bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Éboulements, ravinements et mouvements de masse dans la Serra do Mar, (Brésil) (Lanslides. gullying and mass-movements in the Serra do Mar, Brazil)
Authors: Journaux André
Published: May 2014

Abstract. - The Serra do Mar escarpment, between Rio de Janeiro and Tubarão, is covered by a humid tropical forest, torn away by mass movements following heavy rainfalls, especially since 1966. The shearing at the bottom of the weathering mantle provokes three sorts of phenomenons : the landslide in the thin formations, the fan ravining in the very thick formations, and the rockfall due to the decompression result detaching exfoliation sheets. If the man is responsible of the process acceleration, these phenomenons are natural and may be give the signal of the beginning of a new period of slope denudation.
Les bilharzioses humaines à Madagascar. Etude de géographie médicale (Human bilharzia in Madagascar)
Authors: Amat-Roze Jeanne-Marie
Published: May 2014

Abstract. - Bilharzia is a debiliting disease caused by parasites (Schistosoma sp.) widespread in tropical climates. Temperature is the prime factor in the present distribution of both kinds of bilharzia observed in Madagascar : intestinal bilharzia prevails in the eastern areas and the highlands ; urinary bilharzia prevails in the western parts of the island. Although the more important, this factor is not the only one : man is the other. Because of his living conditions, his close dependence upon his immediate environment, man plays a determining part in the perpetuation and the extension of the disease.
Responsabilité individuelle et fiscalité
Authors: Villeval Marie-Claire , Montmarquette Claude , Lévy-Garboua Louis
Published: May 2014

L’insuffisance de financement volontaire des biens collectifs pose la question de la responsabilité individuelle au sein des groupes et des sociétés. Une fiscalité renforçant l’engagement individuel permet-elle d’atténuer le problème du passager clandestin ? Cet article compare expérimentalement l’efficacité de deux types de fiscalité visant à soutenir l’offre d’un bien collectif. Dans l’un , la charge fiscale est répartie égalitairement entre les sujets ; dans l’autre , la charge est modulée en fonction du montant de la contribution volontaire individuelle. Les résultats montrent que l’uniformité incite au resquillage alors que l’individualisation fiscale favorise la coopération en responsabilisant les agents. Dans le second traitement, les contributions se rapprochent de l’optimum et la fréquence des déficits est réduite.
Mesurer les préférences du consommateur pour orienter les décisions des pouvoirs publics : l'apport de la méthode expérimentale
Authors: Ruffieux Bernard , Rozan Anne , Robin Stéphane
Published: May 2014

To assess how a public decision can affect citizens’ interests, we need to estimate individual preferences. Economists usually assess individual preference through a market decision. Most often, however, public decisions have an impact on non-market goods. Without a market to refer to, evaluating a public decision’s effect on individual welfare poses a methodological challenge. Despite major improvements, preference studies based on hypothetical questions – for example, using a survey or contingent valuation – are biased. The experimental methodology is a promising alternative for directly obtaining an individual valuation of a public decision. Indeed, the use of the experimental method in preference studies is growing, and our paper discusses this approach. In particular , we answer the following questions : Why is it worth using the experimental method to evaluate individual preference ? And how should we conduct this kind of experiment ?
Un regard bayésien sur les modèles dynamiques de la macroéconomie
Authors: Pelgrin Florian , Adjemian Stéphane
Published: May 2014

L’objet de cet article est de présenter l’approche bayésienne des modèles dynamiques les plus considérés en macroéconomie : les modèles DSGE (Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium ) et les modèles VAR. Nous présentons les principaux concepts de l’analyse bayésienne et montrons comment les appliquer dans le cadre des modèles VAR. Nous abordons ensuite les spécificités de l’approche bayésienne des modèles DSGE. Contrairement aux modèles VAR, il n’est plus possible d’obtenir une expression analytique de la distribution a posteriori. Pour pallier cette difficulté il est nécessaire de recourir à des méthodes de Monte-Carlo dont nous décrivons les principales techniques. Enfin, afin de souligner la nature stérile de l'opposition entre ces deux types de modélisation, nous terminons en présentant une approche récente permettant de combiner le meilleur des approches VAR et DSGE.
Réformes fiscales dans un modèle DSGE France en économie ouverte
Authors: Renne Jean-Paul , Coupet Maylis
Published: May 2014

Cet article présente un modèle d’équilibre général dynamique et stochastique représentant l’économie française au sein de la zone euro estimé en partie à l’aide de méthodes bayésiennes (pour les paramètres de rigidités nominales et réelle, notamment), il a pour objet d’évaluer l’impact de réformes fiscales sur l’économie française en tenant compte de ses interactions avec le reste du monde. En guise d’illustration, nous étudions l’impact macroéconomique d’une réforme de TVA sociale (diminution de cotisations sociales d’un montant équivalent à 1 % du PIB marchand , financée en totalité par une hausse de la TVA). Les simulations suggèrent qu'une telle mesure serait expansionniste à court terme, avec une augmentation des heures travaillées d’environ 0,5 % au bout d’un an, une progression du PIB marchand de 0,4 % et une amélioration de la balance commerciale de 0,2 point de PIB. En revanche, à long terme, les effets positifs sur l’emploi disparaîtraient et on observerait une légère diminution de l’activité (le PIB marchand perdant 0,1 % par rapport à sa valeur de compte central).
Variantes en univers incertain
Authors: Maggiar Nicolas , Devulder Antoine , Cahn Christophe , Adjemian Stéphane
Published: May 2014

