bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoantibodies to Dense Fine Speckles in Pediatric Diseases and Controls
Authors: Schmeling Heinrike , Mahler Michael , Levy Deborah M. , Moore Katharine , Stevens Anne M. , Wick James , McMillan Jacob D. , Horneff Gerd , Assassi Shervin , Charles Julio , Salazar Gloria , Mayes Maureen D. , Silverman Earl D. , Klien-Gitelman Marissa , Lee Tzelan , Brunner Hermine I. , Reed Ann M. , Fritzler Marvin J.
Published: October 2015

Objective.

Autoantibodies to the dense fine speckled 70 kDa antigen (DFS70) are reported to be more common in individuals who do not have an antinuclear antibody (ANA)-associated rheumatic disease (AARD) than in patients with AARD. The frequency of anti-DFS70 antibodies has been thoroughly studied in adult but not in pediatric populations. The primary objective of this observational study was to determine the frequency of anti-DFS70 in pediatric AARD and reference cohorts.

Methods.

Sera from 743 children with AARD and related conditions, and 345 samples from reference cohorts (healthy children and those being investigated for AARD) were studied for anti-DFS70 autoantibodies as measured by a chemiluminescence immunoassay. A de-identified administrative database was used to retrieve demographic, serologic, and clinical data.

Results.

Anti-DFS70 antibodies were seen in 2.1% of healthy children and in 4.5% of sera from pediatric individuals referred for ANA testing. The frequency of anti-DFS70 was highest in juvenile localized scleroderma (LS; 4/29, 13.8%), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM; 2/11, 18.2%), childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE; 19/331, 5.7%), diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (1/22, 4.5%), celiac disease (2/49, 4.1%), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA; 5/202, 2.5%). Of note, anti-DFS70 antibodies were observed in 3/26 children (11.5%) with uveitis and JIA-associated uveitis.

Conclusion.

The frequency of anti-DFS70 autoantibodies in healthy pediatric subjects is within the lower range of that reported in adults. Anti-DFS70 antibodies can be found in childhood SSc and cSLE, but has a remarkably high frequency in children with LS, JDM, and uveitis.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Caregiver Communication Competence Scale in Patients With Dementia
Authors: Chao Hui-Chen , Yang Ya-Ping , Huang Mei-Chih , Wang Jing-Jy
Published: October 2015

Appropriate communication skills are essential for understanding patient needs, particularly those of patients with dementia. Assessing health care providers' competence in communicating with patients with dementia is critical for planning a communication education program. However, no formally established scale can be used. The purpose of the current study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument for determining the communication competence of health care providers with patients with dementia. Through use of a literature review and previous clinical experience, an initial 28-item scale was developed to assess the frequency of use of each item by health care providers. Fourteen items were extracted and three factors were distinguished. Results indicated that the internal consistency reliability of the 14-item scale was 0.84. Favorable convergent and discriminant validities were reached. The communication competence scale provides administrators or educators with a useful tool for assessing communication competence of health care providers when interacting with patients with dementia so a suitable education program can be planned and implemented. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42
(1), 32–39.]
Exploring the Relationship Between Premorbid Personality and Dementia-Related Behaviors
Authors: Zielin Susan , McCabe Marita
Published: October 2015

The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether premorbid personality traits (i.e., neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) can predict behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In particular, agitation-related behaviors were examined. The current study used convenience sampling from 14 residential care facilities in Melbourne, Australia. Demographic and health data, cognitive ability, BPSD, and premorbid personality characteristics were collected from 62 female and 27 male older adults. Close informants of participants were asked to provide premorbid personality data (i.e., before the development of dementia) using the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory. Residential care staff used the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory to rate agitation-related behaviors over a 2-week period. Correlational analyses revealed associations between premorbid agreeableness and verbally nonaggressive behaviors, and between premorbid conscientiousness and verbally nonaggressive behaviors. Although the findings provide some support that premorbid personality shapes problematic behaviors exhibited in dementia, they are inconsistent with previous research and the hypotheses were generally not supported. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42
(1), 40–48.]
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Reveals Mature, Tangled Vascular Networks in Eyes With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Showing Resistance to Geographic Atrophy
Authors: Dansingani Kunal K. , Freund K. Bailey
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate a vascular pattern seen on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) that appears to correlate with reduced rates of geographic atrophy (GA) in eyes receiving long-term anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Non-consecutive, retrospective cohort study. Patients were included if they had received more than 50 anti-VEGF injections during a period of at least 4 years for neovascular AMD in at least one eye, with absence or minimal progression of GA. Clinical charts and imaging were reviewed retrospectively; study eyes underwent OCTA.

RESULTS:

Nine eyes of eight patients were included. Mean age was 82 years, and mean follow-up of study eyes 9.1 years; study eyes received a mean of 65.8 injections. OCTA revealed tangled networks of neovessels associated with type 1 lesions.

