bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Testing of Light Duty Vehicle Electric Cooling Fan Assemblies for Airflow Performance
Authors:   Cooling Systems Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice is intended for use in testing and evaluating the performance of Light Duty automotive electric engine cooling fans. These Electric Cooling Fan (ECF) Assemblies are purchased by Light Duty Truck and Passenger Car OEM’s from suppliers. They are purchased as complete assemblies, consisting of the fan(s), motor(s), and shroud (see Figure 1); this Recommended Practice will only consider such complete assemblies. Some purchased assemblies using brush-type motors may also include control devices such as power resistors or pulse width modulation (PWM) electronics for speed control. In the case of brushless motor technology, the controller is an integral part of the motor where it also performs the commutation process electronically. The performance measurement would include fan output in terms of airflow and pressure, and fan input electric power in terms of voltage and current. This information could then be used to calculate the efficiency of the assembly, including aerodynamic efficiency of the fan and shroud and electrical efficiency of the motor. The electric power consumption could be used to estimate vehicle energy as it relates to electrical charging system sizing and fuel economy.

The test conditions in the procedure generally will not always match those of the installation for which cooling, electric energy consumption and fuel consumption information is desired. The performance of a given fan depends on the installation details of the application, including the effects of system resistance and geometry of the grille, heat exchangers and underhood geometry of the engine and other underhood components. These details should be duplicated in the test setup, to the greatest extent possible, if accurate performance measurement is expected. Vehicle level airflow performance will also be affected by the bumper profile and any other shape that would influence how the airflow enters the grille.

Includes Fan, Motor, Shroud, Stators, Electrical Connector and Pressure Relief Flaps for High Vehicle Speed Applications
Recommended Practice for the Design and Test of Hybrid Electric and Electric Trucks and Buses for Electrical Safety
Authors:   Truck and Bus Powertrain Committee
Published: February 2017

This document will cover the aspects of the design and test of Class 4 through 8 electric and hybrid-electric trucks and buses for electrical safety. The document is intended to address the safety concerns of electrical systems in commercial vehicles that employ voltages greater than 60 VDC or 30 VAC RMS.
Standard for Cigar Lighters & Power Outlets
Authors:   USCAR
Published: February 2017

This standard is intended to cover cigar or cigarette lighters as well as power outlets based on the form and dimensions of the cigar lighter. This standard is a full performance specification, it includes dimensional and operational parameters as well as performance characteristics which must be met when submitting a cigar lighter assembly or power outlet assembly for production approval. This standard constitutes an acceptance specification for a surface mounted, front-loaded cigar lighter or power outlet.
Measuring Practicing Clinicians’ Information Literacy
Authors: Dixon Brian , Barboza Katherine , Jensen Ashley , Bennett Katelyn , Sherman Scott , Schwartz Mark
Published: February 2017

Background: As healthcare moves towards technology-driven population health management, clinicians must adopt complex digital platforms to access health information and document care. Objectives: This study explored information literacy, a set of skills required to effectively navigate population health information systems, among primary care providers in one Veterans’ Affairs (VA) medical center.

Methods: Information literacy was assessed during an 8-month randomized trial that tested a population health (panel) management intervention. Providers were asked about their use and comfort with two VA digital tools for panel management at baseline, 16 weeks, and post-intervention. An 8-item scale (range 0-40) was used to measure information literacy (Cronbach’s α=0.84). Scores between study arms and provider types were compared using paired t-tests and ANOVAs. Associations between self-reported digital tool use and information literacy were measured via Pearson’s correlations.

Results: Providers showed moderate levels of information literacy (M= 27.4, SD 6.5). There were no significant differences in mean information literacy between physicians (M=26.4, SD 6.7) and nurses (M=30.5, SD 5.2, p=0.57 for difference), or between intervention (M=28.4, SD 6.5) and control groups (M=25.1, SD 6.2, p=0.12 for difference). Information literacy was correlated with higher rates of self-reported information system usage (r=0.547, p=0.001). Clinicians identified data access, accuracy, and interpretability as potential information literacy barriers.

Conclusions: While exploratory in nature, cautioning generalizability, the study suggests that measuring and improving clinicians’ information literacy may play a significant role in the implementation and use of digital information tools, as these tools are rapidly being deployed to enhance communication among care teams, improve health care outcomes, and reduce overall costs.
Hypotony Management through Transconjunctival Scleral Flap Resuturing: Analysis of Surgical Outcomes and Success Predictors
Authors: Scoralick Ana Luiza B , Almeida Izabela , Ushida Michele , Dias Diego T , Dorairaj Syril , Prata Tiago S , Kanadani Fábio N
Published: February 2017

Aim

To investigate surgical outcomes and success predictors of transconjunctival scleral flap resuturing for the management of hypotony due to overfiltration following trabeculectomy with mitomycin C.

