bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paricalcitol, Microvascular and Endothelial Function in Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Lundwall Kristina , Jörneskog Gun , Jacobson Stefan H. , Spaak Jonas
Published: October 2015

Background: Vitamin D deficiency, sympathetic activation and endothelial dysfunction are associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies have so far failed to establish the role of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA) treatment in moderate CKD. This trial was designed to assess whether VDRA treatment can ameliorate sympathetic activation and macro- and microvascular dysfunction in non-diabetic patients with moderate CKD. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled double-blind trial using placebo, 1 or 2 μg of paricalcitol, a VDRA, for 3 months. We assessed muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) by microneurography, pulse wave velocity (PWV) by tonometry, flow mediated vasodilatation (FMD) by brachial ultrasound, skin microcirculation assessed by iontophoresis and capillary blood velocity (CBV) by videophotometric capillaroscopy. Results: Thirty-six patients with a mean age of 65 years and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate of 40 ml/min/1.73 m2 were included. We found a significant decline in endothelial function after 3 months, except in the group receiving 2 μg of paricalcitol. The higher dose (2 μg) seemed to attenuate the decline in microvascular endothelial function, assessed by iontophoresis of acetylcholine (p = 0.06 for all groups, p = 0.65 for the 2 μg group) and for FMD (p = 0.006 for all groups, p = 0.54 for the 2 μg group). We found a borderline significance (p = 0.05) for improved CBV in the treated groups. We found no significant changes between treatments in MSNA, PWV or albuminuria. Conclusions: Endothelial function declined significantly over 3 months in patients with moderate CKD, and this decline could be ameliorated by VDRA treatment (NCT01204528).
КІЛЬКІСНЕ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ СУМІСНОГО ВИКОРИСТАННЯ РІЗНИХ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ СИСТЕМ ПРИ ЇХ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ У РАМКАХ ЄДИНОГО КОМПЛЕКСУ ЗАВДАНЬ
Authors: Babintseva L. Yu.
Published: October 2015

It is the deepening of the previously formulated a proposal on the functioning of the author in a single medical information space of two information systems - the integrated health information system and management information system trafficking drugs on the principle of complementarity and congruence. The problems of integration of various information systems for health care are discussed. There is proposed a quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of the joint use of information systems in the framework of the solution of a problem.
ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ ПЕРЕБІГУ ТА РЕЗУЛЬТАТУ ЛІКУВАННЯ ІНВАГІНАЦІЇ КИШЕЧНИКА У ДІТЕЙ
Authors: Veselyi S. V. , Veselyi M. Yu.
Published: October 2015

The catamnesis in 150 children with an intussusception in terms from 6 months till 10 years after surgical intervention is investigated. Complex biochemical and immunological inspection is carried out to 30 patients. Besides morphological research 10 bioptats of the taken parietal peritoneum, is carried out during operative treatment. Studying before-, intra-and postoperative condition of patients, and also forecasting of current and outcome of disease carried out as a result of search of the «risk factors» determining probability of occurrence and gravity of clinical current of the invagination of intestine in children. In the early postoperative period 4 children (2.7 %) have died in connection with an incompetence of the anastomosis, plural intestinal fistulas and progressing of the peritonitis. Catamnesis observation has revealed, that 104 (69.3 %) the child after operative desinvagination grew and developed according to age. 34 patients (22.7 %) further had the gastroenteropathy described periodic dysphagia and dyspepsia by the phenomena. In 12 children (8.0 %) the adhesive disease has developed. Patients with high risk of occurrence of late complications after operative desinvagination require long-term observation and rehabilitation actions.
ВАРТІСТЬ МЕДИЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ ДІТЯМ З ХРОНІЧНИМИ ДЕРМАТОЗАМИ
Authors: Holyachenko H. B.
Published: October 2015

According to the developed mathematical model the cost of treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in children was determined. The incidence of this disease and cost of treating are increasing, which makes the urgency of the problem.
СТАН І ПРОБЛЕМИ СТВОРЕННЯ ДНК-ПАМ'ЯТІ
Authors: Kryuchyn A. , Belyak Ye. V. , Kryuchyna Ye. A. , Potebnya A. V.
Published: October 2015

The results of the analysis of the development of storage systems on DNA molecules are given. The considerable potential for such storage systems for the organization of long-term storage of large volumes of information is shown. The conditions for the extensive use of memory on DNA are determined. It is shown that the key to the use of WORM-type memory on DNA molecules is a significant increase in the speed of sequencing nukleatidov recorded sequences. Data on conditions of storage memory chips on DNA, which provide long-term storage of large volumes of information is presented.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ СТАНУ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ НАСЕЛЕННЯ ЛІКАРСЬКИМИ ЗАСОБАМИ В РОКИ НЕЗАЛЕЖНОСТІ УКРАЇНИ -СТАНОВЛЕННЯ ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧНОГО РИНКУ
Authors: Boryshchuk V. O. , Solovyov O. S. , Krasnianska T. M. , Klymenko I. V. , Auhunas S. V. , Hryhoruk Yu. M. , Kyrpach O. V.
Published: October 2015

The aim of the research was to study the correspondence of existing legislative and regulatory requirements of the pharmaceutical industry development, the analysis of the formation of the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market, the condition of drug assistance according to European requirements and recommendations of the WHO.

