bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis of C/NOFS planar Langmuir probe data
Authors: Costa E. , Roddy P. A. , Ballenthin J. O.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The planar Langmuir probe (PLP) onboard the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite has been monitoring ionospheric plasma densities and their irregularities with high resolution almost seamlessly since May 2008. Considering the recent changes in status of the C/NOFS mission, it may be interesting to summarize some statistical results from these measurements. PLP data from 2 different years (1 October 2008–30 September 2009 and 1 January 2012–31 December 2012) were selected for analysis. The first data set corresponds to solar minimum conditions and the second one is as close to solar maximum conditions of solar cycle 24 as possible at the time of the analysis. The results from the analysis show how the values of the standard deviation of the ion density which are greater than specified thresholds are statistically distributed as functions of several combinations of the following geophysical parameters: (i) solar activity, (ii) altitude range, (iii) longitude sector, (iv) local time interval, (v) geomagnetic latitude interval, and (vi) season.
Influence of meteorology and anthropogenic pollution on chemical flux divergence of the NO-NO2-O3 triad above and within a natural grassland canopy
Authors: Plake D. , Sörgel M. , Stella P. , Held A. , Trebs I.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The detailed understanding of surface–atmosphere exchange of reactive trace gas species is a crucial precondition for reliable modeling of processes in atmospheric chemistry. Plant canopies significantly impact the atmospheric budget of trace gases. In the past, many studies focused on taller forest canopies or crops, where the bulk plant material is concentrated in the uppermost canopy layer. However, within grasslands, a land-cover class that globally covers vast terrestrial areas, the canopy structure is fundamentally different, as the main biomass is concentrated in the lowest canopy part. This has obvious implications for aerodynamic in-canopy transport, and consequently also impacts on global budgets of key species in atmospheric chemistry such as nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). This study presents for the first time a~comprehensive data set of directly measured in-canopy transport times and aerodynamic resistances, chemical timescales, Damköhler numbers, trace gas and micrometeorological measurements for a natural grassland canopy (canopy height = 0.6 m). Special attention is paid to the impact of contrasting meteorological and air chemical conditions on in-canopy transport and chemical flux divergence. Our results show that the grassland canopy is decoupled throughout the day. In the lower canopy, the measured transport times are fastest during nighttime, which is due to convection during nighttime and stable stratification during daytime in this layer. The inverse was found in the layers above. During periods of low wind speed and high NOx (NO+NO2) levels, the effect of canopy decoupling on trace gas transport was found especially distinct. The aerodynamic resistance in the lower canopy (0.04–0.2 m) was around 1000 s m−1, thus as high as values from literature representing the lowest meter of an Amazonian rain forest canopy. The aerodynamic resistance representing the bulk canopy was found to be more than 3–4 times higher as in forests. Calculated Damköhler numbers (ratio of transport and chemical timescales) suggested a strong flux divergence for the NO-NO2-O3 triad within the canopy during daytime. At that time, the timescale of NO2 plant uptake ranged from 90 to 160 s and was the fastest relevant timescale, i.e. faster than the reaction of NO and O3. Thus, our results clearly reveal that grassland canopies of similar structure have a strong potential to retain soil emitted NO by uptake of NO2 by the plants. Furthermore, a photo-chemical O3 production above the canopy was observed, which resulted from a~surplus of NO2 from the NO-NO2-O3 photostationary state. The O3 production was one order of magnitude higher during high NOx than during low NOx periods and resulted in an O3 flux underestimation, which was observed for the first time.
HEMCO v1.0: a versatile, ESMF-compliant component for calculating emissions in atmospheric models
Authors: Keller C. A. , Long M. S. , Yantosca R. M. , Da Silva A. M. , Pawson S. , Jacob D. J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We describe the Harvard–NASA Emission Component version 1.0 (HEMCO), a stand-alone software component for computing emissions in global atmospheric models. HEMCO determines emissions from different sources, regions, and species on a user-defined grid and can combine, overlay, and update a set of data inventories and scale factors, as specified by the user through the HEMCO configuration file. New emission inventories at any spatial and temporal resolution are readily added to HEMCO and can be accessed by the user without any preprocessing of the data files or modification of the source code. Emissions that depend on dynamic source types and local environmental variables such as wind speed or surface temperature are calculated in separate HEMCO extensions. HEMCO is fully compliant with the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF) environment. It is highly portable and can be deployed in a new model environment with only few adjustments at the top-level interface. So far, we have implemented HEMCO in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) Earth system model (ESM) and in the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model (CTM). By providing a widely applicable framework for specifying constituent emissions, HEMCO is designed to ease sensitivity studies and model comparisons, as well as inverse modeling in which emissions are adjusted iteratively. The HEMCO code, extensions, and the full set of emissions data files used in GEOS-Chem are available at http://wiki.geos-chem.org/HEMCO.
Uncertainty propagation in a cascade modelling approach to flood mapping
Authors: Rodríguez-Rincón J. P. , Pedrozo-Acuña A. , Breña Naranjo J. A.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The purpose of this investigation is to study the propagation of meteorological uncertainty within a cascade modelling approach to flood mapping. The methodology is comprised of a Numerical Weather Prediction Model (NWP), a distributed rainfall–runoff model and a standard 2-D hydrodynamic model. The cascade of models is used to reproduce an extreme flood event that took place in the Southeast of Mexico, during November 2009. The event is selected as high quality field data (e.g. rain gauges; discharge) and satellite imagery are available. Uncertainty in the meteorological model (Weather Research and Forecasting model) is evaluated through the use of a multi-physics ensemble technique, which considers twelve parameterization schemes to determine a given precipitation. The resulting precipitation fields are used as input in a distributed hydrological model, enabling the determination of different hydrographs associated to this event. Lastly, by means of a standard 2-D hydrodynamic model, hydrographs are used as forcing conditions to study the propagation of the meteorological uncertainty to an estimated flooded area. Results show the utility of the selected modelling approach to investigate error propagation within a cascade of models. Moreover, the error associated to the determination of the runoff, is showed to be lower than that obtained in the precipitation estimation suggesting that uncertainty do not necessarily increase within a model cascade.
