bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Langerhan's Cell Sarcoma: Two Case Reports
Authors: Kaleem Tasneem A. , Schild Michael H. , Miller Daniel , Jha Asit , Cortese Cherise , Attia Steven , Miller Robert C.
Published: April 2016

Langerhan's cell sarcoma (LCS) is a rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis. To our knowledge, only sixty-six cases have been published. We discuss two patients who presented very differently with LCS, as well as a recently published review of all sixty-six cases. Our first case had a complicated history of metastatic, high-grade myxofibrosarcomas and presented with a single skin lesion of LCS which was treated with resection to a positive margin and adjuvant radiotherapy. The LCS recurred locoregionally and was again resected. The patient is alive two years after initial diagnosis. The second case presented with bone marrow and splenic involvement, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. This patient had an excellent response to etoposide, prednisone, oncovorin, cyclophosphamide, and adriamycin, with normalization of the complete blood count, negative bone marrow biopsy at follow up, and splenectomy without viable neoplasm. This patient is alive without signs of disease at 16 months after initial diagnosis.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Desmoplastic Small round Cell Tumor
Authors: Bent Melissa A. , Padilla Benjamin E. , Goldsby Robert E. , DuBois Steven G.
Published: April 2016

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare malignancy that typically affects pediatric and young adult patients. There are limited data on the clinical features of pediatric DSRCT. We selected patients aged 0-21 years reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program from 1991-2011. We estimated overall survival using Kaplan-Meier approaches and compared outcomes using the log rank test. The median age of the 95 pediatric patients was 15.3 years (range: 0-21). The majority of tumors originated in the abdomen and pelvis (84.4%) and the majority of patients had distant metastasis (72.6%). A minority of patients received radiation (34%). Overall survival at 5 years was poor (18.1%; 95% confidence interval 10.1-27.9%). Radiation therapy was associated with superior survival. Pediatric patients with DSRCT have significant disease burden. Outcomes for children are poor, though patients selected for radiation appear to have improved survival.
Solitary Bone Plasmacytoma of the Pelvis: A Rare Tumor
Authors: Karmali Samir , Barros André , Rosa Barbara , Campos Pedro , Gonçalves Ricardo , da Costa Daniel Sá , López-Presa Dolores
Published: April 2016

Solitary bone plasmacytomas are part of a wide range of monoclonal neoplasms that share a common progenitor in the B lymphocyte lineage. In their particular case, a single bone lesion is found, most frequently on the axial skeleton, having evidence of no other osteolytic lesions or systemic involvement. Diagnosis can sometimes prove to be difficult as they are rare tumors, occurring in 3 to 5% (up to 10% in some series) of patients with plasma cell neoplasms, with important considerations regarding the differential diagnosis. We report a case of a solitary bone plasmacytoma, found on the ala of the left ilium of a patient during a routine consult due to hip pain.
Normal Extensions of Representations of Abelian Semigroups
Authors: Li Boyu
Published: April 2016

A commuting family of subnormal operators need not have a commuting normal extension. We study when a representation of an abelian semigroup can be extended to a normal representation, and show that it suffices to extend the set of generators to commuting normals. We also extend a result due to Athavale to representations on abelian lattice ordered semigroups.
Normally preordered spaces and continuous multi-utilities
Authors: Bosi Gianni , Caterino Alessandro , Ceppitelli Rita
Published: April 2016

We study regular, normal and perfectly normal preorders by referring to suitable assumptions concerning the preorder and the topology of the space. We also present conditions for the existence of a countable continuous multi-utility representation, hence a Richter-Peleg multi-utility representation, by assuming the existence of a countable net weight.
Intervenciones en la Aljafería de Zaragoza
Authors: Franco Lahoz Ángel Luis , Pemán Gavín Mariano
Published: April 2016

