bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting for model error in the Météo‐France ensemble data assimilation system
Authors: Raynaud Laure , Berre Loïk , Desroziers Gérald 
Published: August 2011

AbstractSince July 2008, a variational ensemble data assimilation system has been used operationally at Météo‐France to provide background error variances ‘of the day’ to the operational 4D‐Var assimilation of the global Arpège model. The current ensemble is run in a perfect model framework and estimated variances are inflated ‘offline’ (i.e. after the ensemble has been completed) to account for model errors. The inflation coefficient is tuned according to a posteriori diagnostics relative to the minimum of the cost function. In this study, the ‘offline’ variance inflation is replaced by an ‘online’ multiplicative inflation of 6 h forecast perturbations after each step of 6 h model integration. This allows the inflation information to be accounted for in the production of background perturbations with realistic amplitudes for the perturbed analysis steps.In the case of a perfect model approach, background error standard deviations are underestimated by a factor of approximately two. When using online inflation to avoid this kind of mismatch, background perturbations after 6 h of model integration are inflated by around 10%. Examination of error spectra and of standard deviation maps indicates that the increase of variance is somewhat larger for synoptic scales and in data‐sparse regions with dynamically active systems such as in the extratropical part of the Southern Hemisphere. Moreover, the reduction of background perturbation amplitude during the analysis step is more pronounced, especially for large‐scale variables such as temperature and surface pressure.Parallel analysis and forecast experiments indicate that the covariance estimates provided by the inflated background perturbations have a neutral to positive impact on the forecast quality, in addition to being more consistent with innovation‐based estimates. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Using fold-in and fold-out in the architecture recovery of software systems
Authors: Risi Michele , Scanniello Giuseppe , Tortora Genoveffa 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
In this paper we present an approach to automate the architecture recovery process of software systems. The approach is built on information retrieval and clustering techniques, and, in particular, uses Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) to get similarities among software entities (e.g., programs or classes) and the k-means clustering algorithm to form groups of software entities that implement similar functionality. In order to improve computational time in the context of the software evolution and then reduce energy waste, the architecture recovery process can be also applied by using fold-in and fold-out mechanisms that, respectively, add and remove software entities to the LSI representation of the understudy software system. The approach has been implemented in a prototype of a supporting software system as an Eclipse plug-in. Finally, to assess the approach and the plug-in, we have conducted an empirical investigation on five open source software systems implemented using the programming languages Java and C/C++. In the investigation special emphasis has been also given to the effect of using the fold-in and fold-out mechanisms.
Hepatic venous outflow reconstruction using an external iliac vein graft for hepatic malignancies (with video)
Authors: Okano Keiichi , Oshima Minoru , Suzuki Yasuyuki 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundHepatic venous outflow reconstruction after major hepatectomy for advanced hepatic malignancies is often difficult even for experienced surgeons because of difficulties in application of anastomotic techniques and selection of the appropriate graft. We present our approach to hepatic venous reconstruction using an external iliac vein (EIV) graft for patients with hepatic malignancies.MethodsThe EIV graft was preoperatively assessed using three‐dimensional abdominal multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). The EIV graft (3.5–4.5 cm) was harvested extraperitoneally through an upper groin incision. First, the inferior vena cava and the EIV graft were sutured at two separate sites by using 6/0 propolypropylene as a traction suture with an operating loupe (×2.5) under hemi‐hepatic portal inflow occlusion. The distal end of the right hepatic vein (HV) was then reconstructed using the same technique. Graft patency was confirmed by intraoperative color Doppler ultrasonography (Aloca SSD2000, Japan).ResultsThe mean reconstruction time was 34 ± 6 min. There were no complications related to the HV reconstruction and no mortality. Follow‐up MDCT showed patency of the graft in all cases without noticeable caliber change.ConclusionsThe EIV graft for hepatic venous outflow reconstruction during hepatic resection is a simple technique with long‐term graft patency for major HV reconstruction.
Expression of cefF significantly decreased deacetoxycephalosporin C formation during cephalosporin C production in Acremonium chrysogenum
Authors: An Yang , Dong Hailing , Liu Gang 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Deacetoxycephalosporin C (DAOC) is not only the precursor but also one of the by-products during cephalosporin C (CPC) biosynthesis. One enzyme (DAOC/DAC synthase) is responsible for the two-step conversion of penicillin N into deacetylcephalosporin C (DAC) in Acremonium chrysogenum, while two enzymes (DAOC synthase and DAOC hydroxylase) were involved in this reaction in Streptomyces clavuligerus and Amycolatopsis lactamdurans (Nocardia lactamdurans). In this study, the DAOC hydroxylase gene cefF was cloned from Streptomyces clavuligerus and introduced into Acremonium chrysogenum through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. When cefF was expressed under the promoter of pcbC, the ratio of DAOC/CPC in the fermentation broth significantly decreased. These results suggested that introduction of cefF could function quite well in Acremonium chrysogenum and successfully reduce the content of DAOC in the CPC fermentation broth. This work offered a practical way to improve the CPC purification and reduce its production cost.
Evolution of virulence, environmental change, and the threat posed by emerging and chronic diseases
Authors: Ewald Paul W. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAssessments of future threats posed by infection have focused largely on zoonotic, acute disease, under the rubric “emerging diseases.” Evolutionary and epidemiological studies indicate, however, that particular aspects of infrastructure, such as protected water supplies, vector‐proof housing, and health care facilities, protect against the emergence of zoonotic, acute infectious diseases. While attention in the global health community has focused on emerging diseases, there has been a concurrent, growing recognition that important chronic diseases, such as cancer, are often caused by infectious agents that are already widespread in human populations. For economically prosperous countries, the immediacy of this threat contrasts with their infrastructural protection from severe acute infectious disease. This reasoning leads to the conclusion that chronic infectious diseases pose a more significant threat to economically prosperous countries than zoonotic, acute infectious diseases. Research efforts directed at threats posed by infection may therefore be more effective overall if increased efforts are directed toward understanding and preventing infectious causes of chronic diseases across the spectrum of economic prosperity, as well as toward specific infrastructural improvements in less prosperous countries to protect against virulent, acute infectious diseases.
