bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coastal Flood Inundation Monitoring with Satellite C‐band and L‐band Synthetic Aperture Radar Data
Authors: Ramsey Elijah , Rangoonwala Amina , Bannister Terri
Published: June 2013

Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) was evaluated as a method to operationally monitor the occurrence and distribution of storm‐ and tidal‐related flooding of spatially extensive coastal marshes within the north‐central Gulf of Mexico. Maps representing the occurrence of marsh surface inundation were created from available Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L‐Band SAR (PALSAR) (L‐band) (21 scenes with HH polarizations in Wide Beam [100 m]) data and Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT) Advanced SAR (ASAR) (C‐band) data (24 scenes with VV and HH polarizations in Wide Swath [150 m]) during 2006‐2009 covering 500 km of the Louisiana coastal zone. Mapping was primarily based on a decrease in backscatter between reference and target scenes, and as an extension of previous studies, the flood inundation mapping performance was assessed by the degree of correspondence between inundation mapping and inland water levels. Both PALSAR‐ and ASAR‐based mapping at times were based on suboptimal reference scenes; however, ASAR performance seemed more sensitive to reference‐scene quality and other types of scene variability. Related to water depth, PALSAR and ASAR mapping accuracies tended to be lower when water depths were shallow and increased as water levels decreased below or increased above the ground surface, but this pattern was more pronounced with ASAR. Overall, PALSAR‐based inundation accuracies averaged 84% (n = 160), while ASAR‐based mapping accuracies averaged 62% (n = 245).
Even more destructive: cascade dam break floods
Authors: Cao Z. , Huang W. , Pender G. , Liu X.
Published: June 2013

The present work aims to bridge the gap of knowledge of how and to what extent a cascade dam break flood is distinguished from a single dam break flood over both fixed and mobile beds. A shallow water hydrodynamic model is deployed to resolve the floods because of successive and synchronous break of two cascade dams. A cascade dam break flood features a substantially raised peak stage, advanced timing, or both, at a downstream station as compared with that because of a single dam break irrespective of whether the impacts of sediment transport and bed evolution are considered or not. The dam‐to‐dam spacing and relative dam height in the case of successive break (or initial reservoir water depth in the case of synchronous break) play a central role in dictating the flood, and based on these variables, the threshold conditions for peak‐stage rise are evaluated. The present finding characterises a higher risk of flooding from a cascade dam break than a single dam break, which should be accounted for in flood defence design and alleviation schemes.
Direct Electron Transfer and Electrocatalysis of Hemoglobin on ITO Nanoparticle Electrodes
Authors: Ayato Yusuke , Yamagiwa Kiyofumi , Shiroishi Hidenobu , Kuwano Jun
Published: June 2013

A novel biofuel cell cathode has been developed based on direct electron transfer (DET) by using hemoglobin (Hb) as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction and indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles as an electrode material. The nanoparticles were prepared on an ITO-coated glass plate by liquid phase co-precipitation method, and the electrochemical characteristics were examined in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution (pH 7.4) containing Hb. In half-cell measurements, a large reduction current of H2O2 due to the electrocatalytic activity of Hb flowed and reached 130 mA cm-2 at -0.45 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl(satd.). A single cell with the H2O2|Hb|ITO nanoparticle cathode showed an open circuit voltage of ca. 0.75 V and a maximum power density of ca. 23 mW cm-2.
La Loaded TiO2Encapsulated Zeolite Y Catalysts: Investigating the Characterization and Decolorization Process of Amaranth Dye
Authors: Alwash Atheel Hassan , Abdullah Ahmad Zuhairi , Ismail Norli
Published: June 2013

Lanthanide ions loaded TiO2encapsulated into Y zeolite catalysts were synthesized and used in sonocatalytic degradation of Amaranth dye in aqueous solution. The support zeolite Y was modified by different loading of Ti and La species using ion exchange method. The sonocatalytic reaction condition was carried out at 10 mg/L initial dye concentration, original pH, 1.5 g/L of catalyst loading with low ultrasonic frequency of 40 KHz. Different characterization techniques were used to reveal the physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts. Successful loading of TiO2and La/TiO2into zeolite Y was achieved. The framework of zeolite Y remained unchanged after the loading of TiO2. Titanium species was bound to the framework of zeolite through Ti–O–Si bonds through isomorphous substitution of Si in the zeolite. The ultrasonic degradation of Amaranth dye was enhanced by the TiO2encapsulation with a maximum degradation efficiency of 50% after 120 min of reaction. However, the activity of the catalyst decreased after the loading of lanthanum. This decrease was attributed to the poor contact between the metal crystallites located on the external surface and the titanium encapsulated into cages of zeolite Y.
A Comparison between Adomian’s Polynomials and He’s Polynomials for Nonlinear Functional Equations
Authors: Jafari Hossein , Ghasempoor Saber , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: June 2013

