bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Casing Shear Deformation Analysis of Shale Gas well Based on Shale Formation Strength Reduction Method
Authors: Zeng Yi Jin , Li Jun , Ding Shi Dong , Xu Zhang , Lian Wei
Published: February 2019

The problem of casing deformation caused by fault slippage due to the hydraulic fracturing process in Changning-Weiyuan area, Sichuan Province, has seriously affected the economic benefits of shale gas wells. In order to clarify the relationship between the strength of fractured rock mass, the size of fractured rock mass, and the parameters of cement sheath, based on the characteristics of artificial shale formation during hydraulic fracturing, the shale strength is reduced. The finite element model of the casing, cement sheath and formation is analyzed, and the deformation law of the casing during the shale strength reduction process is analyzed. The results show that the greater the reduction of the strength of the shale, the greater the risk of shear deformation of the casing. The fracturing height has a great influence on the casing deformation, which increases substantially linearly, and the crack width has little effect on the casing deformation. 2 The Young’s modulus of the cement sheath has little effect on the deformation of the casing, and reducing the Young’s modulus of the cement sheath cannot effectively alleviate the deformation of the casing. Increasing the wall thickness of the cement sheath increases the contact area between the cement sheath and the formation, and the degree of deformation increases. 3 increasing the wall thickness of the casing can alleviate the deformation degree of the casing, and the wall thickness of the casing should be optimized during the fracturing process. The research results have a certain guiding role for the prevention and treatment of casing deformation.
Isolation and molecular identification of dominant fungal endophytes from green leaves of physic nut (Jatropha curcas) from unilorin plantation, Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Lateef A. A. , Garuba T. , Sa’ad G. , Olesin M. , Eperetun G. G. , Tiamiyu B. B.
Published: January 2019

Jatropha curcas is an important crop grown in the plantations of the University of Ilorin for research and commercialization. J. curcas has been reported to have high tolerance for stress, pests and diseases. Different parts of Jatropha are utilised for various uses both domestically and medicinally, thus, this study was carried out to unravel the dominant endophytic fungi associated with green leaves of J. curcas in the said plantation. The dominant fungi were isolated and characterized using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA. Green leaves of J. curcas were collected and processed for isolation of endophytic fungi using water agar. The putative endophytic fungi from J. curcas were identified using morphological and molecular methods as Curvularia geniculata and Phyllosticta capitalensis. The results of this study will be an addition to the fungal endophytes identified on J. curcas and a potential source of secondary metabolite production. This study constitutes, to the authors’ knowledge, the first report of C. geniculata and P. capitalensis as endophytes in J. curcas leaves, in Nigeria.
Insulin Resistance in Macrophages Alters Their Metabolism and Promotes an M2-Like Phenotype
Authors: Ieronymaki Eleftheria , Theodorakis Emmanouel M. , Lyroni Konstantina , Vergadi Eleni , Lagoudaki Eleni , Al-Qahtani Ahmed , Aznaourova Marina , Neofotistou-Themeli Elpida , Eliopoulos Aristides G. , Vaporidi Katerina , Tsatsanis Christos
Published: February 2019

Obesity and insulin resistance influences metabolic processes, but whether it affects macrophage metabolism is not known. In this study, we demonstrate that chronic exposure of macrophages to insulin either in culture or in vivo in diet-induced, glucose-intolerant mice rendered them resistant to insulin signals marked by failure to induce Akt2 phosphorylation. Similarly, macrophages lacking Akt2 or IGF1 receptor were also resistant to insulin signals. Insulin-resistant macrophages had increased basal mTORC1 activity, possessed an M2-like phenotype, and reduced LPS responses. Moreover, they exhibited increased glycolysis and increased expression of key glycolytic enzymes. Inhibition of mTORC1 reversed the M2-like phenotype and suppressed glycolysis in insulin-resistant macrophages. In the context of polymicrobial sepsis, mice harboring insulin-resistant macrophages exhibited reduced sepsis-induced lung injury. Thus, macrophages obtain resistance to insulin characterized by increased glycolysis and a unique M2-like phenotype, termed M-insulin resistant, which accounts for obesity-related changes in macrophage responses and a state of trained immunity.
Immunological Synapse Formation Induces Mitochondrial Clustering and Mitophagy in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Gómez-Cabañas Laura , López-Cotarelo Pilar , Criado-García Olga , Murphy Michael P. , Boya Patricia , Rodríguez-Fernández José Luis
Published: February 2019

