bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change impacts on hydroclimatic regimes and extremes over Andean basins in central Chile
Authors: Bozkurt Deniz , Rojas Maisa , Boisier Juan Pablo , Valdivieso Jonás
Published: January 2017

Abstract. This study examines the projections of hydroclimatic regimes and extremes over Andean basins in central Chile (∼ 30–40 S). We have used daily precipitation and temperature data based on observations to drive and validate the VIC macro-scale hydrological model in the region of interest at a 0.25 × 0.25 degree resolution. Historical (1960–2005) and projected, following the RCP8.5 scenario (2006–2099), daily precipitation and temperatures from 26 CMIP5 climate models are bias corrected and used to drive the VIC model to obtain regional hydroclimate projections. Following the robust drying and warming shown by CMIP5 models in this region, the VIC model simulations indicate decreases in annual runoff of about 40 % by the end of the century, larger that the projected precipitation decreases (up to 30 %). Center timing of runoff shifts to earlier dates, 3–5 weeks by the end of the century. The Andes snowpack is projected to be less than half of the reference period by mid-century. The projected hydroclimatic regime is also expected to increase the severity and frequency of extreme events. The probability of having extended droughts, such as the recently experienced mega-drought (2010–2015), increases to up to 5 events/100 years. On the other hand, probability density function of annual maximum daily runoff indicates an increase in the frequency of flood events. The estimated return periods of annual maximum runoff events depict more drastic changes and increase in the flood risk as longer return periods are considered (e.g. 25-yr and 50-yr).
The Potamochemical symphony: new progresses in the high frequency acquisition of stream chemical data
Authors: Floury Paul , Gaillardet Jérôme , Gayer Eric , Bouchez Julien , Tallec Gaëlle , Ansart Patrick , Koch Frédéric , Gorge Caroline , Blanchouin Arnaud , Roubaty Jean-Louis
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Our understanding of hydrological and chemical processes at a catchment scale is limited by our capacity to record the full breadth of the information carried by river chemistry, both in terms of sampling frequency and in precision. Here, we present the proof-of-concept of a new system of water quality monitoring that we called the River Lab (RL), based on the idea of permanently installing a suite of laboratory instruments in the field. Confined in a bungalow next to the river, this set of instruments performs analyses at a frequency of 40-minutes for major dissolved species (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−) through continuous sampling and filtration of the river water using automated ion chromatographs. The RL was deployed in the Orgeval Critical Zone Observatory, France for over a year of continuous analyses. Results show that the RL is able to capture long-term fine chemical variations with no drift and a precision a significantly better than conventionally achieved in the laboratory (up to ±0.5 % for all major species for over a day and up to 1.7 % over two months). Using chemical signals obtained as a benchmark, we assess the effects of a lower sampling frequency (typical of traditional field sampling campaigns) and of a lower precision (typically reached in the laboratory) on the chemical river signal. The RL is able to capture the abrupt changes in dissolved species concentrations during a typical 6-days flood event, as well as unexpected daily oscillations during a hydrological boring period of summer drought. The unprecedented, high-resolution, high precision measurements made possible by the RL open new perspectives for understanding critical zone hydro-bio-geochemical cycles. This approach also offers a solution for operational agencies to monitor the water quality in quasi real-time.
Impact of Optimal Observational Time Window on Coupled Data Assimilation: Simulation with a Simple Climate Model
Authors: Zhao Yuxin , Deng Xiong , Zhang Shaoqing , Liu Zhengyu , Liu Chang , Vecchi Gabriel , Han Guijun , Wu Xinrong
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Climate signals are the results of interactions of multiple time scale media such as the atmosphere and ocean in the coupled earth system. Coupled data assimilation (CDA) pursues balanced and coherent climate analysis and prediction initialization by incorporating observations from multiple media into a coupled model. In practice, an observational time window (OTW) is usually used to collect measured data for an assimilation cycle to increase observational samples. Given different time scales of characteristic variability in different media, what are the optimal OTWs for the coupled media so that climate signals can be most accurately recovered by CDA? With a simple coupled model that simulates typical scale interactions in the climate system, we address this issue here. Results show that required by retrieval of characteristic variability of each coupled medium, an optimal OTW determined from the de-correlation time scale provides maximal observational information that best fits characteristic variability of the medium during the data blending process. Maintaining correct scale interactions, the resulted CDA improves the analysis of climate signals greatly. The simple model results provide a guideline when the real observations are assimilated into a coupled general circulation model for improving climate analysis and prediction initialization by accurately recovering important characteristic variability such as sub-diurnal in the atmosphere and diurnal in the ocean.
Full-tensor gravity gradient eigenvector analysis for locating complex geological source positions
Authors: Zuo Boxin , Kass Mason Andrew , Hu Xiangyun , Geng Meixia
Published: January 2017

