bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synoptic Flow Patterns and Large-Scale Characteristics Associated with Rapidly Intensifying Tropical Cyclones in the South China Sea
Authors: Chen Xiaomin , Wang Yuqing , Zhao Kun 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The typical synoptic flow patterns and environmental factors that favor the rapid intensification (RI) of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the South China Sea (SCS) have been identified based on all TCs formed in the SCS between 1981 and 2011. The quantity RI is defined as the 24-h increase in maximum sustained surface wind speed by 15 m s−1 as in previous studies, which is close to the 95th percentile of 24-h intensity change of all SCS samples excluding those after landfall. There are 4.9% (2.3%) of tropical depressions (tropical storms) that experienced RI. No typhoons satisfied the RI threshold.
Six low-level synoptic flow patterns favoring RI have been identified based on 18 RI cases. In the monsoon season very few TCs experience RI due to large vertical wind shear (VWS). Most RI cases occurred in the postmonsoon season when the midlatitude troughs often penetrated into the SCS whereas the southwesterly monsoon flow is still strong in the southern SCS. Compared with those of non-RI cases, the mean initial conditions of RI cases include weak VWS and relatively strong forcing from midlatitude troughs. Several criteria of significant environmental factors for RI are statistically identified based on all TC samples. It is found that 16 non-RI TCs fitted in the RI flow patterns but only two of them satisfy all the criteria, suggesting that a combination of the synoptic flow pattern and the environmental factors can be used to predict RI in the SCS. In addition, two RI cases involving TC–trough interaction are analyzed.
The Influence of Land Surface Heterogeneities on Cloud Size Development
Authors: Rieck Malte , Hohenegger Cathy , van Heerwaarden Chiel C. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This study analyzes the effects of land surface heterogeneities at various horizontal scales on the transition from shallow to deep convection and on the cloud size distribution. An idealized case of midlatitude summertime convection is simulated by means of large-eddy simulations coupled to an interactive land surface. The transition is accelerated over heterogeneous surfaces. The simulation with an intermediate patch size of 12.8 km exhibits the fastest transition with a transition time two-thirds that over a homogeneous surface. A similar timing is observed for the precipitation onset whereas the total accumulated rainfall tends to increase with patch size. The cloud size distribution can be approximated by a power law with a scale break. The exponent of the power law is independent of the heterogeneity scale, implying a similar cloud cover between the simulations. In contrast, the scale break varies with patch size. The size of the largest clouds does not scale with the boundary layer height, although their maximum size scales with the patch size. Finally, the idea that larger clouds grow faster, known from homogeneous surface conditions, is not fully valid over heterogeneous surfaces. These various aspects can be understood from the complex interplay between the characteristics of the triggered mesoscale circulations and a cloud development acting in response to the diurnal cycle in surface heating. The results also call for adequate representation of such effects in convective parameterizations.
