bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Formation of Formaldehyde on Interstellar Carbonaceous Grain Analogs by O/H Atom Addition
Authors: Potapov Alexey , Jäger Cornelia , Henning Thomas , Jonusas Mindaugas , Krim Lahouari
Published: September 2017

An understanding of possible scenarios for the formation of astrophysically relevant molecules, particularly complex organic molecules, will bring us one step closer to the understanding of our astrochemical heritage. In this context, formaldehyde is an important molecule as a precursor of methanol, which in turn is a starting point for the formation of more complex organic species. In the present experiments, for the first time, following the synthesis of CO, formaldehyde has been produced on the surface of interstellar grain analogs, hydrogenated fullerene-like carbon grains, by O and H atom bombardment. The formation of H2CO is an indication for a possible methanol formation route in such systems.
Unseen Progenitors of Luminous High-z Quasars in the Rh = ct Universe
Authors: Fatuzzo Marco , Melia Fulvio
Published: September 2017

Quasars at high redshift provide direct information on the mass growth of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and, in turn, yield important clues about how the universe evolved since the first (Pop III) stars started forming. Yet even basic questions regarding the seeds of these objects and their growth mechanism remain unanswered. The anticipated launch of eROSITA and ATHENA is expected to facilitate observations of high-redshift quasars needed to resolve these issues. In this paper, we compare accretion-based SMBH growth in the concordance ΛCDM model with that in the alternative Friedmann–Robertson–Walker cosmology known as the R
h = ct universe. Previous work has shown that the timeline predicted by the latter can account for the origin and growth of the ≳109
M
⊙ highest redshift quasars better than that of the standard model. Here, we significantly advance this comparison by determining the soft X-ray flux that would be observed for Eddington-limited accretion growth as a function of redshift in both cosmologies. Our results indicate that a clear difference emerges between the two in terms of the number of detectable quasars at redshift z ≳ 7, raising the expectation that the next decade will provide the observational data needed to discriminate between these two models based on the number of detected high-redshift quasar progenitors. For example, while the upcoming ATHENA mission is expected to detect ∼0.16 (i.e., essentially zero) quasars at z ∼ 7 in R
h = ct, it should detect ∼160 in ΛCDM—a quantitatively compelling difference.
Chandra Detection of Intracluster X-Ray sources in Virgo
Authors: Hou Meicun , Li Zhiyuan , Peng Eric W. , Liu Chengze
Published: September 2017

We present a survey of X-ray point sources in the nearest and dynamically young galaxy cluster, Virgo, using archival Chandra observations that sample the vicinity of 80 early-type member galaxies. The X-ray source populations at the outskirts of these galaxies are of particular interest. We detect a total of 1046 point sources (excluding galactic nuclei) out to a projected galactocentric radius of ∼40 kpc and down to a limiting 0.5–8 keV luminosity of

∼
2
×

10

38

erg

s

−
1

. Based on the cumulative spatial and flux distributions of these sources, we statistically identify ∼120 excess sources that are not associated with the main stellar content of the individual galaxies, nor with the cosmic X-ray background. This excess is significant at a 3.5σ level, when Poisson error and cosmic variance are taken into account. On the other hand, no significant excess sources are found at the outskirts of a control sample of field galaxies, suggesting that at least some fraction of the excess sources around the Virgo galaxies are truly intracluster X-ray sources. Assisted with ground-based and HST optical imaging of Virgo, we discuss the origins of these intracluster X-ray sources, in terms of supernova-kicked low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), globular clusters, LMXBs associated with the diffuse intracluster light, stripped nucleated dwarf galaxies and free-floating massive black holes.
Energy as a Strategic Tool of Hezbollah Movement in Confrontation with Israel
Authors: Tichý Lukáš
Published: September 2017

The article focuses on confronting the Lebanon's Shiite movement Hezbollah with Israel in the field of energy. The aim of the article is to analyse the importance of energy in strategy of movement Hezbollah generally and specifically in confronting with Israel and motives and methods of the energy strategy of the Hezbollah. The primary method of Hezbollah action is to use or threat of violence consisting in threatening to attack on the Israeli energy sector to defend Lebanese energy wealth and deter its enemy from production of gas and oil in the disputed waters of the eastern Mediterranean. The main motive of Hezbollah's activities is especially strengthening of stable energy supplies and Israel's accusations of aggressive energy policy towards Lebanon.
Effectiveness of Mental Health Simulation in Replacing Traditional Clinical Hours in Baccalaureate Nursing Education
Authors: Soccio Denise A.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of the current study was to (a) determine whether baccalaureate nursing students receiving mental health simulation as a replacement for 25% of traditional clinical hours have equivalent or greater mental health knowledge and self-confidence compared to those who did not receive this simulation; and (b) explore students' perceptions of their mental health simulation compared to traditional clinical hours. An evidence-based practice pilot study was conducted using a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data demonstrated that students who received mental health simulation as a replacement for 25% of traditional clinical hours have equivalent mental health knowledge and self-confidence as those who did not receive the simulation. Qualitative data indicated students found the simulation helpful in learning how to manage patient behaviors. The current study provides substantial evidence that simulation can be used as a replacement for 25% of traditional clinical hours in mental health nursing. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
55
(11), 36–43.]
Un « moment » pour faire. Le plan de développement 2015-2020 du Grand Casablanca
Authors: Hachimi Alaoui Nadia
Published: September 2017

