bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of zooplankton dynamics for Southern Ocean phytoplankton biomass and
global biogeochemical cycles
Authors: Le Quéré Corinne , Buitenhuis Erik T. , Moriarty Róisín , Alvain Séverine , Aumont Olivier , Bopp Laurent , Chollet Sophie , Enright Clare , Franklin Daniel J. , Geider Richard J. , Harrison Sandy P. , Hirst Andrew G. , Larsen Stuart , Legendre Louis , Platt Trevor , Prentice I. Colin , Rivkin Richard B. , Sailley Sévrine , Sathyendranath Shubha , Stephens Nick , Vogt Meike , Vallina Sergio M.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Global ocean biogeochemistry models currently employed in climate change projections use highly simplified representations of pelagic food webs. These food webs do not necessarily include critical pathways by which ecosystems interact with ocean biogeochemistry and climate. Here we present a global biogeochemical model which incorporates ecosystem dynamics based on the representation of ten plankton functional types (PFTs): six types of phytoplankton, three types of zooplankton, and heterotrophic procaryotes. We improved the representation of zooplankton dynamics in our model through (a) the explicit inclusion of large, slow-growing macrozooplankton (e.g. krill), and (b) the introduction of trophic cascades among the three zooplankton types. We use the model to quantitatively assess the relative roles of iron vs. grazing in determining phytoplankton biomass in the Southern Ocean high-nutrient low-chlorophyll (HNLC) region during summer. When model simulations do not include macrozooplankton grazing explicitly, they systematically overestimate Southern Ocean chlorophyll biomass during the summer, even when there is no iron deposition from dust. When model simulations include a slow-growing macrozooplankton and trophic cascades among three zooplankton types, the high-chlorophyll summer bias in the Southern Ocean HNLC region largely disappears. Our model results suggest that the observed low phytoplankton biomass in the Southern Ocean during summer is primarily explained by the dynamics of the Southern Ocean zooplankton community, despite iron limitation of phytoplankton community growth rates. This result has implications for the representation of global biogeochemical cycles in models as zooplankton faecal pellets sink rapidly and partly control the carbon export to the intermediate and deep ocean.
“Thinking in Lightning and Thunder”: An Interview with Achille Mbembe
Authors: Boulbina Seloua Luste
Published: July 2016

Achille Mbembe has followed a singular path that led him to live and think in several continents at once: Africa, Europe, North America. He is one of the most innovative contemporary thinkers today, liberating the analysis of Africa (both myth and reality) from the classic economic and institutional approach, freeing this approach from its privileged axes (ancient vs. modern, colony vs. metropole, etc.), and displacing the point of view of rationality to the imaginary. From book to book, from position to position, he has developed an intra- and intercontinental migrant thought that has recently given birth to a “critique of negro reason [critque de la raison nègre],” since the Negro [le Nègre], he explains, is the only one whose flesh was made, under the empire of race, into a commodity. How does Achille Mbembe understand his work? How does he accomplish it? That is the guiding thread of this interview.
The Merits of Merit Goods: Local Journalism and Public Policy in a Time of Austerity
Authors: Ali Christopher
Published: July 2016

Local journalism is often categorized by policymakers and academics as what neoclassical economists call a public good. The theory of public goods is used to describe journalism's nonrivalrous and nonexcludable characteristics and explain its positive externalities. Challenging this, I argue that the discourse of public goods is insufficient to fully capture the social democratic importance of local journalism. In its place, I call for a shift to thinking about local news as a merit good. Positioning local news as a merit good gives political economic leverage for increased regulatory support and encourages efforts to ensure the sustainability of local journalism.
Truck Driver Safety: An Evolutionary Research Approach
Authors: Douglas Matthew , Swartz Stephen
Published: July 2016

Driver safety is consistently a top concern of motor‐carrier industry leaders at all levels. Efforts to improve safety performance span a variety of domains, and one key element of the safety problem is the behavior of the commercial motor‐vehicle operator—the driver of the “big rigs” we share the highways with on a daily basis. The purpose of this article is to tell the story of an ongoing research program designed to understand safe/unsafe driving in the unique occupational context of the North American commercial motor‐vehicle driver (i.e., truck driver). As part of a broad, multiyear effort, the investigators who immersed themselves in that culture at several motor carriers were granted unique access to their employees. By allowing the employees (safety professionals and drivers alike) to inform the research direction, overlaid with extant psychosocial behavioral models post hoc, a promising stream of research was developed that led to a more integrated and comprehensive theoretical framework. The framework informs the development of interventions in hiring and training designed to improve driver safety. Recommendations for how this approach can be applied to other domains are provided.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO E VARIABILIDADE INTERANUAL DA PRECIPITAÇÃO PLUVIOMÉTRICA NA ESTAÇÃO ECOLÓGICA DO TAIM, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, NO PERÍODO DE 1996 A 2009 (CHARACTERIZATION AND INTERANNUAL VARIABILITY OF RAINFALL ON TAIM ECOLOGICAL STATION, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, THE PERIOD 1996 TO 2009)
Authors: Simioni João Paulo Delapasse , Wollmann Cássio Arthur
Published: July 2016

