bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Graduate‐Level Plant Breeding Curriculum: A Delphi Study of Private Sector Stakeholder Opinions
Authors: Miller Jamie K. , Repinski Shelby L. , Hayes Kathryn N. , Bliss Fredrick A. , Trexler Cary J.
Published: May 2011

A broad‐based survey using the Delphi method was conducted to garner current information from private sector stakeholders and build consensus opinions supporting key ideas for enhancing plant breeder education and training. This study asked respondents to suggest and rate topics and content they deemed most important to plant breeding graduate programs and curricula related to the areas of knowledge, experiences, skills, and specialties. Examination of private stakeholder recommendations for integration into a student's education and preparation for jobs outside academia was then performed. Knowledge of traditional plant breeding, genetics, statistics, and experimental design, along with emerging topics including database management and ethics, were rated very important. Experiences rated as very important included designing an experiment, as well as field and laboratory data analysis. Stakeholders suggested that experiences focusing on communication, teamwork, and management are key aspects of training. Scientific skills suggested by stakeholders aligned quite well with important knowledge and experience categories and also included skills a student can acquire through a variety of experiences focused on judgment and ideas, time and efficiency in completing tasks, and decision making abilities. The information detailed in this study will be useful to all educators seeking content ideas from private sector stakeholders for curriculum programs. It will also be a valuable tool for new graduate students seeking to understand the knowledge and skill sets that are recommended for a plant breeder prior to seeking a job in the private sector.
AMDIS Case Conference
Authors: Terpenning M. , Berlin A. , Graham J.
Published: May 2011

