bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
U.S. Midwestern Residents Perceptions of Water Quality
Authors: Hu Zhihua , Morton Lois Wright
Published: February 2011

The plurality of conservation and environmental viewpoints often challenge community leaders and government agency staff as they seek to engage citizens and build partnerships around watershed planning and management to solve complex water quality issues. The U.S. Midwest Heartland region (covering the states of Missouri, Kansa, Iowa, and Nebraska) is dominated by row crop production and animal agriculture, where an understanding of perceptions held by residents of different locations (urban, rural non-farm, and rural farm) towards water quality and the environment can provide a foundation for public deliberation and decision making. A stratified random sample mail survey of 1,042 Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska residents (54% response rate) reveals many areas of agreement among farm, rural non-farm, and those who live in towns on the importance of water issues including the importance and use of water resources; beliefs about water quality and perceptions of impaired water quality causality; beliefs about protecting local waters; and environmental attitudes. With two ordinal logistic models, we also found that respondents with strong environmental attitudes have the least confidence in ground and surface water quality. The findings about differences and areas of agreement among the residents of different sectors can provide a communication bridge among divergent viewpoints and assist local leaders and agency staff as they seek to engage the public in discussions which lead to negotiating solutions to difficult water issues.
Les relations entre famille d'accueil et famille d'origine de l'enfant placé
Authors: Pastrana-Lattanzi Hélène
Published: February 2011

Résumé Une grande partie des enfants soignés dans l’hôpital de jour du service de pédopsychiatrie de Bellevue, à Saint-Étienne, relèvent du dispositif de protection de l’enfance. Parmi ceux-ci, beaucoup sont séparés de leur famille d’origine par une décision judiciaire. La plupart vivent dans une famille d’accueil, quelques-uns dans des petits lieux de vie. Nous (l’équipe du Docteur M. Berger) considérons, à la suite de Myriam David, qu’une séparation n’est pas thérapeutique en elle-même si elle n’est pas accompagnée d’un lieu d’écoute de l’enfant. Mais prendre soin de l’enfant, c’est aussi prendre soin de la fonction maternelle qui essaie de se développer par le biais de l’accueil familial. Nous savons que cet accueil est mis à mal de façon répétitive, par la compulsion de répétition des modalités des liens premiers que l’enfant transporte avec lui et réactive dans son lieu de vie familial. Le placement en famille d’accueil est toujours une entreprise à haut risque pour l’enfant, pour la famille d’accueil et pour ce qu’il peut représenter pour la famille d’origine, qui se voit remplacée auprès de son enfant dans la pratique de la parentalité.
Parole d'éduc
Authors: Cartry Jean
Published: February 2011

Résumé À plus de quarante ans de métier, un (vieil) éducateur spécialisé forme sa parole avec quelques maîtres mots : clinique, engagement professionnel, autorité, transfert, conflit, jeu, relation éducative, fonction du tiers ou supervision, bonheur professionnel.
Les vicissitudes du projet d'insertion. Du rmi au rsa…
Authors: Ruffiot Amédine
Published: February 2011

Résumé Le projet est aujourd’hui un élément de définition même de l’accompagnement social, quels que soient ses champs d’intervention. On peut situer son institutionnalisation première dans la loi rmi de 1988, consacrant « le projet d’insertion ». Pour autant, les évolutions politiques actuelles, et exemplairement la création du revenu de solidarité active, semblent participer à transformer une dynamique originale de projection en une technique de programmation ; une réduction qui implique un certain nombre de conséquences pour les pratiques socio-éducatives.
Nature et ingénierie : le parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Authors: Picon Antoine
Published: February 2011

Il y a quelque chose de paradoxal à voir le parc des Buttes-Chaumont plébiscité par ses visiteurs comme l’un des plus des plus naturels de Paris, alors qu’il s’agit d’une prouesse technique conçue par des ingénieurs. Les relations entre nature et technique, nature et ingénierie, constituent en réalité l’un des fils conducteurs d’un des projets les plus emblématiques du nouveau Paris de Napoléon III et Haussmann. Supportée par des travaux d’infrastructure considérables, mise en scène au moyen de la technique, la nature participe d’une volonté de pacifier la ville au moyen d’un apprentissage de l’urbanité fondé sur une pensée circulatoire associant plaisir de la déambulation et impressions morales.
La « technesthétique » : répétition, habitude et dispositif technique dans les arts romantiques
Authors: Tresch John
Published: February 2011

En 1843, le physicien André-Marie Ampère décrit une nouvelle science, la « technesthétique », qui porte sur les « moyens par lesquels l’homme agit sur l’intelligence ou la volonté des autres hommes ». Cette nouvelle science correspond à la recherche des artistes romantiques pour des nouveaux effets et à leur fascination pour la puissance transformatrice de l’industrie. Comme une traduction théorique de ces obsessions, les lecteurs « mineurs » du philosophe Maine de Biran – y compris Ampère, Alexandre Bertrand, Moreau du Tours et Félix Ravaisson – ont avancé des analyses des interactions dynamiques entre le mouvement et la pensée, la matière et l’esprit. Leur intérêt pour les modifications des perceptions par l’habitude, par la répétition et par la technique entrecroise et éclaircit la « technesthétique » des arts romantiques.
Beraprost Enhances the APC Function of B Cells by Upregulating CD86 Expression Levels
Authors: Kim Jini , Park Chan-Sik , Park Chan-Hum , Jeoung Doo-Il , Kim Young-Myeong , Choe Jongseon
Published: February 2011

