bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La concentration des entreprises d'assurances en France depuis la Seconde Guerre Mondiale : réalités et limites
Authors: Straus André
Published: March 2014

Chaque marché national d’assurance possède ses propres particularités. En ce qui concerne la concentration des entreprises, la France se situe dans la moyenne de l’assurance européenne. Cependant, l’histoire de la concentration des entreprises d’assurance en France présente des traits spécifiques. Si l’on se cantonne à la période qui suit la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, trois aspects sont particulièrement frappants. Le premier est la séparation rigide entre le secteur des compagnies nationales et celui des compagnies privées. Le second, qui a joué un rôle important pour expliquer l’absence d’opérations d’envergure touchant le capital des compagnies, est l’absence pendant plusieurs dizaines d’années d’un marché financier digne de ce nom. Il suffit de rappeler à cet égard que la première OPA date de 1969. Elle fut regardée et à l’époque comme une américanisation des mœurs financières françaises. Le troisième aspect a joué un rôle important pour expliquer le mouvement et l’allure de la concentration des entreprises, celui de l’importance du secteur des mutuelles. Le statut des mutuelles (une tête, une voix), rendait quasiment impossible les prises de contrôle. Dans le cadre de l’unification économique croissante de l’Europe, les choses commencèrent à se modifier lorsque ces trois aspects principaux en vinrent à être remis en cause. La privatisation des compagnies nationales, la renaissance du marché financier depuis les années 1980 furent aussi accompagnés de divers mouvements concernant les mutuelles d’assurance. Démutualisation sous une forme ou sous une autre, regroupements court-circuitant la lettre des statuts, permirent à des mutuelles associées, de devenir des acteurs majeurs du marché de l’assurance française.
Actualité de la pratique pionnière d'August Aichhorn auprès des adolescents délinquants
Authors: Houssier Florian
Published: March 2014

Comment aider les adolescents dans leur traversée des tumultes intérieurs de leur jeunesse lorsque ceux qui sont censés les accompagner projettent sur eux leur propre fragilité ? Cet article reprend, en la contextualisant, la pratique pionnière d’August Aichhorn auprès de jeunes délinquants pour en montrer, aujourd’hui encore, la pertinence et la modernité, à une époque où la tentation du tout-répressif est forte. Celle-ci ne tient pas compte de la singularité des conflits psychiques de ces adolescents en souffrance.
L'inspecteur à l'Aide sociale à l'enfance
Authors: Platon Gisèle , Lubeigt Françoise
Published: March 2014

La loi du 5 mars 2007 réaffirme les compétences du président du conseil général en matière de protection de l’enfance, elle renforce et développe les dispositifs administratifs et judiciaires existants, en mettant l’accent sur le volet prévention précoce, assorti d’un renforcement des actions en direction des familles. Quelles sont les raisons qui ont concouru à ces remaniements légaux et quelles sont les conséquences de ce renforcement de l’autorité administrative ? Quelles sont, aujourd’hui, les fonctions de l’inspecteur de l’Aide sociale à l’enfance et comment coordonne-t-il ses missions avec l’autorité judiciaire ?
L'enfant en danger peut et doit être protégé à l'hôpital
Authors: Ythier Hubert
Published: March 2014

L’hôpital public a un rôle singulier dans la protection des enfants en danger, rôle qui lui a été reconnu par de nombreux textes législatifs et règlementaires mais qu’il lui devient difficile d’exercer dans toutes ses dimensions en raison des conflits institutionnels d’une part, des difficultés financières des établissements publics de santé d’autre part. Ce rôle singulier est celui d’une attention globale au bien-être de l’enfant en danger, qui passe par des soins tant somatiques que psychiques et par la mise en relation des différents acteurs de la protection de cet enfant. La compétence particulière des équipes pluridisciplinaires pédiatriques leur permet d’affirmer le diagnostic, d’évaluer avec des partenaires extérieurs la capacité des parents à protéger ou non leur enfant, et de proposer des mesures de soins et de protection adaptées à chaque situation.
Clivages institutionnels et appropriation de l'enfant
Authors: Monod Guillaume
Published: March 2014

Le clivage des institutions est l’un des écueils majeurs rencontrés par les acteurs de la protection de l’enfance. Sa conséquence est l’appropriation de la situation de l’enfant au détriment de sa famille et des autres professionnels. Afin de pouvoir y échapper, il faut d’abord identifier les lieux institutionnels où il se manifeste, et comprendre quels sont les ressorts psychologiques des professionnels qui l’induisent. La lutte contre le clivage est d’abord d’ordre éthique, mais elle nécessite impérativement que les institutions, et au premier rang l’État, définissent les stratégies et les outils nécessaires pour venir en aide aux professionnels.
La colère des pères : une fable clinique
Authors: Valentin Michèle
Published: March 2014

Cette fable clinique montre comment un jeune adolescent, dans un contexte de délinquance et de ruptures familiales, parvient à convoquer la loi en miroir du modèle déshumanisant imposé par ses pères.
Entre un dedans et un dehors institutionnel
Authors: Bertin-Morales Adèle , Peccia-Galletto Claire
Published: March 2014

