bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation And In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation Of Olmesartan Medoxomil Solid Dispersions Incorporated E/R Trilayer Matrix Tablets By Geomatrix
Authors: Balakrishnaiah M , Gupta V. Rama Mohan
Published: March 2017

An attempt has been made to develop and optimize an novel anti hypertensive trilayered controlled release matrix tablets incorporated with Olmesartan medoxomil solid dispersion prepared by direct compression and consisted of middle active layer with different grades of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), guar gum, ethyl cellulose. Upper and lower layers are prepared with Carnauba wax, guar gum and sodium CMC. The developed drug delivery system provided prolonged drug release rates over a period of 24 h. The release profile of the optimized formulation (HF14) was described by the Zero-order and Higuchi model. In-vivo bioavailability studies were carried out with the optimized formulation (HF14) and reference standard A fair correlation between the dissolution profile and bioavailability for the optimized formulation was observed. The results indicate that the approach used could lead to a successful development of a trilayer extended release formulation up to 24h. These results also demonstrated that the Olmesartan solid dispersion incorporated trilayer tablets shown more bioavailability because of its conversion from crystalline to amorphous form.
Structural designing of suppressors for autisms spectrum diseases using molecular dynamics sketch
Authors: Nair Bipin BJ , Bhaskaran Vijesh , K Arunjit
Published: March 2017

In this paper we are sketching the chemical structure of suppressor drug for autism spectrum disorder using a computational tool. Here we are designing three molecular compounds like Fluoxetine, Risperidone, Melatonin. Structuring the suppressors, sketching the aromatization and bonding of the functional groups with the elements like Oxygen, Nitrogen, halogens. In our work we are using computational algorithm for drawing the structure of suppressor drug. In this paper we are mentioning the autism spectrum suppressor’s molecular formula as well as structural formula.
A new statistical approach to improve the satellite-based estimation of the radiative forcing by aerosol–cloud interactions
Authors: Patel Piyushkumar N. , Quaas Johannes , Kumar Raj
Published: March 2017

