bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting more colors I
Authors: Eisworth Todd
Published: January 2013

We establish a coloring theorem for successors of singular cardinals, and use it prove that for any such cardinalμ, we haveif and only iffor arbitrarily largeθ<μ.
Fields with few types
Authors: Milliet Cédric
Published: January 2013

According to Belegradek, a first order structure is weakly small if there are countably many 1-types over any of its finite subset. We show the following results. A field extension of finite degree of an infinite weakly small field has no Artin-Schreier extension. A weakly small field of characteristic 2 is finite or algebraically closed. A weakly small division ring of positive characteristic is locally finite dimensional over its centre. A weakly small division ring of characteristic 2 is a field.
Indifferent sets for genericity
Authors: Day Adam R.
Published: January 2013

This paper investigates indifferent sets for comeager classes in Cantor space focusing of the class of all 1-generic sets and the class of all weakly 1-generic sets. Jockusch and Posner showed that there exist 1-generic sets that have indifferent sets [10]. Figueira, Miller and Nies have studied indifferent sets for randomness and other notions [7]. We show that any comeager class in Cantor space contains a comeager class with a universal indifferent set. A forcing construction is used to show that any 1-generic set, or weakly 1-generic set, has an indifferent set. Such an indifferent set can by computed by any set inwhich bounds the (weakly) 1-generic. We show by approximation arguments that some, but not all,1-generic sets can compute an indifferent set for themselves. We show that allweakly 1-generic sets can compute an indifferent set for themselves. Additional results on indifferent sets, including one of Miller, and two of Fitzgerald, are presented.
Borel's conjecture in topological groups
Authors: Galvin Fred , Scheepers Marion
Published: January 2013

We introduce a natural generalization of Borel's Conjecture. For each infinite cardinal numberκ, let BCκdenote this generalization. Then BCℕ0is equivalent to the classical Borel conjecture. Assuming the classical Borel conjecture, ¬BCℕ1is equivalent to the existence of a Kurepa tree of height ℕ1. Using the connection of BCκwith a generalization of Kurepa's Hypothesis, we obtain the following consistency results:

(1) If it is consistent that there is a 1-inaccessible cardinal then it is consistent that BCℕ1.

(2) If it is consistent that BCℕ1, then it is consistent that there is an inaccessible cardinal.

(3) If it is consistent that there is a 1-inaccessible cardinal withωinaccessible cardinals above it, then ¬BCℕω+ (∀n<ω)BCℕnis consistent.

(4) If it is consistent that there is a 2-huge cardinal, then it is consistent that BCℕω

(5) If it is consistent that there is a 3-huge cardinal, then it is consistent that BCκfor a proper class of cardinalsκof countable cofinality.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells Are Related to Glycemic Control in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Over Time
Authors: Hörtenhuber Thomas , Rami-Mehar Birgit , Satler Miriam , Nagl Katrin , Höbaus Clemens , Höllerl Florian , Koppensteiner Renate , Schernthaner Guntram , Schober Edith , Schernthaner Gerit-Holger
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

The risk of cardiovascular death before the age of 40 is 20-fold higher in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients without diabetes. We hypothesized that EPCs are modified in children with T1DM and are related to characteristics of T1DM such as glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Children (n = 190; 156 T1DM subjects and 34 control subjects) were included in an observational cohort study and matched for age and sex. EPCs were enumerated by flow cytometry at the beginning (cross-sectional) and 1 year later (longitudinal). To analyze changes of variables during the observation, Δ values were calculated.

