bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a New Scientific Visualization for the Language Sciences
Authors: Onnis Luca , Spivey Michael J.
Published: February 2012

All scientists use data visualizations to discover patterns in their phenomena that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Likewise, we also use scientific visualizations to help us describe our verbal theories and predict those data patterns. But scientific visualization may also constitute a hindrance to theory development when new data cannot be accommodated by the current dominant framework. Here we argue that the sciences of language are currently in an interim stage using an increasingly outdated scientific visualization borrowed from the box-and-arrow flow charts of the early days of engineering and computer science. The original (and not yet fully discarded) version of this obsolete model assumes that the language faculty is composed of autonomously organized levels of linguistic representation, which in turn are assumed to be modular, organized in rank order of dominance, and feed unidirectionally into one another in stage-like algorithmic procedures. We review relevant literature in psycholinguistics and language acquisition that cannot be accommodated by the received model. Both learning and processing of language in children and adults, at various putative ‘levels’ of representation, appear to be highly integrated and interdependent, and function simultaneously rather than sequentially. The fact that half of the field sees these findings as trivially true and the other half argues fiercely against them suggests to us that the sciences of language are on the brink of a paradigm shift. We submit a new scientific visualization for language, in which stacked levels of linguistic representation are replaced by trajectories in a multidimensional space. This is not a mere redescription. Processing language in the brain equates to traversing such a space in regions afforded by multiple probabilistic cues that simultaneously activate different linguistic representations. Much still needs to be done to convert this scientific visualization into actual implemented models, but at present it allows language scientists to envision new concepts and venues for research that may assist the field in transitioning to a new conceptualization, and provide a clear direction for the next decade.
A Sterol and Spiroditerpenoids from a Penicillium sp. Isolated from a Deep Sea Sediment Sample
Authors: Li Yan , Ye Dezan , Shao Zongze , Cui Chengbin , Che Yongsheng
Published: February 2012

A new polyoxygenated sterol, sterolic acid (1), three new breviane spiroditerpenoids, breviones I–K (2–4), and the known breviones (5–8), were isolated from the crude extract of a Penicillium sp. obtained from a deep sea sediment sample that was collected at a depth of 5115 m. The structures of 1–4 were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments, and 1 was further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The absolute configurations of 2 and 3 were deduced by comparison of their CD spectra with those of the model compounds. Compounds 2 and 5 showed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells, which is comparable to the positive control cisplatin.
Shotgun Lipidomics by Sequential Precursor Ion Fragmentation on a Hybrid Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Simons Brigitte , Kauhanen Dimple , Sylvänne Tuulia , Tarasov Kirill , Duchoslav Eva , Ekroos Kim
Published: February 2012

Shotgun lipidomics has evolved into a myriad of multi-dimensional strategies for molecular lipid characterization, including bioinformatics tools for mass spectrum interpretation and quantitative measurements to study systems-lipidomics in complex biological extracts. Taking advantage of spectral mass accuracy, scan speed and sensitivity of improved quadrupole linked time-of-flight mass analyzers, we developed a bias-free global lipid profiling acquisition technique of sequential precursor ion fragmentation called MS/MSALL. This generic information-independent tandem mass spectrometry (MS) technique consists of a Q1 stepped mass isolation window through a set mass range in small increments, fragmenting and recording all product ions and neutral losses. Through the accurate MS and MS/MS information, the molecular lipid species are resolved, including distinction of isobaric and isomeric species, and composed into more precise lipidomic outputs. The method demonstrates good reproducibility and at least 3 orders of dynamic quantification range for isomeric ceramides in human plasma. More than 400 molecular lipids in human plasma were uncovered and quantified in less than 12 min, including acquisitions in both positive and negative polarity modes. We anticipate that the performance of sequential precursor ion fragmentation both in quality and throughput will lead to the uncovering of new avenues throughout the biomedical research community, enhance biomarker discovery and provide novel information target discovery programs as it will prospectively shed new insight into affected metabolic and signaling pathways.
Assessment of the Effect of High or Low Protein Diet on the Human Urine Metabolome as Measured by NMR
Authors: Rasmussen Lone G. , Winning Hanne , Savorani Francesco , Toft Henrik , Larsen Thomas M. , Dragsted Lars O. , Astrup Arne , Engelsen Søren B.
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to identify urinary metabolite profiles that discriminate between high and low intake of dietary protein during a dietary intervention. Seventy-seven overweight, non-diabetic subjects followed an 8-week low-calorie diet (LCD) and were then randomly assigned to a high (HP) or low (LP) protein diet for 6 months. Twenty-four hours urine samples were collected at baseline (prior to the 8-week LCD) and after dietary intervention; at months 1, 3 and 6, respectively. Metabolite profiling was performed by 1H NMR and chemometrics. Using partial least squares regression (PLS), it was possible to develop excellent prediction models for urinary nitrogen (root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) = 1.63 mmol/L; r = 0.89) and urinary creatinine (RMSECV = 0.66 mmol/L; r = 0.98). The obtained high correlations firmly establish the validity of the metabolomic approach since urinary nitrogen is a well established biomarker for daily protein consumption. The models showed that trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is correlated to urinary nitrogen. Furthermore, urinary creatine was found to be increased by the HP diet whereas citric acid was increased by the LP diet. Despite large variations in individual dietary intake, differentiated metabolite profiles were observed at the dietary group-level.
Le sourire du Chat de Chester
Authors: Mary Arthur
Published: February 2012