Abstract. In a previous study of Quaas et al. (2008) the radiative forcing by anthropogenic aerosol due to aerosol–cloud interactions, RFaci, was obtained by a statistical analysis of satellite retrievals using a multilinear regression. Here we employ a new statistical approach to obtain the fitting parameters, determined using a nonlinear least square statistical approach for the relationship between planetary albedo and cloud properties and, further, for the relationship between cloud properties and aerosol optical depth. In order to verify the performance, the results from both statistical approaches (previous and present) were compared to the results from radiative transfer simulations over three regions for different seasons. We find that the results of the new statistical approach agree well with the simulated results both over land and ocean. The new statistical approach increases the correlation by 21–23 % and reduces the error compared to the previous approach.
First Look at the Occurrence of Horizontally Oriented Ice Crystals over Summit, Greenland
Authors: Cole Sebastian , Neely III. Ryan R. , Stillwell Robert A.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The microphysical properties of clouds play a significant role in determining their radiative effect; one of these properties is the orientation of ice crystals. A source of error in current microphysical retrievals and model simulations is the assumption that clouds are composed of only randomly oriented ice crystals (ROIC). This assumption is frequently not true, as evidenced by optical phenomena such as parhelia (commonly referred to as sundogs). Here, observations from the Cloud, Aerosol and Polarization Backscatter Lidar (CAPABL) at Summit, Greenland are utilized along with instruments that are part of the Integrated Characterization of Energy, Clouds, Atmospheric state and Precipitation at Summit (ICECAPS) project in order to determine when, where and under what conditions horizontally oriented ice crystals (HOIC) occur at Summit, Greenland. Between July 2015 and May 2016, HOIC are observed on 86 days of the 335-day study. HOIC occurred within stratiform clouds on 48 days, in precipitation on 32 days and in cirrus clouds on 14 days. Analysis of all of the cases found that, on average, in comparison to ROIC, HOIC occur at higher temperatures, higher wind speeds and lower heights above ground level. Differences were also present in the relative humidities (RHs) at which HOIC and ROIC occurred in stratiform clouds and precipitation but not in cirrus clouds. Analysis over the whole study period revealed monthly variations in the abundance of HOIC with the number of detections peaking in April and October. Monthly changes were also present in the number of days containing HOIC. The results presented here aim to be the first step towards a comprehensive climatology and understanding of the microphysical processes that lead to the formation of HOIC at Summit, Greenland.
Source attribution of Arctic black carbon constrained by aircraft and surface
measurements
Authors: Xu Junwei , Martin Randall V. , Morrow Andrew , Sharma Sangeeta , Huang Lin , Leaitch W. Richard , Burkart Julia , Schulz Hannes , Zanatta Marco , Willis Megan D. , Henze Daven K. , Lee Colin J. , Herber Andreas B. , Abbatt Jonathan P. D.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) contributes to both degraded air quality and Arctic warming, however sources of Arctic BC and their geographic contributions remain uncertain. We interpret a series of recent airborne and ground-based measurements with the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model and its adjoint to attribute the sources of Arctic BC. The springtime airborne measurements performed by the NETCARE campaign in 2015 and the PAMARCMiP campaigns in 2009 and 2011 offer BC vertical profiles extending to > 6 km across the Arctic and include profiles above Arctic ground monitoring stations. Long-term ground-based measurements are examined from multiple methods (thermal, laser incandescence and light absorption) at Alert (2011–2013), Barrow (2009–2015) and Ny-Ålesund (2009–2014) stations. Our simulations with the addition of gas flaring emissions are consistent with ground-based measurements of BC concentrations at Alert and Barrow in winter and spring (rRMSE < 13 %), and with airborne measurements of BC vertical profile across the Arctic (rRMSE = 17 %). Sensitivity simulations suggest that anthropogenic emissions in eastern and southern Asia are the largest source of the Arctic BC column both in spring (56 %) and annually (37 %), with larger contributions aloft than near the surface (e.g. a contribution of 66 % between 400–700 hPa and of 46 % below 900 hPa in spring). Anthropogenic emissions from northern Asia contribute considerable BC to the lower troposphere (a contribution of 27 % in spring and of 43 % annually below 900 hPa). Biomass burning has a substantial contribution to Arctic BC below 400 hPa of 25 % annually, despite minor influence in spring ( 50 %) in winter and those from eastern and southern Asia are the largest in spring (~ 40 %). At Ny-Ålesund, anthropogenic emissions from Europe (~ 30 %) and northern Asia (~ 30 %) are major sources in winter and early spring. Biomass burning from North America is the most important contributor to surface BC at all stations in summer, especially at Barrow where North American biomass burning contributes more than 90 % of BC in July and August. Our adjoint simulations indicate pronounced spatial and seasonal heterogeneity in the contribution of emissions to the Arctic BC column concentrations with noteworthy contributions from emissions in eastern China (15 %) and western Siberia (6.5 %). Although uncertain, gas flaring emissions from oilfields in western Siberia could have a striking impact (13 %) on Arctic BC loadings in January, comparable to the total influence of continental Europe and North America (6.5 % each in January).
Millennial-to-centennial patterns and trends in the hydroclimate of North America over the past 2000 years
Authors: Shuman Bryan N. , Routson Cody , McKay Nicholas , Fritz Sherilyn , Kaufman Darrell , Kirby Matthew E. , Nolan Connor , Pederson Gregory T. , St-Jacques Jeannine-Marie
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A synthesis of 93 hydrologic records from across North and Central America, and adjacent tropical and Arctic islands, reveals centennial to millennial trends in the regional hydroclimates of the Common Era (CE; past 2000 years). The hydrological records derive from materials stored in lakes, bogs, caves, and ice from extant glaciers, which have the continuity through time to preserve low-frequency (> 100 year) climate signals that may not be well represented by other shorter-lived archives, such as tree-ring chronologies. The most common pattern, represented in 46 (49 %) of the records, indicates that the centuries before 1000 CE were drier than the centuries since that time. Principal components analysis indicates that millennial-scale trends represent the dominant pattern of variance in the southwest and northeast U.S., the mid-continent, Pacific Northwest, the Arctic, and the tropics, although not all records within a region show the same direction of change. The Pacific Northwest, Greenland, and the southernmost tier of the tropical sites tended to dry toward present, as many other areas became wetter than before. Twenty-two records (24 %) indicate that the Medieval period (800–1300 CE) was drier than the Little Ice Age (1400–1900 CE), but in many cases the difference was part of the longer millennial-scale trend, and, in 25 records (27 %), the Medieval period represented a pluvial (wet) phase. Where quantitative records permitted a comparison, we found that centennial-scale fluctuations over the Common Era represented changes of 3–7 % of the modern inter-annual range of variability in precipitation, but the accumulation of these long-term trends over the entirety of the Holocene caused recent centuries to be significantly wetter, on average, than most of the past 11 000 years.
Historical Climate off the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Abrantes Fátima , Rodrigues Teresa , Rufino Marta , Salgueiro Emília , Oliveira Dulce , Gomes Sandra , Oliveira Paulo , Costa Ana , Mil-Homens Mário , Drago Teresa , Naughton Filipa
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The Iberian Peninsula, at North Atlantic mid-latitude and the western extreme of the European continent, is a key point for climate reconstructions. This work provides multi-proxy records measured in 8 inner-shelf sediment cores from 5 sites located between South Portugal (Algarve) and Northwest Spain (Galiza) (36 to 41º N) and target a regional reconstruction of climate variability during the Historic period (last 2 ky). The SST records reveal a long-term scale cooling (±1 ºC/2 ky) that ends at the beginning of the 20th century at all latitudes. This cooling is a follow up of the cooling process that started in the early Holocene driven by a decrease in summer insolation in the Northern Hemisphere. Within this long term SST variability multi-decadal/centennial scale variability is detected along Iberia. The different latitudinal SST reconstructions jointly with a determined regional SST stack were compared to on-land precipitation from higher plant n-alkanes and pollen data, to assess the relationship between hydroclimate (drought and/or precipitation) and SST. Regional variability is overall in consonance with NE Spain, and other European and north Hemisphere reconstructions. Warm conditions prevailed throughout 1300 yr, encompassing the Roman Period (RP), the Dark Ages (DA) and the Medieval Warm Period (MWP). The initial cooling at 1300 CE leads to 4 centuries of ±1 ºC colder mean SSTs contemporaneous with the Little Ice Age (LIA). The transition towards the Industrial Era starts by 1800 CE with a rise to pre-LIA SSTs. Climate specificities have been detected in western Iberian margin records and reveal the existence of two distinct phases within the MWP and a two-step SST increase towards the Industrial Era. The intense precipitation/flooding and warm winters but cooler intermediate seasons observed for the early MWP imply the interplay of internal oceanic variability with the three known atmospheric circulation modes, AMO, EA and SCAND in a positive phase. The late MWP, typified by drier and cooler winters and warmer intermediate seasons calls for a change in sign of the SCAND. A stronger mark of oceanic influences on western Iberian Peninsula (IP) starts with the transition to the Industrial Era.
KRILLBASE: a circumpolar database of Antarctic krill and salp numerical densities, 1926–2016
Authors: Atkinson Angus , Hill Simeon L. , Pakhomov Evgeny A. , Siegel Volker , Anadon Ricardo , Chiba Sanae , Daly Kendra L. , Downie Rod , Fielding Sophie , Fretwell Peter , Gerrish Laura , Hosie Graham W. , Jessopp Mark J. , Kawaguchi So , Krafft Bjørn A. , Loeb Valerie , Nishikawa Jun , Peat Helen J. , Reiss Christian S. , Ross Robin M. , Quetin Langdon B. , Schmidt Katrin , Steinberg Deborah K. , Subramaniam Roshni C. , Tarling Geraint A. , Ward Peter
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and salps are major macroplankton contributors to Southern Ocean food webs and krill are also fished commercially. Managing this fishery sustainably, against a backdrop of rapid regional climate change, requires information on distribution and time trends. Many data on the abundance of both taxa have been obtained from net sampling surveys since 1926, but much of this is stored in national archives, sometimes only in notebooks. In order to make these important data accessible we have collated available abundance data (numerical density, no. m−2) of postlarval E. superba and salp individual (multiple species, and whether singly or in chains). These were combined into a central database, KRILLBASE, together with environmental information, standardisation and metadata. The aim is to provide a temporal-spatial data resource to support a variety of research such as biogeochemistry, autecology, higher predator foraging and food web modelling in addition to fisheries management and conservation. Previous versions of KRILLBASE have led to a series of papers since 2004 which illustrate some of the potential uses of this database. With increasing numbers of requests for these data we here provide an updated version of KRILLBASE that contains data from 15 194 net hauls, including 12 758 with krill abundance data and 9726 with salp abundance data. These data were collected by 10 nations and span 56 seasons in two epochs (1926–1939 and 1976–2016). Here, we illustrate the seasonal, inter-annual, regional and depth coverage of sampling, and provide both circumpolar- and regional-scale distribution maps. Krill abundance data have been standardised to accommodate variation in sampling methods, and we have presented these as well as the raw data. Information is provided on how to screen, interpret and use KRILLBASE to reduce artefacts in interpretation, with contact points for the main data providers. The DOI for the published data set is doi:10.5285/8b00a915-94e3-4a04-a903-dd4956346439.
Residual uncertainty estimation using instance-based learning with
applications to hydrologic forecasting
Authors: Wani Omar , Beckers Joost V. L. , Weerts Albrecht H. , Solomatine Dimitri P.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A non-parametric method is applied to quantify residual uncertainty in hydrologic streamflow forecasting. This method acts as a post-processor on deterministic model forecasts and generates a residual uncertainty distribution. Based on instance-based learning, it uses a k-nearest neighbour search for similar historical hydrometeorological conditions to determine uncertainty intervals from a set of historical errors, i.e. discrepancies between past forecast and observation. The performance of this method is assessed using test cases of hydrologic forecasting in two UK rivers: Severn and Brue. Forecasts in retrospect were made and their uncertainties were estimated using kNN resampling and two alternative uncertainty estimators: Quantile Regression (QR) and Uncertainty Estimation based on local Errors and Clustering (UNEEC). Results show that kNN uncertainty estimation produces accurate and narrow uncertainty intervals with good probability coverage. The accuracy and reliability of these uncertainty intervals are at least comparable to those produced by QR and UNEEC. It is concluded that kNN uncertainty estimation is an interesting alternative to QR and UNEEC for estimating forecast uncertainty. An advantage of this method is that its concept is simple and well understood, it is relatively easy to implement and it requires little tuning.
A measurement system for vertical seawater profiles close to the air/sea interface
Authors: Sims Richard P. , Schuster Ute , Watson Andrew J. , Yang Ming Xi , Hopkins Frances E. , Stephens John , Bell Thomas G.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This paper describes a Near Surface Ocean Profiler, which has been designed to precisely measure vertical gradients in the top 10 m of the ocean. Variations in the depth of seawater collection are minimised when using the profiler compared to conventional CTD/rosette deployments. The profiler consists of a remotely operated winch mounted on a tethered yet free floating buoy, which is used to raise and lower a small frame housing sensors and inlet tubing. Seawater at the inlet depth is pumped back to the ship for analysis. The profiler can be used to make continuous vertical profiles or to target a series of discrete depths. The profiler has been successfully deployed during wind speeds up to 10 m s−1 and significant wave heights up to 2 m. We demonstrate the potential of the profiler by presenting measured vertical profiles of the trace gases carbon dioxide and dimethylsulfide. Trace gas measurements use an efficient microporous membrane equilibrator to minimise the system response time. The example profiles show vertical gradients in the upper 5 m for temperature, carbon dioxide and dimethylsulfide of 0.15 °C, 4 μatm and 0.4 nM respectively.
Words Matter: The Impact of “Catchy” vs Conventional Course Titles on Student Interest
Authors: Flaherty Joan , McAdams Bruce G , LeBlanc Joshua E
Published: March 2017

