bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top‐Down Constraints on Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions Within an Agricultural‐Urban Landscape
Authors: Hu Cheng , Griffis Timothy J. , Lee Xuhui , Millet Dylan B. , Chen Zichong , Baker John M. , Xiao Ke
Published: April 2018

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions dominate the atmospheric greenhouse gas radiative forcing budget. However, these emissions are poorly constrained at the regional (102–106 km2) and seasonal scales. Here we use a combination of tall tower CO2 mixing ratio and carbon isotope ratio observations and inverse modeling techniques to constrain anthropogenic CO2 emissions within a highly heterogeneous agricultural landscape near Saint Paul, Minnesota, in the Upper Midwestern United States. The analyses indicate that anthropogenic emissions contributed 6.6, 6.8, and 7.4 μmol/mol annual CO2 enhancements (i.e., departures from the background values) in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Oil refinery, the energy industry (power and heat generation), and residential emissions (home heating and cooking) contributed 2.9 (42.5%), 1.4 (19.8%), and 1.1 μmol/mol (15.8%) of the total anthropogenic enhancement over the 3‐year period according to a priori inventories. The total anthropogenic signal was further partitioned into CO2 emissions derived from fuel oil, natural gas, coal, gasoline, and diesel consumption using inverse modeling and carbon isotope ratio analyses. The results indicate that fuel oil and natural gas consumption accounted for 52.5% of the anthropogenic CO2 sources in winter. Here the a posteriori CO2 emission from natural gas was 79.0 ± 4.1% (a priori 20.0%) and accounted for 63% of the total CO2 enhancement including both biological and anthropogenic sources. The a posteriori CO2 emission from fuel oil was 8.4 ± 3.8% (a priori 32.5%)—suggesting a more important role of residential heating in winter. The modeled carbon isotope ratio of the CO2 source (δ13Cs , −29.3 ± 0.4‰) was relatively more enriched in 13C‐CO2 compared to that derived from Miller‐Tans plot analyses (−35.5‰ to −34.8‰), supporting that natural gas consumption was underestimated for this region.
Aerodynamic Parameters Over an Eroding Bare Surface: Reconciliation of the Law of the Wall and Eddy Covariance Determinations
Authors: Dupont S. , Rajot J‐L. , Labiadh M. , Bergametti G. , Alfaro S. C. , Bouet C. , Fernandes R. , Khalfallah B. , Lamaud E. , Marticorena B. , Bonnefond J‐M. , Chevaillier S. , Garrigou D. , Henry‐des‐Tureaux T. , Sekrafi S. , Zapf P.
Published: April 2018

Assessing accurately the surface friction velocity is a key issue for predicting and quantifying aeolian soil erosion. This is usually done either indirectly from the law of the wall (LoW) of the mean wind velocity profile or directly from eddy covariance (EC) of the streamwise and vertical wind velocity fluctuations. However, several recent experiments have reported inconsistency between friction velocities deduced from both methods. Here we reinvestigate the determination of aerodynamic parameters (friction velocity and surface roughness length) over an eroding bare surface and look at the possible reasons for observing differences on these parameters following the method. For that purpose a novel field experiment was performed in South Tunisia under the research program WIND‐O‐V (WIND erOsion in presence of sparse Vegetation). We find no significant difference between friction velocities obtained from both law of the wall and EC approaches when the friction velocity deduced from the EC method was extrapolated to the surface. Surface roughness lengths show a clear increase with wind erosion, with more scattered values when deduced from the EC friction velocity. Our measurements further suggest an average value of the von Karman constant of 0.407 ± 0.002, although individual wind events lead to different average values due probably to the definition of the ground level or to the stability correction. Importantly, the von Karman constant was found independent of the wind intensity and thus of the wind soil erosion intensity. Finally, our results lead to several recommendations for estimating the aerodynamic parameters over bare surface in order to evaluate saltation and dust fluxes.
Prospects and Caveats of Weighting Climate Models for Summer Maximum Temperature Projections Over North America
Authors: Lorenz Ruth , Herger Nadja , Sedláček Jan , Eyring Veronika , Fischer Erich M. , Knutti Reto
Published: April 2018

Uncertainties in climate projections exist due to natural variability, scenario uncertainty, and model uncertainty. It has been argued that model uncertainty can be decreased by giving more weight to those models in multimodel ensembles that are more skillful and realistic for a specific process or application. In addition, some models in multimodel ensembles are not independent. We use a weighting approach proposed recently that takes into account both model performance and interdependence and apply it to investigate projections of summer maximum temperature climatology over North America in two regions of different sizes. We quantify the influence of predicting diagnostics included in the method, look at ways how to choose them, and assess the influence of the observational data set used. The trend in shortwave radiation, mean precipitation, sea surface temperature variability, and variability and trend in maximum temperature itself are the most promising constraints on projections of summer maximum temperature over North America. The influence of the observational data sets is large for summer temperature climatology, since the observational and reanalysis products used for absolute maximum temperatures disagree. Including multiple predicting diagnostics leads to more similar results for different data sets. We find that the weighted multimodel mean reduces the change in summer daily temperature maxima compared to the nonweighted mean slightly (0.05–0.45 °C) over the central United States. We show that it is essential to have reliable observations for key variables to be able to constrain multimodel ensembles of future projections.
Remote Sensing of Droplet Number Concentration in Warm Clouds: A Review of the Current State of Knowledge and Perspectives
Authors: Grosvenor Daniel P. , Sourdeval Odran , Zuidema Paquita , Ackerman Andrew , Alexandrov Mikhail D. , Bennartz Ralf , Boers Reinout , Cairns Brian , Chiu J. Christine , Christensen Matthew , Deneke Hartwig , Diamond Michael , Feingold Graham , Fridlind Ann , Hünerbein Anja , Knist Christine , Kollias Pavlos , Marshak Alexander , McCoy Daniel , Merk Daniel , Painemal David , Rausch John , Rosenfeld Daniel , Russchenberg Herman , Seifert Patric , Sinclair Kenneth , Stier Philip , van Diedenhoven Bastiaan , Wendisch Manfred , Werner Frank , Wood Robert , Zhang Zhibo , Quaas Johannes
Published: April 2018

