bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of the Large O vi Columns around Low-redshift L∗ Galaxies
Authors: McQuinn Matthew , Werk Jessica K.
Published: January 2018

Observations reveal massive amounts of O vi around star-forming L
* galaxies, with covering fractions of near unity extending to the host halo’s virial radius. This O vi absorption is typically kinematically centered upon photoionized gas, with line widths that are suprathermal and kinematically offset from the galaxy. We discuss various scenarios and whether they could result in the observed phenomenology (cooling gas flows, boundary layers, shocks, virialized gas). If collisionally ionized, as we argue is most probable, the O vi observations require that the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of L
* galaxies holds nearly all of the associated baryons within a virial radius (

) and hosts massive flows of cooling gas with

, which must be largely prevented from accreting onto the host galaxy. Cooling and feedback energetics considerations require

cm−3 K for the warm and hot halo gases. We argue that virialized gas, boundary layers, hot winds, and shocks are unlikely to directly account for the bulk of the O vi. Furthermore, we show that there is a robust constraint on the number density of many of the photoionized

absorption systems that yields upper bounds in the range

cm−3, suggesting that the dominant pressure in some photoionized clouds is nonthermal. This constraint is in accordance with the low densities inferred from more complex photoionization modeling. The large amount of cooling gas that is inferred could re-form these clouds in a fraction of the halo dynamical time, and it requires much of the feedback energy available from supernovae to be dissipated in the CGM.
Prospects for Backtracing 1I/‘Oumuamua and Future Interstellar Objects
Authors: Zhang Qicheng
Published: January 2018

1I/‘Oumuamua is the first of likely many small bodies of extrasolar origin to be found in the solar system. These interstellar objects (ISOs) are hypothesized to have formed in extrasolar planetary systems prior to being ejected into interstellar space and subsequently arriving at the solar system. This paper discusses necessary considerations for tracing ISOs back to their parent stars via trajectory analysis and places approximate limits on doing so. Results indicate that the capability to backtrace ISOs beyond the immediate solar neighborhood is presently constrained by the quality of stellar astrometry, a factor poised for significant improvement with upcoming Gaia data releases. Nonetheless, prospects for linking 1I or any other ISO to their respective parent stars appear unfavorable on an individual basis due to gravitational scattering from random stellar encounters, which limit traceability to the past few tens of millions of years. These results, however, do not preclude the possibility of occasional success, particularly after considering the potential for observational bias favoring the discovery of younger ISOs, together with the anticipated rise in the ISO discovery rate under forthcoming surveys.
Segmental Erythema Multiforme-Like Drug Eruption by Aromatase Inhibitor Anastrozole – First Case Report and another Example of an Immunocompromised District
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Schönlebe Jacqueline , Heinig Birgit , Tchernev Georgi , França Katlein , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2018

Anastrozole is a non-selective aromatase inhibitor for adjuvant breast cancer therapy in postmenopausal women. Cutaneous adverse events have been reported. We observed a 64-year-old female patient with a medical history of locally advanced breast cancer of her right breast that was treated with radiotherapy and adjuvant drug therapy with anastrozole. She developed a segmental bullous eruption limited to the cancer-affected breast. Cessation of the aromatase inhibitor and systemic therapy with prednisolone cleared the lesions completely. This is the first report of a segmental erythema multiforme like drug eruption by anastrozole and another example of the concept of the immunocompromised district of skin.
Comment on a Primary Cutaneous Nocardiosis of the Hand
Authors: Keikha Masoud
Published: January 2018

Nocardia spp. are gram-positive, partially acid-fast bacteria which are lives in environmental sources and cause of various infection that called nocardiosis in animals and humans. Identification of this group of bacteria was important due to accurate diagnosis, patient management and prevention of antibiotic resistant among of bacteria. Molecular methods including PCR-RFLP and sequencing using housekeeping genes such as 16S rRNA, hsp65, rpoB and gyrB are recommended to accurate and reliable identification of nocardiosis.
La notion d’exécution des décisions de justice administrative
Authors: Fardet Christophe
Published: January 2018

Pouvant se définir comme « l’action de faire passer le droit dans les faits », l’exécution irrigue l’ensemble du droit public (Pouvoir exécutif, exécution des lois, exécution forcée, décision exécutoire, etc.). Pour autant, il apparait qu’il faut distinguer le titre d’exécution de son exercice. Si le titre d’exécution est intrinsèque à toute décision de justice, c’est parce qu’il est consubstantiel à l’existence de toute décision mais qu’il est renforcé concernant les décisions de justice par la formule exécutoire. Quant à l’exercice de l’exécution, la séparation des Pouvoirs exclut l’auto-exécution de ses décisions par le juge, pouvant seulement en ordonner l’exécution par l’administration. En conséquence, l’exécution forcée des décisions relève toujours du pouvoir exécutif, compétence découlant de la formule exécutoire pour les décisions de justice, compétence en principe interdite sans habilitation juridictionnelle concernant ses propres décisions. Au final, l’exercice de l’exécution nécessite la collaboration des Pouvoirs : l’administration a besoin de la formule exécutoire pour recourir à l’exécution forcée, mais la formule exécutoire a besoin de l’administration pour être réalisée.
L’exécution des décisions de justice contraires au droit de l’Union
Authors: Delile Jean Félix
Published: January 2018

