bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic Al2O3 Ceramic Thermometry in High-Temperature Oxidation Environment
Authors: Wei Yanlong , Gao Yubin , Xiao Zhaoqian , Wang Gao , Tian Miao , Liang Haijian
Published: November 2016

In this study, an ultrasonic temperature measurement system was designed with Al2O3 high-temperature ceramic as an acoustic waveguide sensor and preliminarily tested in a high-temperature oxidation environment. The test results indicated that the system can indeed work stably in high-temperature environments. The relationship between the temperature and delay time of 26 °C–1600 °C ceramic materials was also determined in order to fully elucidate the high-temperature oxidation of the proposed waveguide sensor and to lay a foundation for the further application of this system in temperatures as high as 2000 °C.
Marketing Green Fertilizers: Insights into Consumer Preferences
Authors: Dahlin Johannes , Halbherr Verena , Kurz Peter , Nelles Michael , Herbes Carsten
Published: November 2016

In an effort to support the long-term viability of the bioenergy industry through an end market for digestate, we investigated purchasing preferences for fertilizer product features in the home gardening market. We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE), presenting 504 respondents with a total of 6048 product attribute choices in a simulated context that replicated the tradeoff decisions made in the real marketplace. We analyzed the choice data using a hierarchical Bayes estimate to generate part-worth utilities for fertilizer product attributes. We then conducted a latent class analysis to identify market segments that could be expected to respond to differentiated product design strategies. We were able to quantify both purchasing preferences for fertilizer product attributes as well as the importance of each attribute to the perceived utility of a product. We were further able to identify five distinct market segments that make clear the potential for differentiated strategies in the home gardening market. We found both negative and positive price sensitivities, with sociodemographically distinct subgroups that favored low-, mid-, and high-priced products. We also found purchasing preferences for brand status, product labeling and nutrient values. Our results provide insights that should help product managers in the biogas industry develop marketing strategies to integrate digestate into a sustainable energy production system.
A Provincial Initial Water Rights Incentive Allocation Model with Total Pollutant Discharge Control
Authors: Ge Min , Wu Feng-Ping , You Min
Published: November 2016

According to the newly introduced water resources management in China, which is the most stringent thus far, pollution limits of water functional zones should be enhanced. In response to this recent change, we propose a provincial initial water rights incentive allocation model with total pollutant discharge constraint. Firstly, three objective functions are set up, namely the maximum comprehensive economic benefits of basin, the optimal fairness and coordination of the provincial pollutant discharge rights, and the minimum losses of basin ecological environment. Based on the objective functions and constraint of total pollutant discharge, we put forward a multiple-objective provincial initial pollutant discharge rights allocation model with a self-adaptive chaotic optimization algorithm. Secondly, according to the incentive mechanism of rewarding excellence and punishing inferiority, we establish a provincial initial water rights allocation model with an incentive function which includes the amount of provincial initial pollutant discharge. Finally, we select the Taihu Basin as a case study to describe the methodology. Under water frequencies of 50%, 75%, and 90%, the empirical results of provincial initial water rights allocation of the Taihu Basin in 2030 show that Jiangsu Province will obtain the most initial water rights, followed by Zhejiang Province and Shanghai city. The incentive allocation model of the provincial initial water rights is effective and the algorithm is feasible. The model may help to assure the most stringent water resources management strategies that are effectively carried out in the Taihu Basin.
Analysis of self-heating of thermally assisted spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory
Authors: Deschenes Austin , Muneer Sadid , Akbulut Mustafa , Gokirmak Ali , Silva Helena
Published: November 2016

Thermal assistance has been shown to significantly reduce the required operation power for spin torque transfer magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM). Proposed heating methods include modified material stack compositions that result in increased self-heating or external heat sources. In this work we analyze the self-heating process of a standard perpendicular magnetic anisotropy STT-MRAM device through numerical simulations in order to understand the relative contributions of Joule, thermoelectric Peltier and Thomson, and tunneling junction heating. A 2D rotationally symmetric numerical model is used to solve the coupled electro-thermal equations including thermoelectric effects and heat absorbed or released at the tunneling junction. We compare self-heating for different common passivation materials, positive and negative electrical current polarity, and different device thermal anchoring and boundaries resistance configurations. The variations considered are found to result in significant differences in maximum temperatures reached. Average increases of 3 K, 10 K, and 100 K for different passivation materials, positive and negative polarity, and different thermal anchoring configurations, respectively, are observed. The highest temperatures, up to 424 K, are obtained for silicon dioxide as the passivation material, positive polarity, and low thermal anchoring with thermal boundary resistance configurations. Interestingly it is also found that due to the tunneling heat, Peltier effect, device geometry, and numerous interfacial layers around the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), most of the heat is dissipated on the lower potential side of the magnetic junction. This asymmetry in heating, which has also been observed experimentally, is important as thermally assisted switching requires heating of the free layer specifically and this will be significantly different for the two polarity operations, set and reset.
CURRENT SHEET STRUCTURES OBSERVED BY THE TESIS EUV TELESCOPE DURING A FLUX ROPE ERUPTION ON THE SUN
Authors: Reva A. A. , Ulyanov A. S. , Kuzin S. V.
Published: November 2016

