bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for imperfect forward modeling in geophysical inverse problems — Exemplified for crosshole tomography
Authors: Hansen Thomas Mejer , Cordua Knud Skou , Jacobsen Bo Holm , Mosegaard Klaus
Published: March 2014

Inversion of geophysical data relies on knowledge about how to solve the forward problem, that is, computing data from a given set of model parameters. In many applications of inverse problems, the solution to the forward problem is assumed to be known perfectly, without any error. In reality, solving the forward model (forward-modeling process) will almost always be prone to errors, which we referred to as modeling errors. For a specific forward problem, computation of crosshole tomographic first-arrival traveltimes, we evaluated how the modeling error, given several different approximate forward models, can be more than an order of magnitude larger than the measurement uncertainty. We also found that the modeling error is strongly linked to the spatial variability of the assumed velocity field, i.e., the a priori velocity model. We discovered some general tools by which the modeling error can be quantified and cast into a consistent formulation as an additive Gaussian observation error. We tested a method for generating a sample of the modeling error due to using a simple and approximate forward model, as opposed to a more complex and correct forward model. Then, a probabilistic model of the modeling error was inferred in the form of a correlated Gaussian probability distribution. The key to the method was the ability to generate many realizations from a statistical description of the source of the modeling error, which in this case is the a priori model. The methodology was tested for two synthetic ground-penetrating radar crosshole tomographic inverse problems. Ignoring the modeling error can lead to severe artifacts, which erroneously appear to be well resolved in the solution of the inverse problem. Accounting for the modeling error leads to a solution of the inverse problem consistent with the actual model. Further, using an approximate forward modeling may lead to a dramatic decrease in the computational demands for solving inverse problems.
Localized Damage Detection Algorithm and Implementation on a Large-Scale Steel Beam-to-Column Moment Connection
Authors: Dorvash Siavash , Pakzad Shamim N. , LaCrosse Elizabeth L. , Ricles James M. , Hodgson Ian C.
Published: March 2014

Civil structures experience loading scenarios ranging from typical ambient excitations to extreme loads induced by natural events that, depending on their intensity, cause damage. It is important to detect damage before it propagates to become detrimental to integrity and functionality of the structure. Significant research efforts are focused on developing damage detection algorithms to diagnose damage from performance and response of the structure. A major challenge in many existing algorithms is in their validation and absence of real-scale implementation. This paper presents implementation of influence-based damage detection algorithm by implementation on a large-scale structural model (steel beam-to-column moment connection) which experiences progressive damage towards collapse of the system through increasing cyclic loading. IDDA utilizes statistical analysis of correlation functions between the structural responses at different locations. It is shown through this implementation that IDDA, accompanied by a statistical framework, can accurately identify structural changes and indicate the intensity of the damage.
Fulfillment of the Inflation Target in Poland
Authors: Jędruchniewicz Andrzej
Published: March 2014

Inflation is a fundamental category within an economy. Mainstream economists claim that its rate cannot be high nor too low, because it harms the economy. This is why today the basic aim of central banks is the maintenance of the increase of consumer prices on a low level.  The main aim of the study is an evaluation of the level of fulfillment of National Bank of Poland’s inflation target that is fixed on the level of 2,5% annually with the accepted range of +/- 1 percentage point deviation. Main causes that were shaping the rate of real inflation were also specified. Research methods adopted in this paper are the deduction and the analysis of statistical indicators. In the period 2008-2011 the annual inflation in Poland was close to the inflation target only in 2010. In other years it was formed on the level around the higher border of the deviation range or above it. Main factors that influenced the increase of prices were: (1) changes in global demand – they were strongly influencing the inflation rate after 4 quarters and the most important category of global demand was consumption; (2) changes in wages – the increase of nominal wages was influencing the increase of prices mostly in the same quarter. After taking into account the changes of work efficiency, inflation reacted mainly after 4 quarters; (3) changes of prices of raw materials on world markets; (4) changes in the exchange rate of the zloty against the euro and the dollar. Their influence on consumer prices was also delayed.
Limits to the European Commission – Managing Services of General Interests
Authors: Ząbkowicz Jerzy
Published: March 2014

Services of general interest form an essential element of the European model of society as a way to increase quality of life and to overcome social exclusion and isolation. They are also at the core of the public debate touching the central question of the role public authorities and the institutions of the European Union play in a market economy. The competencies and responsibilities conferred by the Treaty, the EU regulations and directives lay emphasis on the essential role and the wide discretion of national, regional and local authorities in defining, organizing, financing and monitoring services of general interest. The same time the EU Law provide the European Commission with a wide range of means of action to ensure the compliance of the process of organizing and financing such services according to a comprehensive regulatory regime at Community level to make them compatible with the internal market and to prevent a distortion of the competition rules. The paper indicates divergences of the points of view of public authorities and the Commission on their role, shared responsibility and powers in that process.
Business Cycles Indicators and Short-term Forecasts of Polish Industry Production Index
Authors: Kolba Paweł M. , Kotkowski Radosław
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of using popular business cycle indicators on the forecasts of industry production index. Research is conducted on Polish economy, by using methodology proposed by M. Klein.
Defining the Market Potential by Assessing Growth and Saturation in the Private Life and Pensions Industry
Authors: Arefjevs Ilja , Volkov Tatjana , Lindemane Marija
Published: March 2014

