclinic Rossby waves. This mode of decoupling does not arise because of islands bathymetry, as the same decoupling is seen between deep ocean points and surrounding rings.
Coxa Recta, Coxa Profunda and Abductor Ratio: Hip Morphology Variants Compared in An Arthroplasty and Control Population
Authors: de Boer Stefan F. , Bouma Heinse W. , Pollard Tom C. , van Kampen Paulien M. , Carr Andrew J. , Hogervorst Tom
Published: February 2013

Morphology variants of the hip such as coxa recta (aspherical femoral head and/or reduced head-neck concavity) or coxa profunda (overcoverage, or “deep” socket) are associated with cam and pincer impingement respectively, and may ultimately lead to coxarthrosis. Several population studies have documented the prevalence of hip morphotypes, but few studies have examined this prevalence in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients, or persons without hip symptoms or signs.

We reviewed whether coxa recta and profunda morphotypes were more prevalent in THA patients compared to normal controls. Further, we explored differences in hip abductor mechanism related to hip morphology.

We examined 113 THA patients and 83 normal controls with anteroposterior pelvic and lateral hip radiographs. Coxa recta and profunda were classified with alpha and lateral CE-angle, respectively. The abductor ratio (AR) was measured on AP pelvic radiographs.

Both coxa recta and profunda were more prevalent in THA patients than normal controls (coxa recta: male 42% vs 8%, female 15% vs 5%, respectively and coxa profunda: male 20% vs 1%, female 19% vs 6% respectively). AR was higher in females than males, both in THA patients (1.66 vs 1.47) and normal controls (1.68 vs 1.57). Coxa profunda was associated with a lower AR (1.54 vs 1.61).

The higher prevalence of coxa recta and profunda in arthroplasty patients supports the theory of a role of these morphotypes in the development of coxarthrosis. The higher AR in females signifies the need for increased abductor work. Coxa profunda may be an adaptation to lower the AR.
A 8-Year-Forgotten Ureteral Stent after Kidney Transplantation: Treatment and Long-term Follow-up
Authors: Lasaponara Fedele , Dalmasso Ettore , Santià Silvia , Sedigh Omidreza , Bosio Andrea , Pasquale Giovanni , Segoloni Giuseppe P. , Fontana Dario
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Forgotten indwelling ureteral stents can cause significant urological complications. Only few cases are reported after kindney transplantation.

Materials and Methods

We present a case of a 39-year-old woman, transplanted in 1993 and referred to our Transplant Center 8 years later, because of a serious urinary tract infection with renal function impairment. Abdominal CT scan showed pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis in the transplanted kidney and the presence of a calcific ureteral stent, which had been forgotten in situ for 8 years. The stent was removed, but it was impossibile to replace it with a new stent both retrogradely and anterogradely, because of a tight obstruction of the mid ureter. So a uretero-ureteral anastomosis with up urinary tract was performed.

Results

No intra- or post-operative complications occurred. At 9 years’ follow-up, the patient shows an optimal renal function, with no urinary tract infection.

Discussion

A forgotten ureteral stent in a trasplanted kidney can cause a lot of complications and can lead to graft loss. The prosthesis may cause an irreversibile ureteral damage, so, as in our experience, forgetting a ureteral stent can result in a complex surgery.
Predictive Models in Urology
Authors: Cestari Andrea
Published: February 2013

Predictive modeling is emerging as an important knowledge-based technology in healthcare.

The interest in the use of predictive modeling reflects advances on different fronts such as the availability of health information from increasingly complex databases and electronic health records, a better understanding of causal or statistical predictors of health, disease processes and multifactorial models of ill-health and developments in nonlinear computer models using artificial intelligence or neural networks.

These new computer-based forms of modeling are increasingly able to establish technical credibility in clinical contexts. The current state of knowledge is still quite young in understanding the likely future direction of how this so-called ‘machine intelligence’ will evolve and therefore how current relatively sophisticated predictive models will evolve in response to improvements in technology, which is advancing along a wide front.

