bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new framework for inferring community assembly processes using phylogenetic information, relevant traits and environmental gradients
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Burgio Kevin , Carlucci Marcos , Palmquist Kyle , Parada Andres , Weinberger Vanessa , Hurlbert Allen
Published: June 2016

Functional and phylogenetic diversity are increasingly used to infer the important community assembly processes that have structured local communities, which is one of the most fundamental issues in ecology. However, there are critical assumptions and pitfalls associated with these analyses, which can create ambiguity in interpreting results.

Here, we present a conceptual framework which integrates three approaches to reduce the likelihood of drawing incorrect conclusions from analyses of functional and phylogenetic diversity (FD and PD, respectively):

testing hypotheses for how diversity measures and ecological processes vary along an environmental gradient;

analysis of both FD and PD in concert; and

careful selection of traits related to processes of interest for inclusion in FD analyses.

testing hypotheses for how diversity measures and ecological processes vary along an environmental gradient;

analysis of both FD and PD in concert; and

careful selection of traits related to processes of interest for inclusion in FD analyses.

We describe the utility of each of these recommendations and show, using hypothetical examples, how combining these approaches can strengthen one’s ability to correctly infer community assembly. We present this framework in the context of identifying the signatures of interspecific competition and environmental filtering, important processes that operate in many systems across different taxa and are most often referred to in the FD and PD literature. We provide examples showing how our framework can be used to test general hypotheses such as the Stress-Dominance Hypothesis, which predicts a shift in the relative importance of environmental filtering and competition along a gradient of environmental stress, using PD and FD calculated separately for alpha (competition-related) traits and beta (environmental filtering-related) traits. Our approach can be applied to other processes besides competition and environmental filtering. This framework has the potential to enhance comparability between studies, allow for testing of alternative hypotheses regarding changes in community assembly processes along gradients, and improve interpretations of FD and PD analyses.
La symmachia comme pratique du droit international dans le monde grec
Authors: Couvenhes Jean-Christophe
Published: June 2016

Résumé Résumé : La symmachia désigne à la fois l’aide concrète apportée par une armée à une autre sur le champ de bataille contre un ennemi commun mais aussi l’accord formalisé qui résulte ou prévoit cette aide entre deux États. Il s’agit ici de préciser les contours de la symmachia comme pratique du droit international dans le monde grec. Après avoir fait un tour d’horizon de l’historiographie relative à la symmachia , d’un point du droit, nous revenons sur la symmachia comme pratique contractuelle, puis nous envisageons une typologie des principales clauses des accords symmachiques, avant de rappeler quelques enjeux relatifs à la symmachia contractuelle dans le droit international du monde grec.
Nutritional and bioactive compounds composition ofEulepida mashona, an edible beetle in Zimbabwe
Authors: Musundire R. , Zvidzai C.J. , Chidewe C. , Ngadze R.T. , Macheka L. , Manditsera F.A. , Mubaiwa J. , Masheka A.
Published: June 2016

Eulepida mashona Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is widely consumed in rural and farming communities ofZimbabwe. Preparation methods before consumption for these insects are variable and have not been documented. Our study hypothesised that cooking for different durations result in different nutritional and bioactive compoundscomposition in insects and significant losses of beneficial bioactive compounds. Representative samples derivedfrom standard insect sampling procedures were collected from natural occurrences in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe. Proximate composition and bioactive component analyses were conducted following standard proceduresusing dried pulverised material from whole insects. There were no significant differences in proximate componentsbetween dried uncooked and cooked insects. Both insect samples prepared differently showed high crude protein and fibre contents of 62.4 and 25.4%, respectively, on dry matter basis; values which were higher than those of mostsimilarly handled edible insects in southern Africa. In dried uncooked insects flavonoids occurred in quantitiesof 0.024 mg/g. Relative to other compounds tested, saponins and oxalates occurred in higher quantities, that is, 196 and 28 mg/g, respectively, on dry matter basis. These two components were reduced by factors of 12 and 1.4, respectively, when insects were cooked for 30 minutes and dried. Cyanogen glycosides content was reduced three fold (from 1.4 to 0.43 μg/g) when insects were cooked for 30 minutes. However, safety concerns of hydrogen cyanideexposure exist, also in cases where smaller quantities (<50 g dry weight) of insects are consumed. Studies are neededon adequate processing to reduce risk of toxicity from cyanogen compounds. In general, cooking insects for 30minutes resulted in significant reduction of potentially harmful bioactive compounds namely: alkaloids, cyanogen glycosides, oxalates, tannins and saponins. There is high potential for exploitation ofE. mashona as an additional commercial source of protein and fibre if consumer safety concerns are addressed.
Preliminary studies on alternative substrate for multiplication of African palm weevil under captive management
Authors: Ebenebe C.I. , Okpoko V.O.
Published: June 2016

