bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Salt Contamination on Water Vapour Sorption Hysteresis of Ceramic Bricks
Authors: Koronthalyova Olga
Published: October 2015

An effect of the presence of sodium chloride on water vapour adsorption/desorption loop was quantified for two types of commonly used ceramic bricks with different hygroscopic ability. The measurements were carried out for salt free materials and saline materials contaminated with sodium chloride solutions of two different concentrations. It was found out that at relative humidity higher than deliquescence point, the hysteretic effects of the saline bricks were similar or less significant as the ones of the salt free bricks. In this range of relative humidity the desorption moisture contents did not exceed the values predicted using the simply additive model. However, for the relative humidity lower than deliquescence point the hysteretic effects of the saline bricks were more significant than the ones of the salt free bricks. The effect was of importance in the case of hygroscopic ceramic brick where obtained desorption moisture contents of the saline bricks were noticeably higher than for the salt free brick.
Effects in Monitoring of the Thermal Moisture Regime of Cultural Objects Located in Different Climate Conditions
Authors: Kubičár Ľudovít , Hudec Ján , Fidríková Danica , Dieška Peter , Vitkovič Martin
Published: October 2015

Historical monuments are most often built from materials (plaster, walls, rocks, etc.), which have a porous structure. The porous structure is characterized by a set of parameters that control its response to environment. In such structures, depending on the environmental conditions, we encounter with processes like vapor diffusion, adsorption, pore surface diffusion, capillary transport, etc. The processes are accompanied with the transport of heat energy and moisture. When monitoring of thermal - moisture regime of such structures we can find a wide range of effects such as wetting, drying, freezing and thawing. We have monitored several cultural objects localized in different environments, namely the Duomo Cathedral in Florence, the tower of St. Martin in Bratislava and pillar of the St. James Church in Levoča. Building components of the mentioned objects are of different nature such as masonry composed of bricks and plaster, Gioia marble and sandstone. Moisture sensors were used to monitor the thermal – moisture regime based on the hot-ball method for measuring thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity is a function of the pore content. In the pores, depending on the thermodynamic conditions, air, vapor, water or ice can be found. Collected data are correlated with meteorological conditions.
Cycas Taxa in Sri Lanka and their morphological characteristics of taxonomic significance
Authors: Mudannayake Asanka , Sooriyapathirana Suneth S. , Samaraweera Preminda , Perera Anoma
Published: October 2015

Cycads are a primitive group of living seed plants which is dignified as an indispensable element revealing evolutionary affinities of present day plants. However, cycads in Sri Lanka have received the least scientific attention so far. Aiming to identify the different cycad taxa present in Sri Lanka and to find out their vegetative and reproductive morphological features of taxonomic significance, an island wide survey of Sri Lankan cycads was conducted. During the field survey, vegetative morphological features (both qualitative and quantitative) were recorded in 181 mature individuals however, reproductive structures were available in 60 of these. These were identified according to more recent, validly published circumscriptions of given taxa. Cycas species in Sri Lanka represent both subsection Cycas and subsection Rumphiae of the section Cycas. This study further reveals the occurrence of both Cycas circinalis L. andC. nathorstii J. Schuster of the subsection Cycas in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, taxonomically useful morphological features in distinguishing different Cycas taxa in Sri Lanka were identified and further descriptions of the two species populations identified in Sri Lanka have been made. However, the individuals examined of the subsection Rumphiae showed a wide but consistent variation indicating the presence of more than a single species in this subsection and, need further investigations to describe these to the species level. Further, molecular characterization of Sri Lankan Cycas species benefits more in identifying different Cycas species of Sri Lanka and their intermediate forms and, in describing their biogeographic affinities. These studies are currently being conducted at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 44 (1) : 13-23, 2015
Moss Flora of Kanneliya Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
Authors: Ruklani N. C. S. , Rubasinghe S. C. K.
Published: October 2015

Bryophytes; liverworts, mosses and hornworts, comprise an important yet poorly researched group of plants in Sri Lanka. Varied climate and topography of the island provide ample habitat diversity for bryophytes. However, the diversity and species richness of the three morphological groups of bryophytes within the country are yet to be discovered. Kanneliya Forest Reserve, a prominent lowland rain forest in the wet zone of Sri Lanka has been a base for much scientific research on both flora and fauna. However, the bryophyte flora within the forest, apart from a few old collections remains unexplored. The present study was undertaken to explore the moss flora of the Kanneliya Forest Reserve and serves as the first taxonomic study on mosses in the forest. Mosses were collected from different habitats of the forest, along with the substrate. They were stored in paper packets labeled with the locality details. Collected samples were observed for their morphological and anatomical characters, using dissecting, light and stereo microscopes. Specimens were identified to their generic/specific level using taxonomic keys, monographs and other available literature. A total of 68 specimens of mosses were collected from different habitats within the forest and 45 specimens were identified to their generic and/or specific level. The moss flora of the Kanneliya Forest Reserve represented 13 families and 21 genera of mosses. Taxonomic descriptions with the characteristic features were prepared for the identified species of mosses. Herbarium specimens prepared for each identified species are deposited at the Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya. Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 44 (1) : 35-43, 2015
The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in the Vicinity of the Giant’s Tank in Mannar District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Santiapillai Charles , Wijeyamohan S.
Published: October 2015

The Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus is distributed widely across Sri Lanka’s low country dry zone. Observations of the peafowl were carried out in Mannar area for 46 days from July 2003 to October 2005 to understand their distribution and abundance in Mannar area. A total of 624 birds were encountered, of which 342 were males, 270 females and 12 chicks. Of the 342 adult males recorded, 169 (49.4%) were solitary, while 35 (10.2%) were found in male-only groups. Of the 270 adult females observed, only 31 (or 11.5%) were solitary, while 33 (12.2%) were found in female-only groups. Of the 624 peafowl observed in the study, only 49 (7.9%) were present in mixed groups. In these mixed groups, the average adult male:female ratio was 1:0.79. The birds were most active during the period of 1600 to 1900 hrs with a peak between 1700-1800 hrs. Breeding season commenced in December with the onset of the north-east monsoon and reached its peak in May with the start of the dry season. Chicks were observed with peahens in February 2004. The approximate density of peafowl was 13.8 km-2. Peafowls are well adapted to live in human-dominated and human-altered landscapes. The key to long-term survival of the peafowl is lack of conflicts with agricultural communities, and presence of large tracts of scrub forest and associated grasslands with access to water. Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 44 (1) : 61-66, 2015
Professor Maliyasena Dhammadasa Dassanayake: A Felicitation to an Illustrious Teacher and Botanist of Our Time
Authors: Gunatilleke Savitri , Jayasuriya Magdon , Gunatilleke Nimal
Published: October 2015

No abstract available Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 44 (1) : i-iv, 2015
Chronic pain: the burden of disease and treatment innovations
Authors: Monti S. , Caporali R.
Published: October 2015

Musculoskeletal conditions are the most frequent cause of chronic pain and affect around 1 in 5 adults in Europe. When chronic pain occurs, it becomes disease itself, with substantial clinical, social and economic impact. Effi cacy and tolerability problems are encountered with all therapeutic strategies available to treat musculoskeletal pain. This often limits effective analgesia and patients’ long term compliance, with the result that chronic pain is persistently underestimated and undertreated. Tapentadol is a novel, centrally acting analgesic that has been recently commercialized for the treatment of chronic pain. This new molecule, by combining two distinct mechanisms of action, μ-opioid receptor agonism (MOR) and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition (NRI), introduces a new pharmacological class called MOR-NRI. Several studies demonstrated promising results in the management of both nociceptive and neuropathic pain and good tolerability profi le, particularly concerning side effects, compared to traditional opioids. This novel analgesic represents a possible therapeutic option also in the rheumatologic fi eld, particularly in the treatment of osteoarthritis and low back pain.
Mimesis in Bible Didactics – an outline in the context of religious education
Authors: Zimmermann Mirjam , Zimmermann Ruben
Published: October 2015

‘Mimesis’ is a concept explored in Antiquity as well as in cultural history. It also plays an important role in the Bible. In this article we argue for ‘mimesis’ as a role model for Bible teaching in religious education. In the first part we give some insights into the concept of mimesis, drawing on ancient philosophers (Aristotle, Plato). ‘Mimesis’ does not denote a copy of a prescribed object; instead, the type of depiction and reference brings it into the present in an intensive, creative and productive way. In the second part we want to give some examples for how ‘mimesis’ is used in the Bible itself. Biblical tradition can be described as a ‘mimetic process’. Furthermore, authors like Paul explicitly use the concept of ‘mimesis’, for example in his ethical admonition. Thus, the use of ‘mimesis’ in the Bible inspires directly our teaching on biblical genres, motifs and ways of thinking. The third part gives a draft of how the ‘mimetic didactic’ works, drawing on parables, Gospel writing, Johannine theology and coping with painful fate like Job. Mimetic hermeneutics transforms tradition in applying it into the contemporary situation. This can prove stimulating for contemporary contexts: mimesis is closely connected to tradition, but simultaneously encourages its transmission into the present day with astonishing variability and freedom.
Celtic spirituality and the environment
Authors: Duncan Graham
Published: October 2015

Celtic spirituality has a long and distinguished ancestry with its origins in pre-Christian times. It was inculturated amongst peoples in the far west of Europe, particularly in Ireland, Scotland and the north and south west of England. It was different from Roman Christianity in distinct ways until the mid-7th century CE when Roman Christianity became the norm in Britain. It has experienced various revivals during the history of Christianity, with two contemporary expressions in New Age spirituality and Christian spirituality. From its inception, it has been closely linked to the environment.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: ’n Lewe in die voetspore van Christus
Authors: Jones Robert
Published: October 2015

