bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural insights into the calcium‐dependent interaction between calbindin‐D28K and caspase‐3
Authors: Bobay Benjamin G. , Stewart Amanda L. , Tucker Ashley T. , Thompson Richele J. , Varney Kristen M. , Cavanagh John
Published: September 2012

Calbindin‐D28K and Caspase‐3 bind by isothermal titration calorimetry (View interaction)
Family Structure, Interparental Conflict and Parenting as Correlates of Children's Relationship Expectations
Authors: McGregor Leanne , Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie J , Creed Peter
Published: September 2012

Multiple theories and models (e.g., attachment theory, rejection sensitivity) suggest that relationship expectations, such as views of others as trustworthy, reliable and supportive, are important outcomes of relationship experiences. We used a new measure to assess children's (N = 837, age 9 to 13 years) optimistic and pessimistic relationship expectations of their family relationships separate from their expectations of peers/others. Our aim was to investigate whether family structure, interparental conflict and parenting dimensions were important correlates of these two aspects of children's relationship expectations. Six maternal and paternal dimensions of parenting were measured, including warmth, rejection, structure, chaos, autonomy support, and coercive behaviour. Children who reported witnessing more interparental conflict had more negative relationship expectations about their family and about others, but these associations were no longer significant when the parenting dimensions were considered. Family structure was not associated with children's relationship expectations of peers/others, but children who had experienced parental divorce had less positive family relationship expectations. Overall, many of the six parenting dimensions were associated with family expectations, but fewer were associated with expectations of peers/others. Further, the maternal parenting dimensions associated with children's relationship expectations differed from the paternal dimensions. These findings are important for understanding how children think about their relationships and may guide the development of interventions targeting children of divorce.
Nationwide inventory of mosquito biodiversity (Diptera: Culicidae) in Belgium, Europe
Authors: Versteirt V. , Boyer S. , Damiens D. , De Clercq E.M. , Dekoninck W. , Ducheyne E. , Grootaert P. , Garros C. , Hance T. , Hendrickx G. , Coosemans M. , Van Bortel W.
Published: September 2012

To advance our restricted knowledge on mosquito biodiversity and distribution in Belgium, a national inventory started in 2007 (MODIRISK) based on a random selection of 936 collection points in three main environmental types: urban, rural and natural areas. Additionally, 64 sites were selected because of the risk of importing a vector or pathogen in these sites. Each site was sampled once between May and October 2007 and once in 2008 using Mosquito Magnet Liberty Plus traps. Diversity in pre-defined habitat types was calculated using three indices. The association between species and environmental types was assessed using a correspondence analysis. Twenty-three mosquito species belonging to traditionally recognized genera were found, including 21 indigenous and two exotic species. Highest species diversity (Simpson 0.765) and species richness (20 species) was observed in natural areas, although urban sites scored also well (Simpson 0.476, 16 species). Four clusters could be distinguished based on the correspondence analysis. The first one is related to human modified landscapes (such as urban, rural and industrial sites). A second is composed of species not associated with a specific habitat type, including the now widely distributedAnopheles plumbeus. A third group includes species commonly found in restored natural or bird migration areas, and a fourth cluster is composed of forest species. Outcomes of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed sampling scheme and support the choice of the trap type. Obtained results of this first country-wide inventory of the Culicidae in Belgium may serve as a basis for risk assessment of emerging mosquito-borne diseases.
The development of robust morphometric indices from accurate and precise measurements of free-swimming whale sharks using laser photogrammetry
Authors: Jeffreys G.L. , Rowat D. , Marshall H. , Brooks K.
Published: September 2012

To enable the study of population dynamics of wild animals the determination of the age, growth rate and maturity status of a sample of the individuals present is required; consequently, obtaining repeated accurate and precise total length (TL) measurements for individuals over time can be especially valuable. However, there are limited easily applied methods to ascertain the TL of large free-swimming fish, especially the largest extant species of fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). This study expands on previous work and presents the results of a robust laser photogrammetry system developed to achieve accurate TL, pre-caudal length (PCL) and further morphometric measurements of whale sharks observed between 2009 and 2011 in seasonal feeding aggregations located in the Seychelles and Djibouti. Calculations for repeatability (r) indicated a high level of precision for the system with r approaching 1 for both TL and PCL, increasing further with the use of morphometric measurements. TL measurements of ‘straight sample sharks’ also provided geometric mean linear regression equations to enable the prediction of TL from defined morphological indices. Continuous validation of the system against objects of a fixed length also indicated a high level of accuracy for the method of measurement. We concluded that the laser photogrammetry system can be confidently employed to obtain accurate in-water TL, PCL and morphometric measurements for R. typus, with wide ranging implications and applications for the study of R. typus, and other large marine fauna.
The economic significance of the 19th century Antarctic sealing industry
Authors: Basberg Bjorn L. , Headland Robert K.
Published: September 2012

