bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
En attendant de « trouver sa place » : le chômage-intérim des jeunes diplômés
Authors: Papinot Christian
Published: October 2012

Résumé À partir d’un récit biographique exemplaire qui sert de trame à l’article, il s’agit de donner à comprendre les significations de ce sas du chômage-intérim pour les jeunes diplômés dans leurs débuts de vie active. L’intérim se présente comme un choix par défaut, une sorte de « sas probatoire » d’entrée dans la vie active, à risques et aux fonctions mal définies. Dans une phase de transition professionnelle de plus en plus longue et chaotique, si l’objectif unanimement recherché est l’obtention d’un emploi stable dans un poste correspondant à sa qualification, l’emploi intérimaire en tant que substitut à un véritable emploi ne peut se présenter comme supportable que s’il est pensé comme provisoire. Cependant cette socialisation au travail contribue à déplacer les normes de la relation salariale car l’échange contribution/rétribution intègre désormais les mouvements dans l’emploi.
Creation and development of a market: the Paris corporate bond market in the 19th century
Authors: Rezaee Amir
Published: October 2012

Résumé Cet article étudie le marché des obligations privées françaises cotées à la Bourse de Paris au XIX e siècle. Malgré son importance, la performance de ce marché n’a jamais été étudiée jusqu’à présent. Afin de mener cette étude et ce en utilisant les techniques actuelles, un indice du marché obligataire a été construit à partir d’une base de données inédite créée grâce aux archives imprimées de la Chambre syndicale de la compagnie des agents de change de Paris. Cette base de données a permis l’évaluation du risque et de la rentabilité de ce marché. Les résultats ainsi obtenus ont été comparés avec la performance des marchés d’action et de la rente d’État. Ces comparaisons montrent que, pendant le XIX e siècle, les obligations privées, dans leur ensemble, ont été les valeurs les moins risquées de la Bourse de Paris. L’article s’achève sur une analyse de l’impact de la garantie d’intérêt accordée par l’État à certaines obligations ferroviaires.
Le management bancaire des ouvertures de capital des entreprises françaises (1878-1881)
Authors: Petit-Konczyk Muriel
Published: October 2012

Résumé Quel a été le rôle des établissements bancaires dans les ouvertures de capital des firmes pendant la courte période d’euphorie boursière de 1878 à 1881 ? Une sélection d’études de cas analyse leur rôle dans des opérations en capital de firmes présentant quatre types de motivations : la recherche du capital-risque, du capital-développement, du capital-transmission ou du capital-monopole. Les jeunes banques de l’époque maîtrisaient déjà des pratiques telles que le capital-réputation, le recyclage des capitaux dans les fenêtres d’opportunité du marché boursier, la distillation des capitaux étape par étape, lesquelles sont considérées comme des concepts modernes dans la littérature financière.
Miscarried innovation? The rise and fall of investment banking in Italy, 1860s-1930s
Authors: Brambilla Carlo
Published: October 2012

Résumé L’histoire des banques d’affaires italiennes peut se lire comme un processus évolutionniste d’innovation permettant aux banques de prendre pied dans le système financier en cours de construction et de s’adapter à l’évolution des marchés et des institutions, ceci principalement en réponse aux crises. Toutes les innovations financières n’ont cependant pas été guidées par des innovations institutionnelles et régulatrices, ce qui a obligé les banques à adapter leur stratégie aux risques et garanties avec lesquels elles devaient composer. Une segmentation permanente du système bancaire et la présence d’un important secteur bancaire public et parapublic ont freiné la croissance externe des banques universelles et limité leur capacité à collecter les dépôts. En réponse, les banques ont cherché à améliorer le marché financier mais elles se sont elles-mêmes exposées au risque de liquidité et aux crises financières. Une politique risquée en matière de crédit aboutit dans les années 1920 à transformer ces banques en quasi-holdings, une innovation organisationnelle qui conduisit à leur effondrement pendant les années 1930.
Quand l'actionnaire remplace le client et détruit sa propre valeur : le cas de Coca-Cola
Authors: Jacquet Dominique
Published: October 2012

Résumé Les années 1980 ont vu se développer de manière spectaculaire le market for corporate control , et les marchés de capitaux se sont accordé le droit de punir les dirigeants incompétents et, pour le moins, de les mettre sous la menace d’une OPA hostile afin de les conduire à privilégier la valeur actionnariale sur tout autre objectif. La conséquence immédiate a été de faire entrer le marché dans la décision d’investissement de l’entreprise et de motiver cette dernière à adopter une stratégie et des indicateurs de performance dictés par le marché. Si, dans un premier temps, le processus a pu paraître bénéfique, les effets secondaires négatifs sont apparus avec un certain délai, les sociétés ayant parfois « oublié » que, sur le long terme, la valeur actionnariale ne pouvait se créer au détriment des parties prenantes (fournisseurs, employés, distributeurs). La trajectoire de Coca-Cola est une bonne illustration de ce phénomène. Au début des années 1980, la firme construit une stratégie opérationnelle dont le succès est immédiat et se reflète dans sa trajectoire boursière spectaculaire. Puis, prisonnière de son succès boursier, Coca-Cola va progressivement détourner la valeur générée dans sa relation avec les parties prenantes pour la transférer aux actionnaires. À la fin des années 1990, la société va entrer dans une période de crise et ne va créer aucune valeur actionnariale pendant 12 ans.
Utilizing the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model for the Assessment of Florida Current’s Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Resource
Authors: Duerr Alana E.S. , Dhanak Manhar R. , Van Zwieten James H.
Published: October 2012