Résumé Que serait le récit fictionnel d’une rencontre clinique ? Nous partirons du double constat que nous imposons des transformations lorsque nous parlons d’un patient (pratiques d’anonymisation) ; et que nous ne saurions qu’être subjectifs dans la production du récit d’une rencontre. Est-il possible alors d’inventer de toute pièce un sujet autre que soi sans pour autant tomber dans une construction seulement imaginaire ? Ces réflexions pourraient renouveler notre façon de parler de patients que l’on n’invente pas.
Ce n'est pas ça
Authors: Escuredo Lorena
Published: February 2012

Résumé Je vais m’intéresser aux demandes que je reçois, en tant que psychologue orientée par la psychanalyse, dans un service de médecine hospitalière. Dans un premier temps, je qualifierai ces demandes de demandes inversées . Afin de déplier les coordonnées de ces demandes particulières et de préciser ce qui en l’occurrence s’inverse, je ferai un rapprochement avec les demandes des parents et des enfants dans des lieux de consultation tels que les CMPP. Haut du formul
Une lettre d'Antonin Artaud à Raymond Queneau *
Authors: Malausséna Serge
Published: February 2012

Résumé Lorsque le 1 er février 1945 Antonin Artaud écrit cette lettre à Raymond Queneau, lettre restée à ce jour inédite, il est interné à l’hôpital psychiatrique de Rodez depuis février 1943. Le Dr Ferdière le libérera en mai 1946. Son enfermement dans les asiles aura duré 9 ans…
A Toolkit for Remote Laboratory Design & Development
Authors: Lindsay Euan , Murray Steve , Stumpers Ben
Published: February 2012

Remote laboratories are an increasingly prevalent instructional tool for undergraduate engineering laboratory classes. This increased prevalence brings with it a need to change the model of how remote laboratories are developed. The earlier remote laboratories were developed by individual academics combining their discipline-specific skills with their own ability to implement remote operation. This â??cottage industry
VISIR: Experiences and Challenges
Authors: Tawfik Mohamed , Sancristobal Elio , Martin Sergio , Gil Charo , Pesquera Alberto , Losada Pablo , Diaz Gabriel , Peire Juan , Castro Manuel , García-Zubia Javier , Hernández Unai , Orduña Pablo , Angulo Ignacio , Costa Lobo M. C. , Marques M.A. , Viegas M. C. , Alves Gustavo R.
Published: February 2012

It is of crucial importance the integration of practical sessions in engineering curricula owing to their significant role in understanding engineering concepts and scientific phenomena. However, the lack of practical sessions due to the high costs of the equipment and the unavailability of instructors has caused a significant declination in experimentation in engineering education. Remote laboratories have tackled this issues providing online reusable and shared workbenches unconstrained by neither geographical nor time considerations. Thereby, they have extremely proliferated among universities and integrated into engineering curricula over the last decade. This contribution compiles diverse experiences based on the deployment of the remote laboratory, Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality (VISIR), on the practices of undergraduate engineering grades at various universities within the VISIR community. It aims to show the impact of its usage on engineering education concerning the assessments of students and teachers as well. In addition, the paper address the next challenges and future works carried out at several universities within the VISIR community.
Experiment Setup for Focused Learning of Advanced Servo Control of DC-motors
Authors: Samuelsen Dag A. H. , Graven Olaf H.
Published: February 2012

Remote laboratories are normally developed for giving students and others remote access to physical laboratory facilities. In contradiction to this, the main objective of the setup presented in this paper is to create a controlled environment where unwanted side activities like hardware setup, driver problems, troubleshooting faulty components, and struggles with special software for configuring DSP systems, are removed as much as possible, in order for the students to have their full focus on the tasks that is considered relevant for the module: modeling of non-linear systems, synthetisation of controllers, and stability and performance analysis. A secondary objective is to significantly reduce the setup and maintenance cost associated with complex laboratory setups involving DSPs and expensive hardware.
Factors that Determine the Adoption of Cloud Computing
Authors: Arinze Bay , Anandarajan Murugan
Published: February 2012

Cloud computing has spread within enterprise faster than many other IT innovations. In cloud computing, computer services are accessed over the Internet in a scalable fashion, where the user is abstracted in varying degrees from the actual hardware and software and pays only for resources used. This paper examines the adoption of cloud computing in various regions of the world, as well as the potential of cloud computing to impact computing in developing countries. The authors propose that cloud computing offers varying benefits and appears differently in regions across the world, enabling many users to obtain sophisticated computing architectures and applications that are cost-prohibitive to acquire locally. The authors examine issues of privacy, security, and reliability of cloud computing and discuss the outlook for firms and individuals in both developing and developed countries seeking to utilize cloud computing for their computing needs.
Religion and spirituality in contemporary dreams
Authors: Nell Werner
Published: February 2012

