bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifurcation Analysis at a Singular Soliton State in Fiber Couplers
Authors: Buffoni Boris
Published: March 2016

The system

describes pulses in nonlinear fiber couplers. It has the family (U1+λ, -U1+λ), -1 < λ < ∞, of soliton states (that is, homoclinic solutions to the origin), where

For λ ≥ 1, the equilibrium (0, 0) is not hyperbolic and therefore the soliton state (U1+λ, −U1+λ) can be qualified as “singular”. In N. Akhmediev and A. Ankiewicz [1], it is observed numerically that a branch of homoclinic solutions bifurcates subcritically at λ = 1 from the family (U1+λ, −U1+λ). The aim of the present paper is to give a rigorous proof of the existence of this bifurcation, as desired in A. Ambrosetti and D. Arcoya [3]. A particular feature of the present problem is that the linearized system at (U2, −U2) has a non-constant bounded solution that does not vanish at infinity. Hence the bifurcating homoclinic solutions have a transient “spatial” region where they are well described with the help of this bounded function. Moreover the decay to 0 is governed by two different scales, the larger one originating from the singular aspect of (U2, −U2). The existence proof developed here relies on the “broken geodesic” technique to match the inside transient region with the outside region.
Counterexamples to C2 Boundary Estimates for a Fully Nonlinear Yamabe Problem on Manifolds with Boundary
Authors: Li YanYan , Nguyen Luc
Published: March 2016

On closed manifolds, gradient and Hessian a priori estimates for fully nonlinear Yamabe problems are known to hold. On manifolds with boundary, gradient estimates are known to hold, while Hessian estimates hold if the prescribed mean curvature is positive. Examples are given here which show that Hessian estimates can fail when the mean curvature is negative.
ω-Index Theory and Linear Stability of Elliptic Lagrangian Solutions of the Classical Three-Body Problem
Authors: Long Yiming
Published: March 2016

It is well known that the linear stability of Lagrangian elliptic equilateral triangle homographic solutions in the classical planar three-body problem depends on the mass parameter β = 27(m1m2 + m2m3 + m3m1)/(m1 + m2 + m3)2 ∈ [0, 9] and the eccentricity ℯ ∈ [0, 1). We are not aware of any existing analytical method which relates the linear stability of these solutions to these two parameters directly in the full rectangle [0, 9] × [0, 1), besides perturbation methods for ℯ > 0 small enough, blow-up techniques for e sufficiently close to 1, and numerical studies. In the recent paper [5], X. Hu, S. Sun and the author introduced a new rigorous analytical method to study the linear stability of these solutions in terms of the two parameters in the full (β, ℯ) range [0, 9] × [0, 1) via the ω-index theory of symplectic paths for ω belonging to the unit circle of the complex plane, and the theory of linear operators. This is an expository article on [5]. In Section 1 of this paper we give a brief review on the history of this stability problem, and describe recent results obtained in [5]. Then in Section 2, after reviewing the ω-index theory in [15], the ω-index decreasing property of the elliptic Lagragian solutions in β for fixed ℯ ∈ [0, 1) proved in [5] is introduced, then the existence of three curves located from left to right in the parameter rectangle [0, 9] × [0, 1) is explained. Among these three curves, two are precisely the −1 degeneracy curves and the third one is the left boundary curve of the hyperbolic subregion in [0, 9] × [0, 1). Then in Section 3, it is explained why the linear stability pattern of such an elliptic Lagrangian solution qβ,ℯ changes if and only if the parameter (β, ℯ) passes through one of these three curves. Some open problems on related topics are suggested at the end of this paper.
Pairs of Nodal Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Problems with One-sided Growth Conditions
Authors: Boscaggin Alberto , Zanolin Fabio
Published: March 2016

Boundary value problems of Sturm-Liouville and periodic type for the second order nonlinear ODE uʺ + λf(t, u) = 0 are considered. Multiplicity results are obtained, for λ positive and large, under suitable growth restrictions on f(t, u) of superlinear type at u = 0 and of sublinear type at u = ∞. Only one-sided growth conditions are required. Applications are given to the equation uʺ + λq(t)f(u) = 0, allowing also a weight function q(t) of nonconstant sign.
Bifurcation Results of Positive Solutions for an Indefinite Nonlinear Elliptic System II
Authors: Tian Rushun , Wang Zhi-Qiang
Published: March 2016

We study local and global bifurcations of the following elliptic system

where the constant a is greater than the principal eigenvalue of (-Δ,Ω), and Ω ⊂ ℝN is a bounded smooth domain (N ≤ 3). The parameters μ1,μ2 are real numbers. We identify some intervals of β in which there exist finitely many bifurcation points with respect to a trivial solution branch. In particular, when N = 1 or Ω is radial, every bifurcation branch exists globally and is characterized by a nodal property for the difference of the two components of the solutions.
N-Laplacian Equations in ℝN with Subcritical and Critical GrowthWithout the Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz Condition
Authors: Lam Nguyen , Lu Guozhen
Published: March 2016