Comparison of TRMM, MPEG and CFSR rainfall estimation with the ground observed data for the Lake Tana Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Worqlul A. W. , Maathuis B. , Adem A. A. , Demissie S. S. , Langan S. , Steenhuis T. S.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Planning of drought relief and floods in developing countries is greatly hampered by lack of a sufficiently dense network of weather station measuring precipitation. In this paper we test the utility of three satellite products to augment the ground based precipitation measurement to provide improved spatial estimates of rainfall. The three products are: Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) product (3B42), Multi-Sensor Precipitation Estimate-Geostationary (MPEG) and Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). The accuracy of three products is tested in the Lake Tana Basin in Ethiopia where in 2010 38 weather stations were available with a full record of daily precipitation amounts. Daily grid satellite based rainfall estimates were compared to: (1) point observed ground rainfall (2) areal rainfall in the major river sub-basins of Lake Tana. The result shows that, the MPEG and CFSR satellite provided most accurate rainfall estimates. On the average for 38 stations 78 and 86% of the observed rainfall variation is explained by MPEG and CFSR data respectively while TRIMM explained only 17% of the variation. Similarly, the areal comparison indicated a better performance for both MPEG and CFSR data in capturing the pattern and amount of rainfall. MPEG and CFSR have also a lower RMSE compared to the TRMM satellite rainfall. The Bias indicated that, the MPEG is consistent in underestimating the observed rainfall while the TRMM and CFSR were not consistent; they overestimated for some and underestimated for the others.
Transferring model uncertainty estimates from gauged to ungauged catchments
Authors: Bourgin F. , Andréassian V. , Perrin C. , Oudin L.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Predicting streamflow hydrographs in ungauged catchments is a challenging issue, and accompanying the estimates with realistic uncertainty bounds is an even more complex task. In this paper, we present a method to transfer model uncertainty estimates from gauged to ungauged catchments and we test it over a set of 907 catchments located in France. We evaluate the quality of the uncertainty estimates based on three expected qualities: reliability, sharpness, and overall skill. Our results show that the method holds interesting perspectives, providing in most cases reliable and sharp uncertainty bounds at ungauged locations.
Discharge of landslide-induced debris flows: case studies of Typhoon Morakot in southern Taiwan
Authors: Chen J.-C. , Chuang M.-R.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Three debris-flow gullies, the Hong-Shui-Xian (HSX), Sha-Xin-Kai (SXK), and Xin-Kai-Dafo (XKD) gullies, located in the Shinfa area of southern Taiwan, were selected as case studies on the discharge of landslide-induced debris flows caused by Typhoon Morakot in 2009. The inundation characteristics of the three debris flows, such as the debris-flow volume V, deposition area Ad, and maximum flow depth, were collected by field investigations and simulated using the numerical modeling software FLO-2D. The discharge coefficient cb, defined as the ratio of the debris-flow discharge Qdp to the water-flow discharge Qwp, was proposed to determine Qdp, and Qwp was estimated by a rational equation. Then, cb was calibrated by a comparison between the field investigation and the numerical simulation of the inundation characteristics of debris flows. Our results showed that the values of cb range from 6 to 18, and their values are affected by the landslide ratio RL. Empirical relationships for cb versus RL, Qdp versus Qwp, Qdp versus V, and Ad versus V are also presented.
Four-dimensional ensemble variational (4D-En-Var) data assimilation for the HIgh Resolution Limited Area Model (HIRLAM)
Authors: Gustafsson N. , Bojarova J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. A four-dimensional ensemble variational (4D-En-Var) data assimilation has been developed for a limited area model. The integration of tangent linear and adjoint models, as applied in standard 4D-Var, is replaced with the use of an ensemble of non-linear model states to estimate four-dimensional background error covariances over the assimilation time window. The computational costs for 4D-En-Var are therefore significantly reduced in comparison with standard 4D-Var and the scalability of the algorithm is improved. The flow dependency of 4D-En-Var assimilation increments is demonstrated in single simulated observation experiments and compared with corresponding increments from standard 4D-Var and Hybrid 4D-Var ensemble assimilation experiments. Real observation data assimilation experiments carried out over a 6-week period show that 4D-En-Var outperforms standard 4D-Var as well as Hybrid 4D-Var ensemble data assimilation with regard to forecast quality measured by forecast verification scores.
Mechanisms of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation variability simulated by the NEMO model
Authors: Stepanov V. N. , Haines K.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. We have investigated mechanisms for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) variability at 26.5° N (other than the Ekman component) that can be related to external forcings, in particular wind variability. Resolution dependence is studied using identical experiments with 1° and 1/4° NEMO model runs over 1960–2010. The analysis shows that much of the variability in the AMOC at 26° N can be related to the wind strength over the North Atlantic, through mechanisms lagged on different timescales. At ~ 1-year lag the January–June difference of mean sea level pressure between high and mid-latitudes in the North Atlantic explains 35–50% of the interannual AMOC variability (with negative correlation between wind strength and AMOC). At longer lead timescales ~ 4 years, strong (weak) winds over the northern North Atlantic (specifically linked to the NAO index) are followed by higher (lower) AMOC transport, but this mechanism only works in the 1/4° model. Analysis of the density correlations suggests an increase (decrease) in deep water formation in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre to be the cause. Therefore another 30% of the AMOC variability at 26° N can be related to density changes in the top 1000 m in the Labrador and Irminger seas occurring ~ 4 years earlier.
The growth of sublimation crystals and surface hoar on the Antarctic plateau
Authors: Gallet J.-C. , Domine F. , Savarino J. , Dumont M. , Brun E.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. On the Antarctic plateau, precipitation quantities are so low that the surface mass budget is for an important part determined by exchanges of water vapor between the snow surface and the atmosphere surface. At Dome C (75° S, 123° E), we have frequently observed the growth of crystals on the snow surface under calm sunny weather. Here we present the time variations of specific surface area (SSA) and density of these crystals. Using the detailed snow model Crocus, we conclude that the formation of these crystals was very likely due to the nighttime formation of surface hoar crystals and to the daytime formation of sublimation crystals. These latter crystals form by processes similar to those involved in the formation of frost flowers on young sea ice. The formation of these crystals impacts the albedo, mass and energy budget of the Antarctic plateau. In particular, the SSA variations of the surface layer can induce an instantaneous forcing at the snow surface up to −10 W m−2 at noon, resulting in a surface temperature drop of 0.45 K. This result confirms that snow SSA is a crucial variable to consider in the energy budget and climate of snow-covered surfaces.
Impact craters and the extraterrestrial matter in their surroundings: case of Morasko (Poland) and Kaali (Estonia)
Authors: Uścinowicz Grzegorz
Published: July 2014

