bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mekong River flow and hydrological extremes under climate change
Authors: Hoang Long Phi , Lauri Hannu , Kummu Matti , Koponen Jorma , van Vliet Michelle T. H. , Supit Iwan , Leemans Rik , Kabat Pavel , Ludwig Fulco
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Climate change poses critical threats to water-related safety and sustainability in the Mekong River basin. Hydrological impact signals from earlier Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3)-based assessments, however, are highly uncertain and largely ignore hydrological extremes. This paper provides one of the first hydrological impact assessments using the CMIP5 climate projections. Furthermore, we model and analyse changes in river flow regimes and hydrological extremes (i.e. high-flow and low-flow conditions). In general, the Mekong's hydrological cycle intensifies under future climate change. The scenario's ensemble mean shows increases in both seasonal and annual river discharges (annual change between +5 and +16 %, depending on location). Despite the overall increasing trend, the individual scenarios show differences in the magnitude of discharge changes and, to a lesser extent, contrasting directional changes. The scenario's ensemble, however, shows reduced uncertainties in climate projection and hydrological impacts compared to earlier CMIP3-based assessments. We further found that extremely high-flow events increase in both magnitude and frequency. Extremely low flows, on the other hand, are projected to occur less often under climate change. Higher low flows can help reducing dry season water shortage and controlling salinization in the downstream Mekong Delta. However, higher and more frequent peak discharges will exacerbate flood risks in the basin. Climate-change-induced hydrological changes will have important implications for safety, economic development, and ecosystem dynamics and thus require special attention in climate change adaptation and water management.
Using rainfall thresholds and ensemble precipitation forecasts to issue and improve urban inundation alerts
Authors: Yang Tsun-Hu , Hwang Gong-Do , Tsai Chin-Cheng , Ho Jui-Yi
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Urban inundation forecasting with extended lead times is useful in saving lives and property. This study proposes the integration of rainfall thresholds and ensemble precipitation forecasts to provide probabilistic urban inundation forecasts. Utilization of ensemble precipitation forecasts can extend forecast lead times to 72 h, preceding peak flows and allowing response agencies to take necessary preparatory measures. However, ensemble precipitation forecasting is time and resource intensive. Using rainfall thresholds to estimate urban areas’ inundation risk can decrease this complexity and save computation time. This study evaluated the performance of this system using three hundred and fifty-two townships in Taiwan and seven typhoons during the period 2013–2015. The levels of forecast probability needed to issue inundation alerts were addressed because ensemble forecasts are probability based. This study applied six levels of forecast probability and evaluated their performance using five measures. The results showed that this forecasting system performed better before a typhoon made landfall. Geography had a strong impact at the start of the numerical weather modeling, resulting in the underestimation of rainfall forecasts. Regardless of this finding, the inundation forecast performance was highly contingent on the rainfall forecast skill. This study then tested a hybrid approach of on-site observations and rainfall forecasts to decrease the influence of numerical weather predictions and improve the forecast performance. The results of this combined system showed that forecasts with a 24-h lead time improved significantly. These findings and the hybrid approach can be applied to other hydrometeorological early warning systems to improve hazard-related forecasts.
On the non-stationarity of hydrological response in anthropogenically unaffected catchments: An Australian perspective
Authors: Ajami Hoori , sharma Ashish , Band Lawrence E. , Evans Jason P. , Tuteja Narendra K. , Amirthanathan G. E. , Bari Mohammed A.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Increases in greenhouse gas concentrations are expected to impact the terrestrial hydrologic cycle through changes in radiative forcings and plant physiological and structural responses. Here we investigate the nature and frequency of non-stationary hydrological response as evidenced through water balance studies over 166 anthropogenically unaffected catchments in Australia. Non-stationarity of hydrologic response is investigated through analysis of long term trend in annual runoff ratio (1984–2005). Results indicate that a significant trend (p
Enhancing local action planning through quantitative flood risk analysis: a
case study in Spain
Authors: Castillo-Rodríguez Jesica Tamara , Escuder-Bueno Ignacio , Perales-Momparler Sara , Porta-Sancho Juan Ramón
Published: July 2016

