bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concept of User Experience and Issues to be Discussed
Authors: Kurosu Masaaki
Published: July 2013

The origin of the concept of UX (User Experience) is first reviewed within the context of usability studies. Then the brief history of the UX concept, the publication of the UX white paper, and the relation with the hedonic aspects are surveyed. In the latter half, the author’s view in terms of the following aspects of the UX are discussed: (1) the processing model of cognition (information) and emotion (valence), (2) the importance of the meaningfulness, (3) the lifecycle model of the UX, (4) the inadequacy of using the word “use” and “user,” and (5) the application of social psychological model of impression formation.
Cognitive Authority Revisited in Web Social Interaction
Authors: Pereira Roberto , Hornung Heiko , Baranauskas M. Cecília C.
Published: July 2013

Social software is a growing reality worldwide, while the design of systems that promote and keep users’ participation and reflect a respect to users’ culture and values is still a challenging task. In this chapter, the authors revisit the concept of Cognitive Authority as a means for supporting better social interactions on the Web. To revisit this concept, they draw on the Value Pie: an artifact that favors the analysis and informed discussion about values and culture in social software. In order to situate the discussion in a practical setting, the authors present a case study related to the design of a social network system intended to support the constitution of a network of authorities. The case study shows examples of how values and cultural aspects influence the way a computational feature must be designed to make sense to its users.
A Small Shared Epitope–Mimetic Compound Potently Accelerates Osteoclast-Mediated Bone Damage in Autoimmune Arthritis
Authors: Fu Jiaqi , Ling Song , Liu Ying , Yang Jianyi , Naveh Shirly , Hannah Margaret , Gilon Chaim , Zhang Yang , Holoshitz Joseph
Published: July 2013

We have recently proposed that the shared epitope (SE) may contribute to rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis by acting as a ligand that activates proarthritogenic signal transduction events. To examine this hypothesis, in this study we characterized a novel small SE-mimetic compound, c(HS4-4), containing the SE primary sequence motif QKRAA, which was synthesized using a backbone cyclization method. The SE-mimetic c(HS4-4) compound interacted strongly with the SE receptor calreticulin, potently activated NO and reactive oxygen species production, and markedly facilitated osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro. The pro-osteoclastogenic potency of c(HS4-4) was 100,000- to 1,000,000-fold higher than the potency of a recently described linear SE peptidic ligand. When administered in vivo at nanogram doses, c(HS4-4) enhanced Th17 expansion, and in mice with collagen-induced arthritis it facilitated disease onset, increased disease incidence and severity, enhanced osteoclast abundance in synovial tissues and osteoclastogenic propensities of bone marrow–derived cells, and augmented bone destruction. In conclusion, c(HS4-4), a highly potent small SE-mimetic compound enhances bone damage and disease severity in inflammatory arthritis. These findings support the hypothesis that the SE acts as a signal transduction ligand that activates a CRT-mediated proarthritogenic pathway.
Rapid and Unidirectional Perforin Pore Delivery at the Cytotoxic Immune Synapse
Authors: Lopez Jamie A. , Jenkins Misty R. , Rudd-Schmidt Jesse A. , Brennan Amelia J. , Danne Jillian C. , Mannering Stuart I. , Trapani Joseph A. , Voskoboinik Ilia
Published: July 2013

The effective engagement of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CLs) with their target cells is essential for the removal of virus-infected and malignant cells from the body. The spatiotemporal properties that define CL engagement and killing of target cells remain largely uncharacterized due to a lack of biological reporters. We have used a novel live cell microscopy technique to visualize the engagement of primary human and mouse CL with their targets and the subsequent delivery of the lethal hit. Extensive quantitative real-time analysis of individual effector–target cell conjugates demonstrated that a single effector calcium flux event was sufficient for the degranulation of human CLs, resulting in the breach of the target cell membrane by perforin within 65–100 s. In contrast, mouse CLs demonstrated distinct calcium signaling profiles leading to degranulation: whereas mouse NKs required a single calcium flux event, CD8+ T cells typically required several calcium flux events before perforin delivery. Irrespective of their signaling profile, every target cell that was damaged by perforin died by apoptosis. To our knowledge, we demonstrate for the first time that perforin pore delivery is unidirectional, occurring exclusively on the target cell membrane, but sparing the killer cell. Despite this, the CTL membrane was not intrinsically perforin resistant, as intact CTLs presented as targets to effector CTLs were capable of being killed by perforin-dependent mechanisms. Our results highlight the remarkable efficiency and specificity of perforin pore delivery by CLs.
I Lepidotteri Ropaloceri della Riserva Statale di Popolamento Animale “Lago di Burano” (Capalbio, Grosseto)
Authors: Piazzini Sandro , Spadini Elena , Cianchi Fabio , Favilli Leonardo , Manganelli Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

