bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exit Geometry Modifications of Double Volute Centrifugal Pump for Vane Passing Frequency Vibration Resolution: A Case Study
Authors: Yusoff M. Dasuki , Lim Meng Hee , Yahaya M. Rabai , Azman Jamaludin
Published: April 2016

Reliability of centrifugal pump is considered as a main indicator to measure the capability of the pump in performing its operating envelop delivery without any premature failure. Flow induced vibration namely vane passing pressure pulsation is inherent when interaction between impeller vane wakes passes the casing volute leading edge. However, excessive excitation of hydraulic pulsation might expense the pump integrity in term of unsatisfactory unit availability, frequent equipment breakdown and high maintenance recovery cost. This paper shares a case study experienced by the authors in resolving a long outstanding reliability issue for a high energy double volute centrifugal pump through combination of rotating-stationary exit geometry modification towards an acceptable hydraulic pulsation and stable operating pump. This paper also highlights the balanced approach on the site investigation, root cause analysis and practical remedial action through industrial experiential knowledge.
Investigation of Variation in the Performance of an Electro Thermal Thruster with Aerospike Nozzle
Authors: Menon Pranav
Published: April 2016

One of the most recently developed modes of propulsion is electric propulsion. The commonly used chemical propulsion systems have the advantage of a high Specific Impulse as compared to that of ion propulsion systems. However, owing to the efficacy of ion propulsion systems, it is considered the future of space exploration.Electro thermal thrusters produce thrust by using electrical fields to force hot plasma out of the nozzle with certain exit velocity. The plasma’s exit velocity and the system’s thrust capacity, as of now, are insufficient for space travel to be conducted within a reasonable time. I intend to study the possibility of improving the thruster’s performance by using an aerospike nozzle as an exit nozzle which meets the conditions required for the thruster to function appropriately. I shall be studying the plasma plume exit velocity variation with respect to the nozzles used. Also, a thermal analysis will be conducted in order to find the correct material for the nozzle.
Quantification of morphology of canine circumanal gland tumors: a fractal based study
Authors: Šoštarić-Zuckermann I.C. , Severin K. , Huzak M. , Hohšteter M. , Gudan Kurilj A. , Artuković B. , Džaja A. , Grabarević Ž.
Published: April 2016

Circumanal gland tumors are very common neoplasms of dogs. Their classification relies on microscopic examination and is further supported by a few immunohistochemical markers that help indicate their prognosis. However, new additional tests would be highly useful. The purpose of this study was to develop such a test using fractal analysis which is increasingly being applied in science, especially in the field of biomedicine. A total of 53 circumanal gland tumors were chosen from our department archives. After a precise histological classification according to the World Health Organization classification, the number of de novo classified samples was as follows: 15 adenomas, 11 epitheliomas, 21 well differentiated carcinomas, 6 poorly differentiated carcinomas. Ten samples of normal circumanal gland were also included as control. All samples were immunohistochemicaly stained with vimentin. All immunohistochemical reactions were photographed at two different magnifications -100X and 400X and converted to 1 bit in black and white (bitmap) images thus enhancing the positive vimentin reactions. These images were used for the assessment of fractal dimension applying the box counting method and computer software Fractalyse. To determine the significance of results, conventional statistics were performed using Statistica software. The overall vimentin stain score was significantly higher in epitheliomas and carcinomas than in normal circumanal glands (CG) or adenomas. Mean values of fractal dimension estimated at magnification 100X and 400X were as follows: normal CG 1.318 and 1.372, CG adenomas 1.384 and 1.408, CG epitheliomas 1.547 and 1.597, CG well differentiated carcinomas 1.569 and 1.607, CG poorly differentiated carcinomas 1.679 and 1.723. Significant differences (at level of 5%) of these values were observed between individual groups of CG adenomas or normal CG, and epitheliomas or carcinomas. The above results indicate vimentin immunohistochemistry staining and assessment of fractal dimension as an ancillary diagnostic method of choice when discerning between benign and malignant tumors of circumanal glands. Additional development of the method of fractal dimension assesment may yield a possibility for this tool to successfully discern between all of the types of CG tumors.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of urachus: A tailored approach
Authors: Kumar M. , Prasad Karthik , Chaudhary Rahul , Kavitha B.
Published: April 2016

Vesical adenocarcinomas are uncommon, accounting for less than 2% of all malignant urinary bladder tumors. Of these, urachal adenocarcinoma represents a rare subset. We report a case of a urachal adenocarcinoma, highlighting its unique features and management. A 50-year-old female presented with hematuria and burning micturition. Computed tomography scan showed a mass arising from an outpouching in the apex of bladder, suggestive of urachal origin. Biopsy revealed moderately differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma. Partial cystectomy with ileocystoplasty, excision of urachus along with umbilicus and pelvic lymph node dissection was done. Histopathology confirmed urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma. The pathogenesis of urachal adenocarcinoma is unknown. It is important to distinguish between urachal and non urachal adenocarcinoma as the former carry a better prognosis. Management of urachal adenocarcinoma involves complete eradication of the disease. Stage and margin status have been identified as the most important predictors of long-term survival.
Unilateral renal metastases after definitive chemoradiation in squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus: A case report and review literature
Authors: Dev Kapil , Gurawalia Jaiprakash , Nayak Sandeep , Sadasivan Balu
Published: April 2016