CONCLUSION:

With prolonged anti-VEGF treatment, GA appears to occur less commonly in eyes with type 1 neovascularization. OCTA shows mature tangled vessels with substantial flow within type 1 lesions. Mature, tangled networks may be associated with a decreased likelihood of developing GA despite the presence of choriocapillaris atrophy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:907–912.]
Correlation Between Choroidal Thickness and Ciliary Artery Blood Flow Velocity in Normal Subjects
Authors: Novais Eduardo Amorim , Badaró Emmerson , Allemann Norma , Morales Maira Saad Ávila , Rodrigues Eduardo Büchele , de Souza Lima Rodrigo , Regatieri Caio Vinicius Saito , Belfort Rubens
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To study the correlation between the choroidal thickness (CT) measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and retrobulbar blood flow measured by color Doppler flowmetry (CD) in normal subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Healthy subjects underwent enhanced-depth imaging SD-OCT and CD using a linear 6 MHz to 18 MHz transducer. The maximal peak systolic velocity and resistance index (RI) were obtained for the ophthalmic artery (OA), short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA), and central retinal artery (CRA) and correlated with the subfoveal CT measured by SD-OCT.

RESULTS:

Twenty-seven eyes of 27 healthy patients were enrolled (mean age: 40.6 ± 12.4 years; range: 27–68 years). An inverse proportional relationship (
P
= .0496) was identified between the RI of the SPCA (mean, 0.6117 ± 0.07911) and the subfoveal CT (319.9 µm ± 83.79 µm) but not between the RI and the OA (mean: 0.7019 µm ± 0.07317 µm) or the CRA (mean: 0.68843 µm ± 0.08994 µm).

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study suggested there is an inverse proportional relationship between the RI of the SPCA and the subfoveal CT. The data also suggested a correlation between a decrease in the CT and increased RI in the retrobulbar arteries. Therefore, lower choroidal blood flow may explain the thinner CT in normal subjects.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:920–924.]
Measuring urban quality of life: case study of Ljubljana
Authors: Tiran Jernej
Published: October 2015

Quality of urban life is a useful concept for studying the quality of residential environment and its effect on quality of life. The article is based on the data analysis of the survey research Quality of Life in Ljubljana (2010). Using structural equation modelling and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, the effect of residential quality on quality of life was determined and compared to the effects of selected domains of life. The results depend heavily on the operationalization of quality of life and on the selected independent variables in the model. Structural equation modelling confirmed the hypothesis about the effect of residential quality on quality of life, wherein satisfaction with the dwelling has a significantly greater effect on it than satisfaction with the neighbourhood and with living in the city. The hierarchical regression analysis results show that the quality of life for Ljubljana residents is most affected by their own estimation of social-economic factors, especially economic well-being, family life, and social life.
Kumanoa mahlacensis (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) in a Mediterranean coastal wetland, a new species for the European continental algal flora
Authors: García-Fernández María Eugenia , Vis Morgan L. , Aboal Marina
Published: October 2015

Morphological characters and molecular sequence data of the plastid-encoded RUBISCO large subunit gen (rbcL) confirmed the first record of Kumanoa mahlacensis (S. Kumano & W.A. Bowden-Kerby) Entwisle, M.L. Vis, W.B. Chiasson, Necchi & A.R. Sherwood in Europe from a Spanish Mediterranean coastal wetland. The genus Kumanoa has a worldwide distribution and inhabits in both lotic and lentic habitats, but information about the ecological requirements of species is scarce. In this study, the morphology and ecology of Spanish material is described in order to gain a broader insight of the distribution of species from Mediterranean areas.
Inter-Opinions
Authors: Atay Simber
Published: October 2015

Transparency is a cultural problematic; But at the first step, transparency is an ideal that represents healthy and free systems on institutional or individual level. Sometimes, transparency means also knowledge of truth or information about truth. Digital technologies and Internet have created an efficient model of transparency that is cyber transparency. In this chapter I would like to re-define transparency and cyber transparency concepts according to some related explanations of Thomas Metzinger and Slavoj Žižek. Transparency is also a utopic idea that has been inspiration source for many art works like Lewis Carroll's Through of Looking Glass, Marcel Duchamp's The Large Glass, Michelangelo Antonioni's Profession: Reporter, René Magritte's The Human Condition paintings…By the way, the learning act in itself is always a transparent act. E-Learning could be an efficient way to reach knowledge within cyber-transparency.
Visualizing Wikipedia Article and User Networks
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: October 2015

As a public and open-source resource, Wikipedia is used by many in the public as a quick reference; academic researchers have tapped Wikipedia for human- and machine-based insights. The MediaWiki understructure enables a wide range of transparency, enabling users to very easily search and access template-structured text and image contents, source citations, contributors, page histories, and others. Transparency has been hard-wired into the platform technology. Developers have been building tools to extend the transparency of data built on a MediaWiki understructure. Network Overview, Discovery and Exploration for Excel (NodeXL) features a third-party graph data importer that enables the extraction of MediaWiki article (and user) networks, which include all of the languages of Wikipedias. This chapter highlights the uses of graphs from two main types of Wikipedia pages for increased knowledge transparency: (1) topical article pages and (2) contributor user pages (whether human or robot).
Connecting Related Online Elements with Maltego Carbon 3.5.3™
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: October 2015

