bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeochemical processes and geotechnical applications: progress, opportunities and challenges
Authors: DEJONG J.T. , SOGA K. , KAVAZANJIAN E. , BURNS S. , VAN PAASSEN L.A. , AL QABANY A. , AYDILEK A. , BANG S.S. , BURBANK M. , CASLAKE L.F. , CHEN C.Y. , CHENG X. , CHU J. , CIURLI S. , ESNAULT-FILET A. , FAURIEL S. , HAMDAN N. , HATA T. , INAGAKI Y. , JEFFERIS S. , KUO M. , LALOUI L. , LARRAHONDO J. , MANNING D.A.C. , MARTINEZ B. , MONTOYA B.M. , NELSON D.C. , PALOMINO A. , RENFORTH P. , SANTAMARINA J.C. , SEAGREN E.A. , TANYU B. , TSESARSKY M. , WEAVER T.
Published: February 2013

Consideration of soil as a living ecosystem offers the potential for innovative and sustainable solutions to geotechnical problems. This is a new paradigm for many in geotechnical engineering. Realising the potential of this paradigm requires a multidisciplinary approach that embraces biology and geochemistry to develop techniques for beneficial ground modification. This paper assesses the progress, opportunities, and challenges in this emerging field. Biomediated geochemical processes, which consist of a geochemical reaction regulated by subsurface microbiology, currently being explored include mineral precipitation, gas generation, biofilm formation and biopolymer generation. For each of these processes, subsurface microbial processes are employed to create an environment conducive to the desired geochemical reactions among the minerals, organic matter, pore fluids, and gases that constitute soil. Geotechnical applications currently being explored include cementation of sands to enhance bearing capacity and liquefaction resistance, sequestration of carbon, soil erosion control, groundwater flow control, and remediation of soil and groundwater impacted by metals and radionuclides. Challenges in biomediated ground modification include upscaling processes from the laboratory to the field, in situ monitoring of reactions, reaction products and properties, developing integrated biogeochemical and geotechnical models, management of treatment by-products, establishing the durability and longevity/reversibility of the process, and education of engineers and researchers.
Examining functional components of cover: the relationship between concealment and visibility in shrub‐steppe habitat
Authors: Camp M. J. , Rachlow J. L. , Woods B. A. , Johnson T. R. , Shipley L. A.
Published: February 2013

The term “cover” has been used broadly in ecology, with a wide range of meanings, from thermal cover to security cover, to escape cover. Some habitat features could provide both thermal and security cover, or both concealment and escape cover; but in other cases, habitat features such as vegetation could impose a tradeoff between opposing functions of cover. Cover that conceals an animal from a predator also could reduce the animal's visibility and thus, its ability to detect a predator early enough to escape capture. We quantified the opposing functional properties of cover (concealment and visibility) and evaluated the relationship between these properties using continuous measures in sagebrush‐steppe and grassland habitats. We hypothesized that concealment and visibility would be inversely related and that the slope of this relationship would differ among sites with varying density and patchiness of shrub vegetation, imposing differing tradeoff scenarios. Concealment and visibility were inversely, but not perfectly related, implying that animals must make tradeoffs between the properties of cover, but they could achieve higher levels of one property while giving up relatively less of the other. In addition, we examined potential tradeoffs by pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) by comparing concealment and visibility at locations used by rabbits with measurements collected at random locations. At a small scale, pygmy rabbits traded off visibility for concealment in dense and sparse vegetation, but not in patchy vegetation. Although cover is an intuitively simple concept, it is functionally more complex, and this study provides insight into the opposing mechanisms of cover that might influence habitat use. Our work provides an initial step towards more fully understanding how cover functionally relates to predation risk.
Automated rainfall manipulation system: a reliable and inexpensive tool for ecologists
Authors: Gherardi Laureano A. , Sala Osvaldo E.
Published: February 2013

Water availability is the major limiting factor of the functioning of deserts and grasslands and is going to be severely modified by climate change. Field manipulative experiments of precipitation represent the best way to explore cause‐effect relationships between water availability and ecosystem functioning. However, there is a limited number of that type of studies because of logistic and cost limitations. Here, we report on a new system that alters precipitation for experimental plots from 80% reduction to 80% increase relative to ambient, that is low cost, and is fully solar powered. This two‐part system consists of a rainout shelter that intercepts water and sends it to a temporary storage tank, from where a solar‐powered pump then sends the water to sprinklers located in opposite corners of an irrigated plot. We tested this automated system for 5 levels of rainfall, reduction‐irrigation (50–80%) and controls with N = 3. The system showed high reduction/irrigation accuracy and small effect on temperature and photosynthetically active radiation. System average cost was $228 USD per module of 2.5 m by 2.5 m and required low maintenance.
Effects of High Air Temperature on Rice Grain Quality and Yield under Field Condition
Authors: Liu Qihua , Wu Xiu , Ma Jiaqing , Li Tian , Zhou Xuebiao , Guo Tao
Published: February 2013

