bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large scale landslides triggered by Quaternary tectonics in the Acambay graben, Mexico
Authors: Norini G. , Capra L. , Borselli L. , Zuniga F. R. , Solari L. , Sarocchi D.
Published: April 2010

Detailed analysis was conducted on large‐scale gravitational‐tectonic deformations and landslides in the Acambay graben, an intra‐arc basin in the trans‐Mexican volcanic belt (TMVB). Field mapping and remote sensing revealed the slope instability of the northern graben boundary induced by the Acambay‐Tixmadejé fault. Two major landslides of 0·1 km3 and 0·05 km3 in volume were identified and their characteristics were analyzed according to the role of tectonics, mechanism of slope failure, and possible triggering factors. Quaternary faulting played a major role in increasing the local relief, and the activity of the Acambay‐Tixmadejé fault represents the main geomorphic factor conditioning the gravitational movements. Moreover, displacements along this fault generated sliding surfaces and reduced the strength of the rock mass. The two landslides are classified as large‐scale rotational slides involving volcanic rocks of late Miocene‐Pleistocene age. Since the Acambay graben is a seismogenic area with a known maximum horizontal ground acceleration of 0·5 g, a strong earthquake could be ascribed as the possible triggering mechanism of the landslides. Our work represents the first analysis of large gravitational slope movements in tectonically active regions in Mexico, a process that can be common in the intra‐arc basins of the TMVB, where active tectonic, seismicity, weak altered volcanic rocks, and heavy rains affect the slope stability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term trends in liver neoplasms in brown bullhead in the Buffalo River, New York, USA
Authors: Lauren Darrel J. , Hinton David , Law Mac , Sorensen Mary , Lyndall Jennifer , Magar Victor , Nielsen Mark
Published: April 2010

The Buffalo River area of concern (AOC) was assigned an impaired status for the fish tumors and other deformities beneficial use impairment category by the New York State Department of Environmental Protection in 1989. This was initially based on an inadequately documented brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) feeding study using river sediment extracts. The presence of liver tumors was subsequently supported by reports of a 19 to 27% prevalence in wild brown bullhead between 1983 and 1988 and a 4.8% prevalence in 1998. However, neither fish size (or age) nor sample locations were given, and histopathological definitions were inconsistent in these previous studies. Therefore, in 2008, we re-evaluated the prevalence of hepatocellular and chloangiocellular tumors (as well as other gross indicators of fish health) in brown bullhead averaging 25 cm in length collected from three reaches of the Buffalo River and recorded our collection sites by global positioning system. Among the 37 fish of appropriate size collected, only three exhibited liver tumors (8%). The tumors were evenly distributed within the three reaches, and only hepatocellular tumors were found. There were no differences in the prevalence of hepatic foci of alteration, body weight, length, or hepatosomatic index among the three reaches, but the conditions factor was significantly lower in fish from reach 2. Natural attenuation of water and sediment quality are the most likely causes for the decrease in liver tumors. The prevalence of liver tumors between 1998 and 2008 in the Buffalo River is similar to that found in recovery-stage AOCs and some Great Lakes reference areas. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1748–1754. © 2010 SETAC
Embryo malposition as a potential mechanism for mercury-induced hatching failure in bird eggs
Authors: Herring Garth , Ackerman Joshua T. , Eagles-Smith Collin A.
Published: April 2010

We examined the prevalence of embryo malpositions and deformities in relation to total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in American avocet (Recurvirostra americana), black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), and Forster's tern (Sterna forsteri) eggs in San Francisco Bay (CA, USA) during 2005 to 2007. Overall, 11% of embryos were malpositioned in eggs ≥18 d of age (n = 282) and 2% of embryos were deformed in eggs ≥13 d of age (n = 470). Considering only those eggs that failed to hatch (n = 62), malpositions occurred in 24% of eggs ≥18 d of age and deformities occurred in 7% of eggs ≥13 d of age. The probability of an embryo being malpositioned increased with egg THg concentrations in Forster's terns, but not in avocets or stilts. The probability of embryo deformity was not related to egg THg concentrations in any species. Using a reduced dataset with both Se and THg concentrations measured in eggs (n = 87), we found no interaction between Se and THg on the probability of an embryo being malpositioned or deformed. Results of the present study indicate that embryo malpositions were prevalent in waterbird eggs that failed to hatch and the likelihood of an embryo being malpositioned increased with egg THg concentrations in Forster's terns. We hypothesize that malpositioning of avian embryos may be one reason for mercury-related hatching failure that occurs late in incubation, but further research is needed to elucidate this potential mechanism. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1788–1794. © 2010 SETAC
Acute copper toxicity in the euryhaline copepod Acartia tonsa: implications for the development of an estuarine and marine biotic ligand model
Authors: Pinho Grasiela Lopes Leães , Bianchini Adalto
Published: April 2010

