bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stromatoporoids of the Detroit River group and adjacent rocks (devonian) in the vicinity of the Michigan Basin
Authors: Fagerstrom J A
Published: July 2015

The Appalachian Fauna! Province stromatoporoid acme zone occurs in a succession of Lower (Emsian) and Middle (Eifelian) Devonian carbonate rocks exposed along the margin of the Michigan Basin in southwestern Ontario (including the Niagara Peninsula) and adjacent
areas of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. These rocks include (from older to younger) the upper Bois Blanc Limestone, the entire Detroit River Group, the upper Columbus Limestone and the lower Dundee/Delaware Limestone. Stromatoporoids are typically much more abundant and diverse in limestones,
especially reefs and biostromes, but locally the Detroit River dolomites also contain notable assemblages. Systematic studies of Michigan Basin Emsian and Eifelian stromatoporoids began in 1873 and specimens from these rocks were important in the pioneering research of H.A. Nicholson and W.A. Parks.
The species described herein are based on examination of thin-sections from over 500 coenostea collected from about 35 outcrops in an area exceeding 12 000 square km. Cellular/microlaminar forms belonging to the genera Syringostroma and Habrostroma (new genus) dominate most of the fossil assemblages
in both abundance and diversity. The entire stromatoporoid fauna includes 26 (possibly 31) species distributed among 7 (possibly 9) genera; three species (Habrostroma formosensis, H. beachvillensis, Pseudoactinodictyon stearni) are new. Results of the taxonomic aspects of this study include the
clarification of the levels of morphological variation of most species based on large samples and the recognition of several synonymous previously described species. The faunas of the Bois Blanc, Columbus and Dundee/Delaware Limestone consist chiefly of long-ranging species also found in adjacent
rock units whereas about half of the Detroit River Group species are absent from the adjacent rocks. Greatest fauna! similarities exist among outcrops within the Detroit River but even here the levels of similarity are very low, even among samples from rocks of the same age and environmental
setting. Comparison of the Detroit River stromatoporoid species with other Appalachian Province faunas outside the Michigan Basin indicates greatest similarity to the Kwataboahegan Formation in the Hudson Bay Lowlands and lesser similarities to the Columbus Limestone in central Ohio and the
Jeffersonville Limestone in southeastern Indiana and north-central Kentucky. Thus, the value of individual stromatoporoid species in local and regional chronostratigraphy and as indicators of particular paleoenvironments appears to be severely limited.
Stauromatidium and Stauromatidiidae, new genus and family of Upper Silurian and Lower Devonian rugose corals
Authors: Pedder A E H , Oliver W A
Published: July 2015

The Stauromatidiidae include seven named and at least two unnamed species assigned to two genera, Stauromatidium and Farabophyllum. In earlier works, species of the family were referred, either firmly or tentatively, to no less than nine genera, representing
seven families. Although stauromatidiid species range from upper Ludlow or early Pridolian to late Dalejan or early Eif elian and are found in both the Eastern Americas and Old World Devonian faunal realms, the family, on the whole, is rare and as currently known is confined to just four of twelve
Early Devonian coral provinces. The stauromatidiidae probably evolved from the Tryplasmatidae and possibly gave rise to the Stringophyllidae. New species are S. strigosum from the upper Ludlow or early Pridolian part of the Road River Formation, Yukon Territory; S. sentum from the Pragian part of
the same formation and region; and S. montjolicum from the Lochkovian Mont Joli Formation, Quebec.
Some Ordovician conodont faunules from the Miramichi Anticlinorium, New Brunswick
Authors: Nowlan G S
Published: July 2015

Ordovician conodonts have been recovered from deformed strata at several localities within the Appalachians of New Brunswick. Samples from the upper part of the lower Tetagouche Group have yielded conodonts of middle Arenigian to early Llanvirnian age including
Microzarkodina flabellum which is reported from North America for only the second time. The upper unit of the Tetagouche Group has yielded conodonts of Caradocian age, assignable to the Amorphognathus tvaerensis Zone. Species characteristic of the Prioniodus variabilis Subzone (earliest Caradocian)
and the younger Prioniodus alobatus Subzone have been recovered from separate samples. A limestone occurrence at Waterville, New Brunswick has yielded conodonts characteristic of the Pygodus serrus-Pygodus anserinus zonal boundary, equivalent to the Llanvirn-Llandeilo boundary. The fauna is very
similar to those from the Cobbs Arm Limestone and Davidsville Group in the Newfoundland Appalachians. The faunules are all of the North Atlantic Conodont Province affinity consistent with an original depositional site marginal to the North American craton. Correlations are made with the standard
conodont zonation established in the Baltoscandian region.
Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) brachiopods and conodonts from the 'Delorme' Formation, Cathedral Mountain, southwestern District of Mackenzie
Authors: Norris A W , Uyeno T T
Published: July 2015

