bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tropical Tropopause Inversion Layer
Authors: Pilch Kedzierski Robin , Matthes Katja , Bumke Karl
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL) acts as a "transition" layer between the troposphere and the stratosphere over several kilometers, where air has both tropospheric and stratospheric properties. Within this region, a fine-scale feature is located: the Tropopause Inversion Layer (TIL), which consists of a sharp temperature inversion at the tropopause and a corresponding increase in static stability above. The high static stability values reached within the TIL theoretically affect the dispersion relations of atmospheric waves like Rossby or Inertia-Gravity waves and hamper stratosphere-troposphere exchange (STE). Therefore, the TIL receives increasing attention from the scientific community, mainly in the extratropics so far. Our goal is to give a detailed picture of the properties, variability and forcings of the tropical TIL, with special emphasis on small-scale equatorial waves and the QBO. We use high-resolution temperature profiles from the COSMIC satellite mission, i.e. ~2000 measurements per day globally, between 2007 and 2013, to derive TIL properties and to study the fine-scale structures of static stability in the tropics. The meteorological situation at near tropopause level is described by the 100hPa divergence fields, and the vertical structure of the QBO is provided by the equatorial winds at all levels, both from the ERA-Interim reanalysis. We describe a new feature of the equatorial static stability profile: a secondary stability maximum below the zero wind line within the easterly QBO wind regime at about at 20–25 km altitude, which is forced by the descending westerly QBO phase and gives a double-TIL-like structure. In the lowermost stratosphere, the TIL is stronger with westerly winds. We provide the first evidence of a relationship between the tropical TIL strength and near-tropopause divergence, with stronger (weaker) TIL with near-tropopause divergent (convergent) flow, a relationship similar to the TIL strength with relative vorticity in the extratropics. To elucidate possible enhancing mechanisms of the tropical TIL, we quantify the dynamical forcing of the different equatorial waves on the vertical structure of static stability in the tropics. All waves show maximum cooling at the thermal tropopause, a warming effect above, and a net TIL enhancement close to the tropopause. The main drivers are Kelvin, inertia-gravity and Rossby waves. We suggest that a similar wave forcing will exist at mid and polar latitudes from the extratropical wave modes.
PHIPS-HALO: The airborne Particle Habit Imaging and Polar Scattering probe. Part I: Design and Operation
Authors: Abdelmonem Ahmed , Järvinen Emma , Duft Denis , Hirst Edwin , Vogt Steffen , Leisner Thomas , Schnaiter Martin
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The number and shape of ice crystals present in mixed phase and ice clouds influence the radiation properties, precipitation occurrence and lifetime of these clouds. Since clouds play the major role in the climate system, by influencing the energy budget by scattering sunlight and absorbing heat radiation from the earth, it is necessary to investigate the optical and microphysical properties of cloud particles particularly in-situ. The relationship between the microphysics and the single scattering properties of cloud particles is usually obtained by modeling the optical scattering properties from in-situ measurements of ice crystal size distributions. The measured size distribution and the assumed particle shape might be erroneous in case of non-spherical ice particles. There is a demand to obtain both information correspondently and simultaneously for individual cloud particles in their natural environment. For evaluating the average scattering phase function as a function of ice particle habit and crystal complexity in-situ measurements are required. To this end we have developed a novel airborne optical sensor (PHIPS-HALO) to measure simultaneously the optical properties and the corresponding microphysical parameters of individual cloud particles. PHIPS-HALO has been tested in the AIDA cloud simulation chamber and deployed in mountain stations as well as research aircrafts (HALO and Polar 6). It is a successive version of the laboratory prototype instrument PHIPS-AIDA. In this paper we present the detailed design of PHIPS-HALO including the detection mechanism, optical design, mechanical construction, and aerodynamic characterization.
Closing a gap in tropical forest biomass estimation: taking crown mass variation into account in pantropical allometries
Authors: Ploton Pierre , Barbier Nicolas , Takoudjou Momo Stéphane , Réjou-Méchain Maxime , Boyemba Bosela Faustin , Chuyong Georges , Dauby Gilles , Droissart Vincent , Fayolle Adeline , Goodman Rosa Calisto , Henry Matieu , Kamdem Narcisse Guy , Mukirania John Katembo , Kenfack David , Libalah Moses , Ngomanda Alfred , Rossi Vivien , Sonké Bonaventure , Texier Nicolas , Thomas Duncan , Zebaze Donatien , Couteron Pierre , Berger Uta , Pélissier Raphaël
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Accurately monitoring tropical forest carbon stocks is a challenge that remains outstanding. Allometric models that consider tree diameter, height and wood density as predictors are currently used in most tropical forest carbon studies. In particular, a pantropical biomass model has been widely used for approximately a decade, and its most recent version will certainly constitute a reference model in the coming years. However, this reference model shows a systematic bias towards the largest trees. Because large trees are key drivers of forest carbon stocks and dynamics, understanding the origin and the consequences of this bias is of utmost concern. In this study, we compiled a unique tree mass data set of 673 trees destructively sampled in five tropical countries (101 trees > 100 cm in diameter) and an original data set of 130 forest plots (1 ha) from central Africa to quantify the prediction error of biomass allometric models at the individual and plot levels when explicitly taking crown mass variations into account or not doing so. We first showed that the proportion of crown to total tree aboveground biomass is highly variable among trees, ranging from 3 to 88 %. This proportion was constant on average for trees < 10 Mg (mean of 34 %) but, above this threshold, increased sharply with tree mass and exceeded 50 % on average for trees  ≥  45 Mg. This increase coincided with a progressive deviation between the pantropical biomass model estimations and actual tree mass. Taking a crown mass proxy into account in a newly developed model consistently removed the bias observed for large trees (> 1 Mg) and reduced the range of plot-level error (in %) from [−23; 16] to [0; 10]. The disproportionally higher allocation of large trees to crown mass may thus explain the bias observed recently in the reference pantropical model. This bias leads to far-from-negligible, but often overlooked, systematic errors at the plot level and may be easily corrected by taking a crown mass proxy for the largest trees in a stand into account, thus suggesting that the accuracy of forest carbon estimates can be significantly improved at a minimal cost.
Technical note: 3-hourly temporal downscaling of monthly global terrestrial biosphere model net ecosystem exchange
Authors: Fisher Joshua B. , Sikka Munish , Huntzinger Deborah N. , Schwalm Christopher , Liu Junjie
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The land surface provides a boundary condition to atmospheric forward and flux inversion models. These models require prior estimates of CO2 fluxes at relatively high temporal resolutions (e.g., 3-hourly) because of the high frequency of atmospheric mixing and wind heterogeneity. However, land surface model CO2 fluxes are often provided at monthly time steps, typically because the land surface modeling community focuses more on time steps associated with plant phenology (e.g., seasonal) than on sub-daily phenomena. Here, we describe a new dataset created from 15 global land surface models and 4 ensemble products in the Multi-scale Synthesis and Terrestrial Model Intercomparison Project (MsTMIP), temporally downscaled from monthly to 3-hourly output. We provide 3-hourly output for each individual model over 7 years (2004–2010), as well as an ensemble mean, a weighted ensemble mean, and the multi-model standard deviation. Output is provided in three different spatial resolutions for user preferences: 0.5° × 0.5°, 2.0° × 2.5°, and 4.0° x 5.0° (latitude/longitude). These data are publicly available from: . ftp://daac.ornl.gov/data/cms/CMS_NEE_CO2_Fluxes_TBMO/data .
Hydrodynamic modeling of coastal seas: the role of tidal dynamics in the Messina Strait, Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Cucco A. , Quattrocchi G. , Olita A. , Fazioli L. , Ribotti A. , Sinerchia M. , Tedesco C. , Sorgente R.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. This work explored the importance of considering tidal dynamics when modeling the general circulation in the Messina Strait, a narrow passage connecting the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian Sea sub-basins in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The tides and the induced water circulation in this Strait are among the most intense oceanographic processes in the Mediterranean Sea. The quantification of these effects can be particularly relevant for operational oceanographic systems aimed to provide short term predictions of the main hydrodynamics in the Western Mediterranean sub-basins. A numerical approach based on the use of a high resolution hydrodynamic model was adopted to firstly reproduce both the tides propagation and the wind induced and thermohaline water circulation within the Strait and surrounding areas and secondly to quantify the role of the Strait dynamics on the larger-scale water circulation. The obtained results confirmed the importance of a correct representation of the hydrodynamics in the Messina Strait even when focusing on predicting the water circulation in the external sea traits. In fact, model results show that tidal dynamics deeply impact the reproduction of the instantaneous and residual circulation pattern, waters thermohaline properties and transport dynamics both inside the Messina Strait and in the surrounding coastal and open waters.
El método etnográfico y su relación con el análisis de dominio
Authors: Romero Quesada Manuel Alejandro , Hernández Quintana Ania Rosa
Published: March 2016