Abstract. This article presents a method to incorporate and promote quantitative risk analysis to support local action planning against flooding. The proposed approach aims to provide a framework for local flood risk analysis, combining hazard mapping with vulnerability data to quantify risk in terms of expected annual affected population, potential injuries, number of fatalities, and economic damages. Flood risk is estimated combining GIS data of loads, system response, and consequences and using event tree modelling for risk calculation. The study area is the city of Oliva, located on the eastern coast of Spain. Results from risk modelling have been used to inform local action planning and to assess the benefits of structural and non-structural risk reduction measures. Results show the potential impact on risk reduction of flood defences and improved warning communication schemes through local action planning: societal flood risk (in terms of annual expected affected population) would be reduced up to 51 % by combining both structural and non-structural measures. In addition, the effect of seasonal population variability is analysed (annual expected affected population ranges from 82 to 107 %, compared with the current situation, depending on occupancy rates in hotels and campsites). Results highlight the need for robust and standardized methods for urban flood risk analysis replicability at regional and national scale.
Meteorological factors driven glacial till changing and the associated periglacial debris flows in Tianmo Valley, southeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Deng Mingfeng , Chen Ningsheng , Liu Mei
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Meteorological studies have indicated that high Alpines are strongly affected by climate warming. Periglacial debris flows are more frequent in deglaciated regions. The combination of rainfall and air temperature controls the initiation of periglacial debris flows; and the addition of melt-water due to higher air temperatures enhances the complexity of the triggering mechanism compared to storm-induced debris flows. In south-eastern Tibetan Plateau where temperate glaciers are widely distributed, numerous periglacial debris flows have occurred in the past 100 years, but none had happened in the Tianmo watershed until 2007. In 2007 and 2010, three large-scale debris flows occurred in the Tianmo watershed. In this research, these three debris flow events were chosen to analyze the impact of the annual meteorological conditions: the antecedent air temperature and meteorological triggers. TM images and field measurement of the nearby glacier suggested that a sharp glacier retreat had existed in the previous one or two years preceding the events, which coincided with the spiked annual air temperature. Besides, changing of glacial tills driven by prolonged increase in the air temperature is the prerequisite of periglacial debris flows. Triggers of periglacial debris flows are multiplied and they could be high intensity rainfall as in DF1 and DF3, or continuous percolation of melt-water due to the long term rising air temperatures as in DF2.
Resenha de "Arquitetura da Conversação", de Roberta Pires de Oliveria e Renato Miguel Basso
Authors: Pagani Luiz Arthur
Published: July 2016

Apresenta-se aqui a resenha do livro "Arquitetura de Conversação, escrito por Roberta Pires de Oliveira e Renato Miguel Basso; o livro apresenta e discute criticamente a noção de 'implicatura', devida ao filósofo Paul Grice.
O “campo darwiniano” e a história do romance
Authors: Dolabela Chagas Pedro
Published: July 2016

O artigo explora a contribuição de teorias evolutivas para a teoria e a história do romance. Define-se primeiramente as propriedades dessas teorias que interessam para o estudo da literatura. Passa-se daí ao tópico da “exaptação”, em suas possíveis implicações para a formulação de hipóteses sobre a origem do romance. Esse passo leva à discussão sobre as condições de formação biológica e cultural da mente moderna, assim como das condições de vida social que teriam consolidado, na nossa espécie, predisposições psicológicas e padrões de interação social ainda atuantes. Esse tópico repercute, num momento seguinte, como fundamento explicativo para a definição da ficção como um “simulador mental” de baixo custo que atende a funções individual e coletivamente condicionadas. Por fim, toma-se a somatória dos passos anteriores para ensaiar-se uma hipótese explicativa sobre a poligênese do romance, conforme descrita por certa historiografia recente do gênero.
Apresentação do dossiê Por uma análise naturalista da narrativa - Mente, evolução, cognição e linguagem
Authors: Chagas Pedro Dolabela
Published: July 2016

Apresentação do dossiê Por uma análise naturalista da narrativa - Mente, evolução, cognição e linguagem
Teacher Training System and Process: Opinions of Teacher Candidates on Teacher Qualifications
Authors: Yenmez Arzu Aydogan , Ozpinar Ilknur , Sahin Seher Mandaci
Published: July 2016

It is considered that teacher candidates offering their expectations and solution recommendations as well as assessing themselves on the competence aspect will be effective on eliminating the main problems in teacher training. In this respect, purposeof the research is to specify the opinions of teacher candidates on how they evaluate themselves and the faculty in which they study regarding qualifications they possess.The sample of the research conducted within the scope of descriptive study is consisted of 164 junior teacher candidates. The teacher candidates were askedfirst to examine the qualification documents as well as to identify the basic issues, and to answer a written interview form. The obtained data were examined under the themes of “deficiencies”, “expectations” and “solution recommendations”. Considering the outcome model, it is suggested that in-serviceprocess should be investigated in more details with new studies on subjects such as teacher recruitment and career development.
Understanding Students’ Experiences of Well-Being in Learning Environments
Authors: Stanton Alisa , Zandvliet David , Dhaliwal Rosie , Black Tara
Published: July 2016