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa consistiu em analisar a variabilidade interanual da precipitação pluviométrica na Estação Ecológica do Taim, no período de 1996 a 2009. Para a realização desta pesquisa utilizou-se os dados de precipitação pluviométrica, obtidos gentilmente junto a administração da ESEC Taim, durante a serie temporal de 1996 a 2009, com exceção do ano de 1999, devido a inexistência de dados neste período. No atlas climático do Rio Grande do Sul, coletaram-se dados das normais climatológicas das estações oficiais do INMET de Santa Vitoria do Palmar e Rio Grande, para fins de comparação. A manipulação, análise estatística e criação dos gráficos dos resultados obtidos foram realizadas no Excel 2010. A variável precipitação pluviométrica demonstrou ser bem distribuída sazonalmente, sendo que os meses de abril e agosto destacam-se pela maior média mensal com 116 mm e 118 mm, respectivamente. Ao comparar os dados da ESEC Taim com os dados das Estações meteorológicas do INMET verificou-se que no verão o índice de precipitação pluviométrica é menor no Taim se comparado ao das estações das cidades vizinhas, no entanto no outono este valor se inverte e o Taim apresenta um maior regime pluviométrico.
ANÁLISE DA INFLUÊNCIA ENTRE AS VARIÁVEIS METEOROLÓGICAS E DOENÇAS RESPIRATÓRIAS NA CIDADE DE CAMPINA GRANDE, PB (ANALYSIS OF INFLUENCE RATIO BETWEEN THE VARIABLE WEATHER AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN CAMPINA GRANDE, PB)
Authors: Carvalho Enyedja Kerlly Martins de Araújo , Dantas Renilson Targino , Carvalho José Ribamar Marques de
Published: July 2016

Os debates atuais relacionados à problemática socioambiental evidenciaram, com muita pertinência e relevância, o papel do clima como um dos principais elementos da interação entre a natureza e a sociedade, sobretudo devido à importância e magnitude dos riscos e impactos ambientais concernentes à atmosfera. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo objetiva identificar a associação entre as variáveis meteorológicas (temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e precipitação) com as doenças respiratórias na cidade de Campina Grande, PB, PB, no período compreendido entre 2004 e 2013. A pesquisa classifica-se como pesquisa aplicada, bibliográfica, documental e quantitativa. As variáveis utilizadas foram selecionadas a partir da indução da relação direta ou indireta entre si (variáveis meteorológicas e doenças respiratórias).  Pode-se concluir que estudar a base meteorológica de uma determinada região é de suma importância, pois poderá traçar metas e diretrizes capazes de prevenir e até mesmo evitar consequências mais graves para a saúde humana.
[NOTA DE PESQUISA] A INFLUÊNCIA DO MODO ANULAR SUL SOBRE O CICLO DO CARBONO NO OCEANO SUL: UMA BREVE REVISÃO DO CONHECIMENTO ATUAL (THE INFLUENCE MODE OF VOID SOUTH ON CARBON CYCLE IN THE OCEAN SOUTH A BRIEF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE REVIEW)
Authors: Aímola Luis , Albuquerque Monik
Published: July 2016

Descrevemos resumidamente o estado atual do conhecimento sobre a influência do Modo Anular Sul (SAM) sobre o Ciclo do Carbono Global no Oceano Sul.  Mostramos que estudos recentes indicam que o SAM está tornando mais positivo o que provavelmente alterará a produção biológica no Oceano Sul bem como os processos físicos que determinam as trocas ar-mar de dióxido de carbono e o sequestro e armazenamento do CO2 antrópico nessa bacia oceânica. Dessa forma o Oceano Sul poderá ter sua eficiência de modulador do clima global reduzida, acelerando o aquecimento global.
ANÁLISE DA RELAÇÃO ENTRE ABRIGOS METEOROLÓGICOS ALTERNATIVOS PARA PONTOS FIXOS E O COMPORTAMENTO DE VARIÁVEIS TERMO-HIGROMÉTRICAS (ANALYSIS OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WEATHER SHELTERS ALTERNATIVE TO FIXED POINTS AND THE BEHAVIOR OF TERM VARIABLE HYGROMETRIC)
Authors: Valin Jr Marcos De Oliveira , Santos Flávia Maria de Moura , Ribeiro Karyn Ferreira Antunes , Nogueira Marta Cristina de Jesus Albuquerque , Nogueira José De Souza
Published: July 2016

A padronização dos instrumentos de coleta de dados é fundamental para a qualidade dos estudos microclimáticos. Devido a limitações financeiras e necessidades especificas, muitos sensores, abrigos e sistemas alternativos aos padrões são desenvolvidos, baseados na experiência e criatividade dos pesquisadores. O objetivo geral deste trabalho é analisar o desempenho termo-higrométrico de abrigos micrometeorológicos de diferentes materiais alternativos em coletas de dados em pontos fixos. Para tanto, a metodologia consistiu em construir cinco tipos de abrigos, instalados em campo aberto para garantir o mesmo ambiente para o estudo, e avaliados quanto ao desempenho das variáveis termo-higrométricas, a facilidade de execução, os materiais e ferramentas utilizados, e os custos envolvidos. Os resultados apontaram que os abrigos do tipo vertical e o com pote de sorvete não se demonstram eficientes para a coleta de dados em pontos fixos, principalmente se utilizados durante o dia. Quanto aos demais tipos, com pratos plásticos, tubo de pvc na horizontal e casa de madeira, se mostraram alternativas viáveis quanto ao desempenho, cabendo analisar o local onde será utilizado para definir qual deles melhor se adapta, pois o horizontal depende de já conhecer o sentido da direção do vento, o de madeira do espaço disponível devido ao seu tamanho e peso e o de pratos depende da disponibilidade de pratos plásticos na cor branca. É possível também concluir que o desempenho termo-higrométrico não está associado apenas ao material empregado, mas também à sua forma.
CARACTERÍSTICAS DAS FRENTES FRIAS COM POTENCIAL PARA PROVOCAR CHUVAS INTENSAS NA REGIÃO SERRANA DE RIO DE JANEIRO (CHARACTERISTIS OF COLD FRONTS WITH POTENTIAL TO CAUSE HEAVY RAINFALL OVER THE MONTAINOUS REGION OF RIO DE JANEIRO)
Authors: Seluchi Marcelo Enrique , Beu Cássia M. B. , Andrade Kelen M.
Published: July 2016

