bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D CT Analysis of Combined Cup and Stem Anteversion in Cases of Cup Navigation in Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Wassilew Georgi I. , Perka Carsten , Koenig Christian , Janz Viktor , Asbach Patrick , Hasart Olaf
Published: October 2010

Navigation of the cup in total hip arthroplasty is well analyzed and shows accurate results, reducing cup outliers of Lewinnek’s “safe zone.” With regard to the combined anteversion of cup and stem, however, a “new” safe zone with a range of 25° to 50° has been published. The aim of this study was to analyze total anteversion (cup and stem) by postoperative 3D computed tomography in isolated cup navigation cases. In 46 patients, the mean combined anteversion was 34.4° (range, 16.3°–57.3°, SD±9.3°) with 10 outliers. The mean cup anteversion was 19.5° (range, 11°–27°, SD±3.7°). Regarding Lewinnek’s “safe zone” (cup only), we observed 5 outliers. An improvement of technique of stem implantation or navigation may reduce outliers of combined anteversion.
Novel Approach to Reducing Discrepancies in Radiographic and Navigational Limb Alignments in Computer-Assisted TKA
Authors: Chung Byung June , Dileep Isaac , Chang Chong Bum , Kang Yeon Gwi , Park Yong Bum , Kim Tae Kyun
Published: October 2010

This study was conducted (1) to document discrepancies between preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements and postregistration and postimplantation intraoperative navigational measurements of coronal limb alignments, and (2) to identify predictors of discrepancies between radiographic and navigational measures. In addition, we propose the use of a novel radiographic measuring method, and we demonstrate that this method reduces discrepancies. For 107 total knee arthroplasties performed using a navigation system, coronal alignment were assessed using preoperative and postoperative whole limb radiographs using the standard and novel radiographic methods. During surgery, coronal limb alignment was measured using the navigation system postregistration and postprosthesis implantation. Strengths of correlations and discrepancies between radiographic and navigational assessments were compared between the standard and novel methods. Multivariate regression was performed to identify predictors of discrepancies. Differences between radiographic and navigational measurements were observed for both preoperative and postoperative assessments, but discrepancies were greater for preoperative assessments, despite their stronger correlations. Extent of preoperative varus deformity was identified as the strongest predictor of discrepancy in preoperative radiographic and navigational measurements, and varus malalignment was identified as the strongest predictor of discrepancy in postoperative measurements. Strengths of correlations between radiographic and navigational measurements were similar for the standard and novel radiographic methods, but discrepancies between the 2 were significantly smaller for the novel method for both preoperative and postoperative assessments. The authors propose the use of the described novel radiographic method that reduces discrepancies between radiographic and navigational measurements.
RETRACTED: Comparison of the Mini-Midvastus with the Mini-Medial Parapatellar Approach in Primary TKA
Authors: Li Xi-Gong , Tang Tian-si , Qian Zhong-Lai , Huang Li-Xin , Pan Wen-Ming , Zhu Ruo-Fu
Published: October 2010

This article has been retracted at the request of the author.
Modified Extension-Block K-Wire Fixation Technique for the Treatment of Bony Mallet Finger
Authors: Lee Sang Ki , Kim Kap Jung , Yang Dae Suk , Moon Kyung Ho , Choy Won Sik
Published: October 2010

This article describes the treatment of a bony mallet finger deformity using 2 extension-block Kirschner wires (K-wires) with a transarticular K-wire fixation technique for precise alignment of the terminal extensor tendon–bone relationship and effective immobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint. Twenty-nine patients (33 fingers) with a bony mallet finger deformity and fracture fragment involving more than one-third of the articular surface were treated surgically. The fracture fragment was fixed and the mallet finger deformity was corrected in all patients using modified extension-block K-wires (2 dorsal extension-block pins) with a transarticular K-wire (volar side pin) fixation technique. Active motion of the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints was not restricted. The wires are removed in the clinic 6 weeks postoperatively when the bridging trabeculae were observed in the radiographs, and immobilization in a stock splint was continued for an additional 2 weeks.

According to Crawford’s evaluation criteria, there were 24 (73%) excellent, 7 (21%) good, and 2 (6%) fair results. Three patients showed radiological signs of mild degenerative changes, which did not limit their daily activities. Nail ridging occurred in 3 cases (9%), which disappeared after an average of 6 months with normal growth, and mild scarring at the dorsal pin site occurred in 2 cases (6%). Modified extension-block K-wires with a transarticular K-wire fixation technique is an acceptable alternative treatment modality for the management of bony mallet finger deformities with or without subluxation of the distal phalanx.
Analysis of Synovial Fluid in Culture-Negative Samples of Suspicious Periprosthetic Infections
Authors: Lee Su Chan , Jung Kwang Am , Yoon Ji Yeol , Nam Chang Hyun , Hwang Seung Hyun , Park Il Seok
Published: October 2010

Synovial fluid analysis can help to rule out a periprosthetic infection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of synovial fluid suspicious for a periprosthetic infection given the synovial leukocyte count and percent of neutrophils.

