bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cleaning up our water: reducing interferences from non-homogeneous freezing of
pure water in droplet freezing assays of ice nucleating particles
Authors: Polen Michael , Brubaker Thomas , Somers Joshua , Sullivan Ryan C.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Droplet freezing techniques (DFTs) have been used for half a century to measure the concentration of ice nucleating particles (INP) in the atmosphere and determine their freezing properties to understand the effects of INPs on mixed phase clouds. The ice nucleation community has recently adopted droplet freezing assays as a commonplace experimental approach. These droplet freezing experiments are often plagued by contamination that causes non-homogeneous freezing of the pure water used to generate the droplets in the heterogeneous freezing temperature regime that is being measured. Interference from the early freezing of water is often overlooked and not fully reported, or measurements are restricted to analyzing the more ice-active INPs that freeze well above the temperature of the background water. However, this avoidance is not viable for analyzing the freezing behavior of less active INP in the atmosphere that still have potentially important effects on cold-cloud microphysics. In this work we review a number of recent droplet freezing techniques showing great promise in reducing these interferences and report our own extensive series of measurements using similar methodologies. By characterizing the performance of different substrates on which the droplets are placed and of different pure water generation techniques, we recommend best practices to reduce these interferences. We tested different substrates, water sources, droplet matrixes, and droplet sizes to provide deeper insight into what methodologies are best suited for DFTs. Approaches for analyzing droplet freezing temperature spectra and accounting and correcting for the background pure water control spectrum are also presented. Finally, we propose experimental and data analysis procedures for future homogeneous and heterogeneous ice nucleation studies to promote a more uniform and reliable methodology that facilitates the ready intercomparison of ice nucleating particles measured by DFTs.
Osseous anomalies of the cryptobranchid Eoscapherpeton asiaticum (Amphibia: Caudata) from the Late Cretaceous of Uzbekistan
Authors: Skutschas Pavel , Kolchanov Veniamin , Boitsova Elizaveta , Kuzmin Ivan
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Osseous anomalies/pathologies in the Late Cretaceous cryptobranchid
salamander Eoscapherpeton asiaticum from the Turonian
Bissekty Formation of Uzbekistan are
analyzed using gross morphological description, microCT, and histologic
analysis. These pathologies result from
trauma (fractured and subsequently healed dentary and femora; hematoma on
femur), possible infection due to trauma (prearticular with exostosis and
necrotic cavities; anterior trunk vertebra and fused vertebra with
pathological enlargements formed during reactive periosteal growth) and
congenital disorders (hemivertebra and fused vertebrae with shortened
asymmetrical centra and abnormal arrangements of transverse processes). The
origin of the pathologies of two atlantal specimens (enlargement of
transverse processes) is unclear. Our report of hemivertebra in
Eoscapherpeton is the first occurrence of this congenital pathology
in a fossil lissamphibian. The occurrence of several traumatic femoral
pathologies in Eoscapherpeton could be a result of intraspecific
aggressive behavior. Bone pathologies are described for the first time in
fossil salamanders.
sympl (v. 0.3.2) and climt (v. 0.11.0) – Towards a flexible
framework for building model hierarchies in Python
Authors: Monteiro Joy Merwin , McGibbon Jeremy , Caballero Rodrigo
Published: April 2018

Abstract. sympl (System for Modelling Planets) and climt (Climate Modelling and diagnostics Toolkit) represent an attempt to rethink climate modelling frameworks from the ground up. The aim is to use expressive data structures available in the scientific Python ecosystem along with best practices in software design to build models that are self-documenting, highly inter-operable and that provide fine grained control over model components and behaviour. We believe that such an approach towards building models is essential to allow scientists to easily and reliably combine model components to represent the climate system at a desired level of complexity, and to enable users to fully understand what the model is doing. sympl is a framework which formulates the model in terms of a "state" which gets evolved forward in time by TimeStepper and Implicit components, and which can be modified by Diagnostic components. TimeStepper components in turn rely on Prognostic components to compute tendencies. Components contain all the information about the kinds of inputs they expect and outputs that they provide. Components can be used interchangeably, even when they rely on different units or array configurations. sympl provides basic functions and objects which could be used by any type of Earth system model. climt is an Earth system modelling toolkit that contains scientific components built over the sympl base objects. Components can be written in any language accessible from Python, and Fortran/C libraries are accessed via Cython. climt aims to provide different user APIs which trade-off simplicity of use against flexibility of model building, thus appealing to a wide audience. Model building, configuration and execution is through a Python script (or Jupyter Notebook), enabling researchers to build an end-to-end Python based pipeline along with popular Python based data analysis tools. Because of the modularity of the individual components, using online data analysis, visualisation or assimilation algorithms and tools with sympl/climt components is extremely simple.
Storm surge and extreme river discharge: a compound event analysis using ensemble impact modelling
Authors: Khanal Sonu , Ridder Nina , de Vries Hylke , Terink Wilco , van den Hurk Bart
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Many winter deep low-pressure systems passing over Western Europe have the potential to induce significant storm surge levels along the coast of the North Sea. The accompanying frontal systems lead to large rainfall amounts, which can result in river discharges exceeding critical thresholds. The risk of disruptive societal impact increases strongly if river runoff and storm-surge peak occur near-simultaneously. For the Rhine catchment and the Dutch coastal area, existing studies suggest that no such relation is present at time lags shorter than six days. Here we re-investigate the possibility of finding near-simultaneous storm surge and extreme river discharge using an extended data set derived from a storm surge model (WAQUA/DCSMv5) and two hydrological river-discharge models (SPHY and HBV96) forced with conditions from a high-resolution (0.11°/12 km) regional climate model (RACMO2) in ensemble mode (16 × 50 years). We find that the probability for finding a co-occurrence of extreme river discharge at Lobith and storm surge conditions at Hoek van Holland are up to four times higher (than random chance) for a broad range of time lags (−2 to 10 days, depending on exact threshold). This highlights that the hazard of a co-occurrence of high river discharge and coastal water levels cannot be neglected in a robust risk assessment.
Impact of remotely sensed soil moisture and precipitation on soil moisture prediction in a data assimilation system with the JULES land surface model
Authors: Pinnington Ewan , Quaife Tristan , Black Emily
Published: April 2018

