bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planting Trees for Publicity—How Much Are They Worth?
Authors: Kronenberg Jakub , Mieszkowicz Joanna
Published: July 2011

Corporate marketing departments use trees and forests for advertising and public relations (PR). Trees and forests constitute a tangible symbol of the environment, reinforced by the growing awareness of the role that trees play in preventing climate change. Although the carbon sequestration function of trees is valued in monetary terms, its derivative services to marketing, CSR or HR departments are not (‘greening the image’). We focus on voluntary carbon offsets and other tree-planting activities undertaken by companies, aiming to demonstrate that the value of these derivative services of trees should be considered in monetary terms. Based on a small survey and an analysis of financial data for 10 tree-planting projects in Poland, we estimate this value at USD 7.42 per tree. This value depends on external circumstances, such as the current interest in climate change and ways to prevent it.
On Symmetry of Independence Polynomials
Authors: Levit Vadim E. , Mandrescu Eugen
Published: July 2011

An independent set in a graph is a set of pairwise non-adjacent vertices, and α(G) is the size of a maximum independent set in the graph G. A matching is a set of non-incident edges, while μ(G) is the cardinality of a maximum matching. If sk is the number of independent sets of size k in G, then I(G; x) = s0 + s1x + s2x2 + ... + sαxα, α = α (G), is called the independence polynomial of G (Gutman and Harary, 1986). If sj = sαj for all 0 ≤ j ≤ [α/2], then I(G; x) is called symmetric (or palindromic). It is known that the graph G ° 2K1, obtained by joining each vertex of G to two new vertices, has a symmetric independence polynomial (Stevanović, 1998). In this paper we develop a new algebraic technique in order to take care of symmetric independence polynomials. On the one hand, it provides us with alternative proofs for some previously known results. On the other hand, this technique allows to show that for every graph G and for each non-negative integer k ≤ μ (G), one can build a graph H, such that: G is a subgraph of H, I (H; x) is symmetric, and I (G ° 2K1; x) = (1 + x)k · I (H; x).
Gi/o Protein-Dependent and -Independent Actions of Pertussis Toxin (PTX)
Authors: Mangmool Supachoke , Kurose Hitoshi
Published: July 2011

Pertussis toxin (PTX) is a typical A-B toxin. The A-protomer (S1 subunit) exhibits ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. The B-oligomer consists of four subunits (S2 to S5) and binds extracellular molecules that allow the toxin to enter the cells. The A-protomer ADP-ribosylates the α subunits of heterotrimeric Gi/o proteins, resulting in the receptors being uncoupled from the Gi/o proteins. The B-oligomer binds proteins expressed on the cell surface, such as Toll-like receptor 4, and activates an intracellular signal transduction cascade. Thus, PTX modifies cellular responses by at least two different signaling pathways; ADP-ribosylation of the Gαi/o proteins by the A-protomer (Gi/o protein-dependent action) and the interaction of the B-oligomer with cell surface proteins (Gi/o protein-independent action).
Crise et reconversion des milieux industrialo-portuaires : dépendance de sentier ou renouveau économique ? Les exemples de Dunkerque (France) et de Gdansk (Pologne)
Authors: Laperche Blandine , Lorek Maria , Uzunidis Dimitri
Published: July 2011

Dans l’économie d’aujourd’hui fondée sur le savoir, la construction de « milieux innovateurs » est au centre des politiques de reconversion et de développement des territoires. L’émergence de ces milieux innovateurs s’inscrit dans la trajectoire suivie de longue date par les territoires. Ils résultent d’une alchimie entre les collectivités, les institutions locales et les entreprises qui favorise, en fonction des atouts du territoire, l’attractivité et l’émergence d’activités nouvelles. Dans cet article, nous étudions la trajectoire suivie par deux villes marquées par une forte spécialisation industrielle (lourde) : Dunkerque (France) et Gdansk (Pologne). Comment expliquer le choix récurrent de l’industrialisation comme mode de reconversion à Dunkerque, alors que Gdansk semble développer quelques atouts aptes à faire émerger de nouveaux sentiers de croissance ? Nous répondons à cette question en mobilisant la théorie évolutionniste et en identifiant les actifs spécifiques et secondaires (matériels et immatériels) accumulés au fil du temps.
La place des services aux entreprises dans les politiques d'aménagement et de développement régional : typologies, interrogations et contradictions
Authors: Gallouj Camal , Kaabachi Souheila
Published: July 2011

Cet article propose une présentation et une analyse des incitations et politiques locales et régionales de soutien aux activités de service. Après une mise en perspective historique, nous adoptons une démarche typologique qui permet de repérer quatre grandes orientations des politiques en question : soutiens à l’offre, à la demande, à la mise en relation offre-demande et plus généralement à l’environnement. A partir de là, nous nous interrogeons sur les choix offerts aux l’aménageurs et sur les incidences parfois contradictoires inhérentes à ces différents choix.
Twelve-Year Review of Pediatric Traumatic Open Globe Injuries in an Urban U.S. Population
Authors: Lesniak Sebastian P. , Bauza Alain , Son Jung H. , Zarbin Marco A. , Langer Paul , Guo Suquin , Wagner Rudolph S. , Bhagat Neelakshi
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate the epidemiology, anatomical characteristics, and clinical outcomes of pediatric traumatic open globe injuries and to compare the observed final visual acuity to the expected visual acuity as predicted by the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS).

