bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Airborne pollutants and lacunar stroke: a case cross-over analysis on stroke unit admissions
Authors: Corea Francesco , Silvestrelli Giorgio , Baccarelli Andrea , Giua Alessandra , Previdi Paolo , SIliprandi Giorgio , Murgia Nicola
Published: September 2012

Particulate air pollution is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease. The relation of particulate air pollution with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has not been extensively studied, particularly in relation to different subtypes of stroke. A time-series study was conducted to evaluate the association between daily air pollution and acute stroke unit hospitalizations in Mantua, Italy. We analyzed 781 CVD consecutive patients living in Mantua county admitted between 2006-08. Data on stroke types, demographic variables, risk factors were available from the Lombardia Stroke Registry. Daily mean value of particulate matter with a diameter <10 mm (PM10), carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, benzene and ozone were used in the analysis. The association between CVD, ischemic strokes subtypes and pollutants was investigated with a case-crossover design, using conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusting for temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and holidays. Among the 781 subjects admitted 75.7% had ischemic stroke, 11.7% haemorrhagic stroke 12.6% transient ischemic attack. In men admission for stroke was associated with PM10 [odds ratio (OR) 1.01, 95%; confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.02; P<0.05]. According to the clinical classification, lacunar anterior circulation syndrome stroke type was related to PM10 level registered on the day of admission for both genders (OR: 1.01, 95%; CI: 1.00-1.02; P<0.05) while for total anterior circulation syndrome stroke only in men (OR: 1.04, 95%; CI 1.01-1.07; P<0.05). In conclusion, our study confirms that air pollution peaks may contribute to increase the risk of hospitalization for stroke and particulate matter seems to be a significant risk factor, especially for lacunar stroke.
Vascular incontinence: incontinence in the elderly due to ischemic white matter changes
Authors: Sakakibara Ryuji , Panicker Jalesh , Fowler Clare J. , Tateno Fuyuki , Kishi Masahiko , Tsuyuzaki Yohei , Ogawa Emina , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Tatsuya
Published: September 2012

