bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the consumption of dietary supplements for weight loss
Authors: Tadic Ivana , Tasic Ljiljana , Djordjevic Brizita , Kundakovic Tatjana , Rakic Milan , Bogavac-Stanojevic Natasa
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Overweight and obesity may lead to a large number of health problems. Prevention and adequately timed treatment can lead to successful body mass regulation. The aim of the study was to analyze body mass index (BMI) of the examinees, usage of dietary supplement for weight loss (DSWL) by gender and particular products, types of information source and types of information about DSWL which provide doctors and pharmacists. Methods. The survey was conducted in the region of the town of Nis. The survey was carried out among a random sample of 505 participants, 243 men and 262 women, older than 15 years. The tool used was a questionnaire. Results. There is a positive association between aging and BMI. DSWL are used by 20.39% of the examinees. The most of the examinees that use DSWL were overweight and used it for esthetic reasons. Before the use of DSWL, women usually practice diets and men practice fluid consumption. Television is the most important source of information about DSWL. Health care professionals mostly provide information about DSWL consumption (64.08%), and only a third of them provide all the information (usage, eating regime, fluid consumption, and physical activity). Conclusion. The prevalence of obesity emphasizes the need for concentrated efforts to prevent obesity in the early age. The only way to reduce the risk of DSWLs misuse is providing all of the necessary information by the health care professionals. As pharmacists are in the direct contact with patients they have the most important role in rational and effective use of DSWL.
Hemophilia in the newborn without family history: Pattern of clinical presentation of three patients
Authors: Kuzmanovic Milos , Jankovic Borisav , Rasovic-Gvozdenovic Nada , Martic Jelena , Serbic Olivera
Published: December 2010

Introduction. Hemophilia is the most frequently diagnosed inborn clotting factor deficiency in the newborn. In about half of the cases diagnosis is made during neonatal period. However, due to different clinical presentation comparing to older children, hemophilia in the newborn could be misdiagnosed, especially in the setting of negative family history. Case report. Clinical features of three newborns with negative family history for hemophilia are described. All three newborns were the first born children with uneventful perinatal history, and they were referred for investigation of convulsions, soft tissue tumorous mass and sepsis, respectively. Prompt diagnosis of underlying bleeding disorder and adequate substitution therapy lead to the good outcome in all three boys. Conclusion. Symptoms and signs of hemophilia in the newborn could be at time misleading and contribute to delayed treatment. High index of suspicion on inherited bleeding disorder is warranted in every neonate with intracranial bleeding.
Simultaneous determination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in the human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography: Mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS)
Authors: Ciric Biljana , Jandric Dusan , Kilibarda Vesna , Jovic-Stosic Jasmina , Dragojevic-Simic Viktorija , Vucinic Slavica
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Quantitative analysis of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in biological matrices requires sensitive and specific methods which allow determination of therapeutic concentration in ?g/mL range. Analytical methods for determination of their concentrations in body fluids described in literature include high performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV detector (HPLC-UV) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The aim of this study was to develop sensitive and specific ultra performance liquid chromatography/ mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) method which could be used for the spectral identification and quantification of the low concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in the human plasma. Method. A sensitive and specific UPLC/MS method for amoxicillin and clavulanic acid determination was developed in this study. The samples were taken from the adult healthy volunteers receiving per os one tablet of amoxicillin (875 mg) in combination with clavulanic acid (125 mg). Results. Plasma samples were pretreated by direct deproteinization with perchloric acid. Quantification limit of 0.01 ?g/ml for both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid was achieved. The method was reproducible day by day (RSD < 7 %). Analytical recoveries for amoxicillin ranged from 98.82% to 100.9% (for concentrations of 1, 5 and 20 ?g/mL), and recoveries for clavulanic acid were 99,89% to 100.1% (for concentrations of 1, 2 and 5 ?g/mL). This assay was successfully applied to a pilot pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers after a single-oral administration of amoxicillin/ clavulanic combination. The determined plasma concentrations of both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were in the range of the expected values upon the literature data for HPLC-UV and LC-MS methods. Conclusion. The described method provided a few advantages comparing with LC/MS-MS method. The method is faster using running time of 5 minute, has lower limit of quantification (LOQ ) and it could be used in pharmacokinetic studies of both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
Carotid ultrasonographic parameters as markers of atherogenesis and mortality rate in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Stolic Radojica , Trajkovic Goran , Jovanovic Aleksandar , Stolic Dragica , Peric Vladan , Sovtic Sasa , Subaric-Gorgieva Gordana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Vascular endothelium plays an important role in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation of endothelium malfunction and arteriosclerosis in patients on hemodialysis. Methods. The investigation was designed as a clinical, non-randomized, fiveyear study in the 'Kragujevac' Clinical Center and included 146 patients. We evaluated demographic characteristics, smoking, duration of dialysis, existence of tissue calcification and duplex ultrasound parameters of the carotid artery. All lethal outcomes, including the cause and time of death were recorded. Results. The cumulative survival rate was 57.5%. Survival was short in patients with wider lumen diameter of the carotid arteries. Carotid artery lumen diameter in men was wider than in women. The area cross section was closely correlated with intima media thickness (r = 0.913; p < 0.0001), as well as with the lumen diameter of the carotid arteries (r = 0.527; p < 0.0001). Carotid artery lumen diameter was negatively associated with serum cholesterol (r = - 0.278; p = 0.019), while serum triglycerides correlated negatively with the cross section of intima media (r = -0.261; p = 0.028). Positive correlations were found between the serum total protein level and carotid artery lumen diameter (r = 0.235; p = 0.047), cross section intima media (r = 0.269; p = 0.022) and cholesterol (r = 0.248; p = 0.037). Time on dialysis showed a negative correlation with carotid artery cross section (r = -0.241; p = 0.04), while age was positively correlated with intima media (r = 0.295; p = 0.013), lumen diameter (r = 0.296; p = 0.012) and intima media cross section (r = 0.347; p = 0.003). Regression analysis pointed to predictive importance of carotid artery lumen diameter for survival (Beta = 0.437; p = 0.011) of the examined patients. The cumulative rate of survival was 57%. Conclusion. In our study patient age correlated positively with all parameters of arteriosclerosis. The average duration of dialysis was negatively associated with carotid artery diameter, which was significantly higher in males. Regression correlation analyses indicated that the survival rate of the patients on hemodialysis was lower if the carotid artery diameter was larger.
Agroterrorism as a current challenge
Authors: Radosavljevic Vladan , Stojkovic Ksenija , Andjelkovic Radivoje , Andrejic Marko
Published: December 2010