With the recent release of a new international charter on health promoting universities and institutions of higher education, universities and colleges are increasingly interested in providing learning experiences that enhance and support student well-being. Despite the recognition of learning environments as a potential setting for creating and enhancing well-being, limited research has explored students’ own perceptions of well-being in learning environments. This article provides a qualitative exploration of students’ lived experiences of well-being in learning environments within a Canadian post-secondary context. A semi-structured focus group and interview protocol was used to explore students’ own definitions and experiences of well-being in learning environments. The findings illuminate several pathways through which learning experiences contribute to student well-being, and offer insight into how courses may be designed and delivered in ways that enhance student well-being, learning and engagement. The findings also explore the interconnected nature of well-being, satisfaction and deep learning. The relevance for the design and delivery of higher education learning experiences are discussed, and the significance of the findings for university advancement decisions are considered.
Processes in Bahasa Indonesia Tourism Promotion Texts and Its Equivalence in English: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Study
Authors: Sujatna Eva Tuckyta Sari
Published: July 2016

Many researchers do research on processes in English but it is still limited research on Bahasa Indonesia and its equivalence in English. It is necessary to do research processes in Bahasa Indonesia since it has two different types of clauses: verbal clauses and nonverbal clauses. This paper tries to figure out the processes on Bahasa Indonesia, especially on Bahasa Indonesia tourism promotion texts and its equivalence in English. The aims of the research are to describe the dominant of the processes found in the Bahasa Indonesia tourism promotion texts and to describe the verb used in each type of the processes and its equivalence in English. The research method employed in the research is descriptive method. The data collected are divided into major types of clauses: verbal clauses and nonverbal clauses. The data analyzed are the verbal clauses in Bahasa Indonesia since the verb as the main part of process then compared to its equivalence in English. The result of the research shows there are four types of processes found in both Bahasa Indonesia tourism promotion texts and its equivalence: material, relational, mental, and existential processes. The dominant process found is material processes 51.7%, followed by relational processes 21.9%, mental process 18.5%, and existential process7.9%. The participants involved are: agent and goal (material process), carrier and attribute (relational process), experiencer and phenomenon (mental process), and existent (existential process). The verbs used in material process in Bahasa Indonesia are tenggelam, berkunjung mencari, dipadu, akan menemani, menyajikan, menjanjikan memberikan, menyimpan, menyuguhkan, memanjakan, berlabuh, menutup, melancong, membentuk, memberi, dapat membeli, memecah, dapat memesan, menyediakan, terabaikan, dapat ditempuh, dikirimkan, dilakukan, digunakan while its equivalence in English are set, visit to look for, were combined, will accompany, serve, promise to give, put, serve, spoil, anchor, can close, visit, shape, give, can buy, break, can order, serve, was ignored, can be through, were sent, can be done, is used. The relational process in Bahasa Indonesia are adalah, berasal dari, memiliki, mempunyai, mengandung, bisa menjadi, tampak, menyerupai, merupakan, berada, terletak, berlokasi and its equivalence in English are is, comes from, have, contain, can become, seem, like, become, is, is located. The mental process in Bahasa Indonesia are dapat menikmati, terpukau, melihat, terdengar and its equivalence in English are can enjoy, will be mesmerized, can see, heard. The existential processes in Bahasa Indonesia are ada, terdapat, tersedia, and its equivalence in English is be.
An Evaluative Study of Memorization as a Strategy for Learning English
Authors: Khamees Khalid Sabie
Published: July 2016

This exploratory study elicits learners’ views regarding the utility of using memorization as a strategy for learning English. It exclusively investigates the extent of learners’ use of the memorization strategy, the reasons that motivate them to memorize, the problems they encounter and the techniques they resort to to overcome these problems. 66 undergraduate participants answered a thirty-item questionnaire. The results revealed that most efficient as well as inefficient learners used the memorization strategy mainly for learning vocabulary, definitions, and literary texts. They were in favour of using this strategy because it helps them improve their achievements in English. It was found that understanding should be given priority over the memorization activity. Learners who adopt this strategy often forget what they memorized, could not differentiate between important and unimportant information, and were incompetent to make inferences. It can be concluded that memorization is a low-level cognitive strategy that can be used among other high- level cognitive strategies in the process of learning English.
Immunohistochemical Surrogates for Molecular Classification of Breast Carcinoma: A 2015 Update
Authors: Tang Ping , Tse Gary M.
Published: July 2016

Context.—The pioneering works on molecular classification (MC) by Perou and Sorlie et al in the early 2000s using global gene expression profiling identified 5 intrinsic subtypes of invasive breast cancers (IBCs): luminal A, luminal B, normal breast-like, HER2-enriched, and basal-like subtypes, each unique in incidence, survival, and response to therapy. Because the application of gene expression profiling in daily practice is not economical or practical at the present time, many investigators have studied the use of immunohistochemical (IHC) surrogates as a substitute for determining the MC of IBC.

