bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Treatment of Herniated Lumbar Disc Sciatica by Epidural Corticosteroid Injection
Authors: LE Quang-Tri , Nguyen Minh-Hoang
Published: February 2020

Background: Medical facilities in Vietnam both use Methylprednisolone acetate and Hydrocortisone acetate in treatment with different administrations. This study aimed to evaluate of effects and side-effects of epidural injection of Methylprednisolone acetate and Hydrocortisone acetate in the treatment of herniated lumbar disc sciatica.

Methods and findings: Cross-sectional descriptive study on 80 herniated lumbar disc sciatica patients treated at Department of Orthopedic, 7A Military Hospital, Hochiminh City, VietNam. The patients were divided into two groups in coupling fashion based on the VAS score of pain.

Study results showed that both corticosteroid drugs (Methylprednisolone acetate and Hydrocortisone acetate) yielded good outcomes on all investigated parameters and there was no significant difference between the two medications (p < 0.05); administration of Methylprednisolone acetate reduced VAS score of 1.98 ± 1.33 points and Hydrocortisone acetate reduced of 2.13 ± 1.17 points. Lasegue test score in Methylprednisolone acetate administered patients raised from 74.630 ± 18.820 to 80.750 ± 15.870 and in Hydrocortisone acetate patients from 71.250 ± 10.110 to 81.630 ± 8.350). Treatment methods were safe, and there was no difference in complication rates between the two groups. The direct and indirect cost of Hydrocortisone acetate administration was three times higher than Methylprednisolone acetate.

Conclusion: It was safe and effective to administrate both Methylprednisolone acetate and Hydrocortisone acetate in the treatment of herniated lumbar disc sciatica. Methylprednisolone acetate administration was more economical than Hydrocortisone acetate.

Keywords: Sciatica, epidural injection, Methylprednisolone acetate, Hydrocortisone acetate
A HOUSE PRICE VALUATION BASED ON THE RANDOM FOREST APPROACH: THE MASS APPRAISAL OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN SOUTH KOREA
Authors: Hong Jengei , Choi Heeyoul , Kim Woo-sung
Published: February 2020

Mass appraisal is the standardized procedure of valuing a large number of properties at the same time and is commonly used to compute real estate tax. While a hedonic pricing model based on the ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression has been employed as the traditional method in this process, the stability and accuracy of the model remain questionable. This paper investigates the features of a house price predictor based on the Random Forest (RF) method by comparing it with that of a conventional hedonic pricing model. We used apartment transaction data from the period of 2006 to 2017 in the district of Gangnam, one of the most developed areas in South Korea. Using a data set covering 40% of all transactions in the sample area, we demonstrate that the accuracy of a machine learning-based predictor can be surprisingly high. The average of percentage deviations between the predicted and the actual market price was found to be only around 5.5% in the RF predictor, whereas it was almost 20% in the OLS-based predictor. With the RF predictor, the probability of the predicted price being within 5% of its actual market price was 72%, while only about 17.5% of the regression-based predictions fell within the same range. These results show that, in the practice of mass appraisal, the RF method may be a useful complement to the hedonic models, as it more adequately captures the complexity or non-linearity of actual housing markets.
Toxicopathological, Cytogenetic Effects of Acetothioamide on Female Albino Mice Reproductive System
Authors: Humadi Anas A. , AL-Kaisei Bushra I. , Humadai Taghreed J. , AL-Ezzy Ali Ibrahim Ali
Published: February 2020

AIM: To determine toxicopathological and cytogenetic effects of Acetothioamide (ATA) on the female reproductive system.
METHODS: Twenty albino female mice were divided equally into two groups: the first group (control) fed with diet pellet. The second group (treated) were inoculated intraperitoneally with a single dose of ATA (100 mg/kg Bw) for 15 days. All mice were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and blood was collected for evaluation of (FSH and LH), serum peroxy nitrate radical concentration. Cytogenetic analysis (chromosomal aberration, micronuclei, mitotic index and blast index) and the histopathological examination on ovary and uterus were done.
RESULTS: ATA causes significant reduction (p < 0.0001) for FSH, LH and serum peroxy nitrate radical concentration among treated females. Oophoritis, pyometria, thrombosis and endometrial hyperplasia with granulomatous reaction were reported among treated females mainly in uterus tissue and ovary.
CONCLUSION: ATA causes significant reduction for FSH, LH and serum peroxy nitrate concentration among treated females. Oophoritis, pyometria, thrombosis and endometrial hyperplasia with granulomatous reaction were the main pathological changes in uterus tissue and ovary among treated females.
Genette et les SIC, une filiation paradoxale ?
Authors: Bonaccorsi Julia , Jeanneret Yves
Published: February 2020

Genette est-il un « classique », un « fondamental » pour les sciences de l’information et de la communication (SIC) ? Cet article analyse un corpus d’articles et de thèses de doctorat dans ce domaine pour décrire les citations des écrits de Genette faites par cette communauté scientifique entre 1980 et 2018. Contre ses propres prédictions, les catégories de Genette sont devenues des « concepts nomades », notamment dans l’analyse des médias et des discours sociaux. Le but de cette recherche est de caractériser quantitativement et qualitativement les usages de la référence à Genette par les analystes de la communication quotidienne et médiatique, quand ils attirent vers eux les catégories théoriques de Genette. L’article montre que ce nomadisme conceptuel affleure aux relations paradoxales entre une poétique visant la littérarité et un usage de la poétique comme instrument d’analyse des discours sociaux.
Le mashup et la transtextualité audiovisuelle sur Internet
Authors: Bourgatte Michaël
Published: February 2020

