bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant radiation therapy and temozolomide in gliosarcoma: Is it enough? case series of seven patients
Authors: Srivastava Himanshu , Dewan Abhinav , Sharma Surender , Negi Preety , Dewan Ajay , Pasricha Sunil , Mehrotra Krati
Published: March 2018

Objective: We present our experience of gliosarcoma (GSM) in oncology tertiary care center over the last 5 years. Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of seven patients with GSM diagnosed between April 2008 and December 2012. Demographic data, clinicopathological data, treatment strategies employed, details of recurrence, and survival patterns were reviewed. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 54 years, ranging between 34 and 63 years with a female predominance (57.1% females). Headache and neurological deficit were the most common symptoms with parietal region being the most common site of lesion. Subtotal resection followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy was delivered to six patients. The results following completion of planned schedule of concurrent chemoradiotherapy were quite disappointing with two patients having no evidence of disease, one patient was lost to follow-up, and other three had progressive disease. One patient with progressive disease subsequently received eight cycles of bevacizumab on a clinical trial protocol. Fifteen-month posttreatment, she had stable disease on follow-up. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that despite treatment, the diagnosis of GSM portends a poor prognosis and the use of bevacizumab could represent a treatment approach to improve outcome in these patients. Although the role of targeted therapy in GSM remains unclear because of paucity of experience, the treatment decision should be according to patient's performance status, ability, and willingness to receive additional treatment.
Traumatic supra- and infra-tentorial extradural hematoma: Case series and literature review
Authors: Aji Yunus , Apriawan Tedy , Bajamal Abdul
Published: March 2018

Traumatic supra- and infra-tentorial extradural hematoma (TSIEDH) is a rare lesion constituting <2% of all extradural hematomas. There are only a few published articles about TSIEDH. This study included three patients with TSIEDH who were treated and operated at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, from August 2015 to July 2016. Two patients sustained injuries in traffic accidents and one patient was injured by fall. The male to female ratio was 1:2. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤8 was present in one and GCS score of 9–12 was present in two patients. The brain computed tomography scan verified linear fracture of occipital bone in one and linear fracture of occipital bone with lambdoid suture separation in two patients. Early diagnosis and early surgical intervention of TSIEDH are imperative because the deterioration of TSIEDH is sudden and quick. We presented our experience in treating patients with TSIEDH in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia.
Widespread intra-abdominal carcinomatosis from a rhabdoid meningioma after placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ng Jun , Teo Kok , Shabbir Asim , Yeo Tseng
Published: March 2018

Intra-abdominal metastasis (IAM) of central nervous system (CNS) tumors through ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is rare but has been previously reported (e.g., germinomas and medulloblastomas). However, there has been no previous reports in literature involving meningiomas. A case of primary rhabdoid meningioma with widespread intra-abdominal carcinomatosis after placement of a VPS in a 36-year-old man is described. The patient underwent preoperative angioembolization of the tumor, craniotomy, and surgical excision, followed by postoperative gamma knife radiosurgery. Five months later, he underwent a decompressive craniectomy and surgical excision for tumor recurrence causing raised intracranial pressure and communicating hydrocephalus, necessitating placement of a VPS. One month after placement of the VPS, the patient developed abdominal distension and confusion. He was treated for a VPS infection and the shunt was explanted. He continued to deteriorate with high output from the peritoneal drain placed at the time of shunt explantation. An exploratory laparotomy revealed multiple diffuse peritoneal and omental nodules which had the same histopathological and immunohistochemical morphology as the primary tumor. We reviewed the current literature on IAM of primary CNS tumors through VPS, which revealed that patients belonging to the pediatric age group of the male gender and with a primary intracranial germinoma or medulloblastoma have a higher incidence of IAM. The majority of IAM occurred within 2 years of VPS placement, and patients most commonly present with abdominal distension and ascites. Treatment after diagnosis is varied, and the prognosis is poor, with more than half of the patients dying within a year. It is vital for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for similar patients as early intervention could potentially improve patient outcomes and patient expectations managed more effectively.
Tectal tuberculoma: An unusual cause of Parinaud's Syndrome
Authors: Survashe Pravin , Guthe Sachin , Velho Vernon , Naik Harish
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Parinaud's Syndrome is an inability to move the eyes upwards which is caused by damage to the tectal plate of midbrain. Commonest causes implicated are the Pineal tumors in children, Multiple Sclerosis in adults and stroke in elderly patients. We present a rare case of Tectal plate tuberculoma leading to Parinaud's Syndrome. Discussion: Parinaud's syndrome is caused by damage to the tectal plate or posterior commissure of midbrain. Our patient presented with upward gaze paresis and was diagnosed to have tuberculoma involving the midbrain region. He was managed conservatively and responded to the treatment. Conclusion: Tectal plate tuberculoma though a rare possibility, warrants proper diagnostic workup in order to prevent unnecessary brainstem surgery.
Management of chronic subdural hematoma: Burr hole versus twist drill – A prospective study
Authors: Goyal Ram , Nayak Biswaranjan , Maharshi Rajiv , Bidhar Debadulal , Panchal Sunil , Pathak Harish
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Incidence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is about 5/100,000/year in the general population and still rising. Two surgical techniques, namely, burr-hole evacuation (BHE) versus twist-drill evacuation (TDE) are commonly used to manage such patients but the preferred surgical method continues to attract debate, and the time for an evidence-based approach is now overdue. In vogue with recent trends, a minimally invasive surgical approach is considered as best; therefore, we tried to establish the hypothesis that TDE is as safe and as effective as BHE for CSDH treatment. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study including forty patients was conducted. The primary outcome variable studied was clinically significant recurrence rate. The secondary outcome variables in postoperative period and follow-up assessment of the patients include Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Markwalder grade, postoperative complication, and operative mortality rate. Results: In our study, results of BHE seem to be superior than TDE in terms of recurrence rate (5% vs. 15%), complication rate (15% vs. 20%), and mean Markwalder neurological grading score and mean GCS at time of discharge (0.16 vs. 0.45 and 14.95 vs. 14.65, respectively). TDE seems to be better than BHE in terms of duration of hospital stay (7.4 vs. 8.05). However, these differences were not statistically significant. TDE is having the advantage of being performed at bedside without the need of monitored anesthesia and anesthetist, time saving, and least invasive. Overall results were comparable across both techniques without any significant difference. Conclusion: Although both techniques appear to be similar in respect of their primary and secondary outcome variables, but TDE is having the advantage of being performed at bedside without the need of monitored anesthesia and anesthetist, time saving, and small incision.
Кулоновское рассеяние медленной квантовой частицы в пространстве произвольной размерности
Authors: Pupyshev Vasily Veniaminovitch
Published: March 2018

