bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Analysis Identifies Proinflammatory Plasma Cell Polarization for Secretion of ISG15 in Human Autoimmunity
Authors: Care Matthew A. , Stephenson Sophie J. , Barnes Nicholas A. , Fan Im , Zougman Alexandre , El-Sherbiny Yasser M. , Vital Edward M. , Westhead David R. , Tooze Reuben M. , Doody Gina M.
Published: June 2016

Plasma cells (PCs) as effectors of humoral immunity produce Igs to match pathogenic insult. Emerging data suggest more diverse roles exist for PCs as regulators of immune and inflammatory responses via secretion of factors other than Igs. The extent to which such responses are preprogrammed in B-lineage cells or can be induced in PCs by the microenvironment is unknown. In this study, we dissect the impact of IFNs on the regulatory networks of human PCs. We show that core PC programs are unaffected, whereas PCs respond to IFNs with distinctive transcriptional responses. The IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) system emerges as a major transcriptional output induced in a sustained fashion by IFN-α in PCs and linked both to intracellular conjugation and ISG15 secretion. This leads to the identification of ISG15-secreting plasmablasts/PCs in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus. Thus, ISG15-secreting PCs represent a distinct proinflammatory PC subset providing an Ig-independent mechanism of PC action in human autoimmunity.
Revision of Malayia Malloch, with the first reports of Rhinophoridae from India and Indonesia (Diptera: Oestroidea)
Authors: Lo Giudice Giuseppe , Pape Thomas , Cerretti Pierfilippo
Published: June 2016

Malayia Malloch, 1926 is revised and a new species, M. indica sp. n., is described and illustrated from a female collected from Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. The male of M. fuscinervis Malloch, 1926 is described for the first time from material from Malaysia and Philippines, and M. nigripennis Malloch, 1927 is reported from Sumatra, Indonesia. The records from India and Indonesia are new country records for the genus. A key to the three species of Malayia is provided.
Observations on the pupal productivity of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in rice fields of West Bengal, India: implications for vector management (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Roy Milita , Pramanik Soujita , Chatterjee Soumendranath , Aditya Gautam
Published: June 2016

The mosquito Culex tritaeniorhychus is an established vector of Japanese encephalitis in India and many Asian countries. Entomological monitoring enables estimation of the abundance of the vector mosquitoes and therefore aids in vector management and disease control. In compliance with this proposition, an assessment of the pupal productivity of the mosquito C. tritaeniorhynchus was made from selected rice fields of West Bengal, India. The results are expected to provide the present status of mosquitoes in an endemic region of Japanese encephalitis. In course of sampling of the rice fields, the mosquito C. tritaeniorhyhchus was found in abundance with other mosquitoes like Culex bitaeniorhynchus, Anopheles subpictus, Anopheles vagus, Anopheles barbirostris. Application of multivariate analysis indicated that the plant height, water depth and temperature could explain the variations in the pupal productivity of C. tritaeniorhynchus in rice fields. The correspondence of the immature abundance of C. tritaeniorhynchus with plant height suggests persistence of the population throughout the paddy rice cultivation period. Using the plant height as an indicator, the abundance of the mosquito C. tritarniorhynchus can be predicted enabling application of appropriate strategies for population intervention and thus the possibility of the disease.
The presence of the Ant-loving Cricket Myrmecophilus ochraceus in Sardinia, Italy (Orthoptera: Myrmecophilidae)
Authors: Stalling Thomas
Published: June 2016

The first records of Myrmecophilus ochraceus Fischer, 1853 in Sardinia (Italy) are given and a photograph of this species is presented.
Persuasion in Romans 5:12-21
Authors: Snyman Andries
Published: June 2016

This article is an attempt to reconstruct Paul’s rhetorical strategy from the text itself, rather than applying ancient or modern rhetorical models to his letters. A proposal for such a rhetorical approach is briefly summarised, followed by a discussion of the rhetorical situation of the letter. It is argued that the pericope, Romans 5:12–21, forms an integral part of Paul’s rhetorical strategy, aimed at persuading his audience in Rome to share his views on the contrast between Adam and Christ: Adam’s sin brought death into the world, but faith in Christ brings eternal life. In the process of persuasion, Paul uses various types of argument and rhetorical techniques to enhance the impact of his communication. To analyse and describe this is the main aim of the article. The conclusion is that a text-centred approach (with its focus on the functional aspects of the text) provides a meaningful alternative to existing approaches (which focus mainly on the formal aspects of the text).Keywords: Romans 5 12-21 persuasion text centred approach
Het vaststellen van de mate van religieuze tolerantie bij leraren in opleiding
Authors: Broer Nicolaas A. , De Muynck Abraham , Potgieter Ferdinand J. , Van der Walt Johannes L. , Wolhuter Charl C.
Published: June 2016

