bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of Knee Joint Vibration Signals Using Bivariate Feature Distribution Estimation and Maximal Posterior Probability Decision Criterion
Authors: Wu Yunfeng , Cai Suxian , Yang Shanshan , Zheng Fang , Xiang Ning
Published: April 2013

Analysis of knee joint vibration or vibroarthrographic (VAG) signals using signal processing and machine learning algorithms possesses high potential for the noninvasive detection of articular cartilage degeneration, which may reduce unnecessary exploratory surgery. Feature representation of knee joint VAG signals helps characterize the pathological condition of degenerative articular cartilages in the knee. This paper used the kernel-based probability density estimation method to model the distributions of the VAG signals recorded from healthy subjects and patients with knee joint disorders. The estimated densities of the VAG signals showed explicit distributions of the normal and abnormal signal groups, along with the corresponding contours in the bivariate feature space. The signal classifications were performed by using the Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis, support vector machine with polynomial kernels, and the maximal posterior probability decision criterion. The maximal posterior probability decision criterion was able to provide the total classification accuracy of 86.67% and the area (Az) of 0.9096 under the receiver operating characteristics curve, which were superior to the results obtained by either the Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis (accuracy: 81.33%, Az: 0.8564) or the support vector machine with polynomial kernels (accuracy: 81.33%, Az: 0.8533). Such results demonstrated the merits of the bivariate feature distribution estimation and the superiority of the maximal posterior probability decision criterion for analysis of knee joint VAG signals.
General Formula for the Efficiency of Quantum-Mechanical Analog of the Carnot Engine
Authors: Abe Sumiyoshi
Published: April 2013

An analog of the Carnot engine reversibly operating within the framework of pure-state quantum mechanics is discussed. A general formula is derived for the efficiency of such an engine with an arbitrary confining potential. Its expression is given in terms of an energy spectrum and shows how the efficiency depends on a potential as the analog of a working material in thermodynamics, in general. This non-universal nature results from the fact that there exists no analog of the second law of thermodynamics in pure-state quantum mechanics where the von Neumann entropy identically vanishes. A special class of spectra, which leads to a common form of the efficiency, is identified.
Effects of Narrow Band UVB (311 nm) Irradiation on Epidermal Cells
Authors: Reich Adam , Mędrek Karolina
Published: April 2013

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is known to be one of the most important environmental hazards acting on the skin. It was revealed that chronic exposure to UVR accelerates skin aging, induces immunosuppression and may lead to the development of skin cancers. On the other hand, UVR has been shown to be effective in the treatment of numerous skin diseases and thus, various phototherapy modalities have been developed to date. Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) emitting a light with a peak around 311 nm has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of various skin disorders; currently it is one of the most commonly used phototherapy devices. Despite NB-UVB has been developed more than 30 years ago, the exact mechanism of its therapeutic action remains poorly understood. To date, most of NB-UVB effects were attributed to its influence on immune cells; however, nearly 90% of NB-UVB irradiation is absorbed by epidermis and keratinocytes seem to be important players in mediating NB-UVB biological activity. Here, we have reviewed the current data about the influence of NB-UVB on epidermal cells, with a special emphasis on cell proliferation and death.
Marine Nutraceuticals: Prospects and Perspectives. By Se-Kwon Kim, CRC Press, 2013; 464 Pages. Price £108.00, ISBN 978-1-4665-1351-8
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: April 2013

The following paragraphs are reproduced from the publisher’s website [1]. There is a great deal of consumer interest in natural bioactive substances due to their health benefits. Offering the potential to provide valuable nutraceuticals and functional food ingredients, marine-derived compounds are an abundant source of nutritionally and pharmacologically active agents, with both chemical diversity and complexity. Functional ingredients derived from marine algae, invertebrates, vertebrates, and microorganisms can help fill the need for novel bioactives to treat chronic conditions such as cancer, microbial infections, and inflammatory processes.
Fabrication of a Polymer High-Aspect-Ratio Pillar Array Using UV Imprinting
Authors: Shinohara Hidetoshi , Goto Hiroshi , Kasahara Takashi , Mizuno Jun
Published: April 2013

This paper presents UV imprinting methods for fabricating a high-aspect-ratio pillar array. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold was selected as the UV imprinting mold. The pillar pattern was formed on a 50 × 50 mm2 area on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film without remarkable deformation. The aspect ratios of the pillar and space were about four and ten, respectively. The mold was placed into contact with a UV-curable resin under a reduced pressure, and the resin was cured by UV light irradiation after exposure to atmospheric pressure. The PDMS mold showed good mold releasability and high flexibility. By moderately pressing the mold before UV-curing, the thickness of the residual layer of the imprinted resin was reduced and the pattern was precisely imprinted. Both batch pressing and roll pressing are available.
The Use of Bio-Guided Fractionation to Explore the Use of Leftover Biomass in Dutch Flower Bulb Production as Allelochemicals against Weeds
Authors: Wahyuni Dinar , Van der Kooy Frank , Klinkhamer Peter , Verpoorte Rob , Leiss Kirsten
Published: April 2013

