bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decontamination of Radioactive Cesium from Sea Sludge Using Microbial Activity
Authors: Hirano Hirosuke , Nishimiya Nobuyuki , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Toyama Takeshi , Umegaki Tetsuo , Okamoto Kyoichi
Published: June 2014

Fukushima nuclear power plant was destroyed by tsunami of the Great East Japan earthquake, and radioactive cesium was widely scattered from there. Further, highly concentrated radioactive cesium was found in the bottom of the sea sludge of Tokyo Bay, where the cesium concentration is 1.513 times as high as usual. However, the decontamination method of the bottom of the sea sludge is not yet established. Therefore, the authors proposed to decontaminate cesium from the sea sludge under an anaerobic condition, referenced from a previous study. Sludge and cesium nitrate were mixed with a wet weight ratio of 0.3 wt% for cesium nitrate to form a model mixture, and immersed in 6 dm3 of deionized water and kept for 10 days. As a result, the author found terms that is able to decrease amount of cesium in the sludge. However we found this term was not anaerobic condition from after research, finally found difficult to decreased cesium in the sludge without aerobic condition.
Preparation of Red-Emitting Eu2+-Doped Barium Calcium Silicon Oxynitride by Solid-State Reaction and its Luminescence Properties
Authors: Morishita Hiroya , Delsing Anne C.A. , Hintzen Hubertus T. , Kuwahara Hideki , Itatani Kiyoshi
Published: June 2014

The luminescence properties of Eu2+-doped barium calcium silicon oxynitrides (general formula: Ba4-xCaxSi6ON10: Eu2+ (x= 1.8 ~ 2.2)) were examined, together with the preparation conditions for the solid state reaction. Firstly, the stoichiometric amounts of Ba, Ca3N2, SiO2 and Si3N4 were mixed with Eu2O3 (activator; the molar ratios of Eu to (Ca + Ba + Eu) (= m; 0.05 to 1.0)) for the preparation of Ba1.8Ca2.2Si6ON10: Eu2+, Ba2.0Ca2.0Si6ON10: Eu2+ and Ba2.2Ca1.8Si6ON10: Eu2+, and then the mixtures were heated at a temperature between 1300 and 1550°C for 10 h in N2 atmosphere. The single phase compounds, which were prepared by the heating at and above 1350°C, emitted the red color light whose wavelength could be changed from 638 to 653 nm with increasing m value from 0.05 to 1.00, due to the excitation at the wavelength of 528 nm.
Band-Gap Engineering Based on Ti@ZnO Nanocolloids: Tunable Optical Properties
Authors: Neaime Chrystelle , Grasset Fabien , Aubert Tangi
Published: June 2014

One of the largest application areas of sol-gel chemistry is thin-film preparation. Using this approach, we started to synthesize M@ZnO colloidal solutions for the preparation of functional thin films. ZnO is a wide band-gap (3.37 eV) semiconductor with large exciton binding energy. In the bulk or in nanosized form, it could be used in a wide range of applications such as UV light emitters, spin functional devices, gas sensors, transparent electronics or surface acoustic wave devices. Since recently, the preparation of innovative functional M@ZnO materials by doping or functionalizing nanocolloids constitutes a new challenge. Using high concentrations of the different Ti@ZnO nanocolloids, we were able to prepare various functional colloidal solutions with tunable emission and thin films, such as red-luminescent Eu3+@ZnTiO3 or versatile ZnTiON colored nanomaterials.
Elution Control of the Lead from the Fly Ash by Aluminum Hydroxide or Activated Clay
Authors: Yoshida Hisatsugu , Tomita Yuuya , Tsunomori Michitio , Asou Hirofumi , Kaikake Katsuya
Published: June 2014

As heavy metal elution control material which controls the lead compound eluted from municipal waste incineration fly ash, we examined aluminum hydroxide and various adsorbent minerals, such as activated clay. Low crystallinity aluminum hydroxide can control the lead compound elution with a smaller addition as compared with various adsorbent minerals as a result of an examination. In more lead content fly ash, only the low crystallinity aluminum hydroxide fitted the lead compound elution standard limit in waste landfills site of Japan.
We considered that the following two reasons contributed to reduce the amount of lead compound elution. Aluminum hydroxide reacted to a part for the calcium of fly ash, and then it reduced the solubility of the lead compound due to the fall of the pH of an eluate. The cement hydrate which is a reaction product of aluminum and calcium fixed the lead compound.
We report the test result of the amount of lead compound elution from fly ashes which were obtained from some waste incineration plant.
Nanohole Coat/Fill with Pt via Chemical Deposition in Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Kondoh Eiichi , Goto Toshiaki , Watanabe Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2014

This paper demonstrates nanostructure formation performed by supercritical fluid chemical deposition. Pt was deposited through hydrogen reduction of a Pt chelate being dissolved in supercritical carbon dioxide. Pt was deposited conformally inside nanotrences, however Pt did not grow thick due to a very long incubation time for the nucleation. Interestingly, SFCD Pt grew thick on already-existing noble metals. A two-step SFCD process was employed, where a Pt seed layer was deposited first and Pt was grown thicker in the subsequent run. This enabled to fill Pt in nanotrenches and nanoholes.
Preparation of Novel TiO2-Silica Filter Photocatalyst Derived from Titanium Alkoxy-Diolate Precursor
Authors: Naijo Masaki , Hasegawa Akira , Kakuta Noriyoshi
Published: June 2014

