Condensation versus air density change as a major cause of airflow: experimental evidence, link to data files and videos

The dominant model of atmospheric circulation posits that hot air rises, creating horizontal winds. A second major driver has recently been proposed by Makarieva and Gorshkov in their biotic pump theory (BPT), which suggests that evapotranspiration from natural closed-canopy forests causes intense condensation, and hence winds from ocean to land. Critics of the BPT argue that air movement to fill the partial vacuum caused by condensation is always isotropic, and therefore causes no net air movement (Bunyard, 2015, hdl:11232/397). This paper explores the physics of water condensation under mild atmospheric conditions, within a purpose-designed square-section 4.8 m-tall closed-system structure. Two enclosed vertical columns are connected at top and bottom by two horizontal tunnels, around which 19.5 m**3 of atmospheric air can circulate freely, allowing rotary airflows in either direction. This air can be cooled and/or warmed by refrigeration pipes and a heating mat, and changes in airflow, temperature, humidity and barometric pressure measured in real time. The study investigates whether the "hot-air-rises" or an implosive condensation model can better explain the results of more than 100 experiments. The data show a highly significant correlation (R2 >0.96, p value <0.001) between observed airflows and partial pressure changes from condensation. While the kinetic energy of the refrigerated air falls short of that required in bringing about observed airflows by a factor of at least 30, less than a tenth of the potential kinetic energy from condensation is shown to be sufficient. The assumption that condensation of water vapour is always isotropic is therefore incorrect. Condensation can be anisotropic, and in the laboratory does cause sustained airflow.

Presence and possible cause of periodicities in 20th-century extreme coastal surge: Belfast Harbour, Northern Ireland.

Identifying 20th-century periodic coastal surge variation is strategic for the 21st-century coastal surge estimates, as surge periodicities may amplify/reduce future MSL enhanced surge forecasts. Extreme coastal surge data from Belfast Harbour (UK) tide gauges are available for 1901–2010 and provide the potential for decadal-plus periodic coastal surge analysis. Annual extreme surge-elevation distributions (sampled every 10-min) are analysed using PCA and cluster analysis to decompose variation within- and between-years to assess similarity of years in terms of Surge Climate Types, and to establish significance of any transitions in Type occurrence over time using non-parametric Markov analysis. Annual extreme surge variation is shown to be periodically organised across the 20th century. Extreme surge magnitude and distribution show a number of significant cyclonic induced multi-annual (2, 3, 5 & 6 years) cycles, as well as dominant multi-decadal (15–25 years) cycles of variation superimposed on an 80 year fluctuation in atmospheric–oceanic variation across the North Atlantic (relative to NAO/AMO interaction). The top 30 extreme surge events show some relationship with NAO per se, given that 80% are associated with westerly dominant atmospheric flows (+ NAO), but there are 20% of the events associated with blocking air massess (− NAO). Although 20% of the top 30 ranked positive surges occurred within the last twenty years, there is no unequivocal evidence of recent acceleration in extreme surge magnitude related to other than the scale of natural periodic variation.

A Rare Cause of Myoclonus: A Cupric Conundrum

A woman aged 22 years presented with a 3-year history of jerks when brushing her teeth and a tremor when carrying drinks. Examination revealed a bilateral jerky tremor, stimulus-sensitive myoclonus, and difficulty with tandem gait. Thyroid and liver function test results were normal, but she had rapidly progressive renal failure. Serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and manganese levels were normal, but her urinary copper level was elevated on 2 occasions. Pathological findings on organ biopsy prompted genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis, tissue biopsy findings, and final genetic diagnosis are discussed.