Analiza la relación teórico-conceptual del método etnográfico con el análisis de dominio. Se realizó un análisis documental explorando las categorías Análisis de Dominio y Método Etnográfico. Se obtuvo como resultado el análisis de los puntos de contacto entre el Análisis de Dominio y el Método Etnográfico desde un punto de vista epistemológico, metodológico y procedimental. Se concluye que el método etnográfico constituye una herramienta de investigación importante para escudriñar los convulsos escenarios socio-culturales que suceden a lo interior de las comunidades discursivas que componen a los dominios de conocimientos.
Experiencias de alfabetización informativa en ambientes virtuales de aprendizaje
Authors: Hernández Salazar Patricia
Published: March 2016

Objetivo. Sugerir la utilización de ambientes virtuales de aprendizaje como alternativa para promover la Alfabetización Informativa (AI). Método. Análisis de los elementos más importantes de los sitios web. Para cubrir este objetivo se abordan varios temas: la relación entre AI y ambientes virtuales de aprendizaje (definiciones de ambas frases); las etapas para generar programas virtuales de AI; el proceso para elaborar medios didácticos; las aplicaciones que pueden apoyar esta elaboración; y la descripción de once experiencias de AI en ambientes virtuales (México, Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, España y Reino Unido) que cumplen con lo expuesto en las definiciones y en los procesos. Resultados. Se obtuvieron cuatro cuadros comparativos que examinan 5 elementos de cada experiencia: objetivos; comunidad meta; institución; país; y plataforma utilizada. Conclusiones. La generación de cualquier propuesta de Alfabetización Informativa debe basarse en una definición claramente establecida; las experiencias deben seguir un proceso didáctico sistemático; las experiencias descritas se circunscriben a la definición de AI propuesta; existen varias similitudes en las experiencias analizadas; los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje pueden ser alternativas viables para la AI.
Discussões acerca da aceitação de software livre para criação e gestão de bases de dados referenciais de artigos científicos
Authors: Córdula Flavio Ribeiro , Araújo Wagner Junqueira de
Published: March 2016

