bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining cantilever stiffness from thermal noise
Authors: Lübbe Jannis , Temmen Matthias , Rahe Philipp , Kühnle Angelika , Reichling Michael
Published: March 2013

We critically discuss the extraction of intrinsic cantilever properties, namely eigenfrequency fn, quality factor Qn and specifically the stiffness kn of the nth cantilever oscillation mode from thermal noise by an analysis of the power spectral density of displacement fluctuations of the cantilever in contact with a thermal bath. The practical applicability of this approach is demonstrated for several cantilevers with eigenfrequencies ranging from 50 kHz to 2 MHz. As such an analysis requires a sophisticated spectral analysis, we introduce a new method to determine kn from a spectral analysis of the demodulated oscillation signal of the excited cantilever that can be performed in the frequency range of 10 Hz to 1 kHz regardless of the eigenfrequency of the cantilever. We demonstrate that the latter method is in particular useful for noncontact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM) where the required simple instrumentation for spectral analysis is available in most experimental systems.
Deux siècles de réfugiés : circulations, qualifications, internationalisation
Authors: Kévonian Dzovinar
Published: March 2013

Les xix e et xx e siècles ont constitué dans l’histoire pluriséculaire des migrations forcées une période de mutations que nous avons tenté de décrire à grands traits. Aux mutations des conditions de la circulation migratoire à l’échelle mondiale, ont correspondu des infléchissements majeurs de la définition des communautés politiques et des conditions de nationalité et de citoyenneté, dans un contexte de domination européenne du monde puis de dislocation des empires coloniaux. Chacune des deux guerres mondiales du xx e siècle a contribué, par les mouvements massifs qui en sont résultés, à l’émergence de la figure du réfugié « politique », de l’apatride comme d’un statut juridique international des réfugiés. Notre étude vise à mettre en lumière les articulations existantes entre les grands flux de réfugiés et exilés, et les processus de qualification et de catégorisation durant ces deux siècles.
Faire du terrain en pensée politique
Authors: Hauchecorne Mathieu
Published: March 2013

Cette contribution vise à réfléchir aux modalités possibles du recours à l’ethnographie dans l’étude de la pensée politique à travers la présentation d’une enquête de terrain réalisée auprès des médiateurs français du philosophe étasunien John Rawls et des théories anglo-étasuniennes de la justice sociale. L’article revient tout d’abord sur le cadre analytique adopté, celui d’une histoire sociale des idées politiques, et sur la manière dont l’enquête s’inscrit à l’intérieur des renouvellements récents de l’histoire intellectuelle en France et à l’étranger. Il revient ensuite sur les raisons qui ont motivé le recours, relativement inhabituel en pensée politique, à l’ethnographie, et sur les différents sites autour desquels a été construit le terrain. L’enquête mise en œuvre est qualifiée d’ethnographique en un double sens : au titre des techniques d’enquête utilisées (observations et entretiens dans le cadre d’une immersion au sein du milieu d’interconnaissance formé par les importateurs), et au regard du type de point de vue adopté (démarche réflexive, attention aux catégories « indigènes », analyse des dispositifs corporels et matériels).
L'évolution des marchés bureaucratiques pour la haute fonction publique australienne
Authors: Halligan John
Published: March 2013

Les accords conclus entre la haute fonction publique australienne et l’exécutif politique ont connu plusieurs évolutions au cours des réformes intervenues ces trente dernières années. Ces évolutions comprennent une redéfinition fondamentale du rôle, des responsabilités, de l’identité et de l’autonomie du haut fonctionnaire. Cette relation a fait l’objet d’une série de remises en question, portant sur le rôle et le statut du service public, d’une part, et sur le comportement et les ressources de l’exécutif politique, de l’autre. Au fil du temps, on a évolué vers un renforcement de l’exécutif politique, mais cette tendance a été ponctuée de débats qui ont ralenti le rythme du changement et contenu les pressions politiques sur le service public. Ce processus a donné lieu à des précisions sur les aspects essentiels de la relation et à une définition plus claire de l’éventail des fonctions offertes par les secrétaires ministériels. Dans notre article, nous examinons l’évolution des marchés bureaucratiques en nous intéressant essentiellement à l’évolution des fonctions des secrétaires de départements d’État et analysons les implications de la nouvelle relation pour le rôle et le fonctionnement du service public dans la gouvernance et la politique publique. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Le présent article analyse l’évolution de l’importance du rôle des secrétaires ministériels en Australie durant l’ère de la réforme. Un nouvel accord est aujourd’hui apparu, qui définit clairement les fonctions et les codifie. L’une des fonctions, l’intendance, prend en compte le fait que les secrétaires ont un rôle à jouer indépendamment des ministres.
La réussite d'un projet de développement international : leçons d'expérience d'un cas Maroc-Canada
Authors: Brière Sophie , Proulx Denis
Published: March 2013