Sealing was the first exploitative industry in the Antarctic region. Throughout the 19th century it was characterised by large fluctuations in catches and shifts in hunting grounds as seals were almost exterminated in several locations. This paper reviews the historical literature on this industry. In particular it reviews sources and data that relate to its economic importance. So far, no one has succeeded in indicating the aggregate economic value of the industry. The main aim, therefore, is to investigate new data, especially on market prices that will enable a more accurate assessment of the significance of the industry.
English in China today
Authors: Bolton Kingsley , Graddol David
Published: September 2012

According to a 2010 China Daily article, the number of English learners in China is now around 400 million, approximately one third of China's population (see also Wei and Su, this issue). The importance of English in the state education system has been supplemented by the rapid growth of privately-run language schools and training institutes across the country in recent years. The same article quoted a comment by Ms Xiao Yan, the public relations manager of the Wall Street English language school chain, who gave her explanation for the current popularity of English in the following terms:

More and more importance has been given to English after China carried out the policy of reform and opening up to the outside world in the late 1970s. And accompanying China's rise on the world stage in recent years are growing connections of commerce and culture with other countries, especially those developed English-speaking countries […] The entire Chinese society attaches high importance to the English study as sometimes it even plays a vital role for a person who plans to pursue further education and seek a better career. There is no doubt that people who have a good command of English are more competitive than their peers. (China Daily, 2010a)
English-language creative writing by Chinese university students
Authors: Dai Fan
Published: September 2012

In China, most universities have a school of foreign languages, where students majoring in English, German, French, Japanese, and other languages study the language for the first two years, and take introductory courses in the linguistics and literature of the language concerned, and then progress to higher-level linguistic and literary courses, as well as translation studies. English is the most popular foreign language in China, and, with the improvement of English teaching in high schools, the average student entering university now has a higher level of English proficiency than previous generations of students. However, students with high scores in English often choose to study ‘practical’ subjects other than English, such as business studies, computer science, economics, medicine, etc. Increasingly, a number of programs at universities in China are even being taught through the medium of English. Consequently, English majors have less and less advantage over non-English majors, and departments of English have had to restructure their syllabi to cope with the situation. Courses in translation studies, intercultural communication and applied linguistics have thus gained greater recognition because of their functional importance in the real world (see Qu, this issue).
The use of English in China's real estate advertising
Authors: Li Songqing
Published: September 2012

One's native language is normally a marker of national identity. This is particularly true of China, which many regard as a relatively linguistically homogeneous nation. The huge impact of the spread of English on the local culture of China alongside a buoyant wave of global capitalism raises interesting questions such as the following: (i) Does the spread of English challenge or undermine the sense of China's national identity? (ii) By drawing upon English as a new linguistic and cultural resource, is China now redefining its own culture? (iii) What strategies are observable in the use of English intranationally in contemporary China? To answer these questions, this study examines the use of English in China's real estate advertising. The relatively new discourse of real estate advertisements in mainland China has been attributed to the process of increasing urbanization which has accelerated since 2000. In addition, as one of the most fundamental symbols of a nation, land is closely associated with national identity, which suggests that real estate transformed from land can be taken as a source discourse for an investigation of national identity (Smith, 1991; First and Avraham, 2007). By focusing on the use of English in China's real estate advertising and its possible association with the national identity of mainland China, this study discusses the strategic use of English as a linguistic and cultural resource in identity construction.
Two Cheers for Humanitarianism
Authors: Farer Tom
Published: September 2012

Over the last two decades a spate of books, led by the ones cited in this essay, have illuminated and debated the bristly questions confronting contemporary “humanitarianism.” The definitional or, one might say, foundational question is whether the adjective “humanitarian” should be limited to only those independent agencies that are engaged (without reference to a political context) in the impartial delivery of emergency relief to all those in existential need—or, in the unique case of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), engaged in monitoring the application of the Geneva Conventions to armed conflict. An answer in the affirmative could be considered the “classic” position of the humanitarian, and one still championed by the ICRC. Today, however, many NGOs, such as CARE, OXFAM, and Catholic Relief Services, which certainly regard themselves as humanitarian agencies, engage in a broad range of rehabilitative and developmental activities and continue to deliver emergency relief, and they are prepared to do so under circumstances where their work has conspicuous political implications. The same is true of such UN agencies as UNICEF, UNHCR, and the World Food Programme, which are not infrequently involved in complex peace operations that have clear political goals as specified by the Security Council. Further, well-known humanitarian activists and writers, notably Bernard Kouchner and Samantha Power, also reject the ICRC's definitional canon. The unsettled boundaries of what properly constitutes humanitarianism brings a number of difficult questions to the surface, including:

•

Should relief be provided even if it could prolong a conflict, or could indirectly assist a belligerent, or possibly identify the relief giver with a government's political ends? And should the nature of those ends influence relief efforts?

•

Should relief agencies also assist in addressing the causes of humanitarian emergencies by joining in efforts to resolve a conflict, foster economic development, rebuild state institutions, and strengthen the protection of human rights?

