bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans Ability to Reduce Ferric Iron by Elemental Sulfur
Authors: Kucera Jiri , Pakostova Eva , Janiczek Oldrich , Mandl Martin
Published: December 2015

Ferric iron may act as a thermodynamically favourable electron acceptor during elemental sulfur oxidation byAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidansin extremely acidic anoxic environments. A loss of anaerobic ferric iron reduction ability has been observed in ferrous iron-grownA. ferrooxidansCCM 4253 after aerobic passaging on elemental sulfur. In this study, iron-oxidising cells aerobically adapted from ferrous iron to elemental sulfur were still able to anaerobically reduce ferric iron, however, following aerobic passage on elemental sulfur it could not. Preliminary quantitative proteomic analysis of whole cell lysates of the passage that lost anaerobic ferric iron-reducing activity resulted in 150 repressed protein spots in comparison with the antecedent culture, which retained the activity. Identification of selected protein spots by tandem mass spectrometry revealed physiologically important proteins including rusticyanin and outer-membrane cytochrome Cyc2, which are involved in iron oxidation. Other proteins were associated with sulfur metabolism such as sulfide-quinone reductase and proteins encoded by the thiosulfate dehydrogenase and heterodisulfide reductase complex operons. Furthermore, proteomic analysis identified proteins directly related to anaerobiosis. The results indicate the importance of iron-oxidising system components for anaerobic sulfur oxidation in the studied microbial strain.
Photoluminescence Properties of (Ba1-(x+y)SrxEuy)2Si6O12N2 Phosphors for White LED Applications
Authors: Sarda Narendra G. , Fujigaki Hiroshi , Ogita Yuma , Chan Andrew , Murai Kei-Ichiro , Waterhouse Geoffrey I.N. , Moriga Toshihiro
Published: December 2015

(Ba1-(x+y)SrxEuy)2Si6O12N2 oxynitride phosphors were successfully synthesized by the solid-state reaction method at 1200°C under a H2(5%) + N2(95%) atmosphere. The Sr2+ content (x) was varied in the range 0-0.6 and the Eu2+ content varied in the range 0.05-0.25, with the Si/(Ba+Sr+Eu) ratio fixed at 3. Results showed that the emission characteristics of (Ba1-(x+y)SrxEuy)2Si6O12N2 phosphors under UV or blue-light excitation was strongly dependent on the chemical composition. The phosphor (Ba0.95Eu0.05) Si6O12N2 showed an intense green emission peak at 520 nm, whilst the phosphor (Ba0.45Sr0.5Eu0.05)Si6O12N2 had a weaker emission maximum at 548 nm. Ba2+ substitution with Sr2+ decreased the lattice volume of the (Ba1-(x+y)SrxEuy)2Si6O12N2 phosphors and was responsible for the red-shift in the emission peak. Optimization of the Eu2+ concentration at a fixed Sr2+ content of 0.2 identified the phosphor (Ba0.65Sr0.2Eu0.15)2Si6O12N2 as a potential alternative to YAG:Ce yellow phosphors for white LED applications.
Drain Current Model for Hetero-Dielectric Based TFET Architectures: Accumulation to Inversion Mode Analysis
Authors: Upasana  , Narang Rakhi , Saxena Manoj , Gupta Mridula
Published: December 2015

The paper presents an in-depth study of device physics and development of a generalized model (Accumulation-Depletion-Inversion Mode) for Hetero-Dielectric based TFET Architecture. A comparative study among single dielectric (high-k and low-k dielectric materials) and dual-dielectric (Hetero-Dielectric) based p-i-n and p-n-i-n TFET architectures has also been made. The model includes the impact of dielectric length variation and mobile charge carriers which has been validated through the Vgs and Vds dependent effective potential at the channel center of the device. Several physics based parameters such as surface potential, energy band profile, total electric field and drain current (both Ids-Vds and Ids-Vds) have also been investigated. Further, the model has been extended to optimize the Hetero-Dielectric p-n-i-n TFET by tuning the gate work function and length of the dielectric material. While optimization various static parameters such as Subthreshold Swing (SS), threshold voltage, Ion/Ioff ratio and dynamic performance parameters (parasitic capacitances) i.e. total gate capacitance (Cgg), gate to source capacitance (Cgs) and gate to drain capacitance (Cgd) have been investigated. The efficacy of the model has been validated through simulation results obtained using ATLAS device simulator.
Natural enemies of emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in northeast China, with notes on two species of parasitic Coleoptera
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yi , Cao Liang-Ming , Yang Zhong-Qi , Duan Jian J. , Gould Juli R. , Bauer Leah S.
Published: December 2015

