bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Status of the Management of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Asia: First Report by the Asian BRCA Consortium
Authors: Nakamura Seigo , Kwong Ava , Kim Sung-Won , Iau Philip , Patmasiriwat Pimpicha , Dofitas Rodney , Aryandono Teguh , Hu Zhen , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Ginsburg Ophira , Rashid Muhammad Usman , Sarin Rajiv , Teo Soo-Hwang
Published: November 2015

Background:BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations are associated with an increased lifetime risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Compared with the Western developed countries, genetic testing and risk assessment for HBOC in Asia are less available, thus prohibiting the appropriate surveillance, clinical strategies and cancer management. Methods: The current status of HBOC management in 14 Asian countries, including genetic counselling/testing uptakes and clinical management options, was reviewed. We analysed how economic factors, healthcare and legal frameworks, and cultural issues affect the genetic service availability in Asia. Results: In 2012, only an estimated 4,000 breast cancer cases from 14 Asian countries have benefited from genetic services. Genetic testing costs and the absence of their adoption into national healthcare systems are the main economic barriers for approaching genetic services. Training programmes, regional accredited laboratories and healthcare professionals are not readily available in most of the studied countries. A lack of legal frameworks against genetic discrimination and a lack of public awareness of cancer risk assessment also provide challenges to HBOC management in Asia. Conclusions: The Asian BRCA Consortium reports the current disparities in genetic services for HBOC in Asia and urges the policy makers, healthcare sectors and researchers to address the limitations in HBOC management.
Adhesive Mechanisms of Histone-Induced Neutrophil-Endothelium Interactions in the Muscle Microcirculation
Authors: Puegge Johanna , Wang Yongzhi , Roller Jonas , Zhang Su , Luo Lingtao , Vollmar Brigitte , Thorlacius Henrik
Published: November 2015

Background: Extracellular histones released during cell damage have the capacity to cause tissue injury associated with increased leukocyte accumulation. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating histone-induced leukocyte recruitment remain elusive. The objective of this study was to examine the role of adhesion molecules in histone-dependent leukocyte accumulation by use of intravital microscopy of the mouse cremaster microcirculation. Methods: Histone 3 and TNF-α were intrascrotally administered, and anti-P-selectin, anti-P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), anti-membrane-activated complex-1 (Mac-1), anti-lymphocyte function antigen-1 (LFA-1) antibody and neutrophil depletion antibody were injected intravenously or intraperitoneally. Results: Intrascrotal injection of histone 3 dose-dependently increased leukocyte recruitment. Neutrophil depletion abolished intravascular and extravascular leukocytes after histone 3 challenge, suggesting that neutrophils were the dominating leukocyte subtype responding to histone stimulation. Pretreatment with an anti-P-selectin and an anti-PSGL-1 antibody abolished histone-stimulated neutrophil rolling, adhesion and emigration. When the anti-P-selectin or the anti-PSGL-1 antibody was administrated after histone 3 stimulation, neutrophil rolling was reduced, whereas the number of firmly adherent and emigrated neutrophils were unchanged, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of blocking P-selectin and PSGL-1 on neutrophil adhesion and recruitment was due to the reduction in neutrophil rolling. Moreover, pretreatment with antibodies against Mac-1 and LFA-1 had no effect of neutrophil rolling but abolished adhesion and emigration evoked by histone 3. Thus, our data demonstrate that P-selectin and PSGL-1 play an important role in histone-induced inflammatory cell recruitment by mediating neutrophil rolling as a precondition for histone-provoked firm adhesion and emigration in vivo. Moreover, we conclude that both Mac-1 and LFA-1 are critical in supporting histone-provoked firm adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells. Conclusion: These novel findings define specific selectins and integrins as potential targets for pharmacological intervention in histone-dependent inflammatory diseases.
Elastography for Predicting and Localizing Nodal Metastases during Endobronchial Ultrasound
Authors: Nakajima Takahiro , Inage Terunaga , Sata Yuuki , Morimoto Junichi , Tagawa Tetsuzo , Suzuki Hidemi , Iwata Takekazu , Yoshida Shigetoshi , Nakatani Yukio , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: November 2015

