bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Band Gap Energy of F Doped TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Razali Mohd Hasmizam , Ismail Nur Arifah , Yusoff Mahani
Published: March 2017

Pure and F doped TiO2 nanotubes was synthesized using simple hydrothermal method. The hydrothermal was conducted using teflon-liner autoclave and maintained at 150oC for 24 hours. The characterization of synthesised product was carried out using x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive of x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and ultra violet – visible light diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) for band gap measurements. XRD patterns indicated that anatase TiO2 phase was remained after F doping suggested that fluorine was highly dispersed into TiO2 by substituted with O in the TiO2 lattice to formed TiO2-xFx solid solution. Morphology investigation using TEM found out small diameter of nanotubes structure within 8 – 10 nm of pure and F doped TiO2 nanotubes. The band gap energy (Eg) of both nanotubes samples were almost similar proposing that F doping does not modify the band gap energy.
Effects of Halloysite Nanotubes on the Mechanical Properties of Polysaccharide Films
Authors: Wahab Izzati Fatimah , Abd Razak Saiful Izwan , Yee Foong Choi
Published: March 2017

Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) are good reinforcing fillers because of many traits that allow high processability and versatile active agents loading. Incorporation of HNT into polymer matrices, especially in natural polymers, is still yet to be explored. This paper reports on the effect of inclusion of nanotube clay towards the mechanical properties of polysaccharide films.
Development of Porous Ti-6Al-4V Dental Implant by Metal Injection Molding with Palm Stearin Binder System
Authors: Abu Kasim Nur Atikah , Nor Nor Hafiez Mohamad , Ismail Muhammad Hussain , Saedon Juri
Published: March 2017

The dental restorations by the usage of implants have been one of the most favourable treatment. However, the existing dense dental implant causes overloading towards the human bone that triggers ‘stress shielding effect’ and also implant loosening. This paper focused on the development of highly porous Ti-6Al-4V dental implant by metal injection molding with palm stearin binder system with an addition of sodium chloride as space holder which has been established in the fabrication of porous Ti-6Al-4V. The evaluated compositions consist of the powder volume fraction of 63vol% and 65vol%. SEM analysis shows that highly porous Ti-6Al-4V dental implant were obtained. The average density is 3.325g/cm3 for 63vol% sample and 3.915g/cm3 for 65vol% sample. While for the Vickers hardness are 113.68HV and 162.8HV for 63vol% and 65vol% respectively.
Seasonal change and microhabitat association of Arctic spider assemblages (Arachnida: Araneae) on Victoria Island (Nunavut, Canada)
Authors: Cameron Elyssa R. , Buddle Christopher M.
Published: March 2017

Arctic ecosystems are characterised by a mosaic of distinct microhabitats, which play a key role in structuring biodiversity. Understanding species diversity in relation to these microhabitats, and how communities are structured seasonally, is imperative to properly conserve, monitor, and manage northern biodiversity. Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) are dominant arthropod predators in the Arctic, yet the seasonal change in their communities in relation to microhabitat variation is relatively unknown. This research quantified how spider assemblages are structured seasonally and by microhabitat, near Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada. In 2014, spiders were collected in 240 pan and pitfall traps placed in common microhabitat types (two wet and two dry) from 3 July to 11 August, the active season in the high Arctic. In total, 10 353 spiders from 22 species and four families were collected. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordinations revealed that spider assemblages from wet habitats were distinct from those occurring in drier habitats, but that differences within each of those habitats were not evident. Abundance and diversity was highest in wet habitats and differed significantly from dry habitats; both these variables decreased seasonally. Spider assemblages in the north are structured strongly along moisture gradients, and such data informs planning for future ecological monitoring in the Arctic.
Osbornellus auronitens (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae), an introduced species new for the Palaearctic region
Authors: Trivellone Valeria , Mitrović Milana , Dietrich Christopher H. , Toševski Ivo
Published: March 2017

The introduction of invasive species may result in important ecological, environmental, and economic impacts. Extensive study of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) fauna in a wine-growing region in southern Switzerland revealed, for the first time, presence of the Nearctic leafhopper Osbornellus auronitens (Provancher) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in the vicinity of Stabio (Canton of Ticino). The species identity of the collected specimens was confirmed using morphological and molecular characters. All specimens of O. auronitens were collected in a forest of Castanea sativa Miller (Fagaceae), Corylus avellana Linnaeus (Betulaceae), and Alnus glutinosa (Linnaeus) Gaertner (Betulaceae) intermixed with Cornus sanguinea Linnaeus (Cornaceae), Salix Linnaeus (Salicaceae), and Rubus Linnaeus (Rosaceae). In its native range this leafhopper is polyphagous and a relatively common visitor in vineyards. Based on analysis of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene of the collected O. auronitens, 100% identity with specimens of the same species originating from Canada was determined. Osbornellus auronitens is morphologically similar to Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), another introduced Nearctic leafhopper, which was involved in severe outbreaks of disease caused by the Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (Bacteria: Acholeplasmataceae) in European viticultural regions since the 1960s. In this paper, we report the morphological features to distinguish O. auronitens from S. titanus, and discuss the possible implications of its expected spread across the Old World.
Proposal of Ultrafine and High Reliable Trench Wiring Process for Organic Interposer
Authors: Mitsukura Kazuyuki , Toba Masaya , Urashima Kousuke , Ejiri Yoshinori , Iwashita Kenichi , Minegishi Tomonori , Kurafuchi Kazuhiko
Published: March 2017

