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Kinds of Analyser Selected AbstractsMeasurement delay associated with the Guardian® RT continuous glucose monitoring systemDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010C. Wei Diabet. Med. Abstract Aims, Using compartment modelling, we assessed the time delay between blood glucose and sensor glucose measured by the Guardian® RT continuous glucose monitoring system in young subjects with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods, Twelve children and adolescents with T1D treated by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (male/female 7/5; age 13.1 ± 4.2 years; body mass index 21.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2; mean ± sd) were studied over 19 h in a Clinical Research Facility. Guardian® RT was calibrated every 6 h and sensor glucose measured every 5 min. Reference blood glucose was measured every 15 min using a YSI 2300 STAT Plus Analyser. A population compartment model of sensor glucose,blood glucose kinetics was adopted to estimate the time delay, the calibration scale and the calibration shift. Results, The population median of the time delay was 15.8 (interquartile range 15.2, 16.5) min, which was corroborated by correlation analysis between blood glucose and 15-min delayed sensor glucose. The delay has a relatively low intersubject variability, with 95% of individuals predicted to have delays between 10.4 and 24.3 min. Population medians (interquartile range) for the scale and shift are 0.800 (0.777, 0.823) (unitless) and 1.66 (1.47, 1.84) mmol/l, respectively. Conclusions, In young subjects with T1D, the total time delay associated with the Guardian® RT system was approximately 15 min. This is twice that expected on physiological grounds, suggesting a 5- to 10-min delay because of data processing. Delays above 25 min are rarely to be observed. [source] Gremmeniella abietina types cannot be distinguished using ascospore morphologyFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2006A. Uotila Summary Twenty-one Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina type A and 12 type B samples with ripened apothecia were collected in Sweden and Finland. Morphological dimensions of the ascospores were determined with an image analyser (Leica Qwin). Measured variables included length, width, perimeter and roundness of ascospores. Variations in these variables overlapped between the two types. Type A ascospores were significantly shorter (mean length 15.8 ,m) than the type B ascospores (mean length 17.1 ,m). Type A ascospores were also significantly rounder than type B ascospores. Differences between these morphological characters were, however, too small to distinguish the types as separate taxonomical species. Round-pointed and acute ascospores were found in the same apothecium but in different asci. According to the hypervariable marker GAAA1000, both round-pointed and acute ascospores originated from the same two parents in normal segregation. Résumé Vingt-et-un échantillons avec des apothécies matures du type A de Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina et 12 du type B ont été récoltés en Suède et Finlande. Les dimensions morphologiques des ascospores ont été déterminées avec un analyseur d'images (Leica Qwin). Les variables mesurées sont la longueur, la largeur, le périmètre et la rondeur des spores. Les gammes de variation de ces différentes variables se recouvrent entre les deux types. Les ascospores de type A sont significativement plus courtes (longueur moyenne de 15.8 ,m) que les ascospores de type B (longueur moyenne de 17.1 ,m). Les ascospores de type A sont aussi significativement plus rondes que celles de type B. Les différences pour ces caractères morphologiques sont toutefois trop faibles pour distinguer les types comme des espèces taxonomiques différentes. Des ascospores arrondies et pointues ont été trouvées dans la même apothécie mais dans des asques différents. En se basant sur le marqueur hypervariable GAAA1000, on peut établir que les ascospores arrondies et pointues proviennent des mêmes deux parents en ségrégation normale. Zusammenfassung In Schweden und Finnland wurden 21 Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina Typ A- und 12 Typ B- Proben mit reifen Apothecien gesammelt. Folgende morphologische Messgrössen der Ascosporen wurden mit einem Image Analyser (Leica Quin) bestimmt: Länge, Breite, Umfang und Form. Die Variation der Variablen überlappte bei den beiden Typen. Die Typ A-Ascosporen waren signifikant kürzer (15,8 ,m mittlere Länge) als die Typ B-Ascosporen (17,1 ,m). Der Typ A hatte signifikant rundere Ascosporen als der Typ B. Die Unterschiede in den morphologischen Merkmalen waren jedoch zu gering, um zwei taxonomische Arten zu unterscheiden. Ascosporen mit runden und spitzen Enden wurden im gleichen Apothecium, jedoch in verschiedenen Asci gefunden. Mit dem hypervariablen Marker GAAA1000 erwiesen sich Ascosporen mit rundem und spitzem Ende als Nachkommen der gleichen Eltern mit normaler Segregation. [source] Application of the ICHD-II Criteria to the Diagnosis of Primary Chronic Headaches Via a Computerized Structured RecordHEADACHE, Issue 1 2007Paola Sarchielli MD Background.,The authors recently developed a software program designed to analyze clinical data from patients affected by primary headache. The program is based exclusively on the International Classification of Headache Disorders 2nd edition (ICHD-II) criteria. This software examines all the diagnoses of primary headaches on the basis of the variables needed to fulfill these mandatory criteria. Methods.,We tested the software, Primary Headaches Analyser 1.0 INT (PHA), by entering and analyzing clinical data from 200 consecutive patients affected by primary chronic headaches and evaluating the corresponding output diagnoses. Results.,The diagnosis of chronic migraine (1.5.1) was obtained in 68 cases (34 %) and that of probable chronic migraine (1.6.5) plus probable medication-overuse headache (8.2.8) in 46 (23%). Chronic tension-type headache (2.3) and probable chronic tension-type headache (2.4.3) plus probable medication-overuse headache (8.2.8) were diagnosed in 24 (12%) and 2 (1%) patients, respectively. Moreover, 4 and 12 patients, respectively, received both the diagnosis of chronic migraine (1.5.1) plus chronic tension-type headache (2.3) and of probable migraine (1.6.1) without aura plus chronic tension-type headache (2.3). In the remaining 44 cases (22%), none of the chronic primary headaches disorders defined by ICHD-II received an output diagnosis from the program. This was due mainly to the fact that the criteria fulfilled were insufficient for the diagnoses of migraine without (1.1) aura plus chronic migraine or, more infrequently, chronic tension-type headache. Conclusions.,Our software program