Predictive models in urology are gaining progressive popularity not only for academic and scientific purposes but also into the clinical practice with the introduction of several nomograms dealing with the main fields of onco-urology.
Children’s Food and Drink Purchasing Behaviour “Beyond the School Gate”: The Development of a Survey Module
Authors: Wills Wendy J. , Macdiarmid Jennie I. , Masson Lindsey F. , Bromley Catherine , Craig Leone , McNeill Geraldine
Published: February 2013

Many children eat a diet which supplies a higher than recommended amount of nonmilk extrinsic sugars and saturated fatty acids. The school setting is often targeted for nutrition intervention as many children consume food at school. In Scotland, attempts have been made to improve the nutritional content of food in schools and attention has now turned to food and drink available “beyond the school gate.” This paper describes the development of a module on food and drink purchasing behaviour. The Food Purchasing Module was designed to collect data, for the first time, from a representative sample of children aged 8–16 years about food and drinks purchased on the way to/from school, during break time/free periods, and at lunchtime, from outlets around schools. Cognitive testing of the module highlighted that younger children find self-completion questionnaires problematic. Older children have fewer problems with self-completion questionnaires but many do not follow question routing, which has implications for the delivery of future surveys. Development of this survey module adds much needed evidence about effectively involving children in surveys. Further research exploring food and drinks purchased beyond the school gate is needed to continue to improve the nutritional quality of children’s diets.
UAV Flight Control System Based on an Intelligent BEL Algorithm
Authors: Pu Huangzhong , Zhen Ziyang , Jiang Ju , Wang Daobo
Published: February 2013

A novel intelligent control strategy based on a brain emotional learning (BEL) algorithm is investigated in the application of the attitude control of a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in this study. The BEL model imitates the emotional learning process in the amygdala-orbitofrontal (A-O) system of mammalian brains. Here it is used to develop the flight control system of the UAV. The control laws of elevator, aileron and rudder manipulators adopt the forms of traditional flight control laws, and three BEL models are used in above three control loops, to on-line regulate the control gains of each controller. Obviously, a BEL intelligent control system is self-learning and self-adaptive, which is important for UAVs when flight conditions change, while traditional flight control systems remain unchanged after design. In simulation, the UAV is on a flat flight and suddenly a wind disturbs it making it depart from the equilibrium state. In order to make the UAV recover to the original equilibrium state, the BEL intelligent control system is adopted. The simulation results illustrate that the BEL-based intelligent flight control system has characteristics of better adaptability and stronger robustness, when compared with the traditional flight control system.
The Evolution of Motivated and Modulated Robot Selection
Authors: Montes-Gonzalez Fernando , Contreras Carlos M.
Published: February 2013

In this paper we focus on the development of a selection model that allows a robot to select pre-evolved behaviour in a motivated environment. A collection task is set in an arena where the Khepera robot has to collect cylinders, which simulate food. Therefore, two basic motivations, labelled as ‘obesity’ and ‘anorexia’, both affect the selection of the behavioural repertoire. Additionally, in this model is possible to modulate the model to be either more or less selective depending on the tonic value of the simulated ‘mesolimbic/cortical tone’. Next, we use evolution for optimizing the motivated selection network employed for behavioural switching. Finally, we describe the results of varying, by hand and evolution, the levels of reward by the mesolimbic-cortical tone.
A Hybrid Data Association Approach for SLAM in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Chen Baifan , Liu Lijue , Zou Zhirong , Xu Xiyang
Published: February 2013

Data association is critical for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). In a real environment, dynamic obstacles will lead to false data associations which compromise SLAM results. This paper presents a simple and effective data association method for SLAM in dynamic environments. A hybrid approach of data association based on local maps by combining ICNN and JCBB algorithms is used initially. Secondly, we set a judging condition of outlier features in association assumptions and then the static and dynamic features are detected according to spatial and temporal difference. Finally, association assumptions are updated by filtering out the dynamic features. Simulations and experimental results show that this method is feasible.
Design of a Walking Assistance Lower Limb Exoskeleton for Paraplegic Patients and Hardware Validation Using CoP
Authors: Kim Jung-Hoon , Han Jeong Woo , Kim Deog Young , Baek Yoon Su
Published: February 2013