An organic interposer technology with ultrafine line and space is required to achieve high-density interconnection between chips. In this article, we propose a high reliability, ultrafine trench wiring process. Currently, trench wiring is made by laser ablation of dielectric, sputtering, copper plating, and then chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). However, it is challenging to achieve fine trench with smooth side wall using laser ablation, and CMP is also not suitable because of its high assembly cost. Reliability is another challenge because of the narrower and thinner insulator.

We have developed a photosensitive insulation film (PIF) with fine resolution. The trench wiring of 2/2 μm line and space has been successfully assembled by photolithography, plating, and surface planer method as the alternative to CMP. The wiring layer of 2/2 μm line and space, which is covered with a thin barrier metal layer and PIF, has passed the biased highly accelerated temperature and humidity stress test (HAST) screening.

A copper paste is applied as a seed layer instead of sputtering. The sintered copper filled with adhesive paste into the copper pores is compatible as the seed layer, and the wiring layer of 10/10 μm line and space has passed the reliability tests such as moisture sensitivity level 2 (MSL2), thermal cycling test, and biased HAST.
Bioenergetic transcriptomic responses of European flounder (Platichthys flesus) populations in contrasted environments: impacts of pollution and global warming
Authors: Borcier E. , Charrier G. , Amérand A. , Théron M. , Loizeau V. , Pédron N. , Laroche J.
Published: March 2017

Not available
Effects of phthalates on the biology of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (from the Atlantic Coast of El Jadida, Morocco)
Authors: Sif J. , Khalil A. , Abouinan H. , Rouhi A. , Mokhliss K.
Published: March 2017

Not available
Phototherapy for Improvement of Performance and Exercise Recovery: Comparison of 3 Commercially Available Devices
Authors: De Marchi Thiago , Schmitt Vinicius Mazzochi , Danúbia da Silva Fabro Carla , da Silva Larissa Lopes , Sene Juliane , Tairova Olga , Salvador Mirian
Published: March 2017

Context: 

Recent studies suggest the prophylactic use of low-powered laser/light has ergogenic effects on athletic performance and postactivity recovery. Manufacturers of high-powered lasers/light devices claim that these can produce the same clinical benefits with increased power and decreased irradiation time; however, research with high-powered lasers is lacking.

Objective: 

To evaluate the magnitude of observed phototherapeutic effects with 3 commercially available devices.

Design: 

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Setting: 

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Forty healthy untrained male participants.

Intervention(s): 

Participants were randomized into 4 groups: placebo, high-powered continuous laser/light, low-powered continuous laser/light, or low-powered pulsed laser/light (comprising both lasers and light-emitting diodes). A single dose of 180 J or placebo was applied to the quadriceps.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Maximum voluntary contraction, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and creatine kinase (CK) activity from baseline to 96 hours after the eccentric exercise protocol.

Results: 

Maximum voluntary contraction was maintained in the low-powered pulsed laser/light group compared with placebo and high-powered continuous laser/light groups in all time points (P < .05). Low-powered pulsed laser/light demonstrated less DOMS than all groups at all time points (P < .05). High-powered continuous laser/light did not demonstrate any positive effects on maximum voluntary contraction, CK activity, or DOMS compared with any group at any time point. Creatine kinase activity was decreased in low-powered pulsed laser/light compared with placebo (P < .05) and high-powered continuous laser/light (P < .05) at all time points. High-powered continuous laser/light resulted in increased CK activity compared with placebo from 1 to 24 hours (P < .05).

Conclusions: 

Low-powered pulsed laser/light demonstrated better results than either low-powered continuous laser/light or high-powered continuous laser/light in all outcome measures when compared with placebo. The increase in CK activity using the high-powered continuous laser/light compared with placebo warrants further research to investigate its effect on other factors related to muscle damage.
The Epidemiology of Deltoid Ligament Sprains in 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association Sports, 2009–2010 Through 2014–2015 Academic Years
Authors: Kopec Thomas J. , Hibberd Elizabeth E. , Roos Karen G. , Djoko Aristarque , Dompier Thomas P. , Kerr Zachary Y.
Published: March 2017

Context: 

Deltoid ligament sprains among collegiate student-athletes have not been extensively investigated. Research regarding the mechanisms, participation-restriction time, and recurrence of deltoid ligament sprains in collegiate student-athletes is lacking.

Objective: 

To describe the epidemiology of deltoid ligament sprains in 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship sports.