L’exécution de décisions de justice étatiques peut entrer en conflit avec l’impératif de respecter le droit de l’Union. Le principe de primauté du droit de l’Union implique en effet que les juridictions des États membres respectent les normes qui le composent. La Cour de justice a créé différents mécanismes procéduraux susceptibles de rétablir le respect du droit de l’Union lorsque ces juridictions ont succombé à cette obligation. Ces dispositifs peuvent être thérapeutiques en permettant d’amender les situations juridiques constituées par les décisions de justice contraires au droit de l’Union, ou coercitives en imposant d’en réparer des conséquences préjudiciables. Soucieuse de conserver l’influence qu’elle exerce sur les juridictions suprêmes des États membres dans le cadre de la procédure préjudicielle, la Cour de justice ne sanctionne guère les États membres en raison de décisions de justice contraires au droit de l’Union et préfère les inciter à en réexaminer la légalité. Cela lui permet d’assurer le respect du droit de l’Union sans mettre en péril son unité d’interprétation que seul un dialogue effectif avec les juridictions des États membres lui permet de garantir.
Le chef de l’État, chef des armées
Authors: Bita Heyeghe Héritage
Published: January 2018

Cette étude s’intéressera aux questions relatives à la sécurité intérieure et à la défense. Ces questions ont suscité un regain d’intérêt ces dernières années eu égard aux contextes national et international marqués par des événements tragiques (notamment les attentats terroristes). Ces événements exigent de l’État plus d’autorité pour la défense de son territoire et des citoyens. Ainsi, notre réflexion sera construite par ailleurs autour de la fonction de « chef des armées » du président de la République pour rendre compte d’une part, de la récente actualité politique la concernant et pour interroger d’autre part, sur son avenir sous l’actuel quinquennat ainsi que son articulation aux attributions également accordées à d’autres autorités en matière militaire.
Que nous est-il arrivé ? De la sidération à l’action devant les abus sexuels dans l’Église
Authors: de Moulins-Beaufort Éric
Published: January 2018

Comment l’Église sort-elle de l’aveuglement devant les abus sexuels commis en son sein ? L’A., évêque auxiliaire de Paris, propose des explications au drame de la pédophilie, dans le cadre des relations éducatives, et suggère des pistes d’action pastorale pour les responsables ecclésiaux (de la sanction à la prévention).
La fonction publique territoriale face aux attentes de ses agents en matière de reconnaissance
Authors: Brillet Franck , Capdevielle Marianne
Published: January 2018

D’après l’enquête Bien-être au travail 2015, les agents du secteur public n’échappent pas à la demande croissante de reconnaissance au travail exprimée par l’ensemble des salariés. Cependant, la question de la spécificité des attentes de reconnaissance des agents du secteur public n’a, à ce jour, jamais été explorée. Notre étude exploratoire, menée au sein de collectivités territoriales, tend à montrer qu’il existe une spécificité des attentes de reconnaissance des agents qui attendent de pouvoir rendre un service public de qualité. Les attentes de reconnaissance semblent également différentes selon le niveau hiérarchique des agents.
Sentir le vivant de son corps : trois degrés d’éveil de la conscience
Authors: Da Nobrega Terezinha Petrucia , Schirrer Mary , Legendre Alexandre , Andrieu Bernard
Published: January 2018

L’objectif principal de cet article est d’exposer l’émersiologie qui consiste, en activant le corps vivant par la pratique corporelle, à repérer les degrés d’éveil de la conscience, en allant de l’inconscience du vivant à la conscience du vécu. D’une part, dans sa danse, Anna Halprin, en exaltant l’éveil du sens kinesthésique de son corps vivant, associe le développement personnel et l’expression artistique par l’extériorisation des sentiments et des attitudes cachées ou des blocages inconscients. D’autre part, la performance dans les arts martiaux chinois permet de concilier une double injonction a priori contradictoire : viser l’inconscience, afin de traiter par l’habitus un maximum d’informations quand la conscience limite notre potentiel aperceptif, et conscientiser l’apprentissage pour raffiner cet habitus précisément. Enfin, l’analyse des discours et pratiques d’apnéistes révèle une pratique de consciences contradictoire. Afin d’allonger leur apnée, accueillir ou dépasser des sensations désagréables, les apnéistes modifient leurs états de conscience : visualisation, méditation, rotation de conscience, autohypnose, jusqu’à s’abstenir de penser pour s’économiser et « lâcher prise ». En fin d’apnée, particulièrement en compétition, il s’agit inversement de se reconnecter le plus possible, de lutter contre cette fuite inexorable de la conscience, qui peut aller jusqu’à la syncope anoxique.
As balas no dorso do crocodilo : escultura, memória e resistência em Moçambique
Authors: Raposo Sílvia
Published: January 2018

