bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the quality of evidence for verbal autopsy diagnosis of stroke in Vietnam
Authors: Gupta Sachin , Khieu Thi Quynh Trang , Rao Chalapati , Anh Ngo , Hoa Nguyen Phuong
Published: October 2012

Background: Information on the leading causes of mortality will continue to rely on verbal autopsy (VA) in developing countries. The accuracy of VA methods in correctly ascertaining the cause for each individual death is crucial in order to have confidence in the data collected through the procedure. Accuracy of the VA procedure is generally established by carrying out validation studies involving a comparison of the underlying cause of death derived from the VA with a reference underlying cause from medical records. Such validation is only possible in cases for which clinical records are available, and this is clearly not the case for most deaths in developing countries. We attempt to verify the accuracy of VA evidence by reviewing the responses to specific symptom questions and other information recorded in verbal autopsy questionnaires that were assigned cerebrovascular conditions (stroke) as causes of death upon physician review in Vietnam. Materials and Methods: A national sample mortality surveillance activity identified deaths and causes of death that had occurred during 2008 in selected communes in 16 provinces distributed across Vietnam. All cases from the northern provinces of Hanoi, Hai Duong, Quang Ninh and Thanh Hoa with ICD codes pertaining to cerebrovascular diseases were identified. A total of 326 VA questionnaires for deaths from cerebrovascular diseases were reviewed and analysed in detail for the presence of symptoms pertaining to stroke. The respondents’ narration of the chronological disease history and the hospital diagnosis was also examined with an aim to explore supporting signs for diagnosis and to verify the quality of VA interview. Differences between responses among cases with and without hospital admission were examined using Chi-squared test of statistical significance. Results: Ninty percent of the cases diagnosed as stroke were found to have positive response to the key symptoms; viz., paralysis (in structured question or free text) and history of stroke. For the remaining 10% of cases, stroke was assigned as a cause-of-death based on other suggestive cardiac signs and symptoms such as hypertension, unconsciousness, or headache, etc. Community had different perspectives of “paralysis” and “stroke” which might have affected the diagnosis of stroke in some aspects. Respondents of cases with hospital admission or visit were found to have a better recall of disease symptoms than those without hospital admission. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the possible utility of VA content analysis method to back up the low coverage of conventional validation studies in developing countries owing to nonavailability of medical records. The understanding of the VA content would also form the basis for improvement in the quality of interviews and collection of data to achieve better quality information in future.
The effect of vitamin A supplementation on stimulated T-cell proliferation with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jafarirad Sima , Siassi Fereydoon , Harirchian Mohammad-Hossein , Sahraian Mohammad-Ali , Eshraghian Mohammad-Reza , Shokri Fazel , Amani Reza , Bitarafan Sama , Mozafari Sabah , Saboor-Yaraghi Aliakbar
Published: October 2012

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease whereby myelin sheath of the central nervous system is destroyed. Vitamin A is known to play a role in the immune system. It has been recognized that some metabolites of vitamin A can be used effectively to treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Aims: The effect of vitamin A as retinyl palmitate on T-cell proliferation in MS patients. Setting and Design: This study is a double blind clinical trial of two test groups over a period of 6 months. Materials and Methods: Thirty five multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were divided into two groups. One group received 25,000 IU/day vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate) and the other group were administered a placebo. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated and stimulated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) before and after the trial period. BrdU calorimetric assay was performed to measure cell proliferation. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and paired t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: Observations showed statistical significant differences in the reduction of cell proliferation in the presence of MOG and fetal calf serum (FCS) in the culture medium, between patients receiving vitamin A and the placebo (P = 0.046). Although, this difference was not significant between the two vitamin A and placebo groups in MOG treatment with human serum, a decrease was observed in the group of patients taking vitamin A supplements (P = 0.019). Phytohemagglutinin did not cause any change in cell proliferation between the two groups. Conclusion: The results suggest supplementation with retinyl palmitate in patients with MS reduce MOG stimulatory effects on T-cells.
Experimental study of neuropharmacological profile of Euphorbia pulcherrima in mice and rats
Authors: Singh Kundan Kr , Rauniar Gajendra P , Sangraula Himal
Published: October 2012

Context: Euphorbia pulcherrima (EP) belongs to the family: Euphorbiaceae and Genus: Euphorbia. Many species of Euphorbia have been reported as having beneficial properties like anticonvulsive effect, central analgesic properties, antipyretic action, central depressant action and strong sedative effect. However, little study has been done and published on EP. Aims: To observe and evaluate various neuropharmacological effects like antinociceptive effect, anticonvulsant effect, motor in-coordination, pentobarbital induced sleeping time and behavioral responses of EP in mice and rats. Setting and Design: Quantitative experimental study in mice and rats by various experimental models. Materials and Methods: Different experimental models were used to assess the antinociceptive effect (hotplate, tail flick and acetic acid induced writhing test), anticonvulsant effect (Maximal Electroshock Seizure test [MES] and Pentylenetetrazole induced seizures [PTZ]), motor in-coordination effect (Rota rod test), pentobarbital induced sleeping time and behavioral responses of EP in mice and rats after oral administration of EP crude dried extracts in three different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg). Statistical Analysis Used: The significance of difference with respect to control was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. A probability (P-value) level less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: In MES test model, duration of tonic hind limb extension in mice treated with EP was significantly less as compared to vehicle treated group. EP was most effective in a dose of 1000 mg/kg. There was also significant increase in the latency and decrease in the incidence of convulsions with the use of EP in three different doses in PTZ induced seizure model. Conclusions: This study showed EP (crude dried) extracts to possess anticonvulsant properties but no effect on motor co-ordination and anxiety.
An observational study of foot lifts asymmetry during obstacle avoidance
Authors: Tomar Ujjawal Singh , Gupta Nalina
Published: October 2012

