bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No evidence of sperm conjugate formation in an Australian mouse bearing sperm with three hooks
Authors: Firman Renée C. , Bentley Blair , Bowman Faye , Marchant Fernando García‐Solís , Parthenay Jahmila , Sawyer Jessica , Stewart Tom , O'Shea James E.
Published: May 2013

Sperm conjugation occurs when two or more sperm physically unite for motility or transport through the female reproductive tract. In many muroid rodent species, sperm conjugates have been shown to form by a single, conspicuous apical hook located on the sperm head. These sperm “trains” have been reported to be highly variable in size and, despite all the heads pointing in roughly the same direction, exhibit a relatively disordered arrangement. In some species, sperm “trains” have been shown to enhance sperm swimming speed, and thus have been suggested to be advantageous in sperm competition. Here, we assessed the behavior of sperm in the sandy inland mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis), a muroid rodent that bears sperm with three apical hooks. First, we accrued genetic evidence of multiple paternity within “wild” litters to unequivocally show that sperm competition does occur in this species. Following this we utilized both in vitro and in vivo methodologies to determine whether sandy inland mouse sperm conjugate to form motile trains. Our observations of in vitro preparations of active sperm revealed that sandy inland mouse sperm exhibit rapid, progressive motility as individual cells only. Similarly, histological sections of the reproductive tracts of mated females revealed no in vivo evidence of sperm conjugate formation. We conclude that the unique, three‐hooked morphology of the sandy inland mouse sperm does not facilitate the formation of motile conjugates, and discuss our findings in relation to the different hypotheses for the evolution of the muroid rodent hook/s.
Synthesis of Unsaturated Diesters of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Diols Derived from Dimethyl (+)‐Tartrate and Galactaric­ Acid
Authors: Scoccia Jimena , Gerbino Darío C. , Terraza Victor F. , Zúñiga Adriana E. , Podestá Julio C.
Published: May 2013

The preparation of symmetrical unsaturated diesters of dioe first was the reaction of mixed anhydrides, obtained from α,β‐unsaturated acids and benzoyl chloride, with diols 3 (primary), 5 (secondary), and 7 (primary), i.e., Yamaguchi–SantaLucía's method, however only the symmetrical diacrylates of diols 5 and 7 were obtained quantitatively. In the other ten cases studied the reactions led to mixtures of symmetrical and unsymmetrical diesters that were difficult to separate. The mixed anhydrides did not react with the tertiary diols 4 (TADDOL) and 8. The average yield obtained in desired symmetrical diesters in the 12 cases studied was 54 %. The acylation of the diols with the anhydrides of the unsaturated acids, was found to be an excellent method, leading to the symmetrical unsaturated diesters of diols 3, 5, 7 as the only products of reaction, in an average yield of 83 %. Unfortunately, the method could not be applied to diesters derived from the tertiary diols 4 (TADDOL) and 8. The third method studied was the reaction between the alkoxides prepared with solutions of nBuLi in ether with the unsaturated acid chlorides at –50 °C, i.e., the Kaiser–Woodruff protocol. This was found to be the best of the three methods tested. The method was applied with success to the synthesis of the desired unsaturated diesters derived from diols 3–5, 7, and 8. The average yield of the 19 cases studied was 78 %.
Conditional spectrum‐based ground motion selection. Part II: Intensity‐based assessments and evaluation of alternative target spectra
Authors: Lin Ting , Haselton Curt B. , Baker Jack W.
Published: May 2013

In a companion paper, an overview and problem definition was presented for ground motion selection on the basis of the conditional spectrum (CS), to perform risk‐based assessments (which estimate the annual rate of exceeding a specified structural response amplitude) for a 20‐story reinforced concrete frame structure. Here, the methodology is repeated for intensity‐based assessments (which estimate structural response for ground motions with a specified intensity level) to determine the effect of conditioning period. Additionally, intensity‐based and risk‐based assessments are evaluated for two other possible target spectra, specifically the uniform hazard spectrum (UHS) and the conditional mean spectrum (CMS, without variability).It is demonstrated for the structure considered that the choice of conditioning period in the CS can substantially impact structural response estimates in an intensity‐based assessment. When used for intensity‐based assessments, the UHS typically results in equal or higher median estimates of structural response than the CS; the CMS results in similar median estimates of structural response compared with the CS but exhibits lower dispersion because of the omission of variability. The choice of target spectrum is then evaluated for risk‐based assessments, showing that the UHS results in overestimation of structural response hazard, whereas the CMS results in underestimation. Additional analyses are completed for other structures to confirm the generality of the conclusions here. These findings have potentially important implications both for the intensity‐based seismic assessments using the CS in future building codes and the risk‐based seismic assessments typically used in performance‐based earthquake engineering applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Out‐of‐plane behaviour of a full scale stone masonry façade. Part 1: specimen and ground motion selection
Authors: Costa Alexandre A. , Arêde António , Campos Costa Alfredo , Penna Andrea , Costa Aníbal
Published: May 2013