AbstractTraditionally, renewable energy resources have been assessed through collection and analysis of extensive in situ observations; however, in situ data collection can be cost and time prohibitive, especially for initial site selection and feasibility studies.
Ocean models, such as the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM), provide corresponding data for resource assessment at a significantly lower cost, provided the models can be validated and appropriately corrected through comparison with some in situ observations. In this study, in
situ velocity observations in the Florida Current are compared with the velocities predicted by the ocean model. Measured velocity profiles at the location of a moored ADCP have been compared with corresponding predictions from the HYCOM model. The data are used to evaluate the associated
hydrokinetic energy and to estimate the energy resource using the HYCOM data and in situ observational data for comparison. In general, HYCOM predictions of the velocity and the corresponding energy resource in the Florida Current are lower than those suggested by the observational
data. A method for addressing these apparent discrepancies is discussed and is shown to improve prediction of the resource assessment.
Development of Prediction Models for Hydrodynamic Performance of Semicircular Breakwater
Authors: Aggarwal Ankit , Gope Vivek Kumar , Saybanna Managiri Shivaraj , Hegde Arkal Vittal
Published: October 2012

AbstractBreakwaters are structures built to protect harbors, shore areas, basins, and other areas from the fury of sea waves. They create calm waters and provide for the safe mooring and handling of ships, as well as protection to harbor facilities. The main function of a
breakwater is the formation of an artificial harbor. Of late, certain new types of breakwaters have been constructed to cater to the tranquility requirements of managing marine traffic in ports. The semicircular breakwater (SBW) is one such new type of breakwater. The semicircular breakwater
possesses a round top and, thus, offers more stability against the action of waves. It is expected that the SBW will be well suited as an offshore breakwater designed to protect beaches from coastal erosion. A number of experiments were conducted on scaled-down physical models of SBW for different
values of parameters such as wave height H, wave period T, spacing of perforations on the seaside, etc. (radius of breakwater and diameter of perforations were kept constant), and data were collected. The paper presents the prediction models/equations for hydrodynamic performance
characteristics such as reflection coefficient and relative wave runup, using the data obtained by a regression approach in MATLAB.
The Next Wave in Tsunami Detection
Authors: Ingle Stephanie , Vall Ken du , Selby David
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThis technical note provides a summary of a uniquely designed tsunami early warning system consisting of an ocean bottom seismometer, an accelerometer, a differential pressure gauge, and a bottom pressure recorder. The system has advantages over other tsunameters
currently in use because it receives power and reports data continuously, via fiber-optic cable, allowing for the maximum amount of lead time between receipt and analysis of data; warnings may then be issued earlier, resulting in additional time to evacuate vulnerable areas. The system was
developed in a collaborative effort between Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Lighthouse R & D Enterprises, Inc., during 2006 and installed in 2007 off the northern coast of Oman on an extended portion of a preexisting physical oceanographic cabled monitoring system. The goal was
to produce a system capable of determining the magnitude and mechanism of earthquakes—even very large, local ones—and of sensing the large-wavelength, low-amplitude waves characteristic of tsunamis in the open ocean. Since 2009, the system has been recognized by the International
Tsunameter Partnership (commissioned by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as operational, but it has yet to be integrated with national or regional warning centers. A numerical modeling suite was developed
to estimate tsunami impact at any given location along the Omani coast and is intended to function as a complementary tool for analysis of the real-time data. Real-time data receipt combined with accurate analysis will lead to earlier and more reliable warnings that may help save additional
lives.
Virilizing Leydig-Sertoli Cell Ovarian Tumor Associated with Endometrioid Carcinoma of the Endometrium in a Postmenopausal Patient: Case Report and General Considerations
Authors: Di Giacinto Paola , Chioma Laura , Vancieri Giuseppe , Guccione Laura , Cicerone Elena , Ulisse Salvatore , Mariani Stefania , Autore Camillo , Fabbri Andrea , Gnessi Lucio , Moretti Costanzo
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs) are rare tumors mostly occurring in young women. Here we report an unusual case of a SLCT with simultaneous occurrence of endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium in a woman in menopause.

Case Report

A 67-year-old woman presented with progressive signs of virilization. Blood tests showed increased levels of testosterone, delta-4-androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA-sulphate, 17β-estradiol, estrone, and sex-hormone binding globulin serum levels were within the normal range. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid mass of 2.7 × 2.9 cm in the right ovary set against the background of the uterus. The patient underwent bilateral salpingo-oophoretomy with hysterectomy. The mass in the right ovary was a differentiated SLCT. Incidentally, the endometrium revealed an endometrioid adenocacinoma. Following surgical treatment the plasma androgens dropped to normal levels, and signs and symptoms of virilization improved.

