bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of organic aerosols and its oxidation level on CCN activity from measurement at a suburban site in China
Authors: Zhang Fang , Li Zhanqing , Li Yanan , Sun Yele , Wang Zhenzhu , Li Ping , Sun Li , Wang Pucai , Cribb Maureen , Zhao Chuanfeng , Fan Tianyi , Yang Xin , Wang Qingqing
Published: May 2016

Abstract. This study is concerned with the impacts of organic aerosols on cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity based on field measurements made at a suburban site in Northern China. The sensitivity of the estimated CCN number concentration (NCCN) to both volume fraction of organic material (xorg) and aerosol oxidation level (using f44, the fraction of m∕z 44 in aerosol organic material) are examined. A strong dependence of CCN number concentration (NCCN) on the xorg and f44 was noted. The sensitivity of NCCN to volume fraction of organics increased with increasing xorg. The impacts of the aerosol particles oxidization or aging level on estimating NCCN were also very significant. When the particles were mostly composed of organics (xorg > 60 %), the NCCN at the supersaturation of 0.075 and 0.13 % was underestimated by 46 and 44 %, respectively, if aerosol particles were freshly emitted with primary organics (f44 < 11 %); the underestimation decreased to 32 and 23 % at the corresponding supersaturations, however, if the particles were with more hygroscopic secondary organics (f44 > 15 %). The NCCN at the supersaturation of 0.76 % was underestimated by 11 and 4 %, respectively, at f44 < 11 and f44 > 15 %. However, for the particles composed of low organics (e.g., xorg < 40 %), the effect caused by the f44 was quite insignificant both at high and low supersaturations. This is because the overall hygroscopicity of the particles is dominated by inorganics such as sulfate and nitrate, which are more hygroscopic than organic compounds. Our results indicated that it would decrease the uncertainties in estimating NCCN and lead to a more accurate estimation of NCCN to increase the proportion of secondary organics, especially when the composition of the aerosols is dominated by organics. The applicability of the CCN activation spectrum obtained at Xinzhou to the Xianghe site, about 400 km to the northeast of Xinzhou, was investigated, with the aim of further examining the sensitivity of NCCN to aerosol type. Overall, the mean CCN efficiency spectrum derived from Xinzhou performs well at Xianghe when the supersaturation levels are > 0.2 % (overestimation of 2–4 %). However, NCCN was overestimated by  ∼  20 % at supersaturation levels of < 0.1 %. This suggests that the overestimation is mainly due to the smaller proportion of aged and oxidized organic aerosols present at Xianghe compared to Xinzhou.
The global tropospheric ammonia distribution as seen in the 13-year AIRS measurement record
Authors: Warner Juying X. , Wei Zigang , Strow L. Larrabee , Dickerson Russell R. , Nowak John B.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Ammonia (NH3) plays an increasingly important role in the global biogeochemical cycle of reactive nitrogen as well as in aerosol formation and climate. We present extensive and nearly continuous global ammonia measurements made by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) from the Aqua satellite to identify and quantify major persistent and episodic sources as well as to characterize seasonality. We examine the 13-year period from September 2002 through August 2015 with a retrieval algorithm using an optimal estimation technique with a set of three, spatially and temporally uniform a priori profiles. Vertical profiles show good agreement (∼  5–15 %) between AIRS NH3 and the in situ profiles from the winter 2013 DISCOVER-AQ (DISCOVER-Air Quality) field campaign in central California, despite the likely biases due to spatial resolution differences between the two instruments. The AIRS instrument captures the strongest consistent NH3 concentrations due to emissions from the anthropogenic (agricultural) source regions, such as South Asia (India/Pakistan), China, the United States (US), parts of Europe, Southeast (SE) Asia (Thailand/Myanmar/Laos), the central portion of South America, as well as Western and Northern Africa. These correspond primarily to irrigated croplands, as well as regions with heavy precipitation, with extensive animal feeding operations and fertilizer applications where a summer maximum and a secondary spring maximum are reliably observable. In the Southern Hemisphere (SH) regular agricultural fires contribute to a spring maximum. Regions of strong episodic emissions include Russia and Alaska as well as parts of South America, Africa, and Indonesia. Biomass burning, especially wildfires, dominate these episodic NH3 high concentrations.
Colorado air quality impacted by long range transport: A set of case studies during the 2015 Pacific Northwest fires
Authors: Creamean Jessie M. , Neiman Paul. J. , Coleman Timothy , Senff Christoph J. , Kirgis Guillaume , Alvarez Raul J. , Yamamoto Atsushi
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Biomass burning plumes containing aerosols from forest fires can be transported long distances, which can ultimately impact climate and air quality in regions far from the source. Interestingly, these fires can inject aerosols other than smoke into the atmosphere, which very few studies have evidenced. Here, we demonstrate a set of case studies of long-range transport of mineral dust aerosols in addition to smoke from numerous forest fires in the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, U.S. These aerosols were detected in Boulder, Colorado along the Front Range using Beta-ray attenuation and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and corroborated with satellite-borne lidar observations of smoke and dust. Further, we examined the transport pathways of these aerosols using air mass trajectory analysis and regional and synoptic scale meteorological dynamics. Three separate events with poor air quality and increased mass concentrations of metals from biomass burning (S and K) and minerals (Al, Si, Ca, Fe, and Ti) occurred due to the introduction of smoke and dust from regional and synoptic scale winds. Cleaner time periods with good air quality and lesser concentrations of biomass burning and mineral metals between the haze events were due to the advection of smoke and dust away from the region. Dust and smoke present in biomass burning haze can have diverse impacts on visibility, health, cloud formation, and surface radiation. Thus, it is important to understand how aerosol populations can be influenced by long-range transported aerosols, particularly those emitted from large source contributors such as forest fires.
Particle size traces modern Saharan dust transport and deposition across the equatorial North Atlantic
Authors: van der Does Michèlle , Korte Laura F. , Munday Chris I. , Brummer Geert-Jan  A. , Stuut Jan-Berend  W.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Mineral dust has a large impact on regional and global climate, depending on its particle size. Especially in the Atlantic Ocean downwind of the Sahara, the largest dust source on earth, the effects can be substantial but are poorly understood. This study focuses on seasonal and spatial variations in particle size of Saharan dust deposition across the Atlantic Ocean, using an array of submarine sediment traps moored along a transect at 12˚ N. We show that the particle size decreases downwind with increased distance from the Saharan source, due to higher gravitational settling velocities of coarse particles in the atmosphere. Modal grain sizes vary between 4 and 33 μm throughout the different seasons and at five locations along the transect. This is much coarser than previously suggested and incorporated into climate models. In addition, seasonal changes are prominent, with coarser dust in summer, and finer dust in winter and spring. Such seasonal changes are caused by transport at higher altitudes and at greater wind velocities during summer than in winter. Also the latitudinal migration of the dust cloud, associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone, causes seasonal differences in deposition as the summer dust cloud is located more to the north, and more directly above the sampled transect. Furthermore, increased precipitation and more frequent dust storms in summer coincide with coarser dust deposition. Our findings contribute to understanding Saharan dust transport and deposition relevant for the interpretation of sedimentary records for climate reconstructions, as well as for global and regional models for improved prediction of future climate.
Phosgene in the UTLS: seasonal and latitudinal variations from MIPAS observations
Authors: Valeri Massimo , Carlotti Massimo , Flaud Jean-Marie , Raspollini Piera , Ridolfi Marco , Dinelli Bianca Maria
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) is a Fourier Transform Spectrometer that measured mid-infrared atmospheric limb emission spectra from July 2002 to April 2012 on board the polar-orbiting satellite ENVISAT. We have used MIPAS data to study the latitudinal variations of phosgene (COCl2 or carbonyl chloride) and, for the first time, its seasonal variation in the upper troposphere lower stratosphere region (UTLS). Retrievals of phosgene were made using the 830–860 cm−1 region, corresponding to the ν5 bands of COCl2. Unfortunately in that region the ν4 band of CFC-11, much stronger than COCl2 ν5, hides the phosgene emission. In order to evaluate seasonality and latitudinal distribution of phosgene we have analysed all the measurements made by MIPAS in the days 18 and 20 of each month of 2008 with the Optimized Retrieval Model (ORM) recently upgraded with the Multi-Target Retrieval technique and with the Optimal Estimation functionality to apply external constraints to the state vector. Average seasonal profiles of phosgene show an evident latitudinal variability with the largest values observed in the tropical regions (maximum ≈ 35 parts per trillion by volume (pptv) at about 300 hPa). In the mid-latitude and polar regions, the volume mixing ratios (VMR) values do not exceed 30 pptv and the vertical distributions are less peaked. Our analysis highlights that COCl2 seasonal variability is fairly low, apart from the polar regions.
Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model
Authors: van der Molen Johan , Ruardij Piet , Greenwood Naomi
Published: May 2016