Считается, что заряженная квантовая частица движется в пространстве размерности $d=2,3,\ldots$ и рассеивается неподвижным кулоновским центром. Выведены и исследованы разложения волновой функции и всех радиальных волновых функций такой частицы по целым степеням волнового числа и функциям Бесселя вещественного порядка. Доказано, что конечные суммы таких разложений являются асимптотиками волновых функций в пределе низких энергий.
О разрешимости одного нелинейного интегрального уравнения динамической теории струны
Authors: Khachatryan Aghavard Khachaturovich , Khachatryan Khachatur Aghavardovich
Published: March 2018

Исследуется интегральное уравнение типа свертки с кубической нелинейностью на всей числовой прямой. Рассматриваемое уравнение имеет прямое применение в теории поля открытых струн, в $p$-адической теории струн и описывает нелокальные взаимодействия. Доказывается существование однопараметрического семейства ограниченных и монотонных решений. Вычисляются пределы построенных решений на бесконечностях.
Гамильтоновы системы дробного порядка с локально заданными потенциалами
Authors: Benhassine Abderrazek Benhassine
Published: March 2018

Изучаются решения следующей непериодической гамильтоновой системы дробного порядка $\alpha\in(1/2,1]$:
\begin{equation*}
- _{t}D^{\alpha}_{\infty}( _\infty D^\alpha_{t}x(t))-L(t)x(t)+\nabla W(t,x(t))=0,\qquad x\in H^\alpha(\mathbb{R},\mathbb{R}^N),
\end{equation*}
где матрица $L(t)\in C(\mathbb{R},\mathbb{R}^{N^2})$, $t\in\mathbb{R}$, а $ _{-\infty}D^{\alpha}_{t}$ и $ _tD_\infty^{\alpha}{\infty}$ - левая и правая дробные производные Лиувилля-Вейля порядка $\alpha$ на всей оси $\mathbb{R}$. C помощью симметричной теоремы о горном переходе доказано существование бесконечного числа решений системы в случае, когда матрица $L(t)$ не обязательно является коэрцитивной или равномерно положительно определенной, а потенциал $W(t,x)$ задан только локально в окрестности начала координат $x=0$. Доказанные теоремы значительно обобщают и улучшают ранее полученные результаты. Также приведены некоторые иллюстративные примеры.
Safe Water and Hygiene Integration with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Antenatal Services: Leveraging Opportunities for Public Health Interventions and Improved Service Uptake
Authors: Routh Janell A. , Loharikar Anagha , Chemey Elly , Msoma Aulive , Ntambo Maureen , Mvula Richard , Ayers Tracy , Gunda Andrews , Russo Elizabeth T. , Barr Beth Tippett , Wood Siri , Quick Robert
Published: March 2018

