bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of Zn(II) on dialdehyde m-phenylenediamine starch
Authors: Liu Jun-tao , Dong Zheng-ping , Ding Wen , Zhao Ping , Sun Jian , Jin Xiao-dong , Li Rong
Published: August 2012

A new chelating material dialdehyde m-phenylenediamine starch (DASMPA) was synthesized by reacting m-phenylenediamine with dialdehyde starch. The obtained material was characterized by element analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The FT-IR of DASMPA showed an absorption peak at 1605.95 cm−1 indicating the formation of a Schiff base (C=N). Adsorption activity of DASMPA for Zn2+ was also investigated in terms of contact time, pH, the initial Zn(II) concentration and temperature, the results revealed that pH = 5, t = 1 h were the optimal conditions. With the degree of substitution (DS) of the DASMPA increased, the adsorption capacity increased gradually. The adsorption equilibrium data correlated well with Freundlich isotherm. Moreover, lower temperature was preferable for the process as it was exothermic.
Decision strategies for handling the uncertainty of future extreme rainfall under the influence of climate change
Authors: Gregersen I. B. , Arnbjerg-Nielsen K.
Published: August 2012

Several extraordinary rainfall events have occurred in Denmark within the last few years. For each event, problems in urban areas occurred as the capacity of the existing drainage systems were exceeded. Adaptation to climate change is necessary but also very challenging as urban drainage systems are characterized by long technical lifetimes and high, unrecoverable construction costs. One of the most important barriers for the initiation and implementation of the adaptation strategies is therefore the uncertainty when predicting the magnitude of the extreme rainfall in the future. This challenge is explored through the application and discussion of three different theoretical decision support strategies: the precautionary principle, the minimax strategy and Bayesian decision support. The reviewed decision support strategies all proved valuable for addressing the identified uncertainties, at best applied together as they all yield information that improved decision making and thus enabled more robust decisions.
Advanced data management for optimising the operation of a full-scale WWTP
Authors: Beltrán Sergio , Maiza Mikel , de la Sota Alejandro , Villanueva José María , Ayesa Eduardo
Published: August 2012

The lack of appropriate data management tools is presently a limiting factor for a broader implementation and a more efficient use of sensors and analysers, monitoring systems and process controllers in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This paper presents a technical solution for advanced data management of a full-scale WWTP. The solution is based on an efficient and intelligent use of the plant data by a standard centralisation of the heterogeneous data acquired from different sources, effective data processing to extract adequate information, and a straightforward connection to other emerging tools focused on the operational optimisation of the plant such as advanced monitoring and control or dynamic simulators. A pilot study of the advanced data manager tool was designed and implemented in the Galindo-Bilbao WWTP. The results of the pilot study showed its potential for agile and intelligent plant data management by generating new enriched information combining data from different plant sources, facilitating the connection of operational support systems, and developing automatic plots and trends of simulated results and actual data for plant performance and diagnosis.
In-house contamination of potable water in urban slum of Kolkata, India: a possible transmission route of diarrhea
Authors: Palit Anup , Batabyal Prasenjit , Kanungo Suman , Sur Dipika
Published: August 2012

We have investigated and determined the potentiality of different water sources, both for drinking and domestic purposes, in diarrheal disease transmission in diarrhea endemic foci of urban slums in Kolkata, India in a one and half year prospective study. Out of 517 water samples, collected from different sources, stored water (washing) showed higher prevalence of fecal coliforms (58%) (p < 0.0001) in comparison with stored (drinking) samples (28%) and tap/tubewell water (8%) respectively. Among different sources, stored water (washing) samples had the highest non-permissible range of physico-chemical parameters. Fecal coliform levels in household water containers (washing) were comparatively high and almost 2/3 of these samples failed to reach the satisfactory level of residual chlorine. Interestingly, 7% stored water (washing) samples were found to be harboring Vibrio cholerae Improper usage of stored water and unsafe/poor sanitation practices such as hand washing etc. are highlighted as contributory factors for sustained diarrheal episodes. Vulnerability of stored water for domestic usage, a hitherto unexplored source, at domiciliary level in an urban slum where enteric infections are endemic, is reported for the first time. This attempt highlights the impact of quality of stored water at domiciliary level for fecal–oral contamination vis-à-vis disease transmission.
Water quality-based assessment of urban drainage impacts in Europe – where do we stand today?
Authors: Blumensaat F. , Staufer P. , Heusch S. , Reußner F. , Schütze M. , Seiffert S. , Gruber G. , Zawilski M. , Rieckermann J.
Published: August 2012