In recent years, schools and education authorities worldwide have been paying increased attention to issues surrounding diversity and religious tolerance. Tolerance constitutes one of the most important preconditions for social justice, fairness and peaceful coexistence. Hence, the authors of this article decided to develop an instrument measuring the degree and nature of religious tolerance among student teachers. It is not this article’s purpose to enter into a discussion about how to actually resolve religious, cultural and political conflict, but merely to embark on the process of developing an instrument to measure the degree of religious tolerance among teachers and student teachers.Religious intolerance is increasingly viewed as problematic, and it appears that education has been assigned the role of inculcating religious tolerance in young people. Teachers are expected to be able to inculcate in their students the respect, empathy, critical thinking and acceptance of differences among people associated with the notion of tolerance. To be able to do this, teachers have to possess the traits of a tolerant person.Whether teachers are indeed tolerant in practice depends on the extent to which they have mastered the capacity to be tolerant. This article reports on a study that culminated in the construction of a questionnaire for measuring the degree to which students on the threshold of entering the teaching profession displayed a tolerant attitude.The construction of the questionnaire was based on a theoretical study of tolerance and intolerance. The questionnaire was then applied in three different countries (South Africa, the Netherlands and India). Factor analyses were performed on the data to establish the validity of the instrument.The first round of application revealed a number of shortcomings in the questionnaire. The study therefore recommends a revision of the questionnaire. Among other things, the factoral structure and the reliability of some of the sub-scales require further attention. The study ascribes the lower than expected explanation of variance in the data set to the cultural differences existing among the different groups of respondents in the three countries.The article closes by drawing a conclusion regarding the degree of religious tolerance among the respondents who participated in this first round of application of the questionnaire.Keywords: Religious tolerance; Education; Student teachers; Questionnaire
A cultural turn in New Testament studies?
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: June 2016

This article considers intersections between cultural studies and New Testament studies. It ponders and focuses on possible approaches to the bearing of the ‘cultural turn’ on biblical studies. Following a brief consideration of cultural studies and its potential value for New Testament studies, four promising developments in cultural studies approaches to the New Testament are noted.Keywords: Cultural Studies; Postcolonial; Gender; Ideology; Autobiography
Postgraduate training for family medicine in a rural district hospital in South Africa: Appropriateness and sufficiency of theatre procedures as a sentinel indicator
Authors: Du Plessis Dawie , Kapp Paul Alfred , Jenkins Louis S. , Giddy Laurel
Published: June 2016

Background: Since 2007, the postgraduate training of family physicians for South African district hospitals has been formalised. This training differs from European and North American programmes as up to 30% of the skills needed rely on district hospital surgical, obstetrics and anaesthetics procedures, particularly in rural areas, as outlined in the national unit standards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness and sufficiency of learning opportunities for these skills in a rural district hospital.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken of the number and type of procedures performed in theatre for a 1-year period and compared with the required procedural skills stipulated in the national unit standards. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to analyse categorical data.Results: Three thousand seven hundred and forty-one procedures were performed during the study period. Anaesthesia was the most common procedure, followed by Caesarean section. There were adequate opportunities for teaching most core skills.Conclusions: Sufficient and appropriate learning opportunities exist for postgraduate family medicine training in all the core skills performed in a theatre according to the national unit standards.Keywords: Post Graduate Training, Family Medicine, Procedural Skills, Rural, District hospitals
Assessment of learners’ exposure to health education and promotion at school in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
Authors: Tosin Oni H. , Tshitangano Takalani G.
Published: June 2016

Background: School participation and educational attainment among adolescents have been rising rapidly in the developing world. Thus, to attain Millennium Development Goal 6 (Combat HIV and/or AIDs, malaria and other diseases), it is crucial to seize the opportunity to educate and encourage teenagers about healthy choices and proper social behaviours that will continue into adulthood.Aim: This study aimed to assess the exposure of rural secondary school learners to health education and promotion at schools in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.Setting: This study was carried out at 10 secondary schools in Vhumbedzi educational circuit.Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional quantitative approach. Data were collected from 338 randomly selected learners from 10 secondary schools that make up a rural Vhumbedzi circuit in the Limpopo province. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: The findings showed that, 102 (66.07%) male and 121 (67.60%) female learners reported that they were taught about physical changes that occur during adolescence. In the same vein, most of the participants (n = 128, 84.39%) and (n = 152, 85.39%) males and females respectively claimed to have been taught about sexually transmitted diseases.Conclusion: In this study the secondary schools in the Limpopo Province of South Africa are making efforts to uphold and expose their learners to health education and promotion at school.Keyword: Health education and promotion, adolescents, school, learners
Moving to different streams of healing praxis: A reformed missionary approach of healing in the African context
Authors: Mashau Thinandavha D.
Published: June 2016

There are different streams of healing praxis in Africa today, namely African traditional healing, biomedical healing and spiritual healing (which includes the more recent �touch your TV screen� healing method) among others. These streams offer contemporary African people diverse alternatives with regard to healing. As much as the hegemony of Western biomedicine, as endorsed by missionaries in the past, can no longer serve as a norm in the area of healing, we can also not use the African traditional healing methods and or any other alternative presented to Africa without discernment. This suggests therefore that Reformed mission ecclesiology and missionary practitioners should critically engage the African context, worldview and culture on the matter of healing. It should also engage other forms of spiritual healing methods on offer in the African soil.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The use of an indigenous knowledge system when coming to healing in the African context, alongside Western biomedicine and other forms of spiritual healing practices, provides African people with diverse alternatives. It also poses a missiological question regarding the acceptability of such a practice within the framework of the Reformed Missionary Paradigm.Keywords: healing; praxis; Reformed; Missionary; Africa
A rare case of aggressive, huge primary orbital lymphoma with intracranial extension and bone invasion
Authors: Sriram Prabu
Published: June 2016