Background: Specific information regarding obstacle-clearance strategies used by community-dwelling young and elderly is scant in the literature, and physical barriers encountered in real-life situations have not been used in most of the studies. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine foot lift asymmetry during obstacle avoidance in young and elderly subjects. Settings and Design: This was an observational study. Materials and Methods: Thirty elderly and 30 young individuals were taken for the study. All the subjects were evaluated using different scales and foot lift asymmetry was measured on a walkway using three obstacles of different heights. Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) value of the asymmetric index of the young was 3.25±0.28 and the mean and SD value of the asymmetric index of the elderly was 3.53±0.47. The asymmetric index of the elderly population was found to be higher than that of the younger population. Conclusion: The asymmetric index of the elderly population was found to be higher than that of the younger population, though it is not clinically significant.
Endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoid surgery of pituitary adenoma
Authors: Yadav YR , Sachdev S , Parihar V , Namdev H , Bhatele PR
Published: October 2012

Endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoid surgery (EETS) is increasingly used for pituitary lesions. Pre-operative CT and MRI scans and peroperative endoscopic visualization can provide useful anatomical information. EETS is indicated in sellar, suprasellar, intraventricular, retro-infundibular, and invasive tumors. Recurrent and residual lesions, pituitary apoplexy and empty sella syndrome can be managed by EETS. Modern neuronavigation techniques, ultrasonic aspirators, ultrasonic bone curette can add to the safety. The binostril approach provides a wider working area. High definition camera is much superior to three-chip camera. Most of the recent reports favor EETS in terms of safety, quality of life and tumor resection, hospital stay, better endocrinological, and visual outcome as compared to the microscopic technique. Nasal symptoms, blood loss, operating time are less in EETS. Various naso-septal flaps and other techniques of CSF leak repair could help reduce complications. Complications can be further reduced after achieving the learning curve, good understanding of limitations with proper patient selection. Use of neuronavigation, proper post-operative care of endocrine function, establishing pituitary center of excellence and more focused residency and endoscopic fellowship training could improve results. The faster and safe transition from microscopic to EETS can be done by the team concept of neurosurgeon/otolaryngologist, attending hands on cadaveric dissection, practice on models, and observation of live surgeries. Conversion to a microscopic or endoscopic-assisted approach may be required in selected patients. Multi-modality treatment could be required in giant and invasive tumors. EETS appears to be a better surgical option in most pituitary adenoma.
Cerebral tuberculoma as a manifestation of paradoxical reaction in patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Das Anirban , Das Sibes Kumar , Mandal Abhijit , Halder Arup Kumar
Published: October 2012

Expansion of cerebral tuberculomas or their new appearance as a manifestation of paradoxical reaction in patients under antituberculous chemotherapy is well documented. Distinguishing paradoxical reaction from disease progression or treatment failure is an important issue in tuberculosis management. Five cases of cerebral tuberculomas are reported here as manifestations of paradoxical reaction in patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis on antituberculous treatment. Case 1 and 2 had tuberculous meningitis, Case 3 had miliary tuberculosis, Case 4 had miliary tuberculosis and destructive vertebral lesions, and Case 5 had pulmonary tuberculosis. Continuation of antituberculous drugs and addition of steroids led to full recovery of all patients.
Primary extradural hydatid cyst extended to paraspinal muscles
Authors: Boulahroud Omar , Sharma B.S. , Dao Ibrahim , Asri Cherif Abad El , Boucetta Mohammed
Published: October 2012

Primary spinal epidural hydatid cyst without bony involvement is extremely rare. Authors report the case of a 44-yearold female brought to their attention for a rapidly progressive paraplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed extradural multiple cysts with “bunch of grapes” appearance extended to the paraspinal muscles through neural foramina without bony involvement on computed tomography (CT) scan. Histopathologic examination after a surgical approach confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. The early postoperative period showed a progressive improvement of her neurological deficit. The long-term follow-up under discontinued antihelminthic chemotherapy was uneventful.
Morganella morganii, subspecies morganii, biogroup A: An unusual causative pathogen of brain abscess
Authors: Patil Asha B. , Nadagir Shobha D. , Lakshminarayana S. A.
Published: October 2012

Morganella morganii is a gram negative aerobe , found often as intestinal commensal. It is commonly implicated in Urinary tract infections and pyogenic infections, but rarely causes CNS infections especially brain abscess. There are very few published reports of Morganella morganii as a causative pathogen in brain abscess. High index of suspicion of this pathogen is important in cases of brain abscess secondary to otogenic infections. This paper reports an unusual case of Morganella morganii, subspecies morganii, biogroup A Brain abscess .The paper also reviews other infections caused by Morganell morganii.
Neurocysticercosis presenting as Millard Gubler syndrome
Authors: Prasad Rajniti , Kapoor Kanika , Mishra O.P. , Srivastava Arvind
Published: October 2012