permitted diagnoses of chronic migraine, chronic tension-type or their probable forms (with or without MOH) in 78% of 200 patients with headache 15 or more days per month. In the remaining cases the inability to provide a specific diagnosis may be explained in part by the fact that the criteria for both diagnoses are too stringent and do not accurately reflect variations of the headache pattern in these chronic forms. [source] Use of the Sperm-Class Analyser® for objective assessment of human sperm morphologyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2003C. Soler Summary The Sperm-Class Analyser® was validated for assessing morphometric parameters of the head and midpiece of unwashed and washed human ejaculated spermatozoa from volunteers providing a wide range of semen quality. A higher proportion of sperm could be assessed (86% fresh semen and 75% washed sperm) if Hemacolor staining was used rather than DiffQuik (80 and 73%) or Papanicolaou (78 and 68%). Different stains employed different fixatives and the area, length, width and perimeter of the sperm head was significantly larger for washed sperm stained by Hemacolor and DiffQuik. Acrosomal area ranged from 48 to 51% of the sperm head area and this percentage was larger for washed sperm stained with DiffQuik. Sperm at the end of the slide, distant from the initial semen droplet, were larger in area and perimeter than those at that site or in the middle. The high precision and reproducibility of the equipment required assessing only 50 sperm on the slide. Far greater variation was found in head width, relative acrosomal area and midpiece width between different slides prepared from the same ejaculate, highlighting the inherent variability within the ejaculate and smear preparation, and requiring more than one slide to be assessed. [source] Microstructure and mechanical properties related to particle size distribution and composition in dark chocolateINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa Summary Composition in dark chocolate was varied and the effects determined on microstructure, using light microscopy, and mechanical properties of molten and tempered chocolates, using a TA.HD Plus Texture Analyser. Compositional parameters were particle size distribution (PSD) (D90 of 18, 25, 35 and 50 ,m), fat (25%, 30% and 35%) and lecithin (0.3% and 0.5%) contents. Micrographs revealed wide variations in sugar crystalline network structure and inter-particle interaction strengths related to PSD and fat level. Samples containing 25% fat had more crystal agglomerates, well flocculated with greater particle-to-particle interaction strengths than those with higher (30% and 35%) fat contents. Increasing the D90 to 35,50 ,m caused broadening of the PSD, with particles becoming coarser, which were similar at all fat levels. Mechanical analysis showed that PSD, fat and lecithin content significantly influenced firmness of molten chocolate and hardness of solid (tempered) chocolate with significant interactions among factors. Particle size was inversely correlated with firmness (1235,173 g) and hardness (7062,5546 g). Greatest effect of PSD was with 25% fat and 0.3% lecithin. With higher fat and lecithin contents, the PSD influence was reduced. It was concluded that PSD, fat and lecithin contents and their interactions were central to mechanical properties of dark chocolates. [source] Effect of different starches on rheological and microstructural properties of (II) commercial processed cheeseINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2008Darshan Trivedi Summary A range of commercial processed cheese samples containing starch were prepared on a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) and on a pilot plant scale. This work clearly demonstrated that it was possible to manufacture processed cheese with part of the protein replaced with potato starch, while maintaining similar rheological attributes (firmness) to those of the control and an acceptable melt index. Sensory evaluation showed that, although the reduced-protein cheese samples had a good, clean, fresh flavour that was comparable with that of the control, at high starch concentrations the starch-containing processed cheese had a pasty texture and tended to stick to the wrapper. [source] Analyser-based tomography images of cartilageJOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 5 2008Ahi S. Issever Analyser-based imaging expands the performance of X-ray imaging by utilizing not only the absorption properties of X-rays but also the refraction and scatter rejection (extinction) properties. In this study, analyser-based computed tomography has been implemented on imaging an articular cartilage sample, depicting substructural variations, without overlay, at a pixel resolution of 3.6,µm. [source] NATURAL CHEDDAR CHEESE TEXTURE VARIATION AS A RESULT OF MILK SEASONALITYJOURNAL OF TEXTURE STUDIES, Issue 1 2003ANDREW L. HALMOS ABSTRACT A set of standard testing conditions using the TA-XT2 Texture Analyser were established to monitor cheddar cheese texture variation. Cheddar cheese was produced in the standard commercial practice and sampled at monthly intervals throughout the milk production season (August - June), and monitored for textural and compositional changes occurring during ripening. The composition, based on fat and protein levels, of the cheese was relatively constant during the period, which was expected as the commercial process aims for that outcome. A reduction in the force and degree of compression at fracture with time, indicative of a reduction in cheese firmness and an increase in cheese crumbliness, was recorded as the milk production season progressed. The degree of proteolysis and changes in milk fat in late season milk are primarily responsible for the changes recorded in cheese texture. The differences observed between cheeses produced at different times during the season indicate that the current fat and protein standardization employed by cheese-makers is not adequate to provide cheddar cheese with consistent textural characteristics year round. [source] Influence of amylases on the rheological and molecular properties of partially damaged wheat starchJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 11 2006Pedro Leman Abstract The effects of Bacillus subtilis, porcine pancreatic and Aspergillus oryzae ,-amylases, sweet potato ,-amylase and Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase (BStA) on the rheological properties (measured with a Rapid Visco Analyser) of partially damaged wheat starch were studied and the accompanying changes in starch molecular properties were analysed by high-performance size exclusion chromatography. Pasting and gelation of starch slurries (with an increased level of damaged starch) were significantly affected by the supplemented amylases and greatly depended on the mode of action and properties of the enzymes added. In general, at low endo-amylase concentrations, peak, hot paste and cold paste viscosities were more reduced for enzyme-supplemented partially damaged starch than for enzyme-supplemented native wheat starch, demonstrating the significance of damaged starch levels in determining amylase functionality. Higher dosages of thermostable amylases ruled out most of the differences between amylase-supplemented native starch and partially damaged starches, except for BStA. Furthermore, the (limited) endo-action of BStA determines to a great extent the rheological properties of the starch paste. These results contribute to a better understanding of (maltogenic) amylase functionality in processing (damaged) starch-containing foods. