bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Spatial and Seasonal Variation of the Error–Intensity Relationship in Satellite-Based Precipitation Measurements Using an Adaptive Parametric Model
Authors: Liu Hao , Sorooshian Soroosh , Gao Xiaogang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractStudies have been reported about the efficacy of satellites for measuring precipitation and about quantifying their errors. Based on these studies, the errors are associated with a number of factors, among them, intensity, location, climate, and season of the year. Several error models have been proposed to assess the relationship between the error and the rainfall intensity. However, it is unknown whether these models are adaptive to different seasons, different regions, or different types of satellite-based estimates. Therefore, how the error–intensity relationship varies with the season or region is unclear. To investigate these issues, a parametric joint pdf model is proposed to analyze and study the 9-yr satellite-derived precipitation datasets of Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH); PERSIANN; and the real-time TRMM product 3B42, version 7 (TRMM-3B42-RTV7). The NEXRAD Stage IV product is the ground reference. The adaptability of the proposed model is verified by applying it to three locations (Oklahoma, Montana, and Florida) and by applying it to cold season, warm season, and the entire year. Then, the heteroscedasticities in the errors of satellite-based precipitation measurements are investigated using the proposed model under those scenarios. The results show that the joint pdfs have the same formulation under these scenarios, whereas their parameter sets were adaptively adjusted. This parametric model reveals detailed information about the spatial and seasonal variations of the satellite-based precipitation measurements. It is found that the shape of the conditional pdf shifts across the intensity ranges. At the ~10–20 mm day−1 range, the conditional pdf is L shaped, while at the ~40–60 mm day−1 range, it becomes more bell shaped. It is also concluded that no single satellite-based precipitation product outperforms others with respect to the different scenarios (i.e., seasons, regions, and climates).
Validation of HY-2A Remotely Sensed Wave Heights against Buoy Data and Jason-2 Altimeter Measurements
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Wu Qing , Chen Ge 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe Haiyang-2A (HY-2A; HaiYang means ocean in Chinese) satellite was successfully launched in China on 16 August 2011, carrying the nation’s first operational radar altimeter along with three other microwave sensors. In this study, HY-2A altimeter significant wave height (SWH) data have been validated against National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) buoy and Jason-2 altimeter SWH data over a period of 27 months (from 1 October 2011 to 31 December 2013). During the collocation, the effects of different thresholds of several flags are carefully studied. These flags prove to be useful for the SWH selection and different thresholds are observed to change the results remarkably. The final results show that HY-2A SWHs, with a 0.339-m root-mean-square (RMS) difference and a negative bias of 0.231 m in buoy comparison, have reached the mission target (0.5-m RMS). Nonetheless, the Jason-2 altimeter performs better with a lower RMS difference of 0.292 m and a positive bias of only 0.016 m. In addition, by analyzing the residuals (altimeter minus buoy), the bias for the HY-2A altimeter is found to decline monotonically over the whole range with an overestimation at low sea state (SWH < 1 m), a minor underestimation at middle sea state (1 m < SWH < 5 m), and a severe underestimation at high sea state (SWH > 5 m). However, only an underestimation at high sea state is found for the Jason-2 altimeter. A linear regression is also proposed. The 20 days of the newly processed HY-2A SWHs are investigated and discussed as well, and a slight quality improvement has been observed using these data.
Potential Use of Transport and Dispersion Model Ensembles for Forecasting Applications
Authors: Stein A. F. , Ngan F. , Draxler R. R. , Chai T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractUsing ensembles to improve the simulation of plume dispersion is becoming a more common practice. One of the biggest challenges in creating ensembles is developing the appropriate member selection process to get the most accurate results, quantify ensemble uncertainty, and use computing resources more efficiently by avoiding the use of redundant model information. In this work, two reduction techniques are tested: one that is independent of observations and is based on the exclusion of redundant members by using uncorrelation as a measure of distance among the members and a second one based on measured data, which minimizes the mean square error (MSE) of the average of all possible model combinations. These techniques are applied to a 24-member ensemble, created by varying the boundary layer parameterizations in the meteorological WRF Model and dispersion Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (HYSPLIT) simulating six releases of the Cross-Appalachian Tracer Experiment (CAPTEX). Applying the first technique produced results statistically comparable to the full ensemble for four out of six releases, while the second technique shows a similar or superior performance for all cases. Furthermore, to mimic a forecast application, the first day of the tracer release is used to select the ensemble members and the subsequent days are utilized as a forecast proxy to evaluate their performance. The reduced ensembles chosen by applying the technique based on the minimization of the MSE statistically perform similarly to or better than the full ensemble for the forecasting time periods. This suggests that when observational data are available, the application of ensemble reduction techniques provides a potentially promising tool for improving the dispersion forecast.
Efficacy of the Alexander Technique in treating chronic non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lauche Romy , Schuth Mareike , Schwickert Myriam , Lüdtke Rainer , Musial Frauke , Michalsen Andreas , Dobos Gustav , Choi Kyung-Eun 
Published: April 2015