Anecdotal evidence suggests that post-secondary institutions in Canada and beyond are experimenting with the practice of substituting conventional, discipline-centred course titles with more creatively phrased, learner-centred titles. However, we could find no scholarly research to affirm, challenge or guide this practice. This study represents a preliminary foray into that research. We surveyed 368 business undergraduate and graduate students at a mid-sized Canadian university to address, and explore the implications of, this question: "Does a catchy course title elicit more student interest than its conventional counterpart?" Our findings provide some, but not unqualified, support for the practice of using catchy course titles as a way of attracting student interest. We found the most significant influence on student preference toward conventional or catchy course titles to be year of registration (first year and fourth year students showed the most interest in catchy course titles; graduate students and those registered in second and third year showed a preference for conventional course titles). Implications regarding marketing and pedagogy are discussed, as is the need for further research.
Des preuves non scientifiques sembleraient suggérer que les établissements d’enseignement supérieur du Canada et au-delà sont en train d’essayer de substituer les titres de cours conventionnels centrés sur la discipline par des titres centrés sur l’apprenant et formulés de façon plus créatrice. Toutefois, nous n’avons trouvé aucune recherche savante qui pourrait affirmer, mettre au défi ou guider cette pratique. Cette étude représente une expérience préliminaire dans cette recherche. Nous avons fait un sondage auprès de 368 étudiants de premier cycle et de cycles supérieurs en administration des affaires dans une université canadienne de taille moyenne afin d’explorer les implications de la question suivante : « Est-ce qu’un titre de cours accrocheur attire davantage l’intérêt des étudiants qu’un titre plus conventionnel? » Nos résultats présentent un certain soutien non qualifié à cette pratique qui consiste à utiliser des titres de cours accrocheurs dans le but d’attirer l’intérêt des étudiants. Nous avons trouvé que l’influence la plus significative sur la préférence des étudiants entre les titres conventionnels et les titres accrocheurs était l’année d’inscription (les étudiants de première et de quatrième année étaient davantage attirés par les titres de cours accrocheurs; les étudiants des cycles supérieurs et ceux inscrits en deuxième et troisième année semblaient préférer les titres de cours conventionnels). Les implications en matière de marketing et de pédagogie sont discutées, ainsi que la nécessité de faire des recherches plus avancées sur la question.
DINÂMICA DA PAISAGEM E DISTRIBUIÇÃO FITOGEOGRÁFICA DE ESPÉCIES PSAMÓFITAS EM DUNAS COSTEIRAS - BARRA DOS COQUEIROS, SERGIPE
Authors: Caduda dos Santos Sindiany Suelen , Souza Rosemeri Melo e
Published: March 2017