Materials and methods

Noncomparative, retrospective, interventional case series in which all glaucoma patients from two glaucoma services undergoing transconjunctival scleral flap resuturing between May 2012 and July 2016 were enrolled. Included eyes had to have hypotony [intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 6 mm Hg] and/or hypotony maculopathy caused by excessive filtration following trabeculectomy. Key exclusion criteria were wound/bleb leaking and postoperative ocular trauma or infection. Preoperative and postoperative IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus imaging, surgical complications, and any subsequent related events or procedures were recorded. Rates of postsurgical hypotony and/or maculopathy resolution and possible success predictors were investigated.

Results

A total of 22 patients (22 eyes) with a mean age of 56.4 ± 15.2 years were included. Median follow-up was 245 days [interquartilerange (IR); 120–817 days] and mean IOP was increased from 2.9 ± 1.5 mm Hg (1–6 mm Hg) to 8.5 ± 3.1 mm Hg (2–16 mm Hg) at the last follow-up visit (p < 0.01). Approximately 75% of the cases (16 out of 22) had an IOP between 7 and 18 mm Hg at the end of the follow-up period. Median BCVA (log MAR) at last follow-up visit [0.1 (IR; 0.0- 0.3)] was significantly better than preoperative BCVA [0.4 (IR; 0.1-1.0); p < 0.01]. Hypotony resolved in 81% of the cases, while maculopathy resolution was found in 85% of the cases. Time interval between trabeculectomy and flap resuturing was the only factor significantly associated with patient's IOP at last follow-up visit (R2 = 0.23; p = 0.036). Success rates (IOP < 6 mm Hg at last follow-up visit) were halved in those left untreated for more than 6 months. No serious adverse event was recorded.

Conclusion

Our findings support the use of transconjunctival scleral flap resuturing as an effective and safe alternative for hypotony management due to overflitration following trabeculectomy. As time interval seems to influence the odds of hypotony resolution, early intervention is recommended.

How to cite this article

Scoralick ALB, Almeida I, Ushida M, Dias DT, Dorairaj S, Prata TS, Kanadani FN, Hypotony Management through Transconjunctival Scleral Flap Resuturing: Analysis of Surgical Outcomes and Success Predictors. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(2):58-62.
Steroid-induced Glaucoma: An Avoidable Irreversible Blindness
Authors: Pandav SS , Kaur Savleen , Kaushik Sushmita , Phulke Sonia
Published: February 2017

Steroids are a group of anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly used to treat ocular and systemic conditions. Unmonitored use of steroids especially in eye drop formulations is common in situations when it is easily available over-the-counter, resulting in undesirable side effects.

Among the ocular side effects, cataract and glaucoma are common. Steroid-induced ocular hypertension was reported in 1950, when long-term use of systemic steroid was shown to increase the intraocular pressure (IOP). Chronic administration of steroids in any form with raised IOP can cause optic neuropathy resulting in steroid-induced glaucoma.

This review describes the pathophysiology and epidemio­logy of steroid-induced glaucoma, recognition of side effects, and principles of management. The purpose is to familiarize all clinicians with the potential dangers of administering steroids without monitoring the eye and the dangers of irreversible blindness in some instances of habitual self-prescription by patients.

How to cite this article

Phulke S, Kaushik S, Kaur S, Pandav SS. Steroid-induced Glaucoma: An Avoidable Irreversible Blindness. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(2):67-72.
Intraoperative Injection vs Sponge-applied Mitomycin C during Trabeculectomy: A One-year Study
Authors: Khouri Albert S , Huang Grace , Huang Linda Y
Published: February 2017

Aim

To determine the safety and efficacy of intraoperative injection of mitomycin C (MMC) against conventional sponge-applied MMC during trabeculectomy.

Materials and methods

This study was a retrospective, comparative case series. Thirty eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma underwent consecutive trabeculectomies with MMC injection (injection group), and thirty eyes with sponge-applied MMC were as controls (sponge group). Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Demographic data, applanation intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (VA), number of glaucoma medications, postoperative interventions, postoperative complications, and number of visits within 3 months were recorded. In order to stratify data, proportion of eyes achieving >30% IOP reduction from baseline with or without glaucoma medications was calculated and defined as surgical success.

Results

Mean IOP reduction at 1 year was significant in both the injection and sponge groups from baseline (46.8 and 37.8% respectively). The injection group had overall lower postoperative IOP and comparable complete treatment success, defined as achieving >30% IOP reduction without glaucoma medications (p = 0.941). The number of postoperative visits within 3 months and the proportion of eyes needing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) intervention were significantly lower in the injection group (p = 0.03, p = 0.04 respectively).

Conclusion

Injection of MMC was as safe and effective as sponge application with comparable estimated complete treatment success, less need for visits within 3 months, and 5-FU intervention.

Clinical significance

Surgeons may consider intraoperative injection of MMC in appropriate patient cohorts given comparable safety and efficacy and several advantages over traditional sponge application. Further study in a prospective, larger, long-term manner is necessary to assess this modality.