Design: 

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Setting: 

National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

We analyzed deltoid ligament sprains recorded in the Injury Surveillance Program for the 2009–2010 through 2014–2015 academic years. Deltoid ligament sprain injury rates, rate ratios, and injury proportion ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

Results: 

During the study period, 380 deltoid ligament sprains were reported, resulting in a combined injury rate of 0.79/10 000 athlete-exposures (AEs; 95% CI = 0.71, 0.87). Most deltoid ligament sprains occurred in practices (54.2%, n = 206). However, the competition injury rate was higher than the practice injury rate (rate ratio = 3.74; 95% CI = 3.06, 4.57). The highest deltoid ligament sprain rates were in women's gymnastics (2.30/10 000 AEs; 95% CI = 1.05, 3.55), men's soccer (1.73/10 000 AEs; 95% CI = 1.14, 2.32), women's soccer (1.61/10 000 AEs; 95% CI = 1.13, 2.09), and men's football (1.40/10 000 AEs; 95% CI = 1.18, 1.62). Nearly half of all deltoid ligament sprains (49.7%, n = 189) were due to player contact, and 39.5% (n = 150) were non–time-loss injuries (ie, participation restricted for less than 24 hours). Only 8.2% (n = 31) of deltoid ligament sprains were recurrent.

Conclusions: 

The highest deltoid ligament sprain rates were in women's gymnastics, men's and women's soccer, and men's football. However, the rate for women's gymnastics was imprecise (ie, the CI was wide), highlighting the need for further surveillance of deltoid ligament sprains in the sport. Most deltoid ligament sprains were due to player contact. Future researchers should assess interventions that may prevent deltoid ligament sprains.
The influence of executive function challenges on the behavioural adaptation of one learner with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: De Jager Petronella , Condy Janet
Published: March 2017

In South Africa, many learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attend mainstream and private schools. This study explores the influence of executive function (EF) challenges experienced by one learner with ASD on his behavioural adaptation in an inclusive school environment. An interpretive case study approach was followed to help understand one unique ASD learner and explain the complexity of the behavioural adaptation challenges that he was experiencing. Observations and an interview were used as data collection methods. During data analysis, themes were identified within each section of the transcript. The processes of coding and categorising were employed to find connections and similarities between all the data collected. The results indicate that Learner T experienced EF challenges. Without acquiring and implementing appropriate EF skills, he found it difficult to exhibit appropriate social behaviour in the inclusive learning environment. The study attempts to debunk misconceptions people may have regarding the behavioural adaptability of ASD learners in an inclusive school environment.
Next-generation sequencing of non-small cell lung cancer using a customized, targeted sequencing panel: Emphasis on small biopsy and cytology
Authors: DiBardino David M. , Rawson David W. , Saqi Anjali , Heymann Jonas J. , Pagan Carlos A. , Bulman William A.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a multi-gene panel is now available for patients with lung adenocarcinoma, but the performance characteristics and clinical utility of this testing are not well-described. We present the results of an extended 467 gene panel in a series of advanced, highly selected nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients using a range of specimens, including predominantly small biopsy and cytology specimens.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of 22 NSCLC biopsies sent for NGS using an extended gene panel from January 2014 to July 2015. The customized NGS panel sequences 467 cancer-associated genes with exonic and intronic sequences obtained from purified tumor DNA. Genomic alterations, patient characteristics, and success of testing were determined.

Results:

The majority of samples tested were metastatic lung adenocarcinoma on final pathology. Of the 22 specimens tested, 5 (22.7%) were surgical resections and 17 (77.3%) were small biopsy and cytology specimens. Twenty-one (95%) of the specimens were adequate for full sequencing and yielded a total of 204 genomic alterations (average 8.9 per tumor), of which 17 (average 0.81 per tumor) were actionable and/or clinically relevant. Genomic alterations were found most commonly in the TP53, EGFR, EPHB1, MLL3, APC, SETD2, KRAS, DNMT3A, RB1, CDKN2A, ARID1A, EP300, KDM6B, RAD50, STK11, and BRCA2 genes.

Conclusions:

NGS using a comprehensive gene panel was performed successfully in 95% of all NSCLC cases in this series, including 94% small biopsy and cytology specimens and 100% surgical resections. This custom assay was performed on a range of tumor specimens and demonstrates that small specimens are able to provide a similar depth of information as larger ones. As many patients present at an advanced stage and only small specimens are obtained, the information these provide has the potential for guiding treatment in highly selected patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.
Role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx and larynx
Authors: Joshi Poonam , Joshi Amit , Norohna Vanita , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Patil Vijay , Agarwal Jai Prakash , Juvekar Shashikant , Prabhash Kumar
Published: March 2017

