bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Palladium-Supported Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas and their Use as Catalysts in the Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction
Authors: Corral Jorge , López María , Esquivel Dolores , Mora Manuel , Jiménez-Sanchidrián César , Romero-Salguero Francisco
Published: April 2013

Three periodic mesoporous materials, i.e., two organosilicas with either ethylene or phenylene bridges and one silica, have been used as supports for Pd nanoparticles. All Pd-supported samples (1.0 wt%) were prepared by the incipient wetness method and subsequently reduced in an H2 stream at 200 °C. Both hydrogen chemisorption and temperature programmed reduction experiments revealed significant differences depending on the support. Pd2+ species were more reducible on the mesoporous organosilicas than on their silica counterpart. Also, remarkable differences on the particle morphology were observed by transmission electron microscopy. All Pd-supported samples were active in the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction between bromobenzene and phenylboronic acid.
Antimalarial Activity of Axidjiferosides, New β-Galactosylceramides from the African Sponge Axinyssa djiferi
Authors: Farokhi Fereshteh , Grellier Philippe , Clément Monique , Roussakis Christos , Loiseau Philippe , Genin-Seward Emilie , Kornprobst Jean-Michel , Barnathan Gilles , Wielgosz-Collin Gaëtane
Published: April 2013

The marine sponge, Axinyssa djiferi, collected on mangrove tree roots in Senegal, was investigated for glycolipids. A mixture containing new glycosphingolipids, named axidjiferoside-A, -B and -C, accounted for 0.07% of sponge biomass (dry weight) and for 2.16% of total lipids. It showed a significant antimalarial activity, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.53 ± 0.2 μM against a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum. They were identified as homologous β-galactopyranosylceramides composed of 2-amino-(6E)-octadec-6-en-1,3,4-triol, and the major one, axidjiferoside-A (around 60%), contained 2-hydroxytetracosanoic acid. Cytotoxicity was studied in vitro on human cancer cell lines (multiple myeloma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma and two lung cancer NSCLC-N6 and A549). Results of this investigation showed that axidjiferosides are of interest, because they proved a good antiplasmodial activity, with only a low cytotoxicity against various human cell lines and no significant antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity. Thus, it seems that galactosylceramides with a β anomeric configuration may be suitable in searching for new antimalarial drugs.
Deuterium Isotope Effects on 13C-NMR Chemical Shifts of 10-Hydroxybenzo[h]quinolines
Authors: Hansen Poul , Kamounah Fadhil , Gryko Daniel
Published: April 2013

Deuterium isotope effects on 13C-NMR chemical shifts are investigated in a series of 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinolines (HBQ’s) The OH proton is deuteriated. The isotope effects on 13C chemical shifts in these hydrogen bonded systems are rather unusual. The formal four-bond effects are found to be negative, indicating transmission via the hydrogen bond. In addition unusual long-range effects are seen. Structures, NMR chemical shifts and changes in nuclear shieldings upon deuteriation are calculated using DFT methods. Two-bond deuterium isotope effects on 13C chemical shifts are correlated with calculated OH stretching frequencies. Isotope effects on chemical shifts are calculated for systems with OH exchanged by OD. Hydrogen bond potentials are discussed. New and more soluble nitro derivatives are synthesized.
Higher Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations Associate with a Faster Recovery of Skeletal Muscle Strength after Muscular Injury
Authors: Barker Tyler , Henriksen Vanessa , Martins Thomas , Hill Harry , Kjeldsberg Carl , Schneider Erik , Dixon Brian , Weaver Lindell
Published: April 2013

The primary purpose of this study was to identify if serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations predict muscular weakness after intense exercise. We hypothesized that pre-exercise serum 25(OH)D concentrations inversely predict exercise-induced muscular weakness. Fourteen recreationally active adults participated in this study. Each subject had one leg randomly assigned as a control. The other leg performed an intense exercise protocol. Single-leg peak isometric force and blood 25(OH)D, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, albumin, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin-4 were measured prior to and following intense exercise. Following exercise, serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased (p < 0.05) immediately, but within minutes, subsequently decreased (p < 0.05). Circulating albumin increases predicted (p < 0.005) serum 25(OH)D increases, while IFN-γ increases predicted (p < 0.001) serum 25(OH)D decreases. Muscular weakness persisted within the exercise leg (p < 0.05) and compared to the control leg (p < 0.05) after the exercise protocol. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations inversely predicted (p < 0.05) muscular weakness (i.e., control leg vs. exercise leg peak isometric force) immediately and days (i.e., 48-h and 72-h) after exercise, suggesting the attenuation of exercise-induced muscular weakness with increasing serum 25(OH)D prior to exercise. Based on these data, we conclude that pre-exercise serum 25(OH)D concentrations could influence the recovery of skeletal muscle strength after an acute bout of intense exercise.
Sustainable Development and Airport Surface Access: The Role of Technological Innovation and Behavioral Change
Authors: Ryley Tim , Elmirghani Jaafar , Budd Tom , Miyoshi Chikage , Mason Keith , Moxon Richard , Ahmed Imad , Qazi Bilal , Zanni Alberto
Published: April 2013

