bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A heuristic procedure for compact Markov representation of PH distributions
Authors: Horvath Illes , Telek Miklos
Published: February 2015

The minimal Markovian representation of PH distributions is an open research problem, which was actively investigated during the last two decades. We present a numerical method for finding small Markovian representation of PH distributions and investigate the general quality of the method by comparing the size of the obtained representation with the size of the representation obtained by alternative methods. Our numerical method intends to find a small Markovian representation. We report examples when the obtained representation is larger than the minimal Markovian representation.
End-to-End Delay Bounds for Variable Length Packet Transmissions under Flow Transformations
Authors: Wang Hao , Schmitt Jens
Published: February 2015

A fundamental contribution of network calculus is the convolution-form representation of networks which enables tight end-to-end delay bounds. Recently, this has been extended to the case where the data flow is subject to transformations on its way to the destination. Yet, the extension, based on so-called scaling elements, only applies to a setting of identically sized data units, e.g., bits. In practice, of course, one often has to deal with variable-length packets. Therefore, in this paper, we address this case and propose two novel methods to derive delay bounds for variable-length packets subject to flow transformations. One is a relatively direct extension of existing work and the other one represents a more detailed treatment of packetization effects. In a numerical evaluation, we show the clear superiority of the latter one and also validate the bounds by simulation results.
Flow coupling and stochastic ordering of throughputs in linear networks
Authors: Leskelä Lasse
Published: February 2015

Robust estimates for the performance of complicated queueing networks can be obtained by showing that the number of jobs in the network is stochastically comparable to a simpler, analytically tractable reference network. Classical coupling results on stochastic ordering of network populations require strong monotonicity assumptions which are often violated in practice. However, in most real-world applications we care more about what goes through a network than what sits inside it. This paper describes a new approach for ordering flows instead of populations by augmenting network states with their associated flow counting processes and deriving Markov couplings of the augmented state-flow processes.
Joint Instability and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Blalock Darryl , Miller Andrew , Tilley Michael , Wang Jinxi
Published: February 2015

Joint instability creates a clinical and economic burden in the health care system. Injuries and disorders that directly damage the joint structure or lead to joint instability are highly associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Thus, understanding the physiology of joint stability and the mechanisms of joint instability-induced OA is of clinical significance. The first section of this review discusses the structure and function of major joint tissues, including periarticular muscles, which play a significant role in joint stability. Because the knee, ankle, and shoulder joints demonstrate a high incidence of ligament injury and joint instability, the second section summarizes the mechanisms of ligament injury-associated joint instability of these joints. The final section highlights the recent advances in the understanding of the mechanical and biological mechanisms of joint instability-induced OA. These advances may lead to new opportunities for clinical intervention in the prevention and early treatment of OA.
Predictive Factors Related to the Efficacy of Golimumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kanbe Katsuaki , Chiba Junji , Inoue Yasuo , Taguchi Masashi , Yabuki Akiko
Published: February 2015

In order to investigate the predictive factors related to clinical efficacy and radiographic progression at 24 weeks by looking at the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 including baseline characteristics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with golimumab, serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were analyzed every 4 weeks up to 24 weeks in 47 patients treated with golimumab. Baseline levels of the Disease Activity Score 28 C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) scores were also assessed. Radiographic progression using the van der Heijde-modified Sharp (vdH-S) score was assessed in 29 patients. Multiple regression analyses related to the DAS28-CRP score and delta total sharp score at 24 weeks was undertaken using the baseline characteristics of patients and serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, TNF-α, and IL–6. The DAS28-CRP score and SDAI decreased significantly at 4 weeks up to 24 weeks compared with baseline. Serum levels of TNF-α were not changed significantly up to 24 weeks compared with baseline, but those of IL-6 decreased significantly at 4 weeks up to 8 weeks. Multiple regression analyses showed that disease duration and serum levels of MMP-3 were related significantly to the DAS28-CRP score at 24 weeks. Radiographic progression was related significantly to disease duration with regard to joint space narrowing and bone erosion. However, serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were not correlated significantly with the DAS28-CRP score and radiographic progression. These data suggest that decreasing serum levels of IL-6 significantly, MMP-3, and disease duration are predictive factors for RA activity in patients taking golimumab.
A coupling approach to Doob’s theorem
Authors: Kulik Alexei , Scheutzow Michael
Published: February 2015

We provide a coupling proof of Doob’s theorem which says that the transition probabilities of a regular Markov process which has an invariant probability measure

\mu

converge to

\mu

in the total variation distance. In addition we show that non-singularity (rather than equivalence) of the transition probabilities suffices to ensure convergence of the transition probabilities for

\mu

-almost all initial conditions.
A survey on the existence of isoperimetric sets in the space $\mathbb R^N$ with density
Authors: Pratelli Aldo
Published: February 2015

The aim of this survey is to give a precise idea of the recent results on existence of isoperimetric sets in

