bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choice and Design of Adjuvants for Parenteral and Mucosal Vaccines
Authors: Savelkoul Huub , Ferro Valerie , Strioga Marius , Schijns Virgil
Published: March 2015

The existence of pathogens that escape recognition by specific vaccines, the need to improve existing vaccines and the increased availability of therapeutic (non-infectious disease) vaccines necessitate the rational development of novel vaccine concepts based on the induction of protective cell-mediated immune responses. For naive T-cell activation, several signals resulting from innate and adaptive interactions need to be integrated, and adjuvants may interfere with some or all of these signals. Adjuvants, for example, are used to promote the immunogenicity of antigens in vaccines, by inducing a pro-inflammatory environment that enables the recruitment and promotion of the infiltration of phagocytic cells, particularly antigen-presenting cells (APC), to the injection site. Adjuvants can enhance antigen presentation, induce cytokine expression, activate APC and modulate more downstream adaptive immune reactions (vaccine delivery systems, facilitating immune Signal 1). In addition, adjuvants can act as immunopotentiators (facilitating Signals 2 and 3) exhibiting immune stimulatory effects during antigen presentation by inducing the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on APC. Together, these signals determine the strength of activation of specific T-cells, thereby also influencing the quality of the downstream T helper cytokine profiles and the differentiation of antigen-specific T helper populations (Signal 3). New adjuvants should also target specific (innate) immune cells in order to facilitate proper activation of downstream adaptive immune responses and homing (Signal 4). It is desirable that these adjuvants should be able to exert such responses in the context of mucosal administered vaccines. This review focuses on the understanding of the potential working mechanisms of the most well-known classes of adjuvants to be used effectively in vaccines.
Optimizing Transcriptome Assemblies for Eleusine indica Leaf and Seedling by Combining Multiple Assemblies from Three De Novo Assemblers
Authors: Chen Shu , McElroy J. Scott , Dane Fenny , Peatman Eric
Published: March 2015

Due to rapid advances in sequencing technology, increasing amounts of genomic and transcriptomic data are available for plant species, presenting enormous challenges for biocomputing analysis. A crucial first step for a successful transcriptomics‐based study is the building of a high‐quality assembly. Here, we utilized three different de novo assemblers (Trinity, Velvet, and CLC) and the EvidentialGene pipeline tr2aacds to assemble two optimized transcript sets for the notorious weed species, Eleusine indica. Two RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) datasets from leaf and aboveground seedlings were processed using three assemblers, which resulted in 20 assemblies for each dataset. The contig numbers and N50 values of each assembly were compared to study the effect of read number, k‐mer size, and in silico normalization on assembly output. The 20 assemblies were then processed through the tr2aacds pipeline to remove redundant transcripts and to select the transcript set with the best coding potential. Each assembly contributed a considerable proportion to the final transcript combination with the exception of the CLC‐k14. Thus each assembler and parameter set did assemble better contigs for certain transcripts. The redundancy, total contig number, N50, fully assembled contig number, and transcripts related to target‐site herbicide resistance were evaluated for the EvidentialGene and Trinity assemblies. Comparing the EvidentialGene set with the Trinity assembly revealed improved quality and reduced redundancy in both leaf and seedling EvidentialGene sets. The optimized transcriptome references will be useful for studying herbicide resistance in E. indica and the evolutionary process in the three allotetraploid E. indica offspring.
Le carnet de santé des femmes enceintes au Cameroun : un outil de prévention du sida ?
Authors: Tantchou Josiane , Tijou-Traoré Annick
Published: March 2015

L’élimination de la Transmission du VIH de la Mère à l’Enfant (e TME ) est l’un des enjeux définis au niveau international pour les pays à faibles ressources. Au Cameroun, un protocole théorique définit la trajectoire de toute femme enceinte au sein de l’offre publique de soins avant et après le dépistage pour le VIH . Dans la pratique professionnelle, ce protocole se décline en inscriptions sur différents types de supports, dont le carnet de santé. Notre article montre que ce carnet, qui devrait faciliter la maîtrise du risque de transmission du VIH de la mère à l’enfant, contribue paradoxalement à le faire réémerger.
Un risque pour un autre. La double expérience du danger dans les trajectoires de mobilité thérapeutique aux Comores
Authors: Sakoyan Juliette
Published: March 2015

Cet article traite de la double expérience du danger dans les trajectoires de mobilité thérapeutique : d’une part il analyse le processus d’évaluation du danger pathologique dans le contexte de pauvreté de l’Union des Comores ; d’autre part il décrit le processus décisionnel du recours thérapeutique à l’étranger dans un espace où la destination la plus proche, Mayotte, est la plus dangereuse. Il aborde ainsi la question de la polysémie et de la plasticité morale du danger.
Représentations des drogues et de l'addiction dans la photographie contemporaine
Authors: Blaise Mario
Published: March 2015

