bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Missing girls: low child sex ratio, study from urban slum and elite area of Nagpur
Authors: Nagargoje B , Jadhao A , Bhardwaj SD , Khadse J
Published: December 2011

Objectives: To find the child sex ratio in the urban slum and elite area of Nagpur and also to compare child sex ratio according to birth order and sex of previous born child. Methods: The study involved house to house interview of mothers of 0-6 years children from urban slum and elite area of Nagpur city. Information regarding all children born in last 6 years, their date of birth, birth order, sex, interval between two births and information regarding any abortions were noted. Results: Child sex ratio was 934 females per 1000 males combined for both areas. Child sex ratio was significantly low (P<0.05) in elite area (904 females per 1000 males) compared to slum area (964 females per 1000 males). Child sex ratio was highest for Hindus (1051 in slum area and 975 in elite area) and lowest for others (778 in slum area and 375 in elite area). Child sex ratio decreases, as education of mother increases, except when mother was graduate or postgraduate for both areas combined upto birth orders three, child sex ratio was 941 females per 1000 males (981 for slum area and 904 for elite area). In elite area, for the second birth order, number of males was significantly higher than females, when first-born child was female (P<0.05). There was significant difference between number of males and females of second birth order, when the first-born child was male compared to when it was female (P<0.001). Conclusion: There is missing of girl child form the second and subsequent birth order, especially when the previous born child is female, which is more evident in elite area. Keywords: Child sex ratio; urban slum; elite area; birth order; India. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5589   HR 2011; 9(3): 189-193
Costs of Automobile Air Emissions in U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Mashayekh Yeganeh , Jaramillo Paulina , Chester Mikhail , Hendrickson Chris T. , Weber Christopher L.
Published: December 2011

Automobile air emissions are a well-recognized problem and have been subject to considerable regulation. An increasing concern for greenhouse gas emissions draws additional considerations to the externalities of personal vehicle travel. This paper provides estimates of the costs for automobile air emissions for 86 U.S. metropolitan areas based on county-specific external air emission morbidity, mortality, and environmental costs. Total air emission costs in the urban areas are estimated to be $145 million/day, with Los Angeles, California, and New York City (each $23 million per day) having the highest totals. These external costs average $0.64 per day per person and $0.03 per vehicle mile traveled. Total air emission cost solely due to traffic congestion for the same 86 U.S. metropolitan areas was also estimated to be $24 million per day. These estimates are compared with others in the literature and are found to be generally consistent. These external automobile air emission costs are important for social benefit and cost assessment of transportation measures to reduce vehicle use. However, this study does not include any abatement costs associated with automobile emission controls or government investments to reduce emissions such as traffic signal setting.
Hygienic Quality of Indian Sweet Milk Products from Different Sources
Authors: Karthikeyan N , Dhanakakshmi B
Published: December 2011

Seventy samples of milk sweets including 30 samples of khoa, 10 samples of burfi, 10 samples of gulabjamun, 10 samples of kalakand and 10 samples of peda from local vendors, private manufacturers and organized dairies in and around Chennai, India were collected. The milk products were examined for microbial quality that includes enumeration of total viable bacteria, coliforms, phychrotrops, aerobic spore farmers, yeast and mould and isolation, identification of mould species were carried out. The results revealed that the bacterial count, yeast and mould count of local vendor’s samples were significantly (P<0.01) higher when compared to private manufacturers and organized dairies except psychrotrophic count in local and private vendor’s samples were identical. The total percentage of occurrence of Aspergillus sp. isolated from khoa samples was found to be the highest (63.08 per cent) followed by Penicillium sp. (17.38 per cent), Rhizopus sp. (10.86 per cent), Fusarium sp. (4.34 per cent) and Mucor sp (4.34 per cent). However, the total percentage of occurrence of Aspergillus sp isolated from khoa based milk sweet samples was also found to be the highest (70.90 per cent) followed by Penicillium sp. (15.11 per cent), Rhizopus sp. (9.30 per cent), Mucor sp. (3.48 per cent) and Fusarium sp. (1.16 per cent). The present study concluded that the khoa, khoa based sweets produced by the local vendors were inferior in quality as compared private and organized dairies. Key words: Khoa; milk sweets; bacteriological count; yeast and mould; different sourcesDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v27i2.9168 BJM 2010; 27(2): 32-37
Performance of Plasma B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Heart Failure
Authors: Hoque MM , Shafiullah S , Sultana P , Sultana N
Published: December 2011