The dearth of animal protein in Nigeria and the need for environmental friendly animal protein productionnecessitates the use of edible insects as an alternative protein source. To ensure the sustainability of edible insects, a cost-effective captive method of rearing needs to be devised. This study was designed to investigate alternative culture media for rearing African palm weevilRhynchophorus phoenicis under captive management. One hundred and sixty eight palm weevils collected from ‘Mgbo swamp’ in Ebenebe town, Anambra State, were used for the study. The larvae were randomly assigned to eight different culture media (coconut fibre, coconut fibre with palm wine, sawdust of mahogany, sawdust of mahogany with palm wine, palm frond petiole, palm bunch midrib, sugarcanetops (SCT), spoilt watermelon (SWM)). Survivability, growth performance in terms of weight gain and increasein linear body measurements (within 10 weeks) as well as pupation of the larvae (within 35-40 days after the first 10 weeks) were monitored and used as indices of the suitability of each of the culture media. The result showedthat the larva thrived better in SWM and SCT but failed to pupate in SWM. The statistical analysis of the growth performance showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in weight gain in favour of larvae reared in SWM. Numericalvalues for larvae reared in SWM were 8.933±0.1764 and 7.433±0.66 g, respectively. There was no significantdifference (P>0.05) for the linear body measurement: 4.80±0.230 cm body length increases and 1.1±0.058 cm for body width increases for larvae on SWM, while those on SCT recorded 4.183±0.0601 cm body length increasesand 1.033±0.033 cm body width increases. Cocoon formation and pupation was not observed in the larva in the SWM in the 40-day period of observation
Sélection et hiérarchisation des affaires devant la CPI : les dits et non-dits de la politique pénale du Procureur
Authors: Dosen Manon
Published: June 2016

Le 29 février dernier, le Bureau du Procureur de la Cour pénale internationale publiait un projet de document de politique générale relatif à la sélection et à la hiérarchisation des affaires, aux fins de consultations externes. Ce projet, qui complète un premier document relatif aux examens préliminaires publié en 2013, est censé définir clairement l’ensemble des critères selon lesquels les affaires sont choisies et classées par ordre de priorité par le Procureur. La démarche démontre un engagement concret du Bureau du Procureur en faveur d’un objectif de transparence et de lisibilité de son action. Toutefois, l’apport de ce projet réside tant dans les dits que dans les non-dits : si la définition des critères de sélection et de hiérarchisation délivre quelques éclaircissements quant à la politique pénale du Procureur, la question de son contrôle est complètement éludée.
Towards an Exergy Analysis of Diffusive and Non-Diffusive Processes in Living Organisms
Authors: Miguel Antonio Ferreira
Published: June 2016

Living organisms are open dissipative thermodynamic systems that rely on mechano-thermo-electrochemical interactions to survive. Plant physiological processes allow plants to survive by converting solar radiation into chemical energy, and store that energy in form that can be used. Mammals catabolize food to obtain energy that is used to fuel, build and repair the cellular components. The exergy balance is a combined statement of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. It provides insight into the performance of systems. In this paper, exergy balance equations for both mammal’s and green plants are presented and analyzed.
Heat and Mass Transfer in Holed Ceramic Material Using Lumped Model
Authors: Silva V.S. , Delgado João M.P.Q. , de Lima W.M. Paiva Barbosa , Barbosa de Lima A.G.
Published: June 2016

The drying is a thermodynamic process of simultaneous heat transfer and moisture removal of a porous material. Clay products when exposed to drying without control can suffer cracks and deformations, reducing its quality post-drying. Thus, this work aims to study the holed solid drying with arbitrary shape using the global capacitance method. Application has been made for the drying of clay products. The analytical solution of the governing equations was made using the method of separation of variables.Kinetic results for mass loss and heating of the material are presented and analyzed. It was observed that the moisture loss process occurs at a lower speed than the heating of the ceramic material because its thermal diffusivity is greater than the mass diffusivity and that the area/volume relationshipstrongly affects the phenomena of heat and mass transport.
Displacement of Colloidal Dispersions in Porous Media: Experimental & Numerical Approaches
Authors: Ahmadi-Sénichault A. , Canseco V. , Sefrioui-Chaibainou N. , Omari A. , Bertin H.
Published: June 2016

The main objective of this paper is to give more insight on colloids deposition and re-entrainment in presence of a rough surface. Experiments on retention and release of colloids in a porous medium are first presented. The influence of physicochemical and hydrodynamic conditions is investigated. The experimental results cannot be qualitatively interpreted using the DLVO theory and knowledges at pore scale are then needed. A 3D numerical simulation approach at the pore scale is therefore proposed where the motion of colloids is solved in presence of collector surfaces bearing various kinds of asperities and by taking into account physico-chemical interactions calculated at each time step during colloid movement. It is obviously observed that both deposition and mobilization of particles are dependent on solution chemistry and hydrodynamic conditions and are significantly affected by the form and size of the local roughness of the pore surface. Therefore, depending on solution ionic strength and surface topography, colloids may be adsorbed or not and when a particle is retained an increase of flow strength is then needed to remove it and such an increase is specific to the location of occurrence of the adsorption step. In general, simulation results allow us to explain our experimental results that show that by steeply increasing the flow strength, more and more fractions of particles retained inside the porous medium are released until all particles are removed.
Nanofluid Impinging Jets in Porous Media
Authors: Buonomo Bernardo , Manca Oronzio , Nardini Sergio , Ricci D.
Published: June 2016