From August 2006 to November 2008, patients who had synovial fluid aspirated for painful knees and elevated C-reactive protein levels after total knee arthroplasty but revealed no growth of any microorganism were retrospectively evaluated by medical record review. Mean follow-up period was 827.7±250.6 days from the date of joint aspiration results. The optimal cut-off values for synovial leukocyte counts and percent neutrophils were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves.

From a total of 56 patients, 14 were classified as having poor results. The remaining 42 patients had an uneventful clinical course with a stable prosthesis on radiographs without specific therapy during the follow-up period. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that a synovial leukocyte count of 3600/uL had an 86% sensitivity and 79% specificity; with 89% synovial neutrophils, the sensitivity was 72% and specificity 62%.

The synovial fluid leukocyte count and percent neutrophils were significant predictors of outcome in patients with cultures that were negative but suspicious for periprosthetic infections.
Surgeon Variability in the Treatment of Pelvic Ring Injuries
Authors: Furey Andrew J. , O’Toole Robert V. , Nascone Jason W. , Copeland Carol E. , Turen Clifford , Sciadini Marcus F.
Published: October 2010

Pelvic ring injuries are associated with the potential for long-term disability and high mortality rates. No well-established, definitive treatment algorithms have been presented in the literature. We evaluated agreement among surgeons in selecting treatment of pelvic ring injuries and investigated the relationship between type of injury and treatment plan. We conducted a prospective agreement analysis of pelvic ring injury images at a level I regional trauma center. Eighty-nine isolated pelvic ring disruptions were selected; they were the only injuries present on the images and were thought to comprise a variety of pelvic fracture types from a database of 1600 pelvic fractures. Sets of injury images were randomly ordered and distributed to 5 orthopedic trauma surgeons blinded to patient name, attending surgeon, date of injury, and eventual treatment. Surgeons reviewed images, independently selected preferred treatments, and classified injuries with the Young-Burgess and Tile systems. Eight weeks later, images were again randomly ordered and distributed to the same 5 orthopedic surgeons, who again independently selected preferred treatments and classified injuries. Kappa analyses of agreement among surgeons and within each surgeon over time were conducted. Analysis among surgeons’ treatment plans based on radiographic assessment alone revealed a mean kappa value of 0.47, indicating moderate level of agreement. Analysis of data collected 8 weeks later yielded a mean kappa value of 0.56, representing moderate agreement within each surgeon over time. Young-Burgess and Tile classifications yielded consistent treatment plans for certain fracture types and varied plans for other types. Our results question the usefulness of the 2 classification systems for predicting treatment decisions.
Infantile Kyphosis Secondary to Lumbar Hypoplasia: Six Cases with Excessive Upright Sleeping as a Possible Cause
Authors: Price Charles T. , Knapp D. Raymond , Lopez Denise , Herrera-Soto José A.
Published: October 2010

Abnormal thoracolumbar kyphosis in infants may be due to lumbar hypoplasia that resolves with development of upright posture. The cause of this deformity has not been previously identified. The goal of this study was to find whether excessive time in an upright posture while sleeping and sitting may play a role in the etiology of infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis.

We retrospectively reviewed infants with the diagnosis of kyphosis from 2001 to 2005. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed prior to age 3 years without syndromic, neuromuscular, or congenital kyphosis and minimum 2-year follow-up. Serial radiographic evaluation was used to assess change in kyphotic deformity. Six infants with an average age of 7 months at the time of diagnosis were identified. All had marked thoracolumbar kyphosis with vertebral wedging and scalloping. Some had pseudosubluxation at the T12-L1 level. The initial average Cobb angle was 30° (normal, 0°–5°). Careful history revealed that all patients slept in an upright posture in addition to sitting while awake. All of the patients were observed following parental instruction in proper sleeping and sitting habits. At last follow-up, all patients had normal sagittal alignment with an average Cobb angle of 1.3°.

Proper sleeping and sitting habits with good spine support is recommended for infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis with lumbar hypoplasia. Allowing “tummy time” during waking hours may help the paraspinal muscles gain strength to provide support to the spine. Radiographic evidence of vertebral body height restoration may be delayed for several years.
Bilateral Femoral Neck Stress Fractures in a Fire Academy Student
Authors: Wright Russell C. , Salzman Garrett A. , Yacoubian Stephan V. , Yacoubian Shahan V.
Published: October 2010

Unilateral femoral neck stress fractures are well documented in active patients; however, the risk of a subsequent contralateral stress fracture remains unknown in patients who continue to be active. This article describes a 24-year-old male fire academy student who sustained a left femoral neck stress fracture, followed approximately 11 months later by a right femoral neck stress fracture, both of which went on to completely displace. A review of the index radiographs of each hip from outside institutions revealed femoral neck stress fractures that went undiagnosed until they displaced. The patient was referred to our institution and underwent closed reduction and internal fixation using cannulated screws in both cases. A full endocrine evaluation was performed in the following weeks and proved unremarkable.

