bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Necrosis Factor Blockade Differentially Affects Innate Inflammatory and Th17 Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: ZIVOJINOVIC SLADJANA M. , PEJNOVIC NADA N. , SEFIK-BUKILICA MIRJANA N. , KOVACEVIC LJILJANA V. , SOLDATOVIC IVAN I. , DAMJANOV NEMANJA S.
Published: December 2011

Objective.

To evaluate the effect of a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor (etanercept) on innate inflammatory and Th17 cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Serum samples were collected from 40 patients with active RA refractory to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs who initiated therapy with etanercept plus methotrexate (MTX). Treatment response was assessed at Week 24 according to the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), TNF-α, IL-32, IL-23, IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-22 were measured in patients with RA and 25 healthy controls.

Results.

Patients with RA had increased levels of IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-32 (p < 0.001), IL-23 (p < 0.001), and a trend toward increased IL-21 in the sera compared to controls. At 24 weeks’ posttreatment, followup serum samples of etanercept responders had decreased levels of IL-6 (p < 0.001) and increased IL-21 (p < 0.05) and IL-32 (p < 0.001), while there were no differences in cytokine levels in non-responders. Serum IL-6 levels were positively correlated with levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.458, p < 0.01), C-reactive protein (r = 0.593, p < 0.01), and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (r = 0.432, p < 0.01) at baseline. Serum IL-21 levels were positively correlated with levels of rheumatoid factor (r = 0.513, r = 0.633, both p < 0.01) and antimutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies (r = 0.515, p < 0.01; r = 0.428, p < 0.05) at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment with etanercept.

Conclusion.

Multiple inflammatory pathways contribute to persistent chronic inflammation in RA. In contrast to nonresponders, etanercept therapy modulated serum cytokine levels and caused a marked decrease of IL-6 levels in responders. IL-21 might be involved in the regulation of autoantibody production in RA.
Migrantes équatoriennes, transsexuelles, prostituées : une construction identitaire au-delà des normes binaires
Authors: Negroni Catherine
Published: December 2011

Migration, genre, prostitution, seront abordés ici à travers le parcours prostitutionnel de transsexuelles équatoriennes lilloises. La fabrication de l’identité transgenre, identité inscrite dans un « vide du genre », se décline comme un processus, où différents univers de référence s’imbriquent : l’homosexualité, la prostitution, la migration. Ce dessein de transmutation de soi, de « conversion de soi » qui se résout dans et par un long travail identitaire, place le transgenre dans une position paradoxale : celle de s’ancrer dans une identité sexuelle désirée devenir presque femme ou celle de rester dans une identité indéterminée qui dans les deux cas inscrit sa vie dans un espace de marginalité et de transgression.
La note de vie scolaire. Tensions autour des principes de justice à l'école
Authors: Gasparini Rachel
Published: December 2011

La note de vie scolaire instaurée en France à la rentrée 2006 dans les collèges est en lien avec la lutte contre la violence à l’école. Les débats à son propos sont révélateurs des tensions actuelles autour des principes de justice entre des professionnels (enseignants, conseiller principal d’éducation, chef d’établissement) qui doivent s’accorder sur la manière d’attribuer la note. Outre les difficultés classiques de l’évaluation, la note de vie scolaire rencontre des obstacles particuliers demandant des arbitrages au cas par cas qui, tout en étant symptomatiques de la tendance actuelle à trouver des réponses locales et personnelles aux problèmes scolaires, peuvent fragiliser le dispositif même.
Rôle de l'objet dans l'organisation psychique des personnalités non névrotiques
Authors: Charbonnier Gilbert
Published: December 2011

Résumé Les derniers écrits de Freud et les apports postkleiniens et postfreudiens ont produit des théorisations qui accordent un rôle à l’objet dans l’organisation psychique des personnalités non névrotiques. Ce rôle se situe dans le passé le plus ancien et l’auteur examine quelles en sont les conséquences pour l’analyste, dans son rôle d’objet de transfert (création d’une expérience de satisfaction, capacité régressive de l’analyste) et pour sa technique (dix propositions techniques sont traitées pour qu’advienne une relation d’échange entre analysant et analyste).
La conceptualisation des symptômes de base dans le processus psychothérapeutique : « objets bizarres » en séance ?
Authors: Tozzi Alessandra Solida
Published: December 2011

Résumé La notion que le début d’une schizophrénie puisse être marqué par une zone d’ombre aux caractéristiques vagues et aspécifiques n’est pas nouvelle dans l’histoire de la psychiatrie. Cependant, la question de son repérage et des traitements adaptés réapparaît dans les débats psychiatriques au cours de ces dernières années. Beaucoup d’efforts sont actuellement déployés pour repérer les phases prodromales à travers des outils très différents pour ce qui est de la conceptualisation dont ils sont issus (psychiatrique, psychologique ou phénoménologique). Il n’est néanmoins pas clair quelle proposition psychothérapeutique pourrait mieux profiter à ces patients, pour qui il est le plus souvent question d’un malaise aspécifique, du registre relationnel et existentiel, et pas encore d’une « maladie » stricto sensu . Dans cet article, à l’aide d’un suivi psychothérapeutique d’un jeune patient à risque de psychose, la question de la psychothérapie des prodromes est esquissée en essayant d’articuler la notion de symptômes de base , concept psychologique issu des travaux de Huber et Gross, avec une compréhension psychanalytique et d’inspiration phénoménologique. Les symptômes de base et leur transformation possible dans le processus psychothérapeutique sont décrits ainsi dans la perspective d’une théorie de la réparation de l’appareil à penser et de l’intersubjectivité de la dyade thérapeutique.
Effraction sexuelle et brisure du soi
Authors: Gennart Michèle
Published: December 2011

