bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of genetic gains by selection indexes and REML/BLUP methodology in a population of sour passion fruit under recurrent selection
Authors: Silva Fernando Higino de Lima e , Viana Alexandre Pio , Freitas Jôsie Cloviane De Oliveira , Santos Eileen Azevedo , Rodrigues Daniele Lima , Amaral Junior Antonio Teixeira do
Published: April 2017

Breeding programmes must be improved to accelerate the development of new cultivars due to the commercial importance of passion fruit. This study compared four selection indexes and the REML/BLUP methodology in an assessment of predicted genetic gains in the traits of interest. A total of 81 full-sib progenies derived from the third cycle of recurrent selection were assessed for one harvest in one environment. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with five plants per plot. The following traits were assessed: number of fruits, total yield, fruit mass, fruit longitudinal diameter, fruit transverse diameter, fruit pulp percentage, shell thickness and content of soluble solids. The Mulamba & Mock index produced the best results for the selection of progenies. The REML/BLUP method was the most efficient and selected progenies with predicted genetic gains better than the selection indexes tested.
Downregulation of miR-200a-3p, Targeting CtBP2 Complex, Is Involved in the Hypoproduction of IL-2 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus–Derived T Cells
Authors: Katsuyama Eri , Yan Minglu , Watanabe Katsue Sunahori , Matsushima Syun , Yamamura Yuriko , Hiramatsu Sumie , Ohashi Keiji , Watanabe Haruki , Katsuyama Takayuki , Zeggar Sonia , Yoshida Nobuya , Moulton Vaishali R. , Tsokos George C. , Sada Ken-Ei , Wada Jun
Published: April 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) damages multiple organs by producing various autoantibodies. In this study, we report that decreased microRNA (miR)-200a-3p causes IL-2 hypoproduction through zinc finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB)1 and C-terminal binding protein 2 (CtBP2) in a lupus-prone mouse. First, we performed RNA sequencing to identify candidate microRNAs and mRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. We found that miR-200a-3p was significantly downregulated, whereas its putative targets, ZEB2 and CtBP2, were upregulated in CD4+ T cells from MRL/lpr-Tnfrsf6lpr mice compared with C57BL/6J mice. ZEB1 and ZEB2 comprise the ZEB family and suppress various genes, including IL-2 by recruiting CtBP2. IL-2 plays a critical role in immune tolerance, and insufficient IL-2 production upon stimulation has been recognized in SLE pathogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that decreased miR-200a-3p causes IL-2 deficit through the ZEB1–CtBP2 and/or ZEB2–CtBP2 complex in SLE CD4+ T cells. Overexpression of miR-200a-3p induced IL-2 production by downregulating ZEB1, ZEB2, and CtBP2 in EL4 cell lines. We further revealed that miR-200a-3p promotes IL-2 expression by reducing the binding of suppressive ZEB1–CtBP2 and ZEB2–CtBP2 complexes on negative regulatory element A in the IL-2 promoter in EL4 cells. Interestingly, the ZEB1–CtBP2 complex on negative regulatory element A was significantly upregulated after PMA/ionomycin stimulation in lupus CD4+ T cells. Our studies have revealed a new epigenetic pathway in the control of IL-2 production in SLE whereby low levels of miR-200a-3p accumulate the binding of the ZEB1–CtBP2 complex to the IL-2 promoter and suppress IL-2 production.
Practical theology ‘[re]entering vernacular culture?’ New frontiers and challenges to doing theology as life goes on
Authors: Hendriks Hans J.
Published: April 2017

This article critically discusses the necessity for (practical) theology to transform. Taking as a point of departure church historian Andrew Walls’ remark: ‘Christian faith must go on being translated, must continuously enter into the vernacular culture and interact with it, or it withers and fades’, examples from ministry are discussed, specifically from the Dutch Reformed Church. These examples reveal the inability or ability of faith communities to enter vernacular culture and to interact with it. Historical cycles of church growth and decline as outlined by Phyllis Tickle are used to explain the concepts of entering and interacting vernacular culture, and consequently, what it means to ‘do theology as life goes on’. The latter refers to more than a rationally controlled process as it is also intimately connected with issues of identity, understanding of the missio Dei and a way of life and discernment that flows from being actively involved in life.
Vaginal Ewing Sarcoma: An Uncommon Clinical Entity in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Cross Nathan M , Stanescu A Luana , Rudzinski Erin R , Hawkins Douglas S , Parisi Marguerite T
Published: April 2017

Ewing sarcoma, including classical Ewing sarcoma of the bone and primitive neuroectodermal tumors arising in bone or extraosseous primary sites, is a highly aggressive childhood neoplasm. We present two cases of Ewing sarcoma arising from the vagina in young girls. Previously reported cases in literature focused on their pathologic rather than radiographic features. We describe the spectrum of multimodality imaging appearances of Ewing sarcoma at this unusual primary site. Awareness of vaginal Ewing tumors may facilitate prompt diagnosis and lead to a different surgical approach than the more commonly encountered vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma.
La tensión centro-periferia en la producción del campo de la comunicación política. El caso mexicano
Authors: Rodríguez-Estrada Alejandra , Meyer José Antonio , Echeverría Victoria Martín
Published: April 2017

