bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Diversity: Measuring the Unmeasurable
Authors: Daly Aisling J. , Baetens Jan M. , De Baets Bernard
Published: July 2018

Diversity is a concept central to ecology, and its measurement is essential for any study of ecosystem health. But summarizing this complex and multidimensional concept in a single measure is problematic. Dozens of mathematical indices have been proposed for this purpose, but these can provide contradictory results leading to misleading or incorrect conclusions about a community’s diversity. In this review, we summarize the key conceptual issues underlying the measurement of ecological diversity, survey the indices most commonly used in ecology, and discuss their relative suitability. We advocate for indices that: (i) satisfy key mathematical axioms; (ii) can be expressed as so-called effective numbers; (iii) can be extended to account for disparity between types; (iv) can be parameterized to obtain diversity profiles; and (v) for which an estimator (preferably unbiased) can be found so that the index is useful for practical applications.
A Characterization of Projective Special Unitary Group PSU(3,3) and Projective Special Linear Group PSL(3,3) by NSE
Authors: Hajati Farnoosh , Iranmanesh Ali , Tehranian Abolfazl
Published: July 2018

Let G be a finite group and ω(G) be the set of element orders of G. Let k∈ω(G) and mk be the number of elements of order k in G. Let nse(G)={mk|k∈ω(G)}. In this paper, we prove that if G is a finite group such that nse(G) = nse(H), where H=PSU(3,3) or PSL(3,3), then G≅H.
Kinetics of Iron Extraction from Coal Fly Ash by Hydrochloric Acid Leaching
Authors: Valeev Dmitry , Mikhailova Alexandra , Atmadzhidi Alexandra
Published: July 2018

Iron contained in coal fly ash of the Ekibastuz power station is distributed between magnetite and hematite. XRD data showed that ~80 wt % of iron is contained in magnetite and ~20 wt % in hematite. The leaching of iron from CFA by HCl was studied. It was determined that leaching efficiency increased with the increase in hydrochloric acid concentration and temperature. The maximum iron extraction efficiency was 52%. Aluminum is contained in the mullite and was practically not leached. The maximum aluminum extraction efficiency was 3.7%. The kinetics investigation showed that the process of iron leaching was controlled by chemical reaction and diffusion process steps, with an activation energy of 33.25 kJ·mol−1. The aluminum leaching process is controlled by a diffusion process step with an activation energy of 19.89 kJ·mol−1. The reaction order of hydrochloric acid is determined to be 0.9 and 0.23 for iron and aluminum, respectively.
Stable Isotope and Metagenomic Profiling of a Methanogenic Naphthalene-Degrading Enrichment Culture
Authors: Toth Courtney R. A. , Berdugo-Clavijo Carolina , O’Farrell Corynne M. , Jones Gareth M. , Sheremet Andriy , Dunfield Peter F. , Gieg Lisa M.
Published: July 2018

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as naphthalene are widespread, recalcitrant pollutants in anoxic and methanogenic environments. A mechanism catalyzing PAH activation under methanogenic conditions has yet to be discovered, and the microbial communities coordinating their metabolism are largely unknown. This is primarily due to the difficulty of cultivating PAH degraders, requiring lengthy incubations to yield sufficient biomass for biochemical analysis. Here, we sought to characterize a new methanogenic naphthalene-degrading enrichment culture using DNA-based stable isotope probing (SIP) and metagenomic analyses. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fractionated DNA pinpointed an unclassified Clostridiaceae species as a putative naphthalene degrader after two months of SIP incubation. This finding was supported by metabolite and metagenomic evidence of genes predicted to encode for enzymes facilitating naphthalene carboxylic acid CoA-thioesterification and degradation of an unknown arylcarboxyl-CoA structure. Our findings also suggest a possible but unknown role for Desulfuromonadales in naphthalene degradation. This is the first reported functional evidence of PAH biodegradation by a methanogenic consortium, and we envision that this approach could be used to assess carbon flow through other slow growing enrichment cultures and environmental samples.
Microwave Optimized Synthesis of N-(adamantan-1-yl)-4-[(adamantan-1-yl)-sulfamoyl]benzamide and Its Derivatives for Anti-Dengue Virus Activity
Authors: Joubert Jacques , Foxen Eugene B. , Malan Sarel F.
Published: July 2018

Dengue fever is a major public health concern in many tropical and sub-tropical regions. The development of agents that are able to inhibit the dengue virus (DENV) is therefore of utmost importance. This study focused on the synthesis of dual acting hybrids comprising structural features of known DENV inhibitors, amantadine (1) and benzsulfonamide derivatives. Hybrid compound 3, N-(adamantan-1-yl)-4-[(adamantan-1-yl)sulfamoyl]benzamide, was synthesized by reacting amantadine (1) with 4-(chlorosulfonyl)benzoic acid (2), after optimization, in a 2:1 ratio under microwave irradiation conditions in a one-pot reaction. Mono-adamantane derivatives 6 and 7 were synthesised via acyl halide formation of benzoic acid (4) and 4-sulfamoyl benzoic acid (5), respectively, followed by conjugation with amantadine (1) through a conventional or microwave irradiation assisted nucleophilic addition/substitution reaction. The use of microwave irradiation lead to significant increases in yields and a reduction in reaction times. Nuclear magnetic resonance, infra-red and mass spectral data confirmed the structures. Compound 3 and 7 showed significant anti-DENV serotype 2 activity (IC50 = 22.2 µM and 42.8 µM) and low cytotoxicity (CC50 < 100 µM). Possible mechanisms of action are also proposed, which are based on the biological results and molecular docking studies.
Activation of Anthracene Endoperoxides in Leishmania and Impairment of Mitochondrial Functions
Authors: Geroldinger Gerald , Tonner Matthias , Fudickar Werner , De Sarkar Sritama , Dighal Aishwarya , Monzote Lianet , Staniek Katrin , Linker Torsten , Chatterjee Mitali , Gille Lars
Published: July 2018

