bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Point-of-Care, Ultraportable Echocardiography Predicts Diuretic Response in Patients Admitted with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Krishnan Dena K. , Pawlaczyk Barbara , McCullough Peter A. , Enright Susan , Kunadi Arvind , Vanhecke Thomas E.
Published: September 2017

Background

Routine management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) requires careful attentiveness to fluid status and diuretic treatment efficacy. New advances in ultrasound have made ultraportable echocardiography (UE) available to physicians for point-of-care use. The purpose of this study is to explore physiologic measures of intravascular fluid volume derived from UE and explore predictors of diuretic response in ADHF.

Methods

Various echocardiography imaging measurements, particularly diameter and collapse of inferior vena cava (IVC), were collected from 77 patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of ADHF. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they achieved a net negative fluid output of 3 L within 48 hours. The demographic information, serum laboratory markers, and physical characteristics of the subjects were obtained to correlate with daily ultrasound measurements. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare diuretic “responders” to “nonresponders.”

Results

A negative change in the IVC diameter at 48 hours was robust in prediction of diuretic response. For every 1 mm decrease in the IVC diameter at 48 hours, there was an odds ratio of 1.62 (95% CI: 1.20-2.19) for responding to diuretic therapy independent of other variables including baseline renal filtration function and blood B-type natriuretic peptide.

Conclusion

Assessment of central venous pressure as a proxy for passive renal congestion independently predicts initial diuretic response in ADHF. Future research is needed to further understand the individual variation in response to loop diuresis and to identify optimal treatment approaches that utilize anatomic and physiologic measures such as venous ultrasound.
The Major Role of IK1 in Mechanisms of Rotor Drift in the Atria: A Computational Study
Authors: Berenfeld Omer
Published: September 2017

Maintenance of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) by fast rotors in the left atrium (LA) or at the pulmonary veins (PVs) is not fully understood. This review describes the role of the heterogeneous distribution of transmembrane currents in the PVs and LA junction (PV-LAJ) in the localization of rotors in the PVs. Experimentally observed heterogeneities in IK1, IKs, IKr, Ito, and ICaL in the PV-LAJ were incorporated into models of human atrial kinetics to simulate various conditions and investigate rotor drifting mechanisms. Spatial gradients in the currents resulted in shorter action potential duration, less negative minimum diastolic potential, slower upstroke and conduction velocity for rotors in the PV region than in the LA. Rotors under such conditions drifted toward the PV and stabilized at the less excitable region. Our simulations suggest that IK1 heterogeneity is dominant in determining the drift direction through its impact on the excitability gradient. These results provide a novel framework for understanding the complex dynamics of rotors in AF.
Article Commentary: Understanding the Outcome of Randomized Trials with Drug-Eluting Stents and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in Patients with Multivessel Disease: A Review of a 25-Year Journey
Authors: Rodriguez Alfredo E. , Pavlovsky Hernán , Del Pozo Juan Francisco
Published: September 2017

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) confirmed the superiority of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in patients with multiple vessel disease. In spite of different DES designs, investigators in these trials used similar percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategies hoping to achieve complete revascularization, meaning that all intermediate lesions would be stented. One of these studies also included small vessels in the revascularization policy. On this revision, authors searched for a potential explanation of these intriguing findings and also for solutions to this problem, not seen years ago when other RCTs compared CABG with PCI in the previous DES era. After they revised old and new scientific data, they concluded that improved DES design is not itself enough to narrow the gap between PCI and CABG and that in the future RCTs we should institute more conservative strategies avoiding unnecessary multiple DES implantation.
La imagen de los candidatos en las elecciones presidenciales de Estados Unidos en ‘prensa’ digital española
Authors: De las Heras Pedrosa Carlos , Paniagua Rojano Francisco Javier , Jambrino Maldonado Carmen , Iglesias Sánchez Patricia
Published: September 2017

Este trabajo analiza la imagen que proyectan los principales diarios españoles sobre la última campaña de las elecciones presidenciales en Estados Unidos, y por tanto, la influencia que pueden ejercer los medios de mayor difusión en nuestro país en la opinión pública española sobre este acontecimiento. Hipótesis y objetivos. Se parte de la hipótesis de que, las características personales y la dramatización efectuada por los candidatos en la campaña electoral incentivaron aún más el interés de los ciudadanos, si bien la lejanía de las elecciones conlleva que la percepción que los españoles tenían de cada uno de los candidatos venía influenciada por el consumo de información política en los medios que siguen habitualmente. Metodología. Para ello, nos apoyamos en la técnica metodológica del análisis de contenido. En concreto, se analizan un total de 817 noticias, 448 elpais.es y 369 ABC.es, entre el 1 de junio y el 8 de noviembre de 2016. La búsqueda de las noticias se basó en las palabras claves “Trump” o “Clinton” en el titular o en el subtítulo. Resultados. El candidato que más titulares protagonizó en ambos diarios fue Trump, y el tipo de titular predominante durante la campaña fue el informativo (55,6%) frente al 21,2% que fueron apelativos y el 23,3% fueron de impacto. En cuanto al tratamiento informativo en ambos medios, se observa que, en la mayoría de las noticias, se posicionan contra el candidato Trump.  Conclusiones. Así, puede concluirse que los medios no solo intervienen en la creación de escenarios, sino que son un elemento clave en la construcción de la imagen de los candidatos.
MAM (Media Asset Management, Sistema de Gestión de Archivos de Medios). Introducción de la digitalización MAM en las televisiones en España
Authors: García-Loureda Díaz Rubén , García Crespo Oswaldo , García Mirón Silvia
Published: September 2017

