bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oil/gas pre-treatment plants and air quality hazards: PM1 measurements in Agri Valley (southern Italy)
Authors: Trippetta S. , Caggiano R. , Sabia S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. A PM1 (i.e., aerosol particles with aerodynamic diameter less 1.0 μm) short term monitoring campaign was carried out in Agri Valley (southern Italy) in September 2012. This area is of international concern since it houses the largest European on-shore reservoir and the largest oil/gas pre-treatment plant (i.e., Centro Olio Val d'Agri – COVA) within an anthropized context. PM1 measurements were performed in Viggiano, the nearest town to the COVA plant and one of the most populated town of the Agri Valley. During the study period, the PM1 daily concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 8.4 μg m−3 with a mean value of 4.6 μg m−3. Regarding the PM1 chemical composition, it can be observed that S and typical crustal elements were the most abundant constituents of the PM1 collected. By applying the Principal Component Analysis, it was pointed out that crustal soil, biomass and wood burning, secondary atmospheric reactions involving COVA plant emissions and local soil particles, and traffic were the main sources contributing to the PM1 measured in the area under study. Moreover, a possible contribution of the long-range transport of African dust was observed.
The Otolith Group’s “Monuments to Dead Television.” Independent Cinema and the Migrant Experience in Europe between Television and the Museum
Authors: Ferrara Beatrice
Published: April 2014

“Monument to dead television” is the expression the British collective The Otolith Group uses to define its activity of recuperating long-lost quality films, and re-screening them in contemporary art museums and gallery spaces. What these films share is a cinematic vocation and a complex approach to the question of memory and migration in Europe, and to the role of images as testimonies or documents. This essay explores The Otolith Group’s interest in such forgotten archives of modern television in order to unearth their significance for contemporary museums today.
The Body As Cogito: A Certain Contemporary Film In The Light of Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Bezerra Julio
Published: April 2014

Contemporary film is displaying a kind of "transnational new wave" that seems unique since the mid-60s. Filmmakers as diverse as Tsai Ming-Liang, Karim Aïnouz, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, show a similar sensitivity towards the values of the world and of the cinema. What brings the work of these directors together is the taste for a realism more focused on the phenomenon of experience, on issues of skin and surface, and a different look at the body. Our hypothesis is that the phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty provides us with valuable tools to broaden the debate. The discussion will be carried out by an analysis of the work of Tsai Ming-Liang, Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Karim Aïnouz.
Book Review: Screen Distribution and the New King Kongs of the Online World
Authors: Decker Bradley
Published: April 2014

A short review of the 2013 book, Screen Distribution and the New King Kongs of the Online World, a succinct publication which explores the impact of new methods of media distribution, from their inception in the 1990’s, to the current climate of both legitimate and illegitimate streaming sources, and offers a framework within which to research future developments in the industry of online distribution. The review concludes with a brief critique and recommendations for those who may intend to use the book for research purposes.
Law, Urban Violence and Order: Cop Shows as a Brazilian TV Genre
Authors: Lusvarghi Luiza
Published: April 2014

A new type of Brazilian drama series has taken place on local  TV -  the cop shows. Although they are not popular as the telenovela (soap operas), definitively they came to stay.  International channels like Fox and HBO are benefited by Tax Benefits Rule which provides financial conditions for the production of those home market, and are now competing with the two greatest media Brazilian  groups – Record and Globo.  The worldwide success of “Cidade de Deus” (City of God, 2002, Fernando Meirelles), released abroad like a gangster movie, and “Tropa de Elite” (Elite Squad, 2005, Jose Padilha), Berlin Golden Bear Award 2008, which sequel “Elit Squad: The Enemy Within” (2010) became the biggest box office record of Brazilian Cinema, could be partially contributed to motivate that new kind of production, which mix up social exclusion, urban violence with the very known old formulas of American serials, as the franchise “Law and Order” and its various spin-offs.
Festival Review: TIFF 2013, The Neoliberal Labyrinth of Cinema
Authors: Edener Ege
Published: April 2014

TIFF’s history coincides with the rise of national cinema in Canada. Since its foundation in 1976, it has played a large role in promoting homegrown talents and introducing them to international markets. Although it’s difficult to talk about the binding principles that define the Canadianness in Canadian films, we can still conclude that the “Canadian film canon has been predominantly bicultural” (Czach 1994: 81). This dual-cinemas tradition, (Anglo-Canadian and Quebecois), challenges the classic notion of national cinemas, where a cultural and/or national unity and homogeneity are the defining norms. But where do festivals like TIFF come into play?
Pattern of the Body Image in La Maison en Petits Cubes on the Basis of Milieu and Individual Relationship
Authors: Kılınçarslan Yasemin
Published: April 2014

Kunio Kato’s film “La Maison En Petits Cubes” has two dimensions. One of these is the content design, which depends on aristo aesthetic, and the other one is the visual aesthetic, which depends on tranquil, simple, refreshing and relaxing traditional japan pictures like Ando Hirosige’s. The director manages to configure a visual and content integrity between the form of human body and the design of the city. The human- city analogy is the key point to look at the human consciousness which inquiries the existentialism problems related to changing milieu.
Effects of Occupational Exposure to Wood Smoke in Tandoor Occupants
Authors: Nabi Ghulam , Urooj Jeena , Khan Ayaz Ali , Zamani Ghazala Yasmin , Wahid Mussarat , Rahman Saleem Ur
Published: April 2014