The design of an assistive lower limb exoskeleton robot for paraplegic patients that can measure the centre of pressure is presented. In contrast with most biped walking robots, the centre of pressure (CoP) or zero moment point (ZMP) has not been actively used in the operation of exoskeleton robots. In order to measure CoP in our exoskeleton robot, two kinds of force sensor units are installed in the exoskeleton: low profile force sensors in foot modules to measure the human weight transferred to the ground and a load cell at the shank frame to measure the supporting force. The CoP of the exoskeleton robot is calculated from the above force sensors, an inclinometer at the waist, and the positions of 14 DOF exoskeleton joints with an algorithm to change the fixed pivot using a foot contact sensor. Experiments on an able-bodied person wearing the designed exoskeleton and walking on the ground are performed to validate the designed hardware system. Through the experiments, the trajectory of the CoP of the exoskeleton with a wearer are calculated based on the proposed algorithm and it is compared with the value measured by a commercial pressure measurement system.
Interactive and Audience Adaptive Digital Signage Using Real-Time Computer Vision
Authors: Ravnik Robert , Solina Franc
Published: February 2013

In this paper we present the development of an interactive, content-aware and cost-effective digital signage system. Using a monocular camera installed within the frame of a digital signage display, we employ real-time computer vision algorithms to extract temporal, spatial and demographic features of the observers, which are further used for observer-specific broadcasting of digital signage content. The number of observers is obtained by the Viola and Jones face detection algorithm, whilst facial images are registered using multi-view Active Appearance Models. The distance of the observers from the system is estimated from the interpupillary distance of registered faces. Demographic features, including gender and age group, are determined using SVM classifiers to achieve individual observer-specific selection and adaption of the digital signage broadcasting content. The developed system was evaluated at the laboratory study level and in a field study performed for audience measurement research. Comparison of our monocular localization module with the Kinect stereo-system reveals a comparable level of accuracy. The facial characterization module is evaluated on the FERET database with 95% accuracy for gender classification and 92% for age group. Finally, the field study demonstrates the applicability of the developed system in real-life environments.
Use of Natriuretic Peptides as a Guidance for Treating Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Unresolved Issues and Novel Insights
Authors: De Vecchis Renato , Esposito Claudia
Published: February 2013

Serial measurements of natriuretic peptides (NPs), i.e. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or amino-terminal fragment of pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), may serve as an objective guide to modulate the intensity of drug treatment for individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, considerable uncertainty remains about the alleged useful role of NP-guided therapy in this context. Particularly, which NP level should be assumed as optimal target level for therapy is still matter of debate. Actually, a too low predetermined cut off is encumbered with the risk of inducing a dose escalation perhaps not founded on solid rationale but provided with the potential of propitiating adverse medication effects that may be associated with higher doses. Conversely, a too high predetermined level for NP would entail a poor sensitivity, with the potential of excluding from higher doses of medications, that are proven to increase survival, just the patients who above all would have benefitted from this uptitration. Another much debated issue is constituted by possible age-related differences concerning the effects on clinical endpoints of NP-guided therapy. In addition, some Authors dispute about the possible advantages for the cardiovascular system arising from the functional activation of NPs in CHF patients, so denying that their increased levels have to be per se blamed for hemodynamic upheaval, especially in elder CHF patients.
After outlining the main RCTs carried out so far, the Authors stress the above reported issues and discuss the sometime contradictory results of the RCTs exploring NPs use as a guidance for therapy.
Time-Dependent Relationships Between Human Brain and Body Temperature After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Childs Charmaine , Liu Kun , Vail Andy , Pan Jianxin
Published: February 2013