RESULTS

EPCs were significantly reduced in T1DM children versus control subjects (609 ± 359 vs. 1,165 ± 484, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression modeling revealed that glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was the strongest independent predictor of EPCs (β = −0.355, P < 0.001). Overall glycemic control at the beginning and end of study did not differ (7.8 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.2 relative %, P = NS), but we observed individual HbA1c changes of −4.30/+3.10 relative %. The strongest EPC increase was observed in the patients with the most favorable HbA1c lowering during the 1-year follow-up. Accordingly, the strongest EPC decrease was demonstrated in the patients with the strongest HbA1c worsening during the time period.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first prospective study demonstrating diminished EPCs in children with T1DM. The association of better glycemic control with an increase in EPC numbers within 1 year suggests that a reduction of the high cardiovascular disease burden might be mediated likewise.
History of Medically Treated Diabetes and Risk of Alzheimer Disease in a Nationwide Case-Control Study
Authors: Tolppanen Anna-Maija , Lavikainen Piia , Solomon Alina , Kivipelto Miia , Uusitupa Matti , Soininen Hilkka , Hartikainen Sirpa
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes in midlife or late life increases the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD), and type 1 diabetes has been associated with a higher risk of detrimental cognitive outcomes, although studies from older adults are lacking. We investigated whether individuals with AD were more likely to have a history of diabetes than matched controls from the general aged population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Information on reimbursed diabetes medication (including both type 1 and 2 diabetes) of all Finnish individuals with reimbursed AD medication in 2005 (n = 28,093) and their AD-free control subjects during 1972–2005 was obtained from a special reimbursement register maintained by the Social Insurance Institute of Finland.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes was 11.4% in the whole study population, 10.7% (n = 3,012) among control subjects, and 12.0% (n = 3,372) among AD case subjects. People with AD were more likely to have diabetes than matched control subjects (unadjusted OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.08–1.20]), even after adjusting for cardiovascular diseases (OR 1.31 [1.22–1.41]). The associations were stronger with diabetes diagnosed at midlife (adjusted OR 1.60 [1.34–1.84] and 1.25 [1.16–1.36] for midlife and late-life diabetes, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with clinically verified AD are more likely to have a history of clinically verified and medically treated diabetes than the general aged population, although the difference is small.
Most Youth With Type 1 Diabetes in the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry Do Not Meet American Diabetes Association or International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Wood Jamie R. , Miller Kellee M. , Maahs David M. , Beck Roy W. , DiMeglio Linda A. , Libman Ingrid M. , Quinn Maryanne , Tamborlane William V. , Woerner Stephanie E. ,   for the T1D Exchange Clinic Network
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess the proportion of youth with type 1 diabetes under the care of pediatric endocrinologists in the United States meeting targets for HbA1c, blood pressure (BP), BMI, and lipids.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were evaluated for 13,316 participants in the T1D Exchange clinic registry younger than 20 years old with type 1 diabetes for ≥1 year.

RESULTS

American Diabetes Association HbA1c targets of <8.5% for those younger than 6 years, <8.0% for those 6 to younger than 13 years old, and <7.5% for those 13 to younger than 20 years old were met by 64, 43, and 21% of participants, respectively. The majority met targets for BP and lipids, and two-thirds met the BMI goal of <85th percentile.

CONCLUSIONS

Most children with type 1 diabetes have HbA1c values above target levels. Achieving American Diabetes Association goals remains a significant challenge for the majority of youth in the T1D Exchange registry.
Microbial assessment of bottled drinking water of Kathmandu valley
Authors: Timilshina M , Dahal I , Thapa B
Published: January 2013

INTRODUCTION: Due to increased demand and consumption of bottled water in Kathmandu valley, there has been a growing concern about the microbiological quality of this product. The objective of this study was to assess the microbial contamination of heterotrophs and total coliform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study was done in randomly selected 30 different commercial brand of bottled water available in commercial market of Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Total coliform and heterotrophic bacteria were enumerated by the membrane filtration and spread plate technique, respectively. RESULTS: Nineteen samples (63.3%) showed the heterotrophic bacterial count above the acceptable range (i.e. <50 cfu/ml) and 56.6% (n=17) samples showed the total coliforms count crossed the WHO guidelines (i.e. 0 cfu/ml). 83.3% (n=25) brands of bottled water were not safe for drinking as they exceed the heterotrophic and/or total coliform count above the WHO guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of heterotrophs and the coliform in the bottled water is a serious concern for public health. Concerned authority should prioritize this issue and continuously monitor the quality of mushrooming bottled water manufacturers in Kathmandu valley to provide safe drinking water to the population. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v1i2.7399 Int J Infect Microbiol 2012;1(1):84-86
Mechanism of antimicrobial resistance in Shigella isolates
Authors: Mehata S , Duan GC , Zhang WD
Published: January 2013

INTRODUCTION: Shigellosis still remains a public health problem in developing countries because of poverty, poor sanitation, personal hygiene and poor water supply. Antimicrobial therapy for shigellosis reduces the duration and severity of the disease and can also prevent potentially lethal complications. However, over the past few decades Shigella spp. has become resistant to most of the widely used antimicrobials. This study assessed the patterns of antimicrobial susceptibility and mutations in marA and marR genes of Shigella isolates and its association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty three isolates of Shigella spp. were tested to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) according to the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) for the following antimicrobials: ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, gentamicin and streptomycin and mutation on marAR genes by using polymerase chain reaction–Single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: Study revealed that there was significant association in between resistant to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and gentamicin with mutation in marA gene (87.5% vs 51.1%, P<0.05; 87.5%Vs 51.1%, P<0.05 and 90% vs 48.8%, P<0.05, respectively). However, there was no significant association in between resistant to tetracycline, streptocycin and ampicillin. Similarly, it was noted that the association in between antimicrobial resistance with mutation in marR like ciprofloxacin (O% vs 57.8%, P<0.05); norfloxacin (O% vs 57.8%, P<0.05), chloramphenicol (O% vs 70.3%, P<0.05); gentamicin (O% vs 60.5%, P<0.05) and trimethoprim (42.6% vs 100%, P<0.05), suggest that mutation in marR is protective factor for antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that mutation in marR is preventive factors for antimicrobial resistance like ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin and trimethoprim. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v1i2.7406 Int J Infect Microbiol 2012;1(1):43-48
Induction of Heat Shock Protein 70 Ameliorates Ultraviolet-Induced Photokeratitis in Mice
Authors: Lennikov Anton , Kitaichi Nobuyoshi , Kase Satoru , Noda Kousuke , Horie Yukihiro , Nakai Akira , Ohno Shigeaki , Ishida Susumu
Published: January 2013

