bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and Performance Characteristics of the New 8.5-m Dual-Offset Gregorian Antenna for the CSU–CHILL Radar
Authors: Bringi V. N. , Hoferer R. , Brunkow D. A. , Schwerdtfeger R. , Chandrasekar V. , Rutledge S. A. , George J. , Kennedy P. C. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The Colorado State University–University of Chicago–Illinois State Water Survey (CSU–CHILL) national weather radar facility has been operated by the Colorado State University under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. National Science Foundation from 1990 to the present. The radar is configured to measure the elements of the 3 × 3 polarimetric covariance matrix based on using a two-transmitter and two-receiver system in the horizontal–vertical polarization basis. This S-band Doppler, dual-polarized radar facility is used for observations of precipitation with the highest possible data quality. To achieve this, a new dual-offset 8.5-m Gregorian antenna was custom designed and built by VertexRSI (now General Dynamics SATCOM) in Kilgore, Texas, to replace the circa 1994 center-fed parabolic reflector antenna. Here, the design features used to achieve the stringent specifications in terms of the sidelobe envelope and off-axis cross-polar levels are described, and the way in which they were validated at the manufacturer’s long- and short-range pattern measurement facility.
Measurements in several different storm types, including stratiform rain and an intense hailstorm, and ground clutter (from mountains) are used to illustrate the new antenna performance. The linear depolarization ratio (LDR) system limit is shown to be −40 dB or better, which should lead to more insights into the microphysics of convective precipitation at subfreezing temperatures (e.g., hail formation, improved hydrometeor-type classification), and in winter precipitation in general (e.g., aggregation processes, rimed versus unrimed particles). In the case of the intense hailstorm, it is shown that measurement artifacts resulting from strong cross-beam gradients of reflectivity, up to 40 dB km−1 at 40-km range, have been greatly reduced or eliminated. Previously noted measurement artifacts with the 1994 antenna at storm tops in intense convection have been eliminated with the dual-offset antenna. The ground (mountain) clutter example shows greatly reduced returns (in terms of near-zero mean Doppler velocity areas) because of rapid falloff in the sidelobe levels with increasing elevation angle. The greatly improved antenna performance as compared with the 1994 antenna are expected to result in corresponding data quality improvements leading to more accurate measurement of rain rate and hydrometeor classification.
Cities and greenhouse gas emissions: moving forward
Authors: Hoornweg Daniel , Sugar Lorraine , Trejos Gómez Claudia Lorena 
Published: April 2011

Cities are blamed for the majority of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. So too are more affluent, highly urbanized countries. If all production-and consumption-based emissions that result from lifestyle and purchasing habits are included, urban residents and their associated affluence likely account for more than 80 per cent of the world’s GHG emissions. Attribution of GHG emissions should be refined. Apportioning responsibility can be misguided, as recent literature demonstrates that residents of denser city centres can emit half the GHG emissions of their suburban neighbours. It also fails to capture the enormous disparities within and across cities as emissions are lowest for poor cities and particularly low for the urban poor. This paper presents a detailed analysis of per capita GHG emissions for several large cities and a review of per capita emissions for 100 cities for which peer-reviewed studies are available. This highlights how average per capita GHG emissions for cities vary from more than 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) (Sydney, Calgary, Stuttgart and several major US cities) to less than half a tonne (various cities in Nepal, India and Bangladesh). The paper discusses where GHG emissions arise and where mitigation efforts may be most effective. It illustrates the need to obtain comparable estimates at city level and the importance of defining the scope of the analysis. Emissions for Toronto are presented at a neighbourhood level, city core level and metropolitan area level, and these are compared with provincial and national per capita totals. This shows that GHG emissions can vary noticeably for the same resident of a city or country depending on whether these are production- or consumption-based values. The methodologies and results presented form important inputs for policy development across urban sectors. The paper highlights the benefits and drawbacks of apportioning GHG emissions (and solid waste generation) per person. A strong correlation between high rates of GHG emissions and solid waste generation is presented. Policies that address both in concert may be more effective as they are both largely by-products of lifestyles.
Analytical model for predicting the friction coefficient in point contacts with thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication
Authors: Echávarri Otero J , Lafont Morgado P , Chacón Tanarro E , de la Guerra Ochoa E , Díaz Lantada A , Munoz-Guijosa J M , Muñoz Sanz J L 
Published: April 2011

