bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Events of Intravesical OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection between Patients with Overactive Bladder and Interstitial Cystitis—Different Mechanisms of Action of Botox on Bladder Dysfunction?
Authors: Kuo Yuh-Chen , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: March 2016

Intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) injections have been proposed to treat both overactive bladder (OAB) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) in patients with refractory conditions. We compared adverse events (AEs) after BoNT-A treatment between IC/BPS and OAB in women. IC/BPS patients who failed conventional treatments were enrolled to receive suburothelial injections of BoNT-A (100 U) followed by hydrodistention. Age matched OAB female patients refractory to antimuscarinic agents underwent BoNT-A (100 U) injections. The bladder capacity, maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR), and voiding efficiency (VE) at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and the post-treatment AEs were analyzed between groups. Finally, 89 IC/BPS and 72 OAB women were included. In the OAB group, the bladder capacity and PVR increased, and VE decreased significantly at three and six months after BoNT-A treatment. In the IC/BPS group, the Qmax increased significantly at six months. There were significant differences in changes of capacity, Qmax, PVR and VE between the two groups. Moreover, OAB patients suffered more frequently from events of hematuria, UTI, and large PVR (>200 mL), but less frequently from events of straining to void. In conclusion, OAB women had higher PVR volume and lower VE than those in IC/BPS after BoNT-A injections. These results imply that the bladder contractility of OAB patients are more susceptible to BoNT-A, which might reflect the different mechanisms of action of Botox on bladder dysfunction. Further investigations to confirm this hypothesis are warranted.
La police administrative et les activités sportives de pleine nature
Authors: Carius Manuel
Published: March 2016

La nature est un des espaces privilégiés pour le développement du sport. Les pratiques sportives de pleine nature sont très diverses et connaissent une forte croissance. Néanmoins, la liberté d'action ou de passage du sportif se heurte à plusieurs obstacles juridiques. L'un est le droit de propriété touchant aux terrains ou sites qu'il emprunte, l'autre résulte de la réglementation établie par les autorités publiques : la police administrative. Les différentes autorités compétentes peuvent intervenir à plus d'un titre, mais le point commun de toutes leurs interventions est la protection de l'intérêt général. C'est l'intérêt général qui conduit à réguler les pratiques sportives de pleine nature, pour les rendre compatibles avec les autres usages de la nature, ou pour éviter que des accidents ne se produisent. Le rôle joué par les arrêtés de police administrative est lourd de conséquence. L'abstention ou les erreurs commises par l'administration dans le cadre de leur mission de réglementation pourront engager sa responsabilité, si un dommage a été causé. Ce risque est d'autant plus présent que les sports de pleine nature attirent un public nombreux et que les espaces concernés sont étendus. Mais les règles de mise en jeu de la responsabilité, administrative ou pénale, des autorités de police administrative tiennent compte de ces difficultés et tendent par divers moyens à équilibrer les rapports juridiques.
THE MAGNETIC CLASSIFICATION OF SOLAR ACTIVE REGIONS 1992–2015
Authors: Jaeggli S. A. , Norton A. A.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this Letter is to address a blindspot in our knowledge of solar active region (AR) statistics. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published results showing the variation of the Mount Wilson magnetic classifications as a function of solar cycle based on modern observations. We show statistics for all ARs reported in the daily Solar Region Summary from 1992 January 1 to 2015 December 31. We find that the α and β class ARs (including all sub-groups, e.g., βγ, βδ) make up fractions of approximately 20% and 80% of the sample, respectively. This fraction is relatively constant during high levels of activity; however, an increase in the α fraction to about 35% and and a decrease in the β fraction to about 65% can be seen near each solar minimum and are statistically significant at the 2σ level. Over 30% of all ARs observed during the years of solar maxima were appended with the classifications γ and/or δ, while these classifications account for only a fraction of a percent during the years near the solar minima. This variation in the AR types indicates that the formation of complex ARs may be due to the pileup of frequent emergence of magnetic flux during solar maximum, rather than the emergence of complex, monolithic flux structures.
Disability in Fibromyalgia Associates with Symptom Severity and Occupation Characteristics
Authors: Fitzcharles Mary-Ann , Ste-Marie Peter A. , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Sampalis John S. , Shir Yoram
Published: March 2016

Objective.

It is intuitive that disability caused by illness should be reflected in illness severity. Because disability rates for fibromyalgia (FM) are high in the developed world, we have examined disease and work characteristics for patients with FM who were working, unemployed, or receiving disability payments for disability as a result of FM.

Methods.

Of the 248 participants in a tertiary care cohort study of patients with FM, 90 were employed, 81 were not employed and not receiving disability payments, and 77 were not working and currently receiving disability payments awarded for disability caused by FM. Demographic, occupation, and disease characteristics were compared among the groups.

Results.