Sur la base des écrits portant sur les critères de succès des projets de développement international, cet article présente un cas de coopération entre le Maroc et le Canada portant sur l’implantation de projets d’institutionnalisation de l’égalité entre les sexes au sein de l’administration publique marocaine. En fonction d’une triangulation de données et à partir d’un cadre d’analyse sur les facteurs de succès des projets de développement international, cette étude de cas illustre le succès mitigé du projet. Bien que les éléments de succès des projets du FAES II volet 1 se traduisent par l’implication des parties prenantes dans la mise en œuvre du projet, la constitution d’une expertise locale et la production de stratégies et d’outils pour l’institutionnalisation, cette étude fait ressortir des obstacles importants à l’institutionnalisation. Ceux-ci concernent principalement la difficulté d’impliquer les parties prenantes dans tout le cycle de vie du projet, le fonctionnement boiteux des structures de gouvernance des projets et l’appropriation difficile des projets conçus dans une logique de gestion axée sur les résultats et selon des modèles propres au bailleur de fonds. Ce cas permet d’alimenter une réflexion critique sur les différents enjeux et défis en matière de gestion de projets de développement international et de dresser quelques pistes de recherche. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Cet article présente un cas d’implantation de projets d’institutionnalisation de l’égalité entre les sexes dans l’administration publique marocaine appuyée par la coopération canadienne. Bien que le succès exige l’implication des parties prenantes, la constitution d’une expertise locale et la production d’outils pour l’institutionnalisation, ce cas montre des obstacles importants à l’institutionnalisation, comme la difficulté d’impliquer les parties prenantes dans le projet, le fonctionnement mitigé des structures de gouvernance et l’appropriation difficile des projets conçus selon des modèles propres au bailleur de fonds. On y voit aussi les limites de la gestion axée sur les résultats et les conséquences qu’elle peut entraîner.
Faire face aux imprévus sans être pris au dépourvu : le cas des chefs de culture dans de petites entreprises horticoles
Authors: Zara-Meylan Valérie
Published: March 2013

Comment faire face aux imprévus sans être pris au dépourvu ? Cette question est au cœur du métier de chef de culture que nous avons observé au cours d’interventions ergonomiques dans de petites entreprises de l’horticulture ornementale. En mettant en évidence des configurations redoutées par des chefs de culture dans leur activité, nous analysons les modalités par lesquelles ils gèrent et anticipent les risques pour leur santé et celle des ouvriers qu’ils encadrent. Cette analyse permet de comprendre que certaines contraintes qui sembleraient inévitables peuvent pourtant faire partie du champ des transformations de l’organisation du travail.
Le catch et la lutte entre certitude et incertitude : quelle pratique de combat pour le IIIe millénaire ?
Authors: Loyer Frédéric
Published: March 2013

Bien que sport à part entière, la lutte reste une pratique discrète et peu développée. Inversement, le catch, activité truquée par excellence connaît l’intérêt d’un nombre de pratiquants toujours plus important. Comment expliquer ce fait surprenant ? Ne dit-on pas que le sport est l’aboutissement de la motricité ludique ? Les caractéristiques du sport coubertinien organisées autour de l’incertitude ne sont peut-être plus celles recherchées exclusivement par les pratiquants d’aujourd’hui, attirés par des pratiques moins institutionnalisées et moins réglementées. Nous cherchons à vérifier cette hypothèse à travers l’étude ethnographique d’une troupe de catcheurs en gala complétée par une série d’entretiens. Contrairement à la lutte où domine la compétition sportive (agôn), le catch permet une pratique où alea, mimicry, ilinx et agôn s’organisent selon les attentes liées aux profils socioculturels des catcheurs.
Maxwell curl equation datuming for GPR based on the Kirchhoff integral solution and application in a tunnel grouting test
Authors: Zhao Yonghui , Xie Xiongyao , Wu Jiansheng , Chen Jun , Ge Shuangchen
Published: March 2013

In two‐dimensional (2D) ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) data, the reflections from detection targets in depth can be severely obscured by strong scattering generated from near‐surface non‐target structures. By using GPR as a geotechnical non‐destructive testing device, it is still a challenge to eliminate the strong scattering caused by near‐surface rebars in a tunnel lining and to image and asses the grouting condition behind the tunnel lining. This study proposes a method for the reconstruction of GPR images, termed Maxwell curl equation datuming. To eliminate the deleterious effect caused by near‐surface diffractive scattering, we have redefined the reference surface to an actual geologic/engineered interface by using Maxwell curl equation datuming methodology based on the Kirchhoff integral solution. The datuming procedure can redefine the reference surface to a deeper horizon on which GPR transmitters and receivers appear to be located. We conducted a comparison between the datuming and migration to synthetic examples and case studies are presented for a physical model and real GPR data for assessments of shield tunnel grouting in the Shanghai Metro line No.9. The results show that the datuming technique is able to eliminate the strong scattering related to near‐surface rebars in a tunnel lining and improves the quality of deeper images beneath the tunnel lining. The datuming images make it easy to identify the distribution of tunnel grouting.
Spectral velocity analysis for the determination of ground‐wave velocities and their uncertainties in multi‐offset GPR data
Authors: Hamann Göran , Tronicke Jens , Steelman Colby M. , Endres Anthony L.
Published: March 2013

