bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of patients presenting to accident and emergency department with deliberate self-harm, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Ani Josephat O. , Ross Andrew J. , Campbell Laura M.
Published: May 2017

Background: The World Health Organization has described deliberate self-harm (DSH) as a major global health challenge. Little is known about the profile of patients admitted following DSH at district and regional combo hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the profiles of patients and reasons for admission following DSH.Setting: The study was conducted on data from a busy Accident and Emergency (A&E) department in a combination district and regional hospital situated in Empangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal.Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study. Data were collected from charts of all patients admitted to the A&E department from April 2012 to March 2013 following DSH. Variables assessed included age, gender, race, occupation, religion, education level, coexisting medical and mental health conditions, and reasons for DSH. Data were entered into SPSS and analysed descriptively.Results: A total of 262 charts were identified and 215 (82%) were selected for inclusion. Most patients admitted following DSH were young, single African women with at least secondary-level education. Most (169/215;78%) admissions were for parasuicide, with relational issues contributing in more than 50% of cases and circumstance challenges contributing in just under 30%.Conclusion: Although an underestimation, DSH is not an uncommon reason for patients to present in the A&E at this district and regional combo hospital. Findings from this study are consistent with those of other studies on DSH and highlight the need for a validated screening tool for the identification of patients at risk of DSH. There is a need to explore community-based intervention, which could address reasons for DSH and prevent future admissions.
Information and communication technologies for knowledge management in academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Enakrire Rexwhite T. , Ocholla Dennis N.
Published: May 2017

Background: Presently, libraries, especially academic libraries, have increasingly used information and communication technologies (ICTs) to automate their core functions in order to implement efficient and effective library operations and services. This now requires library and information professionals as knowledge workers to intensify managing both explicit and tacit knowledge for the organisational growth of the libraries.Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the use of ICT facilities that support knowledge management (KM) in academic libraries in Nigeria and South Africa.Methods: Both quantitative through survey and structured questionnaires and qualitative by content analysis and interview research methodologies were applied in the initial study. The qualitative approach of content analysis was applied to literature review, and key informants were also interviewed. One hundred and thirty-two professional librarians and six key informants across the sampled academic libraries in the two countries were targeted for information. The study sampled only six academic libraries, three in each country, which renders generalisation difficult. This article largely focuses on quantitative aspects of the study in the reported findings.Results: Availability and accessibility of ICTs for KM among the sampled libraries were not uniform, even within one country. Infrastructural support has affected some of the university libraries to a great extent. The knowledge and skills for using ICT for KM were largely adequate, but varied within the libraries and librarians as well. The challenges facing the libraries border on inadequate infrastructure and professional staff, but irrespective of the challenges faced, libraries have devised strategies for coping and rendering services. The study has provided new information relating to the use of ICT facilities and services for KM in academic libraries that calls for rigorous continuing education for re-skilling the librarians. The changing user behaviour also calls for major attention. Government support for academic libraries with policy and funding is still crucial.Conclusion and recommendation: The study concludes that because ICTs have had robust histories as used to support information services, both staff and students’ information needs to be met in a variety of ways in academic libraries. This would help to foster and improve the understanding of how librarians manage the organisation in present-day library operations. We recommend that staff development be intensified to enable how librarians could cope with changes and new technologies for modern information services being encouraged and acquired. This article provides a unique long-term survey on the use of ICT facilities and services, strategy and structure in an academic and/or university library services.
Presentation of unusual tracheal metastasis on Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography after 9 years in postnephrectomy patient of renal cell carcinoma: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Parghane Rahul , Sood Ashwani , Vaiphei Kim , Aggarwal Ashutosh , Mittal Bhagwant
Published: May 2017

Tracheal metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are extremely rare. Most common primary malignancy metastasizing to this unusual location usually comes from lung region while it is rare to have tracheal metastases from nonpulmonary malignancies such as breast, thyroid, colorectal carcinoma, and melanoma. The lesions detected on fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan, especially in the head and neck region, soft tissue, and muscular compartment during follow-up of RCC patients raise the possibility of metastatic lesions in these regions, though rarely encountered. F-18 FDG PET/CT proved to be a valuable noninvasive imaging tool in detecting the very unusual distant metastases and multisystem involvement many years after nephrectomy in RCC in a single session in the present case.
177Lu-DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in metastatic or advanced and inoperable primary neuroendocrine tumors of rare sites
Authors: Thapa Pradeep , Parghane Rahul , Basu Sandip
Published: May 2017

