bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global spatiotemporal distribution of soil respiration modeled using a global database
Authors: Hashimoto S. , Carvalhais N. , Ito A. , Migliavacca M. , Nishina K. , Reichstein M.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The flux of carbon dioxide from the soil to the atmosphere (soil respiration) is one of the major fluxes in the global carbon cycle. At present, the accumulated field observation data cover a wide range of geographical locations and climate conditions. However, there are still large uncertainties in the magnitude and spatiotemporal variation of global soil respiration. Using a global soil respiration data set, we developed a climate-driven model of soil respiration by modifying and updating Raich's model, and the global spatiotemporal distribution of soil respiration was examined using this model. The model was applied at a spatial resolution of 0.5°and a monthly time step. Soil respiration was divided into the heterotrophic and autotrophic components of respiration using an empirical model. The estimated mean annual global soil respiration was 91 Pg C yr−1 (between 1965 and 2012; Monte Carlo 95 % confidence interval: 87–95 Pg C yr−1) and increased at the rate of 0.09 Pg C yr−2. The contribution of soil respiration from boreal regions to the total increase in global soil respiration was on the same order of magnitude as that of tropical and temperate regions, despite a lower absolute magnitude of soil respiration in boreal regions. The estimated annual global heterotrophic respiration and global autotrophic respiration were 51 and 40 Pg C yr−1, respectively. The global soil respiration responded to the increase in air temperature at the rate of 3.3 Pg C yr−1 °C−1, and Q10 = 1.4. Our study scaled up observed soil respiration values from field measurements to estimate global soil respiration and provide a data-oriented estimate of global soil respiration. The estimates are based on a semi-empirical model parameterized with over one thousand data points. Our analysis indicates that the climate controls on soil respiration may translate into an increasing trend in global soil respiration and our analysis emphasizes the relevance of the soil carbon flux from soil to the atmosphere in response to climate change. Further approaches should additionally focus on climate controls in soil respiration in combination with changes in vegetation dynamics and soil carbon stocks, along with their effects on the long temporal dynamics of soil respiration. We expect that these spatiotemporal estimates will provide a benchmark for future studies and also help to constrain process-oriented models.
The organic sea surface microlayer in the upwelling region off Peru and implications for air–sea exchange processes
Authors: Engel A. , Galgani L.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The sea surface microlayer (SML) is at the very surface of the ocean, linking the hydrosphere with the atmosphere, and central to a range of global biogeochemical and climate-related processes. The presence and enrichment of organic compounds in the SML have been suggested to influence air–sea gas exchange processes as well as the emission of primary organic aerosols. Among these organic compounds, primarily of plankton origin, are dissolved exopolymers, specifically polysaccharides and proteins, and gel particles, such as Transparent Exopolymer Particles (TEP) and Coomassie Stainable Particles (CSP). These organic substances often accumulate in the surface ocean when plankton productivity is high. Here, we report results obtained in December 2012 during the SOPRAN Meteor 91 cruise to the highly productive, coastal upwelling regime off Peru. Samples were collected from the SML and from ~ 20 cm below, and were analyzed for polysaccharidic and proteinaceous compounds, gel particles, total and dissolved organic carbon, bacterial and phytoplankton abundance. Our study provides insight to the physical and biological control of organic matter enrichment in the SML, and discusses the potential role of organic matter in the SML for air–sea exchange processes.
Impacts of prescribed burning on soil greenhouse gas fluxes in a suburban native forest of south-eastern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Zhao Y. , Wang Y. Z. , Xu Z. H. , Fu L.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Prescribed burning is a forest management practice that is widely used in Australia to reduce the risk of damaging wildfires. It can affect both carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in the forest and thereby influence the soil–atmosphere exchange of major greenhouse gases, i.e. carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). To quantify the impact of a prescribed burning (conducted on 27 May 2014) on greenhouse gas exchange and the potential controlling mechanisms, we carried out a series of field measurements before (August 2013) and after (August 2014 and November 2014) the fire. Gas exchange rates were determined at 4 replicate sites which were burned during the combustion and another 4 adjacent unburned sites located in green islands, using a set of static chambers. Surface soil properties including temperature, pH, moisture, soil C and N pools were also determined either by in situ measurement or by analysing surface 10 cm soil samples. All of the chamber measurements indicated a net sink of atmospheric CH4, with mean CH4 uptake ranging from 1.15 to 1.99 mg m−2 day−1. The burning significantly enhanced CH4 uptake as indicated by the significant higher CH4 uptake rates at the burned sites measured in August 2014. While within the next 3 months the CH4 uptake rate was recovered to pre-burning levels. Mean CO2 emission from forest soils ranged from 2721.76 to 7113.49 mg m−2 day−1. The effect of prescribed burning on CO2 emission was limited within the first 3 months, as no significant difference was observed between the burned and the adjacent unburned sites in both August and November 2014. The temporal dynamics of the CO2 emission presented more seasonal variations, rather than burning effects. The N2O emission at the studied sites was quite low, and no significant impact of burning was observed. The changes in understory plants and litter layers, surface soil temperature, C and N substrate availability and microbial activities, resulting from the burning, were the factors that controlled the greenhouse gas exchanges. Our results suggested that the low intensity prescribed burning would decrease soil CO2 emission and increase CH4 uptake, however, this effect would be present within a relative short period. Only slight changes in the surface soil during the combustion and very limited damages in the mineral soils supported the quick recovery of the greenhouse gas exchange rates.
Multiyear high-frequency physical and environmental observations at the Guadiana Estuary
Authors: Garel E. , Ferreira Ó.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. High-frequency data collected continuously over a multiyear time frame are required for investigating the various agents that drive ecological and hydrodynamic processes in estuaries. Here, we present water quality and current in-situ observations from a fixed monitoring station operating from 2008 to 2014 in the lower Guadiana Estuary, southern Portugal (37°11.30' N, 7°24.67' W). The data were recorded by: a multi-parametric probe providing hourly records of temperature, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and pH at a water depth of ~ 1 m; and, a bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler measuring the pressure, near-bottom temperature, and flow velocity through the water column every 15 min. The time-series, in particular the probe one, present substantial data gaps arising from equipment failure and maintenance, which are ineluctable with this type of observations in harsh environments. However, prolonged (months-long) periods of observations during contrasted external forcing conditions are available. The raw data are reported together with quality flags indicating the status (valid/non-valid) of each record. Hourly river discharge data from two hydrographic stations located near the estuary head are also provided to support data analysis and interpretation. The dataset is publicly available at PANGAEA (doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.845750) in machine-readable format.
