bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Crude Plant Extracts with Anti-Obesity Activity
Authors: Roh Changhyun , Jung Uhee
Published: February 2012

Obesity is a global health problem. It is also known to be a risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. In this study, we screened crude extracts from 400 plants to test their anti-obesity activity using porcine pancreatic lipase assay (PPL; triacylglycerol lipase, EC 3.1.1.3) in vitro activity. Among the 400 plants species examined, 44 extracts from plants, showed high anti-lipase activity using 2,4-dinitrophenylbutyrate as a substrate in porcine pancreatic lipase assay. Furthermore, 44 plant extracts were investigated for their inhibition of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Among these 44 extracts examined, crude extracts from 4 natural plant species were active. Salicis Radicis Cortex had the highest fat inhibitory activity, whereas Rubi Fructus, Corni Fructus, and Geranium nepalense exhibited fat inhibitory capacity higher than 30% at 100 μg/mL in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting anti-obesity activity. These results suggest that four potent plant extracts might be of therapeutic interest with respect to the treatment of obesity.
Evidence of Associations Between Feto-Maternal Vitamin D Status, Cord Parathyroid Hormone and Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase, and Newborn Whole Body Bone Mineral Content
Authors: Dror Daphna K. , King Janet C. , Fung Ellen B. , Loan Marta D. Van , Gertz Erik R. , Allen Lindsay H.
Published: February 2012

In spite of a high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in pregnant women and neonates, relationships among vitamin D status (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and whole body bone mineral content (WBBMC) in the newborn are poorly characterized. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationships between maternal and cord 25(OH)D, PTH, BALP, and WBBMC in newborns in a multiethnic population in Oakland, California and to evaluate the predictive value of the biochemical indices as indicators of WBBMC. Maternal and cord blood were collected from 80 mother-infant pairs and infant WBBMC was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry 8–21 days post-birth. Cord PTH and BALP were each inversely correlated with infant WBBMC (r = −0.28, p = 0.01 and r = −0.26, p = 0.02) and with cord 25(OH)D (r = −0.24, p = 0.03 and r = −0.34, p = 0.002), while cord 25(OH)D and unadjusted or weight-adjusted WBBMC were not significantly correlated with one other. In multivariate regression modeling, infant WBBMC was most strongly predicted by infant weight ( p < 0.0001), while either PTH or BALP contributed modestly but significantly to the model (p = 0.006 and p = 0.03 respectively). Cord 25(OH)D was not a significant predictor of infant WBBMC. This study provides evidence of associations between feto-maternal 25(OH)D, cord PTH and BALP, and early infant WBBMC, though neither feto-maternal 25(OH)D nor the measured biochemical indices were suitable indicators of WBBMC.
Sorption of Ochratoxin A from Aqueous Solutions Using β-Cyclodextrin-Polyurethane Polymer
Authors: Appell Michael , Jackson Michael A.
Published: February 2012

The ability of a cyclodextrin-polyurethane polymer to remove ochratoxin A from aqueous solutions was examined by batch rebinding assays. The results from the aqueous binding studies were fit to two parameter models to gain insight into the interaction of ochratoxin A with the nanosponge material. The ochratoxin A sorption data fit well to the heterogeneous Freundlich isotherm model. The polymer was less effective at binding ochratoxin A in high pH buffer (9.5) under conditions where ochratoxin A exists predominantly in the dianionic state. Batch rebinding assays in red wine indicate the polymer is able to remove significant levels of ochratoxin A from spiked solutions between 1–10 μg·L−1. These results suggest cyclodextrin nanosponge materials are suitable to reduce levels of ochratoxin A from spiked aqueous solutions and red wine samples.
Repair of Medial Collateral Ligament Injury During Total Knee Arthoplasty
Authors: Stephens Scott , Politi Joel , Backes Jeffrey , Czaplicki Tony
Published: February 2012

Intraoperative midsubstance lacerations of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) must be addressed during surgery, and failure to obtain coronal plane stability could affect patient outcomes and satisfaction. This article reports our results of a series of patients who sustained an intraoperative MCL injury during a primary total knee arthroplasty and were treated by direct primary repair and no change in implant constraint or postoperative protocol.

Over a 5-year period, 9 patients sustained this complication. We reviewed their subjective satisfaction and stability, as well as objective measures such as functional scores, physical examinations, and radiographs. Average patient age was 58 years, and mean patient body mass index was 43.3. All patients were satisfied with the procedure and demonstrated no instability on physical examination. Average Knee Society pain score was 91.5 and functional score was 73.3. No radiographic changes or signs of loosening were noted. This novel approach for intraoperative midsubstance lacerations of the MCL does not involve altering implants or postoperative protocols and has encouraging results.
Modified Ollier Transtrochanteric Approach for the Treatment of Acetabular Fractures
Authors: McDowell Susan , Mullis Brian , Knight Bradford S. , Dahners Laurence E.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the rates of wound and neurologic complications and clinically significant heterotopic ossification, Brooker stage 3 and 4, with the modified Ollier transtrochanteric approach for the treatment of acetabular fractures. The study group comprised 94 consecutive patients (95 acetabuli) who had unstable acetabular fractures requiring surgical fixation. All patients were treated with open reduction internal fixation via the Ollier approach by a single surgeon (L.E.D.). Demographic and clinical information regarding rates of wound and neurologic complications and remaining articular stepoff at fixation was obtained from a chart review. The degree of heterotopic ossification was graded from standard anteroposterior pelvis radiographs according to the Brooker classification.