Rapid Holocene coastal change revealed by high-resolution micropaleontological analysis, Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Grand Pre Candace , Culver Stephen J. , Mallinson David J. , Farrell Kathleen M. , Corbett D. Reide , Horton Benjamin P. , Hillier Caroline , Riggs Stanley R. , Snyder Scott W. , Buzas Martin A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractForaminiferal analyses of 404 contiguous samples, supported by diatom, lithologic, geochronologic and seismic data, reveal both rapid and gradual Holocene paleoenvironmental changes in an 8.21-m vibracore taken from southern Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. Data record initial flooding of a latest Pleistocene river drainage and the formation of an estuary 9000 yr ago. Estuarine conditions were punctuated by two intervals of marine influence from approximately 4100 to 3700 and 1150 to 500 cal yr BP. Foraminiferal assemblages in the muddy sand facies that accumulated during these intervals contain many well-preserved benthic foraminiferal species, which occur today in open marine settings as deep as the mid shelf, and significant numbers of well-preserved planktonic foraminifera, some typical of Gulf Stream waters. We postulate that these marine-influenced units resulted from temporary destruction of the southern Outer Banks barrier islands by hurricanes. The second increase in marine influence is coeval with increased rate of sea-level rise and a peak in Atlantic tropical cyclone activity during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. This high-resolution analysis demonstrates the range of environmental variability and the rapidity of coastal change that can result from the interplay of changing climate, sea level and geomorphology in an estuarine setting.
Forest–savanna–morichal dynamics in relation to fire and human occupation in the southern Gran Sabana (SE Venezuela) during the last millennia
Authors: Montoya Encarni , Rull Valentí , Stansell Nathan D. , Abbott Mark B. , Nogué Sandra , Bird Broxton W. , Díaz Wilmer A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe southern Gran Sabana (SE Venezuela) holds a particular type of neotropical savanna characterized by the local occurrence of morichales (Mauritia palm swamps), in a climate apparently more suitable for rain forests. We present a paleoecological analysis of the last millennia of Lake Chonita (4°39′N–61°0′W, 884 m elevation), based on biological and physico-chemical proxies. Savannas dominated the region during the last millennia, but a significant vegetation replacement occurred in recent times. The site was covered by a treeless savanna with nearby rainforests from 3640 to 2180 cal yr BP. Water levels were higher than today until about 2800 cal yr BP. Forests retreated since about 2180 cal yr BP onwards, likely influenced by a higher fire incidence that facilitated a dramatic expansion of morichales. The simultaneous appearance of charcoal particles and Mauritia pollen around 2000 cal yr BP supports the potential pyrophilous nature of this palm and the importance of fire for its recent expansion. The whole picture suggests human settlements similar to today – in which fire is an essential element – since around 2000 yr ago. Therefore, present-day southern Gran Sabana landscapes seem to have been the result of the synergy between biogeographical, climatic and anthropogenic factors, mostly fire.
Closing the praziquantel treatment gap: new steps in epidemiological monitoring and control of schistosomiasis in African infants and preschool-aged children
Authors: STOTHARD J. RUSSELL , SOUSA-FIGUEIREDO JOSÉ C. , BETSON MARTHA , GREEN HELEN K. , SETO EDMUND Y. W. , GARBA AMADOU , SACKO MOUSSA , MUTAPI FRANCISCA , VAZ NERY SUSANA , AMIN MUTAMAD A. , MUTUMBA-NAKALEMBE MARGARET , NAVARATNAM ANNALAN , FENWICK ALAN , KABATEREINE NARCIS B. , GABRIELLI ALBIS F. , MONTRESOR ANTONIO 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYWhere very young children come into contact with water containing schistosome cercariae, infections occur and schistosomiasis can be found. In high transmission environments, where mothers daily bathe their children with environmentally drawn water, many infants and preschool-aged children have schistosomiasis. This ‘new’ burden, inclusive of co-infections with Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni, is being formally explored as infected children are not presently targeted to receive praziquantel (PZQ) within current preventive chemotherapy campaigns. Thus an important PZQ treatment gap exists whereby infected children might wait up to 4–5 years before receiving first treatment in school. International treatment guidelines, set within national treatment platforms, are presently being modified to provide earlier access to medication(s). Although detailed pharmacokinetic studies are needed, to facilitate pragmatic dosing in the field, an extended ‘dose pole’ has been devised and epidemiological monitoring has shown that administration of PZQ (40 mg/kg), in either crushed tablet or liquid suspension, is both safe and effective in this younger age-class; drug efficacy, however, against S. mansoni appears to diminish after repeated rounds of treatment. Thus use of PZQ should be combined with appropriate health education/water hygiene improvements for both child and mother to bring forth a more enduring solution.
Detection of Dicrocoelium dendriticum larval stages in mollusc and ant intermediate hosts by PCR, using mitochondrial and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) sequences
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-IBEAS A. M. , MARTÍNEZ-VALLADARES M. , GONZÁLEZ-LANZA C. , MIÑAMBRES B. , MANGA-GONZÁLEZ M. Y. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to develop, perfect and validate the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique using mitochondrial (mt) and ribosomal (ITS-2) DNA for the accurate identification of Dicrocoelium dendriticum in molluscs and ants, the first and second intermediate hosts, and their early detection. The first primers that were designed amplified a 169 pb mtDNA fragment of D. dendriticum permitted the detection of a single D. dendriticum metacercaria from the Formica rufibarbis and Formica pratensis abdomen, as well as the detection of the brainworm in the head of the ants collected in tetania. Although these primers did not amplify Dicrocoelium chinensis DNA and permitted detected D. dendriticum in the molluscs, they did not discriminate Brachylaimidae metacercariae found in the same mollusc. The PCR that was designed to amplify a 93 bp fragment of the ITS-2 is D. dendriticum specific as it did not amplify D. chinensis, Brachylaimidae and other trematodes. This technique is very sensitive since it permitted the detection of D. dendriticum in the molluscs from the first day post-infection, the brainworm in the head of the ants and only 1 D. dendriticum metacercaria from the abdomen of the ants. Both techniques are important, mainly the latter.
Simultaneous evaluation of the harms and benefits of treatments in randomized clinical trials: demonstration of a new approach
Authors: Frank E. , Kupfer D. J. , Rucci P. , Lotz-Wallace M. , Levenson J. , Fournier J. , Kraemer H. C. 
Published: August 2011