Sustainable development reflects an underlying tension to achieve economic growth whilst addressing environmental challenges, and this is particularly the case for the aviation sector. Although much of the aviation-related focus has fallen on reducing aircraft emissions, airports have also been under increasing pressure to support the vision of a low carbon energy future. One of the main sources of airport-related emissions is passenger journeys to and from airports (the surface access component of air travel), which is the focus of this paper. Two aspects associated with the relationship between sustainable development and airport surface access are considered. Firstly, there is an evaluation of three technological innovation options that will enable sustainable transport solutions for surface access journeys: telepresence systems to reduce drop-off/pick-up trips, techniques to improve public transport and options to encourage the sharing of rides. Secondly, the role of behavioral change for surface access journeys from a theoretical perspective, using empirical data from Manchester airport, is evaluated. Finally, the contribution of technology and behavioral intervention measures to improvements in sustainable development are discussed.
Challenges for Crop Production Research in Improving Land Use, Productivity and Sustainability
Authors: Spiertz Huub
Published: April 2013

The demand for food, feed, and feedstocks for bioenergy and biofactory plants will increase proportionally due to population growth, prosperity, and bioeconomic growth. Securing food supply and meeting demand for biomass will involve many biological and agro-ecological aspects such as genetic plant improvement, sustainable land use, water-saving irrigation, and integrated nutrient management as well as control of pests, diseases and weeds. It will be necessary to raise biomass production and economic yield per unit of land—not only under optimum growing conditions, but even more under conditions constrained by climate, water availability, and soil quality. Most of the advanced agronomic research by national and international research institutes is dedicated to the major food crops: maize, rice, wheat, and potato. However, research on crops grown as feedstock, for bio-energy and industrial use under conditions with biophysical constraints, is lagging behind. Global and regional assessments of the potential for growing crops are mostly based on model and explorative studies under optimum conditions, or with either water or nitrogen deficiencies. More investments in combined experimental and modeling research are needed to develop and evaluate new crops and cropping systems under a wide range of agro-ecological conditions. An integral assessment of the biophysical production capacity and the impact on resource use, biodiversity and socio-economic factors should be carried out before launching large-scale crop production systems in marginal environments.
Les besoins des personnes fragiles en matière de service bancaire
Authors: Gueneau Chantal
Published: April 2013

Low-income and needs of banking services

Each year Secours Catholique serves over 700.000 people. From the experience gained through the services offered, and help given to this population ; Secours Catholique, a caritative NGO, is able to propose a pertinent analisys of the needs of people in situations of great precariousness. A low income level of resources leads to difficulties in relation to services in the banking system : no acceptance of application for the opening of a bank account, for credit granting, lack of advice and consideration, and no proper offer for appropriate means, linked with the client’s difficulty.

JEL Classification : I30
Les modalités de l’exclusion bancaire et l’expérience française du service bancaire de base
Authors: Mader Reine-Claude
Published: April 2013

Alors que l'utilisation des services bancaires a été volontairement rendu indispensable pour la plupart des actes de la vie courante,l’exclusion bancaire ne cesse dans le même temps de se développer. L’instauration par la loi bancaire de 1984 d’un «droit au compte» a été une première réponse des pouvoirs publics à ce problème important, mais elle n’est pas suffisante. Une enquête récemment menée par la CLCV démontre en effet que, dans ces cas qui ne sont pas marginaux, une personne disposant de revenus modestes peut se voir ouvrir un compte de dépôts à vue mais ne disposer pendant plusieurs semaines, voire plusieurs mois, d’aucun instrument pour le faire fonctionner dans des conditions normales. L’article 137 de la loi contre les exclusions, s’il a acté la nécessité d’un service bancaire de base, reste trop restrictif puisqu’il réserve celui-ci aux personnes ayant eu recours à une procédure de droit au compte. Il existe aujourd’hui un réel besoin d’un service bancaire de base beaucoup plus large, accessible à tous ceux qui le souhaitent. Il est nécessaire pour les pouvoirs publics de répondre rapidement à cette attente, qui dépasse la problématique de l’exclusion en adressant plus largement la question de l’accès à la monnaie dans notre société.

Classification JEL : G21, G28, I30
L’exclusion bancaire et le traitement du surendettement
Authors: Cailloin Chantal
Published: April 2013

Banking exclusion and dealing with excessive indebtedness

Withdrawal of a cheque book feels like a much harsher sanction than the fact of no longer being able to obtain credit. The max of 29 july 1998 relating to the fight against exclusion certainly took this problem into account, but the provisions made were only aimed at people in a state of almost total insolvency, which is hardlylikely to encourage their banker to take the risk of entrusting then with a new cheque book. The basic bankingservice which it introduced can only be imposed for clients having asked the bank of France to designate a bank.

