bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of avalanche loading on impacted structures: a new approach based on inverse analysis
Authors: Berthet-Rambaud Philippe , Limam Ali , Baroudi Djebar , Thibert Emmanuel , Taillandier Jean-Michel 
Published: July 2008

AbstractExperiments have been conducted on the French full-scale experimental site at Lautaret pass to improve our understanding of the action of snow avalanches on obstacles. The ultimate objective is to provide realistic pressure distribution models suitable for use in civil engineering design and to eliminate the restrictive assumptions currently used in this field. We focus on the feasibility of using the inverse method to quantify the action of the avalanche from its effects on realistic structures rather than from sensors placed directly in the flow. This approach takes into account the interactions between the flow and the obstacle and ensures that the result is effectively the action experienced by the obstacle. The inverse analysis procedure is developed and validated using both numerical and laboratory tests. In situ tests carried out at the Lautaret site to determine the avalanche action at different scales confirm the reliability of this original approach. Its intrinsic characteristics make it especially suitable for application to different structures to provide new knowledge in this complex field.
Arctic sea ice surviving the summer melt: interannual variability and decreasing trend
Authors: Zwally H. Jay , Gloersen Per 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSea ice surviving the summer melt season to become multi-year ice in the Arctic Ocean is of interest because multi-year ice significantly affects the ice-thickness distribution and the dynamics and thermodynamics of the ice pack in subsequent seasons. However, the amount of ice surviving summer melting has not been well determined because the time of the minimum ice area varies from region to region. A concept of local temporal minimum (LTM) accounts for non-simultaneity of the melt–freeze transition by determining the minima ice concentrations (CLTM) on local spatial scales. CLTM are calculated for 25 km gridcells using 24 years (1979–2002) of satellite passive-microwave data. The total area of ice surviving the summer melt (ALTM) is given by spatial integration of CLTM. Over 24 years, the average ALTM is 2.6 × 106 km2 (excluding ∼0.7 × 105 km2 above 84° N). In contrast, the average area (3.8 × 106 km2) of all ice types (ASM), measured when the total (simultaneous) ice cover is a minimum in daily maps in mid-September, is an often-used estimate of ice surviving the summer melting that is ∼45% too large. Over 24 years, the ALTM decreased by 9.5 ± 2.2% (10 a)−1 (0.27 ± 0.06 × 106 km2 (10 a)−1), which is similar to the rate of decline of ASM and about three times the rate of the annual average. The time-of-occurrence of the LTM averaged over the perennial ice pack increased by 8 days from around 11 to 19 August, indicating a later ending of the melt season by about 3 days (10 a)−1 as the summer pack declines. Estimates of multi-year ice in midwinter from passive microwave observations are ∼17% smaller than ALTM, suggesting that the microwave algorithm does not measure all the multi-year ice.
Performance of ASTER and SRTM DEMs, and their potential for assessing glacial lakes in the Lunana region, Bhutan Himalaya
Authors: Fujita Koji , Suzuki Ryohei , Nuimura Takayuki , Sakai Akiko 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTo assess the potential volume of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) more precisely than in previous studies, we analyze ground survey data and remote-sensing digital elevation models (DEMs) around glacial lakes in the Lunana region, Bhutan. Based on a DEM generated from differential GPS ground surveys, we first evaluate the relative accuracies of DEMs produced by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Root-mean-square errors of the altitudinal difference between these DEMs and ground survey data were 11.0 m for ASTER and 11.3 m for SRTM. These errors are similar to those of previous studies. We show that a topographical classification allows a better estimate of elevation on lakes/ponds, riverbeds and glaciers due to their flat surfaces, while the relative accuracy is worse over moraines and hill slopes due to their narrow ridges and steep slopes. Using the optical satellite images and the ground survey data, we re-evaluate the GLOF volume in 1994 as (17.2 ± 5.3) × 106 m3. We show GLOF-related information such as distance, altitudinal difference and gradient at possible outburst points where the lake level is higher than the neighboring riverbed and/or glacial lake.