Résumé Une agression sexuelle chez un mineur atteint la subjectivité au foyer même de sa constitution bio-psycho-sociale. En prenant appui sur une situation clinique, l’auteur interroge les retentissements d’une telle agression dans l’intimité psychosomatique du sujet, en cherchant à comprendre comment, à partir d’une telle expérience, non seulement des dysfonctionnements corporels surgissent, mais des destinées psychopathologiques graves et chroniques peuvent se façonner. Les mineurs qui ont été traumatisés dans leur intimité psychosomatique auront tendance dans la suite à « enfermer » leur soi hors de toute atteinte. Il s’agit alors de restaurer le lien d’appartenance à l’humain et d’éprouver, à travers les relations familiales, si un authentique espace familier peut se reconstruire. Le traitement intègre ainsi un travail centré sur les liens d’appartenance et un travail centré sur la personne, approchée dans la complexité de son identité incarnée. Il s’agit donc, pour réduire un traumatisme, de travailler à le symboliser, à le réinsérer dans la trame de ce qui peut faire sens, et de restaurer les ressources curatives de l’entourage. Mais il s’agit encore de lui enlever sa prégnance corporelle en soignant les blessures et les douleurs par lesquelles le sujet a « intégré » l’effraction dans son intimité. La coopération concertée des intervenants médicaux, psychothérapeutiques et des familles y est donc essentielle.
Professional Learning in Unlikely Spaces: Social Media and Virtual Communities as Professional Development
Authors: King Kathleen P.
Published: December 2011

In this case study, results demonstrate that an individualâ??s use of social media as professional learning spans understanding, networking, professional identity development, and transformative learning. Specifically, virtual online communities facilitated through social media provide professional networks, social relationships and learning beyond the scope of the individualâ??s usual experience. Case study method reveals strategies, extent, and impact of learning providing insight into this phenomenon. The significance of the research includes purposefully facilitating professional learning through informal learning contexts, including social media and online communities beyond technology-centric fields. Discussion and recommendations include using social media and virtual communities as instructional strategies for graduate studies and continued learning beyond formal education.
Virtual Reality in Engineering Education: The Future of Creative Learning
Authors: Abulrub Abdul-Hadi Ghazi , Attridge Alex , Williams Mark A
Published: December 2011

Virtual reality has achieved an adequate level of development for it to be considered in innovative applications such as education, training, and research in higher education. Virtual reality offers both opportunities and challenges for the educational sector. One of the challenges of virtual reality technology is the costs associated which have been unaffordable for educational institutes. However, in recent years, computer hardware and software development has made it more feasible to incorporate virtual reality technology into future teaching strategies.

Despite the cost challenges, educational benefits of implementing virtual reality remain compelling. This paper explains virtual reality principle and describes the interactive educational environment developed at WMG, the University of Warwick. It also discusses the benefits of using state-of-the-art 3D photorealistic interactive and immersive virtual environment for engineering undergraduates and postgraduate teaching, learning and training.
Teaching European Studies: A Blended Learning Approach
Authors: Christova Alina , Mihai Alexandra
Published: December 2011

This paper will be looking into the teaching method developed by the Institute for European Studies in Brussels, combining an e-learning tool- the E-modules- with face-to-face training sessions and webinars. The main aim is to analyse the three different components of this â??blended learning
Online Public Health Education for Low and Middle-Income Countries: Factors Influencing Successful Student Outcomes
Authors: Philip Keir Elmslie James , Lee Andrew
Published: December 2011

Background: Affordable, online public health education could assist health and development in low and middle-income countries. The Peoples-uni (www.Peoples-uni.org ) aims to provide this through a fully accredited, low cost, online Masters in Public Health. Although literature exists relating to online learners in general, we lack research regarding the characteristics of successful learners in this new student group. This study assessed which readily available information on learners could predict success in course modules.

Methods: A descriptive survey method was used to assess correlations between pass rates with studentsâ?? personal characteristics (gender, nationality etc) and indicators of course engagement (discussion contributions, online profile etc). We sampled all students starting modules between September 2009 and March 2010 (n=218).

Results: All indicators of engagement correlated strongly with pass rates, particularly online presence (photo/personal information on profile). Paying for modules correlated with higher pass rates than not. Interestingly, waiving fees correlated with lower pass rates than those who had not paid. Personal characteristics were not related to pass rates.

