bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the in Vitro Antiplasmodial, Antileishmanial and Antitrypanosomal Activities of Medicinal Plants from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Musayeib Nawal M. , Mothana Ramzi A. , Al-Massarani Shaza , Matheeussen An , Cos Paul , Maes Louis
Published: September 2012

The present study investigated the in vitro antiprotozoal activity of sixteen selected medicinal plants. Plant materials were extracted with methanol and screened in vitro against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. Cytotoxic activity was determined against MRC-5 cells to assess selectivity. The criterion for activity was an IC50 < 10 µg/mL (4. Antiplasmodial activity was found in the extracts of Prosopis juliflora and Punica granatum. Antileishmanial activity against L. infantum was demonstrated in Caralluma sinaica and Periploca aphylla. Amastigotes of T. cruzi were affected by the methanol extract of Albizia lebbeck pericarp, Caralluma sinaica, Periploca aphylla and Prosopius juliflora. Activity against T. brucei was obtained in Prosopis juliflora. Cytotoxicity (MRC-5 IC50 < 10 µg/mL) and hence non-specific activities were observed for Conocarpus lancifolius.
Laser Scanning in Forests
Authors: Hyyppä Juha , Holopainen Markus , Olsson Håkan
Published: September 2012

The introduction of Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) to forests has been revolutionary during the last decade. This development was facilitated by combining earlier ranging lidar discoveries [1–5], with experience obtained from full-waveform ranging radar [6,7] to new airborne laser scanning systems which had components such as a GNSS receiver (Global Navigation Satellite System), IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and a scanning mechanism. Since the first commercial ALS in 1994, new ALS-based forest inventory approaches have been reported feasible for operational activities [8–12]. ALS is currently operationally applied for stand level forest inventories, for example, in Nordic countries. In Finland alone, the adoption of ALS for forest data collection has led to an annual savings of around 20 M€/year, and the work is mainly done by companies instead of governmental organizations. In spite of the long implementation times and there being a limited tradition of making changes in the forest sector, laser scanning was commercially and operationally applied after about only one decade of research. When analyzing high-ranked journal papers from ISI Web of Science, the topic of laser scanning of forests has been the driving force for the whole laser scanning research society over the last decade. Thus, the topic “laser scanning in forests” has provided a significant industrial, societal and scientific impact. [...]
Front-Crawl Instantaneous Velocity Estimation Using a Wearable Inertial Measurement Unit
Authors: Dadashi Farzin , Crettenand Florent , Millet Grégoire P. , Aminian Kamiar
Published: September 2012

Monitoring the performance is a crucial task for elite sports during both training and competition. Velocity is the key parameter of performance in swimming, but swimming performance evaluation remains immature due to the complexities of measurements in water. The purpose of this study is to use a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) to estimate front crawl velocity. Thirty swimmers, equipped with an IMU on the sacrum, each performed four different velocity trials of 25 m in ascending order. A tethered speedometer was used as the velocity measurement reference. Deployment of biomechanical constraints of front crawl locomotion and change detection framework on acceleration signal paved the way for a drift-free integration of forward acceleration using IMU to estimate the swimmers velocity. A difference of 0.6 ± 5.4 cm·s−1 on mean cycle velocity and an RMS difference of 11.3 cm·s−1 in instantaneous velocity estimation were observed between IMU and the reference. The most important contribution of the study is a new practical tool for objective evaluation of swimming performance. A single body-worn IMU provides timely feedback for coaches and sport scientists without any complicated setup or restraining the swimmer’s natural technique.
Development of an RTK-GPS Positioning Application with an Improved Position Error Model for Smartphones
Authors: Hwang Jinsang , Yun Hongsik , Suh Yongcheol , Cho Jeongho , Lee Dongha
Published: September 2012

This study developed a smartphone application that provides wireless communication, NRTIP client, and RTK processing features, and which can simplify the Network RTK-GPS system while reducing the required cost. A determination method for an error model in Network RTK measurements was proposed, considering both random and autocorrelation errors, to accurately calculate the coordinates measured by the application using state estimation filters. The performance evaluation of the developed application showed that it could perform high-precision real-time positioning, within several centimeters of error range at a frequency of 20 Hz. A Kalman Filter was applied to the coordinates measured from the application, to evaluate the appropriateness of the determination method for an error model, as proposed in this study. The results were more accurate, compared with those of the existing error model, which only considered the random error.
Cyclization of ortho-hydroxycinnamates to coumarins under mild conditions: A nucleophilic organocatalysis approach
Authors: Boeck Florian , Blazejak Max , Anneser Markus R , Hintermann Lukas
Published: September 2012

(E)-Alkyl ortho-hydroxycinnamates cyclize to coumarins at elevated temperatures of 140–250 °C. We find that the use of tri-n-butylphosphane (20 mol %) as a nucleophilic organocatalyst in MeOH solution allows cyclization to take place under much milder conditions (60–70 °C). Several coumarins were prepared, starting from ortho-hydroxyarylaldehydes, by Wittig reaction with Ph3P=CHCO2Me to (E)-methyl ortho-hydroxycinnamates, followed by the phosphane catalyzed cyclization.
Introduction to Olfaction
Authors: Lowe Graeme
Published: September 2012

