bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPERT SYSTEM APPROACH TO ASSESSMENTS OF BLEEDING PREDISPOSITIONS IN TONSILLECTOMY/ADENOIDECTOMY PATIENTS
Authors: PIZZI NICOLINO J. , GERRARD JON M. 
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this expert system is to assess a predisposition to bleeding in a patient undergoing a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, as may occur with patients who have certain blood conditions such as hemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease, and platelet function defects. This objective is achieved by establishing a correlation between the patients’ responses to a medical questionnaire and the relative quantities of blood lost during their operations. Three major modules constitute the system: the automated questionnaire to be completed by the patient, the expert system proper, and the patient database. The questionnaire is divided into fourteen sections on topics such as the occurrence of bruises and positive familial history. The expert system takes the responses to the questionnaire and determines risk categories for patients undergoing the operations. The patient database contains the patients’ questionnaire responses, personal data and the risk assessments generated by the expert system. Subsequent to the development of the expert system prototype, inductive learning techniques were examined to automatically classify patients as either normal or abnormal. Specifically, Quinlan’s ID3 induction algorithm was used whereby a training set of patient data generates a classification tree whose leaf nodes correspond to the classification outcomes. This paper presents the architecture of the hematology expert system, identifies some problems encountered during the knowledge engineering process and presents some statistical data pertaining to the accuracy of its risk assessments. It also offers a comparative review of the expert system and inductive learning methodologies.
OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION — A SURVEY
Authors: IMPEDOVO S. , OTTAVIANO L. , OCCHINEGRO S. 
Published: November 2004

In order to highlight the interesting problems and actual results on the state of the art in optical character recognition (OCR), this paper describes and compares preprocessing, feature extraction and postprocessing techniques for commercial reading machines. Problems related to handwritten and printed character recognition are pointed out, and the functions and operations of the major components of an OCR system are described. Historical background on the development of character recognition is briefly given and the working of an optical scanner is explained. The specifications of several recognition systems that are commercially available are reported and compared.
RECOGNITION AND VERIFICATION OF HARDWRITTEN AND HAND-PRINTER BRITISH POSTAL ADDRESSES
Authors: DOWNTON A. C. , TREGIDGO R. W. S. , KABIR E. 
Published: November 2004

An algorithmic architecture for a high-performance optical character recognition (OCR) system for hand-printed and handwritten addresses is proposed. The architecture integrates syntactic and contextual post-processing with character recognition to optimise postcode recognition performance, and verifies the postcode against simple features extracted from the remainder of the address to ensure a low error rate. An enhanced version of the characteristic loci character recognition algorithm was chosen for the system to make it tolerant of variations in writing style. Feature selection for the classifier is performed automatically using the B/W algorithm. Syntactic and contextual information for hand-printed British postcodes have been integrated into the system by combining low-level postcode syntax information with a dictionary trie structure. A full implementation of the postcode dictionary trie is described. Features which define the town name effectively, and can easily be extracted from a handwritten or hand-printed town name are used for postcode verification. A database totalling 3473 postcode/address image has used to evaluate the performance of the complete postcode recognition process. The basic character recognition rate for the full unconstrained alphanumeric character set is 63.1%, compared with an expected maximum attainable 75–80%. The addition of the syntactic and contextual knowledge stages produces an overall postcode recognition rate which is equivalent to an alphanumeric character recognition rate of 86–90%. Separate verification experiments on a subset of 820 address images show that, with the first-order features chosen, an overall correct address feature code extraction rate of around 35% is achieved.
