bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Roof Pitch and Ceiling Insulation on Cooling Load of Naturally-Ventilated Attics
Authors: Wang Shimin , Shen Zhigang , Gu Linxia
Published: July 2012

A 2D unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is employed to simulate buoyancy-driven turbulent ventilation in attics with different pitch values and ceiling insulation levels under summer conditions. The impacts of roof pitch and ceiling insulation on the cooling load of gable-roof residential buildings are investigated based on the simulation of turbulent air flow and natural convection heat transfer in attic spaces with roof pitches from 3/12 to 18/12 combined with ceiling insulation levels from R-1.2 to R-40. The modeling results show that the air flows in the attics are steady and exhibit a general streamline pattern that is qualitatively insensitive to the investigated variations of roof pitch and ceiling insulation. Furthermore, it is predicted that the ceiling insulation plays a control role on the attic cooling load and that an increase of roof pitch from 3/12 to 8/12 results in a decrease in the cooling load by around 9% in the investigated cases. The results suggest that the increase of roof pitch alone, without changing other design parameters, has limited impact on attics cooling load and airflow pattern. The research results also suggest both the predicted ventilating mass flow rate and attic cooling load can be satisfactorily correlated by simple relationships in terms of appropriately defined Rayleigh and Nusselt numbers.
Kinetics of the Formation and Dissociation of Gas Hydrates from CO2-CH4 Mixtures
Authors: Horvat Kristine , Kerkar Prasad , Jones Keith , Mahajan Devinder
Published: July 2012

Sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the form of its hydrates in natural methane (CH4) hydrate reservoirs, via CO2/CH4 exchange, is an attractive pathway that also yields valuable CH4 gas as product. In this paper, we describe a macroscale experiment to form CO2 and CH4-CO2 hydrates, under seafloor-mimic conditions, in a vessel fitted with glass windows that provides visualization of hydrates throughout formation and dissociation processes. Time resolved pressure and temperature data as well as images of hydrates are presented. Quantitative gas conversions with pure CO2, calculated from gas chromatographic measurements yielded values that range from 23 – 59% that correspond to the extent of formed hydrates. In CH4-rich CH4-CO2 mixed gas systems, CH4 hydrates were found to form preferentially.
Doomsday for the Euro Area: Causes, Variants and Consequences of Breakup
Authors: Belke Ansgar , Verheyen Florian
Published: July 2012

In this paper we describe the genesis of a doomsday scenario and discuss potential causes and motivations for a breakup of the euro area. For this purpose, we differentiate between the departure of weak and strong countries, and examine the impact of the reintroduction of a national currency on domestic debt, the domestic banking sector, EU membership and the freedom of trade. We also briefly analyze the social and political costs of the accompanying social disorder.
Fasudil, a Rho-Kinase Inhibitor, Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Jiang Chunguo , Huang Hui , Liu Jia , Wang Yanxun , Lu Zhiwei , Xu Zuojun
Published: July 2012

The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) involve multiple pathways, such as inﬂammation, epithelial mesenchymal transition, coagulation, oxidative stress, and developmental processes. The small GTPase, RhoA, and its target protein, Rho-kinase (ROCK), may interact with other signaling pathways known to contribute to pulmonary ﬁbrosis. This study aimed to determine the beneficial effects and mechanisms of fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Our results showed that the Aschcroft score and hydroxyproline content of the bleomycin-treated mouse lung decreased in response to fasudil treatment. The number of infiltrated inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was attenuated by fasudil. In addition, fasudil reduced the production of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA and protein expression in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. These findings suggest that fasudil may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of pulmonary ﬁbrosis.
Clinical Relevance of CDH1 and CDH13 DNA-Methylation in Serum of Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Abudukadeer Abida , Bakry Rania , Goebel Georg , Mutz-Dehbalaie Irene , Widschwendter Andreas , Bonn Günther K. , Fiegl Heidi
Published: July 2012

This study was designed to investigate the DNA-methylation status of E-cadherin (CDH1) and H-cadherin (CDH13) in serum samples of cervical cancer patients and control patients with no malignant diseases and to evaluate the clinical utility of these markers. DNA-methylation status of CDH1 and CDH13 was analyzed by means of MethyLight-technology in serum samples from 49 cervical cancer patients and 40 patients with diseases other than cancer. To compare this methylation analysis with another technique, we analyzed the samples with a denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) PCR-method. The specificity and sensitivity of CDH1 DNA-methylation measured by MethyLight was 75% and 55%, and for CDH13 DNA-methylation 95% and 10%. We identified a specificity of 92.5% and a sensitivity of only 27% for the CDH1 DHPLC-PCR analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that serum CDH1 methylation-positive patients had a 7.8-fold risk for death (95% CI: 2.2–27.7; p = 0.001) and a 92.8-fold risk for relapse (95% CI: 3.9–2207.1; p = 0.005). We concluded that the serological detection of CDH1 and CDH13 DNA-hypermethylation is not an ideal diagnostic tool due to low diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. However, it was validated that CDH1 methylation analysis in serum samples may be of potential use as a prognostic marker for cervical cancer patients.
CO2 Adsorption on Activated Carbon Honeycomb-Monoliths: A Comparison of Langmuir and Tóth Models
Authors: Vargas Diana P. , Giraldo Liliana , Moreno-Piraján Juan C.
Published: July 2012

