bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of intensive lifestyle modification & metformin on cardiovascular risk in prediabetes
Authors: Kulkarni Shruthi , Xavier Denis , George Belinda , Umesh Soumya , Fathima Saba , Bantwal Ganapathi
Published: February 2019

Background & objectives:

Prediabetes is associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In participants with prediabetes, the effects of exercise and metformin were evaluated on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), surrogate markers of atherosclerosis and CVD compared with standard care.

Methods:

In a pilot randomized control trial, the participants were randomized in to three arms: standard care (STD), intensive lifestyle modification (ILSM) or ILSM and metformin (ILSM+Met) and followed up for six months. Monitoring of ILSM was done by a trained healthcare facilitator. hsCRP, CIMT and other relevant parameters were measured before and after intervention.

Results:

A total of 103 participants were randomized into three arms and followed up for six months. At six months, there was a reduction from baseline in weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P<0.01) in all three arms and a reduction in haemoglobin A1c (P=0.03) only in the ILSM+Met arm. The differences in hsCRP over six months within the STD, ILSM and ILSM+Met arms were −0.12 (95% confidence interval, −1.81, 2.08), −0.58 (−2.64, 0.43) and −0.11 (−1.84, 1.56), respectively. There was no difference in hsCRP, CIMT (right) or CIMT (left) between the three arms at six months.

Interpretation & conclusions:

There was a reduction in weight and FBS from baseline in all three arms. There was, however, no difference seen in hsCRP and CIMT in the two intervention arms compared to standard care. Larger studies with long-term follow up need to be done to detect differences in risk markers for CVD in prediabetes.
Effect of anti-inflammatory activity of ranolazine in rat model of inflammation
Authors: Naveena R. , Hashilkar Nayana K. , Davangeri Reshma , Majagi Suneel I.
Published: February 2019

Background & objectives:

Inflammatory processes are a recognized feature of atherosclerotic lesions. Ranolazine inhibits the inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, interleukins-1 and -6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of anti-inflammatory activity of ranolazine in acute and sub-acute models of inflammation in rats and compare the same with that of control (gum acacia 1%) and aspirin (standard anti-inflammatory drug).

Methods:

Adult male Wistar rats (150-180 g) were used for the study. They were divided into three groups (n=6). One per cent gum acacia (control), aspirin (200 mg/kg body weight) and ranolazine (180 mg/kg body weight) were given orally. Acute inflammation was induced by injecting carrageenan in the left hind paw. Paw oedema volume and percentage inhibition were measured. Subacute inflammation was induced by implanting foreign bodies subcutaneously. Percentage inhibition of granuloma dry weight and haematoxylin and eosin stained sections of granulation tissue were studied.

Results:

In acute and subacute model study, ranolazine significantly (P<0.01) decreased the paw oedema volume and granuloma dry weight as compared to control and it was comparable to that of aspirin and histopathological sections showed a decrease in granulation tissue formation as compared to control.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Ranolazine demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute and subacute models of inflammation and needs further evaluation for its use in reducing atherosclerosis.
Nutrition-pollution interaction
Authors: Bharatraj Dinesh Kumar , Yathapu Srinivasa Reddy
Published: February 2019

The impact of environmental pollution, especially chronic low exposures of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, etc.) on nutritional status and health of human and livestock, has become a cause of concern. It is established that malnutrition inhibits enzyme system, alters neurotransmitter levels, degenerate myelin, glial and neural elements, lowering of IQ scores as well as impairment of fine and gross motor coordination. Chronic low-level exposure to heavy metals also results in similar type of deformities at sub-clinical level. However, additive impact of undernutrition and adverse effects of heavy metal exposure is emerging as a serious threat to health in developing countries. High blood Pb/Cd levels and low nutrient levels cause subclinical damage of organ system such as haemopoietic, renal, nervous systems in neonates, children, post-partum women, and occupationally exposed population. This could be due to chronic low-level heavy metal exposures and vis-à-vis interaction between pollutants and nutrients. Our studies are focused on the utility of biomarkers for early subclinical detection of haemopoietic and rental toxicity. Lead exposure from non-conventional sources such as toys, pet/glass bottles, etc. suggest long-term investigation. The present review compiles result of studies conducted in this area highlighting the importance of pollution-nutrition interaction. This may facilitate policymakers on developing the strategies to counter the heavy metal exposure of humans/livestock and their consequences.
Frequency & predictors of pancreatitis in symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Arya Ashutosh Kumar , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Mukherjee Soham , Singh Priyanka , Rana Surinder S. , Dahiya Divya , Sood Ashwani , Saikia Uma Nahar , Prakash Mahesh , Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Behera Arunanshu , Walia Rama , Bhansali Anil
Published: February 2019

Background & objectives:

The frequency and predictors of pancreatitis in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are not well understood. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of pancreatitis in patients with PHPT and its association with clinical and biochemical parameters of the disease.

Methods:

In this retrospective study all consecutive patients with PHPT registered in the PHPT registry (http://www.indianphptregistry.com) from the year 2004 to 2013 were included. The clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters related to pancreatitis were evaluated in histologically proven PHPT patients.