A LEARNING-BASED SOFTWARE ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENT FOR REUSING DESIGN KNOWLEDGE
Authors: BAILIN SIDNEY C. , GATTIS ROBERT H. , TRUSZKOWSKI WALT 
Published: November 2004

As part of the NASA/Goddard Code 522.3 research program in software engineering, a Knowledge-Based Software Engineering Environment (KBSEE) is being developed. The KBSEE will support a comprehensive artifact-reuse capability and will incorporate knowledge-based concepts such as machine learning and design knowledge capture. The distinguishing features of this work are that it is a systematic approach to the reuse of knowledge, not just of products, and it implements learning as an explicitly supported function in a software engineering environment. Each of these objectives is currently being pursued in a distinct prototype environment: design knowledge capture and knowledge reuse in KAPTUR (Knowledge Acquisition for Preservation of Tradeoffs and Underlying Rationales), and learning in LEARN (Learning Enhanced Automation of Reuse Engineering). Despite their prototype realization in different environments, the integration of these approaches into an overall KBSEE is a key goal of our work.
Estimating the Decadal Predictability of a Coupled AOGCM
Authors: Pohlmann Holger , Botzet Michael , Latif Mojib , Roesch Andreas , Wild Martin , Tschuck Peter 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
On seasonal time scales, ENSO prediction has become feasible in an operational framework in recent years. On decadal to multidecadal time scales, the variability of the oceanic circulation is assumed to provide a potential for climate prediction. To investigate the decadal predictability of the coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model (AOGCM) European Centre-Hamburg model version 5/Max Planck Institute Ocean Model (ECHAM5/MPI-OM), a 500-yr-long control integration and “perfect model” predictability experiments are analyzed. The results show that the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of the North Atlantic, Nordic Seas, and Southern Ocean exhibit predictability on multidecadal time scales. Over the ocean, the predictability of surface air temperature (SAT) is very similar to that of SST. Over land, there is little evidence of decadal predictability of SAT except for some small maritime-influenced regions of Europe. The AOGCM produces predictable signals in lower-tropospheric temperature and precipitation over the North Atlantic, but not in sea level pressure.
The Response of the Southern Hemisphere Atmospheric Circulation to an Enhanced Greenhouse Gas Forcing
Authors: Brandefelt Jenny , Källén Erland 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The response of the atmospheric circulation to an enhanced radiative greenhouse gas forcing is investigated. It has been proposed that the response of the climate system to an enhanced forcing projects directly onto the preexisting natural modes of variability. An evaluation of this possibility and in particular of the implications of unchanged flow regimes is performed with a focus on the Southern Hemisphere extratropical atmospheric circulation. Low-pass-filtered mean sea level pressure and geopotential height at 500 and 200 hPa from a transient integration with a coupled global climate model is used.
The response to an enhanced forcing projects strongly onto the leading modes of present-day variability, in agreement with other studies. However, the spatial patterns of the leading modes are changed in response to enhanced forcing. The first and second modes of interweekly variability are the Pacific–South American modes, zonal wavenumber-3 wave trains from the central Pacific to the southern Atlantic. In response to the enhanced forcing, the spatial patterns of these modes change, and the wave train extends along a circumpolar path with amplitude also in the Eastern Hemisphere. This change in the spatial patterns is associated with a strengthening of the waveguide for barotropic Rossby waves.
The Theory of Ice Nucleation by Heterogeneous Freezing of Deliquescent Mixed CCN. Part I: Critical Radius, Energy, and Nucleation Rate
Authors: Khvorostyanov Vitaly I. , Curry Judith A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper extends previous work on the theory of heterogenous ice nucleation. The goals of this analysis are to explain empirical observations of ice nucleation and to provide a suitable framework for modeling and parameterizing the ice nucleation process in cloud-scale and large-scale atmospheric models. Considered are the processes of heterogeneous freezing of deliquescent mixed cloud condensation nuclei that may serve as ice nuclei, and the properties of an ice germ critical radius, energy, and nucleation rate of ice crystals are examined as functions of temperature and supersaturation. Expressions for nucleation in a polydisperse aerosol for the deliquescence-freezing mode are developed. Equations are derived for the threshold and critical saturation ratios as functions of temperature and nucleation rate, and for the threshold and critical temperatures as functions of saturation ratio. Equivalence of the new formulation for the freezing point depression with traditional expressions is shown and the concepts of the effective temperature and supercooling are introduced. These new formulations are used in a companion paper for simulations of ice nucleation using a cloud parcel model.
