bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A radiometric profile across part of the Canadian Shield
Authors: Darnley A G , Grasty R L , Charbonneau B W
Published: February 2016

Radiometric profiles obtained between Ottawa, Ontario and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories demonstrate that significant data can be obtained from cross - country reconnaissance flights with a gamma- ray spectrometer of high sensitivity . Major radiometric
features are identifiable and comparable on parallel flight lines 4 miles apart. Results from the outward and return flights flown approximately three weeks apart demonstrate that satisfactory reproducibility can be obtained, although there is room for improvement with respect to uranium
measurements. The r e are significant differences in mean radioelement content between major provinces, but the correspondence is by no means exact and it is anticipated that further radiometric survey work will provide additional criteria for subdivision . As a generalization it appears that the
Superior Province has the lowest average radioelement content, whereas the Lake Athabasca to Great Slave Lake portion of the Churchill Province has the highest. The profiles show a number of relatively narrow zones, a few tens of miles wide, of strong radioelement enrichment. There are also other
zones with a less e r degree of enrichment, such as between Kapuskasing and Hearst in Ontario. In most cases t h e length of t h e prominent enrichment zones is not known, but one example , the Fort Smith- G r eat Slave "high", has been traced more than 1 50 miles . Within these zones radioelement
enrichment does not appear to be confined to a particular rock type. In three examples, the zone of radioelement enrichment appears to be closely linked with the regional structure ; e . g . Cairns Lake (midway between Wollaston and Reindeer Lakes ) Saskatchewan ; Uranium City, Saskatchewan; and the
F ort Smith to MacDonald Fault belt, Northwest Territories. The radiometric profiles demonstrate the existence of distinctive features associated with known uranium mineralization in the Elliot Lake, Ontario ; Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan; and Uranium City, Saskatchewan areas , and by analogy with
these it is possible to select a number of other districts which appear to have a high probability of uranium mineral occurrences . Radioelement enrichment zones may also present new tar gets for general mineral exploration, because of the possibilities that a variety of elements may have been
concentrated by the same processes as concentrated potassium, uranium and thorium.
Electromagnetic fields of oscillating magnetic dipoles placed over a multilayer conducting earth
Authors: Sinha A K , Collet L S
Published: February 2016

The electromagnetic fields from oscillating horizontal and vertical magnetic dipoles are calculated for loops placed above an n-layer earth. The formal solutions for the magnetic fields in air are presented in terms of three infinite integrals which may be
evaluated numerically on a digital computer. A completely generalized computer program for that purpose has been included in this paper. The program has been used to make a detailed analysis of the polarization characteristics of the fields from airborne vertical and horizontal magnetic dipoles
above a multi-layer earth. A number of theoretical curves show the variations of the tilt angle and ellipticity of the polarization ellipses over several models. Both tilt angle and ellipticity plots show good resolution but ellipticity plots have somewhat higher resolution. Hence both these
parameters may be used in the interpretation of airborne electromagnetic mapping data.
Recommended standards for recording the location of mineral deposits
Authors: Kelly A M
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study, carried out for the Working Committee on Mineral Deposits Data of the National Advisory Committee on Research in the Geological Sciences, was to define minimum standards for recording data relating to the location of mineral deposits;
specifically, what should be recorded, what coordinate system or other means of specifying location should be used, and the precision with which the location should be recorded. Three classes of location were identified: "global", "local", and "legal". Depending on uses made of location data, one or
other of these classes are applied in the mineral industry. The distinction between "precision" and "accuracy" is discussed and related to the problem of locating mineral deposits. Finally, a series of twelve conclusions and recommendations is made, which, it is hoped, will assist in standardizing
the recording of location data and thereby facilitate the compilation and exchange of mineral deposits data, particularly for those data stored in computer-based systems.
An automatic 3-magnet or biastatic magnetometer
Authors: Larochelle A , Christie K W
Published: February 2016

The widely used 2-magnet, Blackett-type astatic magnetometer cannot be used efficiently for Palaeomagnetic research in laboratories where the ambient magnetic field and its vertical gradient are subject to constant variations. It is shown that under such
conditions, the 3-magnet or "biastatic" magnetometer is theoretically more stable and adequate. Considerations for the design of such an instrument are briefly reviewed and a description is given of an instrument of this type developed at the Geological Survey of Canada, An important feature of this
instrument is that its operation can be carried out automatically. The results obtained in testing the performance of the instrument are analyzed,
Experimental ship-based helicopter aeromagnetic survey
Authors: Sawatzky P
Published: February 2016

The problems inherent in using a magnetometer on board a ship-based helicopter are discussed and the adaptations of equipment required and the techniques employed are described. The author concludes that the efficiency of magnetometer surveys conducted at sea can
be increased by using helicopters and that the skill and initiative of the personnel involved in the project is of great importance.
A rapid and sensitive method for determining gold in rocks and other geological materials
Authors: Washington R A , Holman R H C
Published: February 2016