Let Ω be a bounded domain in ℝN. In this paper, we consider the following nonlinear elliptic equation of N-Laplacian type:

when f is of subcritical or critical exponential growth. This nonlinearity is motivated by the Moser-Trudinger inequality. In fact, we will prove the existence of a nontrivial nonnegative solution to (0.1) without the Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz (AR) condition. Earlier works in the literature on the existence of nontrivial solutions to N−Laplacian in ℝN when the nonlinear term f has the exponential growth only deal with the case when f satisfies the (AR) condition. Our approach is based on a suitable version of the Mountain Pass Theorem introduced by G. Cerami [9, 10, 21]. Examples of f and comparison with earlier assumptions in the literature are given.
Morse Decomposition of Attractors for Non-autonomous Dynamical Systems
Authors: Caraballo Tomás , Jara Juan C. , Langa José A. , Liu Zhenxin
Published: March 2016

A Morse decomposition of a global attractor describes its internal dynamics, i.e., the dynamics on invariant compact sets in the attractor and the connections between them. When we deal with non-autonomous dynamical systems, the concept of pullback attractor for the associated skew-product flow appears as a powerful tool to analyze the asymptotic behaviour of these systems. In this paper we develop a Morse decomposition theory for pullback attractors of non-autonomous dynamical systems in Banach spaces with compact base space which, in particular, defines a (non-autonomous) Lyapunov functional on the attractor describing a decaying energy level on the evolution of trajectories.
Weak Solutions and Energy Estimates for a Class of Nonlinear Elliptic Neumann Problems
Authors: Bonanno Gabriele , Molica Bisci Giovanni , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D.
Published: March 2016

We establish existence results and energy estimates of solutions for a homogeneous Neumann problem involving the p-Laplace operator. The case of large dimensions, corresponding to the lack of compactness of W1,p(Ω) in C0(Ω̅) is also considered. In particular, for a precise localization of the parameter, the existence of a non-zero solution is established, without requiring any asymptotic condition at zero or at infinity of the nonlinear term. In the case of (p − 1)-sublinear terms at the origin, we deduce the existence of solutions for small positive values of the parameter and we obtain that the corresponding solutions have smaller and smaller energies as the parameter goes to zero. Finally, a multiplicity result is obtained and concrete examples of applications are provided. A basic ingredient in our arguments is a recent local minimum theorem for differentiable functionals.
Global Attractors for p-Laplacian Equations with Dynamic Flux Boundary Conditions
Authors: You Bo , Zhong Chengkui
Published: March 2016

This paper studies the long-time behavior of solutions for p-Laplacian equations with a polynomial growth nonlinearity of arbitrary order and dynamic flux boundary conditions in d-dimensional bounded smooth domains. We first prove the existence of global attractors in L2(Ω)×L2(Γ) and Lq(Ω)×Lq(Γ) for the p-Laplacian evolution equations subject to dynamic nonlinear boundary conditions by using the Sobolev compactness embedding theory, and then the existence of (L2(Ω) × L2(Γ), L2(q−1)(Ω) × L2(q−1)(Γ))-global attractor is obtained by asymptotical regularity method. Finally, we prove the existence of global attractor in W1,p(Ω) ∩ Lq(Ω)) × Lq(Γ) by asymptotic a priori estimate.
Local Inversion of Planar Maps with Nice Nondifferentiability Structure
Authors: Poggiolini Laura , Spadini Marco
Published: March 2016

When the plane is pie-sliced in n ≤ 4 parts (with nonempty interior and common vertex at the origin) our main result provides sufficient conditions for any map L, that is continuous and piecewise linear relatively to this slicing, to be invertible. This result cannot be plainly extended to a greater number of slices. Also, some examples show that the assumptions cannot be relaxed too much. Our result is proved by a combination of linear algebra and topological arguments.
Entire Large Solutions to Elliptic Equations of Power Non-linearities with Variable Exponents
Authors: Lair Alan V. , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: March 2016

We give conditions on the variable exponent q that ensure the existence and nonexistence of a positive solution to the elliptic equation Δu = uq(x) on ℝN (N ≥ 3) which satisfies lim|x|→∞ u(x) = ∞. The nonnegative function q is required to be locally Hölder continuous on ℝN. We prove existence for q > 1 provided q(x) decays to unity rapidly as |x| → ∞. We treat the case q ≤ 1 as a special case of q − 1 changing signs and show that a solution exists provided q is asymptotically radial. In addition, we give an example to show that our results are nearly optimal.
Least Energy Solutions and Group Invariant Solutions of the Hénon Equation
Authors: Kajikiya Ryuji
Published: March 2016

In this paper we study the generalized Hénon equation in the unit ball, where the coefficient function may or may not change its sign. We prove that the least energy solution is not radial and moreover we show the existence of a group invariant positive solution without radial symmetry.
Some Results on Weak KAM Theory for Time-periodic Tonelli Lagrangian Systems
Authors: Wang Kaizhi , Li Yong
Published: March 2016

This paper contributes several results on weak KAM theory for time-periodic Tonelli Lagrangian systems. Wang and Yan [Commun. Math. Phys. 309 (2012), 663-691] introduced a new kind of Lax-Oleinik type operator associated with any time-periodic Tonelli Lagrangian. Firstly, using the new operator we give an equivalent definition of the backward weak KAM solution. Then we prove a result on the asymptotic behavior of the new operators with an arbitrary continuous function as initial condition, by taking advantage of the definition mentioned above. Finally, for a specific class of time-periodic Tonelli Lagrangians, we discuss the rate of convergence of the new operators.
Positive Solutions for Quasilinear Systems with Critical Growth
Authors: Guo Yuxia , Liu Xiangqing , Zhao Fukun
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we consider the following system:

where Ω ⊂ ℝN (N ≥ 3) is a smooth bounded domain and α, β, λ, μ > 1 are parameters with