Kidney is considered to be the fifth most common site of metastases of esophageal carcinoma. Most of the metastatic renal tumors are bilateral, but a unilateral renal metastasis is extremely rare. There are only ten cases of unilateral renal metastases after curative treatment reported in literature. Herein is reported, a case of solitary, unilateral renal metastasis in a case of carcinoma esophagus after definitive chemoradiation treatment.
Botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma of common bile duct: Diagnostic imaging features of an unusual pathology: Case report and review
Authors: Mane Abhishek , Verma Ashish , Kar Amrita , Ojha Ritu , Shukla Ram , Srivastava Arvind
Published: April 2016

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common tumor of biliary tree in childhood. Biliary tree is an uncommon site for RMS to occur, accounting for about 1% of all pediatric RMS. A preoperative diagnosis is not difficult with background knowledge of its imaging features. The diagnosis of this malignancy is especially important as it many times mimics a more common and benign condition of choledochal cyst. The key to diagnosis is to distinguish solid component of the tumor from organized sludge seen in choledochal cyst. Imaging plays a vital role for preoperative staging as well.
An observational study of abdominal organ involvement detected by ultrasound and computed tomography in children suffering from lymphoreticular malignancy at a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India
Authors: Chakrabarti Abhiram , Nandy Manab , Sarkar Partha , Chowdhury Ananya , Rahaman Rafiqul
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Abdominal organs are usually involved in lymphoreticular malignancies (LRM), and the detection is crucial for Initial staging, determination of the location and extent of disease, and is the hallmark for the choice of treatment. At present, the established radiological technique for staging Hodgkin's disease is computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (USG) in our country.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the pattern of abdominal organ involvement in childhood LRM by USG and CT and to analyze the findings.

Methods: The study included 121 children with newly diagnosed childhood LRM who underwent real time USG and contrast enhanced CT scan. The records of the US and CT scanning were analyzed with respect to size, shape, margins, echogenicity/density pattern of various abdominal organs and lymph nodes to evaluate the extent and pattern of abdominal organ involvement by the disease process.

Results: Out of 121 cases of LRM, US detected significant portal lymphadenopathy in 9 (7.44%) cases where CT detected enlarged portal nodes in only 3 and missed in 6 cases. However in the retroperitoneal lynphadenopathy CT scored over US, as CT detected 16 (13.22%) cases as against 13 (10.74%) cases detected by US.

Conclusion: In our study we observed abdominal organs are commonly involved at the time of initial presentation in childhood LRM, with diffuse organomegaly being commoner than focal lesions. Abdominal symptoms and GIT involvement were also found more common in NHL patients at their initial presentation. There are no characteristic patterns of involvement either on US or CT which are specific to any individual disease entity. Although organomegaly and focal lesions are not diagnostic, but in a known case of childhood LRM these are highly suggestive of involvement by the existing disease process. There is no significant difference in the detection rate of abdominal organ involvement by US and CT in our study. However US being safer and cheaper, US may be suggested as the primary imaging modality to detect abdominal organ involvement in childhood LRM at initial presentation.
Regulation of surface and subterranean fresh water in the MERCOSUR regional integration
Authors: De Oliveira Celso Maran , Amarante Junior Ozelito Possidônio , Fiorillo Celso Antonio Pacheco , Colenci Pedro Luciano
Published: April 2016

This work discusses the regulatory standardization among countries that are party to MERCOSUR. This standardization forms the legal and institutional framework for maintaining important and strategic water resources, which require such regulation in order to be preserved and protected for present and future generations. Due to the lack of general legislation relating to MERCOSUR’s water resources, it was necessary to study the main multilateral agreements among the MERCOSUR countries, such as the Amazon Cooperation Treaty and the River Plate Basin Treaty relating to surface water, and also the legal points included in a recent joint statement of the presidents of the Mercosur States regarding the Guarani Aquifer, which is an important resource for current and future generations of the MERCOSUR. The survey was developed using the hermeneutical method, based upon surveys and analysis of international legislation involving MERCOSUR member states, multilateral treaties relating to transboundary waters and groundwater zones and also included a search of bibliographic materials, books, journals, thematic maps, information and documents available on the Internet. The combination of the sparse legal rules covers most legal relationships between MERCOSUR member states relating to water.
Removal of nitrogen and organic matter in a submerged-membrane bioreactor operating in a condition of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification
Authors: Barbosa Izabela Major , Mierzwa José Carlos , Hespanhol Ivanildo , Subtil Eduardo Lucas
Published: April 2016

