bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auguste Comte et la physiologie cérébrale de son temps
Authors: Barbara Jean-Gaël
Published: November 2014

Résumé L’article se propose d’étudier la contribution d’Auguste Comte à la physiologie cérébrale, ses sources scientifiques et les relations tissées avec les biologistes qui ont influencé sa pensée. La physiologie comtienne est marquée par sa proximité avec les conceptions physiologiques d’anatomistes comme François-Xavier Bichat, Georges Cuvier, Franz Joseph Gall, Henri-Marie Ducrotay de Blainville. Le refus de reconnaître la physiologie expérimentale comme science et l’adoption de la phrénologie par Comte sont envisagés dans le contexte plus large des recherches physiologiques de son temps. Il apparaît que Comte a largement sous-estimé la dimension rationnelle et les potentialités de la vivisection comme méthode de recherche. Néanmoins, les physiologistes expérimentalistes ont reconnu la valeur de l’œuvre de Comte jusque dans les années 1830, avant qu’une attaque des doctrines phrénologiques se structure et marque une rupture définitive entre la phrénologie comtienne et la nouvelle physiologie du cerveau. Cette physiologie se dessine grâce à un nouvel accord entre vivisection, anatomie et anatomopathologie dans le cadre théorique des localisations cérébrales.
La science du cerveau et la religion de l'Humanité : Auguste Comte et l'altruisme dans l'Angleterre victorienne
Authors: Dixon Thomas
Published: November 2014

Résumé Avant 1852, l’« altruisme » n’existait pas en Grande-Bretagne ; et quand il fit son apparition, ce fut comme un produit d’importation française. C’est Auguste Comte qui forgea le mot altruisme , terme renvoyant à la fois à la science cérébrale et à une religion humanitariste. Dans ce mot se retrouvaient liées ses conceptions de la biologie et de la sociologie, de la science du cerveau et de la religion de l’Humanité. Comte résumait ainsi ses objectifs dans son Système de politique positive  : «  Vivre pour autrui , devient ainsi le résumé naturel de toute la morale positive, dont la biologie doit déjà ébaucher le principe universel, mieux dégagé alors des diverses influences perturbatrices. » L’introduction de l’ altruisme dans l’Angleterre victorienne permit à ce terme fondamental du vocabulaire comtien, marqué par ses origines française et positiviste, de se répandre dans des contextes intellectuels bien plus larges. Mot d’ordre scientifique, politique et religieux qui a commencé à se diffuser en Grande-Bretagne à partir des années 1870, l’« altruisme » était devenu, au début du xx e siècle, un terme bien établi du discours éthique et scientifique dans tout le monde anglophone. Dans cet article, je m’interroge sur le rôle joué par ce terme dans les écrits de Comte et sur la manière dont il a pénétré le vocabulaire des intellectuels britanniques (en particulier si l’on pense à la réputation très ambivalente qui a été celle de Comte durant cette période), en explorant l’impact de Comte sur les œuvres de tout un groupe de penseurs et d’écrivains britanniques, tels John Stuart Mill, John Henry Bridges, Henry Sidgwick et Herbert Spencer.
La ligne méridienne de l'Observatoire de Paris : Une analyse des registres des observations de Cassini II de 1730 à 1755
Authors: Descamps Pascal
Published: November 2014

Initiée par son père, la construction de la ligne méridienne de l’Observatoire de Paris a été poursuivie par Jacques Cassini, dit Cassini II, et complètement achevée en 1732. Cette ligne avait pour principale fonction la mesure de la variation de l’obliquité de l’écliptique. C’est cette mesure que nous étudions ici, par l’examen inédit d’une partie des registres manuscrits de l’Observatoire, dans lesquels sont consignées toutes les observations réalisées jusqu’à la fin du xviii e siècle. Les vingt-cinq années de mesures qui nous intéressent ici (1730-1755) n’ont encore jamais donné lieu à publication. Elles constituent un matériau précieux, inexploité à ce jour, qui nous permet d’appréhender pleinement les aspects métrologiques et historiques de la ligne méridienne de l’Observatoire de Paris.
Quand la psychologie détaille les forces du psychisme : Épistémologie et histoire du concept d’« effort volontaire » du début du xixe siècle au milieu du xxe
Authors: Seignan Gérard
Published: November 2014

Au début du xix e siècle, la philosophie de l’âme fournit des arguments aux psychologues qui, à la fin de ce siècle, réfléchissent sur les faits de conscience. Ils mettent alors en évidence les caractéristiques psychophysiologiques de l’« effort volontaire », force psychique qu’ils insèrent dans une phénoménologie de l’agir. Dans la première moitié du xx e siècle, de nouveaux discours reformulent la trame conceptuelle élaborée au siècle précédent et les psychologues, attentifs aux procédures adaptatives de l’énergétique humaine, livrent un autre mode de lisibilité de l’effort quand celui-ci représente, avant tout, un combat pour (sur)vivre.
Prêter serment de fidélité et de loyauté au métier
Authors: Gevertz Laure
Published: November 2014