Assessing trends in land use change in the Borana rangeland Ethiopia as one cause of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration variations

Landnutzungsänderungen sind eine wesentliche Ursache von Treibhausgasemissionen. Die Umwandlung von Ökosystemen mit permanenter natürlicher Vegetation hin zu Ackerbau mit zeitweise vegetationslosem Boden (z.B. nach der Bodenbearbeitung vor der Aussaat) führt häufig zu gesteigerten Treibhausgasemissionen und verminderter Kohlenstoffbindung. Weltweit dehnt sich Ackerbau sowohl in kleinbäuerlichen als auch in agro-industriellen Systemen aus, häufig in benachbarte semiaride bis subhumide Rangeland Ökosysteme. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht Trends der Landnutzungsänderung im Borana Rangeland Südäthiopiens. Bevölkerungswachstum, Landprivatisierung und damit einhergehende Einzäunung, veränderte Landnutzungspolitik und zunehmende Klimavariabilität führen zu raschen Veränderungen der traditionell auf Tierhaltung basierten, pastoralen Systeme. Mittels einer Literaturanalyse von Fallstudien in ostafrikanischen Rangelands wurde im Rahmen dieser Studie ein schematisches Modell der Zusammenhänge von Landnutzung, Treibhausgasemissionen und Kohlenstofffixierung entwickelt. Anhand von Satellitendaten und Daten aus Haushaltsbefragungen wurden Art und Umfang von Landnutzungsänderungen und Vegetationsveränderungen an fünf Untersuchungsstandorten (Darito/Yabelo Distrikt, Soda, Samaro, Haralo, Did Mega/alle Dire Distrikt) zwischen 1985 und 2011 analysiert. In Darito dehnte sich die Ackerbaufläche um 12% aus, überwiegend auf Kosten von Buschland. An den übrigen Standorten blieb die Ackerbaufläche relativ konstant, jedoch nahm Graslandvegetation um zwischen 16 und 28% zu, während Buschland um zwischen 23 und 31% abnahm. Lediglich am Standort Haralo nahm auch „bare land“, vegetationslose Flächen, um 13% zu. Faktoren, die zur Ausdehnung des Ackerbaus führen, wurden am Standort Darito detaillierter untersucht. GPS Daten und anbaugeschichtlichen Daten von 108 Feldern auf 54 Betrieben wurden in einem Geographischen Informationssystem (GIS) mit thematischen Boden-, Niederschlags-, und Hangneigungskarten sowie einem Digitales Höhenmodell überlagert. Multiple lineare Regression ermittelte Hangneigung und geographische Höhe als signifikante Erklärungsvariablen für die Ausdehnung von Ackerbau in niedrigere Lagen. Bodenart, Entfernung zum saisonalen Flusslauf und Niederschlag waren hingegen nicht signifikant. Das niedrige Bestimmtheitsmaß (R²=0,154) weist darauf hin, dass es weitere, hier nicht erfasste Erklärungsvariablen für die Richtung der räumlichen Ausweitung von Ackerland gibt. Streudiagramme zu Ackergröße und Anbaujahren in Relation zu geographischer Höhe zeigen seit dem Jahr 2000 eine Ausdehnung des Ackerbaus in Lagen unter 1620 müNN und eine Zunahme der Schlaggröße (>3ha). Die Analyse der phänologischen Entwicklung von Feldfrüchten im Jahresverlauf in Kombination mit Niederschlagsdaten und normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) Zeitreihendaten dienten dazu, Zeitpunkte besonders hoher (Begrünung vor der Ernte) oder niedriger (nach der Bodenbearbeitung) Pflanzenbiomasse auf Ackerland zu identifizieren, um Ackerland und seine Ausdehnung von anderen Vegetationsformen fernerkundlich unterscheiden zu können. Anhand der NDVI Spektralprofile konnte Ackerland gut Wald, jedoch weniger gut von Gras- und Buschland unterschieden werden. Die geringe Auflösung (250m) der Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) NDVI Daten führte zu einem Mixed Pixel Effect, d.h. die Fläche eines Pixels beinhaltete häufig verschiedene Vegetationsformen in unterschiedlichen Anteilen, was deren Unterscheidung beeinträchtigte. Für die Entwicklung eines Echtzeit Monitoring Systems für die Ausdehnung des Ackerbaus wären höher auflösende NDVI Daten (z.B. Multispektralband, Hyperion EO-1 Sensor) notwendig, um kleinräumig eine bessere Differenzierung von Ackerland und natürlicher Rangeland-Vegetation zu erhalten. Die Entwicklung und der Einsatz solcher Methoden als Entscheidungshilfen für Land- und Ressourcennutzungsplanung könnte dazu beitragen, Produktions- und Entwicklungsziele der Borana Landnutzer mit nationalen Anstrengungen zur Eindämmung des Klimawandels durch Steigerung der Kohlenstofffixierung in Rangelands in Einklang zu bringen.

