bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weed Control and Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Response to Acetochlor Alone and in Combination with Various Herbicides
Authors: Chaudhari Sushila , Jordan David L. , Grey Timothy L. , Prostko Eric P. , Jennings Katherine M.
Published: February 2018

Acetochlor, a chloroacetamide herbicide, is now registered for preplant (PPI), preemergence (PRE), and postemergence (POST) application in peanut. Field research was conducted during 2011 and 2012 in Georgia and North Carolina to determine peanut response and weed control by acetochlor compared with S-metolachlor alone and in programs with other herbicides. In weed-free experiments, peanut tolerance to acetochlor (1.26 and 2.52 kg ai/ha) and S-metolachlor (1.42 kg ai/ha) were evaluated when applied PPI, PRE, early postemergence (EPOST), or POST. Peanut tolerance to acetochlor was similar to S-metolachlor with no negative impact of either herbicide on peanut yield compared with non-treated peanut in absence of weed interference. When applied PRE, acetochlor controlled Palmer amaranth, pitted morningglory, sicklepod, and Texas millet similarly to S-metolachlor while control of broadleaf signalgrass was greater with S-metolachlor. Weed control programs containing EPOST and/or POST applications of herbicides following PRE herbicides provided the best overall weed control but did not affect yellow nutsedge control regardless of whether acetochlor or S-metolachlor were applied. Herbicide programs including PRE, EPOST, and POST herbicides most often resulted in the greatest yields. There was no difference in peanut yield regardless of the presence of acetochlor or S-metolachlor in a comprehensive herbicide program.
A study on knee osteoarthritis in physical medicine and rehabilitation department, Rangpur Medical College
Authors: Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Mandal Muhammad Alamgir , Islam Md Ariful , Haque Md Ashraful , Ullah Md Ahsan , Ahmed Syed Mozaffar , Rahman Md Habibur , Hossain Md Zakir , Rahman Md Masudur
Published: February 2018

Background: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PMR) Department has also been trying to provide services with specialized outdoor (referred patient only) set up for twenty million people of Rangpur division.Objectives: Study is to know the demographic study, clinical grading, examination findings and radiological changes of Knee osteoarthritis.Materials & Methods: It was an observational study. This study was done on referred patients of Knee osteoarthritis in PMR specialized outdoor of RpMCH from 20th September, 2012 to 20th October; 2012. The objective of this study is to know the demographic study, clinical grading, examination findings and radiological changes of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Consecutive sampling technique was adopted and total 34 samples were taken.Results: Among 30 study population, 4 (13.3%) were male, 26 (86.7%) were female and male: female ratio was 0.15 (Table I). The mean age was 52.20±9.572 (standard deviation) and P value was 0.000. Regarding Occupation, 18 (60%) were housewife, 10 (33.3%) were sedentary worker and 2 (6.7%) were businessmen (P value 0.002) (Table IV). Among the study population, 18 (60.0%) had both knee joint OA, 8 (26.7%) had right knee joint OA and 4 (13.3%) had left knee OA. The mean duration of knee joint pain was 25.33 ± 37.570 (standard deviation) month (P value 0.001) (Table VII). Among the study population, 4 (13.3%) had diabetes mellitus, 6 (20.0%) had hypertension, 2 (6.7%) had hypertension with ischemic heart disease and 2 (6.7%) had diabetes mellitus with hypertension with bronchial asthma and 16 (53.3%) were normotensive and nondiabetic (Figure 1). According to clinical grading of knee OA, 2 (6.7%) were in grade-1a, 6 (20%) were in grade-1b, 2 (6.7%) were in grade-2a, 4 (13.3%) were in grade-2b, 8 (26.7%) were in grade-3b, 8 (26.7%) were in grade-4 (P value 0.180 ) (Figure 2).Conclusion: This study reveals that clinically more advanced OA patients actually carrying early radiological changes.KYAMC Journal Vol. 8, No.-2, Jan 2018, Page 18-23
Monomeric C-Reactive Protein Binds and Neutralizes Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Jia Zhe-Kun , Li Hai-Yun , Liang Yu-Lin , Potempa Lawrence Albert , Ji Shang-Rong , Wu Yi
Published: February 2018

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an established marker of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but with ill-defined actions in the pathogenesis. Here, we show that CRP regulates the differentiation of osteoclasts, a central mediator of joint inflammation and bone erosion in RA, in a conformation- and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-dependent manner. CRP in the native conformation is ineffective, whereas the monomeric conformation (mCRP) actively modulates osteoclast differentiation through NF-κB and phospholipase C signaling. Moreover, mCRP can bind RANKL, the major driver of osteoclast differentiation, and abrogate its activities. The binding and inhibition of RANKL are mediated by the cholesterol binding sequence (CBS) of mCRP. Corroborating thein vitroresults, CRP knockout exacerbates LPS-induced bone resorption in mice. These results suggest that mCRP may be protective in joint inflammation by inhibiting pathological osteoclast differentiation and that the CBS peptide could be exploited as a potential RANKL inhibitor.
Stimuli-responsive oligonucleotides in prodrug-based approaches for gene silencing
Authors: Debart Françoise , Dupouy Christelle , Vasseur Jean-Jacques
Published: February 2018