Commercially available TiO2 (Degussa, P-25) is well-known as a highly active photocatalyst. However, in order to work as a photocatalyst, TiO2 must be dispersed onto a substrate without any binders but this still remains very difficult. We thus attempted to develop a novel TiO2 system with high photocatalytic activity. TiO2 anchored silica fibers (TAS) were prepared by chemical vapor deposition using titanium (IV) ethoxide and 1,3-butanediol. The content of TiO2 in TAS was varied from 0.5 to 5 mass%. It was observed that the surface of TAS was covered with anatase TiO2 particles 5-10 nm in diameter. TAS shows higher activity at a lower loading amount compared to P-25. Measurement of the acetaldehyde decomposition rate constant of P-25 and TAS carrying 2 mass% of titanium oxide under ultraviolet irradiation showed a value for TAS that was 1.4 times that of P-25. TAS showed a solid acidity amount higher than the P-25 in NH3-TPD measurements. It was considered that some Si species from the silica fibers migrated into the TiO2 layer by calcination, increasing the solid acidity of TAS. As a result, the adsorption of acetaldehyde increased, and the photocatalyst activity improved.
Influence of Cu2O Addition on Crystallization Process and Microstructure of Transparent Mica Glass-Ceramics
Authors: Taruta Seiichi , Sakai Keigo , Yamakami Tomohiko , Yamaguchi Tomohiro
Published: June 2014

The influence of Cu2O addition on crystallization process and microstructure of the transparent mica glass-ceramics was investigated. Cu+ ions which were added as Cu2O were oxidized to Cu2+ ions during preparation of parent glasses and the Cu2+ ions were reduced to Cu+ ions again during heating of the parent glasses. By heating the parent glasses to which 10-20 mol% Cu2O was added at 650-700°C, not only nanosized micas but also Cu2O nanoparticles separeted. Their separation temperatures were lowered as the additive amount of Cu2O increased. Micas separated at 750°C should contain Cu+ and Cu2+ ions in the structure. Metallic Cu was observed only in the specimen to which 1 mol% Cu2O was added.
Morphological Control of Magnesium Phosphate Hydrate from a Highly Concentrated Alkaline Earth Metal Phosphate Solution by Microwave Heating
Authors: Toyama Takeshi , Ishigaya Takuya , Nishimiya Nobuyuki
Published: June 2014

A CO2 blowing method was used to obtain a highly concentrated magnesium phosphate solution (47 times more concentrated than conventional solutions). In the present study, we exposed the solution to microwave heating. Fine and uniform spherical particles were obtained by microwave heating at a heating rate of 2030oC·min-1. Conversely, the products formed plate-like particles after a retention time of 5 min with a low heating rate. The spherical particles had a relatively uniform size of 0.51.0 μm and were composed of magnesium phosphate octahydrate, while the plate-like particles were composed of magnesium phosphate pentahydrate. Spherical particles could not be obtained by heating at a gradual heating rate using a hot plate; instead, large and non-uniform plate-like particles were formed. From this result, it is evident that microwave heating enables the production of unusual shaped particles that are not accessible using ordinary heating methods.
Transition Edge Sensor (TES) X-Ray Detecting System with Sensitivity Correction to Stabilize the Spectrum Peak Center
Authors: Tanaka Keiichi , Ohgaki Masataka , Suzuki Hidekazu , Hasuda Masakatsu , Yano Masato , Miyayama Masaru , Matsumura Syo
Published: June 2014

Transition Edge Sensor (TES) is an energy dispersive X-ray detecting system with high energy resolution. The energy resolution of this system depends on the steepness of superconducting transition curve from normal to superconducting state, heat capacitance and the operating temperature. The TES is based on the dilution refrigerator cooled by about 100 mK. The energy resolution is calculated about 1-2 eV for the detector with maximum detecting energy as 10 eV. The energy resolution also depends on the superconducting current flowing through the TES device because the superconducting current is affected by the temperature stability of the refrigerator. The fluctuation of the superconducting current means the fluctuation of the X-ray spectrum peak center. We have developed the sensitivity correction system to stabilize the peak center of the X-ray spectrum. The peak center of X-ray spectrum correlates with heater power to keep the base temperature of TES device at a constant temperature. The peak center of X-ray spectrum is calibrated by monitoring the heater power at constant time interval using the correlation curve between the peak center of X-ray spectrum and heater power.
Influence of Heat Treatment in Air on Thermoelectric Silicon Clathrate
Authors: Anno Hiroaki , Shirataki Ritsuko
Published: June 2014

