bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting Plasticity in Ovariole Number Induced by A Dietary Effect of the Host Plants between Cactophilic Drosophila Species
Authors: Peluso Daniela , Soto Eduardo , Kreiman Lucas , Hasson Esteban , Mensch Julián
Published: May 2016

Under the preference-performance hypothesis, natural selection will favor females that choose oviposition sites that optimize the fitness of their offspring. Such a preference-performance relationship may entail important consequences mainly on fitness-related traits. We used the well-characterized cactus-Drosophila system to investigate the reproductive capacity in the pair of sibling species D. buzzatii and D. koepferae reared in two alternative host plants. According to our hypothesis, ovariole number (as a proxy of reproductive capacity) depends on host plant selection. Our results indicate that the capacity of D. buzzatii showed to be mild, only increasing the number of ovarioles by as much as 10% when reared in its preferred host. In contrast, D. koepferae exhibited a similar reproductive capacity across host cacti, even though it showed a preference for its primary host cactus. Our study also revealed that D. buzzatii has a larger genetic variation for phenotypic plasticity than its sibling, although ovariole number did not show clear-cut differences between species. We will discuss the weak preference-performance pattern observed in these cactophilic species in the light of nutritional and toxicological differences found between the natural host plants.
Cardiovascular, Metabolic Effects and Dietary Composition of Ad-Libitum Paleolithic vs. Australian Guide to Healthy Eating Diets: A 4-Week Randomised Trial
Authors: Genoni Angela , Lyons-Wall Philippa , Lo Johnny , Devine Amanda
Published: May 2016

(1) Background: The Paleolithic diet is popular in Australia, however, limited literature surrounds the dietary pattern. Our primary aim was to compare the Paleolithic diet with the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) in terms of anthropometric, metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, with a secondary aim to examine the macro and micronutrient composition of both dietary patterns; (2) Methods: 39 healthy women (mean ± SD age 47 ± 13 years, BMI 27 ± 4 kg/m2) were randomised to either the Paleolithic (n = 22) or AGHE diet (n = 17) for four weeks. Three-day weighed food records, body composition and biochemistry data were collected pre and post intervention; (3) Results: Significantly greater weight loss occurred in the Paleolithic group (−1.99 kg, 95% CI −2.9, −1.0), p < 0.001). There were no differences in cardiovascular and metabolic markers between groups. The Paleolithic group had lower intakes of carbohydrate (−14.63% of energy (E), 95% CI −19.5, −9.7), sodium (−1055 mg/day, 95% CI −1593, −518), calcium (−292 mg/day 95% CI −486.0, −99.0) and iodine (−47.9 μg/day, 95% CI −79.2, −16.5) and higher intakes of fat (9.39% of E, 95% CI 3.7, 15.1) and β-carotene (6777 μg/day 95% CI 2144, 11410) (all p < 0.01); (4) Conclusions: The Paleolithic diet induced greater changes in body composition over the short-term intervention, however, larger studies are recommended to assess the impact of the Paleolithic vs. AGHE diets on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy populations.
Variation in the Oral Processing of Everyday Meals Is Associated with Fullness and Meal Size; A Potential Nudge to Reduce Energy Intake?
Authors: Ferriday Danielle , Bosworth Matthew , Godinot Nicolas , Martin Nathalie , Forde Ciarán , Van Den Heuvel Emmy , Appleton Sarah , Mercer Moss Felix , Rogers Peter , Brunstrom Jeffrey
Published: May 2016

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that experimental manipulations of oral processing can have a marked effect on energy intake. Here, we explored whether variations in oral processing across a range of unmodified everyday meals could affect post-meal fullness and meal size. In Study 1, female participants (N = 12) attended the laboratory over 20 lunchtime sessions to consume a 400-kcal portion of a different commercially available pre-packaged meal. Prior to consumption, expected satiation was assessed. During each meal, oral processing was characterised using: (i) video-recordings of the mouth and (ii) real-time measures of plate weight. Hunger and fullness ratings were elicited pre- and post-consumption, and for a further three hours. Foods that were eaten slowly had higher expected satiation and delivered more satiation and satiety. Building on these findings, in Study 2 we selected two meals (identical energy density) from Study 1 that were equally liked but maximised differences in oral processing. On separate days, male and female participants (N = 24) consumed a 400-kcal portion of either the “fast” or “slow” meal followed by an ad libitum meal (either the same food or a dessert). When continuing with the same food, participants consumed less of the slow meal. Further, differences in food intake during the ad libitum meal were not compensated at a subsequent snacking opportunity an hour later. Together, these findings suggest that variations in oral processing across a range of unmodified everyday meals can affect fullness after consuming a fixed portion and can also impact meal size. Modifying food form to encourage increased oral processing (albeit to a lesser extent than in experimental manipulations) might represent a viable target for food manufacturers to help to nudge consumers to manage their weight.
Mapping Paddy Rice in China in 2002, 2005, 2010 and 2014 with MODIS Time Series
Authors: Clauss Kersten , Yan Huimin , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: May 2016