There is uncertainty about the reliability of using body temperature readings as a ‘surrogate’ measure of brain temperature.
Aim: To determine the temporal inter-relationship between body and brain temperature after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Setting and Patients: Large University teaching hospital in the North West of England. Patients admitted for emergency neurocritical care. All patients received dual-modality monitoring of brain tissue pressure and temperature via invasive intracerebral micro-sensors. Body temperature was measured using an indwelling thermistor inserted in to the rectum.
Methods: Temperature was monitored continuously with values stored to a bedside data acquisition system at intervals of 10 minutes. Data were transferred to a spreadsheet at end of each individual’s monitoring period for further analysis under Matlab routines. The method of functional principal components was used to determine the time-dynamics of brain and body temperature relationships.
Results: In the period after severe TBI, median body and brain temperature for all readings and in all patients was 37.6oC and 37.7oC respectively; a statistical (p <0.001) but not clinically significant difference. A strong regression relationship between brain and body temperature was demonstrated (functional coefficient of determination, R2= 0.7623, p< 0.0020).
Conclusions: Body temperature is a good early predictor of brain temperature but only during the first two days after severe TBI. The results will be of value for future predictive modeling of brain temperature changes, particularly where brain tissue monitoring is not clinically justified or available. In particular, results demonstrate the uncertainty in using body temperature as a surrogate for brain temperature beyond the first two days after severe traumatic brain injury.
A Dynamical Study of Risk Factors in Intracerebral Hemorrhage using Multivariate Approach
Authors: Siddiqui Afaq Ahmed , Siddiqui Junaid S. , Wasay Mohammad , Azam S. Iqbal , Ahmed Asif
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of clinical covariates to the outcome of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) patients in terms of best fitted and excellent discriminate model of binary response variable.
Clinical data of 985 patients with ICH have collected using the International classification of diseases, Ninth revision codes. The diagnosis of ICH was confirmed by neuro-imaging in all patients.
Univariate analysis revealed that out of 88 covariates 46 were found to be significant (p<0.05). The multivariable analysis using multiple logistic regressions, exhibited a significant negative relationship between ICH and hypertension. The improvement among ICH patients having hypertension was 0.5 (p=0.001, ARR=0.5, 95% C.I. 0.3 – 0.8). The improvement among ICH patients using antihypertensive medicine was 1.3 (p = 0.016, ARR=1.3, 95% C.I. 1.1 – 1.5). Thus present study showed that ICH has strong relationship with use of antihypertensive medicine. The improvement of patients who were using antihypertensive medicine at the time of discharge was 3.0 times (p < 0.0001, ARR=3.0, 95% C.I. 2.7 – 3.2) as compared to those who did not use antihypertensive medicine. The change in ARR from 1.3 to 3.0 times shows that the use of antihypertensive medicine and ICH outcome variable are positively associated. The change in ARR of hypertensive range of SBP also indicates that the blood pressure range and ICH outcome variable are negatively associated. The neurological symptomatology, slurred speech and double vision are important factors of proposed statistical models. Moreover, a clear decrease was found in mental status from normal to coma in applicable model.
Surgery is an important part of recovery, and estimated that the improvement among the ICH patients, who were treated with surgery, was 1.4 times with significant p-value in best fitted models. The complication of pneumonia during treatment of ICH subjects has highly significant negative association with outcome variable.
Present Model has 0.892 area under the curve with sensitivity (0.852), specificity (0.793) and p-value (0.204). This indicates that the model gives the impression to fit quite well for predictive performance of the ICH outcome variable and the model is excellent model.
Heterogeneity in Preferences for Primary Care Consultations: Results from a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Mengoni Alessandro , Seghieri Chiara , Nuti Sabina
Published: February 2013