Oligonucleotides (ONs) have been envisaged for therapeutic applications for more than thirty years. However, their broad use requires overcoming several hurdles such as instability in biological fluids, low cell penetration, limited tissue distribution, and off-target effects. With this aim, many chemical modifications have been introduced into ONs definitively as a means of modifying and better improving their properties as gene silencing agents and some of them have been successful. Moreover, in the search for an alternative way to make efficient ON-based drugs, the general concept of prodrugs was applied to the oligonucleotide field. A prodrug is defined as a compound that undergoes transformations in vivo to yield the parent active drug under different stimuli. The interest in stimuli-responsive ONs for gene silencing functions has been notable in recent years. The ON prodrug strategies usually help to overcome limitations of natural ONs due to their low metabolic stability and poor delivery. Nevertheless, compared to permanent ON modifications, transient modifications in prodrugs offer the opportunity to regulate ON activity as a function of stimuli acting as switches. Generally, the ON prodrug is not active until it is triggered to release an unmodified ON. However, as it will be described in some examples, the opposite effect can be sought.

This review examines ON modifications in response to various stimuli. These stimuli may be internal or external to the cell, chemical (glutathione), biochemical (enzymes), or physical (heat, light). For each stimulus, the discussion has been separated into sections corresponding to the site of the modification in the nucleotide: the internucleosidic phosphate, the nucleobase, the sugar or the extremities of ONs. Moreover, the review provides a current and detailed account of stimuli-responsive ONs with the main goal of gene silencing. However, for some stimuli-responsive ONs reported in this review, no application for controlling gene expression has been shown, but a certain potential in this field could be demonstrated. Additionally, other applications in different domains have been mentioned to extend the interest in such molecules.
Characteristics of Winter Wolf Kill Sites in the Southern Yellowstone Ecosystem
Authors: Woodruff Susannah P. , Jimenez Michael D. , Johnson Timothy R.
Published: February 2018

Understanding the spatial use of wolves and how that might relate to prey species may help predict areas with increased likelihood of wolf–prey interactions, areas where wolves may have a higher impact on prey populations, or areas of wolf–livestock conflict. After reintroduction into Yellowstone National Park in 1995, wolves Canis lupus expanded south and recolonized areas in and around Grand Teton National Park in the southern Yellowstone ecosystem in Wyoming, USA. Elk Cervus elaphus in this area are supplementally fed at three feedgrounds artificially increasing elk density. We tracked radio-collared and uncollared wolves annually in winter (December–March) from 2000 to 2008 to investigate kill sites. Our objective was to investigate potential differences in habitat variables (e.g., canopy cover, elevation) between kill sites (n = 295) and available (random; n = 2,360) locations and investigate whether factors influencing winter wolf kill sites differed in a natural setting (i.e., native winter range) vs. an artificial setting (i.e., near or on feedgrounds). Wolf kills occurred at sites with lower elevation, canopy cover, and terrain roughness compared with random locations. Wolf kills were also slightly farther from packed surfaces (i.e., roads or groomed snowmobile trails) and elk feedgrounds, although still in areas of higher intensity of use by elk compared with random locations. Kill sites on native winter range were considerably more rough (odds ratio = 4.47) than those on feedgrounds. Our results suggest wolves hunt where the likelihood of encountering prey is high, although in areas where prey distribution is more sparse (i.e., native winter range), wolves may need to rely on rougher terrain for successful hunts. The relationship between areas of high prey use and increased wolf activity has important implications for both wildlife managers and livestock producers. In the future, managers will continue to face the issue of having high concentrations of ungulates, either wild or domestic, and the obvious attraction this has for wolves.
IT Governance in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Khouja Mehdi , Rodriguez Ismael Bouassida , Ben Halima Youssef , Moalla Samir
Published: February 2018

Information Technology (IT) is a very important aspect for higher education institutions (HEI) in both teaching, research and administration. The managers of those intuitions are more and more aware that IT is a strategic tool for their institutions. On the other hand, IT Governance is getting attention from the practitioner and research side, given the need to govern IT extending the organisation's strategy and objectives into IT. IT Governance helps to set clear expectations, to gain participation, open communications, establish accountability and provide executive management oversight. Thus, it is important to consider IT Governance and the alignment with business strategy for HEI. In this article, authors present a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on IT Governance in HEIs using a collection of scientific and non-conventional data (grey literature). The motivation that drives this literature review is the further development of an IT Governance framework for Tunisian universities. This article aims to define the situation of the IT Governance in other countries. This article aims to provide a map of the state of the art of IT governance in HEI in various countries. Results show a mixed situation of IT Governance in HEIs. Some countries have the support of top level management to introduce IT Governance in HEIs by adopting regulatory frameworks and common laws. But other countries relay in their strong culture of IT Governance. The different case studies presented in this review show that there is no consensus on the IT Governance framework or standard to use in HEI. An important number of institutions are implementing COBIT or ISO best practices. In the other hand, some counties have developed their own frameworks. Results show there is no a single way to implement an IT Governance framework designed for HEI. However, it is also true that there are two mandatory aspects that are necessary to implement in IT Governance deployments: firstly, establishing a committee structure for IT assets and secondly, enable effective communication between the IT, the business and the stakeholders.
A Blockchain Model for Less Container Load Operations in China
Authors: Tan Albert Wee Kwan , Zhao YiFei , Halliday Thomas
Published: February 2018