This study evaluated the removal of nitrogen and organic matter in a membrane bioreactor system operating in a condition of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification controlled by intermittent aeration. A submerged-membrane system in a bioreactor was used in a pilot scale to treat domestic wastewater. The dissolved oxygen concentration was maintained between 0.5 and 0.8 mg L-1. The concentration of the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in the system ranged from 1 to 6 g L-1. The system efficiency was evaluated by the removal efficiency of organic matter, quantified by Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC). Nitrogen removal was assessed by quantifying Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) and ammonia nitrogen. During the system start-up, the removal efficiencies of COD and NTK were around 90% and 80%, respectively. After the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) conditions were established, the removal efficiencies of COD and NTK were 70% and 99%, respectively. These results showed that sewage treatment with the membrane bioreactor (MBR) system, operating with simultaneous nitrification and denitrification conditions, was able to remove organic matter and promote nitrification and denitrification in a single reactor, producing a high-quality permeate.
Water in the Mendoza, Argentina, food processing industry: water requirements and reuse potential of industrial effluents in agriculture
Authors: Duek Alicia Elena
Published: April 2016

This paper estimates the volume of water used by the Mendoza food processing industry considering different water efficiency scenarios. The potential for using food processing industry effluents for irrigation is also assessed. The methodology relies upon information collected from interviews with qualified informants from different organizations and food-processing plants in Mendoza selected from a targeted sample. Scenarios were developed using local and international secondary information sources. The results show that food processing plants in Mendoza use 19.65 hm3 of water per year; efficient water management practices would make it possible to reduce water use by 64%, i.e., to 7.11 hm3. At present, 70% of the water is used by the fruit and vegetable processing industry, 16% by wineries, 8% by mineral water bottling plants, and the remaining 6% by olive oil, beer and soft drink plants. The volume of effluents from the food processing plants in Mendoza has been estimated at 16.27 hm3 per year. Despite the seasonal variations of these effluents, and the high sodium concentration and electrical conductivity of some of them, it is possible to use them for irrigation purposes. However, because of these variables and their environmental impact, land treatment is required.
Vulnerability of groundwater to contamination in the municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas
Authors: Duarte Miqueias Lima , Zanchi Fabrício Berton , Neves Juliana Rocha Duarte , Costa Heron Salazar , Jordão Walleson Higor Corrêa
Published: April 2016

Groundwater has been used intensively throughout Brazil. In southern Amazonas state, the water supplies of some municipalities are derived exclusively from wells. Yet this region generally has no wastewater treatment, leading to potential contamination of the underground water. We classified and mapped the vulnerability of groundwater supplies to contamination in the urban and peri-urban area of Humaitá in southern Amazonas State. We used the GOD method (Groundwater occurrence; Overall Lithology of the unsaturated zone; Depth of the water table) to score vulnerability classes. The results revealed the existence of average and high vulnerability of aquifer contamination in the area, indicating the fragility of the aquifer system that supplies the municipality, and showing the need for public policies aimed at the protection of the region’s groundwater resources.
Land use and water quality degradation in the Peixe-Boi River watershed
Authors: Pereira Bruno Wendell De Freitas , Maciel Maria de Nazaré Martins , Oliveira Francisco De Assis , Da Silva Alves Marcelo Augusto Moreno , Ribeiro Adriana Melo , Ferreira Bruno Monteiro , Ribeiro Ellen Gabriele Pinto
Published: April 2016

This study mapped the land use and land cover of the catchment area of the Peixe-Boi River watershed, in northeast Pará, in order to identify conflicts of land use in the permanent preservation areas, and to relate them to water quality. We used LISS-3 sensor imagery from the Resourcesat satellite with a spatial resolution of 23.5 m for supervised classification of land use and land cover based on 22 training samples. Water quality was determined based on 28 sampling points in drainage network. The relationship between human disturbance and water quality was analyzed based on observations of land use changes using satellite imagery and in situ collection of water samples. The results show that 46% of the permanent preservation areas have conflicted uses, especially with respect to urban squatters, exposed soil and, most notably, pasture, with over 84 % of the area in conflict. Critical levels of dissolved oxygen reaching 2.14 mg L-1 and pH of 5.12 were observed in some sampling points. These values are below the fresh water standards set by Resolution 357/05 of CONAMA. The poorest water quality may be related to irregular use and occupation of areas within the permanent preservation areas. There is therefore an urgent need to develop a plan for the sustainable use and occupation of catchment area land in the Peixe-Boi River watershed in order to restore the environment and improve water quality.
Technologies for rational water use in Brazilian agriculture
Authors: Da Silva Christian Luiz , Bassi Nádia Solange Schimitd , Rocha Jr Weimar Freire da
Published: April 2016

