bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microphysical sensitivity of coupled springtime Arctic stratocumulus to modelled primary ice over the ice pack, marginal ice, and ocean
Authors: Young Gillian , Connolly Paul J. , Jones Hazel M. , Choularton Thomas W.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This study uses large eddy simulations to test the sensitivity of single-layer mixed-phase stratocumulus to primary ice number concentrations in the European Arctic. Observations from the Aerosol-Cloud Coupling and Climate Interactions in the Arctic (ACCACIA) campaign are considered for comparison with cloud microphysics modelled using the Large Eddy Model (LEM, UK Met. Office). We find that cloud structure is very sensitive to ice number concentrations, Nice, and small increases can cause persisting mixed-phase clouds to glaciate and break up.Three key dependencies on Nice are identified from sensitivity simulations and comparisons with observations made over the sea ice pack, marginal ice zone (MIZ), and ocean. Over sea ice, we find deposition–condensation ice formation rates are overestimated, leading to cloud glaciation. When ice formation is limited to water-saturated conditions, we find microphysics comparable to aircraft observations over all surfaces considered. We show that warm supercooled (−13 °C) mixed-phase clouds over the MIZ are simulated to reasonable accuracy when using both the DeMott et al.(2010) and Cooper(1986) primary ice nucleation parameterisations. Over the ocean, we find a strong sensitivity of Arctic stratus to Nice. The Cooper(1986) parameterisation performs poorly at the lower ambient temperatures, leading to a comparatively higher Nice (2.43 L−1 at the cloud-top temperature, approximately −20 °C) and cloud glaciation. A small decrease in the predicted Nice (2.07 L−1 at −20 °C), using the DeMott et al.(2010) parameterisation, causes mixed-phase conditions to persist for 24 h over the ocean. However, this representation leads to the formation of convective structures which reduce the cloud liquid water through snow precipitation, promoting cloud break-up through a depleted liquid phase. Decreasing the Nice further (0.54 L−1, using a relationship derived from ACCACIA observations) allows mixed-phase conditions to be maintained for at least 24 h with more stability in the liquid and ice water paths. Sensitivity to Nice is also evident at low number concentrations, where 0.1  ×  Nice predicted by the DeMott et al.(2010) parameterisation results in the formation of rainbands within the model; rainbands which also act to deplete the liquid water in the cloud and promote break-up.
Aerosol trends as a potential driver of regional climate in the central United States: Evidence from observations
Authors: Cusworth Daniel H. , Mickley Loretta J. , Leibensperger Eric M. , Iacono Michael J.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. In situ surface observations show that downward surface solar radiation (SWdn) over the central and southeastern United States (U.S.) has increased by 0.58–1.0 W m−2 a−1 over the 2000–2014 timeframe, simultaneously with reductions in U.S. aerosol optical depth (AOD) of 3.3–5.0 × 10−3 a−1. Establishing a link between these two trends, however, is challenging due to complex interactions between aerosols, clouds, and radiation. Here we investigate the clear-sky aerosol–radiation effects of decreasing U.S. aerosols on SWdn and other surface variables by applying a one-dimensional radiative transfer to 2000 2014 measurements of AOD at two Surface Radiation Budget Network (SURFRAD) sites in the central and southeastern United States. Observations characterized as clear–sky may in fact include the effects of thin cirrus clouds, and we consider these effects by imposing satellite data from the Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) into the radiative transfer model. The model predicts that 2000–2014 trends in aerosols may have driven clear-sky SWdn trends of +1.35 W m−2 a−1 at Goodwin Creek, MS, and +0.93 W m−2 a−1 at Bondville, IL. While these results are consistent in sign with observed trends, a cross-validated multivariate regression analysis shows that AOD reproduces 20–26 % of the seasonal (June–September, JJAS) variability in clear-sky direct and diffuse SWdn at Bondville, IL, but none of the JJAS variability at Goodwin Creek, MS. Using in situ soil and surface flux measurements from the Ameriflux network and Illinois Climate Network (ICN) together with assimilated meteorology from the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS), we find that sunnier summers tend to coincide with increased surface air temperature and soil moisture deficits in the central U.S. The 1990–2015 trends in the NLDAS SWdn over the central U.S. are also of a similar magnitude as our modeled 2000–2014 clear-sky trends. Taken together, these results suggest that climate and regional hydrology in the central U.S. are sensitive to the recent reductions in aerosol concentrations. Our work has implications for severely polluted regions outside the U.S., where improvements in air quality due to reductions in the aerosol burden could inadvertently increase vulnerability to drought.
Calibration of a multi-pass photoacoustic spectrometer cell using light-absorbing aerosols
Authors: Bluvshtein Nir , Flores J. Michel , He Quanfu , Segre Enrico , Segev Lior , Hong Nina , Donohue Andrea , Hilfiker James N. , Rudich Yinon
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The multi-pass photoacoustic spectrometer (PAS) is an important tool for the direct measurement of light absorption by atmospheric aerosol. Accurate PAS measurements heavily rely on accurate calibration of their signal. Ozone is often used for calibrating PAS instruments by relating the photoacoustic signal to the absorption coefficient measured by an independent method such as cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRD-S), cavity-enhanced spectroscopy (CES) or an ozone monitor. We report here a calibration method that uses measured absorption coefficients of aerosolized, light-absorbing organic materials and offer an alternative approach to calibrate photoacoustic aerosol spectrometers at 404 nm. To implement this method, we first determined the complex refractive index of nigrosin, an organic dye, using spectroscopic ellipsometry and then used this well-characterized material as a standard material for PAS calibration.
Comparison of Vaisala radiosondes RS41 and RS92 in the oceans ranging from the Arctic to tropics
Authors: Kawai Yoshimi , Katsumata Masaki , Oshima Kazuhiro , Hori Masatake E. , Inoue Jun
Published: March 2017