Lipid mediators are emerging as important regulators of the immune system. Based on our previous result that shows strong expression of prostacyclin synthase in the germinal center, we investigated whether prostacyclin would regulate the APC function of B cells. Owing to the very short half-life of prostacyclin in experimental conditions, we used a more stable analog, beraprost. Beraprost increased the amounts of the costimulatory molecule CD86 but not CD80 on the surface of activated B cells in time- and dose-dependent manners. However, the enhancing effect of beraprost was not observed on memory B cells, centroblasts, and centrocytes. Beraprost required BCR and CD40 signals to upregulate CD86 expression levels. Other prostanoids such as PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1α, and PGF2α failed to alter CD86 expression levels, whereas other prostacyclin analogs were as potent as beraprost. Results carried out with receptor antagonists revealed that beraprost enhanced CD86 levels by binding to prostacyclin receptor IP and by increasing intracellular cAMP concentrations. Beraprost-treated B cells potently stimulated allogeneic T cells, which was significantly abolished by CD86 neutralization. Our data imply an unrecognized cellular and molecular mechanism about the germinal center reactions.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis-Associated Stroke in Children and Youth
Authors: Foster Jennifer Ruth , Morrison Gavin , Fraser Douglas D.
Published: February 2011

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a state of severe insulin deficiency, either absolute or relative, resulting in hyperglycemia and ketonemia. Although possibly underappreciated, up to 10% of cases of intracerebral complications associated with an episode of DKA, and/or its treatment, in children and youth are due to hemorrhage or ischemic brain infarction. Systemic inflammation is present in DKA, with resultant vascular endothelial perturbation that may result in coagulopathy and increased hemorrhagic risk. Thrombotic risk during DKA is elevated by abnormalities in coagulation factors, platelet activation, blood volume and flow, and vascular reactivity. DKA-associated cerebral edema may also predispose to ischemic injury and hemorrhage, though cases of stroke without concomitant cerebral edema have been identified. We review the current literature regarding the pathogenesis of stroke during an episode of DKA in children and youth.
Potentiometric Response Characteristics of Membrane-BasedCs+-Selective Electrodes Containing Ionophore-Functionalized Polymeric Microspheres
Authors: Peper Shane , Gonczy Chad
Published: February 2011

Cs+-selective solvent polymeric membrane-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) were developed by doping ethylene glycol-functionalized cross-linked polystyrene microspheres (P-EG) into a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix containing sodium tetrakis-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) borate (TFPB) as the ion exchanger. A systematic study examining the effects of the membrane plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS), 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), and 2-fluorophenyl nitrophenyl ether (FPNPE) on the potentiometric response and selectivity of the corresponding electrodes was performed. Under certain conditions, P-EG-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) containing TFPB and plasticized with NPOE exhibited a super-Nernstian response between1×10−3and1×10−4 M Cs+, a response characteristic not observed in analogous membranes plasticized with either DOS or FPNPE. Additionally, the performance of P-EG-based ISEs was compared to electrodes based on two mobile ionophores, a neutral lipophilic ethylene glycol derivative (ethylene glycol monooctadecyl ether (U-EG)) and a charged metallacarborane ionophore, sodium bis(dicarbollyl)cobaltate(III) (CC). In general, P-EG-based electrodes plasticized with FPNPE yielded the best performance, with a linear range from 10-1–10-5 M Cs+, a conventional lower detection limit of8.1×10−6 M Cs+, and a response slope of 57.7 mV/decade. The pH response of P-EG ISEs containing TFPB was evaluated for membranes plasticized with either NPOE or FPNPE. In both cases, the electrodes remained stable throughout the pH range 3–12, with only slight proton interference observed below pH 3.
Profile of the urethral transmission pressure in patients undergoing tension-free vaginal tape (T.V.T.)
Authors: SEBASTIO N. , SIMONAZZI M. , FERRI E. , MELI S. , SALSI P. , CORTELLINI P.
Published: February 2011

The aim of the paper is to compare the pre-operative and postoperative urodynamic parameters of women with stress incontinence undergoing a TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape) operation in order to evaluate the functional dynamics of the operation. Twenty-two patients (mean age 56.3 years, range 30-69 years) underwent the TVT operation for the correction of stress urinary incontinence. Cervical urethral hypermobility was present in all the patients and only the TVT operation and no other surgical procedure was performed. The main urodynamic modification was the improved transmission pressure to the urethra (CTU%) at the post-operative check up, although the maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), the functional length (FL) and the maximum flow (Qmax) remained unchanged.
Orthotopic neobladder in women. Evaluation of our experience
Authors: SIMONAZZI M. , SEBASTIO N. , MELI S. , FERRI E. , CORTELLINI P.
Published: February 2011

We evaluated the results obtained in radical cystectomy operations with an orthotopic neobladder, performed on 8 female subjects, at our Department since 1996. The aim of this study was to broaden the indication for this surgical treatment to women as well as in men and not only for oncological pathologies.
TVT (Tension-Free Vaginal Tape): a new procedure for the treatment of SUI. Our experience
Authors: DE MATTEIS G. , COLAGRANDE S. , MAGLIONI Q. , PAESANO P. , CIRESE E.
Published: February 2011