Background: Accurate diagnosis of heart failure (HF) is essential for its proper management and logical drug therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality. On this perspective researcher are in search of a good biomarker as complementary to the clinical parameters to improve the performance of HF diagnosis. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) secreted by cardiac ventricles in HF has emerged as a new promising biomarker in this regard. Objective: To evaluate the performance of plasma BNP as a diagnostic biomarker in HF. Methods: In a cross sectional study 180 clinically suspected HF patients were selected. Their plasma BNP were measured and then subjected to echocardiogram. Patients were categorized as HF and without HF on the basis of echocardiogram and against this information the performance of plasma BNP of study subjects were evaluated as a diagnostic biomarker of HF considering 100 pg/ ml as its cut off point. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, PLR and NLR of plasma BNP for diagnosis of HF found to be 88 %, 63.8 %, 77.2 %, 75.2 %, 81.0 %, 2.4 and 0.2 respectively. Conclusion: Plasma BNP concentration increases in HF. Based on 100 pg/ml as cut off point, plasma BNP shows good performance in diagnosis of HF Keywords: BNP; Heart failure DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9180 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 126-130
Patients with Left Ventricular (LV) Dysfunction: Is OPCAB Advantageous over Conventional CABG in our settings?
Authors: Kamruzzaman M , Hosain N , Hassan MK , Razzak SKA , Ahmed NU
Published: December 2011

Objective: Off-pump CABG (OPCAB) is a well established surgical procedure in Bangladesh now. Majority of Bangladeshi patients having CABG are undergoing OPCAB procedures these days. Patients with left ventricular dysfunction are known to be particularly at risk of complications after surgical coronary revascularization. Off-pump procedure can be considered in these patients, avoiding the potentially damaging effect of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients with left ventricular dysfunction are thus thought to be ideal OPCAB candidates. This study is undertaken to check the advantage of OPCAB over conventional CABG of Bangladeshi patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Methods: This is a prospective clinical trial done in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka during the period of January 2006 to Dec 2007. Among the 52 patients 26 patients underwent OPCAB with preoperative ejection fraction (EF) 35.2±3.2% and rest 26 patients had conventional bypass (CCABG) with preoperative EF 33.4±3.8%. Different variables were evaluated and compared. Echocardiography was used both pre and postoperatively to assess the LVEF, LVIDd and LVIDs and regional wall motion abnormality and to assess the presence or absence of ischemia or infarction. Data were collected by interview schedule and checklist. Data were analyzed by standard statistical methods. Results: In this small series of patients with left ventricular dysfunction, off-pump CABG was carried out with good early outcome; with low mortality and morbidity and significant improvement in postoperative left ventricular function. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of change in EF, LVIDd and LVIDs. Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that both the surgical strategies improved the myocardial function and early outcome in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. However OPCAB surgery has a somewhat better result regarding ventilation time and ICU stay. Thus both OPCAB and on pump surgery can be performed safely and effectively in patients with left ventricular dysfunction with good results and low mortality. Keywords: Left ventricular function; CABG; OPCAB DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9181 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 131-135
In Hospital Outcome of Myocardial Infarcton in Nondiabetic Patients with High on Admission Blood Glucose Level
Authors: Ullah M , Sayami LA , Khan MR , Jahan A , Rahman Z , Rahman MT , Majumder AAS
Published: December 2011

Background: Patients without a history of diabetes often develop hyperglycemia during an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Our aim was to evaluate the impact of admission hyperglycemia on in hospital outcome of non-diabetic patients admitted for acute coronary syndromes. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases among the patients with acute myocardial infarction without history of diabetes. 50 patients with ST elevation MI (STEMI) with complications, 50 patients with STEMI without complications, 50 patients with non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI) with complications and 50 patients without complications were included in the study. Every patient got the treatment as per protocol of the institute. On admission blood glucose of the patients was recorded. Level of blood glucose was correlated with the frequency of complications. Results : Average on admission blood sugar level was higher in patients who developed complications with STEMI (11.4 vs 8.78 mmol/L). On admission blood sugar level was also significantly higher in patients with NSTEMI with complications (10.6 vs 8.6 mmol/L). The frequency of individual complications had no significant relation with the blood sugar level. Conclusion : Higher level of admission blood glucose is related to poor in hospital outcome in both STEMI & NSTEMI even in nondiabetic patients. It may be used as a predictor of poor outcome of patients with myocardial infarction. Keywords: STEMI; NSTEMI; Blood glucose. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9183 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 143-148
Double Chamber of Right Ventricle (DCRV) - A Case Report
Authors: Rahim AMA , Hasan KA , Hasan MK , Mamun MMAA , Salam ABMA , Arif MA , Mahmood KN
Published: December 2011

Primarily double chamber of Right ventricle (DCRV) is an uncommon congenital anomaly consists of one or more anomalous muscle bundles(AMB) that divide Right ventricle into proximal high and distal low pressure chamber .Outcome of surgical treatment is excellent if diagnosed properly. A 5years old girl presented with breathlessness on exertion and repeated attack of cough, fever for last 4 years .patient ultimately diagnosed as DCRVand underwent intracardiac repair by open heart surgery. Her postoperative outcome was uneventful. Patient is discharged on 8th postoperative day after follow up postoperative chest X Ray and Echocardiography . Keywords: Double chamber of Right ventricle; intracardiac repair DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9194 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 226-229
Residual Ventricular Septal Defect after Surgical Repair of TOF - A Case Report
Authors: Hassan MK , Hasan KA , Rahim AMA , Mahmood KN , Hossain SN
Published: December 2011