The present study aimed at exploring the patient and imaging characteristics of primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of rare sites who presented with metastatic and/or advanced inoperable stages and therefore was considered for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of these patients focusing on the aforementioned aspects. All patients underwent dual-tracer molecular functional imaging with somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-based imaging (with either 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC or 68Ga-DOTATATE) and 18fluorine fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography as the pretherapy assessment. Based on the qualitative uptake of tracer in SSTR imaging, the lesions were divided into four categories Grade 0–III. The response was assessed post-PRRT by three parameters: (i) symptomatic response, (ii) biochemical response (serum tumor marker), and (iii) objective imaging response. The response profiles under each of these scales were assessed utilizing predefined criteria (detailed in methods). The overall response classification into partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease was done based on documentation of similar scale/category of at least two parameters among the triple parametric assessment. A total of nine patients (7 males, 2 females; age range: 33–59 years) with rare site primary NET were found: The primary sites included ureter (n = 1), sacrococcygeal (n = 1), esophagus (n = 1), thymus (n = 3), and mediastinum (n = 3). Treatment response assessment was undertaken in eight patients who received more than 2 cycles of PRRT with 177Lu-DOTATATE. In this response assessment group (n = 8), the patients received 2–5 cycles and follow-up duration ranged from 5 to 48 months. Symptomatic responses and better quality of life were observed in 4/8 (50%) patients, stable symptomatic disease in 3/8 (37.5%), and progression in 1/8 patients (12.5%). Biochemically, partial response was seen in 3/8 (37.5%), stable values was seen in 3/8 (37.5%), and progression of tumor marker was seen in 2/8 (25%) patients. Morphologically, partial response was seen in 2/8 (25%), stable disease in 5/8 (62.5%), and progressive disease in 1/8 (12.5%) patients. On overall assessment, 2/8 patients (25%) demonstrated partial response, 4/8 stable disease (50%), and 2/8 progressive disease (25%) at the time of assessment. As per the RECIST 1.1, seven patients had stable disease and one patient had progressive disease. No specific correlation could be obtained between dual-tracer molecular imaging features and the response likely due to small population of the study group. Overall, there was evidence of excellent disease stabilization, and symptom palliation with 177Lu-DOTATATE PRRT was documented in these advanced or metastatic NETs of various rare sites.
Nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma presenting in an infant as a pericardial mass with staging by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Perkins Crystal , Pucar Darko , McDonough Colleen , Williams Hadyn
Published: May 2017

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare, aggressive, lethal, epithelioid, poorly differentiated cancerfirst described in Japan in 1991, unique in that is defined genetically rather than by histological tissue of origin. It usually arises in the body midline and presents as a mass with metastasis. An infant presenting with pneumonia was found to have a pericardial mass, NMC resected, and subsequent staging positron emission tomography (PET) showing residual mediastinal tumor and midline abdominal metastases. Fewer than 100 cases of NMC have been reported in the literature, and PET appears to be the imaging modality of choice in complete staging and evaluation of treatment response.
Open Bite Treated with Extractions and Temporary Anchorage Devices
Authors: Weinstein Carol , Cruz Ana , Feldman Bárbara
Published: May 2017

A 13-year-old female with a chief complaint of continuing treatment presented with Class I skeletal pattern and slight facial asymmetry. Intraorally, she had Class II molar relationship on the right side, class l on the left side and 3mm. of midline discrepancy. Her upper and lower incisors were proclined and slightly crowded. She had 1 mm. overbite and 5mm. overjet in initial mounted casts. Splint therapy was suggested to stabilize mandibular position. After splint wear, a new mounting was made, which resulted in an open bite from left second molars to right second molars. A visual treatment objective was prepared with four first bicuspid extractions. After 9 months, upper second molars were extracted and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) were placed in the upper arch for intrusion. Detailing strategies such as bracket repositioning, occlusal adjustment, and elastics were used. The role of segmented models, second molar extraction treatment, and superimposition analysis in patients with discrepancies in mandibular position is discussed. It is concluded that a thorough case workup is needed to provide patients with a successful treatment for open bite cases. This case was treated orthodontically in 2 years with four bicuspid and upper second molar extractions as well as vertical control with TADs.
Development of polymerase chain reaction-based diagnostic tests for detection of Malsoor virus & adenovirus isolated from Rousettus species of bats in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Shete Anita M. , Yadav Pragya , Kumar Vimal , Nikam Tushar , Mehershahi Kurosh , Kokate Prasad , Patil Deepak , Mourya Devendra T.
Published: May 2017

Background & objectives:

Bats are recognized as important reservoirs for emerging infectious disease and some unknown viral diseases. Two novel viruses, Malsoor virus (family Bunyaviridae, genus, Phlebovirus) and a novel adenovirus (AdV) (family, Adenoviridae genus, Mastadenovirus), were identified from Rousettus bats in the Maharashtra State of India. This study was done to develop and optimize real time reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for Malsoor virus and real time and nested PCR for adenovirus from Rousettus bats.

