bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Prophylactic Clonidine in Preventing Postanesthetic Shivering in Laparoscopicassisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
Authors: Goswami Sebanti , Chattopadhyay Suman , Rudra Amitava
Published: March 2014

Objective

Postanesthetic shivering occurs in up to 60% of patients following general anesthesia and is associated with deleterious consequences. Various drugs have been used to prevent or treat postanesthetic shivering, but the ideal one has not yet been found. In this study, we have studied the efficacy of prophylactic clonidine in preventing postanesthetic shivering.

Meterials and methods

Sixty ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) I and II patients scheduled for laparoscopicassisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) were randomly allocated to receive either clonidine 2 μg.kg—1 (group C, n = 30) or normal saline (group S, n = 30) intravenously at the time of vault closure. Core body temperature (nasopharyngeal) along with NIBP, heart rate and ECG were monitored at regular intervals. The severity of shivering was assessed according to a five-point scale (0 to 4).

Results

Significantly less shivering occurred in clonidine group 5 (17%) compared to normal saline group 20 (67%). The recovery time (between end of anesthesia and extubation) was significantly longer in the clonidine group (12.5 ± 4.3 minutes) compared with normal saline group (8.0 ± 4.5 minutes). Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in the clonidine group compared with saline group.

Conclusion

Prophylactic clonidine is effective in the prevention of postanesthetic shivering. Following clonidine administration, the recovery time was prolonged and incidence of bradycardia and hypotension were more than placebo.

How to cite this article

Chattopadhyay S, Goswami S, Rudra A. Efficacy of Prophylactic Clonidine in Preventing Postanesthetic Shivering in Laparoscopic-assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3): 120-123.
Evaluation of the Scoring Systems to Differentiate between Benign and Malignant Adnexal Masses in a Tertiary Care Center, Pune
Authors: Chaudhari Shilpa Nitin , Deshpande Poorva Niteen , Gupta Priyanka Rohit , Warty Tanvi Rajeev , Bhikane Devika Bharat
Published: March 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the scoring systems to differentiate between benign and malignant adnexal masses.

Methods

It is a prospective study carried on 60 women at a tertiary care center. Transabdominal ultrasonography and color Doppler was done and women were followed till resolution of symptoms. Gold standard for diagnosis of adenexal masses was histopathological examination of specimen or fluid cytology.

Results

Efficacy of Sassone scoring system for diagnosing malignant tumors sensitivity 75%, specificity 90.91%, positive predictive value 75%, negative predictive value 90.91% and an accuracy of 86.67%. Efficacy of De Priest scoring system sensitivity 66.67%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 92.31% and an accuracy of 93.33%. Efficacy of Ferrazzi scoring system sensitivity 75%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 91.67%, and an accuracy of 93.33%. Efficacy of alcazar scoring system sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%, Positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 100%, and an accuracy of 100%.

Conclusion

Alcazar scoring system was found to be more sensitive and specific than other available scoring systems.

How to cite this article

Chaudhari SN, Deshpande PN, Gupta PR, Warty TR, Bhikane DB. Evaluation of the Scoring Systems to Differentiate between Benign and Malignant Adnexal Masses in a Tertiary Care Center, Pune. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3):135-138.
Aberrant behaviors in a primary care-based cohort of patients with chronic pain identified as misusing prescription opioids
Authors: Cheatle, PhD Martin D. , O’Brien, MD, PhD Charles P. , Mathai, MD Koshy , Hansen, MD Matthew , Grasso, MD Mario , Yi, MD Peter
Published: March 2014

Objective: To assess aberrant drug-related behaviors (ADRBs) in patients discharged from a community primary care practice for opioid misuse and treating physician’s ability to identify predictive aberrant behaviors.Design: Retrospective chart review of patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) identified by their treating physician as misusing opioid analgesics, and patients with similar characteristics who had not been identified as misusing opioids. A survey of attending and resident physicians from these clinics on their knowledge of ADRBs was also collected.Setting: Community primary care clinic.Patients, participants: Thirty-three patients with CNCP identified by their treating physician as misusing prescription opioid analgesics, and 33 patients randomly selected from the same clinic setting, with similar characteristics who had not been identified as misusing opioids. Twenty-four attending physicians and 42 resident physicians were surveyed on their training and knowledge of predictive aberrant behaviors.Results: More identified misusers than nonmisusers reported positive history of substance abuse (p = 0.001), tobacco use (p = 0.011), taking multiple doses of prescribed opioids together (0.024), multiple complaints of pain requiring opioid treatment (p = 0.006), and multiple phone calls to the clinic requesting opioid medications (p = 0.027). Logistic regression on continuous variables revealed that only the number of phone calls to the clinic regarding opioids in the last 12 months achieved significance (p = 0.028).Conclusions: Previously postulated and novel ADRBs suggestive of opioid misuse were identified in a community primary care setting. Differences in resident and attending physician’s ability to identify key predictive ADRBs and lack of training in pain or addiction underscores the need for changes in medical school and residency programs.
The characteristics of postoperative fentanyl effect-site concentration during intravenous fentanyl analgesia after posterior lumbar spine fusion
Authors: Sato, MD Tsunehisa , Kikura, MD Mutsuhito , Sato, MD, PhD Shigehito
Published: March 2014

