bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The joy at the Last Judgement according to the Heidelberg Catechism Question 52
Authors: Busch Eberhard
Published: August 2014

In this contribution, the author reflects on Question 52 of the Heidelberg Catechism where it asks: ‘What comfort is it to you that Christ “shall come to judge the living and the dead”?’ The author points out possible sources from which this formulation stems, that is, Articles 86 and 87 in John Calvin’s Catechism from 1545. God is described as a compassionate judge. Even more: the One who is the last judge, was also judged and had paid for our sins. In a dialectical fashion we discover a God who is just, but also merciful. The Reformed tradition did not follow a dead-end where it is taught that God shows us grace instead of righteousness. Had God proceeded in this way, he would only mean things well, but he would not make them well. The realisation of God being just and merciful leads to joy and repentance. The contribution ends with a discussion of the final separation of the just and evil.
Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis, progression and diagnosis of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs
Authors: Burchell Richard K. , Schoeman Johan P.
Published: August 2014

A number of key questions remain unanswered in the pathogenesis of myxomatous mitralvalve disease (MMVD). As MMVD typically afflicts small-breed dogs, a genetic basis hasbeen implied. In addition, the fact that not all dogs within a risk group develop MMVDis still unexplained. Research into the pathogenesis of MMVD typically falls under threecategorical divisions, namely genetic factors, mechanical factors of the valve and systemicfactors. Genetic studies have implicated certain loci in the pathogenesis of MMVD. Ofparticular interest is the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 locus, as IGF-1 is also associatedwith growth. The mechanical structure and function of the mitral valve have also receivedmuch attention in recent years. What has emerged is the notion of a highly complex dynamicstructure, which has an uneven distribution of stress and strain according to the flow ofblood. Research efforts have also identified a number of systemic factors such as cytokinesand signalling pathways that may contribute to the failure of the valve. Serotonin remainsan area of interest in this field. Taken together, the amalgamation of research efforts inthese three areas will go a long way towards resolving the understanding of this disease.Another area of focus in MMVD has been the development of clinical tests to diagnose theonset of congestive heart failure. To this end, echocardiographic indices and biochemicalmarkers have been investigated. Echocardiographic indices such as left atrial to aortic ratioand the N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have beenidentified as specific risk factors to predict progression. Advanced imaging studies such ascardiac magnetic resonance imaging have enabled investigators to determine the earliestremodelling changes that occur in MMVD.
Ethical considerations of mobile phone use by patients in KwaZulu-Natal: Obstacles for mHealth?
Authors: Jack Caron L. , Mars Maurice
Published: August 2014

Background: mHealth has the potential to facilitate telemedicine services, particularly in the developing world. Concern has been expressed about the confidentiality of health information that is relayed by mobile phone.Aim: We examined the habits and practices of mobile phone use by patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Methods: We conducted a descriptive survey of two patient populations: 137 urban patients attending private practitioners and 139 patients in remote rural areas attending outpatient departments in Government-funded hospitals. The questionnaire covered several domains: demographics, mobile phone use, privacy and confidentiality and future use for health-related matters.Results: Two hundred and seventy-six patients completed the questionnaire. We found that a third of our participants shared their mobile phone with others, 24% lent their phone to others and more than half received health-related messages for other people. Mobile phone theft was common, as was number changing. Thirty-eight percent of the people were not able to afford airtime for more than a week in the past year and 22% of rural patients were unable to keep their phone charged. Mobile phone signal coverage was significantly worse in the rural areas than in urban areas.Conclusion: This study highlights the legal and ethical ramifications that these practices and findings will have on mHealth programmes in our setting. Healthcare providers and regulators will need to consider how patients use and manage their mobile phones when developing services and regulations.
Current Practice and Recommendation for Presurgical Cardiac Evaluation in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgeries
Authors: Padma Subramanyam , Sundaram P
Published: August 2014

The increasing number of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing major noncardiac surgery justifies guidelines concerning preoperative cardiac evaluation. This is compounded by increasing chances for a volatile perioperative period if the underlying cardiac problems are left uncorrected prior to major noncardiac surgeries. Preoperative cardiac evaluation requires the clinician to assess the patient′s probability to have CAD, severity and stability of CAD, placing these in perspective regarding the likelihood of a perioperative cardiac complication based on the planned surgical procedure. Coronary events like new onset ischemia, infarction, or revascularization, induce a high-risk period of 6 weeks, and an intermediate-risk period of 3 months before performing noncardiac surgery. This delay is unwarranted in cases where surgery is the mainstay of treatment. The objective of this review is to offer a comprehensive algorithm in the preoperative assessment of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery and highlight the importance of myocardial perfusion imaging in risk stratifying these patients.
Dynamic Change in Cells Expressing IL-1β in Rat Hippocampus after Status Epilepticus
Authors: Sakuma Satoru , Tokuhara Daisuke , Otsubo Hiroshi , Yamano Tsunekazu , Shintaku Haruo
Published: August 2014

Background

The time course of cytokine dynamics after seizure remains controversial. Here we evaluated the changes in the levels and sites of interleukin (IL)-1β expression over time in the hippocampus after seizure.

