bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal Stratification in Simulations of Warm Climates: A Climatology Using Saturation Potential Vorticity
Authors: Zamora Ryan A. , Korty Robert L. , Huber Matthew 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe spatial and temporal distribution of stable and convectively neutral air masses is examined in climate simulations with carbon dioxide levels spanning from modern-day values to very high levels that produce surface temperatures relevant to the hottest climate of the past 65 million years. To investigate how stability with respect to slantwise and upright moist convection changes across a wide range of climate states, the condition of moist convective neutrality in climate experiments is assessed using metrics based upon the saturation of potential vorticity, which is zero when temperature profiles are moist adiabatic profiles along vortex lines. The modern climate experiment reproduces previously reported properties from reanalysis data, in which convectively neutral air masses are common in the tropics and locally at higher latitudes, especially over midlatitude continents in summer and ocean storm tracks in winter. The frequency and coverage of air masses with higher stabilities declines in all seasons at higher latitudes with warming; the hottest case features convectively neutral air masses in the Arctic a majority of the time in January and nearly universally in July. The contribution from slantwise convective motions (as distinct from upright convection) is generally small outside of midlatitude storm tracks, and it declines in the warmer climate experiments, especially during summer. These findings support the conjecture that moist adiabatic lapse rates become more widespread in warmer climates, providing a physical basis for using this assumption in estimating paleoaltimetry during warm intervals such as the early Eocene.
Use of Four Reanalysis Datasets to Assess the Terrestrial Branch of the Water Cycle over Quebec, Canada
Authors: Sabarly Florent , Essou Gilles , Lucas-Picher Philippe , Poulin Annie , Brissette François 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Reanalyses have the potential to provide meteorological information in areas where few or no traditional observation records are available. The terrestrial branch of the water cycle of CFSR, MERRA, ERA-Interim, and NARR is examined over Quebec, Canada, for the 1979–2008 time period. Precipitation, evaporation, runoff, and water balance are studied using observed precipitation and streamflows, according to three spatial scales: 1) the entire province of Quebec, 2) five regions derived from a climate classification, and 3) 11 river basins. The results reveal that MERRA provides a relatively closed water balance, while a significant residual was found for the other three reanalyses. MERRA and ERA-Interim seem to provide the most reliable precipitation over the province. On the other hand, precipitation from CFSR and NARR do not appear to be particularly reliable, especially over southern Quebec, as they almost systematically showed the highest and the lowest values, respectively. Moreover, the partitioning of precipitation into evaporation and runoff from MERRA and NARR does not agree with what was expected, particularly over southern, central, and eastern Quebec. Despite the weaknesses identified, the ability of reanalyses to reproduce the terrestrial water cycle of the recent past (i.e., 1979–2008) remains globally satisfactory. Nonetheless, their potential to provide reliable information must be validated by comparing reanalyses directly with weather stations, especially in remote areas.
Optimal Initial Excitations of Decadal Modification of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation under the Prescribed Heat and Freshwater Flux Boundary Conditions
Authors: Zu Ziqing , Mu Mu , Dijkstra Henk A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWithin a three-dimensional ocean circulation model, the nonlinear optimal initial perturbations (NOIP) of sea surface salinity (SSS) and sea surface temperature (SST) to excite variability in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) were obtained under prescribed heat and freshwater flux boundary conditions, using the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) method. After 10 years, the optimal SSS and SST perturbations lead to reductions of the AMOC by 3.6 and 2.5 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1), respectively, followed by multidecadal oscillations with a period of about 50 years. During the first 30 years, nonlinear processes have an important influence on the AMOC strength: convection strengthens the AMOC during years 0–2, zonal density advection promotes the slowdown of the AMOC during years 7–20, and meridional density advection inhibits the slowdown of meridional velocities in the upper ocean during years 5–18. The linear optimal initial perturbation (LOIP) was also computed using the first singular vector (FSV) method. For SSS perturbations with an amplitude of 0.5 psu, the LOIP will cause an underestimation of the amplitude of the multidecadal AMOC variability by about 1 Sv, compared to that induced by the NOIP. This underestimation will become more significant as the amplitudes of SSS perturbations increase.