How to cite this article

Khouri AS, Huang G, Huang LY. Intraoperative Injection vs Sponge-applied Mitomycin C during Trabeculectomy: A One-year Study. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(3):101-106.
Emotional intelligence predicts peer-rated social competence above and beyond personality traits
Authors: Szczygieł Dorota , Weber Joanna
Published: February 2017

Background
 This study investigated the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (EI) and social competences (SC), which determine effective functioning in three types of social situations: intimate situations, situations of social exposure and situations requiring self-assertion. Social competences were assessed using a peer nomination method. It was hypothesized that trait EI predicts SC above and beyond personality traits.

 Participants and procedure
 Data were collected from among 111 adolescents (46.95% girls). The study was conducted among five classes from three public high schools. Participants first completed the Personality Inventory NEO-FFI and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF). Subsequently, the descriptions of three different persons were presented to the participants. Each description concerned one of the SC: intimate competence, social exposure competence and assertive competence. Participants were asked to nominate three classmates who suited each description best.

 Results
 A series of hierarchical regression analyses was performed. Personality traits and trait EI were regressed on each competence. Analyses involved two-step hierarchical regressions, entering personality traits at step 1 and adding trait EI at step 2. The results demonstrated that personality traits explained a substantial portion of the variance in each SC. Beyond these variables, trait EI was significant as a predictor of nominations for each SC, explaining an additional amount of the unique variance.

 Conclusions
 The results complement existing evidence that trait EI contributes to successful social functioning. The relationships between trait EI and SC remained statistically significant even after controlling for Big Five variance. The results demonstrate incremental validity of trait EI over and above personality traits.
The relationship between clients’ personality traits, working alliance and therapy outcome in a training context
Authors: Dennhag Inga , Ybrandt Helene , Sundström Anna
Published: February 2017

Background

Clients’ differences in personality include both psychopathology and normal personality variations and constitute an important factor for the therapeutic process and outcome. There is a lack of empirical data on the impact of clients’ personalities on therapeutic relationships and outcomes, particularly in a training context.

Participants and procedure

This longitudinal study investigated the relationships between client personality traits, changes in those traits after cognitive behavioral or psychodynamic short-term therapy, and clients’ perceived working alliances with their therapists and their clinical outcomes at a university training clinic in Sweden. Participants were 138 clients with moderate psychological symptoms. Personality traits were measured using the Health-Relevant Personality Inventory.

Results

The results showed that Antagonism, Impulsivity, Hedonic Capacity, and Negative Affectivity improved significantly during therapy, while Alexithymia did not. Pre-therapy personality traits were not related to perceived working alliances (Working Alliance Inventory) or therapeutic outcomes (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure). Post-therapy personality traits negative affectivity, hedonic capacity and alexithymia were related to working alliance, and changes in personality traits were predictive of therapy outcome. The change in Hedonic Capacity and Negative Affectivity explained about 20% of the variance in post-therapy symptoms after controlling for pre-therapy symptoms.

Conclusions

The results suggest that therapeutic foci on hedonism (extraversion) and negative affectivity (neuroticism) could be important for working alliance formation and symptom reduction in therapy. Future research should examine whether changes in clients’ negative affectivity or hedonic capacity mediate the relation between perceived working alliance quality and clinical outcome in training and other psychotherapeutic contexts.
Exploring personality traits and well-being among pre-school and primary school teachers in Croatia
Authors: Vorkapić Sanja Tatalović , Peloza Irena
Published: February 2017

Background

Pre-school and primary school teachers are directly involved in the education of children. In addition to teachers’ competences, the quality of their work is significantly influenced by their psychological well-being. It is therefore important to focus on their well-being as well as on personality traits they have. The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between life satisfaction, happiness, optimism and personality traits of pre-school and primary school teachers in Croatia.

Participants and procedure

The study was conducted on a sample of 103 pre-school teachers and 117 primary school teachers who completed self-evaluated scales on personality traits, life satisfaction, happiness and optimism.

Results

The results demonstrated high levels of all personality traits in both samples. High levels of life satisfaction were positively associated with happiness and optimism. Personality traits were also positively associated with life satisfaction, happiness and optimism. There were no differences in life satisfaction, happiness, optimism or personality traits between pre-school and primary school teachers, except for openness to experience being higher in pre-school teachers. Emotional stability was a significant predictor of teachers’ well-being.

Conclusions

The results have significant implications for improvement of teaching practice at primary school and pre-school levels. The findings highlight the importance of teachers’ personality traits and their well-being for the quality of their work with children.
Determinants of self-regulation in obesity: formation of implicit food preferences
Authors: Obara-Gołębiowska Małgorzata , Brycz Hanna , Szczepanik Joanna
Published: February 2017

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate whether motor behavior can impact self-regulation of food intake in individuals with obesity. We utilized purposeful movement of the hand as a means to influence tendencies to approach and avoid foods compatible and incompatible with the weight loss goals.