JEL Classification : G21, G28, I30
L’accès aux services bancaires des catégories les plus démunies de la population américaine
Authors: Yepes Cécile
Published: April 2013

Aux Etats-Unis, 10 millions de bénéficiaires de prestations sociales ne disposent pas de compte bancaire auprès d’une institution de dépôts traditionnelle. Ce groupe a recours aux banques commerciales pour obtenir le paiement de leurs prestations, mais beaucoup utilisent les check-cashing outlets, bureaux spécialisés dans le paiement de chèques, moyennant le prélèvement de commissions onéreuses. Ces établissements, dont le nombre excède aujourd’hui 6 000, présentent l’avantage d’accorder une mise à disposition immédiate des fonds. En la quasi-absence d’un concept de compte bancaire de base, les banques arguent de leur côté qu’elles offrent des comptes peu onéreux.

Classification JEL : G21, I30
La contribution de l’assurance emprunteur à la lutte contre l’exclusion bancaire et ses limites
Authors: Baudez Pierre
Published: April 2013

L’assurance emprunteur a éclipsé dans notre pays les autres moyens de protection des prêteurs contre le risque de non remboursement. Distribuée par les prêteurs eux-mêmes, comme un service accessoire au crédit, elle est d’abord une condition d’obtention du prêt, s’il est immobilier, mais aussi une protection pour l’emprunteur et les siens. Elle favorise ainsi l’accès au crédit et, parce qu’elle ajoute à la garantie en cas de décès des garanties facultatives contre les risques d’incapacité de travail et de perte d’emploi, elle évite parfois à un acquéreur malchanceux d’avoir à vendre son bien pour payer sa dette. Dans quelle mesure l’assurance emprunteur contribue-t-elle à réduire les risques d’exclusion du crédit ? L’assureur n’est-il pas luimême conduit à sélectionner les risques qu’on lui propose avant de les accepter ? Peut-il sélectionner sans exclure ? Quelle est la fréquence des refus en assurance emprunteur ? A la pratique, spécifiquement française, de l’assurance de groupe, qui permet aux clients d’un même prêteur d’obtenir les mêmes garanties au même tarif, sans distinction d’âge ni de sexe, pourvu qu’ils s’inscrivent en deçà d’une même limite d’âge et répondent aux mêmes critères de santé, faut-il opposer celle de la souscription individuelle par l’emprunteur d’un contrat sur mesure ?

Classification JEL : G22
A Rating Expert’s Point of View on Financial Marketplaces : Interview
Authors: Veverka François
Published: April 2013

In this interview, F. Veverka presents the factors that can influence an issuer in its choice of a financial centre ; The two most important factors are the depth of the market, and the quality of research. Fiscal aspects, for instance, don’t seem that important.

JEL Classification : G23
The Research in Market Finance
Authors: Davydoff Didier
Published: April 2013

Promoting research in finance contributes to making financial places attractive. Comparing French research in finance with the American and British ones shows that France has a research of quality, capable of mobilising sophisticated mathematical and statistical tools. But French research is dependent - as actually most of the world’s research - on dissemination and evaluation networks based in the United States. The selection process of American reviews and conferences, though it may be contested, gives American researchers the advantage of organising a true market for research productions and thus to facilitate their financing. But the influence of this market goes beyond American borders. French research, in addition, is affected by specific shortcomings : the excessive segmentation of its branches, the lack of financial incentives for researchers and of financial means for research laboratories. Paris, as a financial center, could contribute to solving these two shortcomings.

JEL Classification : A23
Le cadre d'analyse des réformes des systèmes de retraite
Authors: Vernière Laurent
Published: April 2013

Le cadre d'analyse des réformes des systèmes de retraite aborde les multiples aspects de l'argumentaire économique qui articule les réflexions sur le contenu des réformes des régimes publics de retraite. Il permet de montrer la complexité du processus de décision et les arbitrages successifs que sont amenés à rendre les gouvernements pour mener rapidement à leur terme les réformes entreprises. Quatre thèmes sont examinés : la relation entre les principales évolutions démographiques et le pilotage des régimes de retraite, les principaux débats économiques, en particulier la question de la « privatisation » des régimes publics de retraite, les fonctions des régimes de retraite en tant qu'institutions organisées pour partager et mutualiser les risques sur les revenus, les objectifs et les principes des réformes des systèmes de retraite.

Classification JEL : H55, J26
Neutralité actuarielle : un concept élégant mais délicat à mettre en œuvre
Authors: Guérin Isabelle , Legros Florence
Published: April 2013

Actuarial fairness, an elegant concept but tricky to be implemented

Actuarial fairness of PAYG pensions systems is often seen as a way to provide workers incentives to delay their retirement decision. If introducing it at the margin is a good idea, it cannot be substituted to a reform of the system, as thought must still be given about pivot age, as well as about financial equilibrium and replacement rates.

As for a pure actuarial scheme, it raises problems for redistribution and equity both within and between generations.

JEL classification : H55, J22, J26
Retraites, générations et catégories sociales : de l'équité comme contrainte à l'équité comme objectif
Authors: Fleurbaey Marc
Published: April 2013

À propos des retraites, l'équité est parfois définie sous la forme d'égalité de niveaux de vie entre actifs et retraités, ou entre générations successives, ou encore en termes de neutralité actuarielle des cotisations retraites et des pensions. Aucun de ces critères n'est convaincant, et l'on peut remplacer ces critères, utilisés habituellement comme des contraintes, par des objectifs souples qui incorporent des éléments d'équité. Ceci conduit à donner une certaine priorité aux plus défavorisés, lesquels sont repérés en fonction des préférences des individus face à leur situation socioéconomique (revenu, incertitude, activité, santé..,). Il apparaît alors important de garantir aux générations futures un niveau de vie au moins aussi élevé que celui des générations présentes, et de veiller aux catégories sociales les plus défavorisées dans la génération actuelle.

