bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Extended Extinction from Gold Nanopillar Arrays on the Absorbance Spectrum of a Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Tsai Shu-Ju , Ballarotto Mihaela , Kan Hung-Chih , Phaneuf Raymond
Published: February 2015

We report on the effects of enhanced absorption/scattering from arrays of Au nanopillars of varied size and spacing on the spectral response of a P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cell. Nanopillar array-patterned devices do show increased optical extinction within a narrow range of wavelengths compared to control samples without such arrays. The measured external quantum efficiency and calculated absorbance, however, both show a decrease near the corresponding wavelengths. Numerical simulations indicate that for relatively narrow nanopillars, the increased optical extinction is dominated by absorption within the nanopillars, rather than scattering, and is likely dissipated by Joule heating.
Deep Sediment-Sourced Methane Contribution to Shallow Sediment Organic Carbon: Atwater Valley, Texas-Louisiana Shelf, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Coffin Richard , Osburn Christopher , Plummer Rebecca , Smith Joseph , Rose Paula , Grabowski Kenneth
Published: February 2015

Coastal methane hydrate deposits are globally abundant. There is a need to understand the deep sediment sourced methane energy contribution to shallow sediment carbon relative to terrestrial sources and phytoplankton. Shallow sediment and porewater samples were collected from Atwater Valley, Texas-Louisiana Shelf, Gulf of Mexico near a seafloor mound feature identified in geophysical surveys as an elevated bottom seismic reflection. Geochemical data revealed off-mound methane diffusion and active fluid advection on-mound. Gas composition (average methane/ethane ratio ~11,000) and isotope ratios of methane on the mound (average δ13CCH4(g) = −71.2‰; D14CCH4(g) = −961‰) indicate a deep sediment, microbial source. Depleted sediment organic carbon values on mound (δ13CSOC = −25.8‰; D14CSOC = −930‰) relative to off-mound (δ13CSOC = −22.5‰; D14CSOC = −629‰) suggest deep sourced ancient carbon is incorporated into shallow sediment organic matter. Porewater and sediment data indicate inorganic carbon fixed during anaerobic oxidation of methane is a dominant contributor to on-mound shallow sediment organic carbon cycling. A simple stable carbon isotope mass balance suggests carbon fixation of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) associated with anaerobic oxidation of hydrate-sourced CH4 contributes up to 85% of shallow sediment organic carbon.
The Periconceptional Environment and Cardiovascular Disease: Does In Vitro Embryo Culture and Transfer Influence Cardiovascular Development and Health?
Authors: Padhee Monalisa , Zhang Song , Lie Shervi , Wang Kimberley , Botting Kimberley , McMillen I. , MacLaughlin Severence , Morrison Janna
Published: February 2015

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) have revolutionised reproductive medicine; however, reports assessing the effects of ARTs have raised concerns about the immediate and long-term health outcomes of the children conceived through ARTs. ARTs include manipulations during the periconceptional period, which coincides with an environmentally sensitive period of gamete/embryo development and as such may alter cardiovascular development and health of the offspring in postnatal life. In order to identify the association between ARTs and cardiovascular health outcomes, it is important to understand the events that occur during the periconceptional period and how they are affected by procedures involved in ARTs. This review will highlight the emerging evidence implicating adverse cardiovascular outcomes before and after birth in offspring conceived through ARTs in both human and animal studies. In addition, it will identify the potential underlying causes and molecular mechanisms responsible for the congenital and adult cardiovascular dysfunctions in offspring whom were conceived through ARTs.
Complete Genome Analysis of a Rabbit Rotavirus Causing Gastroenteritis in a Human Infant
Authors: Bonica Melisa , Zeller Mark , Van Ranst Marc , Matthijnssens Jelle , Heylen Elisabeth
Published: February 2015

Group A rotaviruses (RVA) are responsible for causing infantile diarrhea both in humans and animals. The molecular characteristics of lapine RVA strains are only studied to a limited extent and so far G3P[14] and G3P[22] were found to be the most common G/P-genotypes. During the 2012-2013 rotavirus season in Belgium, a G3P[14] RVA strain was isolated from stool collected from a two-year-old boy. We investigated whether RVA/Human-wt/BEL/BE5028/2012/G3P[14] is completely of lapine origin or the result of reassortment event(s). Phylogenetic analyses of all gene segments revealed the following genotype constellation: G3-P[14]-I2-R2-C2-M3-A9-N2-T6-E5-H3 and indicated that BE5028 probably represents a rabbit to human interspecies transmission able to cause disease in a human child. Interestingly, BE5028 showed a close evolutionary relationship to RVA/Human-wt/BEL/B4106/2000/G3P[14], another lapine-like strain isolated in a Belgian child in 2000. The phylogenetic analysis of the NSP3 segment suggests the introduction of a bovine(-like) NSP3 into the lapine RVA population in the past 12 years. Sequence analysis of NSP5 revealed a head-to-tail partial duplication, combined with two short insertions and a deletion, indicative of the continuous circulation of this RVA lineage within the rabbit population.
Espace rural et restructuration foncière dans la moyenne montagne et les plateaux de Haute-Provence (Rural area and landowner holding consolidation in the middle mountain and the plateaus of Haute Provence)
Authors: Durbiano Claudine , de Reparaz André
Published: February 2015

