bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From multiplicity of infection to force of infection for sparsely sampled Plasmodium falciparum populations at high transmission
Authors: Zhan Qi , Tiedje Kathryn E , Day Karen P , Pascual Mercedes
Published: September 2024

High multiplicity of infection or MOI, the number of genetically distinct parasite strains co-infecting a single human host, characterizes infectious diseases including falciparum malaria at high transmission. It accompanies high asymptomatic
Plasmodium falciparum
prevalence despite high exposure, creating a large transmission reservoir challenging intervention. High MOI and asymptomatic prevalence are enabled by immune evasion of the parasite achieved via vast antigenic diversity. Force of infection or FOI, the number of new infections acquired by an individual host over a given time interval, is the dynamic sister quantity of MOI, and a key epidemiological parameter for monitoring the impact of antimalarial interventions and assessing vaccine or drug efficacy in clinical trials. FOI remains difficult, expensive, and labor-intensive to accurately measure, especially in high-transmission regions, whether directly via cohort studies or indirectly via the fitting of epidemiological models to repeated cross-sectional surveys. We propose here the application of queuing theory to obtain FOI on the basis of MOI, in the form of either a two-moment approximation method or Little’s law. We illustrate these methods with MOI estimates obtained under sparse sampling schemes with the recently proposed “
var
coding” method, based on sequences of the
var
multigene family encoding for the major variant surface antigen of the blood stage of malaria infection. The methods are evaluated with simulation output from a stochastic agent-based model, and are applied to an interrupted time-series study from Bongo District in northern Ghana before and immediately after a three-round transient indoor residual spraying (IRS) intervention. We incorporate into the sampling of the simulation output, limitations representative of those encountered in the collection of field data, including under-sampling of
var
genes, missing data, and usage of antimalarial drug treatment. We address these limitations in MOI estimates with a Bayesian framework and an imputation bootstrap approach. We demonstrate that both proposed methods give good and consistent FOI estimates across various simulated scenarios. Their application to the field surveys shows a pronounced reduction in annual FOI during intervention, of more than 70%. The proposed approach should be applicable to the many geographical locations where cohort or cross-sectional studies with regular and frequent sampling are lacking but single-time-point surveys under sparse sampling schemes are available, and for MOI estimates obtained in different ways. They should also be relevant to other pathogens of humans, wildlife and livestock whose immune evasion strategies are based on large antigenic variation resulting in high multiplicity of infection.
Perception and Attitude among Patients Receiving Local Anaesthesia in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Rajkumar Charumathy , Balasubramanian Balaguhan , Karthikeyan GR , Sakthisri V
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Dental local anaesthesia serves several purposes, the most common of which is to minimise pain during dental procedures, thereby improving patient comfort and facilitating treatment. It can also have therapeutic effects, such as temporarily relieving pulpitis pain. Patients often experience anxiety before and after receiving local anaesthesia. Aim: To evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of patients receiving local anaesthesia through a self-administered questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 patients, including 218 males and 180 females, between August 2022 and October 2022, who underwent dental extractions at a dental hospital in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India. A 15-item questionnaire was administered to the patients. The questionnaire comprised three domains: the first domain included questions before the administration of local anaesthesia, the second domain included questions during the administration of local anaesthesia, and the third domain included questions after the administration of local anaesthesia. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Of the participants, 126 (40.20%) were between 46 and 60 years of age. Males constituted 218 (54.8%) and females constituted 180 (45.2%) of the sample. Additionally, 76.38% of the patients were unaware of the preinjection topical anaesthesia. Moreover, 70.35% of patients experienced anxiety before the administration of local anaesthesia. During the administration of local anaesthesia, 300 (75.4%) of patients reported experiencing moderate pain. Many patients exhibited physical manifestations of fear, including sweating in 92 (23.12%), light-headedness in 102 (25.63%), and palpitations after the administration of local anaesthesia in 190 (47.74%). Conclusion: Anxiety was more prevalent among patients prior to the administration of local anaesthesia. Patients were more anxious about the fear of the injection rather than the fear of the extraction itself. The outcomes of anaesthesia may be significantly improved by educating patients about dental treatment processes.
Comparative Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Colour Stability of Four Different Composite Resins after Application of Desensitising Agents: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Gupta Simran Rakeshkumar , Makade Chetana , Shenoi Pratima , Gunwal Mohit , Burad Pratik
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Dentinal Hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical condition usually associated with exposed dentinal surfaces. Desensitising agents are regularly used by patients experiencing hypersensitivity, which can affect the physical properties of the existing restorative material. Aim: To evaluate the surface roughness and colour stability of four different types of composite resin restorations after exposure to a desensitising agent. Materials and Methods: The in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at Ranjeet Deshmukh Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India from January 2024 to March 2024. Total 56 standardised composite resin discs of size 8×2 mm thickness were prepared using four different types of composites: microhybrid, nanofilled, nanohybrid, and flowable. They were further divided into control and experimental groups based on the application of a desensitising agent, with seven samples in each subgroup. The desensitising agent was applied twice a day for three minutes for one month. Surface roughness was evaluated using a surface profilometer, and colour stability was assessed using a spectrophotometer with the Commision on Ilumination (CIE) L*a*b* formula. The data were analysed using Student’s t-test for pair-wise comparison and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with Tukey post-hoc tests for intergroup comparison. Results: The application of a desensitising agent on the samples resulted in a significantly greater effect on the surface roughness of the experimental subgroup than their control counterparts (p≤0.05). Among all groups, the nanofilled group exhibited the lowest surface roughness (0.418±0.047), and the colour change (1.87±0.00) was clinically acceptable. However, the flowable group had the maximum colour change amongst all the other groups (3.16±0.00). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, nanofilled composite resin restorative material has minimal surface roughness and colour change after exposure to the desensitising agent. It can be considered the material of choice for restoration in patients with DH.
Significance of Mrudu Virechan (laxatives) and Specific Medicines in the Management of Bronchial Asthma: A Case Report
Authors: Jaiswal Shrish , Rathi Renu , Sahane Sonali , Rathi Bharat , Naukarkar Pawan
Published: September 2024

Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, fever, and cough are common respiratory complaints seen in bronchial asthma. It is the most prevalent chronic health issue affecting individuals in the paediatric age group. Tamaka Shwasa is one among the five varieties of Shwasa Roga in Ayurveda. The purpose of present case study was to examine how an Ayurvedic treatment plan might be applied to cases of bronchial asthma. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 10-year-old female child who was brought to the clinic by her parents, presenting with complaints of difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, and occasional sneezing. Based on the history taken and clinical examination, she was diagnosed as a case of Tamaka Shwasa, having suffered from it since, the age of five. The child was treated according to the treatment protocol cited in classic text books of Ayurveda that is Virechana and other medications, for a period of two months, divided into two sittings. After two months, there was a notable decline in clinical features, such as cough, breathlessness, and cold, as reported by her mother. Additionally, there was a decrease in the eosinophil count. The present case study demonstrates the role of Ayurveda in the management of bronchial asthma.
Quantitative Assessment of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Awareness among Postgraduate Commerce Students in the Coimbatore District, India
Authors: S. Kaleeshwari , Jegadeeshwaran M.
Published: September 2024

Aim: Key motive is to research the prevailing level of awareness level of commerce post graduate students on cyber crime and cyber security in their day-to-day life.
Design/ Methodology/Approach: In the current research paper, data has been collected based on census method using high ended questionnaire from 178 M. Com students from University in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nādu in India. The accumulated information is further analyzed in testing their level of awareness using descriptive statistics and Anova to check the difference with respect to their demographics. The Researchers want to know how college students feel about being aware of cybercrime and cyber security so they are looking into that.
Findings: The study has identified the factors for the level of awareness on cybercrime with 5 variables and cybersecurity with 6 variables. These variables have different perspective with respect to the demographic factors of the commerce post graduate students. Especially the Course of study and the year of study creates difference in the awareness level.
Research Limitations: The study is a valuable understanding for the students in commerce stream at their post graduate level in knowing their level of understanding and awareness of cybercrimes and cyber security. This study has only focused on the commerce post graduate students of university and it is restricted to the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nādu alone. The results cannot be generalized commonly for the students in post-graduation.
Originality: The study is original contribution to understand the awareness of commerce post graduate students in Tamil Nadu. It can be definitely used for further references in terms of level of awareness of students from different range or the study can be further expanded by the researchers and policy makers in developing the safety and awareness measures towards cybercrime and cybersecurity.
Histopathological Study of the Gastrointestinal Tract in CT Radiation Exposed Rats
Authors: Mgbe Emeka K. , Ogbanya Kenneth C. , Abah Iniobong G. , Modebe Emmanuel O. , Nnaji Theophilus O.
Published: September 2024

Aims: To investigate the histopathologic impact of low and high doses of CT ionizing radiation on the gastrointestinal tract of albino rats following whole-body irradiation.
Study Design: Randomized controlled experiments.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of veterinary surgery and radiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, between July 2023 and Jan 2024.
Methodology: Thirty healthy male Wistar albino rats aged 9-10 weeks, weighing 180-200g were randomly assigned -into five groups (A, B, C, D, and E) of six rats each. Rats in groups A and B were irradiated with low dose radiation of 74.74 mGy/cm and 352.38 mGy/cm dose length product (DLP) respectively. Group C and D rats were irradiated with high dose radiation of 628.6 mGy/cm and 1,388.42mGy/cm dose length product (DLP) respectively. Group E rats were not irradiated and served as control.
Results: CT radiation at the dose length product (DLP) of 74.74 mGy/cm, 352.38 mGy/cm,628.6mGy/cm and 1,388.46 mGy/cm induced histopathologic changes on the small intestine of the irradiated rats while these radiations did not induce any change in the stomach.
Conclusion: Cell-level microscopic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract of the irradiated rats indicate that the small intestine is more radiosensitive than the stomach. From the cellular structural changes observed in the small intestine of the irradiated rats, it be concluded that CT radiation at a DLP of 628.6mGy/cm is inimical to the vital organs. These findings could suggest that there could be serious microscopic structural changes that go unnoticed during diagnostic and therapeutic CT irradiation in both animals and humans, and emphasizes the need to adhere strictly to as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle in the dispensing of CT radiation.
Impact of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on Promotion of Pulse Crops in Farmers Fields of Telangana, India
Authors: Rajashekar Banda , Rajashekhar Mandla , Reddy Thalla Prabhakar , Reddy Maligi Jagan Mohan , Shankar Adhi , Shaila Ongole , Ramakrishna Kommagoni , Jyoshna E.
Published: September 2024

Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana state in the operational areas KVK Palem to assess the productivity and profitability of improved rabi pulse varieties—green gram (WGG-42) and black gram (PU-31)—using scientific production technologies from 2018–19 to 2020–21. Conducted across 150 farmer fields covering 60 hectares, the demonstrations revealed average yields of 16.7 q/ha for black gram and 14.2 q/ha for green gram, representing yield increase of 15.2–16.1% and 12.5–13.8% respectively over traditional practices. The extension gap was 4.0 q/ha for black gram and 2.8 q/ha for green gram, while the technology gap was 8.3 q/ha and 7.8 q/ha, with technology indices of 33.20% and 35.61%, respectively. Economic analysis showed that the demonstrations generated significantly higher returns, with net increase of Rs. 15,365/ha for black gram and Rs. 18,785/ha for green gram, and benefit-cost ratio of 2.80 and 2.81, respectively.
Ergenlerde Ebeveyn Akademik Başarı Baskısı/Desteğiyle Yaşam Doyumu Arasındaki İlişkide Bilişsel Çarpıtmaların Aracı Rolü
Authors: Yıldırım Orhan , Kaya İdris
Published: September 2024

Bu araştırmada, ergenlerin algıladığı ebeveyn akademik başarı baskısı ve desteği ile yaşam doyumları arasındaki ilişkide akademik başarıya ilişkin bilişsel çarpıtmaların aracı rolünün incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu 14-18 yaş aralığında (X̄=15.79; Ss=1.18), 528’i kadın (%66.7) 264’ü erkek (%33.3) olmak üzere toplam 792 lise öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Araştırmanın verileri Ebeveyn Akademik Başarı Baskısı ve Desteği Ölçeği (EABDÖ), Öğrenci Yaşam Doyum Ölçeği (ÖYDÖ), Akademik Başarıya İlişkin Bilişsel Çarpıtmalar Ölçeği (ABİBÇÖ) ile elde edilmiştir. Bu araştırma kapsamında hipotezleri test etmek amacıyla yapısal eşitlik modellemesi (YEM) kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçları; (1) ebeveyn akademik başarı baskısı ve desteğinin ayrı ayrı şekilde ergen yaşam doyumunun ve akademik başarıya ilişkin bilişsel çarpıtmaların yordayıcısı olduğunu ve (2) ergen akademik başarıya ilişkin bilişsel çarpıtmalarının yaşam doyumunu yordadığını göstermektedir. Bunun yanında (3) ergenlerin akademik başarıya ilişkin bilişsel çarpıtmalarının; ebeveyn başarı baskısı ile ergen yaşam doyumu arasındaki ilişkide tam aracı etkisi olduğu ve ebeveyn başarı desteği ile ergen yaşam doyumu arasındaki ilişkiye ise kısmi aracı etkisi olduğu görülmüştür. Son olarak bulgular (4) çalışmada önerilen kavramsal modelin ergen yaşam doyumunun toplam varyansının %37’sini açıklayabildiğini göstermiştir. Bu araştırmanın sonucunda; ergenlerin ebeveynlerinden algıladıkları akademik başarı baskısı ve desteği ile birlikte akademik başarıya ilişkin bilişsel çarpıtmalarının onların yaşam doyumları üzerinde etkili olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
A novel viral RNA helicase with an independent translation enhancement activity
Authors: Abraham Ambily , Savithri Handanahal S.
Published: March 2016

RNA helicases have not been identified among negative sense RNA viruses. In this study, it is shown that Nonstructural protein (NSs) of Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) acts as a Mg2+‐ and ATP‐dependent bipolar RNA helicase. Biophysical and biochemical analysis of the deletion mutants (NΔ124 NSs, CΔ80 NSs) revealed that both the N‐ and C‐terminal residues are required for substrate binding, oligomerization and helicase activity, but are dispensable for ATPase activity. Interestingly, NSs could enhance the translation of RNA (~ 10‐fold) independent of its helicase activity. This is the first report of a RNA helicase from negative strand RNA viruses.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta induces transformation and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Matsui Atsuka , Fujimoto Jiro , Ishikawa Kosuke , Ito Emi , Goshima Naoki , Watanabe Shinya , Semba Kentaro
Published: March 2016

