bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of child sexual abuse: a comparison among 4 Italian epidemiological studies
Authors: Castelli Beatrice , Festa Fiorella , Di Sanzo Maria Angela , Guala Andrea , Pellai Alberto
Published: September 2015

Although many epidemiological studies defining child sexual abuse prevalence rates in many countries of the world are now available, Italy presents a lack of data regarding this specific issue. Only recently some attempts to define the epidemiology of this public health problem have been tried. Between 2003 and 2010, the Department of Public Health at University of Milan was in charge of one of the more important study of this kind in Italy, involving almost 3000 students aged 18 attending secondary schools in the City of Milan who filled out an anonymous questionnaire aiming at detecting their previous experiences of sexual victimization during childhood and adolescence. After this first edition, the study was replicated among students attending secondary schools in the city of Varese, in the area of Piedmont and in Basilicata (area of Lauria), using the same investigational model and questionnaire. This paper presents the main data collected through four different epidemiological studies using the same methodology and survey tool. Considering at least one of the five different forms of child sexual abuse surveyed (being exposed to pornography, being touched on private parts, being forced to masturbate an older person, being forced to perform oral sex, or being penetrated), the prevalence rate among our samples ranges between a minimum of 12.5% (Varese) and a maximum of 34.1% (Lauria). In Lauria the research reveals a higher prevalence rate of child sexual abuse, especially among the male population, for all typologies of abuse but being touched in their private parts. In all other geographical areas and for all typologies of abuse, there is always a higher prevalence among girls, with the only exception of abuse such as being exposed to pornographic materials.
Persons living on a disability grant in Mpumalanga province: An insider perspective
Authors: Wright Susanna C.D.
Published: September 2015

In Mpumalanga province, more than 45 000 persons with disability receive a disability grant. Although research regarding social grants in general and disability grants specifically had previously been conducted from various perspectives, none has been carried out in Mpumalanga and none to explore the impact of the disability grant on the lives of the recipients. The objective of the study was to gain an understanding of the impact of the disability grant on the lives of recipients living in Mpumalanga. The study was conducted as a contextual, exploratory and qualitative study. The target population was persons with a disability receiving a disability grant. Data gathering was conducted in October 2010 using a semi-structured interview technique. The data were analysed in terms of the social and economic impact of the disability grant in the life of the participant. A combination of three qualitative data analysis methods was used to analyse the data. The qualitative findings indicate that although it is an individual grant, the disability grant was used to support the whole family and was frequently the family’s only income. Food, clothes and electricity was most frequently bought with the disability grant. Food often did not last for a month. The families were living precariously and any crisis, for example lapsing of the grant, would result in hunger and desperation as a result of their complete dependence on the disability grant.Without insight in how people live their lives, registered nurses may give health education to patients that they cannot implement, perpetuating the burden of disease in South Africa.
Weaving colourful threads: A tapestry of spirituality and mysticism
Authors: Kourie Celia
Published: September 2015

Given the plethora of research conducted in the field of spirituality and mysticism over the last 30 years, it is almost a superhuman feat to keep up with the explosion of information. Of necessity, in a limited article of this nature, it is possible to discuss only a few salient aspects of the spirituality and mysticism phenomenon and by so doing contribute to ongoing research in this important domain. Contemporary spiritualties encompass the whole range of human experience and new variants are emerging; for example, the relatively recent Contemplative Studies, a cognate and close companion to Spirituality. Crossing inter-religious boundaries enhances studies in Mysticism; natural mysticism is clearly in the foreground; and breaking research in neurotheology sheds light on the nature of the ‘mystical mind’. Discussion of the value or otherwise of techniques and methods of the mystical journey continues unabated. Of great value for today’s frenetic, Internet-crazy world is the path of mystical silence. By contributing to a discussion of these issues, it is hoped that the threads of spirituality and mysticism will continue to share their colour in a world desperate for beauty and peace.
Cone beam computed tomography: A new vision in dentistry
Authors: Gupta Manas , Mishra Pankaj , Srivastava Rahul , Jyoti Bhuvan
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a developing imaging technique designed to provide relatively low-dose high-spatial-resolution visualization of high-contrast structures in the head and neck and other anatomic areas. It is a vital content of a dental patient's record. A literature review demonstrated that CBCT has been utilized for oral diagnosis, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, implantology, orthodontics; temporomandibular joint dysfunction, periodontics, and restorative and forensic dentistry. Recently, higher emphasis has been placed on the CBCT expertise, the three-dimensional (3D) images, and virtual models. This literature review showed that the different indications for CBCT are governed by the needs of the specific dental discipline and the type of procedure performed.
Analysis of artery occlusion caused by facial autologous fat injections
Authors: Qi Xiangdong , Zhou Jie , Ma Limin , Qin Jianzeng
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To investigate the causes for retinal artery occlusion and cerebral infarction resulting from cosmetic facial autologous fat injections.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-seven retrospective, noncomparative cases with artery occlusion caused by facial autologous fat injections were included. Injection sites, basic demographic information (age, sex, and laterality of the involved eyes), best-corrected visual acuities (BVCAs), fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography findings, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and associated ocular and systemic manifestations were collected as study information. Twenty-seven cases were classified according to artery occlusion, which led to blindness and brain infarction, as relationship between blindness and brain infarction may provide clues to help us figure out the process of arterial blockage.

