bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α3/4 Fucosyltransferase 3–Dependent Synthesis of Sialyl Lewis A on CD44 Variant Containing Exon 6 Mediates Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Detachment from Intestinal Epithelium during Transepithelial Migration
Authors: Brazil Jennifer C. , Liu Renpeng , Sumagin Ronen , Kolegraff Keli N. , Nusrat Asma , Cummings Richard D. , Parkos Charles A. , Louis Nancy A.
Published: September 2013

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) migration across the intestinal epithelium closely parallels disease symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. PMN transepithelial migration (TEM) is a multistep process that terminates with PMN detachment from the apical epithelium into the lumen. Using a unique mAb (GM35), we have previously demonstrated that engagement of the CD44 variant containing exon 6 (CD44v6) blocks both PMN detachment and cleavage of CD44v6. In this article, we report that PMN binding to CD44v6 is mediated by protein-specific O-glycosylation with sialyl Lewis A (sLea). Analyses of glycosyltransferase expression identified fucosyltransferase 3 (Fut3) as the key enzyme driving sLea biosynthesis in human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Fut3 transfection of sLea-deficient IECs resulted in robust expression of sLea. However, this glycan was not expressed on CD44v6 in these transfected IECs; therefore, engagement of sLea had no effect on PMN TEM across these cells. Analyses of sLea in human colonic mucosa revealed minimal expression in noninflamed areas, with striking upregulation under colitic conditions that correlated with increased expression of CD44v6. Importantly, intraluminal administration of mAb GM35 blocked PMN TEM and attenuated associated increases in intestinal permeability in a murine intestinal model of inflammation. These findings identify a unique role for protein-specific O-glycosylation in regulating PMN–epithelial interactions at the luminal surface of the intestine.
Selective Inhibition of BTK Prevents Murine Lupus and Antibody-Mediated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Rankin Andrew L. , Seth Nilufer , Keegan Sean , Andreyeva Tatyana , Cook Tim A. , Edmonds Jason , Mathialagan Nagappan , Benson Micah J. , Syed Jameel , Zhan Yutian , Benoit Stephen E. , Miyashiro Joy S. , Wood Nancy , Mohan Shashi , Peeva Elena , Ramaiah Shashi K. , Messing Dean , Homer Bruce L. , Dunussi-Joannopoulos Kyri , Nickerson-Nutter Cheryl L. , Schnute Mark E. , Douhan John
Published: September 2013

Autoantibody production and immune complex deposition within the kidney promote renal disease in patients with lupus nephritis. Thus, therapeutics that inhibit these pathways may be efficacious in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical signaling component of both BCR and FcR signaling. We sought to assess the efficacy of inhibiting BTK in the development of lupus-like disease, and in this article describe (R)-5-amino-1-(1-cyanopiperidin-3-yl)-3-(4-[2,4-difluorophenoxy]phenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (PF-06250112), a novel highly selective and potent BTK inhibitor. We demonstrate in vitro that PF-06250112 inhibits both BCR-mediated signaling and proliferation, as well as FcR-mediated activation. To assess the therapeutic impact of BTK inhibition, we treated aged NZBxW_F1 mice with PF-06250112 and demonstrate that PF-06250112 significantly limits the spontaneous accumulation of splenic germinal center B cells and plasma cells. Correspondingly, anti-dsDNA and autoantibody levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, administration of PF-06250112 prevented the development of proteinuria and improved glomerular pathology scores in all treatment groups. Strikingly, this therapeutic effect could occur with only a modest reduction observed in anti-dsDNA titers, implying a critical role for BTK signaling in disease pathogenesis beyond inhibition of autoantibody production. We subsequently demonstrate that PF-06250112 prevents proteinuria in an FcR-dependent, Ab-mediated model of glomerulonephritis. Importantly, these results highlight that BTK inhibition potently limits the development of glomerulonephritis by impacting both cell- and effector molecule-mediated pathways. These data provide support for evaluating the efficacy of BTK inhibition in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
Comparison of tamsulosin vs tamsulosin/sildenafil effectiveness in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients affected by type III chronic prostatitis
Authors: Cantoro Ubaldo , Catanzariti Francesco , Lacetera Vito , Quaresima Luigi , Muzzonigro Giovanni , Polito Massimo
Published: September 2013

Aim: We evaluated the effectiveness of tamsulosin monotherapy versus tamsulosin plus sildenafil combination therapy on erectile dysfunction (ED) in young patients with type III chronic prostatitis and ED by using symptom score scales. Materials and methods: 44 male patients were divided into 2 groups: the first group (20 patients) was treated with tamsulosin 0,4 mg monotherapy and the second one 24 patients) was treated with tamsulosin 0,4 mg plus sildenafil 50 mg combination therapy. “International Prostate Symptom Score” (IPSS), “National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index” (NIH-CPSI) and “International Index of Erectile Function” (IIEF-5) were inves- tigated in each group of patients, and scores calculated during the first medical examination. Both groups were treated with tamsulosin once daily for 60 days, while sildenafil 50 mg was given on demand (at least 2 times per week) for 60 days. During the second medical examination IPSS, NIH-CPSI and IIEF-5 scores were analyzed once more. Afterwards, the alterations of scores among medical examinations in each group and between both groups were statistically compared. Results: The age average of the 44 cases included was 32.04 ± 3.15 years. Both groups present a statistically significant decrease, between the first and the second medical examination, in IPSS, NIH-CPSI scores and statistically significant increase in IIEF-5 score. In addition, there is no sta- tistically significant difference, in all scores, between mono and combination therapy. Conclusions: tamsulosin monotherapy, as well as a combination therapy (tamsulosin plus silde-nafil) has an improving effect on symptoms and on ED in patients with type III prostatitis. In the near future alpha-blockers monotherapy could be used in the treatment of chronic prostatitis and ED cases instead of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors combination therapy.
Isolated low follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in infertile males – a preliminary report
Authors: Salama Nader , El-Sawy Mohamed
Published: September 2013

