bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remark to an unambiguity of estimators in the universal linear statistical models with the type ii constraints
Authors: Kubáček Lubomír
Published: May 2010

In the universal linear statistical model with the type II constraints, estimates of the unbiasedly estimable linear functions of the parameters of the mean value vector are given by special types of generalized matrix inverse. Since there exists many versions of such matrix inverse it is of some interest to check the unambiguity of obtained estimators. The aim of the paper is to find the best unbiased linear estimators of unbiasedly estimable functions and to show that they do not depend on the choice of the used generalized inverse of the matrices.
Between Market Logic and Communal Practices: Pastoral Nomad Groups and Globalization in Contemporary Sudan (Case Studies from Central and Western Sudan)
Authors: Casciarri Barbara
Published: May 2010

This article deals with the conflict between communal practices typical of pastoral Sudanese groups, especially in accessing and managing natural resources, and market logic, which became dominant during the consolidation of global capitalism in Sudan. The focus is on wider socio-political structures and cultural values that support communal practices and their contradiction with individualistic (neo)-liberal ideology. The main factors and actors of recent transformations are illustrated first. Secondly, the local perception of changes, the transmission of ideological influence and the permanence of some institutions as signalling a 'silent resistance' by pastoral socio-cultural systems to commoditization, are analysed. The dilemma and contradiction experienced by the Ahâmda (Central Butana) and the Awlâd Nûba (Southern Kordofan) in this context of conflicting patterns is described.
Pregnancy Outcome after Multifoetal Sac Reduction to Twin in Higher Order Multiple Pregnancies
Authors: Begum Mosammat Rashida , Siddiqui Maruf , Khan Farzana , Begum Mosammat Shaina , Baby Hosne Ara , Quadir Ehsan
Published: May 2010

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate maternal and foetal outcome after fetoreduction in higher order multiple pregnancy. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was conducted at the Infertility Care and Research Centre (ICRC), Dhaka between 2006 and 2009. In eleven (11) cases, multifoetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) were performed and maternal and foetal conditions were analyzed. All patients got pregnant after fertility treatment. The procedure was done between 8-10 weeks of gestation except in one case which was done at 17 weeks. Transvaginal approach under spinal anaesthesia was adopted for intracardiac injection of potassium chloride till cessation of cardiac pulsation. Antibiotic, aspirin, antispasmodic and progesterone were used for all patients. Main outcome measures were uterine contraction, leaking membrane, bleeding, infection, abortion, gestational age and birth weight. Results: Out of these eleven patients eight patients delivered twins at 37 weeks and one patient delivered a set of twin at 34 weeks and their antenatal period was uneventful. Two patients had abortions, one of which was not related with the procedure. No perinatal death was reported among 18 babies. Each of the babies born had an average weight of 2.42 kg. There was no serious maternal complication except rise of temp in one patient. Conclusion: Fetoreduction can improve the chances of survival and can reduce perinatal morbidity of remaining fetuses and can reduce maternal distress without any adverse affect to mother and foetuses. Key words: Sac reduction; multiple pregnancy DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4960 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 56-60
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, a Rare Disease in Pregnancy
Authors: Parveen Tabassum , Begum Firoza
Published: May 2010

Introduction: Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an IgA-mediated small vessel vasculitis involving mainly skin, gastrointestinal system and kidneys. It is predominantly a disease of young children. Most common symptoms are rash (95-100%), sometimes necrotizing involving specially the legs, subcutaneous oedema (20-50%), abdominal pain and vomiting(85%), bloody stool and joint pain (60-80%) involving mainly the knees and ankles. Diagnosis is clinical and not based on laboratory evaluation. Its occurrence during pregnancy is exceptional. Materials & Methods: On literature search, till date only 17-18 cases of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in pregnancy were found. Case: Here we present a case report on this rare disease in pregnancy. A 39 year old lady, para 1+ 8 abortions, diagnosed as Henoch-Schönlein purpura at 24 weeks of gestation, treated with steroids and was cured almost completely. She was readmitted at 37 weeks of gestation with few purpuric rashes. Elective caesarean section was planned and a healthy male baby was delivered. But sub-total hysterectomy was needed for intractable bleeding from placental bed. Her post operative period was uneventful. Conclusion: Very few information we got on literature search on Henoch-Schönlein purpura in pregnancy. Corticosteroids and plasmapheresis have been practiced as treatment during pregnancy. If kidneys are unaffected, obstetrical prognosis is good. Key Words- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura; Pregnancy DOI: 10.3329/bjog.v23i2.4964 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008; Vol. 23(2) : 73-77
Nursery rearing of Thai sarpunti, Barbonymus gonionotus larvae using three different supplementary feeds
Authors: Ahammad AKS , Khan MMR , Hossain MA , Parvez I
Published: May 2010