Six (6%) patients underwent reoperation for infection; however, only 3 (3%) of these patients had deep infections. Three (3%) patients had iatrogenic sciatic nerve injuries; only 1 patient had persistent sensory changes at final follow-up. Thirteen (18%) of the 73 patients with radiographs available for review at a minimum of 3-month follow-up had Brooker grade III heterotopic ossification and 1 (1%) patient had grade IV. Five (5%) patients underwent excision of heterotopic ossification. Fourteen (17%) of 81 patients had no radiographic union of the greater trochanteric osteotomy, but none of these patients required further surgery.

The complication rates of the Ollier approach in this study compare favorably with alternative surgical approaches reported in large series. We believe this approach provides excellent exposure without increasing the risk of complications.
Kinematically Versus Mechanically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Dossett H. Gene , Swartz George J. , Estrada Nicolette A. , LeFevre George W. , Kwasman Bertram G.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare 2 alignment methods for total knee arthroplasty (TKA): kinematic alignment with the use of patient-specific guides and mechanical alignment with conventional instruments. A randomized, controlled trial of 41 kinematically aligned and 41 mechanically aligned patients was conducted with the patient, radiographic evaluator, and clinical evaluator blinded to the alignment technique. Radiographic measurements were made from long-leg computer tomography scanograms. Clinical outcome scores and motion were measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

The hip–knee–ankle angle (0.3° difference;
P
=.693) and anatomic angle of the knee (0.8° difference;
P
=.131) were similar for both groups. In the kinematically aligned group, the angle of the femoral component was 2.4° more valgus (
P
<.000) and the angle of the tibial component was 2.3° more varus (
P
<.000) than the mechanically aligned group. At 6 months postoperatively, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score was 16 points better (
P
<.000), Oxford Score was 7 points better (
P
=.001), combined Knee Society Score was 25 points better (
P
=.001), and flexion was 5.0° greater (
P
=.043) in the kinematically aligned group than in the mechanically aligned group.

Our findings suggest that the risk of early failure related to limb or knee alignment should be similar in kinematic and mechanically aligned TKA. More anatomic alignment of the implant was associated with better flexion and better clinical outcome scores in the kinematically aligned group.
Quantitative Score System for the Surgical Decision on Adult Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Liu Yue-Ju , Xu Bin , Li Zhi-Yong , Zhang Qi , Zhang Ying-Ze
Published: February 2012

Surgical decision making for femoral neck fractures is currently based on factors such as patient age, fracture type, and medical condition, lacking a quantitative standard. The treatment protocol based on such qualitative assessment has poor operability, greatly affected by the surgeon’s subjective factors. As a result, a quantitative score system (QSS) focusing on 5 factors—age, fracture type, bone mineral density, activities of daily living, and medical comorbidities—with a total score of 25 is designed to deal with adult femoral neck fractures. The higher the score, the worse the patient’s physiological condition. According to our clinical experience, patients with 1 to 11 points should be treated with internal fixation; patients with 12 to 17 points with total hip arthroplasty (THA), and patients with 18 to 22 points with hemiarthroplasty. Patients with 22 to 25 points should be treated with internal fixation due to the high surgical risk of arthroplasty caused by poor physiological condition.

Three hundred seventy-five adult femoral neck fractures were treated on the basis of QSS for this 2-year prospective study. Of these, 242 were treated with low-score internal fixation, 60 with THA, 55 with hemiarthroplasty, and 18 with high-score internal fixation. The revision rates 2 years postoperatively in the low-score internal fixation, THA, and hemiarthroplasty groups were 15.3%, 5.0%, and 5.5%, respectively, which were lower than those from a meta-analysis (internal fixation, 35%; THA, 16%). This QSS helps surgical decision making regarding the treatment choice for adult patients with femoral neck fractures, and good results in preliminary clinical practice have been achieved.
Surgical Reconstruction of Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures Using Various Methods
Authors: Park Yong-Serk , Sung Ki-Sun
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures using various methods, including Achilles tendon allograft. Between October 2003 and March 2010, twelve patients with chronic Achilles tendon ruptures and a defect gap of >4 cm underwent surgical reconstruction with V-Y advancement, gastrocnemius fascial turn-down flap, flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer, or Achilles tendon allograft. The study group comprised 11 men and 1 woman. At last follow-up, all patients were assessed with regard to postoperative complications, self-reported level of satisfaction, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle–hindfoot score, Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score, repetitive single-heel rises, single-leg hopping test, and ankle range of motion.