This chapter introduces the basic anatomy and physiology of the neural systems involved in the detection and identification of odors by vertebrate animals. It describes the cellular architecture and function of these systems, tracing the path of sensory signals from the initial steps of sniffing and chemical stimulus transduction in the nose, through to the synaptic processing pathways in the circuits of the olfactory bulb and major areas of olfactory cortex. Included are reviews of the latest research findings and hypotheses shaping our fundamental understanding of olfactory mechanisms, with particular emphasis on mammalian olfaction.
Interaction of Olfaction with Vision or Other Senses using Olfactory Display
Authors: Tanikawa Tomohiro , Hirose Michitaka
Published: September 2012

In this chapter, the authors introduce interaction of olfaction with other senses by showing two different types of case studies based on this interaction. Olfactory sensation is based on chemical signals whereas the visual sensation and auditory sensation are based on physical signals. By using this cross-modal effect between olfaction and vision, olfactory display can present various “pseudo olfactory experiences.” One can produce an olfactory sensation different from the presented smell. In addition, by using cross-modal effect among olfaction, gustation, and vision, one can present various “pseudo gustatory experiences” with the same food via visual-olfactory displays. By utilizing the interaction of olfaction with other senses, it is possible to augment the capability of olfactory displays and achieve a high quality olfaction and gustation experience.
Odor Recorder
Authors: Nakamoto Takamichi
Published: September 2012

An odor recorder is a gadget to record smells as well as reproduce them. The odor recorder to record the recipe of multiple-component odor, the dynamical change of the odor recipe even under the environmental change, such as humidity and temperature, has been so far studied. The methods to solve the mixture quantification problem, such as multiple linear regression, partial least squares, neural network, etc., are described. Furthermore, the active odor sensing system, which explores the recipe of the blended odor with its output pattern’s similarity to that of the target odor, is described. Then, an example of the actual implementation of the odor recorder based upon a QCM sensor array is shown. Based upon that odor recorder, the experimental result of the fruit flavors made up of 4-8 odor components is described. Then a mass spectrometer without GC for determining the recipe of a few dozen odor components is explained. The mass spectrometry is useful to overcome the collinearity problem. However, the accuracy of the recipe estimation is insufficient when the number of odor-component candidates is more than a few hundred. The selection methods of odor components among the huge number of candidates and its application to the fruit flavors are explained. Finally, the method to find an appropriate set of odor components and the simulation result using mass spectrum database are described.
Materials Design of Sensing Layers for Detection of Volatile Analytes
Authors: Kimura Mutsumi , Fukawa Tadashi , Ikehara Tsuyoshi , Mihara Takashi
Published: September 2012

The authors developed highly sensitive sensing layers for detection of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by using polymeric nanomaterials. In this chapter, they describe their recent progress on the design of polymeric sensing layers for the chemical sensors. The nanostructures of polymeric sensing layer strongly influenced the sensitivity and selectivity for VOCs sensings.
Electronic Mucosa
Authors: Gardner Julian W. , Covington James A. , Harun Fauzan Khairi Che
Published: September 2012

In this chapter, the authors discuss a new concept that involves the development of a new type of sensor array and a new type of time-dependent signal processing method that they call an artificial (or electronic) olfactory mucosa. This so-called e-mucosa employs large sets of spatially distributed odour sensors and gas chromatographic-like retentive micro-columns. It has been inspired by the architecture of the human nose with the olfactory epithelium region located in the upper turbinate. The authors describe the fabrication of an e-mucosa and the use of a convolution method to analyse the time-varying signals generated by it and thus classify different odours. They believe that as this concept evolves it could result in a superior instrument to the sensor-based e-noses currently available today.
Improving the Robustness of Odor Sensing Systems by Multivariate Signal Processing
Authors: Padilla Marta , Fonollosa Jordi , Marco Santiago
Published: September 2012

Electronic noses or artificial olfaction systems based on chemical gas sensors present lack of robustness, a problem that is mainly technological and requires more research to improve fabrication processes and develop new technologies. However, statistical signal processing can help to mathematically reduce those unwanted effects on the sensors responses before the prediction step. In this chapter, the authors explore the concept of robustness in electronic nose instruments and the use of several multivariate signal processing techniques to deal with two specific problems related to such lack of robustness: time instability (drift) and the detection of a possible faulty sensor in the array. In particular, three different techniques that deal with drift problems are reviewed. These techniques address drift by correction of unwanted variance, by taking advantage of the characteristics of a three-way data arrangement, or by using a blind strategy to extract information with chemical meaning. Finally, a method based on principal component analysis is presented for fault detection, faulty sensor identification, and correction of a fault in a sensor array.
Olfactory Display Based on Ink Jet Printer Mechanism and Its Presentation Techniques
Authors: Sugimoto Sayumi , Okada Kenichi
Published: September 2012