Methods

Status epilepticus (SE) was induced in adult Wistar rats by means of intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA). Subsequently, the time courses of cellular localization and IL-1β concentration in the hippocampus were evaluated by means of immunohistochemical and quantitative assays.

Results

On day 1 after SE, CA3 pyramidal cells showed degeneration and increased IL-1β expression. In the chronic phase (>7 days after SE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)–-positive reactive astrocytes–-appeared in CA1 and became IL-1β immunoreactive. Their IL-1β immunoreactivity increased in proportion to the progressive hypertrophy of astrocytes that led to gliosis. Quantitative analysis showed that hippocampal IL-1β concentration progressively increased during the acute and chronic phases.

Conclusion

IL-1β affects the hippocampus after SE. In the acute phase, the main cells expressing IL-1β were CA3 pyramidal cells. In the chronic phase, the main cells expressing IL-1β were reactive astrocytes in CA1.
Evaluating a federated medical search engine
Authors: Belden J. , Williams J. , Richardson B. , Schuster K. , Saparova D.
Published: August 2014

Background: Federated medical search engines are health information systems that provide a single access point to different types of information. Their efficiency as clinical decision support tools has been demonstrated through numerous evaluations. Despite their rigor, very few of these studies report holistic evaluations of medical search engines and even fewer base their evaluations on existing evaluation frameworks.

Objectives: To evaluate a federated medical search engine, MedSocket, for its potential net benefits in an established clinical setting.

Methods: This study applied the Human, Organization, and Technology (HOT-fit) evaluation framework in order to evaluate MedSocket. The hierarchical structure of the HOT-factors allowed for identification of a combination of efficiency metrics. Human fit was evaluated through user satisfaction and patterns of system use; technology fit was evaluated through the measurements of time-on-task and the accuracy of the found answers; and organization fit was evaluated from the perspective of system fit to the existing organizational structure.

Results: Evaluations produced mixed results and suggested several opportunities for system improvement. On average, participants were satisfied with MedSocket searches and confident in the accuracy of retrieved answers. However, MedSocket did not meet participants’ expectations in terms of download speed, access to information, and relevance of the search results. These mixed results made it necessary to conclude that in the case of MedSocket, technology fit had a significant influence on the human and organization fit. Hence, improving technological capabilities of the system is critical before its net benefits can become noticeable.

Conclusions: The HOT-fit evaluation framework was instrumental in tailoring the methodology for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the search engine. Such multidimensional evaluation of the search engine resulted in recommendations for system improvement.

Citation: Saparova D, Belden J, Williams J, Richardson B, Schuster K. Evaluating a federated medical search engine: Tailoring the methodology and reporting the evaluation outcomes. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 731–745

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-03-RA-0021
O Fluxo de Informações na Auditoria Pública e a Teoria Matemática da Comunicação
Authors: Guedes William , Araújo Júnior Rogério Henrique de
Published: August 2014

Trata das similaridades entre o ciclo informacional na atividade de auditoria pública e conceitos apresentados pela Teoria Matemática da Comunicação proposta por Claude Shannon em 1948, como ruído, redundância, capacidade do canal de comunicação e codificação. Foram verificados em estudo de caso como se realizam os processos de seleção, armazenamento, tratamento técnico de documentos e recuperação da informação no sistema de controle interno federal, bem como os fatores que interferem na qualidade da comunicação realizada por meio de documentos. Também é abordada a questão da neutralidade do canal de comunicação, tema presente em discussões na Ciência da Informação, a exemplo da valoração do documento segundo a teoria arquivística. Finalmente, são delimitadas as analogias entre teoria matemática e o ciclo informacional, considerando-se que qualquer suporte que apresente informação a ser tratada sob o ponto de vista informacional é um documento e também um canal de comunicação.
Ecotoxicological assessment of irrigation water for vegetables in a watershed region of Greater São Paulo
Authors: Lacerda Priscila Marques de Maio , Asano AM , Morita A , Balsamo PJ , Nascimento R , Teixeira EP , Irazusta SP
Published: August 2014

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality of irrigation water for vegetables in a Greater São Paulo watershed region. Acute and chronic ecotoxicity bioassays with Dugesia tigrina and Selenastrum capricornutum and geno/mutagenicity assays with Allium cepa were performed, as well as microbiological assays for total and thermotolerant coliforms, according to the legislation. The ecotoxicological data did not show significant toxicity in any of the samples. However, surface water genotoxic effect was detected in 2 out of the 3 points and mutagenic effect in all three sampled points, as well as in the sediment, in the Allium cepa test. Such high prevalence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in all samples at the three points indicates a compromised environmental integrity of the basin due to high loads of organic pollution, probably of clandestine origin. No emissions of industrial origin were detected in the region. Thus, taken together, the results suggest that agricultural activity itself may account for the impacts in these water bodies. The present study represents a contribution to the scarce data available in the literature about this important Greater São Paulo region.
Acute toxicity of copper and chromium oxide nanoparticles to Daphnia similis
Authors: Tavares Karla Palmieri , Oliveira Ádria Caloto de , Vicentini Denice Schulz , Melegari Silvia Pedroso , Matias William Gerson , Barbosa Sandro , Kummrow Fábio
Published: August 2014

