bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TH‐C‐342‐01: Image Display, Processing and Analysis (CAD)
Authors: Krupinski E 
Published: July 2008

Medical imaging is rapidly expanding in the manner in which images are acquired and thus the manner in which they are displayed has also become a very important issue. The presentations in this session will discuss some of the issues associated with three important links in the imaging chain with respect to the display of radiographic images: Image Display, Processing and Analysis (CAD). In each area the key to success is to develop ways to present image data to the human observer in the most efficient and informative manner, taking into account the perceptual and cognitive capabilities of the human observer. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the decision‐making process and enhance patient care — improving the radiologist's ability to render correct diagnoses with a minimum of errors. Another important consideration is how Image Display, Processing and Analysis (CAD) tools affect workflow. Radiologists are being faced with an ever increasing number of images to interpret overall and within a given case. To the extent possible, these tools should make the interpretation process more efficient rather than prolong the process.The three presentations will focus on the state‐of‐the‐art in Image Display, Processing and Analysis (CAD). Specific imaging applications will be discussed, but the underlying principles extend to medical imaging applications in general.Educational Objectives:1. Understand the role of the display in the interpretation process and why optimization is important.2. Understand how image processing or the rendering of image data in new ways can improve the radiologists' interpretation process.3. Understand the basic nature of CAD and the various ways it is being used (e.g., detection and discrimination) to improve diagnostic accuracy of radiologists.
TH‐C‐352‐04: Acceptance Testing, Commissioning, Data Entry, and QA for Brachytherapy Treatment Planning Systems
Authors: Rivard MJ 
Published: July 2008

Clinical medical physicists are compelled to concern with accuracy of brachytherapy treatment planning systems as the basis for treatment delivery. The role of the medical physicist in brachytherapy is key — close interactions with physicians are needed, and often a radiation therapist may not be present. In comparison to external beam, dose gradients are steeper, record‐and‐verify is not typically used, and treatment fraction dose is usually higher. Thus, the importance of our input. The role of brachytherapy for cancer treatment has expanded in recent years. Many of these new modalities push the limits of the conventional brachytherapy treatment planning dose calculation algorithm. A solid understanding of these systems and their clinical role is crucial towards ensuring success. This tenet holds true for both the newer modalities and the more established brachytherapy procedures.This continuing education lecture will provide a quasi‐chronological overview of the resources and actions required of a clinical medical physicistEducational Objectives:1. Acceptance Testing and Commissioning recommendations.2. Data Entry of brachytherapy dosimetry parameters based on AAPM‐, manufacturer‐, and user‐provided data.3. Quality Assurance, including startup and on‐going efforts, towards ensuring a safe and accurate environment.
Radar observation and aerial capture of mountain pine beetle,Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopk. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in flight above the forest canopy
Authors: Jackson Peter L. , Straussfogel Dennis , Lindgren B. Staffan , Mitchell Selina , Murphy Brendan 
Published: July 2008

An outbreak of the mountain pine beetle ( Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.) in central British Columbia, Canada, has reached an unprecedented size and intensity and has been spreading. The 2005 emergence and subsequent flight of mountain pine beetle was studied using direct observation of emergence, weather radar imagery, and aerial capture. To verify that the daytime, clear-air radar returns seen during this period were indeed generated by airborne mountain pine beetles, aerial sampling in the area covered by the radar was performed using a drogue capture net towed by a single-engine light aircraft. Results verify that airborne mountain pine beetles are being detected by the weather radar and that, during the emergence period, significant numbers of mountain pine beetles can be found at altitudes up to more than 800 m above the forest canopy. An estimate of transport distance indicates that mountain pine beetles in flight above the forest canopy may move 30–110 km·day–1. An estimate of the instantaneous density of mountain pine beetles in flight above the canopy on flight days in 2005 indicate a mean (maximum) density of 4950 (18 600) beetles·ha–1.
