bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
tRNA 3′ processing in yeast involves tRNase Z, Rex1, and Rrp6
Authors: Skowronek Ewa , Grzechnik Pawel , Späth Bettina , Marchfelder Anita , Kufel Joanna
Published: November 2013

Mature tRNA 3′ ends in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are generated by two pathways: endonucleolytic and exonucleolytic. Although two exonucleases, Rex1 and Rrp6, have been shown to be responsible for the exonucleolytic trimming, the identity of the endonuclease has been inferred from other systems but not confirmed in vivo. Here, we show that the yeast tRNA 3′ endonuclease tRNase Z, Trz1, is catalyzing endonucleolytic tRNA 3′ processing. The majority of analyzed tRNAs utilize both pathways, with a preference for the endonucleolytic one. However, 3′-end processing of precursors with long 3′ trailers depends to a greater extent on Trz1. In addition to its function in the nucleus, Trz1 processes the 3′ ends of mitochondrial tRNAs, contributing to the general RNA metabolism in this organelle.
Venezuelan Political Thinking as Seen in the 19th – Century Newspapers
Authors: Hernández Bencid María Soledad
Published: November 2013

The beginnings of Venezuelan press were inevitably linked to national political events. This medium of expression and information has become the most expeditious vehicle to convey the modernist thought. The ideas of the Enlightenment and the Encyclopedia have had positive impact positive on the Spanish American Colonies generating numerous independence movements that will shape a new political, economic, social and cultural order, thus becoming independent republics. Ideas of liberty, fraternity, equality, sovereignty, citizenship, liberalism, constitutional order, federalism, confederation, positivism, and nationalism have shaped during the Venezuelan nineteenth century a complex political‑ ideological network that gives birth to a peculiar way of thinking. Through the creation and operation of a considerable number of newspapers and magazines, these ideas were gradually consolidated and entrenched into the society and they served as a support for the changes taking place within it. The infallible work of thinkers, writers, men of letters, amateurs and politicians was worth, and since the beginning of republicanism, the country was flooded with newspapers, papers, periodicals and magazines that give life to a country and preserve intact its cultural heritage that shapes the Venezuelan political thinking of 19th century.
The President is the Message: Populism and Personality Politics in Venezuelan Government Communications (2000-2010)
Authors: Cañizález Andrés
Published: November 2013

This paper analyzes government communications in Venezuela under the administration of Hugo Chávez, whose focal point is the “Bolivarian Revolution”. The communications model is heavily characterized by populism and personality politics, as concluded when analyzing three significant moments for the democratic governability of Hugo Chávez’s administration: his ratification or re‑ election in office in the years 2000, 2004 and 2006. The elaboration of public policy plans in presidential addresses was studied given the importance of communications within government strategies.
Overview of Human Rights in Venezuela
Authors: Bolívar O. Ligia
Published: November 2013

Formally constituted as a democracy, Venezuela has experienced a significant deterioration in the situation of human rights during the last decade. Such deterioration is partly due to an increasing concentration of power in the Executive branch which is reflected in the lack of independence of other branches of the State. The lack of independence – particularly in the judiciary and its subsidiary bodies – results in an increasing impunity in human rights related crimes. The present paper shows how the institutional framework has been dismantled and converted into a tool of a political project, with negative effects on human rights.
Gestational Age, Birth Weight, and Risk of Respiratory Hospital Admission in Childhood
Authors: Paranjothy Shantini , Dunstan Frank , Watkins William J. , Hyatt Melanie , Demmler Joanne C. , Lyons Ronan A. , Fone David
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the risk of emergency respiratory hospital admission during childhood associated with gestational age at birth and growth restriction in utero.

METHODS:

The study included a total population electronic birth cohort with anonymized record-linkage of multiple health and administrative data sets. Participants were 318 613 children born in Wales, United Kingdom, between May 1, 1998, and December 31, 2008. The main outcome measure was emergency respiratory hospital admissions.

RESULTS:

The rate of admission in the first year of life ranged from 41.5 per 100 child-years for infants born before 33 weeks’ gestation to 9.8 per 100 child-years for infants born at 40 to 42 weeks’ gestation. The risk of any emergency respiratory admission up to age 5 years increased as gestational age decreased to <40 weeks. Even at 39 weeks’ gestation, there was an increased risk of emergency hospital admissions for respiratory conditions compared with infants born at 40 to 42 weeks (adjusted hazard ratio 1.10; 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.13). Small for gestational age (<10th centile for gestation and gender-specific birth weight) was independently associated with an increased risk of any emergency respiratory admission to hospital (adjusted hazard ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.10).

CONCLUSIONS:

The risk of emergency respiratory admission up to age 5 years decreased with each successive week in gestation up to 40 to 42 weeks. Although the magnitude of increased risk associated with moderate and late preterm births is small, the number of infants affected is large and therefore presents a significant impact on health care services.
The Effect of Obesity in Adolescence on Adult Health Status
Authors: Inge Thomas H. , King Wendy C. , Jenkins Todd M. , Courcoulas Anita P. , Mitsnefes Mark , Flum David R. , Wolfe Bruce M. , Pomp Alfons , Dakin Greg F. , Khandelwal Saurabh , Zeller Meg H. , Horlick Mary , Pender John R. , Chen Jia-Yuh , Daniels Stephen R.
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To test the hypothesis that adolescent obesity would be associated with greater risks of adverse health in severely obese adults.