A comparison of Greenland ice-sheet volume changes derived from altimetry measurements
Authors: Thomas Robert , Davis Curt , Frederick Earl , Krabill William , Li Yonghong , Manizade Serdar , Martin Chreston 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe compare rates of surface-elevation change on the Greenland ice sheet derived from European Remote-sensing Satellite-2 (ERS-2) radar-altimeter data with those obtained from laser-altimeter data collected over nearly the same time periods. Radar-altimeter data show more rapid thickening (9 ± 1 cm a−1 above 1500 m elevation in the north, and 3 ± 1 cm a−1 above 2000 m in the south) than the laser estimates, possibly caused by a lifting of the radar-reflection horizon associated with changes in the snowpack, such as those caused by progressively increased surface melting, as summer temperatures rise. Over all the ice sheet above 2000 m, this results in an ERS-derived volume balance ∼75 ± 15 km3 a−1 more positive than that from laser data. This bias between laser and radar estimates of elevation change varies spatially and temporally, so cannot at present be corrected without independent surveys such as those presented here. At lower elevations, comparison of detailed repeat laser surveys over Jakobshavn Isbræ with ERS results over the same time interval shows substantial ERS underestimation of ice-thinning rates. This results partly from missing data because of ‘bad’ radar waveforms over the very rough surface topography, and partly from the tendency for large radar footprints to sample preferentially local high points in the topography, thus missing regions of most rapid thinning along glacier depressions.
eAMTexplorer: a software package for texture and signal characterization using Angle Measure Technique
Authors: Kvaal Knut , Kucheryavski Sergei V. , Halstensen Maths , Kvaal Simen , Flø Andreas S. , Minkkinen Pentti , Esbensen Kim H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTexture characterization plays an important role in image analysis as do signal complexity characterization for one‐dimensional arrays (time series a.o.). One of the most effective approaches for this task is Angle Measure Technique (AMT) which simultaneously describes the complexity of images or signals at all scales. This approach is not widespread yet, first of all because of the absence of universal software with a user‐friendly interface, which implements the general AMT algorithm together with the many necessary pre‐ and post‐processing techniques. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive software package for analysis of textures and one‐dimensional signals with the AMT – The eAMTexplorer is an implementation of the two optimal algorithms as well as other application options suggested during the 10 years history of the AMT. eAMTexplorer is designed to be a user friendly, graphically oriented visual data analysis facility, implemented in Delphi 2006 and Borland C++. We here describe the specific implementation concepts and give a short introduction to the potentials of systematic use of this new software. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced red and near infrared detection in flow cytometry using avalanche photodiodes
Authors: Lawrence William G. , Varadi Gyula , Entine Gerald , Podniesinski Edward , Wallace Paul K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPolychromatic flow cytometry enables detailed identification of cell phenotype using multiple fluorescent parameters. The photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) used to detect fluorescence in current instruments limit the sensitivity in the long wavelength spectral range. We demonstrate the flow cytometric applications of silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs), which have improved red sensitivity and a working fluorescence detection range beyond 1,000 nm. A comparison of the wavelength‐dependent performance of the APD and PMT was carried out using pulsed light‐emitting diode sources, calibrated test beads, and biological samples. A breadboard flow cytometer test bench was constructed to compare the performance of PMTs and APD detectors. The APD used an additional amplifier stage to match the internal gain of the PMT. The resolution of the APD and PMT was compared for flow cytometry applications using a pulsed light‐emitting diode source over the 500–1060 nm spectral range. These measurements showed the relative