In this study we determined the efficacy and safety of tension free vaginal tape (TVT), a new procedure for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. TVT consists in the implantation of a prolene tape around the mid-urethra via a small vaginal incision. The TVT procedure is a minimally invasive technique using local or spinal anaesthesia allowing most women to be discharged from hospital the same day or the day after the operation. In the surgery of SUI with urethral hypermobility, TVT is without doubt one of the most interesting procedure to have changed surgery practice, and is a promising alternative to the traditional techniques. On the basis of our results we consider the TVT operation to be a safe and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence, having obtained a success rate of 76,5%.
FEMALE URINARY INCONTINENCE IN CANADA
Authors: Drutz Harold P.
Published: February 2011

In Canada, Urinary Incontinence (UI) is a significant medical and social problem which can be devastating to a women’s physical, social and emotional well being. As in other developed countries our population is aging. In 1993, 11.8 per cent of all Canadians were over age 65; by the year 2011, the proportion of this age group will be 14.0 per cent; by 2031, it will be 21.7 per cent (1). It is estimated that between 1.5 to 2.0 million Canadians (out of a population of just over 30 million) suffer from UI, yet only 1:12 will seek medical attention for this problem. UI is now the commonest cause of admission to long-term institutionalized centers in the United States and Canada. In Canada, we now spend over 1.5 billion dollars annually on this health care problem. At the Baycrest Geriatric Center (BGC) in Toronto, where we have a urogynecology branch of the unit at Mount Sinai Hospital (MSH), recent budget figures indicate that the hospital spends $320,000 (Cadanian) annually on adult diapers (2).
TWO CASES OF BLADDER PROLENE® TAPE EXPOSURE AFTER TVT PROCEDURE
Authors: Tamburello M. , Farruggia V. , Rubino S.M.
Published: February 2011

Two cases of bladder exposure of TVT sling material at 23 and 12 months after the implantation are reported. In both cases the urinary problems developed immediately after the TVT procedure and only few millimetres of one arm of the sling were exposed into the bladder. It is assumed therefore that the graft was inserted into the bladder lumen or into the bladder wall during the procedure rather than rejected. The whole sling was removed and both patients were cured of dysuria but in one recurrence of stress incontinence was noted.
FOUR-CORNER BLADDER AND URETHRAL RETROPUBIC SUSPENSION VERSUS ANTERIOR COLPORRHAPHY IN THE CORRECTION OF STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE WITH URETHROCYSTOCELE 3-4. RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: SCOTTO DI PALUMBO V.
Published: February 2011

In this study we compared, in a prospective randomized trial, the results, in terms of anatomic and functional correction, of two procedures for Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with cystocele 3-4: four-corner retropubic correction versus anterior repair with medial duplication of the pubocervical fascia and pubourethral ligaments plication. From June 1996 through April 2000, 80 patients affected by SUI type 1 and 2 according to Blaivas with urethrocystocele of 3 or 4 degrees according to the halfway system were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments (randomization 2:1): -1. Anterior colporrhaphy according to Nichols (52 women); -2. Four-corner bladder and urethral retropubic suspension according to Raz (28 women). The follow-up time of patients varied from 280 to 1670 days. The SUI relapse occurred in 26.9% of patients who underwent Nichols’ technique, against the 14.3% found in the other group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.01). By contrast, the anatomic correction of vaginal profile did not result significantly different in the two groups analyzed. We concluded that the four-corner procedure is more successful in terms of incontinence cure.
SINGLE-DOSE PRULIFLOXACIN VERSUS SINGLE-DOSE PEFLOXACIN IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE UNCOMPLICATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN WOMEN
Authors: CERVIGNI M. , ORTICELLI G. , BOLOGNA M. , NATALE F. , SALVATORI E. , DI LORETO G. , DIONISIO P.
Published: February 2011

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of singledose prulifloxacin vs. single-dose pefloxacin in the treatment of patients with acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Two hundred and thirty-one female out-patients were considered microbiologically evaluable and randomly treated with 600 mg prulifloxacin (116 patients) or 800 mg pefloxacin (115 patients). The most commonly isolated uropathogen at baseline was Escherichia coli (71.4%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (10.8%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.8%). Five-seven days posttreatment, the eradication rate was 97.4% and 92.2% in the prulifloxacin and pefloxacin group, respectively. The one-tailed 95% confidence interval analysis showed the equivalence of treatments. Four weeks from treatment no relapses, reinfections or superinfections were observed. The clinical success rates were 92.2% in the prulifloxacin and 84.3% pefloxacin groups. The safety profile was very good with both drugs. The results of the study make it possible to consider prulifloxacin a possible therapeutic option in patients with acute uncomplicated UTIs.
SOCIAL COST OF FEMALE URINARY INCONTINENCE: EPIDEMIOLOGY, COST OF ILLNESS AND COST/EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS
Authors: BERNASCONI F. , GRASSO M. , MANTOVANI C. , LUCCHINI E. , ARIENTI S. , CERRI C.
Published: February 2011

