bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Analysis on Thermophysical Properties of Al2O3/CuO Hybrid Nano Fluid with its Effects on Flat Plate Solar Collector
Authors: Tahat Montasser S. , Benim Ali Cemal
Published: April 2017

Hybrid nanofluid is the new generation of heat transfer fluid for various heat transfer applications where transport characteristics are substantially higher than the base liquid. The study presents an experimental investigation of rheological and thermophysical properties of Al2O3/ CuO hybrid nanoparticles suspended in 25:75 (by weight) ethylene glycol and water mixture. This manuscript presents experimental work of thermophysical properties of Al2O3/CuO/water/ethylene glycol hybrid nanofluids and its effect on thermal efficiency of flat plate solar collector. Nanofluids of particle volume percentage of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% were tested. Results show that thermal conductivity, viscosity and density increases with nanoparticles concentration. The efficiency of the collector was improved by 45% by increasing the nanoparticle weight fraction.
MHD Mixed Convection Slip Flow of Radiating Casson Fluid with Entropy Generation in a Channel Filled with Porous Media
Authors: Eegunjobi Adetayo Samuel , Makinde Oluwole Daniel
Published: April 2017

In this paper, both first and second laws of thermodynamics are employed to investigate the combined effects of magnetic field, buoyancy force, velocity slip, suction/injection, porous medium permeability, thermal radiation absorption, viscous and Joule heating on mixed convective flow of an electrical conducting Casson fluid in a vertical channel. The dimensionless governing equations are obtained and solved numerically using a shooting technique coupled with a fourth order Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integration scheme. The influence of various thermophysical parameters on velocity and temperature profiles, skin friction, Nusselt number, entropy generation rate and Bejan number are presented graphically and discussed quantitatively. It is found that with appropriate combination of thermophysical parameter values the entropy generation rate in the presence of an applied magnetic field can successfully.
Spatial variation of important mulberry pests and their natural enemies
Authors: Mohan A. , Ravikumar J. , Senthilkumar D.
Published: April 2017

Mulberry is a silkworm food plant (Bombyxmori. L) that is seriously affected by many insect pests. The incidence of Diaphania pulverulentalis (Hampson), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink), Aleurodiscus dispersus (Russels) and Pseudodendrothrips mori (Niwa) and their natural enemies, viz. coccinellids and spiders (/100 plants), were observed through survey and surveillance for 3 months. In February 2013, the incidence of insect pests in Vaikkalpattarai and Reddipudur villages (India) was: D. pulverulentalis, 1.20 and 0.85%; P. marginatus, 6.80 and 33.10%; P. mori 42.98 and 45.50%, respectively. Further, the infestation of M. hirsutus (1.40%) and A. dispersus (59.72%) was also observed in February at Vaikkalpattarai. The population of coccinellids was high in December (1.02 and 0.84/100 plants), but the spider population was even higher in February and January (1.04 and 1.81/100 plants). Population of pests had a significant positive correlation with relative humidity. The population of coccinellids and spiders have positive correlation with temperature and mulberry pests infestation. The natural enemies observed in the study were mostly the ladybird beetles, Psyllobora bisoctonotata and unidentified species of spiders.
Efficacy of chlorpyrifos and fipronil in relation to soil depths against subterranean termites
Authors: Ahmed S. , Hassan B. , Yaqoob M.M. , Nisar M.S. , Rashid A.
Published: April 2017

The present studies aimed at finding the best concentration of chlorpyrifos and fipronil following mixing with the same and different soil depths in laboratory and field trials. Barrier efficacy of these insecticides was measured by determining wood weight loss kept as bait on the treated soils in the field experiment and length of galleries in the laboratory experiments. Results showed that termites were able to penetrate galleries treated with both insecticides at variable distances. Length of gallery and repellence was concentration dependent. Five percent concentration of both insecticides at 45 cm was the best treatment in comparison with other combination of concentration and soil depths. Maximum gallery length and repellence was observed after the application of chlorpyrifos in comparison with fipronil. Fipronil applied at different concentrations following mixing with the same and with different soil depths was the best treatment as a standard pre-construction step.
First evidence of Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) feeding on rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Lupi D. , Dioli P. , Limonta L.
Published: April 2017

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) is a pest of numerous annual and perennial crops. Additional distribution records for H. halys are provided from northern Italy where rice is cultivated, and the presence of adults feeding on panicles gives the first evidence of an association between this pest and rice (Oryza sativa L.), a crop not previously recorded as a host plant.
Sport Concussion Management Using Facebook: A Feasibility Study of an Innovative Adjunct “iCon”
Authors: Ahmed Osman Hassan , Schneiders Anthony G. , McCrory Paul R. , Sullivan S. John
Published: April 2017

Context: 

Sport concussion is currently the focus of much international attention. Innovative methods to assist athletic trainers in facilitating management after this injury need to be investigated.

Objective: 

To investigate the feasibility of using a Facebook concussion-management program termed iCon (interactive concussion management) to facilitate the safe return to play (RTP) of young persons after sport concussion.

