bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pheochromocytoma with hypertensive crisis due to glucocorticoid administration: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Taimur SDM , Karim MR , Rahman MH , Gomes HI , Salahuddin M , Farzana I , Fahmida AS
Published: August 2011

We report a patient who presented with single episode of severe hypertension after intramuscular injection of betamethasone which was given to treat acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. Episode of severe arterial hypertension was associated with pulmonary edema, acute renal failure and hyperkalemia. Further evaluation by appropriate diagnostic tests revealed that the patient is a case of phaechoromocytoma. This neoplasm was excised successfully and the patient is presently asymptomatic.We believe that this episode was initiated by glucocorticoid injection. Key words: Betamethasone, glucocorticoids, hypertensivecrisis, pheochromocytoma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v10i3.8369 BJMS 2011; 10(3): 213-215
Functional lingual thyroid in an adolescent female: a case report and brief literature review
Authors: Roslenda AR , Salina H , Gopalan KN , Putra SHA Primuharsa
Published: August 2011

Background: Lingual thyroid is a rare clinical entity that represents faulty migration of normal thyroid gland. It commonly presents as a benign mass found at the junction of the anterior two-thirds and posterior one-third of the tongue. Although usually asymptomatic, glandular hypertrophy can cause dysphonia, dysphagia, bleeding, or stridor at any time from infancy through adulthood. We report a case that we encountered, discuss the diagnosis and its management, and review the literature. An otherwise asymptomatic 14 year-old girl presented with a posterior tongue mass that had been present since childhood but was never investigated. She was clinically and biochemically euthyroid, with normal thyroid function tests. Physical examination revealed a smooth, globular mass occupying the whole tongue base and valleculae. The epiglottis was slightly displaced posteriorly but the laryngeal inlet was patent. A 99mTcradioisotope scan showed accumulation of tracer in the tongue base and no uptake in the neck. MRI revealed a 1.8-cm diameter soft tissue mass in the posterior part of the tongue. To date she has not required suppressive therapy or surgical intervention. Conclusions: Treatment of lingual thyroid depends on patient symptoms. Most importantly, patients should be followed at regular intervals and educated on the possibility of developing complications. Key words: Lingual thyroid, ectopic thyroid, thyroid gland. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v10i3.8370 BJMS 2011; 10(3): 216-219
Polycrystalline-Diamond MEMS Biosensors Including Neural Microelectrode-Arrays
Authors: Varney Michael W. , Aslam Dean M. , Janoudi Abed , Chan Ho-Yin , Wang Donna H.
Published: August 2011

Diamond is a material of interest due to its unique combination of properties, including its chemical inertness and biocompatibility. Polycrystalline diamond (poly-C) has been used in experimental biosensors that utilize electrochemical methods and antigen-antibody binding for the detection of biological molecules. Boron-doped poly-C electrodes have been found to be very advantageous for electrochemical applications due to their large potential window, low background current and noise, and low detection limits (as low as 500 fM). The biocompatibility of poly-C is found to be comparable, or superior to, other materials commonly used for implants, such as titanium and 316 stainless steel. We have developed a diamond-based, neural microelectrode-array (MEA), due to the desirability of poly-C as a biosensor. These diamond probes have been used for in vivo electrical recording and in vitro electrochemical detection. Poly-C electrodes have been used for electrical recording of neural activity. In vitro studies indicate that the diamond probe can detect norepinephrine at a 5 nM level. We propose a combination of diamond micro-machining and surface functionalization for manufacturing diamond pathogen-microsensors.
Syntheses and Self-assembling Behaviors of Pentagonal Conjugates of Tryptophane Zipper-Forming Peptide
Authors: Matsuura Kazunori , Murasato Kazuya , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: August 2011

Pentagonal conjugates of tryptophane zipper-forming peptide (CKTWTWTE) with a pentaazacyclopentadecane core (Pentagonal-Gly-Trpzip and Pentagonal-Ala-Trpzip) were synthesized and their self-assembling behaviors were investigated in water. Pentagonal-Gly-Trpzip self-assembled into nanofibers with the width of about 5 nm in neutral water (pH 7) via formation of tryptophane zipper, which irreversibly converted to nanoribbons by heating. In contrast, Pentagonal-Ala-Trpzip formed irregular aggregates in water.
A Comparative Study of Physical and Chemical Processes for Removal of Biomass in Biofilters
Authors: Flores-Valle Sergio Odín , Ríos-Bernÿ Omar , Chanona-Pérez Jorge , Fregoso-Aguilar Tomas , Morales-González José A. , Prado-Rubianes Oscar Jesús , Herrera-Bucio Rafael , López-Albarán Pablo , Morales-González Ángel , Garibay-Febles Vicente , Domínguez Enrique Godínez , Kennes Christian , Veiga-Barbazán Ma. Carmen , Mendoza-Pérez Jorge Alberto
Published: August 2011