Integrating public health interventions with antenatal clinic (ANC) visits may motivate women to attend ANC, thereby improving maternal and neonatal health, particularly for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. In 2009, in an integrated ANC/Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission program, we provided free hygiene kits (safe storage containers, WaterGuard water treatment solution, soap, and oral rehydration salts) to women at their first ANC visit and refills at subsequent visits. To increase fathers’ participation, we required partners’ presence for women to receive hygiene kits. We surveyed pregnant women at baseline and at 12-month follow-up to assess ANC service utilization, HIV counseling and testing (HCT), test drinking water for residual chlorine, and observe handwashing. We conducted in-depth interviews with pregnant women, partners, and health workers. We enrolled 106 participants; 97 (92%) were found at follow-up. During the program, 99% of pregnant women and their partners received HCT, and 99% mutually disclosed. Fifty-six percent of respondents had ≥ 4 ANC visits and 90% delivered at health facilities. From baseline to follow-up, the percentage of women who knew how to use WaterGuard (23% versus 80%, P < 0.0001), had residual chlorine in stored water (0% versus 73%, P < 0.0001), had confirmed WaterGuard use (0% versus 70%, P < 0.0003), and demonstrated proper handwashing technique (21% versus 64% P < 0.0001) increased. Program participants showed significant improvements in water treatment and hygiene, and high use of ANC services and HCT. This evaluation suggests that integration of hygiene kits, refills, and HIV testing during ANC is feasible and may help improve household hygiene and increase use of health services.
Case Report: Diffuse Cutaneous Leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum in a Patient Undergoing Immunosuppressive Therapy: Risk Status in an Endemic Mediterranean Area
Authors: Alcover M. Magdalena , Rocamora Vicenç , Guillén M. Carmen , Berenguer Diana , Cuadrado Marta , Riera Cristina , Fisa Roser
Published: March 2018

This case report highlights the risk of severe cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) by Leishmania infantum in patients undergoing immunosuppressant therapy who either live in an endemic area or are visiting in the transmission season. The case patient, resident in Majorca (Balearic Islands), presented 12 disseminated erythematous skin lesions, 1–6 cm in diameter, located on the scalp, cheek, umbilical region, and lower extremities 8 years after undergoing anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. Parasite presence in peripheral blood and high levels of specific antibodies were also observed, indicating a possible risk of CL shifting toward a visceral infection. However, once CL was diagnosed, anti-TNF therapy was discontinued and liposomal amphotericin B was administered, resulting in a complete healing of lesions, no Leishmania DNA detection in blood, and an important serological decrease in antibodies. The lack of data on the supposed epidemiological association between leishmaniasis and immunosuppressive therapy highlights the importance of implementing surveillance systems in endemic areas. No obvious relationship was found based on the data provided by the Balearic Islands Epidemiological System, in contrast with data reported in nearby endemic areas. This indicates that if the suspected association is to be clarified, greater efforts are needed to report information about concomitant diseases and therapies in leishmaniasis patients.
Gabapentin and Pregabalin: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Harms?
Authors: Morrison EE , Sandilands EA , Webb DJ
Published: March 2018

Gabapentin and pregabalin prescribing in Scotland has increased substantially over recent years. Evidence suggests that prescribers may be advocating the use of these medicines off-label to avoid prescribing opioid analgesics. The evidence to support gabapentin and pregabalin use in non-neuropathic pain disorders indicates they are less effective than several other licensed non-opioid analgesics. Notably, patients may not benefit from gabapentin and pregabalin but remain at risk of adverse drug reactions. Furthermore, greater availability has resulted in increased diversion of gabapentin and pregabalin; creating problems within the opioid misuse population and prison service. As a consequence, both gabapentin and pregabalin may soon be controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Prescribers should be aware of the very limited clinical evidence for use of gabapentin and pregabalin outside their licensed indications, as well as their capacity to do harm.
Geriatric Medicine Bridges: Scotland – Costa Rica
Authors: Morales-Martínez F
Published: March 2018

This paper reviews the specialised geriatrics healthcare services of Costa Rica, with particular emphasis on the achievements made in the field of geriatrics following the author's specialist tertiary education and training period at the Professorial Unit at the City Hospital, Edinburgh, 33 years earlier. The paper charts the development and consolidation of an educational programme of geriatrics in Costa Rica against a background of the changing demographic in this Central American nation and the consequent and compelling need for universal coverage of healthcare services targeted to meet the needs of the burgeoning population of older adults.
The New Classification of Seizures: An Overview for the General Physician
Authors: Liyanagedera S , Williams RP , Bracewell RM
Published: March 2018

The International League Against Epilepsy Classification of the Epilepsies, first presented in 1981, has been widely adopted across the globe. In 2017 it was revised to allow for more robust, specific, flexible and logical classification of seizures. A number of new seizure types are recognised. Classification should be timely as it plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of patients with epilepsy. Accurate classification also underpins epilepsy research from pathophysiology to public health. Here we review the basic and extended forms of the classification. Semiology (symptoms and signs) is used as the foundation for grouping seizures under focal, generalised or of unknown onset. Focal seizures can be further classified by the presence or absence of awareness and motor signs. Generalised seizures engage bilateral networks from the onset and these can be either motor or non-motor. Seizures of unknown onset can be classified as motor, non-motor, tonic-clonic, epileptic spasms, or behaviour arrest.
End of Life Care: How Do We Move Forward?
Authors: Wee B
Published: March 2018