\mathbb R^N

with density. We will mainly focus on the overall ideas, leaving away some technical details of the proofs, which can be found in the cited papers. No previous knowledge on the subject is assumed from the reader. This survey originates from a talk of the author at the conference ‘‘New Trends in Nonlinear PDE’s’’ held at the Accademia dei Lincei on November 26th, 2013. I wish to dedicate this paper to Carlo Sbordone, because of his recent 65th birthday, and to Ula, because she will become my wife in a few days.
Development and Validation of Chassis Mounted Platform Design for Heavy Vehicles
Authors: Deulgaonkar Vikas R. , Matani Ashok G.
Published: February 2015

Hand calculations, finite element (FE) analysis and experimental validation of chassis mounted platform design for defence and commercial off-road vehicles have been attempted in this work. The work was commenced with the thorough study of platform configuration, loading pattern, platform mount location and configuration on the vehicle chassis and relevant vehicle characteristics. Calculation of section modulus, shear force and bending moment of various structural members under specified loading has been carried out before proceeding with the FE modeling and analysis of platform. FE model of the chassis mounted platform has been made using shell elements and the boundary conditions have been imposed based on the loading pattern with an assumption of rigid vehicle chassis. Static and gradient analyses of the platform have been carried out for full scale and reduced scale prototype FE models. Experimental strain measurement at critical locations under different static and gradient loads has been carried out for design validation of chassis mounted platform using the scaled prototype. Close correlation has been found between the experimental stress values and FE stress analysis results for static and gradient load conditions. From the entire load tests conducted, it is observed that the strain values in rear portion are less as compared with those in front and mid portions of the platform in-spite of the rear overhang provision.
Influence of Water, Oil and Dust on the Performance of Conventional and Wedge Disc Brakes
Authors: Mahmoud K.R.M. , Mourad M.A.
Published: February 2015

In this work, laboratory tests have been carried out to investigate the influence of the presence of water and oil film, as well as the existence of wet dust between the disc and brake pads on the performance characteristics of conventional and wedge disc brakes are examined. The number of brake application and its influence on friction at dry and wet conditions are also investigated. The results indicated that the presence of a water layer between brake pads and disc led to increased friction coefficient and therefore increased the brake shoe factor. The presence of oil film between the friction surfaces lead to obvious reduction in the coefficient of friction. The influence of the presence of wet dust between the friction surfaces has a negligible influence on both conventional and wedge disc brakes.
Japonski zapis slovenskih enozložnih izrek: transkripcija in fonološke omejitve pri prenosu glasovne podobe
Authors: GOLOB Nina
Published: February 2015

Slovene monosyllabic words in Japanese: Transcription and phonological constraints
ASPECTOS AMBIENTAIS DA DISPOSIÇÃO DE RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS EM ATERRO SANITÁRIO NA ZONA DE AMORTECIMENTO DAS UNIDADES DE CONSERVAÇÃO DO MUNICÍPIO DE ASSIS – SP
Authors: Leite Regiane Novais , Bongiovanni Solange
Published: February 2015

A análise dos aspectos ambientais da disposição de resíduos sólidos em aterro sanitário na zona de amortecimento das unidades de conservação Floresta Estadual e Estação Ecológica de Assis permitiu estimar impactos ambientais negativos, que podem afetar a biodiversidade e recursos naturais destas unidades. Pretendeu-se, através deste trabalho, alertar, por meio de relatório ambiental, o gestor municipal e os órgãos ambientais existentes em Assis sobre a situação dessa área, a fim de promover o encerramento das atividades do aterro e a destinação final correta dos resíduos sólidos gerados no município de Assis. A pesquisa pautou-se na legislação vigente e pertinente e nos métodos descritos pela literatura sobre aterramento de resíduos e impactos ambientais. Foram realizadas idas a campo para observação do cenário. Os aspectos ambientais analisados apresentaram correspondência com impactos ambientais negativos, os quais exibem potencial de causar ao ambiente: perda da qualidade e contaminação do solo, deterioração da qualidade das águas subterrâneas, deterioração da qualidade do ar, perda líquida dos habitats e alteração dos ecossistemas aquáticos e terrestres, e ao meio antrópico: impacto visual, sobre a saúde humana e socioambiental. Faz-se necessária a adoção de medidas mitigadoras, como a descontaminação dessa área após o encerramento do aterro, em prol do reestabelecimento da qualidade dessa paisagem e da minimização dos riscos à saúde pública.
COMPARAÇÃO DE ASPECTOS FENOLÓGICOS E DE FRUGIVORIA ENTRE A PALMEIRA NATIVA Euterpe edulis Mart. E A PALMEIRA EXÓTICA Phoenix roebelenii O’Brien (ARECACEAE) NO SUDESTE DO BRASIL
Authors: Omote Taís , Antunes Alexsander Zamorano , Matsukuma Ciro Koiti
Published: February 2015