Results:

Of the 27 cases, 13 patients had ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO), 6 had central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), and 3 had branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). Injection sites were the glabellar area (9 cases), nasolabial area (5 cases), forehead area (4 cases), periocular area (2 cases), nose area and nasal area (2 cases), multiple places (2 cases), and other areas (3 cases). Injection at different injection sites may lead to blindness, which means that emboli went into the blood by different branches of the external carotid artery, and eventually blocked the ophthalmic artery and its branches. Concomitant brain infarction developed in 13 cases with retinal artery occlusion. The high probability of occurrence of cerebral infarction indicated that internal carotid artery could be a flow path of emboli.

Conclusion:

Cosmetic facial autologous fat injections may cause retinal artery occlusion. Under the pressure of injection, fat emboli go through the terminal artery of face into the ophthalmic artery counter currently. In some cases, retrograde arterial embolism also causes brain infarction. Middle cerebral artery occlusion is closely associated with OAO.
Digital medicine: An exciting field of medical sciences
Authors: Zhang Shaoxiang
Published: September 2015

Shaoxiang Zhang, Ph.D., M.D., designed and founded the journal of Digital Medicine as editor-in-chief. At Digital Medicine, Dr. Zhang's responsibilities include oversight of all editorial content and policies. His editorial background includes service as an editor-in-chief or associate editor or editorial board member for 15 academic journals including Clinical Anatomy, PLoS ONE, Chinese Journal of Regional Anatomy, Chinese Journal of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy. A famous specialist in digital medicine and human anatomy, Dr. Zhang maintains an active research program. He is the principal investigator of the Chinese Visible Human Project, and more than 20 scientific projects else supported by National Science Foundation of China, including several key grant projects. He is a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of China, and the “National Excellent Talent”. Dr. Zhang has published more than 390 articles (61 are published in worldwide reputed SCI journals) and 21 books on topics such as human anatomy and digital medicine. His publications have received more than 2800 citations. In 2005, he was invited to deliver the keynote speech on the Chinese Visible Human Project at the 4th Joint Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists and the British Association of Clinical Anatomists. He won the second prize of National Science and Technology Progress Award twice (in 2001 and 2007) for his contributions to the study of hand surgery and to the study of digital human dataset and its application, respectively. Dr. Zhang is the Distinguished Professor of digital medicine at the Institute of Digital Medicine and professor of human anatomy at the College of Basic Medicine of the Third Military Medical University. He took the lead to establish a digital-human-based anatomy teaching system and promote Digital Medicine to emerge as a new interdiscipline in China. Dr. Zhang has served as a leading scientist in numerous academic societies and committees, including the Chinese Society for Anatomical Sciences, Chinese Society of Digital Medicine, Discipline Appraisal Group of the Academic Degree Committee of the State Council, Expert Committee of Human Anatomy and Digital Anatomy in China, Chongqing Association of Digital Medicine and Chongqing Institute of Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Zhang received his medical degree from the Third Medical Military University. He had been the former Vice President of the Third Military Medical University (2006-2013). He has been the chairman of the Chinese Society for Anatomical Sciences since 2014 and the chairman of the Chinese Society of Digital Medicine since its foundation in 2011.
La mediación comunicativa de las identidades individuales y colectivas
Authors: Martin Serrano Manuel , Velarde Olivia
Published: September 2015

Los universos simbólicos están incorporados en las identidades individuales y colectivas. Identifican lo que nos humaniza y llegado el caso, lo sofocan. La génesis de los símbolos está vinculada a la transformación de la comunicación animal en comunicación humana. Conserva funciones referidas a los vínculos de los individuos con sus grupos de pertenencia, que tienen esos orígenes evolutivos. Por eso, el funcionamiento de los símbolos en el contexto de las sociedades humanas causa aporías-existenciales, sociales e históricas– que se exponen en esta publicación.
Predictive Malaria Risk and Uncertainty Mapping in Nchelenge District, Zambia: Evidence of Widespread, Persistent Risk and Implications for Targeted Interventions
Authors: Pinchoff Jessie , Chaponda Mike , Shields Timothy , Lupiya James , Kobayashi Tamaki , Mulenga Modest , Moss William J. , Curriero Frank C.
Published: September 2015

