bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psicose orgânica na infância: relato de um caso incomum
Authors: Matarazzo Eneida B.
Published: August 2012

É relatado um caso de psicose, de início subagudo, em criança de 7 anos. Ao final de 2 meses de evolução, havia regressão acentuada, alterações do contato, da motricidade, da fala, da esfera instintiva, do pragmatismo. A presença de reflexos patológicos, alterações do EEG e do pneumoencefalograma permitiram o diagnóstico de psicose orgânica. Medicação neurolética foi utilizada em doses altas, coincidindo com remissão lenta e progressiva dos sintomas, a partir do 3º mês de doença, completando-se no 9º mês, de forma total. Discutem-se as hipóteses de diagnóstico etiológico (considerando-se provável a de encefalite desmielinizante) e a possibilidade de ter sido a remissão espontânea ou devida à ação dos neuroléticos utilizados.
O ensino da psiquiatria e o poder disciplinar da enfermagem religiosa: o hospício de Pedro II no segundo reinado
Authors: Peres Maria Angélica de Almeida , Barreira Ieda de Alencar , Santos Tânia Cristina Franco , Almeida Filho Antonio José de , Oliveira Alexandre Barbosa de
Published: August 2012

O estudo tem como objetivos descrever as relações entre o ensino de psiquiatria e o poder disciplinar das Irmãs de Caridade no Hospício de Pedro II, analisar as circunstâncias em que se deu o concurso que elegeu o primeiro Catedrático de Psiquiatria da Faculdade de Medicina do Rio de Janeiro e discutir suas repercussões para o poder disciplinar das Irmãs de Caridade no Hospicio. Estudo histórico documental, que analisa livros administrativos da Santa Casa de Misericórdia e artigos do Jornal do Commércio, com base no referencial foucaultiano. O concurso para catedrático de psiquiatria, embora amplamente questionado na imprensa, elegeu um médico que se opunha frontalmente à administração do Hospício pela Santa Casa. Ao ser admitido como Diretor Sanitário do Hospício, esse catedrático iniciou uma reforma administrativa, levando à progressiva redução da atuação religiosa e consequente declínio da assistência de enfermagem naquele espaço, possibilitando sua medicalização.
Práticas psicológicas e dimensões de significação dos problemas de saúde mental
Authors: Lima Mônica , Nunes Mônica de Oliveira
Published: August 2012

Buscou-se compreender como atuam os psicólogos e quais significados atribuem às práticas psicológicas desenvolvidas nos serviços públicos de saúde de Salvador. Utilizou-se o modelo teórico-metodológico de Sistema de Signos, Significados e Práticas. Entrevistaram-se 21 psicólogos dos 24 vinculados à Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, com roteiros semi-estruturados. Observou-se a predominância da oferta de psicoterapia individual com orientação psicanalítica. Discutem-se duas modalidades de práticas psicológicas (psicoterapias e para-psicoterapias), considerando-se a inadequação das técnicas psicológicas a uma parte da população distante de um padrão intimista e detalhista de expressar os problemas de saúde. Identificaram-se duas dimensões de significação dos problemas de saúde; a) individual caracteriza-se pela estrutura psíquica do usuário, do tipo e da gravidade da doença; b) coletiva caracteriza-se pelos aspectos socioeconômicos e culturais. A escuta psicológica pode seguir uma tendência mais asséptica ou cautelosa em relação às dimensões identificadas. Discute-se a hipótese de que há seleção socioeconômica e cultural da clientela.
Assessment of bridge safety due to scour by Bayesian network
Authors: Salamatian S. Amin , Zarrati Amir Reza , Banazadeh Mehdi
Published: August 2012

The presence of inherent randomness as well as parametric uncertainty in related hydraulic models is known to be a weakness in using deterministic empirical equations for calculating bridge pier scour. The concept of system reliability assessment is a key to overcome this problem and the main focus of this concept is to determine a desirable safety margin for bridges against scour. Among different classical methods for reliability assessment, the Bayesian network (BN) has shown promise in systems with event chains such as scouring at bridge sites. Graphical charts and reasoning relations between all events in addition to a Bayesian formulation are the main characteristics used in this paper to conduct a new application of a BN in an assessment of bridge failure due to scour. This analysis permits examination of a very complex system of interactions and processes that are not well understood. The method is illustrated by analysing a combination of local and contraction scouring at a bridge section. Increase in reliability by using riprap around a bridge pier is also included in the analysis. A comprehensive comparison of BNs and fault trees is also presented.
Determinants of lifetime reproduction in female brown bears: early body mass, longevity, and hunting regulations
Authors: Zedrosser Andreas , Pelletier Fanie , Bischof Richard , Festa-Bianchet Marco , Swenson Jon E.
Published: August 2012

