bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive Outcomes Associated with Noise Exposure — A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ristovska Gordana , Laszlo Helga , Hansell Anna
Published: August 2014

Introduction: High noise exposure during critical periods in gestation is a potential stressor that may result in increased risk of implantation failure, dysregulation of placentation or decrease of uterine blood flow. This paper systematically reviews published evidence on associations between reproductive outcomes and occupational and environmental noise exposure. Methods: The Web of Science, PubMed and Embase electronic databases were searched for papers published between 1970 to June 2014 and via colleagues. We included 14 epidemiological studies related to occupational noise exposure and nine epidemiological studies related to environmental noise exposure. There was some evidence for associations between occupational noise exposure and low birthweight, preterm birth and small for gestational age, either independently or together with other occupational risk factors. Five of six epidemiologic studies, including the two largest studies, found significant associations between lower birthweight and higher noise exposure. There were few studies on other outcomes and study design issues may have led to bias in assessments in some studies. Conclusions: There is evidence for associations between noise exposure and adverse reproductive outcomes from animal studies. Few studies in have been conducted in humans but there is some suggestive evidence of adverse associations with environmental noise from both occupational and epidemiological studies, especially for low birthweight.
Celastrol Attenuates Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain Mediated by Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2
Authors: Yang Longhe , Li Yanting , Ren Jie , Zhu Chenggang , Fu Jin , Lin Donghai , Qiu Yan
Published: August 2014

Celastrol, a major active ingredient of Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (thunder god vine), has exhibited a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-cancer and immunosuppression. In the present study, we used animal models of inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain, generated by carrageenan injection and spared nerve injury (SNI), respectively, to evaluate the effect of celastrol and to address the mechanisms underlying pain processing. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of celastrol produced a dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenan-induced edema and allodynia. Real-time PCR analysis showed that celastrol (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, in carrageenan-injected mice. In SNI mice, pain behavior studies showed that celastrol (1 mg/kg, i.p.) effectively prevented the hypersensitivity of mechanical nociceptive response on the third day post-surgery and the seventh day post-surgery. Furthermore, the anti-hyperalgesic effects of celastrol in carrageenan-injected mice and SNI mice were reversed by SR144528 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), a specific cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) receptor antagonist, but not by SR141716 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), a specific cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1) receptor antagonist. Taken together, our results demonstrate the analgesia effects of celastrol through CB2 signaling and propose the potential of exploiting celastrol as a novel candidate for pain relief.
The Acoustic Properties of Water Submerged Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta) and Spruce (Picea spp.) Wood and Their Suitability for Use as Musical Instruments
Authors: Hilde Calvin , Woodward Renata , Avramidis Stavros , Hartley Ian
Published: August 2014

Wood is a common material used for the manufacture of many products, and submerged wood, in particular, has been used in niche markets and musical instruments. In order to examine if submerged wood in British Columbia, Canada, would be appropriate for use as musical instruments, a study was performed in 2007 on submerged wood from Ootsa Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The results of that study showed the wood was not suitable for musical instruments. In this paper, the wood samples were allowed to age untouched in a laboratory setting and were then retested under the hypothesis that physical acoustic characteristics would improve. It was shown, however, that acoustic properties became less adequate after being left to dry over time. This article describes the density, speed of sound, acoustic constant and characteristic impedance properties for submerged wood and a comparison is made for different applications for musical instruments.
Tracking Electrons in Biological Macromolecules: From Ensemble to Single Molecule
Authors: Tabares Leandro , Gupta Ankur , Aartsma Thijs , Canters Gerard
Published: August 2014

Nature utilizes oxido-reductases to cater to the energy demands of most biochemical processes in respiratory species. Oxido-reductases are capable of meeting this challenge by utilizing redox active sites, often containing transition metal ions, which facilitate movement and relocation of electrons/protons to create a potential gradient that is used to energize redox reactions. There has been a consistent struggle by researchers to estimate the electron transfer rate constants in physiologically relevant processes. This review provides a brief background on the measurements of electron transfer rates in biological molecules, in particular Cu-containing enzymes, and highlights the recent advances in monitoring these electron transfer events at the single molecule level or better to say, at the individual event level.
Model Risk in Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Stefanovits David , Schubiger Urs , Wüthrich Mario
Published: August 2014

We consider a one-period portfolio optimization problem under model uncertainty. For this purpose, we introduce a measure of model risk. We derive analytical results for this measure of model risk in the mean-variance problem assuming we have observations drawn from a normal variance mixture model. This model allows for heavy tails, tail dependence and leptokurtosis of marginals. The results show that mean-variance optimization is seriously compromised by model uncertainty, in particular, for non-Gaussian data and small sample sizes. To mitigate these shortcomings, we propose a method to adjust the sample covariance matrix in order to reduce model risk.
A Class of Coning Algorithms Based on a Half-Compressed Structure
Authors: Tang Chuanye , Chen Xiyuan
Published: August 2014