The AOFAS scores increased from an average of 68.7 (range, 50–87) preoperatively to 98.0 (range, 88–100) postoperatively. All patients were able to perform 10 repetitive single-heel raises and single-leg hops at last follow-up. No patient experienced wound complications or deep infection. Seven patients were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 1 as fair.

Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures can be successfully treated by careful selection of the reconstruction method according to the length of defect gap and state of the remaining tissue. With an extensive defect, use of an Achilles tendon allograft can be a good option.
Predictive Value of Preoperative Digital Templating in THA Depends on the Surgical Experience of the Performing Physician
Authors: Mittag Falk , Ipach Ingmar , Schaefer Ralf , Meisner Christoph , Leichtle Ulf
Published: February 2012

Digital preoperative templating is increasingly used to predict the correct component size in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Experienced surgeons could avoid the new technique and rely on a digital template done by a younger colleague. We compared the accuracy of preoperative templating between orthopedic residents (group A) and an experienced orthopedic surgeon (group B).

In 106 cases, the software-predicted component sizes of both groups were compared with component sizes placed surgically. An accurate prediction of the acetabular component was achieved in 63% of cases in group A compared with 88% of cases in group B (
P
=.001). Concerning the femoral component, accurate prediction was achieved in 89% in group A and 97% in group B (
P
=.021).

If performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon, digital templating is an accurate method to predict the prosthetic component size in THA.
Effect of Polyethylene Component Thickness on Range of Motion and Stability in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lanting Brent A. , Snider Matthew G. , Chess David G.
Published: February 2012

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure with good survivorship and functional results. Optimal results are dependent on proper osseous cuts and soft tissue balancing. Soft tissue tensioning via the polyethylene spacer thickness is an important component of soft tissue balancing. Increased thickness increases soft tissue tension and, therefore, has the potential to increase stability but decrease range of motion (ROM). Decreased polyethylene thickness may decrease soft tissue tension and has the potential to increase ROM but decrease stability.

Using computer-based navigation, the intraoperative effect of increasing and decreasing polyethylene thickness in 1-mm increments on ROM and coronal stability throughout the ROM of 35 patients was examined. It was found that increasing the polyethylene thickness by 1-mm increments had a statistically significant impact on the ability to achieve full extension but had no impact on flexion. Increased polyethylene thickness decreased coronal plane motion. Coronal plane laxity increased with increased flexion irrespective of polyethylene thickness. In this patient cohort, lateral laxity became >1° when the knee was flexed. However, medial structures prevented valgus angulation of >1° in all scenarios except when the polyethylene was diminished by 2 mm.

Changes in polyethylene thickness had an impact on the ability to gain full extension and coronal plane motion.
Recurrent, Locked Posterior Glenohumeral Dislocation Requiring Hemiarthroplasty and Posterior Bone Block With Humeral Head Autograft
Authors: Riggenbach Michael D. , Najarian Robert G. , Bishop Julie Y.
Published: February 2012

This article describes the case of a 77-year-old man with a recurrent posterior shoulder dislocation, treated with humeral hemiarthroplasty and reconstruction of a large posteroinferior glenoid defect with a bone block created from humeral head autograft. On examination, the patient’s left arm was held in internal rotation against his stomach, with minimal swelling about the deltoid. His shoulder was nontender to palpation; however, he had substantial motion restrictions, and attempted motion was painful. He could forward elevate to 30°, extend to 0°, internally rotate to belly, and passive external rotation was limited to −30°. He maintained full elbow, wrist, and hand range of motion, and his neurovascular examination was intact. Radiographs revealed a recurrent posterior glenohumeral dislocation, with a large reverse Hill-Sachs defect involving the lesser turberosity and humeral head. Computed tomography with 3-D reconstruction revealed the humeral head defect involving the lesser tuberosity and approximately 40% of the humeral head and a large comminuted posteroinferior glenoid fracture measuring 2.7×0.8 cm, encompassing approximately 30% of the posteroinferior glenoid surface. Standard fixation was not possible; therefore, the resected humeral head was fashioned into an elliptical piece mirroring the size of the defect of the posteroinferior glenoid. Rough measurements of the defect were made and marked on the humeral head, which was then cut with an oscillating saw to approximate the size and shape of the defect. The glenoid graft provided an extension to the glenoid and prevented posterior subluxation with no block to motion. One year postoperatively, he had full strength (5/5) with external rotation, forward elevation, and internal rotation, 140° of active forward elevation, 30° of external rotation, internal rotation to T7, and no episodes of instability. To our knowledge. this is the first report of this technique in the literature. It is an alternative to total shoulder arthroplasty.
Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal and Yellow Ligaments on the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Wu Desheng , Ba Zhaoyu , Zhao Weidong , Zhang Yan , Liu Ju , Meng Yang
Published: February 2012

