bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Influences of Tropical Atlantic SST on WNP–NIO Atmosphere–Ocean Coupling since the Early 1980s
Authors: Chang Tao-Chi , Hsu Huang-Hsiung , Hong Chi-Cherng 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis paper reports a new finding and related mechanism: the forcing effect of the tropical Atlantic (TA) sea surface temperature (SST) on the atmosphere–ocean coupling in the western North Pacific (WNP) and northern Indian Ocean (NIO). Since the early 1980s, the TA SST has increased and, notably, exhibited an enhanced interannual statistical relationship with the WNP subtropical high and NIO SST in boreal summer. Empirical diagnostics reveal the following spatial pattern linking the TA SST and the atmosphere–ocean coupling in the Pacific and Indian Ocean: 1) a cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation pair straddling the equator over the eastern Pacific, 2) an anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation pair straddling the equator in the WNP and Indian Ocean, 3) overturning circulation with ascending (descending) and descending (ascending) anomalies over the TA and tropical western Pacific, respectively, and 4) positive (negative) SST anomaly in the TA and NIO.The characteristics of this pattern are consistent with those of a WNP–NIO coupling pattern identified in a previous study. Empirical diagnostics and numerical simulations indicate that the TA SST serves as a forcing to induce low-level divergence and streamfunction anomalies in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. The latter in turn induces anomalous heat storage in the NIO and enhances the WNP–NIO coupling system, which is an intrinsic pattern engendered by the atmosphere–ocean interaction in the region. Without the remote influence of the TA SST forcing, the WNP–NIO coupling pattern and its impacts on the summer monsoon and TC variability in South Asia, East Asia, and the WNP would be considerably less significant than observed.
Controls on Turbulent Mixing in a Strongly Stratified and Sheared Tidal River Plume
Authors: Jurisa Joseph T. , Nash Jonathan D. , Moum James N. , Kilcher Levi F. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractConsiderable effort has been made to parameterize turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate ε and mixing in buoyant plumes and stratified shear flows. Here, a parameterization based on Kunze et al. is examined, which estimates ε as the amount of energy contained in an unstable shear layer (Ri < Ric) that must be dissipated to increase the Richardson number Ri = N2/S2 to a critical value Ric within a turbulent decay time scale. Observations from the tidal Columbia River plume are used to quantitatively assess the relevant parameters controlling ε over a range of tidal and river discharge forcings. Observed ε is found to be characterized by Kunze et al.’s form within a factor of 2, while exhibiting slightly decreased skill near Ri = Ric. Observed dissipation rates are compared to estimates from a constant interfacial drag formulation that neglects the direct effects of stratification. This is found to be appropriate in energetic regimes when the bulk-averaged Richardson number Rib is less than Ric/4. However, when Rib > Ric/4, the effects of stratification must be included. Similarly, ε scaled by the bulk velocity and density differences over the plume displays a clear dependence on Rib, decreasing as Rib approaches Ric. The Kunze et al. ε parameterization is modified to form an expression for the nondimensional dissipation rate that is solely a function of Rib, displaying good agreement with the observations. It is suggested that this formulation is broadly applicable for unstable to marginally unstable stratified shear flows.
On the Prediction of Stratospheric Balloon Trajectories: Improving Winds with Mesoscale Simulations
Authors: Jewtoukoff Valérian , Plougonven Riwal , Hertzog Albert , Snyder Chris , Romine Glen 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSafety compliance issues for operational studies of the atmosphere with balloons require quantifying risks associated with descent and developing strategies to reduce the uncertainties at the location of the touchdown point. Trajectory forecasts are typically computed from weather forecasts produced by an operational center, for example, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. This study uses past experiments to investigate strategies for improving these forecasts. Trajectories for open stratospheric balloon (OSB) short-term flights are computed using mesoscale simulations with the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) Model initialized with ECMWF operational forecasts and are assimilated with radio soundings using the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) ensemble Kalman filter, for three case studies during the Strapolété 2009 campaign in Sweden. The results are very variable: in one case, the error in the final simulated position is reduced by 90% relative to the forecast using the ECMWF winds, while in another case the forecast is hardly improved. Nonetheless, they reveal the main source of forecasting error: during the ceiling phase, errors due to unresolved inertia–gravity waves accumulate as the balloon continuously experiences one phase of a wave for a few hours, whereas they essentially average out during the ascent and descent phases, when the balloon rapidly samples through whole wave packets. This sensitivity to wind during the ceiling phase raises issues regarding the feasibility of such forecasts and the observations that would be needed. The ensemble spread is also analyzed, and it is noted that the initial ensemble perturbations should probably be improved in the future for better forecasts.
Optimization of Cloud-Radiation Databases for Passive Microwave Precipitation Retrievals over Ocean
Authors: Seo Eun-Kyoung , Yang Sung-Dae , Grecu Mircea , Ryu Geun-Hyeok , Liu Guosheng , Hristova-Veleva Svetla , Noh Yoo-Jeong , Haddad Ziad , Shin Jinho 
Published: June 2016