changes in the signal‐to‐noise performance of the APD and PMT over a broad spectral range. Both the APD and PMTs were used to measure the signal‐to‐noise response for a set of six peak calibration beads over the 530–800 nm wavelength range. CD4‐positive cells labeled with antibody‐conjugated phycoerythrin or 800 nm quantum dots were identified by simultaneous detection using the APD and the PMT. The ratios of the intensities of the CD4− and CD4+ populations were found to be similar for both detectors in the visible wavelengths, but only the APD was able to separate these populations at wavelengths above 800 nm. These measurements illustrate the differences in APD and PMT performance at different wavelengths and signal intensity levels. While the APD and PMT show similar signal‐to‐noise performance in the visible spectral range, the dark noise of the APD detector reduces the sensitivity at low signal levels. At wavelengths longer than 650 nm, the high quantum efficiency of the APD contributes to better signal‐to‐noise performance. The APD detector provides enhanced performance in the long wavelength region and may be used to extend the working range of the flow cytometer beyond 1,000 nm. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Clinical validity of Fuld Object Memory Evaluation to screen for dementia in a Chinese society
Authors: Chung Jenny C. C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectivesFuld Object Memory Evaluation (FOME) evaluates the episodic memory functions of encoding, storage, and recall across five recall trials and a delayed recall trial. This study examined the clinical validity of FOME as a screening tool for dementia in older Chinese adults.MethodThe psychometric properties and the discriminative power of FOME were examined in a convenience sample of 192 community‐dwelling older individuals, of which 57 were diagnosed with dementia. The influence of age and education on the FOME performance was also estimated.ResultsThe test–retest reliability and parallel‐form reliability of FOME were excellent, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ranging from 0.91–0.96. Good convergent validity of FOME was established with Mini‐Mental State Examination (rp = 0.69–0.74), and the Memory subscale and the Initiation/Perseveration subscale of Dementia Rating Scale (rp = 0.63–0.74). The FOME total retrieval (TR) score and delayed recall (DR) score demonstrated good discriminative power in differentiating dementia from normal cognitive functioning, with area under the curve values of 0.97 and 0.93 respectively. The optimal cut‐off scores suggested for TR and DR were 31 (93% sensitivity, 90 specificity) and 7 (91% sensitivity, 82% specificity), respectively. The performance of the FOME was not influenced by the educational level.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the FOME is a reliable and valid instrument to screen for dementia in older community‐dwelling Chinese adults. The absence of the effects of education on the assessment performance makes FOME a clinically useful instrument for older adults with limited education. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell fusion is a physiological process in mouse liver
Authors: Faggioli Francesca , Sacco Maria Grazia , Susani Lucia , Montagna Cristina , Vezzoni Paolo 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

A large portion of hepatocytes are polyploid cells, thought to arise through endoduplication followed by aborted cytokinesis. However, several recent reports describing liver cell fusion with exogenously derived bone marrow cells have been published. The exact significance of this finding is unclear, because the adopted protocols involve ablation regimens, damaged livers and artificial injections of adult cells. By creating chimeric mice bearing distinct reporter genes (LacZ and GFP), we show that in an unperturbed setting, hepatocytes carrying both markers can be detected via immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction analysis. To further corroborate these findings with a direct visualization of the chromosome content at the single-cell level, we performed genotype analysis via fluorescence in situ hybridization on XY/XX chimeric mice with a Y chromosome–specific paint and an X chromosome–specific bacterial artificial chromosome clone probes.

Conclusion

: This technique confirmed the occurrence of cell fusion in adult mouse liver. (Hepatology 2008.)
