bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of a new type of electro-optic polymer without carbon main chains
Authors: Zhang Ying , Qiu Chengjun , Li You , Zhang Wenlong , Xuan Wang
Published: August 2014

A new type of electro-optic (EO) polymer is prepared in this work. The main chain of the EO polymer is made of polyphosphazenes, and the side chain consists of carbazole based nitro azobenzene. The principle and method of preparation are given and the characteristics of this material are studied in details. The polymer with an EO coefficient of 35 pm/V has fine stability and can be easily processed. It also shows photoconductivity due to the carbazole group. This polymer thin film is obtained through performance improvement. Terahertz (THz) wave can be detected using the device, which is made of the new polymer. Owing to its fascinating properties, this new type of EO polymer has the potential to be widely applied in photorefractive materials as well as for emission and detection of THz radiation.
Synthesis, characterization, DC-electrical conductivity and γ-ray effect on Ag1+, Y3+ double doped nano lithium manganates (LiMn2−2x
AgxYxO4) for rechargeable batteries
Authors: Abou-Sekkina Morsi , Saad Fawaz , El-Metwaly Fouad , Khedr Abdalla
Published: August 2014

Pristine lithium manganate (LiMn2O4) and Ag1+, Y3+ double doped nano lithium manganate [LiMn2−2x
AgxYxO4, (x = 0.025, 0.05)] spinels were synthesized via a coprecipitation method for rechargeable batteries applications. The synthesized LiMn1.9Ag0.05Y0.05O4 was exposed to different doses of γ-irradiation (10 and 30 kGy). The resulting spinel products were characterized by using thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), electronic (UV-Vis) and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. LiMn2O4 exhibited a discharge capacity of 124 mAhg−1 while LiMn1.9Ag0.05Y0.05O4 had discharge capacities of 129 and 137 mAhg−1 for non irradiated and γ-irradiated (30 kGy) samples, respectively. The effects of the dopant cations and γ-irradiation on the discharge capacity and DC-electrical conductivity of some synthesized spinels were studied.
Evaluation of Elastin/Collagen Content in Human Dermis in-Vivo by Multiphoton Tomography—Variation with Depth and Correlation with Aging
Authors: Pittet Jean-Christophe , Freis Olga , Vazquez-Duchêne Marie-Danielle , Périé Gilles , Pauly Gilles
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the depth of the dermis on the measured collagen and elastin levels and to establish the correlation between the amount of these two extracellular matrix (ECM) components and age. Multiphoton Microscopy (MPM) that measures the autofluorescence (AF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) was used to quantify the levels of elastin and collagen and to determine the SAAID (SHG-to-AF Aging Index of Dermis) at two different skin depths. A 50 MHz ultrasound scanner was used for the calculation of the Sub Epidermal Non Echogenic Band (SENEB). The measurements of the skin mechanical properties were done with a cutometer. All measurements were performed on two groups of 30 healthy female volunteers. The MPM showed a decrease of the quantity of collagen and elastin as a function of depth of the dermis as well as age. The SAAID was lower for the older skin in the deeper dermis. Ultrasound imaging revealed a significant decrease of SENEB as a function of aging. The mechanical properties confirmed a loss of cutaneous elasticity and firmness. Although multiphoton microscopy is a powerful technique to study the characteristics of the dermis and its age-related damage, the location of the measurements (depth) remains very important for the validation of these variations. These variations do not seem to be homogeneous according to the part of the dermis that is studied.
MicroRNAs as Mediators of the Ageing Process
Authors: Harries Lorna
Published: August 2014

Human ageing is a complex and integrated gradual deterioration of cellular processes. There are nine major hallmarks of ageing, that include changes in DNA repair and DNA damage response, telomere shortening, changes in control over the expression and regulation of genes brought about by epigenetic and mRNA processing changes, loss of protein homeostasis, altered nutrient signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, premature cellular senescence and altered intracellular communication. Like practically all other cellular processes, genes associated in features of ageing are regulated by miRNAs. In this review, I will outline each of the features of ageing, together with examples of specific miRNAs that have been demonstrated to be involved in each one. This will demonstrate the interconnected nature of the regulation of transcripts involved in human ageing, and the role of miRNAs in this process. Definition of the factors involved in degeneration of organismal, tissue and cellular homeostasis may provide biomarkers for healthy ageing and increase understanding of the processes that underpin the ageing process itself.
MicroRNAs, Genomic Instability and Cancer
Authors: Vincent Kimberly , Pichler Martin , Lee Gyeong-Won , Ling Hui
Published: August 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA transcripts approximately 20 nucleotides in length that regulate expression of protein-coding genes via complementary binding mechanisms. The last decade has seen an exponential increase of publications on miRNAs, ranging from every aspect of basic cancer biology to diagnostic and therapeutic explorations. In this review, we summarize findings of miRNA involvement in genomic instability, an interesting but largely neglected topic to date. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which miRNAs induce genomic instability, considered to be one of the most important driving forces of cancer initiation and progression, though its precise mechanisms remain elusive. We classify genomic instability mechanisms into defects in cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, and mitotic separation, and review the findings demonstrating the participation of specific miRNAs in such mechanisms.
High-Resolution Imaging Reveals New Features of Nuclear Export of mRNA through the Nuclear Pore Complexes
Authors: Kelich Joseph , Yang Weidong
Published: August 2014