Gene amplification can be a cause of cancer, and driver oncogenes have been often identified in amplified regions. However, comprehensive analysis of other genes coamplified with an oncogene is rarely performed. We focused on the 17q12–21 amplicon, which contains ERBB2. We established a screening system for oncogenic activity with the NMuMG epithelial cell line. We identified a homeobox gene, HNF1B, as a novel cooperative transforming gene. HNF1B induced cancerous phenotypes, which were enhanced by the coexpression of ERBB2, and induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and invasive phenotypes. These results suggest that HNF1B is a novel oncogene that can work cooperatively with ERBB2.
Structural plasticity of the Salmonella FliS flagellar export chaperone
Authors: Sajó Ráchel , Tőke Orsolya , Hajdú István , Jankovics Hajnalka , Micsonai András , Dobó József , Kardos József , Vonderviszt Ferenc
Published: March 2016

The Salmonella FliS flagellar export chaperone is a highly α‐helical protein. Proteolytic experiments suggest that FliS has a compact core. However, the calorimetric melting profile of FliS does not show any melting transition in the 25–110 °C temperature range. Circular dichroism measurements reveal that FliS is losing its helical structure over a broad temperature range upon heating. These observations indicate that FliS unfolds in a noncooperative way and its native state shows features reminiscent of the molten globule state of proteins possessing substantial structural plasticity. As FliS has several binding partners within the cell, conformational adaptability seems to be an essential requirement to fulfill its multiple roles.
The particle carriers of field‐aligned currents in the Earth's magnetotail during a substorm
Authors: Cheng Z. W. , Zhang J. C. , Shi J. K. , Kistler L. M. , Dunlop M. , Dandouras I. , Fazakerley A.
Published: March 2016

Although the particle carriers of field‐aligned currents (FACs) in the Earth's magnetotail play an important role in the transfer of momentum and energy between the solar wind, magnetosphere, and ionosphere, the characteristics of the FAC carriers have been poorly understood. Taking advantage of multiinstrument magnetic field and plasma data collected by the four spacecraft of the Cluster constellation as they traversed the northern plasma sheet boundary layer in the magnetotail on 14 September 2004, we identified the species type and energy range of the FAC carriers for the first time. The results indicate that part of tailward FACs is carried by energetic keV ions, which are probably originated from the ionosphere through outflow, and they are not too small (~2 nA/m2) to be ignored. The earthward (tailward) FACs are mainly carried by the dominant tailward (earthward) motion of electrons, and higher‐energy electrons (from ~0.5 to 26 keV) are the main carriers.
The response of mesospheric NO to geomagnetic forcing in 2002–2012 as seen by SCIAMACHY
Authors: Sinnhuber M. , Friederich F. , Bender S. , Burrows J. P.
Published: March 2016

Daily NO number density, retrieved from measurements of the Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY) from 2002 to 2012 for polar summer in the mesosphere, is used to investigate the response of NO to geomagnetic activity, as expressed by the auroral electrojet (AE) index. Applying the superposed epoch analysis, we observe a clear response of NO to strong geomagnetic forcing at geomagnetic latitudes 55–75°N/S and altitudes above 66 km. The 27 day solar rotation cycle is observed, indicating that some of the observed geomagnetic events are related to solar coronal holes. We find a linear relationship between anomalies of AE and NO at geomagnetic latitudes 55–70°N/S and 70–74 km altitude. A clear auroral oval‐like structure is observed on days of strong geomagnetic forcing in both hemispheres, with small longitudinal inhomogeneities, which might be related to the South Atlantic Anomaly or the magnetic local time. The NO lifetime and production rate per AE anomaly has been derived from a least squares fit to the observations. Comparisons of results from a simple model using this empirical NO production and a lifetime varying from 1.2 days in summer to 10 days in winter to SCIAMACHY observations show good agreement. In particular, the strength and interannual variability of the wintertime maximum is well captured. This suggests that direct production of NO in the upper mesosphere above 72 km contributes substantially to the so‐called energetic particle precipitation indirect effect.
Aftershocks triggered by fluid intrusion: Evidence for the aftershock sequence occurred 2014 in West Bohemia/Vogtland
Authors: Hainzl S. , Fischer T. , Čermáková H. , Bachura M. , Vlček J.
Published: March 2016

The West Bohemia/Vogtland region, central Europe, is well known for its repeating swarm activity. However, the latest activity in 2014, although spatially overlapping with previous swarm activity, consisted of three classical aftershock sequences triggered by ML3.5, 4.4, and 3.5 events. To decode the apparent system change from swarm‐type to mainshock‐aftershock characteristics, we have analyzed the details of the major ML4.4 sequence based on focal mechanisms and relocated earthquake data. Our analysis shows that the mainshock occurred with rotated mechanism in a step over region of the fault plane, unfavorably oriented to the regional stress field. Most of its intense aftershock activity occurred in‐plane with classical characteristics such as (i) the maximum magnitude of the aftershocks is significantly less than the mainshock magnitude and (ii) the decay can be well fitted by the Omori‐Utsu law. However, the absolute number of aftershocks and the fitted Omori‐Utsu c and p parameters are much larger than for typical sequences. By means of the epidemic‐type aftershock sequence model, we show that an additional aseismic source with an exponentially decaying strength triggered a large fraction of the aftershocks. Corresponding pore pressure simulations with an exponentially decreasing flow rate of the fluid source show a good agreement with the observed spatial migration front of the aftershocks extending approximately with
. Thus, we conclude that the mainshock opened fluid pathways from a finite fluid source into the fault plane explaining the unusual high rate of aftershocks, the migration patterns, and the exponential decrease of the aseismic signal.
Geodetic observations of postseismic creep in the decade after the 1999 Izmit earthquake, Turkey: Implications for a shallow slip deficit
Authors: Hussain Ekbal , Wright Tim J. , Walters Richard J. , Bekaert David , Hooper Andrew , Houseman Gregory A.
Published: March 2016