Analysis of a Destructive Wind Storm on 16 November 2008 in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Richter Harald , Peter Justin , Collis Scott 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDuring the late afternoon on 16 November 2008 the Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) suburb of “The Gap” experienced extensive wind damage caused by an intense local thunderstorm. The CP2 research radar nearby detected near-surface radial velocities exceeding 43 m s−1 above The Gap while hail size reports did not exceed golf ball size, and no tornadoes were reported. The storm environment was characterized by a layer of very moist near-surface air and strong storm-relative low-level flow, whereas the storm-relative winds aloft were weak. While the thermodynamic storm environment contained a range of downdraft-promoting ingredients such as a ~4-km-high melting level above a ~2-km-deep layer with nearly dry-adiabatic lapse rates mostly collocated with dry ambient air, a ~1-km-deep stable layer near the ground would generally lower expectations of destructive surface winds based on the downburst mechanism. Once observed reflectivities exceed 70 dBZ, downdraft cooling due to hail melting and downdraft acceleration based on hail loading are found to likely become nonnegligible forcing mechanisms. The event featured the close proximity of a hydrostatically and dynamically driven mesohigh at the base of the downdraft to a dynamically driven mesolow associated with a low-level circulation. This proximity was instrumental in the anisotropic horizontal acceleration of the near-ground outflow and the ultimate strength of the Gap storm surface winds. Weak storm-relative midlevel winds are speculated to have allowed the downdraft to descend close to the low-level circulation, which set up this strong horizontal perturbation pressure gradient.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Effortful Swallow
Authors: Fritz Mark , Cerrati Eric , Fang Yixin , Verma Avanti , Achlatis Stratos , Lazarus Cathy , Branski Ryan C. , Amin Milan 
Published: June 2014

Objective: The effortful swallow was designed to improve posterior mobility of the tongue base and increase intraoral pressures. We characterized the effects of this maneuver via dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in healthy patients. Methods: A 3-T scanner was used to obtain dMRI images of patients swallowing pudding using normal as well as effortful swallows. Ninety sequential images were acquired at the level of the oropharynx in the axial plane for each swallow; 3 series were obtained for each swallow type for each patient. Images were acquired every 113 ms during swallowing. The images were analyzed with respect to oropharyngeal closure duration, anteroposterior and transverse distance between the oropharyngeal walls, and oropharyngeal area before and after closure. Results: Preswallow reduced pharyngeal area was observed ( P = .02; mean = 212.61 mm2 for effortful, mean = 261.92 mm2 for normal) as well as prolonged pharyngeal closure during the swallow ( P < .0001; mean = 742.18 ms for effortful, mean = 437.31 ms for normal). No other differences were noted between swallow types. Interrater and intrarater reliability of all measurements was excellent. Conclusion: This preliminary investigation is the first to evaluate the effects of effortful swallows via dMRI. In our cohort, consistent physiologic changes were elicited, consistent with clinical dogma regarding this maneuver.
The effect of coupling agents on silicate-based nanofillers/carbon black dual filler systems on the properties of a natural rubber/butadiene rubber compound
Authors: Poikelispää Minna , Das Amit , Dierkes Wilma , Vuorinen Jyrki 
Published: June 2014

Nanofillers have been introduced a few years ago, but their application in elastomers is still a challenge. With the existing rubber processing equipment and constraints of rubber mixing, dispersion of nanofillers is difficult. The processability and performance of compounds containing plate- or tube-like silicates in a blend with conventional fillers, such as carbon black (CB), are investigated, and the effect of surface modification of the nanofillers is studied. Processing is facilitated by the replacement of CB by the nanofillers, but curing efficiency is reduced. The dispersion of the fillers is improved with the addition of nanofillers. The dynamic properties of the cured composite material are affected, giving the composite material lower hysteresis, while the mechanical properties are merely affected by the addition of nanofillers. Additionally, the filler–polymer interaction is increased. The addition of a compatibilizing and coupling agent, a silane, has only a minor effect and does not improve processing and properties significantly for these combined filler systems.
SLA developmental stages and teachers’ assessment of written French: Exploring Direkt Profil as a diagnostic assessment tool
Authors: Granfeldt Jonas , Ågren Malin 
Published: June 2014

One core area of research in Second Language Acquisition is the identification and definition of developmental stages in different L2s. For L2 French, Bartning and Schlyter (2004) presented a model of six morphosyntactic stages of development in the shape of grammatical profiles. The model formed the basis for the computer program Direkt Profil (Granfeldt et al., 2006), which carries out an automated analysis of the developmental stage of a learner text. The aim of the present study was to explore the relevance of Direkt Profil as a diagnostic assessment tool by comparing Direkt Profil’s automated profile analysis with assessment by trained language teachers. Data for the present study come from the CEFLE corpus of written L2 French (Ågren, 2008). The learner texts were first analysed for developmental stage by the computer program Direkt Profil. In a second step, seven experienced language teachers of French assessed the same texts. The results indicated relatively high degrees of correlation and showed that the analysis of developmental stage by Direkt Profil could explain 73% of the variance in the teachers’ mean assessments ( r2 = 0.735). In addition, we concluded that the teachers were in agreement with each other and with the computer program when assessing texts at low and high proficiency levels respectively. The most important variation in the teachers’ assessments was found in texts at intermediate levels, due to an inconsistent use of grammar and vocabulary. One of the advantages of using Direkt Profil as a diagnostic assessment tool is that it provides immediate and detailed feedback indicating how certain types of linguistic structures, correct or incorrect, are related to different stages of development.