O presente artigo reporta-se à dinâmica da paisagem, bem como à distribuição fitogeográfica de espécies psamófitas em dunas costeiras da Praia de Jatobá, município de Barra dos Coqueiros, Sergipe, com vistas à apresentação dos transectos para avaliação fitogeográfica da localidade em questão e avaliação das condições atuais da paisagem, uma vez que a dinâmica paisagística dunar liga-se intimamente a fatores naturais e a componentes que se ligam a vulnerabilidade biofísica. A metodologia utilizada baseou-se no levantamento dos pontos de estudo nas Faixas de praia, dunas incipientes, semifixas e fixas da Praia do Jatobá, município de Barra dos Coqueiros, Sergipe, visando caracterizar a paisagem e coletar material botânico para posterior análise taxonômica e avaliação fitogeográfica. Em meio aos resultados demonstradores de uma vegetação sofredora de intensa depleção por conta das ações humanas e de paisagem descaracterizada, observa-se que a vulnerabilidade dunar, relacionada ao homem tem se mostrado expressiva e geradora de preocupações quanto à necessidade de medidas urgentes com vistas à preservação ambiental.
AVALIAÇÃO DOS EFEITOS DA OCUPAÇÃO URBANA NO ESCOAMENTO SUPERFICIAL NA MICROBACIA DO CÓRREGO MOGI E LAGOINHA EM UBERLÂNDIA - MG
Authors: Amorim João Mateus de , Arruda Laerte Bernardes de
Published: March 2017