Purpose: The increasing importance of flexibility in the general practitioner (GP) -patient consultation approach in primary care requires healthcare managers and physicians to find a balance among all the potentially important characteristics of consultation. This study used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to assess patients’ preferences for different attributes of GP consultation and how the rate at which they traded between different attributes is affected by socio-demographic characteristics and past experiences with primary care services .
Methods: A survey was conducted to a sample of 6970 residents in Tuscany region, Italy. Besides socio-demographic characteristics the survey collected information about participants’ past experience with GP consultation in the last 12 months. Moreover, participants were asked to select their preferred option in a series of pairwise choices, defined by the following attributes: level of involvement in decision making, amount of information received from the GP and waiting time for the visit.
Results: Results revealed that receiving information from the GP was more important than being involved in the decisions and that, approximately, a complete involvement had the same importance as a partial involvement. Participants' past experience with GP’s consultation appeared to have the greatest influence on the involvement level. The amount of information required by the respondents was also influenced by a complex interplay of personal and contextual factors.
Conclusions: This large-scale study extends the body of literature on DCE applications for different GP consultation approaches, providing new information about the influence that patients’ socio-demographic characteristics and past experiences could have on consultation preferences.
L’homme qui vend des bouts de papier : Portrait sociologique des agents d’assurance vie au Québec, 1900-19601
Authors: Fournier Jonathan
Published: February 2013

Cet article porte sur le développement de la profession d’agent d’assurance vie au Québec. Nous verrons les caractéristiques de ce métier qui recrute chaque année des milliers d’agents. Ces derniers doivent convaincre une population réticente à l’idée de fixer une « valeur monétaire à leur vie ». Si plusieurs échouent dans leur tentative de devenir agent d’assurance, ceux qui réussissent amassent de petites fortunes. Voilà donc une profession où l’on peut devenir riche sans disposer d’un capital de départ, ni d’études particulières, pas étonnant qu’elle attire autant de candidats, bons ou mauvais.
Fabrication of Gradient TiO2 Nanotubes on Ti Foil by Anodization
Authors: Ni Jia‐Hua , Frandsen Christine J. , Chen Li‐Han , Zhang Yan‐Yan , Khamwannah Jirapon , He Guo , Tang Ting‐Ting , Jin Sungho
Published: February 2013

A new anodization based method is developed to fabricate a gradient in TiO2 nanotube diameters and lengths on Ti foil. In the method, the applied anodization voltage is increased step by step, while the Ti foil is immersed into an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid progressively during anodization. The gradient TiO2 nanotubes with tube diameters ranging from 55 to 105 nm and lengths ranging from 300 to 500 nm across 12 mm of Ti foil are obtained. The formation mechanism of gradient diameter and length is also discussed. The gradient structure is potentially useful as new cell instructive materials (CIMs) for guided cell movement and culture, novel drug delivery vehicles, size‐selective biosensors, or other sensor applications.
Fluorinated Polymer Yields High Organic Solar Cell Performance for a Wide Range of Morphologies
Authors: Tumbleston John R. , Stuart Andrew C. , Gann Eliot , You Wei , Ade Harald
Published: February 2013

Device performance is recognized to be generally sensitive to morphology in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Through the use of quantitative morphological measurements, it is demonstrated that devices based on benzodithiophene and fluorinated benzotriazole moieties constitute an exception to this design rule and exhibit a range of morphologies that yield similar high performance. In particular, the fill factor (FF) remains above 65% even with factor of two changes in domain size and factor of two changes in relative domain purity. Devices with active layer thicknesses of 250 nm are employed, which are capable of increasing optical absorption to produce high photocurrent. The general insensitivity to both morphology and thickness is likely related to the measured low equilibrium miscibility of fullerene in the polymer of 3‐4%. The materials and processes investigated therefore provide insights into functional material design that yield increased processing latitude and may be more amenable to roll‐to‐roll processing.
Success Factors of Cause‐Related Marketing in Germany
Authors: Langen Nina , Grebitus Carola , Hartmann Monika
Published: February 2013