Participants and procedure

One hundred individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) participated in this study. The participants were randomized into 2 experimental groups. The first experimental group was induced to prefer dietary foods and to avoid fattening foods. The second experimental group was induced to prefer fattening food and to avoid dietary food.

Results

Experimental group 1 chose dietary products and avoided fattening items more often than group 2. We observed the increased importance of goals to lose weight and improve body shape as a result of manipulation consistent with its direction.

Conclusions

Implicit manipulation of food preferences by approach/avoidance tasks can alter food preferences and attitudes.
Acceptance of psoriasis in the context of body image, body experience, and social support
Authors: Sakson-Obada Olga , Pawlaczyk Mariola , Gerke Katarzyna , Adamski Zygmunt
Published: February 2017

Background

Acceptance of disease is an important determinant of quality of life in psoriasis patients. Social support and positive body image are considered important contributors to coping with the disease, but no studies have yet examined the role of body image and body experience in relation to psychological adjustment to psoriasis. We aimed to identify the role of biopsychosocial aspects – medical characteristics, body image, body experience, and social support – in acceptance of psoriasis.

Participants and procedure

The Berlin Social Support Scale, the Acceptance of Illness Scale, and the Body-Self Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered to 109 patients. Disease severity was measured with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

Results

None of the investigated medical aspects were related to disease acceptance. Disease acceptance was associated with perceived social support (instrumental, informational, and emotional) and the following aspects of body experience and body image: lack of disturbances in perceiving, interpretation and regulation of emotions and physiological needs, appearance satisfaction, acceptance of biological sex, and fitness satisfaction. The acceptance of appearance and biological sex and social support were the best predictors, explaining 33% of the variance in disease acceptance (R2 = .33, F = 18.93).

Conclusions

Disease acceptance is independent of medical disease parameters, which demonstrates the limitations of the biomedical model in explaining the process of coping with psoriasis. Our findings demonstrate the buffering effect of social support, positive body image, and body experience against the negative consequences of psoriasis. Psychological intervention focused on body image and body experience enhancement can support psychological adjustment to disease.
Music therapy microanalysis of parent-infant interaction in a three-month-old infant later diagnosed with autism
Authors: Suvini Ferdinando , Apicella Fabio , Muratori Filippo
Published: February 2017

Background

Infant research literature has described for a long time the main aspects of parentese (motherese and fatherese) referring to musicality and specifically to musical language. It is believed that there is a deep analogy between the vital affects experienced by the child during interaction with the parent and the type of parentese that is a direct representation of them. Disruption of parentese has been described in early autism. The aim of this paper was to achieve a better understanding of this disruptive process.

Participants and procedure

Sequences of parent-infant interaction extracted from one home movie of a child later diagnosed with autism were analyzed in a micro-musical way in order to create a musical score that allows the description of parent-infant interaction in a new way (considering form, pulse, rhythm, melody, timbre and silence).

Results

Musical microanalysis is able to highlight features not brought out by other kinds of analysis. The first fragment is dominated by the anxiety of the mother, who attempts to stimulate the unresponsive infant. In the second fragment there is a change in musicality parallel to changes in the relationship: the mother participates in and coordinates the infant’s experience through rhythm, prosody and musical dynamics. This change persists in the third fragment.

Conclusions

Musical transcription of parent-infant interactions has allowed us to highlight changes occurring in a short time during early interactions and to get a closer view of the disruptive process created by autism. This kind of research represents a potential shift in autism research, by focusing on dynamic parent-infant interactions instead of single behaviors of the child or of the parent. The usefulness of Stern’s concept of intersubjective communion is discussed.
Personality, spirituality and their relation to well-being in physicians of various specialties
Authors: Skrzypińska Katarzyna , Chudzik Ilona
Published: February 2017

Background

Based on the available literature, four hypotheses were formulated: the group of physicians differs from the control group in terms of personality traits and the level of spirituality (H1); specific personality traits in physicians predict the level of particular components of spirituality (H2); Spirituality is a predictor of Well-Being (H3); considering the specialties that physicians have as well as Spirituality, they will differentiate this group according to the level of the sense of Well-Being (H4).

Participants and procedure

The aim of the present study was to compare and test the relations between personality and spirituality and between spirituality and well-being in physicians of various specialties (internists, pediatricians, neurologists, surgeons, and emergency medicine specialists) (n = 100, control group n = 93).

Results

Our research confirmed most of the hypotheses, also showing how important it is to differentiate between physicians of different specialties. We found that physicians differ from the control group in terms of Extraversion and Openness, but do not differ according to Spirituality (H1). The most frequent predictor of spirituality proved to be Agreeableness, followed by Openness and Conscientiousness (H2). Contrary to assumptions in the present study (H3), spirituality is not a predictor of Satisfaction With Life in physicians, but according to Basic Emotions it is, including with regard to the specialties physicians have (H4).