For the study archival materials, publications in scientific journals, and mass media were used, laws and provisions regulating pharmaceutical activity were studied and a survey among citizens was conducted. Systematic and logical methods, analytical and comparative analysis were applied, and own researches were performed.

For 22 years of Ukrainian statehood formation the following institutes were created: Pharmacological College, Pharmacopoeia Committee and State Service for Quality Control of Drugs which were transported to other institutes. Important laws were adopted: the Law of Ukraine «On Medicines», the Law of Ukraine «On small-scale privatization», the Law of Ukraine «On large-scale privatization» and others, which contributed to the formation and development of the pharmaceutical market.

In comparison with 1990 the amount of drugstore chains increased two and a half times and in 2013 in the country already worked 15 566 drugstores, including 3 025 in villages. Specific peculiarity of pharmaceutical market formation in Ukraine was the creation of powerful own regional and all-Ukrainian drugstore chains, that is greatly different from such situation in EU countries, where the legislation allows to have only one or two drugstores. As the result of pharmaceutical market formation the drugs nomenclature increased eight times and now makes up more than 20 000 names, including 92.4 % generic drugs. According to publications, Ukraine lacks about 40 % of drug molecules needed for medical treatment, and 30 % of studied drugs are not proved. There is the problem of uncontrollable turnover and drugs consumption in Ukraine. Self-treatment is widespread today: 82 % of Ukrainians prescribe medicines by themselves even when they feel a little unwell.

Among all examined 75 drugstores in different regions (Zakarpattya, Rivne, Khmelnytsk, Kherson etc.) people can get drugs without prescription. During 2014 the pharmaceutical market in comparison with previous year rose by 14 % and its income made up 36 billion UAH. Drug producers perform aggressive marketing and break rules of drugs advertising. Among important problems that require the improvement of legislative and regulatory base at governmental level concerning the economic drug assistance for all population groups.
Implications of α
v
β
3
Integrin Signaling in the Regulation of Ca
2+
Waves and Myogenic Tone in Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Mufti Rania E. , Zechariah Anil , Sancho Maria , Mazumdar Neil , Brett Suzanne E. , Welsh Donald G.
Published: October 2015

Objective—

The myogenic response is central to blood flow regulation in the brain. Its induction is tied to elevated cytosolic [Ca
2+
], a response primarily driven by voltage-gated Ca
2+
channels and secondarily by Ca
2+
wave production. Although the signaling events leading to the former are well studied, those driving Ca
2+
waves remain uncertain.

Approach and Results—

We postulated that α
v
β
3
integrin signaling is integral to the generation of pressure-induced Ca
2+
waves and cerebral arterial tone. This hypothesis was tested in rat cerebral arteries using the synergistic strengths of pressure myography, rapid Ca
2+
imaging, and Western blot analysis. GRGDSP, a peptide that preferentially blocks α
v
β
3
integrin, attenuated myogenic tone, indicating the modest role for sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
release in myogenic tone generation. The RGD peptide was subsequently shown to impair Ca
2+
wave generation and myosin light chain 20 (MLC
20
) phosphorylation, the latter of which was attributed to the modulation of MLC kinase and MLC phosphatase via MYPT1-T855 phosphorylation. Subsequent experiments revealed that elevated pressure enhanced phospholipase Cγ1 phosphorylation in an RGD-dependent manner and that phospholipase C inhibition attenuated Ca
2+
wave generation. Direct inhibition of inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptors also impaired Ca
2+
wave generation, myogenic tone, and MLC
20
phosphorylation, partly through the T-855 phosphorylation site of MYPT1.

Conclusions—

Our investigation reveals a hitherto unknown role for α
v
β
3
integrin as a cerebral arterial pressure sensor. The membrane receptor facilitates Ca
2+
wave generation through a signaling cascade, involving phospholipase Cγ1, inositol 1,3,4 triphosphate production, and inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor activation. These discrete asynchronous Ca
2+
events facilitate MLC
20
phosphorylation and, in part, myogenic tone by influencing both MLC kinase and MLC phosphatase activity.
Expansion of CD25
+
Innate Lymphoid Cells Reduces Atherosclerosis
Authors: Engelbertsen Daniel , Foks Amanda C. , Alberts-Grill Noah , Kuperwaser Felicia , Chen Tao , Lederer James A. , Jarolim Petr , Grabie Nir , Lichtman Andrew H.
Published: October 2015

Objective—

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a newly discovered subset of immune cells that promote tissue homeostasis and protect against pathogens. ILCs produce cytokines also produced by T lymphocytes that have been shown to affect atherosclerosis, but the influence of ILCs on atherosclerosis has not been explored.