Cause‐related marketing (CrM) campaigns are increasingly used by firms as a marketing tool to promote and differentiate their products from those of competitors. Nevertheless, little is known about consumers’ attitudes, knowledge, and perception regarding CrM campaigns and the communication channels they use to learn about CrM. In this article the authors focus on the role of these and other success factors such as cause–brand fit and product fit influencing German consumers’ willingness to buy a CrM promoted product. Results from a consumer study provide evidence that consumers in general hold positive attitudes towards CrM, but that these are not strongly reflected in intended or actual purchase behavior. Based on factor and cluster analyses the authors derive marketing recommendations for companies on how to effectively address different consumer segments regarding the CrM products. We identify four groups of consumers that differ in their attitudes towards CrM products. While some consumers appreciate CrM products, others are more critical towards the concept of CrM. [JEL Classifications: M310, Q13].
Improving mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) by doping with organically functionalized reactive nanosilica
Authors: Shu Huadong , Liu Kai , Liu Feng , Zhang Zhijun , Li Xiaohong
Published: February 2013

Nanosilica particles are functionalized by in situ surface‐modification with trimethyl silane and vinyl silane. Resultant reactive nanosilica (coded as RNS) contains double bonds and possesses good compatibility with vinyl chloride (VC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This makes it feasible for RNS to copolymerize with VC generating RNS/PVC composites via in situ suspension polymerization. As‐prepared RNS/PVC composite resins are analyzed by means of FTIR. The tensile strength and impact strength of compression‐molded RNS/PVC composites are measured and compared with that of compression‐molded PVC composites doped with dispersible nano‐SiO2 particles (abridged as DNS) surface‐modified with trimethyl silane alone. Moreover, the thermal stability of compression‐molded RNS/PVC and DNS/PVC composites is evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. It has been found that RNS/PVC composites possess greatly increased impact strength and tensile strength than PVC matrix, while DNS/PVC composites possess higher impact strength than PVC matrix but almost the same tensile strength as the PVC matrix. This implies that DNS is less effective than RNS in improving the mechanical strength of PVC matrix. Particularly, RNS/PVC composites prepared by in situ suspension polymerization have much higher mechanical strength than RNS/PVC composites prepared by melt‐blending, even when their nanosilica content is only 1/10 of that of the melt‐blended ones. Besides, in situ polymerized RNS/PVC and DNS/PVC composites have better thermal stability than melt‐blended nanosilica/PVC composites. Hopefully, this strategy, may be extended to fabricating various novel high‐performance polymer‐matrix composites doped with organically functionalized nanoparticles like RNS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Crystallization behavior of α‐cellulose short‐fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites
Authors: Wu Jyh‐Hong , Kuo M. C. , Chen Chien‐Wen , Chen Chen‐Wei , Kuan Ping‐Hung , Wang Yu‐Jheng , Jhang Shu‐Yao
Published: February 2013

The isothermal crystallization behavior of α‐cellulose short‐fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites (PLA/α‐cellulose) was examined using a differential scanning calorimeter and a petrographic microscope. Incorporating a natural micro‐sized cellulose filler increased the spherulite growth rate of the PLA from 3.35 μm/min for neat PLA at 105°C to a maximum of 5.52 μm/min for the 4 wt % PLA/α‐cellulose composite at 105°C. In addition, the inclusion of α‐cellulose significantly increased the crystallinities of the PLA/α‐cellulose composites. The crystallinities for the PLA/α‐cellulose composites that crystallized at 125°C were 48–58%, higher than that of the neat PLA for ∼13.5–37.2%. The Avrami exponent n values for the neat and PLA/α‐cellulose composites ranged from 2.50 to 2.81 and from 2.45 to 3.44, respectively, and the crystallization rates K of the PLA/α‐cellulose composites were higher than those of the neat PLA. The activation energies of crystallization for the PLA/α‐cellulose composites were higher than that of the neat PLA. The inclusion of α‐cellulose imparted more nucleating sites to the PLA polymer. Therefore, it was necessary to release additional energy and initiate molecular deposition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The optimization of lane assignment and signal timing at the tandem intersection with pre‐signal
Authors: Zhou Yaping , Zhuang Hongbin
Published: February 2013