Neurocysticercosis is a common childhood neurological illness in India. A variety of presentations have been reported in the literature, including weber syndrome. Neurocysticercosis, manifesting as Millard Gubler syndrome, have not been reported in literature. Therefore, we report a child presented to us with Millard Gubler syndrome due to pontomedullary neurocysticercosis and was treated successfully.
Multiple oligodendroglioma with pseudoprogression
Authors: Matsuyama Junko
Published: October 2012

A 72 year-old male hospitalized with aphasia, abnormal behavior, and rapidlyprogressive dementia.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhanced by contrast media demonstrated multiplebrain tumors in left parietal lobe and left paraventricular region. Biopsy was performed,andhistopathological examination and genetical evaluation revealed anaplasticoligodendroglioma. Local radiation 50Gy was given, and Temozolomide via orallyadministered for 42 days. After the chemoradiotherapy, even though the parietal tumorshowed lessening of the size, enlargement of the tumor in the left paraventricularregion was observed, and we considered that phenomenon was pseudoprogression. 5courses of Temozolomide therapy was added, but cerebellar tumor appeared andenlarged with hydrocephalus, and died 1 year and 3 months after the firsthospitalization.
Giant osteoid osteoma of the ethmoid bone with unusual large nidus
Authors: Müslüman Ahmet Murat , Yilmaz Adem , Oba Ersin , Kabukcuoglu Fevziye , Uysal Ender
Published: October 2012

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a benign bone neoplasm which is seen in the long bones of appendicular skeleton. It is rarely seen in the cranium.Ethmoid bone OO has been very rarely reported so far. We report another case of giant osteoid osteoma involving the ethmoid bone with intraorbital and intracranial extension in a 3O year old female patient. This case with unusual anatomical location was presented. It is first time reporting a giant osteoid osteoma of ethmoid bone with such a large nidus.
Miliary brain metastases from occult lung adenocarcinoma: Radiologic and histopathologic confirmation
Authors: Kahveci Ramazan , Gürer Bora , Sekerci Zeki , Kaygusuz Gülşah
Published: October 2012

“Miliary brain metastases”, also termed as “Carcinomatous encephalitis”, are an extremely rare form of cerebral metastasis. Here in this article, we report a 52 year-old male patient with miliary brain metastases originating from occult lung adenocarcinoma. There were no significant findings on his initial physical and neurological examinations except limited cooperation. Brain computed tomography revealed edematous regions at the inferior sections of both parietal lobes. Then after, the contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed innumerable multi-dimensional lesions associated with surrounding edema on T2-weighted images. The proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed increases in the choline and lipid peaks with decreased N-acetylaspartate in a similar manner with metastatic brain tumors. Histopathological findings pointed out that malignant epithelial tumor metastasis were originating in primary lung adenocarcinoma. Despite the advances in technical equipments and medical knowledge, miliary metastatic brain tumors are quite rare and the differential diagnosis is difficult. Our aim in this article was to present this rare case in which the lung was thought to be the primary focus; and outline the radiological characteristics. Also, we believe that the findings presented by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy may contribute to making a differential diagnosis.
Occipital dermal sinus with a vermian dermoid
Authors: Srikantha Umesh , Khanapure Kiran , Nirmala S. , Varma Ravi Gopal
Published: October 2012

Congenital occipital dermal sinus with an underlying dermoid is a rare, benign lesion of embryological origin and may occur anywhere along the neuraxis. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl with a vermian dermoid and an occipital dermal sinus. Gross total resection of the lesion was done and post-operative period was uneventful. A detailed review of the literature is also covered.
Seizure and embolic stroke secondary to patent foramen ovale in a migrant girl
Authors: Turner Joseph V. , Turner Joseph V.
Published: October 2012

Episodes of loss-of-consciousness in school-aged children are not uncommon and include metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric/psychosocial causes. This case describes a first episode of seizure in an 11-year-old migrant girl. History and language issues contributed to the diagnostic dilemma. Ongoing neurological symptoms prompted transfer to a tertiary care facility where investigation revealed patent foramen ovale (PFO) with likely paradoxical embolus. Prevalence and management of this condition is briefly reviewed in the context of the current presentation.
Diffusion-weighted imaging: As the first diagnostic clue to Creutzfeldt Jacob disease
Authors: Kumaran Sunitha P. , Gupta Kanchan , Pushpa B. T. , Viswamitra Sanjaya , Joshy E. V.
Published: October 2012

We describe a case report where the diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD) was suspected by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiologist in a 75-year-old lady who presented with rapid cognitive decline. MRI revealed cortical T2 and FLAIR(fluid attenuation and inversion recovery) hyperintensities in bilateral fronto-parietal and temporo-occipital locations and showed significant restriction on diffusion-weighted images(DWI). In this case report, we discuss the role of MRI to suspect the diagnosis of CJD in appropriate clinical settings.
Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome
Authors: Behera Manas R. , Patnaik Sibabrata , Mohanty Aswini K.
Published: October 2012