Exposure to wood smoke leads to mucosal irritation and physiological and neurological abnormalities in human.Blood samples along with histories were taken from 100(50Tandoor occupants and 50 controls) male individualsliving in the same locality. SYSMIX KX-21 (Japan) and Shimadzu Double Beam Spectrophotometer 1700 Pharma (Japan) were used for blood profiling and serum biochemistry. In workers, blood cholesterol was 131 ± 4.8 mg/dl, triglyceride was 125 ± 10mg/dl, and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase level was 68 ± 2.4IU/L and glucose level was 113 ± 2.1 mg/dl. The total red blood cell count was 5.6 ± 0.035mill/cmm, hemoglobin level was15 ± 0.054mg/dl, hematocrit value was49 ± 0.22 mg/dl, mean corpuscular volume was 86 ± 0.22 fl,mean corpuscular hemoglobin was 31 ± 0.12 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was 35 ± 0.12gm/dl, neutrophils were 77 ± 0.50%, lymphocytes were 45 ± 1.0 %, eosinophilswere6.0 ± 0.14%, monocytes were 7.7 ± 0.19 %, total leukocyte count were 11014 ± 115/cmm, and platelets were235864 ± 5491 /cmm. In control group the blood cholesterol, triglyceride, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and glucose level was111 ± 2.4mg/dl,97 ± 1.5mg/dl, 28 ± 1.1IU/L and 101 ± 1.2 mg/dl respectively, while thetotal red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobinconcentration, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, leukocyte, and platelets were4.3 ± 0.027mil/cmm, 12 ± 0.064 mg/dl, 38 ± 0.11mg/dl, 75 ± 0.30fl, 25 ± 0.37pg, 31 ± 0.11gm/dl, 56 ± 0.82%, 34 ± 1.0, 3.1 ± 0.20%, 4.2 ± 0.12%, 6573 ± 125, and 169162 ± 2454 /cmm respectively.The levels in both groups were statistically compared using t test and the p value was determined.The results showed that there was significant increase in blood biochemical parameters as well as in complete blood count in workers as compared to control and are therefore at more risk to heart, lungs and blood diseases.
O Problema de Alocação de Recursos e Seleção de Múltiplos Projetos de TI
Authors: Negreiros Marcos , Barbosa Willame Tiberio
Published: April 2014

As organizações que possuem projetos ocorrendo simultaneamente se deparam com a tarefa de selecioná-los segundo algum critério, bem como, a necessidade de alocação de recursos certos aos projetos certos nos tempos certos. O problema de RCPSP (Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem) é um problema difícil que pertence à classe de problemas NP-Hard. Nele pretende-se criar cronogramas com restrições de recursos. Este problema continua desafiador, mesmo tendo origem na década de 1960, devido essencialmente a sua natureza combinatória. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a utilização de técnicas exatas de otimização, no intuito de obter uma alocação ótima de recursos às atividades de múltiplos projetos de TI que usam metodologias ágeis (Scrum), considerando restrição de recursos (analistas e programadores), visando à construção de cronogramas de múltiplos projetos integrados. Utiliza-se neste trabalho uma nova abordagem no sentido de se encontrar a atribuição ótima de projetos considerando as suas prioridades relativas, e a avaliação poder ser realizada para um horizonte de planejamento ou enquanto estão em andamento. Mostramos que nosso modelo promove uma adequada avaliação de atribuição ótima de recursos de TI num contexto real de gestão de projetos para instâncias com até 9 projetos.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i2.125
Coordenação e Alinhamento entre Escritórios de Projetos: Um Estudo de Caso Na Administração Pública Mineira
Authors: Pessoa Santos Diego , Pagel de Oliveira Kamila , Silveira Mauro César
Published: April 2014

O artigo analisa a atuação do escritório central de projetos do estado de Minas Gerais e dos escritórios setoriais de projetos das secretarias de estado de transportes, saúde e meio ambiente, até o ano de 2010, verificando o nível de alinhamento e coordenação entre eles. A pesquisa realizada se caracteriza como uma pesquisa descritiva de caráter qualitativo. Os resultados demonstraram uma despadronização na atuação dos escritórios setoriais e consequente diferenciação na relação com o escritório central. Há algumas sobreposições de atividades e outras complementaridades quanto às funções exercidas pelo escritório central em relação àquelas desempenhadas pelos escritórios setoriais. Conclui-se que o grau de coordenação entre os atores é baixo.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i2.134
Gestão do Tempo em Projetos: Um Estudo de Caso em uma Empresa do Polo Industrial de Manaus
Authors: Souza Júnior Armando Araújo de , Goulart Kleber Henrique , Moraes Ana Flávia De Moraes
Published: April 2014

Na era da informação as organizações se veem imersas em um ambiente dinâmico e em plena transformação. A velocidade em identificar as demandas e transformar essas demandas em produtos é fator crítico para o sucesso. Nesse cenário de tempo e recursos limitados, a aplicação das técnicas de gerenciamento de projetos surge como uma das respostas. O objetivo do gerenciamento de projetos é garantir que seja executado o trabalho necessário e somente o necessário, para a entrega do produto ou serviço atendendo as restrições de prazo, custo e qualidade. Com foco na área do conhecimento de gerenciamento do tempo, essa pesquisa apresenta um estudo de caso de uma empresa do setor industrial, que teve o objetivo de avaliar a forma de gerenciar o tempo nos projetos do time de engenharia de produto. O resultado da pesquisa trouxe pontos de melhoria na forma de gerenciar o tempo na organização pesquisada ao se confortar os métodos atualmente em prática com as melhores práticas levantadas na revisão bibliográfica.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i2.139
Metodologias Inovadoras para Gestão de Projetos: Modelo Referencial para Implantação da Itilv3 através da Metodologia Prince2: Estudo de Caso
Authors: Rovai Ricardo Leonardo
Published: April 2014