The immunological synapse (IS) is a superstructure formed during T cell activation at the zone of contact between T cells and dendritic cells (DCs). The IS includes specific molecular components in the T cell and DCs sides that may result in different functionality. Most of the studies on the IS have focused on the T cell side of this structure and, in contrast, the information available on the IS of DCs is sparse. Autophagy is a cellular process involved in the clearance of damaged proteins and organelles via lysosomal degradation. Mitophagy is the selective autophagy of damaged mitochondria. In this study, it is shown that IS formation induces clustering of mitochondria in the IS of DCs and partial depolarization of these organelles. At the IS of the DCs also accumulate autophagy and mitophagy markers, even when the kinase complex mTORC1, an inhibitor of the autophagy, is active. Together the results presented indicate that IS formation induces local clustering of mitochondria and mitophagy, which could be a homeostatic mechanism to control the quality of mitochondria in this region. The data underline the complexity of the regulatory mechanisms operating in the IS of DCs.
Complex karyotype in myelodysplastic syndromes: Diagnostic procedure and prognostic susceptibility
Authors: Shahjahani Mohammad , Hadad Elham Homaei , Azizidoost Shirin , Chenani Nezhad Kowsar , Shahrabi Saeid
Published: February 2019

Complex karyotype (CK) is a poor prognosis factor in hematological malignancies. Studies have shown that the presence of CK in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) can be associated with MDS progression to acute myeloid leukemia. The goal of this review was to examine the relationship between different types of CK with MDS, as well as its possible role in the deterioration and progression of MDS to leukemia. The content used in this paper has been obtained by a PubMed and Google Scholar search of English language papers (1975-2018) using the terms complex karyotype and myelodysplastic syndromes. A single independent abnormality can be associated with a good prognosis. However, the coexistence of a series of abnormalities can lead to CK, which is associated with the deterioration of MDS and its progression to leukemia. Therefore, CK may be referred to as a prognostic factor in MDS. The detection of independent cytogenetic disorders that altogether can result in CK could be used as a prognostic model for laboratory and clinical use.
South African Presbyterian women in leadership in ministry (1973–2018)
Authors: Duncan Graham A.
Published: February 2019

The issue of women in the ministry has been a vexed one historically. In many denominations, the ordination of women has been represented by some form of struggle, which culminated in the first ordinations of women during the second half of the 20th century. This article investigates the process towards the ordination of women in two Southern African Presbyterian denominations – the Bantu Presbyterian Church of South Africa (renamed the ‘Reformed Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa’ in 1979) and the Presbyterian Church of South Africa (renamed the ‘Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa’ in 1958), prior to their union in 1999 to form the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. This article focusses on women in leadership in ministry, not exclusively on women ordained to the ministry of ruling or teaching elder (minister). It begins with an historical overview and proceeds to an investigation of developments in the two relevant denominations. The terms ‘leadership’ and ‘ministry’ are used separately and together and are considered to be synonymous. The article uses primary sources from the records of both denominations considered and suggests that the process was gradual and progressive as the worth of women in leadership was recognised following the general acceptance of the biblical and theological arguments.
Social context and the health consequences of disasters
Authors: Galea, MD, DrPH Sandro , Hadley, PhD Craig , Rudenstine, BA Sasha
Published: January 2019

Disasters have been and will continue to be relatively common events in the human experience, and they make important contributions to variations in population health. There is a need, therefore, for conceptual models that identify the social and ecological factors influencing post-disaster consequences on population health. This article presents one such conceptual model which links the health consequences of natural, technological, and human-made disasters to a set of nested socioecological factors. Specifically, we attempt to link post-disaster consequences to aspects of the global and local environment and to highlight the roles played by social and ecological factors, including the social infrastructure, cultural beliefs, demography, and underlying historical and geographical circumstances. Examples from existing population-based health and disaster research are used to illustrate and amplify connections drawn from the model. From an applied standpoint, the model suggests that the role of multiple contextual determinants in shaping population health is likely to be complex. Practitioners interested in mitigating the consequences of disasters should pursue strategies that improve the underlying determinants of health, as well as practicable population- based interventions that could be implemented rapidly.
The influence of global warming on natural disasters and their public health outcomes
Authors: Diaz, MD, MPH-TM, DrPH James H.
Published: January 2019

With a documented increase in average global surface temperatures of 0.6ºC since 1975, Earth now appears to be warming due to a variety of climatic effects, most notably the cascading effects of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities. There remains, however, no universal agreement on how rapidly, regionally, or asymmetrically the planet will warm or on the true impact of global warming on natural disasters and public health outcomes. Most reports to date of the public health impact of global warming have been anecdotal and retrospective in design and have focused on the increase in heat-stroke deaths following heat waves and on outbreaks of airborne and arthropod-borne diseases following tropical rains and flooding that resulted from fluctuations in ocean temperatures. The effects of global warming on rainfall and drought, tropical cyclone and tsunami activity, and tectonic and volcanic activity will have far-reaching public health effects not only on environmentally associated disease outbreaks but also on global food supplies and population movements. As a result of these and other recognized associations between climate change and public health consequences, many of which have been confounded by deficiencies in public health infrastructure and scientific debates over whether climate changes are spawned by atmospheric cycles or anthropogenic influences, the active responses to progressive climate change must include combinations of economic, environmental, legal, regulatory, and, most importantly, public health measures.
Ready, aye ready? Support mechanisms for healthcare workers in emergency planning: A critical gap analysis of three hospital emergency plans
Authors: Amaratunga, PhD Carol A. , O’Sullivan, PhD Tracey L. , Phillips, PhD Karen P. , Lemyre, PhD Louise , O’Connor, PhD Eileen , Dow, MSc Darcie , Corneil, ScD Wayne
Published: January 2019