Las características de desarrollo de cada país y la producción en un campo científico como el de la comunicación política en México, son una oportunidad para situar las tendencias de productividad científica en dicho campo. Metodología. En un diseño exploratorio, se analizaron 104 artículos que hicieran referencia al fenómeno de la comunicación política en México, con la finalidad de observar cómo se ha dado la producción en un periodo, puesto en referencia con la producción mundial del mismo objeto de estudio. Resultados y conclusiones. Se encontró que las tendencias de producción no logran estructurar un campo consolidado, y por ello mismo, se van orientando más a la periferia de la producción científica global.
Regional Differences in the Prevalence of Major Opportunistic Infections among Antiretroviral-Naïve Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients in Japan, Northern Thailand, Northern Vietnam, and the Philippines
Authors: Gangcuangco Louie Mar A. , Sawada Ikumi , Tsuchiya Naho , Do Cuong D. , Pham Thanh Thuy T. , Rojanawiwat Archawin , Alejandria Marissa , Leyritana Katerina , Yokomaku Yoshiyuki , Pathipvanich Panita , Ariyoshi Koya
Published: April 2017

To identify regional differences in the distribution of opportunistic infections (OIs) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in Asia, the medical records of antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve patients who attended the following tertiary hospitals from 2003 to 2011 were reviewed: Nagoya Medical Center (NMC, Nagoya, Japan), Lampang Hospital (LPH, Lampang, northern Thailand), Bach Mai Hospital (BMH, Hanoi, northern Vietnam), and Philippine General Hospital (PGH, Manila, Philippines). Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between country of origin and risk of major OIs. In total, 1,505 patients were included: NMC, N = 365; LPH, N = 442; BMH, N = 384; and PGH, N = 314. The median age was 32 years, and 73.3% of all patients were male. The median CD4 count was 200 cells/μL. Most patients at NMC and PGH were men who have sex with men. Injection drug users were most common at BMH (35.7%). Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) was most common at PGH (N = 75) but was rare at NMC (N = 4). Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prevalence was highest at NMC (N = 74) and lowest at BMH (N = 13). Multivariable logistic regression showed increased odds of TB at PGH (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 42.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.6–122.1), BMH (aOR = 12.6, CI = 3.9–40.3), and LPH (aOR = 6.6, CI = 2.1–21.1) but decreased odds of PCP at BMH (aOR = 0.1, CI = 0.04–0.2) and LPH (aOR = 0.2, CI = 0.1–0.4) compared with those at NMC. The cryptococcosis risk was increased at LPH (aOR = 6.2, CI = 0.9–41.0) compared with that at NMC. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis prevalences were similar in all countries. OI prevalence remained high among ART-naïve patients in our cohort. The risks of TB, PCP, and cryptococcosis, but not CMV retinitis, differed between countries. Improved early HIV detection is warranted.
Molecular Markers for Sensitive Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Asexual Stage Parasites and their Application in a Malaria Clinical Trial
Authors: Tadesse Fitsum G. , Lanke Kjerstin , Nebie Issa , Schildkraut Jodie A. , Gonçalves Bronner P. , Tiono Alfred B. , Sauerwein Robert , Drakeley Chris , Bousema Teun , Rijpma Sanna R.
Published: April 2017

Plasmodium falciparum parasite life stages respond differently to antimalarial drugs. Sensitive stage-specific molecular assays may help to examine parasite dynamics at microscopically detectable and submicroscopic parasite densities in epidemiological and clinical studies. In this study, we compared the performance of skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1), ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen, Hyp8, ring-exported protein 1 (REX1), and PHISTb mRNA for detecting ring-stage trophozoite-specific transcripts using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Markers were tested on tightly synchronized in vitro parasites and clinical trial samples alongside established markers of parasite density (18S DNA and rRNA) and gametocyte density (Pfs25 mRNA). SBP1 was the most sensitive marker but showed low-level expression in mature gametocytes. Novel markers REX1 and PHISTb showed lower sensitivity but higher specificity for ring-stage trophozoites. Using in vivo clinical trial samples from gametocyte-negative patients, we observed evidence of persisting trophozoite transcripts for at least 14 days postinitiation of treatment. It is currently not clear if these transcripts represent viable parasites that may have implications for clinical treatment outcome or transmission potential.
Experimental Infection with and Maintenance of Cell Fusing Agent Virus (Flavivirus) in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Contreras-Gutierrez Maria Angelica , Guzman Hilda , Thangamani Saravanan , Vasilakis Nikos , Tesh Robert B.
Published: April 2017

During the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the recognition and characterization of novel insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFVs). Some of these agents are closely related to important mosquito-borne flavivirus pathogens. Results of experimental studies suggest that mosquitoes and mosquito cell cultures infected with some ISFVs are refractory to superinfection with related flavivirus pathogens; and it has been proposed that ISFVs potentially could be used to alter the vector competence of mosquitoes and reduce transmission of specific flavivirus pathogens, such as dengue, West Nile, or Zika viruses. In order for an ISFV to be used in such a control strategy, the virus would have to be vertically transmitted at a high rate in the target vector population to insure its continued maintenance. This study compared the vertical transmission rates of an ISFV, cell fusing agent virus (CFAV), in two Aedes aegypti colonies: one naturally infected with CFAV and the other experimentally infected but previously free of the virus. CFAV filial infection rates in progeny of female mosquitoes from both colonies were > 90% after two generations of selection, indicating the feasibility of introducing an ISFV into a mosquito population. This and other considerations for evaluating the feasibility of using ISFVs as an arbovirus control strategy are discussed.
Cognitive Outcomes and Psychiatric Symptoms of Retinopathy-Positive Cerebral Malaria: Cohort Description and Baseline Results
Authors: Brim Rachel , Mboma Sebastian , Semrud-Clikeman Margaret , Kampondeni Sam , Magen Jed , Taylor Terrie , Langfitt John
Published: April 2017

