bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraining CO2 emissions from open biomass burning by satellite observations of co-emitted species: a method and its application to wildfires in Siberia
Authors: Konovalov I. B. , Berezin E. V. , Ciais P. , Broquet G. , Beekmann M. , Hadji-Lazaro J. , Clerbaux C. , Andreae M. O. , Kaiser J. W. , Schulze E.-D.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. A method to constrain carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from open biomass burning by using satellite observations of co-emitted species and a chemistry-transport model (CTM) is proposed and applied to the case of wildfires in Siberia. CO2 emissions are assessed by means of an emission model assuming a direct relationship between the biomass burning rate (BBR) and the fire radiative power (FRP) derived from MODIS measurements. The key features of the method are (1) estimating the FRP-to-BBR conversion factors (α) for different vegetative land cover types by assimilating the satellite observations of co-emitted species into the CTM, (2) optimal combination of the estimates of α derived independently from satellite observations of different species (CO and aerosol in this study), and (3) estimation of the diurnal cycle of the fire emissions directly from the FRP measurements. Values of α for forest and grassland fires in Siberia and their uncertainties are estimated using the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) carbon monoxide (CO) retrievals and MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements combined with outputs from the CHIMERE mesoscale chemistry-transport model. The constrained CO emissions are validated through comparison of the respective simulations with independent data of ground-based CO measurements at the ZOTTO site. Using our optimal regional-scale estimates of the conversion factors (which are found to be in agreement with earlier published estimates obtained from local measurements of experimental fires), the total CO2 emissions from wildfires in Siberia in 2012 are estimated to be in the range from 280 to 550 Tg C, with the optimal (maximum likelihood) value of 392 Tg C. Sensitivity test cases featuring different assumptions regarding the injection height and diurnal variations of emissions indicate that the derived estimates of the total CO2 emissions in Siberia are robust with respect to the modeling options (the different estimates vary within less than 15% of their magnitude). The CO2 emission estimates obtained for several years are compared with independent estimates provided by the GFED3.1 and GFASv1.0 global emission inventories. It is found that our "top-down" estimates for the total annual biomass burning CO2 emissions in the period from 2007 to 2011 in Siberia are by factors of 2.5 and 1.8 larger than the respective bottom-up estimates; these discrepancies cannot be fully explained by uncertainties in our estimates. There are also considerable differences in the spatial distribution of the different emission estimates; some of those differences have a systematic character and require further analysis.
Different contact angle distributions for heterogeneous ice nucleation in the Community Atmospheric Model version 5
Authors: Wang Y. , Liu X. , Hoose C. , Wang B.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In order to investigate the impact of different treatments for the contact angle (α) in heterogeneous ice nucleating properties of natural dust and black carbon (BC) particles, we implement the classical-nucleation-theory-based parameterization of heterogeneous ice nucleation (Hoose et al., 2010) in the Community Atmospheric Model version 5 (CAM5) and then improve it by replacing the original single-contact-angle model with the probability-density-function-of-α (α-PDF) model to better represent the ice nucleation behavior of natural dust found in observations. We refit the classical nucleation theory (CNT) to constrain the uncertain parameters (i.e., onset α and activation energy in the single-α model; mean contact angle and standard deviation in the α-PDF model) using recent observation data sets for Saharan natural dust and BC (soot). We investigate the impact of the time dependence of droplet freezing on mixed-phase clouds and climate in CAM5 as well as the roles of natural dust and soot in different nucleation mechanisms. Our results show that, when compared with observations, the potential ice nuclei (IN) calculated by the α-PDF model show better agreement than those calculated by the single-α model at warm temperatures (T; T > −20 °C). More ice crystals can form at low altitudes (with warm temperatures) simulated by the α-PDF model than compared to the single-α model in CAM5. All of these can be attributed to different ice nucleation efficiencies among aerosol particles, with some particles having smaller contact angles (higher efficiencies) in the α-PDF model. In the sensitivity tests with the α-PDF model, we find that the change in mean contact angle has a larger impact on the active fraction at a given temperature than a change in standard deviation, even though the change in standard deviation can lead to a change in freezing behavior. Both the single-α and the α-PDF model indicate that the immersion freezing of natural dust plays a more important role in the heterogeneous nucleation than that of soot in mixed-phase clouds. The new parameterizations implemented in CAM5 induce more significant aerosol indirect effects than the default parameterization.
Retrieval of cirrus cloud optical thickness and top altitude from geostationary remote sensing
Authors: Kox S. , Bugliaro L. , Ostler A.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. A novel approach for the detection of cirrus clouds and the retrieval of optical thickness and top altitude based on the measurements of the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) aboard the geostationary Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite is presented. Trained with 8 000 000 co-incident measurements of the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) aboard the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) mission the new "cirrus optical properties derived from CALIOP and SEVIRI algorithm during day and night" (COCS) algorithm utilizes a backpropagation neural network to provide accurate measurements of cirrus optical depth τ at λ = 532 nm and top altitude z every 15 min covering almost one-third of the Earth's atmosphere. The retrieved values are validated with independent measurements of CALIOP and the optical thickness derived by an airborne high spectral resolution lidar.
