bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of CMIP5 Model Simulations of the North American Monsoon System
Authors: Geil Kerrie L. , Serra Yolande L. , Zeng Xubin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPrecipitation, geopotential height, and wind fields from 21 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) are examined to determine how well this generation of general circulation models represents the North American monsoon system (NAMS). Results show no improvement since CMIP3 in the magnitude (root-mean-square error and bias) of the mean annual cycle of monthly precipitation over a core monsoon domain, but improvement in the phasing of the seasonal cycle in precipitation is notable. Monsoon onset is early for most models but is clearly visible in daily climatological precipitation, whereas monsoon retreat is highly variable and unclear in daily climatological precipitation. Models that best capture large-scale circulation patterns at a low level usually have realistic representations of the NAMS, but even the best models poorly represent monsoon retreat. Difficulty in reproducing monsoon retreat results from an inaccurate representation of gradients in low-level geopotential height across the larger region, which causes an unrealistic flux of low-level moisture from the tropics into the NAMS region that extends well into the postmonsoon season. Composites of the models with the best and worst representations of the NAMS indicate that adequate representation of the monsoon during the early to midseason can be achieved even with a large-scale circulation pattern bias, as long as the bias is spatially consistent over the larger region influencing monsoon development; in other words, as with monsoon retreat, it is the inaccuracy of the spatial gradients in geopotential height across the larger region that prevents some models from realistic representation of the early and midseason monsoon system.
A Variational Approach to Retrieve Rain Rate by Combining Information from Rain Gauges, Radars, and Microwave Links
Authors: Bianchi Blandine , Jan van Leeuwen Peter , Hogan Robin J. , Berne Alexis 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Accurate and reliable rain rate estimates are important for various hydrometeorological applications. Consequently, rain sensors of different types have been deployed in many regions. In this work, measurements from different instruments, namely, rain gauge, weather radar, and microwave link, are combined for the first time to estimate with greater accuracy the spatial distribution and intensity of rainfall. The objective is to retrieve the rain rate that is consistent with all these measurements while incorporating the uncertainty associated with the different sources of information. Assuming the problem is not strongly nonlinear, a variational approach is implemented and the Gauss–Newton method is used to minimize the cost function containing proper error estimates from all sensors. Furthermore, the method can be flexibly adapted to additional data sources. The proposed approach is tested using data from 14 rain gauges and 14 operational microwave links located in the Zürich area (Switzerland) to correct the prior rain rate provided by the operational radar rain product from the Swiss meteorological service (MeteoSwiss). A cross-validation approach demonstrates the improvement of rain rate estimates when assimilating rain gauge and microwave link information.
Exploration and Validation of Wave-Height Measurement Using Multifrequency HF Radar
Authors: Chen Zhao , Zezong Chen , Yanni Jiang , Lingang Fan , Gengfei Zeng 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
For operations across a wide range of oceanographic conditions, a radar system able to operate at more than one frequency is theoretically and experimentally recommended for robust wave measurement in recent years. To obtain more sea-state information by HF radar, a multifrequency HF (MHF) radar system, which can simultaneously operate at four frequencies at most in the band of 7.5–25 MHz, was developed by the Radio Wave Propagation Laboratory of Wuhan University in 2007. This paper mostly focuses on detailing the data process method of MHF radar wave-height estimation. According to different bands of operating frequencies, a least-mean-square (LMS) linear fitting method is adopted to calibrate wave-height estimation formulation, which is introduced by Barrick to extract significant wave height from backscatter Doppler spectra. Both the wave-height measurements of the initial and modified methods are compared with wave buoy measurements. Afterward, a data fusion algorithm of multifrequency estimates based on relevant factors quantification is discussed step by step. Three comparisons between radar-derived and buoy-measured estimates are presented to illustrate the performance of the MHF radar wave-height measurement. The statistics of the MHF radar wave-height measurements are listed and analyzed. The results show that the wave-height measurements of the MHF radar are in reasonable agreement with the measurements of the wave buoy.
Nonlinear Characteristics of Ensemble Perturbation Evolution and Their Application to Forecasting High-Impact Events
Authors: Ancell Brian C. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Ensemble forecasting is becoming an increasingly important aspect of numerical weather prediction. As ensemble perturbation evolution becomes more nonlinear as a forecast evolves, the ensemble mean can diverge from the model attractor on which ensemble members are constrained. In turn, the ensemble mean can become increasingly unrealistic, and although statistically best on average, it can provide poor forecast guidance for specific high-impact events. This study uses an ensemble Kalman filter to investigate this behavior at the synoptic scale for landfalling midlatitude cyclones. This work also aims to understand the best way to select “best members” closest to the mean that both behave realistically and possess the statistically beneficial qualities of the mean. It is found that substantial nonlinearity emerges within forecast times of a day, which roughly agrees with previous research addressing synoptic-scale nonlinearity more generally. The evolving nonlinearity results in unrealistic behavior of the ensemble mean that significantly underestimates precipitation and wind speeds associated with the cyclones. Choosing a single ensemble member closest to the ensemble mean over the entire forecast window provides forecasts that are unable to produce the relatively small errors of the ensemble mean. However, since different ensemble members are closest to the ensemble mean at different forecast times, the best forecast is composed of different ensemble members throughout the forecast window. The benefits and limitations of applying this methodology to improve forecasts of synoptic-scale high-impact weather events are discussed.
The impact of local guidelines on the tumour marker requesting patterns of a General Surgery Department
Authors: Schulenburg-Brand Danja , Kumar Nagappan , Zouwail Soha 
Published: July 2013