Preliminary tests have indicated the feasibility of using the classical method of fire assay to concentrate gold in a silver bead from silicate rocks for subsequent neutron activation analysis using instrumental techniques. Radiochemical separation of gold
following activation is not required. The detection limit, using silver as a collector, is about 0. 01 ppm Au for a sample weight of one assay ton (29. 2 g). The precision, for homogeneous samples, is likely to be about 1 to 2 per cent at 1 ppm falling to around 50 per cent near the detection limit.
The proposed method is essentially simple and it is estimated that the probable productivity would be about 25 to 30 determinations per man day. Improved techniques are suggested that should lower the detection limit by a factor of about ten.
Field and laboratory methods used by the Geological Survey of Canada in geochemical surveys no. 8 preparation of geological materials for chemical and spectrographic analysis
Authors: Lavergne P J
Published: February 2016

This paper outlines methods for the preparation of rock, soil, stream sediment, mineral concentrate, and biological samples for chemical and spectrographic analysis, and contains a list of the necessary equipment to carry out the preparatory
work.
Analysis of rocks and minerals by atomic absorption spectroscopy, part 2 : determination of total iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium
Authors: Abbey S
Published: February 2016

A general method, developed earlier for the determination of magnesium and iron in rocks and minerals, is modified and extended to the determination of calcium, sodium and potassium, in most cases on the same solution. Possible adaptation of the method to a new
precise scheme of analysis is discussed and possible future work indicated.
Construction and calibration of an apparatus for the measurement of surface areas of powdered samples
Authors: Washington R A
Published: February 2016

An apparatus has been constructed for measurement of specific surface areas of powdered samples in the size range from O. 72 mm diameter (2 0 mesh) to O. 068 mm diameter (250 mesh). The method is rapid and easy to use . With a few simple precautions in the
calibration an accuracy of about.±. 5 per cent is possible . Following calibration with standard spherical glass beads the surface area of particles of any shape may be measured directly.
Upper devonian stratigraphy, Northwest Margin of the Southesk Reef, eastern Rocky Mountains, Alberta
Authors: Mackenzie W S
Published: February 2016

Presents a summary of Upper Devonian stratigraphy and stratigraphic relationships in three thrust sheets near the northwest margin of Southesk reef, in the vicinity of Mount MacKenzie, northwest of the Brazeau River, with special reference to the complex and
highly variable stratigraphy of the transition zone between the reef facies and the surrounding shales. Detailed sections representative of the various lithologic units are given as an appendix to the report.
A computer program for factor analysis of geochemical and other data
Authors: Cameron E M
Published: February 2016

A program, written in Fortran II for a CDC 3200 computer with a 16K memory, is given for the factor analysis of data containing up to 36 variables. Principal components are extracted by the Jacobi method and up to 26 factors are rotated first to orthogonal simple
structure using the Varimax criterion and then to oblique simple structure by the Promax method. Factor scores are computed by Harmon's (1960) method of ideal variables. A separate program computes scores from either orthogonal or oblique factor matrices by a method of Kaiser's
(1962).
Surface resistivity surveys in southeastern Manitoba
Authors: Wyder J E
Published: February 2016

Reconnaissance surface electrical resistivity surveys were conducted in seven areas in southeastern Manitoba. The results show that if certain precautions are taken, the surface resistivity method can be a useful tool for locating and delineating sand and gravel
deposits. The results obtained in the Winkler area are a particularly good example of the value of the use of resistivity surveys in the search for gravel and groundwater resources.
Geology of Hyde Lake map area, District of Keewatin, N.W.T.
Authors: Fraser J A
Published: February 2016

The map area is situated in the extreme southeast corner of the District of Keewatin in the Churchill Structural Province. ft is extensively drift covered. An early hypersthene granulite complex, consisting of granitoids and subordinate metasediments which were
metamorphosed and uplifted in Archean time, occupies the southwestern regions. Elsewhere, Archean metabasaltic to metadacitic flows, pyroclastics, and associated meta-argillite, metagreywacke, iron formation, and calc-silicate rocks have been folded around southeasterly and south westerly plunging
axes, intruded and partly coverted to migmatite by Archean granodiorite and Aphebian(?) granite. Isolated remnants of Aphebian (Hurwitz Group) orthoquart z ite, meta-argillite and interbedded carbonate strata, which overlie Archean rocks unconformably, have been folded around southwesterly plunging
axes and intruded by late Aphebian granite and pegmatite. Metamorphism, probably mainly related to plutonism, has reached upper amohibolite grade in Archean supracrustal rocks and lower amphibolite grade in Aphebian rocks. Metamorphic pressures were low to moderate. Evidence of a late, low
temperature retrograde metamorphism and a late cataclasis is widespread.
Petrology of the Regan Intrusive Suite, in the Nose Lake-Beechey Lake map area, District of Mackenzie, N.W.T
Authors: Hill J D ,   Geological Survey of Canada, Frith R
A
Published: February 2016