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A life in the footsteps of Christ. The life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a life devoted to the following of Jesus Christ. This article aims to contextualise Bonhoeffer’s thoughts concerning discipleship against the background of Nazi Germany where he chose to stay in the years leading up to and during World War II. It is argued that the circumstances under which he lived and worked gave impetus to his understanding of discipleship, preventing this understanding of discipleship from being only abstract thoughts. A few remarks will be made about Bonhoeffer’s thoughts on discipleship, which will then be read against the background of Jesus’ call to discipleship in Mark 8:34.
Metafore vir die ontmoeting tussen God en mens en ’n ‘swerwende’ teoloog se soekend-wandelende reis
Authors: Van Wyk Tanya , Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: October 2015

Metaphors for the encounter between God and humanity and a roaming theologian’s reflective journey. This article maps the theology of Christo van der Merwe as a mobilising theology which aided the Netherdutch Reformed Church in Africa (NRCA) in discerning its character, role and purpose. The core of Van der Merwe’s theology consists of a journey with God as encountered in the narratives about Jesus and the Spirit told in the Christian Bible. The article shows that the mobilising core of his theology is due to an ‘interoperational relationship’ between ‘knowing and believing’. In the article, the metaphor ‘roaming’ is used to illustrate this biographical journey as contextual theology which equips pastors with ministerial skills to take care of people who are haunted by trauma.
Dominance of brown carbon in aerosol emissions from burning of boreal peatlands
Authors: Chakrabarty R. K. , Gyawali M. , Yatavelli R. L. N. , Pandey A. , Watts A. C. , Knue J. , Chen L.-W. A. , Pattison R. R. , Tsibart A. , Samburova V. , Moosmüller H.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The surface air warming over the Arctic has been almost twice as much as the global average in recent decades. In this region, unprecedented amount of smoldering peat fires have been identified as a major emission source of climate-warming agents. While much is known about greenhouse gas emissions from these fires, there is a knowledge gap on the nature of particulate emissions and their potential role in atmospheric warming. Here, we report the microphysical properties of aerosols emitted from controlled laboratory combustion of Alaskan and Siberian peatland samples. The emitted aerosols are brown carbon with negligible amount of black carbon content. Their mass absorption efficiencies lie in the range of 0.2–0.8 m2 g-1 at 405 nm and drop sharply to 0.03–0.07 m2 g-1 at 532 nm, characterized by a mean Ångström exponent of ≈ 9. Their top-of-atmosphere direct radiative forcing over bright surfaces is positive (warming), and their presence in the troposphere may influence photolysis driven chemistry.
Direct measurements of OH and other product yields from the HO2 + CH3C(O)O2 reaction
Authors: Winiberg F. A. F. , Dillon T. J. , Orr S. C. , Groß C. B. M , Bejan I. , Brumby C. A. , Evans M. J. , Smith S. C. , Heard D. E. , Seakins P. W.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The reaction CH3C(O)O2 + HO2 → CH3C(O)OOH + O2 (Reaction R5a), CH3C(O)OH + O3 (Reaction R5b), CH3 + CO2 + OH + O2 (Reaction R5c) was studied in a series of experiments conducted at 1000 mbar and (293 ± 2) K in the HIRAC simulation chamber. For the first time, products, (CH3C(O)OOH, CH3C(O)OH, O3 and OH) from all three branching pathways of the reaction have been detected directly and simultaneously. Measurements of radical precursors (CH3OH, CH3CHO), HO2 and some secondary products HCHO and HCOOH further constrained the system. Fitting a comprehensive model to the experimental data, obtained over a range of conditions, determined the branching ratios α(R5a) = 0.37 ± 0.10, α(R5b) = 0.12 ± 0.04 and α(R5c) = 0.51 ± 0.12 (errors at 2σ level). Improved measurement/model agreement was achieved using k(R5) = (2.4 ± 0.4) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1, which is within the large uncertainty of the current IUPAC and JPL recommended rate coefficients for the title reaction. The rate coefficient and branching ratios are in good agreement with a recent study performed by Groß et al. (2014b); taken together, these two studies show that the rate of OH regeneration through Reaction (R5) is more rapid than previously thought. GEOS-Chem has been used to assess the implications of the revised rate coefficients and branching ratios; the modelling shows an enhancement of up to 5 % in OH concentrations in tropical rainforest areas and increases of up to 10 % at altitudes of 6–8 km above the equator, compared to calculations based on the IUPAC recommended rate coefficient and yield. The enhanced rate of acetylperoxy consumption significantly reduces PAN in remote regions (up to 30 %) with commensurate reductions in background NOx.
A tree-ring perspective on temporal changes in the frequency and intensity of hydroclimatic extremes in the territory of the Czech Republic since 761 AD
Authors: Dobrovolný P. , Rybníček M. , Kolář T. , Brázdil R. , Trnka M. , Büntgen U.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. It is generally accepted that anthropogenic-induced climate change may affect the frequency and intensity of hydrological extremes, together with a variety of subsequent impacts on ecosystems and human society. Proxy records that are absolutely dated and annually resolved are indispensable to a better understanding of temporal changes in the occurrence of floods and droughts. This contribution presents a new data set of 3194 oak (Quercus spp.) ring width samples from living trees and historical timbers, collected across the Czech Republic. A composite tree-ring width (TRW) chronology is developed that best captures the high-frequency extremes over the past 1250 years. The temporal distribution of negative and positive extremes is regular with no indication of clustering. The highest number of negative extremes was found in the 19th century, while positive extremes were most frequent in the 12th century. The lowest number of negative and positive extremes occurred in the 18th and 13th centuries respectively. Negative and positive TRW extremes were compared with the instrumental measurements back to 1805 AD, with documentary-based temperature and precipitation reconstructions from 1804 to 1500, and with documentary evidence before 1500 AD. Negative TRW extremes coincided with above-average March–May and June–August temperature means and below-average precipitation totals. Positive extremes coincided with higher summer precipitation, while temperatures were mostly normal. Mean sea level pressure (SLP) over the European/North Atlantic sector suggested drought for the negative oak TRW extremes, whereas the positive extremes corresponded to wetter conditions overall. More consistent patterns of synoptic SLP were found for negative rather than for positive extremes. Reasons for the possible offset between the oak-based hydroclimatic extremes and their counterparts from meteorological observations and documentary evidence may be manifold and emphasize the need for multi-proxy approaches.
Sublimation and the Übermensch
Authors: Phillips Luke
Published: October 2015