Objective.—To discuss the continuing efforts that have been made to develop clinically significant and readily available IHC surrogates for the MC of IBC.

Data Sources.—Data were obtained from pertinent peer-reviewed English-language literature.

Conclusions.—The most commonly used IHC surrogates are estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), dividing IBC into luminal, HER2, and triple-negative subtypes. The addition of Ki-67, cytokeratin 5, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) separates luminal B from luminal A subtypes, and basal-like subtype from triple-negative breast cancer. More recently, biomarkers such as androgen receptor and p53 have been shown to further stratify these molecular subtypes. Although many studies of IHC-based MC have shown clinical significance similar to gene expression profiling–defined MC, its critical limitations are: (1) a lack of standardization in terminology, (2) a lack of standardization in biomarkers used for each subtype, and (3) the lack of a uniform cutoff for each biomarker. A panel of IHC surrogates for each subtype of IBC is proposed.
Live Tissue Imaging to Elucidate Mechanical Modulation of Stem Cell Niche Quiescence
Authors: Yu Nicole Y.C. , O’Brien Connor A. , Slapetova Iveta , Whan Renee M. , Knothe Tate Melissa L.
Published: July 2016

The periosteum, a composite cellular connective tissue, bounds all nonarticular bone surfaces. Like Velcro, collagenous Sharpey's fibers anchor the periosteum in a prestressed state to the underlying bone. The periosteum provides a niche for mesenchymal stem cells. Periosteal lifting, as well as injury, causes cells residing in the periosteum (PDCs) to change from an immobile, quiescent state to a mobile, active state. The physical cues that activate PDCs to home to and heal injured areas remain a conundrum. An understanding of these cues is key to unlocking periosteum's remarkable regenerative power. We hypothesized that changes in periosteum's baseline stress state modulate the quiescence of its stem cell niche. We report, for the first time, a three-dimensional, high-resolution live tissue imaging protocol to observe and characterize ovine PDCs and their niche before and after release of the tissue's endogenous prestress. Loss of prestress results in abrupt shrinkage of the periosteal tissue. At the microscopic scale, loss of prestress results in significantly increased crimping of collagen of periosteum's fibrous layer and a threefold increase in the number of rounded nuclei in the cambium layer. Given the body of published data describing the relationships between stem cell and nucleus shape, structure and function, these observations are consistent with a role for mechanics in the modulation of periosteal niche quiescence. The quantitative characterization of periosteum as a stem cell niche represents a critical step for clinical translation of the periosteum and periosteum substitute-based implants for tissue defect healing.
Concise Review: Cell Surface N-Linked Glycoproteins as Potential Stem Cell Markers and Drug Targets
Authors: Boheler Kenneth R. , Gundry Rebekah L.
Published: July 2016

Stem cells and their derivatives hold great promise to advance regenerative medicine. Critical to the progression of this field is the identification and utilization of antibody-accessible cell-surface proteins for immunophenotyping and cell sorting—techniques essential for assessment and isolation of defined cell populations with known functional and therapeutic properties. Beyond their utility for cell identification and selection, cell-surface proteins are also major targets for pharmacological intervention. Although comprehensive cell-surface protein maps are highly valuable, they have been difficult to define until recently. In this review, we discuss the application of a contemporary targeted chemoproteomic-based technique for defining the cell-surface proteomes of stem and progenitor cells. In applying this approach to pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), these studies have improved the biological understanding of these cells, led to the enhanced use and development of antibodies suitable for immunophenotyping and sorting, and contributed to the repurposing of existing drugs without the need for high-throughput screening. The utility of this latter approach was first demonstrated with human PSCs (hPSCs) through the identification of small molecules that are selectively toxic to hPSCs and have the potential for eliminating confounding and tumorigenic cells in hPSC-derived progeny destined for research and transplantation. Overall, the cutting-edge technologies reviewed here will accelerate the development of novel cell-surface protein targets for immunophenotyping, new reagents to improve the isolation of therapeutically qualified cells, and pharmacological studies to advance the treatment of intractable diseases amenable to cell-replacement therapies.
The Use of Probiotics in Respiratory Allergy
Authors: Gemma Vilà-Nadal  , Elsa Phillips-Anglés  , Javier Domínguez-Ortega
Published: July 2016

