bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brucella Induced Guillain–Barré Syndrome
Authors: Elzein Fatehi Elnour , Mursi Mohammed
Published: September 2014

Neurobrucellosis is relatively uncommon. In a prospective study of 530 patients with brucellosis, neurologic involvement was reported in only 1.7% of the patients. Unlike Campylobacter jejuni, the commonest infection implicated in Guillain–Barré syndrome, there are very few reports in the literature of Guillain–Barré syndrome in association with brucellosis. Out of 1,028 cases of brucellosis, polyneuritis was reported in only 2 out of 58 patients with neurological involvement.
Influence of oil and gas field operations on spatial and temporal distributions of atmospheric non-methane hydrocarbons and their effect on ozone formation in winter
Authors: Field R. A. , Soltis J. , McCarthy M. C. , Murphy S. , Montague D. C.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Emissions from oil and natural gas development during winter in the Upper Green River Basin of Wyoming are known to drive episodic ozone (O3) production. Contrasting O3 distributions were observed in the winters of 2011 and 2012, with numerous episodes in 2011 compared to none in 2012. During 2011 wintertime O3 episodes at two sites near Boulder Wyoming, situated ∼5 km apart, were observed to sometimes differ. In 2012 the lack of O3 episodes coincided with a reduction in ambient levels of total non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC). Measurements of speciated NMHC, and other air quality parameters, were performed to better understand emission sources and to determine which compounds are most active in promoting O3 formation. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analyses of the data were carried out to help achieve these goals. PMF analyses revealed three contributing factors that were identified with different emission source types: factor 1, combustion/traffic; factor 2, fugitive natural gas; and factor 3, fugitive condensate. Compositional signatures of three contributing factors were identified through comparison with independently derived emission source profiles. Fugitive emissions of natural gas and of condensate were the two principal emission source types for NMHC. A water treatment and recycling facility was found to be a significant source of condensate range NMHC, in particular toluene and m+p-xylene. Emissions from water treatment have an influence upon peak O3 mixing ratios at downwind measurement sites.
Biannual cycles of organochlorine pesticide enantiomers in arctic air suggest changing sources and pathways
Authors: Bidleman T. F. , Jantunen L. M. , Hung H. , Ma J. , Stern G. A. , Rosenberg B. , Racine J.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Air samples collected during 1994–2000 at the Canadian arctic air monitoring station Alert (82°30' N, 62°20' W) were analyzed by enantiospecific gas chromatography – mass spectrometry for α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), trans-chlordane (TC) and cis-chlordane (CC). Results were expressed as enantiomer fractions (EF = quantities of (+)/[(+) + (−)] enantiomers), where EFs = 0.5, <0.5 and >0.5 indicate racemic composition, and preferential depletion of (+) and (−) enantiomers, respectively. Long-term average EFs were close to racemic values for α-HCH (0.504 ± 0.004, n = 197) and CC (0.505 ± 0.004, n = 162), and deviated farther from racemic for TC (0.470 ± 0.013, n = 165). Digital filtration analysis revealed biannual cycles of lower α-HCH EFs in summer-fall and higher EFs in winter-spring. These cycles suggest volatilization of partially degraded α-HCH with EF < 0.5 from open water and advection to Alert during the warm season, and background transport of α-HCH with EF > 0.5 during the cold season. The contribution of sea-volatilized α-HCH was only 11% at Alert, vs. 32% at Resolute Bay (74.68° N, 94.90° W) in 1999. EFs of TC also followed biannual cycles of lower and higher values in the warm and cold seasons. These were in phase with low and high cycles of the TC/CC ratio (expressed as FTC = TC/(TC + CC)), which suggests greater contribution of microbially "weathered" TC in summer-fall vs. winter-spring. CC was closer to racemic than TC and displayed seasonal cycles only in 1997–1998. EF profiles are likely to change with rising contribution of secondary emission sources, weathering of residues in the environment, and loss of ice cover in the Arctic. Enantiomer-specific analysis could provide added forensic capability to air monitoring programs.
Calibrating airborne measurements of airspeed, pressure and temperature using a Doppler laser air-motion sensor
Authors: Cooper W. A. , Spuler S. M. , Spowart M. , Lenschow D. H. , Friesen R. B.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. A new laser air-motion sensor measures the true airspeed with a standard uncertainty of less than 0.1 m s−1 and so reduces uncertainty in the measured component of the relative wind along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft to about the same level. The calculated pressure expected from that airspeed at the inlet of a pitot tube then provides a basis for calibrating the measurements of dynamic and static pressure, reducing standard uncertainty in those measurements to less than 0.3 hPa and the precision applicable to steady flight conditions to about 0.1 hPa. These improved measurements of pressure, combined with high-resolution measurements of geometric altitude from the global positioning system, then indicate (via integrations of the hydrostatic equation during climbs and descents) that the offset and uncertainty in temperature measurement for one research aircraft are +0.3 ± 0.3 °C. For airspeed, pressure and temperature, these are significant reductions in uncertainty vs. those obtained from calibrations using standard techniques. Finally, it is shown that although the initial calibration of the measured static and dynamic pressures requires a measured temperature, once calibrated these measured pressures and the measurement of airspeed from the new laser air-motion sensor provide a measurement of temperature that does not depend on any other temperature sensor.
A novel inlet system for on-line chemical analysis of semi-volatile submicron particulate matter