Conclusion: Engagement is important for success, and indicators of which can predict pass rates, the personal characteristics investigated were not related to success. Further research is required to understand the nature of associations this study highlights.
Microblogging Practices of Scientists in E-Learning: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Kieslinger Barbara , Ebner Martin , Wiesenhofer Helga
Published: December 2011

Microblogging services, in particular Twitter, have experienced an explosive uptake in the last few years with a decelerated grown rate since 2010. Apart from celebrities, PR and news agencies, the bulk of user profiles stems form private individuals. Amongst them, individual scientists have started to make use of Twitter for professional purposes. This paper presents a qualitative approach of discovering microblogging practices and obtaining rich descriptions of few cases that give a deeper insight into how Twitter is used by scientists active in the field of e-Learning and how this practice shapes their social networks. The methodological approach is based on online ethnographic studies. Therefore Grabeeter, a tool for collecting all public tweets of a person in various formats, has been adapted in order to obtain the data appropriate for a qualitative analysis following a grounded theory approach. After an analysis of the current state-of-the-art we will outline the methodological approach for our qualitative analysis that focuses on discovering tacit aspects of microblogging practices such as value or purpose. Finally the results of the online ethnographic approach and individual cases will be discussed and compared to similar studies. This work presents the explorative phase of a detailed qualitative approach towards exploring microblogging practices of scientists.
Cytosolic DNA Triggers Mitochondrial Apoptosis via DNA Damage Signaling Proteins Independently of AIM2 and RNA Polymerase III
Authors: Wenzel Michael , Wunderlich Michael , Besch Robert , Poeck Hendrik , Willms Simone , Schwantes Astrid , Kremer Melanie , Sutter Gerd , Endres Stefan , Schmidt Andreas , Rothenfusser Simon
Published: December 2011

A key host response to limit microbial spread is the induction of cell death when foreign nucleic acids are sensed within infected cells. In mouse macrophages, transfected DNA or infection with modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) can trigger cell death via the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome. In this article, we show that nonmyeloid human cell types lacking a functional AIM2 inflammasome still die in response to cytosolic delivery of different DNAs or infection with MVA. This cell death induced by foreign DNA is independent of caspase-8 and carries features of mitochondrial apoptosis: dependence on BAX, APAF-1, and caspase-9. Although it does not require the IFN pathway known to be triggered by infection with MVA or transfected DNA via polymerase III and retinoid acid-induced gene I-like helicases, it shows a strong dependence on components of the DNA damage signaling pathway: cytosolic delivery of DNA or infection with MVA leads to phosphorylation of p53 (serines 15 and 46) and autophosphorylation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM); depleting p53 or ATM with small interfering RNA or inhibiting the ATM/ATM-related kinase family by caffeine strongly reduces apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that a pathway activating DNA damage signaling plays an important independent role in detecting intracellular foreign DNA, thereby complementing the induction of IFN and activation of the AIM2 inflammasome.
The Role of Gr1+ Cells after Anti-CD20 Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Hu Changyun , Du Wei , Zhang Xiaojun , Wong F. Susan , Wen Li
Published: December 2011

Studies suggest that Gr1+CD11b+ cells have immunoregulatory function, and these cells may play an important role in autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the regulatory role of Gr1+CD11b+ cells in protecting against type 1 diabetes in NOD mice. In this study, we showed that temporary B cell depletion induced the expansion of Gr1+CD11b+ cells. Gr1+CD11b+ cells not only directly suppress diabetogenic T cell function but also can induce regulatory T cell differentiation in a TGF-β–dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that Gr1+CD11b+ cells could suppress diabetogenic CD4 and CD8 T cell function in an IL-10–, NO-, and cell contact-dependent manner. Interestingly, single anti-Gr1 mAb treatment can also induce a transient expansion of Gr1+CD11b+ cells that delayed diabetes development in NOD mice. Our data suggest that Gr1+CD11b+ cells contribute to the establishment of immune tolerance to pancreatic islet autoimmunity. Manipulation of Gr1+CD11b+ cells could be considered as a novel immunotherapy for the prevention of type 1 diabetes.
Plasmodium falciparum: Assessment of Selectivity of Action of Chloroquine, Alchornea cordifolia, Ficus polita, and Other Drugs by a Tetrazolium-Based Colorimetric Assay
Authors: Ayisi Nana Kofi , Appiah-Opong Regina , Gyan Ben , Bugyei Kwasi , Ekuban Fred
Published: December 2011

A tetrazolium-based colorimetric selective assay (MTT-based CSA) was developed to assess the selectivity of antimalarial drugs. This in vitro assay, unlike all others, measures the ability of drugs to indirectly protect red blood cells (RBCs) from Plasmodium-falciparum-induced destruction. Optimum incubation time and number of cells needed were 5 days and 23×106 RBCs per well, respectively. A parasitemia range of 0.375% to 3% was found to be suitable for this assay. The MTT-based CSA determined anti-P. falciparum strain DD2 activity of chloroquine at a higher 50% effective concentration (EC50) value (21.0 μg/mL) than the isotopic microtest (10.0 μg/mL). Artesunate and oxytetracycline achieved 90% effect against DD2 with minimal or no toxicity to RBCs. Against chloroquine sensitive strain 3D7, chloroquine and Alchornea cordifolia had EC50 values of 0.025 μg/mL and 4.9 μg/mL respectively, and selective index (SI) values of >2,000 and >69.4 μg/mL, respectively.
Association between Perchlorate and Indirect Indicators of Thyroid Dysfunction in NHANES 2001–2002, a Cross-Sectional, Hypothesis-Generating Study
Authors: Schreinemachers Dina M.
Published: December 2011

Background

A previous study based on NHANES 2001–2002 observed that increased levels of urinary perchlorate were associated with increased levels of thyroid stimulating hormone among all women, and with decreased levels of thyroxine among women with low urinary iodine. No associations were observed for men.