. By using the perturbation method, we prove the existence of positive solutions for the problem (P). Indeed, the method we are using in this paper can be applied to the more general quasilinear system (see (1.7)).
Solutions with Polynomial Growth to an Autonomous Nonlinear Elliptic Problem
Authors: Wei Juncheng , Wang Kelei
Published: March 2016

We study the nonlinear elliptic problem

-Δu = Fʹ (u) in ℝn

where F(u) is a periodic function. Moser (1986) showed that for any minimal and nonself-intersecting solution, there exist α ∈ ℝn and C > 0 such that

(*) |u - α · x| ≤ C.

He also showed the existence of solutions with any prescribed α ∈ ℝn. In this note, we first prove that an solution satisfying (*) with nonzero vector α must be one dimensional. Then we show that in ℝ2, for any positive integer d ≥ 1 there exists a solution with polynomial growth |x|d.
Design of mechatronic systems through aspect and object-oriented modeling
Authors: Barbieri Giacomo , Derler Patricia , Auslander David M. , Borsari Roberto , Fantuzzi Cesare
Published: March 2016

Design of mechatronic systems involves the use of multiple disciplines, from mechanics to electronics and computer
science. Different granularities of hybrid co-simulations with increasing details can be used during the design process. However, there
is the need of modeling tools for effectively managing the necessary abstraction layers. This work proposes a combination of
Aspect-Oriented and Object-Oriented modeling for reaching the goal. Moreover, it shows how the utilization of these tools can
facilitate design-space exploration, segregation of domains of expertise and enhances co-design.
Automatic test case generation from requirements for industrial cyber-physical systems
Authors: Sinha Roopak , Pang Cheng , Martínez Gerardo Santillán , Vyatkin Valeriy
Published: March 2016

Industrial cyber-physical systems require complex software to orchestrate heterogeneous mechatronic components and control physical
processes. This software is typically developed and refined iteratively in a model-driven fashion. Testing such multi-dimensional
systems is extremely difficult as subsequent refinements may not correspond accurately with previous system models.

We propose a framework to generate test-cases from functional requirements at all stages in the model-driven engineering process.
A requirements ontology initially created during requirements engineering is iteratively refined such that test-cases can be generated
automatically. An industrial water process system case study illustrates the strengths of the proposed formalism. We also present an
automatic test-case generation and execution tool called REBATE (REquirements Based Automatic Testing Engine).
Bregman superquantiles. Estimation methods
and applications
Authors: Labopin-Richard T. , Gamboa F. , Garivier A. , Iooss B.
Published: March 2016

In thiswork,we extend some parameters built on a probability distribution introduced before to the
casewhere the proximity between real numbers is measured by using a Bregman divergence. This leads to the
definition of the Bregman superquantile (thatwe can connect with severalworks in economy, see for example
[18] or [9]). Axioms of a coherent measure of risk discussed previously (see [31] or [3]) are studied in the case
of Bregman superquantile. Furthermore,we deal with asymptotic properties of aMonte Carlo estimator of the
Bregman superquantile. Several numerical tests confirm the theoretical results and an application illustrates
the potential interests of the Bregman superquantile.
Facing face: non-professional interpreting in prison mental health interviews
Authors: Martínez-Gómez Aída
Published: March 2016

Face, or the public self-image that each individual claims for him-/herself, is continuously constructed and negotiated in interaction. In interpreter-mediated events, the interpreter’s actions may threaten, maintain or enhance the primary participants’ face, as well as their own. This single case study of a real-life interview between a prison psychologist and a foreign language-speaking inmate, interpreted by another inmate, aims to explore how and why the three members of the triad engage in face-threatening acts (Brown and Levinson 1987) and face-boosting acts (Bayraktaroglu 1991). The transcribed audio recording of the interview shows how this non-professional interpreter actively seeks to protect and improve his fellow prisoner’s face, as a potential expression of his in-group loyalty, but ultimately prioritizes his own social image in an attempt to present himself as cooperative and trustworthy before the psychologist. This analysis shows how underlying issues of social distance, power and trust forcefully shape conversational behaviors in the prison environment.
Isotherms and kinetic studies on adsorption of Hg(II) ions onto Ziziphus spina-christi L. from aqueous solutions
Authors: Hashem Ali , Al-Anwar Alaauddin , Nagy Negma M. , Hussein Doaa M. , Eisa Sara
Published: March 2016