Nursery rearing of silver barb, Puntius gonionotus (Bleeker, 1850) larvae was carried out with three different feeding treatments T1, T2 and T3 having three replications each in nine rectangular glass aquaria (45x25x24 cm) for a period of 28 days in laboratory condition. Live planktonic feed (5000 cells/L), plankton and rice bran having 14.14% protein, and plankton and Saudi-Bangla nursery feed having 30.20% protein were tested as T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Three days old larvae of B. gonionotus (average length 5.0±0.15 mm and weight 7.0±0.05 mg) were stocked at a stocking density of 4.1 larvae/L of water in each aquarium. The highest length at harvest (28.06±0.38 mm and weight 135.00±3.05 mg) and also highest SGR (18.79±0.80) were found in T3 followed by T2 and T1. The survival rate in all the treatments was high (92-90%) and treatment to treatment variation was not significant (P<0.05). The result implies that the application of supplemental feeds over control in nursery rearing of B. gonionotus larvae had positive role. The non-significant growth variation between T2 and T3 indicate suitability of the use of low protein content supplemental feed in the farmers nursery pond during the nursery rearing of B. gonionotus larvae. Keywords: Silver barb; Nursery rearing; Rice bran; Plankton DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4976 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 139-144, 2009
Fungal disease of freshwater fishes in Natore district of Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique MAB , Bashar MA , Hussain MA , Kibria ASM
Published: May 2010

An investigation was conducted on fungal disease of freshwater fishes in Natore district of Bangladesh from September 2005 to February 2006. A total of 2097 fish specimens where about 300 fishes under 15 fish species (8 culturable and 7 non culturable) were infected with fungal disease. Among culturable species most fungal infected fishes was C. mrigala (24.71%) where the total length, total weight and group of this infected fish was 10.8 to 40 cm, 10 to 995 g and 10.1 to 15 cm respectively followed by C. idellus (16.28%) and L. rohita (13.43%). Among non culturable species the most fungal infected fish was C. punctatus (22.42%) where the total length, total weight and group of this infected fish was 11 to 23 cm, 15 to 20 g and 20.1 to 25 cm respectively followed by C. striatus (16.88%) and P. ticto (15.31%). Disease in culturable fish species was less (13.40%) than non-culturable species (15.19%). Three genera of fungi were identified where Branchiomyces sp. was associated with gill rot disease and Saprolegnia sp. and Aphanomyces sp. were associated with ulcer types of disease. The incidence (%) of disease was highest in the month of December (22.49%) followed by November (20.25%) and January (18.00%). Keywords: Fungal disease; Infected fish; Incidence DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4979 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 157-162, 2009
Effect of peripheral canal on growth, survival and production of shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in traditional rice-shrimp culture system in south-west coastal region, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam ML , Moniruzzaman M , Alam MJ , Shofiquzzoha AFM
Published: May 2010

The effect of peripheral canal on growth, survival and production of shrimp (Penaeus monodon) has been assessed. The depth of peripheral canal was varied as 0.7 m (T1) and 0.9 (T2), while the width of canal kept similar (1.5 m) in all the treatments. There was also a set of experimental plots without peripheral canal (T3). Each treatment had two replications. The experiment was designed for a culture period of 120 days with the stocking density of 3PL/m2. Results on growth, survival and production performance revealed no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatments, but apparently higher body weight gain (23.42±0.735g), survival rate (31.90±14.959%) and production (225.79±112.140kg/ha) were obtained from T2 (peripheral canal of 1.5 m x 0.9 m). In case of survival rate and production, greater deviations were found in all the treatments that indicated differences among the replicated plots in each treatment. The plot under T2 provided highest production of 305.05 kg/ha of shrimp with the highest survival rate of 42.48%. It has been an indication of combined effect of depth and canal on the production. Though direct effect of peripheral canal on production was not observed, but strong correlation between water depth on platform area with production (r=0.935); survival rate (r=0.923) and weight gain (r=0.912) was ascertained. Keywords: Effect; Peripheral canal; Production; Tiger shrimp DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4981 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 169-174, 2009
Effects of feeding schedule on growth, production and economics of pangasiid catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) polyculture
Authors: Khan S , Hossain MS , Haque MM
Published: May 2010

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of feeding schedule on growth, production and economics of pangasiid catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) polyculture in nine earthen ponds for a period of 135 days. There were three treatments (T) each with three replications. Species composition (1:1) and stocking density (25,000 fish/ha) were same in all treatments. A commercially available pelleted feed was given only for pangasiid catfish with same feeding rate in all treatments but the feeding frequency was different. The feeding rate was 10%, 8%, 7%, 6 %, 5%, 4% which was consecutively adjusted after each fortnightly sampling and 3% for the last 4 weeks of the study period. Feeding frequencies was once a day in T1, two times a day in T2 and three times a day in T3. The average weight gain of pangasiid catfish and silver carp in T3 (376.69 g and 81.02 g) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of T2 (330.25 g and 58.35 g) and T1 (261.76 g and 42.89 g). The survival rate was 95.2, 96.0 and 96.8% for pangasiid catfish and 83.2, 85.2 and 86.0% for silver carp in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The net production of fish in T3 (5,430.64 kg/ha) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of T2 (4,584.70 kg/ha) and T1 (3,562.89 kg/ha). Significantly highest net return (Tk. 68,533.54/ha with benefit cost ratio of 1.36) was achieved from T3 followed by T2 (Tk. 40,080.56/ha with benefit cost ratio of 1.22) and T1 (Tk. 13,786.67/ha with benefit cost ratio of 1.08). The present research findings suggest that an increase of feeding frequency has positive effect on growth and production of pangasiid catfish and silver carp. Keywords: Feeding schedule; Economics; Pangasiid catfish; Silver carp; Polyculture DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4982 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 175-181, 2009
Cryopreservation of spermatozoa of Mrigal, Cirrhinus cirrhosus with a view to minimize inbreeding and hybridization
Authors: Sarder MRI , Rafiquzzaman SM , Sultana R , Islam M Faridul
Published: May 2010