A comprehensive data acquisition and management system for an ecosystem-scale peatland warming and elevated CO2 experiment
Authors: Krassovski M. B. , Riggs J. S. , Hook L. A. , Nettles W. R. , Hanson P. J. , Boden T. A.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Ecosystem-scale manipulation experiments represent large science investments that require well-designed data acquisition and management systems to provide reliable, accurate information to project participants and third party users. The SPRUCE Project (Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Climatic and Environmental Change, http://mnspruce.ornl.gov) is such an experiment funded by the Department of Energy's (DOE), Office of Science, Terrestrial Ecosystem Science (TES) Program. The SPRUCE experimental mission is to assess ecosystem-level biological responses of vulnerable, high carbon terrestrial ecosystems to a range of climate warming manipulations and an elevated CO2 atmosphere. SPRUCE provides a platform for testing mechanisms controlling the vulnerability of organisms, biogeochemical processes, and ecosystems to climatic change (e.g., thresholds for organism decline or mortality, limitations to regeneration, biogeochemical limitations to productivity, the cycling and release of CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere). The SPRUCE experiment will generate a wide range of continuous and discrete measurements. To successfully manage SPRUCE data collection, achieve SPRUCE science objectives, and support broader climate change research, the research staff has designed a flexible data system using proven network technologies and software components. The primary SPRUCE data system components are: 1. Data acquisition and control system – set of hardware and software to retrieve biological and engineering data from sensors, collect sensor status information, and distribute feedback to control components. 2. Data collection system – set of hardware and software to deliver data to a central depository for storage and further processing. 3. Data management plan – set of plans, policies, and practices to control consistency, protect data integrity, and deliver data. This publication presents our approach to meeting the challenges of designing and constructing an efficient data system for managing high volume sources of in-situ observations in a remote, harsh environmental location. The approach covers data flow starting from the sensors and ending at the archival/distribution points, discusses types of hardware and software used, examines design considerations that were used to choose them, and describes the data management practices chosen to control and enhance the value of the data.
Investigating the impact of land-use land-cover change on Indian summer monsoon daily rainfall and temperature during 1951–2005 using a regional climate model
Authors: Halder S. , Saha S. K. , Dirmeyer P. A. , Chase T. N. , Goswami B. N.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Daily moderate rainfall events, that constitute a major portion of seasonal summer monsoon rainfall over central India, have decreased significantly during the period 1951 till 2005. Mean and extreme near surface daily temperature during the monsoon season have also increased by a maximum of 1–1.5 °C. Using simulations made with a high-resolution regional climate model (RegCM4) with prescribed vegetation cover of 1950 and 2005, it is demonstrated that part of the above observed changes in moderate rainfall events and temperature have been caused by land-use land-cover change (LULCC) which is mostly anthropogenic. Model simulations show that the increase in seasonal mean and extreme temperature over central India coincides with the region of decreased (increased) forest (crop) cover. The results also show that land-use land-cover alone causes warming in the extremes of daily mean and maximum temperatures by maximum of 1–1.2 °C, that is comparable with the observed increasing trend in the extremes. Decrease (increase) in forest (crop) cover reduces the evapotranspiration over land and large-scale convective instability, apart from decreasing the moisture convergence. These factors act together not only in reducing the moderate rainfall events over central India but also the amount of rainfall in that category, significantly. This is the most interesting result of this study. Additionally, the model simulations are repeated by removing the warming trend in sea surface temperatures. As a result, there is enhanced warming at the surface and decrease in moderate rainfall events over central India. Results from the additional experiments corroborate our initial findings and confirm the contribution of land-use land-cover change on increase in daily mean and extreme temperature and decrease in moderate rainfall events. This study not only demonstrates the important implications of LULCC over India, but also shows the necessity for inclusion of projected anthropogenic changes in land-use land-cover in future climate change scenarios for developing better adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Spatio-temporal assessment of WRF, TRMM and in situ precipitation data in a tropical mountain environment (Cordillera Blanca, Peru)
Authors: Mourre L. , Condom T. , Junquas C. , Lebel T. , Sicart J. E. , Figueroa R. , Cochachin A.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The estimation of precipitation over the broad range of scales of interest for climatologists, meteorologists and hydrologists is challenging in high altitudes of tropical regions, where the spatial variability of precipitation is important while in situ measurements remain scarce largely due to operational constraints. Three different types of rainfall products – ground based, satellite derived, RCM outputs – are compared here during the hydrological year 2012/13 in order to retrieve rainfall patterns at time scales ranging from sub-daily to annual over a watershed of approximately 10 000 km2 in Peru. It is a high altitude catchment, located in the region of the Cordillera Blanca, with 41 % of its area above 4000 m a.s.l. and 340 km2 glaciated. Daily in situ data are interpolated using a kriging with external drift (KED) algorithm; the satellite product is TRMM 3B42, which incorporates monthly gauge data; RCM outputs are obtained from WRF run with a Thompson microphysical scheme at three nested resolutions: 27, 9 and 3 km. The performances of each product are assessed from a double perspective. A local comparison with gauge data is first carried out when relevant (diurnal and seasonal cycles, statistics of rainfall occurrence); then the ability of each product to reproduce some well-known spatial features of rain fields at various time scales (from annual down to daily) is analysed. WRF simulations largely overestimate the annual totals, especially at low spatial resolution, while reproducing correctly the diurnal cycle and locating the spots of heavy rainfall more realistically than either the ground-based KED or the TRMM products. The main weakness of the KED data is the production of annual rainfall maxima over the summit rather than on the slopes, induced by a lack of in situ data above 3800 m a.s.l. One main limitation of the TRMM product is its poor performance over ice-covered areas because ice on the ground behaves in a similar way as rain or ice drops in the atmosphere in term of scattering the microwave energy. While all three products are able to correctly represent the spatial rainfall patterns at the annual scale, it not surprisingly turns out that none of them meets the challenge of representing both accumulated quantities of precipitation and frequency of occurrence at the short time scales (sub-daily and daily) required for glacio-hydrological studies in this region. It is concluded that new methods should be used to merge various rainfall products so as to make the most of their respective strengths.