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are employed in antifouling paints, and chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2O3 NPs) have been used as a green pigment. Their extensive use can contaminate aquatic ecosystems, and the toxicological effects of these NPs to the biota are poorly known. In this study, we evaluated the acute toxicity induced by CuO and Cr2O3 NPs, comparing with CuSO4 and Cr(NO3)3 as Cu2+ and Cr3+ ion source, respectively, using the microcrustacean Daphnia similis. The mean EC50-48h for CuO NPs was 0.064 mg L-1 and for CuSO4 was 0.015 mg L-1. CuO NPs tend to agglomerate, which may have reduced the release of Cu2+ in the test medium in relation to CuSO4.The mean EC50-48h for Cr2O3 NPs was 6.74 mg L-1 and for Cr(NO3)3 was 11.98 mg L-1. The reduced size of the Cr2O3 NPs (15-30 nm) and the higher zeta potential may have contributed to the higher stability in suspension and less potential for agglomeration, partially explaining the higher toxicity of NPs in relation to Cr(NO3)3. After the tests, we observed morphological damages such as increase in fat droplets, internal organ exposure and partially disintegration in organisms exposed to all tested substances, NPs or the salts.
Biochemical and genotoxic effects of a commercial formulation of the herbicide tebuthiuron in Oreochromis niloticus of different sizes
Authors: Franco Bernardes Mariana Furio , Maschio Lucilene Regina , Azeredo-Oliveira Maria Tercília Vilela , Almeida Eduardo Alves
Published: August 2014