L. (ZscL) is a plant residue that has been used as adsorbent for the removal of Hg(II) ions from an aqueous solution. The ability of ZscL to adsorb Hg(II) ions was investigated by using the batch adsorption procedure. It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to support the adsorption of Hg(II) ions. The effects of various parameters on the adsorption process, such as contact time, adsorbent concentration, solution pH and initial concentrations of metal ions were studied to optimize the conditions for maximum adsorption. Experimental equilibrium data were fitted to the Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Halsey and Temkin (two parameter models), Redlich-Peterson, Sips, Khan, Hill, Radke-Prausnitz, Langmuir-Freundlich and Toth (three parameter models), Fritz-Schlunder and Baudu (four parameter models) and Fritz-Schlunder (five parameter model) at 30°C by using nonlinear regression analysis. The examination of error analysis methods showed that the Halsey model provides the best fit for experimental data compared with the other isotherms. Various kinetic models have been applied to the experimental data to predict the adsorption kinetics. It was found that pseudo-second-order rate was better obeyed than pseudo-first-order reaction, supporting that the chemisorption process was involved. The obtained results show that ZscL can be used as an effective and natural low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Hg(II) ions from aqueous solutions.
The physiology of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea associated with energy deficiency in exercising women and in women with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Allaway Heather C.M. , Southmayd Emily A. , De Souza Mary Jane
Published: March 2016

An energy deficiency is the result of inadequate energy intake relative to high energy expenditure. Often observed with the development of an energy deficiency is a high drive for thinness, dietary restraint, and weight and shape concerns in association with eating behaviors. At a basic physiologic level, a chronic energy deficiency promotes compensatory mechanisms to conserve fuel for vital physiologic function. Alterations have been documented in resting energy expenditure (REE) and metabolic hormones. Observed metabolic alterations include nutritionally acquired growth hormone resistance and reduced insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations; hypercortisolemia; increased ghrelin, peptide YY, and adiponectin; and decreased leptin, triiodothyronine, and kisspeptin. The cumulative effect of the energetic and metabolic alterations is a suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Gonadotropin releasing hormone secretion is decreased with consequent suppression of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone release. Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary secretion alters the production of estrogen and progesterone resulting in subclinical or clinical menstrual dysfunction.
A link between hypothyroidism, obesity and male reproduction
Authors: Aiceles Veronica , da Fonte Ramos Cristiane
Published: March 2016

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the serum levels of thyroid hormones are below that necessary to carry out physiological functions in the body. Hypothyroidism is related to obesity as an increase in body weight gain is seen in hypothyroid patients. Moreover, an inverse correlation between free thyroxine values and body mass index has been reported. Leptin, a polypeptide hormone produced by adipocytes, was originally thought to be an antiobesity hormone due its anorexic effects on hypothalamic appetite regulation. However, nowadays it is known that leptin conveys information about the nutritional status to the brain being considered a crucial endocrine factor for regulating several physiological processes including reproduction. Since the identification of thyroid hormone and leptin receptors on the testes, these hormones are being recognized as having important roles in male reproductive functions. A clear link exists among thyroid hormones, leptin and reproduction. Both hormones can negatively affect spermatogenesis and consequently may cause male infertility. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the overall prevalence of primary infertility ranging from 8 to 15%. The fact that 30% of couples’ inability to conceive is related to a male factor and that the longer hypothyroidism persisted, the greater the damage to the testes, strongly suggest that more studies attempting to clarify both hormones actions directly in the testes need to be conducted specially in cases of congenital hypothyroidism. Therefore, the goal of this review is to highlight the relationship of such hormones in the reproductive system.
Hormones and endometrial carcinogenesis
Authors: Kamal Areege , Tempest Nicola , Parkes Christina , Alnafakh Rafah , Makrydima Sofia , Adishesh Meera , Hapangama Dharani K.
Published: March 2016

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the commonest gynaecological cancer in the Western World with an alarmingly increasing incidence related to longevity and obesity. Ovarian hormones regulate normal human endometrial cell proliferation, regeneration and function therefore are implicated in endometrial carcinogenesis directly or via influencing other hormones and metabolic pathways. Although the role of unopposed oestrogen in the pathogenesis of EC has received considerable attention, the emerging role of other hormones in this process, such as androgens and gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) is less well recognised. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge of the involvement of the three main endogenous ovarian hormones (oestrogens, progesterone and androgens) as well as the other hormones in endometrial carcinogenesis, to identify important avenues for future research.
Analysis of hydrobiological responses to anthropogenic and natural influences in a lagoon system in the Gulf of California
Authors: Arreola-Lizárraga José Alfredo , Padilla-Arredondo Gustavo , Medina-Galván Julio , Méndez-Rodríguez Lía , Mendoza-Salgado Renato , Cordoba-Matson Miguel V.
Published: March 2016

The hydrological characteristics and the rate of organic matter supply from coastal lagoons help to understand their responses to nutrient input by anthropogenic and natural sources. The aim of this study was to determine the hydrologic and trophic status of the El Rancho-Empalme lagoon system in a semiarid region in the Gulf of California, Mexico. This lagoon system consists of two geomorphological subsystems which are affected by nutrient inputs from shrimp farm effluents and coastal upwelling. Sampling was conducted over the course of one year and included measurements of temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, surface water grab samples to analyze nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, orthophosphate, and chlorophyll a. The trophic status was assessed using the TRophic IndeX (TRIX). The subsystems El Rancho and Empalme had a similar hydrological behavior throughout the year, reflecting a good exchange of water, materials and energy. The TRIX index showed oligotrophic state during spring, summer and autumn, and a mesotrophic state in winter. Nutrient inputs from shrimp farm effluents were not responsible for trophic status increases, however, coastal upwelling in the region plays an important role in the growing rate of seasonal supply of organic matter to these coastal lagoons.
Artificial hard substrate as a habitat for hard bottom benthic assemblages in the southern part of the Baltic Sea – a preliminary study
Authors: Brzana Radosław , Janas Urszula
Published: March 2016