We use the TESIS EUV telescope to study the current sheet signatures observed during flux rope eruption. The special feature of the TESIS telescope was its ability to image the solar corona up to a distance of 2 

from the Sun’s center in the Fe 171 Å line. The Fe 171 Å line emission illuminates the magnetic field lines, and the TESIS images reveal the coronal magnetic structure at high altitudes. The analyzed coronal mass ejection (CME) had a core with a spiral—flux rope—structure. The spiral shape indicates that the flux rope radius varied along its length. The flux rope had a complex temperature structure: cold legs (70,000 K, observed in He 304 Å line) and a hotter core (0.7 MK, observed in Fe 171 Å line). Such a structure contradicts the common assumption that the CME core is a cold prominence. When the CME impulsively accelerated, a dark double Y-structure appeared below the flux rope. The Y-structure timing, location, and morphology agree with the previously performed MHD simulations of the current sheet. We interpreted the Y-structure as a hot envelope of the current sheet and hot reconnection outflows. The Y-structure had a thickness of 6.0 Mm. Its length increased over time from 79 Mm to more than 411 Mm.
Early Neuropsychological Adverse Events after Switching from PI/r to Dolutegravir Could be Related to Hyperthyroidism in Patients under Levothyroxine
Authors: Berger Jean-Luc , Nguyen Yohan , Lebrun Delphine , Migault Caroline , Hentzien Maxime , Marty Hélène , Bani-Sadr Firouzé
Published: November 2016

We report two patients who had taken levothyroxine at the same dose for several years and who had stable thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and who developed clinical and biological hyperthyroidism following switch from ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (PIs) to dolutegravir-based HAART. Levothyroxine is metabolized by deiodination and glucuronidation and the induction of glucuronidation by ritonavir leads to an increased elimination of levothyroxine and a necessity of higher daily doses. Patients who switch from ritonavir-boosted PIs to antiretroviral drugs-based HAART with minimal drug-interaction such as dolutegravir, may require an adjustment in their dose of levothyroxine in order to prevent hyperthyroidism due to impaired elimination of levothyroxine without ritonavir.
Aristotélisme, darwinisme et holisme chez Patrick Geddes
Authors: Kraus Sabine
Published: November 2016

Cet article analyse l’histoire intellectuelle et culturelle de Patrick Geddes, en rapportant son œuvre pluridisciplinaire au contexte historique scientifique et social, ainsi qu’aux interrogations de son époque. La biologie générale est constitutive de son travail pionnier en aménagement urbain et rural. Geddes applique son interprétation de la théorie de l’évolution aux projets et actions pratiques de son urbanisme écologique, dont les fondations sont l’éducation et la culture comme facteurs essentiels de développement économique régional.
Limitation de la consommation énergétique au Japon : choix gouvernementaux et réponses des constructeurs de maisons préfabriquées
Authors: Nussaume Yann
Published: November 2016

Cet article analyse la position du gouvernement japonais et les réponses des constructeurs de maisons individuelles et plus particulièrement celles de l’entreprise Sekisui pour limiter la consommation énergétique dans les maisons nippones et pour produire des maisons « zéro énergie ». Si les choix et les manières de faire de l’Archipel pour restreindre la consommation énergétique apparaissent, au premier abord, différents de ceux d’autres pays comme la France, ils s’inscrivent dans la logique du contexte japonais, mais suivent in fine des buts comparables. Cette similitude d’objectifs amène à questionner les solutions architecturales et techniques retenues dans le développement des maisons zéro énergie. Au Japon, n’entraînent-ils pas une remise en question de la perméabilité traditionnelle entre intérieur et extérieur des habitations modifiant par-là, en profondeur, le sens de l’habiter ?
On the Refusal to Negotiate with France . Considérations sur le travail argumentatif du refus de négocier à partir des discours de William Pitt et Charles James Fox le 3 février 1800 à la Chambre des Communes
Authors: Thuderoz Christian
Published: November 2016

Cet article analyse les arguments déployés en février 1800 par William Pitt, Premier ministre de Grande-Bretagne, refusant d’entrer en négociation avec Bonaparte, et par Charles James Fox, leader de l’opposition aux Communes, proposant d’accepter l’offre de son adversaire.
Dialogue social et dialogue social territorial au début du XXI e siècle. Un essai de théorisation
Authors: Gazier Bernard , Bruggeman Frédéric
Published: November 2016

Cette contribution vise à présenter, de la manière la plus brève et simple possible, une vision générale et actualisée du « Dialogue social » (DS) et du « Dialogue social territorial » (DST), rendant compte à la fois de son unité et de sa diversité au sein des pays de l’OCDE.
De la loi « Lafarge » à la loi de 1916. Aux origines de la pénalisation des stupéfiants
Authors: Yvorel Jean-Jacques
Published: November 2016