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a common cause of death and disability among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Many prior studies of neuropsychiatric morbidity have been limited by a cross-sectional design or a short duration of follow-up. Most have included subjects who may have presented with coma due to a disease process other than CM. No studies have assessed the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and long-term outcomes. The Cognitive Outcomes and Psychiatric symptoms of retinopathy-positive CM (COPS) cohort is the first large (N = 221) prospectively recruited cohort of stringently defined cases of CM and hospital-based, age-matched, non-CM controls in whom cognitive and psychiatric outcomes are assessed with standardized measures semi-annually for up to 5 years. We report baseline characteristics of the cohort and outcomes at 1 month. At enrollment, CM cases were more likely to come from families with fewer socioeconomic resources and to have health characteristics that increase risk for malaria. In children younger than 5 years, cases were delayed in motor, language, and social development by approximately 6 months, compared with controls. More significant delays occurred in those with MRI abnormalities at the 1-month follow-up visit. There were no differences between cases and controls in inhibitory self-control, nor in cognitive function in children ≥ 5 years of age. The latter finding may be related to the smaller sample size, case-control imbalance in socioeconomic status, or the use of cognitive and behavioral assessments that are less culturally appropriate to this population. Continued follow-up will help determine predictors of long-term outcomes.
Seismo-ionospheric anomalies in ionospheric TEC and plasma density before the 17 July 2006 M7.7 south of Java earthquake
Authors: Tao Dan , Cao Jinbin , Battiston Roberto , Li Liuyuan , Ma Yuduan , Liu Wenlong , Zhima Zeren , Wang Lanwei , Dunlop Malcolm Wray
Published: April 2017

Abstract. In this paper, we report significant evidence for preseismic ionospheric anomalies in total electron content (TEC) of the global ionosphere map (GIM) and plasma density appearing on day 2 before the 17 July 2006 M7.7 south of Java earthquake. After distinguishing other anomalies related to the geomagnetic activities, we found a temporal precursor around the epicenter on day 2 before the earthquake (15 July 2006), which agrees well with the spatial variations in latitude–longitude–time (LLT) maps. Meanwhile, the sequences of latitude–time–TEC (LTT) plots reveal that the TECs on epicenter side anomalously decrease and lead to an anomalous asymmetric structure with respect to the magnetic equator in the daytime from day 2 before the earthquake. This anomalous asymmetric structure disappears after the earthquake. To further confirm these anomalies, we studied the plasma data from DEMETER satellite in the earthquake preparation zone (2046.4 km in radius) during the period from day 45 before to day 10 after the earthquake, and also found that the densities of both electron and total ion in the daytime significantly increase on day 2 before the earthquake. Very interestingly, O+ density increases significantly and H+ density decreases, while He+ remains relatively stable. These results indicate that there exists a distinct preseismic signal (preseismic ionospheric anomaly) over the epicenter.
Detecting impacts of extreme events with ecological in-situ monitoring networks
Authors: Mahecha Miguel D. , Gans Fabian , Sippel Sebastian , Donges Jonathan F. , Kaminski Thomas , Metzger Stefan , Migliavacca Mirco , Papale Dario , Rammig Anja , Zscheischler Jakob
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Extreme hydrometeorological conditions typically impact ecophysiological processes of terrestrial vegetation. Satellite based observations of the terrestrial biosphere provide an important reference for detecting and describing the spatiotemporal development of such events. However, in-depth investigations of ecological processes during extreme events require additional in-situ observations. The question is if the density of existing ecological in-situ networks is sufficient for analyzing the impact of extreme events, or what are expected event detection rates of ecological in-situ networks of a given size. To assess these issues, we build a baseline of extreme reductions in the Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR), identified by a new event detection method tailored to identify extremes of regional relevance. We then investigate the event detection success rates of hypothetical networks of varying sizes. Our results show that large extremes can be reliably detected with relatively small network, but also reveal a linear decay of detection probabilities towards smaller extreme events in log-log space. For instance, networks with ≈ 100 randomly placed sites in Europe yield a ≥ 90 % chance of detecting the largest 8 (typically very large) extreme events; but only a ≥ 50 % chance of capturing the largest 39 events. These finding are consistent with probability-theoretic considerations, but the slopes of the decay rates deviate due to temporal autocorrelation issues and the exact implementation of the extreme event detection algorithm. Using the examples of AmeriFlux and NEON, we then investigate to what degree ecological in-situ networks can capture extreme events of a given size. Consistent with our theoretic considerations, we find that today's systematic network designs (i.e. NEON) reliably detects the largest extremes. But the extreme event detection rates are not higher than they would be achieved by randomly designed networks. Spatiotemporal expansions of ecological in-situ monitoring networks should carefully consider the size distribution characteristics of extreme events if the aim is also to monitor their impacts in the terrestrial biosphere.
The "ABC model" (Vn 1.0): a non-hydrostatic toy model for use in
convective-scale data assimilation investigations
Authors: Petrie Ruth Elizabeth , Bannister Ross Noel , Cullen Michael John Priestley
Published: April 2017

