bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transparência das informações das universidades federais: estudo dos relatórios de gestão à luz dos princípios de governança
Authors: Zorzal Luzia , Rodrigues Georgete Medleg
Published: March 2016

Este artigo baseia-se numa pesquisa de doutorado em Ciência da Informação a qual analisa em que medida os Relatórios de Gestão das Universidades Federais atendem aos princípios de governança estabelecidos para o setor público, segundo diretrizes nacionais e internacionais. Trata-se de investigação de natureza exploratória, descritiva e qualitativa cuja interpretação dos dados ancorou-se na análise de conteúdo. Tem como universo as 63 universidades federais brasileiras, das quais foram selecionadas as que estavam no topo do Ranking Webometrics, em cada uma das cinco regiões geográficas. Os resultados apontaram que, das cinco universidades analisadas, nenhuma atingiu o patamar de alta transparência. Duas universidades classificaram-se no nível médio-alto e três no nível médio-baixo. O atendimento aos princípios de boa governança nos Relatórios de Gestão dessas universidades ainda é insuficiente para se atingir o nível mais alto de transparência. Os dados evidenciam que, para melhorar esse perfil, é preciso implantar as práticas de boa governança, visando a ampliar a transparência ativa prevista na lei brasileira de acesso à informação. Para tanto, a divulgação das informações necessita ser tempestiva, com clareza e acurácia. Tal iniciativa poderia mitigar a assimetria informacional e democratizar as relações entre Estado e cidadãos.
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal cell carcinoma in a patient with solitary functioning kidney
Authors: Jeong Young Beom , Ko Oh Seok , Park Hyung Sub , Cha Jai Seong , Park Seung Chol , Kim Hyung Jin , Park Jong Kwan , Shin Yu Seob
Published: March 2016

We present a case of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a solitary functioning kidney (SFK), managed by robot-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty with partial nephrectomy in a single stage. To our best knowledge, we report the first case of UPJO with RCC in a congenital SFK.
Nosocomial urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase uropathogens: Prevalence, pathogens, risk factors, and strategies for infection control
Authors: Bouassida Khaireddine , Jaidane Mehdi , Bouallegue Olfa , Tlili Ghassen , Naija Habiba , Mosbah Ali Tahar
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Our goal was to investigate the prevalence and antibiogram pattern of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production among uropathogens using isolates from urine samples collected at the Department of Urology in the Sahloul Hospital, Tunisia We also aimed to identify the risk factors for nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and the measures for infection control.Methods: Laboratory records of a five-year period from January 2004 to December 2008 were submitted for retrospective analysis to determine the incidence of ESBL infections. A total of 276isolates were collected. A case-control study involving comparisons between two groups of patients who underwent TURP was performed to determine the risk factors for ESBL infection. Group 1, designated case subjects, included 51 patients with nosocomial UTI after TURP. Group 2, designated control subjects, consisted of 58 randomly selected patients who underwent TURP without nosocomialUTI in the same period. Factors suspected to be implicated in the emergence of ESBL infection were compared between the two groups in order to identify risk factors for infection. A univariate regression analysis was performed, followed by a multivariate one.Results: The annual prevalence of ESBL infection ranged from 1.3‒2.5%. After performing univariate and multivariate regression analysis, the main risk factors for ESBL infections were identified as: use of antibiotics the year preceding the admission, duration of catheter use, and bladder washout (p=0.012, p=0.019, and p<0.001.Conclusions: Urologists have to perform a good hemostasis, especially in endoscopic resections, in order to avoid bladder irrigation and bladder washout and to reduce the time of bladder catheterization, which is a strong risk factor of nosocomial UTIs.
Profil évolutif et pronostic des tumeurs urothéliales de la vessie chez le sujet jeune
Authors: Bouzouita Abderrazak , Saadi Ahmed , Kerkeni Walid , Chakroun Marouene , Cherif Mohamed , Ayed Haroun , Selmi Selim , Derouiche Amine , Benslama Riadh Mohamed , Chebil Mohamed
Published: March 2016

But : Les tumeurs urothéliales de la vessie sont rares chez le jeune adulte. Leur profil évolutif et leur pronostic restent matière à controverse. Nous rapportons notre expérience à propos de 54 patients.Méthodologie : Entre 1990 et 2010, 54 patients de moins de 40 ans au moment du diagnostic ont été traités pour carcinome à cellules transitionnelles de la vessie. Nous avons étudié le profil évolutif de ces tumeurs en séparant les patients en deux groupes (moins de 30 ans, et 30 à 40 ans). Résultats : La tumeur n’infiltrait pas le muscle vésical dans 37 cas et l’infiltrait dans 17 cas. Pour les tumeurs n’infiltrant pas le muscle vésical, elles étaient de stade Ta dans 20 cas et de grade I-II dans 36 cas. Le pronostic de ces tumeurs était meilleur avant l’âge de 30 ans avec un taux de récidive de 15,3 % sans progression. Pour les patients de 30 à 40 ans, le taux de récidive était de 33,3 %, et 25 % des tumeurs qui ont récidivé ont présenté une progression du stade. Pour les tumeurs infiltrant le muscle vésical, le pronostic était sombre (localement avancées dans neuf cas et métastatiques d’emblée dans cinq cas).Conclusion : Le profil évolutif des tumeurs n’infiltrant pas le muscle vésical a semblé meilleur avant l’âge de 30 ans. Entre 30 et 40 ans, le profil évolutif s’est approché de celui des sujets âgés. Les tumeursinfiltrantes étaient souvent évoluées et agressives, évoquant un potentiel évolutif particulier.
A key to the genera of Issini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) of China and neighbouring countries, with descriptions of a new genus and two new species
Authors: Meng Rui , Wang Yinglun , Qin Daozheng
Published: March 2016