Abstract. We develop an eigenvector analysis method to locate the centroids and horizontal boundaries of geological structures of full tensor gravity gradient (GGT) data. Although the boundary detection method for Bouguer gravity has been widely discussed and applied, the source location method for GGT data remains an area of active research. In this paper, we first discuss the theoretical basis and physical meaning of the eigenvector analysis on GGT data, and then a new source location method is derived. Unlike traditional potential field boundary detection, the proposed method uses eigenvector analysis to extract the source centroid information. The interference of multiple and overlapping sources and the parameter identification related with the multiple scales of the GGT eigenvector analysis are presented in the theoretical and experimental sections. Finally, the proposed method is applied to synthetic and field data.
Review article: Inferring permafrost and permafrost thaw in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region
Authors: Gruber Stephan , Fleiner Renate , Guegan Emilie , Panday Prajjwal , Schmid Marc-Olivier , Stumm Dorothea , Wester Philippus , Zhang Yinsheng , Zhao Lin
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The cryosphere reacts sensitively to climate change, as evidenced by the widespread retreat of mountain glaciers. Subsurface ice contained in permafrost is similarly affected by climate change, causing persistent impacts on natural and human systems. In contrast to glaciers, permafrost is not observable spatially and therefore its presence and possible changes are frequently overlooked. Correspondingly, little is known about permafrost in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, despite permafrost area exceeding that of glaciers in nearly all countries. Based on evidence and insight gained mostly in other permafrost areas globally, this review provides a synopsis on what is known or can be inferred about permafrost in the mountains of the HKH region. Given the extreme nature of the environment concerned, it is to be expected that the diversity of conditions and phenomena encountered in permafrost exceed what has previously been described and investigated. We further argue that climate change in concert with increasing development will bring about diverse permafrost-related impacts on vegetation, water quality, geohazards, and livelihoods. To better anticipate and mitigate these effects, a deepened understanding of high-elevation permafrost in subtropical latitudes as well as the pathways interconnecting environmental changes and human livelihoods are needed.
Estado emocional en mujeres con cáncer de mama: variación experimentada después de una sesión psico-oncológica basada en el counselling y la psicología positiva
Authors: Vila Sánchez Lídia , Font Guiteras Antoni , Caba Vela Lydia
Published: January 2017

Objetivo: La mayoría de estudios sobre los beneficios de la intervención psicológica en pacientes de cáncer de mama se han centrado en los efectos acumulados después de varias sesiones terapéuticas. El objetivo de la presente investigación ha sido describir el estado emocional de las pacientes antes de la sesión y constatar el posible efecto emocional inmediato de la misma.Método: Se evaluó el estado emocional de 30 mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama, mediante un instrumento ad hoc que incluía ítems del Distress Thermometer for Patients, antes y después de una sesión de apoyo psicológico. Durante la sesión se abordaban aquellos aspectos que preocupaban a las pacientes desde un enfoque terapéutico basado en el counselling y la psicología positiva.Resultados: La media de malestar emocional experimentado durante la semana previa a la sesión era de 6,4 puntos (sobre 10) en el termómetro emocional y más de la mitad de las mujeres habían experimentado varios problemas emocionales durante ese período. Después de la sesión se redujo significativamente la intensidad de las emociones negativas con respecto al inicio de la visita y, también, el malestar emocional en comparación con la última semana. Así mismo, más de la mitad de la muestra experimentaban estados emocionales positivos. Las mejoras no se relacionaron con la situación médica ni con el número de visitas psico-oncológicas previas.Conclusiones: Ante la constatación de alivio inmediato del malestar emocional, se concluye que es adecuado derivar a todos los pacientes al servicio de psico-oncología al menos para una vista de control.
Evaluación de calidad de un servicio de voluntariado hospitalario en oncología: niveles de satisfacción de los pacientes de cáncer y sus familias
Authors: Fernández Sánchez Belén , Martínez Adoración
Published: January 2017

Objetivo y método: evaluar el impacto del programa de voluntariado hospitalario a través de la importancia atribuida, el grado de satisfacción manifestado por los usuarios y la disposición a recomendar el servicio. Para ello se realizó un estudio de satisfacción realizado en dos fases. Estudio cuantitativo a través de entrevista personal con cuestionario semi-estruturado y estudio cualitativo a través de entrevista personal abierta.Resultados: Participaron 654 pacientes y familiares. En la valoración de la actividad voluntaria se obtiene una puntuación de (9,3) en pacientes (9,2) en familiares en una escala de 0 a 10. El 77% de los usuarios se muestra dispuesto a recomendar a otras personas el servicio de voluntariado obteniéndose un Índice NPS netamente positivo (+80). Los usuarios destacan de los voluntarios especialmente la amabilidad y el respeto por la intimidad (89% y el 82% respectivamente) y ofrecen una puntuación media de 9,2, y 9,4 en una escala de 10.Conclusiones: Se obtiene una valoración unánimemente positiva de la labor de los voluntarios y una gran disposición a recomendar el contacto con los voluntarios. La mayor utilización de los servicios de los voluntarios se vincula a una mejor valoración. Se concede mayor prioridad a la actividad de visitar a pacientes ingresados para acompañar y ofrecer apoyo emocional. La valoración de la labor desempeñada por los voluntarios es muy positiva especialmente en amabilidad y respeto por la intimidad. Los usuarios no demandan nada nuevo pero si incrementar la difusión del servicio, más voluntarios y ampliar el horario de atención.
Pragmatism, Racial Solidarity, and Negotiating Social Practices: Evading the Problem of “Problem Solving” Talk
Authors: Wolfe Kevin
Published: January 2017

