bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All Titanium Microelectrode Array for Field Potential Measurements from Neurons and Cardiomyocytes—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Ryynänen Tomi , Kujala Ville , Ylä-Outinen Laura , Korhonen Ismo , Tanskanen Jarno M.A. , Kauppinen Pasi , Aalto-Setälä Katriina , Hyttinen Jari , Kerkelä Erja , Narkilahti Susanna , Lekkala Jukka
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we describe our all-titanium microelectrode array (tMEA) fabrication process and show that uncoated titanium microelectrodes are fully applicable to measuring field potentials (FPs) from neurons and cardiomyocytes. Many novel research questions require custom designed microelectrode configurations different from the few commercially available ones. As several different configurations may be needed especially in a prototyping phase, considerable time and cost savings in MEA fabrication can be achieved by omitting the additional low impedance microelectrode coating, usually made of titanium nitride (TiN) or platinum black, and have a simplified and easily processable MEA structure instead. Noise, impedance, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization were performed to our uncoated titanium microelectrodes and commercial TiN coated microelectrodes and were supplemented by FP measurements from neurons and cardiomyocytes on both platforms. Despite the increased noise levels compared to commercial MEAs our tMEAs produced good FP measurements from neurons and cardiomyocytes. Thus, tMEAs offer a cost effective platform to develop custom designed electrode configurations and more complex monitoring environments.
Range‐wide genetic structure and diversity of the endemic tree line species Polylepis australis (Rosaceae) in Argentina
Authors: Hensen Isabell , Teich Ingrid , Hirsch Heidi , von Wehrden Henrik , Renison Daniel
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Knowledge on the range‐wide distribution of genetic structure and diversity is required to facilitate the understanding of historical tree migration and for predicting responses to current climate change. With respect to post‐glacial migration patterns known from the northern hemisphere, we tested the prediction that the southernmost populations of a subtropical tree line species have lower within‐population genetic diversity and higher genetic differentiation than the central and northernmost populations.

• Methods: We used AFLP to assess the genetic structure of 18 populations of the wind‐pollinated Polylepis australis (Rosaceae) sampled over its entire distributional range in three Argentinean high mountain regions. Genetic diversity was calculated as a percentage of polymorphic bands (P) and Nei's expected heterozygosity (He); genetic differentiation was assessed using AMOVA, ΦST – statistics, and Bayesian cluster analysis.

• Key results: Contrary to our expectations, the northernmost Polylepis australis stands had lower within‐population genetic diversity and higher genetic differentiation than the central and southernmost stands. Populations grouped into two major clusters, the first containing the southern populations and four central populations and the second containing the northern and one central population.

• Conclusions: Patterns of Polylepis australis genetic structure and diversity differ from historical migration scenarios observed for the northern hemisphere. The decline in genetic diversity toward the north may point to an equatorward migration following past climatic changes. Populations within the south and central part appear to be connected by effective long‐distance pollination while gene flow in the northern part is probably hampered by geographic isolation.
Karatophyllum bromelioides L.D. Gómez revisited: A probable fossil CAM bromeliad
Authors: Baresch Andres , Smith J. Andrew C. , Winter Klaus , Valerio Ana Lucía , Jaramillo Carlos
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: The fossil leaf Karatophyllum bromelioides L. D. Gómez found in Costa Rica was proposed by Gómez (1972) to belong to the Bromeliaceae and to date from the middle Tertiary. If the age and affinity of this specimen were proven to be correct, it would constitute the oldest record of this large and ecologically diverse monocotyledonous family.

• Key results: Morphological features of the fossil (leaf dimensions, marginal spines, cuticular traces) indicate a close affinity with the extant bromeliad Aechmea magdalenae (André) André ex Baker. Leaf thickness (1.6 mm at maximum) suggests that K. bromelioides L. D. Gómez performed CAM photosynthesis. The geological information does not corroborate the estimated age and location of the specimen; the fossil is suggested to be of more recent origin.

• Conclusions: The affinity of this fossil to Bromeliaceae was confirmed, but the uncertainties surrounding its age and collection locality mitigate against its use in inferences concerning the evolutionary history of the family.
Pegylated Interferon-α2A plus Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C in a Real-Life Setting: The Hepatys French Cohort (2003–2007)
Authors: Bourlière Marc , Ouzan Denis , Rosenheim Michel , Doffoël Michel , Marcellin Patrick , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Salomon Laurence , Fagnani Francis , Rouanet Stéphanie , Pinta Alexandrina , Vray Muriel
Published: October 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to document in real life the characteristics and management of hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon-α2a and ribavirin, and the efficacy of treatment (sustained virological response [SVR]).

Methods

This observational study enrolled hepatitis C patients initiating pegylated interferon-α2a and ribavirin treatment.