Bacground: To assess the response rate and impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx and larynx. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series of 80 patients with locally advanced laryngopharynx carcinoma who received NACT from April 2010 to October 2011 at our tertiary care center. The patients received NACT either for achieving resectability or for organ preservation. Results: Majority of the patients (60%) had T4 a disease. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was seen in 18%, febrile neutropenia in 4%, mucositis in 4%, diarrhea in 5%, and vomiting in 3% patients. Resectability could be achieved in 34%, and larynx was preserved in 51% patients at a mean follow-up of 13 months. Conclusions: NACT was safe with acceptable toxicity. Majority of the patients who achieved resectability had oropharyngeal involvement. NACT followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy could provide a high rate of organ preservation.
Surgical management of bronchopulmonary carcinoids: A single center experience
Authors: Jakhetiya Ashish , Garg Pankaj Kumar , Pandey Rambha , Ramanathan Palaniappan , Kumar Sunil , Nath Debojit , Pandey Durgatosh
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary carcinoids are uncommon tumors with relatively indolent biological behavior but a distinct malignant potential. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Our aim was to study preoperative characteristics, surgical approaches, and outcome in patients with bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was done in the Department of Surgical Oncology of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital of North India. The case records of all the patients who underwent surgical treatment for lung neoplasms and were diagnosed to have bronchopulmonary carcinoids were reviewed. Details concerning the clinical presentation, preoperative therapy, operative procedure, postoperative complications, and outcome were retrieved from the case records. Results: Sixteen patients who underwent surgical treatment were found to have bronchopulmonary carcinoids on histopathological examination. The median age of the patients was 34 years (range 18–62 years). There were 11 men and five women. All patients were symptomatic, and the median duration of symptoms was 12 months (range 6–72 months) before presentation. Six patients had received antitubercular treatment before presentation, and one patient had been treated with chemotherapy due to misdiagnosis. Surgical procedures included six pneumonectomies (one with carinoplasty), four bilobectomies, three lobectomies, and three bronchoplastic procedures (two with lobectomy and one with bilobectomy). There was no postoperative mortality; three patients had morbidity in the form of lobar collapse, prolonged pleural collection, and surgical site infection. With a median follow-up time of 11 months (range 2–85 months), all the 16 patients are alive and disease-free. Conclusions: Delayed presentation and misdiagnosis of bronchial carcinoid are major concerns in North India. Adequate surgical resection can be performed without undue morbidity and is associated with good long-term results.
Classification of Simple Weight Modules over the Schrödinger Algebra
Authors: Bavula V. V. , Lu T.
Published: March 2017

A classification of simple weight modules over the Schrödinger algebra is given. The Krull and the global dimensions are found for the centralizer (H) (and some of its prime factor algebras) of the Cartan element H in the universal enveloping algebra of the Schrödinger (Lie) algebra. The simple (H)-modules are classified. The Krull and the global dimensions are found for some (prime) factor algebras of the algebra (over the centre). It is proved that some (prime) factor algebras of and (H) are tensor homological/Krull minimal.
The Influence of Household- and Community-Level Sanitation and Fecal Sludge Management on Urban Fecal Contamination in Households and Drains and Enteric Infection in Children
Authors: Berendes David , Kirby Amy , Clennon Julie A. , Raj Suraja , Yakubu Habib , Leon Juan , Robb Katharine , Kartikeyan Arun , Hemavathy Priya , Gunasekaran Annai , Ghale Ben , Kumar J. Senthil , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Kang Gagandeep , Moe Christine
Published: March 2017

Urban sanitation necessitates management of fecal sludge inside and outside the household. This study examined associations between household sanitation, fecal contamination, and enteric infection in two low-income neighborhoods in Vellore, India. Surveys and spatial analysis assessed the presence and clustering of toilets and fecal sludge management (FSM) practices in 200 households. Fecal contamination was measured in environmental samples from 50 households and household drains. Enteric infection was assessed from stool specimens from children under 5 years of age in these households. The two neighborhoods differed significantly in toilet coverage (78% versus 33%) and spatial clustering. Overall, 49% of toilets discharged directly into open drains (“poor FSM”). Children in households with poor FSM had 3.78 times higher prevalence of enteric infection when compared with children in other households, even those without toilets. In the neighborhood with high coverage of household toilets, children in households with poor FSM had 10 times higher prevalence of enteric infection than other children in the neighborhood and drains in poor FSM clusters who had significantly higher concentrations of genogroup II norovirus. Conversely, children in households with a toilet that contained excreta in a tank onsite had 55% lower prevalence of enteric infection compared with the rest of the study area. Notably, households with a toilet in the neighborhood with low toilet coverage had more fecal contamination on floors where children played compared with those without a toilet. Overall, both toilet coverage levels and FSM were associated with environmental fecal contamination and, subsequently, enteric infection prevalence in this urban setting.
Serosurvey of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Cattle, Mali, West Africa
Authors: Maiga Ousmane , Sas Miriam Andrada , Rosenke Kyle , Kamissoko Badian , Mertens Marc , Sogoba Nafomon , Traore Abdallah , Sangare Modibo , Niang Mamadou , Schwan Tom G. , Maiga Hamidou Moussa , Traore Sekou F. , Feldmann Heinz , Safronetz David , Groschup Martin H.
Published: March 2017