AbstractUsing Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observations from storms collected over the oceans surrounding East Asia, during summer, a method of creating physically consistent cloud-radiation databases to support satellite radiometer retrievals is introduced. In this method, vertical profiles of numerical model-simulated cloud and precipitation fields are optimized against TRMM radar and radiometer observations using a hybrid empirical orthogonal function (EOF)–one-dimensional variational (1DVAR) approach.The optimization is based on comparing simulated to observed radar reflectivity profiles and the corresponding passive microwave observations at the frequencies of the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) instrument. To minimize the discrepancies between the actual and the synthetic observations, the simulated cloud and precipitation profiles are optimized by adjusting the contents of the hydrometeors. To reduce the dimension of the hydrometeor content profiles in the optimization, multivariate relations among hydrometeor species are used.After applying the optimization method to modify the simulated clouds, the optimized cloud-radiation database has a joint distribution of reflectivity and associated brightness temperatures that is considerably closer to that observed by TRMM PR and TMI, especially at 85 GHz. This implies that the EOF–1DVAR approach can generate profiles with realistic distributions of frozen hydrometeors, such as snow and graupel. This approach may be similarly adapted to operate with the variety and capabilities of the passive microwave radiometers that compose the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) constellation. Furthermore, it can be extended to other oceanic regions and seasons.
A public strategy under construction? Coordination and performance in territorial innovation systems
Authors: Fixari Daniel , Pallez Frédérique 
Published: June 2016

For several years now, France has been witnessing the development of territorialised public innovation and economic development policies (cluster policies in particular), conducted by various actors, whether the state or the various local authorities. This has triggered the emergence of complex stakeholder systems in the territories, raising doubts about their coordination and performance. It also begs the question of the convergence of public strategies in these conditions. This conjecture, which ties in specifically with the issues of multi-level governance, is based on an empirical study conducted in three French regions, which set out to characterise the workings of these territorial innovation systems and to propose avenues of improvement. Based on this case, we characterise the sources of the apparent complexity of the system and show that, contrary to the voices that call for a reduction in the number of ‘structures’, over and above the harmonisation of operations, the establishment of new coordination mechanisms has the additional effect of creating spaces and procedures that allow the gradual formulation of a collective strategy for public actors in the territory. Points for practitioners This research provides a diagnosis of the difficulties of coordinating various cluster policies that coexist within a regional territory, which can help the practitioners involved with the design of public policies. However, above all, it offers regional government officials possible coordination mechanisms that should enable them to build economic development strategies that are more integrated and informed, without increasing the complexity perceived by the beneficiaries, that is, companies.
Should we change the cannulation site for right subclavian artery cannulation? An experimental study with a newly designed cannula
Authors: Cakir Habib , Kestelli Mert , Yurekli Ismail , Eygi Bortecin , Iscan Sahin , Isık Yasemin , Aşar Kamil , Ogut Hasan 
Published: June 2016

Background: In this experimental study, we primarily aimed to show the hemodynamic effects and superiority of this newly designed cannula for perfusion compared to standard subclavian cannulation. The new cannula (Figure 1) allows bidirectional axial flow and it directly fits in the brachiocephalic trunk (innominate artery). Methods: We used a cardiopulmonary bypass roller pump, reservoir, 3/8- 1/2- 1/4-inch Y-connectors and tubing set. Lines were set as seen in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. The anatomy of the aorta (ascending, arch, branches, descending) was mimicked, using tubing sets with different sizes and the connectors yielding similar angles and configurations. In this experimental vascular system, systemic vascular resistance was created with partial clamping of the common tubing set. The cannulation sites were created in the subclavian artery and the innominate artery. Perfusion was established with the same pump rate and the same occlusion pressures (systemic vascular resistance). The pressure readings were obtained in the right carotid artery, the left carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. Results: These experimental models of vasculature allowed us to measure pressures in the carotid system for different cannulation set-ups, using both our newly designed double-outflow cannula, which was introduced via the innominate artery, and the standard arterial cannula, which was introduced via the subclavian artery. Higher pressure recordings were obtained in the carotid system with the new cannula introduced through innominate artery. Conclusion: Higher cerebral perfusion readings were obtained with our newly designed bidirectional cannula introduced via the innominate artery compared to standard cannulation through the right subclavian artery.
A pilot randomised trial of community-based care following discharge from hospital with a recent spinal cord injury in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MS , Harvey LA , Rahman MA , Bowden JL , Islam MS , Taylor V , Muldoon S , Herbert RD 
Published: June 2016