In recent years, with the growth of international trade and development of economies, the volume of container throughput at China's ports has grown rapidly. Yet, the business process for the Less Container Load (LCL) transport industry in most ports of China still remain complicated and inefficient. In this article, the authors see numerous opportunities for process improvement by integrating the information among the various actors using the blockchain concept. In this paper, the authors propose to build a LCL Export Platform (LEP) using the blockchain concept to optimize the LCL operations for international trading, by integrating and sharing information among forwarder agencies and their clients.
An Investigation Into the Personal Interaction Items Which Best Explain the Variation in Trust Within Automotive Supply Chains
Authors: Tolmay Aletta Sophia
Published: February 2018

The sustainability of automotive component suppliers is under threat due to various global challenges. Literature suggests that only the actual personal relationship can differentiate suppliers within supply chains. Literature further encourages more insight into the conceptualization of personal interaction and trust within supply chains. This paper reports on research that tested the importance of trust and its directional linear relationship with personal interaction. Personal interaction revealed a significant correlation with trust, indicating that actions of the Tier 2 supplier during the sourcing process can substantially influence trust with the Tier 1 buyer. It is accordingly crucial for automotive component suppliers to invest in strategies to increase their personal interaction with their buyers in order to promote trust and in turn to promote perceived customer value and customer retention.
Effect of Varying Wt% of TiC on Mechanical and Wear Properties of RZ5-TiC In-Situ Composite
Authors: Mehra Deepak , Mahapatra M.M. , Harsha S. P.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this article is to enhance the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the RZ5 alloy used in the aerospace application by adding TiC particles. The present study discusses processing of in-situ RZ5-TiC composite fabricated by self-propagating high temperature (S.H.S.) method and its wear behavior. The effects of TiC particle on mechanical and microstructural properties of the composite are studied. The wear test is performed by varying the sliding distance and applied load. The composite is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results exhibited the properties like strength and hardness of RZ5-10wt%TiC composite has been increased considerably, while grain size is decreased as compared to the RZ5 alloy. The fractography indicated mixed mode (quasi-cleavage and ductile feature) failure of the composites. The wear results showed improvement in wear resistance of the composite. The FESEM showed dominate wear mechanisms are abrasion, ploughing grooves.
Open Government
Authors: Al-Jamal Maryam , Abu-Shanab Emad
Published: February 2018

This article takes a deeper look into the related concepts and issues of open government, its benefits and challenges and some related processes. Also, this article tries to identify the line between government transparency and people's privacy under the open government initiatives, by exploring transparency and privacy in more details. Finally, the authors propose a framework that depicts the premise related to this topic.
Applying ADDIE Model to Evaluate Faculty Development Programs
Authors: Bamrara Atul , Chauhan Poonam
Published: February 2018

This article describes how we exist in a technological era where everything is controlled via electronic devices and education is highly impacted by ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools. The present article is an attempt to highlight the training need analysis approach and its applicability. Further, it focuses on the application of information and communication technology tools to analyze the data patterns during training. The ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) approach has been chosen to explore the correlation between techniques/ approaches of training need analysis and evaluation of training program for n = 100.
AI and Neuroeconomics
Authors: D'Avanzo Ernesto
Published: February 2018

This article describes how Plato proposed the dualistic solution to the mind-body problem, providing an explanation along the lines of his epistemology. Francis Bacon, in 1600, formulated his vision of the scientific method that will be valid until the 1960's when Karl Popper proposed his version, entering into controversy with the Lord Chancellor. Thanks to recent developments in artificial intelligence and computational neuroscience these problems have new empirical tools to be analyzed. An interesting aspect of this research program, better known as neuroeconomics, is the use it makes of the probability calculation tool for dealing with so-called decisions under uncertainty. The paper is an attempt to tell the birth, development, and some examples of these toolboxes, available to all those who want to apply them to improve knowledge inspired organizations.
A Database of Existing Vulnerabilities to Enable Controlled Testing Studies
Authors: Rei Sofia , Abreu Rui
Published: February 2018

From holding worldwide companies' information hostage to keeping several distributed systems down for hours, the last years were marked by several security attacks which are the result of complex software and its fast production. There are already tools which can be used to help companies detect vulnerabilities responsible for such attacks. However, their reliability is still not the best and well discriminated. In software testing, researchers tend to use hand-seeded test cases or mutations due to the challenges involved in the extraction or reproduction of real test cases which might not be suitable for testing techniques, since both approaches can create samples that inadvertently differ from the real vulnerabilities and thus might lead to misleading assessments of the tools' capabilities. The lack of databases of real security vulnerabilities is an issue since it hampers the tools' evaluation and categorization. To study these tools, the researchers created a database of 682 real test cases which is the outcome of mining 248 repositories for 16 different vulnerability patterns.
Asking Questions
Authors: Mupepi Mambo G. , Essila Jean C. , Mensah Abigail Opoku , Mupepi Sylvia C
Published: February 2018

The objective of this article is to demonstrate how data collection can be enhanced with survey instruments, including questionnaires. Pinpointing at the prevailing organizational cultural conditions as an antecedence to the introduction and management of the amendment is required in a useful company. The data collected can be analyzed and interpreted to develop the metrics required to boost performance. Understanding workers' knowledge and their resourcefulness in producing the goods and services demanded by customers is critical in the design and implementation of renovations to progress a business. Opinion polls and analyses are technologies in framing high-performance entrepreneurship.
Institutional Repositories and Libraries in Nigeria
Authors: Ifijeh Goodluck , Adebayo Oyeronke , Izuagbe Roland , Olawoyin Olajumoke
Published: February 2018