Electronic health record adoption has failed to achieve critical mass in small private practices in no small part due to lack of leadership; the challenge of cultural change; and the difficulty of adapting to new automated workflows. We present one small practice that successfully navigated these obstacles, and examine its accomplishments through the lens of organizational psychology.
Mesosphere-to-stratosphere descent of odd nitrogen in February–March 2009 after sudden stratospheric warming
Authors: Salmi S.-M. , Verronen P. T. , Thölix L. , Kyrölä E. , Backman L. , Karpechko A. Yu. , Seppälä A.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. We use the 3-D FinROSE chemistry transport model (CTM) and Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) observations to study connections between atmospheric dynamics and middle atmospheric NOx (NOx = NO + NO2) distribution. Two cases are considered in the northern polar regions: (1) descent of mesospheric NOx in February–March 2009 after a major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) and, for comparison, (2) early 2007 when no NOx descent occurred. The model uses the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) operational data for winds and temperature, and we force NOx at the model upper altitude boundary (80 km) with ACE-FTS observations. We then compare the model results with ACE-FTS observations at lower altitudes. For the periods studied, geomagnetic indices are low, which indicates absence of local NOx production by particle precipitation. This gives us a good opportunity to study effects of atmospheric transport on polar NOx. The model results show no NOx descent in 2007, in agreement with ACE-FTS. In contrast, a large amount of NOx descends in February–March 2009 from the upper to lower mesosphere at latitudes larger than 60° N, i.e. inside the polar vortex. Both observations and model results suggest NOx increases of 150–200 ppb (i.e. by factor of 50) at 65 km due to the descent. However, the model underestimates the amount of NOx around 55 km by 40–60 ppb. According to the model results, chemical loss of NOx is insignificant during the descent period, i.e. polar NOx is mainly controlled by dynamics. The descent is terminated and the polar NOx amounts return to pre-descent levels in mid-March, when the polar vortex breaks. The break-up prevents the descending NOx from reaching the upper stratosphere, where it could participate in catalytic ozone destruction. Both ACE-FTS observations and FinROSE show a decrease of ozone of 20–30 % at 30–50 km from mid-February to mid-March. In the model, these ozone changes are not related to the descent but are due to solar activation of halogen and NOx chemistry.
VOC reactivity and its effect on ozone production during the HaChi summer campaign
Authors: Ran L. , Zhao C. S. , Xu W. Y. , Lu X. Q. , Han M. , Lin W. L. , Yan P. , Xu X. B. , Deng Z. Z. , Ma N. , Liu P. F. , Yu J. , Liang W. D. , Chen L. L.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Measurements of ozone and its precursors conducted within the HaChi (Haze in China) project in summer 2009 were analyzed to characterize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their effects on ozone photochemical production at a suburban site in the North China Plain (NCP). Ozone episodes, during which running 8-h average ozone concentrations exceeding 80 ppbv lasted for more than 4 h, occurred on about two thirds of the observational days during the 5-week field campaign. This suggests continuous ozone exposure risks in this region in the summer. Average concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and VOCs are about 20 ppbv and 650 ppbC, respectively. On average, total VOC reactivity is dominated by anthropogenic VOCs. The contribution of biogenic VOCs to total ozone-forming potential, however, is also considerable in the daytime. Key species associated with ozone photochemical production are 2-butenes (18 %), isoprene (15 %), trimethylbenzenes (11 %), xylenes (8.5 %), 3-methylhexane (6 %), n-hexane (5 %) and toluene (4.5 %). Formation of ozone is found to be NOx-limited as indicated by measured VOCs/NOx ratios and further confirmed by a sensitivity study using a photochemical box model NCAR_MM. The Model simulation suggests that ozone production is also sensitive to changes in VOC reactivity under the NOx-limited regime, although this sensitivity depends strongly on how much NOx is present.
Trends of HCl, ClONO2, and HF column abundances from ground-based FTIR measurements in Kiruna (Sweden) in comparison with KASIMA model calculations
Authors: Kohlhepp R. , Barthlott S. , Blumenstock T. , Hase F. , Kaiser I. , Raffalski U. , Ruhnke R.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Trends of hydrogen chloride (HCl), chlorine nitrate (ClONO2), and hydrogen fluoride (HF) total column abundances above Kiruna (Northern Sweden, 67.84° N, 20.41° E) derived from nearly 14 years (1996–2009) of measurement and model data are presented. The measurements have been performed with a Bruker 120 HR (later Bruker 125 HR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and the chemistry-transport model (CTM) used was KASIMA (KArlsruhe SImulation model of the Middle Atmosphere). The total column abundances of ClONO2 and HF calculated by KASIMA agree quite well with the FTIR measurements while KASIMA tends to underestimate the HCl columns. To calculate the long-term trends, a linear function combined with an annual cycle was fitted to the data using a least squares method. The precision of the resulting trends was estimated with the bootstrap resampling method. For HF, both model and measurements show a positive trend that seems to decrease in the last few years. This suggests a stabilisation of the HF total column abundance. Between 1996 and 2009, KASIMA simulates an increase of (+1.51±0.07) %/yr which exceeds the FTIR result of (+0.65±0.25) %/yr. The trends determined for HCl and ClONO2 are significantly negative over the time period considered here. This is expected because the emission of their precursors (chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons) has been restricted in the Montreal Protocol in 1987 and its amendments and adjustments. The trend for ClONO2 from the FTIR measurements amounts to (−3.28±0.56) %/yr and the one for HCl to (−0.81±0.23) %/yr. KASIMA simulates a weaker decrease: For ClONO2, the result is (−0.90±0.10) %/yr and for HCl (−0.17±0.06) %/yr. Part of the difference between measurement and model data can be explained by sampling and the stronger annual cycle indicated by the measurements. There is a factor of about four between the trends of HCl and ClONO2 above Kiruna for both measurement and model data.
Impact of nitrous acid chemistry on air quality modeling results over the Pearl River Delta region