En este trabajo se analiza la introducción en España de los sistemas de producción y emisión de televisión basados en tecnología de archivos informáticos o MAM (Media Asset Management, gestión de archivos de medios). El establecimiento de los diferentes sistemas MAM, entendidos como una digitalización, ha supuesto la sustitución de la tecnología basada en cintas de vídeo, debido a la obsolescencia de este sistema. Metodología:  se establece un paralelismo en la digitalización MAM entre CNN (Atlanta, EEUU), Telecinco-España y Telemadrid-España. Resultados: se pretende recabar información sobre el cambio en el flujo de trabajo en televisión que la digitalización MAM lleva consigo. Discusión: la tecnología MAM ha supuesto una profunda transformación de los procesos básicos del sistema de producción en televisión. Conclusiones: Por último, se investigan las transformaciones laborales de los diferentes perfiles profesionales que supusieron la adopción de los primeros sistemas MAM en las tres emisoras de televisión analizadas.
Adaptation of Radiology Software to Improve Cardiology Results Reporting
Authors: Ward Kendra , Deal Barbara J. , Anderson Jeffrey B. , Tsao Sabrina , Webster Gregory
Published: September 2017

Objective: Twenty-four hour ambulatory electrocardiograms (“Holter” monitors) are a key diagnostic test in cardiology. Commercial electronic medical record (EMR) tools have not been designed for pediatric Holter monitor reporting and paper-based methods are inefficient.

Methods: Our tertiary pediatric hospital adapted a radiology EMR tool to a cardiology workflow in order to report Holter monitor results. A retrospective review was performed at 4 time points: prior to intervention, immediately post-intervention, at 6 months and at 12 months post-intervention. The primary outcome variable was time to reporting of Holter findings.

Results: Holter reports were reviewed on 527 studies (patient ages: 1 day to 42 years). The time between the date the patient returned the Holter monitor until the date the referring physician received a final report improved from 19.8 days to 1.5 days (p<0.001). This result was durable over the next 12 months of follow-up. Physician interpretation time improved from 2.1 days to 0.6 days (p=0.01). Transcriptionist time and result scanning time were eliminated (removing 1.9 days and 14 days from the workflow, respectively).

Conclusion: EMR systems are not typically designed for pediatric cardiology, but existing systems can be adapted, yielding important gains for patient care. In specialties like pediatric cardiology, there is insufficient volume nationally to drive development of commercial systems. This study demonstrates the general principle that creative adaptation of EMR systems can improve result reporting in pediatric cardiology and likely in other cardiology practices.

Citation: Webster G, Ward K, Deal BJ, Anderson JB, Tsao S. Adaptation of Radiology Software to Improve Cardiology Results Reporting. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 936–944 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2017-03-RA-0051
Effectiveness of Ultrasound Simulation in Obstetrics and Gynecology Education: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Mulla Zuber D , Dwivedi Alok
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The benefi ts and uses of ultrasound (US) are well documented for procedural and diagnostic purposes. A number of studies have evaluated the utility of simulation-based US training in achieving competency and improving safety. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have attempted to synthesize the effectiveness of US simulation in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB GYN) education using a systematic method. This review article summarizes the effect of US simulation on learning outcomes in OB GYN with three objectives: (1) To review and summarize the available evidence on the effectiveness of US simulation in OB GYN; (2) determine the validity and usefulness of US simulation in OB GYN training; and (3) describe advantages and disadvantages of various US simulators available in OB GYN as of 2016.

Materials and methods

We performed a literature search using different search engines, such as Medline PubMed and EMBACE using appropriate keywords. The data were extracted from all published eligible studies. A meta-analysis was conducted in order to obtain a pooled estimate of effect of US simulation in OB GYN education based on the availability of data on common outcomes.

Results

The majority of the included studies supported the usefulness or validity of simulation training in OB GYN for the enhancement of US skills. The US simulation signifi cantly improved the skills necessary to measure crown-rump length and nuchal translucency accurately.

Conclusion

Despite the cost, integration of US simulators in medical education appears to have a positive impact on the scanning and interpretation skills of trainees. This study may assist in preparing a dedicated curriculum for OB GYN US education via the inclusion of US simulation.

How to cite this article

Arya S, Dwivedi A, Mulla ZD, Kupesic Plavsic S. Effectiveness of Ultrasound Simulation in Obstetrics and Gynecology Education: A State-of-the-Art Review. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(2):115-125.
Fetal Behavior assessed by Four-dimensional Sonography
Authors: Antsaklis Panagiotis
Published: September 2017

The Kurjak's antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) is currently used by many centers in everyday clinical practice as the investigational tool for normal and high-risk fetuses. It has acceptable sensitivity and specificity, adequate positive and negative predictive vales, inter- and intra-observer realiability, and can be easily learned by US specialists with access to 4D US machines. The aim of the KANET is to be widely applied in clinical practice for the selective screening of fetuses with moderate and high neurological risk; hopefully, the early detection of these fetuses would allow at last the diagnosis of severe cases in utero and also an early intervention that could improved the outcome for these neonates.

