bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Property Investigation of Pt-Rh Alloy Nanopowders Obtained by Conductor Electric Explosion Method
Authors: Zhuravkov Sergey P. , Pustovalov A.V. , Yavorovsky Nikolay A. , Korshunov A.V. , Vlasyuk M.N. , Nadeina L.V.
Published: February 2016

Results of structural-morphological studies of platinum-rhodium alloy nanosized powders obtained by method of conductor electric explosion in argon are shown in the paper. Investigation results of specific surface, morphology and structure are given in the article. Optimal modes of explosion are found and described. Methods of transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis and BET-method were used to investigate properties.
Mobile Electric-Discharge Blasting Unit for Splitting off and Destruction of Rocks and Concrete
Authors: Voitenko Nikita , Yudin Artem S.
Published: February 2016

The article describes the pulse power system for electric-discharge blasting of rocks and concrete, the main equipment of which is a high current pulse generator with operating voltage up to 15 kV. The test of short-circuit experiment was produced, the main parameters of the discharge circuit L = 1.01 μH, R = 9 mΩ were calculated. Based on the results of the experiments the impedance Z = 42.5 mΩ of discharge circuit was defined. The pulse power system with mentioned parameters has maximum power condition deviation of about 8.6 %.
2D Electromagnetic Wave Scattering Problem for Cylindrical Cloak Incorporating PEMC-Layer
Authors: Alekseev Gennady , Dyakonova Olga , Lobanov Alexey , Yu. Fershalov Andrey
Published: February 2016

The 2D scattering problem is studied for the case of a two-dimensional cylindrical invisibility cloak, incorporating a tiny layer of perfect electromagnetic conductor (PEMC). The solution of the corresponding Helmholtz equation with variable coefficients is seeked as cylindrical functions Fourier series. The coefficients of these series are determined by solving the system of four linear algebraic equations with respect to four unknown coefficients with badly-conditioned matrix. The Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) method is applied for solving the system. Based on this idea the efficient numerical method is developed for solving the cloaking problem under study. The properties of this algorithm are studied and some results of numerical experiments are discussed.
Calculation of Equilibrium Concentrations of Calcium Ions for Calcium Bicarbonate Removal from Water Solution with Ammonium Hydroxide
Authors: Zhuravkov Sergey P. , Kataev Mikhail Yu. , Malanova Natalia V. , Marinin Sergey A.
Published: February 2016

The calculation data of equilibrium concentrations for calcium ions in ammonium medium have been reported in the paper. The "P2S2R3KA" program was used. It was shown the equilibrium concentrations for calcium ions decrease from 84.16 to 1.0 mg/dm3 in the model solution. The reactant diffusion rate was determined.
Source Code Analysis: Current and Future Trends & Challenges
Authors: Ponomarev Alexey , Nalamwar Hitesh S. , Jaiswal Ragesh
Published: February 2016

The increasing complexity of software systems is making source code analysis a more economic option to automate the identification of defects, vulnerabilities and inefficiencies. This paper initially outlines the general anatomy of automatic source code analyzers, dimensions of analysis that can be performed with today’s state-of-the-art tools, various limitations of automatic source code analysis in the areas of programming language coverage, quantity of false positive claims, system architecture breakdowns and code/time complexity. The paper is concluded by presenting future tentative trends of source code analysis.
Using Parallel Computing in Queueing Network Simulation
Authors: Mesheryakov Roman , Moiseev Alexander , Demin Anton , Dorofeev Vadim , Sorokin Vasily
Published: February 2016

The paper is devoted to the simulation of queueing networks on high performance computer clusters. The objective is to develop a mathematical model of queueing network and simulation approach to the modelling of the general network functionality, as well as to provide a software implementation on a high-performance computer cluster. The simulation is based on a discrete-event approach, object oriented programming, and MPI technology. The model of the queueing networks simulation system was developed as an application that allows a user to simulate networks of rather free configuration. The experiments on a high performance computer cluster emphasize the high efficiency of parallel computing.
Development of Graphical Interface for Determination of Optimal Cutting Parameters in Turning Operations
Authors: Bogoljubova M.N. , Sumtsova O.V. , Doschinsky D.V.
Published: February 2016

The present paper proposes graphical interface for determination of optimal parameters of cutting modes for turning process. The proposed graphical interface is different from other well-known ones. The impact of different factors on the cutting process in order to determine optimal parameters in accordance with the given effectiveness criteria are analyzed. The visual graphical form of information presentation, database, mathematical model of optimization, algorithms and computer programs have been developed.
Chemotherapy-induced adverse drug reactions in oncology patients: A prospective observational survey
Authors: Chopra Deepti , Rehan Harmeet , Sharma Vibha , Mishra Ritu
Published: February 2016