Classification JEL : D3, H55, J26
Panorama des fonds de réserves pour les retraites à l’étranger
Authors: Vernière Laurent
Published: April 2013

De nombreux pays (Irlande, Nouvelle-Zélande, Pays-Bas, Espagne, Portugal, Norvège) ont récemment créé des fonds de réserves pour les retraites, pour préfinancer une fraction des engagements de leurs régimes publics de retraite par répartition. D'autres pays (Suède, la Finlande, le Japon, Canada, États-Unis), ayant depuis longtemps accumulé des réserves, ont modifié les règles de gestion financière afin d'améliorer l'allocation des investissements et d'accroître le rendement financier. L'accumulation de réserves dans les régimes par répartition et l'optimisation de leur gestion financière sont devenues des éléments prépondérants dans le processus de réforme des systèmes de retraite. Le panorama de ces expériences montre une grande diversité des pratiques nationales quant aux objectifs assignés aux fonds de réserves, au montant et à la nature des ressources financières affectées aux fonds, aux modalités de la gestion financière.

Classification JEL : C23, H55, J26.
Eu égard à l’euro, par quels éléments positifs et négatifs les dernières années ont-elles été marquées ?
Authors: Lamfalussy Alexandre
Published: April 2013

From the viewpoint of the euro what has gone well, or what has not gone well in Europe during the past few years ?

To answer this question, the author explains a very sketchy historical and why the process leading up to EMU played a major part in steering the policies of prospective member governments and central banks in the right direction. He analyses how the pegging of the conversion rates and the changeover to the single currency was a success. At last, he deals with the interesting question about the stimulating influence of the euro on the development of the single market for goods, services and capital and explains his concern about the « economic » part of the EMU.

JEL classification : E42, F3, F36
Le futur rôle de l’euro sur la scène internationale
Authors: Alphandéry Edmond
Published: April 2013

The future role of the euro in the international arena

If the euro has boosted European financial markets by reducing barriers to cross-border transactions, thus encouraging the emergence of a pan-European money market and a corporate bond market there can be no doubt that for assets denominated in euros, we are still a long way from the sort of liquid, efficient and active international markets that exist for the dollar. On the foreign exchange markets, the emergence of the euro has not really changed the relative position of the former European currencies vis-à-vis the dollar and the yen. And the shares in official reserves of Central Banks have also remained fairly stable What of the future ? Three major issues arise :

- do Europeans want the euro to become an international currency ?

- Is the euro capable of establishing itself in such a position ?

- If the euro did win international status for itself, would that help to improve the stability of the international monetary system ?

JEL classification : E42, F3, F36
Une monnaie saine et des marchés développés : l’Europe après l’euro
Authors: Borges Antonio , Giavazzi Francesco
Published: April 2013

Contrairement aux attentes initiales, l'euro n'a pas fait la preuve d'une grande vigueur en tant que devise soutenue par une politique orientée vers la stabilité et une Banque centrale indépendante. Bien que le fléchissement initial de l'euro par rapport au dollar ait été stoppé et que la monnaie européenne semble désormais être plus stable, la plupart des analystes considèrent qu'elle est sensiblement sous-valorisée. On a dit et écrit pas mal de choses sur la valeur de l'euro, y compris bon nombre d'accusations - souvent contradictoires - portant sur la politique économique décevante, le manque de dynamisme de l'Europe et l'incapacité de la BCE d'agir de manière décisive sur l'ambiguïté des attitudes de la politique monétaire. Cet article tente de mettre en évidence les divers éléments qui font que les marchés financiers européen et américain sont clairement

à des niveaux différents de développement et de sophistication.

Classification JEL : E42, F3, F36, Gl.
Le Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award : des « gourous » aux « missionnaires » de la qualité
Authors: Bruno Isabelle
Published: April 2013

Résumé Cet article se propose de mettre en lumière les protagonistes, discours et instruments qui ont façonné la « qualité » comme une valeur sociale objectivable dans des quantités, donc gérable. Après avoir livré quelques repères sur la formation d'un savoir managérial et d'outils statistiques dédiés, il s'attarde sur un moment particulier : celui du lancement aux États-Unis d'un programme fédéral visant à promouvoir les pratiques d'organisation d'une « qualité totale » par la remise d'un prix, le Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. En prenant le cas du lauréat Xerox, et plus particulièrement en s'attachant au rôle d'entrepreneur de la qualité joué par son PDG, devenu secrétaire adjoint à l'Éducation du président Bush Sr., il éclaire en quoi cette initiative conjointe des capitaines d'industrie et des dirigeants politiques illustre les efforts accomplis pour construire un modèle de management universalisable et le légitimer comme une technologie de gouvernement utile dans l'entreprise comme dans l'État.
Entreprendre et dominer
Authors: Thine Sylvain , Lagneau-Ymonet Paul , Denord François , Caveng Rémy
Published: April 2013