Activated carbon honeycomb-monoliths with different textural properties were prepared by chemical activation of African palm shells with H3PO4, ZnCl2 and CaCl2 aqueous solutions of various concentrations. The adsorbents obtained were characterized by N2 adsorption at 77 K, and their carbon dioxide adsorption capacities were measured at 273 K and 1 Bar in volumetric adsorption equipment. The experimental adsorption isotherms were fitted to Langmuir and Tóth models, and a better fit was observed to Tóth equation with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The maximum experimental values for adsorption capacity at the highest pressure (2.627–5.756 mmol·g−1) are between the calculated data in the two models.
(2E)-3-[4-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-ylmethoxy)-3-methoxyphenyl]-1-(4,4''-difluoro-5'-methoxy-1,1':3',1''-terphenyl-4'-yl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Samshuddin Seranthimata , Narayana Badiadka , Shetty Divya N. , Srinivasan Rajagopalan , Sarojini Balladka Kunhanna
Published: July 2012

Novel terphenyl chalcone containing benzimidazole moiety (3) is synthesized by the base-catalyzed Claisen–Schmidt condensation of acetyl terphenyl derivative (1) with 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylmethoxy)-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (2). Newly prepared chalcone derivative (3) is characterized by IR, NMR and mass spectral data.
Membranes in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Min , Hou Junbo
Published: July 2012

Lithium ion batteries have proven themselves the main choice of power sources for portable electronics. Besides consumer electronics, lithium ion batteries are also growing in popularity for military, electric vehicle, and aerospace applications. The present review attempts to summarize the knowledge about some selected membranes in lithium ion batteries. Based on the type of electrolyte used, literature concerning ceramic-glass and polymer solid ion conductors, microporous filter type separators and polymer gel based membranes is reviewed.
Food-Related Compounds That Modulate Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase May Act as Its Inhibitors
Authors: Maldonado-Rojas Wilson , Olivero-Verbel Jesus
Published: July 2012

Natural compounds commonly found in foods may contribute to protect cells against the deleterious effects of inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties have been linked to the modulation of transcription factors that control expression of inflammation-related genes, including the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), rather than a direct inhibitory action on these proteins. In this study, forty two natural dietary compounds, known for their ability to exert an inhibitory effect on the expression of iNOS, have been studied in silico as docking ligands on two available 3D structures for this protein (PDB ID: 3E7G and PDB ID: 1NSI). Natural compounds such as silibinin and cyanidin-3-rutinoside and other flavonoids showed the highest theoretical affinities for iNOS. Docking affinity values calculated for several known iNOS inhibitors significatively correlated with their reported half maximal inhibitory concentrations (R = 0.842, P < 0.0001), suggesting the computational reliability of the predictions made by our docking simulations. Moreover, docking affinity values for potent iNOS inhibitors are of similar magnitude to those obtained for some studied natural products. Results presented here indicate that, in addition to gene expression modulation of proteins involved in inflammation, some chemicals present in food may be acting by direct binding and possible inhibiting actions on iNOS.
SGA-WZ: A New Strapdown Airborne Gravimeter
Authors: Huang Yangming , Olesen Arne Vestergaard , Wu Meiping , Zhang Kaidong
Published: July 2012

Inertial navigation systems and gravimeters are now routinely used to map the regional gravitational quantities from an aircraft with mGal accuracy and a spatial resolution of a few kilometers. However, airborne gravimeter of this kind is limited by the inaccuracy of the inertial sensor performance, the integrated navigation technique and the kinematic acceleration determination. As the GPS technique developed, the vehicle acceleration determination is no longer the limiting factor in airborne gravity due to the cancellation of the common mode acceleration in differential mode. A new airborne gravimeter taking full advantage of the inertial navigation system is described with improved mechanical design, high precision time synchronization, better thermal control and optimized sensor modeling. Apart from the general usage, the Global Positioning System (GPS) after differentiation is integrated to the inertial navigation system which provides not only more precise altitude information along with the navigation aiding, but also an effective way to calculate the vehicle acceleration. Design description and test results on the performance of the gyroscopes and accelerations will be emphasized. Analysis and discussion of the airborne field test results are also given.
Why is There No Tragedy in These Commons? An Analysis of Forest User Groups and Forest Policy in Bhutan
Authors: Buffum Bill
Published: July 2012