Acute ultraviolet (UV) B exposure causes photokeratitis and induces apoptosis in corneal cells. Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) is an acyclic polyisoprenoid that induces expression of heat shock protein (HSP)70, a soluble intracellular chaperone protein expressed in various tissues, protecting cells against stress conditions. We examined whether induction of HSP70 has therapeutic effects on UV-photokeratitis in mice. C57 BL/6 mice were divided into four groups, GGA-treated (500 mg/kg/mouse) and UVB-exposed (400 mJ/cm2), GGA-untreated UVB-exposed (400 mJ/cm2), GGA-treated (500 mg/kg/mouse) but not exposed and naive controls. Eyeballs were collected 24 h after irradiation, and corneas were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). HSP70, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and protein kinase B (Akt) expression were also evaluated. Irradiated corneal epithelium was significantly thicker in the eyes of mice treated with GGA compared with those given the vehicle alone (p < 0.01). Significantly fewer TUNEL-positive cells were observed in the eyes of GGA-treated mice than controls after irradiation (p < 0.01). Corneal HSP70 levels were significantly elevated in corneas of mice treated with GGA (p < 0.05). ROS signal was not affected by GGA. NF-κB activation was reduced but phospho-(Ser/Ther) Akt substrate expression was increased in corneas after irradiation when treated with GGA. GGA-treatment induced HSP70 expression and ameliorated UV-induced corneal damage through the reduced NF-κB activation and possibly increased Akt phosphorilation.
Recent Progress in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy Study of Compositional, Structural and Physical Attributes of Developmental Cotton Fibers
Authors: Liu Yongliang
Published: January 2013

Cotton fibers are natural plant products, and their end-use qualities depend on their stages of development. In general, the quantity of cellulose in cotton fibers increases rapidly, thus it leads to compositional, structural and physical attribute variations among the fibers with shorter and longer growth periods. This article discusses recent progress in applying the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic technique to characterize these differences, to discriminate immature fibers from mature fibers, to assess fiber maturity and crystallinity and also to unravel the band assignments in crystalline and amorphous celluloses. The results were achieved through the use of various strategies, including wet chemical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), simple algorithm development, two-dimensional correlation analysis and other independent fiber tests. Of particular interest is that, in general, immature fibers might have the characteristics of less than 21–28 dpa, MIR < 0.58 (in the maturity range of 0 to 1.0) and CIIR < 42% (in the crystallinity range of 0 to 100%).
Holographic Spectroscopy: Wavelength-Dependent Analysis of Photosensitive Materials by Means of Holographic Techniques
Authors: Voit Kay-Michael , Imlau Mirco
Published: January 2013

Holographic spectroscopy is highlighted as a powerful tool for the analysis of photosensitive materials with pronounced alterations of the complex permittivity over a broad range in the visible spectrum, due to the advances made both in the fields of advanced holographic media and highly tunable lasers systems. To analytically discuss consequences for in- and off-Bragg reconstruction, we revised Kogelnik’s coupled wave theory strictly on the basis of complex permittivities. We extended it to comply with modern experimental parameters such as out-of-phase mixed holograms and highly modulated gratings. A spatially modulated, wavelength-dependent permittivity that superimposes a spatially homogeneous wavelength-dependent ground state spectrum is taken into account for signal wave reconstruction with bulky elementary mixed gratings as an example. The dispersion characteristics of the respective diffraction efficiency is modelled for color-center-absorption and absorption of strongly localized carriers. As an example for the theoretical possibilities of our newly derived set of equations, we present a quantitative analysis of the Borrmann effect connected to out-of-phase gratings, providing easier and more intuitive methods for the derivation of their grating parameters.
Recent Advances in Characterization of Lignin Polymer by Solution-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Methodology
Authors: Wen Jia-Long , Sun Shao-Long , Xue Bai-Liang , Sun Run-Cang
Published: January 2013

The demand for efficient utilization of biomass induces a detailed analysis of the fundamental chemical structures of biomass, especially the complex structures of lignin polymers, which have long been recognized for their negative impact on biorefinery. Traditionally, it has been attempted to reveal the complicated and heterogeneous structure of lignin by a series of chemical analyses, such as thioacidolysis (TA), nitrobenzene oxidation (NBO), and derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC). Recent advances in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology undoubtedly have made solution-state NMR become the most widely used technique in structural characterization of lignin due to its versatility in illustrating structural features and structural transformations of lignin polymers. As one of the most promising diagnostic tools, NMR provides unambiguous evidence for specific structures as well as quantitative structural information. The recent advances in two-dimensional solution-state NMR techniques for structural analysis of lignin in isolated and whole cell wall states (in situ), as well as their applications are reviewed.
Isolation and Purification of a Peptide from Bullacta exarata and Its Impaction of Apoptosis on Prostate Cancer Cell
Authors: Ma Jianyin , Huang Fangfang , Lin Huanle , Wang Xian
Published: January 2013

