bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe weather in Mediterranean ports
Authors: Brand Sam , Englebretson Ronald , Gilmore Richard 
Published: June 2010

AbstractEnvironmental phenomena such as strong winds, high waves, restrictions to visibility and thunderstorms can be hazardous to US Navy fleet operations. The Mediterranean region is an area where the complicated topography significantly influences these kind of environmental phenomena, particularly in the coastal regions. Because the US Navy recognised this as a concern to many ship captains, the Marine Meteorology Division of the Naval Research Laboratory, Monterey, California was asked to evaluate the severe weather suitability of 55 Mediterranean ports and document the results. The resulting analyses provide decision‐making guidance for ship captains as well as environmental information for operational forecasters. These port evaluations have been disseminated in hard copy form as individual port studies as well as in a compilation of all port studies in CD‐ROM format.
Sensitivity of trajectories to data resolution and its dependence on the starting point: In or outside a tropopause fold
Authors: Scheele M P , Siegmund P C , Van Velthoven P F J 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThree‐dimensional ECMWF first‐guess wind fields at different horizontal (2.5° to 0.5°) and temporal (6h–3h) resolutions are used to investigate the sensitivity of five‐day backward trajectories, computed with the KNMI trajectory model, to the resolution of the wind data. This sensitivity, which is a measure for the accuracy of the computed trajectories, is investigated for two sets of trajectories: (a) a set starting in the small‐scale flow pattern of a tropopause fold occurring over De Bilt (52° N, 5° E) on 1 November 1994; (b) a set starting in the large‐scale flow outside this folding region. The sensitivity results for these two sets of trajectories show no significant differences. During the first two days the sensitivity to spatial and temporal data resolution is small for most of the trajectories, implying that for this period relatively reliable trajectories can be computed from relatively low‐resolution data for the situations considered in this study. After two days the sensitivity of many trajectories sharply increases, due to an extratropical cyclone that is encountered by these trajectories at that time.
Climatology of monthly and annual rainfall in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Penalba Olga C , Vargas Walter M 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper examines the temporal and spatial variations of annual and monthly extreme precipitation for ten stations (1890–1980) in the central‐east of Argentina. Extremes of yearly and monthly rainfall are statistically defined. The time series of the annual and monthly rainfall anomalies are analysed. The dry years are concentrated in the beginning of the period of observation (before 1940) and the wet years are distributed throughout the whole period. The probability of having a wet or dry month is the same, and the probability of having two or more months with the same extreme condition is low. Harmonic analysis is applied to the monthly rainfall of the driest and wettest years to describe and analyse their different cycles. The annual cycle, for the driest years, tends to dominate over the whole region. The most important harmonic for the wettest years is the second one, associated with the advection of humidity.
The presentation of weather information via the media in Ethiopia
Authors: Sear C B , Tadesse T , Bettany B , Budgen P , Copley V , Griggs D 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe Ethiopian National Meteorological Services Agency (NMSA) has been disseminating weather information and forecasts via the media since 1951. The quality and reach of the NMSA's broadcasts have improved markedly since 1993 after the installation by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of an NRI MEDIA System which combines ‘blue screen’ computer and video technologies in a low‐cost broadcasting package. The quality of Ethiopian weather forecasts and bulletins is now amongst the highest in Africa. Its success has raised the profile of the NMSA significantly. Recognising these benefits, the UK Meteorological Office (UKMO) has, under Voluntary Co‐operation Programme (VCP) funding, sponsored several other installations in Africa and elsewhere. In this paper we include a short history of Ethiopian weather broadcasts, discuss the present systems used and their national impact and outline the spread of similar services in other developing countries.
Thermal mapping: Reliability and repeatability
Authors: Shao J , Lister P J , Hart G D , Pearson H B 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn winter road maintenance, accurate information as to the spatial variation in minimum road‐surface temperature is valuable for road authorities and organisations to decide where to target salting or gritting treatment. The process to record and quantify these patterns of temperature variation is called Thermal Mapping. The technique relies on the fact that the pattern of road‐surface temperature is reproduced from one night to the next similar night. This study establishes a valid statistical means of quantifying the similarity between temperature patterns captured during different Thermal Mapping surveys and is used to show that the Thermal Mapping process developed by the authors is reliable and that the pattern of temperature variation across a road network is reproduced under similar weather conditions.