Scalings for Submarine Melting at Tidewater Glaciers from Buoyant Plume Theory
Authors: Slater Donald A. , Goldberg Dan N. , Nienow Peter W. , Cowton Tom R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRapid dynamic changes at the margins of the Greenland Ice Sheet, synchronous with ocean warming, have raised concern that tidewater glaciers can respond sensitively to ocean forcing. Understanding of the processes encompassing ocean forcing nevertheless remains embryonic. The authors use buoyant plume theory to study the dynamics of proglacial discharge plumes arising from the emergence of subglacial discharge into a fjord at the grounding line of a tidewater glacier, deriving scalings for the induced submarine melting. Focusing on the parameter space relevant for high discharge tidewater glaciers, the authors suggest that in an unstratified fjord the often-quoted relationship between total submarine melt volume and subglacial discharge raised to the ⅓ power is appropriate regardless of plume geometry, provided discharge lies below a critical value. In these cases it is then possible to formulate a simple equation estimating total submarine melt volume as a function of discharge, fjord temperature, and calving front height. However, once linear stratification is introduced—as may be more relevant for fjords in Greenland—the total melt rate discharge exponent may be as large as ¾ (⅔) for a point (line) source plume and display more complexity. The scalings provide a guide for more advanced numerical models, inform understanding of the processes encompassing ocean forcing, and facilitate assessment of the variability in submarine melting both in recent decades and under projected atmospheric and oceanic warming.
Mean Velocity Decomposition and Vertical Eddy Diffusivity of the Pacific Ocean from Surface GDP Drifters and 1000-m Argo Floats
Authors: Chiswell Stephen M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWith the relatively recent development of Global Drifter Program (GDP) drifters that measure the near-surface ocean velocity and Argo floats that can be used to derive both the intermediate-ocean (1000 m) velocity and the mean dynamic height of the surface relative to 1000 dbar, there now exists the opportunity to directly observe the mean velocity decomposition of the ocean. This study computes the mean Ekman velocity by subtracting the mean referenced velocity derived from Argo data from the mean surface velocity derived from GDP data. This Ekman velocity is slightly stronger than previous observations and shows a spatial structure consistent with a vertical eddy diffusivity that is linearly dependent on wind stress. To do this analysis, the author has to deal with the fact that GDP drifters often lose their drogues, and a product of this research is validation of the wind-slip correction applied to GDP drifters that have lost their drogues.
Eddy Phase Speeds in a Two-Layer Model of Quasigeostrophic Baroclinic Turbulence with Applications to Ocean Observations
Authors: Wang Lei , Jansen Malte , Abernathey Ryan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe phase speed spectrum of ocean mesoscale eddies is fundamental to understanding turbulent baroclinic flows. Since eddy phase propagation has been shown to modulate eddy fluxes, an understanding of eddy phase speeds is also of practical importance for the development of improved eddy parameterizations for coarse resolution ocean models. However, it is not totally clear whether and how linear Rossby wave theory can be used to explain the phase speed spectra in various weakly turbulent flow regimes. Using linear analysis, theoretical constraints are identified that control the eddy phase speed in a two-layer quasigeostrophic (QG) model. These constraints are then verified in a series of nonlinear two-layer QG simulations, spanning a range of parameters with potential relevance to the ocean. In the two-layer QG model, the strength of the inverse cascade exerts an important control on the eddy phase speed. If the inverse cascade is weak, the phase speed spectrum is reasonably well approximated by the phase speed of the linearly most unstable mode. A significant inverse cascade instead leads to barotropization, which in turn leads to mean phase speeds closer to those of barotropic-mode Rossby waves. The two-layer QG results are qualitatively consistent with the observed eddy phase speed spectra in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and may also shed light on the interpretation of phase speed spectra observed in other regions.