Although it is difficult to extrapolate the results from 1 patient beyond the case studied, there is cause for concern in patients who remain active following femoral neck stress fractures. Our case highlights the significance of obtaining a complete and thorough medical history on physical examination and appropriately counseling patients regarding activity level. Until further research explores this possible relationship, physicians evaluating patients with a history of a stress fracture are encouraged to be vigilant of subsequent contralateral fractures and educate patients of this potentially avoidable injury.
Using a Wellness Program in Public Housing for Community Nursing Clinical Experiences
Authors: Aselton Pamela
Published: October 2010

A group of senior baccalaureate nursing students have been working with elderly and disabled residents in public housing as part of a Wellness Program for more than 5 years. This placement is an alternative to traditional Visiting Nurse Association placements, and encourages students to expand outreach and develop interventions for vulnerable populations while fulfilling nursing educational objectives.
A Community Health Service-Learning Roundtable: Nursing Education Partnership for Community Health Improvement
Authors: Dunlap Ruby K. , Marver Diana , Morrow Brenda J. , Green Becky R. , Elam Jane
Published: October 2010

This article describes the formation of a campus-community partnership that focused its efforts on a single vulnerable community within an urban setting. Challenges that were faced and how those challenges were engaged to maintain a viable serving and learning presence within the community are discussed. Previous insights from similar articles are reinforced, and new insights for future work are highlighted. This article and similar articles are creating a body of knowledge about the practical aspects of creating and maintaining partnerships, which can provide guidance for those who wish to duplicate partnerships in other situations and also contribute to data sets of experiences from which theories on this kind of human relating can be formed, challenged, or validated.
Transitioning to Optimized Correction with the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO WAVE: Case Distribution, Visual Outcomes, and Wavefront Aberrations
Authors: George Michael R. , Shah Ravindra A. , Hood Christopher , Krueger Ronald R.
Published: October 2010

Purpose:

To describe the outcomes of the first 285 eyes receiving LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using an optimized ablation profile at a refractive surgery practice experienced with customized ablation.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent refractive treatments using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q platform (Alcon Laboratories Inc) between September 2008 and July 2009. Patients were divided into LASIK and PRK treatments, then further subdivided based on pre- and targeted postoperative refraction. Pre- and postoperative measures of uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, keratometry, and wavefront values were taken and compared, and the average changes in keratometry and higher order aberrations were calculated.

Results:

At 3 months postoperative, 92% of myopes and 63% of hyperopes undergoing LASIK with a target of emmetropia achieved UDVA of 20/20. Of PRK eyes targeted for emmetropia, 80% of myopic eyes achieved UDVA of 20/20 (the hyperopic subgroup was too small to analyze). In both LASIK and PRK subgroups, total wavefront aberrations decreased, as did some higher order aberrations.

Conclusions:

This group of patients, who all achieved excellent postoperative UDVA, represents our initial surgical experience with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE, using only a standard (global surgeon) nomogram. These results may serve as an estimate of what a practice could expect in terms of initial outcomes with this system.
Presbyopia Corrections with the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO: 3-Month Results
Authors: Gordon Michael
Published: October 2010

Purpose:

Progressive multifocal LASIK (PML) is a corneal surgical technique that is based on the principles of LASIK to create a multifocal or aspheric corneal surface. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure.

Methods:

One hundred seventy-eight patients underwent PML with the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO platform (Alcon Laboratories Inc), of which 102 patients had at least 3-month follow-up.

Results:

After surgery, 81% of patients had 20/20 or better binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and 98% had 20/25 or better binocular UDVA. Additionally, 44% of patients had Jaeger (J) 1 binocular near visual acuity, 60% had J2, and 96% had J3.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that PML performed with the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO platform is a safe and effective treatment for this patient population.
Reduction of Nd:YAG Capsulotomy Rates After Implantation of a Single-Piece Acrylic Hydrophilic Intraocular Lens with 360° Squared Optic Edge: 24-Month Results
Authors: Mathew Rashmi G. , Coombes Andrew G. A.
Published: October 2010

Background and Objective:

Posterior capsule opacification remains a significant problem following cataract surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of symptomatic posterior capsule opacification requiring Nd:YAG capsulotomy in patients who underwent cataract extraction and implantation of the Rayner C-flex 570C intraocular lens (IOL) (Rayner Intraocular Lens, Ltd., Sussex, UK).

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective study of 3,461 eyes that underwent cataract extraction and insertion of the Rayner C-flex IOL from January 2004 to December 2005. The cases that received Nd: YAG capsulotomies were evaluated.

Results:

Over a 24-month period, 3,461 Rayner C-flex IOLs were implanted. Nd:YAG capsulotomy was performed in 58 of these cases. The rate of Nd:YAG capsulotomy was 0.6% at 12 months and 1.7% at 24 months. The mean time to Nd:YAG capsulotomy was 9.3 months (range: 1.3 to 22.7 months). The follow-up period was 5.3 to 29.0 months.