Investigation of suitable sites for wave energy converters around Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Iuppa C. , Cavallaro L. , Vicinanza D. , Foti E.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. An analysis of wave energy along the coasts of Sicily (Italy) is presented with the aim of selecting possible sites for the implementation of wave energy converters (WECs). The analysis focuses on the selection of hotspot areas of energy concentration. A third-generation model was adopted to reconstruct the wave data along the coast over a period of 14 years. The reconstruction was performed using the wave and wind data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The analysis of wave energy allowed us to characterise the most energetic zones, which are located on the western side of Sicily and on the Strait of Sicily. Moreover, the estimate of the annual wave power on the entire computational domain identified eight interesting sites. The main features of the sites include relatively high wave energy and proximity to the coast, which makes them possible sites for the implementation of WEC farms.
Reconstructing bottom water temperatures from measurements of temperature and thermal diffusivity in marine sediments
Authors: Miesner F. , Lechleiter A. , Müller C.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Continuous monitoring of oceanic bottom water temperatures is a complicated task, even in relatively easy-to-access basins like the North or Baltic seas. Here, a method to determine annual bottom water temperature variations from inverse modeling of instantaneous measurements of temperatures and sediment thermal properties is presented. This concept is similar to climate reconstructions over several thousand years from deep borehole data. However, in contrast, the presented method aims at reconstructing the recent temperature history of the last year from sediment thermal properties and temperatures from only a few meters depth. For solving the heat equation, a commonly used forward model is introduced and analyzed: knowing the bottom water temperature variations for the preceding years and the thermal properties of the sediments, the forward model determines the sediment temperature field. The bottom water temperature variation is modeled as an annual cosine defined by the mean temperature, the amplitude and a phase shift. As the forward model operator is non-linear but low-dimensional, common inversion schemes such as the Newton algorithm can be utilized. The algorithms are tested for artificial data with different noise levels and for two measured data sets: from the North Sea and from the Davis Strait. Both algorithms used show stable and satisfying results with reconstruction errors in the same magnitude as the initial data error. In particular, the artificial data sets are reproduced with accuracy within the bounds of the artificial noise level. Furthermore, the results for the measured North Sea data show small variances and resemble the bottom water temperature variations recorded from a nearby monitoring site with relative errors smaller than 1 % in all parameters.
Combining operational models and data into a dynamic vessel risk assessment tool for coastal regions
Authors: Fernandes R. , Braunschweig F. , Lourenço F. , Neves R.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The technological evolution in terms of computational capacity, data acquisition systems, numerical modelling and operational oceanography is supplying opportunities for designing and building holistic approaches and complex tools for newer and more efficient management (planning, prevention and response) of coastal water pollution risk events. A combined methodology to dynamically estimate time and space variable shoreline risk levels from ships has been developed, integrating numerical metocean forecasts and oil spill simulations with vessel tracking automatic identification systems (AIS). The risk rating combines the likelihood of an oil spill occurring from a vessel navigating in a study area – Portuguese Continental shelf – with the assessed consequences to the shoreline. The spill likelihood is based on dynamic marine weather conditions and statistical information from previous accidents. The shoreline consequences reflect the virtual spilled oil amount reaching shoreline and its environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The oil reaching shoreline is quantified with an oil spill fate and behaviour model running multiple virtual spills from vessels along time. Shoreline risks can be computed in real-time or from previously obtained data. Results show the ability of the proposed methodology to estimate the risk properly sensitive to dynamic metocean conditions and to oil transport behaviour. The integration of meteo-oceanic + oil spill models with coastal vulnerability and AIS data in the quantification of risk enhances the maritime situational awareness and the decision support model, providing a more realistic approach in the assessment of shoreline impacts. The risk assessment from historical data can help finding typical risk patterns, "hot spots" or developing sensitivity analysis to specific conditions, whereas real time risk levels can be used in the prioritization of individual ships, geographical areas, strategic tug positioning and implementation of dynamic risk-based vessel traffic monitoring.
Potential effects of vinasse as a soil amendment to control runoff and soil loss
Authors: Hazbavi Z. , Sadeghi S. H. R.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Application of organic materials are well known as environmental practices in soil restoration, preserving soil organic matter and recovering degraded soils of arid and semiarid lands. So, the present research focused on evaluating the effectiveness of vinasse, on soil conservation under simulated rainfall. Vinasse can be recycled as a soil amendment due to its organic matter. Accordingly, the laboratory experiments were conducted by using 0.25 m2-experimental plots at 20 % slope and rainfall intensity of 72 m h−1 with 0.5 h duration. The effect of three rates of vinasse at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 L m−2 was investigated on runoff and soil loss control. Laboratory results indicated that vinasse at different levels could nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) decrease the runoff amount and soil loss rate in the study plots compared to untreated plots except 1.5 L m−2 which nonsignificantly increased the runoff volume. Also, the results indicated that the soil loss amount at the vinasse application rate of 1 L m−2 was the least. The average amounts of minimum runoff volume and soil loss were about 3985 mL and 46 g for the study plot at 1 L m−2 level of vinasse application.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Gabor Sass
Authors: Po Courtney
Published: July 2015