Este artigo procura compreender, através do trabalho artístico de Gonçalo Mabunda e de Hilário Nhatugueja, como o Núcleo de Arte de Maputo leva a cabo uma “reciclagem” e reprodução dos ícones de guerra, de forma a criar toda uma produção identitária baseada na memória histórica. Debruço-me sobre a forma como as esculturas podem abrir espaço a um lugar de memória liminar que permite a negociação de significados e mnemónicas associadas à Guerra Civil, espelhando contramemórias coadas pelas experiências pessoais dos artistas. Analisa-se a capacidade expressiva e simbólica da linguagem escultórico-performativa enquanto comunicadora de significados sociais e políticos e como forma de mise-en-scène do “drama social”.
Degrees of precariousness : the problematic transition into the labour market of Greek higher education graduates
Authors: Themelis Spyros
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses the transition into the labour market among higher education graduates from 2000 to date. It identifies a number of trends. First, this transition is protracted and not completed for the majority of Greek graduates until their thirties. Second, the labour market is fragmented along education level, place of living (urban or non-urban), gender, age and ethnic lines. Third, higher education does not seem to play a socially integrative role, as it does not shield against unemployment, emigration and precariousness. Fourth, the economic crisis has exacerbated endur­ing problems integral to the labour market and its weak connections with higher education. The multiple and overlapping problems underlying the transition from higher education to the labour market is at the crux of the economic and political problems Greece is facing and they point to a ticking bomb at the foundations of the Greek society.
Metal Hyperaccumulator Plants and Environmental Pollution
Authors: Chandra Satish , Gusain Yogendra Singh , Bhatt Arun
Published: January 2018

During evolutionary history of life on Earth, different life forms have undergone harsh environmental conditions. Plants have evolved multiple life forms and some of the specialist pioneer plants have the ability to colonize in hostile environmental conditions. Some plant taxa have the ability to accumulate high concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements (Ni, Zn, Cd, Se, As, Mn, Co, Cu, Pb, Sb, Tl) in their biomass. In some of these, taxa concentration of trace elements exceeds the concentration of macronutrients (e.g., Ca, K). Furthermore, metal hyperaccumulation is strongly associated with enhanced ability of these plants to detoxify the accumulated metal in the tissues. Such hyperaccumulation property has been reported in a total of approximately 500 Angiosperm species. This ability of the plants can be used for pollutant stabilization, extraction, degradation, or volatilization. The present chapter discusses heavy metals uptake mechanisms by plants and the potential of phytoremediation technique on treating heavy metal contaminated sides.
Culture and Heritage Preservation in an Era of Globalization and Modernism
Authors: Endong Floribert Patrick Calvain
Published: January 2018

According to a number of myths, the cultural effects of globalization and modernization have not really impeded East Asian countries' efforts towards cultural heritage preservation. In tandem with this, many “fascinated” members of the African intelligentsia view Eastern Asian nations such as China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand among others as true models to be emulated by their nations in the realm of cultural heritage preservation. This chapter examines the extent to which this thesis is plausible, through a critical study of the impact of globalization and modernization on cultural heritage preservation in China and Nigeria. The chapter begins by exploring the question of cultural preservation in an era of modernization and cultural globalization and ends up assessing the degree to which China and Nigeria's efforts towards cultural heritage preservation have been affected by cultural globalization and a West-dominated model of modernization.
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in the Preservation of Collections at the Batonga Community Museum in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chitima Simbarashe Shadreck , Ndlovu Ishmael
Published: January 2018

Museums in Zimbabwe often face several conservation challenges caused by different agents of deterioration. The Batonga Community Museum find it challenging to maintain and properly take care of the collections on display. This chapter examines the effectiveness of the conservation strategies being employed at the BCM. The study made use of qualitative and ethnographic research approaches. The majority of collections at the BCM are deteriorating at an unprecedented level. The study gathered that bats have posed serious and extreme conservation challenges as well as affected the presentation of exhibitions. The chapter concludes that bats are the main problem bedeviling the museum and needs immediate control.
Tribological Performance Optimization of Electroless Nickel Coatings Under Lubricated Condition
Authors: Duari Santanu , Mukhopadhyay Arkadeb , Barman Tapan Kumar , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: January 2018

The present chapter aims to determine optimal tribo-testing condition for minimum coefficient of friction and wear depth of electroless Ni-P, Ni-P-W and Ni-P-Cu coatings under lubrication using grey relational analysis. Electroless Ni-P, Ni-P-W and Ni-P-Cu coatings are deposited on AISI 1040 steel substrates. They are heat treated at suitable temperatures to improve their hardness. Coating characterization is done using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-Ray analysis and X-Ray diffraction techniques. Typical nodulated surface morphology is observed in the scanning electron micrographs of all the three coatings. Phase transformation on heat treating the deposits is captured through the use of X-Ray diffraction technique. Vicker's microhardness of the coatings in their as-deposited and heat treated condition is determined. Ni-P-W coatings are seen to exhibit the highest microhardness. Friction and wear tests under lubricated condition are carried out following Taguchi's experimental design principle. Finally, the predominating wear mechanism of the coatings is discussed.
Critical Success Factors in the Adoption of Technologies in Education in Higher Education
Authors: Mesquita Anabela , Peres Paula
Published: January 2018

