bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of regional changes in anthropogenic aerosols on rainfall of the East Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Guo L. , Highwood E. J. , Shaffrey L. C. , Turner A. G.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The response of East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) precipitation to long term changes in regional anthropogenic aerosols (sulphate and black carbon) is explored in an atmospheric general circulation model, the atmospheric component of the UK High-Resolution Global Environment Model v1.2 (HiGAM). Separately, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and black carbon (BC) emissions in 1950 and 2000 over East Asia are used to drive model simulations, while emissions are kept constant at year 2000 level outside this region. The response of the EASM is examined by comparing simulations driven by aerosol emissions representative of 1950 and 2000. The aerosol radiative effects are also determined using an off-line radiative transfer model. During June, July and August, the EASM was not significantly changed as either SO2 or BC emissions increased from 1950 to 2000 levels. However, in September, precipitation is significantly decreased by 26.4% for sulphate aerosol and 14.6% for black carbon when emissions are at the 2000 level. Over 80% of the decrease is attributed to changes in convective precipitation. The cooler land surface temperature over China in September (0.8 °C for sulphate and 0.5 °C for black carbon) due to increased aerosols reduces the surface thermal contrast that supports the EASM circulation. However, mechanisms causing the surface temperature decrease in September are different between sulphate and BC experiments. In the sulphate experiment, the sulphate direct and the 1st indirect radiative effects contribute to the surface cooling. In the BC experiment, the BC direct effect is the main driver of the surface cooling, however, a decrease in low cloud cover due to the increased heating by BC absorption partially counteracts the direct effect. This results in a weaker land surface temperature response to BC changes than to sulphate changes. The resulting precipitation response is also weaker, and the responses of the monsoon circulation are different for sulphate and black carbon experiments. This study demonstrates a mechanism that links regional aerosol emission changes to the precipitation changes of the EASM, and it could be applied to help understand the future changes in EASM precipitation in CMIP5 simulations.
How to improve the air quality over mega-cities in China? – Pollution characterization and source analysis in Shanghai before, during, and after the 2010 World Expo
Authors: Huang K. , Zhuang G. , Lin Y. , Wang Q. , Fu J. S. , Fu Q. , Liu T. , Deng C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Three field campaigns were conducted before, during, and after the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, aiming to understand the response of secondary aerosol components to both control measures and human activities. In spring, PM2.5 averaged 34.5 ± 20.9 μg m−3 with a severe pollution episode influenced by a floating dust originating from northwestern China on 26–28 April, right before the opening of the Expo. With the approaching of Expo, significant increasing trend of SNA (SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+) concentrations was observed from 20 April 20 to 2 May, attributing to the enhanced human activities. Nitrate had the most significant daily increasing rate of 1.1 μg m−3 d−1 due to enhanced vehicle emission. In summer, two intensive pollution episodes were found to be a mixed pollution of SNA with biomass burning due to loose control of post-harvest straw burning. Compared to the spring and summer of 2009, NO3− increased 12–15% while SO42− showed reductions of 15–30%. Continuous desulphurization of SO2 emission from power plants in recent years was responsible for the lowered SO42−, while enhanced traffic emission due to tremendous Expo visitors was the major contributor to the increased NO3−. In the autumn phase of the Expo before the closing of the Expo (20–30 October), the air quality over Shanghai was much better than ever before. However, the air quality rapidly plummeted as soon as the Expo was announced closed. SNA increased 3–6 folds to be 42.1 and 68.2 μg m−3 on 31 October and 1 November, respectively, as compared to 20–30 October. Of which, nitrate increased most with ~ 5–8 folds, indicating the serious impact from enhanced vehicle emission. The anthropogenic Ca as a tracer from construction dust increased from 2.88 ± 1.85 μg m−3 during the Expo to be 6.98 ± 3.19 μg m−3 during the post-Expo period, attributing to the resumption of construction works after the Expo. Compared to the autumn of 2009, all the ion components increased in 2010, owing to the lifting of emission control measures after the Expo. SO42− was found least increased while NO3− and Ca2+ had tremendous increases of 150% and 320%, respectively. No successive control measures with the loose regulations after the Expo were responsible for this jump of the bad quality. The ratio of NO3−/SO42− in PM2.5 over Shanghai had a significant increasing trend from ~0.3 in the early 2000s to more than 1.0 in 2010, indicating the increasing role of mobile sources. Reducing NOx emission will be China's priority in the future to improve the air quality over the mega-cities. In addition, lowering mineral aerosol components (e.g. Ca2+) was also demonstrated to be beneficial for alleviating air pollution in China.
Relating aerosol absorption due to soot, organic carbon, and dust to emission sources determined from in-situ chemical measurements
