bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protected Agriculture
Authors: Lawrence Janet , Simpson Leslie , Piggott Adanna
Published: November 2014

This chapter provides an overview of the changing environment and the increased pest pressure that are projected to occur due to climate change and variability. Protected agriculture is introduced as an adaptation strategy to address these conditions and assist with food and nutrition security targets. The scope of the technology and the benefits of producing crops using protected systems as well as the use of protected systems in SIDS, with some emphasis on the Caribbean region, are outlined. The chapter outlines: (1) the specific features of the technology that assist with reducing the impacts of climate change and (2) some possible considerations for the successful development of a sustainable protected agriculture industry under climate change and variability.
Soil, Water, and Agricultural Adaptations
Authors: Eudoxie Gaius D. , Wuddivira Mark
Published: November 2014

Threats to the Caribbean's diminishing soil and water resources will be heightened under predicted climate change scenarios for the Caribbean. Changes in climate change drivers, temperature, and precipitation present the greatest impact on soil and water resources. Predicted increases in air surface temperature would affect sea-level rise. Low total precipitation across both wet and dry seasons with increased incidence of drought and extreme storm events will pose challenges to agriculture. Erosion and land degradation are expected to increase, thereby reducing arable land acreage, and elevated temperatures will further reduce soil organic carbon contents. In this chapter, strategies to sustainably manage soil resources in the Caribbean are discussed and focus on (1) reducing the incidence of erosion and degradation and (2) increasing Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) contents. The authors also present some appropriate water conservation techniques including micro-irrigation and water harvesting, which are necessary to maintain consistency of food supply.
Sustainable Management of Invasive Species for Small Island Developing States under Changing Climates
Authors: Cohen Jane E. , Clarke-Harris Dionne O. , Khan Ayub , Isaac Wendy-Ann P.
Published: November 2014

The incidence and impact of biological invasions are increasing with the effects of climate change and globalization. Apart from the problems that invasive species cause as pests in agricultural and native ecosystems, they impact directly or indirectly on all aspects of food security. Climate change is predicted to increase the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), causing a range of effects on the biology and ecology of invasive species and on invasion pathways. Combating the potential or existing harmful effects of invasive species requires a multipronged response involving the entire food production industry, policymakers, government agencies, local communities, regional cooperation, international trade agreements, and research organizations. The management measures available are described under three categories—prevention, containment, and control—and the need for a sustainable, integrated approach is emphasized. Case studies are taken from the Caribbean and Pacific groups of SIDS, highlighting opportunities for and threats to good practice.
Examining Social Presence Influence on Students' Satisfaction with Online Learning Environments
Authors: Dajani Fadi Khalil
Published: November 2014

Online education has become an essential element of higher education and continues to grow with a potential to facilitate learning. Evidence indicates that many students become frustrated after their initial online experience and fail to pursue additional online courses. Little is known about the reasons why this phenomenon exists. The purpose of this chapter is to examine students' satisfaction with online learning environments guided by the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) conceptual framework and to determine students' perceptions of social presence in the online environment. The selection of the student population from this program are due to the need to improve on the U-rate. The U-rate is the unsatisfactory rate of a course due to few factors. Such factors are low Course Level Assessment (CLA), course difficulty, content presented in the course is not clear, or students struggling with course outcomes.
Recognizing Human Actions in Basketball Video Sequences on the Basis of Global and Local Pairwise Representation
Authors: Takahashi Masaki , Naemura Masahide , Fujii Mahito , Little James J.
Published: November 2014

A feature-representation method for recognizing actions in sports videos on the basis of the relationship between human actions and camera motions is proposed. The method involves the following steps: First, keypoint trajectories are extracted as motion features in spatio-temporal sub-regions called “spatio-temporal multiscale bags” (STMBs). Global representations and local representations from one sub-region in the STMBs are then combined to create a “glocal pairwise representation” (GPR). The GPR considers the co-occurrence of camera motions and human actions. Finally, two-stage SVM classifiers are trained with STMB-based GPRs, and specified human actions in video sequences are identified. An experimental evaluation of the recognition accuracy of the proposed method (by using the public OSUPEL basketball video dataset and broadcast videos) demonstrated that the method can robustly detect specific human actions in both public and broadcast basketball video sequences.
Strength-Training Protocols to Improve Deficits in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hall Emily A. , Docherty Carrie L. , Simon Janet , Kingma Jackie J. , Klossner Joanne C.
Published: November 2014

Context:

Although lateral ankle sprains are common in athletes and can lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI), strength-training rehabilitation protocols may improve the deficits often associated with CAI.

Objective:

To determine whether strength-training protocols affect strength, dynamic balance, functional performance, and perceived instability in individuals with CAI.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Athletic training research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 39 individuals with CAI (17 men [44%], 22 women [56%]) participated in this study. Chronic ankle instability was determined by the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability Questionnaire, and participants were randomly assigned to a resistance-band–protocol group (n = 13 [33%] age = 19.7 ± 2.2 years, height = 172.9 ± 12.8 cm, weight = 69.1 ± 13.5 kg), a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation strength-protocol group (n = 13 [33%], age = 18.9 ± 1.3 years, height = 172.5 ± 5.9 cm, weight = 72.7 ± 14.6 kg), or a control group (n = 13 [33%], age = 20.5 ± 2.1 years, height = 175.2 ± 8.1 cm, weight = 70.2 ± 11.1 kg).

