bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can IASI be used to simulate the total spectrum of outgoing longwave radiation?
Authors: Turner E. C. , Lee H.-T. , Tett S. F. B.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. A new method of deriving high-resolution top-of-atmosphere spectral radiances over the entire outgoing longwave spectrum of the Earth is presented. Correlations between selected channels of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interfermeter (IASI) on the MetOp-A satellite and simulated unobserved wavelengths in the far infrared are used to estimate radiances between 25.25–644.75 cm−1 at 0.5 cm−1 intervals. The same method is used in the 2760–3000 cm−1 region. Total integrated all-sky radiances are validated with broadband measurements from the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument on the Terra and Aqua satellites at simultaneous nadir overpasses, revealing mean differences that are 0.3 W m−2 sr−1 (0.5% relative difference) lower for IASI relative to CERES with significantly lower biases in nighttime – only scenes. Averaged global data over a single month produces mean differences of about 1 W m−2 sr−1 in both the all and the clear-sky (1.2% relative difference). The new high – resolution spectrum is presented for global mean all and clear skies where the far infrared is shown to contribute 47 and 44% to the total OLR respectively, which is consistent with previous estimates. In terms of spectral cloud radiative forcing, the FIR contributes 19% and in some subtropical instances appears to be negative, results that would go un-observed with a traditional broadband analysis.
The effect of desiccation on the emission of volatile bromocarbons from two common temperate macroalgae
Authors: Leedham Elvidge Emma C. , Phang S.-M. , Sturges W. T. , Malin G.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Exposure of intertidal macroalgae during low tide has been linked to the emission of a variety of atmospherically-important trace gases into the coastal atmosphere. In recent years, several studies have investigated the role of inorganic iodine and organoiodides as antioxidants and their emission during exposure to combat oxidative stress, yet the role of organic bromine species during desiccation is less well understood. In this study the emission of dibromomethane (CH2Br2) and bromoform (CHBr3) during exposure and desiccation of two common temperate macroalgae, Fucus vesiculosus and Ulva intestinalis, is reported. Determination of the impact exposure may have on algal physiological processes is difficult as intertidal species are adapted to desiccation and may undergo varying degrees of desiccation before their physiology is affected. For this reason we include comparisons between photosynthetic capacity (Fv / Fm) and halocarbon emissions during a desiccation time series. In addition, the role of rewetting with freshwater to simulate exposure to rain was also investigated. Our results show that an immediate flux of bromocarbons occurs upon exposure, followed by a decline in bromocarbon emissions. We suggest that this immediate bromocarbon pulse may be linked to volatilisation or emissions of existing bromocarbon stores from the algal surface rather than the production of bromocarbons as an antioxidant response.
Neotectonics, flooding patterns and landscape evolution in southern Amazonia
Authors: Lombardo U.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The paper examines the role of neotectonic activity in the evolution of the landscape in southern Amazonia during the Holocene. It uses both new and published data based on the analysis of remote sensing imagery and extensive field work in the Llanos de Moxos, Bolivian Amazon. The study of the region's modern and paleo rivers, ria lakes, paleosols and topography provides a strong case in favour of the thesis that the northern part of the Llanos de Moxos constitutes the southern margin of the Fitzcarrald arch and that it has experienced uplift during the Holocene. The paper assesses the extent and timing of the neotectonic activity in light of the new data and reconstructs the evolution of the landscape since the late Pleistocene. The evidence suggests that at least two uplift events took place: a first uplift in the late Pleistocene, which caused the formation of Lake Oceano, and a second uplift during the mid-Holocene, which formed Lake Rogaguado. These two uplifts appear to be linked to the knickpoints observed close to the towns of Guayaramerín and Puerto Siles respectively. The backwater effect due to these uplifts transformed the region's major rivers in seasonal ria lakes, causing the deposition of thick organic clay layers along the Beni, Mamoré and Madre de Dios river banks. I argue that neotectonic episodes could have dramatically changed the drainage of the Llanos, determining its flooding regime, soil properties and forest-savannah ecotone. These results stress the need for geomorphologists, paleoecologists and archaeologists to take into account neotectonics when reconstructing the region's past.
Determining slack tide with a GPS receiver on an anchored buoy
Authors: Valk M. , Savenije H. H. G. , Tiberius C. C. J. M. , Luxemburg W. M. J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. In this paper we present a novel method to determine the time of occurrence of tidal slack with a GPS receiver mounted on an anchored buoy commonly used to delineate shipping lanes in estuaries and tidal channels. Slack tide occurs when the tide changes direction from ebb to flood flow or from flood to ebb. The determination of this point in time is not only useful for shipping and salvaging, it is also important information for calibrating tidal models, for determining the maximum salt intrusion and for the further refinement of the theory on tidal propagation. The accuracy of the timing is well within 10 min and the method – able to operate in real time – is relatively cheap and easy to implement on a permanent basis or in short field campaigns.
The "Prediflood" database of historical floods in Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula) AD 1035–2013, and its potential applications in flood analysis
Authors: Barriendos M. , Ruiz-Bellet J. L. , Tuset J. , Mazón J. , Balasch J. C. , Pino D. , Ayala J. L.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. "Prediflood" is a database of historical floods occurred in Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula), between 10th Century and 21th Century. More than 2700 flood cases are catalogued, and more than 1100 flood events. This database contains information acquired under modern historiographical criteria and it is, therefore, apt to be used in multidisciplinary flood analysis techniques, as meteorological or hydraullic reconstructions.
The Ebstorf Map: tradition and contents of a medieval picture of the world
Authors: Pischke G.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The Ebstorf Map (Wilke, 2001; Kugler, 2007; Wolf, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009a, b), the largest medieval map of the world whose original has been lost, is not only a geographical map. In the Middle Ages, a map contained mystic, historical and religious motifs. Of central importance is Jesus Christ, who, in the Ebstorf Map, is part of the earth. The Ebstorf Map contains the knowledge of the time of its creation; it can be used for example as an atlas, as a chronicle of the world, or as an illustrated Bible.
Comunicación y conocimiento de los Servicios Sociales públicos. La difusión de los Servicios Sociales municipales en la Comunidad de Madrid
Authors: Baltar Moreno Adolfo
Published: July 2014