Conclusion

SLCT should be suspected in postmenopausal women who present rapid progressive androgen excess symptoms with hyperandrogenemia.
Fate of Dietary Tryptophan in Young Japanese Women
Authors: Hiratsuka Chiaki , Fukuwatari Tsutomu , Shibata Katsumi
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine, using the high-performance liquid chromatographic methods recently modified by us, the fate of dietary tryptophan in 17 healthy female Japanese adults who ate self-selected food. The experimental period was 22 days. The habitual intake of tryptophan was 3328.4 μmol/day. 24-hour urine samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and then once per week. Blood was collected at the beginning and end of the experiment. Levels of tryptophan and its metabolites were measured in blood and urine. Tryptophan, nicotinamide and 2-oxoadipic acid were the major compounds of the blood. The urinary excretion amounts of tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, kynurenine, anthranilic acid, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, xanthurenic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and quinolinic acid were about 40, 20, 4, 1, 10, 4, 3, 5 and 20 μmol/day, respectively.
A Lattice Boltzmann and Immersed Boundary Scheme for Model Blood Flow in Constricted Pipes: Part 1 - Steady Flow
Authors: Fu S. C. , Leung W. W. F. , So R. M. C.
Published: October 2012

Hemodynamics is a complex problem with several distinct characteristics; fluid is non-Newtonian, flow is pulsatile in nature, flow is three-dimensional due to cholesterol/plague built up, and blood vessel wall is elastic. In order to simulate this type of flows accurately, any proposed numerical scheme has to be able to replicate these characteristics correctly, efficiently, as well as individually and collectively. Since the equations of the finite difference lattice Boltzmann method (FDLBM) are hyperbolic, and can be solved using Cartesian grids locally, explicitly and efficiently on parallel computers, a program of study to develop a viable FDLBM numerical scheme that can mimic these characteristics individually in any model blood flow problem was initiated. The present objective is to first develop a steady FDLBM with an immersed boundary (IB) method to model blood flow in stenoic artery over a range of Reynolds numbers. The resulting equations in the FDLBM/IB numerical scheme can still be solved using Cartesian grids; thus, changing complex artery geometry can be treated without resorting to grid generation. The FDLBM/IB numerical scheme is validated against known data and is then used to study Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid flow through constricted tubes. The investigation aims to gain insight into the constricted flow behavior and the non-Newtonian fluid effect on this behavior.
A Lattice Boltzmann and Immersed Boundary Scheme for Model Blood Flow in Constricted Pipes: Part 2 - Pulsatile Flow
Authors: Fu S. C. , So R. M. C. , Leung W. W. F.
Published: October 2012

One viable approach to the study of haemodynamics is to numerically model this flow behavior in normal and stenosed arteries. The blood is either treated as Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluid and the flow is assumed to be pulsating, while the arteries can be modeled by constricted tubes with rigid or elastic wall. Such a task involves formulation and development of a numerical method that could at least handle pulsating flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid through tubes with and without constrictions where the boundary is assumed to be inelastic or elastic. As a first attempt, the present paper explores and develops a time-accurate finite difference lattice Boltzmann method (FDLBM) equipped with an immersed boundary (IB) scheme to simulate pulsating flow in constricted tube with rigid walls at different Reynolds numbers. The unsteady flow simulations using a time-accurate FDLBM/IB numerical scheme is validated against theoretical solutions and other known numerical data. In the process, the performance of the time-accurate FDLBM/IB for a model blood flow problem and the ease with which the no-slip boundary condition can be correctly implemented is successfully demonstrated.
Behavioral, Neurophysiological, and Descriptive Changes After Occupation-Based Intervention
Authors: Skubik-Peplaski Camille , Carrico Cheryl , Nichols Laurel , Chelette Kenneth , Sawaki Lumy
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE. We evaluated the effects of occupation-based intervention on poststroke upper-extremity (UE) motor recovery, neuroplastic change, and occupational performance in 1 research participant.

METHOD. A 55-yr-old man with chronic stroke and moderately impaired UE motor function participated in 15 sessions of occupation-based intervention in a hospital setting designed to simulate a home environment. We tested behavioral motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Stroke Impact Scale, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) and neuroplasticity (transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS]) at baseline and at completion of intervention. We collected descriptive data on occupational participation throughout the study.

RESULTS. All behavioral outcomes indicated clinically relevant improvement. TMS revealed bihemispheric corticomotor reorganization. Descriptive data revealed enhanced occupational performance.

CONCLUSION. Occupation-based intervention delivered in a hospital-based, homelike environment can lead to poststroke neuroplastic change, increased functional use of the affected UE, and improved occupational performance.
Assessing the Sensitivity of the Evaluation of Social Interaction: Comparing Social Skills in Children With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Griswold Lou Ann , Townsend Samantha
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE. We examined the sensitivity of the Evaluation of Social Interaction (ESI) as a measure of the overall quality of social interaction in children as they engage in social exchanges in a natural context with typical social partners.