Objetivo. Verificar o grau de aceitação, por meio do modelo Technology Acceptance Model – TAM, do software desenvolvido, que permite a construção e gestão de bases de dados referenciais de artigos científicos visando auxiliar na disseminação e na recuperação da produção científica armazenada em meio digital. Método. A pesquisa se caracteriza como quantitativa, uma vez que o modelo TAM, que norteou o estudo, é essencialmente quantitativo. Um questionário elaborado segundo as orientações do TAM foi utilizado como instrumento para coleta de dados. Resultados. Foi possível verificar que esse software, apesar de necessitar das correções e melhorias intrínsecas a esse tipo de ferramenta, obteve um relevante grau de aceitação pela amostra pesquisada. Considerações. Ressalta-se, que apesar de esta pesquisa ter sido direcionada para acadêmicos da área da Ciência da Informação, a ideia que fundamentou a criação do software utilizado neste estudo pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento da Ciência em qualquer área do conhecimento, objetivando a otimização dos resultados que uma busca realizada em uma base de dados especializada pode proporcionar.
Structural Capability of an Organization toward Innovation Capability
Authors: Balslev Nielsen Susanne , Momeni Mostafa
Published: March 2016

The scholars in the field of strategic management have developed two major approaches for attainment of competitive advantage: an approach based on environmental opportunities, and another one based on internal capabilities of an organization. Some investigations in the last two decades have indicated that the advantages relying on the internal capabilities of organizations may determine the competitive position of organizations better than environmental opportunities do. Characteristics of firms shows that one of the most internal capabilities that lead the organizations to the strongest competitive advantage in the organizations is the innovation capability. The innovation capability is associated with other organizational capabilities, and many organizations have focused on the need to identify innovation capabilities. 

This research focuses on recognition of the structural aspect of innovation capability and proposes a conceptual framework based on a Qualitative Meta Synthesis of academic literature on organizations innovation capability. This is proposed for the development of the concept of innovation capability in the organizations and this paper includes an expert based validation in three rounds of the Delphi method. And for the purpose of a better appreciation of the relationship dominating the factors of the conceptual framework, it has distributed the questionnaire in Iranian companies of the Food industry. At last, this research proposed a direct relationship between Innovation Capability and Structural Capability. Also, it offers the most important components and indices which directly influence and are related to the structural capability of innovation capability.
Long-term functional outcomes after bladder exstrophy repair: A single, low-volume centre experience
Authors: Alsowayan Ossamah , Capolicchio John Paul , Jednak Roman , El-Sherbiny Mohamed
Published: March 2016

Introduction: In this study, we present our experience managing bladder exstrophy (BE) in a low-volume centre over 24 years.Methods: Charts of patients with BE between 1990 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with BE closure and ≥5 years followup were included. BE closure was carried out in the first two days of life using either complete primary repair (CPRE) or modernstaged repair (MSRE). Daytime urinary continence (UC) was evaluated by the age of five years. Patients were considered continent if completely dry for ≥3 hours using no or one pad/day. Incontinent patients with bladder capacity (BC) ≥100 ml underwent bladder neck reconstruction (BNR) and bilateral ureteric reimplantation(BUR), while patients with BC <100ml underwent simultaneous augmentation cystoplasty (ACP).Results: Sixteen (16) patients met our inclusion criteria with a mean followup time of 18±5 years. Ten (10) underwent CPRE, while six underwent MSRE. Four surgeons were involved in patients’  management. Two surgeons had previous experience in BE surgery while working in other institutions. Complications included dehiscence in five patients, vesicocutanous fistula in three and breakthrough UTI in eight. Continence was achieved in 15/16 patients: two after BE closure only, seven with BNR, and six who required ACP and BNR.Conclusions: Despite the small number of patients and the reterospective nature of the study, some observations are noteworthy. Although continence rate post-primary BE closure was initially low, it rose to 93.8% after auxiliary continence procedures. This might be at the cost of urethral voiding, which was achieved in 60% of patients. Our small cohort did not show clear advantage of CPRE vs. MSRE. Our outcomes may not be different from high-volume centres due to the fact that two exstrophy-experienced surgeons performed most primary or subsequent surgeries. For this reason, we recommend assigning designated centres for BE repair for both new and repeat cases.
An experimental study on effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on ischemia-reperfusion injury in testis
Authors: Kemahli Eray , Yildiz Mevlüt , Firat Tülin , Ӧzyalvaçlı Mehmet Emin , Üyetürk Uğur , Yilmaz Burak , Gücük Adnan
Published: March 2016