Objectives: High levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in infertile males received a significant attention and exploration. Studies investigating the isolated deficiency of FSH in males are few, and its real prevalence is still unknown. Therefore, the objectives of the current study was to report the prevalence of isolated low FSH in infertile males and highlight their demographics and standard sperm parameters. Methods: Records of 3335 infertile men were retrospectively checked. Patients with isolated low FSH were retrieved. FSH levels were categorized into 3 groups based on the number of affected sperm parameter (s). Study variables were also arranged into 2 groups in relation to smoking history. A control group was included to document the changes in sperm morphology. Results: Isolated low FSH (1.146 ± 0.219 mIU/mL) was found in 29 (0.87%) patients. All patients showed at least one abnormal sperm parameter. The abnormal parameters were present in different combinations within the same patient but with no significant correlations with the FSH levels. The FSH levels got lower as the number of the affected sperm parameters increased although the decline was insignificant. The most frequent abnormal parameter presented was sperm morphology (86.2%). Anomalous sperm morphology was highly and significantly demonstrated in the head; specifically in acrosome. Abnormal sperm parameters were present in both smoking and nonsmoking groups but with no significant differences in between. Conclusions: Isolated low FSH among infertile males has a low prevalence. This may be associated with abnormality in semen parameters; particularly sperm morphology. These patients are suggested to be found as a primary entity. However, an additional work-up is highly recommended to validate this hypothesis.
Comparison between WHO (World Health Organization) 2010 and WHO 1999 parameters for semen analysis – interpretation of 529 consecutive samples
Authors: Catanzariti Francesco , Cantoro Ubaldo , Lacetera Vito , Muzzonigro Giovanni , Polito Massimo
Published: September 2013

Objective: To quantify how many men with normal semen according to WHO (WHO - World Health Organization) 1999 criteria, should be considered with abnormal semen according to 2010 criteria and vice versa; to study which parameter of volume, concentration, motility and morphology is the most responsible of this change. Materials and methods: We studied, using WHO 1999 parameters, 529 consecutive semen samples from 427 men, collected in our Department from January 2008 to December 2009, then we re-evaluated those results using WHO 2010 parameters; we also studied each parameter to understand how changed the classification from normal (defined normal by all parameters) to abnormal (defined abnormal by at least one parameter) using the two WHO criteria. Results: 3 men (0.56%) were azoospermic. Among the remaining 526 samples, 199 (37.83%) were considered normal and 246 (46.76%) abnormal both according to WHO 1999 and WHO 2010 criteria; we found that none of the samples classified normal according to the previous criteria was classified abnormal according the more recent criteria, while 82 (15.58%) evaluated as abnormal according 1999 criteria changed to normal according 2010 criteria. The concordance between 1999 and 2010 evaluation was 84.44%. Conclusions: In this study we noted that the changes from WHO 1999 to WHO 2010 criteria did not modify the interpretation of semen quality, because comparing the two classifications we demonstrated that there is a substantial agreement, considering the three parameters (count, motility and morphology) all together, and also considering each single parameter. Anyhow, almost 16% of the patients considered infertile according to the old criteria, should be evaluated normal by the new classification and they should not need any treatment for infertility.
Long term patient satisfaction and quality of life with AMS700CX inflatable penile prosthesis
Authors: Vitarelli Antonio , Divenuto Lucia , Fortunato Francesca , Falco Antonio , Pagliarulo Vincenzo , Antonini Gabriele , Gentile Vincenzo , Sciarra Alessandro , Salciccia Stefano , Sansalone Salvatore , Di Placido Maria Rosaria , Garaffa Giulio , Pagliarulo Arcangelo
Published: September 2013

