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  1. Article ; Online: Multi-decadal observations in the Alps reveal less and wetter snow, with increasing variability

    Christoph Marty / Mario B. Rohrer / Matthias Huss / Manfred Stähli

    Frontiers in Earth Science, Vol

    2023  Volume 11

    Abstract: Snowpack is an important temporal water storage for downstream areas, a potential source of natural hazards (avalanches or floods) and a prerequisite for winter tourism. Here, we use thousands of manual measurements of the water equivalent of the snow ... ...

    Abstract Snowpack is an important temporal water storage for downstream areas, a potential source of natural hazards (avalanches or floods) and a prerequisite for winter tourism. Here, we use thousands of manual measurements of the water equivalent of the snow cover (SWE) from almost 30 stations between 1,200 and 2,900 m a.s.l. from four long-term monitoring programs (earliest start in 1937) in the center of the European Alps to derive daily SWE based on snow depth data for each station. The inferred long-term daily SWE time series were analyzed regarding spatial differences, as well as potential temporal changes in variability and seasonal averages during the last 7 decades (1957–2022). The investigation based on important hydro-climatological SWE indicators demonstrates significant decreasing trends for mean SWE (Nov-Apr) and for maximum SWE, as well as a significantly earlier occurrence of the maximum SWE and earlier disappearance of the continuous snow cover. The anomalies of mean SWE revealed that the series of low-snow winters since the 1990s is unprecedented since the beginning of measurements. Increased melting during the accumulation period below 2000 m a.s.l is also observed–especially in the most recent years–as well as slower melt rates in spring, and higher day-to-day variability. For these trends no regional differences were found despite the climatological variability of the investigated stations. This indicates that the results are transferable to other regions of the Alps.
    Keywords snow water equivalent ; monitoring ; European alps ; climate warming ; variability ; measurement ; Science ; Q
    Subject code 551
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  2. Article ; Online: Peaks of Fine Particulate Matter May Modulate the Spreading and Virulence of COVID-19.

    Rohrer, Mario / Flahault, Antoine / Stoffel, Markus

    Earth systems and environment

    2020  Volume 4, Issue 4, Page(s) 789–796

    Abstract: A probe of a patient, seeking help in an emergency ward of a French hospital in late December 2019 because of Influenza like symptoms, was retrospectively tested positive to COVID-19. Despite the early appearance of the virus in Europe, the prevalence ... ...

    Abstract A probe of a patient, seeking help in an emergency ward of a French hospital in late December 2019 because of Influenza like symptoms, was retrospectively tested positive to COVID-19. Despite the early appearance of the virus in Europe, the prevalence and virulence appeared to be low for several weeks, before the spread and severity of symptoms increased exponentially, yet with marked spatial and temporal differences. Here, we compare the possible linkages between peaks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the sudden, explosive increase of hospitalizations and mortality rates in the Swiss Canton of Ticino, and the Greater Paris and London regions. We argue that these peaks of fine particulate matter are primarily occurring during thermal inversion of the boundary layer of the atmosphere. We also discuss the influence of Saharan dust intrusions on the COVID-19 outbreak observed in early 2020 on the Canary Islands. We deem it both reasonable and plausible that high PM2.5 concentrations-favored by air temperature inversions or Saharan dust intrusions-are not only modulating but even more so boosting severe outbreaks of COVID-19. Moreover, desert dust events-besides enhancing PM2.5 concentrations-can be a vector for fungal diseases, thereby exacerbating COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. We conclude that the overburdening of the health services and hospitals as well as the high over-mortality observed in various regions of Europe in spring 2020 may be linked to peaks of PM2.5 and likely particular weather situations that have favored the spread and enhanced the virulence of the virus. In the future, we recommended to monitor not only the prevalence of the virus, but also to consider the occurrence of weather situations that can lead to sudden, very explosive COVID-19 outbreaks.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-11-21
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2892530-0
    ISSN 2509-9434 ; 2509-9426
    ISSN (online) 2509-9434
    ISSN 2509-9426
    DOI 10.1007/s41748-020-00184-4
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article: Teaching Compassion Skills to Students of Behavior Analysis: A Preliminary Investigation.

    Rohrer, Jessica L / Weiss, Mary Jane

    Behavior analysis in practice

    2022  , Page(s) 1–20

    Abstract: Socially valid practices are at the heart of applied behavior analysis and can influence how interventions are experienced by families. However, the training of practitioners of applied behavior analysis is primarily focused on the implementation of ... ...