Résumé. - Dans des conditions physiques et humaines difficiles et d'une grande diversité, la restructuration foncière en moyenne montagne doit utiliser des procédures très distinctes. Le remembrement a pris ici des formes originales : remembrement classique sur des portions de communes, remembrement simplifié dans les zones silvo-pastorales très extensives, remembrement-aménagement tenant compte du tourisme. Les procédures plus spécifiquement montagnardes accusent un retard certain dans leur application (une seule A. F. P. et un Z.A.F. seulement). Le meilleur choix des procédures ne peut se faire de façon satisfaisante qu'après une pré-étude d'aménagement foncier permettant l'utilisation simultanée et coordonnée des diverses procédures au niveau intra et inter communal.
La restructuration foncière en Aquitaine du Nord (Consolidation of farmland in the north of french Aquitaine)
Authors: Roudié Philippe
Published: February 2015

Abstract. - The regrouping of farmlands in the North of the province of Aquitaine began only around 1960 and has affected 16% of the productive land. Even though the farmers concerned recognize the benefits of this practice, it has been almost totally abandoned. Discouraged financially, technically and psychologically they now prefer taking advantage of the numerous opportunities and new legal means available to them to get access to land. The reshaping of farming concerns has been more efficiently completed by lands left vacant by the I. V.D. (Indemnité Viagère de Départ), or bought up by the SA.F.E.R. (Société d'Aménagement Fonder et d'Etablissement Rural), the sale of parcels of land by private agreement or tenant farming.
Les modes de faire-valoir en France (1950- 1980). Tendance générale et mouvements particuliers (General and particular trends in farming economy in France, 1950-1980)
Authors: Rey Violette
Published: February 2015

Abstract. - A multiple regression model using general socio-economic datas, and not only agricultural datas, shows general trends in farming economy changes, and allows to separate areas the behaviour of wich is particular.
Érosion des sols et colonisation grecque en Sicile et en Grande Grèce (Soil erosion and greek colonization in Sicily and great Greece)
Authors: Neboit R.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. - In Sicily and Basilicata there is a low alluvial terrace of the first millenary B.C. It results from soil erosion induced by reduction of vegetation cover and bad agricultural pratices, following the greek colonization. It is perhaps a consequence of the constitution of wide chora by cities, wich has competed the natives to withdraw in the hills and mountains of the interior.
L'homme et le milieu en Pouille, au début du Moyen Age (Man and his environment in Apulia, at the beginning of the middle-ages)
Authors: Martin Jean-Marie
Published: February 2015

Résumé. - Description des diverses régions de la Pouille et de la Basilicate orientale, après l'effondrement de l'organisation romaine à l'époque de l'invasion lombarde : population (faible), habitat, agriculture, végétation spontanée des zones incultes.
La sismicité vécue par les sociétés antiques : du phénomène naturel intégré à l'histoire, à l'événement fictif (How greek and roman societies lived with earthquakes : from natural phenomena in connection with history to fictions)
Authors: Bousquet Bernard , Dufaure Jean-Jacques , Péchoux Pierre-Yves
Published: February 2015

Abstract. - In comparison with the effects of present earthquakes (e.g. febr- march 1981), the descriptions of the earthquakes which occurred in the same unstable region of Central Greece (e.g. 426, 373, Illrd cent. BC) emphasize the great accuracy of the accounts coming from eye-witnesses in the classical ancient times. However, the earthquake was not yet clearly understood, so that it was also regarded by the ancient societies as a supranatural signal introduced in the History (cf. the earthquake of Sparta, in 464 BC) : therefore, some questions arise with regard to the textual criticism, especially in the works of the writers during the late centuries of the Roman Empire, who used to be somewhat less accurate. From actual natural phenomena, such as the tsunami of 365, they can build a fiction.
Ebola in West Africa
Authors: Raka Lul , Guardo Monica
Published: February 2015

