bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Preoperative Intravenous Methocarbamol and Intravenous Acetaminophen on Opioid Use After Primary Total Hip and Knee Replacement
Authors: Looke Thomas D. , Kluth Cameron T.
Published: February 2013

Between 2010 and 2011, a perioperative pain protocol for primary total hip and knee replacement at one Florida medical center replaced preoperative oral analgesics with intravenous methocarbamol and intravenous acetaminophen. This is a retrospective cohort study of 300 patients, with 150 patients using the new pain protocol and 150 patients using a 2008 pain protocol that did not include these medications. The 2 cohorts were similar in patient gender, age, and body mass index. Opioid consumption was evaluated for a period of 48 hours after incision and was divided into 3 separate time intervals, as well as total 48-hour consumption. Mean opiate use decreased significantly from 2008 to 2011 in all time intervals and total consumption (7.5±3.4 mg to 6.1±3.0 mg;
P
<.01). Subgroup analysis suggested that changes to the hip protocol were responsible for decreased opioid use in the operating room and the postanesthesia care unit, and changes to the knee protocol were responsible for decreased opioid use on the hospital floor and total consumption. The difference between the 2 protocol groups was not due to differences in individual surgeon practice patterns. Physical therapy progress of knee flexion, average walking distance, and maximum walking distance were significantly improved. Hospital discharge was shorter in the 2011 group (4.0±1.1 days in 2008 group and 3.6±1.0 days in 2011 group). This study shows significant improvement in patient care from 2008 to 2011 that is at least partially due to the change to the use of preoperative intravenous methocarbamol and intravenous acetaminophen.
Incidence of Retinal Hemorrhages in Abusive Head Trauma
Authors: Gaffar Majida A. , Esernio-Jenssen Debra , Kodsi Sylvia R.
Published: February 2013

Purpose:

To evaluate whether a relationship exists between the presence of retinal hemorrhages and confessions and/or identified perpetrators in cases of abusive head trauma.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all abusive head trauma cases. All cases that met criteria for abusive head trauma were placed into one of three categories: perpetrator confessed (category A), perpetrator identified without confession (category B), and no perpetrator identified (category C).

Results:

Forty-eight cases met the criteria for abusive head trauma, with 18, 16, and 14 cases in categories A, B, and C, respectively. Retinal hemorrhages were identified in 16 of 18 (88%) cases in category A, 12 of 16 (75%) in category B, and 6 of 14 (43%) in category C. A statistically significant difference regarding the presence of retinal hemorrhages was seen for perpetrator identified (28 of 34 or 82%) compared to no perpetrator identified (6 of 14 or 43%) (
P
= .034). The difference in retinal hemorrhages was correlated to the higher incidence of acute presentation in the perpetrator identified group (31 of 34 or 91%) compared to that in the perpetrator not identified group (9 of 14 or 64%) (
P
= .023).

Conclusion:

The incidence of retinal hemorrhages in abusive head trauma for identified perpetrators, regardless of a confession, is similar. However, there is a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of retinal hemorrhages in abusive head trauma when comparing identified perpetrators to non-identified perpetrators. This decreased incidence of retinal hemorrhages was statistically correlated to a lower incidence of acute presentation in victims of abusive head trauma without an identified perpetrator.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50(3):169–172.]
Two Techniques for Sutureless Intrascleral Posterior Chamber IOL Fixation
Authors: Totan Yuksel , Karadag Remzi
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:

To compare two different techniques for sutureless scleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) in patients with insufficient capsule support.

METHODS:

Of 29 patients, 17 received the needle technique using a 24-gauge needle for the scleral tunnel opening and 12 received the novel trocar technique, in which the scleral tunnel was prepared with a 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy trocar and a three-piece foldable IOL was placed through clear corneal incision. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, related complications, and IOL stability were assessed postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Postoperative visual acuities significantly improved with both techniques (
P
= .028 and .012, respectively). Postoperative intraocular pressure did not significantly change with either technique. Sufficient IOL stabilities were provided in all patients. Complications were similar in both techniques and none of the complications affected the patients’ vision.

CONCLUSIONS:

Postoperative visual acuity improvement, intraocular pressure changes, and complications were similar in both techniques.
Just-Noticeable Differences for Wavefront Aberrations Obtained With a Staircase Procedure
Authors: Jungnickel Hendrik , Weigel Daniel , Babovsky Holger , Kiessling Armin , Kowarschik Richard , Gebhardt Michael
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:

To explore the magnitude of aberrations that alter the subjective visual quality measurably. The suitability of a staircase procedure for threshold determination was investigated.

METHODS:

Spectacle correction (correction A) was achieved in 28 healthy eyes by an adaptive optics set-up, and additional astigmatism, coma, or trefoil was induced (correction B). Subjects observed a radial test pattern with noncyclopleged eyes using an artificial 5-mm pupil. They compared corrections A and B and identified the subjectively better correction. The magnitude of the aberration for each presentation varied according to the “Best PEST” staircase procedure. Just-noticeable difference (JND) was found after 30 presentations. Participants were divided into three groups, and the experiment was repeated under the following conditions: without modifications (
n
= 9), with a letter chart (
n
= 10), and with full correction of all aberrations (
n
= 9).