Introduction: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an antioxidant and inhibitor of NF-kβ, on ischemiareperfusion injury in rats.Methods: A total of 21 male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly distributed into three groups as sham group (Group 1), ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group (Group 2) and I/R with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC) group (Group 3). Left testicles of rats in Groups 2 and 3 underwent testicular torsion of 720° for four hours and 100 mg/kg of PDTC was administered intraperitoneally prior to detorsion in Group 3. An hour after detorsion process, left orchiectomies were performed and 5 ml of intracardiac blood samples were drawn from rats in all three groups. Histopathological examination of testis tissues performed and measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in blood samples were taken.Results: Elevated levels of MDA and decreased SOD activity, together with decreased Johnson tubular biopsy scores consistent with I/R injury were observed in Group 2 (p<0.05). Group 1 and Group 3 were similar in terms of MDA levels, SOD activity, and Johnson scores (p>0.05).Conclusions: Our results indicated that PDTC may have beneficial effects for alleviation of I/R injury in testicular tissue in rats. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and exploration of its diagnostic and therapeutic potential requires further randomized, controlled trials on a larger scale.
Intrinsic ureteral endometriosis as a cause of unilateral obstructive uropathy
Authors: Mason Ross J. , Alamri Abdulaziz , Gusenbauer Kaela , Kapoor Anil
Published: March 2016

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition, but involvement of the urinary tract is rare. Ureteral endometriosis can present in a nonspecific fashion, and may mimic ureteral malignancy. This case report describes a 44-year-old woman who initially presented with chronic flank pain and was found to have left-sided renal dysfunction and a distal left ureteric mass. She was eventually diagnosed with ureteral endometriosis after undergoing nephroureterectomy for what was thought to be either a ureteral fibroepithelial polyp or transitional cell carcinoma. Ureteral endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a woman presenting with obstructive uropathy in the presence of a ureteric mass.
An unusual cause of Grade IIIb Clavien complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Broken and retained Malecot nephrostomy catheter
Authors: Ozveren Bora , Sahin Ahmet
Published: March 2016

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a relatively safe operation with low rates of major complications. Clavien-Dindo classification is a validated system to record complications, although still needing standardization in reporting and scoring of complex and rare events. We report an unusual adverse incident that required interventional management and impacted the postoperative course.The case of a broken re-entry Malecot nephrostomy catheter as it was being removed on the third postoperative day of an otherwise uneventful PCNL is described. The retained part was removed by open-surgery under general anesthesia. This incident has upgraded the minimally invasive surgery to a Grade IIIb complicated procedure according to the modified Clavien classification. Patient data, procedure conditions, and surgical retrieval of the catheter are detailed.Although far from being life-threatening, this rare complication due to a broken and retained drainage catheter is regarded as a high-grade complication according to the Clavien system.
Suboptimal use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in radical cystectomy patients: A population-based study
Authors: Schiffmann Jonas , Sun Maxine , Gandaglia Giorgio , Tian Zhe , Popa Ioana , Larcher Alessandro , Meskawi Malek , Briganti Alberto , McCormack Michael , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Montorsi Francesco , Graefen Markus , Saad Fred , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: March 2016

Introduction: We aimed to assess contemporary rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) use.Methods: We relied on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database for non-metastatic, muscle-invasive (T2-T4a) urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCUB) patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) between 1991 and 2009. Multivariable logistic regression analyses tested predictors of NC use, such as: T-stage, N-stage, year of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, gender, race, use of radiotherapy (RT), marital status, urban status, socioeconomic status, tumour grade and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Results: Overall, 5207 patients treated with RC were identified. Of those, 332 (6.4%) received NC. The rate of NC increased over time from 6.1% (1991) to 15.0% (2009) (p<0.001). In multivariable analyses, year of diagnosis (odds ratio [OR]: 4.7; p<0.001), lower T-stage (T3 vs. T2: OR: 0.7; p=0.003), married status (OR: 1.5; p= 0.006), and younger age at diagnosis (≥ 80 vs. 66-69: OR: 0.6; p=0.006) were associated with a higher odds of NC. All represented independent predictors of NC use. Neither race nor CCI demonstrated statistical significance.Conclusions: We reported lower than anticipated overall (6.4%) use of NC. Nonetheless, the rate increased from 6.1% (1991) to 15.0% (2009). Older and unmarried individuals were less likely to receive NC. NC rates were higher in T2 UCUB patients. Some of the observed discrepancies, such as lower use in unmarried individuals, may require correction. Better adherence to guidelines should be encouraged and implemented, especially based on the confirmed benefits of NC according to randomized, controlled trials. The study is lmited by a retrospective design and limited variables.
Spatial Variability Modeling of Soil Erodibility Index in Relation to Some Soil Properties at Field Scale
Authors: Gyamfi C. , Ndambuki J. M. , Salim R.W.
Published: March 2016