To investigate natural enemies of emerald ash borer (EAB),Agrilus planipennisFairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in northeastern China, we conducted field surveys of ash (FraxinusLinnaeus (Oleaceae)) trees in semi-natural forests and plantations at variable EAB densities from 2008 to 2013. Our surveys revealed a complex of natural enemies including eight hymenopteran parasitoids and two apparently parasitic Coleoptera, woodpeckers, and several undetermined mortality factors. Parasitoid complex abundance and its contribution to EAB mortality varied with the time of year, type of ash stands, and geographic regions. The egg parasitoidOobius agriliZhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and the larval parasitoidTetrastichusplanipennisiYang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were frequently observed in Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang provinces and in Beijing, but not in Tianjin.Spathius agriliYang (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), however, was more prevalent near Beijing and further south in Tianjin. Larvae of two species of apparently parasitic beetle,TenerusLaporte (Coleoptera: Cleridae) species andXenoglena quadrisignataMannerheim (Coleoptera: Trogossitidae), were also recovered attacking overwintering EAB in Liaoning Province, withTenerusspecies being a dominant mortality agent (~13%). Our findings support the need to consider the geographic origin of insect natural enemies for EAB biocontrol, as well as an expanded foreign exploration for EAB natural enemies throughout its native range in Asia.
Assessing phenological synchrony between the Chinese sawfly, Cephus fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), its egg-larval parasitoid, Collyria catoptron (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), and the North American sawfly, Cephus cinctus: implications for biological control
Authors: Rand Tatyana A. , Morrill Wendell L. , Runyon Justin B. , Hoelmer Kim A. , Shanower Thomas G. , Littlefield Jeffrey L. , Weaver David K.
Published: December 2015

Many pest and beneficial insects overwinter as larvae in a state of diapause, with development resuming in the spring. In these cases, rates of post-diapause development of parasitoids must be synchronised with the vulnerable life stages of their hosts. Phenological asynchrony between introduced parasitoids and their targeted hosts has limited the success of some biological control efforts. Here, we assess the potential synchrony between Collyria catoptron Wahl (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid of the Chinese wheat stem sawfly, Cephus fumipennis Eversmann (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), which is being considered as a biological control against a novel host species, Cephus cinctus Norton, in North America. We compared development timing and emergence patterns of both native and exotic species of sawflies with that of the parasitoid. We found that the mean number of days between termination of larval diapause and adult eclosion varied by less than one day across species, and patterns of emergence were also similar. The rate of development of this egg-larval parasitoid was within the range necessary to attack C. cinctus eggs. Furthermore, the development of C. cinctus from western Montana, United States of America most closely matched that of the parasitoid, suggesting western Montana as a possible release area.
Identification of Drosophila Zfh2 as a Mediator of Hypercapnic Immune Regulation by a Genome-Wide RNA Interference Screen
Authors: Helenius Iiro Taneli , Haake Ryan J. , Kwon Yong-Jae , Hu Jennifer A. , Krupinski Thomas , Casalino-Matsuda S. Marina , Sporn Peter H. S. , Sznajder Jacob I. , Beitel Greg J.
Published: December 2015

Hypercapnia, elevated partial pressure of CO2 in blood and tissue, develops in many patients with chronic severe obstructive pulmonary disease and other advanced lung disorders. Patients with advanced disease frequently develop bacterial lung infections, and hypercapnia is a risk factor for mortality in such individuals. We previously demonstrated that hypercapnia suppresses induction of NF-κB–regulated innate immune response genes required for host defense in human, mouse, and Drosophila cells, and it increases mortality from bacterial infections in both mice and Drosophila. However, the molecular mediators of hypercapnic immune suppression are undefined. In this study, we report a genome-wide RNA interference screen in Drosophila S2* cells stimulated with bacterial peptidoglycan. The screen identified 16 genes with human orthologs whose knockdown reduced hypercapnic suppression of the gene encoding the antimicrobial peptide Diptericin (Dipt), but did not increase Dipt mRNA levels in air. In vivo tests of one of the strongest screen hits, zinc finger homeodomain 2 (Zfh2; mammalian orthologs ZFHX3/ATBF1 and ZFHX4), demonstrate that reducing zfh2 function using a mutation or RNA interference improves survival of flies exposed to elevated CO2 and infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Tissue-specific knockdown of zfh2 in the fat body, the major immune and metabolic organ of the fly, mitigates hypercapnia-induced reductions in Dipt and other antimicrobial peptides and improves resistance of CO2-exposed flies to infection. Zfh2 mutations also partially rescue hypercapnia-induced delays in egg hatching, suggesting that Zfh2’s role in mediating responses to hypercapnia extends beyond the immune system. Taken together, to our knowledge, these results identify Zfh2 as the first in vivo mediator of hypercapnic immune suppression.
Regulatory T Cells Orchestrate Similar Immune Evasion of Fetuses and Tumors in Mice
Authors: Nehar-Belaid Djamel , Courau Tristan , Dérian Nicolas , Florez Laura , Ruocco Maria Grazia , Klatzmann David
Published: December 2015