Esta pesquisa avaliou o efeito da urbanização e a ocupação do solo na qualidade do escoamento superficial do córrego Mogi, em Uberlândia - MG, por meio da coleta de amostras de água obtidas no momento da chuva e em períodos secos.
EVALUACIÓN DE LA INFLUENCIA DE LA VEGETACIÓN ACUÁTICA EN EL BALANCE HÍDRICO DE EMBALSES EN CUBA
Authors: Plasencia Fraga José Miguel
Published: March 2017

Se realizó la evaluación de la influencia que tiene la vegetación acuática en el balance hídrico en embalses cubanos. Para su análisis, la vegetación acuática se agrupó en emergente, flotante y sumergida, y se analizó la retención de agua, el volumen desplazado, evaporación y transpiración. Las formas sumergidas y flotantes, incluyendo las libres, son las que más agua retienen por unidad de superficie debido a su alto contenido de agua, 90.3% como promedio para ambos tipos de plantas. A partir de las consideraciones realizadas, la evaporación inducida por la vegetación sumergida y la transpiración por las emergentes y flotantes, así como el agua retenida y la desplazada por las plantas, en los cuerpos de agua se producen pérdidas de agua en dependencia del área cubierta y tipo de vegetación, las cuales pueden llegar a representar un volumen importante del total almacenado.
DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL E TEMPORAL DE SÓLIDOS EM SUSPENSÃO NO RESERVATÓRIO DA USINA HIDRELÉTRICA BARRA DOS COQUEIROS – GO
Authors: Braga Celso Carvalho , Pereira Cabral João Batista , Rocha Hudson Moraes , Rocha Isabel Rodrigues
Published: March 2017

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo realizar uma análise espacial e temporal dos parâmetros, concentração de sólidos em suspensão (CSS), transparência da água (SEC) e turbidez (TURB), no reservatório da usina hidrelétrica de Barra dos Coqueiros - GO, localizada na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Claro – GO. As coletas de água foram realizadas em 11 de Março de 2011 e 17 de Agosto de 2011, referente ao período seco e úmido no cerrado brasileiro. No período seco ocorre uma baixa concentração de sólidos suspenso, havendo uma homogeneização no reservatório, enquanto no período úmido tem-se um aumento na sua concentração, proporcionando uma heterogeneidade. Contudo, há relação entre as três variáveis medidas com um gradiente horizontal no sentido rio-barragem, que indicam a influência da bacia hidrográfica e a deposição do material no reservatório.
Contemplating the Void: How Narrative Overcomes Anonymity in Toni Morrison'sSula
Authors: Idol Kimberley
Published: March 2017

An analysis of Toni Morrison's novel Sula and her use of the classic etymological and narrative styles and tropes evident in the major epics of the Greek, Mesopotamian, and Indian regions of the world to recover the disenfranchised aspects of African-American cultural history that have traditionally been subsumed in modern times in discussions of the classic epics. Further, this paper examines the use of the character, Sula as a divine and heroic figure and the Bottom as a modern interpretation of the holy spot of redemption in the material world to invigorate the novel, and connect it to the cultural lineage that has resulted in this work from one point of view. Focusing on the novel and using Morrison's own interpretations of the purpose of Sula and the style in which it was written this paper attempts also to address the criticisms that define this work as an ethnic and political text purposed specifically to overwrite the importance of previous epic texts in terms of defining the spiritual and collective view of the morays and faith of the African American identity.
“Any Ideas?”: The American Library Association and the Desegregation of Public Libraries in the American South
Authors: Wiegand Wayne A.
Published: March 2017

Sad fact: For the most of the twentieth century, the American Library Association (ala) chose to look past the issue of racially segregated public libraries in the South rather than confront, challenge, or even discuss it. Not until the early 1960s did a few vocal members of the nation's library community outside the association's control force ala to finally address the issue. Recounting the history of this neglect is not only instructive, but also essential to understanding subsequent ala history on race issues.
The GSLS Carnegie Scholars: Guests in Someone Else's House
Authors: Cooke Nicole A.
Published: March 2017

During the late 1960s and early 1970s the University of Illinois took many risks in an effort to diversify the ranks of their student body. One such initiative was the Carnegie Scholars experiment; thirty minority students were recruited to the Graduate School of Library Science, twenty-nine graduated, and many went on to become leaders in their profession. The experiences of these Scholars, told through archival records, can inform current discussions about the recruitment and care of minority students in library and information science graduate programs, and in higher education in general. The program was described as “an unusual, flawed, but ultimately successful program to increase the number of disadvantaged students, primarily black and Hispanic” in the profession. The program was shortsighted, fraught with miscommunication and low expectations, and a definite product of the racial climate of the time.
Past and Future Earth: Archaeology and Soil Studies on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Authors: Graham Elizabeth , MacPhail Richard , Crowther John , Turner Simon , Stegemann Julia , Arroyo-Kalin Manuel , Duncan Lindsay , Austin Phillip , Whittet Richard , Rosique Cristina
Published: March 2017