Abstract. A model study was carried out of the potential large-scale (> 100 km) effects of marine renewable tidal energy generation in the Pentland Firth, using the 3-D hydrodynamics–biogeochemistry model GETM-ERSEM-BFM. A realistic 800 MW scenario and a high-impact scenario with massive expansion of tidal energy extraction to 8 GW scenario were considered. The realistic 800 MW scenario suggested minor effects on the tides, and undetectable effects on the biogeochemistry. The massive-expansion 8 GW scenario suggested effects would be observed over hundreds of kilometres away with changes of up to 10 % in tidal and ecosystem variables, in particular in a broad area in the vicinity of the Wash. There, waters became less turbid, and primary production increased with associated increases in faunal ecosystem variables. Moreover, a one-off increase in carbon storage in the sea bed was detected. Although these first results suggest positive environmental effects, further investigation is recommended of (i) the residual circulation in the vicinity of the Pentland Firth and effects on larval dispersal using a higher-resolution model and (ii) ecosystem effects with (future) state-of-the-art models if energy extraction substantially beyond 1 GW is planned.
Aquatic macrophytes can be used for wastewater polishing, but not for purification in constructed wetlands
Authors: Tang Yingying , Harpenslager Sarah F. , van Kempen Monique M. L. , Verbaarschot Evi J. H. , Loeffen Laury M. J. M. , Roelofs Jan G. M. , Smolders Alfons J. P. , Lamers Leon P. M.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The sequestration of nutrients from surface waters by aquatic macrophytes and soils provides an important service of both natural and constructed wetlands. While emergent species take up nutrients from the soil, submerged and floating macrophytes filter nutrients directly from the surface water, which may be more efficient in constructed wetlands. It remains unclear, however, whether their efficiency is sufficient for wastewater purification, and how plant species and nutrient loading affects nutrient distribution over plants, water, and soil. We therefore determined nutrient removal efficiencies of different vegetation (Azolla filiculoides, Ceratophyllum demersum or Myriophyllum spicatum) and soil types (clay, peaty clay and peat) at three nutrient input rates, in a full factorial, outdoor mesocosm experiment. At low loading (0.43 mg P m−2 d−1), plant uptake was the main pathway (100 %) for phosphorus (P) removal, while soils showed a net P release. A. filiculoides and M. spicatum showed the highest biomass production and could be harvested regularly for nutrient recycling, whereas C. demersum was outcompeted by spontaneously developing macrophytes and algae. Higher nutrient loading only stimulated A. filiculoides growth. At higher rates (≥ 21.4 mg P m−2 d−1) 50–90 % of added P ended up in soils, with peat soils becoming more easily saturated. For nitrogen (N), 45–90 % was either taken up by the soil or lost to the atmosphere at loadings ≥ 62 mg N m−2 d−1. This shows that aquatic macrophytes can indeed function as an efficient nutrient filter, but only for low loading rates (polishing), not for high rates (purification). The outcome of this controlled study not only contributes to our understanding of nutrient dynamics in constructed wetlands, but also shows the importance of wetland soil characteristics. Furthermore, the acquired knowledge may benefit the application of macrophyte harvesting to remove and recycle nutrients from both constructed wetlands and nutrient-loaded natural wetlands.
Inverse transport modeling of volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions using large-scale simulations
Authors: Heng Yi , Hoffmann Lars , Griessbach Sabine , Rößler Thomas , Stein Olaf
Published: May 2016