After 6 months of operation a long-term biofilter was stopped for two weeks and then it was started up again for a second experimental period of almost 1.3 years, with high toluene loads and submitted to several physical and chemical treatments in order to remove excess biomass that could affect the reactor’s performance due to clogging, whose main effect is a high pressure drop. Elimination capacity and removal efficiency were determined after each treatment. The methods applied were: filling with water and draining, backwashing, and air sparging. Different flows and temperatures (20, 30, 45 and 60 °C) were applied, either with distilled water or with different chemicals in aqueous solutions. Treatments with chemicals caused a decrease of the biofilter performance, requiring periods of 1 to 2 weeks to recover previous values. The results indicate that air sparging with pure distilled water as well as with solutions of NaOH (0.01% w/v) and NaOCl (0.01% w/v) were the treatments that removed more biomass, working either at 20, 30 or 45 °C and at relatively low flow rates (below 320 L h−1), but with a high biodegradation inhibition after the treatments. Dry biomass (g VS) content was determined at three different heights of the biofilter in order to carry out each experiment under the same conditions. The same amount of dry biomass when applying a treatment was established so it could be considered that the biofilm conditions were identical. Wet biomass was used as a control of the biofilter’s water content during treatments. Several batch assays were performed to support and quantify the observed inhibitory effects of the different chemicals and temperatures applied.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of New Metal Complexes Derived from 3-Aminocoumarin
Authors: Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Mohamad Abu Bakar , Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Takriff Mohd S.
Published: August 2011

3-Aminocoumarin (L) has been synthesized and used as a ligand for the formation of Cr(III), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes. The chemical structures were characterized using different spectroscopic methods. The elemental analyses revealed that the complexes where M=Ni(II) and Cu(II) have the general formulae [ML2Cl2], while the Cr(III) complex has the formula [CrL2Cl2]Cl. The molar conductance data reveal that all the metal chelates, except the Cr(III) one, are non-electrolytes. From the magnetic and UV-Visible spectra, it is found that these complexes have octahedral structures. The stability for the prepared complexes was studied theoretically using Density Function Theory. The total energy for the complexes was calculated and it was shown that the copper complex is the most stable one. Complexes were tested against selected types of microbial organisms and showed significant activities. The free radical scavenging activity of metal complexes have been determined by measuring their interaction with the stable free radical DPPH and all the compounds have shown encouraging antioxidant activities.
Aptamer-Gated Nanoparticles for Smart Drug Delivery
Authors: Ozalp Veli Cengiz , Eyidogan Fusun , Oktem Huseyin Avni
Published: August 2011

Aptamers are functional nucleic acid sequences which can bind specific targets. An artificial combinatorial methodology can identify aptamer sequences for any target molecule, from ions to whole cells. Drug delivery systems seek to increase efficacy and reduce side-effects by concentrating the therapeutic agents at specific disease sites in the body. This is generally achieved by specific targeting of inactivated drug molecules. Aptamers which can bind to various cancer cell types selectively and with high affinity have been exploited in a variety of drug delivery systems for therapeutic purposes. Recent progress in selection of cell-specific aptamers has provided new opportunities in targeted drug delivery. Especially functionalization of nanoparticles with such aptamers has drawn major attention in the biosensor and biomedical areas. Moreover, nucleic acids are recognized as an attractive building materials in nanomachines because of their unique molecular recognition properties and structural features. A active controlled delivery of drugs once targeted to a disease site is a major research challenge. Stimuli-responsive gating is one way of achieving controlled release of nanoparticle cargoes. Recent reports incorporate the structural properties of aptamers in controlled release systems of drug delivering nanoparticles. In this review, the strategies for using functional nucleic acids in creating smart drug delivery devices will be explained. The main focus will be on aptamer-incorporated nanoparticle systems for drug delivery purposes in order to assess the future potential of aptamers in the therapeutic area. Special emphasis will be given to the very recent progress in controlled drug release based on molecular gating achieved with aptamers.
RETRACTED: Eldefrawy et al. Authenticated Key Agreement with Rekeying for Secured Body Sensor Networks. Sensors 2011, 11, 5835–5849
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: August 2011

It has been brought to our attention by a reader of Sensors that substantial portions of this article [...]
Height Compensation Using Ground Inclination Estimation in Inertial Sensor-Based Pedestrian Navigation
Authors: Park Sang Kyeong , Suh Young Soo
Published: August 2011

In an inertial sensor-based pedestrian navigation system, the position is estimated by double integrating external acceleration. A new algorithm is proposed to reduce z axis position (height) error. When a foot is on the ground, a foot angle is estimated using accelerometer output. Using a foot angle, the inclination angle of a road is estimated. Using this road inclination angle, height difference of one walking step is estimated and this estimation is used to reduce height error. Through walking experiments on roads with different inclination angles, the usefulness of the proposed algorithm is verified.
Monoclonal Antibody Therapies against Anthrax
Authors: Chen Zhaochun , Moayeri Mahtab , Purcell Robert
Published: August 2011