Institutional repositories (IRs) are emerging trends in scholarly discourse among members of the academic community in Nigeria. Global practice shows that many IRs are administered by librarians in the academia. This article examines the nexus between libraries and IRs. It observed that though the emergence of IRs holds great advantage for academic institutions, many Nigerian institutions, especially universities, do not have functional IRs because of the inability of their libraries to run them. The article further identifies the digital divide, inadequate financing, the lack of ICT skills and awareness as well as copyright issues as challenges inhibiting the establishment and management of IRs in Nigeria. Recommendations are made for dealing with the identified challenges.
αMβ2 Is Antiatherogenic in Female but Not Male Mice
Authors: Szpak Dorota , Izem Lahoucine , Verbovetskiy Dmitriy , Soloviev Dmitry A. , Yakubenko Valentin P. , Pluskota Elzbieta
Published: February 2018

Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory process characterized by monocyte recruitment into the arterial wall, their differentiation into macrophages, and lipid accumulation. Because integrin αMβ2 (CD11b/CD18) mediates multiple diverse functions of leukocytes, we examined its role in atherogenesis. αM−/−/ApoE−/− and ApoE−/− mice were fed a control or high fat diet for 3 or 16 wk to induce atherogenesis. Unexpectedly, αM deficiency accelerated development of atherosclerosis in female but not in male mice. The size of aortic root lesions was 3–4.5-fold larger in female αM−/−/ApoE−/− than in ApoE−/− mice. Monocyte and macrophage content within the lesions was increased 2.5-fold in female αM−/−/ApoE−/− mice due to enhanced proliferation. αMβ2 elimination promoted gender-dependent foam cell formation due to enhanced uptake of cholesterol by αM−/−/ApoE−/− macrophages. This difference was attributed to enhanced expression of lipid uptake receptors, CD36 and scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1), in female mice. Macrophages from female αM−/−/ApoE−/− mice showed dramatically reduced expression of FoxM1 transcription factor and estrogen receptors (ER) α and β. As their antagonists inhibited the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2), E2 decreased CD36, SR-A1, and foam cell formation in ApoE−/− macrophages in an ERα- and ERβ-dependent manner. However, female αM−/−/ApoE−/− macrophages failed to respond to E2 and maintained elevated CD36, SR-A1, and lipid accumulation. FoxM1 inhibition in ApoE−/− macrophages reduced ERs and enhanced CD36 and SR-A1 expression, whereas FoxM1 overexpression in αM−/−/ApoE−/− macrophages reversed their proatherogenic phenotype. We demonstrate a new, surprising atheroprotective role of αMβ2 in female ApoE−/− mice. αMβ2 maintains ER expression in macrophages and E2-dependent inhibition of foam cell formation.
Determinação e interpolação dos coeficientes das equações de chuvas intensas para cidade do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Braga Raphael Nunes de Siqueira , Hora Mônica De Aquino Galeano Massera da , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Nascentes Alexandre Lioi
Published: February 2018

Este estudo teve como objetivo estabelecer a relação entre intensidade, duração e frequência das precipitações na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, e avaliar os métodos de interpolação dos coeficientes das equações de chuvas intensas, para determinação das equações em qualquer localidade do município. Os dados de chuvas foram obtidos por meio da rede de estações pluviométricas automáticas do Sistema Alerta Rio da Fundação Instituto de Geotécnica do município do Rio de Janeiro. Foram analisadas as precipitações intensas com base em séries históricas de observações obtidas a cada 15 minutos, no período de 1997 a 2014. Determinaram-se as maiores precipitações anuais para as durações de 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 720, e 1440 minutos. Os dados foram ajustados pelo método de distribuição de Gumbel e a aderência dos dados à distribuição foi avaliada pelo teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov a 5% de significância. A espacialização dos coeficientes foi avaliada pelos métodos de interpolação do inverso da quinta potência da distância e Krigagem ordinária. As precipitações intensas apresentaram grande variabilidade espacial. Observou-se boa relação entre os valores de precipitação intensa calculados com o uso da equação ajustada com os valores oriundos das equações determinadas em outros trabalhos sobre chuvas intensas para a cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Os valores do coeficiente de determinação R2 e erro padrão de estimativa permitiram concluir que as equações propostas podem ser utilizadas em projetos de obras hidráulicas. O método de interpolação inverso da quinta potência da distância apresentou melhor desempenho para a espacialização dos coeficientes das equações de chuvas intensas, e menores valores de erro médio percentual em 25 das 32 estações analisadas.
Sanitary quality of the rivers in the Communities of Manguinhos´ Territory, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Authors: Handam Natasha Berendonk , Santos José Augusto Albuquerque dos , Moraes Neto Antonio Henrique Almeida de , Duarte Antonio Nascimento , Alves Elizabeth Brito da Silva , Salles Maria José , Sotero-Martins Adriana
Published: February 2018