A Região Serrana do Estado de Rio de janeiro é uma das mais expostas aos desastres naturais devido à sua orografia, climatologia e ocupação demográfica desordenada. Boa parte da precipitação anual nessa região é explicada pela atuação de sistemas frontais. Neste trabalho se realiza uma caracterização das frentes frias responsáveis pelos maiores volumes pluviométricos diários. As situações foram escolhidas utilizando critérios objetivos aplicados às análises do CFSR para o período 1998-2010. Os dados de precipitação utilizados incluem dados de pluviômetros locais e estimativas por sensores remotos. As frentes causadoras dos maiores acumulados diários ocorrem durante o semestre quente do ano. Nesse período elas se diferenciam dos sistemas que causam chuvas inferiores a 5.0 mm/dia já com dois dias de antecedência, quando a frente fria se encontra sobre o Uruguai. Inicialmente, a presença de uma onda relativamente barotrópica sobre o Oceano Atlântico prolonga a advecção de ar quente e úmido desde o Noroeste sobre o centro-sul do país. O posterior acoplamento dessa perturbação com uma onda mais curta e baroclínica determina o avanço mais rápido da frente fria, assim como sua intensificação em termos de contraste de temperatura, advecção de vorticidade e divergência em altura. Esses fatores, somados à maior umidade e temperatura da massa de ar precedente, explicam a ocorrência de chuvas mais volumosas.
CONFERÊNCIAS E CONSELHOS: É POSSÍVEL PENSAR EM INTERAÇÃO SISTÊMICA? O CASO DA ASSISTÊNCIA SOCIAL NO BRASIL
Authors: Lins Isabella Lourenço
Published: July 2016

Entre as diversas experiências de participação que compõe a arquitetura participativa brasileira, esse artigo apresenta um estudo de caso que analisa as possibilidades de uma interação sistêmica entre conselhos e conferências de Assistência Social. A partir de uma análise documental, busca-se identificar possíveis conectores sistêmicos que indicam a existência de interação entre essas Instituições Participativas (IPs). O artigo apresenta uma breve revisão teórica sobre as IPs, os padrões de ação dentro desses espaços e a idéia de sistema deliberativo. Também são apresentados possíveis indicadores de interação sistêmica. O artigo foca sua análise no desenho institucional dessas IPs, que é apontado como um conector sistêmico (MENDONÇA, 2013). A análise do desenho institucional dos conselhos e conferências na Assistência Social evidencia a existência de uma interação sistêmica, em termos normativos, entre os mesmos.
ELEGENDO MULHERES - IDEOLOGIA PARTIDÁRIA, FEMINISMO E INCLUSÃO DE MULHERES NA POLÍTICA
Authors: Gomes Larissa Peixoto Vale
Published: July 2016

Este artigo foca na relação entre candidatas e partidos, buscando como a ideologia partidária e o feminismo podem estruturar estes relacionamentos. Em um survey com 81 candidatas à Assembleia Legislativa de Minas Gerais em 2010, as respondentes se sentem negligenciadas e acreditam que isso tem um efeito negativo considerável sobre suas chances de sucesso, independentemente da ideologia do partido. Entrevistas semiestruturadas com três presidentes partidários estaduais de Minas Gerais (representando esquerda, centro e direita) demonstram que a retórica partidária pode ser bastante diferente, mas que ações internas diferem apenas ligeiramente. O estudo busca apresentar a percepção das candidatas sobre sua presença em seus partidos, e como lideranças estaduais de três partidos veem a presença feminina e a inclusão das mulheres na política. Essa pesquisa corrobora estudos prévios com dados novos, e apresenta novos conhecimentos ao campo de gênero e política.
O PESSOAL É POLÍTICO: A CRÍTICA FEMINISTA DE NANCY FRASER E CATHERINE MACKINNON A JÜRGEN HABERMAS
Authors: Barbosa Camila Palhares , Maia Tatiana Vargas
Published: July 2016