Traditionally, design and optimisation of urban drainage systems was mainly driven by cost efficiency, surface flood prevention, and later by emission reduction. More recent procedures explicitly include ecological conditions of the receiving water in the definition of acceptable pollutant discharges via sewer system and treatment plant outlets. An ambient Water Quality based impact Assessment (WQA) principle therefore requires an integrative system optimisation. However, a broad range of mostly national WQA protocols exist across Europe varying in structure and complexity, assessment concept, spatial and temporal scope and handling of uncertainty. This variety inherently implies a considerable risk of subjectivity in the impact assessment with highly variable outcomes. The present review identifies differences and similarities of WQA protocols in use and discusses their strengths and weaknesses through: (i) a systematic comparison of WQA protocols by selected attributes, (ii) a review of real-life cases reported in the literature and expert interviews, and (iii) an illustration of our main findings by applying selected WQA in an instructive example. The review discusses differences in structure and concept, which are mainly identified for simplistic WQA protocols. The application of selected protocols to an example case shows a wide variety of numerical results and conclusive decisions. It is found that existing protocols target different questions within the decision making process, which users should be more aware of. Generally, to make assessments more reliable, further fundamental research is required to fully understand the relationship between stressors and stream ecosystem responses which will make assessments more reliable. Technically, tools suggested in WQA protocols show severe deficiencies and an uncertainty assessment should be mandatory.
Biozeolite capping for reducing nitrogen load of the ancient canal in Yangzhou City
Authors: Huang Tinglin , Zhou Zhenming , Xu Jinlan , Dong Yuhua , Wang Gai
Published: August 2012

Biozeolite capping for reducing nitrogen (N) load of an eutrophic canal in Yangzhou City was studied. Biofilm formation on biozeolite was cultivated by use of isolated nitrifiers and denitrifiers. Varying conditions including dissolved oxygen (DO) and origins of isolated bacteria were considered in our experiments. Long-term sediment incubation experiment results showed that the reduction efficiency of total nitrogen (TN) of overlying water by biozeolite capping were in the range of 47.61–57.64% under the condition of DO<1 mg L−1. There was no obvious difference in TN reduction efficiency between natural biozeolite (indigenous bacteria) and artificial biozeolite (isolated bacteria). However, the reduction efficiency of TN and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) were respectively in the ranges of 67.38–76.12% and 69.38–76.12% under the condition of DO 1.5–5 mg L−1. The reduction efficiencies of TN and NO3−-N by artificial biozeolite were improved by 25.99–27.25% and 17.50–24.15% respectively than those by natural biozeolite. Moreover, no significant difference was found for reducing N load by the isolated bacteria with different origins. TN contents of surface sediments and ammonia nitrogen concentrations of sediment interstitial water in biozeolite capping systems declined obviously after experiments. Biozeolite capping is an effective technique for reducing N load of the Yangzhou canal.
Membrane bioreactor (MBR) sludge inoculation in a hybrid process scheme concept to assist overloaded conventional activated sludge (CAS) process operations
Authors: Fenu A. , Roels J. , Van Damme S. , Wambecq T. , Weemaes M. , Thoeye C. , De Gueldre G. , Van De Steene B.
Published: August 2012

This study analyzes the effect of inoculating membrane bioreactor (MBR) sludge in a parallel-operated overloaded conventional activated sludge (CAS) system. Modelling studies that showed the beneficial effect of this inoculation were confirmed though full scale tests. Total nitrogen (TN) removal in the CAS increased and higher nitrate formation rates were achieved. During MBR sludge inoculation, the TN removal in the CAS was proven to be dependent on MBR sludge loading. Special attention was given to the effect of inoculation on sludge quality. The MBR flocs, grown without selection pressure, were clearly distinct from the more compact flocs in the CAS system and also contained more filamentous bacteria. After inoculation the MBR flocs did not evolve into good-settling compact flocs, resulting in a decreasing sludge quality. During high flow conditions the effluent CAS contained more suspended solids. Sludge volume index, however, did not increase. Laboratory tests were held to determine the threshold volume of MBR sludge to be seeded into the CAS reactor. Above 16–30%, supernatant turbidity and scum formation increased markedly.
Estimation of Expected Life-Years Saved From Successful Prevention of End-Stage Renal Disease in Elderly Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Yang Deng-Chi , Lee Lukas Jyuhn-Hsiarn , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Chang Yu-Yin , Wang Ming-Cheng , Lin Wei-Hung , Chang Chia-Ming , Wang Jung-Der
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

Because of the increasing incidence and prevalence of diabetes as a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the aging population, we estimated the expected life-years (LYs) saved from successful prevention of ESRD in elderly patients with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a population-based cohort study using the National Health Insurance Research Database. We identified all incidences of ESRD in the individuals >65 years of age who were receiving maintenance hemodialysis (N = 24,243) from the registry files of catastrophic illnesses in Taiwan from 1 July 1997 to 31 December 2005. We then retrospectively searched the database to determine whether there had been a diagnosis of diabetes in these cases. After the exclusion of individuals with malignancy (n = 3,423), we extrapolated the survival rates through the end of 2006 using the Monte Carlo method. Using the data of preventable ESRD cases due to diabetes and expected years of life lost (EYLL) in each age stratum, we further estimated the expected LYs saved from successful prevention of ESRD in elderly patients with diabetes.

RESULTS

The estimated average EYLL was 10.6–5.8 and 12.3–7.3 years for diabetic males and females, respectively, aged 65–79 years. In total, 5,430.1 LYs and 10,177 LYs could be saved by the successful prevention of ESRD in male and female elderly patients with diabetes, respectively, in a single year.