A 14-month-old male child presented with recurrent generalized seizures, spastic hemiplegia, microcephaly and had developmental delay in motor and speech domains. CT of the brain revealed characteristic features diagnostic of infantile type of cerebral hemiatrophy or Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome.
Endoscopic assisted microsurgical removal of cerebello-pontine angle and prepontine epidermoid
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad H. , Haque Mohammod R.
Published: October 2012

Cerebello-pontine(CP) angle and prepontine epidermoid tumors are challenging lesions because they grow along the subarachnoid spaces around the very important neurovascular structures and often extend into the supratentorial compartment. They have typically been removed through a variety of anterolateral, lateral, and posterolateral cranial base microsurgical approaches. Sometime they were removed by the endoscope-assisted microneurosurgical (EAM) techniques. Here we report a CP angle and preontine epidermoid tumor extended to supratentorial compartment presented with trigeminal neuralgia that was removed by pure endoscopic visualization through retrosigmoid retromastoid lateral suboccipital approach. (The method of using endoscope along with surgical instruments passing along the sides of endoscope is termed as Endoscope-Controlled Microsurgery—ECM.) So far our knowledge, in the literature this type of report is probably very rare.
Radial Spreading of Localized Corrosion-Induced Selective Leaching on α-Brass in Dilute NaCl Solution
Authors: Forslund Mattias , Leygraf Christofer , Lin Changjian , Pan Jinshan
Published: October 2012

The radial spreading of selective leaching on an α-brass alloy, Cu20Zn, in diluted sodium chloride (NaCl) has been followed in situ by light optical microscopy. The corrosion process initiates through localized dissolution of micrometer-sized, Zn-rich areas. These areas initially act as anodes, where the Zn will dissolve as Zn2+. The continued growth is a highly dynamic process, involving dezincification that results in local ennoblement of initial anode areas and changes in the local chemistry of the solution. These changes drive the anodic area outward to form a ring-shaped anode with an increasing diameter. At a sufficiently high local Cl− ion concentration, Cu dissolves as CuCl2−, whereby the radial growth continues. At critical minimum local Cl− ion concentration, the radial growth is terminated.
Effects of Sigma and Chi Phases on the Localized Corrosion Resistance of SR50A Super Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Shin J.K. , Jang H.J. , Cho K.W. , Park C.J.
Published: October 2012

The precipitation behavior of secondary phases and its effects on the localized corrosion of SR50A super austenitic stainless steel were investigated. Chi phase began to precipitate after aging for 1 h at 700°C and 20 min at 800°C ~ 900°C, and sigma phase appeared after 10 h at 700°C, 1 h at 800°C, and 20 min at 900°C. The degradation of pitting resistance was closely associated with the precipitation of sigma phase, and pits initiated in the vicinity of sigma phase. The degree of sensitization was most severe for specimens aged at 800°C, because of a large amount of small precipitates involving a large interphase area.
Corrosion Behavior of Type 304L Stainless Steel in UREX+ Nitric Acid Solutions Using Immersion and Rotating Cage Techniques
Authors: Dasari S. , Jahangiri N. , Raraz A.G. , Indacochea J.E. , McDeavitt S.M.
Published: October 2012

UREX+ is an advanced separation process for treatment of spent nuclear fuels where the separation of radioactive ions is accomplished in centrifugal contactors made of Type 304L (UNS S30403) stainless steel. This research work was focused on corrosion behavior of Type 304L (UNS S30403) stainless steel at experimental parameters simulating the environment of a centrifugal contactor during its operation. Corrosion studies were completed using the immersion and rotating cage (RC) corrosion techniques. In this investigation corrosion coupons were exposed to three different nitric acid (HNO3) solutions. Corrosion rates in 5 M HNO3 and 5 M HNO3 + 0.1 M hydrofluoric acid (HF) + 0.1 M Zr4+ solutions were lower than 0.0127 mm/y. The relatively high corrosion rates in 5 M HNO3 + 0.1 M HF solutions were reduced by the addition of Zr4+ ions that behave as corrosion inhibitors forming Zr-F complex ions. The inhibitor efficiency of Zr4+ ions reached an average of 99.61%. Corrosion results were mainly a function of the corrosive characteristic of each solution and lesser degree dependent on solution temperature. The effect of wall shear stresses generated in the rotating cage technique was not observed in these tests. Corrosion test results also were discussed based on surface chemistry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) Nyquist plots, and surface appearance changes, which included microstructural analysis.
Aqueous Corrosion Testing and Neural Network Modeling to Simulate Corrosion of Supercritical CO2 Pipelines in the Carbon Capture and Storage Cycle
Authors: Sim S. , Cavanaugh M.K. , Corrigan P. , Cole I.S. , Birbilis N.
Published: October 2012