Authors: Cazorla A. , Bahadur R. , Suski K. J. , Cahill J. F. , Chand D. , Schmid B. , Ramanathan V. , Prather K.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Estimating the aerosol contribution to the global or regional radiative forcing can take advantage of the relationship between the spectral aerosol optical properties and the size and chemical composition of aerosol. Long term global optical measurements from observational networks or satellites can be used in such studies. Using in-situ chemical mixing state measurements can help us to constrain the limitations of such estimates. In this study, the Absorption Ångström Exponent (AAE) and the Scattering Ångström Exponent (SAE) derived from 10 operational AERONET sites in California are combined for deducing chemical speciation based on wavelength dependence of the optical properties. In addition, in-situ optical properties and single particle chemical composition measured during three aircraft field campaigns in California between 2010 and 2011 are combined in order to validate the methodology used for the estimates of aerosol composition using spectral optical properties. Results from this study indicate a dominance of mixed types in the classification leading to an underestimation of the primary sources, however secondary sources are better classified. The distinction between carbonaceous aerosols from fossil fuel and biomass burning origins is not clear, since their optical properties are similar. On the other hand, knowledge of the aerosol sources in California from chemical studies help to identify other misclassification such as the dust contribution.
Support vector machines for TEC seismo-ionospheric anomalies detection
Authors: Akhoondzadeh M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Using time series prediction methods, it is possible to pursue the behaviors of earthquake precursors in the future and to announce early warnings when the differences between the predicted value and the observed value exceed the predefined threshold value. Support Vector Machines (SVMs) are widely used due to their many advantages for classification and regression tasks. This study is concerned with investigating the Total Electron Content (TEC) time series by using a SVM to detect seismo-ionospheric anomalous variations induced by the three powerful earthquakes of Tohoku (11 March 2011), Haiti (12 January 2010) and Samoa (29 September 2009). The duration of TEC time series dataset is 49, 46 and 71 days, for Tohoku, Haiti and Samoa earthquakes, respectively, with each at time resolution of 2 h. In the case of Tohoku earthquake, the results show that the difference between the predicted value obtained from the SVM method and the observed value reaches the maximum value (i.e., 129.31 TECU) at earthquake time in a period of high geomagnetic activities. The SVM method detected a considerable number of anomalous occurrences 1 and 2 days prior to the Haiti earthquake and also 1 and 5 days before the Samoa earthquake in a period of low geomagnetic activities. In order to show that the method is acting sensibly with regard to the results extracted during nonevent and event TEC data, i.e., to perform some null-hypothesis tests in which the methods would also be calibrated, the same period of data from the previous year of the Samoa earthquake date has been taken into the account. Further to this, in this study, the detected TEC anomalies using the SVM method were compared to the previous results (Akhoondzadeh and Saradjian, 2011; Akhoondzadeh, 2012) obtained from the mean, median, wavelet and Kalman filter methods. The SVM detected anomalies are similar to those detected using the previous methods. It can be concluded that SVM can be a suitable learning method to detect the novelty changes of a nonlinear time series such as variations of earthquake precursors.
Photooxidation of dimethylsulfide (DMS) in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Taalba A. , Xie H. , Scarratt M. G. , Bélanger S. , Levasseur M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Photolysis of dimethylsulfide (DMS), a secondary photochemical process mediated by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), has previously been demonstrated to be an important loss term of DMS in the surface layer of warm seas and the Southern Ocean. The role of photolysis in regulating the DMS dynamics in the Arctic Ocean, however, remains obscure. This study for the first time determined the apparent quantum yield (AQY) spectra of DMS photooxidation in northern polar marine milieus covering the Baffin Bay in the eastern Canadian Arctic and the Mackenzie River estuary, Mackenzie Shelf and Canada Basin in the western Canadian Arctic. The DMS AQY was fairly invariant at salinities < 25 but rose rapidly with further increasing salinity, which is well defined by a three-parameter exponential decay equation with a constant intercept. Salinity can therefore be used as a quantitative indicator of the DMS AQY. The DMS AQY in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths was linearly and positively correlated with the spectral slope coefficient (275–295 nm) of the CDOM absorption spectrum, suggesting that marine CDOM photosensitizes the degradation of DMS more efficiently than does terrestrial CDOM. High concentrations of nitrate (~12 μmol L−1) in deep water samples boosted DMS photooxidation by 70–80%, due likely to radical chemistry of nitrate photolysis. Coupled optical-photochemical modeling, based on the obtained DMS AQY spectra, shows that UV-A (320–400 nm) accounted for 60–75% of the DMS photolysis in the sunlit surface layer and that photochemistry degraded DMS on an e-folding time from 9 to 100 d (mean: 29 d). The photooxidation term on average accounted for 21% of the DMS gross loss rate and was comparable to the atmospheric DMS ventilation rate estimated for the same geographic regions.
Space-time dynamics of carbon stocks and environmental parameters related to carbon dioxide emissions in the Buor-Khaya Bay of the Laptev Sea
Authors: Semiletov I. P. , Shakhova N. E. , Pipko I. I. , Pugach S. P. , Charkin A. N. , Dudarev O. V. , Kosmach D. A. , Nishino S.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. This study aims to improve understanding of carbon cycling in the Buor-Khaya Bay (BKB) by studying the inter-annual, seasonal, and meso-scale variability of carbon stocks and related hydrological and biogeochemical parameters in the water, as well as factors controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) emission. Here we present data sets obtained on summer cruises and winter expeditions during 12 yr of investigation. Based on data analysis, we suggest that in the heterotrophic BKB area, coastal erosion and river discharge serve as predominant drivers of the organic carbon (OC) cycle, determining OC input and transformation, dynamics of nutrients, carbon stocks in the water column, and atmospheric emissions of CO2.