Copepods (Acartia tonsa) were exposed (48 h) to waterborne, diet-borne (non-Cu-equilibrated and Cu-equilibrated food), and waterborne plus diet-borne Cu in either the absence or the presence of food (diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii). Toxicity tests were run in different salinities (5, 15, and 30 ppt) together with measurements of physicochemical parameters and total and dissolved Cu concentrations in the experimental media. Results show that most of the toxic Cu fraction was in the dissolved phase. In general, Cu toxicity was higher in low (5 ppt) than in high salinity (30 ppt), regardless of the pathway of Cu exposure tested. In the absence of food, data clearly indicate that differences in waterborne Cu toxicity can be explained by changes in water chemistry. However, addition of food (either non-Cu-equilibrated or Cu-equilibrated) to the experimental media protected against acute Cu toxicity in salinities 5 and 15 ppt, suggesting that A. tonsa requires extra energy to cope with the stressful condition imposed by Cu exposure associated with the ionoregulatory requirements in low salinities. For diet-borne exposure, a very high Cu concentration was necessary to precontaminate the diatoms to a level resulting in copepod mortality. Therefore, availability of food exerted a more important positive impact in protecting against acute Cu toxicity than its potential negative impact via contamination resulting in toxicity. Findings indicate the need for incorporation of both salinity and food in a future biotic ligand model (BLM) version for Cu in estuarine and marine waters. In this context, the euryhaline copepod A. tonsa would be a suitable model species with which to perform experiments to validate and calibrate any future saltwater BLM. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1834–1840. © 2010 SETAC
Functional behavior and reproduction in androgenic sex reversed zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Larsen Mia G. , Baatrup Erik
Published: April 2010

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals released into natural watercourses may cause biased sex ratios by sex reversal in fish populations. The present study investigated the androgenic sex reversal of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to the androgenic compound 17β-trenbolone (TB) and whether sex-changed females would revert to the female phenotype after cessation of TB exposure. 17β-Trenbolone is a metabolite of trenbolone acetate, an anabolic steroid used as a growth promoter in beef cattle. 17β-Trenbolone in runoff from cattle feedlots may reach concentrations that affect fish sexual development. Zebrafish were exposed to a concentration of 20 ng/L TB in a flow-through system for five months from egg until sexual maturity. This resulted in an all-male population. It was further found that all these phenotypic males displayed normal male courtship behavior and were able to reproduce successfully, implying that the sex reversal was complete and functional. None of the phenotypic males developed into females after six months in clean water, demonstrating that androgenic sex reversal of zebrafish is irreversible. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1828–1833. © 2010 SETAC
Occurrence and fate of micropollutants in the Vidy Bay of Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Part II: Micropollutant removal between wastewater and raw drinking water
Authors: Morasch Barbara , Bonvin Florence , Reiser Hans , Grandjean Dominique , de Alencastro Luiz Felippe , Perazzolo Chiara , Chèvre Nathalie , Kohn Tamar
Published: April 2010

The occurrence and removal of 58 pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and pesticides, were assessed in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, as well as in the effluent-receiving water body, the Vidy Bay of Lake Geneva. An analytical screening method to simultaneously measure all of the 58 micropollutants was developed based on ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). The selection of pharmaceuticals was primarily based on a prioritization study, which designated them as environmentally relevant for the Lake Geneva region. Except for the endocrine disruptor 17α-ethinylestradiol, all substances were detected in 24-h composite samples of wastewater entering the WWTP or in the treated effluent. Of these compounds, 40% were also detected in raw drinking water, pumped from the lake 3 km downstream of the WWTP. The contributions of dilution and degradation to micropollutant elimination between the WWTP outlet and the raw drinking water intake were established in different model scenarios using hypothetical residence times of the wastewater in Vidy Bay of 1, 4, or 90 d. Concentration decrease due to processes other than dilution was observed for diclofenac, beta-blockers, several antibiotics, corrosion inhibitors, and pesticides. Measured environmental concentrations (MECs) of pharmaceuticals were compared to the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) determined in the prioritization study and agreed within one order of magnitude, but MECs were typically greater than the corresponding PECs. Predicted no-effect concentrations of the analgesic paracetamol, and the two antibiotics ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole, were exceeded in raw drinking water samples and therefore present a potential risk to the ecosystem. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1658–1668. © 2010 SETAC
On the temporal stability and accuracy of coupled problems with reference to fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Joosten M. M. , Dettmer W. G. , Perić D.
Published: April 2010

This work investigates the effect of employing different time integration schemes in the sub‐domains of a coupled problem, such as fluid–structure interaction. On the basis of a one‐dimensional model problem and the two versions of the generalized‐α method developed for first‐ and second‐order systems, it is shown that the overall problem is likely to be less stable and less accurate than the individual sub‐problems unless special measures are taken. The benchmark problem of the oscillating flexible beam is used to demonstrate that these findings also apply to full computational fluid–structure interaction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Test of three methods to detect the overbank flow from water level time‐series analysis
Authors: Navratil O. , Albert M. B. , Breil P.
Published: April 2010

