High Correlation Index Research Articles

Salivary duct carcinoma: Clinicopathologic features, morphologic spectrum, and somatic mutations.

Accurate diagnosis of salivary duct carcinoma requires a high index of suspicion and clinicopathologic correlation. Hallmark genetic changes that may provide novel therapeutic options are being explored. One hundred ninety salivary gland malignancies at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (from 1989-2014) were reviewed. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and androgen receptor status were determined along with multigene profiling. Twenty-three salivary duct carcinomas were identified, predominantly in men in their fifth to ninth decades of life. Facial nerve palsy (12%) and cervical lymph node metastases (82%) were present, and 96% received postoperative adjuvant therapy. Histologically, the tumors resembled high-grade invasive and in situ ductal carcinoma of the breast. Micropapillary, papillary, sarcomatoid, oncocytic, and mucinous variants were seen. The tumors showed androgen receptor (70%), HER2 amplification (30%), and HRAS, AKT1, PIK3CA, and NRAS mutations (22%; cumulative). The 5-year disease-free survival was 36%. Salivary duct carcinoma demonstrates a wide histopathologic spectrum. Treatment strategies need to take androgen receptor, HER2 amplification, and PIK3CA mutation into account. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1838-E1847, 2016.

Staining-free cell viability measurement technique using lens-free shadow imaging platform

Tests for cell viability, i.e., an assay quantifying the ratio of viable cells or tissues over the total cells or tissues within an index between 0 and 1 (or 0 and 100%), play an important role in cell or tissue culturing procedures. The viability test result, varying with several biological factors such as mechanical activity, motility, contraction, or mitotic activity of cells or tissues, is a crucial indicator in cell related research protocols including toxicity and anabolic activity assays. There are several well-established methods for evaluating cell viability, such as trypan blue assay, propidium iodide assay, 7-aminoactinomycin D assay and resazurin and formazan (MTT/XTT) assay. However, most of these methods determine viability using stained cell samples, which intern affect the cells morphology eventually making it unable to keep culturing the specimen. To address this issue, we have developed a novel shadow imaging technique to capture the diffraction patterns (shadow patterns) of micro objects without the use of any staining reagent. In this paper, we introduce a shadow imaging platform that can determine cell viability of more than 3000 human cancer cells immediately with a single digital image. Our custom-built lens-free shadow imaging platform consists of a compact, cost-effective light source, i.e., a light-emitting diode, and an optoelectronic image recording device, i.e., a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor image sensor. Three types of human cancer cell lines (Caco-2, HepG2, and MCF7) were incubated in 24-well plates, and H2O2 was added to track and compare the cell viability at each concentration tested. We obtained high correlation indices, with a minimum of 0.94, between the MTT assay and the shadow imaging platform. All these characterizations were done by custom developed automated detection algorithm. This algorithm analyzes the various elements of the diffraction pattern (shadow image), such as pixel intensity and connected pixel numbers, and counts the viable cells automatically, allowing the cell viability to be determined easily and immediately in a staining-free manner.

Simplified approach for locating the critical probabilistic slip surface in limit equilibrium analysis

Abstract. This paper aims to develop a rapid and practical procedure that can locate the slip surface for a slope with the minimum reliability index for limit equilibrium analysis at the minimum expense of time. The comparative study on the reliability indices from different sample numbers using the Monte Carlo simulation method has demonstrated that the results from a large enough sample number are related to those from a small sample number with high correlation indices. This observation has been tested for many homogeneous and heterogeneous slopes under various conditions in parametric studies. Based on this observation, the reliability index for a potential slip surface can be calculated with a small sample number, and the search for the minimum reliability index and the slip surface can be determined by a heuristic optimization algorithm. Based on the comparisons between the critical deterministic and probabilistic slip surfaces for many different cases, the use of the proposed fast method in locating the critical probabilistic slip surface is found to perform well, which is suitable for normal routine analysis and design works.