The aim of the article is define the market potential of the private life and pension industry in the Baltic region. The authors used the Törnquist function to develop the market growth and saturation approach. The research outcome is a cross-country comparison of market growth, saturation and its dynamics to support strategic decisions by financial companies.
Serology and ultrasound for diagnosis of choledocholithiasis
Authors: Isherwood J , Garcea G , Williams R , Metcalfe M , Dennison AR
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is not a routine investigation to exclude choledocholithiasis unless there is clinical or biochemical suspicion of common bile duct (CBD) stones. This study attempted to determine which radiological or serological parameters best predicted CBD stones.

Methods

All patients undergoing MRCP from 2005 to 2011 were selected. Patients with pancreatitis were excluded. Liver function tests (LFTs) at admission and prior to MRCP were recorded, as was abdominal ultrasonography and MRCP results. Parameters measured routinely on LFTs included alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin. Receiver operating characteristic curve area analysis (area under the curve [AUC]) and chi-squared analysis were undertaken.

Results

Overall, 195 patients were identified, 71 of whom had CBD stones on MRCP. Raised ALP levels on admission demonstrated a correlation with CBD stones (AUC: 0.619, odds ratio [OR]: 3.16, p=0.06). At ultrasonography, a dilated CBD (OR: 3.76, p<0.001) and intrahepatic duct dilation (OR: 5.56, p<0.001) were highly significant predictors. However, only 37% of patients had a dilated CBD on ultrasonography. Ongoing elevation of LFT parameters, particularly ALP (AUC: 0.707, OR: 4.64, p<0.001) and ALT (AUC: 0.646, OR: 5.40, p<0.001), displayed a significant correlation with CBD stones.

Conclusions

Ongoing (even if minor) elevations of liver function test parameters should prompt the need to exclude CBD stones even in the presence of a normal CBD diameter on ultrasonography.
Keynes and the 2008-9 crisis
Authors: Barratt Brown Michael
Published: March 2014

Since late 2008, together with the current financial crisis we can see a return of the Keynes’s proposals, including the proposal to create an international currency (Bancor). This paper reflects on some of these measures, the effectiveness of monetary policies, the growing income inequality, the new role of banks, political strategies of governments to address the crisis and the opportunities for combining the economical recovery with measures to promote a more sustainable development..
The effects of increased mechanization on time consumption in small-scale firewood processing
Authors: Lindroos Ola
Published: March 2014

Firewood, which is mainly processed by the consumer, is still an important source of energy for heating houses in industrialised countries. Possibilities to compare the mechanizationâs impact on efficiency of firewood processing are limited, due to variations between working conditions in previous studies. Therefore, the objective was to compare time consumption for two small-scale firewood processing systems with different levels of mechanisation under identical conditions. The systems were tested on two classes of wood: one with a homogeneous and medium-sized diameter of logs and one with a mixture of small and large-diameter-logs. Differences in time consumption were analysed for correlations with physical workloads, deviations to routine operations, operator influences and operator perceptions. Twelve operators (60â79 years old) were studied and they showed large variation in time consumption. However, the within-operator time consumption patterns were consistent. In other words, operators all responded similarly to the different combinations of systems and wood classes, but at different absolute levels. The time required to process a unit volume of wood was 25â33% lower when the more highly mechanised system was used, and the time required was 13â22% lower for the homogeneous wood class. Physical work load, deviations and perceptions of the work varied between operators, but were weakly correlated with time consumption. The resultsâ implications for analyses of investments in equipment for firewood-processing for self-sufficiency purposes are discussed.
Modelling the factors predisposing Scots pine to moose damage in artificially regenerated sapling stands in Finnish Lapland
Authors: Nikula Ari , Hallikainen Ville , Jalkanen Risto , Hyppönen Mikko , Mäkitalo Kari
Published: March 2014

Moose (Alces alces) damage in forest plantations have been at a high level in Finland in recent decades. Nowadays, moose is the most severe pest in Scots pine plantations also in Finnish Lapland. So far, despite the high level of damage and different bio-geographical conditions in Northern Finland, most of the moose-damage research has been carried out in Southern Finland. A number of research have also been performed to analyse factors affecting browsing but predictive models are rare. Data from 123 randomly selected and artificially regenerated pine plantations in Northern Finland were used in modelling the risk of moose browsing. The stands had been regenerated during 1984â1995. A total of 508 sample plots (range 2â8 plots per stand) were measured. Hierarchical logistic regression models with a random factor were constructed to predict the probability of leader-shoot browsing of pine on a plot. The number of planted pines and deciduous trees overtopping the pines were the most important predictors increasing the browsing probability. The results support earlier findings that deciduous trees overtopping or reaching the height of the pines should be cleaned from the immediate vicinity of the pines. Seedlings with a height ranging from 75 to 299 centimetres were more susceptible to browsing. Heavy soil scarification, such as ploughing or mounding, increased the browsing probability compared with lighter scarification methods. Soil type did not affect the browsing probability, but paludification decreased it. The within-stand variation in deciduous trees density and height should be taken into account in future moose browsing risk assessments. In Lapland, high moose damage risk areas are characterized by a low elevation and higher temperature sum.
How far to the east was the migration of white oaks from the Iberian refugium?
Authors: Dering Monika , Lewandowski Andrzej , Ufnalski Krzysztof , Kedzierska Aleksandra
Published: March 2014