Conclusions

Generally, we found a relationship between spirituality and basic emotions as a part of well-being, although the obtained results indicated a different pattern in the groups of neurologists and surgeons.
New evidence for a role of bone marrow in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kurowska Weronika , Kuca-Warnawin Ewa
Published: February 2017

A growing body of evidence indicate that bone marrow participates in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We and others have shown that in bone marrow of RA patients inflammatory response can develop. In addition, pathological events in bone marrow may even precede the signs of synovitis. Furthermore, the association of bone marrow lesions in RA with more erosive disease was found. Published few months ago two reports provided some evidences that support concept of a key role of bone marrow in ACPA-positive RA as a site where bone destruction can be initiated. These new data identify also ACPA as osteoclastogenesis promoting factor. The results of recent studies may thus bring us closer to the understanding of mechanisms triggering pathological events in RA and suggest new potential targets for therapeutic and preventive interventions interfering with osteoclasts activity.
Secretory activity of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue in male patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis – association with clinical and laboratory data
Authors: Kontny Ewa , Zielińska Agnieszka , Księżopolska-Orłowska Krystyna , Głuszko Piotr
Published: February 2017

Introduction:  Adipose tissue exerts widespread effects on the metabolism and immune system, but its activity differs between the genders. In the general population low-grade adipose tissue inflammation contributes to development of diseases of affluence. Little is known about the systemic impact of peripheral fat tissue in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by chronic, low- and high-grade systemic inflammation, respectively. To clarify this we evaluated the secretory activity of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT) obtained from male patients affected with RA (n = 21) and OA (n = 13), and assessed its association with body mass and composition, demographic, clinical and laboratory data.

Material and methods:  Basal and interleukin (IL)-1β-triggered secretion of selected adipocytokines from SAAT explants was measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Patients’ body composition was evaluated by bioelectric impendence technique.

Results: Rheumatoid SAAT secreted more adiponectin and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) than respective osteoarthritis tissue. In both RA and OA patient groups, stimulation of SAAT explants with IL-1β(1 ng/ml/100 mg tissue) significantly up-regulated release of pro-(IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor – TNF) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines but had no effect on the secretion of adiponectin, leptin, MIF and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Compared with RA, patients with OA were more obese. In RA patients SAAT-released adiponectin and TNF inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat rating (FVSC). In addition, SAAT-secreted adiponectin and leptin positively correlated with DAS28 and disease duration, respectively. In the OA group tissue-released TNF positively correlated with patients’ age.

Conclusions: We conclude that in RA male patients adipocytokines originating from SAAT are of clinical importance because: (i) adiponectin and TNF may contribute to maintenance of normal body composition and mass, (ii) in addition adiponectin may play a pathogenic role. Moreover, in both RA and OA male patients secretory activity of SAAT may vary with time.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis – the state-of-the-art
Authors: Runowska Marta , Majewski Dominik , Puszczewicz Mariusz
Published: February 2017

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease, hallmarked by inflammation and deposition of fibrous tissue around the abdominal aorta. This process may spread contiguously and involve adjacent structures, leading to many complications, among which the most frequent and most severe is ureteral obstruction. The condition usually has idiopathic origin (idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis – IRF), but can also develop secondarily to a number of factors. The etiology of the disease remains unclear. Current research suggests that about half of the cases of IRF may be a symptom of a recently discovered, clinically heterogeneous immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for IRF, but effective attempts to use immunosuppressants are also made. This paper presents the current state of knowledge on the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities in different forms of RPF. Based on the latest research, an analysis of the relationship between IRF and IgG4-RD was performed.
Recognizing systemic sclerosis: comparative analysis of various sets of classification criteria
Authors: Romanowska-Próchnicka Katarzyna , Walczyk Marcela , Olesińska Marzena
Published: February 2017

Systemic sclerosis is a complex disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy and tissue fibrosis. Although most patients present with some degree of skin sclerosis, which is a distinguishing hallmark, the clinical presentation vary greatly complicating the diagnosis. In this regard, new classification criteria were jointly published in 2013 by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). A recent major development in the classification criteria is improved sensitivity, particularly for detecting early disease. The new criteria allow more cases to be classified as having systemic sclerosis (SSc), which leads to earlier treatment. Moreover it is clinically beneficial in preventing the disease progression with its irreversible fibrosis and organ damage. The aim of this review is to give insight into new classification criteria and current trends in the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.
Aerococcus viridans infection presenting as cutaneous vasculitis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Parrey Ashaq Hussain , Sofi Fayaz , Ahmad Mushtaq , Kuchay Abid
Published: February 2017

Background: Aerococcus viridans organisms are Gram-positive cocci that are widely distributed in hospital environments and room air. These bacteria have infrequently been encountered as human pathogens causing bacteremia, endocarditis and urinary tract infections. The significance of these bacteria may be overlooked due to their fastidious growth, and they are often confused with other strains of streptococci or staphylococci.