Residual Ventricular septal defect after surgical repair for Tetralogy of fallot(TOF) can occasionally be heamodynamically important requiring re-intervention.Closed observation and followup make this defect heamodynamically insignificant, required no medication and no endocarditis.We describe one patient having residual defect after surgical repair of TOF. Keywords TOF; Residual VSD DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9196   Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 233-234
A Case of Severe Tricuspid Stenosis of Rheumatic Origin
Authors: Rahman MT , Das M , Ullah M , Rahman Z , Hossain A , Sayami LA , Roy SS , Majumder AAS
Published: December 2011

Tricuspid valve stenosis is a valvular heart disease which results in the narrowing of the orifice of the tricuspid valve of the heart. It’s relatively a rare condition. It is almost always caused by rheumatic fever and is generally accompanied by mitral stenosis.Other rare causes include carcinoid syndrome, endocarditis, endomyocardial fibrosis, lupus erythematosus, right atrial myxoma and congenital tricuspid atresia. Here we describe a patient with history of prior CMC presented with severe Tricuspid Stenosis with Tricuspid Regurgitation (Grade-IV), Mitral Restenosis (Severe), Mitral Regurgitation (grade-1+), Aortic Stenosis (Mild) and Aortic Regurgitation (Grade-2). Keywords: Tricuspid stenosis; Rheumatic heart disease; Valvular heart disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9197 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 235-238
Coronary Artery Dissection and Perforation Complicating Percutaneous Coronary Intervention  A Review
Authors: Rahman Z , Ullah M , Choudhury AK
Published: December 2011

After its introduction by Andrew R. Gruentzig in 1977 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is widely utilized in the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease. Though it has numerous benefits, serious and potentially life-threatening complications of PCI can occur, including iatrogenic coronary artery dissection and perforation. The incidence of these complications has been augmented by the development of coronary interventional devices intended to remove or ablate tissue. Here we review the classification, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical sequelae and management of coronary artery dissection and perforation in the current era due to PCI. Specifically, the current angiographic classifications of coronary artery dissections and perforations are reviewed. The findings of several recent, registries of PCI-related coronary artery perforations and dissection are summarized. The management of coronary artery dissection and perforation is discussed in details, including the application of newer modalities such as covered stents. Keywords: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); Coronary artery dissection DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9198   Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 239-247
Post Infarct Left Ventricular Remodeling: Current Concept in Pathophysiology and Management
Authors: Chowdhury NA , Ullah M , Gafur S , Islam Z
Published: December 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9199  Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 248-253
Dr. P K Sen- the Bengali Surgeon of the Century
Authors: Hosain N
Published: December 2011

Dr Parafulla Kumar Sen, popularly known as P K Sen was a great Bengali surgeon of Twentieth century. Regarded as the founder of cardiothoracic surgery in India, Dr Sen performed the first intracardiac operation of any kind, the first open heart surgery and also the first heart transplantation in this subcontinent. He also made very significant contribution in the development of transmyocardial revascularization, a new technique for aortic arch replacement and described a group of nonspecific vasculitis. Dr P K Sen was born in Kolkata, the then capital of undivided Bengal in 1915. But he is little known in Bangladesh. This article is an attempt to notify the deeds of this Bengali surgeon.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v3i2.9200  Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 3(2): 254-257
The Slowly Aggregating Salmon Calcitonin: A Useful Tool for the Study of the Amyloid Oligomers Structure and Activity
Authors: Diociaiuti Marco , Gaudiano Maria Cristina , Malchiodi-Albedi Fiorella
Published: December 2011

Amyloid proteins of different aminoacidic composition share the tendency to misfold and aggregate in a similar way, following common aggregation steps. The process includes the formation of dimers, trimers, and low molecular weight prefibrillar oligomers, characterized by the typical morphology of globules less than 10 nm diameter. The globules spontaneously form linear or annular structures and, eventually, mature fibers. The rate of this process depends on characteristics intrinsic to the different proteins and to environmental conditions (i.e., pH, ionic strength, solvent composition, temperature). In the case of neurodegenerative diseases, it is now generally agreed that the pathogenic aggregates are not the mature fibrils, but the intermediate, soluble oligomers. However, the molecular mechanism by which these oligomers trigger neuronal damage is still unclear. Inparticular, it is not clear if there is a peculiar structure at the basis of the neurotoxic effect and how this structure interacts with neurons. This review will focus on the results we obtained using salmon Calcitonin, an amyloid protein characterized by a very slow aggregation rate, which allowed us to closely monitor the aggregation process. We used it as a tool to investigate the characteristics of amyloid oligomers formation and their interactions with neuronal cells. Our results indicate that small globules of about 6 nm could be the responsible for the neurotoxic effects. Moreover, our data suggest that the rich content in lipid rafts of neuronal cell plasma membrane may render neurons particularly vulnerable to the amyloid protein toxic effect.
The Relationships Between Biological Activities and Structure of Flavan-3-Ols
Authors: Braicu Cornelia , Pilecki Valentina , Balacescu Ovidiu , Irimie Alexandru , Berindan Neagoe Ioana
Published: December 2011