Heat transfer enhancement technology has the aim to develop more efficient systems as demanded in many applications in the fields of automotive, aerospace, electronics and process industry. A possible solution to obtain efficient cooling systems is represented by the use of confined impinging jets. Moreover, the introduction of nanoparticles in the working fluids can be considered in order to improve the thermal performances of the base fluids. In this paper a numerical investigation on mixed convection in confined slot jets impinging on a porous media by considering pure water or Al2O3/water based nanofluids is described. A two-dimensional model is developed and different Peclet numbers and Rayleigh numbers were considered. The particle volume concentrations ranged from 0% to 4% and the particle diameter is equal to 30 nm. The target surface is heated by a constant temperature value, calculated according to the value of Rayleigh number. The distance of the target surface is five times greater than the slot jet width. A single-phase model approach has been adopted in order to describe the nanofluid behaviour while the hypothesis of non-local thermal equilibrium is considered in order to simulate the behaviour in the porous media which is featured by a porosity value of 0.87. The aim consists into study the thermal and fluid-dynamic behaviour of the system. Results show increasing values of the convective heat transfer coefficients for increasing values of Peclet number and particle concentration. This behaviour is more evident at low Peclet number values and Rayleigh number ones.
The Lupus Susceptibility Gene Pbx1 Regulates the Balance between Follicular Helper T Cell and Regulatory T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Choi Seung-Chul , Hutchinson Tarun E. , Titov Anton A. , Seay Howard R. , Li Shiwu , Brusko Todd M. , Croker Byron P. , Salek-Ardakani Shahram , Morel Laurence
Published: June 2016

Pbx1 controls chromatin accessibility to a large number of genes and is entirely conserved between mice and humans. The Pbx1-d dominant-negative isoform is more frequent in CD4+ T cells from lupus patients than from healthy controls. Pbx1-d is associated with the production of autoreactive T cells in mice carrying the Sle1a1 lupus-susceptibility locus. Transgenic (Tg) expression of Pbx1-d in CD4+ T cells reproduced the phenotypes of Sle1a1 mice, with increased inflammatory functions of CD4+ T cells and impaired Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) homeostasis. Pbx1-d–Tg expression also expanded the number of follicular helper T cells (TFHs) in a cell-intrinsic and Ag-specific manner, which was enhanced in recall responses and resulted in Th1-biased Abs. Moreover, Pbx1-d–Tg CD4+ T cells upregulated the expression of miR-10a, miR-21, and miR-155, which were implicated in Treg and follicular helper T cell homeostasis. Our results suggest that Pbx1-d impacts lupus development by regulating effector T cell differentiation and promoting TFHs at the expense of Tregs. In addition, our results identify Pbx1 as a novel regulator of CD4+ T cell effector function.
Alterations in chromosomal synapses and DNA repair in apoptotic spermatocytes of Mus m. domesticus
Authors: Ayarza E. , González M. , López F. , Fernández-Donoso R. , Page J. , Berrios S.
Published: June 2016

We investigated whether apoptotic spermatocytes from the mouse Mus m. domesticus presented alterations in chromosomal synapses and DNA repair. To enrich for apoptotic spermatocytes, the scrotum's temperature was raised by partially exposing animals for 15 min to a 42ºC water bath. Spermatocytes in initial apoptosis were identified in situ by detecting activated Caspase-9.  SYCP1 and SYCP3 were markers for evaluating synapses or the structure of synaptonemal complexes and Rad51 and γH2AX for detecting DNA repair and chromatin remodeling. Apoptotic spermatocytes were concentrated in spermatogenic cycle stages III-IV (50.3%), XI-XII (44.1%) and IX-X (4.2%). Among apoptotic spermatocytes, 48% were in middle pachytene, 44% in metaphase and 6% in diplotene. Moreover, apoptotic spermatocytes showed several structural anomalies in autosomal bivalents, including splitting of chromosomal axes and partial asynapses between homologous chromosomes. γH2AX and Rad51 were atypically distributed during pachytene and as late as diplotene and associated with asynaptic chromatin, single chromosome axes or discontinuous chromosome axes. Among apoptotic spermatocytes at pachytene, 70% showed changes in the structure of synapses, 67% showed changes in γH2AX and Rad51 distribution and 50% shared alterations in both synapses and DNA repair. Our results showed that apoptotic spermatocytes from Mus m. domesticus contain a high frequency of alterations in chromosomal synapses and in the recruitment and distribution of DNA repair proteins. Together, these observations suggest that these alterations may have been detected by meiotic checkpoints triggering apoptosis.
First observations of anthropogenic underwater noise in a large multi-use lake
Authors: Bolgan Marta , Chorazyczewska Emilia , Winfield Ian J. , Codarin Antonio , O'Brien Joanne , Gammell Martin
Published: June 2016