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and ossification of the yellow ligament are the main causes of spinal canal stenosis. This article describes a case of ossification of the posterior longitudinal and yellow ligaments on the lumbar spine. The patient presented with gradually worsening left lower-extremity ache and pain. The deep tendon reflex was hyperreflexia in the lower extremities. Disturbances existed in the blade and bowel. The ossified lesion of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was observed at L5-S1, and plain lateral radiographs and computed tomography revealed ossification of the yellow ligament on L3, which occupied a large part of the spinal canal. Because of the findings on the preoperative radiographs, we performed posterior approach decompression and bone grafting and excisied the ossified lesion. Pedicle screws were inserted from L3 to S1. The patient’s symptoms disappeared postoperatively, and his Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 25 two weeks postoperatively.

No standard surgical procedure exists for the treatment of lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, but it is important to select a surgical procedure according to individual patient conditions. Many factors, such as local mechanic stress, tissue metabolism, high glucose, and genetics, contribute to the progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal and yellow ligaments on the lumbar spine. However, the mechanism is unclear. Further study and long-term follow-up on lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is needed.
¿Cada vez más apáticos? El desinterés político juvenil en España en perspectiva comparada
Authors: Galais Carol
Published: February 2012

A menudo se ha señalado que los niveles de apatía política de la juventud española son alarmantes. En estas páginas se comprueba esta afirmación con relación a la juventud europea y se intenta dilucidar si el grado de interés por la política de los jóvenes españoles ha empeorado en los últimos tiempos. Para ello se comparan las diferencias entre los jóvenes españoles y europeos con los del resto de la población, así como con los que, en España, fueron jóvenes en épocas anteriores. Finalmente, se comprueba el supuesto de la progresiva despolitización de los jóvenes mediante un análisis multivariante. Se concluye que los jóvenes actuales solo presentan unos niveles de interés por la política significativamente inferiores a los jóvenes de los años 80, los cuales son la auténtica excepción.
False-Negative Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Malaria and Deletion of the Histidine-Rich Repeat Region of the hrp2 Gene
Authors: Koita Ousmane A. , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Ouattara Amed , Tall Lalla K. , Konaré Aoua , Diakité Mahamadou , Diallo Mouctar , Sagara Issaka , Masinde Godfred L. , Doumbo Safiatou N. , Dolo Amagana , Tounkara Anatole , Traoré Issa , Krogstad Donald J.
Published: February 2012

We identified 480 persons with positive thick smears for asexual Plasmodium falciparum parasites, of whom 454 had positive rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) product of the hrp2 gene and 26 had negative tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for the histidine-rich repeat region of that gene was negative in one-half (10/22) of false-negative specimens available, consistent with spontaneous deletion. False-negative RDTs were found only in persons with asymptomatic infections, and multiplicities of infection (MOIs) were lower in persons with false-negative RDTs (both P < 0.001). These results show that parasites that fail to produce HRP2 can cause patent bloodstream infections and false-negative RDT results. The importance of these observations is likely to increase as malaria control improves, because lower MOIs are associated with false-negative RDTs and false-negative RDTs are more frequent in persons with asymptomatic infections. These findings suggest that the use of HRP2-based RDTs should be reconsidered.
Human Risk of Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme Disease Agent, in Eastern United States
Authors: Diuk-Wasser Maria A. , Hoen Anne Gatewood , Cislo Paul , Brinkerhoff Robert , Hamer Sarah A. , Rowland Michelle , Cortinas Roberto , Vourc'h Gwenaël , Melton Forrest , Hickling Graham J. , Tsao Jean I. , Bunikis Jonas , Barbour Alan G. , Kitron Uriel , Piesman Joseph , Fish Durland
Published: February 2012

The geographic pattern of human risk for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the tick-borne pathogen that causes Lyme disease, was mapped for the eastern United States. The map is based on standardized field sampling in 304 sites of the density of Ixodes scapularis host-seeking nymphs infected with B. burgdorferi, which is closely associated with human infection risk. Risk factors for the presence and density of infected nymphs were used to model a continuous 8 km×8 km resolution predictive surface of human risk, including confidence intervals for each pixel. Discontinuous Lyme disease risk foci were identified in the Northeast and upper Midwest, with a transitional zone including sites with uninfected I. scapularis populations. Given frequent under- and over-diagnoses of Lyme disease, this map could act as a tool to guide surveillance, control, and prevention efforts and act as a baseline for studies tracking the spread of infection.
Leptospirosis in American Samoa 2010: Epidemiology, Environmental Drivers, and the Management of Emergence
Authors: Lau Colleen L. , Dobson Annette J. , Smythe Lee D. , Fearnley Emily J. , Skelly Chris , Clements Archie C. A. , Craig Scott B. , Fuimaono Saipale D. , Weinstein Philip
Published: February 2012