Governments around the world are increasingly devolving authority for forest management to the local level in an attempt to strengthen the management of national forests. Community forestry programs are recognized as providing a range of economic and social benefits and having a positive impact on increasing forest cover. However, concerns have been raised about the capability of user groups to manage community forests in a sustainable and equitable manner. This study analyzed the initial experience with community forestry in Bhutan and assessed the degree to which national policies have enhanced the likelihood of successful management by forestry user groups. The study found that the studied communities possess many attributes of successful forest user groups due to historical and socio-cultural reasons. National policies, including the unusual provision of handing over well-stocked forests to user groups, have further enhanced the likelihood of sustainable management by forest user groups. The initial experience of forest management by user groups in Bhutan is promising, and merits further study now that that a much larger number of community forests (CFs) have experience with harvesting.
E-Democracy and Web 2.0: A Framework Enabling DMOS to Engage Stakeholders in Collaborative Destination Management
Authors: Sigala Marianna , Marinidis Dimosthenis
Published: July 2012

Destination management (DM) is a collaborative process requiring destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to reconcile the diverging interests of various stakeholders and actively involve them in decision- and policy-making processes. Web 2.0 tools and e-democracy applications empower
DMOs to further enhance the role and deepen the participation of tourism stakeholders in such collaborative DM processes. however, the literature has paid limited attention to such issues. this article synthesizes literature from four fields [namely stakeholder theory, collaborative decision
making, collaborative destination management (CDM), and e-democracy] for developing a framework showing how DMOs can exploit Web 2.0 for developing collaborative decision-making processes for DM. the theoretical and practical implications of this framework are discussed.
Cellular localization of aquaporin mRNA in hybrid poplar stems
Authors: Almeida‐Rodriguez Adriana M. , Hacke Uwe G.
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: Aquaporins (AQPs) are channel proteins, and their function is mostly associated with transmembrane water transport. While aquaporin genes are known to be expressed in woody poplar stems, little is known about AQP expression at the cellular level. Localization of AQP expression to particular cell and tissue types is a necessary prerequisite in understanding the biological role of these genes.

• Methods: Subsets of plants were subjected to 6 wk of high nitrogen fertilization (high N plants) or to a controlled drought. Experimental treatments affected cambial activity and wood anatomy. RNA in situ hybridization was used to characterize spatial expression of three AQP genes in stem cross sections.

• Key results: The strongest labeling consistently occurred in the cambial region and in adjacent xylem and phloem cells. Expression was also detected in rays. Contact cells exhibited high expression, while expression in other ray cells was more variable. High N plants exhibited a broader band of expression in the cambial region than plants receiving only adequate N fertilization (control plants) and plants subjected to drought.

• Conclusions: Water channels in stems were expressed in a manner that allows hydraulic coupling between xylem and other tissues that may serve as water reservoirs, including phloem and pith parenchyma. Expression of AQPs in rays may increase radial flow of water from xylem and phloem to the cambial region where AQPs may help sustain rapid cell division and expansion of developing vessel elements.
Uniform female‐biased sex ratios in alpine willows
Authors: Myers‐Smith Isla H. , Hik David S.
Published: July 2012

• Premise of the study: The development of biased sex ratios in dioecious plant species has been ascribed to either (1) factors influencing differential adult mortality of male and female plants or (2) factors acting at an early life stage that determine seed sex ratio or seedling survival.

• Methods: To discriminate between these two competing hypotheses, we surveyed sex and age of 379 individuals from five species of the genus Salix across 11 alpine valleys in the southwest Yukon.

• Key results: We observed uniformly female‐biased sex ratios of approximately 2:1 across all adult age cohorts and patch sizes of the five willow species. No spatial variation in sex ratio occurred that could be associated with site‐specific characteristics such as elevation or aspect.

• Conclusions: Our results indicate that the female‐biased sex ratios in the alpine willow species investigated in this study are not a consequence of ecological processes acting on established adult plants. The sex ratio is instead determined at an early life stage by a mechanism that remains unknown.
P-wave Cooper pair splitting
Authors: Soller Henning , Komnik Andreas
Published: July 2012

Background: Splitting of Cooper pairs has recently been realized experimentally for s-wave Cooper pairs. A split Cooper pair represents an entangled two-electron pair state, which has possible application in on-chip quantum computation. Likewise the spin-activity of interfaces in nanoscale tunnel junctions has been investigated theoretically and experimentally in recent years. However, the possible implications of spin-active interfaces in Cooper pair splitters so far have not been investigated.

Results: We analyze the current and the cross correlation of currents in a superconductor–ferromagnet beam splitter, including spin-active scattering. Using the Hamiltonian formalism, we calculate the cumulant-generating function of charge transfer. As a first step, we discuss characteristics of the conductance for crossed Andreev reflection in superconductor–ferromagnet beam splitters with s-wave and p-wave superconductors and no spin-active scattering. In a second step, we consider spin-active scattering and show how to realize p-wave splitting using only an s-wave superconductor, through the process of spin-flipped crossed Andreev reflection. We present results for the conductance and cross correlations.