Investigations have been carried out in the area of meteorite impact craters within the Quaternary deposits in Morasko and the Silurian bedrock in Kaali. Both surface destructions occurred during the fall of cosmic bodies that induced formation of magnetic fine-grained material. The presence of extraterrestrial spherules in Morasko and Kaali and their cosmic origin state prove such a composition and character of the surface. Moreover, the amount of magnetic fraction is increased in the sediments in the environs of craters in relation to their surroundings. However, impact of similar meteorites under similar environmental conditions can generate various morphological, mineralogical and natural effects. Common features of the described areas are the occurrence of collateral craters, their formation in sedimentary rocks and presence of high amounts of extraterrestrial spherules in their environs.
Testing and numerical simulation of Holocene marine sand uniaxial compression along the Lithuanian coast
Authors: Skuodis Šarūnas , Markauskas Darius , Norkus Arnoldas , Žaržojus Gintaras , Dirgėlienė Neringa
Published: July 2014

Compressibility of quartz sand from the Lithuanian coastal area in Klaipėda environs is investigated by testing and numerical simulation, with validation of obtained results. The shape of sand grains has been analysed with a scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The determined morphological parameters of sand grains are employed to create discrete models (particle models of grains) subsequently used for sand compression test numerical simulation via discrete element method (DEM) techniques. The background version of DEM and the numerical time-integration algorithm are implemented in original DEMMAT code. Compression tests have been realised by an oedometer device. Test versus numerical simulation results have revealed a dependence of significant compression curve character on the discretised shape of sand grains and Young’s modulus of particles.
The dream of objectivity: A myth of one profession
Authors: Jevtović Zoran
Published: July 2014