The goal of this study was to investigate the postglacial recolonization pathways of the white oaks Quercus robur and Quercus petrea in Poland, and especially to evaluate the impact of Iberian refugium in this part of Europe. Chloroplast DNA polymorphism of 310 individuals older than 200 years was analyzed. Six haplotypes in total were found to differentiate three maternal lineages: the Balkan (haplotypes 4, 5, and 7), the Apennine (haplotypes 1 and 2), and the Iberian (haplotype 12). The most abundant were members of the Balkan (71.5% of all samples) and the Apennine lineage (23.1%), and only 5.4% of individuals were of Iberian origin. The geographic distribution of the three lineages is clearly structured. The northernmost territories of Poland are occupied by Apennine (haplotype 1) and Iberian (haplotype 12) lineages, whereas samples in central and southern Poland represents the Balkan lineage. The population structure might be the result of competitive colonization among lineages after migration from different refugia. It is likely that colonization of northernmost parts of Poland by the Balkan lineage was halted or at least hampered due to the arrival of the Apennine populations. The most significant result of this study concerns the presence and status of the Iberian lineage in Poland, which is most likely of natural origin.
Does conversion of even-aged, secondary coniferous forests affect carbon sequestration? A simulation study under changing environmental conditions
Authors: Seidl Rupert , Rammer Werner , Lasch Petra , Badeck Franz-Werner , Lexer Manfred
Published: March 2014

To circumvent problems associated with even-aged, pure coniferous stands propagated outside their natural range alternative management strategies and conversion programs are currently discussed in Central Europe. However, a mainstreaming of such adapted silvicultural systems with climate change mitigation objectives is missing to date. In this study the objective was to assess in situ C storage under conditions of climate change in a secondary Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forest management unit in Austria. Four management strategies (Norway spruce age class forestry, transition to continuous cover forestry with Norway spruce, conversion to mixed conifer/broadleaved stands, no management) were investigated under current climate and two transient climate change scenarios in a simulation study. By comparing the results of two independent forest ecosystem models (PICUS v1.41, 4C) applied under identical forcings and boundary conditions we aimed at addressing uncertainties in model-based projections. A transition to continuous cover forestry increased C storage in all climate scenarios (+45.4 tCÂ·ha to +74.0 tCÂ·ha over the 100 year analysis period) compared to the approximately balanced C budget under the age class system. For the mixed conifer/broadleaved management variant predictions of the two models diverged significantly (+29.4 tCÂ·ha and â10.6 tCÂ·ha in PICUS and 4C respectively, current climate). With regard to climate change impacts both models agreed on distinct effects on productivity but lower sensitivity of C stocks due to compensation from respiration and adaptive harvest levels. In conclusion, considering the potential effects of silvicultural decisions on C stocks climate change mitigation should be addressed explicitly in programs advocating targeted change in management paradigms.â1â1â1â1
A global forest growing stock, biomass and carbon map based on FAO statistics
Authors: Kindermann Georg , McCallum Ian , Fritz Steffen , Obersteiner Michael
Published: March 2014

Currently, information on forest biomass is available from a mixture of sources, including in-situ measurements, national forest inventories, administrative-level statistics, model outputs and regional satellite products. These data tend to be regional or national, based on different methodologies and not easily accessible. One of the few maps available is the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO 2005) which contains aggregated country-level information about the growing stock, biomass and carbon stock in forests for 229 countries and territories. This paper presents a technique to downscale the aggregated results of the FRA2005 from the country level to a half degree global spatial dataset containing forest growing stock; above/below-ground biomass, dead wood and total forest biomass; and above-ground, below-ground, dead wood, litter and soil carbon. In all cases, the number of countries providing data is incomplete. For those countries with missing data, values were estimated using regression equations based on a downscaling model. The downscaling method is derived using a relationship between net primary productivity (NPP) and biomass and the relationship between human impact and biomass assuming a decrease in biomass with an increased level of human activity. The results, presented here, represent one of the first attempts to produce a consistent global spatial database at half degree resolution containing forest growing stock, biomass and carbon stock values. All results from the methodology described in this paper are available online at www.iiasa.ac.at/Research/FOR/.
Stump removal to control root rot in forest stands. A literature study
Authors: Vasaitis Rimvydas , Stenlid Jan , Thomsen Iben , Barklund Pia , Dahlberg Anders
Published: March 2014