Approach and Results—

We demonstrate that CD25
+
ILCs that produce type 2 cytokines (ILC2s) are present in the aorta of atherosclerotic immunodeficient
ldlr

−/−

rag1

−/−

mice. To investigate the role of ILCs in atherosclerosis,
ldlr

−/−

rag1

−/−

mice were concurrently fed an atherogenic diet and treated with either ILC-depleting anti-CD90.2 antibodies or IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes that expand CD25
+
ILCs. Lesion development was not affected by anti-CD90.2 treatment, but was reduced in IL-2/anti–IL-2-treated mice. These IL-2-treated mice had reduced very low–density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased triglycerides compared with controls and reduced apolipoprotein B100 gene expression in the liver. IL-2/anti-IL-2 treatment caused expansion of ILC2s in aorta and other tissues, elevated levels of IL-5, systemic eosinophila, and hepatic eosinophilic inflammation. Blockade of IL-5 reversed the IL-2 complex–induced eosinophilia but did not change lesion size.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that expansion of CD25-expressing ILCs by IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes leads to a reduction in very low–density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Global depletion of ILCs by anti-CD90.2 did not significantly affect lesion size indicating that different ILC subsets may have divergent effects on atherosclerosis.
Shear-Activated Nanoparticle Aggregates Combined With Temporary Endovascular Bypass to Treat Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Marosfoi Miklos G. , Korin Netanel , Gounis Matthew J. , Uzun Oktay , Vedantham Srinivasan , Langan Erin T. , Papa Anne-Laure , Brooks Olivia W. , Johnson Chris , Puri Ajit S. , Bhatta Deen , Kanapathipillai Mathumai , Bronstein Ben R. , Chueh Ju-Yu , Ingber Donald E. , Wakhloo Ajay K.
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose—

The goal of this study is to combine temporary endovascular bypass (TEB) with a novel shear-activated nanotherapeutic (SA-NT) that releases recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) when exposed to high levels of hemodynamic stress and to determine if this approach can be used to concentrate r-tPA at occlusion sites based on high shear stresses created by stent placement.

Methods—

A rabbit model of carotid vessel occlusion was used to test the hypothesis that SA-NT treatment coupled with TEB provides high recanalization rates while reducing vascular injury. We evaluated angiographic recanalization with TEB alone, intra-arterial delivery of soluble r-tPA alone, or TEB combined with 2 doses of intra-arterial infusion of either the SA-NT or soluble r-tPA. Vascular injury was compared against stent-retriever thrombectomy.

Results—

Shear-targeted delivery of r-tPA using the SA-NT resulted in the highest rate of complete recanalization when compared with controls (
P
=0.0011). SA-NT (20 mg) had a higher likelihood of obtaining complete recanalization as compared with TEB alone (odds ratio 65.019, 95% confidence interval 1.77, >1000;
P
=0.0231), intra-arterial r-tPA alone (odds ratio 65.019, 95% confidence interval 1.77, >1000;
P
=0.0231), or TEB with soluble r-tPA (2 mg; odds ratio 18.78, 95% confidence interval 1.28, 275.05;
P
=0.0322). Histological analysis showed circumferential loss of endothelium restricted to the area where the TEB was deployed; however, there was significantly less vascular injury using a TEB as compared with stent-retriever procedure (odds ratio 12.97, 95% confidence interval 8.01, 21.02;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

A novel intra-arterial, nanoparticle-based thrombolytic therapy combined with TEB achieves high rates of complete recanalization. Moreover, this approach reduces vascular trauma as compared with stent-retriever thrombectomy.
An Exploration of an Equine-Facilitated Learning Intervention with Young Offenders
Authors: Hemingway Ann , Meek Rosie , Hill Caroline Ellis
Published: October 2015

This research reports a qualitative study to explore the behavioral responses and reflections from Young Offenders undertaking an Equine-Facilitated Learning (efl) Intervention in prison in the United Kingdom. Learning was facilitated by an instructor, and the participants were taught introductory natural horsemanship skills. Establishments holding young adult prisoners are typically characterized by increased disruption to the regime, and by greater incidents of violence, bullying, and conflict than in other types of prison. A resulting challenge for those working with young prisoners is the need to respond to increased levels of social isolation, and difficulties in managing impulsivity, problem solving, temper, and conduct. It is hoped that this research will provide some initial evidence to contribute to ideas around the nature of learning practical, positive skills and knowledge through inter-species interactions.
Small woods positively influence the occurrence and abundance of the common frog (Rana temporaria) in a traditional farming landscape
Authors: Boissinot Alexandre , Grillet Pierre , Besnard Aurélien , Lourdais Olivier
Published: October 2015

Traditional farming landscape in western Europe is made of a complex mosaic of pastures, cultures, ponds and hedgerows connected with woods. Previous observations in the common frog species suggest that lowland populations are closely associated to wood cover and our aim was to test the validity of this assumption. We studied common frog occurrence and abundance in western central France (Deux-Sèvres department) close to the southern margin of lowland distribution. Our results pointed out that the proportion of woods surface around sampled areas (1 ha) was a critical determinant of common frog presence and abundance. Extensive farming, which maintains a mosaic of small woods, may provide a robust conservation tool for this species.
Cryo-fixation and associated developments in transmission electron microscopy: a cool future for nematology
Authors: Bert Wim , Slos Dieter , Leroux Olivier , Claeys Myriam
Published: October 2015

