bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Quantitative Data
Authors: Kalaian Sema A. , Kasim Rafa M.
Published: March 2016

The main purpose of this chapter is to present a conceptual and practical overview of some of the basic and advanced statistical tools for analyzing quantitative data. Analyzing quantitative data involves two broad analytical methods that serve two main purposes, which are descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The chapter covers both descriptive and inferential quantitative methods. It covers some of the descriptive statistical methods such as mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, and graphical methods (e.g., histograms). It also covers inferential statistical methods such as correlation, simple regression, multiple regression, t-test for two independent samples, t-test for two dependent samples, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Analyzing Quantitative Data in Mixed Methods Research for Improved Scientific Study
Authors: Boachie Christopher
Published: March 2016

The purpose of the chapter is to review the role of quantitative methods in corporate research and the methods for analysing quantitative data. The study used a secondary data on quantitative research methods and a survey of published articles on schools, businesses and non- profit organizations. The key findings show that exploratory data can be analyzed using graphs and charts and hypothesis testing can be employed to test statements made. Impacts of one variable on another and the relationships between variables can be explained using correlation and regression analysis. The implications are that the value of a quantitative analysis arises when it is possible to identify features that occur frequently across the many participatory discussions aimed at studying a particular research theme.
How Marketers Conduct Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Baran Roger
Published: March 2016

The complimentary nature of qualitative and quantitative research methods are examined with respect to a study assessing the market's view of a training and development institute in the Middle East. The qualitative portion consisted of focus groups conducted with seven distinct market segments served by the institute. The results proved insightful with respect to uncovering and understanding differences of opinion among the seven groups; however, taken alone, the qualitative research would have been very misleading with respect to the institute's standing in the Middle East.
Making Sense of All the Words
Authors: Jones Janice E. , Metz A. J.
Published: March 2016

This chapter provides an introduction to the process of qualitative analysis and to use step by step examples to provide an idea of how the process of qualitative analysis actually works. Crabtree and Miller, 1992, note that there are many different strategies for analysis, in fact, they suggest there are as many strategies as there are qualitative researchers. This chapter is intended to give the researcher a place to begin and to inspire a deeper dive into this rewarding form of data analysis. Stake, (1995) writes that qualitative data analysis is “a matter of giving meaning to first impressions as well as to final compilations. Analysis essentially means taking something apart. We take our impressions, our observations, apart… we need to take the new impression apart, giving meaning to the parts”(p. 71). While qualitative data analysis can be time consuming the rewards that come from immersion in the data far outweigh the time spent doing so.
Polarization Switching Response and Domain Structure Dynamics Induced in Ferroelectrics by Incident Electron Beams
Authors: Maslovskaya Anna , Barabash Tatyana , Veselova Elena
Published: March 2016

The article is devoted to the analysis of polarization reversal process arising in ferroelectrics under electron beam exposure. The advanced model was proposed to describe the polarization switching process in ferroelectrics as well as formation of polarization switching response in electron beam-induced polarization current mode of SEM taking into account the specific character of domain structure dynamics. Simulation of polarization switching current in TGS ferroelectric crystals was performed to estimate the main characteristics of electron beam-induced polarization reversal processes.
The Features of the Current-Voltage Characteristics of Field Emission Metal Cathode Covered by a Nanometer Oxide Layer
Authors: Bespalov Vladimir A. , Djuzhev Nikolay A. , Makhiboroda Maksim A. , Demin Gleb D.
Published: March 2016

Based on the Sommerfeld free-electron model, the specifics of field emission from metal cathode covered by nanometer oxide layer into vacuum was theoretically studied by the example of systems «W-WO3-vacuum» and «Al-Al2O3-vacuum». The significant influence of natural oxide on the current-voltage (CV) characteristics in the region of strong electric fields (more than 107 V/cm) was investigated, where the transition to the faster current increase in the terms of Fowler-Nordheim (FN) coordinates occurs. At low electric fields (less than 107 V/cm) the CV characteristics may be described by the FN formula for the emission current and can be used to estimate the effective barrier height, which is important in selecting a good cathode material.
Mg2Si under Pressure: DFT Evolutionary Search Results
Authors: Luniakov Yuri V.
Published: March 2016

Using density function theory (DFT), evolutionary simulations for crystal structure prediction, the most stable compositions of Mg2Si in the pressure range 0–30 GPa were obtained. The DFT results reproduce experimentally observed pressure-induced phase transitions and predict a new high-pressure structure Cmcm (space group 63).
Glial Cell–Elicited Activation of Brain Microvasculature in Response to Brucella abortus Infection Requires ASC Inflammasome–Dependent IL-1β Production
Authors: Miraglia M. Cruz , Costa Franco Miriam M. , Rodriguez Ana M. , Bellozi Paula M. Q. , Ferrari Carina C. , Farias Maria I. , Dennis Vida A. , Barrionuevo Paula , de Oliveira Antonio C. P. , Pitossi Fernando , Kim Kwang Sik , Delpino M. Victoria , Oliveira Sergio Costa , Giambartolomei Guillermo H.
Published: March 2016

