bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in tropospheric submicron particle size distributions across the European continent 2008–2009
Authors: Beddows D. C. S. , Dall'Osto M. , Harrison R. M. , Kulmala M. , Asmi A. , Wiedensohler A. , Laj P. , Fjaeraa A.M. , Sellegri K. , Birmili W. , Bukowiecki N. , Weingartner E. , Baltensperger U. , Zdimal V. , Zikova N. , Putaud J.-P. , Marinoni A. , Tunved P. , Hansson H.-C. , Fiebig M. , Kivekäs N. , Swietlicki E. , Lihavainen H. , Asmi E. , Ulevicius V. , Aalto P. P. , Mihalopoulos N. , Kalivitis N. , Kalapov I. , Kiss G. , de Leeuw G. , Henzing B. , O'Dowd C. , Jennings S. G. , Flentje H. , Meinhardt F. , Ries L. , Denier van der Gon H. A. C. , Visschedijk A. J. H.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Cluster~analysis of particle number size distributions from~background sites across Europe~is presented. This generated a total of nine clusters of particle size distributions which could be further combined into two main groups, namely: a south-to-north category (four clusters) and a west-to-east category (five clusters). The first group was identified as most frequently being detected inside and around northern Germany and neighbouring countries, showing clear evidence of local afternoon nucleation and growth events that could be linked to movement of air masses from south to north arriving ultimately at the Arctic contributing to Arctic haze.~The second group of particle size spectra proved to have narrower size distributions and collectively showed a dependence of modal diameter upon the longitude of the site (west to east) at which they were most frequently detected.~These clusters indicated regional nucleation (at the coastal sites) growing to larger modes further inland. The apparent growth rate of the modal diameter was around 0.6–0.9 nm h−1. Four specific air mass back-trajectories were successively taken as case studies to examine in real time the evolution of aerosol size distributions across Europe. ~While aerosol growth processes can be observed as aerosol traverses Europe, the processes are often obscured by the addition of aerosol by emissions en route. This study revealed that some of the 24 stations exhibit more complex behaviour than others, especially when impacted by local sources or a variety of different air masses. Overall, the aerosol size distribution clustering analysis greatly simplifies the complex data set and allows a description of aerosol aging processes, which reflects the longer-term average development of particle number size distributions as air masses advect across Europe.
TransCom N2O model inter-comparison – Part 1: Assessing the influence of transport and surface fluxes on tropospheric N2O variability
Authors: Thompson R. L. , Patra P. K. , Ishijima K. , Saikawa E. , Corazza M. , Karstens U. , Wilson C. , Bergamaschi P. , Dlugokencky E. , Sweeney C. , Prinn R. G. , Weiss R. F. , O'Doherty S. , Fraser P. J. , Steele L. P. , Krummel P. B. , Saunois M. , Chipperfield M. , Bousquet P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. We present a comparison of chemistry-transport models (TransCom-N2O) to examine the importance of atmospheric transport and surface fluxes on the variability of N2O mixing ratios in the troposphere. Six different models and two model variants participated in the inter-comparison and simulations were made for the period 2006 to 2009. In addition to N2O, simulations of CFC-12 and SF6 were made by a subset of four of the models to provide information on the models' proficiency in stratosphere–troposphere exchange (STE) and meridional transport, respectively. The same prior emissions were used by all models to restrict differences among models to transport and chemistry alone. Four different N2O flux scenarios totalling between 14 and 17 TgN yr−1 (for 2005) globally were also compared. The modelled N2O mixing ratios were assessed against observations from in situ stations, discrete air sampling networks and aircraft. All models adequately captured the large-scale patterns of N2O and the vertical gradient from the troposphere to the stratosphere and most models also adequately captured the N2O tropospheric growth rate. However, all models underestimated the inter-hemispheric N2O gradient by at least 0.33 parts per billion (ppb), equivalent to 1.5 TgN, which, even after accounting for an overestimate of emissions in the Southern Ocean of circa 1.0 TgN, points to a likely underestimate of the Northern Hemisphere source by up to 0.5 TgN and/or an overestimate of STE in the Northern Hemisphere. Comparison with aircraft data reveal that the models overestimate the amplitude of the N2O seasonal cycle at Hawaii (21° N, 158° W) below circa 6000 m, suggesting an overestimate of the importance of stratosphere to troposphere transport in the lower troposphere at this latitude. In the Northern Hemisphere, most of the models that provided CFC-12 simulations captured the phase of the CFC-12, seasonal cycle, indicating a reasonable representation of the timing of STE. However, for N2O all models simulated a too early minimum by 2 to 3 months owing to errors in the seasonal cycle in the prior soil emissions, which was not adequately represented by the terrestrial biosphere model. In the Southern Hemisphere, most models failed to capture the N2O and CFC-12 seasonality at Cape Grim, Tasmania, and all failed at the South Pole, whereas for SF6, all models could capture the seasonality at all sites, suggesting that there are large errors in modelled vertical transport in high southern latitudes.
Meteorological factors controlling low-level continental pollutant outflow across a coast
Authors: Peake D. L. , Dacre H. F. , Methven J. , Coceal O.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Coastal outflow describes the horizontal advection of pollutants from the continental boundary layer across a coastline into a layer above the marine boundary layer. This process can ventilate polluted continental boundary layers and thus regulate air quality in highly populated coastal regions. This paper investigates the factors controlling coastal outflow and quantifies its importance as a ventilation mechanism. Tracers in the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) are used to examine the magnitude and variability of coastal outflow over the eastern United States for a 4 week period during summer 2004. Over the 4 week period, ventilation of tracer from the continental boundary layer via coastal outflow occurs with the same magnitude as vertical ventilation via convection and advection. The relative importance of tracer decay rate, cross-coastal advection rate, and a parameter based on the relative continental and marine boundary layer heights, on coastal outflow is assessed by reducing the problem to a time-dependent box-model. The ratio of the advection rate and decay rate is a dimensionless parameter which determines whether tracers are long-lived or short-lived. Long- and short-lived tracers exhibit different behaviours with respect to coastal outflow. For short-lived tracers, increasing the advection rate increases the diurnally averaged magnitude of coastal outflow, but has the opposite effect for very long-lived tracers. Short-lived tracers exhibit large diurnal variability in coastal outflow but long-lived tracers do not. By combining the MetUM and box-model simulations a landwidth is determined which represents the distance inland over which emissions contribute significantly to coastal outflow. A landwidth of between 100 and 400 km is found to be representative for a tracer with a lifetime of 24 h.
Mixing layer height retrieval with ceilometer and Doppler lidar: from case studies to long-term assessment
Authors: Schween J. H. , Hirsikko A. , Löhnert U. , Crewell S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Aerosol signatures observed by ceilometers are frequently used to derive mixing layer height (MLH) which is an essential variable for air quality modeling. Doppler wind lidar measurements of vertical velocity can provide a more direct estimation of MLH via simple thresholding. A case study reveals difficulties in the aerosol based MLH retrieval during transition times when the mixing layer is built up in the morning and when turbulence decays in the afternoon. The differences can be explained by the fact that the aerosol distribution is related to the history of the mixing process and aerosol characteristics are modified by humidification. The results of the case study are generalized by evaluating one year of joint measurements by a Vaisala CT25K and a HALO Photonics Streamline wind lidar. On average the aerosol based retrieval gives higher MLH than the wind lidar with an overestimation of MLH by about 300 m (600 m) in the morning (late afternoon). When turbulence is fully developed around noon best agreement is found between both methods. This diurnal behavior is even more pronounced in fair weather conditions classified by less than 4 octa. In these conditions the mean diurnal cycle of cloud base height corresponds well to the mixing layer height showing potential for a simplified MLH estimation.