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Accommodation microfluctuations and pupil size during sustained viewing of visual display terminalsOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 1 2000L.S. Gray Summary Accommodation microfluctuations comprise two dominant frequencies; a low frequency component (LFC0.6 Hz) and a high frequency component (1.0 Hz Effects of Cryopreservation on Bull Spermatozoa Distribution in Morphometrically Distinct SubpopulationsREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 4 2007J Rubio-Guillén Contents Assisted sperm morphometry analysis (ASMA) was used in this study to determine the effects of cryopreservation on bull spermatozoa distribution in morphometrically distinct subpopulations. Ejaculates were collected from five bulls and were divided. One portion was diluted at 30°C in a skim milk,egg yolk medium, containing glycerol. A microscope slide was prepared from single extended sperm samples prior to freezing. The remainder of each sample was frozen in nitrogen vapours. After thawing, sperm smears were prepared as described above. All slides were air dried and stained with Hemacolor. The sperm-head dimensions for a minimum of 200 sperm heads were analysed from each sample by means of the Sperm-Class Analyser® (SCA), and the mean measurements recorded. Our results showed that applying the ASMA technology and multivariate cluster analyses, it was possible to determine that three separate subpopulations of spermatozoa with different morphometric characteristics coexist in bull ejaculates (large, average and small spermatozoa). The mean values of each sperm head dimension among the three subpopulations of spermatozoa were significantly different (p < 0.001). Besides, there were significant (p < 0.001) differences in the distribution of these three sperm subpopulations between fresh and thawed samples. Thus, the percentage of representation of the subpopulation that includes those spermatozoa whose dimensions are the biggest, decreased from 52.06% in extended fresh samples to 15.51% in the thawed ones. Contrarily, the percent of representation of the subpopulation containing the smallest spermatozoa, increased from 8.70% in extended fresh samples to 34.04% in the thawed ones. In conclusion, the present study confirms the heterogeneity of sperm head dimensions in bull semen, heterogeneity that vary through the cryopreservation procedure. [source] Evaluation of the influence of different species and cultivars of lupin kernel meal on the extrusion process, pellet properties and viscosity parameters of salmonid feedsAQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 1 2010B. GLENCROSS Abstract This study examined the influence of different lupin species and cultivars and their inclusion levels on the physical properties of an extruded diet. Lupin kernel meals were included into a fish diet formulation at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%. Soybean meal was also included in a series of diets on a similar basis as a reference. The diet mashes were extruded using a laboratory-scale APV19:45 twin-screw extruder. The pellets were examined for radial expansion, bulk density, vacuum oil uptakes, sink rate, shear and crush strengths. Inclusion of lupin kernel meal significantly increased bulk density, sink rate, shear and crush strength of the pellets. With the increase in lupin kernel meal inclusion level, a concomitant decline in vacuum oil uptake and radial expansion was also observed. An assessment of the diet mashes using a Rapid Visco Analyser showed that the inclusion of lupin kernel meals increased the rate and degree of gelatinization of the mash starch content compared with that with a similar inclusion level of soybean meal. The inclusion of lupin kernel meals in the diet mash also improved the water-holding capacity of the extrudate, which has important implications for the reduction in extruder wear. [source] Body fat composition and weight changes during pregnancy and 6,8 months post-partum in primiparous and multiparous womenAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009William W. K. TO Objective:, To compare changes in maternal weight and body fat composition from early to late pregnancy and 6,8 months postnatally between primiparous and multiparous patients Methods:, Maternal weight and body fat percentage were assessed in a cohort of low-risk uncomplicated women in a general antenatal clinic at 14,20 weeks gestation, after 36 weeks, and around six to eight months after delivery using a Tanita TBF 105 Fat Analyser. Maternal epidemiological and anthropometric data, as well as pregnancy characteristics and perinatal outcome, were derived from standard antenatal records after delivery. The cohort was stratified into primiparous and multiparous women for comparison. Results:, In a cohort of 104 women, 55 (52.8%) were primiparous and 49 (47.1%) were multiparous. A relatively good overall correlation between body fat percentage gain and weight gain was observed (correlation coefficient 0.33) from early to late pregnancy. Primiparous women had higher weight gain (12 kg) and higher body fat gain (7.7%) during the pregnancy compared to multiparous women (10.8 kg and 6%, respectively), and they also retained more of the fat accumulated during pregnancy (1.92% vs , 0.44%, P < 0.001) when assessed over six months after their delivery. Conclusion:, The findings could represent more exaggerated physiological responses to the pregnant state in the primiparous woman as compared to multiparous women. [source] The retinal nerve fiber layer and the optic nerve head morphology after glaucoma surgeryACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009T GRACNER Purpose To detect and quantify changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the optic nerve head (ONH) morphology after glaucoma surgery. Methods 13 eyes of 13 patients with open-angle glaucoma in which goniotrephining with scleral flap without intraoperative antimetabolites for progressive glaucoma damage was done were included in this prospective study. Before and 6 months after the surgery: the intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured, the thicknes of the RNFL was measured with a scanning laser polarimeter (GDx VCC), the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy measurements of ONH with Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT 3) were performed and the visual field was tested with Humphrey Field Analyser. Results The mean IOP before surgery was 24.5 ? 