Objective: Penile prosthesis implantation is the solution of choice in patients who have failed or present contraindication to the use of all conservative treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Overall, satisfaction rates are high, with more than 80% of patients and partners fully satisfied with cosmetic and functional result of surgery. Chronic postoperative pain, penile shortening, soft or hyposensitive glans, pencil like penis syndrome and difficulty to cycle the device represent the most common causes of patient’s dissatisfaction. Satisfaction rates are better assessed with the use of validated questionnaires such as the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) The aim of our study was to analyze the long-term mechanical reliability of the AMS 700CX/CXM inflatable penile prosthesis and the patient’s satisfaction rate using IIEF and EDITS questionaire as standard reference. Materials and methods: A retrospective case notes review of all patients who have undergone implantation of a three pieces inflatable penile prosthesis AMS 700 CX and CXR between October 1997 and December 2010. Overall, 80 patients have undergone implantation of 3 pieces inflatable penile prosthesis AMS 700 CX InhibiZone. Patients have been administered the IIEF-5 and EDITS questionnaires in combination with a non validated 9 domain questionnaire that assesses penile rigidity, sensation, orgasmic function, frequency of intercourse, impact of surgery on the quality of life, satisfaction rate. Results: Overall 10 years survival estimate according to the Kaplan Meier method of AMS 700 CX touch pump and AMS 700 CX momentary squeeze pump are respectively 77.6% and 82.5%. The median postoperative IIEF5 and EDITS score were respectively 21.46 and 73.11, which show a high level of satisfaction. 59 patients (90.8%) were able to cycle the device and were engaging in penetrative sexual intercourse. Conclusions: Penile prosthesis implantation yields excellent results in terms of cosmetic and functional outcome and therefore has a significant impact on patients’ satisfaction, sex life and overall quality of life. Overall, long term reliability has been significantly improved and complication rates are low in the hands of experienced surgeons.
Pulmonary Atypical Carcinoid Tumor in a 15-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Geramizadeh Bita , Reza Foroutan Hamid , Shokripour Mansoureh , Reza Dehghanian Amir
Published: September 2013

Primary pulmonary neoplasms in children are very rare, and because of their rarity, delays in diagnosis and treatment are common. Bronchial typical carcinoid accounts for 80% of primary malignant tumors, but, there are less than 40 proven cases in children reported in literature. Atypical carcinoids (AC) are the least common type of pulmonary carcinoids among children and to the best of our knowledge less than 10 cases have been reported in the English literature so far. Herein we present an extremely rare case of AC in a 15-year-old child and review the previously reported and published cases of pulmonary AC in pediatric age group.
Voluntary counselling and testing for young adults in Limpopo Province – Counsellors’ perceptions
Authors: Risenga Patrone R. , Davhana-Maselesele Mashudu , Obi Chikwelu L.
Published: September 2013

Counselling and testing services for HIV have long been a component of HIV prevention and care programmes in developed countries and have proved to be a cost-effective way of reducing risky behaviours. It is, therefore, important to document the perceptions of voluntary counselling and testing counsellors towards the use of counselling and testing amongst young adults. The purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of these counsellors dealing with young adults in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, where the study was conducted. Two themes emerged from the findings of the voluntary counselling and testing counsellors, namely that they feel that the programmes are inaccessible to young adults and that there are difficulties which might impact on the programmes’ efficacy. The findings of this study should contribute to the reduction of HIV by promoting voluntary counselling and testing uptake by young adults. Berading- en toestingsdienste vir HIV is lankal reeds ‘n geintegreerde deel van die voorkoming en versorgingsprogramme van HIV in ontwikkelde lande en dit is bewys dat dit ’n koste-effektieve manier is om gevaarlike gedrag te verminder. Dit is dus belangrik om die persepsies van vrywillige berading en toesting deur beraders ten opsigte van die gebruik van beraders onder jong volwassenes, te staaf. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die persepsies van hierdie beraders wat met jong volwassenes in die Vhembe distrik, Limpopo provinsie, werk, te beskryf. Twee temas het uit die bevindinge te voorskyn gekom, naamlik: dat die programme ontoeganglik vir jong mense is, en dat daar moontlike probleme is wat op die doeltreffenheid van die programme inslaan. Die bevindinge van hiedie studie behoort ’n bydrae te maak tot die vermindering van HIV deur die vrywillige berading en toesting by jong mense aan te beveel.
Filosofies-teologiese uitgangspunte van ‘missionale’ kerkwees: ’n Kritiese evaluering
Authors: Kruger Jaco
Published: September 2013

