bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptual Upright: The Relative Effectiveness of Dynamic and Static Images Under Different Gravity States
Authors: Jenkin Michael , Zacher James , Dyde Richard , Harris Laurence , Jenkin Heather 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe perceived direction of up depends on both gravity and visual cues to orientation. Static visual cues to orientation have been shown to be less effective in influencing the perception of upright (PU) under microgravity conditions than they are on earth (Dyde et al., 2009). Here we introduce dynamic orientation cues into the visual background to ascertain whether they might increase the effectiveness of visual cues in defining the PU under different gravity conditions. Brief periods of microgravity and hypergravity were created using parabolic flight. Observers viewed a polarized, natural scene presented at various orientations on a laptop viewed through a hood which occluded all other visual cues. The visual background was either an animated video clip in which actors moved along the visual ground plane or an individual static frame taken from the same clip. We measured the perceptual upright using the oriented character recognition test (OCHART). Dynamic visual cues significantly enhance the effectiveness of vision in determining the perceptual upright under normal gravity conditions. Strong trends were found for dynamic visual cues to produce an increase in the visual effect under both microgravity and hypergravity conditions.
Lagrangian Eddy Scales in the Northern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Lumpkin Rick , Treguier Anne-Marie , Speer Kevin 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Eddy time and length scales are calculated from surface drifter and subsurface float observations in the northern Atlantic Ocean. Outside the energetic Gulf Stream, subsurface timescales are relatively constant at depths from 700 m to 2000 m. Length scale and the characteristic eddy speed decrease with increasing depth below 700 m, but length scale stays relatively constant in the upper several hundred meters of the Gulf Stream. It is suggested that this behavior is due to the Lagrangian sampling of the mesoscale field, in limits set by the Eulerian eddy scales and the eddy kinetic energy. In high-energy regions of the surface and near-surface North Atlantic, the eddy field is in the “frozen field” Lagrangian sampling regime for which the Lagrangian and Eulerian length scales are proportional. However, throughout much of the deep ocean interior, the eddy field may be in the “fixed float” regime for which the Lagrangian and Eulerian timescales are nearly equal. This does not necessarily imply that the deep interior is nearly linear, as fixed-float sampling is possible in a flow field of O(1) nonlinearity.
A Climatological Interpretation of the Circulation in the Western South Pacific*
Authors: Qu Tangdong , Lindstrom Eric J. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Time-averaged circulation is examined using historical hydrographic data near the Australia and Papua New Guinea coast in the Pacific. By averaging the data along isopycnal surfaces in a 0.5° × 0.5° grid, the authors are able to show many detailed phenomena associated with the narrow western boundary currents, including the vertical structure of the bifurcation latitude of the South Equatorial Current (SEC) and the connection between the Solomon and Coral Seas. The bifurcation latitude of the SEC is found to move southward from about 15°S near the surface to south of 22°S in the intermediate layers. The origin of the Great Barrier Reef Undercurrent (GBRUC) is identified to be at about 22°S. Farther to the north, the GBRUC intensifies underlying the surface East Australian Current, and merges with the North Queensland Current (NQC) at about 15°S. The NQC turns eastward to flow along the Papua New Guinea coast and feeds into the New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent (NGCUC) through the Louisiade Archipelago. Further analysis shows that there is a strong water property connection between the Coral and Solomon Seas, confirming the earlier speculation on the water mass origins of the NGCUC.