La implantación de las Cortes de Aragón en la Aljafería culminó un dilatado proceso histórico que ha hecho de este conjunto monumental, expresivo de un mestizaje artístico y cultural, un símbolo de identidad de Aragón. A la primera fase de restauración iniciada en 1985, le siguieron otras más recientes, que han merecido este año, un Diploma Europa Nostra a la restauración del Palacio de la Aljafería año 2001. Los arquitectos Luis Franco y Mariano Pemán sintetizan a continuación este proceso, que para ellos parte de una reflexión meditada acerca de la intervención previa de Íñiguez para después poder dar respuesta a los numerosos interrogantes que su recuperación ha planteado.
Technical Note: Development of chemoinformatic tools to enumerate functional groups in molecules for organic aerosol characterization
Authors: Ruggeri Giulia , Takahama Satoshi
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Functional groups (FGs) can be used as a reduced representation of organic aerosol composition in both ambient and controlled chamber studies, as they retain a certain chemical specificity. Furthermore, FG composition has been informative for source apportionment, and various models based on a group contribution framework have been developed to calculate physicochemical properties of organic compounds. In this work, we provide a set of validated chemoinformatic patterns that correspond to (1) a complete set of functional groups that can entirely describe the molecules comprised in the α-pinene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene MCMv3.2 oxidation schemes, (2) FGs that are measurable by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), (3) groups incorporated in the SIMPOL.1 vapor pressure estimation model, and (4) bonds necessary for the calculation of carbon oxidation state. We also provide example applications for this set of patterns. We compare available aerosol composition reported by chemical speciation measurements and FTIR for different emission sources, and calculate the FG contribution to the O : C ratio of simulated gas-phase composition generated from α-pinene photooxidation (using the MCMv3.2 oxidation scheme).
Observation of viscosity transition in α-pinene secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Järvinen Emma , Ignatius Karoliina , Nichman Leonid , Kristensen Thomas B. , Fuchs Claudia , Hoyle Christopher R. , Höppel Niko , Corbin Joel C. , Craven Jill , Duplissy Jonathan , Ehrhart Sebastian , El Haddad Imad , Frege Carla , Gordon Hamish , Jokinen Tuija , Kallinger Peter , Kirkby Jasper , Kiselev Alexei , Naumann Karl-Heinz , Petäjä Tuukka , Pinterich Tamara , Prevot Andre S. H. , Saathoff Harald , Schiebel Thea , Sengupta Kamalika , Simon Mario , Slowik Jay G. , Tröstl Jasmin , Virtanen Annele , Vochezer Paul , Vogt Steffen , Wagner Andrea C. , Wagner Robert , Williamson Christina , Winkler Paul M. , Yan Chao , Baltensperger Urs , Donahue Neil M. , Flagan Rick C. , Gallagher Martin , Hansel Armin , Kulmala Markku , Stratmann Frank , Worsnop Douglas R. , Möhler Ottmar , Leisner Thomas , Schnaiter Martin
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Under certain conditions, secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles can exist in the atmosphere in an amorphous solid or semi-solid state. To determine their relevance to processes such as ice nucleation or chemistry occurring within particles requires knowledge of the temperature and relative humidity (RH) range for SOA to exist in these states. In the Cosmics Leaving Outdoor Droplets (CLOUD) experiment at The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), we deployed a new in situ optical method to detect the viscous state of α-pinene SOA particles and measured their transition from the amorphous highly viscous state to states of lower viscosity. The method is based on the depolarising properties of laboratory-produced non-spherical SOA particles and their transformation to non-depolarising spherical particles at relative humidities near the deliquescence point. We found that particles formed and grown in the chamber developed an asymmetric shape through coagulation. A transition to a spherical shape was observed as the RH was increased to between 35 % at −10 °C and 80 % at −38 °C, confirming previous calculations of the viscosity-transition conditions. Consequently, α-pinene SOA particles exist in a viscous state over a wide range of ambient conditions, including the cirrus region of the free troposphere. This has implications for the physical, chemical, and ice-nucleation properties of SOA and SOA-coated particles in the atmosphere.
Kinetic isotope effects of 12CH3D  + OH and 13CH3D  + OH from 278 to 313 K
Authors: Joelsson L. M. T. , Schmidt J. A. , Nilsson E. J. K. , Blunier T. , Griffith D. W. T. , Ono S. , Johnson M. S.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Methane is the second most important long-lived greenhouse gas and plays a central role in the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere. Nonetheless there are significant uncertainties in its source budget. Analysis of the isotopic composition of atmospheric methane, including the doubly substituted species 13CH3D, offers new insight into the methane budget as the sources and sinks have distinct isotopic signatures. The most important sink of atmospheric methane is oxidation by OH in the troposphere, which accounts for around 84 % of all methane removal. Here we present experimentally derived methane + OH kinetic isotope effects and their temperature dependence over the range of 278 to 313 K for CH3D and 13CH3D; the latter is reported here for the first time. We find kCH4/kCH3D = 1.31 ± 0.01 and kCH4/k13CH3D = 1.34 ± 0.03 at room temperature, implying that the methane + OH kinetic isotope effect is multiplicative such that (kCH4/k13CH4)(kCH4/kCH3D) = kCH4/k13CH3D, within the experimental uncertainty, given the literature value of kCH4/k13CH4 = 1.0039 ± 0.0002. In addition, the kinetic isotope effects were characterized using transition state theory with tunneling corrections. Good agreement between the experimental, quantum chemical, and available literature values was obtained. Based on the results we conclude that the OH reaction (the main sink of methane) at steady state can produce an atmospheric clumped isotope signal (Δ(13CH3D) = ln([CH4][13CH3D]/[13CH4][CH3D])) of 0.02 ± 0.02. This implies that the bulk tropospheric Δ(13CH3D) reflects the source signal with relatively small adjustment due to the sink signal (i.e., mainly OH oxidation).
Global observations and modeling of atmosphere–surface exchange of elemental mercury: a critical review
Authors: Zhu Wei , Lin Che-Jen , Wang Xun , Sommar Jonas , Fu Xuewu , Feng Xinbin