Ce chapitre interroge les conflits de développement à partir de la fabrication « au concret » du ‘Plan de développement 2015-2020’ de Casablanca, qui a fait l’objet d’un vaste processus de concertation lancé et mis en œuvre par le wali de Casablanca, représentant direct du roi dans les territoires. L’étude du processus met en lumière les visions contradictoires, les rapports de force et les luttes de pouvoir qui ont fait advenir la centaine de projets de développement mis à l’agenda public à l’issue du processus ; mais le champ de bataille, dans et par lequel s’est formé le plan de développement, est un champ où les conflits, les rapports de pouvoir, les résistances, en bref le politique se sont exprimés dans des énoncés qui les recouvrent et qui les masquent. Cette « invisibilisation » du politique place le développement dans un espace de consensus dont la face cachée dissimule le caractère profondément asymétrique et inégalitaire des ressources que mobilisent les acteurs dans la négociation des mesures de développement. Cette étude met en lumière les jeux d’alliances et les diverses médiations aux travers desquelles le plan de développement est défini. De fait, ce travail s’inscrit dans une logique inverse des travaux qui se consacrent aux questions du développement urbain au Maroc. Ceux-ci orientent essentiellement leur intérêt sur les oppositions et les mobilisations aux projets de développement ou, a contrario, sur les loyautés et les alliances que leurs allocations permettent de construire vis-à-vis du pouvoir. Ce chapitre invite à se saisir de l’Etat non pas comme un « arbitre » mais comme une « arène » : le projet de « développer » Casablanca, en ouvrant un « moment  pour faire », a constitué, d’abord et surtout, un temps pour l’actualisation des rapports de force et des rapports de pouvoir dans lesquels, au Maroc, s’intriquent l’Etat et la société.
Développement et contremouvements. Réflexions à partir des conflits nés de la marchandisation des terres collectives au Maroc
Authors: Berriane Yasmine
Published: September 2017

Cette contribution analyse les liens existant entre développement et conflit dans le contexte des mobilisations protestataires qui se sont élevées contre l’intensification de la marchandisation des terres collectives au Maroc. La cession de ces terres, qui s’accompagne d’un discours associant la valorisation économique des terres collectives au développement humain et social promu par l’État, contribuent à rendre visibles – en les exacerbant – des inégalités inhérentes à ce régime foncier introduit à l’époque coloniale. Parmi les multiples formes d’inégalités, celles relatives aux droits des femmes se sont plus particulièrement imposées sur la scène politique grâce aux actions menées par un mouvement de femmes revendicatif. Ce mouvement a non seulement réussi à se forger un statut de « mobilisation légitime », mais il contribue aussi à (re)créer des frontières sociales cette fois fondées sur une rhétorique de l’autochtonie et sur la politisation d’inégalités sociales qui reposent sur l’appartenance tribale.
New insights on Lepidoptera of Southern Italy with description of the male of Coenotephria antonii Hausmann 2011 (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Infusino M. , Luzzi G. , Scalercio S.
Published: September 2017

Southern Italy is of particular biogeographic interest due to the location at the center of the Mediterranean Basin and its great environmental heterogeneity. Despite the faunistic interest of this territory, many insect taxa are still little investigated. Among insects, Lepidoptera have a relatively well known fauna, significantly increased in recent years, but there are still some gaps of knowledge in several habitats. The aim of this work was to contribute to the knowledge of the Macrolepidoptera of Southern Italy, focusing our study in Calabria, and to offer some thoughts on the role played by the Mediterranean mountain forests for the biodiversity conservation. Samplings were carried out in three mountainous areas of Calabria (Pollino Massif, Sila Massif and Serre Mountains) in May-November 2015 and in April-November 2016, using UV-LED light traps. We found ten species of high faunistic interest. Three species, Nebula senectaria, Perizoma lugdunaria and Acasis appensata, were for the first time recorded from Southern Italy, while seven were for the first time recorded from Calabria: Coenotephria antonii, Thera obeliscata, Triphosa dubitata, Trichopteryx carpinata, Asteroscopus sphinx, Lithophane semibrunnea and Sideridis reticulata. Of great interest was the discovery of the first male certainly attributable to Coenotephria antonii, endemic of Southern Italy, here described for the first time. The results exposed confirm that the fauna of Southern Italy is of great conservation value, hosting endemisms and several relict populations of European and Asiatic species with differentiated genetic lineages highly vulnerable to the climate change expected for the coming decades.
Preface to Special Collection: Reformation, Transformation and Change Agency
Authors: Makhanya Mandla , Oliver Erna
Published: September 2017