A major problem in flower bulb cultivation is weed control. Synthetic herbicides are mainly used, although they cause a range of problems, and integrated weed control through application of naturally occurring allelochemicals would be highly desirable. Flower bulb production creates large amounts of leftover biomass. Utilizing this source for weed control may provide new applications of the bulb crops. We therefore screened 33 flower bulb extracts for allelochemical activity against weeds. Several methanol and chloroform extracts were observed to inhibit germination and growth of Senecio vulgaris L. and Lolium perenne L., as representatives of di- and mono-cotyledonous weeds, respectively. Narciclasine was identified as the bioactive compound in Narcissus. The extract of Amaryllis belladonna L. was equally active, but did not contain any narciclasine. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the A. belladonna extract resulted in the identification of lycorine as the bio-active compound. The IC50 measured for radicle growth inhibition was 0.10 µM for narciclasine and 0.93 µM for lycorine, compared to 0.11 mM of chlorpropham, a synthetic herbicide. Therefore, the leftover biomass from the spring bulb industry represents an interesting potential source for promising allelochemicals for further studies on weed growth inhibition.
Effects of Three-Month Intake of Synbiotic on Inflammation and Body Composition in the Elderly: A Pilot Study
Authors: Neto João , De Melo Camila , Ribeiro Sandra
Published: April 2013

We hypothesize that improvements in the gut microbiota are capable of ameliorating gut permeability and, consequently, reducing systemic inflammation and the risk of frailty. This study aims to evaluate some effects of synbiotic supplementation on inflammatory markers and the body composition of the elderly at risk of frailty. In a double-blind study that lasted three months, 17 elderly individuals fulfilling one frailty criteria (grip strength) were randomly distributed into two groups: SYN (n = 9), daily intake of synbiotic (6 g Frutooligossacarides, 108 to 109 CFU Lactobacillus paracasei, 108 to 109 CFU Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 108 to 109 CFU Lactobacillus acidophilus and 108 to 109 CFU Bifidobacterium lactis), or placebo (maltodextrin; PLA; n = 8). Subjects were analyzed for anthropometric measurements, bioelectric impedance with vectorial analysis (BIVA), IL-6 and TNF-α. A comparison between groups did not show any difference for the variables investigated. In turn, individual analysis of electrical impedance (BIVA) demonstrated that the majority of SYN individuals maintained or improved their tissue hydration, when compared to the PLA group after supplementation. In conclusion, three months of synbiotic supplementation did not promote any significant changes in inflammatory cytokines or body composition, but demonstrated a trend towards a preservation of hydration status in apparently healthy elderly individuals.
Functionality of Fatty Acid Chemoreception: A Potential Factor in the Development of Obesity?
Authors: Newman Lisa , Haryono Rivkeh , Keast Russell
Published: April 2013

Excess dietary fat consumption is recognized as a strong contributing factor in the development of overweight and obesity. Understanding why some individuals are better than others at regulating fat intake will become increasingly important and emerging associative evidence implicates attenuated fatty acid sensing in both the oral cavity and gastrointestinal (GI) tract in the development of obesity. Functional implications of impaired fatty acid chemoreception include diminished activation of the gustatory system, the cephalic response and satiety. This review will focus on knowledge from animal and human studies supporting the existence of oral fatty acid chemoreception including putative oral detection mechanisms, and how sensitivity to fatty acids is associated with fat consumption and fatty food preference.
Biologics in Dermatology
Authors: Chandler David , Bewley Anthony
Published: April 2013

Skin and subcutaneous diseases affect millions of people worldwide, causing significant morbidity. Biologics are becoming increasingly useful for the treatment of many skin diseases, particularly as alternatives for patients who have failed to tolerate or respond to conventional systemic therapies. Biological therapies provide a targeted approach to treatment through interaction with specific components of the underlying immune and inflammatory disease processes. This review article examines the increasing evidence base for biologics in dermatology, including well-established treatments and novel agents.
Design, Synthesis and in Vitro Degradation of a Novel Co-Drug for the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Lau Wing , Heard Charles , White Alex
Published: April 2013

Psoriasis is a common, chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease. It affects approximately 2% of the western population and has no cure. Combination therapy for psoriasis often proves more efficacious and better tolerated than monotherapy with a single drug. Combination therapy could be administered in the form of a co-drug, where two or more therapeutic compounds active against the same condition are linked by a cleavable covalent bond. Similar to the pro-drug approach, the liberation of parent moieties post-administration, by enzymatic and/or chemical mechanisms, is a pre-requisite for effective treatment. In this study, a series of co-drugs incorporating dithranol in combination with one of several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, both useful for the treatment of psoriasis, were designed, synthesized and evaluated. An ester co-drug comprising dithranol and naproxen in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio was determined to possess the optimal physicochemical properties for topical delivery. The co-drug was fully hydrolyzed in vitro by porcine liver esterase within four hours. When incubated with homogenized porcine skin, 9.5% of the parent compounds were liberated after 24 h, suggesting in situ esterase-mediated cleavage of the co-drug would occur within the skin. The kinetics of the reaction revealed first order kinetics, Vmax = 10.3 μM·min−1 and Km = 65.1 μM. The co-drug contains a modified dithranol chromophore that was just 37% of the absorbance of dithranol at 375 nm and suggests reduced skin/clothes staining. Overall, these findings suggest that the dithranol-naproxen co-drug offers an attractive, novel approach for the treatment of psoriasis.
L’exclusion, un paradoxe de la finance
Authors: Servet Jean-Michel
Published: April 2013

Une étymologie contestée du mot « finance », comme étant ce qui met « fin » grâce à l’acte de paiement, nourrit l’idée que la finance est un moyen de séparation. De là à penser qu’elle peut être « excluante » par nature, il n’y a qu’un pas qu’abondent les développements contemporains de la « financiarisation » de la société. Or, anthropologiquement et historiquement, les relations financières sont des liens - au sens d’un attachement - entre membres d’une communauté.

