bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Statins in Epilepsy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Quintana-Pájaro Loraine De Jesús , Ramos-Villegas Yancarlos , Cortecero-Sabalza Eileen , Joaquim Andrei F. , Agrawal Amit , Narvaez-Rojas Alexis Rafael , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives: Statins are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, used for the management of hypercholesterolemia and related atherosclerotic diseases. Several studies have indicated the neuroprotective effects of statins on several neuropathological conditions. However, the role of these medications in epilepsy is still unclear. The purpose is to evaluate and summarize the level of evidence on the efficacy of statins in neuronal hyperexcitability and the neuroinflammatory processes of epilepsy. Methods: A systematic review was performed. Eligibility Criteria: This review involved studies conducted in humans and nonhuman experimental models, covering the use of an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, alone or accompanied by another medication, in epilepsy. Information Sources: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Ebsco Host, Scopus, Science Direct, Medline, and LILACS. Risk of Bias: It was evaluated with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the experimental studies were evaluated using the GRADE tool. Results: Twenty articles of the 183 evaluated were included. Sixteen studies were conducted in animal models and four studies in humans. Most studies in mice reported a reduction in epileptiform activity and reduction in systemic inflammation with the treatment of statins, potentially influencing epilepsy control. Few studies in humans were performed in the geriatric population with variable results (neuroinflammation, seizure prevention, cell death, prevention of kindling, increase in convulsive threshold, increase in latency, decrease in frequency of crisis, and reduction in mortality) related to reduction in the rate of hospitalizations, mortality, and prevention of epilepsy. Studies in mice found a decrease in interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha and an increase in IL-10 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Conclusions: The possible antiepileptic mechanism of statins may be related to the reduction in neuroinflammation mediated by a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and action in the nitrergic system. Further studies evaluating the impact of statins on seizure control are necessary.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Viral Encephalitis: A Pictorial Essay
Authors: Jayaraman Kalaivani , Rangasami Rajeswaran , Chandrasekharan Anupama
Published: August 2018

Viral encephalitis by definition is the result of human virus affecting the brain and sparing the meninges. The other nervous system manifestations are meningitis, meningoencephalitis, encephalomyelitis, and encephalomyeloradiculitis. Encephalitis can involve any age group from children to old people. The severity of the disease depends on the viral agent and the host immune system. The patient can present with fever, headache, seizure, neurological deficit, or altered sensorium. Laboratory investigations, imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis are crucial in the diagnosis of encephalitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may be nonspecific or specific and plays a major role in the diagnosis of encephalitis and predicting the possible cause. This pictorial essay reviews the MRI findings of common types of viral encephalitis.
Impact on Cognitive Improvement Following Burr Hole Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Gill Maneet , Maheshwari Vikas , Narang Amit , Lingaraju T. S.
Published: August 2018

Objective: Patients of Chronic subdural haematoma can present with only subtle cognitive impairment without any motor deficit. It is hence imperative for the treating clinician to be aware of this entity. The aim of the study was to identify any statistically significant improvement of cognitive functions following burr hole evacuation of Chronic SDH especially in the elderly patients. Methods and Material: A Prospective observational study of 30 patients of CSDH, from Jan 2015 to Dec 2016 was done at a tertiary level Armed Forces Hospital. The study had 23 male, 07 female, with age ranging from 7-85 years. The cognitive function of each patient was assessed at admission and 24 hours after surgery by MMSE. Radiological confirmation was done by CT head. Standard two burr holes were made and hematoma evacuated. The clinical, cognitive assessment and radiological data were collected and analysed. Results: There was no statistical significance preoperatively between age and pre operative cognitive impairment, headache, hemiparesis, dysarthria (P>0.05). We however found a statistically significant improvement postoperatively in cognitive impairment, headache (P=0.00), motor deficit (P=0.01) and dysarthria (P=0.046) Conclusion: The clinical features of dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders simulate CSDH in the geriatric population. These patients should have early neuroimaging and prompt surgical intervention to alleviate cognitive deficits.
Neurobrucellosis Presenting as Acute Psychosis
Authors: Shah Irfan Ahmad , Kawoos Yuman , Sanai Bashir Ahmad , Rabyang Stanzen , Banday Dawood
Published: August 2018

A 45-year-old female without any past or family history of psychiatric illness presented to the emergency department with complaints of abnormal behavior, irrelevant talking, restlessness, episodic crying, and decreased sleep of 2-day duration. On detailed interview, the attendants gave a history of an intermittent headache of 6-month duration and hearing impairment of 4-month duration. On investigation, her cerebrospinal fluid was reactive, and brucella titers were positive. She received appropriate treatment for 6 months and a short course of antipsychotics. Her symptoms settled, but she had persistent hearing loss. Psychosis as well as hearing loss is a very rare presentation of brucellosis. The case highlights the importance of considering neurobrucellosis as a differential diagnosis in patients with any unexplained neuropsychiatric symptoms such as acute psychosis or hearing loss.
A Short Weight Loss Intervention in a Neurosurgical Subspecialist Clinical Setting
Authors: Sedney Cara L. , Haggerty Treah , N. Patricia Dekeseredy R.
Published: August 2018