Abstract. To assess the differences between the RS92 radiosonde and its improved counterpart, the Vaisala RS41-SGP radiosonde that has a pressure sensor, 36 twin-radiosonde launches were made over the Arctic Ocean, Bering Sea, northwestern Pacific Ocean, and the tropical Indian Ocean during two cruises of the R/V Mirai in 2015. The biases, standard deviations, and root mean squares (RMSs) of the differences between the RS41 and RS92 data over all flights and altitudes were smaller than the nominal combined uncertainties of the RS41, except that the RMS of the differences of pressure above 100 hPa exceeded 0.6 hPa. A comparison between daytime and nighttime flights in the tropics revealed that the pressure difference was systematically larger during the day than at night above an altitude of 4.5 km, the suggestion being that there was some effect of solar heating on the pressure measurements, but the exact reason is unclear. The agreement between the RS41 and RS92 temperature measurements was better than the combined uncertainties. However, there were some noteworthy discrepancies that were presumably caused by the “wet-bulbing” effect and stagnation of the balloon. Although the median of the relative humidity differences was only a little more than 2 % of the relative humidity at all altitudes, the relative humidity of the RS92 was much lower than that of the RS41 at altitudes of about 17 km in the tropics. This dry bias might have been caused by the incomplete solar radiation correction of the RS92, and a correction table for the daytime RS92 humidity was calculated. This study showed that the RS41 measurements were consistent with the specifications of the manufacturer in most cases over both the tropical and polar oceans. However, further studies of the causes of the discrepancies are needed.
Reviews and syntheses: parameter identification in marine planktonic ecosystem modelling
Authors: Schartau Markus , Wallhead Philip , Hemmings John , Löptien Ulrike , Kriest Iris , Krishna Shubham , Ward Ben A. , Slawig Thomas , Oschlies Andreas
Published: March 2017

Abstract. To describe the underlying processes involved in oceanic plankton dynamics is crucial for the determination of energy and mass flux through an ecosystem and for the estimation of biogeochemical element cycling. Many planktonic ecosystem models were developed to resolve major processes so that flux estimates can be derived from numerical simulations. These results depend on the type and number of parameterizations incorporated as model equations. Furthermore, the values assigned to respective parameters specify a model's solution. Representative model results are those that can explain data; therefore, data assimilation methods are utilized to yield optimal estimates of parameter values while fitting model results to match data. Central difficulties are (1) planktonic ecosystem models are imperfect and (2) data are often too sparse to constrain all model parameters. In this review we explore how problems in parameter identification are approached in marine planktonic ecosystem modelling. We provide background information about model uncertainties and estimation methods, and how these are considered for assessing misfits between observations and model results. We explain differences in evaluating uncertainties in parameter estimation, thereby also discussing issues of parameter identifiability. Aspects of model complexity are addressed and we describe how results from cross-validation studies provide much insight in this respect. Moreover, approaches are discussed that consider time- and space-dependent parameter values. We further discuss the use of dynamical/statistical emulator approaches, and we elucidate issues of parameter identification in global biogeochemical models. Our review discloses many facets of parameter identification, as we found many commonalities between the objectives of different approaches, but scientific insight differed between studies. To learn more from results of planktonic ecosystem models we recommend finding a good balance in the level of sophistication between mechanistic modelling and statistical data assimilation treatment for parameter estimation.
Reconstructing Holocene temperature and salinity variations in the western Baltic Sea region: A multi-proxy comparison from the Little Belt (IODP Expedition 347, Site M0059)
Authors: Kotthoff Ulrich , Groeneveld Jeroen , Ash Jeanine L. , Fanget Anne-Sophie , Quintana Krupinski Nadine , Peyron Odile , Stepanova Anna , Warnock Jonathan , Van Helmond Niels A. G. M. , Passey Benjamin H. , Clausen Ole Rønø , Bennike Ole , Andrén Elinor , Granoszewski Wojciech , Andrén Thomas , Filipsson Helena L. , Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Slomp Caroline P. , Bauersachs Thorsten
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Sediment records recovered from the Baltic Sea during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 347 provide a unique opportunity to study paleoenvironmental and -climate change in central/northern Europe. Such studies contribute to a better understanding of how environmental parameters change in continental shelf seas and enclosed basins. We present a multi-proxy-based reconstruction of paleotemperature (both marine and terrestrial), -salinity, and -ecosystem changes from the Little Belt (Site M0059) over the past ~ 8000 years, and evaluate the applicability of inorganic and organic proxies in this particular setting. Salinity proxies (diatoms, aquatic palynomorphs, ostracods, long chain diol index – LDI) show that lacustrine conditions occurred in the Little Belt until ~ 7400 cal. yr BP. A connection to the Kattegat at this time can be excluded, but a direct connection to the Baltic Proper may have existed. The transition to the brackish-marine conditions (more saline and warmer) of the Littorina Sea stage occurred within ~ 200 yr when the connection to the Kattegat became established (~ 7400 cal. yr BP). The different salinity proxies used here show similar trends in relative changes in salinity, but do often not allow quantitative estimates of salinity. The reconstruction of water temperatures is associated with particular large uncertainties and variations in absolute values by up to 8 °C for bottom waters and even up to 16 °C for summer surface waters. Concerning the foraminiferal Mg/Ca reconstruction, contamination in the deeper intervals may have led to an over-estimation of temperatures. Differences in results based on the lipid proxies (LDI and TEXL86) can partly be explained by the application of modern-day proxy calibrations in areas which experienced significant changes in depositional settings, in case of our study e.g. change from freshwater to marine conditions. Our study shows that particular caution has to be taken when applying and interpreting proxies in coastal environments, where water mass conditions can experience more rapid and larger changes than in open-ocean settings. Approaches using a multitude of independent proxies may thus allow a more robust paleoenvironmental assessment.
Parametrisation of the variety of human behaviour related to building energy consumption in TEB (SURFEX v. 8.2)
Authors: Schoetter Robert , Masson Valéry , Bourgeois Alexis , Pellegrino Margot , Lévy Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The anthropogenic heat flux can be an important part of the urban surface energy balance. Some of it is due to energy consumption inside buildings, which depends on building use and human behaviour, both of which are very heterogeneous in most urban areas. Urban Canopy Parametrisations (UCP), such as the Town Energy Balance (TEB), parametrise the effect of the buildings on the urban surface energy balance. They contain a simple building energy model. However, the variety of building use and human behaviour at grid point scale has not yet been represented in state of the art UCPs. In this study, we describe how we enhance the Town Energy Balance in order to take fractional building use and human behaviour into account. We describe how we parametrise different behaviours and initialise the model for applications in France. We evaluate the spatio-temporal variability of the simulated building energy consumption for the city of Toulouse. We show that a more detailed description of building use and human behaviour enhances the simulation results. The model developments lay the groundwork for simulations of coupled urban climate and building energy consumption which are relevant for both the urban climate and the climate change mitigation and adaptation communities.
Responses of runoff to historical and future climate variability over China
Authors: Wu Chuanhao , Hu Bill X. , Huang Guoru , Wang Peng , Xu Kai
Published: March 2017