Leptospirosis has recently been reported as an emerging disease worldwide, and a seroprevalence study was undertaken in American Samoa to better understand the drivers of transmission. Antibodies indicative of previous exposure to leptospirosis were found in 15.5% of 807 participants, predominantly against three serovars that were not previously known to occur in American Samoa. Questionnaires and geographic information systems data were used to assess behavioral factors and environmental determinants of disease transmission, and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with infection. Many statistically significant factors were consistent with previous studies, but we also showed a significant association with living at lower altitudes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–2.28), and having higher numbers of piggeries around the home (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.52–4.40). Our findings support a multifaceted approach to combating the emergence of leptospirosis, including modification of individual behavior, but importantly also managing the evolving environmental drivers of risk.
Pseudotumoral Form of Neuroschistosomiasis: Report of Three Cases in Ganzi, China
Authors: Wan Heng , Masataka Hayashi , Zhang Li-Ping , Zheng De-Fu
Published: February 2012

The authors report three rare cases of neuroschistosomiasis lacking extracranial involvement. No parasitic eggs were detected in the stool with the Kato–Katz thick smear methods. Computed tomography of the brains showed hypodense signals, and magnetic resonance imaging showed isointense signals on T1-weighted images, hyperintense signals on T2-weighted images, and intensely enhancing nodules in the brain after intravenous administration of gadolinium. High-grade gliomas were suspected, and operations or radiosurgery was performed. Cerebral schistosomiasis was confirmed in all cases by biopsy of the brain lesions, revealing granulomas containing embedded Schistosoma japonicum eggs. All cases were definitively diagnosed as brain schistosomiasis japonica. Praziquantel and corticosteroids were administered, and the prognoses were good for all case patients. Although the aforementioned pattern of imaging examinations is not present in all cases of neuroschistosomiasis, a diagnosis of neuroschistosomiasis should be considered when this pattern of imaging is observed; cerebrospinal fluid serological exams are also recommended.
Verbal Autopsy for Neurological Diseases
Authors: Mateen Farrah J. , Kalter Henry D.
Published: February 2012