This review article introduces the new concept of vascular incontinence, a disorder of bladder control resulting from cerebral white matter disease (WMD). The concept is based on the original observation in 1999 of a correlation between the severity of leukoareosis or WMD, urinary symptoms, gait disorder and cognitive impairment. Over the last 20 years, the realization that WMD is not a benign incidental finding in the elderly has become generally accepted and several studies have pointed to an association between geriatric syndromes and this type of pathology. The main brunt of WMD is in the frontal regions, a region recognized to be crucial for bladder control. Other disorders should be excluded, both neurological and urological, such as normalpressure hydrocephalus, progressive supranuclear palsy, etc., and prostatic hyperplasia, physical stress incontinence, nocturnal polyuria, etc. Treatment involves management of small vessel disease risk factors and anticholinergic drugs that do not easily penetrate the blood brain barrier to improve bladder control.
Ozone production from the interaction of wildfire and biogenic emissions: a case study in Russia during spring 2006
Authors: Bossioli E. , Tombrou M. , Karali A. , Dandou A. , Paronis D. , Sofiev M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The objective of this study is to investigate the contribution of biomass burning emissions to O3 production during small-scale dry-grass fires over Western Russia (24 April–10 May 2006) as well as to quantify the effect of biogenic emissions in this environment. By using the Factor Separation methodology, we evaluate the pure contribution of each one of these two sources and we appoint the significance of their synergistic effect on O3 production. The total (actual) contribution of each source is also estimated. Sensitivity simulations assess the effect of various fire emission parameters, such as chemical composition, emissions magnitude and injection height. The model results are compared with O3 and isoprene observations from 117 and 9 stations of the EMEP network, respectively. Model computations show that the fire episode determines the sensitivity of O3 chemistry in the area. The reference run which represents grass fires with high NOx/CO emission ratio (0.06) is characterized by VOC-sensitive O3 production. In that case, the pure impact of fire emissions on surface O3 is up to 40–45 ppb, while their synergistic effect with the biogenic emissions is proven significant (up to 8 ppb). Under a lower NOx/CO molar ratio (0.025, representative of agricultural residues), the area is characterized by NOx-sensitive chemistry and the maximum surface O3 predictions are almost doubled due to higher O3 production at the fire spots and lower fires' NO emissions.
35 years of stratospheric aerosol measurements at Garmisch-Partenkirchen: from Fuego to Eyjafjallajökull, and beyond
Authors: Trickl T. , Giehl H. , Jäger H. , Vogelmann H.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The powerful backscatter lidar at Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) has almost continually delivered backscatter coefficients of the stratospheric aerosol since 1976. The time series is dominated by signals from the particles injected into or formed in the stratosphere due to major volcanic eruptions, in particular those of El Chichon (Mexico, 1982) and Mt. Pinatubo (Philippines, 1991). The volcanic aerosol disappears within about five years, the removal from the stratosphere being modulated by the phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation. Here, we focus more on the long-lasting background period since the late 1990s and 2006, in view of processes maintaining a residual lower-stratospheric aerosol layer in absence of major eruptions, as well as the period of moderate volcanic impact afterwards. During the long background period the stratospheric backscatter coefficients reached a level even below that observed in the late 1970s. This suggests that the predicted potential influence of the strongly growing air traffic on the stratospheric aerosol loading is very low. Some correlation may be found with single strong forest-fire events, but the average influence of biomass burning seems to be quite limited. No positive trend in background aerosol can be resolved over a period as long as that observed by lidar at Mauna Loa or Boulder. This suggests being careful with invoking Asian air pollution as the main source as found in the literature. Rather an impact of previously missed volcanic eruptions on the stratospheric aerosol must be taken into consideration. A key observation in this regard was that of the plume from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull above Garmisch-Partenkirchen (April 2010) due to the proximity of that source. The top altitude of the ash next to the source was reported just as roughly 9.3 km, but the lidar measurements revealed enhanced stratospheric aerosol up to 14.5 km. Our analysis suggests for two, perhaps three, of the four measurement days the presence of a stratospheric contribution from Iceland related to quasi-horizontal transport, contrasting the strongly descending lower layers entering Central Europe. The backscatter coefficients within the first 2 km above the tropopause exceed the stratospheric background by a factor of three to four. In addition, Asian and Saharan dust layers were identified in the free troposphere, Asian dust most likely even in the stratosphere. The number of minor mid-latitude eruptions has gradually increased during the past ten years. We conclude that, although their stratospheric contribution could not be clearly identified above our site they can sum up for forming some minor background. Clear stratospheric signatures were only seen in the case of eruptions reaching higher altitudes.
Nutrient limitation reduces land carbon uptake in simulations with a model of combined carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling
Authors: Goll D. S. , Brovkin V. , Parida B. R. , Reick C. H. , Kattge J. , Reich P. B. , van Bodegom P. M. , Niinemets Ü.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Terrestrial carbon (C) cycle models applied for climate projections simulate a strong increase in net primary productivity (NPP) due to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration during the 21st century. These models usually neglect the limited availability of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), nutrients that commonly limit plant growth and soil carbon turnover. To investigate how the projected C sequestration is altered when stoichiometric constraints on C cycling are considered, we incorporated a P cycle into the land surface model JSBACH (Jena Scheme for Biosphere–Atmosphere Coupling in Hamburg), which already includes representations of coupled C and N cycles. The model reveals a distinct geographic pattern of P and N limitation. Under the SRES (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios) A1B scenario, the accumulated land C uptake between 1860 and 2100 is 13% (particularly at high latitudes) and 16% (particularly at low latitudes) lower in simulations with N and P cycling, respectively, than in simulations without nutrient cycles. The combined effect of both nutrients reduces land C uptake by 25% compared to simulations without N or P cycling. Nutrient limitation in general may be biased by the model simplicity, but the ranking of limitations is robust against the parameterization and the inflexibility of stoichiometry. After 2100, increased temperature and high CO2 concentration cause a shift from N to P limitation at high latitudes, while nutrient limitation in the tropics declines. The increase in P limitation at high-latitudes is induced by a strong increase in NPP and the low P sorption capacity of soils, while a decline in tropical NPP due to high autotrophic respiration rates alleviates N and P limitations. The quantification of P limitation remains challenging. The poorly constrained processes of soil P sorption and biochemical mineralization are identified as the main uncertainties in the strength of P limitation. Even so, our findings indicate that global land C uptake in the 21st century is likely overestimated in models that neglect P and N limitations. In the long term, insufficient P availability might become an important constraint on C cycling at high latitudes. Accordingly, we argue that the P cycle must be included in global models used for C cycle projections.
Impact of a time-dependent background error covariance matrix on air quality analysis
Authors: Jaumouillé E. , Massart S. , Piacentini A. , Cariolle D. , Peuch V.-H.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. In this article we study the influence of different characteristics of our assimilation system on surface ozone analyses over Europe. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of the background error covariance matrix (BECM). Data assimilation systems require a BECM in order to obtain an optimal representation of the physical state. A posteriori diagnostics are an efficient way to check the consistency of the used BECM. In this study we derived a diagnostic to estimate the BECM. On the other hand, an increasingly used approach to obtain such a covariance matrix is to estimate it from an ensemble of perturbed assimilation experiments. We applied this method, combined with variational assimilation, while analysing the surface ozone distribution over Europe. We first show that the resulting covariance matrix is strongly time (hourly and seasonally) and space dependent. We then built several configurations of the background error covariance matrix with none, one or two of its components derived from the ensemble estimation. We used each of these configurations to produce surface ozone analyses. All the analyses are compared between themselves and compared to assimilated data or data from independent validation stations. The configurations are very well correlated with the validation stations, but with varying regional and seasonal characteristics. The largest correlation is obtained with the experiments using time- and space-dependent correlation of the background errors. Results show that our assimilation process is efficient in bringing the model assimilations closer to the observations than the direct simulation, but we cannot conclude which BECM configuration is the best. The impact of the background error covariances configuration on four-days forecasts is also studied. Although mostly positive, the impact depends on the season and lasts longer during the winter season.
Dynamical and statistical downscaling of the French Mediterranean climate: uncertainty assessment
Authors: Vrac M. , Drobinski P. , Merlo A. , Herrmann M. , Lavaysse C. , Li L. , Somot S.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. ERA-40 reanalyses, and simulations from three regional climate models (RCMs) (ALADIN, LMDZ, and WRF) and from one statistical downscaling model (CDF-t) are used to evaluate the uncertainty in downscaling of wind, temperature, and rainfall cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) for eight stations in the French Mediterranean basin over 1991–2000. The uncertainty is quantified using the Cramer-von Mises score (CvM) to measure the "distance" between the simulated and observed CDFs. The ability of the three RCMs and CDF-t to simulate the "climate" variability is quantified with the explained variance, variance ratio and extreme occurrence. The study shows that despite their differences, the three RCMs display very similar performance. In terms of global distributions (i.e. CvM), all models perform better than ERA-40 for both seasons and variables. However, looking at variance criteria, RCMs are not always much better than ERA-40 reanalyses, whereas CDF-t produces accurate results when applied to ERA-40. In a second step, a combined statistical/dynamical downscaling approach has been used, consisting in applying CDF-t to the RCM outputs. It shows that CDF-t applied to the RCM outputs does not necessarily produce better results than those from CDF-t directly applied to ERA-40. It also shows that CDF-t applied to RCMs generally improves the downscaled CDFs and that the "additional" added value of CDF-t applied to the RCMs is independent of the performance of the RCMs in terms of CvM, explained variance, variance ratio and extreme occurrence.
Multiple equilibria and oscillatory modes in a mid-latitude ocean-forced atmospheric model
Authors: Deremble B. , Simonnet E. , Ghil M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric response to a mid-latitude sea surface temperature (SST) front is studied, while emphasizing low-frequency modes induced by the presence of such a front. An idealized atmospheric quasi-geostrophic (QG) model is forced by the SST field of an idealized oceanic QG model. First, the equilibria of the oceanic model and the associated SST fronts are computed. Next, these equilibria are used to force the atmospheric model and compute its equilibria when varying the strength of the oceanic forcing. Low-frequency modes of atmospheric variability are identified and associated with successive Hopf bifurcations. The origin of these Hopf bifurcations is studied in detail, and connected to barotropic instability. Finally, a link is established between the model's time integrations and the previously obtained equilibria.
Regional estimates of glacier mass change from MODIS-derived equilibrium line altitudes
Authors: Shea J. M. , Menounos B. , Dan Moore R. , Tennant C.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We describe an automated method to extract regional snowline elevations and annual equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs) from daily MODIS imagery (MOD02QKM) on large glaciers and icefields in western North America. Regional MODIS-derived ELAs correlate significantly with observed net mass balance at six index glacier mass balance sites. Historical mass balance gradients were combined with MODIS-derived ELAs to estimate annual mass change at the Columbia, Lillooet, and Sittakanay icefields in British Columbia, Canada. Our approach yields estimates of mass change that are within 30% of traditional geodetic approaches over decadal time-scales, and reveals continued mass loss of glaciers in western North America. Between 2000 and 2009, mean annual rates of surface elevation change for the Columbia, Lillooet, and Sittakanay icefields are estimated to be −0.29 ± 0.15 m a−1, −0.57 ± 0.10 m a−1, and −0.90 ± 0.09 m a−1, respectively. This study provides a complementary approach to the development of regional estimates of glacier mass change, which are critical for studies of glacier contributions to both streamflow and global sea-level rise.
The Impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Adoption on The Accounting Quality of Listed Companies In Kenya
Authors: Outa Erick Rading
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study seeks to establish if the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Kenya has been associated with higher accounting quality for listed companies. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), in its objectives and preamble, supposes that the beneficial effects from IFRS adoption include transparency, accounting quality and reduced cost of capital. Based on these assumptions, this study applied accounting quality measures; earnings management, timely loss recognition and value relevance to find out whether the adoption of IFRS has led to improvements in accounting quality in companies listed in Kenya. The methodology is based on prior literature definition of metrics of accounting quality mainly earnings management, timely loss recognition and value relevance. The study differs from the previous ones by overcoming difficulties in controlling for confounding factors faced in previous studies which could have led to less reliable results. Three out of the eight metrics indicated that quality had marginally improved while five indicated that it had marginally declined. These mixed outcomes are very much in line with findings in other studies and the study contributes to the debate by explaining why accounting quality outcomes are still not consistent with IFRS promises in spite of improved test conditions. Key words: IFRS; IAS; accounting quality; earnings management; timely loss recognition;
The Role of Infection-Associated Risk Factors in Prosthetic Surgery
Authors: Witsø Eivind
Published: September 2012