Conclusion: Spin-activity of interfaces in Cooper pair splitters allows for new features in ordinary s-wave Cooper pair splitters, that can otherwise only be realized by using p-wave superconductors. In particular, it provides access to Bell states that are different from the typical spin singlet state.
Creating a Successful Environment for Preparing Doctoral-Level Nurse Educators
Authors: Sherrod Roy Ann , Houser Rick , Odom-Bartel Becky , Packa Donna , Wright Vivian , Dunn Linda , Stanton Marietta , Tomlinson Stephen
Published: July 2012

The ongoing nursing shortage requires that universities be creative in developing alternative methods to enhance the supply of nursing faculty. We report on an innovative collaborative program between colleges of nursing and education to prepare future nursing faculty. The evaluation of this initiative was accomplished using comparative data from doctoral students in other non-nursing programs. We found that the nurse educator program was positive in influencing students’ knowledge and skill development and perceptions of faculty support, compared with other non-nursing doctoral programs.
Comparison of Features on SD-OCT Between Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ahn Seong Joon , Kim Tae Wan , Huh Jang Won , Yu Hyeong Gon , Chung Hum
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) features of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) versus exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and explore disease-specific features of each disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

SD-OCT images obtained at the time of diagnosis in 39 eyes with acute CSC (symptom onset < 2 months) and 52 eyes with exudative AMD were compared. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify disease-specific features. The relationship between anatomical findings and visual function was also assessed.

RESULTS:

There were significant morphologic differences on SD-OCT between the two diseases, including the presence and height of retinal fluid and morphologic changes of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Multiple regression analysis revealed that a reflective band with posterior shadowing was a disease-specific finding indicating exudative AMD; however, other SD-OCT findings were attributed to differences in age of onset between the two diseases. Visual acuity was correlated with subretinal fluid in CSC, whereas pigment epithelial detachment, intraretinal fluid, and diverse RPE morphologic abnormalities were associated with visual decline in exudative AMD.

CONCLUSION:

A reflective band with posterior shadowing is a disease-specific feature of exudative AMD that may be useful for the differential diagnosis. High-resolution SD-OCT images of the retinal layers identified distinguishing pathologic features of the outer retina between the two diseases. The OCT features associated with visual function were different between the two diseases.
Tocopherols and phytosterols in sunflower seeds for the human food market
Authors: Fernández-Cuesta A. , Nabloussi A. , Fernández-Martínez J. M. , Velasco L.
Published: July 2012

Sunflower seeds for the human food market are derived from both oilseed-type cultivars, with black achenes and low hull proportion, and confectionery-type cultivars, with striped achenes and high hull proportion. The objective of this research was to evaluate tocopherol and phytosterol contents in the seeds of both types of cultivars. Five oilseed-type and seven confectionery-type cultivars were evaluated in replicated field trials in two locations of Morocco and Spain. Large variations were found in hundred-kernel weight (2.6 to 5.5 g), kernel oil content (42.7 to 67.5%), tocopherol content (203 to 397 mg kg–1 kernel), and phytosterol content (2179 to 3555 mg kg–1 kernel). Both types of cultivars did not differ for kernel weight, kernel oil content, or tocopherol and phytosterol profiles. However, oilseed-type cultivars had significantly greater average tocopherol and phytosterol contents, though confectionery-type cultivars with levels of tocopherols and phytosterols similar to the best oilseed-type cultivars were identified. The large variations in kernel tocopherol and phytosterol contents found in this research suggest that there is room for breeding for increased levels of these compounds in order to develop healthier sunflower cultivars for the human food market.
Chemical composition of virgin olive oils from the Chemlali cultivar with regard to the method of the olive tree propagation
Authors: Guerfel M. , Mansour M. B. , Ouni Y. , Guido F. , Boujnah D. , Zarrouk M.
Published: July 2012

This paper reports for the first time a discrimination study based on the antioxidant compounds, oxidative stability and volatile compounds of virgin olive oil samples obtained from fruits of the main Tunisian olive cultivar (Chemlali) using two methods of olive tree propagation (suckers and cuttings). There were significant differences between the oils from the two methods. Olive oil samples obtained from the fruits of trees from suckers had a higher content of oleic acid (63.8%), higher contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids (3.01 mg/ kg and 1.9 mg/kg respectively), a higher content of (E)-2 hexenal (66.1%) and a higher content in total phenols (890 mg/kg). Interestingly, more stable oil was obtained from the olives from suckers compared to the olives from cuttings. These results can be used to discriminate and to characterize the Chemlali olive oils from each origin of olive tree.
Comparing the thermo-physical characteristics of lard and selected plant fats
Authors: Yanty N. A. M. , Marikkar J. M. M. , Miskandar M. S.
Published: July 2012