Down syndrome risk calculation for a twin fetus taking account of the nuchal translucency in the co‐twin
Authors: Cuckle Howard , Maymon Ron 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe and illustrate a method for calculating fetus‐specific Down syndrome risk in twins, allowing for between‐fetus nuchal translucency (NT) correlation.MethodsThe between‐fetus correlation coefficient of log NT, in multiples of the median, was estimated from a series of 325 unaffected twins after adjustment for sonographer bias. A bivariate log Gaussian model was used to calculate likelihood ratios for discordant and concordant Down syndrome. Applying these to the prior maternal age‐specific risk yielded risks in monozygous and dizygous twins. The weighted average risk was then computed with weights relating to chorionicity, gender, assisted reproduction and ethnicity. The method was illustrated using examples.ResultsThe correlation coefficient in unaffected pregnancies was 0.45 (P < 0.0001) and estimated to be 0.12 and 0.04 in discordant and concordant twins, respectively. The examples showed very large differences in the risks obtained when the extent of correlation in NT between fetuses is taken into account and when the measurements are treated as independent.ConclusionFetus‐specific Down syndrome risks in twins should be calculated using its own NT value as well as that of the co‐twin. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The esophageal ‘pouch sign’: a benign transient finding
Authors: Solt Ido , Rotmensch Siegfried , Bronshtein Moshe 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectiveSonographic finding of an esophageal pouch is considered pathognomonic for fetal esophageal atresia (EA). We investigated the clinical significance of this finding.MethodsLongitudinal sonographic follow‐up in pregnancy and neonatal diagnostic work‐up was performed in six fetuses with an esophageal neck pouch referred for polyhydramnios and a small or absent stomach. Fetal swallowing and cyclic distension of the pouch were observed for at least 30 min, and follow‐up examinations were conducted at 2 to 3 weeks intervals.ResultsFirst visualization of the pouch occurred between 18 and 29 weeks of gestation. All pouches were located above the fetal clavicle. No additional anomalies were detected on detailed anatomic survey. Five fetuses had normal karyotypes. At 21 to 33 weeks of gestation, polyhydramnios had resolved, and the stomach was found to be normal in size and shape in all cases. The neonatal work‐up ruled out EA in all cases.ConclusionThe fetal esophageal pouch sign occurs in structurally normal fetuses and should not be considered pathognomonic for EA or serve as the grounds for pregnancy termination. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of thermotropic LCP and organoclay as fillers in high molecular mass polyethylene with different blending sequences
Authors: Tang Youhong , Gao Ping , Ye Lin , Zhao Chengbi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe influences of thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester (TLCP) on viscosity reduction in high molecular mass polyethylene (HMMPE) filled with organoclay were investigated by controlling the blending sequence. The interactions between organoclay and TLCP in HMMPE create different morphologies and influence rheological properties of the clay/TLCP/HMMPE blends. When the organoclay was blended with TLCP first, large amounts of organoclay formed partially intercalated structures in TLCP, with phase separation occurring at the temperature when TLCP was in the nematic phase, corresponding an antagonistic effect which weakens viscosity reduction ability of TLCP for HMMPE. However, with first blending of TLCP with HMMPE and then adding organoclay into the blend, most of the organoclay enriched on TLCP surfaces in the blend. Such interaction prevents TLCP droplets from coalescing at high shear stresses, enlarging the processing window. A phenomenological model, originally for HMMPE/TLCP systems, was successfully adopted to predict the flow behaviors of clay/HMMPE/TLCP blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1679–1688, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of nanoclay‐filled polyurethane/polypropylene blends
Authors: Kannan M. , Bhagawan S.S. , Jose Tomlal , Thomas Sabu , Joseph Kuruvilla 
Published: June 2010

AbstractEster‐based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending at 190°C, using 3 wt% Cloisite 10A (organically modified montmorillonite clay) as the nanoscale reinforcement [TPU(C10A)]. The nanocomposites were subsequently melt‐blended with polypropylene (PP) using maleic anhydride–grafted polypropylene (MA‐g‐PP) as a compatibilizer [in the ratio of 70/30‐TPU/PP, 70/25/5‐TPU/PP/MA‐g‐PP, 70/25/5‐TPU (C10A)/PP/MA‐g‐PP]. Besides giving substantial increase in modulus, tensile strength, and other properties, organoclay reinforcement functions as a surface modifier for TPU hard segment resulting in improved dispersion. The morphology and other characteristics of the nanocomposite blends were investigated in terms of X‐ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile properties, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The results indicate that the ester‐TPU(C10A)/PP/MA‐g‐PP exhibited better dispersion than other blend systems; abrasion resistance and water absorption resistance were also better for this system. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1878–1886, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Numerical modeling of nonisothermal polymer crystallization kinetics: Flow and thermal effects