The out‐of‐plane response of walls in existing stone masonry buildings is one of the major causes of vulnerability commonly observed in post‐earthquake damage surveys. In this context, a shaking table (ST) test campaign was carried out on a full‐scale masonry façade mainly focusing on the characterization of its out‐of‐plane overturning behaviour. The structure tested on the ST is a partial reproduction of an existing building from Azores, damaged during the 9 July 1998 Faial earthquake. The definition of the tested specimen as well as the selection of the input ground motion is reported in this paper. A specific emphasis is given to the definition of the time‐history to be applied during the tests because it was felt as an essential and crucial part of the work to obtain the desired overturning behaviour. The accelerogram to be imposed was selected from a large set of accelerograms (74) by means of a step‐by‐step procedure on the basis of several numerical analyses resorting to the rocking response of rigid blocks. A companion paper (Part 2) focuses on the ST test results and detailed data interpretation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking landscape morphological complexity and sediment connectivity
Authors: Baartman Jantiene E. M. , Masselink Rens , Keesstra Saskia D. , Temme Arnaud J. A. M.
Published: May 2013

Connectivity relates to the coupling of landforms (e.g. hillslopes and channels) and the transfer of water and sediment between them. The degree to which parts of a catchment are connected depends largely on the morphological complexity of the catchment's landscape. Landscapes can have very different and distinct morphologies, such as terraces, V‐shaped valleys or broad floodplains. The objective of this study is to better understand and quantify the relation between landscape complexity and catchment connectivity. We hypothesize that connectivity decreases with increasing landscape morphological complexity. To quantify the connectivity–complexity relationship virtual digital elevation models (DEMs) with distinct morphologies were used as inputs into the landscape evolution model LAPSUS to simulate the sediment connectivity of each landscape. Additionally, the hypothesis was tested on six common real DEMs with widely different morphologies. Finally, the effects of different rainfall time series on catchment response were explored. Simulation results confirm the hypothesis and quantify the non‐linear relation. Results from the exploration of sediment connectivity in response to sequences of rainfall events indicate that feedback between erosion and deposition are more important for certain landscape morphologies than for others: for a given rainfall input, a more effective sediment connectivity and erosion response may be expected from rolling or V‐shaped catchments than from dissected or stepped landscapes. Awareness of the differences in the behaviour and response of different morphologies to catchment processes provides valuable information for the effective management of landscapes and ecosystems through efficiently designed soil and water conservation measures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vegetation dynamics on eroding to accreting beach‐foredune systems, Florida panhandle
Authors: Bitton Michael C. A. , Hesp Patrick A.
Published: May 2013

Vegetation surveys were conducted on a variety of coastal foredunes in a largely natural region along the Gulf County region of the Florida panhandle. Species presence, absence and percentage cover were surveyed on 12 foredune profiles during different seasons. The vegetation data were analyzed using the Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index and Sørensen Index. Uniola sp. and Andropgon sp. were the dominant species on foredunes. Uniola sp. was found predominantly on the gulfward facing or stoss slopes, and Andropgon sp. was found to be dominant on the inland or lee slopes of foredunes. While they are present on all foredunes, their presence and percentage cover are dominant on rapidly prograding coasts. Prograding/accretional beaches had higher Sørensen Index values (i.e. higher similarities) than did the foredune‐vegetation profiles on eroding beaches. Diversity as indicated by the Shannon–Wiener analysis (H’) is greatest on the highest, and generally eroding dunes. Foredune diversity increased with foredune height, and the tallest foredunes were found on shorelines with relatively low erosion rates, where dunes were slowly translating landwards, cannibalizing older dunes, and moving into areas colonized by late successional species, such as Quercus sp. These observations of foredune species richness, diversity, profile similarities, and the use of ecological indices can provide excellent proxy evidence of shoreline dynamics, and in particular the degree of beach erosion and accretion, in the absence of historical erosion/accretion data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perennial frost blisters of the outer Mackenzie Delta, western Arctic coast, Canada
Authors: Morse Peter D. , Burn Christopher R.
Published: May 2013

Saturated floodplains in Arctic deltas provide conditions favourable for frost mound growth. Little work has been reported from these settings to determine the origin of frost mounds and the controls on their distribution, to assess the longevity of individual mounds, or to quantify variation of mound distribution over time. A case study is presented on low mounds in low‐centred syngenetic ice‐wedge polygons of Big Lake Delta Plain, outer Mackenzie Delta. In 2008 and 2009, 12 mounds were examined by drilling to describe their morphologic variations and to investigate their growth processes. The mounds, containing a core of ice 15 to 58 cm thick, were less than 1 m high and 3 · 7 to 8 · 5 m in diameter; other mounds were over 10 m long. Organic inclusions in the ice, bubble densities, electrical conductivity profiles, and ice‐crystal structure indicated that the mounds were hydrostatic frost blisters. Up to six frost blisters were found within individual polygons due to the relatively small volume of water needed to create each mound. Frost‐blister densities, of greater than 1700 km–2, increased toward the wet centres of alluvial islands down gentle topographic gradients. The frost blisters were perennial, with individuals remaining identifiable on aerial photographs and satellite images for up to 10 years. Frost blisters collapsed along dilation cracks opened by hydrostatic uplift and by thawing from their sides caused by snow drifting and water ponding. Cyclical growth and decay of the mounds may degrade the visible polygonal network over time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of high core thermal conductivity on Earth's coupled mantle and core evolution
Authors: Nakagawa Takashi , Tackley Paul J.
Published: May 2013