La culture cinématographique se construit dans la confrontation aux films. Elle prend également forme dans le cadre d’échanges que l’on a autour du cinéma. Elle passe alors par la parole (discussions entre amateurs, émissions d’experts à la télévision, contenus de youtubeurs) ou l’écriture (fanzines, magazines, sites Internet). Les technologies numériques et Internet ont enfin favorisé une nouvelle pratique. Le principe est celui de la construction d’un discours à partir de séquences de films ou de vidéos qu’on manipule et qu’on détourne. Cette pratique est appelée « mashup » et elle accompagne l’avènement d’une véritable littératie audiovisuelle. Cependant, il existe une diversité de mashups que l’auteur propose d’analyser à l’aide des catégories de la transtextualité chez Gérard Genette (intertextualité, paratextualité, métatextualité, architextualité, hypertextualité).
Genette, contre-enquête : Pragmatique, formes et diachronie de la « voix narrative »
Authors: Soulez Guillaume
Published: February 2020

Gérard Genette a inventé de nombreuses notions qui font presque l’ordinaire aujourd’hui d’une analyse textuelle. Mais on oublie souvent les choix et le cadre théoriques qui ont présidé à la mise au point de ces catégories. Pour mesurer l’importance d’« ouvrir » la boîte noire des catégories genettiennes, nous prenons l’exemple de la « voix narrative » dans Figures III et essayons de voir dans quelle mesure la notion de « récit homo-intradiégétique » peut vraiment s’appliquer à Ulysse chez les Phéaciens. Sous la forme d’une contre-enquête, nous faisons apparaître le problème de l’articulation entre analyse formelle et diachronie. Contre une démarche qui se sert des catégories textuelles genettiennes en changeant simplement le contexte de leur application, nous défendons une approche plus pragmatique de l’usage des formes qui historicise et redonne sens au jeu formel, tout en approfondissant la conceptualisation à l’œuvre chez Genette.
La publicité et la télévision publique. Quels enjeux ? Le cas de l’EPTV
Authors: El Houda Bouzegaou Nor
Published: February 2020

Cette étude a pour objectif d’aborder la question du financement de la télévision publique. Les différents systèmes financiers adoptés par bon nombre de télévisions publiques dans le monde ne sont pas sans soulever le problème de la légitimité d’un tel système se fondant majoritairement sur la publicité. Indépendamment des fonds nécessaires à leur entrée dans le marché de l’audiovisuel, les entreprises médiatiques doivent trouver les moyens de financer leurs charges de fonctionnement. La radio et la télévision publiques vont adopter des solutions qui influent sur la forme, le fond et sur la structure même du secteur. Dès lors, la question du financement apparaît comme l’une des questions fondamentales autour des études consacrées au service public de la télévision. Il ressort de ces études que le financement ne se résume pas seulement à se procurer les moyens financiers utiles pour l’accomplissement de la mission de service public, mais il soulève la question de l’accès à ces diverses ressources sans que les missions de l’entreprise publique de télévision ne soient mises en cause. Pourtant, nombreuses sont les études sur le financement du service public qui partent de l’hypothèse que « le financement influe sur le contenu ». À cet effet, la publicité, l’une des ressources financières les plus « imposantes », est au centre du débat sur la nature des systèmes financiers des télévisions publiques et leurs effets dans la société. Dans cet article, est abordé le cas de l’entreprise publique de télévision (EPTV).
La Presse, le football et la politique en Algérie : L’imbrication des stratégies populistes de captation et d’aliénation
Authors: Chemerik Fateh
Published: February 2020

Cette contribution repose sur une étude dont l’objectif est d’explorer la nature de la relation entre le pouvoir politique, les médias et le football en Algérie. Tout en s’interrogeant sur les enjeux de ce sport, l’auteur se propose de montrer que le football peut être un lieu d’investissement de stratégies de mobilisation des foules. Comprendre tout d’abord l’information, le document tel qu’il s’exprime. Puis interpréter, c’est-à-dire re-signifier le message entrevu en mettant en évidence l’implicite, le non-exprimé. Ainsi, dans le traitement de l’actualité footballistique, apparaît le lien entre le pouvoir politique et la presse en Algérie. Deux axes relativement distincts se dégagent de l’analyse. Le premier traite la stratégie des acteurs du football dans la politique algérienne pendant l’époque coloniale, ou comment les footballeurs sont devenus des alliés de la politique dans la guerre de libération. Le second axe revient sur l’effet inverse. Si le football peut servir à une stratégie de mobilisation, de contrôle et surtout d’« aliénation » des foules, celles-ci ne restent pas sans réaction. Quels sont donc, les moyens dont les autorités disposent par le biais de la presse pour la mobilisation des foules et de quelle façon celles-ci réagissent-elles ?
De la liberté d’expression à la « Radio algérienne » :
Authors: Hamzaoui Hakim
Published: February 2020