Conclusion:

The incidence of symptomatic posterior capsule opacification with the Rayner C-flex IOL is low.
Concentric Ring Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope Artifacts and Dysphotopsia in Diffractive Multifocal Pseudophakia
Authors: Luttrull Jeffrey K. , Dougherty Paul J. , Zhao Huawei , Mainster Martin A.
Published: October 2010

A 67-year-old woman had decreased visual acuity in her left eye and disturbing concentric ring dysphotopsias after bilateral implantation of ReSTOR (SN60D3; Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Monochromatic (820-nm infrared and 488-nm red-free) scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) documented central retinal concentric ring patterns resembling the patient’s drawings of her dysphotopsia, prompting investigation of the relationship of these phenomena. Similar SLO findings were present in four eyes of three additional ReSTOR pseudophakes without dysphotopsia, but absent in monofocal pseudophakes or phakic individuals. Optical analysis shows that concentric ring SLO imaging artifacts can be caused by coherent reflection of monochromatic laser radiation off the diffractive optical element on the IOL’s anterior surface, whereas concentric ring dysphotopsias are due to diffraction or projection of broad spectrum light sources in ordinary environments. Thus, the IOL’s diffractive optics is the origin of both concentric ring dysphotopsia and SLO artifacts, but diffraction or projection causes the visual phenomenon, whereas coherent reflection produces the imaging anomaly.
Characteristics and propierties of oil-well cements additioned with blast furnace slag
Authors: Sánchez R. , Palacios M. , Puertas F.
Published: October 2010

The present paper addresses the alkali activation of Portland cements containing blast furnace slag (20 and 30% of the cement by weight) with a view to the possible use of these materials in oil well construction.

The hydration studies conducted showed that in cement/slag blends, the sodium silicate activating solution partially inhibited the dissolution of the silicate phases in the Portland cement, retarding cement hydration and reducing the precipitation of reaction products. Due to such partial inhibition, the cement/slag blends had significantly lower mechanical strength than Portland cements hydrated with water. 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR and BSE/EDX studies, in turn, showed that the C-S-H gel forming in the alkali-activated cement/slag pastes contained Al in tetrahedral positions and low Ca/Si ratios.
Side-effects to the use of laptop computers: erythema ab igne
Authors: Secher Lisa Linnea Søholm , Vind-Kezunovic Dina , Zachariae Claus Otto Carl
Published: October 2010

The use of laptop computers is increasing, and many children and young adults spend hours with their laptops on their laps daily. We report a case with erythema ab igne on the thigh of a 17-year-old girl, induced by use of laptop computers four to five hours daily for nine months.
Primary myxoid liposarcoma of the supraglottic larynx
Authors: Gleinser David M , Font Jean Paul , Clement Cecilia G , Mohammed Basim S , Underbrink Michael P
Published: October 2010

Sarcomas are a rare occurrence accounting for roughly 1% of all cancer cases reported. Of these, 9–18% will be identified as liposarcoma. Overall, only 4–9% of all liposarcomas occur in the head and neck region. As such, it is a rare event to see a primary liposarcoma of the aerodigestive tract. These tumors are typically misdiagnosed secondary to their indolent, asymptomatic course and similarities in appearance to other benign lesions. An understanding of these lesions will help clinicians appropriately manage their patients. We present a case of a 60-year male with a primary supraglottic myxoid liposarcoma, and provide relevant information about liposarcomas.
Left atrial extension of metastatic lung tumor via pulmonary vein: report on the first case of Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Funakoshi Yohei , Mukohara Toru , Kataoka Tomoko , Tomioka Hideo , Chayahara Naoko , Fujiwara Yutaka , Kiyota Naomi , Shirasaka Tomonori , Oka Takanori , Okada Kenji , Okita Yutaka , Hara Shigeo , Itoh Tomoo , Fumita Soichi , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Minami Hironobu
Published: October 2010

Extension of metastatic lung tumors into the left atrium via pulmonary veins is rare. Here, we report the first case of Ewing sarcoma exhibiting such extension. A 31-year-old man with pulmonary metastasis from Ewing sarcoma presented with a mass in the left lung, extending to the left atrium through the left inferior pulmonary vein. As the patient was considered to be at risk of tumor embolism, the mass was excised surgically.
Prostatic Stromal Tumor with Fatal Outcome in a Young Man: Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Case Presentation
Authors: Colombo Piergiuseppe , Ceresoli Giovanni Luca , Boiocchi Leonardo , Taverna Gianluigi , Grizzi Fabio , Bertuzzi Alexia , Santoro Armando , Roncalli Massimo
Published: October 2010

Stromal tumors of the prostate are rare and only a few cases have been described in the literature, including exceptional cases of stromal tumors with unknown malignant potential (STUMP) and a fatal outcome in young patients. Morphologically distinguishing a STUMP from a stromal sarcoma of the prostate (PSS) is still a challenge. We describe the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in a 34-year-old man with a malignant specialized cell stromal tumor of the prostate that was diagnosed initially as STUMP, and he developed lung metastases within a few months. The patient attended our hospital because of lower urinary tract symptoms, after having excreted tissue through the urethra a few months before. Ultrasonography and urethrocystoscopy examinations showed a mass arising from the verumontanum, and a transurethral resection (TUR) revealed a high-grade spindle cell sarcoma reminiscent of a phyllode tumor of the breast. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, progesterone receptor and, focally, CD34. The preliminary histological findings were subsequently confirmed after radical prostatectomy. The patient developed bilateral lung metastases and died 25 months after the initial diagnosis. Although rare in young patients, the challenging differential diagnosis of STUMP and PSS means that a prostate STUMP diagnosis made on the basis of biopsy or TUR specimens also requires urethro-cystoscopic monitoring for the early detection of any progression to PSS. Radical prostatectomy should also be carefully considered.
Midrash as exegetical approach of early Jewish exegesis, with some examples from the Book of Ruth
Authors: Chan Man Ki , Venter Pieter M.
Published: October 2010