The demand for sublimation of one's primitive and “evil” instincts plays a crucial role in Nietzsche's ethics. But prominent misreadings of Nietzsche's concept of sublimation have led to errors in interpreting his view of the highest type of man. I argue that Nietzsche's view of sublimation is that it is the elevation of the objects of a drive through reinterpretation or reimagining them in such a way that the attainment of these new objects achieves a greater potency of expression for the drive while retaining its intrinsic aims. I also clarify the function of sublimation in his ethics.
Nietzsche's Thumbscrew: Honesty as Virtue and Value Standard
Authors: Harper Aaron
Published: October 2015

Much has been made of the apparent tensions in Nietzsche's ethical and metaethical views. In this essay I examine a kind of value standard available to Nietzsche that is present in his work. I offer an interpretation of honesty as both a Nietzschean virtue and a means of ethical assessment. Despite Nietzsche's well-known criticisms of truth, he upholds honesty as the only remaining virtue of his free spirits. Honesty has been treated in the literature primarily in the contexts of truth or life affirmation, but I argue that we should instead recognize honesty as a virtue within the context of valuing. I defend honesty as a distinct kind of truthfulness and sincerity involving what I call confrontation. The seeds of Nietzsche's mature view are first evident in his work on tragedy, then developed further in Zarathustra, ultimately revealing a constraint on valuing that is essential to Nietzsche's broader normative projects.
Nietzsche Disempowered: Reading the Will to Power out of Nietzsche's Philosophy
Authors: Soll Ivan
Published: October 2015

In this article I confront and criticize the widespread tendency to ignore, marginalize, or dismiss without serious consideration Nietzsche's psychological hypothesis that a “will to power” is the major motivator of human behavior. I begin by separating Nietzsche's psychological hypothesis from both his occasional cosmological extension of it into an account of all processes in the world and from his power-based theory of value. And I argue that, since the psychological thesis does not depend on the cosmological extension, is more fundamental to Nietzsche's overall project, and is much better supported by Nietzsche's argument, it deserves to be seriously considered on its own merits. Then, I critically consider Robert Solomon's attempts to deny any value at all to the will to power as a general motivational hypothesis and to reinterpret Nietzsche's theory of the will to power in a way that ignores what Nietzsche actually says about it and, moreover, radically undermines its significance.
Living with Solomon Living with Nietzsche: A Reply to Tubert and Soll
Authors: Higgins Kathleen M.
Published: October 2015

In Living with Nietzsche, Robert C. Solomon defends the view that Nietzsche is an existentialist avant la lettre, a view that I defend. I concur with Ariela Tubert that her case that Nietzsche is a skeptic about metaphysical freedom supports Solomon's position, even if he did not necessarily see Nietzsche as holding a skeptical view. I counter Ivan Soll's arguments against Solomon's view that Nietzsche was mainly interested in promoting the life of passion, which Soll takes as insufficiently appreciative of the importance of will to power in Nietzsche's thought. I argue that Solomon's construal of will to power is defensible and not really so distant from Soll's own stated interpretation.
Chinese American Culture in the Making: Perspectives and Reflections on Diasporic Folklore and Identity
Authors: Zhang Juwen
Published: October 2015

Having conceptually accepted Asian Americans as being groups integral to the "folk groups" in American history, culture, and society, and thus their folklores being integral to American public life and folkloristics, we now need to study these distinctive folklores with relevant theories and methods. By looking at the folklore practices of the diverse Chinese American group, this article proposes some perspectives and concepts, with an emphasis on folkloric identity, in the hope that they will be useful in analyzing and interpreting diasporic folklore and identity in general.
Patient Centered Medical Home transformation at an academic medical center
Authors: Wexler Randy , Lehman Jennifer , Welker Mary Jo
Published: October 2015