The relationship between aseismic slip and tectonic loading is important for understanding both the pattern of strain accumulation along a fault and its ability to generate large earthquakes. We investigate the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of aseismic creep on the western North Anatolian Fault (NAF) using time series analysis of Envisat interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data, covering the full extent of the 1999 Izmit and Düzce earthquake ruptures and spanning 2002–2010. Discontinuities in the line‐of‐sight velocity across the fault imply that fault creep reaches the Earth's surface at an average fault‐parallel rate of ∼5 mm/yr along an ∼80 km section of the NAF. By combining InSAR and published GPS velocities, we are able to extract the vertical and east‐west components of motion and show that the Adapazari basin is subsiding at a rate of ∼6 mm/yr. Vertical motions have biased previous estimates of creep in this region. The displacement time series close to the fault is consistent with an afterslip model based on rate‐and‐state friction, which predicts a rapid deceleration in fault creep rate after the Izmit earthquake to a near‐steady state ∼5 mm/yr after 5 years. Projecting our model 200 years into the future we find that the cumulative displacement of 1–1.3 m is insufficient to account for the shallow coseismic slip deficit observed in previous studies. Distributed off‐fault deformation in the shallow crust or transient episodes of faster slip are likely required to release some of the long‐term strain during the earthquake cycle.
Recent changes in sea ice area flux through the Beaufort Sea during the summer
Authors: Howell Stephen E. L. , Brady Michael , Derksen Chris , Kelly Richard E. J.
Published: March 2016

Over the annual cycle, sea ice is sequestered from the Canadian Basin and transported through the Beaufort Sea toward the Chukchi Sea. In recent years, the Beaufort Sea has experienced considerable ice loss during the summer, which may be indicative of recent changes to this process. In order to investigate this, we quantify the sea ice area flux using RADARSAT from 1997 to 2014 at three gates in Beaufort Sea: the Canadian Basin (entrance), mid‐Beaufort (midpoint), and Chukchi (exit). There was a mean annual flux of 42 ± 56 × 103 km2 at the Canadian Basin gate, 94 ± 92 × 103 km2 at the mid‐Beaufort gate and −83 ± 68 × 103 km2 at the Chukchi gate (positive and negative flux signs correspond to ice inflow and outflow, respectively). The majority of ice transport in Beaufort Sea was found to occur from October to May providing replenishment for ice lost during the summer months. The cross‐strait gradient in sea level pressure explains ∼40% of the variance in the ice area flux at the gates. Remarkably, the mean July–October net sea ice area flux at the Chukchi gate decreased by ∼80% from 2008 to 2014 relative to 1997–2007 and became virtually ice‐free every year since 2008. This reduction was associated with younger (thinner) ice that was unable to survive the summer melt season when either being sequestered from the Canadian Basin and transported through Beaufort Sea during the melt season (2008–2011) or remaining immobile and present in the vicinity of the Chukchi gate during the melt season (2012–2014).
Long‐term characterization of the Pacific ITCZ using TRMM, GPCP, and ERA‐Interim
Authors: Wodzicki K. R. , Rapp A. D.
Published: March 2016

An objective, automated Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) identification and characterization algorithm is developed and applied to European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis Interim (ERA‐Interim) variables, and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) rain rates (RRs) to create 15 and 36 year climatologies, respectively, in the tropical Pacific ocean. Characteristics derived from the algorithm include ITCZ latitude, northern and southern ITCZ convection boundaries and extent, and precipitation intensity. The climatological location of the ITCZ was found near 8°N, consistent with previous studies, with a preferred southern boundary location of 4°N. The northern ITCZ boundary did not exhibit a preferred boundary with locations between 7° and 15°N having similar frequencies of occurrence. The northern and southern extents of the ITCZ were symmetric in the central Pacific and asymmetric in the east Pacific. Long‐term trends in the ITCZ width and precipitation intensity showed significant narrowing and intensifying. Separation of characteristics by season and location (i.e., central and eastern Pacific) revealed negative trends in ITCZ width in both domains, with trends in the east Pacific weaker than those in the central Pacific. Trends in precipitation intensity near the center of the ITCZ indicate a strong intensification, with slightly stronger trends in the central Pacific than in the east Pacific. These findings show that while the location of the ITCZ has not changed significantly over the past three decades, the ITCZ has narrowed and convection has intensified.
Exploiting sparsity and field conditioning in subsurface microwave imaging of nonweak buried targets
Authors: Bevacqua Martina , Crocco Lorenzo , Donato Loreto Di , Isernia Tommaso , Palmeri Roberta
Published: March 2016