In this study, we propose to identify morphological and hydraulic characteristics related to overbank flows in the water level time‐series available at many gauged stations. The results obtained at 13 river stations (the catchment sizes vary from 10 to 1700 km2 with contrasted geology, land use and rainfalls regime) show that overflow mechanisms at the river‐reach scale can be systematically identified in the water level frequency distribution estimated with the peaks‐over‐threshold (POT) method. A first level (Lts1) was in the range of the incipient flooding onto the floodplain. Even if the definition of this level is variable in terms of flooded area at the reach scale, this method can be useful in providing a first estimation of the bankfull level for many gauged stations, without complex and costly field surveys. A second level (Lts2) was systematically detected on average 38 cm above the topographic flat floodplain elevation. The Lts2 inflection in the water‐level frequency distribution is assumed to reflect a composite effect of catchment hydrology and local hydraulics and channel geometry, without possibility to make a clear distinction between both processes at the moment. The local or reach scale effect would probably play an essential role in the frequency distribution as flood attenuation at catchment scale may explain the inflection Lts2 at only three sites. In light of the knowledge acquired in laboratory flumes with compound channels, most of the time Lts2 level would correspond to the level of resumption of flow both in the main channel and the floodplain. Once this method is validated in various physiographic contexts, it should apply to many hydrometric stations for both synchronic (e.g. regional analysis) and diachronic analysis (e.g. evolution over time of the bankfull discharge) to evaluate anthropic impacts on river morphology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Past and projected future changes in snowpack and soil frost at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA
Authors: Campbell John L. , Ollinger Scott V. , Flerchinger Gerald N. , Wicklein Haley , Hayhoe Katharine , Bailey Amey S.
Published: April 2010

Long‐term data from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire show that air temperature has increased by about 1 °C over the last half century. The warmer climate has caused significant declines in snow depth, snow water equivalent and snow cover duration. Paradoxically, it has been suggested that warmer air temperatures may result in colder soils and more soil frost, as warming leads to a reduction in snow cover insulating soils during winter. Hubbard Brook has one of the longest records of direct field measurements of soil frost in the United States. Historical records show no long‐term trends in maximum annual frost depth, which is possibly confounded by high interannual variability and infrequency of major soil frost events. As a complement to field measurements, soil frost can be modelled reliably using knowledge of the physics of energy and water transfer. We simulated soil freezing and thawing to the year 2100 using a soil energy and water balance model driven by statistically downscaled climate change projections from three atmosphere‐ocean general circulation models under two emission scenarios. Results indicated no major changes in maximum annual frost depth and only a slight increase in number of freeze–thaw events. The most important change suggested by the model is a decline in the number of days with soil frost, stemming from a concurrent decline in the number of snow‐covered days. This shortening of the frost‐covered period has important implications for forest ecosystem processes such as tree phenology and growth, hydrological flowpaths during winter, and biogeochemical processes in soil. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interception losses from Miscanthus at a site in south‐east England—an application of the Gash model
Authors: Finch J. W. , Riche A. B.
Published: April 2010

Concern has been expressed that Miscanthus x giganteus, a dedicated biomass crop, may have a high water use, with implications for its economic yield and impacts on water resources. There is particular uncertainty about one component of the water use, the interception loss. Measurements of the interception loss were made in a plot of the crop at a site in south‐east England, during 1997/1998 and 1998/1999. The measured interception losses were 25 and 24% of gross rainfall, respectively. Winter interception losses are relatively high, which is attributed to the slow rate of leaf loss. A Monte Carlo procedure was used to optimize three of the parameters of the Gash interception model on the 1997/1998 data. The simulated values had an uncertainty of 1·1 mm per storm in 1997/1998 and 2·9 mm per storm in 1998/1999. The model was also used to investigate the potential effect of the evaporation rate being overestimated due to the measurements being made in an experimental plot. This showed that the interception losses might be reduced to 21 and 18% in field scale plantations. A consideration of the relative interception rate demonstrated that the crop behaved more like a forest, in terms of the interception losses, during the winter months. © Crown Copyright 2010. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular approaches to examine the phosphorylation state of the C type natriuretic peptide receptor
Authors: Alli Abdel A. , Gower William R.
Published: April 2010