Background: Elastography is a relatively new technology that can generate images reflective of tissue stiffness (elasticity). Neoplastic tissue is usually stiffer than normal structures. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and utility of elastography when combined with convex-probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) for predicting and localizing metastatic lymph nodes during endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). Methods: Consecutive results of endobronchial elastography of lymph nodes performed using EBUS- TBNA were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Elastography images were acquired as JPEG images and also recorded as video clips. Stiff area ratios [(stiff areas as blue pixels) / (lymph node areas as region of interest pixels)] for each lymph node determined by elastography were collated with the results of pathological diagnosis. We also performed elastography of surgically resected lymph nodes and compared image findings with pathological sections. Results: We evaluated 49 lymph nodes in 21 patients by CP-EBUS. There were 16 metastatic nodes (10 lung cancer metastases and 6 metastases from extrathoracic malignancies). Mean stiff area ratios were significantly greater for metastatic lymph nodes (0.478) than for benign nodes (0.216; p = 0.0002). Using a cutoff value of 0.311 for stiff area ratios, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting metastatic disease were 0.81 and 0.85, respectively. The stiff area was histologically compatible with metastatic distribution in surgically resected lymph nodes. Conclusions: Endobronchial elastography is feasible for lymph nodes when combined with CP-EBUS. Stiff area ratios are useful for predicting metastatic lymph nodes, which may be an efficient guide for TBNA.
Impact of Poverty and Health Care Insurance on Arteriovenous Fistula Use among Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Nee Robert , Moon Deepti S. , Jindal Rahul M. , Hurst Frank P. , Yuan Christina M. , Agodoa Lawrence Y. , Abbott Kevin C.
Published: November 2015

Background: The impact of socioeconomic factors on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in hemodialysis (HD) patients is not well understood. We assessed the association of area and individual-level indicators of poverty and health care insurance on AVF use among incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients initiated on HD. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study using the United States Renal Data System database, we identified 669,206 patients initiated on maintenance HD from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2012. We assessed the Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligibility status as an indicator of individual-level poverty and ZIP code-level median household income (MHI) data obtained from the 2010 United States Census. We conducted logistic regression of AVF use at start of dialysis as the outcome variable. Results: The proportions of dual-eligible and non-dual-eligible patients who initiated HD with an AVF were 12.53 and 16.17%, respectively (p < 0.001). Dual eligibility was associated with significantly lower likelihood of AVF use upon initiation of HD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.91; 95% CI 0.90-0.93). Patients in the lowest area-level MHI quintile had an aOR of 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.99) compared to those in higher quintile levels. However, dual eligibility and area-level MHI were not significant in patients with Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage. Conclusions: Individual- and area-level measures of poverty were independently associated with a lower likelihood of AVF use at the start of HD, the only exception being patients with VA health care benefits. Efforts to improve incident AVF use may require focusing on pre-ESRD care to be successful.
Biblioteca escolar e a lei 12.244/2010: caminhos para implantação
Authors: Castro Filho Cláudio Marcondes de , Coppola Junior Claudinei
Published: November 2015

Apresenta a situação da biblioteca escolar, nas escolas municipais de ensino fundamental de Ribeirão Preto, tem em vista a Lei Nº 12.244, de 24 de maio de 2010, que determina a obrigatoriedade das bibliotecas escolares nas instituições de ensino com o bibliotecário, aborda os aspectos básicos da Biblioteca Escolar e da sua importância, bem como o papel do bibliotecário neste contexto Propõe um modelo às instituições de ensino, destacando os padrões mínimos, para existência da biblioteca, bem como aproximar a comunidade escolar deste novo espaço, integrando-se à escola como parte dinâmica de ações educacionais e culturais.
Avaliação da biblioteca escolar para o desenvolvimento de competências informacionais: a experiência da biblioteca do Instituto Federal da Bahia – Campus Camaçari
Authors: Silva Andréia Santos Ribeiro , Neves Dulce Amélia Brito , Gomes Maria Yêda F. S. de Filgueiras
Published: November 2015

Trata a biblioteca escolar como espaço de conhecimento, mediado pela figura do professor e do bibliotecário. O objetivo do estudo é investigar o perfil da comunidade acadêmica do Instituto Federal da Bahia – Campus Camaçari e quais são as suas necessidades de informações, com vistas para o desenvolvimento de competências informacionais. Apresenta a abordagem alternativa para o estudo de usuários que se preocupam com a necessidade e o uso da informação. Aborda que a biblioteca escolar deverá atender a demanda da educação para o novo milênio, desenvolvendo nos alunos as competências relacionadas às dimensões de habilidades (saberfazer); atitudes (saber-agir); e conhecimento (saber), tornando-se sujeitos autônomos. Para isso, traz o modelo de processo de busca da informação de Kuhlthau, necessário a todos os indivíduos na sociedade da Informação. A metodologia utilizada foi a de estudo de usuários com a aplicação de questionários eletrônicos, percebeu-se a necessidade de pesquisas futuras com usuários através da aplicação do protocolo verbal que diante da subjetividade nas respostas, torna-se mais próximo da validade. Conclui que a biblioteca escolar está deixando de ser um espaço estático e silencioso para torna-se um espaço de pesquisa e questionamentos.
Os livros entre as cores e a conscientização de professores para o uso da biblioteca escolar
Authors: Andrade Lucas Veras de , Costa Ana Caroline Viana , Damasceno Gisele Sousa Lobão , Lima Isaias Geovane , Silva Iva De Carvalho da , Cardoso Patrícia Viana , Oliveira Renata Chaves de , Torres Theodolina Beserra , Silva Willian Lamartins Amorim da
Published: November 2015

