bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric morbidities of elderly psychiatry out-patients in a tertiary-care hospital
Authors: Shakya DR
Published: September 2012

With the rise in life expectancy, the elder population is increasing. Morbidity profiles of elderly people may indicate different needs and priorities. This study aims to sort out referral pattern, attitude about psychiatric referral and morbidity profile among elderly psychiatric outpatients in a general hospital. A total of 100 consecutive elderly (>55 years) out-patients in psychiatry OPD coming into contact of the investigator and giving informed consent were enrolled. Diagnoses were made according the ICD-10. More (54%) were female, mainly of age, 55-70 years (79%). Main ethnicity groups seeking care were Mongol (32%), Brahmin (25%), indigenous Terai tribes (14%) and Newar (11%). People from cities and semi-urban settings predominated the study. Referrals made most commonly by the departments were medicine, family medicine, surgery and ENT. More than a fourth (28%) were dissatisfied and questioned about the referral to psychiatric service. Greater proportions (71%) were comfortable and happy about psychiatry referral. Mood related and physical complaints each were presenting complaints in about half of subjects. Major psychiatric diagnoses were mood affective, anxiety, substance use and organic psychiatric disorders. Great majority had physical co-morbidity. Common mental disorders among elderly psychiatry out-patients were mood affective, anxiety and substance use disorders. A significant number of elderly psychiatry out patients had physical comorbidity. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2011,Vol-7,No-4, 1-8 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i4.6735
Early experience in ureteroscopy for the management of ureteric stone
Authors: Agarwal A , Shrestha P , Belokar WK
Published: September 2012

Ureteroscopy has revolunized the management of ureteric calculus and it has become the need of every urology center today. The purpose of this study is to report our experience and results in the management of ureteric calculus by semi-rigid ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithotripsy and also to access the safety of procedure in untrained hands. Retrospective analysis of 48 consecutive patients of ureteric calculus treated by semi-rigid ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithotripsy between June 2010 and October 2010 in urology unit, College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal was done. 34 female patients (70.8%) and 14 male patients (29.2%) were identified. Mean age of female was 30.9years (range 17 to 45 years) and that of male was 46.4 years (range 33 to 63years). Mean stone size in female was 8.91mm (range 6.5 to 11.2mm) and in male it was 9.11mm (range 6 to 14.2mm). Lower ureteric calculus was present in 29 and 8(77.1%), mid ureteric calculus in 2 and 2(8.3%) and upper ureteric calculus in 3 and 4(14.6%) female and male patients respectively. Ureteric perforation occurred in 2 patients (4.2%). Ureteric avulsion occured in 1 female patient (2.1%) with upper ureteric calculus. DJ stent was keept in 34(70.8%) cases but in 11 cases (32.6%) DJ stent had to be removed earlier than 4 weeks due to stent related problems. Urine culture was sent before ureteroscopy in all the patients and was sterile in 24 patients (50%), contaminated growth in 12 patients (25%), grew E-coli in 8 patients (16.7%) and Kliebsella pneumonia in 2 patients(4.2%). Average duration of stay was 2.7 days. 5 patients developed fever post operatively, managed by intravenous antibiotics. There was no mortality. Though ureteroscopy has become a boon for the management of ureteric calculus, complications like perforation, ureteric avulsion, residual stone and stone migration are more in upper ureteric calculus and stone size > 1cm. Stenosed ureteral assess can be made with proper guide wire selection and prior dilatation .The procedure is relatively safe even in inexperienced hands. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2011,Vol-7,No-4, 28-33 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i4.6738
Effect of iron deficiency anemia on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems
Authors: Madhikarmi NL , Murthy KRS
Published: September 2012

Iron deficiency is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies in the world. Globally more than two billion people are suffering from iron deficiency anemia. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of a large number of factors known to be associated with oxidative stress. The case-control study determines the lipid peroxidation and antioxidants status in forty Iron deficiency anemia and forty healthy volunteers with their informed consent. All the parameters were assayed by spectrophotometric methods. Blood hemoglobin and plasma iron were decreased whereas total iron binding capacity was increased significantly in Iron deficiency anemia. The lipid peroxidation parameters like malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxide were significantly increased in Iron deficiency anemia. Both enzymatic; glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase and non-enzymatic antioxidants; vitamin C, E and reduced glutathione were significantly decreased in Iron deficiency anemia case as compared to their healthy counterparts. Our findings suggest, increased lipid peroxidation products and reduced antioxidants system boost the oxidative stress state, hence deteriorating the condition of Iron deficiency anemia patients. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2011,Vol-7,No-4, 34-43 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i4.6739
Underlay tympanoplasty with tunneling and placement of graft in anterior canal wall
Authors: Ganguly SN , Reddy NS , Shrestha A , Acharya A , Battarai B
Published: September 2012

Tympanoplasty is one of the commonest surgical procedures done by ENT Surgeons. Though it has a long history of about six decades, various techniques have been advocated. Today most widely used technique is underlay. Overlay technique is reserved for total perforation. A modification of the underlay technique with anterior tunneling and placement of graft in anterior canal wall was tried and evaluated. Cases were selected from patients attending CMS-TH, Bharatpur. Seventy (70) cases were included and results were evaluated. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2011,Vol-7,No-4, 44-47 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v7i4.6740
USG in evaluation of patients with scrotal pain
Authors: Chhetri PK , Tayal A , Deka PK
Published: September 2012