Se presenta un análisis de la difusión de los servicios sociales de atención primaria de la Comunidad de Madrid a través de las instituciones que producen y gestionan estos servicios públicos, las Administraciones locales, en tanto que emisoras o principales productoras de proceso comunicativo. Se parte de la hipótesis de que el modelo de difusión empleado por las Administraciones locales para promocionar sus servicios sociales es un factor que determina el nivel de conocimiento de este sistema de protección social e influye en la capacidad de acceso de la ciudadanía. El trabajo realiza un diagnóstico a partir de la observación de los principales factores que determinan la comunicación de los servicios sociales municipales: estrategias, contenidos, publicidad, marketing, emplazamientos y problemáticas. Las conclusiones llevan a plantear la necesidad de llevar a cabo una difusión global de los servicios sociales públicos en tanto que sistema, suplementaria a la que realizan el resto de Administraciones públicas concernidas, lo que no sucede en la actualidad.
Comunicar lo comunitario
Authors: Pirla Santamaria Alba , Julià Traveria Ramon
Published: July 2014

En tiempos de crisis es bueno y necesario reflexionar sobre algunos elementos fundamentales de nuestra profesión y aprovechar la ocasión para poner en relación a los diferentes protagonistas que van construyendo a diario nuestra disciplina. Por un lado, la vertiente académica, que incluye al profesorado responsable de la docencia e investigación, y al alumnado, que es el futuro de la profesión. Por otro lado, al mundo profesional que engloba a los responsables de las administraciones públicas e instituciones sociales que ofrecen servicios sociales y de bienestar social, y a los profesionales que llevan a cabo sus funciones. De la relación entre este conjunto de actores sociales surgen dificultades y potencialidades. Es imprescindible que el Trabajo Social realice un conjunto de planteamientos que conviertan sus amenazas en oportunidades y que nuestra aportación fortalezca la sociedad.
“Homme” peut-il vouloir dire “Femme”? Gender and Translation in Seventeenth-Century French Moral Literature
Authors: Zoberman Pierre
Published: July 2014

Can homme mean femme? Should supposedly gender-neutral terms such as homme(s), in the works of seventeenth-century French moralists (notably Pascal and La Bruyère), be rendered into un-gendered forms like humankind when translated into English? What are the presuppositions and consequences of the choices available to translators? Exploring the use, not only of l'homme/les hommes, but also personne (person) and gens (people), and ostensibly gender-neutral pronouns—on (one)—the article shows how deceptive this gender neutrality is and how the moralists' texts constantly shift from uses of homme as humankind to homme as the male of the species. Choosing gender-neutral options (e.g., humankind) may help make texts of early modern France more germane to the concerns of readers today. However, it obscures the linguistic sleight-of-hand and the exclusion of woman from those discourses as anything but a negative figure. Paradoxically, moralists subvert the gender binary. If women appear as a foil for men, men, viz. the males of the species, as a whole fail to live up to moralists' standards—thus sharing the shortcomings of women. Therefore, the article argues for fidelity to the non-neutral forms as a way to point to the very process of gender definition and, in particular, to the discounting of women prevalent in the works of French moralsists from the early modern period.
What Is The Core Normative Argument for Greater Democracy in Criminal Justice?
Authors: Bennett Christopher
Published: July 2014

In this paper, I look at some arguments for introducing a greater degree of lay participation into decision-making in the criminal justice system and other central institutions. I distinguish two types of argument for the conclusion that we should introduce greater lay participation: the Correction Thesis, that lay participation is necessary to correct for certain limitations and biases inherent even in the best decision-making that is carried out by people in possession of superior knowledge of an issue; and the Common Ownership Thesis, that democratic self-governance generates responsibilities that we cannot simply devolve to a technical association or bureaucracy to sort out for us. I argue that the Correction Thesis is inadequate to provide a general justification for greater lay participation. Such a general justification might more plausibly be given by the Common Ownership thesis. But the latter must be improved before we can fully understand its scope and plausibility.
Estimating the social benefits of recreational harvesting of edible wild mushrooms using travel cost methods
Authors: Frutos P. , Martínez Peña F. , Ortega Martínez P. , Esteban S.
Published: July 2014

