bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unleashing the Technical Core: Institutional Theory and the Aftermath of Arthur Andersen
Authors: Sellers R. Drew , Fogarty Timothy J. , Parker Larry M.
Published: January 2012

This paper uses the template of institutional theory to explore the impact of organizational de-legitimation on its technical core. To operationalize this, social network theory is used to guide an exploratory study of the diaspora of Andersen employees. The results suggest an unusually high degree of entrepreneurial activity is unleashed once the confining legitimacy of the organizational structure is dissolved. It also shows that the value of social capital possessed by Andersen professionals changed in character and possibly increased in value. The paper offers contributions to institutional theory and the practice of modern accounting.
Uncovering San Francisco, California, Muni's Proof-of-Payment Patterns to Help Reduce Fare Evasion
Authors: Lee Jason
Published: January 2012

When transit customers pay fares, they contribute their fair share to help fund service. In San Francisco, California, anecdotal observations had reinforced perceptions that a high percentage of Muni (the San Francisco Railway transit system) riders were not paying, possibly costing the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) tens of millions of dollars annually in lost revenue. In 2009, SFMTA, which operates Muni, conducted a proof-of-payment study to answer longstanding questions about fare payment patterns and identify strategies to improve fare enforcement. The resulting survey of 41,239 customers on 1,141 vehicle runs provided enough samples by time period, route, and vehicle occupancy to identify fare payment patterns at a disaggregated level. The study found a 9.5% minimum systemwide fare evasion rate that varied by route, location, time period, level of enforcement, and door of entry and amounted to an estimated $19 million annually in uncaptured revenue on the basis of 2009 fares. Although surveyors observed that there was no typical violator, the data showed that fare evasion was more prevalent on certain routes and during the afternoon and evening hours. Besides providing base data to measure future progress, the study enabled SFMTA to educate its customers about proof-of-payment requirements and deploy its fare enforcement personnel more efficiently and cost-effectively in an effort to improve fare compliance.
Modeling Transit Rider Preferences for Contactless Bank Cards as Fare Media
Authors: Brakewood Candace , Kocur George
Published: January 2012

Several transit agencies are considering the acceptance of contactless credit and debit cards directly at turnstiles and bus fareboxes. With the expertise and scale economies of the payments industry, agencies may reduce fare collection costs and improve regional interoperability and ease of use. Given these possible advantages, transit agencies want to understand rider demand for this new fare medium. Transit rider preferences for contactless bank cards were evaluated at two major public transit agencies, Transport for London and the Chicago Transit Authority in Illinois. Stated preference survey results from both transit agencies were analyzed, and discrete choice models for fare medium preference were used to assess factors influencing the demand for contactless bank cards. The results showed that approximately 33% of riders in London and 36% of riders in Chicago preferred contactless bank cards over current fare media. Although trends in ridership groups were not strong, a few key factors influenced the choice of fare medium. Riders at both transit agencies who had credit or debit cards tended to prefer contactless bank cards; likewise, younger riders showed a preference for contactless bank cards in both London and Chicago. The results appeared to align with sociology models for consumer adoption of new technologies.
Improvement of Thermal Stability via Outer-Loop Ion Pair Interaction of Mutated T1 Lipase from Geobacillus zalihae Strain T1
Authors: Ruslan Rudzanna , Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. , Leow Thean Chor , Ali Mohd Shukuri Mohamad , Basri Mahiran , Salleh Abu Bakar
Published: January 2012

Mutant D311E and K344R were constructed using site-directed mutagenesis to introduce an additional ion pair at the inter-loop and the intra-loop, respectively, to determine the effect of ion pairs on the stability of T1 lipase isolated from Geobacillus zalihae. A series of purification steps was applied, and the pure lipases of T1, D311E and K344R were obtained. The wild-type and mutant lipases were analyzed using circular dichroism. The Tm for T1 lipase, D311E lipase and K344R lipase were approximately 68.52 °C, 70.59 °C and 68.54 °C, respectively. Mutation at D311 increases the stability of T1 lipase and exhibited higher Tm as compared to the wild-type and K344R. Based on the above, D311E lipase was chosen for further study. D311E lipase was successfully crystallized using the sitting drop vapor diffusion method. The crystal was diffracted at 2.1 Å using an in-house X-ray beam and belonged to the monoclinic space group C2 with the unit cell parameters a = 117.32 Å, b = 81.16 Å and c = 100.14 Å. Structural analysis showed the existence of an additional ion pair around E311 in the structure of D311E. The additional ion pair in D311E may regulate the stability of this mutant lipase at high temperatures as predicted in silico and spectroscopically.
Effect of Efavirenz on UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 1A1, 1A4, 1A6, and 1A9 Activities in Human Liver Microsomes
Authors: Ji Hye Young , Lee Hyeri , Lim Sae Rom , Kim Jeong Han , Lee Hye Suk
Published: January 2012

Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infections. Drug interactions of efavirenz have been reported due to in vitro inhibition of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7) and in vivo CYP3A4 induction. The inhibitory potentials of efavirenz on the enzyme activities of four major UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), 1A1, 1A4, 1A6, and 1A9, in human liver microsomes were investigated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Efavirenz potently inhibited UGT1A4-mediated trifluoperazine N-glucuronidation and UGT1A9-mediated propofol glucuronidation, with Ki values of 2.0 and 9.4 μM, respectively. [I]/Ki ratios of efavirenz for trifluoperazine N-glucuronidation and propofol glucuronidation were 6.5 and 1.37, respectively. Efavirenz also moderately inhibited UGT1A1-mediated 17β-estradiol 3-glucuronidation, with a Ki value of 40.3 μM, but did not inhibit UGT1A6-mediated 1-naphthol glucuronidation. Those in vitro results suggest that efavirenz should be examined for potential pharmacokinetic drug interactions in vivo due to strong inhibition of UGT1A4 and UGT1A9.
Theobald Palm and His Remarkable Observation: How the Sunshine Vitamin Came to Be Recognized
Authors: Chesney Russell W.
Published: January 2012

The seminal discovery that sunlight was important in the prevention of nutritional rickets was made in 1890 by Theobald A. Palm, a medical missionary who contrasted the prevalence of rickets in northern European urban areas with similar areas in Japan and other tropical countries. He surmised that exposure to sunlight prevented rickets. Over the next 40 years his observation led to an understanding of ultraviolet irradiation and its role in vitamin D synthesis. This opened a new era of appreciation for the curative powers of the sun and “the sunshine vitamin”. While Palm’s observations were in some ways obscure, they had a potent effect on the development of photobiology.
Structure Enhancement Relationship of Chemical Penetration Enhancers in Drug Transport across the Stratum Corneum
Authors: Chantasart Doungdaw , Li S. Kevin
Published: January 2012

The stratum corneum is a major barrier of drug penetration across the skin in transdermal delivery. For effective transdermal drug delivery, skin penetration enhancers are used to overcome this barrier. In the past decades, a number of research studies were conducted to understand the mechanisms of skin penetration enhancers and to develop a structure enhancement relationship. Such understanding allows effective prediction of the effects of skin penetration enhancers, assists topical and transdermal formulation development, and avoids extensive enhancer screening in the transdermal delivery industry. In the past two decades, several hypotheses on chemical enhancer-induced penetration enhancement for transport across the skin lipoidal pathway have been examined based on a systematic approach. Particularly, a hypothesis that skin penetration enhancement is directly related to the concentration of the enhancers in the stratum corneum lipid domain was examined. A direct relationship between skin penetration enhancer potency (based on enhancer aqueous concentration in the diffusion cell chamber) and enhancer n-octanol-water partition coefficient was also established. The nature of the microenvironment of the enhancer site of action in the stratum corneum lipid domain was found to be mimicked by n-octanol. The present paper reviews the work related to these hypotheses and the relationships between skin penetration enhancement and enhancer concentration in the drug delivery media and stratum corneum lipids.
68Ga-markierte Peptide für klinische Studien
Authors: Angerstein C. , Liersch T. , Ghadimi M. , Sahlmann C.-O. , Meller J. , Meller B.
Published: January 2012

The AMG implies far-reaching implications for the synthesis of new radiopharmaceuticals for clinical trials. Aim, methods: As a part of the DFG-funded Clinical Research Group (KFO 179) a project designated „Immuno-PET for assessment of early response to radiochemotherapy of advanced rectal cancer“ was initiated. This trial is focused on a trivalent bispecific humanized monoclonal antibody, and a 68Ga-labeled peptide. Following the new regulatory framework we established a GMPcompliant cleanroom laboratory and applied for a manufacturing permission. Results: During the project constructural, personnel and organizational conditions for a successful application were established, including a quality management system. A GMP-conform cleanroom laboratory class C was constructed, equipped with a two-chamber lock. The actual manufacturing is performed in a closed system with subsequent sterile filtration. The manufacturing processes have been automatised and validated as well as the necessary quality controls. The manufacturing permission was granted after an official inspection. Conclusions: The new German Drug Act is considered as a break in the production practice of nuclear medicine. The early involvement and communication with the authorities avoids time-consuming and costly planning errors. It is much to be hoped that the new legal situation in Germany will not cause serious impairments in the realization of clinical trials in German nuclear medicine.
Results of a National Survey on Over-The-Counter Medicines, Part 1: Pharmacist Opinion on Current Scheduling Status
Authors: Taylor Jeff , Landry Eric , Lalonde Lyne , Tsuyuki Ross T.
Published: January 2012

Background:

OTC medicines make up an important part of the community pharmacy world. As with most aspects of practice, however, hurdles exist that prevent an optimal level of care.

Objective:

To gauge pharmacist agreement on the scheduling status of various OTC medicines.

Methods:

Pharmacists across Canada were surveyed by mail.

Results:

Of the 5037 surveys mailed, 2403 were returned, with 2305 being usable for analysis (response rate of 49.4%). Across 25 agents, pharmacists tended to support existing control for pharmacies (such as Nix crème rinse and minoxidil topical solution) and returning control to pharmacies for unscheduled agents (such as ranitidine 75 mg tablets and nicotine patches).