In iteroparous mammals, conditions experienced early in life may have long‐lasting effects on lifetime reproductive success. Human‐induced mortality is also an important demographic factor in many populations of large mammals and may influence lifetime reproductive success. Here, we explore the effects of early development, population density, and human hunting on survival and lifetime reproductive success in brown bear (Ursus arctos) females, using a 25‐year database of individually marked bears in two populations in Sweden. Survival of yearlings to 2 years was not affected by population density or body mass. Yearlings that remained with their mother had higher survival than independent yearlings, partly because regulations prohibit the harvest of bears in family groups. Although mass as a yearling did not affect juvenile survival, it was positively associated with measures of lifetime reproductive success and individual fitness. The majority of adult female brown bear mortality (72%) in our study was due to human causes, mainly hunting, and many females were killed before they reproduced. Therefore, factors allowing females to survive several hunting seasons had a strong positive effect on lifetime reproductive success. We suggest that, in many hunted populations of large mammals, sport harvest is an important influence on both population dynamics and life histories.
Traumatic Ceramic Femoral Head Fracture: An Initial Misdiagnosis
Authors: Fard-Aghaie Mohammad H , Citak Mustafa , Correia Joao , Haasper Carl , Gehrke Thorsten , Kendoff Daniel
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose:

Ceramic heads are widely used in modern total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although a rare complication, fractures of ceramic heads are described in the literature, evoking uncertainties regarding thein vivostability of this material, especially when impaction of a fractured ceramic head can lead to disastrous results.

Methods:

In this case report, we present a fracture of a ceramic head after trauma. A misinterpretation of the initial radiographs led to severe fragmentation of the ceramic head two weeks after the incident, later resulting in complete destruction of the arthroplasty.

Results and Interpretation:

Remarkably, radiographs obtained more than one year after the trauma led to this delayed diagnosis. A single radiographic evaluation, especially in patients with persistent pain after major trauma, with a ceramic head in a THA, seems to be insufficient
Taking Care of Business: Citizenship and the Charter of Incorporation
Authors: Grossman Richard L. , Adams Frank T. , Levenstein Charles
Published: August 2012

In this commentary, Richard L. Grossman and Frank T. Adams examine the history of industry-community relations. The authors learn that those who guided the development of our country never intended business and industry to have an unlimited license to seek profit at the expense of the common weal.

Grossman and Adams argue that charters can be resurrected as a tool to place corporations under citizen authority. Their study, in effect, offers the environmental, occupational health, and labor movements an exciting new strategy with many new tactics in their grassroots battles against corporate polluters and union busters. Their history and proposab should get full consideration, a good airing, and real-life testing.

New Solutions is pleased to present this analysis and invites readers' responses to it. We welcome responses that take the form of either letters or full-scale commentaries. We encourage readers to purchase and disseminate the pamphlet from which this commentary is taken, available from the authors, which includes extensive notes and a selected bwlwgraphy. For information, see the box at the end of the article.
Hospital, Medical School Have Much to Answer for: The Kern Case
Authors: Celenza James
Published: August 2012

This article is reprinted with permission from the newsletter of the Rhode Island Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.
An Inhibitor of Phospholipase A2 Group IIA Modulates Adipocyte Signaling and Protects Against Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Iyer Abishek , Lim Junxian , Poudyal Hemant , Reid Robert C. , Suen Jacky Y. , Webster Julie , Prins Johannes B. , Whitehead Jonathan P. , Fairlie David P. , Brown Lindsay
Published: August 2012

Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease correlate with infiltration to adipose tissue of different immune cells, with uncertain influences on metabolism. Rats were fed a diet high in carbohydrates and saturated fats to develop diet-induced obesity over 16 weeks. This nutritional overload caused overexpression and secretion of phospholipase A2 group IIA (pla2g2a) from immune cells in adipose tissue rather than adipocytes, whereas expression of adipose-specific phospholipase A2 (pla2g16) was unchanged. These immune cells produce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which influences adipocyte signaling. We found that a selective inhibitor of human pla2g2a (5-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-(4S)-(phenyl-heptanoylamino)-pentanoic acid [KH064]) attenuated secretion of PGE2 from human immune cells stimulated with the fatty acid, palmitic acid, or with lipopolysaccharide. Oral administration of KH064 (5 mg/kg/day) to rats fed the high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet prevented the overexpression of pla2g2a and the increased macrophage infiltration and elevated PGE2 concentrations in adipose tissue. The treatment also attenuated visceral adiposity and reversed most characteristics of metabolic syndrome, producing marked improvements in insulin sensitivity, glucose intolerance, and cardiovascular abnormalities. We suggest that pla2g2a may have a causal relationship with chronic adiposity and metabolic syndrome and that its inhibition in vivo may be a valuable new approach to treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction in humans.
Ethnic Differences in Weight Loss and Diabetes Remission After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Admiraal Wanda M. , Celik Funda , Gerdes Victor E. , Dallal Ramsey M. , Hoekstra Joost B. , Holleman Frits
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

It has been postulated that the effectiveness of bariatric surgery varies between ethnic groups. However, data regarding this topic are inconclusive, as most studies included few patients from minority groups. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the difference in percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) 1–2 years after bariatric surgery in people of African and Caucasian descent. We also studied differences in diabetes mellitus (DM) remission.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a MEDLINE and EMBASE search for studies reporting %EWL and/or DM remission after bariatric surgery and including both African Americans and Caucasians. The 613 publications obtained were reviewed. We included 14 studies (1,087 African Americans and 2,714 Caucasians); all provided data on %EWL and 3 on DM remission. We extracted surgery type, %EWL, and DM remission 1–2 years after surgery. After analyzing %EWL for any surgery type, we performed subanalyses for malabsorptive and restrictive surgery.