Background: In response to the 2003 global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and the threat of pandemic influenza, Canadian hospitals have been actively developing and revising their emergency plans. Healthcare workers are a particularly vulnerable group at risk of occupational exposure during infectious disease outbreaks, as seen during SARS and as documented/reported in the recent National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses (Statistics Canada, 2006). Approximately one third of Canadian nurses identified job strain and poor health, related to their work environment. Three years after SARS, this article presents a critical analysis of the gaps of three hospital pandemic influenza plans in the context of established organizational supports for healthcare workers.Methods: Hospital pandemic influenza plans were obtained from institutional representatives in three Ontario cities. Qualitative gap analysis of these plans was conducted using a checklist of 11 support categories, developed from a review of existing literature and findings from a previous study of focus groups with emergency and critical care nurses.Results: Support mechanisms were identified in the plans; however, gaps were evident in preparation for personal protective equipment, education and informational support, and support during quarantine. Hospital emergency planning could be more robust by including additional organizational supports such as emotional/psychological support services, delineating management responsibilities, human resources, vaccine/ anti-viral planning, recognition/compensation, media strategies, and professional development.Conclusions: Since the 2003 SARS outbreak, hospitals have invested in pandemic planning, as evidenced by the comprehensive plans examined here. Organizational support mechanisms for healthcare workers were included in these hospital plans; however, the gaps identified here may have serious implications for employee health and safety, and overall response during a large scale infectious disease outbreak. The authors provide a number of recommendations for consideration in infectious disease pandemic plan development to better support the healthcare workers in their roles as first responders.
Primary intervention for memory structuring and meaning acquisition (PIMSMA): Study of a mental health first-aid intervention in the ED with injured survivors of suicide bombing attacks
Authors: Schreiber, MD Shaul , Dolberg, MD Ornah T. , Barkai, MD Gabriel , Peles, PhD Einat , Leor, MD Agnes , Rapoport, MD Elena , Heinik, MD Jeremia , Bloch, MD Miki
Published: January 2019

Objective: To assess the impact of a structured intervention, the “primary intervention for memory structuring and meaning acquisition” (PIMSMA) performed randomly in the emergency department with survivors of suicide bombing attacks, on their mediumterm mental health outcome.Design: Follow up and assessment 3-9 months postinjury, and 24 months thereafter.Setting: A tertiary referral general hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel.Participants: Injured survivors of 9 suicide bombing and suicide shooting, men and women aged 16-72 at the time of the incident.Main outcome measures: Diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was made using the Hebrew validated version of the DSM-IV SCID-PTSD rating scale. Other psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the following rating scales: impact of event scale (IES), Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D) and for anxiety (HAM-A), and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Effects of PIMSMA and PTSD level of psychological distress were analyzed using ANOVA and for change over time for continuous variables repeated measured multivariate analyses was performed, and for categorical variables nonparametric-related sample McNemar. Logistic regression for variable associated with PTSD was performed.Results: Out of 213 eligible injured survivors evacuated to our ER, 129 were retrieved 3-9 months after the incident, and 53 were available for assessment 2 years later. Multivariate analyses for being PTSD vs non-PTSD at the first evaluation, being hospitalized OR = 5.6 (95 percent CI 1.1-27.6) and treated OR = 24.5 (95 percent CI 2.8-200) were the only predictors, with no effect (p = 0.9) for PIMSMA vs other supportive intervention. Predictor for PTSD at the second evaluation were IES severity score at first evaluation OR = 1.1 (95 percent CI 1.04-1.2).Conclusion: The PIMSMA approach is as good as the nonspecific supportive treatment performed routinely in the ED with all survivors of traumatic events of any origin. Further studies are needed to establish valid, evidence-based treatment approaches for the acute aftermath of exposure to severe potentially traumatic events.
Deploying and using volunteer health practitioners in response to emergencies: Proposed uniform state legislation provides liability protections and workers’ compensation coverage
Authors: Carpenter, JD Michealle , Hodge, Jr, JD, LLM James G. , Pepe, AB, JD Raymond P.
Published: January 2019