In his review of Eddie Glaude's Exodus! “Politics, Racial Solidarity, Exodus!” Robert Gooding-Williams argues that, despite sympathizing with Glaude's conception of racial solidarity, he finds that “Glaude's approach to racial solidarity is not pragmatic enough, precisely because the myth of the essential black subject still haunts it, its claims to the contrary notwithstanding.” This article challenges Gooding-Williams's reading of Exodus!, demonstrating that despite his grasp of Glaude's conceptual map, he misses precisely what is at stake for Glaude's pragmatic notion of racial solidarity. Understanding what is at stake for Glaude's conception of racial solidarity, one sees how the subtlety of his pragmatism actually resists any lingering essentialism. However, this article concludes by showing that despite Glaude's evasion of Gooding-Williams's charge, it is his emphasis on the Deweyan language of “problem solving” that courts the criticism in the first place. To circumvent the potential for misunderstanding, this article emphasizes a “negotiation of social practices” as an alternative to Glaude's emphasis on the language of “problem solving activity.”
“Through a Glass, Darkly”: Evidence for Knowledge of Pseudo-Dionysius in Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Flight Tim
Published: January 2017

Despite his importance to later English medieval spirituality, the possibility of Pseudo-Dionysius's influence in Anglo-Saxon England remains unresolved, having been merely subjected to brief speculation. This article quantifies Pseudo-Dionysius's potential influence by tracing all evidence for Anglo-Saxon contact with the Corpus Areopagitum. Using Stock's model of “textual communities,” it reviews the study of Pseudo-Dionysius at Rome and the Carolingian court and discusses the level of intellectual exchange between Anglo-Saxon England and these Continental centers, with particular focus on Israel the Grammarian. It then discusses the unacknowledged presence of Pseudo-Dionysius's thought in Anglo-Saxon manuscripts and analyzes Hilduin's exposition of his theology in Passio Sancti Dionysii. It concludes that Pseudo-Dionysius was an influence on Anglo-Saxon thought. Beyond signaling the need for his influence on Anglo-Saxon spirituality and texts to be reconsidered, this article's suggestion of Pseudo-Dionysius's preconquest influence has implications for the accepted history of English medieval spirituality.
Julian of Norwich and the Muttering Fiend
Authors: Spellmire Adam
Published: January 2017

Scholars emphasize Julian of Norwich's serenity, contrasting her work and its confidence that “all shall be well” with medieval writing more interested in Hell's torments. This serenity distinguishes her, scholars note, from her contemporaries Chaucer and Langland and their fascination with the world's confusion. Julian's confrontation with an unintelligible, muttering fiend near the end of her book, however, reveals similar anxieties in her own writing. Julian indeed avoids dwelling on eternal punishment, but this incoherent attacker jeopardizes her efforts to interpret her revelations and make sense of the world.
Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus in a geriatric patient: A case report
Authors: Sri Kumaran Shalini , Law Annie Hui Nee
Published: January 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem connective tissue disorder with varied clinical presentations with late onset SLE occurring after the age of 50. Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in SLE may range from non-focal symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, an acute confusional state, to focal symptoms of transient ischaemic attacks and strokes.  We report a case of an elderly male who presented with confusion, functional decline and fevers. On admission, he was febrile with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 11 with no other focal neurological or systemic examination findings. Initial investigations pointed towards a diagnosis of possible tuberculous meningitis with a differential diagnosis of unidentified sepsis and malignancy still being entertained. However, a newly developed purpuric skin rash helped clinch the diagnosis of SLE and he was finally diagnosed as a case of late-onset neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). He was started on intravenous (IV) hydrocortisone which was later switched to a tapering dose of oral prednisolone and made a significant improvement.
Research on Quantitative Trading Strategy Based on Neural Network Algorithm and Fisher Linear Discriminant
Authors: Li Zi-Yu , Zhang Yuan-Biao , Zhong Jia-Yu , Yan Xiao-Xu , Lv Xin-Guang
Published: January 2017

Based on the trend background of financial development in China in recent years, and statistical analysis of trend line, this paper establishes the quantitative trading strategy through the BP Neural Network Algorithm and the Fisher Linear Discriminant. Firstly, the data is linearly regressed into equal-length trend lines and the slope is fuzzified to build the matrix of upward trend and downward trend. And then use BP Neural Network Algorithm and Fisher Linear Discriminant to carry on the price forecast respectively and take transaction behavior, and correspondingly we take Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 stock index futures as an example to carry on the back test. The result shows that, firstly, the initial price trend is well retained by fitting; secondly, the profitability and risk control ability of the trading system are improved through the training optimization of Neural Network and Fisher Linear Discriminant.
On The Possibility to Trace Frozen Curd in Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese
Authors: Manzo Nadia , Biondi Loredana , Nava Donatella , Capuano Federico , Pizzolongo Fabiana , Fiore Alberto , Romano Raffaele
Published: January 2017