Functional outcome prediction after partial nephrectomy using R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry, PADUA classification, and Centrality index score

ObjectiveSeveral scoring systems have been proposed to quantify surgical complexity, and provide an insight into expected peri- and postoperative surgical outcomes following partial nephrectomy. However, it is still unclear which of the scoring systems has a better outcome in predicting functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy. In the present study, we assess the use of R.E.N.A.L. (Radius, Exophytic/endophytic properties of the tumor, Nearness of tumor deepest portion to the collecting system or sinus, Anterior/posterior descriptor and Location relative to the polar line.), PADUA (preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score), and centrality index scores to predict the renal function for patients who underwent partial nephrectomy. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 26 cases with renal tumors managed with open partial nephrectomy at our institution from January 2008 to October 2013. R.E.N.A.L., PADUA, and centrality index scores were assigned according to the described protocols for those systems. We evaluated the association between scoring systems and both early and late postoperative functional outcomes. ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 56 years. Of the patients, 18 (69%) were men. The mean tumor size was 4.04 cm. Each scoring system performed significant correlation with both early and late functional outcomes (p < 0.05), whereas R.E.N.A.L nephrometry and PADUA classification showed high correlation (−0.715 and −0.721) and centrality index showed moderate correlation (0.451). Diameter of tumors, as a single anatomical parameter, does not correlate with functional outcome significantly (p = 0.974 1 day after surgery and p = 0.865 1 year after surgery). ConclusionR.E.N.A.L., PADUA, and centrality index scores were inversely associated with renal function preservation after partial nephrectomy. In this regard it is possible to use these scoring systems preoperatively to gauge the magnitude of functional decrease.

Ethnopedology in the study of toponyms connected to the indigenous knowledge on soil resource.

In taking an integrated ethnopedological approach, this study aims to investigate the meaning of the distribution of the toponyms used in traditional and recent cartography of Sardinia (southern Italy). It is particularly, but not only, focused on those related to soil resources. Sardinia is particularly interesting in this respect, as its unique history, geography, and linguistic position makes it one of the Italian and Mediterranean regions with the greatest number of toponyms. This research investigated the toponyms belonging to an important sub-region of Sardinia, called Ogliastra (central-eastern Sardinia). The research was conducted through the following integrated approach: i) toponymy research and collection from different sources; ii) database creation and translation of toponyms from the Sardinian language (SL); iii) categorization of toponyms; and iv) graphical, statistical, and cartographic data processing. Distribution and diversity of toponyms were assessed using the compiled database, coupled with a geographical information system (GIS). Of around 7700 toponyms collected, 79% had already been reported in SL, while just 21% were in Italian. Of the toponyms in SL, 77% are of known meaning and 54% of these toponyms were characterized by a meaning directly and/or indirectly connected to specific environmental features. On the whole, morphology would appear to be the primary environmental factor able to explain the complex, articulated presence, distribution, and typology of the investigated toponyms. A least squares regression analysis of pedodiversity vs. topodiversity shows a very closed distribution, with an impressive high correlation index (R2 = 0.824). The principal factor analysis (PFA) shows that such a connection may be morphologically based, thereby confirming that pedodiversity and topodiversity are strongly linked each other. Overall, the research shows that an integrated ethnopedological approach, combining indigenous and scientific knowledge may be of great interest in order to mitigate the impressive phenomena of the indigenous knowledge lost.

Exploring salivary duct carcinoma: clinicopathologic features, morphologic spectrum and genetic changes

Background Salivary duct carcinoma (SDCa) has been slow in gaining recognition. Awareness, high index of suspicion and clinicopathological correlation are essential for accurate diagnosis. Genetic changes like HER2 amplification and BRAF mutation are being explored in SDCa. Methods Salivary gland malignancies at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute (1989–2014) were reviewed to identify SDCa. Results 22 cases of SDCa were identified predominantly in men, age range 41–88 years, predominantly involved the parotid with size range 15–90 mm. Facial nerve deficit and cervical lymph node metastases were present in 21% and 71% of patients respectively, requiring salivary gland resection with neck dissection. Histologically, the tumours resembled high-grade invasive and in-situ ductal carcinoma of breast. Micropapillary, rhabdoid and mucinous variants were seen. HER2 was positive in 48% and BRAF (V600E) mutation present in 27%. Most patients received adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy. Ten patients died of disease within 6–33 months (median 13 months). Five patients developed local recurrence. Ten patients developed lung, bone, liver, axilla, mediastinal and brain metastases. Conclusion SDCa are aggressive malignancies with a large histopathologic spectrum including micropapillary and sacomatoid variants. HER2 amplification, BRAF mutation detectable by ancillary diagnostic techniques may provide therapeutic options requiring accurate diagnosis.