Objectives: To explore the feasibility of conducting a full trial designed to determine the effectiveness of a model of community-based care for people with spinal cord injury in Bangladesh. Study Design: A pilot randomised trial. Setting: Community, Bangladesh. Subjects: Participants were 30 people with recent spinal cord injury who were wheelchair-dependent and soon to be discharged from hospital. Intervention: Participants randomised to the intervention group received a package of care involving regular telephone contact and three home visits over two years. Participants randomised to the control group received usual care consisting of a telephone call and an optional home visit. Main measures: Participants were assessed at baseline and two years after randomization. The primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes were measures of complications, depression, participation and quality of life. Results: A total of 24 participants had a complete spinal cord injury and six participants had an incomplete spinal cord injury. Median (interquartile) age and time since injury at baseline were 31 years (24 to 36) and 7 months (4 to 13), respectively. Two participants, one in each group, died. Five participants had pressure ulcers at two years. There were no notable impediments to the conduct of the trial and no significant protocol violations. The phone calls and home visits were delivered according to the protocol 87% and 100% of the time, respectively. Follow-up data were 99% complete. Conclusion: This pilot trial demonstrates the feasibility of a full clinical trial of 410 participants, which has recently commenced. Sponsorship: University of Sydney, Australia.
A systematic review of health economic evaluations in occupational therapy
Authors: Green Sally , Lambert Rod 
Published: June 2016

Introduction There is a growing need for health professions to demonstrate cost-effectiveness in an increasingly financially constrained climate. High quality health economic evaluations are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. This systematic review examines the quality of health economic evaluations of occupational therapy interventions. Method A systematic search was conducted, and 262 potential review papers were screened, with nine being selected for review. The consolidated health economic evaluation reporting standards statement alongside a devised scoring frame was used to appraise the quality of the review papers. Results The nine papers appraised varied considerably in quality. The main concerns were: quality of the original clinical study; statement of cost-perspective and time horizon, choice of outcome units; presentation of included costs; use and reporting of uncertainty analyses. Conclusion The current low number and variable quality of health economic evaluations are largely insufficient to inform resource allocation decisions. If occupational therapy as a profession is to flourish, as financial challenges continue to increase, it must engage more strongly with health economic evaluations and produce good quality research that incorporates health economic evaluations at a much higher quality and volume than currently. We are part of a fast evolving healthcare world, and we need to evolve with it.
The impact of handwriting difficulties on compositional quality in children with developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Prunty Mellissa M , Barnett Anna L , Wilmut Kate , Plumb Mandy S 
Published: June 2016

Introduction There is substantial evidence to support the relationship between transcription skills (handwriting and spelling) and compositional quality. For children with developmental coordination disorder, handwriting can be particularly challenging. While recent research has aimed to investigate their handwriting difficulties in more detail, the impact of transcription on their compositional quality has not previously been examined. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine compositional quality in children with developmental coordination disorder and to ascertain whether their transcription skills influence writing quality. Method Twenty-eight children with developmental coordination disorder participated in the study, with 28 typically developing age and gender matched controls. The children completed the ‘free-writing’ task from the detailed assessment of speed of handwriting tool, which was evaluated for compositional quality using the Wechsler objective language dimensions. Results The children with developmental coordination disorder performed significantly below their typically developing peers on five of the six Wechsler objective language dimensions items. They also had a higher percentage of misspelled words. Regression analyses indicated that the number of words produced per minute and the percentage of misspelled words explained 55% of the variance for compositional quality. Conclusion The handwriting difficulties so commonly reported in children with developmental coordination disorder have wider repercussions for the quality of written composition.
Tablet devices: Supporting practitioners to conduct informed conversations
Authors: Wechter Emily , McDonell Kate , Verdonck Michèle 
Published: June 2016