This article examines the spiritual value and role of dreams in the lives of South African Christians, based on the findings of a qualitative research project in which semistructured interviews were used to examine the dream-related beliefs and practices of contemporary Christians. The findings indicated that dreams are still considered to be of distinct religious value and importance by a significant number of the Christian participants who took part in the study. Specifically, the participants reported that their dreams often serve as source of spiritual inspiration, insight and guidance, as well as feedback on decisions and ways of living. It was also indicated that dreams sometimes constituted an important natural resource in coming to terms with bereavement. In response to this, the article closes with a call for a re-evaluation of the position and value of dreams in contemporary Christianity, and offers several practical suggestions for working with dreams in a spiritual context.
Jagters vs Boere: �n Soeke na die oorsprong van godsdiens
Authors: Beyers Jaco
Published: February 2012

The question to the origin of religion is as old as the concept of religion itself. To understand religion, it helps to understand the categories of definitions for religion. There are several theories as to the evolutionary development of religion. Examples from Turkey as well as South Africa are used to illustrate that one model of explanation cannot be applied to all. This article wants to stress the importance of context when explaining the origin of religion. Each and every occurrence of religion has its own contextual explanation. What is however important is to recognise the universal human ability to recognise, accept and transfer religious concepts. This principle is illustrated by making use of the model of cognition in combination with other models.
A Gentleman with an Unusual Cause of Hypoalbuminemia
Authors: Law Siu-Tong , Chuen Chiu, Sin
Published: February 2012

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a rare syndrome of gastrointestinal protein loss that may complicate a variety of diseases. The primary causes can be divided into erosive gastrointestinal disorders, nonerosive gastrointestinal disorders, and disorders involving increased central venous pressure or mesenteric lymphatic obstruction.

Herein, we report on a 65-year-old man with PLE caused by invasive gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). To our best knowledge, this is the first reported association between GIST and PLE. A brief review of the literature on the incidence, pathogenesis and management of GIST is also presented.
Sleep Deficiency and Sleep Health Problems in Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Kang Victor , Shao Jesus , Zhang Kai , Mulvey Martha , Ming Xue , Wagner George C.
Published: February 2012

A survey of sleep schedules, sleep health, and the impact on school performance was conducted in 585 adolescents in a high school in China. A high level of early and circadian-disadvantaged sleep/wake schedules during weekdays was observed. Significantly shorter sleep duration on weekdays was reported ( P < 0.0001). Older teenagers slept significantly less than the younger teenagers ( P < 0.0001). Complaints of inadequate sleep and sleepiness during weekdays were prevalent. Night awakenings were reported in 32.2% of students. Students with a sleep length of less than 7 hours, complaint of inadequate sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness during weekdays were more likely to report an adverse effect of poor sleep on performance. The present observations are qualitatively similar to those reported in our study in American adolescents, particularly with respect to Chinese adolescents exhibiting a similar sleep deficiency on weekdays. We concluded that sleep deficiency and sleep health problems were prevalent in the participating adolescents in China, and were perceived to adversely affect school performance.
Bevacizumab vs. Ranibizumab in Preserving or Improving Vision in Patients with Wet, Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A cost-effectiveness Review
Authors: Nwanze Chukwuemeka C. , Akinwale Abumere , Adelman Ron A.
Published: February 2012

Objective

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of monthly and as-needed dosing protocols using ranibizumab or bevacizumab for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), when the treatment costs of severe ocular and systemic adverse events are considered.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to assess the cost effectiveness of each of the following protocols: monthly ranibizumab, monthly bevacizumab, as-needed ranibizumab and as-needed bevacizumab. Direct costs and utilities were assessed from the perspective of a third-party payer or an insurance company. Cost effectiveness was evaluated in 2011 US dollars per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

Results

Considering the treatment costs of severe medical and ocular adverse events, the cost effectiveness of each protocol is as follows: monthly ranibizumab $63,333/QALY, ranibizumab as needed $18,571/QALY, bevacizumab monthly $2,676/QALY and bevacizumab as needed $3,333/QALY Sensitivity analysis of the treatment costs of medical and ocular adverse events demonstrated minimal impact on relative cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

At current prices, monthly bevacizumab is the most cost-effective anti-VEGF AMD treatment protocol. Ranibizumab is as cost effective as bevacizumab at a maximum price of $158 per dose.
Decreasing Nicotine Content Reduces Subjective and Physiological Effects of Smoking
Authors: Penetar David M. , Lindsey Kimberly P. , Peters Erica N. , Juliano Trisha M. , Lukas Scott E.
Published: February 2012

Objective

Assessment of the subjective and physiological effects of smoking cigarettes with different machine-smoked nicotine yields.