A new genus in the tribe Issini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) is described from South China: Orbita Meng & Wang, gen. nov., its type species Orbita parallelodroma Meng & Wang, gen. et sp. nov. (China: Fujian) is described and illustrated. In addition, one new species of Neokodaiana Yang, N. minensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the same locality as the new genus. A key to the genera of Issini from China and neighbouring countries is provided.
Impact de l’embauche des travailleurs étrangers temporaires sur la cohabitation de résidence et des métiers dans les communautés rurales du Québec : le point de vue des employeurs
Authors: Gravel Sylvie , Bernstein Stéphanie , Hanley Jill , Villanueva Francisco , Crespo-Villareal Daniel
Published: March 2016

L’embauche des travailleurs étrangers temporaires (TET) a des impacts sur la cohabitation résidentielle et sur la cohabitation des métiers dans les communautés rurales. Cette étude repose sur le discours des chefs d’entreprises (n=17) et d’informateurs-clés (n=23) des secteurs agricole, horticole et de l’aménagement paysager au Québec. Ce type d’embauche a incité différents acteurs à reconsidérer leurs pratiques de gestion pour recréer un équilibre dans des petites communautés déstabilisées par l’apport démographique saisonnier entraîné par l’arrivée des TET. De l’analyse de discours a émergé un modèle de gestion de la diversité qui rend compte des défis de cohabitation pour les employeurs et les TET.
Strategy of asset portfolio risk diversification through value drivers
Authors: Farias Guimarães Júnior Francisco Roberto , De Montreuil Carmona Charles Ulises , Gondim de Almeida Guimarães Luciana
Published: March 2016

The risk diversification of an asset portfolio of investments is underlying in the idea that all securities have an idiosyncratic behavior which allows compensating a specific stock loss by the gain achieved by other stock into the portfolio. However, we know that the portfolio selection process should excel for choosing assets capable of creating and generating value on the long term. Thus, the objective of this research was to verify if the portfolios selected through their value drivers present the diversification benefits that were determined in prior researches. We had used the data available at Economatica data base of the following Stock Exchanges: Argentina; Brazil; Chile; and Mexico. To select the portfolios by value drivers we used a model based upon the weighted factors decision matrix where the securities were hierarchized by their grades. The variables used as factors, were the Tobin’s Q, Beta, Leverage, Price/Earning Ratio, and the Price Sales Ratio. All portfolios were compared with that selected through Markowitz (1952) model. The results show us that the portfolios selected through value drivers have obtained the benefits of the diversification process convergent with prior researches. On the other hand, we verified that the stocks amount into portfolios constructed through Markowitz (1952) model have had high positive correlation with the stocks amount in the Stock Exchange what resulted in portfolios with 44 assets, for instance. For future studies we suggest: the using of generalized linear model instead the multiple regressions to figure out the factor weights; to use others fundamentalist variables; to apply this study in other Stock Exchanges.
Knowledge management influences on strategy dissemination: Cemig case study
Authors: De Melo Teixeira Kátia Regina , Baroni de Carvalho Rodrigo , Garcia Lopes Humberto Elias , Vieira Becker Grace
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to understand and analyze the influence of Knowledge Management on the process of strategy dissemination at Cemig (Energy Company of Minas Gerais, Brazil). A model linking the interfaces between the themes of Strategy and Knowledge Management was developed as part of the theoretical background. In order to understand the strategy dissemination flow, thirty (30) semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees at all organizational levels: directors, superintendents, managers, and employees with university education as well as technical and operational level education. The documental analysis of files concerning corporate strategy as well as direct observation were conducted, allowing data triangulation. Content analysis was used to analyze the interviews. The results revealed that the existence of knowledge management influences the strategy dissemination in Cemig. This influence, however, varies according to the use of communication channels, tools and practices. It can be noticed that the use of tools and channels is configured as an input accessory (media support). Nevertheless, what really made the difference was the use of face-to-face communication (rich media). The importance of the leader in the process of strategy dissemination was also identified. Not all leaders, even acknowledging the importance of their role in this process, have already put their words into practice. We conclude, therefore, that there is already a consistent and recognized organizational effort in externalizing strategic knowledge through the various channels, tools and practices available. However, it is clear that the process of internalization of strategic knowledge by the employees still needs to be improved. It is expected that the expansion and maturity of the direct contact between leaders and teams will strengthen knowledge internalization and the contribution of individual employees to strategy achievement.
Creating bonds with customers as a result of winery visitation
Authors: Bebber Suélen , Graciola Ana Paula , Milan Gabriel Sperandio
Published: March 2016