Résumé Le conseil concentre les caractéristiques que l'on prête communément au capitalisme contemporain : « entrepreneurial », « cognitif », « à l'anglo-saxonne » ; « mondialisé » ; il fait de l'investissement dans le travail, les compétences et l'autonomie, l'organisation par projet et la célébration du changement ses valeurs cardinales. Derrière le vocable, relativement labile, de consultant, se cache en fait une pluralité de situations : conseil en gestion, en systèmes d'information, en recrutement, en relations publiques, etc. En combinant approche statistique et enquête ethnographique, cet article se propose d'interroger ce qu'il y a de commun entre ces divers métiers, qui tous supposent l'instauration d'une relation paradoxale de domination entre le prestataire et le client. À contre-courant du discours méritocratique, très prégnant dans l'univers du conseil, il montre que la capacité de persuasion des consultants repose avant tout sur des propriétés héritées par proximité avec le monde des affaires et consacrées par les succès scolaires.
Newly Documented Host Fishes for the Eastern Elliptio Mussel Elliptio complanata
Authors: Lellis William A. , White Barbara St. John , Cole Jeffrey C. , Johnson Connie S. , Devers Julie L. , Gray Ellen van Snik , Galbraith Heather S.
Published: April 2013

The eastern elliptio Elliptio complanata is a common, abundant, and ecologically important freshwater mussel that occurs throughout the Atlantic Slope drainage in the United States and Canada. Previous research has shown E. complanata glochidia to be host fish generalists, parasitizing yellow perch Perca flavescens, banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus, banded sculpin Cottus carolinae, and seven centrarchid species. Past laboratory studies have been conducted in the Midwest; however, glochidia used in these studies were obtained from adult mussels in the Great Lakes or St. Lawrence River basins, or glochidia sources were not reported. The objective of this study was to identify host fishes for E. complanata from streams in the Mid-Atlantic region. We used artificial laboratory infections to test host suitability of 38 fish and 2 amphibian species with E. complanata glochidia from the Chesapeake Bay drainage. Glochidia successfully metamorphosed into juvenile mussels on five fish species: American eel Anguilla rostrata, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, mottled sculpin Cottus bairdii, and slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus. American eel was the most effective host, yielding the highest overall metamorphosis success (percentage of attached glochidia that transformed into juvenile mussels; ≥0.90) and producing 13.2 juveniles per fish overall. No juvenile E. complanata metamorphosed on other fish or amphibian species tested, including many previously identified host fishes that appear in the literature. Reasons for discrepancies in published host fish could include geographic variation in host use across the species' range, differences in host use between lentic and lotic populations, or poorly resolved taxonomy within the genus Elliptio.
Thyroid Hormones and Cortisol Concentrations in Offspring are Influenced by Maternal Supranutritional Selenium and Nutritional Plane in Sheep
Authors: Vonnahme Kimberly A. , Neville Tammi L. , Lekatz Leslie A. , Reynolds Lawrence P. , Hammer Carolyn J. , Redmer Dale A. , Caton Joel S.
Published: April 2013