The intracellular domain of the C type natriuretic peptide receptor (NPRC) contains one threonine and several serine residues where phosphorylation is thought to occur. Several phosphorylation consensus sequences for various kinases have been identified within the intracellular domain of NPRC, but the exact residues that are phosphorylated and the specific kinases responsible for their phosphorylation have not been thoroughly defined. Here we introduce a recombinant GST fusion protein and a rat gastric mucosa (RGM1) cell line as molecular tools to study the phosphorylation state of NPRC in vitro and in vivo, respectively. We utilize a previously characterized polyclonal antibody against NPRC to probe for total NPRC protein and various phosphospecific and substrate motif antibodies to probe for phosphorylation of NPRC. Phosphoprotein staining reagents were used with a phosphoprotein control set to detect phosphorylation of NPRC at serine and threonine residues. Recombinant GST‐NPRC fusion protein was phosphorylated in vitro by RGM1 lysate in the presence of adenosine‐5'‐triphosphate (ATP). Western blot analysis using a monoclonal phospho‐Thr antibody, which exclusively detects phosphorylated threonine residues, and does not cross‐react with phosphorylated serine residues revealed NPRC immunoprecipitated from RGM1 lysate is phosphorylated on a threonine residue. Global analysis of the entire rat NPRC sequence using a protein kinase A (PKA) prediction algorithm, identified five putative PKA phosphorylation sites containing a serine residue and one containing a threonine residue, Thr 505. Taken together, the data presented here suggest that rat NPRC is a substrate for PKA and Thr 505 located within the intracellular domain of NPRC is a likely candidate site for the phosphorylation. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 985–994, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A 15 000‐year record of climate change in northern New Mexico, USA, inferred from isotopic and elemental contents of bog sediments
Authors: Cisneros‐Dozal Luz M. , Heikoop Jeffrey M. , Fessenden Julianna , Anderson R. Scott , Meyers Philip A. , Allen Craig D. , Hess Marcey , Larson Toti , Perkins George , Rearick Michael
Published: April 2010

Elemental (C, N, Pb) and isotopic (δ13C, δ15N) measurements of cored sediment from a small bog in northern New Mexico reveal changes in climate during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. Abrupt increases in Pb concentration and δ13C values ca. 14 420 cal. YBP indicate significant runoff to the shallow lake that existed at that time. Weathering and transport of local volcanic rocks resulted in the delivery of Pb‐bearing minerals to the basin, while a 13C‐enriched terrestrial vegetation source increased the δ13C values of the sedimentary material. Wet conditions developed over a 300 a period and lasted for a few hundred years. The Younger Dryas period (ca. 12 700–11 500 cal. YBP) caused a reduction in terrestrial productivity reflected in decreasing C/N values, δ15N values consistently greater than 0‰ and low organic content. By contrast, aquatic productivity increased during the second half of this period, evidenced by increasing δ13C values at the time of highest abundance of algae. Dry conditions ca. 8 000–6 000 cal. YBP were characterised by low organic carbon content and high Pb concentrations, the latter suggesting enhanced erosion and aeolian transport of volcanic rock. The range in δ13C, δ15N and C/N values in the sedimentary record fall within the range of modern plants, except during the periods of runoff and drought. The sedimentary record provides evidence of natural climate variability in northern New Mexico, including short‐ (multi‐centennial) and long‐(millennial) term episodes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early to mid‐Holocene climate change at Lago dell'Accesa (central Italy): climate signal or anthropogenic bias?
Authors: Finsinger Walter , Colombaroli Daniele , De Beaulieu Jacques‐Louis , Valsecchi Verushka , Vannière Boris , Vescovi Elisa , Chapron Emmanuel , Lotter André F. , Magny Michel , Tinner Willy
Published: April 2010

Despite the high potential of pollen records for climate reconstruction, pollen–climate relationships may be biased due to past and present human activities on the landscape. We use (i) transfer functions based on modern pollen–climate relationships to infer seasonal temperature and summer precipitation for the period 11 500–4500 cal. a BP and (ii) lake‐level change records based on different sedimentary proxies in multiple cores that are mainly indicative for summer hydrology at Lago dell'Accesa (central Italy). Quantitative reconstructions indicate lowest summer precipitation during two phases (8500–7700 cal. a BP and after 6000 cal. a BP) and a gradual winter temperature increase from 11 500 to ca. 8000 cal. a BP. Lowest summer precipitation was reconstructed during these phases characterised by vegetation shifts from open forests dominated by summergreen oaks (Quercus) to forests dominated by evergreen oaks (Quercus ilex), which are at present most abundant where summer drought is stronger. Similarly, the lake‐level record indicates two long‐lasting low summer precipitation phases (8800–7700 and 6400–4400 cal. a BP) that were interrupted by short‐term high summer precipitation events. Based on the broad agreement between the pollen‐inferred summer precipitation and the low‐frequency lake‐level changes, we suggest that the duration of the high summer precipitation events may have been too short to maintain drought‐sensitive trees, which may have been affected by high mortality rates when summer dry conditions returned. Although past and modern pollen–climate relationships may very likely have been affected by human activities since the Neolithic (i.e. when exploitation of the landscape started), we reject the hypothesis of a significant anthropogenic bias in the pollen‐based climate reconstruction. In addition, we suggest that pollen‐based and lake‐level reconstructions may have different inherent abilities of capturing high‐ and low‐frequency precipitation signals. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering from silver‐coated anodic aluminum oxide and porous silicon
Authors: Terekhov S. N. , Mojzes P. , Kachan S. M. , Mukhurov N. I. , Zhvavyi S. P. , Panarin A. Yu. , Khodasevich I. A. , Orlovich V. A. , Thorel A. , Grillon F. , Turpin P.‐Y.
Published: April 2010

