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Aldridge K, Guzman KE, Machin Y, Fonarov I, Casadesus D. Atypical Dermal Findings in a Patient Following a Lightning Strike Injury. Cureus 2023; 15:e49096. [PMID: 38125222 PMCID: PMC10732266 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Lightning is a common atmospheric occurrence. However, lightning strikes are not a frequent environmental cause of human injury. Survivors may present with Lichtenberg figures, a fern-like skin manifestation, and burns of varying severity. After a lightning strike, our patient demonstrated atypical cutaneous manifestations of large, ecchymotic discolorations on the medial upper extremities. After a comprehensive evaluation, the patient fully recovered and was discharged home without limitations. This case highlights lightning strike injury, including common findings, epidemiology, mechanisms, and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Aldridge
- Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, GRD
- Internal Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Kevin E Guzman
- Medicine, American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, SXM
- Internal Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Yarelis Machin
- Medicine, American University of the Caribbean, Cupecoy, SXM
- Internal Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Ilya Fonarov
- Internal Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
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2
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Byard RW. Thunder storm mortality: Issues of medicolegal concern. Med Sci Law 2023; 63:334-336. [PMID: 37041741 DOI: 10.1177/00258024231169230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Thunderstorms refer to atmospheric disturbances that are associated with electrical discharges in the form of lightning, with acoustic effects from thunder. They involve the rapid upward movement of warm, moist air which then cools and condenses creating typical cumulonimbus clouds with precipitation. Thunderstorms range in severity but are usually associated with heavy rains, winds and sometimes sleet, hail and snow. If the intensity of a storm increases there may be tornadoes or cyclones. In cases with lightning strikes and minimal or no rain there is an associated risk for the development of quite devastating wild (bush) fires. Lightning strikes may also be associated with the development, or an exacerbation, of potentially lethal natural cardiac or respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger W Byard
- Adelaide School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, Australia
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3
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Zoletto B, van der Sande MT, van der Sleen P, Sheil D. Lightning scars on tropical trees-Evidence and opportunities. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10210. [PMID: 37332514 PMCID: PMC10271212 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lightning strikes are a significant cause of tree mortality and damage in some regions of the tropics. Formation of lightning scars on tropical trees, however, is considered rare and therefore of little relevance in identifying trees struck by lightning. Here, we suggest, based on observations made in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), that lightning scars can be frequent and may be a useful diagnostic feature to aid in identifying trees struck by lightning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zoletto
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Masha T. van der Sande
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Sleen
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Douglas Sheil
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management GroupWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
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4
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Guo J, Wang J, Xiao F, Zhou X, Liu Y, Ma Q. An Efficient Compression Method for Lightning Electromagnetic Pulse Signal Based on Convolutional Neural Network and Autoencoder. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:3908. [PMID: 37112250 PMCID: PMC10144099 DOI: 10.3390/s23083908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Advances in technology have facilitated the development of lightning research and data processing. The electromagnetic pulse signals emitted by lightning (LEMP) can be collected by very low frequency (VLF)/low frequency (LF) instruments in real time. The storage and transmission of the obtained data is a crucial link, and a good compression method can improve the efficiency of this process. In this paper, a lightning convolutional stack autoencoder (LCSAE) model for compressing LEMP data was designed, which converts the data into low-dimensional feature vectors through the encoder part and reconstructs the waveform through the decoder part. Finally, we investigated the compression performance of the LCSAE model for LEMP waveform data under different compression ratios. The results show that the compression performance is positively correlated with the minimum feature of the neural network extraction model. When the compressed minimum feature is 64, the average coefficient of determination R2 of the reconstructed waveform and the original waveform can reach 96.7%. It can effectively solve the problem regarding the compression of LEMP signals collected by the lightning sensor and improve the efficiency of remote data transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Guo
- School of Mathematics and Physics, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 201306, China
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Institute of Solar Energy, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Jiaquan Wang
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fang Xiao
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yongsheng Liu
- School of Mathematics and Physics, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 201306, China
- Institute of Solar Energy, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Qiming Ma
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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5
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Tolakanahalli R, Wieczorek DJJ, Lee YC, Tom MC, Hall MD, McDermott MW, Mehta MP, Kotecha R, Gutierrez AN. OptImal Gamma kNife lIghTnIng sOlutioN (IGNITION) score to characterize the solution space of the Gamma Knife FIP optimizer for stereotactic radiosurgery. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2023:e13936. [PMID: 36855958 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to evaluate the user-defined optimization settings in the Fast Inverse Planning (FIP) optimizer in Leksell GammaPlan® and determine the parameters that result in the best stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) plan quality for brain metastases, benign tumors, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). METHODS Thirty patients with metastases and 30 with benign lesions-vestibular schwannoma, AVMs, pituitary adenoma, and meningioma-treated with SRS were evaluated. Each target was planned by varying the low dose (LD) and beam-on-time (BOT) penalties in increments of 0.1, from 0 to 1. The following plan quality metrics were recorded for each plan: Paddick conformity index (PCI), gradient index (GI), BOT, and maximum organ-at-risk (OAR) doses. A novel objective score matrix was calculated for each target using a linearly weighted combination of the aforementioned metrics. A histogram of optimal solutions containing the five best scores was extracted. RESULTS A total of 7260 plans were analyzed with 121 plans per patient for the range of LD/BOT penalties. The ranges of PCI, GI, and BOT across all metastatic lesions were 0.58-0.97, 2.1-3.8, and 8.8-238 min, respectively, and were 0.13-0.97, 2.1-3.8, and 8.8-238 min, respectively, for benign lesions. The objective score matrix showed unique optimal solutions for metastatic lesions and benign lesions. Additionally, the plan metrics of the optimal solutions were significantly improved compared to the clinical plans for metastatic lesions with equivalent metrics for all other cases. CONCLUSION In this study, FIP optimizer was evaluated to determine the optimal solution space to maximize PCI and minimize GI, BOT and OAR doses simultaneously for single metastatic/benign/non-neoplastic targets. The optimal solution chart was determined using a novel objective score which provides novice and expert planners a roadmap to generate the most optimal plans efficiently using FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjini Tolakanahalli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - D Jay J Wieczorek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Yongsook C Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Martin C Tom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew D Hall
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Michael W McDermott
- Department of Neurosurgery, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Minesh P Mehta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Rupesh Kotecha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alonso N Gutierrez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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6
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Zhang X, van der A R, Ding J, Eskes H, van Geffen J, Yin Y, Anema J, Vagasky C, L Lapierre J, Kuang X. Spaceborne Observations of Lightning NO 2 in the Arctic. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:2322-2332. [PMID: 36724410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic region is experiencing notable warming as well as more lightning. Lightning is the dominant source of upper tropospheric nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are precursors for ozone and hydroxyl radicals. In this study, we combine the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observations from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) with Vaisala Global Lightning Dataset 360 to evaluate lightning NO2 (LNO2) production in the Arctic. By analyzing consecutive TROPOMI NO2 observations, we determine the lifetime and production efficiency of LNO2 during the summers of 2019-2021. Our results show that the LNO2 production efficiency over the ocean is ∼6 times higher than over continental regions. Additionally, we find that a higher LNO2 production efficiency is often correlated with lower lightning rates. The summertime lightning NOx emission in the Arctic (north of 70° N) is estimated to be 219 ± 116 Mg of N, which is equal to 5% of anthropogenic NOx emissions. However, for the span of a few hours, the Arctic LNO2 density can even be comparable to anthropogenic NO2 emissions in the region. These new findings suggest that LNO2 can play an important role in the upper-troposphere/lower-stratosphere atmospheric chemical processes in the Arctic, particularly during the summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- KNMI-NUIST Center for Atmospheric Composition, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing210044, China
- Department of Satellite Observations, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), 3731 GADe Bilt, The Netherlands
- Key Laboratory for Aerosol-Cloud-Precipitation of China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing210044, China
| | - Ronald van der A
- KNMI-NUIST Center for Atmospheric Composition, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing210044, China
- Department of Satellite Observations, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), 3731 GADe Bilt, The Netherlands
| | - Jieying Ding
- Department of Satellite Observations, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), 3731 GADe Bilt, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Eskes
- Department of Satellite Observations, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), 3731 GADe Bilt, The Netherlands
| | - Jos van Geffen
- Department of Satellite Observations, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), 3731 GADe Bilt, The Netherlands
| | - Yan Yin
- KNMI-NUIST Center for Atmospheric Composition, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing210044, China
- Key Laboratory for Aerosol-Cloud-Precipitation of China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing210044, China
| | - Juliëtte Anema
- Department of Satellite Observations, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), 3731 GADe Bilt, The Netherlands
- Wageningen University and Research, Meteorology and Air Quality, 6708 PBWageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Vagasky
- Vaisala Inc., Louisville, Colorado80027, United States
| | | | - Xiang Kuang
- Key Laboratory for Aerosol-Cloud-Precipitation of China Meteorological Administration, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing210044, China
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7
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Soler S, Gordillo‐Vázquez FJ, Pérez‐Invernón FJ, Luque A, Li D, Neubert T, Chanrion O, Reglero V, Navarro‐González J, Østgaard N. Global Distribution of Key Features of Streamer Corona Discharges in Thunderclouds. J Geophys Res Atmos 2022; 127:e2022JD037535. [PMID: 37033368 PMCID: PMC10078277 DOI: 10.1029/2022jd037535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
We present nighttime worldwide distributions of key features of Blue LUminous Events (BLUEs) detected by the Modular Multispectral Imaging Array of the Atmosphere-Space Interaction Monitor. Around 10% of all detected BLUEs exhibit an impulsive single pulse shape. The rest of BLUEs are unclear (impulsive or not) single, multiple or with ambiguous pulse shapes. BLUEs exhibit two distinct populations with peak power density <25 µWm-2 (common) and ≥25 µWm-2 (rare) with different rise times and durations. The altitude (and depth below cloud tops) zonal distribution of impulsive single pulse BLUEs indicate that they are commonly present between cloud tops and a depth of ≤4 km in the tropics and ≤1 km in mid and higher latitudes. Impulsive single pulse BLUEs in the tropics are the longest (up to ∼4 km height) and have the largest number of streamers (up to ∼3 × 109). Additionally, the analysis of BLUEs has turned out to be particularly complex due to the abundance of radiation belt particles (at high latitudes and in the South Atlantic Anomaly [SAA]) and cosmic rays all over the planet. True BLUEs can not be fully distinguished from radiation belt particles and cosmic rays unless other ground-based measurements associated with the optically detected BLUEs are available. Thus, the search algorithm of BLUEs presented in Soler et al. (2021), https://doi.org/10.1029/2021gl094657 is now completed with a new additional step that, if used, can considerably smooth the SAA shadow but can also underestimate the number of BLUEs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Soler
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA‐CSIC)Glorieta de la Astronomía s/nGranadaSpain
| | - F. J. Gordillo‐Vázquez
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA‐CSIC)Glorieta de la Astronomía s/nGranadaSpain
| | - F. J. Pérez‐Invernón
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA‐CSIC)Glorieta de la Astronomía s/nGranadaSpain
| | - A. Luque
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA‐CSIC)Glorieta de la Astronomía s/nGranadaSpain
| | - D. Li
- National Space InstituteTechnical University of Denmark (DTU Space)KongensDenmark
| | - T. Neubert
- National Space InstituteTechnical University of Denmark (DTU Space)KongensDenmark