Rice is an important food crop and a large producer of green-house relevant methane. Accurate and timely maps of paddy fields are most important in the context of food security and greenhouse gas emission modelling. During their life-cycle, rice plants undergo a phenological development that influences their interaction with waves in the visible light and infrared spectrum. Rice growth has a distinctive signature in time series of remotely-sensed data. We used time series of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) products MOD13Q1 and MYD13Q1 and a one-class support vector machine to detect these signatures and classify paddy rice areas in continental China. Based on these classifications, we present a novel product for continental China that shows rice areas for the years 2002, 2005, 2010 and 2014 at 250-m resolution. Our classification has an overall accuracy of 0.90 and a kappa coefficient of 0.77 compared to our own reference dataset for 2014 and correlates highly with rice area statistics from China’s Statistical Yearbooks (R2 of 0.92 for 2010, 0.92 for 2005 and 0.90 for 2002). Moderate resolution time series analysis allows accurate and timely mapping of rice paddies over large areas with diverse cropping schemes.
Impact of Satellite Remote Sensing Data on Simulations of Coastal Circulation and Hypoxia on the Louisiana Continental Shelf
Authors: Ko Dong , Gould Richard , Penta Bradley , Lehrter John
Published: May 2016

We estimated surface salinity flux and solar penetration from satellite data, and performed model simulations to examine the impact of including the satellite estimates on temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen distributions on the Louisiana continental shelf (LCS) near the annual hypoxic zone. Rainfall data from the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) were used for the salinity flux, and the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used for solar penetration. Improvements in the model results in comparison with in situ observations occurred when the two types of satellite data were included. Without inclusion of the satellite-derived surface salinity flux, realistic monthly variability in the model salinity fields was observed, but important inter-annual variability was missed. Without inclusion of the satellite-derived light attenuation, model bottom water temperatures were too high nearshore due to excessive penetration of solar irradiance. In general, these salinity and temperature errors led to model stratification that was too weak, and the model failed to capture observed spatial and temporal variability in water-column vertical stratification. Inclusion of the satellite data improved temperature and salinity predictions and the vertical stratification was strengthened, which improved prediction of bottom-water dissolved oxygen. The model-predicted area of bottom-water hypoxia on the Louisiana shelf, an important management metric, was substantially improved in comparison to observed hypoxic area by including the satellite data.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection Induces Autophagy as a Prosurvival Mechanism to Alleviate Hepatic ER-Stress Response
Authors: Dash Srikanta , Chava Srinivas , Aydin Yucel , Chandra Partha , Ferraris Pauline , Chen Weina , Balart Luis , Wu Tong , Garry Robert
Published: May 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection frequently leads to chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The molecular mechanisms by which HCV infection leads to chronic liver disease and HCC are not well understood. The infection cycle of HCV is initiated by the attachment and entry of virus particles into a hepatocyte. Replication of the HCV genome inside hepatocytes leads to accumulation of large amounts of viral proteins and RNA replication intermediates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), resulting in production of thousands of new virus particles. HCV-infected hepatocytes mount a substantial stress response. How the infected hepatocyte integrates the viral-induced stress response with chronic infection is unknown. The unfolded protein response (UPR), an ER-associated cellular transcriptional response, is activated in HCV infected hepatocytes. Over the past several years, research performed by a number of laboratories, including ours, has shown that HCV induced UPR robustly activates autophagy to sustain viral replication in the infected hepatocyte. Induction of the cellular autophagy response is required to improve survival of infected cells by inhibition of cellular apoptosis. The autophagy response also inhibits the cellular innate antiviral program that usually inhibits HCV replication. In this review, we discuss the physiological implications of the HCV-induced chronic ER-stress response in the liver disease progression.
Chronique de droit des discriminations (octobre 2015-mars 2016)
Authors: Dumortier Thomas , Guiomard Frédéric , Roccati Marjolaine , Rodopoulos Ioannis
Published: May 2016

Cette troisième édition de la chronique de droit des discriminations couvre la période du 1er octobre au 31 mars 2016. Elle rend compte de l’actualité législative et jurisprudentielle relative aux discriminations. Pour consulter les deux premiers numéros : n° 1 (octobre 2014-avril 2015), n° 2 (mai 2015-septembre 2015).
Memory, Cognition, and Multimedia
Authors: Ben Romdhane Dorsaf Ben Ismail , Alkhatib Mohammed Yousef , Legros Denis
Published: May 2016

This chapter presents, in the light of the most recent work, the main results of a research conducted by Dorsaf Ben Ismail (2011) as part of her thesis, which aims to elaborate and validate experimentally some means as hypertext to understand a scientific text in foreign language L2 (French) describing a complex area of human biology: the physiological regulation phenomena and an assessment tool pre and post-test for knowledge constructed in the form of conceptual graphics. According Graesser, Leon and Otero (2002), scientific texts readers are generally unable to develop a clear mental picture, correct and coherent with such field, and thus to understand the texts that describe this field. The results of this research allowed doing some advanced steps in the relationship between representation of knowledge in memory, comprehension of scientific text and systems that help in comprehension in multilingual context. These advanced steps are considered very useful in the era of globalization and the widespread use of the Internet and social networks (Mueller-Frank, 2013).
The University System as a Mere Organized Conflict Environment
Authors: Abubakar Yusuf , Danjeka Abubakar Mansur
Published: May 2016