The nuclear envelope (NE) of eukaryotic cells provides a physical barrier for messenger RNA (mRNA) and the associated proteins (mRNPs) traveling from sites of transcription in the nucleus to locations of translation processing in the cytoplasm. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) embedded in the NE serve as a dominant gateway for nuclear export of mRNA. However, the fundamental characterization of export dynamics of mRNPs through the NPC has been hindered by several technical limits. First, the size of NPC that is barely below the diffraction limit of conventional light microscopy requires a super-resolution microscopy imaging approach. Next, the fast transit of mRNPs through the NPC further demands a high temporal resolution by the imaging approach. Finally, the inherent three-dimensional (3D) movements of mRNPs through the NPC demand the method to provide a 3D mapping of both transport kinetics and transport pathways of mRNPs. This review will highlight the recently developed super-resolution imaging techniques advanced from 1D to 3D for nuclear export of mRNPs and summarize the new features in the dynamic nuclear export process of mRNPs revealed from these technical advances.
Nano-Assemblies of Modified Cyclodextrins and Their Complexes with Guest Molecules: Incorporation in Nanostructured Membranes and Amphiphile Nanoarchitectonics Design
Authors: Zerkoune Leïla , Angelova Angelina , Lesieur Sylviane
Published: August 2014

A variety of cyclodextrin-based molecular structures, with substitutions of either primary or secondary faces of the natural oligosaccharide macrocycles of α-, β-, or γ-cyclodextrins, have been designed towards innovative applications of self-assembled cyclodextrin nanomaterials. Amphiphilic cyclodextrins have been obtained by chemical or enzymatic modifications of their macrocycles using phospholipidyl, peptidolipidyl, cholesteryl, and oligo(ethylene oxide) anchors as well as variable numbers of grafted hydrophobic hydrocarbon or fluorinated chains. These novel compounds may self-assemble in an aqueous medium into different types of supramolecular nanoassemblies (vesicles, micelles, nanorods, nanospheres, and other kinds of nanoparticles and liquid crystalline structures). This review discusses the supramolecular nanoarchitectures, which can be formed by amphiphilic cyclodextrin derivatives in mixtures with other molecules (phospholipids, surfactants, and olygonucleotides). Biomedical applications are foreseen for nanoencapsulation of drug molecules in the hydrophobic interchain volumes and nanocavities of the amphiphilic cyclodextrins (serving as drug carriers or pharmaceutical excipients), anticancer phototherapy, gene delivery, as well as for protection of instable active ingredients through inclusion complexation in nanostructured media.
Characterizing Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Urbanization in China Using Time Series of DMSP/OLS Night Light Data
Authors: Xu Tao , Ma Ting , Zhou Chenghu , Zhou Yuke
Published: August 2014

Stable nighttime light (NTL) data, derived from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS), are typically considered a proxy measure of the dynamics of human settlements and have been extensively used to quantitative estimates of demographic variables, economic activity, and land-use change in previous studies at both regional and global scales. The utility of DMSP data for characterizing spatio-temporal trends in urban development at a local scale, however, has received less attention. In this study, we utilize a time series of DMSP data to examine the spatio-temporal characteristics of urban development in 285 Chinese cities from 1992 to 2009, at both the local and national levels. We compare linear models and piecewise linear models to identify the turning points of nighttime lights and calculate the trends in nighttime light growth at the pixel level. An unsupervised classification is applied to identify the patterns in the nighttime light time series quantitatively. Our results indicate that nighttime light brightness in most areas of China exhibit a positive, multi-stage process over the last two decades; however, the average trends in nighttime light growth differ significantly. Through the piecewise linear model, we identify the saturation of nighttime light brightness in the urban center and significant increases in suburban areas. The maps of turning points indicate the greater the distance to the city center or sub-center, the later the turning point occurs. Six patterns derived from the classification illustrate the various characteristics of the nighttime light time series from the local to the national level. The results portray spatially explicit patterns and conspicuous temporal trends of urbanization dynamics for individual Chinese cities from 1992 to 2009.
Estimation of Spatial-Temporal Gait Parameters Using a Low-Cost Ultrasonic Motion Analysis System
Authors: Qi Yongbin , Soh Cheong , Gunawan Erry , Low Kay-Soon , Thomas Rijil
Published: August 2014

In this paper, a low-cost motion analysis system using a wireless ultrasonic sensor network is proposed and investigated. A methodology has been developed to extract spatial-temporal gait parameters including stride length, stride duration, stride velocity, stride cadence, and stride symmetry from 3D foot displacements estimated by the combination of spherical positioning technique and unscented Kalman filter. The performance of this system is validated against a camera-based system in the laboratory with 10 healthy volunteers. Numerical results show the feasibility of the proposed system with average error of 2.7% for all the estimated gait parameters. The influence of walking speed on the measurement accuracy of proposed system is also evaluated. Statistical analysis demonstrates its capability of being used as a gait assessment tool for some medical applications.
Goal and Scope in Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis: The Case of Hydrogen Production from Biomass
Authors: Stefanova Milena , Tripepi Concetta , Zamagni Alessandra , Masoni Paolo
Published: August 2014