Design: 

Observational study.

Setting: 

Facebook group containing interactive elements, with moderation and support from trained health care professionals.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Eleven participants (n = 9 men, n = 2 women; range, 18 to 28 years old) completed the study.

Data Collection and Analysis: 

The study was conducted over a 3-month period, with participant questionnaires administered preintervention and postintervention. The primary focus was on the qualitative experiences of the participants and the effect of iCon on their RTP. Usage data were also collected.

Results: 

At the completion of the study, all participants (100%) stated that they would recommend an intervention such as iCon to others. Their supporting quotes all indicated that iCon has the potential to improve the management of concussion among this cohort. Most participants (n = 9, 82%) stated they were better informed with regard to their RTP due to participating in iCon.

Conclusions: 

This interactive adjunct to traditional concussion management was appreciated among this participant group, which indicates the feasibility of a future, larger study of iCon. Athletic trainers should consider the role that multimedia technologies may play in assisting with the management of sport concussion.
Using Magnetic Resonance Myelography to Improve Interobserver Agreement in the Evaluation of Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis and Root Compression
Authors: Al-Tameemi Haider Najim , Al-Essawi Sattar , Shukri Mahmud , Naji Farah Kasim
Published: April 2017

Study Design

Cross-sectional retrospective study designed to assess interobserver agreement.

Purpose

To investigate if interobserver agreement using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of lumbar spinal canal stenosis and root compression can be improved upon combination with magnetic resonance myelography (MRM).

Overview of Literature

The interpretation of lumbar spinal MRI, which is the imaging modality of choice, often has a significant influence on the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain. However, using MRI alone, substantial interobserver variability has been reported in the evaluation of lumbar spinal canal stenosis and nerve root compression.

Methods

Hardcopies of 30 lumbar spinal MRI (containing a total of 150 disk levels) as well as MRM films were separately reviewed by two radiologists and a neurosurgeon. At each intervertebral disk, the observers were asked to evaluate the thecal sac for the presence and degree of spinal stenoses (mild, moderate, or severe) and presence of root canal compression. Interobserver agreement was measured using weighted kappa statistics.

Results

Regarding lumbar spinal canal stenosis, interobserver agreement between the two radiologists was moderate (kappa, 0.4) for MRI and good (kappa, 0.6) for combination with MRM. However, the agreement between the radiologist and neurosurgeon remained fair for MRI alone or in combination with MRM (kappa, 0.38 and 033, respectively). In the evaluation of nerve root compression, interobserver agreement between the radiologists improved from moderate (kappa, 0.57) for MRI to good (kappa, 0.73) after combination with MRM; moderate agreement between the radiologist and neurosurgeon was noted for both MRI alone and after combination with MRM (kappa, 0.58 and 0.56, respectively).

Conclusions

Interobserver agreement in the evaluation of lumbar spinal canal stenosis and root compression between the radiologists improved when MRM was combined with MRI, relative to MRI alone.
Radiographic Analysis of the Lumbosacral Juncture: Is There a Critical Sacral Angle for Total Disc Replacement?
Authors: Arunakul Rattalerk , Metzger Melodie , Kanim Linda , Bae Hyun , Kropf Michael , Delamarter Rick
Published: April 2017

Study Design

Retrospective review of a patient cohort through a prospective study.

Purpose

To determine whether there are correlations between radiographic measurements, including sacral slope (SS) and pelvic incidence (PI), and self-reported clinical outcomes among single-level L5/S1 ProDisc-L patients.

Overview of Literature

The lumbosacral juncture presents unique biomechanical challenges with respect to artificial disc replacement (ADR) because of its orientation and consequential shear loading. Reports of inferior outcomes at L5/S1 compared to those of the outcomes at the levels above, including increased facet joint pain, suggest a relationship with the sacral inclination at L5/S1.

Methods

Plain standing lateral radiographs of 71 patients (age, 26–65 years) who underwent ADR at L5/S1 for degenerative disc disease were reviewed. SS and PI were measured based on pretreatment and initial follow-up standing films. Patient's average adjusted self assessments included the Oswestry disability index and visual analog scale for pain 2 years after ADR. Correlation coefficients were computed to evaluate relationships between radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate multivariate relationships among factors, including radiographic parameters, body mass index (BMI), and clinical outcomes.

Results

SS and PI values were obtained from 71 patients. The average SS was 33.3° and average PI was 39.9°. At the 24-month follow-up, no significant correlations (p≥0.05) were observed between radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes. BMI, age, and sex did not explain any variability in the relationships between clinical outcomes and SS and PI.

Conclusions

We reviewed a large range of SS angles and found no associations between SS, PI, or BMI and clinical outcomes after ADR at L5/S1. These preliminary results demonstrate that ADR provided maintainence of pain relief and functional improvement for a wide range of SS angles, suggesting that steeper angles are not a contraindication for ADR.
A Prospective Study of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Zero-Profile Cage Screw Implants for Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Is Segmental Lordosis Maintained at 2 Years?
Authors: Basu Saumyajit , Rathinavelu Sreeramalingam
Published: April 2017

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Purpose

To study clinicoradiological parameters of zero-profile cage screw used for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Overview of Literature

Radiological parameters of various implants used for ACDF are available, but those for zero-profile cage are sparse.