| | - O. Chanrion
- National Space InstituteTechnical University of Denmark (DTU Space)KongensDenmark
| | - V. Reglero
- Image Processing LaboratoryUniversity of ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | | | - N. Østgaard
- Department of Physics and TechnologyBirkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
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8
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Skeie CA, Østgaard N, Mezentsev A, Bjørge‐Engeland I, Marisaldi M, Lehtinen N, Reglero V, Neubert T. The Temporal Relationship Between Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flashes and Associated Optical Pulses From Lightning. J Geophys Res Atmos 2022; 127:e2022JD037128. [PMID: 36246842 PMCID: PMC9541784 DOI: 10.1029/2022jd037128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We present 221 Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) and associated optical pulses observed by the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) on board the International Space Station. The events were detected between the end of March 2019 and November 2020 and consist of X- and gamma-ray energy detections, as well as photometer data (180-230, 337, and 777 nm) and optical camera data (337 and 777 nm). Using the available ASIM data and applying a consistency check based on TGF characteristics and lightning detections from lightning radio atmospherics close in time, we determine the most likely position of the TGFs in relation to the photometer field of view (FoV), and the association to the observed optical pulses. Out of the 221 events we find 72 events where the TGF and optical data are determined to be associated and inside the photometer FoV. Using the measured TGF durations and the time between the onsets of the TGFs and optical pulses we find: (a) That the TGF onsets are always before or at the same time as the optical pulse onsets (taking into account cloud scattering). (b) A tendency for longer duration TGFs to have longer delays between onsets. (c) Two groups of events: (a) where there is a possible overlap between the TGFs and the optical emissions, as the TGFs last longer than the delay between onsets and (b) where the TGFs and optical emissions do not overlap, as there are long delays between the onsets, which cannot be explained by cloud scattering.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. A. Skeie
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceInstitute of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - N. Østgaard
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceInstitute of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - A. Mezentsev
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceInstitute of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - I. Bjørge‐Engeland
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceInstitute of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - M. Marisaldi
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceInstitute of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- INAF‐OAS BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - N. Lehtinen
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceInstitute of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - V. Reglero
- Imaging Processing LaboratoryUniversity of ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - T. Neubert
- National Space InstituteTechnical University of DenmarkKongens LyngbyDenmark
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9
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Pefferkorn E, Lossois M, Le Gallo A, Loire C, Bascou A, Berthezène JM. Forensic diagnostic approach of peri-volcanic area fatalities: About two cases at piton de la Fournaise. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:2497-2503. [PMID: 35900076 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Piton de la Fournaise, located on the island of Reunion, is a particularly active volcano that gathers many observers during its eruptions. However, this activity, if not supervised, can involve many risks. During the eruption of Piton de la Fournaise in April 2021, two geology students camped in the peri-eruptive zone. They were found dead 48 h later on the surface and were not in the immediate vicinity of a fumarole. The autopsy revealed superficial traumatic injuries, which did not explain the death. Internal examination of both victims showed a nonspecific asphyxia syndrome and hemorrhagic pulmonary edema, with no cause of death identified. Microscopic analysis confirmed the autopsy findings without providing new diagnostic elements. Toxicological analysis revealed abnormally high levels of sulfurous gases (H2 S and SO2 ) in the blood and lungs of both victims. The interpretation of all the forensic data allows us to conclude that the death was secondary to volcanic sulfur gas poisoning, despite the atypical context of this event. However, the meteorological conditions of the night of the event may have caused a stagnation of toxic volcanic gases on the ground, with concentrations high enough to cause fatal intoxication in these two persons, although they were not in a confined environment as is usually the case in cases of sulfur poisoning. The dramatic outcome of this event required a rigorous forensic diagnostic approach and reminds us of the need to respect safety conditions in peri-volcanic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maisy Lossois
- Département de Médecine Légale, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Arnaud Le Gallo
- Institut de Médecine Légale, CHU de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Christophe Loire
- Institut de Médecine Légale, CHU de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Agathe Bascou
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Rangueil-Larrey Hospital, Toulouse, France
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10
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Kosiński S, Aleksandrowicz D, Serafinowicz Z. A Storm, An Explosion, and Flying Rocks - An Unusual Injury due to a Lightning Strike in the Mountains. Prehosp Disaster Med 2022;:1-3. [PMID: 35754402 DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X22000899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most injuries observed in victims of lightning strikes can be explained by electrothermal phenomena. Blast penetrating injuries caused by a lightning-strike-induced explosion of a nearby structure are rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION Here reported is the case of a patient with numerous mixed injuries caused by a lightning strike, including deep lacerations of both hips and thighs with rock fragments embedded in the wounds. Surgical removal of rock fragments from deep areas of the right hip and right lower leg was necessary. The cause of the formation of rock missiles was the lightning-strike-induced explosion of rock. Rapid evaporation of water enclosed in rock crevices was presumably the main force underlying the explosion. CONCLUSION Blast penetrating injuries should be considered and excluded in all patients struck by lightning, particularly when occurring in rocky terrain. The diagnosis and treatment of such injuries can be difficult and require special preparation.
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11
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Chen Y, Li Q, Wu W, Liu X, Cheng J, Deng X, Cai X, Yuan W, Xie J, Zhang S, Wang B. Effects of Lightning on Rhizosphere Soil Properties, Bacterial Communities, and Active Components of Camellia sinensis var. assamica. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:911226. [PMID: 35677900 PMCID: PMC9169052 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.911226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lightning rods have been developed to prevent damage caused by lightning to organisms. However, the biological effect of the current transmitted into the soil through lightning rods is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the effects of lightning on soil properties, the microbial community, and the active components of Pu-erh tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) near lightning rods. The results showed that the contents of organic matter and available potassium, copper, and calcium in rhizosphere soil near the lightning rod were significantly higher than those in control soil (P < 0.05), while the contents of total potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and aluminum decreased. Lightning significantly increased the bacterial diversity of Pu-erh rhizosphere soil compared to control soil samples (P < 0.05). Sphingomonas, Nitrospira, and Reyranella were significantly enriched in soil samples near the lightning rod compared to soil samples far from the lightning rod. Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated that adenosine/AMP kinase, chitodextrinase, flavorubredoxin, nucleotide metabolism, and carbohydrate digestion and absorption were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere soil samples near the lightning rod compared to the control samples (P < 0.05). β diversity analysis indicated the grounding of the lightning rod contributed to the community differentiation of rhizosphere bacteria. Amino acids, polyphenols, and soluble sugar increased in Pu-erh tea near the lightning rod, while the contents of catechin and anthocyanin decreased in Pu-erh tea near the lightning rod compared with the control sample (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were found among microbial indicators, soil properties, and Pu 'er tea components. This study serves as the first report on the effects of lightning rods on soil properties, microecology, and plant metabolism, which promotes the understanding of the biological effects of lightning, and provides a reference for the rational use of lightning resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Chen
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China
| | - Qiang Li
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wendou Wu
- Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China.,College of Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Organic Tea Garden Construction in Universities of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiujuan Deng
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaobo Cai
- Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China.,College of Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Organic Tea Garden Construction in Universities of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Wenxia Yuan
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jin Xie
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Shihao Zhang
- Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Organic Tea Garden Construction in Universities of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Baijuan Wang
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Organic Tea Garden Construction in Universities of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
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12
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Li D, Luque A, Gordillo‐Vázquez FJ, da Silva C, Krehbiel PR, Rachidi F, Rubinstein M. Secondary Fast Breakdown in Narrow Bipolar Events. Geophys Res Lett 2022; 49:e2021GL097452. [PMID: 35860624 PMCID: PMC9285782 DOI: 10.1029/2021gl097452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The physical mechanism of Narrow bipolar events (NBEs) has been studied for decades but it still holds many mysteries. Recent observations indicate that the fast breakdown discharges that produce NBEs sometimes contain a secondary fast breakdown that propagates back in the opposite direction but this has not been fully addressed so far in electromagnetic models. In this study, we investigate fast breakdown using different approaches that employ a Modified Transmission Line with Exponential decay (MTLE) model and propose a new model, named "rebounding MTLE model," which reproduces the secondary fast breakdown current in NBEs. The model provides new insights into the physics of the fast breakdown mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongshuai Li
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA)CSICGranadaSpain
| | | | | | - Caitano da Silva
- Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric ResearchNew Mexico Institute of Mining and TechnologySocorroNMUSA
| | - Paul R. Krehbiel
- Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric ResearchNew Mexico Institute of Mining and TechnologySocorroNMUSA
| | - Farhad Rachidi
- Electromagnetic Compatibility LaboratorySwiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Marcos Rubinstein
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western SwitzerlandYverdon‐les‐BainsSwitzerland
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13
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Machado JGO, Hare BM, Scholten O, Buitink S, Corstanje A, Falcke H, Hörandel JR, Huege T, Krampah GK, Mitra P, Mulrey K, Nelles A, Pandya H, Rachen JP, Thoudam S, Trinh TNG, ter Veen S, Winchen T. The Relationship of Lightning Radio Pulse Amplitudes and Source Altitudes as Observed by LOFAR. Earth Space Sci 2022; 9:e2021EA001958. [PMID: 35865721 PMCID: PMC9286657 DOI: 10.1029/2021ea001958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
When a lightning flash is propagating in the atmosphere it is known that especially the negative leaders emit a large number of very high frequency (VHF) radio pulses. It is thought that this is due to streamer activity at the tip of the growing negative leader. In this work, we have investigated the dependence of the strength of this VHF emission on the altitude of such emission for two lightning flashes as observed by the Low Frequency ARray (LOFAR) radio telescope. We find for these two flashes that the extracted amplitude distributions are consistent with a power-law, and that the amplitude of the radio emissions decreases very strongly with source altitude, by more than a factor of 2 from 1 km altitude up to 5 km altitude. In addition, we do not find any dependence on the extracted power-law with altitude, and that the extracted power-law slope has an average around 3, for both flashes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B. M. Hare
- Kapteyn Astronomical InstituteUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - O. Scholten
- Kapteyn Astronomical InstituteUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Interuniversity Institute for High‐EnergyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - S. Buitink
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - A. Corstanje
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - H. Falcke
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- NIKHEFScience Park AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy (ASTRON)DwingelooThe Netherlands
| | - J. R. Hörandel
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- NIKHEFScience Park AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - T. Huege
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Institute for Astroparticle Physics (IAP)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)KarlsruheGermany
| | - G. K. Krampah
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - P. Mitra
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - K. Mulrey
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - A. Nelles
- DESYZeuthenGermany
- ECAPFriedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐NrnbergErlangenGermany
| | - H. Pandya
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - J. P. Rachen
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - S. Thoudam