Background: Primary care is playing an ever increasing role in the design and implementation of new models of healthcare focused on achieving policy ends as put forth by government at both the state and federal level. The Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model is a leading design in this endeavor.Objective: We sought to transform family medicine offices at an academic medical center into the PCMH model of care with improvements in patient outcomes as the end result.Results: Transformation to the PCMH model of care resulted in improved rates of control of diabetes and hypertension and improved prevention measures such as smoking cessation, mammograms, Pneumovax administration, and Tdap vaccination. Readmission rates also improved using a care coordination model.Conclusions: It is possible to transform family medicine offices at academic medical centers in methods consistent with newer models of care such as the PCMH model and to improve patient outcomes. Lessons learned along the way are useful to any practice or system seeking to undertake such transformation.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Recurrent Classic Glioblastoma in a Patient Surviving Eleven Years Following Antineoplaston Therapy
Authors: Burzynski Stanislaw R. , Janicki Tomasz J. , Burzynski Gregory S.
Published: October 2015

Most patients with recurrent glioblastoma (RGBM) die within 6 months regardless of treatment. In phase II studies of Antineoplaston A10 and AS2-1 injections (ANP), our investigators have reported objective responses and long-term survival in RGBM. Using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) based assay of 343 cancer-related genes and introns, comprehensive genomic profiling of tumor tissue obtained from a RGBM patient (who remains alive and well) was performed 11 years after diagnosis and permitted assignment of the patient’s RGBM to the classical subgroup. The most important genomic alterations included amplification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A and 2B (CDKN2A/B), loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mutation. An analysis of the signaling networks and other targets of ANP therapy was recently performed and presented in this publication. Based on our findings, patients with classical RGBM have a reasonable possibility of responding to ANP therapy and experiencing long-term survival. It is proposed that this subgroup of RGBM patients be enrolled in a genomics-driven clinical trial of ANP therapy.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Induces Donor-Dependent Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation in Human Adipose Stem Cells
Authors: Vanhatupa Sari , Ojansivu Miina , Autio Reija , Juntunen Miia , Miettinen Susanna
Published: October 2015

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is a growth factor used to stimulate bone regeneration in clinical applications. However, there are contradicting reports on the functionality of BMP-2 in human adipose stem cells (hASCs), which are frequently used in tissue engineering. In this study, we analyzed the effects of BMP-2 on SMAD1/5 signaling, proliferation, and differentiation in hASCs. Our results indicated that BMP-2 induced dose-dependent (25–100 ng/ml) activation of SMAD signaling. Furthermore, the cell proliferation analysis revealed that BMP-2 (100 ng/ml) consistently decreased the proliferation in all the cell lines studied. However, the analysis of the differentiation potential revealed that BMP-2 (100 ng/ml) exhibited a donor-dependent dual role, inducing both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in hASCs. The quantitative alkaline phosphatase (qALP) activity and mineralization levels were clearly enhanced in particular donor cell lines by BMP-2 stimulus. On the contrary, in other cell lines, qALP and mineralization levels were diminished and the lipid formation was enhanced. The current study also suggests that hASCs have accelerated biochemical responsiveness to BMP-2 stimulus in human serum-supplemented culture medium compared with fetal bovine serum. The production origin of the BMP-2 growth factor is also important for its response: BMP-2 produced in mammalian cells enhanced signaling and differentiation responses compared with BMP-2 produced in Escherichia coli. These results explain the existing contradiction in the reported BMP-2 studies and indicate the variability in the functional end mechanism of BMP-2-stimulated hASCs.

Significance

This study examined how bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) modulates the SMAD signaling mechanism and the proliferation and differentiation outcome of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) derived from several donors. The results indicate that BMP-2 triggers molecular SMAD signaling mechanisms in hASCs and regulates differentiation processes in human serum-culture conditions. Importantly, BMP-2 has dual activity, inducing osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, subject to hASC donor line studied. These findings explain contradictory previous results and highlight the importance of further studies to understand how signaling pathways guide mesenchymal stem cell functions at the molecular level.
Intergenic incompatibilities reduce fitness in hybrids of extremely closely related bacteriophages
Authors: Sackman Andrew M. , Reed Danielle , Rokyta Darin R.
Published: October 2015

Horizontal gene transfer and recombination occur across many groups of viruses and play key roles in important viral processes such as host-range expansion and immune-system avoidance. To have any predictive power regarding the ability of viruses to readily recombine, we must determine the extent to which epistasis restricts the success of recombinants, particularly as it relates to the genetic divergence between parental strains. In any hybridization event, the evolutionary success or failure of hybrids is largely determined by the pervasiveness of epistasis in the parental genomes. Recombination has previously been shown to incur steep fitness costs in highly divergent viruses as a result of disrupted epistatic interactions. We used a pair of bacteriophages of the family Microviridae to demonstrate that epistasis may evidence itself in the form of fitness costs even in the case of the exchange of alleles at a locus with amino acid divergence as low as 1%. We explored a possible biophysical source of epistasis in the interaction of viral coat and scaffolding proteins and examined a recovery mutation that likely repairs interactions disrupted by recombination.
Local-scale topoclimate effects on treeline elevations: a country-wide investigation of New Zealand’s southern beech treelines
Authors: Case Bradley S. , Buckley Hannah L.
Published: October 2015