Distance learning has evolved a lot since the moment students received materials by mail and as regular correspondence. At that time, students worked already at their own pace and concluded training according to their professional work and agenda. Today, although courses by correspondence still exist, they are being quickly replaced by distance learning. And the success of this format of education are at the basis of the emergence of different offers and new business models. The success of adoption of technology depends on several factors related with the organization where it is implemented and with the individuals involved. In this paper, the authors will present a case, the evolution of the solutions offered concerning distance learning in the school under study, the actual offers and the concerns for the future. The authors will identify the factors that enabled or constrained this evolution. They will also raise some questions that are still unanswered and will point out some clues for future research.
E-Learning Readiness and the Effects of Organizational Culture
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Yaghoub , Salimifard Khodakaram , Yadollahi Shahrbanoo
Published: January 2018

Electronic readiness is an important issue in developing organizational e-learning. It focuses on organizational capabilities and capacities to use electronic resources in the learning process. Organizational culture is an important factor in successful e-learning readiness. This research is aimed to evaluate the impacts of organizational culture on e-learning readiness. A sample of 68 questionnaires consisting of both culture and readiness questions was analyzed. To test the research hypothesis, a Beta coefficient test was used. Research results indicate a significant positive impact of clan and adhocracy cultures on e-learning readiness. It also found that market culture has a negative impact on e-learning readiness, while findings cannot justify a relationship between hierarchy culture and e-learning readiness.
Recognition of Patterns With Fractal Structure in Time Series
Authors: Volna Eva , Kotyrba Martin
Published: January 2018

The chapter is focused on an analysis and pattern recognition in time series, which are fractal in nature. Our goal is to find and recognize important Elliott wave patterns which repeatedly appear in the market history for the purpose of prediction of subsequent trader's action. The pattern recognition approach is based on neural networks. Artificial neural networks are suitable for pattern recognition in time series mainly because of learning only from examples. This chapter introduces a methodology that allows analysis of Elliot wave's patterns in time series for the purpose of a trend prediction. The functionality of the proposed methodology was validated in experimental simulations, for whose implementation was designed and created an application environment. In conclusion, all results were evaluated and compared with each other. This chapter is composed only from our published works that present our proposed methodology. We see the main contribution of this chapter in its range, which allows us to present all our published works concerning our proposed methodology together.
Intelligent Control of Vehicles' Number Plates on Toll Gates in Developing Nations
Authors: Mushiri Tawanda , Mbohwa Charles , Sarupinda Simbarashe
Published: January 2018

Developing nations have implemented toll gates in their countries major trunk highways as a move towards the improvement in fiscal levels. However, several problems have arisen in the toll collection system that has been implemented. The system exists as an incomplete system in comparison to internationally acclaimed systems and methods. This chapter therefore seeks to introduce an automated toll collection system which has enhanced security features and intelligent vehicle classification methods. Utilising machine intelligence and computer vision methods in the system, the researchers intend to develop the automated and intelligent toll collection system for developing nation's tollgates. The mechatronic system will combat security loopholes and enhance the efficiency of the toll collection process.
Measures of Image and Video Segmentation
Authors: Khaire Pushpajit A. , Kotkondawar Roshan R.
Published: January 2018

Study on Video and Image segmentation is currently limited by the lack of evaluation metrics and benchmark datasets that covers the large variety of sub-problems appearing in image and video segmentation. Proposed chapter provides an analysis of Evaluation Metrics, Datasets for Image and Video Segmentation methods. Importance is on wide-ranging, Datasets robust Metrics which used for evaluation purposes without inducing any bias towards the evaluation results. Introductory Section discusses traditional image and video segmentation methods available, the importance and need of measures, metrics and dataset required to evaluate segmentation algorithms are discussed in next section. Main focus of the chapter explains the measures, metrics and dataset available for evaluation of segmentation techniques of both image and video. The goal is to provide details about a set of impartial datasets and evaluation metrics and to leave the final evaluation of the evaluation process to the understanding of the reader.
Adaptive Edge Detection Method Towards Features Extraction From Diverse Medical Imaging Technologies
Authors: Maitra Indra Kanta , Bandhyopadhyaay Samir Kumar
Published: January 2018

The CAD is a relatively young interdisciplinary technology, has had a tremendous impact on medical diagnosis specifically cancer detection. The accuracy of CAD to detect abnormalities on medical image analysis requires a robust segmentation algorithm. To achieve accurate segmentation, an efficient edge-detection algorithm is essential. Medical images like USG, X-Ray, CT and MRI exhibit diverse image characteristics but are essentially collection of intensity variations from which specific abnormalities are needed to be isolated. In this chapter a robust medical image enhancement and edge detection algorithm is proposed, using tree-based adaptive thresholding technique. It has been compared with different classical edge-detection techniques using one sample two tail t-test to exam whether the null hypothesis can be supported. The proposed edge-detection algorithm showing 0.07 p-values and 2.411 t-stat where α = 0.025. Moreover the proposed edge is single pixeled and connected which is very significant for medical edge detection.
A Study of Vision Based Human Motion Recognition and Analysis
Authors: Kale Geetanjali Vinayak , Patil Varsha Hemant
Published: January 2018