Verbal autopsy is an interview-based technique to determine the cause distribution of death in a population. The use of verbal autopsy for understanding neurological diseases is crucial to burden of disease analyses in many countries, particularly in locations where civil registration systems are non-functioning or absent. We review the purposes, strengths, and weaknesses in the use of verbal autopsy for neurological diseases.
Does acetone react with HO2 in the upper-troposphere?
Authors: Dillon T. J. , Pozzer A. , Vereecken L. , Crowley J. N. , Lelieveld J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Recent theoretical calculations showed that reaction with HO2 could be an important sink for acetone (CH3C(O)CH3) and source of acetic acid (CH3C(O)OH) in cold parts of the atmosphere (e.g. the tropopause region). This work details studies of HO2 + CH3C(O)CH3 (CH3)2C(OH)OO (R1) in laboratory-based and theoretical chemistry experiments; the atmospheric significance of Reaction (R1) was assessed in a global 3-D chemical model. Pulsed laser-kinetic experiments were conducted, for the first time, at the low-temperatures representative of the tropopause. Reaction with NO converted HO2 to OH for detection by laser induced fluorescence. Reduced yields of OH at T < 220 K provided indirect evidence for the sequestration of HO2 by CH3C(O)CH3 with a forward rate coefficient greater than 2 × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. No evidence for Reaction (R1) was observed at T > 230 K, probably due to rapid thermal dissociation back to HO2 + CH3C(O)CH3. Numerical simulations of the data indicate that these experiments were sensitive to only (R1a) HO2-CH3C(O)CH3 complex formation, the first step in (R1). Rearrangement (R1b) of the complex to form peroxy radicals, and hence the atmospheric significance of (R1) has yet to be rigorously verified by experiment. Results from new quantum chemical calculations indicate that K1 is characterised by large uncertainties of at least an order of magnitude at T < 220 K. The large predicted values from Hermans et al. lie at the top end of the range of values obtained from calculations at different (higher) levels of theory. Atmospheric modelling studies demonstrated that whilst (R1) chemistry may be a significant loss process for CH3C(O)CH3 near the tropopause, it cannot explain observations of CH3C(O)OH throughout the troposphere.
The EMEP MSC-W chemical transport model – Part 1: Model description
Authors: Simpson D. , Benedictow A. , Berge H. , Bergström R. , Emberson L. D. , Fagerli H. , Hayman G. D. , Gauss M. , Jonson J. E. , Jenkin M. E. , Nyíri A. , Richter C. , Semeena V. S. , Tsyro S. , Tuovinen J.-P. , Valdebenito Á. , Wind P.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The Meteorological Synthesizing Centre-West (MSC-W) of the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) has been performing model calculations in support of the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) for more than 30 yr. The EMEP MSC-W chemical transport model is still one of the key tools within European air pollution policy assessments. Traditionally, the EMEP model has covered all of Europe with a resolution of about 50 × 50 km2, and extending vertically from ground level to the tropopause (100 hPa). The model has undergone substantial development in recent years, and is now applied on scales ranging from local (ca. 5 km grid size) to global (with 1 degree resolution). The model is used to simulate photo-oxidants and both inorganic and organic aerosols. In 2008 the EMEP model was released for the first time as public domain code, along with all required input data for model runs for one year. Since then, many changes have been made to the model physics, and input data. The second release of the EMEP MSC-W model became available in mid 2011, and a new release is targeted for early 2012. This publication is intended to document this third release of the EMEP MSC-W model. The model formulations are given, along with details of input data-sets which are used, and brief background on some of the choices made in the formulation are presented. The model code itself is available at www.emep.int, along with the data required to run for a full year over Europe.
Infrared measurements in the Arctic using two Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometers
Authors: Mariani Z. , Strong K. , Wolff M. , Rowe P. , Walden V. , Fogal P. F. , Duck T. , Lesins G. , Turner D. S. , Cox C. , Eloranta E. , Drummond J. R. , Roy C. , Turner D. D. , Hudak D. , Lindenmaier I. A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The Extended-range Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (E-AERI) is a moderate resolution (1 cm−1) Fourier transform infrared spectrometer for measuring the absolute downwelling infrared spectral radiance from the atmosphere between 400 and 3000 cm−1. The extended spectral range of the instrument permits monitoring of the 400–550 cm−1 (20–25 μm) region, where most of the infrared surface cooling currently occurs in the dry air of the Arctic. Spectra from the E-AERI have the potential to provide information about radiative balance, trace gases, and cloud properties in the Canadian high Arctic. Calibration, performance evaluation, and certification of the E-AERI were performed at the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Centre from September to October 2008. The instrument was then installed at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) Ridge Lab (610 m altitude) at Eureka, Nunavut, in October 2008, where it acquired one year of data. Measurements are taken every seven minutes year-round, including polar night when the solar-viewing spectrometers at PEARL are not operated. A similar instrument, the University of Idaho's Polar AERI (P-AERI), was installed at the Zero-altitude PEARL Auxiliary Laboratory (0PAL), 15 km away from the PEARL Ridge Lab, from March 2006 to June 2009. During the period of overlap, these two instruments provided calibrated radiance measurements from two altitudes. A fast line-by-line radiative transfer model is used to simulate the downwelling radiance at both altitudes; the largest differences (simulation-measurement) occur in spectral regions strongly influenced by atmospheric temperature and/or water vapour. The two AERI instruments at close proximity but located at two different altitudes are well-suited for investigating cloud forcing. As an example, it is shown that a thin, low ice cloud resulted in a 6% increase in irradiance. The presence of clouds creates a large surface radiative forcing in the Arctic, particularly in the 750–1200 cm−1 region where the downwelling radiance is several times greater than clear-sky radiances, which is significantly larger than in other more humid regions.
Chemodiversity of a Scots pine stand and implications for terpene air concentrations
Authors: Bäck J. , Aalto J. , Henriksson M. , Hakola H. , He Q. , Boy M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric chemistry in background areas is strongly influenced by natural vegetation. Coniferous forests are known to produce large quantities of volatile vapors, especially terpenes. These compounds are reactive in the atmosphere, and contribute to the formation and growth of atmospheric new particles. Our aim was to analyze the variability of mono- and sesquiterpene emissions between Scots pine trees, in order to clarify the potential errors caused by using emission data obtained from only a few trees in atmospheric chemistry models. We also aimed at testing if stand history and seed origin has an influence on the chemotypic diversity. The inherited, chemotypic variability in mono- and sesquiterpene emission was studied in a seemingly homogeneous 48 yr-old stand in Southern Finland, where two areas differing in their stand regeneration history could be distinguished. Sampling was conducted in August 2009. Terpene concentrations in the air had been measured at the same site for seven years prior to branch sampling for chemotypes. Two main compounds, α-pinene and Δ3-carene formed together 40–97% of the monoterpene proportions in both the branch emissions and in the air concentrations. The data showed a bimodal distribution in emission composition, in particular in Δ3-carene emission within the studied population. 10% of the trees emitted mainly α-pinene and no Δ3-carene at all, whereas 20% of the trees where characterized as high Δ3-carene emitters (Δ3-carene forming >80% of total emitted monoterpene spectrum). An intermediate group of trees emitted equal amounts of both α-pinene and Δ3-carene. The emission pattern of trees at the area established using seeding as the artificial regeneration method differed from the naturally regenerated or planted trees, being mainly high Δ3-carene emitters. Some differences were also seen in e.g. camphene and limonene emissions between chemotypes, but sesquiterpene emissions did not differ significantly between trees. The atmospheric concentrations at the site were found to reflect the species and/or chemodiversity rather than the emissions measured from any single tree, and were strongly dominated by α-pinene. We also tested the effect of chemodiversity on modeled monoterpene concentrations at the site and found out that since it significantly influences the distributions and hence the chemical reactions in the atmosphere, it should be taken into account in atmospheric modeling.
On the relationship between metrics to compare greenhouse gases – the case of IGTP, GWP and SGTP
Authors: Azar C. , Johansson D. J. A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Metrics for comparing greenhouse gases are analyzed, with a particular focus on the Integrated Temperature Change Potential (IGTP) following a call from IPCC to investigate this metric. It is shown that GWP and IGTP are asymptotically equal when the time horizon approaches infinity. The difference between IGTP and GWP is estimated for different greenhouse gases using an upwelling diffusion energy balance model with different assumptions on the climate sensitivity and the parameterization governing the rate of ocean heat uptake. It is found that GWP and IGTP differ by some 10% for CH4 (for a time horizon of less than 500 years), and the relative difference between GWP and IGTP is less for gases with a longer atmospheric life time. Further, it is found that the relative difference between IGTP and GWP increases with increasing rates of ocean heat uptake and increasing climate sensitivity. Finally, it is shown that IGTP is equivalent to the Sustained Global Temperature change Potential (SGTP) under standard assumptions when estimating GWPs, i.e. a constant background temperature and a constant background concentration of greenhouse gases.
Physically-based modeling of topographic effects on spatial evapotranspiration and soil moisture patterns through radiation and wind
Authors: Liu M. , Bárdossy A. , Li J. , Jiang Y.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. In this paper, simulations with the Soil Water Atmosphere Plant (SWAP) model are performed to quantify the spatial variability of both potential and actual evapotranspiration (ET), and soil moisture content (SMC) caused by topography-induced spatial wind and radiation differences. To obtain the spatially distributed ET/SMC patterns, the field scale SWAP model is applied in a distributed way for both pointwise and catchment wide simulations. An adapted radiation model from r.sun and the physically-based meso-scale wind model METRAS PC are applied to obtain the spatial radiation and wind patterns respectively, which show significant spatial variation and correlation with aspect and elevation respectively. Such topographic dependences and spatial variations further propagate to ET/SMC. A strong spatial, seasonal-dependent, scale-relevant intra-catchment variability in daily/annual ET and less variability in SMC can be observed from the numerical experiments. The study concludes that topography has a significant effect on ET/SMC in the humid region where ET is a energy limited rather than water availability limited process. It affects the spatial runoff generation through spatial radiation and wind, therefore should be applied to inform hydrological model development. In addition, the methodology used in the study can serve as a general method for physically-based ET estimation for data sparse regions.
The Stiffness of Syntactic Metal-Matrix Composites: A Statistical Model
Authors: Botas J. D. , Águas H.
Published: February 2012