Case report:  We present a case of Aerococcus viridans manifesting as cutaneous vasculitis in an immunocompetent patient. A 30-year-old female patient was admitted to hospital after two weeks history of fever, chills and papular rash over the limbs and trunk. The clinical diagnosis of vasculitis was made. Investigations revealed elevated leucocytosis (21.7 × 109/l) with 81% of neutrophils, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or 60 mm/h. Serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) were not found. Blood culture showed growth of Aerococcus viridans. Histopathological assessment of skin biopsy revealed cutaneous vasculitis.

Conclusions: To date, no clinical case report of this kind has been reported implicating Aerococcus viridans in cutaneous vasculitis. Increased awareness and more studies of this genus should lead to the identification of its potential role in human infections.
Trend of atmospheric mercury concentrations at Cape Point for 1995–2004 and since 2007
Authors: Martin Lynwill G. , Labuschagne Casper , Brunke Ernst-Günther , Weigelt Andreas , Ebinghaus Ralf , Slemr Franz
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Long-term measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations at Cape Point, South Africa, reveal a downward trend between September 1995 and December 2005 and an upward one from March 2007 until June 2015, implying a change in trend sign between 2004 and 2007. The trend change is qualitatively consistent with the trend changes in GEM concentrations observed at Mace Head, Ireland, and in mercury wet deposition over North America, suggesting a change in worldwide mercury emissions. Seasonally resolved trends suggest a modulation of the overall trend by regional processes. The trends in absolute terms (downward in 1995–2004 and upward in 2007–2015) are highest in austral spring (SON), coinciding with the peak in emissions from biomass burning in South America and southern Africa. The influence of trends in biomass burning is further supported by a biennial variation in GEM concentration found here and an El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signature in GEM concentrations reported recently.
How does downward planetary wave coupling affect polar stratospheric ozone in the Arctic winter stratosphere?
Authors: Lubis Sandro W. , Silverman Vered , Matthes Katja , Harnik Nili , Omrani Nour-Eddine , Wahl Sebastian
Published: February 2017