Reporting is usually seen as a process in which different facts get sense and specific meaning in a society. The complex nature of media discourse turns occurrences, conflicts, processes and individuals into news, reports, interviews an other genres. The whole process was for a long time followed by a conception of objectivity as one of the most crucial postulates in journalism. During the centuries, a specific myth of good journalism was developed, that promoted honesty, balance, fair play, impartiality, in a word - objectivity. However, globalization and the digital revolution, supported by corporate capital, pointed out the manipulative context and ideological construct of contemporary mediapractice, one that subordinated the structuring and distribution of information to the interests of the ruling elites. In that new journalism, visible and invisible are blended in a convincing narrative, constructed images make critical thinking impossible, and ideological concepts are hidden by lexical meaning. Between an archaic desire to transmit the truth, with full consideration of professional standards, and clientelistic journalism, which develops a close relationship with advertisers and media owners, grows an unbridgeable gap, which significantly changes the character of journalism across the globe.
What Are the Support Needs of Men with Multiple Sclerosis, and Are They Being Met?
Authors: Upton Dominic , Taylor Charlotte
Published: July 2014

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, degenerative condition of the central nervous system that can lead to high levels of disability and a range of psychological and social problems. Although considerable research has been conducted on the experience of living with MS and the disease's psychosocial consequences, much of this has focused on women, with the male perspective seldom considered. It is possible, therefore, that men differ from women in how they experience MS and the type of support or interventions that meet their needs.

Methods: A literature review was undertaken to identify the specific support needs of men with MS, describe current support available to men with MS, and evaluate the extent to which these needs are met by current service provision.

Results: The literature reviewed suggests that the needs of men with MS are different from those of women in terms of psychological factors such as well-being and mental health and support.

Conclusions: If interventions are to be evidence based, health-care professionals need to take into account the needs, desires, and capabilities of men with MS in the development of services. Further qualitative and quantitative research is required to address the gaps in the evidence base of support needs for men with MS.
Informing the Children When a Parent Is Diagnosed as Having Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Nilsagård Ylva , Boström Katrin
Published: July 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of how health-care services can support the empowerment of children when a parent is diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis (MS). The study focuses on what information parents with MS, their partners, and their children desire from health-care professionals.

Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with nine adolescents, nine parents with diagnosed MS, and five partners representing members of ten families.

Results: The main finding was that parents with MS, their partners, and the adolescents stressed their need to be well informed about the disease. Information should be provided at the time of diagnosis and then offered regularly throughout the disease course. The information should be suited to the recipient's level of maturity and individualized to reflect the parent's clinical picture.

Conclusions: It is usually beneficial for children if their parents feel informed about the illness and encourage their children to ask questions and discuss the situation. This knowledge, gained from several sources, is likely to be of value for health-care professionals and their ongoing efforts to improve services for parents with MS, their partners, and their children.
Disparate substrates for head gaze following and face perception in the monkey superior temporal sulcus
Authors: Marciniak Karolina , Atabaki Artin , Dicke Peter W , Thier Peter
Published: July 2014

Primates use gaze cues to follow peer gaze to an object of joint attention. Gaze following of monkeys is largely determined by head or face orientation. We used fMRI in rhesus monkeys to identify brain regions underlying head gaze following and to assess their relationship to the ‘face patch’ system, the latter being the likely source of information on face orientation. We trained monkeys to locate targets by either following head gaze or using a learned association of face identity with the same targets. Head gaze following activated a distinct region in the posterior STS, close to-albeit not overlapping with-the medial face patch delineated by passive viewing of faces. This ‘gaze following patch’ may be the substrate of the geometrical calculations needed to translate information on head orientation from the face patches into precise shifts of attention, taking the spatial relationship of the two interacting agents into account.
Preparation and Performance of a Fixed Bed Catalyst for the Oxidation of Sodium Mercaptides
Authors: Heming Wang , Xianshang Liu , Lijun Zhu , Yulu Zhou , Daohong Xia
Published: July 2014

The activated-carbon supported cobalt pthalocyanine as a fixed bed catalyst (CoPc/C) was prepared by impregnation method and its performance on the oxidation of sodium mercaptides in light oil sweetening was investigated. The FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis indicated that the active component dispersed well on the carrier and the results of the TG analysis showed that CoPc/C has good thermostability. It was tested that the prepared catalyst has a high catalytic activity towards sodium mercaptides. The removal rate of n-C4H9SNa was up to 100 % and for t-C4H9SNa, was 87.5% at a reaction time of 30 min. With the reaction temperature raised from 20 °C to 60 °C at intervals of ten degrees, the oxidation rate increased obviously, especially in the first ten minutes. A kinetic model mainly related to the transfer process was supposed. The catalyst CoPc/C had a good anti-loss performance of the active component both in water and alkali liquor when used. © 2014 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Electro-Catalysis System for Biodiesel Synthesis from Palm Oil over Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Plasma Reactor
Authors: Istadi Istadi , Yudhistira Ardian D. , Anggoro Didi D. , Buchori Luqman
Published: July 2014