An assemblage of 13 nonsilicified calcareous brachiopods of early Lochkovian age, characterized by Atrypanieczlawiensis Kozlowski and Gypidulapelagica lux Johnson, Boucot, and Murphy, are described and ii lust rated from the upper part of the lower unit and from
the upper unit of the 'Delorme' Formation measured on Cathedral Mountain. This brachiopod assemblage is representative of the Gypidula pelagica Zone of Johnson (1977), which is widely distributed in Nevada and in northwestern and Arctic Canada. Associated conodonts are assigned to the woschmidti
(=hesperius) Zone and possibly also to the eolatericrescens-postwoschmidti ( "eurekaensis) Zone of the lower Lochkovian. A barren interval of about 343 m separates these fossiliferous beds of the 'Delorme' Formation from the graptolite ?Neodiversograptus nilssoni (Barrande) of the lower Ludlow
(Silurian) present in the underlying Road River Formation. The basal overlying beds of the Sombre Formation are unfossili ferous and not dated.
Brachiopods [schizophoria, strophodonta (strophodonta), nervostrophia, eostrophalosia and devonoproductus] from the lower upper devonian Waterways formation of northeastern Alberta
Authors: Norris A W
Published: July 2015

This is the third in a series of reports providing results of a systematic study in progress of the rich and diverse brachiopod fauna of the Waterways Formation outcropping in the Athabasca-Clearwater rivers area of northeastern Alberta. Four of the five members
of the formation comprising the Firebag, Calumet, Christina, and Moberly are well represented in outcrops; the uppermost Mildred Member is present only in the subsurface. Sixteen brachiopod species of four genera and one subgenus from the outcrop succession are described and illustrated. These
comprise: the genus Schizophoria - four species, one of which is new; the subgenus Strophodonta (Strophodonta) - seven species, five of which are new; the genus Nervostrophia - one indeterminate species; the genus Eostrophalosia - one species; and the genus Devonoproductus - three species, one of
which is new. The new taxa comprise: Schizophoria warreni n. sp., Strophodonta (Strophodonta) a!bertensis n. sp., S. (S.) calumetenis n. sp., S. (S.) clearwaterensis n. sp., S. (S.) engstromi n. sp., S. (S.) moberliensis n. sp., and Devonoproductus reticulocostus n. sp. The zonal marker,
Stropheodonta costata of previous authors for the Calumet Member, is here replaced by Strophodonta (Strophondonta) clearwaterensis as a more appropriate term. The stratigraphic range of the· described brachiopods collated with the standard conodont zonal scheme for North America is from the
Upper dengleri Subzone through the Lower a.~ymmetricus Zone into the lower part of the Middle asymmetricus Zone of the lower Frasnian of the lower Upper Devonian.
The dinoflagellate oppel-zonation of the jurassic-lower cretaceous sequence in the Sverdrup basin, Arctic Canada
Authors: Davies E H
Published: July 2015

Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous samples from the Sverdrup Basin, Arctic Canada, contain abundant and well preserved dinoflagellate cysts. The stratigraphic interval studied comprises the Savik Formation - Jaeger Formation complex, the Awingak Formation - Ringnes
Formation deltaic complex and the Deer Bay Formation - Mould Bay Formation deltaic complex; it is characterized by dominantly elastic sedimentation. Seventeen dinoflagellate cyst Oppel-zones are recognized within the Lower Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous interval. The ages suggested by the assemblages
of dinoflagellate cysts generally agree with those based on invertebrates and range from Toarcian or older to Late Valanginian or younger. Sixty genera and 129 species of dinoflagellate cysts have been identified. Eighteen new species are described: Apteodinium bucculiatum, ?Comparodinium cavum,
Dapcodinium coalitum, Dapcodinium holotabulatum, ?Egmontodinium diminutum, Escharisphaeridia rudis, Glomodinium opeasatos, Glomodinium zabros, Hystrichodinium lanceatum, lithodinia serrulata, Millioudodinium jubaris, Occisucysta thulia, Parvulodinium penitabulatum, Sentusidinium cuculliformis,
Sentusidinium filiatum, Tanyosphaeridium magneticum, Tectatodinium laminatum and Trichodinium erinaceoides
Bathymetry of Early Middle Ordovician [Chazy] ostracodes, Lower Esbataottine Formation, District of Mackenzie
Authors: Copeland M J
Published: July 2015

Silicified specimens of 26 genera of early Middle Ordovician (Chazyan) ostracodes occur in two sections of the lower Esbataottine Formation in southwestern District of Mackenzie . Many of these ostracode genera are widespread in the upper Tulip Creek - lower
Bromide formations of Oklahoma; the upper New Market - Lincolnshire - lower Edinburg formations of Pennsylvania and Virginia; and the Day Point - Crown Point - lower Valcour formations of New York. By means of a bathymetric succession of trilobite biofacies already proposed for plat{ orm carbonate
strata of the lower Esbataottine Formation, a shallow-water widespread ostracode assemblage I (=Bathyurus-Isotelus bi of acies) and a deeper water ostracode assemblage II (=Calyptaulax-Ceraurinella - proximal Dimeropyge bi of acies) may be distinguished . These ostracode assemblages occur with some
modification elsewhere in North America and may be used for the first time to indicate the relative bathymetry of comparable faunas from widely separated segments of the early Middle Ordovician North American continental platform . Five new genera (Palaeocopida: Eurybolbina, Nahanniopsis,
Canadabolbina, Valcouropsis; Podocopida: Bolboscapha) and twelve new species are erected. In addition, taxonomic revisions and observations are presented for some previously incompletely known North American Chazy ostracode species and for those taxa observed during the study that may have
affinities with Middle Ordovician ostracode faunas from Europe. At present, faunas from both regions require additional detailed study before intercontinental biogeographic considerations may be attempted
The analysis of the remanence coercivity spectrum by continuous and alternating fields: relationship between coercivity and alternating fields stability spectra
Authors: Roy J L
Published: July 2015