How to cite this article

Kurjak A, Antsaklis P, Stanojevic M, Porovic S. Fetal Behavior assessed by Four-dimensional Sonography. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(2):146-168.
Oxidative Status of Saliva and Plasma in Diabetic Children
Authors: Porovic Selma , Juric Hrvoje , Dinarevic Senka M
Published: September 2017

Aim

The objective of this study was to determine the oxidative status of saliva and plasma in diabetic children, by analyzing advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Materials and methods

Study included 60 patients with diabetes mellitus type I (DMT1) aged 12.45 ± 2.65 years, and 40 healthy age-matched controls. The AOPP and TAC of the plasma and saliva samples were determined using a commercial QuantiChrom™ Antioxidant Assay Kit (DTAC-100) for TAC determination, and Immunodiagnostic AG [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for AOPP].

Results

Values of salivary and plasma AOPP were lower in diabetic patients than in healthy controls, while value of TAC was clinically and significantly higher in plasma of controls, and clinically higher in saliva of healthy control group, compared with diabetic patients. Average value of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.58 ± 0.85%.

Conclusion

Results of this study showed that diabetes mellitus as a condition, with well-controlled HbA1c, has no influence on AOPP levels in saliva and plasma, while TAC levels of saliva and plasma are lower in diabetic patients, which means that DMT1 has an influence on the TAC.

How to cite this article

Porovic S, Juric H, Dinarevic SM. Oxidative Status of Saliva and Plasma in Diabetic Children. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(2):169-173.
Rotura Esplénica Espontánea Secundaria A Angioma de Células Litorales
Authors: Pérez-Alonso Alejandro J , Olmo-Rivas Carlos del , Machado-Romero Ignacio , Caballero-Marcos Lucía
Published: September 2017

Introducción

Presentamos un angioma de células litorales (LCA, por sus siglas en inglés), una rara neoplasia vascular esplénica que surge de las células que recubren los senos de la pulpa roja. Se considera una lesión benigna y de hallazgo accidental.

Presentación del caso

varón de 50 años acude con una rotura esplénica espontánea. Al principio del proceso, el paciente presentaba fatiga, debilidad y distensión abdominal. Se realizó una ecografía abdominal donde se observaron hemangiomas múltiples en el bazo. La tomografía computarizada reveló esplenomegalia con múltiples lesiones redondas e hiperdensas. El paciente fue sometido posteriormente a cirugía y se realizó una esplenectomía. Los estudios histológicos e immunohistoquímicos confirmaron el diagnóstico de LCA.

Discusión

Un LCA es un tumor esplénico poco frecuente diagnosticado en pacientes que pueden o no presentar molestias abdominales. Suele presentarse con síntomas de hiperesplenismo, y debe realizarse el diagnóstico diferencial entre los tumores vasculares esplénicos divididos entre neoplasias benignas, indeterminadas, o neoplasias malignas.

Conclusión

Debido a la asociación de LCA a neoplasias de colon, riñón, páncreas, pulmón, ovario, leiomiosarcoma, melanoma y linfoma, se debe descartar el neoplasma visceral en estos pacientes. Pocos informes sobre este tipo de tumor han sido publicados, y de manera inconsistente. Presentamos pues un nuevo caso y revisión de la literatura actual.

How to cite this article

Pérez-Alonso AJ, Caballero-Marcos L, del Olmo-Rivas C, Machado-Romero I, Petrone P. Rotura Esplénica Espontánea Secundaria A Angioma de Células Litorales. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(2):131-133.
Community-oriented Primary Care Services Model: Can it improve Morbidity Status in India? An Impact Evaluation Study
Authors: Davey Sanjeev , Kapoor Pradeep K , Bala Meenu , Singh Jai V , Raghav Santosh K , Singh Nirankar
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The community-oriented primary care (COPC) services model is an approach prescribed by the Medical Council of India for existing medical colleges in India from their respective urban and rural health training centers (RHTCs). However, the evidence of whether it is better as compared with pure primary health care approach in the Indian context is lacking in the literature. Therefore, it becomes imperative to study this area for its further expansion.

Materials and methods

The study was done in the catchment area of RHTC and neighboring primary health center (PHC; Makhiyali) attached to the medical college in the district of Western Uttar Pradesh in India. Three surveyed villages out of six villages from July 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016, were taken in this study. Finally, the COPC vs primary health care approach comparison was done on four outcome parameters.

Results

The utilization of COPC services from RHTC area as compared with primary health care services from PHC area was significantly better for all diseases combined (p < 0.005) and also in the category of management of upper respiratory tract infections (p < 0.0001) and nutritional deficiencies (p < 0.05). On further applying COPC services model, it was also found that RHTC services were significantly better as compared with PHC services in terms of socioeconomic impact on health from services (p < 0.0000), identification of health needs from services (p < 0.0000), and participation in health care services (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The COPC services model appears to be successful in the delivery of health care services from RHTC of a medical college as compared with pure primary health care approach delivered from a PHC. However, authors suggest more in-depth multicentric studies on this issue before generalization of COPD model usage across the world.