To develop and standardize the cryopreservation protocol of C. cirrhosus sperm, a series of experiments were conducted. Seven extenders, egg-yolk citrate, urea egg-yolk, 0.9% NaCl, Kurokura-2, Ma and Mb and four cryoprotectants viz. DMSO, glycerol, methanol and ethanol were used to find out the suitable cryodiluent. Among the cryodiluents egg-yolk citrate with DMSO yielded (mean±SD) highest post-thaw motility (83%±5.70) that was closely followed by egg-yolk citrate with methanol (81%±6.51) and urea egg-yolk with DMSO (79%±6.47). Six dilution ratios such as 1: 2, 1: 4, 1: 7, 1: 10, 1: 15, and 1: 20 (milt:cryodiluent) were used to determine the suitable milt dilution and found that sperm motility percentage increased roughly with the increase of dilution ratio. Different dilution ratios exhibited marked differences in the post-thaw spermatozoan motility (P=0.000) and revealed that it has an interaction effect with the extenders (P<0.05) but not with the cryoprotectants (P>0.05). To determine the optimal cryoprotectant concentration, an increasing series of cryoprotectant concentrations from 5 to 30% (v/v) were tested. DMSO at 10% concentration produced averagely highest post-thaw motility with all three extenders. Methanol and ethanol produced best result at 10% concentration but their lower (<7%) and higher (>20%) concentrations decreased spermatozoan motility. Keywords: Mrigal; Cryopreservation; Spermatozoa; Inbreeding; Hybridization DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v7i1.4986 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 7(1): 211-218, 2009
Suppression of Autoimmune Arthritis by Small Molecule Inhibitors of the JAK/STAT Pathway
Authors: Malemud Charles J.
Published: May 2010

A skewed ratio of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines, elevated growth factor synthesis and T- and B-lymphocyte activation are 3 hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathology. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-7, IL-17, IL-12/IL-23 and growth factors, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, IL-3, and erythropoietin activate the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. Evidence showed that STAT protein phosphorylation (p-STAT) by activated JAKs is permissive for p-STAT to act as transcription factors by binding to STAT-responsive gene promoter sequences. This event is critical for perpetuating RA, in part, by up-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription. Activation of JAK/STAT by cytokines and growth factors can induce ‘cross-talk’ with other signaling pathways by which Stress-Activated Protein/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (SAP/MAPK) and Phosphatidylinositide-3-Kinase (PI3K)-mediated signaling are also activated. JAK-specific small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) were developed to test whether JAK/STAT pathway blockade would regulate autoimmune-mediated inflammation. JAK-specific SMI blockade inhibited p-STAT induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Systemically administered JAK-specific SMI blockade also ameliorated biomarkers of inflammation in well-validated arthritis animal models. A few JAK-specific SMIs have made their way into RA clinical trials. In fact, the JAK3-specific SMI, CP-690,500 is the first JAK/STAT SMI to be assessed for clinical efficacy in a Phase III RA trial.
Synthesis of glycosylated β3-homo-threonine conjugates for mucin-like glycopeptide antigen analogues
Authors: Karch Florian , Hoffmann-Röder Anja
Published: May 2010

Glycopeptides from the mucin family decorated with tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACA) have proven to be important target structures for the development of molecularly defined anti-cancer vaccines. The strategic incorporation of β-amino acid building blocks into such mucin-type sequences offers the potential to create pseudo-glycopeptide antigens with improved bioavailability for tumour immunotherapy. Towards this end, TN and TF antigen conjugates O-glycosidically linked to Fmoc-β3-homo-threonine were prepared in good yield via Arndt–Eistert homologation of the corresponding glycosyl α-amino acid derivative. By incorporation of TN-Fmoc-β3hThr conjugate into the 20 amino acid tandem repeat sequence of MUC1 using sequential solid-phase glycopeptide synthesis, a first example of a mixed α/β-hybrid glycopeptide building block was obtained. The latter is of interest for the development of novel glycoconjugate mimics and model structures for anti-cancer vaccines with increased biological half-life.
Effect of curing conditions on the mechanical properties of mortars with superabsorbent polymers
Authors: Esteves L. P. , Paiva H. , Ferreira V. M. , Cachim P.
Published: May 2010