Blood–brain barrier activation and/or dysfunction are a common feature of human neurobrucellosis, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are largely unknown. In this article, we describe an immune mechanism for inflammatory activation of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) in response to infection with Brucella abortus. Infection of HBMEC with B. abortus induced the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1, and the upregulation of CD54 (ICAM-1), consistent with a state of activation. Culture supernatants (CS) from glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) infected with B. abortus also induced activation of HBMEC, but to a greater extent. Although B. abortus–infected glial cells secreted IL-1β and TNF-α, activation of HBMEC was dependent on IL-1β because CS from B. abortus–infected astrocytes and microglia deficient in caspase-1 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD failed to induce HBMEC activation. Consistently, treatment of CS with neutralizing anti–IL-1β inhibited HBMEC activation. Both absent in melanoma 2 and Nod-like receptor containing a pyrin domain 3 are partially required for caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion, suggesting that multiple apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD–dependent inflammasomes contribute to IL-1β–induced activation of the brain microvasculature. Inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion in glial cells depends on TLR2 and MyD88 adapter-like/TIRAP. Finally, neutrophil and monocyte migration across HBMEC monolayers was increased by CS from Brucella-infected glial cells in an IL-1β–dependent fashion, and the infiltration of neutrophils into the brain parenchyma upon intracranial injection of B. abortus was diminished in the absence of Nod-like receptor containing a pyrin domain 3 and absent in melanoma 2. Our results indicate that innate immunity of the CNS set in motion by B. abortus contributes to the activation of the blood–brain barrier in neurobrucellosis and IL-1β mediates this phenomenon.
Aging Converts Innate B1a Cells into Potent CD8+ T Cell Inducers
Authors: Lee-Chang Catalina , Bodogai Monica , Moritoh Kanako , Chen Xin , Wersto Robert , Sen Ranjan , Young Howard A. , Croft Michael , Ferrucci Luigi , Biragyn Arya
Published: March 2016

B cell dysregulation in aging is thought to mostly occur in conventional B2 cells without affecting innate B1 cells. Elderly humans and mice also accumulate 4-1BBL+ MHC class-IHi CD86Hi B cells of unknown origin. In this article, we report that these cells, termed 4BL cells, are activated murine and possibly human B1a cells. The activation is mediated by aging human monocytes and murine peritoneal macrophages. They induce expression and activation of 4-1BBL and IFN-γR1 on B1a cells to subsequently upregulate membrane TNF-α and CD86. As a result, activated B1a/4BL cells induce expression of granzyme B in CD8+ T cells by targeting TNFR2 via membrane TNF-α and providing costimulation with CD86. Thus, for the first time, to our knowledge, these results indicate that aging affects the function of B1a cells. Upon aging, these cells lose their tumor-supporting activity and become inducers of potentially antitumor and autoimmune CD8+ T cells.
CD83 Modulates B Cell Activation and Germinal Center Responses
Authors: Krzyzak Lena , Seitz Christine , Urbat Anne , Hutzler Stefan , Ostalecki Christian , Gläsner Joachim , Hiergeist Andreas , Gessner André , Winkler Thomas H. , Steinkasserer Alexander , Nitschke Lars
Published: March 2016

CD83 is a maturation marker for dendritic cells. In the B cell lineage, CD83 is expressed especially on activated B cells and on light zone B cells during the germinal center (GC) reaction. The function of CD83 during GC responses is unclear. CD83−/− mice have a strong reduction of CD4+ T cells, which makes it difficult to analyze a functional role of CD83 on B cells during GC responses. Therefore, in the present study we generated a B cell–specific CD83 conditional knockout (CD83 B-cKO) model. CD83 B-cKO B cells show defective upregulation of MHC class II and CD86 expression and impaired proliferation after different stimuli. Analyses of GC responses after immunization with various Ags revealed a characteristic shift in dark zone and light zone B cell numbers, with an increase of B cells in the dark zone of CD83 B-cKO mice. This effect was not accompanied by alterations in the level of IgG immune responses or by major differences in affinity maturation. However, an enhanced IgE response was observed in CD83 B-cKO mice. Additionally, we observed a strong competitive disadvantage of CD83-cKO B cells in GC responses in mixed bone marrow chimeras. Furthermore, infection of mice with Borrelia burgdorferi revealed a defect in bacterial clearance of CD83 B-cKO mice with a shift toward a Th2 response, indicated by a strong increase in IgE titers. Taken together, our results show that CD83 is important for B cell activation and modulates GC composition and IgE Ab responses in vivo.
HIV-1–Specific CD8 T Cells Exhibit Limited Cross-Reactivity during Acute Infection
Authors: Du Victor Y. , Bansal Anju , Carlson Jonathan , Salazar-Gonzalez Jesus F. , Salazar Maria G. , Ladell Kristin , Gras Stephanie , Josephs Tracy M. , Heath Sonya L. , Price David A. , Rossjohn Jamie , Hunter Eric , Goepfert Paul A.
Published: March 2016

