bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil Moisture Model Calibration and Validation: An ARS Watershed on the South Fork Iowa River
Authors: Coopersmith Evan J. , Cosh Michael H. , Petersen Walt A. , Prueger John , Niemeier James J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSoil moisture monitoring with in situ technology is a time-consuming and costly endeavor for which a method of increasing the resolution of spatial estimates across in situ networks is necessary. Using a simple hydrologic model, the estimation capacity of an in situ watershed network can be increased beyond the station distribution by using available precipitation, soil, and topographic information. A study site was selected on the Iowa River, characterized by homogeneous soil and topographic features, reducing the variables to precipitation only. Using 10-km precipitation estimates from the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) for 2013, high-resolution estimates of surface soil moisture were generated in coordination with an in situ network, which was deployed as part of the Iowa Flood Studies (IFloodS). A simple, bucket model for soil moisture at each in situ sensor was calibrated using four precipitation products and subsequently validated at both the sensor for which it was calibrated and other proximal sensors, the latter after a bias correction step. Average RMSE values of 0.031 and 0.045 m3 m−3 were obtained for models validated at the sensor for which they were calibrated and at other nearby sensors, respectively.
The Plumbing of Land Surface Models: Benchmarking Model Performance
Authors: Best M. J. , Abramowitz G. , Johnson H. R. , Pitman A. J. , Balsamo G. , Boone A. , Cuntz M. , Decharme B. , Dirmeyer P. A. , Dong J. , Ek M. , Guo Z. , Haverd V. , van den Hurk B. J. J. , Nearing G. S. , Pak B. , Peters-Lidard C. , Santanello J. A. , Stevens L. , Vuichard N. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Protocol for the Analysis of Land Surface Models (PALS) Land Surface Model Benchmarking Evaluation Project (PLUMBER) was designed to be a land surface model (LSM) benchmarking intercomparison. Unlike the traditional methods of LSM evaluation or comparison, benchmarking uses a fundamentally different approach in that it sets expectations of performance in a range of metrics a priori—before model simulations are performed. This can lead to very different conclusions about LSM performance. For this study, both simple physically based models and empirical relationships were used as the benchmarks. Simulations were performed with 13 LSMs using atmospheric forcing for 20 sites, and then model performance relative to these benchmarks was examined. Results show that even for commonly used statistical metrics, the LSMs’ performance varies considerably when compared to the different benchmarks. All models outperform the simple physically based benchmarks, but for sensible heat flux the LSMs are themselves outperformed by an out-of-sample linear regression against downward shortwave radiation. While moisture information is clearly central to latent heat flux prediction, the LSMs are still outperformed by a three-variable nonlinear regression that uses instantaneous atmospheric humidity and temperature in addition to downward shortwave radiation. These results highlight the limitations of the prevailing paradigm of LSM evaluation that simply compares an LSM to observations and to other LSMs without a mechanism to objectively quantify the expectations of performance. The authors conclude that their results challenge the conceptual view of energy partitioning at the land surface.
Global Meteorological Drought Prediction Using the North American Multi-Model Ensemble
Authors: Mo Kingtse C. , Lyon Bradfield 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPrecipitation forecasts from six climate models in the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) are combined with observed precipitation data to generate forecasts of the standardized precipitation index (SPI) for global land areas, and their skill was evaluated over the period 1982–2010. The skill of monthly precipitation forecasts from the NMME is also assessed. The value-added utility in using the NMME models to predict the SPI is identified by comparing the skill of its forecasts with a baseline skill based solely on the inherent persistence characteristics of the SPI itself. As expected, skill of the NMME-generated SPI forecasts depends on the season, location, and specific index considered (the 3- and 6-month SPI were evaluated). In virtually all locations and seasons, statistically significant skill is found at lead times of 1–2 months, although the skill comes largely from initial conditions. Added skill from the NMME is primarily in regions exhibiting El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections. Knowledge of the initial drought state is critical in SPI prediction, and there are considerable differences in observed SPI values between different datasets. Root-mean-square differences between datasets can exceed typical thresholds for drought, particularly in the tropics. This is particularly problematic for precipitation products available in near–real time. Thus, in the near term, the largest advances in the global prediction of meteorological drought are obtainable from improvements in near-real-time precipitation observations for the globe. In the longer term, improvements in precipitation forecast skill from dynamical models will be essential in this effort.