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Association of post-traumatic communication of endocranium and nasal cavity with recurrent meningoencephalitis without rhinorrhea
Authors: Djilvesi Djula , Vulekovic Petar , Cigic Tomislav , Kojadinovic Zeljko , Papic Vladimir , Horvat Igor
Published: December 2010

Introduction. A gunshot head injury, characterized by a huge intensity of mechanical force, in addition to the direct tissue damage at the location of direct impact, may cause a skull and skull base fracture, distant from the the point of direct impact, which could be further complicated by creating a communication between endocranium and nasal/paranasal cavities. Such cases pose a great diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for every clinician. Case report. The patient is presented with the history of a perforating gunshot head injury six years ago, with recurrent attacks of meningoencephalitis subsequently, without rhinorrhea. By using high resolution CT scans, previous traumatic skull injury was verified and a fissure in the frontoethmoidal region, far from the point of direct impact, was detected. The patient underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery, in order to seal the communication on skull basis. The patient did not suffer from meningoencephalitis during the next two years. Conclusion. In the cases with late occurrence of posttraumatic meningoencephalitis with no signs of rhinorrhea, a possibility of an existing communication between intracranial and nasal cavities should be considered, as well. By applying modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such communication should be precisely located and sealed.
Supply Chains and Segment Profitability: How Input Pricing Creates a Latent Cross-Segment Subsidy
Authors: Arya Anil , Mittendorf Brian
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT: Recent years have seen an increased emphasis on developing more precise accounting measures of market- and customer-level profitability. By their very nature, such segment profitability measures may unwittingly neglect complementarities. Such complementarities have been widely recognized on the demand side due to brand recognition, predatory pricing, or interdependent products. We develop a model showing that important supply-side complementarities can also be prevalent. In particular, when a firm relies on a self-interested supplier for inputs used across multiple segments, the wholesale price it pays depends on the average profitability of its segments. Taking such interaction between upstream pricing and the firm’s downstream reach into account, the model shows that: (1) segment profit calculations can understate or overstate the value added by the segment depending on the segment’s relative contribution margin, and (2) the firm sometimes benefits from devoting resources to less profitable segments and perhaps even from serving seemingly unprofitable markets and/or customers.
The Effect of Annual Report Readability on Analyst Following and the Properties of Their Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Lehavy Reuven , Li Feng , Merkley Kenneth
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT: This study examines the effect of the readability of firms’ written communication on the behavior of sell-side financial analysts. Using a measure of the readability of corporate 10-K filings, we document that analyst following, the amount of effort incurred to generate their reports, and the informativeness of their reports are greater for firms with less readable 10-Ks. Additionally, we find that less readable 10-Ks are associated with greater dispersion, lower accuracy, and greater overall uncertainty in analyst earnings forecasts. Overall, our results are consistent with the prediction of an increasing demand for analyst services for firms with less readable communication and a greater collective effort by analysts for firms with less readable disclosures. Our results contribute to the understanding of the role of analysts as information intermediaries for investors and the effect of the complexity of written financial communication on the usefulness of this information.
Unified Approach to Optimization of Tread Pattern Shape and Cross-Sectional Contour of Tires
Authors: Tanaka Yoshihiro , Ohishi Katsutoshi
Published: December 2010

During the design stage, tire designers have to use trial and error to decide on the design factors in order to satisfy performance requirements, and this involves a great deal of time and expense. Optimization is one of the methods which can be used effectively and efficiently to improve tire performance. There is a lot of literature available about optimal tire contour and structure design. On the other hand, there is little published information available about optimal tread pattern design. In particular, there is little information available about the interaction between optimal tire contour and tread pattern design. In this study, we constructed a tire optimization system in which the design factors of cross-sectional contour and tread pattern shape could both be dealt with as design variables at the same time. This optimization system was then applied to and verified for an actual tire design problem.
Pediatric Epithelial Salivary Gland Tumors: Spectrum of Histologies and Cytogenetics at a Children's Hospital
Authors: Craver Randall D. , Fonseca Paula , Carr Ronald
Published: December 2010