Biodiesel synthesis reaction routes from palm oil using plasma electro-catalysis process over Dielectric-Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma reactor were studied. The study was focused on finding possible reaction mechanism route during plasma electro-catalysis process. The prediction was performed based on the changes of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR) analyses to the biodiesel products with respect to time length of plasma treatment. It was found that main reaction mechanism occurred in the plasma electro-catalysis system was non-thermal pyrolysis rather than transesterification. The main reactions within the plasma treatment were due to collision between high energetic electrons (supplied from high voltage power supply through high voltage electrode) and the reaction mixtures. The high energetic electrons affected the electrons pair of covalent bonding to be excited or dissociated even ionized at higher energy. Therefore, this plasma electro-catalysis system was promising for biodiesel synthesis from vegetable oils due to only very short time reaction was needed, even no need a catalyst, no soap formation, and no glycerol by-product. This system could produce fatty acid methyl ester yield of 75.65% at 120 seconds and other possible chemicals, such as alkynes, alkanes, esters, carboxylic acid, and aldehydes. However, during the plasma process, the reaction mechanisms were still difficult to be controlled due the action of available high energetic electrons. The advanced studies on how to control the reaction mechanism selectively in the plasma electro-catalysis will be published elsewhere. © 2014 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Twentieth century sea surface temperature and salinity variations at Timor inferred from paired coral δ18O and Sr/Ca measurements
Authors: Cahyarini Sri Yudawati , Pfeiffer Miriam , Nurhati Intan Suci , Aldrian Edvin , Dullo Wolf‐Christian , Hetzinger Steffen
Published: July 2014

The Indonesian Throughflow (ITF), which represents the global ocean circulation connecting the Pacific Warm Pool to the Indian Ocean, strongly influences the Indo‐Pacific climate. ITF monitoring since the late 1990s using mooring buoys have provided insights on seasonal and interannual time scales. However, the absence of longer records limits our perspective on its evolution over the past century. Here, we present sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity (SSS) proxy records from Timor Island located at the ITF exit passage via paired coral δ18O and Sr/Ca measurements spanning the period 1914–2004. These high‐resolution proxy based climate data of the last century highlights improvements and cautions when interpreting paleoclimate records of the Indonesian region. If the seasonality of SST and SSS is not perfectly in phase, the application of coral Sr/Ca thermometry improves SST reconstructions compared to estimates based on coral δ18O only. Our records also underline the importance of ocean advection besides rainfall on local SSS in the region. Although the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) causes larger anomalies relative to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), Timor coral‐based SST and SSS records robustly correlate with IOD on interannual time scales, whereas ENSO only modifies Timor SST. Similarly, Timor SST and SSS are strongly linked to Indian Ocean decadal‐scale variations that appear to lead Timor oceanographic conditions by about 1.6–2 years. Our study sheds new light on the complex signatures of Indo‐Pacific climate modes on SST and SSS dynamics of the ITF.
Observed bottom boundary layer transport and uplift on the continental shelf adjacent to a western boundary current
Authors: Schaeffer A. , Roughan M. , Wood J. E.
Published: July 2014

Western boundary currents strongly influence the dynamics on the adjacent continental shelf and in particular the cross‐shelf transport and uplift through the bottom boundary layer. Four years of moored in situ observations on the narrow southeastern Australian shelf (in water depths of between 65 and 140 m) were used to investigate bottom cross‐shelf transport, both upstream (30°S) and downstream (34°S) of the separation zone of the East Australian Current (EAC). Bottom transport was estimated and assessed against Ekman theory, showing consistent results for a number of different formulations of the boundary layer thickness. Net bottom cross‐shelf transport was onshore at all locations. Ekman theory indicates that up to 64% of the transport variability is driven by the along‐shelf bottom stress. Onshore transport in the bottom boundary layer was more intense and frequent upstream than downstream, occurring 64% of the time at 30°S. Wind‐driven surface Ekman transport estimates did not balance the bottom cross‐shelf flow. At both locations, strong variability was found in bottom water transport at periods of approximately 90–100 days. This corresponds with periodicity in EAC fluctuations and eddy shedding as evidenced from altimeter observations, highlighting the EAC as a driver of variability in the continental shelf waters. Ocean glider and HF radar observations were used to identify the bio‐physical response to an EAC encroachment event, resulting in a strong onshore bottom flow, the uplift of cold slope water, and elevated coastal chlorophyll concentrations.
Lemierre syndrome involving external jugular vein
Authors: Hagiya Hideharu , Haruki Yuto , Otsuka Fumio
Published: July 2014

Case

A 74‐year‐old woman with a week‐long history of cold symptoms was diagnosed with Lemierre syndrome that involved her left external jugular vein.

Outcome

The patient was successfully treated with 4 weeks of antibiotics and anticoagulant treatment. Typical cases of Lemierre syndrome involve only the internal jugular vein. The external jugular vein is anatomically distant from the pharyngolaryngeal space and usually does not receive blood or lymphatic flow from there. Thus, Lemierre syndrome ordinarily does not involve the external jugular vein and clinical characteristics of external jugular vein‐involving Lemierre syndrome have not been uncovered, mainly due to its rarity. Based on our review, it would not much differ from those of typical cases.

