bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of master sintering curve of ThO2 pellets using optimization technique
Authors: Ray Aditi , Banerjee Joydipta , Kutty T.R.G. , Kumar Arun , Banerjee Srikumar
Published: September 2012

Sintering kinetics and densification behavior of pure ThO2 have been studied
using high temperature dilatometer experiments at constant rate of heating.
Sintering activation energy has been determined by Wang and Raj method.
Master sintering curve (MSC) for densification is a functional sintering
model that describes densification under arbitrary time temperature excursion
of a particular material during sintering. MSC for pure ThO2 has been
constructed by fitting experimental relative density versus work of sintering
data with modified sigmoid function. Five independent parameters of the
fitting function are determined by Nelder-Mead optimization technique with
the objective of minimizing fitting error in terms of mean residual square. A
FORTRAN program has been developed for efficient construction of best
converged master curve. It is shown that activation energy of pure ThO2 found
by MSC approach is consistent with those obtained by other methods.
Preparation and characterization of tubular ceramic support for use in transesterification process
Authors: Sharif Sharmiwati , Ahmad Arifin , Othman Roslee
Published: September 2012

A tubular ceramic support intended for use in transesterification process was
prepared using the polymeric foam replication method. Pieces of foam with
pores 120 ppi in size were completely immersed in a 25wt% solid-loading of
porcelain slurry. The dried samples were sintered for 2 hours to temperatures
ranging from 1200?C to 1265?C, respectively. It was found that the optimum
sintering temperature was 1250?C as the following values were obtained for
each characteristic: 1.98 MPa compressive strength, 47.3% porosity, 2.773gcm3
density and 0.45mm pore size. XRD results show that the sintered ceramic
consists of mullite and quartz.
Soft combustion technique: Solution combustion synthesis and low-temperature combustion synthesis; to prepare Bi4Ti3O12 powders and bulk ceramics
Authors: Al-Amani Umar , Sreekantan S. , Fauzi Ahmad , Khairunisak A.R. , Warapong K.
Published: September 2012

Bi4Ti3O12 (BTO) powders were synthesized using soft combustion techniques,
specifically known as Solution Combustion Synthesis (SCS) and
Low-temperature Combustion Synthesis (LCS). XRD results showed that the
single phase BTO was obtained following calcinations at 800?C for the sample
prepared using SCS; compared to after combustion, for the sample prepared
using LCS. The TG/DTA showed a combustion temperature of around 252 - 280?C,
which became stable with a single phase BTO at 500?C and above. Sintering
was carried out at 1,100?C for 3 h, to determine the microstructures, grain
orientation, relative density, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties, of
the bulk ceramics. It was found that the bulk ceramics prepared using SCS
exhibited elongated-like grains, strong (117)-preferred grain orientation, a
relative density of 93.3%, ?r = 320 - 360, tan ? = 0.03 - 0.1, Pr = 6.8
?C/cm2, and Ec = 20 kV/cm. Meanwhile, the bulk ceramics prepared using LCS
showed plate-like grains, strong c-preferred grain orientation, a relative
density of 83%, ?r = 143 - 195, tan ? = 0.01 - 0.38, Pr = 5.9 ?C/cm2, and Ec
= 30 kV/cm.
c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase 1/2 and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as Interdependent and Reciprocal Causation in Diabetic Embryopathy
Authors: Li Xuezheng , Xu Cheng , Yang Peixin
Published: September 2012

Embryos exposed to high glucose exhibit aberrant maturational and cytoarchitectural cellular changes, implicating cellular organelle stress in diabetic embryopathy. c-Jun-N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) activation is a causal event in maternal diabetes–induced neural tube defects (NTD). However, the relationship between JNK1/2 activation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in diabetic embryopathy has never been explored. We found that maternal diabetes significantly increased ER stress markers and induced swollen/enlarged ER lumens in embryonic neuroepithelial cells during neurulation. Deletion of either jnk1 or jnk2 gene diminished hyperglycemia-increased ER stress markers and ER chaperone gene expression. In embryos cultured under high-glucose conditions (20 mmol/L), the use of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), an ER chemical chaperone, diminished ER stress markers and abolished the activation of JNK1/2 and its downstream transcription factors, caspase 3 and caspase 8, and Sox1 neural progenitor apoptosis. Consequently, both 1 and 2 mmol/L 4-PBA significantly ameliorated high glucose–induced NTD. We conclude that hyperglycemia induces ER stress, which is responsible for the proapoptotic JNK1/2 pathway activation, apoptosis, and NTD induction. Suppressing JNK1/2 activation by either jnk1 or jnk2 gene deletion prevents ER stress. Thus, our study reveals a reciprocal causation of ER stress and JNK1/2 in mediating the teratogenicity of maternal diabetes.
Overexpression of Sphingosine Kinase 1 Prevents Ceramide Accumulation and Ameliorates Muscle Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet–Fed Mice
Authors: Bruce Clinton R. , Risis Steve , Babb Joanne R. , Yang Christine , Kowalski Greg M. , Selathurai Ahrathy , Lee-Young Robert S. , Weir Jacquelyn M. , Yoshioka Kazuaki , Takuwa Yoh , Meikle Peter J. , Pitson Stuart M. , Febbraio Mark A.
Published: September 2012