Based on physical examination alone it is often difficult to accurately make a clinical diagnosis and decide whether a palpable scrotal pathology arises from the testis itself or from extratesticular elements within the scrotum. Clinical examination of the testis is especially difficult due to pain, tenderness or when obscured by a large hydrocele. The aim of the study was thus undertaken to evaluate the role of ultrasonography (USG) in patients presenting with scrotal pain. 50 patients who presented to the surgical department with scrotal pain were subjected to USG. The commonest cause for scrotal pain was epididymitis with or without orchitis (40 %), followed in descending order by cystic lesions of the epididymis (18 %), varicocele (12 %), trauma (8 %), torsion (4 %) and tumour (2 %). No abnormality was seen on USG in 7 patients ( 14 %). This study concludes that USG is a sensitive and specific examination in patients with scrotal pain. Besides differentiating testicular from extratesticular origin it can also differentiate solid from cystic masses. Colour flow imaging is especially helpful in varicocele and testicular torsion. Torsion of the testis remains the most urgent and important entity dependent on USG for diagnosis. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-1, 18-22 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i1.6821
A research methodology workshop on ‘Social issues in use of medicines’ – cooperation between institutions and participant feedback
Authors: Shankar PR , Subish P , Alam K
Published: September 2012

A research methodology workshop on social issues in use of medicines was conducted at Pokhara, Nepal from December 21st to 24th, 2008. The present study was conducted to obtain detailed participant feedback about the workshop and obtain suggestions for improvement. The participants’ knowledge was assessed at the start of the workshop and on the final day by noting their agreement with a set of 40 statements using a modified Likert-type scale. The areas of qualitative research, statistics, research methodology, drug use, pharmacovigilance, journal and general were covered. Certain statements were negative and their scores were reversed. The total score was calculated. The median total scores were compared among various subgroups of respondents. Session evaluation was done at the end of each session. A total of twenty-five participants attended the sessions. The workshop significantly improved the median total scores. Significant improvements were also seen in the subcategories Statistics and Journal. The scores of certain statements were low. The evaluation scores of certain sessions were low. The overall participant opinion about the workshop was positive. Occasional problems with accent of the facilitator and lack of internet access were major problems noted. Some participants felt the workshop was too hectic. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal,2012,Vol-8,No-1, 60-67 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i1.6829
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Cadmium Complex of Temozolomide
Authors: Liu Yancheng , Wang Hailu , Wei Jianhua , Zhou Ruihe , Chen Zhenfeng , Liang Hong
Published: September 2012

The reaction of CdCl2·2H2O with temozolomide (TMZ) affords the complex [Cd(TMZ)Cl2]n, whose structure has been characterised by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. It crystallises in the orthorhombic system and space group Pbca, with a = 17.491(4), b = 6.8100(14), c = 18.989(4) Å, V = 2261.9(8) Å3, Z = 8, Dcalc = 2.217 g cm−3, F(000) = 1456, μ(MoKα)= 2.402 mm−1. In this preparation, the temozolomide did not undergo ring-opening as has been seen in previously reported reactions.
Synthesis of a Calixarene-Based Chiral Phase-Transfer Catalyst Derived from Cinchonine and its Application in Asymmetric Alkylation
Authors: Huang Li , Jin Can , Su Weike
Published: September 2012

The synthesis of a novel calixarene-based chiral phase-transfer catalyst derived from cinchonine has been achieved in four steps from p-t-butylcalix[4]arene. Its catalytic properties were evaluated over a range of conditions by carrying out the phase-transfer alkylation of N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine t-butyl ester with benzyl bromide. Under the optimal conditions the alkylated product was formed in 96% yield with 91% ee.
Biotransformation of 19-Nortestosterone by Aspergillus Wentii MRC 200316
Authors: Yildirim Kudret , Ayhan Cagla
Published: September 2012

Incubation of 19-nortestosterone 1 with Aspergillus wentii MRC 200316 for 5 days afforded 10β-hydroxy-19-nortestosterone 2 (2%), 6β-hydroxy-19-nortestosterone 3 (60%), and 14α-hydroxy-19-nortestosterone 4 (5%).
Synthesis of Estradiol-Cinnamide Conjugates
Authors: Morais Goreti Ribeiro , Thiemann Thies
Published: September 2012

The synthesis of a number of structurally related estradiol-17α-ylmethyl hydroxycinnamides and of one novel estra-1,3,5(10),6-tetraen-3-ol-17β-yl hydroxycinnamide is described, using a microwave assisted amidation of steroidal amines with pentafluorophenol activated, non-protected hydroxycinnamic acids as a key step. A selection of the compounds and of other estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 17β-yl hydroxycinnamides was screened against 60 human cancer cell lines, derived from nine neoplastic diseases. From the overall results of the screening, it could be inferred that dihydroxycinnamide derived estradiol conjugates exhibit a better cytotoxic profile when compared with hydroxymethoxycinnamide derived estradiol conjugates.
Fluorescent, Theoretical and Structural Investigations on [Me4bim][CdCl4] (Me4bim = 1,1′,3,3′-tetramethyl-2,2′-bi-1H-imidazolium)
Authors: Chen Wen-Tong
Published: September 2012