At present, the importance of sample preparation equipment for electron microscopy represents the driving force behind major breakthroughs in microscopy and cell biology. In this paper we present an introduction to the most commonly used cryo-fixation techniques, with special attention paid towards high-pressure freezing followed by freeze substitution. Techniques associated with cryo-fixation, such as immunolocalisation, cryo-sectioning, and correlative light and electron microscopy, are also highlighted. For studies that do not require high resolution, high quality results, or the immediate arrest of certain processes, conventional methods will provide answers to many questions. For some applications, such as immunocytochemistry, three-dimensional reconstruction of serial sections or electron tomography, improved preservation of the ultrastructure is required. This review of nematode cryo-fixation highlights that cryo-fixation not only results in a superior preservation of fine structural details, but also underlines the fact that some observations based on results solely obtained through conventional fixation approaches were either incorrect, or otherwise had severe limitations. Although the use of cryo-fixation has hitherto been largely restricted to model organisms, the advantages of cryo-fixation are sufficiently self-evident that we must conclude that the cryo-fixation method is highly likely to become the standard for nematode fixation in the near future.
“I Have a Voice”: Despatialization, Multiple Alterities and the Digital Performance of Jbala Women of Northern Morocco
Authors: Curtis Maria
Published: October 2015

The Jbala region of northern of Morocco is one that defies easy categorization, containing dialects, styles of dress and performance genres not found elsewhere. Jbala women, “mountain women”, are often the stuff of folklore and are well known for an inimitable form of localzajal, spoken poetry delivered in Derrija, or Moroccan Arabic. ‘Ayoua is a form of poetry that is traditionally sung outdoors as a way to help pass the monotony of daily gendered tasks such as agricultural work and herding animals and is also used to venerate local saints. This paper focuses on the shift of ‘Ayoua and Jbala women and the genre of ‘Ayoua as it moves from agricultural fields to small local recording studios to the digital spaces of Facebook and YouTube interviews and concert performances.
Online Islamic Spaces as Communities of Practice for Female Muslim Converts Who Wear the Niqab
Authors: Piela Anna
Published: October 2015

This article focuses on online narratives of female converts to Islam who wear or plan to wear the niqab. There is little discussion in research literature about motivations leading to adoption of the niqab or experiences of women who wear it. Instead, the discourse on niqab has been sensationalised by tabloid media which construct it as a symbol of otherness and separation from the host culture and, recently, one of radicalisation. This begs the question: why are some converts drawn to it despite negative reactions to the niqab by some Muslims and non-Muslims. Here, I examine online discussions in which converted women argue why they wish to wear the niqab, often in contradiction to other Muslims’ views. I draw from Rambo’s conversion model (1993) and Lave and Wenger’s concept of communities of practice to illuminate the process whereby participants learn about Islam and the niqab through social interaction.
Female Converts from Greek Orthodoxy to Islam and their Digital Religious Identity
Authors: Sakellariou Alexandros
Published: October 2015

The aim of this article is to study the personal stories of female converts from Greek Orthodox religion to Islam as these are presented on the Internet. In particular, I focus on the way some Greek Orthodox women who live in Greece or who are from a Greek Orthodox background but live abroad are self-presented via a website authorized by the Muslim Association of Greece. The main questions are: How did these women decided to change their religion? What problems did they face in their effort? How did their family react to their decision? What kind of relations did they have with their families after their conversion? This is an attempt to find out how their digital religious identity is crystallized, assuming that internet, as a quasi-neutral and protected public space, provides them with the opportunity to narrate their stories and opinions without the immediate surveillance of the Greek Orthodox society.
From Fidgeters, Footerers and Flibbertigibbets to the Medicalisation of Childhood Behaviour
Authors: Sheppard Maria K.
Published: October 2015

This article considers the best interests of young children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (adhd). It discusses the situation in the uk where adhd is diagnosed with increasing frequency in school age and pre-school age children. When children are too young to have decision-making capacity, those with parental responsibility may consent to treatment which is in the child’s best interests. The article highlights that such parental decisions are difficult to make when the causes of adhd are unknown and the criteria for the diagnosis of the condition have been changing over time. The risk is that their child may be treated unnecessarily. When parents are asked to consent to treatment, they must be given sufficient information about the treatment options to decide what is in their child’s best interests. The mainstay of treatment for adhd is drugs such as Ritalin. In order for parents to make a decision, they need to weigh up the apparent efficacy of these drugs in treating the symptoms of adhd with the fact that they are controlled substances with the potential to cause considerable adverse reactions. They also need to be informed that these drugs have largely not been tested in clinical trials in children and thus their use is off-label. Current treatment of adhd in a child’s best interests therefore presents legal and ethical challenges. It raises the question as to whether there is a general duty to protect children from harm, sparing them from non-therapeutic drug treatment and, where drug treatment is necessary, to ensure safe and effective treatment which has been researched and tested for its efficacy and safety in children.
The Blechnum occidentale (Blechnaceae, Polypodiopsida) species group in southern and southeastern Brazil
Authors: Dittrich Vinicius Antonio de Oliveira , Salino Alexandre , Monteiro Reinaldo
Published: October 2015

