bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Exchange in Collaborative Networks of Enterprises
Authors: Moczala Aleksander
Published: March 2014

The problem of information exchange in the inter-enterprise cooperation process design is presented in the article. Development of an innovative character of an enterprise requires facilitating the initiation, creation, and extension of cooperative links among enterprises. Collaborative design process gathers enterprises which have to achieve a common objective related to a new product – innovation by information and knowledge sharing, with a high level of activities' coordination. Development of methods and ways of data exchange in cooperation enables the creation of computer systems aiding production cooperation. System analysis of the cooperation process of enterprises, which is one of the most dynamically developing field of computer systems application in economic activity, and use of knowledge as the base of description and management described in this chapter are shown as the right approach to overcome different area specifics. Formal description of the cooperation process could be utilized also for innovation processes and links. This article could open new fields of application and research production engineering knowledge's application in computer systems.
Platform Independent Analysis of Probabilities on Multithreaded Programs
Authors: Chen Yuting
Published: March 2014

A concurrent program is intuitively associated with probability: the executions of the program can produce nondeterministic execution program paths due to the interleavings of threads, whereas some paths can always be executed more frequently than the others. An exploration of the probabilities on the execution paths is expected to provide engineers or compilers with support in helping, either at coding phase or at compile time, to optimize some hottest paths. However, it is not easy to take a static analysis of the probabilities on a concurrent program in that the scheduling of threads of a concurrent program usually depends on the operating system and hardware (e.g., processor) on which the program is executed, which may be vary from machine to machine. In this paper the authors propose a platform independent approach, called ProbPP, to analyzing probabilities on the execution paths of the multithreaded programs. The main idea of ProbPP is to calculate the probabilities on the basis of two kinds of probabilities: Primitive Dependent Probabilities (PDPs) representing the control dependent probabilities among the program statements and Thread Execution Probabilities (TEPs) representing the probabilities of threads being scheduled to execute. The authors have also conducted two preliminary experiments to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of ProbPP, and the experimental results show that ProbPP can provide engineers with acceptable accuracy.
A mysterious back pain
Authors: Chen H , Gnepp D , Paul J , Borra S
Published: March 2014

IgG4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory condition that affects many different organs. The common pathological findings of this disease include storiform fibrosis and dense infiltration of lymphocytes rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells. We herein presents the diagnosis and treatment of a case with a newly recognized condition - IgG4-related pachymeningitis.
Valgus deformity caused by dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica in the knee
Authors: Zhu J , Cheng H , Yang C , Zhu Q
Published: March 2014

A rare case of dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica in the left knee which caused valgus deformity and dysfunction of the limb is presented in this article. Subtotal excision of the lesion, distal femoral medial wedge osteotomy, and reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament were performed for treatment. Cannulated screws and plaster casts were used to stabilize the ligament and distal femur. Two years after removal and reconstruction, the knee was symptom free. The left knee laxity was restored and the mechanical axis of the distal femur was realigned.
Asymptotic Improvements of Lower Bounds for the Least Common Multiples of Arithmetic Progressions
Authors: Kane Daniel M. , Duke Kominers Scott
Published: March 2014

For relatively prime positive integers u0 and r, we consider the least common multiple Ln := lcm(u0, u1..., un) of the finite arithmetic progression . We derive new lower bounds on Ln that improve upon those obtained previously when either u0 or n is large. When r is prime, our best bound is sharp up to a factor of n + 1 for u0 properly chosen, and is also nearly sharp as n → ∞.
Critical Discourse Analysis of Interpersonal Meaning and Power Relations in Selected Inaugural Political Speeches in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeifeka Chinwe R
Published: March 2014

The paper discusses interpersonal meaning in two inaugural political speeches of Nigerian past leaders – President Olusegun Obasanjo’s “The New Dawn” (1999) and Alhaji Shehu Shagari (1979). The focus is on aspects of the Mood structure of the clause that emphasize meaning as exchange of information, goods and services between interactants, namely, the Subject; and the speech functions of the clause as propositions or proposals and vocatives. A total of 178 and 161 clauses were selected from the two speeches respectively and analyzed using Halliday’s systemic functional grammar (SFG) model and insights from critical discourse analysis (CDA). Our findings showed a deliberate oscillation between the use of singular Subject (I) and Plural Subject (We); rhetoric that in turns seems to take credit for positive achievement and divest responsibility for negative representations. The vocatives were also strategically positioned to assert solidarity, to ostensibly gain rapport and help to legitimize the power and hegemonic regime of the speakers. There was also high prevalence of propositions as against proposals giving the impression of more words and less action. The paper concludes that Nigerian politicians should be more committed to the proposals that offer goods and services to their subjects rather than making propositions that serve purely informative functions.Keywords: interpersonal meaning, critical discourse analysis, political discourse, power relations, systemic functional linguistics, inaugural political speechesUJAH: Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities vol 14 (2) 2013
On the Role of Functional Categories in Code-Switching: The Igbo-English Examples
Authors: Obiamalu Greg
Published: March 2014