A dispersão de sementes de vegetais exóticos por animais nativos é um dos fatores associados a invasões biológicas. Visando colaborar para maior compreensão sobre o estabelecimento dessa relação, os objetivos do presente trabalho foram comparar os padrões fenológicos de frutificação e caracterizar a assembleia de aves visitantes de duas palmeiras, a nativa Euterpe edulis e a exótica Phoenix roebelenii no Parque Estadual Alberto Löfgren. Phoenix roebelenii é originária do sudeste da Ásia, frequentemente utilizada no paisagismo urbano, e apresenta-se disseminada no sub-bosque florestal do Parque Estadual Alberto Löfgren. Contudo, ela não é considerada uma espécie invasora em território brasileiro. Os padrões fenológicos de 30 indivíduos adultos de cada espécie de palmeira foram acompanhados mensalmente entre abril de 2012 e março de 2014. A caracterização das assembleias de aves visitantes foi obtida por meio de observação focal. As palmeiras diferiram em seus padrões fenológicos apresentando sobreposição parcial na fenofase frutos maduros, mas não em seus picos de frutificação. Considerando-se apenas os dispersores em potencial de ambas as espécies, observou-se que aves distintas foram responsáveis pelas maiores taxas de consumo de frutos obtidas para cada uma das palmeiras. Os dados do presente trabalho sugerem que a palmeira exótica se tornou importante fonte de alimento para aves nativas nessa unidade de conservação, e que em decorrência dessa interação ocorre a dispersão de sementes, a qual provavelmente contribui para o recrutamento bem-sucedido dessa planta no local, o que justificaria o desenvolvimento de pesquisas sobre o impacto do seu estabelecimento sobre as espécies vegetais nativas.
The role of aerosol in altering North Atlantic atmospheric circulation in winter and its impact on air quality
Authors: Pausata F. S. R. , Gaetani M. , Messori G. , Kloster S. , Dentener F. J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Numerical model scenarios of future climate depict a global increase in temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, primarily driven by increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. Aerosol particles also play an important role by altering the Earth's radiation budget and consequently surface temperature. Here, we use the general circulation aerosol model ECHAM5-HAM, coupled to a mixed layer ocean model, to investigate the impacts of future air pollution mitigation strategies in Europe on winter atmospheric circulation over the North Atlantic. We analyse the extreme case of a maximum feasible end-of-pipe reduction of aerosols in the near future (2030), in combination with increasing GHG concentrations. Our results show a more positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) mean state by 2030, together with a significant eastward shift of the southern centre of action of sea-level pressure (SLP). Moreover, we show a significantly increased blocking frequency over the western Mediterranean. By separating the impacts of aerosols and GHGs, our study suggests that future aerosol abatement may be the primary driver of both the eastward shift in the southern SLP centre of action and the increased blocking frequency over the western Mediterranean. These concomitant modifications of the atmospheric circulation over the Euro-Atlantic sector lead to more stagnant weather conditions that favour air pollutant accumulation, especially in the western Mediterranean sector. Changes in atmospheric circulation should therefore be included in future air pollution mitigation assessments. The indicator-based evaluation of atmospheric circulation changes presented in this work will allow an objective first-order assessment of the role of changes in wintertime circulation on future air quality in other climate model simulations.
Retrieval of daytime total columnar water vapour from MODIS measurements over land surfaces
Authors: Diedrich H. , Preusker R. , Lindstrot R. , Fischer J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. A retrieval of total column water vapour (TCWV) from MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) measurements is presented. The algorithm is adapted from a retrieval for MERIS (Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) from Lindstrot et al. (2012). It obtains the TCWV for cloud-free scenes above land at a spatial resolution of 1 km × 1 km and provides uncertainties on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The algorithm has been extended by introducing empirical correction coefficients for the transmittance calculation within the forward operator. With that, a wet bias of the MODIS algorithm against ARM microwave radiometer data has been eliminated. The validation against other ground-based measurements (GNSS water vapour stations, GUAN radiosondes, and AERONET sun photometers) on a global scale reveals a bias between −0.8 and −1.6 mm and root mean square deviations between 0.9 and 2 mm. This is an improvement in comparison to the operational TCWV Level 2 product (bias between −1.9 and −3.2 mm and root mean square deviations between 1.9 and 3.4 mm). The comparison to MERIS TCWV for an example overpass exposes a systematic dry bias.
Sources and export of particle-borne organic matter during a monsoon flood in a catchment of northern Laos
Authors: Gourdin E. , Huon S. , Evrard O. , Ribolzi O. , Bariac T. , Sengtaheuanghoung O. , Ayrault S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The yields of the tropical rivers of Southeast Asia supply large quantities of carbon to the ocean. The origin and dynamics of particulate organic matter were studied in the Houay Xon River catchment located in northern Laos during the first erosive flood of the rainy season in May 2012. This cultivated catchment is equipped with three successive gauging stations draining areas ranging between 0.2 and 11.6 km2 on the main stem of the permanent stream, and two additional stations draining 0.6 ha hillslopes. In addition, the sequential monitoring of rainwater, overland flow and suspended organic matter compositions was conducted at the 1 m2 plot scale during a storm. The composition of particulate organic matter (total organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations, δ13C and δ15N) was determined for suspended sediment, soil surface (top 2 cm) and soil subsurface (gullies and riverbanks) samples collected in the catchment (n = 57, 65 and 11, respectively). Hydrograph separation of event water was achieved using water electric conductivity and δ18O measurements for rainfall, overland flow and river water base flow (n = 9, 30 and 57, respectively). The composition of particulate organic matter indicates that upstream suspended sediments mainly originated from cultivated soils labelled by their C3 vegetation cover (upland rice, fallow vegetation and teak plantations). In contrast, channel banks characterized by C4 vegetation (Napier grass) supplied significant quantities of sediment to the river during the flood rising stage at the upstream station as well as in downstream river sections. The highest runoff coefficient (11.7%), sediment specific yield (433 kg ha−1), total organic carbon specific yield (8.3 kg C ha−1) and overland flow contribution (78–100%) were found downstream of reforested areas planted with teaks. Swamps located along the main stream acted as sediment filters and controlled the composition of suspended organic matter. Total organic carbon specific yields were particularly high because they occurred during the first erosive storm of the rainy season, just after the period of slash-and-burn operations in the catchment.