Temperature reconstruction from 10 to 120 kyr b2k from the NGRIP ice core
Authors: Kindler P. , Guillevic M. , Baumgartner M. , Schwander J. , Landais A. , Leuenberger M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. In order to reconstruct the temperature of the North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP) site, new measurements of δ15N have been performed covering the time period from the beginning of the Holocene to Dansgaard–Oeschger (DO) event 8. Together with previously measured and mostly published δ15N data, we present for the first time a NGRIP temperature reconstruction for the whole last glacial period from 10 to 120 kyr b2k (thousand years before 2000 AD) including every DO event based on δ15N isotope measurements combined with a firn densification and heat diffusion model. The detected temperature rises at the onset of DO events range from 5 °C (DO 25) up to 16.5 °C (DO 11) with an uncertainty of ±3 °C. To bring measured and modelled data into agreement, we had to reduce the accumulation rate given by the NGRIP ss09sea06bm timescale in some periods by 30 to 35%, especially during the last glacial maximum. A comparison between reconstructed temperature and δ18Oice data confirms that the isotopic composition of the stadial was strongly influenced by seasonality. We evidence an anticorrelation between the variations of the δ18Oice sensitivity to temperature (referred to as α) and obliquity in agreement with a simple Rayleigh distillation model. Finally, we suggest that α might be influenced by the Northern Hemisphere ice sheet volume.
Development of a meandering channel caused by the planform shape of the river bank
Authors: Nagata T. , Watanabe Y. , Yasuda H. , Ito A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Due to a typhoon and a stationary rain front, record amounts of rain fell in September 2011, and the largest class of discharge in recorded history was observed in the Otofuke River of eastern Hokkaido in Japan, and extensive bank erosion occurred in various parts of the river channel. Damages were especially serious in the middle reaches, where part of a dike was washed out. The results of a post-flood survey suggested that the direct cause of the dike breach was lateral advance of the bank erosion associated with the development of meandering channels. As the related development mechanism and predominant factors have not yet been clarified, this remains a priority from the viewpoint of disaster prevention. A past study on the development of meandering channels was reported by Shimizu et al. (1996). In this study, the meandering channel development process was reproduced using a slope failure model that linked bank erosion with bed changes. The study attempted to clarify the meandering development mechanism in the disaster and its predominant factors by using this model. The analysis properly reproduced the characteristics of the post-flood meandering waveforms. Therefore, it is suggested that the development of meandering during the flood attributed to the propagation of meandering downstream, which is triggered by the meandering flow from the meandering channel in the upstream, which also suggests that this propagated meandering then caused a gradual increase of meandering amplitude accompanied by bank erosion in the recession period of the flood.
A 24-variable low-order coupled ocean–atmosphere model: OA-QG-WS v2
Authors: Vannitsem S. , De Cruz L.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. A new low-order coupled ocean–atmosphere model for midlatitudes is derived. It is based on quasi-geostrophic equations for both the ocean and the atmosphere, coupled through momentum transfer at the interface. The systematic reduction of the number of modes describing the dynamics leads to an atmospheric low-order component of 20 ordinary differential equations, already discussed in Reinhold and Pierrehumbert (1982), and an oceanic low-order component of four ordinary differential equations, as proposed by Pierini (2011). The coupling terms for both components are derived and all the coefficients of the ocean model are provided. Its dynamics is then briefly explored, through the analysis of its mean field, its variability and its instability properties. The wind-driven ocean displays a decadal variability induced by the atmospheric chaotic wind forcing. The chaotic behavior of the coupled system is highly sensitive to the ocean–atmosphere coupling for low values of the thermal forcing affecting the atmosphere (corresponding to a weakly chaotic coupled system). But it is less sensitive for large values of the thermal forcing (corresponding to a highly chaotic coupled system). In all the cases explored, the number of positive exponents is increasing with the coupling. Two codes in Fortran and Lua of the model integration are provided as Supplement.
Optimisation of the simulation particle number in a Lagrangian ice microphysical model
Authors: Unterstrasser S. , Sölch I.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This paper presents various techniques to speed up the Lagrangian ice microphysics code EULAG-LCM. The amount of CPU time (and also memory and storage data) depends heavily on the number of simulation ice particles (SIPs) used to represent the bulk of real ice crystals. It was found that the various microphysical processes require different numbers of SIPs to reach statistical convergence (in a sense that a further increase of the SIP number does not systematically change the physical outcome of a cirrus simulation). Whereas deposition/sublimation and sedimentation require only a moderate number of SIPs, the (nonlinear) ice nucleation process is only well represented, when a large number of SIPs is generated. We introduced a new stochastic nucleation implementation which mimics the stochastic nature of nucleation and greatly reduces numerical sensitivities. Furthermore several strategies (SIP merging and splitting) are presented which flexibly adjust and reduce the number of SIPs. These efficiency measures reduce the computational costs of present cirrus studies and allow extending the temporal and spatial scales of upcoming studies.
IL-GLOBO (1.0) – integrated Lagrangian particle model and Eulerian general circulation model GLOBO: development of the vertical diffusion module
Authors: Rossi D. , Maurizi A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The development and validation of the vertical diffusion module of IL-GLOBO, a Lagrangian transport model coupled online with the Eulerian General Circulation Model GLOBO, is described. The module simulates the effects of turbulence on particle motion by means of a Lagrangian Stochastic Model (LSM) consistent with the turbulent diffusion equation used in GLOBO. The implemented LSM integrates particle trajectories, using the native σ-hybrid coordinates of the Eulerian component, and fulfills the Well Mixed Condition (WMC) in the general case of a variable density profile. The module is validated through a series of 1-D numerical experiments by assessing its accuracy in maintaining an initially well mixed distribution. A dynamical time-step selection algorithm with constraints related to the shape of the diffusion coefficient profile is developed and gives accurate results, even for strongly peaked diffusivity profiles. Finally, the skills of a linear interpolation and a modified Akima spline interpolation method are compared, showing that the former generally introduces deviations from the WMC, due to the inconsistency between the local value of the diffusion coefficient and its derivatives. The Akima interpolation algorithm, for which the model satisfies the WMC rigorously, has a computational cost within 120% of the linear interpolation algorithm, making it a reasonable option for implementation in the 3-D model.
Factors affecting flood insurance penetration in residential properties in Johor Malaysia
Authors: Godwin Aliagha U. , Ewe Jin T. , Weng Choong W. , Nadzri Jaafar M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. High impact flood has virtually become an annual experience in Malaysia, yet flood insurance has remained a grossly neglected part of comprehensive integrated flood risk management. Using discriminant analysis, this study seeks to indentify the demand-side variables that best predict flood insurance penetration and risk aversion between two groups of residential homeowners in three districts of Johor State, Malaysia: those who purchased flood insurance and the group that did not. Our result revealed 34% penetration rate with Kota Tinggi district having the highest penetration (44%) and thus, the highest degree of flood risk aversion. The Wilks' Lambda F test for equality of group means, SCDFC, structure correlation and canonical correlation have clearly shown that there are strong significant attribute differences between the two groups of homeowners based on measures of objective flood risk exposure, subjective risk perception, and socio-economic cum demographic variables. However, measures of subjective risk perception were found more predictive of flood insurance penetration and flood risk aversion.