RESULTS

The overall absolute mean %EWL difference between African Americans and Caucasians was −8.36% (95% CI −10.79 to −5.93) significantly in favor of Caucasians. Results were similar for malabsorptive (−8.39% [−11.38 to −5.40]) and restrictive (−8.46% [−12.95 to −3.97]) surgery. The remission of DM was somewhat more frequent in African American patients than in Caucasian patients (1.41 [0.56–3.52]). However, this was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In %EWL terms, bariatric surgery is more effective in Caucasians than in African Americans, regardless of procedure type. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact mechanisms behind these disparities and to determine whether ethnic differences exist in the remission of comorbidities after bariatric surgery.
Fiber-reinforced Resin Coating for Endocrown Preparations: A Technical Report
Authors: Rocca GT , Rizcalla N , Krejci I
Published: August 2012

Coronal rehabilitation of endodontically treated posterior teeth is still a controversial issue. Although the use of classical crowns supported by radicular metal posts remains widespread in dentistry, their invasiveness has been largely criticized. New materials and therapeutic options based entirely on adhesion are available nowadays, from direct composite resins to indirect endocrowns. They allow for a more conservative, faster, and less expensive dental treatment. However, the absence of a metal or high-strength ceramic substructure as in full-crown restorations can expose this kind of restoration to a higher risk of irreversible fracture in case of crack propagation. The aim of this case report is to present a technique to reinforce the cavity of an endodontically treated tooth by incorporating a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) layer into the resin coating of the tooth preparation, before the final impressions of the cavity. This technique allows the use of FRCs in combination with any kind of restorative material for an adhesive overlay/endocrown.
Introduction
Authors: Hanks Michele
Published: August 2012

The articles in this theme section are based on
papers presented at a three-session workshop
on World Anthropologies at the 2008 Biennial
Conference of the European Association of Social
Anthropologists in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Drawing on analyses of the position of anthropological
disciplinary practices in Poland,
Spain, Hungary, and the US, as well as their
global reception, these articles ask important
and timely questions about where anthropologists
conduct their research, what professional
and academic societies they join, what types of
relationships they should forge with scholars
who live in the country or nation in which they
conduct fieldwork, and how they should engage
with other disciplines beyond anthropology. As
these articles demonstrate, practices of collaboration
are enmeshed in politically, socially, and
geographically grounded histories. Although at
some level this may not be a surprise to readers,
specific issues remain well worth examining
further and discussing within the profession.
Reading Hume's Inference from Constancy from the Vulgar Standpoint
Authors: Goh Kien-How
Published: August 2012

Recent work on Hume's Theory of Perception has shown that Hume takes the appearance of impressions to vary according to the ideas under which they are subsumed. In this paper, I argue that the vulgar position in the section where he discusses the Inference from Constancy is characterised by an ideal primordial state of mind where impressions are directly encountered without being subsumed under any idea. In particular, impressions which are not subsumed under the idea of a perception do not appear to the mind as impressions. Read in this light, Hume's Inference from Constancy is immune to the difficulties which have commonly been raised against it.
Autophagy and Transporter-Based Multi-Drug Resistance
Authors: Kumar Priyank , Zhang Dong-Mei , Degenhardt Kurt , Chen Zhe-Sheng
Published: August 2012

All the therapeutic strategies for treating cancers aim at killing the cancer cells via apoptosis (programmed cell death type I). Defective apoptosis endow tumor cells with survival. The cell can respond to such defects with autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular process by which cytoplasmic material is either degraded to maintain homeostasis or recycled for energy and nutrients in starvation. A plethora of evidence has shown that the role of autophagy in tumors is complex. A lot of effort is needed to underline the functional status of autophagy in tumor progression and treatment, and elucidate how to tweak autophagy to treat cancer. Furthermore, during the treatment of cancer, the limitation for the cure rate and survival is the phenomenon of multi drug resistance (MDR). The development of MDR is an intricate process that could be regulated by drug transporters, enzymes, anti-apoptotic genes or DNA repair mechanisms. Reports have shown that autophagy has a dual role in MDR. Furthermore, it has been reported that activation of a death pathway may overcome MDR, thus pointing the importance of other death pathways to regulate tumor cell progression and growth. Therefore, in this review we will discuss the role of autophagy in MDR tumors and a possible link amongst these phenomena.
Molecular Mechanisms of Oligodendrocyte Injury in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Patel Jilpa , Balabanov Roumen
Published: August 2012