Flood Forecasting and Inundation Mapping Using HiResFlood-UCI and Near-Real-Time Satellite Precipitation Data: The 2008 Iowa Flood
Authors: Nguyen Phu , Thorstensen Andrea , Sorooshian Soroosh , Hsu Kuolin , AghaKouchak Amir 
Published: March 2015

AbstractFloods are among the most devastating natural hazards in society. Flood forecasting is crucially important in order to provide warnings in time to protect people and properties from such disasters. This research applied the high-resolution coupled hydrologic–hydraulic model from the University of California, Irvine, named HiResFlood-UCI, to simulate the historical 2008 Iowa flood. HiResFlood-UCI was forced with the near-real-time Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks–Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN-CCS) and NEXRAD Stage 2 precipitation data. The model was run using the a priori hydrologic parameters and hydraulic Manning n values from lookup tables. The model results were evaluated in two aspects: point comparison using USGS streamflow and areal validation of inundation maps using USDA’s flood extent maps derived from Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) 56-m resolution imagery. The results show that the PERSIANN-CCS simulation tends to capture the observed hydrograph shape better than Stage 2 (minimum correlation of 0.86 for PERSIANN-CCS and 0.72 for Stage 2); however, at most of the stream gauges, Stage 2 simulation provides more accurate estimates of flood peaks compared to PERSIANN-CCS (49%–90% bias reduction from PERSIANN-CCS to Stage 2). The simulation in both cases shows a good agreement (0.67 and 0.73 critical success index for Stage 2 and PERSIANN-CCS simulations, respectively) with the AWiFS flood extent. Since the PERSIANN-CCS simulation slightly underestimated the discharge, the probability of detection (0.93) is slightly lower than that of the Stage 2 simulation (0.97). As a trade-off, the false alarm rate for the PERSIANN-CCS simulation (0.23) is better than that of the Stage 2 simulation (0.31).
Tackling Oxygen Optode Drift: Near-Surface and In-Air Oxygen Optode Measurements on a Float Provide an Accurate in Situ Reference
Authors: Bittig Henry C. , Körtzinger Arne 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA yet unexplained drift of (some) oxygen optodes during storage/transport and thus significant deviations from factory/laboratory calibrations have been a major handicap for autonomous oxygen observations. Optode drift appears to be systematic and is predominantly a slope effect due to reduced oxygen sensitivity. A small contribution comes from a reduced luminophore lifetime, which causes a small positive offset. A reliable in situ reference is essential to correct such a drift. Traditionally, this called for a ship-based reference cast, which poses some challenges for opportunistic float deployments. This study presents an easily implemented alternative using near-surface/in-air measurements of an Aanderaa optode on a 10-cm stalk and compares it to the more traditional approaches (factory, laboratory, and in situ deployment calibration). In-air samples show a systematic bias depending on the water saturation, which is likely caused by occasional submersions of the standard-height stalk optode. Linear regression of measured in-air supersaturation against in-water supersaturation (using ancillary meteorological data to define the saturation level) robustly removes this bias and thus provides a precise (0.2%) and accurate (1%) in situ correction that is available throughout the entire instrument’s lifetime.
CERES Synoptic Product: Methodology and Validation of Surface Radiant Flux
Authors: Rutan David A. , Kato Seiji , Doelling David R. , Rose Fred G. , Nguyen Le Trang , Caldwell Thomas E. , Loeb Norman G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System Synoptic (SYN1deg), edition 3, product provides climate-quality global 3-hourly 1° × 1°gridded top of atmosphere, in-atmosphere, and surface radiant fluxes. The in-atmosphere surface fluxes are computed hourly using a radiative transfer code based upon inputs from Terra and Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), 3-hourly geostationary (GEO) data, and meteorological assimilation data from the Goddard Earth Observing System. The GEO visible and infrared imager calibration is tied to MODIS to ensure uniform MODIS-like cloud properties across all satellite cloud datasets. Computed surface radiant fluxes are compared to surface observations at 85 globally distributed land (37) and ocean buoy (48) sites as well as several other publicly available global surface radiant flux data products. Computed monthly mean downward fluxes from SYN1deg have a bias (standard deviation) of 3.0 W m−2 (5.7%) for shortwave and −4.0 W m−2 (2.9%) for longwave compared to surface observations. The standard deviation between surface downward shortwave flux calculations and observations at the 3-hourly time scale is reduced when the diurnal cycle of cloud changes is explicitly accounted for. The improvement is smaller for surface downward longwave flux owing to an additional sensitivity to boundary layer temperature/humidity, which has a weaker diurnal cycle compared to clouds.