Background: Chemotherapy, a multimodal approach to oncological treatment, involves highly complex regimens and hence accounts to high susceptibility toward adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The present study aims to determine the prevalence of adverse events in patients treated with chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Spontaneous ADR report of patients on antineoplastic drugs received in the past 2 years (January 2011-January 2013) were studied. These reports were analyzed for various carcinomas under treatment, medications used, types of ADRs, organ system involvement, severity, causality assessment, and preventability. Results: Over a period of 2 years, a total 591 cases were received with an incidence of 58.6%. The prevalence of ADRs was more in female patients (73.6%) as compared to men. ADRs mostly occurred in the age group of 41-50 years (27.4%). Patients treated for breast carcinoma (39.1%) reported the highest incidence of ADRs. Cisplatin (19.6%) was found to be the most common offending drug. The most common ADR reported was nausea and vomiting (23%). Gastroenterology (40.1%) was the most affected system. About 50.2% of the ADRs required treatment and 12.9% ADRs were considered serious. Causality assessment revealed that 80% of the ADRs were possible. About 86.97% cases were found to be mild, and 51% were not preventable. Conclusion: The success of chemotherapy comes with the word of caution regarding toxicities of antineoplastic drugs. Pharmacovigilance of these drugs needs to be explored, and use of preventative measures needs to be enhanced in order to reduce the incidence and severity of ADRs.
Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography in carcinoma nasopharynx: Can we predict outcomes and tailor therapy based on postradiotherapy fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography?
Authors: Laskar Sarbani Ghosh , Baijal Gunjan , Rangarajan Venkatesh , Purandare Nilendu , Sengar Manju , Shah Sneha , Gupta Tejpal , Budrukkar Ashwini , Murthy Vedang , Pai Prathamesh , D′Cruz A K , Agarwal J P
Published: February 2016

Background: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is an emerging modality for staging and response evaluation in carcinoma nasopharynx. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of PET-CT in assessing response and outcomes in carcinoma nasopharynx. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients of nonmetastatic carcinoma nasopharynx who underwent PET-CT for response evaluation at 10-12 weeks posttherapy between 2004 and 2009 were evaluated. Patients were classified as responders (Group A) if there was a complete response on PET-CT or as nonresponders (Group B) if there was any uptake above the background activity. Data regarding demographics, treatment, and outcomes were collected from their records and compared across the Groups A and B. Results: The median age was 41 years. 42 out of 45 (93.3%) patients had WHO Grade 2B disease (undifferentiated squamous carcinoma). 24.4%, 31.1%, 15.6, and 28.8% patients were in American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage IIb, III, Iva, and IVb. All patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Forty-five patients, 28 (62.2%) were classified as responders, whereas 17 (37.8%) were classified as nonresponders. There was no significant difference in the age, sex, WHO grade, and stage distribution between the groups. Compliance to treatment was comparable across both groups. The median follow-up was 25.3 months (759 days). The disease-free survival (DFS) of the group was 57.3% at 3 years. The DFS at 3 years was 87.3% and 19.7% for Group A and B, respectively (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed Groups to be the only significant factor predicting DFS (P value 0.002 and < 0.001, respectively). In Group B, the most common site of disease failure was distant (9, 53%). Conclusion: PET-CT can be used to evaluate response and as a tool to identify patients at higher risk of distant failure. Further, this could be exploited to identify patients who may need treatment intensification. This needs to be validated prospectively.
Voriconazole is a safe and effective anti-fungal prophylactic agent during induction therapy of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Shah Akash , Ganesan Prasanth , Radhakrishnan Venkatraman , Kannan Krishnarathinam , Rajendranath Rejiv , Mahajan Vandana , Vijayakumar Varalakshmi , Ganesan Trivadi , Sagar Tenali
Published: February 2016

Background: Antifungal prophylaxis (AFP) reduces the incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) during induction therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Posaconazole is considered the standard of care. Voriconazole, a generic cheaper alternative is a newer generation azole with broad anti-fungal activity. There is limited data on the use of voriconazole as a prophylactic drug. Materials and Methods: A single-center, prospective study was performed during which patients with AML undergoing induction chemotherapy received voriconazole as AFP (April 2012 to February 2014). Outcomes were compared with historical patients who received fluconazole as AFP (January 2011-March 2012, n = 66). Results: Seventy-five patients with AML (median age: 17 years [range: 1-75]; male:female 1.6:1) received voriconazole as AFP. The incidence of proven/probable/possible (ppp) IFI was 6.6% (5/75). Voriconazole and fluconazole cohorts were well-matched with respect to baseline characteristics. Voriconazole (when compared to fluconazole) reduced the incidence of pppIFI (5/75, 6.6% vs. 19/66, 29%; P < 0.001), need to start therapeutic (empiric + pppIFI) antifungals (26/75, 34% vs. 51/66, 48%; P < 0.001) and delayed the start of therapeutic antifungals in those who needed it (day 16 vs. day 10; P < 0.001). Mortality due to IFI was also reduced with the use of voriconazole (1/75, 1.3% vs. 6/66, 9%; P = 0.0507), but this was not significant. Three patients discontinued voriconazole due to side-effects. Conclusion: Voriconazole is an effective and safe oral agent for IFI prophylaxis during induction therapy of AML. Availability of generic equivalents makes this a more economical alternative to posaconazole.
Recurrence of Cosine Operator Functions on Groups
Authors: Chen Chung-Chuan
Published: February 2016

In this note, we study the recurrence and topologically multiple recurrence of a sequence of operators on Banach spaces. In particular, we give a sufficient and necessary condition for a cosine operator function, induced by a sequence of operators on the Lebesgue space of a locally compact group, to be topologically multiply recurrent.
Analysis of flexural wave propagation in poroelastic composite hollow cylinder
Authors: Manoj Kumar J , Ahmed Shah S , Nageswara Nath C
Published: February 2016