High air temperature (HAT) limits grain yield and quality in rice (Oryza sativa L.). This study was conducted to determine the effects of HAT from R3 (panicle exertion from boot) to R8 stage (physiological maturity) on rice grain yield and quality (milling, appearance, cooking and eating, and nutrition qualities). A split‐spot experiment based on randomized complete design was performed, involving two cultivars (japonica Koshihikari and indica IR72), two temperature treatments, and three replicates. Rice cultivars as main plot treatments were grown in a paddy field. The HAT and natural air temperature (NAT) treatments were regarded as subplot. Percentage of chalky kernel increased, whereas head rice yield, amylose and starch contents, and grain yield decreased in both cultivars under HAT, when compared with those under NAT. The HAT enhanced values of peak viscosity and breakdown, but decreased value of setback for Koshihikari. Conversely, starch viscosity characteristics for IR72 were unaffected by HAT. Relative content of amino acids in grains were enhanced; however, absolute content of some amino acids did not increase due to the reduction of grain weight under HAT. The HAT also increased absolute content of grain protein in IR72, but not in Koshihikari. The present study indicates that HAT decreased rice milling, appearance qualities and grain yield, while it positively influenced not only cooking and eating qualities in Koshihikari but also some nutritional components of grains in both cultivars.
Location, Seeding Date, and Variety Interactions on Winter Wheat Yield in Southeastern United States
Authors: Tapley Mathew , Ortiz Brenda V. , van Santen Edzard , Balkcom Kipling S. , Mask Paul , Weaver David B.
Published: February 2013

In the Southeast, winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is typically planted from late October to early December. However, grain yield is reduced by an interaction of weather, soil, and plant factors. From 2009 to 2012 a study was conducted at three locations in Alabama to evaluate the seeding date effect on yield and yield components of three cultivars. The AGS 2060, AGS 2035, and Baldwin cultivars were evaluated within four seeding dates at approximately 15‐d intervals. Results showed that grain yield, spikes per m2, and kernel weight declined linearly with seeding delay; however, the impact changed among years and locations within a year. The variability of kernels per spike was location specific, in the north delayed planting resulted in a greater number of kernels per spike while the opposite occurred at the central and southern locations. At most location–year combinations, seeding 2 to 4 wk later than the Extension’s best seeding date resulted in yield losses; especially if warm and dry conditions were prevalent during winter and spring months at locations with sandy loam soils. Under warm and dry growing conditions, the impact of delayed planting on yield and kernel weight was the greatest for Baldwin and AGS 2035 and least for the AGS 2060. In contrast, when cold and wet growing conditions were prevalent, there were not significant planting date differences on yield and yield components. Cultivar and seeding date should be selected on a location basis due to the plant interactions with soil and weather factors.
Method of Soil Sampling following Subsurface Banding of Solid Manures
Authors: Tewolde H. , Way T. R. , Pote D. H. , Adeli A. , Brooks J. P. , Shankle M. W.
Published: February 2013

Soil sampling guidelines do not exist for fields fertilized with solid manures applied in bands. The objective of this work was to describe the distribution of mineral nutrients and total C and propose a method of taking soil samples that represent the fertility level of a field following manure application in narrow bands below the soil surface. Systematic soil core samples were taken from no‐till cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plots fertilized with poultry litter in subsurface bands spaced ≈1 m apart and analyzed for total C, total N, and extractable P, K, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn. The results showed that total C and most of the mineral nutrients were not evenly or randomly distributed in the space between and across the bands because of the manure placement in narrow bands, nutrient movement away from the band, and plant uptake. Concentrations of P, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, and B in the soil samples taken over the band were elevated by up to 50 fold compared to the positions away from the band. This distribution shows that taking random soil samples from fields fertilized with manures in bands is not appropriate and that some systematic sampling schemes must be used to more accurately represent the soil nutrient status. We describe a new sampling method that takes into account the band width and the spacing between consecutive bands. The method is based on a proportional mixing of soil cores taken at predetermined distances from the manure band including one core directly over the band.
Impacts of Danjiangkou reservoir on sediment regime of the Hanjiang River
Authors: Lu Guobin , Wang Jun , Li Qiongfang , Zhao Jianhua , Yu Meixiu , Cai Tao , Bai Xue , Xie Wei
Published: February 2013

With population increase and economic growth, the development of water resources and hydropower resources of the Hanjiang River has been intensified by dam building, and consequently the sediment regime of the Hanjiang River has been altered to some extent. To assess dam-induced alterations in the sediment regime of the Hanjiang River quantitatively, we selected three key hydrological stations (Baihe, Huangzhuang and Xiantao) as case study sites above and below the Danjiangkou reservoir respectively, and the whole study period was divided into two sub-periods according to the year when the reservoir started to store water. On the basis of time series of daily sediment data from the three stations, the alterations in their annual, seasonal, monthly and daily sediment load, and the relationships between water quantity and sediment load in different sub-periods were investigated, and the driving forces for the alterations were also explored. The output of this paper could provide reference for the assessment of the impacts of human activities on the long-term health and stability of the Hanjiang River ecosystem.
Estimation of flow in ungauged catchments by coupling a hydrological model and neural networks: case study
Authors: Saliha A. H. , Awulachew S. B. , Cullmann J. , Horlacher Hans-B.
Published: February 2013