Discrete Postprocessing of Total Cloud Cover Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Hemri Stephan , Haiden Thomas , Pappenberger Florian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper presents an approach to postprocess ensemble forecasts for the discrete and bounded weather variable of total cloud cover. Two methods for discrete statistical postprocessing of ensemble predictions are tested: the first approach is based on multinomial logistic regression and the second involves a proportional odds logistic regression model. Applying them to total cloud cover raw ensemble forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts improves forecast skill significantly. Based on stationwise postprocessing of raw ensemble total cloud cover forecasts for a global set of 3330 stations over the period from 2007 to early 2014, the more parsimonious proportional odds logistic regression model proved to slightly outperform the multinomial logistic regression model.
On Contrasting Ensemble Simulations of Two Great Plains Bow Echoes
Authors: Lawson John , Gallus William A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBow echo structures, a subset of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), are often poorly forecast within deterministic numerical weather prediction model simulations. Among other things, this may be due to the inherent low predictability associated with bow echoes, deficient initial conditions (ICs), and inadequate parameterization schemes. Four different ensemble configurations assessed the sensitivity of the MCSs’ simulated reflectivity and radius of curvature to the following: perturbations in initial and lateral boundary conditions using a global dataset, different microphysical schemes, a stochastic kinetic energy backscatter (SKEB) scheme, and a mix of the previous two. One case is poorly simulated no matter which IC dataset or microphysical parameterization is used. In the other case, almost all simulations reproduce a bow echo. When the IC dataset and microphysical parameterization is fixed within a SKEB ensemble, ensemble uncertainty is smaller. However, while differences in the location and timing of the MCS are reduced, variations in convective mode remain substantial. Results suggest the MCS’s positioning is influenced primarily by ICs, but its mode is most sensitive to the model error uncertainty. Hence, correct estimation of model error uncertainty on the storm scale is crucial for adequate spread and the probabilistic forecast of convective events.
Application of Optimal Spectral Sampling for a Real-Time Global Cloud Analysis Model
Authors: d’Entremont Robert P. , Lynch Richard , Uymin Gennadi , Moncet Jean-Luc , Aschbrenner Ryan B. , Conner Mark , Gustafson Gary B. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Cloud Depiction and Forecast System version 2 (CDFS II) is the operational global cloud analysis and forecasting model of the 557th Weather Wing, formerly the U.S. Air Force Weather Agency. The CDFS II cloud-detection algorithms are threshold-based tests that compare satellite-observed multispectral reflectance and brightness temperature signatures with those expected for the clear atmosphere. User-prescribed quantitative differences between sensor observations and the expected clear-scene radiances denote cloudy pixels. These radiances historically have been modeled at 24-km resolution from a running 10-day statistical analysis of cloud-free pixels that requires the entire global cloud analysis to be executed twice in real time: once in operational cloud detection mode and a second time in a cloud-clearing mode that is designed explicitly for generating clear-scene statistics. Having to run the cloud analysis twice means the availability of fewer compute cycles for other operational models and requires costly interactive maintenance of distinct cloud-detection and cloud-clearing threshold sets. Additionally, this technique breaks down whenever a region is persistently cloudy. These problems are eliminated by means of the optimal spectral sampling (OSS) radiative transfer model of Moncet et al., optimized for execution in the CDFS run-time environment. OSS is particularly well suited for real-time remote sensing applications because of its user-tunable computational speed and numerical accuracy, with respect to a reference line-by-line model. The use of OSS has cut cloud model processing times in half, eliminated the influence of cloudy pixel artifacts in the statistical time series prescription of cloud-cleared radiances, and improved cloud-mask quality.