Dr. Gabor Sass is a part-time Assistant Professor in the Departments of Geography and Biology, and the Centre for Environment and Sustainability. He is also the founder of Sassafras Consulting, an organization that works to characterize and analyze environmental change in both the spatial and temporal dimensions by using a combination of ground, satellite, and airborne based monitoring techniques and hydrological and biogeochemical principles to infer the dominant controls behind environmental change. He has been involved in multiple projects investigating hydrological, ecological and biogeochemical change in boreal, agricultural, and urban landscapes during a 15-year career.
The Internal Lean Dimensions Impact on the Manufacturing Based Product Quality of Food Processing Companies in Jordan
Authors: Al-jawazneh Bahjat Eid
Published: July 2015

This paper studies the impact of internal lean dimensions on the manufacturing based quality of food processing companies in Jordan, variables such as, pull systems, continuous flow, setup time reduction, total productive maintenance, statistical process control, and employee involvement were chosen to represent the internal lean dimensions, and were assumed to have an affect manufacturing based quality.

A survey questionnaire was distributed for that purpose to those who occupy positions in the production department and eligible enough to give accurate and unbiased responses to the items of the questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that; the Internal Lean Dimensions have a significant impact on the manufacturing based product quality, manifested by, lower food products reprocessing, conforming to high quality standards, lower defects rate, less interruptive breakdowns, which helped food processing companies in delivering their products according to agreed upon schedule and the optimization of the utilization of their manufacturing resources, such as machines and equipments, raw materials, and labor force
Book Review: An Introduction to Research in Mathematics Education
Authors: Leatham Keith R. , Johnson Kate R. , Jones Steven R.
Published: July 2015