In many hydrological applications, ground‐wave velocity measurements are increasingly used to map and monitor shallow soil water content. In this study, we propose an automated spectral velocity analysis method to determine the direct ground‐wave (DGW) velocity from common midpoint (CMP) or multi‐offset ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) data. The method introduced in this paper is a variation of the well‐known spectral velocity analysis for seismic and GPR reflection events where velocity spectra are computed using different coherency measures along hyperbolas following the normal moveout model. Here, the unnormalized cross‐correlation is computed between waveforms across data gathers that are corrected with a linear moveout equation using a predefined range of velocities. Peaks in the resulting velocity spectra identify linear events in the GPR data gathers like DGW events and allow for estimating the corresponding velocities. In addition to obtaining a DGW velocity measurement, we propose a robust method to estimate the associated velocity uncertainties based on the width of the peak in the calculated velocity spectrum. Our proposed method is tested on synthetic data examples to evaluate the influence of subsurface velocity, surveying geometry and signal frequency on the accuracy of estimated ground‐wave velocities. In addition, we investigate the influence of such velocity uncertainties on subsequent soil water content estimates using an established petrophysical relationship. Furthermore, we apply our approach to analyse field data, which were collected across a test site in Canada to monitor a wide range of seasonal soil moisture variations. A comparison between our spectral velocity estimates and results derived from manually picked ground‐wave arrivals shows good agreement, which illustrates that our spectral velocity analysis is a feasible tool to analyse DGW arrivals in multi‐offset GPR data gathers in an objective and more automated manner.
Role of Fatty-Acid Synthesis in Dendritic Cell Generation and Function
Authors: Rehman Adeel , Hemmert Keith C. , Ochi Atsuo , Jamal Mohsin , Henning Justin R. , Barilla Rocky , Quesada Juan P. , Zambirinis Constantinos P. , Tang Kerry , Ego-Osuala Melvin , Rao Raghavendra S. , Greco Stephanie , Deutsch Michael , Narayan Suchithra , Pachter H. Leon , Graffeo Christopher S. , Acehan Devrim , Miller George
Published: March 2013

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional APCs that regulate innate and adaptive immunity. The role of fatty-acid synthesis in DC development and function is uncertain. We found that blockade of fatty-acid synthesis markedly decreases dendropoiesis in the liver and in primary and secondary lymphoid organs in mice. Human DC development from PBMC precursors was also diminished by blockade of fatty-acid synthesis. This was associated with higher rates of apoptosis in precursor cells and increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and BCL-xL and downregulation of cyclin B1. Further, blockade of fatty-acid synthesis decreased DC expression of MHC class II, ICAM-1, B7-1, and B7-2 but increased their production of selected proinflammatory cytokines including IL-12 and MCP-1. Accordingly, inhibition of fatty-acid synthesis enhanced DC capacity to activate allogeneic as well as Ag-restricted CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and induce CTL responses. Further, blockade of fatty-acid synthesis increased DC expression of Notch ligands and enhanced their ability to activate NK cell immune phenotype and IFN-γ production. Because endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can augment the immunogenic function of APC, we postulated that this may account for the higher DC immunogenicity. We found that inhibition of fatty-acid synthesis resulted in elevated expression of numerous markers of ER stress in humans and mice and was associated with increased MAPK and Akt signaling. Further, lowering ER stress by 4-phenylbutyrate mitigated the enhanced immune stimulation associated with fatty-acid synthesis blockade. Our findings elucidate the role of fatty-acid synthesis in DC development and function and have implications to the design of DC vaccines for immunotherapy.
Platelet Induction of the Acute-Phase Response Is Protective in Murine Experimental Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Aggrey Angela A. , Srivastava Kalyan , Ture Sara , Field David J. , Morrell Craig N.
Published: March 2013

Platelets are most recognized as the cellular mediator of thrombosis, but they are increasingly appreciated for their immunomodulatory roles, including responses to Plasmodium infection. Platelet interactions with endothelial cells and leukocytes contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). Recently, it has been suggested that platelets not only have an adverse role in cerebral malaria, but platelets may also be protective in animal models of uncomplicated malaria. We now demonstrate that these diverse and seemingly contradictory roles for platelets extend to cerebral malaria models and are dependent on the timing of platelet activation during infection. Our data show that platelets are activated very early in ECM and have a central role in initiation of the acute-phase response to blood-stage infection. Unlike platelet depletion or inhibition postinfection, preinfection platelet depletion or treatment with a platelet inhibitor is not protective. Additionally, we show that platelet-driven acute-phase responses have a major role in protecting mice from ECM by limiting parasite growth. Our data now suggest that platelets have a complex role in ECM pathogenesis: platelets help limit parasite growth early postinfection, but with continued platelet activation as the disease progresses, platelets contribute to ECM-associated inflammation.
Adaptive simulation of the impact of changes in land use on water resources in the lower Aswa basin
Authors: Nyeko Martine , D’Urso Guido , Immerzeel Walter W.
Published: March 2013