L’article se propose d’étudier le rôle joué par le serment dans le développement et l’organisation des corps de métier londoniens à la fin du Moyen Âge et dans les rapports entretenus par ces derniers avec les pouvoirs urbains. S’il constitue un instrument efficace pour créer une véritable solidarité et une cohésion au sein du groupe professionnel, le serment sert également de support à la création d’une législation interne à laquelle tous sans exception jurent de se soumettre. Cependant, cette pratique doit se concilier et s’articuler avec les différentes marques d’allégeance qui unissent les habitants de la cité et s’intégrer dans l’ordre juridique urbain pour affirmer sa légitimité. Le serment se situe donc au-delà du simple rituel d’adhésion, il met en jeu l’honneur et la respectabilité de celui qui le prononce. Loin de n’être qu’un simple marqueur pragmatique dépourvu d’effets réels, il agit comme un véritable signe de reconnaissance et participe à définir l’identité et la place des individus à l’intérieur des différentes communautés auxquelles ils appartiennent.
Servir le prince et garder la loi de la ville
Authors: Santamaria Jean-Baptiste
Published: November 2014

Durant les derniers siècles du Moyen Âge, les officiers du prince dans les Pays-Bas du sud étaient surtout présents dans des villes puissantes exigeant le respect de leur autonomie. Lorsque les relations bureaucratiques se structurèrent de plus en plus fortement au sein de l’État bourguignon, l’administration mit en avant l’usage du serment au prince, longtemps peu employé, alors que les officiers prêtaient déjà serment aux villes. Le renouveau du serment permit de mieux définir l’office, placé sous le contrôle religieux des évêques qui délivraient les nécessaires dispenses. Cette évolution montre également la manière dont le prince délégua à ses agents un pouvoir indivisible, qu’il soit lié à la justice, l’administration ou les finances, un pouvoir intimement lié à sa dimension chrétienne. Dans le même temps, ce mouvement mettait les officiers dans une situation difficile de duplicité, tant les intérêts du prince et de ses villes divergeaient.
Passage à Bruxelles et structuration nationale de l'intérêt européen au sein du CNPF
Authors: Morival Yohann
Published: November 2014

Alors que la prise en charge des questions européennes par les groupes d’intérêt économiques est souvent présentée comme automatique, cet article analyse les dynamiques de structuration d’une catégorie « Europe » au sein du Conseil national du patronat français (CNPF). Loin d’être consensuelle, la prise en charge des premiers projets d’intégration européenne au sein du CNPF est l’objet de tensions entre plusieurs dirigeants. L’émergence d’organisations patronales européennes, et notamment de l’UNICE, fournit un ensemble de ressources et de contraintes ensuite mobilisées au sein du CNPF. Saisir la structuration de l’intérêt européen implique alors d’articuler le fonctionnement de la confédération patronale française aux différents espaces où se construit l’objet européen.
L'expérience de la municipalité de Rimouski-Neigette pour favoriser la réussite de l'entrée scolaire des enfants : une réalisation du dispositif COSMOSS
Authors: Levesque Jean-Yves , Castonguay Alain , Decoret Ludovic , Simard Raymonde , Bouchard Jean-Marie
Published: November 2014

Cet article présente une expérience développée dans la municipalité Rimouski-Neigette (région du sud-est du Québec) où les pouvoirs politiques, pédagogiques et scientifiques se sont associés pour favoriser la réussite de l’entrée scolaire des enfants au préscolaire en reconnaissant surtout les parents comme étant les partenaires essentiels et la famille comme le premier lieu d’éducation. Cette démarche de recherche-action illustre et s’appuie sur le projet COSMOSS (Communauté ouverte et solidaire pour un monde outillé, scolarisé et en santé), regroupement régional et local crée en 2004 qui vise la concertation des gestionnaires des divers services du milieu pour organiser autour des jeunes un réseau solide de soutien et pour faciliter leur développement et leur intégration sociale.
Collaborative Progress in Citation Networks
Authors: De Langhe Rogier
Published: December 2014

Philosophical theories of scientific progress are typically disconnected from citation data because a citation to a paper does not necessarily justify the content of the cited paper. Citation data can however be used to test whether scientific contributions coevolve and as such discriminate indirectly between the two main theories of scientific progress: cumulative and non-cumulative progress. This chapter presents this novel approach. First, agent-based models are used to discover essential differences between both patterns of progress. The systematic exploration they allow of their respective entailments reveals four conflicting empirical predictions. These could in principle be tested against citation data, thus operationalizing two important philosophical conceptions of progress. The proposed approach relies heavily on two recent developments, the use of agent-based modeling in philosophy and the availability of vast citation datasets. The research program it suggests offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between descriptions of science and explanations of why it is successful.
Beyond Learning
Authors: Corleto Andrea , Tomassetti Veronica
Published: December 2014

The chapter analyzes the theme of collaboration in scientific research through Web 2.0 IT tools and a constructivist approach to knowledge, learning, and e-learning. It analyzes, in particular, the case of Sulcis CCS Summer School. Organized by ENEA, Sotacarbo, and the University of Cagliari, the school provided information and materials on technological aspects of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This work might become the model for a new approach to education and research thanks to collaborative learning using the LMS Moodle. In this case study, the construction of knowledge moves from a teacher-centered model to one based on a community of practice. This model is naturally a “prototype,” an experiment in progress, that needs to be refined through further experiences.
Collaborative Knowledge in Catchment Research Networks
Authors: Macleod Christopher (Kit) J. A.
Published: December 2014