Use of a single circuit to provide temporary mechanical respiratory and circulatory support in patients with LV apical thrombus and cardiogenic shock
Authors: Mohamedali B , Tatooles A , Bhat G 
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Techniques to support patients with cardiogenic shock continue to improve. Patients with intracardiac thrombi pose a potential for additional complications. Novel methods of biventricular support are necessary to manage these patients. Methods: Two patients with refractory cardiogenic shock and left ventricular apical thrombi underwent mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as a bridge to decision, with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and extracorporeal mechanical oxygenation (ECMO). Instead of the conventional LV apical cannulation for LVAD, the left atrium (LA) was cannulated. The LA cannula was then integrated with the ECMO circuit via a ‘Y’ connection to a percutaneous right atrial cannula, enabling optimal drainage of both sides into one circuit through a single CentriMag® pump and ECMO into the aorta. Results: The first patient was converted to a durable LVAD and transplanted, while the second patient was explanted, after demonstrating significant LV recovery. Conclusion: We demonstrated the use of MCS as a bridge to decision in patients with LV thrombi, utilizing biatrial cannulation with a ‘Y’ connection to drain both right- and left-sided circulation through a single circuit and pump.
The ambiguity of the concept of participation in measurement instruments: operationalization of participation influences research outcomes
Authors: Stallinga Hillegonda A , Dijkstra Pieter U , Bos Isaac , Heerkens Yvonne F , Roodbol Petrie F 
Published: June 2014

Objective: This study explores, based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, the consequences of different operationalizations of participation in regression models predicting participation in one sample of patients. Design: Cross-sectional, comparative study. Setting: Department of Neurology of a University Hospital. Subjects: A total of 677 patients with a Neuromuscular Disease. Measures: Participation was measured using the Neuromuscular Disease Impact Profile questionnaire, the RAND-36 Item Health Survey (social functioning, role limitations—physical, role limitations—emotional) and the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire (autonomy outdoors, social relations). Potential predictors of participation included type of neuromuscular disease, body functions (measured with Neuromuscular Disease Impact Profile), activities (measured with Neuromuscular Disease Impact Profile), environmental factors (measured with Neuromuscular Disease Impact Profile), and personal factors (measured with the 13-item Sense of Coherence questionnaire). The results were controlled for patient characteristics. Results: Participation was statistically predicted by different determinants depending on the operationalization used for participation. Additionally, the regression coefficients differed significantly. Body functions and activities were predictors in five out of six operationalizations of participation. Sense of coherence predicted participation in all of the operationalizations. The explained variance of the different models ranged from 25% (RAND-36 role limitations—emotional) to 65% (Neuromuscular Disease Impact Profile). Conclusions: Different operationalizations of participation result in different prediction models. Lack of conceptual consensus makes participation an ambiguous concept in research, and this ambiguity makes evidence-based decisions directed at enhancing participation difficult. Participation needs to be operationalized in an unambiguous and standard way in order to improve the comparability of outcomes.