    Abstract Socially valid practices are at the heart of applied behavior analysis and can influence how interventions are experienced by families. However, the training of practitioners of applied behavior analysis is primarily focused on the implementation of technical procedures with little focus on therapeutic approaches. Empathy and therapeutic rapport have been associated with improved outcomes in allied professions (Beach et al.,
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-10-11
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2583900-7
    ISSN 2196-8934 ; 1998-1929
    ISSN (online) 2196-8934
    ISSN 1998-1929
    DOI 10.1007/s40617-022-00748-y
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  4. Article ; Online: Development of a combined empirical index for a 5-day forecast of heavy precipitation over the Bernese Alps

    Liliane Nguyen / Mario Rohrer / Manfred Schwarb / Markus Stoffel

    Environment International, Vol 135, Iss , Pp - (2020)

    2020  

    Abstract: The Bernese Alps are a region that is very prone for the initiation of thunderstorms. In fact, the flow and convergence of air and water vapor from the Swiss Plateau to the Swiss Alps is frequently favouring the formation of isolated rainfall events, ... ...

    Abstract The Bernese Alps are a region that is very prone for the initiation of thunderstorms. In fact, the flow and convergence of air and water vapor from the Swiss Plateau to the Swiss Alps is frequently favouring the formation of isolated rainfall events, which then may cause loss and damage in settlements. Due to the complex topography of the Bernese Alps, the forecasting and nowcasting of heavy convective precipitation remain challenging. A critical need therefore exists for the development of new forecasting tools so as to improve the predictability of convective precipitation events, also with the aim to alert first responders and to subsequently reduce damage. This study aims at developing an empirical index for the forecasting of heavy precipitation events in the Bernese Alps by using two reanalysis datasets, ECMWF’s ERA-Interim and NASA’s MERRA-2; in addition, the ICON-EU model is employed here to test and verify the index for the 2018 summer period. Our approach is based on the calculation of several convective indices as well as on the assessment of their relative forecast skills using a dichotomous scheme. The Heavy Precipitation Index (HPI) is then defined by combining the best performing combination of convective indices. HPI is aimed at forecasting heavy precipitation events over the Bernese Alps. We show that the combination of several indices, including DCI or KI, have a better capability to forecast heavy precipitation in the Bernese Alps than has the commonly used CAPE. Therefore, HPI should be seen as a pre-alert index when it comes to assist first responders in situations of crisis and in the process of decision making. Keywords: Heavy precipitation, Convective indices, CAPE, Heavy Precipitation Index, Bernese Alps, Reanalysis
    Keywords Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 910
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Elsevier
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: Development of a combined empirical index for a 5-day forecast of heavy precipitation over the Bernese Alps.

    Nguyen, Liliane / Rohrer, Mario / Schwarb, Manfred / Stoffel, Markus

    Environment international

    2019  Volume 135, Page(s) 105357

    Abstract: The Bernese Alps are a region that is very prone for the initiation of thunderstorms. In fact, the flow and convergence of air and water vapor from the Swiss Plateau to the Swiss Alps is frequently favouring the formation of isolated rainfall events, ... ...

    Abstract The Bernese Alps are a region that is very prone for the initiation of thunderstorms. In fact, the flow and convergence of air and water vapor from the Swiss Plateau to the Swiss Alps is frequently favouring the formation of isolated rainfall events, which then may cause loss and damage in settlements. Due to the complex topography of the Bernese Alps, the forecasting and nowcasting of heavy convective precipitation remain challenging. A critical need therefore exists for the development of new forecasting tools so as to improve the predictability of convective precipitation events, also with the aim to alert first responders and to subsequently reduce damage. This study aims at developing an empirical index for the forecasting of heavy precipitation events in the Bernese Alps by using two reanalysis datasets, ECMWF's ERA-Interim and NASA's MERRA-2; in addition, the ICON-EU model is employed here to test and verify the index for the 2018 summer period. Our approach is based on the calculation of several convective indices as well as on the assessment of their relative forecast skills using a dichotomous scheme. The Heavy Precipitation Index (HPI) is then defined by combining the best performing combination of convective indices. HPI is aimed at forecasting heavy precipitation events over the Bernese Alps. We show that the combination of several indices, including DCI or KI, have a better capability to forecast heavy precipitation in the Bernese Alps than has the commonly used CAPE. Therefore, HPI should be seen as a pre-alert index when it comes to assist first responders in situations of crisis and in the process of decision making.
    MeSH term(s) Rain ; Seasons
    Language English
    Publishing date 2019-12-18
    Publishing country Netherlands
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 554791-x
    ISSN 1873-6750 ; 0160-4120
    ISSN (online) 1873-6750
    ISSN 0160-4120
    DOI 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105357
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  6. Article ; Online: Regeneration of Craniofacial Bone Induced by Periosteal Pumping.

