bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Renewable Energy Policies in E.U.15, U.S. and China: A Bayesian DSGE Model
Authors: Argentiero Amedeo , Atalla Tarek , Bigerna Simona , Micheli Silvia , Polinori Paolo
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

The promotion of renewable energy sources (RES) by governments is one way of helping countries to meet their energy needs while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, we examine the role of energy policy in RES promotion, based on a carbon tax and RES price subsidy, at a time of technological and demand shocks in the European Union (E.U.) 15 countries, the United States (U.S.) and China, focusing on the macroeconomic implications. Using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model for RES and fossil fuels, our results suggest that, in the presence of a total factor productivity shock in the fossil fuel sector, such an energy policy can also be a driving force for smoothing the reduction of RES in the energy market (and vice versa). Additionally, we show that the E.U.15 grouping has a comparative advantage in terms of reaching grid parity compared with the other countries we considered which are more fossil fuel dependent.
Oil Subsidies and Renewable Energy in Saudi Arabia: A General Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Blazquez Jorge , Hunt Lester C , Manzano Baltasar
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

In 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced its Vision 2030 strategic plan incorporating major changes to the economic structure of the country, including an intention to deploy 9.5 GW of renewable energy in an effort to reduce the penetration of oil in the electricity generation system. This paper assesses the macroeconomic impact of such changes in the KSA, coupled with reductions in implicit energy subsidies. Based on a dynamic general equilibrium model, our analysis suggests that if the KSA government were to deploy a relatively small quantity of renewable technology, consistent with the country’s Vision 2030 plans, there would be a positive impact on the KSA’s long run GDP and on households’ welfare. However, we demonstrate that if the integration costs of renewable technology were high, then households’ welfare would be maximized at around 30-40% renewables penetration. In addition, we show that a policy favoring renewable energy would increase the dependence of the KSA on oil, given that a larger share of GDP would be linked to oil exports and so, potentially, to oil price shocks. Finally, it is shown that exporting significantly more oil onto the international market could have a negative impact on the international oil price and thus could offset the potential gains from the renewable energy policy.
ISO/IEC 17025: custos de acreditação em uma universidade pública brasileira
Authors: Bender Rodrigo , Pizzolato Morgana , Albano Filipe
Published: April 2017

A norma ISO/IEC 17025 é um padrão de qualidade internacional que especifica os requisitos gerais para a competência de laboratórios de ensaio e calibração. Esta norma traz diversos benefícios a laboratórios ligados a instituições de ensino superior, o que tem feito estes, no Brasil, buscarem a acreditação. Todavia, entre as dificuldades encontradas neste tipo de projeto, está o custo envolvido, tema pouco explorado pela literatura. Considerando-se que a Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) apoia seus laboratórios na implantação desta norma, objetivou-se neste artigo identificar e quantificar os custos de acreditação nos laboratórios da UFSM, acreditados ou que trabalham em um projeto para acreditação. Assim, realizou-se um levantamento/survey nestes laboratórios com objetivo exploratório e analisaram-se os dados obtidos quantitativa e qualitativamente. Observou-se que custos relacionados com horas de trabalho estão ligados à qualificação dos colaboradores, e que altas despesas em equipamentos e infraestrutura ocorrem em laboratórios com recursos financeiros externos.
Aplicação da Simulação de Eventos Discretos para propostas de melhorias numa linha de montagem de uma empresa do setor automotivo
Authors: Gennaro Caroline Kuhl , Correa Mario Sergio , Correa Mario Sergio , De Oliveira Maria Celia , De Oliveira Maria Celia , Helleno André Luis , Helleno André Luis
Published: April 2017

Muitas empresas usam a manufatura enxuta como uma tentativa de reduzir custos por meio da eliminação de desperdícios. Mudanças no ambiente fabril, eventualmente, levam a investimentos significativos, por isso é importante analisar os possíveis resultados de uma mudança antes de investir nela. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se validar propostas de melhoria de produtividade de uma linha de produção automotiva, com o uso de simulação de eventos discretos. O modelo de simulação construído apresenta informações úteis para a tomada de decisão, tais como a taxa de produção, as mudanças no número de trabalhadores, a troca de turnos e a ordem das tarefas a serem executadas. Concluiu-se que a técnica de simulação apresentou um conjunto de cenários viáveis para a melhoria da linha de produção da empresa analisada, possibilitando a essa organização escolher o melhor cenário, conforme seu objetivo estratégico.
Uso do AHP para identificação de perdas da qualidade em empresas de manufatura: um estudo de caso
Authors: Sousa Juliana Valença , Jerônimo Taciana De Barros , De Melo Fagner José Coutinho , De Aquino Joás Tomaz
Published: April 2017

Esta pesquisa apresenta um método para identificar as perdas em qualidade nos processos produtivos. As empresas de manufatura estudadas foram aquelas alocadas dentro do perímetro do Complexo Industrial Portuário de Suape em Pernambuco. No método de identificação, consideraram-se duas alternativas para avaliação das perdas: “não perda em qualidade” e “perda em qualidade”, e por meio da aplicação de um questionário estruturado com respostas que concernem a variáveis direta ou indiretamente envolvidas com a qualidade foi possível coletar os dados necessários para utilização do método multicritério Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).  Os resultados demonstraram a aplicabilidade do método para obter a resposta à pergunta: “De que maneira a metodologia AHP pode contribuir para a priorização das perdas em qualidade?”. Verificou-se que pelos critérios considerados pelos decisores, e julgados com o AHP, a resultante do vetor de decisão demonstrou que todos, uns mais que outros, são fatores geradores de perda em qualidade.
A gestão do conhecimento e a segurança no trabalho: análise em uma montadora
Authors: Muniz Jr. Jorge , Cruz Marcelo Miguel , Fontes Mariana Oliveira Alves da , Maria Guilherme Braga Aguiar De , Cunha Graziela Paiva
Published: April 2017