We assess the effect of high thermal conductivity of Earth's core, which was recently determined to be 2–3 times higher than previously thought, on Earth's thermochemical‐magnetic evolution using a coupled model of simulated mantle convection and parameterized core heat balance, following the best fit case of Nakagawa and Tackley (2010). The value of core thermal conductivity has no effect on mantle evolution. The core‐mantle boundary heat flow starts high and decreases with time to ~13 TW, which is below the core adiabatic heat flux for the largest thermal conductivity tested (200 W/m/K), meaning that a purely thermal dynamo is not viable. However, gravitational energy release and latent heat associated with inner core growth become important in the last ~0.9 Gyr and allow continuous geodynamo generation despite high core thermal conductivity, although we estimate a subadiabatic region at the top of the core of the order of hundreds of kilometers.
Rising ELA and expanding proglacial lakes indicate impending rapid retreat of Brady Glacier, Alaska
Authors: Pelto M. , Capps D. , Clague J. J. , Pelto B.
Published: May 2013

Brady Glacier is a large Alaskan tidewater glacier that is beginning a period of substantial retreat. Examination of 27 Landsat and MODIS images from the period 2003 to 2011 indicates that Brady Glacier has a mean equilibrium line altitude (ELA) of 745 m and accumulation area ratio (AAR) of 0.40. The zero balance ELA is 600 m and equilibrium AAR 0.65. The negative mass balance associated with the increased ELA has triggered thinning of 20–100 m over most of the glacier below the ELA from 1948 to 2010. The thinning has caused substantial retreat of seven calving distributary termini of the glacier. Thinning and retreat have led to an increase in the width of and water depth at the calving fronts. In contrast, the main terminus has undergone only minor retreat since 1948. In 2010, several small proglacial lakes were evident at the terminus. By 2000, a permanent outlet river issuing from Trick Lake had developed along the western glacier margin. Initial lake development at the terminus combined with continued mass losses will lead to expansion of the lakes at the main terminus and retreat by calving. The glacier bed is likely below sea level along the main axis of Brady Glacier to the glacier divide. Retreat of the main terminus in the lake will likely lead to a rapid calving retreat similar to Bear, Excelsior, Norris, Portage and Yakutat glaciers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Birth Weight and Adult Bone Metabolism Are Unrelated: Results From Birth Weight–Discordant Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Frost Morten , Petersen Inge , Andersen Thomas L , Langdahl Bente L , Buhl Thora , Christiansen Lene , Brixen Kim , Christensen Kaare
Published: May 2013

Low birth weight (BW) has been associated with poor bone health in adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between BW and bone mass and metabolism in adult BW-discordant monozygotic (MZ) twins. A total of 153 BW–extremely discordant MZ twin pairs were recruited from the Danish Twin Registry. Serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD]) and bone turnover markers (BTMs) amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (1CTP), and cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) were quantified. Femoral neck (FN), total hip (TH), lumbar spine (LS), and whole-body (WB) bone mineral density (BMD) (ie, FN-BMD, TH-BMD, LS-BMD, and WB-BMD, respectively) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Twins were studied as single individuals using regression analyses with or without adjustment for height, weight, age, sex, and intrapair correlation. Within-pair differences were assessed using Student's t test and fixed-regression models. BW was not associated with BTMs, LS-BMD, TH-BMD, FN-BMD, or WB-BMD, but BW was associated with WB-BMC, and WB-Area after adjustments. Compared to the co-twin, twins with the highest BW were heavier and taller in adulthood (mean differences ± SD): 3.0 ± 10.5 kg; 1.6 ± 2.6 cm; both p < 0.001). Within-pair analyses showed that LS-BMD, TH-BMD, and FN-BMD tended to be higher in twins with highest BW (for all: mean difference 0.01 ± 0.1 g/cm2; p = 0.08, 0.05, and 0.10, respectively). No difference was observed after adjustment for adult body size. Intrapair differences in BW were not associated with differences in any of the biochemical parameters or BMD. Small differences between twins in BMD were explained by dissimilarities in body size. These results suggest that BW and adult bone metabolism are unrelated. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Uroprotective Effect of Pentoxifylline in Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Rats
Authors: Abo‐Salem Osama M.
Published: May 2013

The role of phosphodiesterase inhibitor, pentoxifylline, in the prevention of cyclophosphamide‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis was evaluated in a rat model. Hemorrhagic cystitis was induced in rats by an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a single dose of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg). Pentoxifylline (150 mg/kg/day/ip) was administered for 10 days followed by cyclophosphamide. Hemorrhagic cystitis was well characterized macroscopically, microscopically, and biochemically. Cyclophosphamide induced bladder injury including acute severe inflammation, vascular congestion, severe edema, hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration in the lamina propria, and epithelial denudation; as well as it notably elevated serum inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐1β), bladder content of malondialdehyde and total nitrate, accompanied with depletion of bladder antioxidant enzymes activities (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, and catalase). Prior administration of pentoxifylline improved all biochemical and histologic alterations induced by the cytotoxic drug cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, pentoxifylline has proven uroprotective efficacy in the cyclophosphamide‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis model, possibly through modulating the release of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide and restoring the oxidant/antioxidant balance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:343‐350, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21494
Prenatal diagnosis of infantile myofibromatosis of the lung: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yeniel Ahmet Ozgur , Ergenoglu Ahmet Mete , Zeybek Burak , Kazandi Mert , Akercan Fuat , Ozcan Coşkun , Veral Ali
Published: May 2013