Negli anni 2007-2009 è stata effettuata una ricerca sui Lepidotteri Ropaloceri della Riserva Statale di Popolamento animale “Lago di Burano” (Capalbio, GR). Le specie accertate sono 50 tra le quali otto (Thymelicus acteon, Gegenes nostrodamus, Zerynthia cassandra, Lycaena thersamon, Charaxes jasius, Libythea celtis, Hipparchia fagi, Hipparchia statilinus) di interesse conservazionistico. Le entità più diffuse sono Pieris brassicae, Colias crocea, Polyommatus icarus, Lasiommata megera, Pieris rapae, Gonepteryx cleopatra, Maniola jurtina, Coenonympha pamphilus, Papilio machaon, Limenitis reducta e Kanetisa circe, specie in grado di colonizzare diverse situazioni ambientali, quelle sporadiche Thymelicus sylvestris, Ochlodes venatus, Zerynthia cassandra, Euchloe ausonia, Favonius quercus, Satyrium ilicis, Cacyreus marshalli, Celastrina argiolus, Polyommatus thersites, Inachis io e Polygonia c-album, che non trovano nella riserva ambienti idonei alla loro sopravvivenza. Le principali minacce per i Ropaloceri di Burano sono rappresentate dalla gestione della vegetazione operata per fini agricoli e dalla regimazione delle acque. Per ridurre l’impatto di questa attività si suggeriscono: il mantenimento di una fascia di terreno incolto (ampia almeno 20 m) intorno al lago e di una striscia di vegetazione (larga tra 2 e 4 m) lungo i canali retrostanti; la conservazione di siepi e arbusti; l’effettuazione degli interventi di sfalcio della vegetazione erbacea tra dicembre e gennaio.
RETRACTION - A contribution to the Ichneumoninae fauna of Sicily (Hymenoptera Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Riedel Matthias , Tomarchio Salvatore
Published: July 2013

We herein joint refer to the publication: Matthias Riedel, Salvatore Tomarchio (2012) A contribution to the Ichneumoninae fauna of Sicily (Hymenoptera Ichneumonidae), Bollettino della Società Entomologica Italiana, 144 (3): 125-135, for properly retract the article according to the “Guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics” (COPE, 2009). The reasons for invoking the retraction of the subject paper are based on an unethical approach for the use of the primary scientific data sources. in fact, the data taken from Turrisi G.F. collection (full property of Turrisi G.F. and only temporarily stored at Zsm-Zoologische Staatssammlung Munchen, Germany) have been used without the previous permission of the rightful owner and without taking into account the ongoing researches on the same material by G.F. Turrisi, belonging to a well raised project in cooperation with the staff at Zsm, namely with Prof. Klaus Schoenitzer and dr Erich Diller, as stated by official published publication and documented stages attended by Turrisi G.F. at Zsm. Both the Authors, according with Turrisi G.F., agree to invalidate the publication by Riedel & Tomarchio (2012) according the ethic law, in order to establish the rightness for the use of the data and to release the two authors from any responsibility for improper use of the scientific data of Turrisi G.F. entomological collection.
A new species of Calycina (Coleoptera Mordellidae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Ruzzier Enrico
Published: July 2013

Una nuova specie di Calycina (Coleoptera mordellidae) di Papua Nuova Guinea. Nel presente lavoro viene descritta Calycina poggii n. sp. (♀, loc. typ.: Papua nuova Guinea, Fly river) ed è fornita una chiave delle specie mondiali.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Mirtazapine versus Paroxetine in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Rodriguez Alexandre González , Ferrer Cristóbal Gastó , Odriozola Victor Navarro
Published: July 2013

Objective

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine and mirtazapine in the treatment of major depression.

Data sources

Searches were conducted to identify studies through Medline (1980-2011), PsycInfo (1980-2011) and PubMed databases up to June 2011. The searches were not restricted to publication type or clinical trial design.

Study Selection

A clinical trial was included if it described a trial of paroxetine versus mirtazapine in patients with major depression, based on the research evidence of reviews.

Data Abstraction

Three assessors analyzed the quality of the trials and extracted study design data, trial features, efficacy and toler-ability assessment tools, discontinuation reasons for both antidepressants and remitter and responder rates.

Results

We included six randomized controlled trials, one open-label, randomized controlled trial and four systematic reviews and metaanalysis. Rates of remission and response between mirtazapine and paroxetine were compared: at the beginning (1-2 weeks) there were statistically significant differences in mirtazapine treated patients, but these were not found at the end of assessment period (6-8 weeks). Discontinuation rates between the two drugs showed no differences, with an adverse event profile characteristic of each drug.

Conclusions

Mirtazapine and paroxetine were equally effective and well-tolerated in major depressive disorder. Differences in effectiveness were only observed in the first or second week of treatment when mirtazapine showed earlier onset of action.
Evaluation of liming properties and potassium bioavailability of three Atlantic Canada wood ash sources
Authors: Sharifi Mehdi , Cheema Mumtaz , McVicar Kristie , LeBlanc Lise , Fillmore Sherry
Published: July 2013