Analysis of Ice-to-Liquid Ratios during Freezing Rain and the Development of an Ice Accumulation Model
Authors: Sanders Kristopher J. , Barjenbruch Brian L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSubstantial freezing rain or drizzle occurs in about 24% of winter weather events in the continental United States. Proper preparation for these freezing rain events requires accurate forecasts of ice accumulation on various surfaces. The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) has become the primary surface weather observation system in the United States, and more than 650 ASOS sites have implemented an icing sensor as of March 2015. ASOS observations that included ice accumulation were examined from January 2013 through February 2015. The data chosen for this study consist of 60-min periods of continuous freezing rain with precipitation rates ≥ 0.5 mm h−1 (0.02 in. h−1) and greater than a trace of ice accumulation, yielding a dataset of 1255 h of observations. Ice:liquid ratios (ILRs) were calculated for each 60-min period and analyzed with 60-min mean values of temperature, wet-bulb temperature, wind speed, and precipitation rate. The median ILR for elevated horizontal (radial) ice accumulation was 0.72:1 (0.28:1), with a 25th percentile of 0.50:1 (0.20:1) and a 75th percentile of 1.0:1 (0.40:1). Strong relationships were identified between ILR and precipitation rate, wind speed, and wet-bulb temperature. The results were used to develop a multivariable Freezing Rain Accumulation Model (FRAM) for use in predicting ice accumulation incorporating these commonly forecast variables as input. FRAM performed significantly better than other commonly used forecast methods when tested on 20 randomly chosen icing events, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.17 mm (0.046 in.), and a bias of −0.03 mm (−0.001 in.).
The acquisition of parenting occupations in neonatal intensive care: A preliminary perspective
Authors: Gibbs Deanna P. , Boshoff Kobie , Stanley Mandy J. 
Published: March 2016

Background. The birth of a preterm infant represents a major crisis for parents that may impact their performance of parenting occupations. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences that enable parents to participate in occupations associated with the role of parenting in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Method. A paradigmatic analysis of narratives was completed based on interviews conducted with six parents of preterm infants. Findings. Six themes were identified: anticipating occupations versus reality, needing emotional resilience, working to reclaim the parental role, navigating the NICU occupation–environment transactions, building and maintaining relationships with staff, and revisioning the future. Implications. The use of an occupation-based approach moves parents’ involvement in the NICU beyond basic caregiving occupations. It highlights the importance of providing opportunities for nurturing and caring for their infants in ways that are meaningful to their identity as a parent.
Traduction et validation du questionnaire ergothérapique l’Inventaire de l’équilibre de vie
Authors: Larivière Nadine , Levasseur Mélanie 
Published: March 2016

Description. Malgré l’intérêt que le concept de l’équilibre de vie suscite, aucun questionnaire n’est actuellement disponible en français pour bien le mesurer. But. Cette étude visait à traduire le Life Balance Inventory (objectif 1) et à vérifier la validité convergente de cette version française (objectif 2). Méthodologie. Une validation transculturelle a d’abord été réalisée, suivie d’une étude descriptive transversale auprès de 152 adultes âgés de 40 ans et plus, avec ou sans incapacité physique. Des questionnaires ont permis de mesurer les variables suivantes : équilibre de vie, stress, santé et qualité de vie. Résultats. Un meilleur équilibre de vie est associé à un degré inférieur de stress ( r = –0,36; p < 0,01), ainsi qu’à une santé physique ( r = 0,42; p = 0,01), une santé mentale ( r = 0,36; p = 0,01) et une qualité de vie ( r = 0,54; p < 0,01) supérieures. Conséquences. L’Inventaire de l’équilibre de vie est un questionnaire valide pour aider les ergothérapeutes à évaluer l’emploi du temps de leurs clients.