We will compare the standard Adomian decomposition method and the homotopy perturbation method applied to obtain the solution of nonlinear functional equations. We prove analytically that the two methods are equivalent for solving nonlinear functional equations. In Ghorbani (2009), Ghorbani presented a new definition which he called as He’s polynomials. In this paper, we also show that He’s polynomials are only the Adomian polynomials.
Estimating the Glomerular Filtration Rate in the General Population Using Different Equations: Effects on Classification and Association
Authors: Pattaro Cristian , Riegler Peter , Stifter Gerald , Modenese Mirko , Minelli Cosetta , Pramstaller Peter P.
Published: June 2013

Background/Aims: Several formulas for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation, based on serum creatinine or cystatin C, have been proposed. We assessed the impact of some of these equations on estimated GFR (eGFR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence, and on the association with cardiovascular risk factors, in a general population sample characterized by a young mean age. Methods: We studied 1,199 individuals from three Alpine villages enrolled into the MICROS study. eGFR was obtained with the 4- and 6-parameter MDRD study equations, the Virga equation, and with the three CKD-EPI formulas for creatinine, cystatin C, and the combination of creatinine and cystatin C. We assessed the concordance between quantitative eGFR levels, CKD prevalence, and in terms of association with total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol. Results: The highest and lowest eGFR levels corresponded to the cystatin C-based and MDRD-4 equations, respectively. CKD prevalence varied from 1.8% (Virga) to 5.8% (MDRD-4). The CKD-EPI based on creatinine showed the highest agreement with all other equations. Agreement between methods was higher at lower eGFR levels, older age, and in the presence of diabetes and hypertension. Creatinine-based estimates of eGFR were associated with total and low-density lipoprotein but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The opposite was observed for the cystatin C-based GFR. Conclusion: GFR estimation is strongly affected by the chosen equation. Differences are more pronounced in healthy and younger individuals. To identify CKD risk factors, the choice of the equation is of secondary importance to the choice of the biomarker used in the formula. If eGFR is not calibrated to a gold standard GFR in the general population, reports about CKD prevalence should be considered with caution.
A Wicked Sense of Humor
Authors: Hand Karl
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this article is to investigate the way that Jesus’ sense of humor would have functioned in a first-century Galilean political and religious context. Drawing on both rhetorical and social-scientific criticisms, as well as form-critical reconstructions of the sayings of Jesus, it explores the possibility that neuolinguistic research into the phenomenon of linguistic genius may shed some light on the historical Jesus. It therefore proposes that many of the sayings of Jesus, which have traditionally been taken “seriously” might be better understood as humorous subversions of oppressive discourses by a Galilean peasant with a wicked sense of humor.
Does early tetralogy of Fallot total correction give better final lung volumes?
Authors: Sadeghi Hasan Allah , Miri Seyed Reza , Bakhshandeh Hooman , Mirmesdagh Yalda , Paziraee Nazita
Published: June 2013

Background:

Pulmonary blood flow may affect lung development in adulthood. Early total correction of tetralogy of Fallot may affect development of final lung volumes. We evaluated the effect of age at total correction on lung volumes years after the operation.

Methods:

In a retrospective cohort study on patients with totally corrected tetralogy of Fallot (mean age, 13.40 years at the time of follow-up), forced vital capacity, slow vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and other parameters were measured 154.8 ± 46.25 months after the operation. Comparison were made of 3 groups: ≤2-, 2–8-, and >8-years old at the time of total correction surgery.

Results:

Among 322 enrolled patients, the mean values of the follow-up spirometry results in ≤2-, 2–8-, >8-year-olds and the percentage of predicted values were respectively: vital capacity: 4.46 ± 0.57 L (107% ± 10.96%), 3.89 ± 0.58 L (91.10% ± 12.25%), 3.25 ± 0.48 L (82.35% ± 10.62%), p < 0.001; forced vital capacity: 4.28 ± 0.63 L (95.90% ± 18.77%), 3.76 ± 0.58 L (90.83% ± 12.52%), 3.14 ± 0.49 L (83.26% ± 11.71%), p < 0.001; forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 4.22 ± 0.63 L (104.84% ± 13.64%), 3.66 ± 0.58 L (90.61% ± 12.59%), 3.02 ± 0.48 L (84.31% ± 12%), p < 0.001.

Conclusion:

Early correction of defects or reestablishments of perfusion of tetralogy of Fallot before completion of lung development might improve final adulthood lung volumes and capacities. It is better to consider total correction for all tetralogy of Fallot patients below 2-years old, or at least below 8-years old, if it is technically possible.
Normal aortic valves stay open much longer in systole than porcine substitutes
Authors: Subhani Maboo , Kumar Ramarathnam Krishna , Balakrishnan Komarakshi R
Published: June 2013

Objective:

To compare the opening mechanics of porcine valve substitutes with those of a normal human aortic valve.

Background:

All commercially available porcine valves are pretreated with glutaraldehyde. This study was undertaken to evaluate the consequences of such treatment on valve mechanics.

Methods:

The opening mechanics of the aortic valve, especially the time taken to open fully from a closed position, and the duration for which the valve is maximally open, were compared in a normal aortic valve, a stent-mounted porcine valve, and a stentless porcine valve, using a finite element model.