METHOD. We compared the ESI measures of 23 children with disabilities with those of 23 children without disabilities, matched by age and gender.

RESULTS. Paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference, t(22) = −4.065, p = .001, in the quality of social interaction for the two groups of children, indicating sensitivity of the ESI.

CONCLUSION. The results support the use of the ESI to measure quality of social interaction in a natural context.
Influence of Task and Tool Characteristics on Scissor Skills in Typical Adults
Authors: Mitchell Anita Witt , Hampton Carmen , Hanks Mistie , Miller Chelsea , Ray Natalie
Published: October 2012

To clarify expectations for mature cutting skills and investigate the influences of cutting task and scissor type, we videotaped 60 typical adults cutting three shapes with two different types of scissors. The videotapes were reviewed, and 38 aspects of grasp and cutting motions were rated. Percentages of participants who used a particular grip or cutting motion for each shape with each scissor type were reported and compared. Findings included variations in grasp that depended on the scissor type used and variations in cutting motions that depended on the shape being cut. Improved understanding of mature scissor skills and the effect of variations in the cutting task and scissor type used will allow more effective assessment of and intervention for children and adults with cutting difficulties. Specific implications for practice are discussed.
Effectiveness of the California Tri-Pull Taping Method for Shoulder Subluxation Poststroke: A Single-Subject ABA Design
Authors: Hayner Kate A.
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE. I evaluated the effectiveness of the California Tri-Pull Taping method for clients with poststroke inferior shoulder subluxation of the glenohumeral joint.

METHOD. Ten participants were followed for 9 wk using an interrupted time series quasi-experimental single-subject ABA design to examine shoulder pain, activities of daily living (ADL) function, active range of motion, tape comfort, and subluxation.

RESULTS. The California Tri-Pull Taping method decreased inferior subluxation significantly from baseline to intervention but not at postintervention. Active range of motion was significantly increased in shoulder flexion and abduction between the baseline and intervention and the intervention and postintervention phases. Functional ADL scores were significant. The taping was reported to be comfortable. No significant difference in pain was found.

CONCLUSION. This intervention is a promising adjunct to the management of the hemiplegic subluxed shoulder that warrants further research.
Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA): A Performance-Based Assessment of Executive Function Piloted With At-Risk Adolescents
Authors: Weiner Nikki Williamson , Toglia Joan , Berg Christine
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE. We piloted the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA), a performance-based measure of executive function (EF), to establish a baseline for at-risk adolescents.

METHOD. Participants were 113 youths ages 16–21 who were enrolled at a charter school for youth returning to high school after dropping out. We administered the WCPA and collected demographic information.

RESULTS. On average, participants spent 15.9 min on the WCPA, made 7.9 errors, and followed 4.0 of 5 possible rules. No ceiling effect was observed in overall accuracy. Participants used a mean of 3.1 strategies (standard deviation = 1.9) while completing the WCPA. Participants who used more strategies spent more time planning and completing the task and were more accurate.

CONCLUSION. The WCPA may be useful to occupational therapists as a performance measure of EF. This assessment allows evaluation of complex task performance, strategy use, self-evaluation of performance, and error patterns, which can be used in developing intervention strategies.
Development and Validation of a 15-Item Lifestyle Screening for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Hwang Jengliang Eric
Published: October 2012

The Health Enhancement Lifestyle Profile–Screener (HELP–Screener) is a 15-item self-report questionnaire conceptually excerpted from the original 56-item HELP. This article describes the development and validation of the HELP–Screener with a sample of 483 community-dwelling older adults. Data derived from the sample were first analyzed using the Rasch dichotomous model. Unidimensionality and data–model fit of the HELP–Screener were largely supported by the analyses of principal components of residuals, fit statistics, local dependency, differential item functioning, and item hierarchy. To delineate the clinical significance of the test results, the cutoff score for the HELP–Screener was established through the mean and standard deviation generated from the study sample. The HELP–Screener can serve as a time-efficient screening for identifying older adults who may require a comprehensive evaluation through HELP and, as a result, who may benefit from a lifestyle intervention. Of note, more studies are planned to further corroborate psychometric properties of this new instrument.
Occupational Therapy in Neurological Disorders: Looking Ahead to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Centennial Vision
Authors: Rao Ashwini K.
Published: October 2012