On Determining the Onset and Strength of Breaking for Deep Water Waves. Part II: Influence of Wind Forcing and Surface Shear
Authors: Banner Michael L. , Song Jin-Bao 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPart I of this study describes the authors' findings on a robust threshold variable that determines the onset of breaking for unforced, irrotational deep water waves and proposes a means of predicting the strength of breaking if the breaking threshold is exceeded. Those results were based on a numerical study of the unforced evolution of fully nonlinear, two-dimensional inviscid wave trains and highlight the fundamental role played by the nonlinear wave group dynamics. In Part II the scope of these calculations is extended to investigate the additional influence of wind forcing and background shear on the evolution to breaking.Using the methodology described in Part I, the present study focuses on the influence of wind forcing and vertical shear on long-term evolution toward breaking or recurrence of the maximum of the local energy density within a wave group. It investigates the behavior of a dimensionless local growth rate parameter that reflects the mean energy flux to the energy maximum in the wave group and provides a clearer physical interpretation of the evolution toward recurrence or breaking. Typically, the addition of the wind forcing and surface layer shear results in only small departures from the irrotational, unforced cases reported in Part I. This indicates that nonlinear hydrodynamic energy fluxes within wave groups still dominate the evolution to recurrence or breaking even in the presence of these other mechanisms. Further, the calculations confirm that the breaking threshold for this growth rate found for unforced irrotational wave groups in Part I is also applicable for cases with wind forcing and shear typical of open ocean conditions. Overall, this approach provides an earlier and more decisive indicator for the onset of breaking than previously proposed breaking thresholds and suggests a foundation for predicting the strength of breaking events.
North Atlantic Modeling of Low-Frequency Variability in Mode Water Formation
Authors: Paiva Afonso M. , Chassignet Eric P. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The generation of interannual and near-decadal variability in the formation of mode waters in the western North Atlantic is investigated in the realistic framework of an isopycnic coordinate ocean model forced with atmospheric data from 1946 to 1988. At Bermuda, the model reproduces quite well the observed potential vorticity and isopycnal depth anomalies associated with the subtropical mode water (STMW). Heat storage and preconditioning of the convective activity are found to be the important factors for the generation of STMW variability, with persistence of cold (warm) conditions, associated with anomalous heat loss (gain) over the western subtropics, being more significant for the generation of the simulated variability than are strong anomalous events in isolated years.
In the Labrador Sea, the model captures the phase and order of magnitude of the observed near-decadal variability in the convective activity, if not its maximum amplitude. The simulated potential vorticity anomalies are, as observed, out-of-phase with those in the western subtropics and correlate well with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) at near-decadal timescales, with the oceanic response lagging the NAO by ∼2–3 years. These results support the idea that the variability in water mass formation in the western North Atlantic can be attributed, to a large extent, to changes in the pattern of the large-scale atmospheric circulation, which generate sensible and latent heat flux variability by modifying the strength and position of the westerly winds and the advection of heat and moisture over the ocean. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that the interannual and near-decadal subsurface variability associated with STMW and Labrador Sea Water, and its relationship to the NAO, has been simulated in an ocean general circulation model.
Long-Term Observations of Tropical Instability Waves
Authors: Contreras Robert F. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Reynolds sea surface temperature (SST) data showing tropical instability waves (TIWs) in the tropical Pacific are analyzed along with current measurements from the Tropical Atmosphere–Ocean (TAO) buoy array and wind speeds from the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS) -1 and -2 scatterometers. TIWs are visible as undulations in the SST cold fronts that delineate the northern and southern boundaries of the cold tongue in the equatorial Pacific. The SST pattern results from advection of the SST front by instabilities in the near-surface equatorial currents. Although the waves are seen on both sides of the Pacific cold tongue and north of the equator in the Atlantic, they are most intense, and thereby most observable, in the north equatorial Pacific. The combination of data used in this analysis provides information about these waves, the factors controlling them, and their coupling to the atmosphere on annual and interannual timescales. On annual timescales, the TIWs generally establish a strong signal in July east of about 140°W with a westward phase speed of about 0.5 m s−1. By August, the waves usually occupy the longitudes between 160° and 100°W and continue to propagate west at roughly the same speed. With the onset of the warm season in the equatorial cold tongue (spring), the signal typically weakens and the propagation speeds show large variations. On interannual timescales, activity is strongest during the cold phase of the ENSO cycle (La Niña) when the cold tongue is most pronounced; the waves are weak or nonexistent during the warm phase of ENSO (El Niño) when the SST front is weak. The TIW signature in SST is noticeable throughout all seasons of the year provided that the gradient in SST at 140°W is greater than about 0.25°C (100 km)−1. In addition, analysis of the currents underlines the importance of the background currents to the zonal propagation speeds.
