bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potentially predictable patterns of extratropical tropospheric circulation in an ensemble of climate simulations with the COLA AGCM
Authors: Zheng X. , Straus D. M. , Frederiksen C. S. , Grainger S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA variance decomposition approach to estimate the potentially predictable component of seasonal means has been further developed to separately diagnose the boundary‐forced component and the slowly varying internal dynamics component. This decomposition of the potentially predictable component has been applied to an ensemble of ten 50‐year simulations of the 500 hPa geopotential height field from the Center for Ocean‐Land‐Atmosphere Studies global atmospheric model forced by sea‐surface temperatures. The model performance is analysed for the winter season and compared with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis. The majority of the hemispheric potentially predictable patterns, identified as the empirical orthogonal functions of the potentially predictable component of the seasonal mean fields, are captured by the model. These include all the patterns forced by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation in the Southern Hemisphere, and the dominant potentially predictable patterns in the Northern Hemisphere, i.e. the Pacific–North American pattern. However, the boreal winter Western Pacific Oscillation and Tropical Northern Hemisphere pattern, which are well simulated by some other general circulation models, are not well captured. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
R Graphics
Authors: Murrell Paul 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article describes the graphics facilities of the R language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. There is a brief introduction to basic plotting functions in R, followed by a description of the organisation of R graphics into coherent and consistent sets of graphics functions, plus an indication of what sorts of plots each set of functions can produce. There is also a brief discussion of the limitations of R graphics.One of the features that draws many users to R1is the graphics sub‐system. The main features that distinguish R from the many other software systems that can be used to produce plots are that R provides facilities for creating a very wide range of statistical plots, R allows for very fine control over the appearance of plots, and R produces plots that are suitable for professional publication.This article provides an overview of the basic features of R graphics, along with some simple examples of how to produce plots using R. The general structure and organisation of R graphics is also described to give the reader some indication of how to explore R graphics system further. While some graphical user interfaces exist for R, and some of these provide menu items for producing plots, the only way to make use of the full power of the R graphics system is to write R code, so this article will only address the R code that can be used to produce plots. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:Software for Computational Statistics > Software/Statistical Software
Fractional factorial design
Authors: Gunst Richard F. , Mason Robert L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFractional factorial designs are among the most important statistical contributions to the efficient exploration of the effects of several controllable factors on a response of interest. Fractional factorials are widely used in experiments in fields as diverse as agriculture, industry, and medical research. A key feature of fractional factorials that is not shared by more ad hoc methods for reducing the size of experiments is that the statistical properties are known in advance of experimentation. Consequently, an experimenter can investigate alternatives that enable the goals of the experiment to be met with the least cost, shortest time, or most effective use of resources. On occasion, an experimenter might decide not to conduct an experiment as originally planned once the statistical properties of the design are known. This article highlights the fundamental concepts, design strategies, and statistical properties of fractional factorial designs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models
Statistical Models > Classification Models
Centroids
Authors: Abdi Hervé 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe concept of centroid is the multivariate equivalent of the mean. Just like the mean, the centroid of a cloud of points minimizes the sum of the squared distances from the points of the cloud to a point in the space. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Statistical Models > Multivariate Models
Potential future exposure calculations using the BGM model
Authors: Ng Leslie , Peterson Dave 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe investigate the use of the Brace–Gatarek–Musiela (BGM) model in potential future exposure (PFE) calculations for various exotic interest rate products. Monte Carlo simulation is required to generate PFE scenarios. If the pricing model is also implemented using Monte Carlo simulation, PFE calculations are exceptionally demanding, involving nested Monte Carlo simulations. To reduce computation time, we look at two approximate pricing methods—a Longstaff‐Schwartz regression‐based approach, and a finite difference approach using a drift approximated BGM model. Numerical results are presented for several different exotic trade types. PFE results delivered by the two approximate methods are compared with results obtained by full resimulation, i.e. nested Monte Carlo. In the test cases we looked at, both approaches produced good results and were several orders of magnitude faster than full resimulation. However, care must be taken when using the regression‐based approach. In particular, results can vary significantly depending on the order of the polynomial basis functions used in the regressions. Copyright © 2009 Wilmott Magazine Ltd
Prospective Study of Intra‐Abdominal Pressure Following Major Elective Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Scollay John M. , de Beaux Ishrat , Parks Rowan W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundStudies in emergency surgical patients have shown that raised intra‐abdominal pressure may adversely affect organ function. The major aim of the present study was to establish the incidence of intra‐abdominal hypertension (IAH) in patients undergoing major elective abdominal surgery. A secondary aim was to determine if the development of IAH was associated with poorer outcome.MethodsPatients undergoing major elective general surgical procedures were recruited to a prospective study in which intra‐abdominal pressure was measured for 72 h postoperatively. Outcome data were collected on all patients.ResultsA total of 42 patients with a median age of 63.5 years were studied. Five patients (12%) developed IAH, but this did not lead to a significant increase in the incidence of major organ dysfunction. There was no significant difference in the median length of hospital stay. However the development of IAH was associated with delayed return to oral diet (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIntra‐abdominal hyhpertension occurs in 12% of patients following major elective abdominal surgery and leads to a significantly delayed return to oral diet, but not to an increased length of hospital stay or increased incidence of major organ dysfunction.