Stiffness estimates of unloaded isotropic particulates are made by a new analytical model, when reinforcements are either compact or hollow spheres. A statistical extension of this model is described when stiffness predictions involve loading of syntactic composites. A simple experimental routine is also proposed for monitoring the microballoons fracture upon brittle syntactic metal-matrix composites tensile loading.
Land use change in a Mediterranean metropolitan region and its periphery: assessment of conservation policies through CORINE Land Cover data and Markov models
Authors: Ruiz-Benito Paloma , Cuevas J.A. , Bravo R. , Garcia-del-Barrio Jose Manuel , Zavala Miguel Angel
Published: February 2012

Sustainable territorial management requires reliable assessment of the impact of conservation policies on landscape structure and dynamics. Euro-Mediterranean regions present a remarkable biodiversity which is linked in part to traditional land use practices and which is currently threatened by global change. The effectiveness of one-decade conservation policies against land use changes was examined in Central Spain (Madrid Autonomous Community). A Markov model of landscape dynamics was parameterized with CORINE Land Cover information and transition matrices were obtained. The methods were applied in both protected and unprotected areas to examine whether the intensity and direction of key land use changes —urbanisation, agricultural intensification and land abandonment— differed significantly depending on the protection status of those areas. Protected areas experienced slower rates of agricultural intensification processes and faster rates of land abandonment, with respect to those which occurred in unprotected areas. It illustrates how simple mathematical tools and models —parameterized with available data— can provide to managers and policy makers useful indicators for conservation policy assessment and identification of land use transitions.
Luminescent Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Selectively Sensing Nitric Oxide in an Aqueous Solution and in Living Cells
Authors: Wu Pengyan , Wang Jian , He Cheng , Zhang Xiaolin , Wang Yanting , Liu Tao , Duan Chunying
Published: February 2012

