bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pituitary apoplexy during treatment of prolactinoma with cabergoline
Authors: Ghadirian Hesam , Shirani Mohamad , Ghazi-Mirsaeed Shahab , Mohebi Saleh , Alimohamadi Maysam
Published: April 2016

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical presentation caused by infarction of the pituitary gland or adenoma with or without hemorrhage. Although pituitary apoplexy is usually spontaneous, one of the predisposing factors is treatment with dopamine agonists, especially bromocriptine. The occurrence of apoplexy during cabergoline therapy is reported much less frequently. In this article, we report a 34-year-old man with macroprolactinomas who developed sudden visual deterioration due to pituitary apoplexy 1 year after initiation of cabergoline therapy. He was treated via endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery and his visual status recovered dramatically.
Occipital neuralgia from C2 cavernous malformation
Authors: Ha Sang-woo , Choi Jin-gyu , Son Byung-chul
Published: April 2016

A unique case is presented of chronic occipital neuralgia (ON) caused by cavernous malformation (CM) in the intramedullary C2 spinal cord and subsequent pain relief and remodeling of allodynic pain following dorsal root rhizotomy. A 53-year-old male presented with a 30-year history of chronic allodynic, paroxysmal lancinating pain in the greater and lesser occipital nerves. Typically, the pain was aggravated with neck extension and head movement. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a CM in the right posterolateral side of the intramedullary C2 cord. Considering potential risks associated with removal of the lesion, intradural C1-3 dorsal root rhizotomy with dentate ligament resection was performed. The paroxysmal lancinating pain of ON was significantly alleviated, and the remodeling of the extent of allodynic pain was noted after C1-3 dorsal root rhizotomy. These changes gradually occurred during the second postoperative month, and this effect was maintained for 24 months postoperatively. Significant reduction in chronic allodynic pain of secondary ON caused by cervicomedullary CM involving central sensitization in the trigeminocervical complex was observed with reduction of irritating, afferent input with C1-C3 dorsal root rhizotomy.
En-bloc resection of a giant cell tumor causing cervical vertebral collapse
Authors: Afsoun Seddighi , Saied Seddighi , Amir Nikouei , Hamed Javadian
Published: April 2016

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are rare, benign, and locally aggressive primary bone neoplasms. Spine is seldom affected, especially above the level of sacrum. In this report, we describe a case with GCT of the cervical vertebrae which causes collapse of the corpus. A 32-year-old female presented with gradual neck pain and abrupt paresthesia of the left hand. Computed tomography scan showed C6 vertebral collapse and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated vertebral plana of C6 by a low signal intensity lesion on T1- and T2-weighted images. Emergent surgical intervention was taken due to the possibility of spinal injury. The tumor was removed by en-bloc resection and histopathological investigation confirmed GCT. In most of the cases, en-bloc resection of GCTs of the spine is not feasible. Despite the location and close contact of the lesion with spinal cord, later approach was successful for our case; thus, appropriate differential diagnosis for vertebral column lesions as well as selecting an optimum treatment is mandatory.
Solid cystic trigeminal schwannoma with intraorbital extension causing proptosis and vision loss
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Sharma Arvind , Singh Jitendra
Published: April 2016

Schwannomas are slowly growing, well capsulated, benign tumors. Involvement of vestibular nerve is most commonly followed by trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal schwannoma is rare entity, and cystic degeneration with intraorbital extension of trigeminal schwannoma is even rarer. These tumors occur in fourth and fifth decades of life and patients have variable presentation depending on which cranial compartment is involved. Orbital schwannoma usually presents with proptosis with or without vision loss. We are reporting such a rare case of solid cystic trigeminal schwannoma with intraorbital extension through superior orbital fissure that was removed surgically.
Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging for cranial and spinal cases using preexisting “C” shaped three side open 0.2 tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tewari Vinod , Tripathi Ravindra , Aggarwal Subodh , Hussain Mazhar , Das Gupta Hari
Published: April 2016

Background: The existing Intraoperative MRI (IMRI) of developed countries is too costly to be affordable in any developing country and out of the reach of common and poor people of developing country at remote areas. We have used the pre-existing (refurbished) 3 side open “C” shaped 0.2 Tesla MRI for IMRI in a very remote area. Materials and Methods: In this technique the 0.2 Tesla MRI and the operating theatre were merged. MRI table was used as an operation table. We have operated 36 cases via IMRI from November 2005 to till date. First case operated was on 13th nov 2005. Results: Low (0.2) Tesla open setup costs very low (around Rs 40 lakhs) so highly affordable to management and thus to patients, used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes both, the equipments like Nitrous, oxygen and suction is outside the MRI room so no noise inside operative room, positioning the patient didn't take much time due to manual adjustments, no special training to nurses and technicians required because of low (0.2) Tesla power of magnet and same instruments and techniques, sequencing took only 1.31 mints per sequence and re registration is not required since we always note down the two orthogonal axis in x and y axis in preoperative imaging and we were able to operate on posterior fossa tumors as well because of no head fixation except with leucoplast strap. Moreover the images we got intraoperative are highly acceptable. Conclusion: Three side open 0.2 Tesla MRI system, if used for intraoperative guidance, is highly affordable and overcomes the limitations of western setup of IMRI. Postoperative MRI images were highly acceptable and also highly affordable too.
A case of high-dose adenosine usage for anterior communicating artery aneurysm clip ligation: What is the dose limit for a resistant response?
Authors: Nimjee Shahid , McDonagh David , Agrawal Abhishek , Britz Gavin
Published: April 2016

