bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Pregnancy Intentions Associated with Transitions Into and Out of Marriage?
Authors: Maddow‐Zimet Isaac , Lindberg Laura , Kost Kathryn , Lincoln Alicia
Published: February 2016

CONTEXT

In addition to having associations with health outcomes, pregnancy intentions may be associated with social outcomes, including marital transitions.

METHODS

Linked data from the 2004–2008 Oklahoma Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System and The Oklahoma Toddler Survey for 2006–2010 on 3,617 women who were married and 2,123 who were unmarried at conception were used to examine the relationship between pregnancy intention status (intended, mistimed by less than two years, mistimed by two or more years, or unwanted) and marital formation or dissolution by the time of the birth and two years later. Logistic regression analyses were conducted, and propensity score methods were used to adjust for confounding characteristics.

RESULTS

Intention status was associated with marital transition two years after the birth, but not between conception and birth. In adjusted models, among women married at conception, those with a birth resulting from an unwanted pregnancy were more likely than those with a birth resulting from an intended pregnancy to transition out of marriage by the time their child was two years old (odds ratio, 2.2). Among women unmarried at conception, those with a birth following an unwanted pregnancy were less likely than those with a birth following an intended pregnancy to marry by the time their child was two (0.5). Births following mistimed pregnancies were not associated with marital transition.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings should motivate researchers to broaden the scope of research on the consequences of unintended childbearing. Future research should distinguish between mistimed and unwanted births.
From bounce to the mainstream: Hip hop representations of post-Katrina New Orleans in music, film and television
Authors: George Courtney
Published: February 2016

Kanye West’s biting off-script comments about George W. Bush during the televised NBC benefit, A Concert for Hurricane Relief, are probably the most remembered contribution by a hip hop artist to post-Katrina critiques of racism. Beyond Kanye’s pointed remarks, other well-established rappers (including Mos Def, Jay-Z, Public Enemy, Lil Wayne and Juvenile) quickly employed hip hop music to speak out in sociopolitical protests against the overt neglect of New Orleans’s poor black residents. In recent popular television and film representations, hip hop continues to play a significant role in how we remember the effects of Katrina. In the 2008 documentary film, Trouble the Water, Kimberly Rivers Roberts’s hip hop lyrics affirm a sense of survivorship, shared and created through music. Similarly, in its second season (2011), David Simon’s HBO television series Treme explores the role of hip hop in post-Katrina recovery processes through a storyline centred on local bounce music. Some scholars argue that post-Katrina hip hop responses can be viewed as ‘disaster tourism’, or as upholding stereotypes about New Orleans as a space of either violent criminal activity or utopian racial exceptionalism. However, this article suggests that through rap music, Trouble the Water, and Treme, listeners and viewers are exposed to the complexity, diversity and lasting impact of a city (New Orleans) and a musical genre (rap), both of which are often accused of ‘selling out’, ‘watering down’ or profiting from what were once deemed authentic black music communities.
Won’t bow: Don’t know how: Treme, New Orleans and American exceptionalism
Authors: Keeble Arin
Published: February 2016

This article examines the depiction of exceptionalism in David Simon and Eric Overmeyer’s television series, Treme, and argues that the series uses its New Orleans microcosm to articulate wider points about American society. It begins with the unlikely convergence of the rhetoric of defiance, which characterizes many of Treme’s varied protagonists who refuse to ‘bow’ in the face of crisis and disaster, with the rhetoric of the programme’s primary off-screen villains: the G. W. Bush administration. I argue, however, that while Treme undoubtedly champions the unique culture of New Orleans, its depiction of exceptionalism is neutral. Treme maps out the ways that the exceptionalism its characters are intensely invested in, which is simultaneously rooted in the city’s unique cultural history and projected onto New Orleans from the outside, can both benefit and hazard its citizens. Moreover, this multifaceted vision of exceptionalism ultimately starkly contrasts with the belligerent exceptionalism of the ‘Bush Doctrine’. Additionally, it is my contention that the programme’s representation of exceptionalism develops over the course of four seasons and after building in important strands of discussion around multiculturalism or ‘creolization’, and neo-liberalism (mostly in the guise of disaster capitalism), actually has more to say about Obama-era America, the period in which it was originally broadcast, than the Bush era in which most of the series is set.
Engaging trainee teachers with crafts and cultural heritage
Authors: Kokko Sirpa , Dillon Patrick
Published: February 2016

This article concerns perspectives on, and formative experiences of, crafts and cultural heritage reported by twenty exchange students from seven countries who studied Cultural Heritage and Craft Education in an International Study Programme at a University in Finland. The research is reported in a cultural ecological framework. Data were collected through individual and group activities concerned with students’ understandings of key terms, memories evoked by undertaking craft activities, values held about crafts and cultural heritage, and accounts of craft education. Results show that engaging in craft practices evokes strong associations with people, places, artefacts, activities, feelings and sensations. Crafts are valued particularly for the way they connect with culture and the possibilities they offer for self-expression. Cultural heritage is associated with crafts but relationships between the two are not taught in schools. The significance of the research concerns the case made for connecting crafts and cultural heritage in a broader conceptualization of arts education.
30 years of atomic force microscopy (AFM)
Authors: Gan Yang
Published: February 2016

Background

    This collection is to celebrate the 30th anniversary of atomic force microscopy (AFM). March 3, 1986 saw publication of the land-marking paper "Atomic force microscope" by G. Binnig, C. G. Quate and C. Gerber (Phys Rev Lett, 56 (1986) 930-933, citations >8,800) with the motivation to invent "a new type of microscope capable of investigating surfaces of insulators on an atomic scale" with high force and dimension resolution.