Cet article évoque, au travers de l’histoire de Fatou, les liens et les articulations entre le travail d’une psychomotricienne et celui d’une assistante sociale en service de pédiatrie. Nous abordons, d’une part, les intrications interdisciplinaires, et d’autre part, la difficile tâche incombant aux parents d’enfants hospitalisés : entre le trauma de l’annonce de la pathologie et la complexité de l’univers médical, comment créer de la continuité entre deux mondes représentatifs ? Comment aider ces parents à lier l’espace de la famille et l’espace hospitalier, d’autant plus dans un contexte migratoire ?
L'effet conjugué du contexte national et du genre sur la (non) transmission des langues dans les familles mixtes en Corée du Sud
Authors: Kim Kyung-Mi
Published: March 2014

Le choix et la transmission des langues au sein des familles mixtes dans la société sud-coréenne se rapportent à une double condition : le genre et le contexte national. L’inégalité des sexes ancrée dans cette société conditionnant les pratiques matrimoniales et les stratégies de reproduction, le mariage mixte des femmes coréennes est considéré comme une menace à l’ordre symbolique fondé sur l’idéologie de l’« unicité ethnique », alors que celui des hommes coréens est l’objet d’intervention politique afin de garantir la transmission de l’« identité nationale » associée à la culture coréenne. Dans ce paysage social et politique, la marginalisation et la stigmatisation subies par les femmes coréennes mariées à un étranger, font partie des paramètres influençant le choix et la transmission des langues au sein de leur famille. Quant aux familles mixtes des hommes coréens, la pratique de la langue coréenne est imposée par les politiques d’intégration du gouvernement, et, de ce fait, la langue étrangère pratiquée par leur femme trouve très peu de place dans cette société. En s’appuyant sur des entretiens, sur une analyse des discours journalistiques et politiques et sur des données quantitatives, cet article se propose d’éclaircir cette double condition propre à la société sud-coréenne, afin de montrer l’influence d’un tel contexte national sur le choix et la transmission des langues au sein de familles mixtes.
Valeur symbolique de la langue au Pays basque français et choix de l'école pour les enfants de couples linguistiquement mixtes
Authors: Lacroix Isabelle
Published: March 2014

Cet article porte sur les couples mixtes désirant maintenir et transmettre la langue basque en choisissant d’inscrire leurs enfants dans les écoles immersives basques ( ikastolas ), système scolaire où la maternelle et le CP sont exclusivement en langue basque et où le français est intégré à partir du CE1. S’appuyant sur des matériaux empiriques récoltés entre 2000 et 2009 (entretiens biographiques de parents d’élèves, observations de fêtes, de réunions internes et publiques, archives), il s’inscrit dans la lignée de travaux qui questionnent les choix linguistiques parentaux pour leurs enfants, dans la famille et face à l’institution scolaire. À partir de la méthode d’analyse des entretiens de Demazière et Dubar, cet article rend compte à travers des extraits d’entretiens, de trois logiques parentales repérées : une logique militante, une logique uniquement identitaire chez des parents qui ont connu dans l’enfance ou l’adolescence une perte ou une non-transmission de la langue basque dans leur famille et une logique d’intégration au Pays basque pour les nouveaux arrivants. Il s’appuie également sur des observations ethnographiques, d’une durée de huit ans, de parents d’élèves et leurs enfants. Le recours à l’ ikastola marque une inversion des pratiques langagières familiales et questionne la transmission parents-enfants. Malgré de nombreuses difficultés pour les couples mixtes d’assurer une continuité linguistique entre l’école en langue basque et la maison, parler en basque au sein du foyer étant complexe, les nouveaux locuteurs augmentent. L’école immersive basque joue donc un rôle non négligeable dans le processus de « revitalisation linguistique » mais également dans la « transmission inversée » entre les enfants et les partenaires non-bascophones des couples mixtes.
Langues et identités en contexte exolingue : discours de trois couples franco-éthiopiens à Addis-Abeba
Authors: Miguel Addisu Véronique
Published: March 2014

Cette étude sociolinguistique des discours de trois couples franco-éthiopiens s’ancre dans une approche d’un bilinguisme individuel vu comme une pratique sociale. Les six enquêtés vivent au quotidien des interactions verbales marquées par l’asymétrie des répertoires langagiers et par la pluralité des langues/cultures convoquées : après s’être rencontrés en anglais, ils vivent aujourd’hui principalement en français, langue marginale en Éthiopie. L’importance des langues en tant qu’attributs ethniques dans le contexte urbain et plurilingue qu’est Addis-Abeba, fait identifier quelques enjeux du « faire couple » pour les six enquêtés et justifie du recueil de récits biographiques pour l’analyse de leurs interactions langagières. L’analyse discursive des six entretiens rend compte des interprétations des principaux événements communicatifs relatés, entre espaces privés et espaces publics, entre espaces francophones et amharophones. L’exolinguisme oblige ainsi à recourir à des stratégies de communication qui ont la particularité d’être à la fois insécurisantes pour chacun et fortement structurantes pour le couple. Les résultats montrent que lorsque les enquêtés évoquent des situations dans lesquelles leur compétence linguistique est minimale, leurs discours font le plus souvent référence aux identités et aux cultures de chacun. Mais lorsqu’ils relatent des événements dans lesquels l’asymétrie est moindre, ils centrent davantage le propos sur la compréhension verbale. Se dessinent alors des pratiques langagières distinctes selon la valeur accordée aux notions de face et de diversité  : ces pratiques participent à la construction d’identités qui trouvent leur cohérence dans la mixité elle-même.
La transmission de la langue du parent migrant au sein des familles mixtes : une réalité complexe perçue à travers le discours de leurs enfants
Authors: Unterreiner Anne
Published: March 2014