The prevalence of disability caused by FM was 30.8%. There were no demographic differences among the working, unemployed, or disabled patients. With the exception of measures for anxiety and depression, all measurements for disease severity differed significantly among the groups, with greater severity reported for the disabled group, which used more medications and participated less in physical activity. Disabled patients were more likely previously employed in manual professions or the service industry, whereas employed patients were more commonly working in non-manual jobs that included clerical, managerial, or professional occupations (p = 0.005).

Conclusion.

The one-third rate of disability for this Canadian cohort of patients with FM is in line with other reports from the western world. Associations of disability compensation were observed for subjective report of symptom severity, increased use of medications, and previous employment in more physically demanding jobs.
The Indian Ocean and Swahili Coast coins, international networks and local developments
Authors: Perkins John
Published: March 2016

The distinctive coinage of the Swahili Coast (c. 800–1500) has for a long time been seen as a barbarized coinage on the edge of the Islamic world, a product of colonial settlements of Arabs and Persians. With new evidence becoming available, the towns have taken their place as flourishing African trading ports, homogenously developed from local villages. One of the most durable remains of archaeological material culture in these towns, the coins, has not received the same attention, despite their being one of the keys to further understanding the Swahili stone towns. By deconstructing the previous hunt for precedents, it is argued that the coins are a stand-out marker of the Swahili stone town culture and not simply poor copies of other Islamic Indian Ocean coinages. However, their role both on the Swahili Coast and the Indian Ocean world is still poorly understood; and in the search for a clearer idea of their purpose, this paper not only looks at them from a local perspective, but also looks at the wider implications for coin use in the Indian Ocean trade.
L’immigration indentured à l’île Maurice, 1840-1870 : conditions, abus et résistance
Authors: Stanziani Alessandro
Published: March 2016

Cet article étudie l’engagisme à l’île Maurice entre les années 1840 et 1870. Il analyse en particulier les formes du travail, le niveau et les modalités de paiement des gages, les dettes et épargnes éventuelles, l’assistance médicale, le rapatriement. Comme ces aspects sont fortement différenciés d’un district à l’autre, voire d’une plantation à l’autre, nous essayerons de dépasser un cadre explicatif général valable pour l’ensemble de l’île. Cette échelle micro est indispensable afin d’aboutir à des analyses moins simplistes des formes de la dépendance. Sans vouloir renoncer à mettre en évidence des tendances et des explications générales, il est néanmoins important de rendre compte du fait que la plupart des modèles de la dépendance au travail – liant, par exemple, la coercition à la rareté de travail, à la taille de l’exploitation ou encore à l’accès au crédit et à l’endettement du propriétaire – méritent d’être discutés au sein de leurs contextes propres, en prenant en considération l’histoire particulière du domaine et de son propriétaire.
Divergent patterns in Indian Ocean trade to East Africa and southern Africa between the 7th and 17th centuries CE: The glass bead evidence
Authors: Wood Marilee
Published: March 2016

Glass beads form a large part of archaeological evidence attesting to Indian Ocean trade with eastern Africa between the 7th and 17th century CE, but they have generally been under-utilized by archaeologists in their efforts to understand and interpret that trade. Research in the past decade has identified seven bead series that were present in southern Africa during this time span, and chemical analysis has opened windows on the origins of the glasses used to make the beads. Together they facilitate the recreation of the changing trade patterns that will be explored here. In addition, the differences between the bead assemblages found on the northern and southern ends of the coast and the interior demonstrate that the two regions appear to have had different trade relations. The beads suggest that trade, or at least the trade in beads, to the south was never completely controlled by the north and at times may have been quite separate.
Chinese-style ceramics in East Africa from the 9th to 16th century: A case of changing value and symbols in the multi-partner global trade
Authors: Zhao Bing
Published: March 2016

In this case study dedicated to Chinese style ceramic sherds excavated from archeological sites in East Africa, we have made use of multiple approaches. First, from a local viewpoint, the density of Chinese style ceramic sherds at a site may be used as a measurement tool to evaluate the degree of its involvement in long distance trade. In concentrating on the analyses of regional and global contexts, we propose a tentative division of Chinese style ceramics found in East Africa according to four phases: phase I (ca. 800-950/80 CE), phase II (950/80-1220/50 CE), phase III (1220/50-1430/50 CE), phase IV (1430/50-1500/510 CE). Chinese-style ceramics travelled from the production sites in China and South-East Asia to East Africa, by passing successively from different regional networks, that formed the multi-partner global networks. Thus, the periodization of Chinese imports in East Africa appears to show that each phase appears to fall within a particular configuration of these successive trade networks.From the 12th century onwards, ceramics became the first Chinese exported goods in maritime trade. From the global context of Sino-Swahili trade, the inequitable nature of the cheap Chinese ceramics traded against highly valued African commodities should also be mentioned. Nevertheless, our study shows the powerful social symbolic of Chinese ceramics in the Swahili world. From the local lens, it is the phenomenon of a changing value of Chinese ceramics in the long-distance trade. Indeed the “exotic” character of Chinese style ceramics seems to have been intentionally valorized in cultural practices such as feasts. Consequently, these objects actively contributed to the expanding power of the merchant elite, who took full possession of it both materially and symbolically.
Implementing oral care to reduce aspiration pneumonia amongst patients with dysphagia in a South African setting
Authors: Seedat Jaishika , Penn Claire
Published: March 2016