Context: The relationship between back pain and obesity is well characterized; therefore, the neurosurgical consultant visit for back pain may be a key interventional opportunity for weight loss. Aims: The aim of this project was to evaluate efficacy of an educational intervention for back pain. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate effectiveness of an educational intervention (Show patient's own MRI, Explain degenerative disc disease, Relate to weight issues, Reference other weight-related comorbidities, and Encourage a plan of action for weight loss [SERRE]). This has been performed since 2014 for patients presenting to the first author's neurosurgical spine clinic with nonsurgical back pain and body mass index (BMI) over 35. Results: The average BMI was 50.7. Fifty-five percent of patients had additional weight-related comorbidities. After SERRE intervention, 82% of patients were open to weight loss interventions. However, only 22% of patients went on to follow-up with a formal weight management program and only 9% of patients went on to have a documented weight loss. The lack of success was largely attributed to social issues and severe medical comorbidities within the specific population. Conclusions: Incorporation of patient education regarding the relationship of weight loss to back pain and other weight-related comorbidities is well received in a rural specialist consultation setting. Improved communication with primary care physicians regarding this message and further supportive actions may improve follow-through, and therefore success of ultimate weight loss interventions.
Cervical Intramedullary Cystic Teratoma with Dermal Sinus Tract: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Diyora Batuk , Kukreja Sanjay , Mulla Mazhar , Bhende Bhagyashri , Nayak Naren
Published: August 2018

Intramedullary spinal teratomas are rare. We report a case in a 40-year-male who presented with progressive weakness over the right side of the body and gait imbalance. He had dermal sinus with hair patch over nape of the neck. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cervical (C4–C7) intramedullary tumor with dermal sinus tract. C3–C7 laminectomy was performed and tumor excised along with the sinus tract. Histopathological examination revealed mature cystic teratoma. Gait ataxia was improved immediately while near complete recovery in motor power was achieved over a period of 2–3 weeks.
Perception and Attitude toward Mental Illness in Antenatal Mothers in Rural Population of Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Manjrekar Shivani , Patil Sandeep
Published: August 2018

Background: Mental health disorders globally are on a rise due to various reasons. Gender differences have been one of the reasons. Pregnancy is a stressful event in mothers and it can either exacerbate preexisting mental illness or can give rise to other mental health disorders. Studies have shown that women residing in rural areas are at higher risk of developing mental health problems. Mental health problems have detrimental effects in post-partum period. Most of the complications can be prevented if psychiatric symptoms are detected in early part of pregnancy and if women are aware of these symptoms. Aim: To find the awareness, attitude and perception towards mental illness in antenatal mothers residing in rural area of India. Setting and Design: It's a descriptive cross sectional study conducted at primary health care centers. Methods and Materials: Total of 300 antenatal mothers attending primary health care centers were recruited into the study after a written informed consent was obtained. Statistical Analysis: Basic socio demographic data were collected and a semi structured questionnaire was designed. The participants were interviewed according to the questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS software. Results and Conclusion: The mean age of the study participants was 24+5. Of the 300 study participants more than 90% were unaware that mental illness can occur during pregnancy and only around 07% could agree say that it can occur in pregnancy. There is poor awareness of mental health problems amongst pregnant women residing in rural part of southern India. The reasons for the same are lack of awareness, low levels of education, lower socio economic status, cultural beliefs and practices, lack of mental health services and stigma associated with mental illness. There is no routine screening for mental health problems during antenatal visits. If done otherwise could bring down adverse maternal outcome.
Nonfatal Stroke and All-Cause Mortality among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Living in Rural Ecuador: A Population-Based, Prospective Study
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Mera Robertino M. , Del Brutto Victor J.
Published: August 2018

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in developing countries. However, there are no studies assessing the impact of nonfatal strokes on mortality in rural areas of Latin America. Using a population-based, prospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the influence of nonfatal strokes on all-cause mortality in older adults living in an underserved rural setting. Methods: Deaths occurring during a 5-year period in Atahualpa residents aged ≥60 years were identified from overlapping sources. Tests for equality of survivor functions were used to estimate differences between observed and expected deaths for each covariate investigated. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate Kaplan–Meier survival curves of variables reaching significance in univariate analyses. Results: Of 437 individuals enrolled over 5 years, follow-up was achieved in 417 (95%), contributing 1776 years of follow-up (average 4.3 ± 1.3 years). Fifty-one deaths were detected, for an overall cumulative 5-year mortality rate of 12.2% (8.9%–15.6%). Being older than 70 years of age, having poor physical activity, edentulism, and history of a nonfatal stroke were related to mortality in univariate analyses. A fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards model showed that having history of a nonfatal stroke (P = 0.024) and being older than 70 years of age (P = 0.031) independently predicted mortality. In contrast, obesity was inversely correlated with mortality (P = 0.047). Conclusions: A nonfatal stroke and increasing age increase the risk of all-cause mortality in inhabitants of a remote rural village. The body mass index is inversely related to death (obesity paradox).
General Serre weight conjectures
Authors: Gee Toby , Herzig Florian , Savitt David
Published: August 2018

We formulate a number of related generalisations of the weight part of Serre’s conjecture to the case of GL

_n

over an arbitrary number field, motivated by the formalism of the Breuil–Mézard conjecture. We give evidence for these conjectures, and discuss their relationship to previous work. We generalise one of these conjectures to the case of connected reductive groups which are unramified over