Conclusions:

Pharmacists generally favour tighter control of OTC agents, especially those that are unscheduled. This hopefully reflects pharmacist desire to ensure their proper selection and use.
L'expertise d'État, creuset de l'environnement en URSS
Authors: Mandrillon Marie-Hélène
Published: January 2012

Résumé En URSS, c’est de l’intérieur du fonctionnement du système communiste qu’ont été données les premières alertes concernant l’impact de l’industrialisation sur les ressources naturelles. Ces alertes sont intervenues dès les années 1950, lancées par des planificateurs et des scientifiques fortement impliqués dans les programmes de développement économique. Ces experts se sont constitués en réseau, leurs idées se sont diffusées, mais leur influence est restée limitée jusqu’à la rupture politique initiée par Mikhaïl Gorbatchev. L’article montre que ces origines bureaucratiques continuent à marquer l’héritage environnemental de l’espace postsoviétique en dépit de la brève parenthèse de l’ouverture gorbatchévienne à la fois sur la société et sur le monde.
24-Gy Low-Voltage X-Ray Irradiation With Ranibizumab Therapy for Neovascular AMD: 6-Month Safety and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Canton Virgilio Morales , Quiroz-Mercado Hugo , Velez-Montoya Raul , Lopez-Miranda Miriam J. , Moshfeghi Andrew A. , Shusterman Eugene M. , Kaiser Peter K. , Sanislo Steven R. , Gertner Michael , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To describe the 6-month safety and preliminary efficacy outcomes of the use of 24-Gy radiation with intravitreal ranibizumab for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A single treatment of a non-invasive, externally delivered low-voltage x-ray irradiation at a dose of 24 Gy was administered in one session through three locations in the inferior pars plana in a consecutive series of patients with neo-vascular AMD (treatment naïve and previously treated). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month, and monthly thereafter with quarterly fluorescein angiography.

RESULTS:

Nineteen patients completed 6 months of follow-up. There was no evidence of radiation retinopathy, optic neuropathy, or cataract. The mean baseline ETDRS score was 38.3 ± 19.5 letters. At 6 months, the corresponding ETDRS score was 44.7 ± 16.8 letters. At 6 months, the mean change in visual acuity was 6.4 ± 9.8 ETDRS letters. Patients received an average of 0.4 additional ranibizumab injections following the initial two mandated injections.

CONCLUSION:

A single treatment of external 24-Gy low-voltage x-ray therapy in conjunction with ranibizumab demonstrated an overall improvement in visual acuity in patients with neovascular AMD at 6 months, with no radiation-related adverse effects.
Five-Year Results of 5-Fluorouracil Augmented Needling Revision of Failing Blebs
Authors: Dalvi Rajesh , Orzech Neil , Kranemann Christoph , Birt Catherine M.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To report the 5-year intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of patients requiring a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling revision compared to a matched sample.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Forty eyes receiving 5-FU bleb needling revision were matched to 40 patients not needled. IOP was recorded preoperatively and annually to 5 years. The main outcome measure was surgical success: IOP control without medications or surgery.

RESULTS:

Thirty-two patients with 5-FU needling revision (80.0%) required anti-glaucoma medication postoperatively versus 28 control patients (70%) (
P
> .05). Thirty-two patients with 5-FU needling revision were complete or qualified successes compared to 36 control patients (
P
= .34). Eight patients with 5-FU needling revision (20%) had a reoperation versus 4 control patients (10%) (
P
> .05).

CONCLUSION:

5-FU needling revision can produce long-term IOP control levels similar to those who did not require the procedure. No statistically significant differences between the two groups was seen in either the use of medications or further surgery.
Slit-Lamp–Adapted Ultra-High Resolution OCT for Imaging the Posterior Segment of the Eye
Authors: Jiang Hong , Abukhalil Fawzi , Shen Meixiao , Gregori Giovanni , Lam Byron L. , Wang Yuhong , Wang Jianhua
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a slit-lamp–adapted ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography device with improved image resolution for imaging the retinal nerve fiber layer. The authors described the system configuration, build-up, and test results of a small sample of human subjects. The comparison with a commercially available device was also included.
The effect of labour market regulation on domestic workers in Orchards and Soshanguve, Pretoria
Authors: Matjeke Andrew , Viljoen Jacoba M. , Blaauw Phillip F.
Published: January 2012

Orientation: Domestic work provides employment to many women. The wages or salaries and employment conditions of domestic workers have raised worldwide concern. Domestic work is an unstable, lowly paid, insecure and unprotected form of employment. Abuse and exploitation are common. The regulation of this sector is the result.Research purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyse and compare the effects of, and level of compliance with, the regulation of the domestic worker sector in two very different residential areas in Pretoria.Motivation for the study: Researchers have conducted all previous micro-study investigations of the topic in Langenhoven Park, Bloemfontein. We need more micro-level studies to investigate the effects of regulating this labour market because areas with different socioeconomic conditions may yield different results.Research design, approach and method: The researchers followed a quantitative micro- research design using structured questionnaires. They used the research methodology applied in similar micro-studies as the basis of the survey to make the results comparable. They used the criterion sampling technique. Respondents completed 87 questionnaires in Orchards and 89 in Soshanguve.Main findings: Evidence suggests that areas in close proximity to one another in the same metropolis yield significant differences in the wages or salaries and non-wage working conditions of domestic workers. A blanket approach to identifying and monitoring the effects of the legislation for this sector is not an appropriate one.Practical/managerial implications: The sector needs micro-studies over an extended period and in different areas to form a more nuanced picture of this multifaceted labour market. This study emphasised the necessity for improved monitoring of the existing legislation.Contribution/value-add: This is the first micro-study to compare the effects of regulating the domestic workers sector of two residential areas with different socioeconomic characteristics. The results will give authorities a better understanding of the level of compliance with, and effects of, the regulation of domestic workers. It will also guide the monitoring of, and enforcement decisions for, this labour market.
Assessment of mental disorders using the patient health questionnaire as a general screening tool in western Nigeria: A community-based study
Authors: Amoran O.E. , Ogunsemi O.O. , Lasebikan V.O.
Published: January 2012