The sphingolipids sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide are important bioactive lipids with many cellular effects. Intracellular ceramide accumulation causes insulin resistance, but sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) prevents ceramide accumulation, in part, by promoting its metabolism into S1P. Despite this, the role of SphK1 in regulating insulin action has been largely overlooked. Transgenic (Tg) mice that overexpress SphK1 were fed a standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks before undergoing several metabolic analyses. SphK1 Tg mice fed an HFD displayed increased SphK activity in skeletal muscle, which was associated with an attenuated intramuscular ceramide accumulation compared with wild-type (WT) littermates. This was associated with a concomitant reduction in the phosphorylation of c-jun amino-terminal kinase, a serine threonine kinase associated with insulin resistance. Accordingly, skeletal muscle and whole-body insulin sensitivity were improved in SphK1 Tg, compared with WT mice, when fed an HFD. We have identified that the enzyme SphK1 is an important regulator of lipid partitioning and insulin action in skeletal muscle under conditions of increased lipid supply.
The Impact of Body-Scaled Information on Reaching
Authors: Huang Hsiang-han , Ellis Terry D. , Wagenaar Robert C. , Fetters Linda
Published: September 2012

Background

Environmental and task modifications are powerful methods used to affect action in rehabilitation and are frequently used by therapists.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine and quantify the relationship between hand size (person characteristics) and object size (environmental characteristics) and the effect of this relationship on the emergent reaching patterns for children and adults with typical development.

Design

This was a cross-sectional prospective study.

Methods

Seventeen children and 20 adults participated and were required to reach and grasp 10 pairs of cubes of different sizes. The dimensionless ratios were calculated by dividing the cube size by the aperture between index finger and thumb to quantify emergent reach and grasp patterns. A critical ratio was used to establish the shift from a 1-handed to an exclusive 2-handed reach pattern.

Results

The results demonstrated no significant difference in the mean critical ratios between the 2 groups. However, a 2-handed reach was used more frequently than a 1-handed reach at a significantly smaller ratio for children in comparison with adults.

Limitations

The relational metrics between the cube and hand are only one contribution to the emergent reaching and grasping patterns.

Conclusions

Children had more variability of reaching patterns than adults. A personal constraint, such as experience, and a task constraint of accuracy may account for the variability. The results encourage further research on body-scaled information for individuals with different personal constraints (eg, children with cerebral palsy) and the impact of body-scaled information on emergent actions.
A Higher-Order Analysis Supports Use of the 11-Item Version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia in People With Neck Pain
Authors: Walton David , Elliott James M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Despite increasing clinical and research use of the 11-item version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) in people with neck pain, little is known about its measurement properties in this population.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to rigorously evaluate the measurement properties of the TSK-11 when used in people with mechanical neck pain.

Design

This study was a secondary analysis of 2 independent databases (N=235) of people with mechanical neck pain of primarily traumatic origin.

Methods

The TSK-11 was subjected to Rasch analysis and subsequent evaluation of concurrent associations with the Neck Disability Index and a numeric rating scale for pain intensity.

Results

The TSK-11 conformed well to the Rasch model for interval-level measurement, but less so for acute or nontraumatic etiologies. A transformation matrix suggested that small changes at the extremes of the scale are more meaningful than in the middle. Cross-sectional convergent validity testing suggested relationships of expected magnitude and direction compared with pain intensity and neck-related disability. The use of the linearly transformed TSK-11 led to potentially important differences in distribution of data compared with use of the raw scores.

Limitations

The sample size was slightly smaller than desired for Rasch analysis. The 2 databases were similar in terms of symptom duration, but differed in pain intensity and age.

Conclusions

The TSK-11 can be considered an interval-level measure when used in people with neck pain. It provides potentially important information regarding the nature of neck-related disability. Clinically important difference may not be consistent across the range of the scale.
Leptomeningeal spinal metastases from glioblastoma multiforme: treatment and management of an uncommon manifestation of disease
Authors: Lawton Cort D. , Nagasawa Daniel T. , Yang Isaac , Fessler Richard G. , Smith Zachary A.
Published: September 2012

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and aggressive primary brain tumors, composing 12%–20% of all intracranial tumors in adults. Average life expectancy is merely 12–14 months following initial diagnosis. Patients with this neoplasm have one of the worst 5-year survival rates among all cancers despite aggressive multimodal treatment consisting of maximal tumor resection, radiation therapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. With recent advancements in management strategies, there has been improvement in the overall trend in patient outcomes; however, recurrence remains nearly inevitable. While most tumors recur locally, metastases to distal locations have become more common. Specifically, the last decade has seen an increased incidence of spinal metastases, representing an emerging complication in patients with intracranial GBM. However, the literature regarding prevention strategies and the presentation of spinal metastases has remained scarce. As local control of primary lesions continues to improve, more cases of spinal metastases are likely to be seen. In this review the authors present a new case of metastatic GBM to the L-5 nerve root, and they summarize previous cases of intracranial GBM with leptomeningeal spinal metastatic disease. They also characterize key features of this disease presentation and discuss areas of future investigation necessary for enhanced prevention and treatment of this complication.
Epidural neural fibrolipoma of the thoracic vertebral canal
Authors: Missori Paolo , Pandolfi Sergio , Antonelli Manila , Domenicucci Maurizio
Published: September 2012