Results:

A total of 218 patients (63 men; mean age: 40.6±14.4 yr) underwent surgery for PHPT during the study. Pancreatitis occurred in 35 [16%, 18 acute and 17 chronic pancreatitis (CP)] patients and male:female ratio was 1:0.94. Skeletal manifestations were seen less frequently in PHPT with pancreatitis as compared to that of PHPT without pancreatitis. PHPT with pancreatitis had significantly higher serum calcium (12.4±2.0 vs. 11.7±1.5 mg/dl, P<0.05) in comparison to PHPT without pancreatitis. PHPT with acute pancreatitis (AP) had higher serum calcium (P<0.05) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (P<0.05) levels than PHPT with CP. Curative parathyroidectomy improved the symptoms associated with pancreatitis as there was no recurrence in AP group, whereas recurrence was observed only in about 10 per cent patients of the CP group.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Pancreatitis was observed in 16 per cent of PHPT patients with male predominance in the study population. No recurrence of AP was observed after curative surgery. It may be proposed that serum amylase with calcium and PTH should be measured in all patients of PHPT with pain abdomen to rule out pancreatitis.
Molecular genotyping of clinically important blood group antigens in patients with thalassaemia
Authors: Kulkarni Swati , Choudhary Bhavika , Gogri Harita , Patil Shashikant , Manglani Mamta , Sharma Ratna , Madkaikar Manisha
Published: February 2019

Background & objectives:

In multitransfused thalassaemic patients, haemagglutination fails to phenotype the patient's blood group antigens due to the presence of donor-derived erythrocytes. DNA-based methods can overcome the limitations of haemagglutination and can be used to determine the correct antigen profile of these patients. This will facilitate the procurement of antigen-matched blood for transfusion to multitransfused patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the serological phenotyping of common and clinically important antigens of Rh, Duffy, Kell, Kidd and MNS blood group systems with molecular genotyping amongst multitransfused thalassaemic patients.

Methods:

Blood samples from 200 patients with thalassaemia and 100 ‘O’ group regular blood donors were tested using standard serological techniques and polymerase chain reaction-based methods for common antigens/alleles (C, c, D, E, e, Fya, Fyb, Jka, Jkb, K, k, M, N, S, s).

Results:

Genotyping and phenotyping results were discordant in 77 per cent of thalassaemic patients for five pairs of antithetical antigens of Rh, Duffy, Kell and Kidd blood group systems. In the MNS blood group system, 59.1 per cent of patients showed discrepancy. The rate of alloimmunization among thalassaemics was 7.5 per cent.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Molecular genotyping enabled the determination of the actual antigen profile in multitransfused thalassaemia patients. This would help reduce the problem of alloimmunization in such patients and would also aid in the better management of transfusion therapy.
Cervical cancer screening in rural India
Authors: Srivastava Anand Narain , Misra Jata Shankar , Srivastava Shruti , Das Bhudav C. , Gupta Shilpi
Published: February 2019

Cervical carcinoma is one of the most common and dreaded diseases of women, and in India, it accounts for 16 per cent of total cervical cancer cases occurring globally. The situation is more alarming in the rural areas where the majority of women are illiterate and ignorant about the hazards of cervical cancer. Different screening strategies such as rural cancer registries and camp approach for cancer detection have been found useful in minimizing the problem of cervical cancer in the villages. Various screening techniques such as visual inspection with acetic acid, visual inspection with Lugol's iodine, visual inspection with magnification devices-magnavisualizer, Pap smear and HPV-DNA testing have been suggested and tried under low-resource settings of our country, and cervical cytology screening has been found effective in reducing incidence of the disease. In the present review, feasibility of different screening methods has been assessed to find out the most suitable mode applicable at the rural level. Single lifetime screening particularly of high-risk women along with analysis of cost-effective tumour markers such as Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) counts to discriminate high-risk dysplasia cases appears to be an appropriate approach in fighting against cervical cancer.
A four year experience in narcolepsy from a sleep clinic at a tertiary care centre with a short review of contemporary Indian literature
Authors: Ray Animesh , Kanabar Kewal , Upadhyay Vishwanath , Sharma Surendra Kumar
Published: February 2019

Narcolepsy is a common sleep disorder in Western countries but rarely reported from India. Here, we report a small case series of four narcolepsy patients seen over a four year period in the sleep clinic of a tertiary care hospital in north India. The diagnosis was established by clinical history and two or more sleep-onset rapid eye movements (SOREMs) on multiple sleep latency tests (MSLTs) following overnight polysomnography (PSG). The mean age of patients was 26.2±6.4 yr; one patient had associated cataplexy and another one had all four cardinal symptoms of narcolepsy. All these patients had a history of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). The mean body mass index was 24.2±4.7 kg/m[2]. The mean sleep latency during MSLT was 2.7±1.3 min, and the mean REM latency was 5.7±2.9 min. Narcolepsy, although rarely reported from India, should be suspected in young non-obese patients complaining of EDS and confirmed by performing MSLT following overnight PSG.
Spectral summation formula for GSp(4) and moments of spinor $L$-functions
Authors: Blomer Valentin
Published: February 2019

We compute the first and second moment of the spinor

L

-function at the central point of Siegel modular forms of large weight

k

with power saving error term and give applications to non-vanishing.
Differences in the Clinical and Laboratory Features of Imported Onchocerciasis in Endemic Individuals and Temporary Residents
Authors: Showler Adrienne J. , Kubofcik Joseph , Ricciardi Alessandra , Nutman Thomas B.
Published: February 2019