Intraoperative adenosine is used to induce asystole to facilitate clip ligation of intracranial aneurysms. Typically, 5–10 mg doses are used per administration and approximately 30 mg is used for a given case. An obvious concern with using adenosine is that the patient can remain in asystole or that prolonged hypotension can result in cerebral or cardiovascular ischemia. The upper limit of adenosine administration remains unclear. We present a case of a patient with a large anterior communicating artery aneurysm requiring large doses of adenosine, far exceeding previously reported cases. The patient received a 90 mg dose of adenosine to achieve 5 s of asystole as well as 30 s of hypotension that facilitated vessel dissection and clip application. Moreover, in order to successfully clip his aneurysm, he received a total of 744 mg of adenosine. After each administration of adenosine, his heart rate and blood pressure returned to baseline without the need for chest compressions or other interventions. He tolerated the procedure and had a good neurological outcome. This case is the first report of using such a high dose of adenosine in intracranial aneurysm surgery and suggests that more aggressive administration of adenosine during aneurysm clipping is feasible. Transient hypotension, as seen in this report, can provide surgeons the crucial moments they need to safely secure an aneurysm from circulation.
Weekly Paclitaxel versus Three-Weekly Paclitaxel in Recurrent Platinum-Resistant Epithelial Ovarian and Peritoneal Cancers: A Phase III Study
Authors: Osman Mohammed A. , Elkady Mohammad S. , Nasr Khalid E.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Treatment of recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian and peritoneal cancers represents a therapeutic challenge. The aim of this Phase III prospective study was to compare the survival benefits, objective response rate, and toxicities among patients treated by weekly paclitaxel with those who underwent three-weekly paclitaxel in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian and peritoneal cancers.

Method

Patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian and peritoneal cancer were allocated to receive either weekly paclitaxel (arm 1) at 80 m/m2 or three-weekly paclitaxel (arm 2) at 175 mg/m2.

Results

Fifty-five patients were enrolled (30 arm 1, 25 arm 2). The mean age was 56.7 years, and the median performance status was 0 (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG]). For arms 1 and 2, the objective response rates were 27% and 16%, the median progression-free survival were 7 and 4.5 months, and the median overall survival were 15.5 and 12.5 months, respectively. Treatments also significantly improved the quality of life. Treatment was associated with mild toxicities, and while neuropathy was slightly higher for weekly paclitaxel over three-weekly paclitaxel, hematological toxicities were significantly lower for the former than the latter.

Conclusion

Paclitaxel rechallenge showed antitumor activity in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian and peritoneal cancers. Weekly paclitaxel achieved better results than three-weekly paclitaxel in terms of survival benefits, quality of life, and toxicities.
On the Klainerman–Machedon conjecture for the quantum BBGKY hierarchy with self-interaction
Authors: Chen Xuwen , Holmer Justin
Published: April 2016

We consider the 3D quantum BBGKY hierarchy which corresponds to the

N

-particle Schrödinger equation. We assume the pair interaction is

N^{3\beta – 1} V (B^\beta)

. For the interaction parameter

\beta \in (0, 2/3)

, we prove that, provided an energy bound holds for solutions to the BBKGY hierarchy, the

N \to \infty

limit points satisfy the space-time bound conjectured by S. Klainerman and M. Machedon [45] in 2008. The energy bound was proven to hold for

\beta \in (0, 3/5)

in [28]. This allows, in the case

\beta \in (0, 3/5)

, for the application of the Klainerman–Machedon uniqueness theorem and hence implies that the

N \to \infty

limit of BBGKY is uniquely determined as a tensor product of solutions to the Gross–Pitaevskii equation when the

N

-body initial data is factorized. The first result in this direction in 3D was obtained by T. Chen and N. Pavlović [11] for

\beta \in (0, 1/4)

and subsequently by X. Chen [15] for

\beta \in (0, 2/7)

. We build upon the approach of X. Chen but apply frequency localized Klainerman–Machedon collapsing estimates and the endpoint Strichartz estimate in the estimate of the “potential part” to extend the range to

\beta \in (0, 2/3)

. Overall, this provides an alternative approach to the mean-field program by L. Erdős, B. Schlein, and H.-T. Yau [28], whose uniqueness proof is based upon Feynman diagram combinatorics.
Metric Diophantine approximation on the middle-third Cantor set
Authors: Bugeaud Yann , Durand Arnaud
Published: April 2016

Let

\mu \geq 2

be a real number and let

\mathcal{M} (\mu)

denote the set of real numbers approximable at order at least

\mu

by rational numbers. More than eighty years ago, Jarník and, independently, Besicovitch established that the Hausdorff dimension of

\mathcal{M} (\mu)

is equal to

2 / \mu

. We investigate the size of the intersection of

\mathcal{M} (\mu)

with Ahlfors regular compact subsets of the interval

[0, 1]