Sharifi, M., Cheema, M., Mahoney, K., LeBlanc, L. and Fillmore, S. 2013. Evaluation of liming properties and potassium bioavailability of three Atlantic Canada wood ash sources. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1209–1216. Wood ash has the potential to enhance productivity in agricultural systems by influencing soil pH and nutrient availability. The liming properties and fertility values of wood ash from three Atlantic wood ash sources were evaluated in this study. The liming properties were tested using three wood ash sources [JD Irving (IR), New Page (NP), and Brooklyn Power (BP)] and two local lime sources in an 8-mo incubation experiment at 25°C. Soil pH was measured 14 times during the incubation. Availability of potassium (K) in wood ash was evaluated in a greenhouse setting with a K-deficient soil using annual ryegrass as the test plant. Total plant K and P uptake and Mehlich-3 extractable K and P were used as predictors of nutrient bioavailability. Wood ash application increased soil pH to the maximum level within the first 50 d after application and stabilized soil pH for 8 mo. The measured effective calcium carbonate equivalent of ashes relative to Mosher lime average among two soils were in order of BP (32)>IR (25)>NP (16). About 96, 38, and 71% of total K in IR, NP and BP ash sources, respectively, were bioavailable for ryegrass in 115 d. Although soil was not P deficient, soil P bioavailability (Mehlich III extractable P) was enhanced by 14 and 48% in NP and BP wood ash treatments, respectively, whereas P bioavailability decreased by 24% in the IR ash treatment. The results clearly demonstrate that these sources of wood ash can be considered as an effective liming agent and source of K in agricultural production systems.
Evaluación del peso seco y el agua corporal según bioimpedancia vectorial frente al método tradicional
Authors: Centellas Tristán María Teresa , Garcinuño Martín María Luisa , González de Antonio Reyes , Roig Gaspar Elvira , Corbacho Barrenechea Daniel
Published: July 2013

Introducción: La bioimpedancia eléctrica se puede utilizar para establecer el estado de hidratación y nutrición en hemodiálisis. La valoración del estado de hidratación de los pacientes se hace habitualmente a modo de “arte clínico” mediante el concepto de “peso seco”. Existen pocos trabajos que estudien la concordancia entre el peso seco estimado de forma clínica y el deducido post-bioimpedancia. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 36 pacientes (26 varones y 10 mujeres). Se realizó bioimpedancia eléctrica vectorial antes y 30’ después de diálisis de mitad de semana midiendo, el peso, el agua total y su distribución, el ángulo de fase, la relación de Na/K, y la posición del vector de cada paciente en el normograma de esferas: percentiles 50,75 y 95. El peso-seco se estimó según la valoración subjetiva del nefrólogo, enfermera y paciente. Además en 12 pacientes estables se continuó el análisis por bioimpedancia durante 4 semanas. Resultados: La edad fue de 69.6±12.5 (r=29-89). Prediálisis el peso fue de 73.1±14.1, y postdiálisis de 70.4±13.6. El agua corporal total fue de 24.7±2.8 L/m (53.7±8.2% del peso); 22.1±3.0 L (56.2±5.9% del peso) correspondían a agua extracelular y 17.4±3.8 L/m a intracelular. Pos-themodiálisis, el agua total se redujo a 22.8±2.4 L/m (51.8±8.6% del peso) (23.5±2.2 L en varo-María Teresa Centellas Tristán, María Luisa Garcinuño Martín, Reyes González de Antonio, Elvira Roig Gaspar, Daniel Corbacho Barrenechea Enfermeros/as, Servicio de Nefrología. Complejo Asistencial de Ávilanes; y 21,5±3 L en mujeres) de los que 19.6±2.5 L (54,3±5.8% del peso) correspondían a agua extra-celular y 16.7±3.3 a agua intracelular. Un varón y 5 mujeres sobrepasaron el valor de referencia más alto. El peso posthemodiálisis fue de 70,4±13,6 ligeramente superior al peso seco establecido: 70,2±13,4 (p=0,02). El ángulo de fase fue <4 en 9 pacientes (25%) y el intercambio Na/K en 13 pacientes (36%) era >1.2, indicando malnutrición. El estudio de las elipses mostró en el percentil 50 el 58.3% (21 pacientes). El resto se repartían en el 75% de sobrehidratación: 9 (25%) y en el 95%, 5 (13,8%). En los 12 pacientes en los que se efectuaron las bioimpedancias seriadas durante 4 semanas, los resultados mostraron variaciones poco significativas de los parámetros estudiados. Conclusiones: Aunque la bioimpedancia aporta conocimientos más exactos sobre la composición hídrica corporal y la distribución del agua, el peso seco establecido por estimación clínica sigue siendo de gran valor. La bioimpedancia ayuda a detectar pequeños cambios subclínicos, que podrían tener trascendencia a más largo plazo. La bioimpedancia pone de manifiesto de forma objetiva la desnutrición presente en casi la mitad de pacientes de hemodiálisis.
Sellado antibiótico de catéter y prolongador peritoneal ante peritonitis recidivante con sospecha de colonización
Authors: Martínez Martínez José Francisco , Ortells Coresa Rosa , Navarro Daudén Laura , Moreno Aliaga Carme , Marti i Monros Anna
Published: July 2013