Results

A total of 2,066 patients were included, of which 70% were treatment-naive, 53% had genotype (G) 1 and 38% G2 or G3 infection, and 35% had an F3–F4 Metavir score. In total, 18% of patients treated for 24 weeks and 39% of patients treated for 48 weeks prematurely stopped treatment, mainly because of side effects. The SVR rate (intent-to-treat population) was 39%: 43% in naive patients and 31% in treatment-failure patients. In the complete case analysis population, this was 49%: 54% in naive patients and 37% in treatment-failure patients. Among naive patients, the SVR rate was 42% in G1 carriers and 69% in G2 or G3 carriers. The SVR rate was 69% in naive G1 patients without fibrosis (F0; versus 44% in F1–F2 versus 31% in F3–F4; P<0.001). In naive patients, G2 or G3, low viral load (<800,000 IU/ml) and age ≤40 years were predictive factors for SVR. In treatment-failure patients, low viral load, no or low fibrosis stage (F0–F1) and no treatment modification were predictive factors of SVR.

Conclusions

In patients treated in a real-life setting, adherence to therapy, SVR rates, predictive factors of SVR and safety results were close to those observed in randomized trials. A high SVR in G1 naive patients with no fibrosis warrants further study and might suggest earlier treatment.
Call Center Employees: Is Work Life Stress a Challenge
Authors: Latha G , Panchanatham N
Published: October 2011

The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the global scenario. The sector is showing a remarkable growth in the Indian context also. It is performing a number of activities relating to customer interaction and service. Some of them are involved in pure back office work and some others are directly dealing with the customers. Call center is a voice based part of BPO organization. The BPO sector is developing the young generation not only by providing employment opportunities but also by building confidence in them. Indian BPO companies are paying great attention in inducting and training the employees. But most of the employees are youngsters and they are facing a lot of problems. They are working on continuous night shifts, which affect their biological balance. Apart from this, excessive work loads, unreachable targets and pressurizing customers are creating stress among the employees. This ultimately results in physical, psychological and behavioural deviations among them, which not only affects the employees and the organization, but, the country on the whole. This paper aims to identify the problems in the sector and the nature of the stress created by such problems. First hand information regarding the problems, the sources of stress and the experience on stress situations is collected from a project leader who has five years of experience. A questionnaire is circulated to measure the stress level of employees. It also identifies the various stressors prevailing among the employees. The impact of job satisfaction, feed back, working conditions, work family balance and workload in creating stress among the employees are analyzed. Some strategies for coping up with stress are also suggested. Keywords: Stress; Call center; Stressors; Coping strategies DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/suslj.v9i1.3731 Sabaramuwa University Journal, Volume 9 Number 1; December 2010, pp 1-9
Production of Jaadi using Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and determination of its physcio-chemical and sensory properties
Authors: Lakshmi WGI , Prassanna PHP , Edirisinghe U
Published: October 2011

Consumption of Tilapia is restricted due to its muddy flavour and colour. This study was aimed to develop jaadi, a fermented fish product, using Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and to determine suitable salt and goraka (Garcinia gambodiea) combination for its preparation. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates. First experiment was aimed at determining the suitable salt content for jaadi. There were four treatments having salt contents of 200 g, 300 g, 400 g and 500 g per 1 kg of deskined fish without head while keeping goraka (G. gambodiea) content at 100 g. The most suitable salt content was determined according to sensory evaluation results, which in turn was used for second experiment, for the determination of suitable goraka (G. gambodiea) content, the goraka (G. gambodiea) content was changed as 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g per 1 kg of fish keeping the salt content constant. Results for the first experiment indicated that the highest preference for sensory attributes was from combination of 500 g of salt with constant goraka (G. gambodiea) per 1 kg of fish. Results of second experiment indicated that there was a higher preference for the combination of 100 g of garcenia (G. gambodiea) with 500 g salt per 1 kg of fish compared to other treatments. The study clearly revealed that 500 g of goraka (G. gambodiea) and 100 g of salt with 1 kg of deskined Tilapia (O. niloticus) fish without head can effectively used to produce jaadi. Key words: Tilapia; Goraka; Salt; Storage DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/suslj.v9i1.3734   Sabaramuwa University Journal, Volume 9 Number 1; December 2010, pp 57-63
Insecurity of Secure Land Tenure - Case of Service Tenure formalization in Sri Lanka
Authors: Piyasena NMPM
Published: October 2011

The government of Sri Lanka has recognized the title registration as a tool against insecure land tenure. However, global experience reveals that success of such projects depends on several factors. As such, it is of primary importance for the country to investigate the effectiveness of title registration in providing secure land tenure under the local conditions. With the above mentioned background, the objective of the paper is to investigate the effectiveness of title registration in Sri Lanka in areas where service tenure exists. Service tenure system is one of the very complex tenure systems in Sri Lanka and thus allows a better judgment of the effectiveness of the title registration. A case study method was adopted to investigate the service tenure system. An identified analytical framework from a wide literature survey has been used to analyse the service tenure system. The outcome of the study reveals that most of the land tenure insecurity is caused by institutional inconsistencies and also that focusing on individual titling alone would not eliminate these inconsistencies. Key words: Land Tenure; Title Registration; Property Rights; Institutions DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/suslj.v9i1.3740 Sabaramuwa University Journal, Volume 9 Number 1; December 2010, pp 133-145
Cutting Edge: Nicastrin and Related Components of γ-Secretase Generate a Peptide Epitope Facilitating Immune Recognition of Intracellular Mycobacteria, through MHC Class II-Dependent Priming of T Cells
Authors: Singh Christopher R. , Bakhru Pearl , Khan Arshad , Li Qing Bo , Jagannath Chinnaswamy
Published: October 2011