A gas chromatograph for quantification of peroxycarboxylic nitric anhydrides calibrated by thermal dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Tokarek T. W. , Huo J. A. , Odame-Ankrah C. A. , Hammoud D. , Taha Y. M. , Osthoff H. D.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The peroxycarboxylic nitric anhydrides (PANs, molecular formula: RC(O)O2NO2) can readily be observed by gas chromatography (PAN-GC) coupled to electron capture detection. Calibration of a PAN-GC remains a challenge, because the response factors differ for each of the PANs, and because their synthesis in sufficiently high purity is non-trivial, in particular for PANs containing unsaturated side chains. In this manuscript, a PAN-GC and its calibration using diffusion standards, whose output was quantified by blue diode laser thermal dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy (TD-CRDS), are described. The PAN-GC peak areas correlated linearly with total peroxy nitrate (ΣPN) mixing ratios measured by TD-CRDS (r > 0.96). Accurate determination of response factors required the concentrations of PAN impurities in the synthetic standards to be subtracted from ΣPN. The PAN-GC and its TD-CRDS calibration method were deployed during ambient air measurement campaigns in Abbotsford, BC, from 20 July to 5 August 2012, and during the Fort McMurray Oil Sands Strategic Investigation of Local Sources (FOSSILS) campaign at the AMS13 ground site in Fort McKay, AB, from 10 August to 5 September 2013. The PAN-GC limits of detection for PAN, PPN, and MPAN during FOSSILS were 1, 2, and 3 pptv, respectively. For the Abbotsford data set, the PAN-GC mixing ratios were compared, and agreed with those determined in parallel by thermal dissociation chemical ionization mass spectrometry (TD-CIMS). Advantages and disadvantages of the PAN measurement techniques used in this work and the utility of TD-CRDS as a PAN-GC calibration method are discussed.
Radiative forcings for 28 potential Archean greenhouse gases
Authors: Byrne B. , Goldblatt C.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Despite reduced insolation in the late Archean, evidence suggests a~warm climate which was likely sustained by a stronger greenhouse effect, the so-called faint young sun problem (FYSP). CO2 and CH4 are generally thought to be the mainstays of this enhanced greenhouse, though many other gases have been proposed. We present high accuracy radiative forcings for CO2, CH4, and 26 other gases, performing the radiative transfer calculations at line-by-line resolution and using HITRAN 2012 line data for background pressures of 0.5, 1, and 2 bar of atmospheric N2. For CO2 to resolve the FYSP alone at 2.8 Gyr BP (80% of present solar luminosity), 0.32 bar is needed with 0.5 bar of atmospheric N2, 0.20 bar with 1 bar of atmospheric N2, or 0.11 bar with 2 bar of atmospheric N2. For CH4, we find that near-infrared absorption is much stronger than previously thought, arising from updates to the HITRAN database. CH4 radiative forcing peaks at 10.3, 9, or 8.3 W m−2 for background pressures of 0.5, 1, or 2 bar, likely limiting the utility of CH4 for warming the Archean. For the other 26 HITRAN gases, radiative forcings of up to a few to 10 W m−2 are obtained from concentrations of 0.1–1 ppmv for many gases. For the 20 strongest gases, we calculate the reduction in radiative forcing due to overlap. We also tabulate the modern sources, sinks, concentrations, and lifetimes of these gases and summaries the literature on Archean sources and concentrations. We recommend the forcings provided here be used both as a first reference for which gases are likely good greenhouse gases, and as a standard set of calculations for validation of radiative forcing calculations for the Archean.
Variation in the Asian monsoon intensity and dry–wet conditions since the Little Ice Age in central China revealed by an aragonite stalagmite
Authors: Yin J.-J. , Yuan D.-X. , Li H.-C. , Cheng H. , Li T.-Y. , Edwards R. L. , Lin Y.-S. , Qin J.-M. , Tang W. , Zhao Z.-Y. , Mii H.-S.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. This paper focuses on the climate variability in central China since AD 1300, involving: (1) a well-dated, 1.5-year resolution stalagmite δ18O record from Lianhua Cave, central China (2) links of the δ18O record with regional dry–wet conditions, monsoon intensity, and temperature over eastern China (3) correlations among drought events in the Lianhua record, solar irradiation, and ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) variation. We present a highly precise, 230Th / U-dated, 1.5-year resolution δ18O record of an aragonite stalagmite (LHD1) collected from Lianhua Cave in the Wuling Mountain area of central China. The comparison of the δ18O record with the local instrumental record and historical documents indicates that (1) the stalagmite δ18O record reveals variations in the summer monsoon intensity and dry–wet conditions in the Wuling Mountain area. (2) A stronger East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) enhances the tropical monsoon trough controlled by ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone), which produces higher spring quarter rainfall and isotopically light monsoonal moisture in the central China. (3) The summer quarter/spring quarter rainfall ratio in central China can be a potential indicator of the EASM strength: a lower ratio corresponds to stronger EASM and higher spring rainfall. The ratio changed from <1 to >1 after 1950, reflecting that the summer quarter rainfall of the study area became dominant under stronger influence of the Northwestern Pacific High. Eastern China temperatures varied with the solar activity, showing higher temperatures under stronger solar irradiation, which produced stronger summer monsoons. During Maunder, Dalton and 1900 sunspot minima, more severe drought events occurred, indicating a weakening of the summer monsoon when solar activity decreased on decadal timescales. On an interannual timescale, dry conditions in the study area prevailed under El Niño conditions, which is also supported by the spectrum analysis. Hence, our record illustrates the linkage of Asian summer monsoon precipitation to solar irradiation and ENSO: wetter conditions in the study area under stronger summer monsoon during warm periods, and vice versa. During cold periods, the Walker Circulation will shift toward the central Pacific under El Niño conditions, resulting in a further weakening of Asian summer monsoons.
The “Arctic Sunrise” Case (Netherlands/Russia) (ITLOS)
Authors: Rieter Eva
Published: October 2014

