bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Irish Third-Level College Applications Data
Authors: Gormley Isobel Claire , Murphy Thomas Brendan 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe Irish college admissions system involves prospective students listing up to 10 courses in order of preference on their application. Places in third-level educational institutions are subsequently offered to the applicants on the basis of both their preferences and their final second-level examination results. The college applications system is a large area of public debate in Ireland. Detractors suggest that the process creates artificial demand for ‘high profile’ courses, causing applicants to ignore their vocational callings. Supporters argue that the system is impartial and transparent. The Irish college degree applications data from the year 2000 are analysed by using mixture models based on ranked data models to investigate the types of application behaviour that are exhibited by college applicants. The results of this analysis show that applicants form groups according to both the discipline and the geographical location of their course choices. In addition, there is evidence of the suggested ‘points race’ for high profile courses. Finally, gender emerges as an influential factor when studying course choice behaviour.
Diverse Myocardial Extension and Autonomic Innervation on Ligament of Marshall in Humans
Authors: MAKINO MUTSUKI , INOUE SHIN , MATSUYAMA TAKA‐AKI , OGAWA GENYOU , SAKAI TETSUO , KOBAYASHI YOU‐ICHI , KATAGIRI TAKASHI , OTA HIDEKAZU 
Published: February 2006

Introduction: The ligament of Marshall (LOM) or the oblique vein of Marshall (VOM) in the left atrium (LA) is one of the origins of nonpulmonary vein ectopies causing atrial fibrillation. The distributions of myocardial bundles (Marshall bundles; MBs) and autonomic nerves adjacent to the LOM have not been completely elucidated. Methods and Results: Twenty‐eight human hearts were examined postmortem. The inferolateral LA myocardium was dissected en block and cut perpendicularly to the atrioventricular ring. The specimens were sectioned at 1‐mm intervals and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and Azan‐Mallory. In addition, S‐100 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were employed for the immunohistochemical analysis of the sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers. In 25 cases, MBs were observed. Although the MBs surrounded the VOM at the coronary sinus (CS) juncture, they gradually diminished in density toward the distal venous branch. The connections of the MBs and LA myocardium were frequently observed in the CS juncture and anterior wall of the left pulmonary vein (PV)‐LA junctions. TH‐stained sympathetic nerve fibers were densely distributed around the PV‐LA junctions. On the other hand, non‐TH‐stained parasympathetic ganglions were mainly observed at the CS juncture. Conclusions: MB‐LA connections were mainly observed at the CS juncture and PV‐LA junctions. The association between sympathetic nerve fibers and MBs was distinct at the PV‐LA junctions. At the CS juncture, the regression of the sympathetic nerve fibers and the increase of parasympathetic ganglions were observed. The diverse arrangement and autonomic innervation of MBs seem to characterize the LOM region in humans.
Esophageal Temperature During Radiofrequency‐Catheter Ablation of Left Atrium: A Three‐Dimensional Computer Modeling Study
Authors: HORNERO FERNANDO , BERJANO ENRIQUE J. 
Published: February 2006

Introduction: There is current interest in finding a way to minimize thermal injury in the esophagus during radiofrequency‐catheter ablation of the left atrium. Despite the fact that the esophageal temperature is now being monitored during ablation, the influence of different anatomic and technical factors on the temperature rise remains unknown. Methods and Results: We implemented a three‐dimensional computational model that included atrial tissue, epicardial fat, esophagus, aorta, and lung, all linked by connective tissue. The finite‐element method was used to calculate the esophageal temperature distribution during a procedure of constant‐temperature ablation with an 8‐mm electrode, under different tissue conditions. Results showed that the distance between electrode and esophagus was the most important anatomic factor in predicting the esophageal temperature rise, the composition of the different tissues being of lesser importance. The measurement of the esophageal temperature in different sites of the lumen offered differences up to 3.7°C, especially for a short electrode–esophagus distance (5 mm). The difference in the convective cooling by circulating blood around electrode and endocardium did not show a significant influence on the esophageal temperature rise. Conclusion: Computer results suggest that (1) the electrode–esophagus distance is the most important anatomic factor; (2) the incorrect positioning of an esophageal temperature probe could give a low reading for the maximum temperature reached in the esophagus; and (3) the different cooling effect of the circulating blood flow at different atrial sites has little impact on the esophageal temperature rise.