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the antituberculosis vaccine, localizes within immature phagosomes of macrophages and dendritic cells (APCs), and avoids lysosomal degradation. BCG-derived antigenic peptides are thus inefficiently processed by APCs, and we investigated alternate mechanisms of Ag processing. Proteomics identified that BCG phagosomes are enriched for nicastrin, APH, and presenilin components of γ-secretase, a multimeric protease. Using an in vitro Ag presentation assay and BCG-infected APCs, we found γ-secretase components to cleave BCG-derived Ag85B to produce a peptide epitope, which, in turn, primed IL-2 release from Ag85B-specific T cell hybridoma. siRNA knockdown or chemical inhibition of γ-secretase components using L685458 decreased the ability of BCG or Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected APCs to present Ag85B. In addition, L685485 inhibition of γ-secretase led to a decreased ability of BCG-dendritic cells to immunize mice and induce Ag85B-specific CD4 T cells in vivo. Because BCG and M. tuberculosis sequester within APCs preventing immune recognition, γ-secretase components appear to fortuitously process the immunodominant Ag85B, facilitating immune recognition.
c-Myb and GATA-3 Cooperatively Regulate IL-13 Expression via Conserved GATA-3 Response Element and Recruit Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) for Histone Modification of the IL-13 Locus
Authors: Kozuka Teruhiko , Sugita Mayumi , Shetzline Susan , Gewirtz Alan M. , Nakata Yuji
Published: October 2011

The c-Myb and GATA-3 transcription factors play important roles in T cell development. We recently reported that c-Myb, GATA-3, and Menin form a core transcription complex that regulates GATA-3 expression and ultimately Th2 cell development in human peripheral blood T cells. However, c-Myb roles for Th2 cytokine expression were not demonstrated. In this article, we report that c-Myb and GATA-3 cooperatively play an essential role in IL-13 expression though direct binding to a conserved GATA-3 response element (CGRE), an enhancer for IL-13 expression. c-Myb and GATA-3 were shown to activate the CGRE–IL-13 promoter by ∼160-fold, and mutation of the canonical Myb binding site completely abrogated CGRE enhancer activity. In contrast, mutation of the GATA binding site partially decreased CGRE enhancer activity. GATA-3 did not bind to CGRE when c-myb expression was silenced. c-Myb, GATA-3, Menin, and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) bound to CGRE in human primary CD4+ effector/memory cells. Moreover, c-myb silencing significantly decreased both methylation of histone H3K4 and acetylation of histone H3K9 at the IL-13 locus in CD4+ effector/memory cells. Therefore, in addition to the strong enhancer effect for the transcription of IL-13, the c-Myb/GATA-3 complex recruits MLL to the CGRE for histone modification of the IL-13 locus during the differentiation of memory Th2 cells.
Optimal L2 Error Estimates for the Interior Penalty DG Method for Maxwell’s Equations in Cold Plasma
Authors: Li Jichun
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we consider an interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for the time-dependent Maxwell’s equations in cold plasma. In Huang and Li (J. Sci. Comput., 42 (2009), 321-340), for both semi and fully discrete DG schemes, we proved error estimates which are optimal in the energy norm, but sub-optimal in the L2-norm. Here by filling this gap, we show that these schemes are optimally convergent in the L2-norm on quasi-uniform tetrahedral meshes if the solution is sufficiently smooth.
Conservative Finite-Difference Scheme for High-Frequency Acoustic Waves Propagating at an Interface Between Two Media
Authors: Staudacher J. , Savin É
Published: October 2011

This paper is an introduction to a conservative, positive numerical scheme which takes into account the phenomena of reflection and transmission of high frequency acoustic waves at a straight interface between two homogeneous media. Explicit forms of the interpolation coefficients for reflected and transmitted wave vectors on a two-dimensional uniform grid are derived. The propagation model is a Liouville transport equation solved in phase space.
The Ultra Weak Variational Formulation Using Bessel Basis Functions
Authors: Luostari Teemu , Huttunen Tomi , Monk Peter
Published: October 2011

We investigate the ultra weak variational formulation (UWVF) of the 2-D Helmholtz equation using a new choice of basis functions. Traditionally the UWVF basis functions are chosen to be plane waves. Here, we instead use first kind Bessel functions. We compare the performance of the two bases. Moreover, we show that it is possible to use coupled plane wave and Bessel bases in the same mesh. As test cases we shall consider propagating plane and evanescent waves in a rectangular domain and a singular 2-D Helmholtz problem in an L-shaped domain.
Complete Radiation Boundary Conditions for Convective Waves
Authors: Hagstrom Thomas , Bécache Eliane , Givoli Dan , Stein Kurt
Published: October 2011

Local approximate radiation boundary conditions of optimal efficiency for the convective wave equation and the linearized Euler equations in waveguide geometry are formulated, analyzed, and tested. The results extend and improve for the convective case the general formulation of high-order local radiation boundary condition sequences for anisotropic scalar equations developed in [4].
Full Aperture Reconstruction of the Acoustic Far-Field Pattern from Few Measurements
Authors: Barucq Hélène , Bekkey Chokri , Djellouli Rabia
Published: October 2011