Intervention(s):

Both rehabilitation groups completed their protocols 3 times/wk for 6 weeks. The control group did not attend rehabilitation sessions.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Before the interventions, participants were pretested by completing the figure-8 hop test for time, the triple-crossover hop test for distance, isometric strength tests (dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion), the Y-Balance test, and the visual analog scale for perceived ankle instability. Participants were again tested 6 weeks later. We conducted 2 separate, multivariate, repeated-measures analyses of variance, followed by univariate analyses on any significant findings.

Results:

The resistance-band protocol group improved in strength (dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion) and on the visual analog scale (P < .05); the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group improved in strength (inversion and eversion) and on the visual analog scale (P < .05) as well. No improvements were seen in the triple-crossover hop or the Y-Balance tests for either intervention group or in the control group for any dependent variable (P > .05).

Conclusions:

Although the resistance-band protocol is common in rehabilitation, the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation strength protocol is also an effective treatment to improve strength in individuals with CAI. Both protocols showed clinical benefits in strength and perceived instability. To improve functional outcomes, clinicians should consider using additional multiplanar and multijoint exercises.
One laboratory’s progress toward accreditation in Tanzania
Authors: Andiric Linda R. , Massambu Charles G.
Published: November 2014

Introduction: The Amana Regional Hospital Laboratory in Tanzania was selected, along with 11 other regional and district laboratories, to participate in a pilot programme for laboratory quality improvement using the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme.Programme implementation: The SLMTA programme entailed hands-on learning, improvement projects between and after a three-workshop series, supervisory visits from an oversight team and an expert laboratory mentor to facilitate and coach the process. Audits were conducted at baseline, exit (approximately one year after baseline) and follow-up (seven months after exit) using the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist. Quality stars (zero to five) were awarded based on audit scores.Results: With a dedicated staff and strong leadership from laboratory management, Amana Laboratory implemented processes, policies and procedures recommended as elements of best laboratory practices. The laboratory improved from zero stars (36%) at baseline to successfully achieving three stars (81%) at exit. This was the highest score achieved by the 12 laboratories in the programme (the median exit score amongst the other laboratories was 58%). Seven months after completion of the programme, the laboratory regressed to one star (62%).Discussion: As the SLMTA improvement programme progressed, Amana Laboratory’s positive attitude and hard work prevailed. With the assistance of a mentor and the support of the facility’s management a strong foundation of good practices was established. Although not all improvements were maintained after the conclusion of the programme and the laboratory dropped to a one-star rating, the laboratory remained at a higher level than most laboratories in the programme.
Maximising mentorship: Variations in laboratory mentorship models implemented in Zimbabwe
Authors: Nzombe Phoebe , Luman Elizabeth T. , Shumba Edwin , Mangwanya Douglas , Simbi Raiva , Kilmarx Peter H. , Zimuto Sibongile N.
Published: November 2014

Background: Laboratory mentorship has proven to be an effective tool in building capacity and assisting laboratories in establishing quality management systems. The Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Welfare implemented four mentorship models in 19 laboratories in conjunction with the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme.Objectives: This study outlines how the different models were implemented, cost involved per model and results achieved.Methods: Eleven of the laboratories had been trained previously in SLMTA (Cohort I). They were assigned to one of three mentorship models based on programmatic considerations: Laboratory Manager Mentorship (Model 1, four laboratories); One Week per Month Mentorship (Model 2, four laboratories); and Cyclical Embedded Mentorship (Model 3, three laboratories). The remaining eight laboratories (Cohort II) were enrolled in Cyclical Embedded Mentorship incorporated with SLMTA training (Model 4). Progress was evaluated using a standardised audit checklist.Results: At SLMTA baseline, Model 1–3 laboratories had a median score of 30%. After SLMTA, at mentorship baseline, they had a median score of 54%. At the post-mentorship audit they reached a median score of 75%. Each of the three mentorship models for Cohort I had similar median improvements from pre- to post-mentorship (17 percentage points for Model 1, 23 for Model 2 and 25 for Model 3; p > 0.10 for each comparison). The eight Model 4 laboratories had a median baseline score of 24%; after mentorship, their median score increased to 63%. Median improvements from pre-SLMTA to post-mentorship were similar for all four models.Conclusion: Several mentorship models can be considered by countries depending on the available resources for their accreditation implementation plan.
Postoperative doppler evaluation of liver transplants
Authors: Sanyal Rupan , Zarzour Jessica G , Ganeshan Dakshina M , Bhargava Puneet , Lall Chandana G , Little Mark D
Published: November 2014