We present a case of infantile myofibromatosis of the lung detected at 32 weeks' gestation. The fetus was monitored with weekly ultrasound examinations measuring the mass size and amniotic fluid index. On day 2 after delivery, due to respiratory distress, an exploratory thoracotomy was undertaken and the mass was resected. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:38–41, 2013
Large‐scale quasiperiodic plasma bubbles: C/NOFS observations and causal mechanism
Authors: Huang Chao‐Song , de La Beaujardière O. , Roddy P. A. , Hunton D. E. , Ballenthin J. O. , Hairston M. R. , Pfaff R. F.
Published: May 2013

Large‐scale periodic plasma bubbles are often observed by ionospheric radars and satellites. The seeding effect of atmospheric gravity waves has been widely used to explain the generation of periodic plasma bubbles. However, it has not been well understood where the seeding process occurs and how a series of plasma bubbles is triggered. In this study, we present the observations of equatorial plasma bubbles by the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite. We show examples of quasiperiodic plasma bubbles in the post‐midnight sector, with nearly equal distance of 800–1000 km between adjacent bubbles, in 2008 under deep solar minimum conditions. The bubble chain covered a longitudinal range of ~7000 km between 00:00 and 04:00 LT. Quasiperiodic plasma bubbles were also measured by C/NOFS in the evening sector in 2011 during the ascending phase of the solar activity, and the longitudinal distance between adjacent bubbles was ~500 km. We propose a causal mechanism to explain the generation of quasiperiodic plasma bubbles. In this scenario, atmospheric gravity waves are generated near the sunset terminator and initiate the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability there. The spatial (longitudinal) periodicity of plasma bubbles is determined by the temporal periodicity of the seeding gravity waves. A period of 15–30 min of the seeding gravity waves corresponds to a longitudinal separation of 500–1000 km between adjacent bubbles. This mechanism provides a reasonable explanation of the observed quasiperiodic plasma bubbles.
Substorm‐associated explosive magnetic field stretching near the earthward edge of the plasma sheet
Authors: Kozelova T. V. , Kozelov B. V.
Published: May 2013

We report a detailed analysis of explosive local magnetic field line stretching just before dipolarization observed by one of Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) satellites during the pseudo‐breakup followed by local substorm of 6 January 2008. At the end of the substorm growth phase, this satellite (THEMIS‐C) was located at r ~ 6.3 RE near the convection boundary of 10 keV electrons. Penetration of the hot electron plasma sheet to the region of trapped energetic ions was a precondition for the substorm onset in the premidnight sector. Observed oscillations of fields and particles with period 50–60 s are consistent with the ballooning mode in the near‐Earth magnetotail and with the near‐Earth initiation current disruption model. Basing on the simple line‐current model, the explosive stretching and following dipolarization observed by THEMIS‐C satellite are interpreted as a manifestation of the magnetospheric generator of the 3‐D meridional current system with the driving electric field in the meridional direction during nonlinear growth of ballooning instability when non‐MHD processes are also turning on.
Modulation mechanisms of marine atmospheric boundary layer at the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence region
Authors: de Camargo Ricardo , Todesco Enzo , Pezzi Luciano Ponzi , de Souza Ronald Buss
Published: May 2013

The influence of the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence (BMC) region on the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) is investigated through in situ data analysis of five different cruises (2004 to 2008) and numerical experiments with a regional atmospheric model. Two different groups of numerical experiments were performed in order to evaluate the relevance of static stability and hydrostatic balance physical mechanisms for the MABL instability. The first group used monthly climatological sea surface temperature (SST) as bottom boundary condition while the second used daily updated Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–EOS SST data together with radiosondes and surface data assimilation. A reasonable agreement between numerical results and QuikSCAT wind data was observed through correlation coefficients and mean square error values. In terms of the horizontal structure of the MABL, stronger winds were found over the warm side of the BMC region as well as over the thermal front itself, which supports the coexistence of both modulation mechanisms. The analyzed patterns of surface atmospheric thermal advection showed a clear interaction between the synoptic and regional scales. The signature of the oceanic thermal front (almost meridionally oriented) on the air temperature at 2 m makes the temperature advection strongly determined by the zonal component of the wind. The analysis of momentum budget terms did not show a clear and reasonable explanation of the existence or predominance of the modulation mechanisms, and it also suggested the relevance of other effects, such as the idea based on unbalanced Coriolis force and turbulence/friction effects.
The fourth radiation transfer model intercomparison (RAMI‐IV): Proficiency testing of canopy reflectance models with ISO‐13528
Authors: Widlowski J.‐L. , Pinty B. , Lopatka M. , Atzberger C. , Buzica D. , Chelle M. , Disney M. , Gastellu‐Etchegorry J‐P. , Gerboles M. , Gobron N. , Grau E. , Huang H. , Kallel A. , Kobayashi H. , Lewis P. E. , Qin W. , Schlerf M. , Stuckens J. , Xie D.
Published: May 2013