Methods

Patients with unilateral intractable brachialgia due to single-level cervical disc prolapse between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2014 were included. Clinical assessment included arm and neck pain using visual analogue score (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) scores. Radiological assessment included motion segment height, adjacent disc height (upper and lower), segmental and cervical lordosis, implant subsidence, and pseudoarthrosis. Follow-ups were scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Results

Thirty-four patients (26 males, 8 females) aged 30–50 years (mean, 42.2) showed excellent clinical improvement based on VAS scores (7.4–0 for arm and 2.0–0.6 for neck pains). Postoperative disc height improved by 11.33% (p<0.001), but at 2 years, the score deteriorated by 7.03% (p<0.001). Difference in the adjacent segment disc height at 2 years was 0.08% (p=0.8) in upper and 0.16% (p<0.001) in lower disc spaces. Average segmental lordosis achieved was 5.59° (p<0.001) from a preoperative kyphosis of 0.88°; at 2 years, an average loss of 7.05° (p<0.001) occurred, resulting in an average segmental kyphosis of 1.38°. Cervical lordosis improved from 11.59° to 14.88° (p=0.164), and at 2 years, it progressively improved to 22.59° (p<0.001). Three patients showed bone formation and two mild protrusion of the implant at 2 years without pseudoarthrosis/implant failure.

Conclusions

The zero-profile cage screw device provides good fusion and cervical lordosis but is incapable of maintaining the segmental lordosis achieved up to a 2-year follow-up. We also recommend caution when using it in patients with small vertebrae.
Does Discontinuing Teriparatide Treatment and Replacing It with Bisphosphonate Maintain the Volume of the Bone Fusion Mass after Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis?
Authors: Ohtori Seiji , Orita Sumihisa , Yamauchi Kazuyo , Eguchi Yawara , Aoki Yasuchika , Nakamura Junichi , Suzuki Miyako , Kubota Gou , Inage Kazuhide , Shiga Yasuhiro , Abe Koki , Fujimoto Kazuki , Kanamoto Hirohito , Inoue Masahiro , Kinoshita Hideyuki , Furuya Takeo , Koda Masao
Published: April 2017

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether discontinuing teriparatide treatment and replacing it with bisphosphonate treatment maintains the volume of the fusion mass after posterolateral fusion (PLF) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Overview of Literature

Clinical data support the efficacy of parathyroid hormone (PTH) for lumbar PLF. However, the use of PTH is limited to 2 years.

Methods

We treated 19 women diagnosed with osteoporosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis with teriparatide (20 µg daily subcutaneously). All patients underwent one-level instrumented PLF. Teriparatide was used during 2 months prior to surgery and more than 8 months after surgery. After discontinuing teriparatide treatment, all patients used bisphosphonate (17.5 mg risedronate weekly, oral administration). Area of the fusion mass across the transverse processes at one segment was determined on an anteroposterior radiograph at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery.

Results

We followed 19 patients for 3 years. The average duration of teriparatide treatment was 11.5 months. The bone union rate was 95%. The average area of the bone fusion mass was not significantly different between the right and left sides at 1, 2, or 3 years after surgery (p>0.05).

Conclusions

This study showed that replacing teriparatide treatment with bisphosphonate maintained the bone fusion mass volume after PLF in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Driving Safety after Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alhammoud Abduljabbar , Alkhalili Kenan , Hannallah Jack , Ibeche Bashar , Bajammal Sohail , Baco Abdul Moeen
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to assess driving reaction times (DRTs) after spinal surgery to establish a timeframe for safe resumption of driving by the patient postoperatively. The MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases were analyzed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) Statement for clinical studies that investigated changes in DRTs following cervical and lumbar spinal surgery. Changes in DRTs and patients' clinical presentation, pathology, anatomical level affected, number of spinal levels involved, type of intervention, pain level, and driving skills were assessed. The literature search identified 12 studies that investigated postoperative DRTs. Six studies met the inclusion criteria; five studies assessed changes in DRT after lumbar spine surgery and two studies after cervical spina surgery. The spinal procedures were selective nerve root block, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and lumbar fusion and/ordecompression. DRTs exhibited variable responses to spinal surgery and depended on the patients' clinical presentation, spinal level involved, and type of procedure performed. The evidence regarding the patients' ability to resume safe driving after spinal surgery is scarce. Normalization of DRT or a return of DRT to pre-spinal intervention level is a widely accepted indicator for safe driving, with variable levels of statistical significance owing to multiple confounding factors. Considerations of the type of spinal intervention, pain level, opioid consumption, and cognitive function should be factored in the assessment of a patient's ability to safely resume driving.
The Sraffian supermultiplier as an alternative closure for heterodox growth theory*
Authors: Serrano Franklin , Freitas Fabio
Published: April 2017