Authors: Eichler P. , Müller M. , D'Anna B. , Wisthaler A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. We herein present the concept of a novel modular inlet system that allows using gas-phase analyzers for on-line chemical characterization of semi-volatile submicron particles. The "chemical analysis of aerosol on-line" (CHARON) inlet consists of a gas-phase denuder for stripping off gas-phase analytes, an aerodynamic lens for particle enrichment in the sampling flow and a thermo-desorption unit for particle volatilization prior to chemical analysis. We coupled the CHARON inlet to a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) which quantitatively detects most organic analytes and ammonia. The combined set-up measures submicron organic and ammonium nitrate/sulfate particles online. Two proof-of-principle studies were carried out for demonstrating the analytical power of the new set-up in analyzing primarily emitted and secondarily generated particles. Oxygenated organics and their partitioning between the gas and the particulate phase were observed from the reaction of limonene with ozone. Abundant quasi-molecular ions of organic particulate constituents were observed when submicron particles were sampled from diluted mainstream cigarette smoke.
Development of synthetic GOES-R ABI aerosol products
Authors: Hoff R. M. , Kondragunta S. , Ciren P. , Xu C. , Zhang H. , Huff A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. An Observing Systems Simulation Experiment (OSSE) for GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) aerosol products has been carried out. The generation of simulated data involves prediction of aerosol chemical composition fields at one-hour resolution and 12 km × 12 km spacing. These data are then fed to a radiative transfer model to simulate the on-orbit radiances that the GOES-R ABI will see in six channels. This allows the ABI aerosol algorithm to be tested to produce products that will be available after launch. In cooperation with a user group of 40+ state and local air quality forecasters, the system has been tested in real-time experiments where the results mimic what the forecasters will see after 2016 when GOES-R launches. Feedback from this group has allowed refinement of the web display system for the ABI aerosol products and has creatively called for new products that were not envisaged by the satellite team.
Micro-physical properties of carbonaceous aerosol particles generated by laser ablation of a graphite target
Authors: Ajtai T. , Utry N. , Pintér M. , Tápai Cs. , Kecskeméti G. , Smausz T. , Hopp B. , Bozóki Z. , Szabó G.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. In this work the authors propose laser ablation as a highly versatile tool for carbonaceous aerosol generation. The generated carbonaceous particles can be used as a model aerosol for atmospheric black carbon. Various microphysical properties including mass concentration, size distribution and morphology of aerosol particles generated by laser ablation of a high purity graphite sample were investigated in detail. These measurements proved that the proposed method can be used to generate both primary particles and fractal aggregates with a high yield. As a further advantage of the method the size distribution of the generated aerosol can cover a wide range, and can be tuned accurately with laser fluence, the ambient composition or with the volumetric flow rate of the carrier gas.
The "dual-spot" Aethalometer: an improved measurement of aerosol black carbon with real-time loading compensation
Authors: Drinovec L. , Močnik G. , Zotter P. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Ruckstuhl C. , Coz E. , Rupakheti M. , Sciare J. , Müller T. , Wiedensohler A. , Hansen A. D. A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Aerosol black carbon is a unique primary tracer for combustion emissions. It affects the optical properties of the atmosphere and is recognized as the second most important anthropogenic forcing agent for climate change. It is the primary tracer for adverse health effects caused by air pollution. For the accurate determination of mass equivalent black carbon concentrations in the air and for source apportionment of the concentrations, optical measurements by filter-based absorption photometers must take into account the "filter loading effect". We present a new real-time loading effect compensation algorithm based on a two parallel spot measurement of optical absorption. This algorithm has been incorporated into the new Aethalometer model AE33. Intercomparison studies show excellent reproducibility of the AE33 measurements and very good agreement with post-processed data obtained using earlier Aethalometer models, and other filter-based absorption photometers. The real-time loading effect compensation algorithm provides the high-quality data necessary for real-time source apportionment, and for determination of the temporal variation of the compensation parameter k.
Northern Hemisphere control of deglacial vegetation changes in the Rufiji uplands (Tanzania)
Authors: Bouimetarhan I. , Dupont L. , Kuhlmann H. , Pätzold J. , Prange M. , Schefuß E. , Zonneveld K.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. In tropical Eastern Africa, vegetation distribution is largely controlled by regional hydrology which has varied over the past 20 000 years. Therefore, accurate reconstructions of past vegetation and hydrological changes are crucial to better understand climate variability in the tropical Eastern African region. Through high-resolution pollen records from a marine sediment core recovered offshore the Rufiji River, our data show significant shifts in pollen assemblages during the last deglaciation identifying, through respective changes in both upland and lowland vegetation, specific responses of plant communities to atmospheric (precipitation) and coastal (coastal dynamics/sea level changes) alterations. Specifically, an interval of maximum pollen representation of dry and open vegetation occurred during the Northern Hemisphere cold Heinrich event 1 (H1) suggesting the expansion of drier upland vegetation under arid conditions. This dry spell is followed by an interval in which forest and humid woodland expanded, indicating a hydrologic shift towards more humid conditions. Droughts during H1 and the return to humid conditions around ~14.8 kyr BP in the uplands are primarily attributed to latitudinal shifts of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) driven by high-latitude Northern Hemisphere climatic fluctuations. Additionally, our results show that the lowland vegetation, consisting of a well developed salt marshes and mangroves in a successional pattern typical for vegetation occurring in intertidal habitats, has responded mainly to local coastal dynamics related to marine inundation frequencies and soil salinity in the Rufiji Delta as well as the local moisture availability. Lowland vegetation shows a substantial expansion of mangrove trees after ~14.8 kyr BP suggesting also an increased moisture availability and river runoff in the coastal area. The results of this study highlight the de-coupled climatic and environmental processes to which the vegetation in the uplands and the Rufiji Delta has responded during the last deglaciation.
Global and regional effects of land-use change on climate in 21st century simulations with interactive carbon cycle
