bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of warming and grazing on soil N availability, species composition, and ANPP in an alpine meadow
Authors: Wang Shiping , Duan Jichuang , Xu Guangping , Wang Yanfen , Zhang Zhenhua , Rui Yichao , Luo Caiyun , Xu Burenbayin , Zhu Xiaoxue , Chang Xiaofeng , Cui Xiaoyong , Niu Haishan , Zhao Xinquan , Wang Wenying
Published: June 2012

Uncertainty about the effects of warming and grazing on soil nitrogen (N) availability, species composition, and aboveground net primary production (ANPP) limits our ability to predict how global carbon sequestration will vary under future warming with grazing in alpine regions. Through a controlled asymmetrical warming (1.2/1.7°C during daytime/nighttime) with a grazing experiment from 2006 to 2010 in an alpine meadow, we found that warming alone and moderate grazing did not significantly affect soil net N mineralization. Although plant species richness significantly decreased by 10% due to warming after 2008, we caution that this may be due to the transient occurrence or disappearance of some rare plant species in all treatments. Warming significantly increased graminoid cover, except in 2009, and legume cover after 2008, but reduced non‐legume forb cover in the community. Grazing significantly decreased cover of graminoids and legumes before 2009 but increased forb cover in 2010. Warming significantly increased ANPP regardless of grazing, whereas grazing reduced the response of ANPP to warming. N addition did not affect ANPP in both warming and grazing treatments. Our findings suggest that soil N availability does not determine ANPP under simulated warming and that heavy grazing rather than warming causes degradation of the alpine meadows.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Associated With Caries and Periodontal Disease
Authors: Soto‐Barreras Uriel , Olvera‐Rubio Javier O. , Loyola‐Rodriguez Juan P. , Reyes‐Macias Juan F. , Martinez‐Martinez Rita E. , Patiño‐Marin Nuria , Martinez‐Castañon Gabriel A. , Aradillas‐Garcia Celia , Little James W.
Published: June 2012

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an important cardiovascular disorder of the peripheral arteries. Chronic infections, such as periodontitis, may play an important role in the etiology and pathophysiology of PAD and other cardiovascular conditions. Recently, Streptococcus mutans has been found with high frequency in atheromatous plaques. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible clinical and microbiologic association between PAD and periodontitis and dental caries.

Methods: Thirty patients with PAD and 30 control individuals were selected. PAD and its severity were established by the use of the ankle‐branchial index (ABI). Clinical attachment loss (AL); probing depth; decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index; and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated. The presence of bacterial DNA from Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was identified by polymerase chain reaction in subgingival biofilm and serum.

Results: Patients with ≥30% AL ≥ 4 mm had six‐fold increased risk of having PAD (odds ratio = 8.18; 95% confidence interval = 1.21 to 35.23; P = 0.031). There was statistical difference in the CRP (P = 0.0413) and DMFT index (P = 0.0002), with elevated number of missing teeth (P = 0.0459) in the PAD group compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in the frequency of bacteria in serum and subgingival plaque.

Conclusion: There was a positive relationship between periodontitis based on AL and PAD determined by the ABI (odds ratio = 8.18).
Laser Therapy as an Effective Method for Implant Surface Decontamination: A Histomorphometric Study in Rats
Authors: Salmeron Samira , Rezende Maria L.R. , Consolaro Alberto , Sant'Ana Adriana C.P. , Damante Carla A. , Greghi Sebastião L.A. , Passanezi Euloir
Published: June 2012

Background: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a standard protocol for treating peri‐implantitis is not yet established.

Methods: A total of 150 titanium disks with smooth or rough surfaces contaminated with microbial biofilm were implanted subcutaneously in rats after undergoing one of three treatments: 1) low‐intensity laser (LIL); 2) antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT); or 3) toluidine blue O (TBO). Sterile and contaminated disks served as negative (NC) and positive (C) control groups, respectively. After days 7, 28, and 84, tissue inflammation was evaluated microscopically by measuring the density of collagen fibers (degree of fibrosis) and concentration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Results: Surface texture did not affect the degree of inflammation, but the area of reactive tissue was significantly greater for rough implants (2.6 ± 3.7 × 106 µm2) than for smooth ones (1.9 ± 2.6 × 106 µm2; P = 0.0377). Group C presented the lowest and group NC presented the highest degree of fibrosis with significance only after day 7; these groups had the highest and lowest scores, respectively, for degree of inflammation. Group C showed the largest area of reactive tissue (9.11 ± 2.10 × 106 µm2), but it was not significantly larger than group LIL (P = 0.3031) and group TBO (P = 0.1333). Group aPDT showed the smallest area (4.34 ± 1.49 × 106 µm2) of reactive tissue among the treatment groups. After day 28, groups LIL, aPDT, TBO, and C resembled group NC in all the studied parameters.