Primary orbital lymphoma is a rare entity with only 1% of extranodal lymphomas. They usually present to ophthalmologist and surgical reserved for biopsy or tissue diagnosis. We present a patient who was referred to neurosurgery for a rapid growing orbital lymphoma. It grows from a small nodule in the eyelid to a huge, aggressive, disfiguring lesion invading bone and dura with intracranial extension within 3 months. The patient was treated with total surgical excision followed by systemic chemotherapy.
Fatal intracranial hemorrhage in a patient with severe dengue fever
Authors: Sam Jo , Gee Teak , Wahab Nasser
Published: June 2016

Dengue fever has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality in subtropical and tropical countries. We report a rare case of severe dengue with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage. A search of literature through PubMed revealed that the largest series analyzed so far only included five cases. A 47-year-old man presented with 7 days history of fever, headache, myalgia, and vomiting with hematemesis. On the day of presentation, he had reduced consciousness and an episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure. His Glasgow Coma Scale was E1V1M3 with anisocoria. Postresuscitation computed tomography of the brain revealed a right subdural and left thalamic hemorrhage. His blood investigations revealed thrombocytopenia, dengue virus type 1 nonstructural protein antigen test was positive, dengue IgM negative, and dengue IgG positive. A right decompressive craniectomy was done. Unfortunately, the patient died soon after. Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in patients with dengue fever is an uncommon entity but usually carry a grave prognosis. To date, there has been no clear management guideline for such cases, as both operative and nonoperative approaches have their own inherent risks.
Use of detachable coils without the need of a double marker microcatheter: Technical note
Authors: Sadato Akiyo , Hayakawa Motoharu , Adachi Kazuhide , Kato Yoko , Hirose Yuichi
Published: June 2016

When using detachable coils for cerebral aneurysm embolization, it is necessary to place a microcatheter with radiopaque markers at 2 sites (tip and 3 cm proximal from the tip) in most cases. Detachable coils that can be positioned independently from the proximal marker may facilitate new applications utilizing their characteristics. Herein, we report 2 cases that were treated with new applications. Detachable coils that function to electrically detect the moment they come out of the microcatheter were used. In one patient with a large aneurysm with an irregular shape, coil embolization was applied by advancing the catheter more than 3 cm from the aneurysm neck to the caudally protruded compartment near the proximal end of the neck, which was difficult to reach with the coil. In the other patient with cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), microcatheters for AVM without a proximal marker were used for coil embolization before Onyx injection: Coil embolization was applied through one microcatheter to a site more proximal than the tip of the other microcatheter, followed by Onyx injection through the distal catheter, by which the nidus was continuously penetrated from the initiation of injection, obtaining an effect similar to that of the plug and push technique. Through the use of detachable coils, which are not dependent on the visibility of the proximal marker, the limitation of catheter positioning is reduced and the applicable types of catheter increase, which may facilitate to enable its use for new clinical indications.
Pneumocephalus following dorsal laminectomy: An unusual complication
Authors: Kumar Brajesh , Banerjee Chirantan , Ghosh Samarendra
Published: June 2016

A 16-year-old male presented at Bangur Institute of Neurosciences Neurosurgery Outpatient Department with history of gradually progressive paraparesis for 5 months associated with stiffness, urinary hesitancy, and urge incontinence for last 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging spine was done which showed cystic intradural extramedullary space occupying lesion at D4/D5 to D9. Patient had 2 episodes of generalized tonic–clonic seizure on the day 4. Computed tomography scan showed pneumocephalus. Histopathological examination report was that of nonspecific inflammatory cyst.
Contribution of the xenograft bone plate-screw system in lumbar transpedicular stabilization: An in vivo study in dogs
Authors: Sarigul Sani , Salci Hakan , Lekesiz Huseyin , Dogan Seref , Ozcan Resat , Gorgul Osman , Aksoy Kaya
Published: June 2016