In hierdie artikel word ’n perspektief gebied op die tendens wat min of meer sedert die aanvang van die millennium ook in Suid Afrika posgevat het, naamlik om die kerk as diemissionale kerk te tipeer. Hierdie ontwikkeling in die nadenke oor die kerk is oënskynlik ’n reaksie op ’n vroeëre, statiese siening van die kerk, waar meer op die kerk as instelling gefokus is en wat funksioneer deur mense nader te trek en deel te maak van die instelling. In teenstelling hiermee wil die missionale kerk in haar benadering by God self begin, as die sendende God en van daar ’n meer dinamies-kommunikatiewe siening van kerkwees ontwikkel. Laasgenoemde beteken dat die kerk veel meer binne die kultuur van die wêreld aanwesig is om daar op ’n nuwe werklikheid te wys. Die navorsingsvraag wat in hierdie artikel gevra word, het te make met die filosofies-teologiese vertrekpunte van die missionale kerkweesbenadering. Watter siening van die verhouding tussen God en die skepping, oftewel die transendente en die immanente, lê ten grondslag van hierdie benadering? Watter invloed het die inagneming van filosofies-teologiese oorwegings op die beoordeling van die missionale kerkgedagte? Hierdie vrae word beantwoord deur die opvatting van missionale kerkwees, asook die institusioneel-kontraktuele opvatting van kerkwees waarteenoor dit reageer, teen die agtergrond van die sakramentele verstaan van die kerk te plaas. Die sakramentele verstaan van die kerk was deel van die deelnemende wêreldbeeld wat vir die eerste millennium van die kerk se lewe as vanselfsprekend aanvaar is.This article presents a perspective on the growing tendency – also in South Africa – to characterise the church as missional. Thinking of the church in missional terms is apparently in reaction against an earlier, static view that focused on the church as an institution, and more specifically, an institution that functions by drawing people to itself. In contrast, the missional approach to church wants to start with God, as the One that sends, and from that perspective develops a more dynamic and communicative conception of the church. An important implication of this would be to have the church much more present in and to the culture of the world, in order to effectively point to a new reality. The research question informing this article has to do with the philosophical and theological underpinnings of the missional church approach. What assumptions about the relation between God and creation, or transcendence and immanence, underlie this approach? What implications would the consideration of the philosophical and theological assumptions underlying the missional church movement have for its evaluation? These questions are answered by placing the missional notion of the church, as well as the institutional-contractual notion against which it reacts, against the background of a sacramental understanding of the church. The latter was the notion of the church that was almost universally taken for granted in the first millennium of the church’s existence.
Multiple myeloma in a captive lion (Panthera leo)
Authors: Tordiffe Adrian S.W. , Cassel Nicky , Lane Emily P. , Reyers Fred
Published: September 2013

Multiple myeloma is a rare, systemic proliferation of neoplastic plasma cells. A case was reported in an 11-year-old male captive lion (Panthera leo) at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria. The classic features of symptomatic multiple myeloma were all evident in this case; namely osteolytic lesions, monoclonal gammopathy in the serum with excretion of monoclonal proteins in the urine, neoplastic plasma cells in the bone marrow and associated renal failure and anaemia. In addition, similar to the common pattern of this disease in domestic felids, at least three extramedullary tumours were found and several organs were infiltrated by neoplastic plasma cells. The cytoplasm of approximately 50%of the neoplastic round cells, including a few giant myeloma cells, stained weakly to strongly using immunohistochemical stains for B-lymphocytes (CD79a). The normal haematological parameters and lack of any osteolytic lesions in the lion at the time of the first evaluation suggest that the primary neoplastic cells could have originated from one of the extramedullary tumour sites. Only two cases of multiple myeloma have previously been reported in captive wild felids. To the authors’ knowledge, there are no case reports of multiple myeloma in lions.
Polarized States on the Weyl Algebra
Authors: Robinson Paul Lee
Published: September 2013

A state

σ

on the Weyl algebra

A(V, Ω)

over a real symplectic vector space

(V, Ω)

is
polarized
when the vectors

v

for which the absolute value of

σ

on the corresponding Weyl generator

δ_v

is unity constitute a maximal

Ω

-integral additive subgroup of

V

; such a state is necessarily pure, but has inseparable carrier space and is not regular. We determine fundamental properties of such states: in particular, we decide precisely when the GNS representations associated to a pair of polarized states are unitarily equivalent and decide precisely when a given symplectic automorphism is unitarily implemented in the GNS representation associated to a given polarized state.
Facilitators and Barriers to Living with Psychosis: An Exploratory Collaborative Study of the Perspectives of Mental Health Service Users
Authors: Makdisi Lana , Blank Alison , Bryant Wendy , Andrews Christine , Franco Lucia , Parsonage Jackie
Published: September 2013

Introduction:

The purpose of this research was to deepen understanding of what is helpful to those who have experienced psychosis, in order to facilitate best practice within mental health services. Psychosis presents challenges for people on an everyday basis, yet strategies can be developed to facilitate living with psychosis. Investigating the service user's perspective is crucial for informing recovery oriented occupational therapy practice.

Method:

Initiated and designed by a service user research group, this research was exploratory and, primarily, participatory. Data were gathered from two focus groups, involving 13 people with experience of psychosis, facilitated by service user researchers and an MSc student. Data analysis was systematic and based on grounded theory principles

Findings:

Participants shared experiences and thoughts about their everyday lives. Data analysis revealed six elements of the self: the social self; the occupational self; the integrated self; the unsupported self; the stigmatised self and the isolated self. The importance of balancing these six facets of the self is theorised as being essential to successfully managing the experience of living with psychosis.

Conclusion:

This emergent theory could underpin occupation-focused approaches to living with psychosis, with interventions aimed at enabling service users to balance the experience of psychosis with satisfying and contributing lives or recovery.
Pulmonary Venous Doppler Flow Profile before and after Surgical Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Children
Authors: Gadhinglajkar Shrinivas , Sreedhar Rupa , Menon Sabarinath , Omprakash S
Published: September 2013

Objectives

A secundum atrial septal defect is associated with a characteristic pattern of continuous antegrade wave on a pulmonary venous Doppler flow profile. It is replaced with a regular S and D wave after the closure of defect. Although, a few published reports have described these features in adults, there are not enough studies in pediatric patients under anesthesia.