Authors: Boysen L. R. , Brovkin V. , Arora V. K. , Cadule P. , de Noblet-Ducoudré N. , Kato E. , Pongratz J. , Gayler V.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Biogeophysical (BGP) and biogeochemical (BGC) effects of land-use and land cover change (LULCC) are separated at the global and regional scales in new interactive CO2 simulations for the 21st century. Results from four earth system models (ESMs) are analyzed for the future RCP8.5 scenario from simulations with and without land-use and land cover change (LULCC), contributing to the Land-Use and Climate, IDentification of robust impacts (LUCID) project. Over the period 2006–2100, LULCC causes the atmospheric CO2 concentration to increase by 12, 22, and 66 ppm in CanESM2, MIROC-ESM, and MPI-ESM-LR, respectively. Statistically significant changes in global near-surface temperature are found in three models with a BGC-induced global mean annual warming between 0.07 and 0.23 K. BGP-induced responses are simulated by three models in areas of intense LULCC of varying sign and magnitude (between −0.47 and 0.10 K). Modifications of the land carbon pool by LULCC are disentangled in accordance with processes that can lead to increases and decreases in this carbon pool. Global land carbon losses due to LULCC are simulated by all models: 218, 57, 35 and 34 Gt C by MPI-ESM-LR, MIROC-ESM, IPSL-CM5A-LR and CanESM2, respectively. On the contrary, the CO2-fertilization effect caused by elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations due to LULCC leads to a land carbon gain of 39 Gt C in MPI-ESM-LR and is almost negligible in the other models. A substantial part of the spread in models' responses to LULCC is attributed to the differences in implementation of LULCC (e.g., whether pastures or crops are simulated explicitly) and the simulation of specific processes. Simple idealized experiments with clear protocols for implementing LULCC in ESMs are needed to increase the understanding of model responses and the statistical significance of results, especially when analyzing the regional-scale impacts of LULCC.
Modeling stomatal conductance in the earth system: linking leaf water-use efficiency and water transport along the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum
Authors: Bonan G. B. , Williams M. , Fisher R. A. , Oleson K. W.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. The Ball–Berry stomatal conductance model is commonly used in earth system models to simulate biotic regulation of evapotranspiration. However, the dependence of stomatal conductance (gs) on vapor pressure deficit (Ds) and soil moisture must be empirically parameterized. We evaluated the Ball–Berry model used in the Community Land Model version 4.5 (CLM4.5) and an alternative stomatal conductance model that links leaf gas exchange, plant hydraulic constraints, and the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum (SPA). The SPA model simulates stomatal conductance numerically by (1) optimizing photosynthetic carbon gain per unit water loss while (2) constraining stomatal opening to prevent leaf water potential from dropping below a critical minimum. We evaluated two optimization algorithms: intrinsic water-use efficiency (ΔAn /Δgs, the marginal carbon gain of stomatal opening) and water-use efficiency (ΔAn /ΔEl, the marginal carbon gain of transpiration water loss). We implemented the stomatal models in a multi-layer plant canopy model to resolve profiles of gas exchange, leaf water potential, and plant hydraulics within the canopy, and evaluated the simulations using leaf analyses, eddy covariance fluxes at six forest sites, and parameter sensitivity analyses. The primary differences among stomatal models relate to soil moisture stress and vapor pressure deficit responses. Without soil moisture stress, the performance of the SPA stomatal model was comparable to or slightly better than the CLM Ball–Berry model in flux tower simulations, but was significantly better than the CLM Ball–Berry model when there was soil moisture stress. Functional dependence of gs on soil moisture emerged from water flow along the soil-to-leaf pathway rather than being imposed a priori, as in the CLM Ball–Berry model. Similar functional dependence of gs on Ds emerged from the ΔAn/ΔEl optimization, but not the ΔAn /gs optimization. Two parameters (stomatal efficiency and root hydraulic conductivity) minimized errors with the SPA stomatal model. The critical stomatal efficiency for optimization (ι) gave results consistent with relationships between maximum An and gs seen in leaf trait data sets and is related to the slope (g1) of the Ball–Berry model. Root hydraulic conductivity (Rr*) was consistent with estimates from literature surveys. The two central concepts embodied in the SPA stomatal model, that plants account for both water-use efficiency and for hydraulic safety in regulating stomatal conductance, imply a notion of optimal plant strategies and provide testable model hypotheses, rather than empirical descriptions of plant behavior.
Geostatistical prediction of flow–duration curves in an index-flow framework
Authors: Pugliese A. , Castellarin A. , Brath A.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. An empirical period-of-record flow–duration curve (FDC) describes the percentage of time (duration) in which a given streamflow was equaled or exceeded over an historical period of time. In many practical applications one has to construct FDCs in basins that are ungauged or where very few observations are available. We present an application strategy of top-kriging, which makes the geostatistical procedure capable of predicting FDCs in ungauged catchments. Previous applications of top-kriging mainly focused on the prediction of point streamflow indices (e.g. flood quantiles, low-flow indices, etc.); here the procedure is used to predict the entire curve in ungauged sites as a weighted average of standardised empirical FDCs through the traditional linear-weighting scheme of kriging methods. In particular, we propose to standardise empirical FDCs by a reference index-flow value (i.e. mean annual flow, or mean annual precipitation × the drainage area) and to compute the overall negative deviation of the curves from this reference value. We then propose to use these values, which we term total negative deviation (TND), for expressing the hydrological similarity between catchments and for deriving the geostatistical weights. We focus on the prediction of FDCs for 18 unregulated catchments located in central Italy, and we quantify the accuracy of the proposed technique under various operational conditions through an extensive cross-validation and sensitivity analysis. The cross-validation points out that top-kriging is a reliable approach for predicting FDCs with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency measures ranging from 0.85 to 0.96 (depending on the model settings) very low biases over the entire duration range, and an enhanced representation of the low-flow regime relative to other regionalisation models that were recently developed for the same study region.