Neural fibrolipoma is a benign tumor that most frequently infiltrates the median nerve. The authors describe a patient with spinal cord compression syndrome caused by a neural fibrolipoma. The tumor originated in the thoracic nerve at the T6–7 extradural level in the left conjugate foramen and extended into the thoracic cavity. Total removal was achieved by a combined posterior and costotransversectomy approach. Postoperatively, the patient's spinal cord compression syndrome resolved. No tumor recurrence has been observed in medium-term follow-up. This is the second case of an extradural spinal neural fibrolipoma to be reported in the literature.
Some New Results on the Wiretap Channel with Side Information
Authors: Dai Bin , Luo Yuan
Published: September 2012

In this paper, the model of wiretap channel has been reconsidered for the case that the main channel is controlled by channel state information (side information), and it is available at the transmitter in a noncausal manner (termed here noncausal side information) or causal manner (termed here causal side information). Inner and outer bounds are derived on the capacity-equivocation regions for the noncausal and causal manners, and the secrecy capacities for both manners are described and bounded, which provide the best transmission rate with perfect secrecy. Moreover, for the case that the side information is available at the transmitter in a memoryless manner (termed here memoryless side information), both the capacity-equivocation region and the secrecy capacity are determined. The results of this paper extend the previous work on wiretap channel with noncausal side information by providing an outer bound on the capacity-equivocation region. In addition, we find that the memoryless side information can not help to obtain the same secrecy capacity as that of the causal case, and this is different from the well known fact that the memoryless manner can achieve the capacity of the channel with causal side information.
Response to: Arora, V.; Gupta, N.K.; Nath, D.K.; Tandan, A.; Chandra, P. Comments on “The Dental Aesthetic Index and Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need as Tools in Epidemiological Studies”. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8, 3277–3286
Authors: Cardoso Chrystiane F. , Drummond Alexandre F. , Lages Elisabeth M.B. , Pretti Henrique , Ferreira Efigênia F. , Abreu Mauro Henrique N.G.
Published: September 2012

In response to the Commentary submitted by Arora et al. [1], which has questioned some methodological issues in our article [2], we would like to respond item by item. [...]
Commercial Bee Pollen with Different Geographical Origins: A Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Nogueira Carla , Iglesias Antonio , Feás Xesus , Estevinho Leticia M.
Published: September 2012

Since the primordial of humanity, pollen has been considered a good source of nutrients and energy. Its promising healing properties have also been referred to. The present study aimed to characterize, for the first time, eight commercial pollens from Portugal and Spain available on the market studying the legislation on labeling, pollinic origin, physicochemical and microbiological analyses and identification of yeasts. Eleven botanical families were found amongst the samples. The most abundant family and the most dominant pollen was Cistaceae. The moisture content, ash, aw, pH, reducing sugars, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and energy were analyzed and the specific parameters were within the specifications required by some countries with legislation regarding these parameters. Microbiologically commercial pollen showed acceptable safety for the commercial quality and hygiene. All samples showed negative results for toxigenic species. The microorganisms studied were aerobic mesophiles, yeasts and moulds, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and sulfite-reducing Clostridium. During the work, six yeasts species were isolated from pollen, with Rhodotorula mucilaginosa being the most abundant, as it was present in four samples.
An Improved Synthesis of 1,2-Diarylethanols under Conventional Heating and Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Gao Dong-Mei , Ma Wei-Li , Li Tian-Rui , Huang Liang-Zhu , Du Zhen-Ting
Published: September 2012

A simple and efficient synthesis of 1,2-diarylethanols has been developed. The procedure involved the reaction between a variety of toluene derivatives and aryl aldehydes under conventional heating and ultrasound irradiation. This procedure possesses several advantages such as operational simplicity, high yield, safety and environment benignancy. Ultrasound was proved to be very helpful to the reaction, markedly improving the yield and the reaction rate.
Targeting a Novel Onco-glycoprotein Antigen at Tumoral Pancreatic Cell Surface by mAb16D10 Induces Cell Death
Authors: Crescence Lydie , Beraud Evelyne , Sbarra Veronique , Bernard Jean-Paul , Lombardo Dominique , Mas Eric
Published: September 2012