Comparison of results obtained from a variety of natural rock samples using both continuous and alternating field ( c .f and a.f) techniques demonstrates the complementary nature and potential of the two techniques . The re mane nee coercivity spectrum is
analyzed by obtaining families of hysteresis curves inc .f of up to 1200 mT. The extraction of the decay curves from the composite back-field curves reveals several important features: interacting fields among magnetic carriers occur in all rock types investigated including redbeds; the interaction
takes place at the low end of the spectrum and its effect is defined by a new parameter - the crossing point; a co-ordinate (Rep) of this parameter which varies among, but remains essentially constant within, rock types can be used as a classification index. For most specimens, the remanence (NRM)
acquired in the earth's field is only a small fraction (J0-3 - 10-4 ) of their saturation re mane nee meaning that the application of the a.f procedure to recover the NRM must be carefully devised. Treatments in a.f up to 290 mT indicate that a.f is much more effective than c.f for unlocking
remanences. Thus, a clear distinction has to be made between the remanence coercivity (re) spectrum and the remanence a.f stability (rafs) spectrum. An effectiveness ratio (Re) of the c.f and a.f required to reduce a saturation remanence to a certain level is used to establish a relationship between
those two spectra. The Re varies with rock types and thus can be used as an identification index; in many instances, the ratio remains nearly constant within the rock type .- The method of combining detailed c .f and a.f experiments provides an effective means of ascertaining whether or not the re
spectrum of a natural rock has been investigated in its entirety, - a prerequisite that needs to be met if the a.f data, so widely used in paleomagnetism, are to be interpreted correctly.
Silicified Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian ostracodes from the Avalanche Lake area, southwestern District of Mackenzie
Authors: Copeland M J
Published: July 2015

A silicified fauna occurs in Upper Ordovician - Lower Silurian platform sediments of the Whittaker and Delorme formations at Avalanche Lake, southwestern District of Mackenzie. The Ostracoda of this fauna can be used biostratigraphically to restrict the
Ordovician - Silurian systemic boundary to a 23.5 m thick interval within the Whittaker Formation. A similar, though less complete, sequence of Ostracoda was previously recovered from deep water strata of the Road River Formation. Comparison of these faunas permits a tentative correlation between
carbonate and elastic fades across widely separated areas of Selwyn Basin. Fourteen new genera (Echinobeyrichia, Avalanchella, Camsella, Limbinariopsis, Gabrielsella, Perrybolbina, Delormobolbina, Eoacantonodella, Billingsopsis, Eoflaccivelum, Tipperopsis, Spinosteusloffina, Lambeodella, and
Pheloparasclerites) and 45 new species are described.
The application of outsourcing decision-making methods in a logistics context in South Africa
Authors: Bloem Naomi , Bean Wilna L.
Published: July 2015

Background: Companies have often relinquished the control of important business functions to outside suppliers for the sake of short-term savings and because of the lack of use of proper decision-making methods within the business.Objectives: This article identified three methods of decision-making and applied it to a logistics outsourcing problem. The logistics outsourcing problem consisted of a make-or-buy decision as well as a supplier selection process. The purpose of the study was to determine the most suitable method in the case of logistics outsourcing.Method: The decision-making methods were applied to a South African case study within the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. The logistics functions considered in the case study included secondary distribution and warehousing of finished goods. Each method considered the same evaluation criteria and the results were analysed and compared.Results: Each method produced different results to the logistics outsourcing problem. The method developed by Platts, Probert and Canez (2000) suggested that the logistics functions be insourced. The decision tree method suggested outsourcing both functions, with a unit rate cost model. The results from the linear programming (LP) method indicated that the secondary distribution function should be insourced and the warehousing function outsourced, with a fixed and variable cost model pending further analysis of the demand trends.Conclusion: The study provides empirical evidence that proven outsourcing decision-making methods, such as the method developed by Platts et al. (2000), the LP method and the decision tree method traditionally applied to a manufacturing outsourcing decision problem, can be adapted and applied to a logistics outsourcing decision problem of a South African FMCG company.
The flâneuse and the City as uncanny home in Lawrence Durrell’s The Alexandria quartet
Authors: Kreuiter Allyson
Published: July 2015

The concept of the home is not something that can be readily associated with Lawrence Durrell’s The Alexandria quartet. Generally, the word home is defined as a place where one lives, a house or dwelling. The idea of home is associated with the architectural construct of the house, as both a place and a space. With this in mind, I approach the conceptualisation of the house as representative of safety and happy remembrance from a somewhat different premise, exploring Durrell’s representation of Alexandria as an enclosing womb-like home that voraciously consumes her inhabitants. Although Durrell’s Alexandria has been considered by scholars from many angles, I propose my position represents a rather different approach to the manner in which the city has previously been examined. Durrell’s city, as uncanny home, will be shown to create her residents as fragments of her own consciousness, and this is particularly true of the character Justine. The narrator Darley’s memories of Justine moving through the streets of the city evoke her in the guise of a flâneuse and this flânerie, I go on to suggest, establishes a symbiosis between herself and the city, setting up an interplay through which Justine becomes the proxy for the city as unhomely home.
Use of thallium transport to visualize functional olfactory nerve regeneration in vivo
Authors: Shiga H. , Washiyama K. , Hirota K. , Amano R. , Furukawa M. , Miwa T.
Published: July 2015