. In particular, we propose a conjecture for the exact value of the dimension of

\mathcal{M} (\mu)

intersected with the middle-third Cantor set and give several results supporting this conjecture. We show in particular that the conjecture holds for a natural probabilistic model that is intended to mimic the distribution of the rationals. The core of our study relies heavily on dimension estimates concerning the set of points lying in an Ahlfors regular set and approximated at a given rate by a system of random points.
Finite orbit decomposition of real flag manifolds
Authors: Krötz Bernhard , Schlichtkrull Henrik
Published: April 2016

Let

G

be a connected real semi-simple Lie group and

H

a closed connected subgroup. Let

P

be a minimal parabolic subgroup of

G

. It is shown that

H

has an open orbit on the flag manifold

G/P

if and only if it has finitely many orbits on

G/P

. This confirms a conjecture by T. Matsuki.
Cervical Thymic Cysts—Rare Abnormality: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Mahuvakar Ankit Dilip , Gujrathi Atish Balajirao , Ambulgekar Vijayalaxmi Kishanrao , Nabi Shaikh Mohsin Ahmed Abdul , Khokle Pradeep
Published: April 2016

Cystic Lesions in the neck have a long differential diagnosis. Thymic cysts are considered rare in the cervical region, whereas they are more common in the superior mediastinal region. They may become more important diagnosis especially in the younger age group. In this article we will consider two cases, one male and other female with similar features and both being diagnosed as having cervical thymic cysts.

How to cite this article

Mahuvakar AD, Nabi SMAA, Gujrathi AB, Ambulgekar VK, Garud S, Khokle P. Cervical Thymic Cysts— Rare Abnormality: A Report of Two Cases. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(2):90-92.
Fibrosarcoma developing in the Parotid Gland: An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Afroz Nishat , Qadri Shagufta , Rabindranath Divya , Qadri Shakeba
Published: April 2016

Primary sarcomas of the salivary glands occur rarely with few cases having been reported. Fibrosarcoma is a rare type of primary sarcoma with a poor prognosis and low life expectancy. Microscopically, these tumors resemble their counterparts encountered in other areas. They can be easily confused with spindle cell (sarcomatoid) carcinomas, myoepithelial carcinomas or malignant melanomas. We present an unusual case of a primary fibrosarcoma that arose in the right parotid gland of a 50 years male, who presented with a large nodular mass in the right preauricular region. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a tumor arising from the right parotid gland. A near total parotidectomy was performed and the histopathology report showed neoplastic spindle cells predominantly arranged in a ‘herring bone’ pattern. On immunohistochemistry, the tumor was positive for vimentin and was negative for pancytokeratin and S-100, which lead to a firm diagnosis of fibrosarcoma.

How to cite this article

Qadri S, Afroz N, Rabindranath D, Qadri S. Fibrosarcoma developing in the Parotid Gland: An Unusual Presentation. Int J Head Neck surg 2015;6(2):99-102.
The use of a Fogarty Catheter in a Case of an Endobronchial Blood Clot in a Laryngectomy Patient
Authors: Wong Billy
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Endobronchial blood clot causing airway obstruction is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition and can occur in a variety of clinical settings.

Case report

A male laryngectomy, with a background of bronchogenic carcinoma was treated conservatively for tracheitis following an episode of upper respiratory tract infection. However, he later developed airway obstruction secondary to endobronchial bleeding with endobronchial clot formation. Conventional methods of suctioning and rigid bronchoscopy with forceps failed to remove the hematoma. A Fogarty embolec tomy catheter was used to remove the hematoma, relieving the airway obstruction.

Discussion

The Fogarty embolectomy catheter has been widely used in various vascular operations for removal of arterial and venous emboli over the last years. However, its application in nonvascular cases is not widely published.

Conclusion

We report a case of tracheitis, complicated by an endobronchial clot in a laryngectomy patient, and demonstrated the use of Fogarty embolectomy catheter in such case when conventional methods fail.

How to cite this article

Wong B. The use of a Fogarty Catheter in a Case of an Endobronchial Blood Clot in a Laryn gectomy Patient. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):118120.
Age and Sex Distribution of Speech Disorders
Authors: Al-Dujaily Mahdi , Nabàa Sanàa J Abu
Published: April 2016

Background

Speech-language pathology is a specialty in the study, assessment, and rehabilitation of speech-language disorders (or communication disorders) which are common problems that may affect both sexes and all age groups.

Aim

The aim of this study is to raise the attention in Iraq about the role of certified speech pathologists (or speech therapists) in the treatment of patients with communication disorders according to their age and sex distribution, as seen in the phonetic center of University of Jordan.

Patients and methods

Subjects with speech problems, who visited the phonetic center in Jordan University for treatment by certified speech-language pathologists, were analyzed retrospectively during 3 years (1996 to 1998), and it included 731 subjects with speech disorders, consisted of 213 females and 518 males, with a minimum age of 2 years and a maximum age of 72 years.

Results

The most common age presentation of communication disorders varies, and it was found that the major speech and language disorders and their distribution were as follows: delayed language development occurred mainly in age group 3 to 4 years (about 57%), stuttering occurred in 3 to 5 years (about 24%), and in articulation disorder occurred in age group 4 to 6 years with about 42%, and in hearing impaired patients occurred mainly in age group of 2 to 4 years with about 45%, in children with mental retardation occurred in age group of 6 to 8 years with about 29%, voice disorders occurred in age 20 to 29 (25%), nasality problems in age group 3 to 5 years (25%), dyslexia in age group 8 to 10 years (40%), and the cases of apraxia, aphasia, and autism were low in number.