Pesticides are serious contaminants because they are designed to eliminate pests, but they also affect non-target species. The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and genetic effects of the herbicide tebuthiuron in Oreochromis niloticus of different sizes. Thus, we analyzed biomarkers in small and large O. niloticus specimens exposed to 62.5, 125 and 250 mg L-1 of tebuthiuron for 72 hours. Fish exposed to 250 mg L-1 had high mortality rates; therefore, the data could not be used. The results showed an increase in EROD activity in fish exposed to 125 mg L-1, but no GST alteration. Antioxidant enzymes GPx and CAT were altered only in the liver of treated fish compared to the control group: CAT decreased in large fish, and GPx increased in small fish. The MDA analysis did not evidence lipid peroxidation. High DNA damage in exposed small fish (not in large fish) was observed using comet assay, but a micronucleus test did not show mutagenicity. Moreover, a comparison between control groups with specimens of different sizes revealed that small fish are more susceptible than large fish to the tebuthiuron effects, since increased comet scores was observed only for smaller fish.
Unusually strong nitric oxide descent in the Arctic middle atmosphere in early 2013 as observed by Odin/SMR
Authors: Pérot K. , Urban J. , Murtagh D. P.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The middle atmosphere was affected by an exceptionally strong midwinter stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) during the Arctic winter 2012/2013. These unusual meteorological conditions led to a breakdown of the polar vortex, followed by the reformation of a strong upper stratospheric vortex associated with particularly efficient descent of air. Measurements by the submillimetre radiometer (SMR), on board the Odin satellite, show that very large amounts of nitric oxide (NO), produced by energetic particle precipitation (EPP) in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT), could thus enter the polar stratosphere in early 2013. The mechanism referring to the downward transport of EPP-generated NOx during winter is generally called the EPP indirect effect. SMR observed up to 20 times more NO in the upper stratosphere than the average NO measured at the same latitude, pressure and time during three previous winters where no mixing between mesospheric and stratospheric air was noticeable. This event turned out to be the strongest in the aeronomy-only period of SMR (2007–present). Our study is based on a comparison with the Arctic winter 2008/2009, when a similar situation was observed. This outstanding situation is the result of the combination of a relatively high geomagnetic activity and an unusually high dynamical activity, which makes this case a prime example to study the EPP impacts on the atmospheric composition.
Assessing the regional impact of indonesian biomass burning emissions based on organic molecular tracers and chemical mass balance modeling
Authors: Engling G. , He J. , Betha R. , Balasubramanian R.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Biomass burning activities commonly occur in Southeast Asia (SEA), and are particularly intense in Indonesia during the dry seasons. The effect of biomass smoke emissions on air quality in the city state of Singapore was investigated during a haze episode in October 2006. Substantially increased levels of airborne particulate matter (PM) and associated chemical species were observed during the haze period. Specifically, the enhancement in the concentration of molecular tracers for biomass combustion such as levoglucosan by as much as two orders of magnitude and the diagnostic ratios of individual organic compounds indicated that biomass burning emissions caused a regional smoke haze episode due to their long-range transport by prevailing winds. With the aid of air mass backward trajectories and chemical mass balance modeling, large-scale forest and peat fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan were identified as the sources of the smoke aerosol, exerting a significant impact on air quality in downwind areas, such as Singapore.
Aerosol hygroscopicity parameter derived from the light scattering enhancement factor measurements in the North China Plain
Authors: Chen J. , Zhao C. S. , Ma N. , Yan P.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The relative humidity (RH) dependence of aerosol light scattering is an essential parameter for accurate estimation of the direct radiative forcing induced by aerosol particles. Because of insufficient information on aerosol hygroscopicity in climate models, a more detailed parameterization of hygroscopic growth factors and resulting optical properties with respect to location, time, sources, aerosol chemistry and meteorology are urgently required. In this paper, a retrieval method to calculate the aerosol hygroscopicity parameter, κ, is proposed based on the in situ measured aerosol light scattering enhancement factor, namely f(RH), and particle number size distribution (PNSD) obtained from the HaChi (Haze in China) campaign. Measurements show that f(RH) increases sharply with increasing RH, and that the time variance of f(RH) is much greater at higher RH. A sensitivity analysis reveals that the f(RH) is more sensitive to the aerosol hygroscopicity than PNSD. f(RH) for polluted cases is distinctly higher than that for clean periods at a specific RH. The derived equivalent κ, combined with the PNSD measurements, is applied in the prediction of the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) number concentration. The predicted CCN number concentration with the derived equivalent κ agrees well with the measured ones, especially at high supersaturations. The proposed calculation algorithm of κ with the f(RH) measurements is demonstrated to be reasonable and can be widely applied.
WRF-chem model predictions of the regional impacts of N2O5 heterogeneous processes on nighttime chemistry over north-western Europe
Authors: Lowe D. , Archer-Nicholls S. , Morgan W. , Allan J. , Utembe S. , Ouyang B. , Aruffo E. , Le Breton M. , Zaveri R. A. , Di Carlo P. , Percival C. , Coe H. , Jones R. , McFiggans G.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Chemical modelling studies have been conducted over north-western Europe in summer conditions, showing that night-time dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) heterogeneous reactive uptake is important regionally in modulating particulate nitrate and has a modest influence on oxidative chemistry. Results from WRF-Chem model simulations, run with a detailed volatile organic compound (VOC) gas-phase chemistry scheme and the MOSAIC sectional aerosol scheme, were compared with a series of airborne gas and particulate measurements made over the UK in July 2010. Modelled mixing ratios of key gas-phase species were reasonably accurate (correlations with measurements of 0.7–0.9 for NO2 and O3). However modelled loadings of particulate species were less accurate (correlation with measurements for particulate sulphate and ammonium were between 0.0–0.6). Sulphate mass loadings were particularly low (modelled means of 0.5–0.7 μg kg−1air, compared with measurements of 1.0–1.5 μg kg−1air). Two flights from the campaign were used as testcases – one with low relative humidity (RH) (60–70%), the other with high RH (80–90%). N2O5 heterogeneous chemistry was found to not important in the low RH testcase; but in the high RH testcase it had a strong effect, and significantly improved the agreement between modelled and measured NO3 and N2O5. When the model failed to capture atmospheric RH correctly, the modelled NO3 and N2O5 mixing ratios for these flights differed significantly from the measurements. This demonstrates that, for regional modelling which involves heterogeneous processes, it is essential to capture the ambient temperature and water vapour profiles. The night-time NO3 oxidation of VOCs across the whole region was found to be × 100–300 slower than the daytime OH oxidation of these compounds. The difference in contribution was less for alkenes (× 80), and comparable for DMS. However the suppression of NO3 mixing ratios across the domain by N2O5 heterogeneous chemistry has only a very slight, negative, influence on this oxidative capacity. The influence on regional particulate nitrate mass loadings is stronger. Night-time N2O5 heterogeneous chemistry maintains the production of particulate nitrate within polluted regions: when this process is taken into consideration, the daytime peak (for the 95th percentile) of PM10 nitrate mass loadings remains around 5.6 μg kg−1air, but the nighttime minimum increases from 3.5 to 4.6 μg kg−1air. The sustaining of higher particulate mass loadings through the night by this process improves model skill at matching measured aerosol nitrate diurnal cycles, and will negatively impact on regional air quality, requiring this process to be included in regional models.
Introduction of the in-orbit test and its performance for the first meteorological imager of the Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite
Authors: Kim D. H. , Ahn M. H.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The first geostationary Earth observation satellite of Korea – the Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite (COMS) – was successfully launched on 27 June 2010. After arrival at its operational orbit, the satellite underwent an in-orbit test (IOT) that lasted for about 8 months. During the IOT period, the main payload for the weather application, the meteorological imager, went through successful tests for demonstrating its function and performance, and the test results are introduced here. The radiometric performance of the meteorological imager (MI) is tested by means of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the visible channel, noise-equivalent differential temperature (NEdT) for the infrared channels, and pixel-to-pixel nonuniformity for both the visible and infrared channels. In the case of the visible channel, the SNR of all eight detectors is obtained using the ground-measured parameters with the background signals obtained in orbit. The overall performance shows a value larger than 26 at 5% albedo, exceeding the user requirement of 10 by a significant margin. Also, the relative variability of detector responsivity among the eight visible channels meets the user requirement, showing values within 10% of the user requirement. For the infrared channels, the NEdT of each detector is well within the user requirement and is comparable with or better than the legacy instruments, except for the water vapor channel, which is slightly noisier than the legacy instruments. The variability of detector responsivity of infrared channels is also below the user requirement, within 40% of the requirement, except for the shortwave infrared channel. The improved performance result is partly due to the stable and low detector temperature obtained due to spacecraft design, i.e., by installing a single solar panel on the opposite side of the MI.
Determining the temporal variability in atmospheric temperature profiles measured using radiosondes and assessment of correction factors for different launch schedules
Authors: Butterfield D. , Gardiner T.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Radiosondes provide one of the primary sources of upper atmosphere temperature data for numerical weather prediction, the assessment of long-term trends in atmospheric temperature, the study atmospheric processes and provide a source of intercomparison data for other temperature sensors e.g. satellites. When intercomparing different temperature profiles it is important to include the effect of temporal mis-match between the measurements. To help quantify this uncertainty the atmospheric temperature variation through the day needs to be assessed, so that a correction and uncertainty for time difference can be calculated. Temperature data from an intensive radiosonde campaign were analysed to calculate the hourly rate of change in temperature at different altitudes and provide recommendations and correction factors for different launch schedules. Using these results, three additional longer term data sets were analysed to assess the diurnal variability temperature as a function of altitude, time of day and season of the year. This provides data on the appropriate correction factors to use for a given temporal separation and the uncertainty associated with them. A general observation was that 10 or more repeat measurements would be required to get a standard uncertainty of less than 0.1 K h−1 of temporal mis-match.
Spatio-temporal variability of soil respiration in a spruce-dominated headwater catchment in western Germany
Authors: Bossa A. Y. , Diekkrüger B.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. CO2 production and transport from forest floors is an important component of the carbon cycle and is closely related to the global atmosphere CO2 concentration. If we are to understand the feedback between soil processes and atmospheric CO2, we need to know more about the spatio-temporal variability of this soil respiration under different environmental conditions. In this study, long-term measurements were conducted in a spruce-dominated forest ecosystem in western Germany. Multivariate analysis-based similarities between different measurement sites led to the detection of site clusters along two CO2 emission axes: (1) mainly controlled by soil temperature and moisture condition, and (2) mainly controlled by root biomass and the forest floor litter. The combined effects of soil temperature and soil moisture were used as a time-dependent rating factor affecting the optimal CO2 production and transport at cluster level. High/moderate/weak time-dependent rating factors were associated with the different clusters. The process-based, most distant clusters were identified using specified pattern characteristics: the reaction rates in the soil layers, the activation energy for bio-chemical reactions, the soil moisture dependency parameter, the root biomass factor, the litter layer factor and the organic matter factor. A HYDRUS-1D model system was inversely used to compute soil hydraulic parameters from soil moisture measurements. Heat transport parameters were calibrated based on observed soil temperatures. The results were used to adjust CO2 productions by soil microorganisms and plant roots under optimal conditions for each cluster. Although the uncertainty associated with the HYDRUS-1D simulations is higher, the results were consistent with both the multivariate clustering and the time-dependent rating of site production. Finally, four clusters with significantly different environmental conditions (i.e. permanent high soil moisture condition, accumulated litter amount, high variability in soil moisture content, and dominant temperature dependence) were found to be relevant in explaining the spatio-temporal variability of CO2 efflux and providing reference-specific characteristic values for the investigated area.
Implementation of aerosol assimilation in Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (v. 3.2) and WRF-Chem (v. 3.4.1)
Authors: Pagowski M. , Liu Z. , Grell G. A. , Hu M. , Lin H.-C. , Schwartz C. S.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) is an assimilation tool that is used at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) in operational weather forecasting in the USA. In this article, we describe implementation of an extension to the GSI for assimilating surface measurements of PM2.5, PM10, and MODIS aerosol optical depth at 550 nm with WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry). We also present illustrative results. In the past, the aerosol assimilation system has been employed to issue daily PM2.5 forecasts at NOAA/ESRL (Earth System Research Laboratory) and, we believe, it is well tested and mature enough to be made available for wider use. We provide a package that, in addition to augmented GSI, consists of software for calculating background error covariance statistics and for converting in situ and satellite data to BUFR (Binary Universal Form for the Representation of meteorological data) format, and sample input files for an assimilation exercise. Thanks to flexibility in the GSI and coupled meteorology–chemistry of WRF-Chem, assimilating aerosol observations can be carried out simultaneously with meteorological data assimilation. Both GSI and WRF-Chem are well documented with user guides available online. This article is primarily intended to be a technical note on the implementation of the aerosol assimilation. Its purpose is also to provide guidance for prospective users of the computer code. Scientific aspects of aerosol assimilation are also briefly discussed.
Avalanche risk in backcountry terrain based on usage frequency and accident data
Authors: Techel F. , Zweifel B. , Winkler K.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. In Switzerland, the vast majority of avalanche accidents occurs during recreational activities. Risk analysis studies mostly rely on accident statistics without considering exposure (or the elements at risk), i.e. how many and where people are recreating. We compared the accident data (backcountry touring) with reports from two social media mountaineering networks – bergportal.ch and camptocamp.org. On these websites, users reported more than 15 000 backcountry tours during the five winters 2009/2010 to 2013/2014. We noted similar patterns in avalanche accident data and user data like demographics of recreationists, distribution of the day of the week (weekday vs. weekend) or weather conditions (fine vs. poor weather). However, we also found differences such as the avalanche danger conditions on days with activities and accidents, but also the geographic distribution. While backcountry activities are concentrated in proximity to the main population centres in the West and North of the Swiss Alps, a large proportion of the severe avalanche accidents occurred in the inner-alpine, more continental regions with frequently unfavorably snowpack structure. This suggests that even greater emphasis should be put on the type of avalanche problem in avalanche education and avalanche forecasting to increase the safety of backcountry recreationists.
High temperature indentation creep tests on anhydrite – a promising first look
Authors: Dorner D. , Röller K. , Stöckhert B.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Indentation creep tests are established in materials engineering, providing information on rheology, deformation mechanisms, and related microstructures of materials. Here we explore the potential of this method on natural, polycrystalline anhydrite. The tests are run at atmospheric pressure, temperatures between 700 and 920 °C, and reference stresses between 7 and 30 MPa. An activation energy Q of 338 kJ mol−1 and a stress exponent n of 3.9 are derived. Deformation is localized into shear zones bounding a less deformed approximately conical plug underneath the indenter. Shear zone microstructures reveal inhomogeneous crystal–plastic deformation, subgrains, and extensive strain-induced grain boundary migration, while mechanical twinning appears not to be activated. Microstructure and mechanical data are consistent with deformation by dislocation creep.
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome
Authors: Sánchez-Guiu I. , Torregrosa J. M. , Velasco F. , Antón A. I. , Lozano M. L. , Vicente V. , Rivera J.
Published: August 2014