The university system is an organized anarchy. It is a system that brings different components from different dimensions with different focus sometimes conflicting one another in one place, in order to achieve a particular goal. This paper examines the university as a system that comprises different faculties, departments and units managing different disciplines and courses/subjects. Chaos and complexity nature of university was examined and results show that each faculty and department is taking a different direction without caring about others, and in the same faculty there are different departments handling different courses. And lecturers are using different methods in the conduct of their lessons and researches, and all these struggles are made towards achieving university objectives. The challenges faced by university system and possible solutions to overcome those challenges were discussed.
Corruption as a Challenge to Quality and Quantity of Education in Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Nawait Mukhtar Salihu
Published: May 2016

Corruption has caused untold havoc not only to the quality, quantity of education and credibility of citizens in Nigeria, but also to our national growth and development in all aspects of human endeavor. In academia it diffuses and circulates through the aorta and capillaries of the system, such that it is no longer view as a bottleneck thwarting the successful implementation of educational policies. The ugly scenario has degraded our educational foundation popularly called lower basic created a permanent vacuum which the subsequent higher level proved helpless to fill. The objectivity, reliability, trust, transparency, sincerity and above all integrity known in the academia as its “glory” have been wiped out by corrupt practices. At this junction, it is mandatory to dig out the reasons behind indulgence in corruption in our lower basic, identify its causes, approaches and effects as they are dimensional in nature. The paper will attempt the definitions of the term corruption at initial, and the concluding aspect will suggest the possible remedies.
Self-Assessment of Principals Based on Leadership in Complexity
Authors: Fındık Leyla Yılmaz
Published: May 2016

This study is designed to provide a picture of principal leaders in the school. The focus of this study is to identify and describe the characteristics of principal's leadership process in complex situation based on self-assessment. The study conducted by qualitative approach consisted of volunteer principals working in the city center of Ankara, Turkey. We discuss how these findings provide a deeper understanding of the latest principals' leadership process in complexity based on principals' self-assessment. The researcher gathered and analyzed data in an effort to create a template of essential leadership characteristics that could be utilized at other schools or in other educational environment. The results likely to suggest that self-assessment of principals in complexity are well worth revealing how the principals perceive their leadership process and what leading characteristics are viewed when they have complex situation.
Application of Modified Biogeography Based Optimization in AGC of an Interconnected Multi-Unit Multi-Source AC-DC Linked Power System
Authors: Guha Dipayan , Roy Provas Kumar , Banerjee Subrata
Published: May 2016

An attempt has been made for the effective application of biogeography based optimization and its modified version to solve load frequency control (LFC) problem. Two-area interconnected multi-unit multi-source power system having thermal, hydro and gas power plant without and with AC-DC link is considered for study. Proportional-integral-derivative controller is used as secondary controller in LFC system and its gains are tuned by proposed algorithms through minimization of integral time absolute error based objective function. The results confirm the effectiveness of proposed algorithms after comparing results with other evolutionary algorithms like differential evolution (DE), teaching learning based optimization (TLBO) for the similar test system. The robustness of proposed algorithm is checked with different objective functions like integral square error, integral absolute error, integral time square error criterions and under different loading conditions. Critical analysis of results reveals that proposed method gives better performance than that obtained with DE, TLBO.
Reinforcement Learning with Particle Swarm Optimization Policy (PSO-P) in Continuous State and Action Spaces
Authors: Hein Daniel , Hentschel Alexander , Runkler Thomas A. , Udluft Steffen
Published: May 2016

This article introduces a model-based reinforcement learning (RL) approach for continuous state and action spaces. While most RL methods try to find closed-form policies, the approach taken here employs numerical on-line optimization of control action sequences. First, a general method for reformulating RL problems as optimization tasks is provided. Subsequently, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is applied to search for optimal solutions. This Particle Swarm Optimization Policy (PSO-P) is effective for high dimensional state spaces and does not require a priori assumptions about adequate policy representations. Furthermore, by translating RL problems into optimization tasks, the rich collection of real-world inspired RL benchmarks is made available for benchmarking numerical optimization techniques. The effectiveness of PSO-P is demonstrated on the two standard benchmarks: mountain car and cart pole.
Trends in Social Media Usage
Authors: Alreyaee Sulaiman Ibrahim , Ahmed Aquil
Published: May 2016