Objective: To examine the characteristics of postoperative fentanyl effect-site concentrations during intravenous analgesia in patients requiring or not requiring a fentanyl bolus and in patients with or without postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).Design: Retrospective observational study.Setting: University-affiliated general hospital.Patients: Sixty patients who underwent posterior lumbar spine fusion.Main outcome measures: The authors simulated the fentanyl effect-site concentration for 48 postoperative hours and compared it between patients who did and did not require a fentanyl bolus and between patients who did and did not experience PONV.Results: At the end of anesthesia, the fentanyl effect-site concentration was similar between 37 (61.7 percent) patients requiring and 23 (38.3 percent) patients not requiring a postoperative fentanyl bolus (p = 0.97). Within the first 12 postoperative hours, the concentration decreased in both groups (p < 0.01). The fentanyl effect-site concentration was higher in patients requiring a postoperative fentanyl bolus (within 12 hours, 1.4 ± 0.32 ng/mL vs 0.89 ± 0.35 ng/mL; between 12 and 48 hours, 0.94 ± 0.19 ng/mL vs 0.57 ± 0.09 ng/mL) (p < 0.05). PONV occurred in 22 (36.6 percent) patients, but more so in women (68.2 percent; p < 0.01); PONV was similar between patients requiring and not requiring a fentanyl bolus (p = 0.78). Between the 12th and 48th postoperative hours, fentanyl effect-site concentrations were higher in patients with PONV (0.61 ± 0.10 ng/mL vs 0.57 ± 0.10 ng/mL, p = 0.03).Conclusions: Patients needing a postoperative fentanyl bolus require a higher fentanyl effect-site concentration possibly because of individual variations, and PONV depends on the postoperative fentanyl effect-site concentration.
Opioid therapy in children and adolescents: A physician's guide to risk assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of abuse
Authors: George, MD Jessica Anne , Kost-Byerly, MD Sabine , Monitto, MD Constance L.
Published: March 2014

After conducting a thorough literature search of adolescent opioid use from 1990 until present, it became readily apparent that the last decade has witnessed an increase in the number of opioid-related drug overdoses and deaths in the adolescent population, analogous to the epidemic in the adult population. Most of these cases have resulted from prescription medication misuse. Practitioners who use controlled substances to treat pain in pediatric and adolescent patients want to limit harm by carefully assessing their patients’ risk of abuse and diversion. In this article, the authors present current knowledge and recommendations for the mitigation of aberrant prescription drug use in the pediatric population.
Awareness of, experience with, and attitudes toward buprenorphine among opioid users visiting a New York City syringe exchange program
Authors: Shah, BS Pooja A. , Sohler, PhD, MPH Nancy L. , López, BA Carolina , Fox, MD Aaron D. , Cunningham, MD, MS Chinazo O.
Published: March 2014

Objective: To examine awareness of, experience with, and attitudes toward buprenorphine, to begin to understand why opioid users may not access buprenorphine treatment. Factors associated with attitudes toward buprenorphine were also explored.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: A community-based organization’s syringe exchange program in mobile units at nine street-side outreach sites in New York City.Participants: One hundred eighty-six adult opioid users visiting a syringe exchange program.Main outcome measures: Awareness of, experiences with, and attitudes toward buprenorphine.Results: Most (68.5 percent) participants were aware of buprenorphine, 27.8 percent had taken buprenorphine, and 58.6 percent knew someone who had taken buprenorphine. Of the 98 who had taken or knew someone who had taken buprenorphine, 85.7 percent endorsed positive attitudinal statements about its effectiveness, and up to 31.6 percent endorsed statements about its limited access. Participants’ attitudes about the need for formal buprenorphine treatment were mixed. Current heroin users were more likely than nonusers to have heard of buprenorphine (76.0 percent vs 61.5 percent, p < 0.05), have taken buprenorphine (46.8 percent vs 9.6 percent, p < 0.01), endorse buprenorphine’s effectiveness (96.3 percent vs 72.7 percent, p < 0.01), and believe that illicit and prescribed buprenorphine have similar benefits (35.2 percent vs 13.6 percent, p < 0.02). Conclusions: Most opioid users visiting a syringe exchange program had positive attitudes about buprenorphine’s effectiveness, and few believed that buprenorphine was difficult to access. Attitudes about the benefits of illicit versus prescribed buprenorphine use were inconsistent. Understanding awareness of, experience with, and attitudes toward buprenorphine is important, as these factors are likely to influence opioid users’ decisions about engaging in buprenorphine treatment.
Clinical applications of oxymorphone
Authors: Vadivelu, MD Nalini , Maria, MBBS Monisa , Jolly, MD Suneil , Rosenbloom, MD Julia , Prasad, MD Arun , Kaye, MD, PhD Alan David
Published: March 2014