Results:

Despite a 4-fold higher gradient, stent-mounted porcine valves were slower in attaining the fully open position, and the time for which the valve was fully open was almost 25% less than a normal valve. In stentless valves, the compliant root made the initial opening mechanics similar to those of a normal valve. Once this effect was over, the effect of porcine leaflet properties took over, and there was a corresponding delay in the valve opening.

Conclusions:

Fixing the root with a stent and stiffening the leaflets with glutaraldehyde result in delayed valve opening and decrease the duration for which the valve is fully open, thus contributing to inferior hemodynamics.
Diabetic control and coronary artery bypass: effect on short-term outcomes
Authors: Strahan Stephen , Harvey Ryan M , Campbell-Lloyd Andrew , Beller Elaine , Mundy Julie , Shah Pallav
Published: June 2013

Aim:

To evaluate the effect of preoperative glycemic control on hospital morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods:

Data of 3857 patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting was prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. There were 1109 (29%) diabetic patients, of whom 712 (64%) had hemoglobin A1c levels recorded. They were categorized by diabetic treatment: diet (179), oral hypoglycemic agent, (718) or insulin (212); and by diabetic control: hemoglobin A1c < 7 (265) or ≥7 (447). Nondiabetic patients (2,748) were used as controls.

Results:

The preoperative risk factors of hypertension ( p < 0.001), hyperlipidemia ( p < 0.001), renal failure ( p < 0.04), peripheral vascular disease ( p < 0.001), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( p < 0.04) were significantly more prevalent in diabetic patients. Major complications were not significantly different between the diabetic and control groups ( p = 0.33), but minor complications were less frequent in diabetic patients ( p = 0.03). Major and minor complications were not significantly different among the treatment subgroups of diabetic patients ( p = 0.74 and p = 0.48) or in those with hemoglobin A1c < 7 and ≥7 ( p = 0.23, p = 0.41).

Conclusions:

Short-term outcomes were not affected by the degree of preoperative glycemic control or type of treatment used in diabetic patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting. A plausible explanation is strict protocol-driven glycemic control in the perioperative period.
Hemitruncus, septal defect, and anomalous coronary artery from pulmonary artery
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Rajashekar Palleti , Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Gulati Gurpreet Singh , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Airan Balram
Published: June 2013

An 8-month-old boy with aortic origin of the right pulmonary artery, ventricular septal defect, and anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery, underwent uneventful single-stage surgical correction. The rarity and technical aspects of managing this condition are discussed.
Monitoring pulmonary artery pressure in children undergoing the Fontan procedure
Authors: Vasdev Sumit , Chauhan Sandeep , Talwar Sachin , Pandey Anil , Kiran Usha
Published: June 2013

Objective:

To compare external and internal jugular venous pressures to monitor pulmonary artery pressure during the Fontan procedure.

Background:

During the Fontan procedure, the internal jugular vein is used to assess pulmonary artery pressure. The risk of venous thrombosis in the low-pressure Fontan circuit may compromise the long-term success of cavopulmonary anastomosis. This study compared external and internal jugular venous pressures, femoral venous pressure, and actual pulmonary artery pressure during the Fontan procedure.

Method:

32 children undergoing a single-stage Fontan on cardiopulmonary bypass were monitored for mean external and internal jugular venous pressures and femoral venous pressure pre- and post-cardiopulmonary bypass. Pulmonary artery pressure was also recorded directly after cardiopulmonary bypass. The pressure data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and the coefficient of correlation was found.

Results:

The differences between external jugular, internal jugular, and femoral venous pressure pre-cardiopulmonary bypass, and between the 3 venous pressures and the pulmonary artery pressure after cardiopulmonary bypass were found to be non-significant. The coefficient of correlation of external jugular venous pressure and internal jugular venous pressure was 0.8163 ( p < 0.0001) pre-cardiopulmonary bypass, and 0.6465 ( p = 0.0001) post-cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusion:

The external jugular venous pressure correlates well with both internal jugular venous pressure and femoral venous pressure as a marker of pulmonary artery pressure in children undergoing the Fontan procedure. The use of external jugular venous pressure may also preclude the risk of thrombosis.
Early type II endoleak repair after endovascular therapy in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Unal Ertekin Utku , Ozen Anil , Hijazi Alaa , Kubat Emre , Küçükay Fahrettin , Tutun Ufuk , Birincioglu Cemal Levent
Published: June 2013

Vascular complications of Behçet’s disease include occlusion of vessels and arterial aneurysm formation, which is prone to rupture. Early type II endoleak repair following an endovascular stent-graft procedure for a ruptured descending aortic aneurysm in a 31-year-old man with Behçet’s disease is described. Endovascular stent-grafts provide an important alternative in complicated cases, but the possibility of endoleak should be born in mind.
Truncal valve repair using autologous pericardial patch augmentation
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Imai Kenta , Yoshizawa Kohsuke , Ohno Nobuhisa , Sakazaki Hisanori , Tukuda Kazuya
Published: June 2013