The Regan Intrusive Suite consists of 57 intrusions in the south half of the Nose Lake-Beechey Lake map area which can be divided into five compositional types including quartz diorite, tonalite, melagranodiorite, leucogranodiorite and granite. Most plutons
contain one rock type but a few are zoned with more mafic lithologies at the margins and more leucocratic varieties at the centres. The rocks have simple mineralogies containing varying amounts of quartz, plagioclase, hornblende, biotite and microcline and in some granites, muscovite. Most of the
plutons postdate the two phases of folding that affected the Yellowknife Supergroup supracrustal rocks. The more felsic plutons deflect later structures and metamorphic mineral isograds whereas the more mafic varieties have variable discordant to concordant contacts. A third upright northeast
trending cleavage postdates most of the plutons and is locally evident in them, as a fracture cleavage. Field, hand specimen and petrographic studies show the plutons are magmatic in origin and were emplaced in relatively ductile states. All minerals are magmatic except for microcline, which appears
to have recrystallized and remobilized from primary K-f eldspar that was an integral part of the original rock framework. Mineral paragenesis suggests that plagioclase crystallized after hornblende, followed by biotite, quartz and microcline. Whole-rock and mineral chemistry data support models of
hornblende plagioclase fractionation of a single parent magma at least as basic as quartz diorite. Some of the muscovite granites of the suite may be separate and genetically unrelated intrusions which share some geochemical similarities with the suite as a whole.
Sedimentology of the Goldenville formation, eastern shore, Nova Scotia
Authors: Waldron J W F , Jensen L R
Published: February 2016

The Goldenville Formation is a thick sequence of metamorphosed interbedded sandstone and slate of Cambra-Ordovician age, which underlies much of southern mainland Nova Scotia. Magnetic anomalies associated with particular horizons within the formation were traced
along strike using a vertical gradient magnetometer for up to about 15 km. Stratigraphic sections were measured through laterally equivalent parts of the formation. Paleocurrent measurements based on flutes and grooves were reoriented using estimates of tectonic strains obtained by measuring
sand-volcanoes. The Goldenville Formation sediments have been classified into the following sedimentaryfacies: graded sandstone; laminated to massive sandstone; internally scoured sandstone; muddy sandstone; intraclast conglomerate; cross-stratified sandstone; crosstaminated slate; and laminated
slate. Sedimentary structures indicate that most sandstones were deposited by high-and low-concentration turbidity currents that flowed generally from west to east but which show considerable variation in current direction, consistent with deposition on a submarine fan. Grain flow and fluidized flow
occurred during deposition high-concentration turbidity currents but were less important than lurbidity currents in sediment transport. Muddy sandstones we reformed by remobilization of sand and mud in debris-flows on slopes. lntraclast conglomerates were deposited by high-energy flows that eroded
large amounts of underlying sediment. Rare cross-stratified sandstones were deposited by bottom-currems with variable direction. Slates interbedded with the sands/ones probably represent a mixture of hemipelagic mud and deposits from dilute turbidity currents; some may have been reworked by
bottom-currents. Comparison of laterally equivalent sections shows that major latera/facies changes are present; sandstone-dominated packages from 5 to 150 m thick disappear when traced laterally over distances of several kilometres. The thicker sandstone packages represent submarine-fan channel
complexes flanked by raised levees; currents on the levees diverged from those in the channel axis. Channels reached depths of at least 40m and probable widths of 2 10 3 km. Thinner packages were deposited in less persistent, shallow channels 1hat probably lacked levees, and possibly also in small
depositional lobes. Slate-dominated intervals represent infer-channel deposi1s.
An ecostratigraphic study of late pleistocene sediments of western Champlain Sea Basin, Ontario and Quebec
Authors: Rodrigues C G , Richard S H
Published: February 2016

Five marine pelecypod and cirriped associations , one freshwater pelecypod association, seven foraminiferal associations, and five groups of ostracode assemblages are recognized in Late Pleistocene sediments of the Thurso, Russell, Winchester, and Morrisburg map
areas. Salinity and substrate are the primary factors controlling the distribution of macrofossils and microfoss ils . The Balanus hameri, Macoma balthica, Portlandia arctica, and Cassidulina reniforme-Islandiella helenaeHaynesina orbicularis associations characterize high salinity bottom water. The
Macoma balthica and Elphidium sp.- Haynesina orbicularis-Elphidium clavatum associations and Cytheromorpha macchesneyi -dominant assemblages inhabited low salinity bottom water. Cytheromorpha macchesne yi-dominant assemblages are recurrent in the western Champlain Sea basin. The assemblages were
present in the western part of the basin circa 11 BOO, 11 400, and 10 BOO BP. Foraminifer diversity for 54 samples based on the Shannon-Wiener Information Function [H(S)] ranged from 0.06 to l.Bl with a mean value of 1.02. Ostracode diversity [H(S)] ranged from 0.00 to 1.77 in 14 samples that
contained more than 100 valves. Foraminifer diversity does not appear to be influenced by salinity. The successions of macrofaunal and foraminiferal associations are related, in part, to a change from high salinity (30 to 34°/00 ) to lower salinity bottom water (10 to 30°/00 ) from the
base to the top of the successions . In the Navan area the transit ion from high to low salinity bottom water occurred between 11 OOO and 10 BOO BP. The date of 10 200 ± 90 BP (GSC - 3907, inner fraction ) on Hiatella arctica from the top of a marine sequence near Bearbrook indicates that the
Hiatella arctica association is not restricted to the early part of the Champlain Sea episode . The date of 11 BOO ± 100 BP (GSC - 3523) on Macoma balthica from a beach deposit near Merrickville provides an approximate age for deglaciation and marine submergence along the southwestern margin of
the Champlain Sea basin .
Windsor group salt in the Cumberland Subbasin of Nova Scotia
Authors: Howie R D
Published: February 2016