The mAb16D10 was raised against a pathological onco-glycoform of bile salt-dependent lipase isolated from the pancreatic juice of a patient suffering from a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We previously showed that mAb16D10 specifically discriminates human pancreatic tumor tissues from other cancer and nontumor tissues. In this study, we report that mAb16D10 inhibited the proliferation of only human pancreatic tumor cells expressing 16D10 plasma membrane Ag. Interaction of mAb16D10 with its cognate surface Ag on pancreatic cells promoted cell death by activation of the p53- and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway, and silencing of p53 decreased cell death. The decreased proliferation was also partly due to cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase, mAb16D10 triggering of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activation, degradation of β-catenin, and decreased expression of cyclin D1. GSK-3β positively affected p53 expression in pancreatic tumor cells after mAb16D10 binding. Inhibition of GSK-3β activity reversed the effects induced by mAb16D10 in SOJ-6 cells, supporting the pivotal role of GSK-3β signaling in the mechanisms of action induced by mAb16D10. Also, mAb16D10 cell treatment led to membrane overexpression of E-cadherin. Both E-cadherin and tumor Ag were localized in membrane lipid cholesterol-rich microdomains and are thought to belong to signaling platforms involved in the induction of cell cycle arrest and cell death. Overall, this study reveals that mAb16D10 holds great potential to prevent pancreatic tumor proliferation by apoptotic cell death, thus promising therapeutic prospects for treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a highly lethal disease.
T Cell Costimulation by TNFR Superfamily (TNFRSF)4 and TNFRSF25 in the Context of Vaccination
Authors: Schreiber Taylor H. , Wolf Dietlinde , Bodero Maria , Gonzalez Louis , Podack Eckhard R.
Published: September 2012

TNFR superfamily (TNFRSF)4 (OX40, CD134) and TNFRSF25 are costimulatory receptors that influence CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to cognate Ag. Independently, these receptors have been described to stimulate overlapping functions, including enhanced proliferation and activation for both regulatory T cells (CD4+Foxp3+; Tregs) and conventional T cells (CD4+Foxp3− or CD8+Foxp3−; Tconvs). To determine the relative functionality of TNFRSF4 and TNFRSF25 in T cell immunity, the activity of TNFRSF4 and TNFRS25 agonistic Abs was compared in the context of both traditional protein/adjuvant (OVA/aluminum hydroxide) and CD8+-specific heat shock protein-based (gp96-Ig) vaccine approaches. These studies demonstrate that both TNFRSF4 and TNFRSF25 independently and additively costimulate vaccine-induced CD8+ T cell proliferation following both primary and secondary Ag challenge. In contrast, the activities of TNFRSF4 and TNFRSF25 were observed to be divergent in the costimulation of CD4+ T cell immunity. TNFRSF4 agonists were potent costimulators of OVA/aluminum hydroxide-induced CD4+ Tconv proliferation, but they only weakly costimulated Treg proliferation and IgG2a production, whereas TNFRSF25 agonists were strong costimulators of Treg proliferation, producers of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b, and weak costimulators of CD4+ Tconv proliferation. Interestingly, Ag-specific cellular and humoral responses were uncoupled upon secondary immunization, which was dramatically affected by the presence of TNFRSF4 or TNFRSF25 costimulation. These studies highlight the overlapping but nonredundant activities of TNFRSF4 and TNFRSF25 in T cell immunity, which may guide the application of receptor agonistic agents as vaccine adjuvants for infectious disease and tumor immunity.
Murine Immunodeficiency Virus-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and the Associated Cytokine Responses
Authors: Cao Ling , Butler M. Brady , Tan Leonard , Draleau Kyle S. , Koh Woon Yuen
Published: September 2012