Conclusion: Group aPDT showed more favorable results in parameter area of reactive tissue than the other methods after day 7, but over longer time periods all methods produced outcomes equivalent to sterile implants.
Improved Resistivity Imaging of Targets with Sharp Boundaries Using an Iterative Disconnect Procedure
Authors: Elwaseif Mehrez , Slater Lee
Published: June 2012

The smoothness constraint inversion is not appropriate for imaging sharp targets such as archaeological structures. Alternative approaches requires either a priori information about the subsurface (e.g., disconnect inversion) or requires two or more geophysical datasets to be collected at the same site (e.g., joint inversion). Here we propose a 3-D inversion strategy that does not require a priori information and is theoretically more appropriate for imaging targets with sharp resistivity contrasts. Our approach combines an initial smoothness constraint inversion that is used only at the first iteration to recover a resistivity model that is fairly consistent with the measured data, from which an initial target location is estimated using an edge detector method and from which a disconnect in the inversion is identified. This disconnect defining the target outline is then progressively improved following each iteration of the inverse procedure. We applied our approach on 3-D synthetic studies that include a single cavity, and widely- and closely-spaced cavity models. In addition, we tested our approach on a challenging synthetic field model scenario that simulates archaeological field sites in Egypt. Synthetic studies demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in recovering both resistivity and geometry of buried targets over the smoothness constraint inversion approach.
The Pitfalls of Mobile Devices in Learning: A Different View and Implications for Pedagogical Design
Authors: Ting Yu-Liang
Published: June 2012

Studies have been devoted to the design, implementation, and evaluation of mobile learning in practice. A common issue among students' responses toward this type of learning concerns the pitfalls of mobile devices, including small screen, limited input options, and low computational power. As a result, mobile devices are not always perceived by students as beneficial tools for their learning. Such perception undermines the use of mobile devices in learning and dampens teachers' interest in adopting mobile learning. This study tackles this issue and proposes that contextualizing the use of mobile devices can promote students' attitudes toward the use of mobile devices in learning. In other words, the use of mobile devices in learning should be in conjunction with the ambient artifacts where the user is and corresponding experience may provide the user with a positive perception toward the use of mobile devices. The proposed approach is evaluated by a sample practice to obtain preliminary supporting evidence. Further discussion is made on some innovative designs of mobile learning practices. This study is to provide a different view of mobile devices' pitfalls in learning and suggests that, relying on appropriate design, these pitfalls can be overcome to embrace a broader spectrum of mobile learning practice designs.
Sequence analysis of selected nucleotide sequences of abortogenic isolate of Equine Herpesvirus 1 and changes caused by serial passage in vitro
Authors: Molinková Dobromila
Published: June 2012

The aim of this work was to isolate the abortogenic virus strain of Equine Herpesvirus 1 representing the current infection situation in the Czech Republic, describe it at the molecular level with accent on genes coding viral glycoproteins and observe the changes caused by the passaging of the virus on a cell culture. In 2009, an isolate of equine herpesvirus 1 was obtained from an abortion case in a mare from a herd affected by abortion storm. The virus identification was performed using the PCR method. The virus was isolated on the RK 13 cell line and after 6 passagesin vitrothe stability of sequences of selected sections of the virus genome was assessed and compared with the original field isolate. The virus sequences were also compared with known sequences of the abortogenic reference virus strain (V592) and with other known viral strains. One point mutation in a nucleotide sequence coding glycoprotein G was found, distinguishing the field isolate from V592. One point mutation in the gene for glycoprotein C was passage-induced. It was noted that the virus during the passage on RK13 cell line in the monitored sections was stable and is a suitable starting material for next experiments.
Viral infections in queen bees (Apis mellifera carnica) from rearing apiaries
Authors: Gregorc Aleš , Bakonyi Tamás
Published: June 2012

Viral infection could have an impact on the success of queen rearing and a potential effect on reduced queen quality. Newly mated honey bee (Apis mellifera carnica) queens were collected from mating nuclei in queen rearing operations in Slovenia. Altogether, 81 queens were sampled from 27 rearing apiaries in 2006 and 72 queens from 24 apiaries in 2008. Queens were analysed for the presence of four viruses: acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), sacbrood virus (SBV) and deformed wing virus (DWV) by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In 2006, 12%, 9% and 1% prevalence was found for ABPV, DWV and SBV, respectively; BQCV was not detected. Two years later, DWV, BQCV, SBV and ABPV were detected in 58%, 24%, 11% and 10% bee queens, respectively. In 2006, fourteen out of twenty-seven apaiaries were virus free, whereas in 2008 only three out of twenty-four apiaries were virus free. This is the first evidence of virus infection occurring in newly mated queens from mating nuclei in rearing apiaries. The possible impacts of queen rearing technology and epidemiological influences on virus infection are discussed in this study.
The influence of restrictive feeding of chickens on the microscopic structure of their liver
Authors: Makovický Peter , Tůmová Eva , Rajmon Radko , Bízková Zuzana , Härtlová Helena
Published: June 2012

