bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Suitability of Organic Solar Cells for Different Indoor Conditions
Authors: Minnaert Ben , Veelaert Peter
Published: October 2010

Most commercially available photovoltaic solar cells are crystalline silicon cells. However, in indoor environments, the efficiency of Si-cells is poor. Typically, the light intensity under artificial lighting conditions is less than 10 W/m² as compared to 100-1000 W/m² under outdoor conditions. Moreover, the spectrum is different from the outdoor solar spectrum and there is more diffuse than direct light. Taken into account the predicted cheaper costs for the production of organic solar cells, a possible niche market for organic PV can be indoor applications. In this article, we study the properties and suitability of several bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (with distinct different absorption spectra) for different indoor conditions. We simulate different light environments and use a silicon solar cell as reference. Depending on the required power for the indoor device, we determine minimum requirements for the environment (light intensity and indoor spectrum) and for the organic solar cell (absorption spectrum and surface area). In this way we determine the appropriateness and conditions for a competitive indoor use of organic solar cells.
Solar Divergence Collimators for Collector Tests
Authors: Sani Elisa , Sansoni Paola , Fontani Daniela , Francini Franco , Mercatelli Luca , Jafrancesco David
Published: October 2010

The use of solar divergence collimators is the key for reliable optical tests that reproduce
the on-field collector operating conditions. Aiming to test small (<80 mm diameter/diagonal) and
large concentrators (80-240 mm diameter/diagonal range), the collimator geometry should be
evaluated because of some optical errors introduced by the need of bending the optical axis.
This paper discusses the optical characteristics of the beams obtained with straight and bent
collimators with solar divergence. The collimated beams are examined by ray tracing simulations,
studying the aberrations as a function of bend angle, and measured in laboratory. Finally characterisation tests for sunlight concentrators of various shapes, dimensions and collection features are presented describing instrumentation, optical set-up and methodology to determine
collection efficiency, image plane analysis and spot size.
Solar Thermochemical Production of Fuels
Authors: Meier Anton , Steinfeld Aldo
Published: October 2010

High-temperature thermochemical processes efficiently convert concentrated solar energy into storable and transportable fuels. In the long run, H2O/CO2-splitting thermochemical cycles based on metal oxide redox reactions are developed to produce H2 and CO, which can be further processed to synthetic liquid fuels. In a transition period, carbonaceous feedstocks (fossil fuels, biomass, C-containing wastes) are solar-upgraded and transformed into valuable fuels via reforming, gasification and decomposition processes. The most promising solar thermochemical processes are discussed and the latest technological developments are summarized.
Fabrication and Magneto-Transport Properties of Zn0.88-xMgxMn0.12O/ZnO Heterostructures Grown on ZnO Single-Crystal Substrates
Authors: Masuko Keiichiro , Nakamura Tatsuru , Ashida Atsushi , Yoshimura Takeshi , Fujimura Norifumi
Published: October 2010

The transport properties of Zn0.88-xMgxMn0.12O/ZnO modulation-doped heterostructures (x≤0.15) were investigated. The heterostructures were fabricated on ZnO single-crystal substrates by a pulsed laser deposition system. Atomic force microscope observation and X-ray diffraction analysis suggested that Zn0.88-xMgxMn0.12O layers have atomically flat surface and excellent crystallinity. The results of Hall measurement for Zn0.88-xMgxMn0.12O/ZnO modulation-doped heterostructure with x=0.075 revealed that the carrier concentration and the electron mobility were 5.1×1012cm-2 and 800 cm2/Vs at 10 K, respectively, suggesting that the carrier confinement effect exits at the heterointerface between Zn0.88-xMgxMn0.12O barrier layer and ZnO channel layer. In the magnetoresistance (MR) measurement at 1.85 K, a positive MR behavior was observed below 0.5 T, while a negative MR behavior was recognized above 0.5 T. The slope of the positive MR decreased with increasing the temperature and was well fitted to the Brillouin function with S=5/2. The electrical and magneto-transport properties were very similar to those of Zn0.88Mn0.12O/ZnO heterostructures without doping Mg.
Reentrance of Macroscopic Quantum Tunneling in Cuprate Superconductors
Authors: Michelsen Jens , Shumeiko Vitaly S.
Published: October 2010

We present a theoretical analysis of the transition from thermal activation (TA) regime to the macroscopic quantum tunneling (MQT) regime of the decay from a metastable persistent current state in grain boundary junctions of cuprate superconductors. This transition is conventionally characterized by a single crossover temperature determined by the potential profile and dissipative mechanisms. It is shown that due to the existence of low energy bound states (mid-gap states) for various relative orientations of the crystal axes, there exists a window of parameters where one finds, with lowering temperature, an inverse crossover from MQT to TA, followed by a subsequent reentrance of MQT. It is shown that these predictions are in reasonable agreement with recent experiments.
Synthesis and Precise Analysis of Bi2Sr2Can-1CunOy Superconducting Whiskers
Authors: Tanaka Hiromi , Yoshikawa Hideki , Kimura Masahiro , Tsuruta Chusei , Fukushima Sei , Matsui Yoshio , Nakagawa Shingo , Kinoshita Kentaro , Kishida Satoru
Published: October 2010

