bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A modeling tool for detector resolution and incomplete charge collection
Authors: Fernández Jorge E. , Scot Viviana , Sabbatucci Lorenzo
Published: March 2015

The detector response function of X‐ray and gamma‐ray detectors is obtained from the convolution of the energy deposition spectrum with the detector resolution function. The energy deposition spectrum can be computed by using deterministic or Monte Carlo codes, while the energy resolution depends specifically on the detection mechanism, which is characteristic of the single detector. In a first approximation, the energy resolution can be modeled using a normalized Gaussian distribution having its full width at half maximum expressed in terms of specific semiempirical formulas for solid‐state detectors, scintillators, and gas proportional counters. However, this approach is not sufficient with some solid‐state detectors. It is frequent to find that the peaks show a deviation from the Gaussian shape: a long flat shelf structure from the peak centroid to the lower energies and an asymmetry that can be described with an exponential decay on the left side of the peak. These two effects have been introduced in the new tool RESOLUTION by adapting empirical models found in literature. RESOLUTION can be tailored to the specific detector by analyzing measured monochromatic peaks by means of the following strategies: (1) in a first approximation, a Gaussian shape is assumed in order to determine the full width at half maximum parameters, (2) if it is noted a flat background on the left side of the peak, then a shelf function is added, and (3) if a departure of the Gaussian is observed, then an exponential tail function is added. RESOLUTION gives a very precise description of the line shape. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of egg size differences in anadromous (sockeye salmon) and non‐anadromous (kokanee) forms of Oncorhynchus nerka to infer ancestral origins of a landlocked population
Authors: Quinn Thomas P. , Bond Morgan H. , Berge Hans B.
Published: March 2015

Life history traits reflect interactions between evolutionary lineage and environmental conditions. Translocations of populations to new environments, and changes in their natal environment, provide insights into the factors controlling life history. For example, the trade‐off between egg size and egg number is a well‐studied adaptation in fishes, and especially salmon and trout. We used existing and new data on this tradeoff in anadromous sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, and the non‐anadromous form of the species (kokanee), to investigate the likely origin of a population of uncertain ancestry, land‐locked for a century above an impassable dam. Native kokanee have smaller eggs than do the larger‐bodied anadromous sockeye salmon. However, the land‐locked population in Lake Sutherland, in the Elwha River system, Washington, USA had much larger eggs for their body size than any other kokanee population, similar only to the land‐locked descendants of anadromous sockeye salmon in New Zealand. After evaluating and rejecting a series of competing explanations for the unusually large eggs, we infer that the population was mostly likely of anadromous origin, retaining the ancestral tendency to produce large eggs, despite the sacrifice in fecundity that is necessitated by the limited female energy resources. This study revealed the utility of life history traits for studying the ancestral origins of a population for which molecular genetic tools were not informative. Worldwide, many populations have been transplanted or exposed to new conditions, affording similar opportunities to investigate phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary adaptations.
Cyclic Fatty Acids Found in Frying Oils are Detoxified via Classical Drug Metabolic Pathway but also by β‐Oxidation and Eliminated as Conjugates in Rats
Authors: Desmarais Amélie , Pujos‐Guillot Estelle , Lyan Bernard , Martin Jean‐François , Leblanc Nadine , Angers Paul , Sébédio Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2015

Cyclic fatty acid monomers (CFAM) are mainly formed during heat treatments, such as frying, of edible oils. These fatty acids are mixtures of disubstituted five‐ or six‐carbon‐membered ring structures. Some earlier studies have suggested that some of these molecules could be metabolized and detoxified, but so far, neither the detoxification mechanisms nor the metabolite identifications have been elucidated. The objective of the present study was to identify the metabolites resulting from the metabolism and detoxification of CFAM. A deuterium‐labeled CFAM, [9‐2H]‐10‐(6‐propyl‐2‐cyclohexenyl)‐dodecenoic acid, was synthesized and fed to rats for 3 days, along with a standard chow diet while the control group was fed the same chow diet which did not contain any CFAM. Biological fluids (urine, blood) were collected for both groups of rats and analyzed using an untargeted metabolomic approach by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Two discriminant metabolites and 18 molecules derived from CFAM were identified or tentatively identified in plasma and urine samples, respectively. The structures of the metabolites suggest that CFAM having a six‐carbon‐membered ring could be detoxified by the classical drug metabolic pathway (phase I and phase II reactions), but our study also indicates that these are substrates for the β‐oxidation pathway and eliminated as glucuronide, sulphate, and/or nitrate conjugates. Urine metabolomics investigations without diet effects have indicated a higher excretion of medium‐chain acylcarnitines in the D‐CFAM diet group, which may indicate an incomplete β‐oxidation.
Influence of Soy Protein Isolate Prepared by Phosphate‐Assisted Hydrothermal Cooking on the Gelation of Myofibrillar Protein
Authors: Guo Jian , Hu Lei , Yang Xiao‐Quan , Yu Shu‐Juan , Liu Yong‐Chuang , Jin Yu‐Cong
Published: March 2015