Authors: Zhang R. , Sarwar G. , Fung J. C. H. , Lau A. K. H. , Zhang Y.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. The impact of nitrous acid chemistry on regional ozone and particulate matter in Pearl River Delta region was investigated using the Community Mutilscale Air Quality modeling system and the CB05 mechanism. Model simulations were conducted for a ten-day period in October 2004. Compared with available observed data, the model performance for NOx, SO2, PM10, and sulfate is reasonably good; however, predictions of HONO are an order of magnitude lower than observed data. The CB05 mechanism contains several homogenous reactions related to nitrous acid. To improve the model performance for nitrous acid, direct emissions, two heterogeneous reactions, and two surface photolysis reactions were incorporated into the model. The inclusion of the additional formation pathways significantly improved simulated nitrous acid compared with observed data. The addition of nitrous acid sources enhance daily maximum 8-h ozone by up to 6 ppb V (8 %) and daily mean PM2.5 by up to 17 μg m−3 (12 %). They also affected ozone control strategy in Pearl River Delta region.
Source attribution of Bornean air masses by back trajectory analysis during the OP3 project
Authors: Robinson N. H. , Newton H. M. , Allan J. D. , Irwin M. , Hamilton J. F. , Flynn M. , Bower K. N. , Williams P. I. , Mills G. , Reeves C. E. , McFiggans G. , Coe H.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Atmospheric composition affects the radiative balance of the Earth through the creation of greenhouse gases and the formation of aerosols. The latter interact with incoming solar radiation, both directly and indirectly through their effects on cloud formation and lifetime. The tropics have a major influence on incoming sunlight however the tropical atmosphere is poorly characterised, especially outside Amazonia. The origins of air masses influencing a measurement site in a protected rainforest in Borneo, South East Asia, were assessed and the likely sources of a range of trace gases and particles were determined. This was conducted by interpreting in situ measurements made at the site in the context of ECMWF backwards air mass trajectories. Two different but complementary methods were employed to interpret the data: comparison of periods classified by cluster analysis of trajectories, and inspection of the dependence of mean measured values on geographical history of trajectories. Sources of aerosol particles, carbon monoxide and halocarbons were assessed. The likely source influences include: terrestrial organic biogenic emissions; long range transport of anthropogenic emissions; biomass burning; sulphurous emissions from marine phytoplankton, with a possible contribution from volcanoes; marine production of inorganic mineral aerosol; and marine production of halocarbons. Aerosol sub- and super-saturated water affinity was found to be dependent on source (and therefore composition), with more hygroscopic aerosol and higher numbers of cloud condensation nuclei measured in air masses of marine origin. The prevailing sector during the majority of measurements was south-easterly, which is from the direction of the coast closest to the site, with a significant influence inland from the south-west. This analysis shows that marine and terrestrial air masses have different dominant chemical sources. Comparison with the AMAZE-08 project in the Amazon basin shows Bornean composition to arise from a different, more complex mixture of sources. In particular sulphate loadings are much greater than in Amazonia which is likely to mainly be the result of the marine influence on the site. This suggests that the significant region of the tropics made up of island networks is not well represented by extrapolation from measurements made in the Amazon. In addition, it is likely that there were no periods where the site was influenced only by the rainforest, with even the most pristine inland periods showing some evidence of non-rainforest aerosol. This is in contrast to Amazonia which experienced periods dominated by rainforest emissions.
Non-linearity in DMS aerosol-cloud-climate interactions
Authors: Thomas M. A. , Suntharalingam P. , Pozzoli L. , Devasthale A. , Kloster S. , Rast S. , Feichter J. , Lenton T. M.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. The degree of non-linearity in DMS-cloud-climate interactions is assessed using the ECHAM5-HAMMOZ model by taking into account end-to-end aerosol chemistry-cloud microphysics link. The evaluation is made over the Southern oceans in austral summer, a region of minimal anthropogenic influence. In this study, we compare the DMS-derived changes in the aerosol and cloud microphysical properties between a baseline simulation with the ocean DMS emissions from a prescribed climatology, and a scenario where the DMS emissions are doubled. Our results show that doubling the DMS emissions in the current climate results in a non-linear response in atmospheric DMS burden and subsequently, in SO2 and H2SO4 burdens due to inadequate OH oxidation. The aerosol optical depth increases by only ~20 % in the 30° S–75° S belt in the SH summer months. This increases the vertically integrated cloud droplet number concentrations (CDNC) by 25 %. Since the vertically integrated liquid water vapor is constant in our model simulations, an increase in CDNC leads to a reduction in cloud droplet radius of 3.4 % over the Southern oceans in summer. The equivalent increase in cloud liquid water path is 10.7 %. The above changes in cloud microphysical properties result in a change in global annual mean radiatve forcing at the TOA of −1.4 W m−2. The results suggest that the DMS-cloud microphysics link is highly non-linear. This has implications for future studies investigating the DMS-cloud climate feedbacks in a warming world and for studies evaluating geoengineering options to counteract warming by modulating low level marine clouds.
Annual and semiannual variations of vertical total electron content during high solar activity based on GPS observations
Authors: Natali M. P. , Meza A.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Annual, semiannual and seasonal variations of the Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC) have been investigated during high solar activity in 2000. In this work we use Global IGS VTEC maps and Principal Component Analysis to study spatial and temporal ionospheric variability. The behavior of VTEC variations at two-hour periods, at noon and at night is analyzed. Particular characteristics associated with each period and the geomagnetic regions are highlighted. The variations at night are smaller than those obtained at noon. At noon it is possible to see patterns of the seasonal variation at high latitude, and patterns of the semiannual anomaly at low latitudes with a slow decrease towards mid latitudes. At night there is no evidence of seasonal or annual anomaly for any region, but it was possible to see the semiannual anomaly at low latitudes with a sudden decrease towards mid latitudes. In general, the semiannual behavior shows March–April equinox at least 40 % higher than September one. Similarities and differences are analyzed also with regard to the same analysis done for a period of low solar activity.
How accurately can soil organic carbon stocks and stock changes be quantified by soil inventories?