Background: Screening at the community level will provide keys to promoting health and preventing diseases at the community level and serve as the fulcrum for timely detection and intervention. This study aims to assess the prevalence and nature of mental disorder among the general population using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ). It also compares the use of PHQ and GHQ as general screening tools for mental disorders. Materials and Methods: This community-based study is cross sectional in design. Multistage sampling technique was used to obtain a representative sample of the communities. The PHQ and GHQ-12 questionnaires were concurrently administered by health care workers that were nondoctors to screen for psychiatric symptoms. Results: A total of 758 participants took part in the study, 496 (65.4%) of the subjects had a form of psychopathology or the other using PHQ and 143 (18.9%) using GHQ questionnaire (χ2 = 20.92, P = 0.000). Three hundred and thirty one subjects (43.7%) met the criteria for Somatoform disorder but 6.0% ever treated at PHC, 269 (35.5%) for depression and 4.8% ever treated, 127 (16.8%) for panic disorder and 5.5% ever treated, while 165 (21.8%) for general anxiety and 4.8% ever treated. Predictors of psychopathology were individuals who were singles (OR = 0.64, CI = 0.49-0.93) concerns about their health (OR = 3.06, CI = 2.06-4.56), worried about finance (OR = 1.84, CI = 1.27-2.67), worried about family life (OR = 2.68, CI = 1.61-4.72), and stressed at work (OR = 1.16, CI = 1.06-1.28). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of psychopathology at the community level in this African population and few had ever been treated. PHQ as a general screening tool has a higher false-positive value compared to GHQ when used by nondoctors. PHQ should be used as an instrument to screen for specific mental disorders rather than a general screening tool for psychiatric morbidity at the community level.
Acute neuromuscular weakness associated with dengue infection
Authors: Hira Harmanjit Singh , Kaur Amandeep , Shukla Anuj
Published: January 2012

Background: Dengue infections may present with neurological complications. Whether these are due to neuromuscular disease or electrolyte imbalance is unclear. Materials and Methods: Eighty-eight patients of dengue fever required hospitalization during epidemic in year 2010. Twelve of them presented with acute neuromuscular weakness. We enrolled them for study. Diagnosis of dengue infection based on clinical profile of patients, positive serum IgM ELISA, NS1 antigen, and sero-typing. Complete hemogram, kidney and liver functions, serum electrolytes, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were tested. In addition, two patients underwent nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test and electromyography. Results: Twelve patients were included in the present study. Their age was between 18 and 34 years. Fever, myalgia, and motor weakness of limbs were most common presenting symptoms. Motor weakness developed on 2 nd to 4 th day of illness in 11 of 12 patients. In one patient, it developed on 10 th day of illness. Ten of 12 showed hypokalemia. One was of Guillain-Barré syndrome and other suffered from myositis; they underwent NCV and electromyography. Serum CPK and SGOT raised in 8 out of 12 patients. CPK of patient of myositis was 5098 IU. All of 12 patients had thrombocytopenia. WBC was in normal range. Dengue virus was isolated in three patients, and it was of serotype 1. CSF was normal in all. Within 24 hours, those with hypokalemia recovered by potassium correction. Conclusions: It was concluded that the dengue virus infection led to acute neuromuscular weakness because of hypokalemia, myositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. It was suggested to look for presence of hypokalemia in such patients.
Pediatric brainstem oligodendroglioma
Authors: Mohindra Sandeep , Savardekar Amey , Bal Amanjit
Published: January 2012

The authors present the first report of pediatric brainstem oligodendroglioma, infiltrating midbrain, and medulla oblongata. The report details clinical features, radiological findings, and surgical steps. As this entity is exceedingly uncommon, the overall epidemiology, prognosis, and long-term outcome remain far from established.
Meckel-Gruber syndrome: Report of two cases
Authors: Panduranga C. , Kangle Ranjit , Badami Rajshree , Patil Prakash V
Published: January 2012

Meckel-Gruber syndrome (MKS) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by a combination of renal cysts and variably associated with features including developmental anomalies of the central nervous system (typically encephalocele), hepatic ductal dysplasia, cysts, and polydactyly. It is a rare syndrome with highest incidence in Gujarati Indians and Finnish population. We report two such cases of MKS in non-Gujarati Indian which were diagnosed by neonatal autopsy.
Choroid plexus carcinoma in an adult
Authors: Kishore Sanjeev , Negi Gita , Meena Harsh , Anuradha Kusum , Pathak Prakash Ved , Bansal K.K.
Published: January 2012