Three types of Ag‐coated arrays from porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) were prepared and studied as substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). They were compared with Ag‐coated porous silicon (PSi) samples. AAO‐based substrates were prepared by the vapor deposition of silver directly onto the surface of porous AAO with different morphologies of the pores, whereas SERS‐active island films on the PSi were prepared by immersion plating. The resulting metallic nanostructures were characterized by UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal evaporation leads to the formation of granular arrays of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of AAO. SERS activity of the substrates was tested using water‐soluble cationic Zn(II)‐tetrakis (4‐N‐methylpyridyl) porphyrin (ZnTMPyP4) as a probe molecule. The results indicate that all AAO‐based substrates studied here exhibit some degree of SERS activity. Noteworthy, for excitation at 532 nm, signals from AAO‐based substrates were comparable with those from the PSi‐based ones, whereas for 441.6 nm excitation they were about twice higher. The strongest SERS‐enhancement at 441.6 nm excitationwas provided by the AAO substrates with silver deposited on the monolith (originally nonporous) side of AAO. Preferential SERS‐enhancement of the bands ascribed to the vibrations of the N‐methylpyridinium group of ZnTMPyP4 when going to blue excitation was found. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotational CARS N2 thermometry: validation experiments for the influence of nitrogen spectral line broadening by hydrogen
Authors: Bohlin Alexis , Vestin Fredrik , Bonamy Jeanine , Joubert Pierre , Bengtsson Per‐Erik
Published: April 2010

Rotational coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) in fuel‐rich hydrocarbon flames, with a large content of hydrogen in the product gases (∼20%), has in previous work shown that evaluated temperatures are raised several tens of Kelvin by taking newly derived N2H2 Raman line widths into account. To validate these results, in this work calibrated temperature measurements at around 300, 500 and 700 K were performed in a cell with binary gas mixtures of nitrogen and hydrogen. The temperature evaluation was made with respect to Raman line widths either from self‐broadened nitrogen only, N2N2 [energy‐corrected‐sudden (ECS)], or by also taking nitrogen broadened by hydrogen, N2H2 [Robert–Bonamy (RB)], Raman line widths into account. With increased amount of hydrogen in the cell at constant temperature, the evaluated CARS temperatures were clearly lowered with the use of Raman line widths from self‐broadened nitrogen only, and the case with inclusion of N2H2 Raman line widths was more successful. The difference in evaluated temperatures between the two different sets increases approximately linearly, reaching 20 K (at T ∼ 300 K), 43 K (at T = 500 K) and 61 K (at T = 700 K) at the highest hydrogen concentration (90%). The results from this work further emphasize the importance of using adequate Raman line widths for accurate rotational CARS thermometry. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultraviolet Raman scattering in ZnO nanowires: quasimode mixing and temperature effects
Authors: Alarcón‐Lladó E. , Ibáñez J. , Cuscó R. , Artús L. , Prades J. D. , Estradé S. , Morante J. R.
Published: April 2010

We use near‐resonance Raman scattering to investigate zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires grown by chemical vapor deposition on Si substrates. We discuss the role of quasimode mixing on the wavenumber of the longitudinal optical (LO) bands, and we perform Raman measurements with different excitation powers to investigate possible laser heating effects. We find that in the Raman spectra of as‐deposited nanowires grown along the c‐axis of wurtzite, the LO bands are located slightly below the E1(LO) mode of bulk ZnO. We perform a calculation of the expected LO wavenumber in an ensemble of randomly oriented nanowires. Our analysis shows that light refraction, together with the orientation‐dependent cross‐section of the nanowires for the incoming light, counterbalances quasimode mixing effects in the as‐grown product, giving rise to LO bands that are barely redshifted relative to the E1(LO) mode. In the case of ZnO nanowires that have been mechanically removed (scratched) and subsequently deposited onto separate Si substrates, we observe clear laser‐induced heating. Temperature effects account well for the Raman wavenumber shifts displayed by the LO bands in the Raman spectra of the scratched nanowires. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pigment identification of a rare 18th century wallpaper from Buffon library
Authors: Colomban Philippe
Published: April 2010

A rare 18th century wallpaper depicting a basket of flowers has been recently discovered in the building where Buffon, the famous French Naturalist, had established his Library and written a large part of its ‘Histoire Naturelle’. The wallpaper fragments were analysed and some pigments identified: gypsum, calcite, carbon black, vermilion and lapis lazuli; a blue/green organic compound was seemingly used to dye the paper. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectroscopy and DFT calculations of N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
Authors: Chowdhry Babur Z. , Dines Trevor J. , Leharne Stephen A. , Ryall John P. , Shadi Iqbal T. , Withnall Robert
Published: April 2010