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo relatar as atividades desenvolvidas durante o Estágio Supervisionado do curso de Especialização em Supervisão Educacional da Universidade Estadual do Piauí (UESPI), para promover a utilização da biblioteca escolar de uma unidade educacional da rede estadual no município de Teresina (PI). Em um diagnóstico constatou-se que a biblioteca da escola não efetiva as suas finalidades e objetivos. A motivação para tal, segundo os discursos proferidos pela gestora e supervisora decorre da ausência de um profissional no espaço da biblioteca escolar. Nosso projeto interventivo foi desenvolvido com o intuito de desmitificar esta concepção a partir da conscientização dos docentes e de toda a equipe pedagógica da escola a partir de atividades que permitissem uma reflexão sobre a importância deste espaço e principalmente a partir da organização mediante a classificação em cores que possibilita a organização e usabilidade do acervo de forma prática, sem necessariamente ter uma pessoa para viabilizar o empréstimo das obras.
Por uma Escola Leitora: relato de uma experiência aglutinadora da comunidade escolar em torno de uma missão comum
Authors: Oliveira Suzene Furtado Fonseca de
Published: November 2015

Relata o planejamento, a execução, a ampliação e os resultados de projetos de formação de leitores em uma biblioteca escolar municipal de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Os projetos foram desenvolvidos em conformidade com o Programa de Bibliotecas Escolares da Prefeitura de Belo Horizonte e com o Plano Nacional do Livro e Leitura, e seguiu a estrutura conceitual de Montiel-Overall no norteamento da colaboração dos auxiliares de biblioteca com o corpo docente.
Editorial
Authors: Castro Filho Cláudio Marcondes de
Published: November 2015

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Análise da Rede de Interação entre os Pesquisadores de Biblioteca Escolar
Authors: Araújo Webert Júnio , Matias Veríssimo Amaral , Bailo Eliezer Brandão
Published: November 2015

O presente trabalho aborda a Teoria dos Grafos, com o objetivo de analisar as redes de interação entre os pesquisadores do tema biblioteca escolar, utilizando as bases de dados referências na área de Ciência da Informação no Brasil e fazendo um recorte de 2000 a 2013. Procura identificar os autores que possuem mais interações com outros pesquisadores na publicação de artigos sobre biblioteca escolar com a aplicação dos métodos da Análise de Redes Sociais (ARS).
Biblioteca Escolar como uma Questão de Direitos Humanos
Authors: Silva José Fernando Modesto da , Siqueira Ivan
Published: November 2015

Este texto problematiza os fundamentos da biblioteca escolar e o seu papel social no contexto da sociedade no século XXI, tendo por base a compreensão de que a biblioteca escolar pode ser um eficaz instrumento pedagógico e informacional na educação de crianças e jovens, podendo proporcionar importantes subsídios para o desenvolvimento do processo ensino-aprendizagem de educadores e alunos. Dada a sua relevância e possibilidades de atuação na formação educacional e na promoção dos valores democráticos correntes, sugere-se que a biblioteca escolar seja vista como um tópico de relevo dos “Direitos Humanos”. Nas considerações finais sugere-se às entidades de representação profissional a proposição de documento contemplando a inserção da “biblioteca escolar” como espaço de promoção e desenvolvimento dos direitos humanos de crianças, adolescentes e jovens, em consonância com os preceitos da legislação internacional e nacional sobre direitos das crianças e adolescentes.
Por que eu não vou à biblioteca?: discursos, representações e sentimentos desvelados por sujeitos escolares através de desenhos
Authors: Andrade Lucas Veras de
Published: November 2015

Pretendemos com esta investigação apresentar o desenho como um recurso subjetivo, onde a criança projeta de modo espontâneo suas experiências. A partir destas produções, analisamos discursos e representações como fatores que motivam um grupo de crianças a minimizarem o interesse em frequentar a biblioteca da instituição escolar em que estão vinculados. O estudo compreendeu como lócus uma escola de ensino fundamental da rede municipal de Teresina (PI), tendo como participantes um grupo de estudantes que foram selecionados segundo critérios, posteriormente, descritos. Assim, a coleta de dados considerou grafismos (desenhos), tendo como procedimento complementar a entrevista. Logo, os resultados demonstram vários aspectos que na visão dos discentes diminuem o seu interesse em relação ao espaço em discussão. Desse modo, esperamos que os resultados redirecionem o significado deste ambiente na instituição de análise e contribua para aprimorar o alcance das ações educacionais.
Association of Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Change in Arterial Stiffness With Gene Expression in the Twins UK Cohort
Authors: Cecelja Marina , Jiang Benyu , Mangino Massimo , Spector Tim D. , Chowienczyk Phil J.
Published: November 2015