La peritonitis es una de las principales complicaciones de los pacientes con diálisis peritoneal (DP) y en muchos casos conlleva la retirada del catéter y la transferencia temporal y/o definitiva a Hemodiálisis. Según las últimas guías de tratamiento de las peritonitis, alrededor del 18% de las infecciones asociadas a mortalidad en pacientes sometidos a DP son peritonitis. Aunque menos del 4% de las mismas tienen como resultado la muerte(1-2).Por otra parte los episodios repetidos de peritonitis pueden llegar a comprometer la membrana peritoneal y constituyen uno de los motivos más comunes de fallo de la técnica de DP. El tratamiento debe instaurarse lo más rápidamente posible y para ello es muy importante la detección precoz (aparición de líquido turbio en el líquido peritoneal), aunque no se haya presentado clínica o sintomatología alguna. Dicho tratamiento debe incluir la cobertura antibiótica tanto de bacterias grampositivas con vancomicina o cefalosporinas y gramnegativas con cefalosporinas de tercera generación o aminoglucósidos(3). La administración de dichos antibióticos resulta más efectiva en forma intraperitoneal (IP) que en forma intravenosa (IV). La constante aparición de gérmenes multiresistentes, también afecta a este tipo de infecciones por lo cual se plantean nuevos retos en el tratamiento de la peritonitis. La daptomicina puede resultar una opción valida en el tratamiento de infecciones causadas por gérmenes gram-positivos resistentes a meticilina y con sensibilidad intermedia a la vancomicina. Además, la daptomicina es un fármaco que se utiliza actualmente en el tratamiento de las bacteriemias asociadas con catéteres intravenosos,
Chemical characterization and source apportionment of PM2.5 in Beijing: seasonal perspective
Authors: Zhang R. , Jing J. , Tao J. , Hsu S.-C. , Wang G. , Cao J. , Lee C. S. L. , Zhu L. , Chen Z. , Zhao Y. , Shen Z.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. In this study, 121 daily PM2.5 (aerosol particle with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm) samples were collected from an urban site in Beijing in four months between April 2009 and January 2010 representing the four seasons. The samples were determined for various compositions, including elements, ions, and organic/elemental carbon. Various approaches, such as chemical mass balance, positive matrix factorization (PMF), trajectory clustering, and potential source contribution function (PSCF), were employed for characterizing aerosol speciation, identifying likely sources, and apportioning contributions from each likely source. Our results have shown distinctive seasonality for various aerosol speciations associated with PM2.5 in Beijing. Soil dust waxes in the spring and wanes in the summer. Regarding the secondary aerosol components, inorganic and organic species may behave in different manners. The former preferentially forms in the hot and humid summer via photochemical reactions, although their precursor gases, such as SO2 and NOx, are emitted much more in winter. The latter seems to favorably form in the cold and dry winter. Synoptic meteorological and climate conditions can overwhelm the emission pattern in the formation of secondary aerosols. The PMF model identified six main sources: soil dust, coal combustion, biomass burning, traffic and waste incineration emission, industrial pollution, and secondary inorganic aerosol. Each of these sources has an annual mean contribution of 16, 14, 13, 3, 28, and 26%, respectively, to PM2.5. However, the relative contributions of these identified sources significantly vary with changing seasons. The results of trajectory clustering and the PSCF method demonstrated that regional sources could be crucial contributors to PM pollution in Beijing. In conclusion, we have unraveled some complex aspects of the pollution sources and formation processes of PM2.5 in Beijing. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study that comprehensively explores the chemical characterizations and source apportionments of PM2.5 aerosol speciation in Beijing by applying multiple approaches based on a completely seasonal perspective.
A parameterization of sub-grid particle formation in sulphur-rich plumes for global and regional-scale models
Authors: Stevens R. G. , Pierce J. R.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. New-particle formation in the plumes of coal-fired power plants and other anthropogenic sulphur sources may be an important source of particles in the atmosphere. It remains unclear, however, how best to reproduce this formation in global and regional aerosol models with grid-box lengths that are tens of kilometres and larger. Based on the results of the System for Atmospheric Modelling (SAM), a Large-Eddy Simulation/Cloud-Resolving Model (LES/CRM) with online TwO Moment Aerosol Sectional (TOMAS) microphysics, we have developed a computationally efficient, but physically based, parameterization that predicts the characteristics of aerosol formed within sulphur-rich plumes based on parameters commonly available in global- and regional-scale models. Given large-scale mean meteorological parameters ((1) wind speed, (2) boundary-layer height and (3) downward shortwave radiative flux), (4) emissions of SO2 and (5) NOx from the source, (6) mean background condensation sink, (7) background SO2 and (8) NOx concentrations, and (9) the desired distance from the source; the parameterization will predict: (1) the fraction of the emitted SO2 that is oxidized to H2SO4, (2) the fraction of that H2SO4 that forms new particles instead of condensing onto preexisting particles, (3) the mean mass per particle of the newly formed particles, and (4) the number of newly formed particles per kilogram SO2 emitted. The parameterization we describe here should allow for more accurate predictions of aerosol size distributions and a greater confidence in the effects of aerosols in climate and health studies.
Uncertainty in modeling dust mass balance and radiative forcing from size parameterization
Authors: Zhao C. , Chen S. , Leung L. R. , Qian Y. , Kok J. , Zaveri R. , Huang J.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. This study examines the uncertainties in simulating mass balance and radiative forcing of mineral dust due to biases in the dust size parameterization. Simulations are conducted quasi-globally (180° W–180° E and 60° S–70° N) using the WRF-Chem model with three different approaches to represent dust size distribution (8-bin, 4-bin, and 3-mode). The biases in the 3-mode or 4-bin approaches against a relatively more accurate 8-bin approach in simulating dust mass balance and radiative forcing are identified. Compared to the 8-bin approach, the 4-bin approach simulates similar but coarser size distributions of dust particles in the atmosphere, while the 3-mode approach retains more fine dust particles but fewer coarse dust particles due to its prescribed σg of each mode. Although the 3-mode approach yields up to 10 days longer dust mass lifetime over the remote oceanic regions than the 8-bin approach, the three size approaches produce similar dust mass lifetime (3.2 days to 3.5 days) on quasi-global average, reflecting that the global dust mass lifetime is mainly determined by the dust mass lifetime near the dust source regions. With the same global dust emission (∼6000 Tg yr-1), the 8-bin approach produces a dust mass loading of 39 Tg, while the 4-bin and 3-mode approaches produce 3% (40.2 Tg) and 25% (49.1 Tg) higher dust mass loading, respectively. The difference in dust mass loading between the 8-bin approach and the 4-bin or 3-mode approaches has large spatial variations, with generally smaller relative difference (<10%) near the surface over the dust source regions. The three size approaches also result in significantly different dry and wet deposition fluxes and number concentrations of dust. The difference in dust aerosol optical depth (AOD) (a factor of 3) among the three size approaches is much larger than their difference (25%) in dust mass loading. Compared to the 8-bin approach, the 4-bin approach yields stronger dust absorptivity, while the 3-mode approach yields weaker dust absorptivity. Overall, on quasi-global average, the three size parameterizations result in a significant difference of a factor of 2∼3 in dust surface cooling (-1.02∼-2.87 W m-2) and atmospheric warming (0.39∼0.96 W m-2) and in a tremendous difference of a factor of ∼10 in dust TOA cooling (-0.24∼-2.20 W m-2). An uncertainty of a factor of 2 is quantified in dust emission estimation due to the different size parameterizations. This study also highlights the uncertainties in modeling dust mass and number loading, deposition fluxes, and radiative forcing resulting from different size parameterizations, and motivates further investigation of the impact of size parameterizations on modeling dust impacts on air quality, climate, and ecosystem.