Abstract. China has suffered some of the effects of global warming, and one of the potential implications of climate warming is the alteration of the temporal-spatial patterns of water resources. Based on the long-term (1960–2012) water budget data and climate projections from 28 Global Climate Models (GCMs) of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), this study investigated the responses of runoff (R) to historical and future climate variability in China at both grid and catchment scales using the Budyko-based elasticity method. Results show that there is a large spatial variation in precipitation (P) elasticity (from 1.2 to 3.3) and potential evaporation (PET) elasticity (from −2.3 to −0.2) across China. The P elasticity is larger in northeast and western China than in southern China, while the opposite occurs for PET elasticity. The catchment properties elasticity of R appears to have a strong non-linear relationship with the mean annual aridity index and tends to be more significant in more arid regions. For the period 1960–2012, the climate contribution to R ranges from −2.4 % a−1 to 3.3 % a−1 across China, with the negative contribution in the North China plain and the positive contribution in western China and some parts of the southwest. The results of climate projections indicate that although there is large uncertainty involved in the 28 GCMs, most project a consistent change in P (or PET) in China at the annual scale. For the period 2071–2100, the mean annual P will likely increase in most parts of China, especially the western regions, while the mean annual PET will likely increase in all of China, particularly the southern regions. Furthermore, greater increases are projected for higher emission scenarios. Overall, due to climate change, the arid regions and humid regions of China will likely become wetter and drier in the period 2071–2100, respectively (relative to the baseline 1971–2000).
Hardly Room for Hardship - A Functional Review of Article 79 of the CISG
Authors: Kuster David , Andersen Camilla Baasch
Published: March 2017

Over a decade ago, Francesco Mazzotta penned a penetrating article on the issue of determination of interest rate under Article 78 of the Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), which pierced academic discussions at the time, and won a much deserved Schmitthoff research award. It was appropriately entitled: "CISG Article 78: Endless disagreement among commentators, much less among the courts." After finding a similar phenomenon of "much ado about nothing," in relation to the application of Article 79 and the issue of hardship, the authors were inspired to undertake a similar debunking of a similar myth, in Mazzotta's vein. We hope it may inspire others to pursue pragmatic and empirical research issues.
On Parr: The Use and Propriety of Appraisal Methods in Computing Fracking Awards
Authors: Goldberg Hilary M. , Calnan Ray
Published: March 2017