New evidence has emerged over the last decade indicating that oligodendrocyte injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not a single unified phenomenon but rather a spectrum of processes ranging from massive immune destruction to a subtle cell death in the absence of significant inflammation. Experimentally, protection of oligodendrocytes against inflammatory injury results in protection against experimental autoimmune encephalitis, the animal model of multiple sclerosis. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms regulating oligodendrocyte injury and inflammatory demyelination. We draw attention to the injurious role of IFN-γ signaling in oligodendrocytes and the pro-inflammatory effect of their death. In conclusion, studying the molecular mechanisms of oligodendrocyte injury is likely to provide new perspective on the pathogenesis of MS and a rationale for cell protective therapies.
The Chemical Components of Sesbania grandiflora Root and Their Antituberculosis Activity
Authors: Hasan Noviany , Osman Hasnah , Mohamad Suriyati , Chong Wong Keng , Awang Khalijah , Zahariluddin Anis Safirah Mohd
Published: August 2012

Three isoflavanoids, isovestitol (1), medicarpin (2), and sativan (3), along with another known compound, betulinic acid (4), were isolated from the root of Sesbania grandiflora. The structures of the isolated compounds were characterised by means of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, 1H- and 13C-NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and MS analysis). All the tested compounds 1–4 exhibited antituberculosis activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, with MIC values of 50 µg/mL for compounds 1–3, and 100 µg/mL for compound 4, whereas, the methanol extract exhibited antituberculosis activity of 625 µg/mL. This is the first report on the occurrence of isoflavonoids in this plant and their antituberculosis activity.
Charisma, Medieval and Modern
Authors: Dickson Gary
Published: August 2012

Popularized by the mass media, Max Weber’s sociological concept of charisma now has a demotic meaning far from what Weber had in mind. Weberian charismatic leaders have followers, not fans, although, exceptionally, fans mutate into followers. This essay aims to trace some of the dimensions of Weberian charismatic religious leadership in comparative perspective, medieval and modern. Examples include: preachers, “double charisma,” professors, “collective charisma,” religious radicals, the economy of charisma, transgressive sexuality, demagogues, living saints.1
Shedding Light on Filovirus Infection with High-Content Imaging
Authors: Pegoraro Gianluca , Bavari Sina , Panchal Rekha G.
Published: August 2012

Microscopy has been instrumental in the discovery and characterization of microorganisms. Major advances in high-throughput fluorescence microscopy and automated, high-content image analysis tools are paving the way to the systematic and quantitative study of the molecular properties of cellular systems, both at the population and at the single-cell level. High-Content Imaging (HCI) has been used to characterize host-virus interactions in genome-wide reverse genetic screens and to identify novel cellular factors implicated in the binding, entry, replication and egress of several pathogenic viruses. Here we present an overview of the most significant applications of HCI in the context of the cell biology of filovirus infection. HCI assays have been recently implemented to quantitatively study filoviruses in cell culture, employing either infectious viruses in a BSL-4 environment or surrogate genetic systems in a BSL-2 environment. These assays are becoming instrumental for small molecule and siRNA screens aimed at the discovery of both cellular therapeutic targets and of compounds with anti-viral properties. We discuss the current practical constraints limiting the implementation of high-throughput biology in a BSL-4 environment, and propose possible solutions to safely perform high-content, high-throughput filovirus infection assays. Finally, we discuss possible novel applications of HCI in the context of filovirus research with particular emphasis on the identification of possible cellular biomarkers of virus infection.
Organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition of unprotected 3-substituted oxindoles to 1,4-naphthoquinone
Authors: Yu Jin-Sheng , Zhou Feng , Liu Yun-Lin , Zhou Jian
Published: August 2012

We reported the first example of organocatalytic Michael addition of unprotected 3-prochiral oxindoles 1 to 1,4-naphthoquinone. Quinidine derivative (DHQD)2PYR was found to be able to catalyze this reaction in up to 83% ee, with moderate to excellent yields. This method could be used for the synthesis of enantioenriched 3,3-diaryloxindoles, and the catalytic synthesis of which was unprecedented.
Syphilis and Kidney Disease: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Hannawi Bashar , Raghavan Rajeev
Published: August 2012

There has been a resurgence in the number of incident cases of syphilis in the United States. Syphilis can affect the kidney and usually causes a glomerular lesion with variable amounts of proteinuria. We present a case of a 24-year old African-American male who presented with both membranous glomerulonephritis and secondary syphilis. His kidney disease resolved after a course of penicillin. Recognizing the association of syphilis and proteinuria is important since antibiotic therapy generally results in complete recovery of the associated nephropathy.
Test–Retest Reliability of Family L.I.F.E. (Looking Into Family Experiences): An Occupation-Based Assessment
Authors: Honaker DeLana , Rosello Stacy Sue , Candler Catherine
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE. We examined the test–retest reliability of Family L.I.F.E. (Looking Into Family Experiences) for consistency in identifying occupations desired by families with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and we compared the perceived efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction ratings of those occupations for the families.