Code-switching (CS) has been defined as ‘the act of alternation of two languages within a single discourse, sentence or constituent’ Poplack (1980:583). Technically, code-switching refers to alternation between sentences while intra-sentential alternation is referred to as code-mixing. Following Poplack (1980), we use the term code-switching to refer to the intra-sentential alternation which is more amenable to grammatical description. Most scholars on codeswitching will agree that it has a grammar but differ on the nature of this grammar. Some are of the opinion that codeswitching involves two monolingual grammars with constraints that determine points where switches are possible. While some see code-switching as a monolingual grammar where the host or base language provides the mould into which lexical items from both languages could be inserted. The present researcher belongs to the last school of thought. Adopting the Functional Head Selection Constraint of the Matrix Language Frame (MLF) Model proposed by Myers- Scotton (1993, 1995) and with samples of code-switched expression collected from Igbo English bilinguals, the study examines the pattern of code-switching using Igbo and English as the focal point. Igbo is the Matrix language while English is the Embedded language. Our study reveals that the functional heads such as T, Agr, Neg, Det, would normally come from Igbo and provide the skeletal mould. The choice of whether the lexical items will come from Igbo or English or both is determined by the selectional properties of the Igbo functional heads. Perhaps this is the case for all other language pairs where one language is the Matrix Language (ML) and the other Embedded Language (EL).UJAH: Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities vol 14 (2) 2013
Christian Missionaries and Civilization in Southern Nigeria, 1841-1960: Implications for Contemporary Christians
Authors: Nwadialor Kanayo Louis
Published: March 2014

The history of Christian missionary enterprise in the southern part of Nigeria especially since the nineteenth century reveals the contributions of various missionary bodies to the civilization and development of the area. From the 1840’s various Christian missionary bodies have done a lot to evangelize different parts of southern Nigeria, and also had brought about civilization and development of various forms in the area. It is a fact that meaningful missionary enterprise which had yielded enormous result in national development began in the 1840’s in Yorubaland (1842), moved to the Efikland by 1846 under the Church of Scotland Mission and then to the Igbo heart land in 1857 spearheaded by the Methodist, the Anglican and the Roman Catholic Churches. This paper has therefore traced the history of the civilizing mission of the various missionary bodies that have been operating in southern Nigeria since the nineteenth century and has highlighted the enormous contributions made by these missionary bodies towards the development and civilization of the area.UJAH: Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities vol 14 (2) 2013
Educação e a qualificação de Jovens e Adultos pouco Escolarizados: promessa integradora num tempo histórico de produção destrutiva
Authors: Frigotto Gaudêncio
Published: March 2014

O artigo tem como objetivo apontar os limites das políticas de educação para jovens e adultos pouco escolarizados para integrá-los no mercado do trabalho no contexto de desemprego estrutural e de ampliação da exploração e da precarização dos trabalhadores empregados. Destaca-se, de outra parte, a tendência dominante de processos educativos subordinados à visão mercantil de educação que anula tanto o sujeito professor, quanto o sujeito aluno. Por fim, indica-se a natureza da qualidade da educação que interessa à classe trabalhadora e o papel dos intelectuais articulados às lutas em defesa de seus diretos.
Os desafio do MST e da educação na atualidade brasileira
Authors: Vendramini Célia Regina
Published: March 2014

O artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre a atualidade das lutas do O artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre a atualidade das lutas do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra na realidade brasileira, num contexto de crescente urbanização. A partir de pesquisas realizadas nos últimos anos sobre a experiência educacional do MST, apresenta-se o contexto histórico de emergência do Movimento, com base na articulação entre os aspectos econômicos, políticos e educacionais; a reação organizada dos trabalhadores sem-terra, seus objetivos e formas de luta e, especificamente, a importância atribuída à educação; por fim, os desafios atuais do MST e dos seus propósitos educacionais. O movimento analisado neste artigo, nos leva a refletir sobre alguns desafios teóricos e práticos na atualidade, referentes ao campo e sua articulação com a cidade, à ruptura com a histórica concentração da propriedade da terra e da riqueza no Brasil, às lutas organizadas dos trabalhadores e suas experiências de cooperação, autogestão e educação/escolarização de sua base. A educação é compreendida no seu contexto histórico, social, econômico e político, sendo fruto das relações sociais.
Novos (des)caminhos da Educação de Adultos?
Authors: Canário Rui
Published: March 2014

Neste artigo, tendo como referência empírica a investigação sobre as políticas públicas de educação de adultos, procede-se a uma análise do caso português. Procura-se compreender como é que se transitou de uma conceção de “Educação Permanente” para a designada “Aprendizagem ao Longo da Vida”. Defende-se a perspetiva de que o campo da educação de adultos, relativamente ao modo como foi historicamente construído na segunda metade do século XX, mudou a sua natureza e já não é maispertinente encará-lo como um projeto global de mudança social.
(Con)tekst en commentaar - Zes wetenschappelijke publieksedities vergeleken
Authors: Kennis Britt , de Ridder Matthijs
Published: March 2014