Over the last fifty years, anthropogenic noise has increased dramatically in aquatic environments and is now recognised as a chronic form of pollution in coastal waters. However, this form of pollution has been largely neglected in inland water bodies. To date, very few studies have investigated the noise spectra in freshwater environments and at present no legislation exists to protect freshwater organisms from anthropogenic noise. The present study represents the first assessment of anthropogenic noise pollution in a large multi-use lake by characterising noise levels of the main ferry landings of the lake of Windermere, UK using Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM). During November 2014, acoustic samples (10 min long) were collected from such areas using a calibrated omni-directional hydrophone and their spectral content was analysed in 1/3 octave bands (dB re 1 µPa). Results indicate that the current noise levels in Windermere warrant further investigation as a potential threat to the fish community which occurs in this already delicate and pressured habitat. Based on results obtained, it is recommended that further studies focus on a wider geographical and temporal range in order to start to fill the knowledge and legislative gaps regarding anthropogenic noise monitoring in fresh waters. 
Multi-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy changes in neuropsychiatric lupus patients
Authors: Wang Page L. , Harris Richard E. , Chenevert Thomas L. , McCune William J. , Sundgren Pia C.
Published: June 2016

Purpose: In this prospective study, we used 2D chemical shift imaging (CSI), a multi-voxel proton spectroscopy technique, to evaluate the brain metabolites on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in normal-appearing white and grey matter in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSLE); without neuropsychiatric symptoms (non-NPSLE); and healthy controls (HCs). Our objective was to find metabolites that discriminated NPSLE patients from the non-NPSLE and HC cohorts.Materials and methods: The study included 23 NPSLE patients, 20 non-NPSLE patients, and 21 HCs. A clinical assessment including the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and systemic lupus international collaborating clinics (SLICC) scores was conducted. All patients underwent conventional MRI and 2D CSI technique to acquire the following metabolic ratios: NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and Cho/NAA in the anterior and posterior insula, anterior frontal and parietal white and grey matter, thalamus, basal ganglia, and occipital grey matter.Results: In terms of metabolic differences, the NPSLE patients had significant differences compared with the non-NPSLE and HC groups in the: left posterior insula (increased Cho/NAA; p = 0.008), right internal capsule (increased Cho/Cr; p < 0.05), left thalamus (increased NAA/Cr; p = 0.011), anterior grey matter (increased NAA/Cr; p = 0.004), posterior grey matter (increased Cho/NAA; p = 0.016), anterior white matter (increased NAA/Cr; p = 0.012), and left posterior white matter (increased Cho/NAA; p = 0.022). The NPSLE patients showed significantly higher SLEDAI scores (p < 0.001).Conclusion: We found several significant distinct metabolic differences between NPSLE and non-NPSLE/HC patients in various brain locations.Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus; SLE; neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus; NPSLE; spectroscopy
Scrub Typhus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India
Authors: Sharma Navneet , Biswal Manisha , Kumar Abhay , Zaman Kamran , Jain Sanjay , Bhalla Ashish
Published: June 2016

Scrub typhus, a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, has become endemic in many parts of India. We studied the clinical profile of this infection in 228 patients that reported to this tertiary care center from July 2013 to December 2014. The median age of patients was 35 years (interquartile range = 24.5–48.5 years), and 111 were males and 117 females. A high-grade fever occurred in 85%, breathlessness in 42%, jaundice in 32%, abdominal pain in 28%, renal failure in 11%, diarrhea in 10%, rashes in 9%, and seizures in 7%. Common laboratory abnormalities at presentation were a deranged hepatic function in 61%, anemia in 54%, leukopenia in 15%, and thrombocytopenia in 90% of our patients. Acute kidney injury (32%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (25%), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (16%) were the commonest complications. A hepatorenal syndrome was seen in 38% and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in 20% patients. The overall case fatality rate was 13.6%. In univariate analysis, ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation, acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, hypotension requiring inotropic support, central nervous system dysfunction at presentation, and MODS were inversely associated with survival. Survival was significantly higher in patients that presented with a duration of fever < 10 days compared with those that presented ≥ 12 days (P < 0.05) after onset. In conclusion, scrub typhus has become a leading infectious disease in north India and an important cause of infectious fever. An increasing awareness of this disease coupled with prompt management will go a long way in reducing both morbidity and mortality from this disease.
Ongelijkheid in Nederland
Authors: van Eijk Gwen , Reeskens Tim , Keuzenkamp Saskia
Published: June 2016

Redactionele inleiding bij themanummer Ongelijkheid in Nederland
Kapitaal en klasse: veranderingen sinds de jaren tachtig
Authors: Wilterdink Nico
Published: June 2016

In dit stuk bespreek ik de empirische kwestie hoe ongelijkheid in de verdeling van materiële welstandtussen Nederlandse huishoudens de afgelopen decennia is veranderd.
Naar een analytische stratificatiesociologie
Authors: van der Waal Jeroen , de Koster Willem
Published: June 2016