Many parasitic infections have different presenting features in endemic individuals (ENDs) and immunologically naive temporary residents (TRs). Temporary residents with loiasis often display acute symptoms and hypereosinophilia, in contrast to a parasite-induced subclinical state in chronically infected ENDs. Few studies have examined differences in ENDs and TRs infected with the related filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus. We identified 40 TRs and 36 ENDs with imported onchocerciasis at the National Institutes of Health between 1976 and 2016. All study subjects received an extensive pretreatment medical history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations. We performed additional parasite-specific serologic testing on stored patient sera. Asymptomatic infection occurred in 12.5% of TRs and no ENDs (P = 0.06). Papular dermatitis was more common in TRs (47.5% versus 2.7%, P < 0.001), whereas more pigmentation changes occurred in ENDs (41.7% versus 15%, P = 0.01). Only endemic patients reported visual disturbance (13% versus 0%, P = 0.03). One TR (3.3%) had onchocercal eye disease, compared with 22.6% of ENDs (P = 0.053). Absolute eosinophil counts (AECs) were similar in ENDs and TRs (P = 0.5), and one-third of subjects had a normal AEC. Endemic individuals had higher filarial-specific IgG4 and were more likely to be positive for IgG4 antibodies to Ov-16. Temporary residents and ENDs with imported O. volvulus infection presented with different dermatologic manifestations; ocular involvement occurred almost exclusively in ENDs. Unlike Loa loa, clinical differences appear not to be eosinophil-mediated and may reflect chronicity, intensity of infection, or the presence of Wolbachia in O. volvulus.
Vivre en Aquitaine: pedagogy, audience, design
Authors: Beaven Tita
Published: February 2019

This article provides an overview of the website Vivre en Aquitaine, a website for learners of French that introduces learners to that region of France whilst at the same time developing their language skills, cultural knowledge, and intercultural awareness. Whilst designers of learning resources have to take into account the learners' needs and objectives, the interplay between pedagogy and design are also crucial in developing the resources, and work together in an iterative process. This is illustrated by focussing on one particular section of the website, where the original pedagogical framework was modified by our emerging understanding of how some technical affordances could develop our pedagogy in unforeseen ways, pushing us to engage further with plurilingualism and intercomprehension.
Detection and classification of laminae in balloon-borne ozonesonde profiles: application to the long-term record from Boulder, Colorado
Authors: Minschwaner Kenneth , Giljum Anthony T. , Manney Gloria L. , Petropavlovskikh Irina , Johnson Bryan J. , Jordan Allen F.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. We quantify ozone variability in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) by
investigating lamination features in balloon measurements of ozone mixing
ratio and potential temperature. Laminae are defined as stratified variations
in ozone that meet or exceed a 10 % threshold for deviations from a basic
state vertical profile of ozone. The basic state profiles are derived for
each sounding using smoothing methods applied within a vertical coordinate
system relative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) tropopause. We
present results of this analysis for the 25-year record of ozonesonde
measurements from Boulder, Colorado. The mean number of ozone laminae
identified per sounding is about 9±2 (1σ). The root-mean-square
relative amplitude is 20 %, and laminae with much larger amplitudes (>40 %) are seen in ∼ 2 % of the profiles. The vertical scale of
detected ozone laminae typically ranges between 0.5 and 1.2 km. The lamina
occurrence frequency varies significantly with altitude and is largest within
∼2 km of the tropopause. Overall, ozone laminae identified in our
analysis account for more than one-third of the total intra-seasonal
variability in ozone. A correlation technique between ozone and potential
temperature is used to classify the subset of ozone laminae that are
associated with gravity wave (GW) phenomena, which accounts for 28 % of
all laminar ozone features. The remaining 72 % of laminae arise from
non-gravity wave (NGW) phenomena. There are differences in both the vertical
distribution and seasonality of GW versus NGW ozone laminae that are linked
to the contrast in main generating mechanisms for each laminae type.
Importance of biogenic volatile organic compounds to acyl peroxy nitrates (APN) production in the southeastern US during SOAS 2013
Authors: Toma Shino , Bertman Steve , Groff Christopher , Xiong Fulizi , Shepson Paul B. , Romer Paul , Duffey Kaitlin , Wooldridge Paul , Cohen Ronald , Baumann Karsten , Edgerton Eric , Koss Abigail R. , de Gouw Joost , Goldstein Allen , Hu Weiwei , Jimenez Jose L.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Gas-phase atmospheric concentrations of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN),
peroxypropionyl nitrate (PPN), and peroxymethacryloyl nitrate (MPAN) were
measured on the ground using a gas chromatograph electron capture detector
(GC-ECD) during the Southern Oxidants and Aerosols Study (SOAS) 2013 campaign
(1 June to 15 July 2013) in Centreville, Alabama, in order to study
biosphere–atmosphere interactions. Average levels of PAN, PPN, and MPAN were
169, 5, and 9 pptv, respectively, and the sum accounts for an average of
16 % of NOy during the daytime (10:00 to 16:00 local
time). Higher concentrations were seen on average in air that came to the
site from the urban NOx sources to the north. PAN levels
were the lowest observed in ground measurements over the past two decades in
the southeastern US. A multiple regression analysis indicates that biogenic
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) account for 66 % of PAN formation
during this study. Comparison of this value with a 0-D model simulation of
peroxyacetyl radical production indicates that at least 50 % of PAN
formation is due to isoprene oxidation. MPAN has a statistical correlation
with isoprene hydroxynitrates (IN). Organic aerosol mass increases with
gas-phase MPAN and IN concentrations, but the mass of organic nitrates in
particles is largely unrelated to MPAN.
On the sources and sinks of atmospheric VOCs: An integrated
analysis of recent aircraft campaigns over North America
Authors: Chen Xin , Millet Dylan B. , Singh Hanwant B. , Wisthaler Armin , Apel Eric C. , Atlas Elliot L. , Blake Donald R. , Brown Steven S. , Crounse John D. , de Gouw Joost A. , Flocke Frank , Fried Alan , Heikes Brian G. , Hornbrook Rebecca S. , Mikoviny Tomas , Min Kyung-Eun , Müller Markus , Neuman J. Andrew , O'Sullivan Daniel W. , Peischl Jeff , Pfister Gabriele G. , Richter Dirk , Roberts James M. , Ryerson Thomas B. , Shertz Stephen , Treadaway Victoria , Veres Patrick R. , Walega James , Warneke Carsten , Washenfelder Rebecca A. , Weibring Petter , Yuan Bin
Published: February 2019