The public demand for recreational harvesting of edible wild mushrooms has risen over the last two decades and currently affects all forestry areas with mycological resources in Spain. The idea of introducing a system of ‘user-pays’ fees has been conceived as a possible ecosystem management strategy. Valuing the recreational benefits people derive from harvesting edible wild mushrooms may provide some guidance as to how much people would be willing to pay and may also justify future taxes for on harvesters. Environmental valuation methods allow the benefits of this recreation activity to be estimated. In this case, the authors estimate a demand model of recreational harvesting of edible wild mushrooms in ‘Pinar
Modelling hourly variability in Eucalyptus globulus litter moisture content
Authors: Ruiz A. , Vega J. A. , Alvarez J.G.
Published: July 2014

Fuel moisture content is a basic parameter of the present fire danger rating systems and fire behaviour simulation programs. Diurnal Eucalyptus globulus litter fuel moisture content variation patterns in rain free periods are shown in this document. Several situations in relation to sun exposition, wind and nocturnal dead organic fuels dew are considered and the capacity of prediction models which are available in literature in order to follows the patterns is evaluated. It is concluded by emphasizing the good behaviour of a physically based model in the different conditions considered and the appropriate behaviour of particular empirical models to specific situations. Fuel moisture nocturnal latent heat effect is remarked together with the fast sun effect drying up litter which make possible to pass, in a very short time step, from a non inflammable fuel to a situation clearly well-disposed to fire propagation.
Using Landsat satellite imagery to detect small-size forest stands of Pinus nigra Arn. and Pinus sylvestris L. affected by Scolytidae
Authors: Blanco E. , Bonet J. A. , Eizaguirre M.
Published: July 2014

Medium resolution images from multispectral sensors like Landsat TM have been extensively used for decades in order to identify decline and defoliation generated by insects and other forest pests. The present work analyses the usefulness of these kinds of images to detect small-size stands of Pinus nigra Arn. and Pinus sylvestris L. affected by Scolytidae attacks. The study area was located in the Solsones region (Eastern Pyrenees), selecting 34 training zones (17 damaged small-size stands and 17 healtly small-size stands). The exploratory analysis of the images was conducted with the ERDAS® IMAGINE 8.x. program.The results of the study showed significant differences between the affected and non-affected stands in 5 of the 7 spectral bands analysed. TM5 and TM7 bands were identified as those having the highest power to detect damaged stands. The digital levels obtained and the spaces of characteristics created, both showed trends to group small-size affected stands versus healthy, achieving improvements in the methodological procedure employed.
Combining spectral mixture analysis and object-based classification for fire severity mapping
Authors: Fernández-Manso O. , Quintano C. , Fernández-Manso A.
Published: July 2014

This study shows an accurate and fast methodology in order to evaluate fire severity classes of large forest fires. A single Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper multispectral image was utilized in this study with the aim of mapping fire severity classes (high, moderate and low) using a combined-approach based in an spectral mixing model and object-based image analysis. A large wildfire in the Northwest of Spain is used to test the model. Fraction images obtained by Landsat unmixing were used as input data in the object-based image analysis. A multilevel segmentation and a classification were carried out by using membership functions. This method was compared with other simplest ones in order to evaluate the suitability to distinguish between the three fire severity classes above mentioned. McNemar’s test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of the difference between approaches tested in this study. The combined approach achieved the highest accuracy reaching 97.32% and kappa index of agreement of 95.96% and improving accuracy of individual classes.
Share of anthropophytes in the crop sequence: winter wheat – maize – spring wheat depending on tillage system
Authors: Sekutowski Tomasz R. , Smagacz Janusz
Published: July 2014

An experiment, conducted over the period 2008–2010, evaluated the effect of tillage system on the occurrence and species composition of anthropophytes in winter wheat, maize and spring wheat. Regardless of crop plant and tillage system, anthropophytes (73.9%), represented by archaeophytes and kenophytes, were the main component of the flora in the crops studied, whereas apophytes accounted for the remaining 26.1%. Most archaeophytes (13 species) were found in the spring wheat crop under no-tillage, while their lowest number (6 species) occurred in the spring wheat crop under conventional tillage. The only kenophyte, Conyza canadensis, was found to occur in the spring wheat and maize crops in the no-tillage system. The following taxa were dominant species among archeophytes: Geranium pusillum, Anthemis arvensis, and Viola arvensis (regardless of tillage system and crop plant), Anthemis arvensis (in spring wheat – conventional tillage), Echinochloa crus-galli and Setaria glauca (in maize – reduced tillage and no-tillage), Chenopodium album (in maize – no-tillage) as well as Apera spica-venti, Anthemis arvensis and Papaver rhoeas (in winter wheat – no-tillage).
Variation in weed infestation of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) depending on the intensity of chemical protection of plantations
Authors: Domaradzki Krzysztof , Marczewska-Kolasa Katarzyna , Bortniak Marcin
Published: July 2014