Le mouvement populaire (Hirak) déclenché en Algérie le 22 février 2019 a brisé le mur de la peur disent les observateurs. Il a libéré l’expression auprès de plusieurs corporations professionnelles. Celle des journalistes de la presse publique en est une. La politique gouvernementale de l’Algérie d’avant 1990 avait empêché les journalistes d’assurer leur fonction critique vis-à-vis des actions menées par les autorités publiques. Autocensure, peur des représailles, couverture des événements de routine comme guillotine de la créativité journalistique et interférence des responsables dans le façonnage de l’information diffusée, ce sont là les quelques mécanismes mis en œuvre au sein de la sphère interne de la Radio algérienne qui limitent la liberté d’expression des journalistes. Cette privation a été l’un des facteurs qui ont empêché la formation d’une conscience sociopolitique et d’une dynamique sociale à même d’accompagner le développement du pays. Nous y voyons, en partie, les raisons des sit-in tenus par les journalistes de la Radio après le déclenchement du « Hirak » du 22 février 2019 pour la levée de l’omerta imposée sur le traitement médiatique de l’actualité. L’enquête de terrain menée auprès d’eux contribue à éclairer le problème des entraves à la liberté d’expression des journalistes au sein de la Radio algérienne .
Impact et efficience de l’intégration du diagnostic et du traitement de la pneumonie dans la prise en charge communautaire du paludisme à Madagascar
Authors: Razakamanana Marilys Victoire , Audibert Martine , Andrianantoandro Voahirana Tantely , Harimanana Aina
Published: February 2020

En 2014, un programme d’intégration de la prise en charge de la pneumonie dans celle du paludisme au niveau communautaire a été mis en place à Madagascar. Cela visait à améliorer l’accessibilité aux soins grâce au recours aux agents communautaires (AC). Cet article évalue l’efficacité et l’efficience de ce programme. Deux districts ont été pris en compte, à savoir Andapa, district de contrôle qui n’a reçu que des activités de base, et Antalaha, district traité où la totalité des activités a été mise en œuvre. Une analyse d’impact basée sur la méthode de la double différence et une analyse coût-efficacité ont été effectuées. Le programme a eu un impact significatif sur la prise en charge de ces deux maladies par les AC. L’analyse coût-efficacité a démontré que le coût par cas supplémentaire traité par ces derniers est entre 8,66 et 9,68 USD. Classification JEL  : I15, I12, I18.
La réassurance : de la garantie de la stabilité financière globale à la couverture assurantielle des effets du réchauffement climatique
Authors: Thourot Patrick
Published: February 2020

La réassurance est mal connue, alors qu’elle joue un rôle économique primordial dans la garantie de stabilité du système financier, dans la création et la gestion de la capacité de transfert des risques et dans le développement de l’assurabilité des « risques de pointe » et des risques émergents. De ce fait, les réassureurs sont en première ligne dans les travaux d’évaluation et de gestion des effets du réchauffement climatique et dans l’assurance de la transition écologique.
L’assurance en Chine
Authors: Juilliard Marc-Philippe
Published: February 2020

Après avoir progressé de manière très importante, le marché chinois de l’assurance est aujourd’hui le deuxième plus grand à l’échelle mondiale derrière les États-Unis. Pour autant, la prime d’assurance moyenne par habitant ainsi que la part de l’assurance dans le PIB chinois demeurent très en deçà des niveaux observés dans les pays développés. Cela laisse donc augurer des perspectives de développement toujours très fortes au cours de la décennie à venir. À ce stade, le marché chinois de l’assurance est relativement équilibré entre les secteurs vie et non-vie, ce qui démontre sa maturité grandissante. Il est aussi fortement régulé et dominé par un nombre réduit d’acteurs disposant de fortes parts de marché. Les assureurs étrangers ne représentent pas un poids significatif. Malgré la forte croissance dont ils bénéficient, les assureurs chinois se heurtent à de nombreux défis, tels que le coût des réseaux de distribution, la nécessité d’adapter leur gamme de produits aux besoins changeants des assurés et, enfin, l’impact grandissant des catastrophes naturelles.
Enjeux et défis de la libre prestation de services pour l’assurance française et européenne
Authors: Poiget Philippe , Pierotti Christian
Published: February 2020

Principal volet du passeport européen, la libre prestation de services est un outil-clé d’approfondissement du marché intérieur en matière financière. Elle permet à une entreprise agréée dans un État membre d’offrir ses services dans tous les pays de l’Union européenne. Dans le secteur de l’assurance, la libre prestation de services a permis de décloisonner les marchés nationaux, de favoriser les échanges intra-européens et de renforcer la coordination entre États. Toutefois, la libre prestation de services pose aujourd’hui des défis majeurs en termes de concurrence équitable et de stabilité des marchés. L’absence d’harmonisation européenne freine l’essor des échanges assurantiels transfrontaliers et révèle les défaillances du marché. Conscientes des risques et défis que présente la libre prestation de services, les institutions européennes doivent s’efforcer de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires afin d’assurer des pratiques de contrôle convergentes par les autorités de supervision ainsi qu’une concurrence équitable dans l’ensemble du marché unique.
Linguistic Reflections of Object Perception Versus Event Perception. Agreement Ad Sensum in the Pronominal Infinitive Construction in Spanish
Authors: Enghels Renata
Published: February 2020