No abstract available.
The memory lymphocyte immunostimulation assay in immune system disorders: Is useful or useless?
Authors: Vadalà Maria , Laurino Carmen , Palmieri Beniamino
Published: September 2017

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical relevance, sensitivity and specificity of in vitro blood test, Memory Lymphocyte ImmunoStimulation Assay (MELISA®), in genetically predisposed patients that suffer by autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants, after HPV-vaccination and that could have a high metal hypersensitivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen girls (aged 12–24 years) that developed long-lasting and invalidating somatoform symptoms occurring within 20 days postvaccination are included in this descriptive study. The hypersensitivity to five metals (aluminum, nickel, mercury, methyl mercury, and thimerosal) was measured by MELISA® test.

RESULTS: Seven girls showed negativity to all the five metals tested. The findings showed metal hypersensitivity only in nine patients: Toxicity to aluminum (two girls), reactivity to nickel (seven girls), followed by mercury (seven girls).

CONCLUSION: The MELISA® assay is neither sensitive nor specific in detecting metal hypersensitivity and associated chronic diseases, including autoimmune pathologies.
Simple, rapid, and cost-effective modified Carba NP test for carbapenemase detection among Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Rudresh Shoorashetty Manohara , Ravi Giriyapur Siddappa , Sunitha Lakshminarayanappa , Hajira Sadiya Noor , Kalaiarasan Ellappan , Harish Belgode Narasimha
Published: September 2017

PURPOSE: Detection of carbapenemases among Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is important for both clinicians and infection control practitioners. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommends Carba NP (CNP) as confirmatory test for carbapenemase production. The reagents required for CNP test are costly and hence the test cannot be performed on a routine basis. The present study evaluates modifications of CNP test for rapid detection of carbapenemases among GNB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The GNB were screened for carbapenemase production using CNP, CarbAcineto NP (CANP), and modified CNP (mCNP) test. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on all the carbapenem-resistant bacteria for carbapenemase genes. The results of three phenotypic tests were compared with PCR.

RESULTS: A total of 765 gram negative bacteria were screened for carbapenem resistance. Carbapenem resistance was found in 144 GNB. The metallo-β-lactamases were most common carbapenemases followed by OXA-48-like enzymes. The CANP test was most sensitive (80.6%) for carbapenemases detection. The mCNP test was 62.1% sensitive for detection of carbapenemases. The mCNP, CNP, and CANP tests were equally sensitive (95%) for detection of NDM enzymes among Enterobacteriaceae. The mCNP test had poor sensitivity for detection of OXA-48-like enzymes.

CONCLUSION: The mCNP test was rapid, cost-effective, and easily adoptable on routine basis. The early detection of carbapenemases using mCNP test will help in preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in the hospital settings.
Nine year trends of dengue virus infection in Mumbai, Western India
Authors: Shastri Jayanthi , Williamson Manita , Vaidya Nilima , Agrawal Sachee , Shrivastav Om
Published: September 2017

INTRODUCTION: Dengue virus (DENV) causes a wide range of diseases in humans, from acute febrile illness Dengue fever (DF) to life-threatening Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Factors believed to be responsible for spread of Dengue virus infection include explosive population growth, unplanned urban overpopulation with inadequate public health systems, poor standing water and vector control, climate changes and increased international recreational, business, military travel to endemic areas. All of these factors must be addressed to control the spread of Dengue and other mosquito-borne infections. The detection of Dengue virus RNA by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) in human serum or plasma samples is highly indicative of acute Dengue fever. Moreover, the method is able to identify the Dengue virus serotype by demonstrating defined sequence homologies in the viral genomic RNA.

METHODS AND RESULTS: During the nine year period of this study analysis, 6767 strongly suspected cases were tested by RT-PCR. 1685 (24.9%) were Dengue PCR positive and confirmed as Dengue cases. Observations on the seasonality were based on the nine year's data as the intensity of sampling was at its maximum during monsoon season. Dengue typing was done on 100 positive samples after storage of Dengue RNA at – 80°C. Dengue serotypes were detected in 69 samples of which Dengue 2 was most predominant. 576 samples were processed for NS1 antigen and PCR simultaneously. 19/576 were positive (3.3 %) for NS1 as well as by PCR. 23/576 samples were negative for NS1 antigen, but were positive by RT-PCR. The remaining 534 samples which were negative for NS1 antigen were also negative by Dengue RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION: In this study we sought to standardize rapid, sensitive, and specific fluorogenic probe-based RT-PCR assay to screen and serotype a representative range of Dengue viruses that are found in and around Mumbai. Qualitative Dengue virus TaqMan assays could have tremendous utility for the epidemiological investigation of Dengue illness and especially for the study of the viremic response with candidate live-attenuated dengue virus vaccines.
Chromobacterium violaceuml-induced sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction, resembling melioidosis in an elderly diabetic patient: A case report with review of literature
Authors: Khadanga Sagar , Karuna Tadepalli , Dugar Dharmendra , Satapathy Shakti Prasad
Published: September 2017