This paper presents the results of a broad, transversal, observational survey on the social cost of female urinary incontinence in the general female population, resident in the ASL3-Monza area. In this population, in an 18- 65 year old age group, the prevalence of U.I. observed is 28.5% (LIFE cases) and 18.6% (YEAR cases). The total number of incontinent women in the ASL3-Monza area and in the Lombardy Region can be estimated as follows: - ASL3-Monza 125,288 “LIFE” cases, 81,767 (18.6% of 439,609) “YEAR” cases. - Lombardy Region 1,119,480 “LIFE” cases, 730,608 (18.6% of 3,928,709) “YEAR” cases. In the light of the data collected, we can estimate that in the Lombardy Region and in the ASL3-Monza area, at least 379,600 (52% of 730,608) and 42,518 (52% of 81,767) incontinent women use protection and 175,200 (24% of 730,608) and 19,624 (24% of 81,767) consider using a pad to be the only useful solution to the problem. The “estimated” mean/annual cost per woman in an incontinent population with characteristics similar to those of the general female population of the ASL3-Monza is € 358,03, for a mean/life cost per woman of € 11.099,20.When there is no effective treatment of the symptom, we can estimate the following total cost/life in the ASL3-Monza area to be: 65,414 x 31 x € 358,03 = € 726.025.407. If the symptom disappears and the treatment is effective, this is also an advantage, apart from the obvious requirement for public health related to it, from a strictly pharmacological-economic point of view. The estimated total/life cost for the treatment (with the most effective medical, rehabilitative and/or surgical therapy available today) of a sample of 1,000 incontinent women of the ASL3- Monza area is significatively lower than the total cost/life expected in the case of persistence and “assistance” of the symptom: € 4.502.812,10 vs. € 23.451.270,02. Despite the methodological limits of a pilot study (single centre collection of data, limited samples, analysis of “theoretical” populations), from the data collected it appears clear that the more incisive and determined the strategy of information and education, and the fuller and earlier the diagnosis, the more significative the social- economic, as well as the psycho-social saving.
Proceeding of the 15th AIUG National Congress
Authors: Editors The
Published: February 2011

Proceeding of the 15th National Congress - Lecce, 6-8 ottobre 2005
CORRELATION BETWEEN OVERACTIVE BLADDER (OAB) AND QUALITY OF LIFE (QoL).
Authors: Leanza V. , Dati S. , Cavallaro A.A. , Bologna M.
Published: February 2011

The primary symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) include urinary urgency and frequency, with or without urge incontinence. OAB is urodynamically characterised by involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscles of the bladder. Despite the growing awareness of OAB as a chronic medical condition, little is known about the disease’s economic burden. Urodynamic diagnoses of detrusor overactivity, mixed incontinence, and stress incontinence with OAB are associated with significantly worse incontinence related bother and health related quality of life (QL) compared to those with stress incontinence without OAB [1,2,3].
SUI AND TVT IUS ND TVT SECURE SYSTEM: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL MULTICENTRIC STUDY. MORBIDITY AND SHORT-TERM PERCENTAGES OF SUCCESS
Authors: Bernasconi F. , Napolitano V. , Primicerio M. , Lijoi D. , Leone E. , Armitano F. , Luerti M. , Sugliano G.C. , Vitobello D. , Riva D. , Gregori D.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate perioperative morbidity and shortterm efficacy of TVT-Secur in treating female stress urinary incontinence. Data from 147 patients with urodynamic and/or occult SUI who were treated with TVTsecur in each single centre between 1st March 2007 and 31st December 2007 were collected. In positioning the sling, 74.8% of the surgeons chose the transobturator approach (110/147) and the remaining 25.2% chose the retropubic one. In 64.6% of patients (95/147) with urethral hypermobility and cystocoele =<2° degree according to POP-Q classification system, only isolated urodynamic SUI was treated (Group A); in 52 patients TVTsecur was used to treat an occult SUI associated with complex genital prolapse (Group B). Intra-operative complications were observed in the whole population: 2 slings had to be re-positioned; 1 deep vaginal laceration occurred and a new sling was implanted; 5 patients presented PE >=200ml. Post-operative morbidity was represented by 1 haematoma that disappeared spontaneously; 1 case of temporary pain that stopped within 7 days; 8 patients had urinating difficulties (RV>100ml), 5 of whom were in Group B. At the short-term follow up this technique’s success percentage with respect to the total population was 87.5% (119/136), 85.3% in Group A (81/95) and 90.3% (37/41) in Group B. The data collected show that when treating female stress urinary incontinence, TVTsecur represents an innovative, simpler and safer, therapeutic alternative, and its efficacy equals that of retropubic and/or transobturator traditional midurethral slings.
The Kuranishi space of complex parallelisable nilmanifolds
Authors: Rollenske Sönke
Published: February 2011

We show that the deformation space of complex parallelisable nilmanifolds can be described by polynomial equations but is almost never smooth. This is remarkable since these manifolds have trivial canonical bundle and are holomorphic symplectic in even dimension.We describe the Kuranishi space in detail in several examples and also analyse when small deformations remain complex parallelisable.
Potential-theoretical methods in the construction of measure-valued Markov branching processes
Authors: Beznea Lucian
Published: February 2011

We develop potential-theoretical methods in the construction of measure-valued branching processes.We complete results of P. J. Fitzsimmons and E. B. Dynkin on the construction, regularity and other properties of the superprocess associated with a given right process and a branching mechanism.
ACM bundles on cubic surfaces
Authors: Casanellas Marta , Hartshorne Robin
Published: February 2011