The influence of heat treatments in air on the surface and thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline silicon clathrate of nominal composition Ba8Al15Si31was investigated. The samples were prepared by combining arc melting and spark plasma sintering methods. Heat treatments were conducted in air at 873 K for 0-480 h. The surface oxidation was investigated by bulk surface X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity of samples were measured before and after heat treatments. XRD, SEM, EDS, and XPS results revealed that the clathrate phase near the surface was changed to Al-poor clathrate phases and an oxide phase (probably barium aluminate: BaAl2O4). However, the thermoelectric properties of samples were almost unchanged by the heat treatment in air at 873 K for up to 480 h because the chemical composition of the inner part of sample was almost stable.
Light-Concentration Characteristic of Water Lens and its Application to Thermoelectric Generation
Authors: Ito Keita , Sui Hong Tao , Hakozaki Hidetoshi , Kinoshita Hiroshi , Suzuki Ryosuke O.
Published: June 2014

A water lens was used to concentrate sunlight on the surface of a thermoelectric (TE) module in order to heat it. The shape of this water lens could be flexibly adjusted to compensate for solar altitude changes. The light condensed by the water lens produced a large energy distribution on the top of the module. In this study, we simulated the power generation properties when the top of the module was heated by light with a certain condensing distribution. The simulation results revealed that the energy distribution had little effect on the TE generation if the solar light was effectively condensed on a plate with a condensing width of a few millimeters.
Insoluble Treatment with Dolomite-Based Material for the Fluoride Ion
Authors: Naruse Tatsuro , Tsurunaga Ken , Kawashima Takeshi
Published: June 2014

This study evaluated the fluorine removal capacity of half-burnt dolomite and examined the removal mechanism. As the result of examining the burning conditions of dolomite, it was found that dolomite burnt at 1023 K for 4 h has the highest performance. It turned out the fluorine removal mechanism that CaCO3 does not contribute to reaction and that fluorine is sorbed with hydration of MgO. As the result of comparing removal capacity by changing the initial pH of fluorine solutions, it was found that performance is reduced in the strong alkaline solution.
An Innovative Low Density Synthetic Carbonate with a Composite Structure
Authors: Lorgouilloux Marion , Gaertner Robert , Chopin Thierry
Published: June 2014

A new low density mineral material has been synthesized via a simple, flexible, cheap and easy to control process. This material is a synthetic carbonate produced by carbonation of a solid phase composed of a calcic part and a magnesian part. Typically, its production process includes the calcination of a raw dolomite (general formula CaCO3.MgCO3) into the oxide form, followed by an at least partial hydration of this oxide and a subsequent carbonation step. This process is thus close to the well-known process used for the production of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), a common filler and pigment in plastic, paper and rubber, except that the raw material is a dolomite instead of a limestone. It has to be pointed out that flue gases from different industries can be used as a source of CO2 for the carbonation. Many parameters have been studied, such as the hydration conditions or the carbonation conditions, allowing the production of a whole range of products. The products obtained via this process are composed of a calcic part, mainly as calcite and aragonite (CaCO3), and a magnesium containing part, mainly as hydromagnesite (4MgCO3.Mg (OH)2.4H2O). Compared to standard PCC, this material has a particularly low density (100-250 kg/m3 instead of 300-600 kg/m3 for standard PCC), a rather high BET specific surface area (15-35 m2/g instead of 4-15 m2/g for standard PCC) and a specific particle morphology and structure. The particles are indeed commonly spherical particles composed of a core of calcite/aragonite covered by a layer of hydromagnesite. This structure can be described as a core-shell structure. Due to these special features, this product could be used in multiple applications, such as raw material for the manufacture of insulation material, flame retardant, filler in plastics, paints, paper, rubber, and many more.
Role of the Japanese Cement Industry in the Establishment of a Sustainable Society
Authors: Izumi Yoshito
Published: June 2014

Cement is widely produced and used. However, cement production significantly consumes energy and natural resources and globally accounts for approximately 5% of man-made CO2 emissions.
Juxtaglomerular Cell Tumor: A Distinct Mesenchymal Tumor of Kidney
Authors: Elouazzani Hafsa , Jahid Ahmed , Bernoussi Zakiya , Mahassini Najat
Published: June 2014

Juxtaglomerular cell tumor (JGCT) is an unusual mesenchymal entity of the kidney. It is a benign renin-secreting tumor causing hypertension and hypokalemia due to secondary hyperaldosteronism. It is curable if it is discovered early and surgically removed, but may cause a fatal outcome usually due to complications of associated hypertension.
In Silico Studies of Medicinal Compounds against Hepatitis C Capsid Protein from North India
Authors: Mathew Shilu , Faheem Muhammad , Archunan Govindaraju , Ilyas Muhammad , Begum Nargis , Jahangir Syed , Qadri Ishtiaq , Qahtani Mohammad Ai , Mathew Shiny
Published: June 2014