The radiation transfer model intercomparison (RAMI) activity aims at assessing the reliability of physics‐based radiative transfer (RT) models under controlled experimental conditions. RAMI focuses on computer simulation models that mimic the interactions of radiation with plant canopies. These models are increasingly used in the development of satellite retrieval algorithms for terrestrial essential climate variables (ECVs). Rather than applying ad hoc performance metrics, RAMI‐IV makes use of existing ISO standards to enhance the rigor of its protocols evaluating the quality of RT models. ISO‐13528 was developed “to determine the performance of individual laboratories for specific tests or measurements.” More specifically, it aims to guarantee that measurement results fall within specified tolerance criteria from a known reference. Of particular interest to RAMI is that ISO‐13528 provides guidelines for comparisons where the true value of the target quantity is unknown. In those cases, “truth” must be replaced by a reliable “conventional reference value” to enable absolute performance tests. This contribution will show, for the first time, how the ISO‐13528 standard developed by the chemical and physical measurement communities can be applied to proficiency testing of computer simulation models. Step by step, the pre‐screening of data, the identification of reference solutions, and the choice of proficiency statistics will be discussed and illustrated with simulation results from the RAMI‐IV “abstract canopy” scenarios. Detailed performance statistics of the participating RT models will be provided and the role of the accuracy of the reference solutions as well as the choice of the tolerance criteria will be highlighted.
Highly intense lightning over the oceans: Estimated peak currents from global GLD360 observations
Authors: Said R. K. , Cohen M. B. , Inan U. S.
Published: May 2013

We present the first global distribution of the average estimated peak currents in negative lightning flashes using 1 year of continuous data from the Vaisala global lightning data set GLD360. The data set, composed of 353 million flashes, was compared with the National Lightning Detection NetworkTM for peak current accuracy, location accuracy, and detection efficiency. The validation results demonstrated a mean (geometric mean) peak current magnitude error of 21% (6%), a median location accuracy of 2.5 km, and a relative ground flash detection efficiency of 57% averaged over all positive and negative reference flashes, and 67% for all reference flashes above 15 kA. The distribution of peak currents for negative flashes shifts to higher magnitudes over the ocean. Three case study 10°×10° regions are analyzed, in which the peak current enhancement is extremely sharp at the coastline, suggesting that the higher peak currents for oceanic lightning cannot be solely attributable to network artifacts such as detection efficiency and peak current estimation error. In these regions, the geometric mean and 95th percentile of the peak current distribution for negative cloud to ocean flashes is 22%–88% and 65%–121% higher, respectively, compared to cloud to ground flashes in nearby land regions. Globally, the majority of all negative flashes with estimated peak current magnitude above 75 kA occur over the ocean.
The effect of sidewall forest canopies on the formation of cold‐air pools: A numerical study
Authors: Kiefer M. T. , Zhong S.
Published: May 2013

While the evolution and dynamics of cold‐air pools in basins and valleys continue to be an active area of research, the influence of vegetation cover on cold‐air pools remains largely unexamined. Recently, the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) atmospheric model has been modified to allow simulation of flow through a multilayer canopy (ARPS‐CANOPY). In this study, two‐dimensional numerical simulations are performed with ARPS‐CANOPY to examine the impact of sidewall forest cover on diurnal cold‐air pool formation inside an idealized valley. A cold‐air pool develops regardless of the presence or absence of sidewall vegetation. However, the strength of the temperature inversion and the overall cooling appear to be substantially modified by sidewall vegetation. The coldest overall valley temperature occurs with no sidewall vegetation cover while the warmest occurs when the valley sidewalls are fully covered with vegetation. In simulations with partial forest cover, the nocturnal cooling in approximately the upper two thirds (lower one third) of the valley atmosphere is shown to be most sensitive to forest cover along the upper half (lower half) of the sidewall. The sidewall forest cover also affects downslope flows through a combination of weaker surface cooling beneath the forest canopy and increased drag on air flowing down the sidewalls. Finally, the strength of downslope flow is shown to be highly sensitive to the presence or absence of trees farther up the slope.
RAINFALL‐INDEX INSURANCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION: EVIDENCE FROM FIELD EXPERIMENT IN TUNISIA
Authors: Ragoubi Noujeima , Belkacem Lotfi , Ben Mimoun Anouar
Published: May 2013