Objectives: Xenograft bone plate-screws (XBPSs) can be alternative tools in lumbar transpedicular stabilization (TS). The aim of this study was to show biomechanical and histopathological contribution of the XBPSs system in lumbar TS. Materials and Methods: Fifteen (n = 15) hybrid dog and ten (n = 10) L2-4cadaveric specimens were included in the study. The dogs were separated according to surgical techniques: L3laminectomy and bilateral facetectomy (LBF) in Group I (experimental group [EG I] (n = 5), L3LBF plus TS with metal plate-screws (MPSs) in Group II (EG II) (n = 5), and L3LBF plus TS with XBPSs in Group III (EG III) (n = 5). The cadaveric specimens were separated to L2-4intact in Group I (CG I), (n = 5), and L3LBF in Group II (CG II), (n = 5). The dogs were sacrificed at the end of 3rd month, and their L2-4spinal segments were en bloc removed and prepared as in control groups. Flexion, extension, left-right bending, rotation, and compression tests were applied to all segments. Stiffness values were calculated and analyzed statistically. All dog segments were evaluated histopathologically. Results: XBPS system showed a higher average stiffness values for left bending, extension, flexion, and compression compared to MPS, but these differences were not statistically meaningful. XBPS system had superiority to the fusion formation, as well. Conclusions: XBPSs provide stability and help the fusion formation, but this system does not have a biomechanical advantage over MPS system in TS.
Good outcomes with the intraventricular vancomycin therapy in a patient with ruptured brain abscesses
Authors: Doan Ninh , Nguyen Ha , Luyuan Li , Shabani Saman , Gelsomino Michael , Johnson Vijay
Published: June 2016

Brain abscesses are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In particular, patients with intraventricular rupture of brain abscess (IVROBA) exhibit mortality rates up to 85%. Treatment options are lacking for IVROBA, once patients become refractory to intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage. Limited data exist regarding the risks and benefits of intraventricular therapy in such a scenario. We report a patient with IVROBA, who deteriorated while on systemic antibiotics; once intraventricular vancomycin was employed, the patient demonstrated remarkable improvement without perceivable side effects. This case suggests that intraventricular vancomycin may be a safe, effective, and viable option for the treatment of IVROBA, especially for patients becoming refractory to systemic antibiotics.
Outcomes following surgical management of cervical chordoma: A review of published case reports and case series
Authors: Pham My , Awad Mohammed
Published: June 2016

Aim: This review aimed to summarize the clinical outcomes in relation to tumor resection margins of cervical chordomas. Methods: Studies that described any surgical intervention for cervical chordoma were identified. Cervical chordomas with cranial or spinal extension, purely retropharyngeal chordomas or where resection type was not reported, were excluded from the study. Results: Seventy-six articles were obtained and these reported a total of 195 patients. Seventy-six percent cervical chordoma patients had intralesional resection with adjuvant radiotherapy. Ninety-two percent chordoma recurrences and all chordoma metastases occurred in patients with intralesional resection. En bloc surgeries were longer (900 min vs. 619 min) and staged surgeries. Intralesional surgeries (2899 ml vs. 2661 ml) had greater intraoperative blood loss. Vertebral artery and nerve root sacrifice were greater in en bloc patients (35%, 39%) compared to intralesional patients (17%, 10%). Postoperative complications were more common in en bloc (54%) than in intralesional patients (11%). Conclusions: En bloc resection cervical chordomas are associated with less recurrence and no metastasis compared to intralesional resection. En bloc is possible through wide exposure of the vertebrae via a multidisciplinary team approach and utilization of particular surgical equipment. The higher rate of complications associated with en bloc surgeries may be acceptable, particularly when there is a chance of cure of disease.
Intracranial hypotension-associated cerebral swelling following cranioplasty: Report of two cases
Authors: Nomura Masashi , Ota Takahiro , Ishizawa Mitsugu , Yoshida Shinsuke , Hara Takayuki
Published: June 2016

Cranioplasty is a comparatively simple neurosurgical procedure, and fatal complications are rare. This report describes two cases of critical brain swelling after otherwise uneventful cranioplasty. Both cases had subarachnoid hemorrhage and extremely similar clinical courses. They underwent decompressive craniotomy and clipping in the acute phase and had cranioplasty in the chronic phase, resulting in serious cerebral swelling and death. Deep venous sinus thrombosis was revealed in the autopsy for one case. Although no venous occlusion was identified in the other case, radiological findings suggested venous congestion. In both cases, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage was massive and was prolonged by a drain; therefore, we hypothesized that intracranial hypotension (IH) caused stagnation of venous flow. Neurosurgeons should be aware that fatal venous congestion induced by IH may occur after cranioplasty. To avoid this, tight dural closure should be obtained, and avoidance of the use of subcutaneous drains should be considered.
Changes in Characteristics and Treatment Patterns of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes in a Large United States Integrated Health System between 2008 and 2013
Authors: Pantalone Kevin M. , Hobbs Todd M. , Wells Brian J. , Kong Sheldon X. , Kattan Michael W. , Bouchard Jonathan , Chagin Kevin M. , Yu Changhong , Sakurada Brian , Milinovich Alex , Weng Wayne , Bauman Janine M. , Zimmerman Robert S.
Published: June 2016

To assess changes in the clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D), the electronic health record system at Cleveland Clinic was used to create cross-sectional summaries of all patients with new-onset T2D in 2008 and 2013. Differences between the 2008 and 2013 data sets were assessed after adjusting for age, gender, race, and income. Approximately one-third of patients with newly diagnosed T2D in 2008 and 2013 had an A1C ≤8%, suggesting the continued presence of a delayed recognition of the disease. Patients with newly diagnosed T2D in 2008 were older than those in 2013. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and neuropathy were highly prevalent among patients diagnosed with T2D. The prevalence of neuropathy, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease increased from 2008 to 2013. Metformin was the most commonly prescribed antidiabetic medication. Sulfonylurea usage remained unchanged, while use of thiazolidinediones decreased considerably.
Analiza zvena višjih in srednjih moških pevskih glasov s historičnih posnetkov
Authors: Potočan Zoran
Published: June 2016

