Evolution of methanol (CH3OH) above the Jungfraujoch station (46.5°N) : Variability, seasonal modulation and long-term trend.

Poster (2013, April 09)

Methanol (CH3OH) is the second most abundant organic compound in the Earth’s atmosphere with concentrations close to a few ppbv, after methane, despite a short lifetime of a few days (Jacob et al., 2005 ... [more ▼]

Methanol (CH3OH) is the second most abundant organic compound in the Earth’s atmosphere with concentrations close to a few ppbv, after methane, despite a short lifetime of a few days (Jacob et al., 2005). Natural sources of CH3OH include plant growth, oceans, decomposition of plant matter, oxidation of methane and other VOCs,. . . while anthropogenic sources are from vehicles, industry,. . . biomass burning completes the emission budget. The main sink is the oxidation by hydroxyl radical, leading to the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) and formaldehyde (H2CO). The retrieval of methanol is very challenging due to the presence of strong absorption of ozone and its isotopologues in addition to water vapour and carbon dioxide in the region of the selected strong nu8 band of CH3OH. First retrievals from satellite observations using the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) on board the SCISAT satellite have been performed by Dufour et al. (2007 and references therein) using a spectral interval going from 995.5 to 1008.3 cm-1. In 2009, first retrievals from a ground-based FTS, using spectra recorded at Kitt Peak (31.9°N) and a window going from 992 to 999 cm-1 have been reported by Rinsland et al. (2009), followed by Vigouroux et al. (2012 and references therein) who used yet another spectral interval going from 1029 to 1037cm-1. From those former retrieval strategies and also considering the Mahieu et al. (2012) contribution, we redefined our spectral intervals to maximize the information content. Indeed, our first window, starting from 992 to 1008.3 cm-1, is issued from the merge of Rinsland et al. and Dufour et al. windows while our second, going from 1029 to 1037 cm-1, is the one used by Vigouroux et al.With this new combination of windows, we were able to enlarge the range of zenith angles providing robust results while maintaining good correlation between our two windows; this also resulted in an improvement of the fitting residuals and of the information content. We used the 2008 HITRAN compilation (Rothman et al., 2009) for spectroscopic parameters. However, systematic residuals still remain in the 1033 cm-1 region which are attributed to unsatisfactory line parameters for methanol. New cross sections recorded at the Molecular Spectroscopy Facility of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Harrison et al. 2012) and calibrated in intensity by using the reference spectra from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) IR database will be tested as soon as converted into pseudolines. In this work, we will present the first long-term time series of methanol total columns, resulting from the implementation of our new retrieval strategy. All retrievals have been performed with the SFIT2 algorithm (v 3.91) (Rinsland et al., 1998) using a series of about 7 000 spectra recorded between 1995 and 2012, with zenith angles between 60 and 85°. These solar absorption observations have been recorded with a high-resolution FTIR Bruker 120HR instrument, at the high altitude station of the Jungfraujoch (46.5°N, 8°E, 3580 m asl), within the framework of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC, visit http://www.ndacc.org). [less ▲]

Evolution of multiple paralogous adenosine kinase genes in the moss genus Hygroamblystegium: phylogenetic implications

in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution (2004), 31(2), 505-516

Maximum likelihood analyses of DNA sequences from two chloroplast regions, trnL-trnF and atpB-rbcL, and the internal transcribed spacers of ISS-5.8S-26S rRNA gene array, were performed to resolve species ... [more ▼]

Maximum likelihood analyses of DNA sequences from two chloroplast regions, trnL-trnF and atpB-rbcL, and the internal transcribed spacers of ISS-5.8S-26S rRNA gene array, were performed to resolve species relationships within the moss genus Hygroamblystegium. Constraining morphospecies to monophyly resulted in significantly less likely trees for H. tenax, but not for the other species. The lack of support for most clades and the partial incongruence among topologies necessitated the use of another independent, more variable region, namely the adenosine kinase gene (adk). Sequences for adk were polymorphic but were present as multiple copies within individuals. making parology a problem for phylogenetic analyses. Adk evolution was reconstructed using a reconciled gene tree approach in which duplications and losses were minimized in the context of ail estimate of the species tree derived from the analysis of the cp and nrDNA sequence data. Additional resolution of the species tree was then obtained by searching for reconstructions that further reduced adk duplications and losses. All the traditionally recognized morphospecies appeared to be polyphyletic in the resulting tree. Together with previous data from different molecular markers, the results Support the interpretation that Hygroamblystegium represents a recent radiation in which molecular and morphological evolution have been uncoupled. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Evolution of Native Kidney Function After Pancreas Transplantation Alone

in Transplantation Proceedings (2012), 44

Introduction. This study investigated changes in kidney function over time among a <br />cohort of patients undergoing pancreas transplantation alone (PTA) from January 2002 to <br />December 2011. <br ... [more ▼]