Doppler ultrasound plays an important role in the postoperative management of hepatic transplantation, by enabling early detection and treatment of various vascular complications. This article describes the normal Doppler findings following liver transplantation and reviews the imaging appearances of various vascular complications associated with it. The article also discusses transient waveform abnormalities, often seen on a post-transplant Doppler examination, and the importance of differentiating them from findings suggestive of ominous vascular complications.
A Standardized and Reproducible Urine Preparation Protocol for Cancer Biomarkers Discovery
Authors: Beretov Julia , Wasinger Valerie C. , Schwartz Peter , Graham Peter H. , Li Yong
Published: November 2014

A suitable and standardized protein purification technique is essential to maintain consistency and to allow data comparison between proteomic studies for urine biomarker discovery. Ultimately, efforts should be made to standardize urine preparation protocols. The aim of this study was to develop an optimal analytical protocol to achieve maximal protein yield and to ensure that this method was applicable to examine urine protein patterns that distinguish disease and disease-free states. In this pilot study, we compared seven different urine sample preparation methods to remove salts, and to precipitate and isolate urinary proteins. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) profiles showed that the sequential preparation of urinary proteins by combining acetone and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) alongside high speed centrifugation (HSC) provided the best separation, and retained the most urinary proteins. Therefore, this approach is the preferred method for all further urine protein analysis.
A Novel Subset of Human tumors that Simultaneously Overexpress Multiple E2F-responsive Genes Found in Breast, Ovarian, and Prostate Cancers
Authors: Shackney Stanley E. , Chowdhury Salim Akhter , Schwartz Russell
Published: November 2014

Reasoning that overexpression of multiple E2F-responsive genes might be a useful marker for RB1 dysfunction, we compiled a list of E2F-responsive genes from the literature and evaluated their expression in publicly available gene expression microarray data of patients with breast cancer, serous ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. In breast cancer, a group of tumors was identified, each of which simultaneously overexpressed multiple E2F-responsive genes. Seventy percent of these genes were concerned with cell cycle progression, DNA repair, or mitosis. These E2F-responsive gene overexpressing (ERGO) tumors frequently exhibited additional evidence of Rb/E2F axis dysfunction, were mostly triple negative, and preferentially overexpressed multiple basal cytokeratins, suggesting that they overlapped substantially with the basal-like tumor subset. ERGO tumors were also identified in serous ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. In these cancer types, there was no evidence for a tumor subset comparable to the breast cancer basal-like subset. A core group of about 30 E2F-responsive genes were overexpressed in all three cancer types. Thus, it appears that disorders of the Rb/E2F axis can arise at multiple organ sites and produce tumors that simultaneously overexpress multiple E2F-responsive genes.
Reduction of carotenoids in corn gluten meal: Effects on growth performance and muscle pigmentation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Saez Patricio J. , Abdel-Aal El-Sayed M. , Bureau Dominique P.
Published: November 2014

Saez, P. J., Abdel-Aal, E. M. and Bureau, D. P. 2015. Reduction of carotenoids in corn gluten meal: Effects on growth performance and muscle pigmentation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 79–92. Corn gluten meal (CGM) is an ingredient widely included in aquaculture feeds. The use of significant levels of CGM in diet formulation has been anecdotally related to the suboptimal pigmentation of the muscle of salmonid fish. The results of a few scientific studies that have examined the effect of CGM on muscle pigmentation in salmonids remain inconclusive. Therefore, a bench-scale study was carried out to reduce the content of yellow xanthophyll carotenoids in CGM using white soy flake flour as a bleaching agent. A 12-wk growth trial was then conducted to assess the effects of treated CGM on growth and muscle pigmentation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in comparison with regular CGM. Results of the pigment reduction study indicated that the concentration of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene was reduced by 86, 97, 100 and 100%, respectively, in the treated CGM. Results of the growth trial showed that the inclusion of treated or regular CGM in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance. However a significant (P<0.05) reduction in astaxanthin deposition was observed in the muscle of fish fed the diet supplemented with 190 g kg−1 of regular CGM when compared with the fish fed the control diet (0 g kg−1 of CGM). The muscle of fish fed the diet containing 190 g kg −1 of treated CGM showed the lowest astaxanthin deposition. This could be attributed to the presence of reactive peroxy radicals produced during the reduction of carotenoids in the treated CGM. Further research is underway to improve the processing method for the reduction of carotenoids in CGM.
Identification d’un nouveau pathogène pour la dinde reproductrice : Staphylococcus aureus CC398, responsable d’arthrites
Authors: Cariou Nadine , Argudín Angeles , Malher Xavier
Published: November 2014

Identification of a new pathogen for turkey breeders : Staphyloccus aureus CC398, causing arthritis.