Resumo: Metodologias tradicionais para gerenciamento de projetos já não dão conta de projetos onde fatores como complexidade, riscos, restrições de recursos, prioridade de prazo, geração de valor para o negócio, alinhamento estratégico constituem-se em partes intrínsecas do problema gerencial. A ITIL surge como uma estrutura de referencial para a padronização tecnológica inteligente da área de tecnologia da informação. Grandes empresas globais e muitas empresas nos países emergentes estão adotando a ITIL para efetuar as mudanças em tecnologia da informação numa tentativa de colocar a área de tecnologia da informação a serviço negócio, estrategicamente alinha às diretrizes e prioridades de crescimento corporativo. Muitas empresas têm implantado a ITIL através dos pressupostos, ferramentas e técnicas da metodologia PRINCE2 para gerenciamento de projetos com sucesso. Este fato deve-se em muitos casos ao foco da estrutura conceitual PRINCE2 no alinhamento estratégico de TI aos objetivos do negócio e este fato coincide com um dos principais objetivos da ITIL e desta forma implantar a ITIL através do PRINCE2 tem sido uma estratégia assertiva e de sucesso. Demonstrar este vínculo dinâmico entre ambas as estruturas de conhecimento é um dos principais objetivos deste artigo.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i2.143
Fatores Organizacionais em Gestão de Portfólio de Projetos: Uma Proposta de Estrutura Conceitual à Luz da Literatura
Authors: Larieira Claudio Luis Carvalho , Albertin Alberto Luiz
Published: April 2014

Investimentos podem ser gerenciados sob a forma de portfólios com o objetivo de diminuir riscos, aumentar retornos e garantir maior efetividade dos investimentos. Algumas empresas procuram gerenciar seus investimentos usando a abordagem de projetos, criando assim a Gestão de Portfólio de Projetos (GPP). Além das questões técnicas ou metodológicas, outros fatores estão presentes neste processo, tais como o conhecimento e envolvimento das pessoas, a integração com outros processos da organização, as questões de âmbito político, o modelo de gestão adotado, a cultura organizacional, etc. Autores discutem a influência destes fatores organizacionais na GPP, porém o fazem de maneira pontual e fragmentada. Este artigo tem por objetivo investigar a partir da literatura quais são os fatores organizacionais que influenciam a GPP. É proposta uma estrutura que agrupa e consolida os fatores encontrados, o que permitirá às empresas identificar e entender quais fatores organizacionais influenciam a GPP e assim possam se preparar de maneira mais adequada para a implantação deste processo.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i2.97
Os Cinco Problemas mais Frequentes nos Projetos das Organizações no Brasil: Uma Análise Crítica
Authors: Terribili Filho Armando
Published: April 2014

Este artigo visa discutir os aspectos relevantes relativos aos cinco problemas mais frequentes nos projetos das organizações no Brasil de acordo com os resultados do Benchmarking em Gerenciamento de Projetos Brasil – 2010, que teve a participação de 460 organizações públicas e privadas. Os cinco problemas com maior frequência estão associadas ao gerenciamento do tempo, gerenciamento do escopo, gerenciamento da comunicação e gerenciamento dos custos. O artigo propõe a utilização de indicadores de monitoração durante a “vida do projeto”, como instrumento de avaliação contínua.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i2.99
Revue des effets de la méditation de pleine conscience sur la santé mentale et physique et sur ses mécanismes d’action
Authors: Ngô Thanh-Lan
Published: April 2014

Les interventions basées sur la pleine conscience deviennent de plus en plus populaires. Le présent article présente une recension de ses effets sur la santé mentale et physique, des mécanismes d’action et des recherches en neurobiologie.
Les thérapies basées sur l’acceptation et la pleine conscience
Authors: Ngô Thanh-Lan
Published: April 2014

La thérapie cognitivo-comportementale (TCC) est une des approches principales en psychothérapie. Elle enseigne au patient à faire le lien entre les cognitions dysfonctionnelles et les comportements mésadaptés et à réévaluer les biais cognitifs qui maintiennent les symptômes en utilisant des stratégies telles que le questionnement socratique. La TCC évolue constamment afin d’en améliorer l’efficacité et l’accessibilité. Dans la dernière décennie, des approches de plus en plus populaires basées sur la pleine conscience et l’acceptation sont proposées. Elles ne visent pas la modification des pensées même si celles-ci peuvent paraître biaisées et dysfonctionnelles, mais cherchent plutôt à changer la relation de l’individu à ses symptômes. L’efficacité de ces approches commence à être documentée. Cet article vise à présenter le contexte historique qui a permis l’émergence de ce courant, les points de convergence et de divergence avec l’approche cognitivo-comportementale traditionnelle ainsi qu’une brève présentation des différentes thérapies basées sur l’acceptation et la pleine conscience.
Thérapie cognitive basée sur la pleine conscience : état actuel et applications futures
Authors: Irving Julie A. , Segal Zindel V.
Published: April 2014