Dynamically Forced Increase of Tropical Upwelling in the Lower Stratosphere
Authors: Garny Hella , Dameris Martin , Randel William , Bodeker Greg E. , Deckert Rudolf 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Drivers of upwelling in the tropical lower stratosphere are investigated using the E39C-A chemistry–climate model. The climatological annual cycle in upwelling and its wave forcing are compared to the interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim). The strength in tropical upwelling and its annual cycle can be largely explained by local resolved wave forcing. The climatological mean forcing is due to both stationary planetary-scale waves that originate in the tropics and extratropical transient synoptic-scale waves that are refracted equatorward.
Increases in atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations to 2050 force a year-round positive trend in tropical upwelling, which maximizes in the lowermost stratosphere. Tropical ascent is balanced by downwelling between 20° and 40°. Strengthening of tropical upwelling can be explained by stronger local forcing by resolved wave flux convergence, which is driven in turn by processes initiated by increases in tropical sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Higher tropical SSTs cause a strengthening of the subtropical jets and modification of deep convection affecting latent heat release. While the former can modify wave propagation and dissipation, the latter affects tropical wave generation. The dominant mechanism leading to enhanced vertical wave propagation into the lower stratosphere is an upward shift of the easterly shear zone due to the strengthening and upward shift of the subtropical jets.
Observed Influences of Autumn–Early Winter Eurasian Snow Cover Anomalies on the Hemispheric PNA-like Variability in Winter
Authors: Wu Qigang , Hu Haibo , Zhang Lujun 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The impact of the Eurasian snow cover extent on the Northern Hemisphere (NH) circulation is investigated by applying a lagged maximum covariance analysis (MCA) to monthly satellite-derived snow cover and NCEP reanalysis data. Wintertime atmospheric signals significantly correlated with persistently autumn–early winter snow cover anomalies are found in the leading two MCA modes. The first MCA mode indicates the effect of Eurasian snow cover anomalies on the Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation (AO/NAO). The second MCA mode corresponds with the forcing of Eurasian snow cover anomalies on the hemispheric Pacific–North America (PNA)-like atmospheric variations. This snow–atmosphere relationship may present a significant potential for wintertime predictability.
The CASA Nowcasting System
Authors: Ruzanski Evan , Chandrasekar V. , Wang Yanting 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Short-term prediction (nowcasting) of high-impact weather events can lead to significant improvement in warnings and advisories and is of great practical importance. Nowcasting using weather radar reflectivity data has been shown to be particularly useful and the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) radar network provides high-resolution (0.5-km spatial and 1-min temporal resolution) reflectivity data that are amenable to producing valuable nowcasts. This paper describes the theory and implementation of a nowcasting system operating in the CASA Distributed Collaborative Adaptive Sensing network and shows that nowcasting can be reliably performed in such a distributed environment. In this context, nowcasting is used in a traditional sense to produce predictions of radar reflectivity fields up to 10 min into the future to support emergency manager decision making, and in a novel manner to support researchers and operational forecasters where 1–5-min nowcasts are used to steer the radar nodes to better observe moving precipitation systems. The high-resolution nature of CASA data and distributed system architecture necessitate the use of a fast nowcasting algorithm. A method is described that uses linear least squares estimation implemented in the Fourier domain for motion estimation with advection performed via a kernel-based method formulated in the spatial domain. Results of a performance evaluation during the CASA 2009 Integrative Project 1 experiment are presented that show that the nowcasting system significantly outperformed persistence forecasts of radar reflectivity in terms of critical success index and mean absolute error for lead times up to 10 min. Feedback from end users regarding the use of nowcasting for adaptive scanning was also unanimously positive.