The number of obese people with diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing. DM is in itself a risk factor for all types of infections, including infections after total hip and knee prosthetic surgery. In particular, the prevalence of obesity is high among orthopaedic patients. Obesity is also a risk factor for post-operative infections in general. After total hip arthroplasty obese patients have a threefold increased risk for post-operative infections compared to a patient with normal weight. There is an association between DM and obesity, and this association is explained by the presence of metabolic syndrome. Fat tissue in people with abdominal obesity acts as an endocrine organ and metabolic syndrome is characterized by a condition of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and vascular obstructive disease. The obese patient with DM should be considered a high risk patient for postoperative infection in all types of surgery. Efforts should be made to identify patients with a metabolic syndrome prior to prosthetic surgery. Fasting glucose levels and HbA1c should be included in preoperative blood tests, and, if necessary, specialists in internal medicine and endocrinology should assess the patient pre-operatively The amount of antibiotics administered as prophylaxis should be adjusted to the body mass and the blood glucose level should be controlled per-operatively. Persistent wound drainage for more than five days post-operatively should be considered for surgical revision. If possible, the patient should of course lose weight before the operation, but the role of bariatric surgery is not discussed in this presentation.
Value of Debridement and Irrigation for the Treatment of Peri-Prosthetic Infections. A Systematic Review
Authors: Romanò Carlo L , Manzi Giovanni , Logoluso Nicola , Romanò Delia
Published: September 2012