Abstract. We show that satellite-derived estimates of shallow soil moisture can be used to calibrate a land surface model at the regional scale
in Ghana, using data assimilation techniques. The modified calibration significantly improves model estimation of soil
moisture. Specifically, we find an 18 % reduction in unbiased root-mean-squared differences in the north of Ghana and a 21 %
reduction in the south of Ghana for a 5-year hindcast after assimilating a single year of soil moisture observations to update model
parameters. The use of an improved remotely sensed rainfall dataset contributes to 6 % of this reduction in deviation for
northern Ghana and 10 % for southern Ghana. Improved rainfall data have the greatest impact on model estimates during the seasonal
wetting-up of soil, with the assimilation of remotely sensed soil moisture having greatest impact during drying-down. In the north of
Ghana we are able to recover improved estimates of soil texture after data assimilation. However, we are unable to do so for the
south. The significant reduction in unbiased root-mean-squared difference we find after assimilating a single year of observations
bodes well for the production of improved land surface model soil moisture estimates over sub-Saharan Africa.
Data assimilation of radar reflectivity volumes in a LETKF scheme
Authors: Gastaldo Thomas , Poli Virginia , Marsigli Chiara , Alberoni Pier Paolo , Paccagnella Tiziana
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) is still a challenge for numerical weather prediction (NWP), despite the continuous improvement of models and data assimilation systems. In this regard, the assimilation of radar reflectivity volumes should be beneficial, since the accuracy of analysis is the element that most affects short-term QPFs. Up to now, very fewattempts have been made to assimilate these observations in an operational set-up, due to the large amount of computational resources needed and to several open issues, like the arise of imbalances in the analyses and the estimation of the observational error. In this work, it is evaluated the impact of the assimilation of radar reflectivity volumes employing a Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF), implemented for the convection permitting model of the COnsortium for Small-scale Modelling (COSMO). A 4 days test case on February 2017 is considered and QPF is evaluated in terms of the SAL technique, an object-based method which allows to evaluate structure, amplitude and location of precipitation fields Results obtained assimilating radar reflectivity volumes are compared to those of the operational system of the Hydro-Meteo-Climate Service of the Emilia-Romagna region (Arpae-SIMC), in which only conventional data are employed. Furthermore, some sensitivity tests are performed to evaluate the impact of the additive inflation, of the lenght of assimilation windows and of the reflectivity observational error. Finally, balance issues are assessed in terms of kinetic energy spectra and providing some examples of how these affect prognostic fields.
I. Refugios
Authors: Arredondo Erika
Published: April 2018

Configuraciones de lo sagrado en la literatura contemporánea del Cono Sur
REFLEXÃO DOCENTE SOBRE AVALIAÇÃO DOS ESTUDANTES COM DEFICIÊNCIA NO ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Costa Vanderlei Balbino
Published: April 2018

Ao referirmos à educação especial das pessoas com deficiência, o fenômeno da avaliação se torna complexo, na medida em que não sabemos efetivamente o que avaliar, como avaliar e por que avaliar? O estudo é resultado de investigação junto a dez docentes de algumas licenciaturas na Regional Jataí. A questão de pesquisa foi: como os docentes do ensino superior avaliam os estudantes com deficiência? Objetivos: analisar se os discursos sobre avaliação, expressos pelos docentes, têm contribuído para o processo de inclusão dos estudantes com deficiência no ensino superior; avaliar se os recursos didáticos utilizados pelos docentes contribuem para o processo de inclusão escolar; identificar se as práticas avaliativas empregadas pelos docentes têm a intenção de comparar o nível de aprendizagem dos estudantes com deficiência aos demais estudantes. A opção foi pela pesquisa qualitativa, apoiando-nos na análise do discurso de linha francesa. O marco teórico priorizou autores que discutem a avaliação dos estudantes com deficiência em uma perspectiva inclusiva. Os resultados nos mostraram que o processo de avaliação ainda não está resolvido junto aos professores que atuam no ensino superior. Nossas considerações, que não são conclusivas, nos fizeram refletir sobre a necessidade de se investir na formação docente, quando se refere a avaliação dos estudantes com deficiência na escola comum.
SEGURANÇA DO PACIENTE EM UNIDADE NEONATAL: PREOCUPAÇÕES E ESTRATÉGIAS VIVENCIADAS POR PAIS
Authors: Rodrigues Fernanda Araujo , Wegner Wiliam , Kantorski Karen , Pedro Eva
Published: April 2018