Oxymorphone (14-hydroxydihydromorphinone), a pyridine ring unsubstituted pyridomorphinan, a semisynthetic opioid analgesic derived from thebaine, first developed in the year 1914 and has been available as oxymorphone hydrochloride parenteral forms in the United States since 1959, when the US Food and Drug Administration approved it. Over the years, it has been used for the alleviation of moderate-to-severe pain. Pharmacological considerations, new and traditional formulations, clinical indications, and recent study populations are examined in this review. Specific considerations for oxymorphone interactions are focused on as well as specific side effects and end organ considerations. Although discovered many decades ago and used as parenteral formulation, the newer oral preparations of oxymorphone (immediate release and extended release) that were approved in 2006 can provide additional options for customizing therapy to accommodate various patient needs. This newer oral formulation could make this powerful agent an important drug in the armamentarium of the healthcare provider caring for patients with pain.
A pilot study of nasal fentanyl for patient controlled treatment of cancer pain
Authors: Thronæs, MD M. , Kaasa, MD, PhD S. , Dale, MD, PhD O.
Published: March 2014

Background: Slow release (SR) opioids around the clock are the mainstay for moderate to strong cancer pain. This recommendation is not scientifically based. Therefore, a phase 1 pilot study of rapid acting nasal fentanyl (NF) taken on demand as the only opioid for cancer pain to explore feasibility and safety aspects was launched.Methods: Patients with cancer, naïve to strong opioids but in need of such drugs, were included. They received a test dose of NF before titration (1-5 days) was started. Ten days treatment was followed by 7 days of observation after switching to SR morphine. Pain relief, nausea, sedation, and local irritation were assessed (11-point numeric rating scale [NRS]). Other adverse events (AEs) were also recorded by the patient. Investigator had regular patient telephone contact.Results: Ten patients were included. The test dose was well tolerated. Venous fentanyl concentrations at 11 minutes after the test dose differed considerably. All subjects completed the titration; six patients the treatment phase. Three serious AEs were reported; all due to hospitalization, none related to NF. A possible adverse drug reaction (hearing abnormalities) was reported. Other adverse effects were minor. NF treatment reduced average pain for the whole group compared to baseline (4.6-3.7 on the 11-point NRS) and pain relief was achieved in 187/230 (81 percent) of NF administrations (reduction of 2 or more on the 11-piont NRS 15 minutes after NF administration).Conclusion: This explorative study suggests that it is reasonable that the concept of treating pain in patients with cancer using NF on demand can undergo controlled clinical studies.
A systematic review of smartphone applications for chronic pain available for download in the United States
Authors: Wallace, PhD Lorraine S. , Dhingra, PhD Lara K.
Published: March 2014