This article deals with the exegetical approach of the early Jewish school. It discusses the meaning and definition of midrash as a distinctive approach in Jewish interpretation. The relationship between midrash and exegesis is also examined. It is shown how the process of interpretation is affected by the use of midrash principles. It is also pointed out that the ancient interpretative method of midrash had social relevancy. The midrashic interpreters maintained the interest of the community and fulfilled the needs of their generation. The conclusion is drawn that early Jewish exegetes did not explain the text for its inherent meaning, but rather for its use in personal purposes. They tended to read some agendas and issues into the text from the exegetes themselves and their surrounding backgrounds. They aimed to meet the requirement of the social and political expectations of their reader community. Interpretation was used as a tool for this purpose. This exegetical trend is finally illustrated with some examples of interpretation of the Book of Ruth.
Religion in the public sphere: What can public theology learn from Habermas’s latest work?
Authors: Dreyer Jaco S. , Pieterse Hennie J.C.
Published: October 2010

The complex and problematic role of religion in the public sphere in modern, democratic societies raises many questions for a public theology. The aim of this article is to contribute to the ongoing debate about the task and methods of public theology by asking what we can learn from the ideas of Jürgen Habermas. Habermas was a leading participant in the thinking process on the secularisation thesis in Western societies. His view was that religion will eventually disappear from the public scene due to the rationalisation of society. In recent years he seems to have changed this view in the light of new developments in the world. He now maintains that religion has something important to offer in the public sphere. Religion could thus participate in this public discussion, provided that it satisfies strict conditions. We argue that public theology can learn from Habermas’s recent ideas regarding religion in the public sphere: attention should be paid to the cognitive potential of religion, especially regarding the importance of the lifeworld and the role of religion in social solidarity with the needy and vulnerable; hermeneutical self-reflection is important; a distinction should be made between the role of religion in faith communities and in public life; we have to accept that we live in a secular state; and we have to learn the possibilities and impossibilities of translating from religious vocabulary into a secular vocabulary in order to be able to participate in the discussions in the public sphere.
A comparative study of pregnancy complications and outcomes for the years 1999 and 2004 at a rural hospital in South Africa: Implications for antenatal care
Authors: Hoque Monjurul , Hoque Shahnaz
Published: October 2010