Authors: Zinet Matthieu , El Otmani Rabie , Boutaous M'hamed , Chantrenne Patrice 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA numerical model able to simulate polymer crystallization under nonisothermal flows is developed. It is based on the assumption that the trace of the extra‐stress tensor, calculated according to a viscoelastic multimode Upper Convected Maxwell (UCM) model, is the driving force of the flow‐induced extra nucleation. Two distinct sets of Schneider equations are used to describe the growth of thermally and flow induced nuclei. The model is then coupled with the momentum equations and the energy equation. As an application, a shear flow configuration between two plates (Couette flow) is simulated. The relative influence of the mechanical and thermal phenomena on the crystallization development as well as the final morphology distribution is then analyzed as a function of the shearing intensity and the cooling kinetics, in terms of nucleation density and crystallite mean sizes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:2044–2059, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Solid‐state microcellular polycarbonate foams. I. The steady‐state process space using subcritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Weller John E. , Kumar Vipin 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe process parameters for production of solid‐state microcellular polycarbonate using subcritical CO2 were explored. Sufficiently long foaming times were used to produce foams, where cell growth had completed, resulting in steady‐state structures. A wide range of foaming temperatures and saturation pressures below the critical pressure of CO2 were investigated, establishing the steady state process space for this polymer–gas system. Processing conditions are presented that produce polycarbonate foams where both the foam density and the average cell size can be controlled. The process space showed that we could produce foams at a constant density, while varying the cell size by and order of magnitude. At a relative density of 0.5, the average cell size could be varied from 4 to 40 μm. The ability to produce such a family of foams opens the possibility to explore the effect of microstructure, like cell size on the properties of cellular materials. It was found that the minimum foaming temperature for a given concentration of CO2, determined from the process space, agrees well with the predicted glass transition temperature of the gas–polymer solution. A characterization of the average cell size, cell size distribution, and cell nucleation density for this system is also reported. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluating contrast gloss of textured polymeric surfaces
Authors: Ignell Sofie , Kleist Ulf , Rigdahl Mikael 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe concept of contrast gloss and its relation to visually perceived gloss was examined for textured polymeric specimens. The specimens were injection‐molded plaques manufactured in three different polymers (acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer, polypropylene, and a blend of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer). A contrast gloss factor was determined from the reflectance data obtained with a conventional multiangle spectrophotometer. To evaluate the visual impression of gloss of the specimens a psychometric study was performed. The contrast gloss factor corresponded well with the visual assessment of the gloss and it was able to discern the visual differences between several specimens not significantly discriminated by their gloss values. These latter gloss values were obtained with a conventional glossmeter measuring specular gloss. In correspondence with the visual assessments and practical experience, the relation between the contrast gloss factor and the specular glossmeter measurements was found to depend on the type of polymer used. When evaluating gloss of specimens varying in color, the contrast gloss factor corresponded well with the visual assessments. This was in contrast to the specular glossmeter measurements which ranked the specimens essentially in the opposite order. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on the packing effects of external gas‐assisted injection molding on part shrinkage in comparison with conventional injection molding
Authors: Chen Shia‐Chung , Lin Yi‐Chang , Huang Sung‐Wei 
Published: June 2010

AbstractApplying gas pressure on the reverse side of the part that called external gas‐assisted injection molding (EGAIM) has the potential to solve shrinkage‐related molding problems. We investigate the packing effects of EGAIM on part shrinkage and sink mark under various rib design and compare it to that of conventional injection molding (CIM). It was found that EGAIM has uniformly distributed packing pressure within the entire mold cavity. To achieve equivalent part shrinkage, CIM requires 100 MPa packing pressure from the molding machine, whereas EGAIM requires only 9 MPa. EGAIM can further reduce part shrinkage if the gas pressure and gas packing time are both increased. EGAIM can also eliminate sink marks for rib designs of an aspect ratio (rib width /part thickness) up to 1.2, whereas CIM can achieve the same sink mark level only at an aspect ratio of less than 0.5. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Acute lower respiratory tract infections by human metapneumovirus in children in Southwest China: A 2‐year study
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Zhi Yong , Zhao Yao , Liu En Mei , Zhao Xiao Dong 
Published: June 2010