Introduction. This study investigated changes in kidney function over time among a <br />cohort of patients undergoing pancreas transplantation alone (PTA) from January 2002 to <br />December 2011. <br />Patients and Methods. Ten of eighteen PTA patients bearing functioning grafts for at <br />least 1 year were recruited for the analysis. Primary endpoints were changes in mean serum <br />creatinine (SCr, mg/L) and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the <br />4-variable Levey-MDRD equation (mL/min/1.73 m2) comparing baseline (pretransplantation) <br />to 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year posttransplantation values. Mean follow-up <br />time was 75.7 20.5 months (range, 46–106.5). <br />Results. Baseline eGFR was 89.3 27.9 (range, 58–145). eGFR decreased to 75.7 <br />26.2, 71 20.6, 66.5 14.8, and 62.1 11.2 at 6 months, 1, 3, and 5 years representing <br /> 15.2%, 20.5%, 15.8%, and 22.6% percentage decreases respectively (P .05 for all <br />pairwise comparisons). The Baseline SCr was 8.6 2.3 mg/L (range, 5–13). SCr <br />progressively increased to 10.1 3, 10.5 3.1, 10.9 3.1, and 11.3 1.7 at 6 months, 1, <br />3, and 5 years a 17.1%, 22%, 16.6%, and 19.9% increase respectively (P .05 for all <br />pairwise comparisons). One of ten, 2/8, and 3/7 patients displayed an eGFR 60 at <br />transplantation versus 3 and 5 years thereafter, respectively. No patient developed a SCr <br /> 25 mg/L or eGFR 30 or needed dialysis or kidney transplantation. Five of ten patients <br />had micro-albuminuria or proteinuria before transplantation. Tacrolimus levels were <br />within recommended therapeutic ranges over time. <br />Conclusion. Kidney function deteriorated significantly after PTA. Understanding of risk <br />factors for the development of renal impairment is important to preserve kidney function <br />and to select appropriate candidates for PTA. [less ▲]

Evolution of ontogenetic allometry shaping giant species: a case study from the damselfish genus Dascyllus (Pomacentridae)

in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (2010), 99(1), 99-117

The evolution of body size, the paired phenomena of giantism and dwarfism, has long been studied by biologists and paleontologists. However, detailed investigations devoted to the study of the evolution ... [more ▼]

The evolution of body size, the paired phenomena of giantism and dwarfism, has long been studied by biologists and paleontologists. However, detailed investigations devoted to the study of the evolution of ontogenetic patterns shaping giant species are scarce. The damselfishes of the genus Dascyllus appear as an excellent model for such a study. Their well understood phylogeny reveals that large-bodied species have evolved in two different clades. Geometric morphometric methods were used to compare the ontogenetic trajectories of the neurocranium and the mandible in both small-bodied (Dascyllus aruanus and Dascyllus carneus; maximum size: 50–65 mm standard length) and giant (Dascyllus trimaculatus and Dascyllus flavicaudus; maximum size: 90–110 mm standard length) Dascyllus species. At their respective maximum body size, the neurocranium of the giant species is significantly shorter and have a higher supraoccipital crest relative to the small-bodied species, whereas mandible shape variation is more limited and is not related to the ‘giant’ trait. The hypothesis of ontogenetic scaling whereby the giant species evolved by extending the allometric trajectory of the small-bodied ones (i.e. hypermorphosis) is rejected. Instead, the allometric trajectories vary among species by lateral transpositions. The rate of shape changes and the type of lateral transposition also differ according to the skeletal unit among Dascyllus species. Differences seen between the two giant species in the present study demonstrate that giant species may appear by varied alterations of the ancestor allometric pattern. [less ▲]

The Evolution of Organizational and Management Models in courts: the emergence of a new paradigm?