Methods:

For rapid and accurate screening of Malsoor virus and adenovirus a nested polymerase chain reaction and TaqMan-based real-time PCR were developed. Highly conserved region of nucleoprotein gene of phleboviruses and polymerase gene sequence from the Indian bat AdV isolate polyprotein gene were selected respectively for diagnostic assay development of Malsoor virus and AdV. Sensitivity and specificity of assays were calculated and optimized assays were used to screen bat samples.

Results:

Molecular diagnostic assays were developed for screening of Malsoor virus and AdV and those were found to be specific. Based on the experiments performed with different parameters, nested PCR was found to be more sensitive than real-time PCR; however, for rapid screening, real-time PCR can be used and further nested PCR can be used for final confirmation or in those laboratories where real-time facility/expertise is not existing.

Interpretation & conclusions:

This study reports the development and optimization of nested RT-PCR and a TaqMan-based real-time PCR for Malsoor virus and AdV. The diagnostic assays can be used for rapid detection of these novel viruses to understand their prevalence among bat population.
Association of ankyrin repeats & kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) gene polymorphism with co-morbid alcohol & nicotine dependence
Authors: Quraishi Rizwana , Jain Raka , Mishra Ashwani K. , Ambekar Atul
Published: May 2017

Background & objectives:

The frequently encountered co-morbidity of alcohol dependence (AD) with nicotine dependence (ND) increases the risk for various diseases. Ankyrin repeats and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) gene polymorphism is reported to be associated with both ND and AD. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible association of alcohol and tobacco use variables with ANKK1 polymorphism in co-morbid alcohol- and nicotine-dependent treatment seekers visiting a tertiary care centre in north India.

Methods:

Seventy nine male participants (18-65 yr old) fulfilling diagnostic criteria for ND and AD were included in the study. The socio-demographic data, along with alcohol and tobacco use profile, was recorded and ANKK1 profiling was carried out. Both the allele groups, A1 and A2, were compared with respect to demographic and substance dependence profile. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk of high nicotine and alcohol consumption with genotype.

Results:

The A1 carrier group (n=33) reported a significantly higher amount of alcohol and tobacco consumed per day. The scores on parameters of ND were found to be significantly higher in this group. The logistic regression analysis revealed that participants with A1 genotype were 2.5 times more likely to report higher amount of alcohol and nicotine consumption than A2 carriers.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The study provides an indication for the association of ANKK1 polymorphism in the form of higher substance consumption among alcohol dependent smokers, who are A1 carriers and thus may require higher attention of the treatment provider.
Effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on glycosylated haemoglobin among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes & peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Dixit Snehil , Maiya Arun , Shastry B. A.
Published: May 2017

Aerobic exercise has been known to improve glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of eight week moderate-intensity aerobic (heart rate reserve 40-60%) exercise on glycaemic control in elderly patients with T2DM and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The participants (n=87) were randomly assigned to an eight-week programme by a computer-generated random number table to the study or control group, respectively. There were 47 participants in the control group and 40 participants in the study group after randomization. There was a significant difference in the mean values of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline and 8th week between the two groups. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise of eight weeks duration helped in achieving enhanced glycaemic control in the T2DM patients with DPN.
Utility of p57 immunohistochemistry in differentiating between complete mole, partial mole & non-molar or hydropic abortus
Authors: Samadder Abhimanyu , Kar Rakhee
Published: May 2017

Background & objectives:

There is considerable inter-observer variability in the diagnosis of molar pregnancies by histomorphological examination of products of conception (POC). The p57KIP2 gene is paternally imprinted and expressed from the maternal allele. On immunohistochemistry (IHC) with p57, complete mole (CM) shows absent staining whereas hydropic abortus (HA) and partial mole (PM) show positive staining. This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of p57 IHC along with histomorphology in differentiating between CM, PM and non-molar or HA.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study over a period of three and a half years on archival material. Detailed histomorphological review along with p57 IHC was carried out in 28 diagnosed cases (23 CM, 4 PM and 1 molar pregnancy not categorized) and 25 controls of four normal placentas and 21 POC (8 non-hydropic and 13 HA).

Results:

In 14.8 per cent (4/27) cases, there was discordance in accurate subtyping of molar pregnancy. One case of CM showed inconsistent IHC pattern. In 15.4 per cent (2/13) HA, molar pregnancy was final diagnosis. After final review, there were 25 CM, five PM, 22 non-molar controls including 10 HA and one not assigned (PM/HA). IHC with p57 was negative in 96 per cent CM and positive in 100 and 95 per cent PM and non-molar controls, respectively.