A floristic study was conducted over the period 2010–2012, using the Braun-Blanquet method, under which vegetation relevés were made in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) plantations in Lower Silesia. Fields with similar habitat conditions, which differed in the intensity of herbicide application to control weed infestation, were selected for observation. A total of 144 relevés were made and based on them a list was prepared of species found in fields in which different levels of chemical protection were used. A cover index and a constancy class were determined for each species found in the phytocoenoses studied. On the basis of these observations, the study found floristic  variation in the investigated agrophytocenoses as af- fected by the level of intensity of weed control chemicals used. In  herbicide-untreated plots, a total of 25 weed species were found and their aggregate cover index was 8705. Chenopodium album L., Polygonum persicaria L. and Setaria pumila (POIR.) ROEM. & SCHULT by far dominated among them. Herbicide use caused an impoverishment in the floristic list. 20 taxa were observed in the plots treated with the lowest herbicide rates, while with increasing rates the number of species dropped to 18. The sum of the cover indices also decreased with increasing rates, successively reaching the values of 5907, 5212 and 4356.
The life-history traits influencing reproduction success and the recruitment of seedlings of Dianthus superbus L. in different stages of meadow overgrowing
Authors: Kostrakiewicz-Gierałt Kinga
Published: July 2014

A study of the life-history traits and seedling recruitment in small and isolated populations of a rare clonal species, Dianthus superbus L., was carried out in the years 2011–2012 in Kraków-Kostrze (Southern Poland). Observations were conducted in unmanaged Molinietum caeruleae meadows situated along the successional gradient. The patch representing the initial stage of succession (P1) was dominated by small species creating delicate erect or procumbent stems, the patch representing the temporary stage of succession (P2) was prevailed by large-tussock grasses and tall-growing macroforbs, while the patch representing the terminal stage of succession (P3) was partly overgrown by bushes and trees. The number of generative shoots, flowers, fruits and seeds of Dianthus superbus L. diminished gradually from P3 via P2 to P1. The increase in abundance of generative shoots and flower number in the vicinity of tall plants contributes to increased visibility of inflorescences and may enhance the chances for nocturnal pollinator visits. A significant production of fruits and seeds in competitive neighborhood may augment the chances for successful dispersal and colonization of new, perhaps more favorable habitats. The recruitment of seedlings occurred only in artificially created gaps in plant canopy and litter. The appearance of seedlings and their survivorship were better in P1 than in P2 and P3. Such a phenomenon might be due to the locally rising water level and the diminishing amount of light reaching to the soil area along the successional gradient.

Concluding, it should be asserted that a low production of generative shoots, flowers, fruits and seeds by the population of Dianthus superbus L. established in the patch dominated by small meadow species is compensated by the highest seedling recruitment and their survival. On the other hand, a substantial production of generative structures is not sufficient to ensure the persistence of populations in meadows in advanced stages of secondary succession.
The influence of Atonik SL, Betokson Super 050 SL and InsolCa on yielding of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. ‘Senga Sengana’ and ‘Kent’
Authors: Szot Iwona , Lipa Tomasz , Basak Alina
Published: July 2014

The chemical composition of strawberry fruit depends mainly on cultivar, fruit maturity degree and climatic conditions in the growing period. Fruit quality is also determined by a cultivation technology. The influence of two biostimulants (Atonik SL and Betokson Super 050 SL), which were used separately, in combination with each other or with the liquid fertilizer InsolCa, on yielding and fruit quality of two strawberry cultivars: ‘Senga Sengana’ and ‘Kent’, was tested. Betokson Super 050 SL + InsolCa tended to improve the yield of both cultivars. Significant differences compared to the control were evident especially in 2001. Fruits of ‘Senga Sengana’ started ripening later and had more ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and acidity than ‘Kent’. The use of Betokson Super 050 SL + InsolCa improved the content of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and sugar as well as acidity in strawberries of both cultivars. The use of Betokson Super 050 SL + Atonik SL significantly increased the content of ascorbic acid and sugar in fruits of both cultivars. ‘Kent’ strawberries also responded to the treatment with an increase in anthocyanin content and acidity.
Mycological analysis of air in selected rooms of the University of Szczecin – a pilot project
Authors: Kruczek Aleksandra
Published: July 2014

Aerobiological measurements were made by the volumetric method (VPPS Lanzoni and Burkard instruments). Concentrations of microscopic fungi were measured from April 16th to July 2nd, 2013, in two rooms of the Chair of Botany and Natural Environment Protection, Faculty of Biology, Szczecin University. The study was undertaken to perform mycological analysis of the air in selected rooms. Mycological contamination of the air in the surveyed areas was not diverse in terms of species composition. Nearly three times higher concentrations of fungal spores were recorded in the seminar room. The most abundant were spores of fungi from the genus Cladosporium. The concentration of fungal spores of Cladosporium, Botrytis and Aspergillus/Penicillium exceeds the limits.
Contact Estimation in Robot Interaction
Authors: D'Ippolito Filippo , Alonge Francesco , Cucco Elisa
Published: July 2014