En espagnol, la construction infinitive pronominale se caractérise par l’accord variable (singulier versus pluriel) entre le verbe de perception, le participant perçu et l’infinitif subordonné. Les approches plutôt traditionnelles relient cette variabilité formelle à des lectures très différentes de la construction, à savoir l’interprétation passive (avec accord variable) versus impersonnelle (toujours au singulier). Cet article montre que l’accord variable dans la construction infinitive pronominale est un autre cas de l’accord ad sensum , un phénomène assez étendu en espagnol. L’étude relie l’alternance formelle à une stratégie employée par le locuteur pour mettre au premier plan une conceptualisation particulière du stimulus de perception (le participant perçu ou l’événement entier). Ce principe est lié à la nature particulière de l’acte de perception (perception objectale versus événementielle) et dépend, dans une large mesure, de la modalité (visuelle ou auditive) du verbe de perception.
Black soldier fly from pest to ‘crown jewel’ of the insects as feed industry: an historical perspective
Authors: Tomberlin J.K. , van Huis A.
Published: February 2020

An historical overview of the black soldier fly is given and how the appreciation of the insect developed from being harmful to beneficial. The change occurred in 1980, initially for their role in forensic entomology and later when it was realised that the insects can be used both for recycling organic waste streams and for providing nutritious feed for production animals. Now the number of publications on the black soldier fly is increasing exponentially, while more companies focus on its commercial use.
Comparative Efficacy of Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Kurt Hatice Guncu , Altinay Murat , Anand Amit
Published: February 2020

Patients who have not responded to two antidepressant trials in their current depressive episode are usually considered to have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). A detailed search on PubMed was conducted for reported response and remission rates for non-ketamine and ketamine treatments for TRD. From a variety of pharmacological and brain stimulation open-label studies, the treatments were found to have similar response and remission rates of 30% to 70% and 20% to 50%, respectively. For randomized placebo-controlled trials, reported response and remission rates were 15% to 60% and 10% to 40%, respectively. Ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy both have response and remission rates at the higher end of these ranges, and their significant advantage is their fast action in an acute setting. Direct comparative efficacy studies with large sample sizes will be needed to establish any margin of increased benefit of one treatment modality compared to the other.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2020;50(2):62–67.]
Erozijski procesi v slovenski Istri
Authors: Zorn Matija
Published: February 2020

The book deals with erosion processes in the Slovenian part of Istrian peninsula. In the introductory chapters the fluvial-denudation relief in Slovenia, erosion processes, and their influential factors, as well as the extent of erosion processes in Slovenia and Slovene Istria are presented. The largest section of the book is devoted to the presentation of measurements of erosion processes in the Dragonja river basin. Measurements included soil erosion measurements (interrill erosion on three different land uses, rill erosion and wind erosion), measurements of rockwall retreat and movements of debris through an erosion gully, as well as chemical denudation in the river basin.
Prediction of Grain Size during Hot Forging of SCR420HB Using a Phenomenological Model
Authors: Irani Missam , Mun Seon Yeong , Joun Man Soo
Published: February 2020

The material constants of a phenomenological model for predicting the grain size evolution during hot deformation are determined using first and second stages of a hot forging process. The constants including initial grain size exponent, strain exponent, strain rate exponent and dynamic recrystallization activation energy for SCR420HB bearing steel were obtained through finite element optimization technique introduced by the same authors in literature. In the optimization, the error between the experimental and predicted grain sizes at some sample points were minimized by adjusting the material constants as the design variables. The predicted grain size after the third stage using the optimized material constants was compared with the experimental values to validate the obtained material constants. The comparison showed that the model predicts the grain size with tolerable error when the obtained material constants are applied.
Improvement Design of Adhesive Layer on Honeycomb Structure for Railway Vehicle System by Uniform Design Method
Authors: Cheng Yung Chang , Pornteparak Pongsathorn
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this paper focuses on adhesive layer strength while having a thermal cycling of honeycomb composite sandwich structure by using the uniform design of experiments method improving the von Mises stress of honeycomb structure. Three system parameters of the honeycomb structure are selected as the control factors to be improved. Uniform design of experiment is applied to create a set of simulation experiments. Applying ANSYS/Workbench software, the finite element modelling is investigated and the von Mises stress of the honeycomb structure is calculated under metal-honeycomb core flatwise tensile test. From the numerical results, the best honeycomb structure dimension of all the experiments which causes the smaller von Mises stress is selected as the improved version of design. Finally, the best model of the experiments which causes the minimum equivalent stress is regarded as the improved version of design. Compared with the original design, the result of ASTM C297 improved version is 17.386 MPa, which mean improved 36.28%, ASTM C364 improved version is 19.015 MPa, which mean improved 25.26%, ASTM C365 improved version is 16.86 MPa, which mean improved 12.35%.
A Study on the Effect of Process Parameters on Thin NAND Flash Wafer by Multi - Beam Matrix Laser Cutting
Authors: Li Cheng Zhu , Chen Ruei Han , Lin Jun Yi , Zheng Liang An , Hsu Chao Ming
Published: February 2020