Authors: Schrumpf M. , Schulze E. D. , Kaiser K. , Schumacher J.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Precise determination of changes in organic carbon (OC) stocks is prerequisite to understand the role of soils in the global cycling of carbon and to verify changes in stocks due to management. A large dataset was collected to form base to repeated soil inventories at 12 CarboEurope sites under different climate and land-use, and with different soil types. Concentration of OC, bulk density (BD), and fine earth fraction were determined to 60 cm depth at 100 sampling points per site. We investigated (1) time needed to detect changes in soil OC, assuming future re-sampling of 100 cores; (2) the contribution of different sources of uncertainties to OC stocks; (3) the effect of OC stock calculation on mass rather than volume base for change detection; and (4) the potential use of pedotransfer functions (PTF) for estimating BD in repeated inventories. The period of time needed for soil OC stocks to change strongly enough to be detectable depends on the spatial variability of soil properties, the depth increment considered, and the rate of change. Cropland sites, having small spatial variability, had lower minimum detectable differences (MDD) with 100 sampling points (105 ± 28 gC m−2 for the upper 10 cm of the soil) than grassland and forest sites (206 ± 64 and 246 ± 64 gC m−2 for 0–10 cm, respectively). Expected general trends in soil OC indicate that changes could be detectable after 2–15 yr with 100 samples if changes occurred in the upper 10 cm of stone-poor soils. Error propagation analyses showed that in undisturbed soils with low stone contents, OC concentrations contributed most to OC stock variability while BD and fine earth fraction were more important in upper soil layers of croplands and in stone rich soils. Though the calculation of OC stocks based on equivalent soil masses slightly decreases the chance to detect changes with time at most sites except for the croplands, it is still recommended to account for changing bulk densities with time. Application of PTF for the estimation of bulk densities caused considerable underestimation of total variances of OC stocks if the error associated with the PTF was not accounted for, which rarely is done in soil inventories. Direct measurement of all relevant parameters approximately every 10 yr is recommended for repeated soil OC inventories.
Regional scale analysis of landform configuration with base-level (isobase) maps
Authors: Grohmann C. H. , Riccomini C. , Chamani M. A. C.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Base-level maps (or "isobase maps", as originally defined by Filosofov, 1960), express a relationship between valley order and topography. The base-level map can be seen as a "simplified" version of the original topographic surface, from which the "noise" of the low-order stream erosion was removed. This method is able to identify areas with possible tectonic influence even within lithologically uniform domains. Base-level maps have been recently applied in semi-detail scale (e.g., 1:50 000 or larger) morphotectonic analysis. In this paper, we present an evaluation of the method's applicability in regional-scale analysis (e.g., 1:250 000 or smaller). A test area was selected in northern Brazil, at the lower course of the Araguaia and Tocantins rivers. The drainage network extracted from SRTM30_PLUS DEMs with spatial resolution of approximately 900 m was visually compared with available topographic maps and considered to be compatible with a 1:1,000 000 scale. Regarding the interpretation of regional-scale morphostructures, the map constructed with 2nd and 3rd-order valleys was considered to present the best results. Some of the interpreted base-level anomalies correspond to important shear zones and geological contacts present in the 1:5 000 000 Geological Map of South America. Others have no correspondence with mapped Precambrian structures and are considered to represent younger, probably neotectonic, features. A strong E-W orientation of the base-level lines over the inflexion of the Araguaia and Tocantins rivers, suggest a major drainage capture. A N-S topographic swath profile over the Tocantins and Araguaia rivers reveals a topographic pattern which, allied with seismic data showing a roughly N-S direction of extension in the area, lead us to interpret this lineament as an E-W, southward-dipping normal fault. There is also a good visual correspondence between the base-level lineaments and geophysical anomalies. A NW-SE lineament in the southeast of the study area partially corresponds to the northern border of the Mosquito lava field, of Jurassic age, and a NW-SE lineament traced in the northeastern sector of the study area can be interpreted as the Picos-Santa Inês lineament, identifiable in geophysical maps but with little expression in hypsometric or topographic maps.
Dynamical and statistical explanations of observed occurrence rates of rogue waves
Authors: Gemmrich J. , Garrett C.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Extreme surface waves occur in the tail of the probability distribution. Their occurrence rate can be displayed effectively by plotting ln(–ln P), where P is the probability of the wave or crest height exceeding a particular value, against the logarithm of that value. A Weibull distribution of the exceedance probability, as proposed in a standard model, then becomes a straight line. Earlier North Sea data from an oil platform suggest a curved plot, with a higher occurrence rate of extreme wave and crest heights than predicted by the standard model. The curvature is not accounted for by second order corrections, non-stationarity, or Benjamin-Feir instability, though all of these do lead to an increase in the exceedance probability. Simulations for deep water waves suggest that, if the waves are steep, the curvature may be explained by including up to fourth order Stokes corrections. Finally, the use of extreme value theory in fitting exceedance probabilities is shown to be inappropriate, as its application requires that not just N, but also lnN, be large, where N is the number of waves in a data block. This is unlikely to be adequately satisfied.
Regional-scale analysis of lake outburst hazards in the southwestern Pamir, Tajikistan, based on remote sensing and GIS
Authors: Mergili M. , Schneider J. F.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. This paper presents an analysis of the hazards emanating from the sudden drainage of alpine lakes in South-Western Tajik Pamir. In the last 40 yr, several new lakes have formed in the front of retreating glacier tongues, and existing lakes have grown. Other lakes are dammed by landslide deposits or older moraines. In 2002, sudden drainage of a glacial lake in the area triggered a catastrophic debris flow. Building on existing approaches, a rating scheme was devised allowing quick, regional-scale identification of potentially hazardous lakes and possible impact areas. This approach relies on GIS, remote sensing and empirical modelling, largely based on medium-resolution international datasets. Out of the 428 lakes mapped in the area, 6 were rated very hazardous and 34 hazardous. This classification was used for the selection of lakes requiring in-depth investigation. Selected cases are presented and discussed in order to understand the potentials and limitations of the approach used. Such an understanding is essential for the appropriate application of the methodology for risk mitigation purposes.