This paper describes the effect of curing conditions on the mechanical properties of mortars containing superabsorbent polymers (SAP). Curing temperature and relative humidity were varied from 20 to 40 ºC and 30 to 95%, respectively, in mixes with different water/cement and cement/aggregate ratios. Tensile and compressive strength tests were performed at several ages. Weight loss over time was measured and related to curing conditions and strength. The addition of SAPs was found to effectively maintain cement-based mortar strength under extreme curing conditions.
 Exploring the development of an organisational culture of control and dependency from a systems psychodynamic perspective
Authors: Van Eeden René
Published: May 2010

Orientation: Globalisation and accelerating rates of change characterise the work environment.Research purpose: The aim of this research was to study the impact of the change process at a plant of a South African production company.Motivations for the study: Problems were experienced in terms of production and a need for transformation at different levels was expressed. Co-dependence in the environment necessitated exploration of intra-organisational dynamics.Research design, approach and method: The study focused on the management team at a specifc plant, but by applying the systems psychodynamic perspective it was possible to also explore the mutual effect of relationships with other systems in the organisation, the company as a whole and the environment. Respondents included the directors of manufacturing and of human resources, the general manager, an 11-member management team and staff representatives. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews, group interviews and a group consultation session were held.Main findings: Hypotheses were formulated regarding the change experienced in the company, the overemphasis of control in the various systems, efforts to move from dependency to interdependence, personal authority as a requirement for interdependent functioning and problems with interrelatedness.Practical/managerial implications: The study illustrates the application of the systems psychodynamic approach in exploring the interaction between and mutual infuence of various organisational systems, especially in times of change.Contribution/value add: At a broader level, the study contributes to the understanding of the application of the theory as well as suggesting the use of a methodology. Recommendations for an intervention of this nature were also made.
 Psychological career resources and coping resources of the young unemployed African graduate: An exploratory study
Authors: Coetzee Melinde , Esterhuizen Kerith
Published: May 2010