Vision based human motion recognition has fascinated many researchers due to its critical challenges and a variety of applications. The applications range from simple gesture recognition to complicated behaviour understanding in surveillance system. This leads to major development in the techniques related to human motion representation and recognition. This paper discusses applications, general framework of human motion recognition, and the details of each of its components. The paper emphasizes on human motion representation and the recognition methods along with their advantages and disadvantages. This study also discusses the selected literature, popular datasets, and concludes with the challenges in the domain along with a future direction. The human motion recognition domain has been active for more than two decades, and has provided a large amount of literature. A bird's eye view for new researchers in the domain is presented in the paper.
Automatic Target Recognition From Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Images
Authors: Kondaveeti Hari Kishan , Vatsavayi Valli Kumari
Published: January 2018

In this chapter, Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar, a special type of active microwave synthetic aperture radar is introduced and its applications in military surveillance are presented. Then, the basic principles involved in data acquisition and image generation are explained. The issues and challenges involved in processing the ISAR images for autonomous target detection and identification are discussed later. The proposed classification method is explained and its accuracy is evaluated experimentally against the conventional classification method in the rest of the chapter.
Detonation Synthesis of TiO2/Na2Ti6O13 Powders
Authors: Zhao Tie Jun , Yan Hong Hao , Li Xiao Jie , Wang Yang
Published: January 2018

An easy and fast vacuum detonation method was designed to prepare TiO2/Na2Ti6O13 powders. The mixed explosives, prepared by usage of Ti-Na-contained precursor, ammonium nitrate, hexogen and a certain mass of polystyrene foam ball (EPS) in beaker, were detonated in a vacuum detonation reactor to synthesize powders. The prepared light-grey powders were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometer and transmission electron microscopy to ascertain the phase composition and morphology. It was found that the powders were consisted of TiO2 and Na2Ti6O13, and the TiO2 almost was rutile phase. The intensity of Na2Ti6O13 peak was enlarged with increase of EPS mass. The TiO2/Na2Ti6O13 particles were irregular sphere or long rhombus, and some particles were 10 nm. In general, the dispersity of the powers was decreased with the mass of EPS increasing.
Advanced Manufacturing from Macro- to Nanoscale: Impact and Shock Loading
Authors: Mamalis Athanasios G.
Published: January 2018

Trends and developments in advanced manufacturing from macro- to nanoscale, mainly associated with nanotechnology, precision/ultraprecision manufacturing and advanced materials under low/high speed impact and shock loading, with industrial applications to net-shape manufacturing, biomedical engineering, energy and transport, an outcome of the very extensive work over 40 years on these fields performed by the author and his research international team, are briefly outlined in the present Plenary Lecture of the 5th ESHP 2016 Symposium.
Wire Mesh/Ceramic Particle Reinforced Aluminium Based Composite Using Explosive Cladding
Authors: Robin Lalu Gladson , Raghukandan Krishnamorthy , Saravanan Somasundaram
Published: January 2018

In this study, dissimilar grade aluminium plates were explosively cladded by placing a wire mesh/ceramic particle between them. The stainless steel 316 mesh with 90o orientation and SiCp (1.5 volume %) are employed to enhance the mechanical properties of the aluminium composites. Microhardness and microstructure of the explosively cladded composite materials were evaluated. Significant improvement in the microhardness of the wire mesh/ceramic particle reinforced aluminium composite is established.
Expression of some ATP-binding cassette transporters in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Salvia Antonella Maria , Cuviello Flavia , Coluzzi Sabrina , Nuccorini Roberta , Attolico Immacolata , Pascale Sara Pasquina , Bisaccia Faustino , Pizzuti Michele , Ostuni Angela
Published: January 2018

Hematopoietic cells express ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters in relation to different degrees of differentiation. One of the known multidrug resistance mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the overexpression of efflux pumps belonging to the superfamily of ABC transporters such as ABCB1, ABCG2 and ABCC1. Although several studies were carried out to correlate ABC transporters expression with drug resistance, little is known about their role as markers of diagnosis and progression of the disease. For this purpose we investigated the expression, by real-time PCR, of some ABC genes in bone marrow samples of AML patients at diagnosis and after induction therapy. At diagnosis, ABCG2 was always down-regulated, while an up regulated trend for ABCC1 was observed. After therapy the examined genes showed a different expression trend and approached the values of healthy subjects suggesting that this event could be considered as a marker of AML regression. The expression levels of some ABC transporters such as ABCC6, seems to be related to gender, age and to the presence of FLT3/ITD gene mutation.
Prevalence of hemoglobin variants and hemoglobinopathies using cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography in central reference laboratory of India: A report of 65779 cases
Authors: Warghade Sandeep , Britto Jyothi , Haryan Reshma , Dalvi Tejaswi , Bendre Rajesh , Chheda Pratiksha , Matkar Sunmeet , Salunkhe Yogita , Chanekar Milind , Shah Nilesh
Published: January 2018

CONTEXT: Hemoglobinopathies constitute the world's most common genetically inherited red blood cell disorder. Screening and accurate identification of hemoglobin (Hb) variants have become increasingly important in antenatal diagnosis and prevention of Hb disorders.