Objective: A Smartphone app could be useful in aiding patients in self-monitoring and self-managing their chronic pain-related symptoms. The purpose of this study was to systematically review English-language pain-related Smartphone apps available for download in the United States.Design: During July 2012, official Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone Smartphone app platform stores were searched. “Pain” was entered into the search-bar of each Smartphone app store. Of the pain apps meeting inclusion criteria, the following were retrieved: release date, download cost (US dollars [US $], file size, documentation of a healthcare professional’s (HCP) involvement in app development, primary purpose of the app (pain education, pain self-management, or a combination of pain education and self-management), targeted pain-related condition(s), and inclusion of features that addressed four common self-monitoring and/or management strategies.Results: Of the 220 apps meeting inclusion criteria, the majority were available through the iPhone (80.0 percent). The cost for downloading each app ranged from US $0.00 to 89.99; however, the majority of apps were ≤US $4.99. There was no evidence of HCP involvement in the development of the majority of apps (65.0 percent). Chronic, nonspecific pain was the focus of half (50.5 percent) of the apps, followed by back and/or neck pain (25.9 percent). The primary purpose of the apps was categorized as follows: pain education (n = 53, 24.1 percent), pain self-management (n = 137, 62.3 percent), and both pain education and self-management (n = 30, 13.6 percent).Conclusion: Overall, most of the pain-related apps included within our review not only lacked evidence of HCP input regarding development but also contained few evidence-based pain management features.
Similarities and differences of aerosol optical properties between southern and northern sides of the Himalayas
Authors: Xu C. , Ma Y. M. , Panday A. , Cong Z. Y. , Yang K. , Zhu Z. K. , Wang J. M. , Amatya P. M. , Zhao L.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The Himalaya mountains along the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau act as a natural barrier for the transport of atmospheric aerosols from the polluted regions of South Asia to the main body of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we investigate the seasonal and diurnal variations of aerosol optical properties measured at two Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sites on the southern side of the Himalaya (Pokhara, 812 m above sea level (a.s.l.) and EVK2-CNR, 5079 m a.s.l. in Nepal) and one on the northern side (Qomolangma (Mt. Everest) station for Atmospheric and Environmental Observation and Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (QOMS_CAS) in Tibet, 4076 m a.s.l. in China). While observations at QOMS_CAS and EVK2-CNR can generally be representative of a remote background atmosphere, Pokhara is a lower-elevation suburban site with much higher aerosol load due to both the influence of local anthropogenic activities and to its proximity to the Indo-Gangetic Plains. The annual mean aerosol optical depth (AOD) during the investigated period was 0.05 at QOMS_CAS, 0.04 at EVK2-CNR and 0.51 at Pokhara, respectively. Seasonal variations of aerosols are profoundly affected by large-scale atmospheric circulation. Vegetation fires, peaking during April in the Himalayan region and northern India, contribute to a growing fine mode AOD at the three stations. Dust transported to these sites, wind erosion and hydrated/cloud-processed aerosols lead to an increase in coarse mode AOD during the monsoon season at QOMS_CAS and EVK2-CNR. Meanwhile, coarse mode AOD at EVK2-CNR is higher than at QOMS_CAS in August and September, indicating that the transport of coarse mode aerosols from the southern to the northern side may be effectively reduced. The effect of precipitation scavenging is clearly seen at Pokhara, which sees significantly reduced aerosol loads during the monsoon season. Unlike the seasonal variations, diurnal variations are mainly influenced by meso-scale systems and local topography. The diurnal pattern in precipitation appears to contribute to diurnal changes in AOD through the effect of precipitation scavenging. AOD exhibits diurnal patterns related to emissions in Pokhara, while it does not at the other two high-altitude sites. At EVK2-CNR, the daytime airflow carries aerosols up from lower-altitude polluted regions, leading to increasing AOD, while the other two stations are less influenced by valley winds. Surface heating influences the local convection, which further controls the vertical aerosol exchange and the diffusion rate of pollution to the surrounding areas. Fine and coarse mode particles are mixed together on the southern side of the Himalaya in spring, which may lead to the greater inter-annual difference in diurnal cycles of Ångström exponent (AE) at EVK2-CNR than that at QOMS_CAS.
Application of positive matrix factor analysis in heterogeneous kinetics studies: an improvement to the mixed-phase relative rates technique
Authors: Liu Y. , Li S.-M. , Liggio J.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The mixed-phase relative rate approach for determining aerosol particle organic component heterogeneous reaction kinetics and OH uptake coefficients to particles is often performed utilizing mass spectral tracers as a proxy for particle phase reactant concentration. However, this approach may be influenced by signal contaminations from oxidation products during the experiment. In the current study, the mixed-phase relative rates technique has been improved by combining a Positive Matrix Factor (PMF) analysis with electron ionization Aerosol Mass Spectrometry, thereby removing the influence of m / z fragments from reaction products on the reactant signals. To demonstrate the advantages of this approach, the heterogeneous reaction between OH radicals and citric acid (CA) was investigated using a photochemical flow tube coupled to a compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (C-ToF-AMS). The measured heterogeneous rate constant (k2) of citric acid toward OH was (3.31 ± 0.29) × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 298 K and (30 ± 3)% RH and was ∼7.7 times greater than previously reported results utilizing individual m / z fragments. This phenomenon was further confirmed for particulate-phase organophosphates (TPhP, TDCPP, and TEHP), leading to k2 values significantly larger than previously reported. The results suggest that heterogeneous kinetics can be significantly underestimated when a non-molecular ion peak is used as the tracer. Finally, the results suggest that the heterogeneous lifetime of organic aerosol in models can be overestimated due to underestimated OH uptake coefficients, and that it may be necessary to revisit the heterogeneous kinetic data of organic aerosol components which were derived in the context of the relative rates technique.
Determination of circumsolar radiation from Meteosat Second Generation