The poor solubility and functionalities of soy protein concentrate (SPC) limits its utilization in meat products. Phosphate‐assisted hydrothermal cooking (HTC) was applied to refunctionalize SPC in this work. The resultant soy protein isolate (SPI) was used as an ingredient for improving the gelation of porcine myofibrillar protein (MP) which was induced by microbial transglutaminase (MTGase). The addition of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) enhanced the refunctionalization efficiency of HTC and increased the phosphorus content in the obtained SPI. Dynamic rheological analysis indicated that this SPI itself could not form a gel with the help of MTGase. However, the SEM observation revealed that the presence of this SPI strengthened the gel network of MP and made it become denser and more ordered. As a result, the mechanical properties and water holding capacity of the MP gel were significantly improved by this SPI prepared by phosphate‐assisted HTC.
Effect of High‐Intensity Ultrasound on the Crystallization Behavior of High‐Stearic High‐Oleic Sunflower Oil Soft Stearin
Authors: Rincón‐Cardona Jaime A. , Agudelo‐Laverde Lina M. , Herrera María L. , Martini Silvana
Published: March 2015

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) and crystallization temperature (Tc) on the crystallization behavior, melting profile, and elasticity of a soft stearin fraction of high‐stearic high‐oleic sunflower oil. Results showed that HIU can be used to induce and increase the rate of crystallization of the soft stearin with significantly higher SFC values obtained in the sonicated samples, especially at higher Tc. SFC values were fitted using the Avrami model, and higher kn and lower n values were obtained when samples were crystallized with sonication, suggesting that sonicated samples crystallized faster and through an instantaneous nucleation mechanism. In addition, the crystal morphology, melting behavior, and viscoelasticity were significantly affected by sonication.
The sweet taste of gratitude: Feeling grateful increases choice and consumption of sweets
Authors: Schlosser Ann E.
Published: March 2015

Gratitude is a positive emotion experienced when a positive outcome is attributed to others. Though often regarded as a virtuous emotion, I argue that gratitude may have sweet side effects. Specifically, because gratitude involves acknowledging benefits received from the kind (or metaphorically sweet) actions of another, individuals may infer that they must be deserving of sweetness. As a result, they prefer foods with congruent – or sweet rather than nonsweet – tastes. If gratitude causes individuals to prefer sweets because they infer that they must be deserving of sweetness, then the effect should be strongest among those most likely to infer from a sweet act that they deserve sweetness, such as those who are psychologically connected to others (i.e., primed with interdependence or shared attributes). The results of six studies support these predictions. In particular, individuals selected more sweets and fewer non‐sweet foods when primed to feel grateful than proud, a positive emotion experienced by attributing a positive outcome to the self. Furthermore, moderation and mediation support the cognition of deserving sweetness as the underlying mechanism.
Topoisomerase‐1 and ‐2A gene copy numbers are elevated in mismatch repair‐proficient colorectal cancers
Authors: Sønderstrup Ida Marie Heeholm , Nygård Sune Boris , Poulsen Tim Svenstrup , Linnemann Dorte , Stenvang Jan , Nielsen Hans Jørgen , Bartek Jiri , Brünner Nils , Nørgaard Peter , Riis Lene
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) and 2A (TOP2A) are potential predictive biomarkers for irinotecan and anthracycline treatment, respectively, in colorectal cancer (CRC), and we have recently reported a high frequency of gene gain of the TOP1 and TOP2A genes in CRC. Furthermore, Mismatch Repair (MMR) subtypes of CRC have been associated with benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy of primary CRC. Given the involvement of the topoisomerase enzymes in DNA replication and repair, we raised the hypothesis that an association may exist between TOP gene copy numbers and MMR proficiency/deficiency in CRC.

Material and methods

Test cohort: FISH analysis with an in‐house TOP1/CEN20 probe mix and a commercially available TOP2A/CEN17 (Dako, Glostrup, Denmark) probe mix was performed on archival formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from 18 patients with proficient MMR (pMMR) CRC and 18 patients with deficient MMR (dMMR) CRC. TOP1 and TOP2A gene copy numbers and their ratios per nucleus were correlated with MMR status using the Mann–Whitney test. Validation cohort: FFPE samples from 154 patients with primary stage III CRC (originally included in the RANX05 study) were classified according to MMR status by immunohistochemical analysis using validated antibodies for MLH1, MLH2, MSH6 and PMS2, and information on TOP1, CEN20, TOP2A and CEN17 status was previously published for this cohort.

Results

The observed TOP1 gene copy numbers in the 36 CRC test cohort were significantly greater (p < 0.01) in the pMMR subgroup (mean: 3.84, SD: 2.03) than in the dMMR subgroup (mean: 1.50, SD: 0.12). Similarly, the TOP2A copy numbers were significantly greater (p < 0.01) in the pMMR subgroup (mean: 1.99, SD: 0.52) than in the dMMR subgroup (mean: 1.52, SD: 0.10). These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort, where in the pMMR subgroup 51% had ≥2 extra TOP1 copies per cell, while all tumors classified as dMMR had diploid TOP1 status and mean TOP2A copy numbers were 2.30 (SD: 1.36) and 1.80 (SD: 0.31) (p = 0.01) in the pMMR subgroup vs. dMMR subgroup, respectively.