Amount of downed woody debris and its prediction using stand characteristics in boreal and mixedwood forests of Ontario, Canada
Authors: Ter-Mikaelian Michael T. , Colombo Stephen J. , Chen Jiaxin 
Published: July 2008

We analyzed data on downed woody debris (DWD) from 435 permanent sample plots in boreal and mixedwood forests of Ontario seeking empirical relationships to predict DWD quantity from stand attributes. In each permanent sample plot, data were collected along three transects, including diameter, tree species, and degree of decomposition of DWD pieces with diameter greater than or equal to 7.5 cm at the point of intersection with the transect. Amounts of DWD in sample plots ranged from 0.7 to 402.7 m3·ha–1 and from 0.1 to 103.4 t·ha–1. Mean DWD values were 65.4 m3·ha–1 and 15.9 t·ha–1 in softwood- and 61.9 m3·ha–1 and 16.5 t·ha–1 in hardwood-dominated plots. Our analysis revealed no relationship between DWD and stand age, site index, or stocking for plots dominated by black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP), eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus L.), sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marsh.), and red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) and weak relationships for plots dominated by jack pine ( Pinus banksiana Lamb.), red pine ( Pinus resinosa Ait.), trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.), and white birch ( Betula papyrifera Marsh.). We submit that DWD in Ontario’s forests should be treated as a constant factor until the relationship between the amount of DWD and present stand condition is better understood and discuss considerations for future studies on DWD.
On Multidecadal and Quasi-Decadal North Atlantic Variability
Authors: Álvarez-García F. , Latif M. , Biastoch A. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the North Atlantic from 1958 through 2000, as well as data from an ocean model simulation driven with the atmospheric variability observed during the same period, are examined using multichannel singular spectrum analysis. The two leading oscillatory modes are associated with a multidecadal and a quasi-decadal period. The former is connected to a basinwide uniform SST pattern and changes in the deep North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. The quasi-decadal mode involves a tripolar SST anomaly pattern forced by atmospheric variability with a spatial structure resembling that of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The upper ocean’s dynamical response to this NAO variability provides an instantaneous positive feedback to the SST pattern, while a delayed negative feedback is due to shallow overturning circulation anomalies.
Parameterized Mesoscale Forcing Mechanisms for Initiating Numerically Simulated Isolated Multicellular Convection
Authors: Loftus Adrian M. , Weber Daniel B. , Doswell Charles A. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Two methods designed to parameterize mesoscale ascent in a three-dimensional numerical cloud model via near-surface momentum and heat fluxes are presented and compared to the commonly used technique of an initial perturbation placed within the model initial condition. The flux techniques use a continuously reinforced thermal or convergent low-level wind field to produce upward vertical motion on the order of 10 cm s−1, by which deep, moist convection can be initiated. The sensitivity of the convective response to the type, strength, and size of the forcing is evaluated using numerical simulations of a conditionally unstable environment with weak unidirectional shear. Precipitation-free cloud processes are used to further simplify the model response to the forcing. The three methods tested produce an initial convective response, but only the momentum and heat flux methods are able to produce sustained deep convection that approximately resembles isolated multicellular convection. Cell regeneration periods, defined as the elapsed time between subsequent vertical velocity maxima passing through a constant level in the updraft region above the source, vary from 8 to 25 min, depending on the forcing type, magnitude, and geometry.