We propose a numerical procedure to extend to full aperture the acoustic far-field pattern (FFP) when measured in only few observation angles. The reconstruction procedure is a multi-step technique that combines a total variation regularized iterative method with the standard Tikhonov regularized pseudo-inversion. The proposed approach distinguishes itself from existing solution methodologies by using an exact representation of the total variation which is crucial for the stability and robustness of Newton algorithms. We present numerical results in the case of two-dimensional acoustic scattering problems to illustrate the potential of the proposed procedure for reconstructing the full aperture of the FFP from very few noisy data such as backscattering synthetic measurements.
High-Order Schemes Combining the Modified Equation Approach and Discontinuous Galerkin Approximations for the Wave Equation
Authors: Agut Cyril , Diaz Julien , Ezziani Abdelaâziz
Published: October 2011

We present a new high order method in space and time for solving the wave equation, based on a new interpretation of the “Modified Equation” technique. Indeed, contrary to most of the works, we consider the time discretization before the space discretization. After the time discretization, an additional biharmonic operator appears, which can not be discretized by classical finite elements. We propose a new Discontinuous Galerkin method for the discretization of this operator, and we provide numerical experiments proving that the new method is more accurate than the classical Modified Equation technique with a lower computational burden.
Characterization of spatial heterogeneity in underwater soundscapes at the river segment scale
Authors: Tonolla Diego , Lorang Mark S. , Heutschi Kurt , Gotschalk Chris C. , Tockner Klement
Published: October 2011

The patterns of underwater acoustic signals, called soundscapes, were characterized at the river segment scale. A hydrophone was mounted onto the frame of an inflatable multihull raft and held just below the water's surface while floating for 5–24 km to continuously record acoustic signals along the longitudinal axis of the main channel (thalweg) of five hydro‐geomorphologically different river segments in Italy, Switzerland, and the United States of America. The river segments could be clearly distinguished based on sound pressure level (SPL), sound variability, and the spatial organization of the acoustic signal (10 octave bands: 0.0315–16 kHz). The spatial soundscape diversity between river segments was most likely related to the organization of turbulence along the segment length (distance between rapids) and to sound source (hydraulic turbulence or local sediment transport). Hydraulically and morphologically heterogeneous segments revealed more complex soundscapes than more homogeneous ones. Higher flow levels resulted in higher SPLs over most frequency bands. The acoustic variability of single octave bands increased from base to intermediate flow, while it decreased from intermediate to bankfull flow. The pulsating sound produced by breaking and reforming turbulent waves on flow obstacles was associated with SPL peaks and high acoustic variability in midrange frequency bands (0.063–0.5 kHz), whereas high‐frequency SPLs (1–16 kHz) were related to particle collisions during streambed sediment transport. Underwater soundscapes provide an independent measure to quantify habitat heterogeneity and spatial habitat organization that can be applied to river corridors at the segment scale.
Is the photo‐acclimatory response of Rhodophyta conditioned by the species carotenoid profile?
Authors: Schubert Nadine , García-Mendoza Ernesto , Enríquez Susana
Published: October 2011

The success of Rhodophyta in coastal areas is largely determined by their capacity to withstand high‐light conditions. To understand the photo‐acclimatory response of Rhodophyta, we compared differences in pigmentation, light absorption, and changes in the chlorophyll a fluorescence signal between apical and basal thalli of Eucheuma isiforme, a lutein‐predominant species, and Gracilaria damaecornis, a zeaxanthin‐predominant species. Variation in the fluorescence signal was characterized after exposure of basal and apical segments of each species to five saturating light levels, and monitoring of the subsequent recovery in the absence and presence of chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of the photosystem II (PSII) repair mechanism. Our results confirm that Rhodophyta is a highly diverse algal group with respect to antenna composition and photoprotective mechanisms. The permanent activation of an energy quencher in the zeaxanthin‐predominant species requires switching to antheraxanthin in the low‐light response and higher dependence on PSII repair. No such quencher was detected in the lutein‐predominant species, which showed no change in relative carotenoid composition, slight differences between apical and basal thalli in PSII pressure, and less dependence on PSII repair. It remains unclear if the combined presence of lutein–zeaxanthin allows effective photoprotection or if other mechanisms (i.e., phycobilisome quenching) may explain the effective photoprotective response shown by E. isiforme. The differences highlighted in this comparison may contribute to explain the distribution and abundance of Rhodophyta in marine coastal areas through understanding differences within the group in their ability to protect the photosynthetic apparatus from absorbing light in excess, and in the metabolic costs of PSII repair.
Zooplanktivory ameliorates the effects of ocean acidification on the reef coral Porites spp
Authors: Edmunds Peter J.
Published: October 2011