Catchments are increasingly used to structure collaborative knowledge to advance understanding and management of terrestrial and freshwater natural resources. To produce collaborative knowledge of catchment systems requires greater levels of integrative research based on networks of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. To enable increased levels of integrative research depends on development and application of digital technologies to improve collection, use, and sharing of data, and devising new knowledge infrastructures. Catchment observatories that integrate existing and novel physical, social, and digital networks of knowledge infrastructures are urgently needed. This chapter presents three leading international examples of collaborative networks of catchment researchers. In particular, the digital infrastructures they have developed to support collaborative knowledge in catchment research networks. This chapter provides future research directions required for the production, sharing, and use of collaborative knowledge in catchment research networks based on catchment systems science.
Extravascular Red Blood Cells and Hemoglobin Promote Tumor Growth and Therapeutic Resistance as Endogenous Danger Signals
Authors: Yin Tao , He Sisi , Liu Xiaoling , Jiang Wei , Ye Tinghong , Lin Ziqiang , Sang Yaxiong , Su Chao , Wan Yang , Shen Guobo , Ma Xuelei , Yu Min , Guo Fuchun , Liu Yanyang , Li Ling , Hu Qiancheng , Wang Yongsheng , Wei Yuquan
Published: November 2014

Hemorrhage is a common clinical manifestation in patients with cancer. Intratumor hemorrhage has been demonstrated to be a poor prognostic factor for cancer patients. In this study, we investigated the role of RBCs and hemoglobin (Hb) in the process of tumor progression and therapeutical response. RBCs and Hb potently promoted tumor cell proliferation and syngenic tumor growth. RBCs and Hb activated the reactive oxygen species–NF-κB pathway in both tumor cells and macrophages. RBCs and Hb also induced chemoresistance mediated, in part, by upregulating ABCB1 gene expression. Tumor growth induced by RBCs was accompanied by an inflammatory signature, increased tumor vasculature, and influx of M2 macrophages. In both the peritoneal cavity and tumor microenvironment, extravascular RBCs rapidly recruited monocyte–macrophages into the lesion sites. In addition, RBCs and Hb increased several nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptors' expression and induced IL-1β release. Our results provide novel insights into the protumor function of RBCs and Hb as endogenous danger signals, which can promote tumor cell proliferation, macrophage recruitment, and polarization. Hemorrhage may represent a useful prognostic factor for cancer patients because of its role in tumor promotion and chemoresistance.
MHC-Mismatched Mixed Chimerism Mediates Thymic Deletion of Cross-Reactive Autoreactive T Cells and Prevents Insulitis in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Racine Jeremy J. , Zhang Mingfeng , Wang Miao , Morales William , Shen Christine , Zeng Defu
Published: November 2014

Type 1 diabetic NOD mice have defects in both thymic negative selection and peripheral regulation of autoreactive T cells, and induction of mixed chimerism can effectively reverse these defects. Our recent studies suggest that MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism mediates negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes in wild-type NOD and TCR-transgenic NOD.Rag1+/+.BDC2.5 mice. However, it remains unknown how mismatched I-Ab MHC class II can mediate deletion of autoreactive T cells positively selected by I-Ag7. In the present study, we directly tested the hypothesis that mismatched MHC class II in mixed chimeras mediates deletion of cross-reactive autoreactive thymocytes. We first identify that transgenic BDC2.5 T cells from NOD.Rag1+/+.BDC2.5 but not NOD.Rag1−/−.BDC2.5 mice possess cross-reactive TCRs with endogenous TCRα-chains; MHC-mismatched H-2b but not matched H-2g7 mixed chimerism mediates thymic deletion of the cross-reactive transgenic T cells in NOD.Rag1+/+.BDC2.5 mice. Second, by transplanting T cell–depleted (TCD) bone marrow (BM) cells from NOD.Rag1+/+.BDC2.5 or NOD.Rag1−/−.BDC2.5 mice into lethally irradiated MHC-mismatched H-2b C57BL/6 or MHC-matched congenic B6.H-2g7 recipients, we demonstrate that NOD.Rag1+/+.BDC2.5 BM-derived cross-reactive transgenic T cells, but not NOD.Rag1−/−.BDC2.5 BM-derived non–cross-reactive transgenic T cells, can be positively selected in MHC-mismatched H-2b thymus. Third, by cotransplanting NOD.Rag1+/+.BDC2.5 TCD BM cells with BM cells from MHC-mismatched T cell–deficient C57BL/6 mice into lethally irradiated MHC-matched B6.H-2g7 recipients, we demonstrate that thymic deletion of the cross-reactive transgenic T cells is dependent on MHC-mismatched donor BM-derived APCs but not on donor BM-derived T cells. Taken together, our studies indicate that MHC-mismatched mixed chimerism can mediate thymic deletion of cross-reactive autoreactive T cells that express more than one TCR.
A Brief Exposure to Tryptase or Thrombin Potentiates Fibrocyte Differentiation in the Presence of Serum or Serum Amyloid P
Authors: White Michael J. V. , Galvis-Carvajal Elkin , Gomer Richard H.
Published: November 2014