Avtor v prispevku analizira zven pevcev, ki na izbranih historičnih posnetkih pojejo v slovenskem jeziku. Iz digitalnih presnetkov starih gramofonskih plošč (78 o/min) je s pomočjo zvenske analize mogoče, kljub slabši tehnični kakovosti posnetkov, dovolj zanesljivo sklepati o načinu fonacije takratnih pevcev in o estetskih značilnostih njihovega izvajanja ter to primerjati z njihovimi in našimi sodobniki.
Instrumental and Phonetic Analysis of Sung Vowels and the Orthoepy of Sung Lyrics of Popular Slovene “popevka” Songs
Authors: Kodrič Karmen Brina , Tivadar Hotimir
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study is to present the use of phonetics in non-linguitic researches and sciences such as music and singing. Sung Lyrics of Slovenian songs/poetry have not been investigated phonetically, taking into consideration their quality (vowel formant frequency). The word is about musical art (lyrics), paying attention to the phonetic realization based upon the Slovene language and its norm, which show excellent articulation of the sung vowels.
Akustične lastnosti timpanov in njihova povezava z instrumentalno prakso
Authors: Poljanec Andraž
Published: June 2016

Opravljenih je bilo že mnogo raziskav o akustičnih lastnostih timpanov, neraziskan pa je vpliv različnih tehnik igranja na njihov zven. V svoji raziskavi sem analiziral video in avdio posnetke ter primerjal in ugotavljal vpliv različnih palic, napetosti opne in prijemov oziroma stilov igranja na barvo zvena.
Persistence of upper stratospheric wintertime tracer variability into the Arctic spring and summer
Authors: Siskind David E. , Nedoluha Gerald E. , Sassi Fabrizio , Rong Pingping , Bailey Scott M. , Hervig Mark E. , Randall Cora E.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Using data from the Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) and Aura satellites, we have categorized the interannual variability of winter- and springtime upper stratospheric methane (CH4). We further show the effects of this variability on the chemistry of the upper stratosphere throughout the following summer. Years with strong wintertime mesospheric descent followed by dynamically quiet springs, such as 2009, lead to the lowest summertime CH4. Years with relatively weak wintertime descent, but strong springtime planetary wave activity, such as 2011, have the highest summertime CH4. By sampling the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) according to the occultation pattern of the AIM Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment (SOFIE), we show that summertime upper stratospheric chlorine monoxide (ClO) almost perfectly anticorrelates with the CH4. This is consistent with the reaction of atomic chlorine with CH4 to form the reservoir species, hydrochloric acid (HCl). The summertime ClO for years with strong, uninterrupted mesospheric descent is about 50 % greater than in years with strong horizontal transport and mixing of high CH4 air from lower latitudes. Small, but persistent effects on ozone are also seen such that between 1 and 2 hPa, ozone is about 4–5 % higher in summer for the years with the highest CH4 relative to the lowest. This is consistent with the role of the chlorine catalytic cycle on ozone. These dependencies may offer a means to monitor dynamical effects on the high-latitude upper stratosphere using summertime ClO measurements as a proxy. Additionally, these chlorine-controlled ozone decreases, which are seen to maximize after years with strong uninterrupted wintertime descent, represent a new mechanism by which mesospheric descent can affect polar ozone. Finally, given that the effects on ozone appear to persist much of the rest of the year, the consideration of winter/spring dynamical variability may also be relevant in studies of ozone trends.
Improving the deterministic skill of air quality ensembles
Authors: Kioutsioukis Ioannis , Im Ulas , Solazzo Efisio , Bianconi Roberto , Badia Alba , Balzarini Alessandra , Baró Rocío , Bellasio Roberto , Brunner Dominik , Chemel Charles , Curci Gabriele , Denier van der Gon Hugo , Flemming Johannes , Forkel Renate , Giordano Lea , Jiménez-Guerrero Pedro , Hirtl Marcus , Jorba Oriol , Manders-Groot Astrid , Neal Lucy , Pérez Juan L. , Pirovano Guidio , San Jose Roberto , Savage Nicholas , Schroder Wolfram , Sokhi Ranjeet S. , Syrakov Dimiter , Tuccella Paolo , Werhahn Johannes , Wolke Ralf , Hogrefe Christian , Galmarini Stefano
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Forecasts from chemical weather models are subject to uncertainties in the input data (e.g. emission inventory, initial and boundary conditions) as well as the model itself (e.g. physical parameterization, chemical mechanism). Multi-model ensemble forecasts can improve the forecast skill provided that certain mathematical conditions are fulfilled. We demonstrate through an intercomparison of two dissimilar air quality ensembles that unconditional raw forecast averaging, although generally successful, is far from optimum. One way to achieve an optimum ensemble is also presented. The basic idea is to either add optimum weights to members or constrain the ensemble to those members that meet certain conditions in time or frequency domain. The methods are evaluated against ground level observations collected from the EMEP and Airbase databases. The two ensembles were created for the first and second phase of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII). Verification statistics shows that the deterministic models simulate better O3 than NO2 and PM10, linked to different levels of complexity in the represented processes. The ensemble mean achieves higher skill compared to each station's best deterministic model at 39 %–63 % of the sites. The skill gained from the favourable ensemble averaging has at least double the forecast skill compared to using the full ensemble. The method proved robust for the 3-monthly examined time-series if the training phase comprises 60 days. Further development of the method is discussed in the conclusion.
Physical and Optical Properties of Aged Biomass Burning Aerosol from Wildfires in Siberia and the Western US at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory
Authors: Laing James R. , Jaffe Dan A. , Hee Jonathan R.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The summer of 2015 was an extreme forest fire year in the Pacific North West. Our sample site at Mt. Bachelor Observatory (MBO, 2.7 km a.s.l.) in central Oregon observed biomass burning events more than 50 % of the time during August. In this paper we characterize the aerosol physical and optical properties of 19 aged biomass burning (BB) events during August 2015. Six of the nineteen events were influenced by Siberian fires originating near Lake Baikal. The remainder of the events resulted from wildfires in Northern California and Southwestern Oregon with transport times to MBO ranging from 4.5–35 hours. Fine particulate matter (PM1), carbon monoxide (CO), aerosol light scattering (σscat) and absorption (σabs), and aerosol number size distributions were measured throughout the campaign. We found that the Siberian events had significantly higher Δσabs/ΔCO enhancement ratio, higher mass absorption efficiency (MAE; Δσabs/ΔPM1), lower single scattering albedo (ω), and lower Absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) when compared with the regional events. We suspect the Siberian events observed represent a portion of the fire plume that has hotter flaming fire conditions that enabled strong pyro-convective lofting and long transport to MBO. These plumes would then have preferentially higher black carbon emissions and thus absorption enhancement. The lower AAE values in the Siberian events compared to regional events indicates a lack of brown carbon (BrC) production by the Siberian fires or a loss of BrC during transport. We found that mass scattering efficiencies (MSE) for the BB events to range from 2.50–4.76 m2 g−1. We measured aerosol size distributions with a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). Number size distributions ranged from unimodal to bimodal and had geometric mean diameters ranging from 138–229 nm and geometric standard deviations ranging from 1.53–1.89. We found MSE’s for BB events to be positively correlated with the geometric mean of the aerosol size distributions (R2 = 0.73), which agrees with Mie Theory. We did not find any dependence on event size distribution to transport time or fire source location.
Assessment of 222Radon progeny loss in long tubing based on static
filter measurements in the laboratory and in the field
Authors: Levin Ingeborg , Schmithüsen Dominik , Vermeulen Alex
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Aerosol loss in air intake systems potentially hampers the application of one-filter systems for progeny-based atmospheric 222Radon (222Rn) measurements. The artefacts are significant when air has to be collected via long sampling lines, e.g. from elevated heights at tall tower observatories. Here we present results from a study, determining 222Rn progeny loss from ambient air sampled via 8.2 mm inner diameter (ID) Decabon tubing (laboratory test) and from pre-installed 10 mm ID tubing at the Cabauw meteorological tower in the Netherlands. Progeny loss increased exponentially with length of the tubing, decreasing sampling efficiency to 66 % for 8.2 mm ID rolled-up tubing of 200 m length. Theoretical estimation of the loss yielded a sampling efficiency of 64 % for the same tubing, when taking into account turbulent inertial deposition of aerosol to the walls as well as loss due to gravitational settling. At Cabauw tower, theoretical estimates of the loss in vertical tubing with 10 mm ID and 200 m lengths yielded a total efficiency of 75 %, while we observed a slightly smaller sampling efficiency of 73 %. 222Rn progeny loss increased strongly at activity concentrations below 1 Bq m−3. Based on our experiments, an empirical correction function for 222Rn progeny measurements when sampling through long Decabon tubing was developed, allowing correction of respective measurements with an estimated uncertainty of 10–20 % for activity concentrations above 1 Bq m−3 and less than 10 % for activity concentrations above 2 Bq m−3.
Continuous measurements of nitrous oxide isotopomers during
incubation experiments
Authors: Winther Malte , Balslev-Harder David , Christensen Søren , Priemé Anders , Elberling Bo , Crosson Eric , Blunier Thomas
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important and strong greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and part of a feed-back loop with climate. N2O is produced by microbes during nitrification and denitrification in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The main sinks for N2O are turnover by denitrification and photolysis and photo-oxidation in the stratosphere. The position of the isotope 15N in the linear N = N = O molecule can be distinguished between the central or terminal position (isotopomers of N2O). It has been demonstrated that nitrifying and denitrifying microbes have a different relative preference for the terminal and central position. Therefore, measurements of the site preference in N2O can be used to determine the source of N2O i.e. nitrification or denitrification. Recent instrument development allows for continuous (on the order of days) position dependent δ15N measurements at N2O concentrations relevant for studies of atmospheric chemistry. We present results from continuous incubation experiments with denitrifying bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens (producing and reducing N2O) and P. chlororaphis (only producing N2O). The continuous position dependent measurements reveal the transient pattern (KNO3 to N2O and N2, respectively), which can be compared to previous reported site preference (SP) values. We find bulk isotope effects of −5.5 ‰ ± 0.9 for P. chlororaphis. For P. fluorescens, the bulk isotope effect during production of N2O is −50.4 ‰ ± 9.3 and 8.5 ‰ ± 3.7 during N2O reduction. The values for P. fluorescens are in line with earlier findings, whereas the values for P. chlororaphis are larger than previously published δ15Nbulk measurements from production. The calculations of the SP isotope effect from the measurements of P. chlororaphis result in values of −6.6 ‰ ± 1.8. For P. fluorescens, the calculations results in SP values of −5.7 ‰ ± 5.6 during production of N2O and 2.3 ‰ ± 3.2 during reduction of N2O. In summary, we implemented continuous measurements of N2O isotopomers during incubation of denitrifying bacteria and believe that similar experiments will lead to a better understanding of denitrifying bacteria and N2O turnover in soils and sediments and ultimately hands-on knowledge on the biotic mechanisms behind greenhouse gas exchange of the Globe.