Sanitation actions are rare in the communities of Manguinhos, so evaluation of the sanitary conditions of the river waters and the peridomestic soils of the communities allows the diagnosis of the risk of contamination. This study evaluated coliform levels (total coliforms and Escherichia coli) by the filter membrane method, and parasitological (by adapted Lutz and Baermann-Moraes methods) in the waters and soils of the Faria-Timbó, Jacaré and Canal do Cunha Rivers that pass through the communities of the Territory of Manguinhos, RJ, according to the standards established in Brazilian legislation. In all points of the rivers, the water was unfit, with an average level of Escherichia coli 3,800 times higher than that standardized in CONAMA Resolution No. 274/2000. Larvae, helminths eggs and protozoan oocysts were observed. Soil samples were also unfit, with mean total coliform level 77,000 times higher than that considered acceptable by SMAC Resolution 468/2010. The Escherichia coli average level was 53,000 times higher than that permitted by the legislation. However, helminths eggs were found in only one soil sample. It was concluded that the lack of sanitation in this locality results in the high coliform and parasitological levels of the river waters and in the peridomestic soils, and that immediate modifications are needed to the Brazilian environmental paradigm, which uses its water bodies as sewage disposal ditches.
Urban influence on the water quality of the Uberaba River basin: an ecotoxicological assessment
Authors: Curado Ana Luisa , Oliveira Camila Cunha de , Costa William Raimundo , Anhê Ana Carolina Borella Marfil , Senhuk Ana Paula Milla dos Santos
Published: February 2018

Ecotoxicological tests applied to Tradescantia pallida, Allium cepa and Lactuca sativa were used to assess the quality of the Uberaba River basin under urban area influence. Water samples were collected at eight different points during the dry season. The samples were assessed using the following toxicity indicators: micronuclei percentage in T. pallida pollen grains (TRAD-MN), seed germination, root growth, mitotic index (MI) and micronuclei in A. cepa root-cells, and seed germination and root growth in L. sativa. Water physicochemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH and electric conductivity were assessed in situ. The three plant species were efficient bio-indicators, since they presented good cost-benefit and fast and easily interpreted results, thus completing the physicochemical parameters. There was strong correlation between seed germination and root growth among the ecotoxicological parameters assessed in L. sativa and A. cepa. The micronuclei percentage in T. pallida and the MI in A. cepa presented strong correlation with water electric conductivity and moderate and negative correlation with DO. Water electric conductivity ranged from 75 to 438 µS.cm-1; and the DO concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 6.9 mg.L-1. The importance of pollution control measures in the Uberaba River basin stands out. From the supply-water capture point, the basin is strongly affected by pollution, mainly in the tributaries that cross the city. It presents a short, or almost absent, riparian forest line, residues on the river banks, and it is impacted by discharges of untreated sewage, among other anthropic actions.
Short-term dermal exposure to tannery effluent does not cause behavioral changes in male Swiss mice
Authors: Mendes Bruna De Oliveira , Guimarães Abraão Tiago Batista , Souza Joyce Moreira de , Ferreira Raíssa De Oliveira , Silva Wellington Alves Mizael da , Rodrigues Aline Sueli de Lima , Malafaia Guilherme
Published: February 2018

Tannery is a highly polluting activity due to the waste generated by bovine skin processing. Although there are several studies highlighting the health issues faced by workers exposed to tannery effluent, there are no records of experiments testing the neurobehavioral effects resulting from direct contact with this pollutant. Thus, the aim of the current study is to assess the possible neurobehavioral effects of dermal exposure to tannery effluent on male Swiss mice. Animals were divided in three groups, which were subjected to the same experimental time period and conditions: effluent group - animals in direct contact with tannery effluent (for 20 days); control group -  animals in contact with pure water; and dry-control group - animals not exposed to water or to tannery effluent. Neurobehavioral tests started on the 17th experimental day. Results of the elevated plus-maze test (anxiety prediction) showed no anxiogenic or anxiolytic effects, memory deficit or depressive symptoms on animals exposed to tannery effluent. Thus, the current results do not support the hypothesis that male Swiss mice dermal exposure to tannery effluents for the same time period and experimental conditions leads to neurobehavioral changes. Therefore, the herein adopted exposure protocol was not good to study the effects of dermal exposure to tannery effluent on the chosen experimental model.
Flow Polytopes and the Space of Diagonal Harmonics
Authors: Liu Ricky Ini , Morales Alejandro H. , Mészáros Karola
Published: February 2018

A result of Haglund implies that the$(q,t)$-bigraded Hilbert series of the space of diagonal harmonics is a$(q,t)$-Ehrhart function of the flow polytope of a complete graph with netflow vector$(-n,1,\ldots ,1)$. We study the$(q,t)$-Ehrhart functions of flow polytopes of threshold graphs with arbitrary netflow vectors. Our results generalize previously known specializations of the mentioned bigraded Hilbert series at$t=1$,$0$, and$q^{-1}$. As a corollary to our results, we obtain a proof of a conjecture of Armstrong, Garsia, Haglund, Rhoades, and Sagan about the$(q,q^{-1})$-Ehrhart function of the flow polytope of a complete graph with an arbitrary netflow vector.
Cicero: O državi. Uvod
Authors: Petrič Matej
Published: February 2018