Abstract. An inverse transport modeling approach based on the concepts of sequential importance resampling and parallel computing is presented to reconstruct altitude-resolved time series of volcanic emissions, which often cannot be obtained directly with current measurement techniques. A new inverse modeling and simulation system, which implements the inversion approach with the Lagrangian transport model Massive-Parallel Trajectory Calculations (MPTRAC) is developed to provide reliable transport simulations of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2). In the inverse modeling system MPTRAC is used to perform two types of simulations, i.e., unit simulations for the reconstruction of volcanic emissions and final forward simulations. Both types of transport simulations are based on wind fields of the ERA-Interim meteorological reanalysis of the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts. The reconstruction of altitude-dependent SO2 emission time series is also based on Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) satellite observations. A case study for the eruption of the Nabro volcano, Eritrea, in June 2011, with complex emission patterns, is considered for method validation. Meteosat Visible and InfraRed Imager (MVIRI) near-real-time imagery data are used to validate the temporal development of the reconstructed emissions. Furthermore, the altitude distributions of the emission time series are compared with top and bottom altitude measurements of aerosol layers obtained by the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) satellite instruments. The final forward simulations provide detailed spatial and temporal information on the SO2 distributions of the Nabro eruption. By using the critical success index (CSI), the simulation results are evaluated with the AIRS observations. Compared to the results with an assumption of a constant flux of SO2 emissions, our inversion approach leads to an improvement of the mean CSI value from 8.1 to 21.4 % and the maximum CSI value from 32.3 to 52.4 %. The simulation results are also compared with those reported in other studies and good agreement is observed. Our new inverse modeling and simulation system is expected to become a useful tool to also study other volcanic eruption events.
Development of Super-Ensemble techniques for ocean analyses: the Mediterranean Sea case
Authors: Pistoia Jenny , Pinardi Nadia , Oddo Paolo , Collins Matthew , Korres Gerasimos , Drillet Yann
Published: May 2016

Abstract. A super-ensemble methodology is proposed to improve the quality of short-term ocean analyses for Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the Mediterranean Sea. The methodology consists in a multi-linear regression technique applied to a Multi-Physics Multi-Model Super-Ensemble (MMSE) dataset. This is a collection of different operational forecasting analyses together with ad-hoc simulations, created by modifying selected numerical model parameterizations. A new linear regression algorithm based on Empirical Orthogonal Function filtering techniques is shown to be efficient in preventing overfitting problems, although the best performance is achieved when a simple spatial filter is applied after the linear regression. Our results show that the MMSE methodology improves the ocean analysis SST estimates with respect to the Best Ensemble Member (BEM) and that the performance is dependent on the selection of an unbiased operator and the length of training. The quality of the MMSE dataset has the largest impact on the MMSE analysis Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) evaluated with respect to observed satellite SST. The MMSE analysis estimates are also affected by changing the training period with the longest period leading to the smoothest estimates. Finally, lower RMSE analysis estimates result from the following: a 15 day training period, an overconfident MMSE dataset (a subset with the higher quality ensemble members), and the least square algorithm being filtered a posteriori.
Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy as a Presenting Symptom of Cushing Syndrome
Authors: van Dijk Elon H.C. , Dijkman Greet , Biermasz Nienke R. , van Haalen Femke M. , Pereira Alberto M. , Boon Camiel J.F.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To describe 4 patients who were diagnosed with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC), which appeared to be the presenting symptom of Cushing syndrome (CS).