The stem cell niche of human livers: Symmetry between development and regeneration
Authors: Zhang Lili , Theise Neil , Chua Michael , Reid Lola M. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Human livers contain two pluripotent progenitors: hepatic stem cells and hepatoblasts. The hepatic stem cells uniquely express the combination of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), cytokeratin (CK) 19, albumin ±, and are negative for α-fetoprotein (AFP). They are precursors to hepatoblasts, which differ from hepatic stem cells in size, morphology, and in expressing the combination of EpCAM, intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), CK19, albumin++, and AFP++. The hepatic stem cells are located

in vivo

in stem cell niches: the ductal plates in fetal and neonatal livers and canals of Hering in pediatric and adult livers. The hepatoblasts are contiguous to the niches, decline in numbers with age, wax and wane in numbers with injury responses, and are proposed to be the liver's transit-amplifying cells. In adult livers, intermediates between hepatic stem cells and hepatoblasts and between hepatoblasts and adult parenchyma are observed. Amplification of one or both pluripotent cell subpopulations can occur in diseases; for example, hepatic stem cell amplification occurs in mild forms of liver failure, and hepatoblast amplification occurs in forms of cirrhosis. Liver is, therefore, similar to other tissues in that regenerative processes in postnatal tissues parallel those occurring in development and involve populations of stem cells and progenitor cells that can be identified by anatomic, antigenic, and biochemical profiles. (Hepatology 2008;48:1598–1607.)
Advances in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: From chromosomal aberrations to biologically targeted therapy
Authors: Lübbert Michael , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Koeffler H. Phillip 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe describe several recent advances in our understanding and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) including the use of cytogenetics to classify these diseases and to identify therapies that are specific for the abnormalities. Cell lines have provided readily available and very relevant models to understand these diseases. The two clear successes include the use of retinoic acid for acute promyelocytic leukemia and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., imatinib) for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Very recent results suggest a particular activity of lenalidomide, an analogue of thalidomide, in MDS patients with deletions of the long arm of chromosome 5 (so‐called 5q minus syndrome), and notable activity of azanucleoside DNA demethylating agents in MDS with loss of chromosome 7. However, for the vast majority of cytogenetic abnormalities found in AML/MDS, no specific therapies have been identified. The use of a variety of molecular biology techniques have identified a large number of genomic abnormalities; the challenge of the next several decades is to identify specific therapies for these molecular defects. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2059–2070, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assimilation of radar‐derived rain rates into the convective‐scale model COSMO‐DE at DWD
Authors: Stephan K. , Klink S. , Schraff C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTo improve very‐short‐range forecasts particularly in convective situations, a version of the COSMO‐Model (formerly known as LM) which simulates deep convection explicitly (horizontal grid length: 2.8 km) has been developed and is now run operationally at DWD. This model uses a prognostic type of precipitation scheme accounting for the horizontal drift of falling hydrometeors. To initialise convective‐scale events, the latent heat nudging (LHN) approach has been adopted for the assimilation of surface precipitation rates derived from radar reflectivity data. It is found that a conventional LHN scheme designed for larger‐scale models with diagnostic treatment of precipitation does not perform well and leads to strong overestimation of precipitation when applied to the convective‐scale model with a prognostic treatment of precipitation. As illustrated here, surface precipitation and vertically integrated latent heating are far less correlated horizontally and temporally in such a model than with diagnostic precipitation, and this implies a violation of the basic assumption of LHN.Several revisions to the LHN scheme have therefore been developed in view of the characteristic model behaviour so as to re‐enhance the validity of the basic assumption and to reduce greatly the overestimation of precipitation during assimilation. With the revised scheme, the model is able to simulate the precipitation patterns in good agreement with radar observations during the assimilation and the first hours of the forecast. The scheme also has a positive impact on screen‐level parameters and on the longer‐term climatology of the model. Extending the temporal impact of the radar observations further into the free forecast will be the focus of future research. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