The framework for life cycle sustainability analysis (LCSA) developed within the project CALCAS (Co-ordination Action for innovation in Life-Cycle Analysis for Sustainability) is introducing a truly integrated approach for sustainability studies. However, it needs to be further conceptually refined and to be made operational. In particular, one of the gaps still hindering the adoption of integrated analytic tools for sustainability studies is the lack of a clear link between the goal and scope definition and the modeling phase. This paper presents an approach to structure the goal and scope phase of LCSA so as to identify the relevant mechanisms to be further detailed and analyzed in the modeling phase. The approach is illustrated with an on-going study on a new technology for the production of high purity hydrogen from biomass, to be used in automotive fuel cells.
Teaching Nursing Concepts Through an Online Discussion Board
Authors: Hudson Kandi Ann
Published: August 2014

Barriers to course content engagement and student learning in nursing education abound. Some of these barriers include content overload, classroom time constraints, and large student numbers. One way to overcome these issues is the implementation of active learning strategies in the classroom. Despite the positive learning outcomes associated with active learning strategies described in the education literature, traditional passive learning strategies continue to be used by nurse educators in the classroom. This article details the results of a pilot study using an active teaching strategy—an online discussion board—which was designed to improve the learning engagement of beginning nursing students enrolled in their first face-to-face nursing course. The results of the semester-long pilot study indicated a favorable student response to the active teaching strategy and improved overall success in the course by the students who participated fully in the online discussions. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(9):531–536.]
Ocular and Histologic Findings in a Series of Children With Infantile Pompe Disease Treated With Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Authors: Prakalapakorn S. Grace , Proia Alan D. , Yanovitch Tammy L. , DeArmey Stephanie , Mendelsohn Nancy J. , Aleck Kyrieckos A. , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To report the ophthalmologic and histologic findings in a series of children with infantile Pompe disease treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).

Methods:

Records of children with infantile Pompe disease treated with ERT who had at least one complete ophthalmic examination and the ocular histopathology of children with infantile Pompe disease who were treated with ERT were reviewed. The patients’ clinical history, including external ocular examination, ocular alignment and motility, dilated fundus examination, and cycloplegic refraction, was evaluated. A literature review was performed for ophthalmologic findings in infantile Pompe disease using PubMed.

Results:

The clinical findings of 13 children were included and the ocular histopathology of 3 children with infantile Pompe disease who were treated with ERT were reviewed. Forty-six percent (6 of 13) had bilateral ptosis, 23% (3 of 13) had strabismus, 62% (8 of 13) had myopia, and 69% (9 of 13) had astigmatism. On histologic examination, there was vacuolar myopathy affecting the extraocular muscles, ciliary body, and iris smooth muscle and glycogen accumulation in corneal endothelial, lens epithelium, and retinal ganglion cells, and within lysosomes of scleral fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

It is important that ophthalmic providers are aware of the high prevalence of myopia, astigmatism, and ptosis in children with infantile Pompe disease treated with ERT because they are potentially amblyogenic but treatable factors.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(6):355–359.]
Theileriosis in six dogs in South Africa and its potential clinical significance
Authors: Rosa Chantal T. , Pazzi Paolo , Nagel Salome , McClure Vanessa , Christie Jevan , Troskie Milana , Dvir Eran
Published: August 2014

Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by a piroplasma of the genus Theileria that can causeanaemia and thrombocytopenia. Its clinical importance for dogs’ remains poorly understood,as only some develop clinical signs. In this study, physical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcomes of six client-owned diseased dogs presented at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital are described retrospectively. In the dogs, Theileria species (n = 4)and Theileria equi (n = 2) were detected by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-reverse blothybridisation assay in blood samples, whilst PCR for Babesia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia were negative. The most common physical findings were pale mucous membranes (five out of six dogs), bleeding tendencies (five out of six dogs) and lethargy (three out of six dogs). All dogs were thrombocytopenic [median 59.5 x 109/L (range 13–199)] and five out of six dogs were anaemic [median haematocrit 18% (range 5–32)]. Bone marrow core biopsies performed in two dogs showed myelofibrosis. Theileriosis was treated with imidocarb dipropionate and the suspected secondary immune-mediated haematological disorders with prednisolone and azathioprine. Five dogs achieved clinical cure and post-treatment PCR performed in three out of five dogs confirmed absence of circulating parasitaemia. An immune-mediated response to Theileria species is thought to result in anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia in diseased dogs with theileriosis. A bleeding tendency, most likely secondary to thrombocytopenia and/or thrombocytopathy, was the most significant clinical finding in these cases. The link between thrombocytopenia, anaemia and myelofibrosis in theileriosis requires further investigation and theileriosis should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with anaemia and/or thrombocytopenia in endemic tick-borne disease areas.
The gendered embodiment of shame: Intersections of acquaintance rape, trauma and self-blame in Pompidou posse by Sarah Lotz
Authors: Murray Jessica
Published: August 2014