In this paper we prove that, for every

r ≥ 2

, the moduli space

M^s_X (r; c_1,c_2)

of rank

r

stable vector bundles with Chern classes

c_1 = rH

and

c_2 = \frac 1 2 (3r^2 − r)

on a nonsingular cubic surface

X ⊂ ℙ^3

contains a nonempty smooth open subset formed by ACM bundles, i.e. vector bundles with no intermediate cohomology. The bundles we consider for this study are extremal for the number of generators of the corresponding module (these are known as Ulrich bundles), so we also prove the existence of indecomposable Ulrich bundles of arbitrarily high rank on

X

.
Differences of random Cantor sets and lower spectral radii
Authors: Dekking F. Michel , Kuijvenhoven Bram
Published: February 2011

We investigate the question under which conditions the algebraic difference between two independent random Cantor sets

C_1

and

C_2

almost surely contains an interval, and when not. The natural condition is whether the sum

d_1 + d_2

of the Hausdorff dimensions of the sets is smaller (no interval) or larger (an interval) than

1

. Palis conjectured that
generically
it should be true that

d_1 + d_2 > 1

should imply that

C_1 - C_2

contains an interval. We prove that for 2-adic random Cantor sets generated by a vector of probabilities

(p_0, p_1)

the interior of the region where the Palis conjecture does not hold is given by those

p_0, p_1

which satisfy

p_0 + p_1 > √2

and

p_0 p_1(1+p_0^2 + p_1^2) < 1

. We furthermore prove a general result which characterizes the interval/no interval property in terms of the lower spectral radius of a set of