Extreme events: dynamics, statistics and prediction
Authors: Ghil M. , Yiou P. , Hallegatte S. , Malamud B. D. , Naveau P. , Soloviev A. , Friederichs P. , Keilis-Borok V. , Kondrashov D. , Kossobokov V. , Mestre O. , Nicolis C. , Rust H. W. , Shebalin P. , Vrac M. , Witt A. , Zaliapin I.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. We review work on extreme events, their causes and consequences, by a group of European and American researchers involved in a three-year project on these topics. The review covers theoretical aspects of time series analysis and of extreme value theory, as well as of the deterministic modeling of extreme events, via continuous and discrete dynamic models. The applications include climatic, seismic and socio-economic events, along with their prediction. Two important results refer to (i) the complementarity of spectral analysis of a time series in terms of the continuous and the discrete part of its power spectrum; and (ii) the need for coupled modeling of natural and socio-economic systems. Both these results have implications for the study and prediction of natural hazards and their human impacts.
Comparison between three implementations of automatic identification algorithms for the quantification and characterization of mesoscale eddies in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Souza J. M. A. C. , de Boyer Montégut C. , Le Traon P. Y.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Three methods for automatic detection of mesoscale coherent structures are applied to Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) fields in the South Atlantic. The first method is based on the wavelet packet decomposition of the SLA data, the second on the estimation of the Okubo-Weiss parameter and the third on a geometric criterion using the winding-angle approach. The results provide a comprehensive picture of the mesoscale eddies over the South Atlantic Ocean, emphasizing their main characteristics: amplitude, diameter, duration and propagation velocity. Five areas of particular eddy dynamics were selected: the Brazil Current, the Agulhas eddies propagation corridor, the Agulhas Current retroflexion, the Brazil-Malvinas confluence zone and the northern branch of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). For these areas, mean propagation velocities and amplitudes were calculated. Two regions with long duration eddies were observed, corresponding to the propagation of Agulhas and ACC eddies. Through the comparison between the identification methods, their main advantages and shortcomings were detailed. The geometric criterion presents the best performance, mainly in terms of number of detections, duration of the eddies and propagation velocities. The results are particularly good for the Agulhas Rings, which have the longest lifetimes of all South Atlantic eddies.
Mixing, heat fluxes and heat content evolution of the Arctic Ocean mixed layer
Authors: Sirevaag A. , de la Rosa S. , Fer I. , Nicolaus M. , Tjernström M. , McPhee M. G.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. A comprehensive measurement program was conducted during 16 days of a 3 week long ice pack drift, from 15 August to 1 September 2008 in the central Amundsen Basin, Arctic Ocean. The data, sampled as part of the Arctic Summer Cloud Ocean Study (ASCOS), included upper ocean stratification, mixing and heat transfer as well as transmittance solar radiation through the ice. The observations give insight into the evolution of the upper layers of the Arctic Ocean in the transition period from melting to freezing. The ocean mixed layer was found to be heated from above and, for summer conditions, the net heat flux through the ice accounted for 22 % of the observed change in mixed layer heat content. Heat was mixed downward within the mixed layer and a small, downward heat flux across the base of the mixed layer accounted for the accumulated heat in the upper cold halocline during the melting season. On average, the ocean mixed layer was cooled by an ocean heat flux at the ice/ocean interface (1.2 W m−2) and heated by solar radiation through the ice (−2.6 W m−2). An abrupt change in surface conditions halfway into the drift due to freezing and snowfall showed distinct signatures in the data set and allowed for inferences and comparisons to be made for cases of contrasting forcing conditions. Transmittance of solar radiation was reduced by 59 % in the latter period. From hydrographic observations obtained earlier in the melting season, in the same region, we infer a total fresh water equivalent of 3.3 m accumulated in the upper ocean, which together with the observed saltier winter mixed layer indicates a transition towards a more seasonal ice cover in the Arctic.
Snow accumulation and compaction derived from GPR data near Ross Island, Antarctica
Authors: Kruetzmann N. C. , Rack W. , McDonald A. J. , George S. E.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. We present an improved method for estimating accumulation and compaction rates of dry snow in Antarctica with ground penetrating radar (GPR). Using an estimate of the emitted waveform from direct measurements, we apply deterministic deconvolution via the Fourier domain to GPR data with a nominal frequency of 500 MHz. This reveals unambiguous reflection horizons which can be observed in repeat measurements made one year apart. At two measurement sites near Scott Base, Antarctica, we extrapolate point measurements of average accumulation from snow pits and firn cores to a larger area by identifying a dateable dust layer horizon in the radargrams. Over an 800 m × 800 m area on the McMurdo Ice Shelf (77°45´ S, 167°17´ E) the average accumulation is found to be 269 ± 9 kg m−2 a−1. The accumulation over an area of 400 m × 400 m on Ross Island (77°40´ S, 167°11´ E, 350 m a.s.l.) is found to be higher (404 ± 22 kg m−2 a−1) and shows increased variability related to undulating terrain. Compaction of snow between 2 m and 13 m depth is estimated at both sites by tracking several internal reflection horizons along the radar profiles and calculating the average change in separation of horizon pairs from one year to the next. The derived compaction rates range from 7 cm m−1 at a depth of 2 m, down to no measurable compaction at 13 m depth, and are similar to published values from point measurements.
The Brachiobasilic Arteriovenous Fistula: Effect of Patient Variables
Authors: Field Melanie , Van Dellen David , Mak David , Winter Hannah , Hamsho Ahmed , Mellor Steve , Inston Nick
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The hemodialysis population is constantly expanding as patients on dialysis have increased longevity and the number of kidneys available for transplantation remains static (1). After radiocephalic and brachiocephalic fistulas have been exhausted the use of the autologous brachiobasilic fistula (BBAVF) should be considered prior to use of a synthetic graft. We present our single center experience of 140 brachiobasilic fistulas in a five-year period and examine any factors that influence patency and long-term function.