A database was constructed from tests in aqueous electrolytes simulating the damage that may occur to ferrous transport pipelines in the carbon capture and storage (CCS) process. Temperature and concentrations of carbonic acid (H2CO3), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), sodium nitrate (NaNO3), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), and sodium chloride (NaCl) were varied; the potentiodynamic polarization response, along with physical damage from exposure, was measured. Sensitivity analysis was conducted via generation of fuzzy curves, and a neural network model also was developed. A correlation between corrosion current (icorr) and exposure tests (measured in the form of weight and thickness loss) was observed; however, the key outcome of the work is the presentation of a model that captures corrosion rate as a function of environments relevant to (CCS) pipeline, revealing the extent of the threat and the variables of interest.
Profiling of fine and coarse particle mass: case studies of Saharan dust and Eyjafjallajökull/Grimsvötn volcanic plumes
Authors: Ansmann A. , Seifert P. , Tesche M. , Wandinger U.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The polarization lidar photometer networking (POLIPHON) method introduced to separate coarse-mode and fine-mode particle properties of Eyjafjallajökull volcanic aerosols in 2010 is extended to cover Saharan dust events as well. Furthermore, new volcanic dust observations performed after the Grimsvötn volcanic eruptions in 2011 are presented. The retrieval of particle mass concentrations requires mass-specific extinction coefficients. Therefore, a review of recently published mass-specific extinction coefficients for Saharan dust and volcanic dust is given. Case studies of four different scenarios corroborate the applicability of the profiling technique: (a) Saharan dust outbreak to central Europe, (b) Saharan dust plume mixed with biomass-burning smoke over Cape Verde, and volcanic aerosol layers originating from (c) the Eyjafjallajökull eruptions in 2010 and (d) the Grimsvötn eruptions in 2011. Strong differences in the vertical aerosol layering, aerosol mixing, and optical properties are observed for the different volcanic events.
Understanding the impact of recent advances in isoprene photooxidation on simulations of regional air quality
Authors: Xie Y. , Paulot F. , Carter W. P. L. , Nolte C. G. , Luecken D. J. , Hutzell W. T. , Wennberg P. O. , Cohen R. C. , Pinder R. W.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The CMAQ model in combination with observations for INTEX-NA/ICARTT 2004 are used to evaluate recent advances in isoprene oxidation chemistry and provide constraints on isoprene nitrate yields, isoprene nitrate lifetimes, and NOx recycling rates. We incorporate recent advances in isoprene oxidation chemistry into the SAPRC-07 chemical mechanism within the US EPA Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. The results show improved model performance for a range of species compared against aircraft observations from the INTEX-NA/ICARTT 2004 field campaign. We further investigate the key processes in isoprene nitrate chemistry and evaluate the impact of uncertainties in the isoprene nitrate yield, NOx (NOx = NO + NO2) recycling efficiency, dry deposition velocity, and RO2 + HO2 reaction rates. We focus our examination in the Southeastern United States, which is impacted by both abundant isoprene emissions and high levels of anthropogenic pollutants. We find that NOx concentrations increase by 4–9% as a result of reduced removal by isoprene nitrate chemistry. O3 increases by 2 ppbv as a result of changes in NOx. OH concentrations increase by 30%, which can be primarily attributed to greater HOx production. We find that the model can capture observed total alkyl and multifunctional nitrates (∑ANs) and their relationship with O3, by assuming either an isoprene nitrate yield of 6% and daytime lifetime of 6 h or a yield of 12% and lifetime of 4 h. Uncertainties in the isoprene nitrates can impact ozone production by 10% and OH concentrations by 6%. The uncertainties in NOx recycling efficiency appear to have larger effects than uncertainties in isoprene nitrate yield and dry deposition velocity. Further progress depends on improved understanding of isoprene oxidation pathways, the rate of NOx recycling from isoprene nitrates, and the fate of the secondary, tertiary, and further oxidation products of isoprene.
Observation of chemical modification of Asian Dust particles during long-range transport by the combined use of quantitative ED-EPMA and ATR-FT-IR imaging
Authors: Song Young-Chul , Eom Hyo-Jin , Jung Hae-Jin , Malek Md Abdul , Kim HyeKyeong , Ro Chul-Un
Published: October 2012