One of Sociology’s main questions focuses on the causes and consequences of social inequalities. We argue that Sociology does not adequately address this question, due to two interrelated problems. First, scholars have neglected the distinction between stratification in the economic domain (class) and stratification in the cultural domain (status). Second, the dominant variable-based approach in stratification research mainly results in statistical instead of theoretical explanations. Hence, research does not adequately demonstrate whether and how class inequalities and status inequalities underlie 1) economic inequalities, 2) intergenerational reproduction of social stratification, and 3) various repertoires of thinking, feeling, and acting. In order to solve these problems, we develop an analytical-sociological approach to the study of social stratification. We illustrate the added value of this mechanism-based approach by critically reflecting on the findings of extant studies on social stratification, and we discuss how it informs future research.
Reproductie van ongelijkheid als gevolg van de verdeling en opbrengsten van sociaal kapitaal?
Authors: Volker Beate , Mollenhorst Gerald , Flap Henk
Published: June 2016

Social capital theory predicts a reproduction of inequality due to access and use of social capital. In this contribution, we study the distribution of social capital and its consequences for social inequality in the Netherlands. To this end, we assess the extent to which social capital is dependent on the individual’s education, socioeconomic background and meeting opportunities. Next, we investigate the effect of social capital on two types of inequality: socioeconomic inequality (income and supervisory position) and well-being (satisfaction with financial situation and subjective health). The idea of social capital leads directly to general hypotheses, including: those who have more social capital achieve more goals, basically in all areas of life, including the two mentioned above. We test this hypothesis with data from the Survey on the Social Networks of the Dutch, a representative panel study on personal networks of over 600 Dutch residents. Social capital is measured with the position generator. Lagged regression analyses indicate that individuals with a higher level of education, a higher socioeconomic background and men generally have more social capital. Also, living in a rural area and participation in voluntary associations are positively associated with social capital, in particular with the number of positions accessed. Next, we show that social capital increases the likelihood of being in a supervisory position and having a higher income. In contrast to our hypothesis, we find that individuals with more social capital are less satisfied with their financial situation; although the effects are not strong. The effects of social capital on subjective health are mixed and dependent on the indicator of social capital.
Positief en negatief sociaal kapitaal van mbo-jongeren: sociale ongelijkheid naar opleidingsniveau?
Authors: de Haan Joost , Baay Pieter , Yerkes Mara
Published: June 2016

The empirical literature on social capital has repeatedly focused on positive social connections and the resources that accrue from them. Nevertheless, social capital theory indicates that social networks may also consist of negative ties and negative resources. This exploratory study among Vocational Education and Training (VET) students confirms the existence of negative social capital; it further demonstrates a relationship between negative and positive social capital. While we find few significant differences in positive and negative forms of social capital across educational levels, the results clearly show that low-educated vocational students are more vulnerable than medium-educated vocational students. This increased vulnerability originates from the combination of higher levels of negative social capital and lower levels of positive social capital among low-educated students. Our results suggest social inequality is not just a product of unequal access to positive social capital. Rather, there appears to be a vulnerable group of youth who experiences not only less social capital, but also more negative network aspects. Taken together, this could signal further labour market disadvantages and prospects of increasing social inequality.
Op zoek naar de vergeten middenklassen
Authors: van daalen rineke
Published: June 2016

In dit essay pleit ik ervoor om de 21e-eeuwse sociale ongelijkheid in alle breedte en diversiteit te onderzoeken, in alle grilligheid en veranderlijkheid.
Een strijd om beelden: arm en rijk op tv
Authors: van Eijk Gwen
Published: June 2016

Wat vertellen Nederlandse tv-programma’s ons over mensen die in armoede of rijkdom leven, en meer algemeen over sociaaleconomische ongelijkheid?
Wel verschillen, geen verbanden: een gemiste kans?
Authors: Ganzeboom Harry
Published: June 2016

Wel verschillen, geen verbanden: een gemiste kans?
Welk verschil maakt het verschil? Sekse en etnische afkomst beschouwd
Authors: Saharso Sawitri
Published: June 2016

Welk verschil maakt het verschil? Sekse en etnische afkomst beschouwd
Een reactie op Elchardus, Ganzeboom en Saharso
Authors: Vrooman J. Cok , Gijsberts Mérove , Boelhouwer Jeroen
Published: June 2016

Een reactie op Elchardus, Ganzeboom en Saharso
Stedelijke ongelijkheden in tijden van neoliberalisme
Authors: Boterman Willem
Published: June 2016

Stedelijke ongelijkheden in tijden van neoliberalisme.Boekbespreking: Faranak Miraftab, David Wilson en Ken Salo (red.) (2015) Cities and Inequalities in a Global and Neoliberal World.
Hoe epidemiologische ‘metingen’ ongelijkheden verhullen
Authors: Houtepen Rob
Published: June 2016

Hoe epidemiologische ‘metingen’ ongelijkheden verhullen.Boekbespreking: Janet K. Shim (2014) Heart-Sick. The Politics of Risk, Inequality, and Heart Disease.
Ongelijkheid: daar valt best iets aan te doen
Authors: Kremer Monique
Published: June 2016

Ongelijkheid: daar valt best iets aan te doen.Boekbespreking: Anthony B. Atkinson (2015) Inequality. What can be done?
De schaar in de Amerikaanse droom
Authors: Reekens Tim
Published: June 2016