The cloud droplet number concentration (Nd) is of central interest to improve the understanding of cloud physics and for quantifying the effective radiative forcing by aerosol‐cloud interactions. Current standard satellite retrievals do not operationally provide Nd, but it can be inferred from retrievals of cloud optical depth (τc) cloud droplet effective radius (re) and cloud top temperature. This review summarizes issues with this approach and quantifies uncertainties. A total relative uncertainty of 78% is inferred for pixel‐level retrievals for relatively homogeneous, optically thick and unobscured stratiform clouds with favorable viewing geometry. The uncertainty is even greater if these conditions are not met. For averages over 1° ×1° regions the uncertainty is reduced to 54% assuming random errors for instrument uncertainties. In contrast, the few evaluation studies against reference in situ observations suggest much better accuracy with little variability in the bias. More such studies are required for a better error characterization. Nd uncertainty is dominated by errors in re, and therefore, improvements in re retrievals would greatly improve the quality of the Nd retrievals. Recommendations are made for how this might be achieved. Some existing Nd data sets are compared and discussed, and best practices for the use of Nd data from current passive instruments (e.g., filtering criteria) are recommended. Emerging alternative Nd estimates are also considered. First, new ideas to use additional information from existing and upcoming spaceborne instruments are discussed, and second, approaches using high‐quality ground‐based observations are examined.
A Modeling Study of Direct and Indirect N2O Emissions From a Representative Catchment in the U.S. Corn Belt
Authors: Fu Congsheng , Lee Xuhui , Griffis Timothy J. , Baker John M. , Turner Peter A.
Published: April 2018

Indirect nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from drainage ditches and headwater streams are poorly constrained. Few studies have monitored stream N2O emissions and fewer modeling studies have been conducted to simulate stream N2O emissions. In this study, we developed direct and indirect N2O emission modules and a corresponding calibration module for use in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, and implemented the expanded SWAT model (termed SWAT‐N2O) to a representative fourth‐stream‐order catchment (210 km2) and six first‐order stream catchments (0.22–1.83 km2) in southeastern Minnesota. We simulated the spatial and temporal fluctuations of the indirect emissions from streams, identified emission “hot spots” and “hot moments,” and diagnosed the correlations between direct and indirect emissions. We showed that zero‐order streams and first‐order streams could contribute 0.034–0.066 and 0.011 nmol N2O m−2 s−1 (expressed on the basis of unit catchment area) to the total surface emissions, respectively. Emissions from zero‐order and first‐order streams equal 24–41% of direct emissions from soil, which may explain the emission gap between calculations using top‐down and bottom‐up methods. Clear spatial patterns were identified for both direct and indirect emissions and their spatial variations were negatively correlated. Our results suggest that the IPCC N2O emission factor for streams in the Corn Belt should be increased by 3.2–5.7 times. Increasing precipitation and streamflow in the Corn Belt may potentially increase frequencies of soil anoxic conditions and nitrate leaching to streams, and subsequently increase N2O emissions from both soils and streams.
Tailoring Aerosol Injections to Achieve Desired Climate Effects
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: April 2018

Two-dimensional simulations of sulfate aerosol injections suggest that solar geoengineering projects can be customized to maximize solar reflection and help achieve potential climate objectives.
SubMachine: Web‐Based Tools for Exploring Seismic Tomography and Other Models of Earth's Deep Interior
Authors: Hosseini Kasra , Matthews Kara J. , Sigloch Karin , Shephard Grace E. , Domeier Mathew , Tsekhmistrenko Maria
Published: April 2018

We present SubMachine, a collection of web‐based tools for the interactive visualization, analysis, and quantitative comparison of global‐scale data sets of the Earth's interior. SubMachine focuses on making regional and global‐scale seismic tomography models easily accessible to the wider solid Earth community, in order to facilitate collaborative exploration. We have written software tools to visualize and explore over 30 tomography models—individually, side‐by‐side, or through statistical and averaging tools. SubMachine also serves various nontomographic data sets that are pertinent to the interpretation of mantle structure and complement the tomographies. These include plate reconstruction models, normal mode observations, global crustal structure, shear wave splitting, as well as geoid, marine gravity, vertical gravity gradients, and global topography in adjustable degrees of spherical harmonic resolution. By providing repository infrastructure, SubMachine encourages and supports community contributions via submission of data sets or feedback on the implemented toolkits.
Development of a Double Hemispherical Probe for Improved Space Plasma Measurements
Authors: Wang X. , Samaniego J. I. , Hsu H.‐W. , Horányi M. , Wahlund J.‐E. , Ergun R. E. , Bering E. A.
Published: April 2018