Oral care is a crucial routine for patients with dysphagia that, when completed routinely, can prevent the development of aspiration pneumonia. There is no standardised protocol for oral care within government hospitals in South Africa. This study aimed to investigate the outcome of an oral care protocol. Participants were patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, with either stroke or traumatic brain injury as the underlying medical pathology, and nurses. All participants were recruited from one tertiary level government hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. 139 nurses participated in the study and received training on the oral care protocol. There were two groups of participants with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Group one (study group, n = 23) was recruited by consecutive sampling, received regular oral care and were not restricted from drinking water; however, all other liquids were restricted. Group two (comparison group, n = 23) was recruited via a retrospective record review, received inconsistent oral care and were placed on thickened liquids or liquid restricted diets. Results showed that a regimen of regular oral care and free water provision when combined with dysphagia intervention did prevent aspiration pneumonia in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. The article highlights two key findings: that regular and routine oral care is manageable within an acute government hospital context and a strict routine of oral care can reduce aspiration pneumonia in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. An implication from these findings is confirmation that teamwork in acute care settings in developing contexts must be prioritised to improve dysphagia management and patient prognosis.
The South African dysphagia screening tool (SADS): A screening tool for a developing context
Authors: Ostrofsky Calli , Seedat Jaishika
Published: March 2016

Background: Notwithstanding its value, there are challenges and limitations to implementing a dysphagia screening tool from a developed contexts in a developing context. The need for a reliable and valid screening tool for dysphagia that considers context, systemic rules and resources was identified to prevent further medical compromise, optimise dysphagia prognosis and ultimately hasten patients’ return to home or work.Methodology: To establish the validity and reliability of the South African dysphagia screening tool (SADS) for acute stroke patients accessing government hospital services. The study was a quantitative, non-experimental, correlational cross-sectional design with a retrospective component. Convenient sampling was used to recruit 18 speech-language therapists and 63 acute stroke patients from three South African government hospitals. The SADS consists of 20 test items and was administered by speech-language therapists. Screening was followed by a diagnostic dysphagia assessment. The administrator of the tool was not involved in completing the diagnostic assessment, to eliminate bias and prevent contamination of results from screener to diagnostic assessment. Sensitivity, validity and efficacy of the screening tool were evaluated against the results of the diagnostic dysphagia assessment. Cohen’s kappa measures determined inter-rater agreement between the results of the SADS and the diagnostic assessment.Results and conclusion: The SADS was proven to be valid and reliable. Cohen’s kappa indicated a high inter-rater reliability and showed high sensitivity and adequate specificity in detecting dysphagia amongst acute stroke patients who were at risk for dysphagia. The SADS was characterised by concurrent, content and face validity. As a first step in establishing contextual appropriateness, the SADS is a valid and reliable screening tool that is sensitive in identifying stroke patients at risk for dysphagia within government hospitals in South Africa.
Southern African guidelines on the safe use of pre-exposure prophylaxis in persons at risk of acquiring HIV-1 infection
Authors: Bekker Linda-Gail , Rebe Kevin , Venter Francois , Maartens Gary , Moorhouse Michelle , Conradie Francesca , Wallis Carole , Black Vivian , Harley Beth , Eakle Robyn
Published: March 2016

The Southern African HIV Clinicians Society published its first set of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) guidelines in June 2012 for men who have sex with men (MSM) who are at risk of HIV infection. With the flurry of data that has been generated in PrEP clinical research since the first guideline, it became evident that there was a need to revise and expand the PrEP guidelines with new evidence of safety and efficacy of PrEP in several populations, including MSM, transgender persons, heterosexual men and women, HIV-serodiscordant couples and people who inject drugs. This need is particularly relevant following the World Health Organization (WHO) Consolidated Treatment Guidelines released in September 2015. These guidelines advise that PrEP is a highly effective, safe, biomedical option for HIV prevention that can be incorporated with other combination prevention strategies in Southern Africa, given the high prevalence of HIV in the region. PrEP should be tailored to populations at highest risk of HIV acquisition, whilst further data from studies in the region accrue to guide optimal deployment to realise the greatest impact regionally. PrEP may be used intermittently during periods of perceived HIV acquisition risk, rather than continually and lifelong, as is the case with antiretroviral treatment. Recognition and accurate measurement of potential risk in individuals and populations also warrants discussion, but are not extensively covered in these guidelines.
Efficient Implementation of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) with Plane Sweep Algorithm
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhou Yisong , Shao Sihong
Published: March 2016