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 89 pediatric patients (89 eyes) with open globe injury presenting between 1997 and 2008.

Results:

Sixty-five patients (73%) were male, average age was 9.7 years, and mean follow-up was 22.6 months. The most common causes of trauma were: accidents (79%), violence (10%), and motor vehicle accidents (9%). Penetrating ocular injury was the most common trauma (54%), followed by blunt rupture (34%). Zone 1 injuries represented 49% of cases, and zones 2 and 3 represented 29% and 21%, respectively. No patient developed endophthalmitis. The average presenting and final visual acuities were logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.927 and 1.401, respectively. Lens trauma was noted in 44 (49%) eyes. Twenty-eight patients (31%) had retinal detachment within 6 months of presentation. Total retinal attachment was achieved in 12 (63%) of 19 eyes undergoing repair. Enucleation was performed in 9 (10%) patients. Final visual acuities were not statistically different from visual acuities predicted by OTS (
P
> .05).

Conclusions:

The visual prognosis in pediatric open globe injury is poor. The zone of injury may correlate with poor final visual acuity, risk of retinal detachment, and subsequent need for an enucleation. The final predicted visual acuity correlated well with the observed final visual acuity in these patients.
Comportamiento frente a la corrosión y biocompatibilidad in vitro/in vivo de la aleación AZ31 modificada superficialmente
Authors: Carboneras M. , Iglesias C. , Pérez-Maceda B. T. , Del Valle J. A. , García-Alonso M. C. , Alobera M. A. , Clemente C. , Rubio J. C. , Escudero M. L. , Lozano R. M.
Published: July 2011

En el presente trabajo se ha estudiado el comportamiento frente a la corrosión y la biocompatibilidad in vitro/in vivo de la aleación de magnesio AZ31, cuyas propiedades mecánicas son superiores a los requisitos mecánicos del hueso. La aleación en estado de recepción ha mostrado una cinética de corrosión no compatible con el crecimiento celular. Para mejorar su comportamiento, el material ha sido modificado superficialmente mediante tratamiento de conversión química en ácido fluorhídrico. La capa de fluoruro de magnesio generada tras este tratamiento mejora el comportamiento del material frente a la corrosión, permitiendo el crecimiento in vitro de células osteoblásticas sobre su superficie y la formación in vivo de una capa de nuevo tejido óseo muy compacta. Estos resultados permiten concluir que el recubrimiento de fluoruro de magnesio es necesario para que el material AZ31 pueda ser potencialmente aplicado como implante biodegradable y reabsorbible en reparaciones óseas.
Spatiotemporal patterns of catch and discards of the Israeli Mediterranean trawl fishery in the early 1990s: ecological and conservation perspectives
Authors: Edelist Dor , Sonin Oren , Golani Daniel , Rilov Gil , Spanier Ehud
Published: July 2011

The spatiotemporal patterns of discards and catch composition of Israeli trawlers were examined using a 4-year (1990-1994), 324 haul dataset. Haul depth was found to be the main grouping variable for hauls, although significant seasonal differences were also found. 28.3% of the total catch was discarded, and there was a 40.1% discard percentage in shallow hauls. According to these figures, annual discards for the Israeli trawl fleet for the study period are estimated at ca. 440 to 700 t. Both the biomass and the number of discarded specimens peaked in summer, as well as the percentage of juvenile fish of commercial species. These findings suggest that a summer moratorium on trawling would reduce discards. The percentage of specimens of Indo-Pacific origin decreased from 51% in depths shallower than 37 m to 24% between 38 and 73 m, and 8% in deeper strata. Discards along the Israeli coast were comparable to those observed elsewhere in the Mediterranean. The findings presented here are the first quantitative account of fish community assemblages in the nearshore waters of the easternmost part of the Mediterranean, and thus provide valuable information for comparisons with more current datasets that are currently being assembled.
Anti-inflammatory activity of Syzygium cumini leaf against experimentally induced acute and chronic inflammations in rodents
Authors: Roy Anirban , Bhattacharya Sanjib , Pandey Jitendra N. , Biswas Moulisha
Published: July 2011

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae), commonly known as Jam in Bengali, Jamun in Hindi and Black Plum or Black Berry in English, is a large size evergreen tree indigenous to India and is cultivated for its fruits. In the present study, the methanol extract of leaves from S. cumini (MESC) was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in experimental acute (carrageenan, histamine and serotonin induced rat paw oedema) and chronic models (cotton pellet induced rat granuloma). In all models, the MESC (100 and 200 mg/kg body wt. p.o.) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity (p < 0.001) in a dose dependent manner. These findings revealed that the S. cumini leaf had remarkable acute and chronic anti-inflammatory actions in the tested rodent models.
Compactness of Commutators for Singular Integrals on Morrey Spaces
Authors: Chen Yanping , Ding Yong , Wang Xinxia
Published: July 2011