Neste trabalho, analisa-se a relação entre compartilhamento do conhecimento, segurança e clima organizacional por meio da aplicação de escala de pesquisa em 30 operários de logística de uma empresa montadora automotiva. Normalmente, a multidisciplinaridade traz dificuldades no estabelecimento de relações de causa e efeito e, por isso, apresenta-se como uma oportunidade de pesquisa a ser aplicada nas organizações. A amostra de respondentes foi composta por operários da equipe de logística (mão de obra direta), pois apesar de prestarem um serviço de apoio à produção, se comportam de maneira semelhante à mão de obra direta alocada na linha de montagem. A confiabilidade do questionário foi validada por meio do cálculo do alfa de Cronbach. Evidenciou-se que mais da metade dos respondentes não avaliaram o clima organizacional atual da empresa como positivo, mas valorizaram compartilhamento do conhecimento e segurança.
Lean e QRM: diferentes ou semelhantes? Revisão da literatura
Authors: Gómez Paredes Fernando José , Godinho Filho Dr. Moacir
Published: April 2017

Várias abordagens têm surgido para incrementar o desempenho das operações. Entre elas, cabe citar a Lean Manufacturing, pelos resultados em produtividade, e a Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM), pelo tratamento de alta variedade. Porém, a literatura ainda não tem mostrado como utilizá-las em conjunto ou se podem ser complementares entre si. O objetivo neste artigo é encontrar as semelhanças, diferenças e complementaridades entre as duas abordagens. Para isso, realizou-se uma revisão de literatura, classificando as publicações de acordo com as suas abordagens e ferramentas utilizadas, principalmente. As diferenças encontradas destacam-se pela programação de produção, os seus indicadores. As semelhanças destacadas são estratégias em reduzir desperdícios, uso de agrupamento celular e redução de set-up. As abordagens são complementares no incremento de flexibilidade do QRM para o Lean, tanto nos produtos como na cadeia de suprimentos. Futuras pesquisas podem explorar uma combinação das duas em forma empírica.
The correlation of the results of the survey SNOT-20 of objective studies of nasal obstruction and the geometry of the nasal cavities
Authors: Prus-Ostaszewska Monika , Wysocki Jarosław , Niemczyk Kazimierz , Balcerzak Jarosław
Published: April 2017

Introduction: In this paper were verified the correlation between the results of the survey SNOT-20 and the results of
the objective tests of nasal obstruction which are rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry before and after surgical
treatment, such as septoplasty, septoconchoplasty, ethmoidectomy and septoethmoidectomy.
Material and methods: The material used in this study was 233 patients diagnosed routinely in the Rhinomanometry Laboratory
of the Department of Otolaryngology at the Medical University of Warsaw, reporting rhinological problems. Data were obtained
from 70 women (31,4%) ranging in ages from 18 to 81 years of age and 153 men (68,6%) ranging in ages from 16 to 81 years
of age. The researches presented in the study were made using the device RhinoMetrics SRE 2100 which combines the Rhinomanometer (RhinoStream) and Acoustic Rhinometer (RhinoScan) Interacoustics AS (Denmark). Survey SNOT-20 (Sino-Nasal
Outcome Test-20) in Polish was completed by patients before surgery and during the postoperative control visits.
Results: The calculated correlations between the objective parameter, which was the resistance to the flow of air
through the nasal cavity , and the subjective feelings of respondents expressed in the survey SNOT-20 were generally
weak, and statistical significance was achieved with respect to the first question survey (the severity of the nose obstruction)
for all components of resistance flow.
Discussion: The feeling of nasal obstruction is the most reproducible and reliable complaint reported by the patient
with rhinological problems.
The surgical treatment results of otosclerosis at the Department of Otolaryngology Silesian Medical University in Zabrze in years 2000–2010
Authors: Czerwińska Gabriela , Ścierski Wojciech , Namysłowski Grzegorz , Lisowska Grażyna , Misiołek Maciej
Published: April 2017

Background: Otosclerosis is a cause of 5–9% of all hearing loss. The most effective treatment of otoslerosis is stapedotomy.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of otosclerosis surgical treatment and to examine the impact of
disease stage, time of the signs, age and sex on the results.
Material and methods: 105 patients who underwent operation due to otosclerosis at the Department of Otolaryngology
University Hospital in Zabrze at the age of 18–65 were analyzed. In 25 patients stapedotomy was bilateral. 130
cases of treated ears were included in the statistical analysis. The state of hearing after operation was evaluated with
regard to guidance of Hearing and Balance Committee of American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck
Surgery and with consideration of suggestions made by European Academy of Otolaryngology and Neurootology.
Mean values of bone and air conduction, air bone gap before, one year after treatment, and at least 4 years after surgery
were compared. The influence of stage of the disease in terms of Shambaugh index, lasting of signs, age and sex
were evaluated with regard to change of mean hearing loss according to Bell Telephone Laboratories.
Results: On the basis of hearing examination evaluating improvement in air and bone conduction and reduction of
cochlear reserve, very good and good treatment results were obtained in over 90% of patients in short and long term
observations. No influence of disease stage, time of signs lasting, age and sex on the results of treatment – with regard
to change in mean hearing loss was shown.
Type and Metaphor for Computer Programmers
Authors: Colburn Timothy , Shute Gary ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2017