Parr v. Aruba Petroleum, Inc. made headlines in 2014 for being the first hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) case to result in a jury verdict. In Parr, a Texas jury awarded $2.925 million to compensate the Parr family for injuries sustained as a result of Aruba Petroleum’s nearby fracking activities. Of the nearly $3 million verdict, the jury awarded $275,000 for diminution in property value. Thanks to the fiercely litigated and highly publicized trial and appeal, scholars, practitioners and academics received a rare glimpse into an area of litigation otherwise insulated from public view by out of court resolutions and confidential settlement agreements.In this interdisciplinary paper we will provide an overview of the valuation process, addressing issues specific to diminution in value in the context of fracking and similar incidences of environmental contamination. We will then explain the various appraisal methods within the context of real estate litigation, including the Sales Comparison Approach, Income Approach and Cost Approach. Using Parr as a test case, we will then analyze the unique appraisal challenges presented by the hydraulic fracturing and analogous toxic torts fact patterns, evaluating the probative value and persuasive necessity of each approach. Finally, we will make predictions about the rapidly evolving fracking litigation sphere, analyzing new challenges presented to homeowners, energy companies and the judiciary when faced with allegations of diminished property values.
Evolving Conceptions of Copyright Subject Matter
Authors: Samuelson Pamela
Published: March 2017

This is a placeholder entry.
Encontrar sentido para continuar viviendo el reto al perder un hijo por cáncer infantil: revisión integrativa
Authors: Carreño Moreno Sonia , Chaparro Díaz Lorena , López Rangel Rocío
Published: March 2017

La experiencia de perder un hijo por cáncer representa para los padres una carga emocional de alto impacto individual, familiar y social que no finaliza con la muerte. Esta revisión integrativa tuvo como objetivo identificar aspectos clave en la experiencia de perder un hijo como consecuencia del cáncer infantil. Los resultados mostraron un patrón (búsqueda de sentido) que rodea seis momentos del proceso de duelo, que pueden ser elementos de intervención para acompañar el proceso de afrontamiento de los padres. Se concluye que este patrón es un fenómeno importante para el desarrollo del área de cuidado paliativo al final de la vida y posterior.
La cuestión del método en bioética clínica: aproximación a una metodología adaptada al contexto de la realidad mexicana
Authors: Rios Uriarte Elizabeth de los
Published: March 2017

Este artículo trata la problemática del método para el abordaje bioético de los casos clínicos desde la bioética y analiza las distintas metodologías existentes, resaltando sus aportes y fortalezas, así como sus dificultades. Igualmente, se brindan herramientas de reflexión para la implementación de una metodología adaptada a la realidad mexicana, en las cuales se destacan las características propias de México en el análisis y discernimiento bioético.
Posibilidades y limitaciones en el desarrollo humano desde la influencia de las TIC en la salud: el caso latinoamericano
Authors: Wilches Flórez Olga Cecilia , Wilches Flórez Ángela María
Published: March 2017

En este artículo se hace una reflexión sobre el empleo de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en diversos campos del saber, con énfasis en la salud, con el fin de conocer los avances y las limitaciones que existen en el contexto latinoamericano. Se realiza una revisión documental a partir de conceptos de reconocidos autores, y se desarrollan los aspectos relacionados con las generalidades de las TIC, mencionando algunos campos de aplicación; posteriormente, se reflexiona sobre la utilización de las mismas en el sector salud. Por último, se analizan los aspectos éticos que surgen con el empleo de las TIC en las diversas áreas del conocimiento.
The Sociological Debate of the Life Sciences Research: from Molecular Biology to Human Genome Sequencing
Authors: Da Silva Renan Goncalves Leonel , Da Costa Maria Conceicao
Published: March 2017

This paper presents some sociological debates involved in the new field of life sciences at the end of 20th century. From a bibliographic review concerning history of science and Social Studies of Science, it will be presented some particular sociological issues of the research on molecular biology and its historical evolution – the formation of speeches and legitimization; institutional arrangements and alliances in post-war period. We will focuses on the emerging systems of information and communication technology, ICTs. and how it transformed the biomedical research. The goal is to show briefly how molecular biology was built, from the post-war period to the end of the 90’s, and what was the main proceedings of interdisciplinary associations and technoscientific interactions in the life sciences agenda.
Violation of Marine Pollution Laws in Karachi Harbour Became an Environmental Challenge
Authors: Tahir Muhammad
Published: March 2017

This article appraises the Factors deteriorating marine environment due to violation of marine pollution laws in Pakistani waters. The environmental degradation of Pakistani waters especially in Karachi coast became a serious threat to the marine environment, marine life as well as human health and marine vessels since long for society. It is determined the level and the distribution pattern of various heavy metals in the coastal waters significantly higher than the standard values. Pollution created by a number of sources is the major contributing factor in this regard. Amongst all, the deteriorating environment in Pakistani waters warrants immediate corrective actions to control Marine Pollution in order to curtail further destruction by this menace. Many steps at Governmental and private level have been initiated however, improvement is a dream. It is rightly to mention that there is no dearth of legislation on the pollution control but implementation of the same by all the concerned agencies and cooperation by public in true letter and spirit is a dream. The prevailing environment cannot be improved without effective enforcement of existing laws in its true perspective by removing all obstacles and difficulties with creating political will of society.
Operation Occupation: A College and Career Readiness Intervention for Elementary Students
Authors: Mariani Melissa , Berger Carolyn , Koerner Kathleen , Sandlin Cassie
Published: March 2017