Choroid plexus carcinoma is a very rare tumor in adults. Here we report a rare case of choroid plexus carcinoma in an adult patient. A 24-year-old male presented with a right temporal intraventricular tumor with a cystic component also extending up to the cortex. Histological examination revealed complex papillary structures and glandular spaces showing stratification and multilayering of cells with nuclear crowding and numerous mitotic figures and large areas of necrosis. The patient went through a complete search for a possible primary keeping in mind the differential diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma that is more common in adults but there was no evidence of any other tumor. Finally a diagnosis of choroid plexus carcinoma was rendered. Immunohistochemical analysis for p53 protein showed positivity. Choroid plexus carcinoma is exceptionally rare in adults but cases do occur.
An unusual case of unilateral limb hypertrophy: Lipoma of sacral roots
Authors: Netto Archana B , Sinha Sanjib , Taly Arun B , Prasad Chandrajit , Mahadevan A , Bindu PS , Sidhu Ravinder J , Yasha TC
Published: January 2012

We report an unusual case of unilateral limb pseudo hypertrophy in a 21-year-old lady who developed progressive enlargement of the right calf followed by thigh in association with chronic leg pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected limb confirmed enlargement of various muscles. Electromyography revealed neurogenic features consistent with S1 radiculopathy. MRI of the lumbosacral spine showed tethered cord with a lipoma infiltrating multiple sacral roots. Our case illustrates that muscular pseudo hypertrophy may follow chronic denervation as a consequence of spinal neural compressive disease. The various mechanisms postulated for this distinct condition are outlined.
Resolvent conditions for the control of unitary groups and their approximations
Authors: Miller Luc
Published: January 2012

A self-adjoint operator

\mathcal A

and an operator

\mathcal C

bounded from the domain

\mathcal D(\mathcal A)

with the graph norm to another Hilbert space are considered. The admissibility or the exact observability in finite time of the unitary group generated by

i\mathcal A

with respect to the observation operator

\mathcal C

are characterized by some spectral inequalities on

\mathcal A

and

\mathcal C

. E.g. both properties hold if and only if

x\mapsto\ \|(\mathcal A-\lambda)x \|+\|\mathcal C x \|

is a norm on

\mathcal D(\mathcal A)

equivalent to

x\mapsto\|(\mathcal A -\lambda)x\|+\|x\|

uniformly with respect to

\lambda\in\mathbb R

.This paper generalizes and simplifies some results on the control of unitary groups obtained using these so-called
resolvent conditions
, also known as
Hautus tests
. It proves new theorems on the equivalence (with respect to admissibility and observability) between first and second order equations, between groups generated by

i\mathcal A

and

if(\mathcal A)