Debridement and irrigation has been proposed as a salvage procedure for early post-operative and late acute haematogenous periprosthetic hip and knee infections, however the effective ability of this procedure to avoid recurrent infection is still debated.

In this systematic review of the literature we reviewed full-text papers published from 1970 through 2011, that reported the success rate of infection eradication after debridement and irrigation with prosthesis retention for the treatment of early septic complications (within six weeks from surgery) or late acute haematogenous infections after hip or knee prosthesis. In all, 14 original articles, reporting the results of 710 patients were retrieved. The average success rate has been, respectively, 45.9% and 52% after a single or repeated debridement and irrigation procedures, at a mean follow-up of 53.3 months.

The methodological limitations of this study and the heterogeneous material in the reviewed papers notwithstanding, this systematic review shows that debridement and irrigation procedure is associated with a rather poor outcome, even in a population of patients selected on the basis of symptoms’ duration and patients should be adequately informed prior to undergo this salvage procedure.
The Diagnostic Protocol for Evaluation of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Trebše Rihard
Published: September 2012

Infection is becoming the most important as well as the most devastating mechanism of prosthetic joint failure. The incidence is increasing because the absolute number of patients operated is increasing and because more often very sick, debilitated and immunocompromised patients are operated. The trend reveals a further increase in the years to come. Diagnosis may be very easy in case of high grade processes, but also extremely difficult in some other instances. Misdiagnosing infection leads to repeated early failures that are distressing for patients as well as surgeons. To avoid failures related to misdiagnosed prosthetic joint infections a step-wise algorithm of action is proposed and the diagnostic strength of the steps discussed. The key point is to select potential candidates to define the probability of an ongoing infection and then to select the tools to strengthen the suspicion. Further procedures are based on the analysis of the pseudo-synovial fluid obtained by aspiration. Diagnostic conclusions form the basis for treatment decisions.
Application of experimental design for extraction of BHA and BHT from edible vegetable oil and their determination using HPLC
Authors: Hadjmohammadi M.R. , Ehsani M. , Kamel K. , Biparva P.
Published: September 2012

The optimal conditions of liquid–liquid extraction of two synthetic phenolic antioxidants, BHA and BHT were investigated in five Iranian edible vegetable oil samples using the central composite design. Stepwise multiple linear regression method was used for construction of different models based on the experimental data. Optimum conditions for BHA and BHT were achieved using 3 ml of ethanolic solution containing (0.25% v/v) of glacial acetic acid, three extractions and a mixing time of 10 minutes. Analytes were separated using HPLC with a C18column using methanol:water:glacial acetic acid (75:24:1, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The limit of detections, linear ranges and relative standard deviation (n=7) were 0.04 μg/g−1, 0.5– 200 μg/g−1and 2.6% for BHA and 0.30 μg/g−1, 1.0– 200 μg/g−1and 4.20% for BHT, (r2>0.99), respectively. Amounts of BHA and BHT in analyzed oil samples were in the ranges of 29.8– 54.5 μg/g−1and 0.0– 6.8 μg/g−1respectively.
The Antibacterial Efficacy of Biopure MTAD in Root Canal Contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Kamberi Blerim , Bajrami Donika , Stavileci Miranda , Omeragiq Shuhreta , Dragidella Fatmir , Koçani Ferit
Published: September 2012

Aim. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of Biopure MTAD against E. faecalis in contaminated root canals. Materials and Methods. Forty-two single rooted extracted human teeth were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated for four weeks. The samples were divided in two control and five experimental groups irrigated with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl); 3% NaOCl; BioPure MTAD; 1.5% NaOCl/17% EDTA; or 3% NaOCl/17% EDTA. After a one-week incubation, complete disinfection was confirmed by the absence of turbidity in the incubation media. Dentin shavings were taken from samples with no turbidity to verify whether E. faecalis was present in dentin tubules. Results were analyzed statistically using Fisher's exact test, with the level of significance set at . Results. Statistical analysis of the data obtained at Day 7 and after dentin shaving analysis showed that BioPure MTAD had significantly greater antibacterial activity than 1.5% NaOCl, 1.5% NaOCl/17% EDTA and 3% NaOCl/17% EDTA. No significant difference was detected between MTAD and 3% NaOCl. Conclusions. These findings suggest that BioPure MTAD possesses superior bactericidal activity compared with NaOCl and EDTA against E. faecalis.
Regularity Criteria for Hyperbolic Navier-Stokes and Related System
Authors: Fan Jishan , Ozawa Tohru
Published: September 2012