In the present era of Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, Social Networking Sites have given us means of providing real-time services. Recent years have brought a massive growth in the social networking phenomenon. The use of social media in the Arab World has been extensive, yet there is very little current, comprehensive and accurate accounts of social media usage is available. This study aims to highlight the highly used SNSs across the Arab Gulf States The database of StatCounter was selected for tracing the use and growth of SNSs in this region. The findings show that the three most used SNSs in the Arab Gulf region are: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. It is observed that Facebook is the leading social networking site used in the region until now, but Twitter is fast gaining market. Twitter is becoming popular among users and giving a tough competition to Facebook in almost all countries of the region except Iraq. In 2013, it has moved to 1st position in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, replacing Facebook. However, in some countries like the UAE and Qatar, Facebook is still going strong.
Pretibial Cyst Formation in ACL Reconstruction - A Case Report
Authors: Marinescu Rodica , Laptoiu Dan , Socoliuc Claudiu , Antoniac Iulian Vasile
Published: May 2016

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction technique was under tremendous improvement during last 10 years; anatomical versus transtibial technique gradually increased, with soft tissue graft overcoming bone-tendon-bone, and biodegradable exceeding metallic implants. Still, complications related to ACL reconstruction are reported; one of it is pretibial cyst formation. Pretibial cyst formation is reported to develop between 2 and 5 years post-operation. We report a case in which the cyst was developed at 2 years after surgery; a biocomposite screw was used for fixation on tibial site, in an ACL reconstruction done with soft tissue autograft. The MRI examination suggested the diagnostic, which was confirmed by histological examination of the cyst. The screw suffered multiple fragmentation; the remnants were retrieved and analyzed. The knee stability was not affected by the cyst development. After retrieval of the screw and appropriate rehabilitation, the patient recovery was complete. The presented case confirms that even biocomposite screw may be related to these sorts of complications, mainly related to plain biodegradable screws. The case offers a point of start for analysis of the literature. A precise ethology of this kind of complications is still unknown; a lot of theories have been developed, two of them seem to be related to our case. Technical improvement together with long time surveillance of cases in which biocomposite implants were used may improve our knowledge concerning the fate of these implants.
Low Rigidity Ti-Nb-Ta-X (X=Cr, Zr, Ag, In) Alloys with Improved Properties
Authors: Branzei Mihai
Published: May 2016

The paper is focused on microstructure characterisation of five bulk metastable β-type Ti-based alloys, with improved mechanical properties, composed of non-toxic (bio inert) elements like: Nb, Ta, Cr, Zr, Ag, and In. These types of alloys designed in this study, are expected to have also higher corrosion resistance in biological media and good performance such as lower Young’s modulus of elasticity, greater strength, good workability, also in as cast state. However, high strength as well as low Young’s modulus is required for the implants subjected to cyclic loading under complicated stress conditions. Thus, the major aim is decreasing the Young’s modulus and increasing the tenacity of these alloys.
Role of MIMICS© in Reconstructive Neurosurgery - A Case Study
Authors: Tarcolea Mihai , Semenescu Augustin , Mitrica Marian , Chirtes Alin Vasile , Stanciu Silviu , Mates Ileana Mariana , Vitioanu Greta
Published: May 2016

In the past few years, medicine has become more and more technical, or better yet more dependent on technology. The current paper presents a case study and is the proof of the efficiency, usefulness and future applicability of an interdisciplinary partnership between clinicians from neurosurgery medical imaging department and engineers. The clinical case analyzed was of a 37 years old woman who had suffered a major cranial trauma at the level of frontal bone. Each step taken for the patient’s treatment and her evolution was thoroughly analysed. The patient’s DICOM (CT) scan was imported in MIMICS© Materialise NV. Regarding the exercise, with the help of MIMICS, the appropriate surgical technique agreed upon by the multidisciplinary work group was frontal bone exposure and bone fragment removal. The MIMICS© utilisation should become a constant of medical activity and involve a wider range of specialities, because it offers a visual aid and suggestions for practical cases. It also offers a good economical alternative, and it is time effective
Experimental Evaluation of Biocompatibility in Case of Acrylic Materials by Bio-Testing on Lab Animals
Authors: Vasiliu Mihaela Păpușa , Sachelarie Liliana , Tomita Daniela Ivona , Folescu Elena , Stadoleanu Carmen
Published: May 2016

A bio material is a inert and non-viable material with a natural or synthetic origin that comes in to contact with tissues, blood or biological fluids, being used in prosthetic, therapeutic and storage applications, without affecting in any way living organism or their components.Biological systems may produce the deterioration of materials, process known as bio-degradation. In case of oral environment this also includes the dissolution in saliva, chemical and physical degradation, abrasion and erosion caused by the diet components, mastication process and bacteria actions. Most of the materials used in dental therapy may be toxic or may produce allergies until they bind.We evaluated during our experiment the biological consequences (bio-compatibility) that subcutaneous implanting of small acrylic dental fragments have upon tissues in case of white lab mice, keeping an eye on the local tissues reactions. The evaluation of dental materials is made by testing the bio-compatibility. Biologically tests are performed in vivo and in vitro strictly in the lab and on animals.For our experiment we used 20 white mice Wistar line, 8-9 weeks old males, 40 grams, divided in 3 groups; all of them received an acrylic implant. The experiment was centered on the observation of some physiological or pathological effects, local or systemic, that implants may have produced effects that show a toxic answer or the rejection of the material.All experimens was performed in compliance with (European Communities Council Directive 1986 (86/609/EEC) and Ordinance No. 37 of Romanian Government from 2nd February 2002.Materials bio-compatibility was highlighted by anatomic-pathological exams during which we noticed all the modifications at dermis level during the entire period. We observed the phenomenon that occurred around the implants at different time periods, than we collected samples.The data obtained at the end of our experiment allow us to sustain that acrylic materials used in dental implants have all the properties required to be considered as bio-compatible.
The Influence of Filler in Composite Cellulose Acetate Membranes for Proteins Recovery
Authors: Voicu Stefan Ioan
Published: May 2016