Death and dying are inevitable. High quality and accessible palliative and end of life care can help people who are facing progressive life-threatening and life-limiting illness, and those dear to them, by focusing on their quality of life and addressing the problems associated with their situation. This paper draws attention to the scale of the challenge, some of the key areas we could address and the shifts in culture, mindset and leadership approach that are needed.
Hebelomina (Agaricales) revisited and abandoned
Authors: Eberhardt Ursula , Schütz Nicole , Krause Cornelia , Beker Henry J.
Published: March 2018

Background and aims – The genus Hebelomina was established in 1935 by Maire to accommodate the new species Hebelomina domardiana, a white-spored mushroom resembling a pale Hebeloma in all aspects other than its spores. Since that time a further five species have been ascribed to the genus and one similar species within the genus Hebeloma. In total, we have studied seventeen collections that have been assigned to these seven species of Hebelomina. We provide a synopsis of the available knowledge on Hebelomina species and Hebelomina-like collections and their taxonomic placement.Methods – Hebelomina-like collections and type collections of Hebelomina species were examined morphologically and molecularly. Ribosomal RNA sequence data were used to clarify the taxonomic placement of species and collections.Key results – Hebelomina is shown to be polyphyletic and members belong to four different genera (Gymnopilus, Hebeloma, Tubaria and incertae sedis), all members of different families and clades. All but one of the species are pigment-deviant forms of normally brown-spored taxa. The type of the genus had been transferred to Hebeloma, and Vesterholt and co-workers proposed that Hebelomina be given status as a subsection of Hebeloma. In the meantime, Hebelomina-like Hebeloma, belonging to seven different species in three different sections, have been found. We conclude that Hebelomina should be abandoned as a supraspecific taxon.
Up on the table mountains in Brazil: new Bromeliaceae and Eriocaulaceae (Poales) from the Pantepui in the Guayana Shield
Authors: Barbosa-Silva Rafael G. , Trovó Marcelo , Martinelli Gustavo , Campostrini Forzza Rafaela
Published: March 2018

Background and aims – As “islands in the sky” of northern South America, the isolated ecosystems of the Pantepui province include a distinct flora with high levels of endemism and which are ancestral areas for many angiosperm lineages. About one fifth of Pantepui angiosperm species are distributed in Poales, a highly diverse angiosperm order.Methods – Recent field trips were carried out on two Brazilian tepuis, by foot and helicopter. Herbarium collections were consulted and compared with the proposed new species. Key results – Four new species of Poales, three Navia Schult. & Schult.f. (Bromeliaceae) and one Paepalanthus Mart. (Eriocaulaceae) were found. Descriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps of the new species, as well as an identification key to Brazilian Navia species, are provided.
Characterizing sampling and quality screening biases in infrared and microwave limb sounding
Authors: Millán Luis F. , Livesey Nathaniel J. , Santee Michelle L. , von Clarmann Thomas
Published: March 2018