This paper deals with the impact of rainfall‐index insurance on the adoption of new varieties of durum wheat by Tunisian farmers. We use a mathematical programming model called ‘focus‐loss’ to determine the optimal production of four representative farms in the region of Beja, in the northwest, with rainfall‐index insurance and without rainfall‐index insurance. Results show that the expected net incomes are higher under with rainfall‐index insurance scenario. Furthermore, for the latter, optimal production structures include new varieties of durum wheat. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of a polygalacturonase gene of Ustilago maydis and characterization of the encoded enzyme
Authors: Castruita‐Domínguez José P , González‐Hernández Sandra E , Polaina Julio , Flores‐Villavicencio Lérida L , Alvarez‐Vargas Aurelio , Flores‐Martínez Alberto , Ponce‐Noyola Patricia , Leal‐Morales Carlos A
Published: May 2013

Ustilago maydis is a pathogenic fungus that produces the corn smut. It is a biotrophic parasite that depends on living plant tissues for its proliferation and development. Polygalacturonases are secreted by pathogens to solubilize the plant cell‐wall and are required for pathogen virulence. In this paper, we report the isolation of a U. maydis polygalacturonase gene (Pgu1) and the functional and structural characterization of the encoded enzyme. The U. maydis Pgu1 gene is expressed when the fungus is grown in liquid culture media containing different carbon sources. In plant tissue, the expression increased as a function of incubation time. Pgu1 gene expression was detected during plant infection around 10 days post‐infection with U. maydis FB‐D12 strain in combination with teliospore formation. Synthesis and secretion of active recombinant PGU1 were achieved using Pichia pastoris, the purified enzyme had a optimum temperature of 34 °C, optimum pH of 4.5, a Km of 57.84 g/L for polygalacturonic acid, and a Vmax of 28.9 µg/min mg. Structural models of PGU1 based on homologous enzymes yielded a typical right‐handed β‐helix fold of pectinolytic enzymes classified in the glycosyl hydrolases family 28, and the U. maydis PGU1 is related with endo rather than exo polygalacturonases.
Development of genus‐specific primers for better understanding the diversity and population structure of Sphingomonas in soils
Authors: Zhou Lisha , Li Hui , Zhang Ying , Han Siqin , Xu Hui
Published: May 2013

Genus Sphingomonas has received increasing attentions due to its somewhat unique metabolic versatilities in the contaminated environment. However, due to the lack of genus‐specific primers, the ecological significance of Sphingomonas in polluted soils has been rarely documented by 16S rDNA finger‐printing methods. In this study, three genus‐specific primer sets targeted at the 16S rRNA gene of Sphingomonas were developed and their specificities were tested with four contaminated soils from Shenfu petroleum‐wastewater irrigation zone by constructing clone libraries, amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and sequencing the represented ARDRA patterns. Meanwhile, the newly designed primer sets and a previously reported primer set were compared, and the results showed that the newly developed primer set SA/429f‐933r could detect a larger spectrum (90%) of Sphingomonas strains with higher specificity. Despite the superiority of primer set SA/429f‐933r in specifically detecting Sphingomonas from contaminated soils, we cannot blink the fact that different primer sets preferentially amplified different dominant species. Therefore, two or more primer sets are recommended for evaluating the diversity and population structure of genus Sphingomonas. Additionally, a proportion (9.7%) of the cloned sequences discovered in this study were different from known Sphingomonas sequences, suggesting that new Sphingomonas sequences might present in soils from Shenfu irrigation zone.
Isolation and characterization of indigenous Streptomyces and Lentzea strains from soils containing boron compounds in Argentina
Authors: Moraga Norma Beatriz , Poma Hugo Ramiro , Amoroso María Julia , Rajal Verónica Beatriz
Published: May 2013

The Salta Province – in the northwest of Argentina – is the main worldwide producer of hydroboracite and leads in exports of boron mineral and its derivatives in Latin America. In addition to the natural presence of boron compounds in the soils, there are others contaminated due to the boron mining industry. Although some bacteria are known to require boron for their growth or to be capable of storing boron, no studies have been published about Streptomyces or Lentzea genera's capacity to tolerate high boron concentrations, or about their metabolic capacities in boron contaminated environments. The results of this research show the isolation and molecular characterization of eight strains belonging to the actinobacteria phylum collected from different soils contaminated with high boron concentration in Salta state. The boron tolerance assays, which show that three of the strains were able to tolerate up 60–80 mM boron, demonstrate the potential capability of this group of bacteria to grow and maybe to remove boron from the environment. They appear to be promising, considering that these microorganisms are infrequent pathogens, are metabolically versatile and many Streptomyces can synthesize boron containing metabolites.
Multilocus sequences confirm the close genetic relationship of four phytoplasmas of peanut witches'‐broom group 16SrII‐A
Authors: Li Yong , Piao Chun‐gen , Tian Guo‐zhong , Liu Zhi‐xin , Guo Min‐wei , Lin Cai‐li , Wang Xi‐zhuo
Published: May 2013