Risk factors for conjunctival and retinal vessel alterations in sickle cell disease
Authors: Lima Carmen S. P. , Rocha Eduardo M. , Silva Nadia M. , Sonatti Maria F. , Costa Fernando F. , Saad Sara T. O. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of this study was to clarify whether the clinical, laboratory and genetic aspects of sickle cell disease (SCD) influence the occurrence of vessel alterations in the conjunctiva and retina. Methods:  A total of 102 SCD patients underwent biomicroscopical and retinal examination, in addition to evaluations of haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Ht) levels, fetal haemoglobin (HbF) estimations, serum creatinine and albuminuria levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values, phenotypes, β‐globin gene haplotypes and α‐thalassaemia. The relationship between ocular vessel alterations and clinical, laboratory and genetic features were evaluated using chi‐squared or Fisher tests and logistic regression analysis. In 13 patients on enalapril treatment, a second ophthalmological evaluation was performed after a 12‐month period to evaluate the longitudinal effect of the drug on ocular vessels. Results:  Conjunctival vessel alteration (CVA) was not influenced by age, gender, HbF estimation, serum creatinine and albuminuria levels, GFR values, β‐globin gene haplotypes or α‐thalassaemia. However, increased frequencies of CVA were found in patients with Hb ≤ 9.0 g/dl, Ht ≤ 26.7% and sickle cell anaemia (SS) phenotype. Retinal vessel alteration (RVA) was identified only in patients aged 17 years or older. Enalapril did not demonstrate ocular vessel amelioration after 12‐months of daily use. Conclusion:  The results indicate that lower Hb and Ht levels and SS phenotype are risk factors for CVA, and age over 17 years may be risk factors for RVA in SCD patients.
Clinical evaluation of rebound tonometer
Authors: Davies Leon N. , Bartlett Hannah , Mallen Edward A. H. , Wolffsohn James S. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the reliability and repeatability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using a new rebound tonometer. Methods:  Intraocular pressure was measured in 42 healthy human eyes of subjects aged 18–30 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 21.5 ± 3.2 years) using the ICare Rebound and Goldmann tonometers in two separate sessions. Results:  Intraocular pressure measurements were found to read slightly, but not significantly, higher with the ICare tonometer compared with the Goldmann instrument in both sessions (first session: mean bias ± SD + 0.50 ± 2.33 mmHg; second session: mean bias ± SD + 0.52 ± 1.92 mmHg). Limits of agreement between repeated readings were ± 5.11 mmHg for measurements taken with the ICare tonometer, compared with ± 3.15 mmHg for measurements taken with the Goldmann method. Conclusion:  Measurement of IOP in normal, healthy subjects using the ICare rebound tonometer produced a small, statistically insignificant, positive bias when compared with the Goldmann tonometer. Intersessional repeatability of IOP taken with the ICare is poorer than that of IOP taken with the Goldmann tonometer, but is comparable with that of other non‐Goldman‐type tonometers currently available.
Bone ALP and OC reference standards in adult baboons (Papio hamadryas) by sex and age
Authors: Havill L.M. , Hale L.G. , Newman D.E. , Witte S.M. , Mahaney M.C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground
Serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP) and intact osteocalcin (OC) are markers of bone formation of interest because of easy measurability and potential utility as identifiers of those at risk for fractures associated with bone metabolism disorders. The baboon (Papio hamadryas) exhibits extensive biological similarities to humans making it particularly well suited to studies of bone maintenance and turnover.Methods  We measured serum bone ALP and OC in 591 baboons.Results  We report significant sex and age effects and present reference ranges and percentile distributions for these markers.Conclusions  This study is the first to characterize normal variation in bone ALP and OC levels in baboons and to assess the age and sex effects on this variation. The results provide much‐needed reference standards to allow researchers to evaluate the status of their animals in cross‐sectional studies and assess the meaning of changes in bone ALP and OC levels in longitudinal studies.
An accurate, high‐throughput method for genotyping the −373AnTn polymorphism in the interleukin‐6 promoter
Authors: Khwaja Haris A. , Green Fiona R. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine implicated in inflammatory diseases. The four promoter polymorphisms (−174G/C, −373AnTn, −572G/C, −597G/A) have been shown to function as a haplotype in determining IL‐6 gene transcription. Using a capillary‐based electrophoresis system, high‐throughput genotyping for the −373AnTn polymorphism was achieved, thus facilitating IL‐6 promoter haplotype determination.