We investigated whether expression of genes previously implicated in arterial stiffening associates with cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of arterial stiffness. Women from the Twins UK cohort (n=470, aged 39–81 years) had gene expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines measured using an Illumina microarray. Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid distensibility. A subsample (n=121) of women had repeat vascular measures after a mean±SD follow-up of 4.3±1.4 years. Associations of arterial phenotypes with gene expression levels were examined for 52 genes identified from previous association studies. The gene transcript most closely associated with pulse wave velocity in cross-sectional analysis was ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (
P
=0.012). Pleiotropic genetic effects accounted for 14% of the phenotypic correlation between ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase expression and pulse wave velocity. Progression of pulse wave velocity during the follow-up period best related to expression of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (β=0.19,
P
=0.008) and collagen type IV α 1 (β=0.32,
P
<0.0001). Gene transcripts most closely related to change in carotid distensibility during the follow-up period were endothelial nitric oxide synthase (β=–0.20,
P
=0.005), angiotensin-converting enzyme (β=–0.15,
P
=0.035), and B-cell CLL/lymphoma11B (β=0.18,
P
=0.010). Expression levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme also related to progression in carotid diameter (β=0.21,
P
=0.012). Expression levels of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase, involved in arterial calcification, and collagen type IV α 1, involved in collagen formation, correlate with aortic stiffening. These genes may be functional mediators of arterial stiffening.
Sexual Violence and the Relevance of the Doctrine of Superior Responsibility in the Light of the Katanga Judgment at the International Criminal Court
Authors: Kortfält Linnea
Published: November 2015

In this article, I set out to investigate the interplay between sexual violence and various linking theories in international criminal law. I will demonstrate some of the possibilities and shortcomings of various modes of liability available to the International Criminal Court with regard to cases involving sexual violence. In so doing it is necessary to thoroughly explain and discuss the potential reasoning of the Court in these matters. Since the case against Germain Katanga presents a perfect illustration of the distinction in application and analysis of the modes of liability with regard to sexual violence as opposed to other crimes, the reasoning provided in said judgment will be used as a springboard for such an analysis. Therefore the background to the case against Katanga will firstly be presented and the modes of liability as used in this particular case will subsequently be scrutinised. Considering the fact that Katanga was acquitted of sexual violence, this investigation will mostly demonstrate the deficiencies of these modes of liability and in the vacuum left after such an analysis, I will show the potential benefits of utilising the doctrine of superior responsibility in cases involving sexual violence. In my opinion, though fraught with complexities, this doctrine presents the perfect avenue to prosecute the higher echelons of organisations, i.e., the persons that international criminal courts and tribunals are intent on convicting, for sexual violence in particular. Thus, the aim of this article is to highlight the potential benefits of utilising broad charging strategies and more particularly, the importance of including the doctrine of superior responsibility, in sexual violence cases.
Publishing in Africa from Independence to the Present Day
Authors: Bgoya Walter , Jay Mary
Published: November 2015

Indigenous publishing is integral to national identity and development: cultural, social, and economic. Such publishing reflects a people’s history and experience, belief systems, and their concomitant expressions through language, writing, and art. In turn, a people’s interaction with other cultures is informed by their published work. Publishing preserves, enhances, and develops a society’s culture and its interaction with others. In Africa, indigenous publishers continue to seek autonomy to pursue these aims: free from the constraints of the colonial past, the strictures of economic structural adjustment policies, the continuing dominance of multinational publishers (particularly in textbooks), regressive language policies, and lack of recognition by African governments of the economic and cultural importance of publishing. African publishers seek to work collectively, to harness the digital age, and to take their place in the international marketplace on equal terms, Africa’s own voice.
Publishing in South Africa
Authors: Foligno Silvia
Published: November 2015

South Africa is an emerging market for publishing; it has a number of small and medium-sized local publishers but is dominated by publishing groups and multinationals that import international trends. Along with textbooks, imported trade books are the heart of South African publishing. The major obstacles the industry faces are linked to the poor distribution network as well as the lack of access to financial resources for local publishers, and a readership characterized by the plurality of official languages and an educational gap left over from the social inequalities of the apartheid era. Digital publishing, although not yet thriving, appears to be a promising opportunity to deal with both production costs and distribution and may provide a pathway towards the democratization of reading. A number of commercial platforms and non-profit initiatives are already in place in South Africa to support the development of the publishing market.
The Impact of Public International Law in the Commercial Sphere and its Significance to Asia
Authors: Menon Sundaresh
Published: November 2015

Over the last three decades, public international law has undergone a dramatic transformation. It has now entered the arena of mainstream law in what some have referred to as the privatisation of public international law. This article offers thoughts on the implications for the Asian legal community arising from this, and suggests that there is a pressing need for the Asian legal community to be intensely interested and engaged in this area, especially because norms of international law are increasingly being created by private individuals exercising the treaty interpretive function. Just as the developments in public international law have important implications for the Asian legal community, the rise of Asia has important implications for public international law.
Investment Arbitration in East Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Salomon Claudia T. , Friedrich Sandra
Published: November 2015