Aiming to advance the coning algorithm performance of strapdown inertial navigation systems, a new half-compressed coning correction structure is presented. The half-compressed algorithm structure is analytically proven to be equivalent to the traditional compressed structure under coning environments. The half-compressed algorithm coefficients allow direct configuration from traditional compressed algorithm coefficients. A type of algorithm error model is defined for coning algorithm performance evaluation under maneuver environment conditions. Like previous uncompressed algorithms, the half-compressed algorithm has improved maneuver accuracy and retained coning accuracy compared with its corresponding compressed algorithm. Compared with prior uncompressed algorithms, the formula for the new algorithm coefficients is simpler.
A New Strategy for Utilizing Rice Forage Production Using a No-Tillage System to Enhance the Self-Sufficient Feed Ratio of Small Scale Dairy Farming in Japan
Authors: Zahra Windi , Yasue Takeshi , Asagi Naomi , Miyaguchi Yuji , Purwanto Bagus , Komatsuzaki Masakazu
Published: August 2014

Rice forage systems can increase the land use efficiency in paddy fields, improve the self-sufficient feed ratio, and provide environmental benefits for agro-ecosystems. This system often decreased economic benefits compared with those through imported commercial forage feed, particularly in Japan. We observed the productivities of winter forage after rice harvest between conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) in a field experiment. An on-farm evaluation was performed to determine the self-sufficient ratio of feed and forage production costs based on farm evaluation of the dairy farmer and the rice grower, who adopted a rice forage system. The field experiment detected no significant difference in forage production and quality between CT and NT after rice harvest. However, the production cost was dramatically decreased by 28.1% in NT compared with CT. The self-sufficient ratio was 5.4% higher when dairy farmers adopted the rice forage system compared with those using the current management system. Therefore, this study demonstrated the positive benefits for dairy farmers and rice growers in Japan when adopting a rice forage system with NT, which could improve the self-sufficient feed ratio and reduce production costs.
Surface processes during purification of InP quantum dots
Authors: Mordvinova Natalia , Emelin Pavel , Vinokurov Alexander , Dorofeev Sergey , Abakumov Artem , Kuznetsova Tatiana
Published: August 2014

Recently, a new simple and fast method for the synthesis of InP quantum dots by using phosphine as phosphorous precursor and myristic acid as surface stabilizer was reported. Purification after synthesis is necessary to obtain samples with good optical properties. Two methods of purification were compared and the surface processes which occur during purification were studied. Traditional precipitation with acetone is accompanied by a small increase in photoluminescence. It occurs that during the purification the hydrolysis of the indium precursor takes place, which leads to a better surface passivation. The electrophoretic purification technique does not increase luminescence efficiency but yields very pure quantum dots in only a few minutes. Additionally, the formation of In(OH)3 during the low temperature synthesis was explained. Purification of quantum dots is a very significant part of postsynthetical treatment that determines the properties of the material. But this subject is not sufficiently discussed in the literature. The paper is devoted to the processes that occur at the surface of quantum dots during purification. A new method of purification, electrophoresis, is investigated and described in particular.
Les relations personnelles entre Nixon, Pompidou et leurs entourages
Authors: Cesari Laurent
Published: August 2014

Nixon et Kissinger ont multiplié les attentions personnelles envers Pompidou et ses ministres, à la fois par admiration envers de Gaulle, dont Pompidou était le successeur immédiat, et pour multiplier les interlocuteurs des États-Unis, par crainte qu’une Europe trop unie n’échappe à l’influence de Washington. Les notes prises par Jobert en conseil des Ministres montrent que Pompidou a tenté de mettre à profit ces avances pour obtenir une stabilité des changes permettant de maintenir à long terme une relative sous-évaluation du franc par rapport au mark, et une aide américaine à la construction de missiles nucléaires à têtes multiples. Son échec sur ces deux points explique la dégradation des relations franco-américaines pendant la dernière année de sa présidence.
Caching Based Transport Optimization for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Tiglao Nestor Michael C. , Grilo António M.
Published: August 2014

Traditional transport layer protocols have been designed to perform end-to-end error control transparently to the intermediate nodes (e.g., TCP). To address the severe resource constraints featured by Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), new paradigms have been developed such as intermediate caching where intermediate nodes are able to cache packets and if possible retransmit them on-demand to avoid incurring costly end-to-end retransmissions. Lately, Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network (WMSN) has been considered as a new research area whereby WSNs are targeted for the delivery of multimedia traffic. In this paper, we propose a NACK-based repair mechanism coupled with an adaptive MAC layer retransmission scheme in order to improve the performance of caching-based WMSN transport protocols. Specifically, our goal is to be able to reduce real-time end-to-end delay while maintaining reliability and energy efficiency in the presence of high channel error rates. Our simulation results show that the ensemble of both mechanisms provides better good put performance while simultaneously improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, the improved protocol also achieves lower deadline miss ratios making it suitable for multimedia transport. While we demonstrate the effectiveness of the mechanisms by incorporating them into the basic Distributed Transport for Sensor Networks (DTSN) protocol, they are generic enough to be applicable to other WSN and WMSN transport protocols.
Designing Multichannel Value Propositions to Enhance Value-Cocreation Phenomenon
Authors: Cesarotti Vittorio , Giuiusa Alessio , Kwan Stephen K. , Introna Vito , Spohrer Jim
Published: August 2014