A key question in both wound healing and fibrosis is the trigger for the initial formation of scar tissue. To help form scar tissue, circulating monocytes enter the tissue and differentiate into fibroblast-like cells called fibrocytes, but fibrocyte differentiation is strongly inhibited by the plasma protein serum amyloid P (SAP), and healthy tissues contain very few fibrocytes. In wounds and fibrotic lesions, mast cells degranulate to release tryptase, and thrombin mediates blood clotting in early wounds. Tryptase and thrombin are upregulated in wound healing and fibrotic lesions, and inhibition of these proteases attenuates fibrosis. We report that tryptase and thrombin potentiate human fibrocyte differentiation at biologically relevant concentrations and exposure times, even in the presence of concentrations of serum and SAP that normally completely inhibit fibrocyte differentiation. Fibrocyte potentiation by thrombin and tryptase is mediated by protease-activated receptors 1 and 2, respectively. Together, these results suggest that tryptase and thrombin may be an initial trigger to override SAP inhibition of fibrocyte differentiation to initiate scar tissue formation.
Factors influencing treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients in Limpopo Province, South Africa, from 2006 to 2010: A retrospective study
Authors: Gafar Mohammed M. , Nyazema Norman Z. , Dambisya Yoswa M.
Published: November 2014

Background: South Africa has a high burden of tuberculosis (TB), with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-TB co-infection rates and the emergence of multidrugresistant TB.Objectives: To describe treatment outcomes and factors influencing outcomes amongst pulmonary TB (PTB) patients in the Limpopo Province.Method: A retrospective review was conducted of data on the provincial electronic TB register (ETR.net) for the years 2006 to 2010 (inclusive), and a random sample of 1200 records was selected for further analysis. The Chi square test was used to examine the influence of age, gender, health facility level, diagnostic category and treatment regimen on treatment outcomes.Results: Overall 90 617 (54.6% male) PTB patients were registered between 2006 and 2010. Of the sampled 1200 TB cases, 72.6% were in persons aged 22 to 55 years and 86.2% were new cases. The TB mortality rate was 13.6% (much higher than the World Health Organization target of 3%), whilst the default rate was 9.8%. There was a strong association between age (P < 0.001), diagnostic category (P < 0.001), treatment regimen (P < 0.001), and health facility level (P < 0.001) and treatment outcome. Those aged 22–55, and 56–74 years were more likely to die (P < 0.05). Poor treatment outcomes were also associated with initial treatment failure, receiving treatment at hospital and treatment regimen II.Conclusion: The poor TB treatment outcomes in Limpopo, characterised by a high mortality and default rates, call for strengthening of the TB control programme, which should include integration of HIV and/or AIDS and TB services.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and skills of registered nurses in Botswana
Authors: Rajeswaran Lakshmi , Ehlers Valerie J.
Published: December 2014

Background: In Botswana nurses provide most health care in the primary, secondary and tertiary level clinics and hospitals. Trauma and medical emergencies are on the increase, and nurses should have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge and skills in order to be able to implement effective interventions in cardiac arrest situations.Objective: The objective of this descriptive study was to assess registered nurses’ CPR knowledge and skills.Method: A pre-test, intervention and re-test time-series research design was adopted, and data were collected from 102 nurses from the 2 referral hospitals in Botswana. A multiple choice questionnaire and checklist were used to collect data.Results: All nurses failed the pre-test. Their knowledge and skills improved after training, but deteriorated over the three months until the post-test was conducted.Conclusion: The significantly low levels of registered nurses’ CPR skills in Botswana should be addressed by instituting country-wide CPR training and regular refresher courses.
Total rewards: A study of artisan attraction and retention within a South African context
Authors: Schlechter Anton , Faught Charl , Bussin Mark
Published: November 2014

Orientation: The shortage of artisan skills remains a serious challenge in South Africa andis forcing employers to investigate which total reward factors contribute to the attractionand retention of this critical skills segment, as undifferentiated retention strategies are nolonger useful or even appropriate.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to further develop understanding of the total rewardfactors and the ideal combination and relative amount of total rewards that attract and retainartisans, including artisans from various race groups and age cohorts, using a novel approach.Motivation for the study: Limited research is available on the total reward factors and theideal combination and relative amount of total rewards that attract and retain artisans. Furtherknowledge in this area will allow organisations to develop reward models that better attractand retain artisans.Method: The study followed both a quantitative and qualitative research approach,whilst adopting a descriptive research design. Using this mixed method, primary datawere collected from individuals by means of two focus groups discussions: (1) a groupof human resource and remuneration managers (n = 4) and (2) a group of artisans (n = 7).These results were used to develop two questionnaires that were distributed to artisans (n = 143). Data from Questionnaire 1 were analysed using descriptive statistics and factoranalysis. Conjoint analysis was employed to identify an ideal total rewards compositionbased on responses from Questionnaire 2.Main findings: The results of the choice-based modelling (conjoint analysis) revealed thatthree total rewards attributes were consistently deemed to be important in the retention ofartisans. These were (in order of priority): environment (work-life balance), compensation(level) and compensation (variable). Environment (work-life balance) was considered14.64% more important than compensation (level) within the overall sample as well aswithin the race and age cohorts.Practical/managerial implications: The identification of both the combination and relativeamount of total rewards that attract and retain artisans will allow organisations to createdifferentiated retention strategies.Contribution: The current study succeeded in identifying the total rewards and the idealcomposition of total rewards that attract and retain artisans, including artisans from variousdemographic groups (race and various age cohorts). This was done using a method thatassessed the psychological trade-offs people make when choosing between options ratherthan just asking them how desirable each of these factors are. This novel approach and theoutcomes thereof add to the body of literature on total reward and talent management.
Parieto-temporal pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in a black African child
Authors: Musara Aaron , Kalangu Kazadi , Dzowa Maximillan , Muteweye Wilfred , Mutasa Rudo
Published: November 2014