How to cite this article

Davey S, Kapoor PK, Bala M, Singh JV, Raghav SK, Singh N. Community-oriented Primary Care Services Model: Can it improve Morbidity Status in India? An Impact Evaluation Study. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2017;5(1):8-14.
Het geweten – een katholiek antropologische verkenning
Authors: Wulf Mariéle
Published: September 2017

Conscience – a catholic anthropological vision

In the catholic tradition conscience always played an important role as visible in the ‘clausula Petri’ (Ac 5,30-33) or in Paul’s belief in its wisdom (Rm 2,14-16). Conscience can break rules (‘epikeia’), but should not stand up against the church as such. Luther’s historical deed left behind a distrust in conscience in the Catholic Church; it took 400 years to restore Paul’s vision of the conscience as the highest authority – if it is formed and reaches the state of maturity. By his conscience, man is called to be as God created him; he is called by others to develop and to respect their dignity. He is also called by the world to form it according to its higher possibilities which cannot be realized but by man. Conscience is God’s voice in the person where his promises can be heard. Though conscience is free, it is the place where responsibility is formed according to what someone can and should do. This is why the conscience will keep its unavoidable and undeniable role – even in a postmodern context.
Decolonising Theatre and Performance Studies
Authors: Bala Sruti
Published: September 2017