Quand, dans une société développée, un nouveau péril est identifié, les réponses que la collectivité cherche à apporter comportent systématiquement un volet juridique. La consommation de drogues n’échappe pas à cette règle. Nous nous proposons de suivre, entre 1845 et 1916, les réponses juridiques que les pouvoirs publics mettent en œuvre pour « arrêter » le développement de la consommation non thérapeutique des produits psychoactifs de plus en plus nombreux que l’industrie pharmaceutique met sur le marché.
Réprimer ou soigner ? Les législations européennes en matière de stupéfiants : état des lieux et évolutions
Authors: Protais Caroline
Published: November 2016

Le modèle de contrôle des drogues mis en place à un niveau européen, mais plus généralement à un niveau mondial durant le XX e  siècle est de nature prohibitionniste. Les conventions internationales qui en témoignent : elles affirment la prééminence du contrôle par la loi, même si elles laissent la porte ouverte à l’usage de la réponse sanitaire pour répondre à la consommation illégale de stupéfiants. Un examen de l’état des législations des 29 pays de l’Union européenne (+ la Norvège) montre que les pays témoignent d’un traitement judiciaire très varié du consommateur de stupéfiants. La tendance, examinée ici depuis les années 2000, va toutefois dans le sens d’une augmentation de l’intégration des mesures socio-sanitaires dans la gamme des réponses apportées aux infractions d’usage de stupéfiants en Europe. Certains pays tendent donc à substituer progressivement le modèle de contrôle par la loi affirmé par les conventions par le modèle du contrôle sanitaire. Quelques États autorisant désormais également la culture de cannabis semblent par ailleurs remettre plus radicalement en cause le modèle de contrôle du marché de la drogue et plus généralement d’un monde sans drogue.
Observations sur l’influence de l’usage habituel du tabac sur la santé, le sens moral et la propriété
Authors: Rush Benjamin , Levivier Marc , Gira Emmanuelle , Moutel Noémie
Published: November 2016

En 1798, le Dr Benjamin Rush, éminent médecin américain, soulignait déjà dans ses « Observations sur l’influence de l’usage habituel du tabac sur la santé » les dangers de la consommation de tabac. Nous vous proposons la traduction française de cet article historique.
Héroïsme et défenses chez les pisteurs/euses secouristes
Authors: Duarte Antoine , Gernet Isabelle
Published: November 2016

S’appuyant sur une recherche clinique en psychodynamique du travail initiée à la suite de l’accident mortel d’un pisteur secouriste dans une station de ski, cet article interroge les liens entre les défenses collectives structurées par la virilité et la lutte d’une femme pour défendre son identité. Selon les auteurs, ces liens ne peuvent s’entendre qu’à travers une mise en évidence des processus psychiques mobilisés dans la confrontation du sujet aux contraintes du travail. Pour ce faire, ils discutent le cas d’Alexandra, seule femme à exercer ce métier à risque dans un collectif d’hommes.
NEUROCARDIAC-CARDIORESPIRATORY INTERACTION OF HEART-BRAIN MAILUNS SYNCHRONY AT DEEP ZEN MEDITATION
Authors: Lo Pei-Chen , Miao Tian Wu Jue
Published: November 2016

Innovatively new behaviors of heart rate variability caused by special heart-transition process were observed in the long-term, well-experienced Zen practitioners while practicing the heart-to-heart imprint sealing (HHIS) Zen meditation. HHIS Zen practice involves specific neurocardiac-cardiorespiratory interaction while on the way of realizing the heart-dominant, detached brain. Results of analyzing the electrocardiogram and respiratory signals of 10 experienced practitioners reveal several distinctive characteristics: (1) remarkably linear correlation between standard deviation of the normal R-to-R intervals, SDNN, and total power in very-low-frequency (VLF, 0.0033–0.04[Formula: see text]Hz) band of power spectrum of the heart-rate sequence, (2) time-varying VLF power dominating over the low-frequency and high-frequency power in heart rate variability (HRV) variations, (3) intermittent transition into slowly, deeply abdominal respiration inducing a boost of heart rates, (4) heart-rate baseline slowly fluctuating at 0.005–0.0067[Formula: see text]Hz, about 1.5–2 cycles in 5-min period, and (5) remarkable respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) synchrony between heart rate and respiration rhythm. This paper proposes a rational scientific hypothesis for the neurocardiac-cardiorespiratory mechanism. The unique scheme of HHIS Zen meditation involves the spiritual-qi concentration and refinement for pinpointing into the particular energy centers, mailuns. Ignition by a subtle, deepest abdominal respiration, electrical impulses rapidly transmit from solar plexus to branchial plexuses to activate unique heart-transition process. Simultaneously, another branch streams upward the spinal cord to cervical plexus and brainstem that effectively harmonizes neurocardiac interactions. To investigate the underlying behaviors, time-domain and frequency-domain HRV based on continuous wavelet transform were employed.
Concussion-Like Symptoms in Child and Youth Athletes at Baseline: What Is “Typical”?
Authors: Hunt Anne Williams , Paniccia Melissa , Reed Nick , Keightley Michelle
Published: November 2016

Context: After a concussion, guidelines emphasize that an athlete should be asymptomatic before starting a return-to-play protocol. However, many concussion symptoms are nonspecific and may be present in individuals without concussion. Limited evidence exists regarding the presence of “typical” or preinjury (baseline) symptoms in child and youth athletes.