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder affecting lysosome-related organelles (LRO), including dense platelet granules. HPS causes oculo- cutaneous hypopigmentation, bleeding diathesis and granulomatous colitis or pulmonary fibrosis. To date, there is no curative treatment and the clinical management depends on the severity of symptoms. A prompt diagnosis of HPS patients could improve their quality of life and clinical management. However, the absence of a specific platelet function test, the wide molecular heterogeneity, and the lack of phenotypegenotype correlations hamper the rapid diagnosis. Nine subtypes of HPS have been identified as a result of mutations in nine genes that codify for proteins involved in formation and shuttle of the LRO. The molecular characterization of patients and knowledge derived from animal models of HPS contribute to the understanding of biogenesis and function of the LRO.

This paper describes a patient with a novel homozygous nonsense mutation causing HPS and provides a review of the literature focusing on recent advances in the molecular characterization and physiopathology of HPS.
Peristaltic Motion of a non-Newtonian Nanofluid in an Asymmetric Channel
Authors: Abbasi Fahad Munir , Hayat Tasawar , Ahmad Bashir , Chen Guo-Qian
Published: August 2014

The peristaltic transport of a Carreau-Yasuda fluid in an asymmetric channel is studied. Problem formulation is given in the presence of nanoparticles and contributions of Brownian motion and thermophoresis are taken into account. Lubrication approach is employed. The resulting nonlinear system of equations is solved numerically, and the effects of sundry parameters on the velocity, temperature, and concentration are analyzed. Heat and mass transfer rates are computed and examined. The results show that the impact of the non-Newtonian parameters on flow quantities get reversed when we move from shear thinning to shear thickening fluids. The temperature of the nanofluid in presence of Brownian motion increases, furthermore the influence of Brownian motion parameter on temperature and concentration distributions is opposite
The Humor Styles Questionnaire in Italy: Psychometric Properties and Relationships With Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Sirigatti Saulo , Penzo Ilaria , Giannetti Enrichetta , Stefanile Cristina
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) and the relation between humor and psychological well-being within the context of Italy. A total of 293 (178 females, 115 males) Italian high school and undergraduate university students – whose ages ranged from 14 to 25 years – completed the Italian versions of the HSQ and the Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being scales (RPWB). The HSQ scale reliabilities were generally acceptable, and intercorrelations among the scales were rather low; the confirmatory factor analysis supported the four-factor structure. Males reported significantly more use of Aggressive humor than did females; no differences were found between adolescents and young adults in the use of humor styles. Affiliative and Self-enhancing humor styles were positively associated with the six dimensions of the RPWB, whereas Self-defeating humor was negatively correlated with the RPWB scales. SEM analysis showed a significant and positive relationship between humor as measured by the HSQ and psychological well-being as assessed by the RPWB. Overall, the findings supported the theoretical structure and usefulness of the HSQ in an Italian context and the differential role of humor components in the various dimensions of psychological well-being.
Humorous Coping and Serious Reappraisal: Short-Term and Longer-Term Effects
Authors: Samson Andrea C. , Glassco Alana L. , Lee Ihno A. , Gross James J.
Published: August 2014