Conclusion

The age and sex distribution of communication disorders varies according to the type of disorder. The speechlanguage pathologists have very important role in the evaluation and treatment of speech language disorders. There is great deficiency of this specialty in this country, and the aim of this article is to ring the bell of attention to these common disorders.

Abbreviations

SLP: Speech-language pathologist; CDs: Communication disorders; DLD: Delayed language development; HIP: Hearing impaired patient; MR: Mental retardation; CP: Cerebral palsy.

How to cite this article

Al-Dujaily M, Nabàa SJA. Age and Sex Distribution of Speech Disorders. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2015;5(1):7-14.
Elongated Styloid Process Revisited
Authors: Acharya Anand
Published: April 2016

Elongated styloid process is one of the many causes of pain in throat. Yet, it is often overlooked. When the throat looks normal on examination, the entity should be kept in mind, to clinch the diagnosis. Management and review of literature are discussed.

How to cite this article

Acharya A. Elongated Styloid Process Revisited. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2015;5(1):15-16.
Primary Histoplasmosis of Larynx Mimicking as Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Shirazi Nadia , Agrawal Vinish , Bharti Bhartendu , Bist Sampan S , Sandhirr Shivanjali
Published: April 2016

Granulomatous diseases caused by infectious agents are being encounted more frequently nowadays. Infection by Histoplasma capsulatum is one such granulomatous disease. Isolated laryngeal histoplasmosis is a rare clinical entity. Because of its simulation with malignancy, it needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of neoplasm, both benign and malignant. We report an extremely rare case of isolated histoplasmosis, presenting as a primary infection of the larynx with no other systemic involvement in a 57 years old immunocompetent male. He presented with progressive hoarseness of voice, difficulty in breathing and mild dysphagia. Indirect laryngoscopy revealed multiple exophytic nodular lesions in endolaryngeal structures. The patient then underwent direct laryngoscopy biopsy under general anesthesia and the histopathological examination of the biopsy revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation, caused by histoplasma which was confirmed by using special Gomori's methanamine silver stain for fungi. Though it appeared like cancer clinically; biopsy confirmed the final diagnosis. The histopathologist must be informed about the possibility of histoplasmosis, because special dyes have to be used to confirm this diagnosis. The treatment is mainly medical with amphotericinB which remains the gold standard for treatment of this disease, although other drugs have also been used.

How to cite this article

Bist SS, Sandhirr S, Shirazi N, AgrawalV, Bharti B. Primary Histoplasmosis of Larynx Mimicking as Laryngeal Carcinoma. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2015;5(1):28-31.
Diagnostic Challenge of Sulcus Vocalis Made Easier
Authors: Gupta Harsh Karan , Shedge Ajay Eknath
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To introduce a simple diagnostic test performed with white light laryngoscopy for the diagnosis of sulcus vocalis.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective observational study. A total of 14 patients with voice-related complaints and a phonatory gap on examination were included. Obvious structural and neuromuscular glottic pathologies were excluded. Phonatory gap was measured using white light rigid laryngoscopy with the technique described here. Findings were then correlated with stroboscopy.

Results

All 14 patients (10 U/L and 4 B/L), observed to have an asymmetric phonatory gap on white light rigid laryngoscopy, were diagnosed with sulcus vocalis.

Conclusion

An asymmetric phonatory gap, as seen on white light laryngoscopy and measured with the simple technique mentioned here, should make the laryngologist suspect a sulcus vocalis. However, the diagnosis needs to be confirmed by stroboscopy.

How to cite this article

Nerurkar NK, Gupta HK, Shedge AE. Diagnostic Challenge of Sulcus Vocalis Made Easier. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2015;5(2):39-41.
Posterior Commissure Hypertrophy as Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicator for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Authors: Joshi Anagha Atul , Chiplunkar Bhagyashri Ganesh , Bradoo Renuka Anil , Shah Kshitij Dhaval
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To establish posterior commissure hypertrophy as tool to diagnose laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and to determine whether it can be used as a reliable marker for response to treatment.

Materials and methods

A prospective study of 100 patients with voice disorder was conducted. Patients were evaluated using reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) by 70° Hopkins’ rigid laryngoscope. Those patients in whom RFS score was 7 or more were diagnosed to have LPR. These patients were then started on antireflux therapy along with lifestyle modification and were evaluated regularly over a period of 6 months.

Results

The prevalence of LPR in patients with voice disorders was found to be 25%. Mean age was 41.48 years and the male and female ratio was 0.85:1. Posterior commissure hypertrophy was present in 60 out of 100 patients (60%). Among laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), 23 out of 25 patients (92%) had posterior commissure hypertrophy, out of which only 2 (8.6%) patients showed complete resolution of posterior commissure hypertrophy after 6 months of treatment. A total of 10 patients (43.47%) did not show any change in grading of posterior commissure hypertrophy. And 11 patients (47.82%) showed downgrading of posterior commissure hypertrophy. Sensitivity of posterior commissure hypertrophy for diagnosis of LPR was found to be 92%, whereas specificity was 50.66%.