Service Science introduced the abstraction of service systems, which while jointly interacting can cocreate value. The term “cocreation” captures the collaborative nature of value creation. Whilst value, between two or more service entities, is always cocreated, value-cocreation is rarely considered in designing a service even though this is a main design driver that leads to successful construction of Value Propositions1 (VP). The presence of multiple channels (in-person, phone, and web) may give rise to opportunities for enhanced value-cocreation. Still, different channels may lead the beneficiary of the service to interact as a value coproducer, linking value-cocreation to his/her capability to properly perform the service. The authors explore the opportunity to increase the value cocreated in a service process through improved design using multiple channels. The authors develop a method that guides service designers in the construction of more effective multichannel Value Propositions, increasing the opportunities to enhance the cocreation of value. This paper should be of value to both researchers and practitioners looking for new ways to construct effective multichannel Value Propositions.
Perceptions of Workplace Bullying Among Athletic Trainers in the Collegiate Setting
Authors: Weuve Celest , Pitney William A. , Martin Malissa , Mazerolle Stephanie M.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Bullying has received a vast amount of attention in the recent past. One form of bullying, workplace bullying (WPB), has been a substantial concern explored in many health professions that can negatively influence a health care provider's role in an organization. To date, however, WPB has not been investigated in athletic training contexts.

Objective:

To examine the perceptions of certified athletic trainers who experienced or witnessed WPB during employment in the collegiate setting.

Design:

Qualitative study.

Setting:

College or university.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fifteen athletic trainers (7 women, 8 men) with an average age of 42 ± 12 years.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Data were collected via semistructured, in-depth phone interviews or asynchronous online interviews. Data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis. Trustworthiness was established with member checks and peer debriefing.

Results:

Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) antecedents of WPB, (2) consequences of WPB, (3) coping with WPB, and (4) lack of workplace environment training. The antecedents of WPB involved the bully's personality and perceptions of the athletic training profession as well as environmental factors including the pressure to win and a lack of administrative support. The consequences of WPB included increased stress, feelings of inadequacy, and increased distrust. Individuals coped with WPB by relying on emotional resilience and avoidance. A final theme, lack of workplace environment training, revealed that little attention was given to interpersonal issues and WPB in the workplace.

Conclusions:

Workplace bullying incidents occur when administrators tolerate bullying behaviors from controlling and manipulative individuals who lack respect for the athletic training professional. Several negative outcomes result from bullying interactions, including stress and anxiety; WPB is dealt with by learning to be more emotionally resilient and avoiding confrontations. Workplace training is needed to prepare athletic trainers for such negative experiences.
Experiences With Workplace Bullying Among Athletic Trainers in the Collegiate Setting
Authors: Weuve Celest , Pitney William A. , Martin Malissa , Mazerolle Stephanie M.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Workplace bullying (WPB) is a series of persistent negative interactions that affect a clinician's ability to perform his or her role. Although WPB has been studied in other health professions, to date, no information exists pertaining to WPB in athletic training.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of WPB in the collegiate setting and examine factors that influence its occurrence.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Collegiate setting.

Patients or Other Participants:

There were 723 (329 female, 394 male) athletic trainers (ATs) aged 37.5 ± 10.4 years.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We collected data via the validated and reliable online Athletic Training Environment Survey. Descriptive statistics were obtained to determine a bullying score for each AT and examine the prevalence of WPB. Chi-square analyses were performed to examine the differences between (1) sex, (2) academic degree level, (3) employment title, and (4) National Athletic Trainers' Association district.

Results:

A total of 106 participants (14.7%) had a score of 2 or higher, indicating they were bullied in the athletic training setting. Of those bullied, 47 (44.3%) were women and 59 (55.7%) were men. There was no difference between women and men with respect to having experienced bullying (χ21 = 0.068, P = .794). Moreover, no difference existed in the prevalence of bullying among ATs holding various degrees (χ23 = 6.73, P = .081) or among ATs holding various titles within an organization (χ25 = 3.55, P = .616). More (χ21 = 23.77, P = < .001) perpetrators were male (74.2%, n = 75) than female (25.8%, n = 26); of these, 38.2% (n = 39) were coaches, 17.6% (n = 18) were supervisory ATs, and 8.8% (n = 9) were coworker ATs.