Based on a critical review of six recently published scholarly editions, this article assesses the present state of scholarly editing, or more precisely of popular print editions. A recent trend seems to be a shift towards editions-as-narratives that focus on ‘telling the story behind the text’ by means of contextualisation. Despite the undeniable importance of generally accepted guidelines, the cases that are being discussed show that the practice of scholarly editing calls for an individual approach rather than a standardized approach. ‘The’ universally valid scholarly editing method simply does not exist. Therefore, the most convincing and ‘complete’ text editions are those that place the art of scholarly editing in a larger research context.
Dokter Jankowsky alias Sigmund Rascher - Nogmaals over referentialiteit in Louis Ferrons De keisnijder van Fichtenwald (1976)
Authors: Konst Jan
Published: March 2014

This article shows how Nazi doctor Sigmund Rascher (1909-1945) was the model for Doctor Jankowsky, the protagonist of Louis Ferron’s De keisnijder van Fichtenwald [The stone-cutter of Fichtenwald] (1976). This has interesting implications for the way in which the novel can be read. If you look at the last part of Ferron’s ‘Teutonic trilogy’ as a roman à clé, it is possible to discover a core meaning in this work – something which existing interpretations generally reject. The novel can be understood as the fictitious report of a notorious war criminal who tries to portray his own actions during the war years in as positive a light as possible. With an appeal to so-called Modest Actual Intentionalism, this reading of De keisnijder van Fichtenwald is seen in the light of statements which Ferron himself made on his novel. The article printed here is a direct continuation of an earlier article of mine on De keisnijder van Fichtenwald which was published in this magazine one and a half years ago.
Recensies
Authors: Keßler Judith , van Meerkerk Edwiv , Nieuwenhuis Ivo , Thiers Paul
Published: March 2014

Hadewijch, Liederen. Ed. Veerle Fraeters & Frank Willaert, Groningen: Historische uitgeverij, 2010 (tweede druk). Met een reconstructie van de melodieën door Louis Peter Grijp. Met vier cd’s. – 455 p. ISBN 978-90-6554-478-0.; Hadewijch, Liefdesliederen. Vert. Jan Kuijper, met een nawoord door Rosita Steenbek, Amsterdam: Athenaeum – Polak & Van Gennep, 2010 – 155 p. ISBN 978-90-253-6730-5.; Klaartje Groot, Geliefd en gevreesd. Duits toneel in Nederland rond 1800. Hilversum: Verloren, 2000. ISBN 978 9087 0420 35.; Arend Fokke Simonsz, De moderne Helicon. Editie Lotte Jensen & Alan Moss. Nijmegen (Vantilt) 2010, 120 bladzijden, ISBN 9789460040573. Prijs € 13,50.; Piet J. Buijnsters, Geschiedenis van de Nederlandse bibliofilie. Boek- en prentverzamelaars 1750-2010, Nijmegen, Vantilt, 512 p, geïllustreerd met tal van foto’s. ISBN 978 94 6004 043 6. € 45
Het uitgelezen uur - Couperus en de beleving van het heden
Authors: Kralt Piet
Published: March 2014

In this essay the author examines the relationship between the Present and the Happiness in the works of Louis Couperus. He also examines to what extent Couperus’ moments of happiness match the literary epiphany as defined by Van Halsema in his book Epifanie. It appears that around 1900 a turning point occurred in Couperus’ appreciation of the present. Before that time the term stood for everything that was small and insignificant. After that Couperus generated the idea that happiness comes from the acceptance of the present. In a series of variations on the theme Couperus unfolds his views on the connection of the present and happiness. The story ‘Jahve’ and the novel Antiek toerisme are of crucial importance for this relationship. In these two texts the acceptance of the present is a divine power that man must master. The epiphany character of the moments is initially weak. Only at the end of Couperus’ career as a writer do the moments of happiness get the character of an epiphany.
‘Sonnet / aan D.G. Rossetti voor zijn portretstudie naar mevrouw Morris’ - Interpretatie en contextualisering van een beeldgedicht van P.C. Boutens
Authors: van Buul Anne
Published: March 2014

The poet P.C. Boutens was much interested in the poems and artworks of the English Pre-Raphaelite painter-poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti. He bought and read Rossetti’s books, translated Rossetti’s poetry, and alluded to Rossetti’s artworks in his own poetry. In the ‘Sonnet / aan D.G. Rossetti’, Boutens refers to Rossetti’s portrait studies of Jane Morris. This paper explores the function of the reference to Rossetti’s visual artworks in this poem, and indicates how Boutens’ ‘picture-sonnet’ can be related to international tendencies in the genre of ekphrasis (or ‘Bildgedichten’) around 1900, and to Rossetti’s double works of art in particular. I will show that Boutens placed himself in Rossetti’s tradition with his poem to D.G. Rossetti by choosing the sonnet form, by articulating the attempt to get a glimpse of an eternal soul through the visual representation of a face, and by putting this momentary experience into a permanent, symbolist language.
A ‘guardian to Literature and its cousins’. The early politics of the PEN Club
Authors: Doherty Megan
Published: March 2014