CONCLUSIONS

The LYs saved by successful prevention of ESRD in elderly patients with diabetes in a single year are substantial and deserve special attention, especially in elderly females.
Damage progression from impact in layered glass modeled with peridynamics
Authors: Bobaru Florin , Ha Youn , Hu Wenke
Published: August 2012

Dynamic fracture in brittle materials has been difficult to model and predict. Interfaces, such as those present in multi-layered glass systems, further complicate this problem. In this paper we use a simplified peridynamic model of a multi-layer glass system to simulate damage evolution under impact with a high-velocity projectile. The simulation results are compared with results from recently published experiments. Many of the damage morphologies reported in the experiments are captured by the peridynamic results. Some finer details seen in experiments and not replicated by the computational model due to limitations in available computational resources that limited the spatial resolution of the model, and to the simple contact conditions between the layers instead of the polyurethane bonding used in the experiments. The peridynamic model uncovers a fascinating time-evolution of damage and the dynamic interaction between the stress waves, propagating cracks, interfaces, and bending deformations, in three-dimensions.
An Efficient Synthesis of Symmetrical Bisamides Catalysed by Molecular iodine under Neutral Conditions
Authors: Wang Hongshe , Zeng June
Published: August 2012

An efficient synthesis of symmetrical bisamides is described in which aldehydes are reacted with amides in the presence of 5 mol% of iodine to give the corresponding bisamides in high yields under neutral conditions.
Solid-Phase Organic Synthesis of (E)-1-Nitroalkenes Based on Polystyrene-Supported Selenonitromethane
Authors: Song Cheng , Wei Mei-Hong , Xu Wen , Sheng Shou-Ri
Published: August 2012

A facile method for solid-phase organic synthesis of (E)-1-nitroalkenes from polystyrene-supported selenonitromethane has been developed. Polymer-supported organic reagents are useful for the rapid preparation of small organic molecules.
A Facile Synthesis of Racemic 4-Ethyl Fatty Acids
Authors: Liu Yu-ping , Guan Wei , Yin De-Cai , Tian Hong-Yu , Sun Bao-guo
Published: August 2012

The synthesis of racemic 4-ethyl fatty acids is reported. A Grignard reagent was first prepared by 3-chloroalkane reacting with magnesium and then 4-ethyl fatty acid methyl esters were synthesised by coupling the Grignard reagent with methyl 3-bromopropionate in the presence of the catalyst Li2CuCl4. The 4-ethyl fatty acid methyl esters were saponified and then acidified to give the 4-ethyl fatty acids. The syntheses of 4-ethylhexanoic acid, 4-ethylheptanoic acid, 4-ethyloctanoic acid, 4-ethylnonaoic acid and 4-ethyl decanoic acid are described. The structures of the 4-ethyl fatty acid methyl esters and 4-ethyl fatty acids were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS.
Methods for Identification of CA125 from Ovarian Cancer Ascites by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Weiland Florian , Fritz Katarina , Oehler Martin K. , Hoffmann Peter
Published: August 2012

CA125 is the most widely used tumour marker in ovarian cancer with unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity especially at early stage. It is quantified by antibody-based immunoassays; however different molecular weight isoforms have been described in the literature which have never been validated by mass spectrometry, potentially affecting the diagnostic accuracy and clinical reliability of the test. In this study, CA125 was detected by Western blot and its identity confirmed by mass spectrometry. Two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis in combination with mass spectrometry revealed that positive Western blot signals up to 500 kDa are most likely false-positive interactions of M11-like and OC125-like antibodies. Fibronectin, identified as one of these false-positive interaction partners, increased the reading for CA125 in a first generation ELISA significantly (p = 0.02). The existence of low-molecular weight isoforms of CA125 is therefore questionable and is most likely reflecting cross-reactivity of the antibodies with other proteins. This would explain the conflicting reports on the molecular structure of CA125 and also the inconsistency of CA125 levels by different ELISAs. Our results are also the first steps towards a mass spectrometric assay for CA125 quantification, which would improve sensitivity and reliability.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Favors Proliferation of Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Methacrylate-Endcapped Caprolactone Porous Scaffold Niches
Authors: Rodríguez-Jiménez Francisco Javier , Valdes-Sánchez Teresa , Carrillo José M. , Rubio Mónica , Monleon-Prades Manuel , García-Cruz Dunia Mercedes , García Montserrat , Cugat Ramón , Moreno-Manzano Victoria
Published: August 2012

Osteoarticular pathologies very often require an implementation therapy to favor regeneration processes of bone, cartilage and/or tendons. Clinical approaches performed on osteoarticular complications in dogs constitute an ideal model for human clinical translational applications. The adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have already been used to accelerate and facilitate the regenerative process. ASCs can be maintained in vitro and they can be differentiated to osteocytes or chondrocytes offering a good tool for cell replacement therapies in human and veterinary medicine. Although ACSs can be easily obtained from adipose tissue, the amplification process is usually performed by a time consuming process of successive passages. In this work, we use canine ASCs obtained by using a Bioreactor device under GMP cell culture conditions that produces a minimum of 30 million cells within 2 weeks. This method provides a rapid and aseptic method for production of sufficient stem cells with potential further use in clinical applications. We show that plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) treatment positively contributes to viability and proliferation of canine ASCs into caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl ester (CLMA) scaffolds. This biomaterial does not need additional modifications for cASCs attachment and proliferation. Here we propose a framework based on a combination of approaches that may contribute to increase the therapeutical capability of stem cells by the use of PRGF and compatible biomaterials for bone and connective tissue regeneration.
N1-((1H-Indazol-5-yl)methylene)-N2-(2-((2-((2-(((1H-indazol-6-yl)methylene)amino)ethyl)amino)ethyl)amino)ethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine
Authors: Núñez Cristina , Fernández-Lodeiro Javier , Fernández-Lodeiro Adrián , Bértolo Emília , Capelo José Luis , Lodeiro Carlos
Published: August 2012