Orientation: Youth unemployment in South Africa presents unique challenges to the young unemployed graduate and requires a range of psychological coping capacities from the young adult.Research purpose: This study explored the relationship between the psychological career resources(as measured by the Psychological Career Resources Inventory) and coping resources (as measured by the Coping Resources Inventory) of a sample of 196 young unemployed African graduates.Motivation for study: There is an increasing need for career counsellors and practitioners to explore the psychological attributes and career-related resources that young people employ or require to help them deal with the challenges posed by unemployment during the school-to-work transition phase of their lives.Research design, approach and method: A survey design and quantitative statistical procedures were used to achieve the research objective. Convenience sampling was used on a population of 500 unemployed graduate black people who attended a 12-week Work Readiness Programme (39% response rate).Main findings: Multiple regression analyses indicated that dimensions of psychological career resources contribute signifcantly to explaining the proportion of variance in the participants’coping resources scores.Practical implications: The insights derived from the findings can be employed by career counsellors and practitioners to construct a more comprehensive career framework for the individual in the school-to-work transition phase.Contribution/value-add: The findings add valuable new knowledge that can be used to inform career services concerned with guiding and counselling young graduates in the school-to-work transition phase.
Observed and simulated global distribution and budget of atmospheric C2-C5 alkanes
Authors: Pozzer A. , Pollmann J. , Taraborrelli D. , Jöckel P. , Helmig D. , Tans P. , Hueber J. , Lelieveld J.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The primary sources and atmospheric chemistry of C2-C5 alkanes were incorporated into the atmospheric chemistry general circulation model EMAC. Model output is compared with new observations from the NOAA/ESRL GMD Cooperative Air Sampling Network. Based on the global coverage of the data, two different anthropogenic emission datasets for C4-C5 alkanes, widely used in the modelling community, are evaluated. We show that the model reproduces the main atmospheric features of the C2-C5 alkanes (e.g., seasonality). While the simulated values for ethane and propane are within a 20% range of the measurements, larger deviations are found for the other tracers. According to the analysis, an oceanic source of butanes and pentanes larger than the current estimates would be necessary to match the observations at some coastal stations. Finally the effect of C2-C5 alkanes on the concentration of acetone and acetaldehyde are assessed. Their chemical sources are largely controlled by the reaction with OH, while the reactions with NO3 and Cl contribute only to a little extent. The total amount of acetone produced by propane, i-butane and i-pentane oxidation is 11.2 Tg/yr, 4.3 Tg/yr, and 5.8 Tg/yr, respectively. Moreover, 18.1, 3.1, 3.4, 1.4 and 4.8 Tg/yr of acetaldehyde are formed by the oxidation of ethane, propane, n-butane, n-pentane and i-pentane, respectively.
Ozone reservoir layers in a coastal environment – a case study in southern Taiwan
Authors: Lin C.-H. , Wu Y.-L. , Lai C.-H.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The air layer between the nocturnal boundary layer and the top of the daily mixing layer in an ozone-polluted area is known to serve as an ozone reservoir since the ozone that is produced in the mixing layer on the preceding day is effectively preserved throughout the night in the air layer. Ozone reservoir layers existing at night can enhance the accumulation of surface ozone on the following day. However, our knowledge of the characteristics of ozone reservoir layers and their effects on the daily ozone accumulations is limited. In this work, ozone reservoir layers were experimentally investigated at a coastal, near-mountain site in southern Taiwan, 30 km away from the coastline. Tethered ozone soundings were performed to obtain vertical profiles of ozone and meteorological variables during a four-day ozone episode in November 2006. Observation-based methods are adopted to evaluate the effects of the ozone reservoir layers on the surface ozone accumulation during the four-day ozone episode. Ozone reservoir layers were found to develop every evening with a depth of 1200–1400 m. Ozone concentrations within the reservoir layers reached over 140 parts per billion (ppb). From each evening to midnight, the size of the ozone reservoir layer and the ozone concentration inside dramatically changed. As a result, a concentrated, elevated ozone reservoir layer formed with a depth of 400 m at 800–1200 m every midnight. For the rest of each night, the elevated ozone reservoir layer gradually descended until it reached 500–900 m in the next morning. The observed ozone reservoir layer is formed by the invasion of a cool, marine air mass into a relatively warm, ozone-rich mixing layer in the evening. The descending is related to nocturnal coastal subsidence as well. The ozone concentration at the study site was maximal at 15:00–17:00 LT daily because of the addition of the daily produced ozone on the preceding day. The rate of increase of surface ozone concentration due to the downward mixing of the ozone in the ozone reservoir layers can be as high as 12–24 ppb/h in the late morning. The contribution of the ozone carried over from the preceding day can be 60–85 ppb, which contributes over 50% to the daily ozone pollution as compared with ozone produced on the study day.
Dust aerosol effect on semi-arid climate over Northwest China detected from A-Train satellite measurements
Authors: Huang J. , Minnis P. , Yan H. , Yi Y. , Chen B. , Zhang L. , Ayers J. K.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. The impact of dust aerosols on the semi-arid climate of Northwest China is analyzed by comparing aerosol and cloud properties derived over the China semi-arid region (hereafter, CSR) and the United States semi-arid region (hereafter, USR) using several years of surface and A-Train satellite observations during active dust event seasons. These regions have similar climatic conditions, but aerosol concentrations are greater over the CSR. Because the CSR is close to two major dust source regions (Taklamakan and Gobi deserts), the aerosols over the CSR not only contain local anthropogenic aerosols (agricultural dust, black carbon and other anthropogenic aerosols), but also include natural dust transported from the source regions. The aerosol optical depth, averaged over a 3-month period, derived from MODIS for the CSR is 0.27, which is 47% higher than that over the USR (0.19). Although transported natural dust only accounts for 53% of this difference, it is a major contributor to the average absorbing aerosol index, which is 27% higher in the CSR (1.07) than in the USR (0.84). During dust event periods, liquid water cloud particle size, optical depth and liquid water path are smaller by 9%, 30% and 33% compared to dust-free conditions, respectively.
Computation of liquid-liquid equilibria and phase stabilities: implications for RH-dependent gas/particle partitioning of organic-inorganic aerosols
Authors: Zuend A. , Marcolli C. , Peter T. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Semivolatile organic and inorganic aerosol species partition between the gas and aerosol particle phases to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium. Liquid-liquid phase separation into an organic-rich and an aqueous electrolyte phase can occur in the aerosol as a result of the salting-out effect. Such liquid-liquid equilibria (LLE) affect the gas/particle partitioning of the different semivolatile compounds and might significantly alter both particle mass and composition as compared to a one-phase particle. We present a new liquid-liquid equilibrium and gas/particle partitioning model, using as a basis the group-contribution model AIOMFAC (Zuend et al., 2008). This model allows the reliable computation of the liquid-liquid coexistence curve (binodal), corresponding tie-lines, the limit of stability/metastability (spinodal), and further thermodynamic properties of the phase diagram. Calculations for ternary and multicomponent alcohol/polyol-water-salt mixtures suggest that LLE are a prevalent feature of organic-inorganic aerosol systems. A six-component polyol-water-ammonium sulphate system is used to simulate effects of relative humidity (RH) and the presence of liquid-liquid phase separation on the gas/particle partitioning. RH, salt concentration, and hydrophilicity (water-solubility) are identified as key features in defining the region of a miscibility gap and govern the extent to which compound partitioning is affected by changes in RH. The model predicts that liquid-liquid phase separation can lead to either an increase or decrease in total particulate mass, depending on the overall composition of a system and the particle water content, which is related to the hydrophilicity of the different organic and inorganic compounds. Neglecting non-ideality and liquid-liquid phase separations by assuming an ideal mixture leads to an overestimation of the total particulate mass by up to 30% for the composition and RH range considered in the six-component system simulation. For simplified partitioning parametrizations, we suggest a modified definition of the effective saturation concentration, C*j, by including water and other inorganics in the absorbing phase. Such a C*j definition reduces the RH-dependency of the gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organics in organic-inorganic aerosols by an order of magnitude as compared to the currently accepted definition, which considers the organic species only.