Methods

In this retrospective review of charts, all patients received extensive ophthalmologic examination and endocrinologic analyses.

Results

A 56-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman were treated because of bilaterally active, therapy-resistant cCSC. The clinical sign indicative for CS leading to referral to the endocrinologist was muscle weakness in the man and plethora in the woman. In a 37-year-old woman with known diabetes mellitus and central obesity, bilateral cCSC was diagnosed before CS screening. Another 49-year-old woman was treated for unilateral cCSC for 4 years. Complaints of fatigue, muscle weakness, central adiposity, and skin atrophy led to referral and a CS diagnosis due to bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. In all patients, CS surgery resulted in complete resolution of subretinal fluid. During postsurgical follow-up, no reactivation of cCSC was observed.

Conclusions

Chronic CSC can be the principal manifestation of relatively mildly symptomatic and unrecognized CS. In patients with cCSC, ophthalmologists should have a high index of suspicion for clinical signs of CS that warrant endocrinologic analysis. Cushing syndrome surgery can stop active subretinal fluid leakage in cCSC.
Comparison of Eyedrop Instillation Technique with and without a Delivery Device in Inexperienced Patients
Authors: Gomes Beatriz F. , Lordello Marília , Celli Luiz F. , Santhiago Marcony R. , Moraes Haroldo V.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To compare the instillation of eyedrops with and without Xal-Ease® delivery device in inexperienced patients based on patient observation and answers to a questionnaire.

Methods

This prospective study included consecutive patients considered inexperienced in instilling eyedrops. After a short explanation about the methods, drop instillation technique was evaluated with and without the device. Subjects also completed a survey regarding drop administration and satisfaction. Successful instillation was defined as instilling a single drop in the eye without touching the eye with the bottle tip on the first attempt.

Results

The overall rate of successful instillation (43%) was the same for both techniques (with or without the device). Without the device, the bottle tip touched the eye or periocular tissues in 8 eyes (35%) compared with 0 (0%) with the Xal-Ease® (p<0.01). The number of eyedrops dispensed was significantly higher with Xal-Ease® (1.4 ± 0.5 without the device versus 2.0 ± 1.1 with Xal-Ease®; p = 0.03). Using the Xal-Ease® device, 13 (57%) of the patients needed to make more than one attempt, versus 6 (26%) patients without the device (p = 0.04). Overall, 9 (39%) preferred traditional instillation and 14 (61%) preferred to use the device.

Conclusions

Xal-Ease® successfully decreased mechanical contact of the tip of the bottle. However, Xal-Ease® failed to help inexperienced subjects dispense fewer drops, or improve accuracy, suggesting that more training might be needed to achieve a good eyedrop administration technique with the device.
Single-Component Revisions are Associated with Dislocation after Revision Total HIP Arthroplasty at Intermediate-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Stedman Roman C. , Lim Daniel , Husain Adeel , Courtney Paul M. , Nelson Charles L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Dislocation is the most frequent complication following revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although several risk factors for dislocation in revision THA have been described, many cannot be modified at the time of surgery. Identifying modifiable risk factors for subsequent dislocation after revision THA provides opportunity for orthopedic surgeons to decrease instability.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 203 consecutive revision THA procedures performed by a single surgeon with a minimum 2-year follow-up between May 2003 and June 2012 was performed. 2 (1.0%) died and 14 (6.9%) were lost to follow-up leaving 187 (92%) revision procedures in 123 men and 64 women. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for dislocation.

Results

9 (4.8%) of all patients reviewed experienced a dislocation episode. Of those, 8 (89%) had a single component revised, 6 (67%) were women, and 4 (44%) had a history of recurrent dislocation. 2 of 14 (14%) patients with a constrained liner dislocated. Univariate analysis demonstrated that single-component revisions were at higher risk for dislocation after the surgery (p value = 0.033).

Conclusions

Identifying modifiable risk factors for dislocation after revision THA provide opportunity to decrease rates of instability. Based on our data, single-component revision THA is a risk factor for subsequent dislocation.
Leg Length Discrepancy in Computer Navigated Total Hip Arthroplasty – How Accurate are We?
Authors: Ellapparadja Pregash , Mahajan Vivek , Atiya Sami , Sankar Biju , Deep Kamal
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The success of total hip arthroplasty (THA) depends on the restoration of 2 important parameters - hip offset and leg length. Leg length discrepancy (LLD) after THA is associated with back pain, gait disorder, general patient dissatisfaction and aseptic loosening. Hence it is of utmost importance to minimise LLD.

Methods

This is a retrospective study where we compared the reproduction of leg lengths between navigated THA group (152 patients) and nonnavigated THA group (57 patients). The leg lengths were measured radiologically using Ranawat technique on AP pelvic radiograph.