Flavan-3-ols are involved in multiple metabolic pathways that induce inhibition of cell proliferation. We studied the structure-activity relationship of gallic acid (GA) and four flavan-3-ols: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), catechin (C), and epicatechin (EC). We measured the cell viability by the MTT assay and we determined the concentration of testing compound required to reduce cell viability by 50% (IC50). All tested compounds showed a dose-dependent and time-dependent inhibitory antiproliferative effect on Hs578T cells; IC50 values varying from the 15.81 to 326.8 µM. Intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) were quantified using a fluorescent probe 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA). Only the treatment with 10 µM EGC and EGCG was able to induce a significant decrease of ROS concentration and increased levels of ROS were registered for 100 µM EGCG, EGC and GA. Flavans-3-ols and GA induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which indicated that the induction of apoptosis mediated their cytotoxic activity at least partially. The galloylated catechins have shown a stronger antiproliferative activity and apoptotic effect than the one produced by non galloylated catechins. The galloylated flavan-3-ols are potential therapeutic agents for patients with triple negative breast cancer via induction of apoptosis.
Comparing Carbon and Water Footprints for Beef Cattle Production in Southern Australia
Authors: Ridoutt Bradley G. , Sanguansri Peerasak , Harper Gregory S.
Published: December 2011

Stand-alone environmental indicators based on life cycle assessment (LCA), such as the carbon footprint and water footprint, are becoming increasingly popular as a means of directing sustainable production and consumption. However, individually, these metrics violate the principle of LCA known as comprehensiveness and do not necessarily provide an indication of overall environmental impact. In this study, the carbon footprints for six diverse beef cattle production systems in southern Australia were calculated and found to range from 10.1 to 12.7 kg CO2e kg−1 live weight (cradle to farm gate). This compared to water footprints, which ranged from 3.3 to 221 L H2Oe kg−1 live weight. For these systems, the life cycle impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water use were subsequently modelled using endpoint indicators and aggregated to enable comparison. In all cases, impacts from GHG emissions were most important, representing 93 to 99% of the combined scores. As such, the industry’s existing priority of GHG emissions reduction is affirmed. In an attempt to balance the demands of comprehensiveness and simplicity, to achieve reliable public reporting of the environmental impacts of a large number of products across the economy, a multi-indicator approach based on combined midpoint and endpoint life cycle impact assessment modelling is proposed. For agri-food products, impacts from land use should also be included as tradeoffs between GHG emissions, water use and land use are common.
Endogenous
Candida albicans
Endophthalmitis Following Spontaneous Abortion and IUD Removal
Authors: Doshi Rishi R. , Wender Jon D. , Jumper J. Michael , Sanislo Steven R. , Leng Theodore
Published: December 2011

The authors report a rare case of a 32-year-old woman who developed endogenous
Candida albicans
endophthalmitis following spontaneous abortion and removal of a contraceptive intrauterine device. Considerations regarding diagnosis and management are presented based on a review of the literature.
Prevalence of Comorbidity and its Association with Traumatic Brain Injury and Outcomes in Older Adults
Authors: Thompson Hilaire J. , Dikmen Sureyya , Temkin Nancy
Published: December 2011

The study aims were to examine the association between age, comorbidity, and cause of injury in older adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI); and to determine which comorbidities relate to mortality, length of stay, and functional outcome at hospital discharge, controlling for initial injury severity, age, and sex. A retrospective cohort study design was used; clinical and outcome trauma registry data were obtained for 196 adults 55 and older with TBI. The majority had at least one comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, alcohol abuse). In-hospital mortality was 31%. Among the oldest-old, motor vehicle collisions and falls were significantly associated with specific chronic diseases. Prior myocardial infarction was significantly associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death. Injury Severity Score and Glasgow Coma Scale score were predictive of discharge function, but comorbidity did not add significantly to the model. Primary TBI prevention efforts in older adults must consider the impact of comorbidity and cause of injury, particularly in the oldest-old. Alcohol abuse is common in older adults with TBI; screening should be conducted and interventions developed to prevent future injury. Future study is warranted to understand the interplay between pathophysiology of comorbid disease and injury and how to best manage rehabilitation within the context of aging.
Measuring Symptoms of Depression: Comparing the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9-Observation Version
Authors: Phillips Lorraine J.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to extend available psychometric data on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9-Observation Version (PHQ-9-OV) by comparing it with the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) in a new sample of long-term care residents. Data were collected post intervention in a quasi-experimental storytelling study across six communities. The sample (
N
= 54) was 87% women with mean age of 84.5, mean CSDD score of 3.96, and mean PHQ-9-OV score of 4.22. Prevalence of depressive symptoms by CSDD criteria was 20.4% and by PHQ-9-OV criteria was 40.7%. The CSDD and PHQ-9-OV were well correlated (
r
s
= 0.78,
p
< 0.0001). Neither scale was significantly correlated with depression diagnosis nor antidepressant agent use. Both measures demonstrated adequate reliability. The PHQ-9-OV item scoring and established cut-off points designate a lower threshold than the CSDD to detect clinically significant depressive symptoms. Further study is needed to determine the sensitivity of the PHQ-9-OV in identifying treatment effects.
Evaluación de la susceptibilidad a la corrosión por picado del acero API 5L x42 expuesto a un ambiente con cloruros y CO2 mediante la técnica de ruido electroquímico
Authors: Peña-Ballesteros D. , Rodríguez-Vanegas N. , Antelíz C. , Sarmiento-Klapper H.
Published: December 2011