Abstract. This study investigates orbital sampling biases and evaluates the additional
impact caused by data quality screening for the Michelson Interferometer for
Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) and the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder
(MLS). MIPAS acts as a proxy for typical infrared limb emission sounders,
while MLS acts as a proxy for microwave limb sounders. These biases were
calculated for temperature and several trace gases by interpolating model
fields to real sampling patterns and, additionally, screening those locations
as directed by their corresponding quality criteria. Both instruments have
dense uniform sampling patterns typical of limb emission sounders, producing
almost identical sampling biases. However, there is a substantial difference
between the number of locations discarded. MIPAS, as a mid-infrared
instrument, is very sensitive to clouds, and measurements affected by them
are thus rejected from the analysis. For example, in the tropics, the MIPAS
yield is strongly affected by clouds, while MLS is mostly unaffected. The results show that upper-tropospheric sampling biases in zonally averaged
data, for both instruments, can be up to 10 to 30 %, depending on the
species, and up to 3 K for temperature. For MIPAS, the sampling reduction
due to quality screening worsens the biases, leading to values as large as
30 to 100 % for the trace gases and expanding the 3 K bias region for
temperature. This type of sampling bias is largely induced by the geophysical
origins of the screening (e.g. clouds). Further, analysis of long-term time
series reveals that these additional quality screening biases may affect the
ability to accurately detect upper-tropospheric long-term changes using such
data. In contrast, MLS data quality screening removes
sufficiently few points that no additional bias is introduced, although its
penetration is limited to the upper troposphere, while MIPAS may cover well
into the mid-troposphere in cloud-free scenarios. We emphasize that the
results of this study refer only to the representativeness of the respective
data, not to their intrinsic quality.
Constraining Chemical Transport PM2.5 Modeling Using Surface Monitor Measurements and Satellite Retrievals: Application over the San Joaquin Valley
Authors: Friberg Mariel D. , Kahn Ralph A. , Limbacher James A. , Appel K. Wyat , Mulholland James A.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Advances in satellite retrieval of aerosol type can improve the accuracy of near-surface air quality characterization, by providing broad regional context. In addition to aerosol optical depth, qualitative constraints on aerosol size, shape, and single-scattering albedo provided by multi-angle instruments, such as the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) on the NASA Earth Observing System’s Terra satellite, can provide frequent, spatially extensive, instantaneous constraints on chemical transport models (CTMs), which can be especially useful in areas away from ground monitors and progressively downwind of emission sources. CTMs (e.g. the Community Multi-scale Air Quality Modeling System) complement such data by providing complete spatial and temporal coverage, offering additional physical constraints (e.g., conservation of aerosol mass, meteorological consistency) independent of observations, and aid in identifying relationships between observed species concentrations and emission sources. Incorporating satellite aerosol information in the development of PM2.5 concentration metrics can lead to a decrease in metric uncertainties and errors. This work focuses on the degree to which regional-scale satellite and CTM data can be combined to improve surface estimates of PM2.5, its major chemical component species estimates, and related estimates of uncertainty. Aerosol airmass types over populated regions of Southern California are characterized using satellite data acquired during the 2013 San Joaquin field deployment of the NASA DISCOVER-AQ project. Using the MISR Research Aerosol retrieval algorithm (RA), we investigate and evaluate the optimal application of incorporating 275 m horizontal-resolution aerosol airmass-type maps and total-column aerosol optical depth into a 2 km resolution, regional-scale CTM output, to obtain constrained fields of surface PM2.5. Contemporaneous surface observations are used to evaluate the results. The impact of incorporating MISR aerosol data on the ability to characterize air quality progressively downwind of large single sources is discussed. The spatiotemporal R2 values for the model, constrained by both satellite and surface-monitor measurements based on 10 % withholding, are 0.79 for PM2.5, 0.88 for NO3−, 0.78 for SO42−, 1.00 for NH4+, 0.73 for OC, and 0.31 for EC. Regional cross-validation temporal and spatiotemporal R2 results for the satellite-based PM2.5 improve by 30 % and 13 %, respectively, in comparison to CTM simulations, and provide finer spatial resolution. SO42− cross-validation values showed the largest spatial and spatiotemporal R2 improvement with a 43 % increase. Assessing this technique in a well-instrumented region opens the possibility of using the satellite data to apply the technique globally.
Exploration of the influence of environmental conditions on
secondary organic aerosol formation and organic species properties
using explicit simulations: development of the VBS-GECKO
parameterization
Authors: Lannuque Victor , Camredon Marie , Couvidat Florian , Hodzic Alma , Valorso Richard , Madronich Sasha , Bessagnet Bertrand , Aumont Bernard
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric chambers have been widely used to study secondary organic aerosol (SOA) properties and formation from various precursors under different controlled environmental conditions and to develop parameterization to represent SOA formation in chemical-transport models (CTM). Chamber experiments are however limited in number, performed under conditions that differ from the atmosphere and can be subject to potential artifacts from chamber walls. Here the Generator for Explicit Chemistry and Kinetics of Organics in the Atmosphere (GECKO-A) modelling tool has been used in a box model under various environmental conditions to (i) explore the sensitivity of SOA formation and properties to changes on physical and chemical conditions and (ii) to develop a Volatility Basis Set type parameterization. The set of parent hydrocarbons includes n-alkanes and 1-alkenes with 10, 14, 18, 22, and 26 carbon atoms, α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene, benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene and p-xylene. Simulated SOA yields and their dependences on the precursor structure, organic aerosol load, temperature and NOx levels are consistent with the literature. GECKO-A was used to explore the distribution of molar mass, vaporization enthalpy, OH reaction rate and Henry's law coefficient of the millions of secondary organic compounds formed during the oxidation of the different precursors and under various conditions. From these explicit simulations, a VBS-GECKO parameterization designed to be implemented in 3D air quality models has been tuned to represent SOA formation from the 18 precursors using GECKO-A as a reference. Its evaluation shows that VBS-GECKO captures the dynamic of SOA formation for a large range of conditions with a mean relative error on organic aerosol mass temporal evolution lesser than 20 % compared to explicit simulations. The optimization procedure has been automated to facilitate the update of the VBS-GECKO on the basis of the future GECKO-A versions, its extension to other precursors and/or its modification to carry additional information.
Climate evolution across the Mid-Brunhes Transition
Authors: Barth Aaron M. , Clark Peter U. , Bill Nicholas S. , He Feng , Pisias Nicklas G.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The Mid-Brunhes Transition (MBT) began ∼ 430 ka with an increase in the amplitude of the 100-kyr climate cycles of the past 800,000 years. The MBT has been identified in ice-core records, which indicate interglaciations became warmer with higher atmospheric CO2 levels after the MBT, and benthic oxygen isotope (δ18O) records, which suggest that post-MBT interglaciations had higher sea levels than pre-MBT interglaciations. It remains unclear, however, whether the MBT was a globally synchronous phenomenon that included other components of the climate system. Here we further characterize changes in the climate system across the MBT through statistical analyses of ice-core and δ18O records as well as sea-surface temperature, benthic carbon isotope, and dust accumulation records. Our results demonstrate that the MBT was a global event with a significant increase in climate variance in most components of the climate system assessed here. However, our results indicate that the onset of high-amplitude variability in temperature, atmospheric CO2, and sea level at ∼ 430 ka was preceded by changes in the carbon cycle, ice sheets, and monsoon strength during MIS 14 and 13.
Response of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica to water change and the reconstruction of drought history for the past 260 years in northeast China
Authors: Zhu Liangjun , Yao Qichao , Cooper David J. , Han Shijie , Wang Xiaochun
Published: March 2018