Objective: To image olfactory nerve regeneration in vivo using a high-resolution gamma cam- era and radiography after nasal administration of thallium-201 (olfacto-scintigraphy). Methods: Six Wistar rats were trained to avoid the smell of cycloheximide as a test of olfactory function. The olfactory nerve fibers of 3 rats were then carefully transected bilaterally with a Teflon knife, avoiding damage to the olfactory bulbs. The remaining 3 rats underwent sham operations and were used as controls. Steel wires were implanted in the left olfactory bulb of each rat for locating the bulbs with plain X-rays. The rats were assessed 2, 14, 28, and 42 d after the olfactory nerve transection or sham operation for their ability to detect odours and for transport of 201Tl to the olfactory bulb area 8 h after nasal administration of 201Tl. Results: Both transport of 201Tl to the olfactory bulb area (p < 0.04) and ability to detect odours (p < 0.04) significantly increased with a time course after olfactory nerve transection. Conclusion: 201Tl transport to the olfactory bulb may be useful to visually assess olfactory ability in vivo. We plan to test olfacto-scintigraphy clinically by nasal administration of 201Tl in patients with posttraumatic olfactory loss.
Predicting the site of attachment of sinonasal inverted papilloma
Authors: Bhalla R.K. , Wright E.D.
Published: July 2015

Statement of problem: Sinonasal inverted papilloma is a benign, epithelial neoplasm, which has a propensity for malignant transformation and recurrence. The evolution of endoscopic trans-nasal surgery has facilitated less destructive and, more functionally and cosmetically acceptable approaches to this tumour. Recurrence rates have been shown to be more favourable than after traditional external approaches. Precise surgery is enhanced by pre-operative localisation of the site of tumour attachment. The aim of this study was to examine, in a prospective fashion, the predictive value of osteitis on the pre-operative CT scan of the paranasal sinuses at correctly identifying the site of attachment of sinonasal inverted papilloma. Method of study: Pre-operative CT scans of the paranasal sinuses in 24 patients with histology-proven sinonasal inverted papilloma were examined for osteitis, allowing a prediction of the site of attachment. Coronal reformats of thin-cut (1mm) axial CT scans were evaluated. Intra-operatively, the actual site of tumour attachment was established. A correlation between the predicted and actual site of tumour attachment was calculated. Main result: The predictive value of the osteitis sign was 95%. Principal conclusion: Pre-operative identification of osteitis can be used in 95% of cases to accurately predict the intra-operative site of attachment of sinonasal inverted papilloma.
Spontaneous CSF-leaks and meningoencephaloceles in sphenoid sinus by persisting Sternberg's canal
Authors: Tomazic P.V. , Stammberger H.
Published: July 2015

Objectives: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and meningoencephaloceles of the lateral recess of sphenoid sinuses are rare findings. A congenital bony defect in the lateral wall of sphenoid sinus called Sternberg's canal could be the origin of these lesions. Their endoscopic transnasal management is challenging though less traumatic than transcranial approaches. The aim of this study was to define Sternberg's canal as a potential source for these rare lesions and to describe their endoscopic endonasal management. Methods: In a retrospective analysis clinical charts of 27 patients with CSF-leaks and / or meningoencephaloceles operated between March 2002 and October 2008 at the University ENT-hospital Graz have been reviewed. All patients were treated by an endoscopic endonasal approach. Results: Five patients (4 female / 1 male) were identified with spontaneous CSF-leaks from sphenoid sinus and meningoencephaloceles. In all five cases, Sternberg's canal was the site of leakage, with the bony and dural defects always located laterally between the maxillary and Vidian nerves. Mean age was 51.2 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.9 kg/m2. All patients were operated using a multilayer closure technique. Two patients had recurrences after 12 days and 7 months, respectively, managed by endoscopic revision surgery resulting in a 100% closure rate after one revision (mean follow-up: 6.5 months). Conclusion: Persisting Sternberg's canal can be the source of spontaneous CSF-leaks and meningoencephaloceles in the lateral recess of sphenoid sinus especially when associated with extensive pneumatisation. Endoscopic management is technically challenging, nevertheless its advantages are a good view of the surgical field while being less traumatic than transcranial approaches.
Effective treatment of mild-to-moderate nasal polyposis with fluticasone delivered by a novel device
Authors: Vlckova Ingrid , Navratil Pavel , Kana Radim , Pavlicek Pavel , Chrbolka Pavel , Djupesland Per G.
Published: July 2015