Depuis les années 1970 sont apparues de nombreuses œuvres photographiques sur la drogue et son milieu. La photographie semble être devenue, en une quarantaine d’années, à côté du cinéma et de la musique, le nouveau lieu d’expression des expériences de la drogue et des addictions. C’est à partir de l’étude de ces photographies et du discours médiatique autour de ces photographes que nous nous sommes intéressé à ce nouveau genre emblématique. Cinq chapitres se dégagent en fonction de l’époque et du type de travail photographique : Larry Clark, fondateur du genre ; Nan Goldin et Alberto García-Alix : de la figure du marginal drogué à la figure du survivant ; Heroin Chic ou comment la mode récupère le genre ; photoreporters à la rencontre des addicts ; Graham MacIndoe et Antoine d’Agata : autoportraits et journal intime. Dans ce nouveau genre, où la drogue est un des personnages principaux, les codes implicites sont la proximité du photographe avec le sujet, l’authenticité du discours et la réception par le public et les médias qui oscille entre fascination et répulsion. Les différentes pratiques artistiques inventées par ces photographes correspondent à de véritables dispositifs cliniques des addictions qui pour certains semblent avoir eu des vertus bénéfiques d’autoconservation.
Differential Response of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agent Indomethacin in Tumor-Associated and Tumor-Free Microenvironments
Authors: Blidner Ada G. , Salatino Mariana , Mascanfroni Ivan D. , Diament Miriam J. , Bal de Kier Joffé Elisa , Jasnis Maria A. , Klein Slobodanka M. , Rabinovich Gabriel A.
Published: March 2015

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are key regulatory cells that control inflammation and promote tumor-immune escape. To date, no specific immunomodulatory drug has proven efficacy in targeting the expansion and/or function of these cells in different pathophysiologic settings. In this study, we identified a context-dependent effect of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (IND) on MDSCs, depending on whether they were derived from tumor microenvironments (TME) or from tumor-free microenvironments (TFME). Treatment of mice bearing the LP07 lung adenocarcinoma with IND inhibited the suppressive activity of splenic MDSCs, which restrained tumor growth through mechanisms involving CD8+ T cells. The same effect was observed when MDSCs were treated with IND and conditioned media from LP07 tumor cells in vitro. However, in the absence of a tumor context, IND enhanced the intrinsic suppressive function of MDSCs and amplified their protumoral activity. In a model of autoimmune neuroinflammation, IND-treated MDSCs differentiated in TFME attenuated inflammation, whereas IND-treated MDSCs differentiated in TME aggravated clinical symptoms and delayed resolution of the disease. Mechanistically, IND reduced arginase activity as well as NO and reactive oxygen species production in MDSCs differentiated in TME but not in TFME. Moreover, expression of the C/EBP-β transcription factor isoforms correlated with the suppressive activity of IND-treated MDSCs. Our study unveils the dual and context-dependent action of IND, a drug that serves both as an anti-inflammatory and anticancer agent, which differentially affects MDSC activity whether these cells are derived from TME or TFME. These results have broad clinical implication in cancer, chronic inflammation and autoimmunity.
Demethylation of the RORC2 and IL17A in Human CD4+ T Lymphocytes Defines Th17 Origin of Nonclassic Th1 Cells
Authors: Mazzoni Alessio , Santarlasci Veronica , Maggi Laura , Capone Manuela , Rossi Maria Caterina , Querci Valentina , De Palma Raffaele , Chang Hyun-Dong , Thiel Andreas , Cimaz Rolando , Liotta Francesco , Cosmi Lorenzo , Maggi Enrico , Radbruch Andreas , Romagnani Sergio , Dong Jun , Annunziato Francesco
Published: March 2015

Th17-derived Th1 lymphocytes, termed nonclassic, differ from classic Th1 cells because of the presence of retinoic acid orphan receptor (ROR)C2 and the surface expression of CD161 and CCR6. We demonstrate in this article that nonclassic Th1 cells, like Th17 cells, have a marked RORC2 and IL17A demethylation, whereas classic Th1 cells exhibit a complete methylation of these genes. The analysis of RORC2 DNA methylation in the CD4+CD161+ and CD4+CD161− naive Th subsets from umbilical cord blood surprisingly revealed comparable hypermethylation levels. PCR analysis at the single-cell level revealed that RORC2 mRNA was expressed by none of the CD4+CD161− and present only in a minority of CD4+CD161+ naive Th cells. These findings provide two important novel observations on the physiology of human Th17 cells: 1) they confirm at the epigenetic level the origin of nonclassic Th1 cells from Th17 cells, also identifying in the RORC2 and IL17A methylation status a novel tool for their distinction from classic Th1 cells, and 2) they demonstrate that RORC2-expressing cells are only a minority in the subset of CD4+CD161+ naive Th cells, which are known to contain all Th17 cell precursors.
Sense of coherence and chronic illnesses: Scope for research in India
Authors: Chittem Mahati , Lindström Bengt , Byrapaneni Ramesh , Espnes Geir
Published: March 2015

The theory of salutogenesis focusses on how individuals move in the direction of health rather than illness. Within this is the concept of sense of coherence (SOC) that refers to a stable disposition which creates coping resources and a sense of health preservation. With the help of a widely validated SOC scale, a range of studies evidenced that a strong SOC was associated with psychological well-being, healthy behaviors, and good health. Although the cross-cultural nature of SOC is supported, there is limited research exploring SOC in Asian cultures. Understanding how people orient themselves toward health and leveraging this in the development of health interventions within the unique cultural context of India is necessary. The current paper will review the theory of salutogensis and SOC concept, the measurement of SOC, the relationship between SOC, chronic illnesses, and culture, concluding with suggestions for possible areas of SOC research in India.
Psychological health of caregivers of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional comparative study
Authors: Jorwal Pankaj , Verma Rohit , Balhara Yatan
Published: March 2015