Objective: To describe the frequency of symptoms reported at baseline by child and youth athletes and identify how age, sex, history of concussion, and learning factors influence the presence of baseline symptoms.

Design: Cross-sectional cohort study.

Setting: Baseline testing was conducted at a hospital research laboratory or in a sport or school setting (eg, gym or arena).

Patients or Other Participants: A total of 888 child (9−12 years old, n = 333) and youth (13−17 years old, n = 555) athletes participated (46.4% boys and 53.6% girls, average age = 13.09 ± 1.83 years).

Main Outcome Measure(s): Demographic and symptom data were collected as part of a baseline protocol. Age-appropriate versions of the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (a self-report concussion-symptoms measure with strong psychometric properties for pediatric populations) were administered. Demographic data (age, sex, concussion history, learning factors) were also collected.

Results: Common baseline symptoms for children were feeling sleepier than usual (30% boys, 24% girls) and feeling nervous or worried (17% boys, 25% girls). Fatigue was reported by more than half of the youth group (50% boys, 67% girls). Nervousness was reported by 32% of youth girls. Headaches, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating were each reported by 25% of youth boys and girls. For youths, a higher total symptom score was associated with increasing age and number of previous concussions, although these effects were small (age rs = 0.143, number of concussions rs = .084). No significant relationships were found in the child group.

Conclusions: Children and youths commonly experienced symptoms at baseline, including fatigue and nervousness. Whether clinicians should expect complete symptom resolution after concussion is not clear.
Support Received During the Transition to Practice for the Secondary School Graduate-Assistant Athletic Trainer
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Walker Stacy E. , Kirby Jessica L.
Published: November 2016

Context: Transitioning into clinical practice can be stressful for the newly credentialed athletic trainer (AT). The support provided by mentors, peers, and athletic training faculty can increase confidence and enhance the transition. To create specific initiatives for a smoother transition, the perspectives of those in the secondary school setting are needed.

Objective: To examine the transition to practice and mentorship of newly credentialed ATs providing medical care in the secondary school setting.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: Secondary school setting.

Patients or Other Participants: A total of 14 ATs (2 men, 12 women; age = 23.0 ± 2.0 years) participated in our study. They were employed in the secondary school setting through graduate assistantships, had been credentialed for less than 1 year, and had completed professional bachelor's degree programs.

Data Collection and Analysis: We completed 14 semistructured phone interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently following the stepwise progression of a general inductive approach completed the data analysis. Trustworthiness was established through multiple-analyst triangulation, peer review, and member checks.

Results: Two major themes emerged regarding the support received by our participants: past mentors and current networks of professionals. Past mentors provided autonomous learning opportunities during clinical education and then served as resources for guidance and advice. Current networks of professionals were defined by 2 subthemes: professional medical care providers and non–medical care providers within the secondary school setting (ie, athletic directors, coaches, parents).

Conclusions: Former preceptors and faculty provided resources and support to help develop the newly credentialed AT's confidence and facilitate the transition. Preceptors should allow increased independence to help their students develop as clinicians. The creation of networks within the community, that is, the secondary school itself, is also critical in the transition as it provides the AT with role legitimation.
Patient Experiences of Recovery After Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Toonstra Jenny L. , Howell Dana , English Robert A. , Lattermann Christian , Mattacola Carl G.
Published: November 2016

Context:

The recovery process after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) can be challenging for patients and clinicians alike due to significant functional limitations and a lengthy healing time. Understanding patients' experiences during the recovery process may assist clinicians in providing more individualized care.

Objective:

To explore and describe patients' experiences during the recovery process after ACI.

Design:

Qualitative study.

Setting:

Orthopaedic clinic.

Patients or Other Participants:

Participants from a single orthopaedic practice who had undergone ACI within the previous 12 months were purposefully selected.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Volunteers participated in 1-on-1 semistructured interviews to describe their recovery experiences after ACI. Data were analyzed using the process of horizontalization.

Results:

Seven patients (2 men, 5 women; age = 40.7 ± 7.5 years, time from surgery = 8.7 ± 4.2 months) participated. Four themes and 6 subthemes emerged from the data and suggested that the recovery process is a lengthy and emotional experience. Therapy provides optimism for the future but requires a collaborative effort among the patient, surgeon, rehabilitation provider, and patient's caregiver(s). Furthermore, patients expressed frustration that their expectations for recovery did not match the reality of the process, including greater dependence on caregivers than expected.

Conclusions:

Patients' expectations should be elicited before surgery and managed throughout the recovery process. Providing preoperative patient and caregiver education and encouraging preoperative rehabilitation can assist in managing expectations. Establishing realistic goals and expectations may improve rehabilitation adherence, encourage optimism for recovery, and improve outcomes in the long term.
Cervical Injury Assessments for Concussion Evaluation: A Review
Authors: Cheever Kelly , Kawata Keisuke , Tierney Ryan , Galgon Anne
Published: November 2016

Background:

A concussion is a complex pathophysiologic process that is induced by biomechanical forces and affects the brain. Cervical injuries and concussion can share similar mechanisms and nearly identical symptoms or causes. Therefore, symptoms or causes alone may be insufficient to differentiate between patients with a concussion and patients with cervical injuries.