The PEN Club formed in London in 1921 as a dinner circle for writers. Though its founders preferred to emphasize the Club’s cultural significance, this article tracks PEN’s politicization during its first decade. A Cornish novelist named C.A. Dawson Scott proposed the Club as a way to heal the rifts of World War I. British writers of sufficient stature would meet monthly giving writers from abroad a forum to meet their British counterparts. PEN’s first President, the Nobel-prizer John Galsworthy, encouraged the group’s apolitical self-image. Writers should stand aside from politics, he argued, precisely so that they might influence the politicians, diplomats, and powerbrokers who had led the world to war. PEN members rarely spoke of politics when they gathered, instead debating the boundaries of “literary” writing and the role of art itself. By refining their conception of aesthetics and cordoning off a space for cultural activity within civil society, this article argues that PEN members made a bold move into the political sphere they professed merely to influence. In doing so they foreshadowed the position that predominated among centrist and liberal writers on the Western side of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
Draak en dolfijn - Een onbekend veertiende-eeuws fragment van Der naturen bloeme van Jacob van Maerlant (Brussel, Centrale Bibliotheek HUB)
Authors: Sleiderink Remco
Published: March 2014

Around 1270 the Flemish author Jacob van Maerlant made an adaptation of Thomas of Cantimpré’s De natura rerum, called Der naturen bloeme. To date, 27 manuscripts of this text were known to scholars, both complete manuscripts and fragments. This article introduces a 28th witness, the fragmentary remains of a fourteenth-century manuscript. It consists of two snippets, with text from the fourth book (which is about ‘sea monsters’). Further analysis of the fragment shows that it derives from an illustrated manuscript in two columns, probably written in the duchy of Brabant in the second half of the fourteenth century. As small as it is, the fragment contains some unique variants.
Het janushoofd van Julia (1885)
Authors: Steyaert Kris
Published: March 2014

In 1884 Willem Kloos and Albert Verwey started work on Julia, a collection of forty poems written in the manner of the successful author Fiore della Neve (M.G.L. van Loghem). In their pamphlet The Incompetence of the Dutch Literary Critics (1886), in which Julia’s true authorship was revealed, Kloos and Verwey made plain that the poems had been conceived as deliberate nonsense, something the Dutch literary establishment had failed to recognize. Nevertheless, a close reading of the collection brings to light a number of textual similarities with Kloos’s and Verwey’s serious poetry written in the period 1883-1885. This article reveals Julia as a fascinating hybrid in which an older aesthetic coexists with a new poetical language associated with the Eighties Movement.
De Amsterdamse Ursula - Een Keulse martelares in Vondels Maeghden (1639) en preken van vader Marius (1633)
Authors: van Marion Olga
Published: March 2014

This paper compares representations of the life and death of Saint Ursula, who was mortyred in Cologne, in texts by two seventeenth-century Amsterdam intellectuals. In 1639, the famous playwright Joost van den Vondel staged the martyred saint as a young and courageous heroine in his tragedy Maeghden. We contrast this with a radically different picture of the saint which arises from newly found sources from the same time and place. In 1633, Father Leonardus Marius of the Amsterdam béguinage recounted Saint Ursula’s life in a few of his hagiographic sermons. Since Marius was probably instrumental in Vondel’s conversion to Catholicism, it is reasonable to assume that Vondel was familiar with Marius’s views on Saint Ursula. Due to their conflicting ideologies, however, Marius and Vondel depict her in completely different ways.
Synchrone en diachrone herinnering - Michiel de Ruyter in twee vaderlands-historische epen van Adriaan Loosjes
Authors: Jensen Lotte
Published: March 2014

This article argues that ‘collective memory’ is a problematic term when referring to the commemoration of one of the greatest Dutch sea heroes, Michiel de Ruyter. Despite the recurrence of certain characteristics, such as patriotism, courage, piety and virtue, the representation of De Ruyter changed dramatically over time due to the shifting political landscape. Furthermore, an author’s personal background could strongly influence the De Ruyter’s literary depiction (the so-called ‘spokesmen dependency’). Consequently, it is necessary to adopt a radical historical and contextual approach when studying heroic images from a synchronic and diachronic perspective. This is illustrated by analysing two national epics written by the Haarlem bookseller Adriaan Loosjes: M.A. de Ruyter (1784) and De laatste zeetogt van admiraal De Ruiter (1812). In the first poem, De Ruyter is portrayed as a brave conqueror who espouses anti- Orangist sentiments, whereas his more conciliatory and domestic character prevails in the latter text. In this way, both external and domestic political conflicts as well as Loosjes’s own political preferences determine these changing representations of the past.
Identiteiten van adolescenten in de vroegmoderne liedcultuur: het studentenlied als casus
Authors: Stronks Els
Published: March 2014