In September 2013, officials of the Russian Federation boarded the vessel Arctic Sunrise, an icebreaker flying the flag of the Netherlands. The vessel, operated by Greenpeace International, was present in the Russian Federation’s Exclusive Economic Zone in order to protest against the operation of the offshore fixed oil platform Prirazlomnaya. Russian authorities detained the Arctic Sunrise itself and all persons on board the vessel, initially based on an accusation of piracy.
The Institution and the Practice of Comparative Literature in Lebanon
Authors: Seigneurie Ken
Published: October 2014

Ken Seigneurie's article on “The Institution and the Practice of Comparative Literature in Lebanon” inaugurates in splendid fashion a new, occasional department of CLS, “Comparative Literature: The View from …” that we hope will eventually attract a range of contributions from a variety of geographical locations. If the heart of comparative literature is transcultural analysis, we wish to extend such analysis to the discipline itself: comparative literature has experienced different histories, goals, and modalities in its institutionalizations across the globe. We welcome essays of four thousand words or longer from scholars who teach in or administer comparative literature/cultural studies programs outside of North America. We are eager to learn how comparative literature makes its living in your part of the world!

Seigneurie's masterful narrative provides a glimpse into the parlous life of comparative literature in Lebanon; it is a tale that necessitates both a broader survey of the foothold that comparative literature has gained in the Arab world in general, and a parallel recounting of the political and military events that alternately further and hinder comparative scholarship. Given these complexities, comparative literature flourishes best in Lebanon through the efforts of “quietly determined scholars who work between institutional structures and in the face of historical conditions.” We thank Ken Seigneurie for this insightful lesson.
Sex(y) Summer Solstice:
Authors: Kallendorf Hilaire
Published: October 2014

Many studies have compared Lope de Vega and Shakespeare, but none has juxtaposed their two plays about Midsummer's Night. This omission may in part be due to a difference in nomenclature regarding this festival. The essay begins with the festive context of Saint John's feast day and its ancient connections to fertility rituals. Both plays exploit these anthropological associations to develop the same theme, that of young women asserting the right to choose their own sexual partners. Both artists self-consciously employ metatheatrical devices to effect their dramatic ends. The ostensible winners in this game are the women, who—along with the vulgo, or commoners—appear to come out on top, at least on this night of carnivalesque misrule. However, upon closer examination it becomes evident that the men in these plays still hold the puppet strings. These two dramatic works are examined within the theoretical frameworks of feminism, post-Bakhtinian carnival theory, and echoes of the New Historicism. But Lope de Vega's play in particular offers a residue or subversive element that resists containment by the dominant ideology. It is this residue that ultimately proves most interesting as we compare Lope de Vega's and Shakespeare's contemporaneous attempts to write fantasies of feminine desire.
EFFECT OF WOOD GRADING ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF GLULAM MADE OF Tectona grandis
Authors: Iwakiri Setsuo , Matos Jorge Luis Monteiro , Prata José Guilherme , Trianoski Rosilani , Parchen Carlos Frederico Alice , Castro Vinicius Gomes , Iwakiri Viviane Teixeira
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the influence of the wood grading by the method of stress waves in the mechanical properties of glued laminated beams (glulam) made of Tectona grandis. A total of 87 battens with dimensions of 25 x 75 x 3.000 mm were obtained from the 5 trees and 3 logs per tree, in the axial direction (base, middle and top) and radial (pith - bark). After drying, the battens were planed to the final dimensions of 20 x 60 x 2200 mm, and then subjected to grading by application of stress waves. Were defined three classes of dynamic modulus of elasticity (DMOE) and the beams were composed with five pre-classified battens. The beams were bonded with resorcinol-phenol-formaldehyde resin, with a weight of 350 g / m² (double surface), specific pressure of 1.0 MPa and pressing time of 8 hours. The grading process of the battens using the stress wave method showed to be efficient for the composition of beams. The results of static bend and glue line shear strength tests indicated the technical feasibility of using wood of Tectona grandis for the production of glued laminated beams.Keywords: Wood bonding; structural wood; resorcinol-phenol-formaldehyde resin. ResumoInfluência da classificação das lamelas nas propriedades mecânicas de vigas laminadas coladas de Tectona grandis. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da classificação da madeira pelo método de ondas de tensão nas propriedades mecânicas de vigas laminadas coladas de Tectona grandis. Um total de 87 lamelas com dimensões de 25 x 75 x 3.000 mm foram obtidas a partir da amostragem de 5 árvores e 3 toras / árvore, nas direções axial (base, meio e topo) e radial (medula – casca). Após a secagem, as lamelas foram aplainadas para as dimensões finais de 20 x 60 x 2.200 mm, sendo a seguir submetidas à classificação por meio de aplicação de ondas de tensão. Foram estabelecidas três classes de módulo de elasticidade dinâmico (MOEd) e as vigas foram compostas de cinco lamelas pré-classificadas. As vigas foram coladas com resina resorcina-fenol-formaldeído, com gramatura de 350 g/m² (linha dupla), pressão específica de 1,0 MPa e tempo de prensagem de 8 horas. A classificação das lamelas pelo método de ondas de tensão mostrou ser eficiente para a composição das vigas. Os resultados de ensaios de flexão estática e cisalhamento da linha de cola indicaram a viabilidade técnica de uso da madeira de Tectona grandis para produção de vigas laminadas coladas.Palavras-chave: Colagem de madeiras; estruturas de madeira; resina resorcina-fenol-formaldeído.
SENSIBILIDADE DO MODELO DE FRAGILIDADES AMBIENTAIS À PONDERAÇÃO MULTICRITERIAL: ASPECTOS FÍSICOS DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO ALTO URUGUAI
Authors: Gonçalves Padilha Damáris , Trevisan Mario Luiz , Cabral Cruz Jussara
Published: October 2014