Tree stumps are expected to be increasingly used for energy production in Fennoscandia, thus environmental consequences of stump removal from forest land must be assessed. Aim of this work was to compile available data on the efficacy of stump removal in eradication of root rot fungi (Heterobasidion, Armillaria, and Phellinus), and to review its potential impacts on establishment and productivity of next forest generation. Site disturbance and some technical and economical aspects are discussed, and needs for future research outlined in northern European context. The review demonstrates that stump removal from clear-felled forest areas in most cases results in, a) reduction of root rot in the next forest generation, b) improved seedling establishment, and c) increased tree growth and stand productivity. Observed disturbances caused to a site by stumping operations are normally acceptable. The available data strongly suggests that possibly many (if achievable, all) rot-containing stumps must be removed during harvesting of stumps. Provided equal availability, the priority should be given for stump removal from root rot-infested forest areas, instead of healthy ones. As most studies were done in North America and Britain, several questions must be yet answered under Fennoscandian conditions: a) if and to which extent the conventional stump removal for biofuel on clear-felled sites could reduce the occurrence of Heterobasidion and Armillaria in the next forest generation, b) what impact is it likely to have on survival of replanted tree seedlings, and c) what consequences will there be for growth and productivity of next forest generation.
Retention of phosphorus in peatland buffer zones at six forested catchments in southern Finland
Authors: Väänänen Riitta , Nieminen Mika , Vuollekoski Martti , Nousiainen Hannu , Sallantaus Tapani , Tuittila Eeva-Stiina , Ilvesniemi Hannu
Published: March 2014

Our current knowledge of the P retention efficiency of peatland buffer zone areas used to reduce sediment and nutrient leaching from forestry areas is insufficient. Especially the role of P sorption by soil in buffer zones needs closer examination as there is considerable variation in the efficiency of P retention. Six sites in southern Finland were chosen for the study. The buffer zone areas varied between 0.1â4.9% of the catchment area. A total of 10 kg of solute POâP was added to the inflow of the buffer zone areas and the concentrations of POâP in inflow and outflow were measured for 2â4 years. P retention characteristics of the surface peat were determined with sorption-desorption isotherms before and after POâP addition and the effective buffer zone area over which the added P was spread was determined from soil water samples. P retention in the two largest buffer zone areas was complete (100% retention), and the third largest buffer retained 94%. Retention in the three smallest buffer zones was 24%, 95% and 95% of the added P. As a result of P addition reduction in peat P retention capacity was detected in three out of four cases. The effective buffer zone area varied from 67% to 100% of the total buffer zone area. Factors contributing to efficient P retention were large buffer size and low hydrological load whereas high hydrological load combined with the formation of preferential flow paths, especially during early spring or late autumn was disadvantageous. High P retention capacity in peat contributed to the sustainability of P retention. The study showed that even relatively small buffer zone areas are able to efficiently reduce P load.444
Differences in leaf morphology between Quercus petraea and Q. robur adult and young individuals
Authors: Boratynski Adam , Marcysiak Katarzyna , Lewandowska Amelia , Jasinska Anna , Iszkulo Grzegorz , Burczyk Jaroslaw
Published: March 2014

The characters of Quercus robur and Q. petraea leaves are of main taxonomic value and the adult trees of both species can be distinguished on them. However, young individuals, mostly seedlings but also saplings, are told to be undistinguishable or only partly distinguishable on the leaf morphology. The aim of the study was to verify this hypothesis on the basis of biometrical analyses of leaf characteristics of adults trees and saplings in two mixed oak woods, one located close to the north-eastern limit, the other about 400 km inside of the Q. petraea range in Poland. The analysis of discriminations and minimum spanning tree on the squares of Mahalanobis distances were analysed to find differences between Q. robur, Q. petraea and intermediate adults and saplings. The differences between saplings of Q. robur and Q. petraea were found lower than between adult trees. Nevertheless, the biometrical analysis confirmed determination of saplings in the field.
Probability of recent bark stripping damage by red deer (Cervus elaphus) on Norway spruce (Picea abies) in a low mountain range in Germany – a preliminary analysis
Authors: Kiffner Christian , Rössiger Elisabeth , Trisl Oliver , Schulz Rainer , Rühe Ferdinand
Published: March 2014