Classification JEL : B30
Très petites entreprises et exclusion bancaire en France : les partenariats associations-banques
Authors: Guérin Isabelle , Vallat David
Published: April 2013

Very small firms and financial exclusion in France

There is a growing concern about the ability of the existing financial sector to serve the lower end of the economy, especially the local economy. It seems that the financial sector is less and less willing or able to support the creation and development of micro businesses and to finance local initiatives. Then, what are the alternative strategies implemented by various actors achieving a better match the supply of financial services with local development needs ? One important point is the development of partnership between banks and non profit organizations. Together, they are trying to implement the idea that credit can help poor people to create a job.

JEL Classification : G21
What will the financial market of the future look like?
Authors: Fawcett Amelia
Published: April 2013

It will be open and transparent, networked and totally connected, « T+ 0 », straight through, « 24x7 » fast and cost-effective. Online connectivity will be common and necessary for families all over the world, and power will rest in the hands of the consumer not producers. It will enable customers to get information and products/services they want, when they want them and how they want them. Players in this market will be obsessed with client service, globally networked, collaborative, nimble, technologically « cutting edge » and capable of responding and adapting to rapid change.

JEL Classification : O33
Financial centres and central banks
Authors: Hannoun Hervé
Published: April 2013

Globalisation, technological evolutions and the euro have affected dramatically the European financial markets. The competition is more intense, but the role of financial markets remains the same. Central banks still have to maintain financial stability, which benefits to all the actors.

JEL Classification : E58
Profession : Financial Analyst
Authors: Lereboullet Jacques
Published: April 2013

Globalisation and the new economy already influence the valuation of financial markets. The standards of professionalism and quality of financial information are more than ever indispensable. French financial analysts are already rising to the challenge.

JEL Classification : G23
International Insurance Markets
Authors: Mérieux Antoine
Published: April 2013

In the insurance sector, competition has greatly increased as well, but this point is too often overlooked. London seems threatened by new centres, like the Bermuds.

JEL Classification : G22
Tax Competition and Harmonisation : Implications for the Financial Sector
Authors: de Freminet Patrick
Published: April 2013

Fiscal harmonization in Europe seems to be far from accomplished. The euro should have favoured an acceleration of this process, but a strong tax competition can be observed in Europe. French tax system doesn’t seem competitive.

JEL Classification : H32
Relever l'âge du départ à la retraite : une mesure nécessaire et équitable
Authors: Pestieau Pierre
Published: April 2013

Cet article défend l'idée que le relèvement de l'âge de la retraite est une mesure à la fois indispensable pour assurer la viabilité des systèmes de retraite, et équitable du point de vue des travailleurs les moins qualifiés. Il montre aussi que l'impopularité d'une telle mesure vient d'une mauvaise compréhension des alternatives qui sont offertes aux travailleurs électeurs.

Classification JEL : D3, H55, J26
L’euro sur les marchés financiers internationaux : bilan
Authors: White William R. , Galati Gabriele , Tsatsaronis Kostas
Published: April 2013

Pour mesurer le rôle international de l'euro, le présent article adopte un cadre qui, dans son essence se fonde sur l'équilibre des portefeuilles, autour d'un concept selon lequel le poids international d'une monnaie est fonction de la confiance qu'elle inspire aux gestionnaires d'actifs comme réserve de valeur. Il s'ensuit que les fluctuations à moyen et long terme du cours de cette monnaie seront déterminées par l'équilibre entre la demande d'actifs et l'offre de passifs. Dans cet esprit, l'article examine d'abord les modes d'émission internationaux en euros et les compare à ceux du dollar. Il aborde ensuite les flux de portefeuille entre la zone euro, les États-Unis et le Japon, puis le rôle de l'euro sur les changes. Il utilise les résultats de l'enquête triennale la plus récente de la BRI sur les marchés des changes pour comparer le rôle de la monnaie unique à celui de ses prédécesseurs et des autres grandes monnaies.