Many countries in the East Asian and Pacific (EAP) region have strengthened their networks of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and other international investment agreements (IIAs). This growth in investment protection instruments not only illustrates the region’s continued attractiveness to foreign investors, but also reflects a shift of several developing EAP countries from having been predominantly recipients of foreign investment in the past, toward becoming important sources of foreign investment abroad. Reflecting trade and investment patterns, as of December 2014, EAP countries concluded a total of at least 712 BITs and 69 other IIAs. On the heels of this development, the region has seen a rising number of investment arbitrations. As of December 2014, at least 49 investment arbitrations have been brought against EAP countries and/or by EAP investors. Most recently, the number of new cases has picked up pace significantly, making the region a veritable ‘hot bed’ of investment arbitration.
Comparing Investment Provisions in India’s FTAs with India’s Stand-Alone BITs
Authors: Ranjan Prabhash
Published: November 2015

Rising investment treaty arbitration claims against India have resulted in India taking first steps towards a new investment treaty practice. This article argues that this practice should aim at reconciling investment protection with investment regulation. By comparing the formulation of key jurisdictional and substantive provisions in India’s stand-alone bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with those in investment chapters in India’s free trade agreements (FTAs), this article shows that formulations in FTAs investment chapters often present a better textual basis to reconcile investment protection with investment regulation. This could be made part of India’s new investment treaty practice. The article also assesses the provisions in the 2015 draft Model Indian BIT and concludes that the draft tilts the balance too much in favour of the host State’s regulatory power.
Korea’s Experience with International Investment Agreements and Investor-State Dispute Settlement
Authors: Shin Hi-Taek , Chung Liz (Kyo-Hwa)
Published: November 2015

Korea’s network of international investment agreements (IIAs), comprising 94 BITs and nine FTAs with investment chapters, demonstrates that attracting foreign investment to Korea and protecting Korean investors overseas has been an important policy aspect. However, little attention was paid to these agreements until 2006 when negotiations for the Korea-United States (KORUS) FTA began. These negotiations sparked public criticism and heated debates of investor-State dispute settlement. Whereas Korea had routinely accepted the IIA provisions presented by developed counter-parties and used them as a template when negotiating with developing economies in the past, Korean IIA practice changed substantially following the KORUS FTA. In the face of heightened public scrutiny, Korea began to critically review key features of its IIAs and developed its own position on some important issues. This article examines these developments, considering that Korea will play a key role in shaping international investment law in the future, particularly in Asia.
The Right to Institute a Private Prosecution
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil Ddamulira
Published: November 2015

The general rule in almost all jurisdictions is that when an offence is committed, the suspect will be prosecuted by the state’s prosecutorial organ. However, there is one exception to this rule in many states – private prosecution. International human rights instruments do not provide for the right of a victim to institute a private prosecution. However, in many states legislation or case law provides for this right. Due to the fact that different states have different legal systems, it is important to study the features of private prosecutions in these jurisdictions. These features also demonstrate the limitations on the right to institute a private prosecution. In this article, the author analyses pieces of legislation or case law from states in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, and North America to highlight how legislation or case law has dealt with the following aspects of private prosecution: legal basis for instituting a private prosecution; locus standi in private prosecutions; whether permission from the court or prosecuting authority is a pre-requisite for instituting a private prosecution; the threshold that has to be met to institute a private prosecution; the rights of the accused in private prosecutions; incurring the costs for a private prosecution; state intervention or involvement in private prosecutions; and abuse of private prosecutions.
Neotypification of the name Juglandites bergomensis, basionym of the fossil-species Juglans bergomensis (Juglans sect. Cardiocaryon, Juglandaceae)
Authors: Martinetto Edoardo , Ravazzi Cesare , Roghi Guido , Teruzzi Giorgio , Van der Ham Raymond , Zorzin Roberto
Published: November 2015

Juglans bergomensis is the name of a fossil-species belonging to Juglans sect. Cardiocaryon that is based on the basionym Juglandites bergomensis, whose type material, represented by a single fruit, is missing. However, the type locality can be indicated with certainty in the Early Pleistocene brown coal bearing sediments of Leffe, in northern Italy, which yielded several other fossil fruits with characters corresponding to the missing holotype. In the same site fruits of Juglandaceae of different fossil-species occurred. We select a specimen from a collection stored in Padua, with dimensions and sculpture most closely approaching those of the missing holotype, as neotype for the name Juglandites bergomensis, in order to fix the application of the name Juglans bergomensis. Even if the nuts of this species show “seemingly quite minor” differences from those of J. cinerea (smaller seeds, more shallow seed lobes, and generally more elongate shape), it is not convenient to use for these fossils, occurring in Eurasia, the name of the extant North American species. The use of the fossil-species name J. bergomensis, taking priority over J. tephrodes, permits to establish a clear relationship among several hundreds of Eurasian fossils assignable to sect. Cardiocaryon, and to highlight the morphological distinction from a few other fossil-species.
Contributions to the aphid fauna (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea) of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug with descriptions of five new species
Authors: Stekolshchikov Andrey V. , Khruleva Olga A.
Published: November 2015