Abstract. We present a 260-year annual PDSI reconstruction based on a regional tree-ring width chronology of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) from four sample sites in the Daxing’an Mountains, northeast China. The model explained 38.2 % of the variance of annual PDSI during the calibration period from 1911 to 2010. Compared with local historical documents, nearby forest fire history data and hydroclimate reconstructions, our reconstruction is accurate and representative, and recorded the same dry years/periods. The drought of 1920s–1930s was more severe in the Daxing’an Mountains than in surrounding areas. A moisture increase caused by a recent rapid warming (warm-wet pattern) was identified for the Daxing’an Mountains, while a warm-dry pattern was found for the East Mongolian Plateaus (mild drier) and their transition zones: the east Mongolian Plateaus (severe drier). Overall, the dry/wet variability of the Daxing’an Mountains and its relationship with the surrounding areas might be driven by Pacific and Atlantic Ocean oscillations (e.g., ENSO, PDO, AMO, NAO and SNAO) that influence the Asian monsoon, and in turn the local temperature and precipitation that influences regional drought. However, the Monsoon Asia Drought Atlas of "Cook" might inaccurately portray dry/wet variations in the Daxing’an Mountains.
Mid-Cretaceous paleoenvironmental changes in the western Tethys
Authors: Bottini Cinzia , Erba Elisabetta
Published: March 2018

Abstract. We present a continuous record of surface water temperature and fertility variations through the latest Barremian–Cenomanian interval (ca. 27 My) based on calcareous nannofossil abundances from the western Tethys. The nannofossil temperature index, calibrated with TEX86-Sea Surface Temperatures, suggests that warmest (34–36 °C) conditions were reached during Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) 1a onset, the Aptian/Albian boundary interval hyperthermals (113, Kilian Level and Urbino Level-OAE 1b), and during a ca. 4 My-long phase in the middle Albian. Coolest temperatures (29 °C) correspond, instead, to the late Aptian. Generally warm conditions characterized the Albian followed by a progressive cooling trend started in the latest Albian (at the Marne a Fucoidi/Scaglia Bianca Formation transition). Temperate conditions occurred in the Cenomanian with frequent short-term variations highlighted by abundance peaks of cold-water nannofossil species E. floralis and R. parvidentatum. Mid-Cretaceous surface water fertility was rather fluctuating and mostly independent from climatic conditions as well as from black shales intervals. Intense warming and fertility spikes resulted to be systematically associated only to black shales of OAE 1a and of the Aptian/Albian boundary hyperthermals. The Albian–Cenomanian rhythmic black shales are, in fact, associated with varying long-term climatic/fertility conditions. The similarity of western Tethys climatic/fertility fluctuations during OAE 1a, OAE 1b, the middle Albian and OAE 1d with nannofossil-based records from other basins indicated that these paleoenvironmental conditions were affecting the oceans at supra-regional to global scale.
Responses of runoff to historical and future climate variability over China
Authors: Wu Chuanhao , Hu Bill X. , Huang Guoru , Wang Peng , Xu Kai
Published: March 2018