We prove a regularity criterion for strong solutions to the hyperbolic Navier-Stokes and related equations in Besov space.
Autophagy Mechanism, Regulation, Functions, and Disorders
Authors: Badadani Mallikarjun
Published: September 2012

Autophagy is a self-digesting mechanism responsible for removal of damaged organelles, malformed proteins during biosynthesis, and nonfunctional long-lived proteins by lysosome. Autophagy has been divided into three general types depending on the mechanism by which intracellular materials are delivered into lysosome for degradation that is, microautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and macroautophagy. In microautophagy cytoplasm material is sequestered through direct invagination to the lysosomal membrane. Whereas in CMA proteins flagged with pentapeptide motif (KFERQ) were selectively degraded through direct translocation into lysosome. Macroautophagy involves the formation of subcellular double-membrane-bound structures called autophagosomes that contain degradable contents of cytoplasm materials and deliver them into lysosomes for breakdown by lysosomal enzymes. The molecular mechanism of autophagy involves several conserved Atg (autophagy-related) proteins. Systems produce modified complexes Atg8-PE and Atg5-Atg12-Atg16 as autophagy regulators. Autophagy is activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions. For example, food deprivation, hyperthermia, and hypoxia are mediated by factors like insulin/IGF-1, m-TOR signaling, FOXO transcription factors, and chaperones. The perturbance in autophagy may lead to several types of cancers, myopathies, and neuromuscular disorders. Several autophagy inducers and inhibitors like 3-methyladenine (3-MA), bafilomycin A1, LY294002 (LY), and Velcade have been used to treat disease is an intense field of study.
CSR and the Debate on Business and Human Rights: Bridging the Great Divide
Authors: Wettstein Florian
Published: September 2012

Human rights have not played an overwhelmingly prominent role in CSR in the past. Similarly, CSR has had relatively little influence on what is now called the “business and human rights debate.” This contribution uncovers some of the reasons for the rather peculiar disconnect between these two debates and, based on it, presents some apparent synergies and complementarities between the two. A closer integration of the two debates, as it argues, would allow for the formulation of an expansive and demanding conception of corporate human rights obligations. Such a conception does not stop with corporate obligations “merely” to respect human rights, but includes an extended focus on proactive company involvement in the protection and realization of human rights. In other words, the integration of the two debates provides the space within which to formulate positive human rights obligations for corporations.
Evaluation of the Milk Fatty Acid Profile from Mediterranean Buffalo Cows in the First Eight Weeks of Lactation
Authors: Verdurico Lenita Camargo , Gandra Jefferson Rodrigues , Júnior Jose Esler de Freitas , Barletta Rafael Villela , Venturelli Beatriz Conte , Mingoti Rodolfo Daniel , Annibale Vendramini Thiago Henrique , Rennó Francisco Palma
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid composition of buffalo milk in the first eight weeks oflactation. It was used 18 cows multiparous Buffaloes of Mediterranean race, the data collection starting four weeksbefore of the calving provided by the 8th week of lactation. The animals were mechanically milked once daily in themorning. The milk samples used for composition analysis were collected weekly from parturition to eight weeks oflactation. There was effect of weeks during the transition period and early lactation for fat yield (kg/day) and for bodyweight of the buffalo cows in lactation (kg).There was effect of weeks of lactation on the fatty acid composition of milkfat.Variations in levels of unsaturated fatty acids of milk fat of buffaloes are similar to those found in dairy cows of thepartum to eighth week of lactation.
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Microplus Ticks can Complete their Life Cycle on the Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Benitez Daniel , Cetra Bibiana , Florin-Christensen Monica
Published: September 2012

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is considered one of the most important ectoparasites of cattle worldwide. Due to the increase in the number of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in R. microplus-infested areas, this study was designed to determine whether these ruminants are able to sustain the complete tick life cycle. To this aim, a seven-month old water buffalo of the Mediterranean breed and a Holstein bovine of the same age, both tick-naïve, were infested with R. microplus tick larvae, and the parasitic and non-parasitic tick stages were analyzed and compared. The studied parameters include the number of recovered engorged females, the time points at which the first and last engorged females fell to the ground; the pre-oviposition duration, the percentage of hatching and the reproductive efficiency index. No statistically significant differences were found between the buffalo and the bovine in all parameters measured. It was concluded that the water buffalo can act as a suitable reservoir for R. microplus ticks. These results should be taken into account when implementing tick control and eradication campaigns in water buffalo grazing lands.
Les colorants textiles sources de contamination de l’eau : CRIBLAGE de la toxicité et des méthodes de traitement
Authors: Mansour Hedi Ben , Boughzala Oualid , Dridi dorra , Barillier Daniel , Chekir-Ghedira Leila , Mosrati Ridha
Published: September 2012