Abstract. We apply a high-resolution chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem CTM) with updated treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a comprehensive suite of airborne datasets over North America to i) characterize the VOC budget, and ii) test the ability of current models to capture the distribution and reactivity of atmospheric VOCs, over this region. Biogenic emissions dominate the North American VOC budget in the model, accounting for 70 % and 95 % of annually emitted VOC-carbon and reactivity, respectively. Based on current inventories anthropogenic emissions have declined to the point where biogenic emissions are the dominant summertime source of VOC reactivity even in most major North American cities. Methane oxidation is a 2× larger source of non-methane VOCs (via production of formaldehyde and methyl hydroperoxide) over North America in the model than are anthropogenic emissions. However, anthropogenic VOCs account for over half the ambient VOC loading over the majority of the region owing to their longer aggregate lifetime. Fires can be a significant VOC source episodically but are small on average. In the planetary boundary layer (PBL), the model exhibits skill in capturing observed variability in total VOC-abundance (R2 = 0.36) and reactivity (R2 = 0.54). The same is not true in the free troposphere (FT), where skill is low and there is a persistent low model bias (~ 60 %), with most (27 of 34) model VOCs underestimated by more than a factor of 2. A comparison of PBL : FT concentration ratios over the southeastern US points to a misrepresentation of PBL ventilation as a contributor to these model FT biases. We also find that a relatively small number of VOCs (acetone, methanol, ethane, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, isoprene + oxidation products, methyl hydroperoxide) drive a large fraction of total ambient VOC reactivity and associated model biases; research to improve understanding of their budgets is thus warranted. A source tracer analysis suggests a current overestimate of biogenic sources for hydroxyacetone, methyl ethyl ketone and glyoxal, an underestimate of biogenic formic acid sources, and an underestimate of peroxyacetic acid production across biogenic and anthropogenic precursors. Future work to improve model representations of vertical transport and to address the VOC biases discussed are needed to advance predictions of ozone and SOA formation.
Cloud identification and classification from high spectral resolution
data in the far and mid infrared
Authors: Maestri Tiziano , Cossich William , Sbrolli Iacopo
Published: February 2019

Abstract. A new Cloud Identification and Classification algorithm, named CIC, is presented. CIC is a machine-learning algorithm, based on Principal Component Analysis, able to perform a cloud detection and scene classification using a univariate distribution and a threshold, which serves as a binary classifier. CIC is tested on a widespread synthetic dataset of high spectral resolution radiances in the far and mid infrared part of the spectrum simulating measures from the ESA Earth Explorer Fast Track 9 competing mission FORUM (Far Infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring) that is currently (2018/19) undergoing the industrial and scientific Phase-A studies. Simulated spectra are representatives of many diverse climatic areas, ranging from the tropical to polar regions. Application of the algorithm to the synthetic dataset provides high scores for clear/cloud identification, especially when optimisation processes are performed. One of the main results consists in pointing out the high information content of spectral radiance in the far-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum to identify cloudy scenes specifically thin cirrus clouds.
Linearization of the effect of slit function changes for improving OMI ozone profile retrievals
Authors: Bak Juseon , Liu Xiong , Sun Kang , Chance Kelly , Kim Jae-Hwan
Published: February 2019