Statement of context The ubiquitous nature of tablet devices and their related applications known as apps has led to their use as assistive technologies in a range of settings, including intellectual disability. Using tablet technology for this purpose requires collaboration to foster informed choices for users. Critical reflection on practice Two initiatives are described, aimed at building knowledge and confidence of practitioners to enable informed conversations with people who plan to use tablet devices. Outcomes of these training workshops and a fact sheet are presented. Implications for practice Findings from 99 attendees indicated that training and resources were beneficial to practitioners to increase knowledge and confidence. However, ongoing support is required to ensure confidence and collaboration.
Efficacy and safety of a single occipital nerve blockade in episodic and chronic cluster headache: A prospective observational study
Authors: Gaul Charly , Roguski Jana , Dresler Thomas , Abbas Hind , Totzeck Andreas , Görlinger Klaus , Diener Hans-Christoph , Weber Ralph 
Published: June 2016

Background Treatment options for cluster headache (CH) include acute, transitional and prophylactic strategies. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a single occipital nerve block (ONB) in patients with episodic (eCH) and chronic CH (cCH). Methods In this prospective, observational study 101 CH were treated with a single ONB using triamcinolone 10 mg and bupivacaine. Attack frequency, pain intensity and side effects were assessed at days 1 and 7 after ONB and thereafter weekly for 60 days until recurrence of attacks. Results Baseline mean daily attack frequency was 2.9 ± 2.5 (eCH) and 3.3 ± 2.9 (cCH), which was reduced to 0.7 ± 1.2 (eCH) and 1.1 ± 1.4 (cCH) after one day ( p = 0.08 for group difference) and to 1.1 ± 1.6 (eCH) and 1.9 ± 2.3 (cCH) after seven days ( p = 0.01 for group difference). In patients with eCH the pain-free period lasted longer compared to cCH ( p = 0.004). There was no association between the presence of local anesthesia and treatment response ( p = 0.88). No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion ONB is an easy, safe and effective transitional treatment option in case of insufficient response of CH to treatment both in patients with eCH and cCH. Patients with eCH have a better and more sustainable treatment response.
Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Complications After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Larson Christopher M. , Clohisy John C. , Beaulé Paul E. , Kelly Bryan T. , Giveans M. Russell , Stone Rebecca M. , Samuelson Kathryn M. 
Published: June 2016

Background: There is limited literature looking at comprehensive complication rates after arthroscopic hip procedures. Purpose: To prospectively report complication rates for a consecutive series of hips undergoing arthroscopic procedures. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Over a 29-month period, 1615 consecutive hips in patients with a mean age of 30.5 years underwent arthroscopic hip procedures at 4 institutions. The diagnosis, demographic information, and procedures were recorded, and a validated grading classification for complications of hip joint surgery was utilized prospectively. The cohort with complications was observed postoperatively for a mean of 36.7 months (range, 24-54 months). Results: There were 1487 primary hip arthroscopic procedures and 128 revision hip arthroscopic procedures. Arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement correction was performed in 1505 hips (93.2%), and 1273 hips (78.8%) underwent a labral repair procedure. The most common event was postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous (LFC) nerve disturbance (16.5%), which persisted beyond 6 months in only 1.6%. The incidence of iatrogenic chondral injuries was 1.2%, iatrogenic labral punctures was 0.9%, superficial portal infections was 1.1%, sensory deficits about the foot was 0.8%, deep venous thrombosis was 0.1%, pulmonary embolism was 0.1%, perineal numbness (pudendal nerve) was 1.4%, heterotopic ossification was 0.8%, and femoral neck stress fractures was 0.1%. There was no iatrogenic instability, avascular necrosis, or extra-abdominal fluid extravasation identified in this cohort. The overall complication rate, not including temporary LFC periportal and thigh numbness (sequela), was 8.3% (134 hips). Overall, a grade 1 complication was seen in 7.2% (117 hips), grade 2 in 0.6% (10 hips), grade 3 in 0.4% (6 hips), and grade 4 in 0.1% (1 hip). There was a significantly higher rate of complications for longer surgical time and traction time ( P < .01) and for female patients as compared with male patients ( P = .017). Most notably, traction time longer than 60 minutes was associated with a significantly increased complication rate ( P < .001). Hips with pudendal nerve neurapraxia had longer traction times than those without (61.5 vs 43.8 minutes, respectively; P < .001). No differences were found between primary versus revision cases ( P = .123) or between labral repair versus debridement ( P = .209), and body mass index had no effect on the complication rate ( P = .103). Conclusion: The overall complication rate after hip arthroscopic surgery at tertiary hip centers was 8.3%, with higher rates reported for longer traction times (>60 minutes) and for female patients. Compared with surgical hip dislocation using the same classification system, the overall rate of complications was similar, but the rate of higher grade complications was lower for arthroscopic hip procedures.