Objective: To test the efficacy of the Alexander Technique, local heat and guided imagery on pain and quality of life in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Design: A randomized controlled trial with 3 parallel groups was conducted. Setting: Outpatient clinic, Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine. Subjects: A total of 72 patients (65 females, 40.7±7.9 years) with chronic non-specific neck pain. Interventions: Patients received 5 sessions of the Alexander Technique - an educational method which aims to modify dysfunctional posture, movement and thinking patterns associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Control groups were treated with local heat application or guided imagery. All interventions were conducted once a week for 45 minutes each. Main measures: The primary outcome measure at week 5 was neck pain intensity on a 100-mm visual analogue scale; secondary outcomes included neck disability, quality of life, satisfaction and safety. Statistics: Analyses of covariance were applied; testing ordered hypotheses. Results: No group difference was found for pain intensity for the Alexander Technique compared to local heat (difference 4.5mm; 95%CI:-8.1;17.1;p=0.48), but exploratory analysis revealed the superiority of the Alexander Technique over guided imagery (difference -12.9mm; 95%CI:-22.6;-3.1,p=0.01). Significant group differences in favor of the Alexander Technique were also found for physical quality of life ( P<0.05). Adverse events mainly included slightly increased pain and muscle soreness. Conclusion: The Alexander Technique was not superior to local heat application in treating chronic non-specific neck pain. It cannot be recommended as routine intervention at this time. Further trials are warranted for conclusive judgment.
Do lifestyle restrictions and precautions prevent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature
Authors: van der Weegen Walter , Kornuijt Anke , Das Dirk 
Published: April 2015

Objective: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of lifestyle restrictions and precautions to prevent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty. Data sources: MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched in February 2015, with additional hand searching of systematic reviews and reference lists. Review methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from their start date through to February 2015. Randomized controlled trials and comparative case series in English, Dutch or German language were included. Only primary total hip arthroplasty procedures managed with different postoperative restrictions and precautions protocols were included. Primary outcome was the total hip arthroplasty dislocation rate, secondary outcomes were patient functioning, return to activities of daily living and patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 119 eligible articles were identified, six were included: three randomized controlled trials, one retrospective matched cohort study, one retrospective and one prospective cohort study, describing 1122 procedures (restrictions group: n = 528; no restrictions group: n = 594). Both the standard posterior and anterolateral surgical approaches were included. There were eight dislocations (1.5%) in the restricted group, vs. six dislocations (1.0%) in the unrestricted group. Patients in the unrestricted group resumed activities significantly faster and were more satisfied with their pace of recovery. Conclusion: A more liberal lifestyle restrictions and precautions protocol will not lead to worse dislocation rates after total hip arthroplasty, but will lead to earlier and better resumption of activities and higher patient satisfaction. These results appear to hold up for various surgical approaches.
Of Wholes and Parts: A Thomistic Refutation of “Brain Death”
Authors: Accad Michel 
Published: April 2015

I propose a refutation of the two major arguments that support the concept of “brain death” as an ontological equivalent to death of the human organism. I begin with a critique of the notion that a body part, such as the brain, could act as “integrator” of a whole body. I then proceed with a rebuttal of the argument that destruction of a body part essential for rational operations—such as the brain—necessarily entails that the remaining whole is indisposed to accrue a rational soul. Next, I point to the equivocal use of the terms “alive” or “living” as being at the root of conceptual errors about brain death. I appeal to the Thomistic definition of life and to the hylomorphic concept of “virtual presence” to clarify this confusion. Finally, I show how the Thomistic definition of life supports the traditional criterion for the determination of death. Lay summary By the mid-1960s, medical technology became available that could keep “alive” the bodies of patients who had sustained complete and irreversible brain injury. The concept of “brain death” emerged to describe such states. Physicians, philosophers, and ethicists then proposed that the state of brain death is equivalent to the state of death traditionally identified by the absence of spontaneous pulse and respiration. This article challenges the major philosophical arguments that have been advanced to draw this equivalence.
Synergy between rapamycin and FLT3 ligand enhances plasmacytoid dendritic cell–dependent induction of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg
Authors: Biswas Moanaro , Sarkar Debalina , Kumar Sandeep R. P. , Nayak Sushrusha , Rogers Geoffrey L. , Markusic David M. , Liao Gongxian , Terhorst Cox , Herzog Roland W. 
Published: April 2015