    Saulacic, Nikola / García-González, Mario / Muñoz Guzon, Fernando M / Garcia Garcia, Abel / Sadath-Marashi, Zahra / Rohrer, Urs / Ferrari, Serge L

    Tissue engineering. Part C, Methods

    2022  Volume 28, Issue 2, Page(s) 61–72

    Abstract: A variety of surgical techniques and tissue engineering strategies utilizing osteogenic potential of the periosteum have been developed for the repair of extended bone deficiencies. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of an alternating ... ...

    Abstract A variety of surgical techniques and tissue engineering strategies utilizing osteogenic potential of the periosteum have been developed for the repair of extended bone deficiencies. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of an alternating protocol of periosteal distraction osteogenesis (PDO) on bone regeneration in an intraoral model. Eight adult, male Beagle dogs were used for the study. Two distraction devices were placed on each side of the mandible. After a 7-day latency period, distraction devices in all animals were manipulated at the rate of 0.5 mm for a total of 8 days. The pumping protocol in two test groups proceeded twice daily by alternating activation with relaxation. In the periosteal pumping/distraction (PPDO) group, the distraction screws were activated two times (at 12 and 24 h) and then turned back (at 36 h), and in the periosteal pumping (PP) group repeatedly activated and turned back (at 12 h). In the PDO group, only activation was performed once daily (positive control). Devices were left inactivated in the negative control (NC) group. The samples were harvested after 8 weeks of consolidation period and investigated by micro-CT and histological analysis. New mature, lamellar bone was formed over the pristine bone in all groups. PPDO and PDO groups showed more new bone area (NBA) compared to the PP (
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Bone Regeneration ; Dogs ; Male ; Mandible/surgery ; Osteogenesis ; Osteogenesis, Distraction/methods ; Periosteum
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-02-02
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2420585-0
    ISSN 1937-3392 ; 1937-3384
    ISSN (online) 1937-3392
    ISSN 1937-3384
    DOI 10.1089/ten.TEC.2022.0001
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  7. Article: Development of a combined empirical index for a 5-day forecast of heavy precipitation over the Bernese Alps

    Nguyen, Liliane / Rohrer, Mario / Schwarb, Manfred / Stoffel, Markus

    Environment international. 2020 Feb., v. 135

    2020  

    Abstract: The Bernese Alps are a region that is very prone for the initiation of thunderstorms. In fact, the flow and convergence of air and water vapor from the Swiss Plateau to the Swiss Alps is frequently favouring the formation of isolated rainfall events, ... ...

    Abstract The Bernese Alps are a region that is very prone for the initiation of thunderstorms. In fact, the flow and convergence of air and water vapor from the Swiss Plateau to the Swiss Alps is frequently favouring the formation of isolated rainfall events, which then may cause loss and damage in settlements. Due to the complex topography of the Bernese Alps, the forecasting and nowcasting of heavy convective precipitation remain challenging. A critical need therefore exists for the development of new forecasting tools so as to improve the predictability of convective precipitation events, also with the aim to alert first responders and to subsequently reduce damage. This study aims at developing an empirical index for the forecasting of heavy precipitation events in the Bernese Alps by using two reanalysis datasets, ECMWF’s ERA-Interim and NASA’s MERRA-2; in addition, the ICON-EU model is employed here to test and verify the index for the 2018 summer period. Our approach is based on the calculation of several convective indices as well as on the assessment of their relative forecast skills using a dichotomous scheme. The Heavy Precipitation Index (HPI) is then defined by combining the best performing combination of convective indices. HPI is aimed at forecasting heavy precipitation events over the Bernese Alps. We show that the combination of several indices, including DCI or KI, have a better capability to forecast heavy precipitation in the Bernese Alps than has the commonly used CAPE. Therefore, HPI should be seen as a pre-alert index when it comes to assist first responders in situations of crisis and in the process of decision making.
    Keywords air ; data collection ; decision making ; models ; rain ; storms ; summer ; topography ; water vapor ; Alps region ; Switzerland
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2020-02
    Publishing place Elsevier Ltd
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 554791-x
    ISSN 1873-6750 ; 0160-4120
    ISSN (online) 1873-6750
    ISSN 0160-4120
    DOI 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105357
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  8. Book ; Online: Automated precipitation monitoring with the Thies disdrometer