Methods

Using the same NHANES 2001–2002 data, associations of urinary perchlorate with indirect biomarkers of thyroid hormone disruption were investigated. Decreased levels of hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) have been observed among subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. To investigate the suitability of these indicators for use in observational studies, subjects were divided into six groups: boys, age 6–19; men, age 20–85; girls, age 6–14; non-pregnant women, age 15–49; women, age 50–85; and pregnant women. Use of perchlorate quintiles (Q1-Q5) and continuous log-transformed perchlorate in the regression models allowed investigation of both non-linear and linear associations. Adjustments were made for age, urinary creatinine, race/ethnicity, body mass index, cotinine, poverty index, hours of fasting, thiocyanate, nitrate, daily kcal intake, C-reactive protein. Adjustment for alcohol consumption depended on availability. Adjustment for prescription drugs (beta-blockers, sex hormones, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic drugs) was made if it changed the perchlorate estimate by ≥ 10%.

Results

Statistically significant decreases were observed for HGB and HCT among boys, men, women age 15–49, and pregnant women, and for HDL among men.

Conclusions

Although the mean response biomarkers were within normal range, their association with urinary perchlorate is of interest. HGB and HCT among pregnant women showed a stronger association with urinary perchlorate than non-pregnant women age 15–49. Statistically significant associations were observed for individual perchlorate quintiles. Assumption of linearity of log-transformed perchlorate may result in underestimation of some associations.
Atomoxetine in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Systematic Review of Review Papers 2009-2011. An Update for Clinicians
Authors: Bushe Chris J. , Savill Nicola
Published: December 2011

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder and a plethora of new data has been published from clinical trials and national epidemiological databases in the last three years. In the United Kingdom Atomoxetine is currently the only licensed non-stimulant medication. As part of a systematic review of atomoxetine data Jan 2009-June 2011 formal searches found 750 citations. From these 13 met criteria for either review or systematic review papers and contained clinical data synthesis on atomoxetine. No individual review paper alone would be sufficient for clinicians to be updated at that time on all clinical aspects of atomoxetine data. The crucial data relating to clinical parity of atomoxetine and methylphenidate in trials and meta-analysis where relevant confounding biases are removed are not often discussed. Systematic review of complex data is critical for ADHD clinicians and will need regular updating due to the large volume of new data.
Clustering of Lifestyle Behaviors: The Relationship between Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Dietary Intake
Authors: Ma Jun , Betts Nancy M. , Hampl Jeff S.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To examine relationships between cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and dietary intake.

Design.

Respondents to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, a nationwide probability sample conducted from January 1994 through January 1997 (n = 23,602; response rate = 80%), were selected. Adults ages 19 years and older were grouped according to their smoking and drinking habits. Selected demographic variables, food group servings, food energy, and densities of selected nutrients were compared.

Setting.

In-home interviews were conducted in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Subjects.

The selected sample (n = 6745) included 3229 nonsmokers, 1701 former smokers, and 1808 current smokers, and 2284 abstainers, 2713 occasional drinkers, 1000 moderate drinkers, and 748 liberal drinkers.

Measures.

Responses to standard questionnaires were examined by Student's t-test, χ2, one-way analysis of variance, and univariate and multivariate analyses of covariance.

Results.

Men were more likely than women to be current smokers and liberal drinkers (64% vs. 40% and 62%) vs. 38%). For both, the use of cigarettes and alcohol was closely related. An additive relationship was observed between smoking/drinking classification and lower food group servings and nutrient intakes. Although cigarette and alcohol use may have been underreported, these findings support previous ones showing poor food choices along with lower nutrient intakes as smoking and drinking increase.

Conclusions.