This paper describes the morphologic structure of chickens’ livers as a result of restrictive feeding in variable intensity. This experiment was performed on 96 chickens of two hybrids (Ross 308 and Cobb 500) of both sexes. The chickens were divided into 3 groups (control group and two groups with restricted feeding). There were 8 chickens in each group. After hatching, the control group was fed a standard mixture ad libitum. The first restricted group was fed 80% ad libitum from the age of 2 weeks. The second restricted group, from the age of 2 weeks, was fed 65% ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. The liver samples were obtained by necropsy, then weighed, and after this processed by standard histological methods. The slices of liver were stained with haematoxyline-eosin. The liver samples were evaluated both objectively and subjectively. In the control group, steatosis and marginal pathological acute venosis hyperaemia were found. In the group with 80% restriction, perilobular steatosis was observed. In the group with 65% restriction, centrolobular steatosis was observed. Controlled measurement of the average hepatocyte thickness in the individual sample groups was performed using an objective method. The hepatocyte diameter thickness of males was higher than the hepatocyte diameter thickness of females, which was significant (P < 0.001). This is the first work providing the possibility of morphometrical verification of the time factor including other morphological criteria.
Microbiological quality of broiler carcasses during slaughter processing
Authors: Svobodová Irena , Bořilová Gabriela , Hulánková Radka , Steinhauserová Iva
Published: June 2012

Microbial contamination of poultry carcasses can be influenced by many factors during transport and slaughtering. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of four processing steps (plucking, evisceration, washing and chilling) on the total viable counts (TVC), counts ofEscherichia coli,Salmonellaspp. andListeriaspp. incidence on broiler carcasses. A total of 160 broiler carcasses originating from one farm were collected during one year period at a Czech slaughterhouse and examined. Both TVC andE. colicounts decreased during processing from 4.6 log cfu/cm2and 3.5 log cfu/cm2to 3.7 log cfu/cm2and 1.8 log cfu/cm2, respectively, with a major impact of washing on TVC and washing and chilling onE. colidecrease (P< 0.001). BothSalmonellaspp. (6 strains) andListeriaspp. (12 strains, none ofL. monocytogenes) were found sporadically in all processing steps followed. However, a decreasing trend was observed inSalmonellacounts andListeriaspp. incidence during the processing. Thus, this study brings new valuable information on the dynamics of microflora during modern poultry processing.
The effect of zeolite on oxidant/antioxidant status in healthy dairy cows
Authors: Ipek Hudai , Avci Mehmet , Aydilek Nurettin , Yerturk Muğdat
Published: June 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary zeolite (clinoptilolite) supplementation on the oxidative/antioxidative status on plasma in healthy dairy cows. Twenty dairy cows were divided into two groups of 10. Control group was fed the basal ration for 60 days. Zeolite group was fed the basal ration supplemented with 2.5% zeolite daily. To evaluate the oxidative and antioxidative status comprehensively, indicators such as total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, total antioxidant status, lipid hydroperoxide, total free sulphhydryl groups, ceruloplasmin concentrations, arylesterase, paraoxonase-1 and catalase activities were measured in plasma. Lipid hydroperoxide concentration was significantly (P< 0.05) decreased from 6.21 ± 0.94 to 4.90 ± 1.05 mmol H2O2Eq/l by zeolite supplementation. However, no significant effect was observed on the antioxidant and other oxidant indicators. In conclusion, although zeolite decreased the lipid hydroperoxide concentration, it cannot further strengthen antioxidant defense system in healthy dairy cows.
Monitoring of risk metals in chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.) from the Svitava and Svratka rivers in the urban area of Brno, Czech Republic
Authors: Harkabusová Veronika , Čelechovská Olga , Lavičková Alena , Svobodová Zdeňka
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Brno agglomeration on the distribution of risk elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, As) in tissues of a total of 50 chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.). Contamination by metals was monitored in fish from different sites on the Svitava and Svratka rivers in the urban agglomeration of Brno in 2008. Metal concentration was determined in the muscle, liver and kidney by high-resolution atomic absorption spectrometry. Electrothermic technique was used to assess lead, cadmium and copper concentrations; zinc content was determined by flame technique and arsenic by hydride generation. The highest concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic and zinc in individual tissues, ranked in a descending order as follows: kidney > liver > muscle; for copper it was liver > kidney > muscle. The highest concentrations of cadmium, arsenic and zinc were determined in chub kidney from the locality of Kníničky (1.35 ± 0.97, 0.186 ± 0.076, and 299.7 ± 123.4 mg·kg-1 respectively); the highest concentration of lead was on the Svratka before junction (0.28 ± 0.19 mg·kg-1). The highest contamination with risk metals was found in chub from the Svratka. The assessed concentrations have shown minimum participation of the Brno agglomeration in the accumulation of metals. The concentrations of all risk elements in chub from all of the monitored localities do not pose any environmental or health threat. This study updates published data on chub from the Rivers Svitava and Svratka on concentration of risk elements.
A comparison of laws preventing unnecessary canine cosmetic surgery in Italy and in the Czech Republic
Authors: Quartarone Valeria , Voslářová Eva , Russo Maria , Doleželová Petra , Passantino Annamaria
Published: June 2012