L’enfant de couple mixte, défini comme l’individu dont les parents sont nés dans des pays différents, peut disposer d’une socialisation plurielle du fait des origines de ses parents. La transmission de la langue dans les familles mixtes sera ici prise comme indicateur de celle-ci. Diffère-t-elle selon le pays de résidence de l’enfant de couple mixte ? Afin de répondre à ce questionnement, une comparaison entre la France, le Royaume-Uni et l’Allemagne a été effectuée. Les discours identitaires d’une centaine d’enfants de couples mixtes mettent au jour comment la transmission de la langue est perçue par ces derniers. L’influence des parcours migratoires et des stratégies d’intégration du parent migrant et de l’enfant de couple mixte lui-même sur l’acquisition de la langue du parent migrant sera analysée. Il sera ainsi possible de distinguer entre deux types de transmission, fort et faible, et de comparer les cas français, allemand et britannique. Mais si ces idéaux-types permettent de structurer l’analyse et de comprendre les déterminants de la transmission linguistique, l’article tiendra aussi compte de la complexité de la transmission parentale.
L'imaginaire politique de la théorie de l'énonciation
Authors: Provenzano François
Published: March 2014

Le présent article a pour objectif d’éclairer la manière dont une réflexion relative au langage peut être imprégnée d’un imaginaire politique. Le travail d’Émile Benveniste sur l’énonciation est envisagé dans sa dimension terminologique, qui permet de mettre en lumière les liens entretenus entre la théorie du linguiste et un « air du temps » politique. Après une mise au point théorique sur la notion d’« imaginaire » et un bref aperçu rétrospectif sur les liens entre la théorie de l’énonciation et l’idéologie marxiste, l’article propose une lecture rapprochée des travaux de Benveniste qui gravitent autour de ses articles canoniques sur l’énonciation (du Vocabulaire des institutions indo-européennes jusqu’aux brouillons, en passant par ses interviews). L’objectif est de mettre en évidence des constellations terminologiques, des harmoniques non pas forcément conceptuelles, mais strictement rhétoriques, qui témoignent d’un ajustement du verbe du linguiste aux grandes topiques du discours social.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in ICT Companies
Authors: Carvalho Luísa Margarida Cagica , Martins Paulo Adelino Moreira
Published: March 2014

This chapter studies entrepreneurship and innovation in ICT companies. The study presents a literature review considering the particular features of ICT companies and proposes an empirical study applied to ICT companies in a small open economy. Empirical study using a relevant sample of ICT Portuguese companies allowed an interesting characterization of this sector in several strategic dimensions. Most ICT companies contribute to the Schumpeterian process of creative destruction, assuming a catalytic role in the creation of new companies (and industries) and in mortality of the less fit companies. In this way, promoting the revitalization and competitive selection with impact on organizational structures and obvious implications for employment, directly or indirectly, tends to save the market friction and contribute to the reduction of transaction and context costs, with a positive impact on productivity and economic growth.
The Weighted Fuzzy Barycenter
Authors: Rojas-Mora Julio , Josselin Didier , Aryal Jagannath , Mangiavillano Adrien , Ellerkamp Philippe
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the authors present a methodology to solve the weighted barycenter problem when the data is inherently fuzzy. This method, from data clustered by expert visual inspection of maps, calculates bi-dimensional fuzzy numbers from the spatial clusters, which in turn are used to obtain the weighted fuzzy barycenter of a particular area. The authors apply the methodology, to a particularly apt data set of forest fire breakouts in the PACA region of southeastern France, gathered from 1986 to 2008, and sliced into five periods over which the fuzzy weighted barycenter for each one is obtained. Two weighting schemes based on fire intensity and fire density in a cluster were used. The center provided with this fuzzy method provides leeway to planners, which can see how the membership function of the fuzzy solution can be used as a measurement of “appropriateness” of the final location.
Teachers’ Improvisation of Instructional Materials for Nigerian Home Economics Curriculum Delivery
Authors: Olibie Eyiuche Ifeoma , Nwabunwanne Chinyere , Ezenwanne Dorothy Nkem
Published: March 2014