With so much of modern life conducted in online spaces, understanding what is knowable through those spaces is a critical aspect of digital literacy and informational awareness. To increase online transparency, Maltego Carbon 3.5.3 (a penetration testing tool) enables powerful exploration of the Surface Web through its “machines” and “transforms.” Maltego enables the exploration of the interconnections between disparate pieces of online information (including technological understructures, documents, aliases, images, phrases, email addresses, telephone numbers, social media accounts, and geographical location coordinates. In the educational context, this tool may be applied in a number of ways. This chapter summarizes six generic “use cases”: Use Case 1: Understanding an Online / Offline Entity; Use Case 2: Exploring a Domain; Use Case 3: From Physical Location to Cyber and Back Again; Use Case 4: Online Conversations on Social Media Sites; Use Case 5: Eventgraphing: Mapping an Event Online, and Use Case 6: Finding Leads to Enhance Research.
A Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Web Information Retrieval
Authors: Alloui Tarek , Boussebough Imane , Chaoui Allaoua
Published: October 2015

The Web has become the largest source of information worldwide and the information, in its various forms, is growing exponentially. So obtaining relevant and up-to-date information has become hard and tedious. This situation led to the emergence of search engines which index today billions of pages. However, they are generic services and they try to aim the largest number of users without considering their information needs in the search process. Moreover, users use generally few words to formulate their queries giving incomplete specifications of their information needs. So dealing this problem within Web context using traditional approaches is vain. This paper presents a novel particle swarm optimization approach for Web information retrieval. It uses relevance feedback to reformulate user query and thus improve the number of relevant results. In the authors' experimental results, they obtained a significant improvement of relevant results using their proposed approach comparing to what is obtained using only the user query into a search engine.
An Approach for Fault Tolerance in Multi-Agent Systems using Learning Agents
Authors: Bouzahzah Mounira , Maamri Ramdane
Published: October 2015

Through this paper, the authors propose a new approach to get fault tolerant multi-agent systems using learning agents. Generally, the exceptions in the multi-agent system are divided into two main groups: private exceptions that are treated directly by the agents and global exceptions that combine all unexpected exceptions that need handlers to be solved. The proposed approach solves the problem of these global exceptions using learning agents. This work uses a formal model called hierarchical plans to model the activities of the system's agents in order to facilitate the exception detection and to model the communication with the learning agent. This latter uses a modified version of the Q Learning Algorithm in order to choose which handler can be used to solve an exceptions. The paper tries to give a new direction in the field of fault tolerance in multi-agent systems by using learning agents, the proposed solution makes it possible to adapt the handler used in case of failure within the context changes and treat repeated exceptions using learning agent experiences.
Internalized Cryptococcus neoformans Activates the Canonical Caspase-1 and the Noncanonical Caspase-8 Inflammasomes
Authors: Chen Mingkuan , Xing Yue , Lu Ailing , Fang Wei , Sun Bing , Chen Changbin , Liao Wanqing , Meng Guangxun
Published: October 2015

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes cryptococccosis in immunocompromised patients as well as immunocompetent individuals. Host cell surface receptors that recognize C. neoformans have been widely studied. However, intracellular sensing of this pathogen is still poorly understood. Our previous studies have demonstrated that both biofilm and acapsular mutant of C. neoformans are able to activate the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. In the current study, it was found that opsonization-mediated internalization of encapsulated C. neoformans also activated the canonical NLRP3–apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC)–caspase-1 inflammasome. In addition, the internalized C. neoformans activated the noncanonical NLRP3–ASC–caspase-8 inflammasome as well, which resulted in robust IL-1β secretion and cell death from caspase-1–deficient primary dendritic cells. Interestingly, we found that caspase-1 was inhibitory for the activation of caspase-8 in dendritic cells upon C. neorformans challenge. Further mechanistic studies showed that both phagolysosome membrane permeabilization and potassium efflux were responsible for C. neoformans–induced activation of either the canonical NLRP3–ASC–caspase-1 inflammasome or the noncanonical NLRP3–ASC–caspase-8 inflammasome. Moreover, challenge with zymosan also led to the activation of the noncanonical NLRP3–ASC–caspase-8 inflammasome in cells absent for caspase-1. Collectively, these findings uncover a number of novel signaling pathways for the innate immune response of host cells to C. neoformans infection and suggest that manipulating NLRP3 signaling may help to control fungal challenge.
Modelling Rarefied Hypersonic Reactive Flows Using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Lo Ming-Chung , Su Cheng-Chin , Wu Jong-Shinn , Tseng Kun-Chang
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the implementation, validation and application of TCE (total collision energy) model for simulating hypersonic reactive flows in a parallel direct simulation Monte Carlo code, named PDSC++, using an unstructured grid. A series of benchmarking test cases, which include reproduction of theoretical rate constants in a single cell, 2D hypersonic flow past a cylinder and 2D-axisymmetric hypersonic flow past a sphere, were performed to validate the implementation. Finally, detailed aerothermodynamics of the flown reentry Apollo 6 Command Module at 105 km is simulated to demonstrate the powerful capability of the PDSC++in treating realistic hypersonic reactive flow at high altitude.
A Biological Model of Acupuncture and its Derived Mathematical Modeling and Simulations
Authors: Thiriet Marc , Deleuze Yannick , Sheu Tony Wen-Hann
Published: October 2015

(Aims) Acupuncture was employed since 2 millenaries, but the underlying mechanisms are not globally handled. The present study is aimed at proposing an explanation by pointing out involved processes and a convincing modeling to demonstrate its efficiency when carried out by trained practitioners.