There are conflicting reports regarding the relative frequency of benign and malignant epithelial salivary gland tumors in children. There are only a few reports of the cytogenetic abnormalities in the pleomorphic adenomas (PA) that arise in children, and even less information regarding the pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) and high motility group A2 (HMGA2) histochemical staining in PAs, or their correlation with histologic types (stromal vs epithelial predominance). A retrospective 14 year review of epithelial salivary gland tumors encountered at a children's hospital identified 13 tumors: 12 PAs and 1 acinic cell carcinoma (ACC). No mucoepidermoid carcinomas were identified. Tumors arose in the parotid (7) and other sites (2 submandibular, 4 minor). Ten PAs in our cohort had cytogenetic studies. Four were normal, 5 involved 8q12, and 1 involved 12q13. Immunohistochemistry identified an additional 2 PAs with PLAG1 staining, and 5 additional PAs with HMGA2 staining. One tumor with ins(18;8)(q21.1;q12q22.2) had no PLAG1 staining, but stained with HMGA2. This ins(18;8) may not have involved the PLAG1 gene. There was no demonstrable correlation of 8q12/PLAG1 staining or 12q13/HMGA2 staining with histologic type. Thus we found abnormalities in either 8q12/PLAG1 staining or 12q13/HMGA2 staining in all PAs. The HMGA2 staining in 50% of PAs suggests that it may be more frequently involved in PAs than previously thought based on cytogenetic studies, at least in children.
Development and Characterization of an Enzymatic Method for the Rapid Determination of Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid
Authors: Sciotti Michel A. , Hasan Lara , Scholer André , Jermann Thomas M. , Weber Jakob M. , Gygaxa Daniel
Published: December 2010

Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a regulated therapeutic drug, which naturally occurs in mammalian brain tissues as an intermediate of the GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter metabolism. The increasing misuse of GHB as a narcotic or abusing drug in recent years calls for
the development of a simple and rapid screening method as an alternative to the currently available, technically demanding diagnostic methods. We have developed a rapid enzymatic assay based on the GHB dehydrogenase of Ralstonia eutropha. The enzyme is expressed as a recombinant protein
in Escherichia coli and characterized in terms of reaction mechanism and kinetic parameters for the catalysis of conversion of GHB into succinic semialdehyde (SSA). The concomitant NADH production enables spectrophotometric monitoring of the reaction and the quantification of GHB in
physiological fluids depending on initial velocities. We have tested a panel of twelve serum and urine samples containing GHB concentrations from 0.0 to 2.1 mmol/L. GHB dehydrogenase activity obeys a non classical bi bi ping pong mechanism exhibiting substrate inhibition by NAD+.
With an optimal NAD+ concentration of 3.7 mmol/L in the reaction, the enzyme yields a KM of 1.0 mmol/L for GHB and a Vmax of 3.37 mmol/min/mg. The assay shows a linear standard curve from 0.1 to at least 1 mmol/L of GHB. Spiking experiments result in mean recoveries
of 92% for urine and 114% for serum, respectively. The comparison to an ion chromatographic reference method exhibits a mean difference of 10% divergence from the target values in urine and 9% in serum, respectively.
Recombinant Yeast Technology at the Cutting Edge: Robust Tools for both Designed Catalysts and New Biologicals
Authors: Kovar Karin , Looser Verena , Hyka Petr , Merseburger Tobias , Meier Christian
Published: December 2010

Health and safety concerns, enhanced quality criteria, and environmental sustainability, have prompted investigations into production using recombinant yeasts as a feasible alternative for isolation of proteins from natural animal or plant sources, as well as for processes utilising
either mammalian cell cultures or bacterial systems. An overview of recent research papers and review articles provides readers with a comprehensive insight into the field of next-generation yeast expression systems. Major breakthroughs in recombinant yeast technology linked to Pichia pastoris
are (i) the public availability of tools to generate proteins with tailored and highly homogenous N-glycan structures, similar to the forms assembled in humans, (ii) the recent accomplishment of the annotation of its genome sequence, and finally, (iii) the presence of the first few (non-glycosylated)
therapeutic proteins in Pichia on the market. The P. pastoris expression platform is now well developed, as proven by multiple products used in human and veterinary medicine and in industry ( e. g. enzymes for chemical synthesis and for the modification/synthesis of pharmaceuticals,
drug target proteins used for structural analysis or for high throughput screening, proteins for diagnostics, proteinous biomaterials, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins). Nevertheless, the complexity of protein analysis (monitoring) continues to restrict process development for recombinant
products. Drawing on combined expertise in molecular biology and process technology, the Institute of Biotechnology (IBT) at the Zurich University of Applied Science (ZHAW) and its international partners have developed solutions which (i) fully eliminate (or partially reduce) the use of methanol,
which is undesirable in high-cell-density and high-productivity processes, (ii) match both strain construction and process design with the target protein characteristics to the benefit of the cells' physiological shape, and (iii) allow multi-gene expressions to be balanced to achieve custom
tailored and reproducible protein quality at the level of (engineered) posttranslational modifications. In addition to enabling superior product quality specifications to be achieved with reduced development time, these innovations have helped the industries involved to minimise financial
risks and the risk of failure, as well as create an opportunity for (new) drugs with improved functionality at low cost.
Sacral tumor resection and the impact on pelvic incidence
Authors: Gottfried Oren N. , Omeis Ibrahim , Mehta Vivek A. , Solakoglu Can , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul
Published: December 2010

