bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with employee engagement in South Africa
Authors: Rothmann Sebastiaan , Rothmann Jr Sebastiaan
Published: December 2010

Orientation: Knowledge of the factors associated with employee engagement is important for practitioners and researchers in industrial/organisational psychology in South Africa.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with employee engagement using two models, namely the personal engagement model of Kahn (1990), and the work engagement model of Schaufeli and Bakker (2004).Motivation for the study: Scientific knowledge is needed regarding the factors that are associated with employee engagement.Research design, approach and method: Survey designs were used with two samples taken from various South African organisations (n = 467 and n = 3775). The Work Engagement Scale, the Psychological Conditions Scale and the Antecedents Scale were administered for purposes of study 1. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Job Demands-Resources Scale were administered for purposes of study 2.Main findings: The results of study 1 showed that two psychological conditions, namely psychological meaningfulness and psychological availability, were positively associated with employee engagement. Work role fit was the best predictor of psychological meaningfulness and employee engagement. The results of study 2 showed that all job resources were positively associated with employee engagement. Organisational support and growth opportunities were the best predictors of vigour, dedication and absorption.Pratical/managerial implications: Interventions to increase employee engagement should focus on work role fit. Job resources, including an intrinsically rewarding job, organisational support and advancement opportunities should be made available to increase employees’ engagement.Contribution/value-add: This study isolated the most important factors associated with employee engagement in South Africa.
Factor and item response theory analysis of the Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitude Scales
Authors: De Bruin Gideon P. , Buchner Morné
Published: December 2010

Orientation: The concepts of the Protean Career and the Boundaryless Career show potential as frameworks for research and practice in the contemporary world of work. Briscoe, Hall and DeMuth (2006) developed the Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitude Scales, which consist of the Self-Directed Career Management, Values Driven, Boundaryless Mindset and Mobility Preference subscales. However, the standardisation and replication studies conducted by Briscoe et al., left some questions unanswered in terms of the psychometric properties of the subscales.Research purpose: This study examines the psychometric properties of the Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitude Scales with the aim of clarifying the structure of the scales, examining the quality of the items and evaluating the measurement precision of the scales.Research design, approach and method: Responses of adults to the items of the Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitude Scales were analysed with factor analytic and Rasch item response model techniques.Main findings: Factor and Rasch analyses revealed that three of the four postulated dimensions were replicated, but the Values Driven dimension split into two factors. Misfitting items were identified and sources of their misfit were uncovered. The Rasch analysis showed that three of the four subscales provide most of their psychometric information at the lower ends of their respective latent traits (where relatively few persons are located). Hence, the trait estimates of persons with low scores are more precise than those of persons with high scores.Practical/managerial implications: Overall, the quality of the Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitude Scales is satisfactory, but some aspects that may be improved are identified. Researchers may use at least three of the four subscales with confidence, but more work is possibly needed on the Values Driven subscale.Contribution/value-add: The study provides researchers with information on the psychometric properties of the Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitude Scales. The study also highlights ways in which the scales may be improved.
Industrial Psychology: Goodness of fit? Fit for goodness?
Authors: Van Vuuren Leon J.
Published: December 2010

Orientation: This theoretical opinion-based paper represents a critical reflection on the relevance of industrial psychology.Research purpose: Against a historical-developmental background of the discipline, the inquiry questions its goodness of fit, that is its contribution to organisation and society.Motivation for the study: Regular introspection in the discipline ensures that it remains relevant in both science and practice. As such, such introspection calls for a meta-theoretical imperative, to ensure that industrial psychology is fully aware of how the theoretical models applied in the discipline influence people and the society that they form part of.Research design, approach and method: The question of industrial psychology’s potential fit for goodness that is broader than what is merely good for the organisation and its employees is explored with a view to enhancing its relevance. The exploration is conducted through the utilisation of theoretical argumentation in which industrial psychology is analysed in terms of contextual considerations that require the discipline to evaluate its real versus its potential contribution to society.Main findings: It is found that the fit is limited to its relevance for inwardly focused organisational behaviour due to its endorsement of the instrumental (strategic) motives of organisations that subscribe to an owner and/or shareholder agenda.Practical/managerial implications: In light of the main finding, industrial psychology’s potential fit for goodness is explored with a view to enhancing its relevance in an era of goodness. The creation of a scientific and practical interface between industrial psychology and business ethics is suggested to facilitate movement away from a descriptive approach.Contribution/value-add: The heuristics of reflection, reform, research and resources are suggested to facilitate movement towards a normative (multiple stakeholder) paradigm aimed at broad based goodness and sustainability.
Cystic Duct Remnant Syndrome
Authors: Perera Eranga , Bhatt Shweta , Dogra Vikram S.
Published: December 2010

Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) is a common manifestation in patients with cholecystectomy. The patients exhibit a heterogeneous group of symptoms, such as upper abdominal pain, vomiting, gastrointestinal disorders, jaundice, and dyspepsia. Choledocholithiasis, biliary dyskinesia, and dilation of cystic duct remnants are common causes of these symptoms. The symptoms can recur after a symptom-free period following cholecystectomy or they can persist after surgery. Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging scan, which are non-invasive methods of imaging, have a high sensitivity in detecting the causes of PCS. We report a case of an 84-year-old lady who came to the Ultrasound Department with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain following cholecystectomy. The gray-scale sonography showed a dilated cystic structure, which was confirmed as the duct remnant in follow-up contrast-enhanced CT.
Unusual Case of Gunshot Injury to the Face
Authors: Guruprasad Yadavalli , Giraddi Girish
Published: December 2010

An unusual case of facial gunshot injury with the missile lodged in the cervical spine region, but without any neurological impairment, is reported. The extent of tissue damage and missile track termination in a male patient who sustained gunshot trauma to the face was assessed by plain radiography and by computed tomography scans. The patient was treated conservatively and observed for clinical manifestations of neurological deficit for one year. We present a case of gunshot injury to the face with the missile lodged in the cervical spine region and atypical absence of clinical manifestation that may occur even when a bullet remains in the vicinity of the cervical spine.
Sonographic Spectrum of Tunica Albuginea Cyst
Authors: Alvarez Daniel M. , Bhatt Shweta , Dogra Vikram S.
Published: December 2010