Abstract. We introduce a method that reduces the spectral fit residuals caused by the slit function errors in an optimal estimation based spectral fitting process to improve ozone profile retrievals from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) ultraviolet measurements (270–330 nm). Previously, a slit function was parameterized as a standard Gaussian by fitting the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of the slit function from climatological OMI solar irradiances. This cannot account for the temporal variation of slit function in irradiance, the intra-orbit slit function changes due to thermally-induced change and scene inhomogeneity, and potential differences in the slit functions of irradiance and radiance measurements. As a result, radiance simulation errors may be induced due to using the convolved reference spectra with incorrect slit functions. To better represent the shape of the slit functions, we implement a more generic super Gaussian slit function with two free parameters (slit width and shape factor); it becomes standard Gaussian when the shape factor is fixed to be 2. The effects of errors in slit function parameters on radiance spectra, referred as Pseudo Absorbers (PAs), are linearized by convolving high-resolution cross sections or simulated radiances with the partial derivatives of the slit function with respect to the slit parameters. The PAs are included in the spectral fitting scaled by fitting coefficients that are iteratively adjusted as elements of the state vector along with ozone and other fitting parameters. The fit coefficients vary with cross-track and along-track pixels and show sensitivity to heterogeneous scenes. The total PA spectrum is quite similar in the Hartley band below 310 nm for both standard and super Gaussians, but is more distinctly structured in the Huggins band above 310 nm with the use of super Gaussian slit functions. Finally, we demonstrate that some spikes of fitting residuals are slightly smoothed by accounting for the slit function errors. Comparisons with ozonesondes demonstrate substantial improvements with the use of PAs for both standard and super Gaussians, especially for reducing the systematic biases in the tropics and mid-latitudes and reducing the standard deviations at high-latitudes. Including PAs also makes the retrievals consistent between standard and super Gaussians. This study corroborates the slit function differences between radiance and irradiance demonstrating that it is important to account for such differences in the ozone profile retrievals.
Propagation to the upper atmosphere of acoustic-gravity waves from atmospheric fronts in the Moscow region
Authors: Kurdyaeva Yuliya , Kulichkov Sergey , Kshevetskii Sergey , Borchevkina Olga , Golikova Elena
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Experimental data of pressure variations on the Earth’s surface during the passage of an atmospheric front recorded on a network of 4 microbarographs in the Moscow region is used. Applying this experimental data, empirical approximations of atmospheric pressure field oscillations are suggested. The obtained approximating surface pressure functions are used as the lower boundary condition for simulating the vertical propagation of acoustic-gravity waves from a source in the lower troposphere. Estimates of the amplitude of temperature disturbances in the upper atmosphere caused by acoustic-gravity waves from a propagating atmospheric front are obtained. For the amplitude of wave temperature disturbances, values of about 200 K is obtained. The amplitude of temperature disturbances in the upper atmosphere caused by background pressure fluctuations on the Earth’s surface is estimated as 4–5 K.
Ideas and perspectives: Carbon leaks from flooded land: do we need to replumb the inland water active pipe?
Authors: Abril Gwenaël , Borges Alberto V.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. At the global scale, inland waters are a significant source of atmospheric
carbon (C), particularly in the tropics. The active pipe concept predicts
that C emissions from streams, lakes and rivers are largely fuelled by
terrestrial ecosystems. The traditionally recognized C transfer mechanisms
from terrestrial to aquatic systems are surface runoff and groundwater
drainage. We present here a series of arguments that support the idea that
land flooding is an additional significant process that fuels inland waters
with C at the global scale. Whether the majority of CO2 emitted by
rivers comes from floodable land (approximately 10 % of the continents) or
from well-drained land is a fundamental question that impacts our capacity
to predict how these C fluxes might change in the future. Using classical
concepts in ecology, we propose, as a necessary step forward, an update of
the active pipe concept that differentiates floodable land from drained
land. Contrarily to well-drained land, many wetlands (in particular riparian
and littoral wetlands) combine strong hydrological connectivity with inland
waters, high productivity assimilating CO2 from the atmosphere, direct
transfer of litter and exudation products to water and waterlogged soils, a
generally dominant allocation of ecosystem respiration (ER) below the water
surface and a slow gas-exchange rate at the water–air interface. These
properties force plants to pump atmospheric C to wetland waters and, when
hydrology is favourable, to inland waters as organic C and dissolved
CO2. This wetland CO2 pump may contribute disproportionately to
CO2 emissions from inland waters, particularly in the tropics where
80 % of the global CO2 emissions to the atmosphere occur. In future
studies, more care must be taken in the way that vertical and horizontal C
fluxes are conceptualized along watersheds, and 2-D models that adequately
account for the hydrological export of all C species are necessary. In
flooded ecosystems, significant effort should be dedicated to quantifying
the components of primary production and respiration by the submerged and
emerged part of the ecosystem community and to using these metabolic rates in
coupled hydrological–biogeochemical models. The construction of a global
typology of wetlands that includes productivity, gas fluxes and hydrological
connectivity with inland waters also appears necessary to adequately
integrate continental C fluxes at the global scale.
Diversity, distribution and nitrogen use strategies of bacteria in the South China Sea basin
Authors: Li Yuan-Yuan , Chen Xiao-Huang , Wu Peng-Fei , Li Dong-Xu , Lin Lin , Wang Da-Zhi
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The diversity and abundance of bacteria and diazotrophs in the euphotic and aphotic layers of the South China Sea (SCS) basin were investigated based on high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA and nifH genes. Bacterial communities in the aphotic layers significantly differed from those at the euphotic layers, and were characterized by geographical specificities. Prochlorococcus and Alphaproteobacteria were abundant in the surface layer, whereas Gammaproteobacteria was more common in the aphotic layers. Moraxellaceae was the most abundant group in the aphotic layer in the northern basin of the SCS (nSCS), while SAR324, SAR202 and SAR406 occurred mainly in the southern basin of the SCS (sSCS). Diazotrophic Alphaproteobacteria was the predominant group in the SCS basin, whereas Marine Group II Euryarchaeota emerged in the euphotic bottom of both nSCS and sSCS. Abundances of genes encoding amino acid transporters and ammonium assimilating enzymes were relatively high in the SCS surface and the entire water column of the sSCS, while expression levels of urea and ammonium transporter-encoding genes were the highest at the surface of the SEATS site. Iron deficiency-induced gene IdiA and urease were highly expressed at the A2 site. Our results indicated that bacterial communities in the SCS were depth-stratified and exhibited geographic divergency in the aphotic layers between nSCS and sSCS. Amino acids and ammonium were the major nitrogen sources for bacteria while urea, ammonia and nitrite played important roles in regulating cell growth of Prochlorococcus in different regions of the SCS.
Climate changes in interior semi-arid Spain from the last interglacial to the late Holocene
Authors: Wei Dongyang , González-Sampériz Penélope , Gil-Romera Graciela , Harrison Sandy P. , Prentice I. Colin
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The El Cañizar de Villarquemado sequence provides a palaeoenvironmental record from the western Mediterranean Basin spanning the interval from the last part of MIS6 to the late Holocene. The pollen and sedimentological records provide qualitative information about changes in temperature seasonality and moisture conditions. We use Weighted Averaging Partial Least-Squares (WA-PLS) regression to derive quantitative reconstructions of winter and summer temperature regimes from the pollen data, expressed in terms of the mean temperature of the coldest month (MTCO) and growing degree days above a baseline of 0 °C (GDD0) respectively. We also reconstruct a moisture index (MI), the ratio of annual precipitation to annual potential evapotranspiration, taking account of the effect of low CO2 on water use efficiency. We find a rapid summer warming at the transition to MIS5. Summers were cold during MIS4 and MIS2, but some intervals in MIS3 were characterized by summers as warm as the warmest phases of MIS5 or the Holocene. However, MIS3 was not significantly warmer in winter than other intervals, and there was a gradual decline in winter temperature from MIS4 through MIS3 to MIS2. The pronounced changes in temperature seasonality during MIS5 and MIS1 are consistent with changes in summer insolation. The ecophysiological effects of changing CO2 concentration through the glacial cycle has a significant impact on reconstructed MI. Conditions became progressively more humid during MIS5 and MIS4 was also relatively humid, while MIS3 was more arid. High MI values are reconstructed during the deglaciation and there was a pronounced increase in aridity during the Holocene. Changes in MI are anti-correlated with changes in GDD0, with increased MI during intervals of summer warming indicating a strong influence of temperature on evapotranspiration. Although our main focus here is on longterm changes in climate, the Villarquemado record also shows millennial-scale changes corresponding to Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles.
DATeS: a highly extensible data assimilation testing suite v1.0
Authors: Attia Ahmed , Sandu Adrian
Published: February 2019