This study was designed to ascertain the challenges of improvising instructional materials by Home Economics teachers at the Upper Basic education level in Nigeria, and as a result identify strategies for enhancing improvisation. The study used survey research design based on two research questions. The sample was four hundred and thirty-one Home Economics teachers in Upper Basic schools in Anambra State of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire, designed on a 5-point scale, was used to collect data. Findings indicated that some of the challenges faced by the teachers include how to: improvise materials to arouse and sustain learners’ optimism and enthusiasm; access expert assistance and technical support; stay informed of innovative developments; have confidence to share ideas with other teachers; interpret research and statistical data; diplomatically handle students’ resistance; align improvised materials with curriculum guidelines and timelines; and develop materials to cater for individual learner’s needs in overcrowded classrooms. Some strategies bothering on teachers’ self and group professional development, training, and Internet literacy were identified as capable of enhancing improvisation. These strategies if implemented might provide the teachers with opportunities to develop more improvisation insights for engaging young people in the highest quality learning activities.
HTS-IA
Authors: Omta Wienand A. , Egan David A. , Klumperman Judith , Spruit Marco R. , Brinkkemper Sjaak
Published: March 2014

This paper describes a high throughput screening architecture for functional genomics screens that use high content methods. Case studies were performed using the Yin case study approach. Additionally a detailed process model is provided using a Method Engineering approach. This study shows that current information architecture lacks interchangeability and functionality. Data enrichment is carried out manually, and software is still deficient in term of interoperability so as to be able to successfully gather data from various external sources. This begs for the growing need of a real integrated laboratory information management system both in academia as well as small-to-medium-sized commercial organizations. Current solutions are designed primarily for clinical samples and lack functionality for larger libraries. A solution should give users the ability to create data pipelines that allow processes to be easily reflected in a relational database.
Comparative Analysis of Select Databases in Life Sciences
Authors: Joshi Purnima
Published: March 2014

Biology, the study of living beings, probably began with the transition from the original ‘animal man’ or ‘naked ape’ to ‘psychosocial man’, some 40,000 years ago. It developed immensely over the centuries to a very advanced discipline - the Life Sciences. An understanding of the basic biological processes requires an all sided approach and knowledge of the fundamental principles of all sciences. Because of this, the recorded information is also varied and scattered over many disciplines. As the research activity in Life Sciences increased, the publications also increased rapidly. Technological advances, especially Information Technology, revolutionized the information sources. Electronic information sources opened comprehensive stores of information to anyone with a computer terminal. This paper is an attempt to look at the variety of electronic information resources relevant to the field of Life Sciences. An attempt is also made to describe the characteristics and comparatively analyze twenty five selected databases from the vast number of available databases in this subject area.
Design and Development of LIS Subject Portal using Bluevoda
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Sujatha B. , Sunitha H. S. , Vinutha H. B.
Published: March 2014

World Wide Web has become an inevitable tool for searching, retrieving and storing the need based data. Students, teachers, researchers, librarians, and even layman all are dependents on the Internet. It has produced so many user friendly tools in order to access the information quickly. Option of the web portal or subject portals is the one. Present paper is about the practical work done in LIS (Library and Information Science) department of the Kuvempu University. It explains the methods and strategies adopted in the creation of LIS subject portal with special reference to the UGC-NET syllabus.
Exploring the Possibilities of an Institutional PLE in Higher Education
Authors: Salinas Jesús , Marín Victoria I. , Escandell Catalina
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an exploratory study on the potential for offering students elements to construct their own personal learning environments, by integrating an institutional virtual learning environment and an e-portfolio system. The study was conducted in the University of the Balearic Islands (Spain) and 73 students enrolled on a graduate course on Pedagogy took part in the study. The course was project-based, and the study was carried out in phases. The collection of data was undertaken through observation and monitoring the evolution of the e-portfolio activity, a student questionnaire and the observation of student output. This data showed that this kind of environment is used almost exclusively for academic purposes. The conclusions include that the e-portfolio is a good tool for the organization of academic information; it is useful for collaborating and working in groups.
Training Academicians to Develop Personalized Learning Environment and Students Engagement (PLEaSE)
Authors: Hussain Raja Maznah Raja , Ng Huey Zher
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a Personalized Learning Environment and Students Engagement (PLEaSE), a project that examines ways of embedding technology and empowering learners to become co-designers of their learning. One of the ways is to engage the lecturers in the design of the learning environment. This paper wlecturers to engage students online through training. Five training sessions were conducted in three different higher education institutions in Malaysia. Data was collected from the online observations, online questionnaire and forums. The feedback and comments from the participants have shown that the training is useful and the engagement model is suitable for their own online courses.
Personal Learning Environments in the Workplace
Authors: Chatterjee Arunangsu , Law Effie Lai-Chong , Mikroyannidis Alexander , Owen Glyn , Velasco Karen
Published: March 2014

Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) have emerged as a solution to the need of learners for open and easily customisable learning environments. PLEs essentially hand complete control over the learning process to the learner. However, this learning model is not fully compatible with learning in the workplace, which is influenced by certain business factors. These factors are being investigated in this paper, through an exploratory study within a variety of private organisations in the UK. Based on the results of this study, 10 key factors affecting the adoption of PLEs in the workplace have been identified. The authors propose a framework for the adoption and diffusion of PLEs, aiming at informing decision makers within commercial organisations about the successful introduction of novel learning methodologies in their respective organisations.
Cellular and Cytokine Responses to Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhi Proteins in Patients with Typhoid Fever in Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiyan Saruar , Sayeed Abu , Khanam Farhana , Leung Daniel T. , Rahman Bhuiyan Taufiqur , Sheikh Alaullah , Salma Umme , LaRocque Regina C. , Harris Jason B. , Pacek Marcin , Calderwood Stephen B. , LaBaer Joshua , Ryan Edward T. , Qadri Firdausi , Charles Richelle C.
Published: March 2014