Risk identification of agricultural drought for sustainable agroecosystems
Authors: Dalezios N. R. , Blanta A. , Spyropoulos N. V. , Tarquis A. M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Drought is considered as one of the major natural hazards with significant impact to agriculture, environment, society and economy. Droughts affect sustainability of agriculture and may result in environmental degradation of a region, which is one of the factors contributing to the vulnerability of agriculture. This paper addresses agrometeorological or agricultural drought within the risk management framework. Risk management consists of risk assessment, as well as a feedback on the adopted risk reduction measures. And risk assessment comprises three distinct steps, namely risk identification, risk estimation and risk evaluation. This paper deals with risk identification of agricultural drought, which involves drought quantification and monitoring, as well as statistical inference. For the quantitative assessment of agricultural drought, as well as the computation of spatiotemporal features, one of the most reliable and widely used indices is applied, namely the Vegetation Health Index (VHI). The computation of VHI is based on satellite data of temperature and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The spatiotemporal features of drought, which are extracted from VHI are: areal extent, onset and end time, duration and severity. In this paper, a 20 year (1981–2001) time series of NOAA/AVHRR satellite data is used, where monthly images of VHI are extracted. Application is implemented in Thessaly, which is the major agricultural drought-prone region of Greece, characterized by vulnerable agriculture. The results show that agricultural drought appears every year during the warm season in the region. The severity of drought is increasing from mild to extreme throughout the warm season with peaks appearing in the summer. Similarly, the areal extent of drought is also increasing during the warm season, whereas the number of extreme drought pixels is much less than those of mild to moderate drought throughout the warm season. Finally, the areas with diachronic drought persistence can be located. Drought early warning is developed using empirical functional relationships of severity and areal extent. In particular, two second-order polynomials are fitted, one for low and the other for high severity drought classes, respectively. The two fitted curves offer a forecasting tool on a monthly basis from May to October. The results of this drought risk identification effort are considered quite satisfactory offering a prognostic potential. The adopted remote sensing data and methods have proven very effective in delineating spatial variability and features in drought quantification and monitoring.
An improved ARIMA model for hydrological simulations
Authors: Wang H. R. , Wang C. , Lin X. , Kang J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model is often used to calculate time series data formed by inter-annual variations of monthly data. However, the influence brought about by inter-monthly variations within each year is ignored. Based on the monthly data classified by clustering analysis, the characteristics of time series data are extracted. An improved ARIMA model is developed accounting for both the inter-annual and inter-monthly variation. The correlation between characteristic quantity and monthly data within each year is constructed by regression analysis first. The model can be used for predicting characteristic quantity followed by the stationary treatment for characteristic quantity time series by difference. A case study is conducted to predict the precipitation in Lanzhou precipitation station, China, using the model, and the results show that the accuracy of the improved model is significantly higher than the seasonal model, with the mean residual achieving 9.41 mm and the forecast accuracy increasing by 21%.
Spatial analysis of oil reservoirs using DFA of geophysical data
Authors: Ribeiro R. A. , Mata M. V. M. , Lucena L. S. , Fulco U. L. , Corso G.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. We employ Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) technique to investigate spatial properties of an oil reservoir. This reservoir is situated at Bacia de Namorados, RJ, Brazil. The data corresponds to well logs of the following geophysical quantities: sonic, gamma ray, density, porosity and electrical resistivity, measured in 56 wells. We tested the hypothesis of constructing spatial models using data from fluctuation analysis over well logs. To verify this hypothesis we compare the matrix of distances among well logs with the differences among DFA-exponents of geophysical quantities using spatial correlation function and Mantel test. Our data analysis suggests that sonic profile is a good candidate to represent spatial structures. Then, we apply the clustering analysis technique to the sonic profile to identify these spatial patterns. In addition we use the Mantel test to search for correlation among DFA-exponents of geophysical quantities.
Snow density climatology across the former USSR
Authors: Zhong X. , Zhang T. , Wang K.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Snow density is one of the basic properties used to describe snow cover characteristics, and it is a key factor for linking snow depth and snow water equivalent, which are critical for water resources assessment and modeling inputs. In this study, we used long-term data from ground-based measurements to investigate snow density (bulk density) climatology and its spatiotemporal variations across the former Soviet Union (USSR) from 1966 to 2008. The results showed that the long-term monthly mean snow density was approximately 0.22 ± 0.05 g cm−3 over the study area. The maximum and minimum monthly mean snow density was about 0.33 g cm−3 in June, and 0.14 g cm−3 in October, respectively. Maritime and ephemeral snow had the highest monthly mean snow density, while taiga snow had the lowest. The higher values of monthly snow density were mainly located in the European regions of the former USSR, on the coast of Arctic Russia, and the Kamchatka Peninsula, while the lower snow density occurred in central Siberia. Significant increasing trends of snow density from September through June of the next year were observed, however, the rate of the increase varied with different snow classes. The long-term (1966–2008) monthly and annual mean snow densities had significant decreasing trends, especially during the autumn months. Spatially, significant positive trends in monthly mean snow density lay in the southwestern areas of the former USSR in November and December and gradually expanded in Russia from February through April. Significant negative trends mainly lay in the European Russia and the southern Russia. There was a high correlation of snow density with elevation for tundra snow and snow density was highly correlated with latitude for prairie snow.
Drifting snow measurements on the Greenland Ice Sheet and their application for model evaluation
Authors: Lenaerts J. T. M. , Smeets C. J. P. P. , Nishimura K. , Eijkelboom M. , Boot W. , van den Broeke M. R. , van de Berg W. J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This paper presents autonomous drifting snow observations performed on the Greenland Ice Sheet in the fall of 2012. High-frequency snow particle counter (SPC) observations at ~ 1 m above the surface provided drifting snow number fluxes and size distributions; these were combined with meteorological observations at six levels. We identify two types of drifting snow events: katabatic events are relatively cold and dry, with prevalent winds from the southeast, whereas synoptic events are short lived, warm and wet. Precipitating snow during synoptic events disturbs the drifting snow measurements. Output of the regional atmospheric climate model RACMO2, which includes the drifting snow routine PIEKTUK-B, agrees well with the observed near-surface climate at the site, as well as with the frequency and timing of drifting snow events. Direct comparisons with the SPC observations at 1 m reveal that the model overestimates the horizontal snow transport at this level, which can be related to an overestimation of saltation and the typical size of drifting snow particles.
Nanoscale Simulation of Three-Contact Graphene Ballistic Junctions
Authors: Mencarelli Davide , Pierantoni Luca , Rozzi Tullio , Coccetti Fabio
Published: April 2014