The compound [Me4bim][CdCl4] (Me4bim = 1,1′,3,3′-tetramethyl-2,2′-bi-1 H-imidazolium), has been prepared via a solvothermal reaction and has an isolated (0-D) structure. It displays an emission in the blue region that is ascribed to ligand-to-ligand charge transfer on the basis of a theoretical investigation.
Oral complications of cancer and cancer therapy
Authors: Epstein Joel B. , Thariat Juliette , Bensadoun Rene‐Jean , Barasch Andrei , Murphy Barbara A. , Kolnick Leanne , Popplewell Leslie , Maghami Ellie
Published: September 2012

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Oral complications resulting from cancer and cancer therapies cause acute and late toxicities that may be underreported, underrecognized, and undertreated. Recent advances in cancer treatment have led to changes in the incidence, nature, and severity of oral complications. As the number of survivors increases, it is becoming increasingly recognized that the aggressive management of oral toxicities is needed to ensure optimal long‐term oral health and general well‐being. Advances in care have had an impact on previously recognized oral complications and are leading to newly recognized adverse effects. Here, the authors briefly review advances in cancer therapy, including recent advances in surgery, oral care, radiation therapy, hematopoietic cell transplantation, and medical oncology; describe how these advances affect oral health; and discuss the frequent and/or severe oral health complications associated with cancer and cancer treatment and their effect upon long‐term health. Although some of the acute oral toxicities of cancer therapies may be reduced, they remain essentially unavoidable. The significant impact of long‐term complications requires increased awareness and recognition to promote prevention and appropriate intervention. It is therefore important for the primary oncologist to be aware of these complications so that appropriate measures can be implemented in a timely manner. Prevention and management is best provided via multidisciplinary health care teams, which must be integrated and communicate effectively in order to provide the best patient care in a coordinated manner at the appropriate time. CA Cancer J Clin 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Health 2050: The Realization of Personalized Medicine through Crowdsourcing, the Quantified Self, and the Participatory Biocitizen
Authors: Swan Melanie
Published: September 2012

The concepts of health and health care are moving towards the notion of personalized preventive health maintenance and away from an exclusive focus on the cure of disease. This is against the backdrop of contemporary public health challenges that include increasing costs, worsening outcomes, ‘diabesity’ epidemics, and anticipated physician shortages. Personalized preventive medicine could be critical to solving public health challenges at their causal root. This paper sets forth a vision and plan for the realization of preventive medicine by 2050 and examines efforts already underway such as participatory health initiatives, the era of big health data, and qualitative shifts in mindset.
Investigation of La1−xSrxCrO3−∂ (x ~ 0.1) as Membrane for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Larring Yngve , Vigen Camilla , Ahouanto Florian , Fontaine Marie-Laure , Peters Thijs , Smith Jens B. , Norby Truls , Bredesen Rune
Published: September 2012

Various inorganic membranes have demonstrated good capability to separate hydrogen from other gases at elevated temperatures. Hydrogen-permeable, dense, mixed proton-electron conducting ceramic oxides offer superior selectivity and thermal stability, but chemically robust candidates with higher ambipolar protonic and electronic conductivity are needed. In this work, we present for the first time the results of various investigations of La1−xSrxCrO3−∂ membranes for hydrogen production. We aim in particular to elucidate the material’s complex transport properties, involving co-ionic transport of oxide ions and protons, in addition to electron holes. This opens some new possibilities for efficient heat and mass transfer management in the production of hydrogen. Conductivity measurements as a function of pH2 at constant pO2 exhibit changes that reveal a significant hydration and presence of protons. The flux and production of hydrogen have been measured under different chemical gradients. In particular, the effect of water vapor in the feed and permeate gas stream sides was investigated with the aim of quantifying the ratio of hydrogen production by hydrogen flux from feed to permeate and oxygen flux the opposite way (“water splitting”). Deuterium labeling was used to unambiguously prove flux of hydrogen species.
A Comparative Study of the Characteristics of Cross-Linked, Oxidized and Dual-Modified Rice Starches
Authors: Xiao Hua-Xi , Lin Qin-Lu , Liu Gao-Qiang , Yu Feng-Xiang
Published: September 2012

Rice starch was cross-linked with epichlorohydrin (0.3%, w/w, on a dry starch basis) and oxidized with sodium hypochlorite (2.5% w/w), respectively. Two dual-modified rice starch samples (oxidized cross-linked rice starch and cross-linked oxidized rice starch) were obtained by the oxidation of cross-linked rice starch and the cross-linking of oxidized rice starch at the same level of reagents. The physicochemical properties of native rice starch, cross-linked rice starch and oxidized rice starch were also studied parallel with those of the two dual-modified rice starch samples using rapid visco analysis (RVA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic rheometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the levels of cross-linking and oxidation used in this study did not cause any significant changes in the morphology of rice starch granules. Cross-linked oxidized starch showed lower swelling power (SP) and solubility, and higher paste clarity in comparison with native starch. Cross-linked oxidized rice starch also had the lowest tendency of retrogradation and highest ability to resistant to shear compared with native, cross-linked, oxidized and oxidized cross-linked rice starches. These results suggest that the undesirable properties in native, cross-linked and oxidized rice starch samples could be overcome through dual-modification.
Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) Expression and Breast Cancer
Authors: Zagouri Flora , Bournakis Evangelos , Koutsoukos Konstantinos , Papadimitriou Christos A.
Published: September 2012