Object

Pelvic incidence (PI) directly regulates lumbar lordosis and is a key determinant of sagittal spinal balance in normal and diseased states. Pelvic incidence is defined as the angle between the line perpendicular to the S-1 endplate at its midpoint and the line connecting this point to a line bisecting the center of the femoral heads. It reflects an anatomical value that increases with growth during childhood but remains constant in adulthood. It is not altered by changes in patient position or after traditional lumbosacral spinal surgery. There are only 2 reports of PI being altered in adults, both in cases of sacral fractures resulting in lumbopelvic dissociation and sacroiliac (SI) joint instability. En bloc sacral amputation and sacrectomy are surgical techniques used for resection of certain bony malignancies of the sacrum. High, mid, and low sacral amputations result in preservation of some or the entire SI joint. Total sacrectomy results in complete disruption of the SI joint. The purpose of this study was to determine if PI is altered as a result of total or subtotal sacral resection.

Methods

The authors reviewed a series of 42 consecutive patients treated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2004 and 2009 for sacral tumors with en bloc resection. The authors evaluated immediate pre- and postoperative images for modified pelvic incidence (mPI) using the L-5 inferior endplate, as the patients undergoing a total sacrectomy are missing the S-1 endplate postoperatively. The authors compared the results of total versus subtotal sacrectomies.

Results

Twenty-two patients had appropriate images to measure pre- and postoperative mPI; 17 patients had high, mid, or low sacral amputations with sparing of some or the entire SI joint, and 5 patients underwent a total sacrectomy, with complete SI disarticulation. The mean change in mPI was statistically different (p < 0.001) for patients undergoing subtotal versus those undergoing total sacrectomy (1.6° ± 0.9° vs 13.6° ± 4.9° [± SD]). There was no difference between patients who underwent a high sacral amputation (partial SI resection, mean 1.6°) and mid or low sacral amputation (SI completely intact, mean 1.6°).

Conclusions

The PI is altered during total sacrectomy due to complete disarticulation of the SI joint and discontinuity of the spine and pelvis, but it is not changed if any of the joint is preserved. Changes in PI influence spinopelvic balance and may have postoperative clinical importance. Thus, the authors encourage attention to spinopelvic alignment during lumbopelvic reconstruction and fixation after tumor resection. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the change in PI on sagittal balance, pain, and ambulation after total sacrectomy.
Reduced postoperative wound pain after lumbar spinous process–splitting laminectomy for lumbar canal stenosis: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Watanabe Kota , Matsumoto Morio , Ikegami Takeshi , Nishiwaki Yuji , Tsuji Takashi , Ishii Ken , Ogawa Yuto , Takaishi Hironari , Nakamura Masaya , Toyama Yoshiaki , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: December 2010

Object

To reduce intraoperative damage to the posterior supporting structures of the lumbar spine during decompressive surgery for lumbar canal stenosis (LCS), lumbar spinous process–splitting laminectomy (LSPSL or split laminectomy) was developed. This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted to clarify whether the split laminectomy decreases acute postoperative wound pain compared with conventional laminectomy.

Methods

Forty-one patients with LCS were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to either the LSPSL group (22 patients) or the conventional laminectomy group (19 patients). Questionnaires regarding wound pain (intensity, depth, and duration) and activities of daily living (ADL) were administered at postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 7. Additionally, the authors evaluated the pre- and postoperative serum levels of C-reactive protein and creatine phosphokinase, the amount of pain analgesics used during a 3-day postoperative period, and the muscle atrophy rate measured on 1-month postsurgical MR images.

Results

Data obtained in patients in the LSPSL group and in 16 patients in the conventional laminectomy group were analyzed. The mean visual analog scale for wound pain on POD 7 was significantly lower in the LSPSL group (16 ± 17 mm vs 34 ± 31 mm, respectively; p = 0.04). The mean depth-of-pain scores on POD 7 were significantly lower in the LSPSL group than in the conventional group (0.9 ± 0.6 vs 1.7 ± 0.8, respectively; p = 0.013). On POD 3, the mean serum creatine phosphokinase level was significantly lower in the LSPSL group (126 ± 93 U/L) than in the other group (207 ± 150 U/L) (p = 0.02); on POD 7, the mean serum C-reactive protein level was significantly lower in the LSPSL group (1.1 ± 0.6 mg/dl) than in the conventional laminectomy group (1.9 ± 1.5 mg/dl) (p = 0.04). The number of pain analgesics taken during the 3-day postoperative period was lower in the LSPSL group than in the conventional laminectomy group (1.7 ± 1.3 tablets vs 2.3 ± 2.4 tablets, respectively; p = 0.22). The mean muscle atrophy rate was also significantly lower in the LSPSL group (24% ± 15% vs 43% ± 22%; p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Lumbar spinous process–splitting laminectomy for the treatment of LCS reduced acute postoperative wound pain and prevented postoperative muscle atrophy compared with conventional laminectomy, possibly because of minimized damage to the paraspinal muscles.
Impact of multimodal intraoperative monitoring during correction of symptomatic cervical or cervicothoracic kyphosis
Authors: Park Paul , Wang Anthony C. , Sangala Jaypal Reddy , Kim Sung Moon , Hervey-Jumper Shawn , Than Khoi D. , Farokhrani Amin , LaMarca Frank
Published: December 2010