Neighbour search (NS) is the core of any implementations of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). In this paper,we present an efficientneighbour search method based on the plane sweep (PW) algorithm withNbeing the number of SPH particles. The resulting method, dubbed the PWNS method, is totally independent of grids (i.e., purely meshfree) and capable of treating variable smoothing length, arbitrary particle distribution and heterogenous kernels. Several state-of-the-art data structures and algorithms, e.g., the segment tree and the Morton code, are optimized and implemented. By simply allowingmultiple lines to sweep the SPH particles simultaneously from different initial positions, a parallelization of the PWNS method with satisfactory speedup and load-balancing can be easily achieved. That is, the PWNS SPH solver has a great potential for large scale fluid dynamics simulations.
Numerical Methods for Solving the Hartree-Fock Equations of Diatomic Molecules II
Authors: Morrison John C. , Steffen Kyle , Pantoja Blake , Nagaiya Asha , Kobus Jacek , Ericsson Thomas
Published: March 2016

In order to solve the partial differential equations that arise in the Hartree- Fock theory for diatomicmolecules and inmolecular theories that include electron correlation, one needs efficient methods for solving partial differential equations. In this article, we present numerical results for a two-variablemodel problem of the kind that arises when one solves the Hartree-Fock equations for a diatomic molecule. We compare results obtained using the spline collocation and domain decomposition methods with third-order Hermite splines to results obtained using the more-established finite difference approximation and the successive over-relaxation method. The theory of domain decomposition presented earlier is extended to treat regions that are divided into an arbitrary number of subregions by families of lines parallel to the two coordinate axes. While the domain decomposition method and the finite difference approach both yield results at the micro-Hartree level, the finite difference approach with a 9- point difference formula produces the same level of accuracy with fewer points. The domain decompositionmethod has the strength that it can be applied to problemswith a large number of grid points. The time required to solve a partial differential equation for a fine grid with a large number of points goes down as the number of partitions increases. The reason for this is that the length of time necessary for solving a set of linear equations in each subregion is very much dependent upon the number of equations. Even though a finer partition of the region has more subregions, the time for solving the set of linear equations in each subregion is very much smaller. This feature of the theory may well prove to be a decisive factor for solving the two-electron pair equation, which – for a diatomic molecule – involves solving partial differential equations with five independent variables. The domain decomposition theory also makes it possible to study complex molecules by dividing them into smaller fragments that are calculated independently. Since the domain decomposition approachmakes it possible to decompose the variable space into separate regions in which the equations are solved independently, this approach is well-suited to parallel computing.
Automated Parallel and Body-Fitted Mesh Generation in Finite Element Simulation of Macromolecular Systems
Authors: Xie Yan , Liu Tiantian , Tu Bin , Lu Benzhuo , Zhang Linbo
Published: March 2016

Mesh generation is a bottleneck for finite element simulations of biomolecules. A robust and efficient approach, based on the immersed boundary method proposed in [8], has been developed and implemented to generate large-scale mesh body-fitted to molecular shape for general parallel finite element simulations. The molecular Gaussian surface is adopted to represent the molecular surface, and is finally approximated by piecewise planes via the tool phgSurfaceCut in PHG [43], which is improved and can reliably handle complicated molecular surfaces, through mesh refinement steps. A coarse background mesh is imported first and then is distributed into each process using a mesh partitioning algorithm such as space filling curve [5] or METIS [22]. A bisection method is used for the mesh refinements according to the molecular PDB or PQR file which describes the biomolecular region. After mesh refinements, the mesh is optionally repartitioned and redistributed for load balancing. For finite element simulations, the modification of region mark and boundary types is done in parallel. Our parallel mesh generation method has been successfully applied to a sphere cavity model, a DNA fragment, a gramicidin A channel and a huge Dengue virus system. The results of numerical experiments show good parallel efficiency. Computations of electrostatic potential and solvation energy also validate the method. Moreover, the meshing process and adaptive finite element computation can be integrated as one PHG project to avoid the mesh importing and exporting costs, and improve the convenience of application as well.
Simulating Biofilm Deformation and Detachment with the Immersed Boundary Method
Authors: Sudarsan Rangarajan , Ghosh Sudeshna , Stockie John M. , Eberl Hermann J.
Published: March 2016