The Paleozoic fold belt of Atlantic Canada forms the northeastern part of the Appalachian Mountains. Within this fold belt, the Windsor Group includes the only marine rocks of Late Paleozoic age in southeastern Canada. The Windsor Group evaporites, which are
preserved on land in outliers or as part of the northeastern trending basin beneath the Gulf of St. Lawrence, form part of a much larger depositional area, the Magdalen Basin. Based on present structural trends, the Magdalen Basin has been divided into a number of subbasins. The Cumberland subbasin
is one of these. The Cumberland subbasin contains thick deposits of Upper Paleozoic rocks. Adjustments within the basement and uplift of the Cobequid basement block to the south, have folded the Carboniferous rocks in the subbasin into the east-northeast trending, salt-cored Malagash and Minudie
anticlines and a few local structures. Massive salt accumulations occur as flow structures that are generally overturned to the north. The salt migration is considered to be the result of halokinesis and halotectonism associated with the Maritime Disturbance.
The upper triassic kutcho formation, Cassiar mountains, north-central British Columbia
Authors: Thorstad L E , Gabrielse H
Published: February 2016

The Kutcho Formation is an Upper Triassic volcano-sedimentary rock sequence overlain by Upper Triassic Sinwa and Lower Jurassic Ink/informations. These three units form the King Salmon Assemblage which lies within a southwestward transported, faultbounded
allochthon whose basement is the Cache Creek Group. The volcanics comprise a distinctive bimodal suite of calc-alkaline basalt or basaltic andesite and rhyodacite or rhyolite. A Rb-Sr whole-rock isochron of 210 ± JO Ma, with 87Sr/86Sr initial ratio of 0.7042, dates Kutcho volcanism as Late
Triassic. The King Salmon Assemblage was isoclinally folded, metamorphosed (greenschistfacies) and thrust southwestward along the King Salmon Fault in Toarcian to Middle Bajocian time. A penetrative axial planar cleavage subparallel with the sole of the King Salmon thrust fault is typical. The
Kutcho Formation hosts the Kutcho Creek massive sulphide deposit within the feldspar quartz-eye sericite schist. Mineralization (80-85% sulphides, 15-20% gangue) in the stratabound deposit consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite with minor bornite, chalcocite, pyrrhotite and trace
tetrahedrite-tennantite, digenite and galena. Alteration around the deposit involves Na20 depletion and K20, Si02 , MgO and CaO enrichment. The deposit is similar to syngenetic, volcanogenic Kuroko-type deposits. The Kutcho Formation and other coeval Triassic volcanic sequences, were probably formed
within an extensive island arc environment related to subduction beneath the terranes of Stikinia, Cache Creek and Quesnellia. The southwest vergence of faults bounding the King Salmon Assemblage resulted from late Middle Jurassic emplacement and underthrusting of the arc and related subduction
sequences by the Stikine Terrane.
Wiener pack: a subroutine package for computing probabilities associated with Wiener and Brownian Bridge processes
Authors: Chung C F
Published: February 2016

A subroutine package WIENER PACK written in FORTRAN-77 has been developed to compute the
probabilities associated with Wiener and Brownian bridge processes of the following forms:
P { W(t) ::::; "! + 8 t: a ::::; t ::::; b } ;
P { I W(t) I :S "! + 8 t: a :S t :S b } ;
P { B(t) ::::; "! : a ::::; t ::::; b } ;
P { I B(t) I :S "{ : a :S t ::::; b } ,
where W(.) and B(.) are Wiener and Brownian bridge processes, respectively.
Canadian earthquakes - 1984
Authors: Drysdale J A , Horner R B
Published: February 2016