Abstract. China has suffered some of the effects of global warming, and one of the
potential implications of climate warming is the alteration of the
temporal–spatial patterns of water resources. Based on the
long-term (1960–2008) water budget data and climate projections from
28 global climate models (GCMs) of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project
Phase 5 (CMIP5), this study investigated the responses of runoff (R) to
historical and future climate variability in China at both grid and catchment
scales using the Budyko-based elasticity method. Results show that there is a
large spatial variation in precipitation (P) elasticity (from 1.1 to 3.2)
and potential evaporation (PET) elasticity (from −2.2 to −0.1) across
China. The P elasticity is larger in north-eastern and western China than in
southern China, while the opposite occurs for PET elasticity. The catchment
properties' elasticity of R appears to have a strong non-linear relationship
with the mean annual aridity index and tends to be more significant in more
arid regions. For the period 1960–2008, the climate contribution to R
ranges from −2.4 to 3.6 % yr−1 across China, with the negative
contribution in north-eastern China and the positive contribution in western
China and some parts of the south-west. The results of climate projections
indicate that although there is large uncertainty involved in the 28 GCMs,
most project a consistent change in P (or PET) in China at the annual
scale. For the period 2071–2100, the mean annual P is projected to
increase in most parts of China, especially the western regions, while the
mean annual PET is projected to increase in all of China, particularly the
southern regions. Furthermore, greater increases are projected for higher
emission scenarios. Overall, due to climate change, the arid regions and
humid regions of China are projected to become wetter and drier in the
period 2071–2100, respectively (relative to the baseline 1971–2000).
A physics-based probabilistic forecasting model for rainfall-induced shallow landslides at regional scale
Authors: Zhang Shaojie , Zhao Luqiang , Delgado-Tellez Ricardo , Bao Hongjun
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Conventional outputs of physics-based landslide
forecasting models are presented as deterministic warnings by calculating
the safety factor (Fs) of potentially dangerous slopes. However, these models
are highly dependent on variables such as cohesion force and internal
friction angle which are affected by a high degree of uncertainty especially
at a regional scale, resulting in unacceptable uncertainties of Fs. Under
such circumstances, the outputs of physical models are more suitable if
presented in the form of landslide probability values. In order to develop
such models, a method to link the uncertainty of soil parameter values with
landslide probability is devised. This paper proposes the use of Monte Carlo
methods to quantitatively express uncertainty by assigning random values to
physical variables inside a defined interval. The inequality Fs<1 is
tested for each pixel in n simulations which are integrated in a unique
parameter. This parameter links the landslide probability to the
uncertainties of soil mechanical parameters and is used to create a
physics-based probabilistic forecasting model for rainfall-induced shallow
landslides. The prediction ability of this model was tested in a case study,
in which simulated forecasting of landslide disasters associated with heavy
rainfalls on 9 July 2013 in the Wenchuan earthquake region of Sichuan
province, China, was performed. The proposed model successfully forecasted
landslides in 159 of the 176 disaster points registered by the
geo-environmental monitoring station of Sichuan province. Such testing
results indicate that the new model can be operated in a highly efficient way
and show more reliable results, attributable to its high prediction accuracy.
Accordingly, the new model can be potentially packaged into a forecasting
system for shallow landslides providing technological support for the
mitigation of these disasters at regional scale.
Sensitivity of forecast skill to the parameterisation of moist convection in a limited-area ensemble forecast system
Authors: Vasconi Matteo , Montani Andrea , Paccagnella Tiziana
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The parameterisation of convection in limited-area models is an important source of uncertainty as regards the spatio-temporal forecast of precipitation. As for the limited-area model COSMO, hitherto, only the Tiedtke convection scheme was available for the operational runs of the model in convection-parameterised mode. In addition to this the Bechtold scheme, implemented in ECMWF global model, has recently been adapted for COSMO applications. The development and implementation of ensemble systems in which different convection schemes are used, provides an opportunity to upgrade state-of-the-art probabilistic systems at the convection-parameterised scale. The sensitivity of the COSMO model forecast skill to the use of either the Tietdke or the Bechtold schemes is assessed by performing different sets of experiments. The performance of COSMO model run with the different schemes is investigated in ensemble mode with particular attention to the types of forecast errors (e.g. location, timing, intensity) provided by the different convection schemes in terms of total precipitation. A 10-member ensemble has been run for approximately 2 months with the Bechtold scheme, using the same initial and boundary conditions as members 1–10 of the operational COSMO-LEPS ensemble system (which has 20 members, all run with the Tiedtke scheme). The performance of these members is assessed and compared to that of the system made of members 1–10 of COSMO-LEPS in terms of total precipitation prediction. Finally, the performance of an experimental 20-member ensemble system (which has 10 members run with the Bechtold plus 10 members run with the Tiedtke scheme) is compared to that of operational COSMO-LEPS over the 2-month period. The new system turned out to have higher skill in terms of precipitation forecast with respect to COSMO-LEPS over the period. In this approach the use of the Bechtold scheme is proposed as a perturbation for the COSMO-LEPS ensemble, relatively to how uncertainties in the model representation of the cumulus convection can be described and quantified.
Front loading the curriculum: early placement experiences enhance career awareness and motivation
Authors: De Hollander Catherine , McGuckin Teneale , Sinclair Kelly , Barnett Fiona , Sealey Rebecca
Published: March 2018

Deciding which career path is right for undergraduate students can be challenging and positive outcomes are linked to early work placements.  The aim of the current study was to explore the student experience following the introduction of early career-based awareness-raising and reflective learning opportunities in first-year sport and exercise science-based students.  Students met with the first-year coordinator to discuss career progression and career aspirations. From this meeting, students were allocated a placement.  Following the placement visit, students submitted a reflection piece addressing their experiences at the placement site with six themes identified including: 1) positive experience; 2) degree selection; 3) exposure and reinforcement of practices; 4) career awareness; 5) supervisor impact; and 6) negative experience.  The provision of early placement for students in an observational capacity appears to be beneficial to first year experience to assist in consolidating their choice of degree.
Biologia comportamental comparada entre moluscos terrestres nativos e exóticos
Authors: Pilate Vinícius José , Chicarino Evelyn Durço , Silva Lidiane Cristina da , Santos Tércia Vargas dos , Souza Bruna Aparecida de , Bessa Elisabeth Cristina de Almeida
Published: March 2018

