bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Trial Registration in Physiotherapy Journals: Recommendations From the International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors
Authors: Costa Leonardo O.P. , Lin Chung-Wei Christine , Grossi Debora Bevilaqua , Mancini Marisa Cota , Swisher Anne K. , Cook Chad , Vaughn Dan , Elkins Mark R. , Sheikh Umer , Moore Ann , Jull Gwendolen , Craik Rebecca L. , Maher Christopher G. , De Jesus Guirro Rinaldo Roberto , Marques Amélia Pasqual , Harms Michele , Brooks Dina , Simoneau Guy G. , Strupstad John Henry
Published: November 2012

Clinical trial registration involves placing the protocol for a clinical trial on a free, publicly available, and electronically searchable register. Registration is considered to be prospective if the protocol is registered before the trial commences (ie, before the first participant is enrolled). Prospective registration has several potential advantages. It could help avoid trials being duplicated unnecessarily and it could allow people with health problems to identify trials in which they might participate. Perhaps more importantly, however, it tackles 2 big problems in clinical research: selective reporting and publication bias. Prospective clinical trial registration is of great potential value to the clinicians, consumers, and researchers who rely on clinical trial data, and that is why the International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors (ISPJE) is recommending that members enact a policy for prospective trial registration.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(12):978–981. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0111
A prospective study of physician-observed concussion during a varsity university hockey season: white matter integrity in ice hockey players. Part 3 of 4
Authors: Koerte Inga K. , Kaufmann David , Hartl Elisabeth , Bouix Sylvain , Pasternak Ofer , Kubicki Marek , Rauscher Alexander , Li David K. B. , Dadachanji Shiroy B. , Taunton Jack A. , Forwell Lorie A. , Johnson Andrew M. , Echlin Paul S. , Shenton Martha E.
Published: November 2012

Object

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repetitive head impacts on white matter integrity that were sustained during 1 Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS) ice hockey season, using advanced diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods

Twenty-five male ice hockey players between 20 and 26 years of age (mean age 22.24 ± 1.59 years) participated in this study. Participants underwent pre- and postseason 3-T MRI, including DTI. Group analyses were performed using paired-group tract-based spatial statistics to test for differences between preseason and postseason changes.

Results

Tract-based spatial statistics revealed an increase in trace, radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) over the course of 1 season. Compared with preseason data, postseason images showed higher trace, AD, and RD values in the right precentral region, the right corona radiata, and the anterior and posterior limb of the internal capsule. These regions involve parts of the corticospinal tract, the corpus callosum, and the superior longitudinal fasciculus. No significant differences were observed between preseason and postseason for fractional anisotropy.

Conclusions

Diffusion tensor imaging revealed changes in white matter diffusivity in male ice hockey players over the course of 1 season. The origin of these findings needs to be elucidated.
Navigated guide tube for the placement of mini-open pedicle screws using stereotactic 3D navigation without the use of K-wires
Authors: Shin Benjamin J. , Njoku Innocent U. , Tsiouris A. John , Härtl Roger
Published: November 2012

Object

Three-dimensional spinal navigation increases screw accuracy, but its implementation in clinical practice has been difficult, mainly because of surgeons' concerns about increased operative times, disturbance of workflow, and safety. The authors present a custom-designed navigated guide that addresses some of these concerns by allowing for drilling, tapping, and placing the final screw via a minimally invasive approach without the need for K-wires. In this paper, the authors' goal was to describe the technical aspects of the navigated guide tube as well as pedicle screw accuracy.

Methods

The authors present the technical details of a navigated guide that allows drilling, tapping, and the placement of the final screw without the need for K-wires. The first 10 patients who received minimally invasive mini-open spinal pedicle screws are presented. The case series focuses on the immediate postoperative outcomes, pedicle screw accuracy, and pedicle screw–related complications. An independent board-certified neuroradiologist determined pedicle screw accuracy according to a 4-tiered grading system.

Results

The navigated guide allowed successful placement of mini-open pedicle screws as part of posterior fixation from L-1 to S-1 without the use of K-wires. Only 7-mm-diameter screws were placed, and 72% of screws were completely contained within the pedicle. Breaches less than 2 mm were seen in 23% of cases, and these were all lateral except for one screw. Breaches were related to the lateral to medial trajectory chosen to avoid the superior facet joint. There were no complications related to pedicle screw insertion.

Conclusions

A novel customized navigated guide tube is presented that facilitates the workflow and allows accurate placement of mini-open pedicle screws without the need for K-wires.
Successful rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy of cerebral venous thrombosis in a pediatric patient
Authors: Rammos Stylianos K. , Phillips Jayme , Lin Julian , Moresco Kenneth , Meagher Sean
Published: November 2012

Thrombosis of the deep cerebral venous system is associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of current treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Systemic or local delivery of thrombolytics may be used in cases of inexorable progression of CVT and neurological compromise. Mechanical thrombectomy has been described in adult patients with CVT and may offer the added advantage of accelerated thrombolysis in the face of rapid clinical deterioration. In this report the authors describe the use of rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy in a pediatric patient with extensive dural sinus and deep CVT.
Comparative analysis of state-level concussion legislation and review of current practices in concussion
Authors: Tomei Krystal L. , Doe Christopher , Prestigiacomo Charles J. , Gandhi Chirag D.
Published: November 2012

Object

Forty-two states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation based on the Lystedt law of Washington state, enacted in 2009 to protect young athletes who have sustained a concussion. The aim of this study was to note the several similarities and differences among the various laws.