Cu2+‐based metal‐organic framework (Cu−TCA) (H3TCA = tricarboxytriphenyl amine) having triphenylamine emitters was assembled and structurally characterized. Cu−TCA features a three‐dimensional porous structure consolidated by the well‐established Cu2(O2CR)4 paddlewheel units with volume of the cavities approximately 4000 nm3. Having paramagnetic Cu2+ ions to quench the luminescence of triphenylamine, Cu−TCA only exhibited very weak emission at 430 nm; upon the addition of NO up to 0.1 mM, the luminescence was recovered directly and provided about 700‐fold fluorescent enhancement. The luminescence detection exhibited high selectivity – other reactive species present in biological systems, including H2O2, NO3−, NO2−, ONOO−, ClO− and 1O2, did not interfere with the NO detection. The brightness of the emission of Cu−TCA also led to its successful application in the biological imaging of NO in living cells. As a comparison, lanthanide metal‐organic framework Eu−TCA having triphenylamine emitters and characteristic europium emitters was also assembled. Eu−TCA exhibited ratiometric fluorescent responses towards NO with the europium luminescence maintained as the internal standard and the triphenylamine emission exhibited more than 1000‐fold enhancement.
Nanomaterials via Laser Ablation/Irradiation in Liquid: A Review
Authors: Zeng Haibo , Du Xi‐Wen , Singh Subhash C. , Kulinich Sergei A. , Yang Shikuan , He Jianping , Cai Weiping
Published: February 2012

Laser ablation of solid targets in the liquid medium can be realized to fabricate nanostructures with various compositions (metals, alloys, oxides, carbides, hydroxides, etc.) and morphologies (nanoparticles, nanocubes, nanorods, nanocomposites, etc.). At the same time, the post laser irradiation of suspended nanomaterials can be applied to further modify their size, shape, and composition. Such fabrication and modification of nanomaterials in liquid based on laser irradiation has become a rapidly growing field. Compared to other, typically chemical, methods, laser ablation/irradiation in liquid (LAL) is a simple and “green” technique that normally operates in water or organic liquids under ambient conditions. Recently, the LAL has been elaborately developed to prepare a series of nanomaterials with special morphologies, microstructures and phases, and to achieve one‐step formation of various functionalized nanostructures in the pursuit of novel properties and applications in optics, display, detection, and biological fields. The formation mechanisms and synthetic strategies based on LAL are systematically analyzed and the reported nanostructures derived from the unique characteristics of LAL are highlighted along with a review of their applications and future challenges.
Density Estimates of Two Endangered Nocturnal Lemur Species From NorthernMadagascar: New Results and a Comparison of Commonly Used Methods
Authors: MEYLER SAMUEL VIANA , SALMONA JORDI , IBOUROI MOHAMED THANI , BESOLO AUBIN , RASOLONDRAIBE EMMANUEL , RADESPIEL UTE , RABARIVOLA CLÉMENT , CHIKHI LOUNES
Published: February 2012

Very little information is known of the recently describedMicrocebus tavaratraandLepilemur milanoiiin theDaraina region, a restricted area in far northernMadagascar. Since their forest habitat is highly fragmented and expected to undergo significant changes in the future, rapid surveys are essential to determine conservation priorities. Using both distance sampling and capture–recapture methods, we estimated population densities in two forest fragments. Our results are the first known density and population size estimates for both nocturnal species. In parallel, we compare density results from four different approaches, which are widely used to estimate lemur densities and population sizes throughoutMadagascar. Four approaches (King,Kelker,Muller andBuckland) are based on transect surveys and distance sampling, and they differ from each other by the way the effective strip width is estimated. The fifth method relies on a capture–mark–recapture (CMR) approach. Overall, we found that theKing method produced density estimates that were significantly higher than other methods, suggesting that it generates overestimates and hence overly optimistic estimates of population sizes in endangered species. The other three distance sampling methods provided similar estimates. These estimates were similar to those obtained with theCMRapproach when enough recapture data were available. Given thatMicrocebusspecies are often trapped for genetic or behavioral studies, our results suggest that existing data can be used to provide estimates of population density for that species acrossMadagascar. Am. J. Primatol. 74:414‐422, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of Fetal Age by Ultrasonography in St. Kitts Green Monkeys
Authors: REDMOND D. EUGENE , EVANS LAWRENCE
Published: February 2012

Ultrasound assessments of fetal growth have been used in other species of primates to estimate fetal age, but there are no published morphometrics for the St. Kitts green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus), a species that has been important for studies of transplantation of fetal tissue into the brain as potential treatment for degenerative disease. Previous studies with other primate species have used relatively small numbers of pregnancies, measured repeatedly, to derive regressions for predicting fetal age from ultrasound studies. The present study derives data from 967 pregnancies, collected over a 9‐year period, for predicting fetal age from ultrasound measurements of crown rump length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length in the St. Kitts green monkey. Linear and polynomial regressions were determined from pregnancies dated from a 3‐ to 4‐day breeding period and confirmed in a second, independent group of pregnant monkeys with more extended breeding times to determine their accuracy for predicting fetal age. Although similar to morphometrics reported in other monkey species, there were some significant differences. These data will improve the estimates of fetal ages in previously published studies of St. Kitts green monkeys and provide more precise estimates of fetal age in studies of fetal development, genomics, and reproductive toxicology. Am. J. Primatol. 74:433‐441, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.