Confronted in breeder turkey farms with arthritis, and important consequences in terms of less of earnings and antibiotic treatments, the authors reported the causal agent, isolated from the articular lesions, to Staphylococcus aureus strains of the complex clonal CC398. Further to a thorough molecular study of these strains, the authors put in perspective these results with the recent publications concerning the clonal complex CC398 in poultry farms. A better knowledge of its epidemiology and its pathogenesis will allow the veterinarian practitioner a preventive approach of the disease. Therapeutic approaches are estimated, by taking into account the antimicrobial resistances and the possible impact on public health, with problems caused by MRSA in human medicine.
Le systeme gnrh : implications dans la puberté précoce de l’enfant
Authors: Polak Michel , Samara-boustani Dinane , Beltrand Jacques , Flechtner Isabelle , Thalassinos Caroline , Bidet Maud , Pinto Graziella
Published: November 2014

We discuss here the secular early onset of puberty in children, the central mechanisms of puberty as well as the clinical aspects of central precocious puberty in children. How to suspect it, how to explore it and how to treat it are the main topics of this article.
Du diagnostic préimplantatoire au suivi de troupeau : que peut apporter la génomique aux éleveurs ?
Authors: Ponsard Claire , Le Bourhis Daniel , Benoit Marion , Barbier Stéphane
Published: November 2014

La sélection génomique est aujourd’hui pleinement appliquée dans les programmes de sélection menés par les entreprises de sélection françaises Prim’Holstein, Normande et Montbéliarde. Dans un premier temps, le génotypage a été principalement valorisé par les entreprises dans la mise en oeuvre des schémas de sélection. Optimiser les techniques de reproduction est devenu un axe stratégique, en combinant la production d’embryons, l’utilisation de la superovulation et du transfert d’embryon (TE), ainsi que la ponction d’ovocytes. Aujourd’hui, un des défis majeurs des biotechnologies de la reproduction est la réalisation d’un diagnostic pré-implantatoire, à partir d’un petit nombre de cellules prélevées chez l’embryon, qui ouvre de nouvelles perspectives. En outre, depuis l’ouverture du service de génotypage aux éleveurs bovins laitiers français en 2011, la sélection génomique s’installe à grands pas au sein des élevages des races Montbéliarde, Prim’Holstein, Pie Rouge et Normande. En élevage, le génotypage des femelles est un nouvel outil de management, facilitant le tri des génisses de renouvellement, permettant d’affiner les accouplements par un choix des taureaux optimisé, de contrôler la consanguinité au niveau génétique et d’anticiper les plans d’accouplement (choix du mode de reproduction et/ ou utilisation de semence sexée). Ces applications doivent permettre d’atteindre des pratiques de reproduction durables, au niveau collectif autant qu’individuel et devraient encore évoluer avec l’amélioration continue des outils de génotypage.
Risque et protection des animaux. Rôle de l’Anses
Authors: Dunoyer Charlotte
Published: November 2014

Dans le cadre de la nouvelle gouvernance mise en place dans le domaine de la protection animale, l’Anses s’est vu confier l’activité d’évaluation des risques. Son nouveau Groupe de Travail Bien-être des animaux est chargé de fournir aux gestionnaires des risques les éléments scientifiques disponibles sur différentes questions de protection animale, en amont de leurs décisions. L’organisation de l’expertise collective à l’Anses est ici présentée, en soulignant le caractère collégial, multidisciplinaire, indépendant et transparent qui préside aux travaux d’expertise. Le Groupe de Travail Bien-être des animaux, constitué fin 2012, mène de front la construction de ses propres fondamentaux et la réponse aux différentes saisines, principalement reçues aujourd’hui des autorités. Des questions peuvent également provenir de parties prenantes représentées à son conseil d’administration ou d’auto-saisines de l’Agence elle-même. En matière de bien-être des animaux, l’Anses bénéficie également des fruits des activités de recherche menée au sein de certains de ses laboratoires.
Identification d’un nouveau réovirus responsable de tendinites sur les poulets de chair en France
Authors: Robineau Brice , Rigomier-Barrat Pascale , Cariou Nadine , Bilic Ivana , Troxler Salomé , Briand François-Xavier , Jestin Véronique
Published: November 2014

Des cas cliniques de tendinite sont apparus sporadiquement, puis plus régulièrement, dans des élevages de poulets de chair dans différentes régions de France depuis 2010. Ces tendinites ont été identifiées comme dues à une réovirose en dépit de la vaccination des poules parentales avec des vaccins contenant différentes valences de réovirus précédemment décrits comme présents sur le terrain ; en outre une transmission horizontale notamment lors de l’éclosion a été observée. Les études virologiques conduites dans deux laboratoires aboutissent à l’identification d’un nouveau réovirus jusqu’à présent non décrit en Europe. Outre des différences au plan génétique entre ce nouveau virus et les souches vaccinales utilisées sur le terrain, des tests de séroneutralisation croisée ont montré des différences antigéniques, ce qui peut expliquer l’inefficacité des vaccins observée sur le terrain. Pour prévenir la multiplication de ces virus il apparait donc utile de réactualiser la composition des vaccins de manière à protéger les poules reproductrices et leur descendance.
Utilisation d’implants sous-cutanés d’agonistes de la GnRH chez les carnivores domestiques pour maîtriser la reproduction
Authors: Fontbonne Alain , Maenhoudt Cindy , Borges Paulo , Santos Natalia , Fontaine Emmanuel
Published: November 2014