Methods

Concussion legislation was compared for 50 states and the District of Columbia. Evaluation parameters of this study included stipulations of concussion education, criteria for removal from play, requirements for evaluation and return to play after concussion, and individuals required to assess young athletes. Other parameters that were not consistent across states were also noted.

Results

Forty-three states and the District of Columbia have passed concussion legislation, and an additional 4 states have pending legislation. All states with existing legislation support concussion education for coaches; however, only 48% require coaches to undergo formal education. Athletes must be educated on concussion in 86% of states and parents in 88.7%. Suspicion of concussion is a criterion for removal from play in 75% of states; signs and symptoms of concussion are criteria for removal from play in 16% of states. The individuals allowed to evaluate and clear an athlete for return to play differ greatly among states.

Conclusions

Injury prevention legislation holds historical precedent, and given the increasing attention to long-term sequelae of repeated head trauma and concussion, concussion legislation has been rapidly passed in 43 states and the District of Columbia. Although the exact stipulations of these laws vary among states, the overall theme is to increase recognition of concussion in young athletes and ensure that they are appropriately cleared for return to play after concussion.
A combined optimal interpolation and nudging scheme to assimilate OSISAF sea-ice concentration into ROMS
Authors: Wang Keguang , Debernard Jens , Sperrevik Ann Kristin , Isachsen Pål Erik , Lavergne Thomas
Published: November 2012

The Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility (OSISAF) of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) distributes satellite observations operationally. In this paper, we describe the development of a combined optimal interpolation and nudging (COIN) scheme in the Norwegian Meteorological Institute that assimilates OSISAF sea-ice concentration (SIC) into a coupled sea-ice–ocean Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). The scheme modifies the modeled SIC at every time-step, based on the difference between observation and forecast as well as on the ratio of observation error to model error. Snow and sea-ice thickness are diagnostically modified to match the ice concentration field. Hindcast experiments of Arctic sea ice are performed for the whole of 2009. The results are compared with OSISAF and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) SIC, showing a significant improvement in the analyzed sea-ice edge and summer SIC.
Major Protestant Revivals in Korea, 1903–35
Authors: Oak Sung-Deuk
Published: November 2012

This paper reviews five major revivals and four revivalists of colonial Korea and discusses key issues of the revivals. It has three aims: to search for a new perspective on the interpretation of the revivals of colonial Korea; to map a new lineage of the revivals; and to provide contemporary Korean Protestant churches in crisis with some issues to consider for their renewal. The conventional image of the revivals in the colonial period has been that they were ‘passive, otherworldly, and introversive’. This stereotypical image reflects the historical context of the nationalist or minjung theologians of the 1970s and 1980s. They criticised contemporary mass revival meetings for their orientation toward emotionalism, individual salvation and prosperity, church-centred growth and dispensationalism. They argued that ahistorical revivalists were actually supporting the dictatorial government by depoliticising the churches. Yet a revised interpretation began to emerge from the late 1980s. And the first centennial of the 1907 P'yŏngyang Revival in 2007 has produced heated debates on its historical meaning for the renewal of a declining church. This paper emphasises the positive side – the nationalistic, reformative and indigenous elements of revivalism – without ignoring the negative legacy. I discuss Yi Tonghwi's revival in Hamgyŏng province and East Manchuria in 1908–11 as a development of the first revival of 1903–7. And I will identify the influence of Daoism, rather than that of shamanism, on the revivalists.
Revival and Renewal: Korean American Protestants beyond Immigrant Enclaves
Authors: Kim Rebecca Y. , Kim Sharon
Published: November 2012

Much research has been conducted on the various functions that Korean Protestant churches provide for Korean immigrants and the centrality of the church for the community. Most of this research, however, focuses on the Korean American church as an immigrant enclave. Korean American churches are studied essentially as ethno-religious enclaves, detached and secluded from the larger society. Counterbalancing this tendency, this paper examines the multidimensional ways that Korean American Protestants and their churches are extending beyond their ethnic borders. Korean immigrant churches are civically and religiously moving beyond the enclave while also catering to the needs of co-immigrants. Second-generation Korean American congregations are also engaging the broader society even as they create unique hybrid spaces for themselves. Finally, there are Koreans who enter the United States specifically as missionaries to evangelise individuals in and outside of the Korean Diaspora, including white Americans. In their varied ways, Korean American evangelicals are taking part in efforts to bring spiritual revival and renewal in America and beyond.
Pathways for Genome Integrity in G2 Phase of the Cell Cycle
Authors: Kousholt Arne , Menzel Tobias , Sørensen Claus
Published: November 2012