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate administered using OptiNose's novel delivery device (Opt-FP) in subjects with bilateral mild-to-moderate nasal polyposis. Methods: A prospective, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study was conducted in adult subjects (n = 109) with mild-to-moderate bilateral nasal polyposis. Subjects received Opt-FP 400 microg or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Endpoints included endoscopic assessment of polyp size using Lildholdt's Scale, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), symptom scores and use of rescue medication. Results: The proportion of subjects with improvement in summed polyp score >or= 1 (Lildholdt\'s Scale) was significantly higher with Opt-FP compared with placebo at 4, 8 and 12 weeks (22% vs 7%, p = 0.011, 43% vs 7%, p < 0.001, 57% vs 9%, p < 0.001). After 12 weeks the summed polyp score was reduced by 35% (-0.98 vs +0.23, p < 0.001). PNIF increased progressively during Opt-FP treatment (p < 0.05). Combined symptom score, nasal blockage, discomfort, rhinitis symptoms and sense of smell were all significantly improved. Rescue medication use was lower (3.1% vs 22.4%, p < 0.001). Opt-FP was well tolerated. Conclusions: Fluticasone propionate (400 microg b.i.d.) administered using OptiNose's breath actuated bi-directional delivery device was an effective and well tolerated treatment for mild-to- moderate bilateral nasal polyposis.
Investigating Barriers to Tuberculosis Evaluation in Uganda Using Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Ross Jennifer M. , Cattamanchi Adithya , Miller Cecily R. , Tatem Andrew J. , Katamba Achilles , Haguma Priscilla , Handley Margaret A. , Davis J. Lucian
Published: July 2015

Reducing geographic barriers to tuberculosis (TB) care is a priority in high-burden countries where patients frequently initiate, but do not complete, the multi-day TB evaluation process. Using routine cross-sectional study from six primary-health clinics in rural Uganda from 2009 to 2012, we explored whether geographic barriers affect completion of TB evaluation among adults with unexplained chronic cough. We measured distance from home parish to health center and calculated individual travel time using a geographic information systems technique incorporating roads, land cover, and slope, and measured its association with completion of TB evaluation. In 264,511 patient encounters, 4,640 adults (1.8%) had sputum smear microscopy ordered; 2,783 (60%) completed TB evaluation. Median travel time was 68 minutes for patients with TB examination ordered compared with 60 minutes without (P < 0.010). Travel time differed between those who did and did not complete TB evaluation at only one of six clinics, whereas distance to care did not differ at any of them. Neither distance nor travel time predicted completion of TB evaluation in rural Uganda, although limited detail in road and village maps restricted full implementation of these mapping techniques. Better data are needed on geographic barriers to access clinics offering TB services to improve TB diagnosis.
Economic Burden of Dengue Virus Infection at the Household Level Among Residents of Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Authors: Salmon-Mulanovich Gabriela , Blazes David L. , Lescano Andres G. , Bausch Daniel G. , Montgomery Joel M. , Pan William K.
Published: July 2015

Dengue virus (DENV) was reintroduced to Peru in the 1990s and has been reported in Puerto Maldonado (population ∼65,000) in the Peruvian southern Amazon basin since 2000. This region also has the highest human migration rate in the country, mainly from areas not endemic for DENV. The objective of this study was to assess the proportion of household income that is diverted to costs incurred because of dengue illness and to compare these expenses between recent migrants (RMs) and long-term residents (LTRs). We administered a standardized questionnaire to persons diagnosed with dengue illness at Hospital Santa Rosa in Puerto Maldonado from December 2012 to March 2013. We compared direct and indirect medical costs between RMs and LTRs. A total of 80 participants completed the survey, of whom 28 (35%) were RMs and 52 (65%) were LTRs. Each dengue illness episode cost the household an average of US$105 (standard deviation [SD] = 107), representing 24% of their monthly income. Indirect costs were the greatest expense (US$56, SD = 87), especially lost wages. The proportion of household income diverted to dengue illness did not differ significantly between RM and LTR households. The study highlights the significant financial burden incurred by households when a family member suffers dengue illness.
Macrolide Resistance in the Syphilis Spirochete, Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum: Can We Also Expect Macrolide-Resistant Yaws Strains?
Authors: Šmajs David , Paštěková Lenka , Grillová Linda
Published: July 2015

Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum (TPA) causes over 10 million new cases of syphilis worldwide whereas T. pallidum ssp. pertenue (TPE), the causative agent of yaws, affects about 2.5 million people. Although penicillin remains the drug of choice in the treatment of syphilis, in penicillin-allergic patients, macrolides have been used in this indication since the 1950s. Failures of macrolides in syphilis treatment have been well documented in the literature and since 2000, there has been a dramatic increase in a number of clinical samples with macrolide-resistant TPA. Scarce data regarding the genetics of macrolide-resistant mutations in TPA suggest that although macrolide-resistance mutations have emerged independently several times, the increase in the proportion of TPA strains resistant to macrolides is mainly due to the spread of resistant strains, especially in developed countries. The emergence of macrolide resistance in TPA appears to require a two-step process including either A2058G or A2059G mutation in one copy of the 23S rRNA gene and a subsequent gene conversion unification of both rRNA genes. Given the enormous genetic similarity that was recently revealed between TPA and TPE strains, there is a low but reasonable risk of emergence and spread of macrolide-resistant yaws strains following azithromycin treatment.
Modeling the Present and Future Geographic Distribution of the Lone Star Tick, Amblyomma americanum (Ixodida: Ixodidae), in the Continental United States
Authors: Springer Yuri P. , Jarnevich Catherine S. , Barnett David T. , Monaghan Andrew J. , Eisen Rebecca J.
Published: July 2015

The Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum L.) is the primary vector for pathogens of significant public health importance in North America, yet relatively little is known about its current and potential future distribution. Building on a published summary of tick collection records, we used an ensemble modeling approach to predict the present-day and future distribution of climatically suitable habitat for establishment of the Lone star tick within the continental United States. Of the nine climatic predictor variables included in our five present-day models, average vapor pressure in July was by far the most important determinant of suitable habitat. The present-day ensemble model predicted an essentially contiguous distribution of suitable habitat extending to the Atlantic coast east of the 100th western meridian and south of the 40th northern parallel, but excluding a high elevation region associated with the Appalachian Mountains. Future ensemble predictions for 2061–2080 forecasted a stable western range limit, northward expansion of suitable habitat into the Upper Midwest and western Pennsylvania, and range contraction along portions of the Gulf coast and the lower Mississippi river valley. These findings are informative for raising awareness of A. americanum-transmitted pathogens in areas where the Lone Star tick has recently or may become established.
Temporal variations of flux and altitude of sulfur dioxide emissions during volcanic eruptions: implications for long-range dispersal of volcanic clouds
Authors: Boichu M. , Clarisse L. , Péré J.-C. , Herbin H. , Goloub P. , Thieuleux F. , Ducos F. , Clerbaux C. , Tanré D.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Sulfur-rich degassing, which is mostly composed of sulfur dioxide (SO2), plays a major role in the overall impact of volcanism on the atmosphere and climate. The accurate assessment of this impact is currently hampered by the poor knowledge of volcanic SO2 emissions. Here, using an inversion procedure, we show how assimilating snapshots of the volcanic SO2 load derived from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) allows for reconstructing both the flux and altitude of the SO2 emissions with an hourly resolution. For this purpose, the regional chemistry-transport model CHIMERE is used to describe the dispersion of SO2 when released in the atmosphere. As proof of concept, we study the 10 April 2011 eruption of the Etna volcano (Italy), which represents one of the few volcanoes instrumented on the ground for the continuous monitoring of SO2 degassing. We find that the SO2 flux time-series retrieved from satellite imagery using the inverse scheme is in agreement with ground observations during ash-poor phases of the eruption. However, large discrepancies are observed during the ash-rich paroxysmal phase as a result of enhanced plume opacity affecting ground-based ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopic retrievals. As a consequence, the SO2 emission rate derived from the ground is underestimated by almost one order of magnitude. Altitudes of the SO2 emissions predicted by the inverse scheme are validated against an RGB image of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) capturing the near-source atmospheric pathways followed by Etna plumes, in combination with forward trajectories from the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model. At a large distance from the source, modelled SO2 altitudes are compared with independent information on the volcanic cloud height. We find that the altitude predicted by the inverse scheme is in agreement with snapshots of the SO2 height retrieved from recent algorithms exploiting the high spectral resolution of IASI. The validity of the modelled SO2 altitude is further confirmed by the detection of a layer of particles at the same altitude by the spaceborne Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). Analysis of CALIOP colour and depolarization ratios suggests that these particles consist of sulfate aerosols formed from precursory volcanic SO2. The reconstruction of emission altitude, through inversion procedures which assimilate volcanic SO2 column amounts, requires specific meteorological conditions, especially sufficient wind shear so that gas parcels emitted at different altitudes follow distinct trajectories. We consequently explore the possibility and limits of assimilating in inverse schemes infrared (IR) imagery of the volcanic SO2 cloud altitude which will render the inversion procedure independent of the wind shear prerequisite.
Aerosol chemistry above an extended archipelago of the eastern Mediterranean basin during strong northern winds
Authors: Athanasopoulou E. , Protonotariou A. P. , Bossioli E. , Dandou A. , Tombrou M. , Allan J. D. , Coe H. , Mihalopoulos N. , Kalogiros J. , Bacak A. , Sciare J. , Biskos G.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Detailed aerosol chemical predictions by a comprehensive model system (i.e. PMCAMx, WRF, GEOS-CHEM), along with airborne and ground-based observations, are presented and analysed over a wide domain covering the Aegean Archipelago. The studied period is 10 successive days in 2011, characterized by strong northern winds, which is the most frequently prevailing synoptic pattern during summer. The submicron aerosol load in the lower troposphere above the archipelago is homogenously enriched in sulfate (average modelled and measured submicron sulfate of 5.5 and 5.8 μg m−3, respectively), followed by organics (2.3 and 4.4 μg m−3) and ammonium (1.5 and 1.7 μg m−3). Aerosol concentrations smoothly decline aloft, reaching lower values (< 1 μg m−3) above 4.2 km altitude. The evaluation criteria rate the model results for sulfate, ammonium, chloride, elemental carbon, organic carbon and total PM10 mass concentrations as "good", indicating a satisfactory representation of the aerosol chemistry and precursors. Higher model discrepancies are confined to the highest (e.g. peak sulfate values) and lowest ends (e.g. nitrate) of the airborne aerosol mass size distribution, as well as in airborne organic aerosol concentrations (model underestimation ca. 50 %). The latter is most likely related to the intense fire activity at the eastern Balkan area and the Black Sea coastline, which is not represented in the current model application. The investigation of the effect of local variables on model performance revealed that the best agreement between predictions and observations occurs during high winds from the northeast, as well as for the area confined above the archipelago and up to 2.2 km altitude. The atmospheric ageing of biogenic particles is suggested to be activated in the aerosol chemistry module, when treating organics in a sufficient nitrogen and sulfate-rich environment, such as that over the Aegean basin. More than 70 % of the predicted aerosol mass over the Aegean Archipelago during a representative Etesian episode is related to transport of aerosols and their precursors from outside the modelling domain.