An elderly diabetic farmer presented with chronic nonhealing ulcer over the left foot, multiple liver abscesses, and right-sided pleural effusion. The patient developed septicemia and multiorgan failure. The pus grew pigment producing Chromobacterium violaceuml. He was treated successfully with ciprofloxacin for a total duration of 15 days. This case is reported for its rare clinical presentation and resemblance with melioidosis. Of the 200 C. violaceum cases reported across the globe, this is the 14th case from India and the oldest in the literature.
Presepsin (sCD14-ST): could it be a novel marker for the diagnosis of ST elevation myocardial infarction?
Authors: Caglar Fatma Nihan Turhan , Isiksacan Nilgun , Biyik Ismail , Opan Selcuk , Cebe Hulya , Akturk Ibrahim Faruk
Published: September 2017

Introduction:  Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) could be considered to be a state of inflammation. Many inflammatory markers have been evaluated in the AMI setting so far. Presepsin (PSP) is a novel biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of systemic inflammation that has not been studied in the AMI setting to date. In this study, we aimed to examine serum PSP levels in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Material and methods: Forty-eight patients with STEMI and fifty healthy controls without coronary artery disease, verified by coronary angiography, were included in the study. Together with routine laboratory tests needed for STEMI, plasma concentrations of PSP were measured in peripheral venous blood samples of the participants.

Results:  Plasma PSP and troponin levels were significantly higher in patients with STEMI than controls (1988.89 ±3101.55 vs. 914.22 ±911.35 pg/ml, p = 0.001 and 3.46 ±3.39 vs. 0.08 ±0.43 ng/ml, p = 0.001, respectively). The cut-off value for PSP of 447 pg/ml was found to detect STEMI with 87.5% sensitivity, 44% specificity, 60% positive predictive value and 78.5% negative predictive value.

Conclusions: In this study, PSP levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients with STEMI together with high-sensitivity troponins. The PSP may be a new marker for AMI detection. Large scale studies are needed to reveal the importance of PSP in the diagnosis and prognosis of AMI.
Evaluation of the respiratory system of non-alcohol drug addicted patients
Authors: Çiyiltepe Fulya , Çiyiltepe Hüseyin , Dede Hatice Uluçoban , Öğüş Aliye Candan
Published: September 2017

Introduction: One of the diseases that has left a mark on our age is psychoactive substance addiction. The onset of narcotic substance abuse has dropped to very early ages of life in our country. The prevalence of abuse of such substances as heroin and cocaine through inhaling is increasing dramatically. Abusing these substances by inhalation has life-threatening risks such as bronchospasm, alveolar hemorrhage and acute respiratory syndrome. Our aim in this study was to describe possible respiratory system risks in individuals who had substance addiction.

Material and methods:  The study was conducted with 40 healthy and 40 drug addicted people who receive treatment at AMATEM department in Akdeniz University Medicine Faculty. The data were interpreted according to the results of the anamnesis, physical examination, chest X-ray, spirometry and respiratory questionnaire for both test groups, and the final evaluation was carried out using these data.

Results:  For the addicted group, the symptoms related to the respiratory system and the symptom scores of the respiratory questionnaire were found to be significantly high during our study (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Consequently, the results of our study revealed that substance addicts most frequently preferred the inhalation mode when abusing narcotic substances. Moreover, it was also determined that they were heavily smoking besides narcotic substance abuse. We believe that efforts to prevent smoking addiction in society can be developed so as to include narcotic substance abuse, especially among young individuals, which in turn can contribute to a decrease in future risks.
Endoscopic approach to anastomotic leaks: partially covered self-expandable stents. A single center’s experience
Authors: Aday Ulaş , Duman Mustafa , Deđer Kamuran Cumhur , Çiyiltepe Hüseyin , Gündeş Ebubekir , Çetin Durmuş Ali , Akyüz Cebrail , Uzun Orhan
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Anastomotic leakage is an important and undesirable major complication after upper and lower gastrointestinal surgery. This complication can lead to significant morbidity and mortality and prolonged hospital stay. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and technical and clinical outcomes of temporary partially covered self-expandable metallic stent (PCSEMS) placement for treating anastomotic leaks after gastrointestinal tract surgery.

Material and methods: Medical records of 9 patients who had undergone partial covered self-expandable esophageal or colonic stenting either for colorectal anastomotic leak or esophageal anastomotic leak in Kartal Kosuyolu Higher Specialty Training and Research Hospital between April 2012 and October 2015 were collected. Living patients were recalled for the policlinic follow-up and recent status was recorded.

Results: The mean age was 57 (37–78) years. Six of the patients were male and 3 of them female. Stents were successfully placed in all patients in the fistula localization on the first attempt. Stent migration was encountered in 3 patients and restenting was performed in 2 of these patients. No complications were seen related to the indwelling stents. Stent treatment failure occurred in 2 of the 9 patients. The mean removal time of the stent was 43 (5–70) days and it was not possible to get the stent out in 1 patient.