The ToF-ACSM: a portable aerosol chemical speciation monitor with TOFMS detection
Authors: Fröhlich R. , Cubison M. J. , Slowik J. G. , Bukowiecki N. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Baltensperger U. , Schneider J. , Kimmel J. R. , Gonin M. , Rohner U. , Worsnop D. R. , Jayne J. T.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. We present a new instrument for monitoring aerosol composition, the economy time-of-flight-aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ToF-ACSM), combining precision of state-of-the-art time-of-flight mass spectrometry with stability, reliability, and easy handling, which are necessities for long-term monitoring operations on the scale of months to years. Based on Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) technology, the ToF-ACSM provides continuous online measurements of chemical composition and mass of non-refractory submicron aerosol particles. In contrast to the larger AMS, the compact-sized and lower-priced ToF-ACSM does not feature particle sizing, similar to the widely-used quadrupole-ACSM (Q-ACSM). Compared to the Q-ACSM, the ToF-ACSM features a better mass resolution of M/ΔM = 600 and better detection limits on the order of <30 ng m−3 for a time resolution of 30 min. With simple upgrades these limits can be brought down by another factor of ~8. This allows for operation at higher time resolutions and in low concentration environments. The associated software packages (single packages for integrated operation & calibration and analysis) provide a high degree of automation and remote access, minimising the need for trained personnel on site. Intercomparisons with Q-ACSM, C-ToF-AMS, nephelometer and scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) measurements, performed during a first long-term deployment (>6 months) on the Jungfraujoch mountain ridge (3580 m a.s.l.) in the Swiss Alps agree quantitatively. Additionally, the mass resolution of the ToF-ACSM is sufficient for basic mass defect resolved peak fitting of the recorded spectra, providing a data stream not accessible to the Q-ACSM. This allows for quantification of certain hydrocarbon and oxygenated fragments (e.g. C3H7+ and C2H3O+, both occurring at m/Q = 43 Th), as well as improving inorganic/organic separation.
Distribution of the Fukushima-derived radionuclides in seawater in the Pacific off the coast of Miyagi, Fukushima, and Ibaraki Prefectures, Japan
Authors: Oikawa S. , Takata H. , Watabe T. , Misonoo J. , Kusakabe M.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The activities of artificial radionuclides in seawater samples collected off the coast of Miyagi, Fukushima, and Ibaraki Prefectures were measured as part of a monitoring program initiated by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Sports, Science and Technology immediately after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The spatial and temporal distributions of those activities are summarized herein. The activities of strontium-90, iodine-131, cesium-134 and -137 (i.e. 90Sr, 131I, 134Cs, and 137Cs) derived from the accident were detected in seawater samples taken from areas of the coastal ocean adjacent to the power plant. No 131I was detected in surface waters (≤ 5 m depth) or in intermediate and bottom waters after 30 April 2011. Strontium-90 was found in surface waters collected from a few sampling stations in mid-August 2011 to mid-December 2011. Temporal changes of 90Sr activity in surface waters were evident, although the 90Sr activity at a given time varied widely between sampling stations. The activity of 90Sr in surface waters decreased slowly over time, and by the end of December 2011 had reached background levels recorded before the accident. Radiocesium, 134Cs and 137Cs, was found in seawater samples immediately after the accident. There was a remarkable change in radiocesium activities in surface waters during the first 7 months (March through September 2011) after the accident; the activity reached a maximum in the middle of April and thereafter decreased exponentially with time. Qualitatively, the distribution patterns in surface waters suggested that in early May radiocesium-polluted water was advected northward; some of the water then detached and was transported to the south. Two water cores with high 137Cs activity persisted at least until July 2011. In subsurface waters radiocesium activity was first detected in the beginning of April 2011, and the water masses were characterized by σt (an indicator of density) values of 25.5–26.5. From 9–14 May to 5–16 December 2011, the depths of the water masses increased with time, an indication that deepening of the isopycnal surfaces with time can be an important mechanism for the transport of radiocesium downward in coastal waters. During 4–21 February 2012, the water column became vertically homogeneous, probably because of convective mixing during the winter; the result was nearly constant values of radiocesium activity throughout the water column from the surface to the bottom (~200 m depth) at each station.
A comparative study of large-scale atmospheric circulation in the context of a future scenario (RCP4.5) and past warmth (mid-Pliocene)
Authors: Sun Y. , Ramstein G. , Contoux C. , Zhou T.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The mid-Pliocene warm period (~ 3.3–3.0 Ma) is often considered as the last sustained warm period with close enough geographic configurations compared to the present one associated with atmospheric CO2 concentration (405 ± 50 ppm) higher than the modern level. For this reason, this period is often considered as a potential analogue for the future climate warming, with the important advantage that for mid-Pliocene many marine and continental data are available. To investigate this issue, we selected the RCP4.5 scenario, one of the current available future projections, to compare the pattern of tropical atmospheric response with the past warm mid-Pliocene climate. We use three Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model (AOGCM) simulations (RCP4.5 scenario, mid-Pliocene and present-day simulation) carried out with the IPSL-CM5A model and investigate atmospheric tropical dynamics through Hadley and Walker cell responses to warmer conditions, considering that the analysis can provide some assessment of how these circulations will change in the future. Our results show that there is a damping of the Hadley cell intensity in the northern tropics and an increase in both subtropics. Moreover, northern and southern Hadley cells expand poleward. The response of the Hadley cells is stronger for the RCP4.5 scenario than for the mid-Pliocene, but in very good agreement with the fact that the atmospheric CO2 concentration is higher in the future scenario than in the mid-Pliocene (543 versus 405 ppm). Concerning the response of the Walker cell, we show that despite very large similarities, there are also some differences. Common features to both scenarios are: weakening of the ascending branch, leading to a suppression of the precipitation over the western tropical Pacific. The response of the Walker cell is stronger in the RCP4.5 scenario than in the mid-Pliocene but also depicts some major differences, as an eastward shift of its rising branch in the future scenario compared to the mid-Pliocene. In this paper, we explain the dynamics of the Hadley and Walker cells, and show that despite a minor discrepancy, the mid-Pliocene is certainly an interesting analogue for future climate changes in tropical areas.