2.3 mmHg decreasing 6 months after to a mean of 13.9 ? 3.0 mmHg (p<0.05). The RNFL measurements with GDx VCC revealed no differences between the mean TSNIT Avarage (p=0.383), mean Superior Avarage (p=0.756) and mean Inferior Avarage (p=0.269) before and after surgery. The ONH measurements with HRT 3 revealed postoperatively a significant increase in the mean Rim Area, Rim Volume and Cup Shape Measure, whereas Cup Area, Cup Volume and Linear Cup/Disc Ratio decreased (p<0.05). There were no differences between the mean Height Variation Contour (p=0.678) and Mean RNFL Thickness (p=0.064) before and after surgery. Preoperatively the mean value of the Mean Deviation on automated perimetry was ,18.82 ? 8.5 dB improving 6 months postoperatively to a mean of ,16.63 ? 7.9 dB (p<0.05). Conclusion Our study demonstrated the beneficial effect of IOP reduction obtained with glaucoma surgery on visual field indices and ONH parameters evaluated by HRT 3. [source] Toxic effect of vigabatrin on retinal nerve fiber layerACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009A MIDELFART Purpose To investigate whether peripheral and central visual field defects detected among epilepsy patients treated with vigabatrin are associated with reduced peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness as measured with optic coherence tomography (OCT). Methods Nine epilepsy patients with vigabatrin-attributed visual field loss (group 1) and seven patients(age and sex matched) with epilepsy treated with other drugs(control group 2) were regularly examined with automated perimetry up to 60 degrees from fixation point (Humphrey Field Analyser). Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) was quantified by optic coherence tomography (OCT) using Fast RNFLT protocol, Stratus OCT (3.0). Five of the patients in group 1 had peripheral visual field defects, (group 1a), four had a central field defect(group 1b). All patients in control group 2 had normal visual field. Results Patients with vigabatrin-attributed visual field loss had attenuated total RNFLT compared to controls (right eye : mean total RNFLT: group 1: 75.6 µm (SD 12.7); group 2: 103.5 µm (SD 9.7), mean difference 27.9 µm (CI 15.9-39.9;P < 0.001). The nasal and inferior sectors RNFLT were more attenuated in patients with vigabatrin-attributed visual field loss compared to controls, while no difference was detected in the temporal RNFLT. Both individuals with peripheral and central visual field losses had attenuated mean total RNFLT compared to controls (P = 0.006 and P= 0.002, respectively). Conclusion Vigabatrin-attributed visual field defects are associated with reduced RNFLT. Combination of perimetry and OCT can efficiently detect vigabatrin induced retinal nerve fiber damage. [source] Age-related increase in haemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose is accompanied by a decrease in , cell function without change in insulin sensitivity: evidence from a cross-sectional study of hospital personnelDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 3 2002A. P. Yates Abstract Aims To examine the influence of age on glucose homeostasis in a population of healthy, non-diabetic hospital personnel. Methods One hundred and twenty female and 71 male non-diabetic individuals (fasting plasma glucose < 7.0 mmol/l) were fasted overnight prior to blood sampling. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) were measured using a BioRad Diamat automated HPLC, a Hitachi 747 analyser and a sensitive in-house radioimmunoassay, respectively. Mathematical modelling of the fasting glucose and insulin pairs (homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)) generated indices of pancreatic , cell function, HOMA-B and tissue insulin sensitivity HOMA-S. Results Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that in the whole group there was a significant negative correlation between age and HOMA-B (rs= ,0.218, P = 0.0022) and a significant positive correlation between age and both HbA1c (rs= 0.307, P = 0.0001) and FPG (rs= 0.26, P = 0.0003). There was no correlation between age and either FPI (rs= ,0.08, P = 0.266) or HOMA-S (rs= 0.024, P = 0.75). Analysis by gender showed the above associations to be present in the females (rs= ,0.243, P = 0.0076; rs= 0.304, P = 0.0007; rs= 0.32, P = 0.0004 for age vs. HOMA-B, HbA1c, and FPG, respectively). Again there was no correlation of age with FPI or insulin sensitivity. In the males there was a significant correlation of HbA1c with age (rs= 0.35, P = 0.002), but no significant correlation of age with any of the other parameters. Conclusions Glycaemic control deteriorates with age in healthy, non-diabetic individuals. Age-related rises in FPG and haemoglobin A1c result from a small but steady decline in pancreatic , cell function. Diabet. Med. 19, 254,258 (2002) [source] A breath test to assess compliance with disulfiramADDICTION, Issue 12 2006Keron Fletcher ABSTRACT Aims To evaluate the ability of a hand-held breath analyser, the Zenalyser® (Zenics Medical), to identify alcohol-dependent patients receiving disulfiram therapy and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the instrument at different time intervals post-disulfiram dosing. Design Breath samples were taken from two groups of alcohol-dependent patients, one group on a daily disulfiram regimen and one group receiving no disulfiram. The breath samples were analysed for the combined concentration of carbon disulphide and acetone produced from the metabolism of disulfiram. From these data, two reference ranges were prepared and used for sensitivity and specificity assessments. Setting Breath samples for the reference ranges were obtained from patients at Shelton Hospital, Shrewsbury. Breath samples used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the instrument were obtained from patients at the Edinburgh Alcohol Problems Clinic. Participants Twenty in-patients from Shelton Hospital receiving a daily 200 mg disulfiram regimen and 20 in-patients receiving no disulfiram. At the Edinburgh Clinic, 54 patients taking a thrice-weekly disulfiram regimen and 22 patients not on disulfiram. Measurements A total of 489 breath samples from Shelton Hospital and 391 breath samples from the Edinburgh Clinic were analysed for the combined concentrations of carbon disulphide and acetone. Findings