- Department of PhysicsKhalifa UniversityAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - T. N. G. Trinh
- Department of PhysicsSchool of EducationCan Tho University Campus IICan Tho CityVietnam
| | - S. ter Veen
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy (ASTRON)DwingelooThe Netherlands
| | - T. Winchen
- Max‐Planck‐Institut für RadioastronomieBonnGermany
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14
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Peterson M, Light TEL, Mach D. The Illumination of Thunderclouds by Lightning: 2. The Effect of GLM Instrument Threshold on Detection and Clustering. Earth Space Sci 2022; 9:e2021EA001943. [PMID: 35865260 PMCID: PMC9286675 DOI: 10.1029/2021ea001943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lightning is measured from space using optical instruments that detect transient changes in the illumination of the cloud top. How much of the flash (if any) is recorded by the instrument depends on the instrument detection threshold. NOAA's Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) employs a dynamic threshold that varies across the imaging array and changes over time. This causes flashes in certain regions and at night to be recorded in greater detail than other flashes, and threshold inconsistencies will impose biases on all levels of GLM data products. In this study, we quantify the impact of the varying GLM threshold on event/group/flash detection, flash clustering, and gridded product generation by imposing artificial thresholds on the event data taken from a thunderstorm with a low instrument threshold (∼0.7 fJ). We find that even modest increases in threshold severely impact event (60% loss by 2 fJ, 90% loss by 10 fJ) and group (25% loss by 2 fJ, 81% loss by 10 fJ) detection by suppressing faint illumination of the cloud top from weak sources and scattering. Flash detection is impacted less by threshold increases (4% loss by 2 fJ), but reductions are still significant at higher thresholds (35% loss by 10 fJ, or 44% if single-group flashes are removed). Undetected pulses cause individual flashes to be split and severely impact the construction of gridded products. All of these factors complicate the interpretation of GLM data, particularly when trended over time under a changing threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Douglas Mach
- Science and Technology InstituteUniversities Space Research AssociationHuntsvilleALUSA
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15
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Peterson M, Light TEL, Mach D. The Illumination of Thunderclouds by Lightning: 3. Retrieving Optical Source Altitude. Earth Space Sci 2022; 9:e2021EA001944. [PMID: 35865262 PMCID: PMC9285908 DOI: 10.1029/2021ea001944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Optical space-based lightning sensors such as the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) detect and geolocate lightning by recording rapid changes in cloud top illumination. While lightning locations can be determined to within a pixel on the GLM imaging array, these instruments are not individually able to natively report lightning altitude. It has previously been shown that thunderclouds are illuminated differently based on the altitude of the optical source. In this study, we examine how altitude information can be extracted from the spatial distributions of GLM energy recorded from each optical pulse. We match GLM "groups" with Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) source data that accurately report the 3-D positions of coincident Radio-Frequency (RF) emitters. We then use machine learning methods to predict the mean LMA source altitudes matched to GLM groups using metrics from the optical data that describe the amplitude, breadth, and texture of the group spatial energy distribution. The resulting model can predict the LMA mean source altitude from GLM group data with a median absolute error of <1.5 km, which is sufficient to determine the location of the charge layer where the optical energy originated. This model is able to capture changes to the source altitude distribution in response to convective processes in the thunderstorm, and the GLM predictions can reveal the vertical structure of individual flashes - enabling 3-D flash geolocation with GLM for the first time. Future work will account for differences in thunderstorm charge/precipitation structures and viewing angle across the GLM Field of View.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Douglas Mach
- Science and Technology InstituteUniversities Space Research AssociationHuntsvilleALUSA
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16
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Yusfiandika F, Lim SC, Gomes C, Chockalingam A, Cheng Pay L. Lightning Behaviour during the COVID-19 Pandemic. F1000Res 2021; 10:906. [PMID: 34804502 PMCID: PMC8573680 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.70650.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has drastically dampened human activities since early 2020. Studies have shown that this has resulted in changes in air temperature and humidity. Since lightning activities are dependent on air temperature and humidity, this study is conducted to evaluate the correlation between the intensity of lightning activities with the atmospheric changes, and investigates the changes, in lightning activities due to atmospheric changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The hypothesis was tested through a t-test and Pearson's correlation study. The variation trend of lightning strikes count (LSC) in Europe and Oceania during the five months COVID-19 lockdown period (March - July) compared to the same period in the previous five years from 2015 to 2019 is investigated. Results Statistical analysis shows the LSC in Europe and Oceania during the lockdown period dropped significantly by more than 50% and 44% respectively compared to the same period in previous five years. Furthermore, LSC was found to be positively correlated with air temperature and relative humidity in Europe. However, in Oceania, LSC seems to be only positively correlated with air temperature but negatively correlated with relative humidity. Conclusions This study seems to suggest that lightning activities have significantly changed during this pandemic due to reduction in human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazandra Yusfiandika
- Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia
| | - Siow Chun Lim
- Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia
| | - Chandima Gomes
- School of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aravind Chockalingam
- School of Computer Science & Engineering, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lee Cheng Pay
- Electrical Engineering, Duriane Professionals, Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
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17
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Abstract
Background COVID-19 has drastically dampened human activities since early 2020. Studies have shown that this has resulted in changes in air temperature and humidity. Since lightning activities are dependent on air temperature and humidity, this study is conducted to evaluate the correlation between the intensity of lightning activities with the atmospheric changes, and investigates the changes, in lightning activities due to atmospheric changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The hypothesis was tested through a t-test and Pearson's correlation study. The variation trend of lightning strikes count (LSC) in Europe and Oceania during the five months COVID-19 lockdown period (March - July) compared to the same period in the previous five years from 2015 to 2019 is investigated. Results Statistical analysis shows the LSC in Europe and Oceania during the lockdown period dropped significantly by more than 50% and 44% respectively compared to the same period in previous five years. Furthermore, LSC was found to be positively correlated with air temperature and relative humidity in Europe. However, in Oceania, LSC seems to be only positively correlated with air temperature but negatively correlated with relative humidity. Conclusions This study seems to suggest that lightning activities have significantly changed during this pandemic due to reduction in human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazandra Yusfiandika
- Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia
| | - Siow Chun Lim
- Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia
| | - Chandima Gomes
- School of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aravind Chockalingam
- School of Computer Science & Engineering, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lee Cheng Pay
- Electrical Engineering, Duriane Professionals, Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
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18
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Yusfiandika F, Lim SC, Gomes C, Chockalingam A, Cheng Pay L. Lightning Behaviour during the COVID-19 Pandemic. F1000Res 2021; 10:906. [PMID: 34804502 PMCID: PMC8573680 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.70650.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has drastically dampened human activities since early 2020. Studies have shown that this has resulted in changes in air temperature and humidity. Since lightning activities are dependent on air temperature and humidity, this study is conducted to evaluate the correlation between the intensity of lightning activities with the atmospheric changes, and investigates the changes, in lightning activities due to atmospheric changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The hypothesis was tested through a t-test and Pearson's correlation study. The variation trend of lightning strikes count (LSC) in Europe and Oceania during the five months COVID-19 lockdown period (March - July) compared to the same period in the previous five years from 2015 to 2019 is investigated. Results Statistical analysis shows the LSC in Europe and Oceania during the lockdown period dropped significantly by more than 50% and 44% respectively compared to the same period in previous five years. Furthermore, LSC was found to be positively correlated with air temperature and relative humidity in Europe. However, in Oceania, LSC seems to be only positively correlated with air temperature but negatively correlated with relative humidity. Conclusions This study seems to suggest that lightning activities have significantly changed during this pandemic due to reduction in human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazandra Yusfiandika
- Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia
| | - Siow Chun Lim
- Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Selangor, 63100, Malaysia
| | - Chandima Gomes
- School of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aravind Chockalingam
- School of Computer Science & Engineering, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lee Cheng Pay
- Electrical Engineering, Duriane Professionals, Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
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19
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Smith D, Trepanier J, Alnussirat ST, Cherry ML, Legault MD, Pleshinger DJ. Thunderstorms Producing Sferic-Geolocated Gamma-Ray Flashes Detected by TETRA-II. J Geophys Res Atmos 2021; 126:e2020JD033765. [PMID: 35866003 PMCID: PMC9286440 DOI: 10.1029/2020jd033765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The terrestrial gamma-ray flash (TGF) and Energetic Thunderstorm Rooftop Array (TETRA-II) detected 22 X-ray/gamma-ray flash events associated with lightning between October 2015 and March 2019 across three ground-based detector locations in subtropical and tropical climates in Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Each detector array consists of a set of bismuth germanate scintillators that record X-ray and gamma-ray bursts over the energy range 50 keV-6 MeV (million electron volts). TETRA-II events have characteristics similar to both X-ray bursts associated with lightning leaders and TGFs: sub-millisecond duration, photons up to MeV energies, and association with nearby lightning (typically within 3 km). About 20 of the 22 events are geolocated to individual lightning strokes via spatiotemporally coincident sferics. An examination of radar reflectivity and derived products related to events located within the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) monitoring region indicates that events occur within mature cells of severe and non-severe multicellular and squall line thunderstorms, with core echo tops which are at or nearing peak altitude. Events occur in both high lightning frequency thunderstorm cells and low lightning frequency cells. Events associated with high frequency cells occur within 5 min of significant lightning jumps. Among NEXRAD-monitored events, hail is present within 8 km and 5 min of all except a single low-altitude cold weather thunderstorm. An association is seen with maximum thunderstorm development, lightning jumps, and hail cells, indicating that the TETRA-II X-ray/gamma-ray events are associated with the peak storm electrification and development of electric fields necessary for the acceleration of electrons to high energies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre Smith
- Department of Geography & AnthropologyLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLAUSA
| | - Jill Trepanier
- Department of Geography & AnthropologyLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLAUSA
| | | | - Michael L. Cherry
- Department of Physics & AstronomyLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLAUSA
| | - Marc D. Legault
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of Puerto Rico at BayamónBayamónPRUSA
| | - Donald J. Pleshinger
- Department of PharmacologyCenter for Lung BiologyUniversity of South AlabamaMobileALUSA
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20
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Moyo I, Xulu S. Public Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices in the High-Risk Lightning Zone of South Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:7448. [PMID: 34299900 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Lightning activity is a hazard for human societies and the environment, and a common feature of South Africa’s climate system, although with great regional variation. The north-eastern section of the country, including the predominantly rural uMkhanyakude District Municipality, is among the most vulnerable regions, where a growing trend of lightning-related deaths and injuries has been observed in recent years. Despite this, and the Disaster Management Act (No. 57 of 2002), which mandates the implementation of hazard and risk assessments at all scales, no detailed research on the community risk perception of lightning incidents has yet been conducted, although such information could help to facilitate mitigation strategies. This explorative study involved a questionnaire survey of 150 community members that aimed to address this gap. Our results suggest that lightning is a real danger and the community had failed to effectively and successfully respond to its various socio-economic implications at the community and individual levels; this demonstrated the vulnerability of the community to the lightning activity in the study area. The contribution of this study is the identification and explanation of how lightning is regarded, understood, interpreted and responded to and how this information provides an opportunity for effective government intervention.