Conclusions:

Bullying was experienced by both male and female ATs in the collegiate setting, and a higher number of bullies were male. More research is necessary to explore WPB in other work settings.
Dominant-Limb Range-of-Motion and Humeral-Retrotorsion Adaptation in Collegiate Baseball and Softball Position Players
Authors: Hibberd Elizabeth E. , Oyama Sakiko , Tatman Justin , Myers Joseph B.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Biomechanically, the motions used by baseball and softball pitchers differ greatly; however, the throwing motions of position players in both sports are strikingly similar. Although the adaptations to the dominant limb from overhead throwing have been well documented in baseball athletes, these adaptations have not been clearly identified in softball players. This information is important in order to develop and implement injury-prevention programs specific to decreasing the risk of upper extremity injury in softball athletes.

Objective:

To compare range-of-motion and humeral-retrotorsion characteristics of collegiate baseball and softball position players and of baseball and softball players to sex-matched controls.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Research laboratories and athletic training rooms at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fifty-three collegiate baseball players, 35 collegiate softball players, 25 male controls (nonoverhead athletes), and 19 female controls (nonoverhead athletes).

Intervention(s):

Range of motion and humeral retrotorsion were measured using a digital inclinometer and diagnostic ultrasound.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Glenohumeral internal-rotation deficit, external-rotation gain, total glenohumeral range of motion, and humeral retrotorsion.

Results:

Baseball players had greater glenohumeral internal-rotation deficit, total–range-of-motion, and humeral-retrotorsion difference than softball players and male controls. There were no differences between glenohumeral internal-rotation deficit, total–range-of-motion, and humeral-retrotorsion difference in softball players and female controls.

Conclusions:

Few differences were evident between softball players and female control participants, although range-of-motion and humeral-retrotorsion adaptations were significantly different than baseball players. The throwing motions are similar between softball and baseball, but the athletes adapt to the demands of the sport differently; thus, stretching/strengthening programs designed for baseball may not be the most effective programs for softball athletes.
Clinical and Instrumented Measurements of Hip Laxity and Their Associations With Knee Laxity and General Joint Laxity
Authors: Fan Lixia , Copple Timothy J. , Tritsch Amanda J. , Shultz Sandra J.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Hip-joint laxity may be a relevant anterior cruciate ligament injury risk factor. With no devices currently available to measure hip laxity, it is important to determine if clinical measurements sufficiently capture passive displacement of the hip.

Objective:

To examine agreement between hip internal-external–rotation range of motion measured clinically (HIERROM) versus internal-external–rotation laxity measured at a fixed load (HIERLAX) and to determine their relationships with knee laxity (anterior-posterior [KAPLAX], varus-valgus [KVVLAX], and internal-external rotation [KIERLAX]) and general joint laxity (GJL).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Controlled research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Thirty-two healthy adults (16 women, 16 men; age = 25.56 ± 4.08 years, height = 170.94 ± 10.62 cm, weight = 68.86 ± 14.89 kg).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Participants were measured for HIERROM, HIERLAX at 0° and 30° hip flexion (−10 Nm, 7 Nm), KAPLAX (−90 N to 133 N), KVVLAX (±10 Nm), KIERLAX (±5 Nm), and GJL. We calculated Pearson correlations and 95% limits of agreement between HIERROM and HIERLAX_0° and HIERLAX_30°. Correlation analyses examined the strength of associations between hip laxity, knee laxity, and GJL.

Results:

The HIERROM and HIERLAX had similar measurement precision and were strongly correlated (r > 0.78). However, HIERROM was systematically smaller in magnitude than HIERLAX at 0° (95% limits of agreement = 29.0° ± 22.3°) and 30° (21.4° ± 19.3°). The HIERROM (r = 0.51–0.66), HIERLAX_0° (r = 0.52–0.69) and HIERLAX_30° (r = 0.53–0.76) were similarly correlated with knee laxity measures and GJL. The combinations of KVVLAX and either HIERROM, HIERLAX_0°, or HIERLAX_30° (R2 range, 0.42–0.44) were the strongest predictors of GJL.

Conclusions:

Although HIERROM and HIERLAX differed in magnitude, they were measured with similar consistency and precision and were similarly correlated with knee laxity and GJL measures. Individuals with greater GJL also had greater hip laxity. These findings are relevant to clinicians and investigators conducting prospective risk factor studies, given the need for accessible, efficient, and low-cost alternatives for characterizing an individual's laxity profile.
Achieving Work-Life Balance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Setting, Part II: Perspectives From Head Athletic Trainers
Authors: Goodman Ashley , Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Pitney William A.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Work-life balance has been examined at the collegiate level from multiple perspectives except for the athletic trainer (AT) serving in a managerial or leadership role.

Objective:

To investigate challenges and strategies used in achieving work-life balance from the perspective of the head AT at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university.

Design:

Qualitative study.