Background: Detection and management of high-risk pregnancies, all the way through antenatal care, have been advocated as a high-quality mean of reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.Objectives: This study reviewed the demographic variables, pregnancy and obstetric complications and perinatal outcomes for the years 1999 and 2004 in a rural hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, with the aim of evaluating trends and gaps that may enhance appropriate strategies for improvement of antenatal care.Method: A retrospective comparative study, with representative samples of pregnant women, were randomly selected for the respective years 1999 and 2004. Descriptive statistics were calculated depending on measurement scale. A Z-test was carried out to assess the significant difference (p < 0.05) in proportions between pregnancy complications and outcomes of the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine the significant predictors for outcome variables.Results: The numbers of pregnancies among young women (< 25 years) increased significantly by 8% (p < 0.05) in the year 2004. Compared with 1999, the reduction in the numbers of pregnancies (1%) among higher parity (parity 5 or more) women in 2004 was remarkable. There were significant reductions of eclampsia, anaemia and post partum haemorrhage. Women with breech presentation were 3.75 times more likely to deliver preterm, and 5.45 times more likely to deliver low birth-weight babies. Similarly, women with pregnancy-induced hypertension were more likely to have preterm (OR = 3.50, 95% CI 2.83; 4.35) and low birth-weight babies (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.62; 2.71). Eclampsia was also a risk factor associated with preterm deliveries (OR = 6.14, 95% CI 3.74; 10.09) and low birth-weight babies (OR = 3.40, 95% CI 1.83; 6.28).Conclusion: This study suggests that further research is needed to find the causes of higher rate of teenage pregnancies and an increase in quality of antenatal care is more important in improving maternal and perinatal health. Training of staff to standard protocol and guidelines on antenatal care and care during delivery, and adherence to it, should be encouraged to improve maternal and child health in South Africa.
Validation of northern latitude Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer stare ozone profiles with ARC-IONS sondes during ARCTAS: sensitivity, bias and error analysis
Authors: Boxe C. S. , Worden J. R. , Bowman K. W. , Kulawik S. S. , Neu J. L. , Ford W. C. , Osterman G. B. , Herman R. L. , Eldering A. , Tarasick D. W. , Thompson A. M. , Doughty D. C. , Hoffmann M. R. , Oltmans S. J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. We compare Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) versions 3 and 4, V003 and V004, respectively, nadir-stare ozone profiles with ozonesonde profiles from the Arctic Intensive Ozonesonde Network Study (ARCIONS, http://croc.gsfc.nasa.gov/arcions/ during the Arctic Research on the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) field mission. The ozonesonde data are from launches timed to match Aura's overpass, where 11 coincidences spanned 44° N to 71° N from April to July 2008. Using the TES "stare" observation mode, 32 observations are taken over each coincidental ozonesonde launch. By effectively sampling the same air mass 32 times, comparisons are made between the empirically-calculated random errors to the expected random errors from measurement noise, temperature and interfering species, such as water. This study represents the first validation of high latitude (>70°) TES ozone. We find that the calculated errors are consistent with the actual errors with a similar vertical distribution that varies between 5% and 20% for V003 and V004 TES data. In general, TES ozone profiles are positively biased (by less than 15%) from the surface to the upper-troposphere (~1000 to 100 hPa) and negatively biased (by less than 20%) from the upper-troposphere to the lower-stratosphere (100 to 30 hPa) when compared to the ozonesonde data. Lastly, for V003 and V004 TES data between 44° N and 71° N there is variability in the mean biases (from −14 to +15%), mean theoretical errors (from 6 to 13%), and mean random errors (from 9 to 19%).
Bromide and other ions in the snow, firn air, and atmospheric boundary layer at Summit during GSHOX
Authors: Dibb J. E. , Ziemba L. D. , Luxford J. , Beckman P.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Measurements of gas phase soluble bromide in the boundary layer and in firn air, and Br− in aerosol and snow, were made at Summit, Greenland (72.5° N, 38.4° W, 3200 m a.s.l.) as part of a larger investigation into the influence of Br chemistry on HOx cycling. The soluble bromide measurements confirm that photochemical activation of Br− in the snow causes release of active Br to the overlying air despite trace concentrations of Br− in the snow (means 15 and 8 nmol Br− kg−1 of snow in 2007 and 2008, respectively). Mixing ratios of soluble bromide above the snow were also found to be very small (mean <1 ppt both years, with maxima of 3 and 4 ppt in 2007 and 2008, respectively), but these levels clearly oxidize and deposit long-lived gaseous elemental mercury and may perturb HOx partitioning. Concentrations of Br− in surface snow tended to increase/decrease in parallel with the specific activities of the aerosol-associated radionuclides 7Be and 210Pb. Earlier work has shown that ventilation of the boundary layer causes simultaneous increases in 7Be and 210Pb at Summit, suggesting there is a pool of Br in the free troposphere above Summit in summer time. Speciation and the source of this free tropospheric Br− are not well constrained, but we suggest it may be linked to extensive regions of active Br chemistry in the Arctic basin which are known to cause ozone and mercury depletion events shortly after polar sunrise. If this hypothesis is correct, it implies persistence of the free troposphere Br− for several months after peak Br activation in March/April. Alternatively, there may be a ubiquitous pool of Br− in the free troposphere, sustained by currently unknown sources and processes.
Modelled and measured effects of clouds on UV Aerosol Indices on a local, regional, and global scale