RESULTS:

Median JND was 0.091
μ
m for astigmatism, 0.059
μ
m for coma, and 0.108
μ
m for trefoil, with a large interindividual spread. Repeatability coefficient across the three aberrations was 0.095
μ
m. A significant correlation was found between JNDs and the residual aberrations (without the generated aberration) in astigmatism and coma. Differences between radial test pattern and letter chart and between spectacle correction and full correction were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

JNDs were lower for coma than for astigmatism and trefoil, depending on the magnitude of other residual aberrations, and showed large variations among subjects. Thus, the decision to correct more pronounced aberrations (eg, by wavefront-guided LASIK) should not depend on wavefront measurement results alone. A staircase procedure for determination of JNDs provides repeatable results.
Agreement Between Pentacam and IOLMaster in Patients Undergoing Toric IOL Implantation
Authors: Lee Bradford W. , Galor Anat , Feuer William J. , Pouyeh Bozorgmehr , Pelletier Jesse S. , Vaddavalli Pravin K. , Lemelman Benjamin T. , See Craig , Yoo Sonia H.
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:

To investigate inter-device agreement between the Pentacam (Optikgerate GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) and IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) in measuring corneal power, cylinder, and axis of astigmatism.

METHODS:

Retrospective case series reviewing the status of eyes after toric IOL implantation to evaluate inter-device agreement in measuring corneal power, cylinder, and axis of astigmatism.

RESULTS:

Forty-nine eyes from 41 patients were evaluated. Agreement for corneal power and cylinder were deemed good and moderate, with 95% limits of agreement of −1.02 to +1.13 and −1.37 to +1.09 diopters (D), respectively. Agreement for axis of astigmatism was only fair, with a mean absolute difference of 8.9 degrees (range: 0.3 to 37.7 degrees, standard deviation: 8.79 degrees). Thirty percent of eyes had a 10-degree or greater difference in axis measurements, and 13% of eyes had a 20-degree or greater difference in measurements. Analysis by multivariate logistic regression showed higher cylinder powers associated with discrepant corneal power measurements (odds ratio: 3.46,
P
= .02), and increasing age was associated with discrepant axis measurements (odds ratio: 1.09,
P
= .03). Overall, there was no significant difference in accuracy predicting postoperative spherical equivalent refraction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pentacam and IOLMaster agree well for corneal power but less so for cylinder and axis of astigmatism and thus cannot be used interchangeably.
Objective Accommodation Measurement of the Crystalens HD Compared to Monofocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Zamora-Alejo Katherine V. , Moore Sacha Pierre , Parker Douglas G. A. , Ullrich Katja , Esterman Adrian , Goggin Michael
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:

Objective evaluation of accommodation with a bilateral accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) versus monofocal IOLs.

METHODS:

Patients received accommodating IOL (Crystalens HD; Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY) bilaterally after cataract surgery. These were compared to a matched group receiving monofocal IOLs. Preoperative and postoperative distance corrected distance, intermediate, and near vision were evaluated. Objective accommodation was measured with the WAM-5500 Binocular Autorefractor/Keratometer (Grand Seiko, Pty Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan).

RESULTS:

Nineteen patients were included. Ten received the Crystalens HD in both eyes and nine received one of three monofocal lenses in each eye. Mean postoperative distance corrected distance visual acuity was not statistically different between the two groups. Mean distance corrected intermediate vision was better in the Crystalens HD group (logMAR 0.24 ± 0.11 [control], logMAR 0.11 ± 0.10 [Crystalens HD],
P
= .033). The groups did not differ significantly for mean distance corrected near vision (logMAR 0.54 ± 0.12 [control], logMAR 0.42 ± 0.15 [Crystalens HD],
P
= .087). However, a significantly greater proportion of Crystalens HD eyes achieved 0.4 or 0.3 logMAR for near wearing their distance correction (
P
= .013). With distance correction, the mean spherical equivalent failed to show any myopia with accommodative effort in either group. Low contrast and low luminance contrast acuity were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION:

The Crystalens HD showed some benefit for intermediate visual function compared to the monofocal IOLs with both groups wearing full correction for distance. There were no significant signs of accommodation in either group.
Scleral Fixation of a One-Piece Toric Intraocular Lens
Authors: Emanuel Matthew E. , Randleman J. Bradley , Masket Samuel
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:

To describe a novel technique for toric intraocular lens (IOL) repositioning and fixation in the absence of adequate capsular support.