Soil erosion is a major land degradation issue affecting various facets of human lives. To curtail soil erosion occurrence requires understanding of soil properties and how they influence soil erosion. To this end, the soil erodibility index which gives an indication of the susceptibility of soils to erosion was examined. In particular, we aimed to determine soil erodibility index at field scale and establish relationships that exist between selected soil properties and soil erodibility index. It was hypothesized that for soil erodibility index to vary spatially, then the existing soil properties should have varying spatial structure. Hundred disturbed and 100 undisturbed soil samples were collected from a 7.3 ha gridded area. The samples were analyzed for particle size distribution, bulk density, particle density, organic matter content and porosity. All soil analyses were conducted following standard procedures. Data were analyzed statistically and geostatistically on the basis of semivariograms. Sandy clay loam was the dominant soil texture in the studied field. Results indicate significant negative relationship between sand content, bulk density, particle density and organic matter with soil erodibility index. Silt correlated significantly with a positive relation with soil erodibility. Estimated erodibility for the sampled field ranged from 0.019 t.ha.hr/ha.MJ.mmto 0.055 t.ha.hr/ha.MJ.mm. The order of dominance of erodibility ranges were 0.038-0.042 t.ha.hr/ha.MJ.mm> 0. 036-0.08 t.ha.hr/ha.MJ.mm> 0.032-0.036 t.ha.hr/ha.MJ.mm> 0.019-0.032 t.ha.hr/ha.MJ.mm> 0.042-0.055 t.ha.hr/ha.MJ.mm. Regression analysis revealed silt to be the most significant variable that influences soil erodibility. The best regression of soil properties on soil erodibility index gave an R2 of 0.90. A comparison of the regression equation with other studies indicated good performance of the equation developed.
Les dynamiques d’établissement, les enjeux scolaires et les ressources communautaires. Le point de vue de parents d’origine haïtienne et d’intervenants
Authors: Kanouté Fasal , Charrette Josée , André Joslyne Vierginat , Rachédi Lilyane , Rahm Jrene
Published: March 2016

Cet article aborde en général les enjeux et défis de la scolarisation en contexte urbain pluriethnique et défavorisé. Les auteures traitent cette problématique particulièrement sous l’angle du point de vue de parents d’élèves d’origine haïtienne et de celui d’intervenants communautaires de leur quartier qui collaborent avec l’école de leurs enfants. Recueillies par une méthodologie qualitative, les données de recherche présentées croisent le regard de ces acteurs sur les facteurs qui soutiennent la résilience scolaire des élèves mais aussi sur des réalités familiales spécifiques qu’il faut comprendre et dont il faut tenir compte pour mieux accompagner parents et enfants. Ainsi, les parents et les intervenants soulignent les effets du parcours migratoire sur l’exercice de la parentalité ainsi que l’imbrication entre projet migratoire familial et projet scolaire de l’enfant.
Determinants of Japanese expatriation to Brazilian subsidiaries at the beginning of the 21st century
Authors: Moreira Márcia Zabdiele , Ogasavara Mário Henrique , Pinheiro Falcioni Pereira Marilia , De Moura Heber José
Published: March 2016

Expatriate staff members are important in the implementation of strategies for multinational corporations. This study investigates the determinant factors of assigning Japanese expatriates to manage their subsidiaries in Brazil at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Understanding the determinants of the international designation of people for managing foreign subsidiaries collaborates with debate and discussion on expatriation strategies, which are not well established in literature. The research utilized a quantitative study to which we applied a multiple regression analysis based on database of Japanese subsidiaries in Brazil. The results show that the main determinant factor of the international assignment is related to the subsidiary size. Moreover, it was identified that equity ownership, experience in the host country, and industry type did not impact the Japanese expatriation to Brazil.
Praxis and its mediators in ‘Strategy as Practice’: the role of technology use consolidating the strategizing
Authors: De Oliveira Samir Adamoglu , Cuissi Canuto Kleber , Baron Mussi Fabricio
Published: March 2016

Despite claims for more qualitative and quantitative approximations between fundamental areas of  Organization Studies, so to unlock its explanatory potentials, there are still some theoretical gaps that hold such integrations back. An example regards Strategy and Technology themes, when the following question is considered: what is the role of technology use in the strategizing? Motivated by this issue, the essay aims at developing an analysis focused on the strategic purposes of the empirical studies conducted and portrayed by Orlikowski (1992) and Schultze and Orlikowski (2004), attempting to bridge Strategy and Technology topics from a practice-centered approach, capitalizing from epistemological, theoretical and methodological convergence of the 'Strategy as Practice' and the 'Technologies-in-Practice' approaches. The essay evidences that the technology use in organizations works as a mediator for the praxis of strategy practitioners concerning issues and activities of framing and enacting practices that sustain the organizational strategy, at the same time as this very technology tool-kit usage comes from the practitioner's strategic thinking and acting.
The use of Strategic Aliances by Agricultural Cooperatives
Authors: Santos Guimarães Lucas , Domingues Carlos Roberto , Bueno Janaina Maria , Padrão Luis Carlos
Published: March 2016

This study consists in comparing case studies of four agricultural cooperatives regarding their choices about the use of strategic alliances. The objective of this study is to identify the differences in the practices of cooperatives for making alliances with suppliers, customers and competitors, specifically the differences about cooperatives’ interests and characteristics. In order to reach this objective, it was made an exploratory qualitative research with four agricultural cooperatives, which are ranked in the top twenty cooperatives of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The results show that strategic alliances are almost unknown, and when they are used, there is little theoretical basis to support them. There is evidence that the choice of strategic alliances is an important decision of cooperatives no matter what type of alliances are taken place. In addition, the use of strategic alliances tend to influence positively not only the results of the cooperatives but also the results of the supply chain to which the cooperatives belong.
Localized JNK signaling regulates organ size during development
Authors: Willsey Helen Rankin , Zheng Xiaoyan , Carlos Pastor-Pareja José , Willsey A Jeremy , Beachy Philip A , Xu Tian
Published: March 2016