Developing an effective 2-D urban flood inundation model for city emergency management based on cellular automata
Authors: Liu L. , Liu Y. , Wang X. , Yu D. , Liu K. , Huang H. , Hu G.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Flash floods have occurred frequently and severely in the urban areas of South China. An effective process-oriented urban flood inundation model becomes an urgent demand for urban storm water and emergency management. This study develops an effective and flexible cellular automaton (CA) model to simulate storm water runoff and the flood inundation process during extreme storm events. The process of infiltration, inlets discharge and flow dynamic can be simulated only with little pre-processing on commonly available basic urban geographic data. In this model, a set of gravitational diverging rules are implemented in a cellular automation (CA) model to govern the water flow in a 3 x 3 cell template of a raster layer. The model is calibrated by one storm event and validated by another in a small urban catchment in Guangzhou of Southern China. The depth of accumulated water at the catchment outlet is interpreted from street monitoring sensors and verified by on-site survey. A good level of agreement between the simulated process and the reality is reached for both storm events. The model reproduces the changing extent and depth of flooded areas at the catchment outlet with an accuracy of 4 cm in water depth. Comparisons with a physically-based 2-D model (FloodMap) results show that the model have the capability of simulating flow dynamics. The high computational efficiency of CA model can satisfy the demand of city emergency management. The encouraging results of the simulations demonstrate that the CA-based approach is capable of effectively representing the key processes associated with a storm event and reproducing the process of water accumulation at the catchment outlet for making process-considered city emergency management decisions.
Calibration of FARSITE fire area simulator in Iranian northern forests
Authors: Jahdi R. , Salis M. , Darvishsefat A. A. , Alcasena Urdiroz F. J. , Etemad V. , Mostafavi M. A. , Lozano O. M. , Spano D.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Wildfire simulators based on empirical or physical models need to be locally calibrated and validated when used under conditions that differ from those where the simulators were originally developed. This study aims to calibrate FARSITE fire spread model considering a set of recent wildfires occurred in Northern Iran forests. Site specific fuel models in the study areas were selected by sampling the main natural vegetation type complexes and assigning standard fuel models. Overall, simulated fires presented reliable outputs that accurately replicated the observed fire perimeters and behavior. Standard fuel models of Scott and Burgan (2005) afforded better accuracy in the simulated fire perimeters than the standard fuel models of Anderson (1982). The best match between observed and modeled burned areas was observed on herbaceous type fuel models. Fire modeling showed a high potential for estimating spatial variability in fire spread and behavior in the study areas. This work represents a first step in the application of fire spread modeling on Northern Iran for wildfire risk monitoring and management.
Horton laws for hydraulic–geometric variables and their scaling exponents in self-similar Tokunaga river networks
Authors: Gupta V. K. , Mesa O. J.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. An analytical theory is developed that obtains Horton laws for six hydraulic–geometric (H–G) variables (stream discharge Q, width W, depth D, velocity U, slope S, and friction n') in self-similar Tokunaga networks in the limit of a large network order. The theory uses several disjoint theoretical concepts like Horton laws of stream numbers and areas as asymptotic relations in Tokunaga networks, dimensional analysis, the Buckingham Pi theorem, asymptotic self-similarity of the first kind, or SS-1, and asymptotic self-similarity of the second kind, or SS-2. A self-contained review of these concepts, with examples, is given as "methods". The H–G data sets in channel networks from three published studies and one unpublished study are summarized to test theoretical predictions. The theory builds on six independent dimensionless river-basin numbers. A mass conservation equation in terms of Horton bifurcation and discharge ratios in Tokunaga networks is derived. Assuming that the H–G variables are homogeneous and self-similar functions of stream discharge, it is shown that the functions are of a power law form. SS-1 is applied to predict the Horton laws for width, depth and velocity as asymptotic relationships. Exponents of width and the Reynolds number are predicted and tested against three field data sets. One basin shows deviations from theoretical predictions. Tentatively assuming that SS-1 is valid for slope, depth and velocity, corresponding Horton laws and the H–G exponents are derived. Our predictions of the exponents are the same as those previously predicted for the optimal channel network (OCN) model. In direct contrast to our work, the OCN model does not consider Horton laws for the H–G variables, and uses optimality assumptions. The predicted exponents deviate substantially from the values obtained from three field studies, which suggests that H–G in networks does not obey SS-1. It fails because slope, a dimensionless river-basin number, goes to 0 as network order increases, but, it cannot be eliminated from the asymptotic limit. Therefore, a generalization of SS-1, based on SS-2, is considered. It introduces two anomalous scaling exponents as free parameters, which enables us to show the existence of Horton laws for channel depth, velocity, slope and Manning friction. These two exponents are not predicted here. Instead, we used the observed exponents of depth and slope to predict the Manning friction exponent and to test it against field exponents from three studies. The same basin mentioned above shows some deviation from the theoretical prediction. A physical reason for this deviation is given, which identifies an important topic for research. Finally, we briefly sketch how the two anomalous scaling exponents could be estimated from the transport of suspended sediment load and the bed load. Statistical variability in the Horton laws for the H–G variables is also discussed. Both are important open problems for future research.
La comunicación en las teorías de las organizacionés. El cruzar del siglo XX y la revolución de las nuevas tecnologías - una visión histórica
Authors: Félix Mateus Anabela
Published: September 2014