The imprint of stratospheric transport on column-averaged methane
Authors: Ostler A. , Sussmann R. , Patra P. K. , Wennberg P. O. , Deutscher N. M. , Griffith D. W. T. , Blumenstock T. , Hase F. , Kivi R. , Warneke T. , Wang Z. , De Mazière M. , Robinson J. , Ohyama H.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Model simulations of column-averaged methane mixing ratios (XCH4) are extensively used for inverse estimates of methane (CH4) emissions from atmospheric measurements. Our study shows that virtually all chemical transport models (CTM) used for this purpose are affected by stratospheric model-transport errors. We quantify the impact of such model transport errors on the simulation of stratospheric CH4 concentrations via an a posteriori correction method. This approach compares measurements of the mean age of air with modeled age and expresses the difference in terms of a correction to modeled stratospheric CH4 mixing ratios. We find age differences up to ~ 3 years yield to a bias in simulated CH4 of up to 250 parts per billion (ppb). Comparisons between model simulations and ground-based XCH4 observations from the Total Carbon Column Network (TCCON) reveal that stratospheric model-transport errors cause biases in XCH4 of ~ 20 ppb in the midlatitudes and ~ 27 ppb in the arctic region. Improved overall as well as seasonal model-observation agreement in XCH4 suggests that the proposed, age-of-air-based stratospheric correction is reasonable. The latitudinal model bias in XCH4 is supposed to reduce the accuracy of inverse estimates using satellite-derived XCH4 data. Therefore, we provide an estimate of the impact of stratospheric model-transport errors in terms of CH4 flux errors. Using a one-box approximation, we show that average model errors in stratospheric transport correspond to an overestimation of CH4 emissions by ~ 40 % (~ 7 Tg yr−1) for the arctic, ~ 5 % (~ 7 Tg yr−1) for the northern, and ~ 60 % (~ 7 Tg yr−1) for the southern hemispheric mid-latitude region. We conclude that an improved modeling of stratospheric transport is highly desirable for the joint use with atmospheric XCH4 observations in atmospheric inversions.
Methane and nitrous oxide retrievals from MIPAS-ENVISAT
Authors: Plieninger J. , von Clarmann T. , Stiller G. P. , Grabowski U. , Glatthor N. , Kellmann S. , Linden A. , Haenel F. , Kiefer M. , Höpfner M. , Laeng A. , Lossow S.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. We present the strongly revised IMK/IAA MIPAS-ENVISAT CH4 and N2O data products for the MIPAS full resolution (versions V5H_CH4_21 and V5H_N2O_21) and for the reduced resolution period (versions V5R_CH4_224, V5R_CH4_225, V5R_N2O_224 and V5R_N2O_225). Differences to older retrieval versions which are known to have a high bias are discussed. The usage of the HITRAN 2008 spectroscopic dataset leads to lower values for both gases in the lower part of the profile. The improved correction of additive radiance offsets and handling of background radiance continua allows for aerosol contributions at altitudes in the upper stratosphere and above. These changes lead to more plausible values both in the radiance offset and in the profiles of the continuum absorption coefficients. They also increase the fraction of converged retrievals. Some minor changes were applied to the constraint of the inverse problem, causing small differences in the retrieved profiles, mostly due to the relaxation of off-diagonal regularisation matrix elements for the calculation of jointly retrieved absorption coefficient profiles. Spectral microwindows have been adjusted to avoid areas with saturated spectral signatures. Jointly retrieving profiles of water vapour and nitric acid serves to compensate spectroscopic inconsistencies. We discuss the averaging kernels of the products and their vertical resolution.
Dam tailwaters compound the effects of reservoirs on the longitudinal transport of organic carbon in an arid river
Authors: Ulseth A. J. , Hall R. O.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Reservoirs on rivers can disrupt organic carbon (OC) transport and transformation, but less is known how river reaches directly below dams contribute to OC processing. We compared how reservoirs and their associated tailwaters affected OC quantity and quality by calculating particulate OC (POC) and dissolved OC (DOC) fluxes, and measuring composition and bioavailability of DOC. We sampled the Yampa River near Maybell, Colorado, USA, and the Green River above and below Fontenelle and Flaming Gorge reservoirs as well as their respective tailwaters from early snowmelt to base flow hydrological conditions. In unregulated reaches (Yampa River, Green River above Fontenelle reservoir), DOC and POC concentrations increased with snowmelt discharge. POC and DOC concentrations also increased with stream discharge below Fontenelle reservoir, but there was no relationship between DOC and stream flow below Flaming Gorge reservoir. The annual load of POC was 3-fold lower below Fontenelle Reservoir and nearly 7-fold lower below Flaming Gorge reservoir, compared to their respective upstream sampling sites. DOC exported to downstream reaches from both reservoirs was less bioavailable, as measured with bioassays, than DOC upriver of the reservoirs. Lastly, tailwater reaches below the reservoirs generated OC, exporting potentially 1.6–2.2 g C m−2 d−1 of OC to downstream ecosystems. Therefore, the effect of impounding rivers on C fluxes is greater than the impact of the reservoirs alone given the additive effect of tailwater reaches below dams, which may produce and export comparable amounts of likely autochthonous carbon to downstream reaches.