The impact of early Holocene Arctic Shelf flooding on climate in an atmosphere–ocean–sea–ice model
Authors: Blaschek M. , Renssen H.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. Glacial terminations are characterized by a strong rise in sea level related to melting ice sheets. This rise in sea level is not uniform all over the world, because regional effects (uplift and subsidence of coastal zones) are superimposed on global trends. During the early Holocene the Siberian Shelf became flooded before 7.5 ka BP and the coastline reached modern-day high stands at 5 ka BP. This area is currently known as a sea–ice production area and contributes significantly to the sea–ice exported from the Arctic through the Fram Strait. This leads to the following hypothesis: during times of rising sea levels, shelves become flooded, increasing sea–ice production on these shelves, increasing sea–ice volume and export through Fram Strait and causing the sea–ice extent to advance in the Nordic Seas, yielding cooler and fresher sea surface conditions. We have tested this hypothesis in an ocean–sea–ice–atmosphere coupled model of intermediate complexity (LOVECLIM). Our results of an early Holocene Siberian Shelf flooding show that in our model the Northern Hemisphere sea–ice production is increased (15%) and that the Northern Hemisphere sea–ice extent increases (14%) contrary to our hypothesis with lower sea–ice export through Fram Strait (−15%). The reason of this unexpected behaviour has its origin in a weakened polar vortex, induced by the land-ocean changes due to the shelf flooding, and a resulting decrease of zonality in the Nordic Seas pressure regime. Hence the winter Greenland high and the Icelandic low strengthen, yielding stronger winds on both sides of the Nordic Seas. Increased winds along the East Greenland Current support local sea–ice production and transport towards the south, resulting in a wider sea–ice cover and a southward shift of convection areas. The overall strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is reduced by 4% and the heat transport in the Atlantic basin by 7%, resulting in an annual cooling pattern over the Nordic Seas by up to −4 °C. We find that the flooding of the Siberian shelf as a result of an orbital induced warming, causing Northern Hemisphere ice sheets to melt and global sea level to rise, causes a Nordic Seas cooling feedback opposed to this warming.
Evaluating the performance of SURFEXv5 as a new land surface scheme for the ALADINcy36 and ALARO-0 models
Authors: Hamdi R. , Degrauwe D. , Duerinckx A. , Cedilnik J. , Costa V. , Dalkilic T. , Essaouini K. , Jerczynki M. , Kocaman F. , Kullmann L. , Mahfouf J.-F. , Meier F. , Sassi M. , Schneider S. , Váňa F. , Termonia P.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The newly developed land surface scheme SURFEX (Surface Externalisée) is implemented into a limited area numerical weather prediction model running operationally in a number of countries of the ALADIN and HIRLAM consortia. The primary question addressed is the ability of SURFEX to be used as a new land surface scheme and thus assessing its potential use in an operational configuration instead of the original ISBA (Interactions between Soil, Biosphere, and Atmosphere) scheme. The results show that the introduction of SURFEX either gives improvements or neutral impact on the 2 m temperature, 2 m relative humidity, and 10 m wind. However, it seems that SURFEX has a tendency to produce higher maximum temperatures at high elevation stations during winter daytime which degrades the scores. In addition, surface radiative and energy fluxes improve compared to observations from the Cabauw tower. The results also show that promising improvements with a demonstrated positive impact are achieved by introducing the Town Energy Balance (TEB) scheme. It was found that the use of SURFEX has a neutral impact on the precipitation scores. However, the implementation of TEB within SURFEX for a high resolution run tends to cause rainfall to be locally concentrated and the total accumulated precipitation decreases obviously during the summer. One of the novel features developed in SURFEX is the availability of a more advanced surface data assimilation using the Extended Kalman Filter. The results over Belgium show that the forecast scores are similar between the Extended Kalman Filter and the classical Optimal Interpolation scheme. Finally, concerning the upper air scores, the introduction of SURFEX either gives improvement or neutral impact in the free atmosphere.
Three perceptions of the evapotranspiration landscape: comparing spatial patterns from a distributed hydrological model, remotely sensed surface temperatures, and sub-basin water balances
Authors: Conradt T. , Wechsung F. , Bronstert A.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. A problem encountered by many distributed hydrological modelling studies is high simulation errors at interior gauges when the model is only globally calibrated at the outlet. We simulated river runoff in the Elbe River basin in central Europe (148 268 km2) with the semi-distributed eco-hydrological model SWIM (Soil and Water Integrated Model). While global parameter optimisation led to Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies of 0.9 at the main outlet gauge, comparisons with measured runoff series at interior points revealed large deviations. Therefore, we compared three different strategies for deriving sub-basin evapotranspiration: (1) modelled by SWIM without any spatial calibration, (2) derived from remotely sensed surface temperatures, and (3) calculated from long-term precipitation and discharge data. The results show certain consistencies between the modelled and the remote sensing based evapotranspiration rates, but there seems to be no correlation between remote sensing and water balance based estimations. Subsequent analyses for single sub-basins identify amongst others input weather data and systematic error amplification in inter-gauge discharge calculations as sources of uncertainty. The results encourage careful utilisation of different data sources for enhancements in distributed hydrological modelling.
Predictive power of a shallow landslide model in a high resolution landscape: dissecting the effects of forest roads
Authors: Penna D. , Borga M. , Aronica G. T. , Brigandì G. , Tarolli P.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. This work evaluates the predictive power of the quasi-dynamic shallow landslide model QD-SLaM to simulate shallow landslide locations in a small-scale Mediterranean landscape: the Giampilieri catchment located in Sicily (Italy). The catchment was impacted by a sequence of high-intensity storms over the years 2007–2009. The effect of high resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) on the quality of model predictions is tested by considering four DTM resolutions: 2 m, 4 m, 10 m and 20 m. Moreover, the impact of the dense forest road network on the model performance is evaluated by considering separately road-related landslides and natural landslides. The landslide model does not incorporate the description of road-related failures. The model predictive power is shown to be DTM-resolution dependent. When assessed over the sample of mapped natural landslides, better model performances are reported for 4 m and 10 m DTM resolution, thus highlighting the fact that higher DTM resolution does not necessarily mean better model performances. Model performances over road-related failures are, as expected, lower than for the other cases. These findings show that shallow landslide predictive power can benefit from increasing DTM resolution only when the model is able to describe the physical processes emerging at the smaller spatial scales resolved by the digital topography. Model results show also that the combined use of high DTM resolution and a model capable to deal with road-related processes may lead to substantially better performances in landscapes where forest roads are a significant factor of slope stability.
A Heresy of State:
Authors: Julien Théry
Published: July 2013