A fundamental question of biology is what determines organ size. Despite demonstrations that factors within organs determine their sizes, intrinsic size control mechanisms remain elusive. Here we show that Drosophila wing size is regulated by JNK signaling during development. JNK is active in a stripe along the center of developing wings, and modulating JNK signaling within this stripe changes organ size. This JNK stripe influences proliferation in a non-canonical, Jun-independent manner by inhibiting the Hippo pathway. Localized JNK activity is established by Hedgehog signaling, where Ci elevates dTRAF1 expression. As the dTRAF1 homolog, TRAF4, is amplified in numerous cancers, these findings provide a new mechanism for how the Hedgehog pathway could contribute to tumorigenesis, and, more importantly, provides a new strategy for cancer therapies. Finally, modulation of JNK signaling centers in developing antennae and legs changes their sizes, suggesting a more generalizable role for JNK signaling in developmental organ size control.
0.6–1.0 V operation set/reset voltage (3 V) generator for three-dimensional integrated resistive random access memory and NAND flash hybrid solid-state drive
Authors: Tanaka Masahiro , Hachiya Shogo , Ishii Tomoya , Ning Sheyang , Tsurumi Kota , Takeuchi Ken
Published: March 2016

A 0.6–1.0 V, 25.9 mm2 boost converter is proposed to generate resistive random access memory (ReRAM) write (set/reset) voltage for three-dimensional (3D) integrated ReRAM and NAND flash hybrid solid-state drive (SSD). The proposed boost converter uses an integrated area-efficient V
BUF generation circuit to obtain short ReRAM sector write time, small circuit size, and small energy consumption simultaneously. In specific, the proposed boost converter reduces ReRAM sector write time by 65% compared with a conventional one-stage boost converter (Conventional 1) which uses 1.0 V operating voltage. On the other hand, by using the same ReRAM sector write time, the proposed boost converter reduces 49% circuit area and 46% energy consumption compared with a conventional two-stage boost converter (Conventional 2). In addition, by using the proposed boost converter, the operating voltage, V
DD, can be reduced to 0.6 V. The lowest 159 nJ energy consumption can be obtained when V
DD is 0.7 V.
An integrated one-chip-sensor system for microRNA quantitative analysis based on digital droplet polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Tsukuda Masahiko , Wiederkehr Rodrigo Sergio , Cai Qing , Majeed Bivragh , Fiorini Paolo , Stakenborg Tim , Matsuno Toshinobu
Published: March 2016

A silicon microfluidic chip was developed for microRNA (miRNA) quantitative analysis. It performs sequentially reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction in a digital droplet format. Individual processes take place on different cavities, and reagent and sample mixing is carried out on a chip, prior to entering each compartment. The droplets are generated on a T-junction channel before the polymerase chain reaction step. Also, a miniaturized fluorescence detector was developed, based on an optical pick-up head of digital versatile disc (DVD) and a micro-photomultiplier tube. The chip integrated in the detection system was tested using synthetic miRNA with known concentrations, ranging from 300 to 3,000 templates/µL. Results proved the functionality of the system.
Genetic variants in the MicroRNA biosynthetic pathway Gemin3 and Gemin4 are associated with a risk of cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Wenbo , Zhao Jun , He Jieyu , Qi Daxun , Wang Lina , Ma Xu , Liu Pei
Published: March 2016

The effects of the microRNA (miRNA) processing genes Gemin3 and Gemin4 on cellular signaling pathways could have a major impact on the risk of cancer. Several studies concerning the association between the Gemin3 rs197412, Gemin4 rs7813 and Gemin4 rs2740348 polymorphisms with cancer susceptibility have been published. The present meta-analysis summarized this evidence and evaluated the precision of these relationships. Relevant studies (published prior to December 16th, 2015) without language restriction were identified using the PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) on-line databases. The data were extracted from the eligible studies and were processed using Stata 12.0 software. Seven studies (2,588 cases and 2,549 controls) indicated that the rs7813 polymorphism was significantly associated with increased cancer risk (TT vs TC + CC, OR = 1.18 95% CI [1.05–1.32]). Six studies (1,314 cases and 1,244 controls) indicated that rs2740348 was associated with an increased cancer risk (GG vs. GC + CC, OR = 1.41 95% CI [1.00–1.83]). However the rs197412 polymorphism was not associated with an increased cancer risk (OR = 0.97 95% CI [0.80–1.19]). Our results suggest that the Gemin4 rs7813 T > C and rs2740348 G > C polymorphisms are associated with cancer susceptibility.
The effect of ribosomal protein S15a in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zhang Guangxin , Li Xin , Li Bingjin , Zhang Xingyi
Published: March 2016