Interpretation & conclusions:

This study showed that negative p57KIP2 immunostaining reliably identified CM and could be used in association with the histological findings to distinguish CM from its mimics.
Systematic review on the accuracy of positron emission tomography/computed tomography and positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in the management of ovarian cancer: Is functional information really needed?
Authors: Suppiah Subapriya , Chang Wing , Hassan Hasyma , Kaewput Chalermrat , Asri Andi , Saad Fathinul , Nordin Abdul , Vinjamuri Sobhan
Published: May 2017

Ovarian cancer (OC) often presents at an advanced stage with frequent relapses despite optimal treatment; thus, accurate staging and restaging are required for improving treatment outcomes and prognostication. Conventionally, staging of OC is performed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Nevertheless, recent advances in the field of hybrid imaging have made positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) and PET/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) as emerging potential noninvasive imaging tools for improved management of OC. Several studies have championed the role of PET/CT for the detection of recurrence and prognostication of OC. We provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the latest publications regarding the role of molecular imaging in the management of OC. We retrieved 57 original research articles with one article having overlap in both diagnosis and staging; 10 articles (734 patients) regarding the role of PET/CT in diagnosis of OC; 12 articles (604 patients) regarding staging of OC; 22 studies (1429 patients) for detection of recurrence; and 13 articles for prognostication and assessment of treatment response. We calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT performance in various aspects of imaging of OC. We also discussed the emerging role of PET/MRI in the management of OC. We aim to give the readers and objective overview on the role of molecular imaging in the management of OC.
Definitions and Experimental Measures Related to the Specification of Driver Visual Behavior Using Video Based Techniques
Authors:   Driver Metrics, Performance, Behaviors and States Committee
Published: May 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice defines key terms used in the description and analysis of video based driver eye glance behavior, as well as guidance in the analysis of that data. The information provided in this practiced is intended to provide consistency for terms, definitions, and analysis techniques. This practice is to be used in laboratory, driving simulator, and on-road evaluations of how people drive, with particular emphasis on evaluating Driver Vehicle Interfaces (DVIs; e.g., in-vehicle multimedia systems, controls and displays). In terms of how such data are reduced, this version only concerns manual video-based techniques. However, even in its current form, the practice should be useful for describing the performance of automated sensors (eye trackers) and automated reduction (computer vision).
Optimized tuning of contention window for IEEE 802.11 WLAN
Authors: Nithya B , Justin Gopinath A , Kameswaran Venkatesh , Yogesh P
Published: May 2017

In wireless networks, the size of Contention Window (CW) plays a vital role as it changes the throughput and delay of the networks considerably. The proposed Collision Ratio based BackOff (CRBO) algorithm uses collision ratio to suggest CW updation after the successful and unsuccessful transmission events. This leads to proper scheduling of transmission when more than one node attempt to capture the shared medium. The strength of the proposed algorithm is analyzed using NS2 simulator in terms of throughput, delay, packet loss and fairness. The simulation results prove that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing algorithms under heavy and low traffic in random and grid topology.Keywords: Wireless networks, contention window, collision rate, backoff, NS2
Modeling the wire-EDM process parameters for EN-8 carbon steel using artificial neural networks
Authors: Sharma Vaishali , Sagar Manish Kumar
Published: May 2017

Accompanying the evolution of mechanical industry, the need for alloy materials and ceramics as well, having high toughness, hardness & impact resistance are also increasing. Wire-EDM process is a quick fix to this box. As this WEDM process is proficient in machining these materials meticulously, regardless to their toughness & hardness. The present work discusses the experimental study on wire-cut machining of EN8 Carbon Steel. This paper presents an Artificial Neural Network approach in a multi objective optimization problem, for predicting the performance measure of a machining process. The input neurons were designed by Taguchi Orthogonal Array with 5 levels each with the help of software Minitab 17. In this research work, a comparative study for predicting multiple response parameters have been carried out using Feed forward and Cascade forward back propagation algorithms of ANN. This study was conducted by varying the network designing in each case. Two different back-propagation training algorithms were used in neural network designing such as Powell-Beale Conjugate Gradient (traincgb) and Levenberg-Marquardt (trainlm). Predictive accuracy of both the models was evaluated using Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and coefficient determination (R2). The outcomes proved that both the algorithms were able to produce feasible models. Cascade model outperformed with all statistical tests between both.Keywords: Artificial Neural Network, Feed forward back propagation, Cascade forward back propagation
In-Home Medication Management Performance Evaluation (HOME–Rx): A Validity Study
Authors: Murphy Mary Catherine , Somerville Emily , Keglovits Marian , Hu Yi-Ling , Stark Susan
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE. This study assessed the initial psychometric properties of a novel in-home, performance-based instrument for older adults called the In-Home Medication Management Performance Evaluation (HOME–Rx).

METHOD. Content validity of the HOME–Rx was determined through the multistep content validity index (CVI) process. Content experts provided qualitative and quantitative judgment of the instrument’s ability to measure medication management. The assessment’s target population provided qualitative feedback. CVI outcomes informed instrument revisions.

RESULTS. Content experts (n = 7) were in agreement that the overall instrument was valid for measuring medication management (scale-level CVI = .95). Six items were deleted because of low agreement (item-level CVI <.80). Twenty-nine minor edits were made to the order of questions and language. Older adult participants (n = 5) reported the instrument was relevant, acceptable, and easy to understand.