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar as críticas feministas elaboradas por Nancy Fraser e Catherine MacKinnon à teoria política proposta por Jürgen Habermas. Adotando um recorte de gênero para analisar as propostas avançadas por Habermas, tanto Fraser como MacKinnon desenvolvem conclusões semelhantes: ainda que a articulação sócio-política de Habermas seja interessante – inclusive em sua tentativa de abarcar e contemplar demandas do movimento feminista – a teoria habermasiana é falha em admitir uma das principais reivindicações e ponto de crítica fundamental do feminismo contemporâneo à teoria política que não parte de um recorte de gênero, qual seja, o não questionamento da ideia de separação nítida entre as esferas públicas e privadas. Como propósito de explicitar a articulação dessas críticas, propomos uma análise dos principais aspectos do agir comunicativo proposto por Habermas a partir de premissas feministas, na tentativa de centralizar questões de gênero na teoria habermasiana. Para tanto, primeiramente apresentamos uma leitura das noções das esferas do agir comunicativo e da diferenciação entre público e privado em Habermas através da crítica elaborada por Nancy Fraser. Em um segundo momento, discutimos perspectivas de poder e de razão, demonstrando sua problematização a partir da visão feminista radical de Catherine MacKinnon.
A INCLUSÃO DE MULHERES NO PARLAMENTO COMO MEDIDA DE JUSTIÇA SOCIAL: ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DOS SISTEMAS DE COTAS DO BRASIL E DA BOLÍVIA
Authors: Venturini Anna Carolina , Rocha Villela Renata
Published: July 2016

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar os principais argumentos a respeito da representação política como instrumento de inclusão política e justiça social. Para tanto, sua primeira parte destaca como o conceito de representação evoluiu para considerar essencial à democracia a inclusão de grupos, em especial as mulheres, nos processos decisórios. A segunda parte irá abordar a política brasileira de cotas para mulheres, com foco na análise das leis e seus resultados, para verificar quais aspectos têm contribuído para sua inclusão no Poder Legislativo. Ainda nesta seção, far-se-á uma comparação entre as políticas de cotas adotadas no Brasil e na Bolívia, que é o segundo colocado no mundo e o primeiro na América Latina em número de mulheres eleitas. Em arremate, apresentaremos as conclusões no sentido de que a política de cotas de gênero no Brasil ainda não logrou atingir os fins almejados, vez que, para além das previsões legais, pouco foi feito para contribuir com o aumento da presença das mulheres no Parlamento. A partir do estudo comparativo, sustentamos que alguns mecanismos da política de cotas boliviana poderiam ser replicados no Brasil, de modo a proporcionar maior inclusão de mulheres no Poder Legislativo.
COMO CRIAR E CLASSIFICAR CATEGORIAS PARA FAZER ANÁLISE DE CONTEÚDO: UMA QUESTÃO METODOLÓGICA
Authors: Carlomagno Márcio C , Rocha Leonardo Caetano da
Published: July 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a metodologia de análise de conteúdo, a partir de uma revisão e sistematização da literatura norte-americana fundadora da área. Resumem-se cinco regras que orientam a etapa de criação e classificação de categorias coerentes de análise: 1) devem existir regras claras de inclusão e exclusão nas categorias; 2) as categorias precisam ser mutuamente excludentes; 3) as categorias não podem ser muito amplas, sendo seu conteúdo homogêneo entre si; 4) as categorias devem contemplar todos conteúdos possíveis e “outro” precisa ser residual; 5) a classificação deve ser objetiva, não passível de ser codificada de forma diferente a depender a interpretação do analista. Ao fim, discutimos o equilíbrio entre comparabilidade e adaptabilidade na criação de categorias. A relevância do artigo está em sistematizar os aspectos desta metodologia para pós-graduandos interessados em conduzir estudos com tal técnica.
An Algebraic Pedotransfer Function to Calculate Standardized in situ Determined Field Capacity
Authors: Ottoni Filho Theophilo B. , Leal Isaias F. , De Macedo José Ronaldo , Reis Bruno C. B.
Published: July 2016

Despite the large applicability of the field capacity (FC) concept in hydrology and engineering, it presents various ambiguities and inconsistencies due to a lack of methodological procedure standardization. Experimental field and laboratory protocols taken from the literature were used in this study to determine the value of FC for different depths in 29 soil profiles, totaling 209 soil samples. The volumetric water content (theta) values were also determined at three suction values (6 kPa, 10 kPa, 33 kPa), along with bulk density (BD), texture (T) and organic matter content (OM). The protocols were devised based on the water processes involved in the FC concept aiming at minimizing hydraulic inconsistencies and procedural difficulty while maintaining the practical meaning of the concept. A high correlation between FC and theta(6 kPa) allowed the development of a pedotransfer function (Equation 3) quadratic for theta(6 kPa), resulting in an accurate and nearly bias-free calculation of FC for the four database geographic areas, with a global root mean squared residue (RMSR) of 0.026 m3·m-3. At the individual soil profile scale, the maximum RMSR was only 0.040 m3·m-3. The BD, T and OM data were generally of a low predicting quality regarding FC when not accompanied by the moisture variables. As all the FC values were obtained by the same experimental protocol and as the predicting quality of Equation 3 was clearly better than that of the classical method, which considers FC equal to theta(6), theta(10) or theta(33), we recommend using Equation 3 rather than the classical method, as well as the protocol presented here, to determine in-situ FC.
Mycorrhizal Fungi Collected from the Rhizospheres around Different Olive Cultivars Vary in Their Ability to Improve Growth and Polyphenol Levels in Leeks
Authors: Malik Nasir S. A. , Nuñez Alberto , McKeever Lindsay C. , Kunta Madhurababu , Douds David , Needleman David S.
Published: July 2016