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Reliable quantification of air–surface fluxes of elemental Hg vapor (Hg0) is crucial for understanding mercury (Hg) global biogeochemical cycles. There have been extensive measurements and modeling efforts devoted to estimating the exchange fluxes between the atmosphere and various surfaces (e.g., soil, canopies, water, snow, etc.) in the past three decades. However, large uncertainties remain due to the complexity of Hg0 bidirectional exchange, limitations of flux quantification techniques and challenges in model parameterization. In this study, we provide a critical review on the state of science in the atmosphere–surface exchange of Hg0. Specifically, the advancement of flux quantification techniques, mechanisms in driving the air–surface Hg exchange and modeling efforts are presented. Due to the semi-volatile nature of Hg0 and redox transformation of Hg in environmental media, Hg deposition and evasion are influenced by multiple environmental variables including seasonality, vegetative coverage and its life cycle, temperature, light, moisture, atmospheric turbulence and the presence of reactants (e.g., O3, radicals, etc.). However, the effects of these processes on flux have not been fundamentally and quantitatively determined, which limits the accuracy of flux modeling. We compile an up-to-date global observational flux database and discuss the implication of flux data on the global Hg budget. Mean Hg0 fluxes obtained by micrometeorological measurements do not appear to be significantly greater than the fluxes measured by dynamic flux chamber methods over unpolluted surfaces (p = 0.16, one-tailed, Mann–Whitney U test). The spatiotemporal coverage of existing Hg0 flux measurements is highly heterogeneous with large data gaps existing in multiple continents (Africa, South Asia, Middle East, South America and Australia). The magnitude of the evasion flux is strongly enhanced by human activities, particularly at contaminated sites. Hg0 flux observations in East Asia are comparatively larger in magnitude than the rest of the world, suggesting substantial re-emission of previously deposited mercury from anthropogenic sources. The Hg0 exchange over pristine surfaces (e.g., background soil and water) and vegetation needs better constraints for global analyses of the atmospheric Hg budget. The existing knowledge gap and the associated research needs for future measurements and modeling efforts for the air–surface exchange of Hg0 are discussed.
Evaluating Secondary Inorganic Aerosols in 3-Dimensions
Authors: Mezuman Keren , Bauer Susanne E. , Tsigaridis Kostas
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The spatial distribution of aerosols and their chemical composition dictates whether aerosols have a cooling or a warming effect on the climate system. Hence, properly modeling the 3-dimensional distribution of aerosols is a crucial step for coherent climate simulations. Since surface measurement networks only give 2-D data, and most satellites supply integrated column information, it is thus important to integrate aircraft measurements in climate model evaluations. In this study, the vertical distribution of secondary inorganic aerosol (i.e. sulfate, ammonium and nitrate) is evaluated against a collection of 14 AMS flight campaigns and surface measurements from 2000–2010 in the USA and Europe. GISS ModelE2 is used with multiple aerosol microphysics (MATRIX, OMA) and thermodynamic (ISORROPIA II, EQSAM) configurations. Our results show that the MATRIX microphysical scheme improves the model performance for sulfate, but that there is a systematic underestimation of ammonium and nitrate over the USA and Europe in all model configurations. In terms of gaseous precursors, nitric acid concentrations are largely underestimated at the surface while overestimated in the higher levels of the model, influenced by strong stratosphere-troposphere exchange. Heterogeneous reactions on dust surfaces is an important sink for nitric acid, even high in the troposphere. At high altitudes, nitrate formation is calculated to be ammonia limited. The underestimation of ammonium and nitrate in polluted regions is most likely caused by a too simplified treatment of the NH3/NH4+ partitioning which affects the HNO3/NO3− partitioning.
Continental pollution in the Western Mediterranean basin: large variability of the aerosol single scattering albedo and influence on the direct shortwave radiative effect
Authors: Di Biagio C. , Formenti P. , Doppler L. , Gaimoz C. , Grand N. , Ancellet G. , Attié J.-L. , Bucci S. , Dubuisson P. , Fierli F. , Mallet M. , Ravetta F.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Pollution aerosols strongly influence the composition of the Western Mediterranean basin, but at present little is known on their optical properties. We report in this study in situ observations of the single scattering albedo (ω) of pollution aerosol plumes measured over the Western Mediterranean basin during the TRAQA (TRansport and Air QuAlity) airborne campaign in summer 2012. Cases of pollution export from different source regions around the basin and at different altitudes between ~160 and 3500 m above sea level have been sampled during the flights. Data from this study show a large variability of ω, with values between 0.84–0.98 at 370 nm and 0.70–0.99 at 950 nm. The single scattering albedo generally decreases with the wavelength, with some exception associated to the mixing of pollution with sea spray over the sea surface. Lowest values of ω (0.84–0.70 between 370 and 950 nm) are measured in correspondence of a fresh plume possibly linked to ship emissions over the basin. The range of variability of ω observed in this study seems to be independent of the source region around the basin, as well as of the altitude and ageing time of the plumes. The observed variability of ω reflects in a large variability for the complex refractive index of pollution aerosols, which is estimated to span in the large range 1.41–1.75 and 0.002–0.068 for the real and the imaginary parts, respectively, between 370 and 950 nm.
Radiative calculations in clear-sky conditions have been performed with the GAME radiative transfer model to test the sensitivity of the aerosol shortwave Direct Radiative Effect (DRE) to the variability of ω as observed in this study. Results from the calculations suggest up to a 50 % and 30 % change of the forcing efficiency (FE), i.e. the DRE per unit of optical depth, at the surface (−160÷−235 Wm−2 τ−1 at 60° solar zenith angle) and at the Top-Of-Atmosphere (−137÷−92 5 Wm−2 τ−1) for ω varying between its maximum and minimum value. This induces a change of up to an order of magnitude (+23÷+143 Wm−2 τ−1) for the radiative effect within the atmosphere.
Stable isotope and calcareous nannofossil assemblage record of the late Paleocene and early Eocene (Cicogna section)
Authors: Agnini Claudia , Spofforth David J. A. , Dickens Gerald R. , Rio Domenico , Pälike Heiko , Backman Jan , Muttoni Giovanni , Dallanave Edoardo
Published: April 2016