To respond effectively to natural disasters and other public health emergencies, government resources must be augmented with the resources of volunteer organizations. Governmental actors are prepared to utilize volunteer health practitioners (VHPs) to meet patient surge capacity and provide essential public health services. However, difficult legal challenges arise regarding licensure, the scope of practice of volunteers, the relationship of volunteers to local healthcare delivery systems, disciplinary enforcement, the extent of exposure to civil liability, and how to provide compensation for volunteers injured or killed during disaster response activities. The Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioner Act (UEVHPA) seeks to address these problems and provide a better legal environment that facilitates VHPs efforts.This article discusses two important provisions of the UEVHPA, Section 11 which provides immunity against claims for negligence, under certain circumstances, for volunteers and organizations engaged in the deployment and use of volunteers, and Section 12 which provides workers’ compensation benefits to VHPs when other sources of coverage are not available. Disaster relief organizations and healthcare provider organizations have consistently identified uncertainty and a lack of uniformity with respect to these issues as a major source of concern to volunteer practitioners and as a potential deterrent to their effective recruitment and utilization. Uniform state enactment of the UEVHPA would resolve many inconsistencies and gaps in the regulation and protection of VHPs across states.
Epidemiology of suicide after natural disasters: A review on the literature and a methodological framework for future studies
Authors: Rezaeian, PhD, Epidemiologist Mohsen
Published: January 2019

On one hand, there is an association between exposure to natural disasters and becoming mentally distressed, and on the other hand, there is also a relation between being mentally distressed and committing suicide; therefore, it is possible that one finds a relation between exposure to natural disasters and committing suicide. This review, therefore, will not only seek such relations in the literature but also try to highlight the most important methodological issues of finding such connection.
Protecting public health and global freight transportation systems during an influenza pandemic
Authors: Luke, MD Thomas C. , Rodrigue, PhD Jean-Paul
Published: January 2019

The H5N1 influenza threat is resulting in global preparations for the next influenza pandemic. Pandemic influenza planners are prioritizing scarce vaccine, antivirals, and public health support for different segments of society. The freight, bulk goods, and energy transportation network comprise the maritime, rail, air, and trucking industries. It relies on small numbers of specialized workers who cannot be rapidly replaced if lost due to death, illness, or voluntary absenteeism. Because transportation networks link economies, provide critical infrastructures with working material, and supply citizens with necessary commodities, disrupted transportation systems can lead to cascading failures in social and economic systems. However, some pandemic influenza plans have assigned transportation workers a low priority for public health support, vaccine, and antivirals. The science of Transportation Geography demonstrates that transportation networks and workers are concentrated at, or funnel through, a small number of chokepoints and corridors. Chokepoints should be used to rapidly and efficiently vaccinate and prophylax the transportation worker cohort and to implement transmission prevention measures and thereby protect the ability to move goods. Nations, states, the transportation industry and unions, businesses, and other stakeholders must plan, resource, and exercise, and then conduct a transportation health assurance and security campaign for an influenza pandemic.
Changes needed in the care for sheltered persons: A multistate analysis from Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Jenkins, MD, MSc Jennifer Lee , McCarthy, ScD Melissa , Kelen, MD Gabor , Sauer, BA Lauren M. , Kirsch, MD, MPH Thomas
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Following Hurricane Katrina, nearly 1,400 evacuation shelters were opened in 27 states across the nation to accommodate the more than 450,000 evacuees from the gulf region.The levee breaks in New Orleans and storm surge in Mississippi brought about significant morbidity and mortality, ultimately killing more than 1,300 people. The purpose of this study was to summarize the health needs of approximately 30,000 displaced persons who resided in shelters in eight states, including prescription medication needs, dispersement of durable medical equipment, and referrals for further care.Methods: The first available 31,272 medical encounters forms were utilized as a convenience sample of displaced persons in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Florida. This medical encounter form was completed by volunteer nurses, was standardized across all shelters, and included demographic information, need for acute or preventive care, pre-existing medical conditions, disposition referrals, need for prescription medication, and frequency of volunteer providers who providing care outside of their first-aid scope.Results: Sheltered persons who received only acute care numbered 11,306 (36.2 percent), and those who received only preventive/chronic care numbered 10,403 (33.3 percent). A similar number, 9,563 (30.6 percent) persons, received both acute and preventive/chronic care. There were 3,356 (10.7 percent) sheltered persons who received some form of durable medical equipment. Glasses were given to 2,124 people (6.8 percent of the total visits receiving them) and were the most commonly dispense item.This is followed by dental devices (495, 1.6 percent) and glucose meters (339, 1.1 percent). Prescriptions were given to 8,154 (29.0 percent) sheltered persons. Referrals were made to 13,815 (44.2 percent) of sheltered persons who presented for medical care. The pharmacy was the most common location for referrals for 5,785 (18.5 percent) of all sheltered persons seeking medical care. Referrals were also made to outpatient clinics 3,856 (12.3 percent), opticians 2,480 (7.9 percent), and public health resources 1,136 (4.3 percent). Only 1,173 (3.8 percent) sheltered persons who presented for medical care and were referred to the emergency department or hospital for further care.Conclusions: Hurricane Katrina illustrated the need to strengthen the healthcare planning and response in regard to sheltered persons with a particular focus on primary and preventive care services. This study has reemphasized the need for primary medical care and pharmaceuticals in sheltered persons and shown new data regarding the dispersement of durable medical equipment and the frequent need for healthcare beyond the shelter setting as evidenced by referrals.
Enhanced Contaminated Human Remains Pouch: Initial development and preliminary performance assessments
Authors: Iseli, BS Angela M. , Kwen, PhD Hai-Doo , Ul-Alam, MS Mayeen , Balasubramanian, PhD Mahalingam , Rajagopalan, PhD Shyamala
Published: January 2019