Objective:

To demonstrate the homogeneous causes and symptoms observed in patients with a concussion and patients with cervical injury and to provide information on clinical tests that can differentiate cervical injury from pathologic conditions of vestibular or central origin.

Given that concussion and cervical injury share similar causes and symptoms, this information alone may be insufficient to diagnose a concussion. Clinical assessments, such as the cervical joint-reposition error test, smooth-pursuit neck-torsion test, head-neck differentiation test, cervical flexion-rotation test, and physical examination of the cervical spine, can be performed after a head and neck pathomechanical event to identify the presence of cervical injury. Differentiating between a concussion and cervical injury is clinically vital for timely and appropriate evidence-based treatment.

Conclusions:

Specific clinical tests should be used after a head and neck pathomechanical event to differentiate between symptoms due to a concussion and cervical injury. Continued research on the clinical utility of the 5 identified cervicogenic tests is also recommended.
South African National Survey of Arachnida: A checklist of the spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) of the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa
Authors: Foord Stefan H. , Dippenaar-Schoeman Anna S. , Jocqué Rudy , Haddad Charles R. , Lyle Robin , Webb Peter
Published: November 2016

The aim of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA) is to document the Arachnida fauna of South Africa. One of the focus areas of SANSA is to survey protected areas to obtain species-specific information, and species distribution patterns for Red Data assessments. Here, we provide the first checklist of the spider species of Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve (LNR) in the Limpopo province of South Africa collected during five surveys between 2009 and 2016 using methods targeting both the ground and field layers. Forty-five families, represented by 168 genera and 268 species, have been collected so far. The most species-rich families were the Salticidae (41 spp.) and Araneidae (38 spp.), followed by the Thomisidae (33 spp.), while 11 families were represented by one species. Information on spider guilds, endemicity value and conservation status are provided. The LNR protects approximately 12.2% of the total South African spider fauna. Two species, Hasarinella distincta Haddad & Wesołowska, 2013 (Salticidae) and Ballomma legala Jocqué & Henrard, 2015 (Zodariidae), are presently known to be endemic to the reserve.Conservation implications: The LNR falls within the Savanna Biome in the Limpopo province. Only five spider species were previously known from the reserve and 263 spp. are reported from the reserve for the first time. Thirteen species are possibly new to science and 2 species represent new distribution records for South Africa.
Assay for identification of heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism (Ala67Thr) in human poliovirus receptor gene
Authors: Nandi Shyam Sundar , Sharma Deepa Kailash , Deshpande Jagadish M.
Published: November 2016

Background & objectives:

It is important to understand the role of cell surface receptors in susceptibility to infectious diseases. CD155 a member of the immunoglobulin super family, serves as the poliovirus receptor (PVR). Heterozygous (Ala67Thr) polymorphism in CD155 has been suggested as a risk factor for paralytic outcome of poliovirus infection. The present study pertains to the development of a screening test to detect the single nucleotide (SNP) polymorphism in the CD155 gene.

Methods:

New primers were designed for PCR, sequencing and SNP analysis of Exon2 of CD155 gene. DNAs extracted from either whole blood (n=75) or cells from oral cavity (n=75) were used for standardization and validation of the SNP assay. DNA sequencing was used as the gold standard method.

Results:

A new SNP assay for detection of heterozygous Ala67Thr genotype was developed and validated by testing 150 DNA samples. Heterozygous CD155 was detected in 27.33 per cent (41/150) of DNA samples tested by both SNP detection assay and sequencing.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The SNP detection assay was successfully developed for identification of Ala67Thr polymorphism in human PVR/CD155 gene. The SNP assay will be useful for large scale screening of DNA samples.
Distribution trends & antibiogram pattern of Salmonella enterica serovar Newport in India
Authors: Kumar Y. , Gupta N. , Vaish V.B. , Gupta S.
Published: November 2016

Background & objectives:

Salmonellosis is a major public health concern worldwide. Besides typhoidal salmonellae, infections due to non-typhoidal serovars of Salmonella are also associated with high morbidity and mortality leading to huge economic losses. Among non-typhoidal serovars, Salmonella Newport has been reported as a major cause of foodborne infections resulting in outbreaks due to consumption of contaminated food items. Little data related to this serovar are available from India leading to the scarcity of information on the distribution trends of this important serovar in the country. Therefore, an effort was made in the present study to generate data on distribution trends and antibiogram of S. Newport in the country.

Methods:

S. Newport isolates received at the National Salmonella and Escherichia Centre at Kasauli, India, during January 2010 to December 2013 were analysed for their distribution trends and antibiogram data were also generated using standard methods.