Anthrax is a highly lethal infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It not only causes natural infection in humans but also poses a great threat as an emerging bioterror agent. The lethality of anthrax is primarily attributed to the two major virulence factors: toxins and capsule. An extensive effort has been made to generate therapeutically useful monoclonal antibodies to each of the virulence components: protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF), and the capsule of B. anthracis. This review summarizes the current status of anti-anthrax mAb development and argues for the potential therapeutic advantage of a cocktail of mAbs that recognize different epitopes or different virulence factors.
A Model-driven Privacy Compliance Decision Support for Medical Data Sharing in Europe
Authors: Solomonides T. , Mont Casassa , Shiu S. , Rahmouni M. , Rahmouni Boussi
Published: August 2011

Objectives: Clinical practitioners and medical researchers often have to share health data with other colleagues across Europe. Privacy compliance in this context is very important but challenging. Automated privacy guidelines are a practical way of increasing users’ awareness of privacy obligations and help eliminating unintentional breaches of privacy. In this paper we present an ontology-plus-rules based approach to privacy decision support for the sharing of patient data across European platforms.

Methods: We use ontologies to model the required domain and context information about data sharing and privacy requirements. In addition, we use a set of Semantic Web Rule Language rules to reason about legal privacy requirements that are applicable to a specific context of data disclosure. We make the complete set invocable through the use of a semantic web application acting as an interactive privacy guideline system can then invoke the full model in order to provide decision support.

Results: When asked, the system will generate privacy reports applicable to a specific case of data disclosure described by the user. Also reports showing guidelines per Member State may be obtained.

Conclusion: The advantage of this approach lies in the expressiveness and extensibility of the modelling and inference languages adopted and the ability they confer to reason with complex requirements interpreted from high level regulations. However, the system cannot at this stage fully simulate the role of an ethics committee or review board.
Permafrost mapping using quasi‐3D resistivity imaging, Murtèl, Swiss Alps
Authors: Rödder Tobias , Kneisel Christof
Published: August 2011

To investigate recent permafrost characteristics in detail, quasi‐3D resistivity imaging was applied to map the extent of frozen ground in an area of a glacier forefield in the Engadin/Eastern Swiss Alps. This approach combines a number of parallel and perpendicular electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles into one data set and enables a subsequent 3D inversion and interpretation of geoelectric resistivity results. Spatial information about resistivity distribution within the heterogeneous subsurface of the investigated area is gained and allows a detailed analysis of permafrost occurrence, which is superior to two‐dimensional resistivity surveying.

Information about the consistency of the model results is obtained from the modification of the damping parameters during the inversion process. Data sets based on different combinations of ERT profiles and array types were compared to optimize the adequate number and orientation of profiles required for 3D inversion. Our findings show the importance of perpendicular tie lines in improving the image of the subsurface resistivity distribution. Inversion results from a Wenner‐Schlumberger array are regarded as the best trade‐off between accuracy and acquisition time in this periglacial environment. Spatial resistivity data facilitate a good delineation of a distinct permafrost body within the measurement grid. In addition, borehole temperatures are used as ground truth data. Our results show that quasi‐3D resistivity imaging allows a spatial interpretation of ground conditions and thus constitutes an improvement compared to scattered 2D ERT profiles. In particular, single landforms of small‐ to medium‐scale can be regarded as objectives and favour the application of detailed quasi‐3D surveys.
Geotechnical characterization of a river dyke by surface waves
Authors: Karl Lutz , Fechner Thomas , Schevenels Mattias , François Stijn , Degrande Geert
Published: August 2011

The need for effective and reliable methods to survey and monitor the structure of earth‐fill dams recently became pressing in light of the increasing number of flood events in central Europe. Among geophysical techniques, dam imaging using electrical resistivity methods is applied in most cases. Occasionally, ground‐penetrating radar is applied in the framework of the search for subsurface facilities. Seismic methods are rarely used.

This paper focuses on the multichannel analysis of the surface waves (MASW) method to determine dynamic soil properties and aims to extend its application field to dyke and dam structures. The standard processing procedure of the MASW assumes a flat free surface of infinite extension. The flat surfaces of a dyke, in contrast, are in the order of 1–10 times smaller than the wavelengths in the soil; disturbing side reflections will occur. Even though MASW has already been applied on a few dyke sites, the effect of such an obvious breach of preconditions needs to be studied before the method can be recommended.

In this paper the influences of the dyke’s topography on the test results are studied by means of a numerical analysis. Typical cross‐sections are modelled using 2.5D finite and boundary elements. The results of models taking the topography into account are compared with models neglecting the topography. The differences are evaluated on the level of the dispersion curves and for one cross‐section on the level of the S‐wave velocity. They were found to be insignificant for dykes with a width‐to‐height ratio larger than four.