(Method) In the absence of global knowledge of any mechanism explaining the acupuncture process, a biological model is first developed, based on stimulation in a given domain around the needle tip of a proper mastocyte population by a mechanical stress, electrical, electromagnetic, or heat field. Whatever the type of mechanical or physical stimuli, mastocytes degranulate. Released messengers either facilitate the transfer of main mediators, or target their cognate receptors of local nerve terminals or after being conveyed by blood their receptors on cerebral cells. Signaling to the brain is fast by nervous impulses and delayed by circulating messengers that nevertheless distribute preferentially in the brain region of interest due to hyperemia. The process is self-sustained due to mastocyte chemotaxis from the nearby dense microcirculatory circuit and surrounding mastocyte pools, which are inadequate for acupuncture, but serve as a signal relay. A simple mathematical model is solved analytically. Numerical simulations are also carried out using the finite element method with mesh adaptivity.

(Results) The analytical solution of the simple mathematical model demonstrates the conditions filled by a mastocyte population to operate efficiently. A theorem gives the blow-up condition. This analytical solution serves for validation of numerical experiments. Numerical simulations show that when the needle is positioned in the periphery of the acupoint or outside it, the response is too weak. This explains why a long training is necessary as the needle implantation requires a precision with a magnitude of the order of 1mm.

(Conclusion) The acupoint must contain a highly concentrated population of mastocytes (e.g., very-high–amplitude, small-width Gaussian distribution) to get an initial proper response. Permanent signaling is provided by chemotaxis and continuous recruitment of mastocytes. Therefore, the density and distribution of mastocytes are crucial factors for efficient acupuncture as well as availability of circulating and neighboring pools of mastocytes.
Vortical Flow Structure in the Wake of an Estate Car
Authors: Huang Phillip Gwo-Yan , Sheu Tony Wen-Hann
Published: October 2015

A finite volume simulation of unsteady vortical wake flow behind a square-back estate car is presented. The three-dimensional time-averaged incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved together with the Reynolds stress transport equations for turbulence. By virtue of the simulated surface streamlines, the physics of fluid can be extracted using the topological theory. In addition, the simulated topological singular points and lines of separation are plotted on the car surface. The vortical flow motions that developed behind the mirrors, wheels and car body are explored by means of the simulated time evolving vortex corelines. The formation and interaction of the vortex systems in the wake are examined by tracing the instantaneous streamlines in the vicinity of the simulated vortex corelines. The vortex street behind the estate car is also illustrated by the simulated streaklines. Finally the Hopf bifurcation phenomenon is revealed by the time-varying aerodynamic forces on the car.
Influência do comprimento de copa na relação hipsométrica de Araucaria angustifolia
Authors: Machado Sebastião Do Amaral , Accioly Yuri , Nascimento Rodrigo Geroni Mendes , Da Silva Luís César Rodrigues , Cardozo Claudia Carla
Published: October 2015

Este trabalho teve como objetivo testar a hipótese de que o comprimento de copa afeta a relação hipsométrica. Os dados utilizados são provenientes da medição de diâmetro a 1,30 m do solo (DAP) e respectivas alturas totais e do fuste de 337 indivíduos de Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) O. Kuntze de um fragmento de 15,24 ha de Floresta Ombrófila Mista situado na região urbana de Curitiba. Estas árvores foram agrupadas em classes de comprimento de copa. Foram ajustados seis modelos hipsométricos aos dados de cada classe e para todo o conjunto de dados. O melhor modelo foi escolhido com base no erro padrão da estimativa em porcentagem, Índice de Schlaegel e análise gráfica de resíduos. O ordenamento indicou que o modelo de melhor ajuste aos dados foi o de Trorey. O teste de identidade de modelos de Graybill aplicado ao modelo de Trorey indicou que o comprimento de copa influenciou a relação hipsométrica das araucárias da área de estudo.
Screening of rust and gall wasp in eucalypts species and provenances
Authors: Silva Paulo Henrique Müller da , Paula Rinaldo Cesar de , Miranda Aline Cristina , Moraes Mario Luiz Teixeira de , Furtado Edson Luiz , Pieri Cristiane De , Branwer Jeremy , Lee David
Published: October 2015

Foi avaliada a ferrugem e a vespa da galha em táxons de eucalipto não comerciais com potencial para hibridização. Nós selecionamos 38 genótipos de 18 espécies dos gêneros Corymbia e Eucalyptus (Symphyomyrtus). Foram avaliadas duas inoculações de ferrugem com esporos provenientes de jambo e eucalipto e a ocorrência natural da vespa da galha em condições de alta infestação. Observou-se maior suscetibilidade à ferrugem em Corymbia do que em Eucalyptus e respostas diferentes às fontes de inóculo. Espécies das seções Latoangulatae e Exsertaria foram mais suscetíveis à vespa, e as espécies que pertencem ao gênero Corymbia não apresentaram desenvolvimento de galha.
Criteria to be considered to achieve a sustainable second cycle in Amazon Forest
Authors: Braz Evaldo Muñoz , Mattos Patricia Povoa , Thaines Fabio , De Madron Luc Durrieu , Garrastazu Marilice Cordeiro , Canetti Aline , D’Oliveira Marcus Vinício Neves
Published: October 2015