The built environment for wine production, the whole winery infrastructure, its architecture, and the staff involved, the implementation context and the services offered have become important elements to attract tourists to visit wineries that seek for competitive advantage. This way, the aim is to identify the attributes related to winery visitation that enable the customer to create bonds to return to the place, indicate the winery to friends and also keep buying from the winery. Therefore, it was implemented a survey research with a structured questionnaire based on the literature related to the context of the study, in a winery located in Vale dos Vinhedos, in the city of Bento Gonçalves (RS). The research had an exploratory and quantitative feature and the data was analyzed by applying multivariate data analysis. The conclusions show that to establish bonds with the customer from the winery visitation requires more than a good wine and a quality service, but results from an emotional connection between the visitor and the winery, in which increasing the satisfaction with the built environment consequently increases the general satisfaction with the winery, upgrading the company’s image created in the visitors mind, being remembered in the purchase moment, enabling the negotiations growth, the customer retention and loyalty with the brand.
The experience of Sadia S.A in the Internacional Market: an analysis in the light of the main Business Internationalization theories
Authors: Schiemer Vargas Katiuscia , De Moura Gilnei Luiz
Published: March 2016

The internationalization may represent a possibility of insertion in the global context, a survival strategy and a learning process. The meat sector companies are internationalizing and seeking to overcome the phytosanitary and commercials barriers to, thus, pass to enjoy the facilities and market potentialities. Thereby, the present research aimed to analyze the internationalization process of Brazilian meat sector companies, specifically the experience of Sadia S.A., comparing with the economic theory of the Eclectic Paradigm (Dunning, 1988) and the theory behavioral of the Uppsala School (Johanson and Vahlne, 1977). Has been realized a literature search, of qualitative and exploratory nature. Specifically aimed to: (i) identify the input modes of Sadia S.A. abroad; (ii) verify the main reasons for internationalization in certain countries; and, (iii) verify the adherence of the company's internationalization process to the theories of internationalization. Analyzing the acting of Sadia S.A. on the world market, it is noted that it's based on a gradual process that envisions the reach and exploration of market shares that contribute to its growth, that under the influence and with similarities to the model of the Uppsala School and the precepts of the economic theory of Eclectic Paradigm.
Serotonin modulates insect hemocyte phagocytosis via two different serotonin receptors
Authors: Qi Yi-xiang , Huang Jia , Li Meng-qi , Wu Ya-su , Xia Ren-ying , Ye Gong-yin
Published: March 2016

Serotonin (5-HT) modulates both neural and immune responses in vertebrates, but its role in insect immunity remains uncertain. We report that hemocytes in the caterpillar, Pieris rapae are able to synthesize 5-HT following activation by lipopolysaccharide. The inhibition of a serotonin-generating enzyme with either pharmacological blockade or RNAi knock-down impaired hemocyte phagocytosis. Biochemical and functional experiments showed that naive hemocytes primarily express 5-HT1B and 5-HT2B receptors. The blockade of 5-HT1B significantly reduced phagocytic ability; however, the blockade of 5-HT2B increased hemocyte phagocytosis. The 5-HT1B-null Drosophila melanogaster mutants showed higher mortality than controls when infected with bacteria, due to their decreased phagocytotic ability. Flies expressing 5-HT1B or 5-HT2B RNAi in hemocytes also showed similar sensitivity to infection. Combined, these data demonstrate that 5-HT mediates hemocyte phagocytosis through 5-HT1B and 5-HT2B receptors and serotonergic signaling performs critical modulatory functions in immune systems of animals separated by 500 million years of evolution.
Cooperation between distinct viral variants promotes growth of H3N2 influenza in cell culture
Authors: Xue Katherine S , Hooper Kathryn A , Ollodart Anja R , Dingens Adam S , Bloom Jesse D
Published: March 2016

RNA viruses rapidly diversify into quasispecies of related genotypes. This genetic diversity has long been known to facilitate adaptation, but recent studies have suggested that cooperation between variants might also increase population fitness. Here, we demonstrate strong cooperation between two H3N2 influenza variants that differ by a single mutation at residue 151 in neuraminidase, which normally mediates viral exit from host cells. Residue 151 is often annotated as an ambiguous amino acid in sequenced isolates, indicating mixed viral populations. We show that mixed populations grow better than either variant alone in cell culture. Pure populations of either variant generate the other through mutation and then stably maintain a mix of the two genotypes. We suggest that cooperation arises because mixed populations combine one variant’s proficiency at cell entry with the other’s proficiency at cell exit. Our work demonstrates a specific cooperative interaction between defined variants in a viral quasispecies.
Strain-induced reversible modulation of the magnetic anisotropy in perpendicularly magnetized metals deposited on a flexible substrate
Authors: Ota Shinya , Hibino Yuki , Bang Do , Awano Hiroyuki , Kozeki Takahiro , Akamine Hirokazu , Fujii Tatsuya , Namazu Takahiro , Takenobu Taishi , Koyama Tomohiro , Chiba Daichi
Published: March 2016