Hsp90 is an abundant protein in mammalian cells. It forms several discrete complexes, each containing distinct groups of co-chaperones that assist protein folding and refolding during stress, protein transport and degradation. It interacts with a variety of proteins that play key roles in breast neoplasia including estrogen receptors, tumor suppressor p53 protein, angiogenesis transcription factor HIF-1alpha, antiapoptotic kinase Akt, Raf-1 MAP kinase and a variety of receptor tyrosine kinases of the erbB family. Elevated Hsp90 expression has been documented in breast ductal carcinomas contributing to the proliferative activity of breast cancer cells; whilst a significantly decreased Hsp90 expression has been shown in infiltrative lobular carcinomas and lobular neoplasia. Hsp90 overexpression has been proposed as a component of a mechanism through which breast cancer cells become resistant to various stress stimuli. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of HSPs can provide therapeutic opportunities in the field of cancer treatment. 17-allylamino,17-demethoxygeldanamycin is the first Hsp90 inhibitor that has clinically been investigated in phase II trial, yielding promising results in patients with HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer, whilst other Hsp90 inhibitors (retaspimycin HCL, NVP-AUY922, NVP-BEP800, CNF2024/BIIB021, SNX-5422, STA-9090, etc.) are currently under evaluation.
A Three-Year Survey on the Worldwide Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Feedstuffs and Feed
Authors: Rodrigues Inês , Naehrer Karin
Published: September 2012

Between January 2009 and December 2011, a total of 7049 corn, soybean/soybean meal, wheat, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and finished feed samples were analyzed for the occurrence of aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FUM) and ochratoxin A (OTA). Samples were sourced in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Afla, ZEN, DON, FUM and OTA were present respectively in 33%, 45%, 59% 64% and 28% of analyzed samples between 2009 and 2011. From the 23,781 mycotoxin analyzes performed, 81% were positive for at least one mycotoxin. Results of this survey are provided by calendar year, in order to potentially show different trends on mycotoxin occurrence in distinct years: by commodity type and within the same commodity, and by region, to potentially reveal differences in mycotoxin contamination in commodities sourced in diverse regions.
Quantitative proteomics of extracellular vesicles derived from human primary and metastatic colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Choi Dong‐Sic , Choi Do‐Young , Hong BokSil , Jang SuChul , Kim Dae‐Kyum , Lee Jaewook , Kim Yoon‐Keun , Pyo Kim Kwang , Gho YongSong
Published: September 2012

Cancer cells actively release extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, into surrounding tissues. These EVs play pleiotropic roles in cancer progression and metastasis, including invasion, angiogenesis, and immune modulation. However, the proteomic differences between primary and metastatic cancer cell‐derived EVs remain unclear. Here, we conducted comparative proteomic analysis between EVs derived from human primary colorectal cancer cells (SW480) and their metastatic derivatives (SW620). Using label‐free quantitation, we identified 803 and 787 proteins in SW480 EVs and SW620 EVs, respectively. Based on comparison between the estimated abundance of EV proteins, we identified 368 SW480 EV‐enriched and 359 SW620 EV‐enriched proteins. SW480 EV‐enriched proteins played a role in cell adhesion, but SW620 EV‐enriched proteins were associated with cancer progression and functioned as diagnostic indicators of metastatic cancer; they were overexpressed in metastatic colorectal cancer and played roles in multidrug resistance. As the first proteomic analysis comparing primary and metastatic cancer‐derived EVs, this study increases our understanding of the pathological function of EVs in the metastatic process and provides useful biomarkers for cancer metastasis.
A META-FRONTIER APPROACH TO MEASURE PRODUCTIVITY DIFFERENCES OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN AFFILIATED FIRMS
Authors: Tunca Halil , Karaçuka Mehmet , Çatik A. Nazif
Published: September 2012

This paper aims to evaluate the performance of foreign affiliated and domestic firms in Turkish manufacturing subsectors covering the period 1992 and 2001. Due to the heterogeneity between domestic and foreign affiliated firms in terms of technology level, we construct a meta-frontier model to measure relative efficiency and technology gap ratios (TGR's) of domestic and foreign affiliated firms. We find that technical efficiencies of foreign affiliated firms are higher than domestic firms, and display a stable pattern during the investigation period. However; technology gap ratios indicate the existence of a negative relationship between the TGR's and technical efficiency of the firms in domestic subsectors. This means that technically efficient firms are in fact using the low level of technology. However the results do not indicate any significant relationship between the technical efficiency and TGR's of foreign affiliated firms.
Effect of pre- and probiotics on liver regeneration after resection: a randomised, double-blind pilot study
Authors: Rayes N. , Pilarski T. , Stockmann M. , Bengmark S. , Neuhaus P. , Seehofer D.
Published: September 2012