Discussion and conclusion

Our results show that TOP1 and TOP2A gene copy numbers are increased in the pMMR subgroup. We propose that this preference may reflect a selective pressure to gain and/or maintain the gained extra copies of topoisomerase genes whose products are required to cope with high replication stress present in the pMMR tumors, thereby providing a survival advantage selectively in pMMR tumors. Future studies should test this concept and explore potential differences between pMMR and dMMR tumors in response to Top1 and Top2 inhibitors.
Smoking Increases the Risk of Acute Mountain Sickness
Authors: Vinnikov Denis , Brimkulov Nurlan , Blanc Paul D.
Published: March 2015

Objective

We aimed to ascertain risk factors for acute mountain sickness (AMS) in miners exposed to chronic intermittent high altitude conditions.

Methods

All new hires (2009–2012) for mine employment (4000 m above sea level) were followed up for 12 months after first ascent. Demographics, physiologic data, and cigarette smoking were assessed at preemployment screening. Mine site clinic care for AMS defined incident events. Cox regression analysis estimated risk of AMS associated with smoking and selected covariates.

Results

There were 46 AMS cases among 569 individuals during the first 12 months of employment. Adjusted for age, sex, and altitude of permanent residence, cigarettes smoked per day before hiring were prospectively associated with AMS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.2 per 10 cigarettes smoked). This risk was higher in the subset of workers with less demanding physical work (n = 336; HR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7 to 6.3), whereas among those with more physically demanding jobs (n = 233), smoking was not associated with increased risk (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.1 to 2.3).

Conclusions

In workers newly hired to work at high altitude, smoking increases the likelihood of AMS, but this effect appears to be operative only among those with less physically demanding work duties.
Effects of Feedforward Video Self-Modelling on Reading Fluency and Comprehension
Authors: Robson Cathy , Blampied Neville , Walker Lawrence
Published: March 2015

Being able to read at a fluent rate confers many advantages on an individual in both educational and wider social contexts throughout life. To be a fluent reader means that the individual can sustain high accuracy while reading at a rate appropriate to the material and the setting, and implies the development of automaticity in the cognitive processes involved in reading. Fluency has not, however, been the focus of much research. In this study, an observational learning technique — feedforward video self-modelling (FFVSM) — was used to improve children's reading fluency. Eleven primary (elementary) school children aged between 72 and 108 months, four girls and seven boys, viewed edited video footage of themselves seemingly reading a difficult text at a fluent rate six times over a 2-week period. Reading performance (accuracy, comprehension and rate) was measured at pre- and post-test using the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability, and fluency and comprehension scores were measured across the intervention period using the Science Research Associates Reading Laboratory (SRA) graded reading texts. The results showed that the majority of the children improved their reading fluency, comprehension and accuracy as well as reader self-perception (a proxy measure of self-efficacy). These positive results suggest that FFVSM could be a rapid, cost-effective intervention to be used within educational settings to promote fluent reading.
Generation of steady longitudinal vortices in hypersonic boundary layer
Authors: Ruban A. I. , Kravtsova M. A.
Published: March 2015

In this paper we study the three-dimensional perturbations produced in a hypersonic boundary layer by a small wall roughness. The flow analysis is performed under the assumption that the Reynolds number, $R{e}_{0} = {\rho }_{\infty } {V}_{\infty } L/ {\mu }_{0} $, and Mach number, ${M}_{\infty } = {V}_{\infty } / {a}_{\infty } $, are large, but the hypersonic interaction parameter, $\chi = { M}_{\infty }^{2} R{ e}_{0}^{- 1/ 2} $, is small. Here ${V}_{\infty } $, ${\rho }_{\infty } $ and ${a}_{\infty } $ are the flow velocity, gas density and speed of sound in the free stream, ${\mu }_{0} $ is the dynamic viscosity coefficient at the ‘stagnation temperature’, and $L$ is the characteristic distance the boundary layer develops along the body surface before encountering a roughness. We choose the longitudinal and spanwise dimensions of the roughness to be $O({\chi }^{3/ 4} )$ quantities. In this case the flow field around the roughness may be described in the framework of the hypersonic viscous–inviscid interaction theory, also known as the triple-deck model. Our main interest in this paper is the nonlinear behaviour of the perturbations. We study these by means of numerical solution of the triple-deck equations, for which purpose a modification of the ‘skewed shear’ technique suggested by Smith (United Technologies Research Center Tech. Rep. 83-46, 1983) has been used. The technique requires global iterations to adjust the viscous and inviscid parts of the flow. Convergence of such iterations is known to be a major problem in viscous–inviscid calculations. In order to achieve improved stability of the method, both the momentum equation for the viscous part of the flow, and the equations describing the interaction with the flow outside the boundary layer, are treated implicitly in this study. The calculations confirm the fact that in this sort of flow the perturbations are capable of propagating upstream in the boundary layer, resulting in a perturbation field which surrounds the roughness on all sides. We found that the perturbations decay rather fast with the distance from the roughness everywhere except in the wake behind the roughness. We found that if the height of the roughness is small, then the perturbations also decay in the wake, though much more slowly than outside the wake. However, if the roughness height exceeds some critical value, then two symmetric counter-rotating vortices form in the wake. They appear to support themselves and grow as the distance from the roughness increases.
Transformation of internal waves passing over a bottom step
Authors: Churaev Egor N. , Semin Sergey V. , Stepanyants Yury A.
Published: March 2015