The Centennial Vision articulated by the American Occupational Therapy Association includes moving the profession to being science driven and evidence based. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy contributes to this vision by publishing high-quality research. I reviewed research in the practice area of neurological rehabilitation published between May 2010 and October 2011. In particular, I reviewed effectiveness and efficacy studies, instrument development and testing, and basic research studies. Concerns emerging from the review were (1) few studies in neurological rehabilitation; (2) many disorders not represented; (3) exclusive use of impairment-level outcomes in some studies; and (4) high preponderance of case series designs in effectiveness studies. To achieve the Centennial Vision, the field needs to improve the volume and diversity of research in neurological rehabilitation. It is also important to modify academic and clinical practice to enable occupational therapists to spend more time in producing high-quality evidence to support the crucial role they play in neurological rehabilitation.
Integration of measurements and model simulations to characterize Eyjafjallajökull volcanic aerosols over south-eastern Italy
Authors: Perrone M. R. , De Tomasi F. , Stohl A. , Kristiansen N. I.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Volcanic aerosols resulting from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption were detected in south-eastern Italy from 20 to 22 April 2010, at a distance of approximately 4000 km from the volcano, and have been characterized by lidar, sun/sky photometer, and surface in-situ measurements. Volcanic particles added to the pre-existing aerosol load and measurement data allow quantifying the impact of volcanic particles on the aerosol vertical distribution, lidar ratios, the aerosol size distribution, and the ground-level particulate-matter concentrations. Lidar measurements reveal that backscatter coefficients by volcanic particles were about one order of magnitude smaller over south-eastern Italy than over Central Europe. Mean lidar ratios at 355 nm were equal to 64 ± 5 sr inside the volcanic aerosol layer and were characterized by smaller values (47 ± 2 sr) in the underlying layer on 20 April, 19:30 UTC. Lidar ratios and their dependence with the height reduced in the following days, mainly because of the variability of the volcanic particle contributions. Size distributions from sun/sky photometer measurements reveal the presence of volcanic particles with radii r > 0.5 μm on 21 April and that the contribution of coarse volcanic particles increased from 20 to 22 April. The aerosol fine mode fraction from sun/sky photometer measurements varied between values of 0.85 and 0.94 on 20 April and decreased to values between 0.25 and 0.82 on 22 April. Surface measurements of particle size distributions were in good accordance with column averaged particle size distributions from sun/sky photometer measurements. PM1/PM2.5 mass concentration ratios of 0.69, 0.66, and 0.60 on 20, 21, and 22 April, respectively, support the increase of super-micron particles at ground. Measurements from the Regional Air Quality Agency show that PM10 mass concentrations on 20, 21, and 22 April 2010 were enhanced in the entire Apulia Region. More specifically, PM10 mass concentrations have on average increased over Apulia Region 22%, 50%, and 28% on 20, 21, and 22 April, respectively, compared to values on 19 April. Finally, the comparison of measurement data with numerical simulations by the FLEXPART dispersion model demonstrates the ability of FLEXPART to model the advection of the volcanic ash over the 4000 km from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano to Southern Italy.
Atmospheric column-averaged mole fractions of carbon dioxide at 53 aircraft measurement sites
Authors: Miyamoto Y. , Inoue M. , Morino I. , Uchino O. , Yokota T. , Machida T. , Sawa Y. , Matsueda H. , Sweeney C. , Tans P. P. , Andrews A. E. , Patra P. K.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric column-averaged mole fractions of carbon dioxide (XCO2) at 53 locations around the world were derived from aircraft measurements covering the altitude range of about 1–10 km. We used CO2 vertical profile measurements from three major carbon cycle programs, a global climatological data set of air number density profiles and tropopause height for calculating XCO2 for the period of 2007–2009. Vertical profiles of the CO2 mixing ratio are complemented by tall tower data up to 400 m from the earth's surface and by simulated profiles in the stratosphere from a chemistry-transport model. The amplitude of the seasonal cycle of calculated XCO2 values shows clear latitudinal dependence, and the amplitude decreases from about 10 ppm at high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere to at most 2 ppm in the tropics and the Southern Hemisphere. The uncertainties of XCO2 were estimated from assumptions about CO2 profiles for each flight. Typically, uncertainties were less than 1 ppm; thus, this data set is within the level of uncertainty needed for primary validation of XCO2 measurements by the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) and by future satellite missions for monitoring greenhouse gases.
Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) retrieval using simultaneous GOES-East and GOES-West reflected radiances over the Western US
Authors: Zhang H. , Hoff R. M. , Kondragunta S. , Laszlo I. , Lyapustin A.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) in the Western United States is observed independently by both the GOES-East and GOES-West imagers. The GASP (GOES Aerosol/Smoke Product) aerosol optical depth retrieval algorithm treats each satellite as a unique sensor and thus NOAA obtains two separate aerosol optical depth values at the same time for the same location. The TOA radiances and the associated derived optical depths can be quite different due to the different viewing geometries with large difference in solar-scattering angles. In order to fully exploit the simultaneous observations and generate consistent AOD retrievals from the two satellites, the authors develop a new aerosol optical depth retrieval algorithm that uses data from both satellites. The algorithm uses combined GOES-East and GOES-West visible channel TOA reflectance and daily average AOD from GOES Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (GOES-MAIAC) on clear days (AOD less than 0.3), when diurnal variation of AOD is low, to retrieve surface BRDF. The known BRDF shape is applied on subsequent days to retrieve BRDF and AOD. The algorithm is validated at three AERONET sites over the Western US. The AOD retrieval accuracy from the hybrid technique using the two satellites is similar to that from one satellite over UCSB and Railroad Valley. Improvement of the accuracy is observed at Boulder. The correlation coefficients between the GOES AOD and AERONET AOD are in the range of 0.67 to 0.81 over the three sites. The hybrid algorithm has more data coverage compared to the single satellite retrievals over surfaces with high reflectance. The number of coincidences with AERONET observations increases from the use of two-single satellite algorithms by 5–80% for the three sites. With the application of the new algorithm, consistent AOD retrievals and better retrieval coverages can be obtained using the data from the two GOES satellite imagers.