Setting

A tertiary referral center.

Participants

A total of 12 children with uncomplicated secundum atrial septal defect participated in the evaluation process.

Interventions

After anesthesia induction, three of them were excluded from detailed pulmonary venous study as they did not satisfy selection criteria. In remaining nine children, the intraoperative pulmonary venous Doppler changes were assessed before and after the defect closure, manually tracing the pulmonary venous waveforms.

Measurements and main results

The antegrade wave was observed in 9/9 patients before surgery that characteristically lacked distinct systolic and diastolic waves, although in seven patients, a larger systolic peak and a smaller diastolic peak were identified.

Normal S and D waves were seen after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass with S/D ratio >1 in all cases. The maximum velocity of atrial retrograde wave increased and heart rate decreased significantly after surgery.

Conclusion

The continuous antegrade wave is a consistent pulmonary venous Doppler feature of an uncomplicated secundum ASD in anesthetized children. The Doppler pattern is normalized immediately after termination of cardiopulmonary bypass.

How to cite this article

Gadhinglajkar S, Sreedhar R, Menon S, Omprakash S. Pulmonary Venous Doppler Flow Profile before and after Surgical Closure of Atrial Septal Defect in Children. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2013;1(2):42-47.
A Case of Delayed Cardiac Tamponade: Highlighting the Importance of Transthoracic Echocardiography Training for Anesthesiologists
Authors: Peretich Kelly T , Saba Samir , Byrd Heather
Published: September 2013

This echo report describes a patient who developed cardiac temponade in the post-anesthesia care unit after laser lead extraction at electrophysiology laboratory. Diagnosis was readily established by transthoracic echocardiography and this lead to good outcome. Transthoracic ultrasound helps in preoperative evaluation of non-cardiac surgical patients and also postoperative care of hemodynamically unstable patients. This describes the importance of training and competence in transthoracic ultrasound for anesthesiologists.