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) can cause considerable damage to forest stands by bark stripping. Here, we examined the probability of bark stripping of susceptible Norway spruce (Picea abies) during winter in relation to local environmental characteristics in the western Harz Mountains, Lower Saxony, Germany. We present the results of a multiple logistic regression model for recent bark stripping damage by red deer which we developed from two systematic cluster sampling inventories after two winter periods along with associated meteorological data and records of bagged deer. Our model suggests that the risk of bark stripping increased significantly (Pââ0.05) with rising slope angle, cumulating snow depth and increasing index values of red deer population density. Spruces growing in closed forest stands were debarked at a higher probability than spruces located close to forest edges. Further on, spruce stands on eastern slopes had a lower probability of bark damage than spruce stands on northern slopes. Other tested variables (altitude, length of daily solar irradiation, duration of snow cover, age of spruce stand within the age range of 16â50 years) had no significant effect on the probability of new bark stripping. We conclude that red deer in the western Harz Mountains seem to use bark as food resource at preferred locations and in times of low food availability. To improve fit and predictive power of bark stripping models we recommend including stand characteristics. We propose to reduce the population size of red deer in order to diminish bark stripping damages to an economically acceptable level.
Appraisal of seedling stand vegetation with airborne imagery and discrete-return LiDAR – an exploratory analysis
Authors: Korpela Ilkka , Tuomola Tuukka , Tokola Timo , Dahlin Bo
Published: March 2014

The potential for combined use of airborne discrete-return LiDAR and digital imagery in the classification and measurement of common seedling stand vegetation was examined in southern Finland (61Â°50âN, 24Â°20âE). Classification was based on spectral and textural image features in addition to geometric and radiometric features of the LiDAR. The accuracy of leaf-on, LiDAR-based terrain elevation models was tested as well as the accuracy of LiDAR in the measurement of vegetation heights. LiDAR-based canopy height and the range-normalized intensity of the LiDAR were strong explanatory variables in vegetation classification. Interspecies variation was observed in the height measurement accuracy of LiDAR for different tree, shrub and low vegetation canopies. Elevation models derived with 1â15 pulses per m showed an inherent noise of app. 15â25 cm, which restricts the use of LiDAR in regeneration assessment of very young stands. The spatial pattern of the competing vegetation was reproduced in classification-based raster surfaces, which could be useful in deriving meaningful treatment proposals.2
A More Accurate Molar Mass of Silicon via High Resolution MC-ICP-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pramann Axel , Rienitz Olaf , Noordmann Janine , Güttler Bernd , Schiel Detlef
Published: March 2014

High resolution multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (HR-MC-ICP-MS) was applied for the determination of the
isotopic composition and molar mass of a silicon crystal material
(“Si28”) highly enriched in the 28Si isotope
(x(28Si) > 0.9999 mol/mol). Due to experimental
improvements and a straightforward advancement of an analytical
closed-form approach for correction of mass bias in isotope ratio
measurement, the uncertainty associated with the molar mass
u
rel(M) was further reduced to 6.1E-9. The
current molar mass of the “Si28” material used for the
redetermination of the Avogadro constant was
M(Si) = 27.976  970  22(17) g/mol which differs
by − 4.9 · 10
–8 g/mol (− 1.8E − 9 relative) from the value
published by the International Avogadro Coordination (IAC) in
2011. The uncertainty budget as well as the main features of the new
extended theory for calibration factor determination are presented
additionally.
A New Liquid Droplet Laser Desorption Source Combined with Supersonic Jet Expansion: Application to Phenol and its Water Clusters
Authors: Nandi Chayan Kanti , Barth Hans-Dieter , Brutschy Bernhard
Published: March 2014

We have developed a new laser source, for the spectroscopy of
nonvolatile molecules in gas phase. It is based on a laser induced
liquid bead ion desorption source (LILBID) combined with a supersonic
beam. The cold molecules produced with this technique are sampled with
Resonant Two Photon Ionization spectroscopy (R2PI) to measurement of
the gas phase optical spectra. LILBID allows to bring nonvolatile
molecule from liquid phase (out of a droplet) into gas phase, by means
of multi photon ablation with IR photons exciting the vibrations of
the solvent. Phenol and its different water clusters have been used as
an example to demonstrate the method and to standardise the new
experimental setup. The recorded R2PI spectral data of phenol monomer
and its different water clusters obtained from this laser desorption
technique are in very good agreement with the previously published
data. This technique opens a new door for the measurement of molecules
under microsolvation and potentially for zwitterion formation
of thermally labile, nonvolatile molecules such as amino acids or
biomolecules.
Cyclic changes in cortisol across the estrous cycle in parous and nulliparous Asian elephants
Authors: Fanson Kerry V , Keeley Tamara , Fanson Benjamin G
Published: March 2014

In the context of reproduction, glucocorticoids (GCs) are generally considered to have negative effects. However, in well-studied model species, GCs fluctuate predictability across the estrous cycles, and short-term increases promote healthy ovarian function. Reproductive challenges have plagued captive elephant populations, which are not currently self-sustaining. Efforts to understand reproductive dysfunction in elephants have focused on the suppressive effects of cortisol, but the potential permissive or stimulatory effects of cortisol are unknown. In this study, we provide a detailed examination of cortisol patterns across the estrous cycle in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Time series analysis was used to analyze cortisol and progesterone data for a total of 73 cycles from eight females. We also compared cortisol profiles between females that successfully conceived and females that failed to conceive despite repeated mating attempts. Our results revealed that cortisol fluctuates predictably across the estrous cycle, with a peak during the second half of the follicular phase followed by low levels throughout the luteal phase. Furthermore, this pattern was significantly altered in nulliparous females; cortisol concentrations did not decline during the luteal phase to the same extent as in parous females. This study highlights the complexity of cortisol signaling and suggests future directions for understanding the role of cortisol in reproductive dysfunction.
Differential roles of PPARγ vs TR4 in prostate cancer and metabolic diseases
Authors: Liu Su , Lin Shin-Jen , Li Gonghui , Kim Eungseok , Chen Yei-Tsung , Yang Dong-Rong , Tan M H Eileen , Yong Eu Leong , Chang Chawnshang
Published: March 2014