I tested the hypothesis that the effects of high pCO2 and temperature on massive Porites spp. (Scleractinia) are modified by heterotrophic feeding (zooplanktivory). Small colonies of massive Porites spp. from the back reef of Moorea, French Polynesia, were incubated for 1 month under combinations of temperature (29.3°C vs. 25.6°C), pCO2 (41.6 vs. 81.5 Pa), and feeding regimes (none vs. ad libitum access to live Artemia spp.), with the response assessed using calcification and biomass. Area‐normalized calcification was unaffected by pCO2, temperature, and the interaction between the two, although it increased 40% with feeding. Biomass increased 35% with feeding and tended to be higher at 25.6°C compared to 29.3°C, and as a result, biomass‐normalized calcification statistically was unaffected by feeding, but was depressed 12–17% by high pCO2, with the effect accentuated at 25.6°C. These results show that massive Porites spp. has the capacity to resist the effects on calcification of 1 month exposure to 81.5 Pa pCO2 through heterotrophy and changes in biomass. Area‐normalized calcification is sustained at high pCO2 by a greater biomass with a reduced biomass‐normalized rate of calcification. This mechanism may play a role in determining the extent to which corals can resist the long‐term effects of ocean acidification.
Uncertainty of the stratospheric/tropospheric temperature trends in 1979–2008: multiple satellite MSU, radiosonde, and reanalysis datasets
Authors: Xu J. ,   A. M. Powell Jr.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The trends and spreads of tropospheric and stratospheric temperature are discussed in terms of three groups of datasets in 1979–2008. These datasets include (a) three satellite observations of Microwave Sounding Units (MSU) measurements, (b) five radiosonde observations and (c) five reanalysis products. The equivalent tropospheric and stratospheric temperature from radiosonde and reanalyses are calculated based on the vertical weighting function of the MSU channel 2 (CH2) and channel 4 (CH4) measurements, respectively. The results show that both cooling in the stratosphere and warming in troposphere significantly depends on the datasets and latitudes.
Dust optical properties over North Africa and Arabian Peninsula derived from the AERONET dataset
Authors: Kim D. , Chin M. , Yu H. , Eck T. F. , Sinyuk A. , Smirnov A. , Holben B. N.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Dust optical properties over North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula are extracted from the quality assured multi-year datasets obtained at 14 sites of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). We select the data with (a) large aerosol optical depth (AOD ≥ 0.4 at 440 nm) and (b) small Ångström exponent (Åext ≤ 0.2) for retaining high accuracy and reducing interference of non-dust aerosols. The result indicates that the major fraction of high aerosol optical depth days are dominated by dust over these sites even though it varies depending on location and time. We have found that the annual mean and standard deviation of single scattering albedo, asymmetry parameter, real refractive index, and imaginary refractive index for Saharan and Arabian desert dust is 0.944 ± 0.005, 0.752 ± 0.014, 1.498 ± 0.032, and 0.0024 ± 0.0034 at 550 nm wavelength, respectively. Dust aerosol selected by this method is less absorbing than the previously reported values over these sites. The weaker absorption of dust from this study is consistent with the studies using remote sensing techniques from satellite. These results can help to constrain uncertainties in estimating global dust shortwave radiative forcing.
Atmospheric mercury observations from Antarctica: seasonal variation and source and sink region calculations
Authors: Aspmo Pfaffhuber K. , Berg T. , Hirdman D. , Stohl A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Long term atmospheric mercury measurements in the Southern Hemisphere are scarce and in Antarctica completely absent. Recent studies have shown that the Antarctic continent plays an important role in the global mercury cycle. Therefore, long term measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) were initiated at the Norwegian Antarctic Research Station, Troll (TRS) in order to improve our understanding of atmospheric transport, transformations and removal processes of GEM. GEM measurements started in February 2007 and are still ongoing, and this paper presents results from the first four years. The mean annual GEM concentration was 0.93±0.19 ng m−3 and is in good agreement with other recent southern hemispheric measurements. Measurements of GEM were combined with the output of the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART, for a statistical analysis of GEM source and sink regions. It was found that the ocean is a source of GEM to TRS year round, especially in summer and fall. None of the Southern Hemisphere continents contribute significantly to the direct transport of GEM to TRS, but they are important for determining the overall GEM load in the Southern Hemisphere and for the mean GEM concentration at TRS. Further, the sea ice and marginal ice zones are GEM sinks in spring as also seen in the Arctic, but the Antarctic oceanic sink seems weaker. Contrary to the Arctic, a strong summer time GEM sink was found, when air originates from the Antarctic Plateau, which shows that the summertime removal mechanism of GEM is completely different and is caused by other chemical processes than the springtime atmospheric mercury depletion events. The results were corroborated by an analysis of ozone source and sink regions.
Liquid-liquid phase separation and morphology of internally mixed dicarboxylic acids/ammonium sulfate/water particles
Authors: Song M. , Marcolli C. , Krieger U. K. , Zuend A. , Peter T.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Knowledge of the physical state and morphology of internally mixed organic/inorganic aerosol particles is still largely uncertain. To obtain more detailed information on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and morphology of the particles, we investigated complex mixtures of atmospherically relevant dicarboxylic acids containing 5–7 carbon atoms (C5, C6 and C7) having oxygen-to-carbon atomic ratios (O:C) of 0.80, 0.67, and 0.57, respectively, mixed with ammonium sulfate (AS). With micrometer-sized particles of C5/AS/H2O, C6/AS/H2O and C7/AS/H2O as model systems deposited on a hydrophobically coated substrate, laboratory experiments were conducted for various organic-to-inorganic dry mass ratios (OIR) using optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. When exposed to cycles of relative humidity (RH), each system showed significantly different phase transitions. While the C5/AS/H2O particles showed no LLPS with OIR = 2:1, 1:1 and 1:4 down to 20% RH, the C6/AS/H2O and C7/AS/H2O particles exhibit LLPS upon drying at RH 50% to 85% and ~90%, respectively, via spinodal decomposition, growth of a second phase from the particle surface or nucleation-and-growth mechanisms depending on the OIR. This suggests that LLPS commonly occurs within the range of O:C<0.7 in tropospheric organic-inorganic aerosols. To support the comparison and interpretation of the experimentally observed phase transitions, thermodynamic equilibrium calculations were performed with the AIOMFAC model. For the C7/AS/H2O and C6/AS/H2O systems, the calculated phase diagrams agree well with the observations while for the C5/AS/H2O system LLPS is predicted by the model at RH below 60% and higher AS concentration, but was not observed in the experiments. Both core-shell structures and partially engulfed structures were observed for the investigated particles, suggesting that such morphologies might also exist in tropospheric aerosols.
An extended Kalman-filter for regional scale inverse emission estimation