We assessed interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses via enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) to a number of S. Typhi antigens in samples from humans with S. Typhi bacteremia and typhoid fever in Bangladesh. Compared with responses in healthy endemic zone controls, there were significantly increased IFN-γ responses at the time of clinical presentation (acute phase) and at convalescence 14–28 days later. The majority (80–90%) of IFN-γ expressing T cells were CD4+. We observed a significant increase in interleukin-17 (IL-17) positive CD4 + T cells at convalescent versus acute stage of infection using an intracellular cytokine staining assay. We also found that stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) produced significantly increased levels of a number of cytokines at the convalescent versus acute phase of infection, including IFN-γ, MIP-1β, sCD40L, TNF-β, IL-13, and IL-9. These results suggest that S. Typhi antigens induce a predominantly Th1 response, but that elevations in other cytokines may be modulatory.
Intrafamilial Transmission of Vaccinia virus during a Bovine Vaccinia Outbreak in Brazil: A New Insight in Viral Transmission Chain
Authors: Pereira Oliveira Graziele , Tavares Silva Fernandes André , Lopes de Assis Felipe , Augusto Alves Pedro , Moreira Franco Luiz Ana Paula , Barcelos Figueiredo Leandra , Costa de Almeida Cláudia Maria , Pires Ferreira Travassos Carlos Eurico , de Souza Trindade Giliane , Santos Abrahão Jônatas , Geessien Kroon Erna
Published: March 2014

Bovine vaccinia (BV) is an emerging zoonosis caused by the Vaccinia virus (VACV), genus Orthopoxvirus (OPV), Poxviridae family. In general, human cases are related to direct contact with sick cattle but there is a lack of information about human-to-human transmission of VACV during BV outbreaks. In this study, we epidemiologically and molecularly show a case of VACV transmission between humans in São Francisco de Itabapoana County, Rio de Janeiro state. Our group collected samples from the patients, a 49-year-old patient and his son. Our results showed that patients had developed anti-OPV IgG or IgM antibodies and presented neutralizing antibodies against OPV. The VACV isolates displayed high identity (99.9%) and were grouped in the same phylogenetic tree branch. Our data indicate that human-to-human VACV transmission occurred during a BV outbreak, raising new questions about the risk factors of the VACV transmission chain.
G6PD A- Deficiency and Severe Malaria in The Gambia: Heterozygote Advantage and Possible Homozygote Disadvantage
Authors: Sirugo Giorgio , Predazzi Irene M. , Bartlett Jacquelaine , Tacconelli Alessandra , Walther Michael , Williams Scott M.
Published: March 2014