Towards a muon radiography of the Puy de Dôme
Authors: Cârloganu C. , Niess V. , Béné S. , Busato E. , Dupieux P. , Fehr F. , Gay P. , Miallier D. , Vulpescu B. , Boivin P. , Combaret C. , Labazuy P. , Laktineh I. , Lénat J.-F. , Mirabito L. , Portal A.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. High-energy (above a few hundred GeV) atmospheric muons are a natural probe for geophysical studies. They can travel through kilometres of rock allowing for a radiography of the density distribution within large structures, like mountains or volcanoes. A collaboration between volcanologists, astroparticle and particle physicists, Tomuvol was formed in 2009 to study tomographic muon imaging of volcanoes with high-resolution, large-scale tracking detectors. We report on two campaigns of measurements at the flank of the Puy de Dôme using glass resistive plate chambers (GRPCs) developed for particle physics, within the CALICE collaboration.
New analysis software for Viking Lander meteorological data
Authors: Kemppinen O. , Tillman J. E. , Schmidt W. , Harri A.-M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. We have developed a set of tools that enable us to process Viking Lander meteorological data beyond what has been previously publicly available. Besides providing data for new periods of time, the existing data periods have been augmented by enhancing the data resolution significantly. This was accomplished by first transferring the original Prime computer version of the data analysis software to a standard Linux platform, and then by modifying the software to be able to process the data despite irregularities in the original raw data and reverse engineering various parameter files. In addition to this, the processing pipeline has been streamlined, making processing the data faster and easier. As a case example of new data, freshly processed Viking Lander 1 and 2 temperature records are described and briefly analyzed in ways that have not been previously possible due to the lack of data.
An efficient method to generate a perturbed parameter ensemble of a fully coupled AOGCM without flux-adjustment
Authors: Irvine P. J. ,   L Gregoire, Lunt D. J. , Valdes P. J.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. We present a simple method to generate a perturbed parameter ensemble (PPE) of a fully-coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model (AOGCM), HadCM3, without requiring flux-adjustment. The aim was to produce an ensemble that samples parametric uncertainty in some key variables and displays a similar range of behavior as seen in multi-model ensembles (MMEs). Six atmospheric parameters, a sea-ice parameter and an ocean parameter were jointly perturbed within a reasonable range to generate an initial group of 200 members. To screen out implausible ensemble members, 20 yr pre-industrial control simulations were run and members whose temperature response to the parameter perturbations was projected to be outside the range of 13.6 ± 2°C, i.e. near to the observed pre-industrial global mean, were discarded. 21 members, including the standard unperturbed model, were accepted, covering almost the entire span of the eight parameters, challenging the argument that without flux-adjustment parameter ranges would be unduly restricted. This ensemble was used in 3 experiments; a 800 yr pre-industrial, a 150 yr quadrupled CO2, and a 150 yr 1% CO2 rise per annum simulation. The behavior of the PPE for the pre-industrial control compared well to the CMIP3 ensemble for a number of surface and atmospheric column variables with the exception of a few members in the Tropics. However, we find that members of the PPE with low values of the entrainment rate coefficient show very large increases in upper tropospheric and stratospheric water vapor concentrations in response to elevated CO2 and some show implausibly high climate sensitivities, and as such some of these members will be excluded from future experiments with this ensemble. The outcome of this study is a PPE of a fully-coupled AOGCM which samples parametric uncertainty with a range of behavior similar to the CMIP3 ensemble and a simple methodology which would be applicable to other GCMs.
Agricultural groundwater management in the Upper Bhima Basin, India: current status and future scenarios
Authors: Surinaidu L. , Bacon C. G. D. , Pavelic P.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The basaltic aquifers of the Upper Bhima River basin in southern India are heavily utilized for small-scale agriculture but face increasing demand-related pressures along with uncertainty associated with climate change impacts. To evaluate likely groundwater resource impacts over the coming decades, a regional groundwater flow model for the basin was developed. Model predictions associated with different climate change and abstraction scenarios indicate that the continuation of current rates of abstraction would lead to significant groundwater overdraft, with groundwater elevations predicted to fall by −6 m over the next three decades. Groundwater elevations can however be stabilized, but would require 20–30% of the mean surface water discharge from the basin to be recharged to groundwater, along with reductions in pumping (5–10%) brought about by improved water efficiency practices and/or shifts towards lower-water use crops. Modest reductions in pumping alone cannot stabilize groundwater levels; targeted conjunctive use and improved water use efficiency are also needed.
TURP in the Young Man: Is it Possible to Preserve the Anterograde Ejaculation?
Authors: Del Rosso Alessandro , Masciovecchio Stefano , Saldutto Pietro , Galatioto Giuseppe Paradiso , Vicentini Carlo
Published: February 2013