To determine the effects of maternal supranutritional selenium (Se) supplementation and maternal nutritional plane on offspring growth potential, ewes were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement [dietary Se (adequate Se; 9.5 μg/kg body weight vs. high Se; 81.8 μg/kg body weight initiated at breeding) and plane of nutrition [60%, 100%, or 140% of requirements; initiated on day 50 of gestation]]. Lambs were immediately removed from dams at birth and reared. Cortisol concentrations at birth were similar, but by 24 h, a relationship ( P = 0.02) between maternal Se supplementation and nutritional plane on cortisol concentrations was observed in lambs. A sex of offspring × day of age interaction ( P = 0.01) and a maternal Se supplementation × nutritional plane × day of age interaction ( P = 0.04) was observed for thyroxine concentrations. Differences in growth may be influenced by thyroid hormone production early in neonatal life.
Frequency of deep convective clouds in the tropical zone from ten years of AIRS data
Authors: Aumann H. H. , Ruzmaikin A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Deep Convective Clouds (DCC) have been widely studied because of their association with heavy precipitation and severe weather events. To identify DCC with Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) data we use three types of thresholds: (1) thresholds based on the absolute value of an atmospheric window channel brightness temperature; (2) thresholds based on the difference between the brightness temperature in an atmospheric window channel and the brightness temperature centered on a strong water vapor absorption line; and (3) a threshold using the difference between the window channel brightness temperature and the tropopause temperature based on climatology. We find that DCC identified with threshold (2) (referred to as DCCw4) cover 0.16% of the area of the tropical zone and 72% of them are identified as deep convective, 39% are overshooting based on simultaneous observations with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-HSB (AMSU-HSB) 183 GHz water vapor channels. In the past ten years the frequency of occurrence of DCC decreased for the tropical ocean, while it increased for tropical land. The land increase-ocean decrease closely balance, such that the DCC frequency changed at an insignificant rate for the entire tropical zone. This pattern of essentially zero trend for the tropical zone, but opposite land/ocean trends, is consistent with measurements of global precipitation. The changes in frequency of occurrence of the DCC are correlated with the Niño34 index, which defines the SST anomaly in the East-Central Pacific. This is also consistent with patterns seen in global precipitation. This suggests that the observed changes in the frequency are part of a decadal variability characterized by shifts in the main tropical circulation patterns, which does not fully balance in the ten year AIRS data record. The regional correlations and anti-correlations of the DCC frequency anomaly with the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) provides a new perspective for the regional analysis of past events, since the SST anomaly in the Nino34 region is available in the form of the extended MEI since 1871. Depending on the selected threshold, the frequency of DCC in the tropical zone ranges from 0.06% to 0.8% of the area. We find that the least frequent, more extreme DCC also show the largest trend in frequency, increasing over land, decreasing over ocean. This finding fits into the framework of how weather extremes respond to climate change.
The mechanism of mid-latitude Pi2 waves in the upper ionosphere as revealed by combined Doppler and magnetometer observations
Authors: Pilipenko V. A. , Fedorov E. N. , Teramoto M. , Yumoto K.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The interpretation of simultaneous ionospheric Doppler sounding and ground magnetometer observations of low-latitude Pi2 waves is revised. We compare the theoretical estimates of the ionospheric Doppler velocity for the same amplitude of the ground magnetic disturbances produced by a large-scale compressional mode and an Alfvén mode. The plasma vertical displacement caused by the wave electric field is shown to be the dominating effect. Taking into account the correction of the previous paper, the observations of low-latitude Pi2 in the F layer ionosphere by Doppler sounding and SuperDARN (Super Dual Auroral Radar Network) radars give consistent results. We suggest that the Doppler response to Pi2 waves is produced by the Alfvén wave component, but not the fast-mode component, whereas the ground magnetic signal is composed from both Alfvén and fast magnetosonic modes.
Chemosymbiotic species from the Gulf of Cadiz (NE Atlantic): distribution, life styles and nutritional patterns
Authors: Rodrigues C. F. , Hilário A. , Cunha M. R.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Previous work in the mud volcanoes from the Gulf of Cadiz (South Iberian Margin) revealed a high number of chemosymbiotic species, namely bivalves and siboglinid polychaetes. In this study we give an overview of the distribution and life styles of these species in the Gulf of Cadiz, determine the role of autotrophic symbionts in the nutrition of selected species using stable isotope analyses (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S) and investigate the intra-specific variation of isotope signatures within and between study sites. During our studies, we identified twenty siboglinidae and nine bivalve chemosymbiotic species living in fifteen mud volcanoes. Solemyid bivalves and tubeworms of the genus Siboglinum are widespread in the study area, whereas other species were found in a single mud volcano (e.g. "Bathymodiolus" mauritanicus) or restricted to deeper mud volcanoes (e.g. Polybrachia sp., Lamelisabella denticulata). Species distribution suggests that different species may adjust their position within the sediment according to their particular needs, and to the intensity and variability of the chemical substrata supply. Tissue stable isotope signatures for selected species are in accordance with values found in other studies, with thiotrophy as the dominant nutritional pathway, and with methanotrophy and mixotrophy emerging as secondary strategies. The heterogeneity in terms of nutrient sources (expressed in the high variance of nitrogen and sulphur values) and the ability to exploit different resources by the different species may explain the high diversity of chemosymbiotic species found in the Gulf of Cadiz. This study increases the knowledge on distributional patterns and resource partitioning of chemosymbiotic species and highlights how trophic fuelling varies on spatial scales with direct implications to seep assemblages and potentially to the biodiversity of continental margin.
Modelling changes in nitrogen cycling to sustain increases in forest productivity under elevated atmospheric CO2 and contrasting site conditions
Authors: Grant R. F.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. If increases in net primary productivity (NPP) caused by rising concentrations of atmospheric CO2 (Ca) are to be sustained, key N processes such as soil mineralization, biological fixation, root uptake and plant translocation must be hastened. Simulating the response of these processes to elevated Ca is therefore vital for models used to project the effects of rising Ca on NPP. In this modelling study, hypotheses are proposed for changes in soil mineralization, biological fixation, root uptake and plant translocation with changes in Ca. Algorithms developed from these hypotheses were tested in the ecosystem model ecosys against changes in N and C cycling measured over several years under ambient vs. elevatedCa in Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments at the Duke Forest in North Carolina, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory forest in Tennessee, and the USDA research forest in Wisconsin, USA. Simulating more rapid soil N mineralization was found to be vital for modelling sustained increases in NPP measured under elevated vs. ambient Ca at all three FACE sites. This simulation was accomplished by priming decomposition of N-rich humus from increases in microbial biomass generated by increased litterfall modelled under elevated Ca. Simulating more rapid nonsymbiotic N2 fixation, root N uptake and plant N translocation under elevated Ca was found to make much smaller contributions to modelled increases in NPP, although such contributions might be greater over longer periods and under more N-limited conditions than those simulated here. Greater increases in NPP with Ca were also modelled with increased temperature and water stress, and with coniferous vs. deciduous plant functional types. These increases were also associated with changes in N cycling.
Calcification response to climate change in the Pliocene?
Authors: Davis C. V. , Badger M. P. S. , Bown P. R. , Schmidt D. N.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. As a result of anthropogenic pCO2 increases future oceans are growing warmer and lower in pH and oxygen, conditions that are likely to impact planktic communities. Past intervals of elevated and changing pCO2 and temperatures can offer a glimpse into the response of marine calcifying plankton to changes in surface oceans under conditions similar to those projected for the future. Here we present new records of planktic foraminiferal and coccolith calcification from Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 607 (mid North Atlantic) and Ocean Drilling Program Site 999 (Caribbean Sea) from the Pliocene, the last time that pCO2 was similar to today, and extending through a global cooling event into the Intensification of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation (3.3 to 2.6 million years ago). Test weights of both surface-dwelling foraminifera Globigerina bulloides and thermocline-dwelling foraminifera Globorotalia puncticulata vary, with a potential link to regional temperature variation in the North Atlantic, whereas in the tropics Globigerinoides ruber test weight remains stable. In contrast, reticulofenestrid coccoliths show a narrowing size range and a decline in the largest lith diameters over this interval. Our results suggest no major changes in plankton calcification during the high pCO2 Pliocene or during the transition into an icehouse world.
Resilience and disaster risk reduction: an etymological journey
Authors: Alexander D. E.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This paper examines the development over historical time of the meaning and uses of the term resilience. The objective is to deepen our understanding of how the term came to be adopted in disaster risk reduction and resolve some of the conflicts and controversies that have arisen when it has been used. The paper traces the development of resilience through the sciences, humanities, and legal and political spheres. It considers how mechanics passed the word to ecology and psychology, and how from there it was adopted by social research and sustainability science. As other authors have noted, as a concept, resilience involves some potentially serious conflicts or contradictions, for example between stability and dynamism, or between dynamic equilibrium (homeostasis) and evolution. Moreover, although the resilience concept works quite well within the confines of General Systems Theory, in situations in which a systems formulation inhibits rather than fosters explanation, a different interpretation of the term is warranted. This may be the case for disaster risk reduction, which involves transformation rather than preservation of the ''state of the system''. The article concludes that the modern conception of resilience derives benefit from a rich history of meanings and applications, but that it is dangerous – or at least potentially disappointing – to read to much into the term as a model and a paradigm. Sagitta in lapidem numquam figitur, interdum resiliens percutit dirigentem. ("An arrow never lodges in a stone: often it recoils upon its sender.") St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407), Archbishop of Constantinople.
Primary Stability of a PGLA/Polydioxanone Membrane for Potential Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Hip Joint. a Cadaveric Study
Authors: Fontana Andrea , Bistolfi Alessandro , Crova Maurizio , Massazza Giuseppe
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this cadaveric study was to evaluate the primary stability of a membrane (resorbable polyglactin-910/poly-p-dioxanone) for autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) inserted by press-fit into defects in the femoral head and acetabulum. The stability of the membrane was evaluated after implantation in a cartilage defect on both sides of the joint in 12 hips in six cadavers. The hip was manually put through a full range of motion for 50 cycles after each lesion had been created and filled, starting with the acetabulum.