Estrutura da floresta remanescente e o incremento por classe de diâmetro desempenha papel decisivo na recuperação do volume para o próximo ciclo de corte. Espécies de árvores na Floresta Amazônica, não apresentam um padrão definido de estrutura de diâmetro, discutido aqui utilizando Cedrela odorata L. como estudo de caso. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram identificar, por meio de simulação, a recuperação florestal após o manejo em uma situação real em três locais de produção de madeira, e as alternativas disponíveis para assegurar a recuperação do volume comercial de madeira em um segundo ciclo de corte na Amazônia brasileira. O trabalho se refere às classes de diâmetro de árvores produtivas para o próximo ciclo. A comparação indica que uma das estratégias usadas permite recuperar o estoque de volume mais rápido do que o tempo definido no ciclo de corte estabelecido em lei. O número de árvores remanescentes nos locais não corrobora a suposição comum de que o manejo florestal esgota árvores de grandes diâmetros. Este artigo apresenta estratégias de levantamento para avaliar e estabelecer a estrutura diamétrica mais indicada para recuperar no segundo ciclo o volume registrado durante o primeiro ciclo de corte.
Validation of a computational model versus a bench top model of an aortic dissection model
Authors: Khanafer Khalil , Schlicht Marty S. , Vafai Kambiz , Prabhakar Saurabh , Gaith Mohamed
Published: October 2015

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to validate our numerical model of type B aortic dissection with our experimental results from a bench-top-model. Methods: Various numerical meshes were constructed using a finite-volume based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver (ANSYS Fluent 15) to simulate pulsatile flow and pressure in dissected aorta models. The κ-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model was imbedded. All simulations were carried out for four cardiac cycles to achieve a periodic solution, and the results obtained in the fourth cycle were used in the validation. Results: We validated the numerical results, for several tear size and location, with our experimental data. CFD results of type B aortic dissection with various tear size and location were strongly correlated with the in vitro results. Conclusions: CFD tools have a potential role in evaluating different scenarios and aortic dissection configurations.
Effect of Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Lesion on Period2 and C-fos Expression in Habenular Nucleus
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Zhang Chengwei , Zhao Hua
Published: October 2015

The habenular nucleus (Hb) located in the epithalamus is an important connection between the limbic forebrain and midbrain pathway and it regulates physiological activities including reproduction, sleep-wake, body temperature. Hb is anatomically close to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the pacemaker of circadian rhythms in mammals. In vivo data showed circadian oscillation of Period2 (Per2) expression in Hb. However, it remains unknown whether the circadian oscillation of Per2 expression is regulated by SCN. We used semi-quantity RT-PCR methods to examine the relative expression of Per2 and c-fos mRNA in the Hb at 13:00 and 1:00 in the LD (light-dark) cycle either SCN was intact or destroyed. The expression of Per2 and c-fos mRNA in the Hb was higher at 13:00 than at 1:00. However, damaging the SCN abolished the difference of Per2 and c-fos mRNA expression at the two time ponits in the Hb, suggesting circadian oscillation of Per2 and c-fos gene in the Hb may be regulated by SCN under in vivo condition.
The Marginal Abatement Cost of Carbon Emissions in China
Authors: Ma Chunbo , Hailu Atakelty
Published: October 2015

There is an emerging literature estimating the marginal cost of carbon mitigation in China using distance function approaches; however, empirical estimates vary widely in magnitude and variation, which undermines support for policies to curb carbon emission. Applying three commonly used distance functions to China’s provincial data from 2001 to 2010, we show that the variability can be partially explained by the difference in the input/output coverage and whether the estimated marginal abatement cost (MAC) is conditional on the abatement of other correlated pollutants. We also argue that the substantial heterogeneity in abatement cost estimates could be related to an economic interpretation that radial measures reflect the short-run MACs while non-radial measures reflect the long-run MACs. Our mean short-run MAC for carbon is 20 US$ per tonne, an amount that is very close to the carbon prices observed in China’s recently launched pilot markets.
Caddoan Archaeology on the High Plains: A Critique
Authors: Blakeslee Donald J. , Krause Richard A. , Logan Brad , Roper Donna C.
Published: October 2015

The interpretations of the Wallace site offered by Huffman and Earley are invalid. The site is not Upper Republican in affiliation, the structural remains in it do not support the interpretations made, and the proposed correspondences to Pawnee cosmology are based on unjustified assumptions.
Reconstructing the in vivo dynamics of hematopoietic stem cells from telomere length distributions
Authors: Werner Benjamin , Beier Fabian , Hummel Sebastian , Balabanov Stefan , Lassay Lisa , Orlikowsky Thorsten , Dingli David , Brümmendorf Tim H , Traulsen Arne
Published: October 2015