Adhesive taping vs. daily manual muscle stretching and splinting after botulinum toxin type A injection for wrist and fingers spastic overactivity in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Santamato Andrea , Micello Maria Francesca , Panza Francesco , Fortunato Francesca , Picelli Alessandro , Smania Nicola , Logroscino Giancarlo , Fiore Pietro , Ranieri Maurizio 
Published: June 2014

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of two procedures increasing the botulinum toxin type A effect for wrist and finger flexor spasticity after stroke. Design: A single-blind randomized trial. Subjects: Seventy patients with upper limb post-stroke spasticity. Methods: Adults with wrist and finger flexor muscles spasticity after stroke were submitted to botulinum toxin type A therapy. After the treatment, the subjects injected were randomly divided into two groups and submitted to adhesive taping (Group A) or daily muscle manual stretching, passive articular mobilization of wrist and fingers, and palmar splint (Group B) for 10 days. We measured spasticity with Modified Ashworth Scale, related disability with Disability Assessment Scale, and fingers position at rest. The measurements were done at baseline, after two weeks, and after one month from the treatment session. Results: After two weeks, subjects in Group A reported a significantly greater decrease in spasticity scores (Modified Ashworth Scale fingers: mean (standard deviation) 1.3±0.6 vs. 2.1±0.6; Modified Ashworth Scale wrist: 1.7 ±0.6 vs. 2.3 ±0.8), and after one month in spasticity and disability scores (Modified Ashworth Scale fingers: mean (standard deviation) 1.9 ±0.7 vs. 2.5 ±0.6; Modified Ashworth Scale wrist: 2.0 ±0.7 vs. 2.6 ±0.6; Disability Assessment Scale: 1.6 ±0.7 vs. 2.1 ±0.7) compared with Group B subjects. Subjects in Group A reported also a significantly improved fingers position at rest compared with Group B subjects after two weeks (2.8 ±0.9 vs. 2.1 ±0.7) and one month (2.3 ±0.7 vs. 1.5 ±0.6). Conclusions: Adhesive taping of wrist and finger flexor muscles appeared to enhance the effect of botulinum toxin type A therapy more than daily manual muscle stretching combined with passive articular mobilization and palmar splint.
Chest X-ray and CT findings of early H7N9 avian influenza cases
Authors: Lin Zhi Qian , Xu Xue Qin , Zhang Ke Bei , Zhuang Zhi Guo , Liu Xiao Sheng , Zhao Li Qun , Lin Chang Yang , Li Yang , Hua Xiao Lan , Zhao Hui Lin , Hua Jia , Xu Jian Rong 
Published: June 2014

Background The H7N9 strain of bird flu is a new type of avian flu that was identified at the end of March 2013. The disease is concerning because most patients have become severely ill. Purpose To study the X-ray and computed tomography (CT) findings of early H7N9 avian influenza cases. Material and Methods Chest radiography and CT were performed in six patients with H7N9 avian influenza within 1–20 days after onset. The CT examinations included conventional spiral CT and high-resolution CT. The findings on the radiography and CT images were analyzed. Results Abnormal X-ray and CT findings were present in all of the patients. All of the cases had acute onset. In the early stage, the right lung was more commonly affected (particularly in the right upper and middle lobes). The lesions rapidly expanded to the entire lungs and were characterized primarily by ground-glass opacities (GGOs) combined with consolidation. Diffuse GGO was observed in all six cases (1 was symmetric, and 5 were non-symmetric). Local consolidation was found in four cases, and lobar consolidation was found in two cases. Normal lung tissue was observed between the lesions. Pleural thickening was common and was combined with pleural/pericardial effusion or mediastinal lymph node enlargement. Reticular changes, centrilobular nodules, and the tree-in-bud sign were observed in some cases, but reticular changes, bronchial wall thickening, and hyperinflation were not found. Conclusion Radiological changes associated with both acute pneumonia and acute interstitial inflammation were observed in early H7N9 avian influenza cases. Serial chest X-rays were useful for the diagnosis and severity assessment of the disease. CT may provide a more accurate assessment of the lung pathology.
Voluntary Enhanced Cocontraction of Hamstring Muscles During Open Kinetic Chain Leg Extension Exercise
Authors: Biscarini Andrea , Benvenuti Paolo , Botti Fabio M. , Brunetti Antonella , Brunetti Orazio , Pettorossi Vito E. 