Conclusion

Posterior commissure hypertrophy can be used as a screening tool for diagnosis of LPR but cannot be used reliably as a clinical marker for response to therapy.

How to cite this article

Joshi AA, Chiplunkar BG, Bradoo RA, Shah KD. Posterior Commissure Hypertrophy as Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicator for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2015;5(2):57-60.
Resolving ice cloud optical thickness biases between CALIOP and MODIS using infrared retrievals
Authors: Holz Robert E. , Platnick Steven , Meyer Kerry , Vaughan Mark , Heidinger Andrew , Yang Ping , Wind Gala , Dutcher Steven , Ackerman Steven , Amarasinghe Nandana , Nagle Fredrick , Wang Chenxi
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Despite its importance as one of the key radiative properties that determines the impact of upper tropospheric clouds on the radiation balance, ice cloud optical thickness (IOT) has proven to be one of the more challenging properties to retrieve from space-based remote sensing measurements. In particular, optically thin upper tropospheric ice clouds (cirrus) have been especially challenging due to their tenuous nature, extensive spatial scales, and complex particle shapes and light-scattering characteristics. The lack of independent validation motivates the investigation presented in this paper, wherein systematic biases between MODIS Collection 5 (C5) and CALIOP Version 3 (V3) unconstrained retrievals of tenuous IOT (< 3) are examined using a month of collocated A-Train observations. An initial comparison revealed a factor of 2 bias between the MODIS and CALIOP IOT retrievals. This bias is investigated using an infrared (IR) radiative closure approach that compares both products with MODIS IR cirrus retrievals developed for this assessment. The analysis finds that both the MODIS C5 and the unconstrained CALIOP V3 retrievals are biased (high and low, respectively) relative to the IR IOT retrievals. Based on this finding, the MODIS and CALIOP algorithms are investigated with the goal of explaining and minimizing the biases relative to the IR. For MODIS we find that the assumed ice single-scattering properties used for the C5 retrievals are not consistent with the mean IR COT distribution. The C5 ice scattering database results in the asymmetry parameter (g) varying as a function of effective radius with mean values that are too large. The MODIS retrievals have been brought into agreement with the IR by adopting a new ice scattering model for Collection 6 (C6) consisting of a modified gamma distribution comprised of a single habit (severely roughened aggregated columns); the C6 ice cloud optical property models have a constant g ≈ 0.75 in the mid-visible spectrum, 5–15 % smaller than C5. For CALIOP, the assumed lidar ratio for unconstrained retrievals is fixed at 25 sr for the V3 data products. This value is found to be inconsistent with the constrained (predominantly nighttime) CALIOP retrievals. An experimental data set was produced using a modified lidar ratio of 32 sr for the unconstrained retrievals (an increase of 28 %), selected to provide consistency with the constrained V3 results. These modifications greatly improve the agreement with the IR and provide consistency between the MODIS and CALIOP products. Based on these results the recently released MODIS C6 optical products use the single-habit distribution given above, while the upcoming CALIOP V4 unconstrained algorithm will use higher lidar ratios for unconstrained retrievals.
Investigating the source, transport, and isotope composition of water vapor in the planetary boundary layer
Authors: Griffis Timothy J. , Wood Jeffrey D. , Baker John M. , Lee Xuhui , Xiao Ke , Chen Zichong , Welp Lisa R. , Schultz Natalie M. , Gorski Galen , Chen Ming , Nieber John
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Increasing atmospheric humidity and convective precipitation over land provide evidence of intensification of the hydrologic cycle – an expected response to surface warming. The extent to which terrestrial ecosystems modulate these hydrologic factors is important to understand feedbacks in the climate system. We measured the oxygen and hydrogen isotope composition of water vapor at a very tall tower (185 m) in the upper Midwest, United States, to diagnose the sources, transport, and fractionation of water vapor in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) over a 3-year period (2010 to 2012). These measurements represent the first set of annual water vapor isotope observations for this region. Several simple isotope models and cross-wavelet analyses were used to assess the importance of the Rayleigh distillation process, evaporation, and PBL entrainment processes on the isotope composition of water vapor. The vapor isotope composition at this tall tower site showed a large seasonal amplitude (mean monthly δ18Ov ranged from −40.2 to −15.9 ‰ and δ2Hv ranged from −278.7 to −113.0 ‰) and followed the familiar Rayleigh distillation relation with water vapor mixing ratio when considering the entire hourly data set. However, this relation was strongly modulated by evaporation and PBL entrainment processes at timescales ranging from hours to several days. The wavelet coherence spectra indicate that the oxygen isotope ratio and the deuterium excess (dv) of water vapor are sensitive to synoptic and PBL processes. According to the phase of the coherence analyses, we show that evaporation often leads changes in dv, confirming that it is a potential tracer of regional evaporation. Isotope mixing models indicate that on average about 31 % of the growing season PBL water vapor is derived from regional evaporation. However, isoforcing calculations and mixing model analyses for high PBL water vapor mixing ratio events ( >  25 mmol mol−1) indicate that regional evaporation can account for 40 to 60 % of the PBL water vapor. These estimates are in relatively good agreement with that derived from numerical weather model simulations. This relatively large fraction of evaporation-derived water vapor implies that evaporation has an important impact on the precipitation recycling ratio within the region. Based on multiple constraints, we estimate that the summer season recycling fraction is about 30 %, indicating a potentially important link with convective precipitation.