Abstract. In developing methods for convective-scale data assimilation (DA) it is necessary to consider the full range of motions governed by the compressible Navier-Stokes equations (including non-hydrostatic and ageostrophic flow). These equations describe motion on a wide range of time-scales with non-linear coupling. For the purpose of developing new DA techniques that suit the convective-scale problem it is helpful to use so-called "toy models" that are easy to run, and contain the same types of motion as the full equation set. Such a model needs to permit hydrostatic and geostrophic balance at the large-scales, but to allow imbalance at the small-scale, and in particular, they need to exhibit intermittent convection-like behaviour. Existing "toy models" are not always sufficient for investigating these issues. A simplified system of intermediate complexity derived from the Euler equations is presented, which support dispersive gravity and acoustic modes. In this system the separation of time scales can be greatly reduced by changing the physical parameters. Unlike in existing models, this allows the acoustic modes to be treated explicitly, and hence inexpensively. In addition, the non-linear coupling induced by the equation of state is simplified. This means that the gravity and acoustic modes are less coupled than in conventional models. A vertical slice formulation is used which contains only dry dynamics. The model is shown to give physically reasonabe results, and convective behaviour is generated by localised compressible effects. This model provides an affordable and flexible framework within which some of the complex issues of convective-scale DA can later be investigated. The model is called the "ABC model" after the three tunable parameters introduced: A (the gravity wave frequency), B (the modulation of the divergent term in the continuity equation), and C (defining the compressibility).
The on-line coupled atmospheric chemistry model system MECO(n) – Part 5: Expanding the Multi-Model-Driver (MMD v2.0) for 2-way data exchange including data interpolation via GRID (v1.0)
Authors: Kerkweg Astrid , Hofmann Christiane , Jöckel Patrick , Mertens Mariano , Pante Gregor
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This article is part of the model documentation of the MECO(n) system (MESSyfied ECHAM and COSMO models nested n-times). As part of the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) the Multi-Model-Driver (MMD v1.0) was developed to couple on-line regional model instances into a driving model (see Part 2 of the model documentation). MMD comprises the message passing infrastructure required for the parallel execution (multiple program multiple data, MPMD) of different models and the communication of the individual model instances, i.e. between the driving and the driven models. Initially the MMD library was developed for a 1-way coupling between the global chemistry climate model EMAC and an arbitrary number of (optionally cascaded) instances of the regional chemistry climate model COSMO/MESSy. Thus MMD (v1.0) provided only functions for unidirectional data transfer, i.e., from the larger scale to the smaler scale models. Soon, extended applications requiring data transfer from the small-scale model back to the larger scale model became of interest: e.g., the original fields in the larger scale model can directly be compared to the up-scaled small-scale fields to analyse the gain by the original small-scale calculations, if the results are up-scaled. Secondly, the fields originating from the two different models might be fed into the same diagnostic tool, e.g. the on-line calculation of the radiative forcing calculated consistently with the same radiation scheme. Last but not least, enabling the 2-way data transfer between two models is the first important step on the way to a fully dynamically and chemically 2-way coupling of the various model instances. In MMD (v1.0) interpolation between the basemodel grids is performed via the COSMO pre-processing tool INT2LM, which was implemented as MMD submodel for on-line interpolation, specificially for mapping onto the rotated COSMO grid. A more flexible algorithm is required for the backward mapping. Thus, MMD (v2.0) uses the new MESSy submodel GRID for the generalised definition of arbitrary grids and for the transformation of data between them. In this article we explain the basics of the MMD expansion and the newly developed generic MESSy submodel GRID(v1.0) and show some examples of the applications mentioned above.
Multistable Slip of a One-degree-of-freedom Spring-slider Model in the Presence of Thermal-pressurized Slip-weakening Friction and Viscosity
Authors: Wang Jeen-Hwa
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This study is focused on multistable slip of earthquakes based on a one-degree-of-freedom slider-slider model in the presence of thermal-pressurized slip-weakening friction and viscosity by using the normalized equation of motion of the model. The major model parameters are the normalized characteristic displacement, Uc, of the friction law and the normalized viscosity coefficient, η, between the slider and background plate. Analytic results at small slip suggest that there is a solution regime for η and γ (= 1 / Uc) to make the slider slip steadily. Numerical simulations exhibit that the time variation in normalized velocity, V / Vmax (Vmax is the maximum velocity), obviously depends on Uc and η. The effect on the amplitude is stronger due to η than due to Uc. In the phase portrait of V / Vmax versus the normalized displacement, U / Umax (Umax is the maximum displacement), there are two fixed points. The one at large V / Vmax and large U / Umax is not an attractor; while that at small V / Vmax and small U / Umax can be an attractor for some values of η and Uc. When Uc
Reconstructions of the 1900–2015 Greenland ice sheet surface mass balance using the regional climate MAR model
Authors: Fettweis Xavier , Box Jason E. , Agosta Cécile , Amory Charles , Kittel Christoph , Lang Charlotte , van As Dirk , Machguth Horst , Gallée Hubert
Published: April 2017