A comparison of the thermo-physical properties of lard and plant fats may help to formulate alternative fat substitutes for halal food applications. In this study, plant-based fats, namely avocado butter (Persea americana), cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao L.), palm oil (Elaeis guinensis) and mee fat (Madhuca longifolia) are compared to lard with respect to the basic physico-chemical parameters, fatty acid and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions, and melting and solidification behaviors. Although plant fats are completely different from lard with respect to fatty acid and TAG compositions, they share some common thermal features with lard. Based on thermal analysis, lard and plant fats, except cocoa butter, are found to have thermal transitions in both low (< 0 °C) and high (> 0 °C) melting regions of their cooling and melting curves. According to pulse NMR data, mee fat and lard are found to display closely similar solidification profiles in the temperature range of 0-25 °C, while palm oil and lard are found to have similar solidification profiles in the temperature range between 25-40 °C. Hence, the thermo-physical property comparison between plant fats and lard may be useful to formulate a fat blend which simulates the thermal properties of lard.
Biochemical evaluation of protein fractions from physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.)
Authors: Peralta-Flores L. , Gallegos-Tintoré S. , Solorza-Feria J. , Dávila-Ortíz G. , Chel-Guerrero L. , Martínez-Ayala A.
Published: July 2012

J. curcas seed proteins were fractioned according to the Osborne method and some biochemical properties were determined for these fractions. Glutelins (378 g kg–1 protein) and globulins (201 g kg–1 protein) were the main components. Albumins and prolamins were the minor components. Protein digestibility was highest in glutelins and globulins with values of 81 and 80% respectively. Electrophoresis analysis showed that globulins and glutelins exhibited similar polypeptide profiles. Electrophoresis patterns suggested that there could be a structural relationship among 2S, 7S and 11S storage proteins from plant sources. According to the FAO⁄WHO reference, the protein fractions had acceptable levels of most of the essential amino acids, but its globulins and glutelins were low in lysine and tryptophan.
Small-scale heterogeneity in temperate forest canopy arthropods: stratification of spider and beetle assemblages
Authors: Aikens Kathleen R. , Buddle Christopher M.
Published: July 2012

Vertical gradients in biotic and abiotic factors may create small-scale spatial variation in arthropod communities, a phenomenon that continues to be understudied. We investigated heterogeneity in the vertical distribution of spider and beetle assemblages in the canopy of sugar maples (Acer saccharumMarshall) (Aceraceae) in a deciduous forest in eastern Canada. Comparisons across four strata (understorey [UN] through upper canopy [UC] crown) documented variation in density, diversity, and species composition. Density of all common families decreased significantly with height and overall species richness of both spiders and beetles was highest in the UN and lowest in the UC crown. We observed greater spatial variation in spider assemblages compared with beetle assemblages and documented differences in spider guild structure: web-spinning spiders were most common in the UN and jumping spiders dominated the canopy. Our results suggest that arthropod assemblages are not homogeneous with respect to vertical space and that heterogeneity exists even at the scale of several metres.
Potential of bio-drying applied to exhausted grape marc
Authors: Rada Elena Cristina , Ragazzi Marco
Published: July 2012

In the present work, experimentation was carried out to study the behavior of exhausted grape marc during the bio-drying process. This process was chosen as an alternative to the typical grape marc thermal drying approach. The aim was to reduce the moisture level thanks to the biological exothermal reactions, and to increase the energy content in the biodried grape marc. The target was the generation of a product interesting for energy options. For the development of the research, a biological pilot reactor and a respirometric apparatus were used. Results demonstrated that bio-drying can decrease the water content saving the original energy content. The final material could be assumed like a solid recovered fuel, class 5:1:1 with a very low potential rate of microbial self-heating.
Typical Spike-and-Wave Activity in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury and its Implications for classifying Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus
Authors: Mader Edward C. , Villemarette-Pittman Nicole R. , Kashirny Sergei V. , Santana-Gould Lenay , Olejniczak Piotr W.
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Typical spike-and-wave activity (TSWA) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) indicates idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). IGE-related nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is typically an absence status epilepticus (ASE). ASE and TSWA respond dramatically to benzodiazepines. Patients with no history of seizure/epilepsy may develop ASE “de novo” in the context of an acute brain disorder. However, we are aware of only one previous case of de novo ASE with TSWA in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

Case Presentation

A 65-year-old man, with congestive heart failure and history of substance abuse, survived cardiorespiratory arrest after 18 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Post-resuscitation, the patient was in coma with intact brainstem function. Toxicology was positive for cocaine and marijuana. Eyelid myoclonus suggested NCSE, which was initially treated with lorazepam and fosphenytoin. EEG monitoring showed sustained TSWA confirming NCSE and demonstrating de novo ASE (the patient and his family never had seizure/epilepsy). The TSWA was resistant to lorazepam, levetiracetam, and low-dose midazolam; it was eliminated only with midazolam at a dose that resulted in burst-suppression (≥1.2 mg/kg/hour).