    Since then, AFM has given birth to a large family of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) or SXM where X stands for near-field optical, Kelvin, magnetic, acoustic, thermal, etc. More than 100,000 journal papers, ~6,000 papers/yr since 2008, have been published if one searches the Scopus database with "atomic force microscopy" or “force microscope”. Nowadays, many disciplines — physics, chemistry, biology, materials, minerals, medicine, geology, nanotechnology, etc — all benefit greatly from using AFM as an important and even key tool for characterization, fabrication and processing.

 

Coverage of the collection

In this collection, partly because of infeasibility of covering all topics of SPM, partly because of my personal research interests, topics covered here are only those important original research papers and reviews (the most are well-known and a few overlooked) related to topographical characterization in air/liquid and vacuum, imaging modes, calibration of cantilevers and tips, artifacts and imaging processing, surface and interfacial force measurements, chemical force microscopy, nanotribology, force spectroscopy in biology and soft matters, as well as new developments like ultra-fast imaging and metrology applications. About 200 papers will be assembled in this collection.
THE GOODNESS OF SIMULTANEOUS FITS IN ISIS
Authors: Kühnel Matthias , Falkner Sebastian , Grossberger Christoph , Ballhausen Ralf , Dauser Thomas , Schwarm Fritz-Walter , Kreykenbohm Ingo , Nowak Michael A. , Pottschmidt Katja , Ferrigno Carlo , Rothschild Richard E. , Martínez-Núñez Silvia , Torrejón José Miguel , Fürst Felix , Klochkov Dmitry , Staubert Rüdiger , Kretschmar Peter , Wilms Jörn
Published: February 2016

In a previous work, we introduced a tool for analyzing multiple datasets simultaneously, which has been implemented into ISIS. This tool was used to fit many spectra of X-ray binaries. However, the large number of degrees of freedom and individual datasets raise an issue about a good measure for a simultaneous fit quality. We present three ways to check the goodness of these fits: we investigate the goodness of each fit in all datasets, we define a combined goodness exploiting the logical structure of a simultaneous fit, and we stack the fit residuals of all datasets to detect weak features. These tools are applied to all RXTE-spectra from GRO 1008−57, revealing calibration features that are not detected significantly in any single spectrum. Stacking the residuals from the best-fit model for the Vela X-1 and XTE J1859+083 data evidences fluorescent emission lines that would have gone undetected otherwise.
ADAPTIVE DISTRIBUTION OF A SWARM OF HETEROGENEOUS ROBOTS
Authors: Prorok Amanda , Ani Hsieh M. , Kumar Vijay
Published: February 2016

We present a method that distributes a swarm of heterogeneous robots among a set of tasks that require specialized capabilities in order to be completed. We model the system of heterogeneous robots as a community of species, where each species (robot type) is defined by the traits (capabilities) that it owns. Our method is based on a continuous abstraction of the swarm at a macroscopic level as we model robots switching between tasks. We formulate an optimization problem that produces an optimal set of transition rates for each species, so that the desired trait distribution is reached as quickly as possible. Since our method is based on the derivation of an analytical gradient, it is very efficient with respect to state-of-the-art methods. Building on this result, we propose a real-time optimization method that enables an online adaptation of transition rates. Our approach is well-suited for real-time applications that rely on online redistribution of large-scale robotic systems.
Recepción y puesta en acto de la reforma de la escuela secundaria obligatoria. Aportes de Stephen Ball para estudiar las políticas educativas en escuelas de la provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina
Authors: Bocchio María Cecilia , Grinberg Silvia Mariela , Villagran Carla Andrea
Published: February 2016

En este artículo se presentan avances en los resultados de una investigación que se nutren de la obra de Stephen Ball, específicamente de los aportes que refieren al análisis de la trayectoria de la política o ciclos de la política (Policy Cycle Approach). Particularmente, focalizamos en el contexto de la práctica en el cual las políticas de reforma de la escuela secundaria obligatoria son recepcionadas y “puestas en acto” o enacted, en dos escuelas secundarias, de gestión pública, localizadas en la ciudad de Caleta Olivia, Santa Cruz. Construimos tres dimensiones de análisis que pretenden contribuir a la comprensión de cómo los sujetos experiencian las políticas de reforma educativa en la escuela secundaria, estas son: 1. El carácter intempestivo de la reforma; 2. La comunicación institucional de la reforma y 3. Retóricas de participación y compromiso en tiempos de hiper- burocracia y gerenciamiento. Desde este trabajo intentamos destacar algunas de las principales contribuciones de Ball a la investigación del proceso de puesta en acto de las políticas educativas en “escuelas reales” de Argentina.
Explorando el uso de las herramientas teóricas de Stephen J. Ball en el estudio de las políticas educativas en América Latina
Authors: Beech Jason , Meo Analía Inés
Published: February 2016