Considering the recent increase of interest in the transmission of olfactory information alongside audio/visual information, the authors have developed an olfactory display, based on an inkjet printer mechanism, which emits scents for short periods of time and has high control and provides repeated stable pulse emissions of scents. By using pulse emission, the authors achieved chronological control for presentation of scents and were able to synchronize the pulse with human inspiration. Such synchronization is important because humans detect scents when they breathe in, inhaling scent molecules in the air. Applying pulse emission, the authors measured various human olfactory characteristics; furthermore, they developed scent presentation techniques to create perspective and to switch scents rapidly. This chapter introduces details about the olfactory display and scent presentation techniques using pulse ejection.
Incorporating Fluid Dynamics Considerations into Olfactory Displays
Authors: Matsukura Haruka , Ishida Hiroshi
Published: September 2012

In this chapter, the authors describe fluid dynamics considerations regarding odor dispersal in real environments and their relationship with realistic odor presentation using an olfactory display. The authors propose the use of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation in conjunction with the olfactory display. A CFD solver is employed to calculate the turbulent airflow field in a given environment and the dispersal of odor molecules from their source. The simulation result is used to reproduce realistic changes in the odor concentration with time and space at the nose. The results of sensory tests are presented as a demonstration of CFD-based odor presentation. The effect of body heat on odor dispersal in indoor environments and how it affects odor perception is also discussed.
Interaction-Based Foundation of Services
Authors: Géczy Peter , Izumi Noriaki , Hasida Kôiti , Eto Koichiro , Mori Akira
Published: September 2012

Services are central parts of developed economies. They are growing in numbers, varieties and complexities. Continuous expansion of service economic activities and their rich diversity have been posing challenges for researchers and academics in developing comprehensive foundations and conceptual frameworks. The gap between spectrum of services and viable elucidation methods has been increasing. The authors attempt to bridge the gap by presenting a suitable foundation for studying service economic activities. The novel foundation originates from a higher-order interaction-based perspective on services. This perspective enables encompassment of a broad range of service economic activities. It also allows micro and macro observations. The introduced foundation and framework permits study of services in a formalized and rigorous manner. Formal descriptions of services are beneficial for computer-based modeling and simulations. The description and modeling framework is sufficiently flexible and expandable. Expandability of the framework allows for inclusion of novel and emerging services. Flexibility is beneficial for providing a desired examination depth. The presented foundation and framework for elucidation of service economic activities is a potent instrument for advancing service studies.
Toward a Service (Eco)Systems Perspective on Value Creation
Authors: Wieland Heiko , Polese Francesco , Vargo Stephen L. , Lusch Robert F.
Published: September 2012

This article discusses how the core concepts of service-dominant logic—service-for-service exchange, value co-creation, value propositions, resource integration, and highly collaborative relationships—point to a generic actor conceptualization in which all actors engaged in exchange (e.g., firms, customers, etc.) are viewed as service providing, value-creating enterprises. In other words, all social and economic actors are essentially doing the same thing: creating value for themselves and others through reciprocal resource integration and service provision. The authors suggest that this generic actor-to-actor (A2A) orientation, in turn, points toward the dynamic and systemic nature of social and economic exchange. To account for the complexity, indeterminacy, and viability of these dynamic systems, they highlight the importance of general systems theory, complexity theory, and the viable systems approach and propose that cross-disciplinary scholarly efforts are necessary in order to develop models and frameworks that can simplify the complexity of social and economic exchange in meaningful ways and ultimately inform practice and public policy.
Spontaneous Rupture of Kidney: A Rare Presentation of Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Chaudhary Poras , Khandelwal Sachin , Singh Rana A.K. , Biswal Upendra C.
Published: September 2012