Four witches'‐broom diseases associated with Arachis hypogaea (peanut), Crotalaria pallida, Tephrosia purpurea, and Cleome viscosa were observed in Hainan Province, China during field surveys in 2004, 2005, and 2007. In previously reported studies, we identified these four phytoplasmas as members of subgroup 16SrII‐A, and discovered that their 16S rRNA gene sequences were 99.9–100% identical to one another. In this study, we performed extensive phylogenetic analyses to elucidate relationships among them. We analyzed sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and rplV–rpsC, rpoB, gyrB, dnaK, dnaJ, recA, and secY combined sequence data from two strains each of the four phytoplasmas from Hainan province, as well as strains of peanut witches'‐broom from Taiwan (PnWB‐TW), “Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense”, “Ca. Phytoplasma mali AT”, aster yellows witches'‐broom phytoplasma AYWB, and onion yellows phytoplasma OY‐M. In the 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree, the eight Hainan strains form a clade with PnWB‐TW. Analysis of the seven concatenated gene regions indicated that the four phytoplasmas collected from Hainan province cluster most closely with one another, but are closely related to PnWB‐TW. The results of field survey and phylogenetic analysis indicated that Cr. pallida, T. purpurea, and Cl. viscosa may be natural plant hosts of peanut witches'‐broom phytoplasma.
A synoptic climatology of the near‐surface wind along the west coast of South America
Authors: Rahn David A. , Garreaud René D.
Published: May 2013

Prevailing wind along the west coast of South America is equatorward, driven by the southeast Pacific anticyclone. The wind induces strong coastal upwelling that supports one of the most important fisheries in the world. This region lacks a dense network of in situ observations, so the high resolution (0.313°) NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis is used here to present a synoptic climatology of the coastal wind along the Chile/Peru coast. Covariability between the alongshore pressure gradient and alongshore wind, which was previously identified for synoptic time scales near central Chile, is generalized for the whole coast and over annual time scales. Particular attention is paid to three prominent upwelling regions: Pisco (14.8°S), Punta Lengua de Vaca (30.0°S), and Punta Lavapie (36.4°S). Previous work has identified local maxima at these points but these are embedded in a broader low‐level jet that exhibits a marked seasonal cycle of strong wind days due to the migration of the anticyclone and is associated with a shift of both the mean wind and a more frequent recurrence of strong wind events. Alongshore wind near Pisco is normally distributed year‐round with a seasonal shift in the mean. Larger variability in the mean and distribution is found at Lavapie, associated with the seasonal change in storm tracks. The synoptic evolution that drives high‐wind events at each location is characterized. A midlevel trough and surface cyclone precede wind maxima at each location and are followed by strong midlevel ridging and a strengthened surface anticyclone. © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Non‐invasive depth profiling by space and time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sundarajoo Shankaran , Izake Emad L. , Olds William , Cletus Biju , Jaatinen Esa , Fredericks Peter M.
Published: May 2013

Time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy, spatially offset Raman spectroscopy and time‐resolved spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (TR‐SORS) have proven their capability for the non‐invasive profiling of deep layers of a sample. Recent studies have indicated that TR‐SORS exhibits an enhanced selectivity toward the deep layers of a sample. However, the enhanced depth profiling efficiency of TR‐SORS, in comparison with time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy and spatially offset Raman spectroscopy, is yet to be assessed and explained in accordance to the synergistic effects of spatial and temporal resolutions. This study provides a critical investigation of the depth profiling efficiency of the three deep Raman techniques. The study compares the efficiency of the various deep Raman spectroscopy techniques for the stand‐off detection of explosive precursors hidden in highly fluorescing packaging. The study explains for the first time the synergistic effects of spatial and temporal resolutions in the deep Raman techniques and their impact on the acquired spectral data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Servitization: Is a Paradigm Shift in the Business Model and Service Enterprise Required?
Authors: Barnett Neil J. , Parry Glenn , Saad Mohammed , Newnes Linda B. , Goh Yee Mey
Published: May 2013

Servitization is the move by firms to gain value from service associated with their products, which requires a strategic rather than incremental change in the provider firm.
Net Present Sustainable Value: A New Approach to Sustainable Investment Appraisal
Authors: Liesen Andrea , Figge Frank , Hahn Tobias
Published: May 2013

Net present sustainable value is introduced here as a new strategic tool for managerial decision‐making in the context of sustainable investment appraisal.
Entrepreneurial Characteristics in SMEs: A Rural, Remote Rural, and Urban Perspective of Lincolnshire Businesses
Authors: Blanchard Kevin
Published: May 2013

Among successful entrepreneurs with key characteristics and traits, many of them do not view themselves as being “entrepreneurial,” but just as small business owners.
Strategic Alignment Between Competitive Strategy and Dynamic Capability: Conceptual Framework and Hypothesis Development
Authors: Rashidirad Mona , Soltani Ebrahim , Syed Jawad
Published: May 2013

Strategic alignment of competitive strategies and dynamic capabilities may enable e‐businesses to create superior value for their stakeholders.
Perievent Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder After Mass Trauma: A 12‐Month Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wood Cristina M. , Salguero José M. , Cano‐Vindel Antonio , Galea Sandro
Published: May 2013