The maintenance of genome integrity is important for normal cellular functions, organism development and the prevention of diseases, such as cancer. Cellular pathways respond immediately to DNA breaks leading to the initiation of a multi-facetted DNA damage response, which leads to DNA repair and cell cycle arrest. Cell cycle checkpoints provide the cell time to complete replication and repair the DNA damage before it can continue to the next cell cycle phase. The G2/M checkpoint plays an especially important role in ensuring the propagation of error-free copies of the genome to each daughter cell. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of DNA repair and checkpoint pathways in late S and G2 phases. This review will first describe the current understanding of normal cell cycle progression through G2 phase to mitosis. It will also discuss the DNA damage response including cell cycle checkpoint control and DNA double-strand break repair. Finally, we discuss the emerging concept that DNA repair pathways play a major role in the G2/M checkpoint pathway thereby blocking cell division as long as DNA lesions are present.
Snowmelt Runoff: A New Focus of Urban Nonpoint Source Pollution
Authors: Zhu Hui , Xu Yingying , Yan Baixing , Guan Jiunian
Published: November 2012

Irregular precipitation associated with global climate change had been causing various problems in urban regions. Besides the runoff due to rainfall in summer, the snowmelt runoff in early spring could also play an important role in deteriorating the water quality of the receiving waters. Due to global climate change, the snowfall has increased gradually in individual regions, and snowstorms occur more frequently, which leads to an enhancement of snowmelt runoff flow during the melting seasons. What is more, rivers just awaking from freezing cosntitute a frail ecosystem, with poor self-purification capacity, however, the urban snowmelt runoff could carry diverse pollutants accumulated during the winter, such as coal and/or gas combustion products, snowmelting agents, automotive exhaust and so on, which seriously threaten the receiving water quality. Nevertheless, most of the research focused on the rainfall runoff in rainy seasons, and the study on snowmelt runoff is still a neglected field in many countries and regions. In conclusion, due to the considerable water quantity and the worrisome water quality, snowmelt runoff in urban regions with large impervious surface areas should be listed among the important targets in urban nonpoint source pollution management and control.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of 2-Aryl-6,8-bis(arylethenyl)-4-methoxyquinolines
Authors: Khoza Tebogo , Maluleka Marole , Mama Neliswa , Mphahlele Malose
Published: November 2012

Iodine-methanol mediated oxidative-aromatization of 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones afforded the corresponding 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-methoxy-quinolines in high yield and purity. The isomeric 1-(2-amino-3,5-dibromophenyl)-3-aryl-2-propen-1-ones reacted with iodine in methanol afford in a single pot operation the corresponding 2-aryl-6,8-dibromo-4-methoxyquinoline (major) and 2-aryl-6,8-dibromoquinolin-4(1H)-one (minor) products that were separated in sequence by column chromatography on silica gel. Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of the 6,8-dibromo-4-methoxyquinoline derivatives with excess arylvinylboronic acids afforded the corresponding 2-aryl-6,8-bis(2-arylethenyl)-4-methoxyquinolines. The absorption and fluorescence properties of these compounds were also determined.
Textile Dye Removal from Wastewater Effluents Using Bioflocculants Produced by Indigenous Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Buthelezi Simphiwe , Olaniran Ademola , Pillay Balakrishna
Published: November 2012

Bioflocculant-producing bacteria were isolated from activated sludge of a wastewater treatment plant located in Durban, South Africa, and identified using standard biochemical tests as well as the analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences. The bioflocculants produced by these organisms were ethanol precipitated, purified using 2% (w/v) cetylpyridinium chloride solution and evaluated for removal of wastewater dyes under different pH, temperature and nutritional conditions. Bioflocculants from these indigenous bacteria were very effective for decolourizing the different dyes tested in this study, with a removal rate of up to 97.04%. The decolourization efficiency was largely influenced by the type of dye, pH, temperature, and flocculant concentration. A pH of 7 was found to be optimum for the removal of both whale and mediblue dyes, while the optimum pH for fawn and mixed dye removal was found to be between 9 and 10. Optimum temperature for whale and mediblue dye removal was 35 °C, and that for fawn and mixed dye varied between 40–45 °C and 35–40 °C, respectively. These bacterial bioflocculants may provide an economical and cleaner alternative to replace or supplement present treatment processes for the removal of dyes from wastewater effluents, since they are biodegradable and easily sustainable.
Multiple Facets of cAMP Signalling and Physiological Impact: cAMP Compartmentalization in the Lung
Authors: Oldenburger Anouk , Maarsingh Harm , Schmidt Martina
Published: November 2012