Modelos de fragilidades ambientais compreendem, de maneira geral, a avaliação de n aspectos (ou fatores) relativos às características locais, usualmente tratadas por técnicos de diferentes áreas constituintes de uma equipe multidisciplinar. Porém a definição dos n aspectos por parte da equipe nem sempre acontece de forma unânime, não raro ocorrendo, no início do processo de avaliação, dúvidas sobre o quanto realmente cada aspecto ou fator (indicador) apresenta-se significativo dentro do modelo de avaliação. Como estudo de caso, foi realizada a sensibilidade das ponderações dos fatores que compõem o método multicriterial AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process), aplicado na região da bacia hidrográfica do Alto Uruguai. A metodologia consistiu na ponderação sistemática de cada fator constituinte do modelo para posterior consideração quanto a sua influência em relação ao conjunto dos fatores, proporcionando uma avaliação quanto a sua eficácia na identificação de pesos dos fatores em cenários que mostram maior discriminância no conjunto, além de apresentar alternativas na composição dos pesos. Assim, a partir dos resultados da análise, configura-se a importância da realização do estudo da sensibilidade em modelos de fragilidade ambiental aplicados à bacia hidrográfica.Palavras-chave: Análise de sensibilidade; avaliação ambiental; multicritério. AbstractSensitiveness of model to environmental fragilities to multicriterial weighting: physical aspects of watershed of the Alto Uruguay. Environmental fragilities models comprise, generally, the evaluation of n criteria (or factors) on local characteristics, usually handled by technicians from different areas in a multidisciplinary team. However, definition of n aspects by team does not always happen unanimously, often occurring early in the evaluation process doubts whether every aspect or indicator is in fact significant within the evaluation model. As a case study, it was performed the sensitivity of weighting factors that comprising the multicriterial method AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) applied to the basin of the Alto Uruguay region. After evaluating the multicriterial method, we applied the sensitiveness analysis to improve the weighting process. Therefore, from the results of this analysis, it sets up the importance of the study of sensitiveness of environmental fragility models for the watershed better understanding.Keywords: Sensitiveness analysis; environmental assessment; multicriterial weighting.
CRESCIMENTO DE CLONE DE Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis EM DIFERENTES ESPAÇAMENTOS
Authors: Alves Ferreira Dereck Halley Anthony , Leles Paulo Sérgio dos Santos , Machado Eloá Cabrera , Abreu Alan Henrique Marques de , Abílio Fernanda Maria
Published: October 2014

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento de clone de Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis em diferentes espaçamentos, entre o terceiro e o sexto ano de idade, em Avaré, SP. Os tratamentos consistiram dos espaçamentos de plantio 3,0 x 1,0; 3,0 x 1,5; 3,0 x 2,0 e 3,0 x 2,5 m. Foram realizadas avaliações de DAP (diâmetro a 1,30 m da superfície do solo) e altura, e aos seis anos foi calculado o volume por árvore. Desde a idade de três anos, as plantas do espaçamento 3,0 x 1,0 m apresentaram valores médios de altura e DAP inferiores às plantas dos demais espaçamentos. Na idade de seis anos, as árvores dos espaçamentos 3,0 x 2,5 e 3,0 x 2,0 m apresentaram crescimento médio significativamente superior as do espaçamento 3,0 x 1,0 m. Com base no diâmetro médio das árvores e na estimativa do volume por hectare, conclui-se que o espaçamento mais indicado para o sítio em que o trabalho foi realizado é o 3,0 x 2,0 m.Palavras-chave: Densidade de plantio; Eucalyptus urograndis; sítio florestal. AbstractGrowth of clone Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis in different spacing. This research aims to evaluate the growth of clones of Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis at different spacing, between the age of three and six years, in Avaré - SP. Treatments consisted of planting space as follows: 3,0 x 1,0; 3,0 x 1,5; 3,0 x 2,0 and 3,0 x 2,5 m. We evaluated DAP (diameter of soil) and height. We calculated the volume per tree of the six years old ones. Since the age of 3 years, plants in space 3,0 x 1,0 m had mean height and DAP lower than the ones in different spacing. At age 6, the trees of spacing 3,0 x 2,5 and 3,0 x 2,0 m revealed significantly higher average growth than the ones in spacing of 3,0 x 1,0 m. As conclusion, the most appropriate spacing for the region we worked is 3,0 x 2,0 m.Keywords: Planting density; Eucalyptus urograndis; forest site.
EFEITOS DA TEMPERATURA NA GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES E NA FORMAÇÃO DE PLÂNTULAS DE Cedrela fissilis
Authors: Oliveira Ademir Kleber Morbeck , Barbosa Luciene Andrade
Published: October 2014