Distal symmetrical polyneuropathy is the most common form of HIV infection-associated peripheral neuropathy and is often associated with pain. C57BL/6 (B6) mice infected with LP-BM5, a murine retroviral isolate, develop a severe immunodeficiency syndrome similar to that in humans infected with HIV-1, hence the term murine AIDS. We investigated the induction of peripheral neuropathy after LP-BM5 infection in B6 mice. Infected B6 mice, like HIV-infected humans, exhibited behavioral (increased sensitivity to mechanical and heat stimuli) and pathological (transient loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers) signs of peripheral neuropathy. The levels of viral gag RNA were significantly increased in all tissues tested, including spleen, paw skin, lumbar dorsal root ganglia, and lumbar spinal cord, postinfection (p.i.). Correlated with the development of peripheral neuropathy, the tissue levels of several cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12, were significantly elevated p.i. These increases had cytokine-specific and tissue-specific profiles and kinetics. Further, treatment with the antiretroviral agent zidovudine either significantly reduced or completely reversed the aforementioned behavioral, pathologic, and cytokine changes p.i. These data suggest that LP-BM5 infection is a potential mouse model of HIV-associated distal symmetrical polyneuropathy that can be used for investigating the roles of various cytokines in infection-induced neuropathic pain. Further investigation of this model could give a better understanding of, and lead to more effective treatments for, HIV infection-associated painful peripheral neuropathy.
Insights into hydroxyl measurements and atmospheric oxidation in a California forest
Authors: Mao J. , Ren X. , Zhang L. , Van Duin D. M. , Cohen R. C. , Park J.-H. , Goldstein A. H. , Paulot F. , Beaver M. R. , Crounse J. D. , Wennberg P. O. , DiGangi J. P. , Henry S. B. , Keutsch F. N. , Park C. , Schade G. W. , Wolfe G. M. , Thornton J. A. , Brune W. H.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The understanding of oxidation in forest atmospheres is being challenged by measurements of unexpectedly large amounts of hydroxyl (OH). A significant number of these OH measurements were made by laser-induced fluorescence in low-pressure detection chambers (called Fluorescence Assay with Gas Expansion (FAGE)) using the Penn State Ground-based Tropospheric Hydrogen Oxides Sensor (GTHOS). We deployed a new chemical removal method to measure OH in parallel with the traditional FAGE method in a California forest. The new method gives on average only 40–60% of the OH from the traditional method and this discrepancy is temperature dependent. Evidence indicates that the new method measures atmospheric OH while the traditional method is affected by internally generated OH, possibly from oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds. The improved agreement between OH measured by this new technique and modeled OH suggests that oxidation chemistry in at least one forest atmosphere is better understood than previously thought.
A joint effort to deliver satellite retrieved atmospheric CO2 concentrations for surface flux inversions: the ensemble median algorithm EMMA
Authors: Reuter M. , Bösch H. , Bovensmann H. , Bril A. , Buchwitz M. , Butz A. , Burrows J. P. , O'Dell C. W. , Guerlet S. , Hasekamp O. , Heymann J. , Kikuchi N. , Oshchepkov S. , Parker R. , Pfeifer S. , Schneising O. , Yokota T. , Yoshida Y.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We analyze an ensemble of seven XCO2 retrieval algorithms for SCIAMACHY and GOSAT. The ensemble spread can be interpreted as regional uncertainty and can help to identify locations for new TCCON validation sites. Additionally, we introduce the ensemble median algorithm EMMA combining individual soundings of the seven algorithms into one new dataset. The ensemble takes advantage of the algorithms' independent developments. We find ensemble spreads being often <1 ppm but rising up to 2 ppm especially in the tropics and East Asia. On the basis of gridded monthly averages, we compare EMMA and all individual algorithms with TCCON and CarbonTracker model results (potential outliers, north/south gradient, seasonal (peak-to-peak) amplitude, standard deviation of the difference). Our findings show that EMMA is a promising candidate for inverse modeling studies. Compared to CarbonTracker, the satellite retrievals find consistently larger north/south gradients (by 0.3 ppm–0.9 ppm) and seasonal amplitudes (by 1.5 ppm–2.0 ppm).
Dimethylamine and ammonia measurements with ion chromatography during the CLOUD4 campaign
Authors: Praplan A. P. , Bianchi F. , Dommen J. , Baltensperger U.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The CLOUD project investigates the influence of galactic cosmic rays on the nucleation of new particles in an environmental chamber at CERN. Dimethylamine (DMA) was injected intentionally into the CLOUD chamber to reach atmospherically relevant levels away from sources (up to 100 pptv) in order to study its effect on nucleation with sulphuric acid and water at 278 K. Quantification of DMA and also background ammonia (NH3) was performed with ion chromatography (IC). The IC method used together with the sampling line developed for CLOUD in order to measure NH3 and DMA at low pptv levels is described; the overall sampling efficiency of the method is discussed; and, finally, mixing ratios of NH3 and DMA measured during CLOUD4 are reported.
Esrange lidar's new pure rotational-Raman channel for measurement of temperature and aerosol extinction in the troposphere and lower stratosphere
Authors: Achtert P. , Khaplanov M. , Khosrawi F. , Gumbel J.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University operates the Esrange Rayleigh/Raman lidar at Esrange (68° N, 21° E) near the Swedish city of Kiruna. This paper describes the design and first measurements of the new pure rotational-Raman channel of the Esrange lidar. The Esrange lidar uses a pulsed Nd:YAG solid-state laser operating at 532 nm as light source with a repetition rate of 20 Hz and a pulse energy of 350 mJ. The minimum vertical resolution 150 m and the integration time for one profile is 5000 shots. The newly implemented channel allows for measurements of atmospheric temperature at altitudes below 35 km and is currently optimized for temperature measurements between 180 and 200 K. This corresponds to conditions in the lower Arctic stratosphere during winter. In addition to the temperature measurements the aerosol extinction coefficient and the aerosol backscatter coefficient at 532 nm can be measured independently. Our filter-based design minimizes the systematic error in the obtained temperature profile to less than 0.51 K. By combining rotational-Raman measurements (5–35 km height) and the integration technique (30–80 km height), the Esrange lidar is now capable of measuring atmospheric temperature profiles from the lower troposphere up to the mesosphere. With the improved setup, the system can be used to validate current lidar-based polar stratospheric cloud classification schemes. The new capability of the instrument measuring temperature and aerosol extinction furthermore enables studies of the thermal structure and variability of the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere. Although several lidars are operated at polar latitudes, there are few instruments that are capable to measure temperature profiles in the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere, as well as aerosols extinction in the troposphere and lower stratosphere with daylight capability.