En este ensayo introductorio al número especial sobre el uso de las teorías de S. J. Ball en América Latina nos proponemos explorar cómo las preocupaciones teóricas y las preguntas de investigación empírica de Ball contribuyen a visibilizar, mapear e interrogar algunos aspectos que han sido marginalizados en la mayoría de las investigaciones sobre las políticas educativas en la región. Agrupamos las contribuciones de Ball en dos grandes ejes. En primer lugar, el análisis de la participación de nuevos actores en la política educativa, tales como las empresas y las organizaciones filantrópicas; lo que implica una redefinición del estado y de la forma en que se gobierna a la educación. El segundo eje que destacamos es el que analiza los ciclos de la política y la "puesta en acto" de las políticas en el nivel micro-institucional. Ball cuestiona el concepto de "implementación" y las visiones lineales acerca de las relaciones entre la "política" y la “práctica". Por el contrario, propone enfoques conceptuales que contribuyen a abrir la caja negra de las políticas educativas, explorando cómo éstas definen marcos posibles para la acción, pero, al mismo tiempo, dejan márgenes para las interpretaciones y acciones de los individuos que actúan en diferentes contextos.
Empowering Market-Based Finance: A Note on Bank Bailouts in the Aftermath of the North Atlantic Financial Crisis of 2007
Authors: Biondi Yuri
Published: February 2016

The North Atlantic Financial Crisis of 2007 did suddenly and massively disrupt the activities of financial markets and financial institutions that were organised under a market-based financial architecture at local and international levels. Both corporate and public policies were at the origin of this financial organisation that was established since the seventies and put at issue by this crisis. Finance and government were then as much complementary as rival actors throughout this market-driven transformation of local and international financial systems. Bank bailouts of 2007–2008 may be situated in this comprehensive and historical pattern, and embedded in the institutional structure that was designed and implemented to organise trans-national financial markets and financialisation.
Sauna-induced body mass loss in physically inactive young women and men
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Boraczyński Tomasz , Boraczyński Michał , Choszcz Dariusz , Mańkowski Stefan , Markowski Piotr
Published: February 2016

Study aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between basic somatic features (body mass and height) and body mass loss in physically inactive young women and men exposed to thermal stress in a dry sauna.

Materials and methods: The research was conducted in 2015 on 685 first-year full-time students (333 women, 352 men), aged 19–20 years old. Nude body mass was measured after the students dried off before and after using the sauna.

Results: An analysis of regression equations indicated that an increase in the body mass of women and men leads to a significant increase in sauna-induced body mass loss. On the other hand, body mass loss decreased with an increase in height in women and men, but to a smaller extent. From among the tested somatic features, body height and body mass, body mass had a decisive influence on body mass loss. Body height had a minimal and statistically non-significant impact on body mass loss.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that heavier individuals have an increased risk of dehydration and hyperthermia. Therefore, they should pay close attention to replenishing fluids lost in the sauna. The determination of body mass loss values after a visit to a dry sauna has practical significance because it supports the estimation of the fluid volume required for the maintenance of correct water balance.
European Harmonization Versus National Constitutional Sovereignity – On the Example of the Measures to Contain the Crisis of the Common European Currency
Authors: Becker Ra Jochen
Published: February 2016

The Eurozone Crisis is not just a monetary and economic challenge. It is as well the first tremendous challenge of the European Community and as well the national institutions and constitutions of the member states not only within the Eurozone. On one side the European Commission, the European Parliament and the ECB with its endeavours to safeguard and stabilize the single currency EURO within the Eurozone, to support the suffering countries in the south (PIIGS) with its struggle against speculative hedge funds, to render financial relief measures to those countries and its financial industry. Irrespective the fact governments and citizens within that countries, less appear to appreciate or honor that measures (Troika, Financial checks and budgetary control) as efficient help to stabilize but condemn as form of European paternalism and patronage.

On the other hand the countries and its citizenship especially in the north of the Eurozone to set a stop sign to the EU and the ECB. Therefore they stress the Maastricht criteria and cite the Art 125 of the TEU, which prohibits one nation to stand for or to be liable for the Government debts of another nation (no bail out).

Especially in the German perspective the demarcation line appears to run along between the European Commission, European Central Bank and European Court on the European side and the Bundesverfassungsgericht, the Bundesbank on the national German side.

Each of the institutions feels to be bound to its origin functions and principles and save the respective constitution and the task rendered by that constitution.

For a better understanding it is essential to get aware of and to reinforce the constitutional role which the Grundgesetz awarded to the Bundesverfassungsgericht and the Bundesbank and the German citizenship placing their confidence in these institutions.

Es soll konkret das Verhältnis zur Nichtbeistandsklausel No-Bail-out Klausel Art 125 AEUVertrag, den Europäischen Fiskalpakt / dem ESFS, ESM / dem OMT-Programm der EZB, möglichen Entwicklung des EU zur Haftungs- und Transferunion mit einem zukünftigen Haftungsautomatismus der Mitglieder, der Unterscheidung von gemeinsamer Währungspolitik und nationaler Wirtschaftspolitik, der drohenden Vergemeinschaftung von Staatsschulden einzelner EU-Länder, die Budgethoheit des nationalen Parlaments als freie Entscheidung über die Verwendung des nationalen Haushaltes untersucht werden. Mit allen diesen Fragen mussten sich das höchste Deutsche und Europäische Gericht in jüngster Vergangenheit intensiv beschäftigen.
Socio-demographic association of non communicable diseases’ risk factors in a representative population of school children: a cross-sectional study in Sousse (Tunisia)
Authors: El Ghardallou Meriam , Maatoug Jihene , Harrabi Imed , Fredj Sihem Ben , Jihene Sahli , Dendana Emna , Sana Bhiri , Zammit Nawel , Boughammoura Lamia , Ghannem Hassen
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs’) risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children.