La mise récente sur le marché européen d’implants sous-cutanés contenant un agoniste de l’hormone hypothalamique GnRH, la desloréline, offre une alternative chimique à la castration chirurgicale du chien mâle adulte. Ces implants agissent sur la fonction endocrine (effondrement de la testostéronémie), sur la fonction exocrine (altération de la qualité du sperme et infertilité) et permettent un suivi de l’évolution clinique (diminution de la taille des testicules). Leur disponibilité a également ouvert la voie à de multiples autres indications dans les espèces canines et félines. Ils présenteraient un intérêt pour améliorer certains comportements gênants du mâle, potentiellement liés à la testostérone, pour bloquer la fertilité du chat mâle et éviter l’apparition de l’oestrus chez la chienne ou la chatte. L’implantation d’animaux pré-pubères dans le but de retarder la puberté semble efficace. Chez la chienne adulte, l’induction d’un oestrus induit post-implantation est même possible, ce qui présente un intérêt zootechnique. Toutefois, les effets secondaires potentiels, la durée d’action et la reprise de la fertilité après implantation ne sont pas encore bien connus et doivent être davantage étudiés.
La surveillance des médicaments vétérinaires
Authors: Orand Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2014

La surveillance des médicaments vétérinaires commercialisés en France est une des missions prioritaires de l’Anses ANMV. Compte tenu des enjeux potentiels en termes de santé animale ou de santé publique ainsi que pour l’environnement liés à l’utilisation de ces produits, l’agence a développé une politique de surveillance et contrôle incluant la pharmacovigilance vétérinaire, l’inspection des établissements pharmaceutiques de fabrication et de distribution en gros, l’existence d’une autorisation, les contrôles de la qualité chimique et de l’étiquetage des médicaments vétérinaires. En cas de détection d’une non-conformité ou d’effets indésirables récurrents des mesures de gestion adaptées sont prises allant du rappel de lot jusqu’à la modification voire la suspension et le retrait de l’AMM. Les vétérinaires praticiens, en tant que professionnels de santé et utilisateurs de médicaments vétérinaires sont les professionnels les plus à même d’informer l’Agence de tout effet indésirable ou de toute suspicion de non-conformité ou défaut de qualité afin que les mesures nécessaires soient prises. Ils jouent ainsi un rôle primordial dans le système de surveillance des médicaments vétérinaires.
Virus entériques humains et coquillages
Authors: Parnaudeau Sylvain , Le Mennec Cécile , Miura Takayuki , Le Saux Jean-Claude , Le Guyader Françoise
Published: November 2014