Les colorants sont largement utilisés dans les imprimeries, les produits alimentaires, cosmétiques et cliniques, mais en particulier dans les industries textiles pour leur stabilité chimique et la facilité de leur synthèse et leur variété de couleurs. Cependant, ces colorants sont à l’origine de la pollution une fois évacués dans l’environnement. La production mondiale des colorants est estimée à plus de 800 000 t•an-1et les colorants azoïques sont majoritaires et représentent 60-70 %. Compte tenu de la composition très hétérogène de ces derniers, leur dégradation conduit souvent à la conception d’une chaîne de traitement physique-chimique et biologique assurant l’élimination des différents polluants par étapes successives. Dés études ont montré que plusieurs colorants azoïques sont toxiques et mutagènes et le traitement biologique de ces colorants semble présenter un intérêt scientifique majeur. Les traitements physico-chimiques communs (adsorption, coagulation/floculation, précipitation etc.) sont couramment utilisés pour les effluents industriels. Malgré leur rapidité, ces méthodes se sont avérées peu efficaces compte tenu des normes exigées sur ces rejets. Le traitement biologique constitue une alternative fiable; en effet, plusieurs microorganismes sont capables de transformer les colorants azoïques en sous-produits incolores. Les bactéries dégradent les colorants azoïques en deux étapes : un clivage de liaison azo, par l’intermédiaire de l’azoréductase, suivi d’une oxydation des amines aromatiques formées lors de la première étape. L’azoréduction constitue alors une étape clé du traitement des effluents chargés de ces colorants.
Existe-t-il une relation entre les modèles pluie-débit au pas de temps pluriannuel ?
Authors: Mouelhi Safouane
Published: September 2012

Au pas de temps pluriannuel, l’approche par bilan fournit des modèles pluie-débit sous forme de simples formulations mathématiques reliant le débit (Q) à la pluie (P) et l’évapotranspiration potentielle (E), le tout en millimètres par an (mm•an-1). Souvent, il s’agit de la différence entre la quantité de la pluie pluriannuelle et la quantité d’évapotranspiration réelle. Les autres termes du bilan sont supposés négligeables. Pour une meilleure utilisation et compréhension de ce type de modèles, cet article tente de répondre aux questions suivantes : quelles sont les relations entre ces modèles? Quelles sont leurs performances et leurs limites? Comment peut-on améliorer leurs performances? La réponse à ces interrogations a nécessité tout d’abord le choix des modèles les plus répandus à partir de la littérature portant sur l’hydrologie : il s’agit d’expressions employant des formes mathématiques usuelles comme la tangente hyperbolique ou exponentielle. Ensuite, grâce à une analyse adimensionnelle, une forme générale de ces modèles ainsi que leur domaine de définition ont été détectés. En adaptant une méthode de modélisation aux spécificités du pas du temps pluriannuel, et en utilisant un échantillon de données de 407 bassins versants de caractéristiques hydro-climatiques très variées, la performance de ces modèles a été améliorée : soit par affectation d’un paramètre lié à l’évapotranspiration, soit par l’introduction d’une nouvelle variable appelée Indice de Répartition de Pluie (IRP), selon la disponibilité des données.
Phosphorus and nitrogen losses in relation to forest, pasture and row-crop land use and precipitation distribution in the midwest usa
Authors: Udawatta Ranjith P. , Henderson Gray S. , Jones John R. , Hammer David
Published: September 2012

Little information is available comparing the influence of land use and precipitation on the control of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) losses from agricultural watersheds in claypan soils. Eight watersheds with varying proportions of row-crop, pasture, forest, and grass filter strip condition were examined for three consecutive years to evaluate effects of land use and precipitation on P and N losses from row-cropped watersheds. Total P (TP) and total N (TN) losses were inversely related to the percentage of forest and pasture cover. Forest (n=2), pasture (n=3), row-crop (n=2), and row-crop grass filter strip (n=1) land use types had mean annual TP losses of 0.43, 0.90, 3.82 and 1.30 kg•ha-1•yr-1, respectively and mean annual TN losses of 2.02, 4.34, 29.25 and 12.31 kg•ha-1•yr-1, respectively. During the 3-year study, the respective land use types lost 0.36, 0.64, 13.99 and 7.26 kg NO3-N•ha-1•yr-1. Runoff events on row-cropped watersheds resulted in significantly greater TP, TN, and NO3-N losses than those from pastured and forested watersheds. Stream nitrate-N concentrations averaged 0.39, 0.50, and 2.56 mg•L-1 for forest, pasture, and row-crop land use types, respectively. During the study, 136% of the long-term average precipitation in 1998 caused significant nutrient losses in all watershed categories and the variability within a land use type was larger than in years with below long-term rainfall. The study results emphasize the incorporation of perennial vegetation such as vegetative buffers, grass/conservation reserve program areas, and grass filter strips or other perennial vegetation as a long-term option for effective control of nutrient losses in runoff from agricultural watersheds.
État actuel des connaissances des procédés de bioréacteur à membrane pour le traitement et la réutilisation des eaux usées industrielles et urbaines
Authors: Seyhi Brahima , Droguil Patrick , Buelna Géraldo , Blais Jean-François , Heran Marc
Published: September 2012