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever is a tick-borne disease caused by the arbovirus Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV, family Bunyaviridae, genus Nairovirus). CCHFV can cause a severe hemorrhagic fever with high-case fatality rates in humans. CCHFV has a wide geographic range and has been described in around 30 countries in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa including Mali and neighboring countries. To date, little is known about the prevalence rates of CCHFV in Mali. Here, using banked bovine serum samples from across the country, we describe the results of a seroepidemiological study for CCHFV aimed at identifying regions of circulation in Mali. In total, 1,074 serum samples were tested by a modified in-house CCHFV-IgG-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with confirmatory testing by commercial ELISA and immunofluorescence assay. Overall, 66% of samples tested were positive for CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies. Regional seroprevalence rates ranged from 15% to 95% and seemed to correlate with cattle density. Our results demonstrate that CCHFV prevalence is high in many regions in Mali and suggest that CCHFV surveillance should be established.
Network Management
Authors:   Truck Bus Control and Communications Network Committee
Published: March 2017

SAE J1939-81 Network Management defines the processes and messages associated with managing the source addresses of applications communicating on an SAE J1939 network. Network management is concerned with the management of source addresses and the association of those addresses with an actual function and with the detection and reporting of network related errors. Due to the nature of management of source addresses, network management also specifies initialization processes, requirements for reaction to brief power outages and minimum requirements for ECUs on the network.
Winds and temperatures of the Arctic middle atmosphere during
January measured by Doppler lidar
Authors: Hildebrand Jens , Baumgarten Gerd , Fiedler Jens , Lübken Franz-Josef
Published: March 2017