Objectives: To produce a proof of concept prototype Enhanced Contaminated Human Remains Pouch (ECHRP) with self-decontamination capability to provide increased protection to emergency response personnel.Design: The key objective was to decrease the concentration of toxic chemicals through the use of an absorbent and reactive nanocellulose liner. Additionally, nanomaterials with biocidal properties were developed and tested as a “stand-alone” treatment.Setting: Private company research laboratory.Patients/participants: Not applicable.Interventions: Not applicable.Main outcome measures: Production of a functional prototype.Results: A functional prototype capable of mitigating the threats due to sulfur mustard, Soman, and a large variety of liquid and vapor toxic industrial chemicals was produced. Stand-alone biocidal treatment efficacy was validated.Conclusions: The ECHRP provides superior protection from both chemical and biological hazards to various emergency response personnel and human remains handlers.
Understanding estimated worker absenteeism rates during an influenza pandemic
Authors: Thanner, PhD Meridith H. , Links, PhD Jonathan M. , Meltzer, MS, PhD Martin I. , Scheulen, PA, MBA James J. , Kelen, MD Gabor D.
Published: January 2019

Objectives: Published employee absenteeism estimates during an influenza pandemic range from 10 to 40 percent. The purpose of this study was to estimate daily employee absenteeism through the duration of an influenza pandemic and to determine the relative impact of key variables used to derive the estimates.Design: Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s FluWorkLoss program, the authors estimated the number of absent employees on any given day over the course of a simulated 8-week pandemic wave by using varying attack rates. Employee data from a university with a large academic health system were used. Sensitivity of the program outputs to variation in predictor (inputs) values was assessed. Finally, the authors examined and documented the algorithmic sequence of the program.Results: Using a 35 percent attack rate, a total of 47,270 workdays (or 3.4 percent of all available workdays) would be lost over the course of an 8-week pandemic among a population of 35,026 employees. The highest (peak) daily absenteeism estimate was 5.8 percent (minimum 4.8 percent; maximum 7.4 percent). Sensitivity analysis revealed that varying days missed for nonhospitalized illness had the greatest potential effect on peak absence rate (3.1 to 17.2 percent). Peak absence with 15 and 25 percent attack rates were 2.5 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively.Conclusions: The impact of an influenza pandemic on employee availability may be less than originally thought, even with a high attack rate. These data are generalizable and are not specific to institutions of higher education or medical centers. Thus, these findings provide realistic and useful estimates for influenza pandemic planning for most organizations.
Regional public health preparedness teams in North Carolina: An analysis of their structural capacity and impact on services provided
Authors: Horney, PhD, MPH Jennifer A. , Markiewicz, MPH Milissa , Meyer, PhD Anne Marie , Casani, MD, MPH Julie , Hegle, MPH Jennifer , MacDonald, PhD, MPH Pia D. M.
Published: January 2019

In December 2001, the North Carolina Division of Public Health established Public Health Regional Surveillance Teams (PHRSTs) to build local public health capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health incidents and events. Seven PHRSTs are colocated at local health departments (LHDs) around the state.The authors assessed structural capacity of the PHRSTs and analyzed the relationship between structural capacity and the frequency of support and services provided to LHDs by PHRSTs. Five categories of structural capacity were measured: human, fiscal, informational, physical, and organizational resources. In addition, variation in structural capacity among teams was also examined.The most variation was seen in human resources. Although each team was originally designed to include a physician/epidemiologist, industrial hygienist, nurse/epidemiologist, and administrative support technician, team composition varied such that only the administrative support technician is common to all teams. Variation in team composition was associated with differences in the support and services that PHRSTs provide to LHDs.Teams that reported having a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (χ2 = 9.95; p 0.01) or an epidemiologist (χ2 = 5.35; p 0.02) had larger budgets and provided more support and services, and teams that housed a pharmacist reported more partners (χ2 = 52.34; p 0.01). Teams that received directives from more groups (such as LHDs) also provided more support and services in planning (Z = 21.71; p 0.01), communication and liaison (Z = 12.11; p 0.01), epidemiology and surveillance (Z = 5.09; p 0.01), consultation and technical support (Z = 2.25; p = 0.02), H1N1 outbreak assistance (Z = 10.25; p 0.01), and public health event response (Z = 2.19; p = 0.03).In the last 10 years, significant variation in structural capacity, particularly in human resources, has been introduced among PHRSTs. These differences explain much of the variation in support and services provided to LHDs by PHRSTs.
WiFi RFID demonstration for resource tracking in a statewide disaster drill
Authors: Cole, MBA Stacey L. , Siddiqui, MD, MPH Javeed , Harry, PhD David J. , Sandrock, MD, MPH, FCCP Christian E.
Published: January 2019