A 35-month-old boy with severe truncal valve regurgitation underwent successful repair by tricuspidization using raphe slicing and an extension technique with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium. His truncal valve regurgitation improved from severe to mild 5 years postoperatively. Tricuspidization using raphe slicing and valve extension with autologous pericardium might be one of the alternatives for truncal valve regurgitation with a quadricuspid valve.
Percutaneous coronary intervention in a case of afibrinogenemia
Authors: Falsoleiman Homa , Daloee Mehdi Hasanzadeh , Dehghani Mashalla , Rohani Atoosheh , Bayani Baktash
Published: June 2013

Congenital afibrinogenemia is a rare autosomic recessive blood disorder. A 30-year-old lady, known to have congenital afibrinogenemia, presented with acute anterior myocardial infarction. We managed her with dual antiplatelet therapy and atorvastatin, but her chest pain did not subside and she was transferred to the catheterization laboratory. A proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion was crossed with a floppy wire. Angioplasty was performed successfully with a bare metal stent, and her symptoms resolved completely.
A Missional Reading of 2 Corinthians 5:11–6:2; especially 5:21
Authors: Keene Timothy
Published: June 2013

This paper seeks to show how a missional reading of 2 Corinthians 5:11–6:2 provides support for NT Wright’s largely neglected reading of 2 Corinthians 5:21 and also creates greater immediate contemporary relevance. Instead of seeing the passage as purely polemical or apologetic, the passage is seen as functioning as an exhortation even as it conforms to an apologetic for Paul’s ministry.
Birds of a feather: homophily and sexual network structure in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kenyon C , Colebunders R
Published: June 2013

Sexual partner homophily is the tendency of individuals to choose partners similar to themselves. The extent and nature of partner homophily influences the structure of sexual networks and hence the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In this paper, we compare homophily by ethnicity, age and educational status in representative populations from five African cities in Benin (Cotonou), Cameroon (Yaounde), Kenya (Kisumu), Zambia (Ndola) and South Africa (Carletonville). We find low rates of homophily by age and high rates for educational status throughout the region. There is a large variation in homophily by ethnicity between these five cities, with rates lowest in Ndola. In Carletonville, there is a gendered difference in homophily by ethnicity. We discuss the possible implications these variations in the extent and type of homophily may have for STI transmission in the region.
A woman with didanosine retinopathy and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: Pinto R , Lino S , Nogueira V , Fonseca A , Ornelas C
Published: June 2013

We present a case of structural and functional changes compatible with didanosine retinopathy in a patient who also developed non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.
Stimulating innovative research in health promotion
Authors: Larouche Annie , Potvin Louise
Published: June 2013

The Global Working Group on Health Promotion Research (GWG HPR) of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) presents a collection of four articles illustrating innovative avenues for health promotion research. This commentary synthesizes the contributions of these articles while attempting to define the contours of research in health promotion. We propose that innovation in research involves the adoption of a reflexive approach wherein consideration of context plays different roles. The reflexive process consists of questioning what is taken for granted in the conceptualization and operationalization of research. It involves linking research findings and its theoretical foundations to characteristics and goals of the field and observed realities, while orienting reflection on specific objects. The reflexive nature of the research activity is of paramount importance for innovation in health promotion. With the publication of this series, the GWG HPR wishes to strengthen health promotion research capacity at the global level and reaffirm health promotion as a specific research domain. (Global Health Promotion, 2013; 20(2): 64–69)
A dynamic time order network for time-series gene expression data analysis
Authors: Zhang Pengyue , Mourad Raphaël , Xiang Yang , Huang Kun , Huang Tim , Nephew Kenneth , Liu Yunlong , Li Lang
Published: June 2013

Background

Typical analysis of time-series gene expression data such as clustering or graphical models cannot distinguish between early and later drug responsive gene targets in cancer cells. However, these genes would represent good candidate biomarkers.

Results

We propose a new model - the dynamic time order network - to distinguish and connect early and later drug responsive gene targets. This network is constructed based on an integrated differential equation. Spline regression is applied for an accurate modeling of the time variation of gene expressions. Then a likelihood ratio test is implemented to infer the time order of any gene expression pair. One application of the model is the discovery of estrogen response biomarkers. For this purpose, we focused on genes whose responses are late when the breast cancer cells are treated with estradiol (E2).

Conclusions

Our approach has been validated by successfully finding time order relations between genes of the cell cycle system. More notably, we found late response genes potentially interesting as biomarkers of E2 treatment.
Increased frequency of circulating IL-21 producing Th-cells in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
Authors: Abdulahad Wayel H , Lepse Nikola , Stegeman Coen A , Huitema Minke G , Doornbos-van der Meer Berber , Tadema Henko , Rutgers Abraham , Limburg Pieter C , Kallenberg Cees GM , Heeringa Peter
Published: June 2013

Introduction

The present study aimed to explore a possible role for IL-21 producing Th-cells in the immunopathogenesis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

Methods

Peripheral blood from 42 GPA patients in remission and 29 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were stimulated in vitro, and the frequencies of IL-21 producing Th-cells were determined by flow cytometry. Since Th17-cells produce a low level of IL-21, IL-17 was also included in the analysis. Given that IL-21 is a hallmark cytokine for T follicular helper cells (TFH), we next evaluated the expression of their key transcription factor BCL-6 by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. To investigate the effect of IL-21 on autoantibody-production, PBMCs from GPA patients were stimulated in vitro with BAFF/IL-21 and total IgG and ANCA levels were measured in supernatants. In addition, the expression of IL-21-receptor on B-cells was analyzed.