Abstract. We present records of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes, CaCO3 content, and changes in calcareous nannofossil assemblages across an 81 m thick section of upper Paleocene–lower Eocene marine sedimentary rocks now exposed along the Cicogna Stream in northeast Italy. The studied stratigraphic section represents sediment accumulation in a bathyal hemipelagic setting from approximately 57.5 to 52.2 Ma, a multi-million-year time interval characterized by perturbations in the global carbon cycle and changes in calcareous nannofossil assemblages. The bulk carbonate δ13C profile for the Cicogna section, once placed on a common timescale, resembles that at several other locations across the world, and includes both a long-term drop in δ13C and multiple short-term carbon isotope excursions (CIEs). This precise correlation of widely separated δ13C records in marine sequences results from temporal changes in the carbon composition of the exogenic carbon cycle. However, diagenesis has likely modified the δ13C record at Cicogna, an interpretation supported by variations in bulk carbonate δ18O, which do not conform to expectations for a primary signal. The record of CaCO3 content reflects a combination of carbonate dilution and dissolution, as also inferred at other sites. Our detailed documentation and statistical analysis of calcareous nannofossil assemblages show major differences before, during and after the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum. Other CIEs in our lower Paleogene section do not exhibit such a distinctive change; instead, these events are sometimes characterized by variations restricted to a limited number of taxa and transient shifts in the relative abundance of primary assemblage components. Both long-lasting and short-lived modifications to calcareous nannofossil assemblages preferentially affected nannoliths or holococcoliths such as Discoaster, Fasciculithus, Rhomboaster/Tribrachiatus, Sphenolithus and Zygrhablithus, which underwent distinct variations in abundance as well as permanent evolutionary changes in terms of appearances and disappearances. By contrast, placoliths such as Coccolithus and Toweius, which represent the main component of the assemblages, were characterized by a gradual decline in abundance over time. Comparisons of detailed nannofossil assemblage records at the Cicogna section and at ODP Site 1262 support the idea that variations in the relative and absolute abundances, even some minor changes, were globally synchronous. An obvious link is through climate forcing and carbon cycling, although the linkages between variations in calcareous nannoplankton, changes in δ13C records and oceanography will need additional work.
Weather model verification using Sodankylä mast measurements
Authors: Kangas Markku , Rontu Laura , Fortelius Carl , Aurela Mika , Poikonen Antti
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Sodankylä, in the heart of Arctic Research Centre of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI ARC) in northern Finland, is an ideal site for atmospheric and environmental research in the boreal and sub-Arctic zone. With temperatures ranging from −50 to +30 °C, it provides a challenging testing ground for numerical weather forecasting (NWP) models as well as weather forecasting in general. An extensive set of measurements has been carried out in Sodankylä for more than 100 years. In 2000, a 48 m-high micrometeorological mast was erected in the area. In this article, the use of Sodankylä mast measurements in NWP model verification is described. Starting in 2000, with the NWP model HIRLAM and Sodankylä measurements, the verification system has now been expanded to include comparisons between 12 NWP models and seven measurement masts, distributed across Europe. A case study, comparing forecasted and observed radiation fluxes, is also presented. It was found that three different radiation schemes, applicable in NWP model HARMONIE-AROME, produced somewhat different downwelling longwave radiation fluxes during cloudy days, which however did not change the overall cold bias of the predicted screen-level temperature.
The Decadal Climate Prediction Project
Authors: Boer George J. , Smith Douglas M . , Cassou Christophe , Doblas-Reyes Francisco , Danabasoglu Gokhan , Kirtman Ben , Kushnir Yochanan , Kimoto Masahide , Meehl Gerald A. , Msadek Rym , Mueller Wolfgang A. , Taylor Karl , Zwiers Francis
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The Decadal Climate Prediction Project (DCPP) is a coordinated multi-model investigation into decadal climate prediction, predictability, and variability. The DCPP makes use of past experience in simulating and predicting decadal variability and forced climate change gained from CMIP5 and elsewhere. It builds on recent improvements in models, in the reanalysis of climate data, in methods of initialization and ensemble generation, and in data treatment and analysis to propose an extended comprehensive decadal prediction investigation as part of CMIP6. The DCPP consists of three Components. Component A comprises the production and analysis of an extensive archive of retrospective forecasts to be used to assess and understand historical decadal prediction skill, as a basis for improvements in all aspects of end-to-end decadal prediction, and as a basis for forecasting on annual to decadal timescales. Component B undertakes ongoing production, dissemination and analysis of experimental quasi-real-time multi-model forecasts as a basis for potential operational forecast production. Component C involves the organization and coordination of case studies of particular climate shifts and variations, both natural and naturally forced (e.g. the "hiatus", volcanoes), including the study of the mechanisms that determine these behaviours. Groups are invited to participate in as many or as few of the Components of the DCPP, each of which are separately prioritized, as are of interest to them. The Decadal Climate Prediction Project addresses a range of scientific issues involving the ability of the climate system to be predicted on annual to decadal timescales, the skill that is currently and potentially available, the mechanisms involved in long timescale variability, and the production of forecasts of benefit to both science and society.
TerrSysMP–PDAF (version 1.0): a modular high-performance data assimilation framework for an integrated land surface–subsurface model
Authors: Kurtz Wolfgang , He Guowei , Kollet Stefan J. , Maxwell Reed M. , Vereecken Harry , Hendricks Franssen Harrie-Jan