In this paper we characterize the compactness of the commutator [b, T] for the singular integral operator on the Morrey spaces . More precisely, we prove that if , the -closure of , then [b, T] is a compact operator on the Morrey spaces for ∞ < p < ∞ and 0 < ⋋ < n. Conversely, if and [b, T] is a compact operator on the for some p (1 < p < ∞), then . Moreover, the boundedness of a rough singular integral operator T and its commutator [b, T] on are also given. We obtain a sufficient condition for a subset in Morrey space to be a strongly pre-compact set, which has interest in its own right.
Lifting Quasianalytic Mappings over Invariants
Authors: Rainer Armin
Published: July 2011

Letbe a rational finite dimensional complex representation of a reductive linear algebraic groupG, and letbe a system of generators of the algebra of invariant poly- nomials ℂ[V]G. We study the problem of lifting mappingsover the mapping of invariants. Note that ¾(V) can be identified with the cate- gorical quotientV//Gand its points correspond bijectively to the closed orbits inV. We prove that iffbelongs to a quasianalytic subclasssatisfying some mild closedness properties that guarantee resolution of singularities in 𝒞e.g.,the real analytic class, thenfadmits a lift of the same class 𝒞 after desingularization by local blow-ups and local power substitutions. As a consequence we show thatfitself allows for a lift that belongs to SBVloc,i.e.,special functions of bounded variation. Ifρis a real representation of a compact Lie group, we obtain stronger versions.
Ordering the Representations of Sn Using the Interchange Process
Authors: Alon Gil , Kozma Gady
Published: July 2011

Inspired by Aldous' conjecture for the spectral gap of the interchange process and its recent resolution by Caputo, Liggett, and Richthammer, we define an associated order on the irreducible representations of Sn. Aldous' conjecture is equivalent to certain representations being comparable in this order, and hence determining the “Aldous order” completely is a generalized question. We show a few additional entries for this order.
Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Medicinal Plants Used In Ebiraland
Authors: Alli AI , Ehinmidu JO , Ibrahim YKE
Published: July 2011

Dried leaves of Abrus precatorius, Desmodium ramosissimum, Scoparia dulcis and aerial parts of Phyllanthus amarus used in folkloric medicine of Ebiraland were extracted with hexane, methanol and water sequentially using soxhlet apparatus. The extracts were screened for antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans using the agar-cup diffusion protocol. All the extracts except the hexane extract of Abrus precatorius were active against at least two of the test microorganisms at the highest concentration of 100 mg/ml used in this study. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of Phyllanthus amarus were active against all the test microorganisms. The methanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus also showed a broad spectrum of activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (M.I.C.) of 1.56 mg/ml against all the test microorganisms. The extracts were also screened for secondary metabolites and the result indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. The results of this investigation, appears to justify the ethnomedicinal uses of these plants for the traditional treatment of infectious diseases. However, further investigation is required to obtain more information on their antimicrobial potentials and also to isolate their bioactive compounds.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration, phytochemical screening.
Optimum pH and pH Stability of Crude Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) Extracted from Five Fruit Samples Commonly Consumed in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Bello AB , Sule MS , Alhassan AJ
Published: July 2011

The effect of pH on the activity and stability of crude polyphenol oxidase (PPO) extracted from garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum), pawpaw (Carica papaya), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), guava (Psidium guajava) and bush mango (Irvingia gabonnensis) fruits were studied. Catechol at concentration of 20 mM was used as a substrate while sodium acetate buffer (0.2 M), pH range between 3.0– 5.5 and sodium phosphate buffer(0.2 M) , pH range between 6.0– 8.5 were used to determine the effect of pH on the PPO activity. Optimum pH values were found to be 6.0,6.5,6.0, 4.5 and 4.0/or 8.0 for the enzyme extracted from Solanum aethiopicum, Carica papaya, Cucurbita pepo, Psidium guajava and Irvingia gabonnensis respectively. The enzyme was found to be stable at the pH range of 5.0-7.5 for the enzyme extracted from garden egg, 6.0-8.0 for that from pawpaw, 4.5-7.0 for that from pumpkin, 4.0-6.5 for that from guava and 3.5-5.5 and 7.0-8.0 for that from bush mango respectively. Increase or decrease of pH from the ranges would cause decrease in the activity of the enzyme, and can be a good way of controlling undesirable changes caused by it in foods.