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoal Leishmania. Because of resistance development against current drugs, new antileishmanial compounds are urgently needed. Endoperoxides (EPs) are successfully used in malaria therapy, and experimental evidence of their potential against leishmaniasis exists. Anthracene endoperoxides (AcEPs) have so far been only technically used and not explored for their leishmanicidal potential. This study verified the in vitro efficiency and mechanism of AcEPs against both Leishmania promastigotes and axenic amastigotes (L. tarentolae and L. donovani) as well as their toxicity in J774 macrophages. Additionally, the kinetics and radical products of AcEPs’ reaction with iron, the formation of radicals by AcEPs in Leishmania, as well as the resulting impairment of parasite mitochondrial functions were studied. Using electron paramagnetic resonance combined with spin trapping, photometry, and fluorescence-based oximetry, AcEPs were demonstrated to (i) show antileishmanial activity in vitro at IC50 values in a low micromolar range, (ii) exhibit host cell toxicity in J774 macrophages, (iii) react rapidly with iron (II) resulting in the formation of oxygen- and carbon-centered radicals, (iv) produce carbon-centered radicals which could secondarily trigger superoxide radical formation in Leishmania, and (v) impair mitochondrial functions in Leishmania during parasite killing. Overall, the data of different AcEPs demonstrate that their structures besides the peroxo bridge strongly influence their activity and mechanism of their antileishmanial action.
Synthesis and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering of Ultrathin SnSe2 Nanoflakes by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zhang Yongheng , Shi Ying , Wu Meimei , Zhang Kun , Man Baoyuan , Liu Mei
Published: July 2018

As a new atomically layered, two-dimensional material, tin (IV) diselenide (SnSe2) has attracted extensive attention due to its compelling application in electronics and optoelectronics. However, the great challenge of impurities and the preparation of high-quality ultrathin SnSe2 nanoflakes has hindered far-reaching research and SnSe2 practical applications so far. Therefore, a facile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is employed to synthesize large-scale ultrathin SnSe2 flakes on mica substrates using SnSe and Se powder as precursors. The structural characteristics and crystalline quality of the product were investigated. Moreover, Raman characterizations indicate that the intensity of A1g peak and Eg peak, and the Raman shift of Eg are associated with the thickness of the SnSe2 nanoflakes. The ultrathin SnSe2 nanoflakes show a strong surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) activity for Rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules. Theoretical explanations for the enhancement principle based on the chemical enhancement mechanism and charge transfer diagram between R6G and SnSe2 are provided. The results demonstrate that the ultrathin SnSe2 flakes are high-quality single crystal and can be exploited for microanalysis detection and optoelectronic application.
Two Rye Genes Responsible for Abnormal Development of Wheat–Rye Hybrids Are Linked in the Vicinity of an Evolutionary Translocation on Chromosome 6R
Authors: Tsvetkova Natalia V. , Tikhenko Natalia D. , Hackauf Bernd , Voylokov Anatoly V.
Published: July 2018

The post-zygotic reproductive isolation (RI) in plants is frequently based on the negative interaction of the parental genes involved in plant development. Of special interest is the study of such types of interactions in crop plants, because of the importance of distant hybridization in plant breeding. This study is devoted to map rye genes that are incompatible with wheat, determining the development of the shoot apical meristem in wheat–rye hybrids. Linkage analysis of microsatellite loci, as well as genes of embryo lethality (Eml-R1) and hybrid dwarfness (Hdw-R1) was carried out in hybrids of Chinese Spring wheat with recombinant inbred lines as well as interline rye hybrids. Eml-R1 and Hdw-R1 could be mapped proximal and distal of two closely linked EST-SSR markers, Xgrm902 and Xgrm959, on rye chromosome 6R. Both rye genes are located on a segment of chromosome 6R that contains a breakpoint of evolutionary translocation between the ancestral chromosomes of homeologous groups 6 and 3. The obtained results are discussed in relation to genes interacting in developmental pathways as a class of causal genes of RI.
Remote Sensing of Organic Films on the Water Surface Using Dual Co-Polarized Ship-Based X-/C-/S-Band Radar and TerraSAR-X
Authors: Ermakov Stanislav A. , Sergievskaya Irina A. , Da Silva José C.B. , Kapustin Ivan A. , Shomina Olga V. , Kupaev Alexander V. , Molkov Alexander A.
Published: July 2018