La concentración de iones cloruro y la presión parcial de CO2, tienen un papel importante en el proceso de degradación de los aceros de bajo carbono empleados en la construcción de líneas de transporte en industrias petroleras. Con el fin de evaluar la susceptibilidad del acero al carbono API 5L X42 a la corrosión por picado, se realizaron medidas de ruido electroquímico y resistencia a la polarización lineal en soluciones acuosas de iones cloruro con concentraciones entre 10.000 y 18.000 ppm, variando la presión parcial de CO2 entre 10 psi y 18 psi. Los resultados indican que la formación de una capa protectora, constituida principalmente por FeCO3, depende de la presión parcial de CO2 del sistema. No obstante, la estabilidad de dicha capa es afectada significativamente por el aumento de la concentración de iones cloruro, que producen fenómenos de corrosión localizada en algunas áreas de la superficie del acero API 5L X42, los cuales fueron detectados por la técnica de ruido electroquímico.
Implicaciones del contenido total de silicio, aluminio, cromo y formación de películas delgadas de ferrita sobre la baja ductilidad a alta temperatura en aceros eléctricos no orientados
Authors: Equihua-Guillén F. , Servín R. , Muzquiz-Riojas J. R. , Camporedondo-Saucedo J. E. , Aguilar-González M.
Published: December 2011

Este trabajo muestra evidencia de las implicaciones de la cantidad total de silicio, aluminio y cromo sobre la baja ductilidad en aceros eléctricos durante la laminación en caliente. Este artículo explica la razón de la pérdida de ductilidad a temperaturas entre 950 y 1.000°C en aceros eléctricos. Las ecuaciones empíricas para determinar la temperatura Ar3 no consideran los elementos aluminio y silicio. Los resultados muestran que altos contenidos de silicio, aluminio y la concentración residual de cromo incrementan considerablemente la temperatura de transformación Ar3 en aceros eléctricos de grano no orientado. La baja ductilidad a elevada temperatura ocurre entre las temperaturas de transformación Ae3 y Ar3. Adicionalmente, los resultados de este trabajo muestran evidencia de películas delgadas de ferrita formadas a temperaturas cercanas a Ar3 y sus implicaciones sobre la pérdida de ductilidad a alta temperatura.
Access to and investment of formal micro credit by small holder farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. A case study of Absu Micro Finance Bank, Uturu
Authors: Anyiro CO , Oriaku BN
Published: December 2011