Liver regeneration is a prerequisite for extended liver surgery. Several studies have shown that the bacterial gut flora is able to modulate liver function. Previously we observed that synbiotics could partly reverse the impaired mitosis rate of hepatocytes in a rat model of synchronous liver resection and colon anastomosis. The effect of synbiotics on liver function after hepatic resection has not been analysed yet. A prospective randomised double-blind pilot trial was undertaken in 19 patients scheduled for right hepatectomy. All patients received enteral nutrition immediately post-operatively. Comparison was made between a group receiving a combination of four probiotics and four fibres and a placebo group receiving the fibres only starting the day before surgery and continuing for 10 days. Primary study endpoint was the liver function capacity measured by 13C-methacetin breath test and indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate. Portal vein flow, liver volumetry, laboratory parameters for liver function, length of hospital stay, post-operative complications and side effects of synbiotic therapy were recorded. Liver function capacity was comparable in both groups. Complications had a negative impact on liver function. Because complications were more severe in the verum group, a sub-analysis was performed. In case of an uncomplicated course, liver function capacity was better in the patients with synbiotics. No severe side effects occurred. Synbiotics might be able to increase liver function capacity in patients after liver resection, but patient numbers were too small and the clinical courses too heterogeneous to draw any definite conclusions.
Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) Offers Clues to Differences between the Genomes of Adult Philadelphia Positive ALL and the Lymphoid Blast Transformation of CML
Authors: Grace Colin , Nacheva Elisabeth P.
Published: September 2012