This paper aims to show that the Sraffian supermultiplier model provides an alternative closure for the heterodox analysis of economic growth. The new closure follows from the assumption of the existence of autonomous non-capacity-creating expenditures, which implies that the ratio of the average to the marginal propensity to save is an endogenous variable whose determination allows the marginal propensity to invest to determine the saving ratio without the need for changes in income distribution. Provided it is also assumed that capitalist competition leads to gradual changes in the marginal propensity to invest in order to adjust productive capacity to demand, the new closure (in contrast to the Cambridge and neo-Kaleckian closures) allows us to reconcile demand-led growth, exogenous distribution, and a tendency towards normal capacity utilization.
Application of Natural Language Processing and Network Analysis Techniques to Post-market Reports for the Evaluation of Dose-related Anti-Thymocyte Globulin Safety Patterns
Authors: Botsis Taxiarchis , Foster Matthew , Arya Nina , Kreimeyer Kory , Pandey Abhishek , Arya Deepa
Published: April 2017

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of automated dose and adverse event information retrieval in supporting the identification of safety patterns.

Methods: We extracted all rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (rATG) reports submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from the product’s initial licensure in April 16, 1984 through February 8, 2016. We processed the narratives using the Medication Extraction (MedEx) and the Event-based Text-mining of Health Electronic Records (ETHER) systems and retrieved the appropriate medication, clinical, and temporal information. When necessary, the extracted information was manually curated. This process resulted in a high quality dataset that was analyzed with the Pattern-based and Advanced Network Analyzer for Clinical Evaluation and Assessment (PANACEA) to explore the association of rATG dosing with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).

Results: Although manual curation was necessary to improve the data quality, MedEx and ETHER supported the extraction of the appropriate information. We created a final dataset of 1,380 cases with complete information for rATG dosing and date of administration. Analysis in PANACEA found that PTLD was associated with cumulative doses of rATG >8 mg/kg, even in periods where most of the submissions to FAERS reported low doses of rATG.

Conclusion: We demonstrated the feasibility of investigating a dose-related safety pattern for a particular product in FAERS using a set of automated tools.

Citation: Botsis T, Foster M, Arya N, Kreimeyer K, Pandey A, Arya D. Application of natural language processing and network analysis techniques to post-market reports for the evaluation of dose-related anti-thymocyte globulin safety patterns. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 396–411 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2016-10-RA-0169
Editorial
Authors: Brown Alison
Published: April 2017

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Successful, safe and sustainable cities: towards a New Urban Agenda
Authors: Satterthwaite David
Published: April 2017

There is a growing interest among national governments and international agencies in the contribution of urban centres to sustainable development. The paper outlines the new global agendas to guide this: the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda. It then sets out the key challenges and opportunities facing urban governments across the Commonwealth in implementing these agendas and achieving inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. This is hampered by significant infrastructure deficits (especially in provision for water and sanitation) and a lack of funding. After outlining the commitments agreed by national governments in these global agendas, the paper discusses the vital role in meeting these of city leadership, financing and investment, urban planning and local economic development. Whilst it is good to see recognition of the importance of cities to national economies, economic success in any city does not automatically contribute to a healthier city, a more inclusive city or a sustainable city. This needs capable and accountable urban governments working closely with local civil society, and the redirection of public funds and development assistance to support them.
The ward sabha in Bangladesh – lessons from Kerala and West Bengal
Authors: Ahmed Tofail
Published: April 2017

Under the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act 2009, the legal provisions for ward sabha (ward councils) remain non-functional since implementation of the Act in 2011. This policy note attempts to outline the limitations of the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act 2009. The study also provides a few practical recommendations which may need further amendment of the relevant laws in Bangladesh. The amendment may also broaden the scope and activity of the ward sabha as a forum for promoting deliberative democracy. However, consideration should be given to reducing the role of the ward sabha as an executive agency as it is insufficiently resourced to perform the executive functions outlined in the 2009 Act; rather the immense potential of the ward sabha as a forum for wider deliberation across all the elected bodies should be exploited.
Review – Cities and Agriculture
Authors: Mosha Aloysius Clemence
Published: April 2017

As people increasingly migrate to urban settings and with more than half of the world’s population now living in cities, it is vital to plan and provide for sustainable and resilient food systems which reflect this challenge. The book ‘Cities and Agriculture’ presents experience and evidence on key dimensions of urban food challenges and types of intra-and peri-urban agriculture, in 15 extremely well-researched and written chapters. The book has shed light on an urban challenge that has been ignored for a long time in urban studies as well as in urban policies and planning, i.e. food-provisioning. Neglecting the dynamics and sustainability of food provisioning in scientific research on sustainable urban development is a serious omission, because feeding cities arguably has a greater social and physical impact on us and our planet than anything else we do.
The Greenway social housing estate: lessons in community development
Authors: Taylor Chris , Donoghue Jed
Published: April 2017