Brazil has the highest water availability of any country in the world. Nearly 20% of all the world’s rivers flow on Brazilian soil. Brazil’s herds of cattle, pigs and poultry are among the largest in the world, and the country uses irrigated agriculture extensively, which accounts for most water consumption (approximately 70% of the water consumed in the world). The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), the largest and most important public institution of Brazilian agricultural research, has attempted to develop environmental technologies in order to minimize the impact caused by the scarcity and pollution of water resources. This paper describes the technologies this institution offers to different regions. For this purpose, a descriptive and exploratory study was conducted in various Embrapa research units. The results showed that research on the rational use of water in agriculture has intensified since the early 2000s. However, the pace of growth in agricultural activities and their impact is much greater than that of the generated technologies, demonstrating the difficulty in striking a balance in this relationship. Furthermore, it is clear that that water scarcity and the increasing pollution of shallow and deep waters are complex issues with no short-term solution.
Reduction of acute toxicity of landfill leachate in co-treatement with domestic sewage by integrated fixed-film activated sludge reactor
Authors: Campos Fábio , Piveli Roque Passos
Published: April 2016

This study used acute toxicity tests on the marine bacteria Allivibrio fischeri and on microcrustaceans Daphnia similis to evaluate the reduction of acute toxicity in effluent generated by the IFAS (Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge) hybrid process, treating landfill leachate with domestic sewage. In order to evaluate the treatment’s ability to lessen the toxicity of the effluent, three experimental stages were developed with leachate contributions of 5, 10 and 20% of the total load of BOD in the effluent composition. In general, the results show that, even with the greatest contribution of leachate, no significant alterations were observed in the behavior and efficiency of the biological process; however, with regard to the degree of acute toxicity observed in the affluent, the classification of the effluents changed from Very Toxic to Toxic in three phases of operation, even reaching the reduction levels around 70% in the last stage of the study, highlighting the need for greater control and evaluation of this variable. The methodology of using the Microtox® technique proved to be more sensitive to compounds present in the samples when compared to the technique using the microcrustaceans D. similis.
Impact of land-use change in the net radiation of the Cerrado of the southern Mato Grosso
Authors: Fausto Marcos Alves , Angelini Lucas Peres , Marques Heloisa Oliveira , Silva Filho Armando , Machado Nadja Gomes , Biudes Marcelo Sacardi
Published: April 2016

Changes resulting from land use and occupation modify the surface radioactive balance. This paper evaluated the impact on the net radiation caused by the conversion of a Cerrado area in an agricultural zone in the southern Mato Grosso using Landsat 5 TM sensor imagery acquired between June and October 2011. The analyses were performed of the following land use classes: Cerrado, riparian vegetation, sugarcane, soybean, pasture, bare soil and water. The replacement of Cerrado by agricultural areas changed the biophysical indices of the surface due to the change in biomass and the optical properties of the surface as observed in this study. The NDVI values were higher in the typical Cerrado vegetation and Riparian Forest than in agricultural areas. The surface temperature and the surface albedo showed an inverse pattern of NDVI, with lower values in the typical Cerrado vegetation and Riparian Forest and higher values in agricultural areas and bare soil. The replacement of Cerrado by cultivated crops in the south of Mato Grosso decreased the available energy at the surface, as indicated by the radiation balance.
On the Notion of Conductor in the Local
Geometric Langlands Correspondence
Authors: Kamgarpour Masoud
Published: April 2016