CONCLUSION. The HOME–Rx appears to be a relevant and valid method to assess performance barriers to medication management in the home.
Facilitating Wellness in Urban-Dwelling, Low-Income Older Adults Through Community Mobility: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Mulry Claire M. , Papetti Christina , De Martinis Julian , Ravinsky Mark
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE. Community participation is integral to wellness. This study examined the outcomes of Let’s Go, a program designed to facilitate community participation of urban-dwelling, low-income older adults.

METHOD. Fifty-two older adults participated in a mixed-methods, single-group pretest–posttest study. The Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, participant surveys, and semistructured interviews were used to evaluate self-reported participation in community-based occupations, confidence, isolation, frequency of community trips, autonomy outdoors, and satisfaction with social life and relationships.

RESULTS. Significant improvement was found in participation, confidence, frequency of community trips, autonomy outdoors, and satisfaction with social life and relationships at 4 wk and 6 mo. Qualitative themes were decreased isolation, importance of peer and community support, increased knowledge of mobility options, and a shift from fear to confidence.

CONCLUSION. Community mobility programming can facilitate the participation of marginalized older adults in community-based occupations.
Russian-Speaking Immigrants in Post-Soviet Estonia: Towards Generation Fragmentation or Integration in Estonian Society
Authors: Saar Ellu , Krusell Siim , Helemae Jelena
Published: May 2017

The disadvantages experienced by immigrants in education and labour markets have been of growing concern in many countries in recent years. However, little research has been undertaken on ethnic inequalities in labour markets in Eastern Europe, and especially in post-Soviet societies. This article considers the integration of the immigrant population into the labour market in post-Soviet Estonia, where the context and peculiarities of the arrived population are quite different from the assumptions of Western immigrant integration theories. The Russian-speaking population arrived in Estonia after World War II as internal migrants, because Estonia was part of the Soviet Union. A remarkably high proportion of them were well educated. After Estonia regained its independence in 1991, the context of integration changed radically, and the legal status of internal Soviet Union migrants was redefined. To account for these societal and political changes, we suggest making an analytical distinction between generations of immigrants in a demographic sense (being born in Estonia) and an integrational sense (becoming an integral part of the host society, in the labour market - having more similar patterns to those of the native population in the context of labour market outcomes). This distinction impacts differently on different age cohorts and we analysed outcomes of labour market integration alongside both nativity generations and age cohorts. Our analysis based on the 2011-2013 Labour Force Surveys shows that, while in most Western countries there are tendencies of convergence between natives and second-generation immigrants regarding structural integration, in Estonia the dynamics are different. The net disadvantage of young second-generation immigrants relative to their Estonian counterparts is either more pronounced compared to the disadvantage of their ‘parents’ age cohort relative to their Estonian peers (with regard to the risks of unemployment or chances of obtaining a high occupational position) or becoming less pronounced, but only for the highly educated portion of second generations (in terms of self-assessed over-education).
Making ‘Assisted World Families’? Parenting Projects and Family Practices in the Context of Globalised Gamete Donation
Authors: Hudson Nicky
Published: May 2017

As a culturally pervasive technology, IVF and its related techniques have globalised at a rapid rate, spreading to most regions of the world. As one corollary of this development, cross-border assisted reproduction has emerged as a means by which individuals and couples can travel from their country of origin in order to seek access to fertility treatment services in another country. Little is currently known about a novel range of family forms created via these transnational processes. Whilst analytic comparisons can be made with the global connections found in cases of inter-country adoption, families formed using assisted reproduction can be differentiated on the basis of the complex sociotechnical negotiations required to achieve pregnancy.