Benthic species associated with hard substrate are known to form communities characterized by high abundance and biomass. Although the bottom of the Southern Baltic Sea is dominated by soft sediments, such communities find favorable conditions to thrive on artificial substrates of offshore constructions. The aim of this research was to characterize both short-term and long-term benthic communities associated with artificial hard bottom provided by man-made structures in the Southern Baltic Sea. Species composition as well as the abundance and biomass were examined at various sites. An inactive World War II torpedo testing facility in the Gulf of Gdansk served as a site for sampling long-term communities while short-term communities were sampled using settlement panels and PVC cylinders. Panels were deployed at the torpedo testing facility for 127 days. PVC cylinders were deployed for 141-190 days in the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone. Twenty six macrofaunal taxa, including 12 crustaceans, were identified during the research. Mytilus edulis and Amphibalanus improvisus were the most abundant invertebrates at sampled surfaces. Six non-indigenous species were found. For the first time adult individuals of Mytilopsis leucophaeata were found in the Polish Marine Areas indicating that it is possible for this non-indigenous species to reproduce in this region.
Postural instability and falls in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Crouse Jacob J. , Phillips Joseph R. , Jahanshahi Marjan , Moustafa Ahmed A.
Published: March 2016

Postural instability (PI) is one of the most debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), as it is associated with an increased risk of falls and subsequent medical complications (e.g. fractures), fear of falling, decreased mobility, self-restricted physical activity, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PI in PD remain elusive. This short review provides a critical summary of the literature on PI in PD, covering the clinical features, the neural and cognitive substrates, and the effects of dopaminergic medications and deep brain stimulation. The delayed effect of dopaminergic medication combined with the success of extrastriatal deep brain stimulation suggests that PI involves neurotransmitter systems other than dopamine and brain regions extending beyond the basal ganglia, further challenging the traditional view of PD as a predominantly single-system neurodegenerative disease.
Narrating the Contested Space of Detroit’s River Rouge, 1600–2015
Authors: Nye David E.
Published: March 2016

The River Rouge, which flows through Michigan into the Great Lakes at Detroit, has been a contested space, from the Mound Builders c. 1100 AD to the present. The river’s changing uses and meanings provide a microcosm of North American history, including Native Americans, French fur traders, the British, American settlers, small-scale industries, and Henry Ford’s largest factory. Narratives treat the river as a landscape, as a highway, as a natural resource, as raw material, as a minor detail, or as a threatened environment. The river has been part of a romantic view of pre-history, a heroic story of colonial conquest, a tale of democratic expansion into new land, an exemplary second creation in which unfinished nature is transformed into the world’s largest factory, a narrative of class warfare between workers and capitalists, a tale of the triumph of democracy over National Socialism in World War II, a tragic story of the exploitation of nature, and a recovery narrative in which the river is rescued from pollution and misuse.
“The Americans are Rumored to be Eccentrics”: On Los Angeles through the Romanian Cultural Lens
Authors: Lolea Georgiana
Published: March 2016

My essay brings into focus the ways in which Petru Comarnescu – the first Romanian Americanist – depicted the Los Angeles of the late 1920s, and it shows that his cultural encounter triggered both processes of representation and of misrepresentation, giving rise to varying cultural constructions of place. This is tied to the fact that making the new and unfamiliar meaningful presupposes a continuous process of ‘translation’ laden with approximations, misconceptions, distortions, half-truths, and varying authenticities. When Comarnescu sought to pin down otherness, it was the familiar which resurfaced, and the cultural heritage of the place left behind ‘taught’ the traveler what and how to see. In doing so, travel writings could best exemplify that cultural boundaries are fluid and permanently drawn and redefined.
Neutron powder diffraction and theory-aided structure refinement of rubidium and cesium ureate
Authors: Sterri Kjersti B. , Deringer Volker L. , Houben Andreas , Jacobs Philipp , Kumar Chogondahalli M.N. , Dronskowski Richard
Published: March 2016

Urea (CN2H4O) is a fundamental biomolecule whose derivatives are abundant throughout chemistry. Among the latter, rubidium ureate (RbCN2H3O) and its cesium analog (CsCN2H3O) have been described only very recently and form the first structurally characterized salts of deprotonated urea. Here, we report on a neutron diffraction study on the aforementioned alkaline-metal ureates, which affords the positions for all hydrogen atoms (including full anisotropic displacement tensors) and thus allows us to gain fundamental insights into the hydrogen-bonding networks in the title compounds. The structure refinements of the experimental neutron data proceeded successfully using starting parameters from ab initio simulations of atomic positions and anisotropic displacement parameters. Such joint experimental-theoretical refinement procedures promise significant practical potential in cases where complex solids (organic, organometallic, framework materials) are studied by powder diffraction.
Synchrotron X-ray Scattering Measurements of Disordered Materials
Authors: Kohara Shinji , Ohara Koji , Tajiri Hiroo , Song Chulho , Sakata Osami , Usuki Takeshi , Benino Yasuhiko , Mizuno Akitoshi , Masuno Atsunobu , Okada Junpei T. , Ishikawa Takehiko , Hosokawa Shinya
Published: March 2016