During 1984, 281 earthquakes of' magnitude 3.0 or greater occurred in Canada and adjacent areas of' the United States and Greenland. These are listed chronological by region in fïve tables following the text. Epicentral and magnitude parameters have been
determined for 881 earthquakes smaller than magnitude 3.0 in or near Canada in 1984 and are plotted along with the larger events on eight epicentre maps. All events are catalogued on magnetic tape and are available upon request. The pattern of' earthquake activity was, in general, similar to that of
previous years with some noteworthy exceptions. Two significant earthquake swarms occurred in northern Canada; the fïrst, near Brock Island, N. W. T., during January and the second at Pelly Bay, N. W. T. during April, May and June. An earthquake on 11 February (4.7 m") near the British Columbia
- Alberta border in the Crowsnest Pass was one of the largest known in that region. Also on 11 February, an event near Sioux Lookout, Ontario (3.9 m) occurred in an area where earthquakes are rare. The seismica1 quiet Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia experienced a .felt tremor on 13 October (3.3 mN).
Another significant .feature of the 1984 activity was the occurrence of a large number of rockbursts in northern Ontario mines. Over 80 rockbursts were located by the Canadian network. The magnitude 3.0 or forger rockbursts are listed in a separate table (Table D). Four miners were killed and
several mines suffered disruption of their activities. Thirty-fïve earthquakes were felt in Canada including 11 smaller than magnitude 3.0. The most wide(r .felt event was the Crowsnest Pass earthquake on 11 February, which was felt to distances of 300 km
Metallic minerals on the deep seabed
Authors: Gross G A , Mcleod C R
Published: February 2016

Seabed mineral deposits are composed mainly of manganese and iron oxide and sulphide minerals, and are classified as: manganese nodules and crusts; metalliferous sediments, including basal and surface facies, crusts, mounds, chimneys, and stacks at hydrothermal
sites; and veins, stockworks, and replacement masses in bedrock. A world map, scale 1:40 million, shows mineral distribution in relation to major tectonic features, continental margins and areas 370 km from shore. Geological settings are described for about 250 mineral occurrences in the Atlantic,
Pacific and Indian oceans, for manganese nodules, and for cobalt-rich manganese crusts. Exploration along the axes of spread­ing ridges has in general been selective and nonsystematic. Manganese nodules containing 1.7 to 3.5 % combined copper and nickel, in minimum abun­dance of JO kg/m2, and
with high manganese-iron ratios, occur in the north equatorial and south­west Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, where there is minimal detrital sedimentation, high biological productivity, and where hydrothermal fluids were likely sources of metals. Manganese crusts containing 0.3 to 1%
cobalt are common at depths of 800 to 2500 m on seamounts in the Central Pacific. Metalliferous sediments are deposited by hydrothermal effusive systems that develop in the ocean­ic lithosphere where deep fracture zones coincide with anomalously high thermal gradients. Sul­phide facies containing
significant amounts of copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold are usually deposited near high temperature (50 to 400° C) hydrothermal vents, and commonly extend to siliceous oxide facies that are distal from vent sites and rich in iron, manganese, and nontronite clay or smectite. Many
metalliferous facies on the seabed are similar in composition to iron-formations and related stratafer sediments mined on land.
Canadian seismograph operations - 1985
Authors: Munro P S , Halliday R J , Shannon W E , Schieman D R J
Published: February 2016

At the end of 1985 the Division of Seismology and Geomagnetism of the Geological Survey of Canada, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, operated or contracted the operation of 16 standard seismograph stations, 42 regional stations, 2 telemetered networks,
based in Ottawa and near Victoria, a medium-aperture array at Yellowknife, two strong-motion seismograph networks on the east and west coasts and several special or temporary seismographs. This report gives the characteristics of the various systems and describes the format and availability of the
recorded data.
Background measurements in gamma-ray surveys
Authors: Grasty R L , Wilkes P G , Kooyman R
Published: February 2016

Airborne gamma-ray data from Malawi, Africa were used to develop an automated system for computing on-line atmospheric background radioactivity. The atmospheric backgrounds were calculated using lead-shielded upward-looking detectors calibrated from airborne
measurements over a large lake and areas with varying proportions of uranium and thorium. The method was tested by producing atmospheric uranium background maps and background corrected uranium count rate maps from two different areas. The procedure was used to test two other methods of monitoring
atmospheric background. One was high altitude flights at 600-700 m and the other repeated flights at survey altitude over a test line. It is shown that high altitude flights require corrections for cosmic-ray increases with altitude as well as scattered thorium gamma-radiation from the ground. With
these corrections, high altitude data could still give erroneous backgrounds at the survey altitude because of non-uniform distributions of airborne radioactivity. Data from repeated test lines at the survey altitude compared favourably with the background measured with the upward-looking detectors
provided the data were normalized to a constant thorium value. This normalization reduced errors due to deviations in the aircraft flight path over areas of variable radioactivity. Theoretical studies of the system configuration showed that most of the radiation measured in the upward detector was
direct radiation from the ground. The use of lead to shield the upward detectors was found to be unnecessary, since adequate shielding was provided by the downward detectors. Studies of experimental data showed that the cosmic-ray background increase with aircraft altitude could be monitored more
easily using a cosmic-ray window which recorded all counts above 3 MeV, than with a barometric altimeter.
Canadian seismograph operations - 1987
Authors: Munro P S , Halliday R J , Shannon W E , Shieman D R J
Published: February 2016

At the end of 1987 the Geological Survey of Canada, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, operated or contracted the operation of 14 standard seismograph stations, 48 regional stations, 2 regional telemetered networks, based in Ottawa and near Victoria, 2
local telemetered networks, a medium-aperture array at Yellowknife, two strong-motion seismograph networks on the east and west coasts and several special or temporary seismographs. This report gives the characteristics of the various systems and describes the format and availability of the recorded
data.
Comparison of the frequency of psychiatric disorders among patients with chronic low back pain and control group
Authors: Farajirad Elnaz , Tohidi Hadi , Farajirad Mohammad
Published: February 2016