Setting:

Web-based management system.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 18 head ATs (13 men, 5 women; age = 44 ± 8 years, athletic training experience = 22 ± 7 years) volunteered.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Participants journaled their thoughts and experiences in response to a series of questions. To establish data credibility, we included multiple-analyst triangulation, stakeholder checks, and peer review. We used a general inductive approach to analyze the data.

Results:

Two higher-order themes emerged from our analysis of the data: organizational challenges and work-life balance strategies. The organizational challenges theme contained 2 lower-order themes: lack of autonomy and role demands. The work-life balance strategies theme contained 3 lower-order themes: prioritization of commitments, strategic boundary setting, and work-family integration.

Conclusions:

Head ATs are susceptible to experiencing work-life imbalance just as ATs in nonsupervisory roles are. Although not avoidable, the causes are manageable. Head ATs are encouraged to prioritize their personal time, make efforts to spend time away from their demanding positions, and reduce the number of additional responsibilities that can impede time available to spend away from work.
Reaching beyond: Blogging a digital autobiographical practical theology
Authors: Van den Berg Jan Albert
Published: August 2014

Against the backdrop of a virtual existence, this contribution has portrayed the intimate relationship between two practical theologians. Through the use of biographical accounts, the author has not only attempted to indicate the significant contribution of Professor Julian M�ller to the field of practical theology, but has also described the influence of this work on his own life and current research practice. In these descriptions of engagement, on the basis of which relevant research accents have been demarcated, a scenario pointing towards relevant future developments has also been indicated. In the mapping of a digital autobiographical practical theology, the author has personally �reached beyond� in his endeavour to identify new research avenues in the articulation of the autobiographical language of a lived digital religion.
Understanding Christianity in the history of African religion: An engagement with theological and anthropological perspectives in the pursuit of interdisciplinary dialogue
Authors: M�ller Retief
Published: August 2014

There is ample ground and good motives for interdisciplinary engagement between theology and the �new� anthropology of Christianity. Theologians can learn much about the character of the church in all its plurality from the often insightful descriptions of anthropologists who have recently started to take a strong interest in Christianity. On the other hand, theologians can help anthropologists come to more complex understandings of the meaning of Christianity. Concerning contrasting anthropological perspectives of anti-essentialism and culture theory regarding the nature of Christianity, this article suggested that the work of missiologists, such as Andrew Walls, might usefully aid the progression of the debate and referred to the historical interplay and conflict between Christianity and indigenous knowledge in southern Africa by way of illustrating this point. The argument pursued in this article hinges on the prioritising of an interdisciplinary approach in theological studies, a cause which Prof. Julian M�ller has long championed. Therefore, this contribution sought to honour his legacy by illustrating a further avenue of interdisciplinary engagement.
Postfoundational practical theology as public Christol̶o̶g̶y̶
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: August 2014

This article aimed to provide a critical appreciation of a postfoundational practical theology as developed by Julian M�ller and a further exploration of this approach towards a public Christology. The logos of Christology is crossed out, but not erased as it is not a new theory or system or dogma, but rather a spirituality. Such a public Christology was unpacked as a postmetaphysical reformed spirituality in the three publics of academia, society and church.
Identity and dignity within the human rights discourse: An anthropological and praxis approach
Authors: Louw Daniel J.
Published: August 2014

The theological discourse mostly focuses on the moral and ethical framework for human rights and human dignity. In order to give theological justification to the value and dignity of human beings, most theologians point to the imago Dei as theological starting point for the design of an anthropology on human dignity. Within the paradigmatic framework of democracy, human dignity and human rights have become interchangeable concepts. This article aimed to focus not on ethics but on aesthetics: man as homo aestheticus, as well as the praxis question regarding the quality of human dignity within the network of human relationships. It was argued that human dignity is more fundamental than human rights. Dignity as an anthropological construct should not reside in the first place in the imago Dei and its relationship to Christology and incarnation theology. Human dignity, human rights and human identity are embedded in the basic human quest for meaning (teleology). As such, human dignity should, in a practical theological approach to anthropology, be dealt with from the aesthetic perspective of charisma, thus the option for inhabitational theology. As an anthropological category, human dignity should be viewed from the perspective of pneumatology within the networking framework of a �spiritual humanism�. In this regard, the theology of the Dutch theologian A.A. van Ruler, and especially his seminal 1968 work Ik geloof, should be revisited by a pneumatic anthropology within the parameters of practical theology.
My father�s tobacco-jar, Church Square Pretoria and Freedom Park: An autoethnographical exploration
Authors: Barnard Marcel
Published: August 2014