Many invasive procedures, including surgery (ear cropping, tail docking, and debarking in the dog), are performed on dogs for purely cosmetic reasons or convenience. These procedures, also known as “cosmetic surgery”, fall into a variety of categories from the questionably unethical to the undoubtedly criminal, because they are mostly carried out solely to alter a dog’s physical appearance. Although in several European countries these procedures are banned, except when performed by a veterinarian for medical reasons, veterinarians are often requested to perform them for various reasons. Though controversial, canine cosmetic surgery continues to be performed, reaching epidemic proportions. The authors summarize legislation, individual positions and veterinary attitudes regarding cosmetic surgery in Italy and the Czech Republic. Additionally, they explain the ways in which the law is being used in the two countries to prevent these unnecessary procedures, and how current and future anti-cruelty laws can stop unethical use of cosmetic surgery.
Magnetic-Fe/Fe3O4-nanoparticle-bound SN38 as carboxylesterase-cleavable prodrug for the delivery to tumors within monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Wang Hongwang , Shrestha Tej B , Basel Matthew T , Dani Raj Kumar , Seo Gwi-Moon , Balivada Sivasai , Pyle Marla M , Prock Heidy , Koper Olga B , Thapa Prem S , Moore David , Li Ping , Chikan Viktor , Troyer Deryl L , Bossmann Stefan H
Published: June 2012

The targeted delivery of therapeutics to the tumor site is highly desirable in cancer treatment, because it is capable of minimizing collateral damage. Herein, we report the synthesis of a nanoplatform, which is composed of a 15 ± 1 nm diameter core/shell Fe/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and the topoisomerase I blocker SN38 bound to the surface of the MNPs via a carboxylesterase cleavable linker. This nanoplatform demonstrated high heating ability (SAR = 522 ± 40 W/g) in an AC-magnetic field. For the purpose of targeted delivery, this nanoplatform was loaded into tumor-homing double-stable RAW264.7 cells (mouse monocyte/macrophage-like cells (Mo/Ma)), which have been engineered to express intracellular carboxylesterase (InCE) upon addition of doxycycline by a Tet-On Advanced system. The nanoplatform was taken up efficiently by these tumor-homing cells. They showed low toxicity even at high nanoplatform concentration. SN38 was released successfully by switching on the Tet-On Advanced system. We have demonstrated that this nanoplatform can be potentially used for thermochemotherapy. We will be able to achieve the following goals: (1) Specifically deliver the SN38 prodrug and magnetic nanoparticles to the cancer site as the payload of tumor-homing double-stable RAW264.7 cells; (2) Release of chemotherapeutic SN38 at the cancer site by means of the self-containing Tet-On Advanced system; (3) Provide localized magnetic hyperthermia to enhance the cancer treatment, both by killing cancer cells through magnetic heating and by activating the immune system.
Analyse des propriétés hydrodynamiques des aquifères fissurés de la région de San-Pedro (Sud-Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: De-Lasme O. Z. , Lasm T. , Oga M. S. , Youan-Ta M. , Baka D. , Ettien F. B. , Kouakou S. , Onetie O. Z. , Yao T. K.
Published: June 2012

[fr] La région de San-Pedro est localisée dans le sud-ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire et couvre une superficie de 6912 km2. Les ressources en eau exploitées dans cette région sont constituées des eaux de surface et des eaux souterraines des aquifères des altérites et de fissures du socle précambrien. La présente étude a pour objectif d’analyser les propriétés hydrodynamiques des aquifères fissurés de San-Pedro d’un point de vue statistique et géostatistique, en vue d’une meilleure connaissance et gestion des ressources en eau souterraine. La base de données comporte 110 forages captant les eaux des fissures profondes. La transmissivité a été déterminée par interprétation des essais de pompage à l’aide des méthodes classiques. Le débit spécifique (Q/s) a été calculé pour tous les forages au niveau du troisième palier, après correction des rabattements. Les valeurs de la transmissivité et du débit spécifique oscillent respectivement entre 1,27.10-6 et 8,59.10-4 m2.s-1 et entre 1,09.10-2 m2.h-1 et 13,2 m2.h-1. Ces deux paramètres s’échelonnent sur trois ordres de grandeurs montrant l’hétérogénéité du milieu. Une relation empirique a été établie entre la transmissivité et le débit spécifique pour la région de San-Pedro. Cette relation peut être utilisée pour la détermination de la transmissivité dans les secteurs où elle fait défaut. Le variogramme de la transmissivité est caractérisé par une double structuration. L’estimation de la transmissivité par krigeage est satisfaisante car les valeurs observées et estimées sont comparables. Les résultats acquis dans cette étude concourent à une meilleure compréhension des propriétés hydrogéologiques du sud-ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire.
The adaptation of coral reefs to climate change: Is the Red Queen being outpaced?
Authors: Hoegh-Guldberg Ove
Published: June 2012

Coral reefs have enormous value in terms of biodiversity and the ecosystem goods and services that they provide to hundreds of millions of people around the world. These important ecosystems are facing rapidly increasing pressure from climate change, particularly ocean warming and acidification. A centrally important question is whether reef-building corals and the ecosystems they build will be able to acclimate, adapt, or migrate in response to rapid anthropogenic climate change. This issue is explored in the context of the current environmental change, which is largely unprecedented in rate and scale and which are exceeding the capacity of coral reef ecosystems to maintain their contribution to human well-being through evolutionary and ecological processes. On the balance of evidence, the ‘Red Queen’ (an analogy previously used by evolutionary biologists) is clearly being ‘left in the dust’ with evolutionary processes that are largely unable to maintain the status quo of coral reef ecosystems under the current high rates of anthropogenic climate change.
Trauma Course for an Aerial Medical Transport System in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador
Authors: Mora Francisco E , Nicholson Benjamin , Lovelady Jay , Dhindsa Harrinder , Mata Lina V , Kleiman Debbie , Chin Theresa , King Ashley
Published: June 2012

Objectives

Aerial transport of injured patients in rural Southeastern Ecuador is provided by humanitarian organizations with no medical personnel or assistance. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of a tailored aeromedical transport (AMT) course for nonmedical personnel (pilot and technicians) in the jungles of Ecuador, where there are no formal medical crew members.