Under the local Langlands correspondence, the conductor of an irreducible representation of Gln(F) is greater than the Swan conductor of the corresponding Galois representation. In this paper, we establish the geometric analogue of this statement by showing that the conductor of a categorical representation of the loop group is greater than the irregularity of the corresponding meromorphic connection.
Association of heat shock protein 70 gene polymorphisms with acute thermal tolerance, growth, and egg production traits of native chickens in Taiwan
Authors: Liang Hsiao-Mei , Lin Der-Yuh , Hsuuw Yan-Der , Huang Tsung-Ping , Chang Hsiu-Luan , Lin Cheng-Yung , Wu Hsi-Hsun , Hung Kuo-Hsiang
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Heat stress is among the most challenging environmental conditions affecting commercial poultry. It severely affects growth and egg production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to examine physiological responses – including triiodothyronine (T3) levels, enzymatic activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), respiratory rates, and cloacal temperature – to acute heat stress associated with different genotypes of the HSP70 gene and to evaluate the association of these polymorphisms with growth and egg production. Genotyping was performed by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. The polymorphisms identified were A258A, A258G, and G258G. Twenty 12-week old birds were randomly selected from each genotype and exposed to 40 °C ambient temperature for 1 h. Blood samples were collected at 0 and 1 h following heat stress. Respiratory rate and cloacal temperature were measured following 0, 30, and 60 min of exposure. After 1 h, the A258A genotype exhibited lower levels of CK activity and plasma T3. Neither respiratory rate nor cloacal temperature displayed a significant association with the genotypes. Body weight gain differed among the genotypes for males (F =  3.268, P = 0.041) and females (F =  14.029, P < 0.001), and the A258A genotype exhibited the greatest weight gain at 0–16 weeks of age for both genders. There were no significant differences among genotypes regarding egg weight at first egg or the number of eggs laid until 40 weeks of age. The A258A genotype displayed higher heat tolerance with no negative effects on growth performance and egg production.
Sensitive detection of n-alkanes using a mixed ionization mode Proton-Transfer Reaction – Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Amador Muñoz Omar , Misztal Pawel K. , Weber Robin , Worton Dave R. , Zhang Haofei , Drozd Greg , Goldstein Allen H.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) is a technique that is widely used to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with proton affinities higher than water. However, n-alkanes generally have a lower proton affinity than water and therefore proton transfer (PT) by reaction with H3O+ is not an effective mechanism for their detection. In this study, we developed a method using a conventional PTR-MS to detect n-alkanes by optimizing ion source and drift tube conditions to vary the relative amounts of different primary ions (H3O+, O2+, NO+) in the reaction chamber (drift tube). We determined the optimum conditions and the resulting reaction mechanisms allowing detection of n-alkanes from n-pentane to n-tridecane. These compounds are mostly emitted by evaporative/combustion process from fossil fuel use. The charge transfer (CT) mechanism observed with O2+, was the main reaction channel for n-heptane and longer n-alkanes, while for n-pentane and n-hexane, the main reaction channel was hydride abstraction (HA). Maximum sensitivities were obtained at low E/N ratios (83 Td), low water flow (2 sccm) and high O2+/NO+ ratios (Uso = 180 V). Isotopic 13C contribution was taken into account by subtracting fractions of the preceding 12C ion signal based on number of carbon atoms and the natural abundance of 13C (i.e. 5.6 % for n-pentane and 14.5 % for n-tridecane). After accounting for isotopic distributions, we found that proton transfer cannot be observed for n-alkanes smaller than n-decane. Instead, protonated water clusters of n-alkanes (M·H3O+) species were observed with higher abundance at lower O2+ and higher water clusters amount fractions. M·H3O+ species are probably the source for M+H+ species observed from n-decane to n-tridecane, via a collision dissociation mechanism. Normalized sensitivities to O2+ or to the sum of O2++NO+ were determined to be a good metric with which to compare sensitivities for n-alkane detection between experiments. Double hydride abstraction was observed from the reaction with O2+. Sensitivities to CT and HA both increased with carbon chain length from n-pentane to n-dodecane while PT sensitivity increased from n-decane to n-tridecane. Sensitivity to charge transfer exponentially decreased with molecular ionization energy which is inversely related to the carbon chain length. We define optimum conditions for using mixed ionization mode to measure n-alkanes in conventional PTR-MS instruments that are not equipped with switchable reagent ions (SRI) capabilities.
Source, transport and fate of soil organic matter inferred from microbial biomarker lipids on the East Siberian Arctic Shelf