The duality of computer programs is characterized, on the one hand, by their physical implementations on physical devices, and, on the other, by the conceptual implementations in programmers’ minds of the objects making up the computational processes they conceive. We contend that central to programmers’ conceptual implementations are (i) the concept of type, at both the programming and the design level, and (ii) metaphors created to facilitate these implementations.
The Scenario of Carbonaceous Aerosols and Total Solar Radiation in Two Cities in Nepal
Authors: Sharma R.K. , Bhattarai B.K. , Sapkota B.K. , Gewali M.B. , Kjeldstad B.
Published: April 2017

Measurement of elemental carbon (EC) and black carbon (BC) aerosols was carried out using AE-31, 7 channel aethalometer at Kathmandu and Biratnagar; two mega cities of Nepal, for five months, January to May 2011 to study its temporal and spatial variation. Total solar radiation was also monitored using Kipp and Zonen CMP 6 pyranometer. Monthly concentration variation for EC and BC was distinct in both study sites. At Biratnagar, monthly EC concentration varies from 3.3 -20.7 µg /m3 while in Kathmandu it varies between 6.0-13.7 µg /m3. Similarly, BC monthly concentration ranges from 3.3 -20.1 µg /m3 and 7.0-14.9 µg /m3 respectively. It was found that both EC and BC were highest during January in both the sites and it decreases gradually. Monthly average solar radiation shows a maximum value in May and minimum in January. A distinct anti-correlation between monthly average carbonaceous aerosols and total solar radiation was observed. Moreover, there was a pronounced diurnal variation of both carbonaceous aerosols EC and BC in the sites with two high peaks one in the morning at about 9:00 and another at late evening 20:00 local time with minimum concentration in the afternoon. The nature of peaks were different at two sites. Biratnagar shows a larger evening peak while Kathmandu shows in the morning inferring heavy domestic and industrial fuel consuming activities in evening and morning respectively. In addition to this, daily and monthly concentration of EC was more than BC at Biratnagar reflecting slightly more biomass fuel consumption than fossil fuel for domestic, industrial and other urban activities. In contrast to this, Kathmandu shows more domination of fossil fuel than biofuel because of reverse order concentration of carbonaceous aerosols. Total solar radiation also shows apparent diurnal variation in both sites with the highest value at around noon time.
Determinants of Satisfaction with an Urban Tourism Destination: The Case of Barcelona
Authors: Garín-Muñoz Teresa , J. Moral María
Published: April 2017

Conscious of the central role of satisfaction in the success of a destination we examine the relationship between a destination's attributes and overall satisfaction. Based on the information about 19 destination attributes and using a principal factor analysis, we identified 5 relevant dimensions, with â€œAccommodation and restaurant servicesâ€ as the key factor to explain overall satisfaction. Next, we explore the potential moderating effects of tourist and trip characteristics on that relationship. Our results suggest that the estimated relationship is very stable across types of tourists, trip features or purpose of travel. We use a survey of 2,484 interviews conducted with international tourists that visited Barcelona throughout 2013. Empirical findings allow an efficient allocation of resources in order to achieve maximum satisfaction. Therefore, they are useful to help policy makers and entrepreneurs select targets for promotion, and attain high destination competitiveness.
Can Europe Prosper Without the Common Currency? A Historical Perspective
Authors: Notermans Ton
Published: April 2017

The Eurocrisis displays an astonishing similarity to the causes of the Great Depression in the form of massive current account imbalances, destabilising capital flows, financial fragility, and the commitment to defending a fixed exchange rate arrangement by means of austerity and internal devaluation. From the interwar economic and political disaster Europe eventually drew the lesson that internal balance had to enjoy priority over external balance, giving rise to a three-decade long period of unprecedented economic growth after the Second World War. As Europe has again stumbled into many of the policy errors that caused the Great Depression, it will need to relearn some of these lessons. In particular, the paper suggests that Europeanisation has gone too far and that rather than completing the monetary Union, Europe's prosperity and political stability would be better served by compartmentalisation of financial markets, vertical industrial policies and an escape clause in the common currency allowing for temporary exit in case of fundamental disequilibria.
Elucidation of the anti-autophagy mechanism of the Legionella effector RavZ using semisynthetic LC3 proteins
Authors: Yang Aimin , Pantoom Supansa , Wu Yao-Wen
Published: April 2017