\mathbb Q_p

, and we also generalise the second author’s previous conjecture for GL

_n/\mathbb Q

to this setting, and show that the two conjectures are generically in agreement.
Uniqueness for discrete Schrödinger evolutions
Authors: Jaming Philippe , Lyubarskii Yurii I. , Malinnikova Eugenia , Perfekt Karl-Mikael
Published: August 2018

We prove that if a solution of the discrete time-dependent Schrödinger equation with bounded potential decays fast at two distinct times then the solution is trivial. For the free Schr¨odinger operator, as well as for operators with compactly supported time-independent potentials, a sharp analog of the Hardy uncertainty principle is obtained, using an argument based on the theory of entire functions. Logarithmic convexity of weighted norms is employed in the case of general bounded potentials.
Local monomialization of a system of first integrals of Darboux type
Authors: Belotto da Silva André
Published: August 2018

Given a real- or complex-analytic singular foliation

\theta

with

n

first integrals of meromorphic or Darboux type

(f_1,\dots,f_n)

, we prove that there exists a local monomialization of the first integrals. In particular, if

\theta

is generated by the

n

first integrals, we prove the existence of a local reduction of singularities of

\theta

to monomial singularities.
Critical points of non-regular integral functionals
Authors: Boccardo Lucio , Pellacci Benedetta
Published: August 2018

We prove the existence of a bounded positive critical point for a class of functionals such as

J(v)=\frac12\int_o [a(x)+b(x)|v|^{\gamma}]\, |\nabla v|^{2}-\int_o |v|^{p}

for

\Omega

a bounded open set in

\mathbb R^{N}

,

N>2

,

\gamma+2< p < 2N/(N-2)

,

\gamma>0

,

\gamma\neq 1

and

a(x),\,b(x)

measurable function satisfying

0<\alpha\leq a(x)\leq \beta

,

0\leq b(x)\leq\beta

almost everywhere in

\Omega

.
Intertwinings and generalized Brascamp–Lieb inequalities
Authors: Arnaudon Marc , Bonnefont Michel , Joulin Aldéric
Published: August 2018

We continue our investigation of the intertwining relations for Markov semigroups and extend our previous results to multi-dimensional diffusions. In particular these formulae entail new functional inequalities of Brascamp–Lieb type for log-concave distributions and beyond. Our results are illustrated by some classical and less classical examples.
$L^p$-bounds on spectral clusters associated to polygonal domains
Authors: Blair Matthew D. , Ford G. Austin , Marzuola Jeremy L.
Published: August 2018

We look at the

L^p

bounds on eigenfunctions for polygonal domains (or more generally Euclidean surfaces with conic singularities) by analysis of the wave operator on the flat Euclidean cone

C(\mathbb{S}^1_\rho) {\stackrel{\mathrm{def}}{=}} \mathbb{R}_+ \times \left(\mathbb{R} \big/ 2\pi\rho \mathbb{Z}\right)

of radius

\rho > 0

equipped with the metric h

(r,\theta) = \mathrm d r^2 + r^2 \, \mathrm d\theta^2

. Using explicit oscillatory integrals and relying on the fundamental solution to the wave equation in geometric regions related to flat wave propagation and diffraction by the cone point, we can prove spectral cluster estimates equivalent to those in works on smooth Riemannian manifolds.
Multiplicative energy of polynomial images of intervals modulo $q$
Authors: Castro Kyle , Chang Mei-Chu
Published: August 2018

Given a smooth integer

q

, we use existing upper bounds for character sums to find a lower bound for the size of a multiplicative subgroup of the integers modulo

q

which contains the image of an interval of consecutive integers

I \subset \mathbb{Z}_q

under a polynomial

f \in \mathbb{Z}[X]

.
On zeros of analytic functions satisfying non-radial growth conditions
Authors: Borichev Alexander , Golinskii Leonid B. , Kupin Stanislas
Published: August 2018

Extending the results of Borichev–Golinskii–Kupin (2009), we obtain refined Blaschke-type necessary conditions on the zero distribution of analytic functions on the unit disk and on the complex plane with a cut along the positive semi-axis satisfying some non-radial growth restrictions.
New bounds for bilinear Calderón–Zygmund operators and applications
Authors: Damián Wendolín , Hormozi Mahdi , Li Kangwei
Published: August 2018

In this work we extend Lacey's domination theorem to prove the pointwise control of bilinear Calderón–Zygmund operators with Dini-continuous kernel by sparse operators. The precise bounds are carefully tracked following the spirit in a recent work of Hytönen, Roncal and Tapiola. We also derive new mixed weighted estimates for a general class of bilinear dyadic positive operators using multiple

A_{\infty}

constants inspired in the Fujii–Wilson and Hruscev classical constants. These estimates have many new applications including mixed bounds for multilinear Calderón–Zygmund operators and their commutators with BMO functions, square functions and multilinear Fourier multipliers.
A new strategy for resolution of singularities in the monomial case in positive characteristic
Authors: Kawanoue Hiraku , Matsuki Kenji
Published: August 2018

According to our approach for resolution of singularities in positive characteristic (called the
idealistic filtration program
, IFP for short), the algorithm is divided into the following two steps:

Step 1. Reduction of the general case to the monomial case.

Step 2. Solution in the monomial case.