We investigate the in vivo patterns of stem cell divisions in the human hematopoietic system throughout life. In particular, we analyze the shape of telomere length distributions underlying stem cell behavior within individuals. Our mathematical model shows that these distributions contain a fingerprint of the progressive telomere loss and the fraction of symmetric cell proliferations. Our predictions are tested against measured telomere length distributions in humans across all ages, collected from lymphocyte and granulocyte sorted telomere length data of 356 healthy individuals, including 47 cord blood and 28 bone marrow samples. We find an increasing stem cell pool during childhood and adolescence and an approximately maintained stem cell population in adults. Furthermore, our method is able to detect individual differences from a single tissue sample, i.e. a single snapshot. Prospectively, this allows us to compare cell proliferation between individuals and identify abnormal stem cell dynamics, which affects the risk of stem cell related diseases.
Protein kinase C coordinates histone H3 phosphorylation and acetylation
Authors: Darieva Zoulfia , Webber Aaron , Warwood Stacey , Sharrocks Andrew D
Published: October 2015

The re-assembly of chromatin following DNA replication is a critical event in the maintenance of genome integrity. Histone H3 acetylation at K56 and phosphorylation at T45 are two important chromatin modifications that accompany chromatin assembly. Here we have identified the protein kinase Pkc1 as a key regulator that coordinates the deposition of these modifications in S. cerevisiae under conditions of replicative stress. Pkc1 phosphorylates the histone acetyl transferase Rtt109 and promotes its ability to acetylate H3K56. Our data also reveal novel cross-talk between two different histone modifications as Pkc1 also enhances H3T45 phosphorylation and this modification is required for H3K56 acetylation. Our data therefore uncover an important role for Pkc1 in coordinating the deposition of two different histone modifications that are important for chromatin assembly.
Caught in a TrAP
Authors: Ré Delfina A , Manavella Pablo A
Published: October 2015

Some DNA viruses overcome plant defenses by producing a suppressor protein that blocks the silencing of viral genes.
Stable isotope analyses of web-spinning spider assemblages along a headwater stream in Puerto Rico
Authors: Kelly Sean P. , Cuevas Elvira , Ramírez Alonso
Published: October 2015

Web-spinning spiders that inhabit stream channels are considered specialists of aquatic ecosystems and are major consumers of emerging aquatic insects, while other spider taxa are more commonly found in riparian forests and as a result may consume more terrestrial insects. To determine if there was a difference in spider taxa abundance between riverine web-spinning spider assemblages within the stream channel and the assemblages 10 m into the riparian forest, we compared abundances for all web-spinning spiders along a headwater stream in El Yunque National Forest in northeast Puerto Rico. By using a nonmetric dimensional scaling (NMDS) abundance analysis we were able to see a clear separation of the two spider assemblages. The second objective of the study was to determine if aquatic insects contributed more to the diet of the spider assemblages closest to the stream channel and therefore stable isotope analyses ofδ15N andδ13C for web-spinning spiders along with their possible prey were utilized. The results of the Bayesian mixing model (SIAR) however showed little difference in the diets of riverine (0 m), riparian (10 m) and upland (25 m) spiders. We found that aquatic insects made up ∼50% of the diet for web-spinning spiders collected at 0 m, 10 m, and 25 m from the stream. This study highlights the importance of aquatic insects as a food source for web-spinning spiders despite the taxonomic differences in assemblages at different distances from the stream.
Low particulate carbon to nitrogen ratios in marine surface waters of the Arctic
Authors: Crawford David W. , Wyatt Shea N. , Wrohan Ian A. , Cefarelli Adrián O. , Giesbrecht Karina E. , Kelly Brianne , Varela Diana E.
Published: October 2015

During the Canada's Three Oceans and Joint Ocean Ice Study projects in the summers of 2007 and 2008, we measured particulate organic carbon to nitrogen ratios (POC:PON) throughout the euphotic zone in Subarctic and Arctic waters. Average depth‐integrated values (2.65 ± 0.19) in the Beaufort Sea and Canada Basin (BS‐CB domain) were much lower than both the Redfield ratio (6.6) and the average ratios (3.9 to 5.6) measured across other Arctic‐Subarctic domains. Average uptake ratios of C and N (ρC:ρN) were also lower (0.87 ± 0.14) in BS‐CB than in the other four domains (2.10 to 3.51). Decreasing POC:PON ratios were associated with low concentrations of phytoplankton C, reduced abundance of biogenic silica (bSiO2), a smaller relative contribution of the >5 µm fraction to total chlorophyll a and a larger relative contribution of small flagellates (<8 µm) to total phytoplankton C. In the subsurface chlorophyll a maximum (SCM) within the BS‐CB domain, phytoplankton C represented only ~13% of POC; and therefore, the presence of heterotrophic microbes may have decreased POC:PON. These ratios are supported by data obtained during other Arctic programs in 2006, 2008, and 2009. Previous work has suggested a link between freshening of surface waters and increasing dominance of picophytoplankton and bacterioplankton in the Canada Basin, and the low POC:PON ratios measured during this study may be a consequence of this shift. Our results have ramifications for the conversion between C‐ and N‐based estimates of primary productivity, and for biogeochemical modeling of marine Arctic waters.
Evaluation of Operation IceBridge quick‐look snow depth estimates on sea ice
Authors: King Joshua , Howell Stephen , Derksen Chris , Rutter Nick , Toose Peter , Beckers Justin F. , Haas Christian , Kurtz Nathan , Richter‐Menge Jacqueline
Published: October 2015