Objectifs : Cette revue vise à résumer les recherches antérieures et en cours portant sur la thérapie cognitive basée sur la pleine conscience (TCBPC) et à illustrer en pratique comment cette forme d’intervention peut aider les personnes à éviter la spirale qui les fera retomber dans la rumination, laquelle fait partie intégrante des épisodes dépressifs majeurs. Méthodologie : Des études comprenant des périodes de suivi à court et à long terme et reposant sur une revue de la documentation sur la TCBPC pour la prévention de rechutes chez les personnes qui présentent des antécédents de dépression majeure ont été incluses. De plus, des études récentes sur des adaptations novatrices de la TCBPC chez de nouvelles populations ont aussi été passées en revue et prises en compte dans le but de dégager les orientations à donner à la recherche future et aux nouvelles applications cliniques. Résultats : Dans la dernière décennie, la TCBPC s’est appuyée sur de solides données probantes en mettant en évidence son efficacité dans la prévention des taux de rechutes dépressives et dans le prolongement des périodes de bien-être. Des études récentes ont fait ressortir plusieurs mécanismes de changement possibles comme une diminution de la réactivité cognitive et une meilleure capacité de décentration, lesquelles déterminent et contribuent à une diminution des symptômes dépressifs. Discussion : Actuellement, de nouvelles applications de la TCBPC s’étendent au-delà de son objectif initial. Des travaux de recherche seront nécessaires pour éclairer l’efficacité et les mécanismes d’action à l’oeuvre une fois la TCBPC appliquée à ces nouvelles populations.
Le modèle de la flexibilité psychologique : une approche nouvelle de la santé mentale
Authors: Dionne Frédérick , Ngô Thanh-Lan , Blais Marie-Claude
Published: April 2014

Cet article présente une vision de la santé mentale fondée sur le modèle de la flexibilité psychologique sur lequel repose la thérapie d’acceptation et d’engagement (ACT), une approche représentative de la troisième vague des thérapies cognitives-comportementales. Il vise à exposer la théorie et la pratique de l’ACT et à rendre compte de données empiriques qui soutiennent son utilisation clinique.Cet article présente une vision de la santé mentale fondée sur le modèle de la flexibilité psychologique sur lequel repose la thérapie d’acceptation et d’engagement (ACT), une approche représentative de la troisième vague des thérapies cognitives-comportementales. Il vise à exposer la théorie et la pratique de l’ACT et à rendre compte de données empiriques qui soutiennent son utilisation clinique.
L’atelier de réduction du stress basé sur la pratique de la pleine conscience chez les patients porteurs d’une pathologie cardiaque : mon expérience au Centre Épic
Authors: Béliveau Robert
Published: April 2014

Le présent article est la description du parcours d’un des pionniers de l’enseignement de la méditation pleine conscience en milieu médical au Québec. Il met l’accent sur la nécessité de pratiquer et d’appréhender ce concept par l’expérience plutôt que par une recherche intellectuelle. Il décrit l’apport de la pleine conscience sur sa pratique médicale et présente un bref survol des ateliers qu’il anime au Centre Épic (Centre de médecine préventive et de conditionnement physique de l’Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal) depuis 15 ans.
A surprising twist
Authors: Fakhri Nikta , Schmidt Christoph F
Published: April 2014

X-ray crystallography has revealed an unusual structural element in kinesin-5 motor proteins.
Hydrophobic and high transparent honeycomb diamond-like carbon thin film fabricated by facile self-assembled nanosphere lithography
Authors: Peng Kai-Yu , Wei Da-Hua , Lin Chii-Ruey , Yu Yueh-Chung , Yao Yeong-Der , Lin Hong-Ming
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we take advantage of a facile fabrication technique called self-assembled nanosphere lithography (SANSL) combining with proper two-step reactive ion etching (RIE) method and radio frequency (RF) sputtering deposition process for manufacturing honeycomb diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin film structures with hydrophobic and high transparent properties. It is found that the DLC thin films deposited on clean glass substrates at the RF power of 100 W with the surface roughness (R
a) of 2.08 nm and the I
D/I
G ratio of 1.96 are realized. With a fill-factor of 0.691, the honeycomb DLC patterned thin film shows the best transmittance performance of 87% in the wavelength of visible light, and the optimized contact angle measurement is ∼108°. Compared with the pure DLC thin film and original glass substrate, the hydrophobic property of the patterned DLC films is significantly improved by 80 and 160%, respectively.
Dynamical evidence for nonlinear Langmuir wave processes in type III solar radio bursts
Authors: Graham D. B. , Cairns Iver H.
Published: April 2014

The nonlinear processes and evolution of Langmuir waves in the source regions of type III solar radio bursts are explored in detail. Langmuir waves recorded by the Time Domain Sampler of the STEREO/WAVES instrument can be roughly classified into six groups based on the waveform, power spectra, and field strength perpendicular to the local magnetic field. It is argued that these groups correspond to either different stages of the evolution of Langmuir waves generated by electron beams or differ due to the direction of the magnetic field relative to the solar wind velocity. Approximately half of the observed Langmuir waves have strong perpendicular fields, meaning that understanding how these fields are produced is crucial for understanding type III sources. Most events recorded are either localized waveforms consistent with Langmuir eigenmodes or have two or more spectral peaks consistent with electrostatic (ES) decay of Langmuir/z mode waves. The remaining events appear to correspond to either earlier or later stages of Langmuir wave evolution or are decay events for which the Doppler shift is insufficient to distinguish the beam‐driven and product Langmuir waves. This is supported by the fact that most events exceed the threshold for ES decay even though their spectra show no evidence for decay and some of the events are observed when the solar wind flow is approximately perpendicular to the magnetic field, minimizing Doppler shifting. Low‐frequency fields produced by intense Langmuir waves are quantitatively consistent with density perturbations produced by the ponderomotive force, ion‐acoustic waves produced by ES decay, or sheath rectification. Above the observed nonlinear threshold, quantitative analysis suggests that the observed low‐frequency signals are consistent with perturbations produced by ponderomotive effects and ion‐acoustic waves produced by ES decay, but effects of sheath rectification may also contribute.
Geospace variability during the 2008–2009 Whole Heliosphere Intervals
Authors: Lean J. L. , McDonald S. E. , Huba J. D. , Emmert J. T. , Drob D. P. , Siefring C. L.
Published: April 2014