The carbon budget of terrestrial ecosystems in East Asia over the last two decades
Authors: Piao S. L. , Ito A. , Li S. G. , Huang Y. , Ciais P. , Wang X. H. , Peng S. S. , Nan H. J. , Zhao C. , Ahlström A. , Andres R. J. , Chevallier F. , Fang J. Y. , Hartmann J. , Huntingford C. , Jeong S. , Levis S. , Levy P. E. , Li J. S. , Lomas M. R. , Mao J. F. , Mayorga E. , Mohammat A. , Muraoka H. , Peng C. H. , Peylin P. , Poulter B. , Shen Z. H. , Shi X. , Sitch S. , Tao S. , Tian H. Q. , Wu X. P. , Xu M. , Yu G. R. , Viovy N. , Zaehle S. , Zeng N. , Zhu B.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. This REgional Carbon Cycle Assessment and Processes regional study provides a synthesis of the carbon balance of terrestrial ecosystems in East Asia, a region comprised of China, Japan, North and South Korea, and Mongolia. We estimate the current terrestrial carbon balance of East Asia and its driving mechanisms during 1990–2009 using three different approaches: inventories combined with satellite greenness measurements, terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle models and atmospheric inversion models. The magnitudes of East Asia's terrestrial carbon sink from these three approaches are comparable: −0.293±0.033 PgC yr−1 from inventory–remote sensing model–data fusion approach, −0.413±0.141 PgC yr−1 (not considering biofuel emissions) or −0.224±0.141 PgC yr−1 (considering biofuel emissions) for carbon cycle models, and −0.270±0.507 PgC yr−1 for atmospheric inverse models. Here and in the following, the numbers behind ± signs are standard deviations. The ensemble of ecosystem modeling based analyses further suggests that at the regional scale, climate change and rising atmospheric CO2 together resulted in a carbon sink of −0.289±0.135 PgC yr−1, while land-use change and nitrogen deposition had a contribution of −0.013±0.029 PgC yr−1 and −0.107±0.025 PgC yr−1, respectively. Although the magnitude of climate change effects on the carbon balance varies among different models, all models agree that in response to climate change alone, southern China experienced an increase in carbon storage from 1990 to 2009, while northern East Asia including Mongolia and north China showed a decrease in carbon storage. Overall, our results suggest that about 13–27% of East Asia's CO2 emissions from fossil fuel burning have been offset by carbon accumulation in its terrestrial territory over the period from 1990 to 2009. The underlying mechanisms of carbon sink over East Asia still remain largely uncertain, given the diversity and intensity of land management processes, and the regional conjunction of many drivers such as nutrient deposition, climate, atmospheric pollution and CO2 changes, which cannot be considered as independent for their effects on carbon storage.
Seismic and sedimentological evidence of an early 6th century AD earthquake at Lake Ohrid (Macedonia/Albania)
Authors: Wagner B. , Francke A. , Sulpizio R. , Zanchetta G. , Lindhorst K. , Krastel S. , Vogel H. , Daut G. , Grazhdani A. , Lushaj B. , Trajanovski S.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Lake Ohrid shared by the Republics of Albania and Macedonia is formed by a tectonically active graben within the South Balkan and suggested to be the oldest lake in Europe. Several studies have shown that the lake provides a valuable record of climatic and environmental changes and a distal tephrostratigraphic record of volcanic eruptions from Italy. Fault structures identified in seismic data demonstrate that sediments have also the potential to record tectonic activity in the region. Here, we provide an example of linking tephrostratigraphic information and environmental changes with tectonic activity and anthropogenic impact. Historical documents indicate that a major earthquake destroyed the city of Ohrid in the early 6th century AD. This earthquake is documented in multichannel seismic profiles, in parametric sediment echosounder profiles, and in a ca. 10 m long sediment record from the western part of the lake. The sediment record exhibits a ca. 2 m thick mass wasting deposit, which is chronologically well constrained by the underlying 472 AD/512 AD tephra and cross correlation with other sediment sequences with similar geochemical characteristics of the Holocene.
Paleohydrology reconstruction and Holocene climate variability in the South Adriatic Sea
Authors: Siani G. , Magny M. , Paterne M. , Debret M. , Fontugne M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Holocene paleohydrology reconstruction was derived combining planktic and benthic stable oxygen and carbon isotopes, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and oxygen isotope composition of seawater (δ18Ow) from a high sedimentation core collected in the south Adriatic sea (SAS). Chronology of core is based on 10 AMS 14C measures on planktic foraminifera and tephra markers. Results reveal two contrasted paleohydrological periods that reflect (i) a marked lowering of δ 18Ow/salinity during the early to middle Holocene (11.5 ka to 6.3 ka), including the two-steps sapropel S1 deposition, followed during the middle to upper Holocene by (ii) a prevailed period of increased salinity and enhanced arid conditions in the south Adriatic basin. Superimposed on these trends, short-term centennial-scale hydrological events punctuated the Holocene period in the SAS. During the Early to Middle Holocene, a short-term SST cooling together with a prominent δ 18Ow/salinity lowering, more pronounced than during the sapropel S1 phase, delineates the sapropel S1 interruption. This short interval, coeval to the 8.2 ka event, is also distinguished by a resumption of deep-water convection in the SAS as indicated by stable isotope reconstruction on benthic forminifera. After 6 ka, centennial-scale δ18Ow and G. bulloides δ13C lowering, mostly centered between 3 to 0.6 ka, reflect short term hydrological changes related to a more intensive Po river runoff. These short-term events, even of lesser amplitude compared to the early to middle Holocene period, may have induced a lowering of sea surface density and consequently reduced and/or inhibited the formation of deep bottom waters in the SAS. Comparison of the emerging centennial to millennial-scale hydrological record with previous climatic records from the central Mediterranean area and north of the Alps revealed possible synchronicities (within the radiocarbon-dating uncertainty) between phases of lower salinity in SAS and periods of wetter climatic conditions around the north-central Adriatic Sea. Finally, wavelet analyses provide new clues about the potential origin of climate variability in the SAS confirming the evidence for a mid-Holocene transition in the Central Mediterranean climate and the dominance of a ~ 1700 yr periodicity after 6 ka that reflects a plausible connection with the North Atlantic climate system.