What does the demand to ‘decolonise the university’ imply for the discipline of Theatre and Performance Studies? Based on questions and insights derived from the author’s own pedagogical practices and experiences at the University of Amsterdam, the article enquires into the intellectual traditions in the discipline of Theatre Studies that place questions of decolonisation together with a multi-axis, intersectional analysis of race, class, gender, sexuality, and global asymmetries. To what extent is the discipline of Theatre and Performance Studies still imperialist? What are the ways of acknowledging absences and invisibilities? How does embodied knowledge become knowable? The article reflects on how the question of the decolonisation of the university is inseparable from the question of defending the task of the university in social and political struggles, as a sphere of civic engagement. It equally emphasises the significance of theatrical and performative modes of engagement in these struggles. The classroom becomes a crucial site for the exploration of these issues.
Determination of enhancement ratios of HCOOH relative to CO in biomass burning plumes by the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI)
Authors: Pommier Matthieu , Clerbaux Cathy , Coheur Pierre-Francois
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Formic acid (HCOOH) concentrations are often underestimated by models, and its chemistry is highly uncertain. HCOOH is, however, among the most abundant atmospheric volatile organic compounds, and it is potentially responsible for rain acidity in remote areas. HCOOH data from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) are analyzed from 2008 to 2014 to estimate enhancement ratios from biomass burning emissions over seven regions. Fire-affected HCOOH and CO total columns are defined by combining total columns from IASI, geographic location of the fires from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and the surface wind speed field from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Robust correlations are found between these fire-affected HCOOH and CO total columns over the selected biomass burning regions, allowing the calculation of enhancement ratios equal to 7.30  ×  10−3 ± 0.08  ×  10−3 mol mol−1 over Amazonia (AMA), 11.10  ×  10−3 ± 1.37  ×  10−3 mol mol−1 over Australia (AUS), 6.80  ×  10−3 ± 0.44  ×  10−3 mol mol−1 over India (IND), 5.80  ×  10−3 ± 0.15  ×  10−3 mol mol−1 over Southeast Asia (SEA), 4.00  ×  10−3 ± 0.19  ×  10−3 mol mol−1 over northern Africa (NAF), 5.00  ×  10−3 ± 0.13  ×  10−3 mol mol−1 over southern Africa (SAF), and 4.40  ×  10−3 ± 0.09  ×  10−3 mol mol−1 over Siberia (SIB), in a fair agreement with previous studies. In comparison with referenced emission ratios, it is also shown that the selected agricultural burning plumes captured by IASI over India and Southeast Asia correspond to recent plumes where the chemistry or the sink does not occur. An additional classification of the enhancement ratios by type of fuel burned is also provided, showing a diverse origin of the plumes sampled by IASI, especially over Amazonia and Siberia. The variability in the enhancement ratios by biome over the different regions show that the levels of HCOOH and CO do not only depend on the fuel types.
Intercontinental transport of biomass burning pollutants over the
Mediterranean Basin during the summer 2014 ChArMEx-GLAM
airborne campaign
Authors: Brocchi Vanessa , Krysztofiak Gisèle , Catoire Valéry , Guth Jonathan , Marécal Virginie , El Amraoui Laaziz , Dulac François , Ricaud Philippe
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The Gradient in Longitude of Atmospheric constituents above the Mediterranean basin (GLAM) campaign was set up in August 2014, as part of the Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment (ChArMEx) project. This campaign aimed at studying the chemical variability of gaseous pollutants and aerosols in the troposphere along a West-East transect above the Mediterranean Basin (MB). In the present work, we focus on two biomass burning events detected at 5.4 and 9.7 km altitude above sea level (asl) above Sardinia (from 39°12 N–9°15 E to 35°35 N–12°35 E and at 39°30 N–8°25 E, respectively). Concentration variations in trace gas carbon monoxide (CO) and aerosols were measured thanks to the standard instruments on-board the Falcon-20 aircraft operated by the Service des Avions Français Instrumentés pour la Recherche en Environnement (SAFIRE) and the Spectromètre InfraRouge In situ Toute Altitude (SPIRIT) developed by LPC2E. 20-day backward trajectories with Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART (FLEXible PARTicle) help understanding the transport processes and the origin of the emissions that contributed to these pollutions detected above Sardinia. Biomass burning emissions came (i) on 10 August from the Northern American continent with air masses transported during 5 days before arriving over the MB, and (ii) on 6 August from Siberia with air masses travelling during 12 days and enriched in fire emission products above Canada 5 days before arriving over the MB. In combination with the Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS) inventory and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite fire locations, FLEXPART reproduces well the contribution of those fires to CO and aerosols enhancements under adjustments of the injection height to 10 km in both cases, and application of an amplification factor of 2.5 on CO GFAS emissions for the 10 August event. The chemistry transport model (CTM) MOCAGE is used as a complementary tool for the case of 6 August to confirm the origin of the emissions by tracing the CO global atmospheric composition reaching the MB. For this event, both models agree on the origin of air masses with CO concentrations simulated with MOCAGE lower than the observed ones, likely caused by the coarse model horizontal resolution that yields the dilution of the emissions and diffusion during transport. In combination with wind fields, the analysis of the transport of the air mass documented on 6 August suggests the subsidence of CO pollution from Siberia towards North America and then a transport to the MB via fast jet winds located at around 5.5 km in altitude.
Representation of solar tides in the stratosphere and lower
mesosphere in state-of-the-art reanalyses and in satellite
observations
Authors: Sakazaki Takatoshi , Fujiwara Masatomo , Shiotani Masato
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Atmospheric solar tides in the stratosphere and the lower mesosphere are investigated using temperature data from five state-of-the-art reanalysis data sets (MERRA-2, MERRA, JRA-55, ERA-Interim and CFSR) as well as TIMED/SABER and Aura/MLS satellite measurements. The main focus is on the period 2006–2012 during which the satellite observations are available for direct comparison with the reanalyses. Diurnal migrating tides, semidiurnal migrating tides, and nonmigrating tides are diagnosed. Overall the reanalyses agree reasonably well with each other and with the satellite observations for both migrating and nonmigrating components including their vertical structure and the seasonality. However, the agreement among reanalyses is more pronounced in the lower stratosphere and relatively weaker in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere. A systematic difference between SABER and reanalyses is found for diurnal migrating tides in the upper stratosphere and the lower mesosphere, specifically that the amplitude of trapped modes in reanalyses is significantly smaller than that in SABER, although such difference is less clear between MLS and reanalyses. The interannual variability and the possibility of long-term changes of migrating tides are also examined using the reanalyses during 1980-2012. All the reanalyses agree in exhibiting a clear quasi biennial oscillation (QBO) in the tides, but the most significant indications of long-term changes in the tides represented in the reanalyses are most plausibly explained by the evolution of the satellite observing systems during this period. The tides are also compared in the full reanalyses produced by the Japan Meteorological Agency (i.e. JRA-55) and in two parallel data sets from this agency: one (JRA-55C) which repeats the reanalysis procedure but without any satellite data assimilated, and one (JRA-55AMIP) that is a free-running integration of the model constrained only by observed sea surface temperatures. Many aspects of the tides are closer in JRA-55C and JRA-55AMIP than these are to the full reanalysis JRA-55, demonstrating the importance of the assimilation of satellite data in representing the diurnal variability of the middle atmosphere. In contrast to the assimilated data sets, the free running model has no QBO in equatorial stratospheric mean circulation and our results show that it displays no quasibiennial variability in the tides.
Tracking microphysical variations in emissions from Karymsky
volcano using MISR multi-angle imagery, and implications for
volcano geologic interpretation
Authors: Flower Verity J. B. , Kahn Ralph A.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Space-based, operational instruments are in unique positions to monitor volcanic activity globally, especially in remote locations or where suborbital observing conditions are hazardous. The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) provides hyper-stereo imagery, from which the altitude and microphysical properties of suspended atmospheric aerosols can be derived. These capabilities are applied to plumes emitted at Karymsky volcano from 2000 to 2017. Plumes from Karymsky were predominantly emitted to an altitude of 2–4 km, with occasional events exceeding 6 km. MISR plume observations were most common when volcanic surface manifestations were high, such as lava flows identified by satellite-based thermal anomaly detection. The plumes contained large, strongly absorbing particles indicative of ash-rich eruptions. Differences between the retrievals for Karymsky volcano's ash-rich plumes and the sulfur-rich plumes from the 2014–2015 eruption of Bárðarbunga (Iceland) highlight the ability of MISR to distinguish particle types from such events. Plumes emitted at Karymsky prior to 2010 contain the sulfate proxy. After 2011, plumes contain similar particle components, but with varying fractions of absorption linked to timing within respective eruption phases. From the 1.1 km spatial-resolution retrievals within 30–220 km plumes, particle fallout, physical aggregation, and chemical evolution are indicated by the particle property variations observed downwind. In addition, changes in plume properties retrieved from the remote-sensing observations over time are interpreted in terms of activity cycles within the volcano itself, corroborated to the extent possible with suborbital data.
The pyrogeography of eastern boreal Canada from 1901 to 2012 simulated with the LPJ-LMfire model
Authors: Chaste Emeline , Girardin Martin P. , Kaplan Jed O. , Portier Jeanne , Bergeron Yves , Hély Christelle
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Wildland fires are the main natural disturbance shaping forest structure and composition in eastern boreal Canada. On average, more than 700 000 ha of forest burns annually, and causes as much as C$ 2.9 million worth of damage. Although we know that occurrence of fires depends upon the coincidence of favourable conditions for fire ignition, propagation and fuel availability, the interplay between these three drivers in shaping spatiotemporal patterns of fires in eastern Canada remains to be evaluated. The goal of this study was to reconstruct the spatiotemporal patterns of fire activity during the last century in eastern Canada's boreal forest as a function of changes in lightning ignition, climate and vegetation. We addressed this objective using the dynamic global vegetation model LPJ-LMfire, which we parametrized for four Plant Functional Types (PFTs) that correspond to the prevalent tree genera in eastern boreal Canada (Picea, Abies, Pinus, Populus). LPJ-LMfire was run with a monthly time-step from 1901 to 2012 on a 10-km2 resolution grid covering the boreal forest from Manitoba to Newfoundland. Outputs of LPJ-LMfire were analyzed in terms of fire frequency, net primary productivity (NPP), and aboveground biomass. The predictive skills of LPJ-LMfire were examined by comparing our simulations of annual burn rates and biomass with independent datasets. The simulation adequately reproduced the latitudinal gradient in fire frequency in Manitoba and the longitudinal gradient from Manitoba towards southern Ontario, as well as the temporal patterns present in independent fire histories. Nevertheless, the simulation led to underestimation and overestimation of the fire frequency at both the northern and southern limits of the boreal forest in Quebec. The general pattern of simulated total tree biomass also agreed well with observations, with the notable exception of overestimated biomass at the northern treeline, mainly for Picea PFT. In these northern areas, the predictive ability of LPJ-LMfire is likely being affected by a low density of weather stations, which has led to underestimation of the strength of fire–weather interactions during extreme fire years and, therefore, vegetation consumption. Agreement of the spatiotemporal patterns of fire frequency with the observed data confirmed that fire in the study area is strongly ignition-limited. Overall, climate and lightning ignition variability at multi-decadal and -annual time-scales was the primary driver of fire activity since the beginning of the 20th C. However, our simulations highlighted the importance of both climate and vegetation on fire: despite an overarching CO2-induced enhancement of NPP in LPJ-LMfire, forest biomass was relatively stable because of compensatory effects of increasing fire activity.
Comparative experimental investigation and gap flow simulation in electrical discharge drilling using new electrode geometry
Authors: Bozdana Ali Tolga , Al-Karkhi Nazar Kais
Published: September 2017