In this work, three-terminal ballistic junctions, made of three-branch graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), are considered and simulated at the nanometric scale. The analysis is carried out by a scattering matrix approach, in a discrete formulation optimized for GNR devices. The ballisticity and the scattering properties of the junction contribute to the nonlinear behaviour, as, in fact, a sinusoidal voltage between two GNR branches results in a non-sinusoidal current at the third branch. The input-output characteristic is hardly predictable at the nanoscale, as it depends on several cooperating factors, namely the potential distribution and the geometry of the junction. Several numerical examples are shown to illustrate the above concepts.
Differential Expression Patterns of a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase With Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) -1, -4, -5, and -14 in Human Placenta and Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases
Authors: Lee So-Young , Lee Hyang-Sin , Gil Minchan , Kim Chong Jai , Lee Yong-Hee , Kim Kyu-Rae , Park Chan-Sik
Published: April 2014

Context.—The ability of intermediate trophoblasts to invade maternal tissue during placentation depends on how well they can degrade the extracellular matrix. Invasion into the extracellular matrix requires many complex proteases. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) is a novel family of secreted metalloproteinases. The ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and -14 subtypes are known to be expressed in human placenta, but little is understood about their expression patterns.

Objective.—To examine the expression patterns of ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and -14 in specific human placenta cell types during gestation and in gestational trophoblastic diseases.