Therapies involving elevation of the endogenous suppressor cyclic AMP (cAMP) are currently used in the treatment of several chronic inflammatory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Characteristics of COPD are airway obstruction, airway inflammation and airway remodelling, processes encompassed by increased airway smooth muscle mass, epithelial changes, goblet cell and submucosal gland hyperplasia. In addition to inflammatory cells, airway smooth muscle cells and (myo)fibroblasts, epithelial cells underpin a variety of key responses in the airways such as inflammatory cytokine release, airway remodelling, mucus hypersecretion and airway barrier function. Cigarette smoke, being next to environmental pollution the main cause of COPD, is believed to cause epithelial hyperpermeability by disrupting the barrier function. Here we will focus on the most recent progress on compartmentalized signalling by cAMP. In addition to G protein-coupled receptors, adenylyl cyclases, cAMP-specific phospho-diesterases (PDEs) maintain compartmentalized cAMP signalling. Intriguingly, spatially discrete cAMP-sensing signalling complexes seem also to involve distinct members of the A-kinase anchoring (AKAP) superfamily and IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein (IQGAPs). In this review, we will highlight the interaction between cAMP and the epithelial barrier to retain proper lung function and to alleviate COPD symptoms and focus on the possible molecular mechanisms involved in this process. Future studies should include the development of cAMP-sensing multiprotein complex specific disruptors and/or stabilizers to orchestrate cellular functions. Compartmentalized cAMP signalling regulates important cellular processes in the lung and may serve as a therapeutic target.
Hyperspectral Distinction of Two Caribbean Shallow-Water Corals Based on Their Pigments and Corresponding Reflectance
Authors: Torres-Pérez Juan , Guild Liane , Armstrong Roy
Published: November 2012

The coloration of tropical reef corals is mainly due to their association with photosynthetic dinoflagellates commonly known as zooxanthellae. Combining High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), spectroscopy and derivative analysis we provide a novel approach to discriminate between the Caribbean shallow-water corals Acropora cervicornis and Porites porites based on their associated pigments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the total array of pigments found within the coral holobiont is reported. A total of 20 different pigments were identified including chlorophylls, carotenes and xanthophylls. Of these, eleven pigments were common to both species, eight were present only in A. cervicornis, and three were present only in P. porites. Given that these corals are living in similar physical conditions, we hypothesize that this pigment composition difference is likely a consequence of harboring different zooxanthellae clades with a possible influence of endolithic green or brown algae. We tested the effect of this difference in pigments on the reflectance spectra of both species. An important outcome was the correlation of total pigment concentration with coral reflectance spectra up to a 97% confidence level. Derivative analysis of the reflectance curves showed particular differences between species at wavelengths where several chlorophylls, carotenes and xanthophylls absorb. Within species variability of spectral features was not significant while interspecies variability was highly significant. We recognize that the detection of such differences with actual airborne or satellite remote sensors is extremely difficult. Nonetheless, based on our results, the combination of these techniques (HPLC, spectroscopy and derivative analysis) can be used as a robust approach for the development of a site specific spectral library for the identification of shallow-water coral species. Studies (Torres-Pérez, NASA Postdoctoral Program) are currently underway to further apply this approach to other Caribbean benthic coral reef features. The data will be used with planned and future airborne and satellite studies of the site and for algorithm development to advance the use of future airborne and satellite instrument capabilities (NASA PRISM and HyspIRI) for discrimination of coral reef benthic composition.
Inclusive Protected Area Management in the Amazon: The Importance of Social Networks over Ecological Knowledge
Authors: Ungar Paula , Strand Roger
Published: November 2012

In the Amacayacu National Park in Colombia, which partially overlaps with Indigenous territories, several elements of an inclusive protected area management model have been implemented since the 1990s. In particular, a dialogue between scientific researchers, indigenous people and park staff has been promoted for the co-production of biological and cultural knowledge for decision-making. This paper, based on a four-year ethnographic study of the park, shows how knowledge products about different components of the socio-ecosystem neither were efficiently obtained nor were of much importance in park management activities. Rather, the knowledge pertinent to park staff in planning and management is the know-how required for the maintenance and mobilization of multi-scale social-ecological networks. We argue that the dominant models for protected area management—both top-down and inclusive models—underestimate the sociopolitical realm in which research is expected to take place, over-emphasize ecological knowledge as necessary for management and hold a too strong belief in decision-making as a rational, organized response to diagnosis of the PA, rather than acknowledging that thick complexity needs a different form of action. Co-production of knowledge is crucial for governance, but mainly not for the reasons for which it is promoted.
Involvement of Autophagy in Coronavirus Replication
Authors: Maier Helena , Britton Paul
Published: November 2012

Coronaviruses are single stranded, positive sense RNA viruses, which induce the rearrangement of cellular membranes upon infection of a host cell. This provides the virus with a platform for the assembly of viral replication complexes, improving efficiency of RNA synthesis. The membranes observed in coronavirus infected cells include double membrane vesicles. By nature of their double membrane, these vesicles resemble cellular autophagosomes, generated during the cellular autophagy pathway. In addition, coronavirus infection has been demonstrated to induce autophagy. Here we review current knowledge of coronavirus induced membrane rearrangements and the involvement of autophagy or autophagy protein microtubule associated protein 1B light chain 3 (LC3) in coronavirus replication.
A physics‐based link model for tree vibrations
Authors: Murphy Kevin D. , Rudnicki Mark
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: A new mathematical model for the vibration of trees is presented for developing a more thorough understanding of the underlying structure of the response. It may be used, for example, to assess the stability of a tree or to interpret experimental data.