Greenway is a self-contained estate for social housing tenants in the North Sydney local government area of Sydney, Australia. When Greenway opened in 1954 local newspapers reported on the modern, all electric units providing living opportunities for working people.  By 2007 social isolation and anti-social behaviour at Greenway were regularly reported by the local press.  The revitalisation of the Greenway estate occurred with the arrival of new residents who were keen to be actively involved in community development and stand for election to the Greenway Tenants Group (GTG).  North Sydney Council supports the GTG with grants and expertise when required and also conducts elections on behalf of the tenants group.
Investigation of the aerosol–cloud–rainfall association over the Indian summer monsoon region
Authors: Sarangi Chandan , Tripathi Sachchida Nand , Kanawade Vijay P. , Koren Ilan , Pai D. Sivanand
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Monsoonal rainfall is the primary source of surface water in India. Using 12 years of in situ and satellite observations, we examined the association of aerosol loading with cloud fraction, cloud top pressure, cloud top temperature, and daily surface rainfall over the Indian summer monsoon region (ISMR). Our results showed positive correlations between aerosol loading and cloud properties as well as rainfall. A decrease in outgoing longwave radiation and an increase in reflected shortwave radiation at the top of the atmosphere with an increase in aerosol loading further indicates a possible seminal role of aerosols in the deepening of cloud systems. Significant perturbation in liquid- and ice-phase microphysics was also evident over the ISMR. For the polluted cases, delay in the onset of collision–coalescence processes and an enhancement in the condensation efficiency allows for more condensate mass to be lifted up to the mixed colder phases. This results in the higher mass concentration of larger-sized ice-phase hydrometeors and, therefore, implies that the delayed rain processes eventually lead to more surface rainfall. A numerical simulation of a typical rainfall event case over the ISMR using a spectral bin microphysical scheme coupled with the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF-SBM) model was also performed. Simulated microphysics also illustrated that the initial suppression of warm rain coupled with an increase in updraft velocity under high aerosol loading leads to enhanced super-cooled liquid droplets above freezing level and ice-phase hydrometeors, resulting in increased accumulated surface rainfall. Thus, both observational and numerical analysis suggest that high aerosol loading may induce cloud invigoration, thereby increasing surface rainfall over the ISMR. While the meteorological variability influences the strength of the observed positive association, our results suggest that the persistent aerosol-associated deepening of cloud systems and an intensification of surface rain amounts was applicable to all the meteorological sub-regimes over the ISMR. Hence, we believe that these results provide a step forward in our ability to address aerosol–cloud–rainfall associations based on satellite observations over the ISMR.
Direct radiative effect of carbonaceous aerosols from crop residue burning during the summer harvest season in East China
Authors: Yao Huan , Song Yu , Liu Mingxu , Archer-Nicholls Scott , Lowe Douglas , McFiggans Gordon , Xu Tingting , Du Pin , Li Jianfeng , Wu Yusheng , Hu Min , Zhao Chun , Zhu Tong
Published: April 2017