Polymorphism in the proximal promoter region of the perforin gene and its impact on the course of HIV infection
Authors: McIlroy D. , Meyer L. , Dudoit Y. , Samri A. , Delfraissy J.‐F. , Autran B. , Debré P. , Theodorou I. ,   the SEROCO, IMMUNOCO and ALT study groups
Published: February 2006

SummaryCytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play an essential role in the control of viral replication during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, the efficacy of the CTL response varies between individuals. We tested the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms in the lytic effector molecule perforin could influence the progression of HIV infection. The perforin gene was screened for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC). Correlations were sought between perforin genotype, perforin expression and lytic function of CD8+ T lymphocytes from HIV‐positive patients. Association of perforin genotype with disease progression was investigated in 426 seroconverters enrolled in the French SEROCO cohort. AIDS‐free survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. Three SNPs were found in the proximal promoter region of the perforin gene: 63G (allelic frequency 0.029), 112G (allelic frequency 0.071) and 1012T (allelic frequency 0.070). The presence of the 1012T genotype correlated with fewer perforin+ cells among circulating CD8+ CTL. However, CTL lines from HIV‐positive individuals heterozygous for the perforin 1012T SNP displayed normal lysis of target cells, and within the SEROCO cohort, patients heterozygous for the 1012T SNP showed normal disease progression. However, 1012T/T homozygotes showed a tendency towards slower disease progression (P = 0.08). In conclusion, polymorphism in the perforin gene is limited, and although the 1012T genotype appears to influence perforin expression, it was not conclusively associated with disease progression in HIV infection.
Water balance and the behaviour of different paving surfaces
Authors: Mansell Martin , Rollet Fabien 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe concept of water balance is frequently used to describe the main hydrological processes occurring in natural catchments. It can also be applied to urban catchments and in this paper the water balance principle is applied to small‐scale samples of various paving materials. In particular, the relative importance of runoff, evaporation and infiltration is studied. This paper discusses these processes and describes some experimental measurements of water balance on various paving materials and the moisture content distribution within the materials.
A watery form of sustainability
Authors: Cashman A. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractRegulation has been the most important driver in encouraging the water industry to move towards sustainability, but increasingly the appropriateness and effectiveness of regulation are being questioned. It is argued that, in its present form, sustainability as presented and supported through regulation equates to a form of weak sustainability that privileges the economic and subordinates the environment and societal spheres of sustainability. To overcome this, requires more long‐term perspectives, participatory mechanisms and moves beyond efficiency to intensity of resource use.
The Levels of Selection Debate: Philosophical Issues
Authors: Okasha Samir 
Published: February 2006

AbstractFor a number of years, the debate in evolutionary biology over the ‘levels of selection’ has attracted intense interest from philosophers of science. The main question concerns thelevel of the biological hierarchyat which natural selection occurs. Does selection act on organisms, genes, groups, colonies, demes, species, or some combination of these? According to traditional Darwinian theory the answer is the organism – it is the differential survival and reproduction of individual organisms that drives the evolutionary process. But there are alternative views too, including pluralist views which say that the choice between different levels of selection is often a matter of perspective, not empirical fact.
Contemporary virtue ethics
Authors: Stohr Karen 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWithin contemporary ethics, virtue ethics now seems to be permanently positioned as a major normative theory. Despite its popularity, however, it is often not very clear – even to virtue ethicists – what is included in the term. This article clarifies the territory by setting out some recent developments in virtue ethics. The article also explores the impact of the virtue ethics revival on metaethics and looks at the direction of future debate.
Malebranche's “Vision in God”
Authors: Pessin Andrew 
Published: February 2006

AbstractOf Malebranche's many famous doctrines, his “Vision in God” (VIG) surely ranks among the most interesting. Inspired by Augustine and Descartes, he argues for it vigorously and gives it a prominent place in his system of thought. And although it won no converts it did win many critics, who, in criticizing, were compelled to clarify their own theories of cognition. Thus VIG is of interest for its own sake, for its role in Malebranche's philosophy, and for its general influence in the early modern period.
The Paradox of Confirmation1
Authors: Fitelson Branden 
Published: February 2006

AbstractHempel first introduced the paradox of confirmation in 1937. Since then, a very extensive literature on the paradox has evolved (Vranas 2004). Much of this literature can be seen as responding to Hempel's subsequent discussions and analyses of the paradox (Hempel 1945). Recently, it was noted that Hempel's intuitive (and plausible) resolution of the paradox was inconsistent with his official theory of confirmation (Fitelson and Hawthorne 2006). In this article, we will try to explain how this inconsistency affects the historical dialectic about the paradox and how it illuminates the nature of confirmation. In the end, we will argue that Hempel's intuitions about the paradox of confirmation were (basically) correct, and that it is his theory that should be rejected, in favor of a (broadly) Bayesian account of confirmation.
Dual-Doppler Analysis in a Single Plane from an Airborne Platform
Authors: Leon D. , Vali G. , Lothon M. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A modified dual-Doppler analysis technique for use with airborne Doppler radars utilizing two fixed beams is presented. Although the data collected by such a system would ideally lie in the plane defined by the radar beam orientations and the aircraft velocity vector, variations in the aircraft attitude and drift angles lead to displacements between the radar observations and the idealized observation plane. These variations motivated the development of a formal framework in which an a priori velocity estimate is used in conjunction with the two Doppler velocity measurements to form a three-dimensional velocity estimate. Two velocity components, lying within or close to the observation plane, and therefore containing only a small contribution from the a priori velocity estimate, are then extracted from the three-dimensional velocity estimate. Advantages of using the three-dimensional framework include improved accuracy (when an a priori velocity estimate is available) and a framework for assessing the effects of cross-plane contamination on the retrieved velocity components.