Tunica albuginea (TA) cyst is the most common extratesticular benign mass, which is usually palpable. Ultrasound examination is the imaging modality of choice to characterize palpable testicular lesions. This pictorial essay presents the spectrum of sonographic features of TA cysts in order to assist radiologists in making the correct diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgeries.
Stability of temperatures from TIMED/SABER v1.07 (2002–2009) and Aura/MLS v2.2 (2004–2009) compared with OH(6-2) temperatures observed at Davis Station, Antarctica
Authors: French W. J. R. , Mulligan F. J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Temperature profiles from two satellite instruments – TIMED/SABER and Aura/MLS – have been used to calculate hydroxyl-layer equivalent temperatures for comparison with values measured from OH(6-2) emission lines observed by a ground-based spectrometer located at Davis Station, Antarctica (68° S, 78° E). The profile selection criteria – miss-distance <500 km from the ground station and solar zenith angles >97° – yielded a total of 2359 SABER profiles over 8 years (2002–2009) and 7407 MLS profiles over 5.5 years (2004–2009). The availability of simultaneous OH volume emission rate (VER) profiles from the SABER (OH-B channel) enabled an assessment of the impact of several different weighting functions in the calculation of OH-equivalent temperatures. The maximum difference between all derived hydroxyl layer equivalent temperatures was less than 3 K. Restricting the miss-distance and miss-time criteria showed little effect on the bias, suggesting that the OH layer is relatively uniform over the spatial and temporal scales considered. However, a significant trend was found in the bias between SABER and Davis OH of ~0.7 K/year over the 8-year period with SABER becoming warmer compared with the Davis OH temperatures. In contrast, Aura/MLS exhibited a cold bias of 9.9 ± 0.4 K compared with Davis OH, but importantly, the bias remained constant over the 2004–2009 year period examined. The difference in bias behaviour of the two satellites has significant implications for multi-annual and long-term studies using their data.
The effect of metal salts on quantification of elemental and organic carbon in diesel exhaust particles using thermal-optical evolved gas analysis
Authors: Wang Y. , Chung A. , Paulson S. E.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Thermal-optical evolved gas analysis (TOEGA) is a conventional method for classifying carbonaceous aerosols as organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC). Its main source of uncertainty arises from accounting for pyrolized OC (char), which has similar behavior to the EC originally present on the filter. Sample composition can also cause error, at least partly by complicating the charred carbon correction. In this study, lab generated metal salt particles, including alkali (NaCl, KCl, Na2SO4), alkaline-earth (MgCl2, CaCl2) and transition metal salts (CuCl2, FeCl2, FeCl3, CuCl, ZnCl2, MnCl2, CuSO4, Fe2(SO4)3), were deposited on a layer of diesel particles to investigate their effect on EC and OC quantification with TOEGA. Measurements show that metals reduce the oxidation temperature of EC and enhance the charring of OC. The split point used to determine classification of EC vs. OC is more dependent on changes in EC oxidation temperature than it is on charring. The resulting EC/OC ratio is reduced by 0–80% in the presence of most of the salts, although some metal salts increase reported EC/OC at low metal to carbon ratios. The results imply that EC/OC ratios of ambient aerosols quantified with TOEGA have variable low biases due to the presence of metals. In general, transition metals are more active than alkali and alkaline-earth metals; copper is the most active. Copper and iron chlorides are more active than sulfates. The melting point of metal salts is strongly correlated with the increase of OC charring, but not with the reduction of EC oxidation temperature. Other chemistry, such as redox reactions, may affect the EC oxidation. A brief discussion of possible catalytic mechanisms for the metals is provided.
The effect of fatty acid surfactants on the uptake of ozone to aqueous halogenide particles
Authors: Rouvière A. , Ammann M.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The reactive uptake of ozone to deliquesced potassium iodide aerosol particles coated with linear saturated fatty acids (C9, C12, C15, C18 and C20) was studied. The experiments were performed in an aerosol flow tube at 293 K and atmospheric pressure. The uptake coefficient on pure deliquesced KI aerosol was γ = (1.10±0.20)×10−2 at 72–75% relative humidity. In presence of organic coatings, the uptake coefficient decreased significantly for long straight chain surfactants (≥C15), while it was only slightly reduced for the short ones (C9, C12). We linked the kinetic results to the monolayer properties of the surfactants, and specifically to the expected phase state of the monolayer formed (liquid expanded or liquid condensed state). The results showed a decrease of the uptake coefficient by 30% for C12, 85% for C15 and 50% for C18 in presence of a monolayer of a fatty acid at the equilibrium spreading pressure at the air/water interface. The variation among C12, C15 and C18 follows the density of the monolayer at equilibrium spreading pressure, which is highest for the C15 fatty acid. We also investigated the effect of organic films to mixed deliquesced aerosol composed of a variable mixture of KI and NaCl, which allowed determining the resistance exerted to O3 at the aqueous surface by the two longer chained surfactants pentadecanoic acid (C15) and stearic acid (C18). For these, the probability that a molecule hitting the surface is actually transferred to the aqueous phase underneath was βC15=6.8×10−4 and βC18 = 3.3×10−4, respectively. Finally, the effect of two-component coatings, consisting of a mixture of long and short chained surfactants, was studied qualitatively.
Estimating European volatile organic compound emissions using satellite observations of formaldehyde from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument
Authors: Curci G. , Palmer P. I. , Kurosu T. P. , Chance K. , Visconti G.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Emission of non-methane Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to the atmosphere stems from biogenic and human activities, and their estimation is difficult because of the many and not fully understood processes involved. In order to narrow down the uncertainty related to VOC emissions, which negatively reflects on our ability to simulate the atmospheric composition, we exploit satellite observations of formaldehyde (HCHO), an ubiquitous oxidation product of most VOCs, focusing on Europe. HCHO column observations from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) reveal a marked seasonal cycle with a summer maximum and winter minimum. In summer, the oxidation of methane and other long-lived VOCs supply a slowly varying background HCHO column, while HCHO variability is dominated by most reactive VOC, primarily biogenic isoprene followed in importance by biogenic terpenes and anthropogenic VOCs. The chemistry-transport model CHIMERE qualitatively reproduces the temporal and spatial features of the observed HCHO column, but display regional biases which are attributed mainly to incorrect biogenic VOC emissions, calculated with the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosol from Nature (MEGAN) algorithm. These "bottom-up" or a-priori emissions are corrected through a Bayesian inversion of the OMI HCHO observations. Resulting "top-down" or a-posteriori isoprene emissions are lower than "bottom-up" by 40% over the Balkans and by 20% over Southern Germany, and higher by 20% over Iberian Peninsula, Greece and Italy. We conclude that OMI satellite observations of HCHO can provide a quantitative "top-down" constraint on the European "bottom-up" VOC inventories.
High resolution modelling of aerosol dispersion regimes during the CAPITOUL field experiment: from regional to local scale interactions
Authors: Aouizerats B. , Tulet P. , Pigeon G. , Masson V. , Gomes L.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. High resolution simulation of complex aerosol particle evolution and gaseous chemistry over an atmospheric urban area is of great interest for understanding air quality and processes. In this context, the CAPITOUL (Canopy and Aerosol Particle Interactions in the Toulouse Urban Layer) field experiment aims at a better understanding of the interactions between the urban dynamics and the aerosol plumes. During a two-day Intensive Observational Period, a numerical model experiment was set up to reproduce the spatial distribution of specific particle pollutants, from the regional scales and the interactions between different cities, to the local scales with specific turbulent structures. Observations show that local dynamics is driven either by convective cells coexisting with rolls or only by rolls depending on the day-regime. The 500 meter resolution simulation manages to reproduce these rolls, which concentrate most of the aerosol particles and can locally affect the pollutant dispersion and air quality.