Structure and Formation Mechanism on the 24 May 2000 Supercell-Like Storm Developing in a Moist Environment over the Kanto Plain, Japan
Authors: Shimizu Shingo , Uyeda Hiroshi , Moteki Qoosaku , Maesaka Takeshi , Takaya Yoshimasa , Akaeda Kenji , Kato Teruyuki , Yoshizaki Masanori 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The structure and formation mechanism of a supercell-like storm in a moist environment below a melting layer were investigated using dual-Doppler radar analysis and a cloud-resolving storm simulator (CReSS). The supercell-like storm developed over the Kanto Plain, Japan, on 24 May 2000. The environment of the supercell-like storm possessed large convective available potential energy (1000 J kg−1), strong vertical wind shear (4.2 × 10−3 s−1 between the surface and 5 km above sea level), and a moist layer (the relative humidity was 60%–90% below a melting layer at 3 km in height). The dual-Doppler radar analysis with a variational method revealed that the supercell-like storm had similar structures to those of a typical supercell in a dry environment below a melting layer, such as that in the Great Plains in the United States. The structures included a hook echo, an overhanging echo structure, and a strong updraft with strong vertical vorticity. However, some of the characteristics of the supercell-like storm differed from those of a typical supercell. For example, a weak downdraft, a weak outflow, a weak inflow, and a short time maintenance of a single cyclonically rotating updraft (about 30 min) were noted. Dual-Doppler radar analysis revealed that the convergence between the weak outflow and the weak inflow kept its location just under the updraft for about 30 min; in other words, the strength of the outflow balanced the strength of the inflow. The observed features were simulated well using CReSS, and the thermodynamical features of the formation mechanism were revealed. The weak downdraft with a small evaporative cooling rate was simulated in a moist layer below the melting layer at 3 km in height. The small evaporation cooling was a major cause of the weak downdraft and the weak outflow. Because the outflow was weak and did not cut off the initial updraft, the weak inflow was able to keep supplying warm air to the initial updraft for about 30 min. Therefore, the present supercell-like storm could form as a result of the balance of the strengths of the weak inflow and the weak outflow in a moist environment.
Improving the Ocean Initialization of Coupled Hurricane–Ocean Models Using Feature-Based Data Assimilation
Authors: Yablonsky Richard M. , Ginis Isaac 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Coupled hurricane–ocean forecast models require proper initialization of the ocean thermal structure. Here, a new feature-based (F-B) ocean initialization procedure in the GFDL/University of Rhode Island (URI) coupled hurricane prediction system is presented to account for spatial and temporal variability of mesoscale oceanic features in the Gulf of Mexico, including the Loop Current (LC), Loop Current eddies [i.e., warm-core rings (WCRs)], and cold-core rings (CCRs). Using only near-real-time satellite altimetry for the “SHA-assimilated” case, the LC, a single WCR, and a single CCR are assimilated into NAVOCEANO’s Global Digitized Environmental Model (GDEM) ocean temperature and salinity climatology along with satellite-derived daily sea surface temperature (SST) data from 15 September 2005 to produce a more realistic three-dimensional temperature field valid on the model initialization date (15 September 2005). For the “fully assimilated” case, both near-real-time altimetry and real-time in situ airborne XBT (AXBT) temperature profiles are assimilated into GDEM along with SST to produce the three-dimensional temperature field. Vertical profiles from the resulting SHA-assimilated and fully assimilated temperature fields are compared to 18 real-time AXBT temperature profiles, the ocean climatology (GDEM), and an alternative data-assimilated product [the daily North and Equatorial Atlantic Ocean Prediction System Best Estimate (RSMAS HYCOM), which uses an Optimal Interpolation (OI) based assimilation technique] to determine the relative accuracy of the F-B initialization procedure presented here. Also, the tropical cyclone heat potential (TCHP) from each of these profiles is calculated by integrating the oceanic heat content from the surface to the depth of the 26°C isotherm. Assuming the AXBT profiles are truth, the TCHP rms error for the F-B SHA-assimilated case, the F-B fully assimilated case, the GDEM ocean climatology, and the RSMAS HYCOM product is 12, 10, 45, and 26 kJ cm−2, respectively.
The Influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation on Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity along the Gulf Coast. Part II: Monthly Correlations
Authors: Laing Arlene , LaJoie Mark , Reader Steven , Pfeiffer Karl 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle is known to influence weather and climate along the Gulf Coast region, causing anomalously high precipitation during El Niño winters. This region is also known for having the highest lightning flash density in the United States. An 8-yr dataset (1995–2002) of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes was analyzed to determine if the ENSO cycle influences lighting activity along the Gulf Coast region. Simple Pearson’s correlations were computed between concurrent monthly pairings of Niño-3.4 sea surface temperature (SST) and CG lightning flash deviation values from the study area. The correlation results are mapped and analyzed for links to meteorological features.