One novel molecular emissive probe L has been synthesized by classical Schiff-base reaction between 1H-indazole-6-carboxaldehyde and tetraethylenepentamine. The structure of compound L was confirmed by melting point, elemental analysis, ESI-MS spectrometry and by IR and 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
Cytotoxic Podophyllotoxin Type-Lignans from the Steam Bark of Bursera fagaroides var. fagaroides
Authors: Rojas-Sepúlveda Andrés M. , Mendieta-Serrano Mario , Mojica Mayra Y. Antúnez , Salas-Vidal Enrique , Marquina Silvia , Villarreal María Luisa , Puebla Ana María , Delgado Jorge I. , Alvarez Laura
Published: August 2012

The hydroalcoholic extract of the steam bark of B. fagaroides var. fagaroides displayed potent cytotoxic activity against four cancer cell lines, namely KB (ED50 = 9.6 × 10−2 μg/mL), PC-3 (ED50 = 2.5 × 10−1 μg/mL), MCF-7 (ED50 = 6.6 μg/mL), and HF-6 (ED50 = 7.1 × 10−3 μg/mL). This extract also showed anti-tumour activity when assayed on mice inoculated with L5178Y lymphoma cells. Bioactivity-directed isolation of this extract, afforded seven podophyllotoxin-type lignans identified as podophyllotoxin (1), β-peltatin-A-methylether (2), 5′-desmethoxy-β-peltatin-A-methylether (3), desmethoxy-yatein (4), desoxypodophyllotoxin (5), burseranin (6), and acetyl podophyllotoxin (7) by 1D and 2DNMR and FAB-MS analyses, and comparison with reported values. All the isolated compounds showed potent cytotoxic activity in the cell lines tested, especially compound 3, which exhibited greater activity than camptothecin and podophyllotoxin against PC-3 (ED50 = 1.0 × 10−5 μg/mL), and KB (ED50 = 1.0 × 10−5 μg/mL). This is the first report of the isolation of podophyllotoxin and its acetate in a Bursera species.
Novel Nucleoside Analogue Fnc is Effective against Both Wild-Type and Lamivudine-Resistant HBV Clinical Isolates
Authors: Zhou Yubing , Zhang Yan , Yang Xiaoang , Zhao Jing , Zheng Liyun , Sun Changyu , Jiang Jinhua , Yang Qinghua , Wang Qingduan , Chang Junbiao
Published: August 2012

Background

HBV infection causes major public health problems worldwide. The clinical limitation of current antiviral drugs for HBV, such as lamivudine, is causing rapid emergence of drug-resistant viral strains during prolonged antiviral therapy. Therefore, new antiviral drugs are urgently needed to prevent or delay the selection of drug-resistant HBV mutants. A novel cytidine analogue, FNC (2′-deoxy-2′-β-fluoro-4′-azidocytidine), was recently shown to strongly inhibit human HBV and duck HBV (DHBV) replication in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of FNC against clinical wild-type and lamivudine-resistant HBV isolates in transiently transfected cells.

Methods

HBV DNA was extracted from serum samples collected both before lamivudine therapy and at the time of viral breakthrough and was amplified by PCR. The amplicon was cloned into a novel expression vector, pHY106, which can initiate the intracellular HBV replication cycle after cell transfection. Following transfection of the cloned amplicon into HepG2 cells, a drug susceptibility assay was performed. Quantitative real-time PCR was used for determining the amount of intracellular HBV DNA, and the effective concentration required to reduce HBV replication by 50% (EC50) was calculated.

Results

FNC inhibited the replication of both wild-type and lamivudine-resistant HBV clinical isolates in a dose-dependent manner, with mean ±sd EC50 values of 0.12 ±0.01 μM and 0.27 ±0.01 μM, respectively.