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare cerebral tumor, accounting for <1% of all astrocytic neoplasms. PXA, usually, has a favorable prognosis in spite of what might be suggested from the ominous microscopic appearance. There is no literature immediately available on the black population for this tumor. Management is by surgical resection. The ideal is gross total resection, which offers an excellent prognosis. This disease condition has not been reported in the black population. The following is a presentation of a case report in a black African girl, followed by a review of the literature.
Post ventriculoperitoneal shunt abdominal pseudocyst: Challenges posed in management
Authors: Hamid Raashid , Baba Aejaz , Bhat Nisar , Mufti Gowhar , Mir Younis , Sajad Wani
Published: November 2014

Background: In patients with hydrocephalus, the abdominal cavity has been used for absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) since 1905. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt operation is followed by abdominal complications in about 5-47% cases. Abdominal CSF pseudo cyst is an uncommon, but well described complication. Aim: This survey was conducted to study the clinical profile and management of this entity. We present our experience with cases of CSF pseudo cyst in children. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 4 cases diagnosed to have abdominal pseudo cyst following VP shunt between 2008 and 2013. All the four cases were suspected clinically and diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. Results: In three patients, the cyst was multilocular and of varying size. Fourth one had a unilocular cyst at the lower end of VP shunt. All the four patients had features of varying degree raised intracranial pressure and a two patients had abdominal signs also. All the patients needed open exploration. Cyst fluid was drained and partial to complete excision of the cyst was done along with the repositioning of the shunt in abdominal cavity in three patients and exteriorization of shunt in one patient. Patients were followed for any further complication over a period of 1-year. Conclusion: Abdominal pseudo cyst is a rare complication after VP Shunt and could result in shunt malfunction or abdominal symptoms and signs. Whenever suspected it should be confirmed by imaging, followed by open exploration and repositioning of the shunt.
Tranexamic acid may be beneficial for difficult hemostasis following tumor resection in neurosurgical patients: A personal experience
Authors: Bhagat Hemant , Kumar Bhupesh , Garg Neha , Chhabra Rajesh
Published: November 2014

Neurosurgeons may find themself in a precarious situation, while unable to secure hemostasis following tumor resection. Use of tranexamic acid was helpful in our patient to secure complete hemostasis in one such event of uncontrollable bleeding.
Intracranial hemorrhage from giant aneurysm in pregnancy: A rare association
Authors: Mehrotra Manasi , Mehrotra Anant , Nair Anup , Srivastava Arun , Sahu Rabi , Pradhan Mandakini , Kumar Raj
Published: November 2014

We report a case of giant aneurysm causing subarachnoid hemorrhage in a pregnant female. A 25-year-old female presented with sudden onset of severe headache and vomiting with altered sensorium and right hemiplegia. On investigation, she had a giant supraclinoid segment internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. She was planned for digital substraction angiography, but during the procedure she deteriorated neurologically and went into spontaneous labor. The baby was a male child with weight of 1.1 kg. She was taken up for surgery and aneurysm was clipped. We discuss the rare occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage in pregnancy due to a giant ICA aneurysm.
Neuroendoscopy - Is it safe?
Authors: Panigrahi Manas , Gupta Bharat , Reddy Rajesh
Published: November 2014

Background: The effect of heat in endoscopic instruments used for laparoscopy and hysteroscopy has been well-studied. Reports of thermal injury from nasal endoscopes have also been reported. However, there are no experimental studies, which have objectively documented and provided recommendations for safe use of endoscopes in neurosurgery. Objectives: To study the heat generated at the tip of the endoscope and the subsequent thermal damage caused to a cotton drape placed in proximity, by varying the intensity of light delivered through different optical cables, ambient (operating room) temperatures and working distances. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the operation theater using a 300 watt xenon light source connected to the endoscope with 3.5 mm and 4.8 mm optical cables. A digital thermometer was used to record the heat generated at the tip of the endoscope. Results: The heat generated at the tip of the endoscope reached its peak in the first 6 min and attained a plateau at 15 min after turning on a light source of 60% intensity. Thermal injury to the cotton drape took a longer time with a 3.8 mm cable compared with 4.8 mm cable. The heat generated at the tip of the endoscope, and thereby the thermal injury caused was found to be lower when the ambient temperature was close to 20°C. Conclusions: Complications related to thermal injuries caused by heat generated at the tip of an endoscope can be reduced by using a smaller diameter cable, light intensity of 60%, increasing the working distance (as permissible), reducing the time spent for dissection while keeping the endoscope very close to the target and lowering the ambient temperature to 20°C.
Neglected knowledge: Asymmetric features of lumbar disc disease
Authors: Kanat Ayhan , Yazar Ugur , Ozdemir Bulent , Kazdal Hizir , Balik Mehmet
Published: November 2014