Ebola viral disease (EVD) is a severe and life-threatening disease. The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa entered its second year and is unprecedented because it is the largest one in history, involved urban centers and affected a large number of health care workers. It quickly escalated from medical into a humanitarian, social, economic, and security crisis. The primary pillars to prevent EVD are: early diagnosis, isolation of patients, contact tracing and monitoring, safe burials, infection prevention and control and social mobilization. The implementation of all these components was challenged in the field. Key lessons from this Ebola outbreak are that countries with weak health care systems canâ€™t withstand the major outbreaks; preparedness to treat the first confirmed cases is a national emergency; all control measures must be coordinated together and community engagement is the great factor to combat this disease.
Work Demands-Burnout and Job Engagement-Job Satisfaction Relationships: Teamwork as a Mediator and Moderator
Authors: Mijakoski Dragan , Karadzinska-Bislimovska Jovanka , Basarovska Vera , Minov Jordan , Stoleski Sasho , Angeleska Nada , Atanasovska Aneta
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined teamwork as mediator and moderator of work demands-burnout and job engagement-job satisfaction relationships in healthcare workers (HCWs) in South-East Europe.AIM: To assess mediation and moderation effect of teamwork on the relationship between independent (work demands or job engagement) and dependent (burnout or job satisfaction) variables.METHODS: Work demands, burnout, job engagement, and job satisfaction were measured with Hospital Experience Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and Job Satisfaction Survey, respectively. Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture was used for assessment of teamwork. In order to examine role of teamwork as a mediating variable we fit series of regression models for burnout and job satisfaction. We also fit regression models predicting outcome (burnout or job satisfaction) from predictor (work demands or job engagement) and moderator (teamwork) variable.RESULTS: Teamwork was partial mediator of work demands-burnout relationship and full mediator of job engagement-job satisfaction relationship. We found that only job engagement-job satisfaction relationship was moderated by teamwork.CONCLUSIONS: Occupational health services should target detection of burnout in HCWs and implementation of organizational interventions in hospitals, taking into account findings that teamwork predicted reduced burnout and higher job satisfaction.
Internal Mammary Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer - Effects on Disease Prognosis and Therapeutic Protocols - A Case Report
Authors: Stojanoski Sinisa , Ristevska Nevena , Pop-Gjorcheva Daniela , Antevski Borce , Petrushevska Gordana
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND: The main prognostic factor in early staged breast cancer is the axillary lymph node metastatic affection. Sentinel lymph node biopsy, as a staging modality, significantly decreases surgical morbidity. The status of internal mammary lymph nodes gains an increased predictive role in grading breast carcinomas and modulation of postoperative therapeutic protocols. If positive, almost always are associated with worse disease outcome. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of internal mammary lymph node micrometastases has not been up to date precisely defined.Â AIM: To present a case of female patient clinically diagnosed as T1, N0, M0 (clinical TNM) ductal breast carcinoma with scintigraphic detection of internal mammary and axillary sentinel lymph nodes.METHODS: Â Dual method of scintigraphic sentinel lymph node detection using 99mTc-SENTI-SCINT and blue dye injection, intraoperative gamma probe detection, radioguided surgery and intraoperative ex tempore biopsy were used.CASE REPORT: We present a case of clinically T1, N0, M0 ductal breast cancer with scintigraphic detection of internal mammary and axillary sentinel lymph nodes. Intraoperative ex tempore biopsy revealed micrometastases in the internal mammary node and no metastatic involvement of the axillary sentinel lymph node.CONCLUSION: Detection of internal mammary lymph node metastases improves N (nodal) grading of breast cancer by selecting a high risk subgroup of patients that require adjuvant hormone therapy, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
Revenus du travail et emploi atypique, comparaison entre les analyses sociétales et individuelles
Authors: Ghesquière François , Wels Jacques
Published: February 2015

L’objectif de cet article est de comparer la relation entre l’emploi atypique et les revenus du travail aux niveaux sociétal (macro) et individuel (micro). Les données des enquêtes européennes SILC et EFT sont utilisées pour comparer successivement ces deux approches. À partir d’une approche descriptive utilisant des corrélations (macro), nous montrons qu’il n’existe pas de lien entre emploi atypique et revenu du travail. Une forte proportion d’emplois atypiques par pays ne conduit pas à une augmentation (ou une diminution) des inégalités de revenu du travail au sein du pays. Inversement, au niveau micro, on observe dans la majorité des pays européens un lien fort et significatif entre emploi atypique et faiblesse du salaire : les emplois instables ou à temps partiel ont très souvent une faible rémunération. Par le biais d’une régression logistique réalisée pour trois pays (la France, les Pays-Bas et le Royaume-Uni), on met en évidence, non seulement les effets négatifs du travail à temps partiel et de l’emploi instable sur le revenu du travail, mais également l’impact du sexe, du niveau de formation et du secteur d’activité sur le risque d’occuper un emploi à faible revenu.
Influence of Lactobacillus brevis 15 and Lactobacillus plantarum 13 on blood glucose and body weight in rats after high-fructose diet
Authors: Yakovlieva M. , Tacheva T. , Mihaylova S. , Tropcheva R. , Trifonova K. , Toleкova A. , Danova S. , Vlaykova T.
Published: February 2015

In recent years, many authors have investigated the possible antidiabetic effect of lactic acid bacteria. Lactobacillus species constitute a major part of the lactic acid bacteria group and have been found to exhibit beneficial effects on the development of diabetes and its complications. In the current study, we investigated the effects of newly characterised Bulgarian Lactobacillus strains, Lactobacillus brevis 15 and Lactobacillus plantarum 13, on blood glucose levels and body weight of rats fed a fructose-enriched diet. An experiment was conducted over a period of 8 weeks with 24 2-month-old Wistar rats randomly assigned to receive a standard diet (Con, control group), fructose-enriched diet (Fr group), standard diet with probiotics given twice a week (Pro group), and fructose-enriched diet with probiotics given twice a week (Pro+Fr group). At the end of the experimental period, a statistically significant increase in body weight was observed in all experimental groups (P<0.0001). The highest rise was seen in the fructose group (Fr, 169±19 g), followed by the Pro+Fr group (153±15 g), Pro group (149±13 g), and Con group (141±5 g). Moreover, the final blood glucose levels had risen significantly in the groups receiving fructose either without (Fr; P<0.0001) or with lactobacilli (Pro+Fr; P=0.002), while the rise was insignificant in the group of rats given probiotic supplementation only (Pro, P=0.071) and inexistent in the Con group (P=0.999). The highest elevation of blood glucose levels was observed in the Fr group (3.18 mmol/l), followed by the Pro+Fr group (2.00 mmol/l) whereas the Pro group showed the lowest levels (0.60 mmol/l). The results of our study suggest that the newly characterised Bulgarian Lactobacillus strains, L. brevis 15 and L. plantarum 13, could be considered as possible probiotics and might be able to prevent some metabolic disturbances.
Diseases in insects produced for food and feed
Authors: Eilenberg J. , Vlak J.M. , Nielsen-LeRoux C. , Cappellozza S. , Jensen A.B.
Published: February 2015