Objective: To investigate the capabilities of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking of patients and medical equipment during a simulated disaster response scenario.Design: RFID infrastructure was deployed at two small rural hospitals, in one large academic medical center and in two vehicles. Several item types from the mutual aid equipment list were selected for tracking during the demonstration. A central database server was installed at the UC Davis Medical Center (UCDMC) that collected RFID information from all constituent sites. The system was tested during a statewide disaster drill. During the drill, volunteers at UCDMC were selected to locate assets using the traditional method of locating resources and then using the RFID system.Results: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of RFID infrastructure in real-time resource identification and tracking. Volunteers at UCDMC were able to locate assets substantially faster using RFID, demonstrating that real-time geolocation can be substantially more efficient and accurate than traditional manual methods. A mobile, Global Positioning System (GPS)- enabled RFID system was installed in a pediatric ambulance and connected to the central RFID database via secure cellular communication. This system is unique in that it provides for seamless region-wide tracking that adaptively uses and seamlessly integrates both outdoor cellular-based mobile tracking and indoor WiFi-based tracking.Conclusions: RFID tracking can provide a realtime picture of the medical situation across medical facilities and other critical locations, leading to a more coordinated deployment of resources. The RFID system deployed during this study demonstrated the potential to improve the ability to locate and track victims, healthcare professionals, and medical equipment during a region-wide disaster.
Understanding aerosol–cloud interactions through modeling the development of orographic cumulus congestus during IPHEx
Authors: Duan Yajuan , Petters Markus D. , Barros Ana P.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. A new cloud parcel model (CPM) including activation,
condensation, collision–coalescence, and lateral entrainment processes is
used to investigate aerosol–cloud interactions (ACIs) in cumulus development
prior to rainfall onset. The CPM was applied with surface aerosol
measurements to predict the vertical structure of cloud development at early
stages, and the model results were evaluated against airborne observations of
cloud microphysics and thermodynamic conditions collected during the
Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment (IPHEx) in the inner region
of the southern Appalachian Mountains (SAM). Sensitivity analysis was
conducted to examine the model response to variations in key ACI
physiochemical parameters and initial conditions. The CPM sensitivities
mirror those found in parcel models without entrainment and
collision–coalescence, except for the evolution of the droplet spectrum and
liquid water content with height. Simulated cloud droplet number
concentrations (CDNCs) exhibit high sensitivity to variations in the initial
aerosol concentration at cloud base, but weak sensitivity to bulk aerosol
hygroscopicity. The condensation coefficient ac plays a governing
role in determining the evolution of CDNC, liquid water content (LWC), and
cloud droplet spectra (CDS) in time and with height. Lower values of
ac lead to higher CDNCs and broader CDS above cloud base, and
higher maximum supersaturation near cloud base. Analysis of model simulations
reveals that competitive interference among turbulent dispersion, activation,
and droplet growth processes modulates spectral width and explains the
emergence of bimodal CDS and CDNC heterogeneity in aircraft measurements from
different cloud regions and at different heights. Parameterization of
nonlinear interactions among entrainment, condensational growth, and
collision–coalescence processes is therefore necessary to simulate the
vertical structures of CDNCs and CDSs in convective clouds. Comparisons of
model predictions with data suggest that the representation of lateral
entrainment remains challenging due to the spatial heterogeneity of the
convective boundary layer and the intricate 3-D circulations in mountainous
regions.
Humidity effects on the detection of soluble and insoluble
nanoparticles in butanol operated condensation particle counters
Authors: Tauber Christian , Brilke Sophia , Wlasits Peter Josef , Bauer Paulus Salomon , Köberl Gerald , Steiner Gerhard , Winkler Paul Martin
Published: January 2019