Long-term assessment of airborne radiocesium after the Fukushima nuclear accident: Re-suspension from bare soil and forest ecosystems
Authors: Kajino M. , Ishizuka M. , Igarashi Y. , Kita K. , Yoshikawa C. , Inatsu M.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The long-term effect of 137Cs re-suspension from contaminated soil and forests due to the Fukushima nuclear accident has been quantitatively assessed by numerical simulation, a field experiment on dust emission flux in the contaminated area (Namie, Fukushima), and air concentration measurements inside (Namie) and outside (Tsukuba, Ibaraki) the contaminated area. The assessment period is for the year 2013 just after the start of the field experiments, December 14, 2012. The 137Cs concentrations at Namie and Tsukuba were approximately 10−1–1 and 10−2–10−1 mBq/m3, respectively. The observed monthly median concentration at Namie was one to two orders of magnitude larger than that at Tsukuba. This observed difference between the two sites was consistent with the simulated difference, indicating successful modeling of 137Cs re-suspension and atmospheric transport. The estimated re-suspension rate was approximately 10−6/d, which was significantly lower than the decreasing rate of the ambient gamma dose rate in Fukushima prefecture (10−4–10−3/d) as a result of radioactive decay, land surface processes (migration in the soil and biota), and decontamination. Consequently, re-suspension contributed negligibly to reducing ground radioactivity. The dust emission model could account for the air concentration of 137Cs in winter, whereas the summer air concentration was underestimated by one to two orders of magnitude. Re-suspension from forests at a constant rate of 10−7/h, multiplied by the green area fraction, quantitatively accounted for the air concentration of 137Cs at Namie and its seasonal variation. The simulated contribution of dust re-suspension to the air concentration was 0.6–0.8 in the cold season and 0.1–0.4 in the warm season at both sites; the remainder of the contribution was re-suspension from forest. The re-suspension mechanisms, especially through the forest ecosystems, remain unknown, and thus the current study is the first but crude estimation of the long-term assessment of radiocesium re-suspension. Further study will be needed to understand the re-suspension mechanisms and to accurately assess the re-suspension mechanisms through field experiments and numerical simulations.
Atmospheric mixing ratios of methyl ethyl ketone (2-butanone) in tropical, boreal, temperate and marine environments
Authors: Yáñez-Serrano A. M. , Nölscher A. C. , Bourtsoukidis E. , Derstroff B. , Zannoni N. , Gros V. , Lanza M. , Brito J. , Noe S. M. , House E. , Hewitt C. N. , Langford B. , Nemitz E. , Behrendt T. , Williams J. , Artaxo P. , Andreae M. O. , Kesselmeier J.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) enters the atmosphere following direct emission from vegetation and anthropogenic activities, as well as being produced by the gas-phase oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as n-butane. This study presents the first overview of ambient MEK measurements at six different locations, characteristic of forested, urban and marine environments. In order to understand better the occurrence and behaviour of MEK in the atmosphere, we analyse diel cycles of MEK mixing ratios, vertical profiles, ecosystem flux data, and HYSPLIT back trajectories, and compare with co-measured VOCs. MEK measurements were primarily conducted with proton transfer reaction–mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) instruments. Results from the sites under biogenic influence demonstrate that vegetation is an important source of MEK. The diel cycle of MEK follows that of ambient temperature and the forest structure plays an important role in air mixing. At such sites a high correlation of MEK with acetone was observed (e.g. r2 = 0.96 for the SMEAR-Estonia site in a remote hemi-boreal forest in Tartumaa, Estonia, and r2 = 0.89 at the ATTO pristine tropical rainforest site in central Amazonia). Under polluted conditions, we observed strongly enhanced MEK mixing ratios. Overall, the MEK mixing ratios and flux data presented here indicate that both biogenic and anthropogenic sources contribute to its occurrence in the global atmosphere.
The Zugspitze radiative closure experiment for quantifying water vapor absorption over the terrestrial and solar infrared. Part I: Setup, uncertainty analysis, and assessment of far-infrared water vapor continuum
Authors: Sussmann Ralf , Reichert Andreas , Rettinger Markus
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Quantitative knowledge of water vapor radiative processes in the atmosphere throughout the terrestrial and solar infrared spectrum is still incomplete even though this is crucial input to the radiation codes forming the core of both remote sensing methods and climate simulations. Beside laboratory spectroscopy, ground-based remote sensing field studies in terms of so-called radiative closure experiments are a powerful approach, because this is the only way to quantify water absorption under cold atmospheric conditions. For this purpose, we have set up at Mt. Zugspitze (47.42° N, 10.98° E, 2964 m a.s.l.) a long-term radiative closure experiment designed to cover the infrared spectrum between 400 to 7800 cm−1 (1.28–25 µm). As a benefit for such experiments, the atmospheric states at Zugspitze frequently comprise very low integrated water vapor (IWV; minimum = 0.1 mm, median = 2.3 mm) and very low aerosol optical depth (AOD = 0.0024–0.0032 at 7800 cm−1 at airmass 1). All instruments for radiance measurements and atmospheric state measurements are described along with their measurement uncertainties. Based on all parameter uncertainties and the corresponding radiance Jacobians, a systematic residual radiance uncertainty budget has been set up to characterize the sensitivity of the radiative closure over the whole infrared spectral range. The dominant uncertainty contribution in the spectral windows used