This article offers a feminist literary analysis of the gendered embodiment of shame in Pompidou posse by Sarah Lotz. In this novel, Lotz depicts female characters who are sexually assaulted by acquaintances and the resultant shame and trauma reside in their bodies. I will demonstrate that the embodied shame of these characters is distinctly gendered and that this shapes their attempts to cope with the aftermath of the sexual assaults. A close reading of the text reveals that the characters are exposed to overwhelming social messages of female culpability in a larger context that is rife with misogyny. As a result, they anticipate blame to such an extent that they blame themselves and internalise this blame as shame. By focusing on the bodies of the survivors, Lotz demonstrates the embodiment of shame, but she also suggests a corporeal challenge to silencing. The bodies of these characters speak loudly, albeit sometimes in the halting language of trauma, and they function to alert them to danger, to help them excavate memories that are made inaccessible and to testify to traumatic sexual assault.
The art of consultation
Authors: Bhangoo Kulwant S.
Published: August 2014

Sophisticated marketing and practice-enhancing strategies can help bring patients to a surgeon’s practice. However, the ability to retain these patients and also convert the consultations into surgical procedures depends on the art of consultation. This very important aspect of clinical practice is seldom taught in the medical school. In this paper, the author discusses many aspects of the art of consultation, which he has learned in his practice over the years.
Interactividad, dividendo digital e información en la implementación de la TDT, estudio de Ecuador
Authors: Suing Abel , Mier Catalina , Ordóñez Kruzkaya
Published: August 2014

La investigación busca establecer por qué la interactividad no está presente en emisión de televisión digital terrestre (TDT) en Ecuador, conocer el empleo del dividendo digital; y, determinar cuánto conoce la población sobre la implementación de TDT. Metodología. Revisión de documentación oficial, entrevistas a representantes de sectores involucrados y encuestas. Resultados. Aplicaciones interactivas vinculadas con servicios públicos están desarrollándose en universidades pero no son emitidas. El dividendo digital será empleado para banda ancha móvil. Falta promover conocimiento de TDT. Conclusiones. En Ecuador hay capacidades para crear aplicaciones interactivas; los beneficios de interactividad están limitados a la aceptación universal del lenguaje del middleware. La asignación del dividendo digital para su explotación por empresas privadas y el desarrollo de IPTV dejan al usuario ante un futuro incierto sobre formas de consumo. Faltan definir responsabilidades y mecanismos de cooperación entre Estado y empresas parapromover transición a TDT entre la comunidad.
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apexification in a Nonvital Immature Central Incisor Tooth using an Internal Matrix
Authors: Bodhwani Mohit A
Published: August 2014

Apexification is a method to induce a calcified barrier in a root with an open apex or the continued apical development of an incomplete root in teeth with necrotic pulp. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has shown immense potential as an apical plug to induce apexification. It is better than the traditionally used calcium hydroxide as it completes the procedure more quickly and effectively. The following case report stresses on the need of an internal matrix to avoid unwanted extrusion of MTA in the periapical tissues. The internal matrix used in this case report is calcium hydroxide.