We synthesized Ca-rich Bi-based superconducting whiskers by an Al2O3-seeded glassy quenched platelet method. The grown whiskers were precisely characterized by synchrotron radiation X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Ca-rich Bi-based superconducting whiskers show a high critical current density of 2×105A/cm2 at 40K in self-field. We found that excess Ca2+ ions substitute for the Sr2+ sites and cause nano crystalline domains with shorter-period modulation embedded in the base crystalline. The embedded nano crystalline domains can result in structural distorted defects which work as strong pinning center.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Hg(Re)-Pb-Ca-Ba-Cu-O Superconducting Thin Films Grown by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Mejía-García Concepción , López-López José Luis , Díaz-Valdés Elvia , Vázquez-Vera Claudia Verónica
Published: October 2010

We present a statistical study of the crystalline phase distribution in Pb-Ca-Ba-Cu-O precursor films grown by spray pyrolysis technique, with thickness and composition suitable to incorporate Hg by the sealed quartz tube technique in a subsequent treatment. A series of 9 precursor thin films were deposited on MgO substrates. Interdependence among deposition temperature, solution concentration, annealing temperature and annealed time and the effect in the relative percentage of each precursor phases was studied, applying a fractional factorial design 3IV-II. Chemical composition was obtained from atomic absorption measurements. Crystalline phase identification was performed by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and the quantification of each one was carried out by Rietveld method. The BaPbO3, Ba4Pb3O10 ternary phases were obtained at 810°C, and the BaCuO2 phase was got between 835°C and 860°C. Deposition temperature and molarity of the solution have clear influence on the thickness of the film. The effect of deposition temperature on the film composition was observed.
Introduction
Organic Synthesis and Characteristics of Novel Conjugated Polymers with Cyano Group and Carbazole Unit for AMOLEDs
Authors: Song Su Hee , Jin Young Eup , Shim Joo Young , Kim Sun Hee , Lee Kwang Hee , Suh Hong Suk
Published: October 2010

The present investigation deals with the synthesis, characterization and EL of new copolymers, CzCNPFV1, CzCNPFV2 and CzCNPFV3 by Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The CzCNPFVs was synthesized for promoted efficiency of reported CNPFV. The PL emission spectra of the CzCNPFVs in chloroform solution show maximum peaks at 476 ~ 479 nm. In thin films, maximum peaks of the CzCNPFVs appeared at 501 ~ 504 nm, red-shifted around 25 nm as compared to that in solution. The more negative energy of the LUMO of CzCNPFV1 or CzCNPFV2 indicates the electron injection process is easier than in CNPFV. From this result, higher quantum efficiency of CzCNPFV1 or CzCNPFV2 as compared to that of CNPFV can be expected due to its improved electron injection ability from the cathode.
Essential Factors to Make Excellent Biocompatibility of Phospholipid Polymer Materials
Authors: Ishihara Kazuhiko , Inoue Yuuki
Published: October 2010

Recently, much attention has been attracted to bio/blood compatible materials to suppress undesirable biological reactions that determine the fate of living organisms and materials. A phospholipid polymer composed of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) unit, which is designed by inspiration of cell membrane surface structure, is the most promising polymer biomaterial with excellent bio/blood compatibility. Progress in living radical polymerization method initiated from the surface enables preparation of a dense polymer chains on the surface, which is called as a polymer brush. The polymer brush structure has narrow molecular weight distribution and controlled chain length. So, it is ideal surface to clarify the interactions between the biomolecules and biomaterial surface that has never done. In these regards, the poly(MPC) brush surfaces are expected to be a novel class of biomaterials, and have been extensively studied its unusual properties. In this review, surface-initiated living radical polymerization of MPC and the characteristics of the poly(MPC) brush surfaces are summarized from a viewpoint of biomaterials science.
Tissue Engineering with Natural Tissue Matrices
Authors: Kishida Akio , Funamoto Seiichi , Negishi Jun , Hashimoto Yoshihide , Nam Kwangoo , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Fujisato Toshiya , Kobayashi Hisatoshi
Published: October 2010

Natural tissue, especially autologous tissue is one of ideal materials for tissue regeneration. Decellularized tissue could be assumed as a second choice because the structure and the mechanical properties are well maintained. Decellularized human tissues, for instance, heart valve, blood vessel, and corium, have already been developed and applied clinically. Nowadays, decellularized porcine tissues are also investigated. These decellularized tissues were prepared by detergent treatment. The detergent washing is easy but sometime it has problems. We have developed the novel decellularization method, which applied the high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP). As the tissue set in the pressurizing chamber is treated uniformly, the effect of the high-hydrostatic pressurization does not depend on the size of tissue. We have reported the HHP decellularization of heart valve, blood vessel, bone, and cornea. Furthermore, HHP treatments are reported to have the ability of the extinction of bacillus and the inactivation of virus. So, the HHP treatment is also expected as the sterilization method. We are investigating efficient processes of decellularization and recellularization of biological tissues to have bioscaffolds keeping intact structure and biomechanical properties. Our recent studies on tissue engineering using HHP decellularized tissue will be reported here.
Osseointegration of Titanium Alloy Macroporous Implants Obtained by PM with Addition of Gelatin
Authors: Goia Tamiye Simone , Violin Kalan Bastos , Yoshimoto Marcelo , Bressiani José Carlos , Bressiani Ana Helena Almeida
Published: October 2010