In MasterClass in Mathematics Education: International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning, editors Paul Andrews and Tim Rowland introduce research in mathematics education in the tradition of a Master Class. Each of the 17 chapters is organized around a set of core readings (four such readings for all but one chapter). Authors were asked “to include some commentary and/or exposition of the readings, and to set them in the broader context of ideas and methods to which they belong” (p. xiv). Each team of authors is actively engaged in research related to the topic of their chapter. This familiarity gives the reader a sense of having an “insider's view” into the topics as well as an appreciation of the perspective (among many possibilities) that the chapter imparts with regard to the given topic. Throughout this review, we refer to the intended audience for this book–a novice to mathematics education research–as “the reader,” and to one who might assign or recommend the book to such a reader as “the mentor.” The two main purposes of this review are (a) to aid the mentor in deciding how to use this book with the reader and (b) to aid the reader as they use the book and are introduced to research in mathematics education. Thus, we hope the mentor will consider assigning this review as introductory reading. We have organized the review into three main sections. The first contains brief summaries of each of the 17 chapters, the second a critique of how well the book fulfills its primary purposes (as outlined in its preface), and the third our overall recommendations for use of the book.
Cerebellar associative sensory learning defects in five mouse autism models
Authors: Kloth Alexander D , Badura Aleksandra , Li Amy , Cherskov Adriana , Connolly Sara G , Giovannucci Andrea , Bangash M Ali , Grasselli Giorgio , Peñagarikano Olga , Piochon Claire , Tsai Peter T , Geschwind Daniel H , Hansel Christian , Sahin Mustafa , Takumi Toru , Worley Paul F , Wang Samuel S-H
Published: July 2015

Sensory integration difficulties have been reported in autism, but their underlying brain-circuit mechanisms are underexplored. Using five autism-related mouse models, Shank3+/ΔC, Mecp2R308/Y, Cntnap2−/−, L7-Tsc1 (L7/Pcp2Cre::Tsc1flox/+), and patDp(15q11-13)/+, we report specific perturbations in delay eyeblink conditioning, a form of associative sensory learning requiring cerebellar plasticity. By distinguishing perturbations in the probability and characteristics of learned responses, we found that probability was reduced in Cntnap2−/−, patDp(15q11-13)/+, and L7/Pcp2Cre::Tsc1flox/+, which are associated with Purkinje-cell/deep-nuclear gene expression, along with Shank3+/ΔC. Amplitudes were smaller in L7/Pcp2Cre::Tsc1flox/+ as well as Shank3+/ΔC and Mecp2R308/Y, which are associated with granule cell pathway expression. Shank3+/ΔC and Mecp2R308/Y also showed aberrant response timing and reduced Purkinje-cell dendritic spine density. Overall, our observations are potentially accounted for by defects in instructed learning in the olivocerebellar loop and response representation in the granule cell pathway. Our findings indicate that defects in associative temporal binding of sensory events are widespread in autism mouse models.
Structure and functional properties of Norrin mimic Wnt for signalling with Frizzled4, Lrp5/6, and proteoglycan
Authors: Chang Tao-Hsin , Hsieh Fu-Lien , Zebisch Matthias , Harlos Karl , Elegheert Jonathan , Jones E Yvonne
Published: July 2015

Wnt signalling regulates multiple processes including angiogenesis, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Norrin (Norrie Disease Protein) is a cystine-knot like growth factor. Although unrelated to Wnt, Norrin activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Signal complex formation involves Frizzled4 (Fz4), low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 5/6 (Lrp5/6), Tetraspanin-12 and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Here, we report crystallographic and small-angle X-ray scattering analyses of Norrin in complex with Fz4 cysteine-rich domain (Fz4CRD), of this complex bound with GAG analogues, and of unliganded Norrin and Fz4CRD. Our structural, biophysical and cellular data, map Fz4 and putative Lrp5/6 binding sites to distinct patches on Norrin, and reveal a GAG binding site spanning Norrin and Fz4CRD. These results explain numerous disease-associated mutations. Comparison with the Xenopus Wnt8–mouse Fz8CRD complex reveals Norrin mimics Wnt for Frizzled recognition. The production and characterization of wild-type and mutant Norrins reported here open new avenues for the development of therapeutics to combat abnormal Norrin/Wnt signalling.
Structures of the scanning and engaged states of the mammalian SRP-ribosome complex
Authors: Voorhees Rebecca M , Hegde Ramanujan S
Published: July 2015

The universally conserved signal recognition particle (SRP) is essential for the biogenesis of most integral membrane proteins. SRP scans the nascent chains of translating ribosomes, preferentially engaging those with hydrophobic targeting signals, and delivers these ribosome-nascent chain complexes to the membrane. Here, we present structures of native mammalian SRP-ribosome complexes in the scanning and engaged states. These structures reveal the near-identical SRP architecture of these two states, show many of the SRP-ribosome interactions at atomic resolution, and suggest how the polypeptide-binding M domain selectively engages hydrophobic signals. The scanning M domain, pre-positioned at the ribosomal exit tunnel, is auto-inhibited by a C-terminal amphipathic helix occluding its hydrophobic binding groove. Upon engagement, the hydrophobic targeting signal displaces this amphipathic helix, which then acts as a protective lid over the signal. Biochemical experiments suggest how scanning and engagement are coordinated with translation elongation to minimize exposure of hydrophobic signals during membrane targeting.
Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder—An Essential Medical Treatment
Authors: Weimer Melissa B. , Morford Kenneth L.
Published: August 2024

This Clinical Insights describes the process for initiating buprenorphine treatment for patients with opioid use disorder.
Extreme Weather Injuries and Fatalities, 2006 to 2021
Authors: Stephens Caroline Q. , Newton Christopher , Kappy Brandon , Melhado Caroline G. , Fallat Mary E.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Extreme weather has major implications for state and national health care systems; however, statistics examining weather-related injuries and fatalities are limited.