Malaria risk maps may be used to guide policy decisions on whether vector control interventions should be targeted and, if so, where. Active surveillance for malaria was conducted through household surveys in Nchelenge District, Zambia from April 2012 through December 2014. Households were enumerated based on satellite imagery and randomly selected for study enrollment. At each visit, participants were administered a questionnaire and a malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Logistic regression models were used to construct spatial prediction risk maps and maps of risk uncertainty. A total of 461 households were visited, comprising 1,725 participants, of whom 48% were RDT positive. Several environmental features were associated with increased household malaria risk in a multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for seasonal variation. The model was validated using both internal and external evaluation measures to generate and assess root mean square error, as well as sensitivity and specificity for predicted risk. The final, validated model was used to predict and map malaria risk including a measure of risk uncertainty. Malaria risk in a high, perennial transmission setting is widespread but heterogeneous at a local scale, with seasonal variation. Targeting malaria control interventions may not be appropriate in this epidemiological setting.
Feasibility of Using the Mosquito Blood Meal for Rapid and Efficient Human and Animal Virus Surveillance and Discovery
Authors: Yang Yu , Garver Lindsey S. , Bingham Karen M. , Hang Jun , Jochim Ryan C. , Davidson Silas A. , Richardson Jason H. , Jarman Richard G.
Published: September 2015

Mosquito blood meals taken from humans and animals potentially represent a useful source of blood for the detection of blood-borne pathogens. In this feasibility study, Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes were fed with blood meals spiked with dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) and harvested at serial time points. These mosquitoes are not competent vectors, and the virus is not expected to replicate. Ingested blood was spotted on Whatman FTA cards and stored at room temperature. Mosquito abdomens were removed and stored at −80°C. Control blood meal aliquots were stored in vials or applied onto FTA cards. After 4 weeks of storage, the samples were extracted using beadbeating and QIAamp Viral RNA kit (Qiagen Sciences, Germantown, MD). Recovered viral RNA was analyzed by DENV-2 TaqMan RT-PCR assay and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Overall viral RNA recovery efficiency was 15% from the directly applied dried blood spots and approximately 20% or higher for dried blood spots made by blotting mosquito midgut on FTA cards. Viral RNA in mosquito-ingested blood decreases over time, but remains detectable 24 hours after blood feeding. The viral sequences in FTA-stored specimens can be maintained at room temperature. The strategy has the potential utility in expedited zoonotic virus discovery and blood-borne pathogen surveillance.
First Report of Aedes aegypti Transmission of Chikungunya Virus in the Americas
Authors: Díaz-González Esteban E. , Kautz Tiffany F. , Dorantes-Delgado Alicia , Malo-García Iliana R. , Laguna-Aguilar Maricela , Langsjoen Rose M. , Chen Rubing , Auguste Dawn I. , Sánchez-Casas Rosa M. , Danis-Lozano Rogelio , Weaver Scott C. , Fernández-Salas Ildefonso
Published: September 2015

During a chikungunya fever outbreak in late 2014 in Chiapas, Mexico, entomovirological surveillance was performed to incriminate the vector(s). In neighborhoods, 75 households with suspected cases were sampled for mosquitoes, of which 80% (60) harbored Aedes aegypti and 2.7% (2) Aedes albopictus. A total of 1,170 Ae. aegypti and three Ae. albopictus was collected and 81 pools were generated. Although none of the Ae. albopictus pools were chikungunya virus (CHIKV)–positive, 18 Ae. aegypti pools (22.8%) contained CHIKV, yielding an infection rate of 32.3/1,000 mosquitoes. A lack of herd immunity in conjunction with high mosquito populations, poor vector control services in this region, and targeted collections in locations of human cases may explain the high infection rate in this vector. Consistent with predictions from experimental studies, Ae. aegypti appears to be the principal vector of CHIKV in southern Mexico, while the role of Ae. albopictus remains unknown.
Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Quinine and Lopinavir/Ritonavir in Healthy Thai Adults
Authors: Rattanapunya Siwalee , Cressey Tim R. , Rueangweerayut Ronnatrai , Tawon Yardpiroon , Kongjam Panida , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: September 2015

This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic interactions between quinine and lopinavir boosted with ritonavir (LPV/r) in healthy Thai adults (8 males and 12 females). Period 1 (day 1): subjects received a single oral dose of 600 mg quinine sulfate. Period 2: subjects received LPV/r (400/100 mg) twice daily. Period 3: subjects received a single quinine sulfate dose plus LPV/r twice a day. Intensive blood sampling was performed during each phase. Quinine AUC0–48h (area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to 48 hours), AUC0–∞ (area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity), and Cmax (maximum concentration over the time-span specified), were 56%, 57%, and 47% lower, respectively, in the presence of LPV/r. 3-Hydroxyquinine AUC0–48h, AUC0–∞, and Cmax were significantly lower and the metabolite-to-parent ratio was significantly reduced. Lopinavir and ritonavir exposures were not significantly reduced with quinine coadministration, but Cmax of both drugs were significantly lower. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) and 90% CI of AUC0–48h, AUC0–∞, and Cmax for quinine, 3-hydroxyquinine, lopinavir, and ritonavir lay outside the bioequivalent range of 0.8–1.25. Drug treatments during all periods were generally well tolerated. The reduction in systemic exposure of quinine and 3-hydroxyquinine with concomitant LPV/r use raises concerns of suboptimal exposure. Studies in HIV/malaria coinfection patients are needed to determine the clinical impact to decide if any change to the quinine dose is warranted.
Predictive Value of School-Aged Children's Schistosomiasis Prevalence and Egg Intensity for Other Age Groups in Western Kenya
Authors: Mwinzi Pauline N. M. , Muchiri Geoffrey , Wiegand Ryan E. , Omedo Martin , Abudho Bernard , Karanja Diana M. S. , Montgomery Susan P. , Secor W. Evan
Published: September 2015