Studies of titanium and its alloys commonly used as biomaterials aim to improve bone-implant interface related problems, which may determine the quality, bone repairing time and therefore the implant clinical success. The goal of this study was to evaluate, in rats, osseointegration of macroporous implants produced by powder metallurgy (PM) method with controlled addition of gelatin. As control group, samples of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy obtained by the PM process were used. To obtaining the porous samples, at most 15% in weight of gelatin was added to metallic powders, the samples were thermally treated in vacuum furnace, and sintered at 1150°C. The osseointegration evaluation was performed in Wistar rats, males, for a 28 days period. The morphological analyses, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), evaluated qualitatively the osseointegration. The PM process modified by addition of gelatin provides with success the obtaining of porous metallic implants. Pore size obtained by this technique allowed the necessary nourishing to cell survival, proving that pores and channels form a high interconnectable network represented by the osseointegration and osteoconduction feature of the porous alloy.
New Corrosion-Resistant Bactericidal Nitrogen-Containing Steels with Increased Strength
Authors: Kaputkina Lyudmila M. , Prokoshkina Vera , Svyazhin A.G.
Published: October 2010

The new high-strength stainless steels alloyed by copper and nitrogen and possessing high resistance to corrosion by active micro-organisms in carbon-oxidizing, heterotrophic and sulfate-regenerating bacteria mediums are developed. The introducing of small addition of nitrogen (about 0.22 %) to the corrosion resistant steel С0.5Cr15Ni5Cu2NMoNbTi results in a decrease of adhesive micro-organisms quantity on a sample surface by 8 times, while increasing of nickel content to 9 % results in their decrease only by 2 times. It is supposed that the effect of nitrogen can be related to formation of biocide substances. High copper (Cu = 2.5-5 %) nitrogen-containing cast steels are in austenitic (non-magnetic) condition. Due to a dendritic segregation, the structure of steel corresponds to a natural composite structure, and it is preserved on heating to high temperatures. After cold deformation with up to 85 % reduction, the steels preserve austenitic structure, and its hardness attains a level close to the hardness level of the martensitic structure. The developed corrosion-resistant antimicrobial steels with the increased hardness can be used as a material for the surgical instrument.
Sensing of Protein Adsorption by Composites Consisting of Silver Nanoparticles and Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Ohtsuki Chikara , Ichikawa Yuji , Shibata Hiroyuki , Torimoto Tsukasa , Kim Ill Yong
Published: October 2010

The sensing of protein adsorption by silver nanoparticles/hydroxyapatite composites was investigated using a phosphate buffer solution containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) or lysozyme (LSZ). The adsorption of BSA and LSZ on the composites prepared without using trisodium citrate was similar to plain hydroxyapatite, whereas composites prepared with trisodium citrate showed lower BSA adsorption and higher LSZ adsorption than plain hydroxyapatite powder. Because the ability of the adsorption is mainly governed by surface charges of the powders, the usage of trisodium citrate during the preparation is assumed to produce high negative charges on the surface. The protein adsorption resulted in peak shifts in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectra. The peak shifts clearly corresponded to the concentration of the surrounding proteins up to the point of saturation of adsorption on the hydroxyapatite. The silver nanoparticles/hydroxyapatite composites are promising candidate materials for detection of protein adsorption by measurement of LSPR peak shifts, that may be attributed to changes in the dielectric properties of the matrix fluid surrounding the silver nanoparticles.
GM-CSF Is an Essential Regulator of T Cell Activation Competence in Uterine Dendritic Cells during Early Pregnancy in Mice
Authors: Moldenhauer Lachlan M. , Keenihan Sarah N. , Hayball John D. , Robertson Sarah A.
Published: October 2010

Uterine dendritic cells (DCs) are critical for activating the T cell response mediating maternal immune tolerance of the semiallogeneicfetus. GM-CSF (CSF2), a known regulator of DCs, is synthesized by uterine epithelial cells during induction of tolerance in early pregnancy. To investigate the role of GM-CSF in regulating uterine DCs and macrophages, Csf2-null mutant and wild-type mice were evaluated at estrus, and in the periconceptual and peri-implantation periods. Immunohistochemistry showed no effect of GM-CSF deficiency on numbers of uterine CD11c+ cells and F4/80+ macrophages at estrus or on days 0.5 and 3.5 postcoitum, but MHC class II+ and class A scavenger receptor+ cells were fewer. Flow cytometry revealed reduced CD80 and CD86 expression by uterine CD11c+ cells and reduced MHC class II in both CD11c+ and F4/80+ cells from GM-CSF–deficient mice. CD80 and CD86 were induced in Csf2−/− uterine CD11c+ cells by culture with GM-CSF. Substantially reduced ability to activate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vivo was evident after delivery of OVA Ag by mating with Act-mOVA males or transcervical administration of OVA peptides. This study shows that GM-CSF regulates the efficiency with which uterine DCs and macrophages activate T cells, and it is essential for optimal MHC class II- and class I-mediated indirect presentation of reproductive Ags. Insufficient GM-CSF may impair generation of T cell-mediated immune tolerance at the outset of pregnancy and may contribute to the altered DC profile and dysregulated T cell tolerance evident in infertility, miscarriage, and preeclampsia.
Ground States of Two-component Bose-Einstein Condensates with an Internal Atomic Josephson Junction
Authors: Bao Weizhu , Cai Yongyong
Published: October 2010