Prior work has demonstrated that HIV-1–specific CD8 T cells can cross-recognize variant epitopes. However, most of these studies were performed in the context of chronic infection, where the presence of viral quasispecies makes it difficult to ascertain the true nature of the original antigenic stimulus. To overcome this limitation, we evaluated the extent of CD8 T cell cross-reactivity in patients with acute HIV-1 clade B infection. In each case, we determined the transmitted founder virus sequence to identify the autologous epitopes restricted by individual HLA class I molecules. Our data show that cross-reactive CD8 T cells are infrequent during the acute phase of HIV-1 infection. Moreover, in the uncommon instances where cross-reactive responses were detected, the variant epitopes were poorly recognized in cytotoxicity assays. Molecular analysis revealed that similar antigenic structures could be cross-recognized by identical CD8 T cell clonotypes mobilized in vivo, yet even subtle differences in a single TCR-accessible peptide residue were sufficient to disrupt variant-specific reactivity. These findings demonstrate that CD8 T cells are highly specific for autologous epitopes during acute HIV-1 infection. Polyvalent vaccines may therefore be required to provide optimal immune cover against this genetically labile pathogen.
La formación de pasivas en español: análisis en términos de la Estructura de Qualia y la Estructura Eventiva
Authors: De Miguel Elena
Published: March 2016

La formación de pasivas es un fenómeno que ha interesado siempre a los gramáticos de las distintas lenguas, sea cual fuere el modelo teórico o la escuela en la que hayan inscrito su investigación, hasta el punto de que la bibliografía existente sobre el tema es amplísima y muy variada en cuanto a concepciones y en cuanto al tipo de datos que se manejan. El interés de la disciplina hacia la pasiva ha de estar forzosamente relacionado con el hecho especial de que, entendida como construcción, se corresponde siempre con una oración activa correspondiente1  y, entendida como proceso, resulta lo suficientemente regular y productivo como para despertar las ganas de sistematizarlo, describirlo o explicarlo.
Acerca de la macroestructura y la microestructura en el diccionario bilingüe
Authors: Kocjančič Polonca
Published: March 2016

Los lexicógrafos producen obras de referencia de distintos tipos; el resultado más extendido de su actividad son los diccionarios generales (Ilson, 2002: 331). En la introducción los diccionarios bilingües se clasifican según la tipología general de los dicciona- rios, se presentan sus características y se explica la relación entre los tipos de diccionarios bilingües y los destinatarios. En las dos partes siguientes, se presentan varios aspectos de la macroestructura y la microestructura en el diccionario bilingüe.
El motivo de la muerte en la poesía de la Alfonsina Storni
Authors: Skledar Ana
Published: March 2016

La más «moderna» de las tres poetisas hispanoamericanas más destacadas de la primera parte del siglo XX (Mistral, Storni, Ibarbourou), la argentina Alfonsina Storni (1892–1938), hizo en su poesía una trayectoria desde el modernismo, hasta el romanticismo, y al final, hasta las puertas de surrealismo.Su tema de siempre es el amor, pero no de manera convencional de la época, sino percibido como la lucha con el sexo masculino. Por eso, por su muy abierta y directa manera de hablar, o sea, de hacer versos (ella misma dice en Alma desnuda
Cervantes y la medicina
Authors: Osterc Lúdovik
Published: March 2016

A Cervantes  le tocó vivir los comienzos difíciles del nacimiento  de las ciencias modernas. Al papel importante  que España representó durante el Medioevo,  como depositaria del saber de Grecia y Roma, interpretándolo, comentándolo  y esparciéndolo por Europa, siguió el rol nada glorioso, de oponerse  a la entrada de los nuevos conocimientos  científicos  que ya empezaban  a florecer en los demás países europeos. Y así, de innovadora,  España se fue convirtiendo en renuente a cualquier innovación que no hubiese partido de las mismas raíces de la tradición. Esto no es de extrañar, pues es sabido con cuantas dificultades  ha contado el progreso español,  no sólo en el terreno puramente cultural  y científico, sino también en el humano, en general, y médico, en particular.
Valoración de la implantación del seguimiento ecográfico del acceso vascular autólogo
Authors: Garrido López Mª del Valle , Sesmero Ramos Carolina , Ortigosa Barriola Almudena , Gruss Vergara Enrique
Published: March 2016

Un acceso vascular adecuado es imprescindible para el tratamiento renal sustitutivo mediante hemodiálisis. Las enfermeras participan de forma fundamental en el seguimiento del mismo. El acceso vascular autólogo es considerado el acceso vascular de elección, pero también es el que más complicaciones iniciales presenta.
El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar la eficacia del ecógrafo para el seguimiento y punción de estos accesos vasculares.
Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de octubre 2014 a febrero 2015. Se incluyeron 53 pacientes con fístula autóloga. 31 con acceso vascular en uso y 22 con acceso de nueva creación.
Se inició el uso del ecógrafo previa formación específica en ecografía doppler de tres enfermeras y un nefrólogo.
Se realizaron 73 ecografías en las que se determinaron flujo arterial, diámetro y profundidad venosa, anomalías anatómicas y disfunciones.
Resultados: Se identificaron 9 accesos autólogos de nueva creación con flujos arteriales por debajo de parámetros de normalidad.
Se modificaron las zonas de punción en 8 casos.
Se realizaron 9 punciones ecoasistidas en fístulas autólogas de nueva creación.
Se identificaron 15 estenosis.
Se confirmaron 2 trombosis completas y 1 parcial.
Se describió asociación entre AV menores de 3 meses y flujos menores de 500 ml/min
Se identificó mayor porcentaje de estenosis en AV radiocefálicos.
Conclusiones: El ecógrafo ha demostrado ser un instrumento útil para facilitar las punciones y seguimiento del acceso vascular. Permite identificar nuevas zonas de punción.
Permite una valoración objetiva de los AV autólogos mediante parámetros ecográficos favoreciendo su seguimiento y alertando de forma temprana sobre posibles disfunciones, posibilitando el tratamiento precoz de éstas.
Permite establecer protocolos de seguimiento de acceso vascular más estrecho en sus tres primeros meses de vida y de forma estandarizada a lo largo de la vida del AV.
Variational data assimilation for the optimized ozone initial state and the short-time forecasting
Authors: Park Soon-Young , Kim Dong-Hyeok , Lee Soon-Hwan , Lee Hwa Woon
Published: March 2016