This article presents analytical friction prediction models applicable to lubricants in point contacts under thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL). The types of models used consider the heat generated and its penetration into the bulk of the contacting solids. Therefore, the increase in temperature is determined, which causes important variations in the operating conditions. The article sets out the hypotheses assumed, the theoretical calculation procedures and the ensuing equations for determining the friction coefficient under TEHL. An experimental stage is performed on a mini-traction-machine, which allows the measurement of friction coefficient in ball–disc contacts under a wide range of control parameters involved in TEHL, such as lubricant bath temperature, load, average velocity, slide-to-roll ratio, and contacting materials. The experimental results for different lubricants are compared to those given by the models, and show the proposed models to be accurate for predicting the friction coefficient.
Quality of life, depression and fatigue in mildly disabled patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis receiving subcutaneous interferon beta-1a: 3-year results from the COGIMUS (COGnitive Impairment in MUltiple Sclerosis) study
Authors: Patti F , Amato MP , Trojano M , Bastianello S , Tola MR , Picconi O , Cilia S , Cottone S , Centonze D , Gasperini C ,   the COGIMUS Study Group
Published: April 2011

Background: The precise relationships among quality of life, depression, fatigue and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) are complex and poorly understood. Objective: To assess the effects of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a on quality of life, depression and fatigue over 3 years in the COGIMUS study, and to examine the relationship between these outcomes and baseline cognitive status. Methods: COGIMUS was an observational 3-year trial assessing cognitive function in 459 patients with relapsing–remitting MS treated with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a. Results: In total, 331 patients completed the study (168 received interferon beta-1a, 44 µg subcutaneously three times weekly, and 163 received interferon beta-1a, 22 µg subcutaneously three times weekly). Mean MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) composite scores did not change over time. There were no significant differences between groups in MSQoL-54 composite scores when patients were grouped by treatment dose and baseline cognitive status. Mean (standard deviation) Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score decreased from 6.8 (4.9) at baseline to 5.8 (5.9) at year 3. Mean total Fatigue Impact Scale scores were low (<30) at all time points. Conclusion: Quality of life, depression and fatigue remained largely stable over 3 years; no effects of treatment dose or baseline cognitive status were found.
Change in cardiovascular risk factors in relation to diabetes status: the Tromsø Study
Authors: Joseph Josepha , Svartberg Johan , Njølstad Inger , Schirmer Henrik 
Published: April 2011

Aims: To investigate changes in cardiovascular risk factors over 14 years in relation to diabetes status. Methods: The study is based on 10,327 subjects who attended the Tromsø Study in 1994 and were screened again in 2007–8. At baseline there were 79 prevalent cases, and 397 incident cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) were diagnosed between 1994 and 2008. Results: Cases with DM2 had decreasing levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol and blood pressure (BP) and increasing levels of triglycerides, body mass index (BMI), and anti-hypertensive treatment during 14 years of follow-up. Despite decreasing BP, more than 75% of the treated cases had BP above 135/80 at the end of follow-up. Similarly, less than 35% of incident cases using statins had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) below the recommended threshold value of 2.6 mmol/l. Conclusions: Despite greater relative reduction in cardiovascular risk factors among people with DM2 compared to those without, treatment targets were met in less than 50% of subjects with DM2. Thirteen percent reached the combined targets for glucose, BP and LDL-C control. This indicates a need for more effective strategies to control cardiovascular risk factors especially among individuals with DM2.
Revision of the Dutch clinical algorithm for assessing patient needs in cardiac rehabilitation based on identified implementation problems
Authors: van Engen-Verheul Mariëtte M , Kemps Hareld MC , de Keizer Nicolette F , Hellemans Irene M , Goud Rick , Kraaijenhagen Roderik A , Peek Niels 
Published: April 2011