Radar and Lightning Observations of Deep Moist Convection across Northern Alabama during DC3: 21 May 2012
Authors: Mecikalski Retha Matthee , Bain Anthony L. , Carey Lawrence D. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The Deep Convective Clouds and Chemistry (DC3) experiment seeks to understand the kinematic and microphysical controls on the lightning behavior of deep moist convection. This study utilized multiple dual-polarization Doppler radars across northern Alabama to quantify microphysical and kinematic properties and processes that often serve as precursors to lightning, such as the graupel echo volume, graupel mass, and convective updraft volume. The focus here was on one multicellular complex that occurred on 21 May 2012 in northern Alabama during DC3. The graupel echo volume and the graupel mass in the charging region correlated well with the total lightning flash rate (FR), and even better than the updraft volumes and maximum updraft velocities. The flash length scales (LS) and flash areas were generally anticorrelated to the FR, while it was correlated to the nonprecipitation ice volume. More specifically, the presence of smaller flashes was associated with a stronger lower positive charge region caused by larger graupel volumes, stronger updraft volumes, and stronger maximum updraft velocities while larger flashes occurred during lower FRs and were associated with a weakened lower positive charge region in combination with a stronger upper positive charge region, weaker updraft velocities, a smaller graupel volume and mass, and an increase in nonprecipitation ice volume.
The Impact of Hurricane Force Wind Fields on the North Pacific Ocean Environment
Authors: Businger Steven , Yildiz Selen , Robinson Thomas E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study analyzes QuikSCAT surface wind data over the North Pacific Ocean to document the distribution of captured fetches in extratropical cyclones that produced hurricane force (HF) wind fields from January 2003 through May 2008. A case study is presented to introduce the datasets, which include surface wind analyses from the Global Forecast System (GFS) Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS), and wave hindcasts from the third-generation wave model (WAVEWATCH III; hereafter, WW3), in addition to the QuikSCAT surface wind data. The analysis shows significant interannual variability in the location of the captured fetches as documented by QuikSCAT, including a shift in the distribution of captured fetches associated with ENSO. GDAS surface winds over the ocean are consistently underanalyzed when compared to QuikSCAT surface winds, despite the fact that satellite observations of ocean surface winds are assimilated. When the WW3 hindcasts associated with HF cyclones are compared with buoy observations over the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean, the wave model significantly underestimates the large-swell events.
Characteristics of Winter-Precipitation-Related Transportation Fatalities in the United States
Authors: Black Alan W. , Mote Thomas L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWinter precipitation can be very disruptive to travel by aircraft and by motor vehicles. Vehicle fatalities due to winter precipitation are considered “indirect” and are not counted in Storm Data, the publication commonly used to evaluate losses from meteorological hazards. The goal of this study is to examine the spatial and temporal characteristics of these indirect transportation fatalities that involve winter precipitation for the period 1975–2011. Motor vehicle fatalities were gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database, while aviation fatalities were collected from the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Aviation Accident database. Statistical analysis and geographic information systems (GIS) were used to assess the spatial and temporal characteristics of these deaths. Most winter-precipitation-related motor vehicle fatalities occur during the daylight hours. Fatal motor vehicle accident rates are higher than expected in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, while winter-precipitation-related aviation fatalities are most common in the western United States. Vehicle fatality counts due to winter weather are compared to fatality counts for various hazards from Storm Data to highlight the differences between the datasets. Because of the exclusion of vehicle fatalities, Storm Data underestimates by an order of magnitude the number of fatalities that involve winter weather each year. It is hoped that a better understanding of winter precipitation mortality can be applied in order to reduce fatalities in the future.