Hepatitis viral infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Over one million people are estimated to be persistently infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. As capsid core protein is the key element in spreading HCV; hence, it is considered to be the superlative target of antiviral compounds. Novel drug inhibitors of HCV are in need to complement or replace the current treatments such as pegylated interferon's and ribavirin as they are partially booming and beset with various side effects. Our study was conducted to predict 3D structure of capsid core protein of HCV from northern part of India. Core, the capsid protein of HCV, handles the assembly and packaging of HCV RNA genome and is the least variable of all the ten HCV proteins among the six HCV genotypes. Therefore, we screened four phytochemicals inhibitors that are known to disrupt the interactions of core and other HCV proteins such as (a) epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (b) ladanein, (c) naringenin, and (d) silybin extracted from medicinal plants; targeted against active site of residues of HCV-genotype 3 (G3) (Q68867) and its subtypes 3b (Q68861) and 3g (Q68865) from north India. To study the inhibitory activity of the recruited flavonoids, we conducted a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR). Furthermore, docking interaction suggests that EGCG showed a maximum number of hydrogen bond (H-bond) interactions with all the three modeled capsid proteins with high interaction energy followed by naringenin and silybin. Thus, our results strongly correlate the inhibitory activity of the selected bioflavonoid. Finally, the dynamic predicted capsid protein molecule of HCV virion provides a general avenue to target structure-based antiviral compounds that support the hypothesis that the screened inhibitors for viral capsid might constitute new class of potent agents but further confirmation is necessary using in vitro and in vivo studies.
Blood Pressure Control and Exaggerated Blood Pressure Response in Nigerians with Essential Hypertension
Authors: Abiodun Olugbenga O. , Balogun Michael O. , Adebayo Rasaaq A. , Akintomide Anthony O.
Published: June 2014

Background

Blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensives is important in preventing cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. This work was done to assess control of BP among Nigerian hypertensives at rest and during exercise.

Materials and Methods

A total of 85 male hypertensives were recruited consecutively and had clinical evaluation and treadmill (TM) exercise testing using the Bruce protocol. Independent t-test, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare patients with controlled and uncontrolled BP using SPSS version 16 software. Adjustment for confounders was by logistic regression and general linear model.

Results

Resting systolic BP (rSBP) (mmHg) and resting diastolic BP (rDBP) (mmHg) were significantly lower in the controlled group (115.0 ± 12.29, 133.1 ± 12.27, P = < 0.001 and 76.00 ± 6.55, 91.4 ± 8.00, P = < 0.001). The proportion of subjects with controlled BP was 37.7%. Adjusted peak SBP (PSBP) during exercise (mmHg) was significantly higher in the uncontrolled than in the controlled group (210.5 ± 27.31, 191.8 ± 20.77, P = 0.001). Adjusted exaggerated blood pressure response (EBPR) was found in 37 subjects (44%) in the uncontrolled group while seven subjects (0.1%) had EBPR in the controlled group ( P = 0.003).

Conclusion

This study shows that EBPR is significantly higher in subjects with uncontrolled BP compared with those with controlled BP. Therefore, good BP control may be the key factor in preventing EBPR in hypertensives.
CDC Limerick green field pea
Authors: Warkentin T. D. , Vandenberg A. , Tar’an B. , Banniza S. , Arganosa G. , Barlow B. , Ife S. , Horner J. , de Silva D. , Thompson M. , Parada M. , Wagenhoffer S. , Prado T.
Published: June 2014

Warkentin, T. D., Vandenberg, A., Tar’an, B., Banniza, S., Arganosa, G., Barlow, B., Ife, S., Horner, J., de Silva, D., Thompson, M., Parada, M., Wagenhoffer, S. and Prado, T. 2014. CDC Limerick green field pea. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1547–1549. CDC Limerick, a green cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar, was released in 2012 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, for distribution to Select seed growers in Saskatchewan and Alberta through the Variety Release Committee of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers. CDC Limerick has good lodging resistance, powdery mildew resistance, medium-sized seeds with round shape, good cotyledon bleaching resistance, high protein concentration, and good yielding ability. CDC Limerick is adapted to the field-pea-growing regions of western Canada.
Differentiation of potato ecosystems on the basis of relationships among physical, chemical and biological soil parameters
Authors: Boiteau G. , Goyer C. , Rees H. W. , Zebarth B. J.
Published: June 2014

Boiteau, G., Goyer, C., Rees, H. W. and Zebarth, B. J. 2014. Differentiation of potato ecosystems on the basis of relationships among physical, chemical and biological soil parameters. Can. J. Soil Sci. 94: 463–476. A study of soil physical, chemical and biological properties of five cultivated agro-ecosystems (two conventional potato, two organic potato and one cereal production systems) and two uncultivated agro-ecosystems (pasture and 20-yr abandoned potato field) was carried out at 21 field sites over 3 yr in New Brunswick, Canada. Twenty-four of the initial 42 variables chosen for their significant response to differences among farming systems were used in a principal component analysis to understand their relationships with the agro-ecosystems studied. The chemical, physical and biological soil properties considered contributed to a single dominant factor (PCI) of agricultural soil health representing soil organic matter dynamics. Conventional, uncertified organic and certified organic potato agro-ecosystems were lowest, intermediate and highest, respectively, on the PCI gradient. Conventional potato systems were characterized by high erosion, high soil bulk density, high soil test sulphur and phosphorus and high bacterial counts. Certified organic potato systems formed a separate group with the reference ecosystems (i.e., pasture and abandoned potato field under long-term rejuvenation). This group was characterized by high soil organic carbon, high soil aggregate stability, high soil water-holding capacity and high meso- and macro-fauna counts. The uncertified organic potato production system and organic barley system were characterized by average values, intermediate between conventional and certified organic potato systems. Results confirmed the strong negative impact of intensive cycles of conventional potato production on soil health. The clear separation observed between conventional, uncertified organic and organic potato ecosystems indicates that the positive impact of rotations and other management practices must be sustained over long periods for full rehabilitation of soils previously under intensive potato production. However, results also revealed that fields under organic certified potato production were retaining the properties of undisturbed reference sites such as pastures and abandoned potato fields under long-term rejuvenation.
Electronic Cigarette Retail Outlets and Proximity to Schools
Authors: Hahn Ellen J. , Begley Kathy , Gokun Yevgeniya , Johnson Andrew O. , Mundy Monica E. , Rayens Mary Kay
Published: June 2014