Introduction: The quality-of-life in individuals with diabetes is also dependent upon the quality of family relationships and general well-being of caregivers because the patient depends on them to uphold in the community. Only limited studies have assessed the psychological health of caregivers to individuals with diabetes. Aims and Objective: The current study aims at comparison of depression and anxiety levels among patients with diabetes and their caregivers. Materials and Methods: Fifty consecutive patients-care giver dyads of subjects having type 2 diabetes were recruited at an out-patient clinic of medicine at a tertiary care center. The dyads were assessed using a semi-structured proforma for the socio-demographic details and for anxiety and depression levels using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Correlation analysis was performed for multiple variables including blood glucose profile. Results: The mean duration of illness (4.93 ΁ 3.53 years) and blood glucose parameters were not found to be associated to depressive or anxiety symptoms. Depressive and anxiety disorder was observed in 24% and 44% of patients and 10% and 18% of caregivers, respectively. Patients had significantly more HADS anxiety (HADS-A) scale scores than caregivers but not for HADS depression (HADS-D) scale. Female patients were found to be having more HADS-D scores than male patients (P = 0.02), but were not significantly different from caregivers. HADS-A scores were comparable among male and female gender in intragroup as well as intergroup comparison for patient and caregiver groups. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus affects the psychological health of not only the patients but as well as the family caregivers and patients tend to be more anxious than the caregivers. Furthermore, it was seen that women with diabetes had higher rates of depression than their male counterparts.
Acetabular Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Gary Joshua L.
Published: March 2015

As the population ages, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures, including those of the pelvis and acetabulum, continues to rise. Treatment of the elder patients with an acetabular fracture is much more controversial than the treatment of younger patients with similar injuries, where prevention of posttraumatic arthritis and total hip replacement remains optimal to limit need for revision arthroplasty. Arthroplasty for fractures of the proximal femur is commonplace in an older population and is a mainstay of treatment to promote early mobilization and weight-bearing. However, even with acute total hip arthroplasty for a geriatric acetabular fracture, most surgeons do not permit immediate weight-bearing postoperatively. Therefore, controversy regarding optimal treatment of these challenging fractures persists. Four treatment options have emerged: nonoperative treatment with early mobilization, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), limited open reduction and percutaneous screw fixation, and acute total hip arthroplasty. The exact indications and benefits of each treatment remain unknown. This article serves as a review of these four treatments and the data existing to support them.
“Chasing the High” – Experiences of Ethylphenidate as Described on International Internet Forums
Authors: Soussan Christophe , Kjellgren Anette
Published: March 2015

Ethylphenidate is a novel psychoactive substance with undocumented effects, risks, and motivation for use. In this study, we investigated the experience of ethylphenidate by analyzing self-reports published on Internet forums, which revealed seven overarching themes: (1) compulsive redosing and addiction; (2) impacts on the mental state; (3) bodily agitation; (4) increased sociableness; (5) administration; (6) diverse evaluations based on intention; and (7) safety and precaution. Ethylphenidate appeared as a potent psychostimulant with an imminent abuse potential. It was mainly used for recreational purposes. The effects included not only pleasurable stimulation, euphoria, and cognitive enhancement but also indecisiveness, anxiety, and cognitive fragmentation. The users reported an increase in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, but they also experienced profuse sweating and muscle tension. Ethylphenidate acted as a social lubricant, enhancing intimacy, communication, and social skills. Two opposing user mentalities were uncovered: (1) pleasure seeking and risk neglecting, and (2) safety-first orientation. This information could be of importance to legislators, public health personnel, and prevention strategists.
Regularity and geometric estimates for minima of discontinuous functionals
Authors: Leitão Raimundo , Teixeira Eduardo V.
Published: March 2015

In this paper we study nonnegative minimizers of general degenerate elliptic functionals,

\int F(X,u,\nabla u)\,dX \to \min

, for variational kernels

F

that are discontinuous in

u

with discontinuity of order

\sim \chi_{\{u > 0 \}}

. The Euler–Lagrange equation is therefore governed by a nonhomogeneous, degenerate elliptic equation with free boundary between the positive and the zero phases of the minimizer. We show optimal gradient estimate as well as nondegeneracy of minima. We also address weak and strong regularity properties of the free boundary. We show the set

\{ u > 0 \}

has locally finite perimeter and that the reduced free boundary,

\partial_\mathrm{red} \{u > 0 \}

, has

\mathcal{H}^{n-1}

-total measure. For more specific problems that arise in jet flows, we show the reduced free boundary is locally the graph of a

C^{1,\gamma}

function.
Obstacle and Dirichlet problems on arbitrary nonopen sets in metric spaces, and fine topology
Authors: Björn Anders , Björn Jana
Published: March 2015