Conclusions

FNC is a potential antiviral agent against both wild-type and lamivudine-resistant HBV clinical isolates, and therefore deserves further evaluation for the treatment of HBV infection.
The genetic population structure of lotic and lentic mayflies of theBaetis vernusgroup (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae)
Authors: Drotz Marcus K. , Savolainen Eino , Saura Anssi , Ståhls Gunilla
Published: August 2012

Nymphs of lotic mayflies live in environments that are expected to give rise to different degrees of population structuring. Here we investigate two taxa adapted to different lifestyles.Baetis macaniKimmins (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) lives in flowing water; brooks that may periodically dry out in the summer or freeze to the bottom in winter.Baetis jaerviiSavolainen is mostly found in sedge belts along the shores of lakes. Most insects living in flowing water show low levels of among-population genetic differentiation within and among catchments. Levels of differentiation in the lotic species are therefore assumed to be lower than in lenticB. jaervii. Here we test this hypothesis. Mitochondrial DNA and allele frequencies of nuclear genes were used to detect population structure in specimens originating from an extensive area from northern Finland. The genetic differentiation among populations of the loticB. macaniis more than twice the corresponding value for the lenticB. jaervii(FST0.33 versus 0.15, while the meanFSTbetween species was 0.33 and significant). The result is congruent within the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) partial gene frequencies. We argue that the significant genetic population structure, which only was found in the loticB. macani, is differentiated as a consequence to the unpredictable environment as contrasted to the stable environment in standing bodies of water.
Metodologia para implantação de programas de preservação de documentos digitais a longo prazo
Authors: Almeida Maurício Barcellos , Cendón Beatriz Valadares , Souza Renato Rocha
Published: August 2012

Um documento em papel se mantém por dezenas de anos mesmo sem cuidados especiais. Documentos criados por computador não possuem tal longevidade e evidências documentais essenciais para o funcionamento das instituições – legais, culturais ou históricas – registrados em mídias digitais, podem desaparecer. A questão da preservação digital se apresenta como um problema real a ser solucionado pelas instituições, principalmente aquelas que têm por obrigação legal a manutenção de documentos em longo prazo, seja para atendimento a demandas do cidadão, seja para preservação da história institucional. O presente artigo se insere nesse contexto como uma iniciativa para orientar sobre a preservação digital em instituições públicas. Apresenta-se metodologia para criação de programas de preservação de documentos de arquivos em formato digital em longo prazo, bem como um exemplo de sua aplicação no âmbito do programa de estadual. Espera-se contribuir para o sucesso de iniciativas de preservação digital com a divulgação de princípios e fundamentos básicos.
O produtor e o conteúdo da informação na internet: um estudo sobre o tema educação ambiental em páginas e sites brasileiros
Authors: Friedrich Margarete Pereira , Gouveia Fábio Castro , Leta Jaqueline
Published: August 2012

Nos últimos 20 anos, a internet consolidou-se como um eficiente meio de difusão da informação devido a sua forma rápida e inovadora que permite a troca de conhecimento em nível global. Informações sobre Educação Ambiental (EA) são veiculadas cada vez mais por diferentes mídias, dentre elas a internet, o que favoreceu a ampliação dos canais de comunicação e divulgação do conhecimento em torno dessa temática, que também cresceu significativamente nas últimas décadas. Ao longo de sua breve história, o termo EA ganhou um significado mais amplo, abrangendo não apenas questões biológicas e de saúde, mas também culturais, socioeconômicas, político-pedagógicas e humanistas. O presente trabalho analisou o tipo de informação produzida e difundida pelas webpages brasileiras que foram apontadas por outras webpages por terem sido reconhecidas pelo termo EA. Utilizou-se nesta pesquisa o operador de busca Google: allinanchor, que possibilitou a recuperação deste tipo de webpages. Inicialmente foram coletadas 837 webpages, mas devido a duplicidades e problemas técnicos de acesso às paginas, o universo de pesquisa ficou reduzido a 617. Estas webpages foram classificadas de acordo com o tipo de informações que veiculam, como: o tipo de domínio, de atividade, de conteúdo e de representação social e conceitual. Os resultados demonstraram um amplo envolvimento das esferas institucionais, governo, setor privado, universidade, e terceiro setor, que disponibilizam suas ações de EA por meio eletrônico, abrangendo prioritariamente projetos educacionais e programas comunitários, nos quais predomina a visão integrada da relação entre homem, sociedade e meio ambiente.
Why Employers Will Continue to Provide Health Insurance: The Impact of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Blumberg Linda J. , Buettgens Matthew , Feder Judith , Holahan John
Published: August 2012

The Congressional Budget Office, the Rand Corporation, and the Urban Institute have estimated that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will leave employer-sponsored coverage largely intact; in contrast, some economists and benefit consultants argue that the ACA encourages employers to drop coverage, thereby making both their workers and their firms better off (a “win-win” situation). This analysis shows that no such “win-win” situation exists and that employer-sponsored insurance will remain the primary source of coverage for most workers. Analysis of three issues—the terms of the ACA, worker characteristics, and the fundamental economics of competitive markets—supports this conclusion.
The Debate over Health Care Rationing: Déjà Vu All over Again?
Authors: Cohen Alan B.
Published: August 2012

Health care rationing has been a source of contentious debate in the United States for nearly 30 years. Because rationing is bewildering to many Americans, persistent myths about “death panels” and critical health care decisions to be made by faceless bureaucrats abound, instilling fear about health care reform and cost containment measures aimed at slowing spending growth. This paper retrospectively reviews the policy literature on health care rationing over the past quarter century, examines alternative definitions and classification schemes, traces the evolution of the debate, and explores ways in which rationing may be made more rational, transparent, and equitable in the future allocation of scarce health care resources.
Employment-Based Health Benefits: Recent Trends and Future Outlook
Authors: Fronstin Paul
Published: August 2012