Data-mining analysis of factors affecting the global distribution of soil carbon in observational databases and Earth system models
Authors: Hashimoto Shoji , Nanko Kazuki , Ťupek Boris , Lehtonen Aleksi
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Soil carbon dynamics are a key process in the terrestrial carbon cycle. Future climate change will dramatically change the carbon balance in soil, and this change will affect the terrestrial carbon stock and the climate itself. Earth system models (ESMs) are used to understand the current climate and to produce future climate projections, but the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock simulated by ESMs and those of observational databases are not well correlated when the two are compared at fine grid scales. However, the specific key processes and factors, as well as the relationships among factors, that govern the SOC stock, remain unclear, and the inclusion of such missing information would improve the agreement between modelled and observational data. In this study, we aimed to identify the influential factors that govern global SOC distribution in observational databases, as well as those simulated by ESMs. We used a data-mining (machine-learning) scheme (boosted regression trees: BRT) to reveal the factors affecting the SOC stock. We applied BRT to three observational databases and 15 ESM outputs from the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and examined the effects of 13 variables/factors categorized into five groups (climate, soil property, topography, vegetation, and land-use history). These analyses revealed the influential variables and their correlations with SOC. Globally, the contributions of mean annual temperature, clay content, CN ratio, wetland ratio, and land cover were high in observational databases, whereas the contribution of mean annual temperature, land cover, and NPP governed the SOC distribution in ESMs. A comparison of the influential factors in observational databases and ESMs, at the global scale, revealed that the CN ratio and clay content were key processes to include in ESMs to reproduce the distribution of SOC in observational databases. The results of this study will help elucidate the nature of both observational SOC databases and ESM outputs and improve the modelling of terrestrial carbon dynamics with ESMs. This study shows that a data-mining algorithm can be used to assess model outputs.
Geoscience on television: a review of science communication literature in the context of geosciences
Authors: Hut Rolf , Land-Zandstra Anne M. , Smeets Ionica , Stoof Cathelijne R.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Geoscience communication is becoming increasingly important as climate change increases the occurrence of natural hazards around the world. Few geoscientists are trained in effective science communication, and awareness of the formal science communication literature is also low. This can be challenging when interacting with journalists on a powerful medium like TV. To provide geoscience communicators with background knowledge on effective science communication on television, we reviewed relevant theory in the context of geosciences and discuss six major themes: scientist motivation, target audience, narratives and storytelling, jargon and information transfer, relationship between scientists and journalists, and stereotypes of scientists on TV. We illustrate each theme with a case study of geosciences on TV and discuss relevant science communication literature. We then highlight how this literature applies to the geosciences and identify knowledge gaps related to science communication in the geosciences. As TV offers a unique opportunity to reach many viewers, we hope this review can not only positively contribute to effective geoscience communication but also to the wider geoscience debate in society.
Study on the drought risk of maize in the farming-pastoral ecotone in Northern China based on physical vulnerability assessment
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Jiang Jingyi , Ma Qing
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Climate change is affecting every aspect of human activities, especially the agriculture. In China, extreme drought events caused by climate change have posed great threaten to food safety. In this work we aimed to study the drought risk of maize in the farming-pastoral ecotone in Northern China based on physical vulnerability assessment. The physical vulnerability curve was constructed from the relationship between drought hazard intensity index and yield loss rate. The risk assessment of agricultural drought was conducted from the drought hazard intensity index and physical vulnerability curve. Results of the drought hazard intensity index showed that the risk of agricultural drought displayed a negative correlation with the precipitation and kept rising from 1966 to 2011. Risk assessments of yield loss ratio shows that physical vulnerability curve has magnify and reduce function to drought hazard. So improving the capacity of maize to resist drought can help them adapt to drought hazard. In conclusion, the farming-pastoral ecotone in Northern China had great sensitivity to climate change and high probability for severe drought hazard. Risk assessment of physical vulnerability can help better understanding the physical vulnerability to agricultural drought and can also promote measurements to adapt to the climate change.
WITHDRAWN: Introduction
Authors: Henriques Fernanda
Published: June 2016