Authors: Brunner D. , Henne S. , Keller C. A. , Reimann S. , Vollmer M. K. , O'Doherty S. , Maione M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. A Kalman-filter based inverse emission estimation method for long-lived trace gases is presented for use in conjunction with a Lagrangian particle dispersion model like FLEXPART. The sequential nature of the approach allows tracing slow seasonal and interannual changes rather than estimating a single period-mean emission field. Other important features include the estimation of a slowly varying concentration background at each measurement station, the possibility to constrain the solution to non-negative emissions, the quantification of uncertainties, the consideration of temporal correlations in the residuals, and the applicability to potentially large inversion problems. The method is first demonstrated for a set of synthetic observations created from a prescribed emission field with different levels of (correlated) noise, which closely mimics true observations. It is then applied to real observations of the three halocarbons HFC-125, HFC-152a and HCFC-141b at the remote research stations Jungfraujoch and Mace Head for the quantification of emissions in Western European countries from 2006 to 2010. Estimated HFC-125 emissions are mostly consistent with national totals reported to the Kyoto protocol and show a generally increasing trend over the considered period. Results for HFC-152a are much more variable with estimated emissions being both higher and lower in different countries. The highest emissions of the order of 1000 Mg yr−1 are estimated for Italy which so far does not report HFC-152a emissions. Emissions of HCFC-141b show a continuing strong decrease as expected due to its ban under the Montreal Protocol. Emissions from France, however, were still rather large (near 1000 Mg yr−1) in the years 2006 and 2007 but strongly declined thereafter.
Modeling nitrogen loading in a small watershed in southwest China using a DNDC model with hydrological enhancements
Authors: Deng J. , Zhou Z. , Zhu B. , Zheng X. , Li C. , Wang X. , Jian Z.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The degradation of water quality has been observed worldwide, and inputs of nitrogen (N), along with other nutrients, play a key role in the process of contamination. The quantification of N loading from non-point sources at a watershed scale has long been a challenge. Process-based models have been developed to address this problem. Because N loading from non-point sources result from interactions between biogeochemical and hydrological processes, a model framework must include both types of processes if it is to be useful. This paper reports the results of a study in which we integrated two fundamental hydrologic features, the SCS (Soil Conservation Service) curve function and the MUSLE (Modified Universal Soil Loss), into a biogeochemical model, the DNDC. The SCS curve equation and the MUSLE are widely used in hydrological models for calculating surface runoff and soil erosion. Equipped with the new added hydrologic features, DNDC was substantially enhanced with the new capacity of simulating both vertical and horizontal movements of water and N at a watershed scale. A long-term experimental watershed in Southwest China was selected to test the new version of the DNDC. The target watershed's 35.1 ha of territory encompass 19.3 ha of croplands, 11.0 ha of forest lands, 1.1 ha of grassplots, and 3.7 ha of residential areas. An input database containing topographic data, meteorological conditions, soil properties, vegetation information, and management applications was established and linked to the enhanced DNDC. Driven by the input database, the DNDC simulated the surface runoff flow, the subsurface leaching flow, the soil erosion, and the N loadings from the target watershed. The modeled water flow, sediment yield, and N loading from the entire watershed were compared with observations from the watershed and yielded encouraging results. The sources of N loading were identified by using the results of the model. In 2008, the modeled runoff-induced loss of total N from the watershed was 904 kg N yr−1, of which approximately 67 % came from the croplands. The enhanced DNDC model also estimated the watershed-scale N losses (1391 kg N yr−1) from the emissions of the N-containing gases (ammonia, nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, and dinitrogen). Ammonia volatilization (1299 kg N yr−1) dominated the gaseous N losses. The study indicated that process-based biogeochemical models such as the DNDC could contribute more effectively to watershed N loading studies if the hydrological components of the models were appropriately enhanced.
Impact of rapid sea-ice reduction in the Arctic Ocean on the rate of ocean acidification
Authors: Yamamoto A. , Kawamiya M. , Ishida A. , Yamanaka Y. , Watanabe S.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The largest pH decline and widespread undersaturation with respect to aragonite in this century due to uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide in the Arctic Ocean have been projected. The reductions in pH and aragonite saturation state have been caused primarily by an increase in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, in a previous study, simulations with and without warming showed that these reductions in the Arctic Ocean also advances due to the melting of sea ice caused by global warming. Therefore, future projections of pH and aragonite saturation in the Arctic Ocean will be affected by how rapidly the reduction in sea ice occurs. In this study, the impact of sea-ice reduction rate on projected pH and aragonite saturation state in the Arctic surface waters was investigated. Reductions in pH and aragonite saturation were calculated from the outputs of two versions of an earth system model (ESM) with different sea-ice reduction rates under similar CO2 emission scenarios. The newer model version projects that Arctic summer ice-free condition will be achieved by the year 2040, and the older version predicts ice-free condition by 2090. The Arctic surface water was projected to be undersaturated with respect to aragonite in the annual mean when atmospheric CO2 concentration reached 480 (550) ppm in year 2040 (2048) in new (old) version. At an atmospheric CO2 concentration of 520 ppm, the maximum differences in pH and aragonite saturation state between the two versions were 0.08 and 0.15, respectively. The analysis showed that the decreases in pH and aragonite saturation state due to rapid sea-ice reduction were caused by increases in both CO2 uptake and freshwater input. Thus, the reductions in pH and aragonite saturation state in the Arctic surface waters are significantly affected by the difference in future projections for sea-ice reduction rate. The critical CO2 concentration, at which the Arctic surface waters become undersaturated with respect to aragonite on annual mean bias, would be lower by 70 ppm in the version with the rapid sea-ice reduction.
Lagrangian transport in a circular lake: effect of nonlinearity and the second vertical mode
Authors: Sakai T. , Redekopp L. G.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Effects of the second vertical mode and nonlinearity of the background flow field on the Lagrangian transport of particle clouds are studied by employing a wind-forced linear hydrostatic model and a weakly-nonlinear, weakly-nonhydrostatic evolution model. It is confirmed that Kelvin waves primarily advect particles near the basin perimeter in a cyclonic direction, and Poincaré waves primarily advect particles in off-shore (radial) directions in a manner that is oscillatory in time with frequencies near the inertial period. The internal current associated with the second vertical mode is usually far smaller than that associated with the energetically dominant, lowest vertical mode. However, because of the disparately slow eigenspeed of the vertical mode-two Kelvin wave, the resultant particle transport associated with the vertical mode-two flow near the basin perimeter can drive transport that is comparable with that associated with the Kelvin wave of the lowest vertical mode. It is discovered that nonlinear interaction between the Kelvin-Poincaré wave pair can give birth to a solitary-like wave of large amplitude in an off-shore region. This new type of wave generates a large current and co-propagates with the Kelvin wave in a cyclonic direction and, eventually, can cause a burst of particle transport in an off-shore direction.
Glaukos® Trabecular Stent used to Treat Steroid-Induced Glaucoma
Authors: Morales-Fernandez Laura , Martinez-De-La-Casa Jose M. , Garcia-Feijoo Julian , Valle David Diaz , Arriola-Villalobos Pedro , Garcia-Sanchez Julian
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This case report illustrates the efficacy of the Glaukos trabecular bypass (Glaukos i-stent, Glaukos Corporation, Laguna Hills, California, USA) used for intraocular pressure (IOP) control in a patient with glaucoma induced by the steroid treatment of post–laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) bilateral anterior uveitis.