O cedro-rosa é uma espécie que ocorre em diversas formações florestais brasileiras, incluindo o Pantanal. As espécies dessa família possuem importante papel na medicina tradicional, além de sua utilização como madeira, empregadaem compensados. Opresente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes temperaturas sobre a germinação e formação de plântulas de cedro-rosa, com frutos coletados no Pantanal do Negro, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Foi determinado o teor de água e avaliaram-se os efeitos das temperaturas constantes de 20, 25, 30 e 35 ºC e alternadas de 20-30 e 25-35 °C, sob fotoperíodo de doze horas de luz branca, com delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. O grau de umidade nas sementes foi de 50,5%, com as temperaturas constantes de 20 e 25 °C e alternada de 20-30 °C apresentando os maiores valores médios de germinação, 91, 85 e 87%, respectivamente. O índice de velocidade de germinação foi maior nas temperaturas de 25 e30 °C(8,2), com melhor tempo médio de germinação na temperatura de 30 °C (5,8 dias). A temperatura constante de 25 °C apresentou a melhor média de crescimento e produção de matéria seca e foi a mais adequada.Palavras-chave: Pantanal; sementes florestais; plântulas; Meliaceae; cedro-rosa. AbstractEffect of temperature on seed germination and seedling formation of Cedrela fissilis. The Cedrela fissilis Vell is a wide dispersion species that occurs in several Brazilian forest formations, even in Pantanal. The species of this family have an important role in natural medicine and its wood is used to plywood. This work aims to evaluate the germination and seedling production of Cedrela fissilis Vell under different temperatures. We used fruits collected from Pantanal of Negro, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. It was quantified the water content and evaluated the effects of constant 20, 25 and 30ºC and alternated 20-30 and 25-35°C temperature,  twelve photoperiod under white light. For statistical analysis, the experimental design was completely randomized design. The seed moisture content was 50.5% and constant temperature of 20 and 25 °C and alternated, 20-30 °C, the best treatments for germination, 91, 85 and 87%, respectively. The germination speed was higher at temperatures of 25 and 30 °C (8.2), with the best time of germination at 30 °C (5.8 days). The constant temperature of 25 °C had been the best for the production of dry matter and growth. Taking into account all parameters, the temperature of 25 °C was the most suitable.Keywords: Pantanal; forest seeds; seedlings; Meliaceae; Cedro-rosa.
MECHANICAL RESISTANCE OF MOSO BAMBOO (Phyllostachys pubescens) PART 2: AXIAL TENSILE STRENGTH, HARDNESS AND WEAR RESISTANCE
Authors: Berndsen Rodrigo Strzelecki , Klitzke Ricardo Jorge , Batista Djeison Cesar , Do Nascimento Eduardo Mauro , Ostapiv Fabiano
Published: October 2014

AbstractBamboo is a natural resource with a wide range of applications, especially moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex H. de Lehaie), which is one of the most used species in the world. The main objective of this work was to determine the axial tensile strength, hardness and wear resistance of moso bamboo culms planted in Paraná, Brazil. Axial tensile strength was tested by the modification of a standard designed for wood; hardness was measured by the Brinell Test method and wear resistance was assessed by the taber abraser method. Analysis of variance with a factorial arrangement was applied to verify the effect of the treatments, resulting from the combination of three ages (one, three and five years old) and three culm positions (base, middle and top), and to check a possible interaction between these factors. No significant interaction was verified between age and position for axial tensile strength and hardness, and these properties increased as the age increased and culm position rose. Moso bamboo has potential for the flooring industry because of its low mass loss in the test of wear resistance and the satisfactory hardness when compared to other bamboo species and to traditional Brazilian timber species.Keywords: Mechanical properties; age; culm position. ResumoResistência mecânica do bambu mossô (Phyllostachys pubescens) parte 2: tração paralela às fibras, dureza e desgaste abrasivo. O bambu é um recurso natural que tem amplo espectro de utilização, destacando-se o bambu mossô (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex H. de Lehaie) como uma das espécies mais utilizadas no mundo. O objetivo principal do estudo foi determinar as propriedades mecânicas de resistência à tração paralela às fibras, dureza Brinell e resistência ao desgaste abrasivo de colmos do bambu mossô. A resistência à tração paralela foi determinada modificando-se uma norma específica para madeira; a dureza foi medida pelo método de Brinell e a resistência ao desgaste abrasivo foi avaliada utilizando-se o método do taber abraser. A análise de variância em arranjo fatorial foi aplicada para verificar o efeito dos tratamentos, em que foram combinadas três idades (um, três e cinco anos) e três posições nos colmos (base, meio e topo), analisando-se a possível interação entre os fatores. Não houve interação significativa entre os fatores idade e posição para a resistência à tração paralela às fibras e a dureza Brinell, observando-se que tais propriedades aumentaram com a idade e a posição longitudinal dos colmos. O bambu mossô possui potencial para a fabricação de pisos maciços, por causa da baixa perda de massa no ensaio de resistência ao desgaste abrasivo e pela dureza satisfatória em comparação com outras espécies de bambu e espécies madeireiras tradicionais.Palavras-chave: Propriedades mecânicas; idade; posição no colmo.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Ich Tam Khang as a Supportive Therapy for Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Vu Bien D. , Pham Son N. , Le Thanh D. , Nguyen Ly K. , Luong Dang H. , Luu Quynh , Dang Duc V. , Hoang Ba X.
Published: October 2014