On the corrosion and soiling effects on materials by air pollution in Athens, Greece
Authors: Tzanis C. , Varotsos C. , Christodoulakis J. , Tidblad J. , Ferm M. , Ionescu A. , Lefevre R.-A. , Theodorakopoulou K. , Kreislova K.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. In the frame of the European project, entitled MULTI-ASSESS, specimens of structural metals, glass, stone and concrete materials were exposed to air pollution at a station, which was installed for this purpose on a building, located in the centre of Athens. The main purpose of this project was to determine the corrosion and soiling effects of air pollution on materials. A set of the specimens was exposed in a position that was sheltered from rain and partly from wind, and another set was exposed in unsheltered positions on the roof of the above said building. In addition, other specimens were exposed at different heights on the same building, in order to investigate for the first time the corrosion and soiling effects on various materials as a function of height. For the determination of these effects, chemical analysis of the specimens was performed and basic parameters as the weight change, the layer thickness and the optical properties were calculated. Finally, the results obtained are discussed and their plausible interpretation is attempted.
Retrieval of aerosol mass load (PM10) from MERIS/Envisat top of atmosphere spectral reflectance measurements
Authors: Rohen G. J. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Kokhanovsky A. , Dinter T. , Vountas M. , Burrows J. P.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. A retrieval of particulate matter concentration (PM10) from satellite data is presented as well as improvements of the aerosol optical depth retrieval by the Bremen aerosol algorithm. The add-on retrieval of particulate matter uses the derivation of the effective radii from the Ångstroem exponents and an assumed log-normal size distribution function. The Ångstroem exponent is derived through the multi-channel approach using MERIS/Envisat data, and benefits from the fitting of a smooth spectral slope of aerosol optical depth and the surface reflectance. The advantage of the retrieval is that this retrieval of the aerosol mass, i.e., in particular the effective radius, is exclusively based on spectral information from satellite measurements, global aerosol models, and meteorological parameters. ECMWF Boundary layer height, humidity, temperature, and pressure data are used in the retrieval; a retrieval of PM inferred without meteorological information and a proper BRDF is shown to be not very promising. Over the city of Hamburg, the aerosol optical depths agree within a standard deviation of 0.03 and 0.068 for all thirteen wavelengths between 412 and 885 nm, compared with AERONET and ground based air quality measurements; the particulate matter concentrations show agreement with a correlation factor of 0.64. In addition to the urban site of Hamburg, comparisons of PM10 measurements over rural sites in Germany exhibit a correlation coefficient of 0.75.
Assessments of urban aerosol pollution in Moscow and its radiative effects
Authors: Chubarova N. Ye. , Sviridenkov M. A. , Smirnov A. , Holben B. N.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Simultaneous long-term measurements by the collocated AERONET CIMEL sun/sky photometers at the Moscow State University Meteorological Observatory (MSU MO) and at the Zvenigorod Scientific Station (ZSS) of the A. M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics during September 2006–April 2009 provide the estimates of the effects of urban pollution on different aerosol properties in different seasons. The average difference in aerosol optical thickness between MO MSU and ZSS, which can characterize the effect of aerosol pollution, has been estimated to be about dAOT = 0.02 in visible spectral region. The most pronounced difference is observed in winter conditions when relative AOT difference can reach 30%. The high correlation of the AOT's, the Angstrom exponent values and the effective radii between the sites confirms that natural processes are the dominating factor in the changes of the aerosol properties even over the Moscow megacity area. The existence of positive correlation between dAOT and difference in water vapor content explains many cases with large dAOT between the sites by the time lag in the airmass advection. However, after excluding the difference due to this factor, AOT in Moscow remains higher even in more number of cases (more than 75%) with the same mean dAOT = 0.02. Due to the negative average difference in aerosol radiative forcing at the TOA of about dARF = −0.9 W/m2, the aerosol urban pollution provides a distinct cooling effect of the atmosphere. Due to the pollution effects, the PAR and UV irradiance reaching the ground is only 2–3% lower, though in some situations the attenuation can reach 13% in visible and more than 20% in UV spectral region.
The use of remote sensing to quantify wetland loss in the Choke Mountain range, Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Teferi E. , Uhlenbrook S. , Bewket W. , Wenninger J. , Simane B.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Wetlands provide multiple ecosystem services such as storing and regulating water flows and water quality, providing unique habitats to flora and fauna, and regulating micro-climatic conditions. Conversion of wetlands for agricultural use is a widespread practice in Ethiopia, particularly in the southwestern part where wetlands cover large areas. Although there are many studies on land cover and land use changes in this region, comprehensive studies on wetlands are still missing. Hence, extent and rate of wetland loss at regional scales is unknown. The objective of this paper is to quantify wetland dynamics and estimate wetland loss in the Choke Mountain range (area covering 17 443 km2) in the Upper Blue Nile basin, a key headwater region of the river Nile. Therefore, satellite remote sensing imagery of the period 1986–2005 were considered. To create images of surface reflectance that are radiometrically consistent, a combination of cross-calibration and atmospheric correction (Vogelman-DOS3) methods was used. A hybrid supervised/unsupervised classification approach was used to classify the images. Overall accuracies of 94.1% and 93.5% and Kappa Coefficients of 0.908 and 0.913 for the 1986 and 2005 imageries, respectively were obtained. The results showed that 607 km2 of seasonal wetland with low moisture and 22.4 km2 of open water are lost in the study area during the period 1986 to 2005. The current situation in the wetlands of Choke Mountain is characterized by further degradation which calls for wetland conservation and rehabilitation efforts through incorporating wetlands into watershed management plans.
A stochastic design rainfall generator based on copulas and mass curves
Authors: Vandenberghe S. , Verhoest N. E. C. , Buyse E. , De Baets B.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The use of design storms can be very useful in many hydrological and hydraulic practices. In this study, the concept of a copula-based secondary return period in combination with the concept of mass curves is used to generate point-scale design storms. The analysis is based on storms selected from the 105 year rainfall time series with a 10 min resolution, measured at Uccle, Belgium. In first instance, bivariate copulas and secondary return periods are explained, together with a focus on which couple of storm variables is of highest interest for the analysis and a discussion of how the results might be affected by the goodness-of-fit of the copula. Subsequently, the fitted copula is used to sample storms with a predefined secondary return period for which characteristic variables such as storm duration and total storm depth can be derived. In order to construct design storms with a realistic storm structure, mass curves of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartile storms are developed. An analysis shows that the assumption of independence between the secondary return period and the internal storm structure could be made. Based on the mass curves, a technique is developed to randomly generate an intrastorm structure. The coupling of both techniques eventually results in a methodology for stochastic design storm generation. Finally, its practical usefulness for design studies is illustrated based on the generation of a set of statistically identical design storm and rainfall-runoff modelling.