Materials and methods:

We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia). A cluster analysis was used to identify different NCDs risk factors clusters, based on tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Subsequent χ2-tests were used to identify differences between the NCDs risk factors clusters in regards to socio-demographic characteristics.

Results:

Four clusters of NCDs risk factors were found: 1) Cluster 1: physical inactivity behavior with normal weight, 2) Cluster 2: physical inactivity behavior associated to excess weight, 3) Cluster 3: unhealthy diet associated to excess weight and low practice of physical activity, and 4) Cluster 4: smoking behavior with physical activity behavior. The pattern of cluster membership differed across sex (<10–3), school level, and socioeconomic level (<10–3) but there was no significant difference between clusters for mother’s education levels and household tenure.

Conclusion:

This study can have important implications for health policy and practice. Indeed, it found that many subjects have simultaneous multiple NCDs risk factors which leads to identify groups at risk and implement integrated intervention program.
Supplements to a recent proposal for permissible uncertainty of measurements in laboratory medicine
Authors: Haeckel Rainer , Wosniok Werner , Gurr Eberhard , Peil Burkhard
Published: February 2016

The DGKL Working Group Guide Limits (Arbeitsgruppe Richtwerte) has published a proposal for deriving permissible analytical uncertainty limits related to biological variation data. Reference intervals were used to estimate biological variation. Biological variation data as basis for permissible uncertainty limits are generally accepted. These concepts usually apply a fixed factor leading to unrealistic stringent limits for quantities with a relatively small biological variation and to very permissive limits for quantities with relatively large biological variation. The working group has suggested a non-linear relation between biological variation and permissible uncertainty limits. The new approach has been exemplified with 84 quantities listed in the RiliBÄK (official German guidelines). The algorithms published allowed to derive permissible limits for all quantitative measurands in laboratory medicine. After its publication, three supplements appear necessary: 1. additional specifications of standard uncertainty, 2. a discussion on permissible limits for diagnosis and monitoring purposes, and 3. a discussion on circular reasoning in our approach.
Analytic hierarchy process analysis for choosing a corporate social entrepreneurship strategy
Authors: Hadad Shahrazad
Published: February 2016

After conducting an extensive analysis of both the specialised literature and practice and identifying three types of corporate social entrepreneurship in my PhD thesis titled “Corporate social entrepreneurship - the new paradigm of reshaping and rethinking business”, I decided to determine which of the three approaches is mostly suited for the Romanian market. The three types of corporate social entrepreneurship: corporate social entrepreneurship as local development tool, corporate social entrepreneurship as market development tool, and corporate social entrepreneurship as transformational innovation tool were organised as the alternatives of a carefully constructed hierarchy having as criteria: return on investment (which does not necessarily refer to the money that the company invests in the strategy; the term is derived from sustainability and scalability), degree of novelty, pre-entry knowledge and interest in solving the communities’ social problems. The questionnaire constructed based on the hierarchy using analytic hierarchy processes was distributed to experts (business developers) coming from the following industries or sectors: beverages, IT, banking, furniture, and automotive. The research reveals which is the approach most likely to be employed by Romanian business developers. The results may be inferred to the sum of businesses represented by the expert business developers who were part of the research.
Debating Brain Drain: An Overview
Authors: Blake Michael
Published: February 2016

In my chapters in Debating Brain Drain, I offer some reasons for thinking that states may not seek to prevent the emigration of their own citizens – even when those citizens have rare and desirable skills, and might use those skills to improve the lot of their fellow citizens. These arguments are developed in response to those contrary arguments given by Gillian Brock in her own chapters. I try to establish my conclusions by arguing against the empirical and philosophical bases of arguments in favor of the right to prevent exit. I suggest, on the former front, that suppression of the right to exit might well work against the interests of the poor, rather than in their favor. On the latter front, I argue that any proposals for “compulsory service” are both unfair and illiberal. States are not entitled to perpetual allegiance; rather, they must justify their uses of coercive power with reference to the interests and rights of those over whom that power is exercised. Preventing the emigration of a citizen is, on the best understandings of liberal political philosophy, morally prohibited.
Pre-concentration of trace levels of rare-earth elements in high purity uranium samples for nuclear forensic purposes
Authors: Krajkó Judit , Varga Zsolt , Wallenius Maria , Mayer Klaus
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the development of a method for the pre-concentration and
analysis of trace-level amounts of rare-earth elements (REE) in high purity
uranium (U) samples. The method comprises pre-concentration and subsequent
group separation of REEs from the uranium matrix followed by their
quantitative determination using inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry. The achieved detection limit of the method (in the low pg/g
range) in combination with the high chemical recovery (around 90%)
enabled the investigation of REE patterns in high purity refined uranium
oxides. Applying this method one could follow the REE pattern along the entire
front-end of the nuclear fuel cycle.
What if we ignore the random effects when analyzing RNA-seq data in a multifactor experiment
Authors: Cui Shiqi , Ji Tieming , Li Jilong , Cheng Jianlin , Qiu Jing
Published: February 2016