Inadequate capital is a major problem confronting small-scale enterprises including farmers in Nigeria, despite the fact that small scale farmers produce the bulk of the food consumed locally and some export crops which generate foreign exchange to the country. Micro credit is a powerful anti poverty tool that has demonstrated relevance to people on six (6) continents and in nearly every country. Consequent upon the foregoing, this study determined access and investment of formal micro credit by small holder farmers in Abia state, Nigeria. A case study of Abia State University Micro Finance Bank Micro Finance Bank, Uturu (ASUMFB). Specifically, it sought to describe the socio-economic characteristics of loan beneficiary; to examine demand for micro credit by comparing the amount of formal loans applied for with the amount approved and the amount actually received by the farmers; to determine the uses of micro credit by small farmer loan beneficiaries; to determine factors that influence access to micro credit in micro finance banks. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 96 loan beneficiaries. Instrument of data collection was through a set of structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The study employed descriptive statistics and Probit regression model as analytical tools. The results of the Probit analyses showed that the coefficient of age, education, farm income, extension contact and distance between home and loan source were statistically significant at one percent probability level while farming experience and farm size were at 5 percent level. It was however recommended that Micro finance banks should ensure timely disbursement of loans to young, experienced and educated farmers who are more likely to utilize resources efficiently. Key words: Access; Investment; Micro Credit DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v6i2.3861 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2011, vol .6, no 2, pp69-76
Sources and atmospheric processing of organic aerosol in the Mediterranean: insights from aerosol mass spectrometer factor analysis
Authors: Hildebrandt L. , Kostenidou E. , Lanz V. A. , Prevot A. S. H. , Baltensperger U. , Mihalopoulos N. , Laaksonen A. , Donahue N. M. , Pandis S. N.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric particles were measured in the late winter (25 February–26 March 2009) at a remote coastal site on the island of Crete, Greece during the Finokalia Aerosol Measurement Experiment-2009. A quadrupole aerosol mass spectrometer (Q-AMS) was employed to quantify the size-resolved chemical composition of non-refractory submicron aerosol, and a thermodenuder was used to analyze the organic aerosol (OA) volatility. Complementary measurements included particle size distributions from a scanning mobility particle sizer, inorganic and organic particle composition from filter analysis, air ion concentrations, O3, NOx and NOy concentrations, and meteorological measurements. Factor analysis was performed on the OA mass spectra, and the variability in OA composition could best be explained with three OA components. The oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA) was similar in composition and volatility to the summertime OA previously measured at this site and may represent an effective endpoint in particle-phase oxidation of organics. The two other OA components, one associated with amines (Amine-OA) and the other probably associated with the burning of olive branches (OB-OA), had very low volatility but were less oxygenated. Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA) was not detected. The absence of OB-OA and Amine-OA in the summer data may be due to lower emissions and/or photochemical conversion of these components to OOA.
Spatial and temporal variation of anthropogenic black carbon emissions in China for the period 1980–2009
Authors: Qin Y. , Xie S. D.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Multi-year inventories of anthropogenic black carbon emissions, including both fuel consumption and biomass burning, at a high spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° have been constructed in China using GIS methodology for the period 1980–2009, based on official statistical data and time-varying emission factors. Results show that black carbon emissions increased from 0.87 Tg in 1980 to 1.88 Tg in 2009 with a peak in about 1995, and had been continually increasing in the first decade of the 21 century. Residential contribution to the total BC emissions declined from 82.03% in 1980 to 42.33% in 2009 at a continuous diminishing trend, but had always been the dominant contributor in China. While contributions from industry and transportation sectors had increased notably. BC emissions were mainly concentrated in the central eastern districts, the three northeastern provinces and the Sichuan Basin, covering 22.30% of China's territory, but were responsible for 43.02%, 50.47%, 50.69% and 54.30% of the national black carbon emissions in 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2009, respectively. Besides, China made up 70–85% of BC emissions in East Asia, half of the emissions in Asia, and accounted for averagely 18.97% of the global BC emissions during the estimation period.
Assessing the potential of passive microwave radiometers for continuous temperature profile retrieval using a three year data set from Payerne
Authors: Löhnert U. , Maier O.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The motivation of this study is to verify theoretical expectations placed on ground-based radiometer techniques and to confirm whether they are suitable for supporting key missions of national weather services, such as timely and accurate weather advisories and warnings. We evaluate reliability and accuracy of atmospheric temperature profiles retrieved continuously by a HATPRO (Humidity And Temperature PROfiler) system operated at the aerological station of Payerne (MeteoSwiss) in the time period August 2006–December 2009. Assessment is performed by comparing temperatures from the radiometer against temperature measurements from a radiosonde accounting for a total of 2088 quality-controlled all-season cases. In the evaluated time period, HATPRO delivered reliable temperature profiles in 88% of all-weather conditions with a temporal resolution of 15 min. Random differences between HATPRO and radiosonde are down to 0.5 K in the lower boundary layer and rise up to 1.7 K at 4 km height. The differences observed between HATPRO and radiosonde in the lower boundary layer are similar to the differences observed between the radiosonde and another in-situ sensor located on a close-by 30 m tower. Temperature retrievals from above 4 km contain less than 5% of the total information content of the measurements, which makes clear that this technique is mainly suited for continuous observations in the boundary layer. Systematic temperature differences are also observed throughout the retrieved profile and can account for up to ±0.5 K. These errors are due to offsets in the measurements of the microwave radiances that have been corrected for in data post-processing and lead to nearly bias-free overall temperature retrievals. Different reasons for the radiance offsets are discussed, but cannot be unambiguously determined retrospectively. Monitoring and, if necessary, corrections for radiance offsets as well as a real-time rigorous automated data quality control are mandatory for microwave profiler systems that are designated for operational temperature profiling. In the analysis of day/night differences, it is shown that systematic differences between radiosonde and HATPRO decrease throughout the boundary layer if 2 m surface temperature measurements are included in the retrieval.