Wave propagation in an infinitely long poroelastic composite hollow cylinder in is examined by employing Biot’s theory of wave propagation in poroelastic media. A poroelastic composite hollow cylinder consists of two concentric poroelastic cylindrical layers both of which are made of different poroelastic materials with each poroelastic material as homogeneous and isotropic. The inner and outer boundaries of composite hollow poroelastic cylinder are free from stress. The frequency equation of flexural vibrations of poroelastic composite hollow cylinder is obtained. In addition some particular cases such as poroelastic composite hollow cylinder with rigid casing, poroelastic composite bore and poroelastic bore are discussed. Non-dimensional phase velocity is computed as a function of non-dimensional wavenumber. The results are presented graphically for two types of poroelastic composite cylinders and then discussed.Keywords: Biot’s theory, poroelastic composite hollow cylinder, wavenumber, rigidity, phase velocity
Réplica y restauración: cuestiones de autenticidad y ética
Authors: Warren John
Published: February 2016

El autor ahonda en la cuestión de los límites a veces borrosos entre la réplica y la restauración recurriendo a ejemplos paralelos en el mundo de la pintura, la técnica, la cinematografía, el mobiliario, las artes aplicadas, etc., para retornar al mundo de la arquitectura y plantearse desde cero el concepto de autenticidad y los límites éticos de la réplica. En esta disyuntiva, resulta especialmente reveladora la introducción de los conceptos de la escala y el objetivo final de la intervención, hasta el punto de resolver las dudas planteadas con claridad de juicio. El texto posee un enorme interés por su capacidad de analizar en detalle acciones habituales ligadas a la disciplina de la restauración que se realizan de forma intuitiva, para bien o para mal, sin sopesar previamente la razón y el sentido subyacente a las mismas.
A Aritmética Intuitiva do curso primário lida em livro didático: como ensinar número e cálculo?
Authors: Oliveira Marcus Aldenisson , Mesquita Ilka Miglio
Published: February 2016

Neste artigo, objetiva-se compreender a proposta metodológica utilizada para ensinar Aritmética em escolas primárias dos anos Oitocentos, no tempo da vaga pedagógica intuitiva. Para tal compreensão, toma-se como fonte privilegiada a Arithmetica Primária, de Antônio Bandeira Trajano, nos anos 1889/1890. Dessa forma, interessa saber: como a Arithmetica Primária apresentou uma proposta intuitiva para ensinar a contar e a calcular? A primeira parte do artigo concentra-se em analisar o livro didático como fonte de investigação e sua relevância enquanto objeto de pesquisa. Em seguida, foca-se nos elementos que materializam o livro em questão a partir de sua desestruturação/desmontagem, tendo em vista a perspectiva de análise proposta pelo historiador Jacques Le Goff (1994). Por fim, apresenta-se como se configurou a proposta intuitiva para ensinar a contar e a calcular, através da análise das páginas da Arithmetica Primária. A análise revelou que a proposta intuitiva para o ensino de número e cálculo conferiu outros realces à Aritmética do curso primário: o apelo à observação, manipulação, experimentação, comparação e prática.
A oralidade na formação linguística do professor alfabetizador
Authors: Lima dos Santos Bazzo Jilvania
Published: February 2016

Ensinar a leitura e a escrita se constituem nos dois principais eixos norteadores a identidade do professor alfabetizador. Comumente, no ciclo de alfabetização, a linguagem oral é dotada como material físico para o trabalho de representação da escrita, sendo a reprodução da fala priorizada nesse processo em detrimento de seu patrimônio cultural. Ao problematizar esta questão, fundamentada numa perspectiva interacional, histórica e cultural da linguagem, neste artigo se discute sobre a cultura oral e a oralidade como objetos de trabalho e de pesquisa imprescindíveis para a formação linguística do professor. Dessa forma, o que é oralidade? Quais as contribuições dessa atividade social para alfabetizar uma criança? Qual o sentido e os efeitos de um processo de alfabetização que considera a oralidade imbricada ao ensino da produção textual oral, escrita e audiovisual? Conclui-se que ao ensinar as crianças a brincarem com textos, palavras, imagens e sons, o professor alfabetizador as ensina a cultivar e apreciar o belo, a beleza do encantamento, a fantasia e o estranhamento como elementos vigorosos para o aprendizado da humanização. Nesse processo, ele também as ensina a defenderem um posicionamento, quer seja escrito ou oral, a se sensibilizarem e a se colocarem de forma emancipada e criativa diante de qualquer problema ou desafio.
Local Governance in Bangladesh: Policy and Strategy Framework
Authors: Ahmed Tofail
Published: February 2016