Langmuir probes have been widely used for space plasma measurements for decades. However, there are still challenges in the interpretation of their measurements. Due to the interaction of the ambient plasma with a spacecraft and an onboard probe itself, the local plasma conditions around the probe could be very different from the true ambient plasma of interest. These local plasma conditions are often anisotropic and/or inhomogeneous. Most of the Langmuir probes that are made of a single electrode have difficulties to remove these local plasma effects, introducing errors in the derived plasma characteristics. Directional probes are able to characterize anisotropic and inhomogeneous plasmas. The split Langmuir probe and the Segmented Langmuir Probe have been developed to characterize the plasma flow in the Earth's ionosphere. Here we introduce a new type of a directional Langmuir probe, the Double Hemispherical Probe (DHP), to improve the space plasma measurements in a broad range of scenarios: (a) low‐density plasmas, (b) high surface‐emission (photo and/or secondary electron emission) environments, (c) flowing plasmas, and (d) dust‐rich plasma environments. The DHP consists of two identical hemispheres that are electrically insulated and swept with the same voltages simultaneously. The difference currents between the two hemispheres are used to characterize the anisotropic/inhomogeneous plasma conditions created around the probe, which will be then removed or minimized on the interpretation of their current‐voltage curves. This paper describes the basic concept and design of the DHP sensor, as well as its initial results tested in the laboratory plasma environments.
Hybridization Melting Between Continent‐Derived Sediment and Depleted Peridotite in Subduction Zones
Authors: Wang Yu , Foley Stephen F.
Published: April 2018

To better constrain the processes by which subducted continent‐derived sediment and the overlying mantle wedge react to produce hybrid magmas, we have performed a series of high‐pressure interaction experiments involving a phyllitic metasediment and a depleted peridotite (dunite) from the Mediterranean section of the Alpine‐Himalayan orogenic belt at 2–3 GPa. Two different experimental methods were compared, namely, the reaction of separate, juxtaposed peridotite and metasediment blocks (reaction experiments) and capsules in which the two rocks were included as an intimately mixed powder before the experiments (mixed experiments). In reaction experiments, only the metasediment partially melted, and a marked, thin reaction zone dominated by orthopyroxene formed between the dunite and phyllite blocks. In contrast, a hybrid melt phase was found in all mixed experiments. Trace element analyses indicated that Cs, Rb, Ba, Th, U, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf were strongly incompatible, together with marked light rare earth element/heavy rare earth element fractionation. The reaction with peridotite can significantly affect the mobility of medium rare earth element, heavy rare earth element, and transition elements during sediment‐mantle interaction, enriching them in hybrid melts. In addition, the nature of the sedimentary starting materials can considerably affect trace element behavior in resulting hybrid melts. There is a significant resemblance between the trace element distribution patterns of hybrid melts produced in our experiments and those of natural postcollisional potassium‐rich volcanic rocks from the eastern Mediterranean region. The experiments show that phlogopite is not necessarily required in the source to produce the SiO2‐richer end of the range of K‐rich magmas.
The Combined Influence of Observed Southern Ocean Clouds and Sea Ice on Top‐of‐Atmosphere Albedo
Authors: Frey W. R. , Morrison A. L. , Kay J. E. , Guzman R. , Chepfer H.
Published: April 2018

When sea ice concentration decreases, surface albedo decreases. Yet the impact of Southern Ocean sea ice concentration decreases on top‐of‐atmosphere albedo is uncertain. Why? The cloud cover and opacity response to Southern Ocean sea ice variability has been challenging to quantify. Here we use observations to constrain the cloud response to Southern Ocean sea ice variability and assess the combined influence of sea ice and clouds on top‐of‐atmosphere albedo. We focus on the spring and summer seasons that dominate the high‐latitude shortwave energy budget. To isolate the influence of sea ice concentration on clouds, we analyze spaceborne light detection and ranging (LIDAR) observations in regions where present‐day sea ice concentration varies. During spring, low cloud cover is slightly (4%) higher over open water compared to sea ice. During summer, sea ice variability does not affect low cloud cover. During both spring and summer, cloud opacity is larger over open water than over sea ice due to a cloud phase shift from ice toward liquid with warming. Independent ship‐based visual and radiosonde observations available during summer corroborate the LIDAR results. Even with the cloud response, satellite‐observed top‐of‐atmosphere albedo is lower over open water than over sea ice. The observations show the cloud response to sea ice retreat with warming will not mask the surface albedo decrease. In other words, more shortwave radiation will be absorbed when Southern Ocean sea ice is lost.
Dispersion and Mixing in Three‐Dimensional Discrete Fracture Networks: Nonlinear Interplay Between Structural and Hydraulic Heterogeneity
Authors: Hyman J. D. , Jiménez‐Martínez J.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the relative impact of topological, geometric, and hydraulic heterogeneity on transport processes in three‐dimensional fracture networks. Focusing on the two largest scales of heterogeneity in these systems, individual fracture and network structure, we compare transport through analogous structured and disordered three‐dimensional fracture networks with varying degrees of hydraulic heterogeneity. For the moderate levels of hydraulic heterogeneity we consider, network structure is the dominant control of transport through the networks. Less dispersion, both longitudinal and transverse, is observed in structured networks than in disordered networks, due in part to the higher connectivity in the former, independent of the level of hydraulic heterogeneity. However, increases in dispersion with higher hydraulic heterogeneity are larger in the disordered networks than in the structured networks, thereby indicating that the interplay between structural and hydraulic heterogeneity is nonlinear. We propose a measure of disorder in fracture networks by computing the Shannon entropy of the spectrum of the Laplacian of a weighted graph representation of the networks, where the weights are given by a combination of topological, geometric, and hydraulic properties. This metric, as a relative indicator by comparison between two networks, is a first approach to the dispersion potential and “mixing capacity” of a fracture network.
Lithium-associated transcriptional regulation of CRMP1 in patient-derived olfactory neurons and symptom changes in bipolar disorder
Authors: McLean Charlee K. , Narayan Soumya , Lin Sandra Y. , Rai Narayan , Chung Youjin , Hipolito MariaMananita S. , Cascella Nicola G. , Nurnberger John I , Ishizuka Koko , Sawa Akira S. , Nwulia Evaristus A.
Published: April 2018