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common complaints of patients referred to the clinics. Studies indicated that psychosocial factors have great impact on the patients' complaints and disability. The aim of this study was to evaluate a broad range of psychiatric disorders in patients with chronic LBP (CLBP) and compare them with those of the control group. Patients and Methods: We applied Symptom Checklist 90-R to compare 50 CLBP patients in the case group with 100 participants without it in the control group. The questionnaire measured somatization, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. Results: Average “global severity index” was 1.10 in the case and 0.5 in the control group. Average “positive symptom total” was 45.26 in the case and 27.41 in the control group. Average “positive symptom distress index” was 2.50 in the case and 1.50 in the control group. Average scores for all test dimensions were significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.00). Conclusions: All dimensions were significantly more common in CLBP patients. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of these disorders may improve the outcome of CLBP.
Intracranial en-plaque tuberculoma impersonating en-plaque meningioma: Case report and brief review of literature
Authors: Kumar Jayendra , Mallik Jeevesh , Strickland Ben , Harsh Viraat , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2016

Background: Tuberculosis of the central nervous system continues to be a major health hazard in developing countries like India. There are various manifestations of central nervous system tuberculosis including meningitis and space occupying lesions. We present a case of tuberculoma en-plaque which is often initially confused with a meningioma on presentation. We also review the literature relevant to this unusual entity. Methods: A search of PubMed, PubMed Central, the Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE were performed to identify all English language reports of intracranial en-plaque tuberculomas. The combinations of text strings “tuberculoma,” “en*,” and “plaque” were used to perform the query on PubMed. Only the studies reporting intracranial en-plaque tuberculomas were included. Results: Literature review revealed six reports on en-plaque tuberculomas including seven patients. The mean age at presentation was 40.5 years, and no sex predilection was seen. Five of the six reported studies used anti-tuberculous therapy with or without surgical excision of the mass. Most of the patients in reported cases recovered fully. Conclusion: It is imperative to consider tuberculoma as an important differential when encountering intracranial en-plaque masses as en-plaque tuberculomas can be effectively treated with a combination of anti-tuberculosis therapy and surgical resection, yet consequences of a missed or late diagnosis can prove fatal.
Comparison of postoperative clinical outcome after repairing surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis between diabetic and nondiabetic patients
Authors: Afsharian Tahmineh , Azhari Shirzad , Mostafazadeh Babak
Published: February 2016

Background: Poorer postoperative outcome is suggested after repairing surgery in diabetic patients with lumbar spinal stenosis in comparison with nondiabetic patients. The present study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis and diabetic and nondiabetic patients to highlight the effect of diabetes on prognosis of this surgical procedure. Methods: This prospective cohort study is conducted on 25 diabetic patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who were candidate for surgical treatment. A gender, age, and body mass index-matched group including 30 nondiabetic patients with lumbar spinal stenosis was considered as the control. The clinical condition of the patients was assessed based on oswestry disability index (ODI) before and immediately after surgery. Results: There was no difference in baseline ODI index between diabetes and diabetes group (73.68 ± 18.89 vs. 71.20 ± 18.27, P = 0.625), whereas postprocedure ODI was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in nondiabetic group (54.32 ± 19.03 vs. 29.47 ± 18.75, P < 0.001). The multivariable logistic regression analysis could show a difference in postoperative ODI between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with the presence of baseline variables as the confounders (beta = −24.509, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Lower improvement in physical ability is expected in diabetic patients after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis when compared to nondiabetes patients.
High incidence of neural tube defects in Northern part of India
Authors: Rai Sunil , Singh Royana , Pandey Sharad , Singh Kulwant , Shinde Neeraj , Rai Sangita , Prasad Rajniti , Shama Satya
Published: February 2016

Background: In the absence of primary care and prevailing associated social stigma, many patients of neural tube defects (NTDs) from remote areas die without getting any treatment. The high number of such untreated cases and unregistered deaths in these areas made us ponders to the fact that tertiary care center-based studies do not represent the true incidence of NTDs. Materials and Methods: We did a population-based survey for NTDs births of rural areas from Jaunpur to Ghazipur district in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. These districts are among the least developed areas of Northern India in Uttar Pradesh among other 17. Results: The data show an incidence of 7.48 per 1000 live births. Conclusion: Besides of unawareness regarding periconceptional folate supplementation, intensive effort is required to design adequately powered studies to search other key factors responsible for high prevalence of NTDs.
Isolated third nerve palsy: A rare presentation of high grade glioma
Authors: Singh Deepak , Singh Neha , Singh Ragini
Published: February 2016