The author argued that the absence of a local governance policy is a priority governance problem in Bangladesh, which affects effective implementation of decentralisation policies and programmes sporadically undertaken from time to time. Democratic decentralisation in line with fiscal autonomy and local administrative reforms have been in limbo for over three decades. The absence of a clear policy affects institutional linkages of the local government bodies. In some cases overlapping of functions are evidenced in different local government institutions, while in other cases lack of coordination and inter-agency cooperation are also evident. More importantly, unless Bangladesh does develop an aggregated local governance policy, it will not have a vision and road map for development of local governance.
High concentrations of sub-3nm clusters and frequent new particle formation observed in the Po Valley, Italy, during the PEGASOS 2012 campaign
Authors: Kontkanen Jenni , Järvinen Emma , Manninen Hanna E. , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Kangasluoma Juha , Decesari Stefano , Gobbi Gian Paolo , Laaksonen Ari , Petäjä Tuukka , Kulmala Markku
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The concentrations of neutral and charged sub-3nm clusters and their connection to new particle formation (NPF) were investigated during the PEGASOS campaign (7 June–9 July 2012) at the San Pietro Capofiume measurement station in the Po Valley, Italy. Continuous high concentrations of sub-3nm clusters were detected during the measurement period, although the condensation sink was relatively high (median value 1.1 × 10−2 s−1). The median cluster concentrations were 2140 and 7980 cm−3 in the size bins of 1.5–1.8 and 1.8–3 nm, and the majority of them were electrically neutral. NPF events were observed during the measurement period frequently, on 86 % of the days. The median growth rates of clusters during the events were 4.3, 6.0 and 7.2 nm h−1 in the size ranges of 1.5–3, 3–7 and 7–20 nm. The median formation rate of 1.6 nm clusters was high, 45 cm−3 s−1, and it exceeded the median formation rate of 2 nm clusters by 1 order of magnitude. The ion-induced nucleation fraction was low; the median values were 0.7 % at 1.6 nm and 3.0 % at 2 nm. On NPF event days the neutral cluster concentration had a maximum around 09:00 (local winter time), which was absent on a non-event day. The increase in the cluster concentrations in the morning coincided with the increase in the boundary layer height. At the same time radiation, temperature and SO2 concentration increased, and RH and condensation sink decreased. The concentrations of neutral and charged clusters were observed to have a positive correlation with sulfuric acid proxy, indicating the significance of sulfuric acid for the cluster formation in San Pietro Capofiume. The condensation sink had a negative correlation with the concentration of charged clusters but no clear relation to the neutral cluster concentration. This finding, together with back-trajectory analysis, suggests that the precursor vapors of the clusters and background aerosol particles, acting as their sink, have possibly originated from the same sources, including e.g., power plants and industrial areas in the Po Valley.
Increasing summer net CO2 uptake in high northern ecosystems inferred from atmospheric inversions and remote sensing
Authors: Welp Lisa R. , Patra Prabir K. , Rodenbeck Christian , Nemani Rama , Bi Jian , Piper Stephen C. , Keeling Ralph F.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Warmer temperatures and elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations over the last several decades have been credited with increasing vegetation activity and photosynthetic uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere in the high northern latitude ecosystems: the boreal forest and Arctic tundra. At the same time, fire frequency and severity are increased, and some regions of the boreal forest show signs of stress due to drought or insect disturbance. The recent trends in net carbon balance of these ecosystems, across heterogeneous disturbance patterns, and the future implications of these changes are unclear. Here we examine CO2 fluxes from northern boreal and tundra from 1986 to 2012 estimated from two inverse models (RIGC and Jena), both using measured atmospheric CO2 concentrations and wind-fields from interannually variable reanalysis. In the arctic zone, the latitude region above 60°N excluding Europe (10° W–63° E), neither model finds a significant long-term trend in annual CO2 balance. The boreal zone, the latitude region from approximately 50° N to 60° N, again excluding Europe, absorbed an extra 8–11 Tg C yr−1 over the period from 1986 to 2006, resulting in an annual CO2 sink in 2006 that was 170–230 Tg C larger than in 1986. This same trend appears to continue through 2012 as well. In both latitudinal zones, the seasonal amplitude of monthly CO2 fluxes increased due to increased uptake in summer, and in the arctic zone, also due to increased fall CO2 release. Both models showed a seasonal flux amplitude increase of nearly 1 % yr−1 in the arctic zone, over twice the trend in the boreal zone fluxes. These findings suggest that the boreal zone has been maintaining and likely increasing CO2 sink strength over this period, despite browning trends in some regions, changes in fire frequency and land use. Meanwhile the arctic zone shows increased summer CO2 uptake, consistent with strong greening trends, is offset by increased fall CO2 release, resulting in a net neutral trend in annual fluxes. The inversion fluxes from the arctic and boreal zones covering the permafrost regions showed no indication of a large-scale positive climate-carbon feedback caused by warming temperature on high northern latitude terrestrial CO2 fluxes as of 2012.
Bitwise identical compiling setup: prospective for reproducibility and reliability of Earth system modeling
Authors: Li R. , Liu L. , Yang G. , Zhang C. , Wang B.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Reproducibility and reliability are fundamental principles of scientific research. A compiling setup that includes a specific compiler version and compiler flags is an essential technical support for Earth system modeling. With the fast development of computer software and hardware, a compiling setup has to be updated frequently, which challenges the reproducibility and reliability of Earth system modeling. The existing results of a simulation using an original compiling setup may be irreproducible by a newer compiling setup because trivial round-off errors introduced by the change in compiling setup can potentially trigger significant changes in simulation results. Regarding the reliability, a compiler with millions of lines of code may have bugs that are easily overlooked due to the uncertainties or unknowns in Earth system modeling. To address these challenges, this study shows that different compiling setups can achieve exactly the same (bitwise identical) results in Earth system modeling, and a set of bitwise identical compiling setups of a model can be used across different compiler versions and different compiler flags. As a result, the original results can be more easily reproduced; for example, the original results with an older compiler version can be reproduced exactly with a newer compiler version. Moreover, this study shows that new test cases can be generated based on the differences of bitwise identical compiling setups between different models, which can help detect software bugs in the codes of models and compilers and finally improve the reliability of Earth system modeling.
Variability in snow cover phenology in China from 1952 to 2010
Authors: Ke Chang-Qing , Li Xiu-Cang , Xie Hongjie , Ma Dong-Hui , Liu Xun , Kou Cheng
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Daily snow observation data from 672 stations in China, particularly the 296 stations with over 10 mean snow cover days (SCDs) in a year during the period of 1952–2010, are used in this study. We first examine spatiotemporal variations and trends of SCDs, snow cover onset date (SCOD), and snow cover end date (SCED). We then investigate the relationships of SCDs with number of days with temperature below 0 °C (TBZD), mean air temperature (MAT), and Arctic Oscillation (AO) index. The results indicate that years with a positive anomaly of SCDs for the entire country include 1955, 1957, 1964, and 2010, and  years with a negative anomaly of SCDs include 1953, 1965, 1999, 2002, and 2009. The reduced TBZD and increased MAT are the main reasons for the overall late SCOD and early SCED since 1952. This explains why only 12 % of the stations show significant shortening of SCDs, while 75 % of the stations show no significant change in the SCDs trends. Our analyses indicate that the distribution pattern and trends of SCDs in China are very complex and are not controlled by any single climate variable examined (i.e. TBZD, MAT, or AO), but a combination of multiple variables. It is found that the AO has the maximum impact on the shortening trends of SCDs in the Shandong peninsula, Changbai Mountains, Xiaoxingganling, and north Xinjiang, while the combined TBZD and MAT have the maximum impact on the shortening trends of SCDs in the Loess Plateau, Tibetan Plateau, and Northeast Plain.
Coseismic deformation field derived from Sentinel-1A data and slip inversion of the 2015 Chile Mw8.3 earthquake
Authors: Zuo Ronghu , Qu Chunyan , Shan XinJian , Zhang Yingfeng , Zhang Guohong , Song Xiaogang , Liu Yunhua , Zhang Guifang
Published: February 2016