Classification JEL : F3, F36
Les effets de la croissance et de l'endettement sur les multiples de capitaux propres
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz Imtiaz , Alphonse Pascal , Levasseur Michel
Published: April 2013

Cet article analyse l’effet de la croissance de l’entreprise et de son financement sur l’association entre les valeurs boursière et comptable des capitaux propres. À cette fin, un modèle à base de résultats résiduels est développé et ses implications empiriques testées sur un échantillon d’entreprises américaines sur la période 1997-2007. Les résultats empiriques apparaissent en accord avec les prédictions du modèle et indiquent notamment que l’association entre les valeurs boursière et comptable est d’autant plus forte que la croissance est élevée mais pour les seules entreprises à levier bas. Une conséquence est que le choix des multiples de valorisation doit se faire en tenant compte de la croissance et de son financement.
L'insaisissable objet du savoir-faire dans l'analyse
Authors: Porge Erik
Published: April 2013

Au-delà de règles techniques, le savoir-faire relève d’une position éthique. Le tact et la disponibilité en sont parties constituantes. Il trouve son expression dans la règle de l’attention également en suspens. Celle-ci vise à empêcher la compréhension précipitée et elle favorise les surprises dans le discours, signes d’un passage de l’inconscient. Elle indique aussi que le savoir-faire est lié au temps et à son maniement ainsi qu’à l’existence de lalangue . Le savoir-faire ne doit toutefois pas être seulement situé du côté de l’analyste mais aussi de l’analysant, dont il y a à apprendre comment il sait y faire avec son fantasme et son symptôme. Au-delà, le savoir-faire est-il toujours à rapporter à une subjectivité, qu’elle soit celle de l’analyste ou de l’analysant, dans la mesure où l’inconscient est un savoir-faire avec lalangue ?
La patience et la hâte
Authors: Simonney Dominique
Published: April 2013

Sans elle, le savoir-faire analytique est une coquille vide. Beaucoup de déviations, de sorties du discours analytique, notamment chez les élèves de Freud, sont dues au manque de l’élémentaire patience qu’exige une cure analytique. À vouloir raccourcir, précipiter les choses, on se retrouve vite hors du champ de l’analyse. Être patient avec le patient, ne pas trop « la ramener », Freud l’apprit de ses propres patients et en tira les conséquences : abandon de l’hypnose, prise en compte de la pulsion de répétition, etc. Il transmit cette consigne de patience dans ses écrits techniques, sans toutefois toujours s’y conformer, comme le montrent certaines des cures qu’il relate. Lacan aussi enseigne la patience. Au début de son enseignement, face aux tenants de l’analyse des résistances dont le savoir-faire consiste à charger, sabre au clair, lesdites résistances du patient, il remet génialement les choses d’aplomb, en inversant la proposition : les résistances sont celles de l’analyste. Et, pourrions-nous ajouter, l’impatience est aussi, le plus souvent, celle de l’analyste. Le temps logique de Lacan comporte des moments de patience, les deux premiers précisément, qui se concluent par un moment de hâte. Mais, grâce à la patience première, la hâte se différencie de la précipitation. Il en va de même dans l’interprétation, qui exige en même temps patience et décision au bon moment. Lacan fit-il preuve d’impatience dans son savoir-faire (et donc dans sa pratique), lors des dernières années de sa vie, où, précisément, il ne parlait que de ça dans son enseignement : du savoir-faire ? La question sera posée.
Le Nom du Père dans la considération scientifique : Lacan et saint Augustin
Authors: Koerner Emmanuel
Published: April 2013

Lacan considère le De Trinitate d’Augustin comme un modèle de théorisation scientifique du Nom du Père, et il recommande aux analystes la lecture de ce traité. Cependant il y note la répétition de « je ne sais quelle fuite » s’agissant du père, fuite qui limite ce qui peut en être dit. Ce sont les deux points qui font l’objet de cette étude. La nomination de l’être divin est analysée par Augustin en termes structuraux et nous le voyons dégager certaines des contraintes logiques auxquelles, selon Lacan, le sujet comme tel est assujetti. En particulier, la notion de personne, ramenée à la catégorie de la relation, rejoint de façon rigoureuse la définition du signifiant par Lacan comme « ce qui représente un sujet pour un autre signifiant ». La différence sexuelle y trouve également sa place marquée. Les deux conflits majeurs entre « orthodoxie » et « hérésie », qui ont scandé l’histoire de la théologie, prennent à cette lumière une portée subjective fondatrice et perdent leur apparente futilité. Lacan donne ainsi à la théologie son rang de théorisation structurale du sujet. Quant à la fuite répétée quand il s’agit du père, nous la suivons dans ses divers retours comme un motif structural, mais dont il reste à dégager également les ressorts inconscients.
Georges Bataille et l'humour beckettien
Authors: Lacaux André
Published: April 2013

De Bataille à Beckett, apparemment aucun lien ; sauf un article, d’autant plus intéressant, de Bataille dans sa revue, Critique , en 1951. Il y salue avec enthousiasme la parution de Molloy , roman d’un auteur encore inconnu : Samuel Beckett. Au-delà de l’intelligence très accueillante de Bataille et de ses aveuglements, ce pourrait être l’occasion de mettre en relation, à propos d’un texte, deux des plus marquants écrivains du xx e siècle. Qu’en peut-on tirer ? Des questions. Molloy est-il, comme le pense Bataille, une épave échappée de la société, de la raison, devenue presque acéphale ? N’est-il pas aussi un parlêtre, un « écrivêtre » agité par un monologue sans repos qui ne laisse ni le temps, ni l’espace, ni un corps libre pour se stabiliser, mais seulement pour écrire ? N’y a-t-il pas dans ce récit large place faite par l’ambiguïté, le comique, l’humour à la subjectivité du lecteur, à sa jouissance ? Le choix de Bataille de ne pas en tenir compte accentue la différence.
Burial society versus the Church in the Black society of South Africa: A pastoral response
Authors: Semenya David K.
Published: April 2013