METHODS:

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS:

Two cases are presented with scleral fixation of a one-piece toric IOL (SN6AT series; Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). In both cases, toric IOLs initially placed within the capsular bag became decentered due to poor capsular support. To avoid the potential complications of lens explantation and maintain the astigmatic benefits of the toric IOL, scleral fixation of the lenses was performed. The Hoffman technique was used to create reverse scleral pockets without conjunctival dissection. A 10-0 non-dissolvable suture was used to capture and then secure the lens haptics in a lasso-type fashion. Sutures were then buried within the previously created scleral pockets. Both patients had well-centered lenses postoperatively that remained stable at last follow-up, 30 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:

In the absence of adequate capsular support, scleral fixation is a viable option for one-piece toric IOL fixation to avoid IOL explantation.
Differential Item Functioning in a Computerized Adaptive Test of Functional Status for People with Shoulder Impairments is Negligible across Pain Intensity, Gender, and Age Groups
Authors: Sindhu Bhagwant S. , Wang Ying-Chih , Lehman Leigh A. , Hart Dennis L.
Published: February 2013

People with shoulder impairments ( N = 3,767) reported upper extremity function using a 37-item shoulder-specific computerized adaptive test (shoulder CAT). The authors determined whether items of the shoulder CAT have differential item functioning (DIF) by pain intensity (low and high), gender (men and women), and age groups (young-adult, middle-aged and old-adult). They assessed whether items have uniform and/or non-uniform DIF using an ordinal logistic regression and item response theory approaches and applied large and small DIF criteria to assess the magnitude of DIF. The analyses revealed that uniform DIF was absent in all 37 items. Only six items exhibited non-uniform DIF using the large DIF criterion. Adjusting the person-ability measures for DIF had minimal practical impact on the overall measure of shoulder function estimated using the shoulder CAT. The shoulder CAT provided a precise measurement of function without discriminating for pain intensity, gender, and age among patients referred to rehabilitation with shoulder impairment.
Studies on the trans-fatty acids and the stability of the fats present in Indian bakery products
Authors: Nasirullah Dr. , Marry S. R.J. , Shariff R.
Published: February 2013

Fat is one of the most important ingredients in baked products which is highly susceptible to heat and moisture. Therefore, this study has been conducted to assess the thermoxidative changes occurring in the fat as well as the extent to which trans-fatty acids are present. Fats were extracted from products like rusk, white bread, sweet bun, dilkhush, pizza, plain cake, vegetable roll, gluco-biscuits and wafers. These fats and control shortening samples were taken for study. The totox value was found to be high (4.0-30.9) whereas the free fatty acid, peroxide and anisidine values were, 0.31-0.90%, 1.2-11.0 and 11.6-8.9 respectively. Since the products are baked at 180 to 200 °C polar components were determined to be between 3.3 to 5.3% showing a moderate hydrolysis and oxidative changes. Iodine value (51.0 to 73.3) and the Butyro-refractometer reading (42.2 to 55.8) showed moderate unsaturation and all the samples melted below 37 °C. Trans-fatty acid ranged from 35.5 to 46.2% as has also been confirmed by FT-IR. The products selected were considered safe but nutritionally inferior to products prepared with liquid shortenings.
Chemical composition of oils from wild almond (Prunus scoparia) and wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica)
Authors: Givianrad M. H. , Saber-Tehrani M. , Jafari Mohammadi S. A.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acids, sterols and triacylglycerol compositions as well as the amount of tocopherols, total phenols and pigments wild almond and cold pressed wild pistachio oils. Triacylglycerols, tocopherols and pigments were analyzed with HPLC, fatty acids and sterols with gas chromatography, and total phenols photometrically. The main fatty acids in both samples were oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids. The most predominant TAG species are SLL + PLO (21.83%) in wild pistachio oil and OOO (47.27%) in wild almond oil. Pheophytin a was the major pigment in wild pistachio oil. There were no pigments detected in wild almond oil. Total phenols were 57.6 mg kg-1 oil for wild pistachio and 45.3 mg kg-1 oil for wild almond oil.
Effect of different irrigation regimes on the quality attributes of monovarietal virgin olive oil from cv. “Cobrançosa”
Authors: Fernandes-Silva A. A. , Gouveia J. B. , Vasconcelos P. , Ferreira T. C. , Villalobos F. J.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different irrigation strategies in virgin olive oil (VOO) composition and quality of cv. Cobrançosa, integrated in a protected denomination of origin of “Azeite de Trás-os-Montes” in the Northeast of Portugal. Three irrigation treatments were applied: T2-full irrigation that received a seasonal water equivalent to 100% of estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETc), T1-continuous deficit irrigation (30% ETc) and T0- rainfed treatment. Data were collected from two consecutive crop years (2005-2006). Irrigation regimes had a minor effect on standard quality indices (free fatty acids, peroxide value, K232 and K270) of VOO and in fatty acid composition. Total polyphenols decreased up to treatment T2, and were strongly related to the water stress integral, suggesting that the effect of irrigation on this variable occurs along the crop season and not just during the oil accumulation phase. A strategy of continuous deficit irrigation with only 30% of maximum ETc may have an advantageous effect, as it increased oil yield to more than double that of rainfed conditions while VOO quality was similar.
Effect of pH on o/w emulsions formulated with potato protein and chitosan
Authors: Calero N. , Muñoz J. , Guerrero A.
Published: February 2013