Abstract. We obtain the coseismic surface deformation fields caused by the Chile Mw8.3 earthquake on 16 September 2015 through analyzing Sentinel-1A/IW InSAR data from ascending and descending tracks. The results show that the main deformation field looks like a half circle convex to east with maximum coseismic displacement of about 1.33 m in descending LOS direction, 1.32 m in ascending LOS direction. Based on an elastic dislocation model in a homogeneous elastic half space, we construct a small-dip single plane fault model and invert the coseismic fault slip using ascending and descending Sentinel-1A/IW data separately and jointly. The results show that the patterns of the main slip region are similar in all datasets, but the scale of slip from ascending inversion is relatively smaller. Joint inversion can display comprehensive fault slip. The seismic moment magnitude from the joint inversion is Mw8.25, the rupture length along strike is about 340 km with a maximum slip of 8.16 m near the trench located at –31.04 N, –72.49 E, and the coseismic slip mainly concentrates at shallow depth above the hypocenter with a symmetry shape. The depth where coseismic slip is near zero appears to a depth of 50 km, quantitatively indicating the down-dip limit of the seismogenic zone. From the calculated coseismic Coulomb stress change, we find aftershocks locations correlate well with the areas having increased Coulomb stress and most areas with increased Coulomb stress appeared beneath the main shock fault plane.
An intercomparison of tropical cyclone best-track products for the Southwest Pacific
Authors: Magee Andrew D. , Verdon-Kidd Danielle C. , Kiem Anthony S.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Recent efforts to understand tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the Southwest Pacific (SWP) have led to the development of numerous TC databases. The methods used to compile each database vary and are based on data from different meteorological centres, standalone TC databases and archived synoptic charts. Therefore the aims of this study are to (i) examine spatial and temporal differences between the TC databases, and, (ii) investigate how changes in observational technology influence the temporal quality of TC records over time. To achieve this, we compare three best-track TC databases for the SWP region (0°–35°S, 135°E–120°W) from 1945–2011: the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS), and the Southwest Pacific Enhanced Archive of Tropical Cyclones (SPEArTC). The results of this study suggest that SPEArTC is the most complete repository of TCs for the SWP region. In particular, we show that the SPEArTC database includes a number of additional TCs, not included in either the JTWC or IBTrACS database. These SPEArTC events do occur under environmental conditions conducive to tropical cyclogenesis (TC genesis). Further, while changes in observational technologies from 1945 have undoubtedly improved our ability to detect and monitor TCs, we show that the number of TCs detected prior to the satellite era (1945–1969) are not statistically different to those in the post-satellite era (post-1970). Although studies on TC intensity should be limited to post-satellite/post-geostationary satellite eras only, this study suggests that SPEArTC data (from 1945) may be used to investigate long-term variability of TC counts and TC genesis locations.
Distribution of inorganic phosphorus in profiles and particle fractions of Anthrosols across an established riparian buffer and adjacent cropped area at the Dian lake (China)
Authors: Zhang Guo Sheng , Li Jian Cha
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Riparian buffers can trap sediment and nutrients sourced from upper cropland, minimizing the eutrophication risk of water quality. This study aimed to investigate the distributions of soil inorganic phosphorus (Pi) forms among profile and particle-size fractions in an established riparian buffer and adjacent cropped area at the Dian lake, southwestern China. The Ca-bound fraction (62 %) was the major proportion of the Pi in the riparian soils. After 3 years' restoration, buffer rehabilitation from cropped area had a limited impact on total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, but has contributed to a change in Pi forms. In the 0–20 cm soil layer, levels of the Olsen-P, non-occluded, Ca-bound, and total Pi were lower in the buffer than the cropped area; however, the Pi distribution between the cropped area and the buffer did not differ significantly as depth increased. The clay fraction corresponded to 57 % of TP and seemed to be both a sink for highly recalcitrant Pi and a source for labile Pi. The lower concentration of Pi forms in the silt and sand particle fraction in the surface soil was observed in the buffer area, which indicated that the Pi distribution in coarse particle fraction had sensitively responded to land use changes.
A model for the spatial distribution of snow water equivalent parameterised from the spatial variability of precipitation
Authors: Skaugen Thomas , Weltzien Ingunn H.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Snow is an important and complicated element in hydrological modelling. The traditional catchment hydrological model with its many free calibration parameters, also in snow sub-models, is not a well-suited tool for predicting conditions for which it has not been calibrated. Such conditions include prediction in ungauged basins and assessing hydrological effects of climate change. In this study, a new model for the spatial distribution of snow water equivalent (SWE), parameterized solely from observed spatial variability of precipitation (SD_G), is compared with the current snow distribution model used in the operational flood forecasting models in Norway. The latter model (SD_LN) has a fixed, calibrated coefficient of variation, which parameterizes a log-normal model for snow distribution. The two models are implemented in the already parameter parsimonious rainfall runoff model Distance Distribution Dynamics (DDD) and their capability for predicting runoff, SWE and snow covered area (SCA) are tested and compared for 71 Norwegian catchments. Results show that SD_G better simulates SCA when compared with MODIS satellite derived snow cover. In addition, SWE is simulated more realistically in that seasonal snow is melted out and the building up of "snow towers" and giving spurious positive trends in SWE, typical for SD_LN, is prevented. The precision of runoff simulations using SD_G is slightly inferior, with a reduction in Nash-Sutcliffe and Kling Gupta Criterion of 0.01, but it is shown that high precision in runoff prediction using SD_LN is accompanied with erroneous simulations of SWE.
Radical Proposal for Educational Pluralism and The State’s Educational Neutrality Policy
Authors: Matusov Eugene , Marjanovic-Shane Ana
Published: February 2016