We simulate the ionosphere and thermosphere throughout the extended solar minimum epoch from 2008 to 2009 using geospace models, systematically validating the models with databases of observed geospace composition. We isolate and quantify observed changes of as much as 4 total electron content unit (TECU) (1 TECU = 1016 elections m−2) (~36%) in global (60°S−60°N) ionospheric total electron density and as much as 19 × 10−12 kg m−3 (~75%) in global thermospheric mass density at 250 km associated with fluctuating solar EUV radiation and geomagnetic activity during this nominally “quiet” period. Corresponding modeled responses to both solar EUV radiation and geomagnetic activity are about a factor of 2 smaller than is observed. We identify, as well, semiannual and annual oscillations that produce geospace variability comparable to that produced by external solar and geomagnetic influences, and which cause distinct differences among the three individual Whole Heliosphere Intervals. From the first Whole Heliosphere Interval (March–April 2008) to the third Whole Heliosphere Interval (June–July 2009) total electron content (60°S−60°N) decreased 3.6 TECU (~32%) and mass density at 250 km decreased 9 × 10−12 kg m−3 (~34%) due to these oscillations. Reliable attribution of the geospace base state during the 2008–2009 solar minimum epoch and geospace comparisons among the Whole Heliosphere Intervals thus requires that the semiannual and annual oscillations be properly distinguished in addition to the concurrent solar and heliospheric effects which have been the primary goal of the majority of Whole Heliosphere Interval (WHI) characterizations.
Effects of sources and meteorology on particulate matter in the Western Mediterranean Basin: An overview of the DAURE campaign
Authors: Pandolfi M. , Querol X. , Alastuey A. , Jimenez J. L. , Jorba O. , Day D. , Ortega A. , Cubison M. J. , Comerón A. , Sicard M. , Mohr C. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Minguillón M. C. , Pey J. , Baldasano J. M. , Burkhart J. F. , Seco R. , Peñuelas J. , van Drooge B. L. , Artiñano B. , Di Marco C. , Nemitz E. , Schallhart S. , Metzger A. , Hansel A. , Lorente J. , Ng S. , Jayne J. , Szidat S.
Published: April 2014

DAURE (Determination of the Sources of Atmospheric Aerosols in Urban and Rural Environments in the Western Mediterranean) was a multidisciplinary international field campaign aimed at investigating the sources and meteorological controls of particulate matter in the Western Mediterranean Basin (WMB). Measurements were simultaneously performed at an urban‐coastal (Barcelona, BCN) and a rural‐elevated (Montseny, MSY) site pair in NE Spain during winter and summer. State‐of‐the‐art methods such as 14C analysis, proton‐transfer reaction mass spectrometry, and high‐resolution aerosol mass spectrometry were applied for the first time in the WMB as part of DAURE. WMB regional pollution episodes were associated with high concentrations of inorganic and organic species formed during the transport to inland areas and built up at regional scales. Winter pollutants accumulation depended on the degree of regional stagnation of an air mass under anticyclonic conditions and the planetary boundary layer height. In summer, regional recirculation and biogenic secondary organic aerosols (SOA) formation mainly determined the regional pollutant concentrations. The contribution from fossil sources to organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) and hydrocarbon‐like organic aerosol concentrations were higher at BCN compared with MSY due to traffic emissions. The relative contribution of nonfossil OC was higher at MSY especially in summer due to biogenic emissions. The fossil OC/EC ratio at MSY was twice the corresponding ratio at BCN indicating that a substantial fraction of fossil OC was due to fossil SOA. In winter, BCN cooking emissions were identified as an important source of modern carbon in primary organic aerosol.
Use of land surface temperature to estimate surface energy fluxes: Contributions of Wilfried Brutsaert and collaborators
Authors: Crago Richard D. , Qualls Russell J.
Published: April 2014

Land surface temperature (LST) plays a key role in governing the land surface energy budget, and measurements or estimates of LST are an integral part of many land surface models and methods to estimate land surface sensible heat (H) and latent heat fluxes. In particular, the LST “anchors” the potential temperature profile in Monin‐Obukhov similarity theory, from which H can be derived. Brutsaert has made important contributions to our understanding the nature of surface temperature measurements as well as the practical but theoretically sound use of LST in this framework. His work has coincided with the wide‐spread availability of remotely sensed LST measurements. Use of remotely sensed LST estimates inevitably involves complicating factors, such as: varying spatial and temporal scales in measurements, theory, and models; spatial variability of LST and H; the relationship between measurements of LST and the temperature “felt” by the atmosphere; and the need to correct satellite‐based radiometric LST measurements for the radiative effects of the atmosphere. This paper reviews the progress made in research in these areas by tracing and commenting on Brutsaert's contributions.
White House Proposes 4% Increase to U.S. Geological Survey Budget
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: April 2014

Although funding for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) pales compared with that for NASA, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and other U.S. federal science agencies, the overall percent increase for USGS for fiscal year (FY) 2015 would be bigger than for those other agencies if Congress goes along with the budget that the White House proposed on 4 March.
Preliminary Results From Probe of the Moon's Dust Environment
Authors: Kumar Mohi
Published: April 2014

NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE), a robotic mission with the primary goal of gathering detailed information about the composition and structure of the thin lunar atmosphere, was launched on 6 September 2013. Since the spacecraft reached the Moon on 6 October, LADEE has returned streams of data important to understanding how dust is distributed above the lunar surface; where sources and sinks of lunar atmospheric dust can be found; and how dust distribution, sources, and sinks change through time.
Economic losses due to catastrophes
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: April 2014

Worldwide economic loss due to catastrophic events added up to US$140 billion in 2013, with insured losses adding up to $45 billion, according to a report by the insurance provider Swiss Re. Though these numbers are down from $196 billion in economic losses and $81 billion in insurance losses in 2012, Swiss Re reports an upward trend in losses.
Air pollution ranks as largest health risk
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: April 2014

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 7 million people died in 2012 from air‐pollution‐related sicknesses, marking air pollution as the single largest environmental health risk. This finding, a result of better knowledge and assessment of the diseases, is more than double previous estimates of the risk of death from air pollution.
New Meeting Submission and Program Management System Launched
Authors: Weaver Brenda
Published: April 2014

Starting this year, AGU is using a new submission and program management system for meetings.
Meet Three of AGU's 2013 Student Travel Grant Recipients
Authors: Howard Claire
Published: April 2014

Donations to the Annual Student Travel Grant Fund allowed more than 200 AGU student members to present their research for the first time at the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting. The Annual Student Travel Grant Fund (see https://giving.agu.org/campaign/vcc/) provides financial assistance to U.S. and international students who have little or no support from their institutions. AGU encourages female students and students from underrepresented minorities or countries to apply to this program.
Mesoscale‐Convective Processes in the Atmosphere
Authors: Schumacher Russ S.
Published: April 2014

For many years, there was a great need for comprehensive, up‐to‐date textbooks in the rapidly advancing field of mesoscale meteorology, a subject that includes scientifically interesting and societally relevant phenomena such as severe thunderstorms, extreme winds, and heavy rainfall. Fortunately, this need has been met with multiple noteworthy publications in the past few years.
Prospective validation of a risk score based on biological markers for predicting progression free survival in Binet stage A chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients: Results of the multicenter O‐CLL1‐GISL study
Authors: Gentile Massimo , Cutrona Giovanna , Mosca Laura , Matis Serena , Fabris Sonia , Lionetti Marta , Ilariucci Fiorella , Zupo Simona , Musolino Caterina , Levato Luciano , Molica Stefano , Di Raimondo Francesco , Vincelli Iolanda , Di Rienzo Nicola , Pesce Emanuela Anna , Angrilli Francesco , Federico Massimo , Neri Antonino , Ferrarini Manlio , Morabito Fortunato
Published: April 2014

A risk score based on three biological features (CD38, ZAP‐70, and IGHV mutational status) was previously developed to predict progression‐free survival (PFS) in untreated Binet A CLL patients. Here we perform a score validation analysis in a prospective and independent cohort of patients. Biological markers (CD38, ZAP‐70, and IGHV mutational status) and gene expression profiles (GEP) of leukemic cells from CLL patients included in a prospective multicenter observational study (O‐CLL1‐GISL protocol, clinicaltrial.gov ID:NCT00917549) were used to assess the value and reproducibility of this score. To date, 468 Binet A patients were classified as low‐ (0 positive marker), intermediate‐ (1 positive marker), or high‐risk (2 or 3 positive markers) using the progression risk score. The 3‐year PFS probability was 91.7%, 82.9%, and 57.4% for low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk (P < 0.0001) cases, respectively. These values were similar to those found in the original cohort. At Cox multivariate analysis, Rai stage, absolute lymphocyte count, progression risk score, and β‐2 microglobulin maintained an independent prognostic impact on PFS. This score remained a predictor of progression when analysis was limited to 371 Rai 0 cases (P < 0.0001). Finally, the cells from the different CLL risk groups showed differences in their gene expression patterns. These results confirm the ability of this progression risk score to predict PFS among Binet A patients. The utility of the score was also extended by demonstrating that it retains prognostic value when applied exclusively to Rai 0 patients. Specific transcriptional patterns were significantly associated with risk groups. Am. J. Hematol. 89:743–750, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Homozygous N540K hypochondroplasia—First report: Radiological and clinical features
Authors: De Rosa M. Laura Garcia , Fano Virginia , Araoz H. Verónica , Chertkoff Lilien , Obregon M. Gabriela
Published: April 2014

We describe a 16‐month‐old male with N540K homozygous mutation in the FGFR3 gene who showed a more severe phenotype than hypochondroplasia (HCH). To our knowledge, a homozygous state for this mutation causing HCH has not been reported before. The clinical and radiological characteristics of our patient represent an intermediate condition between achondroplasia and achondroplasia/hypochondroplasia compound heterozygosity. This case represents a new expression of FGFR3 spectrum and it is of considerable importance for the genetic counseling in cases where both parents are affected with HCH. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blepharophimosis, short humeri, developmental delay and hirschsprung disease: Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of MED12 mutations
Authors: Isidor Bertrand , Lefebvre Tiphaine , Le Vaillant Claudine , Caillaud Gaëlle , Faivre Laurence , Jossic Frédéric , Joubert Madeleine , Winer Norbert , Le Caignec Cédric , Borck Guntram , Pelet Anna , Amiel Jeanne , Toutain Annick , Ronce Nathalie , Raynaud Martine , Verloes Alain , David Albert
Published: April 2014