Introduction

LUTS are fairly common in young men. BPO and intra-prostatic cyst localized near the bladder neck can determine a BOO in men younger than 50 years too. TURP remains the gold standard treatment, but the retrograde ejaculation or the decreased ejaculate volume after TURP was associated with considerable bother. In our study we have evaluated the possibility of obtaining a prostatic disobstruction without affecting the patient's sexual function and, specifically, the retrograde ejaculation, evaluating the sexual function after a 1-year follow-up.

Materials and Methods

18 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age of the patients at time of surgery was 41 years. Erectile and sexual functions have been evaluated according to the self-administered IIEF and MSHQ. Endoscopic procedure was performed with a resection of the bladder neck at 6 o'clock position followed by a resection at the 12 o'clock position. The same questionnaires were administered at 6 months and 1 year after endoscopic surgery.

Results

The mean baseline prostate volume was 36 mL, with a mean operative time of 22 minutes. No statistical differences were reported in IIEF and MSHQ domains at baseline and after 1 year. Qmax increased from 7.4 mL/s preoperatively to 23.6 mL/s at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

In young and selected patients with prostatic obstruction, it is possible to perform a mini-invasive surgery: “Minimally Invasive Nonexpensive TURP”, an effective and safe procedure, not affecting sexual function, and particularly, retrograde ejaculation.
The Community of Commerce:
Authors: Herzog Lisa
Published: February 2013

This article analyzes the rhetoric of the famous opening sections of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, drawing on his understanding of sympathy as developed in The Theory of Moral Sentiments and the theory of rhetoric developed in the Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres. It shows how Smith uses rhetorical means for sketching a vision of an egalitarian society, united by sympathetic ties, that includes not only author and reader but also the characters that appear in the first scenes of the Wealth of Nations. Yet Smith's vision is deceptively one-sided and “rhetorical” in a problematic sense, departing from the impartiality Smith usually recommends. This one-sidedness points to a systematic problem of commercial society in Smith's time as well as today: the unequal ability of its members to use rhetoric and thereby to attract sympathy from others.
Performance of Magnetic-Fluid-Based Squeeze Film between Longitudinally Rough Elliptical Plates
Authors: Andharia P. I. , Deheri G. M.
Published: February 2013

An attempt has been made to analyze the performance of a magnetic fluid-based-squeeze film between longitudinally rough elliptical plates. A magnetic fluid is used as a lubricant while axially symmetric flow of the magnetic fluid between the elliptical plates is taken into consideration under an oblique magnetic field. Bearing surfaces are assumed to be longitudinally rough. The roughness of the bearing surface is characterized by stochastic random variable with nonzero mean, variance, and skewness. The associated averaged Reynolds’ equation is solved with appropriate boundary conditions in dimensionless form to obtain the pressure distribution leading to the calculation of the load-carrying capacity. The results are presented graphically. It is clearly seen that the magnetic fluid lubricant improves the performance of the bearing system. It is interesting to note that the increased load carrying capacity due to magnetic fluid lubricant gets considerably increased due to the combined effect of standard deviation and negatively skewed roughness. This performance is further enhanced especially when negative variance is involved. This paper makes it clear that the aspect ratio plays a prominent role in improving the performance of the bearing system. Besides, the bearing can support a load even when there is no flow.
Studies of the g Factors and the Hyperfine Structure Constants for the Octahedral Interstitial Mn2+ and Cr+ Impurities in Silicon
Authors: Song Bo-Tao , Wu Shao-Yi , Zhang Zhi-Hong , Li Li-Li
Published: February 2013

The g factors and the hyperfine structure constants for the octahedral interstitial Mn2+ and Cr+ impurities in silicon are theoretically studied using the perturbation formulas of these parameters for an octahedral 3d5 cluster. In the calculations, both the crystal-field and charge transfer contributions are taken into account in a uniform way, and the related molecular orbital coefficients are quantitatively determined from the cluster approach. The theoretical g factors and the hyperfine structure constants are in good agreement with the experimental data. The charge transfer contribution to the g-shift (≈g-gs, where gs ≈ 2:0023 is the spin only value) is opposite (positive) in sign and about 51% - 116% in magnitude as compared with the crystal-field one for Mn2+ and Cr+, respectively. Nevertheless, the charge transfer contribution to the hyperfine structure constant has the same sign and about 12% - 19% that of the crystal-field one. Importance of the charge transfer contribution shows the order Cr+ < Mn2+ due to increase of the impurity valence state in the same host, especially for the g factor.
Prevention and Treatment of Oral Mucositis in Children with Cancer
Authors: Miller Misty M. , Donald David V. , Hagemann Tracy M.
Published: February 2013