    Fehlmann, Michael / Rohrer, Mario / Lerber, Annakaisa / Stoffel, Markus

    eISSN: 1867-8548

    Biases and ways for improvement

    2020  

    Abstract: The intensity and phase of precipitation at the ground surface can have important implications for meteorological and hydrological situations, but also in terms of hazards and risks. In the field, Thies disdrometers are sometimes used to monitor the ... ...

    Abstract The intensity and phase of precipitation at the ground surface can have important implications for meteorological and hydrological situations, but also in terms of hazards and risks. In the field, Thies disdrometers are sometimes used to monitor the quantity and nature of precipitation with high temporal resolution and very low maintenance and thus provide valuable information for the management of meteorological and hydrological risks. Here, we evaluate the Thies disdrometer with respect to precipitation detection as well as the estimation of precipitation intensity and phase at a pre-alpine site in Switzerland (1060 m a.s.l.), using a weighing precipitation gauge (OTT pluviometer) as well as a two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) as a reference. We show that the Thies disdrometer is well suited to detect even light precipitation, reaching a hit rate of around 95 %. However, the instrument tends to systematically underestimate rainfall intensities by 16.5 %, which can be related to a systematic underestimation of the number of raindrops with diameters between 0.5 and 3.5 mm. During snowfall episodes, a similar underestimation is observed in the particle size distribution (PSD), which is, however, not reflected in intensity estimates, probably due to a compensation by snow density assumptions. To improve intensity estimates, we test PSD adjustments (to the 2DVD) as well as direct adjustments of the resulting intensity estimates (to the OTT pluviometer), which are both able to reduce the systematic deviations during rainfall. For snowfall, the combination of the 2DVD and the OTT pluviometer seems promising as it allows improvement of snow density estimates, which poses a challenge to all optical precipitation measurements. Finally, we show that the Thies disdrometer and the 2DVD agree well insofar as the distinction between rain and snowfall is concerned, such that an important prerequisite for the proposed correction methods is fulfilled. Uncertainties mainly persist during mixed phased precipitation or low precipitation intensities, where the assignment of precipitation phase is technically challenging, but less relevant for practical applications. We conclude that the Thies disdrometer is not only suitable to estimate precipitation intensity, but also to distinguish between rain and snowfall. The Thies disdrometer therefore seems promising for the improvement of precipitation monitoring and the nowcasting of discharge in pre-alpine areas, where considerable uncertainties with respect to these quantities are still posing a challenge to decision making.
    Subject code 910
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-01-23
    Publishing country de
    Document type Book ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Book ; Online: Automated precipitation monitoring with the Thies disdrometer

    Fehlmann, Michael / Rohrer, Mario / Lerber, Annakaisa / Stoffel, Markus

    eISSN: 1867-8548

    biases and ways for improvement

    2020  

    Abstract: The intensity and phase of precipitation at the ground surface can have important implications not only for meteorological and hydrological situations but also in terms of hazards and risks. In the field, Thies disdrometers are sometimes used to monitor ... ...