Conclusion

Considering the potential severity and mortality, more attention should be paid to this potentially fatal disease that may demonstrate atypical manifestation, as shown in this case. Accumulation of cases would be needed for further understanding.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Transformations of Terminal Alkynes to Ketenes By Using Tethered Sulfoxides: Access to β‐Lactams and Cyclobutanones
Authors: Wang Youliang , Zheng Zhitong , Zhang Liming
Published: July 2014

The oxidation of in situ generated Ru vinylidenes to ketenes is realized with tethered sulfoxides. The result is a Ru‐catalyzed oxidative transformation of terminal alkynes to highly valuable ketenes. Moreover, the ketenes generated here were shown to undergo characteristic ketene [2+2] cycloaddition reactions with tethered alkenes and external imines, yielding synthetically versatile bicyclic cyclobutanones and β‐lactams, respectively.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Highly Substituted β‐Lactones through Oxidative Carbene Catalysis with LiCl as Cooperative Lewis Acid
Authors: Bera Srikrishna , Samanta Ramesh C. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Studer Armido
Published: July 2014

The reaction of enals with β‐diketones, β‐ketoesters, and malonates bearing a β‐oxyalkyl substituent at the α‐position by oxidative NHC catalysis to provide highly substituted β‐lactones is described. Reactions occur with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. The organo cascade comprises two CC bond formations and one CO bond formation. Up to four contiguous stereogenic centers including two fully substituted stereocenters are formed in the cascade.
Validated spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods for the determination of brimonidine tartrate in ophthalmic solutions via derivatization with NBD‐Cl. Application to stability study
Authors: Ibrahim F. , El‐Enany N. , El‐Shaheny R. N. , Mikhail I. E.
Published: July 2014

Two simple, selective and accurate methods were developed and validated for the determination of brimonidine tartrate (BT) in pure state and pharmaceutical formulations. Both methods are based on the coupling of the drug with 4‐chloro‐7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole in borate buffer (pH 8.5) at 70 °C and measurement of the reaction product spectrophotometrically at 407 nm (method I) or spectrofluorimetrically at 528 nm upon excitation at 460 nm (method II). The calibration graphs were rectilinear over the concentration ranges of 1.0–16.0 and 0.1–4.0 µg/mL with lower detection limits of 0.21 and 0.03, and lower quantification limits of 0.65 and 0.09 µg/mL for methods I and II, respectively. Both methods were successfully applied to the analysis of commercial ophthalmic solution with mean recovery of 99.50 ± 1.00 and 100.13 ± 0.71%, respectively. Statistical analysis of the results obtained by the proposed methods revealed good agreement with those obtained using a comparison method. The proposed spectrofluorimetric method was extended to a stability study of BT under different ICH‐outlined conditions such as alkaline, acidic, oxidative and photolytic degradation. Furthermore, the kinetics of oxidative degradation of the drug was investigated and the apparent first‐order reaction rate constants, half‐life times and Arrhenius equation were estimated. The proposed methods are practical and valuable for routine applications in quality control laboratories for the analysis of BT. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of eleven constituents in rat serum and its application to a pharmacokinetic study of a Chinese medicine Shengmai injection
Authors: Zhan Shuyu , Shao Qing , Fan Xiaohui , Li Zheng
Published: July 2014

A sensitive LC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of 11 constituents, ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rf, Rg2, Rb1, Rd, Rc, ophiopogonin D, schisandrin, schisandrol B and schizandrin B, in rat serum using digoxin as the internal standard (IS). The serum samples were pretreated and extracted with a two‐step liquid–liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 analytical column with a proper gradient elution using 0.02% acetic acid aqueous solution and 0.02% acetic acid–acetonitrile as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. MS detection was performed using multiple reaction monitoring via an electrospray ionization source. Good linearity was observed in the validated concentration range for every analyte (r2 ≥0.9929), and the lower limits of quantitation of the analytes were in the range of 0.044–1.190 ng/mL in rat serum. Intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were <14.2%. The accuracy expressed as recovery was within the range of 85.1–112.8%. The extraction recoveries were >75.8%.The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of all analytes in rats after single intravenous administration of Shengmai injection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Porous Anionic Indium–Organic Framework with Enhanced Gas and Vapor Adsorption and Separation Ability
Authors: Huang Yuanbiao , Lin Zujin , Fu Hongru , Wang Fei , Shen Min , Wang Xusheng , Cao Rong
Published: July 2014