Authors: Reinhardt B. , Buras R. , Bugliaro L. , Wilbert S. , Mayer B.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Reliable data on circumsolar radiation, which is caused by scattering of sunlight by cloud or aerosol particles, is becoming more and more important for the resource assessment and design of concentrating solar technologies (CSTs). However, measuring circumsolar radiation is demanding and only very limited data sets are available. As a step to bridge this gap, a method was developed which allows for determination of circumsolar radiation from cirrus cloud properties retrieved by the geostationary satellites of the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) family. The method takes output from the COCS algorithm to generate a cirrus mask from MSG data and then uses the retrieval algorithm APICS to obtain the optical thickness and the effective radius of the detected cirrus, which in turn are used to determine the circumsolar radiation from a pre-calculated look-up table. The look-up table was generated from extensive calculations using a specifically adjusted version of the Monte Carlo radiative transfer model MYSTIC and by developing a fast yet precise parameterization. APICS was also improved such that it determines the surface albedo, which is needed for the cloud property retrieval, in a self-consistent way instead of using external data. Furthermore, it was extended to consider new ice particle shapes to allow for an uncertainty analysis concerning this parameter. We found that the nescience of the ice particle shape leads to an uncertainty of up to 50%. A validation with 1 yr of ground-based measurements shows, however, that the frequency distribution of the circumsolar radiation can be well characterized with typical ice particle shape mixtures, which feature either smooth or severely roughened particle surfaces. However, when comparing instantaneous values, timing and amplitude errors become evident. For the circumsolar ratio (CSR) this is reflected in a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 0.11 for both employed particle shape mixtures, and a bias of 4 and 11%, for the mixture with smooth and roughend particles, respectively. If measurements with sub-scale cumulus clouds within the relevant satellite pixels are manually excluded, the instantaneous agreement between satellite and ground measurements improves. For a 2-monthly time series, for which a manual screening of all-sky images was performed, MAD values of 0.08 and 0.07 were obtained for the two employed ice particle mixtures, respectively.
Disentangling residence time and temperature sensitivity of microbial decomposition in a global soil carbon model
Authors: Exbrayat J.-F. , Pitman A. J. , Abramowitz G.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Recent studies have identified the first-order parameterization of microbial decomposition as a major source of uncertainty in simulations and projections of the terrestrial carbon balance. Here, we use a reduced complexity model representative of the current state-of-the-art parameterization of soil organic carbon decomposition. We undertake a systematic sensitivity analysis to disentangle the effect of the time-invariant baseline residence time (k) and the sensitvity of microbial decomposition to temperature (Q10) on soil carbon dynamics at regional and global scales. Our simulations produce a range in total soil carbon at equilibrium of ~ 592 to 2745 Pg C which is similar to the ~ 561 to 2938 Pg C range in pre-industrial soil carbon in models used in the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. This range depends primarily on the value of k, although the impact of Q10 is not trivial at regional scales. As climate changes through the historical period, and into the future, k is primarily responsible for the magnitude of the response in soil carbon, whereas Q10 determines whether the soil remains a sink, or becomes a source in the future mostly by its effect on mid-latitudes carbon balance. If we restrict our simulations to those simulating total soil carbon stocks consistent with observations of current stocks, the projected range in total soil carbon change is reduced by 42% for the historical simulations and 45% for the future projections. However, while this observation-based selection dismisses outliers it does not increase confidence in the future sign of the soil carbon feedback. We conclude that despite this result, future estimates of soil carbon, and how soil carbon responds to climate change should be constrained by available observational data sets.
Recent human impacts and change in dynamics and morphology of ephemeral rivers
Authors: Ortega J. A. , Razola L. , Garzón G.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Ephemeral streams induce flash-flood events, which cause dramatic morphological changes and impacts on population, mainly because they are intermittent and less predictable. Human pressures on the basin modify load and discharge relationships, inducing dormant instability on the fluvial system that will manifest abruptly during flood events. The flash-flood response of two ephemeral streams affected by load supply modification due to land use changes is discussed in a combination of geomorphic and hydraulic approaches. During the Rivillas flash flood, intensive clearing on the basin led to high rates of sediment flowing into an artificially straightened and inefficient channel. The stream evolved from a sinuous single channel into a shallow braiding occupying the entire width of the valley floor. Misfits and unsteady channel conditions increased velocity, stream power and sediment entrainment capacity and considerably magnified flood damage. Resulting morphosedimentary features revealed a close relationship with the valley floor post-flood hydraulic model, and pre-event awareness would have made it possible to predict risk-sensitive areas. In the second case, the Azohía stream, modelling of current pre-flood channel conditions make it possible to determine channel narrowing and entrenchment in the lower alluvial fan stretch. Abandonment of intensive agriculture, basin reforestation and urbanization diminish load contribution and trigger channel incision. This induces an increase in slope and velocity in the bankfull channel, producing renewed erosive energy and thus activating upstream propagation of incision and bank undermining. The absence of water-spreading dynamics on the alluvial fan in favour of confinement in a single channel produces an unstable dynamic in the system, also offering a false sense of stability, as long as no large magnitude floods occur. When modelling flood-prone areas and analysing hydraulic variables, it is important to detect possible anthropic disturbances that may affect basin load budgets in order to anticipate catastrophic consequences resulting from inappropriate fluvial management before the occurrence of an extraordinary event.
Data assimilation of two-dimensional geophysical flows with a Variational Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Mussa Z. , Amour I. , Bibov A. , Kauranne T.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The Variational Ensemble Kalman Filter (VEnKF), a recent data assimilation method that combines a variational assimilation of the Bayesian estimation problem with an ensemble of forecasts, is demonstrated in two-dimensional geophysical flows using a Quasi-Geostrophic (QG) model and a shallow water model. Using a synthetic experiment, a two layer QG model with model bias is solved on a cylindrical 40 x 20 domain. The performance of VEnKF on the QG model with increasing ensemble size is compared with the classical Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). It is shown that although convergence can be achieved with just 20 ensemble members, increasing the number of members results in a better estimate that approaches the one produced by EKF. In the second test case, a 2-D shallow water model is described using a real dam-break experiment. The VEnKF algorithm was used to assimilate observations obtained from a modified laboratory dam-break experiment with a two-dimensional setup of sensors at the downstream end. The wave meters are placed parallel to the direction of the flow alongside the flume walls to capture both cross flow and stream flow. In both test cases, VEnKF was able to predict genuinely two-dimensional flow patterns when the sensors had a two-dimensional geometry and was stable against model bias in the first test case. In the second test case, the experiments are complemented with an empirical study of the impact of observation interpolation on the stability of the VEnKF filter. In this study, a novel Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy type filter stability condition is observed that relates ensemble variance to the time interpolation distance between observations. The results of the two experiments shows that VEnKF is a good candidate for data assimilation problems and can be implemented in higher dimensional nonlinear models.
The Archbishop and the Lord Chief Justice:
Authors: Harmes Marcus
Published: March 2014