High grade gliomas account for almost one-third of primary central nervous system neoplasm, mainly in adults with a mean age of 41 years. They usually present with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure such as headache, vomiting, and seizures. We report a case of 55-year-old male presenting with right side complete third nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intraaxial tumor of the right medial temporal lobe. The tumor was removed grossly, and the histological diagnosis was anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade 3). We discuss clinical presentation of this case along with pertinent literature.
Treatment of Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis in Patients from the Southeastern Rhodope Region of Bulgaria in 2004–2013: Comparison of Current Practices with Expert Recommendations
Authors: Muhtarov Marin , Rainova Iskra , Tamarozzi Francesca
Published: February 2016

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a clinically complex chronic parasitic disease, management options for which include surgery, percutaneous treatments, and treatment with albendazole (ABZ) for active cysts, and the “Watch-and-Wait” approach for uncomplicated, inactive cysts. We examined, retrospectively, the clinical management of 334 patients with hepatic CE from the southeastern Rhodope region of Bulgaria between 2004 and 2013. Cysts were reclassified according to the World Health Organization Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (WHO-IWGE) on the basis of ultrasound reports and images. The majority (62.3%) of uncomplicated cysts were CE1, 66% of which were treated surgically. Of all interventions, 5% were performed on inactive uncomplicated CE4–CE5 cysts. About half (47.6%) of these cysts were therefore treated inappropriately, exposing patients to unnecessary treatment-related risks and the health system to unnecessary costs. No management change was observed after the publication of the WHO-IWGE Expert Consensus recommendations in 2010. In Bulgaria, ABZ is still used in interrupted cycles as this is reimbursed, and peri-interventional chemoprophylaxis was not administered in the majority of surgical patients. Efforts are needed to introduce the WHO-IWGE classification and management recommendations and to encourage reception of state-of-the-art practices by public health regulatory bodies to improve patient quality of care and optimization of health resources.
Performance of Interferon-Gamma and IP-10 Release Assays for Diagnosing Latent Tuberculosis Infections in Patients with Concurrent Malaria in Tanzania
Authors: Drabe Camilla H. , Vestergaard Lasse S. , Helleberg Marie , Nyagonde Nyagonde , Rose Michala V. , Francis Filbert , Theilgaard Ola P. , Asbjørn Jens , Amos Ben , Bygbjerg Ib Christian , Ruhwald Morten , Ravn Pernille
Published: February 2016