A taxonomic study of the Blechnum occidentale species group in southern and southeastern Brazil (Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul) was carried out and eleven taxa were accepted (nine species, two hybrids). Four taxa are widely distributed in tropical America, three are widely distributed in South America, three are exclusive to southern South America, and one is restricted to Brazil. New records are presented for several taxa in states from southeastern Brazil, in other regions of the country, as well as in other countries. Taxonomic descriptions are presented for the whole genus and for all infrageneric taxa occurring in the study area as well as synonymies, lectotypifications, a new combination (Blechnum × leopoldense), a key for the identification of infrageneric taxa, comments and geographical distribution for each taxon.
Validation of the name Osbeckia tirunelvelica (Melastomataceae)
Authors: KOTTAIMUTHU RAMALINGAM , GNANASEKARAN GUNADAYALAN
Published: October 2015

During the taxonomic revision of the genus Osbeckia Linnaeus (1753: 345) from the Western Ghats, India, we came across few interesting specimens from the Manjolai hills in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. Critical studies with relevant literature revealed the identity of the collected specimens as Osbeckia tirunelvelica Manickam & Murugan (2001: 626). Unfortunately the name Osbeckia tirunelvelica was not validly published by Manickam & Murugan (2001), because, contrary to Art. 40 of ICN (McNeill et al. 2012), two collections were indicated as “type”. Therefore, the name Osbeckia tirunelvelica is validated here by indicating a single collection as the holotype.
Type designation for Reseda hookeri (Resedaceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , FERRANDO INMACULADA , LAGUNA EMILIO
Published: October 2015

The typification of the name Reseda hookeri Guss. (Resedaceae) is discussed. The designation of the corresponding type is based on the consultation of Gussone’s original material and the literature cited in the protologue. A specimen at NAP (Herbarium Neapolitanum, University of Naples, Italy) is designated as the lectotype, and a specimen at BOLO (Herbarium of the University of Bologna, Italy) is designated as the epitype.
Global Patterns of the Contributions of Storm Frequency, Intensity, and Seasonality to Interannual Variability of Precipitation
Authors: Good Stephen P. , Guan Kaiyu , Caylor Kelly K.
Published: October 2015

Interannual variation in precipitation totals is a critical factor governing the year-to-year availability of water resources, yet the connection between interannual precipitation variability and underlying event- and season-scale precipitation variability remains unclear. In this study, tropical and midlatitude precipitation characteristics derived from extensive station records and high-frequency satellite observations were analyzed to attribute the fraction of interannual variability arising as a result of individual variability in precipitation event intensity, frequency, and seasonality, as well as the cross-correlation between these factors at the global scale. This analysis demonstrates that variability in the length of the wet season is the most important factor globally, causing 52% of the total interannual variability, while variation in the intensity of individual rainfall events contributes 31% and variability in interstorm wait times contributes only 17%. Spatial patterns in the contribution of each of these intra-annual rainfall characteristics are informative, with regions such as Indonesia and southwestern North America primarily influenced by seasonality, while regions such as the eastern United States, central Africa, and the upper Amazon basin are strongly influenced by storm intensity and frequency. A robust cross-correlation between climate characteristics is identified in the equatorial Pacific, revealing an increased interannual variability over what is expected based on the variability of individual events. This decomposition of interannual variability identifies those regions where accurate representation of daily and seasonal rainfall statistics is necessary to understand and correctly model rainfall variability at longer time scales.
Interannual Variation of Summer Atmospheric Heat Source over the Tibetan Plateau and the Role of Convection around the Western Maritime Continent
Authors: Jiang Xingwen , Li Yueqing , Yang Song , Yang Kun , Chen Junwen
Published: October 2015

The impacts of summer atmospheric heat source over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on regional climate variation have attracted extensive attention. However, few studies have focused on possible causes of the interannual variation of atmospheric heat source over the TP. Total heat (TH) is generally composed of three components: surface sensible heat, latent heat release of condensation (LH), and radiative convergence. In this study, it is found that interannual variation of summer TH is dominated by LH in the central and eastern TP. The atmospheric circulation patterns associated with the TH over the TP in June are different from those in July and August. Large TH is accompanied by a cyclone centered over the South China Sea in June, which is replaced by an anticyclone in July and August. The interannual variation of July–August TH over the central and eastern TP is significantly affected by convection around the western Maritime Continent (WMC) that modulates the LH over the southeastern TP. Enhanced WMC convection induces an anticyclone to the south of the TP, which favors water vapor transport to the southeastern TP and thus an increase in precipitation. Enhanced convection over the southeastern TP may exert a positive feedback on local precipitation through pumping more water vapor from the southern boundary. Both observations and model simulations indicate that the enhanced WMC convection can induce the anticyclone to the south of the TP and convection–circulation is important for maintenance of the anticyclone.
A New Upper-Level Circulation Index for the East Asian Summer Monsoon Variability
Authors: Zhao Guijie , Huang Gang , Wu Renguang , Tao Weichen , Gong Hainan , Qu Xia , Hu Kaiming
Published: October 2015