Metrical assessment of cutmarks on bone: is size important?

Extrapolating type of blade from a bone lesion has always been a challenge for forensic anthropologists: literature has mainly focused on the morphological characteristics of sharp force lesions, whereas scarce indications are available concerning the metrical assessment of cut marks and their correlation with the size of blade. The present study aims at verifying whether it is possible to reconstruct the metrical characteristics of the blade from the measurements taken from the lesion. Eleven blades with different thickness, height and shape were used for this study. A metallic structure was built, in order to simulate incised wounds and reiterate hits with the same energy. Perpendicular and angled tests were performed on fragments of pig femurs, in order to produce 110 lesions (10 for each blade). Depth, height and angle were measured and compared with metrical characteristics of each blade. Results showed a wide superimposition of metrical characteristics of width and angle of lesions regardless the type and the orientation of blade: for symmetric blades a high correlation index was observed between the depth of the lesion and the angle of the blade in perpendicular tests (0.89) and between the angle of lesion and the height of the blade in angled tests (-0.76); for asymmetric blades in both the tests a high correlation was observed between the angle of the blade and angle and width of the lesion (respectively 0.90 and 0.76 for perpendicular tests, and 0.80 and 0.90 for angled ones). This study provides interesting data concerning the interpretation of cutmarks on bone and suggests caution in assessing the size of weapons from the metrical measurements of lesions.

Asymmetric index analysis on the orthodontic-orthognathic treatment of facial asymmetry patients in skull positioning posterior-anterior radiographs

To analyze the asymmetry of measurements in facial asymmetry patients with skull positioning posterior-anterior radiographs after orthodontic-orthognathic treatment. Posterior-anterior cephalometric radiography and cephalometric analysis were performed in forty-five patients with different degrees of facial asymmetry. A single sample t-test was conducted to compare the asymmetry of measurements before treatment and individual normal occlusion. The measurement and reference values in facial asymmetry patients who underwent orthodontic-orthognathic treatment were summated by analyzing the correlation coefficient. The paired t-test was employed to compare the difference between the two groups before and after the treatment. Fourteen measurements were significantly different before the treatment and individual normal occlusion (P < 0.05). Me[X] exhibited a higher correlation index of Ag[X] in forty-five cases. Twenty-eight patients showed the main asymmetry in the mandibular body, whereas fifteen patients in the ramus. Two patients showed the main asymmetry in both mandibular body and ramus. Fifteen measurements were significantly different before and after the treatment (P < 0.05). Facial asymmetry is mainly concentrated in one-third of the surface, primarily manifested in the mandibular body. Orthodontic-orthognathic treatment is preferred when Ag[X] is greater than the minimum reference value of 11.31%, Go[X] is greater than 9.79%, and Me[X] is greater than 5.2 mm.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of dynamic cervical implant replacement for treatment of single-level degenerative cervical disc disease: a 24-month follow-up

To determine the role of dynamic cervical implant (DCI) replacement for single-level degenerative cervical disc disease in Chinese patients. Thirty patients with single-level degenerative cervical disc disease were prospectively enrolled between April 2010 and August 2010 (12 women, 18 men; mean age 56.5years). All patients underwent anterior cervical decompression, DCI replacement, clinical and radiological assessments preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12, and 24months postoperatively, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores. Lateral neutral radiographs provided the intervertebral space height. Lateral dynamic radiographs were taken to measure the range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine and functional spinal unit (FSU) of the treated segment. We compared the amount of motion of the adjacent vertebral endplate and the intrinsic motion of the implant and calculated a correlation analysis. DCI showed good clinical and radiographic outcomes. At the final follow-up, JOA, VAS, NDI, and SF-36 average scores improved significantly. The intervertebral space height increased slightly after operation and was maintained during follow up. The ROM of the cervical spine and FSU decreased at early follow-up, but recovered to the preoperative level within 1-2years. There was a high index of linear correlation between the motion of the adjacent vertebral endplate and the intrinsic motion of the implant. DCI provided elastic dynamic stability for the targeted segment, and restored and sustained intervertebral space height and ROM of the cervical spine.