Bullacta exarata was hydrolyzed with trypsin to prepare peptides; Hydrolysates were isolated by ultrafiltration and purified using G-25 gel filtration. The purity of the Bullacta exarata was demonstrated by HPLC and its peptide sequence analysis was detected. The effects of BEPT II and BEPT II-1 on the proliferation of PC-3 cells were examined using a MTT assay. BEPT II and BEPT II-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of PC-3 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Annexin V/PI double staining studies showed exposing PC-3 cells to 5, or 15 mg/mL BEPT II-1 for 24 h increased the percentage of the early stage of apoptotic cells from 11.22% to 22.09%. In addition, typical morphologic changes were observed in the cells with acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. These data support that BEPT II-1 has anticancer properties and merits further investigation to understand the mechanisms of BEPT II-1-induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells.
The Rule of Ecological Law: The Legal Complement to Degrowth Economics
Authors: Garver Geoffrey
Published: January 2013

The rule of ecological law is a fitting complement to degrowth. Planetary boundaries of safe operating space for humanity, along with complementary measures and principles, provide scientific and ethical foundations of the rule of ecological law, which should have several reinforcing features. First, it should recognize humans are part of Earth’s life systems. Second, ecological limits must have primacy over social and economic regimes. Third, the rule of ecological law must permeate all areas of law. Fourth, it should focus on radically reducing material and energy throughput. Fifth, it must be global, but distributed, using the principle of subsidiarity. Sixth, it must ensure fair sharing of resources among present and future generations of humans and other life. Seventh, it must be binding and supranational, with supremacy over sub-global legal regimes as necessary. Eighth, it requires a greatly expanded program of research and monitoring. Ninth, it requires precaution about crossing global ecological boundaries. Tenth, it must be adaptive. Although the transition from a growth-insistent economy headed toward ecological collapse to an economy based on the rule of ecological law is elusive, the European Union may be a useful structural model.
Influenza A Virus Entry Inhibitors Targeting the Hemagglutinin
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Minmin , Shen Xintian , Liu Shuwen
Published: January 2013

Influenza A virus (IAV) has caused seasonal influenza epidemics and influenza pandemics, which resulted in serious threat to public health and socioeconomic impacts. Until now, only 5 drugs belong to two categories are used for prophylaxis and treatment of IAV infection. Hemagglutinin (HA), the envelope glycoprotein of IAV, plays a critical role in viral binding, fusion and entry. Therefore, HA is an attractive target for developing anti‑IAV drugs to block the entry step of IAV infection. Here we reviewed the recent progress in the study of conformational changes of HA during viral fusion process and the development of HA-based IAV entry inhibitors, which may provide a new choice for controlling future influenza pandemics.
Review of Drug Interactions with Telaprevir and Antiretrovirals
Authors: Van Heeswijk Rolf PG , Beumont Maria , Kauffman Robert S , Garg Varun
Published: January 2013

HCV infection is a major cause of mortality worldwide. HCV-related deaths also represent a leading cause of mortality in HIV-coinfected individuals. Telaprevir is an NS3/4A protease inhibitor approved for the treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 infection in adults in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Telaprevir-based treatment has been shown to increase rates of sustained viral response in HCV genotype-1-monoinfected patients, and studies in HCV–HIV-coinfected patients are ongoing. Drug–drug interactions of telaprevir with antiretroviral drugs were investigated in a series of studies in healthy subjects. This review summarizes the results of interaction studies with low-dose ritonavir, ritonavir-boosted HIV protease inhibitors (atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir and lopinavir), efavirenz, etravirine, rilpivirine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and raltegravir.
Ongoing HIV Replication in Cerebrospinal Fluid under Successful Monotherapy
Authors: Bierhoff Marieke , Boucher Charles AB , Fibriani Azzania , Kate Reinier W Ten
Published: January 2013

We report a case of an HIV-infected patient who was successfully treated with ritonavir/lopinavir (r/LPV) mono-therapy for several years. He presented with neurological symptoms and high HIV RNA levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Sequencing of the HIV from the CSF revealed mutations in the protease gene refecting resistance against most protease inhibitors, that is, lopinavir and ritonavir. His regimen was switched and after 2 months the HIV RNA viral load was again undetectable in both plasma as well as in CSF. Monotherapy with r/LPV may not be sufficient to fully suppress viral replication in the central nervous system in all individuals and may lead to compar-timentalization and the selection of resistant mutations of HIV in the central nervous system.
A Review of Occupational Therapy Research and Development Activity in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
Authors: White Elizabeth , Hampson Helen , Gardiner Leanne , Motion Neil , Broomhall Katherine
Published: January 2013

Introduction:

A review was undertaken of the College of Occupational Therapists' 2002 scoping study of occupational therapy research and development activity in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales in order to assess the developments in infrastructure supporting occupational therapy research, to highlight opportunities available to occupational therapists and to identify how the College could best support members' research activities.