Purpose.

To compare the retail distribution and density per population of electronic and conventional cigarettes in smoke-free communities with and without e-cigarette restrictions.

Design.

A cross-sectional study with field observations of retail tobacco stores.

Setting.

Two Central Kentucky counties with 100% smoke-free workplace regulations; counties selected on the basis of whether e-cigarette use was restricted.

Subjects.

Fifty-seven tobacco retailers in two counties, including conventional retailers and stand-alone e-cigarette stores.

Measures.

Type and location of store and products sold; addresses of stores and schools geocoded with ArcGIS.

Analysis.

Bivariate comparisons between counties, rates and confidence intervals for frequency of tobacco retailers and e-cigarette stores per population.

Results.

Fifty-three percent of tobacco retailers sold e-cigarettes. E-cigarette availability did not differ by whether smoke-free regulation covered e-cigarettes. Rates of tobacco retailers and e-cigarette distributors per 10,000 were 8.29 and 4.40, respectively, in the two-county area. Of the 40 schools, 88% had a tobacco retailer and 68% had an e-cigarette distributor within 1 mile.

Conclusion.

In this exploratory study, e-cigarette use restriction was not related to store availability. For a relatively new product, e-cigarettes were readily available in retail outlets and close to schools.
Monitoring high-ozone events in the US Intermountain West using TEMPO geostationary satellite observations
Authors: Zoogman P. , Jacob D. J. , Chance K. , Liu X. , Lin M. , Fiore A. , Travis K.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. High-ozone events, approaching or exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), are frequently observed in the US Intermountain West in association with subsiding air from the free troposphere. Monitoring and attribution of these events is problematic because of the sparsity of the current network of surface measurements and lack of vertical information. We present an Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) to evaluate the ability of the future geostationary satellite instrument Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO), scheduled for launch in 2018–2019, to monitor and attribute high-ozone events in the Intermountain West through data assimilation. TEMPO will observe ozone in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) bands to provide sensitivity in the lower troposphere. Our OSSE uses ozone data from the GFDL AM3 chemistry-climate model (CCM) as the "true" atmosphere and samples it for April–June 2010 with the current surface network (CASTNet –Clean Air Status and Trends Network– sites), a configuration designed to represent TEMPO, and a low Earth orbit (LEO) IR (infrared) satellite instrument. These synthetic data are then assimilated into the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model (CTM) using a Kalman filter. Error correlation length scales (500 km in horizontal, 1.7 km in vertical) extend the range of influence of observations. We show that assimilation of surface data alone does not adequately detect high-ozone events in the Intermountain West. Assimilation of TEMPO data greatly improves the monitoring capability, with little information added from the LEO instrument. The vertical information from TEMPO further enables the attribution of NAAQS exceedances to background ozone. This is illustrated with the case of a stratospheric intrusion.
Single particle diversity and mixing state measurements
Authors: Healy R. M. , Riemer N. , Wenger J. C. , Murphy M. , West M. , Poulain L. , Wiedensohler A. , O'Connor I. P. , McGillicuddy E. , Sodeau J. R. , Evans G. J.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. A newly developed framework for quantifying aerosol particle diversity and mixing state based on information-theoretic entropy is applied for the first time to single particle mass spectrometry field data. Single particle mass fraction estimates for black carbon, organic aerosol, ammonium, nitrate and sulfate, derived using single particle mass spectrometer, aerosol mass spectrometer and multi-angle absorption photometer measurements are used to calculate single particle species diversity (Di). The average single particle species diversity (Dα) is then related to the species diversity of the bulk population (Dγ) to derive a mixing state index value (χ) at hourly resolution. The mixing state index is a single parameter representation of how internally/externally mixed a particle population is at a given time. The index describes a continuum, with values of 0 and 100% representing fully external and internal mixing, respectively. This framework was applied to data collected as part of the MEGAPOLI winter campaign in Paris, France, 2010. Di values are low (~ 2) for fresh traffic and wood-burning particles that contain high mass fractions of black carbon and organic aerosol but low mass fractions of inorganic ions. Conversely, Di values are higher (~ 4) for aged carbonaceous particles containing similar mass fractions of black carbon, organic aerosol, ammonium, nitrate and sulfate. Aerosol in Paris is estimated to be 59% internally mixed in the size range 150–1067 nm, and mixing state is dependent both upon time of day and air mass origin. Daytime primary emissions associated with vehicular traffic and wood-burning result in low χ values, while enhanced condensation of ammonium nitrate on existing particles at night leads to higher χ values. Advection of particles from continental Europe containing ammonium, nitrate and sulfate leads to increases in Dα, Dγ and χ. The mixing state index represents a useful metric by which to compare and contrast ambient particle mixing state at other locations globally.
10-year spatial and temporal trends of PM2.5 concentrations in the southeastern US estimated using high-resolution satellite data