Objetivou-se com este estudo verificar o horário de atividade, a frequência dos atos compor­tamentais através do etograma básico e a influência da temperatura e da umidade relativa do ar sobre o comportamento de Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 e Megalobulimus oblongus (Müller, 1774). Ambas as espécies apresentaram atividade noturna. Os atos comportamentais mais frequentes foram “repousar”, “estar enterrado” e “alimentar” para as duas espécies. Megalobulimus oblongus foi menos ativo que a espécie exótica, porém apresentou frequência alimentar maior. O aumento da temperatura causou a redução da atividade de ambas as espécies, enquanto o aumento da umidade apenas influenciou a ati­vidade de A. fulica. Apesar de a espécie nativa ter se mostrado menos suscetível às mudanças na tem­peratura e umidade, e ter se alimentado mais que a exótica, as características biológicas e ecológicas de A. fulica, como seu grande potencial reprodutivo e a ausência de predadores naturais, fazem desta um competidor mais eficiente, capaz de colocar as populações de M. oblongus em risco de extinção.
Road Map Towards Zero Water Milk-processing Plants - Experiences from a Danish Public-Private Partnership
Authors: Lindgaard-Jorgensen Palle , Kristensen Gert Holm , Andersen Martin
Published: March 2018

A three-year public-private partnership project in Denmark, with participation of food and environment authorities, branch organizations, technology providers, universities and applied research organizations, mapped the water use and installed water-saving technologies in four cheese-producing dairy plants and a milk-processing plant with mixed dairy products.The objective of the work was: (i) to document that reuse of water in the participating milk processing plants did not compromise product safety, and (ii) to develop methodologies to select best technologies as well as monitoring and control procedures for milk processing.Different mapping approaches were tested: water meters with online data transmission, detailed mapping of all water uses and a mapping that focused on the water uses which were expected to have the largest water-saving potential.Based on the results of the water use mapping, water efficiency scenarios for the plants were developed, and solutions were selected according to their water-saving potential, applicability in the dairy sector, cost-efficiency and sustainability.Selected technologies were tested in full-scale in a number of dairy processes, including reuse and increased efficiency in utilities and cleaning operations, optimization and renewal of milk-processing operations, reuse of permeate from RO filtration for concentration of whey and reuse of dairy waste water in utility functions. The investment costs for the installation of technologies were recorded as well as the actual water savings, energy savings and savings in labour time. The savings were substantial and could pay back the investment costs, often in less than a year - with the longest payback time being five years.A branch code was developed by the partnership providing guidance for water reuse in the dairy industry, including HACCP, monitoring and control procedures for reuse of water in CIP and other dairy processes and for storage and reuse of water from whey and milk concentration. A dairy, which applies the guidance and regulations in the branch code and adopts a combination of the technologies tested by the partnership, may save up to 60% of its present water use. The partnership also led to a vision for a zero water dairy, which would require; however, that new technologies and regulations would be developed and tested.
The Effects of Mixed Source Fertilizer Application on Vertisol Fertility and Growth of Mustard
Authors: Syamsiyah Jauhari , Sumarno Sumarno , Suryono Suryono , Muhamat Rajab Nur Echsan , Aryaningrum Ida
Published: March 2018

Soil fertility is a crucial factor determining the growth and yield of plants. The increase of nutrient content and availability in soil can be achieved by fertilization. A field experiment was conducted using a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications in order to study the effects of Mixed Source of Fertilizer (MSF) application on the nutrient contents in Vertisol and its relationship to the growth and yield of mustard. The first factor was the three MSF formulas (F1, F2, F3) and second factor was the doses of MSF (0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5; 10 Mg ha-1) applied to the soil. At the end of the experiment, the soil pH, CEC, organic-C, total-N, available-P and exchangeable-K contents were measured. The results show that there are no significant differences on the soil chemical characteristics, such as pH, organic-C content, available-P, exchangeable-K, -Ca and -Mg measured after application of different MSF formulas to the soil. Meanwhile, the increase of MSF doses applied to the soil significantly increases organic-C content, total-N, available-P and exchangeable-K in the soil. The significant increase of available-P (by 29.13%) and total-N (by 24.1%) occured after application of MSF at 5.0 Mg ha-1 and the increase of exchangeable-K (by 50%) is achieved after application of 7.5 Mg ha-1, in comparison to that without MSF application. The height and fresh weight of mustard increase in accordance with the increase of MSF doses applied. The application of 10.0 Mg ha-1 MSF results in the highest height and fresh weight of the mustard up to 63.9% and 620%, respectively. The height and fresh weight of mustard are positively correlated to the total-N, available-P and exchangeable-K in the soil. The MSF is an alternative fertilizer that can be used to improve Vertisol fertility and plant growth.