Abstract. In this study, we apply the four-dimensional variational (4D-Var) data assimilation to optimize initial ozone state and to improve the predictability of air quality. The numerical modeling systems used for simulations of atmospheric condition and chemical formation are the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. The study area covers the capital region of South Korea, where the surface measurement sites are relatively evenly distributed. The 4D-Var code previously developed for the CMAQ model is modified to consider background error in matrix form, and various numerical tests are conducted. The results are evaluated with an idealized covariance function for the appropriateness of the modified codes. The background error is then constructed using the NMC method with long-term modeling results, and the characteristics of the spatial correlation scale related to local circulation are analyzed. The background error is applied in the 4D-Var research, and a surface observational assimilation is conducted to optimize the initial concentration of ozone. The statistical results for the 12 h assimilation periods and the 120 observatory sites show a 49.4 % decrease in the root mean squared error (RMSE), and a 59.9 % increase in the index of agreement (IOA). The temporal variation of spatial distribution of the analysis increments indicates that the optimized initial state of ozone concentration is transported to inland areas by the clockwise-rotating local circulation during the assimilation windows. To investigate the predictability of ozone concentration after the assimilation window, a short-time forecasting is carried out. The ratios of the RMSE (root mean squared error) with assimilation versus that without assimilation are 8 and 13 % for the +24 and +12 h, respectively. Such a significant improvement in the forecast accuracy is obtained solely by using the optimized initial state. The potential improvement in ozone prediction for both the daytime and nighttime with application of data assimilation is also presented.
Seasonal characterization of CDOM for lakes in semiarid regions of Northeast China using excitation–emission matrix fluorescence and parallel factor analysis (EEM–PARAFAC)
Authors: Zhao Ying , Song Kaishan , Wen Zhidan , Li Lin , Zang Shuying , Shao Tiantian , Li Sijia , Du Jia
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The seasonal characteristics of fluorescent components in chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) for lakes in the semiarid region of Northeast China were examined by excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectra and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Two humic-like (C1 and C2) and protein-like (C3 and C4) components were identified using PARAFAC. The average fluorescence intensity of the four components differed under seasonal variation from June and August 2013 to February and April 2014. Components 1 and 2 exhibited a strong linear correlation (R2 =  0.628). Significantly positive linear relationships between CDOM absorption coefficients a(254) (R2 = 0.72, 0.46, p < 0.01), a(280) (R2 = 0.77, 0.47, p < 0.01), a(350) (R2 = 0.76, 0.78, p < 0.01) and Fmax for two humic-like components (C1 and C2) were exhibited, respectively. A significant relationship (R2 = 0.930) was found between salinity and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). However, almost no obvious correlation was found between salinity and EEM–PARAFAC-extracted components except for C3 (R2 = 0.469). Results from this investigation demonstrate that the EEM–PARAFAC technique can be used to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of CDOM fluorescent components for inland waters in the semiarid regions of Northeast China, and to quantify CDOM components for other waters with similar environmental conditions.
A tuning-free method for the linear inverse problem and its application to source term determination
Authors: Tichý Ondřej , Šmídl Václav , Hofman Radek , Stohl Andreas
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Estimation of pollutant releases into the atmosphere is an important problem in the environmental sciences. It is typically formalized as an inverse problem using a linear model that can explain observable quantities (e.g. concentrations or deposition values) as a product of the source-receptor sensitivity (SRS) matrix obtained from an atmospheric transport model multiplied by the unknown source term vector. Since this problem is typically ill-posed, current state-of-the-art methods are based on regularization of the problem and solution of a formulated optimization problem. This procedure depends on manual settings of uncertainties that are often very poorly quantified, effectively making them tuning parameters. We formulate a probabilistic model, that has the same maximum likelihood solution as the conventional method using pre-specified uncertainties. Replacement of the maximum likelihood solution by full Bayesian estimation allows to estimate also all tuning parameters from the measurements. The estimation procedure is based on the Variational Bayes approximation which is evaluated by an iterative algorithm. The resulting method is thus very similar to the conventional approach, but with the possibility to estimate also all tuning parameters from the observations. The proposed algorithm is tested and compared with the state-of-the-art method on data from the European Tracer Experiment (ETEX) where advantages of the new method are demonstrated. A MATLAB implementation of the proposed algorithm is available for download.
Application of all-relevant feature selection for the failure analysis of parameter-induced simulation crashes in climate models
Authors: Paja Wiesław , Wrzesien Mariusz , Niemiec Rafał , Rudnicki Witold R.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Climate models are extremely complex pieces of software. They reflect the best knowledge on the physical components of the climate; nevertheless, they contain several parameters, which are too weakly constrained by observations, and can potentially lead to a simulation crashing. Recently a study by Lucas et al. (2013) has shown that machine learning methods can be used for predicting which combinations of parameters can lead to the simulation crashing and hence which processes described by these parameters need refined analyses. In the current study we reanalyse the data set used in this research using different methodology. We confirm the main conclusion of the original study concerning the suitability of machine learning for the prediction of crashes. We show that only three of the eight parameters indicated in the original study as relevant for prediction of the crash are indeed strongly relevant, three others are relevant but redundant and two are not relevant at all. We also show that the variance due to the split of data between training and validation sets has a large influence both on the accuracy of predictions and on the relative importance of variables; hence only a cross-validated approach can deliver a robust prediction of performance and relevance of variables.
Parameterization of the snow-covered surface albedo in the Noah-MP Version 1.0 by implementing vegetation effects
Authors: Park Sojung , Park Seon Ki
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Snow-covered surface albedo varies depending on many factors, including snow grain size, snow cover thickness, snow age, forest shading factor, etc., and its parameterization is still under great uncertainty. For the snow-covered surface condition, albedo of forest is typically lower than that of short vegetation; thus snow albedo is dependent on the spatial distributions of characteristic land cover and on the canopy density and structure. In the Noah land surface model with multiple physics options (Noah-MP), almost all vegetation types in East Asia during winter have the minimum values of leaf area index (LAI) and stem area index (SAI), which are too low and do not consider the vegetation types. Because LAI and SAI are represented in terms of photosynthetic activeness, stem and trunk in winter are not well represented with only these parameters. We found that such inadequate representation of the vegetation effect is mainly responsible for the large positive bias in calculating the winter surface albedo in the Noah-MP. In this study, we investigated the vegetation effect on the snow-covered surface albedo from observations and improved the model performance by implementing a new parameterization scheme. We developed new parameters, called leaf index (LI) and stem index (SI), which properly manage the effect of vegetation structure on the snow-covered surface albedo. As a result, the Noah-MP's performance in the winter surface albedo has significantly improved – the root mean square error is reduced by approximately 69 %.
Improving the precipitation accumulation analysis using radar-, gauge- and lightning measurements
Authors: Gregow Erik , Pessi Antti , Mäkelä Antti , Saltikoff Elena
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The aim of this article is to introduce and compare new methods on how to perform precipitation accumulation analysis, with special focus on the high intensity cases. This includes assimilation of lightning observations, in combination with radar and gauge measurements, and the impact of different integration time intervals on the radar-gauge correction method. The article is a continuation of previous work in the same research field, by Gregow et al. (2011). A new Lightning Data Assimilation (LDA) method has been implemented and validated within the Finnish Meteorological Institute- (FMI) Local Analysis and Prediction System (LAPS). The performed precipitation accumulation analyses show the usefulness of lightning assimilation, together with radar information. The radar-gauge assimilation method is highly dependent on statistical relationships between radar and gauges, when performing the correction to precipitation accumulation field. Here we investigate the usage of different time integration intervals; 1, 6, 12, 24 hours and 7 days. This will change the amount of data used and affect the statistical calculation of the radar-gauge relations. Verification shows that the real-time analysis using the 1 hour integration time length gives the best result.
Fixation kinetics of chelated and non-chelated zinc in semi-arid alkaline soils: Application to zinc management
Authors: Udeigwe Theophilus K. , Eichmann Madeleine B. , Menkiti Matthew C.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. This study was designed to examine the fixation patterns and kinetics of zinc (Zn) in chelated (Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, EDTA) and non-chelated mixed micronutrient systems in semi-arid alkaline soils of the Southern High Plains, US. Soils were characterized for a suite of chemical and physical properties and data obtained from extraction experiments fitted to various kinetic models. About 30 % more plant-available Zn was fixed in the non-chelated system within the first 14 d with only about 18 % difference observed between the two systems by day 90, suggesting that the effectiveness of the chelated compounds tended to decrease over time. The strengths of the relationships of change in available Zn with respect to other micronutrients (copper, iron, and manganese) were higher and more significant in the non-chelated system (R2: 0.68–0.94), compared to the chelated (R2: 0.20–0.77). Fixation of plant-available Zn was best described by the power function model (R2 = 0.94, SE = 0.076) in the non-chelated system, and was poorly described by all the models examined in the chelated system. Reaction rate constants and relationships generated from this study can serve as important tools for micronutrient management and for future micronutrient modeling studies in these soils and other semi-arid regions of the world.
Thinning of the Monte Perdido Glacier in the Spanish Pyrenees since 1981
Authors: López-Moreno Juan Ignacio , Revuelto Jesús , Rico Ibai , Chueca-Cía Javier , Julián Asunción , Serreta Alfredo , Serrano Enrique , Vicente-Serrano Sergio Martín , Azorin-Molina Cesar , Alonso-González Esteban , García-Ruiz José María
Published: March 2016