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is frequent in Africa, because it confers resistance to Plasmodium falciparum malaria; however, the nature of the protection and the genotypes associated with it have been controversial. In 1972, Bienzle and others described protection from malaria in West African females heterozygous for G6PD A-. They determined that G6PD A- heterozygotes had lower parasite counts than A- homozygotes, hemizygous males, and normal individuals. However, other studies have reached different conclusions about the protective genotypes. DNA samples from 135 children with severe malaria and 146 children with mild malaria from The Gambia were genotyped for the G6PD A- mutation that is most frequent among Gambians (G6PD 968 T->C); there was a marked deficiency of heterozygotes and an excess of homozygotes with severe malaria, producing a strong deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Our results support the protective effect in G6PD A- heterozygous females and suggest that homozygotes might be more susceptible to severe malaria attacks.
Space-based observations of fire NOx emission coefficients: a global biome-scale comparison
Authors: Mebust A. K. , Cohen R. C.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Biomass burning represents both a significant and highly variable source of NOx to the atmosphere. This variability stems from both the episodic nature of fires, and from fire conditions such as the modified combustion efficiency of the fire, the nitrogen content of the fuel and possibly other factors that have not been identified or evaluated by comparison with observations. Satellite instruments offer an opportunity to observe emissions from wildfires, providing a large suite of measurements which allow us to study mean behavior and variability on the regional scale in a statistically rigorous manner. Here we use space-based measurements of fire radiative power from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer in combination with NO2 tropospheric column densities from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument to measure mean emission coefficients (ECs in g NO MJ−1) from fires for global biomes, and across a wide range of smaller-scale ecoregions, defined as spatially-distinct clusters of fires with similar fuel type. Mean ECs for all biomes fall between 0.250–0.362 g NO MJ−1, a range that is smaller than found in previous studies of biome-scale emission factors. The majority of ecoregion ECs fall within or near this range, implying that under most conditions, mean fire emissions of NOx per unit energy are similar between different regions regardless of fuel type or spatial variability. In contrast to these similarities, we find that about 24% of individual ecoregion ECs deviate significantly (with 95% confidence) from the mean EC for the associated biome, and a similar number of ecoregion ECs falls outside the range of all mean biome ECs, implying that there are some regions where fuel type-specific global emission parameterizations fail to capture local fire NOx emissions.
Evaluation of tropospheric SO2 retrieved from MAX-DOAS measurements in Xianghe, China
Authors: Wang T. , Hendrick F. , Wang P. , Tang G. , Clémer K. , Yu H. , Fayt C. , Hermans C. , Gielen C. , Pinardi G. , Theys N. , Brenot H. , Van Roozendael M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Ground-based Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) have been performed at the Xianghe station (39.75° N, 116.96° E) located at ~50 km southeast of Beijing from March 2010 to February 2013. Tropospheric SO2 vertical profiles and corresponding vertical column densities (VCDs), retrieved by applying the Optimal Estimation Method to the MAX-DOAS observations, have been used to study the seasonal and diurnal cycles of SO2, in combination to correlative measurements from in situ instruments, as well as meteorological data. A marked seasonality was observed in both SO2 VCD and surface concentration, with a maximum in winter (February) and a minimum in summer (July). This can be explained by the larger emissions in winter due to the domestic heating and more favorable meteorological conditions for the accumulation of SO2 close to the ground during this period. Wind speed and direction are also found to be two key factors in controlling the level of the SO2-related pollution at Xianghe. In the case of east or southwest wind, the SO2 concentration rises with the increase of the wind speed, since heavy polluting industries are located to the east and southwest of the station. In contrast, when wind comes from other directions, the stronger the wind, the less SO2 is observed. Regarding the diurnal cycle, the SO2 amount is larger in the early morning and late evening and lower at noon, in line with the diurnal variation of pollutant emissions and atmospheric stability. The observed diurnal cycles of MAX-DOAS SO2 surface concentration are also in very good agreement (correlation coefficient close to 0.9) with those from collocated in-situ data, demonstrating the reliability and robustness of our retrieval.
A DOAS-like method for total column of CO2 from ground-based FTS measurements of the direct solar beam
Authors: Huo Y. F. , Duan M. Z. , Tian W. S.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. A new algorithm, similar to that of DOAS method, is developed to retrieve the total column CO2 from the ground-based hyper-spectral measurements of direct solar beam. Other than spectrum fitting method, which is generally used in the optimal estimation algorithm, the radiances ratio at two wavelength named channel pair, where one is of weak and the other is of relatively strong absorption, is used to retrieve the total column CO2 in the Short Wave InfraRed(SWIR) band. Sensitivity studies show that this DOAS-like method is less dependent on the model parameters such as aerosols, water vapor, surface pressure, temperature, wavelength shift and signal noise, and the pairs of channels are carefully selected based on the sensitivity studies. To validate the algorithm, the FTS measurements located at Xi'Chong astronomical observatory are used to derive the total column CO2 amount, 272 pairs ratios are used in the retrieval and the results agree very well with that of GOSAT, which shows that the DOAS-like method could give reasonable value of XCO2.
Assessing effects of permafrost thaw on C fluxes based on a multi-year modeling across a permafrost thaw gradient at Stordalen, Sweden
Authors: Deng J. , Li C. , Frolking S. , Zhang Y. , Bäckstrand K. , Crill P.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Northern peatlands in permafrost regions contain large amount of organic carbon (C) in the soil. Climate warming and associated permafrost degradation are expected to have significant impacts on the C balance of these ecosystems, but the magnitude is uncertain. We incorporated a permafrost model, Northern Ecosystem Soil Temperature (NEST), into a biogeochemical model, DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC), to model C dynamics in high-latitude peatland ecosystems. The enhanced model was applied to assess effects of permafrost thaw on C fluxes of a sub-arctic peatland at Stordalen, Sweden. DNDC simulated soil freeze/thaw dynamics, net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE), and CH4 fluxes across three typical land cover types, which represent different stages in the process of ongoing permafrost thaw at Stordalen. Model results were compared with multi-year field measurements and the validation indicates that DNDC was able to simulate observed differences in soil thaw, NEE, and CH4 fluxes across the three land cover types at Stordalen. Consistent with the results from field studies, the modeled C fluxes across the permafrost thaw gradient demonstrate that permafrost thaw and the associated changes in soil hydrology and vegetation increase net uptake of C from the atmosphere, but also increase the radiative forcing impacts on climate due to increased CH4 emissions. This study indicates the potential of utilizing biogeochemical models, such as DNDC, to predict soil thermal regime in permafrost areas and to investigate impacts of permafrost thaw on ecosystem C fluxes after incorporating a permafrost component into the model framework.
Forward modelling of tree-ring width and comparison with a global network of tree-ring chronologies