World Health Organization recommendations for the timing and target population for mass drug administration (MDA) for schistosomiasis are based on the prevalence of infection in school children within a given community. In a large study comparing MDA approaches for Schistosoma mansoni control, we evaluated whether prevalence of infection and egg burdens in 9- to 12-year-old students reflected infection levels in young children and adults in the same community. Cross-sectional surveys of preadolescents (9–12 years old) were compared with those of first year students (5–8 years old) in 225 villages and adults (20–55 years old) in 150 villages along the Kenyan shores of Lake Victoria. Village schistosomiasis prevalence and intensity levels in preadolescents strongly correlated (P < 0.0001) with prevalence and infection intensity for other age groups in the community. Our findings suggest that S. mansoni prevalence and intensity among 9- to 12-year-olds are valid for community sampling purposes in mapping for MDAs.
An Active Return-to-Middle Control Method without Angle Sensor for EPS
Authors: Mi Peiwen , Chen Guoying
Published: September 2015

Electric Power Steering System (EPS) can directly provide auxiliary steering torque via a motor. The motor and the reducer in mechanical system will make the friction torque in steering system larger, as a result, the ability of steering returning will be reduced. Therefore, during the design of EPS system control strategy, an extra active return-to-middle control strategy is needed. For the fact that most of the low-end vehicles equipped with EPS system do not have a steering wheel angle sensor, a control strategy has to work without the datum of steering wheel angle. This paper proposes an active return-to-middle control method without steering wheel angle sensor, based on the estimated aligning torque which is converted to the pinion, and expounds how to determine the steering system current motion state in detail. This control method will work just during the turning condition, so it has no effect on the EPS basic assist characteristics. And this control method is added in EPS control programs in the form of software. Test results on real vehicle show that this control method without angle sensor can effectively improve the performance of returning, and this method is one worth considering in practical application.
Development and Test of Braking Intention Recognition Strategies for Commercial Vehicle
Authors: Zheng Hongyu , Ma Shenao
Published: September 2015

This paper establishes a brake pedal model for braking intention identification, using the structural features of electronic braking system and selecting the proper parameters. A three-dimensional model is built that the input parameters are pedal displacement and pedal displacement change rate, and the output parameter is braking intensity. The relationship between the driver braking operation and braking intention are designed. A hardware-in-the-loop test bench experiment has been taken under several skilled drivers to practice the established the brake pedal model with the operation data during the braking. Thus, it results a model indicating the braking intention by braking operation that means effectively improve the braking comfort and applies to the research of electronic braking system of commercial vehicle.
Effect of Maternal Oral Hydration Therapy on Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Isolated Oligohydramnios
Authors: Rawat Rajani , Kaushik Amit , Sachan Ravi
Published: September 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effect of maternal oral hydration therapy in 3rd trimester pregnancies with isolated oligohydramnios on amniotic fluid index (AFI) and maternal and perinatal outcome.

Materials and methods

A prospective study was conducted on 100 pregnant women in 3rd trimester with isolated oligohydramnios. Women were advised to drink 2 liters of fluids orally over 1 hour per day in the form of water, fruit juices, coconut water and to take rest in left lateral position. Amniotic fluid index was re-evaluated by ultrasonography done at 24 hours and then repeated at 48 hours of oral hydration therapy. Difference in prehydration and posthydration AFI was calculated for each selected cases at different intervals. Women were asked to continue the therapy of 2 liters per day orally in addition to routine fluid intake till delivery. All the women were followed till delivery and maternal and perinatal outcome was analyzed.

Results

The mean AFI increased from 6.23 ± 1.06 cm (pretreatment) to 7.47 ± 0.58 cm at 24 hours (p < 0.001) and to 7.80 ± 1.47 cm at 48 hours of oral hydration therapy (p < 0.001). In women with low AFI, there was increased rate of operative delivery and low Apgar score at birth. There were no perinatal deaths.

Conclusion

Maternal oral hydration therapy is simple to perform, noninvasive, nonexpensive, east to accept and an effective way of increasing AFI and results in improvement of perinatal outcome and decrease in operative interferences.