Results:

In the present study, S. Newport isolates were received from eight States and one union territory of the country and highest proportion of S. Newport isolates were found to be from humans (53.61%) followed by animals (27.84%) and food (18.56%). S. Newport isolates exhibited resistance to all drugs used in the present study except chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and cefuroxime.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Considering distribution of this important serovar of Salmonalla and its wide range of reservoirs, steps towards formulation and execution of efficient surveillance programmes should be taken.
Observed microphysical changes in Arctic mixed-phase clouds when transitioning from sea ice to open ocean
Authors: Young Gillian , Jones Hazel M. , Choularton Thomas W. , Crosier Jonathan , Bower Keith N. , Gallagher Martin W. , Davies Rhiannon S. , Renfrew Ian A. , Elvidge Andrew D. , Darbyshire Eoghan , Marenco Franco , Brown Philip R. A. , Ricketts Hugo M. A. , Connolly Paul J. , Lloyd Gary , Williams Paul I. , Allan James D. , Taylor Jonathan W. , Liu Dantong , Flynn Michael J.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. In situ airborne observations of cloud microphysics, aerosol properties, and thermodynamic structure over the transition from sea ice to ocean are presented from the Aerosol-Cloud Coupling And Climate Interactions in the Arctic (ACCACIA) campaign. A case study from 23 March 2013 provides a unique view of the cloud microphysical changes over this transition under cold-air outbreak conditions. Cloud base lifted and cloud depth increased over the transition from sea ice to ocean. Mean droplet number concentrations, Ndrop, also increased from 110 ± 36 cm−3 over the sea ice to 145 ± 54 cm−3 over the marginal ice zone (MIZ). Downstream over the ocean, Ndrop decreased to 63 ± 30 cm−3. This reduction was attributed to enhanced collision-coalescence of droplets within the deep ocean cloud layer. The liquid water content increased almost four fold over the transition and this, in conjunction with the deeper cloud layer, allowed rimed snowflakes to develop and precipitate out of cloud base downstream over the ocean. The ice properties of the cloud remained approximately constant over the transition. Observed ice crystal number concentrations averaged approximately 0.5–1.5 L−1, suggesting only primary ice nucleation was active; however, there was evidence of crystal fragmentation at cloud base over the ocean. Little variation in aerosol particle number concentrations was observed between the different surface conditions; however, some variability with altitude was observed, with notably greater concentrations measured at higher altitudes ( >  800 m) over the sea ice. Near-surface boundary layer temperatures increased by 13 °C from sea ice to ocean, with corresponding increases in surface heat fluxes and turbulent kinetic energy. These significant thermodynamic changes were concluded to be the primary driver of the microphysical evolution of the cloud. This study represents the first investigation, using in situ airborne observations, of cloud microphysical changes with changing sea ice cover and addresses the question of how the microphysics of Arctic stratiform clouds may change as the region warms and sea ice extent reduces.
A New Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy Instrument to Study Atmospheric Chemistry from a High-Altitude Unmanned Aircraft
Authors: Stutz Jochen , Werner Bodo , Spolaor Max , Scalone Lisa , Festa James , Tsai Catalina , Cheung Ross , Colosimo Santo F. , Tricoli Ugo , Raecke Rasmus , Hossaini Ryan , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Feng Wuhu , Gao Ru-Shan , Hintsa Eric J. , Elkins James W. , Moore Fred L. , Daube Bruce , Pittman Jasna , Wofsy Steven , Pfeilsticker Klaus
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Observations of atmospheric trace gases in the tropical upper troposphere (UT), tropical tropopause layer (TTL) and lower stratosphere (LS) require dedicated measurement platforms and instrumentation. Here we present a new limb-scanning Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) instrument developed for NASA’s Global Hawk unmanned aerial system (GH) during the Airborne Tropical TRopopause EXperiment (ATTREX). The mini-DOAS system is designed for automatic operation under unpressurized and unheated conditions at 14–18 km altitude, collecting scattered sunlight in three wavelength windows: UV (301–387 nm), visible (410–525 nm) and near infrared (900–1700 nm). A telescope scanning unit allows selection of a viewing angle around the limb, as well as real-time correction of the aircraft pitch. Due to the high altitude, solar reference spectra are measured using diffusors and direct sunlight. The DOAS approach allows retrieval of slant column densities (SCD) of O3, O4, NO2, and BrO with relative errors similar to other aircraft DOAS systems. Radiative transfer considerations show that the retrieval of trace gas mixing ratios from the observed SCD based on O4 observations, the most common approach for DOAS measurements, is inadequate for high-altitude observations, due to frequent presence of low altitude clouds. A newly developed technique that constrains the radiative transfer (RT) by comparing in-situ and DOAS O3 observations overcomes this issue. Extensive sensitivity calculations show that the novel O3-scaling technique allows the retrieval of BrO and NO2 mixing ratios at high accuracies of 0.3–0.6 ppt and 15 ppt, respectively. The BrO and NO2 mixing ratios and vertical profiles observed during ATTREX thus provide new insights into ozone and halogen chemistry in the UT, TTL, and LS.
Response of the AMOC to reduced solar radiation – the modulating role of atmospheric chemistry
Authors: Muthers Stefan , Raible Christoph C. , Rozanov Eugene , Stocker Thomas F.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The influence of reduced solar forcing (grand solar minimum or geoengineering scenarios like solar radiation management) on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is assessed in an ensemble of atmosphere–ocean–chemistry–climate model simulations. Ensemble sensitivity simulations are performed with and without interactive chemistry. In both experiments the AMOC is intensified in the course of the solar radiation reduction, which is attributed to the thermal effect of the solar forcing: reduced sea surface temperatures and enhanced sea ice formation increase the density of the upper ocean in the North Atlantic and intensify the deepwater formation. Furthermore, a second, dynamical effect on the AMOC is identified driven by the stratospheric cooling in response to the reduced solar forcing. The cooling is strongest in the tropics and leads to a weakening of the northern polar vortex. By stratosphere–troposphere interactions, the stratospheric circulation anomalies induce a negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation in the troposphere which is found to weaken the AMOC through wind stress and heat flux anomalies in the North Atlantic. The dynamic mechanism is present in both ensemble experiments. In the experiment with interactive chemistry, however, it is strongly amplified by stratospheric ozone changes. In the coupled system, both effects counteract and weaken the response of the AMOC to the solar forcing reduction. Neglecting chemistry–climate interactions in model simulations may therefore lead to an overestimation of the AMOC response to solar forcing.
El Niño, La Niña, and the global sea level budget
Authors: Piecuch Christopher G. , Quinn Katherine J.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Previous studies show that nonseasonal variations in global-mean sea level (GMSL) are significantly correlated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, it has remained unclear to what extent these ENSO-related GMSL fluctuations correspond to steric (i.e., density) or barystatic (mass) effects. Here we diagnose the GMSL budget for ENSO events observationally using data from profiling floats, satellite gravimetry, and radar altimetry during 2005–2015. Steric and barystatic effects make comparable contributions to the GMSL budget during ENSO, in contrast to previous interpretations based largely on hydrological models, which emphasize the barystatic component. The steric contributions reflect changes in global ocean heat content, centered on the Pacific. Distributions of ocean heat storage in the Pacific arise from a mix of diabatic and adiabatic effects. Results have implications for understanding the surface warming slowdown and demonstrate the usefulness of the Global Ocean Observing System for constraining Earth's hydrological cycle and radiation imbalance.
Temporal evolution of crack propagation propensity in snow in relation to slab and weak layer properties
Authors: Schweizer Jürg , Reuter Benjamin , van Herwijnen Alec , Richter Bettina , Gaume Johan
Published: November 2016