Influence of CO2 and nitrogen limitation on the coccolith volume of Emiliania huxleyi (Haptophyta)
Authors: Müller M. N. , Beaufort L. , Bernard O. , Pedrotti M. L. , Talec A. , Sciandra A.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Coccolithophores, a key phytoplankton group, are one of the most studied organisms regarding their physiological response to ocean acidification/carbonation. The biogenic production of calcareous coccoliths has made coccolithophores a promising group for paleoceanographic research aiming to reconstruct past environmental conditions. Recently, geochemical and morphological analyses of fossil coccoliths have gained increased interest in regard to changes in seawater carbonate chemistry. The cosmopolitan coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) Hay and Mohler was cultured over a range of pCO2 levels in controlled laboratory experiments under nutrient replete and nitrogen limited conditions. Measurements of photosynthesis and calcification revealed, as previously published, an increase in particulate organic carbon production and a moderate decrease in calcification from ambient to elevated pCO2. The enhancement in particulate organic carbon production was accompanied by an increase in cell diameter. Changes in coccolith volume were best correlated with the coccosphere/cell diameter and no significant correlation was found between the coccolith volume and the particulate inorganic carbon production. The conducted experiments revealed that the coccolith volume of E. huxleyi is variable with aquatic CO2 concentration but its sensitivity is rather small in comparison with its sensitivity to nitrogen limitation. Comparing coccolith morphological and geometrical parameters like volume, mass and size to physiological parameters under controlled laboratory conditions is an important step to understand variations in fossil coccolith geometry.
A 560 yr summer temperature reconstruction for the Western Mediterranean basin based on stable carbon isotopes from Pinus nigra ssp. laricio (Corsica/France)
Authors: Szymczak S. , Joachimski M. M. , Bräuning A. , Hetzer T. , Kuhlemann J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The Mediterranean is considered as an area which will be affected strongly by current climate change. However, temperature records for the past centuries which can contribute to a better understanding of future climate changes are still sparse for this region. Carbon isotope chronologies from tree-rings often mirror temperature history but their application as climate proxies is difficult due to the influence of the anthropogenic change in atmospheric CO2 on the carbon isotope fractionation during photosynthetic CO2 uptake. We tested the influence of different correction models accounting for plant response to increased atmospheric CO2 on four annually resolved long-term carbon isotope records (between 400 and 800 yr) derived from Corsican pine trees (Pinus nigra ssp. laricio) growing at ecologically varying mountain sites on the island of Corsica. The different correction factors have only a minor influence on the main climate signals and resulting temperature reconstructions. Carbon isotope series show strong correlations with summer temperature and precipitation. A summer temperature reconstruction (1448–2007 AD) reveals that the Little Ice Age was characterised by low, but not extremely low temperatures on Corsica. Temperatures have been to modern temperatures at around 1500 AD. The reconstruction reveals warm summers during 1480–1520 and 1950–2007 AD and cool summers during 1580–1620 and 1820–1890 AD.
A simple groundwater scheme in the TRIP river routing model: global off-line evaluation against GRACE terrestrial water storage estimates and observed river discharges
Authors: Vergnes J.-P. , Decharme B.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Groundwater is a non-negligible component of the global hydrological cycle, and its interaction with overlying unsaturated zones can influence water and energy fluxes between the land surface and the atmosphere. Despite its importance, groundwater is not yet represented in most climate models. In this paper, the simple groundwater scheme implemented in the Total Runoff Integrating Pathways (TRIP) river routing model is applied in off-line mode at global scale using a 0.5° model resolution. The simulated river discharges are evaluated against a large dataset of about 3500 gauging stations compiled from the Global Data Runoff Center (GRDC) and other sources, while the terrestrial water storage (TWS) variations derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission help to evaluate the simulated TWS. The forcing fields (surface runoff and deep drainage) come from an independent simulation of the Interactions between Soil-Biosphere-Atmosphere (ISBA) land surface model covering the period from 1950 to 2008. Results show that groundwater improves the efficiency scores for about 70% of the gauging stations and deteriorates them for 15%. The simulated TWS are also in better agreement with the GRACE estimates. These results are mainly explained by the lag introduced by the low-frequency variations of groundwater, which tend to shift and smooth the simulated river discharges and TWS. A sensitivity study on the global precipitation forcing used in ISBA to produce the forcing fields is also proposed. It shows that the groundwater scheme is not influenced by the uncertainties in precipitation data.
Post-processing scheme for modeling the lithospheric magnetic field
Authors: Lesur V. , Rother M. , Vervelidou F. , Hamoudi M. , Thébault E.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. We investigated how the noise in satellite magnetic data affects magnetic lithospheric field models derived from these data in the special case where this noise is correlated along satellite orbit tracks. For this we describe the satellite data noise as a perturbation magnetic field scaled independently for each orbit, where the scaling factor has a specified variance. Under this assumption, we have been able to derive a model for errors in lithospheric models generated by the correlated satellite data noise. Unless the perturbation field is known, estimating the noise in the lithospheric field model is a non-linear inverse problem. We therefore proposed an iterative post-processing technique to estimate both the lithospheric field model and its associated noise model. The technique has been successfully applied to derive a lithospheric field model from CHAMP satellite data up to spherical harmonic 120. The model is in agreement with other existing models. The technique can be in principal extended for all kind of potential field data with "along track" correlated errors.
Efficiency of Real-Time PCR for 18s rRNA amplification of Sorbus domestica L.
Authors: Žiarovská Jana , Poláčeková Petronela
Published: October 2012