AbstractHuman metapneumovirus (hMPV) has been reported to cause both upper and lower respiratory tract diseases in susceptible populations, particularly in children and the elderly. In this study, we describe a hospital‐based epidemiological study of hMPV in patients presenting to a children's hospital and show the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with hMPV infection in China, retrospectively. Specimens were collected over a 2‐year period from children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTI) and analyzed for the presence of hMPV using real‐time RT‐PCR assays. The presence of hMPV was detected in 227 (25.9%) of the 878 children studied and may circulate year‐round in the area, peaking during the winter–spring season. Younger children (aged less than 6 months) had the highest positive rate. Infections by hMPV showed similar epidemiology and clinical manifestations as for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and were found in high co‐infections with RSV. Subgroup A2 hMPV was the most predominant genotype identified during the study period. This study indicates that hMPV is one of the major respiratory pathogens found in children in southwest China and vaccine development should be under consideration. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2010; 45:824–831. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dornase alfa improves the health‐related quality of life among Brazilian patients with cystic fibrosis—A one‐year prospective study
Authors: Rozov Tatiana , de Oliveira Viviane Ziebell , Santana Maria Angélica , Adde Fabíola Villac , Mendes Rita Heloisa , Paschoal Ilma Aparecida , Caldeira Reis Francisco J. , Higa Laurinda Yoko Shinzato , Toledo Antonio Carlos de Castro , Pahl Márcia ,   the Pulmozyme Study Group
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackgroundHealth‐related quality of life (HRQOL) measurements provide valuable information about the psychological and social impact of treatment on patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study evaluated the HRQOL of Brazilian patients with CF and assessed the changes in HRQOL domains over 1 year after dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) introduction.Patients and MethodsOne hundred fifty‐six stable patients with CF and 89 caregivers answered the Portuguese‐validated version of the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised (CFQ‐R) at baseline (T0), and at 3 (T1), 6 (T2), 9 (T3), and 12 (T4) months of follow‐up. Eighteen patients were excluded because they did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. The patients were analyzed in two groups: those aged 6–11 years and those aged 14 years and older. ANOVA for observed repeated results and the last observation carried forward (LOCF) method for missing data were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsAfter 1 year of follow‐up, there was significant improvement in respiratory symptoms (T4 − T0 = 8.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = [2.1;14.0]; effect size (ES) = 0.35; P < 0.001), Emotional Functioning (T4 − T0 = 5.6; 95% CI = [1.1;10.1]; ES = 0.31; P < 0.05), Social Functioning (T4 − T0 = 6.0; 95% CI = [1.3;11.7]; ES = 0.31; P < 0.05), Body Image (T4 − T0 = 11.9; 95% CI = [4.1;19.7]; ES = 0.42; P < 0.05), and Treatment Burden (T4 − T0 = 5.3; 95% CI = [0.3;10.3]; ES = 0.24; P < 0.05) domains in the younger group. A significant improvement in Role Functioning (T4 − T0 = 6.1; 95% CI = [1.1;11.1]; ES = 0.40; P < 0.05), Body Image (T4 − T0 = 12.6; 95% CI = [3.5;21.7]; ES = 0.46; P < 0.05), and Weight (T4 − T0 = 11.7; 95% CI = [1.8;21.6]; ES = 0.40; P < 0.05) was obtained in the older group. The caregivers' CFQ‐R showed improvements in the Digestive Symptoms (T4 − T0 = 5.5; 95% CI = [1.5;9.4]; ES = 0.30; P < 0.05), Respiratory Symptoms (T4 − T0 = 7.6; 95% CI = [3.9;11.4]; ES = 0.48; P < 0.05), and Weight (T4 − T0 = 10.1; 95% CI = [1.6;18.6]; ES = 0.26; P < 0.05) domains.ConclusionThe introduction of dornase alfa improved the HRQL of the patients with CF during the first year of treatment. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2010; 45:874–882. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of cancer/testis antigens in prostate cancer is associated with disease progression
Authors: Suyama Takahito , Shiraishi Takumi , Zeng Yu , Yu Wayne , Parekh Nehal , Vessella Robert L. , Luo Jun , Getzenberg Robert H. , Kulkarni Prakash 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are a unique group of proteins normally expressed in germ cells but aberrantly expressed in several types of cancers including prostate cancer (PCa). However, their role in PCa has not been fully explored.METHODSCTA expression profiling in PCa samples and cell lines was done utilizing a custom microarray that contained probes for two‐thirds of all CTAs. The data were validated by quantitative PCR (Q‐PCR). Functional studies were carried out by silencing gene expression with siRNA. DNA methylation was determined by methylation‐specific PCR.RESULTSA majority of CTAs expressed in PCa are located on the X chromosome (CT‐X antigens). Several CT‐X antigens from the MAGEA/CSAG subfamilies are coordinately upregulated in castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) but not in primary PCa. In contrast, PAGE4 is highly upregulated in primary PCa but is virtually silent in CRPC. Further, there was good correlation between the extent of promoter DNA methylation and CTA expression. Finally, silencing the expression of MAGEA2 the most highly upregulated member, significantly impaired proliferation of prostate cancer cells while increasing their chemosensitivity.CONCLUSIONSConsidered together, the remarkable stage‐specific expression patterns of the CT‐X antigens strongly suggests that these CTAs may serve as unique biomarkers that could potentially be used to distinguish men with aggressive disease who need treatment from men with indolent disease not requiring immediate intervention. The data also suggest that the CT‐X antigens may be novel therapeutic targets for CRPC for which there are currently no effective therapeutics. Prostate 70: 1778–1787, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.