Infrared (IR) and Raman spectra were obtained for N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in the solid state and in CHCl3 solution. Structures and vibrational spectra of isolated, gas‐phase DCC molecules with C2 and Ci symmetries, computed at the B3‐LYP/cc‐pVTZ level, show that the IR and Raman spectra provide convincing evidence for a C2 structure in both the solid state and in CHCl3 solution. Using a scaled quantum‐chemical force field, these density functional theory calculations have provided detailed assignments of the observed IR and Raman bands in terms of potential energy distributions. Comparison of solid‐state and solution spectra, together with a Raman study of the melting behaviour of DCC, revealed that no solid‐state effects were evident in the spectra. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Otolaryngologic management of delayed pharyngoesophageal perforation following anterior cervical spine surgery
Authors: Phommachanh Viengsouk , Patil Yash J. , McCaffrey Thomas V. , Vale Fernando , Freeman Thomas B. , Padhya Tapan A.
Published: April 2010

Delayed pharyngoesophageal perforation is a rare complication following anterior cervical spine surgery. Patients usually present weeks to years after surgery with vague symptoms, such as dysphagia and neck pain. We report five cases of delayed pharyngoesophageal perforation following anterior cervical spine surgery with hardware fixation. Successful surgical management of these patients required removal of hardware and closure of the defect supported with a vascularized flap. Laryngoscope, 2010
Selective epitympanic dysventilation syndrome
Authors: Marchioni Daniele , Alicandri‐Ciufelli Matteo , Molteni Gabriele , Artioli Franca Laura , Genovese Elisabetta , Presutti Livio
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Although middle ear aeration is certainly related to eustachian tube (ET) function, other anatomic factors may play an important role in ventilation of these spaces, particularly the epitympanum.

Study Design:

A prospective case series study group with retrospective case series comparison.

Methods:

Eight patients affected by non–self‐cleaning attic retraction pockets or attic cholesteatoma of the middle ear and normal tubal function (verified by type A tympanogram or Williams' test) underwent endoscopic surgery. Anatomic findings were noted and collected, with particular attention paid to middle ear folds. A control group was used for comparison. The prevalence of an isthmus blockage with a complete tensor fold in pathologic ears was compared between the study group and control group.

Results:

The higher prevalence of an isthmus blockage associated with a complete tensor fold in the study group was found to be statistically significant (P = .001).

Conclusions:

A selective epitympanic dysventilation syndrome is hypothesized; normal ET function seems to be insufficient for complete ventilation of the middle ear, and an open tympanic isthmus or an incomplete tensor fold may be necessary for epitympanic recess ventilation. The selective epitympanic dysventilation syndrome would consist of the contemporary presence of the following four conditions: attic retraction pocket or cholesteatoma, normal tubal function tests, complete epitympanic diaphragm, and isthmus blockage. Laryngoscope, 2010
The value of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for staging of primary extranodal head and neck lymphomas
Authors: Schrepfer Thomas , Haerle Stephan K. , Strobel Klaus , Schaefer Niklaus , Hälg Roger A. , Huber Gerhard F.
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Using a retrospective approach, the aim of this study was to confirm the previously described value of fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET/CT) in patients with primary extranodal lymphoma of the head and neck region. Additionally, the clinical significance of the semiquantitative analysis of the standardized uptake value (SUV), its predictive role in the follow‐up setting, and its value in detection of synchronous primaries were studied.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Twenty‐six patients with a primary extranodal head and neck lymphoma (22 diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, one Hodgkin's lymphoma, three malignant T‐cell lymphomas) were included. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes according to the maximum standardized uptake values of the primary lesion (SUVmax) and whether a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was performed or not in the follow‐up studies. The median SUVmax was chosen as the cutoff value. The patients were then grouped as those with either low or high SUVmax, respective to the cutoff value. Event‐free survival and cumulative survival were endpoints of interest.

Results:

Nineteen patients (73%) were above the age of 60 years; the median age was 70 years (range, 28–87 years). Most primary sites were in the Waldeyer's ring (15 patients, 60%), whereas in four patients (27%) only the palatine tonsil was affected. The SUVmax ranged from 5.8 to 33.9. In one patient, relevant fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake within the intestine revealed a cecal adenocarcinoma as a secondary primary. Twenty of the 25 clinically followed patients (80%) achieved complete remission after treatment. Patients with high SUVmax showed favorable survival (log‐rank test, P = .044). A tendency for longer survival within the group with follow‐up PET/CT studies could be noted but with no significant statistical difference (P = .349).

Conclusions:

18F‐FDG‐PET/CT imaging is a potent primary staging tool. It also has application as an instrument for evaluation of follow‐up and response to therapy in patients suffering from primary extranodal lymphoma and for detection of secondary malignancies. Furthermore, 18F‐FDG uptake by the primary lesion may be related to better survival. Laryngoscope, 2010
Sternoclavicular joint osteomyelitis following head and neck surgery
Authors: Vu Thien‐Tuong‐Vi , Yammine Nadine V. , Al‐Hakami Hadi , Hier Michael P. , Black Martin J.
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To review all reported cases of sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) osteomyelitis following head and neck surgery.

Study Design:

Retrospective case review.

Methods:

PubMed search and one additional case from our institution.