1200 years of warm-season temperature variability in central Fennoscandia inferred from tree-ring density
Authors: Zhang P. , Linderholm H. W. , Gunnarson B. E. , Björklund J. , Chen D.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. An improved and extended Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots Pine) tree-ring maximum density (MXD) chronology from the central Scandinavian Mountains was used to reconstruct warm-season (April–September) temperature back to 850 CE. Due to systematic bias from differences in elevation (or local environment) of the samples through time, the data was "mean adjusted''. The new reconstruction, called C-Scan, was based on the RSFi standardisation method to preserve mid- and long-term climate variability. C-Scan, explaining more than 50% of the warm-season temperature variance in a large area of Central Fennoscandia, agrees with the general profile of Northern Hemisphere temperature evolution during the last 12 centuries, supporting the occurrences of a Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) around 1009–1108 CE and a Little Ice Age (LIA) ca 1550–1900 CE in Central Fennoscandia. C-scan suggests a later onset of LIA and a larger cooling trend during 1000–1900 CE than previous MXD based reconstructions from Northern Fennoscandia. Moreover, during the last 1200 years, the coldest period was found in the late 17th–19th centuries with the coldest decades being centered on 1600 CE, and the warmest 100 years occurring in the most recent century.
Groundwater seepage landscapes from local or distal sources in experiments and on Mars
Authors: Marra W. A. , McLelland S. J. , Parsons D. R. , Murphy B. J. , Hauber E. , Kleinhans M. G.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Theater-headed valleys can form due to groundwater sapping, but these valleys could also be the result of knick-point (waterfall) erosion generated by overland flow. This morphological ambiguity hampers the interpretation of such valleys on Mars, especially due to insufficient knowledge of material properties, but the climate implications are quite different. Instead of single-valley morphology, metrics of the entire landscape may provide diagnostic insight in the formative hydrological conditions. However, flow patterns and the resulting landscapes are different for different sources of groundwater and poorly understood. We aim to increase our understanding of the formation of the entire landscapes by sapping from different sources of groundwater and to provide a framework of landscape metrics of such systems to aid interpretation of such landscapes. We study sapping from local and distal sources of groundwater in sandbox experiments and combine our results with previous experiments. Key results are that groundwater piracy acts on distally-fed valleys, which results in a sparsely dissected landscape of many small and a few large valleys while locally-fed valleys result in a densely dissected landscape. In addition, distally-fed valleys grow into the direction of the groundwater source while locally-fed channels grow in a broad range of directions and have a strong tendency to bifurcate, particularly on flat horizontal surfaces. As an example, we apply these results to two Martian cases. The valleys of Louros Valles show properties of sapping by a local source and Nirgal Vallis shows evidence of a distal source, which is likely groundwater from Tharsis.
MetUM-GOML1: a near-globally coupled atmosphere–ocean-mixed-layer model
Authors: Hirons L. C. , Klingaman N. P. , Woolnough S. J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Well-resolved air–sea interactions are simulated in a new ocean mixed-layer, coupled configuration of the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM-GOML), comprising the MetUM coupled to the Multi-Column K Profile Parameterization ocean (MC-KPP). This is the first globally coupled system which provides a vertically resolved, high near-surface resolution ocean at comparable computational cost to running in atmosphere-only mode. As well as being computationally inexpensive, this modelling framework is adaptable – the independent MC-KPP columns can be applied selectively in space and time – and controllable – by using temperature and salinity corrections the model can be constrained to any ocean state. The framework provides a powerful research tool for process-based studies of the impact of air–sea interactions in the global climate system. MetUM simulations have been performed which separate the impact of introducing interannual variability in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) from the impact of having atmosphere–ocean feedbacks. The representation of key aspects of tropical and extratropical variability are used to assess the performance of these simulations. Coupling the MetUM to MC-KPP is shown, for example, to reduce tropical precipitation biases, improve the propagation of, and spectral power associated with, the Madden–Julian Oscillation and produce closer-to-observed patterns of springtime blocking activity over the Euro-Atlantic region.
Dynamics of turbulence under the effect of stratification and internal waves
Authors: Druzhinin O. A. , Ostrovsky L. A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to study the dynamics of small-scale turbulence near a pycnocline, both in the free regime and under the action of an internal gravity wave (IW) propagating along a pycnocline, using direct numerical simulation (DNS). Turbulence is initially induced in a horizontal layer at some distance above the pycnocline. The velocity and density fields of IW propagating in the pycnocline are also prescribed as initial condition. The IW wavelength is considered to be by the order of magnitude larger as compared to the initial turbulence integral length scale. Stratification in the pycnocline is considered to be sufficiently strong so that the effects of turbulent mixing remain negligible. The dynamics of turbulence is studied both with and without initially induced internal wave. The DNS results show that in the absence of IW turbulence decays, but its decay rate is reduced in the vicinity of the pycnocline where stratification effects are significant. In this case, at sufficiently late times most of turbulent energy is located in a layer close to the pycnocline center. Here turbulent eddies are collapsed in the vertical direction and acquire the "pancake" shape. IW modifies turbulence dynamics, in that the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) is significantly enhanced as compared to the TKE in the absence of IW. As in the case without IW, most of turbulent energy is localized in the vicinity of the pycnocline center. Here the TKE spectrum is considerably enhanced in the entire wavenumber range as compared to the TKE spectrum in the absence of IW.
Addressing Radicalisation into the Classroom - A New Approach to Teacher and Pupil Learning
Authors: Reeves Jane , Sheriyar Alamgir
Published: February 2015