This study is designed to investigate the influence of multi-beam matrix laser cutting process on NAND Flash package quality, and find out the important process parameters of multi-beam matrix laser process are defocus amount, laser power, cutting speed and material thickness. Then use the finite element analysis software ANSYS to obtain the minimum temperature influence, stress and strain, and use Taquchi method and variance analysis (ANOVA) to find the optimal temperature combination, the optimal combination of stress and strain and its contribution degree. Finally, the reliability is tested by verification experiments, and the error is found to be within 3.638%. It is confirmed that the optimized parameter combination has high repetitiveness. It is hoped that this study can contribute to the multi-beam matrix laser cutting process.
Risk factors associated with hypotensive bradycardic events during open shoulder surgery in the beach chair position
Authors: Choi Ji Won , Kim Duk Kyung , Jeong Hee Joon , Kim Young Ri , Chung Yoon Joo , Son Yong Hun
Published: February 2020

BackgroundShoulder surgery in the beach chair position frequently causes hypotensive bradycardic events (HBEs), which are potentially associated with an increased risk of cerebral hypoperfusion. Here, we aimed to investigate the incidence and characteristics of symptomatic HBEs that require pharmacological interventions, and to identify specific risk factors associated with symptomatic HBEs.MethodsWe retrospectively examined the records of all patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent shoulder arthrotomy in the beach chair position between January 2011 and December 2018 at Samsung Medical Center. For patients who experienced HBEs while in the beach chair position, the minimum heart rate and systolic blood pressure were noted, as was the total dose of ephedrine or atropine.ResultsSymptomatic HBEs occurred in 61.0% of all cases (256/420). Two patients with symptomatic HBEs experienced postoperative neurological complications. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) and advanced age were risk factors associated with symptomatic HBEs (odds ratio [OR]: 3.240, 95% CI: 2.003, 5.242, P < 0.001; OR: 1.060 for each 1-year increase, 95% CI: 1.044, 1.076, P < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating curve analysis revealed that a threshold of 62 years of age had a moderate degree of accuracy for predicting symptomatic HBEs (area under curve: 0.764, 95% CI: 0.720, 0.804, P < 0.001).ConclusionsConsidering the increasing risk of neurocognitive complications with aging, proactive hemodynamic management is needed, especially for elderly patients undergoing shoulder surgery in the beach chair position using ISB.
Multivariate statistical analysis applied to the evaluation of groundwater quality in the central-southern portion of the state of Bahia - Brazil
Authors: Gomes Maria Da Conceição Rabelo , Anjos José Ângelo Sebastião Araújo dos , Daltro Rafael Ribeiro
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the variables responsible for contributing to possible natural and/or human contamination in groundwater of the semiarid region of the state of Bahia, seeking to subsidize water quality monitoring and management actions in the area. To do so, multivariate analysis techniques regarding factorial analysis in principal components and cluster analysis were used. The factorial analysis allowed the grouping of variables into two principal factors that explained 93% of total accumulated variance. Variables were strongly related to concentrations of metals and salinity in the water. The cluster analysis was used to classify water sources according to the quality of waters into three clusters in each factor. The natural background of the rocks of the municipality of Boquira was shown to influence water resources. A continuous (during dry and rainy seasons) monitoring of water quality from wells and springs located upstream and downstream from contamination sources is recommended, even if these waters are not used for public supply, to determine possible contamination plumes from contaminated material.
Factors Associated With a Higher Risk of Undiagnosed Prediabetes in a Community-Dwelling Medicare Population
Authors: Valle-Oseguera Cynthia S. , Ranson Carly A. , Tam Patricia , Le Jacqueline , Le Brandon , Kozono Mitchell , Park Janice , Tam Amanda , Chen May , Rogan Edward L. , Patel Rajul A.
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics in an ambulatory Medicare population that are significantly more likely to be associated with a high risk of undiagnosed prediabetes.
 DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
 SETTING: Fourteen health clinics targeting
Medicare beneficiaries were held throughout northern and central California during the fall of 2017.
 PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Noninstitutionalized Medicare beneficiaries receiving medication therapy management services without self-reported diabetes.
 INTERVENTIONS:
Beneficiaries were screened for their risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through the use of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) risk assessment (score of ≥ 5 indicates increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes) by pharmacy students. For this study, patients with a score of ≥
5 were considered to be at high risk for undiagnosed prediabetes.
 MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Characteristics significantly more likely to be identified in patients at high risk for undiagnosed prediabetes.
 RESULTS: A total of 683 Medicare beneficiaries without
self-reported diabetes completed the ADA risk assessment, with 457 (66.9%) receiving a score of 5 or more. In those, the presence of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, coronary heart disease, and use of aspirin were all characteristics researchers identified as significantly more likely
to be found in this group. In contrast, those of Asian race or who took dietary supplements were significantly less likely to score 5 or higher in the questionnaire.
 CONCLUSION: Identification of older adults at higher risk for undiagnosed prediabetes through the use of appropriate
screening tools allows for targeted preventive interventions, potentially lowering risk of developing T2DM for selected patients.
Investigating size-segregated sources of elemental composition of particulate matter in the South China Sea during the 2011 Vasco cruise
Authors: Hilario Miguel Ricardo A. , Cruz Melliza T. , Cambaliza Maria Obiminda L. , Reid Jeffrey S. , Xian Peng , Simpas James B. , Lagrosas Nofel D. , Uy Sherdon Niño Y. , Cliff Steve , Zhao Yongjing
Published: February 2020