METHODS:

Before weight loss surgery, adult participants in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 underwent detailed anthropometric and comorbidity assessment. Weight status at age 18 was retrospectively determined. Participants who were ≥80% certain of recalled height and weight at age 18 (1502 of 2308) were included. Log binomial regression was used to evaluate whether weight status at age 18 was independently associated with risk of comorbid conditions at time of surgery controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS:

Median age and adult body mass index (BMI) were 47 years and 46, respectively. At age 18, 42% of subjects were healthy weight, 29% overweight, 16% class 1 obese, and 13% class ≥2 obese. Compared with healthy weight at age 18, class ≥2 obesity at age 18 independently increased the risk of lower-extremity venous edema with skin manifestations by 435% (P < .0001), severe walking limitation by 321% (P < .0001), abnormal kidney function by 302% (P < .0001), polycystic ovary syndrome by 74% (P = .03), asthma by 48% (P = .01), diabetes by 42% (P < .01), obstructive sleep apnea by 25% (P < .01), and hypertension (by varying degrees based on age and gender). Conversely, the associated risk of hyperlipidemia was reduced by 61% (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Severe obesity at age 18 was independently associated with increased risk of several comorbid conditions in adults undergoing bariatric surgery.
Effects of Catchment, First‐Flush, Storage Conditions, and Time on Microbial Quality in Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Authors: Amin M. T. , Kim Tschung‐il , Amin M. N. , Han M. Y.
Published: November 2013

Rainwater collected from a rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) system is typically not considered suitable for potable uses, primarily because of poor microbial quality. The quality of stored rainwater, however, can be improved through basic design and maintenance practices during the construction and operation of an RWH system. This paper presents the microbial analysis of rainwater in two RWH systems installed at the Seoul National University Campus in South Korea. Rainwater samples were collected at different locations within each system and analyzed for total and fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and heterotrophic plate count bacteria. Within their storage tanks, water quality improved horizontally from inlet to outlet points, and higher quality was observed at the supply point (located about 0.5 m from the base of the tank) than at the surface or bottom of the tank. First‐flush rainwater was found to be highly contaminated but rainwater quality improved following about 1 mm of precipitation. The catchment surface also had a significant effect on the quality of rainwater; samples collected from a rooftop exhibited better microbial quality than from a terrace catchment. Better water quality in underground tanks (dark storage conditions) compared to open weirs/filters (exposed to natural light) demonstrated the importance of storage conditions. Water quality also improved with longer storage, and a decrease of 70% to 90% in microbial concentrations was observed after about 1 week of storage time. The findings of this study demonstrate that the microbial quality of harvested rainwater can be improved significantly by the adoption of proper design and maintenance guidelines such as those discussed in this paper.
Striking the Balance between Nutrient Removal, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Receiving Water Quality, and Costs
Authors: Falk Michael W. , Reardon David J. , Neethling J.B. , Clark David L. , Pramanik Amit
Published: November 2013

This Water Environment Research Foundation study considered the relationship between varying nutrient‐removal levels at wastewater treatment plants, greenhouse gas emissions, receiving water quality (measured by potential algal production), and costs. The effluent nutrient concentrations required by some U.S. permits are very low, approaching the technology–best‐achievable performance. This study evaluated five different treatment levels at a nominal 40 ML/d (10 mgd) flow. Greenhouse gas emissions and costs increase gradually up to the technologies' best‐achievable performance, after which they increase exponentially. The gradual increase is attributed to additional biological treatment facilities, increased energy and chemical use, and additional tertiary nitrogen and phosphorus removal processes. Within the limited focus of this study, the evaluation shows that a point of diminishing return is reached as nutrient‐removal objectives approach the technology–best‐achievable performance, where greenhouse gas emissions and cost of treatment increases rapidly while the potential for algal growth reduce marginally.
Inverse problem for the gravimetric modeling of the crust-mantle density contrast
Authors: Tenzer Robert
Published: November 2013

The gravimetric inverse problem for finding the Moho density contrast is formulated in this study. The solution requires that the crust density structure and the Moho depths are a priori known, for instance, from results of seismic studies. The relation between the isostatic gravity data (i.e., the complete-crust stripped isostatic gravity disturbances) and the Moho density contrast is defined by means of the Fredholm integral equation of the first kind. The closed analytical solution of the integral equation is given. Alternative expressions for solving the inverse problem of isostasy are defined in frequency domain. The isostatic gravity data are computed utilizing methods for a spherical harmonic analysis and synthesis of the gravity field. For this purpose, we define various spherical functions, which define the crust density structures and the Moho interface globally.
FOREST AND SCRUB COMMUNITIES WITH GREEN ALDER (ALNUS VIRIDIS) IN SLOVENIA
Authors: Dakskobler Igor , Rozman Andrej , Seliškar Andrej
Published: November 2013