A testing campaign was conducted providing the chance to collect experience in the practical use of the MASW method on dykes. Test results obtained at two test sites are selected and compared to the results of borehole logs and cone penetration tests. A remarkable relation between the S‐wave velocity and the consistency of the clay sealing was found at one site; a distinct positive correlation to the measured cone tip resistances was achieved on the other test site. Valuable information on the composition of the dyke body and base could be obtained but the resolution of the method to identify small areas of inhomogeneity should not be overestimated.
Simultaneous repair of cardiac pathology and severe pectus excavatum in Marfan patients using a modified minimally invasive repair
Authors: Jaroszewski Dawn E. , Fraser Jason D. , DeValeria Patrick A.
Published: August 2011

Pectus excavatum (PE) deformity is present in the majority of Marfan patients. Many have not had PE repair and present as adults with aortic and valve pathology requiring operative intervention. We present our preliminary report of simultaneous cardiac surgery and repair of the chest wall deformity. Utilizing this modified minimally invasive excavatum repair provided quick, safe repairs with good cosmetic results.
Effective strategic leadership: Balancing roles during church transitions
Authors: Pearse Noel J.
Published: August 2011

As part of their responsibilities of leading the organisation, strategic leaders are responsible for leading change. This article investigated the application of the strategic leadership of change within the church context. A Straussian approach to the grounded theory method was used to generate a substantive grounded theory of organisational change and leadership, particularly focusing on the manifestation and management of organisation inertia in churches within South Africa that were transitioning from a programme based to a cell based church design. This article reported on one aspect of this study and focused on the patterns of leadership roles. It further distinguished between effective and ineffective leadership patterns that either enhanced or compromised the credibility of the leader and by implication, affected the success of the change intervention. The results of the study were discussed from the perspective of social capital theory, thereby contributing to understanding the role of strategic leaders in building social capital within the context of organisation change.
On Perturbations of Continuous Maps
Authors: Jacob Benoît
Published: August 2011

We give sufficient conditions for the following problem: given a topological space X, ametric space Y, a subspace Z of Y, and a continuous map f from X to Y, is it possible, by applying to f an arbitrarily small perturbation, to ensure that f(X) does not meet Z? We also give a relative variant: if f(X') does not meet Z for a certain subset X'⊂ X, then we may keep f unchanged on X'. We also develop a variant for continuous sections of fibrations and discuss some applications to matrix perturbation theory.
Los servicios de las bibliotecas públicas en la era de la información: el panorama internacional y la situación em Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Authors: Barber Elsa , Tripaldi Nicolás , Pisano Silvia , D'Alessandro Sofia , Romagnoli Sandra , Parsiale Verónica , Gregui Carolina , De Pedro Gabriela
Published: August 2011

Se analiza la prestación de servicios en las bibliotecas públicas / populares de la ciudad de Buenos Aires y sus alrededores. Se parte de un relevamiento selectivo de la bibliografía internacional sobre el tema, con el propósito de vincular los datos descriptivos de la realidad local con las tendencias en los países desarrollados. Finalmente, se pone en evidencia que las unidades de información estudiadas brindan los servicios básicos, subutilizan infraestructura tecnológica que manifiestan poseer y no orientan los recursos existentes con miras a la implementación de los servicios que la sociedad en la era de la información demanda.
Profissional da Informação no limiar do século XXI: enfoque nos periódicos brasileiros em biblioteconomia e ciência da informação (1995/2002)
Authors: Ohira Maria Lourdes Blatt , Prado Noêmia Schoffen , Schmidt Luciana
Published: August 2011

Apresenta como o tema Profissional da Informação foi abordado nos periódicos brasileiros de Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação publicados no período de 1995 a 2002. A avaliação da produção científica envolveu a análise dos seguintes aspectos: produtividade dos autores, tipo de autoria, média de citações por artigo, tipos de documentos citados, núcleo de periódicos mais citados. Os resultados revelaram que a Revista Transinformação publicou maior número de artigos sobre o tema. Os anos de 1996 e 2000 destacaram-se com maior produção no período. A autoria única prevalece com 73% da produção. Os autores utilizam nas citações os artigos de periódicos com 45%, seguido dos livros e/ou capítulos de livros, com uma média de 1 a 20 referências por artigo. A influência estrangeira aparece em 48% dos documentos citados. A Revista Ciência da Informação destaca-se como periódico brasileiro mais citado. Os resultados da pesquisa podem contribuir para a adequação dos currículos dos cursos de graduação em Biblioteconomia.
Biblioteconomia aplicada: experiência docente
Authors: Mata Maria Margarete Sell da
Published: August 2011