Methods

Fixed-wing aeromedical flights in the Amazon province of Morona Santiago were analyzed to delineate the injury patterns (IP) and reason for transport (RFT). An 8-hour didactic and hands-on AMTC course based on IP and RFT was developed and administered by the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) International trauma system development program (ITSDP) and VCU Life Evac with extensive experience in aeromedical education and training. Pre- and post-test course evaluation was used to assess the medical background and knowledge retention of the participants.

Results

A total of 5,716 fixed-wing aeromedical transports between Jan 2003 and Dec 2005 were analyzed. The course was developed based on 1176 (20%) RFT resulting from traumatic injuries. Course structure based on identified IP included 4 didactic lectures and hands-on skill training in aerial physiology, airway management, bleeding control, shock, musculoskeletal injuries, immobilization and patient transport. Fifteen students (4 pilots, 4 engineers, 2 physicians, 4 aerial staff and 1 flight operator) participated in the course. Pre- and post-test evaluations demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge from 53% (average 10.53, STD 1.6) to 73% (average 14.53, STD 2.13) p-value < 0.0001). Critical deficiencies in information uptake were identified in airway management and flight physiology

Conclusion

A tailored AMTC may serve as the first step toward the development of a regionally specific aeromedical transport service. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the real impact of this intervention in terms of morbidity and mortality.

How to cite this article

Aboutanos MB, Mora FE, Nicholson B, Lovelady J, Dhindsa H, Mata LV, Kleiman D, Chin T, King A, Ivatury RR. Trauma Course for an Aerial Medical Transport System in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador. Panam J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2012;1(1):1-5.
The Role of CT Scan in Recognizing Blunt Diaphragmatic Rupture
Authors: Passos Edward , Nascimento Bartolomeu , Netto Fernando Spencer , Tien Homer
Published: June 2012

Background

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (BTDR) occurs when signicant deceleration mechanism and energy are applied to the torso, and it is associated with signicant injuries and high morbidity and mortality. Although it has limitations, CT scan is the diagnostic of choice for BTDR. This study is a retrospective analyse of our experience in diagnosing BTDR using the 64-slice CT scanner. Sensitivity and specicity of this exam were assessed.

Methods

We reviewed reports from 2006 to 2009 of all CT scans of the abdomen that were done in the rst 24 hours of hospitalization of blunt trauma patients. We compared CT ndings to surgery reports.

Results

Our cohort consisted of 2670 patients; 69% were male. We found 28 cases of BTDR, most of them on the patient s left side (54%). Eleven percent of cases were bilateral. BTDR was often caused by motor vehicle collisions. We found sensitivity of 86%, specicity of 99%.

Conclusion

CT scan is reliable tool in blunt trauma patients. As new technologies arise, its sensibility and specicity also increases.