The East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and its variability involve circulation systems in both the tropics and midlatitudes as well as in both the lower and upper troposphere. Considering this fact, a new EASM index (NEWI) is proposed based on 200-hPa zonal wind, which takes into account wind anomalies in the southern (about 5°N), middle (about 20°N), and northern areas (about 35°N) of East Asia. The NEWI can capture the interannual EASM-related climate anomalies and the interdecadal variability well. Compared to previous indices, the NEWI shows a better performance in describing precipitation and air temperature variations over East Asia. It can also show distinct climate anomalous features in early and late summer. The NEWI is tightly associated with the East Asian–Pacific or the Pacific–Japan teleconnection, suggesting a possible role of internal dynamics in the EASM variability. Meanwhile, the NEWI is significantly linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation and tropical Indian Ocean sea surface temperature anomalies. Furthermore, the NEWI is highly predictable in the ENSEMBLES models, indicating its advantage for operational prediction of the EASM. The physical mechanism of the EASM variability as represented by the NEWI is also explicit. Both warm advection anomalies of temperature by anomalous westerly winds and the advection of anomalous positive relative vorticity by northerly basic winds cause anomalous ascending motion over the mei-yu–changma–baiu rainfall area, and vice versa over the South China Sea area. Hence, this NEWI would be a good choice to study, monitor, and predict the EASM.
The Effects of Rotation and River Discharge on Net Mixing in Small-Mouth Kelvin Number Plumes
Authors: Cole Kelly L. , Hetland Robert D.
Published: October 2015

Small-mouth Kelvin number plumes, or plumes with a source width smaller than the deformation radius, are characterized by near-field plume regions of rapid lateral expansion and strong vertical mixing. Net plume mixing, or the dilution of a plume by ocean water between the estuary mouth and the far-field plume, is examined using idealized numerical experiments with the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). The density anomaly of plume water entering the far field is determined from isohaline analysis of the modeled salinity field. The experiments indicate that when estuarine discharge increases, net plume mixing decreases in a rotating environment but increases in a nonrotating environment. Scaling analysis supports that this opposite trend in behavior is related to rotation turning the plume, limiting the lateral expansion and suppressing shear mixing. The results of this study explain different trends in net plume mixing reported in previous studies and compare favorably to observations of the Fraser River plume.
Implementation of a Digital Filter Initialization in the WRF Model and Its Application in the Rapid Refresh
Authors: Peckham Steven E. , Smirnova Tatiana G. , Benjamin Stanley G. , Brown John M. , Kenyon Jaymes S.
Published: October 2015

Because of limitations of variational and ensemble data assimilation schemes, resulting analysis fields exhibit some noise from imbalance in subsequent model forecasts. Controlling finescale noise is desirable in the NOAA’s Rapid Refresh (RAP) assimilation/forecast system, which uses an hourly data assimilation cycle. Hence, a digital filter initialization (DFI) capability has been introduced into the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and applied operationally in the RAP, for which hourly intermittent assimilation makes DFI essential. A brief overview of the DFI approach, its implementation, and some of its advantages are discussed. Results from a 1-week impact test with and without DFI demonstrate that DFI is effective at reducing high-frequency noise in short-term operational forecasts as well as providing evidence of reduced errors in the 1-h mass and momentum fields. However, DFI is also shown to reduce the strength of parameterized deep moist convection during the first hour of the forecast.
The Case-to-Case Variability of the Predictability of Precipitation by a Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecasting System
Authors: Surcel Madalina , Zawadzki Isztar , Yau M. K.
Published: October 2015

This paper analyzes the case-to-case variability of the predictability of precipitation by a storm-scale ensemble forecasting (SSEF) system. Relationships are sought between ensemble spread and quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) skill, and the characteristics of an event, such as the strength of the quasigeostrophic forcing for ascent, the presence of convective equilibrium, and the spatial extent of the precipitation system. It is found that most of the case-to-case variability of predictability is explained by the spatial coverage of the system. The relationship between convection and large-scale forcing seems to affect predictability mostly during the afternoon hours. While the relationships are weak for the entire dataset, two distinct types of cases are identified: widespread and diurnally forced cases. The loss of predictability at small scales, the effect of the radar data assimilation, and the comparison between forecasts from the SSEF and Lagrangian persistence forecasts are analyzed separately for these two types of cases. Despite overall predictability being better than average for the widespread cases, the loss of predictability with forecast time and spatial scale is just as rapid as for the other cases. For the diurnally forced cases, the radar data assimilation causes larger differences between the precipitation fields corresponding to the assimilating and nonassimilating members than for the widespread cases. However, the effect of radar data assimilation on QPF skill is similar for both types of cases. Also, for the diurnal cases, the models with radar data assimilation outperform very rapidly (after 2 h) the Lagrangian persistence forecasts.
Prediction of Intensity Model Error (PRIME) for Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Bhatia Kieran T. , Nolan David S.
Published: October 2015