Relata experiência docente em prática de ensino por intermédio de projeto de extensão envolvendo discentes de Biblioteconomia. Apresenta uma revisão de literatura acerca do tema abordado. As atividades desenvolvidas no laboratório de Tratamento da Informação do Departamento de Ciência da Informação da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina tratam do processamento técnico do acervo de livros da Biblioteca Comunitária da Fundação Vidal Ramos. As considerações finais apontam benefícios docentes e discentes resultantes da experiência.
Recent progress in understanding physical and chemical properties of African and Asian mineral dust
Authors: Formenti P. , Schütz L. , Balkanski Y. , Desboeufs K. , Ebert M. , Kandler K. , Petzold A. , Scheuvens D. , Weinbruch S. , Zhang D.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. This paper presents a review of recently acquired knowledge on the physico-chemical properties of mineral dust from Africa and Asia based on data presented and discussed during the Third International Dust Workshop, held in Leipzig (Germany) in September 2008. Various regional field experiments have been conducted in the last few years, mostly close to source regions or after short-range transport. Although significant progress has been made in characterising the regional variability of dust properties close to source regions, in particular the mineralogy of iron and the description of particle shape and mixing state, difficulties remain in estimating the range of variability of those properties within one given source region. As consequence, the impact of these parameters on aerosol properties like optical properties, solubility, hygroscopicity, etc. – determining the dust impact on climate – is only partly understood. Long-term datasets in remote regions such as the dust source regions remain a major desideratum. Future work should also focus on the evolution of dust properties during transport. In particular, the prediction of the mineral dust size distribution at emission and their evolution during transport should be considered as a high-priority. From the methodological point of view, a critical assessment and standardisation of the experimental and analytical techniques is highly recommended. Techniques to characterize the internal state of mixing of dust particles, particularly with organic material, should be further developed.
Impact of a large wildfire on water-soluble organic aerosol in a major urban area: the 2009 Station Fire in Los Angeles County
Authors: Wonaschütz A. , Hersey S. P. , Sorooshian A. , Craven J. S. , Metcalf A. R. , Flagan R. C. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. This study examines the nature of water-soluble organic aerosol measured in Pasadena, CA, under typical conditions and under the influence of a large wildfire (the 2009 Station Fire). During non-fire periods, water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) variability was driven by photochemical production processes and sea breeze transport, resulting in an average diurnal cycle with a maximum at 15:00 local time (up to 4.9 μg C m−3). During the Station Fire, primary production was a key formation mechanism for WSOC. High concentrations of WSOC (up to 41 μg C m−3) in smoke plumes advected to the site in the morning hours were tightly correlated with nitrate and chloride, numerous aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) organic mass spectral markers, and total non-refractory organic mass. Processed residual smoke was transported to the measurement site by the sea breeze later in the day, leading to higher afternoon WSOC levels than on non-fire days. Parameters representing higher degrees of oxidation of organics, including the ratios of the organic metrics m/z 44:m/z 57 and m/z 44:m/z 43, were elevated in those air masses. Intercomparisons of relative amounts of WSOC, organics, m/z 44, and m/z 43 show that the fraction of WSOC comprising acid-oxygenates increased as a function of photochemical aging owing to the conversion of aliphatic and non-acid oxygenated organics to more acid-like organics. The contribution of water-soluble organic species to the organic mass budget (10th–90th percentile values) ranged between 27 %–72 % and 27 %–68 % during fire and non-fire periods, respectively. The seasonal incidence of wildfires in the Los Angeles Basin greatly enhances the importance of water-soluble organics, which has implications for the radiative and hygroscopic properties of the regional aerosol.
Effect of the summer monsoon on aerosols at two measurement stations in Northern India – Part 1: PM and BC concentrations
Authors: Hyvärinen A.-P. , Raatikainen T. , Brus D. , Komppula M. , Panwar T. S. , Hooda R. K. , Sharma V. P. , Lihavainen H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Particulate matter (PM) and equivalent black carbon (BCe) concentrations were measured at two locations in northern India during 2006–2010. The first measurement station was a background site in Mukteshwar, about 350 km northeast of New Delhi, in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas. The second measurement site was located in Gual Pahari, about 25 km south of New Delhi. Here we focused on resolving the effects of the Indian summer monsoon on the particulate matter and equivalent black carbon concentrations at two stations. The average monsoon time concentrations were decreased by 55–70 % compared to the pre-monsoon average concentrations at both stations, decreasing as a function of the total local rainfall during the monsoon season. In Mukteshwar during the monsoon, the 24 h PM2.5 concentrations were nearly always below the Indian National Air Quality Standard of 60 μg m−3. In Gual Pahari, 13 % of days exceeded this level during the monsoon season. However, the 24 h guideline of 25 μg m−3 given by the World Health Organization was more difficult to meet. In addition to loss processes, aerosol concentrations during the early monsoon were found to be affected by primary emissions, most likely from dust events from the Thar Desert. This resulted in elevated fractions of the coarse mode, PM2.5–10 at both stations. In Mukteshwar, additional dust contribution came from east of the station, from the Himalayan region. We also determined the characteristic transition times between the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon. The onset and withdrawal transitions occurred faster in Mukteshwar than in Gual Pahari, both being typically less than 10 days. Transition periods in Gual Pahari took between 17 and 31 days. The shorter transition times in Mukteshwar were probably related to the more intense rains due to the mountain location, and the fact that the station was most of the time in the free troposphere.
Effect of the summer monsoon on aerosols at two measurement stations in Northern India – Part 2: Physical and optical properties
Authors: Hyvärinen A.-P. , Raatikainen T. , Komppula M. , Mielonen T. , Sundström A.-M. , Brus D. , Panwar T. S. , Hooda R. K. , Sharma V. P. , de Leeuw G. , Lihavainen H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Aerosol physical and optical properties were measured at two locations in northern India. The first measurement station was a background site in Mukteshwar, about 350 km northeast of New Delhi, in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, with data from 2006 to 2009. The second measurement site was located in Gual Pahari, about 25 km south of New Delhi, with data from 2008 to 2009. At both stations, the average aerosol concentrations during the monsoon were decreased by 40–75 % compared to the pre-monsoon average concentrations. The decrease varied with the total local rainfall. In Mukteshwar, the monsoon season removed particles from all size classes, due to a combination of rain scavenging and activation to cloud and mountain fog droplets. The scavenging by rain is least effective for the size range of the accumulation mode particles. In Gual Pahari, this was the only major wet removal mechanism and, as a result, the accumulation mode particles were less effectively removed. Aerosol concentrations during the early monsoon were found to be affected by mineral dust which in Gual Pahari was observed as an increased particle volume at a diameter around 3–4 μm. The single scattering albedo varied from 0.73 to 0.93 during the monsoon season, being slightly lower in Gual Pahari than in Mukteshwar. This is due to the fact that Gual Pahari resided closer to high anthropogenic black carbon emissions. As the absorbing particles are typically in the accumulation mode, they were not effectively removed by rain scavenging. The aerosol columnar properties, which were measured in Gual Pahari, showed a somewhat different seasonal behaviour compared to the surface measurements, with the aerosol optical depth increasing to an annual maximum in the early monsoon season.
Ship-borne FTIR measurements of CO and O3 in the Western Pacific from 43° N to 35° S: an evaluation of the sources