Conclusion

This is an unusual case of TSWA and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in a patient with no history of seizure/epilepsy. The TSWA was relatively resistant to benzodiazepines suggesting that cerebral hypoxia-ischemia spared the thalamocortical apparatus generating TSWA but impaired the cortical/thalamic inhibitory circuits where benzodiazepines act to suppress TSWA. Albeit rare, ‘posthypoxic’ TSWA offers us some valuable insights for classifying and managing nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
Taxa de Mortalidade Específica por Doenças Cerebrovasculares no Distrito Federal entre 1995 e 2005
Authors: Pinheiro Hudson Azevedo , Gomes Lucy Gomes
Published: July 2012

Introdução. Acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é a segunda causa de mortalidade segundo a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) e está relacionado a fatores de risco como sedentarismo, obesidade, taba­gismo, hipertensão arterial e diabetes, além de fatores socioeconômi­cos. Método. Realizou-se um estudo ecológico com base em dados do DATASUS do Ministério da Saúde em relação à incidência da mortalidade por AVC no Distrito Federal entre 1995 e 2005. Resul­tados. houve prevalência de óbitos por AVC no DF em idosos em 2007 foi de 77% para o sexo masculino e 126% para o sexo feminino. Conclusão. Observamos uma tendência à diminuição nas taxas de mortalidade em todos os subgrupos com exceção do subgrupo acima de 80 anos onde houve redução das taxas de mortalidade entre 1995 e 2000, contudo houve aumento das taxas entre 2000 e 2005.
2015: Year of Goals in Reproductive Health
Authors: Shrikhande Laxmi , Tajpuriya Sangeeta
Published: July 2012

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and Millennium Development Goals agenda of reproductive health were declared as the most comprehensive one, which had actually broadened the spectrum of reproductive health and drove the states to embark upon initiatives to improve reproductive health status of their populations. Maternal health is one of the main global health challenges and reduction of the maternal mortality ratio, from the present 0.6 mio per year, by three-quarters by 2015, is the target for the fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG 5). However, this goal is the one toward which the least progress has been made. There is not a simple and straight-forward intervention, which by itself will bring maternal mortality significantly down; and it is commonly agreed on that the high maternal mortality can only be addressed, if the health system is strengthened. There is a common consensus about the importance of skilled attendance at delivery to address the high, maternal mortality. This consensus is also reflected in the MDG 5, where the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel is considered a key indicator.

There are, however, certainly some common grounds which have been experimented by various countries and we can learn lessons from those best practices. There is a need of increasing resource allocation, strengthening primary health care services and emergency obstetric care and motivating the human resource employed in health sector by good governance. These endeavors should lead to formulate evidence-based national policies, reproductive health services which are affordable, accessible and culturally acceptable and finally a responsive health system.

How to cite this article

Shrikhande L, Tajpuriya S. 2015: Year of Goals in Reproductive Health. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):1-4.
Audit: The Strategy to Reduce the Rising Cesarean Section Rates
Authors: Goonewardene Malik , Manawadu Miyuru H , Priyaranjana DV
Published: July 2012

The global increase of cesarean sections (CS) is causing great concern because of the associated increased maternal mortality and severe morbidity, even after adjusting for risk factors. To address this issue an audit is required. Robson's 10 group classification of CS, in which all pregnant women are categorized into 10 prospectively determined, mutually exclusive, totally inclusive and clinically relevant groups, modified by the inclusion of a few subgroups, has been used in certain centers in Sri Lanka from 2010. Using this classification, it is possible to study the pattern of CS in a particular unit during a specific period of time and compare the data prospectively, as well as carry out comparisons with data from another unit which has adopted this classification.

Audits and comparisons at local, regional, national and even international levels are possible. When the pattern of CS in a particular unit is recognized, a detailed analysis of CS including the indications for CS is required to decide whether the CS rate needs to be reduced and if so how it could be reduced. A subsequent reaudit using the same categories would demonstrate reducing trends if any, after the adoption of appropriate changes in clinical practice, and also identify areas which require further improvements. Important differences between units have been observed in those groups which contribute to almost half the total CS; viz 5A and 5B (repeat CS), 2B (nulliparous term singleton vertex—NTSV, prior to the onset of labor), 2A (NTSV after induction of labor) and 1 (NTSV in spontaneous labor). Detailed analysis of indications for CS in these groups have revealed possible areas where clinical practice can be changed and CS rates safely reduced, without increasing the risk of adverse outcomes for the mother or her baby.