Autophagy is a conserved cellular process involved in the elimination of proteins and organelles. It is also used to combat infection with pathogenic microbes. The intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila manipulates autophagy by delivering the effector protein RavZ to deconjugate Atg8/LC3 proteins coupled to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) on autophagosomal membranes. To understand how RavZ recognizes and deconjugates LC3-PE, we prepared semisynthetic LC3 proteins and elucidated the structures of the RavZ:LC3 interaction. Semisynthetic LC3 proteins allowed the analysis of structure-function relationships. RavZ extracts LC3-PE from the membrane before deconjugation. RavZ initially recognizes the LC3 molecule on membranes via its N-terminal LC3-interacting region (LIR) motif. The RavZ α3 helix is involved in extraction of the PE moiety and docking of the acyl chains into the lipid-binding site of RavZ that is related in structure to that of the phospholipid transfer protein Sec14. Thus, Legionella has evolved a novel mechanism to specifically evade host autophagy.
O-GlcNAc on NOTCH1 EGF repeats regulates ligand-induced Notch signaling and vascular development in mammals
Authors: Sawaguchi Shogo , Varshney Shweta , Ogawa Mitsutaka , Sakaidani Yuta , Yagi Hirokazu , Takeshita Kyosuke , Murohara Toyoaki , Kato Koichi , Sundaram Subha , Stanley Pamela , Okajima Tetsuya
Published: April 2017

The glycosyltransferase EOGT transfers O-GlcNAc to a consensus site in epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) repeats of a limited number of secreted and membrane proteins, including Notch receptors. In EOGT-deficient cells, the binding of DLL1 and DLL4, but not JAG1, canonical Notch ligands was reduced, and ligand-induced Notch signaling was impaired. Mutagenesis of O-GlcNAc sites on NOTCH1 also resulted in decreased binding of DLL4. EOGT functions were investigated in retinal angiogenesis that depends on Notch signaling. Global or endothelial cell-specific deletion of Eogt resulted in defective retinal angiogenesis, with a mild phenotype similar to that caused by reduced Notch signaling in retina. Combined deficiency of different Notch1 mutant alleles exacerbated the abnormalities in Eogt−/− retina, and Notch target gene expression was decreased in Eogt−/−endothelial cells. Thus, O-GlcNAc on EGF repeats of Notch receptors mediates ligand-induced Notch signaling required in endothelial cells for optimal vascular development.
Open data, [open] access: linking data sharing and article sharing in the Earth Sciences
Authors: Teplitzky Samantha
Published: April 2017

INTRODUCTION The norms of a research community influence practice, and norms of openness and sharing can be shaped to encourage researchers who share in one aspect of their research cycle to share in another. Different sets of mandates have evolved to require that research data be made public, but not necessarily articles resulting from that collected data. In this paper, I ask to what extent publications in the Earth Sciences are more likely to be open access (in all of its definitions) when researchers open their data through the Pangaea repository. METHODS Citations from Pangaea data sets were studied to determine the level of open access for each article. RESULTS This study finds that the proportion of gold open access articles linked to the repository increased 25% from 2010 to 2015 and 75% of articles were available from multiple open sources. DISCUSSION The context for increased preference for gold open access is considered and future work linking researchers’ decisions to open their work to the adoption of open access mandates is proposed.
Are anti-ganglioside antibodies associated with proventricular dilatation disease in birds?
Authors: Leal de Araujo Jeann , Tizard Ian , Guo Jianhua , Heatley J Jill , Rodrigues Hoffmann Aline , Rech Raquel R.
Published: April 2017

The identification of Parrot bornaviruses (PaBV) in psittacine birds with proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) has not been sufficient to explain the pathogenesis of this fatal disease, since not all infected birds develop clinical signs. Although the most accepted theory indicates that PaBV directly triggers an inflammatory response in this disease, another hypothesis suggests the disease is triggered by autoantibodies targeting neuronal gangliosides, and PDD might therefore resemble Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in its pathogenesis. Experimental inoculation of pure gangliosides and brain-derived ganglioside extracts were used in two different immunization studies. The first study was performed on 17 healthy chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus): 11 chickens were inoculated with a brain ganglioside extract in Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) and six chickens inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline. A second study was performed five healthy quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) that were divided into three groups: Two quaker parrots received purified gangliosides in FCA, two received a crude brain extract in FCA, and one control quaker parrot received FCA alone. One chicken developed difficult in walking. Histologically, only a mild perivascular and perineural lymphocytic infiltrate in the proventriculus. Two quaker parrots (one from each treatment group) had mild lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis and myelitis. However, none of the quaker parrots developed myenteric ganglioneuritis, suggesting that autoantibodies against gangliosides in birds are not associated with a condition resembling PDD.
The genus Cololejeunea (Spruce) Steph. (Marchantiophyta: Lejeuneaceae) on Lord Howe Island
Authors: Meagher David , Pócs Tamás
Published: April 2017

Cololejeunea elizabethae Meagher & Pócs is described as a species new to science from Lord Howe Island, Australia. This is the second Cololejeunea species known from the island, along with the widespread temperate Australasian Cololejeunea laevigata (Mitt.) R.M. Schust. The new species is distinguished from Cololejeunea laevigata (Mitt.) R.M. Schust. by its hyaline lobe margin, 2–3 lobule teeth and by the large, often confluent trigones and intermediate thickenings of the lobe cells. Differences from other similar species in the region are tabulated. Cololejeunea hebridensis Tixier is considered to be a new synonym of Cololejeunea laevigata.
Two nomina nova in Malagasy Grewia L. (Malvaceae-Grewioideae)
Authors: Mabberley David , Capuron René
Published: April 2017