This article examines one response to the UK Government’s directive that radicalisation and extremism should be tackled in all UK secondary schools. The small scale study is set in the broader literature of teaching often difficult Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) topics to young people in secondary school, and also the use of simulations as tools for learning in the classroom. It analyses the responses of teachers to being trained with, and using, ‘Zak’ a bespoke research-based simulation on the radicalisation process. An analysis of the teachers’ responses indicated recognition that the principles of adults manipulating children, whether for sexual gratification or radicalisation, are considered to be very important topics for staff working with young people in school settings to address. It was also recognised as  a flexible learning tool enabling various pathways to be explored with young people in lessons, addressing the many aspects of e-safety, not just radicalisation. Additionally, the teachers remarked that the social media ‘Facebook’ format of the simulation was appreciated by the young people, and this appeal resulted in their immersion with it as a teaching aid. The comprehensive delivery of the ‘Zak’ package into schools was also significant.  Staff reported that the inter-professional training delivered by specialist police trainers, and the accompanying materials, enhanced the learning and confidence of the teachers on this multi-faceted and complex topic.
Septicemia and Infection due to ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae Following Feline Renal Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Phillips Heidi , Occhipinti Lindsay L. , Aronson Lillian R.
Published: February 2015

A 12 yr old castrated male domestic longhair underwent renal transplantation for treatment of chronic interstitial nephritis. Full-thickness intestinal biopsies obtained prior to transplantation revealed mild enteritis. Twelve months following transplantation, the patient underwent surgery for resection of a mesenteric mass causing septic peritonitis. The mesenteric mass was resected and an intestinal resection and anastomosis was performed. Extended–spectrum-β-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was cultured from the resected tissue and urinary tract. Bacterial rods were noted to be circulating in the bloodstream, causing septicemia. Despite aggressive treatment of the septic peritonitis and septicemia using surgical debridement, drain placement, aggressive antibiotic therapy with IV meropenem, and vasopressor support, the patient succumbed to persistent hypotension and suffered cardiopulmonary arrest. Extended–spectrum-β-lactamase-producing bacteria are of growing concern in human and veterinary medicine, maintaining susceptibility often only to carbapenem and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Resistance to even those antibiotics is emerging. Veterinary patients with a history of antibiotic therapy, central venous or urinary catheterization, immunosuppression, enteric surgery, and an extended stay in the intensive care unit may be predisposed.
Recursos hídricos, contaminación y sociedad civil en la region occidental de Honduras
Authors: Humberto Orellana Jorge , Machado Leiva Francisco , Rivas Guzmán Alvaro
Published: February 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i2.1817
Proyecto de generación de energía en base a biomasa aplicado a la UNAH
Authors: Ortiz Roberto , Mejía Osman , Sabillón Jairo , Rivera Dennis A
Published: February 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i2.1820
Modelo numérico de movimiento ondulatorio en un medio heterogéneo no isotrópico bajo condiciones de estabilidad orbital
Authors: Vides Fredy
Published: February 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rct.v0i2.1823
A política de garantia de preços mínimos antes e pós-plano real
Authors: Favro Jackelline , Caldarelli Carlos Eduardo , Caravieri Ana Maria Machado
Published: February 2015