Increased production of insects on a large scale for food and feed will likely lead to many novel challenges, including problems with diseases. We provide an overview of important groups of insect pathogens, which can cause disease in insects produced for food and feed. Main characteristics of each pathogen group (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protists and nematodes) are described and illustrated, with a selection of examples from the most commonly produced insect species for food and feed. Honeybee and silkworm are mostly produced for other reasons than as human food, yet we can still use them as examples to learn about emergence of new diseases in production insects. Results from a 2014 survey about insect diseases in current insect production systems are presented for the first time. Finally, we give some recommendations for the prevention and control of insect diseases.
Determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins from maize by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry
Authors: Busman M. , Maragos C.M.
Published: February 2015

Direct analysis in real time (DART) ionisation coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) was used for the rapid quantitative analysis of T-2 toxin (T-2) and the related HT-2 toxin (HT-2), extracted from maize. Sample preparation procedures and instrument parameters were optimised to obtain sensitive and accurate determination of the toxins. The lowest calibration levels were 50 μg/kg for T-2 and 300 μg/kg for HT-2. Quantitative analysis was performed with the use of matrix-matched standards employing the13C-labelled internal standard for T-2. DART-MS of maize extracts spiked with T-2 gave a linear response over the range of 50-1000 μg/kg. With the isotope dilution technique, good recoveries (99-110%) and repeatabilities (relative standard deviaiton 7.4-11.6%) were obtained at T-2 spiking levels of 100 and 1000 μg/kg. Adaptability of the developed method was demonstrated by analysis of T-2 and HT-2 from an oat flour quality control material. The results here further indicate the potential for application of ambient ionisation mass spectrometry to provide accurate, convenient quantitation of mycotoxins from grains.
Study on the Path and Mechanism of Evolution of Competitive Advantage of Chinese Auto Enterprises
Authors: Pang Li
Published: February 2015

Based on reviewing resource theory, social capital theory, organizational learning, and technological evolution and related theories, and analyzing of environments that auto mobile enterprises in China face, the authors put forward a conceptual framework of competitive advantage and technology catching up of Independent Brand automobile enterprises in China. The model indicates that market identifying capability, technology identifying capability, resource mobilization (or configuration) capability, and organizational learning are four key components of competitive advantage automobile enterprises in China are pursuing. The four factors jointly affect the performance of latecomer auto enterprises catching up. Then, a validity testing for the model is performed by the practice in Independent Brand automobile enterprises in China. In the end, the authors draw the implications of the model for Chinese independent brand automobile enterprise technology catching up.
Teacher Stress and Anxiety
Authors: Brown Casey M.
Published: February 2015

This chapter illustrates the author's struggle with stress and anxiety associated with the teaching profession. After conversations with colleagues, it is apparent that many teachers drive to and from school with knots in their stomachs, exhausting themselves with worry about students, parents, administrators, state standards, and more. As educators, we search to find balance between our school lives and our “normal” lives. We struggle to take a mental break from our jobs. In this chapter, the author uses a multigenre style to illustrate her anxiety and healing throughout her teaching career. Many authors write about the needs of the student, yet it is also worthwhile to explore the mental health of teachers. Teachers cannot best serve students if teachers cannot first take care of themselves. It is an idea that is often overlooked, and the author hopes this chapter may help educators who have experienced similar issues of anxiety in their careers.
Well Teachers Teach Well
Authors: Metcalf Tammy , Wrocklage-Gonda Liz
Published: February 2015

No matter what field one enters, landing that first job and depositing that first paycheck is like no other feeling in the world. The excitement, anticipation, and demands of any career can be exceptionally challenging, and many people underestimate the toll that work—even meaningful work—can have on one's physical and mental well-being. This underestimation is especially true in the field of education, where many teachers in ever-expanding roles (teacher, mentor, counselor, etc.) work non-stop nine months out of the year only to find themselves physically and perhaps mentally exhausted. This chapter explores the teaching careers of college friends and how they have been able to break the cycle of Work/Exhaust/Repeat by recognizing, modifying, and preventing patterns that are ultimately harmful to their physical and mental well-being and make them less effective as educators.
Líderes latinoamericanos en Twitter. Viejas costumbres para nuevos medios en tiempos de crisis políticas
Authors: Segado-Boj Francisco , Díaz-Campo Jesús , Lloves-Sobrado Beatriz
Published: February 2015