An algorithm for detecting Trichodesmium surface blooms in the South Western Tropical Pacific
Authors: Dupouy C. , Benielli-Gary D. , Neveux J. , Dandonneau Y. , Westberry T. K.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Trichodesmium, a major colonial cyanobacterial nitrogen fixer, forms large blooms in NO3-depleted tropical oceans and enhances CO2 sequestration by the ocean due to its ability to fix dissolved dinitrogen. Thus, its importance in C and N cycles requires better estimates of its distribution at basin to global scales. However, existing algorithms to detect them from satellite have not yet been successful in the South Western Tropical Pacific (SP). Here, a novel algorithm (TRICHOdesmium SATellite) based on radiance anomaly spectra (RAS) observed in SeaWiFS imagery, is used to detect Trichodesmium during the austral summertime in the SP (5° S–25° S 160° E–170° W). Selected pixels are characterized by a restricted range of parameters quantifying RAS spectra (e.g. slope, intercept, curvature). The fraction of valid (non-cloudy) pixels identified as Trichodesmium surface blooms in the region is low (between 0.01 and 0.2 %), but is about 100 times higher than deduced from previous algorithms. At daily scales in the SP, this fraction represents a total ocean surface area varying from 16 to 48 km2 in Winter and from 200 to 1000 km2 in Summer (and at monthly scale, from 500 to 1000 km2 in Winter and from 3100 to 10 890 km2 in Summer with a maximum of 26 432 km2 in January 1999). The daily distribution of Trichodesmium surface accumulations in the SP detected by TRICHOSAT is presented for the period 1998–2010 which demonstrates that the number of selected pixels peaks in November–February each year, consistent with field observations. This approach was validated with in situ observations of Trichodesmium surface accumulations in the Melanesian archipelago around New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji Islands for the same period.
The ACCENT-protocol: a framework for benchmarking and model evaluation
Authors: Grewe V. , Moussiopoulos N. , Builtjes P. , Borrego C. , Isaksen I. S. A. , Volz-Thomas A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We summarise results from a workshop on "Model Benchmarking and Quality Assurance" of the EU-Network of Excellence ACCENT, including results from other activities (e.g. COST Action 732) and publications. A formalised evaluation protocol is presented, i.e. a generic formalism describing the procedure how to perform a model evaluation. This includes eight steps and examples from global model applications are given for illustration. The first and important step is concerning the purpose of the model application, i.e. the addressed underlying scientific or political question. We give examples to demonstrate that there is no model evaluation per se, i.e. without a focused purpose. Model evaluation is testing, whether a model is fit for its purpose. The following steps are deduced from the purpose and include model requirements, input data, key processes and quantities, benchmark data, quality indicators, sensitivities, as well as benchmarking and grading. We define "benchmarking" as the process of comparing the model output against either observational data or high fidelity model data, i.e. benchmark data. Special focus is given to the uncertainties, e.g. in observational data, which have the potential to lead to wrong conclusions in the model evaluation if not considered carefully.
DREAM(D): an adaptive Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation algorithm to solve discrete, noncontinuous, and combinatorial posterior parameter estimation problems
Authors: Vrugt J. A. , Ter Braak C. J. F.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Formal and informal Bayesian approaches have found widespread implementation and use in environmental modeling to summarize parameter and predictive uncertainty. Successful implementation of these methods relies heavily on the availability of efficient sampling methods that approximate, as closely and consistently as possible the (evolving) posterior target distribution. Much of this work has focused on continuous variables that can take on any value within their prior defined ranges. Here, we introduce theory and concepts of a discrete sampling method that resolves the parameter space at fixed points. This new code, entitled DREAM(D) uses the recently developed DREAM algorithm (Vrugt et al., 2008, 2009a, b) as its main building block but implements two novel proposal distributions to help solve discrete and combinatorial optimization problems. This novel MCMC sampler maintains detailed balance and ergodicity, and is especially designed to resolve the emerging class of optimal experimental design problems. Three different case studies involving a Sudoku puzzle, soil water retention curve, and rainfall – runoff model calibration problem are used to benchmark the performance of DREAM(D). The theory and concepts developed herein can be easily integrated into other (adaptive) MCMC algorithms.
Simulating stream flow over data sparse areas – an application of internet based data
Authors: Vu M. T. , Raghavan S. V. , Liong S. Y.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Many hydrological modeling studies suffer from lack of robust station observed data, mainly rainfall and discharge. Where such a dearth of data exists, detailed modeling studies in estimating and assessing change in water resources become difficult when models cannot be compared against recorded observations. In addition, some river basins exist along trans-boundaries of two or more countries that problems in data sharing among them add to the difficulties in such modeling studies. Nevertheless, with the advancement in the global internet resources, access to such data has become easy. Whether such internet based data are good substitutes for station data can be ascertained only after performing some modeling research. To this end, this paper describes a hydrological modeling study that simulates the river flow of the Da River across the trans-boundary regions of China and Vietnam over a 11 yr period from 1971 to 1982. Globally available observation data used in this study include topography (from SRTM – Shuttle Radar Topography Mission), land use (from GLCC – Global Land Cover Characterization), soil (from FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization), precipitation (from APHRODITE – Asian Precipitation Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards the Evaluation) and temperature (from GHCN2 – modified of Global Historical Climatology Network version 2). The study employs a hydrological model to recreate the natural flow without dam(s) built across the main river channel. The results of the study are promising and provide a wide scope to utilize internet based data for further research. This also has implications in the context of climate change applications.
Germanimum: Organometallic Chemistry
Authors: Banaszak Holl Mark M. , Peck David R.
Published: December 2011