We apply the immersed boundary (or IB) method to simulate deformation and detachment of a periodic array of wall-bounded biofilm colonies in response to a linear shear flow. The biofilm material is represented as a network of Hookean springs that are placed along the edges of a triangulation of the biofilm region. The interfacial shear stress, lift and drag forces acting on the biofilm colony are computed by using fluid stress jump method developed by Williams, Fauci and Gaver [Disc. Con-tin. Dyn. Sys. B11(2):519–540, 2009], with a modified version of their exclusion filter. Our detachment criterion is based on the novel concept of an averaged equivalent continuum stress tensor defined at each IB point in the biofilm which is then used to determine a corresponding von Mises yield stress; wherever this yield stress exceeds a given critical threshold the connections to that node are severed, thereby signalling the onset of a detachment event. In order to capture the deformation and detachment behaviour of a biofilm colony at different stages of growth, we consider a family of four biofilm shapes with varying aspect ratio. For each aspect ratio, we varied the spacing between colonies to investigate role of spatial clustering in offering protection against detachment. Our numerical simulations focus on the behaviour of weak biofilms (with relatively low yield stress threshold) and investigate features of the fluid-structure interaction such as locations of maximum shear and increased drag. The most important conclusions of this work are: (a) reducing the spacing between colonies reduces drag by from 50 to 100% and alters the interfacial shear stress profile, suggesting that even weak biofilms may be able to grow into tall structures because of the protection they gain from spatial proximity with other colonies; (b) the commonly employed detachment strategy in biofilm models based only on interfacial shear stress can lead to incorrect or inaccurate results when applied to the study of shear induced detachment of weak biofilms. Our detachment strategy based on equivalent continuum stresses provides a unified and consistent IB framework that handles both sloughing and erosion modes of biofilm detachment, and is consistent with strategies employed in many other continuum based biofilm models.
A 3D Multi-Phase Hydrodynamic Model for Cytokinesis of Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Zhao Jia , Wang Qi
Published: March 2016

In the late stage of the mitotic cycle of eukaryotic cells, cytokinesis ensues during which a parent cell replicates its nucleus with the necessary genetical substances (i.e., DNAs and chromosomes) and splits into two similar offspring cells. This mitotic process involves complex chemical, biophysical andmechanical processes whose details are just beginning to be unfolded experimentally. In this paper, we propose a full 3-D hydrodynamical model using a phase field approach to study the cellular morphological change during cytokinesis. In this model, the force along the contracting ring induced by remodeling of actin-myosin filament on cell cortex layer at the division plane of the parent cell during cytokinesis, is approximated using a proxy force anchored on the newly formed nuclei. The symmetric or asymmetric cell division is simulated numerically with the model. Our numerical results show that the location of the division plane and the contracting force along the cytokinetic ring on the division plane are essential for the cell division. In addition, our numerical study also shows that, during cytokinesis, surface tension of the cell membrane also contributes to this process by retaining the morphological integrity of the offspring cells. This model and the accompanying numerical simulation tool provide a solid framework to build upon with more sophisticated whole cell models to probe the cell mitotic process.
A Multigrid Method for Ground State Solution of Bose-Einstein Condensates
Authors: Xie Hehu , Xie Manting
Published: March 2016

A multigrid method is proposed to compute the ground state solution of Bose-Einstein condensations by the finite element method based on the multilevel correction for eigenvalue problems and the multigrid method for linear boundary value problems. In this scheme, obtaining the optimal approximation for the ground state solution of Bose-Einstein condensates includes a sequence of solutions of the linear boundary value problems by the multigrid method on the multilevel meshes and some solutions of nonlinear eigenvalue problems some very low dimensional finite element space. The total computational work of this scheme can reach almost the same optimal order as solving the corresponding linear boundary value problem. Therefore, this type of multigrid scheme can improve the overall efficiency for the simulation of Bose-Einstein condensations. Some numerical experiments are provided to validate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Przedsłowiańska warstwa nazewnicza północnego Mazowsza – poprawki i uzupełnienia (dorzecze Narwi)
Authors: Babik Zbigniew
Published: March 2016