This paper provides phytosociological tables that describe scrub and forest communities with Alnus viridis in the Slovenian Alps. We described three new associations: Rhododendro hirsuti-Alnetum viridis (a green alder community on calcareous bedrock in the Eastern and Southeastern Alps), Huperzio selagi-Alnetum viridis (a green alder community in the silicate rocks under Mt. Komen in the eastern Savinja Alps) and Alno viridis- Sorbetum aucupariae (a successional stage of mountain ash and green alder on potential beech sites in the foothills of the southern Julian Alps; similar stages are known also elsewhere in the Alps), and presented additional three associations (Polysticho lonchitis-Fagetum, Rhodothamno-Laricetum and Rhododendro hirsuti-Pinetum mugo) whose stands comprise green alder.
Fused Deposition Modelling as Rapid Prototyping for Structural Material Improvement: Analytical Solution / Ātrās Prototipēšanas Ar Kausēšanas Metodi Strukturālā Uzlabojuma Analītisks Risinājums
Authors: Brensons I. , Polukoshko S.
Published: November 2013

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most effective rapid prototyping (RP) techniques due to its low cost, available materials and versatility. In FDM, a part of material (usually plastic) is made by heating this material to the molten state, and from the melt it is extruded through a nozzle and deposited on a surface. In the article, an alternative RP method is considered for improvement of the mechanical properties of a rapid prototype. The authors propose an analytical solution which allows for achievement of this purpose via advanced technologies. The base materials applied in RP technology can be combined with liquid resin which solidifies after a definite time. This makes it possible to create a channel through the prototype and fill it with another material having better mechanical properties. The optimal channel sizes can be chosen in order to raise the strength of material parts.
Current Trends in Remote and Virtual Lab Engineering. Where are we in 2013?
Authors: Seiler Sven
Published: November 2013

This article is introducing latest developments and trends in remote and virtual technologies and their application in engineering education. The author gives an overview about the potential of utilizing remote engineering in engineering research, education and professional training, focusing on different kinds of technological characteristics. In conclusion, possible ways of further advancement are presented.
Remote Triggered Virtual Laboratory on Automotive Engineering
Authors: Das Bipradip , Chattopadhyay Abhirup , Fatima Shahab , Mohanty Amiya R
Published: November 2013

Remote triggered virtual laboratory on automotive systems is an initiative by Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, where a student can access and conduct experiments on an internal combustion engine over the internet from remote locations. The lab introduces student to the basic experiments on a single cylinder petrol engine loaded by an eddy current dynamometer. The student has a choice to download the actual experimental data over the internet for subsequent analysis or also browse through a sample calculation. The experimental setup consists of an instrumented single cylinder petrol engine coupled to an eddy current dynamometer which is controlled by a PC based controller. A diverse range of experiments could be performed using this setup which includes noise and vibration monitoring as well as basic performance monitoring of the engine.
Research of Key Management Technology on Cloud Storage
Authors: Song Ning Ning , Wei Zhiwei , Zhou Xianwei , Liu Qian
Published: November 2013

Since the cloud storage technology has distribution, isolation and sharing characteristics, key management has become more and more difficulty. As a consequence, the research of key management technology has become a hot topic in recent years. In order to solve the untrustworthiness of cloud storage server provider, the complexity, security of key and some other issues under cloud storage environment, this paper proposed a (n+1,s+1) key management technology on the basis of Shamir (n,s) and then this technology was used in cloud storage system. The main idea of the technology is that the whole key spited into n+1 parts and distributed to the different cloud storage service providers and data owner to manage the sub-keys. Through the performance analysis, in this technology, the data owner is the core of the management process. The technology is more secure than the traditional technology and solves the untrustworthiness of cloud storage server provider based on the premise of reducing the burden of data owner.
An Antibody-based Blood Test Utilizing a Panel of Biomarkers as a New Method for Improved Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Yahalom Galit , Weiss Daria , Novikov Ilya , Bevers Therese B. , Radvanyi Laszlo G. , Liu Mei , Piura Benjamin , Iacobelli Stefano , Sandri Maria T. , Cassano Enrico , Allweis Tanir M. , Bitterman Arie , Engelman Pnina , Vence Luis M. , Rosenberg Marvin M.
Published: November 2013