Philadelphia positive malignant disorders are a clinically divergent group of leukemias. These include chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and de novo acute Philadelphia positive (Ph(+)) leukemia of both myeloid, and lymphoid origin. Recent whole genome screening of Ph(+)ALL in both children and adults identified an almost obligatory cryptic loss of Ikaros, required for the normal B cell maturation. Although similar losses were found in lymphoid blast crisis the genetic background of the transformation in CML is still poorly defined. We used Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) to analyze comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) data from 30 CML (10 each of chronic phase, myeloid and lymphoid blast stage), 10 Ph(+)ALL adult patients and 10 disease free controls and were able to: (a) discriminate between the genomes of lymphoid and myeloid blast cells and (b) identify differences in the genome profile of de novo Ph(+)ALL and lymphoid blast transformation of CML (BC/L). Furthermore we were able to distinguish a sub group of Ph(+) ALL characterized by gains in chromosome 9 and recurrent losses at several other genome sites offering genetic evidence for the clinical heterogeneity. The significance of these results is that they not only offer clues regarding the pathogenesis of Ph(+) disorders and highlight the potential clinical implications of a set of probes but also demonstrates what SAM can offer for the analysis of genome data.
Toward a combined SAGE II-HALOE aerosol climatology: an evaluation of HALOE version 19 stratospheric aerosol extinction coefficient observations
Authors: Thomason L. W.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Herein, the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) aerosol extinction coefficient data is evaluated in the low aerosol loading period after 1996 as the first necessary step in a process that will eventually allow the production of a combined HALOE/SAGE II (Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment) aerosol climatology of derived aerosol products including surface area density. Based on these analyses, it is demonstrated that HALOE's 3.46 μm is of good quality above 19 km and suitable for scientific applications above that altitude. However, it is increasingly suspect at lower altitudes and should not be used below 17 km under any circumstances after 1996. The 3.40 μm is biased by about 10% throughout the lower stratosphere due to the failure to clear NO2 but otherwise appears to be a high quality product down to 15 km. The 2.45 and 5.26 μm aerosol extinction coefficient measurements are clearly biased and should not be used for scientific applications after the most intense parts of the Pinatubo period. Many of the issues in the aerosol data appear to be related to either the failure to clear some interfering gas species or doing so poorly. For instance, it is clear that the 3.40 μm aerosol extinction coefficient measurements can be improved through the inclusion of an NO2 correction and could, in fact, end up as the highest quality overall HALOE aerosol extinction coefficient measurement. It also appears that the 2.45 and 5.26 μm channels may be improved by updating the Upper Atmosphere Pilot Database which is used as a resource for the removal of gas species otherwise not available from direct HALOE measurements. Finally, a simple model to demonstrate the promise of mixed visible/infrared aerosol extinction coefficient ensembles for the retrieval of bulk aerosol properties demonstrates that a combined HALOE/SAGE II aerosol climatology is feasible and may represent a substantial improvement over independently derived data sets.
Methanol from TES global observations: retrieval algorithm and seasonal and spatial variability
Authors: Cady-Pereira K. E. , Shephard M. W. , Millet D. B. , Luo M. , Wells K. C. , Xiao Y. , Payne V. H. , Worden J.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We present a detailed description of the TES methanol (CH3OH) retrieval algorithm, along with initial global results showing the seasonal and spatial distribution of methanol in the lower troposphere. The full development of the TES methanol retrieval is described, including microwindow selection, error analysis, and the utilization of a priori and initial guess information provided by the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model. Retrieval simulations and a sensitivity analysis using the developed retrieval strategy show that TES: (i) generally provides less than 1.0 piece of information, (ii) is sensitive in the lower troposphere with peak sensitivity typically occurring between ~900–700 hPa (~1–3 km) at a vertical resolution of ~5 km, (iii) has a limit of detectability between 0.5 and 1.0 ppbv Representative Volume Mixing Ratio (RVMR) depending on the atmospheric conditions, corresponding roughly to a profile with a maximum concentration of at least 1 to 2 ppbv, and (iv) in a simulation environment has a mean bias of 0.16 ppbv with a standard deviation of 0.34 ppbv. Applying the newly derived TES retrieval globally and comparing the results with corresponding GEOS-Chem output, we find generally consistent large-scale patterns between the two. However, TES often reveals higher methanol concentrations than simulated in the Northern Hemisphere spring, summer and fall. In the Southern Hemisphere, the TES methanol observations indicate a model overestimate over the bulk of South America from December through July, and a model underestimate during the biomass burning season.
A comparison of the chemical sinks of atmospheric organics in the gas and aqueous phase
Authors: Epstein S. A. , Nizkorodov S. A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Photochemical reactions represent the main pathway for the removal of non-methane volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. VOCs may react with hydroxyl radical (OH), the most important atmospheric oxidant, or they can be photolyzed by actinic radiation. In the presence of clouds and fog, VOCs may partition into the aqueous phase where they can undergo aqueous photolysis and/or reaction with dissolved OH. The significance of direct aqueous photolysis is largely uncertain due to the lack of published absorption cross sections and photolysis quantum yields. In light of this, we strive to identify atmospherically relevant VOCs where removal by aqueous photolysis may be a significant sink. The relative importance of different photochemical sinks is assessed by calculating the ratios of the removal rates inside air parcels containing cloud and fog droplets. This relative approach provides useful information in spite of the limited aqueous photolysis data. Results of this work should help guide researchers in identifying molecules that are the most likely to undergo aqueous OH oxidation and photolysis. For example, we find that out of the 27 atmospherically relevant species investigated, the removal of glyceraldehyde and pyruvic acid by aqueous photolysis is potentially an important sink. We also determine the relative magnitudes of these four chemical sinks for the set of relevant organic compounds.
Occurrence of lower cloud albedo in ship tracks