Conclusions: Endoscopic stenting is a minimally invasive and highly effective procedure that gives promise for the treatment of fistula after digestive surgery in the future.
The role of hysterectomy in the treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasms: a single-center experience
Authors: Kulhan Nur Gozde , Kulhan Mehmet , Nayki Umit Arslan , Nayki Cenk , Ata Nahit , Ulug Pasa , Toklucu Hulya
Published: September 2017

Introduction:  The main treatment method of gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (GTNs) is chemotherapy. In some situations, surgical treatment including hysterectomy and metastasectomy is required. This study aims to evaluate the experience of a single center with the use of hysterectomy in the treatment of GTNs.

Material and methods: Between May 1995 and March 2014, a total of 35 patients treated for GTNs in our center were retrospectively evaluated. Fourteen of them had undergone a hysterectomy as part of their treatment. Chemotherapy regimens prior to hysterectomy, operation indications, post-hysterectomy treatments, morbidity and mortality rates, follow-up and prognosis were evaluated. Descriptive analyses were used to present the findings.

Results: Mean age at the time of the hysterectomy was 41 ±5.7 (range: 18–58). Ten (71.4%) patients received single-agent or multi-agent chemotherapy prior to the hysterectomy. Hysterectomy indications were resistance to chemotherapy in 7 (50%) cases, patient’s preference in 4 (28.5%) cases, and intractable bleeding in 3 (21.5%) cases. All hysterectomies were performed transabdominally. There was no mortality or major operative morbidity. Five patients maintained their chemotherapy after hysterectomy as well because they had pulmonary metastasis. Four patients did not receive chemotherapy either preoperatively or postoperatively. Mean follow-up duration after the hysterectomy was 92.6 ±38.5 months (range: 39–180 months). There was no disease recurrence or death during this period.

Conclusions: Hysterectomy is a safe and effective treatment method, especially for GTNs which are resistant to conventional treatment.
Temperament and chronotype among academic athletes – perspective of the regulative theory of temperament
Authors: Litwic-Kaminska Kamila , Kotyśko Martyna
Published: September 2017

Background

The aim of the research was to evaluate the relationship between chronotype and temperamental traits and temperament structure specified in the Regulative Theory of Temperament among physical education students who are actively engaged in sport. The analyses were performed separately in groups of men, women, and individual and team sports representatives.

Participants and procedure

The study included 157 participants (women n = 35, men n = 122; individual sports n = 88 and team sports n = 69). Measures used in the study were the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI) and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ).

Results

Among women and men chronotype was positively correlated with Briskness (BR) and Endurance (EN). In women chronotype was negatively related to Emotional Reactivity (ER). Sensory Sensitivity (SS) was positively associated with chronotype in men. In the individual sport group chronotype was associated with four temperamental traits: BR, EN, ER (negatively) and SS. Activity (AC) significantly correlated with chronotype in the team sport group. Two out of three indicators of temperament structure – potential for stimulation processing (MPS) and structure harmony parameter (Zh1) – were related to chronotype in both genders.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present research indicate that temperament is significantly related to chronotype. Evening chronotype men and women might be overstimulated and morning types might be understimulated. These data might be useful for coaches and provide a guide for further individualization of the training process.
Analysis of the psychometric properties of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale in a Polish adolescent sample
Authors: Kwiatkowska Maria Magdalena , Rogoza Radosław , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna
Published: September 2017

The current study examines the psychometric properties of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA): structural validity, reliability and external validity. We conducted a study on a sample of 247 high school students, all aged 16. In order to verify the hypotheses, scales measuring feelings of loneliness, shyness and self-esteem were administered. As a result of confirmatory factor analyses, it was demonstrated that the structure of the R-UCLA is three-factorial, the factors being as follows: (1) intimate others, referring to the feeling of exclusion; (2) social others, referring to the lack of closeness and support in relationships; and (3) belonging and affiliation, referring to the lack of community bonds – all of which are reliable in their measurement, as is the total score of the R-UCLA. Moreover, we demonstrated that the feeling of loneliness is positively related to shyness and negatively related to self-esteem. The obtained results support using the R-UCLA among Polish adolescents.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth in HIV-infected patients – the role of coping strategies
Authors: Ogińska-Bulik Nina , Kraska Klaudia
Published: September 2017

Background

The purpose of the research was to establish the role of coping strategies in the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in HIV-infected individuals.

Participants and procedure

The study was conducted on 25 female and 39 male patients with HIV+ status and applied three questionnaires based on the self-report method. PTSD was assessed with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), PTG with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and the Brief version of Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (Mini-Cope) was used for assessing coping strategies.

Results

The data showed that half of the examined HIV+ group express a high intensity of PTSD symptoms and a majority of subjects have a medium or high intensity of PTG. Significant relationships were revealed between avoidance-focused strategies and the negative effects of HIV infection. Surprisingly, active coping strategy positively correlated with overall results of the IES-R and was found to be a predictor of PTSD symptoms. The seeking emotional support strategy was positively correlated with PTG and was considered as the leading predictor of overall PTG. The turning to religion strategy and acceptance were also positively correlated with posttraumatic growth.