Methods

Patients who had undergone formation of a BBAVF between January 2004 and January 2009 were identified; a review of all case notes and databases was undertaken. Details on demographics, cause of renal failure, co-morbidities (including diabetes, cardiac morbidity, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease), dialysis status at the time of fistula creation, hemoglobin, anti-coagulation regimens, and complications from surgery were recorded.

Results

Patency (defined as use of AVF for dialysis) was 83% at 3 months, 77% at 6 months, and 69% at 12 months. Length of patency ranged from 0 to 1918 days (at study cut-off) with a mean patency of 532 days. Factors found to significantly affect fistula patency included age over 60 ( P=<0.001) and presence of peripheral vascular disease ( P=0.048).

Conclusions

Our brachiobasilic fistula patency rates are comparable with published literature and other fistulas. Within our population patient variables including age over 60 and the presence of peripheral vascular disease are associated with worse outcomes as would be expected. In spite of these factors we feel the brachiobasilic fistula is an excellent option for patients with more challenging access and should certainly be undertaken prior to the use of prosthetic grafts.
A Reevaluation of the Status of the FoxsnakesPantherophis gloydiConant andP. vulpinusBaird and Girard (Lepidosauria)
Authors: Crother Brian I. , White Mary E. , Savage Jay M. , Eckstut Mallory E. , Graham Matthew R. , Gardner David W.
Published: May 2011

As currently understood, there are two species of foxsnakes (Eastern Foxsnake,Pantherophis gloydiConant and Western Foxsnake,P. vulpinusBaird and Girard) that are separated by a large geographic disjunction that encompasses almost all of Michigan, eastern Indiana, and eastern Ohio. Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA data of individuals from throughout the ranges of the two species inferred reciprocally monophyletic clades that revealed a new species boundary, the Mississippi River. The single key morphological character also shows a major difference at the river. Because the localities of the holotypes ofP. gloydiandP. vulpinusare both within the new range of the eastern form,gloydiis recognized as a junior synonym ofvulpinusand a new name,P. ramspotti, is erected for the western form. The estimates of divergence time and historical biogeography suggest that Pleistocene glaciation and the Mississippi River played a key role in speciation.
Surgical Treatment in Active Infective Endocarditis: Results of a Four-Year Experience
Authors: Rostagno Carlo , Carone Enrico , Rossi Alessandra , Gensini Gian Franco , Stefano Pier Luigi
Published: May 2011

Background. Aim of present investigation was to analyze survival and recurrence rate in patients with active endocarditis referred to our centre for surgical treatment. Methods. 80 consecutive patients with active infective endocarditis (52 males, 28 females, mean age 59.2 years) were referred to our institution for surgical treatment. 78 patients underwent surgery, and 2 patients died before intervention. Results. Fifty patients had native valve endocarditis, 30 prosthetic valve involvement. Hospital mortality has been 10.2%. Three discharged patients (4.9%) died at an average 18-month followup. Endocarditis recurred in 4 (2 being S. aureus prosthetic tricuspid endocarditis in drug addicts). All patients who underwent valve repair or homograft implant were alive and free of recurrence. Conclusions. Our results suggest that with proper surgical treatment patients with active endocarditis discharged alive from hospital have a survival >90% at 18 months with a low recurrence rate.
Biologicals and Fetal Cell Therapy for Wound and Scar Management
Authors: Hirt-Burri Nathalie , Ramelet Albert-Adrien , Raffoul Wassim , de Buys Roessingh Anthony , Scaletta Corinne , Pioletti Dominique , Applegate Lee Ann
Published: May 2011

Few biopharmaceutical preparations developed from biologicals are available for tissue regeneration and scar management. When developing biological treatments with cellular therapy, selection of cell types and establishment of consistent cell banks are crucial steps in whole-cell bioprocessing. Various cell types have been used in treatment of wounds to reduce scar to date including autolog and allogenic skin cells, platelets, placenta, and amniotic extracts. Experience with fetal cells show that they may provide an interesting cell choice due to facility of outscaling and known properties for wound healing without scar. Differential gene profiling has helped to point to potential indicators of repair which include cell adhesion, extracellular matrix, cytokines, growth factors, and development. Safety has been evidenced in Phase I and II clinical fetal cell use for burn and wound treatments with different cell delivery systems. We present herein that fetal cells present technical and therapeutic advantages compared to other cell types for effective cell-based therapy for wound and scar management.
Stallion Mate Choice and Mare Sexual Behaviour in a Herd of Sorraia Horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Heitor Filipa Paiva Brandão Deslandes , Vicente Luís António Matos
Published: May 2011

We examined the relationship between male mate choice, female sexual behaviour, and individual factors in a managed group of Sorraia horses. The herd comprised 9–11 adult mares and their foals. Two stallions were introduced into the mare group in different years for pasture breeding. Mare receptivity during oestrus was poorly correlated with individual factors. Stallions did not prefer to mate with mares that showed the greatest behavioural receptivity during oestrus. The older and more experienced stallion preferred to mate with the older, higher-ranking, or barren oestrous mares. The younger stallion preferred to mate with the more genetically related mares and showed higher oestrus discrimination of mares to who he kept proximity during oestrus. Mate choice was not associated with probability of foaling in the following year. The differential influence of individual factors on mate choice between the stallions could stem from differences in breeding experience and familiarity with the mares.
What we are not talking about: An evaluation of prevention messaging in print media reporting on agricultural injuries and fatalities
Authors: Ozegovic Dejan , Voaklander Donald C.
Published: May 2011

Background

Agricultural injury and fatality pose a significant burden on farmers, families, health care systems, and economies. One way of increasing knowledge of this problem and promoting prevention is the use of printed mass media such as newspapers.