Spontaneous rupture of kidney is a rare clinical entity. A 35-year-old female presented in emergency with left flank pain and features suggestive of haemorrhagic shock. Investigations showed rupture of kidney with perinephric haematoma. Emergency left nephrectomy was done. Patient was discharged in satisfactory condition. Nephrolithiasis with secondary bacterial infection rarely presents as spontaneous kidney rupture. In presence of haemorrhagic shock management is emergency surgery.
An Australian Tertiary Referral Center Experience of the Management of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Maliyasena Videshinie A. , Hopkins Peter M. A. , Thomson Bruce M. , Dunning John , Wall Douglas A. , Ng Benjamin J. , McNeil Keith D. , Mullany Daniel , Kermeen Fiona D.
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to report the outcome of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) surgery performed for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) at a single tertiary center. The prospective study consisted of 35 patients with surgically amenable CTEPH undergoing PEA between September 2004 and September 2010. The main outcome measures were Functional (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class, 6‐Minute Walk Distance), hemodynamic (echocardiography, right heart catheterization, and cardiac MRI), and outcome data (morbidity and mortality). Following PEA, there were significant improvements in NYHA class (pre 2.9±0.7 vs. post 1.3±0.5, P < 0.0001), right ventricular systolic pressure (pre 77.4±24.8 mmHg vs. post 45.1±24.9 mmHg, P = 0.0005), 6‐Minute Walk Distance (pre 419.6±109.4 m vs. post 521.6±83.5 m, P = 0.0017), mean pulmonary artery pressure (pre 41.8±15.3 mmHg vs. post 24.7±8.8 mmHg, P = 0.0006), and cardiac MRI indices (end diastolic volume pre 213.8±49.2 mL vs. post 148.1±34.5 mL, P < 0.0001; ejection fraction pre 40.7±9.8 mL vs. post 48.1±8.9 mL, P = 0.0069). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 258.77±26.16 min, with a mean circulatory arrest time of 43.83 ±28.78 min, a mean ventilation time of 4.7±7.93 days (range 0.2–32.7), and a mean intensive care unit stay of 7.22±8.71 days (range 1.1–33.8). Complications included reperfusion lung injury (20%), persistent pulmonary hypertension (17.1%), slow respiratory wean (25.7%), pericardial effusion (11.4%), and cardiac tamponade (5.7%). 1‐year mortality post‐procedure was 11.4%. Pulmonary endarterectomy can be performed safely with relatively low mortality.
The Impact of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension‐Targeted Therapy on Survival in Chinese Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zeng Wei‐Jie , Sun Yun‐Juan , Gu Qing , Xiong Chang‐Ming , Li Jian‐Jun , He Jian‐Guo
Published: September 2012

The survival rates of Chinese patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on conventional therapy at 1 and 3 years were 68.0% and 38.9%, respectively. Our aim was to update recent knowledge on the demographics, clinical course, hemodynamic features, disease management, and survival of adult patients with IPAH. This retrospective and observational study was conducted at the largest tertiary referral center in China. Ninety patients with IPAH who underwent initial evaluation at Fu Wai Hospital from January 2006 through November 2009 were retrospectively enrolled. The primary outcome was death. Statistical analyses used included independent sample t test, nonparametric test, Kaplan‐Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards analysis. Of the 90 patients enrolled, the median age was 32 years with female predominance. The median interval from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 14 months. Patients exhibited severe exercise limitation and hemodynamic abnormalities at diagnosis. Only 10.6% had a positive vasoreactivity test, while calcium channel blockers were given to 22.2% of patients. Fifty‐nine patients (65.6%) received PAH‐targeted therapies during follow‐up. Our survival rates of 84.1%, 73.7%, and 70.6% at 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐years compared favorably with predicted survival based on the National Institutes of Health equation which showed 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐years survival rates of 67.7%, 55.9%, and 47%, respectively. For the patients receiving conventional therapy solely, the 1‐ and 3‐years survival rates were 67.0% and 49.3%, respectively. Younger age, lower body mass index, presence of pericardial effusion, and absence of PAH‐targeted therapy were independently associated with mortality. We concluded that patients with IPAH were still diagnosed too late, and while survival rates have improved in the modern treatment era, there is still room for improvement.
The Renin‐Angiotensin System and Right Ventricular Structure and Function: The MESA‐Right Ventricle Study
Authors: Ventetuolo Corey E. , Lima Joao A. C. , Barr R. Graham , Bristow Michael R. , Bagiella Emilia , Chahal Harjit , Kizer Jorge R. , Lederer David J. , Bluemke David A. , Kawut Steven M.
Published: September 2012

The pulmonary vasculature is an important site of renin‐angiotensin metabolism. While angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (collectively AIABs) have a role in left ventricular (LV) disease, the impact of AIABs on right ventricular (RV) function is unknown. AIAB use was determined by medication inventory during the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis baseline examination. RV measures were obtained via cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The relationship between AIAB use and RV measures was assessed using multivariable linear regression, stratified by race/ethnicity, and adjusted for multiple covariates. AIAB use was associated with lower RV mass (−0.7 g, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.3 to −0.1, P=0.03) in African Americans (N=1012) after adjustment for multiple covariates including LV mass. Among Caucasians (N=1591), AIAB use was associated with larger RV end‐diastolic volume (3.7 mL, 95% CI 0.7–6.8, P=0.02) after adjustment for LV volume. No significant associations were seen between AIAB use and other RV measures or in Hispanic or Chinese American participants. AIAB use was associated with RV morphology in a race‐specific and LV‐independent manner, suggesting the renin‐angiotensin system may play a unique role in RV structure and function. The use of AIABs in those with RV dysfunction warrants further study.
Systemic Reduction of Interleukin-4 or Interleukin-10 Fails to Reduce the Frequency or Severity of Experimental Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Mice with Retrovirus-Induced Immunosuppression
Authors: Blalock Emily L. , Chien Hsin , Dix Richard D.
Published: September 2012