Automatic Curve Extraction for Digitizing Rainfall Strip Charts
Authors: van Piggelen H. E. , Brandsma T. , Manders H. , Lichtenauer J. F. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A method has been developed that largely automates the labor-intensive extraction work for large amounts of rainfall strip charts and paper rolls. The method consists of the following five basic steps: 1) scanning the charts and rolls to high-resolution digital images, 2) manually and visually registering relevant meta information from charts and rolls and preprocessing rolls to locate day transitions, 3) applying automatic curve extraction software in a batch process to determine the coordinates of cumulative rainfall lines on the images, 4) postprocessing the curves that were not correctly determined in step 3, and 5) aggregating the cumulative rainfall in pixel coordinates to the desired time resolution. The core of the method is in step 3. Here a color detection procedure is introduced that automatically separates the background of the charts and rolls from the grid and subsequently the rainfall curve. The rainfall curve is detected by minimization of a cost function. In total, 321 station years of locations in the Netherlands have successfully been digitized and transformed to long-term rainfall time series with 5-min resolution. In about 30% of the cases, semiautomatic postprocessing of the results was needed using a purpose-built graphical interface application. This percentage, however, strongly depends on the quality of the recorded curves and the charts and rolls. Although developed for rainfall, the method can be applied to other elements as well.
Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein Reduced After Relocation Pharyngoplasty
Authors: Lee Li‐Ang , Huang Chung‐Guei , Chen Ning‐Hung , Wang Chun‐Li , Fang Tuan‐Jen , Li Hsueh‐Yu 
Published: February 2011

ObjectivesTo report improvement of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and changes of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) concentrations after relocation pharyngoplasty (RP), a high variant of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.Study DesignProspective comparative study.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsThirty consecutive OSAS patients without a preexisting diagnosis of cardiovascular disease who underwent RP were assessed for body mass index (BMI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), sleep apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), and serum levels of hs‐CRP at baseline and 6 months postoperatively.ResultsOf the subjects, the mean values of age, BMI, ESS, AHI, and hs‐CRP were 39.5 ± 7.0 years, 27.5 ± 4.5 kg/m2, 10.8 ± 4.2, 46.2 ± 22.9 events/hour, and 2.06 ± 1.78 mg/L, respectively. After 6 months postoperatively, RP reduced the ESS (Δ = −4.3 ± 4.5, P <. 001) and AHI (Δ = −28.3 ± 21.1, P <. 001) and levels of hs‐CRP (Δ = −0.67 ± 1.36, P =. 012) significantly, whereas BMI measurements were indifferent (Δ = −0.42 ± 1.28, P =. 073). Moreover, the changes of AHI and hs‐CRP were particularly remarkable in patients with very severe OSAS (AHI ≥60).ConclusionAlthough many OSAS patients remain in the mild‐moderate category, equivalent improvements in excessive daytime sleepiness and reductions of hs‐CRP concentrations indicate that reduction of AHI is not all that matters after RP.
A Multi‐wavelength Fiber‐Optic Temperature‐Controlled Laser Soldering System for Upper Aerodigestive Tract Reconstruction
Authors: Abergel Avraham , Gabay Ilan , Fliss Dan M. , Katzir Abraham , Gil Ziv 
Published: February 2011

ObjectiveLaser soldering of a thick multilayer organ using conventional CO2 lasers is ineffective. The purpose of this work was to develop a method for bonding the multilayer tissue of the upper aerodigestive tracts (UADT) without the need of sutures or stapling.Study DesignAnimal model.SettingAcademic research laboratory.Subjects and MethodsThe authors developed a multi‐wavelength laser system, based on 2 fiber‐optic lasers applied simultaneously. A highly absorbable CO2 laser interacts with the muscular layer, and a nonabsorbable GaAs laser interacts with indocyanine‐green solid albumin, placed between the mucosa and the muscular layer. The authors used an ex vivo porcine model to examine the capability of this system to effectively correct esophageal tears.ResultsThe soldered esophagi burst pressure was >175 cm H2O (98% success rate) in 88 of the 90 experiments. A conventional CO2 laser soldering resulted in insufficient bonding (mean burst pressure of 40 ± 7 cm H2O, n = 5), while the multi‐wavelength laser system provided an ~9‐fold tighter seal (359 ± 75.4 cm H2O, P <. 0001, n = 15). Burst pressures after conventional suturing of the defect was significantly lower (106 ± 65.8 cm H2O, P <. 001) than in the multi‐wavelength laser system.ConclusionsBonding of the UADT mucosa using a multi‐wavelength, temperature‐controlled laser soldering system can support significantly higher pressures then conventional CO2 laser soldering and suture repair. The mean bonding pressure was 3.5‐fold higher than the maximal swallowing pressure. Our findings provide a basis for implementation of new surgical tools for repair of esophageal perforations.