Embryos and tumors are both masses of dividing cells expressing foreign Ags, but they are not rejected by the immune system. We hypothesized that similar tolerogenic mechanisms prevent their rejection. Global comparison of fetal and tumor microenvironments through transcriptomics in mice revealed strikingly similar and dramatic decreases in expression of numerous immune-related pathways, including Ag presentation and T cell signaling. Unsupervised analyses highlighted the parallel kinetics and similarities of immune signature downregulation, from the very first days after tumor or embryo implantation. Besides upregulated signatures related to cell proliferation, the only significant signatures shared by the two conditions across all biological processes and all time points studied were downmodulated immune response signatures. Regulatory T cell depletion completely reverses this immune downmodulation to an immune upregulation that leads to fetal or tumor immune rejection. We propose that evolutionarily selected mechanisms that protect mammalian fetuses from immune attack are hijacked to license tumor development.
Comparative Analysis of Novel Complement-Targeted Inhibitors, MiniFH, and the Natural Regulators Factor H and Factor H–like Protein 1 Reveal Functional Determinants of Complement Regulation
Authors: Harder Markus J. , Anliker Markus , Höchsmann Britta , Simmet Thomas , Huber-Lang Markus , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Ricklin Daniel , Lambris John D. , Barlow Paul N. , Schmidt Christoph Q.
Published: December 2015