•

Should such agencies accept funds from governments where governments specify how the funds are to be used?

•

Where necessary, should they advocate armed intervention to protect their personnel as well as the recipients of their aid?

•

In terms of the way they organize and structure themselves, should nonprofit agencies dedicated to humanitarian relief follow private-sector models?

•

Can organizations dedicated to the effective provision of emergency relief pursue that end without creating a culture of dependence, without discouraging local initiative, and without violating the liberal “right” to participate in life-shaping decisions?

•

Finally, how does humanitarianism relate to human rights, the other leading expression of what I would call “the humanitarian impulse”?
Limiting the Killing in War: Military Necessity and the St. Petersburg Assumption
Authors: Dill Janina , Shue Henry
Published: September 2012

This article suggests that the best available normative framework for guiding conduct in war rests on categories that do not echo the terms of an individual rights-based morality, but acknowledge the impossibility of rendering warfare fully morally justified. Avoiding the undue moralization of conduct in war is an imperative for a normative framework that strives to actually give behavioral guidance to combatants, most of whom will inevitably be ignorant of the moral status of the individuals they encounter on the battlefield and will often be uncertain or mistaken about the justice of their own cause. We identify the requirement of military necessity, applied on the basis of what we refer to as the “St. Petersburg assumption”, as the main principle according to which a combatant should act, regardless of which side or in which battlefield encounter she finds herself. This pragmatic normative framework enjoys moral traction for three reasons: first, in the circumstances of war it protects human life to a certain extent; second, it makes no false claims about the moral justification of individual conduct in combat operations; and, third, it fulfills morally important functions of law. However, the criterion of military necessity interpreted on the basis of the St. Petersburg assumption does not directly replicate fundamental moral prescriptions about the preservation of individual rights.
Long-run fiscal dominance in Argentina, 1875–1990
Authors: Gadea María Dolores , Sabaté Marcela , Sanz Isabel
Published: September 2012

For most of the twentieth century, Argentina solved the macroeconomic policy trilemma through domestic monetary sovereignty. This article illustrates how the need to finance deficits was behind Argentine sovereignty. We test the hypothesis of fiscal dominance between 1875 and the approval of the Austral Plan in 1991 and find that deficits drove money creation in the long run. The article also reveals how fiscal dominance, in a scenario of increasing currency substitution, helps to explain the dynamics of Argentine inflation in the second half of the twentieth century.
ENDOGENOUSLY SEGMENTED ASSET MARKET IN AN INVENTORY-THEORETIC MODEL OF MONEY DEMAND
Authors: Chiu Jonathan
Published: September 2012

This paper studies the effects of monetary policy in an inventory-theoretic model of money demand. In this model, agents keep inventories of money, despite the fact that money is dominated in rate of return by interest-bearing assets, because they must pay a fixed cost to transfer funds between the asset market and the goods market. In contrast to exogenous segmentation models in the literature, the timing of money transfers is endogenous. As a result, the model endogenizes the degree of market segmentation as well as the magnitudes of liquidity effects, price sluggishness, and the variability of velocity. I first show that the endogenous segmentation model can generate the positive long-run relationship between money growth and velocity observed in the data, which the exogenous segmentation model fails to capture. I also show that the short-run effects of money shocks on prices, inflation, and nominal interest rates are not robust.
REPLICATOR DYNAMIC LEARNING IN MUTH'S MODEL OF PRICE MOVEMENTS
Authors: Guse Eran A. , Carton Joel
Published: September 2012

We investigate the stability properties of Muth's model of price movements when agents choose a production level using replicator dynamic learning. It turns out that when there is a discrete set of possible production levels, possible stable states and stability conditions differ between adaptive learning and replicator dynamic learning.
The Accommodation Experiences of Older Gypsies and Travellers: Personalisation of Support and Coalition Policy
Authors: Hodges Nicky , Cemlyn Sarah
Published: September 2012

This article reports on a study exploring the accommodation experiences of older Gypsies and Travellers and how specialist Supporting People services can enhance their wellbeing and social inclusion. The findings suggest that through development of pro-active, culturally appropriate services, flexible, tailored support and joint working, these services have contributed to their users’ wellbeing. Cuts to Supporting People funding pose a serious threat, especially in the context of loss of other services and changes to accommodation policy under the banner of localism. Targeted funding to sustain these specialist services could be important to redress risks of further marginalisation of Gypsy/Traveller communities.
Who’ll Stop the Rain? Allocating Emissions Allowances for Free: Environmental Policy, Economics, and WTO Subsidy Law
Authors: Rubini Luca , Jegou Ingrid
Published: September 2012