While we have established Step 1 in arbitrary dimension, Step 2 becomes very subtle and difficult in positive characteristic. This is in clear contrast to the classical setting in characteristic zero, where the solution in the monomial case is quite easy. In dimension 3, we provided an invariant, inspired by the work of Benito–Villamayor, which establishes Step 2. In this paper, we propose a new strategy to approach Step 2, and provide a different invariant in dimension 3 based upon this strategy. The new invariant increases from time to time (the well-known Moh–Hauser jumpingphenomenon), while it is then shown to eventually decrease. Since the old invariant strictly decreases after each transformation, this may look like a step backward rather than forward. However, the construction of the new invariant is more faithful to the original philosophy of Villamayor, and we believe that the new strategy has a better fighting chance in higher dimensions.
The Dirichlet problem for $p$-harmonic functions with respect to arbitrary compactifications
Authors: Björn Anders , Björn Jana , Sjödin Tomas
Published: August 2018

We study the Dirichlet problem for

p

-harmonic functions on metric spaces with respect to arbitrary compactifications. A particular focus is on the Perron method, and as a new approach to the invariance problem we introduce Sobolev–Perron solutions. We obtain various resolutivity and invariance results, and also show that most functions that have earlier been proved to be resolutive are in fact Sobolev-resolutive. We also introduce (Sobolev)–Wiener solutions and harmonizability in this nonlinear context, and study their connections to (Sobolev)–Perron solutions, partly using

Q

-compactifications.
Dislocations of arbitrary topology in Coulomb eigenfunctions
Authors: Enciso Alberto , Hartley David , Peralta-Salas Daniel
Published: August 2018

For any finite link

L

in

\mathbb R^3

we prove the existence of a complex-valued eigenfunction of the Coulomb Hamiltonian such that its nodal set contains a union of connected components diffeomorphic to

L

. This problem goes back to Berry, who constructed such eigenfunctions in the case where

L

is the trefoil knot or the Hopf link and asked the question about the general result.
Explicit local multiplicative convolution of $\ell$-adic sheaves
Authors: Rojas-León Antonio
Published: August 2018

We give explicit formulas for the local multiplicative convolution functors, which express the local monodromies of the convolution of two

\ell

-adic sheaves on the torus

\mathbb G_m

over the algebraic closure of a finite field in terms of the local monodromies of the factors. As a particular case, we recover Fu's formulas for the local Fourier transform.
Sparse domination on non-homogeneous spaces with an application to $A_p$ weights
Authors: Volberg Alexander , Zorin-Kranich Pavel
Published: August 2018

We extend Lerner's recent approach to sparse domination of Calderón–Zygmund operators to upper doubling (but not necessarily doubling), geometrically doubling metric measure spaces. Our domination theorem, different from the one obtained recently by Conde-Alonso and Parcet, yields a weighted estimate with the sharp power max

(1,1/(p-1))

of the

A_{p}

characteristic of the weight.
Множества Каратеодори и аналитическое выметание мер
Authors: Fedorovskiy Konstantin Yurievich
Published: August 2018

Рассматривается понятие аналитического выметания мер, введенное Д. Хавинсоном. Получены новые формулы для аналитического выметания мер в случае, когда носитель исходной меры лежит внутри данного компакта Каратеодори и рассматривается выметание на границу этого компакта. Конструкции основаны на недавних результатах о граничном поведении конформных отображений единичного круга на области Каратеодори.
Библиография: 27 названий.
Интегрируемые возмущения седловых особенностей ранга 0 интегрируемых гамильтоновых систем
Authors: Oshemkov Andrey Aleksandrovich , Tuzhilin Mikhail Alekseevich
Published: August 2018

Исследуется свойство устойчивости особенностей интегрируемых гамильтоновых систем при интегрируемых возмущениях. Известно, что среди особенностей коранга $1$ устойчивыми являются лишь особенности сложности $1$. Как оказалось, уже в случае двух степеней свободы среди особенностей ранга $0$ и сложности $2$ есть как устойчивые, так и неустойчивые. Полный список особенностей типа седло-седло сложности $2$ известен и состоит из $39$ попарно не эквивалентных особенностей. В работе доказан критерий устойчивости для многомерных седловых особенностей ранга $0$ при их покомпонентном возмущении. При помощи этого критерия в случае двух степеней свободы для каждой из $39$ особенностей сложности $2$ получен ответ на вопрос, является ли она покомпонентно устойчивой. Для особенности типа седло-седло исследована связь между свойством устойчивости и характеристиками ее круговой молекулы.
Библиография: 27 названий.
PERSISTENCE OF ATOVAQUONE IN HUMAN SERA FOLLOWING TREATMENT: INHIBITION OF P. FALCIPARUM DEVELOPMENT IN VIVO AND IN VITRO
Authors: BUTCHER GEOFF A. , SINDEN ROBERT E.
Published: August 2018