In this paper, we prove existence and uniqueness results for the ground states of the coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equations for describing two-component Bose-Einstein condensates with an internal atomic Josephson junction, and obtain the limiting behavior of the ground states with large parameters. Efficient and accurate numerical methods based on continuous normalized gradient flow and gradient flow with discrete normalization are presented, for computing the ground states numerically. A modified backward Euler finite difference scheme is proposed to discretize the gradient flows. Numerical results are reported, to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the numerical methods and show the rich phenomena of the ground sates in the problem.
The Eyjafjallajökull eruption in April 2010 – detection of volcanic plume using in-situ measurements, ozone sondes and lidar-ceilometer profiles
Authors: Flentje H. , Claude H. , Elste T. , Gilge S. , Köhler U. , Plass-Dülmer C. , Steinbrecht W. , Thomas W. , Werner A. , Fricke W.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Volcanic emissions from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption on the Southern fringe of Iceland in April 2010 were detected at the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) station Zugspitze/Hohenpeissenberg (Germany) by means of in-situ measurements, ozone sondes and ceilometers. Information from the German Meteorological Service (DWD) ceilometer network (Flentje et al., 2010) aided identifying the air mass origin. We discuss ground level in-situ measurements of sulphur dioxide (SO2), sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and particulate matter as well as ozone sonde profiles and column measurements of SO2 by a Brewer spectrometer. At Hohenpeissenberg, a number of reactive gases, e.g. carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, and particle properties, e.g. size distribution and ionic composition, were additionally measured during this period. Our results describe the arrival of the volcanic plume at Zugspitze and Hohenpeissenberg during 16 and 17 April 2010 and its residence in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) for several days thereafter. The ash plume was first seen in the ceilometer backscatter profiles at Hohenpeissenberg in about 6–7 km altitude. After entrainment into the PBL at noon of 17 April, largely enhanced values of sulphur dioxide, sulphuric acid and super-micron-particle number concentration were recorded at Zugspitze/Hohenpeissenberg till 21 April.
Analysis of the chemical composition of organic aerosol at the Mt. Sonnblick observatory using a novel high mass resolution thermal-desorption proton-transfer-reaction mass-spectrometer (hr-TD-PTR-MS)
Authors: Holzinger R. , Kasper-Giebl A. , Staudinger M. , Schauer G. , Röckmann T.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. For the first time a high mass resolution thermal desorption proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (hr-TD-PTR-MS) was deployed in the field to analyze the composition of the organic fraction of aerosols. We report on measurements from the remote Mt. Sonnblick observatory in the Austrian alps (3108 m a.s.l.) during a 7 week period in summer 2009. A total of 638 mass peaks in the range 18–392 Da were detected and quantified in aerosols. An empirical formula was tentatively attributed to 464 of these compounds by custom-made data analysis routines which consider compounds containing C, H, O, N, and S atoms. Most of the other (unidentified) compounds must contain other elements – most likely halogenated compounds. The mean total concentration of all detected compounds was 1.1 μg m−3. Oxygenated hydrocarbons constitute the bulk of the aerosol mass (75%) followed by organic nitrogen compounds (9%), inorganic compounds (mostly NH3, 8%), unidentified/halogenated (3.8%), hydrocarbons (2.7%), and organic sulfur compounds (0.8%). The measured O/C ratios are lower than expected and suggest a significant effect from charring. Organic carbon concentrations measured with TD-PTR-MS were about 25% lower than measurements on high volume filter samples.
Coincident measurements of PMSE and NLC above ALOMAR (69° N, 16° E) by radar and lidar from 1999–2008
Authors: Kaifler N. , Baumgarten G. , Fiedler J. , Latteck R. , Lübken F.-J. , Rapp M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Polar Mesosphere Summer Echoes (PMSE) and Noctilucent Clouds (NLC) have been routinely measured at the ALOMAR research facility in Northern Norway (69° N, 16° E) by lidar and radar, respectively. 2900 h of lidar measurements by the ALOMAR Rayleigh/Mie/Raman lidar were combined with almost 18 000 h of radar measurements by the ALWIN VHF radar, all taken during the years 1999 to 2008, to study simultaneous and common-volume observations of both phenomena. PMSE and NLC are known from both theory and observations to be positively linked. We quantify the occurrences of PMSE and/or NLC and relations in altitude, especially with respect to the lower layer boundaries. The PMSE occurrence rate is with 75.3% considerably higher than the NLC occurrence rate of 19.5%. For overlapping PMSE and NLC observations, we confirm the coincidence of the lower boundaries and find a standard deviation of 1.26 km, hinting at very fast sublimation rates. However, 10.1% of all NLC measurements occur without accompanying PMSE. Comparison of occurrence rates with solar zenith angle reveals that NLC without PMSE mostly occur around midnight indicating that the ice particles were invisible to the radar due to the reduced electron density.
Resuspension and estuarine nutrient cycling: insights from the Neuse River Estuary
Authors: Corbett D. R.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. For at least the past several decades, North Carolina's Neuse River Estuary (NRE) has been subject to water quality problems relating to increased eutrophication. Research initiated in the past several years have addressed the nutrient processes of the water column and the passive diffusion processes of the benthic sedimentary environment. Resuspension of bottom sediments, by bioturbation, tides, or winds, may also have a significant effect on the flux of nutrients in an estuarine system These processes can result in the advective transport of sediment porewater, rich with nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon, into the water column. Thus, estimates of nutrient and carbon inputs from the sediments may be too low. This study focused on the potential change in bottom water nutrient concentrations associated with measured resuspension events. Previous research used short-lived radionuclides and meteorological data to characterize the sediment dynamics of the benthic system of the estuary. These techniques in conjunction with the presented porewater inventories allowed evaluation of the depth to which sediments have been disturbed and the advective flux of nutrients to the water column. The largest removal episode occurred in the lower NRE as the result of a wind event and was estimated that the top 2.2 cm of sediment and corresponding porewater were removed. NH4+ advective flux (resuspended) was 2 to 6 times greater than simply diffusion. Phosphate fluxes were estimated to be 15 times greater than the benthic diffusive flux. Bottom water conditions with elevated NH4+ and PO43− indicate that nutrients stored in the sediments continue to play an important role in overall water quality and this study suggests that the advective flux of nutrients to the water column is critical to understand estuarine nutrient cycling.