How to cite this article

Passos E, Nascimento B, Netto FS, Tien H, Rizoli S. The Role of CT Scan in Recognizing Blunt Diaphragmatic Rupture. Panam J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2012;1(1):24-26.
Effects of land use intensity on the full greenhouse gas balance in an Atlantic peat bog
Authors: Beetz S. , Liebersbach H. , Glatzel S. , Jurasinski G. , Buczko U. , Höper H.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The assessment of emission factors for many peatlands is difficult, and reliable data on the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) between soil and atmosphere of these areas is particularly scarce. Reasons for this are the multitude of soil and land use combinations that control greenhouse gas exchange and the high effort associated with data acquisition. We investigated the greenhouse gas exchange of a peat bog restoration sequence over a period of 2 yr (July 2007–June 2009) in an Atlantic raised bog in Northwest Germany. We set up three sites representing different land use intensities: intensive grassland (mineral fertilizer, cattle manure and 4–5 cuts per year); extensive grassland (no fertilizer or manure, maximal 1 cutting per year); near-natural peat bog (almost no anthropogenic influence). We obtained seasonal and annual estimates of greenhouse gas exchange based on closed chamber measurements. CH4 and N2O fluxes were recorded bi-weekly, CO2 NEE determinations were carried out 3–4 weekly. To get annual sums the CH4 and N2O fluxes were interpolated linearly while NEE was modelled. The intensive grassland site emitted 548 ± 169 g CO2-C m−2 in the first and 817 ± 140 g CO2-C m−2 in the second year. The extensive grassland site showed a slight uptake in the first year (−148 ± 143 g CO2-C m−2), and a small emission of 88 ± 146 g CO2-C m−2 in the second year. In contrast to these agriculturally used sites, the near-natural site took up CO2-C in both years (−8 ± 68 g CO2-C m−2 and −127 ± 53 g CO2-C m−2). Under consideration of N2O and CH4 exchange, the total average greenhouse warming potential (GWP) for 2008 amounts to 441 ± 157 g m−2, 14 ± 152 g m−2 and 31 ± 68 g m−2 CO2-C-equivalent for the intensive grassland, the extensive grassland and the near-natural site, respectively. Despite inter-annual variability, rewetting contributes considerably to mitigating GHG emission from formerly drained peatlands. Already extensively used grassland on moderately drained peat approaches the carbon sequestration potential of near-natural sites, albeit it may oscillate between being a small sink and being a small source depending on interannual climatic variability.
Development of high resolution land surface parameters for the Community Land Model
Authors: Ke Y. , Leung L. R. , Huang M. , Coleman A. M. , Li H. , Wigmosta M. S.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. There is a growing need for high-resolution land surface parameters as land surface models are being applied at increasingly higher spatial resolution offline as well as in regional and global models. The default land surface parameters for the most recent version of the Community Land Model (i.e. CLM 4.0) are at 0.5° or coarser resolutions, released with the model from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Plant Functional Types (PFTs), vegetation properties such as Leaf Area Index (LAI), Stem Area Index (SAI), and non-vegetated land covers were developed using remotely-sensed datasets retrieved in late 1990's and the beginning of this century. In this study, we developed new land surface parameters for CLM 4.0, specifically PFTs, LAI, SAI and non-vegetated land cover composition, at 0.05° resolution globally based on the most recent MODIS land cover and improved MODIS LAI products. Compared to the current CLM 4.0 parameters, the new parameters produced a decreased coverage by bare soil and trees, but an increased coverage by shrub, grass, and cropland. The new parameters result in a decrease in global seasonal LAI, with the biggest decrease in boreal forests; however, the new parameters also show a large increase in LAI in tropical forest. Differences between the new and the current parameters are mainly caused by changes in the sources of remotely sensed data and the representation of land cover in the source data. The new high-resolution land surface parameters have been used in a coupled land-atmosphere model (WRF-CLM) applied to the western US to demonstrate their use in high-resolution modeling. Future work will include global offline CLMsimulations to examine the impacts of source data resolution and subsequent land parameter changes on simulated land surface processes.
An ensemble approach to assess hydrological models' contribution to uncertainties in the analysis of climate change impact on water resources
Authors: Velázquez J. A. , Schmid J. , Ricard S. , Muerth M. J. , Gauvin St-Denis B. , Minville M. , Chaumont D. , Caya D. , Ludwig R. , Turcotte R.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Over the recent years, several research efforts investigated the impact of climate change on water resources for different regions of the world. The projection of future river flows is affected by different sources of uncertainty in the hydro-climatic modelling chain. One of the aims of the QBic3 project (Québec-Bavarian International Collaboration on Climate Change) is to assess the contribution to uncertainty of hydrological models by using an ensemble of hydrological models presenting a diversity of structural complexity (i.e. lumped, semi distributed and distributed models). The study investigates two humid, mid-latitude catchments with natural flow conditions; one located in Southern Québec (Canada) and one in Southern Bavaria (Germany). Daily flow is simulated with four different hydrological models, forced by outputs from regional climate models driven by a given number of GCMs' members over a reference (1971–2000) and a future (2041–2070) periods. The results show that the choice of the hydrological model does strongly affect the climate change response of selected hydrological indicators, especially those related to low flows. Indicators related to high flows seem less sensitive on the choice of the hydrological model. Therefore, the computationally less demanding models (usually simple, lumped and conceptual) give a significant level of trust for high and overall mean flows.