Identifying differentially expressed (DE) genes between different conditions is one of the main goals of RNA-seq data analysis. Although a large amount of RNA-seq data were produced for two-group comparison with small sample sizes at early stage, more and more RNA-seq data are being produced in the setting of complex experimental designs such as split-plot designs and repeated measure designs. Data arising from such experiments are traditionally analyzed by mixed-effects models. Therefore an appropriate statistical approach for analyzing RNA-seq data from such designs should be generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) or similar approaches that allow for random effects. However, common practices for analyzing such data in literature either treat random effects as fixed or completely ignore the experimental design and focus on two-group comparison using partial data. In this paper, we examine the effect of ignoring the random effects when analyzing RNA-seq data. We accomplish this goal by comparing the standard GLMM model to the methods that ignore the random effects through simulation studies and real data analysis. Our studies show that, ignoring random effects in a multi-factor experiment can lead to the increase of the false positives among the top selected genes or lower power when the nominal FDR level is controlled.
A Markov random field-based approach for joint estimation of differentially expressed genes in mouse transcriptome data
Authors: Lin Zhixiang , Li Mingfeng , Sestan Nenad , Zhao Hongyu
Published: February 2016

The statistical methodology developed in this study was motivated by our interest in studying neurodevelopment using the mouse brain RNA-Seq data set, where gene expression levels were measured in multiple layers in the somatosensory cortex across time in both female and male samples. We aim to identify differentially expressed genes between adjacent time points, which may provide insights on the dynamics of brain development. Because of the extremely small sample size (one male and female at each time point), simple marginal analysis may be underpowered. We propose a Markov random field (MRF)-based approach to capitalizing on the between layers similarity, temporal dependency and the similarity between sex. The model parameters are estimated by an efficient EM algorithm with mean field-like approximation. Simulation results and real data analysis suggest that the proposed model improves the power to detect differentially expressed genes than simple marginal analysis. Our method also reveals biologically interesting results in the mouse brain RNA-Seq data set.
Preparation, crystal structure, thermal behavior, and theoretical studies ofN,N′-dinitro-4, 4′-azo-bis(1,2,4-triazolone) (DNZTO)
Authors: Zhu Jiaping , Jin Shaohua , Yu Yuehai , Wan Li , Li Lijie , Chen Shusen , Shu Qinghai
Published: February 2016

N,N′-Dinitro-4,4′-azo-bis(1,2,4-triazolone) (DNZTO) is synthesized by the reaction of 4,4′-azo-bistriazolone (ZTO) with a mixture of nitric acid and acetic anhydride. The product was fully characterized by IR, NMR, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray analysis. The explosive performance including detonation pressures (P), velocities (D) of DNZTO, and heats of formation were predicted usinggaussian 09at B3LYP/6-311+G**.
Synthesis and crystal structures of three novel benzimidazole/benzoindolizine hybrids
Authors: Belguedj Roumaissa , Bouacida Sofiane , Merazig Hocine , Belfaitah Ali , Chibani Aissa , Bouraiou Abdelmalek
Published: February 2016

Three benzoindolizine derivatives, 1, 2, and 3, were obtained via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. The reaction of 1-(2′-benzimidazolylmethyl)isoquinolinium ylides with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate gave a mixture of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-1,2-dicarboxylate (1) and 1,10b-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-1,2-dicarboxylate (2) derivatives containing a benzimidazole moiety. The reaction of this isoquinolinium N-ylide with dimethyl maleate gave an unexpected 2,3-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-1,2-dicarboxylate (3). The structures of all reported compounds have been examined by X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy.
Cerium intermetallics CeTX– review III
Authors: Pöttgen Rainer , Janka Oliver , Chevalier Bernard
Published: February 2016

The structure–property relationships of CeTXintermetallics with structures other than the ZrNiAl and TiNiSi type are systematically reviewed. These CeTXphases form with electron-poor and electron-rich transition metals (T) andX= Mg, Zn, Cd, Hg, Al, Ga, In, Tl, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, P, As, Sb, and Bi. The review focusses on the crystal chemistry, the chemical bonding peculiarities, and the magnetic and transport properties. Furthermore119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopic data, high-pressure studies, hydrogenation reactions and the formation of solid solutions are reviewed. This paper is the third of a series of four reviews on equiatomic intermetallic cerium compounds [Part I: R. Pöttgen, B. Chevalier,Z. Naturforsch.2015,70b, 289; Part II: R. Pöttgen, B. Chevalier,Z. Naturforsch.2015,70b, 695].
Tylusis modernizmas lietuvių literatūroje
Authors: Tūtlytė Rita
Published: February 2016