Background The inappropriate use of tumour markers (TMs) is a common problem. The aim of this audit was to evaluate the impact of local guidelines on the TM requesting patterns of a General Surgery Department. Methods CA 125, CA 19-9, CA15-3, CEA, AFP and HCG requests from all hospital surgical locations were audited over two periods of eight months before and after the implementation of local requesting guidelines. Results Postintervention, total TM requests decreased by 32% while patient requests decreased by 9.8%. Single TM requesting increased and requests for panels containing four or more TMs decreased from 279 to 60 requests (78% reduction). Conclusion Interdepartmental collaboration and the implementation of local guidelines have resulted in a change in requesting behaviour, most notably a reduction in multiple TM panel requests.
Characterization of incidental cardiac masses in oncological patients using a new CT-based tumor volume perfusion technique
Authors: Schulze M , Spira D , Claussen CD , Sauter A , Mayer F , Horger M 
Published: July 2013

Cardiac masses are challenging for non-invasive diagnostic procedures and therapy, respectively. In tumor patients differentiation between primary or secondary cardiac neoplasm and thrombus is a frequent and knowingly difficult task to manage. To avoid complex and unnecessary surgical diagnostic procedures non-invasive methods are in favor. For initiation of adequate therapy and evaluation of prognosis, however, early and reliable diagnosis is mandatory. So far, echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging represent the mainstay for cardiac imaging diagnosis. Recently, the new technique of CT-based tumor volume perfusion (VPCT) measurement has advanced to a potent, reliable, and easy to perform alternative for cardiac imaging. The purpose of this study was to review the existing spectrum of diagnostic modalities for characterization of cardiac masses in an oncologic patient cohort with emphasis on their strengths and limitations and to present the benefit from using the novel technique called VPCT for this purpose.
Psychopathology in children and adolescents with primary headaches: Categorical and dimensional approaches
Authors: Margari Francesco , Lucarelli Elisabetta , Craig Francesco , Petruzzelli Maria G , Lecce Paola A , Margari Lucia 
Published: July 2013

Background Recurrent headache is common in childhood, but there is not a great amount of data on the associations between headaches and psychopathology in children. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between primary headaches and psychopathology in children, using both the categorical and dimensional assessment. Methods The sample consisted of 70 patients with primary headache compared to a matched sample of 50 healthy children. Psychiatric comorbidity was defined according to the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders. Child psychopathology outcomes were assessed using child- and parent-reported standardized instruments. Results Internalizing and externalizing problems were significantly represented among children with headaches compared to the control group, respectively 63% and 27%, without significant differences between migraine and tension-type headache children. Moreover, a total of 26% of the children with a headache reported psychiatric comorbidity such as anxiety and mood disorders. Conclusion The dimensional approach improves accuracy in the recognition of emotional and behavioral problems compared to the categorical approach; however, the use of both of these approaches could be useful for clinical practice, treatment and research.
Acute pulmonary embolism being the first presentation of undetected HIV infection: report of two cases
Authors: Patra S , Nagesh CM , Reddy B , Srinivas BC , Manjunath CN , Hegde M 
Published: July 2013

Summary Though HIV infection is considered as a hypercoagulable state, but occurrence of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is rare and usually seen in the advanced stage of the disease. PE as a presentation in a case where there is no previous history of having HIV infection is very rare; a Medline search revealed only one case reported previously. We describe two cases who presented with acute PE and were treated; they were subsequently diagnosed as having HIV infection.
Addressing inequalities in health – what is the contribution of health trainers?
Authors: White Judy , Woodward Jenny , South Jane 
Published: July 2013