There is growing evidence that lithium used in the treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) affects molecular targets that are involved in neuronal growth, survival, and maturation, but it remains unclear if neuronal alterations in any of these molecules predict specific symptom changes in BD patients undergoing lithium monotherapy. The goals of this study were to (a) determine which molecular changes in the olfactory neurons of symptomatic patients receiving lithium are associated with antimanic or antidepressant response, and (b) uncover novel intraneuronal regulatory mechanisms of lithium therapy. Twenty-two treatment-naïve non-smoking patients, with symptomatic BD underwent nasal biopsies for collection of olfactory tissues, prior to their treatment and following a 6-week course of lithium monotherapy. Sixteen healthy controls were also biopsied. Combining laser capture microdissection with real-time polymerase chain reaction, we investigated baseline and treatment-associated transcriptional changes in candidate molecular targets of lithium action in the olfactory neuroepithelium. Baseline mRNA levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and collapsin response mediator protein 1 (CRMP1) genes were significantly associated with BD status and with severity of mood symptoms. Among BD subjects, treatment-associated downregulation of CRMP1 expression was most predictive of decreases in both manic and depressive symptoms. This study provides a novel insight into the relevance of CRMP1, a key molecule in semaphorin-3A signaling during neurodevelopment, in the molecular mechanism of action of lithium, and in the pathophysiology of BD. It supports the use of human-derived olfactory neuronal tissues in the evaluation of treatment response of psychiatric disorders.
Electrochemically driven conversion reaction in fluoride electrodes for energy storage devices
Authors: Li Chilin , Chen Keyi , Zhou Xuejun , Maier Joachim
Published: April 2018

Exploring electrochemically driven conversion reactions for the development of novel energy storage materials is an important topic as they can deliver higher energy densities than current Li-ion battery electrodes. Conversion-type fluorides promise particularly high energy densities by involving the light and small fluoride anion, and bond breaking can occur at relatively low Li activity (i.e., high cell voltage). Cells based on such electrodes may become competitors to other envisaged alternatives such as Li-sulfur or Li-air systems with their many unsolved thermodynamic and kinetic problems. Relevant conversion reactions are typically multiphase redox reactions characterized by nucleation and growth processes along with pronounced interfacial and mass transport phenomena. Hence significant overpotentials and nonequilibrium reaction pathways are involved. In this review, we summarize recent findings in terms of phase evolution phenomena and mechanistic features of (oxy)fluorides at different redox stages during the conversion process, enabled by advanced characterization technologies and simulation methods. It can be concluded that well-designed nanostructured architectures are helpful in mitigating kinetic problems such as the usually pronounced voltage hysteresis. In this context, doping and open-framework strategies are useful. By these tools, simple materials that are unable to allow for substantial Li nonstoichiometry (e.g., by Li-insertable channels) may be turned into electroactive materials.
Author Correction: Holographic Writing of Ink-Based Phase Conjugate Nanostructures via Laser Ablation
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Waqas , Ahmed Rajib , Yetisen Ali K. , AlQattan Bader , Butt Haider
Published: April 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Mousetap, a Novel Technique to Collect Uncontaminated Vitreous or Aqueous and Expand Usefulness of Mouse Models
Authors: Fortmann Seth D. , Lorenc Valeria E. , Shen Jikui , Hackett Sean F. , Campochiaro Peter A.
Published: April 2018

Vitreous or aqueous humour taps are widely used in patients or large animals with retinal diseases to monitor disease biomarkers, search for novel biomarkers, assess the integrity of the blood-retinal barrier, or perform pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamics studies. Although there are many useful mouse models of retinal diseases, the small size of mouse eyes has precluded vitreous or aqueous taps. Herein we describe a novel technique, mousetap, which allows collection of vitreous or aqueous humour uncontaminated by blood or tissue surrounding the vitreous cavity. Mousetap was used to obtain vitreous samples from several mouse models of retinal vascular diseases and vitreous albumin measured by ELISA was highly reproducible among mice of the same model. The mean vitreous albumin concentration differed widely among control mice and mice of different models and correlated with fluorescein angiographic assessment of vascular leakage severity. Protein arrays showed increases in levels of several vasoactive proteins in the vitreous from mice with oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy compared with age-matched controls; almost all of these proteins are increased in the vitreous of patients with the most common human ischemic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Thus, mousetap facilitates the use of mice for studies previously reserved for large animal models and patients.
A Study on the Factors Influencing Triglyceride Levels among Adults in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Anning , Yao Yan , Xue Zhiqiang , Guo Xin , Dou Jing , Lv Yaogai , Shen Li , Yu Yaqin , Jin Lina
Published: April 2018