AIM: The aim of this study was to screen and identify Hb fractions prevalent in the Central Reference Laboratory of India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65,779 cases were screened for hemoglobinopathies on the bio-rad variant high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system by beta-thalassemia short program. The retention times, proportion of the hemoglobin (%) and the peak characteristics for all hemoglobin fractions were recorded. Molecular analysis of the beta-globin gene was carried out by DNA sequencing on eight cases.

RESULTS: Total number of abnormal Hb fractions on cation exchange-HPLC (CE-HPLC) was seen in 12,131 (18.44%) cases. Beta-thalassemia trait was the predominant genetic Hb disorder accounting for 7377 cases (11.21%) of the total cases. This was followed by sickle cell trait (2.01%), sickle cell disease (1.59%), beta-thalassemia syndrome (0.80%), HbE trait (0.79%), and borderline HbA2 (0.51%). Molecular characterization of eight rare cases of hemoglobin variants by beta-globin gene sequencing identified three cases of Hb Beth Israel, two cases of Hb Hofu trait, and one case each of Hb J Cambridge, Hb Mizunami, and Hb Sherwood Forest.

CONCLUSION: Superior resolution, rapid assay time, and accurate quantification make CE-HPLC suitable for the routine investigation of hemoglobinopathies.
Granulicatella adiacens abscess: Two rare cases and review
Authors: Gupta Sangita , Garg Meenu , Misra Sanjay , Singhal Sanjay
Published: January 2018

Granulicatella adiacens is a nutritionally variant streptococcus species. These bacteria are rarely isolated in the laboratory due to their fastidious growth requirements. These have been mostly reported from bloodstream infections, infective endocarditis, infections of orbit, nasolacrimal duct and breast implants. Here, we are reporting two cases of subcutaneous abscesses caused by G. adiacens. In first case, it was isolated from abscess around elbow joint and second case was a suprapatellar abscess. We have also reviewed the published data concerning diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Granulicatella infections and included some Indian cases.
Clinical spectrum and diagnostic yields of Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Dash Saroj , Chaudhry Rama , Dhawan Benu , Dey Aparajit Ballav , Kabra Sushil Kumar , Das Bimal Kumar
Published: January 2018

INTRODUCTION: Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumonia) occurs worldwide which accounts for 15%–20% of cases of community-acquired pneumonia and indistinguishable clinically from other infectious causes of pneumonia.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to correlate it with other diagnostic methods such as culture, serology (ELISA), and conventional PCR along with the clinical signs and symptoms produced by M. pneumonia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 130 patients of all age groups presenting with clinical features of lower respiratory tract infections were enrolled over a period of 1 year and 2 months in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. M. pneumoniae in throat swab samples was detected by real-time PCR, compared with culture, serology, conventional PCR, and clinical signs and symptoms. Univariate analyses were conducted to determine the association of M. pneumoniae infection among different categories of patients.

RESULTS: Out of a total of 130 patients, 18 patients (14%) were positive for M. pneumoniae by any test; culture was positive in nine patients (50%), serology (IgM) in eight patients (44.4%), PCR in five patients (27.7%), and real-time PCR was positive in six patients (33.3%). Clinical signs and symptoms were higher in incidence in M. pneumoniae-positive patients. Age-matched healthy controls (30) were included in the study, and all were negative for any diagnostic test performed (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSION: It was concluded that combination of M. pneumoniae-specific testing modalities is required for the diagnosis of this etiological agent rather than a single diagnostic method.
Biomedical waste management in India: Critical appraisal
Authors: Datta Priya , Mohi Gursimran , Chander Jagdish
Published: January 2018

The safe and sustainable management of biomedical waste (BMW) is social and legal responsibility of all people supporting and financing health-care activities. Effective BMW management (BMWM) is mandatory for healthy humans and cleaner environment. This article reviews the recent 2016 BMWM rules, practical problems for its effective implementation, the major drawback of conventional techniques, and the latest eco-friendly methods for BMW disposal. The new rules are meant to improve the segregation, transportation, and disposal methods, to decrease environmental pollution so as to change the dynamic of BMW disposal and treatment in India. For effective disposal of BMWM, there should be a collective teamwork with committed government support in terms of finance and infrastructure development, dedicated health-care workers and health-care facilities, continuous monitoring of BMW practices, tough legislature, and strong regulatory bodies. The basic principle of BMWM is segregation at source and waste reduction. Besides, a lot of research and development need to be in the field of developing environmental friendly medical devices and BMW disposal systems for a greener and cleaner environment.
Aerosol sources in the western Mediterranean during summertime:
A model-based approach
Authors: Chrit Mounir , Sartelet Karine , Sciare Jean , Pey Jorge , Nicolas José B. , Marchand Nicolas , Freney Evelyn , Sellegri Karine , Beekmann Matthias , Dulac François
Published: January 2018