Authors: Hu X. , Waller L. A. , Lyapustin A. , Wang Y. , Liu Y.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Long-term PM2.5 exposure has been associated with various adverse health outcomes. However, most ground monitors are located in urban areas, leading to a potentially biased representation of true regional PM2.5 levels. To facilitate epidemiological studies, accurate estimates of the spatiotemporally continuous distribution of PM2.5 concentrations are important. Satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) has been increasingly used for PM2.5 concentration estimation due to its comprehensive spatial coverage. Nevertheless, previous studies indicated that an inherent disadvantage of many AOD products is their coarse spatial resolution. For instance, the available spatial resolutions of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) AOD products are 10 and 17.6 km, respectively. In this paper, a new AOD product with 1 km spatial resolution retrieved by the multi-angle implementation of atmospheric correction (MAIAC) algorithm based on MODIS measurements was used. A two-stage model was developed to account for both spatial and temporal variability in the PM2.5–AOD relationship by incorporating the MAIAC AOD, meteorological fields, and land use variables as predictors. Our study area is in the southeastern US centered at the Atlanta metro area, and data from 2001 to 2010 were collected from various sources. The model was fitted annually, and we obtained model fitting R2 ranging from 0.71 to 0.85, mean prediction error (MPE) from 1.73 to 2.50 μg m−3, and root mean squared prediction error (RMSPE) from 2.75 to 4.10 μg m−3. In addition, we found cross-validation R2 ranging from 0.62 to 0.78, MPE from 2.00 to 3.01 μg m−3, and RMSPE from 3.12 to 5.00 μg m−3, indicating a good agreement between the estimated and observed values. Spatial trends showed that high PM2.5 levels occurred in urban areas and along major highways, while low concentrations appeared in rural or mountainous areas. Our time-series analysis showed that, for the 10-year study period, the PM2.5 levels in the southeastern US have decreased by ~20%. The annual decrease has been relatively steady from 2001 to 2007 and from 2008 to 2010 while a significant drop occurred between 2007 and 2008. An observed increase in PM2.5 levels in year 2005 is attributed to elevated sulfate concentrations in the study area in warm months of 2005.
Analysis of transpacific transport of black carbon during HIPPO-3: implications for black carbon aging
Authors: Shen Z. , Liu J. , Horowitz L. W. , Henze D. K. , Fan S. , H. Levy II , Mauzerall D. L. , Lin J.-T. , Tao S.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Long-range transport of black carbon (BC) is a growing concern as a result of the efficiency of BC in warming the climate and its adverse impact on human health. We study transpacific transport of BC during HIPPO-3 using a combination of inverse modeling and sensitivity analysis. We use the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model and its adjoint to constrain Asian BC emissions and estimate the source of BC over the North Pacific. We find that different sources of BC dominate the transport to the North Pacific during the southbound (29 March 2010) and northbound (13 April 2010) measurements in HIPPO-3. While biomass burning in Southeast Asia (SE) contributes about 60% of BC in March, more than 90% of BC comes from fossil fuel and biofuel combustion in East Asia (EA) during the April mission. GEOS-Chem simulations generally resolve the spatial and temporal variation of BC concentrations over the North Pacific, but are unable to reproduce the low and high tails of the observed BC distribution. We find that the optimized BC emissions derived from inverse modeling fail to improve model simulations significantly. This failure indicates that uncertainties in BC removal as well as transport, rather than in emissions, account for the major biases in GEOS-Chem simulations of BC over the North Pacific. The aging process, transforming BC from hydrophobic into hydrophilic form, is one of the key factors controlling wet scavenging and remote concentrations of BC. Sensitivity tests on BC aging (ignoring uncertainties of other factors controlling BC long range transport) suggest that in order to fit HIPPO-3 observations, the aging timescale of anthropogenic BC from EA may be several hours (faster than assumed in most global models), while the aging process of biomass burning BC from SE may occur much slower, with a timescale of a few days. To evaluate the effects of BC aging and wet deposition on transpacific transport of BC, we develop an idealized model of BC transport. We find that the mid-latitude air masses sampled during HIPPO-3 may have experienced a series of precipitation events, particularly near the EA and SE source region. Transpacific transport of BC is sensitive to BC aging when the aging rate is fast; this sensitivity peaks when the aging timescale is in the range of 1–1.5 d. Our findings indicate that BC aging close to the source must be simulated accurately at a process level in order to simulate better the global abundance and climate forcing of BC.
Stratospheric lifetime ratio of CFC-11 and CFC-12 from satellite and model climatologies