The first study of the aphid fauna from Chukotka Autonomous Okrug has been made; 18 species are reported from this territory, the most north-eastern of Russia and of the Palaeartic Region. Five new species are described: Aphis aquilonalis sp. nov. on Rumex arcticus Trautv.; Aphis beringiensis sp. nov. were collected by yellow trap; Macrosiphoniella (Asterobium) jaroslavi sp. nov. on Artemisia arctica Less. and Artemisia tilesii Ledeb.; Macrosiphum chukotense sp. nov., a polyphagous species found on plants in nine different families; and Pleotrichophorus tuberculatus sp. nov. on Artemisia tilesii Ledeb. In addition, the male and oviparous female of Acyrthosiphon boreale Hille Ris Lambers, 1952 and the fundatrix and male of Pleotrichophorus knowltoni Corpuz-Raros and Cook, 1974 are described for the first time.
Helping to Make Sense of Regional Climate Modeling: Professional Development for Scientists and Decision-Makers Anytime, Anywhere
Authors: Walton Peter J. , Yarker Morgan B. , Mesquita Michel D. S. , Otto Friederike E. L.
Published: November 2015

Globally, decision-makers are increasingly using high-resolution climate models to support policy and planning; however, many of these users do not have the knowledge needed to use them appropriately. This problem is compounded by not having access to quality learning opportunities to better understand how to apply the models and interpret results. This paper discusses and proposes an educational framework based on two independent online courses on regional climate modeling, which addresses the accessibility issue and provides guidance to climate science professors, researchers, and institutions who want to create their own online courses.

The role of e-learning as an educational tool is well documented, highlighting the benefits of improved personal efficiency through “anywhere, anytime” learning with the flexibility to support professional development across different sectors. In addition, improved global Internet means increased accessibility. However, e-learning’s function as a tool to support understanding of atmospheric physics and high-resolution climate modeling has not been widely discussed. To date, few courses, if any, support understanding that takes full advantage of e-learning best practices.

There is a growing need for climate literacy to help inform decision-making on a range of scales, from individual households to corporate CEOs. And while there is a plethora of climate information online, educational theory suggests that people need to be guided in how to convert this information into applicable knowledge.

Here, we present how the experience of the courses we designed and ran independent of each other, both engaging learners with better understanding benefits and limitations of regional climate modeling, lead to a framework of designing e-learning for climate modeling.
Visualizing Vapor Pressure: A Mechanical Demonstration of Liquid–Vapor Phase Equilibrium
Authors: Lamb Dennis , Shaw Raymond A.
Published: November 2015

Water phase transitions are central to climate and weather. Yet it is a common experience that the principles of phase equilibrium are challenging to understand and teach. A simple mechanical analogy has been developed to demonstrate key principles of liquid evaporation and the temperature dependence of equilibrium vapor pressure. The system is composed of a circular plate with a central depression and several hundred metal balls. Mechanical agitation of the plate causes the balls to bounce and interact in much the same statistical way that molecules do in real liquid–vapor systems. The data, consisting of the number of balls escaping the central well at different forcing energies, exhibit a logarithmic dependence on the reciprocal of the applied energy (analogous to thermal energy kBT) that is similar to that given by Boltzmann statistics and the Clausius–Clapeyron equation. These results demonstrate that the enthalpy (i.e., latent heat) of evaporation is well interpreted as the potential energy difference between molecules in the vapor and liquid phases, and it is the fundamental driver of vapor pressure increase with temperature. Consideration of the uncertainties in the measurements shows that the mechanical system is described well by Poisson statistics. The system is simple enough that it can be duplicated for qualitative use in atmospheric science teaching, and an interactive animation based on the mechanical system is available online for instructional use (http://phy.mtu.edu/vpt/).
Impact of Two Distinct Teleconnection Patterns Induced by Western Central Pacific SST Anomalies on Korean Temperature Variability during the Early Boreal Summer
Authors: Ham Yoo-Geun , Kug Jong-Seong , Yeh Sang-Wook , Kwon Minho
Published: November 2015