The present work study the influence of filler in proteins recovery using cellulose acetate membranes. There were studied carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide as synthetic fillers and bone powder and inulin as natural fillers. The used proteins for work were Bovine Serum Albumin and hemoglobin. The best retention results were shown by the composite membranes with carbon nanowalls, fact that can be explained by the chemical interactions between carbon nanotubes surface and proteins molecules. Synthesized membranes were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourrier Transformed infrared Spectroscopy and the proteins retention was determined by UV-Vis Spectroscopy.
Editorial Vol.12(1)
Authors: Dayaratne Ranjith
Published: May 2016

No Abstract.
IL-15 Trans-Signaling with the Superagonist RLI Promotes Effector/Memory CD8+ T Cell Responses and Enhances Antitumor Activity of PD-1 Antagonists
Authors: Desbois Mélanie , Le Vu Pauline , Coutzac Clélia , Marcheteau Elie , Béal Coralie , Terme Magali , Gey Alain , Morisseau Sébastien , Teppaz Géraldine , Boselli Lisa , Jacques Yannick , Béchard David , Tartour Eric , Cassard Lydie , Chaput Nathalie
Published: May 2016

Tumors with the help of the surrounding environment facilitate the immune suppression in patients, and immunotherapy can counteract this inhibition. Among immunotherapeutic strategies, the immunostimulatory cytokine IL-15 could represent a serious candidate for the reactivation of antitumor immunity. However, exogenous IL-15 may have a limited impact on patients with cancer due to its dependency on IL-15Rα frequently downregulated in cancer patients. In this work, we studied the antitumor activity of the IL-15 superagonist receptor-linker–IL-15 (RLI), designed to bypass the need of endogenous IL-15Rα. RLI consists of human IL-15 covalently linked to the human IL-15Rα sushi+ domain. In a mouse model of colorectal carcinoma, RLI as a stand-alone treatment could limit tumor outgrowth only when initiated at an early time of tumor development. At a later time, RLI was not effective, coinciding with the strong accumulation of terminally exhausted programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)high T cell Ig mucin-3+ CD8+ T cells, suggesting that RLI was not able to reactivate terminally exhausted CD8+ T cells. Combination with PD-1 blocking Ab showed synergistic activity with RLI, but not with IL-15. RLI could induce a greater accumulation of memory CD8+ T cells and a stronger effector function in comparison with IL-15. Ex vivo stimulation of tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes from 16 patients with renal cell carcinoma demonstrated 56% of a strong tumor-infiltrated lymphocyte reactivation with the combination anti–PD-1/RLI compared with 43 and 6% with RLI or anti–PD-1, respectively. Altogether, this work provides evidence that the sushi–IL-15Rα/IL-15 fusion protein RLI enhances antitumor activity of anti–PD-1 treatment and is a promising approach to stimulate host immunity.
Prevalence of Theileria and Babesia species in Tunisian sheep
Authors: Rjeibi Mohamed R. , Darghouth Mohamed A. , Gharbi Mohamed
Published: May 2016