How to cite this article

Rawat R, Garg R, Kaushik A, Sachan R. Effect of Maternal Oral Hydration Therapy on Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Isolated Oligohydramnios. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(2):64-67.
Bombay Blood Group in a Case of Previous Cesarean Section with Placenta Previa: Awareness, Alertness, Anticipation of Complications and Active Intervention (4As)
Authors: Rajeswari KS , Agarwal Preet , Sruthi Medempudi Bhavya
Published: September 2015

H-deficient Bombay phenotype is rare since it occurs in about 1 in 10,000 individuals in India and 1 per 1,000,000 in Europe. Here is a rare case of a 30 years old G2P1L1 at 32 weeks with previous lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and Doppler changes with also placenta previa. Her blood grouping was identified as Bombay blood group who underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) with C-section. We present this case as the diagnosis of Bombay blood group can easily be missed and undiagnosed transfusion can cause serious complications.

How to cite this article

Sruthi MB, Agarwal P, Rajeswari KS. Bombay Blood Group in a Case of Previous Cesarean Section with Placenta Previa: Awareness, Alertness, Anticipation of Complications and Active Intervention (4As). J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(2):91-92.
A Rare Case of Acute Axonal Motor Neuropathy in a Puerperal Woman
Authors: Sundari N , Nayak Ashwini , Girish Jyothi , Swaroop Asha
Published: September 2015

We report the case of a puerperal woman who presented to us with sepsis with multiorgan dysfunction and motor weakness of both lower limbs. On detailed evaluation, patient was found to have axonal neuropathy establishing the diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy. A high index of suspicion is required to arrive at the diagnosis as this condition is not only associated with high mortality and morbidity rates but also can affect the quality of life of the individual in the long term. This case has been reported to highlight the importance of recognition of this common, but rarely diagnosed condition as it can help us to portend the prognosis.

How to cite this article

Nayak A, Sundari N, Swaroop A, Girish J. A Rare Case of Acute Axonal Motor Neuropathy in a Puerperal Woman. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(2):93-94.
New Insights into Infertility Associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Kumar Pratap , Pai Praveena Joglekar , Sahoo Parama
Published: September 2015

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder which was thought to be reasonably well understood. However, new diagnostic criteria have evolved over the years just as has the management of associated infertility. Our review looks at the various diagnostic criteria for PCOS and what has prompted the need for a constant change in these. We also analyze the need for various investigations and what new evidence is out there for optimal treatment for infertility associated with this condition.

How to cite this article

Pai PJ, Sahoo P, Kumar P. New Insights into Infertility Associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2015;6(2):43-50.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Intracranial Tumors and the Difficulties in Prognostication: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Rai Lavanya , Vasudeva Akhila , Amin Sapna V , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Girisha Katta M
Published: September 2015

Prenatal diagnosis of intracranial tumors generally implies a poor prognosis. We present three such cases, where prognostication was difficult. We attempted to correlate our prenatal counseling with postnatal follow-up/postabortal diagnosis. In the first case, tumor was diagnosed at 37 weeks. Ultrasound and fetal/neonatal MRI suggested a malignant intraventricular tumor. Anticipating guarded prognosis, parents refused neurosurgical intervention. At 1 year, child has normal neurodevelopment. Further magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) show tumor shrinkage, pointing to a benign tumor. In case two, a choroid plexus tumor was diagnosed at midtrimester anomaly scan. Since it was difficult to rule out a malignant tumor, pregnancy was terminated. However, MRI, autopsy, and histopathology confirmed a choroid plexus papilloma, which is known to have good prognosis. In case three, prenatal MRI showed features of neurological involvement in tuberous sclerosis. However child has no neurological manifestations at 1 year of age. Hence, prognostication of prenatally diagnosed brain tumors remains a challenge.