Results

Percentages of IL-21 producing Th-cells were significantly elevated in GPA-patients compared to HCs, and were restricted to ANCA-positive patients. The expression of BCL-6 was significantly higher in ANCA-positive GPA-patients, as compared with ANCA-negative patients and HCs. IL-21 enhanced the production of IgG and ANCA in vitro in stimulated PBMCs from GPA patients. No difference was found in the expression of the IL-21-receptor on B-cells between ANCA-negative patients, ANCA-positive patients, and HCs.

Conclusion

The increased frequency of circulating IL-21 producing Th-cells in ANCA-positive GPA patients and the stimulating capacity of IL-21 on ANCA-production suggest a role for these cells in the immunopathogenesis of GPA. Blockade of IL-21 could constitute a new therapeutic strategy for GPA.
Environmental Stewardship, Moral Psychology and Gardens
Authors: di Paola Marcello
Published: June 2013

Vast and pervasive environmental problems such as climate change and biodiversity loss call every individual to active stewardship. Their magnitude and causal and strategic structures, however, pose powerful challenges to our moral psychology. Stewardship may feel overburdening, and appear hopeless. This may lead to widespread moral and political disengagement. This article proposes a resolve to garden practices as a way out of that danger, and describes the ways in which it will motivate individuals to so act as to coordinate on behavioural patterns that will significantly alleviate grave, but seemingly distant and intractable environmental quandaries.
Researching an Activity-Driven Approach to Information Systems Development
Authors: Luukkonen Irmeli , Toivanen Marika , Mursu Anja , Saranto Kaija , Korpela Mikko
Published: June 2013