O objetivo do estudo é analisar a atuação da Política de Garantia de Preços Mínimos – PGPM – no Brasil para os principais produtos agropecuários, a partir das décadas de 1980 e 1990, com destaque para a análise do período pós-Plano Real. O estudo é de natureza descritiva e bibliográfica. Os principais resultados permitem concluir que a Política de Garantia de Preços Mínimos continua sendo um importante instrumento para garantir renda ao produtor rural e a oferta de culturas selecionadas no período analisado, embora tenha se verificado uma redução da ação pública para a PGPM e que novos instrumentos privados têm se mostrado eficientes.
Platelet serotonin modulates immune functions
Authors: Mauler M. , Bode C. , Duerschmied D.
Published: February 2015

This short review addresses immune functions of platelet serotonin. Platelets transport serotonin at a high concentration in dense granules and release it upon activation. Besides haemostatic, vasotonic and developmental modulation, serotonin also influences a variety of immune functions (mediated by different serotonin receptors). First, platelet serotonergic effects are directed against invading pathogens via activation and proliferation of lymphocytes, modulation of cytokine release, and recruitment of neutrophils to sites of acute inflammation by induction of selectin expression on endothelial cells. Second, serotonin levels are elevated in autoimmune diseases, such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis, and during tissue regeneration after ischemia of myocardium or brain. Specific antagonism of serotonin receptors appears to improve survival after myocardial infarction or sepsis and to attenuate asthmatic attacks in animal models. It will be of great clinical relevance if these findings can be translated into human applications. In conclusion, targeting immune modulatory effects of platelet serotonin may provide novel therapeutic options for common health problems.
Witwasonderzoeken zonder aantoonbaar gronddelict
Authors: Rozemeijer J.P.
Published: February 2015

Dutch money laundering investigations without a link to the predicate offence

In Dutch criminal money laundering investigations there is no need to fully proof the predicate offence. When a criminal suspicion of money laundering exists without a direct connection to the predicate offence it’s the suspect who must prove the legal origin of his income or possessions. If the suspect doesn’t succeed in this, the judge will rule that the origin has to be criminal. This article shows in six steps how judges rule in this kind of cases and how an investigation can be done. These six steps are combined with examples from recent jurisprudence. The goal of this article is to raise awareness on this subject in order to operate more efficiently and effectively in money laundering investigations.
Hoe
effectief is het antiwitwasbeleid in elke
EU-lidstaat?
Authors: Ferwerda J. , Unger B.
Published: February 2015

How effective are anti-money laundering policies in each EU Member State?

All EU Member States developed anti-money laundering policies based on EU directives and FATF recommendations. While uniformity in this policy area is needed for international cooperation, the different countries are facing different money laundering challenges and interpret the goal of anti-money laundering policy quite differently. This article analyses the money laundering threat in each EU Member State and the effectiveness of the corresponding policy reaction. Furthermore, the authors identify four types of anti-money laundering policy in the EU and classify each country in one of the four types by using the statistical method of cluster analysis.
Field Technologies Advance Utility Operations
Authors: Stern Chris
Published: February 2015

Water utilities are increasing the efficiency of field personnel and streamlining information exchange and use between field and office. Discover how utilities are taking advantage of field force automation and how these technologies can benefit your utility.
How a Water Bureau Installed AMR on Its Own
Authors: Strawn Mary , Wang Harry
Published: February 2015

Instead of using an outside consultant, Arlington County (Va.) had in‐house staff install large‐scale automated meter reading (AMR). The team overcame obstacles in deploying AMR in a densely populated area under an accelerated time frame, learning on the job.
Climate Adaptation Planning Builds Water Utility Resilience
Authors: Dubin Laura
Published: February 2015

Climate change and extreme weather events can pose significant challenges for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. The US Environmental Protection Agency has developed an array of customizable software tools for understanding and assessing threats related to climate change to help utilities prepare for and be more resilient to such challenges.
Why Conduct So Many Lab Tests When the Results Are Always the Same?
Authors: Lauer William C.
Published: February 2015

Most of the time, the many checks and readings operators perform are repetitive and unremarkable. This is good, although perhaps boring. However, in the event something is amiss, you'll be glad you conducted your tests accurately and routinely. Conducting such tests is a critical part of the quality assurance system that ensures continuous production of high‐quality drinking water.
Water Conservation Techniques Make a Difference
Authors: Russo Rosemarie
Published: February 2015

Water sustainability initiatives in one college town show how empowering businesses, community members, educational institutions, and local governments to get involved is key to success. Engaging a community with water‐conservation techniques for sustainable water management and preparedness can lead to significant economic and environmental savings in a time of increasing water scarcity.
Perioperative Management in a Child with Familial Bilateral Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Saurabh Joshi  , Chetan Saraya  , Shri Prakash Singh  , Jasbir Singh Khanuja  , Umesh Kumar Valecha
Published: February 2015