Senior members of the English Church became involved in cases of possession and dispossession in the later sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. They sought to exonerate women accused of witchcraft, and their involvement led to the disproving of the efficacy of dispossessions performed by anti-episcopal ministers. Although a number of bishops intervened in witchcraft cases, this work was most assiduously carried out by Richard Bancroft, the Bishop of London and later the Archbishop of Canterbury. In doing so, Bancroft came head to head against the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Sir Edmund Anderson, and more broadly against judges and justices of the peace who accepted the veracity of cases of possessions and accusations of bewitchment. Particular cases therefore reveal themselves as occasions where episcopacy and judiciary clashed. However, these should not be read as cases of the Church versus the law. The Church was part of the law, in terms of contemporary understandings of the origin of divine positive law. But the cases do suggest that episcopal actions against dispossessing ministers created opportunities to propagandize against the episcopate and the justice it delivered via the High Commission. Accordingly, Bancroft became involved in these cases because they were opportunities for bishops to assert the authority of their order and the High Commission against their opponents' polemic, and they were a means to articulate the scope of episcopal authority.
The Saturnine History of Jews and Witches
Authors: Owens Yvonne
Published: March 2014

Scholarship on fifteenth- and sixteenth-century discourses of witchcraft has not focused to any great degree on the connection between the persecution of Jews and that of witches in Germany during this period, though the construction of Jews as Saturn-ruled, melancholic, phlegmatic, and physiologically toxic contributed much to the debates on witches. Typed according to similar figures of “pollution,” Jews and witches were subjected to similar court procedures and suffered comparable “cleansings,” tests, and tortures at the hands of the Inquisition. This article argues that such concepts of the “polluted blood” of women, witches, Jews, and effeminate men may have influenced the witchcraft iconography of the sixteenth-century artist of Strasbourg, Hans Baldung Grien (1484/86–1545).
The Late Lancashire Witches:
Authors: Pearson Meg
Published: March 2014

In The Late Lancashire Witches (1634) Thomas Heywood and Richard Brome depict witches and their work as intelligible, even mundane parts of a society replete with community rituals and ceremonies. In the county of Lancashire depicted in the play, one may find gallants hunting (1.1, 2.4), gentlemen dining and drinking together (1.1, 2.2, 4.5), an elaborate wedding featuring a feast and dancing (3.1, 3.3), and a skimmington ride to mock the conjugal mishaps of the couple married earlier (4.3). The presence of so many community rituals establishes the play's setting in Lancashire, a region that was notorious for its traditionalism due to its significant recusant community and proclivity for older festive practices, such as Morris dances and maypoles. By showing this community already employing a number of traditional practices, several of which are deployed to manage local problems, the playwrights argue that this community—which includes witches—functions perfectly well. Through the depiction of so many festive gatherings in their witch play, Heywood and Brome interrogate the hegemony and exclusion that so often defines witchcraft plays. Instead, The Late Lancashire Witches reveals how the chaos of witchcraft may be incorporated into social coherence.
Diameter growth performance of tree functional groups in Puerto Rican secondary tropical forests
Authors: Adame Patricia , Brandeis Thomas J , Uriarte Maria
Published: March 2014

Aim of study: Understanding the factors that control tree growth in successional stands is particularly important for quantifying the carbon sequestration potential and timber yield of secondary tropical forests. Understanding the factors that control tree growth in successional stands is particularly important for quantifying the carbon sequestration potential and timber yield of secondary tropical forests. Yet, the high species diversity of mixed tropical forests, including many uncommon species, hinders the development of species-specific diameter growth models.Area of study: In these analyses, we grouped 82 species from secondary forests distributed across 93 permanent plots on the island of Puerto Rico.Material and Methods: Species were classified according to regeneration strategy and adult height into six functional groups. This classification allowed us to develop a robust diameter growth model using growth data collected from 1980-1990. We used mixed linear model regression to analyze tree diameter growth as a function of individual tree characteristics, stand structure, functional group and site factors.Main results: The proportion of variance in diameter growth explained by the model was 15.1%, ranging from 7.9 to 21.7%. Diameter at breast height, stem density and functional group were the most important predictors of tree growth in Puerto Rican secondary forest. Site factors such as soil and topography failed to predict diameter growth.Keywords: Caribbean forests; growth model; tropical forest succession; Puerto Rico.
White poplar (Populus alba L.) - Litter impact on chemical and biochemical parameters related to nitrogen cycle in contaminated soils
Authors: Madejon Paula , Ciadamidaro Lisa , Cabrera Francisco , Madejon Engracia
Published: March 2014