Oral mucositis affects more than three-fourths of patients undergoing chemotherapy and represents a significant burden to patients and caregivers. Lesions develop as a result of chemotherapeutic agents attacking the rapidly dividing cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Severity can range from mild, painless tissue changes to bleeding ulcerations that prevent oral intake and require narcotic pain relievers. Oral mucositis also leads to an increased risk of infection and can often delay further chemotherapy treatment. A number of assessment scales have been developed to better qualify the symptoms associated with this condition. Few pharmacologic agents have been approved to either prevent the development or alleviate the symptoms of oral mucositis. Current options include the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes, amino acid rinses, and topical healing agents. Palifermin, a keratinocyte growth factor, may be a future option after its use in children is explored. With achievements in other areas of supportive care in patients undergoing chemotherapy, oral mucositis should represent the forefront of new research. This review will provide a comprehensive examination of available options for children who have oral mucositis.
Analysis of Clinical Interventions and the Impact of Pediatric Pharmacists on Medication Error Prevention in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Cunningham Kelli J.
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE

Research has shown that the potential risk for medication errors within the pediatric inpatient population is about 3 times as high as for adults; however, there is limited information regarding the impact of a pediatric pharmacist's contribution to decreasing medication errors and adverse drug events (ADEs). The purpose of this study was to record and analyze all interventions during a 2-month time span in a pediatric teaching hospital to determine the benefit of having a pediatrics-trained clinical pharmacist on the floor.

METHODS

Pediatric pharmacists prospectively collected data for all interventions and medication errors made between July 1 and August 31, 2010. The pediatric hospital comprises 87 beds, and data were collected during the influx of new pediatric resident interns on the general pediatric ward and pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1315 interventions were recorded, which is an average of 21 interventions per day. Most interventions were made through order entry. Errors made up 24.5% of all interventions, with the most common cause of error being prescribing. Physicians with the least amount of training made the most errors. Of order pages scanned, 5.9% contained an error in the order; however, only 0.2% of all errors reached the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the impact a pediatric pharmacist can make on prevention of ADEs and medication errors. Only 0.2% of all errors made during the study period reached the patient owing to interventions made by the pediatric pharmacists, which shows a vast improvement in patient safety.
Automated Compounding of Parenteral Nutrition for Pediatric Patients: Characterization of Workload and Costs
Authors: Raimbault Mélina , Thibault Maxime , Lebel Denis , Bussières Jean-François
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES

Parenteral nutrition (PN) compounding in large hospital centers is now largely automated using volumetric pump systems. No study has examined the pharmacy workload and costs associated with this process. This study was designed to characterize these elements at our center and to identify areas for potential improvement.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all PN orders compounded from May 19, 2007, to June 25, 2010. Patients were divided into groups according to the ward where PN was initiated.

RESULTS

The age and weight of patients at initiation of PN were similar throughout the study, except in neonatology, where initiation now occurs earlier in life (age 1.3 ± 2.7 days in 2010 vs. 3.4 ± 9.4 in 2007; p=0.003). An average of 894 orders per month were compounded. A total of 59% of orders were for neonatal patients. The average cost of source solutions per PN order increased from Can$23.27 in 2007 to Can$37.78 in 2010. Partially used source solutions discarded at the end of the day represented between 7.7% and 9.2% of total source solution cost. Amino acids in 3-L bags were responsible for the largest waste, with Can$953 to Can$1048 wasted monthly.

CONCLUSIONS

PN compounding at our center represents an important workload and increasing costs. A reduction in source solution waste, for example, by reducing the use of large source solution containers, would be beneficial.
Domain Analysis of SIG/CR 2012
Authors: Smiraglia Richard P.
Published: February 2013

Domain analytic techniques are applied to the abstracts approved for the 2012 SIG/CR Classification Workshop. Results of preliminary metric analyses are described.
Classification in Terms of Basic Concepts
Authors: Szostak Rick
Published: February 2013

The vast majority of scholarly research addresses how one or more things affect in some way(s) one or more other things.
Qualitative Evaluation of Obstacles Facing Multiple Sclerosis Societies in Addressing Sexual Dysfunction in MS
Authors: Foley Frederick W. , Poster Cynthia , Sheridan Peter , Brown Beverley , Hatch Jan , McDonald Elizabeth
Published: February 2013

Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent, but undertreated symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study utilized focus groups and individual interviews with 24 MS Society staff from 14 different countries in order to determine the phenomenological perspective of MS Society staff regarding obstacles in addressing sexual dysfunction. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed by two independent raters. Results identified 6 key elements that contributed to difficulties in addressing sexuality: 1) lack of comfort in discussing intimacy and/or sexuality-related issues; 2) lack of basic knowledge about the sexually-related aspects of MS; 3) lack of local educational and healthcare resources with expertise in sexuality; 4) obstacles to effective communication about sexuality; 5) failure to address the needs of MS caregivers who are partners; and 6) cultural differences that demand local problem-solving and solutions. Recommendations are provided for MS Societies that may be helpful in addressing some of these complex issues.
Review of Common Management Strategies for Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Chan A
Published: February 2013

Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), regardless of their disability level or the severity of the disease. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the Fatigue Impact Scale are standardized tools designed to measure the impact of fatigue on an individual's life. In addition to the use of medications, other fatigue management strategies include education, modification of activities and environment, compensation, and participation in physical exercises. Because the patient is required to take an active role in the implementation of these fatigue management strategies, his or her sense of control in disease management is enhanced, resulting in empowerment of the individual. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), empowerment is a health-promotion strategy for the individual and for populations. Therefore, having options and control in fatigue management is empowering and promotes health for individuals with MS.
Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: Outcome Selection in Clinical Trials
Authors: Freeman JA
Published: February 2013

In carrying out an evaluation of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS), it is necessary to select relevant outcomes to measure and to identify instruments to use for their measurement. This requires a detailed understanding of the problems of MS, the aims of the rehabilitation, and the changes that are expected as a result of the rehabilitation. It also requires a thorough knowledge of the clinical and scientific properties of the measurement instruments, so that the most appropriate instruments can be selected and the data produced from them can be interpreted meaningfully. This article provides a structured and systematic approach to undertaking this selection process.
Mobility in Multiple Sclerosis: More than just a Physical Problem
Authors: Chan A , Heck CS
Published: February 2013

Mobility restriction is a common physical disability among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Psychological, sociocultural, environmental, political, and economic influences are among the factors that affect the mobility of a person with MS. These factors have also been identified as elements of the determinants of individual and population health. Health care professionals providing services to the MS population often prescribe appropriate mobility devices for those with mobility restrictions. The goal is to enhance activities and participation in all domains of the individual's life. In addition to directing their services at the individual level, health care professionals addressing mobility issues of individuals with MS should include the additional factors and other determinants of health at the population and societal levels. Therefore, mobility is not only an individual's physical problem, but it is also a population health issue and a societal issue.
Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Family and Employment: A Retrospective Study in the Aegean District of Turkey
Authors: Gedizlioglu Muhtesem , Mavioglu Hatice , Uzunel Fatma , Ce Pinar , Oguz Meral , Sagduyu Ayse , Özer Behiye , Zorlu Yasar , Idiman Egemen , Korkmaz Hasan
Published: February 2013

We investigated many of the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on patients in the Aegean District of Turkey who have had the disease for longer than one year to establish their social and occupational needs. Questions covered income, marital status, employment status of patient and spouse, housing, employment status of children, special care needs, and what changes had occurred in any of the preceding areas due to the illness. Our survey questionnaire yielded responses from 246 MS patients (ages 16–65; 87 men, 159 women) from the outpatient departments of six centers in Izmir, Turkey. The survey was conducted from March 2, 1998, to March 5, 1999. Survey results were tabulated and analyzed statistically for correlations between factors and were similar to other reports from western countries. Men reported reduced income and higher unemployment than women, many of whom were housewives. First-degree relatives carried the burden of caregiving. Disease duration and higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were strongly correlated with changes in employment, marital status, and housing. Higher EDSS scores had a negative impact on the spouse's work and the patient's need for care. Among disease types, secondary progressive MS (SPMS) also negatively affected the family structure. The disease had little effect on children's employment status.
A High‐Performance Graphene Oxide‐Doped Ion Gel as Gel Polymer Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Yang Xi , Zhang Fan , Zhang Long , Zhang Tengfei , Huang Yi , Chen Yongsheng
Published: February 2013

A high‐performance graphene oxide (GO)‐doped ion gel (P(VDF‐HFP)‐EMIMBF4‐GO gel) is prepared by exploiting copolymer (poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoro propylene), P(VDF‐HFP)) as the polymer matrix, ionic liquid (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, EMIMBF4) as the supporting electrolyte, and GO as the ionic conducting promoter. This GO‐doped ion gel demonstrates significantly improved ionic conductivity compared with that of pure ion gel without the addition of GO, due to the homogeneously distributed GO as a 3D network throughout the GO‐doped ion gel by acting like a ion “highway” to facilitate the ion transport. With the incorporation of only a small amount of GO (1 wt%) in ion gel, there has been a dramatic improvement in ionic conductivity of about 260% compared with that of pure ion gel. In addition, the all‐solid‐state supercapacitor is fabricated and measured at room temperature using the GO‐doped ion gel as gel polymer electrolyte, which demonstrates more superior electrochemical performance than the all‐solid‐state supercapacitor with pure ion gel and the conventional supercapacitor with neat EMIMBF4, in the aspect of smaller internal resistance, higher capacitance performance, and better cycle stability. These excellent performances are due to the high ionic conductivity, excellent compatibility with carbon electrodes, and long‐term stability of the GO‐doped ion gel.
Investigating the Influence of Interfacial Contact Properties on Open Circuit Voltages in Organic Photovoltaic Performance: Work Function Versus Selectivity
Authors: Ratcliff Erin L. , Garcia Andres , Paniagua Sergio A. , Cowan Sarah R. , Giordano Anthony J. , Ginley David S. , Marder Seth R. , Berry Joseph J. , Olson Dana C.
Published: February 2013