In this study, the strain-induced change in the magnetic anisotropy of perpendicularly magnetized thin metals (TbFeCo and Pt/Co/Pt) deposited on a polyethylene naphthalate flexible substrate was investigated. The in-plane uniaxial tensile strain was reversibly applied up to 2%. The magnetic anisotropy was reversibly changed in both samples with applied stress. In the TbFeCo film, a marked change in magnetic anisotropy energy of 1.2 × 105 J/m3 was observed. In the Pt/Co/Pt film, where the thickness of Co was 2–4 monolayers, the stress-induced changes in interface and volume contributions to magnetic anisotropy were individually determined.
High-speed and high-efficiency Si optical modulator with MOS junction, using solid-phase crystallization of polycrystalline silicon
Authors: Fujikata Junichi , Takahashi Masashi , Takahashi Shigeki , Horikawa Tsuyoshi , Nakamura Takahiro
Published: March 2016

We developed a high-speed and high-efficiency MOS-capacitor-type Si optical modulator (Si-MOD) by applying a low optical loss and a low resistivity of a polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) gate with large grains. To achieve a low resistivity of a poly-Si film, a P-doped poly-Si film based on Si2H6 solid-phase crystallization (SPC) was developed, which showed a comparable resistivity to that of P-doped single-crystal Si. In addition, high-temperature annealing (HTA) after SPC was effective for realizing low optical loss. We designed the optimum Si-MOD structure and demonstrated a very high modulation efficiency of 0.3 V cm, which is very efficient among the Si-MODs developed thus far. High-speed (15 Gbps) operation was achieved with a small footprint of the 200-µm-long phase shifter and a low drive voltage of 1.5 Vpp at a low optical insertion loss of −2.2 dB and 1.55 µm wavelength.
Angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy study of initial stage of thermal oxidation on 4H-SiC(0001)
Authors: Arai Hitoshi , Nohira Hiroshi
Published: March 2016

A key to improving the performance of SiC MOSFETs is to clarify the SiO2/SiC interface structure formed by thermal oxidation. We have investigated the initial stage of thermal oxidation on 4H-SiC(0001) by angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. From the changes in the Si 2p3/2 and C 1s photoelectron spectra, the changes in the chemical bonding state of the SiO2/SiC structure with the progress of thermal oxidation were observed. We also found that the intensity of C–O bonds in the case of 4H-SiC(0001) was smaller than that in the case of 4H-SiC(

) with the same oxide thickness and that the oxidation rate of 4H-SiC(0001) is already slower than that of 4H-SiC(

) in the early stage of oxidation.
Modeling of nonlinear thermal resistance in FinFETs
Authors: Kompala Bala Krishna , Kushwaha Pragya , Agarwal Harshit , Khandelwal Sourabh , Duarte Juan-Pablo , Hu Chenming , Chauhan Yogesh Singh
Published: March 2016

In this paper, self-consistent three-dimensional (3D) device simulations for exact analysis of thermal transport in FinFETs are performed. We analyze the temperature rise in FinFET devices with the variation in the number of fins (N
fin), shape of fins and fin pitch (F
pitch). We investigate that the thermal resistance R
th has nonlinear dependency on N
fin and F
pitch. We formulate a model for thermal resistance behavior correctly with N
fin and F
pitch variation. The proposed formulation is implemented in industry standard Berkeley short-channel independent gate FET model for common multi-gate transistors (BSIM-CMG) and validated with both experimental data and TCAD simulations.
Analysis and reduction of leakage current of 2 kV monolithic isolator with wide trench spiral isolation structure
Authors: Takeuchi Yusuke , Kuroda Rihito , Sugawa Shigetoshi
Published: March 2016

In this work, the origin of the leakage current of a highly area-efficient silicon-on-insulator (SOI) monolithic isolator using a spiral trench isolation structure is clarified by experimental and simulation analyses and its reduction method is proposed. It was found that parasitic MOSFET inversion and accumulation channels formed at the SOI and buried oxide (BOX) interface are the origins of leakage current. To reduce the leakage current, adequate SOI spiral length and width and BOX layer thickness are proposed for various voltage usages and show the possibility of 4 kV voltage tolerance and 500 MΩ isolation resistivity.
Computational inference of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac domain length
Authors: Zubek Julian , Stitzel Michael L. , Ucar Duygu , Plewczynski Dariusz M.
Published: March 2016

Background.Recent epigenomic studies have shown that the length of a DNA region covered by an epigenetic mark is not just a byproduct of the assaying technologies and has functional implications for that locus. For example, expanded regions of DNA sequences that are marked by enhancer-specific histone modifications, such as acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) domains coincide with cell-specific enhancers, known as super or stretch enhancers. Similarly, promoters of genes critical for cell-specific functions are marked by expanded H3K4me3 domains in the cognate cell type, and these can span DNA regions from 4–5kb up to 40–50kb in length. These expanded H3K4me3 domains are known as buffer domains or super promoters.

Methods.To ask what correlates with—and potentially regulates—the length of loci marked with these two important histone marks, H3K4me3 and H3K27ac, we built Random Forest regression models. With these models, we computationally identified genomic and epigenomic patterns that are predictive for the length of these marks in seven ENCODE cell lines.