Key Points
Rapamycin and Flt3L are synergistic in Treg induction when coadministered with antigen, resulting in improved tolerance induction. pDCs are required for efficient Treg induction and selectively expanded with Flt3L/rapamycin because of high mTOR activity.
Eculizumab reduces complement activation, inflammation, endothelial damage, thrombosis, and renal injury markers in aHUS
Authors: Cofiell Roxanne , Kukreja Anjli , Bedard Krystin , Yan Yan , Mickle Angela P. , Ogawa Masayo , Bedrosian Camille L. , Faas Susan J. 
Published: April 2015

Key PointsThis exploratory study describes the effect of eculizumab on multiple physiologic pathways affected by complement dysregulation in aHUS. The results highlight the importance of sustained terminal complement blockade, even in patients with improved clinical laboratory values.
TGF-β signaling in the control of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Blank Ulrika , Karlsson Stefan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBlood is a tissue with high cellular turnover, and its production is a tightly orchestrated process that requires constant replenishment. All mature blood cells are generated from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are the self-renewing units that sustain lifelong hematopoiesis. HSC behavior, such as self-renewal and quiescence, is regulated by a wide array of factors, including external signaling cues present in the bone marrow. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of cytokines constitutes a multifunctional signaling circuitry, which regulates pivotal functions related to cell fate and behavior in virtually all tissues of the body. In the hematopoietic system, TGF-β signaling controls a wide spectrum of biological processes, from homeostasis of the immune system to quiescence and self-renewal of HSCs. Here, we review key features and emerging concepts pertaining to TGF-β and downstream signaling pathways in normal HSC biology, featuring aspects of aging, hematologic disease, and how this circuitry may be exploited for clinical purposes in the future.
Immune checkpoint blockade in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Armand Philippe 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Therapeutic blockade of immune checkpoint pathways, in particular cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 and programmed-death 1 (PD-1), has become a paradigm-shifting treatment in solid tumor oncology. Hematologic malignancies (HMs), many of which are known to have clinically exploitable immune sensitivity, are a natural target for this type of treatment. Several clinical trials of checkpoint blockade have been conducted in HM, with preliminary results suggesting the therapeutic usefulness of this approach across several tumor types. In particular, the results of PD-1 blockade in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are remarkable, and raise hope that it may alter the treatment landscape in this disease. However, numerous questions remain about the optimal role of checkpoint blockade both in HL and beyond. Those questions are the focus of this review, in the hope that, if we are at the dawn of a new day in HM immunotherapy, we may begin to envision its morning.
The interface between cholinergic pathways and the immune system and its relevance to arthritis
Authors: McAllen Robin M , Cook Andrew D , Khiew Hsu Wei , Martelli Davide , Hamilton John A 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe nervous and immune systems are likely to be interacting in arthritis, with the possible involvement of both neural and non-neural cholinergic transmission. Centrally acting muscarinic agonists, electrical stimulation of the vagus and treatment with nicotinic receptor agonists can all act systemically to reduce inflammation, although the responsible pathways are incompletely understood. While this ‘cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway’ is widely viewed as a significant pathophysiological mechanism controlling inflammation, the evidence supporting this view is critically reviewed and considered inconclusive; an alternative pathway via sympathetic nerves is implicated. This review also discusses how cholinergic pathways, both neural and non-neural, may impact on inflammation and specifically arthritis. Nicotinic agonists have been reported to reduce the incidence and severity of murine arthritis, albeit an observation we could not confirm, and clinical studies in rheumatoid arthritis have been proposed and/or are underway. While the therapeutic potential of nicotinic agonists and vagal stimulation is clear, we suggest that the ‘cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway’ should not be uncritically embraced as a significant factor in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Distributed multi-hop clustering algorithm for VANETs based on neighborhood follow
Authors: Chen Yuzhong , Fang Mingyue , Shi Song , Guo Wenzhong , Zheng Xianghan 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) have become important components of metropolitan area networks, and clustering for VANETS provides many advantages. However, the stability of current clustering algorithms exhibits poor robustness because a VANET is a highly dynamic scenario. In this study, a novel multi-hop clustering scheme for VANETs, which generates cluster heads (CHs) via neighborhood follow relationship between vehicles, is proposed. The scheme is based on a reasonable assumption that a vehicle cannot certainly identify which vehicle in its multi-hop neighbors is the most suitable to be its CH, but it can easily grasp which vehicle in one-hop distance is the most stable and similar with it, and thus, they most likely belong to the same cluster. Consequently, a vehicle can choose its CH by following the most stable vehicle. The relative mobility between two vehicles combining the gains based on the followed number and the historical following information enables a vehicle to select which target to follow. Extensive simulation experiments are conducted to validate the performance of the proposed clustering scheme.
Thermal response test for shallow geothermal applications: a probabilistic analysis approach
Authors: Tinti Francesco , Bruno Roberto , Focaccia Sara 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
Thermal Response Test (TRT) is an onsite test used to characterize the thermal properties of shallow underground, when used as heat storage volume for shallow geothermal application. It is applied by injecting/extracting heat into geothermal closed-loop circuits inserted into the ground. The most common types of closed loop are the borehole heat exchangers (BHE), horizontal ground collectors (HGC), and energy piles (EP). The interpretation method of TRT data is generally based on a regression technique and on the calculation of thermal properties through different models, specific for each closed loop and test conditions.