The primary objective of this chapter is to introduce a socio-technical approach called the Activity-Driven (AD) approach to Information Systems Development (ISD) in healthcare and social services. The approach is based on the application of Activity Theory in ISD and on participatory and cooperative design principles. It has been studied and developed for over a decade in cooperation between IS researchers and healthcare professionals around twenty practice-oriented research cases, hosted by the participating health facilities. The authors define the AD approach and describe the characteristics of the AD approach and the continuum of the interrelated research projects since 1998. They also provide a glance at the business utilisation of the approach and discuss the tentative educational experiences of the approach. The aim is to contribute to the knowledge of socio-technical ISD by providing a versatile description of the AD approach, the characteristics, and the long-term cooperative multidisciplinary research efforts, and show the interplay between the AD approach that was developed and the conditions under which it was elaborated.
A global ozone climatology from ozone soundings via trajectory mapping: a stratospheric perspective
Authors: Liu J. , Tarasick D. W. , Fioletov V. E. , McLinden C. , Zhao T. , Gong S. , Sioris C. , Jin J. J. , Liu G. , Moeini O.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. This study explores a domain-filling trajectory approach to generate a global ozone climatology from relatively sparse ozonesonde data. Global ozone soundings comprising 51 898 profiles at 116 stations over 44 yr (1965–2008) are used, from which forward and backward trajectories are calculated from meteorological reanalysis data, to map ozone measurements to other locations and so fill in the spatial domain. The resulting global ozone climatology is archived monthly for five decades from the 1960s to the 2000s on a~grid of 5° × 5° × 1 km (latitude, longitude, and altitude), from the surface to 26 km altitude. It is also archived yearly from 1965 to 2008. The climatology is validated at 20 selected ozonesonde stations by comparing the actual ozone sounding profile with that derived through trajectory mapping of ozone sounding data from all stations except the one being compared. The two sets of profiles are in good agreement, both individually with correlation coefficients (r) between 0.975 and 0.998 and root mean square (RMS) differences of 87 to 482 ppbv, and overall with r = 0.991 and an RMS of 224 ppbv. The ozone climatology is also compared with two sets of satellite data, from the Satellite Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) and the Optical Spectrography and InfraRed Imager System (OSIRIS). The ozone climatology compares well with SAGE and OSIRIS data in both seasonal and zonal means. The mean differences are generally quite small, with maximum differences of 20% above 15 km. The agreement is better in the Northern Hemisphere, where there are more ozonesonde stations, than in the Southern Hemisphere; it is also better in the middle and high latitudes than in the tropics where reanalysis winds are less accurate. This ozone climatology captures known features in the stratosphere, as well as seasonal and decadal variations of these features. Compared to current satellite data, it offers more complete high latitude coverage as well as a much longer record. The climatology shows clearly the depletion of ozone from the 1970s to the mid 1990s and ozone recovery in the lower stratosphere in the 2000s. When this climatology is used as the upper boundary condition in an Environment Canada operational chemical forecast model, the forecast is improved in the vicinity of the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) region. As this ozone climatology is neither dependent on a priori data nor photochemical modeling, it provides independent information and insight that can supplement satellite data and model simulations of stratospheric ozone.
A smog chamber comparison of a microfluidic derivatization measurement of gas-phase glyoxal and methylglyoxal with other analytical techniques
Authors: Pang X. , Lewis A. C. , Richard A. , Baeza-Romero M. T. , Adams T. J. , Ball S. M. , Daniels M. J. S. , Goodall I. C. A. , Monks P. S. , Peppe S. , Ródenas García M. , Sánchez P. , Muñoz A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. A microfluidic lab-on-a-chip derivatization technique has been developed to measure part per billion volume (ppbV) mixing ratios of gaseous glyoxal (GLY) and methylglyoxal (MGLY), and the method compared with other techniques in a smog chamber experiment. The method uses o-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl) hydroxylamine (PFBHA) as a derivatization reagent and a microfabricated planar glass micro-reactor comprising an inlet, gas and fluid splitting and combining channels, mixing junctions, and a heated capillary reaction microchannel. The enhanced phase contact area-to-volume ratio and the high heat transfer rate in the micro-reactor result in a fast and highly efficient derivatization reaction, generating an effluent stream ready for direct introduction to a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). A linear response for GLY was observed over a calibration range 0.7 to 400 ppbV, and for MGLY of 1.2 to 300 ppbV, when derivatized under optimal reaction conditions. The method detection limits (MDLs) were 80 pptV and 200 pptV for GLY and MGLY respectively, calculated as 3 times the standard deviation of the S/N of the blank sample chromatograms. These MDLs are below or close to typical concentrations in clean ambient air. The feasibility of the technique was assessed by applying the methodology under controlled conditions to quantify of α-dicarbonyls formed during the photo-oxidation of isoprene in a large scale outdoor atmospheric simulation chamber (EUPHORE). Good general agreement was seen between microfluidic measurements and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR), Broad Band Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (BBCEAS) and a detailed photochemical chamber box modelling calculation for both GLY and MGLY. Less good agreement was found with Proton-Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) and Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) derivatization methods for MGLY measurement.
A dual isotope approach to isolate carbon pools of different turnover times
Authors: Torn M. S. , Kleber M. , Zavaleta E. S. , Zhu B. , Field C. B. , Trumbore S. E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Soils are globally significant sources and sinks of atmospheric CO2. Increasing the resolution of soil carbon turnover estimates is important for predicting the response of soil carbon cycling to environmental change. We show that soil carbon turnover times can be more finely resolved using a dual isotope label like the one provided by elevated CO2 experiments that use fossil CO2. We modeled each physical soil fraction as two pools with different turnover times, using the atmospheric 14C bomb spike in combination with the label in 14C and 13C provided by an elevated CO2 experiment in a California annual grassland. In sandstone and serpentine soils, the light-fraction carbon was 20–40% fast cycling with 2–10 yr turnover and 60–80% slow cycling with turnover slower than 100 yr. This validates model treatment of the light fraction as active and intermediate cycling carbon. The dense, mineral–associated fraction also had a very dynamic component, consisting of 5–10% fast cycling carbon and 90–95% very slow cycling carbon. Similarly, half the microbial biomass carbon in the sandstone soil was more than five years old, and 40% of the carbon respired by microbes had been fixed more than five years ago. Resolving each density fraction into two pools revealed that only a small component of total soil carbon is responsible for most CO2 efflux from these soils. In the sandstone soil, 8–11% of soil carbon contributes more than 85% of the annual CO2 efflux. The fact that soil physical fractions, designed to isolate organic material of roughly homogeneous physico-chemical state, contain material of dramatically different turnover times is consistent with recent observations of rapid isotope incorporation into seemingly stable fractions, and with emerging evidence for hot spots of decomposition within the soil matrix. Predictions of soil response using a turnover time estimated with the assumption of a single pool per fraction would greatly overestimate near-term response to changes in productivity or decomposition rates. Therefore, these results suggest more rapid, but more limited, potential for change in soil carbon storage due to environmental change than has been assumed by more simple mass-balance calculations.
Exploitation of chemical profiles by conjugate variable analysis: application to the dating of a tropical ice core (Nevado Illimani, Bolivia)
Authors: Gay M. , De Angelis M. , Lacoume J.-L.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Ice core dating is a key parameter for the interpretation of the ice archives. However, the relationship between ice depth and age can generally not be easily established and requires to combine a large number of investigations and/or modeling effort. This paper presents a new approach of ice core dating based on conjugate variable (depth and spatial frequency) analysis of chemical profiles. The relationship between the depth of a given ice layer and the date it was deposited is determined using ion concentration depth profiles obtained along a one hundred-meters deep ice core recovered in the summit area of the Nevado Illimani (6350 m a.s.l.), located in the Eastern Bolivian Andes (16°37' S, 67°46' W). The results of Fourier conjugate analysis and wavelet tranforms are first compared. Both methods are applied to nitrate concentration depth profile. The resulting chronologies are checked by comparison with the multi-proxy year-by-year dating published by de Angelis et al. (2003) and with volcanic tie points, demonstrating the efficiency of Fourier conjugate analysis when tracking the natural variability of chemical proxies. The Fourier conjugate analysis is then applied to concentration depth profiles of seven other ions thus providing information on the suitability of each of them for dating studies of tropical Andean ice cores.
Boundary conditions of an active West Antarctic subglacial lake: implications for storage of water beneath the ice sheet
Authors: Siegert M. J. , Ross N. , Corr H. , Smith B. , Jordan T. , Bingham R. , Ferraccioli F. , Rippin D. , Le Brocq A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Repeat-pass IceSat altimetry has revealed 124 discrete surface height changes across the Antarctic Ice Sheet, interpreted to be caused by subglacial lake discharges (surface lowering) and inputs (surface uplift). Few of these active lakes have been confirmed by radio-echo sounding (RES) despite several attempts (notable exceptions are Lake Whillans and three in the Adventure Subglacial Trench). Here we present targeted RES and radar altimeter data from an "active lake" location within the upstream Institute Ice Stream, into which 0.12 km3 of water is calculated to have flowed between October 2003 and February 2008. We use a series of transects to establish an accurate appreciation of the influences of bed topography and ice-surface elevation on water storage potential. The location of surface height change is over the downslope flank of a distinct topographic hollow, where RES reveals no obvious evidence for deep (> 10 m) water. The regional hydropotential reveals a sink coincident with the surface change, however. Governed by the location of the hydrological sink, basal water will likely "drape" over existing topography in a manner dissimilar to subglacial lakes where flat strong specular RES reflections are measured. The inability of RES to detect the active lake means that more of the Antarctic ice sheet bed may contain stored water than is currently appreciated. Variation in ice surface elevation datasets leads to significant alteration in calculations of the local flow of basal water indicating the value of, and need for, high resolution RES datasets in both space and time to establish and characterise subglacial hydrological processes.
Low Loss Polymer Optical Waveguide Replicated from Flexible Film Stamp Made of Polymeric Material
Authors: Kobayashi Junya , Yagi Shogo , Hatakeyama Yutaka , Kawakami Naomi
Published: June 2013