Twitter representa un canal cada vez más importante para la comunicación política, aunque los estudios sobre su uso se han centrado casi exclusivamente en su empleo dentro de un marco cronológico marcado por las campañas electorales. Objetivos. Este artículo aborda el uso de esta herramienta como vehículo para la comunicación por parte de los principales políticos hispanoamericanos. Metodología. Se aplica un análisis de contenido a 688 mensajes publicados por diez políticos durante dos periodos de tiempo diferenciados, uno de ellos marcado por la atención mediática prestada a un escándalo político. Se aplican criterios de tipo de mensaje y direccionalidad del discurso. Resultados y conclusiones. Se concluye que no existe todavía una estrategia común de uso de Twitter en momentos de crisis por parte de los distintos líderes políticos latinoamericanos en el Gobierno y la oposición.
Data Collection Methods in Health Services Research
Authors: Bowles K.-A. , Skinner E.H. , Mitchell D. , Haas R. , Ho M. , Salter K. , May K. , Markham D. , O’Brien L. , Plumb S. , Haines T.P. , Sarkies M.N.
Published: February 2015

Background: Hospital length of stay and discharge destination are important outcome measures in evaluating effectiveness and efficiency of health services. Although hospital administrative data are readily used as a data collection source in health services research, no research has assessed this data collection method against other commonly used methods.

Objective: Determine if administrative data from electronic patient management programs are an effective data collection method for key hospital outcome measures when compared with alternative hospital data collection methods.

Method: Prospective observational study comparing the completeness of data capture and level of agreement between three data collection methods; manual data collection from ward-based sources, administrative data from an electronic patient management program (i.PM), and inpatient medical record review (gold standard) for hospital length of stay and discharge destination. Results: Manual data collection from ward-based sources captured only 376 (69%) of the 542 in-patient episodes captured from the hospital administrative electronic patient management program. Administrative data from the electronic patient management program had the highest levels of agreement with inpatient medical record review for both length of stay (93.4%) and discharge destination (91%) data.

Conclusion: This is the first paper to demonstrate differences between data collection methods for hospital length of stay and discharge destination. Administrative data from an electronic patient management program showed the highest level of completeness of capture and level of agreement with the gold standard of inpatient medical record review for both length of stay and discharge destination, and therefore may be an acceptable data collection method for these measures.

Citation: Sarkies MN, Bowles K-A, Skinner EH, Mitchell D, Haas R, Ho M, Salter K, May K, Markham D, O’Brien L, Plumb S, Haines T.P. Data collection methods in health services research – hospital length of stay and discharge destination. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 96–109