End‐of‐Life Care among Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Shuman Andrew G. , Yang Ye , Taylor Jeremy M. G. , Prince Mark E. 
Published: February 2011

ObjectiveThis study is designed to (1) determine the perceived quality of care received by patients with head and neck cancer at the end of their lives, in order to (2) better anticipate and improve upon the experiences of future patients.Study DesignCross‐sectional survey.SettingSingle‐institution, academic tertiary care medical center.Subjects and MethodsA validated survey instrument, the Family Assessment of Treatment at the End of life (FATE), was administered to families of patients who died of head and neck cancer (n = 58). The primary outcome was the overall FATE score. Independent variables included clinical characteristics, treatments received, and the care provided at the time of death.ResultsOverall FATE scores and the domains assessing management of symptoms and care at the time of death did not vary by disease status (logoregional vs distant metastasis) at the end of life (P =. 989). The location of death in the home or in hospice (vs hospital) significantly improves scores in all 3 categories (P =. 023). Involvement of a palliative care team improved the care at the time of death (P <. 001), and palliative treatments (radiation and/or chemotherapy) improved scores in managing symptoms and care at the time of death (P =. 011, P =. 017).ConclusionThe FATE survey is a useful measure of the end‐of‐life experience of head and neck cancer patients. Palliative treatments of head and neck cancer, death outside of the hospital, and palliative care team involvement all improve the end‐of‐life experience in this population.
Novel Nano-composite Multilayered Biomaterial for Osteochondral Regeneration
Authors: Kon Elizaveta , Delcogliano Marco , Filardo Giuseppe , Busacca Maurizio , Di Martino Alessandro , Marcacci Maurilio 
Published: February 2011

Background: In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in and awareness of the importance of subchondral bone, for its role in the pathogenesis of articular surface damage and for the care that should be taken when treating such damage. Purpose: The objective of this pilot clinical study was to test the safety and performance of a newly developed type I collagen-hydroxyapatite nanostructured biomimetic osteochondral scaffold that aims to regenerate cartilage and subchondral bone. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A multilayer gradient nano-composite scaffold was obtained by nucleating collagen type I fibrils with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Thirty patients (9 female, 21 male; mean age, 29.3 years) with knee chondral or osteochondral lesions were treated with scaffold implantation. Lesion size varied from 1.5 cm2 to 6.0 cm2. Twenty-eight patients were followed for 2 years and were clinically evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee and Tegner scores. At final follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging evaluation was performed in 24 patients, and they were evaluated with the MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) score. Results: The Tegner and International Knee Documentation Committee objective and subjective scores improved significantly from the baseline evaluation to the 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Further analysis showed a slower recovery but the same results for patients who presented with adverse events, for older patients, for patients who underwent previous surgery, and for those with patellar lesions. In contrast, a faster recovery was observed in active patients. At magnetic resonance imaging evaluation, complete filling of the cartilage and complete integration of the graft was shown in 70% of the lesions. However, the subchondral lamina and bone were considered intact in a minority of cases (7% and 47%, respectively). Conclusion: This open 1-step procedure was used for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral knee defects. The present pilot study highlighted the safety and potential clinical benefit of the graded biomimetic osteochondral scaffold in promoting bone and cartilage tissue restoration by itself and with good clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results at the 2-year follow-up.