Objetivo: analisar como os pais identificam a segurança do paciente em unidade neonatal. Método: estudo de caso exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em um hospital público de grande porte no sul do Brasil. Participaram do estudo 23 pais de crianças internadas na unidade neonatal, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada no período entre junho e agosto de 2015. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo do tipo temática. Resultados: emergiram duas categorias “Preocupações com a Segurança do Paciente” e “Estratégias para a Segurança do Paciente”. Os familiares relataram preocupações relacionadas ao controle de acesso à unidade, risco de infecção e comunicação deficiente com a equipe de saúde. No entanto, percebem excelência no serviço prestado, prática de cuidado com amor e ambiente protegido. Conclusão: apesar de inquietações, os pais sentem-se seguros em relação à assistência, considerando que houve mais estratégias identificadas do que preocupações.
Knee kinematic curve representation and application to knee pathology classification
Authors: Nouma Badreddine Ben , Mitiche Amar , Ouakrim Youssef , Mezghani Neila
Published: April 2018

This study investigates a variational method to determine the most representative shape of a set of knee kinematic curves with application to knee pathology classification. Although they provide essential information for pathology classification, knee kinematic curves are characterized by high intra-class variability and outliers are often present. As a result, a set of several measurement curves are acquired of any single individual which are then averaged before their use for pathology classification. Rather than using the average of an individual’s recorded measurement curves, this method determines a better representative curve by first correcting the data to account for outliers occurrence and class variability using a variational method. The correction is performed by simultaneous minimization of a set of objective functions, one for each curve in the measurement set, and consisting of a weighed sum of two terms: a data term of conformity of the corrected curve to the given curve, and a regularization term of proximity of the corrected curve to the mean of all the corrected curves to inhibit the influence of outliers in the set. Validation tests were performed to discriminate between knee osteoarthritis data (OA) and non-OA data. Using a support vector machine, the classification accuracy with the proposed representation was 86%, with 81% sensitivity and 90% specificity, compared to 83% accuracy for the standard representation by average, with 76% sensitivity and 90% specificity. The representation has also been tested within the OA category to distinguish the femero-tibial patholgy from the femero-patellar, giving 76% accuracy, with 76% sensitivity and 76% specificity, compared to 69% accuracy, with 62% sensitivity and 76% specificity. These significant improvements by the proposed method warrant its further investigation by application to other biomedical engineering pattern classification problems and datasets.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 11, No. 5
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: April 2018

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 11, No. 5, 2018
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Statistics and Probability, Vol. 7, No. 3
Authors: Smith Wendy
Published: April 2018

International Journal of Statistics and Probability wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.Many authors, regardless of whether International Journal of Statistics and Probability publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 3Abdullah A. Smadi, Yarmouk University, JordanAfsin Sahin, Gazi University, TurkeyAnna Grana', University of Palermo, ItalyGerardo Febres, Universidad Simón Bolívar, VenezuelaLuiz Ricardo Nakamura, University of Sao Paulo, BrazilPhilip Westgate, University of Kentucky, USAShatrunjai Pratap Singh, John Hancock Financial Services, USATomás R. Cotos-Yáñez, University of Vigo, SpainVilda Purutcuoglu, Middle East Technical University (METU), Turkey Wendy SmithOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Statistics and ProbabilityCanadian Center of Science and Education
Fingerprint, Monitoring and Work Discipline of Indonesian Public Servants: Evidence from Kepulauan Riau
Authors: Yudiatmaja Wayu Eko , Samnuzulsari Tri , Alfiandri Alfiandri , Mahdalena Surya
Published: April 2018

Recently, there are many public organizations in Indonesia use fingerprint to controll the attendance of the employee. However, the effectiveness of the implementation of this system has never been evaluated. This research aims at examining the influence of the using fingerprint and monitoring on work discipline of the employees in vertical organizations below the Ministry of Education and Culture of Republic of Indonesia in Kepulauan Riau. 44 public employees from the Board of Cultural Preservation and Language Office have been participated in this study. Using multiple linear regression, this study reveals that the using of fingerprint and monitoring have significant influence on work discipline simultanoeusly. Monitoring has positive influence on work discipline. Meanwhile, implementation of fingerprint has not influence on work discipline. Through this study, authors deny the perception of many policy makers in Indonesia and prior scholars that fingerprint can increase the discipline of public servants.
Discriminatie van IS en Al-Nusra-strijders bij intrekking Nederlanderschap in Unierechtelijk perspectief
Authors: Wassenaar Florimond
Published: April 2018

Deprivation of citizenship for Dutch IS and Al-Nusra fighters in EC law perspective