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-10-RA-0097
Prediction of gas/particle partitioning of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in global air: A theoretical study
Authors: Li Y.-F. , Ma W.-L. , Yang M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Gas/particle (G/P) partitioning of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) is an important process that primarily governs their atmospheric fate, long-range atmospheric transport, and their routes of entering the human body. All previous studies on this issue are hypothetically based on equilibrium conditions, the results of which do not predict results from monitoring studies well in most cases. In this study, a steady-state model instead of an equilibrium-state model for the investigation of the G/P partitioning behavior of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was established, and an equation for calculating the partition coefficients under steady state (KPS) of PBDEs (log KPS = log KPE + logα) was developed in which an equilibrium term (log KPE = log KOA + logfOM −11.91 where fOM is organic matter content of the particles) and a non-equilibrium term (log α, caused by dry and wet depositions of particles), both being functions of log KOA (octanol–air partition coefficient), are included. It was found that the equilibrium is a special case of steady state when the non-equilibrium term equals zero. A criterion to classify the equilibrium and non-equilibrium status of PBDEs was also established using two threshold values of log KOA, log KOA1, and log KOA2, which divide the range of log KOA into three domains: equilibrium, non-equilibrium, and maximum partition domain. Accordingly, two threshold values of temperature t, tTH1 when log KOA = log KOA1 and tTH2 when log KOA = log KOA2, were identified, which divide the range of temperature also into the same three domains for each PBDE congener. We predicted the existence of the maximum partition domain (the values of log KPS reach a maximum constant of −1.53) that every PBDE congener can reach when log KOA ≥ log KOA2, or t ≤ tTH2. The novel equation developed in this study was applied to predict the G/P partition coefficients of PBDEs for our Chinese persistent organic pollutants (POPs) Soil and Air Monitoring Program, Phase 2 (China-SAMP-II) program and other monitoring programs worldwide, including in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Arctic, and the results matched well with all the monitoring data, except those obtained at e-waste sites due to the unpredictable PBDE emissions at these sites. This study provided evidence that the newly developed steady-state-based equation is superior to the equilibrium-state-based equation that has been used in describing the G/P partitioning behavior over decades. We suggest that the investigation on G/P partitioning behavior for PBDEs should be based onsteady-state, not equilibrium state, and equilibrium is just a special case of steady-state when non-equilibrium factors can be ignored. We also believe that our new equation provides a useful tool for environmental scientists in both monitoring and modeling research on G/P partitioning of PBDEs and can be extended to predict G/P partitioning behavior for other SVOCs as well.
An attempt at estimating Paris area CO2 emissions from atmospheric concentration measurements
Authors: Bréon F. M. , Broquet G. , Puygrenier V. , Chevallier F. , Xueref-Remy I. , Ramonet M. , Dieudonné E. , Lopez M. , Schmidt M. , Perrussel O. , Ciais P.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric concentration measurements are used to adjust the daily to monthly budget of fossil fuel CO2 emissions of the Paris urban area from the prior estimates established by the Airparif local air quality agency. Five atmospheric monitoring sites are available, including one at the top of the Eiffel Tower. The atmospheric inversion is based on a Bayesian approach, and relies on an atmospheric transport model with a spatial resolution of 2 km with boundary conditions from a global coarse grid transport model. The inversion adjusts prior knowledge about the anthropogenic and biogenic CO2 fluxes from the Airparif inventory and an ecosystem model, respectively, with corrections at a temporal resolution of 6 h, while keeping the spatial distribution from the emission inventory. These corrections are based on assumptions regarding the temporal autocorrelation of prior emissions uncertainties within the daily cycle, and from day to day. The comparison of the measurements against the atmospheric transport simulation driven by the a priori CO2 surface fluxes shows significant differences upwind of the Paris urban area, which suggests a large and uncertain contribution from distant sources and sinks to the CO2 concentration variability. This contribution advocates that the inversion should aim at minimising model–data misfits in upwind–downwind gradients rather than misfits in mole fractions at individual sites. Another conclusion of the direct model–measurement comparison is that the CO2 variability at the top of the Eiffel Tower is large and poorly represented by the model for most wind speeds and directions. The model's inability to reproduce the CO2 variability at the heart of the city makes such measurements ill-suited for the inversion. This and the need to constrain the budgets for the whole city suggests the assimilation of upwind–downwind mole fraction gradients between sites at the edge of the urban area only. The inversion significantly improves the agreement between measured and modelled concentration gradients. Realistic emissions are retrieved for two 30-day periods and suggest a significant overestimate by the AirParif inventory. Similar inversions over longer periods are necessary for a proper evaluation of the optimised CO2 emissions against independent data.
Estimating global and North American methane emissions with high spatial resolution using GOSAT satellite data
Authors: Turner A. J. , Jacob D. J. , Wecht K. J. , Maasakkers J. D. , Biraud S. C. , Boesch H. , Bowman K. W. , Deutscher N. M. , Dubey M. K. , Griffith D. W. T. , Hase F. , Kuze A. , Notholt J. , Ohyama H. , Parker R. , Payne V. H. , Sussmann R. , Velazco V. A. , Warneke T. , Wennberg P. O. , Wunch D.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. We use 2009–2011 space-borne methane observations from the Greenhouse Gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) to constrain global and North American inversions of methane emissions with 4° × 5° and up to 50 km × 50 km spatial resolution, respectively. The GOSAT data are first evaluated with atmospheric methane observations from surface networks (NOAA, TCCON) and aircraft (NOAA/DOE, HIPPO), using the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model as a platform to facilitate comparison of GOSAT with in situ data. This identifies a high-latitude bias between the GOSAT data and GEOS-Chem that we correct via quadratic regression. The surface and aircraft data are subsequently used for independent evaluation of the methane source inversions. Our global adjoint-based inversion yields a total methane source of 539 Tg a−1 and points to a large East Asian overestimate in the EDGARv4.2 inventory used as a prior. Results serve as dynamic boundary conditions for an analytical inversion of North American methane emissions using radial basis functions to achieve high resolution of large sources and provide full error characterization. We infer a US anthropogenic methane source of 40.2–42.7 Tg a−1, as compared to 24.9–27.0 Tg a−1 in the EDGAR and EPA bottom-up inventories, and 30.0–44.5 Tg a−1 in recent inverse studies. Our estimate is supported by independent surface and aircraft data and by previous inverse studies for California. We find that the emissions are highest in the South-Central US, the Central Valley of California, and Florida wetlands, large isolated point sources such as the US Four Corners also contribute. We attribute 29–44% of US anthropogenic methane emissions to livestock, 22–31% to oil/gas, 20% to landfills/waste water, and 11–15% to coal with an additional 9.0–10.1 Tg a−1 source from wetlands.
Continuous-flow IRMS technique for determining the 17O excess of CO2 using complete oxygen isotope exchange with cerium oxide
Authors: Mrozek D. J. , van der Veen C. , Kliphuis M. , Kaiser J. , Wiegel A. A. , Röckmann T.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. This paper presents an analytical system for analysis of all single substituted isotopologues (12C16O17O, 12C16O18O, 13C16O16O) in nanomolar quantities of CO2 extracted from stratospheric air samples. CO2 is separated from bulk air by gas chromatography and CO2 isotope ratio measurements (ion masses 45 / 44 and 46 / 44) are performed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The 17O excess (Δ17O) is derived from isotope measurements on two different CO2 aliquots: unmodified CO2 and CO2 after complete oxygen isotope exchange with cerium oxide (CeO2) at 700 °C. Thus, a single measurement of Δ17O requires two injections of 1 mL of air with a CO2 mole fraction of 390 μmol mol−1 at 293 K and 1 bar pressure (corresponding to 16 nmol CO2 each). The required sample size (including flushing) is 2.7 mL of air. A single analysis (one pair of injections) takes 15 minutes. The analytical system is fully automated for unattended measurements over several days. The standard deviation of the 17O excess analysis is 1.7‰. Multiple measurements on an air sample reduce the measurement uncertainty, as expected for the statistical standard error. Thus, the uncertainty for a group of 10 measurements is 0.58‰ for Δ 17O in 2.5 h of analysis. 100 repeat analyses of one air sample decrease the standard error to 0.20‰. The instrument performance was demonstrated by measuring CO2 on stratospheric air samples obtained during the EU project RECONCILE with the high-altitude aircraft Geophysica. The precision for RECONCILE data is 0.03‰ (1σ) for δ13C, 0.07‰ (1σ) for δ18O and 0.55‰ (1σ) for δ17O for a sample of 10 measurements. This is sufficient to examine stratospheric enrichments, which at altitude 33 km go up to 12‰ for δ17O and up to 8‰ for δ18O with respect to tropospheric CO2 : δ17O ~ 21‰ Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water (VSMOW), δ18O ~ 41‰ VSMOW (Lämmerzahl et al., 2002). The samples measured with our analytical technique agree with available data for stratospheric CO2.
An assessment of the stray-light in 25 years Dobson total ozone data at Athens, Greece
Authors: Christodoulakis J. , Varotsos C. , Cracknell A. P. , Tzanis C. , Neofytos A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of the Dobson spectrophotometer No. 118 to stray-light interference. In this regard, a series of total ozone content measurements were carried out in Athens, Greece for airmass values (μ) extending up to μ = 5. The monochromatic-heterochromatic stray-light derived by Basher's model was used in order to evaluate the specific instrumental parameters which determine if this instrument suffers from this problem or not. The results obtained indicate that the Athens Dobson instrument appears to have an insignificant stray-light error. The comparison of the values of the same parameters measured 15 years ago with the present ones indicates the good maintenance of the Dobson spectrophotometer No. 118. This fact is of crucial importance because the variability of the daily total ozone observations collected by the Athens Dobson Station since 1989 has proved to be representative to the variability of the mean total ozone observed over the whole mid-latitude zone of the Northern Hemisphere. This stresses the point that the Athens total ozone station, being the unique Dobson station in south eastern Europe, may be assumed as a ground-truth station for the reliable conversion of the satellite radiance observations to total ozone measurements.
ASAM v2.7: a compressible atmospheric model with a Cartesian cut cell approach
Authors: Jähn M. , Knoth O. , König M. , Vogelsberg U.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. In this work, the fully compressible, three-dimensional, nonhydrostatic atmospheric model called All Scale Atmospheric Model (ASAM) is presented. A cut cell approach is used to include obstacles and orography into the Cartesian grid. Discretization is realized by a mixture of finite differences and finite volumes and a state limiting is applied. Necessary shifting and interpolation techniques are outlined. The method can be generalized to any other orthogonal grids, e.g., a lat–long grid. A linear implicit Rosenbrock time integration scheme ensures numerical stability in the presence of fast sound waves and around small cells. Analyses of five two-dimensional benchmark test cases from the literature are carried out to show that the described method produces meaningful results with respect to conservation properties and model accuracy. The test cases are partly modified in a way that the flow field or scalars interact with cut cells. To make the model applicable for atmospheric problems, physical parameterizations like a Smagorinsky subgrid-scale model, a two-moment bulk microphysics scheme, and precipitation and surface fluxes using a sophisticated multi-layer soil model are implemented and described. Results of an idealized three-dimensional simulation are shown, where the flow field around an idealized mountain with subsequent gravity wave generation, latent heat release, orographic clouds and precipitation are modeled.
Stress states and moment rates of a two-asperity fault in the presence of viscoelastic relaxation
Authors: Dragoni M. , Lorenzano E.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. A fault containing two asperities with different strengths is considered. The fault is embedded in a viscoelastic shear zone, subject to a constant strain rate by the motions of adjacent tectonic plates. The fault is modelled as a discrete dynamical system where the average values of stress, friction and slip on each asperity are considered. The state of the fault is described by three variables: the slip deficits of the asperities and the viscoelastic deformation. The system has four dynamic modes, for which the analytical solutions are calculated. The relationship between the state of the fault before a seismic event and the sequence of slipping modes in the event is enlightened. Since the moment rate depends on the number and sequence of slipping modes, the knowledge of the source function of an earthquake constrains the orbit of the system in the phase space. If the source functions of a larger number of consecutive earthquakes were known, the orbit could be constrained more and more and its evolution could be predicted with a smaller uncertainty. The model is applied to the 1964 Alaska earthquake, which was the effect of the failure of two asperities and for which a remarkable postseismic relaxation has been observed in the subsequent decades. The evolution of the system after the 1964 event depends on the state from which the event was originated, that is constrained by the observed moment rate. The possible durations of the interseismic interval and the possible moment rates of the next earthquake are calculated as functions of the initial state.
India and the World Economy
Authors: Joshi Vijay , Kapur Devesh
Published: February 2015