Although treeline elevations are limited globally by growing season temperature, at regional scales treelines frequently deviate below their climatic limit. The cause of these deviations relate to a host of climatic, disturbance, and geomorphic factors that operate at multiple scales. The ability to disentangle the relative effects of these factors is currently hampered by the lack of reliable topoclimatic data, which describe how regional climatic characteristics are modified by topographic effects in mountain areas. In this study we present an analysis of the combined effects of local- and regional-scale factors on southern beech treeline elevation variability at 28 study areas across New Zealand. We apply a mesoscale atmospheric model to generate local-scale (200 m) meteorological data at these treelines and, from these data, we derive a set of topoclimatic indices that reflect possible detrimental and ameliorative influences on tree physiological functioning. Principal components analysis of meteorological data revealed geographic structure in how study areas were situated in multivariate space along gradients of topoclimate. Random forest and conditional inference tree modelling enabled us to tease apart the relative effects of 17 explanatory factors on local-scale treeline elevation variability. Overall, modelling explained about 50% of the variation in treeline elevation variability across the 28 study areas, with local landform and topoclimatic effects generally outweighing those from regional-scale factors across the 28 study areas. Further, the nature of the relationships between treeline elevation variability and the explanatory variables were complex, frequently non-linear, and consistent with the treeline literature. To our knowledge, this is the first study where model-generated meteorological data, and derived topoclimatic indices, have been developed and applied to explain treeline variation. Our results demonstrate the potential of such an approach for ecological research in mountainous environments.
Reactive transport in a partially molten system with binary solid solution
Authors: Jordan Jacob S. , Hesse Marc A.
Published: October 2015

Melt extraction from the Earth's mantle through high‐porosity channels is required to explain the composition of the oceanic crust. Feedbacks from reactive melt transport are thought to localize melt into a network of high‐porosity channels. Recent studies invoke lithological heterogeneities in the Earth's mantle to seed the localization of partial melts. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the reaction fronts that form as melt flows across the lithological interface between the heterogeneity and the ambient mantle. Here we present a chromatographic analysis of reactive melt transport across lithological boundaries, using the theory of hyperbolic conservation laws. This is an extension of linear trace element chromatography to the coupling of major elements and energy transport. Our analysis allows the prediction of the nonlinear feedbacks that arise in reactive melt transport due to changes in porosity. This study considers the special case of a partially molten porous medium with binary solid solution. As melt traverses a lithological contact, binary solid solution leads to the formation of a reacted zone between an advancing reaction front and the initial contact. The analysis also shows that the behavior of a fertile heterogeneity depends on its absolute concentration, in addition to compositional differences between itself and the refractory background. We present a regime diagram that predicts if melt emanating from a fertile heterogeneity localizes into high‐porosity channels or develops a zero porosity shell. The theoretical framework presented here provides a useful tool for understanding nonlinear feedbacks in reactive melt transport, because it can be extended to more complex and realistic phase behaviors.
A random‐walk algorithm for modeling lithospheric density and the role of body forces in the evolution of the Midcontinent Rift
Authors: Levandowski Will , Boyd Oliver S. , Briggs Rich W. , Gold Ryan D.
Published: October 2015

This paper develops a Monte Carlo algorithm for extracting three‐dimensional lithospheric density models from geophysical data. Empirical scaling relationships between velocity and density create a 3‐D starting density model, which is then iteratively refined until it reproduces observed gravity and topography. This approach permits deviations from uniform crustal velocity‐density scaling, which provide insight into crustal lithology and prevent spurious mapping of crustal anomalies into the mantle. We test this algorithm on the Proterozoic Midcontinent Rift (MCR), north‐central United States. The MCR provides a challenge because it hosts a gravity high overlying low shear‐wave velocity crust in a generally flat region. Our initial density estimates are derived from a seismic velocity/crustal thickness model based on joint inversion of surface‐wave dispersion and receiver functions. By adjusting these estimates to reproduce gravity and topography, we generate a lithospheric‐scale model that reveals dense middle crust and eclogitized lowermost crust within the rift. Mantle lithospheric density beneath the MCR is not anomalous, consistent with geochemical evidence that lithospheric mantle was not the primary source of rift‐related magmas and suggesting that extension occurred in response to far‐field stress rather than a hot mantle plume. Similarly, the subsequent inversion of normal faults resulted from changing far‐field stress that exploited not only warm, recently faulted crust but also a gravitational potential energy low in the MCR. The success of this density modeling algorithm in the face of such apparently contradictory geophysical properties suggests that it may be applicable to a variety of tectonic and geodynamic problems.
An improved simulation of the deep Pacific Ocean using optimally estimated vertical diffusivity based on the Green's function method
Authors: Toyoda Takahiro , Sugiura Nozomi , Masuda Shuhei , Sasaki Yuji , Igarashi Hiromichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Hatayama Takaki , Kawano Takeshi , Kawai Yoshimi , Kouketsu Shinya , Katsumata Katsuro , Uchida Hiroshi , Doi Toshimasa , Fukasawa Masao , Awaji Toshiyuki
Published: October 2015