Der vorliegende Beitrag entstand auf der Grundlage einer Vorlesung am Institut für Baltistik der Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald. Das Ziel war es, fremdsprachige Hörer mit den Eigenheiten der sogenannten litauischen stille Moderne bekannt zu machen. Zunächst wird auf politische und kulturelle Spannungen dieser Periode eingegangen. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit wird dabei auf die Weltanschauung einer ganzen Generation sowie auf das Paradigma ihres kollektiven Gedächtnisses in der symbiotischen Verflechtung von Geschichte und Mythos gerichtet. Kulturelle und historische Vorstellungen werden in dem Artikel über die Interpretation des litauischen Staatswappens, dem Vytis, verdeutlicht. Die Wahrnehmung der eigenen Identität in dieser Zeit wird am Beispiel struktueller Veränderungen in der Lyrik vorgeführt.
Critical state interpretation of effects of fines in silty sands
Authors: Kwa K. A. , Airey D. W.
Published: February 2016

The effect of the fines content in silty sands on the location of the critical state line (CSL) has been investigated by performing standard drained and undrained triaxial tests on reconstituted samples containing Sydney sand, feldspar fines and mixtures of the two at 20, 40 and 60% fines content. In the e-log p′ plane, CSLs of silt–sand mixtures shifted parallel to one another. The transitional fines content of silt–sand mixtures was 40%. Transitional soil behaviour was also observed in silt–sand samples that contained 40 and 60% fines as densely and loosely prepared samples with these fines contents failed on two different and parallel CSLs.
On the One Extremal Problem on the Riemann Sphere
Authors: Targonskii Andrey L. , Targonskaya Irina
Published: February 2016

Sharp estimates of product of inner radii for pairwise disjoint domains are obtained. In particular, we solve an extremal problem in the case of arbitrary finite number of rays containing arbitrary even number of free poles.
Composição florística e estrutura fitossociológica de um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Densa no município de Macaíba, RN
Authors: Araújo Luan Henrique Barbosa de , Silva Richeliel Albert Rodrigues , Chagas Kyvia Pontes Teixeira das , Nóbrega Camila Costa da , Santana José Augusto da Silva
Published: February 2016

Estudos fitossociológicos em remanescentes florestais são de suma importância para caracterização da estrutura horizontal de comunidades florestais, pois gera dados que servem tanto de base para projetos de manejo florestal quanto para recuperação da biodiversidade. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se analisar a fitossociologia da vegetação, caracterizando a estrutura horizontal de um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Densa no Município de Macaíba-RN. Para a coleta de dados do componente arbóreo, utilizou-se a metodologia de pontos quadrantes, alocando cinco transectos espaçados de 15 m, perfazendo 175 pontos quadrantes ao longo das trilhas com distância de 8 m entre pontos. Na amostragem foram incluídos todos os indivíduos com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) ≥10 cm e altura mínima de 1,0 m. A densidade estimada do fragmento foi de 1.873 indivíduos ha-1, com área basal de 22,11 m² ha-1, índice de diversidade de Shannon de 3,19 nats.ind-1 e índice de equabilidade de Pielou de 0,79. A maior proporção de indivíduos se distribuiu entre os intervalos de 3,18 a 8,19 cm de diâmetro e 3,79 a 5,79 m de altura. Com base nos dados analisados do inventário florístico, a área estudada se caracteriza como Floresta Ombrófila Densa, em estágio médio de regeneração, tendo Copaifera cearenses como a espécie que apresentou maior valor de importância no fragmento.
Degradabilidade da fibra de coco revestida com poliestireno em meio alcalino
Authors: Silva Everton Jose da , Velasco Fermin Garcia , Fornari Junior Celso , Luzardo Francisco Martinez , Marques Maria Lidiane , Machado Gilmar
Published: February 2016

A superfície da fibra vegetal é constituída principalmente por compostos como celulose, hemicelulose, lignina, pectina e extrativos. Esses compostos orgânicos são sensíveis à ação de muitos agentes químicos e ao pH básico, o que dificulta seu emprego em compósitos cimentícios para torná-los mais sustentáveis. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a eficiência do poliestireno (0, 1, 3 , 5% e 3% mais tratamento térmico a 140 °C) na proteção da fibra de coco em meio alcalino. As fibras ficaram imersas em solução alcalina (pH 14) em um total de 63 dias e foram avaliadas periodicamente por meio de ensaio gravimétrico. Ao final do ensaio, as fibras foram analisadas através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura. De acordo com as análises, a amostra de fibra de coco sem revestimento protetor perdeu 80% da sua massa inicial e, através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura, foi possível verificar a destruição da estrutura superficial da fibra, expondo os feixes de microfibras celulósicas localizados na sua região interior. As fibras de coco com revestimento de 3% de poliestireno associado ao tratamento térmico terminaram o ensaio com uma porcentagem de massa final superior a 50% da sua massa inicial. Assim, a associação do revestimento de poliestireno (3%) com posterior tratamento térmico a 140 ºC melhorou a durabilidade das fibras de coco em aproximadamente 30% quando inseridas em meio alcalino.
Biorregulador aplicado em diferentes estádios fenológicos na cultura do trigo
Authors: Mendes Marcelo Cruz , Gabriel André , Vidal Luiz Henrique Ilkiu , Junior Omar Possatto , Faria Marcos Ventura , Camargo Junior Osnil Alves
Published: February 2016