Mycorrhizal fungus spores and propagules were collected from the soils in the vicinity of roots of five different olive cultivars. These mycorrhizal fungus communities were amplified in trap cultures and then their effect on the growth and polyphenol levels of leek plants was determined. All mycorrhizal fungus communities increased plant growth in leeks when compared to controls. In addition, communities from the roots of Frantoio and Manzanillo significantly increased plant growth, in terms of plant height and dry weights, as compared to plants that were given mycorrhizal fungus collected from cultivar Mission. Plants inoculated with mycorrhizal fungus from Frantoio also had an increase in 14 polyphenols compared to uninoculated plants. A majority of polyphenol peaks were also higher in leek plants inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi from Frantoio roots when compared to plants inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi from other olive cultivars. The affected polyphenols were identified by mass spectrometry and were mostly found to be derivatives (e.g., pentose, hexose, malonyl, feruyl, and coumaroyl) of quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin; four remained unidentified. Molecular fingerprinting of mycorrhizal fungus communities from different olive cultivars indicated that fungi of the family Gigasporaceae were a major component of inocula obtained from Frantoio and Manzanillo roots, which were better performers in terms of plant growth and polyphenol content. Mycorrhizal fungi from cv Mission roots were relatively poor performers and were dominated by the mycorrhizae of the family Glomeraceae, specicifally the genus Rhizophagus.
Response of Pumpkin and Chinese Cabbage to Increasing Copper and Cobalt Levels in Irrigation Water on Sandy and Clay Loam Soils
Authors: Volk John , Chishala Benson H.
Published: July 2016

A study where Chinese cabbage and pumpkin crops were grown on sandy loam and clay loam soils and irrigated with water contaminated with five levels of contamination from 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100% of smelter water was carried out in a greenhouse. Copper concentration in Chinese cabbage ranged from 4.0 mg/kg in control treatments to 539.0 mg/kg in 100% contaminated water. In pumpkin, Cu ranged from 9.0 mg/kg in control to 142.0 mg/kg when irrigate with 100% contaminated water. Mean Cu in plants grown on sandy loam soil was 217.4 mg/kg dry and 79.3 mg/kg when grown on clay loam. Co in plants grown on sandy loam soil was 86.6 mg/kg and 47.0 mg/kg on clay loam soil. Increasing above ground tissue Cu in Chinese cabbage results in biomass yield decrease according to the equation Y = 7.624e-0.0016x, (R2 = 0.74) and in pumpkin decreased according to the equation Y = 8.4895e-0.004x (R2 = 0.58).This study suggests that Chinese cabbage tends to accumulate higher amounts of Cu and Co than pumpkin. It can be concluded from this study that irrigating crops with contaminated results in higher uptake of contaminants and reduced biomass on sandy loam than clay loam soils.
Types of social support and parental acceptance among transfemale youth and their impact on mental health, sexual debut, history of sex work and condomless anal intercourse
Authors: Le Victory , Arayasirikul Sean , Chen Yea‐Hung , Jin Harry , Wilson Erin C
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Transfemale youth (TFY) are an underserved and understudied population at risk for numerous poor physical and mental health outcomes, most notably HIV. Research suggests that parental acceptance and social support may serve as protective factors against HIV and other risks for TFY; however, it is unclear whether TFY receive primary social support from parents with or without parental acceptance of their gender identity. This study examines differences in parental acceptance, mental health and the HIV risk factors of history of sex work, age at sexual debut and engagement in condomless anal intercourse between TFY with two types of primary social support – non‐parental primary social support (NPPSS) and parental primary social support (PPSS).

Methods

Cross‐sectional data collected from 301 TFY from 2012 to 2014 in the San Francisco Bay Area were analyzed to determine differences in parental acceptance, mental health and HIV risk factors between youth with and without PPSS. Univariate statistics and chi‐squared tests were conducted to determine if parental acceptance and health outcomes were correlated with type of social support.

Results

Two‐hundred fifty‐one participants (83.7%) reported having NPPSS, and 49 (16.3%) reported PPSS. Significantly more youth with PPSS reported affirmative responses on parental acceptance items than their NPPSS counterparts. For example, 87.8% of youth with PPSS reported that their parents believed they could have a happy future as a trans adult, compared with 51.6% of youth with NPPSS (p<0.001). Fewer participants with PPSS reported symptoms of psychological distress (2.0% vs. 12.5%, p=0.057), though this finding was not statistically significant; no significant associations were found between primary social support type and HIV risk factors.

Conclusions

These results suggest that TFY with parental acceptance of their gender identity may be more likely to reach out to their parents as their primary source of social support. Interventions focused on parental acceptance of their child's gender identity may have the most promise for creating parental social support systems in the lives of TFY.
How Peru introduced a plan for comprehensive HIV prevention and care for transwomen
Authors: Salazar Ximena , Núnez‐Curto Arón , Villayzán Jana , Castillo Regina , Benites Carlos , Caballero Patricia , Cáceres Carlos F
Published: July 2016

Introduction

As a group, transwomen in Peru have the highest prevalence of HIV (>20%) in the country, but they have little access to HIV prevention, testing and care services. Until recently, Peru's national HIV programme did not recognize transwomen and had remained essentially static for decades. This changed in December 2014, when the Ministry of Health expressed its commitment to improve programming for transwomen and to involve transwomen organizations by prioritizing the development of a “Targeted Strategy Plan of STIs/HIV/AIDS Prevention and Comprehensive Care for Transwomen.”