Statistical methods are used to develop the Prediction of Intensity Model Error (PRIME) for both the absolute error and bias of intensity forecasts of Atlantic basin tropical cyclones from 2007 to 2014. These forecasts of forecast error are formulated using a stepwise multiple linear regression framework and are applied to 12–120-h intensity forecasts for the Logistic Growth Equation Model (LGEM), Decay–Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (DSHP), interpolated Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model (HWFI), and interpolated Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GHMI) hurricane model. The predictors selected for the regression are a combination of storm-specific characteristics, synoptic features, and parameters representing initial condition error and atmospheric flow stability.

The performance of PRIME is assessed by comparing the predictions of forecast absolute error and bias to the climatology of these quantities for each of the models. Using paired t tests, the errors in PRIME are found to be significantly smaller than climatology at the 99% level for bias and at the 95% level for absolute error. These percentages vary based on the model and forecast interval, with larger improvement observed for less accurate models and long-range forecasts. A second, more accurate version of PRIME is trained using retrospective forecasts generated by applying the 2014 version of each model to the 2008–13 hurricane seasons. Considering the positive results and use of predictors available prior to the National Hurricane Center official forecast deadline, PRIME forecasts could be valuable to the hurricane forecasting community.
A Quantitative Evaluation of the Multiple Narratives of the Recent Sahelian Regreening*
Authors: Stith Mimi , Giannini Alessandra , Corral John del , Adamo Susana , de Sherbinin Alex
Published: October 2015

A spatial analysis is presented that aims to synthesize the evidence for climate and social dimensions of the “regreening” of the Sahel. Using an independently constructed archival database of donor-funded interventions in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Senegal in response to the persistence of drought in the 1970s and 1980s, the spatial distribution of these interventions is examined in relation to population density and to trends in precipitation and in greenness. Three categories of environmental change are classified: 1) regions at the northern grassland/shrubland edge of the Sahel where NDVI varies interannually with precipitation, 2) densely populated cropland regions of the Sahel where significant trends in precipitation and NDVI decouple at interannual time scales, and 3) regions at the southern savanna edge of the Sahel where NDVI variation is independent of precipitation. Examination of the spatial distribution of environmental change, number of development projects, and population density brings to the fore the second category, covering the cropland areas where population density and regreening are higher than average. While few, regions in this category coincide with emerging hotspots of regreening in northern Burkina Faso and southern central Niger known from case study literature. In examining the impact of efforts to rejuvenate the Sahelian environment and livelihoods in the aftermath of the droughts of the 1970s and 1980s against the backdrop of a varying and uncertain climate, the transition from desertification to regreening discourses is framed in the context of adaptation to climate change.
Modeling and simulation of preshock desensitization in heterogeneous explosives using a mesoscopic reaction rate model
Authors: Hussain Tariq , Liu Yan , Huang Fenglei , Duan Zhuoping
Published: October 2015

To understand and predict the response of explosive materials, numerical models are utilized to simulate various scenarios. Various hazard and vulnerability scenarios for explosives involve multiple shock compression. In the present study, a kind of mesoscopic model for shock ignition of solid heterogeneous explosives is examined in order to demonstrate its availability to account for the desensitization caused by multiple shocks in explosives. Since the mesoscopic model is based on the assumption of the elastic viscoplastic pore collapse mechanism, and on the other hand the desensitization mechanism is also usually described in connection with the closure of pores, the ability of the mesoscopic model to predict the desensitization effects must be analyzed. For this purpose, the mesoscopic model has been implemented in a hydrodynamic code (LS-DYNA) as a user-defined equation of state. For verification, the double shock, reflected shock and detonation-quenching experiments have been modeled and simulated. The data show that the model can reproduce various features of some of the previously reported experiments involving the preshock desensitization of solid explosives.
Experimental analysis of special tool geometries when drilling woven and multidirectional CFRPs
Authors: Feito Norberto , Diaz-Álvarez Antonio , Cantero José L , Rodríguez-Millán Marcos , Miguélez Henar
Published: October 2015

Drilling is one of the most frequent machining operations for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites, carried out prior to assembly between structural components using mechanical joining. Delamination is the main damage mechanism involved during carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite drilling causing an elevated percentage of workpiece rejection. Tool geometry strongly influences drilling performance. In this paper, an original work dealing with the comparison between three recently developed configurations (Brad center, Step drill and Reamer drills) in terms of drilling forces and delamination both for woven and tape carbon fiber-reinforced polymers is presented. Reamer drill showed the best results concerning productivity and delamination. Strong differences were found when hole quality obtained in tape and woven composite was compared: multidirectional composite presented poorer hole quality than woven composite under the same cutting conditions. The analysis of variance was developed in order to analyze the influence of each parameter showing the importance of feed rate on surface damage.
Development Planning with Cultural Integrity
Authors: Hibbard Michael
Published: October 2015