This study investigates the impact of western central Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) on the temperature variability over the Korea Peninsula during the early boreal summer season. The authors found a significant positive correlation between June temperature anomalies across the Korea Peninsula and a horseshoe pattern of ENSO-related SST anomalies in the western central Pacific during May. While this SST pattern is relatively stationary throughout the boreal summer, the SST-driven atmospheric teleconnection exhibits dramatic subseasonal changes. During May, positive precipitation anomalies caused by SST warming in the northern central Pacific (NCP; 20°–30°N, 160°E–160°W) induce a wave train extending in a northwest–southeast direction. During June, while this wave train pattern is weakened, a Pacific–Japan (PJ) pattern is formed by positive precipitation anomalies over the off-equatorial western Pacific (off-WP). Even though dramatic subseasonal changes exist in the teleconnection patterns, both patterns contribute to temperature warming over Korea. It is shown that the subseasonal change in the atmospheric teleconnection is caused by changes in climatological precipitation. During May, significant climatological precipitation related to the pre-mei-yu and pre-baiu fronts occurs over the NCP. These wet background conditions provide a favorable environment for anomalous convection over the NCP but not over the off-equatorial western Pacific. On the other hand, during June, convective activities over the off-WP result in the formation of a PJ pattern, enhanced by an increase in climatological precipitation associated with the activation of the western North Pacific (WNP) monsoon. These results indicate that climatological conditions play an important role in the formation of atmospheric teleconnection linking Pacific and East Asian climates.
Long-Term Morphological Changes in Simulated Supercells Following Mergers with Nascent Supercells in Directionally Varying Shear
Authors: Hastings Ryan , Richardson Yvette
Published: November 2015

Mergers involving supercells remain a challenge for severe thunderstorm forecasting. In this study, mergers between supercells and ordinary cells (e.g., cells forming in a similar environment but too young to be fully developed supercells) are investigated. A series of numerical experiments are performed using an idealized, homogenous environment supportive of cyclonically rotating, right-moving supercells. Warm bubbles are introduced at different times, resulting in two storms of different maturity; their placement is used to control the location of the merger and the relative maturity of the second storm. Simplified conceptual models for the long-term outcomes of mergers are developed. In the simplest mode of merger, outflow from the new cell cuts off inflow to the original. If the new cell’s cold pool is not sufficiently strong to cut off the inflow to the original cell, the minimum separation of the updraft maxima during the merger becomes a key controlling factor in the outcome. If it is less than 10 km, an updraft collision occurs, resulting in a classic supercell. If it is greater than 20 km and the new cell merges into the original cell’s forward flank, a dual-cell system results. If it is between 10 and 20 km, the enhanced precipitation produced during the merger leads to a cold pool surge and an updraft bridge, joining the original updrafts and developing into either a small bow echo (with forward-flank mergers) or a supercell on the classic high-precipitation spectrum (with rear-flank mergers), depending on the distribution of precipitation in the merging system.
Tornado Frequency in the United States Related to Global Relative Angular Momentum
Authors: Gensini Vittorio A. , Marinaro Alan
Published: November 2015

Global relative angular momentum and the first time derivative are used to explain nearly an order of magnitude of the variability in 1994–2013 U.S. boreal spring tornado occurrence. When plotted in a phase space, the global wind oscillation (GWO) is obtained. This global index accounts for changes in the global budget of angular momentum through interactions of tropical convection anomalies and extratropical dynamics including the engagement of surface torques. It is shown herein that tornadoes are more likely to occur in low angular momentum base states and less likely to occur in high angular momentum base states. When excluding weak GWO days, a maximum average of 3.9 (E)F1+ tornadoes per day were found during phase 1. This decreases to a minimum of 0.9 (E)F1+ tornadoes per day during phase 5. Composite environmental analysis suggests that increases/decreases in tornado occurrence are closely associated with anomalies in tropospheric ingredients necessary for tornadic storms. In addition, tornado frequency days exceeding the 90th percentile are shown to be favored when the global relative angular momentum budget and first time derivative are negative (GWO phases 1 and 2), as are significant tornado events [(E)F2+]. Implications for using GWO as a predictor for tornado forecasting are also discussed.
Forewarned is Forearmed: Extended-Range Forecast Guidance of Recent Extreme Heat Events in Australia
Authors: Hudson D. , Marshall A. G. , Alves O. , Young G. , Jones D. , Watkins A.
Published: November 2015

There has been increasing demand in Australia for extended-range forecasts of extreme heat events. An assessment is made of the subseasonal experimental guidance provided by the Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal prediction system, Predictive Ocean Atmosphere Model for Australia (POAMA, version 2), for the three most extreme heat events over Australia in 2013, which occurred in January, March, and September. The impacts of these events included devastating bushfires and damage to crops. The outlooks performed well for January and September, with forecasts indicating increased odds of top-decile maximum temperature over most affected areas at least one week in advance for the fortnightly averaged periods at the start of the heat waves and for forecasts of the months of January and September. The March event was more localized, affecting southern Australia. Although the anomalously high sea surface temperature around southern Australia in March (a potential source of predictability) was correctly forecast, the forecast of high temperatures over the mainland was restricted to the coastline. September was associated with strong forcing from some large-scale atmospheric climate drivers known to increase the chance of having more extreme temperatures over parts of Australia. POAMA-2 was able to forecast the sense of these drivers at least one week in advance, but their magnitude was weaker than observed. The reasonably good temperature forecasts for September are likely due to the model being able to forecast the important climate drivers and their teleconnection to Australian climate. This study adds to the growing evidence that there is significant potential to extend and augment traditional weather forecast guidance for extreme events to include longer-lead probabilistic information.
The non-shock of PIAAC – Tracing the discursive effects of PIAAC in Denmark
Authors: Cort Pia , Larson Anne
Published: November 2015