We study the double obstacle problem for p-harmonic functions on arbitrary bounded nonopen sets E in quite general metric spaces. The Dirichlet and single obstacle problems are included as special cases. We obtain the Adams criterion for the solubility of the single obstacle problem and establish connections with fine potential theory. We also study when the minimal

p

-weak upper gradient of a function remains minimal when restricted to a nonopen subset. Many of the results are new even for open

E

(apart from those which are trivial in this case) and also on

\mathbb R^n

.
Fine gradings and gradings by root systems on simple Lie algebras
Authors: Elduque Alberto
Published: March 2015

Given a fine abelian group grading

\Gamma\,\colon\, \mathcal L=\bigoplus_{g\in G}\mathcal L_g

on a finite dimensional simple Lie algebra over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero, with

G

being the universal grading group, it is shown that the induced grading by the free group

G/\mathrm {tor}(G)

on

\mathcal L

is a grading by a (not necessarily reduced) root system.

Some consequences for the classification of fine gradings on the exceptional simple Lie algebras are deduced.
On the existence of almost-periodic solutions for the 2D dissipative Euler equations
Authors: Berselli Luigi C. , Bisconti Luca
Published: March 2015

In this paper we study the two-dimensional dissipative Euler equations in a smooth and bounded domain. In the presence of a sufficiently large dissipative term (or equivalently a sufficiently small external force) precise uniform estimates on the modulus of continuity of the vorticity are proved. These allow us to show existence of Stepanov almost-periodic solutions.
Interpolation of ideals
Authors: Avendaño Martín , Ortigas-Galindo Jorge
Published: March 2015

Let

\mathbb K

denote an algebraically closed field. We study the relation between an ideal

I\subseteq\mathbb K[x_1,\ldots,x_n]

and its cross sections

I_\alpha=I+\langle x_1-\alpha\rangle

. In particular, we study under what conditions

I

can be recovered from the set

I_S=\{(\alpha,I_\alpha)\,:\,\alpha\in S\}

with

S\subseteq\mathbb K

. For instance, we show that an ideal

I=\bigcap_iQ_i

, where

Q_i

is primary and

Q_i\cap\mathbb K[x_1]=\{0\}

, is uniquely determined by

I_S

when

|S|=\infty

. Moreover, there exists a function

B(\delta,n)

such that, if

I

is generated by polynomials of degree at most

\delta

, then

I

is uniquely determined by

I_S

when

|S|\geq B(\delta,n)

. If

I

is also known to be principal, the reconstruction can be made when

|S|\geq 2\delta

, and in this case, we prove that the bound is sharp.
On the relation between conformally invariant operators and some geometric tensors
Authors: Mastrolia Paolo , Monticelli Dario D.
Published: March 2015

In this note we introduce and study some new tensors on general Riemannian manifolds which provide a link between the geometry of the underlying manifold and conformally invariant operators (up to order four). We study some of their properties and their relations with well-known geometric objects, such as the scalar curvature, the

Q

-curvature, the Paneitz operator and the Schouten tensor, and with the elementary conformal tensors

\{T^u_{m,\alpha}\}

and

\{X^u_{m,\mu}\}

on Euclidean space introduced in [7] and [6].
The hyperbolic wavelet transform: an efficient tool for multifractal analysis of anisotropic fields
Authors: Abry Patrice , Clausel Marianne , Jaffard Stéphane , Roux Stéphane G. , Vedel Béatrice
Published: March 2015

Global and local regularity of functions in anisotropic function spaces is analyzed in the common framework provided by hyperbolic wavelet bases. Local and directional regularity features are characterized by means of global quantities derived from the coefficients of hyperbolic wavelet decompositions. A multifractal analysis is introduced, that jointly accounts for scale invariance and anisotropy, and its properties are investigated.
Extensions of finite cyclic group actions on bordered surfaces
Authors: Bujalance Emilio , Cirre Francisco Javier , Conder Marston D. E.
Published: March 2015

We study the question of the extendability of the action of a finite cyclic group on a compact bordered Klein surface (either orientable or non-orientable). This extends previous work by the authors for group actions on unbordered surfaces. It is shown that if such a cyclic action is realised by means of a non-maximal NEC signature, then the action always extends. For a given integer

g ≥ 2

, we determine the order of the largest cyclic group that acts as the full automorphism group of a bordered surface of algebraic genus g, and the topological type of the surfaces on which the largest action takes place. In addition, we calculate the smallest algebraic genus of a bordered surface on which a given cyclic group acts as the full automorphism group of the surface. For this, we deal separately with orientable and non-orientable surfaces, and we also determine the topological type of the surfaces attaining the bounds.
Kjell Skyllstad and Applied Ethnomusicology
Authors: Pettan Svanibor
Published: March 2015

This volume of Musicological Annual is dedicated to Prof. Emeritus Dr. Kjell Skyllstad on his 80th birthday and to applied ethnomusicology, the development of which owes him a considerable gratitude.
Activism in Southeast Asian Ethnomusicology: Empowering Youths to Revitalize Traditions and Bridge Cultural Barriers
Authors: Tan Sooi Beng
Published: March 2015