Methods

Eight volunteers rated the characteristics of cigarettes with varying levels of nicotine (Quest®). At 30 minute intervals, participants smoked one of three different Quest® brand cigarettes in a counterbalanced order (reported machine-smoked nicotine yield: 0.6 mg, 0.3 mg, or 0.05 mg). Smoking satisfaction and sensations were measured on a cigarette evaluation questionnaire. A mood questionnaire measured self-reported subjective changes in ‘happy’, ‘stimulated’, ‘anxious’, ‘desire to smoke’, and ‘desire not to smoke’. Heart rate and skin temperature were recorded continuously.

Results

As nicotine yield decreased, cigarettes produced smaller changes in subjective ratings on the evaluation questionnaire with the placebo nicotine cigarette always rated lower or less potent than the other two cigarettes evaluated. Heart rate was significantly increased by the reduced nicotine cigarettes, but was not affected by the nicotine-free cigarette.

Conclusion

These results indicate that machine-smoked yield is an important determinant of both the subjective and physiological effects of smoking. The use of reduced and nicotine free cigarettes in smoking cessation programs remains to be evaluated.
Arctic climate response to forcing from light-absorbing particles in snow and sea ice in CESM
Authors: Goldenson N. , Doherty S. J. , Bitz C. M. , Holland M. M. , Light B. , Conley A. J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The presence of light-absorbing aerosol particles deposited on arctic snow and sea ice influences the surface albedo, causing greater shortwave absorption, warming, and loss of snow and sea ice, lowering the albedo further. The Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) now includes the radiative effects of light-absorbing particles in snow on land and sea ice and in sea ice itself. We investigate the model response to the deposition of black carbon and dust to both snow and sea ice. For these purposes we employ a slab ocean version of CESM1, using the Community Atmosphere Model version 4 (CAM4), run to equilibrium for year 2000 levels of CO2 and fixed aerosol deposition. We construct experiments with and without aerosol deposition, with dust or black carbon deposition alone, and with varying quantities of black carbon and dust to approximate year 1850 and 2000 deposition fluxes. The year 2000 deposition fluxes of both dust and black carbon cause 1–2 °C of surface warming over large areas of the Arctic Ocean and sub-Arctic seas in autumn and winter and in patches of Northern land in every season. Atmospheric circulation changes are a key component of the surface-warming pattern. Arctic sea ice thins by on average about 30 cm. Simulations with year 1850 aerosol deposition are not substantially different from those with year 2000 deposition, given constant levels of CO2. The climatic impact of particulate impurities deposited over land exceeds that of particles deposited over sea ice. Even the surface warming over the sea ice and sea ice thinning depends more upon light-absorbing particles deposited over land. For CO2 doubled relative to year 2000 levels, the climate impact of particulate impurities in snow and sea ice is substantially lower than for the year 2000 equilibrium simulation.
Modelling of organic aerosols over Europe (2002–2007) using a volatility basis set (VBS) framework with application of different assumptions regarding the formation of secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Bergström R. , Denier van der Gon H. A. C. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Yttri K. E. , Simpson D.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A new organic aerosol (OA) module has been implemented into the EMEP chemical transport model. Four different volatility basis set (VBS) schemes have been tested in long-term simulations for Europe, covering the six years 2002–2007. Different assumptions regarding partitioning of primary OA (POA) and aging of POA and secondary OA (SOA), have been explored. Model results are compared to filter measurements, AMS-data and source-apportionment studies, as well as to other model studies. The present study indicates that many different sources contribute significantly to OA in Europe. Fossil POA and oxidised POA, biogenic and anthropogenic SOA (BSOA and ASOA), residential burning of biomass fuels and wildfire emissions may all contribute more than 10% each over substantial parts of Europe. Simple VBS based OA models can give reasonably good results for summer OA but more observational studies are needed to constrain the VBS parameterisations and to help improve emission inventories. The volatility distribution of primary emissions is an important issue for further work. This study shows smaller contributions from BSOA to OA in Europe than earlier work, but relatively greater ASOA. BVOC emissions are highly uncertain and need further validation. We can not reproduce winter levels of OA in Europe, and there are many indications that the present emission inventories substantially underestimate emissions from residential wood burning in large parts of Europe.
Consistency between Fourier transform and small-volume few-wave decomposition for spectral and spatial variability of gravity waves above a typhoon
Authors: Lehmann C. I. , Kim Y.-H. , Preusse P. , Chun H.-Y. , Ern M. , Kim S.-Y.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Convective gravity wave (GW) sources are spatially localized and emit at the same time waves with a wide spectrum of phase speeds. Any wave analysis therefore compromises between spectral and spatial resolution. Future satellite borne limb imagers will for a first time provide real 3d volumes of observations. These volumes will be however limited which will impose further constraints on the analysis technique. In this study a three dimensional few-wave appoach fitting sinusoidal waves to limited 3-D volumes is introduced. The method is applied to simulated GWs above typhoon Ewiniar and GW momentum flux is estimated from temperature fluctuations. Phase speed spectra as well as average profiles of positive, negative and net momentum fluxes are compared to momentum flux estimated by Fourier transform as well as spatial averaging of wind fluctuations. The results agree within 10–20%. The few-wave method can also reveal the spatial orientation of the GWs with respect to the source. The relevance of the results for different types of measurements as well as its applicability to model data is discussed.