The breath analyser produced results that distinguished between the disulfiram-treated and untreated groups (P < 0.001). At 1 day post-dose, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 100%. At 2 and 3 days post-dose, the sensitivities and specificities were 84.6% and 100% and 88.2% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion The breath analyser can improve the assessment of the compliance status of patients receiving a daily dose regimen of disulfiram, but is less useful for this purpose if disulfiram is taken on a thrice-weekly regimen. [source] Automated diffusion chambers to monitor diurnal and seasonal dynamics of the soil CO2 concentration profileEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2009F. Albanito Summary To better understand the factors controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) production and transport in soil, we developed a new method to continuously monitor soil CO2 concentration at multiple depths, by using diffusion chambers. The soil diffusion chambers are constructed from a high-density polyethylene cylindrical frame enclosed by a micro-polyvinylidene difluoride flat membrane (PVDF). All chambers are linked to an infrared gas analyser positioned above-ground through a multi-port valve system. We set up two experimental sites for long-term measurements of soil CO2 concentration, soil temperature and soil water content at depths of 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 cm. The system provides the following advantages : (i) the use of the PVDF combined with the small dimensions of the diffusion chambers allows rapid diffusion of soil gas into the chambers and therefore a short equilibration time of the gas phase with the surrounding soil atmosphere, (ii) the equilibrating closed loop system allows the semi-continuous measurement of soil profile CO2 concentrations without creating a pressure differential within the chambers, thus reducing gas concentration distortions in the soil, (iii) the small size of the closed diffusion chambers reduces the initial soil disturbance during installation, (iv) it allows sampling in wet, humid soils, including ones that are waterlogged or temporarily saturated, and (v) the chambers do not require removal for maintenance purposes and are inexpensive. [source] Primary particle size distribution of eroded material affected by degree of aggregate slaking and seal developmentEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009D. N. Warrington Summary Primary particle size distribution (PSD) of eroded sediment can be used to estimate potential nutrient losses from soil and pollution hazards to the environment. We studied eroded sediment PSDs from three saturated soils, packed in trays (20 × 40 × 4 cm), that had undergone either minimal aggregate slaking (MAS) or severe aggregate slaking (SAS) prior to a 60 mm simulated rainstorm (kinetic energy, 15.9 kJ m,3; droplet diameter, 2.97 mm) and collected runoff at regular intervals. The degree of aggregate slaking was controlled by the rate at which soils were wetted to saturation. The PSDs of eroded materials and of parent soils were determined using a laser particle size analyser. For each soil, PSD frequency curves of eroded sediments and parent soils were generally of a similar shape but most eroded sediments had larger clay contents than their parent soils. In the SAS treatment, cumulative clay enrichment in the eroded materials was inversely related to the parent soil clay content, these being 28.5, 26.6 and 22.8% richer in clay than their parent soils for the loam, sandy clay and clay, respectively. Generally, total clay loss was greater from soils with SAS than from those with MAS because of erosion rates; however, clay enrichment of sediments, compared with parent soil clay contents, was mostly greater in samples with MAS. Greater clay enrichment took place during the early seal development stage in the loam, but could not readily be associated with specific stages of seal development for the clay. In the sandy clay, the relation between seal development and clay enrichment in the eroded material depended on the initial degree of aggregate slaking. The observed large preferential loss of clay by erosion in cultivated soils re-emphasizes the need to employ erosion control measures. [source] Variable carbon recovery of Walkley-Black analysis and implications for national soil organic carbon accountingEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007S. Lettens Summary There is considerable interest in the computation of national and regional soil carbon stocks, largely as the result of the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol. Such stocks are often calculated and compared without proper reference to the uncertainties induced by different analytical methodologies. We illustrate the nature and magnitude of these uncertainties with the present soil organic carbon (SOC) study in Belgium. The SOC recovery of the Walkley-Black method was investigated based on a database of 475 samples of silt loam and sandy soils, which cover different soil depths and vegetation types in northern Belgium. The organic carbon content of the soil samples was measured by the original Walkley-Black method and by a total organic carbon analyser. The recovery was computed as the ratio of these two results per soil sample. Land use, texture and soil sampling depth had a significant influence on the recovery as well as their three-way interaction term (land use × texture × sampling depth). The impact of a land use, texture and sampling depth dependent Walkley-Black correction on the year 2000 SOC inventory of Belgium was determined by regression analysis. Based on new correction factors, the national SOC stocks increased by 22% for the whole country, ranging from 18% for cropland to 31% for mixed forest relative to the standard corrected SOC inventory. The new recovery values influenced therefore not only C stocks in the year 2000, but also the expected SOC change following land use change. Adequate correction of Walkley-Black measurements is therefore crucial for the absolute and comparative SOC assessments that are required for Kyoto reporting and must be computed to take into account the regional status of soil and land use. ,Universal' corrections are probably an unrealistic expectation. [source] Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for soil diagnosticsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2001J. Bublitz Summary Laser-optical measurements and fibre optics are potentially attractive tools for applications in soil science because of their great sensitivity and selectivity and their capabilities for on-line and in situ analysis. We have investigated laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the quantitative detection of metal ions on the