Keywords: Optimum pH, pH stability, Polyphenol oxidase, Common fruits.
Trace gas and particle emissions from open biomass burning in Mexico
Authors: Yokelson R. J. , Burling I. R. , Urbanski S. P. , Atlas E. L. , Adachi K. , Buseck P. R. , Wiedinmyer C. , Akagi S. K. , Toohey D. W. , Wold C. E.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. We report airborne measurements of emission factors (EF) for trace gases and PM2.5 made in southern Mexico in March of 2006 on 6 crop residue fires, 3 tropical dry forest fires, 8 savanna fires, 1 garbage fire, and 7 mountain pine-oak forest fires. The savanna fire EF were measured early in the local dry season and when compared to EF measured late in the African dry season they were at least 1.7 times larger for NOx, NH3, H2, and most non-methane organic compounds. Our measurements suggest that urban deposition and high windspeed may also be associated with significantly elevated NOx EF. When considering all fires sampled, the percentage of particles containing soot increased from 15 to 60 % as the modified combustion efficiency increased from 0.88 to 0.98. We estimate that about 175 Tg of fuel was consumed by open burning of biomass and garbage and as biofuel (mainly wood cooking fires) in Mexico in 2006. Combining the fuel consumption estimates with our EF measurements suggests that the above combustion sources account for a large fraction of the reactive trace gases and more than 90 % of the total primary, fine carbonaceous particles emitted by all combustion sources in Mexico.
Estimating the atmospheric boundary layer height over sloped, forested terrain from surface spectral analysis during BEARPEX
Authors: Choi W. , Faloona I. C. , McKay M. , Goldstein A. H. , Baker B.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) height (zi) over complex, forested terrain is estimated based on the power spectra and the integral length scale of cross-stream winds obtained from a three-axis sonic anemometer during the two summers of the BEARPEX (Biosphere Effects on Aerosol and Photochemistry) Experiment. The zi values estimated with this technique show very good agreement with observations obtained from balloon tether sondes (2007) and rawinsondes (2009) under unstable conditions (z/L < 0) at the coniferous forest in the California Sierra Nevada. On the other hand, the low frequency behavior of the streamwise upslope winds did not exhibit significant variations and was therefore not useful in predicting boundary layer height. The behavior of the nocturnal boundary layer height (h) with respect to the power spectra of the v-wind component and temperature under stable conditions (z/L > 0) is also presented. The nocturnal boundary layer height is found to be fairly well predicted by a recent interpolation formula proposed by Zilitinkevich et al. (2007), although it was observed to only vary from 60–80 m during the 2009 experiment in which it was measured. Finally, significant directional wind shear was observed during both day and night soundings. The winds were found to be consistently backing from the prevailing west-southwesterlies within the ABL (the anabatic cross-valley circulation) to southerlies in a layer ~1–2 km thick just above the ABL before veering to the prevailing westerlies further aloft. This shear pattern is shown to be consistent with the forcing of a thermal wind driven by the regional temperature gradient directed east-southeast in the lower troposphere.
Explicit modelling of SOA formation from α-pinene photooxidation: sensitivity to vapour pressure estimation
Authors: Valorso R. , Aumont B. , Camredon M. , Raventos-Duran T. , Mouchel-Vallon C. , Ng N. L. , Seinfeld J. H. , Lee-Taylor J. , Madronich S.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The sensitivity of the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to the estimated vapour pressures of the condensable oxidation products is explored. A highly detailed reaction scheme was generated for α-pinene photooxidation using the Generator for Explicit Chemistry and Kinetics of Organics in the Atmosphere (GECKO-A). Vapour pressures (Pvap) were estimated with three commonly used structure activity relationships. The values of Pvap were compared for the set of secondary species generated by GECKO-A to describe α-pinene oxidation. Discrepancies in the predicted vapour pressures were found to increase with the number of functional groups borne by the species. For semi-volatile organic compounds (i.e. organic species of interest for SOA formation), differences in the predicted Pvap range between a factor of 5 to 200 on average. The simulated SOA concentrations were compared to SOA observations in the Caltech chamber during three experiments performed under a range of NOx conditions. While the model captures the qualitative features of SOA formation for the chamber experiments, SOA concentrations are systematically overestimated. For the conditions simulated, the modelled SOA speciation appears to be rather insensitive to the Pvap estimation method.
Observations of the temperature dependent response of ozone to NOx reductions in the Sacramento, CA urban plume
Authors: LaFranchi B. W. , Goldstein A. H. , Cohen R. C.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Observations of NOx in the Sacramento, CA region show that mixing ratios decreased by 30 % between 2001 and 2008. Here we use an observation-based method to quantify net ozone (O3) production rates in the outflow from the Sacramento metropolitan region and examine the O3 decrease resulting from reductions in NOx emissions. This observational method does not rely on assumptions about detailed chemistry of ozone production, rather it is an independent means to verify and test these assumptions. We use an instantaneous steady-state model as well as a detailed 1-D plume model to aid in interpretation of the ozone production inferred from observations. In agreement with the models, the observations show that early in the plume, the NOx dependence for Ox (Ox = O3 + NO2) production is strongly coupled with temperature, suggesting that temperature-dependent biogenic VOC emissions and other temperature-related effects can drive Ox production between NOx-limited and NOx-suppressed regimes. As a result, NOx reductions were found to be most effective at higher temperatures over the 7 year period. We show that violations of the California 1-h O3 standard (90 ppb) in the region have been decreasing linearly with decreases in NOx (at a given temperature) and predict that reductions of NOx concentrations (and presumably emissions) by an additional 30 % (relative to 2007 levels) will eliminate violations of the state 1 h standard in the region. If current trends continue, a 30 % decrease in NOx is expected by 2012, and an end to violations of the 1 h standard in the Sacramento region appears to be imminent.
Reformulating the atmospheric lifecycle of SOA based on new field and laboratory data
Authors: Shrivastava M. , Zelenyuk A. , Imre D. , Beranek J. , Easter R. , Zaveri R. A. , Fast J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric loadings of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) are significantly under-predicted by climate models. In these models, SOA particles are assumed liquid-like droplets at equilibrium with the gas-phase. In sharp contrast, our recent laboratory and field measurements show that SOA particles are non-rigid, highly viscous, spherical, quasi-solids, and do not behave like liquid droplets. They evaporate at rates much lower than predicted by models, and are consequently not at equilibrium with the gas phase. In addition, our data show that SOA particles trap hydrophobic organics, whose presence further reduces evaporation rates, and that aging these particles nearly stops evaporation. Measurements of the evaporation kinetics of ambient SOA particles under vapor-free conditions at room temperature showed that less than 20 % of particle mass evaporates in 4 h. In this study, we examine, for the first time, these groundbreaking observations to present a new, experimentally based picture of the phase and evaporation behavior of SOA particles. We conclude that to first order SOA can be reasonably approximated to be non-evaporating. We use a simplified approach to investigate the implications of this near-irreversible gas-particle partitioning behavior in a box model and a 3-D chemical transport model, both of which, for the first time, include multi-generational gas-phase chemistry with functionalization and fragmentation reactions, and compare them to traditional reversible partitioning models. Results indicate that the revised irreversible partitioning approach yields slightly higher SOA loadings than traditional reversible partitioning approach when functionalization reactions, pushing SOA species to lower volatility bins are dominant. However, when fragmentation reactions play a major role, the revised irreversible partitioning approach predicts significantly higher SOA than the traditional approach. In addition to irreversibility, functionalization, and fragmentation, we explore the utility of lower activity coefficient to account for complex molecular interactions within particles and show that this approach predicts considerably higher SOA loadings. Using the 3-D Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) modeling example of the Mexico City region, we demonstrate that when fragmentation is taken into account, irreversible partitioning increases predicted SOA loadings and lifetimes significantly compared to traditional models. When lower activity coefficient is also included, predicted SOA loadings in the Mexico City plateau increase by more than a factor of 3.