Small-Scale Mixing, Large-Scale Advection, and Stratospheric Tracer Distributions
Authors: Vanneste J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe vertical mixing of tracers in the stratosphere is mainly due to patches of three-dimensional turbulence, which are highly intermittent in time and space. A simple heuristic model of this form of mixing is developed and employed to examine the effect of small-scale mixing on passive stratospheric tracers. The model is based on random-walk ideas, and it leads to an analog of the usual advection–diffusion equation in which the diffusion operator is replaced by a convolution operator taking the intermittency of the mixing into account. In its simplest form, this operator is defined by two parameters; these are estimated from midlatitude lower-stratospheric balloon data using a stochastic model of turbulent patches.The behavior of tracer distributions in some idealized flows shows how intermittency makes mixing less effective in damping the small-scale tracer fluctuations that arise through differential advection. This has consequences for stratospheric tracer distributions, which are demonstrated using numerical simulations based on observed stratospheric winds. Specifically, the new model of mixing leads to a horizontal tracer spectrum that is shallower, and closer to a k−2 power law, than the spectrum obtained with a diffusive parameterization of mixing. The horizontal scale below which intermittent mixing differs significantly from diffusion is estimated to be 15 km or so; remarkably, this coincides with the dissipative scale below which dissipation by small-scale mixing is crucial for tracer evolution.
Dynamics of 2-Day Equatorial Waves
Authors: Haertel Patrick T. , Kiladis George N. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
The dynamics of the 2-day wave, a type of convectively coupled disturbance that frequents the equatorial western Pacific, is examined using observations and a linear primitive equation model. A statistical composite of the wave's kinematic and thermodynamic structure is presented. It is shown that 1) the wave's wind and temperature perturbations can be modeled as linear responses to convective heating and cooling, and 2) the bulk of the wave's dynamical and convective structure can be represented with two vertical modes. The observations and model results suggest that the 2-day wave is an n = 1 westward-propagating inertio–gravity wave with a shallow equivalent depth (14 m) that results from the partial cancelation of adiabatic temperature changes due to vertical motion by convective heating and cooling.
Influence of Early Winter Upward Wave Activity Flux on Midwinter Circulation in the Stratosphere and Troposphere
Authors: Karpetchko Alexei , Nikulin Grigory 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Using NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data the authors show that the November–December averaged stratospheric eddy heat flux is strongly anticorrelated with the January–February averaged eddy heat flux in the midlatitude stratosphere and troposphere. This finding further emphasizes differences between early and midwinter stratospheric wave flux behavior, which has recently been found in long-term variations. Analysis suggests that the intraseasonal anticorrelation of stratospheric heat fluxes results from changes in the upward wave propagation in the troposphere. Stronger (weaker) upward wave fluxes in early winter lead to weaker (stronger) upward wave fluxes from the troposphere during midwinter. Also, enhanced equatorward wave refraction during midwinter (due to the stronger polar night jet) is associated with weak heat flux in the early winter. It is suggested that the effect of enhanced midwinter upward wave flux from the troposphere in the years with weak early winter heat flux overcompensates the effect of increased equatorward wave refraction in midwinter, leading to a net increase of midwinter upward wave fluxes into the stratosphere.
Synthesis and Formation Mechanism of Silver Nanowires by a Templateless and Seedless Method
Authors: Zhao Qitao , Qiu Jianrong , Zhao Chongjun , Hou Lisong , Zhu Congshan 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Silver nanowires in large quantities can be obtained through a simple method in the absence of a surfactant or polymer and without addition of external seeding nanocrystallites. A plausible mechanism was proposed to elucidate the formation mechanism of silver nanowires based on TEM studies.