This article provides an overview of germanium organometallic chemistry from 1994 to 2007. Major advances in the formation and breaking of GeC bonds are discussed as are advances in the physical characterization of these compounds. Recent advances in the formation of organogermanium species containing multiple bonds to germanium and the formation of germanium‐centered radicals and cations are delineated. Applications to the synthesis of germanium‐containing polymers are overviewed.
Sulfur: Organic Polysulfanes
Authors: Steudel Ralf
Published: December 2011

The chemistry of organic polysulfanes (or polysulfides) is thoroughly and critically reviewed. The synthesis of chain‐like and cyclic polysulfanes with alkyl and aryl substituents as well as their analysis, molecular structures, reactions with nucleophiles, natural occurrence and potential applications are described.
Tellurium: Organic and Organometallic Compounds
Authors: Laitinen Risto S. , Oilunkaniemi Raija
Published: December 2011

The chemistry of organotellurium compounds has developed very rapidly during the recent decades. Tellurium reagents find uses in various aspects of synthetic organic chemistry. Organometallic complexes with tellurolato or telluroether ligands show potential application in the fabrication of new materials for electronic devices. The present article emphasizes the preparation and structural characterization of some of the main classes of organic tellurium compounds and their organometallic complexes that are deemed of interest for inorganic chemists.
Evolution of Microstructure of Cold‐Spray Aluminum Coatings on Al2O3 Substrates
Authors: Dietrich Dagmar , Wielage Bernhard , Lampke Thomas , Grund Thomas , Kümmel Sabine
Published: December 2011

Electron backscatter diffraction is used to study the microstructural evolution of cold‐spray aluminum coatings on Al2O3 substrates. The influence of powder purity and substrate heating on the kernel average misorientation and the distribution of low‐angle grain boundaries in as‐sprayed and annealed coatings are discussed in terms of dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization.
Research on the Biocompatibility of the New Magnesium Alloy LANd442—An In Vivo Study in the Rabbit Tibia over 26 Weeks
Authors: Hampp Carolin , Ullmann Berit , Reifenrath Janin , Angrisani Nina , Dziuba Dina , Bormann Dirk , Seitz Jan‐Marten , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andrea
Published: December 2011

Research on magnesium based degradable implant materials has finally obtained success in orthopaedics. Based on the previous good results with LAE442 magnesium alloy, the new LANd442 alloy was developed. In doing this, the single element neodymium replaces the rare earth compound. The primary objective of this study is to assess the biocompatibility of the new alloy in the rabbit model. During a 26 week period, the animals were investigated using clinical, radiological and in vivo µ‐CT techniques. Following euthanasia, histological, fluorescent microscopy and ex vivo µ‐CT investigations were done. Clinically, additional bone formed at the implant's location and accumulation of small amounts of subcutaneous gas can be observed. Radiological investigations show brightening of the medullary cavity and thickening in the region of the diaphysis. The µ‐computed tomographies reveal a reduction in the bone density from 1226.31 to 1192.95 mg HA/ccm together with increases in bone porosity from 4.55 to 6.6% and bone volume from 1.51 to 2.06 mm3 · slice−1. By means of fluorochrome sequential marking, the determined MARs lie between day 93 and 120 at 3.58 µm · d−1and between day 120 and 179 at 2.25 µm · d−1. Elevated remodelling processes in the bone are histologically confirmed due to the periosteal and endosteal growths and an increased appearance of osteoclasts.

Owing to the established considerable bone remodelling processes following intramedullary implantation, LANd442 appears to be a less suitable degradable implant material for cortical bone applications.
Self‐Assembling, Bioinspired Wax Crystalline Surfaces with Time‐Dependent Wettability
Authors: Pechook Sasha , Pokroy Boaz
Published: December 2011

One of the most fascinating properties of materials in nature is the superhydrophobic and self‐cleaning capabilities of different plant surfaces. This is usually achieved by the hydrophobic cuticles that are made of cutin and contain wax crystals both within them and on their surfaces. Here, bioinspired n‐hexatriacontane wax films are deposited via thermal evaporation and it is shown that the surface evolves in time via self‐assembly. This leads to a dramatic change in the wetting properties with a transition from hydrophobic to superhydrophobic characteristics, which takes place within several days at room temperature. This phenomenon is investigated and strain‐induced recrystallization is proposed to be the mechanism for it. This work could become the basis for the inspiration and production of tuned, time‐dependant, temperature‐sensitive, variable‐wettability surfaces.
A Multifunctional Cationic Pentathiophene: Synthesis, Organelle‐Selective Imaging, and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Yang Gaomai , Liu Libing , Yang Qiong , Lv Fengting , Wang Shu
Published: December 2011

At present, there is an urgent necessity for the discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents with novel molecular skeleton structures that exhibit wide spectrum antitumor activity. In this work, a cationic pentathiophene (5T) is synthesized and discovered to have both anticancer activity and molecular imaging property. 5T can selectively accumulate in mitochondria to exhibit organellar imaging and efficiently induce cell apoptosis associating with JNK pathway activation. Additionally, complexes are prepared through electrostatic interactions between 5T and sodium chlorambucil (a widely used anticancer drug) with varying molar ratios. The complexes form nanoparticles in water with the size of about 50 nm. The 5T‐chlorambucil nanoparticles enhance anticancer activity by 2–9 fold due to the synergistical anticancer activity of 5T and chlorambucil. 5T is therefore a promising multifunctional anticancer agent that incorporates optical monitoring capability and anticancer activity that targets mitochondria.