The experience of American Indian communities is an interesting lens through which to explore the ongoing conversation regarding the purpose and processes of development planning. This article draws on the development literature to identify and explore factors particularly relevant to the development issues faced by Indian communities. It then examines two cases in the U.S. West, the Tlingit community of Kake in Southeast Alaska and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation in Northeast Oregon. Finally, it draws on the results of the cases to offer some reflections on development theory and practice.
Adhesive behaviour of bonded paper layers: Mechanical testing and statistical modelling
Authors: Borri Claudia , Paggi Marco , Reinoso José , Borodich Feodor M
Published: October 2015

In this study, an experimental methodology based on micromechanical testing inside a scanning electron microscope is proposed to characterise bonding of paper layers connected by wet pressing. The peeling force–displacement evolution law that characterises the delamination of micromechanical double cantilever beam specimens of paper tissue have been extracted from such peeling tests. It is observed that the force–displacement evolution curve achieves a steady-state value related to the effective adhesive energy of the interface. This behaviour is explained by examining the complex load transfer mechanism between the layers exerted by cellulose fibrils. A statistical approach is used for the computation of the effective adhesive energy. It is argued that the observed force–displacement evolution law may be satisfactory described by a stochastic model that depends on the distribution function of the fibrils strength, and on two geometrical distribution functions related to the in-plane and out-of-plane fibrils angles with respect to the undeformed interface configuration. Some applications of the proposed model are demonstrated on examples.
Grey-system-theory-based model for the prediction of track geometry quality
Authors: Xin Tao , Famurewa Stephen M , Gao Liang , Kumar Uday , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2015

The quality of track geometry is an important aspect in railway engineering, as it reflects any deviations and thus the actual condition of a track. Monitoring and prediction of a relevant geometry quality parameter provides an opportunity for effective maintenance, thus creating the advantages of extending the life of the asset, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing possession time requirements. Effective maintenance practice requires a good understanding of the behaviour of track structures over time and also prediction of its condition using only a few inputs. This paper presents a grey-system-theory-based model for predicting track irregularity. Three variants of the grey model are presented and their performances are compared with simple linear and exponential models. Regression models and the grey-system-theory-based models are used to obtain the standard deviation of the longitudinal level from a series of geometry inspection data. The overall performances of the models are evaluated in terms of the regression and prediction accuracies, and it is shown that a Fourier series modification of the grey model has the best performance and the minimum error. The contribution of this paper is the creation of a prediction model for track geometry quality, which is essential for planning and scheduling of preventive geometry maintenance.
Modelling and estimation of HIV prevalence and number of people living with HIV in India, 2010–2011
Authors: Raj Yujwal , Sahu Damodar , Pandey Arvind , Venkatesh S , Reddy DCS , Bakkali Taoufik , Das Chinmoyee , Singh Kh Jitenkumar , Kant Shashi , Bhattacharya M , Stover John , Jha Ugra Mohan , Kumar Pradeep , Mishra Ram Manohar , Chandra Nalini , Gulati BK , Mathur Sharad , Joshi Deepika , Chavan L
Published: October 2015

This paper provides HIV estimation methodology used in India and key HIV estimates for 2010–2011. We used a modified version of the Spectrum tool that included an Estimation and Projection Package as part of its AIDS Impact Module. Inputs related to population size, age-specific pattern of fertility, gender-ratio at birth, age and gender-specific pattern of mortality, and volume and age–gender distribution of net migration were derived from census records, the Sample Registration System and large-scale demographic health surveys. Epidemiological and programmatic data were derived from HIV sentinel surveillance, large-scale epidemiological surveys and the programme management information system. Estimated adult HIV prevalence retained a declining trend in India, following its peak in 2002 at a level of 0.41% (within bounds 0.35–0.47%). By 2010 and 2011, it levelled at estimates of 0.28% (0.24–0.34%) and 0.27% (0.22–0.33%), respectively. The estimated number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) reduced by 8% between 2007 and 2011. While children accounted for approximately 6.3% of total HIV infections in 2007, this proportion increased to about 7% in 2011. With changing priorities and epidemic patterns, the programme has to customise its strategies to effectively address the emerging vulnerabilities and adapt them to suit the requirements of different geographical regions.
Intestinal spirochaetosis causing chronic diarrhoea in a patient with HIV infection
Authors: Warren Sian , Freedman Andrew , Lomax Nicola , Christian Adam
Published: October 2015

A 36-year-old Caucasian homosexual man was found to have HIV infection on routine screening. He had an eight-year history of chronic diarrhoea, which pre-dated the HIV diagnosis and did not improve after the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy. After referral to the Gastroenterology department, he underwent fibreoptic colonoscopy. Colonic biopsies revealed the presence of intestinal spirochaetosis. He received a two-week course of metronidazole, which led to complete resolution of his diarrhoea. Intestinal spirochaetosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with HIV infection and chronic diarrhoea without other apparent cause.