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ, NR1C3) and testicular receptor 4 nuclear receptor (TR4, NR2C2) are two members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily that can be activated by several similar ligands/activators including polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites, such as 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, as well as some anti-diabetic drugs such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs). However, the consequences of the transactivation of these ligands/activators via these two NRs are different, with at least three distinct phenotypes. First, activation of PPARγ increases insulin sensitivity yet activation of TR4 decreases insulin sensitivity. Second, PPARγ attenuates atherosclerosis but TR4 might increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Third, PPARγ suppresses prostate cancer (PCa) development and TR4 suppresses prostate carcinogenesis yet promotes PCa metastasis. Importantly, the deregulation of either PPARγ or TR4 in PCa alone might then alter the other receptor's influences on PCa progression. Knocking out PPARγ altered the ability of TR4 to promote prostate carcinogenesis and knocking down TR4 also resulted in TZD treatment promoting PCa development, indicating that both PPARγ and TR4 might coordinate with each other to regulate PCa initiation, and the loss of either one of them might switch the other one from a tumor suppressor to a tumor promoter. These results indicate that further and detailed studies of both receptors at the same time in the same cells/organs may help us to better dissect their distinct physiological roles and develop better drug(s) with fewer side effects to battle PPARγ- and TR4-related diseases including tumor and cardiovascular diseases as well as metabolic disorders.
An update on Müllerian-inhibiting substance: its potential application against ovarian cancer
Authors: Wong Raymond R Y , Worley Michael J , Chung Tony K H , Wong Yick Fu
Published: March 2014

Each year, ∼25 000 women are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the USA. The vast majority (>90%) of cases are of epithelial origin. This highly lethal cancer carries a mortality rate of >50% and a high risk of recurrence after conventional, first-line chemotherapy. Müllerian-inhibiting substance (MIS) is a gonadal hormone that causes regression of the Müllerian ducts. A series of studies have demonstrated that MIS also has multiple extra-Müllerian functions including inhibition of epithelial ovarian cancer cellsin vitroandin vivo. Accumulating evidence has shown that many human cancers are organized hierarchically and contain a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are inherently resistant to common chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The effect of MIS on ovarian CSC seems to be particularly useful in rescuing ovarian cancer patients with resistance to conventional treatment. Based on recent studies evaluating MIS, this review updates our current understanding of the molecular genetic aspects of MIS, its pathophysiology, as well as its potential to treat chemoresistant epithelial ovarian cancer.
GH administration patterns differently regulate epidermal growth factor signaling
Authors: Díaz María E , Miquet Johanna G , Rossi Soledad P , Irene Pablo E , Sotelo Ana I , Frungieri Mónica B , Turyn Daniel , González Lorena
Published: March 2014

Current GH administration protocols imply frequent s.c. injections, resulting in suboptimal compliance. Therefore, there is interest in developing delivery systems for sustained release of the hormone. However, GH has different actions depending on its continuous or pulsatile plasma concentration pattern. GH levels and circulating concentration patterns could be involved in the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in liver. Aberrant expression of this receptor and/or its hyperactivation has been associated with the pathogenesis of different types of carcinoma. Considering that one of the adverse effects associated with GH overexpression and chronic use of GH is the increased incidence of malignancies, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of GH plasma concentration patterns on EGFR expression and signaling in livers of mice. For this purpose, GH was administered by s.c. daily injections to produce an intermittent plasma pattern or by osmotic pumps to provoke a continuously elevated GH concentration. Intermittent injections of GH induced upregulation of liver EGFR content, augmented the response to EGF, and the induction of proteins involved in promotion of cell proliferation in female mice. In contrast, continuous GH delivery in male mice was associated with diminished EGFR in liver and decreased EGF-induced signaling and expression of early genes. The results indicate that sustained delivery systems that allow continuous GH plasma patterns would be beneficial in terms of treatment safety with regard to the actions of GH on EGFR signaling and its promitogenic activity.
Magnesium Vapor Reduction of Structured Silica for Lithium Ion Battery Applications
Authors: Cook Rob , Schrandt Matthew , Kolla Praveen , Rhine Wendell , Koodali Ranjit , Smirnova Alevtina
Published: March 2014