Method:

Within each nation, a literature review and focus group were undertaken. A feature of the research was the opportunity for a student occupational therapist from each country to be involved as co-researcher.

Findings:

The findings revealed a considerable investment and increase in research capacity developments in all three countries, recognising the need to develop the evidence base to underpin occupational therapy interventions. Barriers to progressing research activity included time and research topic prioritisation, and workplace cultures that did not promote research-related activities. The College of Occupational Therapists was considered to have a key role in influencing policy directions and the launch of the United Kingdom Occupational Therapy Research Foundation was viewed as an opportunity to support occupation-focused research and capacity development.

Conclusion:

Significant progress reflects the investment in research infrastructure, although further effort is needed to change cultural impacts.
Enhancing Occupational Therapy Education through Simulation
Authors: Bradley Gemma , Whittington Stephanie , Mottram Paul
Published: January 2013

The use of, and profile surrounding, simulation as a teaching and learning method across pre-registration and post-qualifying health programmes is increasing, although an examination of the literature suggests that this is occurring most notably within medicine and nursing. This practice analysis explores the emergent literature before presenting how simulation was introduced into a pre-registration undergraduate occupational therapy programme. Reflections on this experience are used to discuss key benefits and challenges when considering the use of this teaching and learning methodology and to identify opportunities for further development in line with the increasing profile and associated expectations of simulated learning.
Wintertime aerosol chemical composition and source apportionment of the organic fraction in the metropolitan area of Paris
Authors: Crippa M. , DeCarlo P. F. , Slowik J. G. , Mohr C. , Heringa M. F. , Chirico R. , Poulain L. , Freutel F. , Sciare J. , Cozic J. , Di Marco C. F. , Elsasser M. , Nicolas J. B. , Marchand N. , Abidi E. , Wiedensohler A. , Drewnick F. , Schneider J. , Borrmann S. , Nemitz E. , Zimmermann R. , Jaffrezo J.-L. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Baltensperger U.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The effect of a post-industrial megacity on local and regional air quality was assessed via a month-long field measurement campaign in the Paris metropolitan area during winter 2010. Here we present source apportionment results from three aerosol mass spectrometers and two aethalometers deployed at three measurement stations within the Paris region. Submicron aerosol composition is dominated by the organic fraction (30–36%) and nitrate (28–29%), with lower contributions from sulfate (14–16%), ammonium (12–14%) and black carbon (7–13%). Organic source apportionment was performed using positive matrix factorization, resulting in a set of organic factors corresponding both to primary emission sources and secondary production. The dominant primary sources are traffic (11–15% of organic mass), biomass burning (13–15%) and cooking (up to 35% during meal hours). Secondary organic aerosol contributes more than 50% to the total organic mass and includes a highly oxidized factor from indeterminate and/or diverse sources and a less oxidized factor related to wood burning emissions. Black carbon was apportioned to traffic and wood burning sources using a model based on wavelength-dependent light absorption of these two combustion sources. The time series of organic and black carbon factors from related sources were strongly correlated. The similarities in aerosol composition, total mass and temporal variation between the three sites suggest that particulate pollution in Paris is dominated by regional factors, and that the emissions from Paris itself have a relatively low impact on its surroundings.
Ammonia emissions from cattle urine and dung excreted on pasture
Authors: Laubach J. , Taghizadeh-Toosi A. , Gibbs S. J. , Sherlock R. R. , Kelliher F. M. , Grover S. P. P.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Twelve cattle were kept for three days in a circular area of 16 m radius on short pasture and fed with freshly-cut pasture. Ammonia (NH3) emissions from the urine and dung excreted by the cattle were measured with a micrometeorological mass-balance method, during the cattle presence and for 10 subsequent days. Daily-integrated emission rates peaked on Day 3 of the experiment (last day of cattle presence) and declined steadily for five days thereafter. Urine patches were the dominant sources for these emissions. On Day 9, a secondary emissions peak occurred, with dung pats likely to be the main sources. This interpretation is based on simultaneous observations of the pH evolution in urine patches and dung pats created next to the circular plot. Feed and dung samples were analysed to estimate the amounts of nitrogen (N) ingested and excreted. Total N volatilised as NH3 was 19.8 (± 0.9)% of N intake and 22.4 (± 1.3)% of N excreted. The bimodal shape of the emissions time series allowed to infer separate estimates for volatilisation from urine and dung, respectively, with the result that urine accounted for 88.6 (± 2.6)% of the total NH3 emissions. The emissions from urine represented 25.5 (± 2.0)% of the excreted urine-N, while the emissions from dung amounted to 11.6 (± 2.7)% of the deposited dung-N. Emissions from dung may have continued after Day 13 but were not resolved by the measurement technique. A simple resistance model shows that the magnitude of the emissions from dung is controlled by the resistance of the dung crust.
A scaling approach to project regional sea level rise and its uncertainties