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21
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Plaza B, López D, Poyatos D. Characterization of Joints between Carbon Fiber Composite Parts Using a Microstrip Transmission Line Method. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:1142. [PMID: 33562004 DOI: 10.3390/s21041142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The electromagnetic performance of aerial platforms, which are composed mostly of nonmetallic materials, is a subject of great interest at present time. The behavior of this type of composite structure against electromagnetic environmental effects (E3), such as lightning, is not well-studied as in the case of metalic structures. The purpose of this article is to characterize the joints present in aerial platforms constructed mainly of nonmetallic composite materials. The study of these joints is fundamental because electrical discontinuities or preferential routes can produce changes in the electromagnetic behavior of an aircraft. The proposed measurement system for the characterization of these joints is a microstrip line. The flexibility of the test setup allows for evaluation of different joints in carbon fiber composite (CFC) samples with a different number of plies. Additionally, approximated models of the behavior of the joints as well as the detection of possible defects in the joining process are reported.
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22
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Favia M, Mele F, Introna F, De Donno A. Morphological cardiac changes in electrocution deaths: A literature review. Med Sci Law 2021; 61:130-135. [PMID: 33591865 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420967539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Electrical injury may lead to damage to the conducting tissue, myocardial changes and even sudden cardiac death. Victims of low-voltage electrocution may have no electric marks, burns or other signs typical of electrical injuries. In these cases, the absence of other specific findings could make the identification of the cause of death very difficult. A broad spectrum of cardiac changes in cases of electrocution has been described in the literature, including the break-up of myocardial fibres, cardiomyolysis, haemorrhagic areas, the separation of myofibres and alternating hypercontracted-hyperdistended myocytes. All the described alterations, however, cannot be exclusively attributed to electrocution, since no specific morphological cardiac findings have so far been identified in electrocution. However, a few histological patterns recur, and their knowledge may be important for the forensic pathologist. This literature review describes the main pathological patterns observed in cases of fatal electrocution based on a literature search carried out up to September 2019 in the databases PubMed and Scopus. The search criteria included the keywords for cardiac lesions and electrocution. On the grounds of the literature data, a list of major and minor diagnostic markers for the passage of the electrical current through the heart tissue was created.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Favia
- Department of Legal Medicine, University of Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Mele
- Department of Legal Medicine, University of Bari, Italy
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23
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George N, Bandi S, Ganti L, Umansky A, Desai B. Bounced off a Truck Out of the Blue: A Case Report of a Lightning Strike During a Thunderstorm. Cureus 2020; 12:e11534. [PMID: 33354478 PMCID: PMC7746318 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lightning strikes are a relatively uncommon emergency department presentation, and due to the very high energy involved, can present quite dramatically, including cardiac arrest. However, as with many chief complaints, sometimes these patients can be discharged home after a benign emergency department evaluation. We present one such case of a male who was struck to the ground by lightning outside his truck, which subsequently caught on fire. He demonstrated the classic Lichtenberg figures associated with a lightning injury that evolved over time but was otherwise hemodynamically stable. After an unremarkable laboratory evaluation and electrocardiogram, he was safely discharged home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan George
- Emergency Medicine, University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, Orlando, USA.,Emergency Medicine, Ocala Regional Medical Center, Ocala, USA.,Emergency Medicine, HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education Consortium, Ocala, USA
| | - Sumedha Bandi
- Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Latha Ganti
- Emergency Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA.,Emergency Medicine, Envision Physician Services, Orlando, USA.,Emergency Medicine, Osceola Regional Medical Center, Kissimmee, USA.,Emergency Medicine, HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education Consortium, Emergency Medicine Residency Program of Greater Orlando, Olrando, USA
| | - Aaron Umansky
- Emergency Medicine, University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, Orlando, USA.,Emergency Medicine, Ocala Regional Medical Center, Ocala, USA.,Emergency Medicine, HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education Consortium, Ocala, USA
| | - Bobby Desai
- Emergency Medicine, University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, Orlando, USA.,Emergency Medicine, Ocala Regional Medical Center, Ocala, USA.,Emergency Medicine, HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education Consortium, Ocala, USA.,Emergency Medicine, Envision Physician Services, Plantation, USA
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24
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Kieu N, Gordillo-Vázquez FJ, Passas M, Sánchez J, Pérez-Invernón FJ, Luque A, Montanyá J, Christian H. Submicrosecond Spectroscopy of Lightning-Like Discharges: Exploring New Time Regimes. Geophys Res Lett 2020; 47:e2020GL088755. [PMID: 32999518 PMCID: PMC7507749 DOI: 10.1029/2020gl088755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Submicrosecond (0.476 μs per frame with an exposure time of 160 ns) high-resolution (0.38 nm) time-resolved spectra of laboratory-produced lightning-like electrical discharges have been recorded for the first time within the visible spectral range (645-665 nm). The spectra were recorded with the GrAnada LIghtning Ultrafast Spectrograph (GALIUS), a high-speed imaging spectrograph recently developed for lightning research in the IAA-CSIC. Unprecedented spectral time dynamics are explored for meter long laboratory electrical discharges produced with a 2.0 MV Marx generator. The maximum electron density and gas temperature measured in a timescale of ≤0.50 μs (160 ns) were, respectively, ≃1018 cm-3 and ≃32,000 K. Overpressure in the lightning-like plasma channel, black-body dynamics, and self-absorption in spectral lines were investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kieu
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) Granada Spain
| | | | - M Passas
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) Granada Spain
| | - J Sánchez
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) Granada Spain
| | - F J Pérez-Invernón
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) Granada Spain
- Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre Oberpfaffenhofen Germany
| | - A Luque
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) Granada Spain
| | - J Montanyá
- Department of Electrical Engineering Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya Terrassa Spain
| | - H Christian
- Earth System Science Center University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville AL USA
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Peterson M. Removing solar artifacts from Geostationary Lightning Mapper data to document lightning extremes. J Appl Remote Sens 2020; 14:10.1117/1.jrs.14.032402. [PMID: 32440310 PMCID: PMC7241599 DOI: 10.1117/1.jrs.14.032402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We compare the performance of three different filters that identify solar artifacts in the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) data. These filters differ in their complexity and intended use. We use the most appropriate filters to document the severity of GLM solar contamination and to compute the frequency of extreme Americas lightning. Solar artifacts occur at an average rate of one every ~8 min. Due to their continuous emissions across a portion of the GLM CCD array, these events disproportionately contribute to the GLM event and group rates. Up to 40% of all events recorded between 10:00 and 12:00 local time during 2018 were solar artifacts. The frequency-domain solar filter also reveals a carrier wave at 50 to 60 Hz in some lightning flashes and solar episodes that appears to be anthropogenic in origin. Removing the relatively frequent solar artifact cases reveals rare cases of extreme lightning flashes. Exceptional flashes on the order of 500+ km in length and 10+ s in duration only occur a few times per year and are produced by storms that are predisposed for exceptional lightning rather than as single random occurrences.