The employment-based health benefits system established its roots many years ago. It was during World War II that many more employers began to offer health benefits. Recently, however, both the percentage of workers with employment-based health benefits and the comprehensiveness of such coverage have been declining. This paper examines recent trends in employment-based health benefits. It also considers the likely future of this important workplace benefit in light of shifts from defined benefit to defined contribution models of employee benefits and with regard to the implementation of health reform.
Aerosol scattering and absorption during the EUCAARI-LONGREX flights of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) BAe-146: can measurements and models agree?
Authors: Highwood E. J. , Northway M. J. , McMeeking G. R. , Morgan W. T. , Liu D. , Osborne S. , Bower K. , Coe H. , Ryder C. , Williams P.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Scattering and absorption by aerosol in anthropogenically perturbed air masses over Europe has been measured using instrumentation flown on the UK's BAe-146-301 large Atmospheric Research Aircraft (ARA) operated by the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) on 14 flights during the EUCAARI-LONGREX campaign in May 2008. The geographical and temporal variations of the derived shortwave optical properties of aerosol are presented. Values of single scattering albedo of dry aerosol at 550 nm varied considerably from 0.86 to near unity, with a campaign average of 0.93 ± 0.03. Dry aerosol optical depths ranged from 0.030 ± 0.009 to 0.24 ± 0.07. An optical properties closure study comparing calculations from composition data and Mie scattering code with the measured properties is presented. Agreement to within measurement uncertainties of 30% can be achieved for both scattering and absorption, but the latter is shown to be sensitive to the refractive indices chosen for organic aerosols, and to a lesser extent black carbon, as well as being highly dependent on the accuracy of the absorption measurements. Agreement with the measured absorption can be achieved either if organic carbon is assumed to be weakly absorbing, or if the organic aerosol is purely scattering and the absorption measurement is an overestimate due to the presence of large amounts of organic carbon. Refractive indices could not be inferred conclusively due to this uncertainty, despite the enhancement in methodology compared to previous studies that derived from the use of the black carbon measurements. Hygroscopic growth curves derived from the wet nephelometer indicate moderate water uptake by the aerosol with a campaign mean f(RH) value (ratio in scattering) of 1.5 (range from 1.23 to 1.63) at 80% relative humidity. This value is qualitatively consistent with the major chemical components of the aerosol measured by the aerosol mass spectrometer, which are primarily mixed organics and nitrate and some sulphate.
Carbon dioxide and climate impulse response functions for the computation of greenhouse gas metrics: a multi-model analysis
Authors: Joos F. , Roth R. , Fuglestvedt J. S. , Peters G. P. , Enting I. G. , von Bloh W. , Brovkin V. , Burke E. J. , Eby M. , Edwards N. R. , Friedrich T. , Frölicher T. L. , Halloran P. R. , Holden P. B. , Jones C. , Kleinen T. , Mackenzie F. , Matsumoto K. , Meinshausen M. , Plattner G.-K. , Reisinger A. , Segschneider J. , Shaffer G. , Steinacher M. , Strassmann K. , Tanaka K. , Timmermann A. , Weaver A. J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The responses of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other climate variables to an emission pulse of CO2 into the atmosphere are often used to compute the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Global Temperature change Potential (GTP), to characterize the response time scales of Earth System models, and to build reduced-form models. In this carbon cycle-climate model intercomparison project, which spans the full model hierarchy, we quantify responses to emission pulses of different magnitudes injected under different conditions. The CO2 response shows the known rapid decline in the first few decades followed by a millennium-scale tail. For a 100 Gt C emission pulse, 24 ± 10% is still found in the atmosphere after 1000 yr; the ocean has absorbed 60 ± 18% and the land the remainder. The response in global mean surface air temperature is an increase by 0.19 ± 0.10 °C within the first twenty years; thereafter and until year 1000, temperature decreases only slightly, whereas ocean heat content and sea level continue to rise. Our best estimate for the Absolute Global Warming Potential, given by the time-integrated response in CO2 at year 100 times its radiative efficiency, is 92.7 × 10−15 yr W m−2 per kg CO2. This value very likely (5 to 95% confidence) lies within the range of (70 to 115) × 10−15 yr W m−2 per kg CO2. Estimates for time-integrated response in CO2 published in the IPCC First, Second, and Fourth Assessment and our multi-model best estimate all agree within 15%. The integrated CO2 response is lower for pre-industrial conditions, compared to present day, and lower for smaller pulses than larger pulses. In contrast, the response in temperature, sea level and ocean heat content is less sensitive to these choices. Although, choices in pulse size, background concentration, and model lead to uncertainties, the most important and subjective choice to determine AGWP of CO2 and GWP is the time horizon.
Simulating 3-D radiative transfer effects over the Sierra Nevada mountains using WRF
Authors: Gu Y. , Liou K. N. , Lee W.-L. , Leung L. R.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. A surface solar radiation parameterization based on deviations between 3-D and conventional plane-parallel radiative transfer models has been incorporated into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to understand the solar insolation over mountain/snow areas and to investigate the impact of the spatial and temporal distribution and variation of surface solar fluxes on land-surface processes. Using the Sierra Nevada in the Western United States as a testbed, we show that mountain effect could produce up to −50 to +50 W m−2 deviations in the surface solar fluxes over the mountain areas, resulting in a temperature increase of up to 1 °C on the sunny side. Upward surface sensible and latent heat fluxes are modulated accordingly to compensate for the change in surface solar fluxes. Snow water equivalent and surface albedo both show decreases on the sunny side of the mountains, indicating more snowmelt and hence reduced snow albedo associated with more solar insolation due to mountain effect. Soil moisture increases on the sunny side of the mountains due to enhanced snowmelt, while decreases on the shade side. Substantial differences are found in the morning hours from 8–10 a.m. and in the afternoon around 3–5 p.m., while differences around noon and in the early morning and late afternoon are comparatively smaller. Variation in the surface energy balance can also affect atmospheric processes, such as cloud fields, through the modulation of vertical thermal structure. Negative changes of up to −40 g m−2 are found in the cloud water path, associated with reductions in the surface insolation over the cloud region. The day-averaged deviations in the surface solar flux are positive over the mountain areas and negative in the valleys, with a range between −12~12 W m−2. Changes in sensible and latent heat fluxes and surface skin temperature follow the solar insolation pattern. Differences in the domain-averaged diurnal variation over the Sierras show that the mountain area receives more solar insolation during early morning and late afternoon, resulting in enhanced upward sensible heat and latent heat fluxes from the surface and a corresponding increase in surface skin temperature. During the middle of the day, however, the surface insolation and heat fluxes show negative changes, indicating a cooling effect. Hence overall, the diurnal variations of surface temperature and surface fluxes in the Sierra Nevada are reduced through the interactions of radiative transfer and mountains. The hourly differences of the surface solar insolation in higher elevated regions, however, show smaller magnitude in negative changes during the middle of the day and possibly more solar fluxes received during the whole day.