This paper describes a flexible stamping method, which employs a flexible film stamp made of polymeric materials. Unlike conventional hard stamps, the flexible film stamp does not require either the stamp or its substrate to be perfectly flat, which means large area stamping is easy to achieve at reduced cost. We confirmed this by replicating 50 µm square multi-mode optical polymer waveguides. The propagation loss of the waveguide is only 0.06 dB/cm at a wavelength of 850 nm, which satisfies the basic requirement for optical circuit boards, and the waveguide was used to fabricate a flexible optical circuit board with mechanically transferable (MT) connectors.
Effect of Target–Substrate Distance on the Properties of Hetero Facing Target Sputtered Al–Ga–Zn–O Films
Authors: Shin Hyun-Su , Seo Ki-Won , Lee Ju-Hyun , Kim Han-Ki
Published: June 2013

We investigated the effects of facing target–substrate distance (TSD) on the electrical, optical, structural and morphological properties of Al–Ga–Zn–O (AGZO) films grown by linear facing target sputtering (LFTS) at room temperature to optimize the TSD. Although the optimal TSD for depositing an AGZO film was 3 cm, based on figure of merit values, a longer TSD prevents plasma damage of the AGZO films. The AGZO film sputtered under optimized conditions had a sheet resistance of 132 Ohm/square and an optical transmittance of 87.2%. Based on the electrical, optical, structural, and surface properties of AGZO films grown at different TSDs, we suggest a possible mechanism to explain the effects TSD on properties of hetero-sputtered AGZO films prepared by LFTS process.
Mechanism of Enhanced Vaporization from Molten Metal Surface by Argon–Hydrogen Arc Plasma
Authors: Tanaka Manabu , Watanabe Takayuki
Published: June 2013

A DC arc with hydrogen addition is one of the promising routes to prepare nanoparticles with high productivity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of vaporization enhancement of a particular metal from a molten metal mixture by the DC arc method with hydrogen addition. The selective enhanced vaporization of Sn from a Sn–Ag molten mixture by an Ar–H2 arc was confirmed. Spectroscopic measurements were conducted to investigate the vaporization mechanism on the anode boundary region. The obtained results indicated that Sn was mainly vaporized as SnH from the molten Sn–Ag mixture, which decomposed to H and Sn vapor soon after SnH was vaporized. The mechanism of the vaporization enhancement of particular metal from a molten metal mixture by an Ar–H2 arc is mainly attributed to the formation of the metal hydride.
Selective Metal Deposition on a Phase-Separated Polymer Blend Surface
Authors: Tsujioka Tsuyoshi , Yamaguchi Koji
Published: June 2013

We report selective metal deposition on a phase-separated polymer blend surface. A polymer blend film consisting of polystyrene (PS) and a polystyrene-block-polybutadiene copolymer (PS-BR) was annealed, and a micro-phase-separated film was obtained. Pb was evaporated onto the phase-separated surface without an evaporation mask and was selectively deposited on the PS phase but not on the PS-BR phase. We achieved fine metal patterns corresponding to the microphase separation. This result suggests a novel method of preparing fine metal patterns for electronics and photonics.
Amorphous Photonic Crystals with Only Short‐Range Order
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhang Yafeng , Dong Biqin , Zhan Tianrong , Liu Xiaohan , Zi Jian
Published: June 2013