This article provides an outline for a new interpretation of the trial of the Templars, with special attention to the texts written by the instigators of the case, namely, Philip the Fair and his ministers. The trial had everything to do with the growth of the French monarchy. With the “discovery” and repression of the “Templars' heresy,” the Capetian monarchy claimed for itself the mystic foundations of the papal theocracy. The Temple case was the last step of a process of appropriating these foundations, which had begun with the Franco-papal rift at the time of Boniface VIII. Being the ultimate defender of the Catholic faith, the Capetian king was now fully invested with a Christlike function that put him above the pope. What was at stake in the Templars' trial was the establishment of a royal theocracy.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Isoflavonoid Derivatives from the Roots of Amphimas pterocarpoides
Authors: Fodja Saah Edwige P. , Tedjon Sielinou Valerie , Kuete Victor , Lacmata Stephen T. , Nkengfack Augustin E.
Published: July 2013

A new bis-isoflavone derivative, named amphiisoflavone (1), was isolated from the roots of Amphimas pterocarpoides, together with three known isoflavones, namely 8-methoxyisoformononetin (2), 6-methoxyisoformononetin (3) and isoformononetin (4). Chemical transformations carried out on compound 3 led to two new derivatives, 4´-acetoxy-6,7-dimethylisoflavone (3a) and 4´-O-prenyl- 6,7-dimethylisoflavone (3p), along with a known compound, 4´,6,7-trimethoxyisoflavone (3m). The structures of all compounds were elucidated from spectroscopic evidence, in particular by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic methods. These compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant properties and for their antimicrobial activities against a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Zahramycins A-B, Two New Steroids from the Coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum
Authors: Shaaban Mohamed , Ghani Mohamed A. , Shaaban Khaled A.
Published: July 2013