Abstract. This paper analyzes the evolution of the Monte Perdido Glacier, the third largest glacier in the Pyrenees, from 1981 to the present. We assessed the evolution of the glacier's surface area by analysis of aerial photographs from 1981, 1999, and 2006, and changes in ice volume by geodetic methods with digital elevation models (DEMs) generated from topographic maps (1981 and 1999), airborne lidar (2010) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014) data. We interpreted the changes in the glacier based on climate data from nearby meteorological stations. The results indicate that the degradation of this glacier accelerated after 1999. The rate of ice surface loss was almost three times greater during 1999–2006 than during earlier periods. Moreover, the rate of glacier thinning was 1.85 times faster during 1999–2010 (rate of surface elevation change  = −8.98 ± 1.80 m, glacier-wide mass balance  = −0.73 ± 0.14 m w.e. yr−1) than during 1981–1999 (rate of surface elevation change  = −8.35 ± 2.12 m, glacier-wide mass balance  = −0.42 ± 0.10 m w.e. yr−1). From 2011 to 2014, ice thinning continued at a slower rate (rate of surface elevation change  = −1.93 ± 0.4 m yr−1, glacier-wide mass balance  = −0.58 ± 0.36 m w.e. yr−1). This deceleration in ice thinning compared to the previous 17 years can be attributed, at least in part, to two consecutive anomalously wet winters and cool summers (2012–2013 and 2013–2014), counteracted to some degree by the intense thinning that occurred during the dry and warm 2011–2012 period. However, local climatic changes observed during the study period do not seem sufficient to explain the acceleration of ice thinning of this glacier, because precipitation and air temperature did not exhibit statistically significant trends during the study period. Rather, the accelerated degradation of this glacier in recent years can be explained by a strong disequilibrium between the glacier and the current climate, and likely by other factors affecting the energy balance (e.g., increased albedo in spring) and feedback mechanisms (e.g., heat emitted from recently exposed bedrock and debris covered areas).
Descolonización y colonialismo interno: Lugar y función de lo colonial
Authors: Iturralde Fernando
Published: March 2016