• Methods: A model is developed for the motion of the trunk and its N number of branches. The spatial distribution and initial orientation of the branches are left for the user to prescribe. A Newtonian analysis yields (N + 1) nonlinear, coupled differential equations that, when solved, describe the response of the trunk and each branch. After the model is linearized near equilibrium, the natural frequencies and vibration mode shapes are found. Closed‐form expressions for the response (i.e., the actual time histories) are then obtained using modal analysis. Numerical solutions are also found; these are used to validate the analytical solutions and to serve as a means for considering large amplitude vibrations.

• Key results: A new physics‐based model is described. For small motion, the tree response may be constructed from the individual mode shapes and frequencies. Also demonstrated are the limitations of the linear theory as well as numerical solutions that can be obtained when trunk/branch amplitudes are large.

• Conclusions: The model presented here incorporates critical physics into a model that describes tree vibrations. It also sheds light on the underlying structure of the vibration response in terms of the modal nature of the solution. Limitations to the linear solutions are demonstrated and discussed.
Characterization of 42 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Mimulus ringens (Phrymaceae) using Illumina sequencing
Authors: Nunziata Schyler O. , Karron Jeffrey D. , Mitchell Randall J. , Lance Stacey L. , Jones Kenneth L. , Trapnell Dorset W.
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized in Mimulus ringens (Phrymaceae), a herbaceous wetland perennial, to facilitate studies of mating patterns and population genetic structure.

• Methods and Results: A total of 42 polymorphic loci were identified from a sample of 24 individuals from a single population in Ohio, USA. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine, and median observed heterozygosity was 0.435.

• Conclusions: This large number of polymorphic loci will enable researchers to quantify male fitness, patterns of multiple paternity, selfing, and biparental inbreeding in large natural populations of this species. These markers will also permit detailed study of fine‐scale patterns of genetic structure.
Fungal endophytes of the obligate parasitic dwarf mistletoe Arceuthobium americanum (Santalaceae) act antagonistically in vitro against the native fungal pathogen Cladosporium (Davidiellaceae) of their host
Authors: Martin Lyssa L. , Ross Friedman Cynthia M. , Phillips Lori A.
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: Endophytic fungi likely occur in all plants, yet little is known about those of parasitic plants, despite their potential to influence parasite success. Arceuthobium americanum is a parasitic angiosperm that greatly compromises the North American timber industry. We hypothesized that (1) A. americanum hosts fungal endophytes, and (2) these endophytes help A. americanum resist infection by fungal pathogens.

• Methods: Healthy A. americanum stem and fruit tissues were differentially stained for cellulose and chitin and visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Stem sections (sterilized vs. unsterilized) and seeds were incubated on agar plates to cultivate fungi, both to extract DNA for ITS rDNA sequencing and to observe interactions with native fungi from unsterilized specimens.

• Key results: Aside from xylem vessel elements, fungal structures were observed in all tissues, including those of the embryo. The ITS sequences of fungi cultured from internal tissues closely matched those of the known endophytes Phoma, Sydowia, and Phacidiopycnis, while those of surface organisms closely matched Cladosporium spp. Cultured fungi from internal tissues (putative endophytes) inhibited the growth of the surface organisms without affecting the other endophytes.

• Conclusion: Fungal communities are established in A. americanum stems as well as in fruits and seeds, suggesting vertical transmission. These internally derived fungi act antagonistically toward fungi with pathogenic tendencies. As such, native mistletoe endophytes might protect A. americanum against fungal pathogens in nature. In the future, manipulation of endophytes might be a component of mistletoe control programs.
Use of new raw materials and industrial wastes to improve the possibilities of using ceramic materials from Bailén (Jaén, southern Spain)
Authors: Galán-Arboledas R. J. , Merino A. , Bueno S.
Published: November 2012

Raw materials used by the ceramic industry in Jaén (southern Spain) consist of mixtures of carbonated clays from the Guadalquivir Basin and red clays from the Iberian Massif. The mixtures formulation usually obeys empirical experience developed by this industry for many generations. This work evaluates different possibilities of using these raw materials to manufacture new ceramic products on the basis of clay physical-chemical properties and analyzes limitations to produce high added value products. As an alternative to overcome these limitations, the mixture of these clays with raw materials from near regions (pyrophyllite clay) and with different industrial wastes is proposed. These wastes are screen glass from monitors and oil impregnated diatomaceous earth. The study of the technological properties shows that the new mixtures are suitable for the processing of ceramic products in which structural and thermal insulating properties are improved or kept.
Online Control of Thermo-Optical Plant via OpenModelica
Authors: Szolik Ladislav , Zakova Katarina
Published: November 2012