Microwave radar is a well-established tool for all-weather monitoring of film slicks which appear in radar imagery of the surface of water bodies as areas of reduced backscatter due to suppression of short wind waves. Information about slicks obtained with single-band/one-polarized radar seems to be insufficient for film characterization; hence, new capabilities of multi-polarization radars for monitoring of film slicks have been actively discussed in the literature. In this paper the results of new experiments on remote sensing of film slicks using dual co-polarized radars—a satellite TerraSAR-X and a ship-based X-/C-/S-band radar—are presented. Radar backscattering is assumed to contain Bragg and non-Bragg components (BC and NBC, respectively). BC is due to backscattering from resonant cm-scale wind waves, while NBC is supposed to be associated with wave breaking. Each of the components can be eliminated from the total radar backscatter measured at two co-polarizations, and contrasts of Bragg and non-Bragg components in slicks can be analyzed separately. New data on a damping ratio (contrast) characterizing reduction of radar returns in slicks are obtained for the two components of radar backscatter in various radar bands. The contrast values for Bragg and non-Bragg components are comparable to each other and demonstrate similar dependence on radar wave number; BC and NBC contrasts grow monotonically for the cases of upwind and downwind observations and weakly decrease with wave number for the cross-wind direction. Reduction of BC in slicks can be explained by enhanced viscous damping of cm-scale Bragg waves due to an elastic film. Physical mechanisms of NBC reduction in slicks are discussed. It is hypothesized that strong breaking (e.g., white-capping) weakly contributes to the NBC contrast because of “cleaning” of the water surface due to turbulent surfactant mixing associated with wave crest overturning. An effective mechanism of NBC reduction due to film can be associated with modification of micro-breaking wave features, such as parasitic ripples, bulge, and toe, in slicks.
Respiratory Tract Deposition and Distribution Pattern of Microparticles in Mice Using Different Pulmonary Delivery Techniques
Authors: Kunda Nitesh K. , Price Dominique N. , Muttil Pavan
Published: July 2018

Pulmonary delivery of drugs and vaccines is an established route of administration, with particulate-based carriers becoming an attractive strategy to enhance the benefits of pulmonary therapeutic delivery. Despite the increasing number of publications using the pulmonary route of delivery, the lack of effective and uniform administration techniques in preclinical models generally results in poor translational success. In this study, we used the IVIS Spectrum small-animal in vivo imaging system to compare the respiratory tract deposition and distribution pattern of a microsphere suspension (5 µm) in mice after 1, 4, and 24 h when delivered by oropharyngeal aspiration, the Microsprayer® Aerosolizer, and the BioLite Intubation System, three-widely reported preclinical inhalation techniques. We saw no significant differences in microsphere deposition in whole body images and excised lungs (at 1, 4, and 24 h); however, the three-dimensional (3D) images showed more localized deposition in the lungs with the MicroSprayer® and BioLite delivery techniques. Further, oropharyngeal aspiration (at 1 h) showed microsphere deposition in the oral cavity, in contrast to the MicroSprayer® and BioLite systems. The studies shown here will allow researchers to choose the appropriate pulmonary delivery method in animal models based on their study requirements.
Addressing Climate Change Impacts on Streamflow in the Jinsha River Basin Based on CMIP5 Climate Models
Authors: Yin Jun , Yuan Zhe , Yan Denghua , Yang Zhiyong , Wang Yongqiang
Published: July 2018

Projecting future changes of streamflow in the Jinsha River Basin (JRB) is important for the planning and management of the west route of South-to-North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP). This paper presented an analysis of the implications of CMIP5 climate models on the future streamflow in the JRB, using SWAT model. Results show that: (1) In the JRB, a 10% precipitation decrease might result in a streamflow increase of 15 to 18% and a 1 °C increase in temperature might results in a 2 to 5% decrease in streamflow; (2) GFDL-ESM2M and NORESM1-M showed considerable skill in representing the observed precipitation and temperature, which can be chosen to analyze the changes in streamflow in the future; (3) The precipitation and temperature were projected to increase by 0.8 to 5.0% and 1.31 to 1.87 °C. The streamflow was projected to decrease by 4.1 to 14.3% in the upper JRB. It was excepted to change by −4.6 to 8.1% in the middle and lower JRB (MLJRB). The changes of low streamflow in the MLJRB were −5.8 to 7.4%. Therefore, the potential impact of climate on streamflow will have little effect on the planning and management of the west route of SNWTP.
Stability of Meropenem and Piperacillin/Tazobactam with Heparin in Various Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions
Authors: Mendes Karryl , Harmanjeet Harmanjeet , Sedeeq Mohammed , Modi Ankit , Wanandy Troy , Zaidi Syed Tabish R. , Ming Long C. , Castelino Ronald L. , Sud Kamal , Peterson Gregory M. , Patel Rahul P.
Published: July 2018

Background

Infections caused by ceftazidime-resistant Pseudomonas and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative bacteria are increasing worldwide. Meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam (PIP/TZB) are recommended for the treatment of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP) caused by ceftazidime-resistant Pseudomonas and other resistant gram-negative bacteria. Patients may also receive intraperitoneal heparin to prevent occlusion of their catheters. However, the stability of meropenem or PIP/TZB, in combination with heparin, in different types of peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions used in clinical practice is currently unknown. Therefore, we investigated the stability of meropenem and PIP/TZB, each in combination with heparin, in different PD solutions.