In the paper, safety issues are examined in a scenario in which a robot manipulator and a human perform the same task in the same workspace. During the task execution, the human should be able to physically interact with the robot, and in this case an estimation algorithm for both interaction forces and a contact point is proposed in order to guarantee safety conditions. The method, starting from residual joint torque estimation, allows both direct and adaptive computation of the contact point and force, based on a principle of equivalence of the contact forces. At the same time, all the unintended contacts must be avoided, and a suitable post-collision strategy is considered to move the robot away from the collision area or else to reduce impact effects. Proper experimental tests have demonstrated the applicability in practice of both the post-impact strategy and the estimation algorithms; furthermore, experiments demonstrate the different behaviour resulting from the adaptation of the contact point as opposed to direct calculation.
Photochemistry for Advanced Nanoengineering: Polymer Microtubes with Inner Walls Coated with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Luchnikov Valeriy , Balan Lavinia
Published: July 2014

Micro-capillaries with an engineered hidden surface were produced via the self-rolling of polymer thin films whose surface was photochemically modified so as to coat it with silver nanoparticles. The polymer films consisted of a poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) layer top-coated with a polystyrene layer. When immersed in acid water, they underwent self-rolling due to selective swelling of the poly(4-vinyl pyridine) layer. The generation of Ag nanoparticles at the inner structure of the 40 μm-wide capillaries was carried out by a photochemically initiated reduction process. It was confirmed by UV-VIS spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The possibility of designing non-uniform distributions of silver particles at the inner surface of the tubes was also established. It consists of photopatterning the top of the film - the polystyrene side - prior to the swelling/self-rolling step. This approach provides new opportunities for the design of micro-compartments for micro-biological research and for micro-fluidics applications.
Ética e cultura dialogal: transitividade crítico-reflexiva em educação
Authors: Alves Marcos Alexandre , Ghiggi Gomercindo
Published: July 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198464446706 O artigo mostra que não há educação eticamente isenta e ideologicamente neutra. No processo de formação de um indivíduo torna-se impossível dissociar a questão educacional do um conjunto de atributos éticos. Examina a temática da (co)relação entre ética e educação, a fim de se discutir a natureza e a função do ato educativo, tendo em vista as implicações e os resultados na formação do indivíduo. Defende que cabe ao educador a função de desenvolver no educando a dimensão crítico-reflexiva, explorar temas de motivação e proximidade com as reais condições vivenciais e existenciais do educando, instigar a mentalidade da pesquisa e da busca autônoma do saber, demonstrar as causas e as razões da opressão, motivar o diálogo e ouvir o que o educando tem a dizer e assumir eticamente sua responsabilidade para com a cidadania esclarecida.
A aprendizagem colaborativa para a interdependência positiva no processo ensino-aprendizagem em cursos universitários
Authors: Troncarelli Marcella Zampoli , Faria Adriano Antonio
Published: July 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198464447770 A evolução do perfil dos alunos dos cursos de graduação ao longo dos anos, frente às inovações tecnológicas e facilidade de acesso a informações, exige que as metodologias de educação no ensino superior sejam constantemente aperfeiçoadas. É mundialmente reconhecido, tanto no meio acadêmico quanto na literatura científica, que os alunos têm apresentado gradativo envolvimento no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, atuando de maneira participativa e crítica; assim como os docentes têm atuado como facilitadores neste processo. Os métodos de Aprendizagem Colaborativa/Cooperativa (AC) têm apresentado resultados bastante satisfatórios em cursos de graduação, uma vez que durante as atividades educacionais, tanto os alunos quanto os docentes interagem entre si, para a construção do conhecimento. No Brasil, embora em algumas Universidades os métodos de AC já estejam sendo empregados, ainda há a necessidade de divulgação/disseminação desta proposta como forma de incremento educacional para os cursos de graduação. Desta maneira, objetivou-se, com o presente estudo, elencar e ressaltar as vantagens da AC no âmbito do ensino superior e fornecer diretrizes de como constituir ambientes favoráveis e grupos exitosos para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Para tanto, adotou-se como principal referencial teórico a linha construtivista, realizando-se levantamento bibliográfico com base em artigos e textos de abrangência na área, publicados nos últimos dez anos em periódicos e livros de reconhecido impacto científico.
Le développement minier au Nunavik et l’importance du parc national des Pingualuit pour protéger l’environnement et la culture inuit
Authors: Philie Pierre
Published: July 2014

Depuis la fin des années 1950, de nombreuses compagnies minières ont exploré la Fosse de l’Ungava au Nunavik (Canada). Des gisements de nickel, de cuivre et d’amiante y ont été exploités, ou sont en ce moment exploités, depuis les années 1970. Actuellement les compagnies Canadian Royalties et Glencore Xstrata emploient quelque 1500 personnes sur leurs sites d’extraction. Les Kangirsujuamiut, Sallumiut, Puvirnitumiut et les Nunavimmiut en général ont dû apprendre à vivre avec les retombées socioéconomiques et environnementales des projets miniers. Si leur perception de l’activité minière au Nunavik a évolué avec le temps, l’importance qu’ils accordent à la protection de l’environnement, elle, ne s’est pas érodée. Des comités comme la Commission de la qualité de l’environnement Kativik, le Comité Raglan et le Comité Nunavik Nickel voient à ce que le Nunavik continue à être perçu comme un territoire sain où il est toujours possible de pratiquer des activités de subsistance. La création du parc national des Pingualuit à proximité des mines aide également à minimiser les impacts environnementaux négatifs et offre aux Nunavimmiut la possibilité de récupérer un territoire qui avait été délaissé avec le temps. Le parc national des Pingualuit permet aux jeunes générations de se réapproprier une partie de leur culture, simplement en occupant le territoire.
Accounting Valuation and CrossSectional Stock Returns in China
Authors: Lee Woo-Jong , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2014