Scenario and modelling uncertainty in global mean temperature change derived from emission driven Global Climate Models
Authors: Booth B. B. B. , Bernie D. , McNeall D. , Hawkins E. , Caesar J. , Boulton C. , Friedlingstein P. , Sexton D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We compare future changes in global mean temperature in response to different future scenarios which, for the first time, arise from emission driven rather than concentration driven perturbed parameter ensemble of a Global Climate Model (GCM). These new GCM simulations sample uncertainties in atmospheric feedbacks, land carbon cycle, ocean physics and aerosol sulphur cycle processes. We find broader ranges of projected temperature responses arising when considering emission rather than concentration driven simulations (with 10–90 percentile ranges of 1.7 K for the aggressive mitigation scenario up to 3.9 K for the high end business as usual scenario). A small minority of simulations resulting from combinations of strong atmospheric feedbacks and carbon cycle responses show temperature increases in excess of 9 degrees (RCP8.5) and even under aggressive mitigation (RCP2.6) temperatures in excess of 4 K. While the simulations point to much larger temperature ranges for emission driven experiments, they do not change existing expectations (based on previous concentration driven experiments) on the timescale that different sources of uncertainty are important. The new simulations sample a range of future atmospheric concentrations for each emission scenario. Both in case of SRES A1B and the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), the concentration pathways used to drive GCM ensembles lies towards the lower end of our simulated distribution. This design decision (a legecy of previous assessments) is likely to lead concentration driven experiments to under-sample strong feedback responses in concentration driven projections. Our ensemble of emission driven simulations span the global temperature response of other multi-model frameworks except at the low end, where combinations of low climate sensitivity and low carbon cycle feedbacks lead to responses outside our ensemble range. The ensemble simulates a number of high end responses which lie above the CMIP5 carbon cycle range. These high end simulations can be linked to sampling a number of stronger carbon cycle feedbacks and to sampling climate sensitivities above 4.5 K. This latter aspect highlights the priority in identifying real world climate sensitivity constraints which, if achieved, would lead to reductions on the uppper bound of projected global mean temperature change. The ensembles of simulations presented here provides a framework to explore relationships between present day observables and future changes while the large spread of future projected changes, highlights the ongoing need for such work.
On the need for bias correction in regional climate scenarios to assess climate change impacts on river runoff
Authors: Muerth M. J. , Gauvin St-Denis B. , Ricard S. , Velázquez J. A. , Schmid J. , Minville M. , Caya D. , Chaumont D. , Ludwig R. , Turcotte R.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. In climate change impact research, the assessment of future river runoff as well as the catchment scale water balance is impeded by different sources of modeling uncertainty. Some research has already been done in order to quantify the uncertainty of climate projections originating from the climate models and the downscaling techniques as well as from the internal variability evaluated from climate model member ensembles. Yet, the use of hydrological models adds another layer of incertitude. Within the QBic3 project (Québec-Bavaria International Collaboration on Climate Change) the relative contributions to the overall uncertainty from the whole model chain (from global climate models to water management models) are investigated using an ensemble of multiple climate and hydrological models. Although there are many options to downscale global climate projections to the regional scale, recent impact studies tend to use Regional Climate Models (RCMs). One reason for that is that the physical coherence between atmospheric and land-surface variables is preserved. The coherence between temperature and precipitation is of particular interest in hydrology. However, the regional climate model outputs often are biased compared to the observed climatology of a given region. Therefore, biases in those outputs are often corrected to reproduce historic runoff conditions from hydrological models using them, even if those corrections alter the relationship between temperature and precipitation. So, as bias correction may affect the consistency between RCM output variables, the use of correction techniques and even the use of (biased) climate model data itself is sometimes disputed among scientists. For those reasons, the effect of bias correction on simulated runoff regimes and the relative change in selected runoff indicators is explored. If it affects the conclusion of climate change analysis in hydrology, we should consider it as a source of uncertainty. If not, the application of bias correction methods is either unnecessary in hydro-climatic projections, or safe to use as it does not alter the change signal of river runoff. The results of the present paper highlight the analysis of daily runoff simulated with four different hydrological models in two natural-flow catchments, driven by different regional climate models for a reference and a future period. As expected, bias correction of climate model outputs is important for the reproduction of the runoff regime of the past regardless of the hydrological model used. Then again, its impact on the relative change of flow indicators between reference and future period is weak for most indicators with the exception of the timing of the spring flood peak. Still, our results indicate that the impact of bias correction on runoff indicators increases with bias in the climate simulations.
CONFLATION OF NATIONAL BRIDGE INVENTORY DATABASE WITH TIGERBASED ROAD VECTORS
Authors: Zhang Q. , Griffiths S. , Wollersheim M. , Lorraine Tighe M. , Xu C.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) database provides detailed bridge information with full coverage in the United States. In the database, each bridge record has an associated geographic location, which makes it possible to match the NBI records with road vectors in a geospatial database. This paper presents our approach to conflating the NBI database with U.S. Census Bureau's Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) road vectors based on a point-to-line matching algorithm, which combines both geometric and semantic similarity measurements. Experiments have shown that most NBI bridges can be successfully matched to TIGER road vectors with an overall success rate over 80%. The matched results are then used to help define linear features for bridges in the road database. The resultant road databases have enhanced bridge information and are further used in creating a 3D road database. The proposed methodology has been fully implemented and has been used in various applications.
Vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Luscher T. F. , Steffel J.
Published: September 2012