Methods

We conducted a scan of all media reports contained in the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) archives for the period January, 2007 to September, 2009, inclusive, for injury and fatality and analyzed newspaper articles for prevention messages.

Results

Of the 409 articles in the database, 392 met the inclusion criteria. Ninety‐three of the articles (24%) contained a prevention message, and 39 (10%) of these were considered to be strong. Urban papers were two times more likely to have a safety message (OR = 2.03) while adult‐related events were less likely to have a safety message included (OR = 0.49).

Conclusion

Print media reporting of agricultural injury and fatality represents a missed opportunity to provide a prevention message. More can be done to improve linkages between news media outlets and injury prevention specialists to improve prevention content in newsprint. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:603–608, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gain of function NaV1.7 mutations in idiopathic small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Faber Catharina G. , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J. , Ahn Hye‐Sook , Cheng Xiaoyang , Han Chongyang , Choi Jin‐Sung , Estacion Mark , Lauria Giuseppe , Vanhoutte Els K. , Gerrits Monique M. , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman , Drenth Joost P. H. , Waxman Stephen G. , Merkies Ingemar S. J.
Published: May 2011

Objective:

Small nerve fiber neuropathy (SFN) often occurs without apparent cause, but no systematic genetic studies have been performed in patients with idiopathic SFN (I‐SFN). We sought to identify a genetic basis for I‐SFN by screening patients with biopsy‐confirmed idiopathic SFN for mutations in the SCN9A gene, encoding voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.7, which is preferentially expressed in small diameter peripheral axons.

Methods:

Patients referred with possible I‐SFN, who met the criteria of ≥2 SFN‐related symptoms, normal strength, tendon reflexes, vibration sense, and nerve conduction studies, and reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) plus abnormal quantitative sensory testing (QST) and no underlying etiology for SFN, were assessed clinically and by screening of SCN9A for mutations and functional analyses.

Results:

Twenty‐eight patients who met stringent criteria for I‐SFN including abnormal IENFD and QST underwent SCN9A gene analyses. Of these 28 patients with biopsy‐confirmed I‐SFN, 8 were found to carry novel mutations in SCN9A. Functional analysis revealed multiple gain of function changes in the mutant channels; each of the mutations rendered dorsal root ganglion neurons hyperexcitable.

Interpretation:

We show for the first time that gain of function mutations in sodium channel NaV1.7, which render dorsal root ganglion neurons hyperexcitable, are present in a substantial proportion (28.6%; 8 of 28) of patients meeting strict criteria for I‐SFN. These results point to a broader role of NaV1.7 mutations in neurological disease than previously considered from studies on rare genetic syndromes, and suggest an etiological basis for I‐SFN, whereby expression of gain of function mutant sodium channels in small diameter peripheral axons may cause these fibers to degenerate. ANN NEUROL 2012;71:26–39
Systemic inflammation disrupts the developmental program of white matter
Authors: Favrais Géraldine , van de Looij Yohan , Fleiss Bobbi , Ramanantsoa Nelina , Bonnin Philippe , Stoltenburg‐Didinger Gisela , Lacaud Adrien , Saliba Elie , Dammann Olaf , Gallego Jorge , Sizonenko Stéphane , Hagberg Henrik , Lelièvre Vincent , Gressens Pierre
Published: May 2011

Objective:

Perinatal inflammation is a major risk factor for neurological deficits in preterm infants. Several experimental studies have shown that systemic inflammation can alter the programming of the developing brain. However, these studies do not offer detailed pathophysiological mechanisms, and they rely on relatively severe infectious or inflammatory stimuli that most likely do not reflect the levels of systemic inflammation observed in many human preterm infants. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that moderate systemic inflammation is sufficient to alter white matter development.

Methods:

Newborn mice received twice‐daily intraperitoneal injections of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) over 5 days and were studied for myelination, oligodendrogenesis, and behavior and with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results:

Mice exposed to IL‐1β had a long‐lasting myelination defect that was characterized by an increased number of nonmyelinated axons. They also displayed a reduction of the diameter of the myelinated axons. In addition, IL‐1β induced a significant reduction of the density of myelinating oligodendrocytes accompanied by an increased density of oligodendrocyte progenitors, suggesting a partial blockade in the oligodendrocyte maturation process. Accordingly, IL‐1β disrupted the coordinated expression of several transcription factors known to control oligodendrocyte maturation. These cellular and molecular abnormalities were correlated with a reduced white matter fractional anisotropy on diffusion tensor imaging and with memory deficits.