Quantification of levoglucosan and its isomers by High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Electrospray Ionization tandem Mass Spectrometry and its applications to atmospheric and soil samples
Authors: Piot C. , Jaffrezo J.-L. , Cozic J. , Pissot N. , El Haddad I. , Marchand N. , Besombes J.-L.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The determination of atmospheric concentrations of levoglucosan and its two isomers, unambiguous tracers of biomass burning emissions, became even more important with the development of wood as renewable energy for domestic heating. Many researches demonstrated the increase during recent years of atmospheric particulate matter load due to domestic biomass combustion in developed countries. Analysis of biomass burning tracers is traditionally performed with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique after derivatization and requires an organic solvent extraction. A simpler and faster technique using Liquid Chromatography – Electrospray Ionisation – tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was optimized for the analysis of levoglucosan, mannosan and galactosan isomers after an aqueous extraction. This technique allows a good separation between the three compounds in a very reduced time (runtime ~5 min). LOD and LOQ of this method are 30 μg l−1 and 100 μg l−1 respectively, allowing the use of filters from low-volume sampler (as commonly used in routine campaigns). A comparison of simultaneous levoglucosan measurements by GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS for about 50 samples coming from different types of sampling sites and seasons was realized and shows very good agreement between the two methods. Therefore LC-ESI-MS/MS method can be used as an alternative to GC-MS particularly for measurement campaigns in routine where analysis time is important and detection limit is reduced. This paper shows that this method is also applicable to other environmental sample types like soil.
Effects of precipitation on soil acid phosphatase activity in three successional forests in southern China
Authors: Huang W. , Liu J. , Zhou G. , Zhang D. , Deng Q.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Phosphorus (P) is often a limiting nutrient for plant growth in tropical and subtropical forests. Global climate change has led to alterations in precipitation in the recent years, which inevitably influences P cycling. Soil acid phosphatase plays a vital role in controlling P mineralization, and its activity reflects the capacity of organic P mineralization potential in soils. In order to study the effects of precipitation on soil acid phosphatase activity, an experiment with precipitation treatments (no precipitation, natural precipitation and doubled precipitation) in three successional forests in southern China was carried out. The three forests include Masson pine forest (MPF), coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest (MF) and monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest (MEBF). Results showed that driven by seasonality of precipitation, changes in soil acid phosphatase activities coincided with the seasonal climate pattern, with significantly higher values in the wet season than in the dry season. Soil acid phosphatase activities were closely linked to forest successional stages, with enhanced values in the later stages of forest succession. In the dry season, soil acid phosphatase activities in the three forests showed a rising trend with increasing precipitation treatments. In the wet season, soil acid phosphatase activity was depressed by no precipitation treatment in the three forests. However, doubled precipitation treatment exerted a significantly negative effect on it only in MEBF. These results indicate that the potential transformation rate of organic P might be more dependent on water in the dry season than in the wet season. A decrease in organic P turnover would occur in the three forests if there was a drought in a whole year in the future. More rainfall in the wet season would also be adverse to organic P turnover in MEBF due to its high soil moisture.
Comment on "Consistent calculation of aquatic gross production from oxygen triple isotope measurements" by Kaiser (2011)
Authors: Nicholson D. P.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Kaiser (2011) has introduced an improved method for calculating gross productivity from the triple isotopic composition of dissolved oxygen in aquatic systems. His equation avoids approximations of previous methodologies, and also accounts for additional physical processes such as kinetic fractionation during invasion and evasion at the air-sea interface. However, when comparing his new approach to previous methods, Kaiser inconsistently defines the biological end-member with the result of overestimating the degree to which the various approaches of previous studies diverge. In particular, for his base case, Kaiser assigns a 17O excess to the product of photosynthesis that is too low, resulting in his result being ~30 % too high when compared to previous equations. When this is corrected, I find that Kaiser's equations are consistent with all previous study methodologies within about ±20 % for realistic conditions of metabolic balance (f) and gross productivity (g). A methodological bias of ±20 % is of similar magnitude to current uncertainty in the wind-speed dependence of the air-sea gas transfer velocity, k, which directly impacts calculated gross productivity rates as well. While previous results could and should be revisited and corrected using the proposed improved equations, the magnitude of such corrections may be much less than implied by Kaiser.
The impacts of physical processes on oxygen variations in the North Sea-Baltic Sea transition zone
Authors: Jonasson L. , Wan Z. , Hansen J. H. S. , She J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The bottom water of the North Sea-Baltic Sea transition zone suffers from seasonal hypoxia, usually during late summer and autumn. These hypoxic events are critical for the benthic ecosystems and the concentration of dissolved oxygen is an important measure of the water quality. However, to model the subsurface dissolved oxygen is a major challenge, especially in estuaries and coastal regions. In this study a simple oxygen consumption model is coupled to a 3-D hydrodynamical model in order to analyse oxygen variations in the transition zone. The benthic and pelagic consumption of oxygen is modelled as a function of water temperature and oxygen concentration. A quantitative assessment of the model demonstrates that the model is able to resolve both seasonal and interannual variations in dissolved oxygen. Results from several experimental simulations highlight the importance of physical processes in the regulation of dissolved oxygen. Advective oxygen transport and wind induced mixing are two key processes that control the extent of hypoxia in the transition zone.
Establishing the Learning Curve for a Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Placement
Authors: Aerden Dimitri , van Hooland Simon , Moerman Leslie , Pipeleers Lissa , Debing Erik , Van den Brande Pierre
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To determine how many procedures a surgical trainee requires before they are able to place a tunneled double-lumen dialysis catheter safely on their own.