Results:

Twelve cases were reviewed, and the following recommendations are suggested: risk factors for SCJ osteomyelitis should be identified; early and prompt diagnosis of SCJ osteomyelitis is warranted; tracheostoma care and careful examination of the skin should not be neglected; meticulous screening for cancer recurrence is imperative; if SCJ infection is suspected, cancer recurrence must be ruled out with biopsies; and surgical debridement is considered the gold standard of treatment. Administration of newer‐generation antibiotics is a reasonable choice when the infection is detected early, as is maintaining a low threshold for surgical treatment if disease persists or progresses.

Conclusions:

Osteomyelitis of the SCJ following head and neck surgery is uncommon and must be distinguished from malignancy with biopsies. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative. Laryngoscope, 2010
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery chopstick technique
Authors: Manickavasagam Jaiganesh , Segaram Sangeeth , Harkness Paul
Published: April 2010

We describe a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) technique that involves the simultaneous use of endoscope and suction in the nondominant hand that bears resemblance to chopstick use. The FESS chopstick technique reduces time for suction and improves operative field visualization. Laryngoscope, 2010
Endoscopic resection of the submandibular gland via a hairline incision: A new surgical approach
Authors: Song Chang Myeon , Jung Young Ho , Sung Myung‐Whun , Kim Kwang Hyun
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Submandibular gland excision is traditionally performed by the transcervical approach. To avoid or reduce visible scarring and nerve injury, diverse innovative surgical trials have been reported. Here we report a patient who had an endoscopic submandibular gland resection via a hairline incision.

Methods:

A 36‐year‐old woman presented with a right submandibular gland tumor that was found on a routine check‐up. The submandibular gland was resected under endoscopic assistance via a posterior hairline incision using an ultrasonic scalpel.

Results:

The resection was successful, causing no acute complications, such as neural injury, hematoma, or seroma formation. The incision scar healed with an excellent cosmetic result.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic submandibular gland resection via a hairline incision was feasible and resulted in an excellent surgical and cosmetic outcome. Laryngoscope, 2010
Outpatient thyroidectomy: Experience in over 200 patients
Authors: Seybt Melanie W. , Terris David J.
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Thyroidectomy has historically been performed on an inpatient basis out of fear of hemorrhage and transient but life‐threatening hypocalcemia. An earlier favorable experience with outpatient surgery for a limited number of patients prompted our objective of an expanded evaluation of this practice.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively populated database.

Methods:

A consecutive single‐surgeon series of patients undergoing thyroidectomy in an academic otolaryngology department between February 2003 and November 2007, including 91 patients assessed in a previous report. Clinical variables including age, gender, type of surgery, indications, and complications were obtained and analyzed. Principal outcome measures were length of hospital stay, incidence of complications, and rate of readmission.

Results:

Four hundred eighteen patients underwent thyroid surgery during the study period. Two hundred eight were accomplished on an outpatient basis, 128 patients were observed under a 23‐hour status, and 82 were admitted for a mean of 2.9 days (the latter two cohorts were grouped together and designated as inpatients). There were four complications in the outpatient group (1.9%) and 28 (13.3%) in the inpatient group (P < .001). Four individuals in the outpatient group (1.9%) required readmission compared with 5.7% (12/210) of those in the inpatient group, most commonly for transient hypocalcemia.

Conclusions:

The initial favorable experience with outpatient thyroid surgery has been validated in this expanded patient population of more than 200 patients. In rare instances, readmission may be required secondary to transient hypocalcemia. Modern surgical techniques, avoidance of drains, and prophylactic calcium supplementation have combined to make outpatient thyroidectomy safe in carefully selected patients. Laryngoscope, 2010
Influence of different registration modalities on navigation accuracy in ear, nose, and throat surgery depending on the surgical field
Authors: Grauvogel Tanja D. , Soteriou Eric , Metzger Marc C. , Berlis Ansgar , Maier Wolfgang
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Various invasive and noninvasive registration methods have been established in the past for intraoperative navigation. The present study compared the registration and navigation accuracy of three different registration modalities in anatomical locations of special interest for ear, nose, and throat surgery.

Study Design:

Prospective experimental phantom study.

Methods:

Four skull models were individually fabricated with a three‐dimensional printer based on the patient's computed tomography data sets and fitted with an individual customized silicone skin. Three different registration modalities were examined: 1) invasive marker (IM), 2) oral splint (OS), and 3) laser scan (L). Accuracy measurements were assessed by targeting 26 titanium screws placed over the skull. The overall accuracy and the target registration error for eight selected anatomical locations were measured.

Results:

Mean accuracy was 0.67 ± 0.1 mm (quadratic mean ± standard deviation) for IM, 0.98 ± 0.16 mm for OS, and 1.3 ± 0.12 mm for L. The greatest differences in accuracy were found on the mastoid with best accuracy for IM (0.59 ± 0.2 mm; P < .05 vs. OS and L), followed by OS (1.23 ± 0.41 mm; P < .05 vs. L), and L (1.88 ± 0.45 mm). In contrast, only small differences in accuracy were detected in the anterior skull base between the registration modalities (IM 0.75 ± 0.21 mm, OS 0.71 ± 0.27 mm, L 0.93 ± 0.34 mm).