Bloodless removal of varicose veins - a new technique
Authors: Lorenz D , Kullich W , Redtenbacher M , Weissenhofer W 
Published: November 2004

Objective: To describe the use of a novel electric vein stripper (EVS) for use in patients with varicosities of the greater saphenous vein and tributaries. Methods: In addition to standard procedures as performed in varicose veins of the lower limb, an EVS, powered by a standard high frequency electrocoagulation generator (HF), is introduced. The application of this new EVS makes it possible to avoid tearing of the structures of the subcutaneous tissue surrounding the greater saphenous vein, leaving the channel of the vein blood dry. Results: A preliminary study including two groups of patients - 20 in the Babcock group and 24 in the EVS group - resulted in significantly reduced pain and discomfort. An added benefit for the patients was the fact that postoperative compression bandages were not needed. Conclusions: Application of EVS can prevent bruising and haematomas in vein stripping can be avoided.
Effect of seasonal variations on the emergence of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity
Authors: Yetkin U , Karabay Ö , Önol H 
Published: November 2004

Objective: We aimed to determine the role of seasonal and meteorological variations in the incidence of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods: A total of 296 patients with DVT for the first time were admitted to the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic of the Alsancak State Hospital during the four-year period between January 1999 and December 2002. Of these cases, 151 were women (51%) and the average age was 58.8 years. We investigated the effect of each month and season on the onset of acute symptoms of DVT. Meteorological data were also compared during the onset of disease. Results: We found that DVT frequency significantly increased during the six-month period between October and March, particularly on the coldest winter days and when atmospheric pressure was low. Conclusions: Lower extremity DVT significantly correlates with meteorological variables such as cold temperatures and low atmospheric pressure. Further multicentric prospective studies are necessary to determine the extent of these effects.
Long-term treatment of chronic venous insufficiency of the leg with micronized purified flavonoid fraction in the primary care setting of India
Authors: Pinjala R K , Abraham T K , Chadha S K , Hai A A , Hussain S A , Moulik A K , Nagori L F , Nayak G , Patel M D , Sen G , Shetty S V , Sinha K N 
Published: November 2004

Objective: This study investigates whether micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) is effective and acceptable without compression or surgical intervention for the management of chronic venous insufficiency of the leg (CVIL) in the primary care setting of a tropical country such as India. Methods: A prospective observational study on patients with early CVIL drawn from the clinical practice of randomly selected physicians distributed across India. Patients received MPFF 1000 mg/day for six months without compression stockings or surgery. The primary outcome was a change in their CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical, pathophysiological) classification of CVIL severity. Secondary outcomes were changes in leg oedema, symptom intensity and quality of life. Results: Of the 308 patients recruited by 72 physicians, 166 (53.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 48.3-59.5) had regression in the CEAP severity stage. Mean leg circumference in those with oedema decreased by 2 cm (95% CI 1.7-2.3, P <0.05). Patient-assessed mean percentage decrease in symptom intensity was 32.3 for cramps (28.9-35.7, P <0.01); 32.4 for heaviness (29.8-35.7, P <0.01); 28.2 for pain (25.6-30.8, P <0.01); and 21.5 for swelling (18.7-24.3, P <0.01). Quality of life improved by 21.7% (16.9-26.5, P <0.01) in the physical domains, 25.9% (20.8-31.0, P <0.01) in the social domains, and 19.2% (14.7-23.7, P <0.01) in the psychological domains. Conclusions: When used alone, MPFF was effective and acceptable for the management of CVIL in primary care. This may be useful in tropical climates where compliance with compression stockings is poor and access to surgery limited.