Two new poly-hydroxy steroids, zahramycins A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the polar fraction of the extract of the coral Sarcophyton trocheliophorum. Compound 1 was confirmed to bear an oxirane ring at C-5 and C-6, while 2 has a keto-hydroxy sterol structure. The known DNA primary metabolites uracil, thymine, adenine, uridine, 2´-deoxyuridine, and thymidine were also isolated and identified. Structures of the new sterols 1 and 2 were confirmed by NMR ( 1H, 13C, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (EI, ESI, and HRMS), and by comparison with related structures. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of compounds 1 and 2 along with that of the coral extract were also determined. Zahramycin B (2) showed high (15 mm) and moderate (12 mm) antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and fungus Pythium ultimum (12 mm), while zahramycin A (1) and the crude extract of Sarcophyton trocheliophorum were inactive. Both steroids and the crude extract of Sarcophyton trocheliophorum showed no cytotoxicity.
La guillotine projetée sur scène: Les liaisons dangereuses (1982) de Laclos revisitées par Christopher Hampton dans l’Angleterre de Margareth Thatcher
Authors: Machado Maristela Gonçalves Sousa
Published: July 2013

A releitura teatral de As relações perigosas (1782) de autoria de Christopher Hampton assume um significado específico no contexto histórico da Grã-Bretanha dos anos 1980. O dramaturgo inglês toma posição diante da política de um liberalismo econômico, que provocou fortes tensões sociais, ao operar uma ousada modificação na intriga do romance: trata-se de uma punição infligida ao personagem de Madame de Merteuil, que não resulta dos conflitos de vaidade e da disputa de poder entre os libertinos, mas pelas circunstâncias de um momento histórico.
Intelectuais envergonhados: censura de romances populares pornográficos e luta de classes durante o regime civil-militar brasileiro (1964-1985)
Authors: Londero Rodolfo Rorato
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir o papel dos intelectuais durante o último regime civil-militar brasileiro (1964-1985), principalmente a indiferença em relação à censura de romances populares pornográficos, como os de Cassandra Rios e Adelaide Carraro, autoras enfocadas neste estudo. Enquanto hipótese, o artigo identifica o motivo da indiferença por meio de duas condições específicas: (1) a “alienação” política e/ou a “inferioridade” literária das autoras, tornando-as cúmplice do “vazio cultural” que assolou a década de 1970; e (2) a sensibilidade popular das autoras. Conclui-se neste caso que a indiferença dos intelectuais ratificou a censura do Estado.
A morte como elemento cultural mexicano em Pedro Páramo, de Juan Rulfo
Authors: Cantarelli Ana Paula
Published: July 2013

Pedro Páramo (1955), de Juan Rulfo, desde sua publicação tem sido alvo de inúmeros estudos desenvolvidos por pesquisadores de diferentes áreas do conhecimento (história, sociologia, filosofia, etc.). Neste texto, buscou-se elaborar uma proposta de leitura a partir do reconhecimento da morte, símbolo nacional mexicano, como um elemento constituinte da estrutura narrativa desse romance, com a intenção de ampliar o campo de análises já delineado ao redor dessa obra.
Enjeux identitaires de l’apprentissage d’une langueétrangère par des élèves sourds :variations du rapport à soi et aux autres
Authors: Bedoin Diane
Published: July 2013

La surdité pose la question de l’altérité,car elle interroge le rapport au corps et au langage. Outre lefrançais et la langue des signes française, lesélèves sourds français apprennent une langueétrangère vocale – principalement l’anglais.Au-delà des questions de principe, il s’agirad’analyser les rapports que les jeunes sourds françaisentretiennent avec les langues et les culturesétrangères. À partir d’une enquêteethnographique menée dans plusieurs établissementsscolaires, spécialisés et ordinaires, nous montreronscomment les frontières entre sourds et entendants, d’unepart, et entre Français et étrangers, d’autre part,sont redéfinies à travers l’apprentissaged’une langue étrangère. Nous distingueronsdifférents cas de figure selon le profil desélèves, avant de montrer comment ils peuvent se combiner.
Observation de pratiques pour développer des habiletés de communication chez les enfants du préscolaire qui ont des incapacités
Authors: Julien-Gauthier Francine , Dionne Carmen , Héroux Jessy , Mailhot Stéphanie
Published: July 2013

Cette étude vise à connaître l’utilisation,par les éducatrices au préscolaire, de stratégiesd’intervention pour faciliter l’émergence despremières habiletés de communication des enfants qui ontun retard global de développement. Elle estréalisée à partir de périodesd’observation interactives dans les services de gardequébécois (étude multicas). Les résultatsmontrent l’utilisation de 11 stratégiesd’intervention prélinguistiques par leséducatrices. Les modalités d’utilisation desstratégies sont discutées en lien avec lescaractéristiques des enfants. Des adaptations sontproposées pour faciliter l’apprentissage de lacommunication chez tous les enfants et enrichir le programmeéducatif des services de garde qui les accueillent.