In its efforts in making effective counter terrorism legislation the Dutch government has introduced the possibility to deprive its own nationals of their Dutch nationality. The competence to revoke Dutch citizenship may arise in case of conducting behaviour abroad that can be labelled as terrorism or facilitating terrorism. Dutch citizenship can only be rescinded by the immigration authorities when such acts are performed outside the Dutch borders in certain appointed areas for certain appointed organisations. This is currently the case for the area of Syria and the organisations IS and Al-Nusra. However given the obligations within the Convention on the reduction of statelessness only Dutch nationals with dual citizenship fall within the scope of this newly introduced legislation. This article focusses on the question whether in EU-law perspective the distinction made between Dutch with dual citizenship and Dutch without a second foreign nationality is against the principle of equal treatment. By discussing the Council Directive 2000/43/EC, case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the preparatory documents of the convention on the reduction of statelessness the argument is developed that the convention serves as a trump card to enhance and justify the newly introduced legislation. Given CJEU case law the question of loyalty towards the member state of origin may lead to deprivation of EU-nationality. The aforementioned distinction made in Dutch nationality law would only be justified if it can be successfully be proven that dual citizenship raises an ipso facto loyalty issue toward member states by dual nationality holders. Since evidence of that nature is non existent it is concluded that the newly introduced counter terrorism provisions on deprivation of Dutch citizenship are discriminatory and advances second class nationality in The Netherlands.
PROSPECTS OF RAPS PRODUCTION IN POLAND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW
EUROPEAN UNION BIOFUEL POLICY
Authors: Gradziuk Piotr , Gradziuk Barbara
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to assessment of the impact of EU climate and energy policy changes on the biofuels
sector, with particular emphasis on the impact of these changes on rape production prospects. The research
was carried out on the basis of the reports of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development, the Energy Regulatory Office, National Support Centre for Agriculture, the Central Statistical
Office of Poland, the EU Commission. Tabular and descriptive methods were used. Analyzes covered the years
2005-2017 with perspective until 2030. As a result of these changes, the rapeseed area may be limited. The
research shows that lowering the NCW implementation by 1% will result in a reduction of the rapeseed area
by 42.28 thousand. ha. In 2030, the area occupied for the cultivation of this plant may be smaller by 14.3%
compared to 2021.
SPATIAL CONCENTRATION OF AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS IN RELATION
TO AGRICULTURAL LAND IN 2010 AND 2016
Authors: Madej Andrzej
Published: April 2018

Coefficient of Lorenz was used to perform spatial analysis of the concentration number of agricultural
tractors (depending on their engine power) depending on arable lands, in 2010 and 2016. The most
even distribution was found for a group of tractors with an engine power of 40-100 kW (the value of
the coefficient in 2016 was 0.13). On the other hand, tractors with an engine power below 40 kW were
characterized by a higher concentration. It was the strongest in the group of tractors below 15 kW (the
value of the coefficient in 2016 was 0.54). In both analyzed years, the largest concentration occurred in
the Małopolskie voivodeship. The group of tractors with the power above 100 kW (K = 0.28) showed a
significantly smaller concentration in 2016, when the largest concentration occurred in the Dolnośląskie
and Opolskie voivodeships.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SELECTED FACTORS ON THE DEVELOPMENT
OF INNOVATION IN THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR IN THE PODLASIE VOIVODSHIP
Authors: Szwacka-Mokrzycka Joanna , Miara Adam
Published: April 2018

Perception of the most important factors of the region’s development varies depending on the stage of
development of individual economies. A factor of growing importance at the current stage of development
is information, which is the carrier of knowledge and innovation. Supporting economies on the use of a
new development factor. The guiding objective of this article is to assess the impact of selected factors on
the development of the agri-food sector in Podlaskie. The analysis of the material contained in the article
leads to the conclusion that the greatest impact on the growth of innovation in the agri-food sector in
the Podlasie voivodship results from the possibility of financing innovative activities from the European
Union funds.
The Path to College Calculus: The Impact of High School Mathematics Coursework
Authors: Sadler Philip , Sonnert Gerhard
Published: April 2018

This study addresses a longstanding question among high school mathematics teachers and college mathematics professors: Which is the best preparation for college calculus—(a) a high level of mastery of mathematics considered preparatory for calculus (algebra, geometry, precalculus) or (b) taking calculus itself in high school? We used a data set of 6,207 students of 216 professors at 133 randomly selected U.S. colleges and universities, and hierarchical models controlled for differences in demography and background. Mastery of the mathematics considered preparatory for calculus was found to have more than double the impact of taking a high school calculus course on students' later performance in college calculus, on average. However, students with weaker mathematics preparation gained the most from taking high school calculus.
Routinizing Mathematics Vocabulary: The Vocab Grid
Authors: Marin Katherine Ariemma
Published: April 2018

One Tuesday morning, my sixth graders were faced with the following task:
Functional significance of participation motivation on physical activity involvement
Authors: Roychowdhury Dev
Published: April 2018

Several researchers have examined the motives people have for participating in a range of physical activities. Studies involving various physical activities have consistently shown that individuals exhibit motivational differences based on the type of sport or exercise activity in which they are involved in. There is, however, a paucity of research examining the functional significance of participation motives based on the type of physical activity. The objective of the present paper is to study the association between the primary characteristics for activity types and the motivational proclivity of individuals for engaging in those activities.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Nicavet-2500 in Rodent Models of Acute Inflammation
Authors: David A. Areshidze  , Lyudmila D. Timchenko  , Igor V. Rzhepakovsky  , Maria A. Kozlova  , Iaroslavna A. Kusnetsova    , Lyudmila A. Makartseva
Published: April 2018