The paper aims to analyse three questions which arise naturally in examining India’s closer engagement with the world economy in the last two decades. First, how has it evolved and what is its extent? Second, what is its impact on India? Third, what is its impact on the world? Evolution and Extent: For four decades after independence, India’s economic policies had a marked autarkic bias and by 1990 it had become one of the most closed economies in the world. A major goal of the historic reforms launched in 1991 was to reintegrate the country into the global economy, and there has been a progressive move in this direction Effect on India: In post-independent India, many sceptical voices made dire predictions about the effects of opening up, such as deindustrialisation and destabilisation of the economy, and impoverishment of the people. After opening-up, these alarming prophecies did not materialise. Undesirable features of India’s development, such as inadequate poverty alleviation despite rapid growth, have domestic causes and are not the result of globalisation. Effect on the World: India’s effect on the world economy is growing but has to be seen in the context of China’s simultaneous rapid rise. It is very likely that on all the major contentious global economic issues such as exchange rate coordination, trade liberalisation, and climate change mitigation, global action will have to involve the participation of China and India. For good or ill, China and India will matter in the 21st century both for each other and for the world.
The Genealogical Legitimization of the Naṣrid Dynasty: The Alleged Anṣārī Origins of the Banū Naṣr*
Authors: Boloix-Gallardo Bárbara
Published: February 2015