This article describes efforts undertaken to design, deliver, and evaluate a college and career readiness (CCR) unit for fifth-grade students. Preliminary findings from the school counselor-developed and -delivered intervention, Operation Occupation, supported interdisciplinary efforts between counselors and classroom teachers. Pre- and postintervention perception data revealed that students increased their knowledge and skills related to CCR. Teachers also reported positive perceptions about the experience. The article shares implications for school counselors.
Defining Lean Change—Framing Lean Implementation in Organizational Development
Authors: A. D. Pearce , D. J. Pons
Published: March 2017

Problem – When lean is adopted in traditional organisations it requires a widespread organisational change and many businesses fail to sustain lean practices. Purpose – The purpose of this work was to define lean implementation based on the organisational development (OD) body of knowledge. Approach – The literature in lean and organisational change was reviewed and amalgamated to develop a novel conceptual framework. Findings – Lean implementation begins with a planned changed that is episodic. However, the ultimate goal is to develop a learning organisation where change is continuous and emergent from all levels. Respect for people, everyone in the organisations contribution, is considered key to successful implementation of lean. Implications– Practitioners should not focus on isolated improvements, but foster change from within for a permeable transformation to become a lean learning organisation. Originality - This paper provides new insights into lean implementation and its transformative effect on the organisation. A novel conceptual model is presented that frames lean transformation within the organisational development literature.
Empirical Assessment and Application of SERVQUAL Evidence from UAE Banks
Authors: Lotayif Mansour S. M.
Published: March 2017

The current research aims at identifying the causality relationships between SERVQUAL dimensions i.e. tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy and demographics i.e. gender, age, income, education, and occupation. The reliability and validity of Parasuraman’s instrument were tested in a developing nation i.e. UAE. Moreover, quality of banking services will be assessed in UAE. The experiences of 537 customers were utilized to achieve these objectives. Throughout Multiple Regression in SPSS package, significant relationships between each SERVQUAL dimension and demographics were supported. However, the explanation powers of these models are still weak. Throughout WSRT, baking services’ quality still lags behind the expectations of UAE inhabitants.
Twitter jako źródło wiedzy o stanie zdrowia polskiego społeczeństwa – ujęcie infodemiologiczne.
Authors: Malesińska Agata
Published: March 2017

Article explores a novel concept of mining social media for information on public health (infodemiology) and provides insight into chosen results of original research covering random tweets by Polish Twitter users. Author asks what public health information can be learned from “Polish Twitter” and whether the collected data might be a valuable and reliable starting point for a broader analysis of Polish public health.
Characteristics of a Breast Pathology Consultation Practice
Authors: East Ellen G. , Zhao Lili , Pang Judy C. , Jorns Julie M.
Published: March 2017

Context.—

Intradepartmental consultation is a routine practice commonly used for new diagnoses. Expert interinstitutional case review provides insight into particularly challenging cases.

Objective.—

To investigate the practice of breast pathology consultation at a large tertiary care center.

Design.—

We reviewed breast pathology cases sent for private consultation and internal cases reviewed by multiple pathologists at a tertiary center. Requisitions and reports were evaluated for diagnostic reason for consultation, rate of multiple pathologist review at the tertiary center, use of immunohistochemistry, and, for private consultation cases, type of sender and concordance with the outside diagnosis.

Results.—

In the 985 private consultation cases, the most frequent reasons for review were borderline atypia (292 of 878; 33.3%), papillary lesion classification (151 of 878; 17.2%), evaluating invasion (123 of 878; 14%), subtyping carcinoma (75 of 878; 8.5%), and spindle cell (67 of 878; 7.6%) and fibroepithelial (65 of 878; 7.4%) lesion classification. Of 4981 consecutive internal cases, 358 (7.2%) were reviewed, most frequently for borderline atypia (90 of 358; 25.1%), subtyping carcinoma (63 of 358; 17.6%), staging/prognostic features (59 of 358; 16.5%), fibroepithelial lesion classification (45 of 358; 12.6%), evaluating invasion (37 of 358; 10.3%), and papillary (20 of 358; 5.6%) and spindle cell (18 of 358; 5.0%) lesion classification. Of all internal cases, those with a final diagnosis of atypia had a significantly higher rate of review (58 of 241; 24.1%) than those with benign (119 of 2933; 4.1%) or carcinoma (182 of 1807; 10.1%) diagnoses. Immunohistochemistry aided in diagnosis of 39.7% (391 of 985) and 21.2% (76 of 359) of consultation and internally reviewed cases, respectively.

Conclusions.—

This study confirms areas of breast pathology that represent diagnostic challenge and supports that pathologists are appropriately using expert consultation.
Angiopoietin-2 in white adipose tissue improves metabolic homeostasis through enhanced angiogenesis
Authors: An Yu A , Sun Kai , Joffin Nolwenn , Zhang Fang , Deng Yingfeng , Donzé Olivier , Kusminski Christine M , Scherer Philipp E
Published: March 2017