This study examines the influence of the tissue preparation "NICAVET 2500" on an organism of mammals with use of rodent models of acute inflammation. It is established that action of a preparation leads to decrease in ESR. Hematologic and biochemical parameters also testify to anti-inflammatory action of "NICAVET 2500". Results of histological and morphometric research of a spleen and a thymus show processes of proliferation and migration of immunocytes, testifying to activization of immune reactions. In a thymus of rats of experimental group in comparison with control an increase in the dimensions of thymic lobules and also an increase in quantity of Hassal's bodies, testifying to intensification of synthesis of the thymic hormones participating in process of an immunopoesis are revealed. As a result of the use of the preparation an increase of ability of an organism to resist alteration and also essential decrease in a level of development of inflammatory reaction of an organism are observed. The conducted research demonstrates the expressed immunomodulatory action of a preparation "NICAVET 2500" at an experimental model of inflammation.
Effect of Drinking Ration with Reduced Deuterium Content on Brain Tissue Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance in Rats with Acute Hypoxia Model
Authors: Alexander A. Kravtsov  , Stanislav V. Kozin  , Ekaterina R. Vasilevskaya  , Anna A. Elkina  , Lilia V. Fedulova  , Konstantin A. Popov  , Vadim V. Malyshko  , Arkady V. Moiseev  , Denis I. Shashkov    , Mikhail G. Baryshev
Published: April 2018

The aim was to investigate prooxidant-antioxidant system in the blood and brain homogenates functional activity in rats with acute hypoxia model with different deuterium/protium (D/H) ratios in drinking diet. Studies have shown that consuming DDW (–665 ‰) within 8 weeks lead to deuterium concentration decrease in blood plasma at 317 ‰ and brain at 209 ‰ of rats, in comparison to control group, consuming natural water. DDW consumption before hypoxia modeling in rats improves antioxidant defense enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) activity in the blood, increasing its antioxidant potential by 20 %, while free radical oxidation intensity in plasma and biomolecules peroxide modification rate in erythrocytes. Also, in brain tissues consuming DDW, there were no abnormalities in catalase, superoxide dismutase activity, and it was noted increase (by 71 %) in reduced thiol-containing compounds concentration, which reduces nerve hypoxi? cell damage risk. Neuroprotective effect presence is confirmed by higher (by 32 %) antioxidant activity markers of lyophilized brain tissues, and by free radical oxidation lower intensity (by 13 %) and biomolecules oxidative modification rate (by 16 %) in these lyophilized tissues. Thus, the advisability of using DDW neuroprotective effects in cerebral circulation disturbance in experimental and clinical practice.
Motivos de la práctica del pádel en relación a la edad, el nivel de juego y el género
Authors: Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez B. J. , Muñoz Marín D. , Courel Ibáñez J. , Grijota Pérez F. J. , Chaparro Herrera R. , Díaz García J.
Published: April 2018

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los motivos que han provocado el actual crecimiento en la práctica del pádel en diferentes parámetros sociodemográficos como el género, la edad, el tiempo de práctica y la categoría de juego. Un total de77 participantes (43 hombres y 34 mujeres) respondió a las preguntas de un cuestionario sociodemográfico y de la “Escala de Medida de los Motivos para la Actividad Física-Revisada (MPAM-R)”. Los resultados muestran que el motivo más valorado fue el disfrute (6.07) como causa principal de la práctica del pádel. Otros motivos también valorados han sido la competencia (5.43), el fitness/salud (5.49) y la sociabilidad (5.07), mientras que el menos valorado fue la apariencia (3.97). Se encontraron diferencias significativas en los motivos de práctica en función de la categoría de juego (p<0.05). Estos datos ofrecen información muy útil a la hora de diseñar planes de actuación que aumenten la calidad de servicios ofrecidos en los centros deportivos, así como para la mejora del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje del pádel.
Microbial eukaryotes have adapted to hypoxia by horizontal acquisitions of a gene involved in rhodoquinone biosynthesis
Authors: Stairs Courtney W , Eme Laura , Muñoz-Gómez Sergio A , Cohen Alejandro , Dellaire Graham , Shepherd Jennifer N , Fawcett James P , Roger Andrew J
Published: April 2018

Under hypoxic conditions, some organisms use an electron transport chain consisting of only complex I and II (CII) to generate the proton gradient essential for ATP production. In these cases, CII functions as a fumarate reductase that accepts electrons from a low electron potential quinol, rhodoquinol (RQ). To clarify the origins of RQ-mediated fumarate reduction in eukaryotes, we investigated the origin and function of rquA, a gene encoding an RQ biosynthetic enzyme. RquA is very patchily distributed across eukaryotes and bacteria adapted to hypoxia. Phylogenetic analyses suggest lateral gene transfer (LGT) of rquA from bacteria to eukaryotes occurred at least twice and the gene was transferred multiple times amongst protists. We demonstrate that RquA functions in the mitochondrion-related organelles of the anaerobic protist Pygsuia and is correlated with the presence of RQ. These analyses reveal the role of gene transfer in the evolutionary remodeling of mitochondria in adaptation to hypoxia.
Xylose fermentation to ethanol by newGalactomyces geotrichumandCandida akabanensisstrains
Authors: Valinhas Raquel V. , Pantoja Lílian A. , Maia Ana Carolina F. , Miguel Maria Gabriela C.P. , Vanzela Ana Paula F.C. , Nelson David L. , Santos Alexandre S.
Published: April 2018