Authors: Hoffmann L. , Hoppe C. M. , Müller R. , Dutton G. S. , Gille J. C. , Griessbach S. , Jones A. , Meyer C. I. , Spang R. , Volk C. M. , Walker K. A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) play a key role in stratospheric ozone loss and are strong infrared absorbers that contribute to global warming. The stratospheric lifetimes of CFCs are a measure of their global loss rates that are needed to determine global warming and ozone depletion potentials. We applied the tracer-tracer correlation approach to zonal mean climatologies from satellite measurements and model data to assess the lifetimes of CFCl3 (CFC-11) and CF2Cl2 (CFC-12). We present estimates of the CFC-11/CFC-12 lifetime ratio and the absolute lifetime of CFC-12, based on a reference lifetime of 52 yr for CFC-11. We analyzed climatologies from three satellite missions, the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment-Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS), the HIgh Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS), and the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS). We found a CFC-11/CFC-12 lifetime ratio of 0.47±0.08 and a CFC-12 lifetime of 111(96–132) yr for ACE-FTS, a ratio of 0.46±0.07 and a lifetime of 112(97–133) yr for HIRDLS, and a ratio of 0.46±0.08 and a lifetime of 112(96–135) yr for MIPAS. The error-weighted, combined CFC-11/CFC-12 lifetime ratio is 0.47±0.04 and the CFC-12 lifetime estimate is 112(102–123) yr. These results agree with the recent Stratosphere-troposphere Processes And their Role in Climate (SPARC) reassessment, which recommends lifetimes of 52(43–67) yr and 102(88–122) yr, respectively. Having smaller uncertainties than the results from other recent studies, our estimates can help to better constrain CFC-11 and CFC-12 lifetime recommendations in future scientific studies and assessments. Furthermore, the satellite observations were used to validate first simulation results from a new coupled model system, which integrates a Lagrangian chemistry transport model into a climate model. For the coupled model we found a CFC-11/CFC-12 lifetime ratio of 0.48±0.07 and a CFC-12 lifetime of 110(95–129) yr, based on a ten-year perpetual run. Closely reproducing the satellite observations, the new model system will likely become a useful tool to assess the impact of advective transport, mixing, and photochemistry as well as climatological variability on the stratospheric lifetimes of long-lived tracers.
Seasonal changes in glacial polynya activity inferred from Weddell Sea varves
Authors: Sprenk D. , Weber M. E. , Kuhn G. , Wennrich V. , Hartmann T. , Seelos K.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. The Weddell Sea and the associated Filchner–Rønne Ice Shelf constitute key regions for global bottom-water production today. However, little is known about bottom-water production under different climate and ice-sheet conditions. Therefore, we studied core PS1795, which consists primarily of fine-grained siliciclastic varves that were deposited on contourite ridges in the southeastern Weddell Sea during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). We conducted high-resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and grain-size measurements with the RADIUS tool (Seelos and Sirocko, 2005) using thin sections to characterize the two seasonal components of the varves at sub-mm resolution to distinguish the seasonal components of the varves. Bright layers contain coarser grains that can mainly be identified as quartz in the medium-to-coarse silt grain size. They also contain higher amounts of Si, Zr, Ca, and Sr, as well as more ice-rafted debris (IRD). Dark layers, on the other hand, contain finer particles such as mica and clay minerals from the chlorite and illite groups. In addition, Fe, Ti, Rb, and K are elevated. Based on these findings as well as on previous analyses on neighbouring cores, we propose a model of enhanced thermohaline convection in front of a grounded ice sheet that is supported by seasonally variable coastal polynya activity during the LGM. Accordingly, katabatic (i.e. offshore blowing) winds removed sea ice from the ice edge, leading to coastal polynya formation. We suggest that glacial processes were similar to today with stronger katabatic winds and enhanced coastal polynya activity during the winter season. Under these conditions, lighter coarser-grained layers are likely glacial winter deposits, when brine rejection was increased, leading to enhanced bottom-water formation and increased sediment transport. Vice versa, darker finer-grained layers were then deposited during less windier season, mainly during summer, when coastal polynya activity was likely reduced.
A comparison of model simulations of Asian mega-droughts during the past millennium with proxy reconstructions
Authors: Fallah B. , Cubasch U.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Two PMIP3/CMIP5 climate model ensemble simulations of the past millennium have been analyzed to identify the occurrence of Asian mega-droughts. The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) is used as the key metric for the data comparison of hydro-climatological conditions. The model results are compared with the proxy data of the Monsoon Asia Drought Atlas (MADA). Our study shows that Global Circulation Models (GCMs) are capable to capture the majority of historically recorded Asian monsoon failures at the right time and with a comparable spatial distribution. The simulations indicate that ENSO-like events lead in most cases to these droughts. Both, model simulations and proxy reconstructions, point to less monsoon failures during the Little Ice Age. During historic mega-droughts of the past millennium, the monsoon convection tends to assume a preferred regime described as "break" event in Asian monsoon. This particular regime is coincident with a notable weakening in Pacific Trade winds and Somali Jet.
Comparing tide gauge observations to regional patterns of sea-level change (1961–2003)