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Modelling of terrestrial systems is continuously moving towards more integrated modelling approaches, where different terrestrial compartment models are combined in order to realise a more sophisticated physical description of water, energy and carbon fluxes across compartment boundaries and to provide a more integrated view on terrestrial processes. While such models can effectively reduce certain parameterisation errors of single compartment models, model predictions are still prone to uncertainties regarding model input variables. The resulting uncertainties of model predictions can be effectively tackled by data assimilation techniques, which allow one to correct model predictions with observations taking into account both the model and measurement uncertainties. The steadily increasing availability of computational resources makes it now increasingly possible to perform data assimilation also for computationally highly demanding integrated terrestrial system models. However, as the computational burden for integrated models as well as data assimilation techniques is quite large, there is an increasing need to provide computationally efficient data assimilation frameworks for integrated models that allow one to run on and to make efficient use of massively parallel computational resources. In this paper we present a data assimilation framework for the land surface–subsurface part of the Terrestrial System Modelling Platform (TerrSysMP). TerrSysMP is connected via a memory-based coupling approach with the pre-existing parallel data assimilation library PDAF (Parallel Data Assimilation Framework). This framework provides a fully parallel modular environment for performing data assimilation for the land surface and the subsurface compartment. A simple synthetic case study for a land surface–subsurface system (0.8 million unknowns) is used to demonstrate the effects of data assimilation in the integrated model TerrSysMP and to assess the scaling behaviour of the data assimilation system. Results show that data assimilation effectively corrects model states and parameters of the integrated model towards the reference values. Scaling tests provide evidence that the data assimilation system for TerrSysMP can make efficient use of parallel computational resources for  > 30 k processors. Simulations with a large problem size (20 million unknowns) for the forward model were also efficiently handled by the data assimilation system. The proposed data assimilation framework is useful in simulating and estimating uncertainties in predicted states and fluxes of the terrestrial system over large spatial scales at high resolution utilising integrated models.
The December 2012 Mayo River debris flow triggered by Super Typhoon Bopha in Mindanao, Philippines: Lessons learned and questions raised
Authors: Rodolfo Kelvin S. , Lagmay A. Mahar F. , Eco R. Narod , Herrero Tatum Miko  L. , Mendoza Jerico E. , Minimo Likha G. , Santiago Joy T.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Category 5 Super Typhoon Bopha, the world's worst storm of 2012, formed abnormally close to the Equator, and its landfall on Mindanao set the record proximity to the Equator for its category. Its torrential rains generated an enormous debris flow in the Mayo River watershed that swept away much of Andap village in New Bataan municipality, burying areas under rubble as thick as 9 meters and killing 566 people. Established in 1968, New Bataan had never experienced super typhoons and debris flows. This unfamiliarity compounded the death and damage. We describe Bopha's history, debris flows and the Mayo River disaster, then discuss how population growth contributed to the catastrophe, and the possibility that climate change may render other near-Equatorial areas vulnerable to hazards brought by similar typhoons. Finally, we recommend measures to minimize the loss of life and damage to property from similar, future events.
Evaluation of the Search and Rescue Leeway model into the Tyrrhenian sea: a new point of view
Authors: Di Maio Antonia , Martin Mathew Vayalumkal , Sorgente Roberto
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The trajectories prediction of the floating objects above the sea surface represents an important task in the search and rescue (SAR) operations. In this paper we show how may be possible estimate the most probable search area by means of a stocastic model, schematizing appropriately the shape of the object and evaluating the forces acting on it. The LEEWAY model, a Montecarlo-based ensemble trajectory model, has been used; here not only the statistical law to calculate the leeway is employed but also an almost deterministic law inspired by the boundary layer theory. The model is nested with the sub-regional hydrodynamic model TSCRM (Thyrrenian Sicily Channel Regional Model) developed in the framework of PON-TESSA (National Operative Programs-TEchnology for the Situational Sea Awareness) project. The principal objective of the work is to validate the new approach of leeway calculation relying on a real event of Person in Water (PIW), occurred on July 2013 in the Thyrrenian Sea. The results show that assimilating a human body to a cylinder and estimating either the transition from laminar to turbulent boundary layer and the drag coefficients, may be possible to solve a forces balance equation which permits to estimate with good approximation the search area. This new point of view leads to the possibility to check the same approach also on other different categories of targets, so as to overcome in the future the limitations associated with calculation of leeway by means of the standard statistical law.
Developments in large-scale coastal flood hazard mapping
Authors: Vousdoukas Michalis I. , Voukouvalas Evangelos , Mentaschi Lorenzo , Dottori Francesco , Giardino Alessio , Bouziotas Dimitrios , Bianchi Alessandra , Salamon Peter , Feyen Luc
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Coastal flooding related to marine extreme events has severe socio-economic impacts, and even though the latter are projected to increase under the changing climate, there is a clear deficit of information and predictive capacity related to coastal flood mapping. The present contribution reports on efforts towards a new methodology for mapping coastal flood hazard at European scale, combining (i) the contribution of waves to the total water level; (ii) improved inundation modelling; and (iii) an open, physics-based framework which can be constantly upgraded, whenever new and more accurate data become available. Four inundation approaches of gradually increasing complexity and computational costs were evaluated in terms of their applicability for large-scale coastal flooding mapping: static inundation (SM); a semi-dynamic method, considering the water volume discharge over the dykes (VD); the Flood Intensity Index approach (Iw); and the model LISFLOOD-FP (LFP). A validation test performed against observed flood extents during the Xynthia storm event showed that SM and VD can lead to an overestimation of flood extents by 232% and 209 %, while Iw and LFP showed satisfactory predictive skill. Application at pan-European scale for the present-day 100-year event confirmed that static approaches can overestimate flood extents by 56 % compared to LFP; however, Iw can deliver results of reasonable accuracy in cases when reduced computational costs are a priority. Moreover, omitting the wave contribution in the extreme TWL can result in a ~ 60 % underestimation of the flooded area. The present findings have implications for impact assessment studies, since combination of the estimated inundation maps with population exposure maps revealed differences in the estimated number of people affect within the 20–70 % range.
Constraining ecosystem model with Adaptive Metropolis algorithm using boreal forest site eddy covariance measurements
Authors: Mäkelä Jarmo , Susiluoto Jouni , Markkanen Tiina , Aurela Mika , Mammarella Ivan , Hagemann Stefan , Aalto Tuula
Published: April 2016