Total Peroxy Nitrates (ΣPNs) in the atmosphere: the Thermal Dissociation-Laser Induced Fluorescence (TD-LIF) technique and comparisons to speciated PAN measurements
Authors: Wooldridge P. J. , Perring A. E. , Bertram T. H. , Flocke F. M. , Roberts J. M. , Singh H. B. , Huey L. G. , Thornton J. A. , Wolfe G. M. , Murphy J. G. , Fry J. L. , Rollins A. W. , LaFranchi B. W. , Cohen R. C.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) and its chemical analogues are increasingly being quantified in the ambient atmosphere by thermal dissociation (TD) followed by detection of either the peroxyacyl radical or the NO2 product. Here we present details of the technique developed at University of California, Berkeley which detects the sum of all peroxynitrates (ΣPNs) via laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of the NO2 product. We review the various deployments and compare the Berkeley ΣPNs measurements with the sums of PAN and its homologue species detected individually by other instruments. The observed TD-LIF ΣPNs usually agree to within 10% with the summed individual species, thus arguing against the presence of significant concentrations of unmeasured PAN-type compounds in the atmosphere, as suggested by some photochemical mechanisms. Examples of poorer agreement are attributed to a sampling inlet design that is shown to be inappropriate for high NOx conditions. Interferences to the TD-LIF measurements are described along with strategies to minimize their effects.
A liquid nitrogen-free preconcentration unit for measurements of ambient N2O isotopomers by QCLAS
Authors: Mohn J. , Guggenheim C. , Tuzson B. , Vollmer M. K. , Toyoda S. , Yoshida N. , Emmenegger L.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Important information about the biogeochemical cycle of nitrous oxide (N2O) can be obtained by measuring its three main isotopic species, 14N15N16O, 15N14N16O, and 14N14N16O, and the respective site-specific relative isotope ratio differences δ15Nα and δ15Nβ. Absorption laser spectroscopy in the mid-infrared is a direct method for the analysis of the 15N isotopic composition of N2O, yet not sensitive enough for atmospheric N2O mixing ratios (320 ppb). To enable a fully-automated high precision analysis of N2O isotopic species at ambient mixing ratios, we built and optimized a liquid nitrogen-free preconcentration unit to be coupled to a quantum cascade laser (QCL) based spectrometer. During standard operation 10 l of ambient air are preconcentrated on a HayeSep D trap and desorbed in 50 ml of synthetic air. Rigorous tests were conducted, using FTIR, quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS), GC-FID and component-specific ozone and oxygen analysers to investigate recovery rates, conservation of isotopic signatures and spectral interferences after preconcentration. We achieve quantitative N2O recovery of >99% with only minor, statistically not significant isotopic fractionation and no relevant spectral interferences from other atmospheric constituents. The developed preconcentration unit also has the potential to be applied to other trace gases and their isotopic composition.
A preliminary assessment of peat degradation in West Kalimantan
Authors: Anshari G. Z.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Degradation of tropical peats is a global concern due to large Carbon emission and loss of biodiversity. The degradation of tropical peats usually starts when the government clears closed peat forests into open and drained peatlands for agricultural uses. Tropical peats have high values of Water Contents (WC), Organic Matters (OM) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and low values of Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Sulphur (TS). Dry Bulk Density (DBD) is commonly less than 0.1 g cm−3. Decline of concentration values of OM (<90%) and TOC (<40%) indicate peat degradation. In disturbed peats, TN concentration tends to decrease and the concentration of TS slightly increases. Changes in OM, TOC, TN and TS are potentially important indicators for assessing peat degradation in the tropics.
Analysis of surface soil moisture patterns in agricultural landscapes using Empirical Orthogonal Functions
Authors: Korres W. , Koyama C. N. , Fiener P. , Schneider K.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Soil moisture is one of the fundamental variables in hydrology, meteorology and agriculture. Nevertheless, its spatio-temporal patterns in agriculturally used landscapes that are affected by multiple natural (rainfall, soil, topography etc.) and agronomic (fertilisation, soil management etc.) factors are often not well known. The aim of this study is to determine the dominant factors governing the spatio-temporal patterns of surface soil moisture in a grassland and an arable test site that are located within the Rur catchment in Western Germany. Surface soil moisture (0–6 cm) was measured in an approx. 50×50 m grid during 14 and 17 measurement campaigns (May 2007 to November 2008) in both test sites. To analyse the spatio-temporal patterns of surface soil moisture, an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis was applied and the results were correlated with parameters derived from topography, soil, vegetation and land management to link the patterns to related factors and processes. For the grassland test site, the analysis resulted in one significant spatial structure (first EOF), which explained 57.5% of the spatial variability connected to soil properties and topography. The statistical weight of the first spatial EOF is stronger on wet days. The highest temporal variability can be found in locations with a high percentage of soil organic carbon (SOC). For the arable test site, the analysis resulted in two significant spatial structures, the first EOF, which explained 38.4% of the spatial variability, and showed a highly significant correlation to soil properties, namely soil texture and soil stone content. The second EOF, which explained 28.3% of the spatial variability, is linked to differences in land management. The soil moisture in the arable test site varied more strongly during dry and wet periods at locations with low porosity. The method applied is capable of identifying the dominant parameters controlling spatio-temporal patterns of surface soil moisture without being affected by single random processes, even in intensively managed agricultural areas.
Runoff properties of extreme discharges on Paraná and Uruguay rivers
Authors: Vargas W. , Bischoff S. , Naumann G. , Marcuzzi E.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. Climate variability in different spatial scales is a study area which has reached interest in application, especially during de last years. River discharges can be considered as a robust integrator of the properties of the basin; under these premises the goal of this work is to analyse flows from the Paraná and Uruguay rivers in several gauge stations and study the behavior of positive and negative anomalies and their extremes. The variable to be analysed was defined as the number of anomalies with the same sign per year. Results show that the structures are different for both rivers, which implies a different stochastic process. Identical representativeness was found between the anomaly series in each river. The risk estimation of extremes in both rivers indicates that it is possible to establish a decision model. Additionally, the series of annual number of anomalies presented a climatic jump in the seventies, for both rivers.
On the use of the calibration-based approach for debris-flow forward-analyses
Authors: Pirulli M.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. In the present paper the problem of modeling the propagation of potential debris flows is tackled resorting to a numerical approach. In particular, numerical analyses are carried out with the RASH3D code, based on a single-phase depth-averaged continuum mechanics approach. Since each numerical analysis requires the selection of a rheology and the setting of the rheological input parameters, a calibration-based approach, where the rheological parameters are constrained by systematic adjustment during trial-and-error back-analysis of full-scale events, has been assumed. The back-analysis of a 1000 m3 debris flow, located at Tate's Cairn, Hong Kong, and the forward-analysis of a 10 000 m3 potential debris flow, located in the same basin have been used to investigate the transferability of back-calculated rheological parameters from one case to another. Three different rheologies have been tested: Frictional, Voellmy and Quadratic. From obtained results it emerges that 1) the back-calculation of a past event with different rheologies can help in selecting the rheology that better reproduces the runout of the analysed event and, on the basis of that selection, can give some indication about the dynamics of the investigated flow, 2) the use of back-calculated parameters for forward purposes requires that past and potential events have similar characteristics, some of which are a function of the assumed rheology. Among tested rheologies, it is observed that the Quadratic rheology is more influenced by volume size than Frictional and Voellmy rheologies and consequently its application requires that events are also similar in volume.
Association of pruritus with quality of life and disability in systemic sclerosis
Authors: El‐Baalbaki Ghassan , Razykov Ilya , Hudson Marie , Bassel Marielle , Baron Murray , Thombs Brett D. ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: May 2010