Using accounting-based valuations, Frankel and Lee (1998) document a positive association between fundamental value-to-price ratio (V/P) and abnormal stock returns in subsequent periods. They attribute the V/P effect to the market’s gradual adjustment of stock prices towards a fundamental value, and this is regarded as counter-evidence for market efficiency (i.e. mispricing). This synopsis aims to examine whether the V/P effect also holds for Chinese companies.
The zonal motion of equatorial plasma bubbles relative to the background ionosphere
Authors: Kil Hyosub , Lee Woo Kyoung , Kwak Young‐Sil , Zhang Yongliang , Paxton Larry J. , Milla Marco
Published: July 2014

The zonal motions of plasmas inside equatorial plasma bubbles are different from those in the background ionosphere. The difference was explained in terms of the tilt of bubbles by recent studies, but observational evidence of this hypothesis has not yet been provided. We examine this hypothesis and, at the same time, look for an alternative explanation on the basis of the coincident satellite and radar observations over Jicamarca (11.95°S, 76.87°W) in Peru. In the observations at premidnight by the first Republic of China satellite (altitude: 600 km, inclination: 35°), plasmas inside bubbles drift westward relative to ambient plasmas. The same phenomenon is identified by radar observations. However, the relative westward plasma motions inside bubbles occur regardless of the tilt of bubbles, and therefore, the tilt is not the primary cause of the deviation of the plasma motions inside bubbles. The zonal plasma motions in the topside are characterized by systematic eastward drifts, whereas the zonal motions of plasmas in the bottomside backscatter layer show a mixture of eastward and westward drifts. The zonal plasma motions inside backscatter plumes resemble those in the bottomside backscatter layer. These observations indicate that plasmas inside bubbles maintain the properties of the zonal plasma motions in the bottomside where the bubbles originate. With this assumption, the deviation of the zonal motions of plasmas inside bubbles from those of ambient plasmas is understood in terms of the difference of the zonal plasma flows in the bottomside and topside.
Broad plasma depletions detected in the bottomside of the equatorial F region: Simultaneous ROCSAT‐1 and JULIA observations
Authors: Kil Hyosub , Kwak Young‐Sil , Lee Woo Kyoung , Oh Seung‐Jun , Milla Marco , Galkin Ivan
Published: July 2014

We investigated the association of broad plasma depletions (BPDs) with plasma bubbles and ionospheric uplift in the equatorial F region using the coincident satellite and radar observations over Jicamarca in Peru. BPDs were detected by the first Republic of China satellite (ROCSAT‐1) on the nights of 21 and 22 December 2002 during the period of moderate geomagnetic activity. The observations of the Jicamarca Unattended Long‐term Investigations of the Ionosphere and Atmosphere radar and an ionosonde showed that the F peak height was lifted above the ROCSAT‐1 altitude (600 km) at the times of the BPD detection. The fraction of NO+ was substantial at the locations of BPDs. These observations support the association of the BPDs with the ionospheric uplift. However, the absence of large backscatter plumes at the times of the BPD detection indicates that the BPDs were not produced by a single large bubble or a merger of bubbles.
Dynamically modeling fault step overs using various friction laws
Authors: Ryan Kenny J. , Oglesby David D.
Published: July 2014

It is well known that fault step overs can under some circumstances allow through‐going rupture and under other circumstances cause rupture to terminate. However, the effects of different friction law formulations on jumping rupture have not been extensively explored. In this study we use the 2‐D dynamic finite element method to investigate how different frictional parameterizations affect the ability of rupture to jump a step over, in both extensional and compressional settings. We compare linear slip‐weakening friction and three forms of rate‐ and state‐dependent friction: the aging law, slip law, and slip law with strong rate weakening. We have found that for friction parameterizations with the same effective slip‐weakening distance, the functional forms of such friction laws can have a significant effect on maximum jump distance. With friction laws scaled to have equivalent fracture energies, we find that the functional forms of such friction laws have a second‐order effect on jumping rupture. Finally, with our specific parameterizations we find that delays in rupture across the step over systems can lead to a previously unseen mode of supershear transition once the rupture renucleates on the secondary fault segment, even if the initial stress field precludes such a transition. Studies using multiple friction laws in complex geometries such as fault step overs can lead to better understanding of the dependence of rupture properties on the type of friction law utilized in models and statistical analysis.
Quantifying Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability dynamics observed in noctilucent clouds: 1. Methods and observations
Authors: Baumgarten Gerd , Fritts David C.
Published: July 2014