Methods

Surgical trainees unfamiliar with the procedure received a pre-operative briefing in which we explained 1) why, how, and in what particular order each operational step should be executed and 2) what the possible pitfalls/complications are. Next, an experienced surgeon demonstrated the procedure with the trainee scrubbed-in as their assistant. The trainee then performed all successive procedures, while the supervising surgeon acted as a silent observer and intervened only when an error was made. We recorded all errors as well as near misses and noted if they were severe, recurrent or unanticipated. At least three procedures were required but training was continued until less than three errors were made.

Results

Ten trainees were included in the study. On average, a trainee made 11.9 mistakes during 3.4 procedures in a time span of 28.2 days. Only three trainees performed their last procedure flawlessly. The number of errors decreased exponentially from the first procedure onwards (P<.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between the number of mistakes and the number of days since the last procedure (P<.035). Unanticipated errors most frequently involved erroneous fluoroscopy interpretation, flushing with blood-contaminated saline, and incorrect volume injection for the heparin lock.

Conclusions

A theoretically well-prepared surgical trainee should be able to perform the placement of a tunneled dialysis catheter safely after four procedures. Training is more efficient when procedures follow each other quickly.
The Effect of a Vertical Vent on Single-Sided Displacement Ventilation
Authors: Rahimi Mostafa , Arianmehr Iman
Published: July 2011

Natural ventilation in buildings is an energy-saving and a preferable ventilation method. Under the buoyancy effect, single-sided mixed and displacement ventilation modes take place when air is ventilated through one or more openings, located on a vertical wall of an enclosure. Another method of natural ventilation occurs when air flows out through a vertical vent installed on the roof of an enclosure. In the present study, a combination of both the natural ventilation methods was examined. A test room of single-sided ventilation was equipped with a vertical vent. Ventilation rate through the openings was evaluated based on the air flow velocity measured at the surface area of the openings. The vertical vent was kept closed during the first run of the experiments, then the same experiments repeated where the vent was in use. Based on the experimental results, the effect of the vertical vent on the ventilation rate is clarified and a model on combination for two ventilation methods is suggested.
Prediction of Length of Stay Following Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Negassa Abdissa , Monrad E. Scott
Published: July 2011