Three types of silica materials with different morphology, specifically SiO2 hollow microspheres, mesoporous silica, and silica aerogel were tested as potential precursors for synthesis of silicon nano- and meso-structures that resemble the original morphology of the precursors. In the optimized magnesium thermal reduction process, magnesium vapor was delivered to silica surface through a stainless steel mesh placed on top of a zirconia boat filled with silica precursor. This approach allowed for better control of silicon nanostructure formation by minimizing reaction by-products that can affect performance of lithium ion battery anode. Material morphological properties of the reduced silica precursors are discussed in terms of X-ray diffraction, BET, BJH pore size distribution, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA.
High performances and low variability of semiconducting-SWCNT thin-film-transistors achieved by shortening tube lengths
Authors: Saito Takeshi , Ohmori Shigekazu , Ihara Kazuki , Kuwahara Yuki , Nihey Fumiyuki
Published: March 2014

The tube-length distribution in the semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotube (s-SWCNT) ink extracted by the electric-field-induced layer formation (ELF) method was characterized by atomic force microscopy, which revealed that the nonionic surfactant Brij 700 adopted in ELF causes the significant and homogeneous shortening of SWCNTs compared with sodium cholate that is frequently used for the dispersion of SWCNTs as an ionic surfactant. It was found that the shortened s-SWCNTs in the semiconducting ink positively effect on the uniformity of performance among the s-SWCNT thin-film transistors.
Structure control of Pt-SnO2catalyst for DEFC synthesized by electron beam irradiation method
Authors: Okazaki Tomohisa , Seino Satoshi , Ohkubo Yuji , Nakagawa Takashi , Yamamoto Takao A.
Published: March 2014

Carbon supported Pt-SnO2 electrocatalysts with different Sn/Pt molar ratios were prepared by an electron beam irradiation method. Dissolved gas conditions in the vials irradiated with electron beam were controlled to air or Ar. The results of the material analyses showed that both Pt and SnO2 were immobilized onto carbon support in all catalysts. Bubbling Ar to the precursor solution led to steady change of metal contents in response to the precursor concentrations. The ethanol oxidation activity plotted against Sn/Pt ratio behaved differently with dissolved gas condition of the vial. This difference is discussed with supposed existing state of SnO2 in connection with the reduction process of Pt and Sn.
As escolhas públicas orçamentárias federais no PPA 2008-2011: uma análise da perspectiva do modelo principal-agente
Authors: Costa Giovanni Pacelli Carvalho Lustosa da , Freire Fátima Souza , Gartner Ivan Ricardo , Clemente Ademir
Published: March 2014

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o comportamento assumido pelo Executivo e pelo Legislativo durante a gestão do PPA 2008-2011 da perspectiva do modelo principal-agente. Por meio da aplicação dos testes de Friedman, Kendall e Spearman e tendo como objeto empírico todos os programas constantes no PPA 2008-2011, observou-se que entre 2008 e 2011: as etapas de Elaboração e de Execução Orçamentária e Financeira da Lei Orçamentária Anual, cujo ator principal é o Poder Executivo, apresentaram concordância muito forte; enquanto a etapa de Discussão, Votação e Aprovação, cujo ator principal é o Poder Legislativo, apresentou concordância moderada. Quando se considerou a interação no mesmo ciclo entre todas as etapas, a concordância foi menor. Além disso, como resultado mais expressivo do estudo, identificou-se que a relação externa (entre governo e cidadãos) possui concordância maior que a relação interna (entre políticos e burocratas).
Sustentabilidade de empreendimentos econômicos solidários: análise da Cooperativa dos Fruticultores de Abaetetuba
Authors: Silva Anderson Roberto Pires e , Barbosa Maria José de Souza , Albuquerque Francivaldo dos Santos
Published: March 2014

O estudo tem por objetivo realizar uma análise do processo de incubação, uma tecnologia social voltada à sustentabilidade de empreendimentos econômicos solidários. Trata-se de mostrar a ação da Incubadora Tecnológica de Cooperativas Populares e Empreendimentos Solidários (ITCPES), um programa de ensino, pesquisa e extensão junto à Cooperativa dos Fruticultores de Abaetetuba (Cofruta). Partiu-se da pesquisa exploratória-descritiva sob uma abordagem qualitativa-quantitativa para demonstrar a sustentabilidade a partir das dimensões: econômica, social, política, gestão e formação. Com base nesses indicadores chegou-se ao resultado de que a Incubadora contribui para a sustentabilidade da Cofruta, principalmente, no que diz respeito ao planejamento, ao controle e à necessidade de diversificação da produção.
Participação em redes transnacionais e a formulação de políticas locais em mudanças climáticas: o caso de Palmas
Authors: Almeida Lia de Azevedo , Silva Mônica Aparecida da Rocha , Pessoa Ronaldo Augusto Campos
Published: March 2014