Abstract. We examined parameter optimization in JSBACH ecosystem model, applied for two boreal forest sites in Finland. We identified and tested key parameters in soil hydrology and forest water and carbon exchange related formulations and optimized them using the Adaptive Metropolis algorithm for a five year calibration period (2000–2004) followed by a four year validation period (2005–2008). We were able to improve the modelled seasonal, daily and diurnal cycles of gross primary production and evapotranspiration but unable to enhance the models response to dryness. The improvements are mostly accounted for by parameters related to the ratio of leaf internal CO2 concentration to external CO2, relative humidity, transpiration and soil moisture stress.
Impacts of black carbon and mineral dust on radiative forcing and glacier melting during summer in the Qilian Mountains, northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Jizu , Kang Shichang , Li Chaoliu , Qu Bin , Tripathee Lekhendra , Yan Fangping , Zhang Yulan , Guo Junmin , Gul Chaman , Qin Xiang
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) and mineral dust (MD), the most important compositions of light absorbing particles (LAPs), significantly reduce the albedo of glaciers and thus accelerate their melting. In order to investigate the impacts of BC and MD on the glacier radiation balance and ablation, a total of 92 surface snow/ice samples were collected along different elevations from 4300–4950 m a.s.l. on Laohugou glacier No. 12 (LHG, 39°10'–35' N, 96°10'–35' E), located at Qilian Mountains, northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), during summer of 2013 and 2014. A thermal-optical method was employed to detect the BC (EC – element carbon) concentrations in snow/ice samples. The results showed that BC and MD concentrations were much lower in snow than those in ice, and gradually declined with increasing elevation. The effects of BC and MD on albedo reduction at different melting conditions were identified with the SNow ICe Aerosol Radiative (SNICAR) model initiated by in-situ observation data. The sensitivity analysis showed that BC had a stronger impact on albedo reduction than MD on this glacier. The impacts of BC represented around 45 % of albedo reduction while the contribution of MD was 35 % when the glacier surface presented as superimposed ice and experienced intensive melting. During summer, when the surface was covered by snow, BC and MD contributed for 15 % and 9 % respectively. On average, the radiative forcing (RF) caused by BC in the snow/ice, more than MD, was 41.6 ± 37.0 W m−2. Meanwhile, compared to glacier melting in summer of 2013 and 2014 (409 mm w.e. and 366 mm w.e., respectively) calculated using the surface energy-mass balance model, contributions of BC and MD were less than 37 % and 32 % respectively of summer melting, while MD and BC together contributed a maximum of 61 %. This study provided the baseline information on BC and MD concentrations in glaciers of the northeastern TP and their contributions in glacier melting during summer.
Promotion of Osteogenic Differentiation by Amnion/Chorion Membrane Extracts
Authors: Go Yoon Young , Kim Sung Eun , Cho Geum Joon , Chae Sung-Won , Song Jae-Jun
Published: April 2016