Published pharmacokinetic data indicate that after treatment of patients with therapeutic doses of atovaquone/proguanil hydrochloride (Malarone™, GlaxoSmithKline Research Triangle Park, NC), the plasma half-lives of these drugs are 70h and 15h, respectively. However, using two biologic assays (mosquito transmission and in vitro asexual stage development), we demonstrate here that sera from volunteers treated with atovaquone/proguanil retained activity against Plasmodium falciparum up to 6 weeks after such treatment. This activity was due to atovaquone, as administration of this drug alone replicated the data obtained with the combination. Most notably, asexual stage development of an atovaquone-resistant strain (NGATV01) of P. falciparum was not inhibited by sera taken after atovaquone treatment. These data indicate that for atovaquone, biologic assays, though not quantitative, are more sensitive than the usual physicochemical assays. Also, persistence of atovaquone in plasma at low concentrations for long periods may increase the risk of resistant parasites arising.
DUPLEX DOPPLER ULTRASOUND OF HEPATIC SCHISTOSOMIASIS JAPONICA: A STUDY OF 47 PATIENTS
Authors: CHOU YI-HONG , CHIOU HONG-JEN , TIU CHUI-MEI , CHIOU SEE-YING , LEE SHOU-DONG , HUNG GUO-SHIAN , WU SHIAO-CHI , KUO BENJAMIN I. , LEE REN-CHUAN , CHIANG JEN-HUAY , CHANG TSUEN , YU CHUN
Published: August 2018

This study describes the ultrasound (US) appearances of the liver with hepatic schistosomiasis japonica (HSJ), and studies the portal hemodynamics in 47 patients with HSJ using duplex Doppler US over a period of 15 years. All patients but two were Chinese war veterans seen in Taiwan about 35–55 years after their presumed infection in Mainland China. The US presentations were reviewed. The data from Doppler portal flow studies were available for 39 patients with HSJ, and compared to data from Doppler portal flow studies in 40 normal healthy volunteers and to this data in 40 patients with postnecrotic cirrhosis. A typical “coarse reticular pattern” due to fibrosis in the whole liver was noted in 40 patients (85%). Other findings included periportal fibrosis (15%), septum-like fibrous bands extending to the liver capsule (32%), and an apparent nodular liver surface (19%). Splenomegaly was noted in seven patients. While coexisting hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) were evident in three patients, and esophageal varices were found in three others, yet both conditions were found only in patients with positive hepatitis-B-surface antigen (HBsAg). Doppler flowmetry of the portal veins in HSJ patients showed a mean flow rate of 15.34 ± 6.82 cm/sec, and a mean flow volume of 993.21 ± 290.63 ml/min, both showed no significant difference from those in normal adults (p > 0.5). HSJ can be confidently diagnosed in patients with hepatic fibrosis when the hepatic pathology is presented as a coarse reticular pattern. The portal hemodynamics in HSJ patients who have been isolated from the infection site (for more than 35 years) are significantly different from portal hemodynamics in cirrhotic patients and are similar to those in healthy volunteers.
LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF TREATMENT WITH DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE ON ANTI-FILARIAL IgG4: DOSAGE, COMPLIANCE, AND DIFFERENTIAL PATTERNS IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN
Authors: TERHELL A. J. , HAARBRINK M. , VAN DEN BIGGELAAR A. , MANGALI A. , SARTONO E. , YAZDANBAKHSH M.
Published: August 2018

We have followed a population in an area endemic for Brugia malayi for three years after intensive treatment with diethylcarbamazine (DEC). Microfilariae were cleared from the circulation within four months in all eligible study participants (n = 60). There appeared to be a strong correlation between the maximum reduction in specific IgG4 and the number of days drug was taken under supervision (ρ = 0.41, P < 0.001), indicating that high total dosage of DEC is necessary for optimal reduction of active infection. In individuals with good compliance (at least 180 mg/kg of body weight, n = 34), we observed variable IgG4 patterns. All pre-treatment IgG4+ children (9–14 years old) and 40% of the IgG4+ adult population (≥ 15 years old) showed a gradual decrease in anti-filarial IgG4; 53% of these showed complete clearance of worm burden by the end of the study. In contrast, another group of male IgG4+ adults showed IgG4 patterns that started to increase between nine months and two years after treatment, indicating either a partial efficacy of DEC that allowed recovery of resident adult worms or reinfection.
ENHANCEMENT OF DISEASE AND PATHOLOGY BY SYNERGY OF TRICHURIS SUIS AND CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI IN THE COLON OF IMMUNOLOGICALLY NAIVE SWINE
Authors: MANSFIELD LINDA S. , GAUTHIER DAVID T. , ABNER SHEILA R. , JONES KATHRYN M. , WILDER STACEY R. , URBAN JOSEPH F.
Published: August 2018

Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, has different age distribution and disease expression in developing and developed countries, which may be due to the endemnicity of infection and the age of acquisition of immunity. Differences in disease expression are not solely dependent on the C. jejuni strain or virulence attributes. Another modulating factor in developing countries may be endemic nematode infections such as Trichuris, which drive type 2 cytokine responses and down-regulate type 1 immune responses. In this study, three-day-old germ-free pigs given dual infections with Trichuris suis and C. jejuni had more frequent, more severe diarrhea and severe pathology than pigs given no pathogens, only T. suis, or only C. jejuni. These pigs had significant hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltrates in the proximal colon where adult worms were found, and abscessed lymphoglandular complexes in the distal colon with intracellular C. jejuni. Pigs given only C. jejuni had mild clinical signs and pathology, and bacteria in feces or extracellular sites. Pigs given T. suis or no pathogens had no disease and minimal pathology. Thus, these agents synergized to produce significant disease and pathology, which was site specific.
Wintertime photochemistry in Beijing: observations of ROx radical concentrations in the North China Plain during the BEST-ONE campaign
Authors: Tan Zhaofeng , Rohrer Franz , Lu Keding , Ma Xuefei , Bohn Birger , Broch Sebastian , Dong Huabin , Fuchs Hendrik , Gkatzelis Georgios I. , Hofzumahaus Andreas , Holland Frank , Li Xin , Liu Ying , Liu Yuhan , Novelli Anna , Shao Min , Wang Haichao , Wu Yusheng , Zeng Limin , Hu Min , Kiendler-Scharr Astrid , Wahner Andreas , Zhang Yuanhang
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The first wintertime in situ
measurements of hydroxyl (OH), hydroperoxy (HO2) and organic peroxy
(RO2) radicals
(ROx=OH+HO2+RO2) in combination
with observations of total reactivity of OH radicals, kOH in
Beijing are presented. The field campaign “Beijing winter finE particle
STudy – Oxidation, Nucleation and light Extinctions” (BEST-ONE) was
conducted at the suburban site Huairou near Beijing from January to
March 2016. It aimed to understand oxidative capacity during wintertime and
to elucidate the secondary pollutants' formation mechanism in the North China
Plain (NCP). OH radical concentrations at noontime ranged from 2.4×106cm-3 in severely polluted air (kOH∼27s-1) to 3.6×106cm-3 in relatively clean
air (kOH∼5s-1). These values are nearly 2-fold
larger than OH concentrations observed in previous winter campaigns in
Birmingham, Tokyo, and New York City. During this campaign, the total primary
production rate of ROx radicals was dominated by the
photolysis of nitrous acid accounting for 46 % of the identified primary
production pathways for ROx radicals. Other important
radical sources were alkene ozonolysis (28 %) and photolysis of
oxygenated organic compounds (24 %). A box model was used to simulate the
OH, HO2 and RO2 concentrations based on the observations
of their long-lived precursors. The model was capable of reproducing the
observed diurnal variation of the OH and peroxy radicals during clean days
with a factor of 1.5. However, it largely underestimated HO2 and
RO2 concentrations by factors up to 5 during pollution episodes.
The HO2 and RO2 observed-to-modeled ratios increased with
increasing NO concentrations, indicating a deficit in our understanding of
the gas-phase chemistry in the high NOx regime. The OH
concentrations observed in the presence of large OH reactivities indicate
that atmospheric trace gas oxidation by photochemical processes can be highly
effective even during wintertime, thereby facilitating the vigorous formation
of secondary pollutants.
Subgrid Variations of the Cloud Water and Droplet Number Concentration Over Tropical Ocean: Satellite Observations and Implications for Warm Rain Simulation in Climate Models
Authors: Zhang Zhibo , Song Hua , Ma Po-Lun , Larson Vincent E. , Wang Minghuai , Dong Xiquan , Wang Jianwu
Published: August 2018