How to cite this article

Peretich KT, Liu JC, Saba S, Byrd H, Subramaniam K. A Case of Delayed Cardiac Tamponade: Highlighting the Importance of Transthoracic Echocardiography Training for Anesthesiologists. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2013; 1(2):69-71.
Direct photolysis of carbonyl compounds dissolved in cloud and fog~droplets
Authors: Epstein S. A. , Tapavicza E. , Furche F. , Nizkorodov S. A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Gas-phase photolysis is an important tropospheric sink for many carbonyl compounds; however the significance of direct photolysis of these compounds dissolved in cloud and fog droplets is uncertain. We develop a theoretical approach to assess the importance of aqueous photolysis for a series of carbonyls that possess carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups by comparison with rates of other atmospheric processes. We use computationally and experimentally derived effective Henry's law constants, hydration equilibrium parameters, aqueous hydroxyl radical (OH) rate constants, and optical extinction coefficients to identify types of compounds that will (or will not) have competitive aqueous photolysis rates. We also present molecular dynamics simulations designed to estimate gas- and aqueous-phase extinction coefficients of unstudied atmospherically relevant compounds found in d-limonene and isoprene secondary organic aerosol. In addition, experiments designed to measure the photolysis rate of glyceraldehyde, an atmospherically relevant water-soluble organic compound, reveal that aqueous quantum yields are highly molecule-specific and cannot be extrapolated from measurements of structurally similar compounds. We find that only two out of the 92 carbonyl compounds investigated, pyruvic acid and acetoacetic acid, may have aqueous photolysis rates that exceed the rate of oxidation by dissolved OH. For almost all carbonyl compounds lacking α,β-conjugation that were investigated, atmospheric removal by direct photolysis in cloud and fog droplets can be neglected under typical atmospheric conditions.
Quantitative determination of carbonaceous particle mixing state in Paris using single-particle mass spectrometer and aerosol mass spectrometer measurements
Authors: Healy R. M. , Sciare J. , Poulain L. , Crippa M. , Wiedensohler A. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Baltensperger U. , Sarda-Estève R. , McGuire M. L. , Jeong C.-H. , McGillicuddy E. , O'Connor I. P. , Sodeau J. R. , Evans G. J. , Wenger J. C.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Single-particle mixing state information can be a powerful tool for assessing the relative impact of local and regional sources of ambient particulate matter in urban environments. However, quantitative mixing state data are challenging to obtain using single-particle mass spectrometers. In this study, the quantitative chemical composition of carbonaceous single particles has been determined using an aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) as part of the MEGAPOLI 2010 winter campaign in Paris, France. Relative peak areas of marker ions for elemental carbon (EC), organic aerosol (OA), ammonium, nitrate, sulfate and potassium were compared with concurrent measurements from an Aerodyne high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS), a thermal–optical OCEC analyser and a particle into liquid sampler coupled with ion chromatography (PILS-IC). ATOFMS-derived estimated mass concentrations reproduced the variability of these species well (R2 = 0.67–0.78), and 10 discrete mixing states for carbonaceous particles were identified and quantified. The chemical mixing state of HR-ToF-AMS organic aerosol factors, resolved using positive matrix factorisation, was also investigated through comparison with the ATOFMS dataset. The results indicate that hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA) detected in Paris is associated with two EC-rich mixing states which differ in their relative sulfate content, while fresh biomass burning OA (BBOA) is associated with two mixing states which differ significantly in their OA / EC ratios. Aged biomass burning OA (OOA2-BBOA) was found to be significantly internally mixed with nitrate, while secondary, oxidised OA (OOA) was associated with five particle mixing states, each exhibiting different relative secondary inorganic ion content. Externally mixed secondary organic aerosol was not observed. These findings demonstrate the range of primary and secondary organic aerosol mixing states in Paris. Examination of the temporal behaviour and chemical composition of the ATOFMS classes also enabled estimation of the relative contribution of transported emissions of each chemical species and total particle mass in the size range investigated. Only 22% of the total ATOFMS-derived particle mass was apportioned to fresh, local emissions, with 78% apportioned to regional/continental-scale emissions.
An assessment of the performance of the Monitor for AeRosols and GAses in ambient air (MARGA): a semi-continuous method for soluble compounds
Authors: Rumsey I. C. , Cowen K. A. , Walker J. T. , Kelly T. J. , Hanft E. A. , Mishoe K. , Rogers C. , Proost R. , Beachley G. M. , Lear G. , Frelink T. , Otjes R. P.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Ambient air monitoring as part of the US Environmental Protection Agency's (US EPA's) Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNet) currently uses filter packs to measure weekly integrated concentrations. The US EPA is interested in supplementing CASTNet with semi-continuous monitoring systems at select sites to characterize atmospheric chemistry and deposition of nitrogen and sulfur compounds at higher time resolution than the filter pack. The Monitor for AeRosols and GAses in ambient air (MARGA) measures water-soluble gases and aerosols at hourly temporal resolution. The performance of the MARGA was assessed under the US EPA Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program. The assessment was conducted in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina from 8 September–8 October 2010 and focused on gaseous SO2, HNO3 and NH3 and aerosol SO4−, NO3− and NH4+. Precision of the MARGA was evaluated by calculating the median absolute relative percent difference (MARPD) between paired hourly results from duplicate MARGA units (MUs), with a performance goal of <25%. The accuracy of the MARGA was evaluated by calculating the median absolute relative percent difference (MARPD) for each MU relative to the average of the duplicate denuder/filter pack concentrations, with a performance goal of ≤40%. Accuracy was also evaluated by using linear regression, where MU concentrations were plotted against the average of the duplicate denuder/filter pack concentrations. From this, a linear least squares line of best fit was applied. The goal was for the slope of the line of best fit to be between 0.8 and 1.2. The MARGA performed well in comparison to the denuder/filter pack for SO2, SO42− and NH4+, with all three compounds passing the accuracy and precision goals by a significant margin. The performance of the MARGA in measuring NO3− could not be evaluated due to the different sampling efficiency of coarse NO3− by the MUs and the filter pack. Estimates of "fine" NO3− were calculated for the MUs and the filter pack. Using this and results from a previous study, it is concluded that if the MUs and the filter pack were sampling the same particle size, the MUs would have good agreement in terms of precision and accuracy. The MARGA performed moderately well in measuring HNO3 and NH3, though neither met the linear regression slope goals. However, recommendations for improving the measurement of HNO3 and NH3 are discussed. It is concluded that SO42−, SO2, NO3−, HNO3, NH4+ and NH3 concentrations can be measured with acceptable accuracy and precision when the MARGA is operated in conjunction with the recommendations outlined in the manuscript.
Henry's law constants of diacids and hydroxypolyacids: recommended values
Authors: Compernolle S. , Müller J.-F.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In spite of the importance of diacids and functionalised diacids for organic aerosol formation through aqueous-phase processes in droplets and aerosol water, there seems to be no reliable set of experimental values for their Henry's law constants (HLC). We show that their estimation through the use of infinite dilution activity coefficients is also prone to error. Here we present HLC values for diacids and hydroxy polyacids determined from solubilities, water activities and vapour pressures of solids or solutions, by employing thermodynamic relationships. The vapour pressures are found to be the largest source of error, but the analysis of the obtained HLC points to inconsistencies among specific vapour pressure data sets. Although there is considerable uncertainty, the HLC of diacids appear to be higher than estimated by the often cited review work of Saxena and Hildemann (1996).
Major dust events in Europe during marine isotope stage 5 (130–74 ka): a climatic interpretation of the "markers"