Noctilucent clouds (NLCs) have been imaged during two nights in summer 2009 from northern Germany (Kühlungsborn, 54°N) and middle Norway (Trondheim, 64°N). For the first time a horizontal resolution of 10 to 20 m at the altitude of the clouds (about 83 km) and a temporal resolution of about 1 s was achieved. Additional imaging using a coarser resolution provided monitoring of the larger‐scale (~100 km) structures observed in the clouds. Two series of NLC images are described that reveal apparent Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) billow structures having very different morphologies and apparent transitions to turbulence and mixing. One series exhibits deep KH billows and apparent secondary instabilities in the billow exteriors having streamwise alignment (and spanwise wave number), suggesting a small initial Richardson number (Ri). A second series of images suggests a larger and less unstable Ri, a slower KH billow evolution, shallower billows, and turbulence and mixing confined to the billow cores. We suggest that systematic exploration of these dynamics employing NLC imaging may enable characterization and quantification of KH instability occurrence statistics and of their contributions to turbulence and mixing in the summer mesopause environment with unique sensitivity to their small‐scale dynamics.
Phosphodiesterase III inhibitor promotes drainage of cerebrovascular β‐amyloid
Authors: Maki Takakuni , Okamoto Yoko , Carare Roxana O. , Hase Yoshiki , Hattori Yorito , Hawkes Cheryl A. , Saito Satoshi , Yamamoto Yumi , Terasaki Yasukazu , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Taguchi Akihiko , Takahashi Ryosuke , Miyakawa Taihei , Kalaria Raj N. , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken , Ihara Masafumi
Published: July 2014

Objective

Brain amyloidosis is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It also incorporates cerebrovascular amyloid β (Aβ) in the form of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) involving neurovascular dysfunction. We have recently shown by retrospective analysis that patients with mild cognitive impairment receiving a vasoactive drug cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) III, exhibit significantly reduced cognitive decline. Here, we tested whether cilostazol protects against the disruption of the neurovascular unit and facilitates the arterial pulsation‐driven perivascular drainage of Aβ in AD/CAA.

Methods

We explored the expression of PDE III in postmortem human brain tissue followed by a series of experiments examining the effects of cilostazol on Aβ metabolism in transgenic mice (Tg‐SwDI mice) as a model of cerebrovascular β‐amyloidosis, as well as cultured neurons.

Results

We established that PDE III is abnormally upregulated in cerebral blood vessels of AD and CAA subjects and closely correlates with vascular amyloid burden. Furthermore, we demonstrated that cilostazol treatment maintained cerebral hyperemic and vasodilative responses to hypercapnia and acetylcholine, suppressed degeneration of pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, promoted perivascular drainage of soluble fluorescent Aβ1‐40, and rescued cognitive deficits in Tg‐SwDI mice. Although cilostazol decreased endogenous Aβ production in cultured neurons, C‐terminal fragment of amyloid precursor protein expression was not altered in cilostazol‐treated Tg‐SwDI mice.

Interpretation

The predominant action of cilostazol on Aβ metabolism is likely to facilitate Aβ clearance due to the sustained cerebrovascular function in vivo. Our findings mechanistically demonstrate that cilostazol is a promising therapeutic approach for AD and CAA.
The Delay Before Recall Changes the Remembered Duration of 15‐minute Video Sequences
Authors: Grondin Simon , Laflamme Vincent , Bisson Nicolas , Désautels Félix
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to determine if the passage of time changes the memory of the duration of joyful or sad events. Participants were asked to look at a series of brief videos lasting 15 minutes and to estimate retrospectively and verbally (with chronometric units) the duration of this 15‐minute period. There were two independent variables: the emotion conditions (joy, sadness and neutral) and the recall conditions (immediately after the presentation of videos, 1 week later or 1 month later). The results show that the estimated time is largely overestimated in the 1‐week and 1‐month condition but not when the recall is immediate. This effect applies to each emotional condition, but there was no significant difference between the emotion conditions. The effect of emotion on the estimation of long intervals judged retrospectively seems minimal in comparison with the cognitive effect associated with the passage of time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradable Hyaluronic Acid/Protamine Sulfate Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes as miRNA‐Delivery Nanocapsules for Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Shihua , Cao Minjun , Deng Xiongwei , Xiao Xiangqian , Yin Zhaoxia , Hu Qin , Zhou Zhixiang , Zhang Fang , Zhang Ruirui , Wu Yan , Sheng Wang , Zeng Yi
Published: July 2014

Metastatic relapse is a leading cause of cancer‐associated death and one of the major obstacles for effective therapy against triple‐negative breast cancer. To address this problem, a miRNA‐delivering nanocapsule technology based on hyaluronic acid (HA)/protamine sulfate (PS) interpolyelectrolyte complexes (HP‐IPECs) is developed for efficient encapsulation and intracellular delivery microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a), which is a potent endogenous tumor suppressor of breast cancer. The nanocapsules are successfully generated through a self‐assembly approach mediated by an electrostatic interaction. In vitro and in vivo experiments illustrate that miR‐34a can be efficiently encapsulated into HP‐IPECs and delivered into breast cancer cells or breast cancer tissues. Nanocomplex‐assisted delivery of miR‐34a induces cell apoptosis and suppresses migration, proliferation, and tumor growth of breast cancer cells via targeting CD44 and a Notch‐1‐signaling pathway. The obtained results suggest that HP‐IPECs have a great potential as a biodegradable vector for microRNA‐based therapy against triple‐negative breast cancer.
Mixing potential: A new concept for optimal design of hydrogen and water networks with higher disturbance resistance
Authors: liao Zuwei , Lou Junyi , Wang Jingdai , Jiang Binbo , Yang Yongrong
Published: July 2014