Songs aimed at the Dutch youth became a booming business in the Dutch Republic. In contemporary Western culture, such popular songs constitute an important vehicle for expressing youth identities. With regard to the Low Countries, it is this article’s hypothesis that in the booming business of songs composed by and for youngsters – loosely defined here as ‘unmarried young people’ – early stages of these modern processes of identity formation are visible. By exploring this vast and unique corpus and its functionality in the context of the NWO research project ‘Dutch Songs On Line’, this article aims to contribute to the international debate on youth identities, more specifically to the much debated question when ‘adolescence’ as a category was discovered: in the 19th century, or in the early modern era? Building on several trends in the existing literature the first part of this article will offer a framework for the analysis of the identity formation function of the songs for the early modern Dutch youth. The second part is dedicated to a case study: focusing on songs about and for students the potential of this type of research is explored.
Verification and application of the extended Spectral Deconvolution Algorithm (SDA+) methodology to estimate aerosol fine and coarse mode extinction coefficients in the marine boundary layer
Authors: Kaku K. C. , Reid J. S. , O'Neill N. T. , Quinn P. K. , Coffman D. J. , Eck T. F.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The Spectral Deconvolution Algorithm (SDA) and SDA+ (extended SDA) methodologies can be employed to separate the fine and coarse mode extinction coefficients from measured total aerosol extinction coefficients, but their common use is currently limited to AERONET Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD). Here we provide the verification of the SDA+ methodology on a non-AERONET aerosol product, by applying it to fine and coarse mode nephelometer and Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) data sets collected in the marine boundary layer. Using datasets collected on research vessels by NOAA PMEL, we demonstrate that with accurate input, SDA+ is able to predict the fine and coarse mode scattering and extinction coefficient partition in global data sets representing a range of aerosol regimes. However, in low-extinction regimes commonly found in the clean marine boundary layer, SDA+ output accuracy is sensitive to instrumental calibration errors. This work was extended to the calculation of coarse and fine mode scattering coefficients with similar success. This effort not only verifies the application of the SDA+ method to in situ data, but by inference verifies the method as a whole for a host of applications, including AERONET. Study results open the door to much more extensive use of nephelometers and PSAPs, with the ability to calculate fine and coarse mode scattering and extinction coefficients in field campaigns that do not have the resources to explicitly measure these values.
Assessing the impact of Laurentide Ice Sheet topography on glacial climate
Authors: Ullman D. J. , LeGrande A. N. , Carlson A. E. , Anslow F. S. , Licciardi J. M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Simulations of past climates require altered boundary conditions to account for known shifts in the Earth system. For the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and subsequent deglaciation, the existence of large Northern Hemisphere ice sheets caused profound changes in surface topography and albedo. While ice-sheet extent is fairly well known, numerous conflicting reconstructions of ice-sheet topography suggest that precision in this boundary condition is lacking. Here we use a high-resolution and oxygen-isotope-enabled fully coupled global circulation model (GCM) (GISS ModelE2-R), along with two different reconstructions of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) that provide maximum and minimum estimates of LIS elevation, to assess the range of climate variability in response to uncertainty in this boundary condition. We present this comparison at two equilibrium time slices: the LGM, when differences in ice-sheet topography are maximized, and 14 ka, when differences in maximum ice-sheet height are smaller but still exist. Overall, we find significant differences in the climate response to LIS topography, with the larger LIS resulting in enhanced Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and warmer surface air temperatures, particularly over northeastern Asia and the North Pacific. These up- and downstream effects are associated with differences in the development of planetary waves in the upper atmosphere, with the larger LIS resulting in a weaker trough over northeastern Asia that leads to the warmer temperatures and decreased albedo from snow and sea-ice cover. Differences between the 14 ka simulations are similar in spatial extent but smaller in magnitude, suggesting that climate is responding primarily to the larger difference in maximum LIS elevation in the LGM simulations. These results suggest that such uncertainty in ice-sheet boundary conditions alone may significantly impact the results of paleoclimate simulations and their ability to successfully simulate past climates, with implications for estimating climate sensitivity to greenhouse gas forcing utilizing past climate states.
Reconstruction of the March–August PDSI since 1703 AD based on tree rings of Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) in the Lingkong Mountain, southeast Chinese loess Plateau
Authors: Cai Q. , Liu Y. , Lei Y. , Bao G. , Sun B.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. We utilised tree-ring cores, collected from three sites at Lingkong Mountain located in the southeast part of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), to develope a regional ring-width chronology. Significant positive correlations between the tree-ring index and the monthly Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) were identified, indicating that the radial growth of trees in this region was moisture-limited. The March–August mean PDSI was quantitatively reconstructed from 1703 to 2008 with an explained variance of 46.4%. Seven dry periods during 1719–1726, 1742–1748, 1771–1778, 1807–1818, 1832–1848, 1867–1932 and 1993–2008 and six wet periods during 1727–1741, 1751–1757, 1779–1787, 1797–1805, 1853–1864 and 1934–1957 were revealed in our reconstruction. Among them, 1867–1932 and 1934–1957 were identified as the longest dry and wet periods, respectively. On the centennial scale, the 19th century was recognised as the driest century. The drying tendency since 1960s was evident. However, recent drought in 1993–2008 was still within the frame of natural climate variability based on the 306 yr PDSI reconstruction. The dry and wet phases of Lingkong Mountain were in accordance with changes in the summer Asian-Pacific oscillation (IAPO) and sunspot numbers, they also showed strong similarity to other tree-ring based moisture indexes in large areas in and around the CLP, indicating the moisture variability in the CLP was almost synchronous and closely related with large-scale land–ocean–atmospheric circulation and solar activity. Spatial correlation analysis suggested that this PDSI reconstruction could represent the moisture variations for most parts of the CLP, and even larger area of northern China and east Mongolia. Multi-taper spectral analysis revealed significant cycles at the inter-annual (2–7 yr), inter-decadal (37.9 yr) and centennial (102 yr) scales. Results of this study are very helpful for us to improve the knowledge of past climate change in the CLP and enable us to prevent and manage future natural disasters.
The challenge of simulating the warmth of the mid-Miocene climatic optimum in CESM1
Authors: Goldner A. , Herold N. , Huber M.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The mid-Miocene climatic optimum (MMCO) is an intriguing climatic period due to its above-modern temperatures in mid-to-high latitudes in the presence of close-to-modern CO2 concentrations. We use the recently released Community Earth System Model (CESM1.0) with a slab ocean to simulate this warm period, incorporating recent Miocene CO2 reconstructions of 400 ppm (parts per million). We simulate a global mean annual temperature (MAT) of 18 °C, ~4 °C above the preindustrial value, but 4 °C colder than the global Miocene MAT we calculate from climate proxies. Sensitivity tests reveal that the inclusion of a reduced Antarctic ice sheet, an equatorial Pacific temperature gradient characteristic of a permanent El Niño, increased CO2 to 560 ppm, and variations in obliquity only marginally improve model–data agreement. All MMCO simulations have an Equator to pole temperature gradient that is at least ~10 °C larger than that reconstructed from proxies. The MMCO simulation most comparable to the proxy records requires a CO2 concentration of 800 ppm. Our results illustrate that MMCO warmth is not reproducible using the CESM1.0 forced with CO2 concentrations reconstructed for the Miocene or including various proposed Earth system feedbacks; the remaining discrepancy in the MAT is comparable to that introduced by a CO2 doubling. The model's tendency to underestimate proxy derived global MAT and overestimate the Equator to pole temperature gradient suggests a major climate problem in the MMCO akin to those in the Eocene. Our results imply that this latest model, as with previous generations of climate models, is either not sensitive enough or additional forcings remain missing that explain half of the anomalous warmth and pronounced polar amplification of the MMCO.
Overlapping sea level time series measured using different technologies: an example from the REDMAR Spanish network
Authors: Pérez B. , Payo A. , López D. , Woodworth P. L. , Alvarez Fanjul E.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. This paper addresses the problems of overlapping sea level time series measured using different technologies and sometimes from different locations inside a harbour. The renovation of the Spanish REDMAR (RED de MAReógrafos) sea level network is taken here as an example of the difficulties encountered: up to seventeen old tide gauge stations have been replaced by radar tide gauges all around the Spanish coast, in order to fulfil the new international requirements on tsunami detection. Overlapping periods between old and new stations have allowed the comparison of records in different frequency ranges and the determination of the impact of this change of instrumentation on the long-term sea level products such as tides, surges and mean sea levels. The differences encountered are generally within the values expected, taking into account the characteristics of the different sensors, the different sampling strategies and sometimes the different locations inside the harbours. However, our analysis has also revealed in some cases the presence of significant scale errors that, overlapping with datum differences and uncertainties, as well as with hardware problems in many new radar gauges, may hinder the generation of coherent and continuous sea level time series. Comparisons with nearby stations have been combined with comparisons with altimetry time series close to each station in order to better determine the sources of error and to guarantee the precise relationships between the sea level time series from the old and the new tide gauges.
The Effect of Chronic Smoking on Lens Density in Young Adults
Authors: Kar Taner , Ayata Ali , Aksoy Yakup , Kaya Abdullah , Ünal Melih
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To investigate the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on lens density by Pentacam HR lens densitometry in young adults.