Nous proposons d’illustrer l’intérêt de l’approche bayésienne dans le cadre de l’évaluation des politiques économiques, réalisée le plus souvent à l’aide de variantes. Nous présentons un modèle d’équilibre général stochastique dynamique (DSGE ) pour la zone euro. L’estimation bayésienne de ce modèle mesure l’incertitude sur les paramètres, qui se traduit en une incertitude sur les variantes. Nous donnons une application pratique en simulant les effets d’une politique fiscale (choc de TVA annoncé).
Ampleur et déterminants des cycles d’activité en Chine
Authors: Barthélemy Jean , Poncet Sandra
Published: May 2014

Our study examines the amplitude and determinants of the synchronization of business cycles in China. The country’s de facto federalism suggests the importance of coordination between provincial policies. We devote special attention to the influence of provincial autonomy on industrial, tax, and trade policies. Our results indicate that domestic trade and tax coordination promote economic integration and stabilize inter-regional fluctuations. Conversely, we find that heterogeneous international-trade and production structures act as a centrifugal force ultimately harmful to China's economic cohesion.
Interprétation d’épisodes historiques à l’aide de modèles dynamiques stochastiques d’équilibre général
Authors: Portier Franck
Published: May 2014

This article surveys recent work on the economic analysis of historical episodes using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. We put the methods and challenges of such an approach in perspective. To do so, we present the fundamentals of the methodology and an overview of the studies that adopt this approach. We then focus on a specific episode – the Great Depression in the United States and France – to highlight the advantages and limitations of DSGE models.
Santé et salaires : une estimation en variables instrumentales sur un panel de travailleurs chinois
Authors: Labart Kelly , Arcand Jean-Louis
Published: May 2014

In this article, we study wage returns to health capital (measured by body-mass index) and to nutrition (measured by kilocalorie consumption) on a panel of Chinese workers from the 1991 and 1993 China Health and Nutrition Surveys. We apply Semykina and Wooldridge’s econometric procedure (2005), which takes simultaneous account of unobservable individual heterogeneity, selection bias, and endogeneity. Our results demonstrate that returns to health and nutrition in China are confined to the private sector and are not in evidence in the State command economy.
Pouvoir de marché dans la filière cacao : l’hypothèse de Prebisch – Singer revisitée
Authors: Brun Jean-François , Araujo Bonjean Catherine
Published: May 2014

This paper is based on Prebisch and Singer’s work on the deterioration in the terms of trade of developing economies. Using a game-theory model, we can explain the decline in the cocoa-bean price relative to the price of chocolate bars in the French market. One implication of the model is that the price of the raw material and the price of the end product depend respectively on the market power of the main world producer, Côte d’Ivoire, and of the manufacturers. We use an equation system to test for this market power. The results lead us to distinguish two modes of price formation. In the period 1960-1985, Côte d’Ivoire played a dominant role. Market power then gradually shifted from the country to the manufacturers.
Human Progenitor Cell Quantification after Xenotransplantation in Rat and Mouse Models by a Sensitive qPCR Assay
Authors: Prigent Julie , Herrero Astrid , Ambroise Jérôme , Smets Françoise , Deblandre Gisèle A. , Sokal Etienne M.
Published: May 2014

Xenotransplantation of human cells in animal models is an essential tool for evaluation of safety and efficacy of cell-based products for therapeutic use. Sensitive and reproducible methods are needed to detect and quantify human cells engrafted into the host tissue either in the targeted organ or in undesired locations. We developed a robust quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay based on amplification of human AluYb8 repeats, to assess the number of human cells present in rat or mouse tissues after transplantation. Standard curves of mixed human/rodent DNA and mixed human/rodent cells have been performed to determine the limit of detection and linear range of the assay. Standard curves from DNA mixing differed significantly from standard curves from cell mixing. We show here that the AluYb8 qPCR assay is highly reproducible and is able to quantify human cells in a rodent cell matrix over a large linear range that extends from 50% to 0.01% human cells. Short-term in vivo studies showed that human cells could be quantified in mouse liver up to 7 days after intrasplenic transplantation and in rat liver 4 h after intrahepatic transplantation.
The Novel HDAC Inhibitor OBP-801/YM753 Enhances the Effects of 5-Fluorouracil With Radiation on Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Furutani Akinobu , Sowa Yoshihiro , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Otsuji Eigo , Sakai Toshiyuki
Published: May 2014