The paper deals with the web-based implementation of the thermo-optical plant control. The control of the plant is based on the open-source Modelica-based modeling and simulation environment OpenModelica which originally is not designed for web-based applications. The paper shows one possible way how to circumvent this limitation.
Benefits and Pitfalls of Using HTML5 APIs for Online Experiments and Simulations
Authors: Garaizar Pablo , Vadillo Miguel Ángel , Lopez-de-Ipina Diego
Published: November 2012

The most recent advances in the architecture of the Web allow using it as an excellent platform to deliver experiments and simulations over the Internet. However, there are still some challenges related to the animationsâ?? accuracy, to user input collection or to real-time communications that have to be accomplished to properly port native application- based experiments and simulations to the Web. The limitations of the standards preceding HTML5 have forced web developers to embed non-HTML objects using a wide range of non-standard plugins and causing an extremely fragmented execution environment where features must be implemented several times in different programming languages to guarantee full compliance with every user-agent. As HTML5 provides a standard -yet fully-featured- environment to develop and execute applications, web user-agents are now more similar to application players than to simple Internet browsers. In this paper we analyze the benefits and pitfalls of these new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), providing examples of both good and bad instances of research-related use.
Using Remote Labs to Serve Different Teacherâ??s Needs - A Case Study with VISIR and RemotElectLab
Authors: Fidalgo Andre Vaz , Alves Gustavo Ribeiro , Marques Maria Arcelina , Viegas Maria Clara , Costa-Lobo Maria Cristina , Hernandez Unai , Garcia-Zubia Javier , Gustavsson Ingvar
Published: November 2012

Remote Laboratories are an emergent technological and pedagogical tool at all education levels, and their widespread use is an important part of their own improvement and evolution. This paper describes several issues encountered on laboratorial classes, on higher education courses, when using remote laboratories based on PXI systems, either using the VISIR system or an alternate in-house solution. Three main issues are presented and explained, all reported by teachers that gave support to students use of remote laboratories. The first issue deals with the need to allow students to select the actual place where an ammeter is to be inserted on electric circuits, even incorrectly, therefore emulating real world difficulties. The second one deals with problems with timing when several measurements are required at short intervals, as in the discharge cycle of a capacitor. And the last issue deals with the use of a multimeter in DC mode when reading AC values, a use that collides with the lab settings. All scenarios are presented and discussed including the solution found for each case. The conclusion derived from the described work is that the remote laboratories area is an expanding field, where practical use leads to improvement and evolution of the available solutions, requiring a strict cooperation and information sharing between all actors, i.e. developers, teachers and students.
Secondary School Needs in Remote Experimentation and Instrumentation
Authors: Dziabenko Olga , Garcia Zubia Javier
Published: November 2012

The education in applied sciences, engineering, and technologies is one of the Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (2006/962/EC) and priority areas in the educational strategy in EU countries. It directly effects the industrial development. Recent surveys show that the occupational structure of EU employment of the engineering sector tends to shift towards knowledge- and skills-intensive jobs from 27.3%(2007) to 32.4%(2020) (CEDEFOP, Skills supply and demand in Europe. Medium-term forecast up to 2020 (2010)). Therefore, contemporary industry demands well-educated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) graduates. Since studentsâ?? motivation to learn depends upon the knowledge and skills of the teachers, teachers should have access to high quality and real-life-based resources to build their competence, to support studentâ??s improvement, to familiarize with up-to-date research, development and industrial needs in STEM. This paper presents the study results on secondary school needs in development of remote experimentation and ICT competences in several EU countries. The survey was executed in frame of the project â??OLAREX: Open learning approach with remote experimentsâ? supported by EU Lifelong Learning Programme.
From the REV2012 Conference Chair
Authors: Zubia Javier Garcia
Published: November 2012

From 4 July to 6 July the International Association of Online Engineering, IAOE, in collaboration with the University of Deusto organized the 9th International Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation, REV 2012, http://www.rev-conference.org/REV2012/ .
Pre-lens tear film evaluation scale: a tool for analyzing the tear film-lens interaction with respect to the material used
Authors: Antonio Papagni , Fonte Rossella , Benzoni Luca
Published: November 2012

In clinical practice, to avoid or reduce the failure rate among users of contact lenses, it is necessary to obtain a detailed patient case history, information concerning symptoms, and a complete eye examination. In addition, application of an auxiliary photographic reference scale might increase the chances of improving initial success or, for existing contact lens wearers, provide insight into the extent or severity of symptoms. Patient symptoms are often directly related to contact lens failure, which in turn is related to the quality of the pre-corneal tear film as well as the wettability of the contact lens surface. We describe the relationship between the quality of the tear film, with particular attention to pre-contact lens tear film, variability in contact tolerance, and the material of which the contact lens is made.
Rhabdomyosarcoma in a terrestrial tortoise (Geochelone nigra) in Nigeria: A case report
Authors: Eyarefe Oghenemega D. , Antia Richard E. , Oguntoye Cecilia O. , Abiola Olusoji O. , Alaka Olugbenga O. , Ogunsola John O.
Published: November 2012