Abstract. East China experiences extensive crop residue burnings in fields during harvest season. The direct radiative effect (DRE) of carbonaceous aerosols from crop residue burning in June 2013 in East China was investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). Absorption of organic aerosol (OA) in the presence of brown carbon was considered using the parameterization of Saleh et al. (2014), in which the imaginary part of the OA refractive index is a function of wavelength and the ratio of black carbon (BC) and OA. The carbonaceous emissions from crop fires were estimated using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) fire radiative power (FRP) product with a localized crop-burning-sourced BC-to-organic carbon (OC) ratio emission ratio of 0.27. Evaluation of the model results with in situ measurements of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2. 5) chemical composition, MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD) detections and meteorological observations showed that this model was able to reproduce the magnitude, spatial variation and optical characteristics of carbonaceous aerosol pollution. The observed BC and OC peak concentrations at the site in Suixi, Anhui province, during the 2013 wheat burning season reached 55.3 µg m−3 and 157.9 µg m−3. WRF-Chem simulations reproduced these trends with a correlation coefficient of 0.74, estimating that crop residue burning contributed 86 and 90 % of peak BC and OC, respectively. The simulated hourly DRE from crop residue burning at the top of atmosphere (TOA) reached a maximum of +22.66 W m−2 at the Suixi site. On average, the simulations showed that the crop residue burning introduced a net positive DRE of +0.14 W m−2 at TOA throughout East China, with BC from this source as the main heating contributor (+0.79 W m−2). The OA DRE from crop burning (−0.22 W m−2) was a combined effect of the positive DRE of absorption (+0.21 W m−2) and a stronger negative DRE of scattering (−0.43 W m−2). Sensitivity tests showed that the DRE of OA absorption strongly depended on the imaginary part of the OA refractive index, the BC-to-OA emission ratio from crop residue burning and the assumed mixing state of the aerosol, whereby the volume mixing treatment resulted in a higher positive DRE compared to the core–shell treatment. The BC mixing state and associated absorption enhancement during BC aging processes will be investigated in detail in future research.
Merged ozone profiles from four MIPAS processors
Authors: Laeng Alexandra , von Clarmann Thomas , Stiller Gabriele , Dinelli Bianca Maria , Dudhia Anu , Raspollini Piera , Glatthor Norbert , Grabowski Udo , Sofieva Viktoria , Froidevaux Lucien , Walker Kaley A. , Zehner Claus
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) was an infrared (IR) limb emission spectrometer on the Envisat platform. Currently, there are four MIPAS ozone data products, including the operational Level-2 ozone product processed at ESA, with the scientific prototype processor being operated at IFAC Florence, and three independent research products developed by the Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara (ISAC-CNR)/University of Bologna, Oxford University, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology–Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research/Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (KIT–IMK/IAA). Here we present a dataset of ozone vertical profiles obtained by merging ozone retrievals from four independent Level-2 MIPAS processors. We also discuss the advantages and the shortcomings of this merged product. As the four processors retrieve ozone in different parts of the spectra (microwindows), the source measurements can be considered as nearly independent with respect to measurement noise. Hence, the information content of the merged product is greater and the precision is better than those of any parent (source) dataset. The merging is performed on a profile per profile basis. Parent ozone profiles are weighted based on the corresponding error covariance matrices; the error correlations between different profile levels are taken into account. The intercorrelations between the processors' errors are evaluated statistically and are used in the merging. The height range of the merged product is 20–55 km, and error covariance matrices are provided as diagnostics. Validation of the merged dataset is performed by comparison with ozone profiles from ACE-FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment–Fourier Transform Spectrometer) and MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder). Even though the merging is not supposed to remove the biases of the parent datasets, around the ozone volume mixing ratio peak the merged product is found to have a smaller (up to 0.1 ppmv) bias with respect to ACE-FTS than any of the parent datasets. The bias with respect to MLS is of the order of 0.15 ppmv at 20–30 km height and up to 0.45 ppmv at larger altitudes. The agreement between the merged data MIPAS dataset with ACE-FTS is better than that with MLS. This is, however, the case for all parent processors as well.
A method for measuring total aerosol oxidative potential (OP) with the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay and comparisons between an urban and roadside site of water-soluble and total OP
Authors: Gao Dong , Fang Ting , Verma Vishal , Zeng Linghan , Weber Rodney
Published: April 2017