The prediction of hydrological variables for ungauged basins is still a big challenge. Regionalization is the most widely used method to date, which relates parameters of watershed models to catchment characteristics. Relating catchment characteristics to watershed model parameters is too difficult for distributed hydrological models, due to the heterogeneous nature of catchments. A regional model was proposed by coupling a Kohonen neural network (KNN) and distributed Water Balance Simulation Model (WaSiM-ETH) to estimate flow in ungauged basin. KNN was used to delineate a hydrological homogeneous group based on predefined physical characteristics of catchments and WaSiM-ETH was applied to generate daily stream flow. Twenty-six subcatchments of the Blue Nile River basin, Ethiopia, were grouped into five hydrological homogenous groups, each with its own full set of optimized WaSiM-ETH parameters. In the regional model, the KNN assigned the ungauged catchment into one of the five hydrological homogenous groups. The whole set of optimized WaSiM parameters from the homogeneous group (which the ungauged river belongs to) were transferred to the ungauged river and WaSiM-ETH was used to compute the flow for this ungauged river. The regional model generally overestimated the low flow. In general, the results for validation subcatchments showed the regional model is satisfactory in transferring information from data-rich to data-poor catchments.
An assessment of scale issues related to the configuration of the ACRU model for design flood estimation
Authors: Chetty K. , Smithers J. C.
Published: February 2013

A continuous simulation modelling approach to design flood estimation has many advantages and overcomes many limitations of commonly used design event approaches. A major concern with continuous simulation using a hydrological model is the scale at which modelling should take place. According to researchers, the level of representation that will preserve the physical chain of hydrological processes, both in terms of scale of representation and level of description of the physical parameters for the modelling process, is a critical question which must be addressed. Objectives of this research were to determine the optimum levels of catchment discretization and soil and land cover information and to assess the optimum use of daily rainfall stations for the configuration of the Agricultural Catchments Research Unit (ACRU) agrohydrological model when used for design flood estimation. Results obtained for selected quaternary catchments in the Thukela catchment and Lions River catchment indicated that modelling at the level of hydrological response units (HRUs), using area-weighted soils information and more than one driver rainfall station where possible, produced the most realistic streamflow volume results when compared with observed streamflows. Design flood estimates from simulated peak flows did not compare well with observed data.
Spatial-temporal variation and mechanism associated with mini-cold pool off the southern tip of India during summer and winter monsoon season
Authors: Rao A. D. , Mahapatra D. K. , Babu S. V. , Pandey Smita
Published: February 2013

Sea surface temperature (SST) from different sources suggests that the occurrence of a mini-cold pool (MCP) off the southern tip of India (STI) is a persistent phenomenon which occurs during both the summer and the winter monsoon seasons. However, the associated mechanism is different in both scenarios and, hence, numerical experiments are conducted to study and ascertain the mechanism. The dynamics that govern the occurrence of MCP during the summer season is mainly due to upwelling, caused by the divergence in the near-surface circulation off STI, advection of the cold upwelled water from the western Arabian Sea and the southwest coast of India. In contrast, during the winter monsoon, the model studies suggest that circulations driven by positive Ekman dynamics and outgoing heat flux are mainly responsible for the formation of MCP off STI during December–February. The cold water intrusion in both seasons occurs in accordance with the monsoon and coastal currents, which underlines the importance of advection. The position and extent of cooling differs during both seasons because wind stress varies significantly.
Examination of circulation, flushing time and dispersion in Halifax Harbour of Nova Scotia
Authors: Shan Shiliang , Sheng Jinyu
Published: February 2013

This study examines the circulation, flushing time and hydrodynamic connectivity in Halifax Harbour based on three-dimensional currents produced by a multi-nested coastal ocean circulation modelling system. The time-mean currents produced by the modelling system feature two-layer estuarine circulation with a seaward flow in the upper layer and a landward flow in the lower layer in the Harbour. The hydrodynamics in the Harbour are also affected significantly by tides and wind forcing. Based on numerical passive tracer experiments, the estimated e-folding flushing time is about 40 and 90 days in the upper and the entire Bedford Basin, respectively. By comparison, the flushing time is about 2–5 days over the Inner and Outer Harbour, and only about 1 day in the Narrows. Analysis of passive particle trajectories carried by the model currents demonstrates that movements of particles in the Harbour are strongly affected by tidal and storm-induced currents. Hydrodynamic connectivity in the study region is also quantified in terms of a connectivity matrix calculated from particle trajectories.
Numerical study of dispersion and hydrodynamic connectivity of near-surface waters in Lake Huron
Authors: Zhao Jun , Rao Yerubandi R. , Sheng Jinyu
Published: February 2013