A three‐dimensional microporous anionic metal–organic framework (MOF) (Et4N)3[In3(TATB)4] (FJI‐C1, H3TATB=4,4′,4′′‐s‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyltribenzoic acid) with large unit cell volume has been synthesized. Assisted by the organic cation group Et4N in the pores of the compound, FJI‐C1 not only shows high adsorption uptakes of C2 and C3 hydrocarbons, but also exhibits highly selective separation of propane, acetylene, ethane, and ethylene from methane at room temperature. Furthermore, it also exhibits high separation selectivity for propane over C2 hydrocarbons and acetylene can be readily separated from their C2 hydrocarbons mixtures at low pressure due to the high selectivity for C2H2 in comparison to C2H4 and C2H6. In addition, FJI‐C1 with hydrophilic internal pores surfaces shows highly efficient adsorption separation of polar molecules from nonpolar molecules. Notably, it exhibits high separation selectivity for benzene over cyclohexane due to the π–π interactions between benzene molecules and s‐triazine rings of the porous MOF.
A Concise Synthesis of Mupirocin H Using a Cross‐Metathesis‐Based Strategy
Authors: Sengupta Sandip , Sim Taebo
Published: July 2014

A highly efficient (10.1 % overall yield) and convergent (longest linear sequence of 16 steps) synthesis of mupirocin H has been achieved, starting from commercially available (+)‐(R)‐Roche ester. The route relies on an efficient Grubbs cross‐metathesis reaction to generate a key, late‐stage E‐olefin intermediate, and a cobalt‐catalysed diastereoselective Reformatsky reaction to produce a β‐hydroxy ester that serves as a late‐stage intermediate.
Beryllium‐Based, High‐Triplet‐Energy Material as a Host for Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Oh Chan Seok , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: July 2014

A beryllium‐based compound, bis[2‐(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridin‐3‐olate] beryllium (DmPPBe), was designed and synthesized as a high‐triplet‐energy host material for blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes. The DmPPBe host showed a high triplet energy of 2.75 eV due to the high‐triplet‐energy 2‐(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridin‐3‐ol ligand. The DmPPBe host was effective as the host material for blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes and a high quantum efficiency of 17.7 % was achieved.
Effects of laser excitation wavelength and optical mode on Raman spectra of human fresh colon, pancreas, and prostate tissues
Authors: Li Ran , Verreault Dominique , Payne Andrea , Hitchcock Charles L. , Povoski Stephen P. , Martin Edward W. , Allen Heather C.
Published: July 2014

Early cancer detection is the central and most important factor for allowing successful treatment and resultant positive long‐term patient outcomes. Recently, optical techniques have been applied to this purpose, although each has inherent limitations. In particular, Raman spectroscopy applied in the pathological diagnosis of cancerous tissues has received increasing attention, with the merit of being highly sensitive to the biochemical alterations in tissue compositions and applicable in vivo. Nevertheless, its application has been impeded by the high background intensity, which masks the Raman signal of biological molecules. In this work, the influence of laser excitation wavelength (785 vs. 830 nm) and optical mode (single mode vs. multimode) on the background intensity of fresh human tissues was studied. Based on the results, laser with 830 nm excitation demonstrated better background reduction than that with 785 nm excitation for the same optical mode, but the Raman signal intensity was conversely reduced, and the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) not improved. In contrast, by comparing single‐mode and multimode 785 nm excitations, it was shown that the single‐mode laser with its smaller beam waist and beam propagation factor had better background reduction ability and an improvement of the SNRs. It is speculated that this decrease in background intensity comes from the effect of the optical mode on the Mie scattering from the biological tissue. High‐quality spectra based on a careful selection of both laser excitation wavelength and optical mode will benefit Raman measurements in further research focusing on spectral interpretation and histopathological correlation ultimately aimed toward intraoperative applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the Polymeric Microstructure of LDPE in Tubular and Autoclave Reactors with a Coupled Deterministic and Stochastic Simulation Approach
Authors: Neuhaus Eric , Herrmann Thomas , Vittorias Iakovos , Lilge Dieter , Mannebach Gerd , Gonioukh Andrei , Busch Markus
Published: July 2014

A novel hybrid simulation approach is developed, which combines the advantages of deterministic and stochastic modeling of complex polymerization networks. The fast deterministic simulation solves the heat and pressure balances and generates position‐dependent event frequency profiles. The detailed stochastic simulation is used as add‐on and offers a deep insight into the polymeric microstructure of each macromolecule. Our hybrid simulation approach is applied to high‐pressure ethylene polymerization in industrial tubular and continuous autoclave reactors with peroxide initiation. But in general, the presented approach can be used for all types of polymerization reactions in ideal and non‐ideal reactors of any kind.
Approaches to Quantify Amine Groups in the Presence of Hydroxyl Functional Groups in Plasma Polymerized Thin Films
Authors: Ruiz Juan‐Carlos , Taheri Shima , Michelmore Andrew , Robinson David E. , Short Robert D. , Vasilev Krasimir , Förch Renate
Published: July 2014