Emulsions formulated with healthy ingredients are becoming increasingly popular in the developed world, due to the consumer concern about diseases related to fat and to fatty diets. This study focuses on the O/W emulsions formulated with high-oleic sunflower oil, vegetable protein (potato protein) and chitosan; and deals with the role of pH in the preparation of 40 wt% high-oleic sunflower oil in water emulsions. First of all, potato protein suspensions were prepared in a pH range from 2.0 to 11.5 and enhanced protein solubility was observed with increasing pH.
An increase in pH emulsion resulted in more viscoelasticity as demonstrated by the greater values for the storage and lost moduli derived from small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements as well as by the progressive change in the shape of the mechanical spectrum. Flow curves showed shear thinning properties and increasing viscosity values with pH.
Z-potential measurements revealed that attractive interactions between potato protein and chitosan progressively increased with pH.
The results obtained are consistent with the occurrence of a protein-polysaccharide complex around the interface of oil droplets, which yielded enhanced physical stability.
Separation of cis/trans fatty acid isomers on gas chromatography compared to the Ag-TLC method
Authors: Ravi Kiran C. , Reshma M. V. , Sundaresan A.
Published: February 2013

The present study investigates the separation of the cis/trans isomers of fatty acids on the 75 m SP2560 column under different gas chromatographic (GC) conditions including an isothermal program and a time-temperature program. The time-temperature program showed improved separation of cis/trans isomers of C14:1, C16:1, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids along with short chain fatty acids compared to the isothermal program. The separation of trans/trans isomers of C18:1 fatty acids including elaidic acid (C18:1 ∆9t) and vaccenic acid (C18:1 ∆11t) was difficult with the time-temperature program. The thin layer chromatography impregnated with silver nitrate (Ag- TLC) method was performed to separate cis/trans fractions and GC analysis was carried out with the trans fraction. But GC analysis showed a co-elution of trans isomers of C18:1 fatty acid. Thus the study shows that a time-temperature programmed GC method with the highly polar cyanopropyl column is sufficient to resolve trans fatty acids along with short chain fatty acids when a large number of samples has to be analyzed.
Control of quality and silo storage of sunflower seeds using near infrared technology
Authors: González-Martín I. , Villaescusa-García V. , López-González F. , Oiz-Jiménez C. , Lobos-Ortega I. A. , Gordillo B. , Hernández-Hierro J. M.
Published: February 2013

This work assesses the application of near infrared spectroscopy technology for the quality control of sunflower seeds direct from farmers and from a storage silo. The results show that the analytical method employing near infrared spectroscopy can be used as a rapid and non-destructive tool for the determination of moisture, fat and high/low oleic acid contents in samples of sunflower seeds. The ranges obtained were comparable to those reported for classic chemical methods, and were between 4.6-21.4% for moisture; 38.4-49.6% for fat, and 60.0-93.1% for oleic acid expressed as percentage of total fatty acids. A stepwise discriminant analysis was performed to determine the most useful wavelengths for classifying sunflower seeds in terms of their (high/low) oleic acid composition. The discriminant model allows the classification of sunflower seeds with high or low oleic acid contents, with a prediction rate of 90.5% for internal validation and of 89.4% for cross-validation.
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS' CONCERNS ABOUT UNCERTAINTY IN BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY (BEE) INVESTMENT—A TRANSACTION COSTS (TCS) PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Qian Queena K. , Chan Edwin H.W. , Choy Lennon HT
Published: February 2013

Buildings account for 40% of global energy consumption and nearly one-third of global CO2emissions; and the resulting carbon footprint significantly exceeds that of all forms of transportation combined. Attractive opportunities exist to reduce buildings' energy use at lower costs and higher returns than in other sectors. This paper analyzes the concerns of uncertainty, in terms of transaction costs, to the real estate developers when they make decisions about investing in Building Energy Efficiency (BEE). To solicit views of developers regarding BEE investment, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 executives and architects who work in big real estate development firms covering 80% of real estate activities in Hong Kong. This research applies transaction cost economics (TCE) to study the underlying reasons resulting from uncertainty that cause market reluctance to accept BEE by choice. It provides a detailed analysis of the current situation and future prospects for BEE adoption through studying the impacts from three aspects: economic, market and policy uncertainties. It delineates the market and suggests possible policy solutions to overcome the uncertainties and to attain the large-scale deployment of energy-efficient building techniques. The findings establish the groundwork for future studies on how to choose a particular policy package and what roles government should play to solve the existing problems in BEE development.
An assessment of user satisfaction on library services: a case study of undergraduate Biology students at the University of Jaffna
Authors: Chandrasekar Kalpana , Murugathas Komathy
Published: February 2013