Nowadays, the awareness is given more and more to underutilized and  unusual fruits. One of them is Sorbus domestica, L. not only as an endangered species, but as well as a promising and economically usable crop. The work was aimed for finding a total genomic DNA isolating methods from fresh plant material and confirmation of the optimized method by the detection of 18S rRNA gene using real-time PCR. Two commercial isolation kits were tested -  Invisorb® Spin Plant Mini Kit and Wizard ® Genomic DNA. Higher purity and yield of DNA isolation kit showed Invisorb kit. The effective and pure PCR amplification was confirmed for Invisorb, too when 20 ng undiluted DNA at annealing temperature of 64.5 °C.
Nutritional and health benefits of buckwheat
Authors: Danihelová Martina , Šturdí­k Ernest
Published: October 2012

Buckwheat represents a raw material interesting in term of its nutritional and health beneficial suitability. Buckwheat grain is a source of valuable proteins, starch with low glycemic index or high amount of unsaturated fatty acids. It contains compounds with prophylactic value, too. Buckwheat is one of the richest sources of flavonoids. The highest content of dietary fibre is in bran fraction, where it counts for 40 %. Present phytosterols are usefull in lowering blood cholesterol. Buckwheat is better source of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese and copper than other cereals. Among vitamins the most abundant is pyridoxin. Buckwheat is effective in management of many diseases, mainly cardiovascular and digestion disorders, cancer, diabetes and obesity. In the last decades buckwheat is an interesting material not only for development of new functional foods, but for the preparation of concentrates with healing buckwheat components, too.
The proprotein convertases in health and disease
Authors: Seidah Nabil G.
Published: October 2012

Background:
The mammalian proprotein convertases (PCs) constitute a family of nine secretory serine proteases related to bacterial subtilisin and yeast kexin. Seven of them (PC1/3, PC2, furin, PC4, PC5/6, PACE4 and PC7) activate cellular and pathogen precursor proteins by cleavage at single or paired basic residues, while SKI-1/S1P and PCSK9 regulate cholesterol/lipid homeostasis via cleavage at non-basic residues or through induced degradation of receptors. PCs are now considered attractive targets for the development of powerful novel therapeutics. In this poster presentation, I will summarize the physiological functions and pathological implications of the PCs and discuss proposed strategies to control some of their activities, including their therapeutic application and validation in selected disease states.

Objectives:
The concept of the cleavage of precursor proteins to generate active products was born 47 years ago and the cognate convertases were identified during a 13-year period that ended in 2003 with the identification of PCSK9. Since the discovery of the PCs, efforts have been deployed to identify specific functions of PCs in animal models and humans in both health and disease and they have been implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes that regulate both body homeostasis and multiple disease states. While most PCs exert their functions through cleavage of substrates either at basic or non-basic amino acids, PCSK9 only requires its enzymatic activity to autocatalytically process its prosegment in the endoplasmic reticulum, and is secreted as an inactive protease. The challenging identification of safe orally active small molecule inhibitors of some of the convertases, especially PCSK9, is definitively a future goal that should be pursued vehemently.