Abstract. A flexible and highly extensible data assimilation testing suite, named
DATeS, is described in this paper. DATeS aims to offer a unified testing
environment that allows researchers to compare different data assimilation
methodologies and understand their performance in various settings. The core
of DATeS is implemented in Python and takes advantage of its object-oriented
capabilities. The main components of the package (the numerical models, the
data assimilation algorithms, the linear algebra solvers, and the time
discretization routines) are independent of each other, which offers great
flexibility to configure data assimilation applications. DATeS can interface
easily with large third-party numerical models written in Fortran or in C,
and with a plethora of external solvers.
CLIMADA – a global weather and climate risk assessment platform
Authors: Aznar-Siguan Gabriela , Bresch David N.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The need for assessing the risk of extreme weather events is ever increasing. In addition to quantification of risk today, the role of aggravating factors such as high population growth and changing climate conditions do matter, too. We present the open source software CLIMADA, which integrates hazard, exposure and vulnerability to compute the necessary metrics to assess risk and to quantify socio-economic impact. The software design is modular and object-oriented, offering a simple collaborative framework and a parallelization strategy which allows for scalable computations on clusters. CLIMADA supports multi-hazard calculations and provides an event-based probabilistic approach that is globally consistent for a wide range of resolutions, suitable for whole-country to detailed local studies. This paper uses the platform to estimate and contextualize the damage of hurricane Irma in the Caribbean in 2017. Most of the affected islands are non-sovereign countries and do also rely on overseas support in case disaster strikes. The risk assessment performed for this region, based on remotely available data available shortly before or hours after landfall of Irma, proves to be close to reported damage and hence demonstrates a method to provide readily available impact estimates and associated uncertainties in real time.
Catchment export of base cations: Improved mineral dissolution kinetics influence the role of water transit time
Authors: Erlandsson Lampa Martin , Sverdrup Harald U. , Bishop Kevin H. , Belyazid Salim , Ameli Ali , Köhler Stephan J.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Soil mineral weathering is one of the major sources of base cations (BC), which play a dual role for a forest ecosystem; they function both as plant nutrients, and for buffering against acidification of catchment runoff. On a long-term basis, the soil weathering rates will determine the highest sustainable forest productivity without causing acidification. It is believed that the hydrologic residence time plays a key role in determining weathering rates on a landscape scale. The weathering model PROFILE has been used for almost 30 years to calculate weathering rates in the rooting zone of forest soils. However, the mineral dissolution equations in PROFILE are not adapted for the unsaturated zone, and employing these equations on a catchment scale results in a significant over-prediction of base cation release rates to surface waters. In this study we use a revised set of PROFILE equations which, among other features, include retardation from silica concentrations. Relationships between the water transit time (WTT) and soil water concentrations were derived for each base cation, by simulating the soil water chemistry along a one-dimensional flowpath, using the mineralogy from a glacial till soil. We show how the revised PROFILE equations are able to reproduce patterns in BC- and Si-concentrations, as well as BC-ratios (Ca2+ / BC, Mg2++ / BC and Na+ / BC), observed in soil water profiles and catchment runoff. As opposed to the original set of PROFILE equations, the revised set of equations could reproduce how increasing WTT led to decreasing Na+ / BC, as well as increasing Ca2+ / BC and Mg2+ / BC. Furthermore, the total release of base cations from a hillslope was calculated using a mixing model, where water of different WTT was mixed according to an externally modelled WTT-distribution. The revised set of equations gave a 50 % lower base cation release (0.23 eq m−2 yr−1) than the original PROFILE equations, and are in better agreement with mass balance calculations of weathering rates. The results from this study thus demonstrate that the revised mineral dissolution equations for PROFILE are a major step forward in modelling weathering rates on a catchment scale.
A transição agroecológica na produção camponesa
Authors: Aline da Silva Batista Maria , Maria de Oliveira Alexandra
Published: February 2019