Abstract. In this study the impact of humidity on heterogeneous nucleation of n-butanol onto hygroscopic and nonabsorbent particles was investigated using a fast expansion chamber and commercial continuous flow type condensation particle counters (CPCs). More specifically, we measured the activation probability of sodium chloride (NaCl) and silver (Ag) nano-particles by using n-butanol as condensing liquid with the size analyzing nuclei counter (SANC). In addition, the cut-off diameter of regular butanol based CPCs for both seed materials was measured and compared to SANC results. Our findings reveal a strong humidity dependence of NaCl particles in the sub-10 nm size range since the activation of sodium chloride seeds is enhanced with increasing relative humidity. For Ag seeds this humidity dependence was not observed, underlining the importance of molecular interactions between seed and vapor molecules. Consequently, the cut-off diameter of a butanol based CPC can be reduced significantly by increasing the relative humidity. This finding suggests that cut-off diameters of butanol CPCs under ambient conditions are likely smaller than corresponding cut-off diameters measured under clean (dry) laboratory conditions. At the same time, we caution that the humidity dependence may lead to wrong interpretations if the aerosol composition is not known.
Multi-trace-element sea surface temperature coral reconstruction for the southern Mozambique Channel reveals teleconnections with the tropical Atlantic
Authors: Zinke Jens , D'Olivo Juan P. , Gey Christoph J. , McCulloch Malcolm T. , Bruggemann J. Henrich , Lough Janice M. , Guillaume Mireille M. M.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Here we report seasonally resolved sea surface temperatures for
the southern Mozambique Channel in the SW Indian Ocean based on multi-trace-element
temperature proxy records preserved in two Porites sp. coral
cores. Particularly, we assess the suitability of both separate and combined
Sr∕Ca and Li∕Mg proxies for improved multielement SST
reconstructions. Overall, geochemical records from Europa Island
Porites sp. highlight the potential of Sr∕Ca and Li∕Mg
ratios as high-resolution climate proxies but also show significant
differences in their response at this Indian Ocean subtropical reef site. Our
reconstruction from 1970 to 2013 using the Sr∕Ca SST proxy reveals a
warming trend of 0.58±0.1 ∘C in close agreement with
instrumental data (0.47±0.07 ∘C) over the last 42 years
(1970–2013). In contrast, the Li∕Mg showed unrealistically large
warming trends, most probably caused by uncertainties around different uptake
mechanisms of the trace elements Li and Mg and uncertainties in their temperature
calibration. In our study, Sr∕Ca is superior to Li∕Mg to
quantify absolute SST and relative changes in SST. However, spatial
correlations between the combined detrended Sr∕Ca and Li∕Mg
proxies compared to instrumental SST at Europa revealed robust correlations
with local climate variability in the Mozambique Channel and teleconnections
to regions in the Indian Ocean and southeastern Pacific where surface wind
variability appeared to dominate the underlying pattern of SST variability.
The strongest correlation was found between our Europa SST reconstruction and
instrumental SST records from the northern tropical Atlantic. Only a weak
correlation was found with ENSO, with recent warm anomalies in the
geochemical proxies coinciding with strong El Niño or La Niña. We
identified the Pacific–North American (PNA) atmospheric pattern, which
develops in the Pacific in response to ENSO, and the tropical North Atlantic
SST as the most likely causes of the observed teleconnections with the
Mozambique Channel SST at Europa.
Annually resolved δ2H tree-ring chronology of the lignin methoxyl groups from Germany reflects averaged Western European surface air temperature changes
Authors: Anhäuser Tobias , Sehls Birgit , Thomas Werner , Hartl Claudia , Greule Markus , Scholz Denis , Esper Jan , Keppler Frank
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Stable hydrogen isotopes ratios of lignin methoxyl groups (expressed as δ2HLM) of wood have been shown to reflect the climate-sensitive δ2H values of precipitation (expressed as δ2Hprecip) modulated by a large uniform negative isotope fractionation. However, a detailed calibration study among temporal variabilities of δ2HLM in tree-ring series, site-specific δ2Hprecip and climate parameters has not been performed yet. Here, we present annually resolved δ2HLM values from nine tree-ring series (derived from four Fagus sylvatica L. trees) collected near stations of the Global Isotope Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) and the Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) meteorological observatory at Hohenpeißenberg (southern Germany; ~ 48° N, 11° E). The measured nine δ2HLM tree-ring series (common period of overlap 1916-2015) show a strong coherency as indicated by highly significant (p
Meteorological and evaluation datasets for snow modelling at ten reference sites: description of in situ and bias-corrected reanalysis data
Authors: Ménard Cécile B. , Essery Richard , Barr Alan , Bartlett Paul , Derry Jeff , Dumont Marie , Fierz Charles , Kim Hyungjun , Kontu Anna , Lejeune Yves , Marks Danny , Niwano Masashi , Raleigh Mark , Wang Libo , Wever Nander
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This paper describes in situ meteorological forcing and evaluation data, and bias-corrected reanalysis forcing data, for cold regions modelling at ten sites. The long-term datasets (one maritime, one arctic, three boreal and five mid-latitude alpine) are the reference sites chosen for evaluating models participating in the Earth System Model-Snow Model Intercomparison Project. Periods covered by the in situ data vary between seven and twenty years of hourly meteorological data, with evaluation data (snow depth, snow water equivalent, albedo, soil temperature and surface temperature) available at varying temporal intervals. 30-year (1980–2010) time-series have been extracted from a global gridded surface meteorology dataset (Global Soil Wetness Project Phase 3) for the grid cells containing the reference sites, interpolated to one-hour timesteps and bias corrected. Although applied to all sites, the bias corrections are particularly important for mountain sites that are hundreds of meters higher than the grid elevations; as a result, uncorrected air temperatures are too high and snowfall amounts are too low in comparison with in situ measurements. The discussion considers the importance of data sharing to the identification of errors and how the publication of these datasets contributes to good practice, consistency and reproducibility in Geosciences. Supplementary material provides information on instrumentation, an estimate of the percentages of missing values, and gap-filling methods at each site. It is hoped that these datasets will be used as benchmarks for future model development and that their ease of use and availability will help model developers quantify model uncertainties and reduce model errors. The data are published in the repository PANGAEA and available at: https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.897575.