Con el pasar del tiempo la comunicación se ha adaptado en la organización acordando con la evolución de las perspectivas de las teorías de las organizaciones. En la actualidad debe entenderse el uso de las nuevas tecnologías de la información como un instrumento que fomenta y genera la globalización de las acciones de la organización.
Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Turkish version of the Harris Hip Score
Authors: Çelik Derya , Can Canan , Aslan Yasemin , Ceylan Hasan Huseyin , Bilsel Kerem , Ozdincler Arzu Razak
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The Harris Hip Score (HHS) developed to assess function and pain from the perspective of patients hip pathologies. The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the HHS into Turkish, and thereby determine the reliability and validity of the translated version.

Methods

The HHS was translated into Turkish in accordance with the stages recommended by Beaton. The measurement properties of the HHS were tested in 80 patients; 52 males, mean age 51 years (range 21-75 years) suffering from different hip pathologies. The test-retest reliability was tested in 58 patients; 28 males mean age, 52 years (range 30-73 years) after an interval of seven days. The Cronbach's Alpha was used to assess internal consistency and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to estimate the test-retest reliability. Patients were asked to answer the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), the VAS and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) for the validity of the estimation.

Results

The Turkish version of the HHS showed sufficient internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, 0.70) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.91). The correlation coefficients between the HHS, the WOMAC and the OHS were 0.64 and 0.89 respectively. The highest correlations between the HHS and SF-36 were with the physical function scale (r = 0.72), and the lowest correlations were with the mental function scale (r = 0.10). We observed no floor or ceiling effects.

Conclustion

The Turkish version of the HHS has sufficient reliability and validity to measure patient-reported outcome for Turkish-speaking individuals with a variety of hip disorders.
Using Symptom Scores, Lifestyle Measures and Biochemical Markers to Create a Test for Endometriosis
Authors: Paiva Premila , Lappas Martha , Barker Gillian , Healey Martin
Published: September 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a test to discriminate between women suffering from pelvic pain associated with presence or absence of endometriosis, using symptom visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, demographic and lifestyle factors and known and novel plasma biomarkers.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study. We recruited women presenting with pelvic pain symptoms and undergoing laparoscopy. They provided a plasma sample and completed a questionnaire assessing symptom VAS scores, lifestyle factors and demographic details. Plasma was assayed for 18 potential biomarkers. Logistic regression was used to develop a test to discriminate between women with pelvic pain associated with presence or absence of endometriosis.

Results

A series of 101 women were analyzed. On univariate analysis, women with endometriosis were less likely to be parous or have previously used an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) but have a higher weekly alcohol intake. These women had higher VAS scores for nausea and dyspareunia, and higher plasma levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125). The optimum logistic regression model included parity, previous IUD use, history of endometriosis, weekly alcohol intake, dyspareunia, VAS score and CA-125. This model had a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 62% and accuracy of 83%.