An approach to identify urban groundwater recharge
Authors: Vázquez-Suñé E. , Carrera J. , Tubau I. , Sánchez-Vila X. , Soler A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Evaluating the proportion in which waters from different origins are mixed in a given water sample is relevant for many hydrogeological problems, such as quantifying total recharge, assessing groundwater pollution risks, or managing water resources. Our work is motivated by urban hydrogeology, where waters with different chemical signature can be identified (losses from water supply and sewage networks, infiltration from surface runoff and other water bodies, lateral aquifers inflows, ...). The relative contribution of different sources to total recharge can be quantified by means of solute mass balances, but application is hindered by the large number of potential origins. Hence, the need to incorporate data from a large number of conservative species, the uncertainty in sources concentrations and measurement errors. We present a methodology to compute mixing ratios and end-members composition, which consists of (i) Identification of potential recharge sources, (ii) Selection of tracers, (iii) Characterization of the hydrochemical composition of potential recharge sources and mixed water samples, and (iv) Computation of mixing ratios and reevaluation of end-members. The analysis performed in a data set from samples of the Barcelona city aquifers suggests that the main contributors to total recharge are the water supply network losses (22%), the sewage network losses (30%), rainfall, concentrated in the non-urbanized areas (17%), from runoff infiltration (20%), and the Besòs River (11%). Regarding species, halogens (chloride, fluoride and bromide), sulfate, total nitrogen, and stable isotopes (18O, 2H, and 34S) behaved quite conservatively. Boron, residual alkalinity, EDTA and Zn did not. Yet, including these species in the computations did not affect significantly the proportion estimations.
Freshwater flux to Sermilik Fjord, SE Greenland
Authors: Mernild S. H. , Howat I. M. , Ahn Y. , Liston G. E. , Steffen K. , Jakobsen B. H. , Hasholt B. , Fog B. , van As D.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Terrestrial inputs of freshwater flux to Sermilik Fjord, SE Greenland, were estimated, indicating ice discharge to be the dominant source of freshwater. A freshwater flux of 40.4 ± 4.9×109 m3 y−1 was found (1999–2008), with an 85% contribution originated from ice discharge (65% alone from Helheim Glacier), 11% from terrestrial surface runoff (from melt water and rain), 3% from precipitation at the fjord surface area, and 1% from subglacial geothermal and frictional melting due to basal ice motion. The results demonstrate the dominance of ice discharge as a primary mechanism for delivering freshwater to Sermilik Fjord. Time series of ice discharge for Helheim Glacier, Midgård Glacier, and Fenris Glacier were calculated from satellite-derived average surface velocity, glacier width, and estimated ice thickness, and fluctuations in terrestrial surface freshwater runoff were simulated based on observed meteorological data. These simulations were compared and bias corrected against independent glacier catchment runoff observations. Modeled runoff to Sermilik Fjord was variable, ranging from 2.9 ± 0.4×109 m3 y−1 in 1999 to 5.9 ± 0.9×109 m3 y−1 in 2005. The sub-catchment runoff of the Helheim Glacier region accounted for 25% of the total runoff to Sermilik Fjord. The runoff distribution from the different sub-catchments suggested a strong influence from the spatial variation in glacier coverage, indicating high runoff volumes, where glacier cover was present at low elevations.
Evidence of accelerated englacial warming in the Monte Rosa area, Switzerland/Italy
Authors: Hoelzle M. , Darms G. , Suter S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. A range of englacial temperature measurements was acquired in the Monte Rosa area at the border of Switzerland and Italy in the years 1982, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2007 and 2008. While the englacial temperatures revealed no evidence of warming at the firn saddle of Colle Gnifetti at 4452 m a.s.l. between 1982 and 1991, the 1991 to 2000 period showed an increase of 0.05 °C per year at a depth of 20 m. From 2000 to 2008 a further increase of 1.3 °C or (0.16 °C per year) was observed. The measured temperatures give clear evidence of accelerated glacier warming since 1991. The observed increase since 2000 is far beyond a modelled firn temperature increase based on the IPCC climate scenario from 2001. Air temperature records from the Jungfraujoch high-altitude station (MeteoSwiss-Station) from 1980 to 2008 show a mean annual increase of 0.05 °C per year, indicating that the amount of infiltrating and refreezing of meltwater at Colle Gnifetti has increased since 2000. The drill sites on Colle Gnifetti are, however, still located in the recrystallisation-infiltration zone and only marginally affected by meltwater. A much stronger warming of 6.8 °C was found at locations beneath Colle Gnifetti from 1991 to 2008. This warming is one order of magnitude greater than the atmospheric warming and can be explained only by a strong increase in the latent heat input by infiltrating and refreezing meltwater. The observations indicate that since 1991, an important firn area beneath Colle Gnifetti has already undergone a firn facies change from the recrystallisation-infiltration to the cold infiltration zone due to an increasing supply of surface melt energy.
A Blueprint for Telerehabilitation Guidelines
Authors: Brennan David , Tindall Lyn , Theodoros Deborah , Brown Janet , Campbell Michael , Christiana Diana , Smith David , Cason Jana , Lee Alan
Published: October 2010