Authors: Rousseau D.-D. , Ghil M. , Kukla G. , Sima A. , Antoine P. , Fuchs M. , Hatté C. , Lagroix F. , Debret M. , Moine O.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. At present, major dust storms are occurring at mid-latitudes in the Middle East and Asia, as well as at low latitudes in Northern Africa and in Australia. Western Europe, though, does not experience such dramatic climate events, except for some African dust reaching it from the Sahara. This modern situation is of particular interest, in the context of future climate projections, since the present interglacial is usually interpreted, in this context, as an analog of the warm Eemian interval. European terrestrial records show, however, major dust events during the penultimate interglacial and early glacial. These events are easily observed in loess records by their whitish-color deposits, which lie above and below dark chernozem paleosols in Central European records of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 age. We describe here the base of the Dolni Vestonice (DV) loess sequence, Czech Republic, as the reference of such records. The dust is deposited during intervals that are characterized by poor vegetation – manifested by high δ13C values and low magnetic susceptibility – while the fine sand and clay in the deposits shows grain sizes that are clearly different from the overlying pleniglacial loess deposits. Some of these dust events have been previously described as "Markers" or Marker Silts (MS) by one of us (G. Kukla), and are dated at about 111–109 ka and 93–92 ka, with a third and last one slightly visible at about 75–73 ka. Other events correspond to the loess material of Kukla's cycles, and are described as eolian silts (ES); they are observed in the same DV sequence and are dated at about 106–105 ka, 88–86 ka, and 78.5–77 ka. These dates are determined by considering the OSL ages with their errors measured on the studied sequence, and the comparison with Greenland ice-core and European speleothem chronologies. The fine eolian deposits mentioned above, MS as well as ES, correspond to short events that lasted about 2 ka; they are synchronous with re-advances of the polar front over the North Atlantic, as observed in marine sediment cores. These deposits also correlate with important changes observed in European vegetation. Some ES and MS events appear to be coeval with significant dust peaks recorded in the Greenland ice cores, while others are not. This decoupling between the European eolian and Greenland dust depositions is of considerable interest, as it differs from the fully glacial situation, in which the Eurasian loess sedimentation mimics the Greenland dust record. Previous field observations supported an interpretation of MS events as caused by continental dust storms. We show here, by a comparison with speleothems of the same age found in the northern Alps, that different atmospheric-circulation modes seem to be responsible for the two categories of dust events, MS vs. ES.
The effect of training image and secondary data integration with multiple-point geostatistics in groundwater modeling
Authors: He X. , Sonnenborg T. O. , Jørgensen F. , Jensen K. H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Multiple-point geostatistic simulation (MPS) has recently become popular in stochastic hydrogeology, primarily because of its capability to derive multivariate distributions from the training image (TI). However, its application in three dimensional simulations has been constrained by the difficulty of constructing 3-D TI. The object-based TiGenerator may be a useful tool in this regard; yet the sensitivity of model predictions to the training image has not been documented. Another issue in MPS is the integration of multiple geophysical data. The best way to retrieve and incorporate information from high resolution geophysical data is still under discussion. This work shows that TI from TiGenerator delivers acceptable results when used for groundwater modeling, although the TI directly converted from high resolution geophysical data leads to better simulation. The model results also indicate that soft conditioning in MPS is a convenient and efficient way of integrating secondary data such as 3-D airborne electromagnetic data, but over conditioning has to be avoided.
Multi-decadal river flows variations in France
Authors: Boé J. , Habets F.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In this article, multi-decadal variations in French hydroclimate are investigated, with a specific focus on river flows. Based on long observed series, it is shown that river flows in France generally exhibit large multi-decadal variations on the historical period, especially in spring. Differences of means between two 21 yr periods of the 20th century as large as 40% are indeed found for many gauging stations. Multi-decadal spring river flows variations are associated with variations in spring precipitation and temperature. These multi-decadal variations in precipitation are themselves found to be driven by large-scale atmospheric circulation, more precisely by a multi-decadal oscillation in a sea level pressure dipole between western Europe and the East Atlantic. It is suggested that the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability, the main mode of decadal variability in the North Atlantic/Europe sector, controls those variations in large-scale circulation and is therefore the main ultimate driver of multi-decadal variations in spring river flows. Multi-decadal variations in river flows in other seasons, and in particular summer, are also noted. As they are not associated with significant surface climate anomalies (i.e. temperature, precipitation) in summer, other mechanisms are investigated based on hydrological simulations. The impact of climate variations in spring on summer soil moisture, and the impact of soil moisture in summer on the runoff to precipitation ratio, could potentially play a role in multi-decadal summer river flows variations. The large amplitude of the multi-decadal variations in French river flows suggests that internal variability may play a very important role in the evolution of river flows during the next decades, potentially temporarily limiting, reversing or seriously aggravating the long-term impacts of anthropogenic climate change.
Estimating soil suction from electrical resistivity
Authors: Piegari E. , Di Maio R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Soil suction and resistivity strongly depend on the degree of soil saturation and, therefore, both are used for estimating water content variations. The main difference between them is that soil suction is measured using tensiometers, which give point information, while resistivity is obtained by tomography surveys, which provide distributions of resistivity values in large volumes, although with less accuracy. In this paper, we have related soil suction to electrical resistivity with the aim of obtaining information about soil suction changes in large volumes, and not only for small areas around soil suction probes. We derived analytical relationships between soil matric suction and electrical resistivity by combining the empirical laws of van Genuchten and Archie. The obtained relationships were used to evaluate maps of soil suction values in different ashy layers originating in the explosive activity of the Mt Somma-Vesuvius volcano (southern Italy). Our findings provided a further example of the high potential of geophysical methods in contributing to more effective monitoring of soil stress conditions; this is of primary importance in areas where rainfall-induced landslides occur periodically.
Seasonal predictability of the 2010 Russian heat wave
Authors: Katsafados P. , Papadopoulos A. , Varlas G. , Papadopoulou E. , Mavromatidis E.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The prevailed atmospheric blocking over Eastern Europe and Western Russia during July and August 2010 led in the development of the devastating Russian heat wave. Therefore the question whether the event was predictable or not is highly important. The principal aim of this study is to examine the predictability of this high-impact atmospheric event on a seasonal time scale. To this end, a set of dynamical seasonal simulations have been carried out using an Atmospheric Global Circulation Model (AGCM). The impact of various model initializations on the predictability of this large scale event and its sensitivity to the initial conditions has been also investigated. Ensemble seasonal simulations indicated that only a few individual members reproduced the main features of the blocking system 3 months ahead. Most members missed the phase space and the velocity of the system setting limitations in the predictability of the event.
Mapping the bathymetry of supraglacial lakes and streams on the Greenland Ice Sheet using field measurements and high resolution satellite images
Authors: Legleiter C. J. , Tedesco M. , Smith L. C. , Overstreet B. T.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Recent melt events on the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) accentuate the need to constrain estimates of sea level rise through improved characterization of meltwater pathways. This effort will require more precise estimates of the volume of water stored on the surface of the GrIS. We assessed the potential to obtain such information by mapping the bathymetry of supraglacial lakes and streams from WorldView2 (WV2) satellite images. Simultaneous {in situ} observations of depth and reflectance from two streams and a lake with measured depths up to 10.45 m were used to test a spectrally-based depth retrieval algorithm. We performed Optimal Band Ratio Analysis (OBRA) of continuous field spectra and spectra convolved to the bands of the WV2, Landsat, MODIS, and ASTER sensors. The field spectra yielded a strong relationship with depth (R2 = 0.94), and OBRA R2 values were nearly as high (0.87–0.92) for convolved spectra, suggesting that these sensors' broader bands would be sufficient for depth retrieval. Our field measurements thus indicated that remote sensing of supraglacial bathymetry is not only feasible but potentially highly accurate. OBRA of spectra from 2 m-pixel WV2 images acquired within 3–72 h of our field observations produced an optimal R2 value of 0.92 and unbiased, precise depth estimates, with mean and root-mean square errors < 1% and 10–25% of the mean depth. Bathymetric maps produced by applying OBRA relations revealed subtle features of lake and channel morphology. In addition to providing refined storage volume estimates for lakes of various sizes, this approach can help provide estimates of the transient flux of meltwater through streams.
Morphological and genetic diversity of European cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L., Ericaceae) clones in Lithuanian reserves
Authors: Česonienė Laima , Daubaras Remigijus , Paulauskas Algimantas , Žukauskienė Judita , Zych Marcin
Published: September 2013