Conference (2006)

Evolution of paleoclimatic conditions and vegetation change in Himalaya from compound specific hydrogen and carbon analyses

in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta (2006), 70(18), 468-468

Supplied by the Ganga–Brahmaputra fluvial system, the Bengal Fan provides an integrated record of the Himalayan basin history through time. The active channel-levee system of the middle fan documents the ... [more ▼]

Supplied by the Ganga–Brahmaputra fluvial system, the Bengal Fan provides an integrated record of the Himalayan basin history through time. The active channel-levee system of the middle fan documents the last glacial/interglacial cycle. Organic geochemistry studies have shown that the organic matter contained in the Bengal Fan sediments is mainly of terrestrial origin. We analysed terrestrial n-alkanes (C27–C33) from Bengal Fan sediments and modern Ganga–Brahmaputra sediments. Comparison of compound specific hydrogen and carbon isotopic ratios in these samples allow us to follow the evolution of paleoenvironmental conditions since the Last Glacial Maximum. Carbon molecular isotopic data on the odd-HMW n-alkanes show a shift of 4&, corresponding to an evolution in the Himalayan system from a C4-dominated vegetation at LGM to a C3- dominated vegetation during the Holocene. It is now well known that C4 plants are more adapted than C3 plants to low atmospheric CO2 concentrations and to relatively hot and dry climate. In the same time, molecular D/H isotopic ratios measured on the same samples show an increase of the deuterium content of about 20& during the Holocene, which is consistent with lower temperature at the end of the LGM in the Himalaya. As low temperature should favored C3 plants, the predominance of a C4 vegetation have to be linked with dryer conditions at the end of the LGM. Afterwards, the increase of the C3/C4 ratio in the Himalayan system is related to a concomitant increase of humidity and pCO2 during the Holocene. [less ▲]

Evolution of pressure distribution during apple compression tests measured with tactile sensors

in Acta Horticulturae (2003), (604),

The paper analyses the ability of thin-film tactile sensors in providing information during static compression tests of ‘Jonagold’ apples (Malus pumila) of different ripeness stages. Such sensors are able ... [more ▼]

The paper analyses the ability of thin-film tactile sensors in providing information during static compression tests of ‘Jonagold’ apples (Malus pumila) of different ripeness stages. Such sensors are able to measure the contact surface and the interfacial pressure distribution during compression of fruits, this latter being characterised by suitable mathematical parameters. Results of compression tests between two flat steel plates are presented. The differentiated evolution of the pressure distribution according to the fruit maturity is pointed out. Ability of the sensor in evaluating the firmness is also discussed. [less ▲]

Evolution of Saturn's Bright Polar Aurora

Conference (2009)

Observations of Saturn's infrared aurorae have shown that in addition to the main auroral oval, which is believed to be associated with the solar wind, there are significant polar emissions. Ground-based ... [more ▼]

Observations of Saturn's infrared aurorae have shown that in addition to the main auroral oval, which is believed to be associated with the solar wind, there are significant polar emissions. Ground-based infrared observations of Saturn have been able to show that there is a general level of raised emission across the entire polar region, in a similar way to that seen at Jupiter. However, with direct observations of the aurora made from orbit around Saturn by the Cassini-VIMS instrument, this aurora was shown to be more than a relative generalised brightening in the infrared. Instead, a unique auroral feature was observed to occur, appearing as a large region of bright polar emission, positioned poleward of 82 degrees latitude. This Bright Polar Aurora emission is significantly different from the recently observed subrotating Q-branch auroral emission seen in both the ultraviolet and infrared, as it is separated from the main auroral oval by a region of low emission. This effectively produces a cap of bright aurora inside the main auroral oval, surrounded by a dark ring that separates the two aurorae. Here, we take a more detailed look at this cap of emission and examine the way the auroral feature develops with time. Bright Polar Aurora emission has been observed in two separate VIMS images. A more detailed analysis of the polar emission shows that each of these images in fact differs in structure; the first has auroral emission across the whole polar cap >82 degrees, but within the second the emission is concentrated on the dusk side. While the dramatic in-filling of the polar cap is not seen within any UV observations, the Hubble Space Telescope has observed transitory duskward auroral features within the polar cap, in a similar location to the duskward feature seen in the infrared. Using ground-based infrared observations, which allow a Bright Polar Aurora event to be broken into shorter timescale steps, it is possible analyse the progression of the infrared auroral emission with time, connecting the morphology seen within the two VIMS images with those in the ultraviolet. [less ▲]

Evolution of serum CK-MB isoforms after acute myocardial-infarction

in Clinical Chemistry (1989, June), 35(6), 1120

Evolution of serum creatine kinase (CK)-MB isoforms during and after coronary surgery

in European Heart Journal Supplements : Journal of the European Society of Cardiology (1988), 9(suppl.1), 244