Methods

Sixty chronic smokers who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day for at least 2 years and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were included in this prospective cross-sectional, comparative study. Presence of an ocular or systemic disease that might affect lens were determined as exclusion criteria. All individuals underwent complete ocular examination. Lens densitometry (LD) measurements were performed with Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany), dividing the lens into 3 areas: anterior area (anterior subcapsular and anterior cortical), nuclear area, and posterior area (posterior subcapsular and posterior cortical). Three-dimensional scan modes were used for measurements.

Results

The mean ages of group 1 and 2 were 25.85 ± 4.32 and 25.60 ± 5.14 years, respectively. The mean LD values in the 3 areas were higher in group 1 than group 2. However, only the mean LD value at the anterior area of group 1 was found to be statistically significantly higher (p = 0.047). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean LD measurements at the nuclear and posterior areas between the groups.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the mean LD value of the anterior area was significantly higher in group 1, suggesting that chronic smoking may contribute to anterior cortical and subcapsular cataract development in young adults.
Serum Tumor Markers in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Maoujoud Omar , Machtani Samira El , Asseraji Mohammed , Atbib Yassine , Zajjari Yassir , Taoufik Aatif , Elbouaiti Elarabi , Zouhair Oualim , Benyahia Mohammed , Tellal Saida
Published: March 2014

Aims

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on concentrations of five tumor markers (TMs): carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 (CA19-9), CA15-3, CA125, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a group of chronic hemodialysis patients (CHPs); and to study the influence of hemodialysis (HD) sessions on concentrations of the same TMs.

Methods

We compared TMs levels in CHP before HD sessions to a control group of 50 healthy volunteers, the dosages were determined before and immediately after the HD session Comparisons were made before and after correction for dialysis-induced hemoconcentrations.