Background: Heart failure is a chronic disease needing lifelong management. Despite the advances that have been made in the treatment of the disease, both the longevity and quality of life for those with chronic heart failure remain impaired. A more effective therapeutic approach with less negative side effects is still needed. In this study, we evaluate Ich Tam Khang (ITK), the poly-ingredient herbal and nutritional preparation with multiple physiological actions, as a supportive therapy for patients with chronic heart failure.
Aims of Study: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Ich Tam Khang as an adjunctive treatment of chronic heart failure.
Methods: A total of 60 patients with chronic congestive heart failure were enrolled in this open label, cross-sectional and prospective study. All patients were treated with a conventional regimen (digoxin, diuretics, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers) for at least 4 weeks before being divided into two equal groups. In the treated patients with ITK, patients received conventional therapy plus 4 tablets ITK per day added in two divided doses. In the control patients, all patients kept the same conventional regimen without ITK. All patients were followed up for 3 months for clinical and para-clinical outcomes.
Result: The symptoms of heart failure (dyspnea, palpitation, peripheral edema, neck vein distention, heptojugular reflex) decreased. Heart rate and blood pressure stabilized during treatment in the treated patients with ITK. Additionally, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol normalized in the patients treated with ITK. Most of echocardiography parameters in the ITK treated patients were superior to the control patients. ITK is safe and it has no side effects.
Conclusion: ITK as a combination of herbal and nutritional preparation is effective in reducing heart failure symptoms, improving patient’s quality of life for the patients with decompensated heart failure and reducing total cholesterol and LDL-C.
Higher Education and Economic Growth in Africa
Authors: Bloom David E. , Canning David , Chan Kevin , Luca Dara Lee
Published: October 2014

Enrollment rates for higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa are by far the lowest in the world at 6%. Yet because of conventional beliefs that tertiary education is less important for poverty reduction, the international development community has encouraged African governments’ relative neglect of higher education. This article challenges beliefs that tertiary education has little role in promoting economic growth and alleviating poverty. First, we review recent evidence that higher education can produce significant public and private benefits. Next, we analyze the relationship between tertiary education and economic growth. We find evidence that tertiary education improves technological catch-up and, in doing so, may help to maximize Africa’s potential to achieve more rapid economic growth given current constraints. Investing in tertiary education in Africa may accelerate technological diffusion, which would in turn decrease knowledge gaps and help reduce poverty in the region. We also review new developments and trends in the higher education scene in Africa. Le taux d’inscription dans l’enseignement supérieur en Afrique sub-saharienne est de loin le plus faible du monde, atteignant seulement 6%. Pourtant, parce que l’enseignement supérieur est perçu comme moins important que les enseignements primaire et secondaire pour lutter contre la pauvreté, la communauté internationale a encouragé les gouvernements africains à moins y prêter attention. Cet article conteste l’idée que l’enseignement supérieur joue un rôle peu important dans le développement économique et la lutte contre la pauvreté. Tout d’abord, nous nous intéressons à de récents résultats qui montrent que l’enseignement supérieur crée des bénéfices publics et privés. Ensuite, nous analysons la relation entre l’enseignement supérieur et la croissance économique. Nous montrons que l’enseignement supérieur permet de rattraper le retard technologique et, ce faisant, pourrait aider l’Afrique à maximiser sa capacité à accélérer sa croissance économique dans les conditions actuelles. Investir dans l’enseignement supérieur en Afrique pourrait permettre une diffusion plus rapide des avancées technologiques, qui pourrait à son tour réduire la disparité de savoir et participer à la réduction de la pauvreté dans la région. Nous passons aussi en revue les nouveautés et tendances dans l’enseignement supérieur africain.
Editorial
Authors: Teferra Damtew
Published: October 2014

Editorial
Grammaticalization in Tok Pisin
Authors: Tung Cynthia
Published: October 2014

This paper looks at the development of Tok Pisin morphology through the process of grammaticalization.
La forme double dans «Le coq et la perle» de Jean de la Fontaine
Authors: Calhoun Doyle
Published: October 2014