We evaluate Operation IceBridge (OIB) “quick‐look” snow depth on sea ice retrievals using in situ measurements taken over immobile first‐year ice (FYI) and multiyear ice (MYI) during March of 2014. Good agreement was found over undeformed FYI (−4.5 cm mean bias) with reduced agreement over deformed FYI (−6.6 cm mean bias). Over MYI, the mean bias was −5.7 cm, but 54% of retrievals were discarded by the OIB retrieval process as compared to only 10% over FYI. Footprint scale analysis revealed a root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of 6.2 cm over undeformed FYI with RMSE of 10.5 cm and 17.5 cm in the more complex deformed FYI and MYI environments. Correlation analysis was used to demonstrate contrasting retrieval uncertainty associated with spatial aggregation and ice surface roughness.
Identifying block structure in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Savage J. C. , Wells R. E.
Published: October 2015

We have identified block structure in the Pacific Northwest (west of 116°W between 38°N and 49°N) by clustering GPS stations so that the same Euler vector approximates the velocity of each station in a cluster. Given the total number k of clusters desired, the clustering procedure finds the best assignment of stations to clusters. Clustering is calculated for k = 2–14. In geographic space, cluster boundaries that remain relatively stable as k is increased are tentatively identified as block boundaries. That identification is reinforced if the cluster boundary coincides with a geologic feature. Boundaries identified in Northern California and Nevada are the Central Nevada Seismic Belt, the west side of the Northern Walker Lane Belt, and the Bartlett Springs Fault. Three blocks cover all of Oregon and Washington. The principal block boundary there extends west‐northwest along the Brothers Fault Zone, then north and northwest along the eastern boundary of Siletzia, the accreted oceanic basement of the forearc. East of this boundary is the Intermountain block; its eastern boundary undefined. A cluster boundary at Cape Blanco subdivides the forearc along the faulted southern margin of Siletzia. South of Cape Blanco, the Klamath Mountains‐Basin and Range block, extends east to the Central Nevada Seismic Belt and south to the Sierra Nevada‐Great Valley block. The Siletzia block, north of Cape Blanco, coincides almost exactly with the accreted Siletz terrane. The cluster boundary in the eastern Olympic Peninsula may mark permanent shortening of Siletzia against the Intermountain block.
Convective self‐aggregation feedbacks in near‐global cloud‐resolving simulations of an aquaplanet
Authors: Bretherton Christopher S. , Khairoutdinov Marat F.
Published: October 2015

Positive feedbacks between precipitable water, reduced radiative cooling and enhanced surface fluxes promote convective self‐aggregation in limited‐area cloud‐resolving model (CRM) simulations over uniform sea‐surface temperature (SST). Near‐global aquaplanet simulations with 4 km horizontal grid spacing and no cumulus or boundary layer parameterization are used to test the importance of these feedbacks to realistically organized tropical convection. A 20,480 × 10,240 km equatorially centered channel with latitudinally varying SST is used. Realistic midlatitude and tropical cloud structures develop. The natural zonal variability of humidity and convection are studied in a 30 day control simulation. The temporal growth of a small white‐noise humidity perturbation and intrinsic predictability implications are explored. Atmospheric column budgets of moist‐static energy (MSE) quantify its covariation with precipitation, surface heat flux, and radiative energy loss. Zonal Fourier analysis partitions these budgets by length scale. Radiative feedbacks on MSE natural variability and perturbation growth are found to be positive, broadly similar across scales, and comparable to limited‐area CRMs, capable of e‐folding a column MSE perturbation in 6–14 days. Surface fluxes are highest in synoptic‐scale dry intrusions, inhibiting aggregation by damping tropical MSE perturbations. Sub‐4‐day MSE variations are due mainly to advection. Both tropics and midlatitudes have large‐scale intrinsic predictability horizons of 15–30 days. An identical simulation but with 20 km grid spacing has more mesoscale variability and low cloud.
Links between eastern equatorial Pacific stratification and atmospheric CO2 rise during the last deglaciation
Authors: Bova Samantha C. , Herbert Timothy , Rosenthal Yair , Kalansky Julie , Altabet Mark , Chazen Caitlin , Mojarro Angel , Zech Jana
Published: October 2015

It is difficult to untangle the mixed influences of high‐ and low‐latitude climate forcing in the eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP). Here we test the hypothesis that the Southern Ocean drove change in the EEP via subsurface intermediate waters during the last deglaciation. We use the δ18O signature of benthic foraminifera to reconstruct water density changes during the last 25 kyr at three intermediate water depths (370 m, 600 m, and 1000 m) in the EEP. Carbonate δ18O records a combined signature of temperature and salinity and is therefore more closely related to density than temperature or salinity alone. We find that benthic foraminiferal δ18O values decreased first in the subsurface, simultaneously with rising temperatures over Antarctica, and propagated up to the surface within ~3 kyr. The early subsurface response initiated a rapid decrease in density stratification over the upper water column as indicated by reduced δ18O gradients between surface and intermediate depths. Stratification of the upper water column remained low through the termination, with stratification minima reached during Heinrich Stadial 1 and the Younger Dryas (YD), synchronous with the two‐part deglacial rise in atmospheric CO2. Centennial‐scale shifts toward heavier δ18O signatures at 370 and 600 m during the YD indicate short‐lived shifts in the Subantarctic Mode Water/Antarctic Intermediate Water boundary to shallower intermediate depths. We suggest that decreased density gradients during the deglaciation accelerated vertical mixing across the EEP, and potentially the entire South Pacific subtropical gyre, which enhanced CO2 delivery from depth to the surface ocean and atmosphere.
Holey Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets with Carbon Vacancies for Highly Improved Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liang Qinghua , Li Zhi , Huang Zheng‐Hong , Kang Feiyu , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: October 2015