Results.We found that certain epigenetic marks and transcription factors explain the variability of the length of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac marks across different cell types, which implies that the lengths of these two epigenetic marks are tightly regulated in a given cell type. Our source code for the regression models and data can be found at our GitHub page:https://github.com/zubekj/broad_peaks.

Discussion.Our Random Forest based regression models enabled us to estimate the individual contribution of different epigenetic marks and protein binding patterns to the length of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac deposition patterns, therefore potentially revealing genomic signatures at cell specific regulatory elements.
Palatability and pharmacokinetics of flunixin when administered to sheep through feed
Authors: Marini Danila , Pippia Joe , Colditz Ian G. , Hinch Geoff N. , Petherick Carol J. , Lee Caroline
Published: March 2016

Applying analgesics to feed is a potentially easy method of providing pain-relief to sheep and lambs that undergo painful husbandry procedures. To be effective, the medicated feed needs to be readily accepted by sheep and its consumption needs to result in therapeutic concentrations of the drug. In the present experiment, pelleted feed was supplemented with flunixin (4.0 mg/kg live weight) and offered to eight sheep. To test the palatability of flunixin, the individually penned sheep were offered normal feed and feed supplemented with flunixin in separate troughs for two consecutive days. A trend for a day by feed-type (control versus flunixin supplemented) interaction suggested that sheep may have had an initial mild aversion to pellets supplemented with flunixin on the first day of exposure, however, by on the second day there was no difference in consumption of normal feed and feed supplemented with flunixin. To test pharmacokinetics, sheep were offered 800 g of flunixin supplemented feed for a 12 h period. Blood samples were taken over 48 h and plasma drug concentrations were determined using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography, negative electrospray ionisation and tandem mass spectrometry. The mean ± S.D. time required to reach maximum concentration was 6.00 ± 4.14 h and ranged from 1 to 12 h. Average maximum plasma concentration was 1.78 ± 0.48 µg/mL and ranged from 1.61 to 2.80 µg/mL. The average half-life of flunixin was 7.95 ± 0.77 h and there was a mean residence time of 13.62 ± 1.17 h. Free access to flunixin supplemented feed enabled all sheep to obtain inferred therapeutic concentrations of flunixin in plasma within 6 h of starting to consume the feed. Provision of an analgesic in feed may be an alternative practical method for providing pain relief to sheep.
ColoFinder: a prognostic 9-genes signature improve prognosis for 871 stage II and III colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Shi Mingguang , He Jianmin
Published: March 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the heterogeneous disease with a high mortality rate, and still lacks an effective treatment. Our goal is to develop a robust prognosis model for predicting the prognosis in CRC patients. In this study, 871 stage II and III CRC samples were collected from six gene expression profilings. ColoFinder was developed using 9-genes signature based Random Survival Forest (RSF) prognosis model. The 9-genes signature recurrence score was derived with 5-fold cross validation to test the association with relapse-free survival and the value of AUC was gained with 0.87 inGSE39582(95% CI [0.83 − − 0.91]). The low-risk group had significantly better relapse-free survival (HR, 14.8; 95% CI [8.17–26.8];P< 0.001) than the high-risk group. We also found the 9-genes signature recurrence score contributed more information about recurrence than standard clinical and pathological variables in univariate and multivariate Cox analyses when applied toGSE17536(p= 0.03 andp= 0.01 respectively). Furthermore, ColoFinder improved the predictive ability and better stratified the risk subgroups when applied to CRC gene expression datasetsGSE14333,GSE17537,GSE12945andGSE24551. In summary, ColoFinder significantly improves the risk assessment in stage II and III CRC patients. The 9-genes prognostic classifier informs patient prognosis and treatment response.
Reducing bias in population and landscape genetic inferences: the effects of sampling related individuals and multiple life stages
Authors: Peterman William , Brocato Emily R. , Semlitsch Raymond D. , Eggert Lori S.
Published: March 2016

In population or landscape genetics studies, an unbiased sampling scheme is essential for generating accurate results, but logistics may lead to deviations from the sample design. Such deviations may come in the form of sampling multiple life stages. Presently, it is largely unknown what effect sampling different life stages can have on population or landscape genetic inference, or how mixing life stages can affect the parameters being measured. Additionally, the removal of siblings from a data set is considered best-practice, but direct comparisons of inferences made with and without siblings are limited. In this study, we sampled embryos, larvae, and adultAmbystoma maculatumfrom five ponds in Missouri, and analyzed them at 15 microsatellite loci. We calculated allelic richness, heterozygosity and effective population sizes for each life stage at each pond and tested for genetic differentiation (FSTandDC) and isolation-by-distance (IBD) among ponds. We tested for differences in each of these measures between life stages, and in a pooled population of all life stages. All calculations were done with and without sibling pairs to assess the effect of sibling removal. We also assessed the effect of reducing the number of microsatellites used to make inference. No statistically significant differences were found among ponds or life stages for any of the population genetic measures, but patterns of IBD differed among life stages. There was significant IBD when using adult samples, but tests using embryos, larvae, or a combination of the three life stages were not significant. We found that increasing the ratio of larval or embryo samples in the analysis of genetic distance weakened the IBD relationship, and when usingDC, the IBD was no longer significant when larvae and embryos exceeded 60% of the population sample. Further, power to detect an IBD relationship was reduced when fewer microsatellites were used in the analysis.
Stochastic filtering for determining gravity variations for decade‐long time series of GRACE gravity
Authors: Wang Lei , Davis James L. , Hill Emma M. , Tamisiea Mark E.
Published: March 2016