Introduction, vol. 4, 1 (2013).
Wait Not, Want Not: The Importance of the Statute of Limitations in Qui Tam False Claims Act Cases
Authors: Stallings Stephen S. , Caravello Laura E.
Published: June 2016

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Reservations Please! Could Energy Development on Native American Land Be America’s Most Valuable Resource?
Authors: Greenhowe Jada Scott
Published: June 2016

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The World’s Laws in American Justice: The Foreign Law Provisions of the 2008 Lacey Act Amendments
Authors: Krost Trevor
Published: June 2016

No Abstract
II. LAS POLÍTICAS DE LA LETRA: ENTRE EL DUELO Y LA MELANCOLÍA
Authors: Braga Erika
Published: June 2016

DERROTA, MELANCOLÍA Y DESARME EN LA LITERATURA LATINOAMERICANA DE LAS ÚLTIMAS DÉCADAS
WITHDRAWN: 2666, O LA LEGITIMIDAD DE LA LITERATURA EN TIEMPOS “POST”
Authors: Logie Ilse
Published: June 2016

DERROTA, MELANCOLÍA Y DESARME EN LA LITERATURA LATINOAMERICANA DE LAS ÚLTIMAS DÉCADAS
V. Pliegos, porosidades: reubicación de fronteras, cánones e historiografías
Authors: Braga Erika
Published: June 2016

Guinea Ecuatorial como pregunta abierta: hacia el diálogo entre nuestras otredades
VI. Lecturas y lectores de textos sil enciados
Authors: Braga Erika
Published: June 2016

Guinea Ecuatorial como pregunta abierta: hacia el diálogo entre nuestras otredades
VII. La nación rota: vi siones desde el insili o
Authors: Braga Erika
Published: June 2016

Guinea Ecuatorial como pregunta abierta: hacia el diálogo entre nuestras otredades
VIII. Entrevistas
Authors: Braga Erika
Published: June 2016

Guinea Ecuatorial como pregunta abierta: hacia el diálogo entre nuestras otredades
IX. Reseñas
Authors: Braga Erika
Published: June 2016

Guinea Ecuatorial como pregunta abierta: hacia el diálogo entre nuestras otredades
SMARTPHONE USAGE AND THE NEED FOR CONSUMER PRIVACY LAWS
Authors: Gomez-Martin Laura E.
Published: June 2016

Many Americans use smartphones for a variety of personal, recreational, and business affairs. While the increasing popularity of smartphones and mobile technology has advanced communication, new uses have created privacy breaches of personal and consumer information. This article examines the different ways that American smartphone users use their mobile devices as well as the various types of data created.This article also explores the vulnerabilities faced by smartphone users. Vulnerabilities occur through the use of traditional hacking and malware, but can extend to the collection and dissemination of personal and consumer information by smartphone applications. The article concludes by examining different solutions for privacy breaches. Some solutions may be implemented on an individual or institutional level. Other solutions to privacy breaches require the enforcement and extension of legislation upon telecommunication companies and application developers.
HARMONIZING THE DOCTRINES OF ENABLEMENT AND OBVIOUSNESS IN PATENT LITIGATION
Authors: Gross Roy D.
Published: June 2016

This Article examines the balance between advancing one's arguments that a patent is invalid for lack of enablement and also arguing that a patent is invalid under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being obvious over the prior art.  This is significant with regards to arguments made by an expert in his or her expert report or at trial.  A clear litigation strategy is thus recommended prior to reaching the expert report stage in a patent litigation.
Fall 2013 Table of Contents and Publication Information
Authors: JTLP University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Published: June 2016

Table of Contents, Editorial Staff, and Publication Info
Las reformas de la regulación del trabajo doméstico por cuenta ajena en España
Authors: Desdentado Daroca Elena
Published: June 2016

En este artículo se analizan las últimas reformas que se han producido en España en relación con el trabajo por cuenta ajena prestado en el hogar. El legislador español, influido por el Convenio nº 189 de la OIT –que, sin embargo, no ha sido ratificado-, aborda en 2011 una profunda reforma del empleo doméstico. Esta reforma supuso un cambio importante, que ha afectado tanto a la regulación de las condiciones de trabajo de este colectivo como a su sistema de protección social. El objetivo de esta reforma ha sido aproximar la regulación del trabajo doméstico, en estos dos planos, a la regulación común de los trabajadores asalariados, aunque conservando ciertas particularidades. En el ámbito laboral, se mantiene la configuración del empleo doméstico como relación laboral especial, pero se reducen las diferencias con la relación laboral común. En el ámbito de la protección social, se procede a integrar el Régimen Especial de la Seguridad Social de los Empleados de Hogar en el Régimen General, aunque la integración es relativa pues se produce en el marco de un sistema especial. El artículo también examina las modificaciones normativas que, tras el cambio de Gobierno, tuvieron lugar en 2012.