Authors: Chen Y.-C. , Christensen M. W. , Xue L. , Sorooshian A. , Stephens G. L. , Rasmussen R. M. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The concept of geoengineering by marine cloud brightening is based on seeding marine stratocumulus clouds with sub-micrometer sea-salt particles to enhance the cloud droplet number concentration and cloud albedo, thereby producing a climate cooling effect. The efficacy of this as a strategy for global cooling rests on the extent to which aerosol-perturbed marine clouds will respond with increased albedo. Ship tracks, quasi-linear cloud features prevalent in oceanic regions impacted by ship exhaust, are a well-known manifestation of the effect of aerosol injection on marine clouds. We present here an analysis of the albedo responses in ship tracks, based on in situ aircraft measurements and three years of satellite observations of 589 individual ship tracks. It is found that the sign (increase or decrease) and magnitude of the albedo response in ship tracks depends on the mesoscale cloud structure, the free tropospheric humidity, and cloud top height. In a closed cell structure (cloud cells ringed by a perimeter of clear air), nearly 30% of ship tracks exhibited a decreased albedo. Detailed cloud responses must be accounted for in global studies of the potential efficacy of sea-spray geoengineering as a means to counteract global warming.
Protein biomass quantification of unbroken individual foraminifers using nano-spectrophotometry
Authors: Movellan A. , Schiebel R. , Zubkov M. V. , Smyth A. , Howa H.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The ecological role of foraminifers has been largely unknown partly owing to difficulties in determining their individual biomass, although foraminifers are abundant in surface marine sediments. The present study provides a reliable and inexpensive method for the quantification of the protein content of hard-shelled foraminifers as a measure of biomass while preserving the tests for later analyses (e.g. morphometry, stable isotopes), using nano-spectrophotometry. The protein biomass, is significantly correlated with size, and shell weight of Ammonia tepida (n = 102, p < 0.00001, R2 = 0.462, and n = 181, p < 0.00001, R2 = 0.855). Variability in the relation between test size and weight, and cell biomass may result from natural variability in horizontal and vertical microenvironments encompassing metabolic state, as well as variability in test morphometry and calcite mass (i.e. test weight). In turn, knowing the size- and species-specific biomass of foraminifers adds valuable information on the trophic and ecologic conditions of modern and ancient marine environments, in particular on the reconstruction of the regional palaeoproductivity and flux of organic matter.
The Australian terrestrial carbon budget
Authors: Haverd V. , Raupach M. R. , Briggs P. R. , Canadell J. G. , Davis S. J. , Law R. M. , Meyer C. P. , Peters G. P. , Pickett-Heaps C. , Sherman B.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. This paper reports a study of the full carbon (C-CO2) budget of the Australian continent, focussing on 1990–2011 in the context of estimates over two centuries. The work is a contribution to the RECCAP (REgional Carbon Cycle Assessment and Processes) project, as one of numerous regional studies being synthesised in RECCAP. In constructing the budget, we estimate the following component carbon fluxes: Net Primary Production (NPP); Net Ecosystem Production (NEP); fire; Land Use Change (LUC); riverine export; dust export; harvest (wood, crop and livestock) and fossil fuel emissions (both territorial and non-territorial). The mean NEP reveals that climate variability and rising CO2 contributed 12 ± 29 (1σ error on mean) and 68 ± 35 Tg C yr−1 respectively. However these gains were partially offset by fire and LUC (along with other minor fluxes), which caused net losses of 31 ± 5 Tg C yr−1 and 18 ± 7 Tg C yr−1 respectively. The resultant Net Biome Production (NBP) of 31 ± 35 Tg C yr−1 offset fossil fuel emissions (95 ± 6 Tg C yr−1) by 32 ± 36%. The interannual variability (IAV) in the Australian carbon budget exceeds Australia's total carbon emissions by fossil fuel combustion and is dominated by IAV in NEP. Territorial fossil fuel emissions are significantly smaller than the rapidly growing fossil fuel exports: in 2009–2010, Australia exported 2.5 times more carbon in fossil fuels than it emitted by burning fossil fuels.
Tephrostratigraphic studies on a sediment core from Lake Prespa in the Balkans
Authors: Damaschke M. , Sulpizio R. , Zanchetta G. , Wagner B. , Böhm A. , Nowaczyk N. , Rethemeyer J. , Hilgers A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. A detailed tephrostratigraphic record, which dates back to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5, has been established from a 17.76 m long core (Co1215) from Lake Prespa (Macedonia, Albania and Greece). A total of eleven tephra and cryptotephra layers (PT0915-1 to PT0915-11) were identified, using XRF scanning, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and macro- and microscopic inspection of the sediments. The major element composition of glass shards and/or micro-pumice fragments indicates that the tephras and cryptotephras originate from the explosive volcanism of Italy. Eight tephra and cryptotephra layers were correlated with specific volcanic eruptions: cryptotephra PT0915-1 with the 512 AD eruption of Somma-Vesuvius (1438 cal yr BP), tephra PT0915-2 with the Mercato eruption of Somma-Vesuvius (8890 ± 90 cal yr BP), cryptotephras PT0915-3 and PT0915-4 with Tufi Biancastri/LN1-LN2 of the Campi Flegrei (14 749 ± 523 cal yr BP and 15 551 ± 621 cal yr BP), tephra PT0915-5 with the SMP1-e/Y-3 eruption of the Campi Flegrei (30 000–31 000 cal yr BP), tephra PT0915-7 with the Campanian Ignimbrite/Y-5 of the Campi Flegrei (39 280 ± 110 cal yr BP), cryptotephra PT0915-8 with the SMP1-a event of Ischia Island (around 44 000 cal yr BP) and tephra PT0915-9 with the Green Tuff/Y-6 eruption of Pantelleria Island (around 45 000 cal yr BP). Tephra PT0915-11 could be attributed to the volcanic activity of Mount Etna, but probably represents a hitherto unknown eruption at ca. 60 000 cal yr BP. Cryptotephras PT0915-6 and PT0915-10 remain unclassified so far, but according to the presented age-depth model these would have been deposited around 35 000 and 48 500 cal yr BP, respectively. Some of the tephras and cryptotephras are recognised for the first time in the Balkan region. The tephrostratigraphic work provides important information about ash dispersal and explosion patterns of source volcanoes and can be used to correlate and date geographically distant paleoenvironmental and archaeological archives in the central Mediterranean region. Moreover, the tephrostratigraphic work in combination with radiocarbon and electron spin resonance (ESR) dating is a precondition for paleoclimatic reconstructions inferred from the sediment succession Co1215.
Multi-periodic climate dynamics: spectral analysis of long-term instrumental and proxy temperature records
Authors: Lüdecke H.-J. , Hempelmann A. , Weiss C. O.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The longest six instrumental temperature records of monthly means reach back maximally to 1757 AD and were recorded in Europe. All six show a V-shape, with temperature drop in the 19th and rise in the 20th century. Proxy temperature time series of Antarctic ice cores show this same characteristic shape, indicating this pattern as a global phenomenon. We used the mean of the 6 instrumental records for analysis by discrete Fourier transformation (DFT), wavelets, and the detrended fluctuation method (DFA). For comparison, a stalagmite record was also analyzed by DFT. The harmonic decomposition of the mean shows only 6 significant frequencies above periods over 30 yr. The Pearson correlation between the mean, smoothed by a 15 yr running average (boxcar) and the reconstruction using the 6 significant frequencies yields r = 0.961. This good agreement has a > 99.9% confidence level confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations. Assumption of additional forcing by anthropogenic green house gases would therefore not improve the agreement between measurement and temperature construction from the 6 documented periodicities. We find indications that the observed periodicities result from intrinsic system dynamics.