De schaar in de Amerikaanse droom.Boekbespreking: Putnam, R.D. (2015) Our Kids. The American Dream in Crisis.
Differential expression of six genes in fat-type Hungarian Mangalica and other pigs
Authors: Tempfli Károly , Kiss Barbara , Szalai Klaudia , Simon Zoltán , Pongrácz László , Bali Papp Ágnes
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In order to identify potential variances in gene expression of phenotypically different pig breeds, six fat-metabolism-related genes were analyzed in backfat and muscle tissues of fat-type Mangalica (MAN), Mangalica × Duroc (MD), and lean-type Hungarian Large White (HLW) and Pietrain × Duroc (PD) pigs by means of quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Higher (P < 0.05) adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein (A-FABP) expression was observed in backfat and muscle tissues of purebred and crossbred MAN than in those of HLW and PD. In all breeds and crosses, adiponectin (ADIPOQ) was predominantly expressed in backfat at a similar level (P > 0.05), whereas muscle ADIPOQ expression was highest (P < 0.05) in MAN and MD. Levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) mRNA were greatest in MAN, moderate in MD, and lowest in HLW and PD backfat and muscle. The fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) was more abundant in MAN and MD backfat, whereas muscle expressions did not differ (P > 0.05) between breeds. Regarding leptin (LEP) expression, MAN produced the greatest levels in backfat, while HLW produced the lowest. In muscle, highest LEP was detected in MAN and MD. Between groups, perilipin 2 (PLIN2) was expressed similarly in backfat; however, PLIN2 was more abundant in muscle of MAN and MD than in that of HLW and PD. Differences in gene expression can contribute to the development of the characteristic fatty phenotype in MAN pigs. The identification of differentially expressed genes facilitates targeted sequencing and genotyping efforts for further studies.
Identification of TRPM6 and TRPM7 expression changes in response to a diet supplemented with inulin in porcine kidney
Authors: Robak Paulina , Ożgo Małgorzata , Michałek Katarzyna , Kolasa-Wołosiuk Agnieszka , Taciak Marcin , Barszcz Marcin , Marynowska Marta
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral element in vertebrates and the second most common intracellular cation. Recently identified Mg2+-specific channels – TRPM6 and TRPM7 – have been shown to be essential for whole-body and cellular Mg2+ homeostasis. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of inulin on the expression of TRPM6 and TRPM7 in the renal cortex and medulla of growing pigs. The study was carried out on 16 Danbred  ×  Duroc castrated male piglets fed a cereal-based diet without inulin or with 2 % addition of inulin from chicory root from the 10th day of life. In pigs fed a diet with inulin, TRPM6 expression was greater in both the renal cortex and medulla compared to the control group. The expression of TRPM7 in both the renal cortex and medulla in the control group and in piglets fed a diet enriched with inulin was relatively stable. To our knowledge, this is the first study aimed at the identification of TRPM6 and TRPM7 in the kidneys of pig. It is proposed that inulin addition to fodder resulted not only in a magnesium absorption increase, but also, due to prolonged low plasma Mg concentration of examined piglets, renal magnesium retention. Therefore, higher magnesium reabsorption via increased TRPM6 expression in the kidney was probably observed in order to supplement deficiencies of this element. Diet-unresponsive expression of TRPM7 supports the concept that this channel is not involved in the extracellular magnesium homeostasis.
Typical synoptic situations and their impacts on the wintertime air pollution in the Guanzhong basin, China
Authors: Bei Naifang , Li Guohui , Huang Ru-Jin , Cao Junji , Meng Ning , Feng Tian , Liu Suixin , Zhang Ting , Zhang Qiang , Molina Luisa T.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have caused severe air pollution in the Guanzhong basin, northwestern China, with heavy haze events occurring frequently in recent winters. Using the NCEP reanalysis data, the large-scale synoptic situations influencing the Guanzhong basin during wintertime of 2013 are categorized into six types to evaluate the contribution of synoptic situations to the air pollution, including “north-low”, “southwest-trough”, “southeast-high”, “transition”, “southeast-trough”, and “inland-high”. The FLEXPART model has been utilized to demonstrate the corresponding pollutant transport patterns for the typical synoptic situations in the basin. Except for “southwest-trough” and “southeast-high” (defined as favorable synoptic situations), the other four synoptic conditions (defined as unfavorable synoptic situations) generally facilitate the accumulation of air pollutants, causing heavy air pollution in the basin. In association with the measurement of PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm) in the basin, the unfavorable synoptic situations correspond to high PM2.5 mass concentrations or poor air quality and vice versa. The same analysis has also been applied to winters of 2008–2012, which shows that the basin was mainly