A nested-grid hydrodynamic modeling system is used to examine the circulation and dispersion in Lake Huron and adjacent areas with specific attention to physical parameters pertinent to the estimation of hydrodynamic connectivity of near-surface waters. The nested system is forced by monthly mean surface heat flux and 12-hourly wind stress computed from wind speeds extracted from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) 40-year reanalysis data. The three-dimensional model currents are used to calculate the retention and dispersion of conservative, near-surface particles carried by the currents. The near-surface dispersion is relatively low in Saginaw Bay, eastern Georgian Bay and the eastern North Channel; and relatively high over the western part of the main lake and the coastal region of south Lake Huron. The hydrodynamic connectivity in the surface water and connectivity matrices are calculated from particle movements carried passively by model currents superposed by a random walk process. The model results demonstrate that the hydrodynamic connectivity in the North Channel and Georgian Bay (ranging from 0.9 to 2.2%) is much weaker than those in the main lake (5.3 to 21.9%).
Plunging inflows and the summer photic zone in reservoirs
Authors: Pieters Roger , Lawrence Gregory A.
Published: February 2013

Kinbasket and Revelstoke Reservoirs are part of the Columbia River system in eastern British Columbia, Canada. Hydroelectricity from these large reservoirs represents about 30% of the province's generation capacity. Of interest to water use planning is the effect of reservoir operation on pelagic productivity. We address one small part of this question, namely, the supply of nutrients carried by inflows that plunge below the photic zone during the summer. Using an idealized water balance for the photic zone, three cases are considered: (1) a shallow outlet, (2) a deep outlet, and (3) no outflow. For a shallow outlet, all inflow that plunges below the photic zone is upwelled into the photic zone on its way to the outlet. For a deep outlet, inflow that plunges below the photic zone will short circuit or pass directly to the outlet unless entrainment generates upwelling of the inflow into the photic zone. For a reservoir with no outflow, such as a reservoir that is filling, inflow that plunges below the photic zone remains at depth unless either entrainment or a bathymetric effect generates flow into the photic zone; nutrients are then released when the reservoir is drawn down, often in winter.
An experimental and computational investigation of performance of the Green Gully for reusing stormwater
Authors: Begum Sharmina , Rasul M. G. , Brown R. J. , Subaschandar N. , Thomas Phil
Published: February 2013

A new stormwater quality improvement device called ‘Green Gully’ has been designed and developed in this study with the aim of reusing stormwater for irrigating trees and other plants. The main purpose of the Green Gully is to collect road runoff/stormwater, make it suitable for irrigation and provide an automated network system for watering roadside plants and irrigational areas. This paper presents the design and development of Green Gully along with experimental and computational investigations of the performance of Green Gully. Performance (in the form of efficiency, i.e. the percentage of water flow through the gully grate) was experimentally determined using a gully model in the laboratory first, then a three-dimensional numerical model was developed and simulated to predict the efficiency of Green Gully as a function of flow rate. Computational fluid dynamics code FLUENT was used for the simulation. GAMBIT was used for geometry creation and mesh generation. Experimental and simulation results are discussed and compared in this paper. The predicted efficiency was compared with the laboratory measured efficiency. It was found that the simulated results are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Investigating the role of adsorption and biodegradation in the removal of organic micropollutants during biological activated carbon filtration of treated wastewater
Authors: Rattier M. , Reungoat J. , Gernjak W. , Joss A. , Keller J.
Published: February 2013

Municipal water recycling may expose humans and the environment to trace organic contaminants. We assessed biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration for removal of organic micropollutants (MPs). Adsorption experiments were carried out in batch reactors containing secondary effluent and new granular activated carbon (GAC) and preloaded BAC media. Results show that BAC has good potential for removal of dissolved organic carbon (40%) and MPs (60–95%). The primary objective was to better understand removal mechanisms of representative MPs at environmentally relevant concentrations. Adsorption and biodegradation of 20 compounds of varying physico-chemical properties were investigated by inhibiting the biomass with azide. Average removal of compounds by adsorption on GAC was 88 ± 5% with no influence of azide. Average BAC removal was 72 ± 15%, reduced to 59 ± 20% after azide addition, showing that biological activity is important for MP removal. Comparison of MP removal by BAC and BAC + azide showed a more important impact of the inhibition on the removal of negatively charged compounds. Sustained removal of recalcitrant compounds showed that BAC maintained sorption capacity. These results highlight the advantage of a combination of adsorption and biodegradation as compared to other biofiltration techniques for the long-term attenuation of MPs.
Nitrogen removal from wastewater in an anoxic–aerobic biofilm reactor
Authors: Hamoda M. F. , Bin-Fahad R. A.
Published: February 2013