An overview of a regional meteorology warning system
Authors: Gaztelumendi S. , Egaña J. , Otxoa-de-Alda K. , Hernandez R. , Aranda J. , Anitua P.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. In this work we present a regional meteorology warning system, particularly the operational weather warning system used by the Basque Meteorology Agency (Euskalmet) for Basque Country. System considers different meteorological phenomena capable of generate warnings, and is based on combined thresholds criteria depending on particular weather event and area of territory where is applied. In this work we describe the most significant aspects related with the warning event definition and the warning bulletin. Conclusions from comparison with the former system (prior to 2009) and feedback from different users are presented.
Assessing climate model software quality: a defect density analysis of three models
Authors: Pipitone J. , Easterbrook S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. A climate model is an executable theory of the climate; the model encapsulates climatological theories in software so that they can be simulated and their implications investigated. Thus, in order to trust a climate model, one must trust that the software it is built from is built correctly. Our study explores the nature of software quality in the context of climate modelling. We performed an analysis of defect reports and defect fixes in several versions of leading global climate models by collecting defect data from bug tracking systems and version control repository comments. We found that the climate models all have very low defect densities compared to well-known, similarly sized open-source projects. We discuss the implications of our findings for the assessment of climate model software trustworthiness.
Training hydrologists to be ecohydrologists: a "how-you-can-do-it" example leveraging an active learning environment for studying plant-water interaction
Authors: Lyon S. W. , Walter M. T. , Jantze E. J. , Archibald J. A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Structuring an education strategy capable of addressing the various spheres of ecohydrology is difficult due to the inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary nature of this emergent field. Clearly, there is a need for such strategies to accommodate more progressive educational concepts while highlighting a skills-based education. To demonstrate a possible way to develop courses that include such concepts, we offer a case-study or a "how-you-can-do-it" example from an ecohydrology course recently co-taught by teachers from Stockholm University and Cornell University at the Navarino Environmental Observatory (NEO) in Costa Navarino, Greece. This course focused on introducing hydrology Master's students to some of the central concepts of ecohydrology while at the same time supplying process-based understanding relevant for characterizing evapotranspiration. As such, the main goal of the course was to explore central theories in ecohydrology and their connection to plant-water interactions and the water cycle in a semiarid environment. In addition to presenting this roadmap for ecohydrology course development, we explore the utility and effectiveness of adopting active teaching and learning strategies drawing from the suite of learn-by-doing, hands-on, and inquiry-based techniques in such a course. We test a gradient of "activeness" across a sequence of three teaching and learning activities. Our results indicate that there was a clear advantage for utilizing active learning techniques in place of traditional lecture-based styles. In addition, there was a preference among the student towards the more "active" techniques. This demonstrates the added value of incorporating even the simplest active learning approaches in our ecohydrology (or general) teaching.
Surface and snowdrift sublimation at Princess Elisabeth station, East Antarctica
Authors: Thiery W. , Gorodetskaya I. V. , Bintanja R. , Van Lipzig N. P. M. , Van den Broeke M. R. , Reijmer C. H. , Kuipers Munneke P.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. In the near-coastal regions of Antarctica, a significant fraction of the snow precipitating onto the surface is removed again through sublimation – either directly from the surface or from drifting snow particles. Meteorological observations from an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) near the Belgian research station Princess Elisabeth in Dronning Maud Land, East-Antarctica, are used to study surface and snowdrift sublimation and to assess their impacts on both the surface mass balance and the surface energy balance during 2009 and 2010. Comparison to three other AWSs in Dronning Maud Land with 11 to 13 yr of observations shows that sublimation has a significant influence on the surface mass balance at katabatic locations by removing 10–23% of their total precipitation, but at the same time reveals anomalously low surface and snowdrift sublimation rates at Princess Elisabeth (17 mm w.e. yr−1 compared to 42 mm w.e. yr−1 at Svea Cross and 52 mm w.e. yr−1 at Wasa/Aboa). This anomaly is attributed to local topography, which shields the station from strong katabatic influence, and, therefore, on the one hand allows for a strong surface inversion to persist throughout most of the year and on the other hand causes a lower probability of occurrence of intermediately strong winds. This wind speed class turns out to contribute most to the total snowdrift sublimation mass flux, given its ability to lift a high number of particles while still allowing for considerable undersaturation.
Evidence of meltwater retention within the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Rennermalm A. K. , Smith L. C. , Chu V. W. , Box J. E. , Forster R. R. , van den Broeke M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Greenland ice sheet mass losses have increased in recent decades with approximately half of these attributed to increased surface meltwater runoff. However, controls on ice sheet water release, and the magnitude of englacial storage, firn densification, internal refreezing and other hydrologic processes that delay or reduce true water export to the global ocean remain poorly understood. This problem is amplified by scant hydrometerological measurements. Here, ice sheet surface meltwater runoff and proglacial river discharge determined between 2008 and 2010 for three sites near Kangerlussuaq, western Greenland were used to establish the water budget for a small ice sheet watershed. The water budget could not be closed in the three years, even when uncertainty ranges were considered. Instead between 12% and 53% of ice sheet surface runoff is retained within the glacier each melt year (time between onset of ice sheet runoff in two consecutive years). Evidence of the ice sheet summer meltwater escaping during the cold-season suggests that the Greenland ice sheet cryo-hydrologic system may remain active year round.
Effects of Substituting Some Components of Broilers’ Feed with Crude Aquous Extract of Fresh Leaves of Mucuna Poggei
Authors: Oko A. O. , Nwoba S. T. , Idenyi J. N. , Ogah O. , Ugwu O. O. , Ehihia L. U.
Published: August 2012