Panic attacks frequently lead to psychopathological disorders, including panic disorder. Even though panic disorder is a highly comorbid and disabling mental health problem associated with stressful life or traumatic events, perievent panic attacks and their association with panic disorder have hardly been investigated as a central topic after mass trauma. Using data from a longitudinal population‐based assessment of Madrid residents after the March 11, 2004 train bombings (N = 1,589), with assessments conducted 1, 6, and 12 months after the attacks, the rate of perievent panic attacks was 10.9%. Level of exposure, previous life stressors, and negative emotionality were associated with perievent panic attacks (β = .12, .15, and .10, respectively), which in turn mediated the relationship between exposure to the terrorist event and panic disorder in the following year. Previous life stressors (β = .15) and low social support (β = −.14) were directly associated with panic disorder during the subsequent year. The most vulnerable individuals who experienced perievent panic attacks were 3.7 times, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.1, 6.4], more likely to suffer from panic disorder in the following year. Results suggest that early identification of perievent panic attacks following mass trauma may be helpful for reducing panic disorder.
Feasibility and Desirability of Web‐Based Mental Health Screening and Individualized Education for Female OEF/OIF Reserve and National Guard War Veterans
Authors: Sadler Anne G. , Mengeling Michelle A. , Torner James C. , Smith Jeffrey L. , Franciscus Carrie L. , Erschens Holly J. , Booth Brenda M.
Published: May 2013

Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Reserve and National Guard (RNG) service members have an increased risk for postdeployment mental health (MH) and readjustment problems, yet most do not access needed care. It is unknown if RNG servicewomen experiencing postdeployment readjustment symptoms are aware these may signify treatable MH concerns or if this knowledge activates care‐seeking. The aims of this proof‐of‐concept study were to determine the feasibility of web‐based MH screening for postdeployment MH symptoms to inform individualized psychoeducation, and to assess user perceptions about the online instrument and process, MH care access, and VA and other MH care. A midwestern sample (N = 131) of recently deployed (past 24 months) OEF/OIF RNG Army and Air Force servicewomen participated. High rates of combat experiences (95%) and military sexual trauma (50%) were reported. Positive screens for key symptoms of MH problems were prevalent. One third (31%) of satisfaction survey completers indicated online information reduced discomfort with seeking MH care; 42% reported they would subsequently seek MH assessment. Participants interviewed by telephone indicated that stigma and limited knowledge about women‐specific services were key reasons servicewomen do not use MH care. This study demonstrated web‐based screenings with individualized psychoeducation are implementable and favorable to RNG servicewomen.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Treatment Response in Prolonged Exposure for PTSD
Authors: Sripada Rebecca K. , Rauch Sheila A. M. , Tuerk Peter W. , Smith Erin , Defever Andrew M. , Mayer Rebecca A. , Messina Michael , Venners Margaret
Published: May 2013

A proportion of U.S. veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which is associated with increased risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prolonged Exposure (PE) has proven effectiveness in the treatment of PTSD; however, some clinicians have reservations about using PE with individuals with a history of mTBI. We examined the impact of PE for veterans with PTSD and with or without a history of mTBI in a naturalistic sample of 51 veterans who received PE at a Veterans Health Administration PTSD clinic. We also analyzed previously collected data from a controlled trial of 22 veterans randomly assigned to PE or present centered therapy. For both sets of data, we found that PE reduced symptom levels and we also did not detect an effect for mTBI, suggesting that PE may be helpful for individuals with PTSD and a history of mTBI.
Trauma‐Related Correlates of Alcohol Use in Recently Deployed OEF/OIF Veterans
Authors: Capone Christy , McGrath Ashlee C. , Reddy Madhavi K. , Shea M. Tracie
Published: May 2013

The co‐occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is well documented. Little is known about the factors that contribute to alcohol use and the development of AUDs among military personnel following deployment. The primary aim of this study was to examine trauma‐related correlates of alcohol use in recently deployed Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. Members of the Rhode Island National Guard and Army Reserves (N = 238) completed an in‐person, initial assessment an average of 6 months postdeployment. Multiple regression analyses examined predictors of drinking outcomes (combat exposure, total PTSD symptoms, and PTSD symptom clusters) after accounting for gender, age, and history of AUD. Results indicated that total PTSD symptoms, but not combat exposure, significantly predicted alcohol use at the initial assessment. When PTSD symptom clusters were considered separately, reexperiencing symptoms (Cluster B) were the strongest predictor of total alcohol use (B = 3.58, p = .002) and heavy drinking episodes (B = 0.31, p = .005). Implications for these findings include early identification of risk factors that could lead to the development of AUDs, and the importance of integrated treatment approaches for co‐occurring PTSD and AUD among veterans postdeployment.
Bridging the Gaps Between Social and Legal Norms Concerning Protection of Intellectual and Artistic Creations: On the Crisis of Copyright Law in the Digital Era
Authors: Gracz Katarzyna
Published: May 2013

The paper aims at explaining the current crisis of copyright law in the digital era. The primary hypothesis of the study is that the core of the problem can be found in the divergence between legal and social norms concerning the access to intellectual and artistic creations. The author discerns two main sources of the conflict between these two bodies of norms. The first is the result of the particular dynamics in the development of technology, copyright law and social norms that are perceived as a global phenomenon. The second is the outcome of specific local particularities that led in some societies to the evolution of social norms which differ considerably from the contemporary intellectual property regime. In both cases, however, the core of the problem lies in the fact that consumer held social norms (developed either on the global or local level) strongly oppose the absolute property rhetoric present in most of the international regulations in copyright law.