The quantification of primary and secondary amines in plasma polymerized allylamine and plasma copolymers of allylamine/octadiene films was carried out using chemical derivatization followed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Data was analyzed using a combination of the peak‐fit‐analysis method (PFA) and the quantitative‐elemental‐analysis method (QEA). The latter method overestimates the secondary amine contribution, since it does not account for the additional reaction of TFAA with OH groups that may be present as a result of surface aging effects. In the current work the PFA method has been extended to enable the separation of –OH groups and secondary amines, thus allowing for a more precise determination of the secondary amine groups even after surface aging.
Walking a slippery line: Investments in social values and product longevity
Authors: Fosfuri Andrea , Giarratana Marco S. , Roca Esther
Published: July 2014

Corporate sponsorship of events that support social values (e.g., human rights) help firms infuse their products with symbolic meaning, prolonging their life cycle. Yet, higher product prices might spark perceptions that the firm invests in social values for calculative or opportunistic motives, in which case event sponsorship is unlikely to deliver the expected benefits in the form of product longevity. This study explores this potential tension empirically, using data related to sponsored social events, entry prices, and product longevity for a U.S. cosmetics producer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lateral Incisional Hernia After Renal Transplantation: A Comparative Study
Authors: Luc Guillaume , David Anaëlle , Couzi Lionel , Midy Dominique , Collet Denis , Dubuisson Vincent
Published: July 2014

Background

Because of the lack of published data and the relative rarity of lateral incisional hernias (LIHs), especially after renal transplantation, mesh repair of LIH remains a challenge for surgeons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of LIH treated by mesh repair after renal transplantation.

Methods

All consecutive patients who had undergone LIH mesh repair after renal transplantation were compared with patients who had undergone LIH mesh repair without renal transplantation. Demographic data, incisional hernia characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were prospectively recorded. Early complications and recurrence rates were evaluated.

Results

Altogether, 112 patients were treated for LIH with mesh repair. Among these patients, 61 (54.4 %) underwent LIH after renal transplantation. The early complications were similar for the patients with and without renal transplantation (24.5 vs. 23.5 %, respectively; p = 0.896). The recurrence rates also were similar for the patients with and without renal transplantation (9.8 vs. 9.8 %, respectively; p = 1).

Conclusions

Mesh graft repair is feasible in patients with LIH after renal transplantation. Postoperative complications and recurrences were not more frequent in renal transplantation patients than in those without renal transplantation.
Food and feed supply and waste disposal in the industrialising city of Vienna (1830–1913): a special focus on urban nitrogen flows
Authors: Gierlinger Sylvia
Published: July 2014

Taking an urban metabolism perspective, this article investigates food and feed consumption as well as flows of nitrogen in the city of Vienna during the industrial transformation. It addresses the question of the amount of agricultural products consumed in the city and their nitrogen content, their origin and their fate after consumption. Changes in dietary nitrogen flows in nineteenth century Vienna are embedded in the context of a socio-ecological transition from an agrarian to an industrial socio-metabolic regime. Similarities and differences in the size and dynamics of urban nitrogen flows in Vienna and Paris are discussed. Critical reading of historical sources and historical material flow accounting are the methodological backbone of this study. Between 1830 and 1913, inflows of dietary nitrogen into the city increased fivefold. Throughout the time period under observation, the urban waterscape was the most important sink for human and animal excreta. The amount of nitrogen disposed of in the urban waterscape via urban excreta increased sevenfold. The average daily consumption of nitrogen per capita was very similar to that in Paris, but the composition of foodstuff differed. In Vienna, the share of meat in food consumption was considerably higher. Both cities had to face the challenge of increasing output flows. However, urban authorities in Vienna and Paris came to different solutions of how to deal with this challenge. Besides institutional settings, the specific geomorphology of the cities as well as biogeographic factors such as the absorption capacity of the Danube in Vienna and the Seine in Paris mattered.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the birth prevalence of five inherited metabolic diseases
Authors: Moorthie Sowmiya , Cameron Louise , Sagoo Gurdeep S. , Bonham Jim R. , Burton Hilary
Published: July 2014

Many newborn screening programmes now use tandem mass spectrometry in order to screen for a variety of diseases. However, countries have embraced this technology with a differing pace of change and for different conditions. This has been facilitated by the ability of this diagnostic method to limit analysis to specific metabolites of interest, enabling targeted screening for particular conditions. MS/MS was introduced in 2009 in England to implement newborn bloodspot screening for medium chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) raising the possibility of screening for other inherited metabolic disorders. Recently, a pilot screening programme was conducted in order to evaluate the health and economic consequences of screening for five additional inherited metabolic disorders in England. As part of this study we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the birth prevalence of these conditions: maple syrup urine disease, homocystinuria (pyridoxine unresponsive), glutaric aciduria type I, isovaleric acidaemia and long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency including trifunctional protein deficiency. We identified a total of 99 studies that were able to provide information on the prevalence of one or more of the disorders. The vast majority of studies were of screening programmes with some reporting on clinically detected cases.