The serum proteins factor H (FH), consisting of 20 complement control protein modules (CCPs), and its splice product FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1; consisting of CCPs 1–7) are major regulators of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation. The engineered version of FH, miniFH, contains only the N- and C-terminal portions of FH linked by an optimized peptide and shows ∼10-fold higher ex vivo potency. We explored the hypothesis that regulatory potency is enhanced by unmasking of a ligand-binding site in the C-terminal CCPs 19–20 that is cryptic in full-length native FH. Therefore, we produced an FH variant lacking the central domains 10–15 (FHΔ10–15). To explore how avidity affects regulatory strength, we generated a duplicated version of miniFH, termed midiFH. We compared activities of FHΔ10–15 and midiFH to miniFH, FH, and FHL-1. Relative to FH, FHΔ10–15 exhibited an altered binding profile toward C3 activation products and a 5-fold-enhanced complement regulation on a paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patient’s erythrocytes. Contrary to dogma, FHL-1 and FH exhibited equal regulatory activity, suggesting that the role of FHL-1 in AP regulation has been underestimated. Unexpectedly, a substantially increased avidity for complement opsonins, as seen in midiFH, did not potentiate the inhibitory potential on host cells. In conclusion, comparisons of engineered and native FH-based regulators have identified features that determine high AP regulatory activity on host cells. Unrestricted availability of FH CCPs 19–20 and an optimal spatial orientation between the N- and C-terminal FH regions are key.
Decadal trends in global CO emissions as seen by MOPITT
Authors: Yin Y. , Chevallier F. , Ciais P. , Broquet G. , Fortems-Cheiney A. , Pison I. , Saunois M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Negative trends of carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations are observed in the recent decade by both surface measurements and satellite retrievals over many regions of the globe, but they are not well explained by current emission inventories. Here, we analyse the observed CO concentration decline with an atmospheric inversion that simultaneously optimizes the two main CO sources (surface emissions and atmospheric hydrocarbon oxidations) and the main CO sink (atmospheric hydroxyl radical OH oxidation). Satellite CO column retrievals from Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT), version 6, and surface observations of methane and methyl chloroform mole fractions are assimilated jointly for the period covering 2002–2011. Compared to the model simulation prescribed with prior emission inventories, trends in the optimized CO concentrations show better agreement with that of independent surface in situ measurements. At the global scale, the atmospheric inversion primarily interprets the CO concentration decline as a decrease in the CO emissions (−2.3 % yr−1), more than twice the negative trend estimated by the prior emission inventories (−1.0 % yr−1). The spatial distribution of the inferred decrease in CO emissions indicates contributions from western Europe (−4.0 % yr−1), the United States (−4.6 % yr−1) and East Asia (−1.2 % yr−1), where anthropogenic fuel combustion generally dominates the overall CO emissions, and also from Australia (−5.3 % yr−1), the Indo-China Peninsula (−5.6 % yr−1), Indonesia (−6.7 % y−1), and South America (−3 % yr−1), where CO emissions are mostly due to biomass burning. In contradiction with the bottom-up inventories that report an increase of 2 % yr−1 over China during the study period, a significant emission decrease of 1.1 % yr−1 is inferred by the inversion. A large decrease in CO emission factors due to technology improvements would outweigh the increase in carbon fuel combustions and may explain this decrease. Independent satellite formaldehyde (CH2O) column retrievals confirm the absence of large-scale trends in the atmospheric source of CO. However, it should be noted that the CH2O retrievals are not assimilated and OH concentrations are optimized at a very large scale in this study.
Drivers and uncertainties of future global marine primary production in marine ecosystem models
Authors: Laufkötter C. , Vogt M. , Gruber N. , Aita-Noguchi M. , Aumont O. , Bopp L. , Buitenhuis E. , Doney S. C. , Dunne J. , Hashioka T. , Hauck J. , Hirata T. , John J. , Le Quéré C. , Lima I. D. , Nakano H. , Seferian R. , Totterdell I. , Vichi M. , Völker C.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Past model studies have projected a global decrease in marine net primary production (NPP) over the 21st century, but these studies focused on the multi-model mean rather than on the large inter-model differences. Here, we analyze model-simulated changes in NPP for the 21st century under IPCC's high-emission scenario RCP8.5. We use a suite of nine coupled carbon–climate Earth system models with embedded marine ecosystem models and focus on the spread between the different models and the underlying reasons. Globally, NPP decreases in five out of the nine models over the course of the 21st century, while three show no significant trend and one even simulates an increase. The largest model spread occurs in the low latitudes (between 30° S and 30° N), with individual models simulating relative changes between −25 and +40 %. Of the seven models diagnosing a net decrease in NPP in the low latitudes, only three simulate this to be a consequence of the classical interpretation, i.e., a stronger nutrient limitation due to increased stratification leading to reduced phytoplankton growth. In the other four, warming-induced increases in phytoplankton growth outbalance the stronger nutrient limitation. However, temperature-driven increases in grazing and other loss processes cause a net decrease in phytoplankton biomass and reduce NPP despite higher growth rates. One model projects a strong increase in NPP in the low latitudes, caused by an intensification of the microbial loop, while NPP in the remaining model changes by less than 0.5 %. While models consistently project increases NPP in the Southern Ocean, the regional inter-model range is also very substantial. In most models, this increase in NPP is driven by temperature, but it is also modulated by changes in light, macronutrients and iron as well as grazing. Overall, current projections of future changes in global marine NPP are subject to large uncertainties and necessitate a dedicated and sustained effort to improve the models and the concepts and data that guide their development.
New insights into the organic carbon export in the Mediterranean Sea from 3-D modeling
Authors: Guyennon A. , Baklouti M. , Diaz F. , Palmieri J. , Beuvier J. , Lebaupin-Brossier C. , Arsouze T. , Béranger K. , Dutay J.-C. , Moutin T.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most oligotrophic regions of the oceans, and nutrients have been shown to limit both phytoplankton and bacterial activities, resulting in a potential major role of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export in the biological pump. Strong DOC accumulation in surface waters is already well documented, though measurements of DOC stocks and export flux are still sparse and associated with major uncertainties. This study provides the first basin-scale overview and analysis of organic carbon stocks and export fluxes in the Mediterranean Sea through a modeling approach based on a coupled model combining a mechanistic biogeochemical model (Eco3M-MED) and a high-resolution (eddy-resolving) hydrodynamic simulation (NEMO-MED12). The model is shown to reproduce the main spatial and seasonal biogeochemical characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea. Model estimations of carbon export are also of the same order of magnitude as estimations from in situ observations, and their respective spatial patterns are mutually consistent. Strong differences between the western and eastern basins are evidenced by the model for organic carbon export. Though less oligotrophic than the eastern basin, the western basin only supports 39 % of organic carbon (particulate and dissolved) export. Another major result is that except for the Alboran Sea, the DOC contribution to organic carbon export is higher than that of particulate organic carbon (POC) throughout the Mediterranean Sea, especially in the eastern basin. This paper also investigates the seasonality of DOC and POC exports as well as the differences in the processes involved in DOC and POC exports in light of intracellular quotas. Finally, according to the model, strong phosphate limitation of both bacteria and phytoplankton growth is one of the main drivers of DOC accumulation and therefore of export.
Contrasting pH buffering patterns in neutral-alkaline soils along a 3600 km transect in northern China
Authors: Luo W. T. , Nelson P. N. , Li M.-H. , Cai J. P. , Zhang Y. Y. , Zhang Y. G. , Yang S. , Wang R. Z. , Wang Z. W. , Wu Y. N. , Han X. G. , Jiang Y.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Soil pH buffering capacity (pHBC) plays a crucial role in predicting acidification rates, yet its large-scale patterns and controls are poorly understood, especially for neutral-alkaline soils. Here, we evaluated the spatial patterns and drivers of pHBC along a 3600 km long transect (1900 km sub-transect with carbonate-containing soils and 1700 km sub-transect with non-carbonate-containing soils) across northern China. Soil pHBC was greater in the carbonate-containing soils than in the non-carbonate-containing soils. Acid addition decreased soil pH in the non-carbonate-containing soils more markedly than in the carbonate-containing soils. Within the carbonate soil sub-transect, soil pHBC was positively correlated with cation exchange capacity (CEC), carbonate content and exchangeable sodium (Na) concentration, but negatively correlated with initial pH and clay content, and not correlated with soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Within the non-carbonate sub-transect, soil pHBC was positively related to initial pH, clay content, CEC and exchangeable Na concentration, but not related to SOC content. Carbonate content was the primary determinant of pHBC in the carbonate-containing soils and CEC was the main determinant of buffering capacity in the non-carbonate-containing soils. Along the transect, soil pHBC was different in regions with different aridity index. Soil pHBC was positively related to aridity index and carbonate content across the carbonate-containing soil sub-transect. Our results indicated that mechanisms controlling pHBC differ among neutral-alkaline soils of northern China, especially between carbonate- and non-carbonate-containing soils. This understanding should be incorporated into the acidification risk assessment and landscape management in a changing world.
FLOPROS: an evolving global database of flood protection standards
Authors: Scussolini P. , Aerts J. C. J. H. , Jongman B. , Bouwer L. M. , Winsemius H. C. , de Moel H. , Ward P. J.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. With the projected changes in climate, population and socioeconomic activity located in flood-prone areas, the global assessment of the flood risk is essential to inform climate change policy and disaster risk management. Whilst global flood risk models exist for this purpose, the accuracy of their results is greatly limited by the lack of information on the current standard of protection to floods, with studies either neglecting this aspect or resorting to crude assumptions. Here we present a first global database of FLOod PROtection Standards, FLOPROS, which comprises information in the form of the flood return period associated with protection measures, at different spatial scales. FLOPROS comprises three layers of information, and combines them into one consistent database. The Design layer contains empirical information about the actual standard of existing protection already in place, while the Policy layer and the Model layer are proxies for such protection standards, and serve to increase the spatial coverage of the database. The Policy layer contains information on protection standards from policy regulations; and the Model layer uses a validated modeling approach to calculate protection standards. Based on this first version of FLOPROS, we suggest a number of strategies to further extend and increase the resolution of the database. Moreover, as the database is intended to be continually updated, while flood protection standards are changing with new interventions, FLOPROS requires input from the flood risk community. We therefore invite researchers and practitioners to contribute information to this evolving database by corresponding to the authors.
Epistemic uncertainties and natural hazard risk assessment – Part 1: A review of the issues
Authors: Beven K. J. , Aspinall W. P. , Bates P. D. , Borgomeo E. , Goda K. , Hall J. W. , Page T. , Phillips J. C. , Rougier J. T. , Simpson M. , Stephenson D. B. , Smith P. J. , Wagener T. , Watson M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Uncertainties in natural hazard risk assessment are generally dominated by the sources arising from lack of knowledge or understanding of the processes involved. There is a lack of knowledge about frequencies, process representations, parameters, present and future boundary conditions, consequences and impacts, and the meaning of observations in evaluating simulation models. These are the epistemic uncertainties that can be difficult to constrain, especially in terms of event or scenario probabilities, even as elicited probabilities rationalized on the basis of expert judgements. This paper reviews the issues raised by trying to quantify the effects of epistemic uncertainties. Such scientific uncertainties might have significant influence on decisions that are made for risk management, so it is important to communicate the meaning of an uncertainty estimate and to provide an audit trail of the assumptions on which it is based. Some suggestions for good practice in doing so are made.
Evaluation of the CMIP5 models in the aim of regional modelling of the Antarctic surface mass balance
Authors: Agosta C. , Fettweis X. , Datta R.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The surface mass balance (SMB) of the Antarctic Ice Sheet cannot be reliably deduced from global climate models (GCMs), both because their spatial resolution is insufficient and because their physics are not adapted for cold and snow-covered regions. By contrast, regional climate models (RCMs) adapted for polar regions can physically and dynamically downscale SMB components over the ice sheet using large-scale forcing at their boundaries. Polar-oriented RCMs require appropriate GCM fields for forcing because the response of the cryosphere to a warming climate is dependent on its initial state and is not linear with respect to temperature increase. In this context, we evaluate the current climate in 41 climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) data set over Antarctica by focusing on forcing fields which may have the greatest impact on SMB components simulated by RCMs. Our inter-comparison includes six reanalyses, among which ERA-Interim reanalysis is chosen as a reference over 1979–2014. Model efficiency is assessed taking into account the multi-decadal variability of the fields over the 1850–1980 period. We show that fewer than 10 CMIP5 models show reasonable biases compared to ERA-Interim, among which ACCESS1-3 is the most pertinent choice for forcing RCMs over Antarctica, followed by ACCESS1-0, CESM1-BGC, CESM1-CAM5, NorESM1-M, CCSM4 and EC-EARTH. Finally, climate change over the Southern Ocean in CMIP5 is less sensitive to the global warming signal than it is to the present-day simulated sea-ice extent and to the feedback between sea-ice decrease and air temperature increase around Antarctica.
Rancièrean Atomism: Clarifying the Debate between Jacques Rancière and Alain Badiou
Authors: Spencer Joseph M.
Published: December 2015