Abstract. With the aim of studying the recent Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) surface mass balance (SMB) decrease relative to the last century, we have forced the regional climate MAR (Modèle Atmosphérique Régional; version 3.5.2) model with the ERA-Interim (ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis; 1979–2015), ERA-40 (1958–2001), NCEP–NCARv1 (National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis version 1; 1948–2015), NCEP–NCARv2 (1979–2015), JRA-55 (Japanese 55-year Reanalysis; 1958–2014), 20CRv2(c) (Twentieth Century Reanalysis version 2; 1900–2014) and ERA-20C (1900–2010) reanalyses. While all these forcing products are reanalyses that are assumed to represent the same climate, they produce significant differences in the MAR-simulated SMB over their common period. A temperature adjustment of +1 °C (respectively −1 °C) was, for example, needed at the MAR boundaries with ERA-20C (20CRv2) reanalysis, given that ERA-20C (20CRv2) is ∼ 1 °C colder (warmer) than ERA-Interim over Greenland during the period 1980–2010. Comparisons with daily PROMICE (Programme for Monitoring of the Greenland Ice Sheet) near-surface observations support these adjustments. Comparisons with SMB measurements, ice cores and satellite-derived melt extent reveal the most accurate forcing datasets for the simulation of the GrIS SMB to be ERA-Interim and NCEP–NCARv1. However, some biases remain in MAR, suggesting that some improvements are still needed in its cloudiness and radiative schemes as well as in the representation of the bare ice albedo. Results from all MAR simulations indicate that (i) the period 1961–1990, commonly chosen as a stable reference period for Greenland SMB and ice dynamics, is actually a period of anomalously positive SMB (∼ +40 Gt yr−1) compared to 1900–2010; (ii) SMB has decreased significantly after this reference period due to increasing and unprecedented melt reaching the highest rates in the 120-year common period; (iii) before 1960, both ERA-20C and 20CRv2-forced MAR simulations suggest a significant precipitation increase over 1900–1950, but this increase could be the result of an artefact in the reanalyses that are not well-enough constrained by observations during this period and (iv) since the 1980s, snowfall is quite stable after having reached a maximum in the 1970s. These MAR-based SMB and accumulation reconstructions are, however, quite similar to those from Box (2013) after 1930 and confirm that SMB was quite stable from the 1940s to the 1990s. Finally, only the ERA-20C-forced simulation suggests that SMB during the 1920–1930 warm period over Greenland was comparable to the SMB of the 2000s, due to both higher melt and lower precipitation than normal.
Arctic sea ice drift-strength feedback modelled by NEMO-LIM3.6
Authors: Docquier David , Massonnet François , Tandon Neil F. , Lecomte Olivier , Fichefet Thierry
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Sea ice cover and thickness have substantially decreased in the Arctic Ocean since the beginning of the satellite era. As a result, sea ice strength has been reduced, allowing more deformation and fracturing and leading to increased sea ice drift speed. The resulting increased sea ice export is thought to further lower sea ice concentration and thickness. We use the global ocean-sea ice NEMO-LIM3.6 model (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean coupled to the Louvain-la-Neuve sea Ice Model), satellite and buoy observations, as well as reanalysis data over the period from 1979 to 2013 to study this positive feedback for the first time in such detail. Overall, the model agrees well with observations in terms of sea ice extent, concentration and thickness. Although the seasonal cycle of sea ice drift speed is reasonably well reproduced by the model, the recent positive trend in drift speed is weaker than observations in summer. NEMO-LIM3.6 is able to capture the relationships between sea ice drift speed, concentration and thickness in terms of seasonal cycle, with higher drift speed for both lower concentration and lower thickness, in agreement with observations. Sensitivity experiments are carried out by varying the initial ice strength and show that higher values of ice strength lead to lower sea ice thickness. We demonstrate that higher ice strength results in a more uniform sea ice thickness distribution, leading to lower heat conduction fluxes, which provide lower ice production, and thus lower ice thickness. This shows that the positive feedback between sea ice drift speed and strength is more than just dynamic, more complex than originally thought and that other processes are at play. The methodology proposed in this analysis provides a benchmark for a further model intercomparison related to the interactions between sea ice drift speed and strength.
Statistical characterization of roughness uncertainty and impact on wind resource estimation
Authors: Kelly Mark , Jørgensen Hans E.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. In this work we relate uncertainty in background roughness length (z0) to uncertainty in wind speeds, where the latter are predicted at a wind farm location based on wind statistics observed at a different site. Sensitivity of predicted winds to roughness is derived analytically for the industry-standard European Wind Atlas method, which is based on the geostrophic drag law. We statistically consider roughness and its corresponding uncertainty, in terms of both z0 derived from measured wind speeds as well as that chosen in practice by wind engineers. We show the combined effect of roughness uncertainty arising from differing wind-observation and turbine-prediction sites; this is done for the case of roughness bias as well as for the general case. For estimation of uncertainty in annual energy production (AEP), we also develop a generalized analytical turbine power curve, from which we derive a relation between mean wind speed and AEP. Following our developments, we provide guidance on approximate roughness uncertainty magnitudes to be expected in industry practice, and we also find that sites with larger background roughness incur relatively larger uncertainties.
“A Darker Hue”: Race and Adoption in Richmond, Virginia, 1959
Authors: Trembanis Sarah L.
Published: April 2017