for far-infrared (FIR) continuum quantification is from IWV uncertainties, while T-profile uncertainties dominate in the mid-infrared (MIR). Uncertainty contributions to near-infrared (NIR) radiance residuals are dominated by water vapor line parameters in the vicinity of the strong water vapor bands. The window regions in between these bands are dominated by solar FTIR calibration uncertainties at low NIR wavenumbers, while uncertainties due to AOD become an increasing and dominant contribution towards higher NIR wavenumbers. Exceptions are methane or nitrous oxide bands in the NIR, where the associated line parameter uncertainties dominate the overall uncertainty. As a first demonstration of the Zugspitze closure experiment, a water vapor continuum quantification in the FIR spectral region (400–580 cm−1) has been performed. The resulting FIR foreign continuum coefficients are consistent with the MT_CKD 2.5.2 continuum model and also agree with the most recent atmospheric closure study carried out in Antarctica. Results from the first determination of the NIR water vapor continuum in a field experiment are detailed in a companion paper (Part III) while a novel NIR calibration scheme for the underlying FTIR measurements of incoming solar radiance is presented in another companion paper (Part II).
Ideas and perspectives: Southwestern tropical Atlantic coral growth response to atmospheric circulation changes induced by ozone depletion in Antarctica
Authors: Evangelista Heitor , Wainer Ilana , Sifeddine Abdelfettah , Corrège Thierry , Cordeiro Renato C. , Lamounier Saulo , Godiva Daniely , Shen Chuan-Chou , Le Cornec Florence , Turcq Bruno , Lazareth Claire E. , Hu Ching-Yi
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Recent Southern Hemisphere (SH) atmospheric circulation, predominantly driven by stratospheric ozone depletion over Antarctica, has caused changes in climate across the extratropics. Here, we present evidence that the Brazilian coast (southwestern Atlantic) may have been impacted from both wind and sea-surface temperature changes derived from this process. Skeleton analysis of massive coral species living in shallow waters off Brazil are very sensitive to air–sea interactions, and seem to record this impact. Growth rates of Brazilian corals show a trend reversal that fits the ozone depletion evolution, confirming that ozone impacts are far reaching and potentially affect coastal ecosystems in tropical environments.
The nonlinMIP intercomparison project: physical basis, experimental design and analysis principles
Authors: Good P. , Andrews T. , Chadwick R. , Dufresne J. L. , Gregory J. M. , Lowe J. A. , Schaller N. , Shiogama H.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. nonlinMIP aims to quantify and understand, at regional scales, climate responses that are non-linear under CO2 forcing (mechanisms for which doubling the CO2 forcing does not double the response). Non-linear responses can be large at regional scales, with important implications for understanding mechanisms and for GCM emulation techniques (e.g. energy balance models and pattern-scaling methods). However, these processes are hard to explore using traditional experiments, explaining why they have had little attention in previous studies. Some single model studies have established novel analysis principles and some physical mechanisms. There is now a need to explore robustness and uncertainty in such mechanisms across a range of models. nonlinMIP addresses this using a simple, small set of CO2-forced experiments that are able to separate linear and non-linear mechanisms cleanly, with a good signal/noise ratio – while being demonstrably traceable to realistic transient scenarios. The design builds on the CMIP5 and CMIP6 DECK protocols, and is centred around a suite of instantaneous atmospheric CO2 change experiments, with a ramp-up-ramp-down experiment to test traceability to gradual forcing scenarios. In all cases the models are intended to be used with CO2 concentrations rather than CO2 emissions as the input. The understanding gained will help interpret the spread in policy-relevant scenario projections. Here we outline the basic physical principles behind nonlinMIP, and the method of establishing traceability from abruptCO2 to gradual forcing experiments, before detailing the experimental design and finally some analysis principles. The test of traceability from abruptCO2 to transient experiments is recommended as a standard analysis within the CMIP5 and CMIP6 DECK protocols.
Parametric soil water retention models: a critical evaluation of expressions for the full moisture range
Authors: Madi Raneem , de Rooij Gerrit Huibert , Mielenz Henrike , Mai Juliane
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Of the many parametric expressions for the soil water retention curve, only a few are suitable for the dry 15 range. Furthermore, expressions for the soil hydraulic conductivity curves associated with these retention functions can exhibit non-physical behavior near saturation. We developed a general criterion that needs to be met by soil water retention parameterizations to ensure physically plausible hydraulic conductivity curves. Only three of the 18 tested parameterizations did not impose any restrictions on the parameters of the most popular conductivity curve parameterization, which includes three functions as special cases. One other retention function required one 20 conductivity parameter to be fixed. We employed the Shuffled Complex Evolution parameter estimation method with the objective function tailored to various observation methods normally used to obtain retention curve data. We fitted the four parameterizations with physically plausible conductivities as well as the most widely used parameterization. We then compared the performance of the resulting 12 combinations of retention curve and conductivity curve in a 25 numerical study with 999 days of semi-arid atmospheric forcing applied to unvegetated, uniform, 1-m freely draining columns for four textures. Choosing different parameterizations had a minor effect on evaporation, but cumulative bottom fluxes varied by up to an order of magnitude between them. This highlights the need for a careful selection procedure for the parameterization of the soil hydraulic properties that ideally does not only rely on goodness-of-fit to static soil 30 water retention data but also on observations of the hydraulic conductivity curve made during dynamic flow conditions.