Authors: Breitenmoser P. , Brönnimann S. , Frank D.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. We investigate relationships between climate and tree-ring data on a global scale using the process-based Vaganov–Shashkin Lite (VSL) forward model of tree-ring width formation. The VSL model requires as inputs only latitude, monthly mean temperature, and monthly accumulated precipitation. Hence, this simple, process-based model enables ring-width simulation at any location where monthly climate records exist. In this study, we analyse the growth response of simulated tree rings to monthly climate conditions obtained from the CRU TS3.1 data set back to 1901. Our key aims are (a) to assess the VSL model performance by examining the relations between simulated and observed growth at 2287 globally distributed sites, (b) indentify optimal growth parameters found during the model calibration, and (c) to evaluate the potential of the VSL model as an observation operator for data-assimilation-based reconstructions of climate from tree-ring width. The assessment of the growth-onset threshold temperature of approximately 4–6 °C for most sites and species using a Bayesian estimation approach complements other studies on the lower temperature limits where plant growth may be sustained. Our results suggest that the VSL model skilfully simulates site level tree-ring series in response to climate forcing for a wide range of environmental conditions and species. Spatial aggregation of the tree-ring chronologies to reduce non-climatic noise at the site level yielded notable improvements in the coherence between modelled and actual growth. The resulting distinct and coherent patterns of significant relationships between the aggregated and simulated series further demonstrate the VSL model's ability to skilfully capture the climatic signal contained in tree-ring series. Finally, we propose that the VSL model can be used as an observation operator in data assimilation approaches to reconstruct past climate.
Uncertainties in the modelled CO2 threshold for Antarctic glaciation
Authors: Gasson E. , Lunt D. J. , DeConto R. , Goldner A. , Heinemann M. , Huber M. , LeGrande A. N. , Pollard D. , Sagoo N. , Siddall M. , Winguth A. , Valdes P. J.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. A frequently cited atmospheric CO2 threshold for the onset of Antarctic glaciation of ~780 ppmv is based on the study of DeConto and Pollard (2003) using an ice sheet model and the GENESIS climate model. Proxy records suggest that atmospheric CO2 concentrations passed through this threshold across the Eocene–Oligocene transition ~34 Ma. However, atmospheric CO2 concentrations may have been close to this threshold earlier than this transition, which is used by some to suggest the possibility of Antarctic ice sheets during the Eocene. Here we investigate the climate model dependency of the threshold for Antarctic glaciation by performing offline ice sheet model simulations using the climate from 7 different climate models with Eocene boundary conditions (HadCM3L, CCSM3, CESM1.0, GENESIS, FAMOUS, ECHAM5 and GISS_ER). These climate simulations are sourced from a number of independent studies, and as such the boundary conditions, which are poorly constrained during the Eocene, are not identical between simulations. The results of this study suggest that the atmospheric CO2 threshold for Antarctic glaciation is highly dependent on the climate model used and the climate model configuration. A large discrepancy between the climate model and ice sheet model grids for some simulations leads to a strong sensitivity to the lapse rate parameter.
Factors controlling the geochemical composition of Limnopolar lake sediments (Byers Peninsula, South Shetland Island, Livingston Island, Antarctica) during the last ∼ 1600 years
Authors: Martínez Cortizas A. , Rozas Muñiz I. , Taboada T. , Toro M. , Granados I. , Giralt S. , Pla-Rabés S.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. We sampled a short (57 cm) sediment core in Limnopolar Lake (Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetlands Islands), which spans the last ~ 1600 years. The core was sectioned at high resolution and analyzed for elemental and mineralogical composition, and SEM-EDS analysis of glass mineral particles in selected samples. The chemical record was characterized by a contrasted pattern of layers with high Ca, Ti, Zr, and Sr concentrations and layers with higher concentrations of K and Rb. The first also enriched in plagioclase and, occasionally, in zeolites, while the later were relatively enriched in 2:1 phyllosilicates and quartz. This was interpreted as reflecting the abundance of volcaniclastic material (Ca-rich) vs. Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous marine sediments (K-rich) – the dominant geological material in the lake catchment. SEM-EDS analysis revealed the presence of abundant volcanic shards in the Ca-rich layers, pointing to tephras most probably related to the activity of Deception Island volcano (located 30 km to the SE). The ages of the four main peaks of volcanic-rich material (AD ~ 1840–1860 for L1, AD ~ 1570–1650 for L2, AD ~ 1450–1470 for L3, and AD ~ 1300 for L4) matched reasonably well the age of tephra layers (AP1 to AP3) previously identified in lakes of Byers Peninsula. Some of the analyzed metals (Fe, Mn, Cu and Cr) showed enrichments in the most recent tephra layer (L1), suggesting relative changes in the composition of the tephras as found in previous investigations. No evidence of significant human impact on the cycles of most trace metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) was found, probably due to the remote location of Livingston Island and the modest research infrastructures – local contamination was found by other researchers in soils, waters and marine sediments on areas with large, permanent, research stations. Chromium is the only metal showing a steady enrichment in the last 200 years that could be interpreted as recent anthropogenic contamination. At the same time, some features of the chemical record suggest that climate may have also played a role in the cycling of the elements, but further research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms.
Limitations of using a thermal imager for snow pit temperatures
Authors: Schirmer M. , Jamieson B.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Driven by temperature gradients, kinetic snow metamorphism plays an import role in avalanche formation. When gradients based on temperatures measured 10 cm apart appear to be insufficient for kinetic metamorphism, faceting close to a crust can be observed. Recent studies that visualised small-scale (< 10 cm) thermal structures in a profile of snow layers with an infrared (IR) camera produced interesting results. The studies found melt-freeze crusts to be warmer or cooler than the surrounding snow depending on the large-scale gradient direction. However, an important assumption within these studies was that a thermal photo of a freshly exposed snow pit was similar enough to the internal temperature of the snow. In this study, we tested this assumption by recording thermal videos during the exposure of the snow pit wall. In the first minute, the results showed increasing gradients with time, both at melt-freeze crusts and artificial surface structures such as shovel scours. Cutting through a crust with a cutting blade or shovel produced small concavities (holes) even when the objective was to cut a planar surface. Our findings suggest there is a surface structure dependency of the thermal image, which was only observed at times during a strong cooling/warming of the exposed pit wall. We were able to reproduce the hot-crust/cold-crust phenomenon and relate it entirely to surface structure in a temperature-controlled cold laboratory. Concave areas cooled or warmed more slowly compared with convex areas (bumps) when applying temperature differences between snow and air. This can be explained by increased radiative and/or turbulent energy transfer at convex areas. Thermal videos suggest that such processes influence the snow temperature within seconds. Our findings show the limitations of using a thermal camera for measuring pit-wall temperatures, particularly during windy conditions, clear skies and large temperature differences between air and snow. At crusts or other heterogeneities, we were unable to create a sufficiently planar snow pit surface and non-internal gradients appeared at the exposed surface. The immediate adjustment of snow pit temperature as it reacts with the atmosphere complicates the capture of the internal thermal structure of a snowpack with thermal videos. Instead, the shown structural dependency of the IR signal may be used to detect structural changes of snow caused by kinetic metamorphism. The IR signal can also be used to measure near surface temperatures in a homogenous new snow layer.
Differential TGFB1-Signalling in Endometrium from Women with Endometriosis: Importance of Appropriate Housekeeping Genes
Authors: Fu Lulu , Lockhart Michelle G. , Amir Michal M. , Winnall Wendy R. , Rogers Peter A.W. , Girling Jane E.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Endometriosis is characterised by inflammation, fibrosis and scarring, all processes known to involve transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1). We examined the expression of genes involved in TGFB1 signalling in epithelium and stroma from eutopic versus ectopic endometrium in women with endometriosis.