Estimations of tidal characteristics and aquifer parameters via tide-induced head changes in coastal observation wells
Authors: Chen Y.-J. , Chen G.-Y. , Yeh H.-D. , Jeng D.-S.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The groundwater fluctuations affected by tidal variations at an observation well in a coastal aquifer can be used to determine the tidal characteristics and aquifer parameters without conducting an aquifer test. In this study, a method, comprised of Jeng et al.'s solution (2005) and simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, is developed to determine the coastal aquifer parameters (namely, hydraulic diffusivity, beach slope, and aquifer thickness) as well as the tidal characteristics (namely, bichromatic-tide amplitudes, bichromatic-tide wave frequencies, and tidal phase lag) from the analysis of the tide-induced well-water-level (WWL) data. Two data sets, i.e., synthetic WWL data generated from Jeng et al.'s solution (2005) with assumed parameter values and field data obtained from Barrenjoey beach in Australia, are analyzed. The estimated parameter values obtained from analyzing synthetic WWL data by the present method show good agreements with the previously assumed parameter values. The parameter estimation procedure may however fail in the case of a large shallow-water parameter which in fact violates the constraint on the use of Jeng et al.'s solution (2005). In the analysis of field WWL data, the results indicate that the estimated aquifer parameters from the present method are significantly different from those given in Nielsen (1990). Inspecting the observed WWL data and the WWL data predicted from Jeng et al.'s solution (2005) reveals that the present method may provide better estimations for the aquifer parameters than those given in Nielsen (1990).
Incorporating the effects of topographic amplification in the analysis of earthquake-induced landslide hazards using logistic regression
Authors: Lee S. T. , Yu T. T. , Peng W. F. , Wang C. L.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Seismic-induced landslide hazards are studied using seismic shaking intensity based on the topographic amplification effect. The estimation of the topographic effect includes the theoretical topographic amplification factors and the corresponding amplified ground motion. Digital elevation models (DEM) with a 5-m grid space are used. The logistic regression model and the geographic information system (GIS) are used to perform the seismic landslide hazard analysis. The 99 Peaks area, located 3 km away from the ruptured fault of the Chi-Chi earthquake, is used to test the proposed hypothesis. An inventory map of earthquake-triggered landslides is used to produce a dependent variable that takes a value of 0 (no landslides) or 1 (landslides). A set of independent parameters, including lithology, elevation, slope gradient, slope aspect, terrain roughness, land use, and Arias intensity (Ia) with the topographic effect. Subsequently, logistic regression is used to find the best fitting function to describe the relationship between the occurrence and absence of landslides within an individual grid cell. The results of seismic landslide hazard analysis that includes the topographic effect (AUROC = 0.890) are better than those of the analysis without it (AUROC = 0.874).
Numerical modeling of the 1964 Alaska tsunami in western Passage Canal and Whittier, Alaska
Authors: Nicolsky D. J. , Suleimani E. N. , Hansen R. A.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. A numerical model of the wave dynamics in Passage Canal, Alaska during the Mw 9.2 megathrust earthquake is presented. During the earthquake, several types of waves were identified at the city of Whittier, located at the head of Passage Canal. The first wave is thought to have been a seiche, while the other two waves were probably triggered by submarine landslides. We model the seiche wave, landslide-generated tsunami, and tectonic tsunami in Passage Canal and compute inundation by each type of wave during the 1964 event. Modeled results are compared with eyewitness reports and an observed inundation line. Results of the numerical experiments let us identify where the submarine landslides might have occurred during the 1964 event. We identify regions at the head and along the northern shore of Passage Canal, where landslides triggered a wave that caused most of the damage in Whittier. An explanation of the fact that the 1964 tectonic tsunami in Whittier was unnoticed is presented as well. The simulated inundation by the seiche, landslide-generated tsunami, and tectonic tsunami can help to mitigate tsunami hazards and prepare Whittier for a potential tsunami.
Isolation on the West Florida Shelf with implications for red tides and pollutant dispersal in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Olascoaga M. J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. Analysis of year-long drifter trajectories and records of simulated surface Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs) have suggested the presence of a resilient Cross-Shelf Transport Barrier (CSTB) on the West Florida Shelf (WFS). The CSTB was conjectured to provide a large degree of isolation, which is consequential for the fueling of red tides on the southern WFS by nutrients possibly released by rivers and canals directly on the region. Here this conjecture is thoroughly tested by identifying LCSs as well as performing tracer advection calculations based on seven-year-long records of surface and subsurface currents produced by a HYbrid-Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) simulation of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). The identified LCSs suggest that the CSTB extends downward in the water column. The tracer calculations suggest that, while the majority of the nutrients possibly released by rivers and canals directly on the southern WFS are retained within the region for long times, only a small fraction of the nutrients possibly released by rivers outside the WFS reach the southern WFS, mainly accompanying shoreward excursions of the CSTB. These results add importance to the role played by the CSTB in controlling red tide development on the WFS. Implications of the results for the dispersal of pollutants, such as oil, in the GoM are discussed.
Sensitivity analysis of an Ocean Carbon Cycle Model in the North Atlantic: an investigation of parameters affecting the air-sea CO2 flux, primary production and export of detritus
Authors: Scott V. , Kettle H. , Merchant C. J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The sensitivity of the biological parameters in a nutrient-phytoplankton-zooplankton-detritus (NPZD) model in the calculation of the air-sea CO2 flux, primary production and detrital export is analysed. The NPZD model is the Hadley Centre Ocean Carbon Cycle model (HadOCC) from the UK Met Office, used in the Hadley Centre Coupled Model 3 (HadCM3) and FAst Met Office and Universities Simulator (FAMOUS) GCMs. Here, HadOCC is coupled to the 1-D General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM) and forced with European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting meteorology to undertake a sensitivity analysis of its twenty biological parameters. Analyses are performed at three sites in the EuroSITES European Ocean Observatory Network: the Central Irminger Sea (60° N 40° W), the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (49° N 16° W) and the European Station for Time series in the Ocean Canary Islands (29° N 15° W) to assess variability in parameter sensitivities at different locations in the North Atlantic Ocean. Reasonable changes to the values of key parameters are shown to have a large effect on the calculation of the air-sea CO2 flux, primary production, and export of biological detritus to the deep ocean. Changes in the values of key parameters have a greater effect in more productive regions than in less productive areas. We perform the analysis using one-at-a-time perturbations and using a statistical emulator, and compare results. The most sensitive parameters are generic to many NPZD ocean ecosystem models. The air-sea CO2 flux is most influenced by variation in the parameters that control phytoplankton growth, detrital sinking and carbonate production by phytoplankton (the rain ratio). Primary production is most sensitive to the parameters that define the shape of the photosythesis-irradiance curve. Export production is most sensitive to the parameters that control the rate of detrital sinking and the remineralisation of detritus.
Survey of New York Veterinarians to Assess Needs for Public Health Preparedness Training
Authors: Beckman-Moore June , Eidson Millicent , Ruland Lindsay
Published: December 2010