Telerehabilitation refers to the delivery of rehabilitation services via information and communication technologies.  Clinically, this term encompasses a range of rehabilitation and habilitation services that include assessment, monitoring, prevention, intervention, supervision, education, consultation, and counseling.  Telerehabilitation has the capacity to provide service across the lifespan and across a continuum of care.  Just as the services and providers of telerehabilitation are broad, so are the points of service, which may include health care settings, clinics, homes, schools, or community-based worksites. This document was developed collaboratively by members of the Telerehabilitation SIG of the American Telemedicine Association, with input and guidance from other practitioners in the field, strategic stakeholders, and ATA staff.   Its purpose is to inform and assist practitioners in providing effective and safe services that are based on client needs, current empirical evidence, and available technologies.   Telerehabilitation professionals, in conjunction with professional associations and other organizations are encouraged to use this document as a template for developing discipline-specific standards, guidelines, and practice requirements.
Impact of Armed Conflicts on Urban Livestock Production in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Authors: Thys E. , Mfoukou-Ntsakala A. , Nkouika-Dinghani-Nkita G. , Van Huylenbroeck G. , Speybroeck N.
Published: October 2010

Livestock production, including small ruminant keeping, constitutes an important component of urban agriculture throughout the world. Armed conflicts may influence agriculture and livestock production in particular, but the specific impact of armed conflicts on urban livestock production is not well documented for Africa. This paper analyses that impact on urban livestock keeping in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo. Brazzaville has experienced a series of armed conflicts since 1993; the most dramatic event in 1997 was a serious threat for the population and the livestock keepers. Two surveys, one before the war (1993) and one after the war (2002), indicate that the conflict had a negative impact on livestock keeping, as most livestock keepers lost their animals. Financial resources were an important factor in rebuilding the flock after 1997. Further factors related to restarting livestock activities were: past experience in livestock raising; location; being the owner of the plot; and possessing Congolese nationality.
Can Agroforestry Be a Resource Conservation Tool to Maintain Soil Health in the Fragile Ecosystem of North-East India?
Authors: Saha R. , Ghosh P.K. , Mishra V.K. , Majumdar B. , Tomar J.M.S.
Published: October 2010

In the north-eastern regions of India, shifting cultivation is traditional and a dominant land use practice, leading to heavy soil erosion and severe degradation of biodiversity. Agroforestry systems (AFS), which have great potential for crop and livestock production, are the best alternative to overcome the adverse effects of shifting cultivation. Agroforestry is an ecologically based, natural resource management system that sustains production and benefits all those who use the land by integrating trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape. In addition to timber, fodder, fuelwood, medicines, etc, it conserves natural resources. In this paper, the authors discuss the role of promising agroforestry systems and various multipurpose trees (MPTs) in the conservation of natural resources. These systems improved soil physical health through checking soil erosion and run-off, maintained soil organic matter, enhanced soil chemical and biological properties, added nitrogen input by trees and shrubs, and helped in the mining of minerals from lower horizons by roots and their recycling through litter fall on the ground. Of the systems studied, multistoreyed AFS [alder + tea + black pepper + annual agricultural crops], silvi-horti-pastoral [alder + pineapple + fodder grasses] and natural forest systems with suitable soil conservation measures are the most viable alternatives for natural resource management and could sustain long-term soil productivity in the highly degraded soil of this region.
Improved Technology for Cotton Production in Central India: An Impact Assessment
Authors: Gahukar R.T.
Published: October 2010