There have been published risk stratification approaches to predict complications following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). However, a formal assessment of such approaches with respect to predicting length of stay (LOS) is lacking. Therefore, we sought to assess the performance of, an easy-to-use, tree-structured prognostic classification model in predicting LOS among patients with elective PCI. The study is based on the New York State PCI database. The model was developed on data for 1999-2000, consisting of 67,766 procedures. Validation was carried out, with respect to LOS, using data for 2001-2002, consisting of 79,545 procedures. The risk groups identified by the model exhibited a strong progressively increasing relative risk pattern of longer LOS. The predicted average LOS ranged from 3 to 9 days. The performance of this model was comparable to other published risk scores. In conclusion, the tree-structured prognostic classification is a model which can be easily applied to aid practitioners early on in their decision process regarding the need for extra resources required for the management of more complicated patients following PCI, or to justify to payors the extra costs required for the management of patients who have required extended observation and care after PCI.
Intentionality in a Creative Art Curriculum
Authors: Belluigi Dina Zoe
Published: July 2011

This paper highlights inadequacies of a creative arts curriculum that claimed to have been informed by postmodern theories, without careful consideration of how these might or should impact on teaching and learning interactions. In particular, the relationship between intentionality and interpretation addressed in this case study is of concern for educationalists in a postmodern world. At issue is how assessors’ interpretations are responsive to or balanced with student meaning making. Drawing from research conducted at a South African fine art department, the author considers whether a transfer of Barthes’s notion of author to student intentionality and reader to lecturer interpretation is a constructive framework for student learning. In the case studied, flat approaches to the poststructuralist “intentionality fallacy” were found to further exacerbate unequal power dynamics, with detrimental effects on student learning. An argument is made for more ethically aware approaches to the balance between interpretation and intentionality by recognizing that it echoes the relationship between self and other.
Schopenhauer on Sense Perception and Aesthetic Cognition
Authors: Vandenabeele Bart
Published: July 2011

Schopenhauer’s account of sense perception contains an acute critique of Kant’s theory of cognition. His analysis of the role of the understanding in perception may be closer to Kant’s than he conceded, but his physiological analysis of the role of the senses nonetheless proffers a more plausible account than Kant’s transcendental conception of perception and understanding. Schopenhauer also makes a radically un-Kantian move when he suggests that human cognition is driven by human needs, urges, affects, and desires. The understanding is no mere transcendental faculty but a biological tool. The cerebral system helps the organism survive and express (and fulfill) its needs and wishes. In aesthetic perception, however, the cerebral system now operates detached from the individual will. This “will-less,” aesthetic cognition is pleasurable, not merely because it offers relief from the sufferings that trouble the willing self but also because it procures a heightened and painless state of mind that transcends ordinary cognition of the phenomenal world and generates a deeper insight into the timeless universals behind the mere appearances of things. Thus Schopenhauer not only moves beyond Kant’s transcendental epistemology, supplementing it with an illuminating account of ordinary perception, but also overcomes Kant’s aesthetics by showing that the value of a genuine aesthetic experience cannot be reduced to the value of the (disinterested) pleasure it affords.
Communicating the Garììfuna Culture in Contemporary Church Music
Authors: Norales Francisca
Published: July 2011

The manner in which a person views the universe originates from her/his culture. If someone should be asked of the predominant element found in every culture that has for centuries given people their perspective of the universe, certainly, the answer would be, Religion! The responsibility of generating and preserving the elements of one’s perspective of the universe has rested with religious institutions such as Methodist, Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, or spiritual leaders such as the Buddha. Whether the element is developed through the teaching of the Holy Bible, Catechism, Vedas, or Koran, people globally, including Garììfuna-speaking people of Central America, have always felt the need beyond themselves for guidance and values to live productive lives. Music, one of the components for becoming a recipient of the title “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” for outstanding cultural spaces or forms of expression by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is integral to Garììnagu. This research explores the songs in contemporary worship services in the Roman Catholic Church in Belize. Additionally, it forms the basis for other denominations to creatively seek viable ways of incorporating Garììfuna music and culture into worship services.
Introductory Note to “Contemporary Psychology and Art: Toward a Debate” by Lev S. Vygotsky
Authors: Fróis João Pedro
Published: July 2011