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Kruchevsky D, Sadeh O, Dominsky O, Levanon S, Ramon I, Ullmann Y. Case Report: Burns Through Metal - Unique Pattern Of First Lightning Strike Injury In Israeli Army. Ann Burns Fire Disasters 2020; 33:170-173. [PMID: 32913440 PMCID: PMC7452601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This case report presents a 19-year-old Israeli soldier who sustained injury as a result of a lightning strike during an outdoor military activity. The patient was found in a state of altered consciousness and respiratory distress. He suffered multiple second-degree burns to the neck, chest and abdomen area, corresponding to the locations of his metal identification tag, rifle and belt buckle. Lightning transmission through these metal objects caused considerable thermal burns at contact sites. The patient was treated conservatively until wound healing and stabilization of respiratory function. This is the first reported case of military personnel injured by lightning strike in Israel. Although rare in the Mediterranean region, safety guidelines and regulations should be implemented to avoid the associated serious and permanent injuries that may be caused by lightning strikes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Kruchevsky
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - O. Sadeh
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute, Haifa, Israel
| | - O. Dominsky
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - S. Levanon
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute, Haifa, Israel
| | - I. Ramon
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Y. Ullmann
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
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Yanoviak SP, Gora EM, Bitzer PM, Burchfield JC, Muller-Landau HC, Detto M, Paton S, Hubbell SP. Lightning is a major cause of large tree mortality in a lowland neotropical forest. New Phytol 2020; 225:1936-1944. [PMID: 31610011 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The mortality rates of large trees are critical to determining carbon stocks in tropical forests, but the mechanisms of tropical tree mortality remain poorly understood. Lightning strikes thousands of tropical trees every day, but is commonly assumed to be a minor agent of tree mortality in most tropical forests. We use the first systematic quantification of lightning-caused mortality to show that lightning is a major cause of death for the largest trees in an old-growth lowland forest in Panama. A novel lightning strike location system together with field surveys of strike sites revealed that, on average, each strike directly kills 3.5 trees (> 10 cm diameter) and damages 11.4 more. Given lightning frequency data from the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network and historical total tree mortality rates for this site, we conclude that lightning accounts for 40.5% of the mortality of large trees (> 60 cm diameter) in the short term and probably contributes to an additional 9.0% of large tree deaths over the long term. Any changes in cloud-to-ground lightning frequency due to climatic change will alter tree mortality rates; projected 25-50% increases in lightning frequency would increase large tree mortality rates in this forest by 9-18%. The results of this study indicate that lightning plays a critical and previously underestimated role in tropical forest dynamics and carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Yanoviak
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 139 Life Sciences Building, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Evan M Gora
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 139 Life Sciences Building, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Phillip M Bitzer
- Department of Atmospheric Science, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, 35805, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Burchfield
- Department of Atmospheric Science, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, 35805, USA
| | | | - Matteo Detto
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Steven Paton
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Stephen P Hubbell
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Pradhan E, Khatri A, Ahmed AA, Lama AJ, Khanal R, Bajracharya L, Adhikari S. Lightning Injury to Eye: Brief Review of the Literature and Case Series. Clin Ophthalmol 2020; 14:597-607. [PMID: 32184548 PMCID: PMC7053655 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s242327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In ophthalmology, injuries due to lightning strikes have been documented as various entities ranging from keratitis, cataracts, uveitis in the anterior segments to retinal detachments, papillitis, and macular hole formation in the posterior segment. We report the largest case series so far with a total of seven cases of lightning injuries with ocular involvement and its management and a brief review of the literature on this topic. Patients and Methods All of the patients were evaluated for ocular injuries due to a lightning strike and each of the cases has been individually described as case series with their findings and management in this report. Results Ocular injuries caused by lightning are very rare, but when they occur, they can present with various ocular tissue pathology-ranging from anterior to the posterior segment structures. Most of the cases presented with maculopathy and foveschitic lesions, which resolved over time with the use of steroids. Conclusion Lightning injuries to the eyes, if detected early and managed appropriately, have a very good prognosis. The recovery is usually good with minimal functional loss if there is a quick referral. The macular region seems to be particularly involved in most cases and OCT can be a valuable diagnostic tool to detect and monitor the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Pradhan
- Department of Medical Retina, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Tilganga, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Anadi Khatri
- Department of Vitreo-Retina Services, Birat Eye Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal
| | | | - Ang Jangmu Lama
- Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Roshija Khanal
- Department of Vitreo Retina Services, ASG Hospitals, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Leena Bajracharya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Srijana Adhikari
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Kathmandu, Nepal
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29
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Cornwell SJ, Tay JW, Allan RK, Zoranjic J, O'Rourke NJ, Byard GB, Rye MS. Evaluation of DNA Extraction Methods for Processing Fingerprint Powder-Coated Forensic Evidence. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:960-965. [PMID: 31688972 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In unison, fingerprinting and DNA analysis have played a pivotal role in forensic investigations. Fingerprint powders that are available on the market can come in a range of colors and with specific properties. This study evaluated the efficiency of DNA extraction from samples coated with 3 brands of fingerprint powders: Lightning, Sirchie, and SupraNano, covering a range of colors and properties. A total of 23 fingerprint powders were tested using the Chelex, Promega DNA IQ™, and Applied Biosystems™ PrepFiler™ DNA extraction protocols. The DNA IQ™ and PrepFiler™ methods extracted higher yields of DNA in comparison to Chelex, which also accounted for better quality of PowerPlex x00AE; 21 DNA profiles recovered. There were no signs of degradation or inhibition in the quantification data, indicating that samples returning low DNA yield was due to interference during DNA extraction and not PCR inhibition. DNA profiles were recovered from the majority of fingerprint powders with only a single powder, Sirchie Magnetic Silver, failing to produce a profile using any of the methods tested. A link was observed between the DNA extraction chemistry, fingerprint powder property, that is, nonmagnetic, magnetic and aqueous, and the brand of fingerprint powder. Overall, the DNA IQ™ method was favorable for nonmagnetic fingerprint powders, while magnetic fingerprint powders produced more DNA profiles when extracted with the PrepFiler™ chemistry. This study highlights the importance of screening DNA extraction chemistries for the type of fingerprint powder used, as there is not a single DNA extraction method that suits all fingerprint powder brands and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Cornwell
- Forensic Biology Laboratory, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Locked Bag 2009, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jasmine W Tay
- Forensic Biology Laboratory, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Locked Bag 2009, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Rudi K Allan
- Forensic Biology Laboratory, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Locked Bag 2009, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jasmin Zoranjic
- Forensic Biology Laboratory, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Locked Bag 2009, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nicholas J O'Rourke
- Forensic Biology Laboratory, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Locked Bag 2009, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Graham B Byard
- Western Australia Police Force, Forensic Division, 2 Clayton Street, Midland, WA, 6056, Australia
| | - Marie S Rye
- Forensic Biology Laboratory, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Locked Bag 2009, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
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30
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Helling C, Rimmer PB. Lightning and charge processes in brown dwarf and exoplanet atmospheres. Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci 2019; 377:20180398. [PMID: 31378171 PMCID: PMC6710897 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2018.0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The study of the composition of brown dwarf atmospheres helped to understand their formation and evolution. Similarly, the study of exoplanet atmospheres is expected to constrain their formation and evolutionary states. We use results from three-dimensional simulations, kinetic cloud formation and kinetic ion-neutral chemistry to investigate ionization processes that will affect their atmosphere chemistry: the dayside of super-hot Jupiters is dominated by atomic hydrogen, and not H2O. Such planetary atmospheres exhibit a substantial degree of thermal ionization and clouds only form on the nightside where lightning leaves chemical tracers (e.g. HCN) for possibly long enough to be detectable. External radiation may cause exoplanets to be enshrouded in a shell of highly ionized, H3+-forming gas and a weather-driven aurora may emerge. Brown dwarfs enable us to study the role of electron beams for the emergence of an extrasolar, weather system-driven aurora-like chemistry, and the effect of strong magnetic fields on cold atmospheric gases. Electron beams trigger the formation of H3+ in the upper atmosphere of a brown dwarf (e.g. LSR-J1835), which may react with it to form hydronium, H3O+, as a longer lived chemical tracer. Brown dwarfs and super-hot gas giants may be excellent candidates to search for H3O+ as an H3+ product. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Advances in hydrogen molecular ions: H3+, H5+ and beyond'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Helling
- Centre for Exoplanet Science, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9SS, UK
- SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, Sorbonnelaan 2, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- e-mail:
| | - Paul B. Rimmer
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, UK
- Cavendish Astrophysics, JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Ave, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
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31
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Østgaard N, Christian HJ, Grove JE, Sarria D, Mezentsev A, Kochkin P, Lehtinen N, Quick M, Al‐Nussirat S, Wulf E, Genov G, Ullaland K, Marisaldi M, Yang S, Blakeslee RJ. Gamma Ray Glow Observations at 20-km Altitude. J Geophys Res Atmos 2019; 124:7236-7254. [PMID: 31598449 PMCID: PMC6774313 DOI: 10.1029/2019jd030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the spring of 2017 an ER-2 aircraft campaign was undertaken over continental United States to observe energetic radiation from thunderstorms and lightning. The payload consisted of a suite of instruments designed to detect optical signals, electric fields, and gamma rays from lightning. Starting from Georgia, USA, 16 flights were performed, for a total of about 70 flight hours at a cruise altitude of 20 km. Of these, 45 flight hours were over thunderstorm regions. An analysis of two gamma ray glow events that were observed over Colorado at 21:47 UT on 8 May 2017 is presented. We explore the charge structure of the cloud system, as well as possible mechanisms that can produce the gamma ray glows. The thundercloud system we passed during the gamma ray glow observation had strong convection in the core of the cloud system. Electric field measurements combined with radar and radio measurements suggest an inverted charge structure, with an upper negative charge layer and a lower positive charge layer. Based on modeling results, we were not able to unambiguously determine the production mechanism. Possible mechanisms are either an enhancement of cosmic background locally (above or below 20 km) by an electric field below the local threshold or an enhancement of the cosmic background inside the cloud but then with normal polarity and an electric field well above the Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanche threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Østgaard
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - H. J. Christian
- Department of Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of AlabamaHuntsvilleALUSA
| | - J. E. Grove
- U.S. Naval Research LaboratoryWashingtonDCUSA
| | - D. Sarria
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - A. Mezentsev
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - P. Kochkin
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - N. Lehtinen
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - M. Quick
- NASA Marshal Space Flight CenterHuntsvilleALUSA
| | - S. Al‐Nussirat
- Department of Physics and AstronomyLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLAUSA
| | - E. Wulf
- U.S. Naval Research LaboratoryWashingtonDCUSA
| | - G. Genov
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - K. Ullaland
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - M. Marisaldi
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - S. Yang
- Birkeland Centre for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
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Rumpf CM, Longenbaugh RS, Henze CE, Chavez JC, Mathias DL. An Algorithmic Approach for Detecting Bolides with the Geostationary Lightning Mapper. Sensors (Basel) 2019; 19:s19051008. [PMID: 30818807 PMCID: PMC6427282 DOI: 10.3390/s19051008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument onboard the GOES 16 and 17 satellites can be used to detect bolides in the atmosphere. This capacity is unique because GLM provides semi-global, continuous coverage and releases its measurements publicly. Here, six filters are developed that are aggregated into an automatic algorithm to extract bolide signatures from the GLM level 2 data product. The filters exploit unique bolide characteristics to distinguish bolide signatures from lightning and other noise. Typical lightning and bolide signatures are introduced and the filter functions are presented. The filter performance is assessed on 144845 GLM L2 files (equivalent to 34 days-worth of data) and the algorithm selected 2252 filtered files (corresponding to a pass rate of 1.44%) with bolide-similar signatures. The challenge of identifying frequent but small, decimeter-sized bolide signatures is discussed as GLM reaches its resolution limit for these meteors. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by its ability to extract confirmed and new bolide discoveries. We provide discovery numbers for November 2018 when seven likely bolides were discovered of which four are confirmed by secondary observations. The Cuban meteor on Feb 1st 2019 serves as an additional example to demonstrate the algorithms capability and the first light curve as well as correct ground track was available within 8.5 hours based on GLM data for this event. The combination of the automatic bolide extraction algorithm with GLM can provide a wealth of new measurements of bolides in Earth's atmosphere to enhance the study of asteroids and meteors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens M Rumpf
- NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
- NASA Postdoctoral Program, USRA, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
| | - Randolph S Longenbaugh
- NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | - Christopher E Henze
- NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | | | - Donovan L Mathias
- NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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33
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Kochkin P, Sarria D, Skeie C, van Deursen APJ, de Boer AI, Bardet M, Allasia C, Flourens F, Østgaard N. In-Flight Observation of Positron Annihilation by ILDAS. J Geophys Res Atmos 2018; 123:8074-8090. [PMID: 31032163 PMCID: PMC6473548 DOI: 10.1029/2018jd028337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We report a 511-keV photon flux enhancement that was observed inside a thundercloud and is a result of positron annihilation. The observation was made with the In-flight Lightning Damage Assessment System (ILDAS) on board of an A340 test aircraft. The aircraft was intentionally flying through a thunderstorm at 12-km altitude over Northern Australia in January 2016. Two gamma ray detectors showed a significant count rate increase synchronously with fast electromagnetic field variations registered by an on-board antenna. A sequence of 10 gamma ray enhancements was detected, each lasted for about 1 s. Their spectrum mainly consists of 511-keV photons and their Compton component. The local electric activity during the emission was identified as a series of static discharges of the aircraft. A full-scale Geant4 model of the aircraft was created to estimate the emission area. Monte Carlo simulation indicated that the positrons annihilated in direct vicinity or in the aircraft body.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D. Sarria
- BCSSUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - C. Skeie
- BCSSUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - A. P. J. van Deursen
- Electrical Engineering DepartmentEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenNetherlands
| | - A. I. de Boer
- The Netherlands Aerospace CentreAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - M. Bardet
- The Netherlands Aerospace CentreAmsterdamNetherlands
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Huh JH. PLC-Integrated Sensing Technology in Mountain Regions for Drone Landing Sites: Focusing on Software Technology. Sensors (Basel) 2018; 18:E2693. [PMID: 30115860 DOI: 10.3390/s18082693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the Republic of Korea, one of the most widely discussed subjects related to future logistics technology is the drone-based delivery (transportation) system. Much (around 75%) of Korea’s territory consists of mountainous areas; however, the costs of installing internet facilities for drone landing sites are very high compared to other countries. Therefore, this paper proposes the power-line communication (PLC) system introduced in the author’s previous study as an alternative solution. For the system design, a number of lightning rods are used together with a monitoring system. The system algorithm performs substantial data analysis. Also, as the author found that instantaneous high-voltage currents were a major cause of fire incidents, a three-phase three-wire connection was used for the installation of the lightning rods (Bipolar Conventional Air Terminal). Thus, based on the PLC technology, an artificial intelligence (AI) which avoids lightning strikes at the drone landing site by interworking with a closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring system when a drone flies over the mountain regions is proposed in this paper. The algorithm was implemented with C++ and Unity/C#, whereas the application for the part concerning the integrated sensing was developed with Java Android.