Abstract. This study presents experimental and numerical investigation on the effectiveness of electrode geometry on flushing and debris removal in Electrical Discharge Drilling (EDD) process. A new electrode geometry, namely side-cut electrode, was designed and manufactured based on circular electrode geometry. Several drilling operations were performed on stainless steel 304 using rotary tubular electrodes with circular and side-cut geometries. Drilling performance was characterized by Material Removal Rate (MRR), Electrode Wear Rate (EWR), and Tool Wear Ratio (TWR). Dimensional features and surface quality of drilled holes were evaluated based on Overcut (OC), Hole Depth (HD), and Surface Roughness (SR). Three-dimensional three-phase CFD models were built using ANSYS FLUENT software to simulate the flow field at interelectrode gap. Results revealed that the overall performance of side-cut electrode was superior due to improved erosion rates and flushing capabilities, resulting in production of deep holes with good dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Transposing an active fault database into a fault-based seismic hazard assessment for nuclear facilities – Part 2: Impact of fault parameter uncertainties on a site-specific PSHA exercise in the Upper Rhine Graben, eastern France
Authors: Chartier Thomas , Scotti Oona , Clément Christophe , Jomard Hervé , Baize Stéphane
Published: September 2017

Abstract. We perform a fault-based probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) exercise in the Upper Rhine Graben to quantify the relative influence of fault parameters on the hazard at the Fessenheim nuclear power plant site. Specifically, we show that the potentially active faults described in the companion paper (Jomard et al., 2017, hereafter Part 1) are the dominant factor in hazard estimates at the low annual probability of exceedance relevant for the safety assessment of nuclear installations. Geological information documenting the activity of the faults in this region, however, remains sparse, controversial and affected by a high degree of uncertainty. A logic tree approach is thus implemented to explore the epistemic uncertainty and quantify its impact on the seismic hazard estimates. Disaggregation of the peak ground acceleration (PGA) hazard at a 10 000-year return period shows that the Rhine River fault is the main seismic source controlling the hazard level at the site. Sensitivity tests show that the uncertainty on the slip rate of the Rhine River fault is the dominant factor controlling the variability of the seismic hazard level, greater than the epistemic uncertainty due to ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs). Uncertainty on slip rate estimates from 0.04 to 0.1 mm yr−1 results in a 40 to 50 % increase in hazard levels at the 10 000-year target return period. Reducing epistemic uncertainty in future fault-based PSHA studies at this site will thus require (1) performing in-depth field studies to better characterize the seismic potential of the Rhine River fault; (2) complementing GMPEs with more physics-based modelling approaches to better account for the near-field effects of ground motion and (3) improving the modelling of the background seismicity. Indeed, in this exercise, we assume that background earthquakes can only host M  <  6. 0 earthquakes. However, this assumption is debatable, since faults that can host M  >  6. 0 earthquakes have been recently identified at depth within the Upper Rhine Graben (see Part 1) but are not accounted for in this exercise since their potential activity has not yet been described.
Trust, Faith, and Commitment: A Reasoned Action Approach
Authors: Caldwell Cam , Holloway C. Stewart
Published: September 2017