Background

The amniotic membrane is a favorable biomaterial to apply in the field of tissue engineering because of its unique biological properties. Human amniotic membranes consist of 2-layered sheets containing numerous growth factors, cytokines and other bioactive substances.

Methods

In this study, we explored the potential of amnion membrane extracts (AME) and amnion/chorion membrane extracts (A/CME) to promote osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast-like (MG-63) cells. MG-63 cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium (OIM) with or without 100 µg/mL of AME or A/CME. To determine the early and late differentiation of osteogenesis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition were measured at 3, 7, 10 and 24 days. Expression of specific genes associated with osteogenic differentiation, including osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), runt domain-containing transcription factor (Runx2) and osterix (OSX) was also determined.

Results

In vitro experiments demonstrated that A/CME increased ALP activity, osteogenic gene expression and mineralization under osteogenic-inducing conditions. Notably, we found that A/CME contained growth factors related to osteogenesis, including fibroblast growth factors and transforming growth factors, which potentially promoted osteogenic differentiation of MG-63 cells to a greater extent than AME.

Conclusions

These results indicate that A/CME is capable of providing growth factors and other substrates for osteogenic differentiation, which significantly increased the efficacy of osteogenesis in MG-63 cells. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that human A/CME is a promising biomaterial with therapeutic potential in bone regeneration applications.
Association between Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xiao , Shen Min , Cai Hongzhou , Liu Kang , Liu Yiyang , Huang Zhengkai , Liang Chao , Deng Xiaheng , Ye Jiaxin , Zou Qing , Li Jie
Published: April 2016

Background

Previous studies have investigated the relationship between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) Val16Ala polymorphism and prostate cancer susceptibility, but the results have remained controversial. This meta-analysis was therefore performed to clarify this association.

Methods

The databases PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for relevant available studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association. Publication bias was estimated using Begg's funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Trial sequential analysis was used to reduce the risk of type I error and estimate whether the evidence of the results was sufficient.

Results

Overall, a significant increased risk of prostate cancer was associated with MnSOD Val16Ala polymorphism for the heterozygote model (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.24), homozygote model (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.36), dominant model (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.44) and recessive model (OR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.96-1.24). In the subgroup analysis by genotyping method, the results were statistically significant for the TaqMan and PCR-RFLP methods. In addition, when stratified by sample size, statistically significant increased risks were found among both large samples and small samples. Furthermore, when stratified by source of control, significant results were detected in both population-based controls and hospital-based controls. By trial sequential analyses, these findings in the current study were shown to be based on sufficient evidence.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicated that the Ala allele of the MnSOD gene polymorphism increases prostate cancer susceptibility.
Narrow Elastic Disposable Tourniquet (Hemaclear®) vs. Traditional wide Pneumatic Tourniquet for Creation or Revision of Hemodialysis Angioaccesses
Authors: Bourquelot Pierre , Levy Bernard I.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To choose the best arterial tourniquet for angioaccess surgery.

Methods

Preventive hemostasis with an arterial tourniquet prevents bleeding and provides better visualization. The surgeon may currently use a traditional wide nonsterile inflatable pneumatic cuff after exsanguination with an Esmarch bandage or a disposable sterile narrow elastic silicone ring (HemaClear®), available in different sizes according to the patient's limb circumference and blood pressure.

Results

The latter is easily rolled up the upper limb after surgical draping, to achieve exsanguination and occlusion of the proximal brachial artery, thus providing a wide sterile field that is most useful for upper arm vein superficialization or arteriovenous fistula (AVF) revision. Although rare, neurological complications must be prevented by limiting the compressive force applied to the tissues to occlude the arteries and the veins. Such tissues are almost non-compressible but deformable; thus, they may be elongated and damaged, mostly at both extremities of the tourniquet, especially the nerves. The compressive force (kg) applied to the limb by the cuff is the product of the cuff pressure (mm Hg) imposed and the surface (cm²) of the skin in contact with the cuff. Reduction of the cuff surface results in reduction of the volume of tissue beneath the cuff and therefore in limitation of the compressive force.

Conclusions

From a theoretical point of view and from clinical data, it seems therefore reasonable to recommend the use of a narrower cuff size and, for practical reasons, the silicon ring.
30-Day Mortality after Haemodialysis Vascular access Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Jorna Thomas , Methven Shona , Ravanan Rommel , Weale Andrew R. , Mouton Ronelle
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The prevalence of haemodialysis is increasing globally. There is a consensus of international opinion that permanent vascular access is preferred for haemodialysis. Patients with end-stage renal disease carry a high burden of cardiovascular comorbidity. There is a lack of data to quantify the post-operative risk of vascular access surgery. This study looked to establish the 30-day post-operative mortality for patients undergoing surgery to create vascular access and to measure for differences between the types of access created and the mode of anaesthesia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all cases over a 5-year period at a tertiary renal unit in the UK. Data recorded included co-morbidity, time on renal replacement therapy, type of access created, mode of anaesthesia and 30-day mortality. The incident risk was calculated and logistic regression used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio.