METHOD. Family L.I.F.E. was administered initially and 1 wk later via interview to 13 families with a child with ASD.

RESULTS. Ninety-two percent of the families identified the same occupations as important at test and retest. Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated no change in the families’ perceived efficiency and effectiveness of those occupations, and Spearman’s correlations indicated strong relationships. A decrease in satisfaction was noted.

CONCLUSION. For families with a child with ASD, desired family occupations and efficiency and effectiveness ratings are likely to remain consistent and are highly linked on retest using Family L.I.F.E. At second interview using this instrument, families with a child with ASD may report decreased satisfaction in desired family occupations.
Sensory and Motor Behaviors of Infant Siblings of Children With and Without Autism
Authors: Mulligan Shelley , White Barbara Prudhomme
Published: August 2012

We compared the sensory and motor behaviors of typically developing infants with those of infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), who are considered high risk for the disorder, to explore potential sensory and motor markers for use in early diagnosis of ASD. We compared frequencies of sensory and motor behaviors during 10-min, videotaped, infant–mother play sessions and during 5 min of spoon-feeding between groups of 12-mo-old infants. Data from standardized measures of development, sensory processing, and behaviors commonly associated with ASD were also analyzed descriptively for the high-risk group. The results indicated that high-risk infants demonstrated fewer movement transitions (t [23] = −2.4, p = .03) and less object manipulation (t [23] = −2.4, p = .03) than low-risk infants. The sensory and motor differences found between typical and high-risk infants suggest that early screenings for ASD should include the examination of sensory and motor behaviors.
Oral Care and Sensory Concerns in Autism
Authors: Stein Leah I. , Polido José C. , Cermak Sharon A.
Published: August 2012

We examined sensory-related aspects of oral care at home and the dentist’s office in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their typically developing (TD) peers. Results from parent questionnaires (n = 196 ASD, n = 202 TD) and one focus group were analyzed to determine whether sensory experiences were different between groups. Significantly more parents of children with ASD reported difficulties with sensory-related oral care variables in the home and dental office; this finding was supported by qualitative data. Using sensory strategies to modify the environment may enhance the dental experience and improve quality of life for children with ASD and their families.
Sensory Processing, Problem Behavior, Adaptive Behavior, and Cognition in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: O’Donnell Shelley , Deitz Jean , Kartin Deborah , Nalty Theresa , Dawson Geraldine
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE. This retrospective study explored sensory processing characteristics in preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); the relationships between sensory processing and problem behavior, adaptive behavior, and cognitive function; and the differences in sensory processing between two subgroups (autism and pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified).

METHOD. Study measures included the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), Aberrant Behavior Checklist–Community, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and Mullen Scales of Early Learning.

RESULTS. Most of the children with ASD had sensory processing challenges, and a significant relationship was found between SSP total scores and problem behavior scores; however, no significant relationships were found between SSP total scores and adaptive behavior and cognitive functioning. Although all the children had low Vineland scores, approximately one-quarter of the children had typical SSP scores. No significant differences in SSP scores were found between the subgroups.

CONCLUSION. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive evaluations for children with ASD.
Proprioceptive Processing Difficulties Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Blanche Erna Imperatore , Reinoso Gustavo , Chang Megan C. , Bodison Stefanie
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE. Sensory processing difficulties among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been extensively documented. However, less is known about this population’s ability to process proprioceptive information.

METHOD. We used the Comprehensive Observations of Proprioception (COP; Blanche, Bodison, Chang, & Reinoso, in press) to describe the proprioceptive difficulties experienced by children with ASD. A sample of 32 children with ASD, 26 children with developmental disabilities excluding ASD, and 28 typically developing control children were studied using the COP.

RESULTS. Children with ASD present with proprioceptive processing difficulties that are different from those of children with developmental disabilities and their typically developing counterparts. Specific data, potential clinical applications, and directions for future research are described.