The manufacturing of Buffalo Mozzarella PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese requires the exclusive use of fresh buffalo milk, which must be transformed into cheese within 60 hours after milking. The limited availability of buffalo milk and simultaneous increase in Mozzarella demand during the summer cause producers to use frozen intermediates (milk and/or curd) in the cheese-making process. These practices are not allowed. Few data are available in the literature about the effects of freezing on buffalo milk and curd. Recent studies demonstrated that the use of frozen buffalo milk can be detected in mozzarella cheese based on the increase in casein fragment γ4-CN. This work aims to verify the possibility of tracing the presence of frozen curd in Buffalo Mozzarella PDO cheese. The electrophoresis technique was used to reveal the presence of γ4-CN. Equivalent concentrations of this fragment were found in fresh and frozen curd that were stored for 9 months. Our results suggest that γ4-CN cannot be used to discriminate fresh PDO Mozzarella and Mozzarella cheese produced from frozen curd. A second objective of the work was to evaluate the effects of freezing on curd lipids. In particular, the fatty acid and mono-diglyceride profiles were evaluated. Significant differences were found in the amounts of 1,2-Dipalmitin and 1,3-Diolein between fresh curd and curd that was stored for 9 months at freezing temperatures. Although some significant differences were found in the mono-diglyceride profiles, no objective marker that can distinguish between fresh and frozen products is currently available.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Geography and Geology, Vol. 6, No. 2
Authors: Luo Lesley
Published: January 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Geography and Geology, Vol. 6, No. 2, 2014
Dispute Management as a Means of Value Based Corporate Governance
Authors: Schmidt Cornelia , Hammes Michael
Published: January 2017

Disputes are part of a company’s daily business reality, involving a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. As disputes may have significant consequences in terms of costs and damages, it is crucial that disputes are managed in a ‘wise’ manner. In this context, PwC and the Institute of Conflict Management at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) initiated a broader ten years research project. The fourth and most recent survey was published in October 2013 and examines the question of how dispute management can be established as a means of value based corporate governance. The survey describes how disputes can be successfully managed by employing a professional framework and associated tools.
Determination of Organophosphorous Pesticides in Environmental Water Samples Using Surface-Engineered C18 Functionalized Silica-Coated Core-Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles–Based Extraction Coupled with GC-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Srivastava Neha , Kumari Supriya , Nair Kishore , Alam Samsul , Raza Syed K
Published: January 2017

The present paper depicts a novel method based on magneticSPE (MSPE) for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) such as phorate, malathion, and chlorpyrifos in environmental water samples. In this study, C18 functionalized silica-coated core-shell iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were used as a surface-engineered magnetic sorbent for theselective extraction of pesticides from aqueous samples, followed by GC-MS and GC–tandem MS analysis for confirmative determination of the analytes. Various important method parameters, including quantity of MNP adsorbent, volume of sample, effective time for extraction, nature of the desorbing solvent, and pH of the aqueous sample, were investigated and optimized to obtain maximum method performance. Under the optimized instrumental analysis conditions, good linearity (r2 value ≥0.994) was achieved at the concentration range of 0.5–500 μg/L. Recoveries were in therange of 79.2–96.3 and 80.4–97.5% in selective-ion monitoring and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes, respectively, at the spiking concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 μg/L. MRM mode showed better sensitivity, selectivity, and low-level detection (0.5 μg/L) of analytes. The novel MSPE method is a simple, cheap, rapid, and eco-friendly method for the determination of OPs in environmental water samples.
Evaluation of Method-Specific Extraction Variability for the Measurement of Fatty Acids in a Candidate Infant/Adult Nutritional Formula Reference Material
Authors: Place Benjamin J
Published: January 2017

To address community needs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed a candidate Standard Reference Material (SRM) for infant/adult nutritional formula based on milk and whey protein concentrates with isolated soy protein called SRM 1869 Infant/Adult Nutritional Formula. One major component of this candidate SRM is the fatty acid content. In this study, multiple extraction techniques were evaluated to quantify the fatty acids in this new material. Extraction methods that were based on lipid extraction followed by transesterification resulted in lower mass fraction values for all fatty acids than the values measured by methods utilizing in situ transesterification followed by fatty acid methyl ester extraction (ISTE). An ISTE method, based on the identifiedoptimal parameters, was used to determine the fatty acid content of the new infant/adult nutritional formula reference material.
Impaired retrograde transport of axonal autophagosomes contributes to autophagic stress in Alzheimer’s disease neurons
Authors: Tammineni Prasad , Ye Xuan , Feng Tuancheng , Aikal Daniyal , Cai Qian
Published: January 2017