In order to develop a new tool for diagnosis of breast cancer based on autoantibodies against a panel of biomarkers, a clinical trial including blood samples from 507 subjects was conducted. All subjects showed a breast abnormality on exam or breast imaging and final biopsy pathology of either breast cancer patients or healthy controls. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the samples were tested for autoantibodies against a predetermined number of biomarkers in various models that were used to determine a diagnosis, which was compared to the clinical status. Our new assay achieved a sensitivity of 95.2% [CI = 92.8–96.8%] at a fixed specificity of 49.5%. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 80.1% [CI = 72.6–87.6%]. These results suggest that a blood test which is based on models comprising several autoantibodies to specific biomarkers may be a new and novel tool for improving the diagnostic evaluation of breast cancer.
Constraining the Stream Power Law: a novel approach combining a Landscape Evolution Model and an inversion method
Authors: Croissant T. , Braun J.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In the past few decades, many studies have been dedicated to our understanding of the interactions between tectonic and erosion and, in many instances, using numerical models of landscape evolution. Among the numerous parameterizations that have been developed to predict river channel evolution, the Stream Power Law, which links erosion rate to drainage area and slope, remains the most widely used. Despite its simple formulation, its power lies in its capacity to reproduce many of the characteristic features of natural systems (the concavity of river profile, the propagation of knickpoints, etc.). However, the three main coefficients that are needed to relate erosion rate to slope and drainage area in the Stream Power Law remain poorly constrained. In this study, we present a novel approach to constrain the Stream Power Law coefficients under the detachment limited mode by combining a highly efficient Landscape Evolution Model, FastScape, which solves the Stream Power Law under arbitrary geometries and boundary conditions and an inversion algorithm, the Neighborhood Algorithm. A misfit function is built by comparing topographic data of a reference landscape supposedly at steady state and the same landscape subject to both uplift and erosion over one time step. By applying the method to a synthetic landscape, we show that different landscape characteristics can be retrieved, such as the concavity of river profiles and the steepness index. When applied on a real catchment (in the Whataroa region of the South Island in New Zealand), this approach provide well resolved constraints on the concavity of river profiles and the distribution of uplift as a function of distance to the Alpine Fault, the main active structure in the area.
The SPRINTARS version 3.80/4D-Var data assimilation system: development and inversion experiments based on the observing system simulation experiment framework
Authors: Yumimoto K. , Takemura T.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We present an aerosol data assimilation system based on a global aerosol climate model (SPRINTARS – Spectral Radiation-Transport Model for Aerosol Species) and a four-dimensional variational data assimilation method (4D-Var). Its main purposes are to optimize emission estimates, improve composites, and obtain the best estimate of the radiative effects of aerosols in conjunction with observations. To reduce the huge computational cost caused by the iterative integrations in the models, we developed an offline model and a corresponding adjoint model, which are driven by pre-calculated meteorological, land, and soil data. The offline and adjoint model shortened the computational time of the inner loop by more than 30%. By comparing the results with a 1 yr simulation from the original online model, the consistency of the offline model was verified, with correlation coefficient R > 0.97 and absolute value of normalized mean bias NMB < 7% for the natural aerosol emissions and aerosol optical thickness (AOT) of individual aerosol species. Deviations between the offline and original online models are mainly associated with the time interpolation of the input meteorological variables in the offline model; the smaller variability and difference in the wind velocity near the surface and relative humidity cause negative and positive biases in the wind-blown aerosol emissions and AOTs of hygroscopic aerosols, respectively. The feasibility and capability of the developed system for aerosol inverse modelling was demonstrated in several inversion experiments based on the observing system simulation experiment framework. In the experiments, we used the simulated observation data sets of fine- and coarse-mode AOTs from sun-synchronous polar orbits to investigate the impact of the observational frequency (number of satellites) and coverage (land and ocean), and assigned aerosol emissions to control parameters. Observations over land have a notably positive impact on the performance of inverse modelling as compared with observations over ocean, implying that reliable observational information over land is important for inverse modelling of land-born aerosols. The experimental results also indicate that information that provides differentiations between aerosol species is crucial to inverse modelling over regions where various aerosol species coexist (e.g. industrialized regions and areas downwind of them).
Influence of targeted observations on short-term forecasts of high-impact weather events in the Mediterranean
Authors: Campins J. , Navascués B. , Santos C. , Amo-Baladrón A.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The influence of targeted observations on short-range forecasts is tested over two different periods of PREVIEW (2008) and MEDEX (2009) data targeting field campaigns for a set of Mediterranean high-impact weather events. As targeted observations we have used not only extra radiosondes, but also enhanced satellite data observed in singular vector (SV)-based sensitive regions. Three parallel observing system experiments, based on the High-Resolution Limited-Area Model (HIRLAM) data assimilation and forecast system, have been conducted. Forecasts of the three experiments have been assessed using both verifying analyses for upper-air fields, and surface observations for several meteorological parameters. Furthermore, quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF) have been objectively verified using the novel feature oriented Structure–Amplitude–Location (SAL) method. The results obtained show that extra radiosondes have an overall positive impact on the forecasts (average improvement of all upper-air variables and vertical levels studied is 3.6%). When in addition to extra radiosonde data also enhanced satellite data are assimilated, the overall forecast skill is almost doubled. However, a distinct behaviour is found between the PREVIEW and MEDEX cases. While for MEDEX cases the improvement is slight, for PREVIEW cases the improvement is significant (average improvements of 1.7% and 8.9%, respectively, for the experiment with enhanced satellite data). It is suggested that this is due to the location of the target areas and the spatial distribution of the composite observing system and to the different atmospheric predictability in these two periods.
Seasonal and annual mass balances of Mera and Pokalde glaciers (Nepal Himalaya) since 2007
Authors: Wagnon P. , Vincent C. , Arnaud Y. , Berthier E. , Vuillermoz E. , Gruber S. , Ménégoz M. , Gilbert A. , Dumont M. , Shea J. M. , Stumm D. , Pokhrel B. K.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In the Everest region, Nepal, ground-based monitoring programmes were started on the debris-free Mera Glacier (27.7° N, 86.9° E; 5.1 km2, 6420 to 4940 m a.s.l.) in 2007 and on the small Pokalde Glacier (27.9° N, 86.8° E; 0.1 km2, 5690 to 5430 m a.s.l., ~ 25 km north of Mera Glacier) in 2009. These glaciers lie on the southern flank of the central Himalaya under the direct influence of the Indian monsoon and receive more than 80% of their annual precipitation in summer (June to September). Despite a large inter-annual variability with glacier-wide mass balances ranging from −0.67 ± 0.28 m w.e. in 2011–2012 (Equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) at ~ 5800 m a.s.l.) to +0.46 ± 0.28 m w.e. in 2010–2011 (ELA at ~ 5340 m a.s.l.), Mera Glacier has been shrinking at a moderate mass balance rate of −0.08 ± 0.28 m w.e. yr−1 since 2007. Ice fluxes measured at two distinct transverse cross sections at ~ 5350 m a.s.l. and ~ 5520 m a.s.l. confirm that the mean state of this glacier over the last one or two decades corresponds to a limited mass loss, in agreement with remotely-sensed region-wide mass balances of the Everest area. Seasonal mass balance measurements show that ablation and accumulation are concomitant in summer which in turn is the key season controlling the annual glacier-wide mass balance. Unexpectedly, ablation occurs at all elevations in winter due to wind erosion and sublimation, with remobilised snow potentially being sublimated in the atmosphere. Between 2009 and 2012, the small Pokalde Glacier lost mass more rapidly than Mera Glacier with respective mean glacier-wide mass balances of −0.72 and −0.23 ± 0.28 m w.e. yr−1. Low-elevation glaciers, such as Pokalde Glacier, have been usually preferred for in-situ observations in Nepal and more generally in the Himalayas, which may explain why compilations of ground-based mass balances are biased toward negative values compared with the regional mean under the present-day climate.
Media Synchronicity Theory: Towards a Rigorous Evaluation Framework for M-Learning Artifacts Learning Artifacts
Authors: Asiimwe Edgar Napoleon
Published: November 2013