Object

Surgical correction of symptomatic cervical or cervicothoracic kyphosis involves the potential for significant neurological complications. Intraoperative monitoring has been shown to reduce the risk of neurological injury in scoliosis surgery, but it has not been well evaluated during surgery for cervical or cervicothoracic kyphosis. In this article, the authors review a cohort of patients who underwent kyphosis correction with multimodal intraoperative monitoring (MIOM).

Methods

Twenty-nine patients were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative Cobb angles were measured to determine the extent of correction. Multimodal intraoperative monitoring consisted of somatosensory evoked potentials, transcranial motor evoked potentials (tMEPs), and electromyography activity. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values (NPVs) were assessed for each monitoring modality.

Results

The mean patient age was 58.0 years, and 20 patients were female. The mean pre- and postoperative sagittal Cobb angles were 41.3° and 7.3°, respectively. A total of 8 intraoperative monitoring alerts were observed. Transcranial MEPs yielded a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 84%, PPV of 43%, and NPV of 95%. Somatosensory evoked potentials had a sensitivity of 25%, specificity of 96%, PPV of 50%, and NPV of 88%. Electromyography resulted in a sensitivity of 0%, specificity of 93%, PPV of 0%, and NPV of 96%. Changes in tMEPs led to successful intervention in 2 cases. There was 1 case in which a C-8 palsy occurred without any changes in MIOM.

Conclusions

In contrast to sensitivity and PPV, specificity and NPV were generally high in all 3 monitoring modalities. Both false-positive and false-negative results occurred. Transcranial MEP monitoring was the most useful modality and appeared to allow successful intervention in certain cases. Larger, prospective comparative studies are necessary to determine whether MIOM truly decreases the rate of neurological complications and is therefore worth the added economic cost and intraoperative time.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Chiral β-amino Alcohol (S)-α,α-diphenyl-2-pyrrolidine Methanol
Authors: Zhang Yu-Mei , Liu Peng , Zhang Hong-Li
Published: December 2010

Optically pure (S)-α,α-diphenyl-2-pyrrolidine methanol was prepared from L-proline via protection of the amino group, reaction with the Grignard reagents and deprotection of the amino-protected groups in 54.4% yield. The synthetic conditions to prepare (S)-α,α-diphenyl-2-pyrrolidinemethanol were optimised. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the molecular structure of the compound was enantiomerically pure. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group P2( 1) 2( 1) 2( 1), with unit cell parameters a = 8.9000(18) Å, b = 9.2405(18) Å, c = 16.671(3) Å, V = 1371.1(5) Å3, Dx = 1.227 g cm−3, Z =4, T = 113(2)K, F(000) = 628, R1 = 0.0335 and wR2 = 0.0707. The absolute structure parameter was – 1.6(17).
Mercapto Thiadiazole-based Sensors with High Selectivity and Sensitivity for Hg2+ in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhang You-Ming , Liu Ming-Xia , Lin Qi , Li Qiao , Wei Tai-Bao
Published: December 2010

Two simple mercapto thiadiazole-based sensors have been synthesised by a convenient method and exhibit excellent sensitivity and selectivity for Hg2+ in DMSO/H2O (1:1, v/v) aqueous solution. The sensors react with Hg2+ to form stable complexes and the association constants, Ka, are 4.4 × 104 M−1 and 1.0 × 103 M−1, respectively. Furthermore, the detection limit of one sensor towards Hg2+ is 8.0 × 10−7 M.
The cyclo-propylammonium cation as a templating agent for inorganic networks: Synthesis and structure of (C3H8N)2·Zn3(HPO3)4
Authors: Harrison William T. A. , McNamee Paula M.
Published: December 2010

The hydrothermal synthesis and single crystal structure of (C3H8N)2·Zn3(HPO3)4 are described. This compound is built up from ZnO4 tetrahedra and HPO3 pyramids sharing vertices to generate a three-dimensional 4:3 network containing 8-ring channels. The protonated organic cations occupy the channels in a head-to-tail arrangement and interact with the framework by way of N–H···O hydrogen bonds. Crystal data: C6H20N2O12P4Zn3, Mr = 632.23, monoclinic, P21/ n (No. 14), Z = 4, a = 9.6773 (2) Å, b = 13.8676 (2) Å, c= 15.4482 (3) Å, β = 90.039 (1)°, V = 2073.16 (7) Å3, R( F) = 0.028, wR( F2) = 0.062.
New Vilsmeier reaction for facile synthesis of 4-phenyl-2,4-dihydrochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazoles with bis(trichloromethyl) carbonate/DMF
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Yang Yanyan , Su Weike
Published: December 2010