Aims: The role that members of the public (non-professional lay people) can play in improving health is being increasingly recognised in research and policy. This paper explores what contribution lay people employed as health trainers are making to addressing health inequalities in England. Methods: Data from eight local evaluations of health trainer services were synthesised using a data-extraction framework to find out about client populations, any lifestyle changes made, health trainers’ background and community engagement activities. These data were compared with national data to assess how findings relating to addressing inequalities compared with the national picture. Results: Local data largely matched national data and showed that health trainers are reaching people living with disadvantage and enabling them to make lifestyle changes. The data suggest that they do this by engaging with communities and taking a person-centred approach. Being non-clinical peers is also important. However, no evidence was found that health trainers were impacting on health inequalities at a population level. Conclusion: Health trainers are contributing to addressing health inequalities but the services evaluated were small and had been operating for a limited time, so to expect reductions in inequalities at a population level within districts would be unrealistic. The findings of this synthesis present a challenge to primary care and public health to employ health trainers in order to engage marginalised communities as one element of plans to address health inequalities.
Falling bladder cancer incidence from 1990 to 2009 is not producing universal mortality improvements
Authors: Eylert MF , Hounsome LS , Persad RA , Bahl A , Jefferies ER , Verne J , Mostafid H 
Published: July 2013

Objective The objective of this article is to obtain up-to-date epidemiological statistics of bladder cancer in England. Methods We collected incidence from the National Cancer Data Repository (NCDR), survival from the national Cancer Information System (CIS), ethnicity information from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), mortality and smoking rates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Results Incidence of bladder cancer has fallen continuously. Mortality has reduced less, leading to worsening survival. Bladder cancer mainly affects men, the most deprived, and the elderly. The gender gap is decreasing, and the deprivation gap is unchanged. Mortality is unchanged in the youngest, oldest and least deprived females. Mortality has recently increased in the oldest males. The highest incidence and mortality is found in industrial areas. This study is limited by i) its retrospective design using existing databases, allowing identification of associations and statistical differences, but not causation; and ii) very restricted ethnicity data. onclusion Reductions in bladder cancer incidence and mortality in England coincide with a decrease in high-risk occupations and public health measures to reduce smoking. Some risk factors in modern living may as yet be unidentified. It remains paramount to ensure equity of access and treatment regardless of gender, age, region and social deprivation to further improve mortality.
Neurovascular abnormalities in brain disorders: highlights with angiogenesis and magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Chen Chiao-Chi V , Chen Yu-Chen , Hsiao Han-Yun , Chang Chen , Chern Yijuang 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The coupling between neuronal activity and vascular responses is controlled by the neurovascular unit (NVU), which comprises multiple cell types. Many different types of dysfunction in these cells may impair the proper control of vascular responses by the NVU. Magnetic resonance imaging, which is the most powerful tool available to investigate neurovascular structures or functions, will be discussed in the present article in relation to its applications and discoveries. Because aberrant angiogenesis and vascular remodeling have been increasingly reported as being implicated in brain pathogenesis, this review article will refer to this hallmark event when suitable.
A phylogenetic analysis of the grape genus (Vitis L.) reveals broad reticulation and concurrent diversification during neogene and quaternary climate change
Authors: Wan Yizhen , Schwaninger Heidi R , Baldo Angela M , Labate Joanne A , Zhong Gan-Yuan , Simon Charles J 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundGrapes are one of the most economically important fruit crops. There are about 60 species in the genusVitis. The phylogenetic relationships among these species are of keen interest for the conservation and use of this germplasm. We selected 309 accessions from 48Vitisspecies,varieties, and outgroups, examined ~11 kb (~3.4 Mb total) of aligned nuclear DNA sequences from 27 unlinked genes in a phylogenetic context, and estimated divergence times based on fossil calibrations.ResultsVitisformed a strongly supported clade. There was substantial support for species and less for the higher-level groupings (series). As estimated from extant taxa, the crown age ofVitiswas 28 Ma and the divergence of subgenera (VitisandMuscadinia)occurred at ~18 Ma. Higher clades in subgenusVitisdiverged 16 – 5 Ma with overlapping confidence intervals, and ongoing divergence formed extant species at 12 – 1.3 Ma. Several species had species-specific SNPs. NeighborNet analysis showed extensive reticulation at the core of subgenusVitisrepresenting the deeper nodes, with extensive reticulation radiating outward. Fitch Parsimony identified North America as the origin of the most recent common ancestor of extantVitisspecies.ConclusionsPhylogenetic patterns suggested origination of the genus in North America, fragmentation of an ancestral range during the Miocene, formation of extant species in the late Miocene-Pleistocene, and differentiation of species in the context of Pliocene-Quaternary tectonic and climatic change. Nuclear SNPs effectively resolved relationships at and below the species level in grapes and rectified several misclassifications of accessions in the repositories. Our results challenge current higher-level classifications, reveal the abundance of genetic diversity in the genus that is potentially available for crop improvement, and provide a valuable resource for species delineation, germplasm conservation and use.
Cost profiles of colorectal cancer patients in Italy based on individual patterns of care
Authors: Francisci Silvia , Guzzinati Stefano , Mezzetti Maura , Crocetti Emanuele , Giusti Francesco , Miccinesi Guido , Paci Eugenio , Angiolini Catia , Gigli Anna 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Due to changes in cancer-related risk factors, improvements in diagnostic procedures and treatments, and the aging of the population, in most developed countries cancer accounts for an increasing proportion of health care expenditures. The analysis of cancer-related costs is a topic of several economic and epidemiological studies and represents a research area of great interest to public health planners and policy makers. In Italy studies are limited either to some specific types of expenditures or to specific groups of cancer patients. Aim of the paper is to estimate the distribution of cancer survivors and associated health care expenditures according to a disease pathway which identifies three clinically relevant phases: initial (one year following diagnosis), continuing (between initial and final) and final (one year before death).