Morphometric analysis of fetal development of Cavia porcellus (Linnaeus, 1758) by ultrasonography—Pilot study

Measurements on the growth process and placental development of the embryo and fetuses of Cavia porcellus were carried out using ultrasonography. Embryo, fetus, and placenta were monitored from Day 15 after mating day to the end of gestation. Based on linear and quadratic regressions, the following morphometric analysis showed a good indicator of the gestational age: placental diameter, biparietal diameter, renal length, and crown rump. The embryonic cardiac beat was first detected at an average of 22.5 days. The placental diameter showed constant increase from beginning of gestation then remained to term and presented a quadratic correlation with gestational age (r2 = 0.89). Mean placental diameter at the end of pregnancy was 3.5 ± 0.23 cm. By Day 30, it was possible to measure biparietal diameter, which followed a linear pattern of increase up to the end of gestation (r2 = 0.95). Mean biparietal diameter in the end of pregnancy was 1.94 ± 0.03 cm. Kidneys were firstly observed on Day 35 as hyperechoic structures without the distinction of medullar and cortical layers, thus the regression model equation between kidney length and gestational age presents a quadratic relationship (r2 = 0.7). The crown rump presented a simple linear growth, starting from 15 days of gestation, displaying a high correlation with the gestational age (r2 = 0.9). The offspring were born after an average gestation of 61.3 days. In this study, we conclude that biparietal diameter, placental diameter, and crown rump are adequate predictive parameters of gestational age in guinea pigs because they present high correlation index.

Development of a selective culture medium for bifidobacteria, Raffinose-Propionate Lithium Mupirocin (RP-MUP) and assessment of its usage with Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count plates

This study aimed to develop a selective culture media to enumerate bifidobacteria in fermented milk and to assess this medium when used with Petrifilm™ AC plates. For this purpose, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus thermophilus strains were tested to verify their fermentation patterns for different carbohydrates. All bifidobacteria strains were able to use raffinose. Based on these characteristic, a selective culture medium was proposed (Raffinose-Propionate Lithium Mupirocin, RP-MUP), used with Petrifilm™ AC plates, and was used to enumerate bifidobacteria in fermented milk. RP-MUP performance was assessed by comparing the results with this medium to reference protocols and culture media for bifidobacteria enumeration. RP-MUP, whether used or not with Petrifilm™ AC, presented similar performance to TOS-MUP (ISO 29981), with no significant differences between the mean bifidobacteria counts (p < 0.05) and with high correlation indices (r = 0.99, p < 0.05). As an advantage, reliable results were obtained after just 48 h of incubation when RP-MUP was used with Petrifilm™ AC, instead of the 72 h described in the ISO 29981 protocol.

Nd isotopic and geochemical constraints on the provenance and tectonic setting of the low-grade meta-sedimentary rocks from the Trans-North China Orogen, North China Craton