Human enteric viruses and shellfish

Human enteric viruses discharged in raw sewage are hightly resistant and may be detected in surface waters, coastal areas and shellfish. Whereas noroviruses, responsible for relatively benign acute gastroentritis, are the most common agents implicated in shellfish borne outbreaks, other human viruses which cause severe human diseases, such as hepatitis A virus, may also be transmitted. Environmental studies have demonstrated that virus concentrations detected in shellfish are higher than in surrounding waters. This concentration may explain the high prevalence of noroviruses detected in various shellfish species collected in different countries. If many questions remain regarding viral contamination of shellfish, the most important seems to be the prevention of coastal areas contamination by human sewages.
Simulating black carbon and dust and their radiative forcing in seasonal snow: a case study over North China with field campaign measurements
Authors: Zhao C. , Hu Z. , Qian Y. , Ruby Leung L. , Huang J. , Huang M. , Jin J. , Flanner M. G. , Zhang R. , Wang H. , Yan H. , Lu Z. , Streets D. G.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. A state-of-the-art regional model, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model (Skamarock et al., 2008) coupled with a chemistry component (Chem) (Grell et al., 2005), is coupled with the snow, ice, and aerosol radiative (SNICAR) model that includes the most sophisticated representation of snow metamorphism processes available for climate study. The coupled model is used to simulate black carbon (BC) and dust concentrations and their radiative forcing in seasonal snow over North China in January–February of 2010, with extensive field measurements used to evaluate the model performance. In general, the model simulated spatial variability of BC and dust mass concentrations in the top snow layer (hereafter BCS and DSTS, respectively) are consistent with observations. The model generally moderately underestimates BCS in the clean regions but significantly overestimates BCS in some polluted regions. Most model results fall within the uncertainty ranges of observations. The simulated BCS and DSTS are highest with > 5000 ng g−1 and up to 5 mg g−1, respectively, over the source regions and reduce to < 50 ng g−1 and < 1 μg g−1, respectively, in the remote regions. BCS and DSTS introduce a similar magnitude of radiative warming (~ 10 W m−2) in the snowpack, which is comparable to the magnitude of surface radiative cooling due to BC and dust in the atmosphere. This study represents an effort in using a regional modeling framework to simulate BC and dust and their direct radiative forcing in snowpack. Although a variety of observational data sets have been used to attribute model biases, some uncertainties in the results remain, which highlights the need for more observations, particularly concurrent measurements of atmospheric and snow aerosols and the deposition fluxes of aerosols, in future campaigns.
Denitrification by large NAT particles: the impact of reduced settling velocities and hints on particle characteristics
Authors: Woiwode W. , Grooß J.-U. , Oelhaf H. , Molleker S. , Borrmann S. , Ebersoldt A. , Frey W. , Gulde T. , Khaykin S. , Maucher G. , Piesch C. , Orphal J.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Vertical redistribution of HNO3 through large HNO3-containing particles associated with polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) plays an important role in the chemistry of the Arctic winter stratosphere. During the RECONCILE (Reconciliation of essential process parameters for an enhanced predictability of Arctic stratospheric ozone loss and its climate interactions) campaign, apparently very large NAT (nitric acid trihydrate) particles were observed by the airborne in situ probe FSSP-100 (Molleker et al., 2014). Our analysis shows that the FSSP-100 observations associated with the flight on 25 January 2010 cannot easily be explained assuming compact spherical NAT particles due to much too short growing time at temperatures below the existence temperature of NAT (TNAT). State-of-the-art simulations using CLaMS (Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere; Grooß et al., 2014) suggest considerably smaller particles. We consider the hypothesis that the simulation reproduces the NAT particle masses in a realistic way, but that real NAT particles may have larger apparent sizes compared to compact spherical particles, e.g. due to non-compact morphology or aspheric shape. Our study focuses on the consequence that such particles would have reduced settling velocities compared to compact spheres, altering the vertical redistribution of HNO3. Utilising CLaMS simulations, we investigate the impact of reduced settling velocities of NAT particles on vertical HNO3 redistribution and compare the results with observations of gas-phase HNO3 by the airborne Fourier transform spectrometer MIPAS-STR associated with two RECONCILE flights. The MIPAS-STR observations confirm conditions consistent with denitrification by NAT particles for the flight on 25 January 2010 and show good agreement with the simulations within the limitations of the comparison. Best agreement is found if settling velocities between 100 and 50% relative to compact spherical particles are considered (slight preference for the 70% scenario). In contrast, relative settling velocities of 30% result in too weak vertical HNO3 redistribution. Sensitivity simulations considering temperature biases of ±1 K and multiplying the simulated nucleation rates by factors of 0.5 and 2.0 affect the comparisons to a similar extent, but result in no effective improvement compared to the reference scenario. Our results show that an accurate knowledge of the settling velocities of NAT particles is important for quantitative simulations of vertical HNO3 redistribution.
Seasonal changes in the tropospheric carbon monoxide profile over the remote Southern Hemisphere evaluated using multi-model simulations and aircraft observations
Authors: Fisher J. A. , Wilson S. R. , Zeng G. , Williams J. E. , Emmons L. K. , Langenfelds R. L. , Krummel P. B. , Steele L. P.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. We use aircraft observations from the 1991–2000 Cape Grim Overflight Program and the 2009–2011 HIAPER Pole-to-Pole Observations (HIPPO), together with output from four chemical transport and chemistry-climate models, to better understand the vertical distribution of carbon monoxide (CO) in the remote Southern Hemisphere. Observed CO vertical gradients at Cape Grim vary from 1.6 ppbv km−1 in austral autumn to 2.2 ppbv km−1 in austral spring. CO vertical profiles from Cape Grim are remarkably consistent with those observed over the southern mid-latitudes Pacific during HIPPO, despite major differences in time periods, flight locations, and sampling strategies between the two datasets. Using multi-model simulations from the Southern Hemisphere Model Intercomparison Project (SHMIP), we find that observed CO vertical gradients in austral winter-spring are well-represented in models and can be attributed to primary CO emissions from biomass burning. In austral summer-autumn, inter-model variability in simulated gradients is much larger, and two of the four SHMIP models significantly underestimate the Cape Grim observations. Sensitivity simulations show that CO vertical gradients at this time of year are driven by long-range transport of secondary CO of biogenic origin, implying a large sensitivity of the remote Southern Hemisphere troposphere to biogenic emissions and chemistry. Inter-model variability in summer-autumn gradients can be explained by differences in both the chemical mechanisms that drive secondary production of CO from biogenic sources and the vertical transport that redistributes this CO throughout the Southern Hemisphere. This suggests that the CO vertical gradient in the remote Southern Hemisphere provides a sensitive test of the chemistry and transport processes that define the chemical state of the background atmosphere.
Hydrometeorological multi-model ensemble simulations of the 4 November 2011 flash-flood event in Genoa, Italy, in the framework of the DRIHM project
Authors: Hally A. , Caumont O. , Garrote L. , Richard E. , Weerts A. , Delogu F. , Fiori E. , Rebora N. , Parodi A. , Mihalović A. , Ivković M. , Dekić L. , van Verseveld W. , Nuissier O. , Ducrocq V. , D'Agostino D. , Galizia A. , Danovaro E. , Clematis A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The e-Science environment developed in the framework of the EU-funded DRIHM project was used to demonstrate its capability to provide relevant, meaningful hydrometeorological forecasts. This was illustrated for the tragic case of 4 November 2011, when Genoa, Italy, was flooded as the result of heavy, convective precipitation that inundated the Bisagno catchment. The Meteorological Model Bridge (MMB), an innovative software component developped within the DRIHM project for the interoperability of meteorological and hydrological models, is a key component of the DRIHM e-Science environment. The MMB allowed three different rainfall-discharge models (DRiFt, RIBS, and HBV) to be driven by four mesoscale limited-area atmospheric models (WRF-NMM, WRF-ARW, Meso-NH, and AROME) and a downscaling algorithm (RainFARM) in a seamless fashion. In addition to this multi-model configuration, some of the models were run in probabilistic mode, thus allowing a comprehensive account of modelling errors and a very large amount of likely hydrometeorological scenarios (>1500). The multi-model approach proved to be necessary because, whilst various aspects of the event were successfully simulated by different models, none of the models reproduced all of these aspects correctly. It was shown that the resulting set of simulations helped identify key atmospheric processes responsible for the large rainfall accumulations over the Bisagno basin. The DRIHM e-Science environment facilitated an evaluation of the sensitivity to atmospheric and hydrological modelling errors. This showed that both had a significant impact on predicted discharges, the former being larger than the latter. Finally, the usefulness of the set of hydrometeorological simulations was assessed from a flash-flood early-warning perspective.
Peripheral Retinal Neovascularization in Recurrent Cicatricial Toxoplasmic Retinochoroiditis: Case Series Report
Authors: Rodríguez Álvaro , Gómez Flor Edith , Valencia Marcela , Rodríguez Francisco
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To report cases of retinal neovascularization in association with cicatricial plaques of congenital recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of retinologist records. Four cases found were documented with diagnostic techniques, mainly fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography and laboratory confirmation. Management included focal laser photocoagulation and pars plana vitrectomy.