Smoking and drinking habits may alter individuals' food selections and nutrient intakes. Future interventions for health promotion may achieve greater success by targeting multiple risk factors simultaneously or sequentially.
The impact of Great Basin Desert dust on the summer monsoon system over southwestern North America
Authors: Zhao C. , Liu X. , Leung L. R.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The radiative forcing of dust emitted from the Great Basin Desert (GBD) and its impact on monsoon circulation and precipitation over the North America monsoon (NAM) region are simulated using a coupled meteorology and aerosol/chemistry model (WRF-Chem) for 15 yr (1995–2009). During the monsoon season, dust has a cooling effect (−0.90 W m−2) at the surface, a warming effect (0.40 W m−2) in the atmosphere, and a negative top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) forcing (−0.50 W m−2) over the GBD region on 24-h average. Most of the dust emitted from the GBD concentrates below 800 hPa and stacks over the western slope of the Rocky Mountains and Mexican Plateau. The absorption of shortwave radiation by dust heats the lower atmosphere by up to 0.5 K day−1 over the western slope of the Mountains. Model sensitivity simulations with and without dust for 15 summers (June-July-August) show that dust heating of the lower atmosphere over the GBD region remotely strengthens the low-level southerly moisture fluxes on both sides of the Sierra Madre Occidental. It also results in an eastward migration of NAM-driven moisture convergence over the western slope of the Mountains. These monsoonal circulation changes lead to a statistically significant increase of precipitation by up to ~40% over the eastern slope of the Mountains (Arizona-New Mexico-Texas regions). This study highlights the interaction between dust and the NAM system and motivates further investigation of possible dust feedback on monsoon precipitation under climate change and the mega-drought conditions projected for the future.
Effect of chemical degradation on fluxes of reactive compounds
Authors: Rinne J. , Markkanen T. , Ruuskanen T. M. , Petäjä T. , Keronen P. , Tang M. J. , Crowley J. N. , Rannik Ü. , Vesala T.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. In the analyses of VOC fluxes measured above plant canopies, one usually assumes the flux above canopy to equal the emission at the surface. Thus one assumes the chemical degradation to be much slower than the turbulent transport. We used a stochastic Lagrangian transport model in which the chemical degradation was described as first order decay in order to study the effect of the chemical degradation on above canopy fluxes of chemically reactive species. With the model we explored the sensitivity of the ratio of the above canopy flux to the surface emission on several parameters such as chemical lifetime of the compound, friction velocity, stability, and canopy density. Our results show that friction velocity and chemical lifetime affected the loss during transport the most. The canopy density had a significant effect if the chemically reactive compound was emitted from the forest floor. We used the results of the simulations together with oxidant data measured during HUMPPA-COPEC-2010 campaign at a Scots pine site to estimate the effect of the chemistry on fluxes of three typical biogenic VOCs, isoprene, α-pinene, and β-caryophyllene. Of these, the chemical degradation had a~major effect on the fluxes of the most reactive species β-caryophyllene, while the fluxes of α-pinene were affected during nighttime. For these two compounds representing the mono- and sesquiterpenes groups, the effect of chemical degradation had also a significant diurnal cycle with the highest chemical loss at night. The different day and night time loss terms need to be accounted for, when measured fluxes of reactive compounds are used to reveal relations between primary emission and environmental parameters.
Electric field and infrared radiation in the troposphere before earthquakes
Authors: Liperovsky V. A. , Meister C.-V. , Mikhailin V. V. , Bogdanov V. V. , Umarkhodgaev P. M. , Liperovskaya E. V.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Some years ago, a model of the generation of local electric fields in the atmosphere a few days before earthquakes and up to a few days after the seismic shock was proposed. In the model, the generation of the electric fields occurs because of an increased ionisation intensity of the atmosphere in the presence of aerosols. The generation of the electric field is the result of the fact that the larger aerosols, which are mainly negatively charged, have a larger velocity of gravitational precipitation than the smaller, which are mainly positively charged aerosols. The ionisation in such atmospheric regions is caused by radon, the concentration of which increases in earthquake preparation regions. The formation of mosaic-likely distributed areas of electric fields with intensities of 3 × 102 – 105 Vm−1 and, on the other hand, large areas with increased electrical conductivity cause a series of physical effects, e.g. the occurrence of infrared emissions with a specific spectrum, which may be studied using earth-based, atmospheric and satellite observations. In the present paper, the model of the generation of local electric fields is further developed, improving the description of the force balance on the aerosols in the atmosphere. A recently proposed laboratory experiment is briefly discussed, which is carried out to prove the theoretically predicted intensification of infrared emissions some hours-days before earthquakes. Besides the experiment described, it will be operated on Kamchatka in the near future to scan mosaic-likely distributed regions of electric fields in the atmosphere during earthquake preparation times.
Combining 2-m temperature nowcasting and short range ensemble forecasting
Authors: Kann A. , Haiden T. , Wittmann C.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. During recent years, numerical ensemble prediction systems have become an important tool for estimating the uncertainties of dynamical and physical processes as represented in numerical weather models. The latest generation of limited area ensemble prediction systems (LAM-EPSs) allows for probabilistic forecasts at high resolution in both space and time. However, these systems still suffer from systematic deficiencies. Especially for nowcasting (0–6 h) applications the ensemble spread is smaller than the actual forecast error. This paper tries to generate probabilistic short range 2-m temperature forecasts by combining a state-of-the-art nowcasting method and a limited area ensemble system, and compares the results with statistical methods. The Integrated Nowcasting Through Comprehensive Analysis (INCA) system, which has been in operation at the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) since 2006 (Haiden et al., 2011), provides short range deterministic forecasts at high temporal (15 min–60 min) and spatial (1 km) resolution. An INCA Ensemble (INCA-EPS) of 2-m temperature forecasts is constructed by applying a dynamical approach, a statistical approach, and a combined dynamic-statistical method. The dynamical method takes uncertainty information (i.e. ensemble variance) from the operational limited area ensemble system ALADIN-LAEF (Aire Limitée Adaptation Dynamique Développement InterNational Limited Area Ensemble Forecasting) which is running operationally at ZAMG (Wang et al., 2011). The purely statistical method assumes a well-calibrated spread-skill relation and applies ensemble spread according to the skill of the INCA forecast of the most recent past. The combined dynamic-statistical approach adapts the ensemble variance gained from ALADIN-LAEF with non-homogeneous Gaussian regression (NGR) which yields a statistical \\mbox{correction} of the first and second moment (mean bias and dispersion) for Gaussian distributed continuous variables. Validation results indicate that all three methods produce sharp and reliable probabilistic 2-m temperature forecasts. However, the statistical and combined dynamic-statistical methods slightly outperform the pure dynamical approach, mainly due to the under-dispersive behavior of ALADIN-LAEF outside the nowcasting range. The training length does not have a pronounced impact on forecast skill, but a spread re-scaling improves the forecast skill substantially. Refinements of the statistical methods yield a slight further improvement.