Marco Gonzalez is one of a number of Maya sites on Belize’s coast and cayes (coral islands) that exhibit anomalous vegetation and dark-coloured soils. Like Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs), the soils are sought locally for cultivation and are underlain by anthropogenic deposits. Our research is aimed at assessing the role of the anthropogenic deposits in soil formation processes with a view to developing strategies to quantify the long-term environmental impact of human activities today.
Diabetes and elevated urea level predict for uretero-ileal stricture after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit formation
Authors: Hoag Nathan , Papa Nathan , Koonj Beharry Bhawanie , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Chiu Danny , Sengupta Shomik , Bolton Damien
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Benign uretero-ileal anastomotic stricture is a significant complication following radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. We examined risk factors for stricture formation to predict those at greatest stricture risk.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients undergoing radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion between 2002 and 2012. Demographic data and patient variables were analyzed to determine risk factors for uretero-ileal stricture using multivariate logistic regression.Results: Over the study period, 133 patients underwent cystectomy and ileal conduit formation, with 14 (10.5%) developing ureteroileal anastomotic stricture. Diabetes and elevated serum urea level (defined as >7.1 mmol/L) were associated with increased risk for development of uretero-ileal stricture (odds ratio 4.31 and 4.28, respectively; p<0.05 for each).Conclusions: In this patient cohort, diabetes and elevated serum urea level were predictive for the development of uretero-ileal anastomotic stricture. Further prospective study with larger patient samples is required.
Treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients: Review of the literature and current guidelines
Authors: Aharony Shachar Moshe , Lam Ornella , Corcos Jacques
Published: March 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a unique neurological disease with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations that are time- and disease course-related. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are highly prevalent in this patient population, with approximately 90% showing some degree of voiding dysfunction and/or incontinence 6–8 years after the initial MS diagnosis. Major therapeutic goals include quality of life improvement and the avoidance of urological complications Owing to the wide divergence of clinical symptoms and disease course, evaluation and treatment differ between patients. Treatment must be customized for each patient based on disease phase, patient independence, manual dexterity, social support, and other medical- or MS-related issues. Ablative or irreversible therapies are indicated only when the disease course is stable. In most cases of “safe” bladder, behavioural treatment is considered first-line defense. Antimuscarinic drugs, alone or in combination with intermittent self-catheterization, are currently the mainstay of conservative treatment, and several other medications may help in specific disease conditions. Second-line treatment includes botulinum toxin A injection, neuromodulation, indwelling catheters, and surgery in well-selected cases.
Shock due to urosepsis: A multicentre study
Authors: Yamamichi Fukashi , Shigemura Katsumi , Kitagawa Koichi , Takaba Kei , Tokimatsu Issei , Arakawa Soichi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Urosepsis is a severe infection that can cause shock afterwards. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and bacterial risk factors for shock in those cases with urosepsis caused by urinary tract infection in a multicentre study.Methods: Our study included 77 consecutive urosepsis cases from four hospitals. We examined factors such as patient characteristics, underlying disease, serum white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level at the time of diagnosis of urosepsis, urinary tract occlusion, causative bacteria, and bacterial antibiotic susceptibilities. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the potential risk factors for shock during the clinical course of urosepsis by a multivariate analysis.Results: We had 38 male and 39 female patients aged 25‒104 (median 73). Underlying diseases included cancers (n=22, 28.6 %) and diabetes mellitus (n=17, 22.1 %). Positive blood culture was seen in 74 cases; these involved 88 bacterial strains, of which Escherichia coli was the most common (34 strains, 38.6 %). There were 31 cases with shock (40.3 %) and multivariate analyses demonstrated that serum CRP was the only clinical risk factor for shock due to urosepsis.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that serum CRP was a risk factor for shock during urosepsis in a multicentre analysis. Further prospective studies with a greater number of patients are needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
A case of epidermoid median raphe cyst traversing the corpora cavernosa
Authors: Yu Alice , Capolicchio John-Paul
Published: March 2017

Median raphe cysts are congenital lesions that typically have a superficial appearance. We present a very unusual case of a deep perineal mass in a six-year-old boy. The lesion extends into the corpus cavernosum, suggesting that the anomaly was an early embryological event. Histopathological features are consistent with an epidermoid type of median raphe cyst.
Aesthetic restoration of anterior section using Edelweiss standard composite veneers
Authors: Małysa Andrzej , Małysa Ryszard , Więckiewicz Włodzimierz
Published: March 2017