The management of unhelpful negative emotions has been addressed by two literatures, one focused on coping via humor, and the other focused on emotion regulation. In the present study, we directly compared humorous coping with conventional (serious) reappraisal. We expected humorous coping to be more effective than serious reappraisal in the short and longer term. Fifty-seven participants used either humorous coping, serious reappraisal, or attended naturally while viewing negative pictures and then rated their positive and negative emotional responses. One week later, participants viewed and rated the pictures again. In the short-term, while humorous coping was more difficult than serious reappraisal, it was more effective in down-regulating negative and up-regulating positive emotions. In the longer-term, both strategies had beneficial effects on positive emotions while humorous coping was more beneficial than serious reappraisal in down-regulating negative emotions. This is the first study that empirically shows short and longer-term beneficial effects of humorous coping versus serious reappraisal in the context of emotions elicited by negative stimuli.
The Conceptualization, Measurement, and Role of Humor as a Character Strength in Positive Psychology
Authors: Edwards Kim R. , Martin Rod A.
Published: August 2014

In positive psychology, humor has been identified as one of 24 character strengths considered ubiquitously important for human flourishing. Unlike the other strengths, humor was a late addition to this classification system and its status as a strength continues to be somewhat controversial. Therefore, the first purpose of this study was to explore the associations between humor and several outcome variables of relevance to positive psychology (happiness, routes to happiness, resilience, and morality). The second purpose was to explore how best to conceptualize and measure humor as a character strength by comparing the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) Humor Scale with the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) in their ability to predict the outcome variables. A sample of 176 participants completed questionnaires assessing the humor and positive psychology constructs. The results indicated that the humor measures significantly predicted most of the outcome variables, supporting the importance of humor in positive psychology. Furthermore, although the VIA-IS Humor scale and positive humor styles on the HSQ showed considerable overlap, the negative humor styles added significantly to the prediction of outcome variables beyond these positive humor measures, supporting the importance of assessing maladaptive as well as adaptive uses of humor in research on positive psychology. These findings suggest that the HSQ may be a more useful measure than the VIA-IS Humor scale in future research in this field.
Humour Use Between Spouses and Positive and Negative Interpersonal Behaviours During Conflict
Authors: Campbell Lorne , Moroz Sarah
Published: August 2014

The present research investigated the relation between the use of positive, negative and instrumental humour in the context of romantic relationships and relational well-being as assessed by positive and negative patterns of conflict resolution behaviour. A sample of 116 heterosexual married couples completed scales of relational humour use as well as conflict resolution behaviour. Behaviour of couples while attempting to resolve a relationship based conflict was also coded by independent raters. Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) analyses showed patterns of actor and partner effects for each type of humour use. Specifically, positive humour use of both partners predicted more positive conflict resolution, whereas negative humour use of both partners predicted less positive conflict resolution. Additionally, instrumental humour use of both partners seemed to predict greater apathy during conflict resolution. Implications for considering couple humor use, assessed for both partners of the dyad, for understanding relational well-being are discussed.
Prion propagation can occur in a prokaryote and requires the ClpB chaperone
Authors: Yuan Andy H , Garrity Sean J , Nako Entela , Hochschild Ann
Published: August 2014

Prions are self-propagating protein aggregates that are characteristically transmissible. In mammals, the PrP protein can form a prion that causes the fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Prions have also been uncovered in fungi, where they act as heritable, protein-based genetic elements. We previously showed that the yeast prion protein Sup35 can access the prion conformation in Escherichia coli. Here, we demonstrate that E. coli can propagate the Sup35 prion under conditions that do not permit its de novo formation. Furthermore, we show that propagation requires the disaggregase activity of the ClpB chaperone. Prion propagation in yeast requires Hsp104 (a ClpB ortholog), and prior studies have come to conflicting conclusions about ClpB's ability to participate in this process. Our demonstration of ClpB-dependent prion propagation in E. coli suggests that the cytoplasmic milieu in general and a molecular machine in particular are poised to support protein-based heredity in the bacterial domain of life.
Cryo-EM enters a new era
Authors: Kühlbrandt Werner
Published: August 2014