Currently, in institutionalized education, the balance between global and local forces is skewed in favor of the global through the State (and University) monopoly on educational philosophy. We think that the local has to be prioritized over the global in the balance of these forces. In our view, this promotion should occur both in depth (through open pedagogical experimentation and democratization, defining local values, creating a global dialogue), AND in breadth (through providing opportunities for students and parents to join and financially afford it). We propose that education has to be separated from the State. In our proposal, the State should focus on providing financial access to K-12 education for all citizens through redistribution of taxes while constraining itself through pedagogical neutrality: accepting any educational philosophy for public funding. In our paper, we will consider some of many diverse concerns raised by our colleagues in response to our radical proposal of the State’s educational neutrality, organized in a question-answer format.
What Makes Media Public? Dealing with the “Current Economic Crisis”
Authors: VanderVeen Zach
Published: February 2016

The god term of journalism—the be-all and end-all, the term without which the entire enterprise fails to make sense—is the public.

—Carey 1987, 5
Wiz Kidz: Fostering School Connectedness through an In-School Student Mentoring Program
Authors: Coyne-Foresi Melissa
Published: February 2016

This study explores a student mentoring program called the Wiz Kidz, located within a Canadian urban elementary school of 420 students. The Wiz Kidz participants, their teachers and parents, and a student comparison group provided data on student connectedness to school, peers, and teachers. Overall findings suggest the students involved in the Wiz Kidz program enjoyed participating and reported increases in connectedness at the end of the year, with statistical significance observed for mentors’ connectedness to school.
SISTEMA BRASILEIRO DE PRECEDENTES JUDICIAIS OBRIGATÓRIOS E OS DEVERES INSTITUCIONAIS DOS TRIBUNAIS: UNIFORMIDADE, ESTABILIDADE, INTEGRIDADE E COERÊNCIA DA JURISPRUDÊNCIA
Authors: Souza Junior Fredie Didier
Published: February 2016

Em março de 2015 foi promulgado o novo Código de Processo Civil brasileiro (CPC). A partir de março de 2016, fica revogado o Código de Processo Civil de 1973 (CPC-1973).

Um dos pilares do novo Código é a estruturação dogmática de um sistema de precedentes judiciais obrigatórios. Essa transformação do direito brasileiro deve-se muito ao modo pelo qual a jurisdição vem sendo examinada pelos estudiosos do Direito no Brasil.

Nicola Picardi, em texto célebre e muito difundido no Brasil, fala da “vocação do nosso tempo para a jurisdição”[1]. O Direito processual civil brasileiro é, hoje, uma comprovação da intuição do mestre italiano.

Esse ensaio, que tem por objetivo examinar uma parte nuclear do sistema de precedentes obrigatórios no Direito brasileiro, é, assim, a singela homenagem de um jovem brasileiro a um dos mais influentes juristas italianos.