A facile microdialysis interface for on‐line desalting and identification of proteins by nano‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Liangliang , Duan Jicheng , Tao Dingyin , Liang Zhen , Zhang Weibing , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe adverse effect of salts, especially inorganic salts, on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is one of the most serious obstacles that might limit its application. Among the numerous desalting approaches, the microdialysis technique is favorable for large molecules, such as proteins. In this work, employing a hollow fiber membrane of cellulose acetate (MWCO 3000 Da), a simple, facile and efficient microdialysis interface with the dead volume of less than 1 µL was constructed for the on‐line desalting and identification of proteins dissolved in high salt concentration buffer by nano‐ESI‐MS. Furthermore, with counterflow added, the desalting procedure was accelerated, and could be finished within 1 min. This system was successfully applied to the analysis of myoglobin dissolved in either high concentration ammonium acetate or sodium chloride buffer. The experimental results showed that, by using such a microdialysis interface, the salt concentration, even as high as 1 M, could be decreased by at least 2 orders of magnitude, while sample loss was less than 10%, demonstrating the potential of such an interface in broadening the application of nano‐ESI‐MS in the analysis of large molecules. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporating fine‐scale seascape composition in an assessment of habitat quality for the giant sea anemone Stichodactyla gigantea in a coral reef shore zone
Authors: Hattori Akihisa , Kobayashi Miyako 
Published: July 2008

AbstractHabitat loss due to land reclamation often occurs in sandy coral reef shore zones. The giant sea anemone Stichodactyla gigantea, which harbors the false clown anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris, both of which are potentially flagship species, inhabit these places. To assess habitat quality for S. gigantea, we examined correlative associations between the number and the body size of S. gigantea and the amount of habitat types in fine‐scale seascape composition quantified from an enlarged section of a high‐resolution (1/2,500) color aerial photograph of the shallow shore zone of Shiraho Reef, Ishigaki Island, Japan. This study confirmed that anemones were most abundant at the edges of dense seagrass beds characterized by shallow sandy bottoms, rock beds, and sparse seagrass beds, while they were less abundant in coral patch reefs. However, anemones inhabiting coral patch reefs were significantly larger and their rate of disappearance over 3 years was lower than those inhabiting other habitats. This suggests that coral patch reefs may be more suitable habitats supporting larger animals and greater persistence of S. gigantea. The visual census techniques applied here, combined with aerial photography and image‐analysis software, may be useful as a simple analytical tool for local assessment of suitable habitats for relatively small‐bodied marine fauna in shallow‐water seascapes.
An audit of postoperative intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia with morphine: Evolution over the last decade
Authors: Cheung Chi Wai , Ying Chee Lun A. , Lee Libby H.Y. , Tsang Suk Fung , Tsui Siu Lun , Irwin Michael G. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTThe development and refinement of an acute pain service based on the increased availability of clinical evidence would be expected to improve the quality of postoperative pain control. This report reviews the application of postoperative patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) using intravenous morphine in a single institution between 2002 and 2005. More than 5000 patients were evaluated and the results were compared with a similar study performed 10 years ago. Prescription of PCA had increased by more than threefold. Morphine consumption from post‐operative day 1 to day 3 (19.1 vs. 26.1, 8.6 vs. 18.1 and 4.5 vs. 19.0μg/kg/h, respectively), demand‐to‐delivery ratio (1.35–1.76 vs. 2.4–2.8) and the incidence of respiratory depression (0.06% vs. 2%) were significantly reduced (p<0.001), but there was no improvement in pain relief. A substantial proportion of patients still experienced postoperative nausea (47%) and vomiting (18.5%) despite a reduction in morphine consumption. Most patients ranked PCA as good and only 0.3% were dissatisfied. We conclude that, in our institution over the last decade, PCA has become more popular for postoperative pain management but with no attendant improvement in pain relief or reduction in side effects. Using PCA alone may result in poorer quality postoperative analgesia. Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that postoperative pain management has not substantially improved despite increased adoption of acute pain services.
Modification of the Ingram bicycle seat stool for the treatment of vaginal agenesis and stenosis
Authors: Lankford Jillian A. , Haefner Hope K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe use of nonsurgical techniques for the creation of a neovagina for vaginal agenesis and stenosis has been successful for many patients and is currently recommended as first‐line therapy. The Ingram bicycle seat stool technique, a nonsurgical approach, has largely replaced the surgical McIndoe technique as the method of choice for vaginal dilation. It provides an easy and comfortable way for patients to engage in dilation. However, the Ingram bicycle seat stool is not height adjustable. We have created a bicycle seat stool that is height adjustable and will likely provide patients with an improved, more comfortable, and individualized method of dilation.