In this article is presented the first translation into English of Lev Vygotsky’s text entitled “Contemporary Psychology and Art: Toward a Debate.” This text was published in the influential monthly journal Sovietskoe Iskusstvo (Soviet Art) in 1927-1928. Therefore, the translated text presents some of the Vygotsky’s seminal thought on aesthetics and art. In this text he deals with theories of W. Wundt, W. Köhler, E. Utitz, T. Lipps, L. Tolstoy, and V. Shklovsky. In the introductory note are given insights on the translated text, namely, on Russian and Eastern European psychology and philosophy. These texts are from the time of the Russian Revolution and are contextualized within the when Vygotsky’s article was written. The studies on theater and literature were undertaken by Lev Vygotsky during the initial phase of his scientific work, roughly until 1925. They provided him with elements for the elaboration of his theory on the development of higher mental functions during his short-lived career in Moscow. The importance he ascribed to the problems of aesthetics and art are well illustrated in the presented text.
Relationship between early bone mineral density changes and long‐term function and radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bejarano Victoria , Hensor Elizabeth , Green Michael , Haugeberg Glenn , Brown Andrew K. , Buch Maya H. , Emery Paul , Conaghan Philip G.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To ascertain whether bone mineral density loss during the first year of treatment for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as assessed by dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is associated with long‐term function, quality of life, and radiographic progression.

Methods

Early RA patients, prior to commencing disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug therapy, underwent evaluation with DXA scans of both hands, femoral neck, and lumbar spine at the time of diagnosis, then at 1 year and final followup at >6 years. Clinical and laboratory data and hands and feet radiographs were obtained at baseline and final followup.

Results

Sixty‐four patients were assessed. At baseline, median disease duration was 6 months, mean 28‐joint Disease Activity Score was 5.85, and median Health Assessment Questionnaire score was 1.38. Median followup was 6.4 years (range 5.1–7.2 years). For erosion scores, 86% of patients with hand bone density loss above the smallest detectable change after 1 year progressed versus 55% of those with no hand bone density loss (P = 0.006). However, baseline radiographs showed a similar strength of association. Eighty‐four percent of patients with erosions at baseline had erosion progression versus 57% of those with no baseline erosions (P = 0.021). Additionally, first‐year bone density loss was not associated with function and quality of life status at followup.

Conclusion

Hand bone loss during the first year of treatment in early RA, as assessed with DXA, was associated with a high likelihood of radiographic progression; however, in the current study this was not superior to baseline radiographs. Furthermore, it was not associated with patient‐reported outcomes.
Smoking as a risk factor for short‐term outcomes following primary total hip and total knee replacement in veterans
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Houston Thomas K. , Ponce Brent A. , Maddox Grady , Bishop Michael J. , Richman Joshua , Campagna Elizabeth J. , Henderson William G. , Hawn Mary T.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To assess the effect of smoking on postoperative complications following elective primary total hip replacement (THR) or primary total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods

We used data from the national Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program to examine the association of smoking status at surgery with 30‐day postoperative complication rates (including surgical site and other infections, pneumonia, stroke, myocardial infarction, mortality, and other complications) in veterans undergoing primary elective THR or TKR. Multilevel multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression models, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, work relative value units, American Society of Anesthesiology classification, and year of surgery, with additional adjustment for wound classification for surgical site infections, were used.

Results

A total of 33,336 patients, 95% men and 80% white with a mean age of 64 years, underwent elective primary THR/TKR between October 2001 and September 2008. Fifty‐seven percent never smoked, 19% were prior smokers, and 24% were current smokers. Current smokers undergoing THR/TKR were significantly more likely than never smokers to have surgical site infections (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.16–1.72), pneumonia (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.10–2.14), stroke (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.26–5.41), and 1‐year mortality (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.31–2.02). Prior smokers were significantly more likely than nonsmokers to have pneumonia, (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00–1.80), stroke (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.12–4.10), and urinary tract infection (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.55).

Conclusion

Current smoking at the time of elective THR or TKR is associated with increased postarthroplasty complications, especially surgical site infections and pneumonia. Preoperative smoking cessation programs should be considered in patients undergoing elective THR or TKR.
Analysis of Cavity‐Mode Lasing Characteristics from a Resonator with Broadband Cholesteric Liquid‐Crystal Bragg Reflectors
Authors: Choi Hyunhee , Nishimura Suzushi , Toyooka Takehiro , Ishikawa Ken , Takezoe Hideo
Published: July 2011

Detailed optical lasing characteristics in liquid crystal (LC) microlasers consisting of multiple polymer cholesteric LC (PCLC) layers are presented as broadband resonators sandwiching a layer of thick gain media, dye‐containing nematic LC (NLC) or isotropic liquid, in between. Multiple lasing emission peaks due to Fabry‐Perot cavity modes are observed for both gain media, and their polarization characteristics investigated. To analyze lasing characteristics, specified eigen modes are defined, the polarization states of which are maintained before and after passing through the broadband resonator, and obtained for the present full system by using the Berreman 4 × 4 matrix method. Using these specified eigen modes, the optical density for each mode is calculated and compared with the experimental results, and shows good agreement. Finally, lasing characteristics between the resonators with NLC and isotropic gain media are compared, and the advantages of adopting dye‐doped NLC gain medium are shown for tunable red, green, blue lasing in a microlaser system with a broadband resonator.