This paper examines, using a stylistic approach, one of Jean de La Fontaine's binary-structure fables. The author provides a detailed linguistic and structural analysis of the texts in order to illuminate themes of duality, doubling, transposition, and simultaneous contrast.
Artillery Through the Ages: An etymology
Authors: Morton Kevin
Published: October 2014

This paper examines the etymology of the word artillery, following its various uses throughout its history in the English language to discover how it entered common parlance and how its meaning has changed.  Using the Oxford English Dictionary as the primary source for definitions and references to other works, the brief essay traces the word's evolution from a French loan to a naturalized English word.  Multiple definitions are examined, with a number of its historical literary appearances addressed and explained.  Textual references are largely culled from Middle English works from the 15th-17th centuries, though the essay ends with a brief discussion of the word's modern uses.  Artillery seems to have undergone merely a narrowing of meaning in the centuries since its first appearance, and not a particularly drastic one; its current meaning is quite similar, or at least strongly related, to that of the 14th century.
Cost‑effectiveness analysis of hexaminolevulinate (Hexvix®) guided cystoscopy in Non‑Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer patients (NMIBC) in Italy
Authors: Bennison Craig , Stephens Stephanie , Conti Giario Natale
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incremental cost‑effectiveness of hexaminolevulinate (Hexvix®) + Blue Light (H+BL) cystoscopy (compared to white light cystoscopy only) when used at initial transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT) for patients diagnosed with non‑muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in Italy.METHODS: A cost‑effectiveness model has been developed to estimate the incremental cost‑effectiveness of introducing H+BL at initial TURBT for patients diagnosed with NMIBC in Italy. The model consists of two parts: 1) a short term decision tree which estimates the outcome of the initial diagnostic procedure, and 2) a Markov cohort model which is used to estimate long term outcomes through extrapolation based on data and assumptions about patient management, the natural history of the disease and the empirical efficacy of H+BL in improving diagnosis detection and reducing recurrence. Cost‑effectiveness results are expressed as incremental costs per QALY gained. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses are conducted to test the robustness of the model to changes in inputs and assumptions.RESULTS: Base case results suggest that Hexvix® is a dominant strategy when used in the resection of NMIBC. Hexvix® is expected to be associated with 0.070 incremental QALYs, with cost savings of € 435 per patient. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the cost of Hexvix® and the relative risk of recurrence in intermediate and low risk groups are key drivers in the model. Probabilistic analyses indicate that Hexvix® is expected to be cost‑effective in >99% of iterations, assuming a willingness to pay threshold of € 25,000 per QALY.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Hexvix® is expected to be a cost‑effective strategy when used in the resection of NMIBC in Italy.
Le Parlement, les tribunaux et la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés
Authors: Roy Marc-André
Published: October 2014

Le privilège parlementaire, essentiel au bon fonctionnement du parlementarisme canadien, est trop souvent mal compris par les tribunaux, mais également par les parlementaires eux-mêmes, qui vont parfois l’invoquer de manière abusive. Depuis l’avènement de la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, les tribunaux tentent, avec un succès mitigé, de réconcilier le privilège parlementaire avec les droits et libertés constitutionnels. À l’aide d’une étude de la jurisprudence et de la doctrine, l’auteur analyse de manière critique le modèle canadien de privilège parlementaire. Il tente tout d’abord de bien comprendre les bases historiques et constitutionnelles du privilège au Canada. Par la suite, il circonscrit les principaux problèmes de l’approche de la Cour suprême du Canada en la matière pour ensuite proposer des pistes de solution, adressées aux tribunaux, mais aussi aux parlementaires, afin de mieux adapter le privilège parlementaire aux réalités du xxie siècle.
LIFE+ TRUST project: tool to assist the implementation of the Framework Directive 2000/60/CE, methodology and results
Authors: Marsala Vincenzo
Published: October 2014

The TRUST project is funded by the European Commission’s by the Life+ Programme. The aim of the TRUST project is the identification of the adaption and mitigation measures to counteract the impacts of climate change on the groundwater of the Upper Plain in the Veneto and Friuli region in North-Eastern Italy. The TRUST project aims at implementing a water balance modelling tool to support institutions in formulating sustainable water management planning policies and best practices. This paper reviews the development and application of the tools for the groundwater balance model that simulate the groundwater deficit. Projections on the water deficit as a function of Climate Change have used future precipitation and evapotranspiration patterns derived from climate simulations (SRES-IPCC scenarios A1B and A2) of the Mediterranean region for the 20th and 21st centuries. Model outputs showed that a significant part of future water deficit might be recovered with Managed Aquifer Recharge that will permit the groundwater management preventing the climate change effect.
A Ras-like domain in the light intermediate chain bridges the dynein motor to a cargo-binding region
Authors: Schroeder Courtney M , Ostrem Jonathan ML , Hertz Nicholas T , Vale Ronald D
Published: October 2014