Julian M�ller, in his advocacy of a narrative theology, has called for an autobiographical theology. In addition to Julian M�ller�s plea, the author turned to what may be seen as the liturgical and ritual variant of this method, namely autoethnography. Thus he would honour Julian M�ller and his tireless commitment to Practical Theology. Autobiographical and autoethnographical theology do not start from well-ordered and systematically arranged knowledge, but from a life as it has developed and as it is developing in its connections with others. Difference is therefore a keyword in the method. Others and other worlds evoke the consciousness of differences, incite reflections on the cracks, fractures and fissures that show themselves to the self and provoke negotiations with the otherness of the other. Never in his existence as a theologian had the author experienced this process more intensely than in his contacts with colleagues and religious practices in South Africa. It was described in the article how the author became acquainted with South Africa and, more particularly, with its liturgical rituals and visual arts since 2001. The different experiences of successive visits to Church Square in Pretoria functioned as a point of reference in the article. It was shown how the self re-negotiated its position in the world through the confrontation with a totally �other� � in this case, South African liturgical rituals and visual arts. This re-negotiation focused on the Western academic position of the self when confronted with African epistemologies and ontologies.
Affek van toe tot nou: Die erfenis van Herder, Schleiermacher en William James
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2014

Affect then and now: The heritage of Herder, Schleiermacher and William James. The heritage of Johann Gottfried von Herder (1744�1803), Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768�1834) and William James (1842�1910) is of significance for practical theology. In present-day pastoral care, affect, emotion, feeling and experience are explored by means of, amongst others, narrative theories. In his aesthetics, Herder linked music and literature. Schleiermacher, in his aesthetics, linked his theology of feeling with biography as narrative. Narrativity is central to present-day are theories and praxis in pastoral care. The variety of forms of affect, namely emotion, experience, feeling and mood, has been explored by present-day psychology and psychiatry. These insights can enrich narrative pastoral theories and praxis.
Memory Decline in Peri- and Post-menopausal Women: The Potential of Mind–Body Medicine to Improve Cognitive Performance
Authors: Sliwinski Jim R. , Johnson Aimee K. , Elkins Gary R.
Published: August 2014