influenced by the unfavorable synoptic situations during wintertime leading to poor air quality. The WRF-CHEM model has further been applied to simulate the selected 6 days representing the typical synoptic situations during the wintertime of 2013, and the results generally show a good agreement between the modeled distributions and variations of PM2.5 and the corresponding synoptic situations, demonstrating reasonable classification for the synoptic situations in the basin. Detailed meteorological conditions, such as temperature inversion, low-level horizontal wind speed, and planetary boundary layer, all contribute to heavy air pollution events in the basin under unfavorable synoptic conditions. Considering the proportion of occurrence of unfavorable synoptic situations during wintertime, reduction of emissions is the optimum approach to mitigate the air pollution in the Guanzhong basin.
Overview of mercury dry deposition, litterfall, and throughfall studies
Authors: Wright L. Paige , Zhang Leiming , Marsik Frank J.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The current knowledge concerning mercury dry deposition is reviewed, including dry deposition algorithms used in chemical transport models (CTMs) and at monitoring sites and related deposition calculations, measurement methods and studies for quantifying dry deposition of gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particulate bound mercury (PBM), and measurement studies of litterfall and throughfall mercury. Measured median GOM plus PBM dry deposition in Asia (10.7 μg m−2 yr−1) almost double that in North America (6.1 μg m−2 yr−1) due to the higher anthropogenic emissions in Asia. Measured median litterfall and throughfall mercury are 22.3 and 56.5 μg m−2 yr−1, respectively, in Asia, 12.8 and 16.3 μg m−2 yr−1 in Europe, and 11.9 and 7.0 μg m−2 yr−1 in North America. The much higher litterfall mercury than GOM plus PBM dry deposition suggests the important contribution of gaseous elemental mercy (GEM) to mercury dry deposition to vegetated canopies. Over all the regions, including the Amazon, dry deposition, estimated as the sum of litterfall and throughfall minus open-field wet deposition, is more dominant than wet deposition for Hg deposition. Regardless of the measurement or modelling method used, a factor of two or larger uncertainties in GOM plus PBM dry deposition need to be kept in mind when using these numbers for mercury impact studies.
Synergetic formation of secondary inorganic and organic aerosol: Influence of SO2 and/or NH3 in the heterogeneous process
Authors: Chu Biwu , Zhang Xiao , Liu Yongchun , He Hong , Sun Yele , Jiang Jingkun , Li Junhua , Hao Jiming
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The effects of SO2 and NH3 on secondary organic aerosol formation have rarely been investigated together, while the interactive effects between inorganic and organic species under highly complex pollution conditions remain uncertain. Here we studied the effects of SO2 and NH3 on secondary aerosol formation in the photooxidation system of toluene/NOx in the presence or absence of Al2O3 seed aerosols in a 2 m3 smog chamber. The presence of SO2 increased new particle formation and particle growth significantly, regardless of whether NH3 was present or not. Sulfate, organic aerosol, nitrate and ammonium were all found to increase linearly with increasing SO2 concentrations. The increases in these four species were more obvious under NH3-rich conditions, and the generation of nitrate, ammonium and organic aerosol increased more significantly than sulfate with respect to SO2 concentration, while sulfate was the most sensitive species under NH3-poor conditions. The synergistic effects between SO2 and NH3 in the heterogeneous process contributed greatly to secondary aerosol formation. Specifically, the generation of NH4NO3 was found to be highly dependent on the surface area concentration of suspended particles, and increased most significantly among the four species with respect to SO2 concentration under ammonia-rich conditions. Meanwhile, the absorbed NH3 might provide a liquid surface layer for the absorption and subsequent reaction of SO2 and organic products, and therefore, enhance sulfate and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. This effect mainly occurred in the heterogeneous process and resulted in a significantly higher growth rate of seed aerosols compared to that without NH3. By applying positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis to the AMS data, two factors were identified for the generated SOA. One factor, assigned to less-oxidized organic aerosol and some oligomers, increased with increasing SO2 under NH3-poor conditions, mainly due to the well-known acid catalytic effect of the acid products on SOA formation in the heterogeneous process. The other factor, assigned to the highly oxidized organic component and some nitrogen-containing organics (NOC), increased with SO2 under a NH3-rich environment, with NOC (organonitrates and NOC with reduced N) contributing most of the increase.
Retrievals of heavy ozone with MIPAS
Authors: Jonkheid Bastiaan , Roeckmann Thomas , Glatthor Norbert , Janssen Christof , Stiller Gabriele , von Clarmann Thomas
Published: June 2016