2D graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheets have attracted tremendous attention in photocatalysis due to their many intriguing properties. However, the photocatalytic performance of GCN nanosheets is still restricted by the limited active sites and the serious aggregation during the photocatalytic process. Herein, a simple approach to produce holey GCN (HGCN) nanosheets with abundant in‐plane holes by thermally treating bulk GCN (BGCN) under an NH3 atmosphere is reported. These formed in‐plane holes not only endow GCN nanosheets with more exposed active edges and cross‐plane diffusion channels that greatly speed up mass and photogenerated charge transfer, but also provide numerous boundaries and thus decrease the aggregation. Compared to BGCN, the resultant HGCN has a much higher specific surface area of 196 m2 g−1, together with an enlarged bandgap of 2.95 eV. In addition, the HGCN is demonstrated to be self‐modified with carbon vacancies that make HGCN show much broader light absorption extending to the near‐infrared region, a higher donor density, and remarkably longer lifetime of charge carriers. As such, HGCN has a much higher photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of nearly 20 times the rate of BGCN.
Perovskite Photovoltaics for Dim‐Light Applications
Authors: Chen Chien‐Yu , Chang Jung‐Hao , Chiang Kai‐Ming , Lin Hong‐Lin , Hsiao Sheng‐Yi , Lin Hao‐Wu
Published: October 2015

The use of photovoltaic cells with an organometallic perovskite as the active layer for indoor dim‐light energy harvesting is evaluated. By designing the electron‐transporting materials and fabrication processes, the traps in the perovskite active layers and carrier dynamics can be controlled, and efficient devices are demonstrated. The best‐performing small‐area perovskite photovoltaics exhibit a promising high power conversion efficiency up to ≈27.4%, no hysteresis behavior, and an exceptionally low maximum power point voltage variation of ≈0.1 V under fluorescent lamp illumination at 100–1000 lux. The 5.44 cm2 large‐area device also shows a high efficiency of 20.4% and a promising long‐term stability. Compared with the most efficient inorganic and organic solar cells nowadays, the competitive efficiency, low fabrication cost, and low raw material costs make perovskite photovoltaics ideal for indoor light harvesting and as Internet of Things power provider.
Multifunctional Carbon for Electrochemical Double‐Layer Capacitors
Authors: Assresahegn Birhanu Desalegn , Bélanger Daniel
Published: October 2015

Multifunctional carbon materials are prepared for application as an active electrode material in an electrochemical capacitor displaying both charge storage and binder properties. The synthesis of the materials involves the functionalization of high surface area Black Pearls 2000 carbon black by a covalent attachment of polyacrylic acid. The polyacrylic acid polymer is formed by atom transfer radical polymerization using 1‐(bromoethyl)benzene groups initially bonded to the carbon by spontaneous grafting from the corresponding diazonium ions. The grafting of 1‐(bromoethyl)benzene and polyacrylic acid is confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and nitrogen gas adsorption isotherm. The composite electrode films prepared from the modified carbon are more hydrophilic and have better wettability in an aqueous electrolyte than the one prepared with the unmodified carbon. The modified electrodes also show a higher specific capacitance (≈140 F g−1), a wider working potential window (1.5 V) and excellent specific capacitance retention upon cycling (99.9% after 5000 cycles) in an aqueous 0.65 m K2SO4 electrolyte. Moreover, a relatively high specific capacitance (≈90 F g−1) is maintained at a scan rate of 1000 mV s−1 with the polyacrylic‐acid‐modified carbon electrode.
Following the Morphology Formation In Situ in Printed Active Layers for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Pröller Stephan , Liu Feng , Zhu Chenhui , Wang Cheng , Russell Thomas P. , Hexemer Alexander , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Herzig Eva M.
Published: October 2015

The device performance of organic polymer:fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells strongly depends on the interpenetrating network of the involved donor and acceptor materials in the active layer. Since morphology formation depends on the conditions of film preparation, the final morphology varies for different deposition methods. In order to understand and optimize industrial coating processes and, therefore, the performance of the solar cells produced, a deeper understanding of structure formation is important. In situ measurements of slot‐die printed polymer:fullerene active layers are presented that reveal insights into the evolution of the structure. Polymer crystallization and ordering is monitored by in situ grazing incidence wide angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS), and in situ grazing incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS). The development of the morphology exhibits five stages independent of the drying conditions. Two growth rates are observed, an initial slow formation of poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) crystallites in well‐aligned edge‐on orientation followed by a rapid crystal growth. By combining the GIWAXS and GISAXS measurements, a five‐stage growth and assembly process is found and described in detail along with a proposed model of the structural evolution. The findings are an important step in tailoring the assembly process.