Results

In 4 cases, one presented spontaneous involution of neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage. Three cases of neovascularization responded to laser photocoagulation and 2 cases to pars plana vitrectomy. Three cases regained 20/25 vision.

Conclusions

Peripheral neovascularization associated with plaques of cicatricial toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis has been rarely reported. Therefore, a routine careful examination of fundus periphery is recommended.
Coats Disease in a Patient with Fanconi Anemia: A Case Report
Authors: Martín-Sanz Raquel , Peña David , López-Miguel Alberto , Coco-Martín María B. , González-García Hermenegildo , Álvarez-Guisasola Francisco J. , Pastor José C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To describe the diagnosis and management of Coats disease in a patient with Fanconi anemia.

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 12-year-old girl with Fanconi anemia developed Coats disease. Retinal vasculature anomalies are present in both diseases; however, differential diagnosis in this case could be based on the presence of telangiectasias, which are typical of Coats disease, and the absence of perivascular sheathing, usually described in the uncommon retinal manifestations of Fanconi anemia. The stage 4 Coats disease was managed with intravitreal bevacizumab injections and later pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade surgery, which prevented enucleation despite visual loss.

Conclusions

Patients with Fanconi anemia can have retinal vasculature anomalies that are not necessarily related to this systemic anomaly. In this case, the retinal alterations were related to advanced Coats disease stage, which was successfully treated, and enucleation of the affected eye was not necessary.
Synthetic versus Serum-Based Medium for Corneal Preservation in Organ Culture: A Comparative Study between 2 Different Media
Authors: Parekh Mohit , Ferrari Stefano , Salvalaio Gianni , Ponzin Diego , Yazdani Shahin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To study the effect of a synthetic medium and compare it with a serum-based medium for corneal preservation in organ culture using an overall quality assessment system.

Methods

A randomized study with blinded observers was performed comparing parameters such as thickness, transparency, viable endothelial cell density (VECD), morphology, and overall quality (OQ) of the corneal tissues preserved in synthetic and a serum-based medium, respectively. Seven human paired corneas were randomly selected and assessed at day 0 (initial), day 2 (before organ culture), day 30 (before deturgescence/ deswelling storage), and 48 hours post deswelling. Thickness was determined with optical coherence tomography and transparency with a validated, custom device. The morphology and VECD were observed after treating the tissues with trypan blue and sucrose. Data were compared using paired t tests with p<0.05 deemed significant.

Results

Parameters were similar at the initial stage between the groups with no statistically significant difference. However, after preservation in the deturgescent medium, the corneas stored in a serum-based medium showed a higher and statistically significant OQ value (p = 0.0317).

Conclusions

The OQ of a serum-based medium was higher than that of the synthetic medium. A higher rate of transparency and reduction in thickness was observed in the serum-based medium at the end of the storage. Although complete synthetic media may have distinct advantages of being serum/animal-free, the quality of the cornea is of a reasonable concern when it is deemed for transplantation.
Change in Tear Film Characteristics in Visual Display Terminal Users
Authors: Yazici Alper , Sari Esin S. , Sahin Gozde , Kilic Adil , Cakmak Harun , Ayar Orhan , Ermis Samet S.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To evaluate changes in symptoms and tear film characteristics in young computer users.

Methods

Fifty-one computer users and 26 controls were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the working day. Subjects with ocular or systemic disease, history of ocular surgery, use of contact lenses or glasses with antireflective surfaces, and use of topical or systemic medications were excluded from the study. Computer use duration, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear osmolarity, Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface vital dye staining were performed prevocationally and postvocationally.