Authors: Bischoff Juliane , Sparkes Robert B. , Doğrul Selver Ayça , Spencer Robert G. M. , Gustafsson Örjan , Semiletov Igor P. , Dudarev Oleg V. , Wagner Dirk , Rivkina Elizaveta , van Dongen Bart E. , Talbot Helen M.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The Siberian Arctic contains a globally significant pool of organic carbon (OC) vulnerable to enhanced warming and subsequent release by both fluvial and coastal erosion processes. However, the rate of release, its behaviour in the Arctic Ocean and vulnerability to remineralisation is poorly understood. Here we combine new measurements of microbial biohopanoids including adenosylhopane, a lipid associated with soil microbial communities, with published glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (GDGTs) and bulk δ13C 5 measurements to improve knowledge of the fate of OC transported to the East Siberian Arctic Shelf (ESAS). The microbial hopanoid-based soil OC proxy R'soil ranges from 0.0 to 0.8 across the ESAS, with highest values near shore and decreases offshore. Across the shelf R'soil displays a negative linear correlation with bulk δ13C measurements (r2 = −0.73, p = < 0.001). When compared to the GDGT based OC proxy, the Branched and Isoprenoid tetraether (BIT) index, a decoupled (non-linear) behaviour on the shelf was observed, particularly in the Buor-Khaya Bay where the R'soil shows limited 10 variation, whereas the BIT index shows a rapid decline moving away from the Lena River outflow channels. This reflects a balance between delivery and removal of OC from different sources. The good correlation between the hopanoid and bulk terrestrial signal suggests a broad range of hopanoid sources, both fluvial and via coastal erosion whilst GDGTs appear to be primarily sourced via fluvial transport. Analysis of ice complex deposits (ICDs) revealed an average R'soil of 0.5 for the Lena delta, equivalent to that of the Buor-Khaya Bay sediments, whilst ICDs from further East showed higher values (0.6–0.85). Al15 though R'soil correlates more closely with bulk OC than the BIT, our understanding of the endmembers of this system is clearly still incomplete with east-west variations potentially reflecting differences in environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, pH) but other physiological controls on microbial BHP production under psychrophilic conditions are as yet unknown.
Flower litters of alpine plants affect soil nitrogen and phosphorus rapidly in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Jinniu , Xu Bo , Wu Yan , Gao Jing , Shi Fusun
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Litters of reproductive organs have been rarely studied, despite their role in allocating nutrients for offspring reproduction. This study determines the mechanism through which flower litters efficiently increase the available soil nutrient pool. Field experiments were conducted to collect plant litters and calculate biomass production in an alpine meadow of the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, lignin, cellulose, and their relevant ratios of litters were analyzed to identify their decomposition features. A pot experiment was performed to determine the effects of litter addition on soil nutrition pool by comparison between the treated and control samples. Litter-bag method was used to verify decomposition rates. The flower litters of phanerophyte plants were comparable with non-flower litters. Biomass partitioning of other herbaceous species accounted for 10%–40% of the aboveground biomass. Flower litter possessed significantly higher N and P levels but less C/N, N/P, lignin/N, and lignin and cellulose concentrations than leaf litter. Flower litter fed soil nutrition pool more efficiently because of their faster decomposition rate and higher nutrient contents. Litter-bag experiment confirmed that the flower litters of Rhododendron przewalskii and Meconopsis integrifolia decomposes approximately three times faster than mixed litters within 50 days. Moreover, the findings of the pot experiment indicated that flower litter addition significantly increased the available nutrient pool. Flower litter influenced nutrition cycling in alpine ecosystems, as evident by its non-ignorable production and significantly faster decomposition. The underlying mechanism can enrich nutrients, which return to the soil, and non-structural carbohydrates, which feed and enhance the transitions of soil microorganisms.
The link between marine sediment records and changes in Holocene Saharan landscape: simulating the dust cycle
Authors: Egerer Sabine , Claussen Martin , Reick Christian , Stanelle Tanja
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Marine sediment records reveal an abrupt and strong increase in dust deposition in the North Atlantic at the end of the African Humid Period about 4.9 to 5.5 ka ago. The change in dust flux has been attributed to varying Saharan land surface cover. Alternatively, the enhanced dust accumulation is linked to enhanced surface winds and a consequent intensification of coastal upwelling. Here we demonstrate for the first time the direct link between dust accumulation in marine cores and changes in Saharan land surface. We simulate the mid-Holocene (6 ka BP) and pre-industrial (1850 AD) dust cycle as a function of Saharan land surface cover and atmosphere-ocean conditions using the coupled atmosphere–aerosol model ECHAM6.1-HAM2.1. Mid-Holocene surface characteristics, including vegetation cover and lake surface area, are derived from proxy data and simulations. In agreement with data from marine sediment cores, our simulations show that mid-Holocene dust deposition fluxes in the North Atlantic were two to three times lower compared with pre-industrial fluxes. We identify Saharan land surface characteristics to be the main control on dust transport from North Africa to the North Atlantic. We conclude that the increase in dust accumulation in marine cores is directly linked to a transition of the Saharan landscape during the Holocene and not due to changes in atmospheric or ocean conditions alone.
Major perturbations in the global carbon cycle and photosymbiont-bearing planktic foraminifera during the early Eocene
Authors: Luciani Valeria , Dickens Gerald R. , Backman Jan , Fornaciari Eliana , Giusberti Luca , Agnini Claudia , D'Onofrio Roberta
Published: April 2016