2 \times 2

matrices.
Continuous isotopic composition measurements of tropospheric CO2 at Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l.), Switzerland: real-time observation of regional pollution events
Authors: Tuzson B. , Henne S. , Brunner D. , Steinbacher M. , Mohn J. , Buchmann B. , Emmenegger L.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. A quantum cascade laser based absorption spectrometer (QCLAS) is applied for the first time to perform in situ, continuous and high precision isotope ratio measurements of CO2 in the free troposphere. Time series of the three main CO2 isotopologue mixing ratios (12C16CO2, 13C16CO2 and 12C18O16O) have simultaneously been measured at one second time resolution over two years (from August 2008 to present) at the High Altitude Research Station Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l., Switzerland). This work focuses on periods in February 2009 only, when sudden and pronounced enhancements in the tropospheric CO2 were observed. These short-term changes were closely correlated with variations in CO mixing ratios measured at the same site, indicating combustion related emissions as potential source. The analytical precision of 0.046‰ (at 50 s integration time) for both δ13C and δ18O and the high temporal resolution allowed the application of the Keeling plot method for source signature identification. The spatial origin of these CO2 emission sources was then determined by backward Lagrangian particle dispersion simulations.
Observations of the temperature dependent response of ozone to NOx reductions in the Sacramento, CA urban plume
Authors: LaFranchi B. W. , Goldstein A. H. , Cohen R. C.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Observations of NOx in the Sacramento, CA region show that mixing ratios decreased by 30% between 2001 and 2008. Here we use an observation-based method to quantify net ozone production rates in the outflow from the Sacramento metropolitan region and examine the O3 decrease resulting from reductions in NOx emissions. This observational method does not rely on assumptions about detailed chemistry of ozone production, rather it is an independent means to verify and test these assumptions. We use an instantaneous steady-state model as well as a detailed 1-D plume model to aid in interpretation of the ozone production inferred from observations. In agreement with the models, the observations show that early in the plume, the NOx dependence for Ox (Ox = O3 + NO2) production is strongly coupled with temperature, suggesting that temperature-dependent biogenic VOC emissions can drive Ox production between NOx-limited and NOx-suppressed regimes. As a result, NOx reductions were found to be most effective at higher temperatures over the 7 year period. We show that violations of the California 1-hour O3 standard (90 ppb) in the region have been decreasing linearly with decreases in NOx (at a given temperature) and predict that reductions of NOx concentrations (and presumably emissions) by an additional 30% (relative to 2007 levels) will eliminate violations of the state 1 h standard in the region. If current trends continue, a 30% decrease in NOx is expected by 2012, and an end to violations of the 1 h standard in the Sacramento region appears to be imminent.
Synergetic cloud fraction determination for SCIAMACHY using MERIS
Authors: Schlundt C. , Kokhanovsky A. A. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Dinter T. , Istomina L. , Burrows J. P.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Since clouds play an essential role in the Earth's climate system, it is important to understand the cloud characteristics as well as their distribution on a global scale using satellite observations. The main scientific objective of SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY) onboard the ENVISAT satellite is the retrieval of vertical columns of trace gases. On the one hand, SCIAMACHY has to be sensitive to low variations in trace gas concentrations which means the ground pixel size has to be large enough. On the other hand, such a large pixel size leads to the problem that SCIAMACHY spectra are often contaminated by clouds. SCIAMACHY spectral measurements are not well suitable to derive a reliable sub-pixel cloud fraction that can be used as input parameter for subsequent retrievals of cloud properties or vertical trace gas columns. Therefore, we use MERIS/ENVISAT spectral measurements with its high spatial resolution as sub-pixel information for the determination of MerIs Cloud fRation fOr Sciamachy (MICROS). Since MERIS covers an even broader swath width than SCIAMACHY, no problems in spatial and temporal collocation of measurements occur. This enables the derivation of a SCIAMACHY cloud fraction with an accuracy much higher as compared with other current cloud fractions that are based on SCIAMACHY's PMD (Polarization Measurement Device) data. We present our new developed MICROS algorithm, based on the threshold approach, as well as a qualitative validation of our results with MERIS satellite images for different locations, especially with respect to bright surfaces such as snow/ice and sands. In addition, the SCIAMACHY cloud fractions derived from MICROS are intercompared with other current SCIAMACHY cloud fractions based on different approaches demonstrating a considerable improvement regarding geometric cloud fraction determination using the MICROS algorithm.
Improved identification of clouds and ice/snow covered surfaces in SCIAMACHY observations
Authors: Krijger J. M. , Tol P. , Istomina L. G. , Schlundt C. , Schrijver H. , Aben I.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. An improved version is presented of the SCIAMACHY PMD Identification of Clouds and Ice/snow method (SPICI). SPICI uses the SCIAMACHY measurements in the wavelength range between 450 nm and 1.6 μm to make a distinction between clouds and ice/snow covered surfaces, specifically developed to identify cloud-free SCIAMACHY observations. For this purpose the SCIAMACHY Polarisation Measurement Devices (PMDs) are used because they provide higher spatial resolution compared to the main spectrometer measurements. The improvements (compared to Krijger et al., 2005) include a snow over vegetation detection and correction for SCIAMACHY PMD degradation.
Responses of woody species to spatial and temporal ground water changes in coastal sand dune systems
Authors: Máguas C. , Rascher K. G. , Martins-Loução A. , Carvalho P. , Pinho P. , Ramos M. , Correia O. , Werner C.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. In spite of the relative importance of groundwater in coastal dune systems, the number of studies concerning the responsiveness of vegetation to ground water (GW) variability, in particularly in Mediterranean regions, is scarce. In this study, we established 5 study sites within a meso-mediterranean sand dune Pinus pinaster forest on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, taking advantage of natural topographic variability and artificial GW exploitation, which resulted in substantial variability in depth to GW between microsites. Here we identify the degree of usage and dependence on GW of different plant functional groups (two deep-rooted trees, a drought adapted shrub, a phreatophyte and a non-native woody invader) and how GW dependence varied seasonally and between the heterogeneous microsites. Our results indicated that the plant species had differential responses to changes in GW depth according to specific functional traits (i.e. rooting depth, leaf morphology, and water use strategy). The species comparison revealed that variability in pre-dawn water potential (Ψpre) and bulk leaf δ13C was related to microsite differences in GW use in deep-rooted (Pinus pinaster, Myrica faya) and phreatophyte (Salix repens) species. However, such variation was more evident during spring rather than during summer drought. The exotic invader, Acacia longifolia, which does not possess a very deep root system, presented the largest seasonal variability in Ψpre and bulk leaf δ13C. In contrast, the response of Corema album, an endemic understorey drought adapted shrub, across seasons and microsites seemed to be independent of water availability. Thus, the susceptibility to changing GW availability in sand dune plant species is variable, being particularly relevant for deep rooted species and phreatophytes, which have typically been less exposed to GW fluctuations.
High-resolution records of the beryllium-10 solar activity proxy in ice from Law Dome, East Antarctica: measurement, reproducibility and principal trends
Authors: Pedro J. B. , Smith A. M. , Simon K. J. , van Ommen T. D. , Curran M. A. J.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Three near-monthly resolution 10Be records are presented from the Dome Summit South (DSS) ice core site, Law Dome, East Antarctica. The chemical preparation and Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) measurement of these records is described. The reproducibility of 10Be records at DSS is assessed through intercomparison of the ice core data with data from two previously published and contemporaneous snow pits. We find generally good agreement between the five records, comparable to that observed between other trace chemical records from the site. This result allays concerns raised by a previous Antarctic study (Moraal et al., 2005) about poor reproducibility of ice core 10Be records. A single composite series is constructed from the three ice cores providing a monthly-resolved record of 10Be concentrations at DSS over the past decade (1999 to 2009). To our knowledge, this is the first published ice core data spanning the recent exceptional solar minimum of solar cycle 23. 10Be concentrations are significantly correlated to the cosmic ray flux recorded by the McMurdo neutron monitor (rxy = 0.64, with 95% CI of 0.53 to 0.71), suggesting that solar modulation of the atmospheric production rate may explain up to ~40% of the variance in 10Be concentrations at DSS. Sharp concentration peaks occur in most years during the summer-to-autumn, possibly caused by stratospheric incursions. Our results underscore the presence of both production and meteorological signals in ice core 10Be data.
Scale dependency of fractional flow dimension in a fractured formation
Authors: Chang Y.-C. , Yeh H.-D. , Liang K.-F. , Kuo M.-C. T.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. In fractured media, the flow dimension was usually predefined before the determination of the hydraulic parameters in the past. However, it would be improper to make assumption about the flow geometry before site characterization because the hydraulic structures and flow paths are complex in the fractured media. An appropriate way to investigate the hydrodynamic behavior of a fracture system is to determine the hydrogeologic properties such as the flow dimension and aquifer parameters simultaneously. The objective of this study is to analyze a set of field data obtained from four observation wells during an 11-day hydraulic test at Chingshui geothermal field (CGF) in Taiwan for determining the hydrogeologic properties of the fractured formation. Based on the generalized radial flow (GRF) model and the optimization scheme, simulated annealing, an approach is therefore developed for the data analyses. The GRF model allows the flow dimension to be integer or fractional. We found that the fractional flow dimension increases near linearly with the distance between the pumping well and observation well, i.e., the flow dimension in the CGF exhibits scale-dependent phenomenon. This study provides insights into interpretation of fracture flow at CGF and gives a reference for characterizing the hydrogeologic properties of fractured media.
Highly Interconnected Porous Electrodes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Using Viruses as a Sacrificial Template
Authors: Lee Yong Man , Kim Young Hun , Lee Jun Haeng , Park Jong Hyeok , Park Nam‐Gyu , Choe Woo‐Seok , Ko Min Jae , Yoo Pil J.
Published: February 2011