Methods

A total of 15 PD bags (3 bags for each type of PD solution) containing meropenem and heparin and 24 PD bags (3 bags for each type of PD solution) containing PIP/TZB and heparin were prepared and stored at 4°C for 168 hours. The same bags were stored at 25°C for 3 hours followed by 10 hours at 37°C. An aliquot withdrawn before storage and at defined time points was analyzed for the concentration of meropenem, PIP, TZB, and heparin using high-performance liquid chromatography. Samples were also analysed for particle content, pH and color change, and the anticoagulant activity of heparin.

Results

Meropenem and heparin retained more than 90% of their initial concentration in 4 out of 5 types of PD solutions when stored at 4°C for 168 hours, followed by storage at 25°C for 3 hours and then at 37°C for 10 hours. Piperacillin/tazobactam and heparin were found to be stable in all 8 types of PD solutions when stored under the same conditions. Heparin retained more than 98% of its initial anticoagulant activity throughout the study period. No evidence of particle formation, color change, or pH change was observed at any time under the storage conditions employed in the study.

Conclusions

This study provides clinically important information on the stability of meropenem and PIP/TZB, each in combination with heparin, in different PD solutions. The use of meropenem-heparin admixed in pH-neutral PD solutions for the treatment of PDAP should be avoided, given the observed sub-optimal stability of meropenem.
Le véhicule autonome : peut-on piloter rationnellement un projet d’utopie technicienne ?
Authors: Midler Christophe
Published: July 2018

Plus que toute autre innovation, le véhicule autonome confronte les entreprises à une triple incertitude : technologique, d’écosystème et de marché. Comment piloter un projet permettant d’assurer un apprentissage raisonné sur ces différentes dimensions et d’éviter ainsi les écueils du techno-push  ?
« Manifester, c’est aussi enseigner » : conflit, manifestation et violence à Oaxaca
Authors: Estrada Saavedra Marco Antonio , Sánchez Romy
Published: July 2018

À la lumière des violents affrontements entre les syndicats d’instituteurs et les forces de l’ordre dans la région de Oaxaca en 2016, cet article retrace l’histoire des rapports de forces au sein du monde éducatif de la région durant tout le xx e  siècle. Il s’agit non seulement de comprendre les conflits entre le monde éducatif et les pouvoirs régionaux et fédéraux, mais aussi d’analyser les divisions internes au sein des institutions éducatives de Oaxaca. Cette étude sur le temps long permet d’étudier la genèse des récents événements.
Hérauts et héros de la postérité
Authors: Quemener Nelly , Dakhlia Jamil
Published: July 2018

À travers une cartographie de la médiatisation des décès de personnalités, cet article rend compte des façons dont les médias fabriquent la célébrité post mortem et esquissent des régimes de valorisation et de reconnaissance de certaines vies et de certaines morts. Il s’agit d’abord, par une analyse quantitative et qualitative de la médiatisation des décès de l’année 2012, d’interroger les processus journalistiques d’allocation de valeur à ces disparitions et de repérer ce qui, dans les vies et les morts de personnalités, mérite d’être traité et récompensé. L’objectif est ensuite de montrer dans quelle mesure la médiatisation des décès de personnalités constitue un moment de catégorisation journalistique, conduisant à la célébration de certaines identités au détriment d’autres.
Cinéma pour enfants, ciné-club scolaire, École et cinéma
Authors: Aubart Guy , Carrié Pierre , Vergnioux Alain
Published: July 2018

À la fin des années 1970, devant les carences du cinéma commercial, la question du cinéma pour enfants est posée à nouveaux frais et des initiatives surgissent pour donner au jeune public l’accès à des films de qualité. Le Manifeste pour un cinéma auquel les enfants ont droit (1976) en définit les principes, en organise la programmation et la distribution dans les MJC puis en direction des écoles primaires. Les auteurs exposent comment un tel projet a vu le jour et s’est développé dans le Finistère de façon pionnière et avec le soutien des institutions de terrain. Ils montrent comment les dispositifs mis en place à l’époque (projections sur le temps scolaire, dans des salles du réseau commercial, etc.) rompent avec le modèle du ciné-club de la période précédente, bousculent les habitudes de l’Éducation nationale, inventent une nouvelle conception du « cinéma éducateur » et assurent la transition avec des dispositifs qui vont se généraliser ensuite à tous les niveaux de l’institution scolaire avec Les enfants de cinéma .
Les mutilations sexuelles féminines
Authors: de Demandolx Anne
Published: July 2018

Les mutilations sexuelles féminines comptent parmi les violences faites aux femmes qui suscitent la plus forte réprobation dans le monde occidental. Elles répondent au besoin de contrôle de la sexualité féminine par les hommes, mais exposent la santé des femmes et des enfants à des risques majeurs. Malgré les campagnes de prévention et les interdictions nombreuses, elles ne régressent que lentement. Qui de l’homme ou de la femme tient le plus à ces coutumes ?
Jusqu’à ce que la mort nous sépare. Silence et aliénation dans les violences conjugales
Authors: De Vincenzo Mario , Troisi Gina
Published: July 2018