This article attempts to provide insight to the church councils of mainly Black churches, regarding members� absenteeism during Sunday church services and also the lack of financial contributions to the church. A number of church-going members are often absent on the last Sunday of the month or the first Sunday of the month because of their commitments to burial societies − burial societies prefer to meet on Sundays. Because the meetings take place at the end of the month and funding is one of the main issues at these meetings, the members� tithing to the church is negatively impacted. Our research found that members considered their contribution to the societies to be more important than their tithing to the church. In some cases members belonged to more than one burial society, and these members spent more money so as to receive greater support in the event of a death. Unfortunately this left them with nothing to give to the church. Another reason given for belonging to burial societies was that their membership helped them to prepare for death, would enable them to have a decent funeral service and would ensure that those who attended the funeral service did not go home hungry.
Emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases over Asian regions during 2000–2008: Regional Emission inventory in ASia (REAS) version 2
Authors: Kurokawa J. , Ohara T. , Morikawa T. , Hanayama S. , Greet J.-M. , Fukui T. , Kawashima K. , Akimoto H.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We have updated the Regional Emission inventory in ASia (REAS) as version 2.1. REAS 2.1 includes most major air pollutants and greenhouse gases from each year during 2000 and 2008 and following areas of Asia: East, Southeast, South, and Central Asia and the Asian part of Russia. Emissions are estimated for each country and region using updated activity data and parameters. Monthly gridded data with a 0.25 × 0.25° resolution are also provided. Asian emissions for each species in 2008 are as follows (with their growth rate from 2000 to 2008): 56.9 Tg (+34%) for SO2, 53.9 Tg (+54%) for NOx, 359.5 Tg (+34%) for CO, 68.5 Tg (+46%) for non-methane volatile organic compounds, 32.8 Tg (+17%) for NH3, 36.4 Tg (+45%) for PM10, 24.7 Tg (+42%) for PM2.5, 3.03 Tg (+35%) for black carbon, 7.72 Tg (+21%) for organic carbon, 182.2 Tg (+32%) for CH4, 5.80 Tg (+18%) for N2O, and 16.7 Pg (+59%) for CO2. By country, China and India were respectively the largest and second largest contributors to Asian emissions. Both countries also had higher growth rates in emissions than others because of their continuous increases in energy consumption, industrial activities, and infrastructure development. In China, emission mitigation measures have been implemented gradually. Emissions of SO2 in China increased from 2000 to 2006 and then began to decrease as flue-gas desulfurization was installed to large power plants. On the other hand, emissions of air pollutants in total East Asia except for China decreased from 2000 to 2008 owing to lower economic growth rates and more effective emission regulations in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Emissions from other regions generally increased from 2000 to 2008, although their relative shares of total Asian emissions are smaller than those of China and India. Tables of annual emissions by country and region broken down by sub-sector and fuel type, and monthly gridded emission data with a resolution of 0.25 × 0.25° for the major sectors are available from the following url: http://www.nies.go.jp/REAS/ .
Assessment of Odin-OSIRIS ozone measurements from 2001 to the present using MLS, GOMOS, and ozone sondes
Authors: Adams C. , Bourassa A. E. , Sofieva V. , Froidevaux L. , McLinden C. A. , Hubert D. , Lambert J. -C. , Sioris C. E. , Degenstein D. A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS) was launched aboard the Odin satellite in 2001 and is continuing to take limb-scattered sunlight measurements of the atmosphere. This work aims to characterize and assess the stability of the OSIRIS 11 yr v5.0x ozone data set. Three validation data sets were used: the v2.2 Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and v6 Global Ozone Monitoring of Occultation on Stars (GOMOS) satellite data records, and ozone sonde measurements. Global mean percent differences between coincident OSIRIS and validation measurements are within 5% of zero at all altitude layers above 18.5 km for MLS, above 21.5 km for GOMOS, and above 17.5 km for ozone sondes. Below 17.5 km, OSIRIS measurements agree with ozone sondes within 5% and are well-correlated (R > 0.75) with them. For low OSIRIS optics temperatures (< 16 °C), OSIRIS ozone measurements are biased low by up 6% compared with the validation data sets for 25.5–40.5 km. Biases between OSIRIS ascending and descending node measurements were investigated and were found to be related to aerosol retrievals below 27.5 km. Above 30 km, agreement between OSIRIS and the validation data sets was related to the OSIRIS retrieved albedo, which measures apparent upwelling, with a high bias for in OSIRIS data with large albedos. In order to assess the long-term stability of OSIRIS measurements, global average drifts relative to the validation data sets were calculated and were found to be < 3% per decade for comparisons against MLS for 19.5–36.5 km, GOMOS for 18.5–54.5 km, and ozone sondes for 12.5–22.5 km, and within error of 3% per decade at most altitudes. Above 36.5 km, the relative drift for OSIRIS versus MLS ranged from ~ 0–6%, depending on the data set used to convert MLS data to the OSIRIS altitude versus number density grid. Overall, this work demonstrates that the OSIRIS 11 yr ozone data set from 2001 to the present is suitable for trend studies.
Technical Note: Simultaneous measurement of sedimentary N2 and N2O production and new 15N isotope pairing technique
Authors: Hsu T.-C. , Kao S.-J.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Dinitrogen (N2) and/or nitrous oxide (N2O) are produced through denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) or nitrification in sediments, of which entangled processes obfuscate the absolute rate estimation of gaseous nitrogen production from individual pathway. Recently, the classical isotope pairing technique (IPT), the most common 15N-nitrate enrichment method to quantify denitrification, has been modified by different researchers to (1) discriminate relative contribution of N2 production by denitrification from anammox or to (2) provide more accurate denitrification rate by considering both N2O and N2 productions. Both modified methods, however, have deficiencies such as overlooking N2O production in case 1 and neglecting anammox in case 2. In this paper, a new method was developed to refine previous methods. We installed cryogenic traps to pre-concentrate N2 and N2O separately, thus, allowing simultaneous measurement for two gases generated by one sample. The precision is better than 2% for N2 (m/z 28, m/z 29 and m/z 30), and 1.5% for N2O (m/z 44, m/z 45 and m/z 46). Based on the six m/z peaks of the two gases, we further revised IPT formulae to truthfully resolve the production rates of N2 and N2O contributed from 3 specific nitrogen removal processes, i.e. N2 and N2O from denitrification, N2 from anammox and N2O from nitrification. To validate the applicability of our new method, incubation experiments were conducted using sediment cores taken from the Danshuei estuary in Taiwan. We successfully determined the rates of aforementioned nitrogen removal processes. Moreover, N2O yield was as high as 66%, which no doubt would significantly bias previous IPT approaches when N2O was not considered. Our new method not only complements the previous IPT but also provides more comprehensive information to advance our understanding of nitrogen dynamics through the water-sediment interface.