In the lower Aswa basin, Uganda, the changes in land use due to complex demographic and social economic factors are among the numerous challenges facing management of the limited water resources. The current study analysed the degree to which water yield in the Aswa basin could be changed by altering the vegetation cover (here considered to be agricultural use and forest) at the basin and sub-basin level, and whether manipulation of vegetation cover can complement water resource management objectives in the study area. The distributed hydrological process Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate the impact of the changes in vegetation cover on water balance. The impact was compared with the water balance simulated using the year 2001 as baseline. The results showed that: 37.5% afforestation at the basin scale can reduce water yield by 15.85%; using 53.7% of the land for agriculture can increase water yield by 27.6%, while a combination of 23.2% forest and 52% agriculture can increase water yield by 24.85%. The location of forest and agricultural land cover with respect to rainfall regime also indicated a notable impact on sub-basin water balance. In particular, afforestation in sub-basins receiving less than 900 mm annual rainfall considered as dry showed minimum change in surface runoff and net water yield, while in sub-basins receiving more than 900 mm annual rainfall afforestation showed notable change in water yield. In this way, afforestation in dry sub-basins can be used to offset the afforestation pressure in the wet sub-basin without altering the basin water balance.
Medium- and short-term channel and island evolution in a disturbed gravel bed river (Brenta River, Italy)
Authors: Moretto Johnny , Rigon Emanuel , Mao Luca , Picco Lorenzo , Delai Fabio , Lenzi Mario Aristide
Published: March 2013