Abstract. It is well established that variable wintertime planetary wave forcing in the stratosphere controls the variability of Arctic stratospheric ozone through changes in the strength of the polar vortex and the residual circulation. While previous studies focused on the variations in upward wave flux entering the lower stratosphere, here the impact of downward planetary wave reflection on ozone is investigated for the first time. Utilizing the MERRA2 reanalysis and a fully coupled chemistry–climate simulation with the Community Earth System Model (CESM1(WACCM)) of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), we find two downward wave reflection effects on ozone: (1) the direct effect in which the residual circulation is weakened during winter, reducing the typical increase of ozone due to upward planetary wave events and (2) the indirect effect in which the modification of polar temperature during winter affects the amount of ozone destruction in spring. Winter seasons dominated by downward wave reflection events (i.e., reflective winters) are characterized by lower Arctic ozone concentration, while seasons dominated by increased upward wave events (i.e., absorptive winters) are characterized by relatively higher ozone concentration. This behavior is consistent with the cumulative effects of downward and upward planetary wave events on polar stratospheric ozone via the residual circulation and the polar temperature in winter. The results establish a new perspective on dynamical processes controlling stratospheric ozone variability in the Arctic by highlighting the key role of wave reflection.
On the Limits of Köhler Activation Theory: How do Collision and
Coalescence Affect the Activation of Aerosols?
Authors: Hoffmann Fabian
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Activation is necessary to form a cloud droplet from an aerosol, and it occurs as soon as a wetted aerosol grows beyond its critical radius. Traditional Köhler theory assumes that this growth is driven by the diffusion of water vapor. However, if the wetted aerosols are large enough, the coalescence of two or more particles is an additional process for accumulating sufficient water for activation. This transition from diffusional to collectional growth marks the limit of traditional Köhler theory and it is studied using a Lagrangian cloud model in which aerosols and cloud droplets are represented by individually simulated particles within large-eddy simulations of shallow cumuli. It is shown that the activation of aerosols larger than 0.1 μm in dry radius can be affected by collision and coalescence, and its contribution increases with a power-law relation toward larger radii and becomes the only process for the activation of aerosols larger than 0.4–0.8 μm depending on aerosol concentration. Due to the natural scarcity of the affected aerosols, the amount of aerosols that are activated by collection is small with a maximum of 1 in 10 000 activations. The fraction increases as the aerosol concentration increases, but decreases again as the number of aerosols becomes too high and the particles too small to cause collections. Moreover, activation by collection is found to affect primarily aerosols that have been entrained above the cloud base.
Photooxidation of cyclohexene in the presence of SO2: SOA yield and
chemical composition
Authors: Liu Shijie , Jia Long , Xu Yongfu , Tsona Narcisse T. , Ge Shuangshuang , Du Lin
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from cyclohexene/NOx system with various SO2 concentrations under UV light was studied to understand the effects of cyclic alkenes on the atmospheric environment in polluted urban areas. A clear decrease at first and then increase of the SOA yield was found with increasing SO2 concentrations. The lowest SOA yield was obtained when initial SO2 concentration was in the range of 30–40 ppb, while higher SOA yield compared to that without SO2 could not be obtained until the initial SO2 concentration was higher than 85 ppb. SOA formation was enhanced by the acid-catalyzed heterogeneous reactions, which lead to an increase in the total organic aerosol mass. The competitive reaction of OH radicals with SO2 and VOCs was the reason for the SOA yield decrease even under acidic conditions. The competitive reaction was an important factor for SOA yield and it should not be neglected in photooxidation, especially when acid-catalyzed mechanism could not significantly improve SOA yield. The composition of organic compounds in SOA was measured using several complementary techniques including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, ion chromatograph (IC) and electrospray ionization high-resolution quadrupole mass spectrometer (ESI-HR-MS). We present the first evidence that organosulfates were produced from the photooxidation of cyclohexene in the presence of SO2.
The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2: first 18 months of science data products
Authors: Eldering Annmarie , O'Dell Chris W. , Wennberg Paul O. , Crisp David , Gunson Michael R. , Viatte Camille , Avis Charles , Braverman Amy , Castano Rebecca , Chang Albert , Chapsky Lars , Cheng Cecilia , Connor Brian , Dang Lan , Doran Gary , Fisher Brendan , Frankenberg Christian , Fu Dejian , Granat Robert , Hobbs Jonathan , Lee Richard A. M. , Mandrake Lukas , McDuffie James , Miller Charles E. , Myers Vicky , Natraj Vijay , O'Brien Denis , Osterman Gregory B. , Oyafuso Fabiano , Payne Vivienne H. , Pollock Harold R. , Polonsky Igor , Roehl Coleen M. , Rosenberg Robert , Schwandner Florian , Smyth Mike , Tang Vivian , Taylor Thomas E. , To Cathy , Wunch Debra , Yoshimizu Jan
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) is the first National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellite designed to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) with the accuracy, resolution, and coverage needed to quantify CO2 fluxes (sources and sinks) on regional scales. OCO-2 was successfully launched on 2 July 2014 and has gathered more than 2 years of observations. The v7/v7r operational data products from September 2014 to January 2016 are discussed here. On monthly timescales, 7 to 12 % of these measurements are sufficiently cloud and aerosol free to yield estimates of the column-averaged atmospheric CO2 dry air mole fraction, XCO2, that pass all quality tests. During the first year of operations, the observing strategy, instrument calibration, and retrieval algorithm were optimized to improve both the data yield and the accuracy of the products. With these changes, global maps of XCO2 derived from the OCO-2 data are revealing some of the most robust features of the atmospheric carbon cycle. This includes XCO2 enhancements co-located with intense fossil fuel emissions in eastern US and eastern China, which are most obvious between October and December, when the north–south XCO2 gradient is small. Enhanced XCO2 coincident with biomass burning in the Amazon, central Africa, and Indonesia is also evident in this season. In May and June, when the north–south XCO2 gradient is largest, these sources are less apparent in global maps. During this part of the year, OCO-2 maps show a more than 10 ppm reduction in XCO2 across the Northern Hemisphere, as photosynthesis by the land biosphere rapidly absorbs CO2. As the carbon cycle science community continues to analyze these OCO-2 data, information on regional-scale sources (emitters) and sinks (absorbers) which impart XCO2 changes on the order of 1 ppm, as well as far more subtle features, will emerge from this high-resolution global dataset.
The high-resolution version of TM5-MP for optimized satellite retrievals: description and validation
Authors: Williams Jason E. , Boersma K. Folkert , Le Sager Phillipe , Verstraeten Willem W.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. We provide a comprehensive description of the high-resolution version of the TM5-MP global chemistry transport model, which is to be employed for deriving highly resolved vertical profiles of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (CH2O), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) for use in satellite retrievals from platforms such as the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and the Sentinel-5 Precursor, and the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (tropOMI). Comparing simulations conducted at horizontal resolutions of 3°  ×  2° and 1°  ×  1° reveals differences of ±20 % exist in the global seasonal distribution of 222Rn, being larger near specific coastal locations and tropical oceans. For tropospheric ozone (O3), analysis of the chemical budget terms shows that the impact on globally integrated photolysis rates is rather low, in spite of the higher spatial variability of meteorological data fields from ERA-Interim at 1°  ×  1°. Surface concentrations of O3 in high-NOx regions decrease between 5 and 10 % at 1°  ×  1° due to a reduction in NOx recycling terms and an increase in the associated titration term of O3 by NO. At 1°  ×  1°, the net global stratosphere–troposphere exchange of O3 decreases by  ∼  7 %, with an associated shift in the hemispheric gradient. By comparing NO, NO2, HNO3 and peroxy-acetyl-nitrate (PAN) profiles against measurement composites, we show that TM5-MP captures the vertical distribution of NOx and long-lived NOx reservoirs at background locations, again with modest changes at 1°  ×  1°. Comparing monthly mean distributions in lightning NOx and applying ERA-Interim convective mass fluxes, we show that the vertical re-distribution of lightning NOx changes with enhanced release of NOx in the upper troposphere. We show that surface mixing ratios in both NO and NO2 are generally underestimated in both low- and high-NOx scenarios. For Europe, a negative bias exists for [NO] at the surface across the whole domain, with lower biases at 1°  ×  1° at only  ∼  20 % of sites. For NO2, biases are more variable, with lower (higher) biases at 1°  ×  1° occurring at  ∼  35 % ( ∼  20 %) of sites, with the remainder showing little change. For CH2O, the impact of higher resolution on the chemical budget terms is rather modest, with changes of less than 5 %. The simulated vertical distribution of CH2O agrees reasonably well with measurements in pristine locations, although column-integrated values are generally underestimated relative to satellite measurements in polluted regions. For SO2, the performance at 1°  ×  1° is principally governed by the quality of the emission inventory, with limited improvements in the site-specific biases, with most showing no significant improvement. For the vertical column, improvements near strong source regions occur which reduce the biases in the integrated column. For remote regions missing biogenic source terms are inferred.
Monitoring surface water quality using social media in the context of citizen science
Authors: Zheng Hang , Hong Yang , Long Di , Jing Hua
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Surface water quality monitoring (SWQM) provides essential information for water environmental protection. However, SWQM is costly and limited in terms of equipment and sites. The global popularity of social media and intelligent mobile devices with GPS and photography functions allows citizens to monitor surface water quality. This study aims to propose a method for SWQM using social media platforms. Specifically, a WeChat-based application platform is built to collect water quality reports from volunteers, which have been proven valuable for water quality monitoring. The methods for data screening and volunteer recruitment are discussed based on the collected reports. The proposed methods provide a framework for collecting water quality data from citizens and offer a primary foundation for big data analysis in future research.
Brief communication: Glaciers in the Hunza catchment (Karakoram) have been nearly in balance since the 1970s
Authors: Bolch Tobias , Pieczonka Tino , Mukherjee Kriti , Shea Joseph
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Previous geodetic estimates of mass changes in the Karakoram revealed balanced budgets or a possible slight mass gain since  ∼  2000. Indications of longer-term stability exist but only very few mass budget analyses are available before 2000. Here, based on 1973 Hexagon KH-9,  ∼  2009 ASTER and the SRTM DTM, we show that glaciers in the Hunza River basin (central Karakoram) were on average in balance or showed slight insignificant mass loss within the period  ∼  1973–2009. Heterogeneous behaviour and frequent surge activities were also characteristic of the period before 2000. Surge-type and non-surge-type glaciers showed on average no significantly different mass change values. However, some individual glacier mass change rates differed significantly for the periods before and after  ∼  2000.
¡Aún no está acabada! Arteterapia en prisión
Authors: Adsuar Kathya
Published: February 2017