Abstract. The South China Sea (SCS) is a receptor of numerous
natural and anthropogenic aerosol species from throughout greater Asia. A
combination of several developing countries, archipelagic and peninsular
terrain, a strong Asian monsoon climate, and a host of multi-scale
meteorological phenomena make the SCS one of the most complex
aerosol–meteorological systems in the world. However, aside from the
well-known biomass burning emissions from Indonesia and Borneo, the current
understanding of aerosol sources is limited, especially in remote marine
environments. In September 2011, a 2-week research cruise was conducted near Palawan, Philippines, to sample the remote SCS environment.
Size-segregated aerosol data were collected using a Davis Rotating Uniform
size-cut Monitor (DRUM) sampler and analyzed for concentrations of 28 elements
measured via X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Positive matrix factorization (PMF)
was performed separately on the coarse, fine, and ultrafine size ranges to
determine possible sources and their contributions to the total elemental
particulate matter mass. The PMF analysis resolved six sources across the
three size ranges: biomass burning, oil combustion, soil dust, a
crustal–marine mixed source, sea spray, and fly ash. Additionally, size
distribution plots, time series plots, back trajectories and satellite data
were used in interpreting factors. The multi-technique source apportionment
revealed the presence of biogenic sources such as soil dust, sea spray, and a crustal–marine mixed source. Anthropogenic sources were also identified: biomass burning, oil combustion, and fly ash. Mass size distributions showed elevated aerosol concentrations towards the end of the sampling period, which coincided with a shift of air mass back trajectories to southern Kalimantan. Covariance between coarse-mode soil dust and fine-mode biomass burning aerosols were observed. Agreement between the PMF and the linear regression analyses indicates that the PMF solution is robust. While biomass burning is indeed a key source of aerosol, this study shows the presence of other important sources in the SCS. Identifying these sources is not only key for characterizing the chemical profile of the SCS but, by improving our picture of aerosol sources in the region, also a step forward in developing our understanding of aerosol–meteorology feedbacks in this complex environment.
Cloud Regimes Over the Amazon Basin: Perspectives From the GoAmazon2014/5 Campaign
Authors: Giangrande Scott E. , Wang Dié , Mechem David B.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Radiosonde launches collected during the GoAmazon2014/5 campaign are analyzed to identify the primary thermodynamic regimes accompanying different modes of convection over the Amazon. This analysis identifies five thermodynamic regimes that are consistent with traditional Amazon calendar definitions for seasonal shifts, which include a wet, transitional, and three dry-season clusters. A multisensor ground-based approach is used to project associated bulk cloud and precipitation properties onto these regimes to assess the propensity for each regime for characteristic cloud frequency, cloud types, and precipitation properties. Additional emphasis is given to those regimes that promote deep convective precipitation and organized convective systems. Overall, we find reduced cloud cover and precipitation rates to be associated with the driest regimes and those with the highest convective inhibition CIN. While approximately 15 % of the dataset is designated as organized convection, these events are predominantly contained within transitional regime days.
Decoupling of water and air temperature in winter causes warm season bias of lacustrine brGDGTs temperature estimates
Authors: Cao Jiantao , Rao Zhiguo , Shi Fuxi , Jia Guodong
Published: February 2020