Digital learning occurs through communication where learners and teachers exchange information and share knowledge. From the pedagogy point of view, the most important characteristic of the information exchange is the human aspect; a factor that e-learning scholars conceive in regard to usability and accessibility of e-learning technology (Michelinakis, 2004). Evaluation tools are needed to promote and rise quality of artefacts and smooth-en the information exchange ways when learning takes place. There are no rigorous evaluation frameworks for mobile e-learning platforms (Georgieva, 2006). In this study we envision Media Synchronicity Theory (MST) as a potential framework for evaluating mobile learning artifacts i.e., mobile devices and learning content management systems.
Briquettes of plant remains from the greenhouses of Almería (Spain)
Authors: Callejón-Ferre A.J. , López-Martínez J.A. , López-Martínez J.A.
Published: November 2013

Since ancient times, plant biomass has been used as a primary fuel, and today, with the impending depletion of fossil fuels, these vegetal sources constitute a cleaner alternative and furthermore have a multitude of uses. The aim of the present study is to design a method of recycling and reuse of plant wastes from intensive agriculture under plastic, by manufacturing briquettes in an environmentally friendly manner. In Almería (SE Spain), agriculture generates 769,500 t/year of plant remains from greenhouse-grown horticultural crops, a resource currently used for composting and for producing electricity.With the machinery and procedures of the present study, another potential use has been developed by detoxifying and eliminating the plastic wastes of the original biomass for the fabrication of briquettes for fireplaces. The results were slightly inferior to the commercial briquette from other non-horticultural plant materials (no forestry material), specifically 2512 kJ/kg, in the least favourable case. On the contrary, the heating value with respect to the two charcoals was significantly lower, with a difference of 12,142 kJ/kg. In conclusion; a procedure, applicable in ecological cultivation without agrochemicals or plastic cords, has been developed and tested to reuse and transform plant materials from intensive cultivation into a stable non-toxic product similar to composite logs, applicable in commercial settings or in residential fireplaces.
Somatechnologies
Authors: Lettow Susanne ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2013

Until now, the body has played only a minor role in the philosophy of technology. However, more elaborate reflections on the relation between technology and the body are needed because of the advent of somatechnologies – technologies intentionally geared toward modifying bodies and that use bodily substances as technological means. The article discusses some approaches within the philosophy of technology that prove to be fruitful in this context. The article argues thatsomatechnical modifications of bodies should be understood as elements of ‘body technologies’ and body politics in a broader sense. In such a perspective, concepts of the body developed by Judith Butler and Michel Foucault should be adopted by a praxeological philosophy of technology.
Sedimentação quaternária, neotectônica e a evolução do sistema de lagos barrados do Médio Vale do Rio Doce (Brasil de Sudeste)
Authors: Mello Claudio Limeira , Metelo Cynthia Maria Soares , Suguio Kenitiro , Kohler Heinz Charles
Published: November 2013