In Search of Benchmarking for Mortality Following Multiple Trauma: A Swiss Trauma Center Experience
Authors: Füglistaler‐Montali Ida , Attenberger Corinna , Füglistaler Philipp , Jacob Augustinus L. , Amsler Felix , Gross Thomas 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe manifestations associated with non‐survival after multiple trauma may vary importantly between countries and institutions. The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of performance by comparing actual mortality rates to the literature.MethodsThe study involved evaluation of a prospective consecutive multiple trauma cohort (injury severity score, ISS > 16) primarily admitted to a university hospital. Univariate and multivariate testing of routine parameters and scores, such as the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), was used to determine their predictive powers for mortality.ResultsThe 30‐day mortality of 22.8% (n = 54) exactly matched predicted TRISS versions of Champion or the Major Trauma Outcome Study for our 237 multiple trauma patients (42.8 ± 20.9 years; ISS 29.5 ± 11.5). Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between survivors and non‐survivors when compared for age, ISS, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), pulse oximeter saturation (SapO2), hemoglobin, prothrombin time, and lactate. In multivariate analysis, age, ISS, and GCS (P < 0.001 each) functioned as major independent prognostic parameters of both 24 h and 30‐day mortality. Various TRISS versions hardly differed in their precision (area under the curve [AUC] 0.83–0.84), but they did differ considerably in their level of requirement, with the TRISS using newer National Trauma Data Bank coefficients (NTDB‐TRISS) offering the highest target benchmark (predicted mortality 13%, Z value –5.7) in the prediction of 30‐day mortality.ConclusionsBecause of the current lack of a single, internationally accepted scoring system for the prediction of mortality after multiple trauma, the comparison of outcomes between medical centers remains unreliable. To achieve effective quality control, a practical benchmarking model, such as the TRISS‐NTDB, should be used worldwide.
The Influence of Reaction Parameters on the Epoxidation of Rapeseed Oil with Peracetic Acid
Authors: Milchert Eugeniusz , Smagowicz Anna 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe influence of reaction parameters on the epoxidation of rapeseed oil (RO) with peracetic acid obtained in situ from the reaction between 30 wt% hydrogen peroxide and glacial acetic acid (AA) has been studied. The course of the reaction was measured by changes of the iodine number (IN) and epoxy number (EN), used to estimate the degree of rapeseed oil conversion, yield, and the selectivity of transformation to epoxidized rapeseed oil in relation to the total amount of oil undergoing the transformation. The optimal conditions of epoxidation are as follows: temperature 60 °C, molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to rapeseed oil 9.5:1 mol/mol, molar ratio of acetic acid to rapeseed oil 1.12:1 mol/mol, stirring speed 500 rpm, and reaction time of 4 h. Under these conditions the epoxy number is equal to 0.157 mol/100 g RO and iodine number reaches low values of 0.123 mol/100 g RO. The selectivity of transformation to epoxidized RO calculated from EN and IN is 82.2%, conversion of hydrogen peroxide is 100%, conversion of RO calculated from IN is 60.8%, and yield of RO calculated from EN is 50%.
The validity of average 8‐h pain intensity assessment in cancer patients
Authors: Caraceni Augusto , Zecca Ernesto , Martini Cinzia , Brunelli Cinzia , Pigni Alessandra , Gorni Giovanna , Galbiati Anna , Ibazeta Myrta , Hjermstad Marianne , Kaasa Stein 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTAim of this study was to validate the use of subjective average pain assessment over an 8‐h time period to evaluate cancer pain intensity.A sample of 95 consecutive cancer inpatients were asked to score on 0–10 numerical scales the intensity of their pain at hourly intervals, and then, at the 8th hour, to rate their average pain intensity over the last 8h. Agreement between the average of the 8 hourly measures (8hA) and the single patient‐rated average (PA8h) was examined with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the absolute difference (AD) between the two measurements. Associations between AD, gender, age older than 70, somatic pain, visceral pain, neuropathic pain, pain on movement and the presence of pain exacerbations during the 8‐h period, were also examined.Average pain intensity scores were very similar with the two measurement schedules: 3.4 for 8hA and 3.7 for PA8h, with a median AD of 0.44 points. Only six patients (6.3%) showed ADs higher than 2 points. Also the ICC (0.85) showed a substantial agreement between the two schedules. Among the examined variables, gender, age over 70years and presence of pain exacerbations showed a significant association with the agreement level.Overall, our results support the validity of a subjective average pain measurement over 8‐h period in cancer patients.