An efficient method for the synthesis of 4-phenyl-2,4- dihydrochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazoles via the cyclisation reaction of the easily available flavanone-4-arylhydrazones with Vilsmeier reagent (Bis(trichloromethyl) carbonate /DMF) has been developed.
Mechanism of the Osmium(Viii)-Catalysed Oxidation of Fursemide by Alkaline Hexacyanoferrate(Iii) and Analysis of Fursemide by a Kinetic and Catalytic Method
Authors: Billalli H.B. , Sharanabasamma K. , Tuwar S.M.
Published: December 2010

The kinetics of the title reaction showed first-order behaviour both in hexacyanoferrate(III) and osmium(VIII) and fractional order each in fursemide and alkali concentrations. The added product, [Fe(CN)6]4-, retarded the rate of reaction. The active species of osmium(VIII) in alkali appears to be [OsO5(OH)]3-. A mechanism involving a complex formed between osmium(VIII) and fursemide, followed by its oxidation with hexacyanoferrate(III) in a rate-determining step is proposed. A rate law for the mechanism was derived and verified. The formation constant, K2 for [OsO5(OH)]3-, K3 for the complex, and the rate constant of the slow step, k, were evaluated. The activation parameters Ea, Δ H#, Δ S#, Δ G# and log A were calculated as 55.2 ± 2kJ mol−1, 52.7 ± 2 kJ mol−1, - 52.0 ± 2 JK−1 mol−1, 69.8 ± 2.5 kJ mol−1 and 6.5 ± 0.1 respectively.

Fursemide is used in the pharmacotherapy for various diseases and it is also considered as a doping agent in sports. A simple and specific procedure for its analysis was developed being based on its oxidation by alkaline hexacyanoferrate(III) in the presence of trace amount of osmium(VIII) catalyst. Three different methods have been recommended, namely, the rate constant method, fixed time method and fixed change in optical density method. of these, the latter two were found to be fast, simple, and accurate. from these methods, fursemide could be analysed from a few micrograms to milligrams per cm3. The interference by binders of tablets, and other possible substances like proteins and amino acids, have also been studied.
The Firn Field on the Volcano Popocatépetl, Mexico
Authors: White Sidney E.
Published: December 2010

The firn field on the volcano Popocatépetl is most extensive, lowest in altitude (4573 m.) and thickest (40 m.) on the northwest side of the cone. An expansion of the firn field on this side in the form of two small glaciers, one with miniature lateral moraines, has appeared since 1945 and still persists. Crevasses in the firn appear, widen, progress downslope and disappear, with new ones replacing them from above. Accumulation of snow from November through January and also from June through September exceeds ablation, and permits development of the firn field with expected seasonal and annual marginal fluctuations. A recession of 100 m. in altitude of the firn field from 1906 to 1920 is indicated by photographic studies and by field evidence.
Studies in Glacier Physics on the Penny Ice Cap, Baffin ISland, 1953. Part IV: The Flow of Highway Glacier
Authors: Ward W. H.
Published: December 2010

The horizontal and vertical motions of eight points on the surface of Highway Glacier, Baffin Island are reported. The average horizontal speed below the lowest tributary glacier is 56 metres/year. The major part of this motion arises from the glacier sliding on its bed. The mean shear stress on the bed is practically constant and equal to about 0.9 bars, but it is much smaller beneath the retreating tongue. A measure of the retreat in the lower part of the glacier is obtained from the difference between the ice discharge and the net ablation.
Observations in a Cold Ice Cap
Authors: Haefeli R. , Brentani F.
Published: December 2010

In the approximately so m. thick ice cap of the Jungfraujoch (3470 m. above sea level), where the temperature throughout lies below the pressure melting point, continual measurements of displacement and deformation were carried out inside ice tunnels from 1950 onwards. These give an insight into the process of movement, the formation of water-filled crevasses and the relationships of viscosity in a cold ice cap glacier.

The plastic behaviour of the cold ice was examined through alterations in length of individual tunnels, and also through measured distortions of cross-section in circular sections of tunnel. Since the mean ice temperature in the region of the ice tunnel lies approximately between −1° and −3° C., these examinations provide a welcome supplement to analogous measurements which were taken in circular tunnels in a temperate glacier (Z’Mutt tunnel). The approximate calculation of the plastic deformation of a circular tunnel was thus extended by the obvious transformation of solutions known from elasticity theory.