Design.—Placental tissues were obtained from 25 pregnant women and 21 cases of gestational trophoblastic diseases (10 early complete moles, 3 placental site trophoblastic tumors, 4 invasive moles, and 4 choriocarcinomas). The expression of the 4 ADAMTS was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results.—ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and -14 were differentially expressed by the human placenta throughout gestation in a time-specific and cell type–specific manner, as well as in gestational trophoblastic diseases. ADAMTS-1 showed gradually strong staining intensity in gestational trophoblastic diseases according to the invasive potential but showed consistent strong intensity throughout normal placenta. ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 exhibited higher and restricted expression in first-trimester intermediate trophoblasts. They also exhibited comparably strong expression in gestational trophoblastic diseases. However, ADAMTS-14 expression remained unchanged throughout gestation.

Conclusions.—The restricted expression pattern of ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 and their increased expression in gestational trophoblastic diseases suggest that these 2 ADAMTS subtypes are associated with a biological phenotype of trophoblasts involved in human placentation and the development of gestational trophoblastic diseases.
Parosteal Osteosarcoma
Authors: Hang Jen-Fan , Chen Paul Chih-Hsueh
Published: April 2014

Parosteal osteosarcoma is a rare malignant bone tumor arising from the bone cortical surface. It most commonly occurs in young women over the metaphyseal region, especially the long bones near the knee joint. Patients usually report a slow-growing mass for years. The tumor is characterized by its bland microscopic morphology, prone to be misdiagnosed as other benign tumors. In the absence of dedifferentiation, the prognosis is generally better than that of conventional osteosarcoma. Recent studies demonstrated distinctive cytogenetic abnormality resulting in amplification of the CDK4 and MDM2 genes, which may serve as markers for molecular diagnosis. In this article, we review the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of parosteal osteosarcoma and identify some diagnostic pitfalls, discuss the prognostic variables, and update recent molecular advances and their application in the diagnosis.
Gastrografin Enemas for Treatment of Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome in Children and Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Mahmoud Zahra  , Carla Frederick  , Richard Thomas  , Vaseem Iqbal  , Drucy Borowitz
Published: April 2014