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release assays (IGRAs) are used to detect cellular immune recognition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The chemokine IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) is an alternative diagnostic biomarker to IFN-γ. Several conditions interfere with IGRA test performance. We aimed to assess the possible influence of Plasmodium falciparum infection on the IGRA test QuantiFERON-TB GOLD® In-Tube (QFT) test and an in-house IP-10 release assay. In total, 241 Tanzanian adults were included; 184 patients with uncomplicated malaria (88 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] coinfected) and 57 HIV-infected patients without malaria infection. Malaria was treated with artemether–lumefantrine (Coartem®). QFT testing was performed before initiation of malaria treatment and at days 7 and 42. In total, 172 patients completed follow-up. IFN-γ and IP-10 was measured in QFT supernatants. We found that during malaria infection IFN-γ and IP-10 levels in the unstimulated samples were elevated, mitogen responsiveness was impaired, and CD4 cell counts were decreased. These alterations reverted after malaria treatment. Concurrent malaria infection did not affect QFT test results, whereas there were more indeterminate IP-10 results during acute malaria infection. We suggest that IGRA and IP-10 release assay results of malaria patients should be interpreted with caution and that testing preferably should be postponed until after malaria treatment.
Atmospheric mercury speciation dynamics at the high-altitude Pic du Midi Observatory, southern France
Authors: Fu X. W. , Marusczak N. , Heimbürger L. -E. , Sauvage B. , Gheusi F. , Prestbo E. M. , Sonke J. E.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Continuous measurements of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), particulate bound mercury (PBM) and gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) at the high-altitude Pic du Midi Observatory (PDM, 2877 m a.s.l) in southern France were made from Nov 2011 to Nov 2012. The mean GEM, PBM and GOM concentrations were 1.86 ng m−3, 14 pg m−3 and 27 pg m−3, respectively and we observed 44 high PBM (up to 98 pg m−3) and 61 high GOM (up to 295 pg m−3) events. The high PBM events occurred mainly in cold seasons (winter and spring) whereas high GOM events were mainly observed in the warm seasons (summer and autumn). In cold seasons the maximum air mass residence times (ARTs) associated with high PBM events were observed in the upper troposphere over North America. The ratios of high PBM ARTs to total ARTs over North America, Europe, the Arctic region and Atlantic Ocean were all elevated in the cold season compared to the warm season, indicating that the middle and upper free troposphere of the Northern Hemisphere may be more enriched in PBM in cold seasons. PBM concentrations and PBM/GOM ratios during the high PBM events were significantly anti-correlated with atmospheric aerosol concentrations, air temperature and solar radiation, suggesting in situ formation of PBM in the middle and upper troposphere. We identified two distinct types of high GOM events with the GOM concentrations positively and negatively correlated with atmospheric ozone concentrations, respectively. High GOM events positively correlated with ozone were mainly related to air masses from the upper troposphere over the Arctic region and middle troposphere over the temperate North Atlantic Ocean, whereas high GOM events anti-correlated with ozone were mainly related to air masses from the lower free troposphere over the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean. The ARTs analysis demonstrates that the lower and middle free troposphere over the North Atlantic Ocean was the largest source region of atmospheric GOM at PDM Observatory. The ratios of high GOM ARTs to total ARTs over the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean in summer were significantly higher than that over the temperate and sub-arctic North Atlantic Ocean as well as that over the North Atlantic Ocean in other seasons, indicating abundant in situ oxidation of GEM to GOM in the lower free troposphere over the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean in summer.
Experimental assessment of the lidar polarizing sensitivity
Authors: Belegante L. , Bravo-Aranda J. A. , Freudenthaler V. , Nicolae D. , Nemuc A. , Alados-Arboledas L. , Amodeo A. , Pappalardo G. , D’Amico G. , Engelmann R. , Baars H. , Wandinger U. , Papayannis A. , Kokkalis P. , Pereira S. N.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Particle depolarization ratio retrieved from lidar measurements are commonly used for aerosol typing studies, microphysical inversion, or mass concentration retrievals. The particle depolarization ratio is one of the primary parameters that can differentiate several major aerosol components, but only if the measurements are accurate enough. The uncertainties related to the retrieval of particle depolarization ratios are the main factor in determining the accuracy of the derived parameters in such studies. This paper presents an extended analysis of different depolarization calibration procedures, in order to reduce the related uncertainties. The calibration procedures are speciﬁc to each lidar system of the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network – EARLINET with polarising capabilities. The results illustrate a signiﬁcant improvement of the depolarization lidar products for all the selected lidar stations. The calibrated volume and particle depolarization proﬁles at 532 nm show values that agree with the theory for all selected atmospheric constituents (several aerosol species, ice particles and molecules in the aerosol free regions).
On the effective solar zenith and azimuth angles to use with measurements of hourly irradiation
Authors: Blanc P. , Wald L.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Several common practices are tested for assessing the effective solar zenith angle that can be associated to each measurement in time-series of in situ or satellite-derived measurements of hourly irradiation on horizontal surface. High quality 1 min measurements of direct irradiation collected by the BSRN stations in Carpentras in France and Payerne in Switzerland, are aggregated to yield time series of hourly direct irradiation on both horizontal and normal planes. Time series of hourly direct horizontal irradiation are reconstructed from those of hourly direct normal irradiation and estimates of the effective solar zenith angle by one of the six practices. Differences between estimated and actual time series of the direct horizontal irradiation indicate the performances of six practices. Several of them yield satisfactory estimates of the effective solar angles. The most accurate results are obtained if the effective angle is computed by two time series of the direct horizontal and normal irradiations that should be observed if the sky were cloud-free. If not possible, then the most accurate results are obtained from using irradiation at the top of atmosphere. Performances show a tendency to decrease during sunrise and sunset hours. The effective solar azimuth angle is computed from the effective solar zenith angle.
The nature of organic carbon in density-fractionated sediments in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (California)
Authors: Wakeham S. G. , Canuel E. A.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Rivers are the primary means by which sediments and carbon are transported from the terrestrial biosphere to the oceans but gaps remain in our understanding of carbon associations from source to sink. Bed sediments from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (CA) were fractionated according to density and analyzed for sediment mass distribution, elemental (C and N) composition, mineral surface area, and stable carbon and radiocarbon isotope compositions of organic carbon (OC) and fatty acids to evaluate the nature of organic carbon in river sediments. OC was unevenly distributed among density fractions. Mass and OC were in general concentrated in mesodensity (1.6–2.0 and 2.0–2.5 g cm−3) fractions, comprising 84.0 ± 1.3 % of total sediment mass and 80.8 ± 13.3 % of total OC (TOC). Low-density (< 1.6 g cm−3) material, although rich in OC (34.0 ± 2.0 % OC) due to woody debris, constituted only 17.3 ± 12.8 % of TOC. High-density (> 2.5 g cm−3) organic-poor, mineral-rich material made-up 13.7 ± 1.4 % of sediment mass and 2.0 ± 0.9 % of TOC. Stable carbon isotope compositions of sedimentary OC were relatively uniform across bulk and density fractions (δ13C −27.4 ± 0.5 ‰). Radiocarbon content varied from Δ14C values of −382 (radiocarbon age 3800 yr BP) to +94 ‰ (modern) indicating a mix of young and old OC. Fatty acids were used to further constrain the origins of sedimentary OC. Short-chain n-C14–n-C18 fatty acids of algal origin were depleted in 13C (δ13C −37.5 to −35.2 ‰) but were enriched in 14C (Δ14C > 0) compared to long-chain n-C24–n-C28 acids of vascular plant origins with higher δ13C (−33.0 to −31.0 ‰) but variable Δ14C values (−180 and 61 ‰). These data demonstrate the potentially complex source and age distributions found within river sediments and provide insights about sediment and organic matter supply to the Delta.