Objective

To examine the frequency and regional distribution of major disaster events (MDEs) in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This ecologic cross-sectional study of MDEs occurring between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2021, evaluated US data on all injuries and fatalities included in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Centers for Environmental Information Storm Events Database. The data analysis was performed between February 22, 2023, and April 1, 2024.

Exposures

Major disaster events defined as an environmental event that caused either at least 50 injuries or at least 10 deaths.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All MDEs were evaluated using descriptive statistics for event type, property damage, and rural or urban classification according to the National Centers for Health Statistics Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties. The location of events according to Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) region and hospital bed capacity of ASPR regions were also examined.

Results

Between 2006 and 2021, 11 159 storm events caused 42 254 injuries and 9760 deaths. Major disaster events accounted for 209 weather events (1.9%) but caused 19 463 weather-associated injuries (46.1%) and 2189 weather-associated deaths (22.4%). The majority of MDEs were caused by extreme heat (86 [41.1%]) and tornadoes (67 [32.1%]). While a larger proportion of MDEs occurred in urban areas (151 [75.1%]) vs rural areas (50 [24.9%]), rural MDEs caused a median of 9 (IQR, 2-16) deaths per event vs 4 (IQR, 0-14) deaths per event in urban areas. The majority of MDEs occurred in either ASPR region 4 (51 [24.5%]) or region 9 (45 [21.6%]). Certain event types, such as fires, wind, and hurricanes or storms, were geographically concentrated, while extreme heat and floods affected regions across the US equally. Urban counties had disproportionately greater hospital bed capacity than rural counties relative to population and MDE distributions.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this ecologic study indicate that while MDEs accounted for a small proportion of all weather events, they were associated with a disproportionate number of injuries and fatalities. Integrating these data into county, state, and regional hazard vulnerability analyses is crucial to ensuring preparedness and mitigating climate risk.
Sensitivity and specificity of the Salzburg EEG criteria for nonconvulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Ulvin Line B. , Nilsen Kristian B. , Taubøll Erik , Etholm Lars , Heuser Kjell
Published: August 2024

Objective

The Salzburg EEG criteria for nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) have been proposed as consensus criteria for NCSE. We aimed to perform an independent study of their diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out at Oslo University Hospital, including all consecutive patients ≥15 years old who were referred for an EEG with an explicit or implicit question of NCSE from February 2020 to February 2022. Two independent EEG readers scored the included EEGs according to the Salzburg criteria and blinded to the clinical data. The reference standard was defined as the clinical diagnosis the patient received based on all available clinical and paraclinical data. Diagnostic accuracy in identifying “certain/possible NCSE” was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value with their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

In total, 469 patients/EEGs were included in the study. The prevalence of NCSE according to the reference standard was 11% (n = 53). The criteria showed a sensitivity of 94% (95% CI: 92–96%), a specificity of 77% (95% CI: 73–81%), a positive predictive value of 34% (95% CI: 30–39%), and a negative predictive value of 99% (95% CI: 98–100%). False positives for “certain NCSE” (n = 16) included many serial seizures and stimulus‐induced rhythmic and periodic discharges (SIRPIDs), as well as a focal cortical dysplasia. False positives for “possible NCSE” (n = 79) were mainly represented by different encephalopathies and postictality.

Interpretation

The low specificity of the Salzburg criteria calls for refinement before implementation into daily clinical practice.
Superconductivity and Metallic Behavior in Heavily Doped Bulk Single Crystal Diamond and Novel Transportation Behavior at Graphene/Diamond Heterostructure
Authors: Lin Shisheng , Yu Xutao , Yang Minhui , Zhong Huikai , Guo Jiarui , Chen Xin
Published: August 2024

Owing to extremely large bandgap of 5.5 eV and high thermal conductivity, diamond is recognized as the most important semiconductor. The superconductivity of polycrystalline diamond has always been reported, but there are also many controversies over the existence of superconductivity in bulk single crystal diamond. Besides, it remains a question whether a metallic state exists for such a large bandgap semiconductor. Herein, a single crystal superconducting diamond with a Hall carrier concentration larger than 3 × 1020 cm−3 is realized by co‐doped of boron and nitrogen, with an extremely low resistivity of 2.07 × 10−3 Ω cm at room temperature and dominated acceptor–donor bounded exciton photoluminescence. Furthermore, it is shown that diamond can transform from superconducting to metallic state under similar carrier concentration with tuned carrier mobility degrading from 9.10 cm2 V−1 s−1 or 5.30 cm2 V−1 s−1 to 2.66 cm2 V−1 s−1 or 1.34 cm2 V−1 s−1. Through integrating graphene on a nitrogen and boron heavily co‐doped diamond, a novel transportation behavior in the monolayer graphene similar with superconducting behavior is realized through combining Andreev reflection and exciton‐mediated superconductivity, which may reveal more interesting superconducting behavior of diamond.
Defective PTFE with Dense Active Sites Enabling Rapid H2O2 Production for Efficient Water Purification
Authors: Peng Wei , Qiu Jiacheng , Liu Xiaoqing , Tan Haotian , Hou Feng , Feng Jianmin , Yan Xiao , Liang Ji
Published: August 2024

The electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e−‐ORR) enables high energy utilization and distributed H2O2 production. Rational catalyst design is essential for achieving efficient H2O2 production, in which fluorine‐modified carbon materials hold great potential. However, conventional methods can only induce limited loading of fluorine atoms in carbon‐based catalysts, leading to unsatisfying electrochemical performance. Herein, the design of fluorine‐containing active sites with high density and high 2e−‐ORR selectivity is achieved by loading fluorine‐containing chained polytetrafluoroethylene precursors onto conductive carbon substrates by plasma‐assisted ball milling technique. Consequently, the defect‐rich PTFE@CNTs show a high selectivity of over 95% and a high H2O2 yield of more than 35 mol g−1 h−1. Furthermore, the electrochemical production of H2O2 can be readily integrated with water purification units to decompose contaminants, showing over 80% degradation of multiple dyes within 1 h and over 95% removal ratio of antibiotics within 4 h. In addition, 100% sterilization of staphylococcus aureus is achieved by on‐site accumulating H2O2 in commercial saline for only 30 min. This defect engineering strategy through plasma ball milling provides a promising and universal avenue toward designing highly active and efficient electrocatalysts for 2e−‐ORR as well as other electrochemical processes.
Solvation Chemistry Enables Eutectogels with Ultrahigh Autofluorescence, Toughness, and Adhesion under Extreme Environments
Authors: Jiang Xin , Hou Yanbei , Wang Yanan , Chu Fukai , Zhu Jixin , Song Lei , Hu Yuan , Hu Weizhao
Published: August 2024

Compared to conventional gels, eutectogels encompassing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) circumvent the shortboards including poor temperature resistance, high cost, and undesired toxicity. However, existing eutectogels suffer weak intra‐ and interchain interactions, which culminates in vanishing autofluorescence, weak mechanic and feeble adhesion. Although myriad strategies have been proposed to boost the polymer/polymer interactions within gels, the processes are time‐consuming, which are not suitable for mass production or emergent deployment. Herein, to deal with it, a facile solvation chemistry is leveraged to build dynamic rigid network via incorporating active polymer backbones and DESs. Within these eutectogels, DESs play a magnet‐like role, and physically cluster polymer chains together via multiple noncovalent forces, thus intensifying polymer/polymer and DESs/polymer interactions. This solvation network bestows rare autofluorescence and unprecedentedly high strength, toughness, and adhesion among reported analogues, even in harsh conditions. Moreover, the mechanism of solvation chemistry is fully scrutinized for the first time. It is believed that this facile strategy can be easily expanded to the orchestrations of other soft materials.
dGAE(297–391) Tau Fragment Promotes Formation of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy‐Like Tau Filaments
Authors: Kitoka Kristine , Lends Alons , Kucinskas Gytis , Bula Anna Lina , Krasauskas Lukas , Smirnovas Vytautas , Zilkova Monika , Kovacech Branislav , Skrabana Rostislav , Hritz Jozef , Jaudzems Kristaps
Published: August 2024

The microtubule‐associated protein tau forms disease‐specific filamentous aggregates in several different neurodegenerative diseases. In order to understand how tau undergoes misfolding into a specific filament type and to control this process for drug development purposes, it is crucial to study in vitro tau aggregation methods and investigate the structures of the obtained filaments at the atomic level. Here, we used the tau fragment dGAE, which aggregates spontaneously, to seed the formation of full‐length tau filaments. The structures of dGAE and full‐length tau filaments were investigated by magic‐angle spinning (MAS) solid‐state NMR, showing that dGAE allows propagation of a chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)‐like fold to the full‐length tau. The obtained filaments efficiently seeded tau aggregation in HEK293T cells. This work demonstrates that in vitro preparation of disease‐specific types of full‐length tau filaments is feasible.
A Strategy for the Formal C−N Cross‐Coupling of Tertiary Amines
Authors: Ledwith Peter R. , Cooney Madelene L. , Bahou Karim A. , García‐Cárceles Javier , Thomson Joshua , Bower John F.
Published: August 2024