Abstract. It has been frequently found that lacustrine brGDGTs-derived temperatures are warm season biased relative to measured annual mean air temperature (AT) in the mid to high latitudes, the mechanism of which, however, is not very clear. Here, we investigated the brGDGTs from catchment soils, and suspended particulate matter (SPM) and surface sediments in the Gonghai Lake in north China to explore this question. Our results showed that the brGDGTs distribution in sediments resembled that in the SPM but differed from the surrounding soils, suggesting a substantial aquatic origin of the brGDGTs in the lake. Therefore, established lake-specific calibrations were applied to estimate local mean annual AT. As usual, the estimates were significantly higher than the measured mean annual AT. However, they were similar to, and thus actually reflected, the mean annual lake water temperature (LWT). Interestingly, the mean annual LWT is close to the measured mean warm season AT, hence suggesting that the apparent warm season bias of lacustrine brGDGTs-derived temperatures could be caused by the discrepancy between AT and LWT. In our study region, ice forms at the lake surface during winter, leading to isolation of the underlying lake water from air and hence higher LWT than AT, while LWT follows AT during warm seasons when ice disappears. Therefore, we believe what lacustrine brGDGTs actually reflected is the mean annual LWT, which is higher than the mean annual AT in our study location. Since the decoupling between LWT and AT in winter due to ice formation is a universal physical phenomenon in the mid to high latitudes, we propose this phenomenon could be also the reason for the widely observed warm season bias of brGDGTs-derived temperatures in other lakes, especially the shallow lakes.
Understanding the effect of fire on vegetation composition and gross primary production in a semi-arid shrubland ecosystem using the Ecosystem Demography (EDv2.2) model
Authors: Pandit Karun , Dashti Hamid , Hudak Andrew T. , Glenn Nancy F. , Flores Alejandro N. , Shinneman Douglas J.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Wildfire incidents in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) dominated semi-arid ecosystems in the western United States have risen dramatically in the last few decades. Severe wildfires often lead to the loss of native sagebrush communities and change the biogeochemical conditions which make it difficult for sagebrush to regenerate. Invasion of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) accentuates the problem by making the ecosystem more susceptible to frequent burns. Managers have implemented several techniques to cope with the cheatgrass-fire cycle, ranging from controlling undesirable fire effects by removing fuel loads either mechanically or via prescribed burns, to seeding the fire-affected areas with shrubs and native perennial forbs. There have been a number of studies at local scales to understand the direct impacts of wildfire on vegetation, however there is a larger gap in understanding these impacts at broad spatial and temporal scales. This need highlights the importance of global dynamic vegetation models (DGVMs) and remote sensing. In this study, we explored the influence of fire on vegetation composition and gross primary production (GPP) in the sagebrush ecosystem using the Ecosystem Demography (EDv2.2) model, a dynamic vegetation model. We selected Reynold Creek Experimental Watershed (RCEW) to run our simulation study, which represents sagebrush dominated ecosystems in the northern Great Basin. We ran point-based simulations at four existing flux-tower sites in the study area for a total 150 years after turning on the fire module in the 25th year. Results suggest dominance of shrub in a non-fire scenario, however under the fire scenario we observed contrasting phases of high and low shrub and C3 grass growth. Regional model simulations showed a gradual decline in gross primary production (GPP) for fire-introduced areas through the initial couple of years instead of killing all the vegetation in the affected area in the first year itself. We also compared the results from EDv2.2 with satellite data for the areas in RCEW affected by the 2015 Soda Fire. We observed a good spatial agreement between modeled GPP and a Landsat image-derived index for the study area with moderate to marginally strong correlations at the pixel level between maps of post-fire recovery GPP and the vegetation response observed in a post-fire Landsat image. This study contributes in understanding the application of ecosystem models to investigate temporal dynamics of vegetation under alternative fire regimes and the spatial behavior of post-fire ecosystem restoration.
Technical Note: A universal method for measuring the thickness of microscopic calcite crystals, based on Bidirectional Circular Polarization
Authors: Beaufort Luc , Gally Yves , Suchéras-Marx Baptiste , Ferrand Patrick , Duboisset Julien
Published: February 2020

Abstract. The coccoliths are major contributors to the particulate inorganic carbon in the ocean that is a key part of the carbon cycle. The coccoliths are few microns in length and weigh few picograms. Their birefringence characteristics in polarized optical microscopy has been used to estimate their mass. This method is rapid and precise because camera sensors produce excellent measurement of light. However, current method is limited because it requires a precise and replicable set up and calibration of the light in the optical apparatus. Precisely, the light intensity, the diaphragm opening, the position of the condenser, and the exposure time of the camera have to be strictly identical during the calibration and the analysis of calcite crystal. Here we present a new method that is universal in the sense that the thickness estimations are independent from a calibration but results from a simple equation. It can be used with different cameras and microscope brand. Moreover, the light intensity used in the microscope does not have to be strictly and precisely controlled. This method permits to measure crystal thickness up to 1.7&htinsp;μm. It is based on the use of one left circular polarizer and one right circular polarizer with a monochromatic light source using the following equation: d = λ/πΔn arctan (√(ILR/ILL)) where d is the thickness, λ the wavelength of the light used, Δn the birefringence, ILR and ILL are the light intensity measured with a right and a left circular polarizer. Because of the alternative and rotative motion of the quarter-wave plate of the circular polarizer, we coined the name of this method Bidirectional Circular Polarization (BCP).
Contribution of the coupled atmosphere–ocean–sea ice–vegetation model COSMOS to the PlioMIP2
Authors: Stepanek Christian , Samakinwa Eric , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: February 2020