This paper draws on data from a UK-based study of cross-border assisted reproduction to consider the ways in which parenting projects and new familial subjectivities are achieved within the context of globalised IVF. It uses qualitative interview data from women and men travelling from the UK to a range of countries for fertility treatment and offers a consideration of how thinking with ideas about globalised reproduction can assist us in understanding localised family practices. The paper develops existing theorising about ‘world families’ (Beck and Beck-Gernsheim 2014:2); extending this formulation to reflect the increasingly internationalised nature of ARTs and the attendant complexities of biomedicalised family formation in this context.
Particulate emissions from large North American wildfires estimated using a new top-down method
Authors: Nikonovas Tadas , North Peter R. J. , Doerr Stefan H.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Particulate matter emissions from wildfires affect climate, weather and air quality. However, existing global and regional aerosol emission estimates differ by a factor of up to 4 between different methods. Using a novel approach, we estimate daily total particulate matter (TPM) emissions from large wildfires in North American boreal and temperate regions. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) fire location and aerosol optical thickness (AOT) data sets are coupled with HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) atmospheric dispersion simulations, attributing identified smoke plumes to sources. Unlike previous approaches, the method (i) combines information from both satellite and AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) observations to take into account aerosol water uptake and plume specific mass extinction efficiency when converting smoke AOT to TPM, and (ii) does not depend on instantaneous emission rates observed during individual satellite overpasses, which do not sample night-time emissions. The method also allows multiple independent estimates for the same emission period from imagery taken on consecutive days. Repeated fire-emitted AOT estimates for the same emission period over 2 to 3 days of plume evolution show increases in plume optical thickness by approximately 10 % for boreal events and by 40 % for temperate emissions. Inferred median water volume fractions for aged boreal and temperate smoke observations are 0.15 and 0.47 respectively, indicating that the increased AOT is partly explained by aerosol water uptake. TPM emission estimates for boreal events, which predominantly burn during daytime, agree closely with bottom-up Global Fire Emission Database (GFEDv4) and Global Fire Assimilation System (GFASv1.0) inventories, but are lower by approximately 30 % compared to Quick Fire Emission Dataset (QFEDv2) PM2. 5, and are higher by approximately a factor of 2 compared to Fire Energetics and Emissions Research (FEERv1) TPM estimates. The discrepancies are larger for temperate fires, which are characterized by lower median fire radiative power values and more significant night-time combustion. The TPM estimates for this study for the biome are lower than QFED PM2. 5 by 35 %, and are larger by factors of 2.4, 3.2 and 4 compared with FEER, GFED and GFAS inventories respectively. A large underestimation of TPM emission by bottom-up GFED and GFAS indicates low biases in emission factors or consumed biomass estimates for temperate fires.
Atmospheric Carbonyl Sulphide (OCS) measured remotely by FTIR solar absorption spectrometry
Authors: Toon Geoffrey C. , Blavier Jean-Francois L. , Sung Keeyoon
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Atmospheric OCS abundances have been retrieved from spectra measured by the JPL MkIV Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrometer during 24 balloon flights and during nearly 1100 days of ground-based observations since 1985. Our spectral fitting approach uses broad windows to enhance the precision and robustness of the retrievals. Since OCS has a vertical profile similar in shape to that of N2O, and since tropospheric N2O is very stable, we reference the OCS observations to those of N2O, measured simultaneously in the same airmass, to remove the effects of stratospheric transport, allowing a clearer assessment of secular changes in OCS. Balloon measurements reveal less than 5 % change in stratospheric OCS amounts over the past 25 years. In the troposphere a springtime peak of tropospheric OCS is seen, followed by a rapid early summer decrease, similar to the behavior of CO2. This results in a peak-to-peak seasonal cycle of 5–6 % of the total OCS column at Northern mid-latitudes. In the long-term tropospheric OCS record, a 5 % decrease is seen during 1990–2002, followed by a 5 % increase from 2003 to 2012.
Changing transport processes in the stratosphere by
radiative heating of sulfate aerosols
Authors: Niemeier Ulrike , Schmidt Hauke
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The injection of sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the stratosphere to form an artificial stratospheric aerosol layer is discussed as an option for solar radiation management. Sulfate aerosol scatters solar radiation and absorbs infrared radiation, which warms the stratospheric sulfur layer. Simulations with the general circulation model ECHAM5-HAM, including aerosol microphysics, show consequences of this warming, including changes of the quasi biennial oscillation (QBO) in the tropics. The QBO slows down after an injection of 4 Tg(S) yr−1 and completely shuts down after an injection of 8 Tg(S) yr−1. Transport of species in the tropics and sub-tropics depends on the phase of the QBO. Consequently, the heated aerosol layer not only impacts the oscillation of the QBO but also the meridional transport of the sulfate aerosols. The stronger the injection, the stronger the heating and the simulated impact on the QBO and equatorial wind systems. With increasing injection rate the velocity of the equatorial jet streams increases, and less sulfate is transported out of the tropics. This reduces the global distribution of sulfate and decreases the radiative forcing efficiency of the aerosol layer by 10 % to 14 % compared to simulations with low vertical resolution and without generated QBO. Increasing the height of the injection increases the radiative forcing only for injection rates below 10 Tg(S) yr−1 (8–10 %), a much smaller value than the 50 % calculated previously. Stronger injection rates at higher levels even result in smaller forcing than the injections at lower levels.