 

[1] PICARDI, Nicola. “La vocazione del nostro tempo per la giurisdizione”. Rivista Trimestrale di Diritto e Procedura Civile. Milano: Giuffrè, 2004, n. 1, p. 41 e segs.
O PROCESSO HERMENÊUTICO DA INTERPRETAÇÃO: UMA ANÁLISE CRÍTICA DAS CONCEPÇÕES DE KARL LARENZ E HANS KELSEN SOBRE A BUSCA DO SENTIDO DA NORMA JURÍDICA
Authors: Oliveira Tarsis Barreto
Published: February 2016

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo abordar as concepções de Karl Larenz e Hans Kelsen sobre o processo hermenêutico da interpretação, como forma de revelação, por parte do intérprete, do sentido da norma jurídica. Nesta perspectiva, aborda-se inicialmente o ato de interpretar e a influência da pré-compreensão no processo de interpretação do Direito. Em seguida, foca-se o elemento valoração e o papel da jurisprudência, bem como os métodos de interpretação do Direito. Como caracteres fundamentais da concepção de Larenz e Kelsen sobre a interpretação, aborda-se a desvinculação do intérprete de seu sentimento pessoal de justiça, no plano do desenvolvimento e aperfeiçoamento do Direito. Por fim, são tecidas algumas críticas às concepções de Larnez e Kelsen, apontadas como falhas no pensamento engendrado pelos renomados autores.
‘Let’s Be Human’ – on the Politics of the Inanimate
Authors: Sanders Karin
Published: February 2016

To Romantics the principle of life, its mystery and power, propelled a desire to ‘see into the life of things’ as William Wondsworth articulated it. This article examines how the relationship between life and non-life, the animate and the inanimate, humans and things, took on a new inflection in Romanticism, which differed in radical ways from the pragmatic and economic relationship between persons and things in the 18th century. In Romanticism, the threshold between living and dead matter came to linger between divinity and monstrosity. In Denmark, Hans Christian Andersen had few rivals when it came to articulating associations between humans and things. This article narrows the scope of Andersen’s vivifications to one specific subset: marionettes, dolls and automatons, asking how his surrogates operated vis-à-vis Heinrich von Kleist’s, E. T. A. Hoffman’s and Mary Shelley’s. Each of these authors drew on the hyper-mimetic relationship that dolls, marionettes and automatons have to humans: Kleist used marionettes to examine consciousness through unconsciousness; Hoffmann used automatons to articulate the uncanny; and Shelley used agolem-like monster to ponder the ethics of man’s quests for generative powers. Andersen, in contrast, used dolls, marionettes and automatons in order to speak about social beings.’
Seeing the History of the Earth in the Cliffs at Møn: The Interaction between Landscape Painting and Geology in Denmark in the First Half of the 19th Century
Authors: Hedin Gry
Published: February 2016

During the first part of the nineteenth century, geologists developed a history of the earth so different from that accepted in previous centuries that it encouraged a rethinking of the relationship between man and nature. In this article I will argue that painters followed these changes closely and that some of them let the narratives and images of geology inform the way they depicted nature. In arguing my point, I will focus on images and descriptions of the chalk cliffs on the Danish island of Møn by both geologists and painters. I will follow the scientific advances in geology by referring to the texts and images of Søren Abildgaard, Henrich Steffens, Johan Georg Forchhammer, and Christopher Puggaard, and discuss how their changing theories correspond with paintings of the cliffs by four artists: Christopher Wilhelm Eckersberg, Frederik Sødring, Louis Gurlitt, and Peter Christian Skovgaard.
A Long-Term Study of the Effect of Subtalar Arthrodesis on the Ankle and Hindfoot Joints
Authors: Yang Chonglin , Xu Xiangyang , Zhu Yuan , Liu Jinhao , Wei Baofu
Published: February 2016

Background: Subtalar arthrodesis is a common therapy for subtalar joint disorders. In this article, we evaluate the effect of subtalar arthrodesis on the ankle and hindfoot joints.

Methods: Fifty patients (33 men and 17 women) underwent subtalar arthrodesis between January 1, 1996, and August 31, 2011. The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot scores were used for clinical evaluation. Radiographic analysis included assessment of degenerative changes and ankle and hindfoot joint function in the frontal and sagittal planes.

Results: Thirty-seven patients (27 men and 10 women; mean age, 42.6 years) were followed up for an average of 9.2 years (range, 2–17 years). The mean ± SD 36-item Short-Form Health Survey score improved from 30.21 ± 7.19 before surgery to 78.50 ± 12.23, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score increased from 50.32 ± 12.39 to 73.14 ± 15.44. Degenerative changes in the talonavicular, calcaneocuboid, metatarsocuboid, and ankle joints occurred. The talar-vertical angle was positively related to the tibial-plantar minimal angle (affected side: r = 0.56; P < .01; healthy side: r = 0.46; P < .01). The difference in hindfoot height is positively related to the difference in tibial-plantar minimal angle (r = 0.54; P < .01).

Conclusions: Subtalar arthrodesis is effective treatment for subtalar joint disease but could induce joint degeneration and ankle joint motion limitation related to talar declination and hindfoot height.
Evaluating Iatrogenic Complications of the Total-Contact Cast
Authors: Owings Tammy M. , Nicolosi Nicole , Suba Jessica M. , Botek Georgeanne
Published: February 2016

Background: Total-contact casting is an effective method to treat various pathologic abnormalities in patients with diabetic neuropathy, but its use is frequently associated with iatrogenic complications.

Methods: The largest retrospective review to date of iatrogenic complications of total-contact casts was conducted over an 8-year period at Cleveland Clinic.