In the late 1970s and the 1980s, a number of radical left political theorists focused their philosophical attention on the relevance of ancient atomism, revitalizing a tradition that went back to Karl Marx's work on his dissertation. This essay looks at the uses of atomism by two thinkers in particular, Jacques Rancière and Alain Badiou, in order to see how their discussions of and references to ancient materialism help to shed light on their fundamental disagreements about the nature of community and equality.First, this paper argues that what Badiou and Rancière most obviously share in their assessments of atomism is a negative judgment regarding the post-swerve constitution of the world, while what most obviously distinguishes their positions is their differing judgments regarding the preswerve rain of the atoms in the void (which Badiou assesses negatively and Rancière positively). Becoming clear both about how Badiou and Rancière respond to what comes before and after the atomistic swerve helps to clarify an implicit response on Rancière’s part to what has become Badiou’s chief objection to Rancière’s political theory. Second, this paper argues that the fact that Badiou assesses both what comes before and what comes after the swerve as negative, while Rancière assesses only what comes after the swerve as negative (because he assesses the pre-swerve rain of the atoms in the void positively), makes clear that their most essential point of difference concerns the status of the swerve that mediates between before and after. Working through the complexities of Badiou’s analysis of the swerve and uncovering Rancière’s extremely subtle analysis of the swerve helps to clarify a major aspect of what has become Rancière’s chief criticism of Badiou’s conception of philosophy.
Book Review: Johann Michel, Quand le social vient au sens (Bruxelles: PIE Peter Lang, 2015)
Authors: Aranguren Martin
Published: December 2015