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to enhance the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) against various cancer cells; however, no report has shown that an HDAC inhibitor may enhance the effects of 5-FU with radiation. Therefore, we investigated whether the novel HDAC inhibitor
OBP-801/YM753 could enhance the effects of 5-FU with radiation on esophageal squamous carcinoma KYSE170 cells. The inhibition of the cell growth was significantly stronger with the combination of OBP-801/YM753 with 5-FU than with the 5-FU treatment only. Furthermore, inhibition of the colony
formation was the most effective with the combined treatment of OBP-801/YM753, 5-FU, and radiation. Western blot analysis showed that OBP-801/YM753 suppressed the expression of thymidylate synthase induced by 5-FU. Therefore, this three-combined therapy is promising for patients with esophageal
squamous carcinoma.
Automated solid-phase peptide synthesis to obtain therapeutic peptides
Authors: Mäde Veronika , Els-Heindl Sylvia , Beck-Sickinger Annette G
Published: May 2014

The great versatility and the inherent high affinities of peptides for their respective targets have led to tremendous progress for therapeutic applications in the last years. In order to increase the drugability of these frequently unstable and rapidly cleared molecules, chemical modifications are of great interest. Automated solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) offers a suitable technology to produce chemically engineered peptides. This review concentrates on the application of SPPS by Fmoc/t-Bu protecting-group strategy, which is most commonly used. Critical issues and suggestions for the synthesis are covered. The development of automated methods from conventional to essentially improved microwave-assisted instruments is discussed. In order to improve pharmacokinetic properties of peptides, lipidation and PEGylation are described as covalent conjugation methods, which can be applied by a combination of automated and manual synthesis approaches. The synthesis and application of SPPS is described for neuropeptide Y receptor analogs as an example for bioactive hormones. The applied strategies represent innovative and potent methods for the development of novel peptide drug candidates that can be manufactured with optimized automated synthesis technologies.
Evaluación del servicio de referencia de una biblioteca universitaria: Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla
Authors: González-Fernández-Villavicencio Nieves , Cánovas-Álvarez Encarnación , Arahal-Junco Consuelo
Published: May 2014

Tras una revisión bibliográfica de la evaluación de los servicios de referencias en bibliotecas universitarias, se describe el proceso de evaluación de este servicio llevado a cabo en la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla, en su modalidad presencial y virtual, durante dos periodos a lo largo del año 2011. Los resultados se analizan en base a la escala READ adaptada. Se constata el predominio de la presencialidad del servicio, y las preguntas breves, de nivel básico, casi distribuidas equilibradamente entre mañana y tarde, de menos de 5 minutos, realizadas mayoritariamente por alumnos, atendidas por personal técnico no especializado con escasas derivaciones.
La información y documentación científica en el CSIC
Authors: Plaza Luis M.
Published: May 2014

Esta contribución pone de relieve la importancia estratégica del ámbito disciplinar de la Información y Documentación Científica y, tras una resumida panorámica de su desarrollo en el contexto del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), se argumenta la necesidad de dotar a la institución con una Política de Información Científica, al amparo de la cual generar un Sistema Integrado de Información y Documentación capaz de contribuir a la misión y objetivos generales del CSIC y de servir de referente en el marco del actual sistema público español de I+D.
Quantum Key Distribution Networks
Authors: Al-Janabi Sufyan T. Faraj
Published: May 2014

The aim of this chapter is to emphasize the multidisciplinary nature of the research in the field of Quantum Key Distribution Networks (QKDNs). Such networks consist of a number of nodes that can perform security protocols protected by some basic laws of physics. The operation of QKDNs mainly requires the integration of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols with the already-existing network security infrastructures. The authors report on the current state-of-the-art in the field and give some recommendations for future research. As computer simulation can be very useful in dealing with advanced technology subjects like QKDNs, they outline a simple and efficient modeling and simulation approach for various QKDN configurations. Then, the issue of unconditionally secure authentication of the public channel in QKD is considered. This issue is of crucial importance from both theoretical and practical sides. In this context, the proposed hybrid authentication strategy is reviewed and an authenticated version of the Bennett-Brassard-84 (BB84) QKD protocol based on this strategy is described. Next, a novel extension of the SSL protocol for QKDN settings, which the authors call Quantum SSL (QSSL), is explained. Finally, the chapter is concluded.
ICA and PCA-Based Cryptology
Authors: Sadkhan Al Maliky Sattar B. , Abbas Nidaa A.
Published: May 2014

Blind Source Separation (BSS) represented by Independent Component Analysis (ICA) has been used in many fields such as communications and biomedical engineering. Its application to image and speech encryption, however, has been rare. In this chapter, the authors present ICA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as a category of BSS-based method for encrypting images and speech by using Blind Source Separation (BSS) since the security encryption technologies depend on many intractable mathematical problems. Using key signals, they build a suitable BSS underdetermined problem in the encryption and then circumvent this problem with key signals for decoding. The chapter shows that the method based on the BSS can achieve a high level of safety right through building, mixing matrix, and generating key signals.
Cryptographic Key Distribution and Management
Authors: Rublík Martin
Published: May 2014