Published: June 2014

Background: A number of research studies provide evidence that hamstring cocontraction during open kinetic chain knee extension exercises enhances tibiofemoral (TF) stability and reduces the strain on the anterior cruciate ligament. Purpose: To determine the possible increase in hamstring muscle coactivation caused by a voluntary cocontraction effort during open kinetic chain leg-extension exercises, and to assess whether an intentional hamstring cocontraction can completely suppress the anterior TF shear force during these exercises. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Knee kinematics as well as electromyographic activity in the semitendinosus (ST), semimembranosus (SM), biceps femoris (BF), and quadriceps femoris muscles were measured in 20 healthy men during isotonic leg extension exercises with resistance ( R) ranging from 10% to 80% of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The same exercises were also performed while the participants attempted to enhance hamstring coactivation through a voluntary cocontraction effort. The data served as input parameters for a model to calculate the shear and compressive TF forces in leg extension exercises for any set of coactivation patterns of the different hamstring muscles. Results: For R≤ 40% 1RM, the peak coactivation levels obtained with intentional cocontraction ( l) were significantly higher ( P < 10–3) than those obtained without intentional cocontraction ( l0). For each hamstring muscle, maximum level l was reached at R = 30% 1RM, corresponding to 9.2%, 10.5%, and 24.5% maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for the BF, ST, and SM, respectively, whereas the ratio l/ l0 reached its maximum at R = 20% 1RM and was approximately 2, 3, and 4 for the BF, SM, and ST, respectively. The voluntary enhanced coactivation level l obtained for R≤ 30% 1RM completely suppressed the anterior TF shear force developed by the quadriceps during the exercise. Conclusion: In leg extension exercises with resistance R≤ 40% 1RM, coactivation of the BF, SM, and ST can be significantly enhanced (up to 2, 3, and 4 times, respectively) by a voluntary hamstring cocontraction effort. The enhanced coactivation levels obtained for R≤ 30% 1RM can completely suppress the anterior TF shear force developed by the quadriceps during the exercise. Clinical Relevance: This laboratory study suggests that leg extension exercise with intentional hamstring cocontraction may have the potential to be a safe and effective quadriceps-strengthening intervention in the early stages of rehabilitation programs for anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction recovery. Further studies, including clinical trials, are needed to investigate the relevance of this therapeutic exercise in clinical practice.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Ethics Consultations in an Oncologic Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Voigt Louis P. , Rajendram Prabalini , Shuman Andrew G. , Kamat Sunil , McCabe Mary S. , Kostelecky Natalie , Pastores Stephen M. , Halpern Neil A. 
Published: June 2014

Objective: To evaluate the frequency, characteristics, and outcomes of ethics consultations in critically ill patients with cancer. Design, Setting, and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all adult patients with cancer who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a comprehensive cancer center and had an ethics consultation between September 2007 and December 2011. Demographic and clinical variables were abstracted along with the details and contexts of the ethics consultations. Main Results: Ethics consultations were obtained on 53 patients (representing 1% of all ICU admissions). The majority (90%) of patients had advanced-stage malignancies, had received oncologic therapies within the past 12 months, and required mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressor therapy for respiratory failure and/or severe sepsis. Two-thirds of the patients lacked decision-making capacity and nearly all had surrogates. The most common reasons for ethics consultations were disagreements between the patients/surrogates and the ICU team regarding end-of-life care. After ethics consultations, the surrogates agreed with the recommendations made by the ICU team on the goals of care in 85% of patients. Moreover, ethics consultations facilitated the provision of palliative medicine and chaplaincy services to several patients who did not have these services offered to them prior to the ethics consultations. Conclusion: Our study showed that ethics consultations were helpful in resolving seemingly irreconcilable differences between the ICU team and the patients’ surrogates in the majority of cases. Additionally, these consultations identified the need for an increased provision of palliative care and chaplaincy visits for patients and their surrogates at the end of life.