Increases in the abundance of microbial genes encoding halotolerance and photosynthesis along a sediment salinity gradient
Authors: Jeffries T. C. , Seymour J. R. , Newton K. , Smith R. J. , Seuront L. , Mitchell J. G.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Biogeochemical cycles are driven by the metabolic activity of microbial communities, yet the environmental parameters that underpin shifts in the functional potential coded within microbial community genomes are still poorly understood. Salinity is one of the primary determinants of microbial community structure and can vary strongly along gradients within a variety of habitats. To test the hypothesis that shifts in salinity will also alter the bulk biogeochemical potential of aquatic microbial assemblages, we generated four metagenomic DNA sequence libraries from sediment samples taken along a continuous, natural salinity gradient in the Coorong lagoon, Australia, and compared them to physical and chemical parameters. A total of 392483 DNA sequences obtained from four sediment samples were generated and used to compare genomic characteristics along the gradient. The most significant shifts along the salinity gradient were in the genetic potential for halotolerance and photosynthesis, which were more highly represented in hypersaline samples. At these sites, halotolerance was achieved by an increase in genes responsible for the acquisition of compatible solutes – organic chemicals which influence the carbon, nitrogen and methane cycles of sediment. Photosynthesis gene increases were coupled to an increase in genes matching Cyanobacteria, which are responsible for mediating CO2 and nitrogen cycles. These salinity driven shifts in gene abundance will influence nutrient cycles along the gradient, controlling the ecology and biogeochemistry of the entire ecosystem.
Gas properties of winter lake ice in Northern Sweden: implication for carbon gas release
Authors: Boereboom T. , Depoorter M. , Coppens S. , Tison J.-L.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. This paper describes gas composition, total gas content and bubbles characteristics in winter lake ice for four adjacent lakes in a discontinuous permafrost area. Our gas mixing ratios for O2, N2, CO2, and CH4 suggest that gas exchange occurs between the bubbles and the water before entrapment in the ice. Comparison between lakes enabled us to identify 2 major "bubbling events" shown to be related to a regional drop of atmospheric pressure. Further comparison demonstrates that winter lake gas content is strongly dependent on hydrological connections: according to their closed/open status with regards to water exchange, lakes build up more or less greenhouse gases (GHG) in their water and ice cover during the winter, and release it during spring melt. These discrepancies between lakes need to be taken into account when establishing a budget for permafrost regions. Our analysis allows us to present a new classification of bubbles, according to their gas properties. Our methane emission budgets (from 6.52 10−5 to 12.7 mg CH4 m−2 d−1 at 4 different lakes) for the three months of winter ice cover is complementary to other budget estimates, as our approach encompasses inter- and intra-lake variability. Most available studies on boreal lakes have focused on quantifying GHG emissions from sediment by means of various systems collecting gases at the lake surface, and this mainly during the summer "open water" period. Only few of these have looked at the gas enclosed in the winter ice-cover itself. Our approach enables us to integrate, for the first time, the history of winter gas emission for this type of lakes.
Nitrogen food-print: N use and N cascade from livestock systems in relation to pork, beef and milk supply to Paris
Authors: Chatzimpiros P. , Barles S.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A bottom-up approach is constructed to determine N losses from livestock farming systems and to relate these losses to the supply of fresh milk, pig and beef to Paris. First, the three products are expressed in terms of their nitrogen content; then, their fodder equivalent is determined by modelling feed formulas for swine, beef and dairy cows to meet their energy and protein requirements. Fodder deficits in livestock farms are determined by comparing the nutrient requirements of the livestock with the fodder production on the livestock farms. This allowed determining the geography of the livestock systems according to the imports of fodder to the livestock farms from external crop farms. Then we assessed the "farm-gate" N budgets in all crop and livestock farms of the entire livestock systems using data on total N fertilization, atmospheric deposition and manure management practices to finally derive N losses in relation to fodder cultivation and to manure management. Measured in N, the supply of milk, beef and pig to Paris sum 1.85 kg N/cap and the corresponding N losses from the farming systems total 8.9 kg N/cap. N losses per unit of product differ among the three livestock systems according to where and how the fodder is grown and to what densities the livestock is reared.
Towards a public, standardized, diagnostic benchmarking system for land surface models
Authors: Abramowitz G.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We examine different conceptions of land surface model benchmarking and illustrate the importance of internationally standardized evaluation experiments that specify data sets, variables, metrics and model resolutions. We additionally show how essential the definition of a priori expectations of model performance can be, based on the complexity of a model and the amount of information being provided to it, and give an example of how these expectations might be quantified. Finally, we introduce the Protocol for the Analysis of Land Surface models (PALS), a free, online land surface model benchmarking application, and show how it is structured to meet both of these goals.