Abstract. A method for retrieval of 18O-substituted isotopomers of O3 in the stratosphere with the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) is presented. Using a smoothing regularisation constraint, volume mixing ratio profiles are retrieved for the main isotopologue and the symmetric and asymmetric isotopomers of singly substituted O3. For the retrieval of the heavy isotopologues, two microwindows in the MIPAS A band (685–970 cm−1) and seven in the AB band (1020–1170 cm−1) are used. As the retrievals are performed as perturbations on the previously retrieved a priori profiles, the vertical resolution of the individual isotopomer profiles is very similar, which is important when taking the ratio between two isotopomers. The performance of the method is evaluated using 1044 vertical profiles recorded with MIPAS on 1 July 2003. The mean values are separated by latitude band, along with estimates for their systematic uncertainties. The asymmetric isotopomer shows a mean enrichment of ~ 8 %, with a vertical profile that increases up to 33 km and decreases at higher altitudes. This decrease with altitude is a robust result that does not depend on retrieval settings, and it has not been reported clearly in previously published datasets. The symmetric isotopomer is considerably less enriched, with mean values around 3 % and with a large spread. In individual retrievals the uncertainty of the enrichment is dominated by the measurement noise (2–4 %), which can be reduced by averaging multiple retrievals; systematic uncertainties linked to the retrieval are generally small at 1–2 %. The variabilities in the retrieval results are largest for the southern hemisphere.
A 5-channel cavity ring-down spectrometer for the detection of NO2, NO3, N2O5, total peroxy nitrates and total alkyl nitrates
Authors: Sobanski N. , Schuladen J. , Schuster G. , Lelieveld J. , Crowley J.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. We report the characteristics and performance of a newly developed 5-channel cavity-ring-down spectrometer to detect NO3, N2O5, NO2, total peroxy nitrates and total alkyl nitrates. NO3 and NO2 are detected directly at 662 nm and 405 nm, respectively. N2O5 is measured as NO3 after thermal decomposition at 383 K. PNs and ANs are detected as NO2 after thermal decomposition at 448 K and 648 K. We describe details of the instrument construction and operation as well as the results of extensive laboratory experiments that quantify the chemical and optical interferences that lead to biases in the measured mixing ratios, in particular involving the reactions of organic radical fragments following thermal dissociation of PNs and ANs. Finally, we present data obtained during the first field deployment of the instrument in July 2015.
Using coupled hydrodynamic biogeochemical models to predict the effects of tidal turbine arrays on phytoplankton dynamics
Authors: Schuchert Pia , Kregting Louise , Pritchard Daniel , Savidge Graham , Elsäßer Björn
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Coupled 2-dimensional biogeochemical and hydrodynamic models offer the opportunity to predict potential effects of large scale tidal energy device (TED) arrays on the local and regional phytoplankton dynamics in coastal and inshore environments. In an idealised environment the effect of TEDs on phytoplankton dynamics accounted for up to 25 % in phytoplankton concentrations, most likely associated with an increased residence time in an inshore basin. However, natural variation such as the intensity of photosynthetically active radiation had a larger effect on phytoplankton dynamics.
Coastline evolution of Portuguese low-lying sandy coast in the last 50 years: an integrated approach
Authors: Ponte Lira Cristina , Nobre Silva Ana , Taborda Rui , Freire de Andrade Cesar
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Regional/national-scale information on coastline rates of change and trends is extremely valuable, but these studies are scarce. A widely accepted standardized methodology for analysing long-term coastline change has been difficult to achieve, but it is essential to conduct an integrated and holistic approach to coastline evolution and hence support coastal management actions. Additionally, databases providing knowledge on coastline evolution are of key importance to support both coastal management experts and users.The main objective of this work is to present the first systematic, national-scale and consistent long-term coastline evolution data of Portuguese mainland low-lying sandy coasts.The methodology used quantifies coastline evolution using a unique and robust coastline indicator (the foredune toe), which is independent of short-term changes.The dataset presented comprises (1) two polyline sets, mapping the 1958 and 2010 sandy beach–dune system coastline, both optimized for working at 1 : 50 000 scale or smaller; (2) one polyline set representing long-term change rates between 1958 and 2010, each estimated at 250 m; and (3) a table with minimum, maximum and mean of evolution rates for sandy beach–dune system coastline. All science data produced here are openly accessible at https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.859136 and can be used in other studies.Results show beach erosion as the dominant trend, with a mean change rate of −0.24 ± 0.01 m year−1 for all mainland Portuguese beach–dune systems. Although erosion is dominant, this evolution is variable in signal and magnitude in different coastal sediment cells and also within each cell. The most relevant beach erosion issues were found in the coastal stretches of Espinho–Torreira and Costa Nova–Praia de Mira, Cova da Gala–Leirosa, and Cova do Vapor–Costa da Caparica. The coastal segments Minho River–Nazaré and Costa da Caparica adjacent to the coast exhibit a history of major human interventions interfering with the coastal system, many of which originated and maintained a sediment deficit. In contrast, the coastal segments Troia–Sines and Sines–Cape S. Vicente have experienced less intervention and show stable or moderate accretion behaviour.
The Niwot Ridge Subalpine Forest US-NR1 AmeriFlux site – Part I: Data acquisition and site record-keeping
Authors: Burns Sean P. , Maclean Gordon D. , Blanken Peter D. , Oncley Steven P. , Semmer Steven R. , Monson Russell K.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The Niwot Ridge Subalpine Forest AmeriFlux site (US-NR1) has been measuring eddy-covariance ecosystem fluxes of carbon dioxide, heat, and water vapor since 1 November, 1998. Throughout this 17-year period there have been changes to the instrumentation and improvements to the data acquisition system. Here, in Part I of this three-part series of papers, we describe the hardware and software used for data-collection and metadata documentation. We made changes to the data acquisition system that aimed to reduce the system complexity, increase redundancy, and be as independent as possible from any network outages. Changes to facilitate these improvements were: (1) switching to a PC/104-based computer running the NCAR NIDAS software that saves the high-frequency data locally and over the network, and (2) time-tagging individual 10-Hz serial data samples using network time protocol (NTP) coupled to a GPS-based clock providing a network-independent, accurate time-base. Since makings these improvements almost two years ago, the successful capture of high-rate data has been better than 99.98 %. We also provide philosophical concepts that shaped our design of the data system and are applicable to many different types of environmental data collection.