Objective

To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the association of pruritus, which is present in almost half of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma), with quality of life (QOL) and disability. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of pruritus with QOL and disability in SSc.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional, multicenter study of 578 SSc patients ≥1 year post–enrollment in the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry. Patients reported whether they experienced pruritus during the past month on most days and underwent clinical histories and medical examinations. QOL was measured using the mental and physical component summary scores of the Short Form 36, and disability was measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index. The association of pruritus with QOL and disability was estimated using linear regression, controlling for sociodemographic and disease variables.

Results

A total of 248 patients (43%) reported pruritus on most days. Patients with pruritus had significantly worse mental (Hedges'sg= −0.43; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.59, −0.26) and physical function (Hedges'sg= −0.51; 95% CI −0.68, −0.34) and greater disability (Hedges'sg= 0.46; 95% CI 0.29, 0.63) than patients without pruritus. In multivariate analyses, controlling for age, sex, marital status, education, disease duration, skin score, number of tender joints, gastrointestinal symptoms, breathing problems, Raynaud's phenomenon, and finger ulcers, pruritus was independently associated with mental (P= 0.017) and physical function (P= 0.003), but not disability (P= 0.112).

Conclusion

Pruritus is common and associated with QOL in SSc. More attention to pruritus in SSc is needed, including its measurement, etiology, trajectory, and potential methods for intervention.
Genome‐scan for bipolar disorder with sib‐pair families in the Sardinian population: A new susceptibility locus on chromosome 1p22–p21?
Authors: Del Zompo Maria , Severino Giovanni , Ardau Raffaella , Chillotti Caterina , Piccardi Mariapaola , Dib Colette , Muzard Gaëlle , Soubigou Stéphane , Derock Murielle , Fournel Raphaël , Vaubien Yves , Roche Sandrine , Bowen‐Squires Laurent , Génin Emmanuelle , Cousin Emmanuelle , Deleuze Jean‐François , Biguet Nicole Faucon , Mallet Jacques , Meloni Rolando
Published: May 2010