Conclusions

Combining symptom scores, historical measures and CA-125 provides a reasonable means to discriminate between women with pelvic pain associated with presence or absence of endometriosis, but greater specificity is needed before such a model could replace laparoscopy.
Determinants of Growth in Portuguese Small and Medium-Sized Hotels: Empirical Evidence Using Panel Data Models
Authors: Serrasqueiro Zélia , Nunes Paulo Maçãs
Published: September 2014

Using dynamic panel estimators, based on a sample of 177 small-and medium-sized Portuguese hotels for the period 2000–2009, this paper studies the determinants of growth in small- and medium-sized Portuguese hotels. The multiple empirical evidence obtained allows the authors to conclude that: (a) small hotels grow more quickly than large ones, but only for lower levels of size; (b) age and the financial crisis of 2008 are restrictive determinants of growth in small- and medium-sized Portuguese hotels; and (c) cash flow, government subsidies and labour productivity are positive determinants of growth in small- and medium-sized Portuguese hotels. The authors also find that the financial crisis has increased the importance of cash flow and government subsidies for increased growth in small- and medium-sized Portuguese hotels. Finally, the financial crisis of 2008 has contributed to the role of debt and interest paid as restrictive determinants of growth in these hotels.
Analysis of Mean and Volatility Price Transmissions in the MIBEL and EPEX Electricity Spot Markets
Authors: Ciarreta Aitor , Zarraga Ainhoa
Published: September 2014

We use multivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic models to assess evidence of electricity market integration between Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France from 7-1-2007 to 2-29-2012. Spillovers and price convergence are used as indicators of integration. Evidence of dynamic conditional correlation is found for the pairs Spain-Portugal, Ger-many-Austria and Switzerland-Austria. Weak evidence of integration is found between Spain-France and Germany-France since no cross volatility transmissions are estimated. There are increasing price convergence and significant mean and volatility spillovers in the rest of the country pairs. We conclude that the European Union target of achieving a single electricity market depends largely on increasing interconnections and efficient rules of market operation.
Multiresidue Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Solid Waste Environmental Samples by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Wu Shijian , Zhang Huanyan , Chen Beibei , Liu Ming , Shen Yanjun , Sha Qichao , Zhi Yuee , Zhou Pei
Published: September 2014

The method for the determination of 12 organophosphorus pesticides in solid waste was established. The organophosphorus pesticides were analyzed by Soxhlet extraction or accelerated solvent extraction (ASE)-SPE cartridge-flame photometric detector (FPD), and leaching solution by rotary oscillation-positive pressure filtration-liquid–liquid extraction-SPE cartridge-FPD. The differences of extraction efficiencies between Soxhlet and ASE were compared. Solvent of Soxhlet extraction, purification and recovery of organophosphorus pesticides in leaching conditions were also studied. The recoveries were 54.2–119.8%, and the average recovery was 87.7%. The RSD was 1.89–9.10% (n = 6), the average RSD was 6.88%, and the detection limit was 0.27–0.69 μg/kg.
Identification and Quantitation of Volatile Organic Compounds in Poly(methyl methacrylate) Kitchen Utensils by Headspace Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ohno Hiroyuki , Mutsuga Motoh , Kawamura Yoko
Published: September 2014

A headspace GC/MS method was developed for identification and quantitation of residual volatile organic compounds in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) kitchen utensils. A sample was cut into small pieces, then N,N-dimethylacetamide was added in a headspace vial and sealed. After storing for more than 1 day at room temperature, the vial was incubated for 1 h at 90°C, and the headspace gas was analyzed by GC/MS. In 24 PMMA kitchen utensils, 16 volatile organic compounds including methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, toluene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, 2-methylpropanal, methyl propionate, methyl isobutyrate, trans-3-heptene, heptane, cis-3-heptene, trans-2-heptene, cis-2-heptene, 2,4,4-trimethyl-1-pentene, 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-pentene, and 1-octene were identified and quantitated. These 15 volatile compounds except methyl methacrylate were found for the first time in PMMA kitchen utensils. Recovery rates from spiked samples were 97.4–104.0% with CV values of 2.8–9.6%. Samples contained 190–7900 μg/g of methyl methacrylate, 26–810 μg/g of methyl acrylate, and 2–1300 μg/g of toluene; other compounds were at levels less than 100 μg/g. Methyl methacrylate was the main monomer of PMMA and methyl acrylate was a comonomer; toluene should be used as a solvent.
Determination of Residues of Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Drotaverine Hydrochloride on Swabs Collected from Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment Using HPLC in Support of Cleaning Validation
Authors: Hassouna Mohamed E M , Issa Yousry M , Zayed Ashraf G
Published: September 2014

An HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of residues of acetaminophen (paracetamol, PA), caffeine (CA), and drotaverine HCl (DH) on swabs collected from pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment surfaces. The challenge in cleaning validation is to develop analytical methods that are sensitive enough to detect traces of the active compounds remaining on the surface of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment after cleaning. Chromatography was performed in the isocratic mode on a Hypersil C18 BDS column using the mobile phase 0.02 M tetrabutylammonium bisulfate–methanol (100 + 45, v/v) at 50°C with UV detection at 210 nm. The method was tested for specificity, linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, and precision for determination of traces of the above-mentioned drugs. The time required for a single analysis was 12 min. The response was linear in the ranges of 6.900–52.100, 1.040–7.800, and 0.694–5.210 μg/mL for PA, CA, and DH, respectively.
Determination of Adulteration of Malachite Green in Green Pea and Some Prepared Foodstuffs by Micellar Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Ashok Vipin , Agrawal Nitasha , Durgbanshi Abhilasha , Esteve-Romero Josep , Bose Devasish
Published: September 2014

A simple, fast, and robust micellar LC method was developed for the separation and identification of the nonpermitted color malachite green in green pea and some ready-to-eat foodstuffs. Malachite green (4-[(4-dimethylaminophenyl) phenyl-methyl]-N,N-dimethylaniline) is a hazardous dye that is used to treat fungal and protozoan infections in fish and is a common adulterant (coloring agent) in green pea and other green vegetables because of its green color. In the present work, malachite green was determined in various foodstuffs using a direct injection technique on an RP C18 column with isocratic elution. The optimum mobile phase consisted of 0.15 M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 6% pentanol buffered at pH 5. Detection was carried out at 620 nm. Malachite green was eluted in 9.2 min without any interference caused by endogenous compounds. Linearities (r > 0.9999), intraday and interday precision (RSD less than 1.00%) in micellar media, and robustness were studied for method validation. LOD and LOQ were 0.10 and 0.25 ppm, respectively. The simplicity of the developed method makes it useful for routine analysis in the area of food QC.
Evaluation of Modification of the 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay (MDA) Salmonella Method (2013.09) for the Detection of Salmonella in Selected Foods: Collaborative Study
Authors: Bird Patrick , Fisher Kiel , Boyle Megan , Huffman Travis , Benzinger M Joseph , Bedinghaus Paige , Flannery Jonathon , Crowley Erin , Agin James , Goins David , Benesh DeAnn , David John ,   Collaborators:, Awad D , Bandu M , Blanchard K , Bosco D , Brooks R , Clark D , Dammann H , Dyszel J , Gill V , Greenwell M , Gwinn C , Horan M , Jurgens J , Kelly M , Lewis D , Luce S , Marchent J , McMahon W , Mello I , Montez S , Moosekian S , Morey A , Newman K , Oltman M , Ontiberos M , Rajkowski K , Ruebl J , Stawick B , Thompson L , Vross M
Published: September 2014

The 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay (MDA) Salmonella utilizes isothermal amplification of nucleic acid sequences with high specificity, efficiency, rapidity and bioluminescence to detect amplification of Salmonella spp. in food, food-related, and environmental samples after enrichment. A method modification and matrix extension study of the previously approved AOAC Official MethodSM 2013.09 was conducted, and approval of the modification was received on March 20, 2014. Using an unpaired study design in a multilaboratory collaborative study, the 3M MDA Salmonella method was compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) 4.05 (2011), Isolation and Identification of Salmonella from Meat, Poultry, Pasteurized Egg, and Catfish Products for raw ground beef and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Chapter 5, Salmonella reference method for wet dog food following the current AOAC guidelines. A total of 20 laboratories participated. For the 3M MDA Salmonella method, raw ground beef was analyzed using 25 g test portions, and wet dog food was analyzed using 375 g test portions. For the reference methods, 25 g test portions of each matrix were analyzed. Each matrix was artificially contaminated with Salmonella at three inoculation levels: an uninoculated control level (0 CFU/test portion), a low inoculum level (0.2–2 CFU/test portion), and a high inoculum level (2–5 CFU/test portion). In this study, 1512 unpaired replicate samples were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted according to the probability of detection (POD). For the low-level raw ground beef test portions, the following dLPOD (difference between the LPODs of the reference and candidate method) values with 95% confidence intervals were obtained: –0.01 (–0.14, +0.12). For the low-level wet dog food test portions, the following dLPOD with 95% confidence intervals were obtained: –0.04 (–0.16, +0.09). No significant differences were observed in the number of positive samples detected by the 3M MDA Salmonella method versus either the USDA/FSIS-MLG or FDA/BAM methods.
Determination of Flavanols and Procyanidins (DP 1–10) in Cocoa-Based Ingredients and Products by UHPLC: First Action 2013.03
Authors: Machonis Philip R , Jones Matthew A , Kwik-Uribe Catherine , Dowell Dawn
Published: September 2014