During the last decade, the design methods of hydrogen and water networks have been improved greatly. Since the resulting network structure featuring minimum utility consumption is not unique, other properties such as disturbance resistance have drawn more and more attention. In this article, a novel concept, Mixing Potential, is proposed to improve the disturbance resistance ability of the networks in the design stage. This concept originates from measuring the concentration fluctuation of a single sink, and could be calculated by its graphical and algorithmic definition, respectively. In addition, a sufficient condition for minimizing the Mixing Potential of a single sink has been proved. Based on this sufficient condition, a graphical and its corresponding algorithmic method are proposed to design the hydrogen and water networks with minimum utility consumption. Literature examples illustrate that the disturbance resistance ability of the network can be improved by adjusting the satisfying order of sinks. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3762–3772, 2014
Visual Displays that Directly Interface and Provide Read‐Outs of Molecular States via Molecular Graphics Processing Units
Authors: Poje Julia E. , Kastratovic Tamara , Macdonald Andrew R. , Guillermo Ana C. , Troetti Steven E. , Jabado Omar J. , Fanning M. Leigh , Stefanovic Darko , Macdonald Joanne
Published: July 2014

The monitoring of molecular systems usually requires sophisticated technologies to interpret nanoscale events into electronic‐decipherable signals. We demonstrate a new method for obtaining read‐outs of molecular states that uses graphics processing units made from molecular circuits. Because they are made from molecules, the units are able to directly interact with molecular systems. We developed deoxyribozyme‐based graphics processing units able to monitor nucleic acids and output alphanumerical read‐outs via a fluorescent display. Using this design we created a molecular 7‐segment display, a molecular calculator able to add and multiply small numbers, and a molecular automaton able to diagnose Ebola and Marburg virus sequences. These molecular graphics processing units provide insight for the construction of autonomous biosensing devices, and are essential components for the development of molecular computing platforms devoid of electronics.
Cooperative, Reversible Self‐Assembly of Covalently Pre‐Linked Proteins into Giant Fibrous Structures
Authors: Averick Saadyah , Karácsony Orsolya , Mohin Jacob , Yong Xin , Moellers Nicholas M. , Woodman Bradley F. , Zhu Weipu , Mehl Ryan A. , Balazs Anna C. , Kowalewski Tomasz , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: July 2014

We demonstrate a simple bioconjugate polymer system that undergoes reversible self‐assembling into extended fibrous structures, reminiscent of those observed in living systems. It is comprised of green fluorescent protein (GFP) molecules linked into linear oligomeric strands through click step growth polymerization with dialkyne poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering revealed that such strands form high persistence length fibers, with lengths reaching tens of micrometers, and uniform, sub‐100 nm widths. We ascribe this remarkable and robust form of self‐assembly to the cooperativity arising from the known tendency of GFP molecules to dimerize through localized hydrophobic patches and from their covalent pre‐linking with flexible PEO. Dissipative particle dynamics simulations of a coarse‐grained model of the system revealed its tendency to form elongated fibrous aggregates, suggesting the general nature of this mode of self‐assembly.
Endless: A Purine‐Binding RNA Motif that Can Be Expressed in Cells
Authors: Kröner Christoph , Thunemann Martin , Vollmer Sven , Kinzer Manuela , Feil Robert , Richert Clemens
Published: July 2014

It is becoming increasingly clear that nature uses RNAs extensively for regulating vital functions of the cell, and short sequences are frequently used to suppress gene expression. However, controlling the concentration of small molecules intracellularly through designed RNA sequences that fold into ligand‐binding structures is difficult. The development of “endless”, a triplex‐based folding motif that can be expressed in mammalian cells and binds the second messenger 3′,5′‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), is described. In vitro, DNA or RNA versions of endless show low micromolar to nanomolar dissociation constants for cGMP. To test its functionality in vivo, four endless RNA motifs arranged in tandem were co‐expressed with a fluorescent cGMP sensor protein in murine vascular smooth muscle cells. Nitric oxide induced endogenous cGMP signals were suppressed in endless‐expressing cells compared to cells expressing a control motif, which suggests that endless can act as a genetically encoded cGMP sink to modulate signal transduction in cells.
Thermal Methane Conversion to Formaldehyde Promoted by Single Platinum Atoms in PtAl2O4− Cluster Anions
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Xia , Li Zi‐Yu , Yuan Zhen , Li Xiao‐Na , He Sheng‐Gui
Published: July 2014

Identification and mechanistic study of thermal methane conversion mediated by gas‐phase species is important for finding potentially useful routes for direct methane transformation under mild conditions. Negatively charged oxide species are usually inert with methane. This work reports an unexpected result that the bi‐metallic oxide cluster anions PtAl2O4− can transform methane into a stable organic compound, formaldehyde, with high selectivity. The clusters are prepared by laser ablation and reacted with CH4 in an ion trap reactor. The reaction is characterized by mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations. It is found that platinum rather than oxygen activates CH4 at the beginning of the reaction. The Al2O4− moiety serves as the support of Pt atom and plays important roles in the late stage of the reaction. A new mechanism for selective methane conversion is provided and new insights into the surface chemistry of single Pt atoms may be obtained from this study.