O presente artigo discute a importância da transição agroecológica na produção camponesa, na região norte do Ceará. Tendo por base os teóricos que pensam a Agroecologia como caminho para o desenvolvimento rural, procuramos identificar as estratégias empreendidas pelos camponeses e os resultados decorrentes. A metodologia utilizada contou com revisão bibliográfica e trabalhos de campo. Foram realizadas visitas em duas unidades de produção e entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas com os camponeses e técnicos agrícolas envolvidos. Verificamos que as técnicas agroecológicas contribuem para a recuperação dos solos e são mais eficientes que as práticas convencionais nos períodos de estiagem. Além disso, foi constatado que houve uma maior diversificação da produção, o que reflete na melhoria da alimentação e, consequentemente, na soberania alimentar das famílias envolvidas. Palavras-chave: Transição agroecológica, Campesinato, Soberania alimentar, Ceará
Democracia e ontologia política em Maquiavel, segundo Negri: limites da potência constituinte
Authors: Ferreira Barros Douglas
Published: February 2019

O artigo tem por objetivo aprofundar uma abordagem da noção de soberania, segundo análise de obras de Maquiavel estabelecida por Antonio Negri (2002). O autor defende que a soberania para Maquiavel corresponde à sobredeterminação da ação do governante -seja no principado, seja na república- em face das limitações e oposições impostas pelos adversários e pela própria fortuna. Buscamos, assim, entender as características dessa acepção de soberania uma vez que o conceito é definido com exatidão por Jean Bodin, quase meio século após a publicação dos textos maquiavelismos. Para observar essa abordagem, digamos, heterodoxa, da soberania será preciso nos concentraremos na sua tese da relação entre ontologia política e movimento. Para Negri, o movimento é o princípio definidor da política e na obra de Maquiavel se encontra uma concepção de ontologia política produzida e pensada da própria ação do governante no tempo e da qual o movimento é constitutivo e indiscernível. Observaremos como se desenvolve a análise do conflito no caso de cidades como Roma e Florença. Como conclusão pretendemos observar que limites a interpretação das Istorie Fiorentine apresenta à tese negriana da soberania democrática em Maquiavel.
Cidade inteligente e governamentalidade algorítmica: liberdade e controle na era da informação
Authors: Antônio Sousa Alves Marco
Published: February 2019

Partindo das reflexões de Michel Foucault no final dos anos 1970 e da noção desenvolvida mais recentemente de “governamentalidade algorítmica”, entendida como um novo regime de poder e saber baseado na coleta, mineração e cruzamento de grandes volumes de dados, o presente artigo pretende analisar criticamente as chamadas “cidades inteligentes” (smart cities), nas quais a infraestrutura e os serviços são interligados de maneira supostamente mais racionalizada e eficiente, oferendo finalmente o sonhado bem-estar e a vida feliz. Essa utopia de organização social será associada a uma nova forma de racionalidade política e estratégia de governo por meio de algoritmos, que colocam importantes e inquietantes questões. Neste trabalho, ressaltaremos a capacidade que os algoritmos possuem de nos governar, no sentido de conduzir nossas condutas e estruturar o campo das ações possíveis. E o foco deste artigo recairá sobre a tensão entre liberdade e controle inscrita nessa nova governamentalidade, que tem por objeto mais imediato os dados, as relações e os ambientes.
Rousseau, um democrata radical?
Authors: Dos Reis Helena Esser
Published: February 2019

Inúmeros autores afirmam que Rousseau é um democrata radical, entretanto, ele mesmo, não parece apoiar um governo democrático. Instigados por esta situação buscaremos elucidar em qual sentido podemos considera-lo um defensor da democracia. Para isso, procuraremos seguir o pensamento político de Rousseau reconstituindo as condições originárias da existência humana, discutiremos as condições do pacto de associação e a investigaremos a manutenção do estado republicano por meio da ação política de legislar. Tentaremos, finalmente, elucidar o problema proposto, em primeiro lugar, com base na  distinção entre soberano e governo e, na possibilidade de corrigir as circunstâncias por meio das leis, encontraremos a segunda e mais radical resposta àqueles que o consideram um democrata.
A noção de cidade no pensamento de Rousseau
Authors: De Freitas Jacira
Published: February 2019