Single-laboratory validation data were reviewed by the Expert Review Panel (ERP) of the Stakeholder Panel on Strategic Food Analytical Methods at the AOAC Mid-Year Meeting, March 12–14, 2013, in Rockville, MD. The ERP determined that the data presented met established standard method performance requirements and adopted a method for determination of flavanols and procyanidins (DP 1–10) in cocoa-based ingredients and products by ultra-HPLC as AOAC Official First Action Method 2013.03 on March 14, 2013. The flavanols and procyanidins (DP 1–10) are eluted using a binary gradient (solvents A and B) consisting of 98 + 2 (v/v) acetonitrile–glacial acetic acid (A) and 95 + 3 + 2 (v/v/v) methanol–water–glacial acetic acid (B). The mobile phase is applied to a diol stationary phase. Detection occurs using fluorescence detection. Recovery of flavanols and procyanidins (DP 1–10) from both high- and low-fat matrixes was 98.4–99.8%. Precision was determined for seven different sample types (cocoa extract, cocoa nib, natural cocoa powder, cocoa liquor, alkalized cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate).
Phytochemical Fingerprints of Lime Honey Collected in Serbia
Authors: Gašić Uroš , Šikoparija Branko , Tosti Tomislav , Trifković Jelena , Milojković-Opsenica Dušanka , Natić Maja , Tešić Živoslav
Published: September 2014

Composition of phenolic compounds and the sugar content were determined as the basis for characterization of lime honey from Serbia. Particular attention was given to differences in phytochemical profiles of ripe and unripe lime honey and lime tree nectar. Melissopalynological analysis confirmed domination of Tilia nectar in all analyzed samples. Phenolic acids, abscisic acid, flavonoids, and flavonoid glycosides were determined by means of ultra-HPLC coupled with a hybrid mass spectrometer (UHPLC–OrbiTrap). Sugar content was determined using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with amperometric detection. Similar phenolic compounds characterized unripe and ripe honeys, while the lime tree nectar profile showed notable differences. Compared to lime tree nectar, a high amount of chrysin, pinocembrin, and galangin were detected in both ripe and unripe lime honey. Fructose and glucose were the major constituents of all investigated samples, and amounts were within the limits established by European Union legislation. Sucrose content in the nectar sample was up to two-fold higher when compared to all honey samples. Isomaltose and gentiobiose with turanose content were different in analyzed production stages of lime honey.
Optimization of Extraction Based on the Thin-Layer Chromatographic Fingerprints of Common Thyme
Authors: Orłowska Marta , Stanimirova Ivana , Staszek Dorota , Sajewicz Mieczysław , Kowalska Teresa , Waksmundzka-Hajnos Monika
Published: September 2014

The main goal of this study was to establish the optimum accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) conditions for the isolation of the total phenolics contained in common thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) based on the results of TLC. Additionally, two different extraction methods, i.e., Soxhlet extraction and ASE, were compared in terms of their relative performance. Binary methanol–water mixtures in different volume proportions were used as the extraction solvents. Thirteen experiments utilizing different methanol concentrations and different extraction temperatures were designed using response surface methodology. Additionally, the temperature dependence of rosmarinic and caffeic acid extraction yields was analyzed by applying HPLC. Finally, the optimum working conditions established within the framework of the assumed central composite experimental design were determined to be 27% methanol at 130°C. It was found that the extraction carried out by ASE provided higher total phenolic yields than that done in the Soxhlet apparatus. The final aim of this study was a comparison of the six different Thymus species in terms of their total phenolic content and their TLC fingerprints. It was found that the phenolic content of four species, T. pulegioides, T. kosteleckyanus, T. citriodorus, and T. marschallianus, differs from the phenolic content of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum.
Serum Concentrations of Prostate-Specific Antigen Measured Using Immune Extraction, Trypsin Digestion, and Tandem Mass Spectrometry Quantification of LSEPAELTDAVK Peptide
Authors: Klee Eric W. , Bondar Olga P. , Goodmanson Marcia K. , Trushin Sergey A. , Bergstralh Eric J. , Singh Ravinder J. , Anderson N. Leigh , Klee George G.
Published: September 2014

Context.—Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a 34-kDa glycoprotein with chymotrypsin-like enzyme activity that circulates both in free forms and complexed to various enzyme inhibitors including antichymotrypsin and α2-macroglobulin. Prostate-specific antigen bound to α2-macroglobulin is not detected by commercial PSA immunoassays.

Objective.—To develop a mass spectrometry assay that detects the same forms of PSA as the immunoassays, which could serve as a reference for harmonizing PSA immunoassays.

Design.—Prostate-specific antigen was immune extracted from serum, trypsin was digested, and the LSEPAELTDAVK peptide was quantitated on an API 5000 spectrometer. Calibrators were made by adding 10% free and 90% antichymotrypsin-bound PSA to female sera. The assay was standardized to the World Health Organization 96/670 reference standard. Validation of clinical utility and comparisons with 2 immunoassays (Roche cobas and Beckman Access) were performed using frozen sera aliquots from 100 men undergoing prostate biopsy (50 negative, 50 with cancer) and 5 serial samples collected over time from 5 men with advanced prostate cancer.

Results.—The antibody extraction efficiency was greater than 99%. The assay has an analytic range from 1.2 to 76 ng/mL, with precision ranging from 8.6% at 1.5 ng/mL to 5.4% at 27 ng/mL. The mass spectrometry assay correlated well with 2 immunoassays. All 3 assays showed statistically equivalent separation of prostate cancer from benign disease using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Conclusions.—This mass spectrometry assay can reliably measure PSA concentrations in human serum and could serve as a reference standard for harmonizing PSA immunoassays.