Conclusions:
The use of biologics and desirable automated injection procedures or minimally invasive methods may be the future for effective PC-based therapies. The future is indeed bright and awaits innovative and practical approaches to target these exciting and multifunctional enzymes. The topics discussed here will encourage the investigation and development of potent and effective PC-inhibitors/silencers, and minimally invasive procedures for delivery to patients, which would be highly beneficial in the clinical treatment of diseases in which PCs play a key role.
Identification and characterization of inhibitors of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) as potential therapeutics for multiple myeloma
Authors: Al-awar Rima , Uehling David , Joseph Babu , Griffin Carly , Subramaniam Ratheesh , Abibi Ayome , Marcellus Richard , Prakesch Michael , Poda Gennadiy , Isaac Methvin , Leung-Hagesteijn Chungyee , Tiedemann Rodger , Strathdee Craig
Published: October 2012

Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common hematological malignancies, but current therapy options are limited to high-dose chemotherapy or high-risk stem-cell transplantation. In a recent kinome-wide RNAi study by Tiedemann and colleagues (2010), the G-protein coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) was identified as a critical kinase required for survival of MM cells. This study also suggests that MM cells, but not other cell types, are dependent on GRK6; and that gene silencing by shRNA or siRNA of GRK6, but not other GRKs, results in decreased survival. At present, the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling mediated by GRK6 in MM cells is not well understood. Through gene silencing techniques and expression of either the wild-type or kinase-dead form of GRK6 protein, we determined that a functional GRK6 kinase domain is required for survival of MM cells. These findings helped validate that the GRK6 kinase domain is a potential target for MM, and have spurred the investigation of small molecule kinase inhibitors of GRK6. By screening a cassette of compounds that are known as kinase inhibitors, compounds with moderate potency in preliminary biochemical assays were identified and further evaluated. As part of this effort we identified CX-4945, which is a known potent and selective ATP-competitive small molecule protein kinase CK2 inhibitor (IC₅₀ of 1 nM for recombinant human CK2α) as a moderately potent inhibitor of GRK6 (IC₅₀ on GRK6 = 300-500 nM). Herein we describe the design and synthesis of novel analogs of CX-4945 and key structure activity relationships (SAR) of this chemical series against GRK6 that serve as a platform for further optimization.
Personalized peptide-based vaccine design for prostate cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Arreadouani Simo , Kissick H. , Dunn L. , On S.T. , Sanda M.G.
Published: October 2012

Background:
The recent approval by the FDA of the autologous, cell-based vaccine Provenge was hailed as a major advance for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) and reinvigorated interest in the field of PCa immunotherapy. Peptide-based vaccines represent a viable, cost-effective formulation in the field of cancer vaccine development. This approach has been used successfully to treat melanoma where vaccination with gp100-derived peptide in combination with IL-2 gave a 6.7 month improvement in overall survival compared to IL-2 alone.

Objectives:
Our goal was to identify immunogenic epitopes from gene rearrangement products and tumor coding mutations to generate vaccines for prostate cancer immunotherapy.

Methods:
We used a 3-step, in silico/in vitro/in vivo approach to identify HLA-A2.1-restricted, immunogenic epitopes derived from the highly prostate tumor-specific antigen ERG, a component of the TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion that occurs in about 50% of PCa cases. We designed longer epitopes that exhibit helper function through activation of CD4 T lymphocytes. We screened RNAseq data from prostate tumors to identify potential immunogenic epitopes that rise from coding mutations. Predicted epitopes are tested in humanized mice for immunogenicity. Anti-tumor effect of epitope-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes is tested against human prostate tumor cell lines.

Results:
We have identified several epitopes from ERG that induced a strong immune response in humanized HLA-A2.1+ mice and overcame peripheral tolerance in prostate specific ERG-expressing TRAMP-HLA-A2.1-ERG+ mice. Additionally, we have designed long peptides that target both MHC-I and MHC-II molecules and overcome the need for helper peptides. These immunogenic epitopes are naturally processed and presented by tumor cells to mediate cytotoxicity. Finally, we used RNAseq to identify a high number of tumor-specific, panHLA-customized, coding mutations, including those from KRas oncogene, that exhibit immunogenicity in vivo.

Conclusion:
Our findings provide proof of concept for peptide-based vaccines that are tailored to the tumor's molecular profile, and lay the ground for future development of personalized vaccines for clinical use.
Pharmacological modulators of stem cells as novel therapeutics
Authors: Abujarour Ramzey , Valamehr Bahram , Bennett Monica , Robinson Megan , Flynn Peter
Published: October 2012

Fate Therapeutics (Fate) is pursuing the pharmacological modulation of adult stem cells to enhance tissue regeneration. Fate's lead clinical program, ProHema, consists of pharmacologically-enhanced hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), designed to improve HSC engraftment and hematopoietic reconstitution during the normal course of a stem cell transplant for the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies. Fate is currently conducting three clinical phase II trials of ProHema (FT1050‐enhanced umbilical cord blood). In addition, Fate is advancing a human recombinant protein, FT301, engineered for improved pharmacologic properties, and for driving the regeneration of skeletal muscle cells for use in atrophy and dystrophy. FT301 has a novel mode of action that results in the expansion of satellite stem cells. Fate has applied its proprietary induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to test the efficacy of FT301 in a human model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We established iPSC lines from patients with DMD, and explored the regenerative capacity of FT301 on myoblasts generated from the DMD-specific iPSCs. Treatment of the iPSC-derived muscle fibers with FT301 induced significant hypertrophy confirming our in vitro and in vivo observed effects of FT301 in inducing productive muscular hypertrophy, and highlighting its possible application in muscular degenerative disorders.