surface of natural soil samples from two sites (Hohenschulen and Oderbruch, Germany). The LIBS technique allows the spatially resolved investigation of adsorption and desorption effects of ions in soil. A frequency doubled (532 nm) and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a pulse duration of 8 ns is focused on the soil surface and induces a plasma. Typical power densities are 150 mJ mm,2. The plasma emission is recorded in time and spectrally resolved by a gateable optical multichannel analyser (OMA). A delay time of about 500 ns between laser pulse and OMA gate was used to resolve single atomic and ionic spectral lines from the intense and spectrally broad light that is emitted by the plasma itself. The dependency of the LIBS signal of a single spectral line on the amount of water in the sample is investigated in detail. The results indicate that quenching of water in the plasma plume reduces the line intensities, while the interaction with aquatic colloids increases the intensity. The two processes compete with each other, and a non-linear correlation between measured line intensities and the amount of water in the sample is obtained. This is verified by a simple computer simulation and has to be taken into account for the quantitative interpretation of LIBS signals, e.g. when absolute concentrations are estimated. In the present investigation natural calcium concentrations <,2 ,g kg,1 were measured with the LIBS technique in the samples for the two test sites. In addition, measurements were made with dry and water-saturated BaCl2 mixed soil samples, and no significant difference in the detection limit for barium was obtained. [source] Fatigue of shot peened 7075-T7351 SENB specimen , A 3-D analysisFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 6 2006T. HONDA ABSTRACT As-received or shot peened 7075-T7351 single-edged notch bend (SENB) specimens, 8.1-mm thick, were fatigued at a constant maximum load and at stress ratios of R= 0.1 and 0.8 to predetermined numbers of fatigue cycles or to failure. The SENB specimens were then fractured by overload and the tunnelling crack profiles were recorded. The crack-growth rate, da/dN, after crack initiation at the notch was determined by crack-profile measurement and fractography at various fatigue cycles. The shot peened surface topography and roughness was also evaluated by three-dimensional (3-D) laser scanning microscopy. Residual stresses in the as-received specimens and those generated by shot peening at Almen scales of 0.004A, 0.008A, 0.012A and 0.016A, were measured by an X-ray diffraction stress analyser with an X-ray target, CrK, every 0.1 mm to a depth of 1 mm. The 3-D stress intensity factor of the curved crack front was determined by the superposition of the 3-D finite element solutions of the stress intensity factor of the loaded SENB specimen without the residual stress and the stress intensity factor of the unloaded SENB specimen with a prescribed residual stress distribution. da/dN versus the resultant stress intensity factor amplitude, ,KI, plots showed that while the residual stress locally retarded the crack-growth rate it had no effect on the overall crack-propagation rate. [source] Gremmeniella abietina types cannot be distinguished using ascospore morphologyFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2006A. Uotila Summary Twenty-one Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina type A and 12 type B samples with ripened apothecia were collected in Sweden and Finland. Morphological dimensions of the ascospores were determined with an image analyser (Leica Qwin). Measured variables included length, width, perimeter and roundness of ascospores. Variations in these variables overlapped between the two types. Type A ascospores were significantly shorter (mean length 15.8 ,m) than the type B ascospores (mean length 17.1 ,m). Type A ascospores were also significantly rounder than type B ascospores. Differences between these morphological characters were, however, too small to distinguish the types as separate taxonomical species. Round-pointed and acute ascospores were found in the same apothecium but in different asci. According to the hypervariable marker GAAA1000, both round-pointed and acute ascospores originated from the same two parents in normal segregation. Résumé Vingt-et-un échantillons avec des apothécies matures du type A de Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina et 12 du type B ont été récoltés en Suède et Finlande. Les dimensions morphologiques des ascospores ont été déterminées avec un analyseur d'images (Leica Qwin). Les variables mesurées sont la longueur, la largeur, le périmètre et la rondeur des spores. Les gammes de variation de ces différentes variables se recouvrent entre les deux types. Les ascospores de type A sont significativement plus courtes (longueur moyenne de 15.8 ,m) que les ascospores de type B (longueur moyenne de 17.1 ,m). Les ascospores de type A sont aussi significativement plus rondes que celles de type B. Les différences pour ces caractères morphologiques sont toutefois trop faibles pour distinguer les types comme des espèces taxonomiques différentes. Des ascospores arrondies et pointues ont été trouvées dans la même apothécie mais dans des asques différents. En se basant sur le marqueur hypervariable GAAA1000, on peut établir que les ascospores arrondies et pointues proviennent des mêmes deux parents en ségrégation normale. Zusammenfassung In Schweden und Finnland wurden 21 Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina Typ A- und 12 Typ B- Proben mit reifen Apothecien gesammelt. Folgende morphologische Messgrössen der Ascosporen wurden mit einem Image Analyser (Leica Quin) bestimmt: Länge, Breite, Umfang und Form. Die Variation der Variablen überlappte bei den beiden Typen. Die Typ A-Ascosporen waren signifikant kürzer (15,8 ,m mittlere Länge) als die Typ B-Ascosporen (17,1 ,m). Der Typ A hatte signifikant rundere Ascosporen als der Typ B. Die Unterschiede in den morphologischen Merkmalen waren jedoch zu gering, um zwei taxonomische Arten zu unterscheiden. Ascosporen mit runden und spitzen Enden wurden im gleichen Apothecium, jedoch in verschiedenen Asci gefunden. Mit dem hypervariablen Marker GAAA1000 erwiesen sich Ascosporen mit rundem und spitzem Ende als Nachkommen der gleichen Eltern mit normaler Segregation. [source] Composition-Induced Variations in SIMS Instrumental Mass Fractionation during Boron Isotope Ratio Measurements of Silicate GlassesGEOSTANDARDS & GEOANALYTICAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008Martin Rosner isotopes du bore; SIMS; effet de matrice; matériaux vitreux de référence; fractionnement de masse instrumental An analytical artefact is reported here related to differences in instrumental mass fractionation between NIST SRM glasses and natural