Triglyceride (TG) abnormalities are the most prevalent type of dyslipidaemia in the people of northeast China. Many researchers have investigated the prevalence, treatment and control of TG abnormalities, but little is known about the associations between the TG values and the factors that influence TG levels. This study aims to reveal quantile-specific associations of TG with its risk factors. A sample of 16,340 participants in Jilin Province were included in this study. A quantile regression (QR) model was performed to identify the factors that affected TG levels in different quantiles. The distribution of TG levels was different between males and females (χ
2
 = 155.77, P < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were positively associated with TG levels in all quantiles. Drinking was positively associated with TG levels in high quantiles (P70.6 to P95) only in males, while age had a positive association with TG levels in all quantiles only in females. The risk of WC on TG levels was higher with increasing TG levels, and smokers were more at risk for increasing TG levels, as well.
A microfluidic device for studying chemotaxis mechanism of bacterial cancer targeting
Authors: Song Jing , Zhang Yu , Zhang Chengqian , Du Xiaohui , Guo Zhe , Kuang Yanbin , Wang Yingyan , Wu Peng , Zou Kun , Zou Lijuan , Lv Jianxin , Wang Qi
Published: April 2018

Bacterial cancer targeting may become an efficacious cancer therapy, but the mechanisms underlying bacterial specificity for cancer cells need to be explored prior to adopting it as a new clinical application. To characterize the mechanism of bacterial chemotactic preference towards cancer cells, we developed a microfluidic device for in vitro study. The device consists of a cell culture chamber on both sides of a central bacteria channel, with micro-channels used as barriers between them. The device, when used as model for lung cancer, was able to provide simultaneous three-dimensional co-culture of multiple cell lines in separate culture chambers, and when used as model for bacterial chemotaxis, established constant concentration gradients of biochemical compounds in a central channel by diffusion through micro-channels. Fluorescence intensity of green fluorescence protein (GFP)-encoding bacteria was used to measure bacterial taxis behavior due to established chemotactic gradients. Using this platform, we found that Escherichia coli (E. coli) clearly illustrated the preference for lung cancer cells (NCI-H460) which was attributed to biochemical factors secreted by carcinoma cells. Furthermore, by secretome analysis and validation experiments, clusterin (CLU) was found as a key regulator for the chemotaxis of E. coli in targeting lung cancer.
An epistatic effect of KRT25 on SP6 is involved in curly coat in horses
Authors: Thomer Annika , Gottschalk Maren , Christmann Anna , Naccache Fanny , Jung Klaus , Hewicker-Trautwein Marion , Distl Ottmar , Metzger Julia
Published: April 2018

Curly coat represents an extraordinary type of coat in horses, particularly seen in American Bashkir Curly Horses and Missouri Foxtrotters. In some horses with curly coat, a hypotrichosis of variable extent was observed, making the phenotype appear more complex. In our study, we aimed at investigating the genetic background of curly coat with and without hypotrichosis using high density bead chip genotype and next generation sequencing data. Genome-wide association analysis detected significant signals (p = 1.412 × 10−05–1.102 × 10−08) on horse chromosome 11 at 22–35 Mb. In this significantly associated region, six missense variants were filtered out from whole-genome sequencing data of three curly coated horses of which two variants within KRT25 and SP6 could explain all hair phenotypes. Horses heterozygous or homozygous only for KRT25 variant showed curly coat and hypotrichosis, whereas horses with SP6 variant only, exhibited curly coat without hypotrichosis. Horses with mutant alleles in both variants developed curly hair and hypotrichosis. Thus, mutant KRT25 allele is masking SP6 allele effect, indicative for epistasis of KRT25 variant over SP6 variant. In summary, genetic variants in two different genes, KRT25 and SP6, are responsible for curly hair. All horses with KRT25 variant are additionally hypotrichotic due to the KRT25 epistatic effect on SP6.
Examination of inequivalent wetting on the crystal habit surfaces of RS-ibuprofen using grid-based molecular modelling
Authors: Rosbottom I. , Pickering J. H. , Etbon B. , Hammond R. B. , Roberts K. J.
Published: April 2018

Novel grid-based searching of solvent/crystal-surface interactions to investigate solution wetting impact upon crystal surface growth rates.
The evolution of artificial light actuators in living systems: from planar to nanostructured interfaces
Authors: Di Maria Francesca , Lodola Francesco , Zucchetti Elena , Benfenati Fabio , Lanzani Guglielmo
Published: April 2018

Artificially enhancing light sensitivity in living cells allows control of neuronal paths or vital functions avoiding the wiring associated with the use of stimulation electrodes.
Elaborate synthesis of black tin oxide–black titanium oxide core–shell nanotubes for ultrastable and fast lithium storage
Authors: Zhou Zheng-Wei , Pan Long , Liu Yi-Tao , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Xie Xu-Ming
Published: April 2018