Quantitation of free light chains in the cerebrospinal fluid reliably predicts their intrathecal synthesis
Authors: Zeman David , Kušnierová Pavlína , Bartoš Vladimír , Hradílek Pavel , Kurková Barbora , Zapletalová Olga 
Published: March 2015

Background The results of free light chains quantitation in the cerebrospinal fluid were recently compared with the presence of cerebrospinal fluid-restricted oligoclonal IgG, but not oligoclonal free kappa light chains and oligoclonal free lambda light chains. We therefore aimed to compare the performance of the quantitative tests with the qualitative one for the same molecule. Methods Seventy-five paired cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples were analysed for oligoclonal IgG, oligoclonal free kappa light chains and oligoclonal free lambda light chains. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum free kappa and lambda light chains were quantified using Freelite™ kits on SPA Plus analyzer. ROC curves were analysed for the prediction of intrathecal synthesis and compared for cerebrospinal fluid concentration, cerebrospinal fluid/serum quotient (QfLC) and index (QfLC/QAlbumin). The presence of cerebrospinal fluid-restricted oligoclonal free kappa light chains and oligoclonal free lambda light chains bands was used as reference. Results No statistically significant differences were observed among cerebrospinal fluid concentration, QfLC and index for the prediction of free light chain intrathecal synthesis. Each parameter was able to predict the occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid-restricted oligoclonal free light chain bands (AUCs 0.932–0.999). However, we noted elevated cerebrospinal fluid free light chain concentrations in the absence of cerebrospinal fluid-restricted oligoclonal free light chain bands in two patients with very high serum free light chain values. Conclusions Quantitation of cerebrospinal fluid free light chains reliably predicts their intrathecal synthesis. Yet, cerebrospinal fluid/serum quotient may still be preferred to correct for high serum free light chain concentrations. An appropriate formula should be sought to correct for blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier status.
Factors Associated with Hypertrophy of the Lingual Tonsils
Authors: Hwang Michelle S. , Salapatas Anna M. , Yalamanchali Sreeya , Joseph Ninos J. , Friedman Michael 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo identify factors that may be associated with lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH).Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary academic center.Subjects and MethodsRetrospective chart review identified 380 patients from August 2013 to April 2014 with graded lingual tonsils, documented during routine flexible laryngoscopy. Lingual tonsils were graded using a 0 to 4 scale: 0 = complete absence of lymphoid tissue, 1 = lymphoid tissue scattered over tongue base, 2 = lymphoid tissue covers entirety of tongue base with limited thickness, 3 = lymphoid tissue 5 to 10 mm in thickness, 4 = lymphoid tissue >1 cm in thickness (rising above the tip of epiglottis). Reflux symptom index (RSI collected during patient intake), presence of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS; confirmed by polysomnogram), smoking habits, and basic demographics were gathered. Chi‐square and linear multivariate regression analyses were used to identify significant relationships with LTH levels.ResultsOverall, 59.8% were male with a mean age of 50.2 ± 16.5 years and BMI of 30.1 ± 18.0. Chi‐square analysis revealed no significant relationship between OSAHS and LTH (P =. 059). When RSI was stratified to ≥10 or <10, a Cochran‐Armitage test supported the trend hypothesis that as RSI increases, lingual tonsil grading increases. Significant univariate correlates included younger age (r = −0.307, P <. 001) and smoking (r = 0.186, P =. 002). Multivariate regression revealed the combination of younger age, increasing RSI, and smoking (r = −0.297, P <. 001) to be a significant correlate.ConclusionLTH does not seem to be associated with OSAHS or BMI in this group of patients. High RSI, younger age, and gender may be factors associated with increased lingual tonsil thickness.