Accumulation reconstruction and water isotope analysis for 1735–1997 of an ice core from the Ushkovsky volcano, Kamchatka, and their relationships to North Pacific climate records
Authors: Sato T. , Shiraiwa T. , Greve R. , Seddik H. , Edelmann E. , Zwinger T.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. To investigate past climate change in the Northwest Pacific region, an ice core was retrieved in June 1998 from the Gorshkov crater glacier at the top of the Ushkovsky volcano, in central Kamchatka. Hydrogen isotope (δD) analysis and past accumulation reconstructions were conducted to a depth of 140.7 m, dated to 1735. Two accumulation reconstruction methods were applied with the Salamatin and the Elmer/Ice ice flow models. Reconstructed accumulation rates and δD were significantly correlated with North Pacific surface temperature. This, and a significant correlation of δD with the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) index implies that NPGO data is contained in this record. Wavelet analysis shows that the ice core records have significant multi-decadal power spectra up to the late 19th century. The multi-decadal periods of reconstructed accumulation rates change at around 1850 in the same way as do Northeast Pacific ice core and tree ring records. The loss of multi-decadal scale power spectra of δD and the 6‰ increase in its average value occurred around 1880. Thus the core record confirms that the periodicity of precipitation for the entire North Pacific changed between the end of the Little Ice Age through the present due to changes in conditions in the North Pacific Ocean.
Statistical analysis of error propagation from radar rainfall to hydrological models
Authors: Zhu D. , Peng D. Z. , Cluckie I. D.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This study attempts to characterise the manner with which inherent error in radar rainfall estimates input influence the character of the stream flow simulation uncertainty in validated hydrological modelling. An artificial statistical error model described by Gaussian distribution was developed to generate realisations of possible combinations of normalised errors and normalised bias to reflect the identified radar error and temporal dependence. These realisations were embedded in the 5 km/15 min UK Nimrod radar rainfall data and used to generate ensembles of stream flow simulations using three different hydrological models with varying degrees of complexity, which consists of a fully distributed physically-based model MIKE SHE, a semi-distributed, lumped model TOPMODEL and the unit hydrograph model PRTF. These models were built for this purpose and applied to the Upper Medway Catchment (220 km2) in South-East England. The results show that the normalised bias of the radar rainfall estimates was enhanced in the simulated stream flow and also the dominate factor that had a significant impact on stream flow simulations. This preliminary radar-error-generation model could be developed more rigorously and comprehensively for the error characteristics of weather radars for quantitative measurement of rainfall.
Endogenous change: on cooperation and water in ancient history
Authors: Pande S. , Ertsen M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We propose and test the theory of endogenous change based on historical reconstructions of two ancient civilizations, Indus and Hohokam, in two water scarce basins, the Indus basin in the Indian subcontinent and the Lower Colorado basin in Southwestern United States. The endogenous institutional change sees changes in institutions as a sequence of equilibria brought about by changes in "quasi-parameters" such as rainfall, population density, soil and land use induced water resource availability. In the historical reconstructions of ancient civilizations, institutions are proximated by the scale of cooperation be it in the form of the extent of trade, sophisticated irrigation network, a centrally planned state or a loosely held state with a common cultural identity. The "quasi-parameters" either change naturally or are changed by humans and the changes affect the stability of cooperative structures over time. However, human influenced changes in the quasi-parameters itself are conditioned on the scale of existing cooperative structures. We thus provide insights into the quantitative dimensions of water access by ancient populations and its co-evolution with the socioeconomic and sociopolitical organization of the human past. We however do not suggest that water manipulation was the single most significant factor in stimulating social development and complexity – clearly this has been shown as highly reductionist, even misleading. The paper cautiously contributes to proximate prediction of hydrological change by attempting to understand the complexity of coupled human-hydrological systems.
Social capacities for drought risk management in Switzerland
Authors: Kruse S. , Seidl I.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. This paper analyses the social capacities for drought risk management and gaps from the perspective of national and regional water users and policy and decision makers in Switzerland. The analysis follows five dimensions of social capacities as prerequisites for drought risk management. Regarding information and knowledge (1), basic data is available, however not assembled for an integrated drought information system. As to technology and infrastructure (2), little pro-active capacities are available with exception to few drought-prone regions; in emergency response to drought though, provisional capacities are put together. Regarding organisation and management (3) most regions have enough personnel and effective cooperation in case of acute drought; long-term strategies though are largely missing. Economic resources (4) have been considered as sufficient if drought remains rare. Finally, institutions and policies (5) are not sufficient for pro-active drought risk management, but have been suitable in the drought of 2003. Starting points for building social capacities are first to draw back upon the extensive experiences with the management of other natural hazards, second to build an integrated drought information system, including social and economic impacts and third to improve the institutional framework through consistent regulations and coordination for pro-active drought risk management.
Introduction An Ethic for Corporate Governance?
Authors: Collier Jane , Roberts John
Published: April 2013