Dans cet article nous tenterons de penser le phénomène du silence des femmes ayant subi des violences conjugales, grâce à une lecture qui tient compte de l’enchevêtrement des aspects politiques et inconscients qui fondent le lien social. À partir d’une illustration clinique, nous explorerons le rôle des affects de culpabilité, de honte et de terreur qui paralysent l’activité psychique des femmes qui ont subi des violences. Le concept d’aliénation nous permettra de comprendre les destins de la pensée et du sujet dans les situations de violence.
Violences conjugales, famille, vulnérabilité
Authors: Laufer Laurie , Ayouch Thamy
Published: July 2018

Les violences conjugales procèdent autant d’un drame subjectif que d’une problématique collective, nouant l’intime du sujet à des enjeux sociétaux et politiques, et brouillant ainsi les frontières entre l’individuel et le collectif. Comment alors articuler un « savoir » psychanalytique de la violence, en saisissant toutefois au cas par cas chaque situation ? Comment, en outre opère le genre dans l’approche clinique et théorique des violences conjugales ? Pour aborder les violences conjugales dans leur dimension à la fois sociale, politique et hypersingulière, les auteur/es commencent par considérer les effets paradoxaux d’une certaine psychopathologie de la violence conjugale. Considérant que « la psychologie individuelle est une psychologie sociale » (Freud), ils/elles opposent à ces approches la double inscription des violences conjugales dans des violences de genre : violences sociétales et dispositif de la famille, mais aussi violences propres à une certaine clinique et théorisation analytiques. L’article s’essaie alors à penser la pratique analytique dans ces contextes en mettant en exergue la vulnérabilité opérant au sein de la subjectivation, conçue comme assujettisement à des normes de genre, et « la transformation érotico-sociale » (Freud) visée par une clinique qui, en considérant les modalités de puissance d’agir, s’avère politique.
Machining of Titanium Alloys with Wave Milling Cutters
Authors: Korovin G.I. , Petrushin S.I. , Gubaidulina R.H.
Published: July 2018

In the paper it is pointed out that machining of titanium alloys is the most difficult problem in metal cutting. The leading world companies are dealing with this problem, as titanium alloys are the basis of the aerospace industry. In the paper high-speed cutters with wavelike teeth edges used for titanium alloys processing are investigated. Every subsequent tooth is displaced at half-space distance. This reduces power load on the hardening of the machined surface. On the basis of power and wear-resistance studies, the advantage of wavy milling cutters in comparison with standard ones is established; it is proved that wavy cutters have a lower specific power load, greater wear resistance and less surface hardening.
Influence of Composition of Binder of Electrodes Coating on Cytotoxicity of Welding Aerosols
Authors: Levchenko O.G. , Lukianenko A.O. , Demetska O.V. , Arlamov O.Yu.
Published: July 2018

The results of investigations of the levels of evolution, chemical composition and cytotoxicity of harmful substances evolved during welding by chromium-nickel high-alloy electrodes are presented in order to improve their sanitary-hygienic characteristics. It is shown that in order to create new grades of welding electrodes with the improved hygienic characteristics, it is necessary to possess not only the data of initial sanitary-hygienic evaluation, but also to have the results of biological investigations of WA toxicity. It was established that the application of a binder based on pure lithium or lithium-sodium potassium liquid glass in the electrodes coating instead of potassium-sodium allows reducing the level of evolution of welding aerosol into air, decreasing the content of highly-toxic hexavalent chromium in it and, therefore, its general toxicity.
Energy Parameters of Weld Formation Process in MIG-MAG Welding
Authors: Chinakhov Dmitry A. , Solodsky S.A. , Rodionov P.V. , Sydorets Volodymyr N.
Published: July 2018

The article presents results of an experimental study and simulation of the effect of welding arc energy characteristics on the nature of electrode metal transfer in MIG-MAG welding. Based on the research results, a method has been developed for determining the coefficient of welding arc plasma flow pressure. The method makes it possible to take into account the dependence of the electrode metal transfer pattern and plasma flow pressure on geometrical dimensions of a welded joint.
Efficacy of Doxycycline Monotherapy in Treating Rhinoscleroma
Authors: Jage Mithali , Rambhia Kinjal Deepak , Khopkar Uday S
Published: July 2018

Rhinoscleroma, also known as Mikulicz disease, is a chronic granulomatous infection of the nasopharyngeal nucosa causing disfigurement and debilitation. A 27-year-old male presented with nasal mass and obstruction. Histopathology revealed dense, diffuse, mixed inflammatory infiltrate consisting of neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and foamy macrophages. Mikulicz cells which are foamy macrophages containing filamentous, granular, and fragmented bacilli were seen. The patient was diagnosed as rhinoscleroma and was started on capsule doxycycline 100 mg twice daily. After 6 weeks, marked improvement in the lesions and symptoms was noticed.
Expression analysis of apolipoproteins AI & AIV in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bharali Dipu , Banerjee Basu Dev , Bharadwaj Mausumi , Husain Syed Akhtar , Kar Premashis
Published: July 2018

Background & objectives:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. The objective of this study was to find out the differential expression of apolipoproteins (ApoAI and ApoAIV) in HCC and cases of liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis (controls) without HCC and to compare ApoAI and ApoAIV expression with alpha-foetoprotein (AFP), the conventional marker in HCC.