Neurons face unique challenges of transporting nascent autophagic vacuoles (AVs) from distal axons toward the soma, where mature lysosomes are mainly located. Autophagy defects have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying altered autophagy remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that defective retrograde transport contributes to autophagic stress in AD axons. Amphisomes predominantly accumulate at axonal terminals of mutant hAPP mice and AD patient brains. Amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers associate with AVs in AD axons and interact with dynein motors. This interaction impairs dynein recruitment to amphisomes through competitive interruption of dynein-Snapin motor-adaptor coupling, thus immobilizing them in distal axons. Consistently, deletion of Snapin in mice causes AD-like axonal autophagic stress, whereas overexpressing Snapin in hAPP neurons reduces autophagic accumulation at presynaptic terminals by enhancing AV retrograde transport. Altogether, our study provides new mechanistic insight into AD-associated autophagic stress, thus establishing a foundation for ameliorating axonal pathology in AD.
Lung Sliding Identification Is Less Accurate in the Left Hemithorax
Authors: Piette Eric , Daoust Raoul , Lambert Jean , Denault André
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of lung sliding identification for the left and right hemithoraxes, using prerecorded short US sequences, in a group of physicians with mixed clinical and US training.

Methods

A total of 140 US sequences of a complete respiratory cycle were recorded in the operating room. Each sequence was divided in two, yielding 140 sequences of present lung sliding and 140 sequences of absent lung sliding. Of these 280 sequences, 40 were randomly repeated to assess intraobserver variability, for a total of 320 sequences. Descriptive data, the mean accuracy of each participant, as well as the rate of correct answers for each of the original 280 sequences were tabulated and compared for different subgroups of clinical and US training. A video with examples of present and absent lung sliding and a lung pulse was shown before testing.

Results

Two sessions were planned to facilitate the participation of 75 clinicians. In the first group, the rate of accurate lung sliding identification was lower in the left hemithorax than in the right (67.0% [interquartile range (IQR), 43.0–83.0] versus 80.0% [IQR, 57.0–95.0]; P < .001). In the second group, the rate of accurate lung sliding identification was also lower in the left hemithorax than in the right (76.3% [IQR, 42.9–90.9] versus 88.7% [IQR, 63.1–96.9]; P = .001). Mean accuracy rates were 67.5% (95% confidence interval, 65.7–69.4) in the first group and 73.1% (95% confidence interval, 70.7–75.5) in the second (P < .001).

Conclusions

Lung sliding identification seems less accurate in the left hemithorax when using a short US examination. This study was done on recorded US sequences and should be repeated in a live clinical situation to confirm our results.
Number of Weeks Rotating in the Emergency Department Has a Greater Effect on Ultrasound Milestone Competency Than a Dedicated Ultrasound Rotation
Authors: Smalley Courtney M. , Thiessen Molly , Byyny Richard , Dorey Alyrene , McNair Bryan , Kendall John L.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Ultrasound (US) is vital to modern emergency medicine (EM). Across residencies, there is marked variability in US training. The “goal‐directed focused US” part of the Milestones Project states that trainees must correctly acquire and interpret images to achieve a level 3 milestone. Standardized methods by which programs teach these skills have not been established. Our goal was to determine whether residents could achieve level 3 with or without a dedicated US rotation.

Methods

Thirty‐three first‐ and second‐year residents were assigned to control (no rotation) and intervention (US rotation) groups. The intervention group underwent a 2‐week curriculum in vascular access, the aorta, echocardiography, focused assessment with sonography for trauma, and pregnancy. To test acquisition, US‐trained emergency medicine physicians administered an objective structured clinical examination. To test interpretation, residents had to identify normal versus abnormal findings. Mixed‐model logistic regression tested the association of a US rotation while controlling for confounders: weeks in the emergency department (ED) as a resident, medical school US rotation, and postgraduate years.

Results

For image acquisition, medical school US rotation and weeks in the ED as a resident were significant (P = .03; P = .04) whereas completion of a US rotation and postgraduate years were not significant. For image interpretation, weeks in the ED as a resident was the only significant predictor of performance (P = .002) whereas completion of a US rotation and medical school US rotation were not significant.

Conclusions

To achieve a level 3 milestone, weeks in the ED as a resident were significant for mastering image acquisition and interpretation. A dedicated US rotation did not have a significant effect. A medical school US rotation had a significant effect on image acquisition but not interpretation. Further studies are needed to best assess methods to meet US milestones.
Sonographic Evaluation of Endothelial Function in Brachial Arteries of Adult Stroke Patients
Authors: Omisore Adeleye Dorcas , Ayoola Oluwagbemiga Oluwole , Ibitoye Bolanle Olubunmi , Fawale Michael Bimbola , Adetiloye Victor Adebayo
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation on sonography is used to evaluate endothelial dysfunction, which is a key event in the development of atherosclerosis and predates structural atherosclerotic lesions by many years. Atherosclerosis has been implicated in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to determine the association between brachial flow‐mediated dilatation, the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, and acute stroke.

Methods

We evaluated right brachial arteries of 150 participants (50 stroke patients, 50 patients with cardiovascular risk factors, and 50 healthy control individuals) with B‐mode sonography before and 5 minutes after sphygmomanometer cuff application to their forearms. Analysis of variance for multiple comparisons was used between each group.