A pilot plant, using a four-compartment reactor packed with Biolace media, was operated in the anoxic/aerobic submerged fixed-film (A/ASFF) and the aerobic (ASFF) modes at loadings 0.03 to 0.3 g BOD. g−1 BVS. d−1, 0.01 to 0.11 g NH3. g−1 BVS d−1, HRTs 0.7 to 8 h, C/N of 6, and 28 ± 2 °C. The system proved to be very effective in treating municipal wastewater, achieving removals up to 98% for biological oxygen demand (BOD), 75% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 97% for ammonia. Performance was not adversely affected by a 10-fold increase in loading rate. Both modes of operation showed high specific nitrification rates up to 96 mg N. g−1 BVS d−1, but the A/ASFF was more stable and efficient at higher loadings. Its anoxic stage removed more than 90 and 60% for BOD and COD, respectively. The A/ASFF reactor also achieved denitrification, which eliminated 3.35 mg BOD (or 6.6 mg COD) versus 1 mg denitrified NO3-N, that resulted in higher organic removals. Denitrification rate increased linearly with the TON (total oxidised nitrogen) loading applied, and specific substrate removal reached up to 114 mg TON. g−1 BVS. d−1.
Degradation of emerging contaminants in reclaimed water through soil aquifer treatment (SAT)
Authors: Hernández M. , Magarzo C. , Lemaire B.
Published: February 2013

Soil aquifer treatment (SAT) is considered to be an alternative technique able to enhance recharged water quality for aquifer recharge purposes. It allows the reuse of treated wastewater, which usually contains some recalcitrant organic micropollutants such as pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study reports the removal capacity for a selection of organic micropollutants during SAT and the characterisation of the recharge system for the interpretation of the data. The experiment was performed in Angerville (France), where the treated wastewater effluent of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is directly infiltrated through an excavated infiltration pond after biological treatment. The system was instrumented by installing piezometers downgradient of the infiltration pond, which were monitored, together with other reference points, and analysed for detailed interpretation. Results on the site characterisation allowed the quantification of the mixing proportion of the recharge water and groundwater and identification of the redox conditions encountered within the aquifer. With respect to the targeted micropollutants, results showed that they exhibited different behaviour during infiltration. Examples of atrazine, gemfibrozil and carbamazepine are discussed as a representation of the most characteristic patterns of organic contaminant fate after recharge.
Impact of magnetic ion exchange resin pretreatment on alleviating UF membrane fouling
Authors: Xu H. , Chen W. , Sun J. , Yuan Z.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study is to undestand the effect and mechanism of preventing ultrafiltration(UF) membrane fouling by using magnetic ion exchange resin (MIEX®) in terms of fractional compent and molecular weight of NOM. In the experiment, pretreatment decreasing trans-membrane pressure and preventing membrane fouling were studied. The result showed: when the MIEX® dosage reached 800 bed volume (BV), the polymeric aluminium chloride (PAC) dosage could be reduced to 14 mg/L, and the Trans-Membrane Pressure (TMP) could be recovered effectively after hydraulic flush. This pretreatment could remove most of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic charged organics as well as some neutral organics. Foulants of molecular weight (MW) <1000 dalton (Da) and 3000 Da < MW < 100,000 Da organics could be removed by 40.7% and 96.0%, respectively. By reducing pore blocking and membrane cake resistance, the ultrafiltration (UF) membrane reduced the total resistance of membrane. As a result, membrane fouling was alleviated and the water production ratio was enhanced.
Improving the biological stability of drinking water by ion exchange
Authors: Grefte A. , Dignum M. , Baghoth S. A. , Cornelissen E. R. , Rietveld L. C.
Published: February 2013

To guarantee a good water quality at the consumer’s tap, natural organic matter (NOM) should be (partly) removed during drinking water treatment. The objective of this research is to measure the effect of NOM removal by ion exchange on the biological stability of drinking water. Experiments were performed in two lanes of the pilot plant of Weesperkarspel in the Netherlands. The lanes consisted of ozonation, softening, biological activated carbon filtration and slow sand filtration. Ion exchange in fluidized form was used as pre-treatment in one lane and removed 50% of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC); the other lane was used as reference. Compared to the reference lane, the assimilable organic carbon (AOC) concentration of the finished water in the lane pretreated by ion exchange was 61% lower. The biofilm formation rate of the finished water was decreased with 70% to 2.0 pg ATP/cm2.day. The achieved concentration of AOC and the values of the biofilm formation rate with ion exchange pre-treatment showed that the biological stability of drinking water can be improved by extending a treatment plant with ion exchange, especially when ozonation is involved as disinfection and oxidation step.
Cross-contamination: Comparison of Nasal and Chronic Leg Ulcer Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from the Same Patient
Authors: Gjødsbøl Kristine , Skindersoe Mette Elena , Skov Robert Leo , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of bacterial cross-contamination between the nasal cavity and leg ulcers. Sixteen patients were included in the study. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the leg ulcer of 13 patients and 6 of these patients also harboured S. aureus in the nasal cavity. Klebsiella oxytoca was found in the ulcer and the nasal cavity of one patient. PFGE analysis revealed that patients harbouring S. aureus both in the nasal cavity and the leg ulcer had the same bacterial type at both sites. None of the S. aureus isolates were methicillin resistant.
Repeated Intranasal Flumazenil Administration in Adult Subjects During Prolonged Benzodiazepine-induced Sedation
Authors: Szymanski Trevor J. , Curley Michael D. , Lovrincevic Mirjana M. , Philip Beverly K. , Wyle-gala Juli , Ferrigno Massimo
Published: February 2013