The velocity fields retrieved using the modified dual-Doppler analysis are affected by errors in the platform motion correction to the Doppler velocities, random noise in the mean Doppler velocity estimates, displacements between the radar beams (and between the radar beams and the idealized observation plane), and meteorological velocity variations about the a priori velocity estimate. Errors in the platform motion correction remain poorly characterized but are believed to be the largest source of error in many cases. However, these errors result primarily in biases (or low-frequency errors) in the retrieved velocity fields and therefore do not interfere with the ability to resolve actual velocity variations. Random noise in the mean Doppler velocity estimates increases dramatically with decreasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (for SNR &lt; 5 dB) and effectively limits the use of the single-plane dual-Doppler (SPDD) analysis to SNR &gt; 0 dB. Displacements between the volumes sampled by the nadir and slanted beams can also be a significant source of error, especially at larger displacements from the aircraft. Errors resulting from meteorological velocity variations about the a priori velocity estimate tend to be small compared to the velocity variations of interest.
The dual-Doppler analysis presented in this paper has been applied to retrieve two-dimensional velocity fields with a resolution of ∼50 m using Doppler velocities collected using dual-beam configurations of the Wyoming Cloud Radar. Results are in horizontal and vertical planes for marine stratocumulus, cumulus congestus, and for the clear-air boundary layer.
Quantifying Global Uncertainties in a Simple Microwave Rainfall Algorithm
Authors: Kummerow Christian , Berg Wesley , Thomas-Stahle Jody , Masunaga Hirohiko 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
While a large number of methods exist in the literature for retrieving rainfall from passive microwave brightness temperatures, little has been written about the quantitative assessment of the expected uncertainties in these rainfall products at various time and space scales. The latter is the result of two factors: sparse validation sites over most of the world’s oceans, and algorithm sensitivities to rainfall regimes that cause inconsistencies against validation data collected at different locations. To make progress in this area, a simple probabilistic algorithm is developed. The algorithm uses an a priori database constructed from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) radar data coupled with radiative transfer computations. Unlike efforts designed to improve rainfall products, this algorithm takes a step backward in order to focus on uncertainties. In addition to inversion uncertainties, the construction of the algorithm allows errors resulting from incorrect databases, incomplete databases, and time- and space-varying databases to be examined. These are quantified. Results show that the simple algorithm reduces errors introduced by imperfect knowledge of precipitation radar (PR) rain by a factor of 4 relative to an algorithm that is tuned to the PR rainfall. Database completeness does not introduce any additional uncertainty at the global scale, while climatologically distinct space/time domains add approximately 25% uncertainty that cannot be detected by a radiometer alone. Of this value, 20% is attributed to changes in cloud morphology and microphysics, while 5% is a result of changes in the rain/no-rain thresholds. All but 2%–3% of this variability can be accounted for by considering the implicit assumptions in the algorithm. Additional uncertainties introduced by the details of the algorithm formulation are not quantified in this study because of the need for independent measurements that are beyond the scope of this paper. A validation strategy for these errors is outlined.
Adequacy of the In Situ Observing System in the Satellite Era for Climate SST
Authors: Zhang Huai-Min , Reynolds Richard W. , Smith Thomas M. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A method is presented to evaluate the adequacy of the recent in situ network for climate sea surface temperature (SST) analyses using both in situ and satellite observations. Satellite observations provide superior spatiotemporal coverage, but with biases; in situ data are needed to correct the satellite biases. Recent NOAA/U.S. Navy operational Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite SST biases were analyzed to extract typical bias patterns and scales. Occasional biases of 2°C were found during large volcano eruptions and near the end of the satellite instruments’ lifetime. Because future biases could not be predicted, the in situ network was designed to reduce the large biases that have occurred to a required accuracy. Simulations with different buoy density were used to examine their ability to correct the satellite biases and to define the residual bias as a potential satellite bias error (PSBE).
The PSBE and buoy density (BD) relationship was found to be nearly exponential, resulting in an optimal BD range of 2–3 per 10° × 10° box for efficient PSBE reduction. A BD of two buoys per 10° × 10° box reduces a 2°C maximum bias to below 0.5°C and reduces a 1°C maximum bias to about 0.3°C. The present in situ SST observing system was evaluated to define an equivalent buoy density (EBD), allowing ships to be used along with buoys according to their random errors. Seasonally averaged monthly EBD maps were computed to determine where additional buoys are needed for future deployments. Additionally, a PSBE was computed from the present EBD to assess the in situ system’s adequacy to remove potential future satellite biases.