Cognitive decline is a frequent complaint during the menopause transition and among post-menopausal women. Changes in memory correspond with diminished estrogen production. Further, many peri- and post-menopausal women report sleep concerns, depression, and hot flashes, and these factors may contribute to cognitive decline. Hormone therapy can increase estrogen but is contraindicated for many women. Mind–body medicine has been shown to have beneficial effects on sleep, mood, and hot flashes, among post-menopausal women. Further, mind–body medicine holds potential in addressing symptoms of cognitive decline post-menopause. This study proposes an initial framework for how mind–body interventions may improve cognitive performance and inform future research seeking to identify the common and specific factors associated with mind–body medicine for addressing memory decline in peri- and post-menopausal women. It is our hope that this article will eventually lead to a more holistic and integrative approach to the treatment of cognitive deficits in peri- and post-menopausal women.
Effects of heat and drought on carbon and water dynamics in a regenerating semi-arid pine forest: a combined experimental and modeling approach
Authors: Ruehr N. K. , Law B. E. , Quandt D. , Williams M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Predicting the net effects on the carbon and water balance of semi-arid forests under future conditions depends on ecosystem processes responding to changes in soil and atmospheric drought. Here we apply a combination of field observations and soil–plant–atmosphere modeling (SPA) to study carbon and water dynamics in a regenerating ponderosa pine forest. The effects of soil and atmospheric drought were quantified based on a field irrigation experiment combined with model simulations. To assess future effects of intensifying drought on ecosystem processes, the SPA model was run using temperature and precipitation scenarios for 2040 and 2080. Experimentally increased summer water availability clearly affected tree hydraulics and enhanced C uptake in both the observations and the model. Simulation results showed that irrigation was sufficient to eliminate soil water limitation and maintaining transpiration rates, but gross primary productivity (GPP) continued to decrease. Observations of stomatal conductance indicated a dominant role of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in limiting C uptake. This was confirmed by running the simulation under reduced atmospheric drought (VPD of 1 kPa), which largely maintained GPP rates at pre-drought conditions. The importance of VPD as a dominant driver was underlined by simulations of extreme summer conditions. We found GPP to be affected more by summer temperatures and VPD as predicted for 2080 (−17%) than by reductions in summer precipitation (−9%). Because heterotrophic respiration responded less to heat (−1%) than to reductions in precipitation (−10%), net ecosystem C uptake declined strongest under hotter (−38%) compared to drier summer conditions (−8%). Considering warming trends across all seasons (September–May: +3 °C and June–August: +4.5 °C), the negative drought effects were largely compensated by an earlier initiation of favorable growing conditions and bud break, enhancing early season GPP and needle biomass. An adverse effect, triggered by changes in early season allocation patterns, was the decline of wood and root biomass. This imbalance may increase water stress over the long term to a threshold at which ponderosa pine may not survive, and highlights the need for an integrated process understanding of the combined effects of trends and extremes.
Retrieval of the photochemical reflectance index for assessing xanthophyll cycle activity: a comparison of near-surface optical sensors
Authors: Harris A. , Gamon J. , Pastorello G. Z. , Wong C.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Unattended optical sensors are increasingly being deployed on eddy covariance flux towers and are often used to complement existing vegetation and micrometeorological measurements to enable assessment of biophysical states and biogeochemical processes over a range of spatial scales. Of particular interest are sensors that can measure the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), which can provide information pertaining to leaf pigments and photosynthetic activity. This interest has facilitated the production of a new range of lower-cost sensors specifically designed to measure temporal changes in the PRI signal. However, little is known about the characteristics (spectral, radiometric and temporal) of many of these PRI sensors, making it difficult to compare data obtained from these sensors across time, geographical locations and instruments. Furthermore, direct testing of the capability of these sensors to actually detect the conversion of the xanthophyll cycle, which is the original biological basis of the PRI diurnal signal, is largely absent, which often results in an unclear interpretation of the signal, particularly given the wide range of factors now known to influence PRI. Through a series of experiments, we assess the sensitivity of one of the leading brands of PRI sensor (Skye SKR 1800) to changes in vegetation photosynthetic activity in response to changing irradiance. We compare the results with those obtained using a more expensive industry-standard spectrometer (PP-systems UniSpec) and determine the radiometric compatibility of measurements made by the different instruments. Results suggest that the lower cost SKR 1800 instrument is able to track rapid (seconds to minutes) and more gradual diurnal changes in photosynthetic activity associated with xanthophyll cycle pigment conversion. Measurements obtained from both the high and lower cost instrument were significantly linearly correlated but were subject to a large systematic bias, illustrating that small differences in instrument configuration can have a large impact on the PRI measurement values obtained. Despite differences in absolute PRI values, significant correlations were observed between the PRI derived from the SKR 1800 and the epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle (r2 = 0.46, p < 0.05), although the dynamic range of the SKR 1800 PRI signal was often lower than more expensive instruments and thus the lower cost instrument may be less sensitive to pigment dynamics related to photosynthetic activity. Based on our findings, we make a series of recommendations for the effective use of such sensors under field conditions.
Uncertainty analysis of eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements for different EC tower distances using an extended two-tower approach
Authors: Post H. , Hendricks Franssen H. J. , Graf A. , Schmidt M. , Vereecken H.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The use of eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements in data assimilation and other applications requires an estimate of the random uncertainty. In previous studies, the two-tower approach has yielded robust uncertainty estimates, but care must be taken to meet the often competing requirements of statistical independence (non-overlapping footprints) and ecosystem homogeneity when choosing an appropriate tower distance. The role of the tower distance was investigated with help of a roving station separated between 8 m and 34 km from a permanent EC grassland station. Random uncertainty was estimated for five separation distances with an extended two-tower approach which removed systematic differences of CO2 fluxes measured at two EC towers. This analysis was made for a dataset where (i) only similar weather conditions at the two sites were included and (ii) an unfiltered one. The extended approach, applied to weather-filtered data for separation distances of 95 m and 173 m gave uncertainty estimates in best correspondence with the independent reference method The introduced correction for systematic flux differences considerably reduced the overestimation of the two-tower based uncertainty of net CO2 flux measurements, e.g. caused by different environmental conditions at both EC towers. It is concluded that the extension of the two-tower approach can help to receive more reliable uncertainty estimates because systematic differences of measured CO2 fluxes which are not part of random error are filtered out.