The discovery of the genetic factors implicated in the predisposition to complex diseases may greatly profit from genetic studies in isolated populations. In this perspective, we performed a genome‐wide scan using 507 microsatellite markers, with an average interval size of 7.6 cM, on a sample of 88 nuclear families with at least two affected sibs with bipolar disorder recruited in the Sardinian population. An initial analysis yielded non‐parametric linkage exceeding 3.4 with P‐values <0.0003 at two adjacent markers, D1S206 and D1S435 in the 1p22–p21 chromosomal region. Moreover, positive linkage ranging between 2.0 and 3.0 was obtained for other loci in several cases in regions that have already been linked to predisposition to bipolar disorder, such as 5p15.33, 8q24.13, and 11q14.3. A subsequent analysis of the 1p22–p21 region using the same set of families and a dense panel of 20 new microsatellite markers, spaced at 1.2 cM on average, reinforced the finding of suggestive linkage for this region. Interestingly, NPL values above 2.1 and P‐values <0.02 were obtained for a cluster of 10 markers comprising D1S435. Thus, this study suggests that the 1p22–p21 region may contain a new locus participating to the genetic susceptibility to bipolar disorder and reproduces positive linkage for several other loci already implicated in this pathology. Since the Sardinian population presents a peculiar genetic homogeneity, these results may pave the way to further studies for replication in this population contributing to the rapid discovery of the genetic factors predisposing to bipolar disorder. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A functional polymorphism in the reduced folate carrier gene and DNA hypomethylation in mothers of children with autism
Authors: James S. Jill , Melnyk Stepan , Jernigan Stefanie , Pavliv Oleksandra , Trusty Timothy , Lehman Sara , Seidel Lisa , Gaylor David W. , Cleves Mario A.
Published: May 2010

The biologic basis of autism is complex and is thought to involve multiple and variable gene–environment interactions. While the logical focus has been on the affected child, the impact of maternal genetics on intrauterine microenvironment during pivotal developmental windows could be substantial. Folate‐dependent one carbon metabolism is a highly polymorphic pathway that regulates the distribution of one‐carbon derivatives between DNA synthesis (proliferation) and DNA methylation (cell‐specific gene expression and differentiation). These pathways are essential to support the programmed shifts between proliferation and differentiation during embryogenesis and organogenesis. Maternal genetic variants that compromise intrauterine availability of folate derivatives could alter fetal cell trajectories and disrupt normal neurodevelopment. In this investigation, the frequency of common functional polymorphisms in the folate pathway was investigated in a large population‐based sample of autism case‐parent triads. In case–control analysis, a significant increase in the reduced folate carrier (RFC1) G allele frequency was found among case mothers, but not among fathers or affected children. Subsequent log linear analysis of the RFC1 A80G genotype within family trios revealed that the maternal G allele was associated with a significant increase in risk of autism whereas the inherited genotype of the child was not. Further, maternal DNA from the autism mothers was found to be significantly hypomethylated relative to reference control DNA. Metabolic profiling indicated that plasma homocysteine, adenosine, and S‐adenosylhomocyteine were significantly elevated among autism mothers consistent with reduced methylation capacity and DNA hypomethylation. Together, these results suggest that the maternal genetics/epigenetics may influence fetal predisposition to autism. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of biodegradable amino‐acid‐based poly(ester amide)s and poly(ether ester amide)s with pendant functional groups
Authors: Guo Kai , Chu C. C.
Published: May 2010

A new family of biodegradable amino‐acid‐based poly(ester amide)s (AA–PEAs) and amino‐acid‐based poly(ether ester amide)s (AA–PEEAs) consisting of reactive pendant functional groups (COOH or NH2) were synthesized from unsaturated AA–PEAs and AA–PEEAs via a thiol–ene reaction in the presence of a radical initiator (2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile). The synthetic method was a one‐step reaction with near 100% yields under mild reaction conditions. The resulting functional AA–PEA and AA–PEEA polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry. These new functional AA–PEA and AA–PEEA derivatives had lower glass‐transition temperatures than the original unsaturated AA–PEA and AA–PEEA polymers, and their solubility in some organic solvents also improved. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Biodegradable microspheres of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) loaded with malathion pesticide: Preparation, characterization, and in vitro controlled release testing
Authors: Suave J. , Dall'Agnol E. C. , Pezzin A. P. T. , Meier M. M. , Silva D. A. K.
Published: May 2010

In this investigation, our aim was to evaluate the performance of a controlled release of malathion pesticide loaded in microspheres of pure polymers of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and of blends of these polymers with compositions of 70/30, 80/20, 90/10, 95/5, and 97/3 w/w. Microspheres were obtained by an emulsion–evaporation method to load a model pesticide. Scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize the effect of the pesticide on the morphology and particles size of the biodegradable microspheres. The interaction between the matrix and pesticide was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The test for controlled release was performed in an aqueous medium, and malathion was quantified by ultraviolet spectroscopy. The results show that the release of malathion was improved with the PCL content in the blends; this indicated the possibility of modulating the release of the pesticide in these biodegradable blends. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010