Abstract. We present the Alfred Wegener Institute's contribution to the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 2 (PlioMIP2) where we employ the Community Earth System Models (COSMOS) that include a dynamic vegetation scheme. This work builds on our contribution to Phase 1 of the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP1) where we employed the same model without dynamic vegetation. Our input to the PlioMIP2 special issue of Climate of the Past is twofold. In an accompanying manuscript we compare results derived with the COSMOS in the framework of PlioMIP2 and PlioMIP1. With the manuscript on hand we present details of our contribution with COSMOS to PlioMIP2. We provide a description of the model and of methods employed to transfer reconstructed Mid-Pliocene geography, as provided by the Pliocene Reconstruction and Synoptic Mapping Initiative, Phase 4 (PRISM4), to model boundary conditions. We describe the spin-up procedure for creating the COSMOS PlioMIP2 simulation ensemble and present large scale climate patterns of the COSMOS PlioMIP2 Mid-Pliocene core simulation. Furthermore, we quantify the contribution of individual components of PRISM4 boundary conditions to characteristics of simulated Mid-Pliocene climate and discuss implications for anthropogenic warming. When exposed to PRISM4 boundary conditions, the COSMOS provide insight into a Mid-Pliocene climate that is characterized by increased rainfall (+0.17 mm d−1) and elevated surface temperature (+3.37 °C) in comparison to the Pre-Industrial (PI). About two-thirds of the Mid-Pliocene core temperature anomaly can be directly attributed to carbon dioxide that is elevated w.r.t. PI. The contribution of topography and ice sheets to Mid-Pliocene warmth is in contrast much smaller – about one-fourth and one-eighth, respectively. The simulated Mid-Pliocene climate comprises pronounced polar amplification, a reduced meridional temperature gradient, a northward shifted tropical rain belt, an Arctic Ocean that is nearly free of sea ice during boreal summer, as well as muted seasonality in Northern Hemisphere high latitudes. Simulated Mid-Pliocene precipitation patterns are defined by both carbon dioxide and PRISM4 paleogeography. The COSMOS confirm longstanding characteristics of the Mid-Pliocene Earth System, among these increased meridional volume transport in the Atlantic Ocean, an extended and intensified equatorial warm pool, as well as pronounced poleward expansion of vegetation cover. By means of a comparison of our results to a reconstruction of sea surface temperature (SST) of the Mid-Pliocene we find that the COSMOS reproduce reconstructed SST best if exposed to a carbon dioxide concentration of 400 ppmv. In the Atlantic to Arctic Ocean the simulated Mid-Pliocene core climate state is too cold in comparison to the SST reconstruction. The discord can be mitigated to some extent by increasing carbon dioxide that causes increased mismatch between model and reconstruction in other regions.
Quality assurance and control on hydrological data off western
Sardinia (2000–2004), western Mediterranean
Authors: Ribotti Alberto , Sorgente Roberto , Borghini Mireno
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Seven oceanographic cruises in five years were organized in the Sardinia Sea with the repeated collection of physical, chemical and biological data. An accurate and sustained quality assurance on physical sensors was acted through prior and post-cruise calibration and verified during in-situ acquisitions with the use of redundant sensors and other instruments. Moreover, for dissolved oxygen and conductivity, seawater samples at standard depths were frequently analyzed on-board. Then an accurate quality control was used to verify all hydrological data profiles, that passed a further quality check following standard procedures. Finally all hydrological data have been included in two online public open access datasets in the SEANOE repository (https://doi.org/10.17882/59867 and https://doi.org/10.17882/70340, Ribotti et al., 2019a, b). During and after all cruises also chlorophyll and nutrients analyses were carried on but data are not yet open access; the same for water current profiles, both at casts and during vessel moves, and geophysical data. These ocean data are the first covering the whole Sardinia Sea for its whole extension. Here data and assurance/control procedures used are described as they became standards in deep sea acquisitions in the years.
SSFX (Space Sound Effects) Short Film Festival: Using the film festival model to inspire creative art-science and reach new audiences
Authors: Archer Martin O.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. The ultralow frequency analogues of sound waves in Earth's magnetosphere play a crucial role in space weather, however, the public is largely unaware of this risk to our everyday lives and technology. As a way of potentially reaching new audiences, SSFX made 8 years of satellite wave recordings audible to the human ear with the aim of using it to create art. Partnerting with film industry professionals, the standard processes of international film festivals were adopted by the project in order to challenge independent filmmakers to incorporate these sounds into short films in creative ways. Seven films covering a wide array of topics/genres (despite coming from the same sounds) were selected for screening at a special film festival out of 22 submissions. The works have subsequently been shown at numerous established film festivals and screenings internationally. These events have attracted diverse non-science audiences resulting in several unanticipated impacts upon them, thereby demonstrating how working with the art world can open up dialogues with both artists and audiences who would not ordinarily engage with science.
Impact of revegetation of the Loess Plateau of China on the regional growing season water balance
Authors: Ge Jun , Pitman Andrew J. , Guo Weidong , Zan Beilei , Fu Congbin
Published: February 2020

Abstract. To resolve a series of ecological and environmental problems over
the Loess Plateau, the “Grain for Green Program” (GFGP) was initiated at
the end of 1990s. Following the conversion of croplands and bare land on
hillslopes to forests, the Loess Plateau has displayed a significant
greening trend, which has resulted in soil erosion being reduced. However, the GFGP has also
affected the hydrology of the Loess Plateau, which has raised questions regarding
whether the GFGP should be continued in the future. We investigated the
impact of revegetation on the hydrology of the Loess Plateau using
relatively high-resolution simulations and multiple realizations with the
Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Results suggest that
revegetation since the launch of the GFGP has reduced runoff and soil
moisture due to enhanced evapotranspiration. Further revegetation associated
with the GFGP policy is likely to further increase evapotranspiration, and
thereby reduce runoff and soil moisture. The increase in evapotranspiration
is associated with biophysical changes, including deeper roots that deplete
deep soil moisture stores. However, despite the increase in
evapotranspiration, our results show no impact on rainfall. Our study
cautions against further revegetation over the Loess Plateau given the
reduction in water available for agriculture and human settlements and the lack of
any significant compensation from rainfall.