The conversion of pentoses into ethanol remains a challenge and could increase the supply of second-generation biofuels. This study sought to isolate naturally occurring yeasts from plant biomass and determine their capabilities for transforming xylose into ethanol. Three yeast strains with the ability to ferment xylose were isolated from pepper, tomato and sugarcane bagasse. The strains selected were characterized by morphological and auxanographic assays, and they were identified by homology analysis of 5.8 S and 26 S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. The identities of two lineages of microrganism were associated withGalactomyces geotrichum, and the other was associated withCandida akabanensis. Fermentative processes were conducted with liquid media containing only xylose as the carbon source. YP/Svalues for the production of ethanol ranging between 0.29 and 0.35 g g−1were observed under non-optimized conditions.
Motor experience with a sport-specific implement affects motor imagery
Authors: Zhang Lanlan , Pi Yanling , Zhu Hua , Shen Cheng , Zhang Jian , Wu Yin
Published: April 2018

The present study tested whether sport-specific implements facilitate motor imagery, whereas nonspecific implements disrupt motor imagery. We asked a group of basketball players (experts) and a group of healthy controls (novices) to physically perform (motor execution) and mentally simulate (motor imagery) basketball throws. Subjects produced motor imagery when they were holding a basketball, a volleyball, or nothing. Motor imagery performance was measured by temporal congruence, which is the correspondence between imagery and execution times estimated as (imagery time minus execution time) divided by (imagery time plus execution time), as well as the vividness of motor imagery. Results showed that experts produced greater temporal congruence and vividness of kinesthetic imagery while holding a basketball compared to when they were holding nothing, suggesting a facilitation effect from sport-specific implements. In contrast, experts produced lower temporal congruence and vividness of kinesthetic imagery while holding a volleyball compared to when they were holding nothing, suggesting the interference effect of nonspecific implements. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between temporal congruence and the vividness of kinesthetic imagery in experts while holding a basketball. On the contrary, the implement manipulation did not modulate the temporal congruence of novices. Our findings suggest that motor representation in experts is built on motor experience associated with specific-implement use and thus was subjected to modulation of the implement held. We conclude that sport-specific implements facilitate motor imagery, whereas nonspecific implements could disrupt motor representation in experts.
LIMITAÇÕES DO AMBIENTE INSTITUCIONAL-NORMATIVO DE ACESSO AOS RECURSOS PÚBLICOS DO SANEAMENTO BÁSICO: análise de pleitos do PAC / Funasa para esgotamento sanitário na Bahia
Authors: Almeida Hugo Vítor Dourado de , Moraes Luiz Roberto Santos , Santos Maria Elisabete Pereira dos , Borja Patrícia Campos
Published: April 2018

A área de saneamento básico no Brasil é caracterizada pela atuação de diversas entidades das diferentes esferas de governo. Dada a extensa variedade de entes envolvidos, considera-se que o ambiente institucional da área oferece diversos obstáculos para acesso aos recursos públicos disponíveis e para a concretização dos projetos, dificultando a universalização do acesso aos serviços. Este artigo visa identificar alguns desses obstáculos, que representam limitações no acesso aos recursos públicos, buscando oportunidades de melhorias institucionais. A metodologia utilizada consistiu na análise documental e na realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com técnicos e gestores de entidades envolvidas em um processo de repasse de recursos federais para sistemas de esgotamento sanitário. A pesquisa identificou como algumas destas limitações a restrita cooperação interinstitucional, a pouca institucionalização dos procedimentos, a predominância de conflitos interinstitucionais, entre outras. Entende-se que tais limitações podem ser explicadas por fatores diretamente relacionados ao modo de reprodução e regulação capitalista do Estado brasileiro, com traços marcadamente periféricos.
Teatro legislativo e racismo: Arte, Política e Militância
[Noeli Turle da Silva]
Authors: SILVA NOELI TURLE DA
Published: April 2018

A partir da comparação de similaridades entre as propostas de ação política dos mandatos das
vereadoras Áurea Carolina e Cida Falabella, em Belo Horizonte-MG, e o de Augusto Boal, no Rio
de Janeiro-RJ, separados temporalmente em 20 anos, o artigo traz uma primeira observação de
como, neste novo momento da vida política e social brasileira, o Teatro Legislativo é retomado
como tática estética, com o propósito de dar visibilidade e protagonismo à população negra,
excluída, marginalizada e historicamente colocada na periferia do poder decisório.
A reforma do Ensino Médio na voz dos professores
Authors: Carmo Erinaldo , Figueiredo Filho Dalson , Rocha Enivaldo , Ferreira Giovana
Published: April 2018