Bias correction and post-processing under climate change
Authors: Vannitsem S.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The statistical and dynamical properties of bias correction and linear post-processing are investigated when the system under interest is affected by model errors and is experiencing parameter modifications, mimicking the potential impact of climate change. The analysis is first performed for simple typical scalar systems, an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process (O-U) and a limit point bifurcation. It reveals system's specific (linear or non-linear) dependences of biases and post-processing corrections as a function of parameter modifications. A more realistic system is then investigated, a low-order model of moist general circulation, incorporating several processes of high relevance in the climate dynamics (radiative effects, cloud feedbacks...), but still sufficiently simple to allow for an extensive exploration of its dynamics. In this context, bias or post-processing corrections also display complicate variations when the system experiences temperature climate changes up to a few degrees. This precludes a straightforward application of these corrections from one system's state to another (as usually adopted for climate projections), and increases further the uncertainty in evaluating the amplitudes of climate changes.
Glacier contribution to streamflow in two headwaters of the Huasco River, Dry Andes of Chile
Authors: Gascoin S. , Kinnard C. , Ponce R. , Lhermitte S. , MacDonell S. , Rabatel A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Quantitative assessment of glacier contribution to present-day streamflow is a prerequisite to the anticipation of climate change impact on water resources in the Dry Andes. In this paper we focus on two glaciated headwater catchments of the Huasco Basin (Chile, 29° S). The combination of glacier monitoring data for five glaciers (Toro 1, Toro 2, Esperanza, Guanaco, Estrecho and Ortigas) with five automatic streamflow records at sites with glacier coverage of 0.4 to 11 % allows the estimation of the mean annual glacier contribution to discharge between 2003/2004 and 2007/2008 hydrological years. In addition, direct manual measurements of glacier runoff were conducted in summer at the snouts of four glaciers, which provide the instantaneous contribution of glacier meltwater to stream runoff during summer. The results show that the mean annual glacier contribution to streamflow ranges between 3.3 and 23 %, which is greater than the glaciated fraction of the catchments. We argue that glacier contribution is partly enhanced by the effect of snowdrift from the non-glacier area to the glacier surface. Glacier mass loss is evident over the study period, with a mean of −0.84 m w.e. yr−1 for the period 2003/2004–2007/2008, and also contributes to increase glacier runoff. An El Niño episode in 2002 resulted in high snow accumulation, modifying the hydrological regime and probably reducing the glacier contribution in favor of seasonal snowmelt during the subsequent 2002/2003 hydrological year. At the hourly timescale, summertime glacier contributions are highly variable in space and time, revealing large differences in effective melting rates between glaciers and glacierets (from 1 mm w.e. h−1 to 6 mm w.e. h−1).
Recent acceleration of ice loss in the Northern Patagonia Icefield based on an updated decennial evolution
Authors: López P. , Casassa G.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Ice elevation changes of the Northern Patagonia Icefield (NPI) were analyzed by comparing three Digital Elevation Models (DEM) corresponding to 1975 (constructed based on topographic maps), the SRTM DEM of 2000 yr and a SPOT 5 DEM of 2005. In addition, the glacier length fluctuations and the surface area evolution between 2001 and 2011 of 25 glaciers of the NPI were studied: the information extracted from the Landsat ETM+ satellite image of 11 March 2001 was compared to the measurements performed based on the Landsat ETM+ satellite image of 19 February 2011. From a global point of view, the majority of the studied glaciers thinned, retreated and lost surface between 2001 and 2011, only few glaciers (Leones, Nef, Pared Sur and Soler) located on the eastern side of the NPI have been stable. Glaciers located on the western side of the NPI suffered a stronger wasting compared to the glaciers located on the eastern side. Overall, over the ablation areas of the NPI (below 1150 m a.s.l.) a more rapid thinning of 2.6 m yr−1 occurred between 2000 and 2005 yr compared to the period 1975–2000, in which a mean thinning of 1.7 m yr−1 was measured for the same zones of the NPI. For the whole period (1975–2005) the most important thinning of the ablation areas has been estimated for HPN-1 Glacier (4.4 m yr−1) followed by Benito (3.4 m yr−1), Fraenkel (2.4 m yr−1), Gualas (2.1 m yr−1) and Acodado glaciers, all of them located on the western side of the NPI. Between 2001 and 2011, a noteworthy retreat of 1.9 km was experienced by Gualas Glacier and by Reichert Glacier with 1.6 km, both located on the north-western side of the NPI. On the south-western side of the NPI, during the same decennia, Steffen Glacier experienced a remarkable retreat of 1.6 km as well. During the 2001–2011 period, Steffen Glacier more than doubled its rate of retreat (compared to the 1979–2001 period) and experienced the disintegration of its main front as well as a lateral tongue that retreated 3.1 km. The most significant retreat observed on the eastern side was experienced by Colonia Glacier (1 km). Area loss was also relevant during the period 2001–2011. Overall, the icefield experienced a reduction of 50.6 km2 which represents a 1.3 % relative to the surface area calculated for 2001 yr. The most remarkable surface reduction was observed for HPN-1 Glacier that lost 3.2 % of its surface estimated in 2001, followed by Steffen Glacier (2.8 %). We suggest that the glacier shrinking observed in the NPI is controlled firstly by atmospheric warming, as it has been reported in this area. Nevertheless, updated climatic studies are needed in order to confirm this suggestion. If the detected past climate trends persist, in the future, glaciers of the NPI will continuous or even increase their rate of shrinking generating important consequences for this region like the production of Glacier Lake Outburst Flood events or the decrease of the melt-water runoff in the long-term future.
RECOMPUTATION OF UNDP’S HDI RANKINGS BY DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Taner Mehmet Tolga , Sezen Bülent , Alpkan Lutfihak , Aren Selim
Published: December 2011