Results

We enrolled 74 CHPs, all TM concentrations were higher in this group compared to control group, but this increase was significant for CEA (4.25 ± 2.89 vs 2.41 ± 1.81ng/ml; p<0.0001), CA125 (27.84 ± 92.27 vs 13.30 ± 9.85 ng/ml; p = 0.048) and CA19-9 (19.65 ± 25.02 vs 10.23 ± 11.00 U/ml; p = 0.011). Post-dialysis levels were significantly higher than those in pre-dialysis. CEA (3.35 [2,46-5.51] vs 4,06 [2.60-6.78] ng/ml; p<0.0001), CA125 (13.24 [9.66-18.63] vs 16.01 [11.33-22.53] ng/ml; p<0.0001), CA19-9 (12.29 [5.59-21.97] vs 16.29 [7.18-24.7] U/ml; p<0.0001), CA15-3 (13.06 [10.05-17.48] vs 14.58 [11.72-19.35] ng/ml; p<0.0001 and PSA (0.83 [0.5-1.24] vs 1.06 [0.62-1.43] ng/ml; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Our work confirms that HD increases concentrations of the five TMs evaluated and suggests that the use of CA15-3 and PSA remains valid in CHPs since their concentrations were not altered by ESRD, unlike CEA, CA125, and CA19-9.
Open Conversion after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair with the Ovation Prime™ Endograft
Authors: Georgiadis George S. , Charalampidis Dimitrios , Georgakarakos Efstratios I. , Antoniou George A. , Trellopoulos George , Vogiatzaki Theodosia , Lazarides Miltos K.
Published: March 2014

Advances in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endograft device technology have contributed to improved outcomes and durability of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), even in complex infrarenal aortic anatomies. However, stent graft failure secondary to endoleaks, migration, endotension and sac enlargement are persistent problems that can result in aneurysm rupture following EVAR.

A symptomatic infrarenal AAA (4mm proximal neck) was treated initially with an Ovation Prime™ device (TriVascular, Inc., Santa Rosa, CA) in an off-label fashion, leading to type Ia endoleak moderately reduced by additional proximal neck ballooning. A failed Chimney technique to the single patent, but severely stenosed, right renal artery preceded the use of this device. A large type Ia endoleak was evident at 6-month follow-up, but following a failed supplementary endovascular intervention with coils to seal the endoleak, the patient presented with hemorrhagic shock from AAA rupture, requiring urgent open conversion. Intraoperatively it was impossible to explant this new type of endograft. Circumferential tying of the infrarenal aorta with a Teflon band was unable to stop the bleeding. However, after dividing the body of the stent-graft below the two proximal polymer rings, the endoleak was successfully treated by suturing the graft with the proximal aortic neck. The procedure was completed with extension of the stump to the common femoral arteries using a bifurcated Dacron prosthesis.

The body of an Ovation Prime™ endograft may be impossible to explant in open conversion conditions. Large prospective studies with longer follow-up are required to adequately reflect the behavior of this particular device.
A Comparative Evaluation between New Ternary Zirconium Alloys as Alternative Metals for Orthopedic and Dental Prosthetic Devices
Authors: Shyti Genti , Rosalbino Francesco , Macciò Daniele , Scarabelli Linda , Quarto Rodolfo , Giannoni Paolo
Published: March 2014

Purpose

We assessed in vitro the corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of four Zr-based alloys (Zr97.5 Nb1.5 VM1.0 ; VM, valve metal: Ti, Mo, W, Ta; at%) to be used as implant materials, comparing the results with grade-2 titanium, a biocompatible metal standard.

Methods

Corrosion resistance was investigated by open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements as a function of exposure time to an artificial physiological environment (Ringer's solution). Human bone marrow stromal cells were used to evaluate biocompatibility of the alloys and their influence on growth kinetics and cell osteogenic differentiation through histochemical and gene expression analyses.

Results

Open circuit potential values indicated that Zr-based alloys and grade-2 Ti undergo spontaneous passivation in the simulated aggressive environment. High impedance values for all samples demonstrated improved corrosion resistance of the oxide film, with the best protection characteristics displayed by Zr97.5 Nb1.5 Ta1.0. Cells seeded on all surfaces showed the same growth kinetics, although matrix mineralization and alkaline phosphatase activity were maximal on Zr97.5 Nb1.5 Mo1.0 and Zr97.5 Nb1.5 Ta1.0. Markers of ongoing proliferation, however, such as podocalyxin and CD49f, were still overexpressed on Zr97.5 Nb1.5 Mo1.0 even upon osteoinduction. No relevant effects were noted for the CD146-expressing population of bone progenitors. Nonetheless, the presence of a more differentiated cell population on Zr97.5 Nb1.5 Ta1.0 samples was inferable by comparing mineralization data and transcript levels of osteogenic markers (osteocalcin, osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, and RUNX2).

Conclusions

The combination of passivation, corrosion resistance and satisfactory biotolerance to bone progenitors make the Zr-based alloys promising implant materials. Among those we tested, Zr97.5 Nb1.5 Ta1.0 seems to be the most appealing.
Role of Vasodilation during Normothermic Machine Perfusion of DCD Porcine Livers
Authors: Nassar Ahmed , Liu Qiang , Farias Kevin , D'Amico Giuseppe , Buccini Laura , Urcuyo Daniel , Kelly Dympna , Hashimoto Koji , Eghtesad Bijan , Uso Teresa Diago , Miller Charles , Quintini Cristiano
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of the liver is a promising preservation modality that holds the potential to better preserve and even repair marginal grafts. In spite of several literature studies showing the benefits of NMP over cold storage, there is paucity of data regarding the mechanisms involved in the optimization of the microcirculation during preservation of these organs. We present our data on the impact of different vasodilators on DCD porcine livers preserved with NMP.