Ice volume distribution and implications on runoff projections in a glacierized catchment
Authors: Gabbi J. , Farinotti D. , Bauder A. , Maurer H.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. A dense network of helicopter-based ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements was used to determine the ice-thickness distribution in the Mauvoisin region. The comprehensive set of ice-thickness measurements was combined with an ice-thickness estimation approach for an accurate determination of the bedrock. A total ice volume of 3.69 ± 0.11 km3 and a maximum ice-thickness of 290 m were found. The ice-thickness values were then employed as input for a combined glacio-hydrological model forced by most recent regional climate scenarios. This model provided glacier evolution and runoff projections. Runoff projections of the measured initial ice volume distribution show an increase in annual runoff of 4% in the next two decades, followed by a persistent runoff decrease until 2100. Finally, we checked the influence of the ice thickness distribution on runoff projections. Our analyses revealed that reliable estimates of the ice volume is essential. Wrong estimations of the total ice volume might even lead to deviations of the predicted general runoff trend.
Analysis of feedback effects and atmosphere responses when 2-way coupling a hydrological land surface model with a regional climate model – a case study for the Upper-Danube catchment
Authors: Zabel F. , Mauser W.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Most land surface hydrological models (LSHMs) take land surface processes (e.g. soil-plant-atmosphere interactions, lateral water flows, snow and ice) into detailed spatial account. On the other hand, they usually consider the atmosphere as exogenous driver only, thereby neglecting feedbacks between the land surface and the atmosphere. Regional climate models (RCMs), on the other hand, generally describe land surface processes much coarser but naturally include land-atmosphere interactions. What is the impact on RCMs performance of the differently applied model physics and spatial resolution of LSHMs? In order to investigate this question, this study analyses the impact of replacing the land surface model (LSM) within a RCM by a LSHM. Therefore, a 2-way coupling approach was applied for a full integration of the LSHM PROMET (1×1 km2) and the atmospheric part of the RCM MM5 (45×45 km2). The scaling interface SCALMET is used for down- and upscaling the linear and non-linear fluxes between the model scales. The response of the MM5 atmosphere to the replacement is investigated and validated for temperature and precipitation for a 4 yr period from 1996 to 1999 for the Upper-Danube catchment. By substituting the NOAH-LSM with PROMET, simulated non-bias-corrected near surface air temperature significantly improves for annual, monthly and daily courses, when compared to measurements from 277 meteorological weather stations within the Upper-Danube catchment. The mean annual bias was improved from −0.85 K to −0.13 K. In particular, the improved afternoon heating from May to September is caused by increased sensible heat flux and decreased latent heat flux as well as more incoming solar radiation in the fully coupled PROMET/MM5 in comparison to the NOAH/MM5 simulation. Triggered by the LSM replacement, precipitation overall is reduced, however simulated precipitation amounts are still of high uncertainty, both spatially and temporally. The distribution of precipitation follows the coarse topography representation in MM5, resulting in a spatial shift of maximum precipitation northwards the Alps. Consequently, simulation of river runoff inherits precipitation biases from MM5. However, by comparing the water balance, the bias of annual average runoff was improved from 21.2% (NOAH/MM5) to 4.4% (PROMET/MM5) when compared to measurements at the outlet gauge of the Upper-Danube watershed in Achleiten.
Effect of variable winds on current structure and Reynolds stresses in a tidal flow: analysis of experimental data in the Eastern English Channel
Authors: Korotenko K. A. , Sentchev A. V. , Schmitt F. G.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Wind and wave effects on tidal current structure and turbulence throughout the water column are examined using an upward-looking acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). The instrument has been deployed on the seafloor of 20-m depth, off the North-Eastern French coast in the Eastern English Channel over 12 tidal cycles and covered the period of the transition from mean spring to neap tide and forcing regimes varied from calm to moderate storm conditions. During storms, we observed gusty winds with magnitude reached 15 m s−1 and wave height reached up to 1.3 m. Analysis of velocity spectra revealed a noticeable contribution of wind-induced waves to spectral structure of velocity fluctuations within the upper 10-m layer. Near the surface, stormy winds and waves produced a significant intensification of velocity fluctuations, particularly when the sustained wind blew against the ebb tide flow. As during wavy periods the variance-derived Reynolds stress estimates might include a wave-induced contamination, we applied the Variance Fit method to obtain unbiased stresses and other turbulent quantities. Over calm periods, the turbulent quantities usually decreased with height above the seabed. The stresses were found to vary regularly with the predominantly semidiurnal tidal flow, with the along-shore stress being generally greater during the flood flow (~2.7 Pa) than during the ebb flow (~−0.6 Pa). The turbulent kinetic energy production rate, P, and eddy viscosity, Az}, followed a nearly regular cycle with close to a quarter-diurnal period. As for the stresses, near the seabed, we found the maximum values of estimated quantities of P and Az to be 0.1 W m−3 and 0.5 m2 s−1, respectively, during the flood flow. Over the storm periods, we found the highest stress values (~−2 Pa) during ebb when tidal currents were opposite to the southwesterly winds while, during the flood, the surface stresses slightly exceeded those estimated for a calm period.
Nonlinear Analysis of Heart Rate Variability to Assess the Reaction of Ewe Fetuses Undergoing Fetal Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Del Gaudio Costantino , Carotti Adriano , Grigioni Mauro , Morbiducci Umberto
Published: June 2012