Beginning with a short overview of the strategies and activities in applied ethnomusicology in Southeast Asia, this paper focuses on the development of a socially engaged approach to empower young people in Malaysia to address two concerns: revitalizing traditions and bridging cultural barriers in a multiethnic and multireligious society where tensions often occur.
Notes on the style and spiritual categorisation of Moralia by Jacobus Handl Gallus
Authors: Sýkora Pavel
Published: March 2015

Toward the end of his life, Jacobus Handl-Gallus (1550-1591) wrote two books of madrigals: Harmoniae morales and Moralia. The uniting element of both cycles is, except for the moralizing contents, Latin language, which is not usual for madrigal style.
The Movement Order of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony: Musical Considerations
Authors: O’Loughlin Niall
Published: March 2015

Mahler composed his Sixth Symphony with the Scherzo preceding the Andante, but reversed them before the first performance for all performances and published editions. However, some prominent musicians still insist on this order. With numerous thematic and harmonic connections between Alle- gro and Andante, and Scherzo and Finale, Mahler’s revised order is completely convincing.
»Ustvarjalni duh metafizične naravnanosti«
Authors: Bergamo Marija
Published: March 2015

In memoriam Urošu Kreku (1922-2008), klasiku novejše slovenske glasbe, avtorju obsežnega in dragocenega orkestralnega, komornega, klavirskega in zborovskega opusa ponuja v premislek oporne točke in premise njegovega skladateljevanja. Analizira njegovo duhovno osišče, temeljni odnos do glasbe in vrsto strateških odločitev, ki pogojujejo fiziognomijo njegove kompozicijske tehnike. Umešča ga pogojno v področje neoklasicističnega ludizma in avtonomije glasbe ter obravnava avtorjev odnos do modernizma, novega in tradicije, do zgodovinskega in ljudskega glazbenega izročila.
Photochemical aging of volatile organic compounds associated with oil and natural gas extraction in the Uintah Basin, UT, during a wintertime ozone formation event
Authors: Koss A. R. , de Gouw J. , Warneke C. , Gilman J. B. , Lerner B. M. , Graus M. , Yuan B. , Edwards P. , Brown S. S. , Wild R. , Roberts J. M. , Bates T. S. , Quinn P. K.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. High concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with oil and natural gas extraction were measured during a strong temperature inversion in winter of 2013 at a rural site in the Uintah Basin, Utah. During this period, photochemistry enhanced by the stagnant meteorological conditions and concentrated VOCs led to high ozone mixing ratios (150 ppbv). A simple analysis of aromatic VOCs measured by proton-transfer-reaction mass-spectrometry (PTR-MS) is used to estimate (1) VOC emission ratios (the ratio of two VOCs at the time of emission) relative to benzene, (2) aromatic VOC emission rates, and (3) ambient OH radical concentrations. These quantities are determined from a best fit to VOC : benzene ratios as a function of time. The main findings are that (1) emission ratios are consistent with contributions from both oil and gas producing wells, (2) the emission rate of methane (27-57 × 103 kg methane h−1), extrapolated from the emission rate of benzene (4.1 ± 0.4 × 105 molecules cm−3 s−1), agrees with an independent estimate of methane emissions from aircraft measurements in 2012, and (3) calculated daily OH concentrations are low, peaking at 1× 106 molecules cm−3, and are consistent with Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) modeling. The analysis is extended to photochemical production of oxygenated VOCs measured by PTRMS and is able to explain daytime variability of these species. It is not able to completely reproduce nighttime behavior, possibly due to surface deposition. Using results from this analysis, the carbon mass of secondary compounds expected to have formed by the sixth day of the stagnation event was calculated, then compared to the measured mass of primary and secondary compounds. Only 17% of the expected secondary carbon mass is accounted for by gas phase, aerosol, and snow organic carbon measurements. The disparity is likely due to substantial amounts of unquantified oxygenated products.
Potential impact of contrails on solar energy gain
Authors: Weihs P. , Rennhofer M. , Baumgartner D. J. , Gadermaier J. , Wagner J. E. , Gehring J. E. , Laube W.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The effect of contrails on global short-wave radiation (sum of direct and downward diffuse solar radiation) and on solar energy gain was investigated. The study was performed during days with high contrail persistence and focused on situations where the contrails were obstructing the sun. Measurements of cloudiness using a fish-eye camera, diffuse and direct short-wave measurements and measurements of the short circuit current of three different types of photovoltaic (PV) modules were performed at the Kanzelhöhe Observatory (1540 m a.s.l.) with a time resolution of 1 min over a period of 1 year. The results show that contrails moving between sun and observer/sensor may reduce the global radiation by up to 72%. An analysis of contrail persistence and the influence of contrails on global irradiance and solar energy gain is presented. The losses in solar energy gain that were recorded may be critical under specific circumstances.
Stimulated electromagnetic emission polarization under different polarizations of pump waves