The timing and extent of the morphological and island changes that have occurred in the last thirty years in a gravel bed river that has been heavily impacted by human activities were analysed by nine sets of aerial photographs, repeated topographical measurements and morphological- vegetation surveys. Dam operations and gravel mining activities have produced modifications in the natural sediment regime that have generated important morphological responses in the channel. Large areas of the formerly active channel were colonised by riparian forest, both as islands and as marginal woodlands. The cessation of gravel extraction in the late 1990s seems to be causing incipient reversion of this pattern, with evidence of vegetation erosion/channel widening. Alteration of sediment regime has played a major role in the medium- and short-term channel evolution. However, only relevant flood events (recurrence interval >10 years) appear to determine substantial island erosion and, therefore, the proportion of islands versus channel fluctuates depending on flood history. Smaller scale analysis (sub-reach level) was more effective in describing morphological responses and relationships with the sediment dynamics within the 20 km study reach.
Consistent circulation differences in the Southern Hemisphere caused by ozone changes: a chemistry-climate model and observational study
Authors: Braesicke P. , Keeble J. , Yang X. , Stiller G. , Kellmann S. , Abraham N. L. , Archibald A. T. , Telford P. , Pyle J. A.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. We report results from two pairs of chemistry-climate model simulations using the same climate model but different chemical perturbations. In each pair of experiments an ozone change was triggered by a simple change in the chemistry. One pair of model experiments looked at the impact of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) and the other pair at the impact of short lived halogenated species on composition and circulation. The model response is complex with both positive and negative changes in ozone concentration, depending on location. These changes result from coupling between composition, temperature and circulation. Even though the causes of the modelled ozone changes are different, the high latitude Southern Hemisphere response in the lower stratosphere is similar. In both pairs of experiments the high latitude circulation changes, as evidenced by N2O differences, suggesting a slightly longer-lasting/stronger stratospheric descent in runs with higher ozone destruction. We contrast the idealised model behaviour with interannual variability in ozone and N2O as observed by the MIPAS instrument on ENVISAT, highlighting the similarity of the modelled climate equilibrium changes to the year 2006/2007 in observations. We conclude that the climate system can respond quite sensitively to small chemical perturbations, that circulation adjustments seen in the model can occur in reality, and that coupled chemistry-climate models are needed for an assessment of future ozone and climate changes.
Primary and secondary organic aerosol origin by combined gas-particle phase source apportionment
Authors: Crippa M. , Canonaco F. , Slowik J. G. , El Haddad I. , DeCarlo P. F. , Mohr C. , Heringa M. F. , Chirico R. , Marchand N. , Temime-Roussel B. , Abidi E. , Poulain L. , Wiedensohler A. , Baltensperger U. , Prévôt A. S. H.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA), a predominant fraction of particulate organic mass (OA), remains poorly constrained. Its formation involves several unknown precursors, formation and evolution pathways and multiple natural and anthropogenic sources. Here a combined gas-particle phase source apportionment is applied to wintertime and summertime data collected in the megacity of Paris in order to investigate SOA origin during both seasons. This was possible by combining the information provided by an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) and a proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS). A better constrained apportionment of primary OA (POA) sources is also achieved using this methodology, making use of gas-phase tracers. These tracers allowed distinguishing between biogenic and continental/anthropogenic sources of SOA. We found that continental SOA was dominant during both seasons (24–50% of total OA), while contributions from photochemistry-driven SOA (9% of total OA) and marine emissions (13% of total OA) were also observed during summertime. A semi-volatile nighttime component was also identified (up to 18% of total OA during wintertime). This approach was successfully applied here and implemented in a new source apportionment toolkit.
Measurement of the Arctic UTLS composition in presence of clouds using millimetre-wave heterodyne spectroscopy
Authors: Castelli E. , Dinelli B. M. , Del Bianco S. , Gerber D. , Moyna B. P. , Siddans R. , Kerridge B. J. , Cortesi U.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. MARSCHALS (Millimetre-wave Airborne Receivers for Spectroscopic CHaracterisation in Atmospheric Limb Sounding) is a limb viewing instrument working in the millimetre and sub-millimetre spectral regions (from 294 to 349 GHz). The scientific rationale of MARSCHALS is the study of the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere region. In March 2010 MARSCHALS was deployed on-board the M-55 Geophysica stratospheric aircraft during the PREMIER-Ex field campaign. From the campaign base at Kiruna, Sweden, a research flight to investigate the Arctic atmosphere was conducted. For the first time the instrument fully exploited the three spectral bands. In this paper, we present results of the analysis of MARSCHALS measurements acquired during the PREMIER-Ex flight as processed by the Millimetre-wave Atmospheric Retrieval Code. For the second time after the SCOUT-O3 flight in 2005, MARSCHALS measured vertical distributions of temperature, water vapour, ozone and nitric acid over an altitude range of 4 to 24 km. In addition, vertical profiles of CO and N2O were obtained for the first time. The measurements were performed in clear sky conditions and in presence of low and high altitude clouds (with the potential to obscure measurements in the middle infrared spectroscopic region) and some information about thick clouds were extracted from the retrievals. The capabilities to derive information on upper tropospheric and lower stratospheric vertical profiles of temperature and minor constituents from millimetre-wave limb sounding observations in the Northern Polar region are presented and discussed for each of the individual targets. The performance of the retrieval are demonstrated from the results of data processing of MARSCHALS, deployed in the 2010 Arctic campaign with the M-55 Geophysica as an airborne simulator of the millimetre-wave limb-sounder proposed for the ESA Earth Explorer 7 candidate Core Mission PREMIER (PRocess Exploration through Measurements of Infrared and millimetre-wave Emitted Radiation).
Solubility of iron and other trace elements over the Southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Heimburger A. , Losno R. , Triquet S.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The fraction of soluble aerosols that is deposited on the open ocean is vital for phytoplankton growth. It is believed that a large proportion of this dissolved fraction is bioavailable for marine biota and thus plays an important role in primary production, especially in HNLC oceanic areas where this production is limited by micronutrient supply. There is still much uncertainty surrounding the solubility of atmospheric particles in global biogeochemical cycles and it is not well understood. In this study, we present the solubilities of seven elements (Al, Ce, Fe, La, Mn, Nd, Ti) in rainwater on Kerguelen Islands, in the middle of the Southern Indian Ocean. The solubilities exhibit high values, generally greater than 70%, and Ti remains the least soluble element. Because the Southern Indian Ocean is remote from its dust sources, only the fraction of smaller aerosols reaches Kerguelen Islands after undergoing several cloud and chemical processes during their transport resulting in a drastic increase in solubility. Finally, we deduced an average soluble iron deposition flux of 23 μg m−2 d−1 (0.4 μmol m−2 d−1) for the studied oceanic area, taking into account a~median iron solubility of 82% ± 18%.
An integrated assessment modelling framework for uncertainty studies in global and regional climate change: the MIT IGSM-CAM (version 1.0)