An account of the current state-of-affairs of the taxonomic study of Grewia L. (Malvaceae-Grewioideae) in Madagascar is presented. Grewia capuronii Mabb. and G. madagascariensis Capuron are new names for the Malagasy endemics, G. lanceolata Bak., non Miq., and G. discolor Baill., non Fresen., respectively.
New species and new records of buellioid lichens (Physciaceae, Ascomycota) from New Zealand
Authors: Elix John A. , Mayrhofer Helmut
Published: April 2017

Amandinea rangitatensis Elix & H.Mayrhofer, Buellia haywardii Elix, A.Knight & H.Mayrhofer, B. maungatuensis Elix & H.Mayrhofer, B. papanui Elix & H.Mayrhofer, and Tetramelas allisoniae Elix, H.Mayrhofer & Glenny are described as new to science. Rinodinella fertilis var. hypostictica (Elix) Elix is recorded for the first time from New Zealand. Tetramelas allisoniae also occurs in Tasmania.
A new DMSP magnetometer and auroral boundary data set and estimates of field‐aligned currents in dynamic auroral boundary coordinates
Authors: Kilcommons Liam M. , Redmon Robert J. , Knipp Delores J.
Published: April 2017

We have developed a method for reprocessing the multidecadal, multispacecraft Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Special Sensor Magnetometer (DMSP SSM) data set and have applied it to 15 spacecraft years of data (DMSP Flight 16–18, 2010–2014). This Level‐2 data set improves on other available SSM data sets with recalculated spacecraft locations and magnetic perturbations, artifact signal removal, representations of the observations in geomagnetic coordinates, and in situ auroral boundaries. Spacecraft locations have been recalculated using ground‐tracking information. Magnetic perturbations (measured field minus modeled main field) are recomputed. The updated locations ensure the appropriate model field is used. We characterize and remove a slow‐varying signal in the magnetic field measurements. This signal is a combination of ring current and measurement artifacts. A final artifact remains after processing: step discontinuities in the baseline caused by activation/deactivation of spacecraft electronics. Using coincident data from the DMSP precipitating electrons and ions instrument (SSJ4/5), we detect the in situ auroral boundaries with an improvement to the Redmon et al. (2010) algorithm. We embed the location of the aurora and an accompanying figure of merit in the Level‐2 SSM data product. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of this new data set by estimating field‐aligned current (FAC) density using the Minimum Variance Analysis technique. The FAC estimates are then expressed in dynamic auroral boundary coordinates using the SSJ‐derived boundaries, demonstrating a dawn‐dusk asymmetry in average FAC location relative to the equatorward edge of the aurora. The new SSM data set is now available in several public repositories.
Large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances observed by GPS dTEC maps over North and South America on Saint Patrick's Day storm in 2015
Authors: Figueiredo C. A. O. B. , Wrasse C. M. , Takahashi H. , Otsuka Y. , Shiokawa K. , Barros D.
Published: April 2017

Large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LSTIDs) were detected in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres over American sector during the geomagnetic storm on 17–18 March 2015, also known as the Saint Patrick's Day storm. Detrended total electronic content (dTEC) maps were made using dense GNSS network receiver data. The retrieved LSTIDs showed wavelengths of 1000 to 2000 km, phase velocity of ~300–1000 m/s, and period of ~30–50 min. Among them, three couples of LSTIDs were observed propagating from the polar regions to low latitudes. Two wave events observed in daytime showed the propagation direction of southwest in the Northern Hemisphere and northeast in the Southern Hemisphere, which means an asymmetric propagation against the geographic equator. The other wave event observed during the evening hour showed symmetric propagation direction, i.e., southwest in the Northern Hemisphere and northwest in the Southern Hemisphere, whereas their wavelength and phase velocity are significantly different between NH and SH. These observations indicate that the two groups of LSTID have different propagation conditions from polar to low‐latitude regions. The observed asymmetric/symmetric propagation forms suggest asymmetric/symmetric auroral current activity between the northern and southern polar regions.
Statistical study of ICME effects on Mercury's magnetospheric boundaries and northern cusp region from MESSENGER
Authors: Winslow Reka M. , Philpott Lydia , Paty Carol S. , Lugaz Noé , Schwadron Nathan A. , Johnson Catherine L. , Korth Haje
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a systematic investigation of the large‐scale processes in Mercury's magnetosphere during interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) using observations from the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) mission. We study the motion of the bow shock and magnetopause boundaries, quantify the magnetospheric compression, and characterize the size, extent, and plasma pressure of the northern cusp region and the plasma precipitation to the surface. During ICMEs, the magnetopause was substantially compressed, as the subsolar standoff distance from the center of the planet was reduced by ∼15% compared with the value during nominal solar wind conditions, and the magnetopause reached the surface of the planet ∼30% of the time. On the other hand, the bow shock under ICME conditions was located farther from the planet than for nominal solar wind conditions. The cusp was observed to extend ∼10° farther equatorward and 2 h wider in local time. In addition, the average plasma pressure in the cusp was more than double that determined under nominal conditions. For the most extreme cases, the particle precipitation to the surface was an order of magnitude higher than on average. The solar wind ram pressure and the Alfvén Mach number are found to be the dominant factors affecting these changes in the magnetosphere, with the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) direction and the IMF magnetic pressure playing a small but likely nonnegligible role.
A Kolmogorov‐Brutsaert structure function model for evaporation into a turbulent atmosphere
Authors: Katul Gabriel , Liu Heping
Published: April 2017