We present a new stochastic filter technique for statistically rigorous separation of gravity signals and correlated “stripe” noises in a series of monthly gravitational spherical harmonic coefficients (SHCs) produced by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission. Unlike the standard destriping process that removes the stripe contamination empirically, the stochastic approach simultaneously estimates gravity signals and correlated noises relying on covariance information that reflects both the spatial spectral features and temporal correlations among them. A major benefit of the technique is that by estimating the stripe noise in a Bayesian framework, we are able to propagate statistically rigorous covariances for the destriped GRACE SHCs, i.e. incorporating the impact of the destriping on the SHC uncertainties. The Bayesian approach yields a natural resolution for the gravity signal that reflects the correlated stripe noise, and thus achieve a kind of spatial smoothing in and of itself. No spatial Gaussian smoothing is formally required although it might be useful for some circumstances. Using the stochastic filter, we process a decade‐length series of GRACE monthly gravity solutions, and compare the results with GRACE Tellus data products that are processed using the “standard” destriping procedure. The results show that the stochastic filter is able to remove the correlated stripe noise to a remarkable degree even without an explicit smoothing step. The estimates from the stochastic filter for each destriped GRACE field are suitable for Bayesian integration of GRACE with other geodetic measurements and models, and the statistically rigorous estimation of the time‐varying rates and seasonal cycles in GRACE time series.
Basin‐scale assessment of the land surface water budget in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction operational and research NLDAS‐2 systems
Authors: Xia Youlong , Cosgrove Brian A. , Mitchell Kenneth E. , Peters‐Lidard Christa D. , Ek Michael B. , Brewer Michael , Mocko David , Kumar Sujay V. , Wei Helin , Meng Jesse , Luo Lifeng
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the components of the land surface water budget in the four land surface models (Noah, SAC‐Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting Model, (VIC) Variable Infiltration Capacity Model, and Mosaic) applied in the newly implemented National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) operational and research versions of the North American Land Data Assimilation System version 2 (NLDAS‐2). This work focuses on monthly and annual components of the water budget over 12 National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast Centers (RFCs). Monthly gridded FLUX Network (FLUXNET) evapotranspiration (ET) from the Max‐Planck Institute (MPI) of Germany, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) total runoff (Q), changes in total water storage (dS/dt, derived as a residual by utilizing MPI ET and USGS Q in the water balance equation), and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) observed total water storage anomaly (TWSA) and change (TWSC) are used as reference data sets. Compared to these ET and Q benchmarks, Mosaic and SAC (Noah and VIC) in the operational NLDAS‐2 overestimate (underestimate) mean annual reference ET and underestimate (overestimate) mean annual reference Q. The multimodel ensemble mean (MME) is closer to the mean annual reference ET and Q. An anomaly correlation (AC) analysis shows good AC values for simulated monthly mean Q and dS/dt but significantly smaller AC values for simulated ET. Upgraded versions of the models utilized in the research side of NLDAS‐2 yield largely improved performance in the simulation of these mean annual and monthly water component diagnostics. These results demonstrate that the three intertwined efforts of improving (1) the scientific understanding of parameterization of land surface processes, (2) the spatial and temporal extent of systematic validation of land surface processes, and (3) the engineering‐oriented aspects such as parameter calibration and optimization are key to substantially improving product quality in various land data assimilation systems.
SST‐forced interdecadal deepening of the winter India‐Burma trough since the 1950s
Authors: Lu Bo , Ren Hong‐Li
Published: March 2016