Corporate governance is a complex and contested issue, and its ambiguities become even more problematic when ethical considerations are taken into account. This introduction attempts to address these complexities, to illuminate their ethical aspects, and to situate the eight papers presented here within what we believe to be an integrative heuristic framework.

The dominant theoretical perspective on governance relationships and their associated problems is to be found within economics, and in particular within agency theory. With the separation of ownership from control (Berle and Means 1932) a potential problem arises in the context of what is now constituted as a relationship between the owners (principals) and directors (their agents). How can the principals ensure that the agents are serving the owners’ interests rather than their own? Against the backdrop of the assumption of an essentially self-seeking, opportunistic human nature only market discipline, monitoring, and incentives can be used to align agent behavior with the interests of the distant and/or absent shareholder understood as the owner.

In recent years there has developed a perspective that runs counter to this theorization of the key governance relationship and its problem. The elaboration of so-called stakeholder views of the corporation (Freeman 1993, Blair 1995) argues both empirically and normatively that there is a wider range of relevant relationships, and thus a greater number of interests at stake in the governance of the corporation. It is not only shareholders who have made firm-specific investments in the organization, but also employees, suppliers, and customers, and their interests must therefore also be taken account of in the constitution and conduct of corporate governance. Associated with this view is a very different conception of the director as steward (Davis et al. 1997) or trustee of the corporation (Kay 1996), where the corporation is conceived, not as a set of ownership rights accruing to those who assume the residual risk of a business, but as a social institution. From this perspective the duties of directors lie in aligning and balancing a wide variety of potentially competitive interests within the corporation.
Longitudinal Associations Between Bullying and Children's Preference for Television Violence
Authors: Stavrinides Panayiotis , Tsivitanou Andriana , Nikiforou Militsa , Hawa Veronica , Tsolia Vasiliki
Published: April 2013

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal associations between bullying and preference for violent television programs. A sixth-month, two time-point longitudinal design was used in order to identify the direction of the relation between bullying and preference for violent television programs. The participants were 417 sixth grade students of elementary schools in Cyprus. They completed the bullying subscale of the Revised Bullying and Victimization Questionnaire (BVQ-R) and the Preference for Television Violence Questionnaire (PTVQ). The findings of this study suggested a reciprocal relation between preference for violent TV programs and bullying. Specifically, bullying at Time1 positively predicted an increase in violent TV programs preference at Time 2. Similarly, preference for TV violence at Time1 positively predicted bullying at Time 2. We conclude that prior involvement in bullying may function as a risk factor for more future preference for violent programs on television and at the same time children who already prefer violent programs are more likely to manifest bullying in the future.
The Regional Economic Value of Entrepreneurship: A Schumpeterian Approach to the Linkage between Entrepreneurship and Regional Development
Authors: Sousa Sonia
Published: April 2013

Abstract: This paper develops a regional-level total factor productivity (TFP)-based proxy measure of the economic value of the functions entrepreneurs perform in the economy. In providing the theoretical support for linking the economic value of entrepreneurship (EVE) and TFP, this paper integrates Schumpeter's definition of entrepreneurship within the neoclassical production function framework. The measure of EVE developed here builds upon Harberger's (1998) real cost reduction approach to industry-level and quality-adjusted TFP. The paper uses the European Union NUTS 2 regions as a case study and concludes that this innovative proxy measure of EVE opens promising avenues for a better understanding of the linkages between entrepreneurship and regional economic development.
Ovulation in Drosophila is controlled by secretory cells of the female reproductive tract
Authors: Sun Jianjun , Spradling Allan C
Published: April 2013