Variability of phenology and fluxes of water and carbon with observed and simulated soil moisture in the Ent Terrestrial Biosphere Model (Ent TBM version 1.0.1.0.0)
Authors: Kim Y. , Moorcroft P. R. , Aleinov I. , Puma M. J. , Kiang N. Y.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The Ent Terrestrial Biosphere Model (Ent TBM) is a mixed-canopy dynamic global vegetation model developed specifically for coupling with land surface hydrology and general circulation models (GCMs). This study describes the leaf phenology submodel implemented in the Ent TBM version 1.0.1.0.0, coupled to the carbon allocation scheme of the Ecosystem Demography (ED) model. The phenology submodel adopts a combination of responses to temperature (growing degree days and frost-hardening), soil moisture (linearity of stress with relative saturation), and radiation (light length). Growth of leaves, sapwood, fine roots, stem wood, and coarse roots is updated on a daily basis. We evaluate the performance in reproducing observed leaf seasonal growth as well as water and carbon fluxes for four plant functional types at five Fluxnet sites, with both observed and prognostic hydrology, and observed and prognostic seasonal leaf area index. The phenology submodel is able to capture the timing and magnitude of leafout and senescence for temperate broadleaf deciduous forest (Harvard Forest and Morgan–Monroe State Forest, US), C3 annual grassland (Vaira Ranch, US), and California oak savanna (Tonzi Ranch, US). For evergreen needleleaf forest (Hyytiäla, Finland), the phenology submodel captures the effect of frost-hardening of photosynthetic capacity on seasonal fluxes and leaf area. We address the importance of customizing parameter sets of vegetation soil moisture stress response to the particular land surface hydrology scheme. We identify model deficiencies that reveal important dynamics and parameter needs.
Modelling the dispersion of particle numbers in five European cities
Authors: Kukkonen J. , Karl M. , Keuken M. P. , Denier van der Gon H. A. C. , Denby B. R. , Singh V. , Douros J. , Manders A. , Samaras Z. , Moussiopoulos N. , Jonkers S. , Aarnio M. , Karppinen A. , Kangas L. , Lützenkirchen S. , Petäjä T. , Vouitsis I. , Sokhi R. S.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. We present an overview of the modelling of particle number concentrations (PNC's) in five major European cities, namely Helsinki, Oslo, London, Rotterdam and Athens, in 2008. Novel emission inventories of particle numbers have been compiled both on urban and European scales. We use atmospheric dispersion modelling for PNC's in the five target cities and on a European scale, and evaluate the predicted results against available measured concentrations. The concentrations of PN in the selected cities were mostly influenced by the emissions originated from local vehicular traffic; however, in some of the cities, also harbour and airport activities were significant. The highest values of the predicted PNC's were higher in the megacities, London and Athens, and also in Rotterdam, whereas these were lower in Helsinki and Oslo. It was numerically evaluated that the influence of coagulation and dry deposition on the predicted PNC's was substantial for urban background in Oslo. The predicted and measured annual average PNC's in four cities agreed within approximately ≤ 36 % (measured as fractional biases), except for one traffic station in London. The indexes of agreement (IA) for the comparisons of hourly measured and predicted time-series in Oslo and Helsinki ranged from 0.75 to 0.79.
GRACE storage-runoff hystereses reveal the dynamics of regional watersheds
Authors: Sproles E. A. , Leibowitz S. G. , Reager J. T. , Wigington P. J. , Famiglietti J. S. , Patil S. D.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. We characterize how regional watersheds function as simple, dynamic systems through a series of hysteresis loops using measurements from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. These loops illustrate the temporal relationship between runoff and terrestrial water storage in three regional-scale watersheds (> 150 000 km2) of the Columbia River Basin, USA and Canada. The shape and size of the hysteresis loops are controlled by the climate, topography, and geology of the watershed. The direction of the hystereses for the GRACE signals moves in opposite directions from the isolated groundwater hystereses. The subsurface water (soil moisture and groundwater) hystereses more closely resemble the storage-runoff relationship of a soil matrix. While the physical processes underlying these hystereses are inherently complex, the vertical integration of terrestrial water in the GRACE signal encapsulates the processes that govern the non-linear function of regional-scale watersheds. We use this process-based understanding to test how GRACE data can be applied prognostically to predict seasonal runoff (mean Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.91) and monthly runoff during the low flow/high demand month of August (mean Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.77) in all three watersheds. The global nature of GRACE data allows this same methodology to be applied in other regional-scale studies, and could be particularly useful in regions with minimal data and in trans-boundary watersheds.
Early heat waves over Italy and their impacts on durum wheat yields
Authors: Fontana G. , Toreti A. , Ceglar A. , De Sanctis G.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. In the last decades the Euro-Mediterranean region has experienced an increase in extreme temperature events such as heat waves. These extreme weather conditions can strongly affect arable crop growth and final yields. Here, early heat waves over Italy from 1995 to 2013 are identified and characterised and their impact on durum wheat yields is investigated. As expected, results confirm the impact of the 2003 heat wave and highlight a high percentage of concurrence of early heat waves and significant negative yield anomalies in 13 out of 39 durum wheat production areas. In south-eastern Italy (the most important area for durum wheat production), the percentage of concurrent events exceeds 80 %.