The results of the first PIAAC survey were published in October 2013. In the case of Denmark, the survey showed that Denmark is below the OECD average when it comes to reading skills, above average with regards to numeracy and on average with regards to IT skills. In this paper we analyse how the PIAAC results were covered by the media and how different stakeholders within the field of adult literacy took PIAAC as an opportunity to try to influence how the problem of adult literacy in Denmark should be represented. The analysis is based on Bacchi’s What’s the problem represented to be? approach to policy analysis (2009) and Kingdon (1984), and Zahariadis’ (2003) multiple streams theory. The analysis shows that PIAAC did not provoke the same kind of national ‘shock’ as PISA and that adult literacy is low on the political agenda compared to basic schooling.
Assessing human-bat interactions around a protected area in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Rego Karlla Morganna da Costa , Zeppelini Caio Graco , Lopez Luiz Carlos Serramo , Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega
Published: November 2015

Background

Bats are key components to the Neotropical forests. Unfortunately, their bad reputation is a major obstacle in their conservation as it creates fear and hostility towards them. Understanding this reputation acquired by bats and studying interactions between bats and humans has shown fundamental promise when creating strategies to forge a non-antagonistic coexistence between both parts and in the promotion of bat conservation in areas with ever-rising human occupation.

Methods

Ninety people were surveyed from three villages that were situated around a Biological Reserve in the state of Paraiba; located in Northern Brazil. The survey was completed using semi-structured interviews addressing villager’s knowledge of the biology and ecology of bats, their interactions with bats, potential medicinal uses, and their socioeconomic situation. Additionally, we sampled the bats that reside in or visit these villages.

Results

Bats were often considered harmful, dangerous and carriers of disease. Bats were often connected to hematophagia, as well. The respondents believe that impacts such as the deforestation are forcing bats into urban environments. With this research, we were able to register one of the few records of bats in popular medicine in Brazil.

Conclusion

The folklore and superstition surrounding bats can form an obstacle that affects their conservation. Environmental education is an important step in order to create a harmonious coexistence between humans and bats and to mitigate the impending conflicts between humanity and nature.
Emerging roles of PtdIns(4,5)P2 – beyond the plasma membrane
Authors: Tan Xiaojun , Thapa Narendra , Choi Suyong , Anderson Richard A.
Published: November 2015

Phosphoinositides are a collection of lipid messengers that regulate most subcellular processes. Amongst the seven phosphoinositide species, the roles for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] at the plasma membrane, such as in endocytosis, exocytosis, actin polymerization and focal adhesion assembly, have been extensively studied. Recent studies have argued for the existence of PtdIns(4,5)P2 at multiple intracellular compartments, including the nucleus, endosomes, lysosomes, autolysosomes, autophagic precursor membranes, ER, mitochondria and the Golgi complex. Although the generation, regulation and functions of PtdIns(4,5)P2 are less well-defined in most other intracellular compartments, accumulating evidence demonstrates crucial roles for PtdIns(4,5)P2 in endolysosomal trafficking, endosomal recycling, as well as autophagosomal pathways, which are the focus of this Commentary. We summarize and discuss how phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases, PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns(4,5)P2-effectors regulate these intracellular protein and membrane trafficking events.
A three-dimensional model of the human blood-brain barrier to analyse the transport of nanoparticles and astrocyte/endothelial interactions
Authors: Sreekanthreddy Peddagangannagari , Gromnicova Radka , Davies Heather , Phillips James , Romero Ignacio A. , Male David
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) model of the human blood-brain barrier in vitro, which mimics the cellular architecture of the CNS and could be used to analyse the delivery of nanoparticles to cells of the CNS. The model includes human astrocytes set in a collagen gel, which is overlaid by a monolayer of human brain endothelium (hCMEC/D3 cell line). The model was characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. A collagenase digestion method could recover the two cell types separately at 92-96% purity.  Astrocytes grown in the gel matrix do not divide and they have reduced expression of aquaporin-4 and the endothelin receptor, type B compared to two-dimensional cultures, but maintain their expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. The effects of conditioned media from these astrocytes on the barrier phenotype of the endothelium was compared with media from astrocytes grown conventionally on a two-dimensional (2D) substratum. Both induce the expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and claudin-5 in hCMEC/D3 cells, but there was no difference between the induced expression levels by the two media. The model has been used to assess the transport of glucose-coated 4nm gold nanoparticles and for leukocyte migration. TEM was used to trace and quantitate the movement of the nanoparticles across the endothelium and into the astrocytes. This blood-brain barrier model is very suitable for assessing delivery of nanoparticles and larger biomolecules to cells of the CNS, following transport across the endothelium.