Background: Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) presents in both children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). When DIOS is characterized by bilious vomiting or when washout therapy with polyethylene glycol has failed, radio-opaque hypertonic enema (ROHE) is recommended as the next therapeutic option. Techniques for use of ROHE in infants with meconium ileus are described in the literature but have not been reported for children and adults with DIOS.Methods: We described the technique, volume, and results of Gastrografin enema usage for DIOS in children and adults with CF at our institution between 2006 and 2011. We reviewed the incidence of DIOS reported to the CF Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) between 2001 and 2011Results: The mean amount of dilute Gastrografin used was 1220ml or 31 ml/kg, (range 240 - 3500ml; 19 – 59 ml/kg). Three patients had incomplete resolution after an initial enema and underwent repeat enemas on consecutive days. The incidence of DIOS in the CFFPR increased from 223 to 498 cases in children 18 years over the ten year period studied.Conclusions: Large volume radio-opaque hypertonic enemas can resolve episodes of acute DIOS and can be repeated on subsequent days if needed, without complications. The incidence of DIOS reported to the United States CF Foundation Patient Registry has increased in both children and adults over the past decade.
Effect of Selected Oligosaccharides on the Viability and Fermentation Kinetics of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei in Cultured Milk
Authors: Seah Young Ng  , Loo Wee Chia  , Birdie Scott Padam  , Fook Yee Chye
Published: April 2014

The study aimed to investigate the effect of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on the growth and fermentation kinetics of Lactobacillus casei LC-01 (LC) and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5 (LA) in cultured milk. Two commercially available FOS with different degree of polymerization (DP), namely Fibrulose F97 (DP, 2-20) and Fibruline Instant (DP, 3-60) were used at 4% (w/v) and 8% (w/v) respectively during fermentation and storage of cultured milk. Physicochemical properties and acidification kinetic of milk were measured throughout the fermentation. The concentration and DP values of the FOS do not seem to affect the growth of both probiotics during fermentation. Nevertheless, the pH and total soluble solid of milk fermented by both probiotics supplemented with FOS decreased tremendously during fermentation. It is noted that the percentage of lactic acid produced in L. acidophilus is higher than L. casei owing to the metabolic characteristic of the strain. The kinetic of maximum acidification rate Vmax of cultured milk was significantly higher with the addition of FOSs at 4%. However, FOS with lower DP seemed to enhance (p
Investigation of Physical Quality Characteristics of Dry Land and Wet Land Wheat Varieties
Authors: Saghir Ahmed Sheikh  , Benish Nawaz Merani  , Aijaz Hussain Somro  , Liaquat Jamali  , Aasia Akbar Panhwar
Published: April 2014

The aim of this research study was to determine the physical characteristics of some commercial wheat varieties of dry land and wet land grown in Sindh province. Four irrigated land (Inqulab, TD-1, Kherman, and Sarsabz) wheat varieties and four drought tolerant (TK-3, Marvi, PK-85, Sassi) wheat varieties were collected from their respective areas and subjected to physical analysis.The physical characteristics of dry land and wet land wheat varieties differed significantly. It was observed that dry land wheat varieties higher in length (7.29mm) as compared to wet land wheat varieties (7.05mm). Whereas, wet land wheat varieties higher in breadth (4.97mm), thickness(3.86mm), volume (59.7mm3), geometric mean (10.66mm) and sphericity (1.72%) than those of dry land wheat varieties with breadth (4.15mm), thickness (3.25mm), volume (45.3mm3), geometric mean (9.34mm) and sphericity (1.35%). It is also observed that TKW (47g) of wet land wheat varieties were higher than those of dry land wheat varieties TKW (40.2g). Moreover, falling number (419sec) were recorded higher in wet land wheat varieties than those of dry land wheat varieties falling number (387sec). While, dry land wheat varieties increased in its hardness (55.3%) than those of wet land wheat varieties hardness (51.3%). This study reveals that availability of water and environmental factors are directly related with the nutritional characteristics of wheat varieties. This study revealed that due to more moisture content in wet land wheat varieties TKW, breadth, thickness, volume, geometric mean, falling number and sphericity were recorded as higher than dry land wheat varieties. However, Length and hardness were observed higher in dry land wheat varieties which resulted in better yield of flour as compared with wet land wheat varieties.
Diabetes Self-Care Activities (Diet & Exercise) and Adherence to Treatment: A Hospital –Based Study among Diabetic Male Patients in Taif, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abubaker Ibrahim Elbur
Published: April 2014