Background: Despite all available evidence of its effectiveness, cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention (CRSP) is still insufficiently implemented in current clinical practice. Based on an analysis of implementation problems, recently the Dutch clinical algorithm for the assessment of patient’s CRSP needs was revised. The purpose of this paper is to describe the revision process and its results to improve CRSP guideline implementation. Methods: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines manual for conducting guideline revisions was followed. Information on the use of the algorithm in practice was collected from electronic medical records and by conducting semi-structured interviews. Next, an expert advisory group identified the problems for use in daily practice and defined the scope for the revision. A multidisciplinary guideline development group subsequently wrote the revised algorithm. Results: A large variation in assessed patient needs was observed between CRSP clinics. Assessment based on clinical judgement was found to be a source of practice variation and is therefore avoided in the revised algorithm. It was decided to add assessment instruments for anxiety and depression, cardiovascular risk factors, stress, attitude of partner and lifestyle parameters. Conclusion: The Dutch clinical algorithm for assessing patient needs for CRSP was revised using a combination of patient data from routine practice, knowledge from academic experts and experience from field experts. The revised algorithm is a practical tool consisting of assessment instruments to improve CRSP guideline adherence in the Netherlands. This algorithm may also be useful for other Western countries to organize their CRSP needs assessment procedure.
Adjuvant Androgen Deprivation for High-Risk Prostate Cancer After Radical Prostatectomy: SWOG S9921 Study
Authors: Dorff Tanya B. , Flaig Thomas W. , Tangen Catherine M. , Hussain Maha H.A. , Swanson Gregory P. , Wood David P. , Sakr Wael A. , Dawson Nancy A. , Haas Naomi B. , Crawford E. David , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Thompson Ian M. , Glode L. Michael 
Published: April 2011

Purpose Men with high-risk features (extraprostatic extension or high Gleason grade) face a high risk of prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Clinical trials of adjuvant systemic therapy for such patients have been limited. Patients and Methods The SWOG (Southwest Oncology Group) S9921 study randomly assigned 983 men with high-risk features at prostatectomy to receive adjuvant therapy with androgen deprivation (ADT) alone or in combination with mitoxantrone chemotherapy. ADT consisted of goserelin and bicalutamide for 2 years. Results Although the final primary treatment comparison results are not ready for publication, this article reports results in the ADT-alone control arm with a median follow-up of 4.4 years. For these 481 men, the estimated 5-year biochemical failure-free survival is 92.5% (95% CI, 90 to 95), and 5-year overall survival is 95.9% (95% CI, 93.9 to 97.9). Conclusion The results of this trial, taken in context, make a compelling argument for counseling all high-risk patients with prostate cancer about adjuvant ADT. This article discusses the challenges in the design and implementation of clinical trials to take the next step forward in adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer because of the excellent survival achieved with currently available therapies and highlights the need for better molecular markers to personalize care.
Phase II Study of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in Advanced Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma
Authors: Lemma Girum L. , Lee Ju-Whei , Aisner Seena C. , Langer Corey J. , Tester William J. , Johnson David H. , Loehrer Patrick J. 
Published: April 2011