Spatial and temporal patterns of sediment storage and erosion
following a wildfire and extreme flood
Authors: Brogan Daniel J. , Nelson Peter A. , MacDonald Lee H.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Post-wildfire landscapes are highly susceptible to rapid geomorphic changes at both the hillslope and watershed scales due to increases in hillslope runoff and erosion, and the resulting downstream effects. Numerous studies have documented these changes at the hillslope scale, but relatively few studies have documented larger-scale post-fire geomorphic changes over time. In this study we used five airborne laser scanning (ALS) datasets collected over four years to quantify valley bottom changes in two ∼15 km2 watersheds, Skin Gulch and Hill Gulch, after the June 2012 High Park fire in northern Colorado and a large mesoscale flood 15 months later. The objectives were to: 1) quantify spatial and temporal patterns of erosion and deposition throughout the channel network following the wildfire and including the mesoscale flood; and 2) evaluate whether these changes are correlated to precipitation metrics, burn severity, or morphologic variables. Geomorphic changes were calculated using a DEMs of difference (DoD) approach for the channel network segmented into 50-m lengths. The results showed net sediment accumulation after the wildfire in the valley bottoms of both watersheds, with the greatest accumulations in the first two years after burning in wider and flatter valley bottoms. In contrast, the mesoscale flood caused large net erosion, with the greatest erosion in the areas with the greatest post-fire deposition. Volume changes for the different time periods were weakly but significantly correlated to, in order of decreasing correlation, contributing area, channel width, percent burned at high and/or moderate severity, channel slope, confinement ratio, maximum 30-minute rainfall, and total rainfall. These results suggest that morphometric characteristics, when combined with burn severity and a specified storm, can indicate the relative likelihood and locations for post-fire erosion and deposition. This information can help assess downstream risks and prioritize areas for post-fire hillslope rehabilitation treatments.
Shallow geophysical techniques to investigate the groundwater table at the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Authors: Sharafeldin Sharafeldin M. , Essa Khalid S. , Youssef Mohamed A. S. , Karsli Hakan , Diab Zein E. , Sayil Nilgun
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The near-surface groundwater aquifer that threatened the Great
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, was investigated using integrated geophysical
surveys. A total of 10 electrical resistivity imaging, 26 shallow seismic
refraction, and 19 ground-penetrating radar surveys were conducted in the Giza
Plateau. Collected data for each method were evaluated by state-of-the art
processing and modeling techniques. A three-layer model depicts the
subsurface layers and better delineates the groundwater aquifer and water
table elevation. The resistivity of the aquifer layer and seismic velocity vary
between 40 and 80 Ωm and between 1500 and 2500 m s−1, respectively. The average water table elevation is about
+15 m, which is safe for the Great Sphinx, but it is still subjected to potential
hazards from the Nazlet El-Samman suburb where the water table elevation
reaches 17 m. A shallower water table at the Valley Temple and the tomb of Queen
Khentkawes,
with a low topographic relief, represents severe hazards. It can be concluded that
a perched groundwater table is detected in the elevated topography to the west and
southwest that might be due to runoff and capillary seepage.
glmGUI v1.0: an R-based Geographical User Interface and toolbox for GLM (General Lake Model) simulations
Authors: Bueche Thomas , Wenk Marko , Poschlod Benjamin , Giadrossich Filippo , Pirastru Mario , Vetter Mark
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Numerical modeling provides the opportunity to quantify the reaction of lakes on alterations in their environment, such as changes in climate or hydrological conditions. The one-dimensional hydrodynamic General Lake Model (GLM) is an open-source software and widely used within the limnological research community. Nevertheless, neither an interface to process the input data and run the model, nor tools for an automatic parameter calibration exist. Hence, we developed glmGUI, a Geographical User Interface (GUI) including a toolbox for an autocalibration, parameter sensitivity analysis, and several plot options. The tool is provided as a package for the freely available scientific code language R. The model parameters can be analyzed and calibrated for the simulation output variables water temperature and lake level. The glmGUI package is tested for two sites (Lake Ammersee, Germany, and Lake Baratz, Italy) distinguishing in size, mixing regime, hydrology of the catchment area (i.e. the number of inflows and their runoff seasonality), and climatic conditions. A robust simulation of water temperature for both lakes (Ammersee: RMSE = 1.17 °C, Baratz: RMSE = 1.30 °C) is achieved by a quick automatic calibration. The quality of a water temperature simulation can be assessed immediately by a difference plot provided by glmGUI, which displays the distribution of the spatial (vertical) and temporal deviations. The calibration of the lake level simulations of Lake Ammersee for multiple hydrological inputs including also unknown inflows yielded a satisfactory model fit (RMSE = 0.20 m). This shows that GLM can be also used to estimate the water balance of lakes correctly. The tools provided by glmGUI enable a less time-consuming and simplified parameter optimization within the calibration process. Due to this, the free availability and the implementation in a GUI, the presented R package expands the application of GLM to a broader field of lake modeling research and even beyond limnological experts.