How to cite this article

Goonewardene M, Manawadu MH, Priyaranjana DV. Audit: The Strategy to Reduce the Rising Cesarean Section Rates. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(1):5-9.
Climatological perspectives of air transport from atmospheric boundary layer to tropopause layer over Asian monsoon regions during boreal summer inferred from Lagrangian approach
Authors: Chen B. , Xu X. D. , Yang S. , Zhao T. L.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) region has been recognized as a key region that plays a vital role in troposphere-to-stratosphere transport (TST), which can significant impact the budget of global atmospheric constituents and climate change. However, the details of transport from the boundary layer (BL) to tropopause layer (TL) over these regions, particularly from a climatological perspective, remain an issue of uncertainty. In this study, we present the climatological properties of BL-to-TL transport over the ASM region during boreal summer season (June-July-August) from 2001 to 2009. A comprehensive tracking analysis is conducted based on a large ensemble of TST-trajectories departing from the atmospheric BL and arriving at TL. Driven by the winds fields from NCEP/NCAR Global Forecast System, all the TST-trajectories are selected from the high resolution datasets generated by the Lagrangian particle transport model FLEXPART using a domain-filling technique. Three key atmospheric boundary layer sources for BL-to-TL transport are identified with their contributions: (i) 38% from the region between tropical Western Pacific region and South China Seas (WP) (ii) 21% from Bay of Bengal and South Asian subcontinent (BOB), and (iii) 12% from the Tibetan Plateau, which includes the South Slope of the Himalayas (TIB). Controlled by the different patterns of atmospheric circulation, the air masses originated from these three source regions are transported along the different tracks into the TL. The spatial distributions of three source regions keep similarly from year to year. The timescales of transport from BL to TL by the large-scale ascents r-range from 1 to 7 weeks contributing up to 60–70% of the overall TST, whereas the transport governed by the deep convection overshooting become faster on a timescales of 1–2 days with the contributions of 20–30%. These results provide clear policy implications for the control of very short lived substances, especially for the source regions over Indian subcontinent with increasing populations and developing industries.
Cloud-resolving chemistry simulation of a Hector thunderstorm
Authors: Cummings K. A. , Huntemann T. L. , Pickering K. E. , Barth M. C. , Skamarock W. C. , Höller H. , Betz H.-D. , Volz-Thomas A. , Schlager H.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Cloud chemistry simulations are performed for a Hector storm observed on 16 November 2005 during the SCOUT-O3/ACTIVE campaigns based in Darwin, Australia, with the primary objective of estimating the average production of NO per lightning flash during the storm which occurred in a tropical environment. The 3-D WRF-AqChem model (Barth et al., 2007a) containing the WRF nonhydrostatic cloud-resolving model, online gas- and aqueous-phase chemistry, and a lightning-NOx production algorithm is used for these calculations. An idealized early morning sounding of temperature, water vapor, and winds is used to initialize the model. Surface heating of the Tiwi Islands is simulated in the model to induce convection. Aircraft observations from air undisturbed by the storm are used to construct composite initial condition chemical profiles. The idealized model storm has many characteristics similar to the observed storm. Convective transport in the idealized simulated storm is evaluated using tracer species, such as CO and O3. The convective transport of CO from the boundary layer to the anvil region was well represented in the model, with a small overestimate of the increase of CO at anvil altitudes. Lightning flashes observed by the LIghtning detection NETwork (LINET) are input to the model and a lightning placement scheme is used to inject the resulting NO into the simulated cloud. We find that a lightning NO production scenario of 500 moles per flash for both CG and IC flashes yields anvil NOx mixing ratios that match aircraft observations well for this storm. These values of NO production nearly match the mean values for CG and IC flashes obtained from similar modeling analyses conducted for several midlatitude and subtropical convective events and are larger than most other estimates for tropical thunderstorms. Approximately 85% of the lightning NOx mass was located at altitudes greater than 7 km in the later stages of the storm, which is an amount greater than found for subtropical and midlatitude storms. Upper tropospheric NO2 partial columns computed from the model output are also considerably greater than observed by satellite for most tropical marine convective events, as tropical island convection, such as Hector, is more vigorous and more productive of lightning NOx.
Microbial nitrogen cycling on the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Telling J. , Stibal M. , Anesio A. M. , Tranter M. , Nias I. , Cook J. , Bellas C. , Lis G. , Wadham J. L. , Sole A. , Nienow P. , Hodson A.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Nitrogen inputs and microbial nitrogen cycling were investigated along a 79 km transect into the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) during the main ablation season in summer 2010. The depletion of dissolved nitrate and production of ammonium (relative to icemelt) in cryoconite holes on Leverett Glacier, within 7.5 km of the ice sheet margin, suggested microbial uptake and ammonification respectively. Positive in situ acetylene assays indicated nitrogen fixation both in a debris-rich 100 m marginal zone and up to 5.7 km upslope on Leverett Glacier (with rates up to 16.3 μmoles C2H4 m−2 day−1). No positive acetylene assays were detected > 5.7 km into the ablation zone of the ice sheet. Potential nitrogen fixation only occurred when concentrations of dissolved and sediment-bound inorganic nitrogen were undetectable. Estimates of nitrogen fluxes onto the transect suggest that nitrogen fixation is likely of minor importance to the overall nitrogen budget of Leverett Glacier and of negligible importance to the nitrogen budget on the main ice sheet itself. Nitrogen fixation is however potentially important as a source of nitrogen to microbial communities in the debris-rich marginal zone close to the terminus of the glacier, where nitrogen fixation may aid the colonization of subglacial and moraine-derived debris.