Results

In the navigated group, the leg lengths of the reconstructed hips were restored to within 6 mm of the opposite leg in 146 patients (96.05%) while 6 patients (3.94%) had LLD of more than 6 mm. In the nonnavigated group, 29 patients (51%) had their leg lengths restored within 6 mm of the opposite leg while the remaining 28 patients (49%) had their LLD greater than 6 mm. Statistical analysis of the 2 pairs of LLD measurements (navigated hip and nonnavigated group) using Mann-Whitney U-test revealed significant difference between these two groups (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Based on our results we conclude that computer navigation is an excellent tool to facilitate the successful reproduction of leg length in THA.
A Double-Layer Patch Design for Local and Controlled Drug Delivery as an Intraoperative Custom-Made Implant-Coating Technology
Authors: Trajkovski Branko , Petersen Ansgar , Perka Carsten , Scharnagl Nico , Mathew Simi , Wischke Christian , Lendlein Andreas , Duda Georg N.
Published: May 2016

Background

The specific biological need of patients frequently becomes obvious just in the intraoperative setting. We hypothesized that a double-layer patch approach that allowed rapid attachment to an implant surface would represent a potential solution for technically challenging intraoperative personalized local drug delivery.

Methods

Dexamethasone-loaded poly[( rac-lactide)- co-glycolide] (PLGA) microparticles were embedded within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) patch that was attached to metal implant surfaces by in situ polymerization of alkyl-2-cyanoacrylates (CAs). Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were also embedded in the PVA patch.

Results

Very rapid dexamethasone-release profiles were observed from the PLGA microparticles / PVA patches. The incorporation of HA nanoparticles into the PVA enabled control of CA penetration within the patch, and improved significantly its attachment, while no interference with the drug release was observed.

Conclusions

Double-layered patches with 1 layer for drug delivery and 1 as gluing interface could represent a solution for safe and controlled local drug delivery from implant surfaces or other, even biological, materials. The technology platform presented here opens the opportunity for personalized medicine by allowing local administration of drugs with customized release based on an intraoperative application.
Malignant Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura Metastatic to the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Ricciuti Biagio , Metro Giulio , Leonardi Giulia Costanza , del Sordo Rachele , Colella Renato , Puma Francesco , Ceccarelli Silvia , Potenza Rossella , Rebonato Alberto , Maiettini Daniele , Crinò Lucio , Chiari Rita
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm arising from mesenchymal cells in the areolar tissue subjacent to the mesothelial-lined pleura and accounting for less than 5% of primary pleural tumors. SFTs are generally benign and asymptomatic, with 10-year survival rates of up to 98%. Unfortunately, approximately 10% have malignant potential, leading to local recurrence after radical surgery and/or metastatic spread. Of note, giant pleural SFT, which consists of a tumor occupying at least 40% of the affected hemithorax, is even less common with only anecdotal cases reported in the medical literature.

Methods

We describe a unique case of giant SFT of the pleura that metastasized to the thyroid gland 1 year after complete resection, focusing on its clinical and pathological features of presentation.

Results

En bloc resection remains the mainstay of therapy with curative intent. Patients with large tumors may undergo preoperative angiography with percutaneous embolization of the tumor, which allows to reduce perioperative bleeding. In case of local recurrence, surgery still remains the best treatment option. However, surgery can also be considered in patients with isolated metastatic spread.

Conclusions

Every suspected and proven SFT of the pleura should undergo surgical resection, as clinical and radiological criteria cannot accurately distinguish benign from malignant forms. Moreover, the peculiar histological features of SFT should not be neglected when planning clinicoradiological follow-up. Additionally, suspicious clinical findings during follow-up should always be thoroughly investigated in order to exclude or confirm the diagnosis of recurrent disease.
Por que um Estado com vocação florestal como o Acre não produz palmito?
Authors: Brose Markus Erwin
Published: May 2016

O palmito figura entre os produtos florestais não madeireiros prioritários para a estratégia de desenvolvimento com inclusão social no Acre. Nos anos 1990, ocorreu exploração dos açaizais nativos, que se mostrou insustentável e migrou para o norte da Bolívia. O artigo visa resgatar os impactos deste processo, bem como as subsequentes iniciativas de cultivo da palmeira de pupunha, tanto públicas como privadas, que, porém, enfrentaram dificuldades no acesso ao mercado. Dada a escassa bibliografia sobre o tema, buscamos contribuir para a memória dessa cadeia produtiva no Acre como subsídio ao debate sobre estratégias de apoio a produtos florestais não madeireiros, essenciais para a política de valorização da floresta em pé.
Sabedorias, cosmologias e estratégias de caçadores numa unidade de conservação da Amazônia
Authors: De Figueiredo Rodrigo Augusto Alves , Barros Flávio Bezerra
Published: May 2016

A partir de uma abordagem etnoecológica, estudamos os saberes, as cosmologias e as estratégias de caçadores sobre a fauna silvestre de importância alimentar. O estudo foi conduzido junto a uma comunidade quilombola da Reserva Extrativista Ipaú-Anilzinho, no Pará, Amazônia brasileira. Utilizamos os métodos da observação participante e entrevistas semiestruturadas como mecanismos para alcançarmos os resultados, os quais analisamos a partir das perspectivas qualitativa e quantitativa. Nosso estudo demonstra que os conhecimentos tradicionais acerca dos recursos cinegéticos são fundamentais na vida dos quilombolas, uma vez que se vinculam aos processos de reprodução material e simbólica. Tais conhecimentos acerca da caça são, portanto, mediados tanto por elementos de ordem prática como de ordem cosmológica, devendo ser reconhecidos como parte do patrimônio cultural. Devem ser igualmente valorizados nos esforços de conservação e manejo da sociobiodiversidade na unidade de conservação estudada, contribuindo para o envolvimento da comunidade nas estratégias de intervenção.
Existence of Solutions for Optimal Control Problems on Time Scales whose States are Absolutely Continuous
Authors: Santos Iguer L D
Published: May 2016