Discussion

A policy dialogue between key stakeholders – Peru's Ministry of Health, academic scientists, civil society, transgender leaders and international agencies – created the conditions for a change in Peru's national HIV policy for transwomen. Supported by the effective engagement of all sectors, the Ministry of Health launched a plan to provide comprehensive HIV prevention and care for transwomen. The five‐year plan includes new national guidelines for HIV prevention, care and support, and country‐level investments in infrastructure and equipment. In addition to new biomedical strategies, the plan also incorporates several strategies to address structural factors that contribute to the vulnerability of transwomen. We identified three key factors that created the right conditions for this change in Peru's HIV policy. These factors include (1) the availability of solid evidence, based on scientific research; (2) ongoing efforts within the transwomen community to become better advocates of their own rights; and (3) a dialogue involving honest discussions between stakeholders about possibilities of changing the nation's HIV policy.

Conclusions

The creation of Peru's national plan for HIV prevention and care for transwomen shows that long‐term processes, focused on human rights for transwomen in Peru, can lead to organizational and public‐policy change.
HIV prevention among transgender women in Latin America: implementation, gaps and challenges
Authors: Silva‐Santisteban Alfonso , Eng Shirley , de la Iglesia Gabriela , Falistocco Carlos , Mazin Rafael
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Transgender women are the population most vulnerable to HIV in Latin America, with prevalence between 18 and 38%. Although the region has improved antiretroviral coverage, there is an urgent need to strengthen HIV prevention for key populations to meet regional targets set by governments. We conducted an assessment on the state of HIV prevention among transgender women in Latin America.

Methods

We conducted a desk review of Global AIDS Response Progress Reports, national strategic plans, technical reports and peer‐reviewed articles from 17 Latin American countries published through January 2015. The review was preceded by 12 semi‐structured interviews with UNAIDS and Pan American Health Organization officers and a discussion group with transgender women regional leaders, to guide the identification of documents. We assessed access to, implementation and coverage of programmes; legal frameworks; community participation; inclusion of new strategies; and alignment with international recommendations.

Results and discussion

Overall, prevention activities in the region focus on condom distribution, diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections and peer education, mostly delivered at health facilities, with limited community involvement. Argentina and Uruguay have implemented structural interventions to address social inclusion. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico have adopted early initiation of antiretroviral therapy and treatment as prevention strategies. The other countries do not have substantial tailored interventions and consider the trans population a sub‐population of men who have sex with men in data collection and programme implementation. Limited coverage of services, discrimination and a deep‐seated mistrust of the health system among transgender women are the main barriers to accessing HIV prevention services. Promising interventions include health services adapted to transgender women in Mexico; LGBT‐friendly clinics in Argentina that incorporate community and health workers in mixed teams; task‐shifting to community‐based organizations; mobile HIV testing; and gender identity laws.

Conclusions

Transgender women in Latin America continue to have limited access to HIV prevention services, which presents a bottleneck for reaching prevention goals and incorporating new prevention interventions. Prevention programmes should be rights‐based; offer tailored, holistic interventions; and involve transgender women in their design and implementation.
Transgender social inclusion and equality: a pivotal path to development
Authors: Divan Vivek , Cortez Clifton , Smelyanskaya Marina , Keatley JoAnne
Published: July 2016

Introduction

The rights of trans people are protected by a range of international and regional mechanisms. Yet, punitive national laws, policies and practices targeting transgender people, including complex procedures for changing identification documents, strip transgender people of their rights and limit access to justice. This results in gross violations of human rights on the part of state perpetrators and society at large. Transgender people's experience globally is that of extreme social exclusion that translates into increased vulnerability to HIV, other diseases, including mental health conditions, limited access to education and employment, and loss of opportunities for economic and social advancement. In addition, hatred and aggression towards a group of individuals who do not conform to social norms around gender manifest in frequent episodes of extreme violence towards transgender people. This violence often goes unpunished.

Discussion

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) views its work in the area of HIV through the lens of human rights and advances a range of development solutions such as poverty reduction, improved governance, active citizenship, and access to justice. This work directly relates to advancing the rights of transgender people. This manuscript lays out the various aspects of health, human rights, and development that frame transgender people's issues and outlines best practice solutions from transgender communities and governments around the globe on how to address these complex concerns. The examples provided in the manuscript can help guide UN agencies, governments, and transgender activists in achieving better standards of health, access to justice, and social inclusion for transgender communities everywhere.

Conclusions

The manuscript provides a call to action for countries to urgently address the violations of human rights of transgender people in order to honour international obligations, stem HIV epidemics, promote gender equality, strengthen social and economic development, and put a stop to untrammelled violence.
Factors associated with physical and sexual violence by police among people who inject drugs in Ukraine: implications for retention on opioid agonist therapy
Authors: Kutsa Oksana , Marcus Ruthanne , Bojko Martha J , Zelenev Alexei , Mazhnaya Alyona , Dvoriak Sergii , Filippovych Sergii , Altice Frederick L
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Ukraine's volatile HIV epidemic, one of the largest in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, remains concentrated in people who inject drugs (PWID). HIV prevalence is high (21.3% to 41.8%) among the estimated 310,000 PWID. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is the most cost‐effective HIV prevention strategy there, yet OAT services are hampered by negative attitudes and frequent harassment of OAT clients and site personnel by law enforcement. This paper examines the various types of police violence that Ukrainian PWID experience and factors associated with the different types of violence, as well as the possible implications of police harassment on OAT retention.