An efficient semi-distributed hillslope erosion model for the sub humid Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Tilahun S. A. , Guzman C. D. , Zegeye A. D. , Engda T. A. , Collick A. S. , Rimmer A. , Steenhuis T. S.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. During the last two decades, saturated excess runoff has become accepted as the main source for overland flow in humid regions. Erosion modeling has generally not kept up with this new reality and predictions are often not based on landscape topographic position, which is a main variable in saturation excess runoff. In addition, predicting sediment loss in Africa has been hampered by using models that have been developed in western countries and do not perform as well in the monsoon climate prevailing in most of the continent. The objective of this paper is to develop a simple erosion model that can be used in the Ethiopian highlands in Africa. We base our sediment prediction on a simple distributed saturated excess hydrology model that predicts surface runoff from severely degraded lands and from bottom lands that become saturated during the rainy season and estimates interflow and base flow from the remaining portions of the landscape. By developing an equation that relates surface runoff to sediment concentration generated from runoff source areas, assuming that base flow and interflow are sediment free, we were able to predict daily sediment concentrations from the Anjeni Watershed and Blue Nile Basin with a Nash Sutcliffe efficiency ranging from 0.64 to 0.77 using only two calibrated sediment parameters. Anjeni is a 113 ha watershed in the 17.4 million ha Blue Nile Basin in the Ethiopian Highlands. The daily flows were predicted with Nash Sutcliffe efficiency values ranging from 0.80 to 0.93 if degraded areas were assumed the major sediment source areas and covered 14% of the Anjeni watershed and 20% of the Blue Nile basin. The analysis suggests that identifying the runoff source areas and predicting the surface runoff correctly is an important step in predicting the sediment concentration.
An analytical solution for tidal dynamics in the Yangtze Estuary, China
Authors: Zhang E. F. , Savenije H. H. G. , Chen S. L. , Mao X. H.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. An analytical model for tidal dynamics has been applied to the Yangtze Estuary, a large branched estuary with three-order branches and four outlets to the sea. This study shows that the analytical model developed for a single-channel estuary can also accurately describe the tidal dynamics in a branched estuary, particularly in the downstream part. For given geometry, friction, and tidal amplitude at the mouth of every branch, the tidal damping/amplification, the phase lag, the wave celerity, and the velocity amplitude along the estuary can be computed. Within the same estuary system, the North Branch and the South Branches have a distinct tidal behavior: the former being amplified demonstrating a marine character and the latter being damped with a riverine character. The satisfactory results for the South Channel and the South Branch using both separate and combined topographies confirm that the branched estuary system functions as an entity. To further test these results, it is suggested to collect more accurate and dense bathymetric and tidal information.
Functional test of pedotransfer functions to predict water flow and solute transport with the dual-permeability model MACRO
Authors: Moeys J. , Larsbo M. , Bergström L. , Brown C. D. , Coquet Y. , Jarvis N. J.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Estimating pesticide leaching risks at the regional scale requires the ability to completely parameterise a pesticide fate model using only survey data, such as soil and land-use maps. Such parameterisation usually rely on a set of lookup tables and (pedo)transfer functions, relating elementary soil and site properties to model parameters. The aim of this paper is to describe and test a complete set of parameter estimation algorithms developed for the pesticide fate model MACRO, which accounts for preferential flow in soil macropores. We used tracer monitoring data from 16 lysimeter studies, carried out in three European countries, to evaluate the ability of MACRO and this "blind parameterisation" scheme to reproduce measured solute leaching at the base of each lysimeter. We focused on the prediction of early tracer breakthrough due to preferential flow, because this is critical for pesticide leaching. We then calibrated a selected number of parameters in order to assess to what extent the prediction of water and solute leaching could be improved. Our results show that water flow was generally reasonably well predicted (median model efficiency, ME, of 0.42). Although the general pattern of solute leaching was reproduced well by the model, the overall model efficiency was low (median ME = −0.26) due to errors in the timing and magnitude of some peaks. Preferential solute leaching at early pore volumes was also systematically underestimated. Nonetheless, the ranking of soils according to solute loads at early pore volumes was reasonably well estimated (concordance correlation coefficient, CCC, between 0.54 and 0.72). Moreover, we also found that ignoring macropore flow leads to a significant deterioration in the ability of the model to reproduce the observed leaching pattern, and especially the early breakthrough in some soils. Finally, the calibration procedure showed that improving the estimation of solute transport parameters is probably more important than the estimation of water flow parameters. Overall, the results are encouraging for the use of this modelling set-up to estimate pesticide leaching risks at the regional-scale, especially where the objective is to identify vulnerable soils and "source" areas of contamination.
Transepithelial Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus: Qualitative Investigation by in vivo HRT II Confocal Analysis
Authors: Caporossi Aldo , Mazzotta Cosimo , Baiocchi Stefano , Caporossi Tomaso , Paradiso Anna Lucia
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This was a qualitative investigation of corneal microstructural modifications in keratoconic patients undergoing experimental transepithelial crosslinking (TE CXL).