Results: In the past 8 years, 23% of patients developed complications, and the most common complication was a new heel ulcer formation. Of these complications, 92.1% resolved, 6.4% were lost to follow-up, and 1.4% resulted in a partial foot amputation. Mean cast duration was 10.3 days for patients who developed a total-contact cast iatrogenic complication. The most common indication for the use of a total-contact cast was a neuropathic foot ulceration.

Conclusions: The results of this study support the use of total-contact casting in the insensate patient with diabetes. However, adequate staff training in total-contact cast application is recommended to reduce complications.
Stepwise nucleosome translocation by RSC remodeling complexes
Authors: Harada Bryan T , Hwang William L , Deindl Sebastian , Chatterjee Nilanjana , Bartholomew Blaine , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: February 2016

The SWI/SNF-family remodelers regulate chromatin structure by coupling the free energy from ATP hydrolysis to the repositioning and restructuring of nucleosomes, but how the ATPase activity of these enzymes drives the motion of DNA across the nucleosome remains unclear. Here, we used single-molecule FRET to monitor the remodeling of mononucleosomes by the yeast SWI/SNF remodeler, RSC. We observed that RSC primarily translocates DNA around the nucleosome without substantial displacement of the H2A-H2B dimer. At the sites where DNA enters and exits the nucleosome, the DNA moves largely along or near its canonical wrapping path. The translocation of DNA occurs in a stepwise manner, and at both sites where DNA enters and exits the nucleosome, the step size distributions exhibit a peak at approximately 1–2 bp. These results suggest that the movement of DNA across the nucleosome is likely coupled directly to DNA translocation by the ATPase at its binding site inside the nucleosome.
Regulatory consequences of neuronal ELAV-like protein binding to coding and non-coding RNAs in human brain
Authors: Scheckel Claudia , Drapeau Elodie , Frias Maria A , Park Christopher Y , Fak John , Zucker-Scharff Ilana , Kou Yan , Haroutunian Vahram , Ma'ayan Avi , Buxbaum Joseph D , Darnell Robert B
Published: February 2016

Neuronal ELAV-like (nELAVL) RNA binding proteins have been linked to numerous neurological disorders. We performed crosslinking-immunoprecipitation and RNAseq on human brain, and identified nELAVL binding sites on 8681 transcripts. Using knockout mice and RNAi in human neuroblastoma cells, we showed that nELAVL intronic and 3' UTR binding regulates human RNA splicing and abundance. We validated hundreds of nELAVL targets among which were important neuronal and disease-associated transcripts, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) transcripts. We therefore investigated RNA regulation in AD brain, and observed differential splicing of 150 transcripts, which in some cases correlated with differential nELAVL binding. Unexpectedly, the most significant change of nELAVL binding was evident on non-coding Y RNAs. nELAVL/Y RNA complexes were specifically remodeled in AD and after acute UV stress in neuroblastoma cells. We propose that the increased nELAVL/Y RNA association during stress may lead to nELAVL sequestration, redistribution of nELAVL target binding, and altered neuronal RNA splicing.
Binary architecture of the Nav1.2-β2 signaling complex
Authors: Das Samir , Gilchrist John , Bosmans Frank , Van Petegem Filip
Published: February 2016

To investigate the mechanisms by which β-subunits influence Nav channel function, we solved the crystal structure of the β2 extracellular domain at 1.35Å. We combined these data with known bacterial Nav channel structural insights and novel functional studies to determine the interactions of specific residues in β2 with Nav1.2. We identified a flexible loop formed by 72Cys and 75Cys, a unique feature among the four β-subunit isoforms. Moreover, we found that 55Cys helps to determine the influence of β2 on Nav1.2 toxin susceptibility. Further mutagenesis combined with the use of spider toxins reveals that 55Cys forms a disulfide bond with 910Cys in the Nav1.2 domain II pore loop, thereby suggesting a 1:1 stoichiometry. Our results also provide clues as to which disulfide bonds are formed between adjacent Nav1.2 912/918Cys residues. The concepts emerging from this work will help to form a model reflecting the β-subunit location in a Nav channel complex.
Akt-mTORC1 signaling regulates Acly to integrate metabolic input to control of macrophage activation
Authors: Covarrubias Anthony J , Aksoylar Halil Ibrahim , Yu Jiujiu , Snyder Nathaniel W , Worth Andrew J , Iyer Shankar S , Wang Jiawei , Ben-Sahra Issam , Byles Vanessa , Polynne-Stapornkul Tiffany , Espinosa Erika C , Lamming Dudley , Manning Brendan D , Zhang Yijing , Blair Ian A , Horng Tiffany
Published: February 2016

Macrophage activation/polarization to distinct functional states is critically supported by metabolic shifts. How polarizing signals coordinate metabolic and functional reprogramming, and the potential implications for control of macrophage activation, remains poorly understood. Here we show that IL-4 signaling co-opts the Akt-mTORC1 pathway to regulate Acly, a key enzyme in Ac-CoA synthesis, leading to increased histone acetylation and M2 gene induction. Only a subset of M2 genes is controlled in this way, including those regulating cellular proliferation and chemokine production. Moreover, metabolic signals impinge on the Akt-mTORC1 axis for such control of M2 activation. We propose that Akt-mTORC1 signaling calibrates metabolic state to energetically demanding aspects of M2 activation, which may define a new role for metabolism in supporting macrophage activation.