Methods

Eutopic and ectopic endometrium was collected during laparoscopy from women with endometriosis (n = 4 proliferative, n = 7 secretory). Laser capture microdissection was used to collect glandular epithelium and CD10-positive stroma from ectopic lesions and eutopic endometrium. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to examine TGFB1, SMAD family member-2 (SMAD2), SMAD3 and SMAD4 mRNA. Expression of mRNA was relative to an RNA-spike. B2M and RPL13A mRNA, and 18S rRNA were also examined; however, expression varied between eutopic and ectopic sites making them unsuitable housekeeping genes in this model.

Results

TGFB1, SMAD3 and SMAD4 mRNA expression was significantly higher in eutopic versus ectopic glandular epithelium; SMAD3 expression was significantly higher in secretory versus proliferative phase eutopic epithelium. TGFB1 expression was significantly higher in eutopic versus ectopic stroma.

Conclusions

Variations in TGFB1, SMAD3 and SMAD4 mRNA expression in eutopic relative to ectopic tissues are consistent with a specific function in eutopic endometrium not replicated in lesions. We suggest that TGFB1-mediated activity is altered in ectopic lesions relative to eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis, which may affect lesion maintenance. Further research examining the functional consequences of TGFB1 signalling variations is required, including extension of these studies to women without the disorder. Further studies must also carefully consider their housekeeping method and its impact on data and conclusions.
Alexithymia in Women with Deep Endometriosis? A Pilot Study
Authors: Melis Irene , Agus Mirian , Pluchino Nicola , Di Spiezio Sardo Attilio , Litta Pietro , Benedetto Melis Gian , Angioni Stefano
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of alexithymia in a group of patients with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, and compare the results obtained, with those for a group of healthy controls.

Methods

Forty-one patients with pain and surgical diagnosis of deep endometriosis and 40 healthy controls were recruited for the study. All subjects were assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Moreover, the intensity of chronic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea in patients was evaluated using a modified version of the Biberoglu-Behrman pain scale. In addition, the patients' state of general health was investigated with the SF-36.

Results

A positive score for alexithymia was achieved in 14.6% (n = 6) of patients with endometriosis, while the condition was absent in the control group. Alexithymia was indeterminate in 29.3% (n = 12) and 12.5% (n = 5) of patients and controls, respectively, and absent in 56.1% (n = 22) and 87.5% (n = 35). Intergroup differences were significant for 3 factors evaluated by the TAS-20.

Discussion

The present study underlined how women with endometriosis are significantly more alexithymic compared with controls.
Pathogenetic Role for Early Focal Macrophage Infiltration in a Pig Model of Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) Stenosis
Authors: Roy-Chaudhury Prabir , Khan Rao , Campos Begoña , Wang Yang , Kurian Michelle , Lee Timmy , Arend Lois , Munda Rino
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Arteriovenous fistula non-maturation because of a peri-anastomotic venous stenosis is currently a huge clinical problem for which there are no effective therapies.

Methods

In an attempt to further define the cellular pathways involved in this process we have assessed the pattern and intensity of macrophage infiltration at different time points in a pig model of AVF stenosis.

Results

Our results demonstrate an early and eccentric pattern of macrophage infiltration at 2d with a rapid disappearance of this infiltrate by 7d.

Conclusion

We suggest that this early and eccentric macrophage infiltration could play an important role in the pathogenesis of AVF non-maturation.