We report on the elaborate synthesis of TiO2−x@SnO2−x nanotubes by NaBH4 co-reduction, in which the synergistic interplay between the SnO2−x core and the TiO2−x shell results in superior cyclability and rate capability for ultrastable and fast lithium storage.
Touch-sensitive mechanoluminescence crystals comprising a simple purely organic molecule emit bright blue fluorescence regardless of crystallization methods
Authors: Zhang Kai , Sun Qikun , Zhang Zhenzhen , Tang Linagliang , Xie Zongliang , Chi Zhenguo , Xue Shanfeng , Zhang Haichang , Yang Wenjun
Published: April 2018

Simple N-phenylcarbazole can readily form highly active mechanoluminescence crystals and emit bright blue fluorescence upon gentle grinding.
Is a cross-β-sheet structure of low molecular weight peptides necessary for the formation of fibrils and peptide hydrogels?
Authors: Ilawe Niranjan V. , Schweitzer-Stenner Reinhard , DiGuiseppi David , Wong Bryan M.
Published: April 2018

Using both theory and experiment, we identify two oligomer structures formed by tripeptides in aqueous solutions.
Structural characterization of metal complexes in aqueous solutions: a XAS study of stannous fluoride
Authors: Alsina Marco A. , Gaillard Jean-François
Published: April 2018

The identity and structure of tin(ii)-fluoride complexes formed in aqueous solutions are determined by combining X-ray absorption spectroscopy, thermodynamic modeling and quantum mechanical calculations.
The very long-term physical aging of glassy polymers
Authors: Perez-De Eulate Natalia G. , Cangialosi Daniele
Published: April 2018

The thermodynamic state of polymer glasses aged over 30 years reveals the existence of a metastable state with partial equilibrium recovery.
Group 3 metal trihalide complexes with neutral N-donor ligands – exploring their affinity towards fluoride
Authors: Curnock Emily , Levason William , Light Mark E. , Luthra Sajinder K. , McRobbie Graeme , Monzittu Francesco M. , Reid Gillian , Williams R. Nathan
Published: April 2018

Fluorination of [ScCl3(Me3-tacn)] and [ScCl3(BnMe2-tacn)] by Cl/F exchange with anhydrous [NMe4]F in CH3CN solution yields the corresponding [ScF3(R3-tacn)].
Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of a new fluorocarbonate with an interesting sandwich-like structure
Authors: Tang Changcheng , Jiang Xingxing , Guo Shu , Xia Mingjun , Liu Lijuan , Wang Xiaoyang , Lin Zheshuai , Chen Chuangtian
Published: April 2018

A new fluorocarbonate, Na3Zn2(CO3)3F, was synthesized using a subcritical hydrothermal method.
The effects of pressure on X-ray fluorescence analyses: pXRF under high altitude conditions
Authors: Merrill Javier , Montenegro Victor , Gazley Michael F. , Voisin Leandro
Published: April 2018

As altitude increases, air density decreases, and the physics of X-rays being transmitted through air mean that the transmission of low-energy X-rays increases and accordingly the transmission effectiveness of low-atomic weight elements (e.g. Mg, Al, and Si) also increases. Here we assess the performance of pXRF units across a range of pressures.
Ligand exchange reactions on citrate-gold nanoparticles for a parallel colorimetric assay of six pesticides
Authors: Rana Kirankumar , Bhamore Jigna R. , Rohit Jigneshkumar V. , Park Tae-Jung , Kailasa Suresh Kumar
Published: April 2018

A rapid parallel colorimetric method was developed for identification of six pesticides (acephate, phenthoate, profenofos, acetamiprid, chlorothalonil and cartap)vialigand exchange reactions on citrate-gold nanoparticles.
Sb-based electrode materials for rechargeable batteries
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: April 2018

Sb-based materials are promising electrode candidates for rechargeable batteries because of their high electrochemical performance and relatively low cost.
Ultrathin ZIF-8 film containing polyoxometalate as an enhancer for selective formaldehyde sensing
Authors: Wang Pengyuan , Zou Xiaoqin , Tan Huaqiao , Wu Sheng , Jiang Lingchang , Zhu Guangshan
Published: April 2018

Superior HCHO sensing performances have been realized on the new material of POM@ZIF-8@ZnO by virtue of introducing POM and ZIF-8 functionalities in a ZnO sensor.
Control of pancreatic β-cell bioenergetics
Authors: Affourtit Charles , Alberts Ben , Barlow Jonathan , Carré Jane E. , Wynne Anthony G.
Published: April 2018

The canonical model of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) by pancreatic β-cells predicts a glucose-induced rise in the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio. Such bioenergetic sensitivity to metabolic fuel is unusual as it implies that ATP flux is governed, to a significant extent, by ATP supply, while it is predominantly demand-driven in other cell types. Metabolic control is generally shared between different processes, but potential control of ATP consumption over β-cell bioenergetics has been largely ignored to date. The present paper offers a brief overview of experimental evidence that demonstrates ATP flux control by glucose-fuelled oxidative phosphorylation. Based on old and new data, it is argued that ATP supply does not hold exclusive control over ATP flux, but shares it with ATP demand, and that the distribution of control is flexible. Quantification of the bioenergetic control distribution will be important from basic and clinical perspectives, but precise measurement of the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio is complicated by adenine nucleotide compartmentalisation. Metabolic control analysis of β-cell bioenergetics will likely clarify the mechanisms by which glucose and fatty acids amplify and potentiate GSIS, respectively. Moreover, such analysis may offer hints as to how ATP flux control shifts from ATP supply to ATP demand during the development of type 2 diabetes, and why prolonged sulfonylurea treatment causes β-cell deterioration.
Adaptive multichannel MAC protocol based on SD‐TDMA mechanism for the vehicular ad hoc network
Authors: Xu Zhexin , Wang Mengxue , Wu Yi , Lin Xiao
Published: April 2018