De re publica je delo, ki sodi med trojico spisov (skupaj z De oratore in De legibus), v katerih je Cicero predstavil svoje mišljenje o tem, kakšna mora biti dobro urejena država in kakšni možje naj jo vodijo. Najprej je leta 55 izdal spis O govorniku, z Državo se je – kot je moč rekonstruirati iz njegovih pisem – ukvarjal med leti 54 in 51, svoje delo o zakonih pa je sestavljal nekako v istem obdobju – med 53 in 51 pr. Kr.
Zakopane Metamorfoze dr. Joža Lovrenčiča
Authors: Movrin David
Published: February 2018

Klasični filolog dr. Joža Lovrenčič (1890–1952) je po kapitulaciji Italije in padcu fašizma prevzel ravnateljstvo na obnovljeni slovenski gimnaziji v Gorici, kjer se je šolal tudi sam. Po vojni je bil zato obsojen na montiranem procesu in zaprt; izgubil je tudi vsako možnost zaposlitve. Zdi se, da ga je v notranjem izgnanstvu nagovoril Ovidij, pesnik s podobno usodo, in v letih 1950–1952 je prevedel celotne Metamorfoze. Ravno v dneh strahovite medijske kampanje proti katoliški Cerkvi po imenovanju zagrebškega kardinala Stepinca jih je ponudil svojemu predvojnemu sodelavcu pri katoliškem Domu in svetu dr. Francetu Koblarju; ko je ta objavo zavrnil, se je Lovrenčič potrt vrnil domov in čez nekaj dni ga je zadela kap, Metamorfoze pa so ostale v rokopisu.
Ovidij: Metamorfoze 13–15
Authors: Lovrenčič Joža
Published: February 2018