Purpose: Diagnosis and perioperative management of bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma with a successful outcome is an apt combination of clinical knowledge and anaesthetic skills. Detailed history, meticulous physical examination, relevant laboratory investigations along with good preoperative pharmacological optimization and fluid resuscitation plays an important role in the perioperative period. Genetic testing and counseling should be offered to all the family members of patients suspected of familial predisposition. We report the anesthetic management of 10 year old male child with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma with family history of disease.
Clinical Features: A10-year old male, presented to our pediatric outpatient clinic with gradually increasing holocranial headache, blurring of vision, sweating, photophobia, progressive quietness in nature and poor performance in school, increased thirst and urine output for one week along with pain over bilateral lower limbs and difficulty walking without support for 20days. Parents also reported two episodes of generalized convulsions with one episode of opisthotonic posturing and up rolling of eyes, which was sustained for 50 min. Family history of three sudden deaths, and father, a known case of pheochromocytoma along with clinical presentation, raised the suspicion of familial pheochromocytoma.
Conclusion: Though pheochromocytomas are rare tumours, a high level of suspicion in paediatric age group, where patients don't present with classical symptoms, leads to early diagnosis and management and prevents catastrophic events. Young patients with bilateral disease and positive family history should be offered genetic testing. Preoperative catecholamine blockade and meticulous anaesthetic and surgical management are the keys to successful perioperative management of bilateral pheochromocytoma.
Ribosomes slide on lysine-encoding homopolymeric A stretches
Authors: Koutmou Kristin S , Schuller Anthony P , Brunelle Julie L , Radhakrishnan Aditya , Djuranovic Sergej , Green Rachel
Published: February 2015

Protein output from synonymous codons is thought to be equivalent if appropriate tRNAs are sufficiently abundant. Here we show that mRNAs encoding iterated lysine codons, AAA or AAG, differentially impact protein synthesis: insertion of iterated AAA codons into an ORF diminishes protein expression more than insertion of synonymous AAG codons. Kinetic studies in E. coli reveal that differential protein production results from pausing on consecutive AAA-lysines followed by ribosome sliding on homopolymeric A sequence. Translation in a cell-free expression system demonstrates that diminished output from AAA-codon-containing reporters results from premature translation termination on out of frame stop codons following ribosome sliding. In eukaryotes, these premature termination events target the mRNAs for Nonsense-Mediated-Decay (NMD). The finding that ribosomes slide on homopolymeric A sequences explains bioinformatic analyses indicating that consecutive AAA codons are under-represented in gene-coding sequences. Ribosome ‘sliding’ represents an unexpected type of ribosome movement possible during translation.
Prognosis of Ti abundance in Sinus Iridum using a nonlinear analysis of Chang' E‐1 Interference Imaging Spectrometer imagery
Authors: Tingyan Xing , Fujiang Liu , Li Liu , Chan Li , Ying Zhang , Le Qiao , Rong Yang , Xiaopo Zheng , Meng Zhu , Qi Zhang
Published: February 2015

We report here on the relationship between titanium abundance and its spectral features on the Moon, using 36 craters exposed in Sinus Iridum, a landing site for China's Lunar Exploration Program. Six absorption parameters (full width at half maximum, absorption depth (D), absorption position (λ), absorption area (A), absorption asymmetry (S), and (Rmin)) at the wavelength of 500–550 nm were computed, and the lowest reflectance values (Rmin) to characterize the properties of titanium abundance and its spectral features were calculated. The correlation between Rmin and TiO2 abundance calculated by Clementine multispectral images is 0.812, and a second‐order polynomial fits the data better with a correlation of 0.837. The TiO2 abundance inversed by the Chang' E‐1 Interference Imaging Spectrometers (IIM) data is thus relatively higher than that revealed by the Clementine data. This good correlation between Rmin and TiO2 abundance may thus be used very effectively to estimate the Ti distribution on the surface of the Moon by IIM hyperspectral data.
Lightning locating systems: Insights on characteristics and validation techniques
Authors: Nag Amitabh , Murphy Martin J. , Schulz Wolfgang , Cummins Kenneth L.
Published: February 2015

Ground‐based and satellite‐based lightning locating systems are the most common ways to detect and geolocate lightning. Depending upon the frequency range of operation, LLSs may report a variety of processes and characteristics associated with lightning flashes including channel formation, leader pulses, cloud‐to‐ground return strokes, M‐components, ICC pulses, cloud lightning pulses, location, duration, peak current, peak radiated power and energy, and full spatial extent of channels. Lightning data from different types of LLSs often provide complementary information about thunderstorms. For all the applications of lightning data, it is critical to understand the information that is provided by various lightning locating systems in order to interpret it correctly and make the best use of it. In this study, we summarize the various methods to geolocate lightning, both ground‐based and satellite‐based, and discuss the characteristics of lightning data available from various sources. The performance characteristics of lightning locating systems are determined by their ability to geolocate lightning events accurately with high detection efficiency and with low false detections and report various features of lightning correctly. Different methods or a combination of methods may be used to validate the performance characteristics of different types of lightning locating systems. We examine these methods and their applicability in validating the performance characteristics of different LLS types.
Role of particle stock and phytoplankton community structure in regulating particulate organic carbon export in a large marginal sea
Authors: Cai Pinghe , Zhao Daochen , Wang Lei , Huang Bangqin , Dai Minhan
Published: February 2015