Methods
The methodology proposed is based on the reconstruction of patterns of care at individual level by combining different data sources, surveillance data and administrative data, in areas covered by cancer registration.

Results
A total colorectal cancer-related expenditure of 77.8 million Euros for 18012 patients (corresponding to about 4300 Euros per capita) is estimated in 2006 in two Italian areas located in Tuscany and Veneto regions, respectively. Cost of care varies according to the care pathway: 11% of patients were in the initial phase, and consumed 34% of total expenditure; patients in the final (6%) and in the continuing (83%) phase consumed 23% and 43% of the budget, respectively. There is an association between patterns of care/costs and patients characteristics such as stage and age at diagnosis.

Conclusions
This paper represents the first attempt to attribute health care expenditures in Italy to specific phases of disease, according to varying treatment approaches, surveillance strategies and management of relapses, palliative care. The association between stage at diagnosis, profile of therapies and costs supports the idea that primary prevention and early detection play an important role in a public health perspective. Results from this pilot study encourage the use of such analyses in a public health perspective, to increase understanding of patient outcomes and economic consequences of differences in policies related to cancer screening, treatment, and programs of care.
Fibril-mediated oligomerization of pilin-derived protein nanotubes
Authors: Petrov Anna , Lombardo Stephanie , Audette Gerald F 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundSelf-assembling protein nanotubes (PNTs) are an intriguing alternative to carbon nanotubes for applications in bionanotechnology, in part due to greater inherent biocompatibility. The type IV pilus of the gram negative bacteriaPseudomonas aeruginosais a protein-based fibre composed of a single subunit, the type IV pilin. Engineered pilin monomers fromP. aeruginosastrain K122-4 (ΔK122) have been shown to oligomerize into PNTs both in solution and at surfaces. In order to fully exploit PNTs in bionanotechonological settings, an in-depth understanding of their assembly, physical characteristics and robustness, both in solution and when constrained to surfaces, is required.ResultsThis study details the effectiveness of multiple initiators of ΔK122-derived PNT oligomerization and characterize the formation of PNTs in solution. The optimal initiator for the oligomerization of ΔK122 in solution was observed to be 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD). Conversely, larger PEG molecules do not trigger oligomerization. Multi-angle light scattering analysis indicates that the pilin protein exists in a monomer-dimer equilibrium in solution, and that an intermediate species forms within three hours that then coalesces over time into high molecular weight PNTs. Transmission Electron Microscopic analysis was used to observe the formation of oligomerized ΔK122 fibrils prior to assembly into full-length PNTs.ConclusionsThe oligomerization of ΔK122 pilin derived PNTs is a fibril mediated process. The optimal trigger for PNT oligomerization in solution is MPD, and the observation that PEGs do not induce oligomerization may enable the oligomerization of pilin-derived PNTs on PEG-functionalized surfaces for implantable bionanodevices.