Results

Mean ages of the stroke, risk factor, and control groups ± SD were 57.5 ± 14.8, 52.4 ± 16.0, and 56.1 ± 14.9 years, respectively (P = .235). Flow‐mediated dilatation rates were 4.37% ± 1.50%, 5.62% ± 1.23%, and 10.33% ± 1.96% in the stroke, risk factor, and control groups (P ≤ .001). Dilatation was 3.79% ± 0.92% in ischemic stroke compared with 6.02% ± 1.62% in intracerebral hemorrhage (P < .001), but there was no significant difference in dilatation between ischemic stroke subtypes according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification (P = .301).

Conclusions

Brachial flow‐mediated dilatation was significantly lower in patients with acute stroke compared with controls matched for vascular risk factors and healthy controls. Decreased vascular endothelial function in stroke patients was particularly related to cerebral infarction compared with intracerebral hemorrhage. Brachial flow‐mediated dilatation did not differentiate ischemic stroke subtypes by the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification. Flow‐mediated dilatation was therefore found to be a marker of cardiovascular risk and a probable reactant in the acute phase of stroke.
Sonographic Differentiation of Complicated From Uncomplicated Appendicitis: Implications for Antibiotics‐First Therapy
Authors: Xu Yingding , Jeffrey R. Brooke , Chang Stephanie T. , DiMaio Michael A. , Olcott Eric W.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To evaluate sonographic findings as indicators of complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis in the setting of known appendicitis, a necessary distinction in deciding whether to proceed with antibiotic therapy or with appendectomy.

Methods

With Institutional Review Board approval and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance, appendiceal sonograms of 119 patients with histopathologically proven appendicitis were retrospectively blindly reviewed to determine the presence or absence of the normally echogenic submucosal layer, the presence of mural hyperemia, periappendiceal fluid, appendicoliths, and hyperechoic periappendiceal fat and to determine the maximum outside diameter. Results were compared with the presence of complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis on histopathologic examination and assessed by both univariate and mulitvariate logistic regression; confidence intervals (CIs) of proportions were assessed by the exact binomial test.

Results

Thirty‐two (26.9%) of the 119 patients had complicated appendicitis, including 11 with gangrenous appendicitis without perforation and 21 with gangrenous appendicitis and perforation. Loss of the submucosal layer was the only independent significant indicator of complicated appendicitis in multivariate regression (P < .001) and provided sensitivity and specificity values of 100.0% (95% CI, 89.1%–100.0%) and 92.0% (95% CI, 84.1%–96.7%), respectively.

Conclusions

Loss of the normally echogenic submucosal layer was the most useful sonographic finding for discriminating complicated from uncomplicated appendicitis, being the only finding independently and significantly associated with complicated appendicitis and, additionally, providing both high sensitivity and high specificity. This information may help a physician decide whether to proceed with antibiotic therapy or with appendectomy when treating a patient with appendicitis.
Determinants of metastatic competency in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tauriello Daniele V. F. , Calon Alexandre , Lonardo Enza , Batlle Eduard
Published: January 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types and represents a major therapeutic challenge. Although initial events in colorectal carcinogenesis are relatively well characterized and treatment for early‐stage disease has significantly improved over the last decades, the mechanisms underlying metastasis – the main cause of death – remain poorly understood. Correspondingly, no effective therapy is currently available for advanced or metastatic disease. There is increasing evidence that colorectal cancer is hierarchically organized and sustained by cancer stem cells, in concert with various stromal cell types. Here, we review the interplay between cancer stem cells and their microenvironment in promoting metastasis and discuss recent insights relating to both patient prognosis and novel targeted treatment strategies. A better understanding of these topics may aid the prevention or reduction of metastatic burden.
The super‐interseismic phase of the megathrust earthquake cycle in Chile
Authors: Melnick Daniel , Moreno Marcos , Quinteros Javier , Baez Juan Carlos , Deng Zhiguo , Li Shaoyang , Oncken Onno
Published: January 2017

Along a subduction zone, great megathrust earthquakes recur either after long seismic gaps lasting several decades to centuries or over much shorter periods lasting hours to a few years when cascading successions of earthquakes rupture nearby segments of the fault. We analyze a decade of continuous Global Positioning System observations along the South American continent to estimate changes in deformation rates between the 2010 Maule (M8.8) and 2015 Illapel (M8.3) Chilean earthquakes. We find that surface velocities increased after the 2010 earthquake, in response to continental‐scale viscoelastic mantle relaxation and to regional‐scale increased degree of interplate locking. We propose that increased locking occurs transiently during a super‐interseismic phase in segments adjacent to a megathrust rupture, responding to bending of both plates caused by coseismic slip and subsequent afterslip. Enhanced strain rates during a super‐interseismic phase may therefore bring a megathrust segment closer to failure and possibly triggered the 2015 event.
Boiling and condensation of saline geothermal fluids above magmatic intrusions
Authors: Scott Samuel , Driesner Thomas , Weis Philipp
Published: January 2017