Results

A total of 1404 operations were included. 30-day mortality for the whole cohort was 1.1% (16/1404). The adjusted odds ratio of death at 30 days using an upper limb fistula as a reference was 5.27 for an upper limb graft (p = 0.005) and 11.51 (p = 0.007) for any lower limb access. Using local anaesthesia as a reference the adjusted odds ratio for surgery under general anaesthesia was 6.28 (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Vascular surgery for haemodialysis is associated with significant and variable post-operative mortality; this study highlights the need for careful pre-operative planning in this complex group of patients.
First-week Postoperative Flow Measurements are Highly Predictive of Primary Patency of Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Ladenheim Eric D. , Lulic Dzenan , Lum Craig , Agrawal Siddhartha , Chadwick Nathan
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine whether volume flow rate at the first postoperative visit could predict early failure of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas (RCAVFs).

Methods

We retrospectively studied the records of 264 patients who received a RCAVF between 2007 and 2013 at our centers. Data collected included patient demographics, medical history, arterial and venous mapping, and volume flow rate intraoperatively after fistula creation but before closing the surgical incision. An intraoperative flow rate >100 mL/minute was targeted. We measured volume flow at the first postoperative visit 1 week after surgery and thereafter as needed.

Results

Intraoperative flow was not a significant predictor of primary patency (p = 0.44) but flow at the first postoperative visit was a statistically significant predictor of fistula primary patency (p = 0.002). No fistula with a blood flow <200 mL/minute at the 1-week postoperative visit reached maturity without receiving a maturation procedure. The hazard ratio for the first follow-up flow (mL/min) was 0.9973 (95% CI 0.9956, 0.9989), indicating that for every 100 mL increase in blood flow the primary patency increases by 10%.

Conclusions

Flow rate at the 1-week postoperative visit was the most important predictor of RCAVF patency. Thus, it should be possible to identify patients who would benefit from early intervention or closer follow-up as soon as the first postoperative visit. This should help reduce the use of bridging hemodialysis catheters and minimize the risks of catheter dependency.
Nerve Damage Secondary to Removal of Fractured PICC Fragment
Authors: Mou Qian Q. , Wang Yun X. , Xu Qiong H. , Liu Xia , Li Ying J.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To increase awareness of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) fracture and necessary nursing assessment to identify development of nerve injury after removal of the PICC fracture.

Methods

This is a case review of a cancer patient with fractured PICC and the postoperative symptoms leading to nerve injury.

Results

The reason for PICC fracture is the fragility of silicon. Secondary surgical intervention of a PICC fragment resulted in nerve damage from a hematoma placing pressure on the median nerve in the arm.

Conclusions

It is necessary to use power injectable polyurethane PICCs. It is vital to have a clear understanding of signs and symptoms of nerve impingement in the arm when monitoring a post-operative patient. Assessment of neurological status, circulation, swelling and patient complaints of pain are all necessary functions of the nurse in caring for this type of patient.
Central Venous Access through a Persistent left Superior Vena Cava: A Case Series
Authors: Zhou Qiao , Murthy Shashi , Pattison Alex , Werder Gabriel
Published: April 2016

A persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare, under-recognized congenital anomaly. The PLSVC is incidentally discovered during central venous access procedures when access is obtained from the left internal jugular vein. The vast majority of PLSVCs drain into the right atrium; however, it is critical to recognize a PLSVC that drains into the left atrium as it can predispose to systemic dispersion of emboli through bypassing the lungs. Additionally, PLSVC catheterization has also been previously reported to be associated with cardiac dysrhythmias, venous stenosis, coronary sinus thrombosis, cardiac tamponade, and cardiac arrest. This case review presents three cases which illustrate the viability and safety of a PLSVC for long-term central venous access in the setting of chemotherapy and hemodialysis. Ascertaining the drainage pattern of a PLSVC with venogram, echocardiography, computed tomography is paramount prior to long-term catheterization.
Six Family of Homeobox Genes and Related Mechanisms in Tumorigenesis Protocols
Authors: Armat Marzieh , Ramezani Fatemeh , Molavi Ommoleila , Sabzichi Mehdi , Samadi Nasser
Published: April 2016

In recent years, the homeobox gene superfamily has been introduced as a master regulator in downstream target genes related to cell development and proliferation. An indispensable role of this family involved in organogenesis development has been widely demonstrated since expression of Six family led to a distinct increase in development of various organs. These functions of Six family genes are primarily based on structure as well as regulatory role in response to external or internal stimuli. In addition to these roles, mutation or aberrant expression of Six family plays a fundamental role in initiation of carcinogenesis, a multistep process including transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and metastasis. This suggests that the Six superfamily members can be considered as novel target molecules to inhibit tumor growth and progression. This review focuses on the structure, function, and mechanisms of the Six family in cancer processes and possible strategies to apply these family members for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic purposes.