The paper discusses the results of the user satisfaction survey conducted in the Jaffna University library among the undergraduates of general degree bioscience students in August 2010. The objectives of the study were to assess the library user satisfaction regarding the currently available information sources and services and to identify the unmet needs of the undergraduates for the future developments in the library. Self administered questionnaire survey was conducted among these undergraduates. The study revealed that the library retains as essential component to facilitate the general degree bioscience undergraduates’ learning and research activities. The study clearly enumerated that the efficiency of some of the presently available services such as photocopying services, interlibrary loan services, selective dissemination of information and current awareness service were not met the undergraduates’ expectations. . The findings of the survey leave plenty of scope for improvement in library activities. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 16, Issue 1, January 2012, Page 34-45 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v16i1.5196
Air pollution and associated human mortality: the role of air pollutant emissions, climate change and methane concentration increases from the preindustrial period to present
Authors: Fang Y. , Naik V. , Horowitz L. W. , Mauzerall D. L.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Increases in surface ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (≤2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter, PM2.5) are associated with excess premature human mortalities. We estimate changes in surface O3 and PM2.5 from pre-industrial (1860) to present (2000) and the global present-day (2000) premature human mortalities associated with these changes. We extend previous work to differentiate the contribution of changes in three factors: emissions of short-lived air pollutants, climate change, and increased methane (CH4) concentrations, to air pollution levels and associated premature mortalities. We use a coupled chemistry-climate model in conjunction with global population distributions in 2000 to estimate exposure attributable to concentration changes since 1860 from each factor. Attributable mortalities are estimated using health impact functions of long-term relative risk estimates for O3 and PM2.5 from the epidemiology literature. We find global mean surface PM2.5 and health-relevant O3 (defined as the maximum 6-month mean of 1-h daily maximum O3 in a year) have increased by 8 ± 0.16 μg m−3 and 30 ± 0.16 ppbv (results reported as annual average ±standard deviation of 10-yr model simulations), respectively, over this industrial period as a result of combined changes in emissions of air pollutants (EMIS), climate (CLIM) and CH4 concentrations (TCH4). EMIS, CLIM and TCH4 cause global population-weighted average PM2.5 (O3) to change by +7.5 ± 0.19 μg m−3 (+25 ± 0.30 ppbv), +0.4 ± 0.17 μg m−3 (+0.5 ± 0.28 ppbv), and 0.04 ± 0.24 μg m−3 (+4.3 ± 0.33 ppbv), respectively. Total global changes in PM2.5 are associated with 1.5 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.2–1.8) million cardiopulmonary mortalities and 95 (95% CI, 44–144) thousand lung cancer mortalities annually and changes in O3 are associated with 375 (95% CI, 129–592) thousand respiratory mortalities annually. Most air pollution mortality is driven by changes in emissions of short-lived air pollutants and their precursors (95% and 85% of mortalities from PM2.5 and O3 respectively). However, changing climate and increasing CH4 concentrations also contribute to premature mortality associated with air pollution globally (by up to 5% and 15%, respectively). In some regions, the contribution of climate change and increased CH4 together are responsible for more than 20% of the respiratory mortality associated with O3 exposure. We find the interaction between climate change and atmospheric chemistry has influenced atmospheric composition and human mortality associated with industrial air pollution. Our study highlights the benefits to air quality and human health of CH4 mitigation as a component of future air pollution control policy.
Daily and hourly chemical impact of springtime transboundary aerosols on Japanese air quality
Authors: Moreno T. , Kojima T. , Amato F. , Lucarelli F. , de la Rosa J. , Calzolai G. , Nava S. , Chiari M. , Alastuey A. , Querol X. , Gibbons W.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The regular eastward drift of transboundary aerosol intrusions from the Asian mainland into the NW Pacific region has a pervasive impact on air quality in Japan, especially during springtime. Analysis of 24-h filter samples with Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and hourly Streaker with Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) samples collected continuously for six weeks reveal the chemistry of successive waves of natural mineral desert dust ("Kosa") and metalliferous sulphatic pollutants arriving in western Japan during spring 2011. The main aerosol sources recognised by Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis of Streaker data are mineral dust and fresh sea salt (both mostly in the coarser fraction PM2.5–10), As-bearing sulphatic aerosol (PM0.1–2.5), metalliferous sodic particulate matter (PM) interpreted as aged, industrially contaminated marine aerosol, and ZnCu-bearing aerosols. Whereas mineral dust arrivals are typically highly transient, peaking over a few hours, sulphatic intrusions build up and decline more slowly, and are accompanied by notable rises in ambient concentrations of metallic trace elements such as Pb, As, Zn, Sn and Cd. The magnitude of the loss in regional air quality due to the spread and persistence of pollution from mainland Asia is especially clear when cleansing oceanic air advects westward across Japan, removing the continental influence and reducing concentrations of the undesirable metalliferous pollutants by over 90%. Our new chemical database, especially the Streaker data, demonstrates the rapidly changing complexity of ambient air inhaled during these transboundary events, and implicates Chinese coal combustion as the main source of the anthropogenic aerosol component.
Validation of the METEOSAT storm detection and nowcasting system Cb-TRAM with lightning network data – Europe and South Africa
Authors: Zinner T. , Forster C. , de Coning E. , Betz H.-D.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. In this manuscript, recent changes to the DLR METEOSAT thunderstorm TRacking And Monitoring algorithm (Cb-TRAM) are presented as well as a validation of Cb-TRAM against the European ground-based LIghtning NETwork data (LINET) of Nowcast GmbH and Lightning Detection Network (LDN) data of the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The validation is conducted along the well known skill scores probability of detection (POD) and false alarm ratio (FAR) on the basis of METEOSAT/SEVIRI pixels as well as on the basis of thunderstorm objects. The values obtained demonstrate the limits of Cb-TRAM in specific as well as the limits of satellite methods in general which are based on thermal emission and solar reflectivity information from thunderstorm tops. Although the climatic conditions and the occurence of thunderstorms is quite different for Europe and South Africa, the quality score values are similar. Our conclusion is that Cb-TRAM provides robust results of well-defined quality for very different climatic regimes. The POD for a thunderstorm with intense lightning is about 80% during the day. The FAR for a Cb-TRAM detected thunderstorm which is not at least close to intense lightning activity is about 50%; if the proximity to any lightning activity is evaluated the FAR is even much lower at about 15%. Pixel-based analysis shows that the detected thunderstorm object size is not indiscriminately large, but well within the physical limitations of the method. Nighttime POD and FAR are somewhat worse as the detection scheme can not use high resolution visible information. Nowcasting scores show useful values up to approximatelly 30 min.