Despite many angiogenic factors playing crucial roles in metabolic homeostasis, effects of angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) in adipose tissue (AT) remain unclear. Utilizing a doxycycline-inducible AT-specific ANG-2 overexpression mouse model, we assessed the effects of ANG-2 in AT expansion upon a high-fat diet (HFD) challenge. ANG-2 is significantly induced, with subcutaneous white AT (sWAT) displaying the highest ANG-2 expression. ANG-2 overexpressing mice show increased sWAT vascularization and are resistant to HFD-induced obesity. In addition, improved glucose and lipid metabolism are observed. Mechanistically, the sWAT displays a healthier expansion pattern with increased anti-inflammatory macrophage infiltration. Conversely, ANG-2 neutralization in HFD-challenged wild-type mice shows reduced vascularization in sWAT, associated with impaired glucose tolerance and lipid clearance. Blocking ANG-2 causes significant pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic changes, hallmarks of an unhealthy AT expansion. In contrast to other pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), this is achieved without any enhanced beiging of white AT.
Automatic single- and multi-label enzymatic function prediction by machine learning
Authors: Amidi Shervine , Amidi Afshine , Vlachakis Dimitrios , Paragios Nikos , Zacharaki Evangelia I.
Published: March 2017

The number of protein structures in the PDB database has been increasing more than 15-fold since 1999. The creation of computational models predicting enzymatic function is of major importance since such models provide the means to better understand the behavior of newly discovered enzymes when catalyzing chemical reactions. Until now, single-label classification has been widely performed for predicting enzymatic function limiting the application to enzymes performing unique reactions and introducing errors when multi-functional enzymes are examined. Indeed, some enzymes may be performing different reactions and can hence be directly associated with multiple enzymatic functions. In the present work, we propose a multi-label enzymatic function classification scheme that combines structural and amino acid sequence information. We investigate two fusion approaches (in the feature level and decision level) and assess the methodology for general enzymatic function prediction indicated by the first digit of the enzyme commission (EC) code (six main classes) on 40,034 enzymes from the PDB database. The proposed single-label and multi-label models predict correctly the actual functional activities in 97.8% and 95.5% (based on Hamming-loss) of the cases, respectively. Also the multi-label model predicts all possible enzymatic reactions in 85.4% of the multi-labeled enzymes when the number of reactions is unknown. Code and datasets are available athttps://figshare.com/s/a63e0bafa9b71fc7cbd7.
The HOSPITAL score and LACE index as predictors of 30 day readmission in a retrospective study at a university-affiliated community hospital
Authors: Robinson Robert , Hudali Tamer
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Hospital readmissions are common, expensive, and a key target of the Medicare Value Based Purchasing (VBP) program. Validated risk assessment tools such as the HOSPITAL score and LACE index have been developed to identify patients at high risk of hospital readmission so they can be targeted for interventions aimed at reducing the rate of readmission. This study aims to evaluate the utility of HOSPITAL score and LACE index for predicting hospital readmission within 30 days in a moderate-sized university affiliated hospital in the midwestern United States.

Materials and Methods

All adult medical patients who underwent one or more ICD-10 defined procedures discharged from the SIU-SOM Hospitalist service from Memorial Medical Center (MMC) from October 15, 2015 to March 16, 2016, were studied retrospectively to determine if the HOSPITAL score and LACE index were a significant predictors of hospital readmission within 30 days.

Results

During the study period, 463 discharges were recorded for the hospitalist service. The analysis includes data for the 432 discharges. Patients who died during the hospital stay, were transferred to another hospital, or left against medical advice were excluded. Of these patients, 35 (8%) were readmitted to the same hospital within 30 days. A receiver operating characteristic evaluation of the HOSPITAL score for this patient population shows a C statistic of 0.75 (95% CI [0.67–0.83]), indicating good discrimination for hospital readmission. The Brier score for the HOSPITAL score in this setting was 0.069, indicating good overall performance. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test shows a χ2value of 3.71 with apvalue of 0.59. A receiver operating characteristic evaluation of the LACE index for this patient population shows a C statistic of 0.58 (95% CI [0.48–0.68]), indicating poor discrimination for hospital readmission. The Brier score for the LACE index in this setting was 0.082, indicating good overall performance. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test shows a χ2value of 4.97 with apvalue of 0.66.

Discussion

This single center retrospective study indicates that the HOSPITAL score has superior discriminatory ability when compared to the LACE index as a predictor of hospital readmission within 30 days at a medium-sized university-affiliated teaching hospital.

Conclusions

The internationally validated HOSPITAL score may be superior to the LACE index in moderate-sized community hospitals to identify patients at high risk of hospital readmission within 30 days.
Effects of sudden commencement on the ionosphere: PFISR observations and global MHD simulation
Authors: Zou Shasha , Ozturk Dogacan , Varney Roger , Reimer Ashton
Published: March 2017

Sudden commencement (SC) induced by solar wind pressure enhancement can produce significant global impact on the coupled magnetosphere‐ionosphere (MI) system, and its effects have been studied extensively using ground magnetometers and coherent scatter radars. However, very limited observations have been reported about the effects of SC on the ionospheric plasma. Here we report detailed Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) observations of the ionospheric response to SC during the 17 March 2015 storm. PFISR observed lifting of the F region ionosphere, transient field‐aligned ion upflow, prompt but short‐lived ion temperature increase, subsequent F region density decrease, and persistent electron temperature increase. A global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation has been carried out to characterize the SC‐induced current, convection, and magnetic perturbations. Simulated magnetic perturbations at Poker Flat show a satisfactory agreement with observations. The simulation provides a global context for linking localized PFISR observations to large‐scale dynamic processes in the MI system.
Role of seasonal transitions and the westerlies in the interannual variability of the East Asian summer monsoon precipitation
Authors: Chiang J. C. H. , Swenson L. M. , Kong W.
Published: March 2017