As part of a study exploring the use of oral diazepam to reduce carbon dioxide production and extend survival in a disabled submarine, intranasal flumazenil was used repeatedly over 48 hours to intermittently reverse benzodiazepine-induced sedation in six adult male subjects. Previous reports of intranasal flumazenil have been limited to pediatric pa-tients. Here we report the time course of administration of intranasal flumazenil and its effects on adult subjects, in whom flumazenil was given during sedation/reversal/re-sedation cycles. Sedation scores increased with flumazenil administra-tion in 24 of the 30 cycles, and in 100% of cases when subjects were at deeper levels of sedation.
Diabetic Retinopathy and VEGF
Authors: Gupta N , Mansoor S , Sharma A , Sapkal A , Sheth J , Falatoonzadeh P , Kuppermann BD , Kenney MC
Published: February 2013

Diabetic retinopathy remains the leading vascular-associated cause of blindness throughout the world. Its treatment requires a multidisciplinary interventional approach at both systemic and local levels. Current management includes laser photocoagulation, intravitreal steroids, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment along with systemic blood sugar control. Anti-VEGF therapies, which are less destructive and safer than laser treatments, are being explored as primary therapy for the management of vision-threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy such as diabetic macular edema (DME). This review provides comprehensive information related to VEGF and describes its role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, and in addition, examines the mechanisms of action for different antiangiogenic agents in relation to the management of this disease. Medline (Pubmed) searches were carried out with keywords “VEGF”, “diabetic retinopathy”, and “diabetes” without any year limitation to review relevant manuscripts used for this article.
A Comparison of Treating Metabolic Acidosis in CKD Stage 4 Hypertensive Kidney Disease with Fruits and Vegetables or Sodium Bicarbonate
Authors: Goraya Nimrit , Simoni Jan , Jo Chan-Hee , Wesson Donald E.
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Current guidelines recommend Na+-based alkali for CKD with metabolic acidosis and plasma total CO2 (PTCO2) < 22 mM. Because diets in industrialized societies are typically acid-producing, we compared base-producing fruits and vegetables with oral NaHCO3 (HCO3) regarding the primary outcome of follow-up estimated GFR (eGFR) and secondary outcomes of improved metabolic acidosis and reduced urine indices of kidney injury.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Individuals with stage 4 (eGFR, 15–29 ml/min per 1.73 m2) CKD due to hypertensive nephropathy, had a PTCO2 level < 22 mM, and were receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition were randomly assigned to 1 year of daily oral NaHCO3 at 1.0 mEq/kg per day (n=35) or fruits and vegetables dosed to reduce dietary acid by half (n=36).

Results

Plasma cystatin C–calculated eGFR did not differ at baseline and 1 year between groups. One-year PTCO2 was higher than baseline in the HCO3 group (21.2±1.3 versus 19.5±1.5 mM; P<0.01) and the fruits and vegetables group (19.9±1.7 versus 19.3±1.9 mM; P<0.01), consistent with improved metabolic acidosis, and was higher in the HCO3 than the fruits and vegetable group (P<0.001). One-year urine indices of kidney injury were lower than baseline in both groups. Plasma [K+] did not increase in either group.

Conclusions

One year of fruits and vegetables or NaHCO3 in individuals with stage 4 CKD yielded eGFR that was not different, was associated with higher-than-baseline PTCO2, and was associated with lower-than-baseline urine indices of kidney injury. The data indicate that fruits and vegetables improve metabolic acidosis and reduce kidney injury in stage 4 CKD without producing hyperkalemia.
Updating Audit Standard—Enabling Audit Data Analysis
Authors: Titera William R.
Published: February 2013

This paper highlights the emerging role of data analysis on the financial statement audit and its value throughout the audit process, particularly in providing audit evidence. It raises the issue of needed revisions to the Audit Standards, whether for public or private company audits, and illustrates how certain of the current Audit Standards inhibit the external auditors' use of enhanced data analysis and continuous auditing techniques. While this whitepaper identifies a few audit standards that could be revised in light of current technological capabilities, it does not purport to address all needed revisions. Rather, it recommends that a more in-depth analysis be undertaken to develop needed guidance, as well as a list of recommended changes to the standards.
Posterior Distal Tibial Fracture in a Military Trainee
Authors: Miller Joseph , Gerber J. Parry
Published: February 2013