Aim of study: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of litter from Populus alba on chemical and biochemical properties related to the N cycle in soils with different pH values and trace element contents. We hypothesized that this litter would influence several parameters related to the N cycle and consequently to soil health.Area of study: we collected two reforested contaminated soils of different pH values (AZ pH 7.23 and DO pH = 2.66) and a non-contaminated soil (RHU pH 7.19).Materials and methods: Soil samples were placed in 2,000 cm3 microcosms and were incubated for 40 weeks in controlled conditions. Each soil was mixed with its corresponding litter, and soils without litter were also tested for comparison. Ammonium (NH4+-N) and nitrate (NO3–-N) content, potential nitrification rate (PNR), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), protease activity, and several chemical properties such as pH, available trace element concentrations (extracted with 0.01 M CaCl2) were determined at different times of incubation.Main results: Values of available trace elements did not vary during the incubation and were always higher in acid soil. In neutral soils litter presence increased values of Kjeldahl-N, NO3–-N content, potential nitrification rate (PNR), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and protease activity. Presence of trace elements in neutral soils did not alter the parameters studied. However, acidic pH and high content of available trace elements strongly affected NH4+-N andNO3–-N, microbial biomass N and protease activity.Research highlights: Our results showed the negative effect of the acidity and trace element availability in parameters related with the N-cycle.Key words: microbial biomass N; protease activity; soil pH; N mineralization; nitrification; phytoremediation.
Molecular characterization of Spanish Prunus avium plus trees
Authors: Fernandez-Cruz Javier , Fernandez-Lopez Josefa , Miranda-Fontaiña Maria Eugenia , Diaz Raquel , Toval Gabriel
Published: March 2014

Aim of the study: The Breeding Program of wild cherry (Prunus avium) developed by Lourizán Forest Research Center (NW Spain), aims for the creation of the Main Breeding Population, that is formed by a large number of plus trees and for obtaining an Elite Population generated from controlled crosses of a number of plus trees selected by, at least, one trait of economic importance. The aim of this study was to genotype 131 accessions of Prunus avium plus trees, included in the breeding program.Area of study: The Prunus avium plus trees are located in the North, Northwest and Central Spain.Material and Methods: The Prunus avium plus trees were genotyped with nine microsatellites. Several genetic parameters were calculated. Genetic data were analyzed with STRUCTURE and the genetic distance between the plus trees were calculated.Main results: A total of 122 multilocus genotypes were detected. Several accessions with the same genotype were identified, which could be due to clonality or to labelling errors. The nine microsatellites are useful for identifying individuals because the combined probability of identity was low (PI = 5.19X10-9). Bayesian methods detected two genetic clusters in the sampled plus trees.Research highlights: The unique genotypes identified in this work are suitable for being included in the elite breeding population for economic traits.Keywords: Prunus avium; breeding program; microsatellite; genetic distance.
Forestry solutions for mitigating climate change in China
Authors: Gao Guanglei , Ding Guodong , Zhao Yuanyuan , Bao Yanfeng , Yu Minghan
Published: March 2014

Aim of study: Forests have vital functions in global carbon cycle, and thus are of prime importance in efforts to curb climate change. This study intends to guide effective forestry solutions to combat climate change in China.Area of study: China, not only a major emitter of greenhouse gases, but also one of the five most-forest richest countries with the largest plantations in the world.Material and methods: We summarize and recommend carbon sequestration forestry by considering two Kyoto Protocol activities: afforestation/reforestation and forest management.Main results: Afforestation has a top priority of carbon sequestration forestry in China. However, the tree-based solution will reach its limits to growth in a predictable near future. Forest management contributes to break the deadlock. When scientifically and sustainably managed, forests still have a central role in climate change mitigation. Research highlights: China’s efforts on carbon sequestration forestry should shift the focus from afforestation to forest management.Key words: climate change; carbon sequestration forestry; afforestation; forest management.
Biochemical Composition Within Coffea arabica cv. Ruiru 11 and Its Relationship With Cup Quality
Authors: Gichimu Bernard M. , Gichuru Elijah K. , Mamati George E. , Nyende Aggrey B.
Published: March 2014

Biochemical composition appears to be influenced by both genetic factors and plant growth conditions. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the biochemical composition of selected Ruiru 11 sibs and its relationship with cup quality. Thirty four (34) Ruiru 11 sibs grown in three different locations in Kenya were used in this study. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Coffee cherries were picked during the peak harvesting period between 2009 and 2011. The cherries were wet processed and graded into different grades based on size, shape and density. Fifty (50) grams of the dry coffee beans per sib per replication were frozen at -80 ºC before grinding (< 0.5 mm particle size) in liquid nitrogen as specified by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The samples were packed in small plastic bottles and stored at -80 ºC awaiting extraction of biochemical components. Caffeine, trigonelline and total chlorogenic acids were extracted and purified using classical methods and analysed using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). For the lipids, the sample was subjected to Soxhlet extraction using n-hexane. The study demonstrated the existence of high variation in biochemical composition among Ruiru 11 sibs. Significant correlations were observed between biochemical and cup quality traits indicating that biochemical composition plays a major role in determining the sensory quality of coffee. The growing environment was also found to have an effect on biochemical composition as portrayed by high locational variations.
Effect of Air-Borne Salinity on the Growth and Appearance of the Tropical Perennial Strandline Plant, Commelina erecta subsp. maritima (C.V. Morton) C.V. Morton
Authors: Kekere Otitoloju
Published: March 2014