Artykuł stanowi uzupełnienie dokonanego przez autora opracowania najstarszej/przedhistorycznej warstwy nazewniczej ziem polskich z 2001. Północne Mazowsze, będące wyłącznym przedmiotem niniejszego opracowania, podlegało slawizacji zapewne później niż obszary położone między Wisłą i Odrą. Wskazuje na to m.in. stosunkowo gęsty substrat przedsłowiański, widoczny zwłaszcza w hydronimii dorzecza Narwi (co najmniej 40 przykładów, w tym 15 nowych). Nazwy te rzucają się w oczy swą nieprzejrzystością etymologiczną i nazwotwórczą na gruncie słowiańskim i polskim, zwłaszcza w wypadku nazw o strukturze złożeń. Szczególną uwagę poświęcono rekonstrukcji późnoprasłowiańskich postaci tych nazw, w zasadzie pominięto natomiast aspekt ściśle etymologiczny. Odpowiednie praformy zrekonstruowano jako *XaxъluZa (?), *Dusveta, *(J)aboraZ-, *Kupǫsь (masc.), *Ľutostanь -i, *Manьkanь (3x), *Nuna ~ *Nona, *Og(ъ)lęda, *Rudoky -ъve, *Siryga, *Sona, *Šimošarъ, *RExostanь -i ~ *ŽExostanь -i, *Ružь (2x), *Valęda. Wyodrębnione nazwy substratowe pochodzą zapewne z nieznanych języków indoeuropejskich używanych na tym obszarze u schyłku starożytności, może stanowiących areał przejściowy między słowiańskim a bałtyckim. Można wykazać, że w wielu wypadkach pośrednictwo starogermańskie musi zostać wykluczone (wokalizm *a < *ā).
Charging and coagulation of radioactive and nonradioactive particles in the atmosphere
Authors: Kim Yong-ha , Yiacoumi Sotira , Nenes Athanasios , Tsouris Costas
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Charging and coagulation influence one another and impact the particle charge and size distributions in the atmosphere. However, few investigations to date have focused on the coagulation kinetics of atmospheric particles accumulating charge. This study presents three approaches to include mutual effects of charging and coagulation on the microphysical evolution of atmospheric particles such as radioactive particles. The first approach employs ion balance, charge balance, and a bivariate population balance model (PBM) to comprehensively calculate both charge accumulation and coagulation rates of particles. The second approach involves a much simpler description of charging, and uses a monovariate PBM and subsequent effects of charge on particle coagulation. The third approach is further simplified assuming that particles instantaneously reach their steady-state charge distributions. It is found that compared to the other two approaches, the first approach can accurately predict time-dependent changes in the size and charge distributions of particles over a wide size range covering from the free molecule to continuum regimes. The other two approaches can reliably predict both charge accumulation and coagulation rates for particles larger than about 0.04 micrometers and atmospherically relevant conditions. These approaches are applied to investigate coagulation kinetics of particles accumulating charge in a radioactive neutralizer, the urban atmosphere, and an atmospheric system containing radioactive particles. Limitations of the approaches are discussed.
A microphysics guide to cirrus clouds – Part 1: Cirrus types
Authors: Krämer Martina , Rolf Christian , Luebke Anna , Afchine Armin , Spelten Nicole , Costa Anja , Meyer Jessica , Zöger Martin , Smith Jessica , Herman Robert L. , Buchholz Bernhard , Ebert Volker , Baumgardner Darrel , Borrmann Stephan , Klingebiel Marcus , Avallone Linnea
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The microphysical and radiative properties of cirrus clouds continue to be beyond understanding and thus still represent one of the largest uncertainties in the prediction of the Earth's climate (IPCC, 2013). Our study aims to provide a guide to cirrus microphysics, which is compiled from an extensive set of model simulations, covering the broad range of atmospheric conditions for cirrus formation and evolution. The model results are portrayed in the same parameter space as field measurements, i.e., in the Ice Water Content-Temperature (IWC-T) parameter space. We validate this cirrus analysis approach by evaluating cirrus data sets from 17 aircraft campaigns, conducted in the last 15 years, spending about 94 h in cirrus over Europe, Australia, Brazil as well as South and North America. Altogether, the approach of this study is to track cirrus IWC development with temperature by means of model simulations, compare with observations and then assign, to a certain degree, cirrus microphysics to the observations. Indeed, the field observations show characteristics expected from the simulated Cirrus Guide. For example, high (low) IWCs are found together with high (low) ice crystal concentrations Nice. An important finding from our study is the classification of two types of cirrus with differing formation mechanisms and microphysical properties: the first cirrus type forms directly as ice (in situ origin cirrus) and splits in two subclasses, depending on the prevailing strength of the updraft: in slow updrafts these cirrus are rather thin with lower IWCs, while in fast updrafts thicker cirrus with higher IWCs can form. The second type consists predominantly of thick cirrus originating from mixed phase clouds (i.e., via freezing of liquid droplets – liquid origin cirrus), which are completely glaciated while lifting to the cirrus formation temperature region (< 235 K). In the European field campaigns, slow updraft in situ origin cirrus occur frequently in low- and high-pressure systems, while fast updraft in situ cirrus appear in conjunction with jet streams or gravity waves. Also, liquid origin cirrus mostly related to warm conveyor belts are found. In the US and tropical campaigns, thick liquid origin cirrus which are formed in large convective systems are detected more frequently.