Authors: Perrette M. , Landerer F. , Riva R. , Frieler K. , Meinshausen M.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Climate change causes global mean sea level to rise due to thermal expansion of seawater and loss of land ice from mountain glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets. Locally, sea level can strongly deviate from the global mean rise due to changes in wind and ocean currents. In addition, gravitational adjustments redistribute seawater away from shrinking ice masses. However, the land ice contribution to sea level rise (SLR) remains very challenging to model, and comprehensive regional sea level projections, which include appropriate gravitational adjustments, are still a nascent field (Katsman et al., 2011; Slangen et al., 2011). Here, we present an alternative approach to derive regional sea level changes for a range of emission and land ice melt scenarios, combining probabilistic forecasts of a simple climate model (MAGICC6) with the new CMIP5 general circulation models. The contribution from ice sheets varies considerably depending on the assumptions for the ice sheet projections, and thus represents sizeable uncertainties for future sea level rise. However, several consistent and robust patterns emerge from our analysis: at low latitudes, especially in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, sea level will likely rise more than the global mean (mostly by 10–20%). Around the northeastern Atlantic and the northeastern Pacific coasts, sea level will rise less than the global average or, in some rare cases, even fall. In the northwestern Atlantic, along the American coast, a strong dynamic sea level rise is counteracted by gravitational depression due to Greenland ice melt; whether sea level will be above- or below-average will depend on the relative contribution of these two factors. Our regional sea level projections and the diagnosed uncertainties provide an improved basis for coastal impact analysis and infrastructure planning for adaptation to climate change.
Glacier changes and climate trends derived from multiple sources in the data scarce Cordillera Vilcanota region, southern Peruvian Andes
Authors: Salzmann N. , Huggel C. , Rohrer M. , Silverio W. , Mark B. G. , Burns P. , Portocarrero C.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The role of glaciers as temporal water reservoirs is particularly pronounced in the (outer) tropics because of the very distinct wet/dry seasons. Rapid glacier retreat caused by climatic changes is thus a major concern, and decision makers demand urgently for regional/local glacier evolution trends, ice mass estimates and runoff assessments. However, in remote mountain areas, spatial and temporal data coverage is typically very scarce and this is further complicated by a high spatial and temporal variability in regions with complex topography. Here, we present an approach on how to deal with these constraints. For the Cordillera Vilcanota (southern Peruvian Andes), which is the second largest glacierized cordillera in Peru (after the Cordillera Blanca) and also comprises the Quelccaya Ice Cap, we assimilate a comprehensive multi-decadal collection of available glacier and climate data from multiple sources (satellite images, meteorological station data and climate reanalysis), and analyze them for respective changes in glacier area and volume and related trends in air temperature, precipitation and in a more general manner for specific humidity. While we found only marginal glacier changes between 1962 and 1985, there has been a massive ice loss since 1985 (about 30% of area and about 45% of volume). These high numbers corroborate studies from other glacierized cordilleras in Peru. The climate data show overall a moderate increase in air temperature, mostly weak and not significant trends for precipitation sums and probably cannot in full explain the observed substantial ice loss. Therefore, the likely increase of specific humidity in the upper troposphere, where the glaciers are located, is further discussed and we conclude that it played a major role in the observed massive ice loss of the Cordillera Vilcanota over the past decades.
Surface motion of active rock glaciers in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA: inventory and a case study using InSAR
Authors:   Lin Liu, Millar C. I. , Westfall R. D. , Zebker H. A.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Despite the abundance of rock glaciers in the Sierra Nevada of California, USA, few efforts have been made to measure their surface flow. Here we use the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technique to compile a~benchmark inventory describing the kinematic state of 59 active rock glaciers in this region. Statistically, these rock glaciers moved at speeds range from 15 cm yr−1 to 88 cm yr−1 with a mean value of 55 cm yr−1 in the late summer of 2007. We also find a spatial gradient: rock glaciers in the southern Sierra Nevada moved faster than the ones in the central Sierra Nevada. In addition to the inventory mapping, we also conduct a case study to measure the surface flow of the Mount Gibbs rock glacier in fine spatial and temporal detail. The InSAR measurements over this target reveal (1) that the spatial pattern of surface flow is influenced by surface geomorphological features and (2) a significant seasonal variation of flow speed whose peak value was 48 cm yr−1 in the fall, more than twice the minimum value observed in the spring. The seasonal variation lagged air temperatures by three months and likely results from temporal changes in mechanical strength of mixing debris and ice, internal melting of ice, and surface snow cover. Our finding on the seasonal variation of surface speed reinforces the importance of a long time series with high temporal sampling rates to detect possible long-term changes of rock glaciers in a warming climate.
A Systematic Search for Structures, Stabilities, Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Silicon Doped Silver Clusters: Comparison with Pure Silver Clusters
Authors: Zhao Ya-Ru , Zhang Hai-Rong , Zhang Mei-Guang , Zheng Bao-Bing , Kuang Xiao-Yu
Published: January 2013