We report a strategy for the formal C−N cross‐coupling of tertiary amines via the in situ generation and displacement of N‐acyl ammonium species. Specifically, treatment of diverse tertiary amines with TFAA or chloroformates in the presence of NaI leads to the efficient generation of alkyl iodides, which can be engaged directly in Ni‐catalyzed cross‐couplings. The protocol is applicable to acyclic and cyclic systems, including highly hindered variants. Applications to the late‐stage modification of complex heterocycles are presented.
Surface Cladding Engineering via Oxygen Sulfur Distribution for Stable Electrocatalytic Oxygen Production
Authors: Zi Shengjie , Zhu Jiamin , Zhai Yue , Hu Yang , Zhang Nan , Li Shuhui , Liu Luohua , An Li , Xi Pinxian , Yan Chun‐Hua
Published: August 2024

Inevitable leaching and corrosion under anodic oxidative environment greatly restrict the lifespan of most catalysts with excellent primitive activity for oxygen production. Here, based on Fick’ s Law, we present a surface cladding strategy to mitigate Ni dissolution and stabilize lattice oxygen triggering by directional flow of interfacial electrons and strong electronic interactions via constructing elaborately cladding‐type NiO/NiS heterostructure with controlled surface thickness. Multiple in situ characterization technologies indicated that this strategy can effectively prevent the irreversible Ni ions leaching and inhibit lattice oxygen from participating in anodic reaction. Combined with density functional theory calculations, we reveal that the stable interfacial O−Ni−S arrangement can facilitate the accumulation of electrons on surficial NiO side and weaken its Ni−O covalency. This would suppress the overoxidation of Ni and simultaneously fixing the lattice oxygen, thus enabling catalysts with boosted corrosion resistance without sacrificing its activity. Consequently, this cladding‐type NiO/NiS heterostructure exhibits excellent performance with a low overpotential of 256 mV after 500 h. Based on Fick's law, this work demonstrates the positive effect of surface modification through precisely adjusting of the oxygen‐sulfur exchange process, which has paved an innovative and effective way to solve the instability problem of anodic oxidation.
Hydrazine‐Catalysed Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization Of Cyclobutenes
Authors: Kellner‐Rogers Julian S. , Hsu Jesse H. , Keresztes Ivan , Fors Brett P. , Lambert Tristan H.
Published: August 2024

Materials formed by the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclic olefins are highly valued for industrial and academic applications but are difficult to prepare free of metal contaminants. Here we describe a highly efficient metal‐free ROMP of cyclobutenes using hydrazine catalysis. Reactions can be initiated via in situ condensation of a [2.2.2]‐bicyclic hydrazine catalyst with an aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde initiator. The polymerizations show living characteristics, achieving excellent control over molecular weight, low dispersity values, and high chain‐end fidelity. Additionally, the hydrazine can be used in substoichiometric amounts relative to the aldehyde chain‐end while maintaining good control over molecular weight and low dispersity values, indicating that a highly efficient chain transfer mechanism is occurring.
Photo‐Induced Ultrafast Charge Transfer and Air‐Stable Radical Formation in Tetraphenylpyrene Derivatives
Authors: Tang Lu , Gao Yuhang , Cong Nannan , Cui Zhiyuan , Zhang Ming , Li Feng
Published: August 2024

Stable organic radicals generated by photo‐excitation hold applications in molecular switching devices and information storage. It remains challenging to develop photo‐generated radical materials with rapid response and air stability in the solid state. Here, we report a structure based on 1,3,6,8‐tetraphenylpyrene derivative (Py‐TTAc) displaying photo‐induced radicals with air stability in the solid state. Photo‐induced electron transfer, exposed to a 365 nm ultraviolet lamp for 1 minute, affords radicals in Py‐TTAc powder as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The maximum radical concentration reaches 2.21 % after continuous irradiation for 1 hour and recurs more than 10 times without any chemical degradation. The mechanistic study according to the femtosecond transient absorption (fsTA) and X‐ray technology suggests that the radicals are derived from photo‐induced symmetry‐breaking charge separation (SB‐CS) and stabilized through non‐covalent interactions. The photo‐generated stable radical system is employed in anti‐counterfeiting paper and optoelectronic device applications. This study will provide insights into the development of photoactive organic radical materials.
Waterborne polyurethane/cellulose composite aerogel with passive cooling and thermal insulation properties
Authors: He Yu , Zhang Zhenyu , Ma Haosen , Zhou Yan , Tian Xinxin , Sheng Dekun , Liu Xiangdong , Yang Yuming
Published: August 2024

Passive cooling is a cooling technology that does not require external energy input, with most passive cooling strategies having high manufacturing difficulty and cost. In this study, we prepared lightweight aerogels (0.093 g/cm3) with high porosity (91.3%), directional pores, enhanced elastic recovery performance, and lower thermal conductivity (0.046 W/mK) through simple mixing, directional freezing, and freeze‐drying. The prepared samples have a reflectance of 87% in the ultraviolet—visible—near‐infrared (UV‐Vis‐NIR) range (0.2–2.5 μm) and an emissivity of 93.6% in the atmospheric transparency window. After covering the box with axial and transverse aerogel samples, the temperature inside the box relative to the uncovered sample box decreased by 12.9 and 13.4°C, respectively. This work provides a feasible method for the research of simply prepared passive cooling materials.