Interpretation:

Moderate perinatal systemic inflammation alters the developmental program of the white matter. This insult induces a long‐lasting myelination deficit accompanied by cognitive defects and MRI abnormalities, further supporting the clinical relevance of the present data. ANN NEUROL 2011
Synthesis, structural and spectral properties of an ionic polyacetylene: Poly[N‐(5‐nitro‐2‐furanmethylene)‐2‐ethynylpyridinium bromide]
Authors: Gal Yeong‐Soon , Jin Sung‐Ho , Lim Kwon Taek , Park Jong‐Wook
Published: May 2011

A new ionic polyacetylene was prepared by the activation polymerization of 2‐ethynylpyridine with 2‐(bromomethyl)‐5‐nitrofuran in high yield without any additional initiator or catalyst. This polymerization proceeded well in a homogeneous manner to give a high yield of the polymer (92%). The activated acetylenic triple bond of N‐(5‐nitro‐2‐furanmethylene)‐2‐ethynylpyridinium bromide, formed in the first quaternerization process, was found to be susceptible to linear polymerization. This polymer was completely soluble in such polar organic solvents as dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and N,N‐dimethylacetamide. The inherent viscosities of the resulting polymers were in the range 0.12–0.19 dL/g, and X‐ray diffraction analysis data indicated that this polymer was mostly amorphous. The polymer structure was characterized by various instrumental methods to have a polyacetylene backbone structure with the designed substituent. The photoluminescence peak was observed at 593 nm; this corresponded to a photon energy of 2.09 eV. The polymer exhibited irreversible electrochemical behaviors between the doping and undoping peaks. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
In situ FT‐IR‐ATR studies on the structure development of polyurethane‐urea systems
Authors: Mahmood Nasir , Khan Asad U. , Sohail Khan Mohammad , Ali Zulfiqar , Haq Anwar‐Ul , Wutzler Andre
Published: May 2011

This article reports the application of Fourier Transform Infrared‐Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) technique for investigation of in situ polymerization of polyurethane‐urea elastomers. Formulations comprising of diisocyanates, a polyether diol and a diamine based chain extender have been used in this study. The diisocyanates used were 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate and toluene diisocyanates. The polyether diol and diamine used were propyleneglycol block‐PEO‐b‐PPO and 4‐(4‐(2‐(4‐(4‐amino‐2‐(trifluoromethyl) phenoxy) phenyl) propan‐2‐yl) phenoxy)‐3‐(trifluoromethyl) benzeneamine, respectively. These reactants were mixed and placed on the ATR cell, and then the infrared spectra were recorded at an interval of 1.75 s while continuously heating. The polyurethane‐urea formation was monitored by the decay in the intensity of isocyanate band at 2258 to 2261 cm−1. As the polymerization progressed, new peaks appeared at wavenumbers of 1711 cm−1, 1697 cm−1, and 1655 cm−1. These peaks correspond to the urethane carbonyl, hydrogen bonded urethane, and urea carbonyl groups, respectively. It was found that with the progress of the reaction, the shift in the peaks at 1655 and 1697 cm−1 occurs gradually. This shift in peaks is attributed to the hydrogen bonding. The hydrogen bonding and hence the shift in the peak is a cumulative effect of three phenomena namely: (1) degree of polymerization, (2) macro and microphase separation, and (3) temperature effect. A rationale is discussed to deconvolute these three effects. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Adsorption of selenite and selenate ions onto thiourea‐formaldehyde resin
Authors: Gezer Nisa , Gülfen Mustafa , Aydın Ali Osman
Published: May 2011

In the present work, thiourea‐formaldehyde (TUF) chelating resin was synthesized and used in the adsorptions of selenite (SeO) and selenate (SeO) ions. The effects of initial acidity and initial selenium concentrations on the adsorptions were examined by batch technique. The synthesized resin was applied to the elemental analysis to determine its composition. FT‐IR spectra and SEM/EDS were also recorded before and after selenite adsorption. It was found that selenite and selenate ions were adsorbed onto TUF resin at strong acidic conditions (3–5M HCl). The adsorption capacities of the resin were calculated as 833.3 mg g−1 TUF resin for selenite ions and 526.3 mg g−1 TUF resin for selenate. All the adsorption data obtained for both selenite and selenate ions fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. It was seen that the adsorption mechanisms in the both adsorptions were governed by the reduction of selenite or selenate to elemental selenium, Se0. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Solid‐Phase Parallel Synthesis of a Tetrahydroindazolone Library Containing Three Unique Core Skeletons
Authors: Kim Jonghoon , Song Heebum , Park Seung Bum
Published: May 2011

We have developed a practical strategy for the regioselective synthesis of a 1‐(hetero)aryl‐3‐substituted tetrahydroindazolone library. The condensation of in situ generated arylhydrazine on solid supports with 2‐acylcyclohexane‐1,3‐diones ensured the efficiency of solid‐phase parallel synthesis. In addition, we introduced three unique core skeletons containing nitrophenyl, anilyl, and pyridyl groups to maximize the molecular diversity through a diverse display of polar surface area in 3D chemical space. A 162‐membered drug‐like tetrahydroindazolone library was constructed in an average purity of 92 % without further purification.
Teaching particle swarm optimization through an open‐loop system identification project
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Moura , Vrančić Damir , Cunha J. Boaventura , Pires E. J. Solteiro
Published: May 2011

The particle swarm optimization (PSO), one of the most successful natural inspired algorithms, is revisited in the context of a proposal for a new teaching experiment. The problem considered is the open‐loop step identification procedure, which is studied as an optimization problem. The PSO canonical algorithm main issues addressed within the proposed open‐loop step identification experience are: the swarm random initialization methodology, the population size variation, and the inertia weight selection. The teaching experience learning outcomes are stated, simulation results presented, and feedback results from students analyzed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:227–237, 2014; View this article online atwileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI10.1002/cae.20549