Background:RPS15A (Ribosomal Protein S15A) promotes mRNA/ribosome interactions in translation. It is critical for the process of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis. Recently, aberrantly expressed RPS15A was found in the hepatitis virus and in malignant tumors. However, the role of RPS15A has not been fully revealed on the development of lung cancer.Method:In this study, a Tissue Microarray (TMA) of primary lung adenocarcinoma tissue specimens was carried out. Furthermore, to further investigate the function of RPS15A in lung cancer, RPS15A-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expressing lentivirus (Lv-shRPS15A) was constructed and used to infect H1299 and A549 cells.Result:Our data showed that RPS15A expression was increased in tumor tissues. Furthermore, the knockdown of RSP15A inhibited cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis in the cancer cells. Gene expression profile microarray also revealed that the P53 signaling pathway was activated in Lv-shRPS15A-infected cancer cells.Conclusion:Taken together, our results demonstrate that RPS15A is a novel oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer and may be a potential therapeutic target in lung cancer.
Serum uric acid levels during leprosy reaction episodes
Authors: Morato-Conceicao Yvelise T. , Alves-Junior Eduardo R. , Arruda Talita A. , Lopes Jose C. , Fontes Cor J.F.
Published: March 2016

Background.Leprosy reactions are acute inflammatory episodes that occur mainly in the multibacillary forms of the disease. The reactions are classified as type 1 (reverse reaction) or type 2 (erythema nodosum leprosum). Leprosy-associated oxidative stress has been widely demonstrated. Several recent studies have shown uric acid (UA) to have antioxidative effects under pathologic conditions. The objective of this study was to assess serum levels of UA in patients with leprosy reactions, with the aim of monitoring their levels before and after treatment, compared with levels in leprosy patients without reactions.

Methods.The study included patients aged 18–69 years assisted at a leprosy treatment reference center in the Central Region of Brazil. Patients who were pregnant; were using immunosuppressant drugs or immunobiologicals; or had an autoimmune disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or tuberculosis were excluded. Upon recruitment, all individuals were clinically assessed for skin lesions and neural or systemic impairment. Some patients had already completed treatment for leprosy, while others were still undergoing treatment or had initiated treatment after being admitted. The treatment of the reactional episode was started only after the initial evaluation. Laboratory assessments were performed upon admission (baseline) and at approximately 30 and 60 days (time points 1 and 2, respectively).

Results.A total of 123 leprosy patients were recruited between June 2012 and June 2015; among them, 56, 42, and 25 presented with type 1, type 2, and no reactions, respectively. Serum UA levels were significantly reduced in patients with type 2 leprosy reactions compared with patients in the control group and remained lower in the two subsequent assessments, after initiation of anti-reaction treatments, with similar values to those recorded before the treatment.

Discussion.The decreased serum UA levels in patients with type 2 leprosy reactions might be due to the consumption of UA to neutralize the enhanced production of oxygen- and nitrogen-reactive species that occurs during type 2 reactions. The maintenance of the reduced levels in the follow-up assessments may indicate persistence of oxidative stress in the initial post-treatment stages, despite improved clinical conditions. The results of this study suggest that serum UA may play an antioxidative role during type 2 leprosy reactions.
A new species ofPsychrophrynella(Amphibia, Anura, Craugastoridae) from the humid montane forests of Cusco, eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Catenazzi Alessandro , Ttito Alex
Published: March 2016

We describe a new species ofPsychrophrynellafrom the humid montane forest of the Department Cusco in Peru. Specimens were collected at 2,670–3,165 m elevation in the Área de Conservación Privada Ukumari Llakta, Japumayo valley, near Comunidad Campesina de Japu, in the province of Paucartambo. The new species is readily distinguished from all other species ofPsychrophrynellabutP. bagrecitoandP. usurpatorby possessing a tubercle on the inner edge of the tarsus, and from these two species by its yellow ventral coloration on abdomen and limbs. Furthermore, the new species is likeP. bagrecitoandP. usurpatorin having an advertisement call composed of multiple notes, whereas other species ofPsychrophrynellawhose calls are known have a pulsed call (P. teqta) or a short, tonal call composed of a single note. The new species has a snout-vent length of 16.1–24.1 mm in males and 23.3–27.7 mm in females. Like other recently described species in the genus, this newPsychrophrynellainhabits high-elevation forests in the tropical Andes and likely has a restricted geographic distribution.
Reproductive biology of the biofuel plantJatropha curcasin its center of origin
Authors: Rincón-Rabanales Manuel , Vargas-López Laura I. , Adriano-Anaya Lourdes , Vázquez-Ovando Alfredo , Salvador-Figueroa Miguel , Ovando-Medina Isidro
Published: March 2016

In this work, we studied the main characteristics of flowering, reproductive system and diversity of pollinators for the biofuel plantJatropha curcas(L.) in a site of tropical southeastern Mexico, within its center of origin. The plants were monoecious with inflorescences of unisexual flowers. The male flowers produced from 30625016 pollen grains (266–647 per anther). The plants produced fruits with both geitonogamy and xenogamy, although insect pollination significantly increased the number and quality of fruits. A high diversity of flower visiting insects (36 species) was found, of which nine were classified as efficient pollinators. The native stingless beesScaptotrigona mexicana(Guérin-Meneville) andTrigona(Tetragonisca)angustula(Latreille) were the most frequent visitors and their presence coincided with the hours when the stigma was receptive. It is noteworthy that the female flowers open before the male flowers, favoring xenogamy, which may explain the high genetic variability reported inJ. curcasfor this region of the world.
Longitudinal distributions of dicarboxylic acids, ω‐oxoacids, pyruvic acid, α‐dicarbonyls, and fatty acids in the marine aerosols from the central Pacific including equatorial upwelling
Authors: Hoque Mir Md. Mozammal , Kawamura Kimitaka
Published: March 2016