The implanted membranes showed stability in 83.3% of the acetabular defects and in 33.3% of the femoral defects after the 50 cycles. After an additional 50 cycles the acetabular membrane showed stability in a total of eight (67%) out of 12 acetabular lesions.

The results indicate that this membrane tissue is potentially stable in cartilage defects of the acetabulum, which may have clinical applications in autologous chondrocyte implantation.
Why do they Keep Going Back? Exploring Women's Discursive Experiences of Intimate Partner Abuse
Authors: Hayes Sharon , Jeffries Samantha
Published: April 2013

Abstract: This paper explores how different discourses of intimate partner abuse (IPA) may impact women's decisions to stay or leave their partners. More specifically, we ask: 1) what narratives are available to and used by heterosexual and non-heterosexual female survivors of IPA to make sense of their experiences? 2) How might these narratives impact women's ability, or lack thereof, to disengage from their abusive partners? Prior literature suggests that there are four possible discourses on which women may draw including psychological (victim and offender), gendered political, and the narrative of romantic love. Analysis of discussion forums from online social networking sites revealed that while each of these discourses are utilised by women, scripts of romantic love may provide the strongest motivation for accepting and maintaining an abusive relationship. In contrast, understanding the psychological motivations of their abusers may empower female survivors to extricate themselves from the violence.
Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl chloride)/polystyrene/poly(ethylene glycol) hollow‐fiber ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Alsalhy Qusay , Merza Amil , Rashid Khalid , Adam Arman , Figoli Alberto , Simone Silvia , Drioli Enrico
Published: April 2013