Os biorreguladores são produtos relativamente novos no mercado e sua utilização vem gradativamente aumentando na agricultura. Porém, há poucos trabalhos científicos que denotam a eficiência de utilização desses produtos no tratamento de sementes e via aplicação foliar para a cultura do trigo no Brasil. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a eficiência agronômica de um biorregulador comercial à base de auxina, citocinina e giberelina no tratamento de sementes e/ou aplicado via foliar em diferentes estádios fenológicos na cultivar de trigo Quartzo. As aplicações foliares foram realizadas nos estádios fenológicos de perfilhamento, florescimento e em ambos estádios perfilhamento e florescimento. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de campo, no sistema de plantio direto, onde, anteriormente, havia sido cultivado milho no verão, no município de Guarapuava, PR. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições, sendo avaliado, após o ponto de maturidade fisiológica, as seguintes características agronômicas: número de perfilhos, número de espigas, número de grãos por espiga, peso hectolitro, peso de 1000 grãos e produtividade de grãos. O biorregulador à base de auxina, citocinina e giberelina aumenta a produtividade de grãos, quando aplicado de forma conjunta, via sementes e aplicação foliar, sendo mais efetivo no florescimento.
Produtividade de fitomassa herbácea em diferentes manejos no semiárido cearense
Authors: Filho Jacques Carvalho Ribeiro , Palácio Helba Araujo de Queiroz , Andrade Eunice Maia de , Brasil Jose Bandeira , Araujo Neto Jose Ribeiro de
Published: February 2016

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a produtividade de fitomassa seca do estrato herbáceo em diferentes manejos no bioma Caatinga. Foram avaliadas três microbacias, parcela com Caatinga Conservada há 35 anos (CC), outra submetida ao raleamento durante 5 anos (CR) e a terceira submetida ao corte/queima e semeadura da gramínea Andropogon gayanus Kunt (DQP). O estudo considerou o efeito dos manejos e das precipitações, sendo as coletas de fitomassa realizadas mensalmente, enquanto as informações de precipitações foram coletadas diariamente no período de 2010 a 2013. Com relação à produtividade de fitomassa herbácea, observou-se que durante o período estudado, na microbacia com Caatinga Conservada (CC) não houve variação. Já para o manejo da Caatinga submetida ao raleamento (CR), percebem-se mudanças na fitofisionomia da vegetação, sendo as gramíneas predominantes sobre a vegetação típica da Caatinga. O manejo com gramínea Andropogon gayanus Kunt (DQP) foi o que mais produziu fitomassa, atingindo o pico máximo de 8.990,15 kg ha-1 no mês de maio de 2010. No entanto, essa produtividade vem decrescendo anualmente e nos anos de 2012 e 2013 sua produtividade não diferiu estatisticamente dos demais manejos. No último ano de monitoramento, já não se observa diferença estatística entre as produtividades de fitomassa monitorada nos 3(três) tratamentos. Esse fato está associado às baixas alturas pluviométricas registradas a partir do ano de 2012, evidenciando assim que a prática da queima com pastagem necessita de um manejo complementar para manter maiores produtividades de fitomassa herbácea.
Toxicity of  Millettia ferruginea  (Hochst) Baker against the Larvae and Adult Ticks of  Boophilus decoloratus  a One-Host Tick in Cattle
Authors: Choudhury Manash Kumar , Shiferaw Yoseph
Published: February 2016

The present article reports the in vitro toxicity of the seed of Millettia ferruginea (Berbera) for the first time against the larvae and mature ticks of Boophilus decoloratus. The 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% concentrations of the seed oil were found to kill all (100% mortality) larvae after 16hr, 12hr, 8hr, 6hr and 2hr respectively. The 100% concentration of the petroleum extract (oil) of the seed caused 100% mortality of adult male, adult female and fully engorged female tick after 5hr, 7hr and 12hr respectively. The root and root bark showed less toxicity while leaves did not show any activity. Among petroleum ether, acetone and methanol, the acetone extract showed highest acaricidal activity.   
Detection of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women by Singh's Index
Authors: Natu Neeta
Published: February 2016

To determine the diagnostic value of risk factor analysis (age, duration of menopause, body mass index and physical activities) and radiological imaging (Singh index and cortical index of the femoral neck) in diagnosing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, this study was cross sectional on 200 menopausal women without secondary risk factor for osteoporosis. They were classified proportionally using the Singh index. The Singh index and cortical index of the femoral neck were evaluated using femoral neck anterio-posterior X-ray. Physical activities were measured using a Historical leisure activity questionnaire. 14% women were found osteoporotic whereas osteopenia was observed in 62.5% women. The score system algorithm was the best method for determining osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. If there is osteopenia, evaluation using DEXA is then required. However score system algorithm cannot be used to follow up the therapy.