Remote marine aerosol samples (total suspended particles) were collected during a cruise in the central Pacific from Japan to Mexico (1°59′N–35°N and 171°54′E–90°58′W). The aerosol samples were analyzed for dicarboxylic acids (C2–C11), ω‐oxoacids, pyruvic acid, α‐dicarbonyls, and fatty acids as well as organic and elemental carbon, water‐soluble organic carbon, and total nitrogen (WSTN). During the study, diacids were the most abundant compound class followed by fatty acids, ω‐oxoacids, and α‐dicarbonyls. Molecular compositions of diacids showed a predominance of oxalic (C2) acid followed by malonic (C3) and succinic (C4) acids. Oxalic acid comprises 74% of total diacids. This result suggests that photochemical production of oxalic acid is significant over the central Pacific. Spatial distributions of diacids, ω‐oxoacids, pyruvic acid, α‐dicarbonyls, and fatty acids together with total carbon and WSTN showed higher abundances in the eastern equatorial Pacific where the upwelling of high‐nutrient waters followed by high biological productivity is common, indicating that their in situ production is important in the warmer central Pacific through photochemical oxidation from their gaseous and particulate precursors. This study demonstrates that there is a strong linkage in biogeochemical cycles of carbon in the sea‐air interface via ocean upwelling, phytoplankton productivity, sea‐to‐air emissions of organic matter, and formation of secondary organic aerosols in the eastern equatorial Pacific.
Changes in site‐scale temperature extremes over China during 2071–2100 in CMIP5 simulations
Authors: Chen Yongqin David , Li Jianfeng , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2016

Site‐scale changes in probability behaviors of temperature extremes across China during 2071–2100 are studied with general circulation models (GCMs) provided by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Future temperature extremes are compared to those of 1961–2005 estimated from observed daily temperatures at 498 stations. Temperature extremes are described by 15 indices recommended by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices; quantile mapping (QM) is used to downscale the gridded GCMs outputs to site scale. The site‐scale and grid‐scale changes of temperature extremes are compared. Results indicate that during 2071–2100, increases of daily maximum and minimum temperatures are more pronounced in the Songhua River Basin, the Liao River Basin, the Hai River Basin, the north part of the Yellow River Basin, and the Northwest Rivers. The numbers of warm days are 3 times of observations, and the warm spell durations become longer. Summer days and tropical nights, which have never been observed in the Tibetan Plateau, may occur in the future. Cold spell may disappear in the Songhua River Basin and the Liao River Basin. Compared to the grid‐scale changes, appearance or disappearance of extremes at the site scale is more obvious with higher confidence. The spatial patterns of the site‐scale and grid‐scale changes are similar, but the change rates are different to a certain extent. For extremes that are more spatially homogenous, the site‐scale and grid‐scale change rates are close. But for extremes that are more spatially heterogeneous, the site‐scale changes are more remarkable.
Mice lacking myosin IXb, an inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility gene, have impaired intestinal barrier function and superficial ulceration in the ileum
Authors: Hegan Peter S. , Chandhoke Surjit K. , Barone Christina , Egan Marie , Bähler Martin , Mooseker Mark S.
Published: March 2016

Genetic studies have implicated MYO9B, which encodes myosin IXb (Myo9b), a motor protein with a Rho GTPase activating domain (RhoGAP), as a susceptibility gene for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Moreover, we have recently shown that knockdown of Myo9b in an intestinal epithelial cell line impairs wound healing and barrier function. Here, we investigated whether mice lacking Myo9b have impaired intestinal barrier function and features of IBD. Myo9b knock out (KO) mice exhibit impaired weight gain and fecal occult blood (indicator of gastrointestinal bleeding), and increased intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis could be detected along the entire intestinal axis. Histologic analysis revealed intestinal mucosal damage, most consistently observed in the ileum, which included superficial ulceration and neutrophil infiltration. Focal lesions contained neutrophils and ultrastructural examination confirmed epithelial discontinuity and the deposition of extracellular matrix. We also observed impaired mucosal barrier function in KO mice. Transepithelial electrical resistance of KO ileum is >3 fold less than WT ileum. The intestinal mucosa is also permeable to high molecular weight dextran, presumably due to the presence of mucosal surface ulcerations. There is loss of tight junction‐associated ZO‐1, decreased lateral membrane associated E‐cadherin, and loss of terminal web associated cytokeratin filaments. Consistent with increased Rho activity in the KO, there is increased subapical expression of activated myosin II (Myo2) based on localization of phosphorylated Myo2 regulatory light chain. Except for a delay in disease onset in the KO, no difference in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis and lethality was observed between wild‐type and Myo9b KO mice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.