Authors: Monier E. , Scott J. R. , Sokolov A. P. , Forest C. E. , Schlosser C. A.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. This paper describes an integrated assessment modelling framework for uncertainty studies in global and regional climate change. In this framework, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Integrated Global System Model (IGSM), an integrated assessment model that couples an earth system model of intermediate complexity to a human activity model, is linked to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model (CAM). Since the MIT IGSM-CAM framework (version 1.0) incorporates a human activity model, it is possible to analyse uncertainties in emissions resulting from both uncertainties in the economic model parameters and uncertainty in future climate policies. Another major feature is the flexibility to vary key climate parameters controlling the climate system response: climate sensitivity, net aerosol forcing and ocean heat uptake rate. Thus, the IGSM-CAM is a computationally efficient framework to explore the uncertainty in future global and regional climate change associated with uncertainty in the climate response and projected emissions. This study presents 21st century simulations based on two emissions scenarios (unconstrained scenario and stabilization scenario at 660 ppm CO2-equivalent) and three sets of climate parameters. The chosen climate parameters provide a good approximation for the median, and the 5th and 95th percentiles of the probability distribution of 21st century global climate change. As such, this study presents new estimates of the 90% probability interval of regional climate change for different emissions scenarios. These results underscore the large uncertainty in regional climate change resulting from uncertainty in climate parameters and emissions, especially when it comes to changes in precipitation.
A hierarchical mesh refinement technique for global 3-D spherical mantle convection modelling
Authors: Davies D. R. , Davies J. H. , Bollada P. C. , Hassan O. , Morgan K. , Nithiarasu P.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. A method for incorporating multi-resolution capabilities within pre-existing global 3-D spherical mantle convection codes is presented. The method, which we term "geometric multigrid refinement", is based upon the application of a multigrid solver on non-uniform, structured grids and allows for the incorporation of local high-resolution grids within global models. Validation tests demonstrate that the method is accurate and robust, with highly efficient solutions to large-scale non-uniform problems obtained. Significantly, the scheme is conceptually simple and straightforward to implement, negating the need to reformulate and restructure large sections of code. Consequently, although more advanced techniques are under development at the frontiers of mesh refinement and solver technology research, the technique presented is capable of extending the lifetime and applicability of pre-existing global mantle convection codes.
Shallow landslides stochastic risk modelling based on the precipitation event of August 2005 in Switzerland: results and implications
Authors: Nicolet P. , Foresti L. , Caspar O. , Jaboyedoff M.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Due to their relatively unpredictable characteristics, shallow-landslides represent a risk for human infrastructures. Multiple shallow-landslides can be triggered by large spread precipitation events. The event of August 2005 in Switzerland is used in order to propose a risk model to predict the expected number of landslides based on the precipitation amounts and lithological units. The spatial distribution of rainfall is characterized by blending data coming from operational weather radars and a dense network of rain gauges with an artificial neural network. Lithologies are grouped into four main units, with similar characteristics. Then, from a landslide inventory containing more than 5000 landslides, a probabilistic relation linking the precipitation amount and the lithology to the number of landslides in a 1 km2 cell, is obtained. In a next step, this relation is used to randomly redistribute the landslides using Monte-Carlo simulations. The probability for a landslide to reach a building is assessed using stochastic geometry and the damage cost is assessed from the estimated mean damage cost using an exponential distribution to account for the variability. Although the outputs reproduce well the number of landslides, the number of affected buildings is not reproduced by the model. This seems to results from the human influence on landslide occurrence. Such a model might be useful to characterize the risk resulting from shallow-landslides and its variability.
Contribution of insurance data to cost assessment of coastal flood damage to residential buildings: insights gained from Johanna (2008) and Xynthia (2010) storm events
Authors: André C. , Monfort D. , Bouzit M. , Vinchon C.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. There are a number of methodological issues involved in assessing damage caused by natural hazards. The first is the lack of data, due to the rarity of events and the widely different circumstances in which they occur. Thus, historical data, albeit scarce, should not be neglected when seeking to build ex-ante risk management models. This article analyses the input of insurance data for two recent severe coastal storm events, to examine what causal relationships may exist between hazard characteristics and the level of damage incurred by residential buildings. To do so, data was collected at two levels: from lists of about 4000 damage records, 358 loss adjustment reports were consulted, constituting a detailed damage database. The results show that for flooded residential buildings, over 75% of reconstruction costs are associated with interior elements, damage to structural components remaining very localised and negligible. Further analysis revealed a high scatter between costs and water depth, suggesting that uncertainty remains high in drawing up damage functions with insurance data alone. Due to the paper format of the loss adjustment reports and the lack of harmonisation between their contents, the collection stage called for a considerable amount of work. For future events, establishing a standardised process for archiving damage information could significantly contribute to the production of such empirical damage functions. Nevertheless, complementary sources of data on hazards and asset vulnerability parameters, will definitely still be necessary for damage modelling and multivariate approaches, crossing insurance data with external material, should also be deeper investigated.
Recent extreme light sea ice years in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: 2011 and 2012 eclipse 1998 and 2007
Authors: Howell S. E. L. , Wohlleben T. , Komarov A. , Pizzolato L. , Derksen C.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Record low mean September sea ice area in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) was observed in 2011 (146 × 103 km2), a level that was nearly exceeded in 2012 (150 × 103 km2). These values eclipsed previous September records set in 1998 (200 × 103 km2) and 2007 (220 × 103 km2) and are ∼60% lower than the 1981–2010 mean September climatology. In this study, the driving processes contributing to the extreme light years of 2011 and 2012 were investigated, compared to previous extreme minima of 1998 and 2007, and contrasted against historic summer seasons with above average September ice area. The 2011 minimum was driven by positive July surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies that facilitated rapid melt, coupled with atmospheric circulation in July and August that restricted multi-year ice (MYI) inflow from the Arctic Ocean into the CAA. The 2012 minimum was also driven by positive July SAT anomalies (with coincident rapid melt) but further ice decline was temporarily mitigated by atmospheric circulation in August and September which drove Arctic Ocean MYI inflow into the CAA. Atmospheric circulation was comparable between 2011 and 1998 (impeding Arctic Ocean MYI inflow) and 2012 and 2007 (inducing Arctic Ocean MYI inflow). However, evidence of both preconditioned thinner Arctic Ocean MYI flowing into CAA and maximum landfast first-year ice (FYI) thickness within the CAA was more apparent leading up to 2011 and 2012 than 1998 and 2007. The rapid melt process in 2011 and 2012 was more intense than observed in 1998 and 2007 because of the thinner ice cover being more susceptible to positive SAT forcing. The thinner sea ice cover within the CAA in recent years has also helped counteract the processes that facilitate extreme heavy ice years. The recent extreme light years within the CAA are associated with a longer navigation season within the Northwest Passage.
Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Treatment of Persistent Corneal Ulceration after Severe Chemical and Thermal Eye Injuries
Authors: Iakimenko Stanislav A. , Buznyk Oleksiy I. , Rymgayllo-Jankowska Beata
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To analyze results of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in treatment of corneal ulceration after severe chemical and thermal injuries.