The winter India‐Burma Trough (IBT) has undergone a pronounced interdecadal deepening since the 1950s, which led to the significant rainfall increasing over the eastern Indochina Peninsula and south China. To better understand such an observed IBT change, this study examines the responses of the IBT to the upstream subtropical jet, historical anthropogenic forcing, and tropical sea surface temperature (SST). Results show that the SST warming that occurs in the eastern tropical Indian Ocean (ETIO) is the primary cause of the observed interdecadal IBT deepening. The remarkable SST warming leads to a reduction of sea level pressure (SLP) over ETIO by diabatic heating. In association with the change of zonal SLP gradient, the westerly wind anomalies are observed. The northern flank of the westerlies further induces a cyclonic Rossby wave response over the Bay of Bengal. As a result, the winter IBT is intensified. This attribution can be supported by the simulations of atmosphere general circulation models forced by historical SST, in which the observed IBT changes are well simulated on both interdecadal and interannual time scales.
Benchmarking wide swath altimetry‐based river discharge estimation algorithms for the Ganges river system
Authors: Bonnema Matthew G. , Sikder Safat , Hossain Faisal , Durand Michael , Gleason Colin J. , Bjerklie David M.
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three algorithms that estimate discharge from remotely sensed observables (river width, water surface height, and water surface slope) in anticipation of the forthcoming NASA/CNES Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. SWOT promises to provide these measurements simultaneously, and the river discharge algorithms included here are designed to work with these data. Two algorithms were built around Manning's equation, the Metropolis Manning (MetroMan) method, and the Mean Flow and Geomorphology (MFG) method, and one approach uses hydraulic geometry to estimate discharge, the at‐many‐stations hydraulic geometry (AMHG) method. A well‐calibrated and ground‐truthed hydrodynamic model of the Ganges river system (HEC‐RAS) was used as reference for three rivers from the Ganges River Delta: the main stem of Ganges, the Arial‐Khan, and the Mohananda Rivers. The high seasonal variability of these rivers due to the Monsoon presented a unique opportunity to thoroughly assess the discharge algorithms in light of typical monsoon regime rivers. It was found that the MFG method provides the most accurate discharge estimations in most cases, with an average relative root‐mean‐squared error (RRMSE) across all three reaches of 35.5%. It is followed closely by the Metropolis Manning algorithm, with an average RRMSE of 51.5%. However, the MFG method's reliance on knowledge of prior river discharge limits its application on ungauged rivers. In terms of input data requirement at ungauged regions with no prior records, the Metropolis Manning algorithm provides a more practical alternative over a region that is lacking in historical observations as the algorithm requires less ancillary data. The AMHG algorithm, while requiring the least prior river data, provided the least accurate discharge measurements with an average wet and dry season RRMSE of 79.8% and 119.1%, respectively, across all rivers studied. This poor performance is directly traced to poor estimation of AMHG via a remotely sensed proxy, and results improve commensurate with MFG and MetroMan when prior AMHG information is given to the method. Therefore, we cannot recommend use of AMHG without inclusion of this prior information, at least for the studied rivers. The dry season discharge (within‐bank flow) was captured well by all methods, while the wet season (floodplain flow) appeared more challenging. The picture that emerges from this study is that a multialgorithm approach may be appropriate during flood inundation periods in Ganges Delta.
Investigation of the kinetics of water uptake into partially saturated shales
Authors: Roshan H. , Andersen M. S. , Rutlidge H. , Marjo C. E. , Acworth R. I.
Published: March 2016

Several processes have been proposed to describe the low recovery of hydraulic fracturing fluid in unconventional shale reservoirs which has caused both technical and environmental concerns. This study describes novel hydraulic experiments to quantitatively investigate the kinetics of water uptake into partially saturated shale through investigating the pressure response of injecting fluids (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2 with different ionic concentrations) into crushed and sieved shale fragments. The results of the study indicate that the cumulative water uptake under pressure is likely to be controlled by three processes: surface hydration, capillary hydration including advective flow, and osmotic hydration. Each of these processes is a function of the differences between the in situ pore fluid and the injection fluid (solution chemistry and concentration) and the shale physicochemical properties, in particular the contact surface area, pore diameter, and the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). The uptake is not instantaneous, but is diffusion limited, with the rate governed by a number of kinetic processes. Uptake proceeds in three stages, each associated with a different process: (1) predominantly surface hydration, (2) predominantly capillary hydration and finally, (3) predominantly osmotic hydration. It was also shown that shale can take up a significant amount of water compared to its available solid volume. However, contrary to the conventional understanding, the increase in salinity of the injection fluid does not necessarily lead to reduced water uptake into shales, but is dependent on the type and concentration of cations within the shale and injecting fluid.
Snow process estimation over the extratropical Andes using a data assimilation framework integrating MERRA data and Landsat imagery
Authors: Cortés Gonzalo , Girotto Manuela , Margulis Steven
Published: March 2016

A data assimilation framework was implemented with the objective of obtaining high‐resolution retrospective snow water equivalent (SWE) estimates over several Andean study basins. The framework integrates Landsat fractional snow covered area (fSCA) images, a land surface and snow depletion model, and the Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalysis as a forcing data set. The outputs are SWE and fSCA fields (1985–2015) at a resolution of 90 m that are consistent with the observed depletion record. Verification using in‐situ snow surveys showed significant improvements in the accuracy of the SWE estimates relative to forward model estimates, with increases in correlation (0.49–0.87) and reductions in root mean square error (0.316 m to 0.129 m) and mean error (−0.221 m to 0.009 m). A sensitivity analysis showed that the framework is robust to variations in physiography, fSCA data availability and a priori precipitation biases. Results from the application to the headwater basin of the Aconcagua River showed how the forward model versus the fSCA‐conditioned estimate resulted in different quantifications of the relationship between runoff and SWE, and different correlation patterns between pixel‐wise SWE and ENSO. The illustrative results confirm the influence that ENSO has on snow accumulation for Andean basins draining into the Pacific, with ENSO explaining approximately 25% of the variability in near‐peak (1 September) SWE values. Our results show how the assimilation of fSCA data results in a significant improvement upon MERRA‐forced modeled SWE estimates, further increasing the utility of the MERRA data for high‐resolution snow modeling applications.
Isotope Targeted Glycoproteomics (IsoTaG) to Characterize Intact, Metabolically Labeled Glycopeptides from Complex Proteomes
Authors: Woo Christina M. , Bertozzi Carolyn R.
Published: March 2016