This article investigates the environmental and economic impact of the free allocation of emissions allowances in Emissions Trading Schemes (ETSs) as well as its compatibility with trade law. Free allocation can facilitate the industry’s gradual adjustment to an ETS and hence boost its acceptability. At the same time, however, the article shows that the economic and environmental benefits of free allocation are debatable. Moreover, the practice of free allocation possibly contravenes WTO law. The conclusion that free allowances may constitute an objectionable subsidy under WTO subsidy disciplines raises questions of law reform. Should the ETS be reformed to fit conventional trade imperatives, or should trade law be rethought so as to be responsive to contemporary environmental protection strategies? The article argues that, considering the questionable benefits of free allocation, any adjustment to trade law should be narrow and temporary.
Spectral width of premonsoon and monsoon clouds over Indo‐Gangetic valley
Authors: Prabha Thara V. , Patade S. , Pandithurai G. , Khain A. , Axisa D. , Pradeep‐Kumar P. , Maheshkumar R. S. , Kulkarni J. R. , Goswami B. N.
Published: September 2012

The combined effect of humidity and aerosol on cloud droplet spectral width (σ) in continental monsoon clouds is a topic of significant relevance for precipitation and radiation budgets over monsoon regions. The droplet spectral width in polluted, dry premonsoon conditions and moist monsoon conditions observed near the Himalayan Foothills region during Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement EXperiment (CAIPEEX) is the focus of this study. Here σis small in premonsoon clouds developing from dry boundary layers. This is attributed to numerous aerosol particles and the absence/suppression of collision‐coalescence during premonsoon. For polluted and dry premonsoon clouds,σ is constant with height. In contrast to premonsoon clouds, σ in monsoon clouds increases with height irrespective of whether they are polluted or clean. The mean radius of polluted monsoon clouds is half that of clean monsoon clouds. In monsoon clouds, both mean radius and σ decreased with total cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC). The spectral widths of premonsoon clouds were independent of total droplet number concentrations, but both σ and mean radius decreased with small droplet (diameter < 20 μm) number concentrations in the diluted part of the cloud. Observational evidence is provided for the formation of large droplets in the adiabatic regions of monsoon clouds. The number concentration of small droplets is found to decrease in the diluted cloud volumes that may be characterized by various spectral widths or mean droplet radii.
Melting and refreezing beneath Roi Baudouin Ice Shelf (East Antarctica) inferred from radar, GPS, and ice core data
Authors: Pattyn F. , Matsuoka K. , Callens D. , Conway H. , Depoorter M. , Docquier D. , Hubbard B. , Samyn D. , Tison J. L.
Published: September 2012

Ice‐penetrating radar profiles across the grounding line of a small ice‐rise promontory located within the Roi Baudouin Ice Shelf in the Dronning Maud Land sector of East Antarctica show downward dipping englacial radar‐detected reflectors. Model results indicate that this reflector pattern is best fit by including basal melting of at least 15 cm a−1. This rate of melting is low compared with rates observed on larger ice shelves in both West and East Antarctica. Ice cores extracted from a rift system close to the ice‐rise promontory show several meters of marine ice accreted beneath the shelf. These observations of low rates of basal melting, and limited distribution of accreted marine ice suggest that either Antarctic surface water may reach the ice shelf base or that circulation beneath the shelf is likely dominated by the production of high salinity shelf water rather than the incursion of circumpolar deep water, implying a weak sub‐shelf circulation system here. Many of the ice shelves located along the coast of Dronning Maud Land are, like Roi Baudouin Ice Shelf, characterized by frequent ice rises and promontories. Therefore, it is highly likely that these are also of shallow bathymetry and are subject to similarly weak side‐shelf basal melting and refreezing.
Hydromorphological implications of local tributary widening for river rehabilitation
Authors: Leite Ribeiro M. , Blanckaert K. , Roy A. G. , Schleiss A. J.
Published: September 2012

The hydromorphological implications of the local widening of a tributary where it enters a confluence were investigated in a laboratory setting that is representative of the 20 major confluences on the channelized Upper Rhone River. Although local tributary widening reduces the confluence angle, it amplifies the hydromorphosedimentary processes in the confluence hydrodynamic zone (CHZ), because local widening reduces the effective flow area, causing increased tributary velocities and momentum flux. The reduction in effective flow area is caused by an increase in bed elevation and by lateral constriction of the flow induced by flow stagnation at the upstream corner of the confluence. The increased tributary velocities amplify the two‐layer flow structure in the CHZ. Flow originating from the tributary is confined to the upper part of the water column and is more markedly directed outward than flow in the lower part of the water column originating from the main channel. A shear layer characterized by increased turbulence activity develops at the interface between the two flow layers. The increased tributary velocities enhance bed discordance, the penetration of the tributary into the CHZ and the channel bed gradients in the postconfluence channel. The results indicate that local tributary widening can enhance heterogeneity in sediment substrate, flow velocities and flow depths. Widening may therefore enhance local habitat and improve the connectivity of the tributary to the main river network. This may, in turn, provide favorable conditions for the improvement and reestablishment of ecological river functions, without having adverse impact on flood safety.
Characterizing the effect of mantle source, subduction input and melting in the Fonualei Spreading Center, Lau Basin: Constraints on the origin of the boninitic signature of the back‐arc lavas
Authors: Escrig S. , Bézos A. , Langmuir C. H. , Michael P. J. , Arculus R.
Published: September 2012