Methods

Analysis of 55 AMT in 53 patients (53 eyes) with corneal ulceration and limbal deficiency 180–360° of the limbus after grade 4–6 (Dua classification, 2001) chemical and thermal injuries was performed. Mean terms of the operation were 46.1 ± 46.4 days after the injury (range 8–181 days). Preoperative visual acuity (VA) was <0.01 in 33/53 patients (62.3%). Mean follow-up period was 8.8 ± 10.1 months (range 1.5–46 months).

Results

Further corneal ulceration was prevented in 54/55 cases (98.1%), cornea epithelialized after 42/55 AMT (76.3%). Mean terms of corneal epithelialization were 24.2 ± 26.7 days after AMT (range 6–123 days). Corneal defect recurred in 3/42 successful cases (7.1%). Limbal deficiency of different extent with subsequent corneal conjunctivalization developed in all successful patients. The VA was ≥0.01 (range 0.01–1.0) in 23/42 patients (54.8%) with corneal epithelialization. The VA at the last visit was improved on 2 and more lines on the eye chart compared to preoperative VA in 15/42 patients with corneal epithelialization (35.7%), did not change in 18/42 successful patients (42.9%), and decreased on one line in 9/42 of these patients (26.2%). Symblepharon developed in 23/42 successful patients (54.7%).

Conclusions

Amniotic membrane transplantation may stop ulceration and promote corneal epithelialization in the majority of patients with the most severe chemical or thermal eye injuries in case of timely application of the operation and adequate fixation of the AMT graft.
Study on Clinical Therapeutic Effect Including Symptoms, Eye Preservation Rate, and Follow-up of 684 Children with Retinoblastoma
Authors: Huang Dongsheng , Zhang Yi , Zhang Weiling , Wang Yizhou , Zhang Pinwei , Hong Liang , Zhou Yan , Han Tao , Zhi Tian
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Retinoblastoma is the most common type of primary malignant intraocular tumor in children. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment for retinoblastoma, aiming to provide appropriate knowledge for surveillance and therapy for retinoblastoma.

Methods

We performed retrospective analysis of 684 children (885 eyes) with advanced retinoblastoma diagnosed in the department of Pediatrics in Tongren Hospital, Beijing, China, between September 2005 and May 2010.

Results

The average age at first diagnosis was 2.2 ± 1.7 years with overall median age 1.91 years. Leucocoria was the most common sign at the initial diagnosis (70.47%, 482/684). A total of 21 cases (3.06%) had positive family history. According to International Retinoblastoma Classification, 551 cases (80.57%, 723 eyes) were A-E stage and 81.47% (589/723) were D-E stages of retinoblastoma; extraocular stage was present in 101 cases (120 eyes, 14.76%); metastatic stage was present in 32 cases (44 eyes, 4.67%). Pathology diagnosis was performed in 494 cases of unilateral or bilateral enucleation; 91 cases were grade I, 260 cases were grade II, 94 cases were grade III, 49 cases were grade IV. The median follow-up time was 27 months until June 2010. Total survival rate was 95.13%. A total of 34 cases were lost to follow-up and 34 cases were abandoned.

Conclusions

Children developed retinoblastoma at a young age. Early diagnosis is difficult. Key factors of clinical treatment and long survival rate were diagnosis and treatment at the early stage with multidisciplinary methods.
Endothelial Cells and Central Corneal Thickness after Modified Sutureless Manual Small-incision Cataract Surgery
Authors: Goldenberg Dafna , Habot-Wilner Zohar , Glovinsky Yoseph , Barequet Irina S.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) is a viable method for cataract surgery around the world. We evaluated the impact of a modification of MSICS, in which an anterior chamber maintainer is used throughout the surgery with the addition of ocular viscoelastic device prior to nucleus removal (M-MSICS), on the corneal endothelium.

Methods

This prospective study comprised patients randomly assigned for cataract surgery who underwent M-MSICS. Patients underwent corneal endothelial counts by a noncontact specular microscopy in the center and at 12 and 6 o'clock position as well as central corneal pachymetry (CCT) preoperatively, and at 1 week and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Twenty-one eyes were included, 16 of which completed the entire follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference in endothelial cell loss at the center of the cornea at 1 week postoperatively (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference in endothelial cell measurements between preoperative and other postoperative timepoints at the center of the cornea. In addition, no significant difference was found in the 12 and 6 o'clock measurements at all timepoints. There was a mild but statistically significant increase in CCT at the center of the cornea at 1-week and 1-month postoperative measurements as compared to preoperative measurement (p≤0.05). By postoperative month 3, CCT had returned to baseline level.

Conclusions

Modified MSICS offers a viable enhancement of MSICS, with mild and transient impact on the corneal endothelial cell density and corneal pachymetry.
Multifocal IOL Implant with or without Capsular Tension Ring: Study of Wavefront Error and Visual Performance
Authors: Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Toto Lisa , Vecchiarino Luca , Falconio Gennaro , Di Nicola Marta , Mastropasqua Alessandra
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To evaluate visual performance and wavefront error after multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) implant with or without capsular tension ring (CTR).