Abstract. We present an extensive data set of simultaneous temperature and wind measurements in the Arctic middle atmosphere. It consists of more than 300 h of Doppler Rayleigh lidar observations obtained during three January seasons 2012, 2014, and 2015, and covers the altitude range from 30 km up to about 85 km. The data set reveals large year-to-year variations of month-mean temperatures and winds, which in 2012 are caused by a sudden stratospheric warming. The temporal evolution of winds and temperatures after that warming are studied over a period of two weeks, showing an elevated stratopause and the reformation of the polar vortex. The month-mean temperatures and winds are compared to data extracted from the Integrated Forecast System of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) and the Horizontal Wind Model (HWM07). We find mean temperature, zonal wind, and meridional wind differences of up to 20 K, 20 m s−1, and 5 m s−1, respectively, between lidar observations and ECMWF data and of up to 30 m s−1 between lidar observations and HWM07 data. From the fluctuations of temperatures and winds within single nights we extract the potential and kinetic gravity wave energy density (GWED) per unit mass. It shows that the kinetic GWED is typically 5 to 10 times larger than the potential GWED, the total GWED increases with altitude with a scale height of ≈ 16 km. Since temporal fluctuations of winds and temperatures are underestimated in ECMWF, the total GWED is underestimated as well by a factor of 3 to 10 above 50 km altitude. Similarly we estimate the energy density per unit mass for large-scale waves LWED) from the fluctuations of night-mean temperatures and winds. The total LWED. The ratio of kinetic to potential LWED varies with altitude over two orders of magnitude. LWEDs from ECWMF data show similar results as the lidar data. From the comparison of GWED and LWED follows that large-scale waves carry about 2 to 6 times more energy than gravity waves.
A Statistical Comparison of Cirrus Particle Size Distributions Measured Using the 2D Stereo Probe During the TC4, SPartICus, and MACPEx Flight Campaigns with
Historical Cirrus Datasets
Authors: Schwartz M. Christian
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This paper addresses two straightforward questions. First, how similar are the statistics of cirrus particle size distribution (PSD) datasets collected using the 2D Stereo (2D-S) probe to cirrus PSD datasets collected using older Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) 2D Cloud (2DC) and 2D Precipitation (2DP) probes? Second, how similar are the datasets when shatter-correcting post-processing is applied to the 2DC datasets? To answer these questions, a database of measured and parameterized cirrus PSDs, constructed from measurements taken during the Small Particles in Cirrus (SPartICus), Mid-latitude Airborne Cirrus Properties Experiment (MACPEx), and Tropical Composition, Cloud, and Climate Coupling (TC4) flight campaigns is used. Bulk cloud quantities are computed from the 2D-S database in three ways: first, directly from the 2D-S data; second, by applying the 2D-S data to ice PSD parameterizations developed using sets of cirrus measurements collected using the older PMS probes; and third, by applying the 2D-S data to a similar parameterization developed using the 2D-S data itself. Thereby a parameterized version of what the 2DC would have seen had it flown on the above missions next to the 2D-S is compared to a similarly parameterized version of the 2D-S. It is seen, given the same cloud field and given the same assumptions concerning ice crystal cross-sectional area, density, and radar cross section, that the parameterized 2D-S and the parameterized 2DC predict similar distributions of inferred shortwave extinction coefficient, ice water content, and 94 GHz radar reflectivity. However, the parameterization of the 2DC based on uncorrected data predicts a statistically significant higher number of total ice crystals and a larger ratio of small ice crystals to large ice crystals than does the parameterized 2D-S. The 2DC parameterization based on shatter-corrected data also predicts statistically different numbers of ice crystals than does the parameterized 2D-S, but the comparison between the two is nevertheless more favorable. It is concluded that the older data sets continue to be useful for scientific purposes, with certain caveats, and that continuing field investigations of cirrus with more modern probes is desirable.
Linking diverse nutrient patterns to different water masses within anticyclonic eddies in the upwelling system off Peru
Authors: José Yonss Saranga , Dietze Heiner , Oschlies Andreas
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Ocean eddies can both trigger mixing (during their formation and decay) and effectively shield water encompassed from being exchanged with ambient water (throughout their lifetimes). These antagonistic effects of eddies complicate the interpretation of synoptic snapshots typically obtained by ship-based oceanographic measurement campaigns. Here we use a coupled physical–biogeochemical model to explore biogeochemical dynamics within anticyclonic eddies in the eastern tropical South Pacific Ocean. The goal is to understand the diverse biogeochemical patterns that have been observed at the subsurface layers of the anticyclonic eddies in this region. Our model results suggest that the diverse subsurface nutrient patterns within eddies are associated with the presence of water masses of different origins at different depths.
Gas chromatography vs. quantum cascade laser-based N2O flux measurements using a novel chamber design
Authors: Brümmer Christian , Lyshede Bjarne , Lempio Dirk , Delorme Jean-Pierre , Rüffer Jeremy J. , Fuß Roland , Moffat Antje M. , Hurkuck Miriam , Ibrom Andreas , Ambus Per , Flessa Heinz , Kutsch Werner L.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Recent advances in laser spectrometry offer new opportunities to investigate the soil–atmosphere exchange of nitrous oxide. During two field campaigns conducted at a grassland site and a willow field, we tested the performance of a quantum cascade laser (QCL) connected to a newly developed automated chamber system against a conventional gas chromatography (GC) approach using the same chambers plus an automated gas sampling unit with septum capped vials and subsequent laboratory GC analysis. Through its high precision and time resolution, data of the QCL system were used for quantifying the commonly observed nonlinearity in concentration changes during chamber deployment, making the calculation of exchange fluxes more accurate by the application of exponential models. As expected, the curvature values in the concentration increase was higher during long (60 min) chamber closure times and under high-flux conditions (FN2O > 150 µg N m−2 h−1) than those values that were found when chambers were closed for only 10 min and/or when fluxes were in a typical range of 2 to 50 µg N m−2 h−1. Extremely low standard errors of fluxes, i.e., from  ∼  0.2 to 1.7 % of the flux value, were observed regardless of linear or exponential flux calculation when using QCL data. Thus, we recommend reducing chamber closure times to a maximum of 10 min when a fast-response analyzer is available and this type of chamber system is used to keep soil disturbance low and