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35
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Stromp M, Farkas A, Kretzer B, Száz D, Barta A, Horváth G. How realistic are painted lightnings? Quantitative comparison of the morphology of painted and real lightnings: a psychophysical approach. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2018; 474:20170859. [PMID: 29977127 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2017.0859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the pioneer work of the nineteenth century photographer, William Nicholson Jennings, we studied quantitatively how realistic painted lightnings are. In order to answer this question, we examined 100 paintings and 400 photographs of lightnings. We used our software package to process and evaluate the morphology of lightnings. Three morphological parameters of the main lightning branch were analysed: (i) number of branches Nb, (ii) relative length r, and (iii) number of local maxima (peaks) Np of the turning angle distribution. We concluded: (i) Painted lightnings differ from real ones in Nb and Np. (ii) The r-values of painted and real lightnings vary in the same range. (iii) 67 and 22% of the studied painted and real lightnings were non-bifurcating (Nb = 1, meaning only the main branch), the maximum of Nb of painted and real lightnings is 11 and 51, respectively, and painted bifurcating lightnings possess mostly 2-4 branches, while real lightnings have mostly 2-10 branches. To understand these findings, we performed two psychophysical experiments with 10 test persons, whose task was to guess Nb on photographs of real lightnings which were flashed for short time periods Δt = 0.5, 0.75 and 1 s (characteristic to lightnings) on a monitor. We obtained that (i) test persons can estimate the number of lightning branches quite correctly if Nb ≤ 11. (ii) If Nb > 11, its value is strongly underestimated with exponentially increasing difference between the real and estimated numbers. (iii) The estimation is independent of the flashing period Δt of lightning photos/pictures. (iv) The estimation is more accurate, if skeletonized lightning pictures are flashed, rather than real lightning photos. These findings explain why artists usually illustrate lightnings with branches not larger than 11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Stromp
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Farkas
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Kretzer
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dénes Száz
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Barta
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.,Estrato Research and Development Ltd., Németvölgyi út 91/c, 1124, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Horváth
- Environmental Optics Laboratory, Department of Biological Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány sétány 1, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
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36
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Redmayne M. A proposed explanation for thunderstorm asthma and leukemia risk near high-voltage power lines: a supported hypothesis. Electromagn Biol Med 2018; 37:57-65. [PMID: 29708457 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2018.1466309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Thunderstorm asthma and increased childhood leukemia risk near high-voltage power lines (HVPL) are occurrences whose mechanism of effect is not fully understood. This paper proposes and discusses a key similarity: both thunderstorms and HVPL generate a high enough electrical field in the environment to ionize nearby air and air-borne particles. I argue that the repeatedly demonstrated acute asthma response to pollen-laden air during thunderstorms is largely due to ionization of air-borne allergens, which adhere more readily and in greater quantity in the lungs than non-ionized particles. If these bind to mucous or phagocytic cells, it would enhance immune response. A rapid temperature drop and high ozone also seem to be drivers of thunderstorm asthma. This causal nexus provides strong support for the parallel situation of prolonged exposure to ionized particles near HVPL and an increased rate of childhood leukemia. Here, it is proposed that upwind carcinogens are ionized when passing HVPL and then residential and business areas. Published evidence for most steps are presented, but have not previously been published as a coherent whole, nor has it been suggested that the inhaled ionized micro-particle explanation for acute asthma may also explain development of childhood leukemia over time. The demonstrated series of events leading to increased deposition and retention of ionized particles in airways provides support for explaining both adverse health outcomes: acute thunderstorm asthma and increased risk of childhood leukemia near HVPL. Further support for this explanation of both outcomes is provided by effects of on-going proximity to highways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Redmayne
- a Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia.,b School of Geography, Environment, and Earth Sciences , Victoria University of Wellington , Wellington , New Zealand
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37
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Prezelj N, Trošt M, Georgiev D, Flisar D. Lightning may pose a danger to patients receiving deep brain stimulation: case report. J Neurosurg 2018; 130:1-3. [PMID: 29712499 DOI: 10.3171/2017.12.jns172258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment option for advanced stages of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. It is known that DBS is susceptible to strong electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that can be generated by various electrical devices at work, home, and in medical environments. EMFs can interfere with the proper functioning of implantable pulse generators (IPGs). Very strong EMFs can generate induction currents in implanted electrodes and even damage the brain. Manufacturers of DBS devices have issued a list of warnings on how to avoid this danger.Strong EMFs can result from natural forces as well. The authors present the case of a 66-year-old woman who was being treated with a rechargeable DBS system for neck dystonia when her apartment was struck by lightning. Domestic electronic devices that were operating during the event were burned and destroyed. The woman's IPG switched off but remained undamaged, and she suffered no neurological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neža Prezelj
- 1Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana; and
| | - Maja Trošt
- 1Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana; and
- 2Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dejan Georgiev
- 1Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana; and
| | - Dušan Flisar
- 1Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana; and
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Hare BM, Scholten O, Bonardi A, Buitink S, Corstanje A, Ebert U, Falcke H, Hörandel JR, Leijnse H, Mitra P, Mulrey K, Nelles A, Rachen JP, Rossetto L, Rutjes C, Schellart P, Thoudam S, Trinh TNG, ter Veen S, Winchen T. LOFAR Lightning Imaging: Mapping Lightning With Nanosecond Precision. J Geophys Res Atmos 2018; 123:2861-2876. [PMID: 29938144 PMCID: PMC5993312 DOI: 10.1002/2017jd028132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Lightning mapping technology has proven instrumental in understanding lightning. In this work we present a pipeline that can use lightning observed by the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) radio telescope to construct a 3-D map of the flash. We show that LOFAR has unparalleled precision, on the order of meters, even for lightning flashes that are over 20 km outside the area enclosed by LOFAR antennas (∼3,200 km2), and can potentially locate over 10,000 sources per lightning flash. We also show that LOFAR is the first lightning mapping system that is sensitive to the spatial structure of the electrical current during individual lightning leader steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. M. Hare
- KVI‐Center for Advanced Radiation TechnologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenNetherlands
| | - O. Scholten
- KVI‐Center for Advanced Radiation TechnologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenNetherlands
- Interuniversity Institute for High‐EnergyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - A. Bonardi
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
| | - S. Buitink
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - A. Corstanje
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
| | - U. Ebert
- Center for Mathematics and Computer ScienceAmsterdamNetherlands
- Department of Applied PhysicsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenNetherlands
| | - H. Falcke
- Interuniversity Institute for High‐EnergyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- NIKHEF, Science Park AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy (ASTRON)DwingelooNetherlands
- Max‐Planck‐Institut für RadioastronomieBonnGermany
| | - J. R. Hörandel
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
- NIKHEF, Science Park AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - H. Leijnse
- Royal Netherlands Meteorological InstituteDe BiltNetherlands
| | - P. Mitra
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - K. Mulrey
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - A. Nelles
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCAUSA
| | - J. P. Rachen
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
| | - L. Rossetto
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
| | - C. Rutjes
- Center for Mathematics and Computer ScienceAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - P. Schellart
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
- Department of Astrophysical SciencesPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNJUSA
| | - S. Thoudam
- Department of Physics and Electrical EngineeringLinnuniversitetetVäxjöSweden
| | - T. N. G. Trinh
- KVI‐Center for Advanced Radiation TechnologyUniversity of GroningenGroningenNetherlands
| | - S. ter Veen
- Department of Astrophysics/IMAPPRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenNetherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy (ASTRON)DwingelooNetherlands
| | - T. Winchen
- Astrophysical InstituteVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
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Blancher M, Albasini F, Elsensohn F, Zafren K, Hölzl N, McLaughlin K, Wheeler AR, Roy S, Brugger H, Greene M, Paal P. Management of Multi-Casualty Incidents in Mountain Rescue: Evidence-Based Guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM). High Alt Med Biol 2018; 19:131-140. [PMID: 29446647 PMCID: PMC6014052 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2017.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Blancher, Marc, François Albasini, Fidel Elsensohn, Ken Zafren, Natalie Hölzl, Kyle McLaughlin, Albert R. Wheeler III, Steven Roy, Hermann Brugger, Mike Greene, and Peter Paal. Management of multi-casualty incidents in mountain rescue: Evidence-based guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM). High Alt Med Biol. 19:131–140, 2018. Introduction: Multi-Casualty Incidents (MCI) occur in mountain areas. Little is known about the incidence and character of such events, and the kind of rescue response. Therefore, the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) set out to provide recommendations for the management of MCI in mountain areas. Materials and Methods: Details of MCI occurring in mountain areas related to mountaineering activities and involving organized mountain rescue were collected. A literature search using (1) PubMed, (2) national mountain rescue registries, and (3) lay press articles on the internet was performed. The results were analyzed with respect to specific aspects of mountain rescue. Results: We identified 198 MCIs that have occurred in mountain areas since 1956: 137 avalanches, 38 ski lift accidents, and 23 other events, including lightning injuries, landslides, volcanic eruptions, lost groups of people, and water-related accidents. Discussion: General knowledge on MCI management is required. Due to specific aspects of triage and management, the approach to MCIs may differ between those in mountain areas and those in urban settings. Conclusions: Mountain rescue teams should be prepared to manage MCIs. Knowledge should be reviewed and training performed regularly. Cooperation between terrestrial rescue services, avalanche safety authorities, and helicopter crews is critical to successful management of MCIs in mountain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Blancher