The geometric structures, stabilities, electronic and magnetic properties of silicon doped silver clusters AgnSi (n = 1 - 9) have been systematically investigated by using meta-generalized gradient approximation (meta-GGA) exchange correlation Tao-Perdew-Staroverov-Scuseria (TPSS) functional. Due to the sp3 hybridization, the lowest energy structures of doped clusters favour the threedimensional structure. The silicon atom prefers to be located at the surface of the host silver clusters. The isomers that correspond to high coordination numbers of the Si-Ag bonds are found to be more stable. By analyzing the relative stabilities, the results show that the quadrangular bipyramid Ag4Si structure is the most stable geometry for the AgnSi clusters. Meanwhile, the fragmentation energies, second-order difference of energies, difference of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO gaps), and total magnetic moments exhibit pronounced even-odd alternations. The largest hardness difference (2:24 eV) exists between the clusters Ag4Si and Ag5, which illustrates that the corresponding Ag4Si cluster has dramatically enhanced chemical stability.
Gerenciamento de Projetos Segundo o Guia PMBOK: Desafios para os Gestores
Authors: Bomfin David Ferreira , Nunes Paula Cristine de Ávila , Hastenreiter Flávio
Published: January 2013

Analisamos, dentre as dificuldades e facilidades mapeadas na literatura, quais e por que as mesmas estão presentes no processo de gerenciamento de projetos com base no guia PMBOK. Verificamos quais os possíveis argumentos que os gestores vivenciam no gerenciamento de projetos no que diz respeito aos sucessos e fracassos apresentados. O estudo se concentrou em profissionais com certificação PMP por apresentarem o conhecimento em Gerenciamento de Projetos com base no guia PMBOK e, por ser uma área de crescimento onde as empresas buscam profissionais com melhores práticas e vantagem competitiva. Valendo-se do questionário estruturado como instrumento de coleta de dados e analisando os resultados, os principais pontos encontrados dizem respeito ao tempo em que os gerentes lidam com gerenciamento de projetos, as dificuldades encontradas pelos gerentes em sua prática profissional, a área do PMBOK com maior dificuldade de ser gerenciada, os itens que geram sucessos e fracassos nos projetos. A entrevista semi-estruturada evidenciou que o gerenciamento de projetos apresenta algumas dificuldades presentes na prática profissional dos gerentes. Sugerimos investigar melhor o impacto que a certificação PMP proporciona aos gerentes de projetos e se a relação maturidade organizacional e experiência em gerenciamento de projetos é fator de sucesso para o projeto.DOI:10.5585/gep.v3i3.78
Making Sense of Extraneous Solutions
Authors: Zelkowski Jeremy S.
Published: January 2013

Do you always have to check your answers when solving a radical equation?
Elevated Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2 Levels Promote Epo-Independent Erythroid Maturation and Recapitulate the Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Common Myeloid Progenitor Expansion Observed in Polycythemia Vera Patients
Authors: Bogeska Ruzhica , Pahl Heike L.
Published: January 2013

The molecular etiology of polycythemia vera (PV) remains incompletely understood. Patients harbor increased numbers of hematopoietic stem cells and display Epo-independent erythroid maturation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Epo hypersensitivity and stem cell expansion is unclear. We have previously shown that the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2 (NF-E2) is overexpressed in the majority of PV patients. Here we demonstrated that elevation of NF-E2 expression in healthy CD34+ cells to levels observed in PV caused Epo-independent erythroid maturation and expansion of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and common myeloid progenitor (CMP) cell numbers. Silencing NF-E2 in PV patients reverted both aberrancies, demonstrating for the first time that NF-E2 overexpression is both required and sufficient for Epo independence and HSC/CMP expansion in PV.
Measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolites as a non-invasive tool for monitoring adrenocortical activity in South American camelids
Authors: Arias N , Requena M , Palme R
Published: January 2013