Protein glycosylation plays many critical roles in biological function and creates the most diversity of all post‐translational modifications (PTMs). Glycan structural diversity is directly correlated with difficulty in characterizing the intact glycoproteome by mass spectrometry (MS). In this protocol, we describe a novel mass‐independent chemical glycoproteomics platform for characterizing intact, metabolically labeled glycopeptides from complex proteomes, termed Isotope Targeted Glycoproteomics (IsoTaG). To use IsoTaG, cell culture samples are metabolically labeled with an azido‐ or alkynyl‐sugar. Metabolically labeled glycoproteins are then tagged using Click chemistry and enriched with an isotopic recoding biotin probe. Intact glycopeptides are recovered by cleavage of the probe, analyzed with directed MS, and assigned by targeted mass‐independent data analysis. The outlined procedure is well defined in cell culture and has been executed with over 15 cell lines. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Long‐term evaluation of cardiac and vascular toxicity in patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukemias treated with bosutinib
Authors: Cortes Jorge E. , Jean Khoury H. , Kantarjian Hagop , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Mauro Michael J. , Matczak Ewa , Pavlov Dmitri , Aguiar Jean M. , Fly Kolette D. , Dimitrov Svetoslav , Leip Eric , Shapiro Mark , Lipton Jeff H. , Durand Jean‐Bernard , Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo
Published: March 2016

Vascular and cardiac safety during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy is an emerging issue. We evaluated vascular/cardiac toxicities associated with long‐term bosutinib treatment for Philadelphia chromosome‐positive (Ph+) leukemia based on treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and changes in QTc intervals and ejection fraction in two studies: a phase 1/2 study of second‐/third‐/fourth‐line bosutinib for Ph+ leukemia resistant/intolerant to prior TKIs (N = 570) and a phase 3 study of first‐line bosutinib (n = 248) versus imatinib (n = 251) in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Follow‐up time was ≥48 months (both studies). Incidences of vascular/cardiac TEAEs in bosutinib‐treated patients were 7%/10% overall with similar incidences observed with first‐line bosutinib (5%/8%) and imatinib (4%/6%). Few patients had grade ≥3 vascular/cardiac events (4%/4%) and no individual TEAE occurred in >2% of bosutinib patients. Exposure‐adjusted vascular/cardiac TEAE rates (patients with events/patient‐year) were low for second‐line or later bosutinib (0.037/0.050) and not significantly different between first‐line bosutinib (0.015/0.024) and imatinib (0.011/0.017; P ≥ 0.267). Vascular/cardiac events were managed mainly with concomitant medications (39%/44%), bosutinib treatment interruptions (18%/21%), or dose reductions (4%/8%); discontinuations due to these events were rare (0.7%/1.0%). Based on logistic regression modelling, performance status >0 and history of vascular or cardiac disorders were prognostic of vascular/cardiac events in relapsed/refractory patients; hyperlipidemia/hypercholesterolemia and older age were prognostic of cardiac events. In newly diagnosed patients, older age was prognostic of vascular/cardiac events; history of diabetes was prognostic of vascular events. Incidences of vascular and cardiac events were low with bosutinib in the first‐line and relapsed/refractory settings following long‐term treatment in patients with Ph+ leukemia. Am. J. Hematol. 91:606–616, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety and efficacy of rapid (1,000 mg in 1 hr) intravenous iron dextran for treatment of maternal iron deficient anemia of pregnancy
Authors: Wong Lee , Smith Samuel , Gilstrop Marisa , Derman Richard , Auerbach Sarah , London Nicola , Lenowitz Steven , Bahrain Huzefa , McClintock Jessica , Auerbach Michael
Published: March 2016

Maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Oral iron is recommended to reverse anemia, but has gastrointestinal toxicity and frequent non‐adherence. Intravenous (IV) iron is reserved for intolerance of, or unresponsiveness to, oral therapy, malabsorption, and severe anemia (1% with hemoglobin [Hgb] levels <7 g/dL). With rare (<100 per one million) adverse events (AEs) ability to infuse a sufficient dose of low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID) over 60 min, LMWID is an attractive option. This study demonstrated safety and efficacy of rapid IV infusion of 1,000 mg LMWID to gravidas with moderate to severe IDA. An observational treatment study of 1,000 mg LMWID administered over 1 hr for IDA in 189 consecutive, unselected second and third trimester gravidas after oral iron failure was conducted. All received a test dose of 25 mg LMWID and were monitored for AEs during the 60‐min infusion. No premedication was administered unless more than one drug allergy or asthma was present in which case IV methylprednisolone was administered. All were followed through pregnancy and delivery. Monitored parameters included Hgb, mean corpuscular volume, serum ferritin, and percent transferrin saturation. About 189 subjects received 1,000 mg LMWID. No serious AEs occurred. About 2% experienced transient infusion reactions. Hgb improved by 1–1.9 g/dL in 82% and ≥2 g/dL in 24%. Second trimester treatment was not associated with greater Hgb improvement than third trimester treatment. Anemia resolved in 95%. Administration of a single large dose of IV LMWID was effective, safe, and convenient. Am. J. Hematol. 91:590–593, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.