New major element, trace element and Pb‐Sr‐Nd isotope data for glasses from the Fonualei Spreading Center (FSC) constrain the genesis of back‐arc basin basalts and the origins of boninites. The FSC is an end‐member for global back‐arc lavas in terms of low Ti8.0 and Na8.0, and contains lavas with a boninitic signature. Latitudinal variations reveal a correspondence in location between back‐arc and adjacent arc volcanism. The locations of spikes in subduction input and positive bathymetric anomalies along the FSC correspond to the projected location of the arc volcanoes, likely reflecting 3‐D convective structure of the mantle wedge. Non‐mobile trace elements in arc and back‐arc lavas reveal an increasing proportion northward of a re‐enriched refractory mantle source, which is supported by isotope data. Quantitative modeling constrains the extents of melting, fraction of enriched mantle and subduction input. For the FSC, extents of melting are exceptionally large. We show a general relationship between extent of melting, subduction input and distance from the arc that applies to both the Eastern Lau Spreading Center and the FSC segment closer to the arc. In the center of the FSC where the arc volcanism is captured by the back‐arc, exceptionally high subduction input and even greater extents of melting are observed, producing melts with boninitic signature. Boninitic samples require the juxtaposition of high subduction input and refractory mantle, leading to large integrated extents of melting, an occurrence that can be produced by multiple causes.
Downhole variation of lithium and oxygen isotopic compositions of oceanic crust at East Pacific Rise, ODP Site 1256
Authors: Gao Y. , Vils F. , Cooper K. M. , Banerjee N. , Harris M. , Hoefs J. , Teagle D. A. H. , Casey J. F. , Elliott T. , Laverne C. , Alt J. C. , Muehlenbachs K.
Published: September 2012

Bulk rock lithium and oxygen isotope compositions from ODP Site 1256 were analyzed to investigate the seawater circulation in the upper oceanic crust formed at the East Pacific Rise (EPR). The upper extrusive basalts have δ18O values from +6.1‰ to +9.2‰, reflecting alteration of oceanic crust by seawater at low temperatures (<200–250°C). Bulk rocks from the sheeted dike complex and plutonic section have overall lower δ18O values (+3.0‰–+5.5‰). In the sheeted dike complex bulk rock δ18O values gradually decrease with depth, and then increase toward the fresh MORB δ18O value after reaching a minimum of +3.0‰ at ∼1350 m below seafloor (mbsf). The entire sampled crust is dominated by rocks with low lithium contents relative to fresh MORBs except for a few localized Li enrichment. The upper volcanic zone is characterized by a spread of δ7Li from low to high values relative to average unaltered MORB values (δ7Li = +3.4 ± 1.4‰). The presence of rocks with low δ7Li values in the upper crust most likely indicates zones of upwelling of relatively hot (∼200–250°C) hydrothermal fluids. In the sheeted dike complex, bulk rock δ7Li values show wide range of variation, but exhibit a general trend from enriched to depleted values at ∼1280 mbsf and then return to that for fresh MORB within the upper tens of meters of the plutonic section at the bottom of the after reaching a minimum at ∼1350 mbsf (δ7Li = −1.6‰). The downhole pattern of δ7Li principally reflects variations in water‐rock ratio (w/r) together with a downhole increase of temperature. Seawater flow in the upper volcanic zone is likely to be channeled with generally small but variable w/r ratios. The w/r ratios increase rapidly with depth in the lower volcanic section into the sheeted dike complex indicating water dominated pervasive hydrothermal flow due to intensive upwelling of hydrothermal fluids.
Variations in sediment transport at the central Argentine continental margin during the Cenozoic
Authors: Gruetzner Jens , Uenzelmann‐Neben Gabriele , Franke Dieter
Published: September 2012

The construction of the sedimentary cover at most passive continental margins includes gravitational downslope transport and along‐slope contourite deposition, which are controlled by tectonics, climate and oceanography. At the eastern continental margin of Argentina the history of deposition and erosion is intimately linked to the evolution of the South Atlantic and its water masses. Here we present a detailed seismic investigation of the mixed depositional system located between 41°S and 45°S. The study provides a northward complement to prior investigations from the southern Argentine margin and together with these may be used as background information for future ocean drilling in the region. Prominent features in our seismic cross sections are submarine canyons, mass wasting deposits, contourite channels, and sediment drifts. Four major seismic units above regional reflector PLe (∼65 Ma) are separated by distinct unconformities of regional extent. Using a dense grid of reflection seismic profiles, we mapped the depocenter geometries of the seismic units and derived a chronology of the depositional processes during the Cenozoic. While the Paleocene/Eocene (∼65–34 Ma) is characterized by hemipelagic sedimentation under relatively sluggish bottom water conditions, strong Antarctic bottom water (AABW) circulation led to widespread erosion on the slope and growth of a detached sediment drift during the Oligocene and early Miocene (∼34–17 Ma). After deposition of an aggradational seismic unit interpreted to represent the Mid‐Miocene climatic optimum (∼17–14 Ma), gravitational downslope sediment transport increased during the middle to late Miocene (∼14–6 Ma) possibly related to tectonic uplift in South America. The Pliocene to Holocene unit (<∼6 Ma) is very heterogeneous and formed by interactions of downslope and along‐slope sediment transport processes as indicated by the evolution of canyons, slope plastered drifts and channels.
In situ water vapor and ozone measurements in Lhasa and Kunming during the Asian summer monsoon
Authors: Bian Jianchun , Pan Laura L. , Paulik Laura , Vömel Holger , Chen Hongbin , Lu Daren
Published: September 2012