A novel means of generating highly interconnected and nano‐channeled photoelectrodes by employing one‐dimensionally shaped M13 viruses as a sacrificial template is proposed for highly efficient dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The electrostatic binding between oppositely charged TiO2 nanoparticles and M13 viruses provides a uniform complexation and suppresses random aggregation of TiO2 nanoparticles. After the calcination process, the traces of viruses leave porously interconnected channel structures inside TiO2 nanoparticles, providing efficient paths for electrolyte contact as well as increased surface sites for dye adsorption. As a result, DSSCs generated using a sacrificial virus template exhibit an enhanced current density (JSC) of 12.35 mA cm‐2 and a high photoconversion efficiency (η) of 6.32%, greater than those of conventional photoelectrodes made of TiO2 nanoparticles (JSC of 8.91 mA cm‐2 and η of 4.67%). In addition, the stiffness and shape of the M13 virus can be varied, emphasizing the usefulness of the one‐dimensional structural characteristics of M13 viruses for the highly interconnected porous structure of DSSC photoelectrodes.
Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Sessolo Michele , Bolink Henk J.
Published: February 2011

The demonstration of colour tunability and high efficiency has brought organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) into the displays and lighting market. However, high production costs due to expensive deposition techniques and the use of reactive materials still limit their market entry, highlighting the need for novel concepts. This has driven the research towards the integration of both organic and inorganic materials into devices that benefit from their respective peculiar properties. The most representative example of this tendency is the application of metal oxides in organic optoelectronics. Metal oxides combine properties such as high transparency, good electrical conductivities, tuneable morphology, and the possibility of deposition on large areas with low‐cost techniques. The use of metal oxides as charge injection interfaces in OLEDs has also been investigated. Hybrid organic–inorganic light‐emitting diodes (HyLEDs) are inverted OLEDs that employ air‐stable metal oxides as the charge injection contacts. They are emerging as a potential competitor to standard OLEDs, thanks to their intrinsic air stable electrodes and solution processability, which could result in low‐cost, large area, light‐emitting devices. This article reviews the short history of this class of devices from its first solid state example published in 2006 to the present achievements. The data presented shed light on the electronic mechanism behind the functioning of HyLEDs and give guidelines for their further optimization.
Progress in regional downscaling of west African precipitation
Authors: Paeth Heiko , Hall Nicholas M.J. , Gaertner Miguel Angel , Alonso Marta Dominguez , Moumouni Sounmaïla , Polcher Jan , Ruti Paolo M. , Fink Andreas H. , Gosset Marielle , Lebel Thierry , Gaye Amadou T. , Rowell David P. , Moufouma‐Okia Wilfran , Jacob Daniela , Rockel Burkhardt , Giorgi Filippo , Rummukainen Markku
Published: February 2011

We review the recent progress in dynamical and statistical downscaling approaches for west African precipitation and perform a regional climate model (RCM) intercomparison using the novel multi‐model RCM data set from the Ensembles‐based Predictions of Climate Changes and Their Impacts (ENSEMBLES) and African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (AMMA) projects. Present RCMs have distinct systematic errors in terms of west African precipitation varying in amplitude and pattern across models. This is also reflected in a relatively large spread in projected future precipitation trends. Altogether, the ENSEMBLES RCMs indicate a prevailing drying tendency in sub‐Saharan Africa. Statistical post‐processing of simulated precipitation is a promising tool to reduce systematic model errors before application in impact studies. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Interannual and decadal SST‐forced responses of the West African monsoon
Authors: Rodríguez‐Fonseca Belén , Janicot Serge , Mohino Elsa , Losada Teresa , Bader Juergen , Caminade Cyril , Chauvin Fabrice , Fontaine Bernard , García‐Serrano Javier , Gervois Sebastien , Joly Mathieu , Polo Irene , Ruti Paolo , Roucou Pascal , Voldoire Aurore
Published: February 2011