Methods

A 35-year-old woman who had undergone LASIK 5 months previously presented with blurred vision in both eyes. Examination revealed bilateral anterior uveitis and diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) requiring steroid treatment. In response to treatment, inflammation improved but the patient had increased IOP that was difficult to control. The course of pressure elevation was more aggressive in the left eye despite the gradual discontinuation of steroids. We therefore decided to place 2 trabecular i-stents in the left eye.

Results

This solution achieved good pressure control with no associated complications after 1 year follow-up.

Conclusions

This trabecular bypass seems a safe and effective therapeutic option for IOP control when there is a poor response to conventional treatment in this type of secondary glaucoma.
The Effects of Femoral Derotation Osteotomy in Cerebral Palsy: A Kinematic and Kinetic Study
Authors: Cimolin Veronica , Piccinini Luigi , Portinaro Nicola , Turconi Anna Carla , Albonico Sonia , Crivellini Marcello , Galli Manuela
Published: October 2011

We attempted to quantify the effects of isolated femoral derotation osteotomies using clinical evaluation and gait analysis (kinematics and kinetics) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Twelve children with CP were evaluated before and 10 months after isolated femoral derotation osteotomy, and 15 healthy children were evaluated as controls.

There were significant improvements on clinical examination. A better position of the hip and ankle in the transverse plane was evident and significant changes occurred in terms of hip and ankle kinetics after surgery.