- 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of Grenoble-Alps , Grenoble, France .,2 The French Mountain Rescue Association (ANMSM) , Grenoble, France
| | - François Albasini
- 2 The French Mountain Rescue Association (ANMSM) , Grenoble, France .,3 Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Jean de Maurienne Hospital , St. Jean de Maurienne, France
| | | | - Ken Zafren
- 4 ICAR MedCom , Roethis, Austria .,5 Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center , Stanford, California.,6 Alaska Mountain Rescue Group , Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Natalie Hölzl
- 7 Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinikum Kempten, Germany
| | - Kyle McLaughlin
- 8 Department of Emergency Medicine, Canmore, Canada .,9 Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Canada
| | - Albert R Wheeler
- 10 Department of Emergency Medicine, St John's Medical Center , Jackson, Wyoming.,11 Search and Rescue Medical Director, Grand Teton National Park , Jackson, Wyoming
| | - Steven Roy
- 12 Quebec Secours SAR, Resident Physician Elective in Wilderness Medicine, McGill University , Montreal, Canada
| | - Hermann Brugger
- 13 Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine , EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mike Greene
- 14 Emergency Medicine Physician, Medical Officer Mountain Rescue England and Wales , Whitehaven, England
| | - Peter Paal
- 15 Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hospitallers Brothers Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University , Salzburg, Austria
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Kochkin P, van Deursen APJ, Marisaldi M, Ursi A, de Boer AI, Bardet M, Allasia C, Boissin J, Flourens F, Østgaard N. In-Flight Observation of Gamma Ray Glows by ILDAS. J Geophys Res Atmos 2017; 122:12801-12811. [PMID: 29497588 PMCID: PMC5815387 DOI: 10.1002/2017jd027405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An Airbus A340 aircraft flew over Northern Australia with the In-Flight Lightning Damage Assessment System (ILDAS) installed onboard. A long-duration gamma ray emission was detected. The most intense emission was observed at 12 km altitude and lasted for 20 s. Its intensity was 20 times the background counts, and it was abruptly terminated by a distant lightning flash. In this work we reconstruct the aircraft path and event timeline. The glow-terminating flash triggered a discharge from the aircraft wing that was recorded by a video camera operating onboard. Another count rate increase was observed 6 min later and lasted for 30 s. The lightning activity as reported by ground networks in this region was analyzed. The measured spectra characteristics of the emission were estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. P. J. van Deursen
- Electrical Engineering DepartmentEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenNetherlands
| | | | | | | | - M. Bardet
- Netherlands Aerospace CentreAmsterdamNetherlands
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Böhrer M, Stewart SA, Hurley KF. Epidemiology of electrical and lightning-related injuries among Canadian children and youth, 1997-2010: A Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) study. CAN J EMERG MED 2018; 20:586-91. [PMID: 28651662 DOI: 10.1017/cem.2017.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionAlthough death due to electrical injury and lightning are rare in children, these injuries are often preventable. Twenty years ago, most injuries occurred at home, precipitated by oral contact with electrical cords, contact with wall sockets and faulty electrical equipment. We sought to assess the epidemiology of electrical injuries in children presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs) that participate in the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP). METHODS This study is a retrospective review of electrical and lightning injury data from CHIRPP. The study population included children and youth aged 0-19 presenting to participating CHIRPP EDs from 1997-2010. Age, sex, year, setting, circumstance and disposition were extracted. Variables were tested using Fisher's exact test and simple linear regression. RESULTS The dataset included 1183 electrical injuries, with 84 (7%) resulting in hospitalization. Most events occurred at home in the 2-5 year age group and affected the hands. Since 1997 there has been a gradual decrease in the number of electrical injuries per year (p<0.01) and there is an annual surge in electrical injuries over the summer (p<0.01). Forty-six percent of injuries involved electrical outlets, 65% of injuries involved some sort of electrical equipment. Injuries due to lightning were rare (n=19). No deaths were recorded in the database. CONCLUSION Despite the decrease in the number of electrical injuries per year, a large portion of injuries still appear to be preventable. Further research should focus on effective injury prevention strategies.
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Abstract
Background Burn injury and its subsequent multisystem effects are commonly encountered by acute care practitioners. Resuscitation is the major component of initial burn care and must be managed to restore and preserve vital organ function. Later complications of burn injury are dominated by infection. Burn centers are often called to manage problems related to thermal injury, including lightning and electrical injuries. Methods A selected review is provided of key management concepts as well as of recent reports published by the American Burn Association. Results The burn-injured patient is easily and frequently over resuscitated, with ensuing complications that include delayed wound healing and respiratory compromise. A feedback protocol designed to limit the occurrence of excessive resuscitation has been proposed, but no new “gold standard” for resuscitation has replaced the venerated Parkland formula. While new medical therapies have been proposed for patients sustaining inhalation injury, a paradigm-shifting standard of medical therapy has not emerged. Renal failure as a specific contributor to adverse outcome in burns has been reinforced by recent data. Of special problems addressed in burn centers, electrical injuries pose multisystem physiologic challenges and do not fit typical scoring systems. Conclusion Recent reports emphasize the dangers of over resuscitation in the setting of burn injury. No new medical therapy for inhalation injury has been generally adopted, but new standards for description of burn-related infections have been presented. The value of the burn center in care of the problems of electrical exposure, both manmade and natural, is demonstrated in recent reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Dries
- Department of Surgery and Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - John J Marini
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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43
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Fusco EJ, Abatzoglou JT, Balch JK, Finn JT, Bradley BA. Quantifying the human influence on fire ignition across the western USA. Ecol Appl 2016; 26:2388-2399. [PMID: 27907256 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Humans have a profound effect on fire regimes by increasing the frequency of ignitions. Although ignition is an integral component of understanding and predicting fire, to date fire models have not been able to isolate the ignition location, leading to inconsistent use of anthropogenic ignition proxies. Here, we identified fire ignitions from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) Burned Area Product (2000-2012) to create the first remotely sensed, consistently derived, and regionally comprehensive fire ignition data set for the western United States. We quantified the spatial relationships between several anthropogenic land-use/disturbance features and ignition for ecoregions within the study area and used hierarchical partitioning to test how the anthropogenic predictors of fire ignition vary among ecoregions. The degree to which anthropogenic features predicted ignition varied considerably by ecoregion, with the strongest relationships found in the Marine West Coast Forest and North American Desert ecoregions. Similarly, the contribution of individual anthropogenic predictors varied greatly among ecoregions. Railroad corridors and agricultural presence tended to be the most important predictors of anthropogenic ignition, while population density and roads were generally poor predictors. Although human population has often been used as a proxy for ignitions at global scales, it is less important at regional scales when more specific land uses (e.g., agriculture) can be identified. The variability of ignition predictors among ecoregions suggests that human activities have heterogeneous impacts in altering fire regimes within different vegetation types and geographies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Fusco
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - John T Abatzoglou
- Department of Geography, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 3021 Moscow, Idaho, 83844-3021, USA
| | - Jennifer K Balch
- Department of Geography, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, Guggenheim 110, 260 UCB Colorado, 80309-0260, USA
| | - John T Finn
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 160 Holdsworth Way Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
| | - Bethany A Bradley
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 160 Holdsworth Way Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
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44
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Scantling D, Frank B, Pontell ME, Medinilla S. Inducing Therapeutic Hypothermia in Cardiac Arrest Caused by Lightning Strike. Wilderness Environ Med 2016; 27:401-4. [PMID: 27451005 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Only limited clinical scenarios are grounds for induction of therapeutic hypothermia. Its use in traumatic cardiac arrests, including those from lightning strikes, is not well studied. Nonshockable cardiac arrest rhythms have only recently been included in resuscitation guidelines. We report a case of full neurological recovery with therapeutic hypothermia after a lightning-induced pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest in an 18-year-old woman. We also review the important pathophysiology of lightning-induced cardiac arrest and neurologic sequelae, elaborate upon the mechanism of therapeutic hypothermia, and add case-based evidence in favor of the use of targeted temperature management in lightning-induced cardiac arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dane Scantling
- Department of General Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA(Drs Scantling and Pontell)?>.