Abstract. A marked switch in the abundance of the planktic foraminiferal genera Morozovella and Acarinina occurred at low-latitude sites near the start of the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO), a multi-million-year interval when Earth surface temperatures reached their Cenozoic maximum. Stable carbon and oxygen isotope data of bulk sediment are presented from across the EECO at two locations: Possagno in northeast Italy and Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 577 in the northwest Pacific. Relative abundances of planktic foraminifera are presented from these two locations, as well as from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1051 in the northwest Atlantic. All three sections have good stratigraphic markers, and the δ13C records at each section can be correlated amongst each other and to δ13C records at other locations across the globe. These records show that a series of negative carbon isotope excursions (CIEs) occurred before, during and across the EECO, which is defined here as the interval between the J event and the base of Discoaster sublodoensis. Significant though ephemeral modifications in planktic foraminiferal assemblages coincide with some of the short-term CIEs, which were marked by increases in the relative abundance of Acarinina, similar to what happened across established hyperthermal events in Tethyan settings prior to the EECO. Most crucially, a temporal link exists between the onset of the EECO, carbon cycle changes during this time and the decline in Morozovella. Possible causes are manifold and may include temperature effects on photosymbiont-bearing planktic foraminifera and changes in ocean chemistry.
Actinistian gular plates from the Cretaceous of Mexico and the problems assigning gular plates taxonomically
Authors: Schultze Hans-Peter , González-Rodríguez Katia Adriana
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Two gular plates of an indeterminate actinistian are described from the Cretaceous of Muhi quarry, Hidalgo state, in central Mexico. Their narrow shape belongs to the few actinistian gular plates with a high length / width ratio (above 4) in contrast to most known actinistian gular plates with a length / width ratio below 4. The gulars of Muhi quarry are assigned, with caution, to the actinistian family Mawsoniidae on the basis of the length / width ratio (around 4.5) of the gular, which can be found in three other genera of the family. There are not enough characteristics in actinistian gular plates alone to erect a new genus or species. Noteworthy is the large size of the Muhi gulars that corresponds to a body length of about 1.6 m – the length of Latimeria today. The gulars are preserved in association with a basibranchial tooth plate and a few neural spines. This is the third actinistian record from the Cretaceous of Mexico.
Drone city – power, design and aerial mobility in the age of “smart cities”
Authors: Jensen Ole B.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. This paper address the phenomenon of drones and their potential relationship with the city from the point of view of the so-called “mobilities turn”. This is done in such a way that turns attention to a recent re-development of the “turn” towards design; so the emerging perspective of “mobilities design” will be used as a background perspective to reflect upon the future of drones in cities. The other perspective used to frame the phenomenon is the emerging discourse of the “smart city”. A city of proliferating digital information and data communication may be termed a smart city as shorthand for a new urban condition where cities are networked and connected (as well as disconnected) from the local block to global digital spheres. In the midst of many of the well-known data-creating devices (e.g. Bluetooth, radio-frequency identification (RFID), GPS, smartphone applications) there is a “new kid on the block” that will potentially be a game-changer for urban governance, economics and everyday life. Here we are thinking of the unmanned aerial vehicle or drone as the popular term has it. Therefore, the paper asks how life in “drone city” may play out. Drones may alter the notion of surveillance by means of being mobile, as well as profoundly altering the process and perspective of data collection and feedback to governments, businesses and citizens.
A Retrospective Streamflow Ensemble Forecast for an Extreme Hydrologic Event: a Case Study of Hurricane Irene and on the Hudson River basin
Authors: Saleh F. , Ramaswamy V. , Georgas N. , Blumberg A. , Pullen J.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. This paper investigates the uncertainties in hourly streamflow ensemble forecasts for an extreme hydrological event using a hydrological model forced with short-range ensemble weather prediction models. A state-of-the art, automated, short-term hydrologic prediction framework was implemented using GIS and a regional scale hydrological model (HEC-HMS). The hydrologic framework was applied to the Hudson River Basin, USA (~ 36,000 km2) using gridded precipitation data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) and was validated against streamflow observations from the United States Geologic Survey (USGS). Finally, 21 precipitation datasets reforecast by the 21 ensemble members of the latest Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS/R) were used to generate a retrospective streamflow ensemble forecast for an extreme hydrological event, Hurricane Irene. The work shows that ensemble stream discharge forecasts provide improved predictions and useful information about associated uncertainties, thus improving the assessment of risks when compared with deterministic forecasts. The uncertainties in weather inputs may result in false warnings and missed river flooding events, reducing the potential to effectively mitigate flood damage. The findings demonstrate how errors in the ensemble median streamflow forecast and time of peak, as well as the ensemble spread (uncertainty) are reduced 48 hours pre-event utilizing the ensemble framework. The methodology and implications of this work beneﬁt efforts of short-term streamflow forecasts at regional scales, notably regarding the peak timing of an extreme hydrologic event when combined with a flood threshold exceedance diagram. Although the modelling framework was implemented on the Hudson River basin, it is flexible and re-locatable in other parts of the world.
Effects of wood chip amendments on the revegetation performance of plant species on eroded marly terrains in a Mediterranean mountainous climate (Southern Alps, France)
Authors: Breton Vincent , Crosaz Yves , Rey Freddy
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The establishment of plant species can limit soil erosion dynamics in degraded lands. In marly areas in the Southern French Alps, both harsh water erosion and drought conditions in summer due to the Mediterranean mountainous climate prevent the natural implementation and regeneration of vegetation. Soil fertility improvement is sometimes necessary. With the purpose of revegetating such areas, we aimed to evaluate the effects of wood chip amendments on the revegetation performance of different native or sub-spontaneous plant species. We conducted two experiments on steep slopes over three growing seasons (2012–2014). The first consisted of planting seedlings (10 species), and the second consisted of seeding (nine species including six used in the first experiment). First we noted that wood chips were able to remain in place even in steep slope conditions. The planting of seedlings showed both an impact of wood chip amendment and differences between species. A positive effect of wood chips was shown with overall improvement of plant survival (increasing by 11 % on average, by up to 50 % for some species). In the seeding experiment, no plants survived after three growing seasons. However, intermediate results for the first and second years showed a positive effect of wood chips on seedling emergence: seeds of four species only sprouted on wood chips, and for the five other species the average emergence rate increased by 50 %.
The Commons: Three Case Studies of Community Forested Land
Authors: McKay Ruth B.
Published: April 2016