for positive

\mathcal A

and convex

f

, and between a group and its Galerkin approximations. E.g. they apply to the control of linear Schrödinger, wave and plates equations and to the uniform control of their finite element semi-discretization.
Global distributions of acetone in the upper troposphere from MIPAS spectra
Authors: Moore D. P. , Remedios J. J. , Waterfall A. M.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. This study reports the first global measurements of acetone (C3H6O) in the upper troposphere (UT). Profiles were obtained between 9 km and 15 km from measurements made by the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) onboard Envisat in August 2003. Errors per profile are lower than 40 % between 180 hPa and 350 hPa. We report strong hemispheric differences in the acetone volume mixing ratios (VMRs), with average concentrations highest in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) mid-latitude UT, between 1000 pptv and 1600 pptv with maxima up to 2300 pptv. Our results show a strong enhancement of acetone relative to CO, particularly over Europe (7 pptv ppbv−1), confirming aircraft studies. Ten-day backward trajectories from these high European values show strong contributions from air flows over North America (56 %) and 25 % from Southernmost Asia. Enhanced acetone is also observed over Greenland, Siberia and biomass burning regions of Africa. Zonal distributions show that acetone VMRs decrease rapidly with increasing altitude (decreasing pressure), particularly in the NH. Poleward of 45° S, acetone VMRs remain fairly consistent with average VMRs between 400 pptv and 500 pptv. In 5-day averages at 9 km, NH VMRs poleward of 45° N are consistently higher than Southern Hemisphere observations poleward of 45° S, by between 750 pptv and 1100 pptv. The results show a clear influence of mid-latitude and transport processes on the acetone summertime distribution.
Calibration of column-averaged CH4 over European TCCON FTS sites with airborne in-situ measurements
Authors: Geibel M. C. , Messerschmidt J. , Gerbig C. , Blumenstock T. , Hase F. , Kolle O. , Lavrič J. V. , Notholt J. , Palm M. , Rettinger M. , Schmidt M. , Sussmann R. , Warneke T. , Feist D. G.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. In September/October 2009, six ground-based Fourier Transform Spectrometers (FTS) of the Total Carbon Column Observation Network (TCCON) in Europe were calibrated with aircraft in-situ measurements for the first time. The campaign was part of the Infrastructure for Measurement of the European Carbon Cycle (IMECC) project. During this campaign aircraft in-situ profiles of CO2, CH4, CO and H2O (from continuous measurements) as well as N2O, H2, and SF6 (from flasks) were taken close to the FTS sites. The aircraft data had a vertical coverage ranging from approximately 300 to 13 000 m, corresponding to ~80% of the total atmospheric column seen by the FTS. This study summarizes the calibration results for CH4. Using similar methods, the resulting calibration factor of 0.978 ± 0.002 (±1 σ) from the IMECC campaign agreed very well with the results that Wunch et al. (2010) had derived for TCCON instruments in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. By adding the data of the previous calibration of Wunch et al. (2010), the uncertainty of the calibration factor could be reduced by a factor of three. A careful analysis of the calibration method used by Wunch et al. (2010) revealed that the incomplete vertical coverage of the aircraft profiles can lead to a bias in the calibration factor. This bias can be compensated with a new iterative approach that we developed. Using this improved method, we derived a significantly lower calibration factor of 0.974 ± 0.002 (±1 σ). This corresponds to a correction of all TCCON CH4 measurements by roughly −7 ppb.
Interactions of meteoric smoke particles with sulphuric acid in the Earth's stratosphere
Authors: Saunders R. W. , Dhomse S. , Tian W. S. , Chipperfield M. P. , Plane J. M. C.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Nano-sized meteoric smoke particles (MSPs) with iron-magnesium silicate compositions, formed in the upper mesosphere as a result of meteoric ablation, may remove sulphuric acid from the gas-phase above 40 km and may also affect the composition and behaviour of supercooled H2SO4-H2O droplets in the global stratospheric aerosol (Junge) layer. This study describes a time-resolved spectroscopic analysis of the evolution of the ferric (Fe3+) ion originating from amorphous ferrous (Fe2+)-based silicate powders dissolved in varying Wt % sulphuric acid (30–75%) solutions over a temperature range of 223–295 K. Complete dissolution of the particles was observed under all conditions. The first-order rate coefficient for dissolution decreases at higher Wt % and lower temperature, which is consistent with the increased solution viscosity limiting diffusion of H2SO4 to the particle surfaces. Dissolution under stratospheric conditions should take less than a week, and is much faster than the dissolution of crystalline Fe2+ compounds. The chemistry climate model UMSLIMCAT (based on the UKMO Unified Model) was then used to study the transport of MSPs through the middle atmosphere. A series of model experiments were performed with different uptake coefficients. Setting the concentration of 1.5 nm radius MSPs at 80 km to 3000 cm−3 (based on rocket-borne charged particle measurements), the model matches the reported Wt % Fe values of 0.5–1.0 in Junge layer sulphate particles, and the MSP optical extinction between 40 and 75 km measured by a satellite-borne spectrometer, if the global meteoric input rate is about 20 t d−1. The model indicates that an uptake coefficient ≥0.01 is required to account for the observed two orders of magnitude depletion of H2SO4 vapour above 40 km.
Desert dust satellite retrieval intercomparison
Authors: Carboni E. , Thomas G. E. , Sayer A. M. , Siddans R. , Poulsen C. A. , Grainger R. G. , Ahn C. , Antoine D. , Bevan S. , Braak R. , Brindley H. , DeSouza-Machado S. , Deuzé J. L. , Diner D. , Ducos F. , Grey W. , Hsu C. , Kalashnikova O. V. , Kahn R. , North P. R. J. , Salustro C. , Smith A. , Tanré D. , Torres O. , Veihelmann B.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. This work provides a comparison of satellite retrievals of Saharan desert dust aerosol optical depth (AOD) during a strong dust event through March 2006. In this event, a large dust plume was transported over desert, vegetated, and ocean surfaces. The aim is to identify and understand the differences between current algorithms, and hence improve future retrieval algorithms. The satellite instruments considered are AATSR, AIRS, MERIS, MISR, MODIS, OMI, POLDER, and SEVIRI. An interesting aspect is that the different algorithms make use of different instrument characteristics to obtain retrievals over bright surfaces. These include multi-angle approaches (MISR, AATSR), polarisation measurements (POLDER), single-view approaches using solar wavelengths (OMI, MODIS), and the thermal infrared spectral region (SEVIRI, AIRS). Differences between instruments, together with the comparison of different retrieval algorithms applied to measurements from the same instrument, provide a unique insight into the performance and characteristics of the various techniques employed. As well as the intercomparison between different satellite products, the AODs have also been compared to co-located AERONET data. Despite the fact that the agreement between satellite and AERONET AODs is reasonably good for all of the datasets, there are significant differences between them when compared to each other, especially over land. These differences are partially due to differences in the algorithms, such as assumptions about aerosol model and surface properties. However, in this comparison of spatially and temporally averaged data, at least as significant as these differences are sampling issues related to the actual footprint of each instrument on the heterogeneous aerosol field, cloud identification and the quality control flags of each dataset.
Direct observations of the formation of the solar wind halo from the strahl
Authors: Gurgiolo C. , Goldstein M. L. , Viñas A. F. , Fazakerley A. N.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Observations of a continual erosion of the strahl and build up of the halo with distance from the sun suggests that, at least in part, the halo may be formed as a result of scattering of the strahl. This hypothesis is supported in this paper by observation of intense scattering of strahl electrons, which gives rise to a proto-halo electron population. This population eventually merges into, or becomes the halo. The fact that observations of intense scattering of the strahl are not common implies that the formation of the halo may not be a continuous process, but one that occurs, in part, in bursts in regions where the conditions responsible for the scattering are optimum.
Spatial and temporal variability of biophysical variables in Southwestern France from airborne L-band radiometry
Authors: Zakharova E. , Calvet J.-C. , Lafont S. , Albergel C. , Wigneron J.-P. , Pardé M. , Kerr Y. , Zribi M.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. In 2009 and 2010 the L-band microwave Cooperative Airborne Radiometer for Ocean and Land Studies (CAROLS) campaign was performed in Southwestern France to support the calibration and validation of the new Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite mission. The L-band Microwave Emission of the Biosphere (L-MEB) model was used to retrieve Surface Soil Moisture (SSM) and the Vegetation Optical Depth (VOD) from the CAROLS brightness temperature measurements. The CAROLS SSM was compared with in situ observations at 11 sites of the SMOSMANIA (Soil Moisture Observing System-Meteorological Automatic Network Integrated Application) network of Météo-France. For eight of them, significant correlations were observed (0.51 ≤ r ≤ 0.82), with standard deviation of differences ranging from 0.039 m3 m−3 to 0.141 m3 m−3. Also, the CAROLS SSM was compared with SSM values simulated by the A-gs version of the Interactions between Soil, Biosphere and Atmosphere (ISBA-A-gs) model along twenty flight lines, at a resolution of 8 km × 8 km. A significant spatial correlation between these two datasets was observed for all the flights (0.36 ≤ r ≤ 0.85). The CAROLS VOD presented significant spatial correlations with the vegetation water content (VWC) derived from the spatial distribution of vegetation types used in ISBA-A-gs and from the Leaf Area Index (LAI) simulated for low vegetation. On the other hand, the CAROLS VOD presented little temporal changes, and no temporal correlation was observed with the simulated LAI. For low vegetation, the ratio of VOD to VWC tended to decrease, from springtime to summertime. For 83% of ISBA-A-gs grid cells (8 km × 8 km), sampled every 5 m by CAROLS observations at a spatial resolution of about 2 km, the standard deviation of the sub-grid CAROLS SSM was lower than 0.05 m3 m−3. The presence of small water bodies within the ISBA-A-gs grid cells tended to increase the CAROLS SSM spatial variability, up to 0.10 m3 m−3. Also, the grid cells characterised by a high vegetation cover heterogeneity presented higher standard deviation values, for both SSM and VOD.
Brief Communication "Importance of slope-induced error correction in elevation change estimates from radar altimetry"
Authors: Hurkmans R. T. W. L. , Bamber J. L. , Griggs J. A.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. In deriving elevation change rates (dH/dt) from radar altimetry, the slope-induced error is usually assumed to cancel out in repeat measurements. These measurements, however, represent a location that can be significantly further upslope than assumed, causing an underestimate of the basin-integrated volume change. In a case-study for the fast-flowing part of Jakobshavn Isbræ, we show that a relatively straightforward correction for slope-induced error increases elevation change rates by several metres and increases the volume change by 32% for the region of interest.
Salles, Sergio. Paul Ricoeur e o humanismo jurídico moderno: O reconhecimento do sujeito de direito. Études Ricoeuriennes / Ricoeur Studies vol. 2, no. 2 (2011): 106–117
Authors: ERRS ERRS
Published: January 2012