Abstract. If a weak snow layer below a cohesive slab is present in the snow cover, unstable snow conditions can prevail for days or even weeks. We monitored the temporal evolution of a weak layer of faceted crystals as well as the overlaying slab layers at the location of an automatic weather station in the Steintälli field site above Davos (Eastern Swiss Alps). We focussed on the crack propagation propensity and performed propagation saw tests (PSTs) on 7 sampling days during a 2-month period from early January to early March 2015. Based on video images taken during the tests we determined the mechanical properties of the slab and the weak layer and compared them to the results derived from concurrently performed measurements of penetration resistance using the snow micro-penetrometer (SMP). The critical cut length, observed in PSTs, increased overall during the measurement period. The increase was not steady and the lowest values of critical cut length were observed around the middle of the measurement period. The relevant mechanical properties, the slab effective elastic modulus and the weak layer specific fracture, overall increased as well. However, the changes with time differed, suggesting that the critical cut length cannot be assessed by simply monitoring a single mechanical property such as slab load, slab modulus or weak layer specific fracture energy. Instead, crack propagation propensity is the result of a complex interplay between the mechanical properties of the slab and the weak layer. We then compared our field observations to newly developed metrics of snow instability related to either failure initiation or crack propagation propensity. The metrics were either derived from the SMP signal or calculated from simulated snow stratigraphy (SNOWPACK). They partially reproduced the observed temporal evolution of critical cut length and instability test scores. Whereas our unique dataset of quantitative measures of snow instability provides new insights into the complex slab-weak layer interaction, it also showed some deficiencies of the modelled metrics of instability – calling for an improved representation of the mechanical properties.
Relation of anthropometric measurements to ocular biometric changes and refractive error in children with thalassemia
Authors: Elkitkat Rania S. , El-Shazly Amany A. , Ebeid Weam M. , Deghedy Marwa R.
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate and correlate anthropometric, biometric, and refractive error changes in thalassemia major (TM).

Methods:

One hundred children with TM and another hundred healthy controls were recruited. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) were the anthropometric parameters recorded. Full ophthalmologic examination was performed, including best-corrected visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, slit-lamp examination, Goldmann applanation tonometry, indirect ophthalmoscopy, keratometry (K readings), and ocular biometry.

Results:

Compared to controls, children with TM were shorter and lighter, with a smaller BMI (p<0.001); however, no significant difference existed in OFC. Regarding ocular biometric data, patients with thalassemia had steeper mean K readings (p = 0.03), shorter axial length (AXL) (p = 0.005), shorter vitreous chamber depth (p<0.001), and thicker crystalline lens (p<0.001) than controls. Patients with thalassemia had a significant myopic shift (p = 0.003). Multiple regression analyses only showed a significant correlation between corneal astigmatism and both weight and height (β = -0.05 and p = 0.03 and β = 0.06 and p = 0.04, respectively). Spherical equivalent was significantly correlated to K readings, lens thickness, and anterior chamber depth (p<0.0001 for all parameters).