Abstract. In our previous works, it was demonstrated that the combined use of quantitative energy-dispersive electron probe X-ray microanalysis (ED-EPMA), which is also known as low-Z particle EPMA, and attenuated total reflectance FT-IR (ATR-FT-IR) imaging has great potential for a detailed characterization of individual aerosol particles. In this study, individual Asian Dust particles collected during an Asian Dust storm event on 11 November 2011 in Korea were characterized by the combined use of low-Z particle EPMA and ATR-FT-IR imaging. The combined use of the two single-particle analytical techniques on the same individual particles showed that Asian Dust particles had experienced extensive chemical modification during long-range transport. Overall, 109 individual particles were classified into four particle types based on their morphology, elemental concentrations, and molecular species and/or functional groups of individual particles available from the two analytical techniques: Ca-containing (38%); NaNO3-containing (30%); silicate (22%); and miscellaneous particles (10%). Among the 41 Ca-containing particles, 10, 8, and 14 particles contained nitrate, sulfate, and both, respectively, whereas only two particles contained unreacted CaCO3. Airborne amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) particles were observed in this Asian Dust sample for the first time, where their IR peaks for the insufficient symmetric environment of CO32− ions of ACC were clearly differentiated from those of crystalline CaCO3. This paper also reports the field observations of CaCl2 particles converted from CaCO3 for the Asian Dust sample collected in the planetary boundary layer. Thirty three particles contained NaNO3, which are the reaction products of sea-salt and NOx/HNO3, whereas no genuine sea-salt particles were encountered, indicating that sea-salt particles are more reactive than CaCO3 particles. Some silicate particles were observed to contain nitrate, sulfate, and water. Among 24 silicate particles, 10 particles contained water, the presence of which could facilitate atmospheric heterogeneous reactions of silicate particles including swelling minerals, such as montmorillonite and vermiculite, and non-swelling ones, such as feldspar and quartz. This paper provides detailed information on the physicochemical characteristics of individual Asian Dust particles that experienced extensive chemical modification during long-range transport through the combined use of the two single-particle analytical techniques.
Retrieval of tropospheric CO column from hyperspectral infrared sounders – application to four years of Aqua/AIRS and MetOp-A/IASI
Authors: Thonat T. , Crevoisier C. , Scott N. A. , Chédin A. , Schuck T. , Armante R. , Crépeau L.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Four years of tropospheric integrated content of CO were retrieved from infrared hyperspectral observations of AIRS onboard Aqua and IASI onboard MetOp-A, for the period July 2007–June 2011. The retrieval method is based on a double differential approach that relies on the difference between brightness temperatures observed by the sounder and BT simulated by the Automatised Atmospheric Absorption Atlas (4A) radiative transfer model on colocated ECMWF reanalyses, for several couples of channels located in the 4.67 μm CO band. AIRS and IASI give access to similar integrated contents of CO with a maximum sensitivity near 450 hPa and a half-height width of the weighting function between 200 and 750 hPa depending on the thermal contrast (i.e., the difference between the surface temperature and the temperature of the first pressure level). However, differences in their spectral and radiometric characteristics yield differences in the retrieval characteristics with AIRS selected couples of channels being more sensitive to surface characteristics. Moreover, IASI covers the whole CO absorption band, with a 3 times better spectral resolution, giving access to channels presenting a 3 times higher signal to noise ratio. This results in a better precision and lower standard deviation of the IASI retrievals. Conservatively, comparisons with CARIBIC aircraft measurements yield an averaged relative difference of 3.4% for IASI and 4.9% for AIRS. On average, AIRS and IASI retrievals are in very good agreement, showing the same seasonality, seasonal amplitudes, interannual variability and spatial distribution. The analysis of the monthly evolution of CO particularly highlights the expected strong influence of biomass burning on the evolution of CO in several tropical regions. In particular, a sharp increase in CO in 2010 in the southern tropics, especially over South America and South Africa, is observed, and is shown to be related to El Niño and to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation.
Parameter-induced uncertainty quantification of soil N2O, NO and CO2 emission from Höglwald spruce forest (Germany) using the LandscapeDNDC model
Authors: Rahn K.-H. , Werner C. , Kiese R. , Haas E. , Butterbach-Bahl K.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Assessing the uncertainties of simulation results of ecological models is becoming increasingly important, specifically if these models are used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions on site to regional/national levels. Four general sources of uncertainty effect the outcome of process-based models: (i) uncertainty of information used to initialise and drive the model, (ii) uncertainty of model parameters describing specific ecosystem processes, (iii) uncertainty of the model structure, and (iv) accurateness of measurements (e.g., soil-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange) which are used for model testing and development. The aim of our study was to assess the simulation uncertainty of the process-based biogeochemical model LandscapeDNDC. For this we set up a Bayesian framework using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, to estimate the joint model parameter distribution. Data for model testing, parameter estimation and uncertainty assessment were taken from observations of soil fluxes of nitrous oxide (N2O), nitric oxide (NO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as observed over a 10 yr period at the spruce site of the Höglwald Forest, Germany. By running four independent Markov Chains in parallel with identical properties (except for the parameter start values), an objective criteria for chain convergence developed by Gelman et al. (2003) could be used. Our approach shows that by means of the joint parameter distribution, we were able not only to limit the parameter space and specify the probability of parameter values, but also to assess the complex dependencies among model parameters used for simulating soil C and N trace gas emissions. This helped to improve the understanding of the behaviour of the complex LandscapeDNDC model while simulating soil C and N turnover processes and associated C and N soil-atmosphere exchange. In a final step the parameter distribution of the most sensitive parameters determining soil-atmosphere C and N exchange were used to obtain the parameter-induced uncertainty of simulated N2O, NO and CO2 emissions. These were compared to observational data of an calibration set (6 yr) and an independent validation set of 4 yr. The comparison showed that most of the annual observed trace gas emissions were in the range of simulated values and were predicted with a high certainty (Root-mean-squared error (RMSE) NO: 2.4 to 18.95 g N ha−1 d−1, N2O: 0.14 to 21.12 g N ha−1 d−1, CO2: 5.4 to 11.9 kg C ha−1 d−1). However, LandscapeDNDC simulations were sometimes still limited to accurately predict observed seasonal variations in fluxes.
A 250 ka oxygen isotope record from diatoms at Lake El'gygytgyn, far east Russian Arctic
Authors: Chapligin B. , Meyer H. , Swann G. E. A. , Meyer-Jacob C. , Hubberten H.-W.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. In 2003 sediment core Lz1024 was drilled at Lake El'gygytgyn, far east Russian Arctic, in an area of the Northern Hemisphere which has not been glaciated for the last 3.6 Ma. Biogenic silica was used for analysing the oxygen isotope composition (δ18Odiatom) in the upper 13 m long section dating back about 250 ka with samples dominated by one taxa in the <10 μm fraction (Cyclotella ocellata). Downcore variations in δ18O values show that glacial-interglacial cycles are present throughout the core and δ18Odiatom-values are mainly controlled by δ18Oprecipitation. Changes reflect the Holocene Thermal Maximum, the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the interglacial periods corresponding to MIS 5.5 and MIS 7 with a peak-to-peak amplitude between LGM and MIS 5.5 of Δ18O = 5.3‰. This corresponds to a mean annual air temperature difference of about 9 °C. Our record is the first continuous δ18Odiatom record from an Arctic lake sediment core directly responding to precipitation and dating back more than 250 ka and correlates well with the stacked marine δ18O LR04 (r = 0.58) and δD EPICA Dome-C record (r = 0.69). With δ18O results indicating strong links to both marine and ice-core records, records from Lake El'gygytgyn can be used to further investigate the sensitivity of the Arctic climate to both past and future global climatic changes.
A 350 kyr record of climate change from Lake El'gygytgyn, Far East Russian Arctic: refining the pattern of climate modes by means of cluster analysis
Authors: Frank U. , Nowaczyk N. R. , Minyuk P. , Vogel H. , Rosén P. , Melles M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Rock magnetic, biochemical and inorganic records of the sediment cores PG1351 and Lz1024 from Lake El'gygytgyn, Chukotka peninsula, Far East Russian Arctic, were subjected to a hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis in order to refine and extend the pattern of climate modes as defined by Melles et al. (2007). Cluster analysis of the data obtained from both cores yielded similar results, differentiating clearly between the four climate modes warm, peak warm, cold and dry, and cold and moist. In addition, two transitional phases were identified, representing the early stages of a cold phase and slightly colder conditions during a warm phase, respectively. The statistical approach can thus be used to resolve gradual changes in the sedimentary units as an indicator of available oxygen in the hypolimnion in greater detail. Based upon cluster analyses on core Lz1024, the published succession of climate modes in core PG1351, covering the last 250 kyr, was modified and extended back to 350 kyr. Comparison to the marine oxygen isotope (δ18O) stack LR04 (Lisiecki and Raymo, 2005) and the summer insolation at 67.5° N, with the extended Lake El'gygytgyn parameter records of magnetic susceptibility (κLF), total organic carbon content (TOC) and the chemical index of alteration (CIA; Minyuk et al., 2007), revealed that all stages back to marine isotope stage (MIS) 10 and most of the substages are clearly reflected in the pattern derived from the cluster analysis.
On teaching styles of water educators and the impact of didactic training
Authors: Pathirana A. , Koster J. H. , de Jong E. , Uhlenbrook S.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Solving today's complex hydrological problems requires originality, creative thinking and trans-disciplinary approaches. Hydrological education that was traditionally teacher centred, where the students look up to the teacher for expertise and information, should change to better prepare hydrologists to develop new knowledge and apply it in new contexts. An important first step towards this goal is to change the concept of education in the educators' minds. The results of an investigation to find out whether didactic training influences the beliefs of hydrology educators about their teaching styles is presented. Faculty of UNESCO-IHE has been offered a didactic certification program named university teaching qualification (UTQ). The hypothesis that UTQ training will significantly alter the teaching style of faculty at UNESCO-IHE from expert/formal authority traits towards facilitator/delegator traits was tested. A first survey was conducted among the entire teaching staff (total 101, response rate 58%). The results indicated that there are significantly higher traits of facilitator and delegator teaching styles among UTQ graduates compared to faculty who were not significantly trained in didactics. The second survey which was conducted among UTQ graduates (total 20, response rate 70%), enquiring after their teaching styles before and after UTQ, corroborated these findings.
Exploring a New Model and Approach to the Scholarship of Teaching: The Scholarship Teaching Academy
Authors: Patel Fay
Published: October 2012