Assessment of Mixed-Layer Height Estimation from Single-wavelength Ceilometer Profiles
Authors: Knepp Travis N. , Szykman James S. , Long Russell , Duvall Rachelle M. , Krug Jonathan , Beaver Melinda , Cavender Kevin , Kronmiller Keith , Wheeler Michael , Delgado Ruben , Hoff Raymond , Berkoff Timothy , Olson Erik , Clark Richard , Wolfe Daniel , van Gilst David , Neil Doreen
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Differing boundary/mixed-layer height measurement methods were assessed in moderately-polluted and clean environments, with a focus on the Vaisala CL51 ceilometer. This intercomparison was performed as part of ongoing measurements at the Chemistry And Physics of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Experiment (CAPABLE) site in Hampton, Virginia and during the 2014 Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) ﬁeld campaign that took place in and around Denver, Colorado. We analyzed CL51 data that were collected via two different methods (BLView software, which applied correction factors, and simple terminal emulation logging) to determine the impact of data collection methodology. Further, we evaluated the STRucture of the ATmosphere (STRAT) algorithm as an open-source alternative to BLView (note that the current work presents an evaluation of the BLView and STRAT algorithms and does not intend to act as a validation of either). Filtering criteria were deﬁned according to the change in mixed-layer height (MLH) distributions for each instrument and algorithm and were applied throughout the analysis to remove high-frequency ﬂuctuations from the MLH retrievals. Of primary interest was determining how the different data-collection methodologies and algorithms compare to each other and to radiosonde-derived boundary-layer heights when deployed as part of a larger instrument network. We determined that data-collection methodology is not as important as the processing algorithm and that much of the algorithm differences might be driven by local meteorology and precipitation events that pose algorithm difﬁculties. The results of this study show that a common processing algorithm is necessary for LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR)-based MLH intercomparisons, and ceilometer-network operation and that sonde-derived boundary layer heights are higher (10–15 % at mid-day) than LIDAR-derived mixed-layer heights. We show that averaging the retrieved MLH to 1-hour resolution (as necessary for a priori data model initialization) signiﬁcantly improved correlation between differing instruments and differing algorithms.
Spatial variations in snowpack chemistry and isotopic composition of
NO3− along a nitrogen deposition gradient in West Greenland
Authors: Curtis Chris J. , Kaiser Jan , Marca Alina , Anderson N. John , Simpson Gavin , Jones Vivienne , Whiteford Erika
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Snowpack chemistry, nitrate stable isotopes and net deposition fluxes for the largest ice-free region in Greenland were investigated to determine whether there are spatial gradients from the ice sheet margin to the coast linked to a gradient in precipitation. Late-season snowpack was sampled in March 2011 at 8 locations within 3 lake catchments in each of 3 regions (ice sheet margin in the east, central area near Kelly Ville and the coastal zone to the west). At the coast, snowpack accumulation averaged 181 mm snow water equivalent (SWE), compared with 36 mm SWE by the ice sheet. Coastal snowpack showed significantly greater concentrations of marine salts (Na+, Cl−, other major cations), ammonium (regional means 1.4–2.7 µmol L−1), total and non-sea salt sulfate (total 1.8–7.7, non-sea salt 1.0–1.8 µmol L−1) than the two inland regions. Nitrate (1.5–2.4 µmol L−1) showed significantly lower concentrations at the coast. Despite lower concentrations, higher precipitation at the coast results in a strong deposition gradient for NO3− as well as NH4+ and non-sea salt sulfate (nss-SO42−) increasing from the inland regions to the coast (lowest at Kelly Ville 6, 4 and 3; highest at coast 9, 17 and 11 mol ha−1 yr−1 of NO3−, NH4+ and nss-SO42− respectively). The δ(15N) of snowpack NO3− shows a significant decrease from the ice sheet margin (−7.5 ‰) to the coast (−11.3 ‰). We attribute the spatial gradient of δ(15N) in SW Greenland to post-deposition processing rather than differing sources because of (1) the climatic gradient from ice sheet margin to coast, (2) within-catchment isotopic differences between terrestrial snowpack and lake-ice snowpack, and (3) similarities between fresh snow (rather than accumulated snowpack) at Kelly Ville and the coast. Hence the δ(15N) of coastal snowpack is most representative of snowfall in SW Greenland, but after deposition the effects of photolysis, volatilization and sublimation lead to enrichment of the remaining snowpack with the greatest effect in inland areas of low precipitation and high sublimation losses.
Explaining CO2 fluctuations observed in snowpacks
Authors: Graham Laura , Risk David