The Asian summer monsoon (ASM) anticyclone circulation system is recognized to be a significant transport pathway for water vapor and pollutants to enter the stratosphere. The observational evidence, however, is largely based on satellite retrievals. We report the first coincident in situ measurements of water vapor and ozone within the ASM anticyclone. The combined water vapor and ozonesondes were launched from Kunming, China in August 2009 and Lhasa, China in August 2010. In total, 11 and 12 sondes were launched in Kunming and Lhasa, respectively. We present the key characteristics of these measurements, and provide a comparison to similar measurements from an equatorial tropical location, during the Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling (TC4) campaign in July and August of 2007. Results show that the ASM anticyclone region has higher water vapor and lower ozone concentrations in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere than the TC4 observations. The results also show that the cold point tropopause in the ASM region has a higher average height and potential temperature. The in situ observations therefore support the satellite‐based conclusion that the ASM is an effective transport pathway for water vapor to enter stratosphere.
Sensitivity and response of Bhutanese glaciers to atmospheric warming
Authors: Rupper Summer , Schaefer Joerg M. , Burgener Landon K. , Koenig Lora S. , Tsering Karma , Cook Edward R.
Published: September 2012

Glacierized change in the Himalayas affects river‐discharge, hydro‐energy and agricultural production, and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood potential, but its quantification and extent of impacts remains highly uncertain. Here we present conservative, comprehensive and quantitative predictions for glacier area and meltwater flux changes in Bhutan, monsoonal Himalayas. In particular, we quantify the uncertainties associated with the glacier area and meltwater flux changes due to uncertainty in climate data, a critical problem for much of High Asia. Based on a suite of gridded climate data and a robust glacier melt model, our results show that glacier area and meltwater change projections can vary by an order of magnitude for different climate datasets. However, the most conservative results indicate that, even if climate were to remain at the present‐day mean values, almost 10% of Bhutan's glacierized area would vanish and the meltwater flux would drop by as much as 30%. Under the conservative scenario of an additional 1°C regional warming, glacier retreat is going to continue until about 25% of Bhutan's glacierized area will have disappeared and the annual meltwater flux, after an initial spike, would drop by as much as 65%.
Comparing VHF coherent scatter from the radar aurora with incoherent scatter and all‐sky auroral imagery
Authors: Hysell D. , Miceli R. , Munk J. , Hampton D. , Heinselman C. , Nicolls M. , Powell S. , Lynch K. , Lessard M.
Published: September 2012

VHF coherent scatter radar observations of an auroral substorm over Alaska are analyzed in the context of multibeam incoherent scatter plasma density and drifts data and green‐line all‐sky optical imagery. Coherent scatter arises from Farley Buneman waves which are excited in theEregion whenever the convection electric field is greater than about 20 mV/m. Aperture synthesis radar imaging and other aspects of the methodology facilitate the precise spatial registration of the coherent scatter with coincident optical and incoherent scatter radar measurements. Discrete auroral arcs were found to separate diffuse regions of coherent backscatter and, sometimes, to align with the boundaries of those regions. At other times, auroral arcs and torches lined up adjacent to discrete, structured regions or radar backscatter. Drastic variations in the Doppler shifts of the coherent scatter from one side of the auroral forms to the other suggest the presence of field‐aligned currents. An empirical formula based on previous studies but adapted to account approximately for the effects of wave turning was used to estimate the convection electric field from the moments of the coherent scatter Doppler spectra. Line‐of‐sightF region plasma drift measurements from the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) were found to be in reasonable agreement with these convection field estimates. Reasons why the empirical formulas may be expected to hold are discussed.
Deciphering the role of southern gateways and carbon dioxide on the onset of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Lefebvre Vincent , Donnadieu Yannick , Sepulchre Pierre , Swingedouw Didier , Zhang Zhong‐Shi
Published: September 2012