Brooke-Spiegler Syndrome - an underrecognized cause of multiple familial scalp tumors: report of a new germline mutation

BACKGROUND: Brooke-Spiegler syndrome (BSS) is probably an underdiagnosed genodermatosis that predisposes for the development of cylindromas, spiradenomas and trichoepitheliomas mainly of the head and neck. Wide phenotypic variability regarding the number and type of lesions can be observed within a family. Mutations of the CYLD gene are identified in the vast majority of cases and play a key role in BSS pathogenesis. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: Two first degree relatives with numerous erythematous telangiectatic nodules of the scalp present for decades, with recurring tendency regardless the multiple previous excisions. Histopathological review of the lesions revealed predominantly "spiradenocylindromas" in the proband and cylindromas in her sister. The suspicion of BSS was confirmed after detection of a new nonsense germline mutation of CYLD (c.1783C>T pGln 595*) in the proband. CONCLUSIONS: BSS diagnosis can be challenging and is based on clinical-pathological correlation, positive familial association and identification of CYLD mutations. CYLD exerts antineoplastic effects by downregulating intracellular NF-κB signalling pathways. The reported mutation affecting the ubiquitin-specific protease domain leads to a truncated and catalytically inactive enzyme. Despite the expanding list of CYLD mutations no firm genotype-phenotype correlation is known so far. Early recognition and treatment of BSS avoid disfiguring changes like "turban tumor".

Arterial entrapment syndrome in the cubital fossa: a rare cause of acute stress-related arterial thrombosis in a patient with brachial artery duplication

Arterial entrapment syndrome (AES) at elbow level is very rare and to our knowledge no case of AES by lacertus fibrosus in the cubital fossa in presence of brachial artery duplication has been described to date. We describe a rare case of acute arterial thrombosis of one of two brachial arteries highlighted in the cubital fossa which developed after strenuous right elbow flexor muscle activity and hyper-extensions presumably related to AES by lacertus fibrosus at elbow level. A 43-year-old right-handed woman, experienced paleness, coldness and numbness of the right hand, after 8 consecutive hours of gardening. As she worked, her ipsilateral flexor elbow muscles remained in prolonged and inappropriate tension. Clinical examination evidenced the absence of radial artery pulse in the wrist and mild hypothermia in the second and third finger. During surgical exploration two anastomosed brachial arteries were detected in the cubital fossa under the lacertus fibrosus. The lateral superficial brachial artery was occluded. Intraoperative arteriography evidenced brachial artery duplication at the third superior of the arm and normal vascular pattern at the forearm level. In cases of unexplained atypical intermittent upper extremity claudication or acute ischemic symptoms an AES should always be ruled out, particularly when symptoms are exacerbated by strenuous upper extremity activity or when upper limb muscular hypertrophy is evident. In these cases a thorough dynamic clinical and instrumental examination is mandatory to confirm a diagnosis of AES and to avoid possible future ischemic complications.

Brooke-Spiegler Syndrome - an underrecognized cause of multiple familial scalp tumors: report of a new germline mutation

BACKGROUND: Brooke-Spiegler syndrome (BSS) is probably an underdiagnosed genodermatosis that predisposes for the development of cylindromas, spiradenomas and trichoepitheliomas mainly of the head and neck. Wide phenotypic variability regarding the number and type of lesions can be observed within a family. Mutations of the CYLD gene are identified in the vast majority of cases and play a key role in BSS pathogenesis. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: Two first degree relatives with numerous erythematous telangiectatic nodules of the scalp present for decades, with recurring tendency regardless the multiple previous excisions. Histopathological review of the lesions revealed predominantly "spiradenocylindromas" in the proband and cylindromas in her sister. The suspicion of BSS was confirmed after detection of a new nonsense germline mutation of CYLD (c.1783C>T pGln 595*) in the proband. CONCLUSIONS: BSS diagnosis can be challenging and is based on clinical-pathological correlation, positive familial association and identification of CYLD mutations. CYLD exerts antineoplastic effects by downregulating intracellular NF-κB signalling pathways. The reported mutation affecting the ubiquitin-specific protease domain leads to a truncated and catalytically inactive enzyme. Despite the expanding list of CYLD mutations no firm genotype-phenotype correlation is known so far. Early recognition and treatment of BSS avoid disfiguring changes like "turban tumor".

Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy: An Unusual Cause of Autoimmune Encephalopathy in a Clinically and Biochemically Euthyroid Patient

Objectives: To highlight the occurrence of Hashimoto’s encephalopathy – a steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with elevated antithyroid antibodies. Material and methods: We describe a clinically and biochemically euthyroid patient with an encephalopathy presenting with headache, mild confusion and personality changes for 6 weeks and tonic–clonic seizures upon admission Results: There was no obvious infective or metabolic cause. The patient had a high titre of antithyroid antibodies and responded to steroid therapy. Conclusion: This uncommon disease needs to be considered in patients presenting with neurological symptoms that remain unexplained after routine standard investigations, even when the patient is euthyroid. Early diagnosis is important, as this is a treatable condition.

Non-acute Transient Reversible Adrenal Insufficiency in a Survivor of Critical Illness: A Lesser-known Cause of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

Objectives: Primary adrenal insufficiency AI is regarded as a progressive disease needing lifelong replacement therapy, but this may not always be the case. Material and methods: A non-acute presentation of AI following a hypotensive episode caused by blood loss was investigated. Results: Adrenal function fully recovered without treatment. Conclusions: There should be a high index of suspicion and a low threshold for performing tests of adrenal function in survivors of critical illness and severe hypotensive episodes.

A Rare Cause of Chronic Low Back Pain

Objectives: Autosomal dominant osteopetrosis (ADO) is a rare genetic disease characterized by increased bone mass and density due to defective bone resorption. The aim of this case study is to present the clinical and radiographic features of a 22-year-old male patient with ADO and to serve as a reminder that this rare disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic low back pain. Materials and methods: A 22-year-old patient with ADO is presented in this case report. Results: Clinical and radiographic features of the patient were consistent with ADO. Conclusions: ADO should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis of low back pain.

“Saved by the Pacing Catheter”: Gigantic Right Atrial Thromboembolus as a Cause of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) related to the presence of right heart thromboemboli entails a higher mortality rate than PE alone. Furthermore, right heart thromboemboli are often associated with deep venous thrombosis. The most effective therapy for haemodynamically stable patients remains unknown, although recent data suggest that thrombolytic therapy is associated with a better outcome. We describe the case of an 83-year-old woman, hospitalized with PE consequent to right heart thrombus-in-transit, in whom investigation revealed a concomitant deep venous thrombosis. She required thrombolysis, given the high mortality risk that is traditionally associated with this clinical entity.

A Rare Cause of Confusion: Steroid-Responsive Encephalopathy Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis

An 81-year-old female patient required numerous admissions for symptoms of confusion, visual hallucinations, myoclonus and seizures, which were treated as stroke, infections and viral encephalitis with some improvement after treatment but with recurrence that caused her to be readmitted to hospital. On the last admission, she was found to have very high antithyroid antibodies and a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s encephalopathy was made, with an overwhelming response to steroids.

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) in Lower Extremity Amputation as Cause of Pulmonary Embolism

The authors describe the case of a 43-year-old man with a right-leg knee amputation performed 14 years prior. He presented to hospital with dyspnea. A pulmonary embolism was detected. A Doppler ultrasound test showed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which affected the stump of the amputated limb. When a pulmonary embolism is detected in a patient with an amputated lower limb, an exploration of the stump should be performed to rule out this uncommon complication.

An Unexpected Cause of Marked Weight Loss Associated with Vomiting in an Adult Man: Gastric Phytobeozar

Objectives: We present the case of an edentulous 47-year-old farmer referred to our Department of Internal Medicine because of postprandial vomiting, hyporexia, asthenia and weight loss. He ate a mostly vegetarian diet. Materials and methods: An oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed the presence of a phytobezoar at the level of the fundus and body of the stomach. Endoscopic fragmentation and removal of the phytobezoar were unsuccessful and the patient had to undergo open surgery. Results: Recovery was uneventful and free of complications. Conclusion: Phytobezoars should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of unexplained vomiting and weight loss.