geological glasses during SIMS boron isotope determinations. The data presented demonstrated an average 3.4, difference between the NIST glasses and natural basaltic to rhyolitic glasses mainly in terms of their sputtering-induced fractionation of boron isotopes. As no matrix effect was found among basaltic to rhyolitic glasses, instrumental mass fractionation of most natural glass samples can be corrected by using appropriate glass reference materials. In order to confirm the existence of the compositionally induced variations in boron SIMS instrumental mass bias, the observed offset in SIMS instrumental mass bias has been independently reproduced in two laboratories and the phenomenon has been found to be stable over a period of more than one year. This study highlights the need for a close match between the chemical composition of the reference material and the samples being investigated. Nous montrons l'existence d'un artefact analytique reliéà différents fractionnements de masse instrumentaux, observés sur les verres NIST SRM et des verres naturels durant des mesures des isotopes de bore par SIMS. Les données montrent une différence d'environ 3.4, entre les verres NIST et les verres naturels, de composition variant de basaltique à rhyolitique, en termes de fractionnement des isotopes du bore principalement induit par le phénomène de dispersion. Comme aucun effet de matrice n'a été observé entre les verres basaltiques et les verres rhyolitiques, le fractionnement de masse instrumental de la plupart des verres naturels peut être corrigé en utilisant des verres de références appropriés. Dans le but de confirmer l'existence de biais de masse liéà la composition lors de mesure du bore par SIMS, nous avons reproduit indépendamment le décalage observé entre deux laboratoires et ce phénomène s'est révélé stable sur une période de plus d'un an. Cette étude met en lumière le besoin d'ajuster précisément les compositions chimiques des matériaux de référence et des échantillons à analyser. [source] The occurrence of porosity in reline acrylic resins.GERODONTOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Effect of microwave disinfection Background:, Microwave energy has proved to be an effective method for disinfecting acrylic dentures. However, the effect of microwave heating on the porosity of autopolymerising denture reline resins has not been investigated. Objective:, The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of microwave disinfection on the porosity of autopolymerised denture reline materials (Kooliner-K, New Truliner-NT, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR and Ufi Gel Hard-UGH) and a conventional heat-polymerised denture base resin (Lucitone 550-L). Material and methods:, Specimens (10 mm × 20 mm × 1 mm) were obtained from the impression surface of the palatal mucosa in a single person and divided into four groups (n = 5). The porosity was evaluated after polymerisation (C1), after two cycles of microwave disinfection (MW2), after seven cycles of microwave disinfection (MW7) and after 7 days storage in water at 37°C (C2). Specimens from group MW7 were exposed to microwave disinfection daily being stored in water at 37°C between exposures. All the replicas were sputter coated with gold and micrographs/digital images were taken of each replica using scanning electron microscopy at magnification × 100. The SEM micrographs were then examined using an image analyser to determine the number of pores. Comparison between materials and groups were made using Kruskal,Wallis tests. Results:, MW7 resulted in a significant increase in the number from the pores of material K, but decreased in number in reline material TR and UGH reline resin. The number of pores in materials NT and L remained unaffected following microwave disinfection. Conclusion:, Differences in the porosity amongst the materials and for different experimental conditions were observed following microwave disinfection. [source] Large annual net ecosystem CO2 uptake of a Mojave Desert ecosystemGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2008GEORG WOHLFAHRT Abstract The net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) between a Mojave Desert ecosystem and the atmosphere was measured over the course of 2 years at the Mojave Global Change Facility (MGCF, Nevada, USA) using the eddy covariance method. The investigated desert ecosystem was a sink for CO2, taking up 102±67 and 110±70 g C m,2 during 2005 and 2006, respectively. A comprehensive uncertainty analysis showed that most of the uncertainty of the inferred sink strength was due to the need to account for the effects of air density fluctuations on CO2 densities measured with an open-path infrared gas analyser. In order to keep this uncertainty within acceptable bounds, highest standards with regard to maintenance of instrumentation and flux measurement postprocessing have to be met. Most of the variability in half-hourly NEE was explained by the amount of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). On a seasonal scale, PAR and soil water content were the most important determinants of NEE. Precipitation events resulted in an initial pulse of CO2 to the atmosphere, temporarily reducing NEE or even causing it to switch sign. During summer, when soil moisture was low, a lag of 3,4 days was observed before the correlation between NEE and precipitation switched from positive to negative, as opposed to conditions of high soil water availability in spring, when this transition occurred within the same day the rain took place. Our results indicate that desert ecosystem CO2 exchange may be playing a much larger role in global carbon cycling and in modulating atmospheric CO2 levels than previously assumed , especially since arid and semiarid biomes make up >30% of Earth's land surface. [source] The role of the platelet function analyser (PFA-100TM) in the characterization of patients with von Willebrand's disease and its relationships with von Willebrand factor and the ABO blood groupHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 3 2003I. C. Nitu-Whalley Summary. Determination of the closure time (CT) with the platelet function analyser (PFA-100TM) is a useful screening test for von Willebrand's disease (VWD) but its role in the characterization of VWD is not well established. We studied the relationship between the prolongation of the CT with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (CT-ADP) and epinephrine (CT-EPI) cartridges and the von Willebrand factor (VWF) in 53 patients with VWD. We found that a relatively small percentage of the prolongation of the CT-ADR and CT-ADP (16 and 29%, respectively) was determined by a reduction in VWF levels. The CT-ADP was significantly more prolonged in the presence of qualitative defects in VWF but could not discriminate between