This paper considers a class of optimal control problems on time scales described by dynamic equations on time scales. We have established sufficient conditions for theexistence of optimal controls.
La construcción social de los espacios del miedo: Prácticas e imaginarios de las mujeres en Lavapiés (Madrid)
Authors: Patiño-Díe María
Published: May 2016

Pensar en el miedo en la ciudad teniendo en cuenta el contexto sociocultural nos conduce a observar cómo, en la consideración de ciertas zonas como peligrosas o inseguras, interviene la forma en que las vivencias elaboran el sentido cultural del espacio. Los sentimientos y las percepciones ante los miedos están condicionados por la propia experiencia, que influye en la manera de reaccionar frente a ellos. Por ese motivo, es necesario situar la experiencia femenina en el espacio urbano como punto de arranque de la investigación para estudiar, mediante un análisis de carácter etnográfico, la relación entre ciudad e inseguridad. Este trabajo se ha realizado en Lavapiés, un barrio de Madrid del que el imaginario de una parte de la ciudadanía se ha formado una idea que, muy a menudo, poco tiene que ver con la realidad de lo que allí acontece, lo cual ha contribuido en ocasiones a crear una imagen negativa de un barrio que no todas las mujeres perciben igual.
La privatización de los espacios públicos destinados al ocio y al turismo mediante la regulación del estacionamiento de vehículos. Análisis de casos en la isla de Mallorca
Authors: Coll Ramis Miquel Àngel , Seguí Llinàs Miguel
Published: May 2016

El avance de las políticas neoliberales a escala mundial ha provocado que haya aumentado la privatización de los recursos públicos, especialmente en un momento de crisis económica y necesidad de buscar nuevas fuentes de financiación por parte de la Administración. En este contexto, los espacios litorales destinados al ocio y al turismo tampoco se han salvado de la presión ejercida por parte de los gobiernos y de las empresas privadas, y han visto cómo su carácter colectivo se ha privatizado directa o indirectamente. La isla de Mallorca no se ha mantenido ajena a este proceso global y, durante los últimos años, se está observando un aumento de privatizaciones de espacios públicos. Para ello, una de las fórmulas utilizadas es la regulación del estacionamiento de los vehículos en el dominio municipal. Dicha iniciativa se ha convertido en una importante fuente de financiación para las poblaciones turísticas de la isla.
Type Synthesis of Fully-Decoupled Three-Rotational and One-Translational Parallel Mechanisms
Authors: Cao Yi , Chen Hai , Qin Youlei , Liu Kai , Ge Shuyi , Zhu Jingyuan , Wang Kun , Yu Jinghu , Ji Weixi , Zhou Hui
Published: May 2016

Based on screw theory and the principle of one- leg driving by an independent motor, a methodology for the structural synthesis of fully-decoupled three-rotational and one-translational (3R1T) parallel mechanisms is proposed by analysing the characteristics of the input-output relationships for fully-decoupled parallel mechanisms. Firstly, the desired forms for both the direct and the inverse Jacobian matrices of fully-decoupled parallel mechanisms are constructed by virtue of screw theory; this is in order to satisfy the demand that these two Jacobian matrices should be non-zero diagonal matrices. Secondly, the effective screw, the actuated screw and the mobile un-actuated screws of each limb are established via reciprocal screw theory, while all the possible topology structures fulfilling the requirements are obtained, based on different connectivities for each limb. Finally, the desired fully-decoupled parallel mechanisms can be synthesized using the structural synthesis rule, while the structural synthesis of fully-decoupled 3R1T parallel mechanisms can be obtained by exploiting the above-mentioned methodology. Moreover, the Jacobian matrix of a synthesized 3R1T parallel mechanism is deduced to demonstrate the decoupling feature of the parallel mechanism, which also validates the correctness of the methodology for the type synthesis of fully-decoupled 3R1T parallel mechanisms. The contents of this paper provide a reference and possess significant theoretical meanings for the synthesis and development of the 3R1T fully-decoupled parallel mechanisms. Motors are mounted one per leg, with each one of them actuating a one Degree-of-freedom (DoF) of the fully-decoupled parallel mechanism through a one-to-one velocity relationship.
In Search of Archimedes: Quadrature of the Parabola
Authors: Bonsangue Martin V. , Shultz Harris S.
Published: May 2016

Retrace Archimedes's amazing path summing infinitesimal quantities to compute the area “under” a parabola and see its implications for today's calculus classes.
Saving Money Using Proportional Reasoning
Authors: Cruz Jessica A. de la , Garney Sandra
Published: May 2016