A região do Médio Vale do Rio Doce, situada no Estado de Minas Gerais, no Sudeste do Brasil, constitui uma das áreas mais importantes para o estudo da evolução quaternária dos trópicos úmidos em território brasileiro. Esta área apresenta um sistema singular de lagos barrados, anteriormente investigados por diversos autores, particularmente na década de 70. A maioria dos estudos anteriores referiu-se a condicionantes paleoclimáticoscomo responsáveis pela origem e evolução do sistema de lagos. Alguns autores reconheceram, ainda, evidências da atuação de mecanismos neotectônicos na sua formação e desenvolvimento. O presente estudo discute uma nova abordagem acerca da evolução quaternária desta área, na qual a origem e a evolução do sistema de lagos são interpretadas com base em investigações estratigráficas e estruturais regionais. Dados geofísicos (sismoestratigráficos) fornecem novas evidências a respeito da estratigrafia dos sedimentos lacustres. Análises estruturais detalhadas de juntas e falhas afetando os sedimentos quaternários sustentam interpretações neotectônicas. As análises estratigráficas realizadas confirmam o início da sedimentação lacustre por volta de 9.000,anos AP, simultaneamente a uma importante sedimentação aluvial regional. Análises sismoestratigráficas realizadas na desembocadura do Lago Dom Helvécio documentam uma falha normal afetando sedimentos aluviais holocênicos, podendo explicar a barragem deste lago e sugerindo mecanismos neotectônicos como o principal controle para a origem do sistema de lagos do Médio Vale do Rio Doce.
From proteomes to complexomes in the era of systems biology
Authors: Clancy Trevor , Hovig Eivind
Published: November 2013

Protein complexes carry out almost the entire signaling and functional processes in the cell. The protein complex complement of a cell, and its network of complex–complex interactions, is referred to here as the complexome. Computational methods to predict protein complexes from proteomics data, resulting in network representations of complexomes, have recently being developed. In addition, key advances have been made toward understanding the network and structural organization of complexomes. We review these bioinformatics advances, and their discovery‐potential, as well as the merits of integrating proteomics data with emerging methods in systems biology to study protein complex signaling. It is envisioned that improved integration of proteomics and systems biology, incorporating the dynamics of protein complexes in space and time, may lead to more predictive models of cell signaling networks for effective modulation.
High‐pressure X‐ray diffraction study and thermoelectric measurements of Mg2Si
Authors: Mori Y. , Kaihara Y. , Nakamura S. , Yoshino T. , Takarabe K.
Published: November 2013

Magnesium silicide (Mg2Si) is a promising as an environmental friendly thermoelectric material. It is difficult to synthesize high‐purity Mg2Si because of the boiling of Mg and the oxidation of Mg. In order to avoid the disagreement of stoichiometric ratio and the oxidation, we have performed high‐pressure synthesis. And also the high‐pressure X‐ray diffraction by the synchrotron radiation source was carried out to find synthetic condition under pressure, and we have found that Mg2Si was synthesized at 1.0 GPa beyond 573 K. Because high synthetic temperature causes the oxidation of Mg, the high‐pressure synthesis by means of a piston cylinder apparatus performed at 673 K. The synthesized compounds were evaluated by XRD analysis and thermoelectric measurement. Because the size of compounds synthesized under pressure is small, we also developed and evaluated the new equipment of the thermoelectric measurement for such as small sample. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unexpected turns in lifelong sentimental journeys: redefining love, memory and old age through Alice Munro's ‘The Bear Came Over the Mountain’ and its film adaptation,Away from Her
Authors: CASADO-GUAL NÚRIA
Published: November 2013

Alice Munro's 2001 short story ‘The Bear Came Over the Mountain’ and its 2006 film version,Away from Her, directed and adapted for the screen by Sarah Polley, are two interconnected narratives through which diverse (and even divergent) representations of romantic love and memory in later life can be analysed. Even if the two texts are constructed on an apparently simple plot line, which basically depicts the last phase of a 44-year-long marriage once the wife, Fiona, presents symptoms of dementia and is interned in a retirement home, they both allow for, at least, two contrasted interpretations. As will be demonstrated, these two possible readings unveil different cultural, social and psychological facets of memory in connection with late-life expressions of love; and each of them contributes, in their own way, to the construction of a dialogical narrative that mediates between the complexities of old age, dementia and gender difference, while at the same time demonstrating the power of literature and the cinema to reflect and refract the complexities of contemporary forms of ageing.
A shape optimization library for the design of microwave components
Authors: Mahdi Najib , Bila Stephane , Verdeyme Serge , Aubourg Michel , Khoder Khaled , Bessaudou Annie , Cosset Françoise , Durousseau Christophe , Puech Jérôme , Estagerie Laetitia , Pacaud Damien , Leblond Hervé
Published: November 2013