Authors: Ridder T. , Gerbig C. , Notholt J. , Rex M. , Schrems O. , Warneke T. , Zhang L.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) have been measured in the Western Pacific (43° N to 35° S) during a ship campaign with Research Vessel Sonne in fall 2009. Observations have been performed using ship-based solar absorption Fourier Transform infrared spectrometry, flask sampling, balloon sounding, and in-situ Fourier Transform infrared analysis. The obtained results are compared to the GEOS-Chem global 3-D chemistry transport model for atmospheric composition. In general, a very good agreement is found between the GEOS-Chem model and all instruments. The CO and O3 distributions show a comparable variability suggesting an impact from the same source regions. Tagged-CO simulations implemented in the GEOS-Chem model allow to differentiate between different sources and source regions. The sources are verified with HYSPLIT backward trajectory calculations. In the Northern Hemisphere fossil fuel combustion in Asia is the dominant source. European and North American fossil fuel combustion also contribute to Northern Hemispheric CO pollution. In the Southern Hemisphere contributions from biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion are dominant; African biomass burning has a significant impact on Western Pacific CO pollution. Furthermore, in the tropical Western Pacific enhanced upper tropospheric CO within the tropical tropopause layer mainly originates from Indonesian fossil fuel combustion and can be transported into the stratosphere. The sources and source regions of the measured O3 pollution are simulated with a tagged-O3 simulation implemented in the GEOS-Chem model. Similar source regions compared to the tagged-CO simulations are identified by the model. In the Northern Hemisphere contributions from Asia, Europe, and North America are significant. In the Southern Hemisphere the impact of emissions from South America, South-East Africa, and Oceania is important.
The dynamic chamber method: trace gas exchange fluxes (NO, NO2, O3) between plants and the atmosphere in the laboratory and in the field
Authors: Breuninger C. , Oswald R. , Kesselmeier J. , Meixner F. X.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. We describe a dynamic chamber system to determine reactive trace gas exchange fluxes between plants and the atmosphere under laboratory and, with small modifications, also under field conditions. The system allows measurements of the flux density of the reactive NO-NO2-O3 triad and additionally of the non-reactive trace gases CO2 and H2O. The chambers are made of transparent and chemically inert wall material and do not disturb plant physiology. For NO2 detection we used a highly NO2 specific blue light converter coupled to chemiluminescence detection on the photolysis product, NO. Exchange flux densities derived from dynamic chamber measurements are based on very small concentration differences of NO2 (NO, O3) between inlet and outlet of the chamber. High accuracy and precision measurements are therefore required, and high instrument sensitivity (limit of detection) and the statistical significance of concentration differences are important for the determination of corresponding exchange flux densities, compensation point concentrations, and deposition velocities. The determination of NO2 concentrations at sub-ppb levels (<1 ppb) requires a highly sensitive NO/NO2 analyzer with a lower detection limit (3σ-definition) of 0.3 ppb or better. Deposition velocities and compensation point concentrations were determined by bi-variate weighted linear least-squares fitting regression analysis of the trace gas concentrations, measured at the inlet and outlet of the chamber. Performances of the dynamic chamber system and data analysis are demonstrated by studies of Picea abies L. (Norway Spruce) under field and laboratory conditions. Our laboratory data clearly show that highly significant compensation point concentrations can only be detected if the NO2 concentration differences were statistically significant and the data were rigorously controlled for this criterion. The results of field experiments demonstrate the need to consider photo-chemical reactions of NO, NO2, and O3 inside the chamber for the correct determination of the exchange flux densities, deposition velocities, as well as compensation point concentrations. For spruce NO2 deposition velocity ranged between 0.07 and 0.42 mm s−1 (per leaf area) and NO2 compensation point concentration ranged between 0.17 and 0.65 ppb. Under our field conditions NO2 deposition velocities would have been overestimated up to 80 %, if NO2 photolysis has not been considered. We also quantified the photolysis component for some previous NO2 flux measurements. Neglecting photo-chemical reactions may have changed reported NO2 compensation point concentration by 10 %. However, the effect on NO2 deposition velocity was much more intense, ranged between 50 and several hundreds percent. Our findings may have consequences for the results from previous studies and ongoing discussion of NO2 compensation point concentrations.
Hydrologic feasibility of artificial forestation in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Jin T. T. , Fu B. J. , Liu G. H. , Wang Z.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Hydrologic viability, in terms of moisture availability, is fundamental to ecosystem sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, we examine the spatial distribution and after-planting variations of soil moisture content (SMC) in black locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) plantings in the Loess Plateau of China at a regional scale. Thirty sites (5 to 45 yr old) were selected, spanning an area of 300 km by 190 km in the northern region of the Shaanxi Province. The SMC was measured to a depth of 100 cm at intervals of 10 cm. Geographical, topographic and vegetation information was recorded, and soil organic matter was evaluated. The results show that, at the regional scale, SMC spatial variability was most highly correlated with rainfall. The negative relationship between the SMC at a depth of 20–50 cm and the stand age was stronger than at other depths, although this relationship was not significant at a 5 % level. Watershed analysis shows that the after-planting SMC variation differed depending upon precipitation. The SMC of plantings in areas receiving sufficient precipitation (e.g., mean annual precipitation (MAP) of 617 mm) may increase with stand age due to improvements in soil water-holding capacity and water-retention abilities after planting. For areas experiencing water shortages (e.g., MAP = 509 mm), evapotranspiration may cause planting soils to dry within the first 20 yr of growth. It is expected that, as arid and semi-arid plantings age, evapotranspiration will decrease, and the soil profile may gradually recover. In extremely dry areas (e.g., MAP = 352 mm), the variation in after-planting SMC with stand age was found to be negligible. The MAP can be used as an index to divide the study area into different ecological regions. Afforestation may sequentially exert positive, negative and negligible effects on SMCs with a decrease in the MAP. Therefore, future restoration measures should correspond to the local climate conditions, and the MAP should be a major consideration for the Loess Plateau. Large-scale and long-term research on the effects of restoration projects on SMCs is needed to support more effective restoration policies. The interaction between afforestation and local environmental conditions, particularly water availability to plants, should be taken into account in afforestation campaigns in arid and semi-arid areas.
Extended power-law scaling of air permeabilities measured on a block of tuff
Authors: Siena M. , Guadagnini A. , Riva M. , Neuman S. P.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. We use three methods to identify power law scaling of (natural) log air permeability data collected by Tidwell and Wilson (1999) on the faces of a laboratory-scale block of Topopah Spring tuff: method of moments (M), extended power-law scaling also known as Extended Self-Similarity (ESS) and a generalized version thereof (G-ESS). All three methods focus on qth-order sample structure functions of absolute increments. Most such functions exhibit power-law scaling at best over a limited midrange of experimental separation scales, or lags, which are sometimes difficult to identify unambiguously by means of M. ESS and G-ESS extend this range in a way that renders power-law scaling easier to characterize. Most analyses of this type published to date concern time series or one-dimensional transects of spatial data associated with a unique measurement (support) scale. We consider log air permeability data having diverse support scales on the faces of a cube. Our analysis confirms the superiority of ESS and G-ESS over M in identifying the scaling exponents ξ(q) of corresponding structure functions of orders q, suggesting further that ESS is more reliable than G-ESS. The exponents vary in a nonlinear fashion with q as is typical of real or apparent (Guadagnini and Neuman, 2011; Guadagnini et al., 2011) multifractals. Our estimates of the Hurst scaling coefficient increase with support scale, implying a reduction in roughness (anti-persistence) of the log permeability field with measurement volume. ESS and G-ESS ratios between scaling exponents ξ(q) associated with various orders q show no distinct dependence on support volume or on two out of three Cartesian directions (there being no distinct power law scaling in the third direction). The finding by Tidwell and Wilson (1999) that log permeabilities associated with all tip sizes can be characterized by stationary variogram models, coupled with our findings that log permeability increments associated with the smallest tip size are approximately Gaussian and those associated with all tip size scales show nonlinear (multifractal) variations in ξ(q) with q, are consistent with a view of these data as a sample from a truncated version (tfBm) of self-affine fractional Brownian motion (fBm). Since in theory the scaling exponents, ξ(q), of tfBm vary linearly with q we conclude, in accord with Neuman (2010a, b, 2011), that nonlinear scaling in our case is not an indication of multifractality but an artifact of sampling from tfBm. This allows us to explain theoretically how power law scaling is extended by ESS. It further allows us to identify the functional form and estimate all parameters of the corresponding tfBm based on sample structure functions of first and second orders. Our estimate of lower cutoff is consistent with a theoretical support scale of the data.
Some Results on Lorentzian Para-Sasakian Manifolds
Authors: Venkatesha  , Bagewadi C. S. , Pradeep Kumar K. T.
Published: August 2011