Os municípios brasileiros que possuem uma política específica sobre mudanças climáticas foram ou ainda são membros da rede transnacional Local Governments for Sustainability (Iclei), sendo a cidade de Palmas-TO a primeira a instituir uma lei sobre o tema. Nesse contexto, buscou-se identificar em qual medida a participação do município na campanha Cidades pela Proteção do Clima (CPC) do Iclei influenciou a formulação e a implementação de políticas locais sobre mudanças climáticas. Foi utilizado o método qualitativo de pesquisa, por meio da análise de documentos formais e entrevistas semiestruturadas com atores da administração pública municipal e do terceiro setor. Concluiu-se que, no caso analisado, o Iclei influenciou, em parte, na ação local em mudanças climáticas, pois já havia ações da Prefeitura antes da adesão à rede; entretanto, o Iclei colaborou para o reforço da capacidade local para agir em relação à problemática.
Inovação na cooperação intermunicipal no Brasil: a experiência da Federação Catarinense de Municípios (Fecam) na construção de consórcios públicos
Authors: Abrucio Fernando Luiz , Filippim Eliane Salete , Dieguez Rodrigo Chaloub
Published: March 2014

Este artigo analisa uma experiência inovadora de cooperação intermunicipal no Brasil, por meio da observação da atuação da Federação Catarinense de Municípios (Fecam) no fomento e na organização de consórcios públicos intermunicipais. Investiga o uso de uma estratégia singular para enfrentar determinados limites à montagem de formas de consórcio no Brasil, entre os quais a dificuldade dos municípios, sem algum estímulo externo, para construir parcerias estáveis entre si. O ponto central da análise realça a possibilidade de associações municipalistas induzirem a cooperação de forma mais duradoura e com maior sustentação técnica. Com base no estudo de caso qualitativo, observou-se a atuação da Fecam como advocacy e como estrutura institucional profissionalizada que fomenta a cooperação entre municípios.
O mapeamento da institucionalização dos conselhos gestores de políticas públicas nos municípios brasileiros
Authors: Rojas Buvinich Danitza Passamai
Published: March 2014

O Brasil conta, hoje, com mais de 40 mil conselhos gestores de políticas públicas disseminados nos municípios. Entretanto, como estão estruturados e institucionalizados esses espaços que configuram uma ampla rede participativa para o desenvolvimento e implementação de políticas públicas? Tendo como base um modelo classificatório desenvolvido a partir das abordagens teóricas relacionadas com participação social, democracia deliberativa e análise legislativa, este trabalho exploratório identifica as principais características institucionais quanto à obrigatoriedade de conformação, natureza da representação, composição e capacidade decisória; e possíveis padrões regionais na implementação da rede de conselhos. Como resultado, identificou-se que a maioria dos conselhos não é de conformação obrigatória. No entanto, existe uma relação direta entre conformação obrigatória e o grau de implementação das políticas públicas municipais. Identificaram-se, também, padrões de conformação institucionais regionais diferenciados: os conselhos da região Nordeste são proporcionalmente mais paritários e deliberativos do que os das regiões Sul e Sudeste. Por último, a análise transversal dos dados aponta uma tendência de alteração no modelo institucional de conselhos brasileiros.
A aprendizagem social subjacente às práticas de negociação: uma abordagem das questões socioambientais em uma organização multiatores
Authors: Ipiranga Ana Sílvia Rocha , Moreira Michelle Firmino Celestino , Lopes Luma Louise Sousa , Frota Luís André Aragão , Coimbra Luciana Madeira Barros
Published: March 2014

Este estudo teve por objetivo descrever as práticas de aprendizagem subjacentes ao processo de negociação em uma organização multiatores de caráter socioambiental. A pesquisa utilizou a estratégia do estudo de caso qualitativo e a coleta de dados teve por base a triangulação de técnicas, visando ao enriquecimento da interpretação. Para a análise, optou-se pela aplicação dos procedimentos das práticas discursivas. Constatou-se que a participaçãose revela importante prática de aprendizagem da negociação e da negociação da aprendizagem subjacente, por meio da qual os saberes relacionados aos papéis e estilos colocados em ação pelos multiatores estão vinculados aos fazeres construídos coletivamente, definindo, nessas fronteiras e interstícios, as deliberações normativas sobre as questões socioambientais.
Quality perception in research laboratories from Fiocruz after QMS implementation
Authors: Presot Ivanete Milagres , Soares Rodrigo Pedro Pinto , Madureira Ana Paula , Bicalho Kelly Alves , Modena Celina Maria
Published: March 2014

Quality Management System has been implemented at the René Rachou Research Center since 2003. This study investigated its importance for collaborators (Cs) in laboratories. This was a quantitative and descriptive study performed in a group of 113 collaborators. It was based on the World Health Organization handbook: Quality Practices in Basic Biomedical Research. The questionnaires evaluated the parameters using the Likert scale. Biosafety, training and ethics were considered to be the most important parameters. Supervision and quality assurance, data recording, study plan, SOPs and file storage achieved intermediate evaluation. The lower frequency of responses was obtained for result report, result verification, personnel and publishing practices. Understanding the perception of the collaborators allows the development of improvement actions aiming the construction of a training program directing strategies for disseminating quality.