Abstract. In the framework of ChArMEx (the Chemistry–Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment), the air-quality model Polyphemus is used to understand the sources of inorganic and organic particles in the western Mediterranean and to evaluate the uncertainties linked to the model parameters (meteorological fields, anthropogenic and sea-salt emissions, hypotheses related to the model representation of condensation/evaporation). The model is evaluated by comparisons to in-situ aerosol measurements performed during three consecutive summers (2012, 2013 and 2014). The model-to-measurement comparisons concern the concentrations of PM10, PM1, Organic Matter in PM1 (OMPM1) and inorganic aerosol concentrations monitored at a remote site (Ersa) in Corsica Island, as well as during airborne measurements performed above the western Mediterranean Sea. Organic particles are mostly from biogenic origin. The model parameterization of sea-salt emissions has shown to strongly influence the concentrations of all particulate species (PM10, PM1, OMPM10 and inorganic concentrations). Although the emission of organic matter by the sea has shown to be low, organic concentrations are influenced by sea-salt emissions, because they provide a mass onto which gaseous hydrophilic organic compound can condense. PM10, PM1, OMPM1 are also very sensitive to meteorology, because it affects not only the transport of pollutants, but also natural emissions (biogenic and sea salt). To avoid large and unrealistic sea-salt concentrations, a parameterization with an adequate wind-speed power law is chosen. Sulfate is shown to be strongly influenced by anthropogenic (ship) emissions. PM10, PM1, OM1 and sulfate concentrations are better described using the emission inventory with the best spatial description of ships emissions (EDGAR-HTAP). However, this is not true for nitrate, ammonium and chloride concentrations, which are very dependent on the hypotheses used in the model for condensation/evaporation. Model simulations show that sea-salt aerosols above the sea are not mixed with background transported aerosols. Taking into account the mixing state of particles with a dynamic approach of condensation/evaporation may be necessary to accurately represent inorganic aerosol concentrations.
Snowfall retrieval at X, Ka and W band: consistency of backscattering and microphysical properties using BAECC ground-based measurements
Authors: Falconi Marta Tecla , von Lerber Annakaisa , Ori Davide , Marzano Frank Silvio , Moisseev Dmitri
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Radar-based snowfall intensity retrieval is investigated at centimeter and millimeter wavelengths using high-quality collocated ground-based multi-frequency radar and video-disdrometer observations. Using data from four snowfall events, recorded during the Biogenic Aerosols Effects on Clouds and Climate (BAECC) campaign in Finland, measurements of liquid-water-equivalent snowfall rate S are correlated to radar equivalent reflectivity factors Ze, measured by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) cloud radars operating at X, Ka and W frequency bands. From these coupled observations power-law Ze-S relationships are derived for all considered frequencies and distinguishing fluffy from rimed snowfall. Interestingly fluffy-snow events show a spectrally distinct signature of Ze-S with respect to rimed-snow cases. In order to understand the connection between snowflake microphysical and multi-frequency backscattering properties, numerical simulations are also performed by using the particle size distribution provided by the in-situ video-disdrometer. The latter are carried out by using both the T-matrix method (TMM) for soft-spheroids with different aspect ratios and exploiting a pre-computed discrete dipole approximation (DDA) database for complex-shape snowflakes. Based on the presented results, it is concluded that the soft-spheroid approximation can be adopted to explain the observed multi-frequency Ze-S relations if a proper spheroid aspect ratio is selected. The latter may depend on the snowfall type. A further analysis of the backscattering simulations reveals that TMM cross-sections are higher than the DDA ones for small ice particles, but lower for larger particles. These differences may explain why the soft-spheroid approximation is satisfactory for radar reflectivity simulations, the errors of computed cross-sections for larger and smaller particles compensating each other.
Deep-sea benthic communities and oxygen fluxes in the Arctic Fram Strait controlled by sea-ice cover and water depth
Authors: Hoffmann Ralf , Braeckman Ulrike , Hasemann Christiane , Wenzhöfer Frank
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Arctic Ocean surface sea-ice conditions are linked with the deep sea benthic oxygen fluxes via a cascade of dependencies across ecosystem components like primary production, food supply, the activity of the benthic community, and their functions. Additionally, each of the ecosystem components is influenced by abiotic factors like light availability, temperature, water depth or grain size structure. In this study, we investigated the coupling between surface sea-ice conditions and deep-sea benthic remineralization processes through a cascade of dependencies in the Fram Strait. We measured sea-ice concentrations, nutrient profiles, different sediment compounds, benthic community parameters, and oxygen fluxes at 12 stations in the HAUSGARTEN area of the Fram Strait in water depth between 275–2500 m. Our investigations reveal that the Fram Strait is bisected in a permanently and highly sea-ice covered area and a seasonally and low sea-ice covered area, which both are long-lasting and stable. Within the Fram Strait ecosystem, sea-ice concentration and water depth are two independent abiotic factors, controlling the deep-sea benthos. Sea-ice concentration correlates well with the available food, water depth with the oxygen flux, and both abiotic factors correlate with the macrofauna biomass. However, in water depths >1500 m the influence of the surface sea-ice cover fades out and water depth effect becomes more dominant. Remineralisation across the Fram Strait is ~ 1 mmol C m−2 d−1. Owing to the contrasting primary production pattern, our data indicate that the portion of newly produced carbon that is remineralised by the benthos is ~2.6 % in the seasonally low sea-ice covered Fram Strait but can be >15 % in the permanently high sea-ice covered Fram Strait. Furthermore, by comparing a permanently sea-ice covered area with a seasonally sea-ice covered area, we discuss a potential scenario for the deep-sea benthic ecosystem in the future Arctic Ocean, in which an increased surface primary production can lead to increasing benthic remineralisation in water depths <1500 m.
Vegetation distribution and terrestrial carbon cycle in
a carbon-cycle configuration of JULES4.6 with new plant functional types
Authors: Harper Anna B. , Wiltshire Andrew J. , Cox Peter M. , Friedlingstein Pierre , Jones Chris D. , Mercado Lina M. , Sitch Stephen , Williams Karina , Duran-Rojas Carolina
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) are used for studying historical and future changes to vegetation and the terrestrial carbon cycle. JULES (the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator) represents the land surface in the Hadley Centre climate models and in the UK Earth System Model. Recently the number of plant functional types (PFTs) in JULES were expanded from 5 to 9 to better represent functional diversity in global ecosystems. Here we introduce a more mechanistic representation of vegetation dynamics in TRIFFID, the dynamic vegetation component of JULES, that allows for any number of PFTs to compete based solely on their height, removing the previous hardwired dominance hierarchy where dominant types are assumed to outcompete subdominant types. With the new set of 9 PFTs, JULES is able to more accurately reproduce global vegetation distribution compared to the former 5 PFT version. Improvements include the coverage of trees within tropical and boreal forests, and a reduction in shrubs, which dominated at high latitudes. We show that JULES is able to realistically represent several aspects of the global carbon cycle. The simulated gross primary productivity (GPP) is within the range of observations, but simulated net primary productivity (NPP) is slightly too high. GPP in JULES from 1982–2011 was 133 PgC yr−1, compared to observation-based estimates between 123±8 (over the same time period) and 150–175 PgC yr−1. NPP from 2000–2013 was 72 PgC yr−1, compared to satellite-derived NPP of 55 PgC yr−1 over the same period and independent estimates of 56.2±14.3 PgC yr−1. The simulated carbon stored in vegetation is 542 PgC, compared to an observation-based range of 400–600 PgC. Soil carbon is much lower (1422 PgC) than estimates from measurements (>2400 PgC), with large underestimations of soil carbon in the tropical and boreal forests. We also examined some aspects of the historical terrestrial carbon sink as simulated by JULES. Between the 1900s and 2000s, increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels enhanced vegetation productivity and litter inputs into the soils, while land-use change removed vegetation and reduced soil carbon. The result was a simulated increase in soil carbon of 57 PgC but a decrease in vegetation carbon by of PgC. JULES simulated a loss of soil and vegetation carbon of 14 and 124 PgC, respectively, due to land-use change from 1900–2009. The simulated land carbon sink was 2.0±1.0 PgC yr−1 from 2000–2009, in close agreement to estimates from the IPCC and Global Carbon Project.
Exploring the Lyapunov instability properties of high-dimensional
atmospheric and climate models
Authors: De Cruz Lesley , Schubert Sebastian , Demaeyer Jonathan , Lucarini Valerio , Vannitsem Stéphane
Published: January 2018