The HDI has played an influential role in the debate on human development. No index is perfect and so is the Human Development Index of United Nations Development Program. This paper aims to measure the performance of 182 countries in terms of performance by means of non-parametric input oriented CRS employed Data Envelopment Analysis. In addition, it elaborates on the cut-off values assigned by UNDP to categorize the countries. By means of this research, countries will be able to choose those elements by benchmarking from other countries that are applicable and most likely to develop strategy formulation processes for human development and international growth.
LEARNING, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION ORIENTATIONS IN TURKISH FAMILY-OWNED FIRMS
Authors: Altindag Erkut , Zehir Cemal , Acar A.Zafer
Published: December 2011

Globalization is forcing family-owned companies need to be more flexible and faster organization structures to respond effectively to the customers’ growing various types needs on the certain line of producing high quality goods and services these days. With the start of a new paradigm era in strategic management field, family- owned firms began to choose different tools to maximize their sustainable performance against rivals. These tools include special strategic orientations including learning, entrepreneurship and innovation implications. Our study tries to explore the effects of strategic orientations implications into firm performance and their effects on growth and financial performance in Turkish family-owned companies.
GLOBAL CRISIS AND ITS EFFECTS IN THE DEVELOPED AND EMERGENT COUNTRIES - “THE BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID” AS AN INNOVATION RESOURCE
Authors: Shyle Irma
Published: December 2011

The economists forecast that in the next 5 years the average annual growth of the global economy will be smaller than the average rate in the past 15 years. This reinforce more than ever the problem of the restricted resources management and discovery of the best possible ways to improve and increase the population welfare.It is raised the question: To serve 5 milliard people in the world (with less than 2$ per day) is: Moral responsability? High level of intelect? Business opportunity?Is it the time for companies to enter in the Bottom of the Pyramid markets? Is it the Bottom of the Pyramid the source of the innovation? Why are these markets attractive? Keywords: average annual growth, global economy, resources management, markets
STRATEGIES FOR COMPETETIVE ADVANTAGE IN ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Authors: Azadi Siamak
Published: December 2011

Despite rapid and sustained development of electronic commerce, many companies doing e-business are still in the investment and brand-building phase and have yet to show a profit. However, as e-businesses shift their focus from  building a customer base to increasing revenue growth and profitability, they should reevaluate their current business strategies, if any, and develop strategies that provide a clear path to profitability. This study uses McCarthy’s four marketing mix model and Porter’s five competitive forces model to identify strategies for Internet companies that respond to the five competitive forces and thereby achieve a competitive advantage. The study provides significant new insights into the development and implementation of e-business strategies that contribute to increased profit.
IMPACT OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS ON THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Özkan Gökhan
Published: December 2011

The global financial crisis dragged many countries into recession, demonstrated that the internationalfinancial system has structural problems and started discussions about restructuring of the international financialinstitutions. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of the global financial crisis on thegovernance structures of the international financial institutions. To this end, studies made at different internationalplatforms were evaluated. The debates and negotiations among the developed and developing countries aboutgovernance structures of the international financial institutions were analyzed. Developing countries’ demand toreform the decision-making mechanisms of the Bretton Woods institutions, the IMF and the World Bank anddeveloped countries’ reservations were investigated. It was concluded that the new shape of the internationalfinancial architecture and governance structures of international financial institutions will depend on internationalpolitics as well as the evolution of the global crisis and the economic dynamics.
Le metamorfosi del doppi mitico in "Kore-Persefona" di Ruxandra Cesereanu
Authors: Magliocco Giovanni
Published: December 2011