CONCLUSION. Results suggest that the COP has useful clinical research applications. Further assessment of psychometric properties, clinical utility, and meaningful differences among diverse clinical populations are needed.
Density currents as a desert dust mobilization mechanism
Authors: Solomos S. , Kallos G. , Mavromatidis E. , Kushta J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The formation and propagation of density currents are well studied processes in fluid dynamics with many applications to other science fields. In the atmosphere, density currents are usually meso-β/γ mechanisms and are often associated with storm downdrafts. These storms are responsible for the formation of severe dust episodes (haboobs) over desert areas. In the present study, the formation of a convective cool pool and the associated dust mobilization is examined for a representative event over the western part of Sahara desert. The physical processes involved in the mobilization of dust are described in the framework of the integrated atmospheric-air quality RAMS/ICLAMS model. Dust is effectively produced due to the development of near surface vortices and increased turbulence mixing along the frontal line. Increased dust emissions and recirculation of the elevated particles inside the density current head result in the formation of a moving "dust wall". Transport of the uplifted dust in higher layers – outside of the density current – occurs mainly in three ways: (1) uplifting of preexisting dust over the frontal line with the aid of the strong updraft (2) entrainment at the upper part of the density current head due to turbulent mixing (3) vertical mixing after the dilution of the system. The role of the produced dust in the associated convective cloud system was found to be limited. Proper representation of convective processes and dust fluxes requires the use of high resolution (cloud resolving) model configuration and online parameterization of dust production. Haboob-type of dust storms are effective dust sources and should be treated accordingly in dust modeling applications.
Summertime cyclones over the Great Lakes Storm Track from 1860–2100: variability, trends, and association with ozone pollution
Authors: Turner A. J. , Fiore A. M. , Horowitz L. W. , Naik V. , Bauer M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Prior work indicates that the frequency of summertime mid-latitude cyclones tracking across the Great Lakes Storm Track (GLST, bounded by: 70° W, 90° W, 40° N, and 50° N) are strongly anticorrelated with ozone (O3) pollution episodes over the Northeastern United States (US). We apply the MAP Climatology of Mid-latitude Storminess (MCMS) algorithm to 6-hourly sea level pressure fields from over 2500 yr of simulations with the GFDL CM3 global coupled chemistry-climate model. These simulations include (1) 875 yr with constant 1860 emissions and forcings (Pre-industrial Control), (2) five ensemble members for 1860–2005 emissions and forcings (Historical), and (3) future (2006–2100) scenarios following the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 8.5 (one member; extreme warming); RCP 4.5 (three members; moderate warming); RCP 4.5* (one member; a variation on RCP 4.5 in which only well-mixed greenhouse gases evolve along the RCP 4.5 trajectory)). The GFDL CM3 Historical simulations capture the mean and variability of summertime cyclones traversing the GLST within the range determined from four reanalysis datasets. Over the 21st century (2006–2100), the frequency of summertime mid-latitude cyclones in the GLST decreases under the RCP 8.5 scenario (m = −0.06 a−1, p < 0.01) and in the RCP 4.5 ensemble mean (m = −0.03 a−1, p < 0.01). These trends are significant when assessed relative to the variability in the Pre-industrial Control simulation (p > 0.06 for 100-yr sampling intervals; −0.01 a−1 < m < 0.02 a−1). In addition, the RCP 4.5* scenario enables us to determine the relationship between summertime GLST cyclones and high-O3 events (>95th percentile) in the absence of emission changes. The summertime GLST cyclone frequency explains less than 10% of the variability in high-O3 events over the Northeastern US in the model. Our findings imply that careful study is required prior to applying the strong relationship noted in earlier work to changes in storm counts.
Optical characterisation of suspended particles in the Mackenzie River plume (Canadian Arctic Ocean) and implications for ocean colour remote sensing
Authors: Doxaran D. , Ehn J. , Bélanger S. , Matsuoka A. , Hooker S. , Babin M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Climate change significantly impacts Arctic shelf regions in terms of air temperature, ultraviolet radiation, melting of sea ice, precipitation, thawing of permafrost and coastal erosion. Direct consequences have been observed on the increasing Arctic river flow and a large amount of organic carbon sequestered in soils at high latitudes since the last glacial maximum can be expected to be delivered to the Arctic Ocean during the coming decade. Monitoring the fluxes and fate of this terrigenous organic carbon is problematic in such sparsely populated regions unless remote sensing techniques can be developed and proved to be operational. The main objective of this study is to develop an ocean colour algorithm to operationally monitor dynamics of suspended particulate matter (SPM) on the Mackenzie River continental shelf (Canadian Arctic Ocean) using satellite imagery. The water optical properties are documented across the study area and related to concentrations of SPM and particulate organic carbon (POC). Robust SPM and POC : SPM proxies are identified, such as the light backscattering and attenuation coefficients, and relationships are established between these optical and biogeochemical parameters. Following a semi-analytical approach, a regional SPM quantification relationship is obtained for the inversion of the water reflectance signal into SPM concentration. This relationship is reproduced based on independent field optical measurements. It is successfully applied to a selection of MODIS satellite data which allow estimating fluxes at the river mouth and monitoring the extension and dynamics of the Mackenzie River surface plume in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Good agreement is obtained with field observations representative of the whole water column in the river delta zone where terrigenous SPM is mainly constrained (out of short periods of maximum river outflow). Most of the seaward export of SPM is observed to occur within the west side of the river mouth. Future work will require the validation of the developed SPM regional algorithm based on match-ups with field measurements, then the routine application to ocean colour satellite data in order to better estimate the fluxes and fate of SPM and POC delivered by the Mackenzie River to the Arctic Ocean.