Objective: Because most bioterrorist disease agents are zoonotic, veterinarians are important partners in preparedness. New York State is a prime port of entry and has a network of health and emergency management agencies for response. However, knowledge and participation by veterinarians has not yet been assessed.

Methods: A 25-question survey was mailed out to approximately half (1832) of the veterinarians licensed in New York State. Participants were asked about past emergency preparedness training, likelihood of participating in future training, preferred training topics, and their relationship with their local health department (LHD).

Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 529 veterinarians (29%). Most (83%) reported that they were likely to participate in emergency preparedness training, but in the past 2 years, only 14% received training in zoonotic disease outbreaks and 12% in emergency preparedness. Only 21% reported having a relationship with their LHD, but 48% were interested in having one. Lack of time was the biggest obstacle to involvement with the LHD (40%). Most (69%) of those responding to the survey said they would participate in training once per year or more often.

Conclusions: Inducements, such as earning continuing education credits, or the development of active networks of preparedness organizations, state and local health departments, and veterinary schools are needed to deliver emergency preparedness training and information efficiently to veterinarians.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:300-305)
Path planning with uncertainty: A set membership approach
Authors: Ceccarelli Nicola , Di Marco Mauro , Garulli Andrea , Giannitrapani Antonio , Vicino Antonio
Published: December 2010

The paper addresses the path planning problem in a set theoretic framework. The considered scenario is that of a mobile robot exploiting range and bearing measurements with respect to known landmarks to localize itself. By assuming unknown‐but‐bounded measurement noise, set membership localization techniques are used to estimate the uncertainty of each robot pose within the considered environment. The path planning problem is formulated and solved, with the aim of minimizing the total uncertainty associated with the travelled path. Practical issues such as limited sensory range and obstacle avoidance are taken into account. The proposed technique is validated via numerical simulations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IMAGe syndrome: Case report with a previously unreported feature and review of published literature
Authors: Balasubramanian Meena , Sprigg Alan , Johnson Diana S.
Published: December 2010