How to cite this article

Vasudeva A, Amin SV, Kadavigere R, Girisha KM, Rai L. Prenatal Diagnosis of Intracranial Tumors and the Difficulties in Prognostication: A Report of Three Cases. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2015;6(2):88-91.
Chemical characterization of submicron aerosol and particle growth events at a national background site (3295 m a.s.l.) on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Du W. , Sun Y. L. , Xu Y. S. , Jiang Q. , Wang Q. Q. , Yang W. , Wang F. , Bai Z. P. , Zhao X. D. , Yang Y. C.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols exert highly uncertain impacts on radiative forcing and also have detrimental effects on human health. While aerosol particles are widely characterized in megacities in China, aerosol composition, sources and particle growth in rural areas in the Tibetan Plateau remain less understood. Here we present the results from an autumn study that was conducted from 5 September to 15 October 2013 at a national background monitoring station (3295 m a.s.l.) in the Tibetan Plateau. The submicron aerosol composition and particle number size distributions were measured in situ with an Aerodyne Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) and a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS). The average mass concentration of submicron aerosol (PM1) is 11.4 μg m−3 (range: 1.0–78.4 μg m−3) for the entire study, which is much lower than observed at urban and rural sites in eastern China. Organics dominated PM1, accounting for 43 % on average, followed by sulfate (28 %) and ammonium (11 %). Positive Matrix Factorization analysis of ACSM organic aerosol (OA) mass spectra identified an oxygenated OA (OOA) and a biomass burning OA (BBOA). The OOA dominated OA composition, accounting for 85 % on average, 17 % of which was inferred from aged BBOA. The BBOA contributed a considerable fraction of OA (15 %) due to the burning of cow dung and straw in September. New particle formation and growth events were frequently observed (80 % of time) throughout the study. The average particle growth rate is 2.0 nm h−1 (range: 0.8–3.2 nm h−1). By linking the evolution of particle number size distribution to aerosol composition, we found an elevated contribution of organics during particle growth periods and also a positive relationship between the growth rate and the fraction of OOA in OA, which potentially indicates an important role of organics in particle growth in the Tibetan Plateau.
Characterizing black carbon in rain and ice cores using coupled tangential flow filtration and transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Ellis A. , Edwards R. , Saunders M. , Chakrabarty R. K. , Subramanian R. , van Riessen A. , Smith A. M. , Lambrinidis D. , Nunes L. J. , Vallelonga P. , Goodwin I. D. , Moy A. D. , Curran M. A. J. , van Ommen T. D.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Antarctic ice cores have been used to study the history of black carbon (BC), but little is known with regards to the physical and chemical characteristics of these particles in the remote atmosphere. Characterization remains limited by ultra-trace concentrations in ice core samples and the lack of adequate methods to isolate the particles unaltered from the melt water. To investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of these particles, we have developed a tangential flow filtration (TFF) method combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tests using ultrapure water and polystyrene latex particle standards resulted in excellent blanks and significant particle recovery. This approach has been applied to melt water from Antarctic ice cores as well as tropical rain from Darwin, Australia with successful results: TEM analysis revealed a variety of BC particle morphologies, insoluble coatings, and the attachment of BC to mineral dust particles. The TFF-based concentration of these particles has proven to give excellent results for TEM studies of BC particles in Antarctic ice cores and can be used for future studies of insoluble aerosols in rainwater and ice core samples.
The latitudinal structure of the nightside outer magnetosphere of Saturn as revealed by velocity moments of thermal ions
Authors: Nemeth Z. , Szego K. , Foldy L. , Kivelson M. G. , Jia X. , Ramer K. M. , Cowley S. W. H. , Provan G. , Thomsen M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. In this study we investigate the latitudinal behavior of the azimuthal plasma velocities in the outer magnetosphere of Saturn using the numerical ion moments derived from the measurements of the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer. One of the new results presented is that although these moments display some scatter, a significant positive correlation is found to exist between the azimuthal velocity and the plasma density, such that on average, the higher the density the higher the rotation speed. We also found that both the azimuthal velocity and the density anticorrelate with the magnitude of the radial component of the magnetic field and drop rapidly with increasing distance from the magnetic equator. The azimuthal velocities show periodic behavior with a period near the planetary rotation period, which can also be explained by the strong dependence on magnetic latitude, taking into account the flapping of the magnetodisk. It is thus found that the dense plasma near the magnetic equator rotates around the planet at high speed, while the dilute plasma at higher latitudes in the northern and southern hemispheres rotates significantly slower. The latitudinal gradient observed in the azimuthal speed is suggested to be a direct consequence of the sub-corotation of the plasma in the outer magnetosphere, with highest speeds occurring on field lines at lowest latitudes mapping to the rapidly rotating inner regions of the plasma sheet, and the speed falling as one approaches the lobe, where the field lines are connected to strongly sub-corotating plasma.
Technical Note: Semi-rigid chambers for methane gas flux measurements on tree-stems