In this study, the prevalence of Theileria and Babesia species in sheep was assessed with Giemsastained blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction to identify the different piroplasms in 270 sheep from three Tunisian bioclimatic zones (north, centre, and south). The overall infection prevalence by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in Giemsa-stained blood smears was 2.9% (8/270) and 4.8% (13/270) respectively. The molecular results showed that sheep were more often infected by Theileria ovis than Babesia ovis with an overall prevalence of 16.3% (44/270) and 7.8% (21/270) respectively (p = 0.01). The molecular prevalence by Babesia ovis was significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). According to localities B. ovis was found exclusively in sheep from the centre of Tunisia (Kairouan) whereas Theileria ovis was found in all regions. Infections with T. ovis and B. ovis were confirmed by sequencing. The sequence of T. ovis in this study (accession numbers KM924442) falls into the same clade as T. ovis deposited in GenBank. The T. ovis amplicons (KM924442) showed 99%–100% identities with GenBank sequences. Moreover, comparison of the partial sequences of 18S rRNA gene of B. ovis described in this study (KP670199) revealed 99.4% similarity with B. ovis recently reported in northern Tunisia from sheep and goats. Three nucleotides were different at positions 73 (A/T), 417 (A/T), and 420 (G/T). It also had 99% identity with B. ovis from Spain, Turkey and Iraq. The results suggest a high T. ovis prevalence in Tunisia with a decreasing north-south gradient. This could be correlated to the vector tick distribution.
Evaluating the impact of built environment characteristics on urban boundary layer dynamics using an advanced stochastic approach
Authors: Song Jiyun , Wang Zhi-Hua
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Urban land–atmosphere interactions can be captured by numerical modeling framework with coupled land surface and atmospheric processes, while the model performance depends largely on accurate input parameters. In this study, we use an advanced stochastic approach to quantify parameter uncertainty and model sensitivity of a coupled numerical framework for urban land–atmosphere interactions. It is found that the development of urban boundary layer is highly sensitive to surface characteristics of built terrains. Changes of both urban land use and geometry impose significant impact on the overlying urban boundary layer dynamics through modification on bottom boundary conditions, i.e., by altering surface energy partitioning and surface aerodynamic resistance, respectively. Hydrothermal properties of conventional and green roofs have different impacts on atmospheric dynamics due to different surface energy partitioning mechanisms. Urban geometry (represented by the canyon aspect ratio), however, has a significant nonlinear impact on boundary layer structure and temperature. Besides, managing rooftop roughness provides an alternative option to change the boundary layer thermal state through modification of the vertical turbulent transport. The sensitivity analysis deepens our insight into the fundamental physics of urban land–atmosphere interactions and provides useful guidance for urban planning under challenges of changing climate and continuous global urbanization.
Turbulence effects on warm rain formation in precipitating shallow convection revisited
Authors: Seifert Axel , Onishi Ryo
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Two different collection kernels which include turbulence effects on the collision rate of liquid droplets are used as a basis to develop a parameterization of the warm rain processes autoconversion, accretion and selfcollection. The new parameterization is tested and validated with help of a 1D bin microphysics model. Large-eddy simulations of the rain formation in shallow cumulus clouds confirm previous results that turbulence effects can significantly enhance the development of rain water in clouds and the occurrence and amount of surface precipitation. The detailed behavior differs significantly for the two turbulence models revealing a considerable uncertainty in our understanding of such effects. In addition, the large-eddy simulations show a pronounced sensitivity to grid resolution which suggests that besides the effect of sub-grid small scale isotropic turbulence which is parameterized as part of the collection kernel also the larger turbulent eddies play an important role for the formation of rain in shallow clouds.
Development of a cloud particle sensor for radiosonde sounding
Authors: Fujiwara Masatomo , Sugidachi Takuji , Arai Toru , Shimizu Kensaku , Hayashi Mayumi , Noma Yasuhisa , Kawagita Hideaki , Sagara Kazuo , Nakagawa Taro , Okumura Satoshi , Inai Yoichi , Shibata Takashi , Iwasaki Suginori
Published: May 2016

Abstract. A meteorological balloon-borne cloud sensor called the Cloud Particle Sensor (CPS) has been developed. The CPS is equipped with a diode laser at ~ 790 nm and two photo detectors, with a polarization plate in front of one of the detectors, to count the number of particles per second and to obtain the cloud phase information (i.e. liquid, ice, or mixed). The lower detection limit for particle size was evaluated in laboratory experiments as ~ 2 μm diameter for water droplets. For the current model the output voltage often saturates for water droplets with diameter equal to or greater than ~ 80 μm. The upper limit of the directly measured particle number concentration is ~ 2 cm−3 (2 × 103L−1), which is determined by the volume of the detection area of the instrument. In a cloud layer with a number concentration higher than this value, particle signal overlap and multiple scattering of light occur within the detection area, resulting in a counting loss, though a partial correction may be possible using the particle signal width data. The CPS is currently interfaced with either a Meisei RS-06G radiosonde or a Meisei RS-11G radiosonde that measures vertical profiles of temperature, relative humidity, height, pressure, and horizontal winds. Twenty-five test flights have been made between 2012 and 2015 at midlatitude and tropical sites. In this paper, results from four flights are discussed in detail. A simultaneous flight of two CPSs with different instrumental configurations confirmed the robustness of the technique. At a midlatitude site, a profile containing, from low to high altitude, water clouds, mixed phase clouds, and ice clouds was successfully obtained. In the tropics, vertically thick cloud layers in the middle to upper troposphere and vertically thin cirrus layers in the upper troposphere were successfully detected in two separate flights. The data quality is much better at night, dusk and dawn than during the daytime because strong sunlight affects the measurements of scattered light.
HYPERstream: a multi-scale framework for streamflow routing in large-scale hydrological model
Authors: Piccolroaz Sebastiano , Di Lazzaro Michele , Zarlenga Antonio , Majone Bruno , Bellin Alberto , Fiori Aldo
Published: May 2016