How oocytes are transferred into an oviduct with a receptive environment remains poorly known. We found that glands of the Drosophila female reproductive tract, spermathecae and/or parovaria, are required for ovulation and to promote sperm storage. Reducing total secretory cell number by interferring with Notch signaling during development blocked ovulation. Knocking down expression after adult eclosion of the nuclear hormone receptor Hr39, a master regulator of gland development, slowed ovulation and blocked sperm storage. However, ovulation (but not sperm storage) continued when only canonical protein secretion was compromised in adult glands. Our results imply that proteins secreted during adulthood by the canonical secretory pathway from female reproductive glands are needed to store sperm, while a non-canonical glandular secretion stimulates ovulation. Our results suggest that the reproductive tract signals to the ovary using glandular secretions, and that this pathway has been conserved during evolution.
Diagnosing Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Fabry Disease
Authors: Bodamer Olaf A. , Johnson Britt , Dajnoki Angela
Published: April 2013

Fabry disease (FD) is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder due to deficiency of alpha galactosidase A (GLA). Progressive, intralysosomal accumulation of neutral glycosphingolipids in endothelial cells and podocytes leads to multi‐organ involvement in affected males and to a lesser extent in affected females. Diagnosis of FD is based on GLA analysis in leukocytes or dried blood spots (DBS) in FD males while GLA activities may be within the normal range in FD females. The advent of fluorometric and mass spectrometry methods for enzyme analysis in DBS has simplified the diagnostic approach for FD males, facilitating high‐throughput screening of at risk populations and newborn infants. However, the diagnostic mainstay for FD females remains molecular analysis of the GLA gene. The following unit will provide the detailed analytical protocol for measurement of GLA activity in DBS using tandem mass spectrometry. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 77:17.13.1‐17.13.7. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Strategic Partnerships in International Development
Authors: Treat Tod , Hartenstine Mary Beth
Published: April 2013

This chapter provides a framework and recommendations for development of strategic partnerships in a variety of cultural contexts. Additionally, this study elucidates barriers and possibilities in interagency collaborations. Without careful consideration regarding strategic partnerships' approaches, functions, and goals, the ability to successfully implement international development projects is compromised.
The History and Future of Community Colleges in Vietnam
Authors: Le Anh T.
Published: April 2013

This chapter describes the status of community colleges in Vietnam in the current context of the Vietnamese higher education system. Historical background and suggestions for the future development of Vietnamese community colleges are also provided.
Intrinsic Acid–Base Properties of a Hexa‐2′‐deoxynucleoside Pentaphosphate, d(ApGpGpCpCpT): Neighboring Effects and Isomeric Equilibria
Authors: Domínguez‐Martín Alicia , Johannsen Silke , Sigel Astrid , Operschall Bert P. , Song Bin , Sigel Helmut , Okruszek Andrzej , González‐Pérez Josefa María , Niclós‐Gutiérrez Juan , Sigel Roland K. O.
Published: April 2013

The intrinsic acid‐base properties of the hexa‐2′‐deoxynucleoside pentaphosphate, d(ApGpGpCpCpT) [=(A1⋅G2⋅G3⋅C4⋅C5⋅T6)=(HNPP)5−] have been determined by 1H NMR shift experiments. The pKa values of the individual sites of the adenosine (A), guanosine (G), cytidine (C), and thymidine (T) residues were measured in water under single‐strand conditions (i.e., 10 % D2O, 47 °C, I=0.1 M, NaClO4). These results quantify the release of H+ from the two (N7)H+ (G⋅G), the two (N3)H+ (C⋅C), and the (N1)H+ (A) units, as well as from the two (N1)H (G⋅G) and the (N3)H (T) sites. Based on measurements with 2′‐deoxynucleosides at 25 °C and 47 °C, they were transferred to pKa values valid in water at 25 °C and I=0.1 M. Intramolecular stacks between the nucleobases A1 and G2 as well as most likely also between G2 and G3 are formed. For HNPP three pKa clusters occur, that is those encompassing the pKa values of 2.44, 2.97, and 3.71 of G2(N7)H+, G3(N7)H+, and A1(N1)H+, respectively, with overlapping buffer regions. The tautomer populations were estimated, giving for the release of a single proton from five‐fold protonated H5(HNPP)±, the tautomers (G2)N7, (G3)N7, and (A1)N1 with formation degrees of about 74, 22, and 4 %, respectively. Tautomer distributions reveal pathways for proton‐donating as well as for proton‐accepting reactions both being expected to be fast and to occur practically at no “cost”. The eight pKa values for H5(HNPP)± are compared with data for nucleosides and nucleotides, revealing that the nucleoside residues are in part affected very differently by their neighbors. In addition, the intrinsic acidity constants for the RNA derivative r(A1⋅G2⋅G3⋅ C4⋅C5⋅U6), where U=uridine, were calculated. Finally, the effect of metal ions on the pKa values of nucleobase sites is briefly discussed because in this way deprotonation reactions can easily be shifted to the physiological pH range.