IMAGe syndrome is a rare condition, first reported by Vilain et al., in 1999, characterized by intrauterine growth restriction, metaphyseal dysplasia, congenital adrenal hypoplasia, and genital anomalies. Patients with this condition may present shortly after birth with severe adrenal insufficiency, which can be life‐threatening if not recognized early and commenced on steroid replacement therapy. Other reported features in this condition include, hypercalciuria and/or hypercalcemia, craniosynostosis, cleft palate, and scoliosis. We report on a 7‐year‐old boy with IMAGe syndrome, who in addition to the features in the acronym also has bilateral sensorineural hearing loss which has not been reported in previously published cases of IMAGe syndrome. We discuss the clinical presentation in our patient and review the literature in this rare multisystem disorder. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
UBE2A deficiency syndrome: Mild to severe intellectual disability accompanied by seizures, absent speech, urogenital, and skin anomalies in male patients
Authors: de Leeuw Nicole , Bulk Saskia , Green Andrew , Jaeckle‐Santos Lane , Baker Linda A. , Zinn Andrew R. , Kleefstra Tjitske , van der Smagt Jasper J. , Vianne Morgante Angela Maria , de Vries Bert B.A. , van Bokhoven Hans , de Brouwer Arjan P.M.
Published: December 2010

We describe three patients with a comparable deletion encompassing SLC25A43, SLC25A5, CXorf56, UBE2A, NKRF, and two non‐coding RNA genes, U1 and LOC100303728. Moderate to severe intellectual disability (ID), psychomotor retardation, severely impaired/absent speech, seizures, and urogenital anomalies were present in all three patients. Facial dysmorphisms include ocular hypertelorism, synophrys, and a depressed nasal bridge. These clinical features overlap with those described in two patients from a family with a similar deletion at Xq24 that also includes UBE2A, and in several patients of Brazilian and Polish families with point mutations in UBE2A. Notably, all five patients with an Xq24 deletion have ventricular septal defects that are not present in patients with a point mutation, which might be attributed to the deletion of SLC25A5. Taken together, the UBE2A deficiency syndrome in male patients with a mutation in or a deletion of UBE2A is characterized by ID, absent speech, seizures, urogenital anomalies, frequently including a small penis, and skin abnormalities, which include generalized hirsutism, low posterior hairline, myxedematous appearance, widely spaced nipples, and hair whorls. Facial dysmorphisms include a wide face, a depressed nasal bridge, a large mouth with downturned corners, thin vermilion, and a short, broad neck. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High carriers frequency of an apparently ancient founder mutation p.Tyr322X in the ERCC8 gene responsible for Cockayne syndrome among Christian Arabs in Northern Israel
Authors: Khayat Morad , Hardouf Hagar , Zlotogora Joel , Shalev Stavit Allon
Published: December 2010

Most autosomal recessive diseases are rare in the general population, but in genetically isolated communities specific condition might be frequent, mainly due to founder effect. Recognition of common inherited disorders in defined populations may be effective in improving public health care. Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder common in Christian Arabs due to a p.Tyr322X mutation. Genetic screening of the p.Tyr322X mutation of the ERCC8 gene in this population documented a carrier frequency of 6.79% (95% confidence interval: 3.84–9.74%). The haplotype analysis data, as well as the high carriers frequency of CS, suggested that the Israeli Arab Christian CS mutation (p.Tyr322X) is an ancient founder mutation that may have originated in the Christian Lebanese community. As a result of this pilot study the Christian CS mutation was included in the genetic screening program offered to the Israeli Arab Christian community. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gut, bugs, and brain: Role of commensal bacteria in the control of central nervous system disease
Authors: Ochoa‐Repáraz Javier , Mielcarz Daniel W. , Begum‐ Haque Sakhina , Kasper Lloyd H.
Published: December 2010

The mammalian gastrointestinal track harbors a highly heterogeneous population of microbial organisms that are essential for the complete development of the immune system. The gut microbes or “microbiota,” coupled with host genetics, determine the development of both local microbial populations and the immune system to create a complex balance recently termed the “microbiome.” Alterations of the gut microbiome may lead to dysregulation of immune responses both in the gut and in distal effector immune sites such as the central nervous system (CNS). Recent findings in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of human multiple sclerosis, suggest that altering certain bacterial populations present in the gut can lead to a proinflammatory condition that may result in the development of autoimmune diseases, in particular human multiple sclerosis. In contrast, other commensal bacteria and their antigenic products, when presented in the correct context, can protect against inflammation within the CNS. Ann Neurol 2011
Long‐Term Effects of Neonatal Capsaicin Treatment on Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers and Keratinocyte Proliferation in Rat Glabrous Skin
Authors: Martínez‐Martínez Eduardo , Toscano‐Márquez Brenda , Gutiérrez‐Ospina Gabriel
Published: December 2010