As published, the authorship for this article is incorrect. Coauthor Hilda Helena Soares Bentes was omitted due to an editorial error. The correct citation is:Bentes, Hilda and Salles, Sergio. Paul Ricoeur e o humanismo jurídico moderno: O reconhecimento do sujeito de direito. Études Ricoeuriennes / Ricoeur Studies vol. 2, no. 2 (2011): 106–117.The online version reflects these changes.
Perceived Impact of Spasticity Is Associated with Spatial and Temporal Parameters of Gait in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Balantrapu Swathi , Sandroff Brian M. , Sosnoff Jacob J. , Motl Robert W.
Published: January 2012

Background. Spasticity is prevalent and disabling in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), and the development of the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale-88 (MSSS-88) provides an opportunity for examining the perceived impact of spasticity and its association with gait in this population. Purpose. This study examined the association between the perceived impact of spasticity and spatio-temporal parameters of gait in persons with MS. Methods. The sample included 44 adults with MS who completed the MSSS-88 and 4 walking trials on a 26-foot GAITRiteTM electronic walkway for measurement of spatio-temporal components of gait including velocity, cadence, base of support, step time, single support, double support, and swing phase. Results. The overall MSSS-88 score was significantly associated with velocity (), cadence (), base of support (), step time (), single leg support (), double leg support (), and swing phase (). Conclusions. The perceived impact of spasticity coincides with alterations of the spatio-temporal parameters of gait in MS. This indicates that subsequent interventions might target a decrease in spasticity or its perceived impact as an approach for improving mobility in MS.
Flow-Mediated Vasodilation Is Not Attenuated in Hypertensive Pregnancies Despite Biochemical Signs of Inflammation
Authors: Saarelainen Heli , Kärkkäinen Henna , Valtonen Pirjo , Punnonen Kari , Laitinen Tomi , Heiskanen Nonna , Lyyra-Laitinen Tiina , Vanninen Esko , Heinonen Seppo
Published: January 2012