Chlamydial infection in women along the US–Mexico border
Authors: Baldwin S B , Djambazov B , Papenfuss M , Abrahamsen M , Denman C , Guernsey de Zapien J , Ortega L , Navarro Henze J L , Hunter J , Rojas M , García F , Giuliano A R 
Published: November 2004

Few studies have reported on sexually transmitted infections at the US–Mexico border, so the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in this population remains uncertain. This binational project investigated the prevalence of, and risk factors for, C. trachomatis among women along the Arizona, US–Sonora, Mexico border. Women who self-referred for routine gynaecological care were invited to complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire and to undergo a Pap smear, C. trachomatis test, and HPV test. In 2270 women, C. trachomatis prevalence overall was 8.2% as measured by hybrid capture and 2.6% by enzyme immunoassay. Infection was associated with young age, a history of new sexual partner(s) in the previous three months, HPV infection, and proximity of clinic to the international border. Antibiotic use in the previous 30 days was associated with decreased odds of infection. Women in Arizona–Sonora border communities are at increased risk for C. trachomatis infection compared to women attending clinics in non-border locations.
Dielectric Response in Strongly Disordered Materials: Analytic Approaches
Authors: Schulz M. , Dietrich Wolfgang , Maass P. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Interacting dipolar centers at frozen random positions are known to provide a microscopic mechanism for strong non-Debye behavior in the dielectric response. In particular, it has been shown previously by kinetic Monte Carlo simulation that nearly constant dielectric loss spectra emerge from random dipolar lattice gas models. Here we discuss analytic or semi-analytic theories that allow us to treat such complex models that involve structural randomness and electrostatic interactions. After a brief review of a dynamic pair approximation we present a scaling theory which is based on the observation that relaxation of a selected dipole is dominated by the interaction with its closest neighbor. Finally, some first steps in a new, field-theoretic approach are outlined.
Ion Dynamics in Mixed Alkali Borate Glasses
Authors: Cramer Cornelia , Gao Yong , Brunklaus Sabine , Ratai Eva 
Published: November 2004

AbstractFrequency-dependent conductivities are a valuable tool for studying the ion dynamics on different time scales, the latter being determined by the inverse of the experimental frequency. Therefore, wide range conductivity spectra probe the transition from elementary steps of the ionic movement to macroscopic transport. We have studied the ion dynamics in mixed alkali borate glasses where we have systematically varied the total and the relative ion concentration. The glass system under investigation isy[xLi2O · (1−x) Na2O] · (1−y) B2O3withx= 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 andy= 0.1, 0.2, 0.3. The conductivity spectra can be formally divided into a low-frequency and a high-frequency regime. In the low-frequency regime the conductivities of all glasses show a transition from their dc values into a dispersive regime where the conductivity is found to increase continuously with frequency, tending towards a linear frequency dependence at sufficiently low temperatures. The conductivity spectra can be described by the MIGRATION concept developed by Funke. We discuss the spectral shape of the conductivity spectra and its implications for the ion transport. In addition, we report on a new mixed alkali effect occurring in the high-frequency regime of the ac conductivity. From our results we conclude that apart from a low-frequency contribution to the conductivity which is linked to ion hopping sequencess, there is an additional contribution involving localized motions of both the mobile ions and the glassy network.
Preliminary Biomass Characterization in a Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Di Iaconi Claudio , Ramadori Roberto , Lopez Antonio , Passino Roberto 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe paper reports the results of an investigation aimed to evaluate the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on physical and biochemical characteristics of granular sludge obtained in a SBBR system. Biomass density resulted very high, i.e. 70‐125 gTSS/Lbiomass, and this permitted to achieve a biomass concentration such high as 17‐45 gTSS/Lbed. An appropriate equation proved that the pressure loss, an easily measurable parameter, can be used for biomass porosity measurement and indirect assessment of biomass concentration in the biofilter. As for biomass biochemical characterisation, the EPS (Extracellular Polymeric Substances) content was rather low (5‐7 % of the total organic matter) and mostly made up of proteins whereas the cellular protein content, a parameter frequently used as an indicator of microorganisms activity, was high (30‐60 % of total organic matter).