This article examines the intersecting issues of race, identity, and colorism in African American adoptions and state adoption policies during the 1950s and early 1960s through the case study of the contested adoption of David Alexander Rowe in Richmond, Virginia, in 1959. Rowe was born to a fourteen-year-old African American mother, who, while working as a prostitute, became pregnant by a twenty-seven-year-old married white father of two. Confined to a home for wayward girls until her eighteenth birthday, the mother requested that her son be adopted by her aunt. Instead of authorizing this seemingly noncontroversial adoption, the Virginia Department of Welfare officially opposed it on the grounds that the baby was “too fair” to be adopted by a dark-skinned family member. Outraged, the aunt brought her story and her case to the black press and to the state courts. Within the complicated, legislative racial policies of 1950s Virginia, the liminal status of mixed-race children (who under antimiscegenation laws should not exist) threatened the strict racial binarism through which the state operated its segregationist policies. By placing David’s story within a larger discussion of adoption drives for foreign-born “brown babies” and the Baby-Boom commodification of white babies, this article interrogates the competing narratives about racial identities offered by state policies, adoption workers, and individual families.
Invasive fungal infections: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Puri Akshjot , Chesser Michael , Lidner Thomas
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Overall incidence of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients is low with the more common infections being invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis and cryptococosis. Zygomycosis comprises of only 0.2%-1.2% of infections in renal transplant recipients with current recommendations advising against routine prophylaxis.Case: The patient was a 60-year-old male with a history of renal transplant 25 years ago on immunosuppressants, chronic transplant glomerulopathy, squamous cell carcinoma post penectomy and bilateral orchiectomy 2 years ago, controlled diabetes and hypertension who presented with pain in the perineal region for 4 days. On exam he was discovered to be afebrile and had a scrotal skin fold with urethral opening from his previous surgery and 2.5 cm induration and tenderness in the left gluteal fold. He was treated with 5 days of Unasyn. A biopsy was taken to rule out recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma and he was discharged home. The patient returned with worsening perineal pain within 3 days. On exam he had progressive induration with erythema, swelling and tenderness in the perineum. An initial white blood cell count of 15.8 increased to 25.8 and blood cultures remained negative. The computed tomography scan showed diffuse edema in the perineum without any evidence of abscesses. Immunosuppression was held and broad spectrum antibiotics were started. His renal failure progressively worsened eventually requiring continuous renal replacement therapy, intensive care transfer and vasopressor support. The biopsy revealed intermingled fibrous tissue with focal necrosis and no evidence of malignant cells. A repeat incision and debridement (I&D) culture showed growth consistent with mucor. He was started on liposomal amphotericin B and taken to the OR for multiple debridements. Unfortunately he progressed to multisystem organ failure and died after transitioning to comfort care.Conclusions: Invasive fungal infections remain one of the life threatening differentials for cellulitis like skin lesions, especially for patients not responding to antibiotics and those who are immunocompromised. Early cultures and histopathology of lesions should be done for diagnosis and to avoid delays in treatment.
A Binary Search Algorithm for Correlation Study of Decay Centrality vs. Degree Centrality and Closeness Centrality
Authors: Meghanathan Natarajan
Published: April 2017

Results of correlation study (using Pearson's correlation coefficient, PCC) between decay centrality (DEC) vs. degree centrality (DEG) and closeness centrality (CLC) for a suite of 48 real-world networks indicate an interesting trend: PCC(DEC, DEG) decreases with increase in the decay parameter δ (0 < δ < 1) and PCC(DEC, CLC) decreases with decrease in δ. We make use of this trend of monotonic decrease in the PCC values (from both sides of the δ-search space) and propose a binary search algorithm that (given a threshold value r for the PCC) could be used to identify a value of δ (if one exists, we say there exists a positive δ-spacer) for a real-world network such that PCC(DEC, DEG) ≥ r as well as PCC(DEC, CLC) ≥ r. We show the use of the binary search algorithm to find the maximum Threshold PCC value rmax (such that δ-spacermax is positive) for a real-world network. We observe a very strong correlation between rmax and PCC(DEG, CLC) as well as observe real-world networks with a larger variation in node degree to more likely have a lower rmax value and vice-versa.
Research on Water Quality Assessment Model Based on Improved Three-Dimensional Nemerow Index Method and Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Cao Jian , Li Zheng-Long , Zhang Yuan-Biao
Published: April 2017

Monitoring water quality is a subject of ongoing concern and study since water quality is closely related to human life. Although Nemerow index method is widely used in water quality assessment, the artificial threshold setting may lead to some errors. In this study, we improved the traditional Nemerow index method and built a three-dimensional water quality assessment model combined with the modified firefly algorithm (FA). Then, we applied the improved three-dimensional Nemerow index method to evaluate 100 random water samples. Compared with the traditional method, the improved one proved to be more objective, scientific and practical.
2017/1 Early retirement pension cannot justify age discrimination (AU)
Authors: Schöffmann Peter C. , Tinhofer Andreas
Published: April 2017

Early retirement pension cannot justify age discrimination (AU)

The Austrian Supreme Court has held that the selection of employees for redundancy because of their entitlement to an early retirement pension constitutes unfair dismissal on grounds of direct age discrimination. Although it was accepted that individual employers (here the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) can pursue a legitimate aim within the meaning of Article 6(1) of Directive 2000/78/EC, the means to achieve that aim were not considered appropriate and necessary. The Court stressed that a balance must be struck between the interests of older and younger employees, taking into account that it is generally easier for younger employees to find a new job. In the case at hand, however, the employer had not managed to show that its redundancy selection programme met that requirement.
2017/2 Length of service is not a protected characteristic for discrimination and roles with different educational requirements are not comparable (HU)
Authors: Ormai Gabriella
Published: April 2017

2017/2 Length of service is not a protected characteristic for discrimination and roles with different educational requirements are not comparable (HU)

The Curia (Hungarian Supreme Court) stated in its ruling that length of service is not a protected characteristic under discrimination law. Length of employment cannot be considered as a core feature of the individual based on which he or she would belong to a specific group, as it is a result of his or her own actions. It therefore cannot be treated as a ‘miscellaneous’ ground for the purposes of the Hungarian Equal Treatment Act. Further, length of service cannot be linked to age discrimination. The length of service of an employee is not directly connected to age, therefore treatment of an employee based on length of service with a specific organisation cannot be considered age discriminatory.