Authors: Tereshchenko E. D. , Yurik R. Y. , Baddeley L.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The results of investigations into the stimulated electromagnetic emission (SEE) polarization under different modes of the pump wave polarization are presented. The present results were obtained in November 2012 during a heating campaign utilizing the SPEAR (Space Plasma Exploration by Active Radar) heating facility, transmitting in both O- and X-mode polarization, and a PGI (Polar Geophysical Institute) radio interferometer capable of recording the polarization of the received radiation. The polarization ellipse parameters of the SEE DM (downshifted maximum) components were determined under both O-mode and X-mode polarization of the pump waves. The polarization direction of the SEE DM component was preserved under different polarizations of the pump waves. Different polarizations of the pump waves have a different SEE generation efficiency. The intensity of the DM component is observed to be greater during O-mode pumping. In addition, the numbers of observed SEE features are also greater during O-mode pumping.
Rapid acidification of mode and intermediate waters in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Salt L. A. , van Heuven S. M. A. C. , Claus M. E. , Jones E. M. , de Baar H. J. W.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Observations along the southwestern Atlantic WOCE A17 line made during the Dutch GEOTRACES-NL programme (2010–2011) were compared with historical data from 1994 to quantify the changes in the anthropogenic component of the total pool of dissolved inorganic carbon (ΔCant). Application of the extended multi-linear regression (eMLR) method shows that the ΔCant from 1994 to 2011 has largely remained confined to the upper 1000 dbar. The greatest changes occur in the upper 200 dbar in the Subantarctic Zone (SAZ), where a maximum increase of 37 μmol kg−1 is found. South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) experienced the highest rate of increase in Cant, at 0.99 ± 0.14 μmol kg−1 yr−1, resulting in a maximum rate of decrease in pH of 0.0016 yr−1. The highest rates of acidification relative to ΔCant, however, were found in Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW). The low buffering capacity of SAMW and AAIW combined with their relatively high rates of Cant, increase of 0.53 ± 0.11 and 0.36 ± 0.06 μmol kg−1 yr−1, respectively, has lead to rapid acidification in the SAZ, and will continue to do so whilst simultaneously reducing the chemical buffering capacity of this significant CO2 sink.
Seasonal survey of the composition and degradation state of particulate organic matter in the Rhône River using lipid tracers
Authors: Galeron M.-A. , Amiraux R. , Charriere B. , Radakovitch O. , Raimbault P. , Garcia N. , Lagadec V. , Vaultier F. , Rontani J.-F.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Lipid tracers including fatty acids, hydroxyacids, n-alkanols, sterols and triterpenoids were used to determine the origin and fate of suspended particulate organic matter (POM) collected in the Rhône River (France). This seasonal survey (April 2011 to May 2013) revealed a year-round strong terrestrial higher-plant contribution to the particulate organic matter (POM), with significant algal inputs observed in March and attributed to phytoplanktonic blooms likely dominated by diatoms. Major terrigenous contributors to our samples are gymnosperms, and more precisely their roots and stems, as evidenced by the presence of high proportions of ω-hydroxydocosanoic acid (a suberin biomarker). The high amounts of coprostanol detected clearly show that the Rhône River is significantly affected by sewage waters. Specific sterol degradation products were quantified and used to assess the part of biotic and abiotic degradation of POM within the river. Higher-plant-derived organic matter appears to be mainly affected by photo-oxidation and autoxidation (free radical oxidation), while organic matter of mammal or human origin, evidenced by the presence of coprostanol, is clearly more prone to bacterial degradation. Despite the involvement of an intense autoxidation-inducing homolytic cleavage of peroxy bonds, a significant proportion of hydroperoxides is still intact in higher plant debris. These compounds could affect the degradation of terrestrial material by inducing an intense autoxidation upon its arrival at sea.
Nonstationarity of low flows and their timing in the eastern United States
Authors: Sadri S. , Kam J. , Sheffield J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The analysis of the spatial and temporal patterns of low flows as well as their generation mechanisms over large geographic regions can provide valuable insights and understanding for climate change impacts, regional frequency analysis, risk assessment of extreme events, and decision-making regarding allowable withdrawals. We use nonparametric tests to identify abrupt and gradual changes in time series of low flows and their timing for 508 USGS streamflow gauging sites in the eastern US with more than 50 years of daily data, to systematically distinguish the effects of human intervention from those of climate variability. A time series decomposition algorithm was applied to 1 day, 7 day, 30 day, and 90 day annual low flow time series that combines the Box–Ljung test for detection of autocorrelation, the Pettitt test for abrupt step changes and the Mann–Kendall test for monotonic trends. Examination of the USGS notes for each site confirmed that many of the step changes and around half of the sites with an increasing trend were associated with regulation. Around a third of the sites with a decreasing trend were associated with a change of gauge datum. Overall, a general pattern of increasing low flows in the northeast and decreasing low flows in the southeast is evident over a common time period (1951–2005), even when discarding sites with significant autocorrelation, documented regulation or other human impacts. The north–south pattern of trends is consistent with changes in antecedent precipitation. The main exception is along the mid-Atlantic coastal aquifer system from eastern Virginia northwards, where low flows have decreased despite increasing precipitation, and suggests that declining groundwater levels due to pumping may have contributed to decreased low flows. For most sites, the majority of low flows occur in one season in the late summer to autumn, as driven by the lower precipitation and higher evaporative demand in this season, but this is complicated in many regions because of the presence of a secondary low flow season in the winter for sites in the extreme northeast and in the spring for sites in Florida. Trends in low flow timing are generally undetectable, although abrupt step changes appear to be associated with regulation.
Silicon micro-levers and a multilayer graphene membrane studied via laser photoacoustic detection
Authors: Zelinger Z. , Janda P. , Suchánek J. , Dostál M. , Kubát P. , Nevrlý V. , Bitala P. , Civiš S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a method that utilizes the sensing of the pressure waves that emerge upon the absorption of radiation by absorbing species. The use of the conventional electret microphone as a pressure sensor has already reached its limit, and a new type of microphone – an optical microphone – has been suggested to increase the sensitivity of this method. The movement of a micro-lever or a membrane is sensed via a reflected beam of light, which falls onto a position-sensing detector. The use of one micro-lever as a pressure sensor in the form of a silicon cantilever has already enhanced the sensitivity of laser PAS. Herein, we test two types of home-made sensing elements – four coupled silicon micro-levers and a multilayer graphene membrane – which have the potential to enhance this sensitivity further. Graphene sheets possess outstanding electromechanical properties and demonstrate impressive sensitivity as mass detectors. Their mechanical properties make them suitable for use as micro-/nano-levers or membranes, which could function as extremely sensitive pressure sensors. Graphene sheets were prepared from multilayer graphene through the micromechanical cleavage of basal plane highly ordered pyrolytic graphite. Multilayer graphene sheets (thickness ∼102 nm) were then mounted on an additional glass window in a cuvette for PAS. The movements of the sheets induced by acoustic waves were measured using an He–Ne laser beam reflected from the sheets onto a quadrant detector. A discretely tunable CO2 laser was used as the source of radiation energy for the laser PAS experiments. Sensitivity testing of the investigated sensing elements was performed with the aid of concentration standards and a mixing arrangement in a flow regime. The combination of sensitive microphones and micromechanical/nanomechanical elements with laser techniques offers a method for the study and development of new, reliable and highly sensitive chemical sensing systems. To our knowledge, we have produced the first demonstration of the feasibility of using four coupled silicon micro-levers and graphene membranes in an optical microphone for PAS. Although the sensitivity thus far remains inferior to that of the commercial electret microphone (with an S / N ratio that is 5 times lower), further improvement is expected to be achieved by adjusting the micro-levers and membrane elements, the photoacoustic system and the position detector.
Cobalt, chromium and nickel contents in soils and plants from a serpentinite quarry
Authors: Lago-Vila M. , Arenas-Lago D. , Rodríguez-Seijo A. , Andrade Couce M. L. , Vega F. A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The former serpentinite quarry of Penas Albas (Moeche, Galicia, NW Spain) left behind a large amount of waste material scattered over the surrounding area, as well as tailing areas. In this area several soils were studied together with the vegetation growing spontaneously over them with the aim of identifying the bioavailability of heavy metals. The potential of spontaneous vegetation for phytoremediation and/or phytostabilization was evaluated. The pH of the soils ranges from neutral to basic, with very low organic matter and nitrogen contents. There are imbalances between exchangeable cations like potassium (K) and calcium (Ca), mainly due to high magnesium (Mg) content that can strongly limit plant production. Moreover, in all of the studied soils there are high levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) (>70, >1300 and >1300 mg kg−1, respectively). They exceed the intervention limits indicated by soil guideline values. Different soil extractions were performed in order to evaluate bioavailability. CaCl2 0.01 M is the most effective extraction reagent, although the reagent that best predicts plant availability is a mixture of low molecular weight organic acids. Festuca rubra, L. is the spontaneous plant growing in the soils that accumulates the highest amount of the metals, both in shoot and roots. Festuca also has the highest translocation factor values, although they are only >1 for Cr. The bioconcentration factor is >1 in all of the cases, except in the shoot of Juncus sp. for Co and Ni. The results indicate that Festuca is a phytostabilizer of Co and Ni and an accumulator of Cr, while Juncus sp. is suitable for phytostabilization.
ANALYSIS OF CARBON BLACK–REINFORCED CARDANOL-MODIFIED NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS
Authors: Mohapatra Sunita , Nando Golok Bihari
Published: March 2015