Authors: Slangen A. B. A. , van de Wal R. S. W. , Wada Y. , Vermeersen L. L. A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Although the global mean sea-level budget for the 20th century can now be closed, the understanding of sea-level change on a regional scale is still limited. In this study we compare observations from tide gauges to regional patterns from various contributions to sea-level change to see how much of the regional measurements can be explained. Processes that are included are land ice mass changes and terrestrial storage changes with associated gravitational, rotational and deformational effects, steric/dynamic changes, atmospheric pressure loading and glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). The study focuses on the mean linear trend of regional sea-level rise between 1961 and 2003. It is found that on a regional level the explained variance of the observed trend is 0.87 with a regression coefficient of 1.07. The observations and models overlap within the 1σ uncertainty range in all regions. The main processes explaining the variability in the observations appear to be the steric/dynamic component and the GIA. Local observations prove to be more difficult to explain because they show larger spatial variations, and therefore require more information on small-scale processes.
Modelled sensitivity of the snow regime to topography, shrub fraction and shrub height
Authors: Ménard C. B. , Essery R. , Pomeroy J.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Recent studies show that shrubs are colonizing higher latitudes and altitudes in the Arctic. Shrubs affect the wind transport, accumulation and melt of snow, but there have been few sensitivity studies of how shrub expansion might affect snowmelt rates and timing. Here, a three-source energy balance model (3SOM), which calculates vertical and horizontal energy fluxes – thus allowing within-cell advection – between the atmosphere, snow, snow-free ground and vegetation, is introduced. The three-source structure was specifically adopted to investigate shrub–tundra processes associated with patchy snow cover that single- or two-source models fail to address. The ability of the model to simulate the snow regime of an upland tundra valley is evaluated; a blowing snow transport and sublimation model is used to simulate premelt snow distributions and 3SOM is used to simulate melt. Some success at simulating turbulent fluxes in point simulations and broad spatial pattern in distributed runs is shown even if the lack of advection between cells causes melt rates to be underestimated. The models are then used to investigate the sensitivity of the snow regime in the valley to varying shrub cover and topography. Results show that, for domain average shrub fractional cover ≤0.4, topography dominates the pre- and early melt energy budget but has little influence for higher shrub cover. The increase in domain average sensible heat fluxes and net radiation with increasing shrub cover is more marked without topography where shrubs introduce wind-induced spatial variability of snow and snow-free patches. As snowmelt evolves, differences in the energy budget between simulations with and without topography remain relatively constant and are independent of shrub cover. These results suggest that, to avoid overestimating the effect of shrub expansion on the energy budget of the Arctic, future large-scale investigations should consider wind redistribution of snow, shrub bending and emergence, and sub-grid topography as they affect the variability of snow cover.
WebGIS as boundary tools between scientific geoinformation and disaster risk reduction action in volcanic areas
Authors: Le Cozannet G. , Bagni M. , Thierry P. , Aragno C. , Kouokam E.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. As the amount of spatial data is growing, there is increased interest in developing tools to explore, visualize and interpret them, with the final aim of informing decision making efficiently. Within the European MIAVITA project, we examined this issue in the case of volcanic areas, where existing geospatial databases are particularly complex due to the number of threats to be considered, including volcanic (e.g. lava flows, ash fall) and non-volcanic hazards, such as landslides or tsunamis. We involved a group of hazard and risk analysts and managers, civil security officers, GIS analysts and system developers to design a Web-based geographical information system (WebGIS). We tested the system at the Mount Cameroon volcano, taking advantage of a complex hazard and risk geographical database. This study enabled identifying key requirements for such tools in volcanic areas, such as the need to manage user privileges differently according to their profile and the status of the volcano. This work also highlights that, in addition to the development of large geoinformation clearinghouses, there is a need for site-specific information systems focused on working procedures of users, in order to fill the last gap between data producers and users.
Relations between must clarification and organoleptic attributes of wine varietes
Authors: Vietoris Vladimí­r , Czako Peter , Mendelová Andrea , Remeňová Zuzana , Závracký Marek
Published: June 2014

Blowdown musts is important operation performed in winemaking, which can have a major impact on the future quality of the wine. Blowdown of the wine removes components that may carry elements that negatively affect the hygienic and sensory quality of the wine. Fining of musts and wines is carried either by a static method or using different fining preparations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different methods of decanting on the wine quality varieties of Sauvignon. The overall sensory quality was evaluated (100 - points system, and semantic differential) and the aromatic profile (profile method). All sensory evaluations were practiced by skilled sensory panel in controled conditions of Faculty sensory lab. Wine samples were clarified by static manner or with the assistance of the preparation applied to the clarification of wine in two different doses. By the results and their visualization of flavour and smell profile by spider plots we could conclude that pure cultures have positive effect on processed wine. Based on the results we found a beneficial effect of clearing by the clarification of the preparation based on cellulose, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, gelatin and mineral adsorbents at 100 g.100 L-1  of the sensory quality of the wine.