BackgroundOne aim of personalized medicine is to determine which treatment is to be preferred for an individual patient, given all patient information available. Particularly in mental health, however, there is a lack of a single objective, reliable measure of outcome that is sensitive to crucial individual differences among patients.MethodWe examined the feasibility of quantifying the total clinical value provided by a treatment (measured by both harms and benefits) in a single metric. An expert panel was asked to compare 100 pairs of patients, one from each treatment group, who had participated in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) involving interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and escitalopram, selecting the patient with the preferred outcome considering both benefits and harms.ResultsFrom these results, an integrated preference score (IPS) was derived, such that the differences between any two patients' IPSs would predict the clinicians' preferences. This IPS was then computed for all patients in the RCT. A second set of 100 pairs was rated by the panel. Their preferences were highly correlated with the IPS differences (r=0.84). Finally, the IPS was used as the outcome measure comparing IPT and escitalopram. The 95% confidence interval (CI) for the effect size comparing treatments indicated clinical equivalence of the treatments.ConclusionsA metric that combines benefits and harms of treatments could increase the value of RCTs by making clearer which treatments are preferable and, ultimately, for whom. Such methods result in more precise estimation of effect sizes, without increasing the required sample size.
Partial volume characteristics of ionization chambers in kilovoltage x-ray exposure measurements
Authors: Akber Syed F. , Kehwar Than S. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe partial volume (spatial) response of four ionization chambers (Keithley) in kilovoltage X-ray beams, generated by the Philips Super 80CP X-ray unit, was assessed. The volume of the ionization chambers were of 10 cm3, 15 cm3, 150 cm3, and 600 cm3 used with Keithley electrometer Model 35040. The beam output was measured using a monitor chamber (Radcal 6.0 cm3) placed close to the collimator. The source to chamber distance was kept constant at 1 m. For the measurement of the response of ionization chambers of 15 cm3, 150 cm3, and 600 cm3, a slit of 2.0 mm width was made in a lead sheet of 3.2 mm thick and size of 30 × 30 cm2 and was placed on the ionization chamber. The measurements were made for 81 kVp, 400 mA, and 0.25 s and the slit was moved at an increment of 2.0 mm over the entire length of the chamber. For the measurements of the ionization chamber of 10 cm3 (CT chamber), the beams of 120 kVp, 200 mA and 0.2 s were generated, and a slit of 5 mm width was made in a similar lead sheet that was moved at an increment of 5.0 mm. From the result it appears that the sensitive volumes of the ionization chambers affect the response of the ionization chamber to incident radiation.
Gambling Among Adults in Germany: Prevalence, Disorder and Risk Factors
Authors: Sassen Monika , Kraus Ludwig , Bühringer Gerhard , Pabst Alexander , Piontek Daniela , Taqi Zainab 
Published: August 2011