By means of a qualitative analysis of the state of stress of an ice cap, an attempt is made to account for the distortion and the formation of the cracks and crevasses which were observed. The occurrence of blue bands could be followed in statu nascendi. This paper serves as a primary orientation and publishes some initial results of the examinations which are to be continued and completed over a number of years. In addition to its potentialities for practical use, this study may be of interest in respect to the behaviour of cold glaciers of the Arctic and Antarctic. In a final section, therefore, some problems of the Greenland ice sheet are considered in the light of the preceding conclusions.
The Balance of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Bauer Albert
Published: December 2010

Planimetry of the 15 maps of scale 1:1,000,000 of the World Aeronautical Chart, U.S.A.F., gives 1.726 × 106 km.2 for the surface area of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The hypsometric curve obtained by measuring the area between contours at 1000-ft. (305 m.) intervals with a planimeter gives 2135 m. for the mean height of the ice sheet. The normal area distribution curve of the ice sheet shows that is certainly in the “Inland Ice” type in Ahlmann’s classification. The mean firn line of the ice sheet is at a height of 1390 m. The discharge from the glaciers in the form of icebergs is estimated to be 215 km.3 of water per year, and the nett balance of the ice cap is negative and about 100 km.3 of water per year.
Fluctuations of the Nisqually Glacier, Mt. Rainier, Washington, since 1750
Authors: Harrison A. E.
Published: December 2010

A history of the fluctuations of the Nisqually Glacier on the southern slope of Mt. Rainier, Washington, including the period of increased glacial activity during the last ten years, indicates that a number of minor advances have occurred since the maximum extension of the ice about 1750. These new data on glacial activity in the United States of America should be useful in examining the idea of synchronism in glacial behavior in different regions of the world. In addition, photographs of the changes in the Nisqually Glacier during the last four years indicate the magnitude of the recent increase in glacial activity in this country.
Ice/Bed Interface and Englacial Properties of Svalbard Ice Masses Deduced from Airborne Radio Echo-Sounding Data
Authors: Bamber J.L.
Published: December 2010

A substantial data set of digitally recorded radio echo-sounding data was collected over 44 ice masses in Spitsbergen and the ice caps on Nordaustlandet, Svalbard. These data have allowed quantitative analysis of bed and internal power-reflection coefficients. Substantial regional differences were observed and have been correlated with the presence of water and/or moraine at the bed and with the bulk thermal regime of the ice mass. Values of bed power-reflection coefficient varied between −40 ± 5 and −8 ± 6 dB. It is suggested that the ice caps in north-east Spitsbergen (possessing among the lowest reflection coefficients observed) are frozen to their beds as is much of Austfonna (in Nordaustlandet), and that such values imply the likelihood of a layer of debris-rich ice above the bedrock. It is proposed that significant quantities of water are present at the ice/bed interface of many of the glaciers in north-west Spitsbergen. Further, it is believed that two geological divides were detected. A number of extraordinary internal reflecting horizons are also discussed.
The Geometry of Water Veins and Nodes in Polycrystalline Ice
Authors: Nye J.F.
Published: December 2010

Water in polycrystalline ice at its melting point forms a system of veins at the three-grain junctions. The veins join together at nodes, which are the four-grain junctions. The shape of a node, a tetrahedron with non-spherical faces and open corners, is determined completely by the dihedral angle for water in contact with a grain boundary. Using the observed value for this angle, namely 33.6°, the paper computes the tetrahedral shape. This is a surface-tension problem with initially unknown boundaries. The result shows that the ratio of vein volume to node volume is R = 0.072 l/d, where l is the average length of a vein between two nodes, and d is the vein diameter measured between edges. For example, in a specimen of ice grown from the melt in the laboratory R was 18.
Ice Flow Over a Bump: Experiment and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Meyssonnier Jacques
Published: December 2010

The flow of ice over a bump under steady-state conditions has been studied both experimentally and numerically. The experiments were performed with the ice viscometer installed at the Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l'Environnement du C.N.R.S. (LGGE) in Grenoble, France. The flow was observed by means of a marker network photographed at fixed time intervals. The separation of the ice down-stream of the bump and the non-linearity of the generally accepted Glen’s flow law led to the modelling of this flow using a finite-element method. The results describe the velocity and stress fields in ice moving over a bump and obeying Glen’s flow law (until now only relatively rough approximations of these fields have been given in the literature). The comparison of the observed and calculated network deformations shows that, although ice flowing over a bump does not undergo steady creep, the use of Glen’s flow law with an exponent n = 3 remains justified when simulating the flow of a glacier over its bed under steady-state conditions.
Digital Terrain Models As A Tool For Glacier Studies
Authors: Rentsch Hermann , Welsch Walter , Heipke Christian , Miller Maynard M.
Published: December 2010

Digital terrain models (DTM) are a very important tool for all sorts of glacier studies and serve as a basis for many applications. The latest development is the combination of DTM with digital image-processing techniques which enable a much better visualization of the DTM, and thus a better interpretation of glaciological phenomena.

These new technologies have been applied in an investigation of the Vaughan Lewis Icefall, Juneau Icefield, Alaska. A DTM has been produced by means of photogrammetrie measurements, and a glacier-flow velocity of up to 5.70 m d−1 in the steepest part has been derived. The possibilities for the interpretation of the glacier topography have been significantly improved by using digital image-processing algorithms for the visualization of the DTM.
The Influence of Stratospheric Sulphate Aerosol Deployment on the Surface Air Temperature and the Risk of an Abrupt Global Warming
Authors: Llanillo Pedro , Jones Phil D. , Von Glasow Roland
Published: December 2010