The welfare and productivity of South American camelids may be affected by stressful events. The purpose of this study was to validate a non-invasive method for stress monitoring using faecal samples and to apply it to evaluate a stressful event, such as confinement. For physiological validation, nine alpacas(Vicugna pacos)and six llamas(Lama glama)were subjected to pharmacological stimulation of their adrenal cortex. Serial faecal samples were collected during 48 h before and after stimulation. During confinement, faecal samples from six llamas were collected twice per day during six consecutive days. Faeces belonging to 18 vicuñas(Vicugna vicugna)were collected before and one day after their capture for confinement(Chacu). Faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) were extracted from each sample and quantified by an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay. Thirty-three and 28 h (median) after ACTH stimulation, FCM concentrations peaked with a ten- and eight-fold increase (median) above baseline in alpacas and llamas, respectively. There were no significant differences in FCM concentrations between sexes. In llamas, FCM concentrations peaked (4.7 times higher than baseline) after five days of confinement in females and after three days (2.7 times) in males. In vicuñas, three times higher FCM levels were observed the day after the start of confinement (in comparison to the starting values). Based on our findings, this non-invasive method is well suited to measure adrenocortical activity in alpacas, llamas and vicuñas. Thus, this method could help to improve management, handling and welfare in wild and domesticated South American camelids.
The effect of pre-stun shocks in electrical water-bath stunners on carcase and meat quality in broilers
Authors: Rao MA , Knowles TG , Wotton SB
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study was to identify the extent of pre-stun shocks in a commercial broiler processing plant and to collect any evidence of their effect on broiler carcase and meat quality. The results showed that the degree of bird movement on entry to the water-bath was related to the incidence of pre-stun shocks, with heavier male birds showing less movement and correspondingly lower levels of pre-stun shocks. In a separate trial, 500 birds identified as receiving a pre-stun shock were compared with 500 control birds (no pre-stun shock). They were assessed for carcase downgrading conditions, red wing tips, wing haemorrhages, shoulder haemorrhages, breast muscle haemorrhages, the incidence of broken pectoral bones and also for meat quality defects. All downgrading conditions were subjectively assessed using photographic standards. The results of this study have shown that the incidence of pre-stun shocks has a significant effect both on carcase downgrading conditions and on meat quality. Pre-stun shocks are preventable and the poultry processing industry can improve both bird welfare and carcase and meat quality by ensuring that they do not occur.
Assessment time of the Welfare Quality®protocol for dairy cattle
Authors: de Vries M , Engel B , den Uijl I , van Schaik G , Dijkstra T , de Boer IJM , Bokkers EAM
Published: January 2013

The Welfare Quality®(WQ) protocols are increasingly used for assessing welfare of farm animals. These protocols are time consuming (about one day per farm) and, therefore, costly. Our aim was to assess the scope for reduction of on-farm assessment time of the WQ protocol for dairy cattle. Seven trained observers quantified animal-based indicators of the WQ protocol in 181 loose-housed and 13 tied Dutch dairy herds (herd size from 10 to 211 cows). Four assessment methods were used: avoidance distance at the feeding rack (ADF, 44 min); qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA, 25 min); behavioural observations (BO, 150 min); and clinical observations (CO, 132 min). To simulate reduction of on-farm assessment time, a set of WQ indicators belonging to one assessment method was omitted from the protocol. Observed values of omitted indicators were replaced by predictions based on WQ indicators of the remaining three assessment methods, resources checklist, and interview, thus mimicking the performance of the full WQ protocol. Agreement between predicted and observed values of WQ indicators, however, was low for ADF, moderate for QBA, slight to moderate for BO, and poor to moderate for CO. It was concluded that replacing animal-based WQ indicators by predictions based on remaining WQ indicators shows little scope for reduction of on-farm assessment time of the Welfare Quality®protocol for dairy cattle. Other ways to reduce on-farm assessment time of the WQ protocol for dairy cattle, such as the use of additional data or automated monitoring systems, should be investigated.
Assessing the safety of collars used to attach predation deterrent devices and ID tags to pet cats
Authors: Calver MC , Adams G , Clark W , Pollock KH
Published: January 2013

Collar-worn deterrents reduce predation by cats while collar-mounted ID enhances return of lost animals. A perception that collars are hazardous limits their use. We defined cases as ‘collar incidents’ (cat snagged its collar or caught a paw), ‘collar injuries’ (veterinary treatment needed for a collar incident), and ‘collar deaths’ (cat died), before integrating data from veterinarians, owners from the general public and owners from a welfare society. Despite biases associated with each of these groups, taken together, the results from these indicated that collar injuries or deaths are rare. Interviews with one hundred and seven veterinarians indicated an average rate of one collar injury observed per 2.3 years of veterinary practice. At one practice, over three years, only 0.33% of 4,460 cat cases were collar injuries, while 180 cat cases at four clinics during August and November 2011 included none. The 63 owners from the general public reported only one collar injury and no deaths in a lifetime of ownership, although 27% experienced collar incidents. In contrast, 22% reported cats needing treatment following road accidents, 53% reported cats needing treatment for fighting injuries and 62% had owned cats killed on the road.Most(62%) of the 55 respondents from a cat welfare society had experienced a collar incident, but only two cats needed treatment. One died. In contrast, 31 and 58% reported cats needing treatment for road accidents and fighting, respectively, and 41% had owned cats killed on the road. Fighting and road accidents are greater hazards to roaming cats than collars, which offer the compensatory benefits of mounting predation deterrents and ID tags.