the VWD subtypes. The ABO blood group had no effect on the prolongation of the CT or the bleeding time. In conclusion, the PFA-100TM appears of little use in the characterization of severity and subtype of VWD. [source] Effects of hydrological processes on the chemical composition of riverine suspended sediment in the Zhujiang River, ChinaHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 12 2003Quanzhou Gao Abstract The chemical composition of riverine suspended sediment is the integration of the weathering crust minerals, soil organic matter and erosion agency within a specific drainage basin, which has been largely disturbed by the human activities. Selected metal elements of the riverine suspended sediment in the Zhujiang River were analysed using inductively coupled plasma,atomic emission spectrometry (ICP,AES) in three different hydrological phases from 1997 to 1998 at Makou and Sanshui hydrographic gauge stations, located at the lower reaches of the two main tributaries of the Zhujiang River, i.e. the Xijiang and the Beijing Rivers respectively. Organic carbon and nitrogen were also analysed using a conventional element analyser. The results demonstrate that the chemical composition of the riverine suspended sediment show obvious variability in different hydrological phases, which closely correlate to the organic matter content in suspended sediment. Intensified erosion in the flood phase results in lower concentration of the organic matter than that in the lower water level phase. The riverine suspended sediment with rich organic matter in the lower water level phase adsorbs some metal elements from the river water. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An investigation into the relationship between apical root Impedance and canal anatomyINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 9 2008S. M. Ardeshna Aim, To investigate a possible relationship between apical root impedance and canal anatomy. Methodology, Twenty-three roots from human extracted teeth (mostly single rooted but also from molars) with different apical anatomy were selected. The apical anatomy was initially classified by staining the root tip to identify number of canal exits; after impedance measurements, the anatomy was confirmed by staining and clearing the dentine. The roots were divided into two groups; 12 had simple (S) anatomy (Vertucci type 1 with a single exit) and 11 had complex (C) anatomy (various Vertucci canal types with multiple exist). Impedance measurements were taken using a frequency response analyser at seven levels in the root (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 mm short of the apical terminus) at 14 frequencies ranging from 1120 to 100 000 Hz. Care was taken to control the temperature and other variables that could confound measurement accuracy. The impedance characteristics of individual roots were compared with 37 equivalent circuits (based on a pool created from a previous study); the best fitting equivalent circuit was selected. The equivalent circuits were used as the single outcome measure describing the impedance characteristics and correlated with the canal anatomy (S/C). Generalized estimating equations were used to perform logistic regression to analyse the data. Results, Canal anatomy had a significant (P = 0.046) effect on the equivalent circuit model. One circuit (model 10) was found to be the commonest and occurred significantly more commonly in the simple canals. The odds of prevalence of circuit model 10 were 2.2 times (odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.01,4.63) higher in canals with simple anatomy compared with canals with complex anatomy. Conclusions, Canal anatomy had a significant effect on the equivalent circuit describing its impedance characteristics. It should be possible to use impedance spectroscopy to clinically predict and image apical canal complexities. [source] Determination of phthalate esters in cosmetics by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and mass spectrometric detectionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 4 2005Huiming Chen GC-FID; GC-MS; Produits cosmétiques; Esters Phtaliques Synopsis A gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and mass spectrometric detection (MSD) method was developed to determine the six kinds of phthalate esters [dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di- n -butyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di- n -octyl phthalate (DOP)] in cosmetics (solid, cream and liquid cosmetics). The cosmetics were extracted with methanol by ultrasonic and then separated with high-speed centrifugation. The upper clear layer was dried and filtered through a 0.45 ,m pore diameter filter. The filtrate was injected into GC-FID/GC-MS for detection. GC-FID chromatogram was applied for qualitative analysis, external standard method was used for quantitative analysis. Confirmation of phthalate presence was undertaken by GC-EI-MS. The recovery range of all phthalates were between 92.0 and 110.0% with relative standard deviations between 1.95 and 5.92%. The low detection limits of the method were: 0.1 ng for DMP, DEP, DBP and BBP, 0.5 ng for DEHP and DOP. The method had advantages of high precision and sensitivity, simplicity of pretreatment. The method can be used to test the six kinds of phthalate esters in cosmetics. Resume Une méthode d'analyse par chromatographie gazeuse couplée à une détection par ionization de flamme (GC - FID) et une détection spectrométrique de masse (MSD) a été développée pour analyser 6 sortes d'esters phtaliques (phtalate de diméthyle (DMP), phtalate de diéthyle (DEP), phtalate de di- n -butyle (DBP), phtalate de benzylbutyle (BBP), phtalate de di-2-éthylhexyle (DEHP) et phtalate de di- n -octyle (DOP)) dans des produits cosmétiques (solides, crèmes et liquides). Les produits cosmétiques sont extraits au méthanol sous ultrason, puis séparés par ultracentrifugation. La phase supérieure limpide est déshydratée et filtrée sur un filtre de diamètre de pore moyen égal à 0,45 ,m. Le filtrat est injecté dans le système GC - FID/GC-MS pour analyse. Les chromatogrammes GC-FID sont utilisés pour l'analyse qualitative, des standards externes ont été utilisés pour l'analyse quantitative. La GC-EI-MS permet de confirmer la présence des esters phtaliques. Le taux de récupération de tous les esters est compris entre 92 et 110% avec une déviation standard allant de 1,95%à 5,92%. La limite de détection par cette méthode est de 0,1 ng pour DMP, DEP, DBP et BBP, 0,5 ng pour DEHP et DOP. Les avantages de cette méthode sont sa haute précision, sa sensibilité et la simplicité du prétraitement. Cette méthode peut être utilisée pour doser la présence des six sortes d'esters phtaliques dans des produits cosmétiques. [source]
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