Carbon black is advantageous for rubber as a reinforcing filler. Carbon blacks at higher loadings require process aids for easier processing and improved filler dispersion. Aromatic oils have been used so far in the rubber industry as plasticizer and process aids. The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in these oils has raised concerns, and they have been banned. Rubber industries are looking for alternate sources of process aids from renewable resources. Cardanol (m-pentadecenyl phenol), an agricultural by-product of the cashew industry, is cheap and abundantly available. It was proved recently to be a plasticizer and a multifunctional additive. The dispersion of carbon black in natural rubber (NR) grafted chemically with cardanol (CGNR) is investigated and compared with that of oil plasticized natural rubber. The physico-mechanical properties of the carbon black–filled CGNR vulcanizates are better than that of the aromatic oil plasticized NR vulcanizates. The cross-link density and bound rubber content are higher and the Payne effect is lower for the carbon black–filled CGNR vulcanizates as compared with oil plasticized NR vulcanizates. Dispersion of carbon black in the CGNR matrix is uniform and better than the aromatic oil plasticized NR.
Pak-American Interest in Democratic Afghanistan Post Election 2014
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammad , Mussarat Razia
Published: March 2015

Pak-America has interested in democratic Afghanistan. The global community has focused on reconstruction and reformation of national institutions for formulation of institutional policies. The democratic model of governance deals democratic institutional development. The global community facilitated security issues in the Afghan for presidential elections 2014. American and NATO forces decided to evacuate Afghanistan after transfer of power post-election 2014. The purpose of paper is definitive objectives of democratization in Afghanistan. Pakistan suffered socially, economic and politically especially in tribal areas as a neighbouring country. Afghanistan based terrorist organization attacked twin towers of U.S.A. The implication of study will support for guidance at the issue of terrorism which has intense effect on civilized world. The descriptive analysis used as tools of research for accomplishment of paper. The findings become helpful in developing awareness in masses for democratization in Afghanistan. The vibrant role of media strengthened democratic institutions which lessened extremism in region. The paper will explain historical context and different political and democratic transformation eras in Afghanistan.
Iniciación a la investigación educativa con estudiantes de secundaria: el papel de las ilustraciones en los libros de texto de ciencias
Authors: Perales Palacios Francisco Javier , Vílchez González José Miguel
Published: March 2015

Se presenta una innovación educativa consistente en introducir a estudiantes de Educación Secundaria en los rudimentos de la investigación científica. Inserto en un Proyecto más global, en el que participan diversas instituciones educativas, se describe aquí el proceso seguido en el desarrollo de una investigación ofertada sobre las ilustraciones de los libros de texto de ciencias. Los estudiantes, que la eligieron libremente, se reúnen periódicamente con los responsables de aquella para conocer sus objetivos y colaborar en la toma de datos, su análisis y en la elaboración de las conclusiones finales. Asimismo se valora la investigación llevada a cabo y se proponen líneas de mejora en el uso de las ilustraciones en la enseñanza. Los resultados finales son presentados en un Congreso en el que se muestran los de todos los proyectos elaborados.
Percepción del profesorado de ciencias de educación primaria en formación acerca de las etapas y acciones necesarias para realizar una indagación escolar
Authors: Vílchez González José Miguel , Bravo Torija Beatriz
Published: March 2015

En este trabajo se examinan las respuestas de 35 maestros de Primaria en formación a una actividad dirigida al reconocimiento de las etapas de una indagación científica y de las acciones necesarias para afrontarlas. Para ello, se diseña un ejemplo de indagación en el que se describe el proceso de resolución seguido para explicar la diferencia de precio de tres marcas de jamón. Los resultados muestran que el desempeño en la identificación de las etapas es más adecuado que en la de las acciones. Mientras que el número mínimo de participantes que identifica una etapa es de 16, hay acciones, como la recogida de datos, que solo es identificada por uno. Una implicación derivada de este estudio es la necesidad de reflexionar, durante la formación inicial del profesorado, sobre cómo se genera y evoluciona el conocimiento científico.
Credits vol.33, n.1, march 2015
Authors: Enseñanza de las Ciencias Revista
Published: March 2015

Credits
Identification and Assessment of Supply Chain Risks Associated with Dairy Products Sector
Authors: Muhammad Zubair  , Nadeem Ahmad Mufti
Published: March 2015

Risks cannot be entirely removed or eliminated from Human’s life and from lives of Organizations but may be mitigated and their effects may be reduced. The principal objective of this research is to identify and assess supply chain risks in dairy products sector. A set of supply chain risks is identified through extensive literature survey and is divided into five major categories and 28 components through Risk Breakdown Structure approach. A questionnaire is developed based upon these 28 components and data collected from 170 respondents. Risks are assessed through Probability and Impact scores obtained from responses and then slotted into 2x2 Risk Matrix. A risk matrix comprising of 04 quadrants is formulated through low and high scores of probability and impact of all 28 risks. It is found that 16 risks fall in high risk quadrant, 08 in moderate and 04 in low risk quadrant. Risks of competition, deceases, terrorism, quality of raw materials, natural disasters along with those falling high risk quadrants are required to be promptly responded by dairy sector operators for effective risk mitigation. Similarly risk responses have been suggested for moderate and low gravity risks as well.
Image de marque et internet. Comprendre, éviter et gérer l’effet « Streisand »
Authors: Liarte Sébastien
Published: March 2015

Afin de gérer leur image de marque, les entreprises peuvent contrôler toutes les informations les concernant. Cette volonté peut aller jusqu’à influencer les informations disponibles sur Internet. Dans ce cas, un processus contre-productif, l’effet « Streisand », peut s’enclencher. Ce processus aboutit à une plus grande diffusion d’une information qui serait restée confidentielle sur Internet, s’il n’y avait pas eu la volonté de la manipuler, voire de la retirer. La présentation de cet effet, à travers trois cas réels rencontrés par Ralph Lauren, General Mills et Nestlé, permet d’illustrer ce processus. Ces cas soulignent les limites des réponses communicationnelles et juridiques classiques, tout en apportant des réponses visant à gérer au mieux cet effet. Enfin, l’impact de l’effet « Streisand » sur les performances de l’entreprise et de son image de marque est souligné.