The Scholarship of Teaching (SoT) has been researched and investigated over the decades from multiple perspectives. When accessing and engaging the SoT discourse, one has to understand both what the scholarship of teaching is and how it evolved. It is through a critical examination of the diverse range of models and approaches to SoT that one may begin to understand the complex factors involved in shaping the discourse. The plus side to all this is that even though we have multiple definitions and working descriptions of the scholarship of teaching, it remains an evolving area of study. In this paper, I examine several models and approaches and propose a new model: the scholarship teaching academy. Within the broad context of the discussion on SoT, pertinent issues related to access to the scholarship discourse and empowerment of early to mid-career academics is assessed. The scholarship teaching academy responds to the needs of a growing diverse demographic population and to the changing culture of institutions by granting access to early and mid-career academics and also empowering them through the provision of resources and support structures such as mentoring programs.
Depuis des dizaines d’années, l'avancement des connaissances en enseignement (ACE) a fait l’objet de recherches et d’études utilisant des perspectives multiples. Lorsqu’on aborde le discours sur ce sujet ou lorsqu’on y participe, il faut comprendre de quoi il s’agit et comment cette discipline a évolué. Pour comprendre les facteurs complexes qui façonnent le discours, il faut procéder à un examen critique des divers modèles et approches du concept d'avancement des connaissances en enseignement (ACE). L’aspect positif est que malgré les multiples définitions et descriptions de travail existantes, cette discipline continue à être un champ d’étude en évolution. Dans cet article, j’examine plusieurs modèles et approches et propose un nouveau modèle : l’institut de l’ACE. Dans le cadre élargi de la discussion sur cette discipline, j’évalue les sujets pertinents liés à l’accès au discours portant sur ce sujet et au renforcement des capacités des enseignants universitaires qui sont au début ou au milieu de leur carrière. L’institut de l’ACE répond aux besoins d’une population croissante et diversifiée sur le plan démographique et à la culture changeante des institutions en garantissant un accès aux enseignants au début ou au milieu de leur carrière et en renforçant leurs capacités par l’entremise de ressources et de structures de soutien comme les programmes de mentorat.
Applied Methods of Teaching about Oppression and Diversity to Graduate Social Work Students: A Case Example of Digital Stories
Authors: Walsh Christine A , Shier Micheal L. , Sitter Kathleen C. , Sieppert Jackie D.
Published: October 2012