Isotopic identification of nitrogen hotspots across natural terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Bai E. , Houlton B. Z. , Wang Y. P.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Nitrogen (N) influences local biological processes, ecosystem productivity, the composition of the atmospheric-climate system, and the human endeavour as a whole. Here we use natural variations in N isotopes, coupled with two models, to trace global pathways of N loss from the land to the water and atmosphere. We show that denitrification accounts for approximately 35 % of total N losses from the natural soil, with NO, N2O, and N2 fluxes equal to 15.7 ± 4.7 Tg N yr−1, 10.2 ± 3.0 Tg N yr−1, and 21.0 ± 6.1 Tg N yr−1, respectively. Our analysis points to tropical regions as the major "hotspot" of nitrogen export from the terrestrial biosphere, accounting for 71 % of global N losses from the natural land surface. The poorly studied Congo Basin is further identified as one of the major natural sources of atmospheric N2O. Extra-tropical areas, by contrast, lose a greater fraction of N via leaching pathways (~77 % of total N losses) than do tropical biomes, likely contributing to N limitations of CO2 uptake at higher latitudes. Our results provide an independent constraint on global models of the N cycle among different regions of the unfertilized biosphere.
On the determination of the global cloud feedback from satellite measurements
Authors: Masters T.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. A detailed analysis is presented in order to determine the sensitivity of the estimated short-term cloud feedback to choices of temperature datasets, sources of top-of-atmosphere (TOA) clear-sky radiative flux data, and temporal averaging. It is shown that the results of a previous analysis, which suggested a likely positive value for the short-term cloud feedback, depended upon combining all-sky radiative fluxes from NASA's Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) with reanalysis clear-sky forecast fluxes when determining the cloud radiative forcing (CRF). These results are contradicted when ΔCRF is derived using both all-sky and clear-sky measurements from CERES over the same period. The differences between the radiative flux data sources are thus explored, along with the potential problems in each. The largest discrepancy is found when including the first two years (2000–2002), and the diagnosed cloud feedback from each method is sensitive to the time period over which the regressions are run. Overall, there is little correlation between the changes in the ΔCRF and surface temperatures on these timescales, suggesting that the net effect of clouds varies during this time period quite apart from global temperature changes. Given the large uncertainties generated from this method, the limited data over this period are insufficient to rule out either the positive feedback present in most climate models or a strong negative cloud feedback.
SPITFIRE-2: an improved fire module for Dynamic Global Vegetation Models
Authors: Pfeiffer M. , Kaplan J. O.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Fire is the primary disturbance factor in many terrestrial ecosystems. Wildfire alters vegetation structure and composition, affects carbon storage and biogeochemical cycling, and results in the release of climatically relevant trace gases, including CO2, CO, CH4, NOx, and aerosols. Assessing the impacts of global wildfire on centennial to multi-millennial timescales requires the linkage of process-based fire modeling with vegetation modeling using Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs). Here we present a new fire module, SPITFIRE-2, and an update to the LPJ-DGVM that includes major improvements to the way in which fire occurrence, behavior, and the effect of fire on vegetation is simulated. The new fire module includes explicit calculation of natural ignitions, the representation of multi-day burning and coalescence of fires and the calculation of rates of spread in different vegetation types, as well as a simple scheme to model crown fires. We describe a new representation of anthropogenic biomass burning under preindustrial conditions that distinguishes the way in which the relationship between humans and fire are different between hunter-gatherers, obligate pastoralists, and farmers. Where and when available, we evaluate our model simulations against remote-sensing based estimates of burned area. While wildfire in much of the modern world is largely influenced by anthropogenic suppression and ignitions, in those parts of the world where natural fire is still the dominant process, e.g. in remote areas of the boreal forest, our results demonstrate a significant improvement in simulated burned area over previous models. With its unique properties of being able to simulate preindustrial fire, the new module we present here is particularly well suited for the investigation of climate-human-fire relationships on multi-millennial timescales.
Soil moisture and evapotranspiration of different land cover types in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wang S. , Fu B. J. , Gao G. Y. , Yao X. L. , Zhou J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. We studied the impacts of re-vegetation on soil moisture dynamics and evapotranspiration (ET) of five land cover types in the Loess Plateau in northern China. Soil moisture and temperature variations under grass (Andropogon), subshrub (Artemisia scoparia), shrub (Spiraea pubescens), plantation forest (Robinia pseudoacacia), and crop (Zea mays) vegetation were continuously monitored during the growing season of 2011. There were more than 10 soil moisture pulses during the period of data collection. Surface soil moisture of all of the land cover types showed an increasing trend in the rainy season. Soil moisture under the corn crop was consistently higher than the other surfaces. Grass and subshrubs showed an intermediate moisture level. Grass had slightly higher readings than those of subshrub most of the time. Shrubs and plantation forests were characterized by lower soil moisture readings, with the shrub levels consistently being slightly higher than those of the forests. Despite the greater post-rainfall loss of moisture under subshrub and grass vegetation than forests and shrubs, subshrub and grass sites exhibit a higher soil moisture content due to their greater soil retention capacity in the dry period. The daily ET trends of the forests and shrub sites were similar and were more stable than those of the other types. Soils under subshrubs acquired and retained soil moisture resources more efficiently than the other cover types, with a competitive advantage in the long term, representing an adaptive vegetation type in the study watershed. The interactions between vegetation and soil moisture dynamics contribute to structure and function of the ecosystems studied.