Ko so se vodje usedli in v krogu so stali vojščaki,vstal je med njimi Ajant, lastnik sedmernega ščita;kakor ni mogel obvladati jeze, se z mrkim pogledomproti sigejski obali obrnil je, proti brodovju,roke razširil in rekel: »O Jupiter, tu pred ladjevjemženemo pravdo, Uliks pa se upa primerjati z mano!
Measurement–model comparison of stabilized Criegee intermediate and highly oxygenated molecule production in the CLOUD chamber
Authors: Sarnela Nina , Jokinen Tuija , Duplissy Jonathan , Yan Chao , Nieminen Tuomo , Ehn Mikael , Schobesberger Siegfried , Heinritzi Martin , Ehrhart Sebastian , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Tröstl Jasmin , Simon Mario , Kürten Andreas , Leiminger Markus , Lawler Michael J. , Rissanen Matti P. , Bianchi Federico , Praplan Arnaud P. , Hakala Jani , Amorim Antonio , Gonin Marc , Hansel Armin , Kirkby Jasper , Dommen Josef , Curtius Joachim , Smith James N. , Petäjä Tuukka , Worsnop Douglas R. , Kulmala Markku , Donahue Neil M. , Sipilä Mikko
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric oxidation is an important phenomenon which produces large
quantities of low-volatility compounds such as sulfuric acid and oxidized
organic compounds. Such species may be involved in the nucleation of particles
and enhance their subsequent growth to reach the size of cloud condensation
nuclei (CCN). In this study, we investigate α-pinene, the most
abundant monoterpene globally, and its oxidation products formed through
ozonolysis in the Cosmic Leaving OUtdoor Droplets (CLOUD) chamber at CERN
(the European Organization for Nuclear Research). By scavenging hydroxyl
radicals (OH) with hydrogen (H2), we were able to investigate the
formation of highly oxygenated molecules (HOMs) purely driven by ozonolysis
and study the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) driven by stabilized
Criegee intermediates (sCIs). We measured the concentrations of HOM and
sulfuric acid with a chemical ionization atmospheric-pressure interface
time-of-flight (CI-APi-TOF) mass spectrometer and compared the measured
concentrations with simulated concentrations calculated with a kinetic model.
We found molar yields in the range of 3.5–6.5 % for HOM formation and
22–32 % for the formation of stabilized Criegee intermediates by fitting
our model to the measured sulfuric acid concentrations. The simulated time
evolution of the ozonolysis products was in good agreement with measured
concentrations except that in some of the experiments sulfuric acid formation
was faster than simulated. In those experiments the simulated and measured
concentrations met when the concentration reached a plateau but the plateau
was reached 20–50 min later in the simulations. The results shown here are
consistent with the recently published yields for HOM formation from
different laboratory experiments. Together with the sCI yields, these results
help us to understand atmospheric oxidation processes better and make the
reaction parameters more comprehensive for broader use.
Temperature-(208–318 K) and pressure-(18–696 Torr) dependent rate coefficients for the reaction between OH and HNO3
Authors: Dulitz Katrin , Amedro Damien , Dillon Terry J. , Pozzer Andrea , Crowley John N.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Rate coefficients (k5) for the title reaction were obtained using pulsed laser photolytic generation of OH coupled to its detection by laser-induced fluorescence (PLP–LIF). More than 80 determinations of k5 were carried out in nitrogen or air bath gas at various temperatures and pressures. The accuracy of the rate coefficients obtained was enhanced by in situ measurement of the concentrations of both HNO3 reactant and NO2 impurity. The rate coefficients show both temperature and pressure dependence with a rapid increase in k5 at low temperatures. The pressure dependence was weak at room temperature but increased significantly at low temperatures. The entire data set was combined with selected literature values of k5 and parameterised using a combination of pressure-dependent and -independent terms to give an expression that covers the relevant pressure and temperature range for the atmosphere. A global model, using the new parameterisation for k5 rather than those presently accepted, indicated small but significant latitude- and altitude-dependent changes in the HNO3 ∕ NOx ratio of between −6 and +6 %. Effective HNO3 absorption cross sections (184.95 and 213.86 nm, units of cm2 molecule−1) were obtained as part of this work: σ213.86  =  4.52−0.12+0.23  ×  10−19 and σ184.95  =  1.61−0.04+0.08  ×  10−17.
Size distribution and ionic composition of marine summer aerosol at the continental Antarctic site Kohnen
Authors: Weller Rolf , Legrand Michel , Preunkert Susanne
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We measured aerosol size distributions and conducted bulk and
size-segregated aerosol sampling during two summer campaigns in January
2015 and January 2016 at the continental Antarctic station Kohnen (Dronning
Maud Land). Physical and chemical aerosol properties differ conspicuously
during the episodic impact of a distinctive low-pressure system in 2015
(LPS15) compared to the prevailing clear sky conditions. The approximately 3-day LPS15 located in the eastern Weddell Sea
was associated
with the following: marine boundary layer air mass intrusion; enhanced condensation
particle concentrations (1400 ± 700 cm−3 compared to 250 ± 120 cm−3
under clear sky conditions; mean ± SD); the occurrence of a
new particle formation event exhibiting a continuous growth of particle
diameters (Dp) from 12 to 43 nm over 44 h (growth rate
0.6 nm h−1);
peaking methane sulfonate (MS−), non-sea-salt sulfate
(nss–SO42-), and Na+ concentrations (190 ng m−3 MS−,
137 ng m−3 nss–SO42-, and 53 ng m−3 Na+
compared to 24 ± 15, 107 ± 20, and
4.1 ± 2.2 ng m−3, respectively, during clear sky conditions); and
finally an increased MS− ∕ nss–SO42- mass ratio βMS
of 0.4 up to 2.3 (0.21 ± 0.1 under clear sky conditions) comparable to
typical values found at coastal Antarctic sites. Throughout the observation
period a larger part of MS− could be found in super-micron aerosol
compared to nss–SO42-, i.e., (10 ± 2) % by mass compared
to (3.2 ± 2) %, respectively. On the whole, under clear sky
conditions aged aerosol characterized by usually mono-modal size
distributions around Dp= 60 nm was observed. Although our
observations indicate that the sporadic impacts of coastal cyclones were
associated with enhanced marine aerosol entry, aerosol deposition
on-site during austral summer should be largely dominated by typical steady
clear sky conditions.
High- and low-temperature pyrolysis profiles describe volatile organic compound emissions from western US wildfire fuels
Authors: Sekimoto Kanako , Koss Abigail R. , Gilman Jessica B. , Selimovic Vanessa , Coggon Matthew M. , Zarzana Kyle J. , Yuan Bin , Lerner Brian M. , Brown Steven S. , Warneke Carsten , Yokelson Robert J. , Roberts James M. , de Gouw Joost
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Biomass burning is a large source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and many other trace species to the atmosphere, which can act as precursors to the formation of secondary pollutants such as ozone and fine particles. Measurements collected with a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer during the FIREX 2016 laboratory intensive were analyzed with Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF), in order to understand the instantaneous variability in VOC emissions from biomass burning, and to simplify the description of these types of emissions. Despite the complexity and variability of emissions, we found that a solution including just two emission profiles, which are mass spectral representations of the relative abundances of emitted VOCs, explained on average 85 % of the VOC emissions across various fuels representative of the western US (including various coniferous and chaparral fuels). In addition, the profiles were remarkably similar across almost all of the fuel types tested. For example, the correlation coefficient r of each profile between Ponderosa pine (coniferous tree) and Manzanita (chaparral) is higher than 0.9. We identified the two VOC profiles as resulting from high-temperature and low-temperature pyrolysis processes known to form VOCs in biomass burning. High-temperature and low-temperature pyrolysis processes do not correspond exactly to the commonly used flaming and smoldering categories as described by modified combustion efficiency (MCE). The average atmospheric properties (e.g. OH reactivity, volatility, etc.) of the high- and low-temperature profiles are significantly different. We also found that the two VOC profiles can describe previously reported VOC data for laboratory and field burns. This indicates that the high- and low-temperature pyrolysis profiles could be widely useful to model VOC emissions from many types of biomass burning in the western US, with a few exceptions such as burns of duff and rotten wood.