Social work education accreditation requires the completion of course work specifically around issues related to oppression and diversity within society. Educators offer a range of approaches to engage students in discussion about oppression and diversity from academic content and structured curriculum to reflective practice and experiential learning opportunities. The following describes a Master of Social Work course on oppression, social justice, and diversity offered at a western Canadian university that utilized a mixed method of teaching practices – including the creation of digital stories by the students in small groups. Beyond this description of the course content, students’ insight into the impact of using digital stories for their own learning and application to professional practice around issues of oppression and diversity is presented and discussed.
Pour être agréé comme travailleur social, il faut avoir suivi des cours axés sur les questions d’oppression et de diversité au sein de la société. Pour faire participer les étudiants, les éducateurs emploient diverses méthodes qui vont des discussions à partir d’un contenu universitaire à un programme d’enseignement structuré et utilisent une approche réflective ainsi que des occasions d’apprentissage expérientiel. L’article traite d’un cours de maîtrise en travail social sur l’oppression, la justice sociale et la diversité, offert dans une université de l’Ouest du Canada, qui utilise une méthode combinée de pratiques d’enseignement, y compris la création d’histoires digitales par les étudiants en petits groupes. En plus d’en décrire le contenu, l’article présente un aperçu de l’impact de l’utilisation de ces histoires sur l’apprentissage des étudiants et de son application aux pratiques professionnelles entourant les questions d’oppression et de diversité.
Two new species of Pluteus section Celluloderma from the Dominican Republic
Authors: Justo Alfredo , Battistin Eliseo , Angelini Claudio
Published: October 2012

Two new species of Pluteus sect. Celluloderma collected in the Dominican Republic are described based on morphological and molecular (nrITS) characters. Pluteus crenulatus is characterized by the sulcate crenulate margin of the pileus, clavate cheilo- and caulocystidia,
and absence of pleurocystidia. Pluteus stenotrichus is characterized by the presence of very narrow and internally septate cells in the pileipellis.
The fungal collection of the Jagiellonian University Herbarium (KRA), Kraków, Poland
Authors: Ociepa Anna Maria , Zubek Szymon , Mleczko Piotr
Published: October 2012

The paper presents a short history of the mycological collection of the Jagiellonian University Herbarium (KRA, Kraków, Poland). The Herbarium holds over 22,000 specimens, including some interesting European and extra-European fungal exsiccata. One of the most valuable fungal
collections (including many type specimens) in the Herbarium is that containing Javanese fungi gathered by Marian Raciborski at the end of 19th century.
Peziza michelii and its ectomycorrhizae with Alnus nitida (Betulaceae) from Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf T. , Hanif M. , Khalid A. N.
Published: October 2012

Peziza michelii and its ectomycorrhizae with Alnus nitida are characterized morphologically and molecularly by nrDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequence analyses. Both the fungus and its morphotype are new records for Pakistan.
Coriolopsis psila comb. nov. (Agaricomycetes) and two new Coriolopsis records for Brazil
Authors: Nogueira-Melo Georgea S. , Medeiros Priscila S. de , Gomes-Silva Allyne C. , Ryvarden Leif , Sotão Helen M.P. , Gibertoni Tatiana B.
Published: October 2012

The new combination Coriolopsis psila is proposed and C. brunneoleuca and C. hostmannii are reported as new to Brazil. Descriptions of these collections and a key to the eight accepted Coriolopsis species reported from Brazil are provided.
Three new Caeoma species on Rosa spp. from Pakistan
Authors: Afshan N.S. , Khalid A.N. , Niazi A.R.
Published: October 2012

Three representatives of the anamorphic genus Caeoma —C. ahmadii on Rosa microphylla; C. khanspurense and C. rosicola on Rosa webbiana— are described as new rust species from Pakistan. This first report of Caeoma raises the number
of known anamorphic rust genera from the country to five.