Numerical simulation of subaerial, magma‐driven, saline hydrothermal systems reveals that fluid phase separation near the intrusion is a first‐order control on the dynamics and efficiency of heat and mass transfer. Above shallow intrusions emplaced at <2.5 km depth, phase separation through boiling of saline liquid leads to accumulation of low‐mobility hypersaline brines and halite precipitation, thereby reducing the efficiency of heat and mass transfer. Above deeper intrusions (>4 km), where fluid pressure is >30 MPa, phase separation occurs by condensation of hypersaline brine from a saline intermediate‐density fluid. The fraction of brine remains small, and advective, vapor‐dominated mass and heat fluxes are maximized. We thus hypothesize that, in contrast to pure water systems, for which shallow intrusions make better targets for supercritical resource exploitation, the optimal targets in saline systems are located above deeper intrusions.
CO2 emission of Indonesian fires in 2015 estimated from satellite‐derived atmospheric CO2 concentrations
Authors: Heymann J. , Reuter M. , Buchwitz M. , Schneising O. , Bovensmann H. , Burrows J. P. , Massart S. , Kaiser J. W. , Crisp D.
Published: January 2017

Indonesia experienced an exceptional number of fires in 2015 as a result of droughts related to the recent El Niño event and human activities. These fires released large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Emission databases such as the Global Fire Assimilation System version 1.2 and the Global Fire Emission Database version 4s estimated the CO2 emission to be approximately 1100 MtCO2 in the time period from July to November 2015. This emission was indirectly estimated by using parameters like burned area, fire radiative power, and emission factors. In the study presented in this paper, we estimate the Indonesian fire CO2 emission by using the column‐averaged dry air mole fraction of CO2, XCO2, derived from measurements of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐2 satellite mission. The estimated CO2 emission is 748 ± 209 MtCO2, which is about 30% lower than provided by the emission databases.
Meteoric smoke and H2SO4 aerosols in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere
Authors: Hervig Mark E. , Bardeen Charles G. , Siskind David E. , Mills Michael J. , Stockwell Robert
Published: January 2017

Meteoric smoke has traditionally been understood as a passive tracer which follows the global mesospheric circulation. Smoke extinction measured by the Solar Occultation For Ice Experiment, however, shows that while this is true in the middle to upper mesosphere (pressure <~0.2 hPa), it is not true near the stratopause. Here the expected winter increase begins 3 months earlier than in models. We suggest that the autumn extinction increase is due to H2SO4 condensing above the nominal stratospheric aerosol layer (~5 hPa). This is possible due to lowering of the H2SO4 saturation vapor pressure when the acid is neutralized through combination with meteoric metals. The appearance of neutralized H2SO4 aerosol in autumn is associated with the seasonal decrease in temperature. The combination of meteoric smoke and neutralized H2SO4 aerosols explains the observations and supports previous suggestions that H2SO4 could condense above the nominal stratospheric sulfate layer.
Unexpected climatological behavior of MLT gravity wave momentum flux in the lee of the Southern Andes hot spot
Authors: de Wit R. J. , Janches D. , Fritts D. C. , Stockwell R. G. , Coy L.
Published: January 2017

The Southern Argentina Agile MEteor Radar (SAAMER), located at Tierra del Fuego (53.7°S, 67.7°W), has been providing near‐continuous high‐resolution measurements of winds and high‐frequency gravity wave (GW) momentum fluxes of the mesopause region since May 2008. As SAAMER is located in the lee of the largest seasonal GW hot spot on Earth, this is a key location to study GWs and their interaction with large‐scale motions. GW momentum flux climatologies are shown for the first time for this location and discussed in light of these unique dynamics. Particularly, the large eastward GW momentum fluxes during local winter are surprising, as these observations cannot be explained by the direct upward propagation of expected large‐amplitude mountain waves (MWs) through the eastward stratospheric jet. Instead, these results are interpreted as secondary GWs propagating away from stratospheric sources over the Andes accompanying MW breaking over the Southern Andes.
Probabilistic inversion with graph cuts: Application to the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site
Authors: Pirot Guillaume , Linde Niklas , Mariethoz Grégoire , Bradford John H.
Published: January 2017

Inversion methods that build on multiple‐point statistics tools offer the possibility to obtain model realizations that are not only in agreement with field data, but also with conceptual geological models that are represented by training images. A recent inversion approach based on patch‐based geostatistical resimulation using graph cuts outperforms state‐of‐the‐art multiple‐point statistics methods when applied to synthetic inversion examples featuring continuous and discontinuous property fields. Applications of multiple‐point statistics tools to field data are challenging due to inevitable discrepancies between actual subsurface structure and the assumptions made in deriving the training image. We introduce several amendments to the original graph cut inversion algorithm and present a first‐ever field application by addressing porosity estimation at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site, Boise, Idaho. We consider both a classical multi‐Gaussian and an outcrop‐based prior model (training image) that are in agreement with available porosity data. When conditioning to available crosshole ground‐penetrating radar data using Markov chain Monte Carlo, we find that the posterior realizations honor overall both the characteristics of the prior models and the geophysical data. The porosity field is inverted jointly with the measurement error and the petrophysical parameters that link dielectric permittivity to porosity. Even though the multi‐Gaussian prior model leads to posterior realizations with higher likelihoods, the outcrop‐based prior model shows better convergence. In addition, it offers geologically more realistic posterior realizations and it better preserves the full porosity range of the prior.
Measurement and simulation of heat exchange in fractured bedrock using inert and thermally degrading tracers
Authors: Hawkins Adam J. , Fox Don B. , Becker Matthew W. , Tester Jefferson W.
Published: January 2017