A claim based on discrimination must be supported by a comparator. Employees with different educational backgrounds and jobs with different the educational requirements, are not comparable for the purposes of equal treatment law.
Privacy bij digitale gegevensuitwisseling tussen toezicht en opsporing Inspectieview Milieu als praktijkvoorbeeld
Authors: Coolen Caroline
Published: April 2017

Privacy bij digitale gegevensuitwisseling tussen toezicht en opsporing Inspectieview Milieu als praktijkvoorbeeld

Digitale gegevensuitwisseling tussen toezicht- en opsporingsinstanties betekent een nieuwe manier van werken. Voor welke vragen staat de uitvoeringspraktijk en is die er klaar voor? En hoe staat het met de wetgeving? In dit artikel staat de praktijk bij de totstandkoming van Inspectieview Milieu centraal. Dit traject is een voorbeeld van hoe het elders gaat of zou kunnen gaan. Maar er is meer nodig… In eerste instantie een brede verkenning naar de manier waarop toezicht en opsporing met elkaar samenwerken en op welke wijze ICT daarbij kan ondersteunen. Een belangrijke vervolgvraag is wat daar wettelijk nog voor nodig is. De uitvoeringspraktijk hoeft daar niet op te wachten. Er kan al gestart worden met een gezamenlijke ‘Gedragscode samenwerking en informatie-uitwisseling toezicht en opsporing’ zodat niemand meer het wiel hoeft uit te vinden.
Rechtsbescherming bij het gebruik van big data door toezichthouders: een verkenning
Authors: Zwenne Gerrit-Jan , Steenbruggen Wilfred , Reker Michael
Published: April 2017

Rechtsbescherming bij het gebruik van big data door toezichthouders: een verkenning

Willen toezichthouders en bestuursorganen gebruikmaken van big data predictive analytics, dan moeten zij dit doen binnen de daarvoor geldende bestuursrechtelijke en privacyrechtelijke kaders. Zij krijgen te maken met rechtsvragen over beschikbaarheid en bruikbaarheid en – omdat er bij toezicht vrijwel altijd op enig moment sprake zal zijn van een verwerking van persoonsgegevens – de privacywetgeving. In dit artikel komen aan de orde over welke gegevens toezichthouders kunnen en mogen beschikken, welke conclusies zij op basis van big-data-analyses kunnen trekken en hoe in dit alles de belangen van rechtssubjecten kunnen worden gewaarborgd.
Casals Bergés, Quintí (2016). La guerra del Francès a Catalunya: una nòmina del seu poder polític (1808-1814)
Authors: Moliner Prada Antoni
Published: April 2017

Casals Bergés, Quintí (2016)La guerra del Francès a Catalunya: una nòmina del seu poder polític (1808-1814)Lleida: Institut d’Estudis Ilerdencs, Diputació de Lleida, 414 p.ISBN 978-84-16452-10-1
Kuethe, Allan J. y Andrien, Kenneth J. (2014). The Spanish Atlantic World in the Eighteenth Century. War and the Bourbon Reforms, 1713-1796
Authors: Calderón Argelich Alfonso
Published: April 2017

Kuethe, Allan J. y Andrien, Kenneth J. (2014)The Spanish Atlantic World in the Eighteenth Century. War and the Bourbon Reforms, 1713-1796Nueva York: Cambridge University Press, 402 p. ISBN 978-1107672840
Sarrión Mora, Adelina (2016). El miedo al otro en la España del siglo XVII. Proceso y muerte de Beltrán Campana
Authors: Jurado Revaliente Iván
Published: April 2017

Sarrión Mora, Adelina (2016)El miedo al otro en la España del siglo XVII. Proceso y muerte de Beltrán CampanaCuenca: Ediciones de la Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 272 p.ISBN 978-84-9044-203-6
Editorial
Authors: Betrán Moya José Luis
Published: April 2017

Editorial de Manuscrits vol. 34 (2016).
De la bula de Julio II (1504) a las conclusiones de fray Pedro de Álava (1594): el largo proceso de validación del segundo matrimonio de Rodrigo de Mendoza, primer marqués del Cenete
Authors: Ferrer del Río Estefania
Published: April 2017

Tratamos en este trabajo sobre los matrimonios de Rodrigo de Mendoza, primer marqués del Cenete, sus azarosas circunstancias y sus consecuencias a través de un largo proceso que se inició en 1492, mediante las capitulaciones matrimoniales por su boda con Leonor de la Cerda, y finalizó en 1594, tras las conclusiones de fray Pedro de Álava con respecto a la legitimación de su segunda unión con María de Fonseca, casi un siglo después de esta. Acontecimientos que nos sirven para ir reconstruyendo el perfil biográfico de uno de los nobles más peculiares y controvertidos de su tiempo a caballo entre el Medioevo y el Renacimiento, hijo primogénito a su vez del Gran Cardenal de España, Pedro González de Mendoza.
Butlletes, fulls solts i altres menuderies : la contribució de la impremta al funcionament de la societat catalana moderna
Authors: Camprubí Xevi
Published: April 2017