Advances in detector hardware and image-processing software have led to a revolution in the use of electron cryo-microscopy to determine complex molecular structures at high resolution.
Exploratory Modeling: Extracting Causality From Complexity
Authors: Larsen Laurel , Thomas Chris , Eppinga Maarten , Coulthard Tom
Published: August 2014

On 22 May 2011 a massive tornado tore through Joplin, Mo., killing 158 people. With winds blowing faster than 200 miles per hour, the tornado was the most deadly in the United States since modern record keeping began in the 1950s.
Congressional District Visits in August
Authors: Hoover Fushcia
Published: August 2014

In preparation for the U.S. congressional recess, AGU Public Affairs hosted an instructional webinar about meeting with legislators and their staff at their district offices. Congress is on recess, with most members back in their districts to reconnect with their constituents. The August recess is a great opportunity for AGU members to schedule meetings with their legislators to talk about the importance of their research and the value of science funding. In these meetings, members can initiate a connection with their senator or representative that will allow them to build a relationship as a valuable resource.
Fault accommodation for multi‐input linear sampled‐data systems
Authors: Cristofaro Andrea , Pettinari Silvia
Published: August 2014

A novel observer‐based fault accommodation technique for linear multi‐input multi‐output sampled‐data systems affected by a general class of actuator faults in the presence of quantization errors is addressed in the paper. Only the output signal has been assumed to be available for direct measurement. A simulation study on a three‐tank system supports theoretical developments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decarboxylative CP Coupling of o‐Nitrobenzoic Acids with H‐Phosphonates
Authors: Li Junchen , Bi Xiaojing , Wang Hongmei , Xiao Junhua
Published: August 2014

We describe a decarboxylative CP coupling of o‐nitrobenzoic acids with H‐phosphonates by using a bimetallic palladium/silver catalytic system. Many common functional groups on the phenyl ring of o‐nitrobenzoic acids, such as MeO, NO2, F, Cl, and Br, are well tolerated under these conditions. Nevertheless, m‐ or p‐substituted benzoic acids are inert for the reaction. This transformation provides an approach to biologically and synthetically important aryl phosphonates.
Anode Catalysts for Direct Hydrazine Fuel Cells: From Laboratory Test to an Electric Vehicle
Authors: Serov Alexey , Padilla Monica , Roy Aaron J. , Atanassov Plamen , Sakamoto Tomokazu , Asazawa Koichiro , Tanaka Hirohisa
Published: August 2014

Novel highly active electrocatalysts for hydrazine hydrate fuel cell application were developed, synthesized and integrated into an operation vehicle prototype. The materials show in both rotating disc electrode (RDE) and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) tests the world highest activity with peak current density of 16 000 A g−1 (RDE) and 450 mW cm−2 operated in air (MEA).
Direct Synthesis of Chromium Perovskite Oxyhydride with a High Magnetic‐Transition Temperature
Authors: Tassel Cédric , Goto Yoshihiro , Kuno Yoshinori , Hester James , Green Mark , Kobayashi Yoji , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: August 2014

We report a novel oxyhydride SrCrO2H directly synthesized by a high‐pressure high‐temperature method. Powder neutron and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction revealed that this compound adopts the ideal cubic perovskite structure ${\left( {Pm\bar 3m} \right)}$ with O2−/H− disorder. Surprisingly, despite the non‐bonding nature between Cr 3d t2g orbitals and the H 1s orbital, it exhibits G‐type spin ordering at TN≈380 K, which is higher than that of RCrO3 (R=rare earth) and any chromium oxides. The enhanced TN in SrCrO2H with four Cr‐O‐Cr bonds in comparison with RCr3+O3 with six Cr‐O‐Cr bonds is reasonably explained by the tolerance factor. The present result offers an effective strategy to tune octahedral tilting in perovskites and to improve physical and chemical properties through mixed anion chemistry.
Bright, Highly Water‐Soluble Triazacyclononane Europium Complexes To Detect Ligand Binding with Time‐Resolved FRET Microscopy
Authors: Delbianco Martina , Sadovnikova Victoria , Bourrier Emmanuel , Mathis Gérard , Lamarque Laurent , Zwier Jurriaan M. , Parker David
Published: August 2014

Luminescent europium complexes are used in a broad range of applications as a result of their particular emissive properties. The synthesis and application of bright, highly water‐soluble, and negatively charged sulfonic‐ or carboxylic acid derivatives of para‐substituted aryl–alkynyl triazacyclononane complexes are described. Introduction of the charged solubilizing moieties suppresses cellular uptake or adsorption to living cells making them applicable for labeling and performing assays on membrane receptors. These europium complexes are applied to monitor fluorescent ligand binding on cell‐surface proteins with time‐resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR‐FRET) assays in plate‐based format and using TR‐FRET microscopy.