An efficient inverse scattering strategy is proposed to achieve dielectric characterization of buried objects in lossy soils. The approach takes advantage of Virtual Experiments and Compressive Sensing to obtain quantitative reconstructions of nonweak targets which are nonsparse in the pixel representation basis, commonly adopted in microwave imaging. In addition, an original strategy is adopted to overcome the relevant information lack arising when data are gathered under aspect‐limited configurations, such as in ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys. The proposed strategy significantly outperforms the results achievable with the “state of the art” standard approaches since it allows to achieve nearly optimal reconstructions within a linear framework and without increasing the overall computational burden. Numerical examples with simulated data are given to show the feasibility of the proposed strategy.
Numerical experiments to explain multiscale hydrological responses to mountain pine beetle tree mortality in a headwater watershed
Authors: Penn Colin A. , Bearup Lindsay A. , Maxwell Reed M. , Clow David W.
Published: March 2016

The effects of mountain pine beetle (MPB)‐induced tree mortality on a headwater hydrologic system were investigated using an integrated physical modeling framework with a high‐resolution computational grid. Simulations of MPB‐affected and unaffected conditions, each with identical atmospheric forcing for a normal water year, were compared at multiple scales to evaluate the effects of scale on MPB‐affected hydrologic systems. Individual locations within the larger model were shown to maintain hillslope‐scale processes affecting snowpack dynamics, total evapotranspiration, and soil moisture that are comparable to several field‐based studies and previous modeling work. Hillslope‐scale analyses also highlight the influence of compensating changes in evapotranspiration and snow processes. Reduced transpiration in the Grey Phase of MPB‐induced tree mortality was offset by increased late‐summer evaporation, while overall snowpack dynamics were more dependent on elevation effects than MPB‐induced tree mortality. At the watershed scale, unaffected areas obscured the magnitude of MPB effects. Annual water yield from the watershed increased during Grey Phase simulations by 11 percent; a difference that would be difficult to diagnose with long‐term gage observations that are complicated by inter‐annual climate variability. The effects on hydrology observed and simulated at the hillslope scale can be further damped at the watershed scale, which spans more life zones and a broader range of landscape properties. These scaling effects may change under extreme conditions, e.g., increased total MPB‐affected area or a water year with above average snowpack.
Carbon cycling fed by methane seepage at the shallow Cumberland Bay, South Georgia, sub‐Antarctic
Authors: Geprägs Patrizia , Torres Marta E. , Mau Susan , Kasten Sabine , Römer Miriam , Bohrmann Gerhard
Published: March 2016

Recent studies have suggested that the marine contribution of methane from shallow regions and melting marine‐terminating glaciers may have been underestimated. Here we report on methane sources and potential sinks associated with methane seeps in Cumberland Bay, South Georgia's largest fjord system. The average organic carbon content in the upper 8 m of the sediment is around 0.65 wt %; this observation combined with Parasound data suggest that the methane gas accumulations probably originate from peat‐bearing sediments currently located several tens of meters below the seafloor. Only one of our cores indicates upward advection; instead most of the methane is transported via diffusion. Sulfate and methane flux estimates indicate that a large fraction of methane is consumed by anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). Carbon cycling at the sulfate‐methane transition (SMT) results in a marked fractionation of the δ13C‐CH4 from an estimated source value of −65‰ to a value as low as −96‰ just below the SMT. Methane concentrations in sediments are high, especially close to the seepage sites (∼40 mM); however, concentrations in the water column are relatively low (max. 58 nM) and can be observed only close to the seafloor. Methane is trapped in the lowermost water mass; however, measured microbial oxidation rates reveal very low activity with an average turnover of 3.1 years. We therefore infer that methane must be transported out of the bay in the bottom water layer. A mean sea‐air flux of only 0.005 nM/m2 s confirms that almost no methane reaches the atmosphere.
Small post‐perovskite patches at the base of lower mantle primordial reservoirs: Insights from 2‐D numerical modeling and implications for ULVZs
Authors: Li Yang , Deschamps Frédéric , J. Tackley Paul
Published: March 2016

We perform numerical experiments of thermochemical mantle convection in 2‐D spherical annulus geometry to investigate the distribution of post‐perovskite (pPv) with respect to the location of primordial reservoirs of dense material in the lowermost mantle. High core‐mantle boundary temperatures lead to strong anticorrelation between the locations of pPv and large primordial reservoirs, while low values lead to a pPv layer fully covering the outer core. Intermediate values avoid a full pPv layer but allow pPv phase change to occur within the primordial reservoirs. Through interactions between cold downwellings and primordial reservoirs, low viscosity (weak) pPv leads to the formation of long‐lived, thin tails of primordial materials extending laterally at the edges of these reservoirs. Small patches of pPv also form within the primordial reservoir but are short‐lived. If primordial reservoirs are enriched in iron, these patches may provide an explanation for the ultralow‐velocity zones.
Organization of ice flow by localized regions of elevated geothermal heat flux
Authors: Pittard M. L. , Galton‐Fenzi B. K. , Roberts J. L. , Watson C. S.
Published: March 2016