Background: Lumbar disc herniations have been extensively studied in the literature. Asymmetric trunk muscle anatomy could affect the development of this entity which has never been quantitatively studied previously. The purpose of this manuscript was to analyze the operated sides of herniated lumbar disc. Materials and Methods: Data files of patients with lumbar disc herniation operated in author's hospital between January 2007 and March 2009 were analyzed. Results: In operated side analysis, discectomy side was 53% on the left side, 40% on the right side, the difference between two sides was statistically significant. Conclusion: The asymmetric distribution may be a significant factor in the development and surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniations.
Giant convexity chondroma with dural involvement: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Raju Venkatesh , Raman Raju , Shanmugasundaram Balamurugan , Kochikaran Indunesh
Published: November 2014

Intracranial chondromas are rare benign cartilaginous tumors arising usually from the skull base. We present a case of giant chondroma with dural attachment. Imaging modalities and management pearls are discussed. A brief review of literature is also presented.
Differential absorption radar techniques: surface pressure
Authors: Millán L. , Lebsock M. , Livesey N. , Tanelli S. , Stephens G.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Two radar pulses sent at different frequencies near the 60 GHz O2 absorption band can be used to determine surface pressure by measuring the differential absorption on and off the band. Results of inverting synthetic data assuming an airborne radar are presented. The analysis includes the effects of temperature, water vapor, and hydrometeors, as well as particle size distributions and surface backscatter uncertainties. Results show that an airborne radar (with sensitivity of −20 and 0.05 dBZ speckle and relative calibration uncertainties) can estimate surface pressure with a precision of ~ 1.0 hPa and accuracy better than 1.0 hPa for clear-sky and cloudy conditions and better than 3.5 hPa for precipitating conditions. Generally, accuracy would be around 0.5 and 2 hPa for non-precipitating and precipitating conditions, respectively.
MISR research-aerosol-algorithm refinements for dark water retrievals
Authors: Limbacher J. A. , Kahn R. A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. We explore systematically the cumulative effect of many assumptions made in the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) research aerosol retrieval algorithm with the aim of quantifying the main sources of uncertainty over ocean, and correcting them to the extent possible. A total of 1129 coincident, surface-based sun photometer spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements are used for validation. Based on comparisons between these data and our baseline case (similar to the MISR standard algorithm, but without the "modified linear mixing" approximation), for 558 nm AOD < 0.10, a high bias of 0.024 is reduced by about one-third when (1) ocean surface under-light is included and the assumed whitecap reflectance at 672 nm is increased, (2) physically based adjustments in particle microphysical properties and mixtures are made, (3) an adaptive pixel selection method is used, (4) spectral reflectance uncertainty is estimated from vicarious calibration, and (5) minor radiometric calibration changes are made for the 672 and 866 nm channels. Applying (6) more stringent cloud screening (setting the maximum fraction not-clear to 0.50) brings all median spectral biases to about 0.01. When all adjustments except more stringent cloud screening are applied, and a modified acceptance criterion is used, the Root-Mean-Square-Error (RMSE) decreases for all wavelengths by 8–27% for the research algorithm relative to the baseline, and is 12–36% lower than the RMSE for the Version 22 MISR standard algorithm (SA, with no adjustments applied). At 558 nm, 87% of AOD data falls within the greater of 0.05 or 20% of validation values; 62% of the 446 nm AOD data, and > 68% of 558, 672, and 866 nm AOD values fall within the greater of 0.03 or 10%. For the Ångström exponent (ANG), 67% of 1119 validation cases for AOD > 0.01 fall within 0.275 of the sun photometer values, compared to 49% for the SA. ANG RMSE decreases by 17% compared to the SA, and the median absolute error drops by 36%.
Large methyl halide emissions from south Texas salt marshes
Authors: Rhew R. C. , Whelan M. E. , Min D.-H.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Coastal salt marshes are natural sources of methyl chloride (CH3Cl) and methyl bromide (CH3Br) to the atmosphere, but measured emission rates vary widely by geography. Here we report large methyl halide fluxes from subtropical salt marshes of south Texas. Sites with the halophytic plant, Batis maritima, emitted methyl halides at rates that are orders of magnitude greater than sites containing other vascular plants or macroalgae. B. maritima emissions were generally highest at midday; however, diurnal variability was more pronounced for CH3Br than CH3Cl, and surprisingly high nighttime CH3Cl fluxes were observed in July. Seasonal and intra-site variability were large, even taking into account biomass differences. Overall, these subtropical salt marsh sites show much higher emission rates than temperate salt marshes at similar times of the year, supporting the contention that low-latitude salt marshes are significant sources of CH3Cl and CH3Br.
From land use to land cover: restoring the afforestation signal in a coupled integrated assessment–earth system model and the implications for CMIP5 RCP simulations