The object of the present paper is to study Lorentzian para-Sasakian
(briefly LP-Sasakian) manifolds satisfying certain conditions on the W2-curvature tensor.
Quercetin Treatment Ameliorates Systemic Oxidative Stress in Cirrhotic Rats
Authors: Vieira Emanuelle Kerber , Bona Silvia , Di Naso Fábio Cangeri , Porawski Marilene , Tieppo Juliana , Marroni Norma Possa
Published: August 2011

Our aim was to investigate whether the antioxidant quercetin protects against liver injury and ameliorates the systemic oxidative stress in rats with common bile duct ligation. Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced through 28 days of bile duct obstruction. Animals received quercetin (Q) after 14 days of obstruction. Groups of control (CO) and cirrhotic (CBDL) animals received a daily 50 mg/kg body weight i.p. injection of quercetin (CO + Q; CBDL + Q) or vehicle (CO; CBDL). Quercetin corrected the reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase CAT, and glutathione peroxidase GPx activities and prevented the increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase in cirrhotic animals. Quercetin administration also corrected the reduced total nitrate concentration in the liver and prevented liver fibrosis and necrosis. These effects suggest that quercetin might be a useful agent to preserve liver function and prevent systemic oxidative stress.
Incidence of Vasospasm, Outcome, and Quality of Life after Endovascular and Surgical Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Results of a Single-Center Prospective Study in Switzerland
Authors: Hofmann Eveline , Marbacher Serge , Jakob Stephan M. , Takala Jukka , Remonda Luca , Fandino Javier
Published: August 2011