Les effluents issus des stations d’épuration des eaux usées industrielles et municipales contiennent des quantités non négligeables de polluants organiques, inorganiques et microbiens, qui sont rejetés dans l’environnement par voie directe, ou en suivant la filière de réutilisation (irrigation ou arrosage, etc.). Ces eaux résiduaires constituent l’une des principales sources de contamination des eaux de surface et souterraines (augmentation de la demande chimique en oxygène (DCO), coloration et eutrophisation des cours d’eau, etc.). Dans l’optique de palier le déficit croissant des ressources en eau destinées à la consommation humaine, ces eaux résiduaires sont de plus en plus soumises à des traitements poussés en vue d’une réutilisation. Cette réutilisation doit toujours être réalisée dans l’objectif de fournir une eau présentant, en continu, une qualité spécifique liée à l’usage attendu (eau de production, eau de lavage, eau de refroidissement, eau d’irrigation ou d’arrosage, etc.). Les procédés conventionnels peuvent s’avérer non adaptés, notamment par leur manque de fiabilité dans la qualité des eaux traitées et le risque encouru de contamination microbiologique. Pour faire face à cette importante problématique, les techniques membranaires, notamment les bioréacteurs à membrane (BRM), peuvent constituer une avenue potentielle de traitement et de réutilisation de ces effluents. L’intérêt de ces procédés réside dans leur aspect non polluant, leur facilité d’automatisation et leur capacité à éliminer simultanément les différents polluants en une seule étape de traitement. Ces technologies offrent la possibilité de clarifier et de désinfecter simultanément les eaux sans risque de formation de composés organo-halogénés. Dans cet article, les BRM sont situés par rapport aux techniques conventionnelles de traitement biologique d’effluents. Par la suite, un accent particulier est mis sur la présentation des connaissances actuelles concernant les principes de base des BRM, les critères d’application et les conditions d’opération qui influencent les performances de ces technologies. Les développements récents portant sur la modélisation mathématique de fonctionnement et de colmatage de ces modules sont également présentés. Finalement, les applications industrielles et les coûts d’implantation et d’opération de ces technologies sont brièvement discutés.
Effect of organic exudates of Phaeodactylum tricornutum on the Fe(II) oxidation rate constant
Authors: González AG , Santana-Casiano JM , González-Dávila M , Pérez N
Published: September 2012

Fe(II) oxidation kinetics were studied in seawater and in seawater enriched with exudates excreted by Phaeodactylum tricornutum as an organic ligand model. The exudates produced after 2, 4, and 8 days of culture at 6.21 × 107, 2.29 × 108, and 4.98 × 108 cell L–1 were selected. The effects of pH (7.2–8.2), temperature (5–35 ºC), and salinity (10–36.72) on the Fe(II) oxidation rate were studied. All the data were compared with the results for seawater without exudates (control). The Fe(II) rate constant decreased as a function of culture time and cell concentration in the culture at different pH, temperature, and salinity. All the experimental data obtained in this study were fitted to a polynomial function in order to quantify the fractional contribution of the organic exudates from the diatoms to the Fe(II) oxidation rate in natural seawater. Experimental results showed that the organic exudates excreted by P. tricornutum affect Fe(II) oxidation, increasing the lifetime of Fe(II) in seawater. A kinetic model approach was carried out to account for the speciation of each Fe(II) type together with its contribution to the overall rate.
Structural Changes in the Subcutaneous Compartment in Morbid Obesity
Authors: Janigan David T. , Durning Robert , Perey Bernard , MacDonald Alan S. , Klussen Gerald
Published: September 2012

Most of the excess fat that accumulates in the morbidly obese is accommodated in the subcutaneous compartment (SCC), specifically in the adipose tissue lobules of the panniculus adiposus which enlarge and expand the SCC. However, the fibroelastic septa that are attached to the skin on one side of the SCC and to the deep fascia on the other invest each lobule and thereby offer resistance to the enlarging lobules. We report observations made during pathologic examinations of the abdominal wall SCC that were surgically excised by abdominal dermo‐panniculectomy from 48 morbidly obese subjects afler gastroplasty and weight loss. Lobules were large but varied notably upwards in size and, to some extent, shape. Simultaneously upon incision of the SCC, the lobules bulged above and the septa retracted below the same cut surfaces. Light microscopy revealed disruptions of septal elastic fibers, calcification of septa and septal arteries and necrosis of adipocytes, all sparsely distributed. Certain questions and facts emerge from these observations. Are the variations in lobule sizes normal, or do they reflect uneven fat deposition or mobilization during weight gain or loss respectively? Is there any correlation between lobule and adipocyte sizes? The tightly coupled phenomena of lobule‐bulging and septal‐retraction indicate that the lobules and septa are subjected to compressional and tensile stresses respectively in the intact, non‐incised SCC. The histologic changes might be consequences of these stresses. Studies of the variations in body fat distribution and in adipocyte size have contributed to an understanding of obesity pathogenesis. The relevance of the present fmdings is unknown at this time, but these appear to have potential implications for studies of the morphogenesis of obesity. Confirmation of these fmdings, particularly the lobule variations, is required so that these can be compared with those in never‐obese subjects and in morbidly obese subjects without prior weight loss.
Obesity in Families of Extremely Obese Women
Authors: Reed Danielle R. , Bradley Elizabeth C. , Price R. Arlen
Published: September 2012