A recent hypothesis holds that changes to the East Asian summer rainfall are characterized by changes in the timing and duration of its intraseasonal stages, controlled by the meridional position of the westerlies relative to the Tibetan Plateau. This hypothesis is examined in the context of the leading mode of East Asian summer (July–August) rainfall. One phase of this “tripole” mode—characterized by less rainfall over central eastern China and increased rainfall over northeastern and southeastern China—is tied to an earlier termination of Meiyu that results in a significantly shorter Meiyu and longer Midsummer stage. This phase also exhibits an earlier northward transition of the westerlies to the north of the Plateau, essentially mirroring the changes to precipitation seasonality. The reverse does not hold true for the opposite phase. Our results show direct observational evidence for the meridional position of the westerlies to control East Asian summer monsoon seasonality.
A dynamical systems approach to studying midlatitude weather extremes
Authors: Messori Gabriele , Caballero Rodrigo , Faranda Davide
Published: March 2017

Extreme weather occurrences carry enormous social and economic costs and routinely garner widespread scientific and media coverage. The ability to predict these events is therefore a topic of crucial importance. Here we propose a novel predictability pathway for extreme events, by building upon recent advances in dynamical systems theory. We show that simple dynamical systems metrics can be used to identify sets of large‐scale atmospheric flow patterns with similar spatial structure and temporal evolution on time scales of several days to a week. In regions where these patterns favor extreme weather, they afford a particularly good predictability of the extremes. We specifically test this technique on the atmospheric circulation in the North Atlantic region, where it provides predictability of large‐scale wintertime surface temperature extremes in Europe up to 1 week in advance.
Perovskite–Erbium Silicate Nanosheet Hybrid Waveguide Photodetectors at the Near‐Infrared Telecommunication Band
Authors: Zhang Xuehong , Yang Shuzhen , Zhou Hong , Liang Junwu , Liu Huawei , Xia Hui , Zhu Xiaoli , Jiang Ying , Zhang Qinglin , Hu Wei , Zhuang Xiujuan , Liu Hongjun , Hu Weida , Wang Xiao , Pan Anlian
Published: March 2017

Methylammonium lead halide perovskites have attracted enormous attentions due to their superior optical and electronic properties. However, the photodetection at near‐infrared telecommunication wavelengths is hardly achievable because of their wide bandgaps. Here, this study demonstrates, for the first time, novel perovskite–erbium silicate nanosheet hybrid photodetectors with remarkable spectral response at ≈1.54 µm. Under the near‐infrared light illumination, the erbium silicate nanosheets can give strong upconversion luminescence, which will be well confined in their cavities and then be efficiently coupled into and simultaneously excite the adjacent perovskite to realize photodetection. These devices own prominent responsivity and external quantum efficiency as high as previously reported microscale silicon‐based subbandgap photodetectors. More importantly, the photoresponse speed (≈900 µs) is faster by five orders than the ever reported hot electron silicon‐based photodetectors at telecommunication wavelengths. The realization of perovskite‐based telecommunication band photodetectors will open new chances for applications in advanced integrated photonics devices and systems.
Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)‐Based Drug/Cargo Delivery and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wu Ming‐Xue , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: March 2017

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)—an emerging class of hybrid porous materials built from metal ions or clusters bridged by organic linkers—have attracted increasing attention in recent years. The superior properties of MOFs, such as well‐defined pore aperture, tailorable composition and structure, tunable size, versatile functionality, high agent loading, and improved biocompatibility, make them promising candidates as drug delivery hosts. Furthermore, scientists have made remarkable achievements in the field of nanomedical applications of MOFs, owing to their facile synthesis on the nanoscale and alternative functionalization via inclusion and surface chemistry. A brief introduction to the applications of MOFs in controlled drug/cargo delivery and cancer therapy that have been reported in recent years is provided here.
Bis‐Diketopyrrolopyrrole Moiety as a Promising Building Block to Enable Balanced Ambipolar Polymers for Flexible Transistors
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Hanlin , Chen Jinyang , Huang Jianyao , Jiang Yingying , Zhang Jianqi , Shi Longxian , Sun Yunlong , Wei Zhixiang , Yu Gui , Guo Yunlong , Wang Shuai , Liu Yunqi
Published: March 2017

A bis‐diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP dimer, 2DPP) core is synthesized with much stronger electron deficiency than DPP by homocoupling of DPP. 2DPP‐based polymers, P2DPP‐BT, P2DPP‐TT, P2DPP‐TVT, and P2DPP‐BDT, are obtained. Top‐gated organic field‐effect transistors on plastic substrate are fabricated. Compared with their mono‐DPP‐based polymers, remarkable improvement of electron mobilities of P2DPPs is achieved. Meanwhile, their p‐channel performance becomes higher.
Microtopography‐Guided Conductive Patterns of Liquid‐Driven Graphene Nanoplatelet Networks for Stretchable and Skin‐Conformal Sensor Array
Authors: Park Youngjin , Shim Jongwon , Jeong Suyeon , Yi Gi‐Ra , Chae Heeyeop , Bae Jong Wook , Kim Sang Ouk , Pang Changhyun
Published: March 2017