How to cite this article

Bodhwani MA, Shenoy VU, Sumanthini MV. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apexification in a Nonvital Immature Central Incisor Tooth using an Internal Matrix. J Contemp Dent 2014;4(2):113-117.
Land-surface controls on afternoon precipitation diagnosed from observational data: uncertainties and confounding factors
Authors: Guillod B. P. , Orlowsky B. , Miralles D. , Teuling A. J. , Blanken P. D. , Buchmann N. , Ciais P. , Ek M. , Findell K. L. , Gentine P. , Lintner B. R. , Scott R. L. , Van den Hurk B. , I. Seneviratne S.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The feedback between soil moisture and precipitation has long been a topic of interest due to its potential for improving weather and seasonal forecasts. The generally proposed mechanism assumes a control of soil moisture on precipitation via the partitioning of the surface turbulent heat fluxes, as assessed via the evaporative fraction (EF), i.e., the ratio of latent heat to the sum of latent and sensible heat, in particular under convective conditions. Our study investigates the poorly understood link between EF and precipitation by relating the before-noon EF to the frequency of afternoon precipitation over the contiguous US, through statistical analyses of multiple EF and precipitation data sets. We analyze remote-sensing data products (Global Land Evaporation: the Amsterdam Methodology (GLEAM) for EF, and radar precipitation from the NEXt generation weather RADar system (NEXRAD)), FLUXNET station data, and the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR). Data sets agree on a region of positive relationship between EF and precipitation occurrence in the southwestern US. However, a region of strong positive relationship over the eastern US in NARR cannot be confirmed with observation-derived estimates (GLEAM, NEXRAD and FLUXNET). The GLEAM–NEXRAD data set combination indicates a region of positive EF–precipitation relationship in the central US. These disagreements emphasize large uncertainties in the EF data. Further analyses highlight that much of these EF–precipitation relationships could be explained by precipitation persistence alone, and it is unclear whether EF has an additional role in triggering afternoon precipitation. This also highlights the difficulties in isolating a land impact on precipitation. Regional analyses point to contrasting mechanisms over different regions. Over the eastern US, our analyses suggest that the EF–precipitation relationship in NARR is either atmospherically controlled (from precipitation persistence and potential evaporation) or driven by vegetation interception rather than soil moisture. Although this aligns well with the high forest cover and the wet regime of that region, the role of interception evaporation is likely overestimated because of low nighttime evaporation in NARR. Over the central and southwestern US, the EF–precipitation relationship is additionally linked to soil moisture variations, owing to the soil-moisture-limited climate regime.
Chemical characterization of SOA formed from aqueous-phase reactions of phenols with the triplet excited state of carbonyl and hydroxyl radical
Authors: Yu L. , Smith J. , Laskin A. , Anastasio C. , Laskin J. , Zhang Q.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Phenolic compounds, which are emitted in significant amounts from biomass burning, can undergo fast reactions in atmospheric aqueous phases to form secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA). In this study, we investigate the reactions of phenol and two methoxy-phenols (syringol and guaiacol) with two major aqueous phase oxidants – the triplet excited states of an aromatic carbonyl (3C*) and hydroxyl radical (·OH). We thoroughly characterize the low-volatility species produced from these reactions and interpret their formation mechanisms using aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS), nanospray desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano-DESI MS), and ion chromatography (IC). A large number of oxygenated molecules are identified, including oligomers containing up to six monomer units, functionalized monomer and oligomers with carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups, and small organic acid anions (e.g., formate, acetate, oxalate, and malate). The average atomic oxygen-to-carbon (O / C) ratios of phenolic aqSOA are in the range of 0.85–1.23, similar to those of low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LV-OOA) observed in ambient air. The aqSOA compositions are overall similar for the same precursor, but the reactions mediated by 3C* are faster than ·OH-mediated reactions and produce more oligomers and hydroxylated species at the point when 50% of the phenol had reacted. Profiles determined using a thermodenuder indicate that the volatility of phenolic aqSOA is influenced by both oligomer content and O / C ratio. In addition, the aqSOA shows enhanced light absorption in the UV-vis region, suggesting that aqueous-phase reactions of phenols are likely an important source of brown carbon in the atmosphere, especially in regions influenced by biomass burning.
Importance of aerosol composition and mixing state for cloud droplet activation in the high Arctic
Authors: Leck C. , Svensson E.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) were measured throughout an expedition by icebreaker around the central Arctic Ocean, including a 3 week ice drift operation at 87° N, from 3 August to 9 September 2008. In agreement with previous observations in the area and season median daily CCN concentrations at 0.2% water vapor supersaturation were typically in the range of 15 to 30 cm−3, but concentrations varied by two to three orders of magnitude over the expedition and were occasionally below 1 cm−3. The CCN concentrations were highest near the ice edge and fell by a factor of three in the first 48 h of transport from the open sea into the pack ice region. For longer transport times they increased again indicating a local source over the pack ice, suggested to be polymer gels, via drops injected into the air by bubbles bursting on open leads. By assuming Köhler theory and simulating the cloud nucleation process using a Lagrangian adiabatic air parcel model that solves the kinetic formulation for condensation of water on size resolved aerosol particles we inferred the properties of the unexplained non-water soluble aerosol fraction that is necessary for reproducing the observed concentrations of CCN. We propose that the portion of the internally/externally mixed water insoluble particles was larger in the corresponding smaller aerosol sizes ranges. These particles were physically and chemically behaving as polymer gels: the interaction of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic entities on the structures of polymer gels during cloud droplet activation would at first only show a partial wetting character and only weak hygroscopic growth. Given time, a high CCN activation efficiency is achieved, which is promoted by the hydrophilicity or surface-active properties of the gels. Thus the result in this study argues for that the behavior of the high Arctic aerosol in CCN-counters operating at water vapor supersaturations > 0.4% (high relative humidities) may not be properly explained by conventional Köhler theory.