This article’s purpose is to find out what exactly is referred to by the term ‘colonial’ in three Bolivian intellectuals: René Zavaleta Mercado, Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui and H.C.F. Mansilla. In the writings of these three authors, I find elements that allow me to believe that they all have a similar (although     not the same) understanding of colonial heritage. In all three cases, that heritage is seen as something negative, i.e. something that should be put aside and ultimately abolished. On the basis of a textual analysis, I make the effort to understand exactly what this idea is about and what this remnant of colonial times consists of. Once I get to the point of understanding what the idea of the colonial signifies in each of these texts, I will analyze them applying mimetic theory given that this theory has concepts that are similar. In other words, I make an effort to translate the concepts of these three Bolivian intellectuals in terms of mimetic theory so as to better understand them, as well as to verify whether they have a meaning in the context of that theory.
¿Descolonización real o falsa descolonización en Bolivia? Corrientes de pensamiento
Authors: Mamani Ramírez Pablo
Published: March 2016

This article proposes that to decolonize is to radically dismantle a system of values which fundamentally upholds existing institutions. In Bolivia, this involves a system of domination that is both neocolonial and racist. Although there is an ongoing process of decolonization in society, a real decolonization of the State has been precluded by the MAS government since 2009. Nonetheless, the government clearly proclaims the success of decolonization simply based on the fact that Evo Morales is an indigenous president. To measure the scope of these debates, the article studies other schools of thought regarding decolonization such as Indianism and Katarism, and Xavier Albó’s multiculturalism.
La Mariposa Mundial
Authors: La Mariposa Mundial BSJ
Published: March 2016

La Mariposa Mundial
Manifest Covariant Hamiltonian Theory of General Relativity
Authors: Cremaschini Claudio , Tessarotto Massimo
Published: March 2016

The problem of formulating a manifest covariant Hamiltonian theory of General Relativity in the presence of source ﬁelds is addressed, by extending the so-called “DeDonder-Weyl” formalism to the treatment of classical ﬁelds in curved space-time. The theory is based on a synchronous variational principle for the Einstein equation, formulated in terms of superabundant variables. The technique permits one to determine the continuum covariant Hamiltonian structure associated with the Einstein equation. The corresponding continuum Poisson bracket representation is also determined. The theory relies on ﬁrst-principles, in the sense that the conclusions are reached in the framework of a non-perturbative covariant approach, which allows one to preserve both the 4-scalar nature of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian densities as well as the gauge invariance property of the theory.
Kartelschade in Nederland, een eerste aanzet
Authors: Braat B.
Published: March 2016

Kartelschade in Nederland, een eerste aanzet

De uitspraak in eerste aanleg in de zaak TenneT/ABB geeft er een beeld van hoe in Nederland in rechte met kartelclaims wordt omgegaan. De Rechtbank Oost-Nederland komt tot interessante conclusies over de aansprakelijkheid van entiteiten behorend tot het concern van een kartelovertreder en de mogelijkheid van een zogenoemd passing-on verweer. De uitspraak lijkt voor kartelovertreders niet gunstig.

Rb. Oost-Nederland 16 januari 2013, ECLI:NL:RBONE:2013:BZ0403
Herziening richtlijn erkenning beroepskwalificaties
Authors: Bishoen R.V.A. , Welbergen I.M.
Published: March 2016

Op 20 november 2013 is Richtlijn 2013/55/EU van het Europees Parlement en de Raad tot wijziging van Richtlijn 2005/36/EG betreffende de erkenning van beroepskwalificaties vastgesteld. Dit artikel bespreekt in hoofdlijnen de achtergronden van deze richtlijn, de belangrijkste wijzigingen en waar mogelijk de Nederlandse reactie daarop.