Heinrich Event 4 characterized by terrestrial proxies in southwestern Europe
Authors: López-García J. M. , Blain H.-A. , Bennàsar M. , Sanz M. , Daura J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Heinrich Event 4 (H4) is well documented in the North Atlantic Ocean as a cooling event that occurred between 39 000 and 40 000 yr BP. Deep-sea cores around the Iberian Peninsula coastline have been analysed to characterize the H4 event, but there are no data on the terrestrial response to this event. Here we present for the first time an analysis of terrestrial proxies for characterizing the H4 event, using the small-vertebrate assemblage (comprising small mammals, squamates and amphibians) from Terrassa Riera dels Canyars, an archaeo-palaeontological deposit located on the seaboard of the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. This assemblage shows that the H4 event is characterized in northeastern Iberia by harsher and drier terrestrial conditions than today. Our results were compared with other proxies such as pollen, charcoal, phytolith, avifauna and large-mammal data available for this site, as well as with the general H4 event fluctuations and with other sites where H4 and the previous and subsequent Heinrich events (H5 and H3) have been detected in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions of the Iberian Peninsula. We conclude that the terrestrial proxies follow the same patterns as the climatic and environmental conditions detected by the deep-sea cores at the Iberian margins.
Calibration procedures and first dataset of Southern Ocean chlorophyll a profiles collected by elephant seals equipped with a newly developed CTD-fluorescence tags
Authors: Guinet C. , Xing X. , Walker E. , Monestiez P. , Marchand S. , Picard B. , Jaud T. , Authier M. , Cotté C. , Dragon A. C. , Diamond E. , Antoine D. , Lovell P. , Blain S. , D'Ortenzio F. , Claustre H.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. In situ observation of the marine environment has traditionally relied on ship-based platforms. The obvious consequence is that physical and biogeochemical properties have been dramatically undersampled, especially in the remote Southern Ocean (SO). The difficulty in obtaining in situ data represents the major limitations to our understanding, and interpretation of the coupling between physical forcing and the biogeochemical response. Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) equipped with a new generation of oceanographic sensors can measure ocean structure in regions and seasons rarely observed with traditional oceanographic platforms. Over the last few years, seals have allowed for a considerable increase in temperature and salinity profiles from the SO, but we were still lacking information on the spatiotemporal variation of phytoplankton concentration. This information is critical to assess how the biological productivity of the SO, with direct consequences on the amount of CO2 "fixed'' by the biological pump, will respond to global warming. In this research programme, we use an innovative sampling fluorescence approach to quantify phytoplankton concentration at sea. For the first time, a low energy consumption fluorometer was added to Argos CTD-SRDL tags, and these novel instruments were deployed on 27 southern elephant seals between 25 December 2007 and the 4 February 2011. As many as 3388 fluorescence profiles associated with temperature and salinity measurements were thereby collected from a vast sector of the Southern Indian Ocean. This paper addresses the calibration issue of the fluorometer before being deployed on elephant seals and presents the first results obtained for the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. This in situ system is implemented in synergy with satellite ocean colour radiometry. Satellite-derived data is limited to the surface layer and is restricted over the SO by extensive cloud cover. However, with the addition of these new tags, we are able to assess the 3-dimension distribution of phytoplankton concentration by foraging southern elephant seals. This approach reveals that for the Indian sector of the SO, the surface chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations provided by MODIS were underestimated by a factor 2 compared to chl a concentrations estimated from HPLC corrected in situ fluorescence measurements. The scientific outcomes of this programme include an improved understanding of both the present state and variability in ocean biology, and the accompanying biogeochemistry, as well as the delivery of real-time and open-access data to scientists (doi:10.7491/MEMO.1).
Opposite distribution pattern of streambed hydraulic conductivity in losing and gaining stream reaches
Authors: Chen X. H. , Dong W. H. , Ou G. X. , Wang Z. W. , Liu C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. In gaining streams, groundwater seeps out into streams. In losing streams, stream water moves into groundwater systems. The flow moving through the streambed sediments under these two types of flow conditions are generally in opposite directions (upward vs. downward). The two opposite flow mechanism will affect the pore size and fine particle content of streambeds. It is thus very likely that the opposite flow conditions affect the streambed hydraulic conductivity. However, comparisons of the hydraulic conductivity (K) of streambeds for losing and gaining streams are not well documented. In this study, we examined the K distribution patterns of sediments below the channel surface or stream banks for the Platte River and its tributaries in Nebraska, USA. Two contrast vertical distribution patterns were observed from the test sites. In gaining reaches, hydraulic conductivity of streambed decreases with the depth of the sediment cores. In losing reaches, hydraulic conductivity increases with the depth of the sediment cores. This contrast patterns in the two types of streams were mostly attributed to flow directions during stream water and groundwater exchanges. In losing reaches, downward movement of water brought fine particle into the otherwise coarse sediment matrix, partially silting the pores. For gaining reaches, upward flow winnows fine particles, increasing the pore spacing in the top parts of streambed, leading to higher hydraulic conductivity in shallower parts of streambeds. These flux directions can impact K values to depth of greater than 5 m. At each test sites, in-situ permeameter tests were conducted to measure the K values of the top streambed layer. Statistical analyses indicated that K values from the sites under losing stream condition are significantly different from the K values from the sites under gaining stream condition.
Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy with Resection of the Capital Drop and Double Floor for Advanced Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Authors: Nakamura Yoshihide , Ohishi Hirotaka , Kishiya Masaki
Published: February 2013

Rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) is an established joint preservation technique for early stage osteoarthritis (OA). To extend the application of RAO for advanced OA with significant osteophyte formation, we added intraarticular procedures including removal of the double floor and the capital drop to create medialisation and better coverage of the femoral head.

The procedures were performed for seven joints with advanced OA. The average age of patients at surgery was 39 years. The follow-up periods ranged from five to 23 years. The capital drop was resected in five joints and both the capital drop and the double floor were removed in the other two joints.

The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Score improved from 53 points before surgery to 69 at the latest follow-up. The range of flexion was decreased. The centre-edge angle, Sharp angle and acetabular head index were significantly improved. The femoral head was medialised 5 mm by surgery. Three joints (43%) showed progression of osteoarthritis. One joint (14%) needed replacement at seven years after RAO. Resection of the capital drop and curtain osteophyte with RAO improved joint congruity and medialisation of the femoral head, but decreased the range of motion of the joint due to increased bony coverage. Progression of degeneration of the joint is not preventable. We abandoned these procedures for advanced osteoarthritis of the hip joint especially in older patients who were suitable for replacement arthroplasty.
Media and Cultural Influences in African-American Girls’ Eating Disorder Risk
Authors: Jones Lakaii A. , Cook-Cottone Catherine
Published: February 2013

Objective. To investigate media and cultural influences in eating disorder development in African-American adolescent females. Method. Fifty-seven participants were recruited through churches and community organizations to complete a questionnaire. Results. Mainstream sociocultural identification was associated with more eating disorder behavior in African-American females; cultural ethnic identification was not significantly associated with eating disorder behavior in African-American females, mainstream sociocultural identification, cultural ethnic identification, and body dissatisfaction significantly predicted eating disorder behavior; and cultural ethnic identification was positively correlated with mainstream sociocultural identification. This study provides support for the importance of eating disorder prevention interventions that focus specifically on African-American girls.
Hydration of Metal and (CH3)4N+ Ions in Solutions of Mixed Salts
Authors: Hawlicka Ewa , Kuba Agnieszka
Published: February 2013

Molecular dynamic simulations of aqueous solutions containing Me4NCl and an inorganic salt, NaCl, MgCl2 or CaCl2, have been performed at room temperature. Flexible models have been employed for the Me4N+-ions and the water molecules. The hydration of the ions has been discussed on the basis of the radial and angular distribution functions. The geometrical arrangement of the water molecules in the coordination shell has been deduced form the distributions of the angles between two vectors connecting the ion and an oxygen and of the angles between three oxygens. The addition of Me4N+ does not influence noticeably the size and structure of the cationic hydration shells, but it affects remarkably their persistence, causing a fast exchange of the water molecules between the shell and the bulk solvent.
Structure of Hexafluoroisopropanol–Water Mixtures by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Yamaguchi Toshio , Imura Shinya , Kai Tadashi , Yoshida Koji
Published: February 2013

The structure of aqueous mixtures of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-propane-2-ol (HFIP) has been investigated at an alcohol mole fraction (xHFIP) of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The simulated pair correlation functions were compared with those obtained by empirical potential structure refinement (EPSR) modelling combined with neutron diffraction with isotopic substitution experiment. It is demonstrated that microheterogeneities of HFIP and water clusters occur at xHFIP = 0.1 and 0.2 and that the tetrahedral-like structure of water is mostly disrupted at xHFIP = 0.4. The evolution of the microscopic structure of the water-water, alcohol-water, and alcohol-alcohol pairs with alcohol concentration is revealed in terms of pair correlation functions and discussed from the standpoint of hydrophilic and hydrophobic hydration.
On the Hydrogen Bonding Structure at the Aqueous Interface of Ammonium-Substituted Mica: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Loganathan Narasimhan , Kalinichev Andrey G.
Published: February 2013

Molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations were performed for an aqueous film of 3 nm thickness adsorbed at the (001) surface of ammonium-substituted muscovite mica. The results provide a detailed picture of the near-surface structure and topological characteristics of the interfacial hydrogen bonding network. The effects of deuterium=hydrogen isotopic substitution in N(H=D)4+ on the dynamics and consequently on the convergence of the structural properties have also been explored. Unlike many earlier simulations, a much larger surface area representing 72 crystallographic unit cells was used, which allowed for a more realistic representation of the substrate surface with a more disordered distribution of aluminium=silicon isomorphic substitutions in muscovite. The results clearly demonstrate that under ambient conditions both interfacial ammonium ions and the very first layer of water molecules are H-bonded only to the basal surface of muscovite, but do not form H-bonds with each other. As the distance from the surface increases, the H-bonds donated to the surface by both N(H=D)4+ and H2O are gradually replaced by the H-bonds to the neighbouring water molecules, with the ammonia ions experiencing one reorientational transition region, while the H2O molecules experiencing three such distinct consecutive transitions. The hydrated N(H=D)4+ ions adsorb almost exclusively as inner-sphere surface complexes with the preferential coordination to the basal bridging oxygen atoms surrounding the aluminium=silicon substitutions.
Aunt Martha's Cupcakes
Authors: Bair Sherry , Mooney Edward S.
Published: February 2013

The problem involving partial sums invites students to devise their own model and strategies.
Palette of Problems
Authors: Rock David , Amidon Joel
Published: February 2013

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Emerging Engineers Design a Paper Table
Authors: Enderson Mary C. , Grant Melva R.
Published: February 2013

The engineering design process challenges students to work together and communicate as they construct learning.
Become an Escher Sleuth
Authors: Cooper Linda L. , Spitzer Sandy M. , Tomayko Ming C.
Published: February 2013

Students discover why certain regular polygons tessellate and how M. C. Escher translated and rotated modifications of polygons to create tessellations.
Barometer of CCSS State Planning Activities
Authors: Noddin Christine A.
Published: February 2013

This department publishes brief news articles, announcements and guest editorials on current mathematics education issues that stimulate the interest of TCM readers and cause them to think about an issue or consider a specific viewpoint about some aspect of mathematics education.
Using Technology to Teach Equivalence
Authors: Kaplan Rochelle Goldberg , Alon Sandra
Published: February 2013

Professional development equips practitioners with skills to enhance student learning.
David's problem solving
Authors: Lu Lianfang
Published: February 2013

Back Talk highlights the learning of one or two students and their approach to solving a math problem or prompt. Each article includes the prompt used to initiate the discussion, a portion of dialogue, samples of student work (when applicable), and teacher insights into the mathematical thinking of the students. This article describes how David used repeated addition to solve a multiplication problem. It reveals his processes of solving the problem mentally, of finding the repeated patterns in a problem context, and of representing the problem with a drawing.
Comparison of Hepatic Parameters Following Administration of Antihypertensive, Hypolipidemic and Hypoglycemic Drugs
Authors: Afshan Siddiq  , Rafeeq Alam Khan  , Afaq Ahmed Siddiqui
Published: February 2013

The risk of additive effects of drugs has remained a continuous concern while prescribing more than one drug to a patient, and it becomes more of a problem when the patient suffers from various diseases simultaneously. In this reasearch the drug taking pattern of elderly patients was kept in mind and the antihyperlipidemic, oral hopoglycemic and antihypertensive commonly prescribed in combinations or as individual agents were given to the rabbits for period of two months and their effects on liver function tests were noted. As compared to control rabbits, Acarbose and Glibenclamide decreased Direct bilirubin (DBR), where as Lisinopril and Amlodipine increased it (P<0.05). Atorvastatin and Amlodipine increased Total bilirubin (TBR) (P<0.05). Acarbose and Metformin increased, where as Atorvastatin decreased Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT) (P<0.05). Metformin and Lisinopril decreased (P<0.05) where as Losartan increased ALP(alkaline phosphatase) (P<0.005). Losartan and Atorvastatin increased Gamma Glutamyl Transferase γ-GT (P<0.005).
Translation as a Factor of Social Teleonomy
Authors: Tyulenev Sergey
Published: February 2013

This article considers translation as a factor in the genesis of social macro-formations—ethnoses and superethnoses. The research combines Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory, Lem Gumilev’s theory of ethnogenesis and the concept of teleonomy borrowed from evolutionary biologist Ernst Mayr in order to demonstrate the ethnogenetic function of translation. An ethnos is a closed loose system; it has a life cycle which is teleonomic by nature. Ethnoses evolve by passing through different stages—from inception to consummation at the acmetic phase and finally into the post-acmetic succession of phases leading to disintegration. At each of these different stages, the social system requires inputs of varying intensity from the environment. Translation as a boundary phenomenon serves as a mechanism to ensure such inputs. From the standpoint of its social function, translation is theorized in a broader sense than usual—as mediation on intrapersonal, interpersonal, interethnic and intergenerational levels.