A new method for measuring the imaginary part of refractive index structure parameter in the urban surface layer
Authors: Yuan R. , Luo T. , Sun J. , Zeng Z. , Fu Y.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Atmospheric refractive index consists of both the real and the imaginary parts. The intensity of refractive index fluctuation is usually expressed as the refractive index structure parameter, whose real part reflects the strength of the atmospheric turbulence while the imaginary part reflects the absorption in the light path. The large aperture scintillometer (LAS) is often used to measure the structure parameter of the real part of atmospheric refractive index, and the sensible and latent heat fluxes can further be obtained, while the influence of the imaginary part is ignored, or thought to be a noise. Based on the expression for the spectrum of the logarithmic light intensity fluctuation caused by the imaginary part of refractive index, new expressions for the logarithmic intensity fluctuation variance and the structure function related to the imaginary part of refractive index are derived. Then a simple expression for the imaginary part of the atmospheric refractive index structure parameter (ARISP) is obtained. It can be conveniently used to measure the imaginary part of the ARISP from LAS. Experiments of light propagation were performed in the urban surface layer and the imaginary part of the ARISP was calculated. The experimental results showed a good agreement with the presented theory. The results also suggested that, the imaginary part of ARISP shows a different variation from the real part of ARISP. For the light with the wavelength of 0.62 μm, the variation of the imaginary part of ARISP is related to both the turbulent transport process and the spatial distribution characteristics of aerosols. Based on the theoretical analysis, it can be expected that the method presented in this study can be applied to measuring the imaginary part of the ARISP caused by the trace gas, if the light wavelength is selected within the corresponding gas absorption region.
Nutrient utilisation and weathering inputs in the Peruvian upwelling region since the Little Ice Age
Authors: Ehlert C. , Grasse P. , Gutiérrez D. , Salvatteci R. , Frank M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. For this study two sediment cores from the Peruvian shelf covering the time period between the Little Ice Age (LIA) and present were examined for changes in productivity (biogenic opal concentrations (bSi)), nutrient utilisation (stable isotope compositions of silicon (δ30Siopal) and nitrogen (δ15Nsed)), as well as in ocean circulation and material transport (authigenic and detrital radiogenic neodymium (εNd) and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopes). For the LIA the proxies recorded weak primary productivity and nutrient utilisation reflected by low average bSi concentrations of ~10%, δ15Nsed values of ~ +5‰ and intermediate δ30Siopal values of ~+0.97‰. At the same time the radiogenic isotope composition of the detrital sediment fraction indicates dominant local riverine input of lithogenic material due to higher rainfall in the Andean hinterland. These patterns were caused by permanent El Niño-like conditions characterized by a deeper nutricline, weak upwelling and low nutrient supply. At the end of the LIA, δ30Siopal dropped to low values of +0.6‰ and opal productivity reached its minimum of the past 650 years. During the following transitional period of time the intensity of upwelling, nutrient supply and productivity increased abruptly as marked by the highest bSi contents of up to 38%, by δ15Nsed of up to ~ +7‰, and by the highest degree of silicate utilisation with δ30Siopal reaching values of +1.1‰. At the same time detrital εNd and 87Sr/86Sr signatures documented increased wind strength and supply of dust to the shelf due to drier conditions. Since about 1870, productivity has been high but nutrient utilisation has remained at levels similar to the LIA indicating significantly increased nutrient availability. Comparison between the δ30Siopal and δ15Nsed signatures suggests that during the past 650 years the δ15Nsed signature in the Peruvian Upwelling area has most likely primarily been controlled by surface water utilisation and not, as previously assumed, by subsurface nitrogen loss processes in the water column.
Impact of flow velocity on biochemical processes – a laboratory experiment
Authors: Boisson A. , Roubinet D. , Aquilina L. , Bour O. , Davy P.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Understanding and predicting hydraulic and chemical properties of natural environments are current crucial challenges. It requires considering hydraulic, chemical and biological processes and evaluating how hydrodynamic properties impact on biochemical reactions. In this context, an original laboratory experiment to study the impact of flow velocity on biochemical reactions along a one-dimensional flow streamline has been developed. Based on the example of nitrate reduction, nitrate-rich water passes through plastic tubes at several flow velocities (from 6.2 to 35 mm min−1), while nitrate concentration at the tube outlet is monitored for more than 500 h. This experimental setup allows assessing the biologically controlled reaction between a mobile electron acceptor (nitrate) and an electron donor (carbon) coming from an immobile phase (tube) that produces carbon during its degradation by microorganisms. It results in observing a dynamic of the nitrate transformation associated with biofilm development which is flow-velocity dependent. It is proposed that the main behaviors of the reaction rates are related to phases of biofilm development through a simple analytical model including assimilation. Experiment results and their interpretation demonstrate a significant impact of flow velocity on reaction performance and stability and highlight the relevance of dynamic experiments over static experiments for understanding biogeochemical processes.
Equality from a Human Point of View
Authors: Lebron Christopher
Published: August 2014