This paper examines three communities that include common land in the community design. The common land provides natural habitat for recreational purposes along with privacy and a natural visual barrier. One of the three communities the commons arrangement fails after more than thirty years and the community sells most of the common land for private ownership. The other two are examples of successful commons where the community maintains the common lands and exhibits a growing commitment to the holding of common land. The paper examines why two of the three communities have success and prosper while the third fails. The findings provide insight into designs that work to maintain community common land and those that fail. 
Response to Bevacizumab after Treatment with Aflibercept in Eyes with Neovascular AMD
Authors: Waizel Maria , Rickmann Annekatrin , Blanke Björn R. , Wolf Katharina , Kazerounian Sara , Szurman Peter
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To study the visual outcome and change in central macular thickness (CMT) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who were previously treated with aflibercept (VEGF Trap-Eye, Eylea) and were subsequently switched to bevacizumab (Avastin).

Methods

In this observational analysis, 19 eyes initially treated with at least 3 injections of bevacizumab after initial treatment with at least 3 injections of aflibercept are reported. Outcome measures were Snellen visual acuity (best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CMT measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Results

A total of 19 eyes initially treated with 6.5 ± 2.8 intravitreal injections of aflibercept were switched to 5.4 ± 3.2 injections of bevacizumab. Median BCVA decreased from 20/94 to 20/113 after aflibercept and increased slightly to 20/101 after bevacizumab (p = 0.84, Friedman test). Of all 19 eyes, 36.8% achieved gain in visual acuity of more than 1 line and 21.1% of more than 3 lines. The CMT decreased slightly from 433 ± 229 μm at baseline to 367 ± 198 μm after aflibercept treatment (p = 0.18, Wilcoxon test) and decreased statistically significantly to 335 ± 184 μm after bevacizumab treatment (p = 0.0065, Wilcoxon test).

Conclusions

Switching from aflibercept to bevacizumab treatment has an equivalent anatomical effect in eyes with neovascular AMD as switching from bevacizumab to aflibercept. Therefore, switching back to bevacizumab might represent a reasonable therapy strategy to overcome tachyphylaxis during long-term monotherapy with aflibercept.
Response to Anti-VEGF-A Treatment of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Puddu Alessandra , Sanguineti Roberta , Traverso Carlo Enrico , Viviani Giorgio L. , Nicolò Massimo
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The neovascular or wet form of age-related macular degeneration is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF). In the last decade, several anti-VEGF drugs have been developed for treating neovascular diseases of the eyes. This study was conducted to compare the effects of 2 anti-VEGF-A drugs, ranibizumab and aflibercept, on the expression and secretion of VEGF family members in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) in vitro.

Methods

ARPE-19 cells were exposed for 24 hours to ranibizumab or aflibercept at clinical dose concentration. Cell viability and expression and secretion of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and placental growth factor (PlGF) were evaluated respectively by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Ranibizumab and aflibercept did not affect ARPE-19 cell viability after 24 hours of treatment. Ranibizumab increased expression of VEGF-A and PlGF. On the contrary, expression and secretion of VEGF-C was decreased by ranibizumab. PlGF secretion was not affected by ranibizumab. Aflibercept strongly increased VEGF-A and PlGF expression but reduced their detection on the culture media, and decreased expression and secretion of VEGF-C. No effect on expression and secretion of VEGF-B was observed after exposure to these drugs.

Conclusions

Ranibizumab and aflibercept exert similar effects on VEGF expression and secretion, leading to establishing an antiangiogenic environment. Increased VEGF-A expression observed in RPE cells treated with these drugs suggests a compensatory response of the cells to the lack of VEGF-A.
Second Femtosecond Laser Treatment Application for Completion of Partial Capsulotomy Caused by Suction Loss
Authors: Diakonis Vasilios F. , Sayed-Ahmed Ibrahim O. , Fileta John B. , O'Brien Terrence P.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To describe a case of a second application of femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy to achieve a complete treatment pattern after an initial incomplete capsulotomy creation due to loss of suction.

Methods

A 66-year-old woman presented with visually significant cataract in both eyes. She was scheduled to undergo femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using the Victus platform. During FLACS capsulotomy of the right eye (capsulotomy diameter set at 5.0 mm), loss of suction occurred followed by laser treatment interruption, resulting in an incomplete, discontinuous capsulotomy treatment pattern. A second FLACS pretreatment was performed immediately after the first incomplete treatment, aiming for a capsulotomy diameter 0.1 mm larger than the previous (5.1 mm in diameter) and with placement of the capsulotomy treatment outside the prior incomplete capsulotomy.

Results

A complete continuous treatment pattern was achieved for the capsulotomy after second application of FLACS pretreatment. No intraoperative complications were noticed.

Conclusion

A second application of femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy to achieve a complete treatment pattern after initial incomplete capsulotomy creation due to loss of suction is feasible during the same surgical setting.