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with advanced previously untreated thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Patients and Methods We conducted a prospective multicenter study in patients with unresectable thymoma (n = 21) or thymic carcinoma (n = 23). Patients were treated with carboplatin (area under the curve, 6) plus paclitaxel (225 mg/m2) every 3 weeks for a maximum of six cycles. The primary end point of this trial was to evaluate the objective response rate. Results From February 2001 through January 2008, 46 patients were enrolled. Thirteen patients had grade 4 or greater toxicity, mostly neutropenia. Using RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) 1.0 criteria, three complete responses (CRs) and six partial responses (PRs; objective response rate [ORR], 42.9%; 90% CI, 24.5% to 62.8%) were observed in the thymoma cohort; 10 patients had stable disease. For patients with thymic carcinoma, no CRs and five PRs (ORR, 21.7%; 90% CI, 9.0% to 40.4%) were observed; 12 patients had stable disease. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.7 (95% CI, 7.2 to 19.8) and 5.0 (95% CI, 3.0 to 8.3) months for thymoma and thymic carcinoma cohorts, respectively. To date, only seven patients (33.3%) with thymoma have died, compared with 16 patients (69.6%) with thymic carcinoma. Median survival time was 20.0 months (95% CI, 5.0 to 43.6 months) for patients with thymic carcinoma, but it has not been reached for patients with thymoma. Conclusion Carboplatin plus paclitaxel has moderate clinical activity for patients with thymic malignancies, but this seems less than expected with anthracycline-based therapy. Patients with thymic carcinoma have poorer PFS and overall survival than patients with thymoma.
Cetuximab Plus Irinotecan, Fluorouracil, and Leucovorin As First-Line Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Updated Analysis of Overall Survival According to Tumor KRAS and BRAF Mutation Status
Authors: Van Cutsem Eric , Köhne Claus-Henning , Láng István , Folprecht Gunnar , Nowacki Marek P. , Cascinu Stefano , Shchepotin Igor , Maurel Joan , Cunningham David , Tejpar Sabine , Schlichting Michael , Zubel Angela , Celik Ilhan , Rougier Philippe , Ciardiello Fortunato 
Published: April 2011

Purpose The addition of cetuximab to irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFIRI) as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) was shown to reduce the risk of disease progression and increase the chance of response in patients with KRAS wild-type disease. An updated survival analysis, including additional patients analyzed for tumor mutation status, was undertaken. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive FOLFIRI with or without cetuximab. DNA was extracted from additional slide-mounted tumor samples previously used to assess epidermal growth factor receptor expression. Clinical outcome according to the tumor mutation status of KRAS and BRAF was assessed in the expanded patient series. Results The ascertainment rate of patients analyzed for tumor KRAS status was increased from 45% to 89%, with mutations detected in 37% of tumors. The addition of cetuximab to FOLFIRI in patients with KRAS wild-type disease resulted in significant improvements in overall survival (median, 23.5 v 20.0 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.796; P = .0093), progression-free survival (median, 9.9 v 8.4 months; HR, 0.696; P = .0012), and response (rate 57.3% v 39.7%; odds ratio, 2.069; P < .001) compared with FOLFIRI alone. Significant interactions between KRAS status and treatment effect were noted for all key efficacy end points. KRAS mutation status was confirmed as a powerful predictive biomarker for the efficacy of cetuximab plus FOLFIRI. BRAF tumor mutation was a strong indicator of poor prognosis. Conclusion The addition of cetuximab to FOLFIRI as first-line therapy improves survival in patients with KRAS wild-type mCRC. BRAF tumor mutation is an indicator of poor prognosis.
Effect of Cement Kiln Dust and Rock Dust as Mineral Fillers on Bulk Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregates
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Zaman Musharraf , Laguros Joakim , Ghabchi Rouzbeh 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The bulk specific gravity (Gsb) of aggregates is a critical parameter in the design of asphalt mixes. In the Superpave volumetric mix design, Gsb is used to determine the amount of asphalt binder absorbed by aggregates and the percentage of voids in the mineral aggregate. Problems with the current test methods of measuring the Gsb of fine aggregates, i.e., AASHTO T84 or ASTM C128, have been reported in some previous studies as well as in the current study. These standard test methods remain questionable under certain conditions: (1) When rough and angular as well as small and varying particle size distributions of fine aggregates are present and (2) when water reactive mineral fillers (passing No. 200 sieve) are added to fine aggregates. This study examined the addition of two selected mineral fillers, namely, Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) and rock dust, on the overall Gsb of fine aggregates by employing the AASHTO T84 and the CoreLok-Aggplus test procedures. When using the AASHTO T84 test method, the overall Gsb values reduce for both the additives. When using a newly developed CoreLok method, the Gsb values increased for rock dust up to 10 %, beyond which a reduction is observed. With CKD, the Gsb values show an increase for up to 6 % addition of it and then a decrease is observed. The data suggest that the AASHTO T84 test method may not be applicable in the presence of CKD due to the chemical reactions in the presence of water and the formation of cementitious products. A possibility of chemical reaction due to the presence of limestone in the rock dust and its fine gradation influence the results of the AASHTO T84 test method. Thus, use of the CoreLok method appears more appropriate in the presence of such reactive materials. To further analyze the problem, the specific surface area of fine aggregates and mineral fillers was measured using water vapor and nitrogen adsorption methods. This study also reveals that angular fine aggregates with a high angularity and rough surface texture pose significant difficulty in measuring Gsb by the AASHTO T84 test method.
Identification of insulin secretory defects and insulin resistance during oral glucose tolerance test in a cohort of cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Battezzati A , Mari A , Zazzeron L , Alicandro G , Claut L , Battezzati P M , Colombo C 
Published: April 2011

BackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes is a leading complication of CF and is associated with pulmonary and nutritional deterioration, years before an evident hyperglycemia, possibly because of insulin deficiency and resistance.AimTo evaluate glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity by a widely applicable method suitable for accurate and prospective measurements in a CF population.MethodsA total of 165 CF subjects (80 females) aged 17±5 years and 18 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (CON) received an oral glucose tolerance test with glucose, insulin and C-peptide determinations. Insulin sensitivity was defined on the basis of glucose and insulin concentrations using the oral glucose insulin sensitivity index, whereas β-cell function was determined on the basis of a model relating insulin secretion (C-peptide profile) to glucose concentration.ResultsFifteen percent of CF patients had glucose intolerance and 6% had diabetes without fasting hyperglycemia and 3% had diabetes with fasting hyperglycemia. β-cell function was reduced in CF patients compared with CON (70.0±4.1 vs 117.9±11.6 pmol/min per m2 per mM, P<0.001) and decreased significantly with age by −2.7 pmol/min per m2 per mM per year (confidence interval (CI) −4.5 to −0.82), i.e. almost 4% yearly. The early insulin secretion index was also reduced. Insulin sensitivity was similar to CON. CF patients who attained glucose tolerance comparable to CON had lower β-cell function and higher insulin sensitivity.ConclusionThe major alteration in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity of CF patients is slowly declining β-cell function, consisting of delayed and reduced responsiveness to hyperglycemia, that in CF patients with normal glucose tolerance may be compensated by an increased insulin sensitivity.
Parents' Attitudes Toward Pediatric Genetic Testing for Common Disease Risk
Authors: Tercyak Kenneth P. , Hensley Alford Sharon , Emmons Karen M. , Lipkus Isaac M. , Wilfond Benjamin S. , McBride Colleen M. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To describe parents' attitudes toward pediatric genetic testing for common, adult-onset health conditions and to identify factors underlying these attitudes.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS:
Parents (n = 219) enrolled in a large, group-practice health plan were offered a “multiplex” genetic test for susceptibility to 8 common, adult-onset health conditions and completed an online survey assessing attitudes and beliefs about the risks and benefits of the test for their child, their willingness to consider having their child tested, and other psychosocial variables.

RESULTS:
Parents viewed the benefits of pediatric testing to outweigh its risks (positive decisional balance) and were moderately interested in pediatric testing. Variables associated with positive decisional balance included greater interest in knowing about gene-health associations in their child, anticipation of less difficulty understanding their child's genetic health risks, and more positive emotional reactions to learning about their child's decreased health risks (adjusted R2 = 0.33, P &lt; .0001). Similarly, variables associated with greater parental willingness to test were being a mother (versus being a father), greater perceived risk of diseases in their child, greater interest in knowing about gene-health relationships in their child, anticipating less difficulty learning about their child's genetic health risks, anticipating more positive emotional reactions to learning about their child's decreased health risks, and positive decisional balance (adjusted R2 = 0.57, P &lt; .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:
As genetic susceptibility testing for common, adult-onset health conditions proliferates, pediatricians should anticipate parents' interest in testing children and be prepared to facilitate informed decision making about such testing.