Oral Steroid Usage for Otitis Media with Effusion, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, and Tympanic Membrane Retraction
Authors: Bellmunt Angela M. , Vila Peter M. , Chen Jenny X. , Rosenfeld Richard M. , Hackell Jesse M. , Shin Jennifer J. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesAvoiding oral steroids for otitis media with effusion (OME) is endorsed as a performance measure by the National Quality Foundation, but data regarding current gaps and practice patterns are lacking. Our objectives were to evaluate oral steroid use for OME and the related diagnoses of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and tympanic membrane retraction (TMR), to assess variations by visit setting, and to identify opportunities for measurable performance improvement.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of a national database.SettingAmbulatory visits in the United States.SubjectsChildren and adults in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2005‐2010).MethodsData were coded for patient demographic information, potential confounders (eg, concurrent conditions managed by oral steroids), and diagnosis of OME, ETD, or TMR (OME/ETD/TMR). The latter 2 diagnoses were included to meet minimum numbers for reliability of weighted estimates, but OME constituted the majority of cases. Multivariate regression was used to determine the variables associated with oral steroid use.ResultsAmong 590,772 observations representing 7,191,711,480 visits for OME/ETD/TMR, 3.2% resulted in a new prescription for oral steroid medication (2.3% for children, 7.0% for adults). Adults were more likely to receive steroids (odds ratio = 3.50, P <. 001) than those with other diagnoses, but a similar association was not found for children. Patients seen by an otolaryngologist or in the emergency department were less likely to receive steroids than those seen in other settings.ConclusionsOME/ETD/TMR is infrequently treated with oral steroids, particularly in children. Opportunities for performance improvement are limited.
A new non-tumescent endovenous ablation method for varicose vein treatment: Early results of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (VariClose®)
Authors: Yasim Alptekin , Eroglu Erdinc , Bozoglan Orhan , Mese Bulent , Acipayam Mehmet , Kara Hakan 
Published: March 2016

Objective This report aims to present the early results of a retrospective study of the use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (VariClose®)-based non-tumescent endovenous ablation for the treatment of patients with varicose veins. Method One hundred and eighty patients with varicose veins due to incompetent saphenous veins were treated with the VariClose® endovenous ablation method between May 2014 and November 2014. The patient sample consisted of 86 men and 94 women, with a mean age of 47.7 ± 11.7 years. The patients had a great saphenous vein diameter greater than 5.5 mm and a small saphenous vein diameter greater than 4 mm in conjunction with reflux for more than 0.5 s. Patients with varicose veins were evaluated with venous duplex examination, Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical and Pathophysiological classification (CEAP), and their Venous Clinical Severity Scores were recorded. Results The median CEAP score of patients was three, and the saphenous vein diameters were between 5.5 and 14 mm (mean of 7.7 ± 2.1 mm). A percutaneous entry was made under local anesthesia to the great saphenous vein in 169 patients and to the small saphenous vein in 11 patients. Duplex examination immediately after the procedure showed closure of the treated vein in 100% of the treated segment. No complications were observed. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 months (ranging from three to seven months). Recanalization was not observed in any of the patients during follow-up. The average Venous Clinical Severity Scores was 10.2 before the procedure and decreased to 3.9 after three months (p < 0.001). Conclusion The application of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (VariClose®) is an effective method for treating varicose veins; it yielded a high endovenous closure rate, with no need for tumescent anesthesia. However, long-term results are currently unknown.
Differential expression of circulating microRNAs in blood and haematoma samples from patients with intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Wang Jialu , Zhu Ying , Jin Feng , Tang Ling , He Zhenwei , He Zhiyi 
Published: March 2016

Objective To measure the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in peripheral blood samples from patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and to measure the levels of hsa-miR-21-5p in peripheral blood and haematoma samples from patients with ICH. Methods This case–control study enrolled individuals with ICH in the putamen treated by craniotomy and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Serum miRNA expression profiles were determined in the patient and control groups using miRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays. The ICH-related miRNA hsa-miR-21-5p was selected and its differential expression was assessed in peripheral blood and haematoma specimens from patients with ICH compared with peripheral blood samples controls using real-time PCR. Results Seven patients and five control subjects were included in the miRNA expression profile analysis; and 31 patients and 22 control subjects provided samples for the real-time PCR of hsa-miR-21-5p expression. A total of 59 miRNAs were significantly downregulated in patients with ICH. Relative hsa-miR-21-5p levels of 0.43 and 0.31 for peripheral blood and haematoma samples, respectively, were obtained in the patient group compared with the control subjects. Conclusion Hsa-miR-21-5p levels were significantly reduced in both peripheral blood and haematoma samples in patients with ICH.