Quantifying Shallow Subsurface Water and Heat Dynamics using Coupled Hydrological-Thermal-Geophysical Inversion
Authors: Tran Anh Phuong , Dafflon Baptiste , Kowalsky Michael B. , Long Philip , Tokunaga Tetsu K. , Williams Kenneth H. , Hubbard Susan S.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Improving our ability to estimate the parameters that control water and heat fluxes in the shallow subsurface is particularly important due to their strong control on recharge, evaporation, and biogeochemical processes. The objectives of this study are to develop and test a new inversion scheme to simultaneously estimate subsurface hydrological, thermal and petrophysical parameters using hydrological, thermal and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. The inversion scheme, which is based on a nonisothermal, multiphase hydrological model, provides the desired subsurface property estimates in high spatiotemporal resolution. A particularly novel aspect of the inversion scheme is the explicit incorporation of the dependence of the subsurface electrical resistivity on both moisture and temperature. The scheme was applied to synthetic case studies, as well as to real datasets that were autonomously collected at a biogeochemical field study site in Rifle, Colorado. At the Rifle site, the coupled, hydrological-thermal-geophysical inversion approach reproduced a relatively accurate time-series of measured matric potential, temperature, and apparent resistivity. Synthetic studies found that neglecting the subsurface temperature variability, and its effect on the electrical resistivity in the hydrogeophysical inversion, may lead to an incorrect estimation of the hydrological parameters. The approach is expected to be especially useful for the increasing number of studies that are taking advantage of autonomously collected ERT and soil measurements to explore complex terrestrial system dynamics.
Evaluating flood potential with GRACE in the United States
Authors: Molodtsova Tatiana , Molodtsov Sergey , Kirilenko Andrei , Zhang Xiaodong , VanLooy Jeffrey
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Reager and Famiglietti (2009) proposed an index, Reager's Flood Potential Index (RFPI), for early large-scale flood risk monitoring using the Terrestrial Water Storage Anomaly (TWSA) product derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). We evaluated the efficacy of the RFPI for flood risk assessment over the continental USA using multi-year flood observation data from 2003 to 2012 by the US Geological Survey and Dartmouth Flood Observatory. In general, we found a good agreement between the RFPI flood risks and the observed floods on regional and even local scales. RFPI demonstrated skill in predicting the large-area, long-duration floods, especially during the summer season.
Towards an increase of flash-flood geomorphic effects due to gravel mining and ground subsidence in Nogalte stream (SE Spain, Murcia)
Authors: Ortega-Becerril Jose A. , Garzón Guillermina , Béjar-Pizarro Marta , Martínez-Díaz Jose Jesús
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Transition from endorheic alluvial fan environments to well-channelized fluvial systems in natural conditions may occur in response to base-level fluctuations. However, human-induced changes in semi-arid regions can also be responsible for similar unforeseen modifications. Our results confirm that in-channel gravel mining and aquifer overexploitation over the last 50 years in the case study area have changed the natural stability of the Nogalte stream and, as a result, its geomorphic parameters including channel depth and longitudinal profile have begun to adapt to the new situation. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data we obtain maximum values for ground subsidence in the Upper Guadalentín basin of ~ 10 cm yr−1 for the period 2003–2010. In this context of a lowered base level, the river is changing its natural flood model to a more energetic one. A comparison of the 1973 flood event, the most dramatic ever recorded in the area, with the 2012 event, where there was a similar discharge but a sediment load deficit, reveals greater changes and a new flooding pattern and extension. In-channel gravel mining may be responsible for significant local changes in channel incision and profile. This, together with the collateral effects of aquifer overexploitation, can favor increased river velocity and stream power, which intensify the consequences of the flooding. The results obtained here clearly demonstrate an existing transition from the former alluvial pattern to a confined fluvial trend, which may become more pronounced in the future due to the time-lag between the drop in aquifer level and ground subsidence, and introduce a new scenario to be taken into consideration in future natural hazard planning in this area.
Restoration of the Baltic Proper by decadal oxygenation of the deepwater
Authors: Stigebrandt Anders
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Sediment core data from the Baltic Proper show that deepwater sediments during the present brackish state have alternated between anoxic and oxygenated episodes, implying that anoxic episodes were shut off by a natural restoration mechanism. This mechanism is identified as sustained oxygenation of the deep bottoms which shuts off the internal phosphorus (P) source from anoxic sediments. When this happens, P sink processes rapidly reduce the winter surface concentration c1 of P. A P budget model shows that the presently eutrophic Baltic Proper can be restored in about 10 years by man-made (or natural) sustained oxygenation of the deepwater. This will reduce the total P supply and c1 to about 25 % of present day values and the oxygen demand in the deepwater will be reduced proportionally, meaning that the natural water exchange again should be able to oxygenate the Baltic Proper and the restoration equipment can be removed.