We report on two male sibs, a fetus and a newborn, with short humeri and dysmorphic facial features including blepharophimosis. The newborn also had Hirschsprung disease. Goldberg–Shprintzen syndrome and the Say–Barber–Biesecker–Young–Simpson type of Ohdo syndrome were suspected but direct sequencing of KBP and KAT6B failed to identify a mutation. Finally, direct sequencing of MED12, the gene mutated in Opitz–Kaveggia syndrome, Lujan–Fryns syndrome and X‐linked Ohdo syndrome identified in the two sibs the missense mutation c.3443G>A (p.Arg1148His) inherited from the mother. This report further expands the phenotypic spectrum of MED12 mutations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Haploinsufficiency of HDAC4 does not cause intellectual disability in all affected individuals
Authors: Wheeler Patricia G. , Huang Dongli , Dai Zunyan
Published: April 2014

Haploinsufficiency of HDAC4 gene has been reported to result in brachydactyly‐“mental retardation” syndrome (BDMR), a condition with significant intellectual impairment, brachydactyly type E, and typical facial features. Presented here are three individuals with haploinsufficiency of HDAC4 who have brachydactyly type E, non‐dysmorphic facial features, and normal intelligence. This is in contradistinction to previous reports that haploinsufficiency of HDAC4 is sufficient to cause BDMR. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The high frequency of genetic diseases in hypotonic infants referred by neuropediatrics
Authors: Vilchis Zacil , Najera Nayelli , Pérez‐Duran Javier , Najera Zenyesen , Gonzalez Lourdes , del Refugio Rivera Maria , Queipo Gloria
Published: April 2014

Neonatal hypotonia is a relatively common cause of consultation in daily pediatric practice. It is part of the clinical presentation of a large group of heterogeneous diseases, many of which have an important and classifiable genetic background. Identification of the specific disorder can help optimize the management and treatment of the patient and inform genetic counseling for the family, and therefore input from clinical geneticists is critical at the earliest stages of medical management. Here we present 30 patients with hypotonia of unknown etiology referred by a neuropediatrician to clinical genetics. Clinical, genetic, and molecular evaluation of each patient was performed. Sixty‐nine percent of the patients included in the study had a genetic disease, including eight with Prader–Willi syndrome, three with spinal muscular atrophy, one with Rett syndrome, and one with Sotos syndrome harboring a previously undescribed mutation. Our data demonstrate that a multidisciplinary approach used from the outset that includes molecular analysis can help improve diagnosis and management of hypotonic infants. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel SMAD4 mutation causing Myhre syndrome
Authors: Caputo Viviana , Bocchinfuso Gianfranco , Castori Marco , Traversa Alice , Pizzuti Antonio , Stella Lorenzo , Grammatico Paola , Tartaglia Marco
Published: April 2014

Myhre syndrome (MYHRS, OMIM 139210) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by developmental and growth delay, athletic muscular built, variable cognitive deficits, skeletal anomalies, stiffness of joints, distinctive facial gestalt and deafness. Recently, SMAD4 (OMIM 600993) was identified by exome sequencing as the disease gene mutated in MYHRS. Previously only three missense mutations affecting Ile500 (p.Ile500Thr, p.Ile500Val, and p.Ile500Met) have been described in 22 unrelated subjects with MYHRS or a clinically related phenotype. Here we report on a 15‐year‐old boy with typical MYHRS and a novel heterozygous SMAD4 missense mutation affecting residue Arg496. This finding provides further information about the distinctive SMAD4 mutation spectrum in MYHRS. In silico structural analyses exploring the impact of the Arg‐to‐Cys change at codon 496 suggested that conformational changes promoted by replacement of Arg496 impact the stability of the SMAD heterotrimer and/or proper SMAD4 ubiquitination. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Etiology and pathogenesis of ectodermal dysplasias
Authors: Itin Peter H.
Published: April 2014

Ectodermal dysplasias are a large group of heterogeneous heritable conditions characterized by congenital defects of one or more ectodermal structures and their appendages. The skin and its appendages are mainly composed by ectodermal components but development initiation of appendages is orchestrated by signals of the mesoderm with the help of placodes. A complex network of signaling pathways coordinates the formation and function of ectodermal structures. In recent years much has been discovered regarding the molecular mechanisms of ectodermal embryogenesis and this facilitates a rational basis for classification of ectodermal dysplasia. Interestingly, not only complex ectodermal syndromes but also mono‐ or oligosymptomatic ectodermal malformations may result from a mutation in a gene that is critical for ectodermal development. Mesodermal, and occasionally endodermal malformations may coexist. Embryogenesis occurs in distinct tissue organizational fields and specific interactions among the germ layers exist that may lead to a wide range of ectodermal dysplasias. Of the approximately 200 different ectodermal dysplasias, about 80 have been characterized at the molecular level with identification of the genes that are mutated in these disorders. Modern molecular genetics will increasingly elucidate the basic defects of these distinct syndromes and shed more light into the regulatory mechanisms of embryology. The upcoming classification of ectodermal dysplasias will combine detailed clinical and molecular knowledge. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The spectrum of ZEB2 mutations causing the Mowat–Wilson syndrome in Japanese populations
Authors: Yamada Yasukazu , Nomura Noriko , Yamada Kenichiro , Matsuo Mari , Suzuki Yuka , Sameshima Kiyoko , Kimura Reiko , Yamamoto Yuto , Fukushi Daisuke , Fukuhara Yayoi , Ishihara Naoko , Nishi Eriko , Imataka George , Suzumura Hiroshi , Hamano Shin‐Ichiro , Shimizu Kenji , Iwakoshi Mie , Ohama Kazunori , Ohta Akira , Wakamoto Hiroyuki , Kajita Mitsuharu , Miura Kiyokuni , Yokochi Kenji , Kosaki Kenjiro , Kuroda Tatsuo , Kosaki Rika , Hiraki Yoko , Saito Kayoko , Mizuno Seiji , Kurosawa Kenji , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Wakamatsu Nobuaki
Published: April 2014