Introduction. Reconstruction of anterior section using Edelweiss composite veneers leads to improved aesthetics and function of incisors. A brief comparison of ceramic veneers and Edelweiss veneers with the advantages and disadvantages of both structures is presented. The problem of the immediate restoration of the patient’s mouth, as well as the concept of preparation are also discussed.
Aim of the study. To present the reconstruction of maxillary incisors using Edelweiss composite veneers.
Material and Methods. This paper presents three cases of patients’ treated with the use of Edelweiss composite veneers.
Results. Prefabricated Edelweiss composite veneers are not able to replace ceramic veneers. They are an alternative to the classical solution of the ceramic veneers. It should be emphasised that the enhanced flexibility of composite veneers was obtained utilizing a composite material. However, it is associated with a possibility of absorbing dyes resistant to ceramic present in the oral cavity.
Conclusions. Standard Edelweiss veneers limit the construction individualization, which directly affect the final result. Despite their advantages and disadvantages they are used in dental practice.
Optimization and Validation of a Residue Analysis Method for Glyphosate, Glufosinate, and Their Metabolites in Plant Matrixes by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Oulkar Dasharath P , Hingmire Sandip , Goon Arnab , Jadhav Manjusha , Ugare Bharat , Thekkumpurath Ahammed Shabeer , Banerjee Kaushik
Published: March 2017

A sensitive and accurate LC with tandem MS (MS/MS)-based method was developed and validated for the analysis of the herbicide glyphosate, its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and glufosinate after derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl) in various plant matrixes. The method also covers direct analysis of the glufosinate metabolites 3-methylphosphinicopropionic acid (3-MPPA) and N-acetyl-glufosinate (NAG). The homogenized samples were extracted with 0.1% formic acid in water–dichloromethane (50 + 50). The aqueous layer was derivatized with FMOC-Cl, cleaned through an HLB SPE cartridge, and determined by LC-MS/MS. The sample size, extraction solvent, sample-to-solvent ratio, derivatization conditions,and cleanup procedure were thoroughly optimized, the LOQs of glyphosate, glufosinate, and AMPA were 0.5 ng/g in grape, corn (leaf and seed), and cotton (leaf, seed, and oil) and 2 ng/g in soybean and tea. The LOQs of NAGand 3-MPPA were 50 ng/g in all the test matrixes, except tea and soybean, for which the LOQ was 100 ng/g. Inall cases, average recoveries were >80%. The method successfully performed the estimation of glyphosate in incurred corn and cotton leaf samples collected from supervised field trials.
False-Negative Interpretation of Adenocarcinoma In Situ in the College of American Pathologists Gynecologic PAP Education Program
Authors: Zhao Chengquan , Crothers Barbara A. , Tabatabai Z. Laura , Li Zaibo , Ghofrani Mohiedean , Souers Rhona J. , Husain Mujtaba , Fan Fang , Shen Rulong , Ocal Idris Tolgay , Booth Christine N. , Goodrich Kelly , Russell Donna , Davey Diane D. ,   College of American Pathologists Cytopathology Committee
Published: March 2017

Context.—

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is difficult to correctly interpret on Papanicolaou (Pap) cytology slides and false-negative interpretations of AIS can cause significant problems in daily practice.

Objective.—

To investigate the false-negative interpretation rate of AIS and the factors related to false-negative interpretation through responses in an educational environment.

Design.—

We retrospectively evaluated 11 337 responses in the PAP Education Program (PAP-Edu) from 173 AIS slides from 2011 to 2015. The false-negative interpretation rate, most common false-negative interpretations, and related other factors were evaluated.

Results.—

The overall false-negative rate was 6.9% (784 of 11 337). Respondents correctly interpreted AIS 50.0% (5667 of 11 337) of the time; high-grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and malignancies (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other carcinomas) accounted for 42.7% (4842 of 11 337) and low-grade intraepithelial lesion accounted for 0.4% (44 of 11 337) of responses. Overall, 92.7% (10 509 of 11 337) of responses were HSIL and above. Among 784 false-negative responses, negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy was the most common (61.5% [482 of 784]), followed by reparative changes (24.1% [189 of 784]) and atrophic vaginitis (7.7% [60 of 784]). Overall, pathologists' responses showed a significantly higher false-negative rate than cytotechnologists' responses (8.3%, 403 of 4835 versus 5.7%, 275 of 4816; P < .001). The false-negative response rates were not statistically different among preparation types.

Conclusions.—

The low correct interpretation rate and higher false-negative rate for AIS demonstrate the difficulty in interpreting AIS on Pap cytology, which may cause clinical consequences. The higher false-negative rate with pathologists than with cytotechnologists suggests cytotechnologists' higher screening sensitivity for AIS or cautious interpretation to avoid false-positive results by pathologists.
Portrait de l’évolution de la gestion des risques dans les ministères et les organisations publiques au Québec de 2005 à 2013
Authors: Ladouceur Benoit , Charbonneau Étienne
Published: March 2017