With the advent of third-generation synchrotron sources and the
development of light source techniques, X-ray scattering techniques
have become feasible, leading to new approaches for studying the
structures of disordered materials in a quantitative manner. We
introduce a dedicated diffractometer for high-energy total X-ray
scattering measurement and a newly developed anomalous X-ray
spectrometer at SPring-8. As advanced methodologies for the
measurement of liquids, we now offer three state-of-art levitation
instruments for aerodynamic levitation, electrostatic levitation, and
acoustic levitation at the SPring-8 beamlines, covering a wide
temperature range of −40–3000 ℃. Furthermore,
scientific investigations of glasses, liquids, and amorphous materials
reported in the last five years at SPring-8 are reviewed.
A Comparison of Structural Models of Tb3Al5O12 and Nd3Al5O12 Glasses Obtained When Using X-ray Data Alone and When X-ray and Neutron Data are Combined
Authors: Barnes Adrian
Published: March 2016

X-ray diffraction experiments, including Anomalous X-ray Diffraction,
have been carried out on Tb3Al5O12 and
Nd3Al5O12 glasses. In addition, neutron diffraction
and isotopic substitution experiments have been carried out for
Nd3Al5O12. The data has been analysed by direct
Fourier transform methods and by refinement of atomistic structures
obtained from Molecular Dynamics simulations. For
Nd3Al5O12 good agreement between the Molecular
Dynamics simulations and all the experimental data was obtained. The
Molecular Dynamics configuration was refined further using Reverse
Monte Carlo methods to obtain a final atomistic configuration. The
Nd3Al5O12 Molecular Dynamics configuration was refined
using the X-ray data alone and the results show that the final
configuration was in worse agreement with the data than the original
Molecular Dynamics calculation. From this result it was concluded that
in order to obtain a good atomistic model of Tb3Al5O12
it is essential to include at least one neutron diffraction
measurement in the Molecular Dynamics – Reverse Monte Carlo
refinement.
The king's speech: Philip's rhetoric and democratic leadership in the debate over the Peace of Philocrates
Authors: Guth Dina
Published: March 2016

I argue that Philip's speech was a central point of contention in the debate over the Peace of Philocrates and in the legal struggle between Demosthenes and Aeschines that followed it. The ambassadors supportive of the peace praised Philip's speaking ability as part of his philhellenism; in his defense speech as well Aeschines emphasized Philip's rhetorical knowledge in order to show the openness of the contest between the king and the ambassadors. Demosthenes, on the other hand, rejected the king's ability to speak. In so doing, he elevated his own role as the only orator capable of penetrating Philip's silence. For both Aeschines and Demosthenes, their characterizations of Philip's speech were crucial to their self-presentations as orators.
The Devil's Advocate and Legal Oratory in the Processus Sathanae
Authors: Coulson Doug
Published: March 2016

Modern readers have been baffled by the combination of legal, dramatic, and theological elements in the 14th century Processus Sathanae, a mock trial drama in which the devil's advocate and the Virgin Mary employ various Roman law concepts in a courtroom debate regarding the devil's claim that he was wrongfully dispossessed of humanity. This article examines the Processus Sathanae along with an early source of the drama in a Marcionite creation dialogue and argues that by foregrounding equitable and emotional appeals the drama taught late medieval law students important lessons regarding legal oratory during a crucial period in the development of European jurisprudence.
MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Metabolic and inflammatory pathways on the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Coope Andressa , Torsoni Adriana S , Velloso Licio A
Published: March 2016

Obesity is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Studies performed over the last 20 years have identified inflammation as the most important link between these two diseases. During the development of obesity, there is activation of subclinical inflammatory activity in tissues involved in metabolism and energy homeostasis. Intracellular serine/threonine kinases activated in response to inflammatory factors can catalyse the inhibitory phosphorylation of key proteins of the insulin-signalling pathway, leading to insulin resistance. Moreover, during the progression of obesity and insulin resistance, the pancreatic islets are also affected by inflammation, contributing to β-cell failure and leading to the onset of T2D. In this review, we will present the main mechanisms involved in the activation of obesity-associated metabolic inflammation and discuss potential therapeutic opportunities that can be developed to treat obesity-associated metabolic diseases.
Mitonuclear Epistasis for Development Time and Its Modification by Diet in Drosophila
Authors: Mossman Jim A , Biancani Leann M , Zhu Chen-Tseh , Rand David M
Published: March 2016

Mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear genes have to operate in a coordinated manner to maintain organismal function, and the regulation of this homeostasis presents a substantial source of potential epistatic (G × G) interactions. How these interactions shape the fitness landscape is poorly understood. Here we developed a novel mitonuclear epistasis model, using selected strains of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) and mitochondrial genomes from within Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans to test the hypothesis that mtDNA × nDNA interactions influence fitness. In total we built 72 genotypes (12 nuclear backgrounds × 6 mtDNA haplotypes, with 3 from each species) to dissect the relationship between genotype and phenotype. Each genotype was assayed on four food environments. We found considerable variation in several phenotypes, including development time and egg-to-adult viability, and this variation was partitioned into genetic (G), environmental (E), and higher-order (G × G, G × E, and G × G × E) components. Food type had a significant impact on development time and also modified mitonuclear epistases, evidencing a broad spectrum of G × G × E across these genotypes. Nuclear background effects were substantial, followed by mtDNA effects and their G × G interaction. The species of mtDNA haplotype had negligible effects on phenotypic variation and there was no evidence that mtDNA variation has different effects on male and female fitness traits. Our results demonstrate that mitonuclear epistases are context dependent, suggesting the selective pressure acting on mitonuclear genotypes may vary with food environment in a genotype-specific manner.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Urinary Tract Infection Recurrence
Authors: Nelson Caleb P. , Hoberman Alejandro , Shaikh Nader , Keren Ron , Mathews Ranjiv , Greenfield Saul P. , Mattoo Tej K. , Gotman Nathan , Ivanova Anastasia , Moxey-Mims Marva , Carpenter Myra A. , Chesney Russell W.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:

The Randomized Intervention for Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux (RIVUR) trial found that recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) with resistant organisms were more common in the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis (TSP) arm. We describe factors associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) resistance of rUTIs in RIVUR.

METHODS:

Children aged 2 to 71 months with first or second UTI (index UTI) and grade I to IV vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were randomized to TSP or placebo and followed for 2 years. Factors associated with TMP-SMX–resistant rUTI were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Among 571 included children, 48% were <12 months old, 43% had grade II VUR, and 38% had grade III VUR. Recurrent UTI occurred in 34 of 278 children receiving TSP versus 67 of 293 children receiving placebo. Among those with rUTI, 76% (26/34) of subjects receiving TSP had TMP-SMX–resistant organisms versus 28% (19/67) of subjects receiving placebo (P < .001). The proportion of TMP-SMX–resistant rUTI decreased over time: in the TSP arm, 96% were resistant during the initial 6 months versus 38% resistant during the final 6 months; corresponding proportions for the placebo arm were 32% and 11%. Among children receiving TSP, 7 (13%) of 55 with TMP-SMX–resistant index UTI had rUTI, whereas 27 (12%) of 223 with TMP-SMX–susceptible index UTI had rUTI (adjusted hazard ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval 0.54–3.56). Corresponding proportions in placebo arm were 17 (26%) of 65 and 50 (22%) of 228 (adjusted hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 0.74–2.38).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although TMP-SMX resistance is more common among children treated with TSP versus placebo, resistance decreased over time. Among children treated with TSP, there was no significant difference in UTI recurrence between those with TMP-SMX–resistant index UTI versus TMP-SMX–susceptible UTI.
The easternmost tropical Pacific. Part II: Seasonal and intraseasonal modes of atmospheric variability
Authors: Amador Jorge A. , Durán-Quesada A. M. , Rivera E. R. , Mora G. , Sáenz F. , Calderón B. , Mora N.
Published: March 2016

This is Part II of a two-part review about climate and climate variability focused on the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) and the Caribbean Sea (CS). Both parts are aimed at providing oceanographers, marine biologists, and other ocean scientists, a guiding base for ocean-atmosphere interaction processes affecting the CS, the ETP, and the waters of Isla del Coco. Isla del Coco National Park is a Costa Rican World Heritage site. Part I analyzed the mean fields for both basins and a larger region covering 25º S - 35º N, 20º W - 130º W. Here we focus on a smaller area (65º W - 95º W, 0º - 20º N), as a complement to Part 1. Incoming solar radiation and surface energy fluxes reveal the complex nature of the ETP and CS for convective activity and precipitation on seasonal and intraseasonal time scales. Both regions are relevant as sources of evaporation and the associated moisture transport processes. The American Monsoon System influences the climate and climate variability of the ETP and CS, however, the precise way systems affect regional precipitation and transport of moisture, within the Intra Americas Sea (IAS) are not clear. Although the Caribbean Low-Level Jet (CLLJ) is known to act as a conveyor belt for moisture transport, intraseasonal and seasonal modes of the CLLJ and their interactions with other IAS systems, have to be further investigated. Trans-isthmic jets, exert a variable seasonal wind stress force over the ocean surface co-generating regions of great marine productivity. Isolated convection, the seasonal migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the hurricane season, the Mid-Summer Drought, the seasonal and intraseasonal behavior of low-level jets and their interactions with transients, and the southward incursion of cold fronts contribute to regional seasonal precipitation. Many large-scale systems, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO, also influence the variability of precipitation by modulating regional features associated with convection and precipitation. Monthly tropical storm (TS) activity in the CS and ETP basins is restricted to the period May-November, with very few cases in December. The CS presents TS peak activity during August, as well as for the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes, in contrast to the ETP that shows the same features during September.