Richtlijn 2013/55/EU van het Europees Parlement en de Raad tot wijziging van Richtlijn 2005/36/EG betreffende de erkenning van beroepskwalificaties en Verordening (EU) nr. 1024/2012 betreffende de administratieve samenwerking via het Informatiesysteem interne markt (de IMI-verordening)
Allianz: een beetje vaag en heel ongelukkig
Authors: Oosterhuis G.
Published: March 2016

Allianz: een beetje vaag en heel ongelukkig

Het te bespreken arrest betreft prejudiciële vragen gesteld door het Hongaarse hof van cassatie Legfelsőbb Biróság (hierna: de verwijzende rechter) aangaande de vraag of afspraken tussen verzekeraars Allianz en Generali en een aantal autoreparateurs, waarbij de autoreparateurs (indirect) een bonus krijgen als zij een bepaald percentage verzekeringen van Allianz en Generali verkopen, kwalificeren als overeenkomsten die tot strekking hebben de mededinging te beperken. Het Hof van Justitie verwart in zijn arrest het onderscheid tussen strekkings- en gevolgbedingen. Het Hof van Justitie suggereert bovendien dat de vrij onschuldige afspraken – afnamebedingen – tot doel hebben de mededinging te beperken. Het arrest stelt ten slotte dat als een overeenkomst niet in overeenstemming is met nationaal regelend recht – zoals regels van consumentenbescherming – dit het waarschijnlijk maakt dat die overeenkomst de strekking heeft de mededinging te beperken.

HvJ EU 14 maart 2013, zaak C-32/11, Allianz Hungária Biztosító e.a./Gazdasági Versenyhivatal, n.n.g.
Aansprakelijkheid lidstaat voor niet-uitvoering milieueffectbeoordeling
Authors: Brans E.H.P.
Published: March 2016

Aansprakelijkheid lidstaat voor niet-uitvoering milieueffectbeoordeling

In het kader van de uitbreiding van een vliegveld is nagelaten een milieueffectbeoordeling (MER) uit te voeren, waardoor de milieueffecten van deze uitbreiding niet zijn onderzocht en ook niet is nagegaan of er alternatieven voorhanden zijn die tot minder geluidsoverlast leiden. Een eigenares/bewoonster van een huis dat in de zone ligt die extra geluidsoverlast ondervindt door de uitbreiding, vordert schadevergoeding stellende dat onrechtmatig is gehandeld doordat is nagelaten een MER uit te voeren. Het Hof van Justitie oordeelt dat de voorkoming van vermogensschade onder het beschermingsbereik van de MER-Richtlijn valt indien dergelijke schade het rechtstreekse economische gevolg is van de milieueffecten van een openbaar of particulier project is. Dat lijkt een stap in de goede richting te zijn voor klaagster, maar aannemelijk gemaakt zal moeten worden dat indien wel een MER was uitgevoerd, niet toch dezelfde schade zou zijn gelden. Kortom, het causaliteitscriterium kan in de weg staan aan een succesvolle claim.

HvJ EU 14 maart 2013, zaak C-420/11, Leth/Oostenrijk, n.n.g.
Het einde van de PIJ
Authors: de Beer Ad
Published: March 2016

The end of the penal measure of placement in an institution for juvenile offenders

In this article, juvenile prosecutor Ad de Beer takes a critical look at the regulatory schemes surrounding the penal measure of placement in an institution for juvenile offenders (the ‘PIJ’ measure). Since the entry into force of the new Juvenile Law 2015 on January 1st 2015, three ways currently exist to discontinue the PIJ measure for an individual offender. While arguing that this legal reality is very confusing for practitioners, De Beer tries to untangle this complicated set of schemes.
Determinants of Mortality in Children under Five Years of Age with Severe Acute Malnutrition Admitted to the Yalgado Ouédraogo Teaching Hospital (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Adama Zoubga W. , Ella Compaoré W.R. , Bengaly Marcel D. , Angèle Zan , Virginio Pietra , Ludovic Kam K. , Alfred Traoré S.
Published: March 2016

Background: To determine critical factors associated with severely malnourished children under five this case-control study was conducted.
Methods: The data of a total of 433 children aged 0-59 months and admitted to the Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo, (CHU – YO) between January 31, 2009 to January 31, 2013, were included in the analysis: 72 for the case group and 361 for the control group. Clinical and treatment records were accessed and data were analyzed.
Results: For clinical signs, determinants of mortality were diarrhea [OR = 4.6; (95%CI 2.6-8.2], anorexia [OR = 2.7; (95%CI 1.4-5.0] and hepatomegaly [OR = 2.6; (95%CI 1.4-4.8]. For infections, determinants of mortality were pediatric HIV/AIDS [OR = 10.9; (95%CI 5.6-21.5] and digestive illnesses [OR = 5.1 (95%CI 2.8-9.4)]. Regarding the complications of malnutrition, determinants of mortality were severe dehydration [OR = 16.4 (95%CI 8.0-33.5)], skin lesions [OR = 14.3 (95%CI 6.4 -31.9)], heart failure [OR = 6.8 (95%CI 2.5-19.0)] and severe anemia [OR = 3.2(95%CI 1.4-7.1)]. For biochemical indicators, low serum sodium [OR = 0.7(95%CI 0.5-1.0)] and potassium levels [OR = 0.9(95%CI 0.9-1.0)] were the critical factors. In addition the risk of death was associated with low value of MUAC [OR = 0.9 (95% CI 0.8-0.9)].
Conclusions: The risk of death of children with severe acute malnutrition varies according to different factors studied.
Birth order dependent growth cone segregation determines synaptic layer identity in the Drosophila visual system
Authors: Kulkarni Abhishek , Ertekin Deniz , Lee Chi-Hon , Hummel Thomas
Published: March 2016