The TROPOMI surface UV algorithm
Authors: Lindfors Anders V. , Kujanpää Jukka , Kalakoski Niilo , Heikkilä Anu , Lakkala Kaisa , Mielonen Tero , Sneep Maarten , Krotkov Nickolay A. , Arola Antti , Tamminen Johanna
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) is the only payload of the
Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P), which is a polar-orbiting satellite mission of
the European Space Agency (ESA). TROPOMI is a nadir-viewing spectrometer
measuring in the ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and the shortwave
infrared that provides near-global daily coverage. Among other things,
TROPOMI measurements will be used for calculating the UV radiation reaching
the Earth's surface. Thus, the TROPOMI surface UV product will contribute to
the monitoring of UV radiation by providing daily information on the
prevailing UV conditions over the globe. The TROPOMI UV algorithm builds on
the heritage of the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and the Satellite
Application Facility for Atmospheric Composition and UV Radiation (AC SAF)
algorithms. This paper provides a description of the algorithm that will be
used for estimating surface UV radiation from TROPOMI observations. The
TROPOMI surface UV product includes the following UV quantities: the UV
irradiance at 305, 310, 324, and 380 nm; the erythemally weighted UV;
and the vitamin-D weighted UV. Each of these are available as (i) daily dose or
daily accumulated irradiance, (ii) overpass dose rate or irradiance, and
(iii) local noon dose rate or irradiance. In addition, all quantities are
available corresponding to actual cloud conditions and as clear-sky values,
which otherwise correspond to the same conditions but assume a cloud-free
atmosphere. This yields 36 UV parameters altogether. The TROPOMI UV algorithm
has been tested using input based on OMI and the Global Ozone Monitoring
Experiment-2 (GOME-2) satellite measurements. These preliminary results
indicate that the algorithm is functioning according to expectations.
Apsu: a wireless multichannel receiver system for surface-NMR
groundwater investigations
Authors: Liu Lichao , Grombacher Denys , Auken Esben , Larsen Jakob Juul
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Surface nuclear magnetic resonance (surface-NMR) has the potential to be an important geophysical method for groundwater investigations, but the technique suffers from poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and long measurement times. We present a new wireless, multichannel surface-NMR receiver system (called Apsu) designed to improve SNR, field deployability and minimize instrument dead time. It is a distributed wireless system consisting of a central unit and independently operated data acquisition boxes each with three channels that measure either the NMR signal or noise for reference noise cancellation. Communication between the central unit and the data acquisition boxes is done through long distance WiFi and recordings are retrieved in real time. The receiver system employs differential coils with low-noise pre-amplifiers and high-resolution wide dynamic range acquisition boards. Each channel contains multi-stage amplifiers, short settling-time filters and two 24-bit analog-to-digital converters in dual-gain mode sampling at 31.25 kHz. The system timing is controlled by GPS clock and sample jitter between channels is less than 12 ns. Separated transmitter/receiver coils and continuous acquisition allow NMR signals to be measured with zero instrument dead time. In processed data, analog and digital filters causes an effective dead time of 4 ms. Synchronization with an independently operated transmitter system is done with a current probe monitoring the NMR excitation pulses. The noise density measured in a shorted-input test is 1.8 nV/√(Hz). We verify the accuracy of the receiver system with measurements of a magnetic dipole source and by comparing our NMR data with data obtained using an existing commercial instrument. The applicability of the system for reference noise cancellation is validated with field data.
ORCHIDEE-MICT-BIOENERGY: an attempt to represent the production of lignocellulosic crops for bioenergy in a global vegetation model
Authors: Li Wei , Yue Chao , Ciais Philippe , Chang Jinfeng , Goll Daniel , Zhu Dan , Peng Shushi , Jornet-Puig Albert
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Bioenergy crop cultivation for lignocellulosic biomass is increasingly important for future climate mitigation, and it is assumed on large scales in Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) that develop future land use change scenarios consistent with the dual constraint of sufficient food production and deep de-carbonization for low climate warming targets. In most global vegetation models, there is no specific representation of crops producing lignocellulosic biomass, resulting in simulation biases of biomass yields and other carbon outputs, and in turn of future bioenergy production. Here, we introduced four new plant functional types (PFTs) to represent four major lignocellulosic bioenergy crops, eucalypt, poplar and willow, Miscanthus, and switchgrass, in the global process-based vegetation model, ORCHIDEE. New parameterizations of photosynthesis, carbon allocation and phenology are proposed based on a compilation of field measurements. A specific harvest module is further added to the model to simulate the rotation of bioenergy tree PFTs based on their age dynamics. The resulting ORCHIDEE-MICT-BIOENERGY model is applied at 296 locations where field measurements of harvested biomass are available for different bioenergy crops. The new model can generally reproduce the global bioenergy crop yield observations. Biases of the model results related to grid-based simulations versus the point-scale measurements and the lack of fertilization and fertilization management practices in the model are discussed. This study sheds light on the importance of properly representing bioenergy crops for simulating their yields. The parameterizations of bioenergy crops presented here are generic enough to be applicable in other global vegetation models.
Modelling, simulation and experiment of the spherical flexible joint stiffness
Authors: Li Songyu , Wang Liquan , Yao Shaoming , Jia Peng , Yun Feihong , Jin Wenxue , Lv Dong
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The spherical flexible joint is extensively used in engineering. It is designed to provide flexibility in rotation while bearing vertical compression load. The linear rotational stiffness of the flexible joint is formulated. The rotational stiffness of the bonded rubber layer is related to inner radius, thickness and two edge angles. FEM is used to verify the analytical solution and analyze the stiffness. The Mooney–Rivlin, Neo Hooke and Yeoh constitutive models are used in the simulation. The experiment is taken to obtain the material coefficient and validate the analytical and FEM results. The Yeoh model can reflect the deformation trend more accurately, but the error in the nearly linear district is bigger than the Mooney–Rivlin model. The Mooney–Rivlin model can fit the test result very well and the analytical solution can also be used when the rubber deformation in the flexible joint is small. The increase of Poisson's ratio of the rubber layers will enhance the vertical compression stiffness but barely have effect on the rotational stiffness.