A book review of Johann Michel, Quand le social vient au sens (Bruxelles: PIE Peter Lang, 2015).
Comprehending Determinants of Demand: Zimbabwe Tourism Destination Scenario
Authors: Chigora Farai , Vutete Clever
Published: December 2015

The study investigated on the most dominant determinants of tourism consumption in Zimbabwe tourism destination. The research design was a QUAL to QUAN sequential mixed method starting with a qualitative research design followed by quantitative research. The qualitative research helped in getting the main determinants of demand using in-depth interviews from managers and experts in the tourism industry. The agreed determinants include disposable income, demographic changes, change in taste and preferences, religion dynamics, globalization, marketing and advertisement, customer knowledge, destination branding, social networks, destination’s own price, price of other destinations and media propaganda. These where then tested for their dominance in the accommodation, travel and resort sectors in Zimbabwe through a quantitative design. The results showed that the most controlling determinants of tourism demand in these three sectors include destination’s own prices, level of disposable income, social network discussions, media propaganda, marketing and advertising. The study recommended a low pricing strategy, extensive marketing and utilization of e-resources in marketing.
Distribution of yeasts in the Arabian Gulf surrounding Qatar
Authors: Fotedar Rashmi , Zeyara Aisha , Kolecka Anna , Malaki Amina Al , Fell Jack W. , Bukhari Sayed J. , Abdel-Moati Mohamed A. , Febbo Eric , Stoeck Thorsten , Marri Masoud Al , Boekhout Teun
Published: December 2015

The Arabian Gulf surrounding Qatar is distinct from other marine ecosystems due to its high salinity (39-57 psu) and extreme water temperature fluctuations (15-39°C). Furthermore in the last decade, Qatar has been witnessing an industrial boom as well as extensive infrastructure construction activities. During the first year of a 3-year study, we investigated the diversity of marine yeasts in Qatar. Water samples were collected during two seasons, from 14 different sites along the coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf surrounding Qatar. Yeast species were isolated and identified by sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1/ITS2) and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). A total of 360 yeast isolates belonging to 37 genera of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes were identified during the two sampling campaigns. Species distribution depicted seasonal and geographical differences. Candida spp. (24%), Rhodotorula spp. (16 %), Kondoa aeria (8%), Aureobasidium spp. (7%), and Hortaea spp. (7%) were among the most frequently identified yeast species. High prevalence of Kondoa spp. (34%), Knufia spp. (24%), and Hypocrea spp. (13%) was observed during summer season, whereas Debaryomyces spp. (37%), Clavispora spp. (23%), Issatchenkia spp. (17%) were the most common species during the winter season. The highest number of yeast isolates was recovered from sites impacted by land-based activities, especially fishing harbors along the Eastern coast of Qatar. This report is the first study on the distribution of yeasts from the marine environment surrounding Qatar.
Global and regional oceanography - the role of IOC
Authors: Haugan Peter M
Published: December 2015

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO was established in 1960 to coordinate ocean research, observations and services. Today the IOC is perhaps most known for its role in tsunami warning and sea level related hazards, but the IOC also covers many other issues including ocean data exchange, development of standards and systems, climate research and capacity development. The IOC has worked closely with the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) of ICSU from the start. The International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) in the 1960s was the first large joint experiment of its kind providing improved scientific understanding of the Indian Ocean and related capacity development. 50 years later, the IIOE-2 to be officially launched in December 2015 will be directed towards a series of scientific and societally relevant goals including improvement of the Indian Ocean component of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).

Due to limited resources, it is not possible for IOC Officers or the Secretariat to be heavily involved in specifics of all regional and marginal seas of the world ocean. Yet we recognize that the increasing pressure on the coastal zone from human activities and the possibilities for utilizing coastal ocean resources are high priorities for IOC Member States. The IOC therefore aims to stimulate regional cooperation, sharing of scientific expertise and data, and the development of standards, tools and best practices to underpin sustainable regional and coastal marine management including marine spatial planning.

In a region hosting a large fraction of the worlds seawater desalination plants, environmental aspects of associated brine release are in focus, in particular since this occurs in a shallow marginal sea of high background salinity due to natural evaporation. While these features may be unique to the region and seem to be driven mainly by local forcing, external drivers from larger scale ocean and climate variability should also be considered. Study of similarities and differences to other marginal seas including inverse estuaries may be useful for scientific understanding of the dynamics and resilience of the regional oceanographic system.
The status of harmful algae in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Muftah Abdel Rahman Al
Published: December 2015

In the ocean, microscopic plankton algae constitute a crucial food supply for filter- feeding bivalves, shellfish (oyster, mussels, scallop and clams), as well as larvae of commercially important crustaceans and finfish. In most areas, the proliferation of plankton algae (so called "algal blooms"; consisting of millions of cells per liter) is beneficial for aquaculture, recreational and commercial fisheries. However, sometimes algal blooms may have a negative impact. Mass occurrences of harmful microalgae, harmful algal blooms (HABs), are a globally growing concern. Most HAB species cause harm due to their production of toxins. HAB species may kill marine wildlife directly, or the algal toxins may accumulate in the food web, causing illness and mortality of fish, seabirds, marine mammals and humans consuming the toxic seafood products. There is scientific consensus that the HAB problem is increasing globally, with increasing numbers of toxic blooms and associated economical loss. The most significant reasons for the increased occurrence of HABs are increased eutrophication of marine coastal areas and spreading of harmful species to new areas.