Mowat–Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by moderate or severe intellectual disability, a characteristic facial appearance, microcephaly, epilepsy, agenesis or hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, congenital heart defects, Hirschsprung disease, and urogenital/renal anomalies. It is caused by de novo heterozygous loss of function mutations including nonsense mutations, frameshift mutations, and deletions in ZEB2 at 2q22. ZEB2 encodes the zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 2 protein consisting of 1,214 amino acids. Herein, we report 13 nonsense and 27 frameshift mutations from 40 newly identified MWS patients in Japan. Although the clinical findings of all the Japanese MWS patients with nonsense and frameshift mutations were quite similar to the previous review reports of MWS caused by nonsense mutations, frameshift mutations and deletions of ZEB2, the frequencies of microcephaly, Hirschsprung disease, and urogenital/renal anomalies were small. Patients harbored mutations spanning the region between the amino acids 55 and 1,204 in wild‐type ZEB2. There was no obvious genotype–phenotype correlation among the patients. A transfection study demonstrated that the cellular level of the longest form of the mutant ZEB2 protein harboring the p.D1204Rfs*29 mutation was remarkably low. The results showed that the 3′‐end frameshift mutation of ZEB2 causes MWS due to ZEB2 instability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotypic features in patients with 15q11.2(BP1‐BP2) deletion: Further delineation of an emerging syndrome
Authors: Cafferkey Michiala , Ahn Joo Wook , Flinter Frances , Ogilvie Caroline
Published: April 2014

15q11.2 deletions flanked by BP1 and BP2 of the Prader‐Willi/Angelman syndrome region have recently been linked to a range of neurodevelopment disorders including intellectual disability, speech and language delay, motor delay, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Array CGH analysis of 14,605 patients referred for diagnostic cytogenetic testing found that 83 patients (0.57%) carried the 15q11.2(BP1‐BP2) deletion. Phenotypic frequencies in the deleted cohort (n = 83) were compared with frequencies in the non‐deleted cohort (n = 14,522); developmental delay, motor delay, and speech and language delay were all more prevalent in the deleted cohort. Notably, motor delay was significantly more common (OR = 6.37). These data indicate that developmental delay, motor delay, and speech and language delay are common clinical features associated with this deletion, providing substantial evidence to support this CNV as a susceptibility locus for a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rodriguez syndrome with SF3B4 mutation: A severe form of Nager syndrome?
Authors: McPherson Elizabeth , Zaleski Christina , Ye Zhan , Lin Simon
Published: April 2014

We report on the findings of a novel heterozygous de novo SF3B4 mutation in a long‐surviving patient with clinical features of Rodriguez syndrome including severe acrofacial dysostosis, phocomelia with pre‐ and post‐axial limb defects, fibular agenesis, rib, and shoulder girdle anomalies. Since SF3B4 mutations have been recently associated with Nager syndrome, this suggests that at least some cases of Rodriguez syndrome are either allelic to or represent unusually severe manifestations of Nager syndrome. Although clinical overlap is obvious, this is somewhat surprising given the presumed autosomal recessive inheritance of Rodriguez syndrome. Investigation of other Rodriguez syndrome patients is needed to clarify the genetic mechanism and possible heterogeneity in patients with clinical features of Rodriguez syndrome. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of opp‐Dibenzohexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) by Retro‐Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Ishida Shin‐ichiro , Kuzuhara Daiki , Yamada Hiroko , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2014

The retro‐Diels–Alder reaction has been used for the synthesis of an opp‐dibenzo[26]hexaphyrin and an opp‐dibenzo[28]hexaphyrin from the corresponding opp‐bis(bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene)‐fused hexaphyrins. The opp‐dibenzo[26]hexaphyrin has a rectangular conformation regardless of solvent polarity, whereas the conformational changes of [28]hexaphyrins are dependent on the solvent polarity, that is, figure‐of‐eight conformations in nonpolar solvents, and aromatic, twisted Möbius conformations in polar solvents. Comparison of the optical properties of bis‐rhodium(I) complexes of annulated and non‐annulated hexaphyrins revealed that opp‐dibenzo annulation causes modest but distinct spectral red shifts.
Toward the Design of Halide‐ and Metal‐Free Ionic‐Liquid Catalysts for the Cycloaddition of CO2 to Epoxides
Authors: Galvan Manuele , Selva Maurizio , Perosa Alvise , Noè Marco
Published: April 2014

Carbonate and carboxylate methyltrioctylphosphonium ionic liquids [P8881][A], made by a totally halide‐ and metal‐free procedure, have been used as new organocatalysts for the cycloaddition of CO2 to styrene oxide. At 100 °C and ambient pressure, the performance of such compounds, particularly the acetate salts, was quite satisfactory. Even in the presence of catalyst amounts as low as 1–5 mol %, reaction conversions of 35–75 % were achieved with 100 % selectivity towards the expected cyclic carbonate. An analysis on the effect of the catalyst structure and loading, as well as operative parameters including temperature and pressure, demonstrated that anions played a major role on the activity and the stability of the ionic liquids. A parallel transformation of the phosphonium cation into its phosphine oxide was also identified as a consequence of the combined action of epoxide reagents and weakly nucleophilic carbonate and carboxylate species. Accordingly, a reaction mechanism was formulated.