Cryptographic key distribution and management is one of the most important steps in the process of securing data by utilizing encryption. Problems related to cryptographic key distribution and management are hard to solve and easy to exploit, and therefore, they are appealing to the attacker. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the topics of cryptographic key distribution and management, especially with regards to asymmetric keys. The chapter describes how these topics are handled today, what the real-world problems related to cryptographic key distribution and management are, and presents existing solutions as well as future directions in their solving. The authors present the cryptographic key management and distribution problems from a multidisciplinary point of view by looking at its economic, psychological, usability, and technological aspects.
Signal Transduction by Different Forms of the γδ T Cell–Specific Pattern Recognition Receptor WC1
Authors: Chen Chuang , Hsu Haoting , Hudgens Edward , Telfer Janice C. , Baldwin Cynthia L.
Published: May 2014

WC1 coreceptors are scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) family members, related to T19 in sheep, SCART in mice, and CD163c-α in humans, and form a 13-member subfamily in cattle exclusively expressed on γδ T cells. Subpopulations of γδ T cells are defined by anti-WC1 mAbs and respond to different pathogen species accordingly. In this study, variegated WC1 gene expression within subpopulations and differences in signaling and cell activation due to endodomain sequences are described. The endodomains designated types I to III differ by a 15- or 18-aa insert in type II and an additional 80 aa containing an additional eight tyrosines for type III. Anti-WC1 mAbs enhanced cell proliferation of γδ T cells when cross-linked with the TCR regardless of the endodomain sequences. Chimeric molecules of human CD4 ectodomain with WC1 endodomains transfected into Jurkat cells showed that the tyrosine phosphorylation of the type II was the same as that of the previously reported archetypal sequence (type I) with only Y24EEL phosphorylated, whereas for type III only Y199DDV and Y56TGD were phosphorylated despite conservation of the Y24EEL/Y24QEI and Y199DDV/I tyrosine motifs among the three types. Time to maximal phosphorylation was more rapid with type III endodomains and sustained longer. Differences in tyrosine phosphorylation were associated with differences in function in that cross-linking of type III chimeras with TCR resulted in significantly greater IL-2 production. Identification of differences in the signal transduction through the endodomains of WC1 contributes to understanding the functional role of the WC1 coreceptors in the γδ T cell responses.
Macrophages Engulfing Apoptotic Cells Produce Nonclassical Retinoids To Enhance Their Phagocytic Capacity
Authors: Sarang Zsolt , Joós Gergely , Garabuczi Éva , Rühl Ralph , Gregory Christopher D. , Szondy Zsuzsa
Published: May 2014

Previous work in our laboratory has shown that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) acting as a coreceptor for integrin β3 is required for proper phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. In the absence of TG2, systemic lupus erythematosus–like autoimmunity develops in mice, similarly to other mice characterized by a deficiency in the clearance of apoptotic cells. In this study, we demonstrate that increasing TG2 expression alone in wild-type macrophages is not sufficient to enhance engulfment. However, during engulfment, the lipid content of the apoptotic cells triggers the lipid-sensing receptor liver X receptor (LXR), which in response upregulates the expression of the phagocytic receptor Mer tyrosine kinase and the phagocytosis-related ABCA1, and that of retinaldehyde dehydrogenases leading to the synthesis of a nonclassical retinoid. Based on our retinoid analysis, this compound might be a dihydro-retinoic acid derivative. The novel retinoid then contributes to the upregulation of further phagocytic receptors including TG2 by ligating retinoic acid receptors. Inhibition of retinoid synthesis prevents the enhanced phagocytic uptake induced by LXR ligation. Our data indicate that stimulation of LXR enhances the engulfment of apoptotic cells via regulating directly and indirectly the expression of a range of phagocytosis-related molecules, and its signaling pathway involves the synthesis of a nonclassical retinoid. We propose that retinoids could be used for enhancing the phagocytic capacity of macrophages in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, where impaired phagocytosis of apoptotic cells plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Osteoarthritis in Young, Active, and Athletic Individuals
Authors: Amoako Adae O. , Pujalte George Guntur A.
Published: May 2014

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most devastating chronic conditions that affect people around the world. Although the usual population associated with the condition is the elderly, who are mostly inactive, athletes and younger individuals are also susceptible. Depending on the population, the etiology may differ; injuries, occupational activities, and obesity appear to be the most common causes of OA in young and athletic populations. Diagnosing OA in athletes and young individuals is sometimes challenging because of their increased pain tolerance. However, the treatment of OA in these populations does not differ from its management in the general population. Several considerations need to be taken into account when choosing a treatment modality. The purpose of this review is to address OA in athletes and younger individuals and to discuss its presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Same‐sex relationship escalation with uncertain marriage legality: Theory and empirical implications
Authors: Farmer Amy , Horowitz Andrew W.
Published: May 2014