Methods

In 2014 to 2015, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey in five Ukrainian cities with 1613 PWID currently, previously and never on OAT, using a combination of respondent‐driven sampling, as well as random sampling. We analysed correlates of police violence by multiple factors, including by gender, and their effects on duration of OAT retention. Self‐reported physical and sexual violence by police were the two primary outcomes, while retention on OAT was used as a secondary outcome.

Results

Overall, 1033 (64.0%) PWID reported being physically assaulted by police, which was positively correlated with currently or previously being on OAT (69.1% vs. 60.2%; p<0.01). HIV prevalence rates were higher in those receiving OAT than those not on OAT (47.6% vs. 36.1%; p<0.01). Police violence experiences differed by sex, with men experiencing significantly more physical violence, while women experienced more sexual violence (65.9% vs. 42.6%; p<0.01). For PWID who had successfully accessed OAT, longer OAT retention was significantly correlated both with sexual assault by police and fewer non‐fatal overdoses.

Conclusions

Police violence is a frequent experience among PWID in Ukraine, particularly for those accessing OAT, an evidence‐based primary and secondary HIV prevention strategy. Police violence experiences, however, were different for men and women, and interventions with police that address these sexual differences and focus on non‐violent interactions with PWID to improve access and retention on OAT are crucial for improving HIV prevention and treatment goals for Ukraine.
The activation of μ‐opioid receptor potentiates LPS‐induced NF‐kB promoting an inflammatory phenotype in microglia
Authors: Gessi Stefania , Borea Pier Andrea , Bencivenni Serena , Fazzi Debora , Varani Katia , Merighi Stefania
Published: July 2016

Increased production of proinflammatory cytokines has a prominent role in tolerance to opioids. The objectives of this study were to examine whether μ‐opioid receptor affects proinflammatory signalling through the activation of NF‐kB in microglia. The novelty of the described research is that a low dose of morphine, exerting its effects via the μ‐opioid receptor, increases the DNA‐binding activity of NF‐kB via PKCε, while a high dose of morphine triggers a nonopiate receptor response mediated by TLR4 and, interestingly, PKCε signalling. The identification of morphine as a crucial upstream regulator of PKCε‐NF‐κB signalling in microglia argues for a central role of these pathways in neuroinflammation development and progression. Therefore, the morphine‐PKCε‐NF‐κB pathway may provide novel targets to induce neuroprotective mechanisms, thereby reducing tolerance to opioids.
Energy dependence of SEP electron and proton onset times
Authors: Xie H. , Mäkelä P. , Gopalswamy N. , St. Cyr O. C.
Published: July 2016

We study the large solar energetic particle (SEP) events that were detected by GOES in the >10 MeV energy channel during December 2006 to March 2014. We derive and compare solar particle release (SPR) times for the 0.25–10.4 MeV electrons and 10–100 MeV protons for the 28 SEP events. In the study, the electron SPR times are derived with the time‐shifting analysis (TSA) and the proton SPR times are derived using both the TSA and the velocity dispersion analysis (VDA). Electron anisotropies are computed to evaluate the amount of scattering for the events under study. Our main results include (1) near‐relativistic electrons and high‐energy protons are released at the same time within 8 min for most (16 of 23) SEP events. (2)There exists a good correlation between electron and proton acceleration, peak intensity, and intensity time profiles. (3) The TSA SPR times for 90.5 MeV and 57.4 MeV protons have maximum errors of 6 min and 10 min compared to the proton VDA release times, respectively, while the maximum error for 15.4 MeV protons can reach to 32 min. (4) For 7 low‐intensity events of the 23, large delays occurred for 6.5 MeV electrons and 90.5 MeV protons relative to 0.5 MeV electrons. Whether these delays are due to times needed for the evolving shock to be strengthened or due to particle transport effects remains unsolved.
Latitudinal gradients in tree ring stable carbon and oxygen isotopes reveal differential climate influences of the North American Monsoon System
Authors: Szejner Paul , Wright William E. , Babst Flurin , Belmecheri Soumaya , Trouet Valerie , Leavitt Steven W. , Ehleringer James R. , Monson Russell K.
Published: July 2016

The arrival of the North American Monsoon System (NAMS) terminates a presummer hyperarid period in the southwestern United States (U.S.), providing summer moisture that is favorable for forest growth. Montane forests in this region rely on winter snowpack to drive much of their growth; the extent to which they use NAMS moisture is uncertain. We addressed this by studying stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in earlywood and latewood from 11 sites along a latitudinal gradient extending from Arizona and New Mexico to Utah. This study provides the first regional perspective on the relative roles of winter versus summer precipitation as an ecophysiological resource. Here we present evidence that Ponderosa pine uses NAMS moisture differentially across this gradient. 13C/12C ratios suggest that photosynthetic water use efficiency during latewood formation is more sensitive to summer precipitation at the northern than at the southern sites. This is likely due to the fact that NAMS moisture provides sufficiently favorable conditions for tree photosynthesis and growth during most years in the southern sites, whereas the northern sites experience larger summer moisture variability, which in some years is limiting growth. Cellulose δ18O and δ13C values revealed that photoassimilates in the southern sites were produced under higher vapor pressure deficit conditions during spring compared to summer, demonstrating a previously underappreciated effect of seasonal differences in atmospheric humidity on tree ring isotope ratios. Our findings suggest that future changes in NAMS will potentially alter productivity and photosynthetic water use dynamics differentially along latitudinal gradients in southwestern U.S. montane forests.
Multiport power router and its impact on future smart grids
Authors: Kado Yuichi , Shichijo Daiki , Wada Keiji , Iwatsuki Katsumi
Published: July 2016