Trust and faith have been described as similar constructs, although trust is secular and faith is religious in its basic nature.  This paper compares secular trust and religious faith in context with cognitive beliefs, affective feelings, conative intentions, and actual behaviors – consistent with the theoretical framework provided by the Theory of Reasoned Action.  It also identifies ten similarities between trust and faith in context with the committed actions and behaviors of the individuals who exercise that trust or faith.  Finally, the paper suggests that understanding the nature of either trust or faith increases one’s understanding of the other construct as well.
Karst Conduit Networks, Connectivity and Recharge Dynamics of a Sinkhole
Authors: Somaratne Nara
Published: September 2017

Management of karst aquifers is often limited by a lack of understanding of recharge and flow dynamics. This article presents the identification of conduit networks and the connectivity, dynamic nature of recharge and inherent uncertainties in recharge assessment in karstic settings. The study was carried out at two large sinkholes located in the Poocher Swamp fresh water lens, south east of South Australia. Point recharge to the sinkholes was calculated using stream flow data at gauging stations and water balance of the swamp. Conduit system and their interconnectivity in the vicinity of sinkholes were characterized by the use of transient electromagnetic survey (TEM) to identify high potential porosity zones of the aquifer. Resistivity data were used to estimate aquifer porosities using Archie’s law. Recharge response to the karstic aquifer was monitored using four monitoring wells located at various distances from sinkholes. Measurements were taken during recharge and recession phases. Four dynamic stages of water level rise and fall were observed in response to filling of conduit zones, transmission and possible effects of entrapped air pressure within conduits. Electrical conductivity (EC) profiles were obtained at two stages. These confirmed interconnectivity of conduits, and re-adjustment to ambient groundwater quality following the recharge event. The lower EC water was found in the monitoring well furthest from the sinkholes indicating the complexity of conduit connection and the nature of mixing with ambient groundwater.
Dwalen over franchise
Authors: Spanjaard J.H.M.
Published: September 2017

Dwalen over franchise

In dit artikel onderzoekt de auteur hoe de omzetprognoses naar huidig recht worden getoetst en welke rol het dwalingleerstuk speelt. Daarbij wordt gekeken of de regeling over onderzoek en mededeling in de NFC van invloed is op de wijze waarop omzetprognoses worden getoetst.
FLOW VELOCITY MEASUREMENT METHODS USING ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Mosorov Volodymyr , Grudzień Krzysztof , Sankowski Dominik
Published: September 2017

The current methods of calculating the velocity field based on a twin-plane electrical capacitance system for multiphase flows are presented. The described methods allow to calculate the velocity profile of the multiphase flow in cross-section of industrial installation. The theoretical assumptions of the considered methods are also noticed. The main advantages and disadvantages of the authors’ flow velocity measurement methods are discussed.
ACCELERATION OF IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION PROCESS IN THE ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE TOMOGRAPHY 3D IN HETEROGENEOUS, MULTI-GPU SYSTEM
Authors: Majchrowicz Michał , Kapusta Paweł , Jackowska-Strumiłło Lidia , Sankowski Dominik
Published: September 2017

Electrical capacitance tomography is an innovative method for visualization of industrial processes. One of its main advantages is it’s high time resolution that allows to the usage of ECT in systems with high volatility. In recent years there has been significant development of electrical capacitance tomography 3D, which however, has significantly reduced industrial it’s applications due to the complicated process of image reconstruction. The authors propose the use of multi-node, multi-GPU system to accelerate the process of image reconstruction in ECT 3D.
APPLICATION OF FRACTIONAL CALCULUS FOR MODELLING OF TWO-PHASE GAS/LIQUID FLOW SYSTEM
Authors: Nowakowski Jacek , Ostalczyk Piotr , Sankowski Dominik
Published: September 2017

In recent years the use of fractional calculus in control system identification is becoming popular and it has found new applications. The paper presents application of fractional calculus for modelling of two-phase gas/liquid flows in a test rig. The installation consists of three horizontal and vertical measuring segments with different diameters, which allow to investigate flows in a wide range of parameters. Flow components supply is measured/controlled by NI PXI system and a set of flow meters/controllers. The paper presents model of the two-phase flow in the above described installation, which leads to precise and accurate flow mathematical model. The main goal of the flow model is to describe steady flow parameters, especially the flow fractions, or type of the flow. The model describes flows more accurately, that classical second order system model.
IDEA OF PARAMETRIC AND SEMANTIC OPEN PLATFORM SMART DEVICES SENSOR
Authors: Rymarczyk Tomasz , Kłosowski Grzegorz , Adamkiewicz Przemysław , Duda Karol , Szumowski Jakub , Tchórzewski Paweł
Published: September 2017