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Winter soil carbon dioxide (CO2) respiration is a significant and understudied component of the global carbon (C) cycle. Datasets have shown that winter soil CO2 fluxes can be surprisingly variable, owing to physical factors such as snowpack properties and wind. This study aimed to: quantify the effects of advective transport of CO2 in soil-snow systems on the sub-diurnal to diurnal (hours to days) timescale, use an enhanced diffusion model to replicate the effects of CO2 concentration depletions from persistent winds, and use a model-measure pairing to effectively explore what is happening in the field. We took continuous measurements of CO2 concentration gradients and meteorological data at a site in the Cape Breton Highlands of Nova Scotia, Canada to determine the relationship between wind speeds and CO2 levels in snowpacks. We adapted a soil CO2 diffusion model for the soil-snow system, and simulated stepwise changes in transport rate over a broad range of plausible synthetic cases. The goal was to mimic the changes we observed in CO2 snowpack concentration to help elucidate the mechanisms (diffusion, advection) responsible for observed variations. On sub-diurnal to diurnal timescales with varying winds and constant snow levels, a strong negative relationship between wind speed and CO2 concentration within the snowpack was often identified. Modelling clearly demonstrated that diffusion alone was unable to replicate the high frequency CO2 fluctuations, but simulations using above-atmospheric snowpack diffusivities (simulating advective transport within the snowpack) reproduced snow CO2 changes of the observed magnitude and speed. This confirmed that wind-induced ventilation contributed to episodic pulsed emissions from the snow surface and to suppressed snowpack concentrations. This study improves our understanding of winter CO2 dynamics to aid in continued quantification of the annual global C cycle, and demonstrates a preference for continuous wintertime CO2 flux measurement systems.
Expansion of oil palm and other cash crops causes an increase of land surface temperature in Indonesia
Authors: Sabajo Clifton R. , le Maire Guerric , June Tania , Meijide Ana , Roupsard Olivier , Knohl Alexander
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Indonesia is currently one of the regions with the highest transformation rate of the land surface worldwide due to the expansion of oil palm plantations and other cash crops replacing forests on large scales. Land cover changes, which modify land surface properties, have a direct effect on the land surface temperature (LST), a key driver for many ecological functions. Despite the large historic land transformation in Indonesia toward oil palm and other cash crops and governmental plans for future expansion, this is the first study so far to quantify the impact of land transformation in Indonesia on LST. We analyse LST from the thermal band of a Landsat image and produce a high resolution surface temperature map (30 m) for the lowlands of the Jambi province on Sumatra (Indonesia), a region of large land transformation towards oil palm and other cash crops over the past decades. We compare LST, albedo, Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI), and evapotranspiration (ET) of seven different land cover types (forest, urban areas, clear cut land, young and mature oil palm plantations, acacia and rubber plantations) and show that forests have lower surface temperatures than these land cover types indicating a local warming effect after forest conversion with LST differences up to 10.09 ± 2.6 ºC (mean ± SD) between forest and clear cut land. The differences in surface temperatures are explained by an evaporative cooling effect offsetting an albedo warming effect. Our analysis of the LST trend of the past 16 years based on MODIS data shows that the average daytime surface temperature of the Jambi province increased by 1.05 ºC, which followed the trend of observed land cover changes and exceed the effects of climate warming. Our study provides evidence that the expansion of oil palm plantations and other cash crops leads to changes in biophysical variables, warming the land surface and thus enhancing the increase in air temperature due to climate change.
Quantification of surface water volume changes in the
Mackenzie Delta using satellite multi-mission data
Authors: Normandin Cassandra , Frappart Frédéric , Lubac Bertrand , Bélanger Simon , Marieu Vincent , Blarel Fabien , Robinet Arthur , Guiastrennec-Faugas Léa
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Quantification of surface water storage in extensive floodplains and their dynamics are crucial for a better understanding of global hydrological and biogeochemical cycles. In this study, we present estimates of both surface water extent and storage combining multi-missions remotely-sensed observations and their temporal evolution over more than 15 years in the Mackenzie Delta. The Mackenzie Delta is located in the North West of Canada and is the second largest delta in the Arctic Ocean. The delta is frozen from October to May and the recurrent ice break up provokes an increase of the river's flows. Thus, this phenomenon causes intensive floods along the delta every year with dramatic environmental impacts. In this study, the dynamics of surface water extent and volume analyzed from 2000 to 2015 by combining multi-satellite information from MODIS multispectral images at 500 m spatial resolution and river stages derived from ERS-2 (1995–2003), ENVISAT (2002–2010) and SARAL (since 2013) altimetry data. The surface water extent (permanent water and flooded area) peaked in June with an area of 9,600 km2 (±200 km2) on average, representing approximately 70 % of the delta's total surface. Altimetry-based water levels exhibit annual amplitudes ranging from 4 m in the downstream part to more than 10 m in the upstream part of the Mackenzie Delta. A high overall correlation between the satellite-derived and in situ water heights (R>0.84) is found for the three altimetry missions. Finally, using altimetry-based water levels and MODIS-derived surface water extents, maps of interpolated water heights over the surface water extents are produced. Results indicate a high variability of the water height magnitude that can reach 10 meters compared to the lowest water height in the upstream part of the delta during the flood peak in June. Furthermore, the total surface water volume is estimated and shows an annual variation of approximately 8.5 km3 during the whole study period, with a maximum of 14.4 km3 observed in 2006. The good agreement between the total surface water volume retrievals and in situ river discharges (R=0.66) allows validating this innovative multi-mission approach and highlights the high potential to study the surface water extent dynamics.