Hollow‐fiber ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were prepared from blends of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) with a dry/wet phase inversion method. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and N,N‐dimethylacetamide were used as the additive and solvent, respectively. The effects of the PEG concentration in the dope solution as an additive on the cross sections and inner and outer surface morphologies, permeability, and separation performance of the hollow fibers were examined. The mean pore size, pore size distribution, and mean roughness of both the inner and outer surfaces of the produced hollow fibers were determined by atomic force microscopy. Also, the mechanical properties of the hollow‐fiber membranes were investigated. UF experiments were conducted with aqueous solutions of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP; K‐90, Mw = 360 kDa). From the results, we found that the PVC/PS hollow‐fiber membranes had two layers with a fingerlike structure. These two layers were changed from a wide and long to a thin and short morphology with increasing PEG concentration. A novel and until now undescribed shape of the nodules in the outer surfaces, which was denoted as a sea‐waves shape, was observed. The outer and inner pore sizes both increased with increasing PEG concentration. The water permeation flux of the hollow fibers increased from 104 to 367 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) at higher PEG concentrations. The PVP rejection reached the highest value at a PEG concentration of 4 wt %, whereas at higher values (from 4 to 9 wt %), the rejection decreased. The same trend was found also for the tensile stress at break, Young's modulus, and elongation at break of the hollow fibers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 989‐1004, 2013
Synthesis and characterization of fibrous nanosilica/polydimethylsiloxane composites
Authors: Roy Nabarun , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: April 2013

This article reports the synthesis of silica nanofiber/polydimethylsiloxane composites. Hollow silica nanofibers were synthesized through soft‐template mediated synthesis using nitric acid catalyst and extensively characterized. Amorphous nanofibers were obtained by this method with mean diameter of 80 nm and length extending over several micrometers. Nanofibers were also prepared by varying the surfactant concentration and its effect on aspect ratio was investigated. Incorporation of these nanofibers into PDMS matrix was accomplished through in situ and ex situ preparative techniques. The composites prepared exhibited a significant enhancement of various properties. In situ prepared composites yielded maximum improvement in properties with 120% improvement in tensile strength, 175% improvement in room temperature storage modulus and 190°C increase in temperature of maximum degradation (Tmax) even at low filler loading. Extent of nanofiller dispersion solely determined the property improvement of the composites. Nanofiller aspect ratio was also found to play an important role on the property improvement of the composites. Composite formation and hence property improvement were explained in depth in the light of free energy change and interaction parameter of the components of the hybrid material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1005‐1019, 2013
Effect of triphenyl phosphate flame retardant on properties of arylamine‐based polybenzoxazines
Authors: Rimdusit Sarawut , Thamprasom Nuttiwan , Suppakarn Nitinat , Jubsilp Chanchira , Takeichi Tsutomu , Tiptipakorn Sunan
Published: April 2013

Three types of arylamine‐based benzoxazine resins modified with both condensed‐phase and gas‐phase action flame retardant, i.e. triphenyl phosphate (TPP) at various weight ratios were investigated. From rheological study, it was found that the viscosity of benzoxazines/TPP mixtures were significantly lower than that of the neat benzoxazine monomers suggesting flow property enhancement. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that the onset and the maximum temperatures of the exothermic peak, due to the ring opening polymerization of benzoxazine resins, shifted to lower temperatures with increasing TPP. In addition, all polybenzoxazines possessed relatively high char yield, which increased as the TPP content increased thus enhancing their flame retardancy. The limiting oxygen index values of the flame retarded polybenzoxazines also increased with TPP addition. The maximum flame retardancy of UL94 V‐0 class was obtained with an addition of only few percents of TPP in the polybenzoxazines. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and glass transition temperature of those polybenzoxazines tended to decrease with an addition of TPP mainly due to its plasticizing effect. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1074‐1083, 2013
Controllable preparation, rheology, and plugging property of micron‐grade polyacrylamide microspheres as a novel profile control and flooding agent
Authors: Yao Chuanjin , Lei Guanglun , Gao Xuemei , Li Lei
Published: April 2013

A series of micron‐grade polyacrylamide microspheres were prepared by inverse suspension polymerization of acrylamide (AM) and N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) in oil phase, with Span80 and Tween80 as dispersion stabilizers, and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The conversion rate and coagulum rate were introduced to optimize the inverse suspension polymerization conditions of micron‐grade polyacrylamide microspheres. The swelling property of polyacrylamide microspheres in aqueous solution and the rheology of polyacrylamide microspheres suspension were characterized. The matching factor was introduced to characterize the matching relationship between the particle size of polyacrylamide microspheres and pore‐throat size of reservoirs. The optimized synthesis results show that the conversion rate is high, and the coagulum rate is low when the mass ratio of Span80 to Tween80 is 3 : 1. The particle size of the polyacrylamide microspheres is controlled by varying the concentration of dispersion stabilizer. The polyacrylamide microspheres show an obvious swelling property, which depends on the concentration of NaCl and temperature. The polyacrylamide microspheres suspension shows different rheological properties at different temperature and shear rate. When the temperature is low, it behaves as pseudoplastic fluid, dilatant fluid and quasi‐newtonian fluid in turn with the increase of shear rate. When the temperature is high, it behaves as dilatant fluid and quasi‐newtonian fluid in turn with the increase of shear rate. The micron‐grade polyacrylamide microspheres prefer to plug sand pack with optimal matching factor. When the matching factor is 1.35–1.55, the polyacrylamide microspheres can be transported into the deep area of sand pack, and the ultimate plugging rate is more than 85%, which indicates that the matching factor is an effective parameter to evaluate the matching relationship between polyacrylamide microspheres and reservoirs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1124‐1130, 2013