Rapamycin Inhibits Human Laryngotracheal Stenosis–derived Fibroblast Proliferation, Metabolism, and Function in Vitro
Authors: Namba Daryan R. , Ma Garret , Samad Idris , Ding Dacheng , Pandian Vinciya , Powell Jonathan D. , Horton Maureen R. , Hillel Alexander T. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo determine if rapamycin inhibits the growth, function, and metabolism of human laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS)–derived fibroblasts.Study DesignControlled in vitro study.SettingTertiary care hospital in a research university.Subjects and MethodsFibroblasts isolated from biopsies of 5 patients with laryngotracheal stenosis were cultured. Cell proliferation, histology, gene expression, and cellular metabolism of LTS‐derived fibroblasts were assessed in 4 conditions: (1) fibroblast growth medium, (2) fibroblast growth medium with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), (3) fibroblast growth medium with 10−10 M (low‐dose) rapamycin dissolved in DMSO, and (4) fibroblast growth medium with 10−9 M (high‐dose) rapamycin dissolved in DMSO.ResultsThe LTS fibroblast count and DNA concentration were reduced after treatment with high‐dose rapamycin compared to DMSO (P =. 0007) and normal (P =. 0007) controls. Collagen I expression decreased after treatment with high‐dose rapamycin versus control (P =. 0051) and DMSO (P =. 0093) controls. Maximal respiration decreased to 68.6 pMoles of oxygen/min/10 mg/protein from 96.9 for DMSO (P =. 0002) and 97.0 for normal (P =. 0022) controls. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production decreased to 66.8 pMoles from 88.1 for DMSO (P =. 0006) and 83.3 for normal (P =. 0003) controls. Basal respiration decreased to 78.6 pMoles from 108 for DMSO (P =. 0002) and 101 for normal (P =. 0014) controls.ConclusionsRapamycin demonstrated an anti‐fibroblast effect by significantly reducing the proliferation, metabolism, and collagen deposition of human LTS fibroblast in vitro. Rapamycin significantly decreased oxidative phosphorylation of LTS fibroblasts, suggesting at a potential mechanism for the reduced proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, rapamycin’s anti‐fibroblast effects indicate a promising adjuvant therapy for the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis.
Is migraine a risk factor for pediatric stroke?
Authors: Gelfand Amy A , Fullerton Heather J , Jacobson Alice , Sidney Stephen , Goadsby Peter J , Kurth Tobias , Pressman Alice 
Published: March 2015

Importance Our understanding of risk factors for childhood stroke is incomplete. In adults, migraine with aura is associated with a two-fold increase in ischemic stroke risk. Objective In this cohort study we examine the association between migraine and stroke among children in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). Design, setting, and participants Children ages 2–17 years who were members of KPNC for ≥6 months between 1997 and 2007 were included. Migraine cohort members had one or more of: an ICD-9 code for migraine, migraine listed as a significant health problem, or a prescription for a migraine-specific medication. The comparison group was children with no evidence of headache. Main outcome measures Main outcome measures included stroke incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IR). Results Among the 1,566,952 children within KPNC during the study period, 88,164 had migraine, and 1,323,142 had no evidence of headache. Eight migraineurs had a stroke (three (38%) hemorrhagic; five (63%) ischemic). Eighty strokes occurred in children without headache (53 (66%) hemorrhagic; 27 (34%) ischemic). The ischemic stroke incidence rate was 0.9/100,000 person-years in migraineurs vs. 0.4/100,000 person-years in those without headache; IR 2.0 (95% CI 0.8–5.2). A post-hoc analysis of adolescents (12–17 years) showed an increased risk of ischemic stroke among those with migraine; IR 3.4 (95% CI 1.2–9.5). The hemorrhagic stroke incidence rate was 0.5/100,000 person-years in migraineurs and 0.9/100,000 person-years in those without headache; IR 0.6 (95% CI 0.2–2.0). Conclusions There was no statistically significant increase in hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke risk in pediatric migraineurs in this cohort study. A post-hoc analysis found that ischemic stroke risk was significantly elevated in adolescents with migraine. Future studies should focus on identifying risk factors for ischemic stroke among adolescent migraineurs. Based on adult data, we recommend that migraine aura status should be studied as a possible risk factor for ischemic stroke among adolescent migraineurs.