We studied the effects of substitution of Palm kernel cake (PKC), Fishmeal and Soyabean Cake (SBC) with crude extract of Mucuna poggei on the performances of broilers. A total of forty broiler chicks of a day old each were bought and shared into four groups of ten broilers each, allowed to acclimatize for two weeks and then reared for eight weeks. Palm kernel Cake (PKC), Fishmeal and Soyabean Cake (SBC) were given to broilers in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively with similar quantities of crude extract of Mucuna poggei fresh leaves. The fourth group served as a control and was fed normal feed (Fishmeal and Soyabean Cake). The weekly body weights of the broilers were taken for eight weeks, after which they were slaughtered for the determination of their carcass characteristics, breast meats’ drip loss and cook loss. The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the weights of the broilers at the end of the experiment. The “control” had the highest mean body weight of 1233.33±76.38g followed by “group 2” with mean body weight of 1150.00±50.00g while “group 3” had the least mean body weight of 950±40.82g followed by “group 1” with mean body weight of 1000.00±40.82g. There was no significant variation (P<0.05) in the cooking losses among the breast meats of the four groups. However, the results showed significant variation (P<0.05) in the drip losses among the breast meats of the broilers. On the whole, the results revealed that the control which had no crude extract of Mucuna poggei fresh leaves performed better than other groups which were given the extract as feed substitute. The crude extract should therefore be given to broilers as feed supplement not as feed substitute for optimal performance.
The Hip Antero-Superior Labral Tear with Avulsion of Rectus Femoris (Haltar) Lesion: Does the Slap Equivalent in the Hip Exist?
Authors: Hosalkar Harish S. , Pennock Andrew T. , Zaps Daniela , Schmitz Matthew R. , Bomar James D. , Bittersohl Bernd
Published: August 2012

Background

The purpose of this report is to describe a new lesion, the “Hip Antero-superior Labral Tear with Avulsion of Rectus femoris (HALTAR)”. This injury may be seen in both adolescent and skeletally mature athletes and shares several characteristics with the “Superior Labral tear from Anterior to Posterior (SLAP)” lesion in the shoulder.

Methods

We present a case example, as well as a detailed anatomic description of the pathological condition.

Results

As the rectus femoris crosses two joints it is exposed to substantial forces during muscle contraction. Considering the peri-articular origin of the reflected head at the superior aspect of the acetabular rim, a powerful eccentric contraction of the rectus femoris muscle or traction related to sudden knee flexion may cause an avulsion injury of the rectus femoris as well as a concomitant labral tear.

Conclusions

A strain injury of the rectus femoris muscle, which is common in young athletic patients, may cause a concomitant tear of the acetabular labrum. Therefore, we recommend further diagnostic work-up in cases with prolonged hip pain and impaired hip function following an AIIS injury in order to identify any associated peri- and intra-articular damage. In our experience these patients seldom need aggressive surgical management.