The impact of localized regions of elevated geothermal heat flux on ice sheet dynamics is largely unknown. Simulations of ice dynamics are produced using poorly resolved and low‐resolution estimates of geothermal heat flux. Observations of crustal heat production within the continental crust underneath the Lambert‐Amery glacial system in East Antarctica indicate that high heat flux regions of at least 120 mW m−2 exist. Here we investigate the influence of simulated but plausible, localized regions of elevated geothermal heat flux on ice dynamics using a numerical ice sheet model of the Lambert‐Amery glacial system. We find that high heat flux regions have a significant effect across areas of slow‐moving ice with the influence extending both upstream and downstream of the geothermal anomaly, while fast‐moving ice is relatively unaffected. Our results suggest that localized regions of elevated geothermal heat flux may play an important role in the organization of ice sheet flow.
On the infrasound detected from the 2013 and 2016 DPRK's underground nuclear tests
Authors: Assink J. D. , Averbuch G. , Smets P. S. M. , Evers L. G.
Published: March 2016

The underground nuclear tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) generated atmospheric infrasound both in 2013 and 2016. Clear detections were made in the Russian Federation (I45RU) and Japan (I30JP) in 2013 at stations from the International Monitoring System. Both tropospheric and stratospheric refractions arrived at the stations. In 2016, only a weak return was potentially observed at I45RU. Data analysis and propagation modeling show that the noise level at the stations and the stratospheric circumpolar vortex were different in 2016 compared to 2013. As the seismic magnitude of the 2013 and 2016 nuclear test explosions was comparable, we hypothesize that the 2016 test occurred at least 1.5 times deeper. In such a case, less seismic energy would couple through the lithosphere‐atmosphere interface, leading to less observable infrasound. Since explosion depth is difficult to estimate from seismic data alone, this motivates a synergy between seismics and infrasonics.
Detecting cross‐equatorial wind change as a fingerprint of climate response to anthropogenic aerosol forcing
Authors: Wang Hai , Xie Shang‐Ping , Tokinaga Hiroki , Liu Qinyu , Kosaka Yu
Published: March 2016

Anthropogenic aerosols are a major driver of the twetieth century climate change. In climate models, the aerosol forcing, larger in the Northern than Southern Hemispheres, induces an interhemispheric Hadley circulation. In support of the model result, we detected a robust change in the zonal mean cross‐equatorial wind over the past 60 years from ship observations and reanalyses, accompanied by physically consistent changes in atmospheric pressure and marine cloud cover. Single‐forcing experiments indicate that the observed change in cross‐equatorial wind is a fingerprint of aerosol forcing. This zonal mean mode follows the evolution of global aerosol forcing that is distinct from regional changes in the Atlantic sector. Atmospheric simulations successfully reproduce this interhemispheric mode, indicating the importance of sea surface temperature mediation in response to anthropogenic aerosol forcing. As societies awaken to reduce aerosol emissions, a phase reversal of this interhemispheric mode is expected in the 21st century.
H
ong
K
ong, Families in
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: March 2016

Although Chinese families constitute roughly one‐fifth of the world's population, scientific studies of Chinese families are limited. This entry outlines traditional cultural influences on Chinese families. The attributes of traditional Chinese families are also presented, including emphases on family harmony, self‐cultivation, parental authority, harsh socialization practice, strict parental control, and differential expectations for boys and girls. The entry also shows that there are gradual changes in contemporary Chinese families in terms of traditional Chinese family attributes and that there is a shift from “strict fathers, kind mothers” to “strict mothers, kind fathers.” It also highlights worrying phenomena in contemporary Chinese families, but there is a lack of studies, measures, and enhancement programs on quality of life in Chinese families.
UnitedStates, Military Families in
Authors: Ross Susan M.
Published: March 2016

The advent of the all‐volunteer military has brought about demographic shifts and increased the number of service members who are married and who have children. There are now currently 2.3 million service members in the United States but a total of nearly 3 million spouses and children of those service members. Military families work under unique conditions including frequent relocations, deployments, the possibility of injury and death. The post‐September 11 conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have meant more deployments for military service members and these deployments impact military families. While the majority of families remain resilient, there are negative impacts to marital and family functioning, particularly for those veterans experiencing psychological symptoms from depression, generalized anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Marriage Market
Authors: Bradatan Cristina
Published: March 2016

The marriage market is the pool of potential marriage partners available at a certain point in time. While attitudes toward marriage are the most important component that affects marriage rates, the demographic composition of the marriage market is also an important factor. Historically, the concept of the marriage market has been discussed only in terms of unions between a man and a woman, but recent research is also focusing on same‐sex marriages.
Miscegenation
Authors: Rush Sharon E.
Published: March 2016