The transformation of small-amplitude internal waves on the oceanic shelf is studied numerically. The transmission and reflection coefficients are found for the simplified step-wise model of the oceanic shelf in a two-layer fluid. The approximate formulae are proposed for the transformation coefficients as functions of incident wavenumber, density ratio of layers, depth of the pycnocline and height of the bottom step. Results of direct numerical modelling of internal wave transformation are obtained and presented as functions of all aforementioned parameters. It is shown that there is a good agreement between the outcomes of approximate theory and numerical data. Both the theoretical and the numerical results agree well with the law of energy flux conservation.
Being on the outer: The risks and benefits of spiritual self-disclosure in the Australian workplace
Authors: Crossman Joanna E
Published: March 2015

Self-disclosure has been connected to a number of organisational benefits such as increased motivation, trust building, employee well-being, organisational identification, the communication of organisational values and commitment. Curiously, however, little work about self-disclosure has been published in management and organisation journals and still less that is concerned with spiritual self-disclosure, despite increasing employee diversity as globalisation intensifies.

This paper reports on the analysis of semi-structured, qualitative, interview data collected from 40 Australian managers and professionals. The findings reveal that spiritual self-disclosure was largely perceived as taboo, ‘risky’ and stigmatising with the potential for negative consequences. These risks are all captured in the concept of being on the outer, a metaphor denoting marginalisation from the social, cultural and spiritual identity of the organisation. In contrast, ‘safe’, inclusive organisational cultures are likely to encourage spiritual self-disclosure and the benefits it can bring to employees, managers and organisations.
Barriers to incident-reporting behavior among nursing staff: A study based on the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Lee Yi-Hsuan , Yang Cheng-Chia , Chen Te-Tsung
Published: March 2015

Previous studies have identified numerous factors that affect incident-reporting behavior. However, few studies have applied an individual psychology perspective to identify and examine the factors affecting the intention of nursing staff to report incidents. We integrate the theory of planned behavior, organizational behavior, psychological behavior, and social exchange theory to identify which factors affect the intentions of nursing staff to report incidents. Samples were collected from nursing staff at 40 regional or larger hospitals for model verification. The results of this study show that psychological safety, attitude toward reporting incidents, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control correlate positively with the intention to report incidents. The perceived cost and perceived benefit of incident reporting directly affects the attitude toward incident-reporting behavior, and self-efficacy influences perceived behavioral control. Furthermore, subjective norms and the perceived benefits of incident reporting mediate the effect of psychological safety on attitude toward incident-reporting behavior.
The lower vitamin C plasma concentrations in elderly men compared with elderly women can partly be attributed to a volumetric dilution effect due to differences in fat-free mass
Authors: Jungert Alexandra , Neuhäuser-Berthold Monika
Published: March 2015

Women show higher vitamin C plasma concentrations than men, but the reasons for this observation still require elucidation. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether sex differences in vitamin C plasma concentrations are present in elderly subjects and whether these differences are due to sex-specific lifestyles, total antioxidant status (TAOS) and/or body composition. Fasting plasma concentrations of vitamin C were assessed by photometric detection in a cross-sectional study of 181 women and eighty-nine men aged 62–92 years. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Vitamin C intake was assessed with a 3 d estimated dietary record. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate whether sex is an independent predictor of vitamin C plasma concentrations by controlling for age, vitamin C intake, lifestyle factors, TAOS and body composition. Women showed higher vitamin C plasma concentrations than men (76 v. 62 μmol/l, P< 0·0001). In the multiple regression analysis, male sex was a negative predictor of vitamin C plasma concentrations (β = − 0·214), as long as absolute fat-free mass (FFM) was not considered as a confounder. When absolute FFM was included, sex was no longer a predictor of vitamin C plasma concentrations, whereas absolute FFM (β = − 0·216), physical activity level (β = 0·165), intake of vitamin C supplements (β = 0·164), age (β = 0·147) and smoking (β = − 0·125) affected vitamin C plasma concentrations. The results indicate that a higher absolute FFM, and thus a higher distribution volume of vitamin C, contributes to lower vitamin C plasma concentrations in men than women.
Provisional State, Reluctant Institutions: West Berlin's Refugee Service and Refugee Commissions, 1949–1952
Authors: Limbach Eric H.
Published: March 2015

In May 1951, the Hamburger Freie Presse published an article on the alleged experiences of Hans Schmidt, an East German police officer (Volkspolizist) who had sought to register earlier that year for political asylum in West Berlin. The newspaper profile followed the twenty-one-year-old Schmidt from his unit's barracks in the northern city of Rostock, across the still undefended border between Brandenburg and West Berlin, to a police station in the northwestern district of Spandau, where he announced his intention to flee to West Germany.
Short- and long-term determinants of social detachment in later life
Authors: JIVRAJ STEPHEN , NAZROO JAMES , BARNES MATT
Published: March 2015