Methods

Ten patients with keratoconus intolerant to gas-permeable rigid contact lenses were enrolled. Corneal thickness was in the range 350-390 µm at the thinnest point measured by Visante AC optical coherence tomography system (Zeiss, Jena, Germany). All patients underwent TE CXL with 0.1% riboflavin–15% dextran solution supplemented with TRIS plus sodium EDTA (Ricrolin TE®, Sooft Italia) according to Siena protocol. In vivo Heidelberg retinal tomograph II laser scanning confocal analysis (Rostock Cornea Module, Heidelberg, Germany) was performed with the following follow-up: preoperative and postoperative assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months. The following morphologic parameters were evaluated: epithelium, subepithelial, and anterior stroma nerve plexi, keratocytes apoptosis, stromal changes, and the endothelium.

Results

After TE CXL, epithelial cells showed apoptosis, with mosaic alterations gradually disappearing. Keratocytes apoptosis was variable, superficial, and uneven, with a maximum depth of penetration at about 140 µm, measured from the surface of epithelium. Treatment respected subepithelial and stromal nerves that did not disappear. No variation in cell count or endothelial mosaic was observed.

Conclusions

In vivo confocal analysis of corneal modifications induced by TE CXL showed a limited apoptotic affect of this treatment, about one-third of classic epi-off crosslinking procedure. The TE CXL respected sub-basal and anterior stroma nerve fibers, resulting safe for corneal endothelium. According to limited penetration, its mid- to long-term efficacy needs to be determined in different clinical settings related to patient age and keratoconus progression.
Direct Thrombin Inhibitor (Dti) vs. Aspirin in Primary Total Hip and Knee Replacement Using Wound Ooze as the Primary Outcome Measure. A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aquilina Alexander L. , Brunton Luke R. , Whitehouse Michael R. , Sullivan Niall , Blom Ashley W.
Published: February 2012

The latest NICE guidance dictates that all patients undergoing lower-limb arthroplasty should be prescribed potent venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis. However, use of potent anti-thrombotics is likely to lead to increased post-operative wound ooze. Postoperative wound ooze is associated with increased risk of infection.

This study used a prospective, consecutive, multi-surgeon sample of 110 patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) prescribed either direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) (n=51, 26 males: 25 females, age 69 ±18) or aspirin (n=59, 25 males: 34 females, age 69 ± 19). Hospital stay, body mass index (BMI), wound length and patient demographics were documented along with a daily assessment of wound ooze.

The use of DTI's was associated with a significant increase in mean days to dryness in both THR (6.2 ± 0.98, 95% C.I. 5.2–7.1) and TKR (6.6 ± 1.89, 95% C.I. 4.7–8.5) compared to aspirin in THR (3.0 ± 1.03, 95% C.I 1.9–4.0) and TKR (3.4 ± 1.21, 95% C.I 2.2–4.6) with p-values of <0.0001 and 0.0024 for THR and TKR respectively. Age, gender and wound length were not found to be significant confounding variables. DTI's proven benefit in lowering venous thromboembolism when compared with aspirin needs to be balanced with their increased cost and increased duration of wound ooze.
The Evolution of British Package Holiday Prices in the Balearic Islands, 2000–2008
Authors: Alegre Joaquín , Cladera Magdalena , Sard Maria
Published: February 2012

This paper analyses the evolution of package holiday prices in the Balearics marketed by a sample of British tour operators during 2000–2008. Three alternative price indexes are presented to measure the evolution of the package holiday prices: a fixed-base hedonic, chained hedonic and chained Laspeyres price index. The results demonstrated that the fixed-base hedonic price index underwent a very slight increase during the period, while the chained hedonic price index and chained Laspeyres price index decreased in value. A comparison of these indexes with two competitiveness indicators (the British Consumer Price Index and the British Package Holidays Price Index) shows that the price of package holidays in the Balearic Islands dropped in value in relation to both the British cost of living index and the general package holiday price index for Britons. An elementary tourism demand function was also estimated, using the constructed indexes, suggesting that British demand was not very sensitive to the price of the Balearic package holiday.
Labour Productivity and Investments as Determinants of Wages: A Pool Data Analysis of the Romanian Hotel and Restaurant Sector
Authors: Surugiu Camelia , Surugiu Marius-Razvan , Dinca Ana-Irina , Frent Cristi
Published: February 2012

This paper analyses the factors influencing wages in the hotel and restaurant sector of Romania on the basis of a macroeconomic and regional analysis of gross investments and employment in the tourism industry. The authors constructed a pool data model to investigate the existing relationship between real wages, labour productivity and gross investments in the eight development regions of Romania during 1999–2007. The results may be useful to policy makers and professionals seeking to understand the mechanism of the tourism labour market in Romania and, further, to mobilize the labour force in the sector in order to obtain better results by using appropriate instruments adapted to domestic labour.
The Prospective Impact of Climate Change on Tourism and Regional Economic Development: A Simulation Study for Bavaria
Authors: Soboll Anja , Klier Tobias , Heumann Stefan
Published: February 2012