En este artículo, se dirige la mirada a una pequeña parte del trabajo del grupo de Arteterapia en el programa PID de la Presó Model de Barcelona. En ocasiones, hay una producción que resulta especialmente significativa, que parece permitir el paso hacia un lugar diferente dentro del proceso global de la persona. Una producción que cambia el discurso, abre a nuevas emociones, que constituye en sí misma un proceso. ¿Qué ha ocurrido para llegar ahí? ¿Qué ha sido posible después? ¡Aún no está acabada!, una frase escuchada a menudo, tiene además la dimensión de referirse a un trabajo que perdura en la memoria, y parece tener así la capacidad de continuar. Palabras clave: arteterapia, producción, proceso creativo, prisión.
En busca de la expresión perdida: “La imagen emergente”. Arteterapia en un contexto oncológico
Authors: Casademunt Porta Lydia de
Published: February 2017

Desde hace un tiempo, el arteterapia viene demostrando su utilidad en el ámbito de atención oncológica en la institución hospitalaria, pero todavía no en la entidad local de apoyo a enfermos y a supervivientes. El presente estudio cualitativo pretende generar conocimiento al respecto, a partir de la imbricación entre teoría, práctica y reflexión, desde un enfoque anclado en el psicoanálisis y la línea arteterapéutica de J.-P. Klein. En la Associació Vilassar de Dalt Contra el Càncer se establece un dispositivo arteterapéutico que se demuestra válido y adecuado para facilitar que la persona avance en la elaboración de su experiencia del cáncer