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) are key cytokines whose increased production during systemic HIV infection has been associated with decreased cellular immunity during AIDS. We examined whether HIV-induced stimulation of IL-4 or IL-10 production leads to increased susceptibility to AIDS-related human cytomegalovirus retinitis. It was confirmed that there were increased amounts of IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA levels in mice with MAIDS of 10 weeks duration when most susceptible to MCMV retinitis. Surprisingly, however, MCMV-infected eyes of IL-4 –/– and IL-10 –/– mice with MAIDS of 8 weeks duration exhibited retinitis and infectious virus equivalent to that observed in MCMV-infected eyes of wild-type mice with MAIDS. We conclude that neither IL-4 nor IL-10 alone play a role in increased susceptibility to MAIDS-related MCMV retinitis, but may work collectively with other retrovirus-induced immunosuppressive factors to allow for retinal disease.
Simulating ultrafine particle formation in Europe using a regional CTM: contribution of primary emissions versus secondary formation to aerosol number concentrations
Authors: Fountoukis C. , Riipinen I. , Denier van der Gon H. A. C. , Charalampidis P. E. , Pilinis C. , Wiedensohler A. , O'Dowd C. , Putaud J. P. , Moerman M. , Pandis S. N.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. A three-dimensional regional chemical transport model (CTM) with detailed aerosol microphysics, PMCAMx-UF, was applied to the European domain to simulate the contribution of direct emissions and secondary formation to total particle number concentrations during May 2008. PMCAMx-UF uses the Dynamic Model for Aerosol Nucleation and the Two-Moment Aerosol Sectional (TOMAS) algorithm to track both aerosol number and mass concentration using a sectional approach. The model predicts nucleation events that occur over scales of hundreds up to thousands of kilometers especially over the Balkans and Southeast Europe. The model predictions were compared against measurements from 7 sites across Europe. The model reproduces more than 70% of the hourly concentrations of particles larger than 10 nm (N10) within a factor of 2. About half of these particles are predicted to originate from nucleation in the lower troposphere. Regional nucleation is predicted to increase the total particle number concentration by approximately a factor of 3. For particles larger than 100 nm the effect varies from an increase of 20% in the eastern Mediterranean to a decrease of 20% in southern Spain and Portugal resulting in a small average increase of around 1% over the whole domain. Nucleation has a significant effect in the predicted N50 levels (up to a factor of 2 increase) mainly in areas where there are condensable vapors to grow the particles to larger sizes. A semi-empirical ternary sulfuric acid-ammonia-water parameterization performs better than the activation or the kinetic parameterizations in reproducing the observations. Reducing emissions of ammonia and sulfur dioxide affects certain parts of the number size distribution.
Linkages between ozone depleting substances, tropospheric oxidation and aerosols
Authors: Voulgarakis A. , Shindell D. T. , Faluvegi G.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Coupling between the stratosphere and the troposphere allows changes in stratospheric ozone abundances to affect tropospheric chemistry. Large-scale effects from such changes on chemically produced tropospheric aerosols have not been systematically examined in past studies. We use a composition-climate model to investigate potential past and future impacts of changes in stratospheric Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) on tropospheric oxidants and sulfate aerosols. In most experiments, we find significant responses in tropospheric photolysis and oxidants, with small but significant effects on methane radiative forcing. The response of sulfate aerosols is sizeable when examining the effect of increasing future nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. We also find that without the regulation of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) through the Montreal Protocol, sulfate aerosols could have increased by 2050 by a comparable amount to the decreases predicted due to relatively stringent sulfur emissions controls. The historical radiative forcing of CFCs through their indirect effects on methane (−22.6 mW m−2) and sulfate aerosols (−3.0 mW m−2) discussed here is non-negligible when compared to known historical CFC forcing. Our results stress the importance of accounting for stratosphere-troposphere, gas-aerosol and composition-climate interactions when investigating the effects of changing emissions on atmospheric composition and climate.
Fast response cavity enhanced ozone monitor
Authors: Gomez A. L. , Rosen E. P.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Ozone is an important atmospheric gas due to its role in air quality and radiative forcing. A new method for sensitive, rapid monitoring of ambient ozone has been developed using a compact platform and relatively inexpensive components. Based on Incoherent Broadband Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (IBB-CEAS), the device utilizes an optical cavity of just 14.5 cm and moderately high reflectivity mirrors (R = 99.3%). Performance of the instrument has been validated against direct absorption measurements in a single-pass measurement cell. Currently, the IBB-CEAS ozone instrument can achieve 1 ppb sensitivities at 0.1 s integration time with a dynamic range over four orders of magnitude, accessing relevant ozone concentrations in both the stratosphere and troposphere. This new device offers improved sensitivity and time response for mapping ozone aboard airborne platforms.
The CU Airborne MAX-DOAS instrument: ground based validation, and vertical profiling of aerosol extinction and trace gases
Authors: Baidar S. , Oetjen H. , Coburn S. , Dix B. , Ortega I. , Sinreich R. , Volkamer R.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The University of Colorado Airborne Multi Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (CU AMAX-DOAS) instrument uses solar stray light remote sensing to detect and quantify multiple trace gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), glyoxal (CHOCHO), formaldehyde (HCHO), water vapor (H2O), nitrous acid (HONO), iodine monoxide (IO), bromine monoxide (BrO), and oxygen dimers (O4) at multiple wavelengths (360 nm, 477 nm, 577 nm and 632 nm) simultaneously, and sensitively in the open atmosphere. The instrument is unique, in that it presents the first systematic implementation of MAX-DOAS on research aircraft, i.e. (1) includes measurements of solar stray light photons from nadir, zenith, and multiple elevation angles forward and below the plane by the same spectrometer/detector system, and (2) features a motion compensation system that decouples the telescope field of view (FOV) from aircraft movements in real-time (< 0.35° accuracy). Sets of solar stray light spectra collected from nadir to zenith scans provide some vertical profile information within 2 km above and below the aircraft altitude, and the vertical column density (VCD) below the aircraft is measured in nadir view. Maximum information about vertical profiles is derived simultaneously for trace gas concentrations and aerosol extinction coefficients over similar spatial scales and with a vertical resolution of typically 250 m during aircraft ascent/descent. The instrument is described, and data from flights over California during the CalNex and CARES air quality field campaigns is presented. Horizontal distributions of NO2 VCDs (below the aircraft) maps are sampled with typically 1 km resolution, and show good agreement with two ground based CU MAX-DOAS instruments (slope 0.95 ± 0.09, R2 = 0.86). As a case study vertical profiles of NO2, CHOCHO, HCHO, and H2O mixing ratios and aerosol extinction coefficients, ε, at 477nm calculated from O4 measurements from a low approach at Brackett airfield inside the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) are presented. These profiles contain ~ 12 degrees of freedom (DOF) over a 3.5 km altitude range, independent of signal-to-noise at which the trace gas is detected. The boundary layer NO2 concentration, and the integral aerosol extinction over height (aerosol optical depth, AOD) agrees well with nearby ground-based in-situ NO2 measurement, and AERONET station. The detection limits of NO2, CHOCHO, HCHO, ε360, ε477 from 30 s integration time spectra recorded forward of the plane are 5 ppt, 3 ppt, 100 ppt, 0.004 km−1, 0.002 km−1 in the free troposphere (FT), and 30 ppt, 16 ppt, 540 ppt, 0.012 km−1, 0.006 km−1 inside the boundary layer (BL), respectively. Mobile column observations of trace gases and aerosols are complimentary to in-situ observations, and help bridge the spatial scales probed by ground-based observations, satellites, and predicted by atmospheric models.
Ammonia emissions from cattle urine and dung excreted on pasture
Authors: Laubach J. , Taghizadeh-Toosi A. , Gibbs S. J. , Sherlock R. R. , Kelliher F. M. , Grover S. P. P.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Twelve cattle were kept for three days in a circular area of 16 m radius on short pasture and fed with freshly-cut pasture. Ammonia (NH3) emissions from the urine and dung excreted by the cattle were measured with a micrometeorological mass-balance method, during the cattle presence and for 10 subsequent days. Daily-integrated emission rates peaked on day 3 of the experiment (last day of cattle presence) and declined steadily for five days thereafter. Urine patches were the dominant sources for these emissions. On day 9, a secondary emissions peak occurred, with dung pats likely to be the main sources. This interpretation is based on simultaneous observations of the pH evolution in urine patches and dung pats created next to the circular plot. Feed and dung samples were analysed to estimate the amounts of nitrogen (N) ingested and excreted. Total N volatilised as NH3 was 19.8 (±0.9) % of N intake and 22.4 (±1.3) % of N excreted. The bimodal shape of the emissions time series allowed to infer separate estimates for volatilisation from urine and dung, respectively, with the result that urine accounted for 88.6 (±2.6) % of the total NH3 emissions. The emissions from urine represented 25.5 (±2.0) % of the excreted urine-N, while the emissions from dung amounted to 11.6 (±2.7) % of the deposited dung-N. Emissions from dung may have continued after day 13 but were not resolved by the measurement technique. A simple resistance model shows that the magnitude of the emissions from dung is controlled by the resistance of the dung crust.
On selection of the optimal data time interval for real-time hydrological forecasting
Authors: Liu J. , Han D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. With the advancement in modern telemetry and communication technologies, hydrological data can be collected with an increasingly higher sampling rate. An important issue deserving attention from the hydrological community is what suitable time interval of the model input data should be chosen in hydrological forecasting. Such a problem has long been recognised in the control engineering community but is a largely ignored topic in operational applications of hydrological forecasting. In this study, the intrinsic properties of rainfall-runoff data with different time intervals are first investigated from the perspectives of the sampling theorem and the information loss using the discrete wavelet decomposition tool. It is found that rainfall signals with very high sampling rates may not always improve the accuracy of rainfall-runoff modelling due to the catchment low-pass filtering effect. To further investigate the impact of data time interval in real-time forecasting, a real-time forecasting system is constructed by incorporating the Probability Distributed Model (PDM) with a real-time updating scheme, the autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) model. Case studies are then carried out on four UK catchments with different concentration times for real-time flow forecasting using data with different time intervals of 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min and 120 min. A positive relation is found between the forecast lead time and the optimal choice of the data time interval, which is also highly dependent on the catchment concentration time. Finally, based on the conclusions from the case studies, a hypothetical pattern is proposed in three-dimensional coordinates to describe the general impact of the data time interval and to provide implications on the selection of the optimal time interval in real-time hydrological forecasting. Although nowadays most operational hydrological systems still have low data sampling rates (daily or hourly), the trend in the future is that higher sampling rates will become widespread and there is an urgent need for both academic and practising hydrologists to realise the significance of the data time interval issue. It is important that more case studies in different catchments with various hydrological forecasting models should be explored in the future to further verify and improve the proposed hypothetical pattern.
ON THE ESTIMATION OF RIGID-BODY TRANSFORMATION FOR TLS REGISTRATION
Authors: Scaioni M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The paper presents some considerations on the estimation of rigid-body transformation which is the basis for registration and georeferencing in terrestrial laser scanning. Two main issues are afforded, which in the opinion of the author have been poorly investigated up until now. The first one concerns the analysis of the stochastic model of Least Squares estimation of the transformation. In standard practice, the control points used for parameter estimation are considered as equally precise. Here two different approaches for weighting observations in laser scan and ground control points are proposed and evaluated through a set of Monte Carlo simulations. The second aspect refers to the reliability analysis. In particular the estimation of a joint-adjustment including both geo-referencing parameters and geodetic network observations for the determination of ground control points is discussed and evaluated.
Molecular Regulation of Ghrelin Expression by Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 In Rat Pancreatic AR42J Cell Line
Authors: Lao Kah-Meng , Lim Wyi-Sian , Ng Di-Lin , Tengku-Muhammad Tengku-Sifzizul , Choo Quok-Cheong , Chew Choy-Hoong
Published: September 2012

Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretatgogue receptor (GHS-R) that functions to stimulate growth hormone, regulate inflammation, appetite and energy balance. However, the regulation of ghrelin expression by pro-inflammatory cytokines during inflammation process has never been investigated systematically. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of major pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 on ghrelin expression using AR42J rat pancreatic cell line as model system. The cells were treated with different concentrations of the cytokines for 24 hours. Real-Time RT-PCR, Western blot and densitometry analysis were carried out to quantify ghrelin mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Although TNF-α and IL-6 stimulation resulted in a general down-regulatory pattern in both mRNA and protein expression of ghrelin, stimulation with 5 ng/ml of TNF-α and IL-6 slightly induced the expression of ghrelin expression. However, higher doses of the cytokines ranging from 10-50 ng/ml suppressed the ghrelin expression in a dose-dependant manner. These results indicate that ghrelin in AR42J pancreatic cell line is regulated by the pro-inflammatory cytokines and that the dosages of the cytokines play an important factor in the regulation of the expression.
Influence of the Percentage of TiO2 Doped into SiO2 Matrix on Photocatalysis
Authors: da Silva L. M. L. , Silva F. da C. , de Carvalho A. L. , Marçal L. , Saltarelli M. , De Faria E. H. , Rocha L. A. , Calefi P. S. , Ciuffi K. J. , Nassar E. J.
Published: September 2012