Fetal cardiac surgery (FCS) represents a challenging issue for the in utero treatment of congenital heart defects. However, FCS has still not gained the sufficient reliability for clinical practice due to an incompletely elucidated fetal stress response. For example, blood sampling can contribute to its onset, leading to fetoplacental unit dysfunction, one of the main causes of failure of the surgical procedure. In order to address this issue, the role of the autonomic control system during an experimental procedure of cardiac bypass on ewe fetuses was investigated by means of recurrence quantification analysis (RQA), a well-recognized method for the analysis of nonlinear systems. RQA was applied to time series extracted from fetal arterial pressure recordings before and after the cardiac bypass established by means of an extracorporeal circuit, including an axial blood pump, and taking advantage of the capability of the placenta to work as a natural oxygenator. Statistically significant correlations were found among RQA-based metrics and fetal blood gas data, suggesting the possibility to infer the clinical status of the fetus starting from its hemodynamic signals.

This study shows the relevance of RQA as a complementary tool for the monitoring of the fetal status during cardiac bypass.
The Discretization for a Special Class of Ideal Projectors
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhang Shugong , Dong Tian
Published: June 2012

We focus on a special class of ideal projectors, subspaces, which possesses two classes of D-invariant polynomial subspaces. The first is a classical type, while the second is a new class. With matrix computation, we discretize this class of ideal projectors into a sequence of Lagrange projectors.
Influence of Extraction Methodologies on the Analysis of Five Major Volatile Aromatic Compounds of Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Grown in Thailand
Authors: Chanthai Saksit , Prachakoll Sujitra , Ruangviriyachai Chalerm , Luthria Devanand L
Published: June 2012

This paper deals with the systematic comparison of extraction of major volatile aromatic compounds (VACs) of citronella grass and lemongrass by classical microhydrodistillation (MHD), as well as modern accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Sixteen VACs were identified by GC/MS. GC-flame ionization detection was used for the quantification of five VACs (citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, citral, and eugenol) to compare the extraction efficiency of the two different methods. Linear range, LOD, and LOQ were calculated for the five VACs. Intraday and interday precisions for the analysis of VACs were determined for each sample. The extraction recovery, as calculated by a spiking experiment with known standards of VACs, by ASE and MHD ranged from 64.9 to 91.2% and 74.3 to 95.2%, respectively. The extraction efficiency of the VACs was compared for three solvents of varying polarities (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol), seven different temperatures (ranging from 40 to 160°C, with a gradual increment of 20°C), five time periods (from 1 to 10 min), and three cycles (1, 2, and 3 repeated extractions). Optimum extraction yields of VACs were obtained when extractions were carried out for 7 min with dichloromethane and two extraction cycles at 120°C. The results showed that the ASE technique is more efficient than MHD, as it results in improved yields and significant reduction in extraction time with automated extraction capabilities.
Rapid Determination of Nitroimidazole Residues in Honey by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kanda Maki , Sasamoto Takeo , Takeba Kazue , Hayashi Hiroshi , Kusano Tomoko , Matsushima Yoko , Nakajima Takayuki , Kanai Setsuko , Takano Ichiro
Published: June 2012

We developed a rapid and efficient means of determining residues of four nitroimidazoles—i.e., dimetridazole, ipronidazole, metronidazole, and ronidazole—and three hydrophilic metabolites—i.e., 2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, 1-methyl-2-(2′-hydroxyisopropyl)-5-nitroimidazole, and 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-nitroimidazole—in honey. We applied a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) procedure improved to suit a nitroimidazole analysis, which is fast (approximately 30 min) and uses less organic solvent. The procedure involves initial single-phase extraction of 5 g of honey with acetonitrile containing 1% acetic acid, followed by liquid–liquid partitioning involving the addition of 5 g sodium chloride, 1.5 g trisodium citrate dihydrate, and 4 g magnesium sulfate. Moreover, matrix from honey was reduced by an SPE method with an alumina-N cartridge. The samples were analyzed using LC/MS/MS. Chromatographic separation of these nitroimidazoles and metabolites was performed in the gradient mode on a pentafluorophenylpropyl-bonded silica column (150 × 2.0 mm, 3 μm particle size) at 40°C. The mobile phase consisted of a 0.01% acetic acid solution and acetonitrile, and the flow rate was 0.2 mL/min. The method was validated using honey spiked with these nitroimidazoles from 0.1 to 0.5 μg/kg. The overall recovery of the seven nitroimidazoles ranged from 76.1 to 98.5%; intra- and interassay CV values were <9.5 and <14.2%, respectively. The LOQ ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 μg/kg. LC/MS/MS coupled with the QuEChERS method showed good potential as a method for determining nitroimidazole residues in honey.
HILIC-MS/MS Method for the Quantitation of Nucleotides in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritional Formula: First Action 2011.21
Authors: Inoue Koichi , Dowell Dawn
Published: June 2012

Official Method SM 2011.21 is for the quantitation of the following nucleotides: adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP), uridine 5′-monophosphate (UMP), cytidine 5′-monophosphate (CMP), and inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) in infant formula and adult/pediatric nutritional formula. It uses hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). Preparation of the internal standards was conducted using centrifugal ultrafiltration and the standards are AMP-13C10, 15N5; GMP-13C10, 15N5; UMP-13C9, 15N2; and CMP-13C9, 15N3. Data were collected by using multiple reaction monitoring of the product ions of protonated molecules of the five nucleotides generated by positive-electrospray ionization. The HILIC conditions were conducted with ammonium formate (30 mmol/L) in water (pH 2.5, adjusted with formic acid) and methanol. The LOD and LOQ of the standard solution were 0.005–0.01 and 0.01–0.03 μg/mL, respectively. Recovery data were collected for intraday and interday testing and ranged from 98.1 to 108.9% with an RSD of 0.7–5.4%. The analytical range of the method is between 0.04 to 5 μg/mL for standard solution.
Topological Indexes and QSRR Methodology in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Analysis
Authors: Pyka Alina
Published: June 2012

This paper presents an assessment of the possibility of using topological indexes and related structural descriptors in TLC, HPLC, GC, micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC), and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) techniques. Every work quoted is a new aspect of the use of topological indexes. Data from the scientific literature indicate that the topological indexes discussed can be used to predict and describe retention and lipophilic parameters obtained by TLC, HPLC, GC, MEKC, and CZE for different classes of organic compounds including drugs. The results presented indicate that the topological indexes and other structural descriptors have significance in analytical investigations of organic compounds. This review indicates that further investigations on the application of the topological indexes in TLC, HPLC, GC, MEKC, and CZE are justifiable.