The role of work function and thermodynamic selectivity of hole collecting contacts on the origin of open circuit voltage (VOC) in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics is examined for poly(N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole) (PCDTBT) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) solar cells. In the absence of a charge selective, electron blocking contact, systematic variation of the work function of the contact directly dictates the VOC, as defined by the energetic separation between the relative Fermi levels for holes and electrons, with little change in the observed dark saturation current, J0. Improving the charge selectivity of the contact through an increased barrier to electron injection from the fullerene in the blend into the hole contact results in a decreased reverse saturation current (decreased J0 and increased shunt resistance, RSH) and improved VOC. Based on these observations, we provide a set of contact design criteria for tuning the VOC in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics.
Particle‐in‐cell simulation of electron and ion energy distributions in dc/rf hybrid capacitively‐coupled plasmas
Authors: Diomede Paola , Kim Doosik , Economou Demetre J.
Published: February 2013

A Particle‐in‐Cell simulation with Monte Carlo collisions was used to study electron and ion energy distributions (IEDs) in low‐pressure (2.67 Pa) direct‐current (dc)/radio‐frequency (rf) hybrid capacitively‐coupled Ar plasmas. One electrode (dc/rf electrode) of the parallel plate diode was powered by a 13.56 MHz source, and a negative dc bias voltage, whereas the opposite (substrate) electrode was grounded. Secondary electrons emitted from the dc/rf electrode accelerated in the adjacent sheath and entered the plasma, yielding a high‐energy tail of the electron energy distribution. For given dc bias voltage, the plasma density increased as the secondary electron emission yield due to ion bombardment increased. A fraction of the secondary electrons were energetic enough to overcome the sheath potential barrier on the substrate electrode and bombard the substrate. The electron angular distribution on the substrate electrode had a peak of directional electrons superimposed on a typical cosine distribution. The mean energy and angular spread of directional electrons could be controlled by varying the dc bias voltage. However, as the dc bias became more negative, the dc/rf sheath expanded at the expense of the bulk plasma, reducing the plasma density, in agreement with published data. The IED on the substrate electrode exhibited a dominant bimodal feature with multiple shoulder peaks due to ion‐neutral charge exchange collisions. The average ion energy decreased as the dc voltage became more negative, also in agreement with data. Pulsing the plasma power enhanced the tail of the electron energy distribution in the early activeglow (power ON), and yielded a distinct ballistic electron flux on the substrate with energy equal to the applied dc bias. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3214–3222, 2013
Neurofibromatosis‐1 gene deletions and mutations in de novo adult acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Boudry‐Labis Elise , Roche‐Lestienne Catherine , Nibourel Olivier , Boissel Nicolas , Terre Christine , Perot Christine , Eclache Virginie , Gachard Nathalie , Tigaud Isabelle , Plessis Ghislaine , Cuccuini Wendy , Geffroy Sandrine , Villenet Céline , Figeac Martin , Leprêtre Frederic , Renneville Aline , Cheok Meyling , Soulier Jean , Dombret Hervé , Preudhomme Claude ,   On behalf of the French ALFA group
Published: February 2013

Germline heterozygous alterations of the tumor‐suppressor gene neurofibromatosis‐1 (NF1) lead to neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic disorder characterized by a higher risk to develop juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and/or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). More recently, somatic 17q11 deletions encompassing NF1 have been described in many adult myeloid malignancies. In this context, we aimed to define NF1 involvement in AML. We screened a total of 488 previously untreated de novo AML patients for the NF1 deletion using either array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) or real‐time quantitative PCR/fluorescence in situ hybridization approaches. We also applied massively parallel sequencing for in depth mutation analysis of NF1 in 20 patients including five NF1‐deleted patients. We defined a small ∼0.3 Mb minimal deleted region involving NF1 by aCGH and an overall frequency of NF1 deletion of 3.5% (17/485). NF1 deletion is significantly associated with unfavorable cytogenetics and with monosomal karyotype notably. We discovered six NF1 variants of unknown significance in 7/20 patients of which only one out of four disappeared in corresponding complete remission sample. In addition, only one out of five NF1‐deleted patients has an acquired coding mutation in the remaining allele. In conclusion, direct NF1 inactivation is infrequent in de novo AML and may be a secondary event probably involved in leukemic progression. Am. J. Hematol. 88:306–311, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations and prognostic interactions between circulating levels of hepcidin, ferritin and inflammatory cytokines in primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Pardanani Animesh , Finke Christy , Abdelrahman Ramy A. , Lasho Terra L. , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: February 2013