Growth of Antarctic ice sheet during the Cenozoic 34 million years ago appears as a potential tipping point in the long term cooling trend that began 50 Ma ago. For decades, the onset of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) following the opening of the Drake Passage and of the Tasman Seaway has been suggested as the main driver of the continental‐scale Antarctic glaciation. However, recent modeling works emphasized that the Eocene/Oligocene atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) lowering could be the primary forcing of the Antarctic glaciation, questioning the ACC theory. Here, we investigate the response of the ACC to changes in CO2concentrations occurring from the late Eocene to the late Oligocene. We used a fully coupled atmosphere‐ocean model (FOAM) with a mid‐Oligocene geography. We find that the opening of southern oceanic gateways does not trigger the onset of the ACC for CO2typical of the late Eocene (>840 ppm). A cooler background climatic state such as the one prevalent at the end of the Oligocene is required to simulate a well‐developed ACC. In this cold configuration, the intensified sea‐ice development around Antarctica and the resulting brine formation lead to a strong latitudinal density gradient in the Southern Ocean favoring the compensation of the Ekman transport, and consequently the ACC. Our results imply that the ACC has acted as a feedback rather than as a driver of the global cooling.
Evaluation of flow direction methods against field observations of overland flow dispersion
Authors: Orlandini Stefano , Moretti Giovanni , Corticelli Mauro A. , Santangelo Paolo E. , Capra Alessandro , Rivola Riccardo , Albertson John D.
Published: September 2012

The D8, D8‐LTD, D∞‐LTD, D∞, MD∞, and MD8 flow direction methods are evaluated against field observations of overland flow dispersion obtained from novel experimental methods. Thin flows of cold water were released at selected points on a warmer slope and individual overland flow patterns originating from each of these points were observed using a terrestrial laser scanner and a thermal imaging camera. Land microtopography was determined by using laser returns from the dry land surface, whereas overland flow patterns were determined by using either laser returns or infrared emissions from the wetted portions of the land surface. Planar overland flow dispersion is found to play an important role in the region lying immediately downslope of the point source, but attenuates rapidly as flow propagates downslope. In contrast, existing dispersive flow direction methods are found to provide a continued dispersion with distance downslope. Predicted propagation patterns, for all methods considered here, depend critically on the size h of grid cells involved. All methods are found to be poorly sensitive in extremely fine grids (h ≤ 2 cm), and to be poorly specific in coarse grids (h = 2 m). Satisfactory results are, however, obtained in grids having resolutions h that approach the average flow width (50 cm), with the best performances displayed by the MD8 method in the finest grids (5 ≤ h ≤ 20 cm), and by the MD∞, D∞, and D∞‐LTD methods in the coarsest grids (20 cm < h ≤ 1 m).
The ACE2 gene: its potential as a functional candidate for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Burrell Louise M. , Harrap Stephen B. , Velkoska Elena , Patel Sheila K.
Published: September 2012

The RAS (renin–angiotensin system) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of CVD (cardiovascular disease), and RAS blockade is an important therapeutic strategy in the management of CVD. A new counterbalancing arm of the RAS is now known to exist in which ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) 2 degrades Ang (angiotensin) II, the main effector of the classic RAS, and generates Ang-(1–7). Altered ACE2 expression is associated with cardiac and vascular disease in experimental models of CVD, and ACE2 is increased in failing human hearts and atherosclerotic vessels. In man, circulating ACE2 activity increases with coronary heart disease, as well as heart failure, and a large proportion of the variation in plasma ACE2 levels has been attributed to hereditary factors. The ACE2 gene maps to chromosome Xp22 and this paper reviews the evidence associating ACE2 gene variation with CVD and considers clues to potential functional ACE2 variants that may alter gene expression or transcriptional activity. Studies to date have investigated ACE2 gene associations in hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary artery disease, but the results have been inconsistent. The discrepancies may reflect the sample size of the studies, the gender or ethnicity of subjects, the cardiovascular phenotype or the ACE2 SNP investigated. The frequent observation of apparent sex-dependence might be of special importance, if confirmed. As yet, there are no studies to concurrently assess ACE2 gene polymorphisms and circulating ACE2 activity. Large-scale carefully conducted clinical studies are urgently needed to clarify more precisely the potential role of ACE2 in the CVD continuum.
Impact of Food Intake, Ultrasound Transducer, Breathing Maneuvers and Body Position on Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastometry of the Liver
Authors: Goertz R. , Egger C. , Neurath M. , Strobel D.
Published: September 2012

Purpose: Since acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastometry is an increasingly popular method for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis, we investigated factors possibly influencing hepatic elastometric measurements.

Materials and Methods: 30 healthy volunteers (17 females, 13 males) were recruited. The shear wave velocity of the right liver lobe was determined in a fasting upright and supine position and after different breathing maneuvers with the convex array (4C1) and in a supine position with the linear (9L4) ultrasound transducer. In 18 volunteers, subsequent measurements were obtained in a fasting state and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after ingestion of a standardized breakfast. A group of 8 patients (average age: 76 years) with right heart insufficiency was also evaluated.

Results: In the fasting state, the ARFI shear wave velocities measured in an upright position were significantly higher than those in supine position (p< 0.0001). The supine ARFI values were significantly higher with the linear transducer than with the convex transducer (p = 0.0034). The results in deep inspiration, deep expiration and during Valsalva maneuver showed no differences. The food intake-related ARFI elastometric measurements were significantly elevated at time points 30 min (p = 0.019) and 60 min (p = 0.036) postprandial. In right heart insufficiency, the ARFI values were elevated.