During the last three decades, the Arabian Gulf area has experienced massive marine mortalities, resulting in serious economic losses (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran, U A E, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar). A documented example is an eight-month-bloom during 2008-2009 of the dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides, killing thousands of tons of fish, hampering traditional fisheries, impacting tourism, forcing closure of desalination plants, and damaging coral reefs. The frequency and severity of HAB events are increasing in the Arabian Gulf, and the distribution of harmful species within the region appears to be expanding. In this situation, exchange of information and cooperative research has become obvious to scientists working in the Gulf region.

To date, only a small number of studies have been conducted on diversity, distribution and toxicity of HABs in the Arabian Gulf, including Qatari waters. A project on harmful algae is needed here, focusing on biodiversity and ecology based on state of the art techniques, and involving capacity building of local Qatari staff.
The elemental composition of plankton and dust in the Qatari EEZ (Arabian Gulf)
Authors: Yigiterhan Oguz , Turner Jesse C. , Al-Ansari Ebrahim S. , Abdel-Moati Mohamed A. , Al-Ansi Mehsin A. , Nelson Alex , Al-Shaikh Ismail , Alsaadi Hamood A. , Helmi Ahmed , Al-Azhari Marwa M. , Sorino Caesar F. , Castillo Azenith , Paul Barbara , Murray James W.
Published: December 2015

We present data on elemental concentrations of plankton net tow samples from the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader study of biogenic and lithogenic influences on particulate trace metal concentrations in the surface ocean. There are relatively few analyses of planktonic trace metals and their associated role in the biogeochemical system. We had the opportunity to investigate the composition of plankton in a region heavily affected by dust, a significant factor for phytoplankton growth. Our samples were collected from 2012 to 2015 using trace metal clean net tows with mesh sizes of 50 and 200 microns for measurements of phytoplankton and zooplankton, respectively. Samples were totally digested and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The biogenic portion was determined by subtracting the lithogenic portion from the total concentration. The lithogenic fraction was defined as the concentration of aluminum in the sample multiplied by a [Me]/Al ratio. Using average Qatari dust for these ratios generated a significant amount of overcorrection, so ratios were established using average continental crust (UCC). This method still caused some overcorrection for the lithogenic portion resulting in negative excess values for barium, molybdenum, and lead. These same elements showed the least consistency between measurements. For the other elements, a relative stoichiometry for plankton was determined as Fe > Cu ≈ Zn > As ≈ Cr ≈ Mn ≈ Ni ≈ V > Cd ≈ Co. We also found a significant near shore enrichment for 9 out of 13 elements analyzed, indicative of a possible influence of pollution.

Acknowledgement

This study was made possible by a grant from the Qatar National Research Fund under the National Priorities Research Program award number NPRP 6-1457-1-272. The abstract contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Qatar National Research Fund.
Investigation of spatiotemporal variability of microplastics in Qatar's coastal environment
Authors: Hamadou Radhouane Ben , Abayomi Oyebamiji A. , Range Pedro , Alghouti Mohammad S. , Obbard Jeff P. , Almeer Saeed H.
Published: December 2015

Microplastics have recently been reported in the most pristine region of the world’s oceans. Microplastics are easily mistaken for food by filter-feeders and planktivorous fish, and can also adsorb large quantities of recalcitrant organic pollutants (OPs) which biomagnify up the marine food web, hence, explains the need for their investigation. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics were investigated for the first time in Qatar; both in sediments and seawater. Eight beaches across Qatar and four sea surface stations were surveyed between the months of December 2014 and March 2015. Microplastics were discovered in all samples and their abundance varied both in intertidal sandy beaches and sea surface. Two-factor ANOVA revealed that the spatial variability of microplastics in sea surface stations was statistically significant however, there was no observable temporal variability. The average concentration of microplastics in all 8 beaches was not significantly different. Results from the present study indicate the pervasiveness of microplastics in Qatar’s coastal environment.
Non–Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the Appendix
Authors: Watson G. A. , Gleeson J. , Kelly D. , Byrne D. , De La Harpe-Golden P. , Mulsow J. , Fortune A. , Carney D.
Published: December 2015

AbstractInfiltration of the appendix as a manifestation of non-hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) at diagnosis or at relapse is a rare finding. We report the history of a patient with gastrointestinal non-hodgkin's lymphoma treated 8 years earlier who presented with symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis secondary to relapsed NHL.Keywords: Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, appendix, PET CT
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Computer and Information Science, Vol. 8, No. 3
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: December 2015