We develop a strategic model of same‐sex dating, cohabitation, and potential marriage with location‐specific marriage legality. With an initial illegal location, couples bargain over a relationship path that internalizes the probability of future legalization and potential migration‐for‐marriage. Our model generates testable, empirical implications on relationship hazard rates, migration, and utility due to changes in migration costs and legalization probabilities. Specifically, we show that decreased migration costs or increased legalization probabilities willincreaserelationship hazard rates (dissolution) for both daters and cohabitators. These changes will alsodecreaseutility for an identifiable segment of the relationship quality distribution.
Primary to secondary organic aerosol: evolution of organic emissions from mobile combustion sources
Authors: Presto A. A. , Gordon T. D. , Robinson A. L.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. A series of smog chamber experiments were conducted to investigate the transformation of primary organic aerosol (POA) and formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) during the photooxidation of dilute exhaust from a fleet of gasoline and diesel motor vehicles and two gas-turbine engines. In experiments where POA was present in the chamber at the onset of photooxidation, positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to determine separate POA and SOA factors from aerosol mass spectrometer data. A 2-factor solution, with one POA factor and one SOA factor, was sufficient to describe the organic aerosol for gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, and one of the gas-turbine engines. Experiments with the second gas-turbine engine required a 3-factor PMF solution with a POA factor and two SOA factors. Results from the PMF analysis were compared to the residual method for determining SOA and POA mass concentrations. The residual method apportioned a larger fraction of the organic aerosol mass as POA because it assumes that all mass at m / z 57 is associated with POA. The POA mass spectrum for the gasoline and diesel vehicles exhibited high abundances of the CnH2n+1 series of ions (m / z 43, 57, etc.) and was similar to the mass spectra of the hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol factor determined from ambient data sets with one exception, a diesel vehicle equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst. POA mass spectra for the gas-turbine engines are enriched in the CnH2n−1 series of ions (m / z 41, 55, etc.), consistent with the composition of the lubricating oil used in these engines. The SOA formed from the three sources exhibits high abundances of m / z 44 and 43, indicative of mild oxidation. The SOA mass spectra are consistent with less-oxidized ambient SV-OOA (semivolatile oxygenated organic aerosols) and fall within the triangular region of f44 versus f43 defined by ambient measurements. However there is poor absolute agreement between the experimentally derived SOA mass spectra and ambient OOA factors, though this poor agreement should be expected based on the variability of ambient OOA factors. Van Krevelen analysis of the POA and SOA factors for gasoline and diesel experiments reveal slopes of −0.50 and −0.40, respectively. This suggests that the oxidation chemistry in these experiments is a combination of carboxylic acid and alcohol/peroxide formation, consistent with ambient oxidation chemistry.
Unexpected increase in elemental carbon values over the last 30 years observed in a Svalbard ice core
Authors: Ruppel M. M. , Isaksson E. , Ström J. , Beaudon E. , Svensson J. , Pedersen C. A. , Korhola A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) is a light-absorbing particle that warms the atmosphere–Earth system. The climate effects of BC are amplified in the Arctic where its deposition on light surfaces decreases the albedo and causes earlier melt of snow and ice. Despite its suggested significant role in Arctic climate warming there is little information on BC concentrations and deposition in the past. Here we present results on BC (here operationally defined as elemental carbon (EC)) concentrations and deposition on a Svalbard glacier between 1700 and 2004. The inner part of a 125 m deep ice core from Holtedahlfonna glacier (79°8' N, 13°16' E, 1150 m a.s.l.) was melted, filtered through a quartz fibre filter and analysed for EC using a thermal optical method. The EC values started to increase after 1850 and peaked around 1910, similar to ice core records from Greenland. Strikingly, the EC values again increase rapidly between 1970 and 2004. This rise is not seen in Greenland ice cores and it seems to contradict atmospheric BC measurements indicating generally decreasing atmospheric BC concentrations since 1989 in the Arctic. Several hypotheses, such as changes in scavenging efficiencies, post-depositional processes and differences in the vertical distribution of BC in the atmosphere, are discussed for the differences between the Svalbard and Greenland ice core records, and the ice core and atmospheric measurements in Svalbard. In addition, the divergent BC trends between Greenland and Svalbard ice cores may be caused by differences in the analytical methods used, including the operational definitions of quantified particles, and detection efficiencies of different-sized BC particles. Regardless of the cause of the increasing EC values in the recent decades, the results have significant implications for the past radiative energy balance at the coring site.
Retrieving aerosol height from the oxygen A band: a fast forward operator and sensitivity study concerning spectral resolution, instrumental noise, and surface inhomogeneity