Martian atmospheric model with a high-fidelity subsurface thermal scheme
Authors: Paton M. D. , Harri A.-M. , Mäkinen T. , Savijärvi H.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. As the Martian atmosphere is observed in ever greater detail, more realistic computer models are required to interpret these measurements. Physical exchange processes between the atmosphere's lower boundary and the surface are often simplified. This is because the atmospheric calculations can describe the behaviour of the atmosphere accurately in many cases and simplifying the boundaries saves computing resources. However, the vertical heterogeneity of the subsurface (such as the presence of dust and ice layers) will interact via heat and mass transfer with the atmosphere. Here a new realistic thermal scheme is introduced for use with a 1-D atmospheric column model useful for investigating the subsurface for layered material and to provide more accurate modelling of the Martian atmosphere. The model with the updated scheme produces results that are identical to the previous versions of the model in identical (non-layered) conditions. The updated model fits well to Viking 1 temperature data from the atmosphere using realistic thermal parameters. Introducing layered material, with different thermal properties, produces noticeable changes in the maximum and diurnal temperatures when changing the thickness of its top layer. The time of maximum surface temperature is only significantly changed when the thickness of the top layer is a moderate fraction of the top layer's skin depth.
A study on weather radar data assimilation for numerical rainfall prediction
Authors: Liu J. , Bray M. , Han D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Mesoscale NWP model is gaining more attention in providing high-resolution rainfall forecasts at the catchment scale for real-time flood forecasting. The model accuracy is however negatively affected by the "spin-up" effect and errors in the initial and lateral boundary conditions. Synoptic studies in the meteorological area have shown that the assimilation of operational observations especially the weather radar data can improve the reliability of the rainfall forecasts from the NWP models. This study aims at investigating the potential of radar data assimilation in improving the NWP rainfall forecasts that have direct benefits for hydrological applications. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is adopted to generate 10 km rainfall forecasts for a 24 h storm event in the Brue catchment (135.2 km2) located in Southwest England. Radar reflectivity from the lowest scan elevation of a C-band weather radar is assimilated by using the three dimensional variational (3D-Var) data assimilation technique. Considering the unsatisfactory quality of radar data compared to the rain gauges, the radar data is assimilated in both the original form and an improved form based on a real-time correction ratio developed according to the rain gauge observations. Traditional meteorological observations including the surface and upper-air measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed are also assimilated as a bench mark to better evaluate and test the potential of radar data assimilation. Four modes of data assimilation are thus carried out on different types or combinations of observations: (1) traditional meteorological data; (2) radar reflectivity; (3) corrected radar reflectivity; (4) a combination of the original reflectivity and meteorological data; and (5) a combination of the corrected reflectivity and meteorological data. The WRF rainfall forecasts before and after different modes of data assimilation is evaluated by examining the rainfall cumulative curves and the rainfall totals which have direct impact on rainfall-runoff transformation in hydrological applications. It is found that by solely assimilating radar data, the improvement of rainfall forecasts are not as obvious as assimilating meteorological data; whereas the positive effect of radar data can be seen when combined with the traditional meteorological data, which leads to the best rainfall forecasts among the five modes. To further improve the effect of radar data assimilation, limitations of the radar correction ratio developed in this study is discussed and suggestions are made on more efficient utilisation of radar data in NWP assimilation.
Damage estimation of subterranean building constructions due to groundwater inundation – the GIS-based model approach GRUWAD
Authors: Schinke R. , Neubert M. , Hennersdorf J. , Stodolny U. , Sommer T. , Naumann T.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The analysis and management of flood risk commonly focuses on surface water floods, because these types are often associated with high economic losses due to damage to buildings and settlements. The rising groundwater as a secondary effect of these floods induces additional damage, particularly in the basements of buildings. Mostly, these losses remain underestimated, because they are difficult to assess, especially for the entire building stock of flood-prone urban areas. For this purpose an appropriate methodology has been developed and lead to a groundwater damage simulation model named GRUWAD. The overall methodology combines various engineering and geoinformatic methods to calculate major damage processes by high groundwater levels. It considers a classification of buildings by building types, synthetic depth-damage functions for groundwater inundation as well as the results of a groundwater-flow model. The modular structure of this procedure can be adapted in the level of detail. Hence, the model allows damage calculations from the local to the regional scale. Among others it can be used to prepare risk maps, for ex-ante analysis of future risks, and to simulate the effects of mitigation measures. Therefore, the model is a multifarious tool for determining urban resilience with respect to high groundwater levels.
Contribuições do estágio extracurricular para as competências profissionais: percepções de acadêmicos de enfermagem
Authors: Paiva Kely Cesar Martins , Martins Vera Lúcia Vieira
Published: September 2012

http://dx.doi.org/10.5216/ree.v14i2.10364O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever e analisar como acadêmicos de enfermagem de um hospital público de Belo Horizonte (MG) percebem as contribuições, ideal (desejada) e real (efetiva), do estágio extracurricular para o desenvolvimento de competências profissionais, dada sua importância na formação acadêmica e profissional do estudante durante tal processo pedagógico. Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva de abordagem quantitativa, cujos dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário aplicado a trinta acadêmicos que faziam o estágio extracurricular no referido hospital. Os resultados mostraram que, tanto do ponto de vista do ideal como do real, esse tipo de atividade tem papel fundamental na formação de competências profissionais dos estudantes. As diferenças identificadas entre os níveis de percepção abordados indicaram necessidades de ações pedagógicas mais amplas visando melhorias nos processos de ensino e aprendizagem.