A skeletal muscle tumour (rhabdomysarcoma) was diagnosed in a 4-year-old captive female terrestrial tortoise (Geochelone nigra) weighing 7 kg presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. The tumour was located at the anterior right portion of the body and ventral to the carapace. The location of the tumour prevented the tortoise from extending its head from the body. The tumour was a sessile, smooth white mass, with a soft myxomatous consistency. The histological features that were diagnostic of rhabdomyosarcoma included a sparse population of haphazardly arranged spindle-shaped cells within a homogenous matrix (anisocytosis), occasional tumour giant and binucleate cells, and some well differentiated myofibrils with cross striations within the cytoplasm. The paucity of information on tumours in the land tortoise was the reason for this report, which appears to be the first report of rhabdomyosarcoma in the tortoise.
A novel electrochemical calibration setup for oxygen sensors and its use for the stability assessment of Aanderaa optodes
Authors: Bittig Henry C. , Fiedler Björn , Steinhoff Tobias , Körtzinger Arne
Published: November 2012

We present a laboratory calibration setup for the individual multi‐point calibration of oxygen sensors. It is based on the electrochemical generation of oxygen in an electrolytic carrier solution. Under thorough control of the conditions, i.e., temperature, carrier solution flow rate, and electrolytic current, the amount of oxygen is strictly given by Faradays laws and can be controlled to within ± 0.5 µmol L−1 (2 SD). Whereas Winkler samples can be taken for referencing with a reproducibility between triplicates of 0.8 µmol L−1 (2 SD), the calibration setup can provide a Winkler‐free way of referencing with an accuracy of ± 1.2 µmol L−1 (2 SD). Thus calibrated oxygen optodes have been deployed in the Southern Ocean and the Eastern Tropical Atlantic both in profiling and underway mode and confirm the validity of the laboratory calibrations to within few µmol L−1. In two cases, the optodes drifted between deployments, which was easily identified using the calibration setup. The electrochemical calibration setup may thus facilitate accurate oxygen measurements on a large scale, and its small size makes it possible to configure as a mobile, sea‐going, Winkler‐free system for oxygen sensor calibrations.
Volatile organic compounds in the Western Mediterranean Basin: urban and rural winter measurements during the DAURE campaign
Authors: Seco R. , Peñuelas J. , Filella I. , Llusia J. , Schallhart S. , Metzger A. , Müller M. , Hansel A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have key environmental and biological roles, but little is known about the daily VOC mixing ratios in Mediterranean urban and natural environments. We measured VOC mixing ratios concurrently at an urban and a rural site during the winter DAURE campaign in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. All VOC mixing ratios measured were higher at the urban site (e.g. acetaldehyde, isoprene, benzene, and toluene with averages up to 1.68, 0.31, 0.58 and 2.71 ppbv, respectively), with the exception of some short chain oxygenated VOCs such as acetone (with similar averages of 0.7–1.6 ppbv at both sites). Their average diurnal pattern also differed between the sites. Most of the VOCs at the urban location showed their highest mixing ratios in the morning and evening. These peaks coincided with traffic during rush hours, the main origin of most of the VOCs analyzed. Between these two peaks, the sea breeze transported the urban air inland, thus helping to lower the VOC loading at the urban site. At the rural site, most of the measured VOCs were advected by the midday sea breeze, yielding the highest daily VOC mixing ratios (e.g. acetaldehyde, isoprene, benzene, and toluene with averages up to 0.65, 0.07, 0.19, and 0.41 ppbv, respectively). Only biogenic monoterpenes showed a clear local origin at this site. In addition, the concentrations of fine particulate matter observed at both sites, together with the synoptic meteorological conditions and radio-sounding data, allowed the identification of different atmospheric scenarios that had a clear influence on the measured VOC mixing ratios. These results highlight the differences and relationships in VOC mixing ratios between nearby urban and rural areas in Mediterranean regions. Further research in other urban-rural areas is warranted to better understand the urban-rural influence on atmospheric VOC mixing ratios under different atmospheric conditions.
Investigation of correlation of the variations in land subsidence (detected by continuous GPS measurements) and methodological data in the surrounding areas of Lake Urmia
Authors: Moghtased-Azar K. , Mirzaei A. , Nankali H. R. , Tavakoli F.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Lake Urmia, a salt lake in the north-west of Iran, plays a valuable role in the environment, wildlife and economy of Iran and the region, but now faces great challenges for survival. The Lake is in immediate and great danger and is rapidly going to become barren desert. As a result, the increasing demands upon groundwater resources due to expanding metropolitan and agricultural areas are a serious challenge in the surrounding regions of Lake Urmia. The continuous GPS measurements around the lake illustrate significant subsidence rate between 2005 and 2009. The objective of this study was to detect and specify the non-linear correlation of land subsidence and temperature activities in the region from 2005 to 2009. For this purpose, the cross wavelet transform (XWT) was carried out between the two types of time series, namely vertical components of GPS measurements and daily temperature time series. The significant common patterns are illustrated in the high period bands from 180–218 days band (~6–7 months) from September 2007 to February 2009. Consequently, the satellite altimetry data confirmed that the maximum rate of linear trend of water variation in the lake from 2005 to 2009, is associated with time interval from September 2007 to February 2009. This event was detected by XWT as a critical interval to be holding the strong correlation between the land subsidence phenomena and surface temperature. Eventually the analysis can be used for modeling and prediction purposes and probably stave off the damage from subsidence phenomena.