The precise recognition of appropriate synaptic partner neurons is a critical step during neural circuit assembly. However, little is known about the developmental context in which recognition specificity is important to establish synaptic contacts. We show that in the Drosophila visual system, sequential segregation of photoreceptor afferents, reflecting their birth order, lead to differential positioning of their growth cones in the early target region. By combining loss- and gain-of-function analyses we demonstrate that relative differences in the expression of the transcription factor Sequoia regulate R cell growth cone segregation. This initial growth cone positioning is consolidated via cell-adhesion molecule Capricious in R8 axons. Further, we show that the initial growth cone positioning determines synaptic layer selection through proximity-based axon-target interactions. Taken together, we demonstrate that birth order dependent pre-patterning of afferent growth cones is an essential pre-requisite for the identification of synaptic partner neurons during visual map formation in Drosophila.
Timing and amplitude jitter in a gain-switched multimode semiconductor laser
Authors: Wada Kenji , Kitagawa Naoaki , Matsukura Satoru , Matsuyama Tetsuya , Horinaka Hiromichi
Published: March 2016

The differences in timing jitter between a gain-switched single-mode semiconductor laser and a gain-switched multimode semiconductor laser are examined using rate equations that include Langevin noise. The timing jitter in a gain-switched multimode semiconductor laser is found to be effectively suppressed by a decrease in the coherence time of the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) based on a broad bandwidth of multimode oscillation. Instead, fluctuations in the ASE cause amplitude jitter in the pulse components of the respective modes. A pulse train of gain-switched pulses from a multimode semiconductor laser with timing jitter is equivalently simulated by assuming a high spontaneous emission factor and a short coherence time of the ASE in the single-mode semiconductor laser rate equations.
Electrical and optical properties of Co-doped and undoped MoS2
Authors: Ko Tsung-Shine , Huang Cheng-Ching , Lin Der-Yuh , Ruan Yan-Jia , Huang Ying Sheng
Published: March 2016

Co-doped and undoped layered MoS2 crystals were grown by the chemical vapor transport method using iodine as the transport agent. Both reflectance and piezoreflectance measurements reveal two exciton transitions of the direct band edge around 1.86 and 2.06 eV for undoped MoS2 and 1.84 and 2.03 eV for Co-doped MoS2. Hall effect measurements show that the Co-doped MoS2 sample has a lower carrier concentration and mobility than the undoped sample. These differences between undoped and Co-doped MoS2 were attributed to the effect of cobalt atoms causing a small lattice distortion, lattice imperfections and/or impurity states that form trap states between the conduction band and valence band. Furthermore, photoconductivity (PC) and persistent PC results show that Co-doped MoS2 has a longer time constant and better responsivity than undoped MoS2. This work discusses the advantages of Co-doped MoS2 for photodetector applications.
Changes in pigment, spectral transmission and element content of pink chicken eggshells with different pigment intensity during incubation
Authors: Yu Yue , Li Zhanming , Pan Jinming
Published: March 2016

Objective.The objective of this study was to investigate changes in pigment, spectral transmission and element content of chicken eggshells with different intensities of pink pigment during the incubation period. We also investigated the effects of the region (small pole, equator and large pole) and pink pigment intensity of the chicken eggshell on the percent transmission of light passing through the chicken eggshells.

Method.Eggs of comparable weight from a meat-type breeder (Meihuang) were used, and divided based on three levels of pink pigment (light, medium and dark) in the eggshells. During the incubation (0–21 d), the values of the eggshell pigment (ΔE,L∗,a∗,b∗) were measured. The percent transmission of light for different regions and intensities of eggshell pigmentation was measured by using the visible wavelength range of 380–780 nm.

Result.Three measured indicators of eggshell color, ΔE,L∗anda∗, did not change significantly during incubation. Compared with other regions and pigment intensities, eggshell at the small pole and with light pigmentation intensity showed the highest percent transmission of light. The transmission value varied significantly (P< 0.001) with incubation time. The element analysis of eggshells with different levels of pink pigment showed that the potassium content of the eggshells for all pigment levels decreased significantly during incubation.

Conclusion.In summary, pigment intensity and the region of the eggshell influenced the percent transmission of light of eggshell. Differences in the spectral characteristics of different eggshells may influence the effects of photostimulation during the incubation of eggs. All of these results will be applicable for perfecting the design of light intensity for lighted incubation to improve productivity.
Parental Leave
Authors: Bolzendahl Catherine , Pierski Nicole
Published: March 2016

Parental leave policies allow parents to be absent from their employment following the birth or adoption of a child without repercussions to their employment status, wages, or other benefits. The availability, scope, transferability, and generosity of such policies vary greatly internationally. Scholars find that parental leave policies may have consequences for poverty reduction and income maintenance, women's employment, gender equality, early childhood health and development, and fertility. Parental leave policies have grown rapidly in recent years and are important avenues for future research.
Fictive Kin
Authors: Nelson Margaret K.
Published: March 2016

“Fictive kin” is the term used to describe relationships between people who are regarded as if they are family even though no blood or legal ties exist. Long thought to be a distinctive phenomenon within the African American population, fictive kin relationships have been found in a wide range of situations and among diverse populations.