Distinct from conventional photonic crystals with both short‐ and long‐range order, amorphous photonic crystals that possess only short‐range order show interesting optical responses owing to their unique structural features. Amorphous photonic crystals exhibit unique light scattering and transport, which lead to a variety of interesting phenomena such as isotropic photonic bandgaps or pseudogaps, noniridescent structural colors, and light localization. Recent experimental and theoretical advances in the study of amorphous photonic crystals are summarized, focusing on their unique optical properties, artificial fabrication, bionspiration, and potential applications.
Much of late life cognitive decline is not due to common neurodegenerative pathologies
Authors: Boyle Patricia A. , Wilson Robert S. , Yu Lei , Barr Alasdair M. , Honer William G. , Schneider Julie A. , Bennett David A.
Published: June 2013

Objective

The pathologic indices of Alzheimer disease, cerebrovascular disease, and Lewy body disease accumulate in the brains of older persons with and without dementia, but the extent to which they account for late life cognitive decline remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that these pathologic indices account for the majority of late life cognitive decline.

Methods

A total of 856 deceased participants from 2 longitudinal clinical–pathologic studies, Rush Memory and Aging Project and Religious Orders Study, completed a mean of 7.5 annual evaluations, including 17 cognitive tests. Neuropathologic examinations provided quantitative measures of global Alzheimer pathology, amyloid load, tangle density, macroscopic infarcts, microinfarcts, and neocortical Lewy bodies. Random coefficient models were used to examine the linear relation of pathologic indices with global cognitive decline. In subsequent analyses, random change point models were used to examine the relation of the pathologic indices with the onset of terminal decline and rates of preterminal and terminal decline (ie, nonlinear decline).

Results

Cognition declined a mean of about 0.11U per year (estimate = −0.109, standard error [SE] = 0.004, p < 0.001), with significant individual differences in rates of decline; the variance estimate for the individual slopes was 0.013 (SE = 0.112, p < 0.001). In separate analyses, global Alzheimer pathology, amyloid, tangles, macroscopic infarcts, and neocortical Lewy bodies were associated with faster rates of decline and explained 22%, 6%, 34%, 2%, and 8% of the variation in decline, respectively. When analyzed simultaneously, the pathologic indices accounted for a total of 41% of the variation in decline, and the majority remained unexplained. Furthermore, in random change point models examining the influence of the pathologic indices on the onset of terminal decline and the preterminal and terminal components of the cognitive trajectory, the common pathologic indices accounted for less than a third of the variation in the onset of terminal decline and rates of preterminal and terminal decline.

Interpretation

The pathologic indices of the common causes of dementia are important determinants of cognitive decline in old age and account for a large proportion of the variation in late life cognitive decline. Surprisingly, however, much of the variation in cognitive decline remains unexplained, suggesting that other important determinants of cognitive decline remain to be identified. Identification of the mechanisms that contribute to the large unexplained proportion of cognitive decline is urgently needed to prevent late life cognitive decline. Ann Neurol 2013;74:478–489
Population pharmacokinetics of tolvaptan in healthy subjects and patients with hyponatremia secondary to congestive heart failure or hepatic cirrhosis
Authors: Van Wart Scott A. , Shoaf Susan E. , Mallikaarjun Suresh , Mager Donald E.
Published: June 2013

Tolvaptan is a selective V2‐receptor antagonist used to treat hypervolemic and euvolemic hyponatremia. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was performed for tolvaptan in NONMEM® based upon data obtained from three trials conducted in 93 healthy subjects and six trials conducted in 628 congestive heart failure (CHF) patients or 24 hepatic cirrhosis patients receiving oral tolvaptan (5 to 240 mg). A two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination best described tolvaptan PK. Relative oral bioavailability was modeled relative to 100% for a 30 mg dose and ranged from 79.4% to 122%. Body weight and the impact of CHF or hepatic cirrhosis relative to healthy subjects were statistically significant (p < 0.001) predictors of both the apparent oral clearance (CL/F) and apparent central volume of distribution (Vc/F). The CL/F was reduced to 58.2% for New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class 1 or 2 CHF, 45.5% for NYHA Class 3 or 4 CHF, and 58.0% for hepatic cirrhosis relative to healthy subjects. Vc/F was reduced to 59.9% for NYHA Class 1 or 2 CHF and 51.3% for NYHA Class 3 or 4 CHF, and was 64.8% larger for severe hepatic cirrhosis (Child‐Pugh score ≥ 10) relative to healthy subjects. A slight additional decrease in CL/F of 18.3% was also detected for patients with moderate hyponatremia (serum sodium of 115–130 mEq/l) after adjusting for CHF or cirrhosis (p < 0.001). This population PK model enabled assessment of tolvaptan PK with varying degrees of CHF and hepatic cirrhosis with fluid overload and may be used to explore PK‐PD relationships with respect to fluid and electrolyte balance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.