The patient was an 18-year-old male military trainee who presented to a physical therapist with a chief complaint of right ankle pain following a combined plantar flexion-eversion ankle injury 3 days earlier. Based on the suspicion of a fracture, ankle radiographs were ordered by the physical therapist. On the lateral radiographic view, a longitudinal nondisplaced fracture of the posterior aspect of the distal tibia was appreciated.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(8):615. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0417
An Example of End-Digit Preference in Physiotherapy Practice
Authors: Stratford Paul W. , Wainwright Amy V. , Kennedy Deborah M.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Standardizing and improving the validity of range of motion (ROM) measurements is of clinical relevance to physiotherapists. The purpose of this study was to assess whether end-digit preference exists in the measurement of knee ROM in people after knee replacement. Method: Following total knee replacement, 100 people underwent active-assisted knee ROM measurements using a goniometer calibrated in 1° increments. Results: The data showed strong end-digit preferences for 0s and 5s (p<0.001). Conclusions: End-digit preference does exist in the measurement of knee ROM. This has the potential to influence both the validity of ROM measurements and clinical decisions.
Subdural hemorrhage in pediatric patients with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces
Authors: McKeag Heather , Christian Cindy W. , Rubin David , Daymont Carrie , Pollock Avrum N. , Wood Joanne
Published: February 2013

Object

Enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces has been theorized as a risk factor for the development of subdural hemorrhage (SDH). As the finding of unexplained SDH in children often raises suspicion for nonaccidental trauma, the possibility of increased risk of SDH in children with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces has important clinical, social, and legal implications. Therefore, the authors evaluated the frequency of SDH in a cohort of children with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces.

Methods

The authors identified children younger than 2 years of age who were diagnosed with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces on MRI or CT scanning in a large primary care network between July 2001 and January 2008. The authors excluded children who had enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces diagnosed on imaging performed for trauma or developmental delay, as well as children with a history of prematurity, diagnosis of intracranial pathology, or metabolic or genetic disorders. Chart review recovered the following data: patient demographics, head circumference, history of head trauma, and head imaging results. For the subset of children with SDH, information regarding evaluation for other injuries, including skeletal survey, ophthalmological examination, and child protection team evaluation, was abstracted.

Results

There were 177 children with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces who met the inclusion criteria. Subdural hemorrhage was identified in 4 (2.3%) of the 177 children. All of the children with SDH underwent evaluations for suspected nonaccidental trauma, which included consultation by the child protection team, skeletal survey, and ophthalmological examination. Additional injuries (healing rib fractures) were identified in 1 of 4 patients. None of the 4 children had retinal hemorrhages. Only the child with rib fractures was reported to child protective services due to concerns for abuse.

Conclusions

Only a small minority of the patients with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces had SDH. Evidence of additional injuries concerning for physical abuse were identified in a quarter of the children with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces and SDH, suggesting that an evaluation for suspected nonaccidental trauma including occult injury screening should be performed in cases of SDH with enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces. In the absence of additional injuries, however, the presence of an unexplained SDH in the setting of enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces may be insufficient to support a diagnosis of nonaccidental trauma.
Predictors of cranioplasty complications in stroke and trauma patients
Authors: Walcott Brian P. , Kwon Churl-Su , Sheth Sameer A. , Fehnel Corey R. , Koffie Robert M. , Asaad Wael F. , Nahed Brian V. , Coumans Jean-Valery
Published: February 2013

Object

Decompressive craniectomy mandates subsequent cranioplasty. Complications of cranioplasty may be independent of the initial craniectomy, or they may be contingent upon the craniectomy. Authors of this study aimed to identify surgery- and patient-specific risk factors related to the development of surgical site infection and other complications following cranioplasty.

Methods

A consecutive cohort of patients of all ages and both sexes who had undergone cranioplasty following craniectomy for stroke or trauma at a single institution in the period from May 2004 to May 2012 was retrospectively established. Patients who had undergone craniectomy for infectious lesions or neoplasia were excluded. A logistic regression analysis was performed to model and predict determinants related to infection following cranioplasty.

Results

Two hundred thirty-nine patients met the study criteria. The overall rate of complication following cranioplasty was 23.85% (57 patients). Complications included, predominantly, surgical site infection, hydrocephalus, and new-onset seizures. Logistic regression analysis identified previous reoperation (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.30–8.11, p = 0.01) and therapeutic indication for stroke (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.11–5.39, p = 0.03) as significantly associated with the development of cranioplasty infection. Patient age, location of cranioplasty, presence of an intracranial device, bone flap preservation method, cranioplasty material, booking method, and time interval > 90 days between initial craniectomy and cranioplasty were not predictive of the development of cranioplasty infection.