In order to assess the prevalence of obesity in families of extremely obese individuals, we conducted a mail survey of a national obesity organization. Thirty‐nine percent (N=981) of the questionnaires were completed and returned. Respondents were excluded from further analysis if they were adopted, male, their gender could not be determined, provided incomplete information about their parents or their own height and weight, or were less than 22 or greater than 63 years of age. The analyses included 729 probands and their families. Both the prevalence and the extent of obesity were high in the families members. The average family members' body mass index (BMI=kg/m2 was 30, and 78% of the families studied had at least one other obese (BM1>30 kg/m2) first‐degree relative (parent, sibling, or child). Although obesity was common in the families, survey respondents were generally the heaviest members of their families, having an average BMI of 47 kg/m2. Correlations among first‐ degree relatives were similar to those found for average weight groups, suggesting that obesity and BMI are similarly influenced by family genetic factors in this extremely obese population.
The Visceral Adiposity Syndrome in Japanese‐American Men
Authors: Fujimoto Wilfred Y. , Abbate Samuel L. , Kahn Steven E. , Hokansno John E. , Brunzell John D.
Published: September 2012

Japanese‐Americans have an increased prevalence of non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease when compared to native Japanese. This increase has been associated with fasting hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low plasma levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of both visceral adiposity and insulin resistance to this metabolic syndrome and to the presence of a predominance of small, dense low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (LDL subclass phenotype B) that has been associated with increased atherogenic risk.

Six Japanese‐American men with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes, each receiving an oral sulfonylurea, were selected. One or 2 nondiabetic Japanese‐American men, matched by age and body mass index, were selected for each diabetic subject, giving a total of 9 nondiabetic men. Diabetic subjects had significantly higher fasting plasma glucose (p=0.0007) and lower insulin sensitivity (SI, p=0.018) using the minimal model technique than nondiabetic subjects matched for body mass index. Six men (2 with diabetes) had LDL phenotype A and 8 (4 with diabetes) had phenotype B. One nondiabetic subject had an intermediate low‐density lipoprotein pattern. Significantly greater amounts of intra‐abdominal fat (p=0.045) measured by computed tomography were found in the men with phenotype B while fasting insulin (p=0.070) and triglycerides (p=0.051) tended to be higher.

Intra‐abdominal fat was significantly correlated with SI (r=‐0.559), plasma triglycerides (r=0.541), plasma free fatty acids (r=0.677), LDL density (relative flotation rate, r=‐0.803), and plasma HDL‐cholesterol (r=‐0.717). SI was significantly correlated only with plasma free fatty acids (r=‐0.546) and tended to be correlated with hepatic lipase activity (r=‐0.512, p=0.061).

In conclusion, these observations indicate that in non‐obese Japanese‐American men, the metabolic features of the so‐called insulin resistance syndrome, including LDL phenotype B, are more strongly correlated with visceral adiposity than with SI. It may therefore be more appropriate to call this the visceral adiposity syndrome. Although questions concerning mechanisms still remain, we postulate that visceral adiposity plays a central role in the development of many of the metabolic abnormalities, including LDL subclass phenotype B, that occur in this metabolic syndrome.
Brain Serotonin, Carbohydrate‐Craving, Obesity and Depression
Authors: Wurtman Richard J. , Wurtman Judith J.
Published: September 2012

Serotonin‐releasing brain neurons are unique in that the amount of neurotransmitter they release is normally controlled by food intake: Carbohydrate consumption‐acting via insulin secretion and the “plasma tryptophan ratio” ‐ increases serotonin release; protein intake lacks this effect. This ability of neurons to couple neuronal signaling properties to food consumption is a link in the feedback mechanism that normally keeps carbohydrate and protein intakes more or less constant. However, serotonin release is also involved in such functions as sleep onset, pain sensitivity, blood pressure regulation, and control of the mood. Hence many patients learn to overeat carbohydrates (particularly snack foods, like potato chips or pastries, which are rich in carbohydrates and fats) to make themselves feel better. This tendency to use certain foods as though they were drugs is a frequent cause of weight gain, an d can also be seen in patients who become fat when exposed to stress, or in women with premenstrual syndrome, or in patients with “winter depression,” or in people who are attempting to give up smoking. (Nicotine, like dietary carbohydrates, increases brain serotonin secretion; nicotine withdraw al has the opposite effect.) It also occurs in patients with normal‐weight bulimia. Dexfenfluramine constitutes a highly effective treatment for such patients. In addition to producing its general satiety‐promoting effect, it specifically reduces their overconsumption of carbohydrate‐rich (or carbohydrate‐and fat‐rich)foods.