Authors: Hollstein A. , Fischer J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Hyperspectral radiance measurements in the oxygen A band are sensitive to the vertical distribution of atmospheric scatterers, which in principle allows the retrieval of aerosol height from future instruments like TROPOMI, OCO2, FLEX, and CarbonSat. Discussed in this paper is a fast and flexible forward operator for the simulation of hyperspectral radiances in the oxygen A band and, based on this scheme, a sensitivity study about the inversion quality of aerosol optical thickness, aerosol mean height, and aerosol type. The forward operator is based on a lookup table with efficient data compression based on principal component analysis. Linear interpolation and computation of partial derivatives is performed in the much smaller space of expansion coefficients rather than wavelength. Thus, this approach is computationally fast and, at the same time, memory efficient. The sensitivity study explores the impact of instrument design on the retrieval of aerosol optical thickness and aerosol height. Considered are signal to noise ratio, spectral resolution, and spectral sampling. Also taken into account are surface inhomogeneities and variations of the aerosol type.
Benefit of depolarization ratio at λ = 1064 nm for the retrieval of the aerosol microphysics from lidar measurements
Authors: Gasteiger J. , Freudenthaler V.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. A better quantification of aerosol microphysical and optical properties is required to improve the modelling of aerosol effects on weather and climate. This task is methodologically demanding due to the huge diversity of aerosol composition and of their shape and size distribution, and due to the complexity of the relation between the microphysical and optical properties. Lidar remote sensing is a valuable tool to gain spatially and temporally resolved information on aerosol properties. Advanced lidar systems provide sufficient information on the aerosol optical properties for the retrieval of important aerosol microphysical properties. Recently, the mass concentration of transported volcanic ash, which is relevant for the flight safety of airplanes, was retrieved from measurements of such lidar systems in Southern Germany. The relative uncertainty of the retrieved mass concentration was on the order of ±50%. The present study investigates improvements of the retrieval accuracy when the capability of measuring the linear depolarization ratio at 1064 nm is added to the lidar setup. The lidar setups under investigation are based on the setup of MULIS and POLIS of the LMU in Munich which measure the linear depolarization ratio at 355 nm and 532 nm with high accuracy. By comparing results of retrievals applied to simulated lidar measurements with and without the depolarization at 1064 nm it is found that the availability of 1064 nm depolarization measurements reduces the uncertainty of the retrieved mass concentration and effective particle size by a factor of about 2–3. This significant improvement in accuracy is the result of the increased sensitivity of the lidar setup to larger particles. However, the retrieval of the single scattering albedo, which is relevant for the radiative transfer in aerosol layers, does hardly benefit from the availability of 1064 nm depolarization measurements.
The spatial distribution of region 2 field-aligned currents relative to subauroral polarization stream
Authors: Wang H. , Lühr H. , Ridley A. , Huang T.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. To test the current-generation model of subauroral polarization stream (SAPS), we have investigated the relative positions of field-aligned currents (FACs) with respect to SAPS in a statistical way by using CHAMP (CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload) and DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) satellite observations as well as model simulations. Comparative studies have been performed for consecutive CHAMP observations in different magnetic local time (MLT) sectors with respect to SAPS. The latitude of the peak westward zonal wind deduced from CHAMP measurements has been used to represent the location of the SAPS peak. Both the density and the sheet current strength of R2 (region 2) FACs are enhanced when SAPS occur. Subsequently R2 FACs decay in intensity and correspondingly the centers retreat poleward. The latitudes of the center of the R2 FAC, small- and medium-scale FACs, and SAPS shift equatorward with increasing MLT. The SAPS peaks are located between R2 and R1 (region 1) FAC peaks in all MLT bins under study. The SAPS peaks are closer to R2 centers in the later MLT sectors. The peaks of small- and medium-scale FACs are located poleward of SAPS, mainly in the upward R1 FACs region. The upward R1 FACs are partly closed by the downward R1 FACs in the dawn–morning sector. Based on model simulation, when R2 shifts equatorward to the subauroral region, the plasma flow also shifts equatorward with its peak located poleward of that of R2 FACs. Both the model and observations provide evidence that SAPS behave as caused by a magnetospheric current source.
High resolution measurements of carbon monoxide along a late Holocene Greenland ice core: evidence for in situ production