In this study, the design of an adaptive medium access control (MAC) protocol based on the space‐division–time‐division multiple access (SD‐TDMA) mechanism is presented to improve the utilisation and fairness of the time‐slot allocation scheme in the vehicular ad hoc network. The SD‐TDMA mechanism dynamically allocates time‐slots owing to a dynamic topology. This protocol reduces transmission collisions through user detection procedures. Most users can thus access the service channel (SCH) without conflict and acquire time slots according to the mapping between geographic locations and time slots. Users failing to access the channel in user detection procedures can send request access packets in security channels to again participate in SCH time‐slot allocation during the SCH interval. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method in urban scenarios. The SD‐TDMA mechanism is compared with an SDMA‐based MAC protocol, the IEEE 802.11p distributed coordination function and an MAC protocol based on transmission sequences. Owing to the decreased rate of transmission collisions and the dynamic time‐slot allocation scheme, it is shown that the SD‐TDMA mechanism provides a significantly higher utilisation of time slots and better fairness of data transmission than existing approaches.
Rotor strength analysis for high‐speed segmented surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous machines
Authors: Chen Liang‐Liang , Zhu Chang‐Sheng , Zhong Zhixian , Liu Bin , Wan Anping
Published: April 2018

This study is concerned with the unified analytical solution of rotor strength for the segmented permanent magnet (PM) rotor retained by the carbon‐fibre sleeve and non‐magnetic alloy sleeve in high‐speed surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine. Considering the influence of different densities and coefficients of thermal expansion of PMs and pole fillers on rotor stress, the analytical solution for rotor strength was proposed based on displacement method and stress potential method in polar coordinate. The proposed analytical solution was validated by the finite‐element method (FEM) and experiment, respectively, and the influences of rotational speed, retaining sleeve thickness and interference fit between the retaining sleeve and PMs on rotor strength were further investigated based on the analytical solution proposed. It is shown that the results calculated by the proposed analytical solution and the FEM are in good agreement with each other, and the analytical solution can accurately predict the stress distributions of the segmented PM rotor retained by the carbon‐fibre sleeve and non‐magnetic alloy sleeve. The difference in density and coefficient of thermal expansion between PM and pole filler, rotational speed and operating temperature have great effects on rotor strength.
Real‐time optimisation of short‐term frequency stability controls for a power system with renewables and multi‐infeed HVDCs
Authors: Wang Luping , Xie Xiaorong , Dong Xiaoliang , Liu Ying , Shen Hongming
Published: April 2018

Short‐term frequency stability (STFS) is becoming a great concern for a regional receiving‐end power system such as the East China Power Grid (ECPG) mainly for two reasons: (i) the increasing percentage of power injected from multi‐infeed (ultra‐) high‐voltage DCs (HVDCs) with the skyrocketed capacities; (ii) the replacement of traditional generation by the continuously growing inertia‐less renewables. However, the existing emergency control is not adaptive enough to maintain STFS under varying operation conditions. In this study, a real‐time optimised control is proposed to solve the issue more efficiently. It combines emergency power boosting (EPB) of HVDC and emergency demand response (EDR) in a coordinated way. The optimal control problem is formulated based on the online‐updated models that reflect the current state of the system and the dynamic responses of multiple types of generators. By converting the non‐linear constraint into a linear matrix inequality, the allocation of EPB and EDR can be optimised in a real‐time and coordinated way. The performance of the proposed control and its advantages over the existing one are verified by simulation studies on the model of ECPG with low, normal and high penetrations of renewables.
Interference‐rejecting current measurement method with tunnel magnetoresistive magnetic sensor array
Authors: Chen Yafeng , Huang Qi , Khawaja Arsalan Habib
Published: April 2018

Innovative methods for wide range measurement of electric current remains an active research problem in modern power systems. Conventional methods based on magnetic field readouts have realized non‐contact current measurement by interpreting magnetic flux density into electric current, such as Hall effect and Rogowski Coil arrangement. TMR magnetic sensor has spread its application for current measurement due to its miniaturization, low cost, high response frequency and high sensitivity. However, due to the superposition of unwanted magnetic field, the magnetic fieldunder measurement is strongly affected. In this paper, a four‐sensor array design is proposed to solve this problem. Transcendental equations, which can not only calculate the current under measurement but also the interference current at random places, are constructed. Numerical simulations, finite element analysis (FEA) of the field and laboratory experiments were performed to verify the proposed method. It is shown that when targeted current is 100 A and interference is 820 A, the largest simulated error is 3.92 × 10−10; when targeted current is 100 A and interference is 1000 A, error with FEA is 2.3796%, when targeted current and interference are both 500 A, experimental error is 4.14%. This verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The XXL Survey
Authors: Plionis M. , Koutoulidis L. , Koulouridis E. , Moscardini L. , Lidman C. , Pierre M. , Adami C. , Chiappetti L. , Faccioli L. , Fotopoulou S. , Pacaud F. , Paltani S.
Published: April 2018