Statistically significant correlation values greater than 0.8 were noted over large swaths of the study area during each winter month. The highest correlations were arranged in banded swaths and associated with regions of low flash densities during December and February. In January, areas of high correlation were spatially coincident with areas of enhanced flash density. Both the enhanced CG flash regions and high correlation values and patterns are indicative of a southerly shift in the midlatitude storm track known to occur during warm ENSO events. During the spring and summer, most of the region has weak correlation with ENSO except for August, which has a large area of negative correlations. These findings indicate that lightning increases during La Niña summers. Correlation patterns in late fall are similar to those of winter. The ENSO–lightning relationship has implications for hazard assessment and can be a useful tool for long-term seasonal planning.
Idealized Mesoscale Convective System Structure and Propagation Using Convective Parameterization
Authors: Correia James , Arritt Raymond W. , Anderson Christopher J. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The development and propagation of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) was examined within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using the Kain–Fritsch (KF) cumulus parameterization scheme and a modified version of this scheme. Mechanisms that led to propagation in the parameterized MCS are evaluated and compared between the versions of the KF scheme. Sensitivity to the convective time step is identified and explored for its role in scheme behavior. The sensitivity of parameterized convection propagation to microphysical feedback and to the shape and magnitude of the convective heating profile is also explored.
Each version of the KF scheme has a favored calling frequency that alters the scheme’s initiation frequency despite using the same convective trigger function. The authors propose that this behavior results in part from interaction with computational damping in WRF. A propagating convective system develops in simulations with both versions, but the typical flow structures are distorted (elevated ascending rear inflow as opposed to a descending rear inflow jet as is typically observed). The shape and magnitude of the heating profile is found to alter the propagation speed appreciably, even more so than the microphysical feedback. Microphysical feedback has a secondary role in producing realistic flow features via the resolvable-scale model microphysics. Deficiencies associated with the schemes are discussed and improvements are proposed.
Surface Analysis of the Rear-Flank Downdraft Outflow in Two Tornadic Supercells
Authors: Hirth Brian D. , Schroeder John L. , Weiss Christopher C. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The rear-flank downdraft regions of two tornadic supercells were sampled on 12 June 2004 and 9 June 2005 using four “mobile mesonet” probes. These rear-flank downdraft outflows were sampled employing two different data collection routines; therefore, each case is described from a different perspective. The data samples were examined to identify variations in measured surface equivalent potential temperature, virtual potential temperature, and kinematics. In the 12 June 2004 case, the tornadic circulation was accompanied by small equivalent potential temperature deficits within the rear-flank downdraft outflow early in its life followed by increasing deficits with time. Virtual potential temperature deficits modestly increased through the duration of the sample as well. The 9 June 2005 case was highlighted by heavy precipitation near the tornado itself and relatively small negative, or even positive, equivalent and virtual potential temperature perturbations. Large horizontal variations of surface thermodynamic properties were also noted within several regions of this rear-flank downdraft outflow.
A Funnel Cloud in a Convective Cloud Line to the Rear of a Surface Cold Front
Authors: Bluestein Howard B. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
This brief case study describes the unusually benign environment in which a funnel cloud formed along a line of convective towers during the summer in Kansas. The parent cloud line was solitary and very narrow, yet organized on the mesoscale. The cloud line appeared to be best correlated with a zone of horizontal temperature gradient to the northwest of cool (evaporatively produced) outflow from an area of precipitation located just to the rear of a cold front. Implications for forecasting such an event are noted.
Factors Influencing Efficacy of Nitrate Therapy for Stable Angina Pectoris: A Multiple Linear Regression Analysis
Authors: Jansen Rutger , Niemeyer Menco G. , Cleophas Ton J. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. 