Abstract. An automated analytical system was developed for measuring the oxidative potential (OP) with the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay of filter extracts that include both water-soluble and water-insoluble (solid) aerosol species. Three approaches for measuring total oxidative potential were compared. These include using methanol as the solvent with (1) and without (2) filtering the extract, followed by removing the solvent and reconstituting with water, and (3) extraction in pure water and performing the OP analysis in the extraction vial with the filter. The water extraction method (the third approach, with filter remaining in the vial) generally yielded highest DTT responses with better precision (coefficient of variation of 1–5 %), and was correlated with a greater number of other aerosol components. Because no organic solvents were used, which must be mostly eliminated prior to DTT analysis, it was the easiest to automate by modifying an automated analytical system for measuring water-soluble OP developed by Fang et al. (2015). Daily 23h filter samples were collected simultaneously at a roadside (RS) and a representative urban (GT) site for two one-month study periods, and both water-soluble (OPWS-DTT) and total (OPTotal-DTT) OP were measured. Using PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter
Impact of trace metal concentrations on coccolithophore growth and morphology: laboratory simulations of Cretaceous stress
Authors: Faucher Giulia , Hoffmann Linn , Bach Lennart T. , Bottini Cinzia , Erba Elisabetta , Riebesell Ulf
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The Cretaceous ocean witnessed intervals of profound perturbations such as volcanic input of large amounts of CO2, anoxia, eutrophication, and introduction of biologically relevant metals. Some of these extreme events were characterized by size reduction and/or morphological changes of a few calcareous nannofossil species. The correspondence between intervals of high trace metal concentrations and coccolith dwarfism suggests a negative effect of these elements on nannoplankton biocalcification process in past oceans. In order to verify this hypothesis, we explored the potential effect of a mixture of trace metals on growth and morphology of four living coccolithophore species, namely Emiliania huxleyi, Gephyrocapsa oceanica, Pleurochrysis carterae and Coccolithus pelagicus. These taxa are phylogenetically linked to the Mesozoic species showing dwarfism under excess metal concentrations. The trace metals tested were chosen to simulate the environmental stress identified in the geological record and upon known trace metal interaction with living coccolithophores algae. Our laboratory experiments demonstrated that elevated trace metal concentrations not only affect coccolithophore algae production but, similarly to the fossil record, coccolith size and/or weight. Smaller coccoliths were detected in E. huxleyi and C. pelagicus, while coccoliths of G. oceanica showed a decrease in size only at the highest trace metal concentrations. P. carterae coccolith size was unresponsive for changing trace metal amounts. These differences among species allow to discriminate most- (P. carterae), intermediate- (E. huxleyi), and least- (C. pelagicus and G. oceanica) tolerant taxa. The fossil record and the experimental results converge on a selective response of coccolithophores to metal availability. These species-specific differences must be considered before morphological features of coccoliths are used to reconstruct paleo-chemical conditions.
“Creative city” policy mobilities as transformation of dispositives – arrangements of “networking” in the European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg
Authors: Ortegel Moritz
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Following the calls for context-sensitive policy mobility research, I propose to analyze policy mobilities as transformation of dispositives. Michel Foucault's context-sensitive notion of dispositive stresses the context-specific, heterogeneous relations between linguistic and non-linguistic practices, subjectivities and materialities as well as the influence of power/knowledge and sedimented features in policymaking. These sensitivities are valuable contributions to policy mobility research. I draw on empirical research on creative city policies, which are re-embedded in the European Metropolitan Region of Nuremberg, to illustrate that line of argumentation. I reconstruct and compare related (sub-)dispositives: the mobile creative city policies, the historical and current contexts of the policies' re-embedding. Consequently, I use arrangements of networking as an empirical lens to understand the differing logics that shape the re-embedding of creative city policies in the European Metropolitan Region Nuremberg and the mutual transformation of policies and their contexts.
The Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project (CFMIP)
Diagnostic Codes Catalogue – metrics, diagnostics and
methodologies to evaluate, understand and improve the
representation of clouds and cloud feedbacks in climate models
Authors: Tsushima Yoko , Brient Florent , Klein Stephen A. , Konsta Dimitra , Nam Christine , Qu Xin , Williams Keith D. , Sherwood Steven C. , Suzuki Kentaroh , Zelinka Mark D.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The CFMIP Diagnostic Codes Catalogue assembles cloud metrics, diagnostics and methodologies, together with programs to diagnose them from General Circulation Model (GCM) outputs written by various members of the CFMIP community. This aims to facilitate use of the diagnostics by the wider community studying climate and climate change. This paper describes the diagnostics and metrics which are currently in the catalogue, together with examples of their application to model evaluation studies and a summary of some of the insights these diagnostics have provided on the main shortcomings in current GCMs. Analysis of outputs from CFMIP and CMIP6 experiments will also be facilitated by the sharing of diagnostic codes via this catalogue. Any code which implements diagnostics relevant to analysing clouds – including cloud-circulation interactions and the contribution of clouds to estimates of climate sensitivity in models – and which is documented in peer-reviewed studies can be included in the catalogue. We very much welcome additional contributions to further support community analysis of CMIP6 outputs.
The relationship between intraseasonal tropical variability and
ENSO simulated by the CMIP5
Authors: Matveeva Tatiana , Gushchina Daria
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This study evaluates the simulation of relationship between intraseasonal tropical variability (ITV) and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in 23 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phase 5 (CMIP5) in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). As a first step, the models' skill in simulating ENSO diversity is assessed, which indicates that 16 models among 23 are able to simulate realistically the statistics of the relative size of two types of El Niño. The characteristics of the ITV are then documented revealing that only five models (CMCC-CM, CCSM4, BNU-ESM, INMCM4 and MIROC5) simulate realistically the parameters crucial for proper reproducing of ITV contribution to the El Niño, in particular the total variability, seasonal cycle and propagation along the equator of Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) and convectively coupled equatorial Rossby waves (ER). At last step the ITV/ENSO relationship in the models are analyzed and compared to observation. It is shown that the key aspects of this interaction such as phase lag between ITV peak activity and El Niño peak and longitude localization of maximum correlation between ITV and ENSO is realistically simulated by CMCC-CM and MIROC5 for MJO and CMCC-CM and INMCM4 for equatorial Rossby waves. These models are capable to reproduce the distinct MJO and ER behavior associated to the two El Niño flavors. Aforementioned models may be used for the investigation of the sensitivity of the ITV/ENSO seasonal dependence to global warming.
Validation of a new SAFRAN-based gridded precipitation product for Spain and comparisons to Spain02 and ERA-Interim
Authors: Quintana-Seguí Pere , Turco Marco , Herrera Sixto , Miguez-Macho Gonzalo
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Offline land surface model (LSM) simulations are useful for studying the continental hydrological cycle. Because of the nonlinearities in the models, the results are very sensitive to the quality of the meteorological forcing; thus, high-quality gridded datasets of screen-level meteorological variables are needed. Precipitation datasets are particularly difficult to produce due to the inherent spatial and temporal heterogeneity of that variable. They do, however, have a large impact on the simulations, and it is thus necessary to carefully evaluate their quality in great detail. This paper reports the quality of two high-resolution precipitation datasets for Spain at the daily time scale: the new SAFRAN-based dataset and Spain02. SAFRAN is a meteorological analysis system that was designed to force LSMs and has recently been extended to the entirety of Spain for a long period of time (1979/1980–2013/2014). Spain02 is a daily precipitation dataset for Spain and was created mainly to validate regional climate models. In addition, ERA-Interim is included in the comparison to show the differences between local high-resolution and global low-resolution products. The study compares the different precipitation analyses with rain gauge data and assesses their temporal and spatial similarities to the observations. The validation of SAFRAN with independent data shows that this is a robust product. SAFRAN and Spain02 have very similar scores, although the latter slightly surpasses the former. The scores are robust with altitude and throughout the year, save perhaps in summer when a diminished skill is observed. As expected, SAFRAN and Spain02 perform better than ERA-Interim, which has difficulty capturing the effects of the relief on precipitation due to its low resolution. However, ERA-Interim reproduces spells remarkably well in contrast to the low skill shown by the high-resolution products. The high-resolution gridded products overestimate the number of precipitation days, which is a problem that affects SAFRAN more than Spain02 and is likely caused by the interpolation method. Both SAFRAN and Spain02 underestimate high precipitation events, but SAFRAN does so more than Spain02. The overestimation of low precipitation events and the underestimation of intense episodes will probably have hydrological consequences once the data are used to force a land surface or hydrological model.
Application of a new model using productivity coupled with hydrothermal factors (PCH) for evaluating net primary productivity of grassland in southern China
Authors: Sun Zheng-Guo , Liu Jie , Tang Hai-Yang
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Grassland ecosystems play important roles in the global carbon cycle. The net primary productivity (NPP) of grassland ecosystems has become the hot spot of terrestrial ecosystems. To simulate grassland NPP in southern China, a new model using productivity coupled with hydrothermal factors (PCH) was built and validated based on data recorded from 2003 to 2014. The results show a logarithmic correlation between grassland NPP and mean annual temperature and a linear positive correlation between grassland NPP and mean annual precipitation in southern China, both highly significant relationships. There was a highly significant correlation between simulated and measured NPP (R2 = 0. 8027). Both RMSE and relative root mean square error (RRMSE) were relatively low, showing that the simulation results of the model were reliable. The NPP values in the study area had a decreasing trend from east to west and south to north. Mean NPP was 471.62 g C m−2 from 2003 to 2014. Additionally, the mean annual NPP of southern grassland presented a rising trend, increasing 3.49 g C m−2 yr−1 during the past 12 years. These results document performance and use of a new method to estimate the grassland NPP in southern China.
RESISTÊNCIA A COMPRESSÃO EM TESTEMUNHO DE CONCRETO: INFLUÊNCIA DO FATOR DE ESBELTEZ, DIÂMETRO DA AMOSTRA E MÉTODO DE EXTRAÇÃO
Authors: Farias de Medeiros Marcelo Henrique , Brandão Capraro Ana Paula , Réus Giovana Costa , Escobedo Marcel Luiz
Published: April 2017