In this study, we utilize 234Th/238U disequilibrium to determine particulate organic carbon (POC) export from the euphotic zone in the South China Sea. Depth profiles of 234Th, total chlorophyll, pigments, and POC were collected during four cruises from August 2009 to May 2011, covering an entire seasonal cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The extensive data set that was acquired allows for an evaluation of the seasonal variability of upper ocean POC export and its controls in a large marginal sea. The results show that 234Th fluxes from the euphotic zone fall in the range of 528−1550, 340−2694, and 302–2647 dpm m−2 d−1 for the coastal, shelf, and basin regimes, respectively. In these regimes, POC/234Th ratios at the base of the euphotic zone fall in the range of 5.7–58.2, 4.6–44.0, and 2.5–15.5 μmol dpm−1, respectively. Accordingly, for the coastal, shelf, and basin regimes, the mean POC export fluxes from the euphotic zone are 24.3, 18.3, and 6.3 mmolC m−2 d−1, respectively. Seasonal variations in POC export flux are remarkable in the study area, and POC export peaks were generally observed in autumn. We use a simple linear regression (LLS) method to examine the correlation of POC export versus POC stock and versus plankton community structure. We found a strong correlation (R2 = 0.73, p < 0.005) between POC export flux and the fraction of diatom in the coastal area, indicating that POC export flux in this province is driven by large phytoplankton, in particular, diatoms. In the shelf area, a relatively strong correlation (R2 = 0.54, p < 0.0001) was noted for POC export flux and POC stock in the euphotic zone. This indicates that POC export flux in the South China Sea shelf is primarily controlled by POC stock. In contrast, in the South China Sea basin, we identified a weak but intriguing correlation (R2 = 0.26, p < 0.0001) between POC export flux and the fraction of haptophytes and prasinophytes that are typically < 5 μm in size. This suggests that mechanisms controlling POC export flux in the South China Sea basin are complicated. However, small phytoplankton may play a significant role in controlling POC export flux since they dominate the phytoplankton community structure in this region.
On the transport modes of fine sediment in the wave boundary layer due to resuspension/deposition: A turbulence‐resolving numerical investigation
Authors: Cheng Zhen , Yu Xiao , Hsu Tian‐Jian , Ozdemir Celalettin E. , Balachandar S.
Published: February 2015

Previous field observations revealed that the wave boundary layer is one of the main conduits delivering fine sediments from the nearshore to continental shelves. Recently, a series of turbulence‐resolving simulations further demonstrated the existence of a range of flow regimes due to different degrees of sediment‐induced density stratification controlled by the sediment availability. In this study, we investigate the scenario in which sediment availability is governed by the resuspension/deposition from/to the bed. Specifically, we focus on how the critical shear stress of erosion and the settling velocity can determine the modes of transport. Simulations reveal that at a given wave intensity, which is associated with more energetic muddy shelves and a settling velocity of about 0.5 mm/s, three transport modes, ranging from the well‐mixed transport (mode I), two‐layer like transport with the formation of lutocline (mode II), and laminarized transport (mode III) are obtained as the critical shear stress of erosion reduces. Moreover, reductions in the settling velocity also yield similar transitions of transport modes. We also demonstrate that the onset of laminarization can be well explained by the reduction of wave‐averaged bottom stress to about 0.39 Pa due to attenuated turbulence by sediments. A 2‐D parametric map is proposed to characterize the transition from one transport mode to another as a function of the critical shear stress and the settling velocity at a fixed wave intensity.
A model for subglacial flooding through a preexisting hydrological network during the rapid drainage of supraglacial lakes
Authors: Adhikari S. , Tsai V. C.
Published: February 2015

Increasingly large numbers of supraglacial lakes form and drain every summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet. Some of these lakes drain rapidly within the timescale of a few hours, and the vertical discharge of water during these events may find a preexisting film of water potentially within a distributed drainage system of linked cavities. Here we present a model for subglacial flooding applied specifically to such circumstances. One of many interesting results we find is that water flows in from the far field prior to the arrival of flooding. We systematically evaluate the effect of initial ice/bed opening on the degree of perturbation to the subglacial system. Of particular importance, we find that floods propagate much faster and vertical displacements are much greater for larger openings. For 10 and 1 cm of initial opening, for example, floods travel about 68% and 50% farther than in the fully coupled ice/bed scenario after 2 h of drainage, respectively. For the same choices of initial opening, the elastostatic displacement at the injection point is about 1.39 and 1.26 times that of the fully coupled scenario. Using the framework with a preexisting water film results in avoiding the pressure singularity that is inherent to classical hydrofracture models, thus opening an avenue for integrating the likes of our model within continuum subglacial hydrological models. Furthermore, we foresee that the theory presented can be used to potentially infer subglacial hydrological conditions from surface observables.