The XMM-XXL Survey spans two fields of 25 deg2 each observed for more than 6 Ms with XMM, which provided a sample of tens of thousands of point sources with a flux limit of ~2.2 × 10−15 and ~1.4 × 10−14 erg s−1 cm2, corresponding to 50% of the area curve, in the soft band (0.5–2 keV) and hard band (2–10 keV), respectively. In this paper we present the spatial clustering properties of ~3100 and ~1900 X-ray active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the soft and hard bands, respectively, which have been spectroscopically observed with the AAOmega facility. This sample is 90% redshift complete down to an optical magnitude limit of r ≲ 21.8. The sources span the redshift interval 0 < z < 5.2, although in the current analysis we limit our samples to z ≤ 3, with corresponding sample median values of z̅ ≃ 0.96 and 0.79 for the soft band and hard band, respectively. We employ the projected two-point correlation function to infer the spatial clustering and find a correlation length r0 = 7.0(±0.34) and 6.42(±0.42) h−1 Mpc, respectively, for the soft- and hard-band detected sources with a slope for both cases of γ = 1.44(±0.1). The power-law clustering was detected within comoving separations of 1 and ~25 h−1 Mpc. These results, as well as those derived in two separate redshift ranges, provide bias factors of the corresponding AGN host dark matter halos that are consistent with a halo mass of log10[Mh∕(h−1M⊙)] = 13.04 ± 0.06, confirming the results of most recent studies based on smaller X-ray AGN samples.
Recent high-resolution mapping of Guaymas hydrothermal fields (Southern Trough)
Authors: Ondréas Hélène , Scalabrin Carla , Fouquet Yves , Godfroy Anne
Published: April 2018

Insights into the factors controlling fluid circulation through the crust and the nature of fluid venting at the seafloor are first steps in understanding their effect on ocean properties and climate change. New data on the seafloor morphology, sub-surface sedimentary stratification, and water column of the sedimented Southern Trough hydrothermal field (Guaymas basin) were acquired during the BIG cruise in 2010. These data provide accurate and high-resolution information on the geological context of the vents, on the distribution of acoustic anomalies in the water column, and on the possible nature of the fluid generating these echoes. More than 40 hydrothermal edifices were observed. The southern zone of the study area hosts hydrothermal sites that differ from the northern area. The southern vents are located inside or at the edge of small sub-circular depressions and the relationship between active edifices and collapsed areas involves different steps in the continous hydrothermal setting. Sub-bottom data show surface and sub-surface events, with some reflection layers possibly indicating subsurface hydrothermal precipitates or lithification with an estimated age of approximately 10 000 to 20 000 years. Based on the position and maximum altitude of the acoustic anomalies above the seafloor, two types of fluid emission echoes are distinguished: 1) anomalies reaching a maximal altitude of ∼350 m above the seafloor and seen both at the northern and southern fields and 2) strong, narrow and straight anomalies reaching 1334 or 1702 m above the seafloor that are only present in the southern hydrothermal fields of the studied area. We suggest that there are two types of echoes reflecting different fluid escapes based on the physical conditions of fluid venting and degassing and their relationship to geologic features: hydrothermal fluids or hydrothermal fluid mixed with hydrocarbon gas, oil or condensates rising through the water column. The collapsed depressions observed in the southern part facilitate the release of light hydrocarbon (gas, oil, and condensates) soluble at a high temperature and transported by hydrothermal fluids towards the shallow sedimentary levels where they accumulate. These light hydrocarbons rapidly migrate at high levels in the water column. This contrasts with the northern fields where hydrothermal circulation linked to deeper faults, re-mobilize heavier non-soluble hydrocarbons which do not migrate at high levels in the water column.
Approach and impact of a participatory process for the reorganization of irrigation management: a case study in Indonesia
Authors: Lidon Bruno , Lopez Jean-Marie , Sosiawan Hendri , Kartiwa Budi , Triomphe Bernard , Jamin Jean-Yves , Farolfi Stefano , Bourgeois Robin , Becu Nicolas
Published: April 2018

The paper emphasizes key lessons learnt about a research intervention implemented from 2006 to 2009 to solve water access conflicts in the Klaten irrigated rice production area (Central Java, Indonesia). To make stakeholders’ involvement easier, to empower them and build their capacity, action research was carried out according to a flexible and iterative approach. Each step involved a cycle of diagnosis, action planning, implementation, evaluation and learning. The paper shows the need to facilitate the functioning of a multi-stakeholder platform through the creation of a monitoring mechanism in order to ensure, on the one hand, stakeholders’ involvement within the action-research process and on the other hand, foster brainstorming and mutual learning among participants. The paper brings to the fore the usefulness of assessing findings of multidisciplinary and participatory appraisals through modeling and geo-referenced mapping tools in order to facilitate collective learning, negotiation and technical and institutional innovation. Finally, through the assessment of the evolution of the farmers’ association, whose creation was a project outcome, the paper reflects about key issues and key steps that have contributed to carry on successfully the developed methodology.