La gestion des risques est présentée comme un processus qui devrait avoir un impact positif sur la performance des organisations publiques; il est donc intéressant d’en dresser le portrait et de regarder en quoi sa mise en oeuvre est liée aux bonnes pratiques généralement reconnues. Cette étude se fonde sur les réponses au questionnaire annuel sur l’application de la Loi sur l’administration publique (LAP) du Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor (2004-2013). Dans le cadre du régime de performance établi par l’appareil administratif québécois, le processus de gestion des risques devrait être graduellement adopté par les organisations publiques, ce qui est démontré dans le présent article. Les organisations de grande taille devraient être les plus susceptibles d’adopter rapidement les processus proposés. Dans une certaine mesure, cela devrait aussi être le cas des organisations qui se dotent de ressources et appliquent certaines bonnes pratiques, comme le soutien de la direction à l’égard de la démarche ou la désignation de responsables du processus. On constate une progression lente, mais constante, de l’ensemble des indicateurs de maturité étudiés (processus, politique, étendue des champs d’application). Globalement, les ministères et les organismes de plus grande taille ont tendance à s’approprier certains outils de gestion de risque plus rapidement, mais les plus petits organismes réussissent à combler une partie du retard qu’ils accusaient dans un premier temps.
Fonctionnalisme technologique en musique
Authors: Chiriac Dragos
Published: March 2017

Dans le jargon philosophique habituel, un jugement de type « universel » est un concept toujours valide dans toutes les situations / époques, qui s’applique à tous les individus qu’il a la prétention de catégoriser. Au cours de cet article, nous suggérons que l’ébauche d’une quelconque définition « universelle » de l’art doit se heurter à des problèmes ontologiques (l’essence de l’art) sérieux. Nous proposons qu’il soit plus prudent de s’abstenir de faire de tels jugements en ayant une approche fonctionnaliste pour décrire sans définir le processus créatif ainsi que les oeuvres qui y aboutissent. Nous faisons la démonstration de cette approche construite sur un refus conscient de définir l’art, en analysant (avec les catégories des fins et des moyens) le rapport à la technologie du pianiste Glenn Gould. Il s’agit, en quelque sorte, d’un dialogue ouvert avec le lecteur. Finalement, nous aboutissons à la conclusion qu’il peut être pertinent pour le chercheur-créateur (un mélange entre le théoricien et l’artiste qui cherche à valider son art) d’opter pour une esthétique singulière ou d’essayer de constituer une théorie universelle de l’art en attaquant le problème ontologique par le biais de la linguistique (une suggestion, sans garanties). En dehors de notre approche fonctionnaliste, qui par rigueur intellectuelle peut tendre vers un relativisme insatisfaisant, il s’agit des seuls choix prometteurs qui ne se limitent pas aux analyses historiques ou aux analyses d’oeuvres individuelles (le paradigme actuel de l’enseignement théorique universitaire en musique) auxquels nous avons pensé.
Addressing Common Parental Concerns about Factors That Could Influence Piano Students’ Autonomous Motivation, Diligence, and Performance
Authors: Comeau Gilles , Huta Veronika
Published: March 2017

We examined the effects of choices parents can make regarding their child’s piano lessons: age started, instruction method, taking exams, taking group lessons, sitting in on lessons, helping with home practice, giving rewards for practising. Parental choices were correlated with the following child variables regarding piano playing: autonomous motivation, interest in performance and creativity, interest in effortful practice, time spent practising, feeling of competence, and exam performance. We administered questionnaires to 173 piano students aged six to sixteen and their parents. The most beneficial predictors were: initiating lessons before age seven, sitting in on lessons, and helping with home practice.
Opus sorabjianum : les joies et les souffrances d’un biographe
Authors: Roberge Marc-André
Published: March 2017

La recherche, la rédaction et la publication de la première biographie du compositeur, pianiste et critique anglais Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji (1892–1988), parue en 2013 sous la forme d’un fichier au format PDF sur le Sorabji Resource Site, site documentaire géré par son auteur, a représenté un projet d’envergure qui s’est étalé sur de nombreuses années. L’article consiste en une visite individuelle guidée dans l’atelier du biographe permettant de constater l’ampleur des défis, les techniques de recherche mises en oeuvre, les difficultés rencontrées et les solutions adoptées pour arriver à fournir au lecteur ce qui a semblé la façon idéale de jeter une base solide pour toute recherche future.
Identification of a small molecule inhibitor that stalls splicing at an early step of spliceosome activation
Authors: Sidarovich Anzhalika , Will Cindy L , Anokhina Maria M , Ceballos Javier , Sievers Sonja , Agafonov Dmitry E , Samatov Timur , Bao Penghui , Kastner Berthold , Urlaub Henning , Waldmann Herbert , Lührmann Reinhard
Published: March 2017

Small molecule inhibitors of pre-mRNA splicing are important tools for identifying new spliceosome assembly intermediates, allowing a finer dissection of spliceosome dynamics and function. Here, we identified a small molecule that inhibits human pre-mRNA splicing at an intermediate stage during conversion of pre-catalytic spliceosomal B complexes into activated Bact complexes. Characterization of the stalled complexes (designated B028) revealed that U4/U6 snRNP proteins are released during activation before the U6 Lsm and B-specific proteins, and before recruitment and/or stable incorporation of Prp19/CDC5L complex and other Bact complex proteins. The U2/U6 RNA network in B028 complexes differs from that of the Bact complex, consistent with the idea that the catalytic RNA core forms stepwise during the B to Bact transition and is likely stabilized by the Prp19/CDC5L complex and related proteins. Taken together, our data provide new insights into the RNP rearrangements and extensive exchange of proteins that occurs during spliceosome activation.