Racial inequality remains a persistent feature of American life. Despite the prominent place the idea of equality holds in the tradition of political philosophy, we remain without an effective conception appropriate for the experience of racial inequality. In this paper, I re-frame debates around equality and egalitarianism by reflecting on some of James Baldwin's more strident arguments in his 1965 debate with William Buckley. I suggest he presses two complaints that are fundamental to racial inequality: the complaints of democratic distance and of disaffection. I then argue that while contemporary egalitarian theorists such as G. A. Cohen, Ronald Dworkin, Richard Arneson, and Elizabeth Anderson all claim to have isolated in their work a preferred conception of equality, they are unable to respond to Baldwin's complaints, thus unable to effectively address the experience of racial inequality. I then leverage Bernard Williams's distinction between a technological view of equality and a human view alongside his writing on imagination to offer a framework for meeting the moral demands that arise from taking the experience of racial inequality as fundamental to considerations over social and political equality.
Investigações psicológicas no ciberespaço: desenvolvendo modelos preditivos sobre a adesão às crenças ufológicas
Authors: Pereira Marcos Emanoel
Published: August 2014

O objetivo do presente artigo procura é desenvolver, mediante o uso da regressão linear, modelos estatísticos capazes de isolar e avaliar o impacto de uma série de variáveis independentes – interesse pelo assunto, filiação a grupos ufológicos e grau de conhecimento – sobre o grau de adesão às crenças ufológicas e, em seguida, partir da modelagem de equação estrutural, elaborar modelos explicativos capazes de se ajustar aos dados obtidos em uma pesquisa empírica sobre as crenças ufológicas e os extraterrestres. Os resultados obtidos pela regressão linear indicaram que os modelos elaborados possuem um poder preditivo relativamente alto e uma qualidade bastante aceitável, a se considerar os índices de ajustamento da equação estrutural, que apresentaram valores bastante toleráveis para estudos conduzidos nos domínios das ciências comportamentais. Finalmente, foram apresentadas algumas implicações destes modelos para a pesquisa psicossocial sobre as crenças, em especial sobre as crenças ufológicas.Palavras-chave: crenças; crenças compartilhadas; ufologia.
O sofrimento psíquico e as novas modalidades de relação entre o normal e o patológico: uma discussão a partir da perspectiva freudiana sobre o caráter do psicopatológico
Authors: Pinheiro Clara Virginia De Queiroz , Aguiar Isabella Maria Augusto , Mendes Layza Castelo Branco
Published: August 2014

No presente estudo partimos da tese de Ehrenberg, na qual é firmada a idéia de que a atividade clínica, nos dias atuais se estende à totalidade do sofrimento mental, não se restringindo mais aos cuidados com a dimensão patológica da experiência humana. Trata-se da constituição do campo da saúde mental, âmbito em que a psicopatologia se torna um domínio menor. Na medida em que a prática clínica não se especifica mais pelo caráter patológico de seu objeto, pomos em questão as relações entre o normal e o patológico subjacente à atenção em saúde mental. Dessa forma, iniciamos nossa investigação com o exame dos conceitos do normal e do patológico que marcaram a emergência da atividade clínica. Em seguida, abordamos a psicopatologia freudiana com o objetivo de ressaltar a especificidade do fenômeno psicopatológico em relação a outros tipos de sofrimento humano. Por fim, à luz das formulações freudianas acerca da diferença entre inibição e sintoma, pressupomos a identidade conceitual entre sofrimento psíquico e inibição, analisando as mudanças das relações entre o normal e o patológico que estão por trás das diversas modalidades de sofrimento psíquico adotadas como objeto clínico.   Palavras-chave: sofrimento psíquico; normal e patológico; Freud; Ehrenberg; saúde mental.
Terapia de reposição hormonal e qualidade da vida sexual de mulheres no climatério
Authors: Brito Regina Célia Souza , Makiama Sheila Tetsume
Published: August 2014

O climatério caracteriza-se pelo declínio gradual da produção de hormônios sexuais devido a perda da atividade folicular ovariana. Esta diminuição produz alterações físicas, como redução da elasticidade e da lubrificação vaginal, provocando desconforto durante a atividade sexual. Por isso, a Terapia de Reposição Hormonal (TRH) é considerada um importante tratamento para mulheres pré e pós-menopausadas. A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da vida sexual de mulheres entre 40 e 60 anos e sua possível correlação com a prática de reposição hormonal. Noventa e duas mulheres esta faixa etária, todas servidoras públicas com escolaridade igual ou superior ao nível médio completo, responderam voluntariamente a um questionário autoaplicável. Os dados foram coletados e analisados obedecendo às normas éticas de pesquisa com seres humanos. Encontrou-se uma possível correlação entre a idade e a falta de lubrificação vaginal. Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa entre a realização de terapia hormonal e a ausência de dificuldades sexuais. Infere-se que a qualidade da vida sexual não depende unicamente de variáveis fisiológicas, mas também de fatores sociais e conjugais. Sugere-se que mais estudos com amostra semelhante sejam realizados, assim como a realização de pesquisas acerca dos efeitos da ação conjunta de TRH e psicoterapia.Palavras-chave: climatério; menopausa; terapia de reposição hormonal; qualidade de vida.
Uma análise do modelo de explicação no behaviorismo radical: o estatuto do comportamento e a relação de dependência entre eventos
Authors: Leão Monalisa de Fátima Freitas Carneiro , Laurenti Carolina
Published: August 2014

O objetivo deste artigo é elucidar algumas características do modelo de explicação do comportamento proposto pelo Behaviorismo Radical. Para tanto, abordamos dois aspectos: (1) a delimitação do campo explicativo, e (2) o modelo explicativo no contexto da filosofia da ciência. Com relação ao primeiro ponto, examinamos o estatuto do comportamento na explicação behaviorista radical contrastando-o com duas explicações tradicionais do comportamento: a mentalista e a fisicalista. Diferente destas últimas explicações, o Behaviorismo Radical defende o comportamento como um objeto de estudo autônomo. No contexto da filosofia da ciência, examinamos, primeiramente, algumas concepções tradicionais de relação de dependência entre eventos, como a conexão necessária e a metáfora da cadeia. Em seguida, discutimos como o modelo de explicação behaviorista radical parece ser incompatível com tais concepções. Concluímos que o Behaviorismo Radical explica o comportamento buscando redes de interdependência probabilística entre estímulos (antecedentes e consequentes) e respostas, levando em consideração a importância da história nesse processo.   Palavras-chave: behaviorismo radical; explicação do comportamento; autonomia do comportamento; relações funcionais; explicação histórica.
Efeitos do tamanho da classe na manutenção de relações de equivalência em um delineamento intra-grupo
Authors: Haydu Verônica Bender , Omote Leila Cristina Ferreira , Vicente Priscila , Aggio Natalia Maria , Paula Juliana Barboza Caetano de
Published: August 2014