The sol-gel process was employed in the preparation of titania-doped spherical nanosilica for application in photocatalysis. To this end, the silica matrix was doped with 1 and 10% titania, and the catalytic activity of the resulting solids in the degradation of rhodamine was tested. The synthesized materials were thermally treated at 120, 400, and 800°C. Differential thermal analysis did not evidence the titania-phase transition from anatase to rutile. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of monodisperse spherical nanoparticles with sizes varying between 400 and 500 nm. The UV-Vis absorption spectra showed that the silica doped with 10% titania promoted 86% rhodamine degradation within 90 minutes, as compared to 40% in the case of the silica containing 1% titania. The silica matrix was demonstrated to affect the titania-phase transformation.
Explicit Asymptotic Velocity of the Boundary between Particles and Antiparticles
Authors: Malyshev V. A. , Manita A. D. , Zamyatin A. A.
Published: September 2012

On the real line initially there are infinite number of particles on the positive half line, each having one of -negative velocities . Similarly, there are infinite number of antiparticles on the negative half line, each having one of -positive velocities . Each particle moves with constant speed, initially prescribed to it. When particle and antiparticle collide, they both disappear. It is the only interaction in the system. We find explicitly the large time asymptotics of —the coordinate of the last collision before between particle and antiparticle.
Prevalence of Toxoplasma Infection in Mexican Newborns and Children: A Systematic Review from 1954 to 2009
Authors: Galvan-Ramírez Ma. de la Luz , Troyo-Sanroman Rogelio , Roman Sonia , Bernal-Redondo Rosamaría , Vázquez Castellanos José Luís
Published: September 2012