Authors: Faïn X. , Chappellaz J. , Rhodes R. H. , Stowasser C. , Blunier T. , McConnell J. R. , Brook E. J. , Preunkert S. , Legrand M. , Debois T. , Romanini D.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. We present high-resolution measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations from a shallow ice core of the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling project (NEEM-2011-S1). An optical-feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer (OF-CEAS) coupled to a continuous melter system performed continuous, online analysis during a four-week measurement campaign. This analytical setup generated stable measurements of CO concentrations with an external precision of 7.8 ppbv (1σ), based on repeated analyses of equivalent ice core sections. However, this first application of this measurement technique suffered from a poorly constrained procedural blank of 48 ± 25 ppbv and poor accuracy because an absolute calibration was not possible. The NEEM-2011-S1 CO record spans 1800 yr and the long-term trends within the most recent section of this record (i.e., post 1700 AD) resemble the existing discrete CO measurements from the Eurocore ice core. However, the CO concentration is highly variable (75–1327 ppbv range) throughout the ice core with high frequency (annual scale), high amplitude spikes characterizing the record. These CO signals are too abrupt and rapid to reflect atmospheric variability and their prevalence largely prevents interpretation of the record in terms of atmospheric CO variation. The abrupt CO spikes are likely the result of in situ production occurring within the ice itself, although the unlikely possibility of CO production driven by non-photolytic, fast kinetic processes within the continuous melter system cannot be excluded. We observe that 68% of the CO spikes are observed in ice layers enriched with pyrogenic aerosols. Such aerosols, originating from boreal biomass burning emissions, contain organic compounds, which may be oxidized or photodissociated to produce CO within the ice. However, the NEEM-2011-S1 record displays an increase of ~0.05 ppbv yr−1 in baseline CO level prior to 1700 AD (129 m depth) and the concentration remains elevated, even for ice layers depleted in dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Thus, the processes driving the likely in situ production of CO within the NEEM ice may involve multiple, complex chemical pathways not all related to past fire history and require further investigation.
Links between CO2, glaciation and water flow: reconciling the Cenozoic history of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Ladant J.-B. , Donnadieu Y. , Dumas C.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The timing of the onset of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is a crucial event of the Cenozoic because of its cooling and isolating effect over Antarctica. It is intimately related to the glaciations occurring throughout the Cenozoic from the Eocene–Oligocene (EO) transition (≈34 Ma) to the middle Miocene glaciations (≈13.9 Ma). However, the exact timing of the onset remains debated with evidence for a late Eocene set up contradicting others data pointing to an occurrence closer to the Oligocene–Miocene (OM) boundary. In this study, we show the potential impact of the Antarctic ice sheet on the initiation of a proto-ACC at the EO boundary. Our results reveal that the regional cooling effect of the ice sheet increases the sea ice formation, which disrupts the meridional density gradient in the Southern Ocean and leads to the onset of a circumpolar current and its progressive strengthening. We also suggest that subsequent variations in atmospheric CO2, ice sheet volumes and tectonic reorganizations may have affected the ACC intensity after the Eocene–Oligocene transition, which in turn may provide an explanation for the second initiation of the ACC at the Oligocene–Miocene boundary and may reconcile evidence supporting both early Oligocene and early Miocene onset of the ACC.
Incipient subsurface heterogeneity and its effect on overland flow generation – insight from a modeling study of the first experiment at the Biosphere 2 Landscape Evolution Observatory
Authors: Niu G.-Y. , Pasetto D. , Scudeler C. , Paniconi C. , Putti M. , Troch P. A. , DeLong S. B. , Dontsova K. , Pangle L. , Breshears D. D. , Chorover J. , Huxman T. E. , Pelletier J. , Saleska S. R. , Zeng X.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Evolution of landscape heterogeneity is controlled by coupled Earth system dynamics, and the resulting process complexity is a major hurdle to cross towards a unified theory of catchment hydrology. The Biosphere 2 Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO), a 334.5 m2 artificial hillslope built with homogeneous soil, may have evolved into heterogeneous soil during the first experiment driven by an intense rainfall event. The experiment produced predominantly seepage face water outflow, but also generated overland flow, causing superficial erosion and the formation of a small channel. In this paper, we explore the hypothesis of incipient heterogeneity development in LEO and its effect on overland flow generation by comparing the modeling results from a three-dimensional physically based hydrological model with measurements of total mass change and seepage face flow. Our null hypothesis is that the soil is hydraulically homogeneous, while the alternative hypothesis is that LEO developed downstream heterogeneity from transport of fine sediments driven by saturated subsurface flow. The heterogeneous case is modeled by assigning saturated hydraulic conductivity at the LEO seepage face (Ksat,sf) different from that of the rest (Ksat). A range of values for Ksat, Ksat,sf, soil porosity, and pore size distribution is used to account for uncertainties in estimating these parameters, resulting in more than 20 000 simulations. It is found that the best runs under the heterogeneous soil hypothesis produce smaller errors than those under the null hypothesis, and that the heterogeneous runs yield a higher probability of best model performance than the homogeneous runs. These results support the alternative hypothesis of localized incipient heterogeneity of the LEO soil, which facilitated generation of overland flow. This modeling study of the first LEO experiment suggests an important role of coupled water and sediment transport processes in the evolution of subsurface heterogeneity and on overland flow generation, highlighting the need of a coupled modeling system that integrates across disciplinary processes.
Blue Ridge Investments, L.L.C. v. Republic of Argentina (2D CIR.)
Authors: Stewart David P.
Published: May 2014