Multicomponent groundwater tracer tests were conducted in a well‐characterized field site in Altona, NY using inert carbon‐cored nanoparticles and a thermally degrading phenolic compound. Experiments were conducted in a mesoscale reservoir consisting of a single subhorizontal bedding plane fracture located 7.6 m below ground surface contained between two wells separated by 14.1 m. The reservoir rock, initially at 11.7°C, was heated using 74°C water. During the heating process, a series of tracer tests using thermally degrading tracers were used to characterize the progressive in situ heating of the fracture. Fiber‐Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FODTS) was used to measure temperature rise orthogonal to the fracture surface at 10 locations. Recovery of the thermally degrading tracer's product was increased as the reservoir was progressively heated indicating that the advancement of the thermal front was proportional to the mass fraction of the thermally degrading tracer recovered. Both GPR imaging and FODTS measurements reveal that flow was reduced to a narrow channel which directly connected the two wells and led to rapid thermal breakthrough. Computational modeling of inert tracer and heat transport in a two‐dimensional discrete fracture demonstrate that subsurface characterization using inert tracers alone could not uniquely characterize the Altona field site. However, the inclusion of a thermally degrading tracer may permit accurate subsurface temperature monitoring. At the Altona field site, however, fluid‐rock interactions appear to have increased reaction rates relative to laboratory‐based measurements made in the absence of rock surfaces.
Modeling multidecadal surface water inundation dynamics and key drivers on large river basin scale using multiple time series of Earth‐observation and river flow data
Authors: Heimhuber V. , Tulbure M. G. , Broich M.
Published: January 2017

Periodically inundated floodplain areas are hot spots of biodiversity and provide a broad range of ecosystem services but have suffered alarming declines in recent history. Despite their importance, their long‐term surface water (SW) dynamics and hydroclimatic drivers remain poorly quantified on continental scales. In this study, we used a 26 year time series of Landsat‐derived SW maps in combination with river flow data from 68 gauges and spatial time series of rainfall, evapotranspiration and soil moisture to statistically model SW dynamics as a function of key drivers across Australia's Murray‐Darling Basin (∼1 million km2). We fitted generalized additive models for 18,521 individual modeling units made up of 10 × 10 km grid cells, each split into floodplain, floodplain‐lake, and nonfloodplain area. Average goodness of fit of models was high across floodplains and floodplain‐lakes (r2 > 0.65), which were primarily driven by river flow, and was lower for nonfloodplain areas (r2 > 0.24), which were primarily driven by rainfall. Local climate conditions were more relevant for SW dynamics in the northern compared to the southern basin and had the highest influence in the least regulated and most extended floodplains. We further applied the models of two contrasting floodplain areas to predict SW extents of cloud‐affected time steps in the Landsat series during the large 2010 floods with high validated accuracy (r2 > 0.97). Our framework is applicable to other complex river basins across the world and enables a more detailed quantification of large floods and drivers of SW dynamics compared to existing methods.
Printable and Flexible Phototransistors Based on Blend of Organic Semiconductor and Biopolymer
Authors: Huang Jia , Du Juan , Cevher Zehra , Ren Yuhang , Wu Xiaohan , Chu Yingli
Published: January 2017

Printable and flexible organic phototransistors (OPTs) make comprehensive requirements for the organic semiconductors (OSCs), including high photosensitivity, decent transistor characteristics, appropriate solution viscosity, and good film flexibility. It has been challenging to obtain such semiconductors. Here, we demonstrated that by taking advantage of the interfacial charge effect, printable and flexible OPTs with high performance can be successfully fabricated through simply blending common OSCs with polymers. Using 2,7‐dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene and an insulating biopolymer polylactide, OPTs with blended and layered structure are both fabricated and investigated. The photoresponses of the OPTs can be modulated by gate voltage over 1000 times, and their responsivities are measured up to 400 A W−1. As compared to the layered OPTs, the blended ones exhibit higher photocurrent to dark current ratio (up to 105) and better light detection limit (lower than 0.02 mW cm−2). The improvements are attributed to larger interfacial area and more intensive charge trapping effect. The flexible OPTs are further fabricated by inkjet printing the blended solution. This work presents OPTs with comprehensive advantages including low cost, enhanced photosensitivity, great flexibility, and printability, which are realized by simply blending common OSC with polymer, and thus provide an inspiration for the design of novel organic electronics.