The benefits of engagement with social activities on health and wellbeing are widely reported by gerontologists. Less is known, however, about what drives withdrawal from and re-engagement with social activities in later life. This is an important area of research which has direct implications for public policies that aim to ensure equitable outcomes among older adults. Much of the existing literature supports continuity theory which assumes people will not alter their level of social engagement as they age or after life-changing events. This paper uses data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing over an eight-year period (2002–2010) to determine the effect of short-term changes in marital, employment and health status over an initial four-year period on the dynamics of social detachment over the following four years. We control for underlying socio-economic disadvantages built up during the lifecourse and find that these effects, including poor education, wealth and health, are the most important determinants of persistent detachment from social activities as well as movement into and out of social detachment. The effects are consistent in men and women. The effects of short-term changes in marital and employment status have little effect on social detachment. Recent deterioration in health, however, predicted movement into social detachment, which implies the relationship between health and social detachment is reciprocal.
New scheme to produce aneutronic fusion reactions by laser-accelerated ions
Authors: Baccou C. , Depierreux S. , Yahia V. , Neuville C. , Goyon C. , De Angelis R. , Consoli F. , Ducret J.E. , Boutoux G. , Rafelski J. , Labaune C.
Published: March 2015

The development of high-intensity lasers has opened the field of nuclear reactions initiated by laser-accelerated particles. One possible application is the production of aneutronic fusion reactions for clean fusion energy production. We propose an innovative scheme based on the use of two targets and present the first results obtained with the ELFIE facility (at the LULI Laboratory) for the proton–boron-11 (p–11B) fusion reaction. A proton beam, accelerated by the Target Normal Sheat Acceleration mechanism using a short laser pulse (12 J, 350 fs, 1.056 µm, 1019 W cm−2), is sent onto a boron target to initiate fusion reactions. The number of reactions is measured with particle diagnostics such as CR39 track-detectors, active nuclear diagnostic, Thomson Parabola, magnetic spectrometer, and time-of-flight detectors that collect the fusion products: the α-particles. Our experiment shows promising results for this scheme. In the present paper, we discuss its principle and advantages compared with another scheme that uses a single target and heating mechanisms directly with photons to initiate the same p–11B fusion reaction.
The Party's Disciples: CCP Reserve Cadres and the Perpetuation of a Resilient Authoritarian Regime
Authors: Tsai Wen-Hsuan , Kou Chien-Wen
Published: March 2015

This article discusses the origin and consolidation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) reserve cadre system and considers its impact on the resilience and perpetuation of the Party's authoritarian regime. Reserve cadres are essentially the Party's “disciples”; through careful selection and training, the CCP is able to build a legion of youthful political elites with exceptional administrative ability and correct political thinking. Upon assumption of Party and government posts, these reserve cadres are able to reinforce the Party's autonomy and resist outside pressures to democratize, thereby manifesting the very nature of a resilient authoritarian regime.
An Additional Note on the Rawlinson Papers
Authors: PARSONS ROGER
Published: March 2015

Since my article on the Rawlinson papers was written the Society's new archivist Nancy Charley has drawn my attention to some correspondence in the Society's archives which sheds further light on the acquisition of its Rawlinson papers. It consists of letters from Miss Elmira Wade, who in 1972 was employed as archivist both at Corsham Court, Wiltshire, the seat of the Methuen family, and at the RAS. Miss Wade had been a friend of Harry Rawlinson and his wife Meredith up to the time of the latter's death in 1951, and was named as executrix of her will.
Design and test of a pulse-width modulator and driver for space-borne GaN switch mode power amplifiers in P-band
Authors: Ghosh I. S. , Altmann U. , Cabria L. , Cipriani E. , Colantonio P. , Ayllon N. , Chowdhary A. , Kersten O. , Quibeldey M. , Follmann R.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the design and test of a single-chip RF pulse-width modulator and driver (PWMD) aimed at exciting a high-power class-E GaN high-power stage at 435 MHz is described. For the required buffer size, avoiding potential ringing of the pulses within the buffer structure presents a major challenge in the design process. Therefore, a smaller test chip capable of driving capacitive loads of up to 5 pF was initially designed, fabricated, and tested. An approach based on three-dimensional electromagnetic simulations was used to validate the test results and offers excellent simulation accuracy. Based on the results obtained for test chip an enlarged PWMD chip capable of driving a 40 W high-power stage has been designed and tested on passive loads representing the targeted final stage.
Väter in den Frühen Hilfen–trotz Belastung Vertrauen in die eigenen Kompetenzen?
Authors: Rudolf Mariana , Eickhorst Andreas , Doege Daniela , Cierpka Manfred
Published: March 2015

Obwohl Väter eine wichtige Rolle in der Entwicklung ihres Kindes spielen, wird ihre Sichtweise in der Forschung, insbesondere in belasteten Familien, oft vernachlässigt. Gerade in den Frühen Hilfen kann ein positiver Einfluss des Vaters Belastungen ausgleichen und dem Kind eine gesunde Entwicklung ermöglichen. Um aufzuklären, ob und wie die Rolle von Vätern mit ihren Einstellungen zu Vaterschaft und mit dem Kind verbrachter Zeit zusammenhängen, wurden Väter aus belasteten Familien befragt. Es zeigte sich, dass subjektiv und objektiv sozial und psychisch belastete Väter ihre Vaterschaft durchaus positiv erleben können. Zentral für das Erleben der Vaterschaft erwiesen sich Komponenten des elterlichen Stresses und eine als beeinträchtigt wahrgenommene Bindung zum Kind. Sichtweisen von Mutter und Vater bezogen auf den Vater wichen teilweise deutlich voneinander ab. Die von den Vätern mit dem Kind verbrachte Zeit wurde durch die Stressbelastung der Väter sowie eine beeinträchtigte Bindung beeinflusst.
Mangelnde soziale Kompetenz im Jugendalter
Authors: Schomaker Hendrik , Schultheiß Jan , Petermann Franz , Petermann Ulrike
Published: March 2015