Materials and methods

Livers from 15 female Yorkshire pigs (30-40 kg) were subjected to 60 min of WIT followed by 10 h of NMP. Group PC (n = 5) received a prostacyclin analog (epoprostenol sodium) and the AD group (n = 5) received adenosine, whereas group WV (n = 5) was perfused without using any vasodilator. Liver function was assessed by measuring, liver enzyme levels, bile production rate, and histological analysis.

Results

At the end of perfusion, the PC group showed significantly lower AST (583 ± 62 vs. 2471 ± 745 and 2547 ± 690 IU/dl), ALT (41 ± 3 vs. 143 ± 28 and 111 ± 25 IU/dl) and LDH (840 ± 85 vs. 2756 ± 408 and 4153 ± 1569 IU/dl) levels compared to the AD and WV groups respectively (p<0.05). Bile production was significantly higher in the PC group compared to the AD group and WV, respectively (95 ± 9 vs. 37 ± 10 and 45 ± 18ml) (p<0.05). Histological samples of the PC group showed preserved hepatic architecture while those of the AD group and WV showed sinusoidal dilatation, architectural distortion, and profuse intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Maintenance of optimal microcirculatory homeostasis using proper vasodilators is a key factor in NMP of DCD livers.
Parathyroid hormone independent hypercalcemia in the setting of non metastatic leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Swenski Jennifer , Arceo-Mendoza Rod Marianne , Gogoi Radhika , Signalov Mikhail
Published: March 2014

Background: We present an atypical case involving humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy arising in a patient with non-metastatic leiomyosarcoma. Cases of hypercalcemia of unknown source should prompt suspicion for rare tumors. Case: A 56 year old woman requires hospitalization for hypercalcemia with low intact parathyroid hormone where renal ultrasound incidentally reports a uterine fibroid. Previous workup for a 9 month history of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding was found to be negative. Bone scan, computed tomography chest, mammogram, ultrasound of thyroid were negative. Dilatation and curettage revealed leiomyosarcoma. Hysterectomy causes complete resolution of her hypercalcemia. Conclusions: Parathyroid hormone independent hypercalcemia in the setting of uterine mass should raise suspicion for paraneoplastic syndrome with biochemical and surgical workup to exclude leiomyosarcoma.
Polyamines in Cell Walls of Chlorococcalean Microalgae
Authors: Burczyk Jan , Zych Maria , Ioannidis Nikolaos E. , Kotzabasis Kiriakos
Published: March 2014

Biotechnology of microalgae represents a very attractive alternative as a source of energy and substances of high value when compared with plant cultivation. Cell walls of green microalgae have an extraordinary chemical and mechanical resistance and may impede some steps in the biotechnological/industrial exploitation of algae. The aim of the present contribution was to check the presence of polyamines in the cell walls of chlorococcalean green microalgae. Polyamines are nitrogenous compounds synthesized normally in cells and may affect the properties of the cell wall. Our work included strains either forming or not forming the polymer algaenan, allowing us to conclude that algaenan is not a prerequisite for the presence of polyamines in the cell walls. Polyamines were detected in isolated cell walls of Scenedesmus obliquus, Chlorella fusca, Chlorella saccharophila, and Chlorella vulgaris. Their concentration in isolated cell walls ranged between 0.4 and 8.4 nmol/mg dry weight.
The Impact of Technology in Mathematics Education: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: M. Arif Hussain  , Mujeeb  Ahmed  Khan  , Shaheen  Abbas,  M.  Ilyas and  Bulbul  Jan  , M. Rashid Kamal Ansari
Published: March 2014

As we know that computers have become fountain pens of twenty first century. This paper discusses Computer Algebra System (CAS)activities used as part of a study conducted by the authors using Mathematica. It also emphasizes the use of Matlab for students and researchers for the purpose of verification of results of the problems at hand. This study will attempt to show the positive effect of the use of technology on students’ motivation by taking three examples from calculus, advanced algebra and sequence and series problems. The graphic illustration of functions helps students towards a proper understanding of mathematical science problems. The work carried out will be useful for students, researchers, and teachers understand both theory and use of computer applications in order to become master of the subject.
Magnetoelectric effect in FeSb2O4 single crystals
Authors: Iyama Ayato , Wakabayashi Yusuke , Hanasaki Noriaki , Kimura Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2014

The magnetoelectric (ME) effect in FeSb2O4 is investigated with single-crystalline samples. We have examined the dielectric constant and the electric polarization in various directions of a magnetic field relative to the crystallographic axes. The anisotropy of the ME effect was observed below the Neel temperature (

K). The observed ME property is consistent with a magnetic structure proposed by a former neutron scattering study with the polycrystalline samples. It is also found that the spontaneous electric polarization in the absence of a magnetic field is negligibly small though the proposed magnetic structure allows a finite spontaneous polarization.