“Miscegenation” refers to people of different races developing intimate interracial relationships, and even marrying each other. At various times, societies from Asia to Africa, from Europe to the Americas, have regarded such relationships as socially and legally taboo. In the United States, individual states enacted antimiscegenation laws as early as the colonial days to criminalize interracial relationships between whites and people of color. In
Loving v
.
Virginia
, the US Supreme Court determined that such laws were an unconstitutional denial of equal protection and due process, effectively ending de jure antimiscegenation in the United States. Although states were slow to repeal their antimiscegenation laws, modern research shows that there is growing support for miscegenation, with the right to marry
regardless of race
expressly declared a basic human right under the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
Migrant Worker Families
Authors: Christ Stephen R.
Published: March 2016

The migrant family experience varies on a case‐by‐case basis. Costs and benefits, while similar in theme, are presented and experienced by migrant parents and their children in a myriad ways. Traditional gender ideologies do not apply to the fluid, emerging sets of family values and models in migrant families in the twenty‐first century. Macro‐level institutions and structures such as national governments, international governing bodies, and major economic policies are not the sole variables in the decision‐making of migrant parents weighing the pros and cons of separating from children in search of employment. Micro‐level variables such as family dynamics, emotional maturity, and personal values contribute to the decision to separate from children. Indeed, in addition to these factors, variables such as the age of children at separation from migrant parents, time period until reunification, the quality of substitute caregivers, the quality and quantity of in‐person face‐to‐face visits, and the utilization of remittances sent back home by parents impact the perceived success or failure of migrant parents.
Filicide
Authors: Decleene Christine
Published: March 2016

The majority of child homicide victims are murdered by their parents. Although filicide has occurred throughout history in nearly all societies, many people are bewildered by this crime. Researchers have attempted to delineate the various motives that parents have for committing filicide. Although most research focuses on maternal filicide, researchers also attempt to determine how maternal filicide differs from fraternal filicide. In addition, research recognizes neonaticide as a distinct form of homicide and distinguishes between neonaticide and infanticide, which are subcategories of filicide. Working toward an understanding of filicide is crucial in order to develop effective prevention strategies.
Feminization of Love
Authors: Toliver Susan D.
Published: March 2016

The feminization of love is a limited twentieth‐century US perspective on love which views love as a gendered concept. Traditional gender role socialization in the context of the family, in response to the needs of industrial capitalism, contributes to the prevailing epistemology on this subject. While both men and women love, the feminization of love as a way of knowing about love involves a conceptualization of love that is equated with traditional feminine characteristics and modes of expression. This conceptualization raises questions about the epistemology versus the practice of love and the fact that women and men love differently. Alternative conceptualizations of love include an androgynous view of love which can be realized only when unequal traditional gender roles and gendered socialization scripts within the family are abandoned.
Marital Adjustment
Authors: Kendrick Haley Medved , Drentea Patricia
Published: March 2016

Marital adjustment describes the accommodation of spouses to each other. Factors contributing to levels of marital adjustment include marital satisfaction, cohesion, agreement, affection, and conflict. Well‐adjusted couples are expected to have long‐lasting, stable marriages, whereas poorly adjusted marriages are expected to experience instability and/or to end in divorce. Predictors of marital satisfaction, a component of marital adjustment, include social and personal resources, satisfaction with lifestyle, and rewards from spousal interaction. Other predictors of marital adjustment include age difference between spouses, length of time married, and number of children.
Transnational Motherhood
Authors: Cervantes Andrea Gómez
Published: March 2016

Transnational motherhood refers to immigrant mothers from poorer countries who relocate to wealthier countries in search of better life chances and, in doing so, leave their children behind in their native countries. Transnational mothers continue to mother their children by maintaining emotional and economic connections over geographical distances, political boundaries, and time spent away. Such tasks become difficult because of the traditional gender role expectations of motherhood, according to which mothers are portrayed as caring, nurturing, and physically present with their children. The experiences of transnational mothers vary widely based on the historical time period, political and economic climates, and their own backgrounds. Transnational mothers redefine their motherhood gender expectations; face specific race, gender, and class status‐based struggles; and cope with emotional drain and separation while maintaining cross‐border and cross‐time relationships with their children.
Coping Strategies
Authors: Peer Justin W.
Published: March 2016

Families are faced with multiple challenges and demands on a regular basis. These demands may place strain on individuals and tax personal resources. Stress can result from the inability to meet these demands, and families use coping strategies to manage and resolve the stress. Various cognitive and behavioral strategies may be used. Depending on the nature, duration, and frequency of the source of stress, particular coping strategies may be more effective than others. Coping can be adaptive or maladaptive. Adaptive coping reduces the impact of the stressful situation while also potentially strengthening family resilience. Maladaptive coping can increase stress and challenge the mental and physical health of individual family members and the family system.
Kinship
Authors: Hill Toni
Published: March 2016

Kinship groups continue to evolve over time and over cultures. Classifications used to identify members and roles must be continually modified to reflect both the form and the function of modern kinship groups. Changes in kinship units are directed by legal, technological, and social conventions. Kinships can be formed through genealogical relationships and other nonfamily occupational, religious, and social memberships.