Cytoplasmic dynein, a microtubule-based motor protein, transports many intracellular cargos by means of its light intermediate chain (LIC). In this study, we have determined the crystal structure of the conserved LIC domain, which binds the motor heavy chain, from a thermophilic fungus. We show that the LIC has a Ras-like fold with insertions that distinguish it from Ras and other previously described G proteins. Despite having a G protein fold, the fungal LIC has lost its ability to bind nucleotide, while the human LIC1 binds GDP preferentially over GTP. We show that the LIC G domain binds the dynein heavy chain using a conserved patch of aromatic residues, whereas the less conserved C-terminal domain binds several Rab effectors involved in membrane transport. These studies provide the first structural information and insight into the evolutionary origin of the LIC as well as revealing how this critical subunit connects the dynein motor to cargo.
Adaptability of non-genetic diversity in bacterial chemotaxis
Authors: Frankel Nicholas W , Pontius William , Dufour Yann S , Long Junjiajia , Hernandez-Nunez Luis , Emonet Thierry
Published: October 2014

Bacterial chemotaxis systems are as diverse as the environments that bacteria inhabit, but how much environmental variation can cells tolerate with a single system? Diversification of a single chemotaxis system could serve as an alternative, or even evolutionary stepping-stone, to switching between multiple systems. We hypothesized that mutations in gene regulation could lead to heritable control of chemotactic diversity. By simulating foraging and colonization of E. coli using a single-cell chemotaxis model, we found that different environments selected for different behaviors. The resulting trade-offs show that populations facing diverse environments would ideally diversify behaviors when time for navigation is limited. We show that advantageous diversity can arise from changes in the distribution of protein levels among individuals, which could occur through mutations in gene regulation. We propose experiments to test our prediction that chemotactic diversity in a clonal population could be a selectable trait that enables adaptation to environmental variability.
Kinetic competition during the transcription cycle results in stochastic RNA processing
Authors: Coulon Antoine , Ferguson Matthew L , de Turris Valeria , Palangat Murali , Chow Carson C , Larson Daniel R
Published: October 2014

Synthesis of mRNA in eukaryotes involves the coordinated action of many enzymatic processes, including initiation, elongation, splicing, and cleavage. Kinetic competition between these processes has been proposed to determine RNA fate, yet such coupling has never been observed in vivo on single transcripts. In this study, we use dual-color single-molecule RNA imaging in living human cells to construct a complete kinetic profile of transcription and splicing of the β-globin gene. We find that kinetic competition results in multiple competing pathways for pre-mRNA splicing. Splicing of the terminal intron occurs stochastically both before and after transcript release, indicating there is not a strict quality control checkpoint. The majority of pre-mRNAs are spliced after release, while diffusing away from the site of transcription. A single missense point mutation (S34F) in the essential splicing factor U2AF1 which occurs in human cancers perturbs this kinetic balance and defers splicing to occur entirely post-release.
Molecular Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Nallamilli Babi Ramesh Reddy , Ankala Arunkanth , Hegde Madhuri
Published: October 2014

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X‐linked inherited neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene (DMD; locus Xp21.2). The mutation spectrum of DMD is unique in that 65% of causative mutations are intragenic deletions, with intragenic duplications and point mutations (along with other sequence variants) accounting for 6% to 10% and 30% to 35%, respectively. The strategy for molecular diagnostic testing for DMD involves initial screening for deletions/duplications using microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) followed by full‐sequence analysis of DMD for sequence variants. Recently, next‐generation sequencing (NGS)–based targeted gene analysis has become clinically available for detection of point mutations and other sequence variants (small insertions, deletions, and indels). This unit initially discusses the strategic algorithm for establishing a molecular diagnosis of DMD and later provides detailed protocols of current molecular diagnostic methods for DMD, including array‐CGH, PCR‐based Sanger sequencing, and NGS‐based sequencing assay. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 83:9.25.1‐9.25.29 © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mouse Genome Editing Using the CRISPR/Cas System
Authors: Harms Donald W. , Quadros Rolen M. , Seruggia Davide , Ohtsuka Masato , Takahashi Gou , Montoliu Lluis , Gurumurthy Channabasavaiah B.
Published: October 2014

The availability of techniques to create desired genetic mutations has enabled the laboratory mouse as an extensively used model organism in biomedical research including human genetics. A new addition to this existing technical repertoire is the CRISPR/Cas system. Specifically, this system allows editing of the mouse genome much more quickly than the previously used techniques, and, more importantly, multiple mutations can be created in a single experiment. Here we provide protocols for preparation of CRISPR/Cas reagents and microinjection into one‐cell mouse embryos to create knockout or knock‐in mouse models. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 83:15.7.1‐15.7.27. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diagnosing Lysosomal Storage Disorders: The GM2 Gangliosidoses
Authors: Hall Patricia , Minnich Sara , Teigen Claire , Raymond Kimiyo
Published: October 2014

The GM2 gangliosidoses are a group of autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorders caused by defective β‐hexosaminidase. There are three clinical conditions in this group: Tay‐Sachs disease (TSD), Sandhoff disease (SD), and hexosaminidase activator deficiency. The three conditions are clinically indistinguishable. TSD and SD have been identified with infantile, juvenile, and adult onset forms. The activator deficiency is only known to present with infantile onset. Diagnosis of TSD and SD is based on decreased hexosaminidase activity and a change in the percentage of activity between isoforms. There are no biochemical tests currently available for activator deficiency. This unit provides a detailed procedure for identifying TSD and SD in affected individuals and carriers from leukocyte samples, the most robust sample type available. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 83:17.16.1‐17.16.8. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.