Conclusions

Avoidance-focused strategies foster PTSD symptoms, while emotion-focused strategies seem to lead to posttraumatic growth.
Evaluation of chemical profile and antioxidant potential of Trichodesma indicum (L.) R.Br.
Authors: Khyade Mahendra S , Varpe Subhash N , Padwal Anup D
Published: September 2017

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity and chemical composition of aqueous methanolic extract of Trichodesma indicum (L.) R.Br. The extract was tested for antioxidant activity using various in vitro models viz., DPPH, ABTS, NO, FRAP, total antioxidant activity and reducing power. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be equivalents to 97.83 ± 0.08 µg of gallic acid and 45.45 ± 0.19 µg of rutin /mg of dried aqueous methanolic extract, respectively. Among various antioxidant assays performed, maximum inhibition was observed in the ABTS (IC50 17.13 ±  0.23 μg) followed by DPPH (IC50 80.64  ±  0.29 μg) and NO (IC50 4.12 ± 0.02  μg) assay. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of over 38 compounds, the prevailing compounds were hexadecanoic acid, β-sitosterol, ethyl iso-allocholate and 9,12,15,-Octadecatrienoicacid.  The HPLC analysis further confirmed the presence of rutin, salicylic acid and benzoic acid. This confirms that T. indicum could be the good source of natural antioxidant for industrial and pharmaceutical preparations.
Comparative screening of in-vitro free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and anti-haemolytic activities from non-polar solvent extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium
Authors: LH Aruna , CB Sanjeevkumar , PK Amarvani , Londonkar Ramesh L
Published: September 2017