In recent years, climate change and its economic effects increasingly have become the focus of public attention. Previous investigations, however, have dealt with large spatial units and thus have blurred small-scale distinctions. This paper analyses the future economic impacts of climate change at the regional level in order to ascertain local positive and negative development trends. To this end, scenarios based on different climate, societal and economic trends are used to estimate on an unprecedented small scale prospective tourism demand and the derived economic development for the districts studied.
Visits to National Parks and Hiking Areas: A Panel Data Analysis of Their Socio-Demographic, Economic and Site Quality Determinants
Authors: Nerg Anna , Uusivuori Jussi , Mikkola Jarmo , Neuvonen Marjo , Sievänen Tuija
Published: February 2012

This study examines the impacts of socio-demographic, economic and park quality determinants on visits to nature areas. The authors apply panel data estimation techniques to Finnish data on 46 national parks and hiking areas between 2000 and 2008. The main results show that ‘visits to nature areas’, as a variable, reacts positively to the population size and quality features but negatively to gasoline prices and income level. Of the age classes, the population share of ‘young retirees’ – people aged between 65 and 74 – increased the number of visits to nature areas significantly, whereas the share of ‘baby boomers’ – people aged between 55 and 64 – was insignificant in explaining the number of visits. As the baby boomers are reaching retirement age, and assuming that their generation behaves like the young retirees in this study, the demand for national parks and hiking areas may increase substantially in the coming years. This will increase the pressure to expand current parks and establish new ones.
Tourism Marketing: A Game Theory Tool for Application in Arts Festivals
Authors: Van Zyl Ciná
Published: February 2012

There is concern that the increasing number of arts festivals in South Africa might lead to ‘festival fatigue’. A tool that could be used to ensure high-quality offerings and the sustainability of festivals as tourist attractions is described and demonstrated in this article. The three largest arts festivals in South Africa (Potchefstroom, Grahamstown and Oudtshoorn) were studied. Five different attributes – festival brands, ticket prices, entertainment activities, food and beverages and transport to venues – were developed to describe arts festivals. Conjoint analysis was used in a linear regression model with individual ratings for each festival product. The average of the r-squares was 0.83. Game theory was applied as a tool to determine the different combinations of attributes that gave each of the three festival scenarios an optimum position in its niche market. Similarly, the tool can be applied to festivals in various contexts to ensure that optimal quality is achieved.
Outcome Assessment of the Marshall Coughing Test during Cervix Reposition Maneuver in Women with Urinary Stress Incontinence with/without Genital Prolapse
Authors: Antovska Vesna
Published: February 2012

Objectives. Outcome assessment of the Marshall coughing test (MT) during cervix reposition maneuver (CRM) in women with urinary stress incontinence (USI) with/without genital prolapse (GP). Study Design. 268 patients, divided into USIg () with isolated USI and USIGPg () with USI and GP stage I/II, additionally divided into USIGP(A) () with USI and GP stage I and USIGP(B) () with USI and GP stage II, were evaluated with pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ), MT, and CRM. Results. (a) 7.58% had (+) MT with CRM in USIg; (b) in up to 96.15% MT became negative during CRM in USIGP(A); (c) in 51.72% MT became positive only during CRM, as a sign for occult USI in USIGP(B); (d) point Aa (POPQ), which is bladder neck(BN) projection on the anterior vaginal wall, was situated higher in rest position (RP), but moved lower during the Valsalva maneuver (VM) in USIg versus USIGPg (). Conclusion. CRM could be useful arm in selection of (1) patients with isolated USI and great chance for postoperative failure; (2) patients with USI+GP stage I, who need GP repair during antistress surgery; (3) patients with USI + GP stage II, who need antistress procedure during vaginal hysterectomy.
Interleukin 10 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Pregnancy: Aspects of Interest in Clinical Obstetrics
Authors: Brogin Moreli Jusciele , Cirino Ruocco Ana Maria , Vernini Joice Monaliza , Rudge Marilza Vieira Cunha , Calderon Iracema Mattos Paranhos
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to review the literature regarding the action of the cytokines interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in pregnancy and to emphasize the factors that are of interest to clinical obstetrics. The literature highlights several actions of IL-10 and TNF-α during pregnancy. The actions of these cytokines seem to be antagonistic and dependent on the balance between them, which is orchestrated by the specific immunosuppressive action of IL-10. TNF-α has a characteristic inflammatory action, and it is an additional diabetogenic factor in pregnancy. The loss of the control of the production of these cytokines, with increase of TNF-α, is related to the risk for developing obstetric complications, particularly recurrent fetal loss, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive syndromes, and fetal growth restriction. However, study results are controversial and are not clearly defined. These issues are attributed to the heterogeneity of the studies, particularly regarding their sample sizes and sources, the evaluation methods, and the multiplicity of factors and conditions that influence cytokine production. These questions are fundamental and should be addressed in future investigations to obtain more consistent results that can be applied to obstetric practice.