To get a better buy, students employ various strategies to compare grocery prices.
Qallunaaliaqtut: Inuit Students’ Experiences of Postsecondary Education in the South
Authors: Rodon Thierry , Lévesque Francis , Kennedy Dalseg Sheena
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to learn from the experiences of post-secondary Inuit students from Canada. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, we realized that despite the challenges associated with pursuing post-secondary education in the South, most respondents perceived their experience to be positive. Lack of access to sufficient and equitable funding was perceived by respondents to be a significant barrier, as was the lack of readily available information for prospective students from Inuit Nunangat. We conclude with a brief discussion of possible actions for improving access to university education in Inuit Nunangat, notably that governments should not only focus on training and should develop programs that reflect Inuit students’ needs and aspirations.
Improving Students’ Understanding and Explanation Skills Through the Use of a Knowledge Building Forum
Authors: Hamel Christine , Turcotte Sandrine , Laferrière Thérèse , Bisson Nicolas
Published: May 2016

Education research has shown the importance of helping students develop comprenehsion skills. Explanation-seeking rather than fact-seeking pedagogies have been shown to warrant deeper student understanding. This study investigates the use of Knowledge Forum (KF) in K-6 classrooms (n = 251) to develop students’ explanation skills. To this end, we conducted pre- and post- activity interviews with students who used KF to investigate various topics. Their online collaborative discourse was also analyzed. Our results show that: 1) students’ explanations improved significantly between pre- and post-activity interviews, 2) active KF users scored higher than less active users on the post-activity interviews, and 3) students who had the best written explanations on KF scored much higher on the post-activity interviews even when they had scored much lower than less active students in the pre-activity interviews.
L’article 48 de la Charte québécoise et le Code civil du Québec pour
contrer l’exploitation de la personne âgée : pour une lecture harmonieuse
Authors: Morin Christine , Levesque Frédéric , Turgeon-Dorion Louis
Published: May 2016

L’article 48 de la Charte des droits et libertés de la personne protège
toute personne âgée ou toute personne handicapée contre l’exploitation. Après avoir été
ignoré pendant un certain temps, le texte de loi fait maintenant couler beaucoup d’encre,
particulièrement sur sa relation avec le Code civil du Québec. Plusieurs auteurs,
dont certains se consacrent principalement à l’étude des droits et libertés de la personne
alors que d’autres concentrent leurs recherches en droit civil, se sont interrogés sur les
interactions entre ces deux lois. Il existe une division entre les approches de ces auteurs,
dont les causes sont parfois, selon les auteurs du présent article, davantage symboliques
que juridiques. Nous souhaitons donc exposer notre compréhension de l’harmonie qui existe
entre la Charte québécoise et le Code civil en matière de protection
juridique des personnes aînées. Il s’agit là d’une conception renouvelée à la lumière de la
jurisprudence des 30 dernières années, d’un retour sur l’historique de l’adoption de la
Charte des droits et libertés de la personne, d’une étude décloisonnée de
mécanismes de protection prévus par le Code civil et d’une incursion en droit
comparé.
La prévention des abus résultant des donations avant le placement des personnes âgées en centre d’hébergement
Authors: Boudreault Marie-Pascale
Published: May 2016

Avec le vieillissement de la population, il appert que les situations d’exploitation financière des personnes âgées sont de plus en plus fréquentes. Afin de profiter d’une exonération de paiement pour les frais d’hébergement, des personnes âgées sont amenées à se départir, avant leur placement, de leurs biens sans juste considération. Malgré l’adoption de l’article 516 de la Loi sur les services de santé et services sociaux en 1991 pour freiner cette pratique, ces situations s’avèrent une pratique toujours actuelle. L’auteure analyse les diverses dispositions législatives visant la prévention de l’exploitation envers les personnes âgées afin de déterminer si elles peuvent contribuer à mettre fin à cette pratique.
Moses Gaster, Friedrich Horn and the Background to the Settlement of Samarin (1882)
Authors: Cioată Maria
Published: May 2016

This article presents a forgotten manuscript of a personal account of one of the
first Jewish settlers who departed from Romania to Palestine in 1882 and helped
found the colony of Samarin, which was later taken over by Baron de Rothschild
and renamed Zichron Yaakov. Friedrich Horn, a schoolmaster with Austrian
nationality who had settled in Romania fifteen years before his departure to
Palestine, gave the manuscript of his unfinished work Nationaltraum der Juden to
Moses Gaster. Gaster kept it among his collection of manuscripts. He considered
it a diary rather than as Horn obviously had in mind, a contribution to
historiography intended to be published. The text provides significant evidence
concerning the underappreciated role of Jews from Romania in the historiography
of Zionism.
Biomarkers and biometric measures of adherence to use of ARV‐based vaginal rings
Authors: Stalter Randy M , Moench Thomas R , MacQueen Kathleen M , Tolley Elizabeth E , Owen Derek H ,   for the Consortium for Ring Adherence
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Poor adherence to product use has been observed in recent trials of antiretroviral (ARV)‐based oral and vaginal gel HIV prevention products, resulting in an inability to determine product efficacy. The delivery of microbicides through vaginal rings is widely perceived as a way to achieve better adherence but vaginal rings do not eliminate the adherence challenges exhibited in clinical trials. Improved objective measures of adherence are needed as new ARV‐based vaginal ring products enter the clinical trial stage.

Methods

To identify technologies that have potential future application for vaginal ring adherence measurement, a comprehensive literature search was conducted that covered a number of biomedical and public health databases, including PubMed, Embase, POPLINE and the Web of Science. Published patents and patent applications were also searched. Technical experts were also consulted to gather more information and help evaluate identified technologies. Approaches were evaluated as to feasibility of development and clinical trial implementation, cost and technical strength.