Abstract. One of the difficulties of simulating the warm rain process in global climate models (GCM) is how to account for the impact of subgrid variations of cloud properties, such as cloud water and cloud droplet number concertation, on the nonlinear precipitation processes such as autoconversion. In practice, this impact is often treated by adding a so-called enhancement factor term to the parameterization scheme. In this study, we derive the subgrid variations of liquid-phase cloud properties over the tropical ocean using the satellite remote sensing products from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and investigate the corresponding enhancement factors for the GCM parameterization of autoconversion rate. The wide spatial coverage of the MODIS product enables us to depict a detailed quantitative picture of the enhancement factor Eq due to the subgrid variation of cloud water, which shows a clear cloud regime dependence, namely a significant increase from the stratocumulus (Sc) to cumulus (Cu) cloud regions. Assuming a constant Eq = 3.2 would overestimate the observed Eq in the Sc regions and underestimate it in the Cu regions. We also found that the Eq based on the Lognormal PDF assumption performs slightly better than that based on the Gamma PDF assumption. A simple parameterization scheme is provided to relate the Eq to the grid-mean liquid cloud fraction, which can be readily used in GCMs. For the first time, the enhancement factor EN due to the subgrid variation of CDNC is derived from satellite observation, and results reveal several regions downwind of biomass burning aerosols (e.g., Gulf of Guinea, East Coast of South Africa), air pollution (i.e., Eastern China Sea), and active volcanos (e.g., Kilauea Hawaii and Ambae Vanuatu), where the EN is comparable, or even larger than Eq, even after the optically thin clouds are screened out.
A singular value decomposition framework for retrievals with vertical distribution information from greenhouse gas column absorption spectroscopy measurements
Authors: Ramanathan Anand K. , Nguyen Hai M. , Sun Xiaoli , Mao Jianping , Abshire James B. , Hobbs Jonathan M. , Braverman Amy J.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. We review the singular value decomposition (SVD) framework and use it for quantifying and discerning vertical information in greenhouse gas retrievals from column integrated absorption measurements. While the commonly used traditional Bayesian optimal estimation (OE) assumes a prior distribution in order to regularize the inversion problem, the SVD approach identifies principal components that can be retrieved from the measurement without explicitly specifying a prior mean and prior covariance matrix. We review the SVD method, explicitly recognize the use of an uninformative prior and show it to incur no bias from the choice of the prior. We also make the connection between the SVD method and the pseudo-inverse, which makes it more intuitive and easy to understand. We illustrate the use of the SVD method on an integrated path differential absorption CO2 lidar measurement model and verify our derivations and bias-free properties versus optimal estimation using numerical simulations. In contrast, traditional OE retrievals exhibit bias when the prior mean used in the retrieval differs from the true mean. Hence, the SVD method is particularly useful for situations in which knowledge of the prior mean and prior covariance of the true state (e.g., greenhouse gas profiles) is inadequate.
Modulation of the vertical particle transfer efficiency in the oxygen minimum zone off Peru
Authors: Bretagnon Marine , Paulmier Aurélien , Garçon Véronique , Dewitte Boris , Illig Séréna , Leblond Nathalie , Coppola Laurent , Campos Fernando , Velazco Federico , Panagiotopoulos Christos , Oschlies Andreas , Hernandez-Ayon J. Martin , Maske Helmut , Vergara Oscar , Montes Ivonne , Martinez Philippe , Carrasco Edgardo , Grelet Jacques , Desprez-De-Gesincourt Olivier , Maes Christophe , Scouarnec Lionel
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The fate of the organic matter (OM) produced by marine life controls the
major biogeochemical cycles of the Earth's system. The OM produced through
photosynthesis is either preserved, exported towards sediments or degraded
through remineralisation in the water column. The productive eastern
boundary upwelling systems (EBUSs) associated with oxygen minimum zones
(OMZs) would be expected to foster OM preservation due to low O2
conditions. But their intense and diverse microbial activity should enhance
OM degradation. To investigate this contradiction, sediment traps were
deployed near the oxycline and in the OMZ core on an instrumented moored
line off Peru. Data provided high-temporal-resolution O2 series
characterising two seasonal steady states at the upper trap: suboxic
([O2]<25 µmol kg−1) and hypoxic–oxic (15<[O2]<160 µmol kg−1) in austral summer and
winter–spring, respectively. The OMZ vertical transfer efficiency of
particulate organic carbon (POC) between traps (Teff) can be classified
into three main ranges (high, intermediate, low). These different Teff
ranges suggest that both predominant preservation (high Teff>50 %) and remineralisation (intermediate Teff
20 < 50 % or low Teff<6 %) configurations can occur. An efficient OMZ vertical transfer
(Teff>50 %) has been reported in summer and winter associated with extreme
limitation in O2 concentrations or OM quantity for OM degradation.
However, higher levels of O2 or OM, or less refractory OM, at the
oxycline, even in a co-limitation context, can decrease the OMZ transfer
efficiency to below 50 %. This is especially true in summer during
intraseasonal wind-driven oxygenation events. In late winter and early
spring, high oxygenation conditions together with high fluxes of sinking
particles trigger a shutdown of the OMZ transfer (Teff<6 %). Transfer efficiency of chemical elements composing the majority of
the flux (nitrogen, phosphorus, silica, calcium carbonate) follows the same
trend as for carbon, with the lowest transfer level being in late winter and
early spring. Regarding particulate isotopes, vertical transfer of
δ15N suggests a complex pattern of 15N
impoverishment or enrichment according to Teff modulation. This
sensitivity of OM to O2 fluctuations and particle concentration calls
for further investigation into OM and O2-driven remineralisation
processes. This should include consideration of the intermittent behaviour of
OMZ towards OM demonstrated in past studies and climate projections.
Spatial pattern of Kd(PAR) and its relationship with light absorption of optically active components in inland waters across China
Authors: Wen Zhidan , Song Kaishan , Fang Chong , Yang Qian , Liu Ge , Shang Yingxin , Wang Xiaodi
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The spatial distribution of the attenuation of photosynthetic active radiation (Kd(PAR)) was routinely estimated in China lakes and reservoirs. Higher mean value of Kd(PAR) was observed in Northeastern plain and mountainous region (NER). A linear model is used to predict Kd(PAR), as a function of light absorption coefficient of pigment particulates (aphy), colored dissolved organic matters (aCDOM), and inorganic particulate matters (aNAP): Kd(PAR) = 0.41 + 0.57 × aCDOM + 0.96 × aNAP + 0.57 × aphy (R2 = 0.87, n = 741, p
Quantifying new water fractions and transit time distributions using
ensemble hydrograph separation: theory and benchmark tests
Authors: Kirchner James