Authors: Di Vittorio A. V. , Chini L. P. , Bond-Lamberty B. , Mao J. , Shi X. , Truesdale J. , Craig A. , Calvin K. , Jones A. , Collins W. D. , Edmonds J. , Hurtt G. C. , Thornton P. , Thomson A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Climate projections depend on scenarios of fossil fuel emissions and land use change, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR5 parallel process assumes consistent climate scenarios across integrated assessment and earth system models (IAMs and ESMs). The CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5) project used a novel "land use harmonization" based on the Global Land use Model (GLM) to provide ESMs with consistent 1500–2100 land use trajectories generated by historical data and four IAMs. A direct coupling of the Global Change Assessment Model (GCAM), GLM, and the Community ESM (CESM) has allowed us to characterize and partially address a major gap in the CMIP5 land coupling design: the lack of a corresponding land cover harmonization. For RCP4.5, CESM global afforestation is only 22% of GCAM's 2005 to 2100 afforestation. Likewise, only 17% of GCAM's 2040 afforestation, and zero pasture loss, were transmitted to CESM within the directly coupled model. This is a problem because GCAM relied on afforestation to achieve RCP4.5 climate stabilization. GLM modifications and sharing forest area between GCAM and GLM within the directly coupled model did not increase CESM afforestation. Modifying the land use translator in addition to GLM, however, enabled CESM to include 66% of GCAM's afforestation in 2040, and 94% of GCAM's pasture loss as grassland and shrubland losses. This additional afforestation increases CESM vegetation carbon gain by 19 PgC and decreases atmospheric CO2 gain by 8 ppmv from 2005 to 2040, which demonstrates that CESM without additional afforestation simulates a different RCP4.5 scenario than prescribed by GCAM. Similar land cover inconsistencies exist in other CMIP5 model results, primarily because land cover information is not shared between models. Further work to harmonize land cover among models will be required to increase fidelity between IAM scenarios and ESM simulations and realize the full potential of scenario-based earth system simulations.
Biogeographic classification of the Caspian Sea
Authors: Fendereski F. , Vogt M. , Payne M. R. , Lachkar Z. , Gruber N. , Salmanmahiny A. , Hosseini S. A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Like other inland seas, the Caspian Sea (CS) has been influenced by climate change and anthropogenic disturbance during recent decades, yet the scientific understanding of this water body remains poor. In this study, an eco-geographical classification of the CS based on physical information derived from space and in situ data is developed and tested against a set of biological observations. We used a two-step classification procedure, consisting of (i) a data reduction with self-organizing maps (SOMs) and (ii) a synthesis of the most relevant features into a reduced number of marine ecoregions using the hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC) method. From an initial set of 12 potential physical variables, 6 independent variables were selected for the classification algorithm, i.e., sea surface temperature (SST), bathymetry, sea ice, seasonal variation of sea surface salinity (DSSS), total suspended matter (TSM) and its seasonal variation (DTSM). The classification results reveal a robust separation between the northern and the middle/southern basins as well as a separation of the shallow nearshore waters from those offshore. The observed patterns in ecoregions can be attributed to differences in climate and geochemical factors such as distance from river, water depth and currents. A comparison of the annual and monthly mean Chl a concentrations between the different ecoregions shows significant differences (one-way ANOVA, P < 0.05). In particular, we found differences in phytoplankton phenology, with differences in the date of bloom initiation, its duration and amplitude between ecoregions. A first qualitative evaluation of differences in community composition based on recorded presence–absence patterns of 25 different species of plankton, fish and benthic invertebrate also confirms the relevance of the ecoregions as proxies for habitats with common biological characteristics.
Quantification of iron-rich volcanogenic dust emissions and deposition over the ocean from Icelandic dust sources
Authors: Arnalds O. , Olafsson H. , Dagsson-Waldhauserova P.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Iceland has extremely active dust sources that result in large-scale emissions and deposition on land and at sea. The dust has a volcanogenic origin of basaltic composition with about 10% Fe content. We used two independent methods to quantify dust emission from Iceland and dust deposition at sea. Firstly, the aerial extent (map) of deposition on land was extended to ocean areas around Iceland. Secondly, surveys of the number of dust events over the past decades and calculations of emissions and sea deposition for the dust storms were made. The results show that total emissions range from 30.5 (dust-event-based calculation) to 40.1 million t yr−1 (map calculation), which places Iceland among the most active dust sources on Earth. Ocean deposition ranges between 5.5 (dust event calculations) and 13.8 million tons (map calculation). Calculated iron deposition from Icelandic dust ranges between 0.567 and 1.4 million tons, which are distributed over wide areas (>370 000 km2) and consist of fine reactive volcanic materials. The paper provides the first quantitative estimate of total dust emissions and oceanic deposition from Iceland. Iron is a limiting nutrient for primary production in the oceans around Iceland, and the dust is likely to affect Fe levels in Icelandic ocean waters.
Evidence for a three-phase sequence during Heinrich Stadial 4 using a multiproxy approach based on Greenland ice core records