Das JobFit-Training stellt ein universelles Präventionsprogramm für Jugendliche dar, das einer Entwicklungsabweichung beim Übergang von der allgemeinbildenden Schule in den Beruf vorbeugen soll. Die vorliegende Studie evaluiert die Wirksamkeit des Trainings im Schulkontext bei Jugendlichen mit Defiziten im prosozialen Verhalten anhand eines Eigenwarte-Kontrollgruppendesigns. Die Gesamtstichprobe umfasst N = 446 Jugendliche, von denen 78 Jugendliche im Alter von 13;5 bis 19;4 in die Analysen eingingen, da sie ihr prosoziales Verhalten im Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) als auffällig einstuften. Weiterhin wurde das Sozial- und Lernverhalten mit der Schülereinschätzliste für Sozial- und Lernverhalten (SSL) erfasst. Im Vergleich der Messzeitpunkte direkt vor und nach dem Training zeigten sich signifikante Unterschiede mit kleinen bis mittleren Effektstärken im Bereich „Sozialverhalten” der SSL und den zugehörigen Skalen „Selbstkontrolle”, „Selbstbehauptung” und „Sozialkontakt” sowie im Bereich „Lernverhalten” und der zugehörigen Skala „Selbstständigkeit beim Lernen”. Die Befunde weisen das JobFit-Training als eine Option zur Förderung sozialer Kompetenzen bei Jugendlichen mit unzureichenden personellen Ressourcen aus.
Thorne Lay Receives 2014 Inge Lehmann Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Thorne Lay was awarded the 2014 Inge Lehmann Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “outstanding contributions to the understanding of the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth’s mantle and core.”
Paul Segall Receives 2014 Charles A. Whitten Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Paul Segall was awarded the 2014 Charles A. Whitten Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “outstanding achievement in research on the form and dynamics of the Earth and planets.”
Milestones
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Earth and space scientists in the news.
Variability in Atlantic Circulation Partly Driven by Wind
Authors: Rosen Julia
Published: March 2015

Models and observations indicate that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation exhibits surprising short-term variability, driven largely by wind.
Underground Water Reserves Found in Hawaii's High Country
Authors: Willoughby Leslie
Published: March 2015

The newly discovered groundwater resource could be a source of geothermal energy in a place where electricity rates are the highest in the United States.
Reading History From Afar
Authors: Atnafu Balemwal , Kidane Tesfaye , Foubert Anneleen , Jaramillo-Vogel David , Schaegis Jean-Charles , Henriet Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2015

A look at the sedimentary record in northern Ethiopia tells the story of oceans past—and maybe future.
Katharine Hayhoe Receives 2014 Climate Communication Prize
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Katharine Hayhoe was awarded the 2014 Climate Communication Prize at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony. The prize honors an AGU member-scientist for highlighting the importance of promoting science literacy, clarity of message, and efforts to foster respect and understanding of science-based values as they relate to the implications of climate change.
Daniel J. Fornari Receives 2014 Edward A. Flinn III Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Daniel J. Fornari received the 2014 Edward A. Flinn III Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors “individuals who personify the Union’s motto ‘unselfish cooperation in research’ through their facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities.”
Curt Tilmes Receives 2014 Charles S. Falkenberg Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Curt Tilmes received the 2014 Charles S. Falkenberg Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors a “scientist under 45 years of age who has contributed to the quality of life, economic opportunities, and stewardship of the planet through the use of Earth science information and to the public awareness of the importance of understanding our planet.”
Simon Lamb Receives 2014 Athelstan Spilhaus Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Simon Lamb received the 2014 Athelstan Spilhaus Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors an individual “for their enhancement of the public engagement in the Earth and space science,” through devoting portions of their career conveying to the general public the excitement, significance, and beauty of the Earth and space sciences.
A New Level of Understanding for Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Betz Eric
Published: March 2015

New models of saltwater-freshwater mixing in coastal aquifers show how salinity varies throughout the year, with implications for what happens to groundwater pollutants before they reach the ocean.
2014 Fall Meeting by the Numbers
Authors: Asher Pranoti M.
Published: March 2015

At last year's American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, 24,920 people attended, presenting more than 23,000 abstracts.
Fall Meeting Science Makes Headlines
Authors: Bompey Nanci
Published: March 2015

Top stories at the 2014 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting include new findings about methane on Mars, the warming Arctic, and the California drought.
Counting the Ocean's Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Kock Annette , Bange Hermann
Published: March 2015

A new database seeks to improve estimates of oceanic emissions of methane and nitrous oxide.
Fall Meeting Erupts on Twitter
Authors: O'Hanlon Larry
Published: March 2015