Inventory of anthropogenic methane emissions in Mainland China from 1980 to 2010
Authors: Peng S. S. , Piao S. L. , Bousquet P. , Ciais P. , Li B. G. , Lin X. , Tao S. , Wang Z. P. , Zhang Y. , Zhou F.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Methane (CH4) has a 28-fold greater global warming potential than CO2 over one hundred years. Atmospheric CH4 concentration has tripled since 1750. Anthropogenic CH4 emissions from China has been growing rapidly in the past decades, and contributes more than 10 % of global anthropogenic CH4 emissions with large uncertainties in existing global inventories, generally limited to country-scale statistics. To date, a long-term CH4 emissions inventory including the major sources sectors and based on province-level emission factors is still lacking. In this study, we produced a detailed bottom-up inventory of anthropogenic CH4 emissions from the eight major source sectors in China for the period 1980–2010. In the past three decades, the total CH4 emissions increased from 22.2 [16.6–28.2] Tg CH4 yr−1 (mean [minimum-maximum of 95 % confidence interval]) to 45.0 [36.4–58.3] Tg CH4 yr−1, and most of this increase took place in the 2000s. This fast increase of the total CH4 emissions after 2000 is mainly driven by CH4 emissions from coal exploitation. The largest contribution to total CH4 emissions also shifted from rice cultivation in 1980 to coal exploitation in 2010. The total emissions inferred in this work compare well with the EPA inventory but appear to be 38 % lower than EDGAR4.2 inventory. The uncertainty of our inventory is investigated using emissions factors collected from published literatures. We also distributed province-scale emissions into 0.5º × 0.5º maps using social-economic activity data. This new inventory could help understanding CH4 budgets at regional scale and guiding CH4 mitigation policies in China.
Tracking far-range air pollution induced by the 2014–15 Bárdarbunga fissure eruption (Iceland)
Authors: Boichu Marie , Chiapello Isabelle , Brogniez Colette , Péré Jean-Christophe , Thieuleux Francois , Torres Benjamin , Blarel Luc , Mortier Augustin , Podvin Thierry , Goloub Philippe , Söhne Nathalie , Clarisse Lieven , Bauduin Sophie , Hendrick François , Theys Nicolas , Van Roozendael Michel , Tanré Didier
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The 2014–15 Holuhraun lava-flood eruption of Bárdarbunga volcano (Iceland) has emitted prodigious amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. This eruption caused a large-scale episode of air pollution throughout Western Europe in September 2014, the first event of this magnitude recorded in the modern era. We gathered a wealth of complementary observations from satellite sensors (OMI, IASI), ground-based remote sensing (lidar, sunphotometry, differential optical absorption spectroscopy) and ground-level air quality monitoring networks to characterize both the spatial-temporal distributions of volcanic SO2 and sulfate aerosols as well as the dynamics of the planetary boundary layer. Time variations of dynamical and microphysical properties of sulfate aerosols in the aged low-tropospheric volcanic cloud, including loading, vertical distribution, size distribution and single scattering albedo, are provided. Retrospective chemistry-transport simulations capture the correct temporal dynamics of this far-range air pollution event but fail to reproduce the magnitude of SO2 concentration at ground-level. Improving forecasts of large-scale volcanogenic air pollution will require refined emission parameters and adapted model grid resolution to accurately describe both long-range transport and local boundary layer dynamics.
Source and flux of POC in a karstic area in the Changjiang River watershed: impacts of reservoirs and extreme drought
Authors: Ji Hongbing , Li Cai , Ding Huaijian , Gao Yang
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Isotopes of carbon and nitrogen along with C / N ratios of particulate organic carbon (POC) were used to identify source and transformation of organic carbon in the suspended and surface sediments in a typical karstic watershed (Wujiang River, an important tributary of the Changjiang River). Isotopic values indicated that POC was mainly derived from C3-dominated soil with increased contribution of phytoplankton in sites directly affected by reservoir. In contrast, the POC in surface sediments was mainly derived from C3- and C4-dominated soil with little reservoir influence. The positive correlations of carbon and nitrogen isotopes between suspended and surface sediments indicated that these two carbon pools were tightly coupled. On basis of the conservative estimation, POC transported 1.17×1010 g to the Three Gorges Reservoir in 2013. POC yield in Wujiang River (0.13 t km−2 yr−1) was much lower than large rivers with high carbonate percentage. Based on the carbonate distribution patterns of POC yield, percentage of carbonate area might not be a significant factor of riverine POC transport. The cascade of reservoir and extreme drought had significant influence on the POC flux in Wujiang River.
Probabilistic precipitation and temperature downscaling of the Twentieth Century Reanalysis over France
Authors: Caillouet Laurie , Vidal Jean-Philippe , Sauquet Eric , Graff Benjamin
Published: March 2016