Improvements in kinematics and hip and ankle power are very important biomechanically. The correction of lever arm dysfunction and more physiological hip and ankle power generation result in an improvement in terms of energy consumption, leading to a more functional and economic gait pattern.
Folk criticism and the Art of critical Folklore Studies
Authors: Gencarella Stephen Olbrys
Published: October 2011

This article continues a call for the development of a critical folklore studies as a mode of activist research to redress human suffering and domination. It examines folk criticism as a vibrant, everyday practice and encourages folklorists to embrace critical perspectives as a continuation of this essential human activity. It draws upon Kenneth Burke, Michael Walzer, Thomas McLaughlin, and Antonio Gramsci to illustrate the intimate relationship between folk and professional criticism. Finally, it offers four forms of critical rhetoric intended to complement traditional folklore scholarship and to pursue social change: formal criticism and critique, performance ethnographies, unmaskings, and genealogies.
Nonequilibrium thermomechanical modeling of liquid drainage/imbibition in trickle beds
Authors: Iliuta I. , Hamidipour M. , Larachi F.
Published: October 2011

We extend the macroscopic nonequilibrium thermomechanical multiphase flow theory proposed by Hassanizadeh and Gray for porous media to analyze a set of drainage and imbibition experiments in trickle beds. The nonequilibrium model rests on inclusion of mass and momentum conservations for the gas‐liquid interface, nonequilibrium capillary pressure, Helmholtz free energy gradients in the body supply of momentum for fluid bulk phases and gas‐liquid interface, and mass exchange rates between interface and fluid bulks accounting for production and destruction of gas‐liquid interfacial area. To solve the nonequilibrium model, entropy‐consistent constitutive relationships are derived and calibrated using liquid holdup and bed pressure drop measurements in drainage and imbibition. The model captures very well the decay (drainage), and breakthrough (imbibition) curvatures of liquid holdup and pressure drop kinetics, while model closer inspection allows assessing the role of nonequilibrium capillary pressure and of dynamic interfacial mass exchanges for the production/destruction of interfacial area. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 3123–3134, 2012
Variations in sexual behavior among capuchin monkeys function for conspecific mate recognition: a phylogenetic analysis and a new hypothesis for female proceptivity in tufted capuchins
Authors: Matthews Luke J.
Published: October 2011

Researchers of capuchin monkeys have noted stereotyped body postures, facial expressions, and vocalizations that accompany copulations in this genus. Notable variations in these sexual behaviors are observed across capuchin species. Although several hypotheses exist to explain variation in the duration and vigor of sexual behaviors across species, there is no proposed explanation for variation in the forms of these behaviors. I hypothesized that the forms of sexual behaviors function as recognition signals of conspecific mates. Such signals are adaptive when F1 hybrids exhibit reduced fitness compared with nonhybrid offspring. Recent evidence from nonprimate taxa supports the existence of species recognition signals during mating. Using newly observed sexual behaviors for Cebus albifrons and a recent phylogeny of capuchins, I found significant support for a key prediction of the conspecific mate recognition hypothesis: evolutionary changes in sexual behaviors were associated with speciation. Given the resultant best model for evolution of sexual behaviors, I reconstructed the ancestral pattern of sexual behaviors for extant capuchin species (genera Cebus and Sapajus). This reconstruction suggests that the extreme female proceptivity of tufted capuchin monkeys may function to increase female reproductive choices in the context of sperm‐limited males (genus Sapajus). Am. J. Primatol. 74:287–298, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biology‐Oriented Synthesis
Authors: Wetzel Stefan , Bon Robin S. , Kumar Kamal , Waldmann Herbert
Published: October 2011

Which compound classes are best suited as probes and tools for chemical biology research and as inspiration for medicinal chemistry programs? Chemical space is enormously large and cannot be exploited conclusively by means of synthesis efforts. Methods are required that allow one to identify and map the biologically relevant subspaces of vast chemical space, and serve as hypothesis‐generating tools for inspiring synthesis programs. Biology‐oriented synthesis builds on structural conservatism in the evolution of proteins and natural products. It employs a hierarchical classification of bioactive compounds according to structural relationships and type of bioactivity, and selects the scaffolds of bioactive molecule classes as starting points for the synthesis of compound collections with focused diversity. Navigation in chemical space is facilitated by Scaffold Hunter, an intuitively accessible and highly interactive software. Small molecules synthesized according to BIOS are enriched in bioactivity. They facilitate the analysis of complex biological phenomena by means of acute perturbation and may serve as novel starting points to inspire drug discovery programs.
Improvement of natural gas liquid recovery energy efficiency through thermally coupled distillation arrangements
Authors: Van Duc Long Nguyen , Lee Moonyong
Published: October 2011

The depropanizing, debutanizing, and deisobutanizing fractionation steps of processing natural gas liquids were improved through studying complex distillation arrangements, including the double prefractionator arrangement (DPA), the double dividing wall column (DDWC) arrangement, and the Agrawal arrangement. The DPA and DDWC arrangements were obtained from an initial conventional column sequence, and both offer benefits by decreasing reboiler and condenser power consumption. Reducing the number of columns and their diameters in the DDWC arrangement can potentially reduce construction costs. Inter‐reboiling of the bottom section of the second dividing wall column improved the performance of the DDWC. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.