This paper presents an integrated model for optimizing lane assignment and signal timing at tandem intersection, which is introduced recently. The pre‐signal is utilized in the tandem intersection to reorganize the traffic flow; hence, the vehicles, regardless of whether left‐turns or through vehicles, can be discharged in all the lanes. However, the previous work does not consider the extra traffic disruption and the associated delay caused by the additional pre‐signal. In the paper, the extra delay aroused by the coordination is incorporated in a lane assignment and signal timing optimization model, and the problem is converted into a mixed‐integer non‐linear programming. A feasible directions method is hence introduced to solve the mixed‐integer non‐linear programming. The result of the optimization shows that the performance of the tandem intersection is improved and the average delay is minimized. The comparison between the tandem and the conventional configuration is presented, and the results verify that the former shows better performance than the latter. In addition, the optimal sequence corresponding to the turning proportion and the optimal lane assignment at the upstream approach of the pre‐signal are presented. Furthermore, if the number of lanes is equal in all arms, the paper proves that the average delay will be reduced if lane assignment is proportional to the turning proportion and the vehicles with low proportion are discharged in advance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A likelihood ratio test for goodness‐of‐fit of recessive and dominant models for case–control studies
Authors: Qian Meng , Shao Yongzhao
Published: February 2013

Testing goodness‐of‐fit of commonly used genetic models is of critical importance in many applications including association studies and testing for departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Case–control design has become widely used in population genetics and genetic epidemiology, thus it is of interest to develop powerful goodness‐of‐fit tests for genetic models using case–control data. This paper develops a likelihood ratio test (LRT) for testing recessive and dominant models for case–control studies. The LRT statistic has a closed‐form formula with a simple $\chi^{2}(1)$ null asymptotic distribution, thus its implementation is easy even for genome‐wide association studies. Moreover, it has the same power and optimality as when the disease prevalence is known in the population. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 341–352; 2013 © 2013 Statistical Society of Canada
Dact gene expression profiles suggest a role for this gene family in integrating Wnt and TGF‐β signaling pathways during chicken limb development
Authors: Sensiate Lucimara Aparecida , Sobreira Débora R. , Da Veiga Fernanda Cristina , Peterlini Denner Jefferson , Pedrosa Angelica Vasconcelos , Rirsch Thaís , Joazeiro Paulo Pinto , Schubert Frank R. , Collares‐Buzato Carla Beatriz , Xavier‐Neto José , Dietrich Susanne , Alvares Lúcia Elvira
Published: February 2013

Background: Dact gene family encodes multifunctional proteins that are important modulators of Wnt and TGF‐β signaling pathways. Given that these pathways coordinate multiple steps of limb development, we investigated the expression pattern of the two chicken Dact genes (Dact1 and Dact2) from early limb bud up to stages when several tissues are differentiating. Results: During early limb development (HH24‐HH30) Dact1 and Dact2 were mainly expressed in the cartilaginous rudiments of the appendicular skeleton and perichondrium, presenting expression profiles related, but distinct. At later stages of development (HH31–HH35), the main sites of Dact1 and Dact2 expression were the developing synovial joints. In this context, Dact1 expression was shown to co‐localize with regions enriched in the nuclear β‐catenin protein, such as developing joint capsule and interzone. In contrast, Dact2 expression was restricted to the interzone surrounding the domains of bmpR‐1b expression, a TGF‐β receptor with crucial roles during digit morphogenesis. Additional sites of Dact expression were the developing tendons and digit blastemas. Conclusions: Our data indicate that Dact genes are good candidates to modulate and, possibly, integrate Wnt and TGF‐β signaling during limb development, bringing new and interesting perspectives about the roles of Dact molecules in limb birth defects and human diseases. Developmental Dynamics 243:428–439, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.