Nella sua opera Kore-Persefona, pubblicata nel 2004, la poetessa romena Ruxandra Cesereanu offre una riscrittura postmoderna del doppio mitico Kore-Persefone. Questo articolo si propone di studiare le metamorfosi del mito e le sue valenze simboliche all'interno della poetica dell'autrice, in cui Kore- Persefone si configura come la paradossale metafora di un io mentalmente scisso tra sanità e nevrosi.
Le double mythique: la figure d'Eurydice dans "Mercure" d'Amélie Nothomb
Authors: Marois Laurence
Published: December 2011

Le roman Mercure d’Amélie Nothomb présente une multitude de références intertextuelles qui sont le plus souvent tirées des « grands récits » mythiques, religieux et littéraires. Au-delà de simples références ponctuelles, ce récit reprend plusieurs mythes fondateurs de la féminité. Le présent article s’intéresse à l’influence qu’exerce la figure d’Eurydice sur le travail de réécriture de la romancière. La reprise du récit mythique d’Orphée et Eurydice s’effectue grâce à l’application systématique du procédé du dédoublement en passant par la structure du récit et par l’élaboration des personnages féminins. Il s’agira donc de comprendre comment, à la manière d’un palimpseste, Amélie Nothomb réécrit le récit mythique d’Orphée et Eurydice et de quelle manière le dédoublement permet à l’auteure de transformer la figure mythique d’Eurydice.
Experiment(ing) on the Double with Julian Barnes
Authors: Pomar Amer Miquel
Published: December 2011

The theme of the double has been recurrent in the history of literature. In “Experiment” (1995), Julian Barnes adapts this myth to Postmodernism: multiplicity of voices, reflection on the identity, rewriting of (hi)story, scepticism, irony, experimentation and a need of active readership. Indeed, active readership will be required to see the double but also to dismantle it. For this purpose, this paper analyses the characters of this short story and categorises them following the hypothesis of the neurologist Antonio R. Damasio concerning the construction of the self. The aim of this paper is to deconstruct this short story in order to see how Barnes has been able to create the paradox of a double with only one body and one self.
Transforming Medusa
Authors: Currie Charlotte
Published: December 2011

The mythic figure of Medusa is inherently linked with the idea of transformation; both her transformation from beautiful woman to monster as well as her ability to transform all who meet her gaze into statues have become fundamental elements of her story. While both these aspects of her character appear to be late additions to her myth, the idea of Medusa as a figure who both transforms and is transformed nevertheless became canonical and indeed she continues to transform throughout her subsequent history of reception. This paper will seek to understand the early mythic life of Medusa as a transformation before examining the disparate transformations she then endures, from the ancient period to the present day.
Analysis of Costs of Transrectal Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Fandella Andrea
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Literature reports mortality and morbidity data from prostatic carcinoma which permit a better use of some routine diagnostic tools such as transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. The aim of this work is to quantify the overall cost of transrectal ultrasound biopsy of the prostate (TRUSB) and to assess the economic impact of current procedures for diagnosing prostatic carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

The total cost of TRUSB was calculated with reference to 247 procedures performed in 2008. The following cost factors were evaluated: personnel, materials, maintenance/depreciation of the equipment, energy consumption, and hospital overheads. A literature review was also carried out to check if our extrapolated costs corresponded to those of other authors worldwide, and to consider them in the wider framework of the economic effectiveness of strategies for early diagnosis of cancer of the prostate.

Results

The overall cost of TRUSB (8 samples) was EUR 249,000, obtained by adding together the costs of: personnel (EUR 160,000); materials (EUR 59,000); equipment maintenance and depreciation (EUR 12,400); energy consumption (EUR0,1); hospital overheads (EUR 17,500). With extended or saturation biopsies the cost increases for the more time needed by pathologists and can be calculated as EUR 300,000. The literature review points out TRUSB as an invasive tool for diagnosing prostatic carcinoma, clinically and economically controversial. Post-mortem data report the presence of cancer cells in the prostate of 50% of 70-year-old men, while extrapolations calculate a morbidity rate from prostatic carcinoma in 9.5% of 50-year-old men. It is therefore obvious that randomized prostatic biopsies, methods apart, have a good probability of being positive. This probability varies with the patient's age, the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA), the density of PSA/cm3 of prostate volume (PSAD), and the detection by digital exploration and/or positive transrectal ultrasound.

Conclusions

Despite the severe application of all these criteria and the critical assessment of the patient's general conditions, TRUSB is indicated for 16% of the male population over 50 years of age, with obvious economic consequences. Quite recently the clinical utility of assays of PSA derivatives (such as Pro-2PSA) has gained more and more importance. The Pro-2PSA seems to reduce the use of TRUSB.