Close to a half billion times during the 2014 Fall Meeting, somebody, somewhere, received a tweet about the American Geophysical Union.
Caterpillar-Like Motion of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Betz Eric
Published: March 2015

New measurements made in Greenland's ice sheet show ice deformation in a caterpillar-like flow.
NOAA Would Receive a 9.8% Increase in Funding in Proposed Budget
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2015

The Obama administration’s budget request for NOAA would provide a substantial increase in many areas and would support key agency priorities.
Analysis of intestinal microbiota in hybrid house mice reveals evolutionary divergence in a vertebrate hologenome
Authors: Wang Jun , Kalyan Shirin , Steck Natalie , Turner Leslie M. , Harr Bettina , Künzel Sven , Vallier Marie , Häsler Robert , Franke Andre , Oberg Hans-Heinrich , Ibrahim Saleh M. , Grassl Guntram A. , Kabelitz Dieter , Baines John F.
Published: March 2015

Recent evidence suggests that natural selection operating on hosts to maintain their microbiome contributes to the emergence of new species, that is, the ‘hologenomic basis of speciation’. Here we analyse the gut microbiota of two house mice subspecies,Mus musculus musculusandM. m. domesticus, across their Central European hybrid zone, in addition to hybrids generated in the lab. Hybrid mice display widespread transgressive phenotypes (that is, exceed or fall short of parental values) in a variety of measures of bacterial community structure, which reveals the importance of stabilizing selection operating on the intestinal microbiome within species. Further genetic and immunological analyses reveal genetic incompatibilities, aberrant immune gene expression and increased intestinal pathology associated with altered community structure among hybrids. These results provide unique insight into the consequences of evolutionary divergence in a vertebrate ‘hologenome’, which may be an unrecognized contributing factor to reproductive isolation in this taxonomic group.
Polaron pair mediated triplet generation in polymer/fullerene blends
Authors: Dimitrov Stoichko D. , Wheeler Scot , Niedzialek Dorota , Schroeder Bob C. , Utzat Hendrik , Frost Jarvist M. , Yao Jizhong , Gillett Alexander , Tuladhar Pabitra S. , McCulloch Iain , Nelson Jenny , Durrant James R.
Published: March 2015

Electron spin is a key consideration for the function of organic semiconductors in light-emitting diodes and solar cells, as well as spintronic applications relying on organic magnetoresistance. A mechanism for triplet excited state generation in such systems is by recombination of electron-hole pairs. However, the exact charge recombination mechanism, whether geminate or nongeminate and whether it involves spin-state mixing is not well understood. In this work, the dynamics of free charge separation competing with recombination to polymer triplet states is studied in two closely related polymer-fullerene blends with differing polymer fluorination and photovoltaic performance. Using time-resolved laser spectroscopic techniques and quantum chemical calculations, we show that lower charge separation in the fluorinated system is associated with the formation of bound electron-hole pairs, which undergo spin-state mixing on the nanosecond timescale and subsequent geminate recombination to triplet excitons. We find that these bound electron-hole pairs can be dissociated by electric fields.
In1-ghrelin splicing variant is overexpressed in pituitary adenomas and increases their aggressive features
Authors: Ibáñez-Costa Alejandro , Gahete Manuel D. , Rivero-Cortés Esther , Rincón-Fernández David , Nelson Richard , Beltrán Manuel , de la Riva Andrés , Japón Miguel A. , Venegas-Moreno Eva , Gálvez Ma Ángeles , García-Arnés Juan A. , Soto-Moreno Alfonso , Morgan Jennifer , Tsomaia Natia , Culler Michael D. , Dieguez Carlos , Castaño Justo P. , Luque Raúl M.
Published: March 2015

Pituitary adenomas comprise a heterogeneous subset of pathologies causing serious comorbidities, which would benefit from identification of novel, common molecular/cellular biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The ghrelin system has been linked to development of certain endocrine-related cancers. Systematic analysis of the presence and functional implications of some components of the ghrelin system, including native ghrelin, receptors and the recently discovered splicing variant In1-ghrelin, in human normal pituitaries (n = 11) and pituitary adenomas (n = 169) revealed that expression pattern of ghrelin system suffers a clear alteration in pituitary adenomasas comparedwith normal pituitary, where In1-ghrelin is markedly overexpressed. Interestingly, in cultured pituitary adenoma cells In1-ghrelin treatment (acylated peptides at 100 nM; 24–72 h) increased GH and ACTH secretion, Ca2+ and ERK1/2 signaling and cell viability, whereas In1-ghrelin silencing (using a specific siRNA; 100 nM) reduced cell viability. These results indicate that an alteration of the ghrelin system, specially its In1-ghrelin variant, could contribute to pathogenesis of different pituitary adenomas types and suggest that this variant and its related ghrelin system could provide new tools to identify novel, more general diagnostic, prognostic and potential therapeutic targets in pituitary tumors.
Quantitative detection of nitric oxide in exhaled human breath by extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Pan Susu , Tian Yong , Li Ming , Zhao Jiuyan , Zhu Lanlan , Zhang Wei , Gu Haiwei , Wang Haidong , Shi Jianbo , Fang Xiang , Li Penghui , Chen Huanwen
Published: March 2015