An improved vertical diffusivity scheme is introduced into an ocean general circulation model to better reproduce the observed features of water property distribution inherent in the deep Pacific Ocean structure. The scheme incorporates (a) a horizontally uniform background profile, (b) a parameterization depending on the local static stability, and (c) a parameterization depending on the bottom topography. Weighting factors for these parameterizations are optimally estimated based on the Green's function method. The optimized values indicate an important role of both the intense vertical diffusivity near rough topography and the background vertical diffusivity. This is consistent with recent reports that indicate the presence of significant vertical mixing associated with finite‐amplitude internal wave breaking along the bottom slope and its remote effect. The robust simulation with less artificial trend of water properties in the deep Pacific Ocean illustrates that our approach offers a better modeling analysis for the deep ocean variability.
Modeling the impact of tidal flows on the biological productivity of the Alboran Sea
Authors: Sánchez‐Garrido José C. , Naranjo C. , Macías D. , García‐Lafuente J. , Oguz T.
Published: October 2015

The control of phytoplankton production by tidal forcing in the Alboran Sea is investigated with a high‐resolution ocean circulation model coupled to an ecosystem model. The aim of the modeling efforts was to elucidate the role of tides in sustaining the high biological productivity of the Alboran Sea, as compared with the rest of the Mediterranean subbasins. It is shown that tidal forcing accounts for an increase of phytoplankton biomass and primary productivity in the basin of about 40% with respect to a nontidal circulation, and about 60% in the western Alboran Sea alone. The tidal dynamics of the Strait of Gibraltar is shown to be the primary factor in determining the enhancement of productivity, pumping nutrients from depth to the photic zone in the Alboran Sea. Model results indicate that the biological implications of the propagating internal tides are small. These results imply that nutrient transports through the Strait of Gibraltar have to be parametrized in ocean models that do not resolve tides in order to properly represent the biochemical budgets of the Alboran Sea.
Phenology of particle size distributions and primary productivity in the North Pacific subtropical gyre (Station ALOHA)
Authors: White Angelicque E. , Letelier Ricardo M. , Whitmire Amanda L. , Barone Benedetto , Bidigare Robert R. , Church Matthew J. , Karl David M.
Published: October 2015

The particle size distribution (PSD) is a critical aspect of the oceanic ecosystem. Local variability in the PSD can be indicative of shifts in microbial community structure and reveal patterns in cell growth and loss. The PSD also plays a central role in particle export by influencing settling speed. Satellite‐based models of primary productivity (PP) often rely on aspects of photophysiology that are directly related to community size structure. In an effort to better understand how variability in particle size relates to PP in an oligotrophic ecosystem, we collected laser diffraction‐based depth profiles of the PSD and pigment‐based classifications of phytoplankton functional types (PFTs) on an approximately monthly basis at the Hawaii Ocean Time‐series Station ALOHA, in the North Pacific subtropical gyre. We found a relatively stable PSD in the upper water column. However, clear seasonality is apparent in the vertical distribution of distinct particle size classes. Neither laser diffraction‐based estimations of relative particle size nor pigment‐based PFTs was found to be significantly related to the rate of 14C‐based PP in the light‐saturated upper euphotic zone. This finding indicates that satellite retrievals of particle size, based on particle scattering or ocean color would not improve parameterizations of present‐day bio‐optical PP models for this region. However, at depths of 100–125 m where irradiance exerts strong control on PP, we do observe a significant linear relationship between PP and the estimated carbon content of 2–20 μm particles.
Weakening of subduction in the Subtropical Mode Water formation region observed during 2003–2013
Authors: Wang Ran , Yu Fei , Nan Feng
Published: October 2015

Subduction plays an important role in the formation of the Subtropical Mode Water (STMW). Variation of subduction in the western North Pacific was studied using gridded monthly data from Argo float profiles. The results revealed that there exists a weakening trend of subduction in the STMW formation region (28°N–35°N, 142°E–175°W) due to decreasing winter mixed layer depth (MLD) during 2003–2013. In the STMW formation region, the mean subduction rate was about 64 m yr−1 and showed a decreasing trend at −3.44 ± 2.47 m yr−2 during 2003–2013. Meanwhile, the late winter (March) MLD showed a decreasing trend at −4.02 ± 2.41 m yr−1. Associated with the weakening subduction, the STMW volume had a similar decreasing trend in late winter. Diagnostic calculation indicated that change of the mixed layer temperature (MLT) is the key factor in determining the MLD variations in the STMW formation region. It is demonstrated that the increasing MLT tends to decrease oceanic density and stabilize the upper ocean. This oceanic processes act to weaken the vertical mixing and decrease the MLD, resulting in the weakening of subduction.
The categories of cutaneous mosaicism: A proposed classification
Authors: Happle Rudolf
Published: October 2015