Background. Our objective was to evaluate endothelial function and markers of inflammation during and after pregnancy in normal pregnancies compared to pregnancies complicated with hypertension or preeclampsia (PE). Methods and Results. We measured endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in 32 women with normal pregnancy and in 28 women whose pregnancy was complicated with hypertensive disorder in the second half of pregnancy and minimum 3-month postpartum. Enhancement of endothelial function was greater in hypertensive than normal pregnancies, the mean FMD% being 11.0% versus 8.8% during pregnancy (P=0.194) and 8.0% versus 7.9% postpartum (P=0.978). Concentrations of markers of inflammation were markedly increased in pregnant hypertensive group compared to those after delivery (hsCRP 4.5 versus 0.80 mg/L, P=0.023, IL-6 2.1 versus 1.2 pg/mL, P=0.006; TNF-α 1.9 versus 1.5 pg/mL, P=0.030). There were no statistically significant associations between the markers of inflammation and FMD. Conclusions. Brachial artery FMD was not attenuated in the third trimester hypertensive pregnancies compared to normal pregnancies, whereas circulating concentrations of hsCRP and IL-6 and TNF-α reacted to hypertensive complications.
Characteristics of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Thin Layer for Bisphenol A and Response of the MIP-Modified Sensor
Authors: Kubo Izumi , Yokota Nobuyuki , Fuchiwaki Yusuke , Nakane Yuko
Published: January 2012

We examine the characteristics of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layers for bisphenol A (BPA) to investigate the effect of their thickness on the performance of the BPA sensor. MIP thin layers for bisphenol A were polymerized on a sputtered gold electrode by UV light irradiation for 2 to 30 min. Their thickness, as determined by a QCM analyzer, was 3.6 ±  0.3 nm after 5 min of irradiation and increased as the irradiation time increased to 30 min. AFM images of the MIP-modified surface suggested that the gold electrode was covered with a smooth MIP layer. The anodic peaks of BPA and ascorbic acid caused by gold electrode and the MIP-modified electrode were compared, and the electrode with MIP polymerized for 5 min showed more selectivity to BPA than that polymerized for 2 min. The MIP thin layer thus has potential as a sensing element of a chemical sensor.
Las estrategias publicitarias de las marcas en el contexto de crisis
Authors: Fernández Blanco Elena , Alameda García David , Martín Martín Irene
Published: January 2012

La crisis económica ha evidenciado una situación que venía aconteciendo en la comunicación estratégica desde hace años: el debilitamiento del modelo publicitario establecido. Las organizaciones se enfrentan a una pérdida progresiva de la eficacia comunicativa de la publicidad; a la dificultad de conectar emocionalmente con sus consumidores; al retroceso de los medios convencionales; a la explosión de la era de las relaciones personales y a la hegemonía de un ciudadano, proactivo y crítico, que replantea el propio concepto de comunicación. Todo este contexto hace que las empresas y organizaciones redefinan sus estrategias publicitarias, modificando objetivos, públicos, valores, lenguajes, medios y modos de contactar con sus públicos. El objetivo de este artículo es el estudio de las principales opciones estratégicas publicitarias que están desarrollando las organizaciones para sus marcas en el actual contexto de crisis. Para ello, se aborda el análisis de la estrategia publicitaria de una muestra significativa de los principales anunciantes del panorama nacional, representando a diferentes sectores de consumo. Mediante el análisis de contenido, combinado con análisis del discurso de las estrategias publicitarias de las principales marcas, procedemos al establecimiento de variables de análisis y a la categorización de los objetivos, estrategias, acciones y construcciones discursivas que las marcas desarrollan en sus políticas de comunicación. Los resultados de la investigación permiten concluir que las marcas están apostando por cuatro principales tipos de estrategias publicitarias: la estrategia de construcción de las U-brands, la defensa del valor de la marca tradicional, la estrategia centrada en el precio como principal argumento y la estrategia ofensiva de las marcas de distribuidor en torno a la calidad.
La búsqueda de la implicación con el consumidor como herramienta de comunicación en el nuevo espacio publicitario: ejemplos paradigmáticos de experiencia de marca
Authors: Pino Cristina del
Published: January 2012

El mundo de la comunicación publicitaria ha experimentado un cambio más profundo en los últimos cinco años que en los diez lustros anteriores. El anunciante se afana en conectar con el nuevo consumidor —crossumer—, a través de experiencias de marcas basadas en la interacción y la participación. El objetivo del presente artículo es profundizar en la situación por la que se están produciendo todos estos cambios, así como llevar a cabo una revisión de algunos de los ejemplos más representativos y paradigmáticos de la actual publicidad que gira sobre el crossumer, el consumidor/usuario de la nueva generación. Alguien totalmente diferente al consumidor de hace solo una década, incluso un lustro, que domina los códigos de comunicación como nunca antes había sucedido, y para quien los nuevos medios y soportes y plataformas en general no presentan ningún secreto. Cómo llamar su atención vinculándole hacia la marca —partiendo de la premisa de que las experiencias de participación se recuerdan siempre— es el gran objetivo de los anunciantes en el actual escenario publicitario en plena efervescencia. Nos adentramos, pues, en la naturaza de esta nueva situación, ejemplificando ampliamente el actual panorama del que se ofrece una detallada visión.
Del decir y lo dicho (otra vuelta de tuerca)
Authors: Gómez Tarín Francisco Javier
Published: January 2012

Reseña de:RUBIO ALCOVER, Agustín (2010).El don de la imagen. Un concepto del cine contemporáneo.Volumen I: Esperantistas.Santander: Shangrila Ediciones.
La Tag TV o cómo Internet cambiará la televisión del futuro
Authors: Casero Ripollés Andreu
Published: January 2012

Reseña:Álvarez Monzoncillo, José María (coord.) (2011).La televisión etiquetada: nuevas audiencias, nuevos negocios.Madrid: Fundación Telefónica/Ariel