High fat diet‐induced maternal obesity alters fetal hippocampal development
Authors: Niculescu Mihai D. , Lupu Daniel S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe importance of maternal nutrition for fetal brain development is increasingly recognized. Previous studies have suggested that maternal obesity or maternal exposure to obesogenic diets may permanently alter brain structure and function in the offspring. To test whether maternal exposure to a high‐fat diet, prior and during gestation, alters fetal hippocampal development, we fed 8‐week old C57BL/6 females with a high‐fat diet (60% calories from fat) for 10 weeks prior to matting and 17 days after. Fetal brains at embryonic day E17 were used to determine developmental changes in the hippocampus. We report that maternal exposure to the high‐fat diet induced small for gestational age (SGA) status and fetal resorption. The proliferation of neural progenitors was increased in the neuroepithelium from hippocampus and cortex in fetuses from mothers fed the high‐fat diet when compared to controls, but decreased within the dentate gyrus (DG). Apoptosis in the hippocampus was decreased (Ammon's Horn and fimbria). The differentiation of calretinin‐positive neurons within the DG was also decreased.These data indicate that, under the influence of a maternal high‐fat diet administered prior and during gestation, fetal hippocampal development is altered at embryonic day 17, as indicated by region‐specific changes in proliferation of neural precursors, decreased apoptosis, and by decreased neuronal differentiation within the dentate gyrus.
The Roman Inquisition's precept to Galileo (1616)
Authors: MAYER THOMAS F. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractOn 26 February 1616 Galileo was ordered to cease to defend heliocentrism in any way whatsoever. This order, called a precept, automatically applied to anything he might later attempt to publish on the subject. Issued at the end of his first trial by the Roman Inquisition, the precept became the spark that triggered his second trial in 1632–3 and figured importantly in the justification of his sentence. This precept has been a subject of controversy since the late nineteenth century for its authenticity, legality and legitimacy. This paper addresses the first two points and establishes the facts of what probably happened in 1616. It does so by examining seven texts that bear on the event. All but one of these (plus Galileo's first deposition in 1633) agree tolerably well that Galileo did indeed receive the precept in the strongest form. An examination of the singleton text in the context of how the Inquisition produced and kept its records as well as of its procedures and personnel shows that it is the least reliable source. This context also supports the argument that certainty about what happened is impossible to achieve. The theory that the document most damaging to Galileo was a forgery is also disposed of. Examination of the crucial phrase successive ac incontinenti in one of the documents supports the paper's suggestion that more caution is in order before accepting the currently nearly universal claim that the precept was improper in law.
Treatment of idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis with laryngotracheal reconstruction
Authors: Cui P , Chen W 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives:We evaluated the efficacy of laryngotracheal reconstruction with costal cartilage grafting for the treatment of idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis.Methods:From January 2001 to December 2005, 129 patients with laryngotracheal stenosis were treated at our hospital. Of these patients, five (4 per cent) female patients whose ages ranged from 14 to 34 years were identified as having idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis. These patients were treated with a modified laryngotracheal reconstruction with anterior costal cartilage grafting. A Montgomery T-tube remained in place for 12 to 22 months.Results:Three patients presented with grade three and two with grade two stenosis. Three patients were decannulated after one procedure, with normal respiratory function and good exercise tolerance; one patient was decannulated after two procedures. One patient failed decannulation. The mean time to decannulation was 13 months.Conclusions:Laryngotracheal reconstruction with anterior costal cartilage grafting is a safe and effective method, and provides an alternative treatment for idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis.
Spontaneous cervical lymphocoele: case reports and management decisions
Authors: Walker F D L , MacGregor F B , Ganly I 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIntroduction:Neck lumps in young adults are not uncommon, and most represent benign, reactive lymphadenopathy. Cystic swellings are less common. Spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles are very rare, and present as fluctuant, asymptomatic, cystic swellings in the neck in otherwise fit individuals.Case reports:We report two healthy young women who presented with spontaneous cervical lymphocoeles and who were treated successfully with surgical excision. The timing of surgical intervention was influenced in both cases by their imminent wedding celebrations.Conclusions:Whilst sclerotherapy has been advocated by some authors, we found it unhelpful; however, surgery provided definitive treatment.