Diabetes mellitus is a complex disorder that requires constant adherence to certain lifestyle measures and medication to achieve good glycaemic control. The main aim of this study was to measure adherence to self- care practices (diet, exercise and medication) among diabetic patients and to identify predicators of adherence. A hospital-based study was conducted in King Abdul Aziz Specialized Hospital, Taif, KSA during June – October 2013. Convenient method of sampling was adopted, whereby all adult (> 18 years) male diabetic patients were recruited. Data was collected through face-to-face interview method using structured questionnaire. Data was processed using the software Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) (Version 21). Overall 378 patients were eligible; 191 (50.5%) > 50 years old and nearly two third had secondary or university education. Overweight and obese patients constituted more than two third of the respondents. Generally adherence to diet, exercise was found to be low. Multivariate analysis showed that only presence of other diseases {adjusted OR 2.8 (1.3-6.0), P = 0.011} and marital status {adjusted OR 3.4 (1.0-11.7), P = 0.049} were found to be significantly associated with adherence to diet.Patients’ age was the only predicator for patients’ commitment to practicing exercise {adjusted OR 4.7(1.3-17.8), P = 0.020)}. Non adherence to medication was found to 80.6 % (n=305). In conclusion non-adherence to the studied self-care practices was suboptimal. Proper and continuous health education accompanied with patients’ motivation may improve patients’ adherence.
Response to Ustekinumab in a Patient with Severe Psoriasis when Adalimumab Dose Escalation Fails
Authors: Joaquín Borrás-Blasco  , Luisa Obon  , Isabel Hernández  , Dolores-Elvira Casterá  , Alejandro Gonzalez  , F. Javier Abad  , J. Dolores Rosique-Robles
Published: April 2014

Objectives: To report a case of response to ustekinumab in a patient with severe psoriasis when adalimumab dose escalation fail.Case Description: A 35-year-old Caucasian male was diagnosed as having psoriasis. He was started on methotrexate followed cyclosporine. Despite these treatments, the patient experienced an abrupt deterioration of his psoriasis [PASI 35]. The patient started treatment with adalimumab: initial dose of 80mg followed by 40mg in week 2. At week 3 he continued on adalimumab 40mg/two weeks with significant reduction of psoriasis. After 8 months of adalimumab therapy, he referred that adalimumab was effective only during the first week of treatment. The patient gave his written informed consent for adalimumab dose intensification. He started adalimumab 40mg/week, with an improvement of psoriasis. After 7 months of adalimumab dose intensification, the psoriasis worsened [PASI score =25 and CDLQI score 20]. We discontinued adalimumab and started therapy with ustekinumab, 45mg subcutaneously, was administered at weeks 0, 4 and every 12 weeks. The clinical response was impressive; at week 12 a PASI 90 response was achieved while the CDLQI score fell to the scale of 7. Efficacy was maintained after a 12 months of ustekinumab therapy.Conclusions: This case report provides valuable insight into the efficacy and tolerability of ustekinumab in a patient with severe psoriasis when adalimumab dose escalation fails. To our knowledge this is the first case published to date that describes the clinical efficacy of ustekinumab when adalimumab intensification dose escalation fails.
The Bivariate Erlang and its Application in Modeling Recurrence Times of Kidney Dialysis Data
Authors: Diawara Norou , Indika S.H. Sathish , Grant Melva , Maboudou-Tchao Edgard M.
Published: April 2014

Recent advances in computer modeling allows us to find closer fits to data. Our emphasis is on the interdependence between occurrence at kidney dialysis. The interdependence between kidney dialysis occurrences is modelled by a bivariate exponential that we propose in this article. The application is shown on the McGilchrist and Aisbett kidney data set with the use of the exponential distribution. The proposed bivariate exponential model has exponential marginal densities, correlated via a latent random variables and with finite probability of simultaneous occurrence. Extension of the model to a bivariate Erlang type distribution with same shape parameter is presented.
The rate and role of diaphragmatic peritonectomy in optimal cytoreduction in patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer: a prospective study of 100 patients
Authors: Lūža Tomas , Ožalinskaitė Agnė , Rudaitis Vilius
Published: April 2014

Background. Diaphragmatic peritoneal metastasis by advanced epi­thelial ovarian cancer is a very common holdback precluding optimal cytoreduction. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of dia­phragmatic peritonectomy during optimal cytoreductive surgery and its role in postoperative morbidity and survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Materials and methods. 100 consecutive patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer underwent cytoreductive surgery and were followed up prospectively (January 2009 – March 2014). Characteristics of surgery, rate of diaphragmatic peritonectomy and post operative complications were assessed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.
Results. The median age of the entire cohort at the time of primary cytoreduction was 58.5 years (23–83). Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 73 cases out of 100 patients. From 73 patients in 30 cases (41.1%) upper abdominal procedures, specifically diaphragmatic peritonectomy, was performed to achieve the main goal of cytoreduction  –  no visible or palbable disease at the end of cytoreduction. Non-optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 27 cases. According to the Clavien-Dindo complication grading system grade I and grade II complications occurred more often in patients that underwent diaphragmatic surgery. The median overall survival from the time of diagnosis to the last follow-up or death was 28 months (range 0–63 months). The factors associated with the longest survival after primary cytoreductive surgery were the disease free interval from the primary cytoreduction of more than 19 months (n = 51) versus less than 19 months (n = 49) (95% confidence interval, 51.7–59.5; P = 0.013) and no visible or palpable residual disease at the end of cytoreduction (n = 73) versus visible or palpable residual di­sease (n = 27) (95% confidence interval, 52.7–61.2; P = 0.03).
Conclusions. Based on our prospective analysis of advanced ovarian cancer patients, diaphragmatic peritonectomy is feasible and safe, ensures better rates of optimal cytoreduction and should not be an obstacle towards better survival.
Significance of urine albumin / creatinine ratio (UACR) and uric acid in women with preeclampsia and its comparison with healthy normotensive pregnant women in their third trimester
Authors: Sogani Sonal , Varma Vandana , Sarkar Purnima Dey
Published: April 2014