Results

The mean age was 31.2 ± 6.3 years in computer users and 33.7 ± 5.8 in controls. The mean reported computer use was 6.9 ± 2.7 hours/day in computer users and 0.4 ± 0.5 hours/day in controls. The mean prevocational and postvocational values in computer users for OSDI, osmolarity, TBUT, and Schirmer test were 23.2 ± 16.6 and 27.0 ± 17.6, 306.6 ± 14.9 and 311.0 ± 12.5 mOsm/L, 13.9 ± 4.0 and 13.2 ± 3.8 seconds, 22.7 ± 11.8 and 20.6 ± 12.5 mm, respectively. The vocational change was significant for all parameters in the computer user group but not in the control group. The osmolarity-based dry eye diagnosis was 27.4% in the computer users while it was 15.4% in the control group. Oxford score was only grade 1 in 5.9% of visual display terminal users and did not change at the end of the day.

Conclusions

Both symptoms and signs of dry eye increased significantly with computer use. Approximately 1 of every 3-4 computer users was found to have dry eye with higher tear osmolarity values.
Acetabular Re-Revision with Impaction Bone Grafting and a Cemented Polyethylene Cup; A Biological Option for Successive Reconstructions
Authors: Schreurs B. Willem , te Stroet Martijn A.J. , Rijnen Wim H.C. , Gardeniers Jean W.M.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

For the revision of failed acetabular components impaction bone grafting (IBG) with a cemented cup is a well known technique. Claims have been made that this is a biological reconstruction technique, restoring the bone stock loss and thereby facilitating future revisions. However, there are no scientific data proving this claim.

Patients and Methods

In this study, we present the clinical and radiographic outcome of 11 consecutive acetabular re-revisions in 10 patients with again IBG and a cemented polyethylene cup observed in a previously reported cohort of 62 acetabular IBG revisions. All data were prospectively collected. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed.

Results

The mean follow-up after re-revision was 10 years (5-15) and 28 years (26-30) after the primary revision. No patients were lost to follow-up. The mean HHS improved from 37 (12-49) points to 71 (40-95) points at final follow-up. Survival with further cup revision for any reason as endpoint was 91% (95% confidence interval (CI) 51 to 99) at 10 years. When excluding one early cup re-revision for malpositioning 3 weeks postoperative, survivorship with further cup revision for aseptic loosening as endpoint was 100% (95% CI 37-100) at 10 years. Survival with further cup re-operation for any reason as endpoint was 82% (95% one-sided CI 45-95). In all surviving re-revisions trabecular incorporation was observed without radiolucent lines.

Conclusion

This study shows that, due to restoring the bone stock, even successive acetabular reconstructions using IBG and a cemented cup are possible with satisfying 10 years survivorship.
Surgical Technique and Outcome of Uncemented THR Using HA Coated Stems in Fused and Deformed Hips Due to Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Dabir Sundaresh , Ramanath Sharath , Shah Harshad , Rudramurthy Madhukesh , Patil Sanjana S.
Published: November 2014

Background

Uncemented Total Hip Replacement (THR) is at present an accepted treatment in patients with severe deformity of the hip caused by advanced ankylosing spondylitis.

Materials and methods

We studied 20 patients, 2 female and 18 male, who had 29 THRs, all through a posterior approach. The patient's age at index surgery ranged from 20 to 47 years (mean 35.1). No trochanteric osteotomy was performed in any patient. A double cut of the femoral neck was peformed for hips which were ankylosed in external rotation and flexion. Follow-up ranged from 18 to 46 months (mean 22.2 months).

Results

The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) was 34.6. At last follow-up all hips were considered excellent, with a mean HHS of 90. Radiographs revealed that the acetabular and femoral components were satisfactorily positioned with no radiographic evidence of loosening. No heterotrophic ossification was found.

Conclusions

1) Trochanteric Osteotomy was not found necessary to expose the hip through the posterior approach. 2) Uncemented THR using HA coated stem in the treatment of severe deformity of the hip caused by advanced ankylosing spondylitis allowed good lower limb function.
Reference Intervals for Plasma Pro-Gastrin Releasing Peptide (ProGRP) Levels in Healthy Adults of Chinese Han Ethnicity
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhao Ying , Chen Yu
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To determine the upper limits of the 95th percentile reference intervals (RIs) for the detection of the pro-gastrin releasing peptide (ProGRP) in plasma according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) C28-A3 guideline in a population of adult Chinese of Han ethnicity.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from 578 healthy adults. Plasma ProGRP values were measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) on Abbot ARCHITECT i2000 system analyzers.

Results

Plasma ProGRP values did not conform to a Gaussian distribution, and thus non-parametric statistical methods were used to calculate RIs. Plasma ProGRP levels significantly increased with age, thus age-dependent RIs were determined. The upper limit of the 95th percentile RIs for plasma ProGRP was ≤57.26 pg/mL for young adults (18-50 years) and ≤81.42 pg/mL for old adults (>50 years).

Conclusions

By CMIA, we established distinct age-dependent RIs for plasma ProGRP in healthy adults of Chinese Han ethnicity, thus generating a valuable reference for future clinical and laboratory studies.