Results

Numerous approaches were identified through our landscape analysis and classified as either point measures or cumulative measures of vaginal ring adherence. Point measurements are those that give a measure of adherence at a particular point in time. Cumulative measures attempt to measure ring adherence over a period of time.

Discussion

Approaches that require modifications to an existing ring product are at a significant disadvantage, as this will likely introduce additional regulatory barriers to the development process and increase manufacturing costs. From the point of view of clinical trial implementation, desirable attributes would be high acceptance by trial participants, and little or no additional time or training requirements on the part of participants or clinic staff. We have identified four promising approaches as being high priority for further development based on the following measurements: intracellular drug levels, drug levels in hair, the accumulation of a vaginal analyte that diffuses into the ring, and the depletion of an intrinsic ring constituent.

Conclusions

While some approaches show significant promise over others, it is recommended that a strategy of using complementary biometric and behavioural approaches be adopted to best understand participants’ adherence to ARV‐based ring products in clinical trials.
The genetic basis for ecological adaptation of the Atlantic herring revealed by genome sequencing
Authors: Martinez Barrio Alvaro , Lamichhaney Sangeet , Fan Guangyi , Rafati Nima , Pettersson Mats , Zhang He , Dainat Jacques , Ekman Diana , Höppner Marc , Jern Patric , Martin Marcel , Nystedt Björn , Liu Xin , Chen Wenbin , Liang Xinming , Shi Chengcheng , Fu Yuanyuan , Ma Kailong , Zhan Xiao , Feng Chungang , Gustafson Ulla , Rubin Carl-Johan , Sällman Almén Markus , Blass Martina , Casini Michele , Folkvord Arild , Laikre Linda , Ryman Nils , Ming-Yuen Lee Simon , Xu Xun , Andersson Leif
Published: May 2016

Ecological adaptation is of major relevance to speciation and sustainable population management, but the underlying genetic factors are typically hard to study in natural populations due to genetic differentiation caused by natural selection being confounded with genetic drift in subdivided populations. Here, we use whole genome population sequencing of Atlantic and Baltic herring to reveal the underlying genetic architecture at an unprecedented detailed resolution for both adaptation to a new niche environment and timing of reproduction. We identify almost 500 independent loci associated with a recent niche expansion from marine (Atlantic Ocean) to brackish waters (Baltic Sea), and more than 100 independent loci showing genetic differentiation between spring- and autumn-spawning populations irrespective of geographic origin. Our results show that both coding and non-coding changes contribute to adaptation. Haplotype blocks, often spanning multiple genes and maintained by selection, are associated with genetic differentiation.
Synaptic pruning in the female hippocampus is triggered at puberty by extrasynaptic GABAA receptors on dendritic spines
Authors: Afroz Sonia , Parato Julie , Shen Hui , Smith Sheryl Sue
Published: May 2016

Adolescent synaptic pruning is thought to enable optimal cognition because it is disrupted in certain neuropathologies, yet the initiator of this process is unknown. One factor not yet considered is the α4βδ GABAA receptor (GABAR), an extrasynaptic inhibitory receptor which first emerges on dendritic spines at puberty in female mice. Here we show that α4βδ GABARs trigger adolescent pruning. Spine density of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells decreased by half post-pubertally in female wild-type but not α4 KO mice. This effect was associated with decreased expression of kalirin-7 (Kal7), a spine protein which controls actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Kal7 decreased at puberty as a result of reduced NMDAR activation due to α4βδ-mediated inhibition. In the absence of this inhibition, Kal7 expression was unchanged at puberty. In the unpruned condition, spatial re-learning was impaired. These data suggest that pubertal pruning requires α4βδ GABARs. In their absence, pruning is prevented and cognition is not optimal.
De novogenome assembly ofGeosmithia morbida, the causal agent of thousand cankers disease
Authors: Schuelke Taruna A. , Westbrook Anthony , Broders Kirk , Woeste Keith , MacManes Matthew D.
Published: May 2016

Geosmithia morbidais a filamentous ascomycete that causes thousand cankers disease in the eastern black walnut tree. This pathogen is commonly found in the western U.S.; however, recently the disease was also detected in several eastern states where the black walnut lumber industry is concentrated.G. morbidais one of two known phytopathogens within the genusGeosmithia, and it is vectored into the host tree via the walnut twig beetle. We present the firstde novodraft genome ofG. morbida. It is 26.5 Mbp in length and contains less than 1% repetitive elements. The genome possesses an estimated 6,273 genes, 277 of which are predicted to encode proteins with unknown functions. Approximately 31.5% of the proteins inG. morbidaare homologous to proteins involved in pathogenicity, and 5.6% of the proteins contain signal peptides that indicate these proteins are secreted. Several studies have investigated the evolution of pathogenicity in pathogens of agricultural crops; forest fungal pathogens are often neglected because research efforts are focused on food crops.G. morbidais one of the few tree phytopathogens to be sequenced, assembled and annotated. The first draft genome ofG. morbidaserves as a valuable tool for comprehending the underlying molecular and evolutionary mechanisms behind pathogenesis within theGeosmithiagenus.