For the last decades, anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) as well as for the prophylaxis and long-term treatment of venous thromboembolism has been entirely based on vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Although very effective under optimal conditions, long-term treatment with these drugs is flawed by the fact that the time in the therapeutic range frequently is suboptimal due to biological factors, drug interactions and compliance.

The direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, as well as the direct FXa inhibitors rivaroxaban and apixaban provide more consistent anticoagulation and have proven their efficacy and safety against VKAs in several large scale randomized clinical trials for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation as well as for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism. In view of these convincing data and other advantages such as the lack of mandatory monitoring and only few drug interactions,VKAs will most likely be replaced in a majority of patients for these indications. Based on the most recent trial evidence, the current review discusses the role of VKA treatmentand that of the novel anticoagulants.
Éclaircissements sur les prétendues mauvaises fréquentations littéraires de Lionel Groulx : le cas de Charles Maurras et de l’Action française de Paris
Authors: Dionne Patrick
Published: September 2012

Le présent article veut montrer si et dans quelle mesure Lionel Groulx s’est intéressé, dans les années 1922 à 1939, à Charles Maurras et aux penseurs de l’Action française de Paris. On a déjà beaucoup glosé sur cette question, avec des résultats plus ou moins concluants, se contentant souvent de faire de Groulx un épigone de Maurras. À l’inverse, on s’est borné quelquefois à nier ou à ignorer les similitudes entre le groulxisme et le maurrassisme. Enfin, les rapports de Groulx avec les autres penseurs de l’Action française ont été carrément négligés. Au bout du compte, le portrait que dresse l’historiographie des rapports entre Groulx, Maurras et les autres penseurs de l’Action française ressemble moins à une toile vivante qu’à un catalogue de peintures à numéros. En interrogeant les livres de la bibliothèque personnelle de Groulx, le présent article se propose d’éclairer cette question.
Le Chemin des sanctuaires : un phénomène entre tradition et modernité
Authors: Boutin Suzanne
Published: September 2012

En une époque où la religion catholique connaît une désaffection au Québec, les sanctuaires de pèlerinage tels Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Notre-Dame-du-Cap et l’Oratoire Saint-Joseph semblent plutôt florissants. Devenant le support de quêtes de mieux-être diverses et le point de rencontre de nouveaux groupes identitaires, ces centres s’ajustent aux quêtes religieuses et thérapeutiques contemporaines. Favorisant une approche intégrale sur le plan de la santé, le pèlerinage sur ces trois lieux témoigne de nombreux déplacements que connaît actuellement cette pratique évoluant entre tradition et modernité. Dans cet exposé, il sera question d’une nouvelle forme de démarche transitant par les trois lieux et qui porte avec elle les mutations profondes marquant désormais le phénomène du pèlerinage au Québec : le « Chemin des Sanctuaires ».
Une oeuvre purement musicale? Analyse de la spiritualité des Soeurs des Saints
Noms de Jésus et de Marie à partir de l’exemple de l’École de musique
Vincent-d’Indy
Authors: Laperle Dominique
Published: September 2012

L’École de musique Vincent-d’Indy des Soeurs des Saints Noms de Jésus et de
Marie (connue avant 1951 sous le nom d’École supérieure de musique d’Outremont) fut
considérée comme l’une des meilleures du genre dans la province de Québec. Cette
réputation ne peut passer sous silence le fait qu’il s’agisse d’une institution
catholique. Dans la vie scolaire quotidienne, quelle place occupait réellement la
spiritualité ? En étudiant les Constitutions, le Coutumier, les programmes musicaux,
les lettres circulaires et différents imprimés des religieuses, nous pouvons mieux
identifier la spiritualité à laquelle se rattache cette communauté et comprendre
comment elle l’a vécue et partagée.
L’implication du clergé et du laïcat dans les ciné-clubs étudiants au Québec, 1949-1970
Authors: Ménard Olivier
Published: September 2012

L’article insiste tout particulièrement sur l’implication du clergé et du laïcat dans l’histoire du mouvement des ciné-clubs étudiants au Québec durant les décennies 1950 et 1960. Issus des mouvements d’Action catholique, les ciné-clubs étudiants se sont développés, à l’intérieur de la structure ecclésiale, dans le but de répondre aux problèmes de manque de culture, de préparation déficiente et de sens critique insuffisamment aiguisé en matière de cinéma. L’évolution des ciné-clubs reflète les différentes préoccupations du clergé et du laïcat à l’égard de l’éducation cinématographique au Québec. La présente analyse des rapports entre les clercs et les laïcs, au sein de ces organisations, permet même d’entrevoir le bouillonnement d’idées qui a alors annoncé les profondes transformations qu’allait connaître la société québécoise à partir des années 1960.