O presente estudo foi elaborado a partir da experiência de aplicação da técnica de grupo focal virtual em pesquisa com professores do ensino médio sobre as propostas do Projeto de Lei 6840/13, que propõe a alteração na Lei de Diretrizes e Bases (LDB) para reformulação do ensino médio. As sessões de grupo focal foram realizadas com docentes de diferentes escolas e redes de ensino. Os resultados preliminares sugerem que essa é uma questão que precisa ser amplamente debatida no meio escolar, onde os profissionais desse nível de ensino possam ser inseridos no debate. Com esse estudo pretendemos ampliar os diálogos e as reflexões sobre as alterações propostas para o ensino médio regular no país.
A quality control method for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy planning based on generalized equivalent uniform dose
Authors: Pang Haowen , Sun Xiaoyang , Yang Bo , Wu Jingbo
Published: April 2018

To ensure good quality intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning, we proposed the use of a quality control method based on generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) that predicts absorbed radiation doses in organs at risk (OAR). We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent IMRT for the treatment of cervical carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), or non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). IMRT plans were randomly divided into data acquisition and data verification groups. OAR in the data acquisition group for cervical carcinoma and NPC were further classified as sub‐organs at risk (sOAR). The normalized volume of sOAR and normalized gEUD (a = 1) were analyzed using multiple linear regression to establish a fitting formula. For NSCLC, the normalized intersection volume of the planning target volume (PTV) and lung, the maximum diameter of the PTV (left–right, anterior–posterior, and superior–inferior), and the normalized gEUD (a = 1) were analyzed using multiple linear regression to establish a fitting formula for the lung gEUD (a = 1). The r‐squared and P values indicated that the fitting formula was a good fit. In the data verification group, IMRT plans verified the accuracy of the fitting formula, and compared the gEUD (a = 1) for each OAR between the subjective method and the gEUD‐based method. In conclusion, the gEUD‐based method can be used effectively for quality control and can reduce the influence of subjective factors on IMRT planning optimization.
Exploring Exchange Bias Coupling in Fe3−δO4@CoO Core–Shell Nanoparticle 2D Assemblies
Authors: Dolci Mathias , Liu Yu , Liu Xiaojie , Leuvrey Cedric , Derory Alain , Begin Dominique , Begin‐Colin Sylvie , Pichon Benoit P.
Published: April 2018

Core‐shell ferro(i)magnetic@antiferromagnetic (F(i)M@AFM) nanoparticles exhibiting exchange bias coupling are very promising to push back the superparamagnetic limits. However, their intrinsic magnetic properties can be strongly affected by interparticle interactions. This work reports on the collective properties of Fe3–dO4@CoO core‐shell nanoparticles as function of the structure of their assembly. The structure of nanoparticle assembly is controlled by a copper (I) catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) “click” reaction between complementary functional groups located at the surface of both substrates and nanoparticles. 2D arrays of nanoparticles with tunable sizes ranging from clusters of few nanoparticles to a dense and homogenous monolayer were prepared. The spatial arrangement of nanoparticles strongly influences the exchange bias coupling which is significantly enhanced for large 2D nanoparticle assemblies and, even more in 3D assemblies such as powder, which favour weak and random dipolar interactions.
Aligning Solution‐Derived Carbon Nanotube Film with Full Surface Coverage for High‐Performance Electronics Applications
Authors: Zhu Ma‐Guang , Si Jia , Zhang Zhiyong , Peng Lian‐Mao
Published: April 2018

The main challenge for application of solution‐derived carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in high performance field‐effect transistor (FET) is how to align CNTs into an array with high density and full surface coverage. A directional shrinking transfer method is developed to realize high density aligned array based on randomly orientated CNT network film. Through transferring a solution‐derived CNT network film onto a stretched retractable film followed by a shrinking process, alignment degree and density of CNT film increase with the shrinking multiple. The quadruply shrunk CNT films present well alignment, which is identified by the polarized Raman spectroscopy and electrical transport measurements. Based on the high quality and high density aligned CNT array, the fabricated FETs with channel length of 300 nm present ultrahigh performance including on‐state current Ion of 290 µA µm−1 (Vds = −1.5 V and Vgs = −2 V) and peak transconductance gm of 150 µS µm−1, which are, respectively, among the highest corresponding values in the reported CNT array FETs. High quality and high semiconducting purity CNT arrays with high density and full coverage obtained through this method promote the development of high performance CNT‐based electronics.
A Compound Yarn Based Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Wearable Electronics
Authors: Li Hui , Zhao Shuyu , Du Xinyu , Wang Jiaona , Cao Ran , Xing Yi , Li Congju
Published: April 2018

Wearable devices such as activity tracker, digital bracelet, and smartwatch become more and more popular. However, these devices need to be charged regularly due to the limited battery capacity. Therefore, it is important to develop a method to harvest mechanical energy from human motions to drive the wearable devices. Here, a wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (WTNG) based on compound yarns, which can be integrated well with clothing due to its good breathability and flexibility, is reported. The WTNG can be mass produced owing to the low cost and process maturity. Furthermore, the WTNG exhibits outstanding flexibility, breathability, and comfortability. The WTNG can generate a maximum short‐circuit current of 4 µA, delivering an instantaneous power density of 11.0 mW m−2 to an external load. Electronic devices such as digital watch and scientific calculator can be powered by a capacitor that is charged by WTNG. This work presents a significant step toward wearable electronics and will be a widely adopted technology in the near future.
Fostamatinib for the treatment of adult persistent and chronic immune thrombocytopenia: Results of two phase 3, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Bussel James , Arnold Donald M. , Grossbard Elliot , Mayer Jiří , Treliński Jacek , Homenda Wojciech , Hellmann Andrzej , Windyga Jerzy , Sivcheva Liliya , Khalafallah Alhossain A. , Zaja Francesco , Cooper Nichola , Markovtsov Vadim , Zayed Hany , Duliege Anne‐Marie
Published: April 2018