In 1965, Brutsaert proposed a model that predicted mean evaporation rate
from rough surfaces to scale with the 3/4 power law of the friction velocity (
) and the square‐root of molecular diffusivity (Dm) for water vapor. In arriving at these results, a number of assumptions were made regarding the surface renewal rate describing the contact durations between eddies and the evaporating surface, the diffusional mass process from the surface into eddies, and the cascade of turbulent kinetic energy sustaining the eddy renewal process itself. The working hypothesis explored here is that
is a direct outcome of the Kolmogorov scaling for inertial subrange eddies modified to include viscous cutoff thereby bypassing the need for a surface renewal assumption. It is demonstrated that Brutsaert's model for
may be more general than its original derivation implied.
Ambient groundwater flow diminishes nitrate processing in the hyporheic zone of streams
Authors: Azizian Morvarid , Boano Fulvio , Cook Perran L. M. , Detwiler Russell L. , Rippy Megan A. , Grant Stanley B.
Published: April 2017

Modeling and experimental studies demonstrate that ambient groundwater reduces hyporheic exchange, but the implications of this observation for stream N‐cycling is not yet clear. Here we utilize a simple process‐based model (the Pumping and Streamline Segregation or PASS model) to evaluate N‐cycling over two scales of hyporheic exchange (fluvial ripples and riffle‐pool sequences), ten ambient groundwater and stream flow scenarios (five gaining and losing conditions and two stream discharges), and three biogeochemical settings (identified based on a principal component analysis of previously published measurements in streams throughout the United States). Model‐data comparisons indicate that our model provides realistic estimates for direct denitrification of stream nitrate, but overpredicts nitrification and coupled nitrification‐denitrification. Riffle‐pool sequences are responsible for most of the N‐processing, despite the fact that fluvial ripples generate 3–11 times more hyporheic exchange flux. Across all scenarios, hyporheic exchange flux and the Damköhler Number emerge as primary controls on stream N‐cycling; the former regulates trafficking of nutrients and oxygen across the sediment‐water interface, while the latter quantifies the relative rates of organic carbon mineralization and advective transport in streambed sediments. Vertical groundwater flux modulates both of these master variables in ways that tend to diminish stream N‐cycling. Thus, anthropogenic perturbations of ambient groundwater flows (e.g., by urbanization, agricultural activities, groundwater mining, and/or climate change) may compromise some of the key ecosystem services provided by streams.
Influence of the North American monsoon on Southern California tropospheric ozone levels during summer in 2013 and 2014
Authors: Granados‐Muñoz Maria Jose , Johnson Matthew S. , Leblanc Thierry
Published: April 2017

The impact of the North American (NA) monsoon on tropospheric ozone variability in Southern California is investigated using lidar measurements at Jet Propulsion Laboratory‐Table Mountain Facility, California, and the chemical‐transport model GEOS‐Chem. Routine lidar observations obtained in July–August 2013–2014 reveal a consistent ozone enhancement of 23 ppbv in the free troposphere (6–9 km), when ozone‐rich air is transported along the western edge of the upper level anticyclone associated with the NA monsoon from regions where maximum lightning‐induced NOx production occurs. When the high‐pressure system shifts to the southeast, a zonal westerly flow of the air parcels reaching the Table Mountain Facility (TMF) occurs, prohibiting the lightning‐induced ozone enhanced air to reach TMF. This modulation of tropospheric ozone by the position of the NA monsoon anticyclone could have implications on long‐term ozone trends associated with our changing climate, due to the expected widening of the tropical belt affecting the strength and position of the anticyclone.
Partitioning of pyroclasts between ballistic transport and a convective plume: Kīlauea volcano, 19 March 2008
Authors: Houghton B. F. , Swanson D. A. , Biass S. , Fagents S. A. , Orr T. R.
Published: April 2017

We describe the discrete ballistic and wind‐advected products of a small, but exceptionally well‐characterized, explosive eruption of wall‐rock‐derived pyroclasts from Kīlauea volcano on 19 March 2008 and, for the first time, integrate the size distribution of the two subpopulations to reconstruct the true size distribution of a population of pyroclasts as it exited from the vent. Based on thinning and fining relationships, the wind‐advected fraction had a mass of 6.1 × 105 kg and a thickness half distance of 110 m, placing it at the bottom end of the magnitude and intensity spectra of pyroclastic falls. The ballistic population was mapped, in the field and by using structure‐from‐motion techniques, to a diameter of > 10–20 cm over an area of ~0.1 km2, with an estimated mass of 1 × 105 kg. Initial ejection velocities of 50–80 m/s were estimated from inversion of isopleths. The total grain size distribution was estimated by using a mass partitioning of 98% of wind‐advected material and 2% of ballistics, resulting in median and sorting values of −1.7ϕ and 3.1ϕ. It is markedly broader than those calculated for the products of magmatic explosive eruptions, because the grain size of 19 March 2008 clast population is unrelated to a volcanic fragmentation event and instead was “inherited” from a population of talus clasts that temporary blocked the vent prior to the eruption. Despite a conspicuous near‐field presence, the ballistic subpopulation has only a minor influence on the grain size distribution because of its rapid thinning and fining away from source.
Longitudinal characterization of biomarkers for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Bonati Ulrike , Holiga Štefan , Hellbach Nicole , Risterucci Céline , Bergauer Tobias , Tang Wakana , Hafner Patricia , Thoeni Alain , Bieri Oliver , Gerlach Irene , Marquet Anne , Khwaja Omar , Sambataro Fabio , Bertolino Alessandro , Dukart Juergen , Fischmann Arne , Fischer Dirk , Czech Christian
Published: April 2017

Objective

Recent advances in understanding Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) etiopathogenesis prompted development of potent intervention strategies and raised need for sensitive outcome measures capable of assessing disease progression and response to treatment. Several biomarkers have been proposed; nevertheless, no general consensus has been reached on the most feasible ones. We observed a wide range of measures over 1 year to assess their ability to monitor the disease status and progression.