Pterocarpus marsupium is widely used as ‘Rasayana’ in ayurvedic system for curing several medical ailments. In view of this, petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium bark was scrutinized to unfold free radical scavenging by measuring their capability for scavenging DPPH radical, ABTS, phosphomolybdenum assay as well as reducing power capacity assessment and anti- inflammatory activity by inhibition of protein denaturation. Additionally, RBC’S were also used to explore the potentiality of Pterocarpus marsupium different extracts to shield RBC in oxidative stress condition. Chloroform extract showed an effective pharmacological activity in all assays when compared with petroleum ether extract and their respective standards. This reveals the use of Pterocarpus marsupium as a potent source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-haemolytic agent and would provide an ample opportunity for further investigation. Isolation of active compounds from this plant responsible for producing such bioactivities is under process.
Spatial estimation of air PM2.5 emissions using activity data, local emission factors and land cover derived from satellite imagery
Authors: Gibe Hezron P. , Cayetano Mylene G.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is a serious environmental problem in many urban areas on Earth. In the Philippines, most existing studies and emission inventories have mainly focused on point and mobile sources, while research involving human exposures to particulate pollutants is rare. This paper presents a method for estimating the amount of fine particulate (PM2.5) emissions in a test study site in the city of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, in the Philippines, by utilizing local emission factors, regionally procured data, and land cover/land use (activity data) interpreted from satellite imagery. Geographic information system (GIS) software was used to map the estimated emissions in the study area. The present results suggest that vehicular emissions from motorcycles and tricycles, as well as fuels used by households (charcoal) and burning of agricultural waste, largely contribute to PM2.5 emissions in Cabanatuan. Overall, the method used in this study can be applied in other small urbanizing cities, as long as on-site specific activity, emission factor, and satellite-imaged land cover data are available.
Coupling the Canadian Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (CTEM v. 2.0) to Environment and Climate Change Canada's greenhouse gas forecast model
Authors: Badawy Bakr , Polavarapu Saroja , Jones Dylan B. A. , Deng Feng , Neish Michael , Melton Joe R. , Nassar Ray , Arora Vivek K.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The Canadian Land Surface Scheme and the Canadian Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (CLASS-CTEM) together form the land surface component in the family of Canadian Earth System Models (CanESM). Here, CLASS-CTEM is coupled to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)'s weather and greenhouse gas forecast model (GEM-MACH-GHG) to consistently model atmosphere-land exchange of CO2. The coupling between the land and the atmospheric transport model ensures consistency between meteorological forcing of CO2 fluxes and CO2 transport. The procedure used to spin up carbon pools for CLASS-CTEM for multi-decadal simulations needed to be significantly altered to deal with the limited availability of consistent meteorological information from a constantly changing operational environment in the GEM-MACH-GHG model. Despite the limitations in the spin up procedure, the simulated fluxes obtained by driving the CLASS-CTEM model with meteorological forcing from GEM-MACH-GHG were comparable to those obtained from CLASS-CTEM when it is driven with standard meteorological forcing (CRU-NCEP). This is due to the similarity of the two meteorological datasets in terms of temperature and radiation. However notable discrepancies in the seasonal variation and spatial patterns of precipitation estimates, especially in the tropics, were reflected in the estimated carbon fluxes, as they significantly affected the magnitude of the vegetation productivity and, to a lesser extent, the seasonal variations in carbon fluxes. Nevertheless, the simulated fluxes based on the meteorological forcing from the GEM-MACH-GHG model are within the range of other estimates from bottom-up or top-down approaches. Indeed, when simulated fluxes obtained by driving the CLASS-CTEM model with meteorological data from the GEM-MACH-GHG model are used as prior estimates for an atmospheric CO2 inversion analysis using the adjoint of the GEOS-Chem model, the retrieved CO2 flux estimates are comparable to those obtained from other systems in terms of the global budget and the total flux estimates for the northern extratropical regions, which have good observational coverage. In data poor regions, as expected, differences in the retrieved fluxes due to the prior fluxes become apparent, but fall within the uncertainty bounds based on multi-inversion analyses. The coupling of CLASS-CTEM to an atmospheric transport model with carbon assimilation capabilities also provides insights into the limitations of CLASS-CTEM simulated CO2 fluxes through comparisons of simulated atmospheric CO2 with observations at selected flask stations. This capability can be used to continually assess and improve the terrestrial ecosystem modules of the CLASS-CTEM model.
Regional evapotranspiration from image-based implementation of the Surface Temperature Initiated Closure (STIC1.2) model and its validation across an aridity gradient in the conterminous United States
Authors: Bhattarai Nishan , Mallick Kaniska , Brunsell Nathaniel A. , Sun Ge , Jain Meha
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Recent studies have highlighted the need for improved characterizations of aerodynamic conductance and temperature (gA and T0) in thermal remote sensing-based surface energy balance (SEB) models to reduce uncertainties in regional-scale evapotranspiration (ET) mapping. By integrating radiometric surface temperature (TR) into the Penman-Monteith (PM) equation and finding analytical solutions of gA and T0, this need was recently addressed by the Surface Temperature Initiated Closure (STIC) model. However, previous implementations of STIC were confined to the ecosystem-scale using flux tower observations of infrared temperature. This study demonstrates the first regional-scale implementation of the most recent version of the STIC model (STIC1.2) that physically integrates Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived TR and ancillary land surface variables in conjunction with NLDAS (North American Land Data Assimilation System) atmospheric variables into a combined structure of the PM and Shuttleworth-Wallace framework for estimating ET at 1 km × 1 km spatial resolution. Evaluation of STIC1.2 at thirteen core AmeriFlux sites covering a broad spectrum of climates and biomes across an aridity gradient in the conterminous US suggests that STIC1.2 can provide spatially explicit ET maps with reliable accuracies from dry to wet extremes. When observed ET from one wet, one dry, and one normal precipitation year from all sites were combined, STIC1.2 explained 66 % of the variability in observed 8-day cumulative ET with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 7.4 mm/8-day, mean absolute error (MAE) of 5 mm/8-day, and percent bias (PBIAS) of −4 %. These error statistics show higher accuracies than a widely-used SEB-based Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) and PM-based MOD16 ET, which were found to overestimate (PBIAS = 28 %) and underestimate ET (PBIAS = −26 %), respectively. The performance of STIC1.2 was better in forest and grassland ecosystems as compared to cropland (20 % underestimation) and woody savanna (40 % overestimation). Model inter-comparison suggested that ET differences between the models are robustly correlated with gA and associated roughness length estimation uncertainties which are intrinsically connected to TR uncertainties, vapour pressure deficit (DA), and vegetation cover. A consistent performance of STIC1.2 in a broad range of hydrological and biome categories as well as the capacity to capture spatio-temporal ET signatures across an aridity gradient points to its potential for near real time ET mapping from regional to continental scales.
Antarctic ice sheet thickness estimation using the H/V
spectral ratio method with single-station seismic ambient
noise
Authors: Yan Peng , Li Zhiwei , Li Fei , Yang Yuande , Hao Weifeng , Bao Feng
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (H/V) method implemented at single stations using seismic ambient noise waveforms is a fast, noninvasive, efficient method to investigate the subsurface velocity structures of the shallow crust. In this study, we report on a successful application of the H/V method to estimate the Antarctic ice sheet thickness for the first time. Using three-component, five-day long, seismic ambient noise records gathered from more than 60 temporary seismic stations located on the Antarctic ice sheet, the ice thickness at each station was reliably measured. Preliminary analysis revealed that 60 out of 65 seismic stations on the ice sheet obtained clear peak frequencies (f0) related to the ice sheet thickness in the H/V spectrum. Thus, assuming that the isotropic ice layer lies atop a high velocity half-space bedrock, the ice sheet thickness can be calculated by a simple approximation formula. About half of the calculated ice sheet thickness were consistent with the Bedmap2 ice thickness values. To further improve the reliability of ice thickness measurements, two-type models were built to fit the observed H/V spectrum through non-linear inversion. The two-type models represent the isotropic structures of single and two-layer ice sheet, and the latter depicts the non-uniform, layered characteristics of the ice sheet widely distributed in Antarctica. The inversion results suggest that the ice thicknesses derived from the two-layer ice models were highly consistent with the Bedmap2 ice thickness database, and their ice thickness differences were within 300 m at almost all stations. Our results support previous finding that the Antarctic ice sheet is stratified. Extensive data processing indicates that the time length of seismic ambient noise records can be shortened to 1–2 hours for reliable ice sheet thickness estimation using the H/V method. This study extends the application fields of the H/V method and provides a complementary and independent way to measure ice sheet thickness in Antarctica.
On the similarity and apparent cycles of isotopic variations in East
Antarctic snow-pits
Authors: Laepple Thomas , Münch Thomas , Casado Mathieu , Hoerhold Maria , Landais Amaelle , Kipfstuhl Sepp
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Stable water isotopes in polar ice provide a wealth of information about past climate evolution. Snow pit studies allow us to relate observed weather and climate conditions to the measured isotope variations in the snow. They therefore offer the possibility to test our understanding of how isotope signals are formed and stored in firn and ice. As stable water isotopes in the snowfall are strongly correlated to air temperature, isotopes in the near surface snow are supposed to depict the seasonal cycle at a given site. Accordingly, variation between sites in accumulation rate is expected to be matched by variation in the number of seasonal cycles. However, snowpit studies from different accumulation conditions in East Antarctica reported similar isotopic variability and comparable apparent cycles in the δ18O and δD profiles with typical wavelengths of ∼ 20 cm. These observations are unexpected as the accumulation rates strongly differ between the sites, ranging from 20 to 80 mm w.e. yr−1 (∼ 5–25 cm of snow per year). Various mechanism have been proposed to explain the isotopic variations individually at each site; however, none of these is consistent with the similarity of the different profiles independent of the local accumulation conditions. Here, we systematically analyze the properties and origins of isotopic variations in high-resolution firn profiles from eight East Antarctic sites. First, we confirm the suggested cycle length (mean distance between peaks) of ∼ 20 cm by counting the isotopic maxima. Spectral analysis further shows a strong similarity between the sites but indicates no dominant periodic features. Finally, the apparent cycle length increases with depth for most East Antarctic sites, which is inconsistent with burial and compression of a regular seasonal cycle. We show that these results can be explained by isotopic diffusion acting on a noise dominated isotope signal. The firn diffusion length is rather stable across the East Antarctic and thus leads to similar power spectral densities of the isotopic variations. This in turn implies a similar distance between isotopic maxima in the firn profiles. Our results explain a large set of observations discussed in the literature, providing a simple explanation for the interpretation of apparent cycles in shallow isotope records, without invoking complex mechanisms. Finally, the results underline previous suggestions that isotopic signals in single ice cores from low-accumulation regions have a small signal-to-noise ratio and thus likely do not allow the reconstruction of interannual to decadal climate variations.
Allelopathic Effects of Alexandium spp. on Growth of Prorocentrum donghaiense Lu: Is It Toxin Dependent?
Authors: Wang Boyuan , Liu Yong
Published: September 2017

