Time dependent correlations in marine stratocumulus cloud base height records

The scaling ranges of time correlations in the cloud base height records of marine boundary layer stratocumulus are studied applying the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis statistical method. We have found that time dependent variations in the evolution of the $\alpha$ exponent reflect the diurnal dynamics of cloud base height fluctuations in the marine boundary layer. In general, a more stable structure of the boundary layer corresponds to a lower value of the $\alpha$ - indicator, i.e. larger anti-persistence, thus a set of fluctuations tending to induce a greater stability of the stratocumulus. In contrast, during periods of higher instability in the marine boundary, less anti-persistent (more persistent like) behavior of the system drags it out of equilibrium, corresponding to larger $\alpha$ values. From an analysis of the frequency spectrum, the stratocumulus base height evolution is found to be a non-stationary process with stationary increments. The occurrence of these statistics in cloud base height fluctuations suggests the usefulness of similar studies for the radiation transfer dynamics modeling.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures; to appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys. C, Vol. 13, No. 2 (2002

Correlations between Ultrasound and Pathology in Fetal Ventricular System Anomalies

A total of 113 cases of fetal hydrocephalus with a lethal outcome (FHLO) from the Embryo-Fetopathologic Clinic at the Center for Maternity and Neonatology, Tunis, Tunisia and Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at St. George EAD University Hospital, Plovdiv, Bulgaria were studied, 86 of which had syndrome malformations: neural tube defects (NTDs)—29.2%, chromosomal abnormalities—23.9%, skeletal dysplasias—9.8%, VACTERL association—5.3%, Dandy-Walker malformation—3.4%, Other—14.2%. Risk factors for FHLO are miscarriages (odds ratio (OR): 19.500; confidence interval (CI): 4.020-94.594), stillbirths (OR: 10.897; CI: 1.169-10.564) and previous birth of a malformative child (OR = 5.385; CI: 1.385–18.896). FHLO is significantly associated with a maternal age over 40 years and third degree consanguinity of the fetus (OR = 18.500; CI: 1.146–298.547). The trisomies in our study were 27 (23.9%) and are significantly associated with an age above 38 years and FHLO (OR = 13.689; CI: 3.952–52.122). In medical abortion, stillbirth, or neonatal death, a fetopathological study enriches our knowledge of malformations, complements and completes the ultrasound examination, modifies genetic counseling, and determines the medical behavior in subsequent pregnancies. Also, associated risk factors and fetopathological changes in FHLO must be studied to increase the ultrasound prenatal diagnosis success

Concomitant combined degenerative compression of the spinal cord and cauda Equina: A report on three cases

We report on three cases with concomitant combined degenerative compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina which were diagnosed and operated in a single stage. The first case presents left-sided paramedian disc herniations at L1-2 and L4-5 levels, combined with concurrent degenerative spinal stenosis. The second case includes right-sided paramedian disc herniation at Th12-L1 level in combination with severe degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis at L3-4 level. The third case describes advanced degenerative compression at Th7-8 level with concurrent central spinal stenosis at L4-5 level.We have discussed the clinical presentation of concurrent combined symptomatic degenerative compression of the spinal cord and cauda equinа which can deceive the physician and lead to omitted diagnosis of the thoracic compression.In an attempt to avoid misdiagnosis of thoracic degenerative compression, it is necessary to perform thorough neurological examination of the spinal cord motor and sensory functions. In addition, further MRI examination of upper spinal segments is needed, if previous studies of the lumbar spine fail to provide reasonable explanation for the existing neurological symptoms

Identifying Nonspecific Ligand Binding in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Using the Reporter Molecule Method

The application of the reporter molecule (Mrep) method for identifying nonspecific complexes in the ES-MS analysis of protein–ligand and DNA–ligand interactions in vitro is described. To test the reliability of the method, it was applied to the ES-MS analysis of protein–carbohydrate complexes originating from specific interactions in solution and from nonspecific interactions in the ES process. These control experiments confirm the basic assumptions underlying the Mrep method, namely that nonspecific ligand binding is a random process, and that the ES droplet histories for specific and nonspecific complexes are distinct. The application of the Mrep method to the ES-MS analysis of the sequential binding of the ethidium cation, a DNA intercalator, to single and double strand oligodeoxynucleotides is also described, and highlights the general utility of the method