Authors: Guillevic M. , Bazin L. , Landais A. , Stowasser C. , Masson-Delmotte V. , Blunier T. , Eynaud F. , Falourd S. , Michel E. , Minster B. , Popp T. , Prié F. , Vinther B. M.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Glacial climate was characterised by two types of abrupt events. Greenland ice cores record Dansgaard–Oeschger events, marked by abrupt warming in-between cold, stadial phases. Six of these stadials appear related to major Heinrich events (HEs), identified from ice-rafted debris (IRD) and large excursions in carbon- and oxygen-stable isotopic ratios in North Atlantic deep sea sediments, documenting major ice sheet collapse events. This finding has led to the paradigm that glacial cold events are induced by the response of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation to such massive freshwater inputs, supported by sensitivity studies conducted with climate models of various complexities. These models also simulate synchronous Greenland temperature and lower-latitude hydrological changes. To investigate the sequence of events between climate changes at low latitudes and in Greenland, we provide here the first 17O-excess record from a Greenland ice core during Dansgaard–Oeschger events 7 to 13, encompassing H4 and H5. Combined with other ice core proxy records, our new 17O-excess data set demonstrates that stadials are generally characterised by low 17O-excess levels compared to interstadials. This can be interpreted as synchronous change of high-latitude temperature and lower-latitude hydrological cycle (relative humidity at the oceanic source of evaporation or change in the water mass trajectory/recharge) and/or an influence of local temperature on 17O-excess through kinetic effect at snow formation. As an exception from this general pattern, stadial 9 consists of three phases, characterised first by Greenland cooling during 550 ± 60 years (as shown by markers of Greenland temperature δ18O and δ15N), followed by a specific lower-latitude fingerprint as identified from several proxy records (abrupt decrease in 17O-excess, increase in CO2 and methane mixing ratio, heavier δD-CH4 and δ18Oatm), lasting 740 ± 60 years, itself ending approximately 390 ± 50 years prior to abrupt Greenland warming. We hypothesise that this lower-latitude signal may be the fingerprint of Heinrich event 4 in Greenland ice cores. The proposed decoupling between stable cold Greenland temperature and low-latitude climate variability identified for stadial 9 provides new targets for benchmarking climate model simulations and testing mechanisms associated with millennial variability.
The effect of flow and orography on the spatial distribution of the very short-term predictability of rainfall from composite radar images
Authors: Foresti L. , Seed A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The spatial distribution and scale dependence of the very short-term predictability of precipitation by Lagrangian persistence of composite radar images is studied under different flow regimes in connection with the presence of orographic features. Data from the weather radar composite of eastern Victoria, Australia, a 500 × 500 km2 domain at 10 min temporal and 2 × 2 km2 spatial resolutions, covering the period from February 2011 to October 2012, were used for the analyses. The scale dependence of the predictability of precipitation is considered by decomposing the radar rainfall field into an eight-level multiplicative cascade using a fast Fourier transform. The rate of temporal development of precipitation in Lagrangian coordinates is estimated at each level of the cascade under different flow regimes, which are stratified by applying a k-means clustering algorithm on the diagnosed velocity fields. The predictability of precipitation is measured by its lifetime, which is derived by integrating the Lagrangian auto-correlation function. The lifetimes were found to depend on the scale of the feature as a power law, which is known as dynamic scaling, and to vary as a function of flow regime. The lifetimes also exhibit significant spatial variability and are approximately a factor of 2 longer on the upwind compared with the downwind slopes of terrain features. The scaling exponent of the spatial power spectrum also shows interesting geographical differences. These findings provide opportunities to perform spatially inhomogeneous stochastic simulations of space–time precipitation to account for the presence of orography, which may be integrated into design storm simulations and stochastic precipitation nowcasting systems.
Comparison of LSS-IV and LISS-III+LISS-IV merged data for classification of crops
Authors: Hebbar R. , Sesha Sai M. V. R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Resourcesat-1 satellite with its unique capability of simultaneous acquisition of multispectral images at different spatial resolutions (AWiFS, LISS-III and LISS-IV MX / Mono) has immense potential for crop inventory. The present study was carried for selection of suitable LISS-IV MX band for data fusion and its evaluation for delineation different crops in a multi-cropped area. Image fusion techniques namely intensity hue saturation (IHS), principal component analysis (PCA), brovey, high pass filter (HPF) and wavelet methods were used for merging LISS-III and LISS-IV Mono data. The merged products were evaluated visually and through universal image quality index, ERGAS and classification accuracy. The study revealed that red band of LISS-IV MX data was found to be optimal band for merging with LISS-III data in terms of maintaining both spectral and spatial information and thus, closely matching with multispectral LISS-IVMX data. Among the five data fusion techniques, wavelet method was found to be superior in retaining image quality and higher classification accuracy compared to commonly used methods of IHS, PCA and Brovey. The study indicated that LISS-IV data in mono mode with wider swath of 70 km could be exploited in place of 24km LISS-IVMX data by selection of appropriate fusion techniques by acquiring monochromatic data in the red band.
Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar data for Crop Cover Classification
Authors: Ramana K. V. , Srikanth P. , Deepika U. , Sesha Sai M. V. R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The interest in crop inventory through the use of microwave sensors is on the rise owing to need for accurate crop forecast and the availability of multi polarization data. Till recently, the temporal amplitude data has been used for crop discrimination as well as acreage estimation. With the availability of dual and quadpol data, the differential response of crop geometry at various crop growth stages to various polarizations is being exploited for discrimination and classification of crops. An attempt has been made in the current study with RISAT1 and Radarsat2 C-band single, dual, fully and hybrid polarimetric data for crop inventory. The single date hybrid polarimetric data gave comparable results to the three date single polarization data as well as with the single date fully polarimetric data for crops like rice and cotton.