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a useful biomarker of various physiological conditions, including asthma and other pulmonary diseases. Herein a fast and sensitive analytical method has been developed for the quantitative detection of eNO based on extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS). Exhaled NO molecules selectively reacted with 2-phenyl-4, 4, 5, 5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO) reagent and eNO concentration was derived based on the EESI-MS response of 1-oxyl-2-phenyl-4, 4, 5, 5-tetramethylimidazoline (PTI) product. The method allowed quantification of eNO below ppb level (~0.02 ppbv) with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 11.6%. In addition, eNO levels of 20 volunteers were monitored by EESI-MS over the time period of 10 hrs. Long-term eNO response to smoking a cigarette was recorded and the observed time-dependent profile was discussed. This work extends the application of EESI-MS to small molecules (<30 Da) with low proton affinity and collision-induced dissociation efficiency, which are usually poorly visible by conventional ion trap mass spectrometers. Long-term quantitative profiling of eNO by EESI-MS opens new possibilities for the research of human metabolism and clinical diagnosis.
Recent ecological transitions in China: greening, browning and influential factors
Authors: Lü Yihe , Zhang Liwei , Feng Xiaoming , Zeng Yuan , Fu Bojie , Yao Xueling , Li Junran , Wu Bingfang
Published: March 2015

Ecological conservation and restoration are necessary to mitigate environmental degradation problems. China has taken great efforts in such actions. To understand the ecological transition during 2000–2010 in China, this study analysed trends in vegetation change using remote sensing and linear regression. Climate and socioeconomic factors were included to screen the driving forces for vegetation change using correlation or comparative analyses. Our results indicated that China experienced both vegetation greening (restoration) and browning (degradation) with great spatial heterogeneity. Socioeconomic factors, such as human populations and economic production, were the most significant factors for vegetation change. Nature reserves have contributed slightly to the deceleration of vegetation browning and the promotion of greening; however, a large-scale conservation approach beyond nature reserves was more effective. The effectiveness of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program lay between the two above approaches. The findings of this study highlighted that vegetation trend detection is a practical approach for large-scale ecological transition assessments, which can inform decision-making that promotes vegetation greening via proper socioeconomic development and ecosystem management.
Controllable fabrication and magnetic properties of double-shell cobalt oxides hollow particles
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhu Jianyu , Zhang Ning , Liu Tao , Chen Limiao , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi , Zhang Haitao , Qiu Guanzhou
Published: March 2015

Double-shell cobalt monoxide (CoO) hollow particles were successfully synthesized by a facile and effective one-pot solution-based synthetic route. The inner architecture and outer structure of the double-shell CoO hollow particles could be readily created through controlling experimental parameters. A possible formation mechanism was proposed based on the experimental results. The current synthetic strategy has good prospects for the future production of other transition-metal oxides particles with hollow interior. Furthermore, double-shell cobalt oxide (Co3O4) hollow particles could also be obtained through calcinating corresponding CoO hollow particles. The magnetic measurements revealed double-shell CoO and Co3O4 hollow particles exhibit ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic behaviour, respectively.
Comparison of the physiological characteristics of transgenic insect-resistant cotton and conventional lines
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Ding Changfeng , Wang Xingxiang , Liu Biao
Published: March 2015

The introduction of transgenic insect-resistant cotton into agricultural ecosystems has raised concerns regarding its ecological effects. Many studies have been conducted to compare the differences in characteristics between transgenic cotton and conventional counterparts. However, few studies have focused on the different responses of transgenic cotton to stress conditions, especially to the challenges of pathogens. The aim of this work is to determine the extent of variation in physiological characteristics between transgenic insect-resistant cotton and the conventional counterpart infected by cotton soil-borne pathogens. The results showed that the difference in genetic backgrounds is the main factor responsible for the effects on biochemical characteristics of transgenic cotton when incubating with cotton Fusarium oxysporum. However, genetic modification had a significantly greater influence on the stomatal structure of transgenic cotton than the effects of cotton genotypes. Our results highlight that the differences in genetic background and/or genetic modifications may introduce variations in physiological characteristics and should be considered to explore the potential unexpected ecological effects of transgenic cotton.
Genome engineering and direct cloning of antibiotic gene clusters via phage ϕBT1 integrase-mediated site-specific recombination in Streptomyces
Authors: Du Deyao , Wang Lu , Tian Yuqing , Liu Hao , Tan Huarong , Niu Guoqing
Published: March 2015

Several strategies have been used to clone large DNA fragments directly from bacterial genome. Most of these approaches are based on different site-specific recombination systems consisting of a specialized recombinase and its target sites. In this study, a novel strategy based on phage ϕBT1 integrase-mediated site-specific recombination was developed and used for simultaneous Streptomyces genome engineering and cloning of antibiotic gene clusters. This method has been proved successful for the cloning of actinorhodin gene cluster from Streptomyces coelicolor M145, napsamycin gene cluster and daptomycin gene cluster from Streptomyces roseosporus NRRL 15998 at a frequency higher than 80%. Furthermore, the system could be used to increase the titer of antibiotics as we demonstrated with actinorhodin and daptomycin and it will be broadly applicable in many Streptomyces.