Abstract. We present HYPERstream, an innovative streamflow routing scheme based on the width function instantaneous unit hydrograph (WFIUH) theory, which is specifically designed to facilitate coupling with weather forecasting and climate models. The proposed routing scheme preserves geomorphological dispersion of the river network when dealing with horizontal hydrological fluxes, irrespective of the computational grid size inherited from the overlaying climate model providing the meteorological forcing. This is achieved by simulating routing within the river network through suitable transfer functions obtained by applying the WFIUH theory to the desired level of detail. The underlying principle is similar to the block-effective dispersion employed in groundwater hydrology, with the transfer functions used to represent the effect on streamflow of morphological heterogeneity at scales smaller than the computational grid. Transfer functions are constructed for each grid cell with respect to the nodes of the network where streamflow is simulated, by taking advantage of the detailed morphological information contained in the digital elevation model (DEM) of the zone of interest. These characteristics make HYPERstream well suited for multi-scale applications, ranging from catchment up to continental scale, and to investigate extreme events (e.g., floods) that require an accurate description of routing through the river network. The routing scheme enjoys parsimony in the adopted parametrization and computational efficiency, leading to a dramatic reduction of the computational effort with respect to full-gridded models at comparable level of accuracy. HYPERstream is designed with a simple and flexible modular structure that allows for the selection of any rainfall-runoff model to be coupled with the routing scheme and the choice of different hillslope processes to be represented, and it makes the framework particularly suitable to massive parallelization, customization according to the specific user needs and preferences, and continuous development and improvements.
La palabra en el camino
Authors: Gueyraud Brigitte
Published: May 2016

Cada relato proviene de un encuentro con un anciano terminando su vida en una institución geriátrica. Es también el eco de un momento intenso compartido durante cuidados médicos donde verdaderos trozos de vida son revelados, testigos de su sufrimiento, abandono y amor. Están presentadas en su versión original en francés.
The influence of social capital on self-rated health and depression – The Nord-Trøndelag health study (HUNT)
Authors: Sund Erik R. , Jørgensen Stig H. , Jones Andy , Krokstad Steinar , Heggdal Marit
Published: May 2016

The article examines the relationship between neighbourhood social capital and two health outcomes: selfrated health and depression. A total of 42,571 individuals aged 30–67 years participated in a cross-sectional total population health study in Nord-Trøndelag in 1995–1997 (HUNT II) and were investigated using multilevel modelling. Aims were, first, to investigate potential area effects after accounting for the characteristics of individuals in the neighbourhoods (N = 155), and, second, to explore the relationships between contextual social capital (the level of trust at the neighbourhood level and the level of local organizational activity) and the two health measures. Models with stepwise inclusion of individual level factors attenuated the ward level variance for both self-rated health (PCV: 41%) and depression (PCV: 43%). The inclusion of the two contextual social capital items attenuated the ward level variance for both self-rated health and depression, however to varying degrees. At the individual level, contextual social capital was associated with both self-rated health and depression. Individuals living in wards with a low level of trust experienced an increased risk of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.13-1.63) for poor self-rated health compared to individuals in wards with a high level of trust. For depression, this effect was even stronger (OR 1.52, 1.23-1.87). The associations with the level of organizational activity were inconsistent and weaker for both health outcomes. It was concluded that geographical variations in self-rated health and depression are largely due to the socioeconomic characteristics of individuals. Nevertheless, contextual social capital, expressed as the level of trust, was found to be associated with depression and self-rated health at individual level.
On (Not) Hugging Trees: Affect, Emotion, and Ecology in Wordsworth's “Nutting”
Authors: Ottum Lisa
Published: May 2016

This article applies the insights of affect studies to William Wordsworth's controversial “Nutting” (1800), a poem whose sudden shifts in tone fuel continued debate over its utility as a green text. Reading “Nutting” alongside another poem with the same title by John Clare, I argue that affect theory not only recasts the poem's “ecological” potential but also expands possibilities for teaching “Nutting” and similarly ambiguous texts in an ecocritical context. Ultimately, I call upon ecocritics to embrace affect theory toward two ends: first, in order to redefine “green” art in more complex and nuanced terms; second, in order to expand environmentalism's affective repertoire beyond apocalypticism.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Psychological Studies, Vol. 8, No. 2
Authors: Sun Barbara
Published: May 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Psychological Studies, Vol. 8, No. 2, 2016
Validation of the Reveal® 2.0 Group D1 Salmonella Test for Detection of Salmonella Enteritidis in Raw Shell Eggs and Poultry-Associated Matrixes
Authors: Mozola Mark , Biswas Preetha , Viator Ryan , Feldpausch Emily , Foti Debra , Li Lin , Le Quynh-Nhi , Alles Susan , Rice Jennifer
Published: May 2016