Keywords: Postmenopausal; Singh's index; Osteoporosis
La lucha por democracias más justas. Calidad de la democracia y Estado de derecho en El Salvador y Guatemala
Authors: Gutiérrez Salazar Martha Liliana
Published: February 2016

Con miras a dar paso a un estudio más amplio sobre la influencia de actores sociales en la protección judicial de derechos humanos, el presente trabajo se ocupa, por un lado, de plantear una propuesta metodológica para explorar empíricamente la manera como las organizaciones no gubernamentales influyen en la difusión de normas de derechos humanos entre actores judiciales a nivel nacional, y, por el otro, del análisis de la independencia judicial en Guatemala y El Salvador, de acuerdo con el diseño institucional. Esto último, esperando que mayores garantías institucionales hagan más factible la protección judicial de derechos humanos, lo que a su vez impactaría en beneficio del Estado de derecho y la calidad de la democracia.
Nuevos procesos, viejos problemas. ¿Cómo se democratizan los países? El caso de Myanmar
Authors: Pedrosa Fernando , Noce Cecilia
Published: February 2016

El artículo aborda el proceso de democratización de Myanmar tomando como inicio el proceso de independencia nacional, enfatizando los diversos momentos que se vincularon con cambios en el régimen político y, sobre todo, con los intentos de avanzar en reformas democráticas. Enfoca su atención en los actores políticos, sus posiciones, cambios e intereses, en especial en el desarrollo del liderazgo de Suu Kyi y las dificultades para consolidarse en el marco de la vigencia de reglas de juego no democráticas. Finalmente, analiza todo este proceso en el marco de los conceptos y modelos propuestos por la literatura de las ciencias sociales para explicar en qué condiciones los países logra avanzar –o no– desde regímenes no democráticos hacia otros híbridos o democráticos.
Análisis experimental de la corrupción y de las medidas anticorrupción. ¿Dónde estamos, hacia dónde vamos?
Authors: Boehm Frédéric , Isaza E Carolina , Villalba Díaz Martha Liliana
Published: February 2016

Este artículo presenta una discusión de la literatura interdisciplinar reciente sobre el estudio empírico y experimental de la corrupción. El análisis empírico de la corrupción se ve dificultado por su naturaleza ilícita. En las dos últimas décadas, han prevalecido estudios econométricos basados en datos de percepción de corrupción. Si bien estos han avanzado nuestro entendimiento del fenómeno, cada vez más se notan los límites de esta metodología al establecer causalidades y explorar los fundamentos de la toma de decisión corrupta o ética de los individuos. Recientemente, las literaturas económica, política, psicológica y organizacional han aplicado el método experimental para entender mejor el comportamiento corrupto y probar medidas anticorrupción. La revisión presenta y discute los principales aportes de esta literatura y así brinda un punto de partida para seguir investigando las preguntas abiertas.
Apresentação
Authors: Abikair Antonio José Ferreira
Published: February 2016

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O julgamento das ADIN's 3105 e 3128 pelo stf e a inconstitucionalidade do art. 4º da EMC 41
Authors: Jeveaux Geovany Cardoso
Published: February 2016

As decisões tomadas pelo STF nas ADIN's n. 3105 e 3128 representam um novo paradigma no direito constitucional pátrio, já que fixaram não haver direito adquirido a imunidades tributárias, ainda que elas tenham sido outorgadas por emenda constitucional (EMC 20/98). Trata-se de enfoque que desafia o conceito segundo o qual as imunidades são um direito fundamental à limitação do poder do Estado e não uma auto-limitação que o próprio Estado se dá e se absolve quando quer. Tais decisões fecharam o círculo discursivo sobre o assunto na esfera do direito positivo, por serem irrecorríveis, vinculantes e insindicáveis em sua constitucionalidade intríseca, mas precisamente por conta dessas mesmas características não podem se pôr a salvo da crítica acadêmica. A racionalidade da interpretação contidas naquelas decisões requer que as premissas utilizadas sejam abertas ao debate, naquilo de Robert Alexy chama de "exigência de saturação". Neste artigo, o exame das razões adotadas nos votos vencedores põe em dúvida aquela racionalidade e a própria constitucionalidade daquelas decisões.
Sociologia e direito: reatando laços
Authors: Anjos Erly Euzébio dos
Published: February 2016

O objetivo principal deste ensaio é aproximar sociologia ao direito, articulando suas problemáticas. Considera-se que vivemos na transição da crise de paradigmas do conhecimento científico e do direito. É preciso reatar os laços entre as disciplinas para se confrontar desafios da sociedade contemporânea.
Direitos fundamentais na relação de trabalho
Authors: Delgado Maurício Godinho
Published: February 2016

Estudo do conceito de direitos fundamentais, sua matriz na história da democracia e das constituições contemporâneas. Integração dos direitos fundamentais do trabalho no conceito de direitos fundamentais constitucionais. Núcleo dos direitos fundamentais do trabalho na ordem jurídica trabalhista. Efetividade dos direitos fundamentais do trabalho no Brasil e possibilidades de sua expansão às relações de trabalho no sentido genérico.
O caráter fenomênico do discurso retórico: o papel do ceticismo pirrônico no direito em frente às recentes teorias da argumentação jurídicas
Authors: Lima Pedro Parini Marques de
Published: February 2016

O texto tem como objetivo investigar qual seja o papel da argumentação no direito no que se refere ao seu real alcance gnosiológico e à sua efetividade enquanto estabelecimento de consensos. O debate funda-se na contraposição entre a filosofia cética do pirronismo e as recentes teorias da argumentação jurídica. A principal tese é que a argumentação não pode ser considerada mais um instrumento a serviço dos filósofos dogmáticos com objetivos sistematizadores e racionalizantes de seus discursos epistêmicos. Pelo contrário, seu lugar de origem seria entre os céticos, restringindo-se, portanto, exclusivamente a seu caráter retórico e fenomênico.