The wild-harvested fruit of Vaccinium oxycoccos (European cranberry) is used medicinally in many European and North American countries; the plant, however, is seldom cultivated. In order to optimize the collection strategy and improve the horticulturally important characters of V. oxycoccos clones, comprehensive investigations of the species are necessary. In the present study we investigated the phenological, morphological and genetic diversity of 29 clones originating from two wild populations growing in two strictly protected Lithuanian reserves, Čepkeliai and Žuvintas. During an ex situ collection at Kaunas Botanical Garden, we observed great phenological variation between the collected V. oxycoccos clones. The following morphological traits most clearly distinguished our study clones: leaf size, berry shape, berry size and fruit colour at full maturity. The genetic variation of V. oxycoccos clones from the two populations was assessed using RAPD and SSR. RAPD analysis conducted with 9 primers resulted in 146 polymorphic loci for the total sample, and SSR analysis with 5 primers revealed 29 alleles for the total sample. A greater degree of polymorphism was demonstrated for the Čepkeliai population than for the Žuvintas population. The study allowed the selection of several clones having promising morphological traits for further testing in the field.
Utility of 4-Chloro-7-Nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-Cl) for the Spectrophotometric and Spectrofluorometric Determination of Several Antihistamine and Antihypertensive Drugs
Authors: Abd El-Hay Soad S , Colyer Christa L , Hassan Wafaa S , Shalaby Abdalla
Published: September 2013

New, sensitive, and selective spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric methods have been developed for determination of clemastine hydrogen fumarate (Clem), loratadine (Lor), losartan potassium (Los), and ramipril (Ram) in both pure form and pharmaceutical formulations using 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD-Cl), which is a highly sensitive chromogenic and fluorogenic reagent. The relation between absorbance at 470, 467, 471, and 469 nm and the concentration was linear over the ranges 5–35, 10–100, 10–90, and 10–120 μg/mL for Clem, Lor, Los, and Ram, respectively. The complexation products were also measured spectrofluorometrically at the emission wavelength 535 nm for Clem, Lor, and Ram and at 538 nm for Los with excitation at 477 and 452 nm for Clem and Lor, respectively, and 460 nm for both Los and Ram. The fluorescence intensity was directly proportional to the drug concentration over the ranges 0.05–0.5, 5–20, 1–6, and 2–15 μg/mL for Clem, Lor, Los, and Ram, respectively. The methods were successfully applied for the determination of the studied drugs in pharmaceutical dosage forms with excellent recovery.