Conclusions:

Compared to controls, children with TM have significant retardation in general and ocular growth (smaller BMI and shorter AXL). Ocular growth changes probably resulted in compensatory biometric changes (steeper corneas and thicker lenses) to reach emmetropization, with an exaggerated response and subsequent myopic shift. However, growth retardation is not directly related to ocular growth changes, myopic shift, or variations in biometric parameters.
Variables Affecting Evaluation and Publication of Oncology Case Reports: A Systematic Analysis
Authors: Florita Antonio , Morittu Elena , Galeone Carlotta , Leon Antonette E. , Ballarini Rossella , Zuanetti Giulio
Published: November 2016

Background

Studies on factors affecting editorial decisions of scientific journals are scarce. In this study, we focused on case reports submitted to oncology journals and analyzed whether their nature or other relevant variables affected the chances of their acceptance.

Methods

We analyzed case reports submitted to 2 oncology journals: Tumori Journal and The International Journal of Biological Markers, and split them into 3 predefined groups: those (a) describing rare or unusual presentation of diseases, (b) describing the side effects of an intervention or (c) describing the success of a novel intervention. Publication status was retrospectively retrieved from the submission system, and acceptance rates were calculated taking into account other variables including geographic location of corresponding author.

Results

A total of 326 case reports were suitable for analysis. The acceptance rate was 35.4% for group (a), 27.9% for group (b), 19.6% for group (c) (p = 0.01). After correcting for other variables, the odds ratio (OR) of being accepted for group (c) was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.33-1.00) compared with the other groups combined. There was a highly significant difference of acceptance rates between manuscripts with authors coming from developed vs. developing countries that remained significant (OR = 5.94; 95% CI, 3.05-10.09) after correcting for multiple variables.

Conclusions

The nature of a case report in oncology may affect acceptance rate, with case reports describing successful approaches or side effects of treatment being accepted with a higher frequency then case reports describing a rare clinical or diagnostic scenario. Also, works coming from developed countries are accepted significantly more frequently than case reports coming from developing countries.
The isolation and characterization of systemic sclerosis vascular smooth muscle cells: enhanced proliferation and apoptosis resistance
Authors: Altorok Nezam , Nada Shadia , Kahaleh Bashar
Published: November 2016

Background

Vascular dysfunction is a major pathologic component of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The role of vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) in the development of vascular dysfunction is still unknown. In this study, we describe a method for isolation of dermal vSMCs from skin biopsies, and we outline their functional phenotype.

Methods

We obtained 4 mm punch-skin biopsies from three SSc patients and matched controls. After trypsin digestion, cells were cultured for 14 days. vSMCs were isolated by first depleting CD31+ cells (endothelial cells), followed by positive selection of CD146+ cells. The CD31- CD146+ cells were then cultured in media optimized for SMCs proliferation. We evaluated cell proliferation, viability and apoptosis in normal and in low serum culture conditions. Cytoplasmic and nuclear expression levels of β-catenin were also investigated.

Results

The CD31- CD146+ cell population expressed smooth muscle MYH11, Desmin and Vimentin but did not express NG2. Flow cytometry confirmed the high purity of CD31- CD146+ MYHC11+ cell population that was maintained for up to the eleventh passage. SSc-vSMCs exhibited increased cell proliferation and viability compared to control cells. Under serum starvation conditions, SSc-vSMCs exhibited more proliferative capacity, and resistance to apoptosis compared to control-vSMCs. Furthermore, a cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation of β-catenin was seen in SSc-vSMCs but not in control-vSMCs.

Conclusions

This is the first report of successful isolation and initial characterization of SSc-vSMCs. It is likely that increased proliferation of SSc-vSMCs in association with resistance to apoptosis can adversely impact the vascular lesion in SSc.
Sexual Violence and Ghostly Justice in “The Lady's Maid's Bell” and “Kerfol”
Authors: Ohler Paul
Published: November 2016

Edith Wharton's “The Lady's Maid's Bell” (1902, 1904) and “Kerfol” (1916) share a concern with sexual violence, isolation, and psychological abuse experienced by women. I argue that the stories depict irruptions of a spectral women's history into naturalized gender relations. I describe Wharton's mixing of Gothic, realist, and naturalist modes to depict a character type she found most interesting, one whose “fate is settled beyond rescue,” to support my contention that we should recognize the continuity of these stories with those aspects of her “major fictions, [which] taken together, constitute perhaps the most searching—and searing—feminist analysis of the construction of ‘femininity’ produced by any novelist in this [the twentieth] century.” Most assessments of the stories are not comparative. Thus, I draw here on the critical response to each story to advance the claim that by apposing them we find overlapping concerns with sexual violence, the historical contingency of gender, and the difficulties of achieving justice for women.