A simple three-dimensional macroscopic root water uptake model based on the hydraulic architecture approach
Authors: Couvreur V. , Vanderborght J. , Javaux M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Many hydrological models including root water uptake (RWU) do not consider the dimension of root system hydraulic architecture (HA) because explicitly solving water flow in such a complex system is too time consuming. However, they might lack process understanding when basing RWU and plant water stress predictions on functions of variables such as the root length density distribution. On the basis of analytical solutions of water flow in a simple HA, we developed an "implicit" model of the root system HA for simulation of RWU distribution (sink term of Richards' equation) and plant water stress in three-dimensional soil water flow models. The new model has three macroscopic parameters defined at the soil element scale, or at the plant scale, rather than for each segment of the root system architecture: the standard sink fraction distribution SSF, the root system equivalent conductance Krs and the compensatory RWU conductance Kcomp. It clearly decouples the process of water stress from compensatory RWU, and its structure is appropriate for hydraulic lift simulation. As compared to a model explicitly solving water flow in a realistic maize root system HA, the implicit model showed to be accurate for predicting RWU distribution and plant collar water potential, with one single set of parameters, in dissimilar water dynamics scenarios. For these scenarios, the computing time of the implicit model was a factor 28 to 214 shorter than that of the explicit one. We also provide a new expression for the effective soil water potential sensed by plants in soils with a heterogeneous water potential distribution, which emerged from the implicit model equations. With the proposed implicit model of the root system HA, new concepts are brought which open avenues towards simple and mechanistic RWU models and water stress functions operational for field scale water dynamics simulation.
The chemical signature of a livestock farming catchment: synthesis from a high-frequency multi-element long term monitoring
Authors: Aubert A. H. , Gascuel-Odoux C. , Gruau G. , Molénat J. , Faucheux M. , Fauvel Y. , Grimaldi C. , Hamon Y. , Jaffrézic A. , Lecoz-Boutnik M. , Petitjean P. , Ruiz L. , Merot Ph.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Assessing the impact of human pressures on water quality is difficult. First, there is a high temporal and spatial variability of climate and human activity. Second, chemical elements have their own characteristics mixing short and long term dynamics. High frequency, long-term and multi-element measurements are required. But, such data series are scarce. This paper aims at determining what the hydro-chemical particularities of a livestock farming catchment are in a temperate climatic context. It is based on an original and never published time series, from Kervidy-Naizin headwater catchment. Stream chemistry was monitored daily and shallow groundwater roughly every four month, for 10 yr and five elements (nitrate, sulphate, chloride, and dissolved organic and inorganic carbon). The five elements present strong but different seasonal patterns. Nitrate and chloride present a seasonal flush, all along or at the beginning of the wet season, respectively. Sulphate, organic and inorganic carbon present storm flushes, with constant or decreasing peaks throughout the wet season. These depicted nitrate and chloride patterns are typical of a livestock farming catchment. There, nitrate and chloride coming from organic fertilisation have been accumulating over years in the shallow groundwater. They are seasonally flushed when the groundwater connects to the stream. Sulphate, organic and inorganic carbon patterns do not seem specific to agricultural catchments. These elements are produced each year and flushed by storms. Finally, a generic classification of temporal patterns and elements is established for agricultural catchments. It is based on the distance of the source component to the stream and the dominant controlling process (accumulation versus production). This classification could be applied to any chemical element and help assessing the level of water disturbances.
Socio-economic vulnerability of coastal communities in southern Thailand: the development of adaptation strategies
Authors: Willroth P. , Massmann F. , Wehrhahn R. , Revilla Diez J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The tsunami of December 2004 impacted large areas of Thailand's coastline and caused severe human and economic losses. The recovery period revealed differences in the vulnerabilities of communities affected. An understanding of the causal factors of vulnerability is crucial for minimising the negative effects of future threats and developing adaptive capacities. This paper analyses the vulnerabilities and the development of adaptation strategies in the booming tourist area of Khao Lak and in the predominantly fishing and agricultural area of Ban Nam Khem through a comprehensive vulnerability framework. The results show that social networks played a crucial role in coping with the disaster. Social cohesion is important for strengthening the community and developing successful adaptation strategies. The development of tourism and the turning away from traditional activities have a significant positive influence on the income situation, but create a dependency on a single business sector. It could be shown that households generating their income in the tourism sector were vulnerable unless they had diversified their income previously. Income diversification decreased the vulnerability in the study areas. Adaptation strategies and processes developed in the aftermath clearly address these issues.