 
Climate of an oceanic island in the Eastern Pacific: Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, Central America
Authors: Alfaro Eric J. , Hidalgo Hugo G.
Published: March 2016

Studies of atmosphere-ocean interaction in the Pacific of Costa Rican are scarce. To identify oceanographic systems that may be influencing climate near Cocos Island (Eastern Tropical Pacific Seascape) we conducted six scientific expeditions between 2007 and 2012. Two automated weather stations were set near Chatham and Wafer bays during the expeditions. Data included records from National Meteorological Institute, Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature (ERSST). The climate is typical of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Its seasonality is driven by precipitation variability associated with meridional migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The seasonal cycle has two peaks, in May and July, a relative minimum between them in June, and the absolute minimum in February. Most of the precipitation is recorded from April to November. Most rain events have short duration and low intensity. An SST trend was observed from January 1854 to December 2013, coherent with regional warming temperature observations. From 1998 to 2013 there were changes in distributions of almost all meteorological parameters. The combination of these factors resulted in higher evapotranspiration values through the daily cycle, especially during the night time. Precipitation (P) positive anomalies tended to be associated with positive air surface temperature (AST) and SST anomalies and negative global radiation (GR) anomalies. Negative P anomalies tended to be associated with negative AST, SST and positive GR anomalies. Relative humidity (RH) negative anomalies tend to be associated with positive wind speed (WS) anomalies, and the WS effect is opposite for positive RH anomalies. During the cold Niño 3 condition of October 2007, negative P, AST, SST and RH anomalies were observed in concordance with positive WS and GR anomalies, in agreement with the conceptual model of climate system response at Isla del Coco to cold ENSO conditions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (Suppl. 1): S59-S74. Epub 2016 February 01.

 
Ultraviolet radiation at Isla del Coco (Cocos Island) National Park, Costa Rica.
Authors: Vargas José L. , Alfaro Eric J.
Published: March 2016

Incoming solar energy that reaches the land surface is divided mainly in infrared, visible and UV. UV radiation has wave lengths from 100 to 400 nm. The World Health Organization recommends studies and monitoring of UV radiation because of its biological effects in living organisms. The use of automatic Davis weather stations, Vantage Pro Plus/Vantage Pro2 Plus type, with a sensor model 6490, allowed UV radiation measurements at Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. The stations were set near Chatham Bay (5°32’51” N - 87°02’43” W, 142 m.a.s.l) and Wafer Bay (5°32’24” N - 87°03’26” W, 132 m.a.s.l). Measurements were recorded: Apr. 5-11, 2008, Mar. 1-6, 2009, Apr. 22-27, 2010, Jul. 2-8, 2011 and Mar. 15-21, 2012. Data were described for the cloudiest and sunniest days according to the UV index (UVI) as a standardized value that allows easy data interpretation in terms of the hazard exposure for living beings. This is especially important for coral reefs (the island has the largest Pacific reefs in Costa Rica). The maximum UVI average range in Chatham decrease from 14 for sunny days to 3 for cloudy days, and from 16 to 4 for the sunniest and cloudiest days, respectively. In Wafer, these values were 12 to 4 and 14.2 to 3.0, respectively. The average exposure to UV radiation was considered high for sunny days from 9:30 to 14:30hr in Chatham and from 10:00 to 14:30 in Wafer, but these values for the sunniest days increase from 9:00 to 15:00 in Chatham and from 9:00 to 14:30 in Wafer. The equipment used was able to identify events with extremely high UVI values during the expeditions. The generation and use of this information is useful for understanding and modeling the ecosystem dynamics, and it is also valuable for the rangers’ work and for the tourism sector.

 
Facilitative behavioral interactions between deepwater piscivores at Isla del Coco National Park and Las Gemelas Seamount, Costa Rica
Authors: Auster Peter J. , Sánchez-Jiménez Astrid , Rodríguez-Arrieta Jesús A. , Quesada Andrés J. , Pérez Cinthya , Naranjo-Elizondo Beatriz , Blum Schmulik , Cortés Jorge
Published: March 2016

The shallow waters around Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, have the highest density of apex predators within the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This represents a unique opportunity to assess the structure of predatory interactions in a community relatively unimpacted by fishing. Facilitation of predation has commonly been observed in shallow reef systems, limited in depth by observations via scuba divers. Here we present a preliminary catalog of facilitative behavioral interactions between 12 taxa of deepwater piscivores at Isla del Coco and Las Gemelas Seamount in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, collected via video from submersible vehicles to depths of approximately 311 m from 2002-2012. Observations were ad hoc and likely represent only a portion of the web of interactions that occur in this ecological setting. That such interactions can be observed to 300 m during the narrow time frame of submersible dives suggests that direct behavioral facilitation of piscivory may play a significant role in the apex predator guild of deepwater fishes. Investigating the extent and population-community consequences of such interactions will provide valuable insight into patterns and processes that occur in communities protected from direct fisheries as well as focus conservation actions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (Suppl. 1): S187-S196. Epub 2016 February 01.

 
First record of Coronida glasselli (Stomatopoda: Coronididae) for Costa Rica (Isla del Coco National Park, Eastern Tropical Pacific)
Authors: Salas-Moya Carolina , Vargas-Castillo Rita
Published: March 2016

Stomatopods are a small group of marine and estuarine crustaceans that inhabit several marine ecosystems including deep, shallow waters, and intertidal zones. Six species from five families have been reported from the Park. We add Coronida glasselli Manning, 1976 from rocky reef environments at Isla del Coco. In the Eastern Tropical Pacific the species was reported only from Isla Gorgona, Colombia. There are species from Isla Uva, Panamá in the National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC.

 