Methods:

Fifty patients with HCC and 50 controls comprising patients with liver cirrhosis (n=25) and chronic hepatitis (n=25) without HCC were included in this study. Total proteins were precipitated using acetone precipitation method followed by albumin and IgG depletion of precipitated protein using depletion kit. Proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The expression changes of ApoAI and ApoAIV were confirmed by western blotting using specific primary and secondary polyclonal antibodies followed by densitometric protein semi-quantitative estimation. ApoAI, ApoAIV and AFP were measured in the plasma samples by ELISA method.

Results:

Semi-quantitative densitometric image analysis of the western blot images and the comparison between HCC patients with those without HCC (control) revealed differential expression of ApoAI and ApoAIV. Levels of ApoAI were significantly higher in patients with HCC compared to controls without HCC (0.279±0.216 vs 0.171±0.091 and 0.199±0.014; P <0.001). Levels of ApoAIV were significantly lower in patients of HCC compared to controls without HCC (0.119±0.061 vs 0.208±0.07 and 0.171±0.16; P <0.01). ELISA assays of apolipoproteins (ApoAI and ApoAIV) revealed similar results of expression of ApoAI and ApoAIV as detected in western blotting densitometric image analysis.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Increased expression of ApoAI and decreased expression of ApoAIV in HCC patients compared to controls without HCC revealed the abnormalities in HCC. These molecules need to be studied further for their use as potential biomarkers in the future diagnostic tools along with other conventional biomarkers for screening of HCC cases. It needs further analysis in higher number of patient population.
Development of a screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Arun Priti , Chavan Bir Singh
Published: July 2018

Background & objectives:

There is a paucity of trained professionals for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a large number of cases go undetected and are diagnosed only during adolescence. There is no screening instrument specifically developed for screening of Indian population for ASD. This study was undertaken to develop a screening instrument to screen ASD in north Indian Hindi speaking population by multipurpose health workers.

Methods:

A 37-item instrument in Hindi with dichotomous yes/no responses [Chandigarh Autism Screening Instrument (CASI)] was developed to be applied on children aged 1.5-10 yr. The instrument was pilot tested and then reliability and validity of this instrument were tested. The sample included children with intellectual disability (n=75), ASD (n=83), other developmental disorders (n=87) and typically developing children (n=160).

Results:

Reliability, construct and content validity testing of the instrument were performed, and a score of 10 as cut-off had sensitivity of 89.16 per cent, specificity of 89.13 per cent, positive predictive value of 67.89 per cent and negative predictive value of 96.96 per cent. A shorter four-item version (CASI Bref) has also been developed with good sensitivity (73.49%) and specificity (90.68%) at a cut-off score of 2.

Interpretation & conclusions:

CASI was found to be a valid instrument for screening general Hindi speaking population of north India with adequate sensitivity and specificity.
Detection of parvovirus B19 in selected high-risk patient groups & their phylogenetic & selection analysis
Authors: Vadivel Kumaran , Mageshbabu Ramamurthy , Sankar Sathish , Jain Amita , Perumal Vivekanandan , Srikanth Padma , Ranjan Ghosh Asit , Nair Aravindan , Simoes Eric A.F. , Nandagopal Balaji , Sridharan Gopalan
Published: July 2018

Background & objectives:

Human parvovirus B19V (B19V) is known to be associated with erythema infectiosum commonly in children, aplastic crisis, especially in persons with underlying haemolytic disorders, hydrops fetalis in pregnancies and arthritis. This cross-sectional study was aimed to determine the presence of B19V infection in childhood febrile illnesses, association of B19V with arthropathies and in adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis. The genetic diversity among the sequences was also analysed.

Methods:

A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) assay was used for B19V DNA targeting VP1/VP2 region and used for testing 618 patients and 100 healthy controls. Phylogenetic analysis on nucleotide and amino acid sequences was carried out to compare our sequences with other Indian strains and global strains.

Results:

Among 618 samples tested, seven (1.13%) were found positive. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the seven sequences belonged to genotype 1 and showed low genetic diversity. The clustering pattern of seven sequences was similar both by nucleotide and by predicted amino acid sequences. The fixed effects likelihood analysis showed no positive or negatively selected sites.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Seven samples (4 from non-traumatic arthropathies, 2 from patients with ESRD and 1 from febrile illness patient) were found positive by nPCR. When our seven sequences were compared with global strains, the closest neighbour was other Indian strains followed by the Tunisian strains.
Hardness and Microstructure evolution of SUS630 Stainless steel Fabricated by Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Back Seong Eun , Noh Kyung-Ho , Park Jin Yong , Cho Yong Ju , Kim Jeoung Han
Published: July 2018