Authors: Siegenthaler A. , Welch B. , Pangala S. R. , Peacock M. , Gauci V.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. There is increasing interest in the measurement of methane (CH4) emissions from tree stems in a wide range of ecosystems so as to determine how they contribute to the total ecosystem flux. To date, tree CH4 fluxes are commonly measured using rigid closed chambers (static or dynamic), which often pose challenges as these are bulky and limit measurement of CH4 fluxes to only a very narrow range of tree stem sizes and shapes. To overcome these challenges we aimed to design, describe and test new semi-rigid stem-flux chambers (or sleeves). We compared semi-rigid chamber's gas permeability to CH4 against the traditional rigid chamber approach, in the laboratory and in the field, with continuous flow or syringe injections. We found that the semi-rigid chambers performed well, and had numerous benefits including reduced gas permeability and optimal stem gas exchange surface to total chamber volume ratio (Sc/Vtot) allowing better headspace mixing, especially when connected in a dynamic mode to a continuous flow gas analyser. Semi-rigid sleeves can easily be constructed and transported in multiple sizes, are extremely light, cheap to build and fast to deploy. This makes them ideal for use in remote ecosystems where access logistics are complicated.
Differential resilience of ancient sister lakes Ohrid and Prespa to environmental disturbances during the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Jovanovska E. , Cvetkoska A. , Hauffe T. , Levkov Z. , Wagner B. , Sulpizio R. , Francke A. , Albrecht C. , Wilke T.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Ancient lakes, like lakes Ohrid and Prespa on the Balkan Peninsula, have become model systems for studying the link between geological and biotic evolution. Recently the scientific deep drilling program "Scientific Collaboration on Past Speciation Conditions in Lake Ohrid" (SCOPSCO) has been launched to better understand the environmental, climatic and limnological evolution of the lake. It revealed that Lake Ohrid experienced a number of environmental disturbances during its ca. 2.0 million year long history. They comprise disturbances that lasted over longer periods of times ("press events") such as Heinrich events as well as sudden and short disturbances ("pulse events") like the deposition of volcanic ashes. The latter include one of the most severe volcanic episodes during the Late Pleistocene, the eruption of the Campanian Ignimbrite (known as Y-5 marine tephra layer) from the Campi Flegrei caldera, dated at 39.6 ± 0.1 ka ago. The event is recorded by the deposition of a ca. 15 cm thick Y-5 tephra layer in sediment cores of lakes Ohrid (DEEP-5045-1) and Prespa (Co1204). This pulse event is overlain by the Heinrich event 4 (H4), 40.0–38.0 ka ago. In the current paper, diatoms were used as proxies to compare the responses of these lakes to the Y-5 (pulse) and the H4 (press) disturbances. Based on stratigraphically constrained incremental sum of squares cluster (CONISS) and unconstrained Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) analyses, we found only little evidence that the diatom community compositions in either lake responded to the H4 event. However, the Y-5 influx caused clear and rapid diatom community changes. After the initial response, community composition in Lake Ohrid and, to a lesser extent, in Lake Prespa slowly returned to their quasi pre-disturbance state. Moreover, there is no evidence for disturbance-related extinction events. The combined evidence from these findings suggests that lakes Ohrid and Prespa likely did not experience regime shifts. It is therefore concluded that both lakes show resilience to environmental disturbance. However, it seems that Lake Ohrid is more resilient than Lake Prespa as the recovery of diatom communities is more pronounced and as its estimated recovery time is only ca. 1400 years vs. ca. 3600 years in Lake Prespa. The reasons for the differential responses remain largely unknown, but differences in geology, lake age, limnology, and intrinsic parameters of the diatom proxies may play a role. Given the relative robust results obtained, this study provides important new insights into the response of lakes to (multiple) environmental disturbances. Moreover, it contributes to one of the major goals of the SCOPSCO project – to evaluate the influence of major geological events onto the evolution of endemic taxa in Lake Ohrid.
The ScaLIng Macroweather Model (SLIMM): using scaling to forecast global-scale macroweather from months to decades
Authors: Lovejoy S. , del Rio Amador L. , Hébert R.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. On scales of ≈ 10 days (the lifetime of planetary-scale structures), there is a drastic transition from high-frequency weather to low-frequency macroweather. This scale is close to the predictability limits of deterministic atmospheric models; thus, in GCM (general circulation model) macroweather forecasts, the weather is a high-frequency noise. However, neither the GCM noise nor the GCM climate is fully realistic. In this paper we show how simple stochastic models can be developed that use empirical data to force the statistics and climate to be realistic so that even a two-parameter model can perform as well as GCMs for annual global temperature forecasts. The key is to exploit the scaling of the dynamics and the large stochastic memories that we quantify. Since macroweather temporal (but not spatial) intermittency is low, we propose using the simplest model based on fractional Gaussian noise (fGn): the ScaLIng Macroweather Model (SLIMM). SLIMM is based on a stochastic ordinary differential equation, differing from usual linear stochastic models (such as the linear inverse modelling – LIM) in that it is of fractional rather than integer order. Whereas LIM implicitly assumes that there is no low-frequency memory, SLIMM has a huge memory that can be exploited. Although the basic mathematical forecast problem for fGn has been solved, we approach the problem in an original manner, notably using the method of innovations to obtain simpler results on forecast skill and on the size of the effective system memory. A key to successful stochastic forecasts of natural macroweather variability is to first remove the low-frequency anthropogenic component. A previous attempt to use fGn for forecasts had disappointing results because this was not done. We validate our theory using hindcasts of global and Northern Hemisphere temperatures at monthly and annual resolutions. Several nondimensional measures of forecast skill – with no adjustable parameters – show excellent agreement with hindcasts, and these show some skill even on decadal scales. We also compare our forecast errors with those of several GCM experiments (with and without initialization) and with other stochastic forecasts, showing that even this simplest two parameter SLIMM is somewhat superior. In future, using a space–time (regionalized) generalization of SLIMM, we expect to be able to exploit the system memory more extensively and obtain even more realistic forecasts.