Authors: Penning de Vries M. , Wagner T.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The UV Aerosol Indices (UVAI) form one of very few available tools in satellite remote sensing that provide information on aerosol absorption. The UVAI are also quite insensitive to surface type and are determined in the presence of clouds – situations where most aerosol retrieval algorithms do not work. The UVAI are most sensitive to elevated layers of absorbing aerosols, such as mineral dust and smoke from biomass burning, but they can also be used to study non-absorbing aerosols, such as sulphate and secondary organic aerosols. Although UVAI are determined for cloud-contaminated pixels, clouds do affect the value of UVAI in several ways. One way to correct for these effects is to remove clouded pixels using a cloud filter. However, this causes a large loss of data, biases the results towards clear skies, and removes all potentially very interesting pixels where aerosols and clouds co-exist. We here propose to correct the effects of clouds on UVAI in a more sophisticated way, namely by simulating the contribution of clouds to UVAI, and then subtracting it from the measured data. To this aim, we modelled UVAI from clouds by using measured cloud optical parameters – either with low spatial resolution from SCIAMACHY, or high resolution from MERIS – as input. The modelled UVAI were compared with UVAI measured by SCIAMACHY on different spatial (local, regional and global) and temporal scales (single measurement, daily means and seasonal means). The general dependencies of UVAI on cloud parameters were quite well reproduced, but several issues remain unclear: compared to the modelled UVAI, measured UVAI show a bias, in particular for large cloud fractions, and much larger scatter. Also, the viewing angle dependence differs for measured and modelled UVAI. The modelled UVAI from clouds will be used to correct measured UVAI for the effect of clouds, thus allowing a more quantitative analysis of UVAI and enabling investigations of aerosol-cloud interactions.
Chemical, physical, and optical evolution of biomass burning aerosols: a case study
Authors: Adler G. , Flores J. M. , Abo Riziq A. , Borrmann S. , Rudich Y.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. In-situ chemical composition measurements of ambient aerosols have been used for characterizing the evolution of submicron aerosols from a large anthropogenic biomass burning (BB) event in Israel. A high resolution Time of Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (Hi-RES-TOF-AMS) was used to follow the chemical evolution of BB aerosols during a night-long, extensive nationwide wood burning event and during the following day. While extensive BB is not common in this region, burning of agricultural waste is a common practice. The aging process of the BB aerosols was followed through their chemical, physical and optical properties. Mass spectrometric analysis of the aerosol organic component showed that aerosol aging is characterized by shifting from less oxidized fresh BB aerosols to more oxidized aerosols. Evidence for aerosol aging during the day following the BB event was indicated by an increase in the organic mass, its oxidation state, the total aerosol concentration, and a shift in the modal particle diameter. The effective broadband refractive index (EBRI) was derived using a white light optical particle counter (WELAS). The average EBRI for a mixed population of aerosols dominated by open fires was m=1.53(±0.03)+0.07i(±0.03), during the smoldering phase of the fires we found the EBRI to be m=1.54(±0.01)+0.04i(±0.01) compared to m=1.49(±0.01)+0.02i(±0.01) of the aged aerosols during the following day. This change indicates a decrease in the overall aerosol absorption and scattering. Elevated levels of particulate Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected during the entire event, which suggest possible implications for human health during such extensive event.
Validation of five years (2003–2007) of SCIAMACHY CO total column measurements using ground-based spectrometer observations
Authors: de Laat A. T. J. , Gloudemans A. M. S. , Schrijver H. , Aben I. , Nagahama Y. , Suzuki K. , Mahieu E. , Jones N. B. , Paton-Walsh C. , Deutscher N. M. , Griffith D. W. T. , De Mazière M. , Mittermeier R. L. , Fast H. , Notholt J. , Palm M. , Hawat T. , Blumenstock T. , Hase F. , Schneider M. , Rinsland C. , Dzhola A. V. , Grechko E. I. , Poberovskii A. M. , Makarova M. V. , Mellqvist J. , Strandberg A. , Sussmann R. , Borsdorff T. , Rettinger M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. This paper presents a validation study of SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) carbon monoxide (CO) total column measurements from the Iterative Maximum Likelihood Method (IMLM) algorithm using ground-based spectrometer observations from twenty surface stations for the five year time period of 2003–2007. Overall we find a good agreement between SCIAMACHY and ground-based observations for both mean values as well as seasonal variations. For high-latitude Northern Hemisphere stations absolute differences between SCIAMACHY and ground-based measurements are close to or fall within the SCIAMACHY CO 2σ precision of 0.2 × 1018 molecules/cm2 (∼10%) indicating that SCIAMACHY can observe CO accurately at high Northern Hemisphere latitudes. For Northern Hemisphere mid-latitude stations the validation is complicated due to the vicinity of emission sources for almost all stations, leading to higher ground-based measurements compared to SCIAMACHY CO within its typical sampling area of 8° × 8°. Comparisons with Northern Hemisphere mountain stations are hampered by elevation effects. After accounting for these effects, the validation provides satisfactory results. At Southern Hemisphere mid- to high latitudes SCIAMACHY is systematically lower than the ground-based measurements for 2003 and 2004, but for 2005 and later years the differences between SCIAMACHY and ground-based measurements fall within the SCIAMACHY precision. The 2003–2004 bias is consistent with previously reported results although its origin remains under investigation. No other systematic spatial or temporal biases could be identified based on the validation presented in this paper. Validation results are robust with regard to the choices of the instrument-noise error filter, sampling area, and time averaging required for the validation of SCIAMACHY CO total column measurements. Finally, our results show that the spatial coverage of the ground-based measurements available for the validation of the 2003–2007 SCIAMACHY CO columns is sub-optimal for validation purposes, and that the recent and ongoing expansion of the ground-based network by carefully selecting new locations may be very beneficial for SCIAMACHY CO and other satellite trace gas measurements validation efforts.
Quantitative sampling and analysis of trace elements in atmospheric aerosols: impactor characterization and Synchrotron-XRF mass calibration
Authors: Richard A. , Bukowiecki N. , Lienemann P. , Furger M. , Fierz M. , Minguillón M. C. , Weideli B. , Figi R. , Flechsig U. , Appel K. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Baltensperger U.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Identification of trace elements in ambient air can add substantial information to pollution source apportionment studies, although they do not contribute significantly to emissions in terms of mass. A method for quantitative size and time-resolved trace element evaluation in ambient aerosols with a rotating drum impactor and synchrotron radiation based X-ray fluorescence is presented. The impactor collection efficiency curves and size segregation characteristics were investigated in an experiment with oil and salt particles. Cutoff diameters were determined through the ratio of size distributions measured with two particle sizers. Furthermore, an external calibration technique to empirically link fluorescence intensities to ambient concentrations was developed. Solutions of elemental standards were applied with an ink-jet printer on thin films and area concentrations were subsequently evaluated with external wet chemical methods. These customized and reusable reference standards enable quantification of different data sets analyzed under varying experimental conditions.