RESUMO: Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a influência dos fatores de forma nos ensaios de resistência à compressão em testemunhos de concreto. Para isso foram moldadas e extraídas amostras de concreto de 20 e 30 MPa. Variou-se o diâmetro da base das amostras (50 e 100mm) e sua esbeltez (de 1 a 3). Para verificar a diferença entre amostras moldadas e extraídas, no momento da fabricação do concreto foram moldados corpos de prova de 100 x 200 mm e dois blocos de 500 x 630 x 270 mm de onde os testemunhos foram extraídos. Os dados indicam que os valores de resistência à compressão obtidos em testemunhos de 50 mm de diâmetro tenderam a ser mais baixos do que os obtidos com 100 mm. A magnitude desta diferença é afetada pelo nível de resistência do concreto avaliado. Além disso, a resistência dos testemunhos extraídos foi menor ou igual à obtida em corpos de prova moldados, mesmo mantendo as condições de cura constantes entre o bloco e os corpos de prova normalizados. Dessa forma, o que pode ser concluído neste estudo é que, a resistência real da estrutura é minorada pelo procedimento da extração, sendo este influenciado por diversos fatores. Dentre as possíveis variáveis da extração, o diâmetro foi um fator que demonstrou influência significativa na propriedade do material ensaiado

ABSTRACT: This study aims to evaluate the influence of shape ratio in compressive strength tests. Concrete specimens with 20 and 30 MPa was made and extracted. The diameter of the specimen’s base was 50 and 100mm and its slenderness ratio vary 1 to 3. To verify the difference between molded and samples taken at the time of manufacture of concrete molded bodies were evidence of 100 x 200 mm and two blocks of 500 x 630 x 270 mm where witnesses were extracted. The results indicated that the axial compressive strength values obtained with concrete cores extracted of 50 mm diameter tended to be lower than those obtained with 100 mm, and the magnitude of this difference is affected by the resistance level of the evaluated concrete. Furthermore, the resistance of concrete cores extracted was less than or equal to the obtained in the molded test specimens, while maintaining constant the curing conditions between the block and standard specimens. Thus, it can be concluded in this study is that the real strength of the structure is alleviated by the extraction procedure, which is influenced by several factors. Among the possible variables of extraction, the diameter was a factor that showed a significant influence on the property of the material tested.