Iron homeostasis is dysregulated in primary myelofibrosis (PMF), given the high prevalence of anemia, need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, and disease‐associated inflammatory state. We measured plasma hepcidin levels in 203 consecutive PMF patients at the time of first referral; hepcidin levels were significantly higher as compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001), and were correlated with hemoglobin of <10 g/dL, RBC transfusion requirement, serum ferritin of >500 µg/L, higher dynamic international prognostic scoring system (DIPSS)‐plus risk category, the presence of circulating blasts, age of >65 years, and leukocyte count of <4 × 109/L. Increased hepcidin levels predicted for inferior survival independent of six out of the eight DIPSS‐plus prognostic parameters (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8; P = 0.02), but not when RBC transfusion requirement, hemoglobin of <10 g/dL, or increased serum ferritin were included in the Cox model. Multivariable analysis that considered the four overlapping prognostic variables revealed that increased hepcidin (HR = 1.9; P = 0.03) and increased ferritin (HR = 2.3; P = 0.04), but not hemoglobin of <10 g/dL or RBC transfusion requirement, independently retained their significance for predicting survival. Accordingly, increased levels of both hepcidin and serum ferritin (seen in 29% of patients) predicted inferior survival independent of DIPSS‐plus or increased inflammatory cytokine levels (HR = 2.4; P = 0.002), and could be considered in future prognostic models for PMF. Am. J. Hematol. 88:312–316, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A mathematical basis for plant patterning derived from physico‐chemical phenomena
Authors: Beleyur Thejasvi , Abdul Kareem Valiya Kadavu , Shaji Anil , Prasad Kalika
Published: February 2013

The position of leaves and flowers along the stem axis generates a specific pattern, known as phyllotaxis. A growing body of evidence emerging from recent computational modeling and experimental studies suggests that regulators controlling phyllotaxis are chemical, e.g. the plant growth hormone auxin and its dynamic accumulation pattern by polar auxin transport, and physical, e.g. mechanical properties of the cell. Here we present comprehensive views on how chemical and physical properties of cells regulate the pattern of leaf initiation. We further compare different computational modeling studies to understand their scope in reproducing the observed patterns. Despite a plethora of experimental studies on phyllotaxis, understanding of molecular mechanisms of pattern initiation in plants remains fragmentary. Live imaging of growth dynamics and physicochemical properties at the shoot apex of mutants displaying stable changes from one pattern to another should provide mechanistic insights into organ initiation patterns.

Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays Computer simulation: The imaginary friend of auxin transport biology Abstract
Probing the helical forms of Ca2+‐guluronan junction zones in alginate gels by molecular dynamics 1: Duplexes
Authors: Wolnik Anna , Albertin Luca , Charlier Landry , Mazeau Karim
Published: February 2013

A molecular dynamics investigation of the helical forms adopted by (1→4)‐α‐L‐guluronan in explicit water environment was carried out. Single chains and duplexes were modeled at 300 K starting both from 21 or 32 helical conformations and in the presence of a neutralizing amount of Ca2+ ions. All systems were allowed full conformational freedom. The initial perfect helices with integral screw symmetries were lost at the very beginning of simulations and two distinct behaviors were observed: At equilibrium the 21 models mostly retained the 21 local helical conformations while exploring the 32 ones the rest of the time. In duplexes the two chains, which behaved similarly, were well extended and slightly twisted. By contrast, the chains in 32 duplex models were dissimilar and explored a much broader conformational space in which 21 and 32 local helical conformations were dominant and equally represented but the 31 and other conformations were also present. The wide variety of conformations revealed in this study is consistent with the general difficulty in obtaining crystals of Ca2+‐guluronate with suitable lateral dimensions for crystallographic studies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 562–571, 2013.
Extended Sediment Quality Rating for Trace Elements in Urban Waters – Case Study Klinke, Germany
Authors: von Tümpling Wolf , Scheibe Norbert , Einax Jürgen Werner
Published: February 2013

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) commits European Union member states to achieving good ecological status in all water bodies by 2015. For sediments the definition of good chemical status is based on numerical sediment quality guidelines. The aqua regia fraction is thus used for the evaluation of heavy metal concentrations in sediments. The chemical constituents in sediments responsible for mobility and toxicity are not considered generally. This article presents the combining of the sequential BCR procedure, for determining the chemical species of relevant elements, with the geoaccumulation index principle a numerical classification method for sediment quality guidelines. Using the BCR method it can be demonstrated that changes in element speciation can lead to more highly mobile species of trace elements which may affect the hazardous potential of sediments despite the “good chemical status” classification for aqua regia digestions. The Klinke stream is an urban surface water body located in Magdeburg, the state capital of Saxony‐Anhalt, Germany. Using this stream as an example it is shown that this additional information helps to describe the dynamics and discharge of the trace elements Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Pd, Cd, Sb, Ba, Pb, Bi, and U into the Elbe River from urban water bodies.