La transmissió d’idees i de coneixements a través del llibre no va ser la principal aportació de la impremta. Aquest treball pretén mostrar que la contribució més significativa de l’ús de la tipografia al desenvolupament de la societat moderna foren unes obres menors — conegudes com a menuderies— que van agilitzar el funcionament de l’administració i de les institucions, alhora que van facilitar la circulació de la informació i la governabilitat. L’estudi del cas català permet constatar que el consum de menuderies es va estendre pràcticament a tots els àmbits: polític, judicial, econòmic, militar, sanitari i eclesiàstic.
Desempenho na Rede Social e Receita em Vendas: Efeito Moderador da Sazonalidade na Pequena Empresa Varejista
Authors: Porto Rafael Barreiros , Santos Patrick Michel Finazzi , Santana Felipe Velloso
Published: April 2017

Gestores de pequena empresa tm recorrido s estratgias nas redes sociais com esperana de que o relacionamento junto aos consumidores conduza s vendas. Entretanto, a identificao de quais aes na rede social se relacionam com a receita no tem sido esclarecida. Ademais, essas aes podem agir sob efeito da sazonalidade da demanda, provocando oscilaes nas vendas. A pesquisa averigua o efeito moderador da sazonalidade na relao entre o desempenho na rede social e a receita em vendas de uma pequena empresa. Realizou-se um estudo longitudinal com regresso em sries temporais tendo as dimenses do desempenho em rede social como variveis preditoras, a receita em vendas como varivel predita e as sazonalidades como moderadoras. O resultado revela que as dimenses de envolvimento e de quantidade de fs da pgina da empresa so preditoras, mas em pocas distintas. O estudo auxilia na identificao dos perodos para que as estratgias nas redes sociais gerem resultado financeiro.
O potencial da autenticidade para diferenciação das marcas: uma perspectiva conceitual
Authors: Garçon Marcia Maria , Yanaze Mitsuru Higuchi
Published: April 2017

O comportamento ctico que os consumidores apresentam frente s promessas organizacionais a principal justificativa dos estudos internacionais de Marketing sobre a Autenticidade. H uma saturao de mensagens com o mesmo contedo de narrativas e isto produziu uma audincia descrente. Neste cenrio de desconfiana, a percepo da autenticidade apresenta-se como vantagem competitiva para as marcas. Apesar da relevncia do assunto, as pesquisas so desenvolvidas a partir de uma variedade de denotaes que so implementadas ao termo, sem, contudo, definir um conceito claro para seu uso e gerenciamento. Este trabalho assume o propsito de compreender o construto de Autenticidade a partir da Filosofia, Cincias Sociais e Teorias da Comunicao e de definir um conceito teoricamente slido e potencialmente gerencivel para as marcas. Como resultado, tem-se um conceito multidimensional que fornece drivers para a correta gesto da comunicao e avaliao da percepo de marca autntica.
Una Perspectiva sobre las Dimensiones Hedónica y Funcional de La Alimentación
Authors: Reis Eíra Costa , Lima-Filho Dario De Oliveira , Quevedo-Silva Filipe
Published: April 2017

Este estudio pretende determinar el comportamiento del consumidor con respecto a las prcticas alimentarias en relacin con las dimensiones hednicas y funcionales, teniendo en cuenta que la alimentacin, adems de satisfacer una necesidad fisiolgica, es un acto sociocultural. Fue llevado a cabo un estudio cuantitativo descriptivo con 200 individuos a travs de encuestas. Los resultados muestran que los encuestados tenan un comportamiento ms hednico que funcional en sus consumos alimentarios. El comportamiento funcional estuvo ms evidente en los hombres encuestados y con educacin superior, mostrando una cierta peculiaridad en algunos grupos etarios.Este estudio es relevante porque investiga el comportamiento del consumidor de alimentos utilizando un enfoque utilitario emocional y aade a los conceptos de marketing, conocimientos derivados de la sociologa y la antropologa.
Business Ethics: International Analysis of Codes of Ethics and Conduct
Authors: Andrade Josmar , Hamza Kavita Miadaira , Xara-Brasil Duarte Miguek
Published: April 2017

Codes of ethics and code of conduct formalize an ideal of expected behavior patterns to managers and employees of organizations, providing standards and orientation that states companies interactions with the community, through products /services, sales force, marketing communications, investments, and relationships with other stakeholders, influencing company reputation and overall Marketing performance. The objective of this study is to analyze the differences in codes of ethics of the largest companies based in Brazil and in Portugal, given their cultural and linguistic similarities. Findings show that the use of codes of ethics are more common in Brazil than in Portugal and that codes of ethics are substantially more extensive and cover a larger number of categories in Brazilian companies, reflecting the organizations mission and perception of stakeholders concerns and priorities. We conclude that ethical issues severely impact company reputation and, in a comprehensive sense, overall Marketing performance. Marketing professionals should be systematically aware of how company core values are transmitted to different audiences, including the use of code of ethics to communicate both with internal and external publics.