A study was conducted to assess the performance of the Reveal® 2.0 Group D1 Salmonella lateral flow immunoassay for use in detection of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in raw shell eggs and poultry-associated matrixes, including chicken carcass rinse and poultry feed. In inclusivity testing, the Reveal 2.0 test detected all 37 strains of SE tested. The test also detected all but one of 18 non-Enteritidis somatic group D1 Salmonella serovars examined. In exclusivity testing, none of 42 strains tested was detected. The exclusivity panel included Salmonella strains of somatic groups other than D1, as well as strains of other genera of Gram-negative bacteria. In matrix testing, performance of the Reveal 2.0 test was compared to that of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook reference culture procedure for chicken carcass rinse and to that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual for raw shell eggs and poultry feed. For all matrixes evaluated, there were no significant differences in the ability to detect SE when comparing the Reveal 2.0 method and the appropriate reference culture procedure as determined by probability of detection statistical analysis. The ability of the Reveal 2.0 test to withstand modest perturbations to normal operating parameters was examined in robustness experiments. Results showed that the test can withstand deviations in up to three operating parameters simultaneously without significantly affecting performance. Real-time stability testing of multiple lots of Reveal 2.0 devices established the shelf life of the test device at 16 months postmanufacture.
ESTRUTURA PAISAGÍSTICA DE SÃO JOÃO DA PONTA, NORDESTE DO PARÁ
Authors: França Carmena Ferreira de , Pimentel Marcia Aparecida Da Silva , Neves Silvia Caroline Ribeiro
Published: May 2016

A posição geográfica de São João da Ponta, no Litoral de Rias do Pará, confere a este município uma estrutura paisagística diversificada em decorrência tanto da influência continental quanto das características costeiras. Este artigo apresenta o mosaico paisagístico do município, com base na análise integrada e sistêmica dos arranjos espaciais formados pelos elementos físicos, biológicos e antrópicos. Foram classificados três geossistemas, doze geofácies e onze geótopos. Estas unidades de paisagem integram uma estrutura hierárquica de grandezas 4, 5 e 6. Este trabalho contribui para os estudos da paisagem, no âmbito da Geografia Física, e resulta de uma aplicação metodológica dos pressupostos de Bertrand (1971). Palavras-chave: geossistema, zona costeira, vegetação, Geografia Física. DOI: 10.5902/2236499418331
LEGADOS AUTORITÁRIOS: UMA LEITURA DA FORMAÇÃO HISTÓRICO-GEOGRÁFICA DO BRASIL CONTEMPORÂNEO
Authors: Colucci Danielle Gregole
Published: May 2016

Este artigo propõe compreender de maneira inconclusa e circunstancial o Brasil contemporâneo, seus legados e processos de formação histórico-geográficos. Uma busca de entendimento acerca da sua formação como processo autoritário e as prevalências de tais raízes nas relações socioespaciais encontradas até os dias de hoje. Nesse sentido, o termo autoritário é utilizado de forma ampla, abarcando desde o período colonial até os processos de democratização mais recentes. Palavras-chave: estado-nação, autoritarismo, Brasil, resistência, utopia. DOI: 10.5902/2236499421020
A man united with God: An interpretation of Theodosius hagiography of St. Peter Koriski
Authors: Kostić Dragomir
Published: May 2016

The story about a man who insulate himself in the desert, he chose suffering and starvation, and who won demons even outside himself as well as inside himself, devoting only a single goal, love towards God. He was the one who in his entire life taking care only about how to reach to God, who is subordinate to God, who only wanted God, longed only for God! He is losing its character, stood in front the face of God; losing himself, he found Him. 'Well and good saponification to myself and listeners useful learning'... it is this hagiography according to its author. It differs significantly from the previous hagiography of this writer, Hagiography of Saint Sava. In This literary work was highlighted the presence of the author. He writes about the saint's life and asceticism, but also writes about how, in what way and after whose speech is created hagiography about Peter Koriski and some of his characteristics (qualities).
Sociological study of the images of the neighboring countries: Russian student youth stereotypes, and their contextual frames
Authors: Trotsuk Irina
Published: May 2016

The article identifies three basic 'dimensions' of the youth social mood. The first dimension is formed by a set of various cognitive, affective and behavioral orientations (and the patriotic mood is an integral part of this complex). The second dimension is formed by a set of estimates of the macro-social context of life in one's country. The third dimension is constituted by geopolitical awareness, i.e. the images of the neighboring countries. All three dimensions are difficult to measure due to the multiplicity of their conceptualization frames and excessive connotations of the basic terminology. The author provides an overview of the results of a series of surveys conducted in 2009-2013 on the samples of Moscow students by the Sociological Laboratory of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia to show what data we can obtain with the help of qualitative approach in 'measuring' these dimensions of the youth worldview and social mood, especially in identifying the common images of the neighboring countries (on the example of China, Kazakhstan and Serbia). The author focuses on technical and substantial details of the surveys, and concludes with recognizing the necessity of revealing social representations and stereotypes of public opinion in cross-cultural and comparative perspectives.
A few words about the founder of the Macedonian modern sculpture
Authors: Marković Kamenko
Published: May 2016

This paper discusses the life and work of Dima Todorovski, the founder of the Macedonian modern sculpture. Dimo Todorovski was born in Thessaloniki in 1910. He finished the Art School, the sculpture department, in Belgrade in 1935. He lived and worked in Skopje from 1942 until his death in 1983. During his career, he made an impressive number of sculptures among which are portraits, lovely female nudes, figures of men in motion, and other pieces related to the WWII. His best pieces include: The Portrait of the Artist's Mother, A Peasant Woman Portrait, The Pit, The Macedonian Pieta, A Girl, A monument in honour of Koco Racin, The Miladinov Brothers, St. Kliment Ohridski.