Methods
A typical TRT record is a graph joining a series of experimental temperatures of the thermal carrier fluid. The proposed geostatistical approach considers the temperature as a random function non-stationary in time, with a given trend, therefore the record is considered as a ‘realization’, one of the possible results; the random nature of the test results is transferred to the fluctuations and a variogram modeling can be applied, which may give many information on the TRT behavior.

Results
In this paper, a nested probabilistic approach for TRT output interpretation is proposed, which can be applied for interpreting TRT data, independently of the different methodologies and technologies adopted. In the paper, for the sake of simplicity, the probabilistic approach is applied to the ‘infinite line source’ (ILS) methodology, which is the most commonly used for BHE.

Conclusions
The probabilistic approach, based on variogram modeling of temperature residuals, is useful for identifying with robust accuracy the time boundaries (initial time t
0 and the final time t
f) inside which makes temperature regression analysis possible. Moreover, variograms are used into the analysis itself to increase estimation precision of thermal parameter calculation (ground conductivity λ
g, ground capacity c
g, borehole resistance R
b). Finally, the probabilistic approach helps keep under control the effect of any cause of result variability. Typical behaviors of power, flows, and temperatures and of their interaction with the specific closed-loop circuit and geo-hydrological system are deepened by variogram analysis of fluctuations.
Influence of the DVR on the Transient Response of Wind Farms against Voltage Sags
Authors: Ríos Alberto , Guevara David 
Published: April 2015

In this paper has been evaluated the transient response of Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) against voltage sags and the impact of these electronic devices to maintain the continuity of supply of wind farms against a three-phase voltage sag. The aim of these studies is to verify the influence of the DVR on the ability of wind turbines and wind farms to fulfill the more demanding grid connection requirements of power systems operators. Moreover, the simulations are performed in order to: Analyse the impact of DVR device on the transient response of wind farm. Evaluate the capacity of fixed speed wind farms to maintain the continuity of supply during three-phase voltage sags.
An examination of perioperative temperature fluctuations in canine patients undergoing routine neutering
Authors: Fraser Mary , Beverly Fiona , Wood Barbara 
Published: March 2015

Objective: To examine the fluctuations in body temperature in dogs undergoing routine neutering both during surgery and in the recovery phase. Methods: Utilising a convenience sampling approach, body temperatures of 17 healthy male and female dogs undergoing routine neutering were monitored during and after anaesthesia. Temperature recording was carried out with an auricular thermometer to minimise stress and discomfort. Data analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2013 and Minitab 15. Results: Body temperature of 15 of the 17 dogs dropped below 37°C at some point during or after anaesthesia. Examination of median temperature results revealed a drop from the time of preparation for surgery, through to the time of discharge up to 6 hours after the end of general anaesthesia. At discharge the body temperature of five dogs was still lower than 37°C. Body temperature did not return to preanaesthesia levels during the recovery stage for 16 of the 17 patients. Conclusion: Following anaesthesia dogs are likely to demonstrate a lower than normal body temperature and should therefore be monitored throughout recovery. Longer hospitalisation may be required to ensure patients are only discharged once their temperature has returned to baseline level.