Abstract. This work proposes a daily high-resolution probabilistic reconstruction of precipitation and temperature fields in France over the 1871–2012 period built on the NOAA Twentieth Century global extended atmospheric reanalysis (20CR). The objective is to fill in the spatial and temporal data gaps in surface observations in order to improve our knowledge on the local-scale climate variability from the late nineteenth century onwards. The SANDHY (Stepwise ANalogue Downscaling method for HYdrology) statistical downscaling method, initially developed for quantitative precipitation forecast, is used here to bridge the scale gap between large-scale 20CR predictors and local-scale predictands from the Safran high-resolution near-surface reanalysis, available from 1958 onwards only. SANDHY provides a daily ensemble of 125 analogue dates over the 1871–2012 period for 608 climatically homogeneous zones paving France. Large precipitation biases in intermediary seasons are shown to occur in regions with high seasonal asymmetry like the Mediterranean. Moreover, winter and summer temperatures are respectively over- and under-estimated over the whole of France. Two analogue subselection methods are therefore developed with the aim of keeping the structure of the SANDHY method unchanged while reducing those seasonal biases. The calendar selection keeps the analogues closest to the target calendar day. The stepwise selection applies two new analogy steps based on similarity of the sea surface temperature (SST) and the large-scale 2 m temperature (T). Comparisons to the Safran reanalysis over 1959–2007 and to homogenized series over the whole twentieth century show that biases in the interannual cycle of precipitation and temperature are reduced with both methods. The stepwise subselection moreover leads to a large improvement of interannual correlation and reduction of errors in seasonal temperature time series. When the calendar subselection is an easily applicable method suitable in a quantitative precipitation forecast context, the stepwise subselection method allows for potential season shifts and SST trends and is therefore better suited for climate reconstructions and climate change studies. The probabilistic downscaling of 20CR over the period 1871–2012 with the SANDHY probabilistic downscaling method combined with the stepwise subselection thus constitutes a perfect framework for assessing the recent observed meteorological events but also future events projected by climate change impact studies and putting them in a historical perspective.
The C4MIP experimental protocol for CMIP6
Authors: Jones Chris D. , Arora Vivek , Friedlingstein Pierre , Bopp Laurent , Brovkin Victor , Dunne John , Graven Heather , Hoffman Forrest , Ilyina Tatiana , John Jasmin G. , Jung Martin , Kawamiya Michio , Koven Charlie , Pongratz Julia , Raddatz Thomas , Randerson Jim , Zaehle Sönke
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Coordinated experimental design and implementation has become a cornerstone of global climate modelling. So-called Model Intercomparison Projects (MIPs) enable systematic and robust analysis of results across many models to identify common signals and understand model similarities and differences without being hindered by ad-hoc differences in model set-up or experimental boundary conditions. The activity known as the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) has thus grown significantly in scope and as it enters its 6th phase, CMIP6, the design and documentation of individual simulations has been devolved to individual climate science communities. The Coupled Climate-Carbon Cycle Model Intercomparison Project (C4MIP) takes responsibility for design, documentation and analysis of carbon cycle feedbacks and interactions in climate simulations. These feedbacks are potentially large and play a leading order contribution in determining the atmospheric composition in response to human emissions of CO2 and in the setting of emissions targets to stabilise climate or avoid dangerous climate change. For over a decade C4MIP has coordinated coupled climate-carbon cycle simulations and in this paper we describe the C4MIP simulations that will be formally part of CMIP6. While the climate-carbon cycle community has formed this experimental design the simulations also fit into the wider CMIP activity and conform to some common standards such as documentation and diagnostic requests and are designed to complement the CMIP core experiments known as the DECK. C4MIP has 3 key strands of scientific motivation and the requested simulations are designed to satisfy their needs: (1) pre-industrial and historical simulations (formally part of the common set of CMIP6 experiments) to enable model evaluation; (2) idealised coupled and partially-coupled simulations with 1 % per year increases in CO2 to enable diagnosis of feedback strength and its components; (3) future scenario simulations to project how the Earth System will respond over the 21st century and beyond to anthropogenic activity. This paper documents in detail these simulations, explains their rationale and planned analysis, and describes how to set-up and run the simulations. Particular attention is paid to boundary conditions and input data required, and also the output diagnostics requested. It is important that modelling groups participating in C4MIP adhere as closely as possible to this experimental design.
Boulder accumulations related to extreme wave events on the eastern coast of Malta
Authors: Biolchi Sara , Furlani Stefano , Antonioli Fabrizio , Baldassini Niccoló , Causon Deguara Joanna , Devoto Stefano , Di Stefano Agata , Evans Julian , Gambin Timothy , Gauci Ritienne , Mastronuzzi Giuseppe , Monaco Carmelo , Scicchitano Giovanni
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The accumulation of large boulders related to waves generated by either tsunamis or extreme storm events have been observed in different areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the eastern low-lying rocky coasts of Malta, five sites with large boulder deposits have been investigated, measured and mapped. These boulders have been detached and moved from the nearshore and the lowest parts of the coast by sea wave action. In the Sicily–Malta channel, heavy storms are common and originate from the NE and NW winds. Conversely, few tsunamis have been recorded in historical documents to have reached the Maltese archipelago. We present a multi-disciplinary study, which aims to define the characteristics of these boulder accumulations, in order to assess the coastal geo-hazard implications triggered by the sheer ability of extreme waves to detach and move large rocky blocks inland. The wave heights required to transport 77 coastal boulders were calculated using various hydrodynamic equations. Particular attention was given to the quantification of the input parameters required in the workings of these equations, such as size, density and distance from the coast. In addition, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C ages were determined from selected samples of marine organisms encrusted on some of the coastal boulders. The combination of the results obtained both by the hydrodynamic equations, which provided values comparable with those observed and measured during the storms, and radiocarbon dating suggests that the majority of the boulders have been detached and moved by intense storm waves. These boulders testify to the existence of a real hazard for the coasts of Malta, i.e. that of very high storm waves, which, during exceptional storms, are able to detach large blocks of volumes exceeding 10 m3 from the coastal edge and the nearshore bottom, and also to transport them inland. Nevertheless, the occurrence of one or more tsunami events cannot be ruled out, since radiocarbon dating of some marine organisms did reveal ages which may be related to historically known tsunamis in the Mediterranean region, such as the ones in AD 963, 1329, 1693 and 1743.