Published: July 2008

In an open-label self-controlled study of 1,350 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), we previously demonstrated that 50 mg of isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) slow release formulation once daily not only provided a better antianginal effect but also a better quality of life (QOL) than did the daily administration of multiple small doses of the compound. It is unknown whether certain patient characteristics contribute to this benefit. The objective of this article was to determine what independent factors contribute to this benefit. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed on the data from these 1,350 patients. Quality of life was assessed by the Marquis QOL-question naire for patients with angina and included the domains of immobility, pain, and psycho logical distress. For the purpose of this study, overall QOL was calculated as the pooled sums of the domain scores and expressed as mean scores on an ordinal scale of 10. Age did not influence the beneficial effect of nitrate therapy on QOL. Neither did gender, rhythmic disturbances, peripheral artery disease, or the concomitant use of calcium channel blockers or beta blockers. New York Heart Association (NYHA) angina classification was an independent variable: patients with a NYHA class I or II benefited less than did patients with NYHA III or IV (p = 0.02). Obese patients as well as hyper tensive patients benefited less (p = 0.04 and 0.02), and smokers tended to benefit less also (p = 0.08). In contrast, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus improved the beneficial effect of nitrates on QOL (p = 0.03 and 0.05). The authors conclude that patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and concomitant diabetes mellitus or hypercholesterolemia, a category particularly prone to early endothelial dysfunction and thus dysfunctional endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production, may benefit more from NO-donor therapy than patients without such concomitant conditions.
Circulating Interleukin-1 Beta, Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, and Soluble ICAM-1 in Patients with Chronic Stable Angina and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Balbay Y. , Tikiz H. , Baptiste R.J. , Ayaz S. , Şaşmaz H. , Korkmaz Ş. 
Published: July 2008

The changes in serum concentrations of cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta, interleukin- 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and a soluble-intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM- 1) has been investigated in patients with stable angina and acute myocardial infarction. Thirty- four patients with stable angina (SA), 15 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and 20 subjects in the control (C) group were included in the study. The mean serum concentrations of sICAM-1, IL-1-beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha differed signif icantly among the three groups. Serum concentrations of IL-1 beta, sICAM-1, and TNF-alpha were comparable in the AMI and SA groups and higher than those found in the C group (p<0.001). The serum concentration of IL-6 was more than twice as high in the AMI group as compared to the other two groups (p<0.001). The mean serum concentrations of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 were comparable in the AMI and SA groups and higher than in the C group.
Lower Extremity Blood Flow in Healthy Men: Effect of Smoking, Cholesterol, and Physical Activity — A Doppler Study
Authors: Ásgeirsdóttir Lilja Petra , Agnarsson Uggi , Jónsson Guomundur S. 
Published: July 2008

Tobacco smoking is one of the principal risk factors of peripheral arterial disease (PAD); choles terol level has a lesser impact. The effect of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) has not been studied in depth. The aim of this study was to determine the relative effects of smoking, total cholesterol, and leisure-time physical activity on blood flow parameters in the lower extremi ties of healthy middle-aged men with no prior symptoms or diagnosis of PAD. The authors examined 130 men, aged 40-65 years, free of known arterial disease and hypertension. The men had either a total cholesterol concentration of <5.7 or > 7.0 mmol/L, and were either smokers or nonsmokers. LTPA was addressed by a questionnaire. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was calculated and Doppler examination of the femoral artery was performed before and after an exercise test. Tobacco smoking related significantly to abnormal ABI and Doppler results (odds ratio [OR] 2.42) while the total cholesterol level did not. LTPA had a favorable effect (OR 0.51). Abnormal ABI response was greatest in smokers with high total cholesterol (p < 0.01). Tobacco smoking is a significant risk factor for abnormal ABI response and blood flow abnormalities in healthy men. Regular physical activity has a measurable protective effect. An abnormal ABI suggests early atherosclerosis and indicates risk factor assessment and physician intervention.