The parametric and semantic model of open platform of intelligent devices and sensor technologies based on tomography in cyber-physical self-monitoring system contains: new techniques of conducting measurements and construction of novel intelligent measurement devices, system's structure along with communication interface, unique algorithms for data optimization and analysis, algorithms for image reconstruction and technological processes monitoring, cyber-physical system's prototype.
METHODS OF SMALL CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT IN ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Smolik Waldemar , Kryszyn Jacek , Olszewski Tomasz , Szabatin Roman
Published: September 2017

The paper presents the main methods of small capacitance measurement used in electrical capacitance tomography: the AC method with a sine wave excitation and the charge-discharge method with square wave excitation. Construction of synchronous detector for both circuits was discussed. A modified "charge-discharge" method was presented.
LINEAR OVER RANGES ITERATIVE ALGORITHMS FOR IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION IN ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Smolik Waldemar , Kryszyn Jacek
Published: September 2017

The paper concerns the non-linear algorithms for image reconstruction in electrical capacitance tomography for which Jacobi matrix computation time is very long. The paper presents the idea of an iterative linearization in nonlinear problems, which leads to a reduction in the number of steps calculating Jacobi matrix. The linear Landweber algorithm with sensitivity matrix updating and non-linear Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm with Jacobi matrix updating in selected steps only were presented.
DEVELOPMENT OF MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES TOMOGRAPHY IN NUCLEAR AND MEDICAL ELECTRONICS DIVISION
Authors: Wróblewski Przemysław , Smolik Waldemar
Published: September 2017

In this article summary of all accomplishments of Nuclear and Medical Electronics Division in the field of Magnetic Nanoparticles Imaging. Magnetic Nanoparticles Imaging is a new tomographic and molecular imaging method that employs superparamagnetic nanoparticles as the tracer. This article includes the most importuned definition regarding this technique, its most interesting features, as well as report about research conducted in the Division in prospect to advance this imaging method in Poland.
INCREASING THE SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO IN LOW-FIELD MR SCANNER AT DEPARTMENT OF NUCLEAR AND MEDICAL ELECTRONICS
Authors: Wieteska Michał , Obrębski Wojciech , Piątkowska-Janko Ewa , Sawionek Błażej , Bogorodzki Piotr
Published: September 2017

This article presents studies carried by laboratory of Biomedical and Nucleonic Computer Systems. Our research concerns improvement of quality of imaging in low-field MRI scanner with field strength of 0.23 T as well as development of techniques of proton-electron dual resonance imaging and hyperpolarization of noble gases. Achieved results may contribute to improvement of multiple techniques of medical diagnostics, in particular functional study of lungs and heart as well as brain perfusion.
COIL DESIGN WITH LITZE WIRE FOR MAGNETIC PARTICLE SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Wróblewski Przemysław , Smolik Waldemar
Published: September 2017

The design of an excitation coil for magnetic particles spectrometer (MPS) was described. It was assumed that the spectrometer should measure the spectra of particles of diameter in the range 10-100 nm. To measure the amplitude and phase angle spectra of magnetic nanoparticles it is required to generate sinusoidal alternating spatially homogeneous magnetic field of magnitude of 20 mT. The work volume of the designed spectrometer was 202020 mm allowing measurement of small samples. The estimation of magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles is crucial in Magnetic Particles Imaging. In this paper we described the excitation coil design which minimizes power losses on the coil related to heat emission. The resonance circuit operating on 20 kHz frequency was applied. Optimal litze wire configuration was proposed to negate skin and proximity effects. The numeric simulations for the optimal and commercially available suboptimal litze wire configurations were performed. The comparison of the results was shown and discussed.
PRZEGLĄD METOD POMIAROWYCH OPARTYCH NA TOMOGRAFII OPTYCZNEJ W ZASTOSOWANIU DO WYZNACZANIA PARAMETRÓW PRZEPŁYWÓW GAZ-CIECZ
Authors: Rząsa Mariusz , Podgórni Ewelina
Published: September 2017

W pracy przedstawiono przegląd metod tomografii optycznej, stosowanych do badania przepływu dwufazowego gaz-ciecz. Wykorzystanie tomografii optycznej pozwala wyznaczać parametry ruchu fazy rozproszone (gazowej). W opracowaniu przedstawiono ideę pomiaru oraz opisano własne metody prześwietlania obiektów badanych. Przeprowadzono analizę możliwości zastosowania poszczególnych metod do pomiaru wybranych parametrów przepływu dwufazowego. Opisano metodę prześwietlania równoległą i rozproszoną wiązką światła oraz trójwymiarową metodę analizy obrazu. Prezentowane metody mogą posłużyć do pomiaru pęcherzyków w cieczach przeźroczystych, ale również ruchu kropli cieczy w gazie, ciał stałych w cieczy lub ciał stałych w gazie.