Flexible thin‐film sensors have been developed for practical uses in invasive or noninvasive cost‐effective healthcare devices, which requires high sensitivity, stretchability, biocompatibility, skin/organ‐conformity, and often transparency. Graphene nanoplatelets can be spontaneously assembled into transparent and conductive ultrathin coatings on micropatterned surfaces or planar substrates via a convective Marangoni force in a highly controlled manner. Based on this versatile graphene assembled film preparation, a thin, stretchable and skin‐conformal sensor array (144 pixels) is fabricated having microtopography‐guided, graphene‐based, conductive patterns embedded without any complicated processes. The electrically controlled sensor array for mapping spatial distributions (144 pixels) shows high sensitivity (maximum gauge factor ≈1697), skin‐like stretchability (<48%), high cyclic stability or durability (over 105 cycles), and the signal amplification (≈5.25 times) via structure‐assisted intimate‐contacts between the device and rough skin. Furthermore, given the thin‐film programmable architecture and mechanical deformability of the sensor, a human skin‐conformal sensor is demonstrated with a wireless transmitter for expeditious diagnosis of cardiovascular and cardiac illnesses, which is capable of monitoring various amplified pulse‐waveforms and evolved into a mechanical/thermal‐sensitive electric rubber‐balloon and an electronic blood‐vessel. The microtopography‐guided and self‐assembled conductive patterns offer highly promising methodology and tool for next‐generation biomedical devices and various flexible/stretchable (wearable) devices.
Multifunctional Organic‐Semiconductor Interfacial Layers for Solution‐Processed Oxide‐Semiconductor Thin‐Film Transistor
Authors: Kwon Guhyun , Kim Keetae , Choi Byung Doo , Roh Jeongkyun , Lee Changhee , Noh Yong‐Young , Seo SungYong , Kim Myung‐Gil , Kim Choongik
Published: March 2017

The stabilization and control of the electrical properties in solution‐processed amorphous‐oxide semiconductors (AOSs) is crucial for the realization of cost‐effective, high‐performance, large‐area electronics. In particular, impurity diffusion, electrical instability, and the lack of a general substitutional doping strategy for the active layer hinder the industrial implementation of copper electrodes and the fine tuning of the electrical parameters of AOS‐based thin‐film transistors (TFTs). In this study, the authors employ a multifunctional organic‐semiconductor (OSC) interlayer as a solution‐processed thin‐film passivation layer and a charge‐transfer dopant. As an electrically active impurity blocking layer, the OSC interlayer enhances the electrical stability of AOS TFTs by suppressing the adsorption of environmental gas species and copper‐ion diffusion. Moreover, charge transfer between the organic interlayer and the AOS allows the fine tuning of the electrical properties and the passivation of the electrical defects in the AOS TFTs. The development of a multifunctional solution‐processed organic interlayer enables the production of low‐cost, high‐performance oxide semiconductor‐based circuits.
Achieving Highly Efficient Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells with Improved Intermolecular Interaction and Open‐Circuit Voltage
Authors: Yao Huifeng , Ye Long , Hou Junxian , Jang Bomee , Han Guangchao , Cui Yong , Su Gregory M. , Wang Cheng , Gao Bowei , Yu Runnan , Zhang Hao , Yi Yuanping , Woo Han Young , Ade Harald , Hou Jianhui
Published: March 2017

A new acceptor–donor–acceptor‐structured nonfullerene acceptor ITCC (3,9‐bis(4‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐3‐methylene‐2‐oxo‐cyclopenta[b]thiophen)‐5,5,11,11‐tetrakis(4‐hexylphenyl)‐dithieno[2,3‐d′:2,3‐d′]‐s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]‐dithiophene) is designed and synthesized via simple end‐group modification. ITCC shows improved electron‐transport properties and a high‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level. A power conversion efficiency of 11.4% with an impressive V
OC of over 1 V is recorded in photovoltaic devices, suggesting that ITCC has great potential for applications in tandem organic solar cells.
3D Nonlinear Inscription of Complex Microcomponents (3D NSCRIPT): Printing Functional Dielectric and Metallodielectric Polymer Structures with Nonlinear Waves of Blue LED Light
Authors: Basker Dinesh Kumar , Cortes Oscar Alejandro Herrera , Brook Michael A. , Saravanamuttu Kalaichelvi
Published: March 2017

A nonclassical 3D‐printing technique, 3D NSCRIPT, which employs nonlinear blue waves from light emitting diodes (LEDs) is introduced. This technique generates micro‐ and macroscopic dielectric and metallodielectric structures with seamless depths, which would be challenging to fabricate through conventional 3D printing techniques. 3D NSCRIPT exploits divergence‐free, nonlinear self‐trapped beams elicited during epoxide polymerization to inscribe 3D structures; by embedding patterns in and varying the diameter of nonlinear beams, it is possible to control respectively the geometry and dimensions of the resulting structures. By exploiting the interactions of nonlinear beams, it is moreover possible to configure additional structural complexity. Furthermore, by coupling epoxide polymerization with the simultaneous reduction of gold salts, it is possible to generate 3D structures containing a homogeneous dispersion of Au nanoparticles. To demonstrate the versatility of this technique, various 3D components of the da Vinci catapult were fabricated and assembled into a miniature working device.