conditions around the chamber plot as natural as possible. Further, applying linear regression to a 3 min data window with rejecting the first 2 min after closure and a sampling time of every 5 s proved to be sufficient for robust flux determination while ensuring that standard errors of N2O fluxes were still on a relatively low level. Despite low signal-to-noise ratios, GC was still found to be a useful method to determine the mean the soil–atmosphere exchange of N2O on longer timescales during specific campaigns. Intriguingly, the consistency between GC and QCL-based campaign averages was better under low than under high N2O efflux conditions, although single flux values were highly scattered during the low efflux campaign. Furthermore, the QCL technology provides a useful tool to accurately investigate the highly debated topic of diurnal courses of N2O fluxes and its controlling factors. Our new chamber design protects the measurement spot from unintended shading and minimizes disturbance of throughfall, thereby complying with high quality requirements of long-term observation studies and research infrastructures.
A conceptual prediction model of seasonal drought processes using atmospheric and oceanic Standardized Anomalies: application in four recent severe drought events in China
Authors: Liu Zhenchen , Lu Guihua , He Hai , Wu Zhiyong , He Jian
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Reliable drought prediction is fundamental for end water managers to develop and implement drought mitigation measures. Considering the idea that drought development is closely related to the spatial-temporal evolution of large-scale circulation patterns, we develop a conceptual prediction model of seasonal drought processes based on atmospheric/oceanic Standardized Anomalies (SA). Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis was firstly applied to drought-related SA of 200 hPa/500 hPa geo-potential height (HGT) and sea surface temperature (SST), respectively. Subsequently, SA-based predictors were built based on the spatial configuration of the first EOF modes. This drought prediction model is essentially the synchronous statistical relationship between 90-day-accumulated atmospheric/oceanic SA-based predictors and 3-month SPI (SPI3), calibrated by the simple method of stepwise regression. It is forced by seasonal climate forecast models like the NCEP Climate Forecast System Version 2 (CFSv2). It can make seamless drought prediction for operational use after being calibrated year-by-year. Model application during four recent severe drought events in China indicates its good performance at predicting seasonal drought development, despite its weakness in predicting drought severity. Therefore, it can provide some valuable information and is a worthy reference for seasonal water resource management.
Mineral leaching chemicals transport with runoff and sediment from severely eroded
rare earth tailings in southern China
Authors: Lu Huizhong , Cao Longxi , Liang Yin , Yuan Jiuqin , Zhu Yayun , Wang Yi , Gu Yalan , Zhao Qiguo
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Rare earth mining has led to severe soil erosion in southern China. Furthermore, the presence of the mineral leaching chemical ammonium sulfate in runoff and sediment poses a serious environmental threat to downstream water bodies. To study the transport characteristics of mineral leaching chemicals, soil on rare earth tailings was sampled in different positions, and runoff and sediment samples were collected along flow routes during three typical rainfall events. The results demonstrated that the NH4+ contents in the surface sediment deposits increased from the top of the heap (6.56 mg/kg) to the gully (8.23 mg/kg) and outside the tailing heap (13.03 mg/kg). The contents of SO42− in the different locations of the tailing heaps ranged from 27.71 to 40.33 mg/kg. During typical rainfall events, the absorbed NH4+ concentrations (2.05, 1.26 mg/L) in runoff were higher than the dissolved concentrations (0.93, 1.04 mg/L), while the absorbed SO42− concentrations (2.87, 1.92 mg/L) were lower than the dissolved concentrations (6.55, 7.51 mg/L). The dissolved NH4+ and SO42− concentrations in runoff displayed an exponentially decreasing tendency with increasing transport distance (Y=1.02*exp(-0.00312X), Y=3.34*exp(-0.0185X)). No clear trend with increasing distance was observed for the absorbed NH4+ and SO42− contents in transported sediment. The NH4+ and SO42− contents had positive correlations with the silt and clay ratio in transported sediment but negative correlations with the sand ratio. These results provide a better understanding of the transport processes and can be used to develop equations to predict the transport of mineral leaching chemicals in rare earth tailings.
Ice-shelf damming in the glacial Arctic Ocean: dynamical regimes of
a basin-covering kilometre thick ice shelf
Authors: Nilsson Johan , Jakobsson Martin , Borstad Chris , Kirchner Nina , Björk Göran , Pierrehumbert Raymond T. , Stranne Christian
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Recent geological and geophysical data suggest that a one-kilometre thick ice shelf extended over the glacial Arctic Ocean during Marine Isotope Stage 6, about 140 000 years ago. Here, we theoretically analyse the development and equilibrium features of such an ice shelf, using scaling analyses and a one-dimensional ice-sheet–ice-shelf model. We find that the dynamically most consistent scenario is an ice shelf with a nearly uniform thickness that covers the entire Arctic Ocean. Further, the ice shelf have two regions with distinctly different dynamics: a vast interior region covering the central Arctic Ocean and an exit region towards the Fram Strait. In the interior region, which is effectively dammed by the Fram Strait constriction, there are strong back stresses and the mean ice-shelf thickness is controlled primarily by the horizontally-integrated mass balance. A narrow transitions zone is found near the continental grounding line, in which the ice-shelf thickness decreases offshore and approaches the mean basin thickness. If the surface accumulation and mass flow from the continental ice masses are sufficiently large, the ice-shelf thickness grows to the point where the ice shelf grounds on the Lomonosov Ridge. As this occurs, the back stress increases in the Amerasian Basin and the ice-shelf thickness becomes larger there than in the Eurasian Basin towards the Fram Strait. Using a one-dimensional ice-dynamic model, the stability of equilibrium ice-shelf configurations without and with grounding on the Lomonosov Ridge are examined. We find that the grounded ice-shelf configuration should be stable if the two Lomonosov Ridge grounding lines are located on the opposites sides of the ridge crest, implying that the downstream grounding line is located on a downward sloping bed. This result shares similarities with the classical result on marine ice-sheet stability of Weertman, but due to interactions between the Amerasian and Eurasian ice-shelf segments the mass flux at the downstream grounding line decreases rather than increases with ice thickness.
Public Security, Criminal Policy and Sentencing in Brazil during the Lula and Dilma Governments, 2003-2014: Changes and Continuities
Authors: Claudia Cifali Ana , De Azevedo Rodrigo Ghiringhelli
Published: March 2017