An unusual cause of obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Farboud A , Pratap R , Helquist H , Montgomery P 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIntroduction:Rhabdomyoma of the larynx is a rare condition, with less than 40 cases recorded worldwide.Clinical record:A 76-year-old man was referred to our clinic with progressive, severe hoarseness and dysphagia. He had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea by the respiratory physicians and commenced on nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation. Transnasal laryngoscopy revealed bilaterally enlarged tissue in the region of the arytenoids; biopsies revealed the (previously unreported) diagnosis of bilateral, synchronous rhabdomyoma of the arytenoids. Following multiple debulking surgical procedures and a tracheostomy, the patient's condition began to improve.Discussion:We describe the clinical picture, diagnosis and subsequent management of this patient, and also reproduce the histopathological and radiological images that aided our diagnosis. We also review reported cases of rhabdomyoma of the larynx, including their location, management and outcome.
A Change in the Forest: Myth and History in West Java
Authors: Wessing Robert 
Published: August 2009

The demarcation of boundaries is an important feature of the Sundanese social and geographical landscape. Markers indicating the limits of territories, ceremonial areas and the like abound. Linguistic markers indicate interpersonal social boundaries. Boundaries are generally regarded as places of danger and various supernatural entities are said to guard those between any two spheres in general. On Java generally, regularly recurring anniversaries, such as Idul Fitri and 1 Sura, the Javanese new year are marked with significant ceremonies such as bersih desa or petik laut or, in the past, rampok macan protecting the village or realm from evil.Less immediately obvious are boundaries in time, marking the transition between zaman, or eras. A change in era is of a different kind from the cyclical changes since by its very nature it is a non-repeating event. The topic of this paper is one such change in West Java, the change from Hindu rule to Islamic hegemony, and the mythology which consequently arose, providing a supernatural explanation for this quite powerful event.
Lessons from a Caterpillar Plague in London's Berkeley Square
Authors: Owen Denis F. 
Published: August 2009

Plagues of caterpillars and other plant-feeding insects tend to occur where trees and other plants grow as man-made monocultures. Herbivorous insects rarely cause extensive damage to mature trees in tropical forests; but even in the tropics, outbreaks are frequent wherever trees of the same species are grown together—as for example along roadways and in built-up areas. In Africa, in particular, peasant cultivators growing their own food tend to plant a variety of species in the same plot, and it is suggested that these people have found by trial and error that polycultures are more resistant to insect damage than are monocultures. English flower-gardeners maintain polycultures in their herbaceous borders and are rarely troubled by insects, but vegetables are now grown as pure stands. This probably leads to a build-up of pests and a need to use pesticides, which of course is encouraged by the gardening and pesticide industries.Although there remains considerable controversy over the precise relationship between species diversity and population stability, there is much circumstantial and some direct evidence that plagues of plant-feeding insects are much more likely in pure stands of vegetation than in diverse communities. What might be called the community ecology of peasant cultivation is little understood, and there is an urgent need for research before more and more land is converted to monocultures.
Forestry and Conservation
Authors: Nicholson E. Max 
Published: August 2009

Forestry and Conservation, although inherently kindred interests, have recently diverged to the point of antagonism. Why is this, and how can they be brought together again?John Evelyn, a founder of forestry, as a matter of public policy, presented it as of much wider significance than the production of timber alone. During the past century, however, a narrower and more materialist approach has prevailed, ignoring the relationship between land, men, and science, and creating conflicts between foresters and conservationists. It is probably common ground that until very recently much of the training of professional foresters has been inadequate to equip them for appreciating the broader role of forestry and for communicating with fellow interests in land-use.Conservationists equally suffer from deformations arising from their early struggles. They tend to line up in two groups—the ‘polarizers’ who are heirs of the pioneer missionary and compaigning stage, and the ‘integrators’ who are more concerned to find operators in the area of natural resources who are ready to cooperate in acceptable compromises.Many current practices in forestry unfortunately tend to repel the ‘integrators’ and to drive conservationists into adopting ‘polarizer’ attitudes. Forest managers are at last becoming aware of this problem, and to the importance of decision-making on the basis of underlying scientific principles and facts, which can enable a joint strategy to be developed between foresters and conservationists for the wise and balanced long-term use of the vast forest resource.