The microstructure and mechanical characteristics of SUS630 specimens fabricated using the direct energy deposition (DED) process are investigated. In DED, several process parameters such as laser scan speed, chamber gas flow, powder carrier gas flow, and powder feed rate are kept fixed; the laser power is changed as 150 W, 180 W, and 210 W. As the laser power increases, the surface becomes smooth, the thickness uniformity improves, and the size and number of pores decreases. With the increase in laser power, the hardness deviation decreases and the average hardness increases. The microstructure of the material is columnar; pores are formed preferentially along the columnar interface. The lath-martensite phase governs the overall microstructure. The volumetric fraction of the retained austenite phase is measured to increase with the increase of laser input power.
Estimation of rate coefficients and branching ratios for gas-phase reactions of OH with aliphatic organic compounds for use in automated mechanism construction
Authors: Jenkin Michael E. , Valorso Richard , Aumont Bernard , Rickard Andrew R. , Wallington Timothy J.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Reaction with the hydroxyl (OH) radical is the dominant removal process for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Rate coefficients for reactions of OH with VOCs are therefore essential parameters for chemical mechanisms used in chemistry transport models, and are required more generally for impact assessments involving the estimation of atmospheric lifetimes or oxidation rates for VOCs. Updated and extended structure–activity relationship (SAR) methods are presented for the reactions of OH with aliphatic organic compounds, with the reactions of aromatic organic compounds considered in a companion paper. The methods are optimized using a preferred set of data including reactions of OH with 489 aliphatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic compounds. In each case, the rate coefficient is defined in terms of a summation of partial rate coefficients for H abstraction or OH addition at each relevant site in the given organic compound, so that the attack distribution is defined. The information can therefore guide the representation of the OH reactions in the next generation of explicit detailed chemical mechanisms. Rules governing the representation of the subsequent reactions of the product radicals under tropospheric conditions are also summarized, specifically their reactions with O2 and competing processes.
Estimation of rate coefficients and branching ratios for gas-phase reactions of OH with aromatic organic compounds for use in automated mechanism construction
Authors: Jenkin Michael E. , Valorso Richard , Aumont Bernard , Rickard Andrew R. , Wallington Timothy J.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Reaction with the hydroxyl (OH) radical is the dominant removal process for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Rate coefficients for the reactions of OH with VOCs are therefore essential parameters for chemical mechanisms used in chemistry transport models, and are required more generally for impact assessments involving estimation of atmospheric lifetimes or oxidation rates for VOCs. A structure–activity relationship (SAR) method is presented for the reactions of OH with aromatic organic compounds, with the reactions of aliphatic organic compounds considered in the preceding companion paper. The SAR is optimized using a preferred set of data including reactions of OH with 67 monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic compounds. In each case, the rate coefficient is defined in terms of a summation of partial rate coefficients for H abstraction or OH addition at each relevant site in the given organic compound, so that the attack distribution is defined. The SAR can therefore guide the representation of the OH reactions in the next generation of explicit detailed chemical mechanisms. Rules governing the representation of the reactions of the product radicals under tropospheric conditions are also summarized, specifically the rapid reaction sequences initiated by their reactions with O2.
Future changes in surface ozone over the Mediterranean Basin in the framework of the Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment (ChArMEx)
Authors: Jaidan Nizar , El Amraoui Laaziz , Attié Jean-Luc , Ricaud Philippe , Dulac François
Published: July 2018