The allelopathic properties of three Alexandrium species: A tamarense (ADHK), A. minimus (AM-1) and A. catenella (ACDH), on one species of dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense were determined using bioassays of allelopathic test. Their culture filtrates were prepared at different growth phases of exponential (EP) and stationary one (SP), and were applied for the cultivation of P. donghaiense in the co-culture. Results revealed that all the culture filtrates presented growth inhibition on the co-cultured P. donghaiense, among which ADHK presented the most severe inhibition. Culture filtrates at SP showed stronger inhibition as compard to that in EP, and the dilution of the culture filtrates could alleviate their negative effects. Analysis on hemolytic activity presented that all of the Alexandrum species had hemolytic activity, which was consistent with their reported PSP toxins. It was thus speculated that the toxin-independent allelochemical(s) were involved in the noxious effects of Alexandrum spp. on P. donghaiense.
Saharawi Women - Educators and Promoters of Peace
Authors: Ciesielkiewicz Monika , Garrido Guijarro Oscar
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of Saharawi women as educators and promoters of peace. The study includes published research on the topic, as well as two interviews conducted with a Paz Martín Lozano, a Spanish politician who is an expert on Saharawi issues, and Jadiyetu El Mohtar, a Saharawi activist and representative of the National Union of Saharawi Women (UNMS) who was well known by the Spanish media due to the hunger strike that she went on at the Lanzarote Airport in 2009. Despite the unbearable extreme conditions, Saharawi people were able to organize their political, economic and social life in refugee camps in the middle of a desert, mainly thanks to the incredible Saharawi women who educate their children to fight for the liberation of the territory of Western Sahara in a peaceful and non-violent way. They are striving for the recognition of the Saharawi cause at the international level and raising awareness of their right to self-determination through a free and fair referendum. They provide an excellent example for their children and transmit the values of peace, non-violent resistance, and not despairing in the face of difficult circumstances.