Methods

18 SMA patients and 19 healthy volunteers (HV) were followed in this 52‐weeks observational study. Quantitative‐MRI (qMRI) of both thighs and clinical evaluation of motor function was performed at baseline, 6, 9 and 12 months follow‐up. Blood samples were taken in patients for molecular characterization at screening, 9 and 12 month follow‐up. Progression, responsiveness and reliability of collected indices were quantified. Correlation analysis was performed to test for potential associations.

Results

QMRI indices, clinical scales and molecular measures showed high to excellent reliability. Significant differences were found between qMRI of SMA patients and HV. Significant associations were revealed between multiple qMRI measures and functional clinical scales. None of the qMRI, clinical, or molecular measures was able to detect significant disease progression over 1 year.

Interpretation

We probed a variety of quantitative measures for SMA in a slowly‐progressing disease population over 1 year. The presented measures demonstrated potential to provide a closer link to underlying disease biology as compared to conventional functional scales. The proposed biomarker framework can guide implementation of more sensitive endpoints in future clinical trials and prove their utility in search for novel disease‐modifying therapies.
Enhanced Performance of a Self‐Powered Organic/Inorganic Photodetector by Pyro‐Phototronic and Piezo‐Phototronic Effects
Authors: Peng Wenbo , Wang Xingfu , Yu Ruomeng , Dai Yejing , Zou Haiyang , Wang Aurelia C. , He Yongning , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: April 2017

Self‐powered photodetectors (PDs) have long been realized by utilizing photovoltaic effect and their performances can be effectively enhanced by introducing the piezo‐phototronic effect. Recently, a novel pyro‐phototronic effect is invented as an alternative approach for performance enhancement of self‐powered PDs. Here, a self‐powered organic/inorganic PD is demonstrated and the influences of externally applied strain on the pyro‐phototronic and the photovoltaic effects are thoroughly investigated. Under 325 nm 2.30 mW cm‐2 UV illumination and at a ‐0.45% compressive strain, the PD's photocurrent is dramatically enhanced from ≈14.5 to ≈103 nA by combining the pyro‐phototronic and piezo‐phototronic effects together, showing a significant improvement of over 600%. Theoretical simulations have been carried out via the finite element method to propose the underlying working mechanism. Moreover, the pyro‐phototronic effect can be introduced by applying a ‐0.45% compressive strain to greatly enhance the PD's response to 442 nm illumination, including photocurrent, rise time, and fall time. This work provides in‐depth understandings about the pyro‐phototronic and the piezo‐phototronic effects on the performances of self‐powered PD to light sources with different wavelengths and indicates huge potential of these two effects in optoelectronic devices.
Ultrasensitive Memristive Synapses Based on Lightly Oxidized Sulfide Films
Authors: Hu Lingxiang , Fu Sheng , Chen Youhu , Cao Hongtao , Liang Lingyan , Zhang Hongliang , Gao Junhua , Wang Jingrui , Zhuge Fei
Published: April 2017

For biological synapses, high sensitivity is crucial for transmitting information quickly and accurately. Compared to biological synapses, memristive ones show a much lower sensitivity to electrical stimuli since much higher voltages are needed to induce synaptic plasticity. Yet, little attention has been paid to enhancing the sensitivity of synaptic devices. Here, electrochemical metallization memory cells based on lightly oxidized ZnS films are found to show highly controllable memristive switching with an ultralow SET voltage of several millivolts, which likely originates from a two‐layer structure of ZnS films, i.e., the lightly oxidized and unoxidized layers, where the filament rupture/rejuvenation is confined to the two‐layer interface region several nanometers in thickness due to different ion transport rates in these two layers. Based on such devices, an ultrasensitive memristive synapse is realized where the synaptic functions of both short‐term plasticity and long‐term potentiation are emulated by applying electrical stimuli several millivolts in amplitude, whose sensitivity greatly surpasses that of biological synapses. The dynamic processes of memorizing and forgetting are mimicked through a 5 × 5 memristive synapse array. In addition, the ultralow operating voltage provides another effective solution to the relatively high energy consumption of synaptic devices besides reducing the operating current and pulse width.
Electrokinetic Energy Conversion in Self‐Assembled 2D Nanofluidic Channels with Janus Nanobuilding Blocks
Authors: Cheng Hongfei , Zhou Yi , Feng Yaping , Geng Wenxiao , Liu Qinfu , Guo Wei , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2017