Conclusions

Cranioplasty complications are common. Cranioplasty infection rates are predicted by reoperation following craniectomy and therapeutic indication (stroke). These variables may be associated with patient-centered risk factors that increase cranioplasty infection risk.
Onyx embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations in pediatric patients
Authors: Soltanolkotabi Maryam , Schoeneman Samantha E. , Alden Tord D. , Hurley Michael C. , Ansari Sameer A. , DiPatri Arthur J. , Tomita Tadanori , Shaibani Ali
Published: February 2013

Object

The authors undertook this study to assess the safety and efficacy of Onyx embolization in the treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in pediatric patients.

Methods

All pediatric Onyx embolization of intracranial AVM cases performed consecutively at a single children's hospital over a 5-year period were collected and evaluated.

Results

Twenty-five patients (mean age 10.5 years) underwent a total of 38 procedures. An aggregate of 56 pedicles were embolized (mean 1.47 per session). The Spetzler-Martin grade was determined in all cases. Onyx embolization resulted in complete obliteration of the AVM in 3 cases (12%) and partial obliteration in 22 cases (88%). A total of 23 patients underwent surgical treatment. The mean preoperative AVM devascularization in these cases was 72%. One patient was treated with radiosurgery following Onyx embolization. Overall, 10 complications occurred in a total of 38 procedures (26.3%). None of the complications resulted in permanent neurological morbidity. The rate of transient neurological complications was 10.5% (4 of 38 procedures) and the rate of transient nonneurological complications was 5.3% (2 of 38 procedures). The remaining 4 complications were clinically silent (rate of 10.5%). There were no procedure-related deaths in this study population. There was no significant difference in patients with and without complications in terms of demographic characteristics, AVM grade, or embolization features (p ≥ 0.2). Deep venous drainage was associated with higher complication rates (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Onyx utilization is feasible for preoperative or primary embolization in the treatment of pediatric intracranial AVMs; however, the spectrum of complications encountered is broad, and attention must be paid to the technical nuances of and indications for its use to avoid many potential dangerous effects. Although the overall complication rates were higher than expected, all were either clinically silent or had only transient clinical effects. Thus, this experience suggests that Onyx embolization can be performed safely with a low rate of permanent morbidity in pediatric patients harboring these difficult lesions.
Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the atlantoaxial joint in a child
Authors: Bartanusz Viktor , Ziu Mateo , Jimenez David F. , Henry James M.
Published: February 2013

Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the spine is a rare nonneoplastic lesion of unknown origin described in adolescents and adults. Its clinical manifestations include axial pain, myelopathy, or radiculopathy. Surgery is the preferred method of treatment. The authors report the occurrence of calcifying pseudoneoplasm at the C1–2 cervical segment in a 22-month-old child who became completely asymptomatic 2 months after open biopsy. A review of the literature is presented, emphasizing the uniqueness of the presented case in comparison with the previously published cases. The 22-month-old healthy girl presented with sudden onset of neck pain. Due to persistence of the symptoms 2 weeks after onset, imaging studies were performed that revealed an inhomogeneous calcified mass extending from the transverse ligament to the C1–2 interlaminar space and facet joint on the left side. Open biopsy of the mass at the C1–2 lamina was performed. The histological features were consistent with calcifying pseudoneoplasm. The child's neck pain progressively improved and she remained asymptomatic at the 1-year follow-up. The postoperative MRI at 8 months did not reveal any progression of the lesion. Contrary to reported cases, calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the spine may occur as early as 2 years of age and should be included in the differential diagnosis of calcified lesions in this age group. Complete resection is not a prerequisite to clinical improvement when there is no compromise of neural structures; conservative management is appropriate.
World Exhibitions as laboratories for structural innovation
Authors: Kádár Bálint
Published: February 2013

Architecture since the industrial revolution has been determined by technological innovation more than ever before. To realise buildings with large-span structures or transparent coverings, high cost structures had to be developed and built. World Exhibitions - or Expos - are events originally held by nations to show their industrial, economic and cultural power. Due to the representative nature of these fairs, financial resources and innovative approaches are granted for structural and architectural experiments. This paper presents an overview of the main structural innovations of the past two centuries, selecting those first presented at Expos. The numerous innovations from prefabrication, great steel trusses, and transparent coverings to geodesic domes, membrane structures and steel coatings could only spread in different architectural situations, if these were successfully tested in the large-scale laboratories of World Exhibitions. The process is the same today, but the innovation is about green techno
logies and computer aided production, rather than large span structures.
Church as a home - sacral and profane functions in modern Hungarian Churches
Authors: Krähling János , Domonkos Nagy Gergely
Published: February 2013

Contemporary church architecture in Hungary is one of the most monumental and representative architectural topics of the period after the political change; following forty years of communist dictatorship it became possible for congregations to freely raise new church buildings, asserting at the same time their social rights. It is remarkable that among the newly built churches the majority appear through the uniting of diverse functions such as congregation centres. The sacral church spaces of these architectural complexes are flexible and thus often extended with the community´s educational or other functional units used for non-sacral social gatherings, as a result the church may really become the home of a community. The article tries to encompass this phenomenon by analysing in the context of historical antecedents a typical contemporary Catholic and Protestant Hungarian church.