Improvement to the PhytoDOAS method for identification of coccolithophores using hyper-spectral satellite data
Authors: Sadeghi A. , Dinter T. , Vountas M. , Taylor B. B. , Altenburg-Soppa M. , Peeken I. , Bracher A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The goal of this study was to improve PhytoDOAS, which is a new retrieval method for quantitative identification of major phytoplankton functional types (PFTs) using hyper-spectral satellite data. PhytoDOAS is an extension of the Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS, a method for detection of atmospheric trace gases), developed for remote identification of oceanic phytoplankton groups. Thus far, PhytoDOAS has been successfully exploited to identify cyanobacteria and diatoms over the global ocean from SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY) hyper-spectral data. This study aimed to improve PhytoDOAS for remote identification of coccolithophores, another functional group of phytoplankton. The main challenge for retrieving more PFTs by PhytoDOAS is to overcome the correlation effects between different PFT absorption spectra. Different PFTs are composed of different types and amounts of pigments, but also have pigments in common, e.g. chl a, causing correlation effects in the usual performance of the PhytoDOAS retrieval. Two ideas have been implemented to improve PhytoDOAS for the PFT retrieval of more phytoplankton groups. Firstly, using the fourth-derivative spectroscopy, the peak positions of the main pigment components in each absorption spectrum have been derived. After comparing the corresponding results of major PFTs, the optimized fit-window for the PhytoDOAS retrieval of each PFT was determined. Secondly, based on the results from derivative spectroscopy, a simultaneous fit of PhytoDOAS has been proposed and tested for a selected set of PFTs (coccolithophores, diatoms and dinoflagellates) within an optimized fit-window, proven by spectral orthogonality tests. The method was then applied to the processing of SCIAMACHY data over the year 2005. Comparisons of the PhytoDOAS coccolithophore retrievals in 2005 with other coccolithophore-related data showed similar patterns in their seasonal distributions, especially in the North Atlantic and the Arctic Sea. The seasonal patterns of the PhytoDOAS coccolithophores indicated very good agreement with the coccolithophore modeled data from the NASA Ocean Biochemical Model (NOBM), as well as with the global distributions of particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), provided by MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)-Aqua level-3 products. Moreover, regarding the fact that coccolithophores belong to the group of haptophytes, the PhytoDOAS seasonal coccolithophores showed good agreement with the global distribution of haptophytes, derived from synoptic pigment relationships applied to SeaWiFS chl a. As a case study, the simultaneous mode of PhytoDOAS has been applied to SCIAMACHY data for detecting a coccolithophore bloom which was consistent with the MODIS RGB image and the MODIS PIC map of the bloom, indicating the functionality of the method also in short-term retrievals.
ENSO components of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation and their relation to North Atlantic interannual coastal sea level anomalies
Authors: Park J. , Dusek G.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) are known to influence coastal water levels along the east coast of the United States. By identifying empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) which coherently contribute from the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) to the AMO index (AMOI), we characterize both the expression of ENSO in the unsmoothed AMOI, and coherent relationships between these indices and interannual sea level anomalies at six stations in the Gulf of Mexico and Western North Atlantic. Within the ENSO band (2–7 yr periods) the total contribution of MEI to unsmoothed AMOI variability is 79%. Cross correlation suggests that the MEI leads expression of the ENSO signature in the AMOI by six months, consistent with the mechanism of an atmospheric bridge. Within the ENSO band, essentially all of the coupling between the unsmoothed AMOI and sea level anomalies is the result of ENSO expression in the AMOI. At longer periods we find decadal components of sea level anomalies linked to the AMOI at three southern stations (Key West, Pensacola, Charleston), but not at the northern stations (Baltimore, Boston, Portland), with values of coherence ranging from 20 to 50%. The coherence of MEI to coastal sea level anomalies has a different structure and is generally weaker than that of the ENSO expressed AMOI influence, suggesting distinct physical mechanisms are influencing sea level anomalies due to a direct ENSO teleconnection when compared to teleconnections based on ENSO expression in the AMOI. It is expected that applying this analysis to extremes of sea level anomalies will reveal additional influences.