Conclusions:

L and OS meet accuracy requirements in the midface and anterior skull base. OS is superior to L with navigation accuracies comparable to marker registration. However, neither method meets the high precision requirements for lateral skull base surgery. Laryngoscope, 2010
Sunnybrook facial grading system: Reliability and criteria for grading
Authors: Neely J. Gail , Cherian Nevin G. , Dickerson Cody B. , Nedzelski Julian M.
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

In clinical research, which is distinctly quantitative and rigidly fixed to a written protocol, the need for precision is great, especially when multicenter trials are planned. The Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SB) is a well‐established tool for assessing facial movement outcomes; however, some ambiguities do arise. The purpose of this study was to construct specific grading criteria and to test the intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability before and after the use of these criteria. The hypothesis was that even in naïve observers, specific criteria improve reliability.

Study Design:

Prospective test of hypothesis.

Methods:

Facial video recordings of 30 subjects with facial paralysis were randomly presented to two naïve raters in four trials; trials 1 and 2 using the SB system in the usual manner, and trials 3 and 4 using specific grading criteria for the SB system.

Results:

The SB system was reliable, even with naïve raters, having an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.890 between raters; this was improved with the use of specific grading criteria to 0.927. Additionally, variability of the SB composite scores was greatest in the midrange of scores and was predominantly seen during voluntary movement of brow rising and lip puckering.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first report of specific criteria for completing the SB system. It is also the first in‐depth description of the location within the system in which the majority of variances occur. Laryngoscope, 2010
Pharyngeal dilation in cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction and Zenker diverticulum
Authors: Belafsky Peter C. , Rees Catherine J. , Allen Jacqueline , Leonard Rebecca J.
Published: April 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Prolonged obstruction at the level of the lower esophageal sphincter is associated with a dilated, poorly contractile esophagus. The association between prolonged obstruction at the level of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and dilation and diminished contractility of the pharynx is uncertain. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the association between prolonged obstruction at the level of the UES and dilation and diminished contractility of the pharynx.

Study Design:

Case‐control study.

Methods:

The fluoroscopic swallow studies of all persons with cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPD) diagnosed between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008 were retrospectively reviewed from a clinical database. Three categories of CPD were defined: nonobstructing cricopharyngeal bars (CPBs), obstructing CPBs, and Zenker diverticulum (ZD). The primary outcome measure was the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength on fluoroscopy. Secondary outcome measures included pharyngeal area in the lateral fluoroscopic view and UES opening. The outcome measures were compared between groups and to a cohort of nondysphagic age‐ and gender‐matched controls with the analysis of variance.

Results:

A total of 100 fluoroscopic swallow studies were evaluated. The mean age (±standard deviation) of the cohort was 70 years (±10 years). Thirty‐six percent were female. The mean PCR progressively increased, indicating diminishing pharyngeal strength, from the normal (0.08), to the nonobstructing CPB (0.13), to the obstructing CPB (0.22), to the ZD group (0.28) (P < .001 with trend for linearity). There was a linear increase in pharyngeal area from the normal (8.75 cm2) to the nonobstructing CPB (10.00 cm2), to the obstructing CPB (10.46 cm2), to the ZD group (11.82 cm2) (P < .01 with trend for linearity).

Conclusions:

The data suggest that there is an association between cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction and progressive dilation and weakness of the pharynx. Laryngoscope, 2010
Soil degradation, farming practices, institutions and policy responses: An analytical framework
Authors: Prager K. , Schuler J. , Helming K. , Zander P. , Ratinger T. , Hagedorn K.
Published: April 2010

There is a lack of knowledge about the effectiveness and efficiency of soil conservation policies in agriculture and there is a little understanding of how policy measures should be designed to encourage farmers to adopt soil conservation practices. This paper analyses institutional settings surrounding agricultural soil management in ten European countries based on the Institutions of Sustainability (IoS) framework. This framework considers the interdependencies between ecological and social systems, taking into account environmental conditions, farming practices impacting on soil conservation, different types of actors, policies, institutions and governance structures. The purpose of this paper is to describe the analytical framework and the methodology that all case studies are based on, present and discuss compared findings, outline implications for successful soil conservation policy and draw conclusions on the methodological approach. The case studies focused on the main soil degradation types occurring across Europe which are addressed by a broad range of mandatory and incentive policies. The findings highlight the following issues: (i) the need to design policies that target the locally most common soil threats and processes in the light of agricultural management; (ii) the need to take farming management constraints into consideration, (iii) the need for good communication and cooperation both between agricultural and environmental authorities as well as between governmental and non‐governmental stakeholders; (iv) the necessary mix of mandatory and incentive instruments and (v) the need for data and monitoring systems allowing the evaluation of the effectiveness of policies and soil conservation practices. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.