Modelling burned area in Africa
Authors: Lehsten V. , Harmand P. , Palumbo I. , Arneth A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The simulation of current and projected wildfires is essential for predicting crucial aspects of vegetation patterns, biogeochemical cycling as well as pyrogenic emissions across the African continent. This study uses a data-driven approach to parameterize two burned area models applicable to dynamic vegetation models (DVMs) and Earth system models (ESMs). We restricted our analysis to variables for which either projections based on climate scenarios are available, or that are calculated by DVMs, and we consider a spatial scale of one degree as the scale typical for DVMs and ESMs. By using the African continent here as an example, an analogue approach could in principle be adopted for other regions, for global scale dynamic burned area modelling. We used 9 years of data (2000–2008) for the variables: precipitation over the last dry season, the last wet season and averaged over the last 2 years, a fire-danger index (the Nesterov index), population density, and annual proportion of area burned derived from the MODIS MCD45A1 product. Two further variables, tree and herb cover were only available for 2001 as a remote sensing product. Since the effect of fires on vegetation depends strongly on burning conditions, the timing of wildfires is of high interest too, and we were able to relate the seasonal occurrence of wildfires to the daily Nesterov index. We parameterized two generalized linear models (GLMs), one with the full variable set (model VC) and one considering only climate variables (model C). All introduced variables resulted in an increase in model performance. Model VC correctly predicts the spatial distribution and extent of fire prone areas though the total variability is underrepresented. Model VC has a much lower performance in both aspects (correlation coefficient of predicted and observed ratio of burned area: 0.71 for model VC and 0.58 for model C). We expect the remaining variability to be attributed to additional variables which are not available at a global scale and thus not incorporated in this study as well as its coarse resolution. An application of the models using climate hindcasts and projections ranging from 1980 to 2060 resulted in a strong decrease of burned area of ca. 20–25%. Since wildfires are an integral part of land use practices in Africa, their occurrence is an indicator of areas favourable for food production. In absence of other compensating land use changes, their projected decrease can hence be interpreted as a indicator for future loss of such areas.
Holistic versus monomeric strategies for hydrological modelling of modified hydrosystems
Authors: Nalbantis I. , Efstratiadis A. , Rozos E. , Kopsiafti M. , Koutsoyiannis D.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The modelling of modified basins that are inadequately measured constitutes a challenge for hydrological science. Often, models for such systems are detailed and hydraulics-based for only one part of the system while for other parts oversimplified models or rough assumptions are used. This is typically a bottom-up approach, which seeks to exploit knowledge of hydrological processes at the micro-scale at some components of the system. Also, it is a monomeric approach in two ways: first, essential interactions among system components may be poorly represented or even omitted; second, differences in the level of detail of process representation can lead to uncontrolled errors. Additionally, the calibration procedure merely accounts for the reproduction of the observed responses using typical fitting criteria. The paper aims to raise some critical issues, regarding the entire modelling approach for such hydrosystems. For this, two alternative modelling strategies are examined that reflect two modelling approaches or philosophies: a dominant bottom-up approach, which is also monomeric and very often, based on output information and a top-down and holistic approach based on generalized information. Critical options are examined, which codify the differences between the two strategies: the representation of surface, groundwater and water management processes, the schematization and parameterization concepts and the parameter estimation methodology. The first strategy is based on stand-alone models for surface and groundwater processes and for water management, which are employed sequentially. For each model, a different (detailed or coarse) parameterization is used, which is dictated by the hydrosystem schematization. The second strategy involves model integration for all processes, parsimonious parameterization and hybrid manual-automatic parameter optimization based on multiple objectives. A test case is examined in a hydrosystem in Greece with high complexities, such as extended surface-groundwater interactions, ill-defined boundaries, sinks to the sea and anthropogenic intervention with unmeasured abstractions both from surface and groundwater. Criteria for comparison are the physical consistency of parameters, the reproduction of runoff hydrographs at multiple sites within the basin, the likelihood of uncontrolled model outputs, the required amount of computational effort and the performance within a stochastic simulation setting.
Assessment of glacier melt-model transferability: comparison of temperature-index and energy-balance models
Authors: MacDougall A. H. , Wheler B. A. , Flowers G. E.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Transferability of glacier melt models is necessary for reliable projections of melt over large glacierized regions and over long time-scales. The transferability of such models has been examined for individual model types, but inter-comparison has been hindered by the diversity of validation statistics used to quantify transferability. We apply four common types of melt models – the classical degree-day model, an enhanced temperature-index model, a simplified energy-balance model and a full energy-balance model – to two glaciers in the same small mountain range. The transferability of each model is examined in space and over two melt seasons. We find that the full energy balance model is consistently the most transferable, with deviations in estimated glacier-wide surface ablation of ≤ 35% when the model is forced with parameters derived from the other glacier and/or melt season. The other three models have deviations in glacier-wide surface ablation of ≥ 100% under the same forcings. In addition, we find that there is no simple relationship between model complexity and model transferability.