| | - Brian Frank
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE
| | - Mathew E Pontell
- Department of General Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA(Drs Scantling and Pontell)?>
| | - Sandra Medinilla
- Department of Surgery and Critical Care, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE
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45
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Gjesteland T, Østgaard N, Laviola S, Miglietta MM, Arnone E, Marisaldi M, Fuschino F, Collier AB, Fabró F, Montanya J. Observation of intrinsically bright terrestrial gamma ray flashes from the Mediterranean basin. J Geophys Res Atmos 2015; 120:12143-12156. [PMID: 27867780 PMCID: PMC5102168 DOI: 10.1002/2015jd023704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We present three terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) observed over the Mediterranean basin by the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscope Imager (RHESSI) satellite. Since the occurrence of these events in the Mediterranean region is quite rare, the characterization of the events was optimized by combining different approaches in order to better define the cloud of origin. The TGFs on 7 November 2004 and 16 October 2006 came from clouds with cloud top higher than 10-12 km where often a strong penetration into the stratosphere is found. This kind of cloud is usually associated with heavy precipitation and intense lightning activity. Nevertheless, the analysis of the cloud type based on satellite retrievals shows that the TGF on 27 May 2004 was produced by an unusual shallow convection. This result appears to be supported by the model simulation of the particle distribution and phase in the upper troposphere. The TGF on 7 November 2004 is among the brightest ever measured by RHESSI. The analysis of the energy spectrum of this event is consistent with a production altitude ≤12 km, which is in the upper part of the cloud, as found by the meteorological analysis of the TGF-producing thunderstorm. This event must be unusually bright at the source in order to produce such a strong signal in RHESSI. We estimate that this TGF must contain ∼3 × 1018 initial photons with energy >1 MeV. This is 1 order of magnitude brighter than earlier estimations of an average RHESSI TGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Gjesteland
- Department of Engineering SciencesUniversity of AgderGrimstadNorway
- Birkeland Centre for Space Science, Department of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - N. Østgaard
- Birkeland Centre for Space Science, Department of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | | | | | | | - M. Marisaldi
- Birkeland Centre for Space Science, Department of Physics and TechnologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- INAF‐IASF BolognaBolognaItaly
| | | | - A. B. Collier
- School of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu-NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - F. Fabró
- Department of Electrical EngineeringPolytechnical University of CataloniaBarcelonaSpain
| | - J. Montanya
- Department of Electrical EngineeringPolytechnical University of CataloniaBarcelonaSpain
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46
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Carlson BE, Østgaard N, Kochkin P, Grondahl Ø, Nisi R, Weber K, Scherrer Z, LeCaptain K. Meter-scale spark X-ray spectrum statistics. J Geophys Res Atmos 2015; 120:11191-11202. [PMID: 27867779 PMCID: PMC5102163 DOI: 10.1002/2015jd023849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
X-ray emission by sparks implies bremsstrahlung from a population of energetic electrons, but the details of this process remain a mystery. We present detailed statistical analysis of X-ray spectra detected by multiple detectors during sparks produced by 1 MV negative high-voltage pulses with 1 μs risetime. With over 900 shots, we statistically analyze the signals, assuming that the distribution of spark X-ray fluence behaves as a power law and that the energy spectrum of X-rays detectable after traversing ∼2 m of air and a thin aluminum shield is exponential. We then determine the parameters of those distributions by fitting cumulative distribution functions to the observations. The fit results match the observations very well if the mean of the exponential X-ray energy distribution is 86 ± 7 keV and the spark X-ray fluence power law distribution has index -1.29 ± 0.04 and spans at least 3 orders of magnitude in fluence.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. E. Carlson
- Department of PhysicsCarthage CollegeKenoshaWisconsinUSA
- Birkeland Center for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - N. Østgaard
- Birkeland Center for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - P. Kochkin
- Technische Universiteit EindhovenEindhovenNetherlands
| | - Ø. Grondahl
- Birkeland Center for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - R. Nisi
- Birkeland Center for Space ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - K. Weber
- Department of PhysicsCarthage CollegeKenoshaWisconsinUSA
| | - Z. Scherrer
- Department of PhysicsCarthage CollegeKenoshaWisconsinUSA
| | - K. LeCaptain
- Department of PhysicsCarthage CollegeKenoshaWisconsinUSA
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Davis C, Engeln A, Johnson EL, McIntosh SE, Zafren K, Islas AA, McStay C, Smith WR, Cushing T. Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of lightning injuries: 2014 update. Wilderness Environ Med 2015; 25:S86-95. [PMID: 25498265 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To provide guidance to clinicians about best practices, the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the treatment and prevention of lightning injuries. These guidelines include a review of the epidemiology of lightning and recommendations for the prevention of lightning strikes, along with treatment recommendations organized by organ system. Recommendations are graded on the basis of the quality of supporting evidence according to criteria put forth by the American College of Chest Physicians. This is an updated version of the original WMS Practice Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Lightning Injuries published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine 2012;23(3):260-269.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Davis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (Drs Davis, McStay, and Cushing).
| | - Anna Engeln
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center/University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado (Dr Engeln)
| | - Eric L Johnson
- Department of Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, St. Alphonsus Hospital, Boise, ID, and Emergency Services, Teton Valley Hospital, Driggs, ID (Dr Johnson)
| | - Scott E McIntosh
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr McIntosh)
| | - Ken Zafren
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, the Department of Emergency Medicine, Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, AK, and the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (Dr Zafren)
| | - Arthur A Islas
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine (Dr Islas)
| | - Christopher McStay
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - William R Smith
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. John's Medical Center, Jackson, WY (Dr Smith)
| | - Tracy Cushing
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center/University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado (Dr Engeln)
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Skeltved AB, Østgaard N, Carlson B, Gjesteland T, Celestin S. Modeling the relativistic runaway electron avalanche and the feedback mechanism with GEANT4. J Geophys Res Space Phys 2014; 119:9174-9191. [PMID: 26167437 PMCID: PMC4497459 DOI: 10.1002/2014ja020504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This paper presents the first study that uses the GEometry ANd Tracking 4 (GEANT4) toolkit to do quantitative comparisons with other modeling results related to the production of terrestrial gamma ray flashes and high-energy particle emission from thunderstorms. We will study the relativistic runaway electron avalanche (RREA) and the relativistic feedback process, as well as the production of bremsstrahlung photons from runaway electrons. The Monte Carlo simulations take into account the effects of electron ionization, electron by electron (Møller), and electron by positron (Bhabha) scattering as well as the bremsstrahlung process and pair production, in the 250 eV to 100 GeV energy range. Our results indicate that the multiplication of electrons during the development of RREAs and under the influence of feedback are consistent with previous estimates. This is important to validate GEANT4 as a tool to model RREAs and feedback in homogeneous electric fields. We also determine the ratio of bremsstrahlung photons to energetic electrons Nγ /Ne . We then show that the ratio has a dependence on the electric field, which can be expressed by the avalanche time τ(E) and the bremsstrahlung coefficient α(ε). In addition, we present comparisons of GEANT4 simulations performed with a "standard" and a "low-energy" physics list both validated in the 1 keV to 100 GeV energy range. This comparison shows that the choice of physics list used in GEANT4 simulations has a significant effect on the results. KEY POINTS Testing the feedback mechanism with GEANT4Validating the GEANT4 programming toolkitStudy the ratio of bremsstrahlung photons to electrons at TGF source altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Broberg Skeltved
- Birkeland Centre for Space Science, Institute of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen Bergen, Norway
| | - Nikolai Østgaard
- Birkeland Centre for Space Science, Institute of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen Bergen, Norway
| | - Brant Carlson
- Birkeland Centre for Space Science, Institute of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen Bergen, Norway ; Physics and Astronomy, Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thomas Gjesteland
- Birkeland Centre for Space Science, Institute of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen Bergen, Norway
| | - Sebastien Celestin
- Laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of the Environment and Space, University of Orleans, CNRS Orleans, France
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Abstract
Electrical burns are classified as either high voltage (1000 volts and higher) or low voltage (<1000 volts). The typical injury with a high-voltage electrical contact is one where subcutaneous fat, muscles, and even bones are injured. Lower voltages may have lesser injuries. The electrical current has the potential to injure via three mechanisms: injury caused by current flow, an arc injury as the current passes from source to an object, and a flame injury caused by ignition of material in the local environment. Different tissues also have different resistance to the conduction of electricity. Voltage, current (amperage), type of current (alternating or direct), path of current flow across the body, duration of contact, and individual susceptibility all determine what final injury will occur. Devitalized tissue must be evaluated and debrided. Ocular cataracts may develop over time following electrical injury. Lightning strikes may conduct millions of volts of electricity, yet the effects can range from minimal cutaneous injuries to significant injury comparable to a high-voltage industrial accident. Lightning strikes commonly result in cardiorespiratory arrest, for which CPR is effective when begun promptly. Neurologic complications from electrical and lightning injuries are highly variable and may present early or late (up to 2 years) after the injury. The prognosis for electricity-related neurologic injuries is generally better than for other types of traumatic causes, suggesting a conservative approach with serial neurologic examinations after an initial CT scan to rule out correctable causes. One of the most common complications of electrical injury is a cardiac dysrhythmia. Because of the potential for large volumes of muscle loss and the release of myoglobin, the presence of heme pigments in the urine must be evaluated promptly. Presence of these products of breakdown of myoglobin and hemoglobin puts the injured at risk for acute renal failure and must be treated. The exact mechanism of nerve injury has not been explained, but both direct injury by electrical current overload or a vascular cause receive the most attention. Because electrical injuries carry both externally visible cutaneous injuries and possible hidden musculoskeletal damage, conventional burn resuscitation formulas based on body surface area injured may not provide enough fluid to maintain urine output. Damaged muscle resulting in swelling within the investing fascia of an extremity may result in compartment syndromes, requiring further attention. If myoglobin has been detected in the urine, treatment is aggressive volume resuscitation and possibly alkalinization of the urine or mannitol is given IV push to minimize pigment precipitation in the renal tubules. Approximately 15% of electrical burn victims also sustain traumatic injuries. This is because of falls from height or being thrown against an object. The tetanic contractions that result from exposure to electrical injury cause imbalance in flexor versus extensor muscles, with the flexor groups being stronger. Not only is the victim unable to release from the electrical contact, but they are at risk for fracture of bones from this prolonged muscular contracture. Neurologic and psychological symptoms were the most common sequelae of electrical and lightning injuries. Many of these symptoms are nonspecific, and they often do not appear until several months after the injury. A full neurologic examination must be performed on admission, documenting initial presentation and at any change in symptoms. Electrical injuries can have devastating consequences. Prevention of electrical injuries is clearly the preferable strategy for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Sanford
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Richard L Gamelli
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA.
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Leisner T, Duft D, Möhler O, Saathoff H, Schnaiter M, Henin S, Stelmaszczyk K, Petrarca M, Delagrange R, Hao Z, Lüder J, Petit Y, Rohwetter P, Kasparian J, Wolf JP, Wöste L. Laser-induced plasma cloud interaction and ice multiplication under cirrus cloud conditions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:10106-10. [PMID: 23733936 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1222190110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Potential impacts of lightning-induced plasma on cloud ice formation and precipitation have been a subject of debate for decades. Here, we report on the interaction of laser-generated plasma channels with water and ice clouds observed in a large cloud simulation chamber. Under the conditions of a typical storm cloud, in which ice and supercooled water coexist, no direct influence of the plasma channels on ice formation or precipitation processes could be detected. Under conditions typical for thin cirrus ice clouds, however, the plasma channels induced a surprisingly strong effect of ice multiplication. Within a few minutes, the laser action led to a strong enhancement of the total ice particle number density in the chamber by up to a factor of 100, even though only a 10(-9) fraction of the chamber volume was exposed to the plasma channels. The newly formed ice particles quickly reduced the water vapor pressure to ice saturation, thereby increasing the cloud optical thickness by up to three orders of magnitude. A model relying on the complete vaporization of ice particles in the laser filament and the condensation of the resulting water vapor on plasma ions reproduces our experimental findings. This surprising effect might open new perspectives for remote sensing of water vapor and ice in the upper troposphere.
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