Assim como a formação de classes de equivalência, a manutenção destas foi afetada por diversas variáveis experimentais. O presente estudo visou analisar os efeitos do tamanho das classes sobre a formação e a manutenção de classes de estímulos equivalentes com um delineamento intra-grupo. O procedimento de ensino de escolha-de-acordo-com-modelo foi utilizado para ensinar a 21 estudantes universitários três conjuntos de três classes de estímulos equivalentes compostas por três, quatro e cinco estímulos. A sequência de ensino das classes de diferentes tamanhos foi aleatorizada para controlar o efeito da ordem. Observou-se que essa variável não afetou os resultados. Todos os 21 participantes apresentaram respostas de acordo com as classes treinadas em um Teste Misto realizado depois da aquisição das relações condicionais. Seis semanas após o Teste Misto, a manutenção das relações de equivalência foi testada. Foi observado que 3, 6 e 8 participantes continuaram apresentando porcentagens de acerto acima de 90% no Teste de Manutenção, quando as classes eram compostas por três, quatro e cinco estímulos, respectivamente. Pode-se concluir que o tamanho das classes não esteve relacionado à formação delas, mas afetou a manutenção das mesmas.   Palavras-chave: discriminação condicional; equivalência de estímulos; escolha-de-acordo-com-modelo; estudantes universitários; estabilidade; tamanho de classes.
Notas sobre a dinâmica dos impulsos em Nietzsche
Authors: Machado Bruno Martins
Published: August 2014

O presente artigo tem como propósito evidenciar o dinamismo dos impulsos de acordo com o perspectivismo nietzscheano. Enfatizamos, sobretudo, o modo como os impulsos são apresentados por Friedrich Nietzsche como peças estruturantes para a moral e para a vida. Para tanto, exploramos como a relação entre os impulsos se apóia sobre a doutrina da vontade de poder. Entendemos que há um ganho importante ao evidenciarmos essa leitura, pois ela fornece instrumentos críticos seja para análises da moral, seja para análises do próprio homem. Para empreender essa proposta, utilizamos textos do próprio Nietzsche, com ênfase em obras publicadas durante sua vida; contudo não perdemos de vista a importância dos fragmentos póstumos. Também fizemos uso de alguns comentadores quando suas posições se mostraram relevantes para a compreensão desses escritos.   Palavras-chaves: Nietzsche; impulsos; vontade de poder; perspectivismo; moral.
“Juntas chegaremos à perfeição”: representações sociais da anorexia no Orkut
Authors: Giacomozzi Andréia Isabel
Published: August 2014

Este artigo discute a representação social da anorexia e a identidade social construída por grupos de jovens garotas que participam de comunidades pró-anorexia no Orkut. Selecionou-se aleatoriamente 42 respostas à questão: “quem sou eu”, proposta no início de cada página de membros de comunidades pró-anorexia do Orkut que se descrevem como sendo ou como tendo comportamentos anoréxicos, todos do sexo feminino. Na análise dos dados coletados, foi empregado o software Alceste (Análise Lexical por Contexto de um Conjunto de Segmentos de Texto). Percebeu-se uma representação social da anorexia como estilo de vida e não como doença, e outra da anorexia sendo uma “santa” ou “deusa”, marcando uma estranha ligação de amor e ódio entre as jovens e esta espécie de entidade superprotetora e poderosa. Além disso, observa-se que tais representações geram e sustentam a construção, pelo grupo, de uma identidade social da anoréxica como tendo uma moral e pureza mais elevada que os demais, acontecendo ainda um encorajamento e uma supervalorização de comportamentos anoréxicos e bulímicos, o que pode dificultar a adesão da jovem ao tratamento.  Palavras-chave: representações socias; identidade social; anorexia; comunidades virtuais.
A ultrassonografia obstétrica e suas implicações para a relação materno-fetal
Authors: Gomes Aline Grill , Piccinini Cesar Augusto
Published: August 2014

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar as implicações emocionais da ultrassonografia obstétrica para a relação materno-fetal, no contexto de normalidade fetal. Participaram 11 gestantes primíparas, com idades entre 18 e 35 anos e idades gestacional entre 11 e 24 semanas, que estavam sendo submetidas pela primeira vez à ultrassonografia. Elas responderam a uma entrevista semiestruturada e à Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal, antes e depois do exame. Análise de conteúdo qualitativa das entrevistas mostrou que a ultrassonografia, além de modificar a visão da mãe sobre o bebê, que passou a vê-lo de uma forma mais real e concreta, intensificou os comportamentos de interação mãe-bebê, ou seja, ampliou as diferentes maneiras de interagir e fortificou os sentimentos maternos, fazendo com que a mãe se sentisse mais apropriada de seu papel. Análise estatística revelou um aumento significativo na média dos escores da escala de apego após o exame. Juntos, os resultados indicam que a ultrassonografia parece ter exercido um impacto importante nas gestantes influenciando a relação mãe-bebê.Palavras-chave: ultrassonografia; relação materno-fetal; normalidade fetal.