Conclusion: Hepatic ARFI elastometry is a well evaluated method. A standardized examination should include measuring in a supine position with the convex transducer (4C1) without specific breathing maneuvers. Since ARFI elastometry values increase after food intake, measurements should be performed in the fasting state, or not earlier than 2 hours postprandially. Heart dysfunction may impair ARFI accuracy.
Interdisciplinary Consensus Recommendations for the use of Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy under Sonographic Guidance: First update 2012
Authors: Hahn M. , Krainick-Strobel U. , Toellner T. , Gissler J. , Kluge S. , Krapfl E. , Peisker U. , Duda V. , Degenhardt F. , Sinn H. , Wallwiener D. , Gruber I. ,   In cooperation with the Minimally Invasive Breast Intervention Study Group (AG MiMi) of the German Society of Senology (DGS),   and the Study Group for Breast Ultrasonography of the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM)
Published: September 2012

Purpose: The vacuum biopsy of the breast under sonographic guidance (VB) was introduced in Germany in the year 2000 and the first consensus recommendations were published by Krainick-Strobel et al. in 2005. Since then, many clinical studies on this technique have been published. The purpose of this publication is to update the consensus recommendations from 2005 regarding the latest literature.

Materials and Methods: The consensus statements were the result of two preliminary meetings after the review of the latest literature by members of the Minimally Invasive Breast Intervention Study Group from the German Society of Senology. The final consensus text was review by all members of the working group. The statements listed under results obtained complete acceptance (consensus 100 %).

Results: The consensus recommendations describe the indications, investigator qualifications, technical requirements, documentation, quality assurance and follow-up intervals regarding the latest literature.

Conclusion: The VB is a safe method for extracting breast tissue for histological workup. The technique allows the resection of breast tissue up to 8 cm3. Besides the diagnostic indications, the method qualifies for a therapeutic resection of symptomatic benign lesions (e. g. fibroadenomas). The technique should be used in specialized breast centers working in a multidisciplinary setup. This paper is an expert’s recommendation for the use of VB under sonographic guidance. It is not formulated as a nationwide guideline.
An EFSUMB Introduction into Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (DCE-US) for Quantification of Tumour Perfusion
Authors: Dietrich C. , Averkiou M. , Correas J.-M. , Lassau N. , Leen E. , Piscaglia F.
Published: September 2012

Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (DCE-US) is an imaging technique that utilizes microbubble contrast agents in diagnostic ultrasound. The EFSUMB guidelines published in 2004, updated in 2008 and 2011 focused on the use of DCE-US, including essential technical requirements, training, investigational procedures and steps, guidance on image interpretation, established and recommended clinical indications and safety considerations. However the quantification of images acquired with ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) is not discussed in the guidelines. The purpose of this EFSUMB document is to provide some recommendations and descriptions of the quantification of ultrasound images, technical requirements for analysis of time-intensity curves (TICs), methodology for data analysis, and interpretation of the results.
BRINGING THE DEMOS BACK IN
Authors: Antonsich Marco
Published: September 2012

The creation of a EUropean demos is often debated by referring to forms of ethnic or civic identities. The present article aims to expose the theoretical shortcomings of this dichotomous approach, which confines the complexity of EUrope within a simplifying methodological nationalism. By relying on empirical data collected in four different EUropean regions, the article points to the relevance of a functional or utilitarian rationale which EUropean interviewees use to justify the existence of EUrope. Although this rationale does not obliterate cultural and civic narrations of EUrope, I would argue that it invites to reconsider the traditional role played by identities in the construction of political institutions. Accordingly, I believe that scholars should take more seriously the metaphor ‘EUrope as a laboratory’ – a convenient, but often empty metaphor.
Epitaxial silicene: can it be strongly strained?
Authors: Le Lay G , De Padova P , Resta A , Bruhn T , Vogt P
Published: September 2012

The possibility to synthesize honeycomb silicene has recently been demonstrated upon providing compelling evidence through the combination of complementary experimental results and density functional theory calculations (Vogt et al 2012 Phys. Rev.
Lett.
108 155501). In this case silicene is grown on Ag(1 1 1) substrates and shows a nearest neighbour distance of two Si atoms of ∼0.23 nm in agreement with theoretical results for free-standing silicene. In another publication from another group of authors a different silicene arrangement has been claimed previously, where the silicene sheet is strongly compressed with a Si–Si distance amounting to only 0.19 nm (Lalmi et al 2010 Appl. Phys. Lett.
97 223109). This has led to the fundamental question whether silicene could support such a large compressive strain. We will show that the apparent contradictions in the literature can be explained based on a thorough analysis, which reveals that the pure Ag(1 1 1) surface can mimic a honeycomb structure, which could easily be misinterpreted as a strained silicene layer. Our discussion will show that there is no evidence for the existence of such strong compressively strained silicene layers.