A discussão desenvolvida no presente texto diz respeito à função conceitual adquirida pela Antiguidade na elaboração do ideal de cidade (cité), no pensamento político de Rousseau. A hipótese a ser demonstrada é que o mito da Antiguidade se transmuta num mecanismo de geração de conceitos que dão sustentação à formulação do seu ideal de corpo político, cristalizado no conceito de cité. Procura-se delinear de que maneira a noção mítica da Antiguidade grega se insere na visão de mundo do jovem Rousseau e, posteriormente, no âmbito de seu pensamento político para elucidar os mecanismos pelos quais interfere na elaboração conceitual do ideal político rousseauniano.sentes no seu pensamento.
As condições socioeconômicas e sua relação com o sucesso no vestibular: evidências a partir do processo seletivo da Universidade Federal de Goiás
Authors: Lima Alex Felipe Rodrigues , Piscoya Díaz Mario Ernesto , Fonseca Júnior Sergio Borges
Published: February 2019

Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar quais características socioeconômicas encontram-se associadas com a probabilidade de sucesso no vestibular na Universidade Federal de Goiás.As informações referem-se a os candidatos participantes do processo seletivo realizado no ano de 2013. A caracterização sociodemográfica desses candidatos foi realizada usando indicadores descritivos e pelo método de análise de componentes principais.A associação entre as características socioeconômicas e o sucesso no vestibular foi avaliada por modelos de regressão para dados de sobrevivência. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho permitem estabelecer uma associação estatística, que mostra menor risco de sucesso no vestibular para candidatos casados e que possuem vínculo empregatício.
A utilização de geotecnologias e internet no fortalecimento turístico do município de Prudentópolis, PR
Authors: Maganhotto Ronaldo Ferreira , Baptista Leandro , Suzuki Claudio Shigueki , Alberton Vanessa
Published: February 2019

Cada vez mais, a promoção turística de um destino está atrelada à disponibilidade de ferramentas informativas e orientativas, vinculadas ao uso de geotecnologias, da tecnologia da informação e da internet. Assim, diante da necessidade de instrumentos que venham auxiliar o planejamento e execução de viagem ao destino turístico de Prudentópolis, Paraná, o qual apresenta peculiaridades naturais e culturais, o presente estudo teve como objetivo apresentar os procedimentos utilizados para a criação do site, folder e aplicativo, elaborados no Projeto “Roteiro Turístico no Meio Rural: uma alternativa não agrícola para complementação de renda das pequenas propriedades do Município de Prudentópolis”, vinculado ao Programa Universidade Sem Fronteiras e à Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste - UNICENTRO. O projeto foi desenvolvido entre agosto de 2015 a setembro de 2016, por uma equipe interdisciplinar. O estudo, de caráter qualitativo, configurou-se como um estudo de caso, no qual a pesquisa bibliográfica, digital e de campo foram as técnicas utilizadas para a aquisição das informações; identificando os pontos de interesse turístico do município e a existência de meios digitais relacionados. Na segunda etapa, o Sistema de Posicionamento Global (GPS) foi utilizado para proceder a localização geográfica e o percurso de acesso aos pontos turísticos. Tendo por base tais informações, passou-se à criação do site, folder e aplicativo IPrudi. Tais produtos gerados têm contribuído para o desenvolvimento turístico do município, além de servir de base outras iniciativas do poder público e privado, que almejam alavancar a atividade turística da região.
DIAGNÓSTICO DA FRAGILIDADE AMBIENTAL DA BACIA DO RIO CAETÉ/PA COMO SUBSÍDIO AO PLANEJAMENTO AMBIENTAL
Authors: Dias Filipe Gomes , Cirilo Brenda Batista
Published: February 2019

O conhecimento das potencialidades e limitações dos sistemas naturais é fundamental para que as ações antrópicas empreendidas nestes estejam de acordo com suas características, dinâmicas e funcionalidades. A utilização das Geotecnologias, integrada à análise sistêmica da paisagem, é cada vez mais indispensável nos estudos relacionados às problemáticas ambientais. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar o diagnóstico da fragilidade ambiental da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Caeté a partir da proposta metodológica de Crepani et al. (2001), como instrumento de subsídio para tomada de decisão no âmbito do planejamento e gestão ambiental do território da bacia. Para tanto, foram confeccionados os mapas-base das unidades geoambientais da bacia do rio Caeté como: Declividade, Tipos de Solo, Geologia, Geomorfologia e Uso da Terra. O resultado do diagnóstico da fragilidade ambiental apresentou o nível predominantemente médio (51,04%), com o nível alto (32,90%) em seguida. Tal resultado decorre da utilização do uso da terra, onde as atividades econômicas desenvolvidas, de maneira não sustentável, impulsionam, juntamente com os componentes naturalmente susceptíveis, a intensificação do processo de fragilidade dos sistemas ambientais da bacia hidrográfica do rio Caeté.