Since mid-1980s crime rates in Brazil started to increase with the transition from military dictatorship to democracy, a period marked by the rise of poverty and hyperinflation. Given levels of police corruption and protection of criminal gangs, trust in the criminal justice system was low, leading to a heightened dependence on private security, gated communities and the politicisation of law and order politics. An impressive punitive turn began at in the 1990s. This paper analysed penal policies under successive left-wing Lula and Dilma governments from 2003 to 2014. During this period the rise of ‘postneoliberal’ and ‘postneoconservative’ politics, led by the Workers Party, developed governmental strategies and initiatives that formulated and legitimized rich and complex expressions of traditionally left-wing politics. Despite the simultaneous implementation of distributive policies, the increase of human development levels throughout the country, the reduction of social inequalities and the redirection of the official discourse of Federal Government security policies towards crime prevention, incarceration rates continued to increase. This article examines why efforts to build an effective public security policy committed to upholding civil rights and improving the control of police and police activities have failed.
Understanding Student-Teachers’ Performances within an Inquiry-Based Practicum
Authors: Rivera Pilar Mendez , Gomez Francisco Perez
Published: March 2017

The role of an inquiry-based practicum in the education of future teachers has been identified as a key component to foster student-teachers’ abilities to face problems, try to solve them, work on doubts and produce situated and valuable learning from their own practices (Cochran-Smith & Little, 2001; Beck, 2001). The interaction between mentors and student-teachers involved in this process requires feeding the mutual understanding to collaboratelly make decisions to work on difficulties. In this reflective study, the practicum was the perfect scenario to evaluate how student-teachers and mentors engaged in inquiry-based work to face problems on a daily basis in schools in the context of teachers education. This article shows how a  group of 12 students-teachers and their mentors experienced difficulties within an inquiry-based practicum in an undergraduate program while conducting an instructional intervention, designing, implementing and applying a project relevant to their teaching context. Given the qualitative nature of this study, some stages of the process were analysed over a period of a year bringing as a result relevant insights to enhance their teaching practicum-process in Colombian public schools.
Status Quo and Prospective of WeChat in Improving Chinese English Learners’ Pronunciation
Authors: Wang Kanghui
Published: March 2017

With the ubiquitous usage of wireless, portable, and handheld devices gaining popularity in 21st century, the revolutionary mobile technology introduces digital new media to educational settings, which has changed the way of traditional teaching and learning. WeChat is one of the most popular social networking applications in China featured by its interactivity and real-time communication that has attracted attention of educators to its pedagogical value. This study evaluates the utilization of WeChat in mobile learning and, in particular, its potential for improving English pronunciation among English learners in China. It probes into the perennial problems of Chinese students in English pronunciation acquisition and oral practice, discusses WeChat’s support functions in mobile learning, demonstrates the relevant empirical studies of WeChat in teaching and learning, and analyses the potential value of using WeChat in improving English pronunciation. Examinations in this paper enable one to reflect on the strengths of mobile learning by WeChat and to explore how this social media tool is likely to solve the pronunciation difficulties of Chinese English learners. It is found that applying WeChat to English pronunciation teaching and practicing helps create better self-directed learning environment, enhance learning flexibility and improve oral learning effectiveness. It is hopefully that insights gained from examining how WeChat helps improve English pronunciation learning will shed light on further innovations of teaching designs in this area.
THE PROBLEMS OF MINORITIES IN MUSEUMS’
ACTIVITIES (LEGAL ASPECTS)
Authors: Golat Rafał
Published: March 2017

Within the scope of their activity, some
museums deal with the protection and dissemination of the
cultural heritages of various minority groups. These include
both museums which focus their attention on minority
problems as such (e.g. museums run by minority churches
or denominations), and those museums which deal with
such issues to a greater or lesser extent because of their
statutory objectives related to the cultural heritage of particular
minorities (e.g. ethnographic museums).
The provisions of the Act on museums do not include clear
regulations with regard to the subject of minorities. Therefore,
the provisions are construed with respect to other norms, relevant
to the minorities’ activities. From among those provisions,
these that deserve particular attention are, above all,
provisions specifying the activities of NGOs, including associations
and foundations, under which they frequently operate.
Secondly, of importance are acts which specifically regulate
the basis for how given minorities operate, i.e. especially the
Act on national and ethnic minorities and on regional languages,
the Act concerning the guarantees of conscience and
religion, as well as those acts which determine the State’s
approach towards particular churches and denominations.
Formally, the extent to which a museum engages in a significant
activity regarding a given minority is determined
by the basic acts issued by the its administrator, which serve
as the basis for its operation. Those include statutes (in the
case of museums which are legal persons) or regulations (in
the case of other museums).
When a museum’s statute provides for such minority activity,
its administrator is obliged to provide funding for it,
regardless of additional financial support, in particular that
coming from grants, and above all the one stipulated in the
article 18 of the Act on national and ethnic minorities and
on regional languages.
Analysis of Therapeutic Effectiveness of Selected Types of Collagen in Prevention and Treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease
Authors: Tomaszewski Wiesław , Paradowska Anna
Published: March 2017

Loss of collagen is a natural development accompanying aging of the body. It may be additionally accelerated by various conditions, including osteoarthritis (OA).
Within the last two decades numerous and diverse studies have been conducted worldwide with the aim of identifying substances containing collagen, producing therapeutic preparations of expected effectiveness in the prevention and therapy of OA that would be safe to use and developing methods of delivering the final product into the body. The authors reviewed and analysed the latest available literature by selecting papers presenting the findings of studies conducted in line with the principles of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). The studies have been ordered from in vitro trials (studies on animals in the laboratory setting, use of tissue engineering methods to assess the effect of cartilage transplants, use of different collagen types for development of scaffolds etc.) to in vivo clinical trials.
It appears that the findings of the latest multidimensional studies presented below, which confirm the therapeutic effectiveness of new-generation injectable medical collagen preparations, will help these medical products gain their well-deserved position in the comprehensive treatment of osteoarthritis both with respect to their analgesic properties as well as their ability to enable functional recovery and stimulate regeneration of tissues at the molecular level.