Background. Outcome after endovascular versus surgical treatment of ruptured aneurysms is still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of cerebral vasospasm (CVS), outcome, and quality of life in patients undergoing endovascular or surgical treatment.
Methods. This single-center prospective study included all patients undergoing aneurysm occlusion over a one-year period. All patients underwent postinterventional CT scan, TCD, and angiography on day 9±2
. Outcome (Barthel Index, NIHSS, mRS, MMSE) was evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks. Quality of life (EuroQoL, SF-12) was assessed at 6 months.
Results. A total of 66 patients were included. The overall mortality due to CVS was 9.9%, and higher in the surgical (14.6%) than in the endovascular group (4%). The incidence of symptomatic (29.2% versus 24%) and angiographic (70.7% versus 52%) CVS was not statistically significant different between the two groups. No differences in outcome or quality of life (SF-12) could be demonstrated. Conclusions. The outcome and quality of life of patients undergoing endovascular or surgical treatment seems not to significantly differ if demographic, radiological, and intensive care parameters are similar. A trend toward lower incidence of CVS in patients undergoing endovascular treatment was observed.
Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial of Clenbuterol in Denervated Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Jiang Guang-Liang , Gu Yu-Dong , Zhang Li-Yin , Shen Li-Ying , Yu Cong , Xu Jian-Guang
Published: August 2011

Objectives. β2-adrenergic agonists, such as clenbuterol, have been shown to promote the hypertrophy of healthy skeletal muscles and to ameliorate muscle wasting in a few pathological conditions in both animals and humans. We intended to investigate the clinical efficacy of clenbuterol on attenuating denervation-induced muscle atrophy. Methods. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, and randomized trial was employed. 71 patients, suffering from brachial plexus injuries, were given either clenbuterol (60 μg, bid) or placebo for 3 months. Before and at the end of the study, patients were given physical examinations, biopsies of biceps brachii, electromyograms (EMGs), and other laboratory tests. Results. Compared with placebo treatment, clenbuterol significantly mitigated the decreases in cross-sectional areas of type I and II muscle fibers and alleviated the reduction in fibrillation potential amplitudes, without any adverse effects. Conclusions. Clenbuterol safely ameliorated denervated muscle atrophy in this cohort; thus larger clinical studies are encouraged for this or other β2 agonists on denervation-induced muscle atrophy.