Mosaic disorders can most easily be studied in the skin. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the different forms of cutaneous mosaicism. Major categories are genomic versus epigenetic mosaicism and nonsegmental versus segmental mosaicism. The class of nonsegmental mosaics includes single point mosaicism as exemplified by solitary benign or malignant skin tumors; disseminated mosaicism as noted in autosomal dominant tumor syndromes such as neurofibromatosis 1; and patchy mosaicism without midline separation as found in giant melanocytic nevus. The class of segmental mosaics includes segmental manifestation of lethal genes surviving by mosaicism as noted in Proteus syndrome; type 1 segmental mosaicism of autosomal dominant skin disorders reflecting heterozygosity for a postzygotic new mutation; type 2 segmental mosaicism of autosomal dominant skin disorders reflecting loss of heterozygosity that occurred at an early developmental stage in a heterozygous embryo; and isolated or superimposed segmental mosaicism of common polygenic skin disorders such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. A particular form of genomic mosaicism is didymosis (twin spotting). Revertant mosaicism is recognizable as one or more areas of healthy skin in patients with epidermolysis bullosa or other serious genodermatoses. The category of epigenetic mosaicism includes several X‐linked, male lethal disorders such as incontinentia pigmenti, and the patterns of lyonization as noted in X‐linked non‐lethal disorders such as hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia of the Christ‐Siemens‐Touraine type. An interesting field of future research will be the concept of epigenetic autosomal mosaicism that may explain some unusual cases of autosomal transmission of linear hypo‐ or hypermelanosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The neurobiological basis of human aggression: A review on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
Authors: Waltes Regina , Chiocchetti Andreas G. , Freitag Christine M.
Published: October 2015

Aggression is an evolutionary conserved behavior present in most species including humans. Inadequate aggression can lead to long‐term detrimental personal and societal effects. Here, we differentiate between proactive and reactive forms of aggression and review the genetic determinants of it. Heritability estimates of aggression in general vary between studies due to differing assessment instruments for aggressive behavior (AB) as well as age and gender of study participants. In addition, especially non‐shared environmental factors shape AB. Current hypotheses suggest that environmental effects such as early life stress or chronic psychosocial risk factors (e.g., maltreatment) and variation in genes related to neuroendocrine, dopaminergic as well as serotonergic systems increase the risk to develop AB. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the genetics of human aggression based on twin studies, genetic association studies, animal models, and epigenetic analyses with the aim to differentiate between mechanisms associated with proactive or reactive aggression. We hypothesize that from a genetic perspective, the aminergic systems are likely to regulate both reactive and proactive aggression, whereas the endocrine pathways seem to be more involved in regulation of reactive aggression through modulation of impulsivity. Epigenetic studies on aggression have associated non‐genetic risk factors with modifications of the stress response and the immune system. Finally, we point to the urgent need for further genome‐wide analyses and the integration of genetic and epigenetic information to understand individual differences in reactive and proactive AB. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Festkörperchemie auf der Nanoskala: Ionentransport über Zwischengitterplätze oder Leerstellen?
Authors: Bothe Cornelia , Kornowski Andreas , Tornatzky Hans , Schmidtke Christian , Lange Holger , Maultzsch Janina , Weller Horst
Published: October 2015

Wieso können Ionenaustauschprozesse in Nanokristallen unter Erhaltung von Form und Größe erfolgen, und wieso ist der Ionentransport viel schneller, als man es von klassischen Interdiffusionsprozessen in makrokristallinen Festkörpern erwarten würde? Wir haben diese Prozesse auf der molekularen Skala anhand einiger Modellreaktionen mittels hochauflösender und analytischer Elektronenmikroskopie in temperaturabhängigen kinetischen Untersuchungen verfolgt. Die Ergebnisse belegen eindeutig einen ausschließlich über Zwischengitterplätze erfolgenden Diffusionsprozess, gefolgt von einem “Kick‐out” zur Verdrängung einzelner Ionen von Gitterplätzen, das ohne Bildung von Leerstellen auskommt und für nanokristalline Systeme bisher noch nicht diskutiert wurde.
Hollow PUA/PSS/Au microcapsules with interdependent near‐infrared/pH/temperature multiresponsiveness
Authors: Xu Shuhan , Shi Jun , Yang Liu , Wu Qiong , Cao Shaokui
Published: October 2015

In this work, smart hollow microcapsules made of thermal‐/pH‐dual sensitive aliphatic poly(urethane‐amine) (PUA), sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS), and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) for interdependent multi‐responsive drug delivery have been constructed by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) technique. The electrostatic interactions among PUA, PSS, and AuNPs contribute to the successful self‐assembly of hollow multilayer microcapsules. Thanks to the shrinkage of PUA above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and the interaction variation between PUA and PSS at different pH conditions, hollow microcapsules exhibit distinct pH‐ and thermal‐sensitive properties. Moreover, AuNPs aggregates can effectively convert light to heat upon irradiation with near‐infrared (NIR) laser and endow the hollow microcapsules with distinct NIR‐responsiveness. More importantly, the NIR‐responsive study also demonstrates that the microcapsule morphology and the corresponding NIR‐responsive drug release are strongly dependent on the pH value and temperature of the media. The results indicate that the prepared hollow PUA/PSS/Au microcapsules have the great potential to be used as a novel smart drug carrier for the remotely controllable drug delivery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43008.