Aims: The present study aimed at analyzing prevalence of participation in gambling activities, gambling disorder as well as associated risk factors in the German adult population. Methods: Data came from the 2009 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) using a mixed-mode design including questionnaires, telephone and Internet interviews. The cross-sectional random sample consisted of 8,006 subjects aged 18 to 64 years. The response rate was 50.1 %. Results: With a 12-month prevalence of 48.0 %, gambling was a common activity differing by gender (males: 53.9 %, females: 42.0 %). Prevalence of pathological gambling (PG; past 12 months) was estimated at 0.3 % and at 1.1 % for subthreshold pathological gambling (SPG). Various socioeconomic characteristics were related to SPG and/or PG. Male gender and non-German nationality have shown the greatest risk factors for PG. Moreover, gambling frequency and multiple gambling participation were positive associated with SPG and PG. A strong association was found for preference for Internet gambling with SPG and for preference for gaming machines and sports events with PG. Conclusions: The results indicate that SPG was genuinely different from gambling without endorsing any DSM-IV criteria calling for more research on the clinical relevance and classification of this subgroup. Furthermore, findings highlight the need for prevention and intervention measures that target subjects with specific socioeconomic and gambling-related risk factors.
Die Wirksamkeit psychologischer und psychopharmakologischer Interventionen bei pathologischem Glückspiel – eine Metaanalyse
Authors: Leibetseder Max , Laireiter Anton-Rupert , Vierhauser Miriam , Hittenberger Bernhard 
Published: August 2011

Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie berichtet über eine Meta-Analyse zur Wirksamkeit psychologischer und psycho-pharmakologischer Behandlungsmethoden des pathologischen Spiels. Methode: Dazu wurde eine systematische Literaturanalyse bis einschließlich Juli 2006 der Datenbanken PsycInfo, PsyndexPlus, Pascal, Biomed, Medline und Scopus durchgeführt. Von den daraus resultierenden 144 Studien erfüllten 56 mit einem N = 3.551 die Einschlusskriterien. Inkludiert wurden sowohl Studien mit einem Prä-Post-Katamnese-Design wie auch solche mit einer Vergleichs- oder Kontrollgruppe. Effektstärken wurden nach Cohen’s d berechnet. Bei Studien mit mehr als einem Outcome-Kriterium wurden diese gemittelt. Ergebnisse: Psychopharmakologische Behandlungen (d = .83; p ≤ .01; CI(95 %) = .72 – .95) erwiesen sich zum Therapieende als effektiver als psychologische (d = .63; p ≤ .01; CI(95 %) = .54 – .72). Deren Effekte waren zum Follow-up (M = 17 Monate) jedoch hoch (d = 1.26; p ≤ .01; CI(95 %) = 1.15 – 1.37): Wegen fehlender Studien konnten keine entsprechenden Effekte für pharmakologische Behandlungen berechnet werden. Im Hinblick auf die spezifischen Behandlungen erwiesen sich Psycho-Stimulantien und Stimmungsstabilisierer als am effektivsten; bei den psychologischen Methoden waren es multimodale Programme, die aus einer Kombination von Selbsthilfe, Kompetenztrainings und Familieninterventionen bestanden. Allerdings wurden diese primär über Prä-Postvergleiche evaluiert. In diesem Design erwiesen sich jedoch in einer Reanalyse verhaltenstherapeutische Interventionen den multimodalen Programmen überlegen. In den Moderatoranalysen zeigte sich das Studiendesign als einzige bedeutsame Variable. Diskussion: Die Ergebnisse müssen als vorläufig gewertet werden, denn das Feld weist noch viele Mängel auf. So fehlen vor allem kontrollierte randomisierte Studien mit langfristigen Katamnesen. Auch wurden Kombinationstherapien noch nicht untersucht.
Auditory Spectral Integration in the Perception of Static Vowels
Authors: Fox Robert Allen , Jacewicz Ewa , Chang Chiung-Yun 
Published: August 2011

Purpose
To evaluate potential contributions of broadband spectral integration in the perception of static vowels. Specifically, can the auditory system infer formant frequency information from changes in the intensity weighting across harmonics when the formant itself is missing? Does this type of integration produce the same results in the lower (first formant [F1]) and higher (second formant [F2]) regions? Does the spacing between the spectral components affect a listener’s ability to integrate the acoustic cues?

Method

Twenty young listeners with normal hearing identified synthesized vowel-like stimuli created for adjustments in the F1 region (/ʌ/–/ɑ/, /
i
/–/ε/) and in the F2 region (/ʌ/–/æ/). There were 2 types of stimuli: (a) 2-formant tokens and (b) tokens in which 1 formant was removed and 2 pairs of sine waves were inserted below and above the missing formant; the intensities of these harmonics were modified to cause variations in their spectral center of gravity (COG). The COG effects were tested over a wide range of frequencies.

Results
Obtained patterns were consistent with calculated changes to the spectral COG, in both the F1 and F2 regions. The spacing of the sine waves did not affect listeners' responses.

Conclusion
The auditory system may perform broadband integration as a type of auditory wideband spectral analysis.