The extent and impact of the adoption of improved technology by cotton farmers was assessed during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 crop seasons in the Nagpur and Wardha districts in Maharashtra (central India). The package of improved practices consisted mainly of recommended cultural practices, including the timely application of recommended doses of plant nutrients, the management of water, insect pests and plant diseases in rainfed/dry land, and irrigated cultivation. Precautionary measures for avoiding any possible admixture of genotypes and contamination with dust, dry leaves, pieces of plastic, etc during storage were adopted. The data in project fields compared with non-project/farmers' fields in 164 villages showed a reduction of up to 60% in the cost of plant protection in rainfed cultivation in the Wardha district. In both districts, increases of 20–46% in yield of seed cotton in rainfed and 22–52% in irrigated cultivation, and significant improvement in lint quality were noted. Overall, there was a net profit of Rs5,802–7,343/ha (US$145–184), or 47–115% in rainfed and Rs6,438–7,561 (US$161–189), or 53–55%, in irrigated cultivation in project fields over non-project fields. These tangible benefits were achieved through awareness programmes held in the project villages on the practicality and cost-effectiveness of improved technology.
Management of Precancerous Lesions of the Uterine Cervix according to Demographic Data
Authors: Modinou Olga , Liaropoulos Lykourgos , Kaitelidou Dafni , Kioulafas kyriakos , Theodoraki Eleni-Maria
Published: October 2010

Aims. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fifth most deadly cancer in women, but screening prevents cancer by detecting precancerous lesions. The purpose of this study is to present the treatment profile for precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix, according to demographic data.
Methods. An annual retrospective study was conducted in two public primary health care centres in Greece. The total number of Pap smears and colposcopies performed as well as the management of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was collected and analysed.
Results. Demographic characteristics and correlations with levels of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and treatment path are presented. For each case, we noted the patients' age, the marital and educational status, and the professional and insurance type. From a total of 238 diagnostic procedures, 118 (49.5%) showed precancerous lesions, 83.3% of these were high grade while 16.7% were low grade.
Conclusions. This study provides an estimate of the extensiveness of precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix. Management of CIN should be accounted for when balancing the benefits and unfavourable effects of this screening.
Breast Metastatic Localization of Signet-Ring Cell Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Parrell Soler C. , Palacios Marqués A. , Saco López L. , Bermejo De las Heras R. , Pertusa Martínez S.
Published: October 2010

Metastatic tumors in the breast are quite rare and constitute 0,5 to 6% of all breast malignancies. They often occur in a polymetastatic context. Gastrointestinal lesions rarely metastasize to the breast. The first case of a metastasis deposit to the breast and ovary from gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma was reported in the literature in 1999. Since this report, only 5 cases have been reported. We present a case report of a 37-year-old woman who complained of a lump in the left breast. Two months earlier, the woman underwent a subtotal gastrectomy and a total hysterectomy with double anexectomy, which histologically was diagnosed of gastric signet-ring carcinoma, disseminated with Krukenberg's tumor. In those days, the patient was following a chemotherapy treatment. A core needle biopsy of the lesion in left breast revealed cells with signet-ring features, with probably gastric origin.
Heavy Smoking in Midlife and Long-term Risk of Alzheimer Disease and Vascular Dementia
Authors: Rusanen Minna , Kivipelto Miia , Quesenberry Charles P. , Zhou Jufen , Whitmer Rachel A.
Published: October 2010

Background

Smoking is a risk factor for several life-threatening diseases, but its long-term association with dementia is controversial and somewhat understudied. Our objective was to investigate the long-term association of amount of smoking in middle age on the risk of dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) several decades later in a large, diverse population.

Methods

We analyzed prospective data from a multiethnic population-based cohort of 21 123 members of a health care system who participated in a survey between 1978 and 1985. Diagnoses of dementia, AD, and VaD made in internal medicine, neurology, and neuropsychology were collected from January 1, 1994, to July 31, 2008. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association between midlife smoking and risk of dementia, AD, and VaD.

Results

A total of 5367 people (25.4%) were diagnosed as having dementia (including 1136 cases of AD and 416 cases of VaD) during a mean follow-up period of 23 years. Results were adjusted for age, sex, education, race, marital status, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, body mass index, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and alcohol use. Compared with nonsmokers, those smoking more than 2 packs a day had an elevated risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.65-2.78), AD (adjusted HR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.63-4.03), and VaD (adjusted HR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.20-6.18).

Conclusions

In this large cohort, heavy smoking in midlife was associated with a greater than 100% increase in risk of dementia, AD, and VaD more than 2 decades later. These results suggest that the brain is not immune to long-term consequences of heavy smoking.
Color Tunable Poly (N‐Isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐Acrylic Acid Microgel–Au Hybrid Assemblies
Authors: Sorrell Courtney D. , Carter Matthew C. D. , Serpe Michael J.
Published: October 2010

A new class of materials that are capable of color tunability over 300 nm with a 15 °C temperature change is introduced. The materials are assembled from thermoresponsive poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐acrylic acid (pNIPAm‐co‐AAc) microgels, which are deposited on Au coated glass substrates. The films are also pH responsive; the temperature‐induced color change was suppressed at high pH and is consistent with the behavior of a solution of suspended microgels. The mechanism proposed to account for the observed optical properties suggests that they result from the two Au layers being separated from each other by the “monolithic” microgel film, much like a Fabry‐Pérot etalon or interferometer. It is the modulation of the distance between these two layers, facilitated by the microgel collapse transition at high temperature, that allows the color to be tuned. The sensitivity of the system presented here will be used for future sensing and biosensing applications, as well as for light filtering applications.
Divergent Preparation of Fluoroalkylated Sulfilimine and Sulfilimino Iminium Salts
Authors: Urban Céline , Macé Yohan , Cadoret Frédéric , Blazejewski Jean‐Claude , Magnier Emmanuel
Published: October 2010