The large-scale impact of climate change to Mississippi flood hazard in New Orleans
Authors: Driessen T. L. A. , van Ledden M.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to describe the impact of climate change on the Mississippi River flood hazard in the New Orleans area. This city has a unique flood risk management challenge, heavily influenced by climate change, since it faces flood hazards from multiple geographical locations (e.g. Lake Pontchartrain and Mississippi River) and multiple sources (hurricane, river, rainfall). Also the low elevation and significant subsidence rate of the Greater New Orleans area poses a high risk and challenges the water management of this urban area. Its vulnerability to flooding became dramatically apparent during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 with huge economic losses and a large number of casualties. A SOBEK Rural 1DFLOW model was set up to simulate the general hydrodynamics. This improved model includes two important spillways that are operated during high flow conditions. Subsequently, a weighted multi-criteria calibration procedure was performed to calibrate the model for high flows. Validation for floods in 2011 indicates a very reasonable performance for high flows and clearly demonstrates the necessity of the spillways. 32 different scenarios are defined which includes the relatively large sea level rise and the changing discharge regime that is expected due to climate change. The impact of these scenarios is analysed by the hydrodynamic model. Results show that during high flows New Orleans will not be affected by varying discharge regimes, since the presence of the spillways ensures a constant discharge through the city. In contrary, sea level rise is expected to push water levels upwards. The effect of sea level rise will be noticeable even more than 470 km upstream. Climate change impacts necessitate a more frequent use of the spillways and opening strategies that are based on stages. Potential alternatives on how to cope with the flood hazard of this river in the long term, such as river widening and large-scale redistribution of the flow through diversions, are proposed.
The influence of vegetation dynamics on anthropogenic climate change
Authors: Port U. , Brovkin V. , Claussen M.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. In this study, vegetation-climate and vegetation-carbon cycle interactions during anthropogenic climate change are assessed by using the Earth System Model MPI ESM including a module for vegetation dynamics. We assume anthropogenic CO2 emissions according to the RCP 8.5 scenario in the period from 1850 to 2120 and shut them down afterwards to evaluate the equilibrium response of the Earth System by 2300. Our results suggest that vegetation dynamics have a considerable influence on the changing global and regional climate. In the simulations, global mean tree cover extends by 2300 due to increased atmospheric CO2 concentration and global warming. Thus, land carbon uptake is higher and atmospheric CO2 concentration is lower by about 40 ppm when considering dynamic vegetation compared to a static pre-industrial vegetation cover. The reduced atmospheric CO2 concentration is equivalent to a lower global mean temperature. Moreover, biogeophysical effects of vegetation cover shifts influence the climate on a regional scale. Expanded tree cover in the northern high latitudes results in a reduced albedo and additional warming. In the Amazon region, declined tree cover causes a higher temperature as evapotranspiration is reduced. In total, we find that vegetation dynamics have a slight attenuating effect on global climate change as the global climate cools by 0.22 K in 2300 due to natural vegetation cover shifts.
Transboundary geophysical mapping of geological elements and salinity distribution critical for the assessment of future sea water intrusion in response to sea level rise
Authors: Jørgensen F. , Scheer W. , Thomsen S. , Sonnenborg T. O. , Hinsby K. , Wiederhold H. , Schamper C. , Burschil T. , Roth B. , Kirsch R. , Auken E.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Geophysical techniques are increasingly being used as tools for characterising the subsurface, and they are generally required to develop subsurface models that properly delineate the distribution of aquifers and aquitards, salt/freshwater interfaces, and geological structures that affect groundwater flow. In a study area covering 730 km2 across the border between Germany and Denmark, a combination of an airborne electromagnetic survey (performed with the SkyTEM system), a high-resolution seismic survey and borehole logging has been used in an integrated mapping of important geological, physical and chemical features of the subsurface. The spacing between flight lines is 200–250 m which gives a total of about 3200 line km. About 38 km of seismic lines have been collected. Faults bordering a graben structure, buried tunnel valleys, glaciotectonic thrust complexes, marine clay units, and sand aquifers are all examples of geological structures mapped by the geophysical data that control groundwater flow and to some extent hydrochemistry. Additionally, the data provide an excellent picture of the salinity distribution in the area and thus provide important information on the salt/freshwater boundary and the chemical status of groundwater. Although the westernmost part of the study area along the North Sea coast is saturated with saline water and the TEM data therefore are strongly influenced by the increased electrical conductivity there, buried valleys and other geological elements are still revealed. The mapped salinity distribution indicates preferential flow paths through and along specific geological structures within the area. The effects of a future sea level rise on the groundwater system and groundwater chemistry are discussed with special emphasis on the importance of knowing the existence, distribution and geometry of the mapped geological elements, and their control on the groundwater salinity distribution is assessed.