Methods

Sixty eyes of 60 candidates for phacoemulsification and MIOL implantation were included in the study and were randomly divided into 2 groups. Thirty eyes (group 1) were implanted with the AcrySof ReSTOR® SN60D3 MIOL and Corneal® ACPI 11 CTR and 30 eyes (group 2) received the same MIOL with no CTR.

Results

Twenty days and at 360 days after surgery, the uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity at high and low contrast were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The root mean square (RMS) of ocular and internal wavefront error was significantly different in the 2 groups early after surgery and did not modify significantly over the 1-year follow-up period. The RMS of total and internal high-order aberrations and ocular and internal trefoil and coma aberrations were significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2 (p<0.05). Ocular, corneal, internal modulation transfer function at high and low spatial frequencies and ocular, corneal, internal Strehl ratio were not significantly different between the groups. The IOL decentration and tilt were higher in group 1 compared to group 2.

Conclusions

ReSTOR MIOL was effective in improving visual performance and provided a good quality of vision due to a significant reduction of high-order spherical aberration. The implant of CTR additionally reduced the ocular wavefront error related to a reduction of third-order aberration related to better IOL position.
Multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials in Unilateral Compressive Optic Neuropathy Secondary to Orbital Tumors
Authors: Xue Kang , Wang Min , Qian Jiang , Yuan Yifei , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of unilateral compressive optic neuropathy secondary to orbital tumors and the removal of the tumors on amplitude and latency of multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs) and to compare these responses with visual field defects seen on static automated perimetry.

Methods

Static automated and mfVEP recordings were obtained from 14 patients with orbital tumors affecting one optic nerve. Monocular and interocular amplitude and latency analyses were performed.

Results

The change in the mfVEP amplitude agreed with visual field findings with regard to topography and severity of deviation from normal in 10 patients. For 4 patients with normal visual field, the changes in the mfVEP were of significance. The delay in recordable responses from affected eyes ranged from 2.56 to 18.28 ms (interocular analysis) and 0.1 to 21.86 ms (monocular analysis). Ten patients whose tumor was totally removed showed a recovery of the visual field and mfVEP to various degrees. Visual field of 6 patients showed within normal limits after total removal of the tumor, and the defects of mfVEP in 3 patients remained apparent, while the mfVEP of the other 3 patients showed a complete recovery.

Conclusions

Various orbital tumors can cause compressive optic neuropathy. Compressive optic neuropathy secondary to orbital tumors results in mfVEP amplitude reduction and latency prolongation. The changes in measures of mfVEP due to orbital tumors are consistent with the visual field changes in most patients. In some patients, the subjective visual field results and objective mfVEP are discordant. The objective changes of mfVEP may appear earlier than the defect of visual field, and thus it may be able to identify subtle defects that are undetectable with Humphrey perimetry. Postoperatively, recovery of the mfVEP may be later than that of visual field in some patients. The mfVEP changes may assist in both early diagnosis and follow-up of the compressive optic neuropathy secondary to orbital tumors.
Discomfort Symptoms Reduction and Ocular Surface Parameters Recovery with Artelac Rebalance Treatment in Mild–moderate Dry Eye
Authors: Versura Piera , Profazio Vincenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Fresina Michela , Campos Emilio C.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To evaluate Artelac Rebalance® eyedrops’ efficacy in symptoms reduction, ocular surface parameters recovery, and tolerability in the treatment of mild to moderate dry eye.

Methods

Fifteen patients were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score >16, tear film break-up time (TFBUT) <10 seconds, Schirmer test I >10 mm/5 min, and mild ocular surface damage (Oxford grading) ≤3. Artelac Rebalance® eyedrops were administered 3 times daily for 2 months. Patients were evaluated at enrollment, after 2 days of washout (baseline), and after 1 and 2 months of treatment. Parameters for ocular discomfort (OSDI score), tear film quality (Schirmer test I, TFBUT, tear osmolarity), ocular surface damage (fluorescein staining, conjunctival imprint cytology), and inflammation (scraping cytology and exuded serum albumin) were measured. Tolerability and satisfaction were assessed by validated questionnaires.

Results

At endpoint versus baseline, all variables showed a statistically significant improvement (paired Student t test, p<0.01 for all parameters) as follows: OSDI score (21.9 ± 10.6 vs 35.8 ± 12.2), TFBUT (6.5 ± 1.1 s vs 5.2 ± 2.3 s), Oxford grading of corneal and conjunctival damage (0.56 ± 0.50 vs 1.16 ± 0.37), tear osmolarity (294.6 ± 2.1 mOsm/L vs 303.1 ± 4.6 mOsm/L), conjunctival goblet cell density/mm2 (140.8 ± 43.3 cells/mm2 vs 115.1 ± 15.8 cells/mm2), scraping cytology score (2.9 ± 1.0 vs 4.2 ± 1.3), and percentage of serum albumin in tears (9.2% ± 4.8% vs 24.1% ± 10.8%). Tolerability and satisfaction were scored high, with no adverse events reported.

Conclusions

Application of Artelac Rebalance® eyedrops for 2 months in mild to moderate dry eye resulted in a reduction of ocular inflammation parameters, ocular surface damage, and subjective discomfort symptoms, with a parallel improvement in tear film quality (measured by TFBUT and osmolarity).