This paper outlines an original shape optimization library backed by a three dimensional (3D) full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulator, combining several efficient structural optimization techniques and suitable for viable computer-aided design (CAD) of complex microwave components. The microwave components are modeled by finite element method (FEM) and their dimensions and shape are optimized using four techniques: design of experiments (DOE), level-set method (LS), topology gradient (TG) method, and genetic algorithm (GA). The various methods allow determining the optimal geometry, shape or topology of 2D or 3D objects within the microwave device, by minimizing iteratively a cost function related to the desired specifications. Typical demonstration illustrates the versatility of the proposed library based on the design of a dual mode dielectric resonator filter in order to improve its unloaded quality factor by keeping the same frequency isolation, their accuracy and efficiency are verified by the available measured results.
Do Provider Service Networks Result in Lower Expenditures Compared with HMOs or Primary Care Case Management in Florida's Medicaid Program?
Authors: Harman Jeffrey S. , Hall Allyson G. , Lemak Christy H. , Duncan R. Paul
Published: November 2013

Objective

To determine the impact of Florida's Medicaid Demonstration 4 years post‐implementation on per member per month (PMPM) Medicaid expenditures and whether receiving care through HMOs versus provider service networks (PSNs) in the Demonstration was associated with PMPM expenditures.

Data

Florida Medicaid claims from two fiscal years prior to implementation of the Demonstration (FY0405, FY0506) and the first four fiscal years after implementation (FY0607‐FY0910) from two urban Demonstration counties and two urban non‐Demonstration counties.

Study Design

A difference‐in‐difference approach was used to compare changes in enrollee expenditures before and after implementation of the Demonstration overall and specifically for HMOs and PSNs.

Data Extraction

Claims data were extracted for enrollees in the Demonstration and non‐Demonstration counties and collapsed into monthly amounts (N = 26,819,987 person‐months).

Principal Findings

Among SSI enrollees, the Demonstration resulted in lower increases in PMPM expenditures over time ($40) compared with the non‐Demonstration counties ($186), with Demonstration PSNs lowering PMPM expenditures by $7 more than HMOs. Savings were also seen among TANF enrollees but to a lesser extent.

Conclusions

The Medicaid Demonstration in Florida appears to result in lower PMPM expenditures. Demonstration PSNs generated slightly greater reductions in expenditures compared to Demonstration HMOs. PSNs appear to be a promising model for delivering care to Medicaid enrollees.
Morphology reinforces proposed molecular phylogenetic affinities: a revised classification for Gelechioidea (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Heikkilä Maria , Mutanen Marko , Kekkonen Mari , Kaila Lauri
Published: November 2013

Gelechioidea are one of the most species rich and least studied superfamilies of Lepidoptera. We examine the interrelationships within the superfamily using the densest taxon sampling to date, combined with the most extensive ever morphological and molecular character data. We perform partitioned and combined analyses using maximum likelihood, Bayesian and parsimony approaches. The combined dataset consists of 155 exemplar species of Gelechioidea, representing nearly all subfamilies recognized in recent classifications. Parsimony analyses are performed with a dataset including 28 additional terminal taxa with only morphological data available. We use eight genes with a total of 6127 bp, and morphological data with 253 characters derived from larval, pupal, and adult morphology. The analyses of combined data yield more resolved trees and significantly better‐supported groupings than either dataset when analysed alone. The recurrent monophyletic groupings in all our model‐based analyses support a revision of the family classification. Deeper relationships vary between analyses and data partitions, leaving them ambiguous. The place of the root remains a challenge for future research. We propose a revised classification and suggest the division of Gelechioidea into 16 families. We redefine Depressariidae Meyrick, 1883 for a monophylum that includes Acriinae, Aeolanthinae, Cryptolechiinae, Depressariinae, Ethmiinae, Hypercalliinae, Hypertrophinae, Peleopodinae, Oditinae, Stenomatinae, Carcina, and a diversity of predominantly New World taxa previously excluded from Lypusidae (Amphisbatidae s. authors) but left without family position. A monophyletic Oecophoridae s. s., including Deuterogoniinae and Pleurotinae, is obtained for the first time with significant support. Elachistidae s. l. is found to be polyphyletic, and Elachistidae is restricted to comprise Agonoxeninae, Elachistinae, and Parametriotinae. Batrachedridae are polyphyletic, with several genera pending further study. Apart from the core Batrachedra, the taxa previously included in this family are grouped in an expanded Pterolonchidae, together with Coelopoetinae and Syringopainae. Lypusidae s. s. and Chimabachidae form a monophylum; Chimabachinae is united with Lypusidae as a subfamily, stat. n. Our results contradict the subfamily classifications of several families, notably Lecithoceridae and Autostichidae, but due to insufficient sampling of taxa we refrain from comprehensive taxonomic conclusions on the subfamily level, and encourage focused studies to resolve these groups.
Clinical predictors of postoperative hemoglobin drift
Authors: Grant Michael C. , Whitman Glen J. , Savage Will J. , Ness Paul M. , Frank Steven M.
Published: November 2013

Background

The decision to transfuse red blood cells in surgical patients should be based on multiple clinical variables, rather than on isolated hemoglobin (Hb) measurements alone. An important but often unrecognized clinical variable is the postoperative downward drift in Hb concentration (Hb drift), but the etiology, predictors, and time course of Hb drift are not well understood.