    Abstract The intensity and phase of precipitation at the ground surface can have important implications not only for meteorological and hydrological situations but also in terms of hazards and risks. In the field, Thies disdrometers are sometimes used to monitor the quantity and nature of precipitation with high temporal resolution and very low maintenance and thus provide valuable information for the management of meteorological and hydrological risks. Here, we evaluate the Thies disdrometer with respect to precipitation detection, as well as the estimation of precipitation intensity and phase at a pre-alpine site in Switzerland (1060 m a.s.l.), using a weighing precipitation gauge (OTT pluviometer) and a two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) as a reference. We show that the Thies disdrometer is well suited to detect even light precipitation, reaching a hit rate of around 95 %. However, the instrument tends to systematically underestimate rainfall intensities by 16.5 %, which can be related to a systematic underestimation of the number of raindrops with diameters between 0.5 and 3.5 mm. During snowfall episodes, a similar underestimation is observed in the particle size distribution (PSD), which is, however, not reflected in intensity estimates, probably due to a compensation by snow density assumptions. To improve intensity estimates, we test PSD adjustments (to the 2DVD) and direct adjustments of the resulting intensity estimates (to the OTT pluviometer), the latter of which are able to successfully reduce the systematic deviations during rainfall in the validation period. For snowfall, the combination of the 2DVD and the OTT pluviometer seems promising as it allows for improvement of snow density estimates, which poses a challenge to all optical precipitation measurements. Finally, we show that the Thies disdrometer and the 2DVD agree well insofar as the distinction between rain and snowfall is concerned, such that an important prerequisite for the proposed correction methods is fulfilled. Uncertainties mainly persist during mixed-phase precipitation or low precipitation intensities, where the assignment of precipitation phase is technically challenging, but less relevant for practical applications. We conclude that the Thies disdrometer is suitable not only to estimate precipitation intensity but also to distinguish between rain and snowfall. The Thies disdrometer therefore seems promising for the improvement of precipitation monitoring and the nowcasting of discharge in pre-alpine areas, where considerable uncertainties with respect to these quantities are still posing a challenge to decision-making.
    Subject code 910
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-09-04
    Publishing country de
    Document type Book ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  10. Article ; Online: Diagnostic accuracy of research criteria for prodromal frontotemporal dementia.

    Benussi, Alberto / Premi, Enrico / Grassi, Mario / Alberici, Antonella / Cantoni, Valentina / Gazzina, Stefano / Archetti, Silvana / Gasparotti, Roberto / Fumagalli, Giorgio G / Bouzigues, Arabella / Russell, Lucy L / Samra, Kiran / Cash, David M / Bocchetta, Martina / Todd, Emily G / Convery, Rhian S / Swift, Imogen / Sogorb-Esteve, Aitana / Heller, Carolin /
    van Swieten, John C / Jiskoot, Lize C / Seelaar, Harro / Sanchez-Valle, Raquel / Moreno, Fermin / Laforce, Robert Jr / Graff, Caroline / Synofzik, Matthis / Galimberti, Daniela / Rowe, James B / Masellis, Mario / Tartaglia, Maria Carmela / Finger, Elizabeth / Vandenberghe, Rik / Mendonça, Alexandre / Tiraboschi, Pietro / Butler, Chris R / Santana, Isabel / Gerhard, Alexander / Le Ber, Isabelle / Pasquier, Florence / Ducharme, Simon / Levin, Johannes / Sorbi, Sandro / Otto, Markus / Padovani, Alessandro / Rohrer, Jonathan D / Borroni, Barbara

    Alzheimer's research & therapy

    2024  Volume 16, Issue 1, Page(s) 10

    Abstract: Background: The Genetic Frontotemporal Initiative Staging Group has proposed clinical criteria for the diagnosis of prodromal frontotemporal dementia (FTD), termed mild cognitive and/or behavioral and/or motor impairment (MCBMI). The objective of the ... ...

    Abstract Background: The Genetic Frontotemporal Initiative Staging Group has proposed clinical criteria for the diagnosis of prodromal frontotemporal dementia (FTD), termed mild cognitive and/or behavioral and/or motor impairment (MCBMI). The objective of the study was to validate the proposed research criteria for MCBMI-FTD in a cohort of genetically confirmed FTD cases against healthy controls.
    Methods: A total of 398 participants were enrolled, 117 of whom were carriers of an FTD pathogenic variant with mild clinical symptoms, while 281 were non-carrier family members (healthy controls (HC)). A subgroup of patients underwent blood neurofilament light (NfL) levels and anterior cingulate atrophy assessment.
    Results: The core clinical criteria correctly classified MCBMI vs HC with an AUC of 0.79 (p < 0.001), while the addition of either blood NfL or anterior cingulate atrophy significantly increased the AUC to 0.84 and 0.82, respectively (p < 0.001). The addition of both markers further increased the AUC to 0.90 (p < 0.001).
    Conclusions: The proposed MCBMI criteria showed very good classification accuracy for identifying the prodromal stage of FTD.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Frontotemporal Dementia/diagnosis ; Frontotemporal Dementia/genetics ; Neurofilament Proteins ; Biomarkers ; Atrophy
    Chemical Substances Neurofilament Proteins ; Biomarkers
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-01-12
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2506521-X
    ISSN 1758-9193 ; 1758-9193
    ISSN (online) 1758-9193
    ISSN 1758-9193
    DOI 10.1186/s13195-024-01383-1
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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