Innervation is required to preserve several aspects of skin homeostasis. Previous studies in rodents have shown that sciatic nerve transection leads to epidermal thinning and reduced keratinocyte proliferation. As the sciatic nerve is composed of sensory and motor axons, it is not clear whether skin alterations reflect motor or sensory disturbances. In this study, we used neonatal capsaicin treatment to evaluate whether sensory chemical denervation affects keratinocyte proliferation at 1, 3, and 6 months of age. Using design‐based stereological methods, we estimated the total length of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF) that were of peptidergic type and the number of bromodeoxyuridine‐labeled (BrdU+) nuclei in the hind paw glabrous epidermis of control and capsaicin‐treated rats. We found that the treatment decreased the total fiber length of IENF immunoreactive for both protein gene product 9.5 (PGP+) and of IENF immunoreactive for calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP+). The length of PGP+ fibers decreased by 83%, 81%, and 77% and that of CGRP+ fibers decreased by 48%, 58%, and 58% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Double‐immunofluorescence staining for neural beta III tubulin and CGRP revealed that the majority of the remaining fibers in the epidermis after capsaicin treatment were of peptidergic type. The number of BrdU+ nuclei was similar in both groups. Our findings suggest that IENF present after capsaicin treatment are sufficient to maintain epidermal replacement. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative Three‐Dimensional Analysis of Embryonic Chick Morphogenesis Via Microcomputed Tomography
Authors: Kim Jun Sup , Min Jouha , Recknagel Andrew K. , Riccio Mark , Butcher Jonathan T.
Published: December 2010

Embryonic development is a remarkably complex and rapidly evolving morphogenetic process. Although many of the early patterning events have been well described, understanding the anatomical changes at later stages where clinically relevant malformations are more likely to be survivable has been limited by the lack of quantitative 3D imaging tools. Microcomputed tomography (Micro‐CT) has emerged as a powerful tool for embryonic imaging, but a quantitative analysis of organ and tissue growth has not been conducted. In this study, we present a simple method for acquiring highly detailed, quantitative 3D datasets of embryonic chicks with Micro‐CT. Embryos between 4 and 12 days (HH23 and HH40) were labeled with osmium tetroxide (OT), which revealed highly detailed soft tissue anatomy when scanned at 25 μm resolution. We demonstrate tissue boundary and inter‐tissue contrast fidelity in virtual 2D sections are quantitatively and qualitatively similar to those of histological sections. We then establish mathematical relationships for the volumetric growth of heart, limb, eye, and brain during this period of development. We show that some organs exhibit constant exponential growth (eye and heart), whereas others contained multiple phases of growth (forebrain and limb). Furthermore, we show that cardiac myocardial volumetric growth differs in a time and chamber specific manner. These results demonstrate Micro‐CT is a powerful technique for quantitative imaging of embryonic growth. The data presented here establish baselines from which to compare the effects of genetic or experimental perturbations. Quantifying subtle differences in morphogenesis is increasingly important as research focuses on localized and conditional effects. Anat Rec,, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thyroid hormones alter the adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in adult rat blood serum
Authors: Bruno Alessandra Nejar , Carneiro‐Ramos Marcela Sorelli , Buffon Andréia , Pochmann Daniela , Ricachenevsky Felipe Klein , Barreto‐Chaves Maria Luiza M. , Sarkis João José Freitas
Published: December 2010

The effects of ATP, ADP, and adenosine in the processes of platelet aggregation, vasodilatation, and coronary flow have been known for many years. The sequential hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine by soluble nucleotidases constitutes the main system for rapid inactivation of circulating adenine nucleotides. Thyroid disorders affect a number of biological factors including adenosine levels in different fractions. Then, we intend to investigate if the soluble nucleotidases responsible for the ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis are affected by variations in the thyroid hormone levels in blood serum from adult rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by daily intraperitoneal injections of L‐thyroxine (T4) (2.5 and 10.0 μg/100 g body weight, respectively) for 7 or 14 days. Hypothyroidism was induced by thyroidectomy and methimazole (0.05%) added to their drinking water during 7 or 14 days. The treatments efficacy was confirmed by determination of hemodynamic parameters and cardiac hypertrophy evaluation. T4 treatment predominantly inhibited, and hypothyroidism (14 days after thyroidectomy) predominantly increased the ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis in rat blood serum. These results suggest that both excess and deficiency of thyroid hormones can modulate the ATP diphosphohydrolase and 5′‐nucleotidase activities in rat blood serum and consequently modulate the effects mediated by these enzymes and their products in vascular system.
Analysis of Powder Caking in Multicomponent Powders Using Atomic Force Microscopy to Examine Particle Properties
Authors: Prime D. C. , Stapley A. G. F. , Rielly C. D. , Jones J. R. , Leaper M. C.
Published: December 2010

Atomic force microscopy has been used to study the surface properties of model spray dried powders. Phase imaging, nanoindentation and force modulation microscopy have differentiated between the different surface material properties of the particles, revealing a regular dispersion of soft, oil rich areas distributed across the particles' surface. Humidity and temperature cycling effects on the caking behavior of the particles have also been investigated, with significant morphology changes and onset of caking found to occur within relatively short periods of time.