We used the ‘Radiative-Convective Model of the Earth-atmosphere system’ (OGIM) to investigate the cooling effects induced by sulphur injections into the stratosphere. The ensemble of numerical calculations was based on the A1B scenario from the IPCC Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES). Several geoengineered scenarios were analysed, including the abrupt interruption of these injections in different scenarios and at different dates. We focused on the surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies induced by stratospheric sulphate aerosol generated in order to compensate future warming. Results show that continuous deployment of sulphur into the stratosphere could induce a lasting decrease in SAT. Retaining a constant aerosol loading equivalent to 6 TgS would delay the expected global warming by 53 years. Keeping the SAT constant in a context of increasing greenhouse gases (GHGs) means that the aerosol loading needs to be increased by 1.9% annually. This would offset the effect of increasing GHG under the A1B scenario. A major focus of this study was on the heating rates of SAT that would arise in different scenarios in case of an abrupt cessation of sulphur injections into the stratosphere. Our model results show that heating rates after geoengineering interruption would be 15–28 times higher than in a case without geoengineering, with likely important consequences for life on Earth. Larger initial sulphate loadings induced more intense warming rates when the geoengineering was stopped at the same time. This implies that, if sulphate loading was increased to maintain constant SAT in the light of increasing GHG concentrations, the later the geoengineering interruption was to occur, the higher the heating rates would be. Consequently, geoengineering techniques like this should only be regarded as last-resort measures and require intense further research should they ever become necessary.
Creating a Global Grid of Distributed Fossil Fuel CO2 Emissions from Nighttime Satellite Imagery
Authors: Ghosh Tilottama , Elvidge Christopher D. , Sutton Paul C. , Baugh Kimberly E. , Ziskin Daniel , Tuttle Benjamin T.
Published: December 2010

The potential use of satellite observed nighttime lights for estimating carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions has been demonstrated in several previous studies. However, the procedures for a moderate resolution (1 km2 grid cells) global map of fossil fuel CO2 emissions based on nighttime lights are still in the developmental phase. We report on the development of a method for mapping distributed fossil fuel CO2 emissions (excluding electric power utilities) at 30 arc-seconds or approximately 1 km2 resolution using nighttime lights data collected by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS). A regression model, Model 1, was initially developed based on carbon emissions from five sectors of the Vulcan data produced by the Purdue University and a nighttime satellite image of the U.S. The coefficient derived through Model 1 was applied to the global nighttime image but it resulted in underestimation of CO2 emissions for most of the world’s countries, and the states of the U.S. Thus, a second model, Model 2 was developed by allocating the distributed CO2 emissions (excluding emissions from utilities) using a combination of DMSP-OLS nighttime image and population count data from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) LandScan grid. The CO2 emissions were distributed in proportion to the brightness of the DMSP nighttime lights in areas where lighting was detected. In areas with no DMSP detected lighting, the CO2 emissions were distributed based on population count, with the assumption that people who live in these areas emit half as much CO2 as people who live in the areas with DMSP detected lighting. The results indicate that the relationship between satellite observed nighttime lights and CO2 emissions is complex, with differences between sectors and variations in lighting practices between countries. As a result it is not possible to make independent estimates of CO2 emissions with currently available coarse resolution panchromatic satellite observed nighttime lights. However, the nighttime lights image in conjunction with the population grid can help in more accurate disaggregation of national CO2 emissions to a moderate resolution spatial grid.
An Efﬁcient Synthesis of 1-Aryl-3-(indole-3-yl)-3-(2-aryl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)propan-1-one Catalyzed by a Brønsted Acid Ionic Liquid
Authors: Liu Chen-Jiang , Yu Chuan-Ji
Published: December 2010

An efficient synthesis of novel 1-aryl-3-(indole-3-yl)-3-(2-aryl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)propan-1-ones from indoles and 1-aryl-3-(2-aryl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)propan-1-one using a Brønsted acid ionic liquid [Sbmim][HSO4] as catalyst is described. Satisfactory results with excellent yields and short reaction time were obtained in the experiments. The catalyst could be recovered conveniently and reused efficiently.
MIC versus MBEC to Determine the Antibiotic Sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus in Peritoneal Dialysis Peritonitis
Authors: Girard Louis P. , Ceri Howard , Gibb Allan P. , Olson Merle , Sepandj Farshad
Published: December 2010

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis is a common and morbid complication of PD. Bacteria are able to create a biofilm on the PD catheter, which can be a source of recurrent infection. Biofilms undergo a phenotypic change resulting in increased antibiotic resistance.

Methods

21 clinical isolates of different patients with PD peritonitis secondary to Staphylococcus aureus were collected. They were analyzed for their antibiotic susceptibility in the planktonic form using the standard minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and in a biofilm using minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). Chi-square was used to compare the sensitivity results.

Results

The isolates were susceptible to all the antibiotics tested using MIC. Every antibiotic except gentamicin lost its efficacy when the bacteria were grown in a biofilm ( p > 0.05). The change in susceptibility was statistically significant to a level of p < 0.001 for all antibiotics tested.

Discussion

In PD peritonitis that is long standing, recurrent, or not responsive to therapy, MBEC testing should be considered as a biofilm may be present. Gentamicin should be strongly considered over other agents for empiric gram-negative coverage as it may be providing synergy in the setting of Staphylococcus aureus. Also, the newer anti-staphylococcal drugs should be tested for their performance in a biofilm using the MBEC method.