Abstract. The stability properties of intermediate-order climate models are investigated by computing their Lyapunov exponents (LEs). The two models considered are PUMA (Portable University Model of the Atmosphere), a primitive-equation simple general circulation model, and MAOOAM (Modular Arbitrary-Order Ocean-Atmosphere Model), a quasi-geostrophic coupled ocean-atmosphere model on a β-plane. We wish to investigate the effect of the different levels of filtering on the instabilities and dynamics of the atmospheric flows. Moreover, we assess the impact of the oceanic coupling, the dissipation scheme and the resolution on the spectra of LEs. The PUMA Lyapunov spectrum is computed for two different values of the meridional temperature gradient defining the Newtonian forcing to the temperature field. The increase of the gradient gives rise to a higher baroclinicity and stronger instabilities, corresponding to a larger dimension of the unstable manifold and a larger first LE. The Kaplan-Yorke dimension of the attractor increases as well. The convergence rate of the rate functional for the large deviation law of the finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLEs) is fast for all exponents, which can be interpreted as resulting from the absence of a clear-cut atmospheric time-scale separation in such a model. The MAOOAM spectra show that the dominant atmospheric instability is correctly represented even at low resolutions. However, the dynamics of the central manifold, which is mostly associated to the ocean dynamics, is not fully resolved because of its associated long time scales, even at intermediate orders. As expected, increasing the mechanical atmosphere-ocean coupling coefficient or introducing a turbulent diffusion parametrization reduces the Kaplan-Yorke dimension and Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy. In all considered configurations, it is possible to robustly define large deviations laws describing the statistics of the FTLEs corresponding to the strongly damped modes, while the opposite holds for near-zero LEs and, somewhat unexpectedly, also for the positive LEs. This paper highlights the need to investigate the natural variability of the atmosphere-ocean coupled dynamics by associating rate of growth and decay of perturbations to the physical modes described using the formalism of the covariant Lyapunov vectors and to consider long integrations in order to disentangle the dynamical processes occurring at all time scales.