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Decades of hydrograph separation studies have estimated the proportions of recent precipitation in streamflow using end-member mixing of chemical or isotopic tracers. Here I propose an ensemble approach to hydrograph separation that uses regressions between tracer fluctuations in precipitation and discharge to estimate the average fraction of new water (e.g., same-day or same-week precipitation) in streamflow across an ensemble of time steps. The points comprising this ensemble can be selected to isolate conditions of particular interest, making it possible to study how the new water fraction varies as a function of catchment and storm characteristics. Even when new water fractions are highly variable over time, one can show mathematically (and confirm with benchmark tests) that ensemble hydrograph separation will accurately estimate their average. Because ensemble hydrograph separation is based on correlations between tracer fluctuations rather than on tracer mass balances, it does not require that the end-member signatures are constant over time, or that all the end-members are sampled or even known, and it is relatively unaffected by evaporative isotopic fractionation. Ensemble hydrograph separation can also be extended to a multiple regression that estimates the average (or "marginal") transit time distribution directly from observational data. This approach can estimate both "backward" transit time distributions (the fraction of streamflow that originated as rainfall at different lag times) and "forward" transit time distributions (the fraction of rainfall that will become future streamflow at different lag times), with and without volume-weighting. It makes no assumption about the shapes of the transit time distributions, nor does it assume that they are time-invariant, and it does not require continuous time series of tracer measurements. Benchmark tests with a nonlinear, nonstationary catchment model confirm that ensemble hydrograph separation reliably quantifies both new water fractions and transit time distributions across widely varying catchment behaviors, using either daily or weekly tracer concentrations as input. Numerical experiments with the benchmark model also illustrate how ensemble hydrograph separation can be used to quantify the effects of rainfall intensity, flow regime, and antecedent wetness on new water fractions and transit time distributions.
Exploring the use of a superconducting gravimeter to evaluate radar estimates of heavy rainfall
Authors: Delobbe Laurent , Watlet Arnaud , Wilfert Svenja , Van Camp Michel
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The radar-based estimation of intense precipitation produced by convective storms is a challenging task and the verification through comparison with gauges is questionable due to the very high spatial variability of such type of precipitation. In this study, we explore the potential benefit of using a superconducting gravimeter as a new source of in-situ observations for the evaluation of radar-based precipitation estimates. The superconducting gravimeter used in this study is installed in Membach (BE), 48 m underneath the surface, at 85 km distance from a C-band weather radar located in Wideumont (BE). The 15-year observation record 2003–2017 is available for both gravimeter and radar with 1-min and 5-min time steps, respectively. The gravimeter integrates soil water in a radius of about 400 m around the instrument. This allows capturing rainfall at larger spatial scale than traditional rain gauges. The precision of the gravimeter is a few nm/s2; 1 nm/s2 corresponding to 2.6 mm of water. The comparison of reflectivity and gravity time series for short duration intense rainfall events shows that reflectivity peaks larger than 40 dBZ are associated with a rapid decrease of the underground measured gravity. A remarkable correspondence between radar and gravimeter time series is found. The precipitation amounts derived from gravity measurements and from radar observations are further compared for 505 rainfall events. A correlation coefficient of 0.58, a mean bias (radar/gravimeter) of 1.24 and a mean absolute difference (MAD) of 3.19 mm are obtained. A better agreement is reached when applying a hail correction by truncating reflectivity values to a given threshold. No bias, a correlation coefficient of 0.64 and a MAD of 2.3 mm are reached using a 48-dBZ threshold. The added value of underground gravity measurements as verification dataset is discussed. The two main benefits are the spatial scale at which precipitation is captured and the interesting property that gravity measurements are directly influenced by water mass at ground no matter the type of precipitation: hail or rain.
Seismic Indirect Economic Loss Assessment and Recovery Evaluation Using Night-time Light Images – Application for Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Wang Jianfei , Zhang Jingfa , Gong Lixia , Li Qiang , Zhou Dan
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Seismic indirect economic loss not only has a major impact on regional economic recovery policies, but also related to the economic assistance at the national level. Due to the Cross-regional economic activities and the difficulty of obtaining data, it's difficult that the indirect economic loss survey covers all economic activities. However, night-time light in an area can reflect the economic activity of the region. This paper focuses on the indirect economic losses caused by the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and evaluated the progress of restoration and reconstruction based on night-time light Images. First, the functional relationship between GDP and night-time light parameters was established based on the pre-earthquake data. Next, the indirect loss of the earthquake was evaluated by the night-time light attenuation in the disaster area after the earthquake. Then, the capacity recovery, which is characterized by the brightness recovery process of the light area, was evaluated. Lastly, the process of light expansion in the disaster area was analyzed to evaluate the economic expansion speed and efficiency.
Impact of intraseasonal wind bursts on sea surface temperature variability in the far eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean during boreal spring 2005 and 2006: focus on the mid-May 2005 event
Authors: Herbert Gaëlle , Bourlès Bernard
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The impact of boreal spring intraseasonal wind bursts on sea surface temperature variability in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean in 2005 and 2006 is investigated using numerical simulation and observations. We especially focus on the coastal region east of 5° E and between the Equator and 7° S that has not been studied in detail so far. For both years, the southerly wind anomalies induced cooling episodes through (i) upwelling processes, (ii) vertical mixing due to the vertical shear of the current, and for some particular events (iii) a decrease in incoming surface shortwave radiation. The strength of the cooling episodes was modulated by subsurface conditions affected by the arrival of Kelvin waves from the west influencing the depth of the thermocline. Once impinging the eastern boundary, the Kelvin waves excited westward-propagating Rossby waves, which combined with the effect of enhanced westward surface currents contributed to the westward extension of the cold water. A particularly strong wind event occurred in mid-May 2005 and caused an anomalous strong cooling off Cape Lopez and in the whole eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. From the analysis of oceanic and atmospheric conditions during this particular event, it appears that anomalously strong boreal spring wind strengthening associated with anomalously strong Hadley cell activity prematurely triggered the onset of coastal rainfall in the northern Gulf of Guinea, making it the earliest over the 1998–2008 period. No similar atmospheric conditions were observed in May over the 1998–2008 period. It is also found that the anomalous oceanic and atmospheric conditions associated with the event exerted a strong influence on rainfall off northeast Brazil. This study highlights the different processes through which the wind power from the South Atlantic is brought to the ocean in the Gulf of Guinea and emphasizes the need to further document and monitor the South Atlantic region.