Study Design and Methods

Data were retrospectively collected for patients who did not receive postoperative transfusion. Initially, 11 common surgical procedures from one institution (n = 3179) were compared to assess clinical predictors of Hb drift. Data were analyzed in detail for two procedures associated with a large Hb drift (Whipple [n = 82] and lumbar spinal fusion [n = 74]), to determine the clinical predictors and temporal pattern of postoperative Hb drift.

Results

Surgical procedures with greater intraoperative intravenous (IV) fluid and blood requirements had greater postoperative Hb drift. The maximum Hb drifts after the Whipple and spinal fusion procedures were −2.5 ± 1.1 g/dL (occurring on Day 4, p < 0.0001) and −1.8 ± 1.2 g/dL (on Day 3, p < 0.0001), respectively. After the nadir, a 0.6 g/dL upward Hb drift (p < 0.0001) occurred after both procedures, resulting in a total drift after Whipple and spinal fusion of −1.9 ± 1.2 g/dL (p < 0.0001) and −1.3 ± 1.2 g/dL (p < 0.0001), respectively. Type of surgery (p = 0.03), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.003), and a positive perioperative fluid balance (p = 0.0008) were independent predictors of Hb drift.

Conclusions

Postoperative Hb drift was greater after surgical procedures with greater intraoperative IV fluid and blood requirements. Recognition of Hb drift may be an important facet of perioperative patient blood management.
Biodiversity of Cone Snails and Other Venomous Marine Gastropods: Evolutionary Success Through Neuropharmacology
Authors: Olivera Baldomero M. , Showers Corneli Patrice , Watkins Maren , Fedosov Alexander
Published: November 2013

Venomous marine snails (superfamily Conoidea) are a remarkably biodiverse marine invertebrate lineage (featuring more than 10,000 species). Conoideans use complex venoms (up to 100 different components for each species) to capture prey and for other biotic interactions. Molecular phylogeny and venom peptide characterization provide an unusual multidisciplinary view of conoidean biodiversity at several taxonomic levels. Venom peptides diverge between species at an unprecedented rate through hypermutation within gene families. Clade divergence within a genus occurs without recruiting new gene families when a saltatory event, such as colonization of new prey types (e.g., fish), leads to a new radiation. Divergence between genera in the same family involves substantial divergence in gene families. In the superfamily Conoidea, the family groups recruited distinct sets of different venom gene superfamilies. The associated morphological, behavioral, and prey-preference changes that accompany these molecular changes are unknown for most conoidean lineages, except for one genus, Conus, for which many associated phenotypic changes have been documented.
Family Trajectories
Authors: Dun Tim , Sangster Laura
Published: November 2013

This qualitative study analyzed intergenerational relationships during a major transition: when the younger generation becomes parents. Using a modified version of the Retrospective Interview Technique, 25 new parents described unfolding changes in their relationships with one of the new grandparents (i.e., a parent or parent-in-law of the informant), beginning with the conversation when they announced the pregnancy. We found four trajectories of change. The analysis suggests that these four patterns both reproduce and challenge socially constructed expectations for new parenthood. Reflecting social expectations for substantial change, most participants’ pathways to new parent-grandparent relationships positioned birth as a central, pivotal event, a novel understanding of change in the research of turning points. In accordance with positive rhetoric in a pronatal society, nearly half of the new parents described a Peak trajectory, where childbirth was at or near the high point in the intergenerational relationship. The results also include Crisis (the inverse of the Peak trajectory), Chaotic, and Steady trajectories. Our findings add to current understandings of the ways in which social norms and expectations of childbirth may influence new parents’ intergenerational communication during this important transition.
Transitioning to Government Shared Services Centres
Authors: Tambo Torben , Bækgaard Lars
Published: November 2013

Services are fundamental to the provisioning of business activities. Enterprise Architecture (EA) is maintaining the relationship between strategy, business, and technology. A clear definition and agreed understanding of services is critical to realising information technology artefacts. Services, however, tend to be more complex than the mere act of interaction or working processes, and should be seen out of the cultural, organisational, and managerial factors surrounding them. This chapter uses a service model consisting of execution, context, and intention with an underlying claim that all three elements must be present to make services meaningful. EA must be seen in the light of this. This chapter addresses the issues related to combined transformation of organisations, service systems, and consequently, EA. The transformation changes loosely coupled, distributed organisations into Shared Service Centres (SSCs). A case study of a far-reaching SSC transformation from Denmark is presented where eGovernment services are moved from local government level into a national SSC structure referred to as Udbetaling Danmark (lit. PayDK). Major findings include: (1) When eGovernment reaches a certain level of maturity, it dissolves its original reason and no longer follows a progressive maturity model. Instead, it leads to a more radical reorganisation emphasising operational efficiency. (2) Development and management of complexities and uncertainties in governmental administrative services are closely associated with the development of eGovernment through ongoing refinement of EA and service frameworks. (3) The policy-driven reshaping of governmental services, originally themselves being SSCs, can lead to iterative SSC formations, each seeking to establish a professional logic of its own. (4) The systemic perception connected to EA and service science provides valuable insight into service transformation before, during, and after the transformation. This chapter aims at a deeper understanding and discussion of services in developing eGovernment policies and architectures, but findings are readily applicable in general business environments.