The fabrication of a distinctly prestigious genealogy was among the measures adopted by the Banū Naṣr to justify their right to govern al-Andalus. Several Arabic textual and epigraphic sources emphasise the Anşārī family origins of the Naşrids, connecting them with Sa‘d b. ‘Ubāda (d. 14/635). This chapter's aim is to trace, link by link, the connection of the eastern Anşār with the Banū Naşr from the sixth to the thirteenth centuries, in order to demonstrate the impossibility of reconstructing a complete genealogical chain, and, therefore, the lack of veracity of the Banū Naşr assertion which effectively legitimated the Naşrid dynasty. Attention will also be paid to the attempted Naşrid claim to the caliphate, a legitimist intention that seems to be confirmed by virtue of having chosen Sa‘d b. ‘Ubāda as their ancestor, since this figure was proclaimed caliph by his tribe upon the death of the prophet Muḥammad.
Jihād as a Means of Political Legitimation in Thirteenth-Century Sharq al-Andalus
Authors: Balbale Abigail Krasner
Published: February 2015

In eastern al-Andalus, the end of Almohad authority initiated a period of fierce clashes among Muslim and Christian rivals. Many of these conflicts were presented as holy war, and the eventual loss of the territory to the Christians means narratives often emphasise interreligious warfare. An examination of one independent Muslim ruler indicates the vital importance the doctrine of jihād played in political legitimation, but also the flexibility of this concept. Muḥammad b. Hūd (r. 625–634/1228–1237) fought to assert ʿAbbāsid authority in al-Andalus, and presented himself as a holy warrior (mujāhid) to secure the support of his subjects but, simultaneously, he allied with Castile against his Muslim rivals, believing that this was a jihād in the name of ʿAbbāsid authority. From this perspective, the great battles of thirteenth-century al-Andalus were not determined solely by religious affiliation, but also by debates over what constituted righteous rule.
Honouring the Prophet's Family: A Comparison of the Approaches to Political Legitimacy of Abū’lḤasan ʿAlī al-Marīnī and Aḥmad al-Manṣūr al-Saʿdī
Authors: Cory Stephen
Published: February 2015

Although the fourteenth century Marīnids openly acknowledged their Berber identity, by the end of the sixteenth century, sharīfian descent had become a requirement for Moroccan rule. This chapter examines the political propaganda of the Marīnid sultan Abū’l-Ḥasan ʿAlī (r. 731–752/1331–1351) and the Saʿdī sultan Aḥmad al-Manṣūr al-Dhahabī (r. 986–1012/1578–1603). It considers similarities and differences between their political propaganda in light of their differing historical circumstances, particularly the relative power of sharīfian movements during their respective reigns, as well as the importance of holy lineages, monarchical treatment of the shurafāʾ, and the role of ceremonies in political legitimation. It argues that the Saʿdī ability to convince Moroccans of their sharīfian lineage connected with a larger trend to equate political power with descent from the Prophet and reinforced their authority. In contrast, the Marīnids contributed to their own downfall through their inconsistent policies towards honouring the shurafāʾ.
ʿAzafid Ceuta, Mawlid al-Nabī and the Development of Marīnid Strategies of Legitimation*
Authors: Brown James A. O. C.
Published: February 2015

This chapter assesses the development of mawlid al-nabī as a public ceremony in Morocco in the thirteenth-fourteenth centuries, from its origin in Ceuta to its subsequent adoption by the Marīnids. Although it is often assumed that the Marīnids adopted existing religious norms to achieve greater religiopolitical credibility, in this case the meaning and significance of mawlid were contested, showing that the development of understandings of legitimacy are not transferred simply from one group to another, but are formed by the process of interaction. Although the adoption of the mawlid is often associated with the growth of Sufism and sharīfism, the development of the festival was also closely related to the reassertion of Mālikī orthodoxy around this period, and was therefore useful for the Marīnids to symbolise their support for a spectrum of religious tendencies. It also allowed for a symbolic assertion of Islamic identity when the reality of growing Christian power created increasing challenges for Muslim rulers.