Pacific plate slab pull and intraplate deformation in the early Cenozoic
Authors: Butterworth N. P. , Müller R. D. , Quevedo L. , O'Connor J. M. , Hoernle K. , Morra G.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Large tectonic plates are known to be susceptible to internal deformation, leading to a~range of phenomena including intraplate volcanism. However, the space and time dependence of intraplate deformation and its relationship with changing plate boundary configurations, subducting slab geometries, and absolute plate motion is poorly understood. We utilise a buoyancy-driven Stokes flow solver, BEM-Earth, to investigate the contribution of subducting slabs through time on Pacific plate motion and plate-scale deformation, and how this is linked to intraplate volcanism. We produce a series of geodynamic models from 62 to 42 Ma in which the plates are driven by the attached subducting slabs and mantle drag/suction forces. We compare our modelled intraplate deformation history with those types of intraplate volcanism that lack a clear age progression. Our models suggest that changes in Cenozoic subduction zone topology caused intraplate deformation to trigger volcanism along several linear seafloor structures, mostly by reactivation of existing seamount chains, but occasionally creating new volcanic chains on crust weakened by fracture zones and extinct ridges. Around 55 Ma, subduction of the Pacific-Izanagi ridge reconfigured the major tectonic forces acting on the plate by replacing ridge push with slab pull along its northwestern perimeter, causing lithospheric extension along pre-existing weaknesses. Large-scale deformation observed in the models coincides with the seamount chains of Hawaii, Louisville, Tokelau and Gilbert during our modelled time period of 62 to 42 Ma. We suggest that extensional stresses between 72 and 52 Ma are the likely cause of large parts of the formation of the Gilbert chain and that localised extension between 62 and 42 Ma could cause late-stage volcanism along the Musicians volcanic ridges. Our models demonstrate that early Cenozoic changes in Pacific plate driving forces only cause relatively minor changes in Pacific absolute plate motion directions, and cannot be responsible for the Hawaiian–Emperor bend (HEB), confirming previous interpretations that the 47 Ma HEB does not primarily reflect an absolute plate motion event.
Mantle lithosphere transition from the East European Craton to the Variscan Bohemian Massif imaged by shear-wave splitting
Authors: Vecsey L. , Plomerová J. , Babuška V.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. We analyse splitting of teleseismic shear waves recorded during the PASSEQ passive experiment (2006–2008) focused on the upper mantle structure across and around the Trans-European Suture Zone (TESZ). Altogether 1009 pairs of the delay times of the slow split shear waves and orientations of the polarized fast shear waves exhibit lateral variations across the array, as well as back-azimuth dependences of measurements at individual stations. Variable components of the splitting parameters can be associated with fabrics of the mantle lithosphere of tectonic units. In comparison with a distinct regionalization of the splitting parameters in the Phanerozoic part of Europe that particularly in the Bohemian Massif (BM) correlate with the large-scale tectonics, variations of anisotropic parameters around the TESZ and in the East European Craton (EEC) are smooth and of a transitional character. No general and abrupt change in the splitting parameters (anisotropic structure) can be related to the Teisseyre–Tornquist Zone (TTZ), marking the edge of the Precambrian province on the surface. Instead, regional variations of anisotropic structure were found along the TESZ/TTZ. The coherence of anisotropic signals evaluated beneath the northern part of the Brunovistulian in the eastern rim of the BM and the pattern continuation to the NE towards the TTZ, support the idea of a common origin of the lithosphere micro-plates, most probably related to Baltica. Smooth changes in polarizations of the core-mantle boundary refracted shear waves (SKS), polarizations, or even a large number of null splits northward of the BM and further across the TESZ towards the EEC indicate less coherent fabrics and a transitional character of structural changes in the mantle beneath the surface trace of the TESZ/TTZ. The narrow and near-vertical TTZ in the crust does not seem to have a steep continuation in the mantle lithosphere. The mantle part of the TESZ, whose crust was formed by an assemblage of suspect terranes adjoining the EEC edge from the southwest, appears in our measurements of anisotropy as a relatively broad transitional zone in between the two lithospheric segments of different ages. We suggest a southwestward continuation of the Precambrian mantle lithosphere beneath the TESZ and the adjacent Phanerozoic part of Europe, probably as far as towards the Bohemian Massif.
Recent ice dynamic and surface mass balance of Union Glacier in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Authors: Rivera A. , Zamora R. , Uribe J. A. , Jaña R. , Oberreuter J.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Here we present the results of a comprehensive glaciological investigation of Union Glacier (79°46' S/83°24' W) in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS), a major outlet glacier within the Ellsworth Mountains. Union Glacier flows into the Ronne Ice Shelf, where recent models have indicated the potential for significant grounding line zone (GLZ) migrations in response to changing climate and ocean conditions. To elaborate a glaciological base line that can help to evaluate the potential impact of this GLZ change scenario, we installed an array of stakes on Union Glacier in 2007. The stake network has been surveyed repeatedly for elevation, velocity, and net surface mass balance. The region of the stake measurements is in near-equilibrium, and ice speeds are 10 to 33 m a−1. Ground-penetrating radars (GPR) have been used to map the subglacial topography, internal structure, and crevasse frequency and depth along surveyed tracks in the stake site area. The bedrock in this area has a minimum elevation of −858 m a.s.l., significantly deeper than shown by BEDMAP2 data. However, between this deeper area and the local GLZ, there is a threshold where the subglacial topography shows a maximum altitude of 190 m. This subglacial condition implies that an upstream migration of the GLZ will not have strong effects on Union Glacier until it passes beyond this shallow ice pinning point.
Charisma and Community in the Aesthetics of Political Islam
Authors: Barzegar Abbas
Published: August 2014

This article argues that the contemporary political moment, which contextualizes the study of Islam in Western universities and beyond, exacerbates long-held anxieties in social theory regarding the relationship between charisma and political community. Mature secular democracies, it is assumed, should be void of the passion and mass mobilization that often emerge from the charismatic, be it embodied by an individual or routinized in institutions. Thus the question: can Islamic political experiments be understood within the secular framework as anything other than pathology? In an attempt to answer this question, this article explores the potential uses and limits of the category of charisma in the study of “political Islam.” It does so by engaging the discourse of wilāyah, guardianship/sainthood, and its relationship to the Islamic aesthetic tradition. Positing the political in terms of beauty, I argue, reveals a number of otherwise overlooked dynamics of the Islamic revival.