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) signaling is central to phagocytosis‐based, antibody‐mediated platelet destruction in adults with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Fostamatinib, an oral Syk inhibitor, produced sustained on‐treatment responses in a phase 2 ITP study. In two parallel, phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials (FIT1 and FIT2), patients with persistent/chronic ITP were randomized 2:1 to fostamatinib (n = 101) or placebo (n = 49) at 100 mg BID for 24 weeks with a dose increase in nonresponders to 150 mg BID after 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was stable response (platelets ≥50 000/μL at ≥4 of 6 biweekly visits, weeks 14‐24, without rescue therapy). Baseline median platelet count was 16 000/μL; median duration of ITP was 8.5 years. Stable responses occurred in 18% of patients on fostamatinib vs. 2% on placebo (P = .0003). Overall responses (defined retrospectively as ≥1 platelet count ≥50 000/μL within the first 12 weeks on treatment) occurred in 43% of patients on fostamatinib vs. 14% on placebo (P = .0006). Median time to response was 15 days (on 100 mg bid), and 83% responded within 8 weeks. The most common adverse events were diarrhea (31% on fostamatinib vs. 15% on placebo), hypertension (28% vs. 13%), nausea (19% vs. 8%), dizziness (11% vs. 8%), and ALT increase (11% vs. 0%). Most events were mild or moderate and resolved spontaneously or with medical management (antihypertensive, anti‐motility agents). Fostamatinib produced clinically‐meaningful responses in ITP patients including those who failed splenectomy, thrombopoietic agents, and/or rituximab. Fostamatinib is a novel ITP treatment option that targets an important mechanism of ITP pathogenesis.
Angelman syndrome in adolescence and adulthood: A retrospective chart review of 53 cases
Authors: Prasad Ankita , Grocott Olivia , Parkin Kimberly , Larson Anna , Thibert Ronald L.
Published: April 2018

Angelman syndrome is a neurogenetic disorder with varying clinical presentations and symptoms as the individual ages. The goal of this study was to characterize changes over time in the natural history of this syndrome in a large population. We reviewed the medical records of the 53 patients who were born prior to 2000 and seen at the Angelman Syndrome Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital to assess neurological, sleep, behavioral, gastrointestinal, orthopedic, and ophthalmologic functioning. The average age of this cohort was 24 years. Active seizures were present in 35%, nonepileptic myoclonus in 42%, and clinically significant tremors in 55%. Anxiety was present in 57%, increasing to 71% in those ages 26–43 years. In terms of sleep, 56% reported 8 hr of sleep or more, although 43% reported frequent nocturnal awakenings. Gastrointestinal issues remain problematic with 81% having constipation and 53% gastroesophageal reflux. The majority lived in a parent's home and remained independently mobile, though scoliosis was reportedly present in 30%, and 20% had reported low bone density/osteoporosis. The results of this study suggest that the prevalence of active seizures may decrease in adulthood but that the prevalence of movement disorders such as tremor and nonepileptic myoclonus may increase. Anxiety increases significantly as individuals age while defiant behaviors appear to decrease. Sleep dysfunction typically improves as compared to childhood but remains a significant issue for many adults. Other areas that require monitoring into adulthood include gastrointestinal dysfunction, and orthopedic/mobility issues, such as reported scoliosis and bone density, and ophthalmologic disorders.
The phenotypic spectrum of Xia‐Gibbs syndrome
Authors: Jiang Yunyun , Wangler Michael F. , McGuire Amy L. , Lupski James R. , Posey Jennifer E. , Khayat Michael M. , Murdock David R. , Sanchez‐Pulido Luis , Ponting Chris P. , Xia Fan , Hunter Jill V. , Meng Qingchang , Murugan Mullai , Gibbs Richard A.
Published: April 2018

Xia‐Gibbs syndrome (XGS: OMIM # 615829) results from de novo truncating mutations within the AT‐Hook DNA Binding Motif Containing 1 gene (AHDC1). To further define the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of this disorder, we established an XGS Registry and recruited patients from a worldwide pool of approximately 60 probands. Additional de novo truncating mutations were observed among 25 individuals, extending both the known number of mutation sites and the range of positions within the coding region that were sensitive to alteration. Detailed phenotypic examination of 20 of these patients via clinical records review and data collection from additional surveys showed a wider age range than previously described. Data from developmental milestones showed evidence for delayed speech and that males were more severely affected. Neuroimaging from six available patients showed an associated thinning of the corpus callosum and posterior fossa cysts. An increased risk of both scoliosis and seizures relative to the population burden was also observed. Data from a modified autism screening tool revealed that XGS shares significant overlap with autism spectrum disorders. These details of the phenotypic heterogeneity of XGS implicate specific genotype/phenotype correlations and suggest potential clinical management guidelines.