Singularity-sensitive gauge-based radar rainfall adjustment methods for urban hydrological applications
Authors: Wang L.-P. , Ochoa-Rodríguez S. , Onof C. , Willems P.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Gauge-based radar rainfall adjustment techniques have been widely used to improve the applicability of radar rainfall estimates to large-scale hydrological modelling. However, their use for urban hydrological applications is limited as they were mostly developed based upon Gaussian approximations and therefore tend to smooth off so-called "singularities" (features of a non-Gaussian field) that can be observed in the fine-scale rainfall structure. Overlooking the singularities could be critical, given that their distribution is highly consistent with that of local extreme magnitudes. This deficiency may cause large errors in the subsequent urban hydrological modelling. To address this limitation and improve the applicability of adjustment techniques at urban scales, a method is proposed herein which incorporates a local singularity analysis into existing adjustment techniques and allows the preservation of the singularity structures throughout the adjustment process. In this paper the proposed singularity analysis is incorporated into the Bayesian merging technique and the performance of the resulting singularity-sensitive method is compared with that of the original Bayesian (non singularity-sensitive) technique and the commonly used mean field bias adjustment. This test is conducted using as case study four storm events observed in the Portobello catchment (53 km2) (Edinburgh, UK) during 2011 and for which radar estimates, dense rain gauge and sewer flow records, as well as a recently calibrated urban drainage model were available. The results suggest that, in general, the proposed singularity-sensitive method can effectively preserve the non-normality in local rainfall structure, while retaining the ability of the original adjustment techniques to generate nearly unbiased estimates. Moreover, the ability of the singularity-sensitive technique to preserve the non-normality in rainfall estimates often leads to better reproduction of the urban drainage system's dynamics, particularly of peak runoff flows.
Parameter regionalization of a monthly water balance model for the conterminous United States
Authors: Bock A. R. , Hay L. E. , McCabe G. J. , Markstrom S. L. , Atkinson R. D.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. A parameter regionalization scheme to transfer parameter values and model uncertainty information from gaged to ungaged areas for a monthly water balance model (MWBM) was developed and tested for the conterminous United States (CONUS). The Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test, a global-sensitivity algorithm, was implemented on a MWBM to generate parameter sensitivities on a set of 109 951 hydrologic response units (HRUs) across the CONUS. The HRUs were grouped into 110 calibration regions based on similar parameter sensitivities. Subsequently, measured runoff from 1575 streamgages within the calibration regions were used to calibrate the MWBM parameters to produce parameter sets for each calibration region. Measured and simulated runoff at the 1575 streamgages showed good correspondence for the majority of the CONUS, with a median computed Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency coefficient of 0.76 over all streamgages. These methods maximize the use of available runoff information, resulting in a calibrated CONUS-wide application of the MWBM suitable for providing estimates of water availability at the HRU resolution for both gaged and ungaged areas of the CONUS.
Accelerated wastage of the Monte Perdido Glacier in the Spanish Pyrenees during recent stationary climatic conditions
Authors: López-Moreno J. I. , Revuelto J. , Rico I. , Chueca-Cía J. , Julián A. , Serreta A. , Serrano E. , Vicente-Serrano S. M. , Azorín-Molina C. , Alonso-González E. , García-Ruiz J. M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This paper analyzes the evolution of the Monte Perdido Glacier, the third largest glacier of the Pyrenees, from 1981 to the present. We assessed the evolution of the glacier's surface area by use of aerial photographs from 1981, 1999, and 2006, and changes in ice volume by geodetic methods with digital elevation models (DEMs) generated from topographic maps (1981 and 1999), airborne LIDAR (2010) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014). We interpreted the changes in the glacier based on climate data from a nearby meteorological station. The results indicate an accelerated degradation of this glacier after 2000, with a rate of ice surface loss that was almost three-times greater from 2000 to 2006 than for earlier periods, and a doubling of the rate of ice volume loss from 1999 to 2010 (the ice depth decreased 8.98 ± 1.8 m, −0.72 ± 0.14 m w.e. yr−1) compared to 1981 to 1999 (the ice depth decreased 8.35 ± 2.12 m, −0.39 ± 0.1 m w.e. yr−1). This loss of glacial ice has continued from 2011 to 2014 (the ice depth decreased 2.1 ± 0.4 m, −0.64 ± 0.36 m w.e. yr−1). Local climatic changes during the study period cannot explain the acceleration in wastage rate of this glacier, because local precipitation and snow accumulation increased slightly, and local air temperature during the ablation period did not significantly increase. The accelerated degradation of this glacier in recent years can be explained by the lack of equilibrium between the glacier and the current climatic conditions. In particular, the average air temperature increased by at least 0.9 °C in this region since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA) in the mid-1800s. Thus, this glacier shrinks dramatically during years with low accumulation or high air temperatures during the ablation season, but cannot recover during years with high accumulation or low air temperatures during the ablation season. The most recent TLS data support this interpretation. These data indicated that two consecutive markedly anomalous wet winters and cool summers (2012–13 and 2013–14) led to near zero mass balance conditions, with significant losses of ice in some areas. These anomalous periods could not counteract the dramatic shrinkage that occurred during the dry and warm period of 2011–2012.