In the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO) of the North China Craton, low-grade supracrustal successions extensively occur in the Wutai, Lüliang, Zanhuang, Zhongtiao and Dengfeng Complexes from north to south. Meta-sedimentary samples from the Wutai and Zhongtiao Complexes were collected for geochemical and Nd isotopic studies and several samples from the Zanhuang and Dengfeng Complexes were also analyzed for Nd isotopic studies for comparative purpose. Most of the meta-siltstones and meta-sandstones from the Wutai and Zhongtiao Complexes are characterized by depletions in mobile elements like CaO, Sr and Na2O, high Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW) values and strong positive correlation between Al2O3 and TiO2, indicating intense weathering conditions. Significant post-depositional K-metasomatism is indicated in the A–CN–K diagrams for most of the analyzed samples and the relatively high pre-metasomatized Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values (43–87) also imply a high degree of source weathering. Depleted transitional trace elements (Ni, Cr, Co and Sc), fractionated light rare earth elements patterns, mild negative Eu anomalies in the majority of these meta-sedimentary samples point toward felsic source rocks, including the ∼2.5Ga granitics, TTG gneisses and the Paleoproterozoic granitics in the TNCO. Minor contribution from mafic rocks is evidenced from relative high contents of MgO, Fe2O3T, Sc and lower La/YbN ratios in some older sequence-set samples from the Zhongtiao Complex. Our geochemical and Nd isotopic data, combined with previous studies in the lithostratigraphic sequence, provenance and depositional age, suggest that the older and younger sequence-sets of the low-grade supracrustal successions in the TNCO were deposited in the different depositional environments. The older sequence-set was deposited in a back-arc basin between the “Andean-type” continental margin arc and the Eastern Block after ∼2.1Ga, whereas the younger sequence-set formed in a foreland basin between ∼1.88 and ∼1.80Ga, which is consistent with the model that the collision between the Eastern and Western Blocks to form the Trans-North China Orogen occurred at ∼1.85Ga.

Tourism destination zoning in mountain regions: a consumer-based approach

This paper puts into question the conventional way of delineating tourism destination borders in terms of taken-for-granted administrative boundaries. Despite the fact that the literature on destination boundaries advocates for conceptual frameworks where customers’ consumption patterns play a more fundamental role, instances of actual attempts of structuring tourism geographies into ‘new tourism areas’ are scant, and instances of zoning on the basis of visitors’ consumption patterns are absent. A method for identifying alternative and more effective consumption-based tourism zones that combines geographical information system and hierarchical cluster analysis techniques, and that relies on time distances between attractions, is thus proposed, and implemented in the case of the Pyrenees mountain region. As a result the region is restructured into nine new tourism zones, which, compared to the original destinations, are more uniform in size and have a higher correlation index between attractiveness and accommodation intensity; they also have different levels of cross-border intensity and are very similar to historical regions; and the more they differ from the original destinations the higher their attractiveness, which supports the effectiveness of the new zoning technique. Four types of tourism zones ranging from higher to lower tourism intensity are also identified.

Optimization of cytotoxicity assay by real-time, impedance-based cell analysis

This paper presents an optimized procedure for assessing an immune-mediated cytotoxicity, produced after the addition of human and baboon serum to transgenic porcine fibroblasts. This procedure is performed with the xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyzer (RTCA). The xCELLigence system measures the impedance variations in the culture media of a 96-well microelectronic plate, and shows the changes in cell number and morphology in a real-time plot. However, different factors need to be optimized before developing an RTCA assay. Thus, we studied the influence of several variables, such as the number of cells seeded, the time the cells were allowed to grow before the tests, the serum concentration and the addition of rabbit complement. The findings were confirmed by the WST-1 classical cytotoxicity test. The results showed that 7.5 × 10(3) cells seeded per well produced the adequate CI in 10h. The area under the curve and the CImin versus concentration values showed a very high correlation index (r(2) = 0.966 and r(2) = 0.92 for the first 50h after challenge, respectively), proving that CI variations are directly proportional to the quantity of serum added. The addition of complement resulted in lower CImin values. Therefore, both the cytolysis level with and without exogenous complement addition had to be assessed. There was a high correlation between the relative cytotoxicity assessed by WST-1 and the CI obtained by RTCA when exogenous complement was not added (r(2) = 0.827; p < 0.001). The correlation was average when rabbit complement was added (r(2) = 0.523; p = 0.046). In conclusion, culture conditions have an important influence on RTCA cytotoxicity assays.

Ileocecal, colonic, and peritoneal tuberculosis: role of imaging in diagnosis. A case report and literature review.