Introduction. Recent studies in Mexico have shown that from 20/10,000 to 58/10,000 newborns with Toxoplasma infection could be undetected. The aim of this study was to determine the weighed prevalence of T. gondii infection and describe the epidemiological transition of infection in newborns. Methods. Research literature reporting Toxoplasma infection prevalence in Mexican newborns and children were searched in five international databases. Weighted prevalence was calculated by inverse variance-weighted method in asymptomatic and symptomatic study groups, and the epidemiological transition was estimated by a lineal regression analysis. Results. The weighed prevalence in 4833 asymptomatic newborns was 0.616%, CI95% (0.396%–0.835%) (P<0.001), whereas, among 895 symptomatic newborns, the weighed prevalence was 3.02%, CI 95% (1.91%–4.1%) (P<0.001). A downward trend of 0.25%/year represented an accumulated decrease of −13,75% in the prevalence in the symptomatic newborns throughout 55 years, whereas, in the asymptomatic children, the prevalence was similar over the course of the years. Conclusion. The high-weighted prevalence of congenital Toxoplasma infection in newborns justifies that Toxoplasma gondii testing be included in the screening programs for women during pregnancy and newborns in Mexico. A rapid diagnosis and treatment strategy could aid in limiting a potential damage to the newborns.
Lymphotoxin-Alpha Gene Polymorphism +252A/G (rs909253, A/G) Is Associated with Susceptibility to Chronic Periodontitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vasconcelos Daniel Fernando Pereira , da Silva Marco Antônio Dias , Marques Marcelo Rocha , de Brito Júnior Rui Barbosa , Vasconcelos Any Carolina Cardoso Guimarães , Barros Silvana Pereira
Published: September 2012

Background. Periodontal disease leading to clinical findings such as increased periodontal probing depth involves a complex interaction between invading pathogenic microorganisms and the patient's immune system. Lymphotoxin alpha (LT-α) is a potent multifunctional immune modulator that contributes toward susceptibility to immune regulation disorders, including periodontal disease. Objective. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that chronic periodontitis (CP) is associated with polymorphisms of the LT-α gene. Materials and Methods. A total of 126 subjects, 44 healthy subjects, and 82 subjects with CP, were evaluated for periodontal disease by measuring clinical attachment loss and separation. Samples of epithelial cells were obtained for DNA analysis by scraping of the buccal mucosa. The LT-α gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by endonuclease digestion with NcoI to analyze restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Results. The LT-α gene (+252A/G) polymorphism was associated with CP. LT-α allele frequencies were significantly different (P=0.0019) between patients with CP and healthy individuals, with an odds ratio of 2.67 for patients with CP with the G allele. Conclusions. These findings suggest the LT-α gene genotype is a risk indicator for susceptibility to chronic periodontal disease in the Brazilian population studied.
Visible and Deep-Ultraviolet Raman Spectroscopy as a Tool for Investigation of Structural Changes and Redistribution of Carbon in Ni-Based Ohmic Contacts on Silicon Carbide
Authors: Borowicz Paweł , Kuchuk Adrian , Adamus Zbigniew , Borysiewicz Michał , Ekielski Marek , Kamińska Eliana , Piotrowska Anna , Latek Mariusz
Published: September 2012

Three samples of 4H polytype of silicon carbide (4H-SiC) covered with the following sequence of layers: carbon/nickel/silicon/nickel/silicon were investigated with micro-Raman spectroscopy. Different thermal treatments of each sample result in differences of carbon layer structure and migration of carbon atoms thorough silicide layer. Two ranges of Raman shift were investigated. The first one is placed between 1000 cm−1 and 2000 cm−1. The main carbon bands D and G are observed in this range. Analysis of the positions of these bands and their intensity ratio enables one to determine the graphitization degree of carbon layer. Additional information about the changes of the carbon layer structure was derived from analysis of 2D band placed around 2700 cm−1. Application of deep ultraviolet excitation delivered information about the structure of carbon layer formed on the free surface of silicides and the distribution of the carbon inside the silicide layer.
Validation of Advanced Paediatric Life Support Formulas for Weight Calculation in a Multiethnic Population
Authors: Seddon Colette , Lockitt Laurell , Dhanjal Sacha , Eisenhut Michael
Published: September 2012

Introduction. The aims of this study were to validate the new formulas for weight calculation introduced by the advanced life support group (alsg) of the United Kingdom in 2011 and compare their performance to the formula currently used by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and other formulas and to check whether performance of formulas for weight calculation is affected by ethnic group and gender. Methods. Prospective audit of weight versus calculated weight comparing alsg formula with ERC, Luscombe, Argall, and Best Guess formulas analysed for gender, age, and ethnic groups. Results. Prospectively 599 children were included: 157 Asian, 268 Caucasian, and 174 children from other origin. In infants there was no difference between actual weight and alsg formula calculated weight. There was a progressively increased underestimation of weight year by year from 1 to 10 years of age using the ERC formula. In the 6–10 year age group the ERC formula underestimated the weight by a mean of 6.5 kg (21.8%, ) with the alsg and Luscombe formulas performing best. In 11-12 year old children the alsg formula estimated well. Conclusion. In one- to ten-year-old children, the Luscombe formula provided a better weight estimate than alsg and ERC formulas in a multiethnic population.