We have successfully extended our previously described methodology for the preparation of trifluoromethyl N‐acyl sulfilimines to the case of bromodifluoro‐ and dichlorofluoromethyl derivatives. Attempts to convert such N‐acyl sulfilimines to free NH‐sulfilimines failed. However, a strategy based on the reaction of their direct ditriflyl ketal precursor with amines allows the isolation of either original sulfilimino iminium salts using secondary amines or of free NH‐sulfilimines using primary amines. The latter were further easily N‐functionalized with electron‐withdrawing groups giving structures close to those of efficient perfluoroalkylating agents. Preliminary experiments showed that these new sulfilimine‐based compounds have poor perfluoroalkylating abilities, demonstrating that the sulfilimine function is not sufficiently activating for that purpose, contrary to sulfur(VI) reagents.
Combination Catalysis in Enantioselective Trifluoromethylation
Authors: Zheng Yan , Ma Jun‐An
Published: October 2010

The application of combination catalysis in enantioselective trifluoromethylation reactions is illustrated. Four ground‐breaking studies have described the efficient catalytic enantioselective nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of ketones and azomethine imines in the presence of the combination of a Cinchona alkaloid‐derived ammonium salt and different nucleophilic initiators, whereas the highly enantioselective electrophilic and radical trifluoromethylation of aldehydes could be achieved via the combination of chiral organocatalysts and metal salts.
Targeting prevention programs for young and new healthcare workers: what is the association of age and job tenure with occupational injury in healthcare?
Authors: Siow Serena , Ngan Karen , Yu Shicheng , Guzman Jaime
Published: October 2010

Background

Previous evidence suggests young and new workers experience an increased risk of occupational injury. We sought to confirm this observation for healthcare workers.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 42,771 healthcare workers (88.2% women) was constructed from an active injury surveillance database. Over 2 years, incidence rates and crude and adjusted relative risks for occupational injury were compared between age groups and job tenures.

Results

There were opposite trends in the two main types of injuries which cancelled each other: new workers and young workers had a decreased (not increased) risk of musculoskeletal sprain and strain injuries (adjusted RR [95% CI] for new hires was 0.60 [0.48, 0.73], and 0.85 [0.73, 0.98] for workers <25 years old); but an increased risk of cut and puncture injuries (1.25 [1.07, 1.45] for new hires, 1.28 [0.99, 1.67] for workers <25 years old).

Conclusions

Contrary to studies of other sectors, younger age and shorter tenure were not universal risk factors for occupational injuries in the female dominated healthcare sector. Young and new workers had increased risk of cuts and punctures, but a decreased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:32–39, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Germinal mosaicism in Noonan syndrome: A family with two affected siblings of normal parents
Authors: Elalaoui Siham Chafai , Kraoua Lilia , Liger Céline , Ratbi Ilham , Cavé Hélène , Sefiani Abdelaziz
Published: October 2010

Noonan syndrome (NS; OMIM 163950) is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable clinical expression and genetic heterogeneity. Clinical manifestations include characteristic facial features, short stature, and cardiac anomalies. Mutations in protein‐tyrosine phosphatase, non‐receptor‐type 11 (PTPN11), encoding SHP‐2, account for about half of NS patients. We report on a Moroccan family with two children with NS and apparently unaffected parents. The molecular studies showed the heterozygous mutation c.922A>G of PTPN11 gene in the two affected sibs. Neither the parents, nor the oldest brother carries this mutation in hematologic cells. The mutation was also absent in buccal epithelial cells and fingernails of both parents. We believe this is the first report of germ cell mosaicism in NS and suggest an empirical risk for recurrence of that is less than 1%. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HERV‐mediated genomic rearrangement of EYA1 in an individual with branchio‐oto‐renal syndrome
Authors: Sanchez‐Valle Amarilis , Wang Xueqing , Potocki Lorraine , Xia Zhilian , Kang Sung‐Hae L. , Carlin Mary E. , Michel Donnice , Williams Patricia , Cabrera‐Meza Gerardo , Brundage Ellen K. , Eifert Anna L. , Stankiewicz Pawel , Cheung Sau Wai , Lalani Seema R.
Published: October 2010

Branchio‐oto‐renal syndrome is characterized by branchial defects, hearing loss, preauricular pits, and renal anomalies. Mutations in EYA1 are the most common cause of branchio‐oto‐renal and branchio‐otic syndromes. Large chromosomal aberrations of 8q13, including complex rearrangements occur in about 20% of these individuals. However, submicroscopic deletions and the molecular characterization of genomic rearrangements involving the EYA1 gene have rarely been reported. Using the array‐comparative genomic hybridization, we identified non‐recurrent genomic deletions including the EYA1 gene in three patients with branchio‐oto‐renal syndrome, short stature, and developmental delay. One of these deletions was mediated by two human endogenous retroviral sequence blocks, analogous to the AZFa microdeletion on Yq11, responsible for male infertility. This report describes the expanded phenotype of individuals, resulting from contiguous gene deletion involving the EYA1 gene and provides a molecular description of the genomic rearrangements involving this gene in branchio‐oto‐renal syndrome. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.