We review the studies carried out during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA)‐EU on the changes of interannual sea surface temperature (SST)–West African monsoon (WAM) covariability at multidecadal timescales, together with the influence of global warming (GW). The results obtained in the AMMA‐EU suggest the importance of the background state, modulated by natural and anthropogenic variability, in the appearance of different interannual modes. The lack of reliability of current coupled models in giving a realistic assessment for WAM in the future is also stated. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Adaptation strategies and climate vulnerability in the Sudano‐Sahelian region of West Africa
Authors: Mertz Ole , Mbow Cheikh , Reenberg Anette , Genesio Lorenzo , Lambin Eric F. , D'haen Sarah , Zorom Malicki , Rasmussen Kjeld , Diallo Drissa , Barbier Bruno , Moussa Ibrahim Bouzou , Diouf Awa , Nielsen Jonas Ø. , Sandholt Inge
Published: February 2011

Rural development in the Sudano‐Sahelian region during the past 20 years and future scenarios of change were studied using meta‐analysis of case studies, household interviews and scenario assessment. Households have generally increased their wealth, especially when they diversify out of agriculture. Rain‐fed crop cultivation is more sensitive to climate factors than livestock, but generally climate factors play a limited direct role for local land use and livelihood strategies. The agricultural sector needs strong support to remain important in the region and off‐farm work and migration are likely to continue to increase, which may decrease vulnerability. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Assessing the impact of climate variability and climate change on runoff in West Africa: the case of Senegal and Nakambe River basins
Authors: Karambiri H. , García Galiano S. G. , Giraldo J. D. , Yacouba H. , Ibrahim B. , Barbier B. , Polcher J.
Published: February 2011

West Africa and its people are very vulnerable to climate variability and changes. Increasing the knowledge of plausible trends of rainfall dry spell lengths (DSL) in the rainy season, and of runoff, enables the assessment of vulnerability and adaptive capacity of the system. These predictions are crucial from a water management and policy perspective. The analyses based on regional climate models (RCMs) and observed datasets exhibit non‐stationary behavior and an increase of DSL. Our results highlight the difficulty of selected RCMs to reproduce present climate and their divergence in predicting future climate. Impacts on water resources depend not only on climate forcing but also on land surface conditions. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Tropospheric aerosols over West Africa: highlights from the AMMA international program
Authors: Marticorena B. , Haywood J. , Coe H. , Formenti P. , Liousse C. , Mallet M. , Pelon J.
Published: February 2011

West Africa is the world's largest source of mineral dust and biomass burning aerosols. The AMMA (African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis) project developed an integrated strategy combining field measurements, remote sensing and modelling studies to better quantify aerosol emissions, to extensively document their physico‐chemical properties and to describe their horizontal and vertical distributions and seasonal variability. Using this information in climate and numerical weather prediction models will lead to better climate projections and better simulations of dust storms, visibility, and air quality and the impacts upon human health. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
The AMMA field campaigns: accomplishments and lessons learned
Authors: Lebel Thierry , Parker Douglas J. , Flamant Cyrille , Höller Hartmut , Polcher Jan , Redelsperger Jean‐Luc , Thorncroft Chris , Bock Olivier , Bourles Bernard , Galle Sylvie , Marticorena Béatrice , Mougin Eric , Peugeot Christophe , Cappelaere Bernard , Descroix Luc , Diedhiou Arona , Gaye Amadou , Lafore Jean‐Philippe
Published: February 2011

The AMMA (African Monsoon Multidiscplinary Analysis) field programme aimed at documenting the West African Monsoon (WAM) climate system, in all its geophysical components. It also includes an important socio‐economic component. Encompassing a wide range of spatial and time scales, AMMA is one of the most ambitious such programmes ever set up. While the key accomplishments of AMMA are summarised in this paper, a few lessons of broad interest are also drawn both as a tribute to the extraordinary efforts made by a community of several hundreds of people and as possible guidelines for ensuring a long lasting future to integrated climate and environmental studies in West Africa. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
On the use of phase‐type distributions for inventory management with supply disruptions
Authors: Balcıog̃lu Barış , Gürler Ülkü
Published: February 2011

Maintaining the continuity of operations becomes increasingly important for systems that are subject to disruptions due to various reasons. In this paper, we study an inventory system operating under a (q, r) policy, where the supply can become inaccessible for random durations. The availability of the supply is modeled by assuming a single supplier that goes through ON and OFF periods of stochastic duration, both of which are modeled by phase‐type distributions (PTD). We provide two alternative representations of the state transition probabilities of the system, one with integral and the other employing Kolmogorov differential equations. We then use an efficient formulation for the analytical model that gives the optimal policy parameters and the long‐run average cost. An extensive numerical study is conducted, which shows that OFF time characteristics have a bigger impact on optimal policy parameters. The ON time characteristics are also important for critical goods if disasters can happen. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Hexanuclear Group 11 Pyrazolate Complexes: Synthesis and Photophysical Features
Authors: Jozak Thomas , Sun Yu , Schmitt Yvonne , Lebedkin Sergei , Kappes Manfred , Gerhards Markus , Thiel Werner R.
Published: February 2011

The treatment of 2,2′‐di(1,2‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl with two equivalents of appropriate monovalent group 11 precursors in the presence of a base leads to a complete exchange of the pyrazole NH protons with M+ cations. Structural characterisation of the copper(I) complex revealed a hexanuclear complex with a pelton‐wheel‐like arrangement of the binaphthyl unit. As indicated by their spectroscopic data, all three complexes are isostructural. The complexes show a complex fluorescence behaviour that can be partially related to the ligand system and also to the metal sites, as indicated by the position of the fluorescence peaks and their temperature dependence and lifetimes.