Tuberculosis is a widespread infectious disease that still remains a deadly global health problem and a condition that is life-threatening if misdiagnosed. Extrapulmonary manifestations are prevalent in the endemic areas but limited to the immunocompromised and immigrants in economically developed areas. False diagnostic situations rely on non-specific investigatory findings, the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, and problems in discriminating between inflammation and neoplasms of the bowel. For an early diagnosis, a high index of suspicion and correlation of clinical and imaging aspects, as well as findings from colonoscopy, tissue biopsy, and microbiologic assessments, are necessary. We present a case of a patient with non-specific abdominal symptoms, mimicking a clinical syndrome of neoplastic impregnation, finally diagnosed as ileal tuberculosis with peritoneal involvement. We stress the importance of ultrasonography as a primary method of investigation, having an important role in raising the suspicion of an infectious bowel disease, as well as the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination.

Computerized image-searching method for finding correct patients for misfiled chest radiographs in a PACS server by use of biological fingerprints

We have developed an automated image-searching method based on biological fingerprints for identifying correct patients in misfiled chest radiographs in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) server. We used five biological fingerprints including distinctive anatomic structures in a misfiled chest radiograph of an unknown patient to find another image of the same patient stored with correct patient information in a PACS server. The correlation values were determined for the corresponding biological fingerprints in all images in the image server. The correlation indices as a measure of the overall similarity of the two images were determined from the summation of five correlation values and the combination of correlation values with the weighting factors. Finally, the correct patient was identified automatically by the image with the highest correlation index. By use of the summation of five correlation values as the correlation index, 78.0% (156/200) of the 200 patients for misfiled images were correctly identified in the database. When we applied the weighting factors for each biological fingerprint to determine the correlation index, the performance in identifying the correct patient was improved to 87.5% (175/200). An additional 5.0% (10/200) of images were included in the Top 10 ranking of the correlation index in the database. These cases could be identified manually by radiology personnel. We conclude that the automated image-searching method based on biological fingerprints with weighting factors would be useful for identification of the correct patient in the case of misfiled chest radiographs in a PACS server.

PP115: Ameloblastoma of the jaw bones: A great mimicker offering diagnostic challenge in tertiary cancer centre – An Indian experience

Purpose Ameloblastoma is most frequently encountered odontogenic tumor arising from rests of dental lamina, or lining of an odontogenic cyst. Delayed presentation and presence of histologic mimics make the diagnosis challenging. This prompted us to study the clinical, radiological & histopathologic features in ameloblastomas at a tertiary cancer centre and evaluate features of distinction from histologic mimics to attain accurate diagnosis. Material and methods The clinical, radiological details and H& E sections of 70 cases of ameloblastomas were retrieved and reviewed. Histologic typing was done. The treatment modalities and recurrences were studied. Results Mandible was involved in 78.6% cases, maxilla in 21.4%. Swelling was the commonest presenting symptom [98%].The most common radiologic appearance was lytic lesion seen in 75.7.%; 18.6 % were sclerotic masses while 5.7% had a mixed lytic-sclerotic appearance. A well-defined razor-sharp border was the characteristic feature (71.4%). Microscopically, follicular type was the most common [75.7%] Reverse polarity and Stellate reticulum cells; the most crucial diagnostic features; were appreciated in 74.3% & 80% cases respectively. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia [PEH] occurred in 17.1 % cases, merged with the ameloblastic tumour, making the distinction from Squamous carcinoma difficult in a biopsy. Acanthomatous variant [10%] also mimicked SCC. CK 19 and calretinin positivity helped in differentiating ameloblastoma from PEH & SCC. Follicular and Solid type predominated in cases of recurrences occuring following limited resection [20%]. Conclusions The diagnosis of ameloblastoma is challenging due to heterogeneity in the histology and variety of histologic mimics. Differentiation from benign lesions & tumours is vital in view of its locally aggressive nature which necessitates radical excision, to prevent recurrence. Distinguishing from OSCC in a biopsy is crucial to avoid overtreatment. High index of suspicion, clinico-radiological correlation and IHC are of utmost importance in making the right diagnosis preoperatively, essential for planning adequate treatment.