Objective. To determine the significance of urine albumin / creatinine ratio (UACR) as to predict proteinuria in new-onset hypertension and uric acid in women with preeclampsia and its comparison with healthy normotensive pregnant women.
Methods. Healthy normotensive pregnant women (n = 45), women with preeclampsia (n = 36) were included in the study. The preeclamptic group was further divided into two subgroups: mild (n  =  25) and severe preeclampsia (n = 11).
Results. Higher mean values of urine albumin / creatinine ratio (UACR) and uric acid were found in preeclamptic pregnant women (319.05 ± 247.56 mg/g, 5.98  ±  2.1  mg/dl) as compared to healthy normotensive pregnant women (22.15  ±  8.1  mg/g, 4.07  ±  0.91  mg/dl) in the third trimester with highly significant difference (p
Pregnancy and delivery after augmentation enterocystoplasty: a case report
Authors: Bobelytė Odeta , Jankevičius Feliksas , Paliulytė Virginija , Manikas Martynas , Ramašauskaitė Diana
Published: April 2014

Background. The aim of this article is to present a rare clinical case of pregnancy and surgical delivery after bladder augmentation surgery in the past.
Methods and materials. In this report we present one case of a 23-yearold woman who became pregnant 3 years later after bladder augmenta­tion surgery for congenital microcystis leading to hydronephrosis and nephrosclerosis and delivered a live healthy baby through a lower segment Caesarean section at 38 weeks of gestation in Vilnius University Hos­pital Santariškių Clinics. We investigated all documentation of the patient before and after bladder augmentation enterocystoplasty.
Results and conclusions. Bladder augmentation is mostly performed for women in their childhood or young age and most of them reach reproductive age. There is no contraindications for these women to become pregnant and deliver, both vaginally or surgically. It is advisable to consult urologists regularly, make regular bacteriological urine analysis, take monthly blood samples for kidney function evaluation and perform renal ultrasonography. Multiple consultations in a Perina­tology Center are also necessary to follow the fetus condition and prevent preeclampsia. Antibacterial treatment or prophylaxis should be used during pregnancy if necessary, intermittent self-catheterization is mostly performed routinely. The presence of a urologist is suggested during the Caesarean section.
Pig’s Liver Rice Crepes: A 1970s Edmonton Dim Sum Ticket
Authors: Lieffers Caroline , Wong Jason C.S.
Published: April 2014

This article examines a dim sum ticket from the My Lai Garden, a prominent 1970s Edmonton restaurant, arguing that this traditional Cantonese assortment of snacks and tea acted as a transplanted cultural space for a transplanted people. As Edmonton’s Chinese population exploded in the 1970s, dim sum worked as an ethnic performance and a social space, a cultural metaphor and a practical occasion for families to bond, friends to meet, and business to be transacted. At the same time, dim sum at the My Lai Garden offered opportunities for inclusion and exchange, attracting Euro-Canadian diners intrigued by its worldly connotations. The restaurant, however, did not simply dish up a commoditized ethnicity: the ritual’s defining Chineseness and subtle cultural meanings remained elusive to non-Chinese outsiders. Dim sum, prepared principally by and for the Chinese community, exists and persists with or without Euro-Canadians, complicating questions of cultural hegemony and suggesting a more complex history of ethnic life in Edmonton.
The Ontario Christian Gleaners: A Case Study of a Stakeholder-Engaged Organizational Strategy
Authors: van Duren Erna , Hansen Sterne Rita
Published: April 2014

The Ontario Christian Gleaners (OCG) gathers, dries, and distributes produce destined to be waste and creates value by processing dried soup mixes and fruit snacks using volunteer labour. This case study examines the roles of relationships in the OCGs strategy, operations, and management using a strategic management framework that incorporates value creation and trading. Data was collected from secondary sources, site visits, and interviews. The case examines how relationships with primary and secondary stakeholders are managed to create value.  Primary stakeholders are individuals, groups, and organizations with formal, regular, contractual or transactional relationships with an organization. At OCG they include donors of vegetables and fruit, supplies like pails, and services like free waste tipping; communities that receive the dried soups, fruits, shipping barrels, and pails; mission and relief organizations that raise funding and distribute the food and the volunteers who donate their time.  Secondary stakeholders do not have regular relationships with an organization but may be affected by its actions or affect its actions indirectly through their activities in the market or society. At OCG secondary stakeholders include those who receive soup; interest groups such as food businesses, consumer or environmental organizations; the earth that supplies the agricultural and food resources; the media; the government that oversees the charitable status requirements and food safety legislation; food banks and others who have similar missions to feed the hungry; and finally educational, social, and health institutions who have goals that intersect with those of the OCG.