When does an agreement to arbitrate a commercial dispute constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity? This question has assumed increasing importance over the past decades in direct proportion to the extent that sovereign states and their agencies, entities, and instrumentalities have agreed to arbitrate their disputes with investors and under commercial contracts. On August 19, 2013, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit considered this issue in the context of a petition to confirm an arbitral award, when it ruled that by becoming a party to the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States (ICSID Convention), Argentina had waived its sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).
The Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) and Recommendation (No. 201)
Authors: Blackett Adelle
Published: May 2014

The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) (the Domestic Workers Convention or Convention), as supplemented by an accompanying non-binding Recommendation (No. 201), on June 16, 2011. Both instruments were immediately hailed as historic. Two years later, on September 5, 2013, the Domestic Workers Convention entered into force, thus bringing the fifty-three to 100 million predominantly women workers—many of whom are migrants—squarely within the corpus of international labor law, with due attention paid to the specificity of their human rights claims.
Between Marginalization and Orthodoxy: The Unitas Fratrum in Poland in the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Ptaszyński Maciej
Published: May 2014

Soon after parts of the Unitas Fratrum emigrated to Poland in the years following the Schmalkaldic War (1546–47), the Brethren received much attention because of their church discipline. This fascination even led to first unions of the protestant churches in Poland. At the very beginning of the history of the Polish Reformation, the Calvinists from Lesser Poland decided to join the Brethren. This agreement was signed in Koźminek in 1555. Just after a couple of months, however, it was not valid anymore. A second attempt was made in 1570 in Sandomierz, where the Brethren joined the Lutherans and the Reformed and accepted the Reformed Confession of Faith. This union—though seemingly spectacular—did not have any consequences either. The status of the protestant confessions was secured by the religious peace called Warsaw Confederation in 1573. The Brethren remained one of three protestant confessions, which were officially recognized in Poland. This essay examines the transition of the image of the Brethren in the eyes of the Polish nobility from a radical and marginal religious group to one of the main churches and important players in the political arena.
German Pietists between the Ancient Unity of Brethren and the Moravian Church: The Case of Württemberg Pastor Georg Konrad Rieger (1687–1743) and His History of the Bohemian Brethren
Authors: Ehinger Siglind
Published: May 2014

The Duchy of Württemberg was a center of German Pietism in the early eighteenth century. Nevertheless, the establishment of “Moravianism” in Württemberg remained largely controversial. Although Württemberg theologians were strongly attracted to Count Zinzendorf and the settlement of Herrnhut, their connections to Halle were closer. One of the reasons that the Herrnhuters found it difficult to gain a foothold here was the influential Pietist theologian Johann Albrecht Bengel, who had become increasingly opposed to Zinzendorf. This article seeks to exemplify and thus improve the understanding of the divergences among German Protestants concerning Moravianism in the first half of the eighteenth century. It is based on an examination of the Württemberg pastor Georg Konrad Rieger, a colleague of Bengel, and his history of the ancient Unitas Fratrum, written between 1734 and 1740. In this book Rieger advocated a Zinzendorfian understanding of Christianity: that the Christian community is indispensable. Like Zinzendorf, Rieger was convinced that there had always been groups of true believers in a succession without any hiatus.
Elicitation of subjective crop yield PDF [probability density functions]
Authors: Clop-Gallart M.M. , Juárez-Rubio F.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this research is to investigate the coherence and reliability of subjective crop yield probability density functions (PDF) elicited from a series of interviews carried out on a wide group of farmers. Three different elicitation techniques were used: the Two-Step PDF estimation method, the Triangular distribution and the Beta distribution. Subjects who were interviewed gave both estimates for point crop yield (mean, highest possible, most frequent and lowest possible) and for the PDF based on interval estimates. To evaluate persistence, two concepts were used: time persistence and methodological persistence. The results are deemed valuable in order to determine the level of trust in the techniques applied in obtaining data, and in their effectiveness in designing a farm decision support system (DSS).
Effect of boscalid on postharvest decay of strawberry caused by Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer
Authors: Sallato B.V. , Torres R. , Zoffoli J.P. , Latorre B.A.
Published: May 2014

In Chile, gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and leak (Rhizopus stolonifer) are the major storage diseases of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) that considerably reduce yields and quality, limiting its international commercialization. The effect of preharvest fungicide treatments and postharvest treatments against storage decays was studied. Based on the results obtained, the incidence of B. cinerea and R. stolonifer was significantly lower on "Camarosa" strawberry fruits treated with boscalid or boscalid + pyraclostrobin between blossom and harvest. Similarly, incidence of B. cinerea and R. stolonifer significantly decreased at 5 deg C and 20 deg C after immersion treatments with boscalid (600 to 700 mg LE-1) or cyprodinil + fludioxonil (371 + 250 mg LE-1). These postharvest treatments provided 5 and 15 days protection against these molds when strawberry fruits were stored at 20 deg C and 5 deg C, respectively. Fenhexamid (750 mg LE-1) arrested B. cinerea, but it was ineffective against R. stolonifer. Variable results were obtained with iprodione (750 mg LE-1). Fungicide treatments had no adverse effect on total soluble content, titrable acidity and firmness. Only boscalid + pyraclostrobin affected the external color of the treated fruits. In conclusion, fungicide treatments using new reduced-risk fungicides can be useful to extend strawberry shelf life for over a 15 day period. However, further research is needed to establish a commercial recommendation.
Short communication. Screening of sorghum genotypes for resistance to damage caused by the stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)
Authors: Marulasiddesha K.N. , Sankar M. , Rama Gouda G.K.
Published: May 2014

Twenty sweet sorghum and three grain sorghum -Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench- genotypes were tested for resistance to the damage caused by the sorghum stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) under infested field conditions in the Dharwad region of northern Karnataka, India. Five different types of damage were taken into account: leaf scraping, dead heart, pinhole, peduncle and stem tunnelling damage. Genotype SSV-7073 was found to be the most resistant with respect to all the damage types studied. In addition, the genotypes Nandyal, SSV-53, SSV-6928, HES-4 and IS-2312 showed little peduncle and stem tunnelling damage. These genotypes might be considered potentially resistant varieties and may serve as material of interest in sorghum improvement programmes.