Abstract TMP10: A 4D Patient-specific Metamorphosis-based Method to Model Ischemic Stroke Lesion Evolution from Acute Diffusion-weighted to Final T2-defined Outcome

There is considerable interest in how well acute DWI can predict the infarct on final T2-w imaging at &gt;1month after stroke. We estimated the 4D dynamic change, from the acute DWI to the final T2-w lesion, to assess DWI predictive ability. Our model dynamically simulates the evolution of uni- or multi-component lesions. We applied a 4D metamorphosis, modeling the morphogenesis of the acute (&lt;6hr) DWI lesion boundary into that of the final (90 day) T2-w in 10 representative patients, dividing the 90 days into 10 equal intervals. We estimated the mean contraction and expansion deformation velocities that drive change in the acute DWI to the final T2-w boundary, focusing on areas where the DWI volume differed from the final T2-w volume (DWI\T2). In DWI\T2, over the 10 patients, time-evolving contraction velocity values show a rapid decrease from 0.206+/-0.0091 (mean over time, mm/9days +/- sd) to 0.00097+/-0.001 with time, indicating that contracting DWI\T2 areas were very dynamic acutely and rapidly slowed. Expansion areas displayed a rapid and quasi-monotonic fall from 0.025+/-0.01 to 0.00075+/-0.00028 showing that some parts of DWI tissue had an early high expansion velocity which slowed with time, leading to appearance of newly infarcted areas not present in the acute DWI. A high correlation index (r=0.72, p&lt;0.001) between contraction (also expansion) velocity curves of all patients shows that the 4D evolution patterns of DWI\T2 were similar between patients. Our imaging derived 4D model of acute DWI-final T2-W lesion evolution shows a consistent pattern, with both ‘recovery’ and ‘new’ infarct happening rapidly at early time points. This confirms that a) acute DWI lesion includes salvageable tissue and is not all statically dead, b) acute DWI lesion does not include all final T2-w dead tissue and c) the method can accurately assess and quantify early treatment response, eg in clinical trials.

Temporal and spatial variability of annual and seasonal rainfall over Ethiopia

Characterization of the seasonal and inter-annual spatial and temporal variability of rainfall in a changing climate is vital to assess climate-induced changes and suggest adequate future water resources management strategies. Trends in annual, seasonal and maximum 30-day extreme rainfall over Ethiopia are investigated using 0.5° latitude × 0.5° longitude gridded monthly precipitation data. The spatial coherence of annual rainfall among contiguous rainfall grid points is also assessed for possible spatial similarity across the country. The correlation between temporally coinciding North Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) index and annual rainfall variability is examined to understand the underlying coherence. In total 381 precipitation grid points covering the whole of Ethiopia with five decades (1951–2000) of precipitation data are analysed using the Mann-Kendall test and Moran spatial autocorrelation method. Summer (July–September) seasonal and annual rainfall data exhibit significant decreasing trends in northern, northwestern and western parts of the country, whereas a few grid points in eastern areas show increasing annual rainfall trends. Most other parts of the country exhibit statistically insignificant trends. Regions with high annual and seasonal rainfall distribution exhibit high temporal and spatial correlation indices. Finally, the country is sub-divided into four zones based on annual rainfall similarity. The association of the AMO index with annual rainfall is modestly good for northern and northeastern parts of the country; however, it is weak over the southern region. Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor S. Uhlenbrook Citation Wagesho, N., Goel, N.K., and Jain, M.K. 2013. Temporal and spatial variability of annual and seasonal rainfall over Ethiopia. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (2), 354–373.

Calibración del modelo SWaN y validación de reanálisis del oleaje en el Caribe

In order to calibrate the SWaN model (North American Regional Reanalysis, version 40.51) for the Caribbean Sea as well as to validate the hindcast conducted at the Center for Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research, CIOH, a wave propagation was performed using, as forcing the wind reanalysis from the North American Regional Reanalysis, NARR. The model calibration was performed through the physical parameterization of whitecapping using the Accumulative Steepness Method. Afterwards, model results were compared with data recorded at the buoys of the Dirección General Marítima between 2006 to 2010 both in time and time and in a probability domains. For the four studied cases (Providence, Turbo, Barranquilla and Puerto Bolivar), the model adequately produced the observed data for the seasonal changes as well as for the extreme events. The lowest linear correlation index was found for Puerto Bolivar´s buoy (0.69). By contrast, the highest correlation index was 0.87 at Turbo’s buoy. In general, the validation results show that the model reproduces adequately the actual conditions.