Inspired by the microstructure of nacre, material design, and large‐scale integration of artificial nanofluidic devices step into a completely new stage, termed 2D nanofluidics, in which mass and charge transportation are confined in the interstitial space between reconstructed 2D nanomaterials. However, all the existing 2D nanofluidic systems are reconstituted from homogeneous nanobuilding blocks. Herein, this paper reports the bottom‐up construction of 2D nanofluidic materials with kaolinite‐based Janus nanobuilding blocks, and demonstrates two types of electrokinetic energy conversion through the network of 2D nanochannels. Being different from previous 2D nanofluidic systems, two distinct types of sub‐nanometer‐ and nanometer‐wide fluidic channels of about 6.8 and 13.8 Å are identified in the reconstructed kaolinite membranes (RKM), showing prominent surface‐governed ion transport behaviors and nearly perfect cation‐selectivity. The RKMs exhibit superior capability in osmotic and hydraulic energy conversion, compared to graphene‐based membranes. The mineral‐based 2D nanofluidic system opens up a new avenue to self‐assemble asymmetric 2D nanomaterials for energy, environmental, and healthcare applications.
Online Flowing Colloidosomes for Sequential Multi‐analyte High‐Throughput SERS Analysis
Authors: Phan‐Quang Gia Chuong , Wee Elizabeth Hui Zi , Yang Fengling , Lee Hiang Kwee , Phang In Yee , Feng Xiaotong , Alvarez‐Puebla Ramón A. , Ling Xing Yi
Published: April 2017

3D plasmonic colloidosomes are superior SERS sensors owing to their high sensitivity and excellent tolerance to laser misalignment. Herein, we incorporate plasmonic colloidosomes in a microfluidic channel for online SERS detection. Our method resolves the poor signal reproducibility and inter‐sample contamination in the existing online SERS platforms. Our flow system offers rapid and continuous online detection of 20 samples in less than 5 min with excellent signal reproducibility. The isolated colloidosomes prevent cross‐sample and channel contamination, allowing accurate quantification of samples over a concentration range of five orders of magnitude. Our system demonstrates high‐resolution multiplex detection with fully preserved signal and Raman features of individual analytes in a mixture. High‐throughput multi‐assay analysis is performed, which highlights that our system is capable of rapid identification and quantification of a sequence of samples containing various analytes and concentrations.
Formal (4+1) Cycloaddition and Enantioselective Michael–Henry Cascade Reactions To Synthesize Spiro[4,5]decanes and Spirooxindole Polycycles
Authors: Huang Ji‐Rong , Sohail Muhammad , Taniguchi Tohru , Monde Kenji , Tanaka Fujie
Published: April 2017

Spiro[4,5]decanes and polycyclic compounds bearing spiro[4,5]decane systems are important biofunctional molecules. Described are diastereoselective formal (4+1) cycloaddition reactions to afford oxindole‐functionalized spiro[4,5]decanes and organocatalytic enantioselective Michael–Henry cascade reactions of the (4+1) cycloaddition products to generate spirooxindole polycyclic derivatives bearing the spiro[4,5]decane system. Spiro[4,5]decanes bearing oxindoles containing three stereogenic centers and spirooxindole polycycles having seven stereogenic centers, including two all‐carbon chiral quaternary centers and one tetrasubstituted chiral carbon center, were obtained with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities.
Optimized Target Residence Time: Type I Inhibitors for p38α MAP Kinase with Improved Binding Kinetics through Direct Interaction with the R‐Spine
Authors: Wentsch Heike K. , Walter Niklas M. , Bührmann Mike , Mayer‐Wrangowski Svenja , Rauh Daniel , Zaman Guido J. R. , Willemsen‐Seegers Nicole , Buijsman Rogier C. , Henning Melanie , Dauch Daniel , Zender Lars , Laufer Stefan
Published: April 2017

Skepinone‐L was recently reported to be a p38α MAP kinase inhibitor with high potency and excellent selectivity in vitro and in vivo. However, this class of compounds still act as fully ATP‐competitive Type I binders which, furthermore, suffer from short residence times at the enzyme. We herein describe a further development with the first Type I
binders for p38α MAP kinase. Type I
inhibitors interfere with the R‐spine, inducing a glycine flip and occupying both hydrophobic regions I and II. This design approach leads to prolonged target residence time, binding to both the active and inactive states of the kinase, excellent selectivity, excellent potency on the enzyme level, and low nanomolar activity in a human whole blood assay. This promising binding mode is proven by X‐ray crystallography.
Hybrid Adaptive Type‐2 Fuzzy Tracking Control of Chaotic Oscillation Damping of Power Systems
Authors: Zirkohi Majid Moradi , Kumbasar Tufan , Lin Tsung‐Chih
Published: April 2017

In this paper a novel hybrid direct/indirect adaptive fuzzy neural network (FNN) moving sliding mode tracking controller for chaotic oscillation damping of power systems is developed. The proposed approach is established by providing a tradeoff between the indirect and direct FNN controllers. It is equipped with a novel moving sliding surface (MSS) to enhance the robustness of the controller against the present system uncertainties and unknown disturbances. The major contribution of the paper arises from the new simple tuning idea of the sliding surface slope and intercept of the MSS. This study is novel because the approach adopted tunes the sliding surface slope and intercept of MSS using two simple rules simultaneously. One advantage of the proposed approach is that the restriction of knowing the bounds of uncertainties is also removed due to the adaptive mechanism. Moreover, the stability of the control system is also presented. The proposed controller structure is successfully employed to damp the complicated chaotic oscillations of an interconnected power system, when such oscillations can be made by load perturbation of a power system working on its stability edges. Comparative simulation results are presented, which confirm that the proposed hybrid adaptive type‐2 fuzzy tracking controller shows superior tracking performance.