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Computer and Information Science, Vol. 8, No. 3
A Sustainable Approach to the Harmonization of Electric Power Availability with the Mining Industry in Africa: a Case Study of Mozambique
Authors: Kikuchi Ryunosuke
Published: December 2015

It remains for a sustainability study to consider how to meet social needs for energy services in the realization of sustainable development, because globally about 2 billion people still have no acess to modern energy. It is therefore necessary to draw attention to energy access - w million deaths annually are associated with the indoor burning of solid fuels. Energy-supply infrastructure globally needs a cumulative investment of US$25.6 trillion for the period 2008-2030, and African portion of this investment is estimated at US$454 billion. Power generation that is dependent on the mining industry seems to be a worthwhile subject for considering the combination of energy availability with national development, so this strategy is discussed, with the focus on a case study of Mozambique: it can be estimated that self-supply system in the mining industry actually export a certain amount of power to national and regional markets, and they may be an opportunity to generate low-cost power through the use of discard coal from coking coal export operations. However, Mozambique should prevent discard coal from becoming a hazardosu load; mercury is on of the most toxic element in coal and its by-products. Political strategies that solove a socio-economic problem but cause an eneviornmental one should be avoided if sustainable development is to be properly realized.
Does Deficit Irrigation Affect the Relation between Radiation Interception and Water Consumption for Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf)?
Authors: Rezig Mourad , Cheikh M'hamed Hatem , Ben Naceur Mbarek
Published: December 2015

Total Dray Matter (TDM), Photosynthetically Active Radiation Intercepted (PARabs), Water Consumption (WC), Water use- (WUE), Radiation use efficiency (RUE) and the Relation between Radiation Interception and Water Consumption for Durum Wheat were investigate under different irrigation amount (D1= 100 % ETc; D2= 70 % ETc; D3= 40 % ETc and D4= pluvial) and during three growing seasons (2005-2006, 2006-2007 and 2007-2008). Results showed that, the cumulative PARabs decreased with deficit irrigation. In fact, D1 treatment recorded the highest cumulative PAR abs and the lowest marked under D4 treatment. Similarly, TDM and RUE were decreased with deficit irrigation. The highest RUE observed under the D1 (from 1.32 to 1.43 g MJ-1) and the lowest under D4 (from 1.17 to 1.29 g MJ-1). However WUE increased with deficit irrigation. The highest WUE were obtained under the D4 (from 3 to 4 kg m-3) and the lowest were observed under D1 (from 2.8 to 3.1 kg m-3). Significant linear relationship was found between cumulative PAR abs and cumulative water consumption with a high correlation coefficient (R2) only under the two treatments D1 and D2.
Energy Efficiency Standards of Single-Family Houses: Factors in Homeowners’ Decision-Making in Two Austrian Regions
Authors: Bedenik Katja , Hansmann Ralph , Popp Monika , Von Streit Anne , Binder Claudia R.
Published: December 2015

The energy efficiency of residential buildings is a central issue in the widely discussed energy transition. This study investigates which factors influence homeowners´ decisions regarding the energy efficiency standard of their houses. Homeowners who built or renovated their houses between 2008 and 2013 participated in a questionnaire survey in two Austrian “energy regions” within the federal states of Styria and Burgenland. In the majority (66%) of cases, homeowners chose the low-energy house standard B (≤ 50kWh/m2a) for their building or renovation projects, followed by the conventional standard C (≤ 100kWh/m2a) (21%). Only 13% realized ultra-low-energy, passive or plus-energy houses with a higher energy efficiency standard (A (≤ 25kWh/m2a), A+ (≤ 15kWh/m2a), or A++ (≤ 10kWh/m2a)). Expert recommendations on energy standards showed the highest correlation with the selected standards, and on average, new building projects realized better energy efficiency standards than did renovations. Further variables that were significantly related to the realized standards included homeowners’ attitudes and knowledge about building energy efficiency standards and the age of the respondents. Although the homeowners who were surveyed were initially satisfied with the selected energy efficiency standard, many now indicate a preference to implement significantly higher energy efficiency standards than those achieved in their project. Further, they would recommend even significantly higher energy efficiency standards to friends than the standards preferred for their own house. These findings suggest that current preferences and communication in social networks promote higher future energy efficiency standards.
Malting Process Effects on Antioxidant Activity of Finger Millet and Amaranth Grains
Authors: Najdi Hejazi Sara , Orsat Valerie
Published: December 2015

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) are two nutritious and gluten-free grains with high contents of phenolic compounds. Phenols are known as the main source of antioxidants, with numerous health benefits. Being rich in phenol makes these grains good choices for the functional food industry. In this study, the effects of malting/germination factors, duration and temperature, on the phenolic content and antioxidant activities of these grains are thoroughly investigated and optimized. Based on a central composite design, the grains were germinated for 24, 36, and 48 hrs at 22, 26, and 30. Both temperature and duration factors are found to be significantly influential on the monitored quantities. While malting of amaranth grains for 48 hrs at 26 increased the total phenol content four times, in case of millet, a 25% reduction was observed. Linear correlations between the included phenol content and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities were observed.