We propose a Y configuration power router as a unit cell to easily construct a power delivery system that can meet many types of user requirements. The Y configuration power router controls the direction and magnitude of power flows between three ports regardless of DC or AC. We constructed a prototype three‐way isolated DC/DC converter that is the core unit of the Y configuration power router. The electrical insulation between three ports assures safety and reliability for power network systems. We then tested the operation of power flow control. The experimental results revealed that our methodology based on a governing equation was appropriate to control the power flow of the three‐way DC/DC converter. In addition, a distribution network composed of power routers had the ability to easily enable interchanges of electrical power between autonomous microgrid cells. We also explored the requirements for communication between energy routers to achieve dynamic adjustments of energy flows in a coordinated manner and their impact on resilient power grid systems.
Autonomy Architectures
Authors: Viguria Antidio
Published: July 2016

The use of UAS that require a high level of autonomy is acquiring importance, especially in civil applications in complex and dangerous environments. In order to develop an autonomous UAS that implements complex behaviors, the use of a proper architecture to organize and manage all the different functionalities takes a relevant role.

There are an important number of types of architectures for autonomous systems. However, the three‐layer architecture has been the most implemented and tested during the last 20 years. On the other hand, UAS present a number of particularities that should be considered when designing an autonomous UAS. These particularities require a decomposition of the autonomy architecture into two major levels. Therefore, these two levels are commented in detail explaining the different functionalities that could be implemented in each of them.

Finally, an example of an autonomy architecture, implemented on a highly autonomous UAS and developed within the ARCAS project, is presented as a case study.
Pragmatic Treatment of Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Rituximab: Long‐Term Effects on Serum Immunoglobulins
Authors: Reddy Venkat , Martinez Lina , Isenberg David A. , Leandro Maria J. , Cambridge Geraldine
Published: July 2016

Objective

B cell–depletion therapy based on rituximab is a therapeutic option for refractory disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this observational study was to document long‐term effects on B cell function by following serum immunoglobulin levels in patients with SLE treated with rituximab in routine clinical practice.

Methods

We included 57 consecutive patients with SLE treated with rituximab and concomitant/sequential immunosuppressants and measured serum total IgG, IgM, and IgA and IgG anti‐dsDNA antibodies, over a median of 48 months most recent followup. Flow cytometry was used prospectively to assess B cell phenotypes in 17 of 57 patients.

Results

Twelve patients (21%) had persistent IgM hypogammaglobulinemia (<0.4 gm/liter), and 4 of 57 (5%) had low IgG (<7 gm/liter) at the most recent followup (range 12–144 months). This was not associated with serious adverse events or high anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies (>1,000 IU/ml; normal <50 IU/ml). Factors predictive of low serum IgM included baseline serum IgM ≤0.8 gm/liter (receiver operator curve analysis) and subsequent therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; odds ratio 6.8, compared with other immunosuppressants). In patients maintaining normal IgM levels (9 of 17), the frequency of circulating IgD+CD27+ B cells was significantly higher (P = 0.05). At 12 months after rituximab, 7 of 30 SLE patients with baseline anti‐dsDNA ≤1,000 IU/ml had lost seropositivity.

Conclusion

Lower baseline serum IgM levels and sequential therapy with MMF were predictive of IgM hypogammaglobulinemia after rituximab in SLE, but this was not associated with higher levels of anti‐dsDNA antibodies or an increased risk of infections. This provides useful directions for clinicians regarding rituximab and sequential immunosuppressive treatment for patients with SLE.
Dual‐Encoded Microbeads through a Host–Guest Structure: Enormous, Flexible, and Accurate Barcodes for Multiplexed Assays
Authors: Zhang Ding Sheng‐zi , Jiang Yang , Yang Haiou , Zhu Youjie , Zhang Shunjia , Zhu Ying , Wei Dan , Lin Ye , Wang Pingping , Fu Qihua , Xu Hong , Gu Hongchen
Published: July 2016

Bead‐based suspension arrays have attracted increasing attention because of the fast growing requirements for high‐throughput multiplexed bioassays. Here, novel dual‐encoded microbeads (DEBs) based on a host–guest structure are developed. A strawberry‐like structure composed of thousands of dye‐doped nanoparticles closely packed onto the quantum dot‐encoded microbeads is designed and synthesized. Using this 3D structure, the encoded space is fully developed for multicolor encoding. As a result, a 30‐barcode library with an outstanding encoding capacity is successfully established and easily decoded via flow cytometry. The separation of organic dyes and quantum dots into two building blocks helps circumvent the optical mutual interference commonly observed in most multicolor barcodes, bringing great convenience for next‐step decoding accuracy. As a proof of concept, six typical DEBs are chosen and their feasibility in six‐plexed detection for influenza viruses is evaluated. The results show that DEBs can selectively capture the specific targets, with negligible nonspecific absorption; these results thus demonstrate the strong potential of the DEBs as a robust platform for multiplexed bioassays.