Abstract. In the framework of the
Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment (ChArMEx;
http://charmex.lsce.ipsl.fr, last access: 22 June 2018) project, we study the evolution of surface ozone over the Mediterranean Basin
(MB) with a focus on summertime over the time period 2000–2100, using the
Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP)
outputs from 13 models. We consider three different periods (2000, 2030 and
2100) and the four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5,
RCP6.0 and RCP8.5) to study the changes in the future ozone and its budget.
We use a statistical approach to compare and discuss the results of the
models. We discuss the behavior of the models that simulate the surface ozone
over the MB. The shape of the annual cycle of surface ozone simulated by
ACCMIP models is similar to the annual cycle of the ozone observations, but
the model values are biased high. For the summer, we found that most of the
models overestimate surface ozone compared to observations over the most
recent period (1990–2010). Compared to the reference period (2000), we found
a net decrease in the ensemble mean surface ozone over the MB in 2030 (2100)
for three RCPs: −14 % (−38 %) for RCP2.6, −9 % (−24 %) for RCP4.5
and −10 % (−29 %) for RCP6.0. The surface ozone decrease over the MB
for these scenarios is much more pronounced than the relative changes of the
global tropospheric ozone burden. This is mainly due to the reduction in
ozone precursors and to the nitrogen oxide (NOx = NO +
NO2)-limited regime over the MB. For RCP8.5, the ensemble mean
surface ozone is almost constant over the MB from 2000 to 2100. We show how
the future climate change and in particular the increase in methane
concentrations can offset the benefits from the reduction in emissions of
ozone precursors over the MB.
Non-polar organic compounds in autumn and winter aerosols in a typical city of eastern China: size distribution and impact of gas–particle partitioning on PM2.5 source apportionment
Authors: Han Deming , Fu Qingyan , Gao Song , Li Li , Ma Yingge , Qiao Liping , Xu Hao , Liang Shan , Cheng Pengfei , Chen Xiaojia , Zhou Yong , Yu Jian Zhen , Cheng Jinping
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Aerosol-associated non-polar organic compounds (NPOCs),
including 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 30 n-alkanes, 2
iso-alkanes, 5 hopanes and 5 steranes, were identified and quantified in
PM2.5 samples using the thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass
spectrometry (TD–GC–MS) method. The samples were mainly collected in autumn
and winter in a typical city of eastern China. The total concentrations of
NPOCs were 31.7–388.7 ng m−3, and n-alkanes were the most abundant
species (67.2 %). The heavy-molecular-weight PAHs (four- and five-ring)
contributed 67.9 % of the total PAHs, and the middle-chain-length
n-alkanes (C25–C34) were the most abundant (72.3 %) in n-alkanes.
PAHs and n-alkanes were mainly distributed in the 0.56–1.00 µm
fraction, while ∑ (hopanes + steranes) were associated with the
0.32–1.00 µm fraction, suggesting condensation of combustion
products was their important origin. The ratio–ratio plots indicated that
NPOCs in the local area were affected by photochemical degradation. To reduce the
uncertainty caused by only particle NPOC data for source apportionment, the
particle and predicted gaseous-phase NPOCs, incorporated with other
PM2.5 compound were used as input data for the positive matrix
factorization (PMF) model. Eight factors were extracted for
both cases: secondary aerosol formation, vehicle exhaust, industrial
emission, coal combustion, biomass burning, ship emission, and dust and light
NPOCs. These findings highlight the emissions from different aerosol-associated NPOC origins,
which caused different size-specific distributions,
photodegradation and gas–particle partitioning, which further affect
PM2.5 source apportionment. Considering these effects on organic
tracers will help us accurately identify the potential sources of aerosols
and then asses the contributions from each source.
The SPARC water vapour assessment II: Profile-to-profile and climatological comparisons of stratospheric δD(H2O) observations from satellite
Authors: Högberg Charlotta , Lossow Stefan , Bauer Ralf , Walker Kaley A. , Eriksson Patrick , Murtagh Donal P. , Stiller Gabriele P. , Steinwagner Jörg , Zhang Qiong
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Within the framework of the second SPARC (Stratosphere-troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate) water vapour assessment (WAVAS-II), we have evaluated five data sets of δD(H2O) obtained from observations of Odin/SMR (Sub-Millimetre Radiometer), Envisat/MIPAS (Environmental Satellite/Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) and SCISAT/ACE-FTS (Science Satellite/Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment-Fourier Transform Spectrometer) using profile-to-profile and climatological comparisons. Our focus is on stratospheric altitudes, but results from the upper troposphere to the lower mesosphere are provided. There are clear quantitative differences in the measurements of the isotopic ratio, which primarily concerns the comparisons to the SMR data set. In the lower stratosphere, this data set shows a higher depletion than the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets. The differences maximise close to 50 hPa and exceed 200 per mille. With increasing altitude, the biases typically decrease. Above 4 hPa, the SMR data set shows a lower depletion than the MIPAS data sets, on occasion exceeding 100 per mille. Overall, the δD biases of the SMR data set are driven by HDO biases in the lower stratosphere and by H2O biases in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere. In between, in the middle stratosphere, the biases in δD are a combination of deviations in both HDO and H2O. These biases are attributed to issues with the calibration, in particular in terms of the sideband filtering for H2O, and uncertainties in spectroscopic parameters. The MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets agree rather well between about 100 hPa and 10 hPa. The MIPAS data sets show less depletion below about 15 hPa (up to about 30 per mille), due to differences in both HDO and H2O. Higher up the picture is reversed, and towards the upper stratosphere the biases typically increase. This is driven by increasing biases in H2O and on occasion the differences in δD exceed 80 per mille. Below 100 hPa, the differences between the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data sets are even larger. In the climatological comparisons, the MIPAS data sets continue to show less depletion than the ACE-FTS data sets below 15 hPa during all seasons, with some variations in magnitude. The differences between the MIPAS and ACE-FTS data come from different aspects, such as differences in the temporal and spatial sampling (except for the profile-to-profile comparisons), cloud influence, vertical resolution, and the microwindows and spectroscopic database chosen. Differences between data sets from the same instrument are typically small in the stratosphere.
In-Situ Measurements of Cloud Microphysical and Aerosol Properties during the Breakup of Stratocumulus Cloud Layers in Cold Air Outbreaks over the North Atlantic
Authors: Lloyd Gary , Choularton Thomas W. , Bower Keith N. , Gallagher Martin W. , Crosier Jonathan , O'Shea Sebastian , Abel Steven J. , Fox Stuart , Cotton Richard , Boutle Ian A.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. A key challenge for numerical weather prediction models is representing boundary layer clouds in Cold Air Outbreaks. One important aspect is the evolution of microphysical properties as stratocumulus transitions to open cellular convection. Abel et al. (2017) has for the first time from in-situ field observations shown that the breakup in cold air outbreaks over the eastern Atlantic may be controlled by the development of precipitation in the cloud system while the boundary layer becomes decoupled. This paper describes that case and examines in-situ measurements from 3 more cold air outbreaks. Flights were conducted using the UK FAAM BAe-146 aircraft in the North Atlantic region around the UK making detailed microphysical measurements in the stratiform boundary layer. As the cloudy boundary layer evolves prior to breakup, increasing liquid water paths, drop sizes and the formation of liquid precipitation is observed. Small numbers of ice particles are also observed. Eventually LWPs reduce significantly due to loss of water from the Sc cloud layer. In 3 of the cases, aerosols are removed from the boundary layer across the transition. This process appears to be similar to those observed in warm clouds and pockets of open cells in the subtropics. After breakup, deeper convective clouds form with bases warm enough for secondary ice production, leading to rapid glaciation. It is concluded that the precipitation is strongly associated with the break-up, with both weakening of the capping inversion and boundary layer decoupling also observed.