Selection of salt spray tolerant plants with good physical appearance is of concern to ornamental growers in coastal communities. Commelina erecta subsp. maritima (C.V. Morton) C.V. Morton is a seashore plant that is widely distributed along the coast of West Africa. Therefore, the effect of salt spray was examined on the plant in a greenhouse experiment to determine its responses to various levels of air-borne salinity and to have an insight in the ecophysiological adaptations underlying these responses. It was also aimed to determine if varying levels of salt spray differentially damaged the plant. Filtered seawater was used to spray potted plants at: two sprays per week (2SS), four sprays per week (4SS) or six sprays per week (6SS) while in the control treatment (CSS), plants were sprayed with deionized water. Plants sprayed with seawater did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) in percentage necrotic leaf area compared to the control. All the plants survived but growth was inhibited by salt spray. Salt spray caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in leaf size and total chlorophyll content. Salt was accumulated in the shoot of salt-sprayed plants which led to ion toxicity. Salt sprays led to reduction in amount of essential nutrients in plant parts. C. erecta subsp. maritima adjusted osmotically to salt stress and increased stem succulence for ion dilution. The growth of the plant was negatively affected by salt sprays but it showed no significant necrotic damage, hence it is suitable for use as a landscaping plant in coastal beaches.
Localization Using Magnetic Patterns for Autonomous Mobile Robot
Authors: You Won Suk , Choi Byung June , Choi Hyouk Ryeol , Koo Ja Choon , Moon Hyungpil
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we present a method of localization using magnetic landmarks. With this method, it is possible to compensate the pose error ( x e, y e, θ e) of a mobile robot correctly and localize its current position on a global coordinate system on the surface of a structured environment with magnetic landmarks. A set of four magnetic bars forms total six different patterns of landmarks and these patterns can be read by the mobile robot with magnetic hall sensors. A sequential motion strategy for a mobile robot is proposed to find the geometric center of magnetic landmarks by reading the nonlinear magnetic field. The mobile robot first moves into the center region of the landmark where it can read the magnetic pattern, after which tracking and global localization can be easily achieved by recognizing the patterns of neighboring landmarks. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the sequential motion strategy for estimating the center of the first encountered landmark as well as the performance of tracking and global localization of the proposed system.
Micro-oscillations in positive and negative affect during competitive laboratory cycle time trials – a preliminary study
Authors: Rhoden Clare Louise , West Julia , Renfree Andrew , Corbett Mark , St Clair Gibson Alan
Published: March 2014

Background. By incorporating pre-performance or retrospective recall measurement methods, research has shown positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) to operate as both a precursor to, and as a consequence of performance in line with goal achievement. The extent of this affective change within sport is unclear, as measurement of affect within acute settings has yet to be adopted fully.Objective. To conduct exploratory research examining affect and goal achievement during self-paced cycling to understand further their role during performance.Methods. The positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS), Worcester affect scale (WAS) and ratings of goal achievement were completed by seven trained cyclists prior to two separate 20 km laboratory time trials. The WAS and ratings of goal achievement were also rated during each trial.Results. Micro-oscillations in affect occurred throughout time trials and to a greater degree where participants were unsuccessful in reaching their goals. Successful trials were characterised by higher PA (p=0.000) and lower NA (p=0.000), with higher goal expectations from the start (p=0.008).Conclusion. In unsuccessful trials, an overly aggressive start, perhaps due to inaccurate goal setting, led to an inability to maintain performance, with reductions in power output. Further clarification of the catalyst to the performance demise requires a parallel analysis of psychological and physiological parameters. In so doing, a greater understanding of the combined role of affect and goal expectation in pacing and performance will ensue; a benefit to both cyclist and coach alike.
Facebook et le phénomène des cougars1
Authors: Aoun Rania
Published: March 2014

Après avoir été représentée au grand écran (cinéma) et à la télévision (séries), la figure des femmes cougars envahit maintenant les pages du réseau socionumérique Facebook. Dès lors, l’image médiatique confirme un véritable phénomène social. Or, les sociétés américaines et nord-américaines vivent déjà l’apogée de ce phénomène (qui regroupe également les MILF) qui désigne les femmes aînées qui fréquentent de jeunes hommes.

L’étude de la figure des femmes cougars sur Facebook permettra de comprendre ce phénomène, où vieillesse, sexualité et féminité s’entrelacent. Par ailleurs, au-delà de leurs portraits médiatisés sur Facebook, les femmes cougars révèlent un « état » de la vieillesse chez les femmes de nos sociétés actuelles et incitent au questionnement, dans une perspective féministe, sur le rapport que ces femmes entretiennent avec le vieillissement, à travers leurs corps et leur sexualité.