There is a high and steadily increasing prevalence of respiratory allergy throughout the world, especially in paediatric population and in industrialized and developing countries. A complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors has been implicated to explain this dramatic increase in prevalence of allergic diseases. It has been suggested that exposure to microbes plays a critical role in the development of the early immune system and may contribute to allergic diseases through their effect on mucosal immunity. Probiotics, microorganisms exerting beneficial effects on the host, are used in a great number of paediatric and adult diseases, mainly gastrointestinal disorders, but they have been proposed to be beneficial also in allergic diseases. Different trials have been published finding benefits in the use of probiotics in prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis, but to date, studies have yielded inconsistent findings to support a protective association between their use on prevention of allergic rhinitis or asthma. However, probiotics may be beneficial in improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis although it remains limited due to study heterogeneity and variable outcome measures. As a result of these controversies, future investigations with a better standardization are needed. In this review, we summarize recent clinical research to elucidate the mechanisms of probiotics and their effect in respiratory allergy. According to published data, probiotics could emerge as a novel, complementary treatment option for allergic rhinitis but not for asthma.
Synbiotic Adjuvant Therapy in Atopic Dermatitis: Our Experience
Authors: Rial Prado M.J.  , Seoane Rodríguez M
Published: July 2016

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a disease with a lot of clinical interest because it is the point of attachment between allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. Probiotics and synbiotics favor the expression of anti-inflammatory Th1 cytokines which produces therapeutic benefits in patients with atopic dermatitis as revealed by recent meta-analysis.Material and Method: Six patients (3 women and 3 men) suffering from moderate atopic dermatitis aged between 16 and 28 years were treated with Bifidobacterium lactis BS01, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR05 and prebiotic fructo -oligosaccharides (2x109CFU) once daily in a period of four months added to their previously scheduled topical treatment. SCORAD index and atopic dermatitis quality of life test (QoLIAD) prior to treatment and four months after treatment were analyzed.Results: After 4 months of treatment we objectified clinical improvement by reducing the SCORAD index (average of 6 points) and better results in QoLIAD test in 5 of the 6 patients. Previously scheduled medical treatment remained unchanged and no side effect was observed in any of the patients treated.Discussion: Most of our patients treated obtained clinical improvement and in quality of life without adverse effects, this fact support the results of recent papers concluding that the use of probiotics in diary clinical practice is a safe coadyuvant and possibly effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Combination of Probiotics and Sublingual Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis: A Real-Life Study
Authors: Renato Rossi  , Lucilla Rossi  , Giorgio Monasterolo
Published: July 2016

Probiotics are increasingly recognized as capable of modulating immune responses. Some probiotic strains show the potential of inducing a different lymphocyte polarization, promoting the Th1 phenotype and inhibiting, at the same time, the allergy-prone Th2 phenotype. On this basis, we could expect that probiotics may act synergistically to improve the clinical efficacy of sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT). In this study, 30 patients affected by allergic rhinitis undergoing SLIT, were concomitantly administered a probiotic supplement (n = 14) or not (n = 16), according to their preference. Nasal symptom score, rescue medication score and ‘well-days’ were evaluated after 2 and 4 months of treatment. Patients who were administered SLIT plus probiotics showed a trend toward reduction of the nasal symptoms (-7.1%, p = ns) with a significant reduction of medication score (-32.6, p = 0.02) and an increase of ‘well-days’ (35.1, p = 0.02). These preliminary data, from a small study population, suggest that this combined approach with SLIT and probiotics could result in an increased efficacy of the SLIT treatment.
Static and Dynamic Aspects of Application Domains: An Inductively Defined Modeling Technique That Allows Decomposition
Authors: Van der Weide Theo , Tulinayo Fiona , Van Bommel Patrick
Published: July 2016

Modeling is one of the most important parts of requirements engineering. Most modeling techniques focus primarily on their pragmatics and pay less attention to their syntax and semantics. Different modeling techniques describe different aspects, for example, Object-Role Modeling (ORM) describes underlying concepts and their relations while System Dynamics (SD) focuses on the dynamic behavior of relevant objects in the underlying application domain. In this paper we provide an inductive definition for a generic modeling technique. Not only do we describe the underlying data structure, we also show how states can be introduced for relevant concepts and how their life cycles can be modeled in terms of System Dynamics. We also show how decomposition can be applied to master complex application domains. As a result we get an integrated modeling technique covering both static and dynamic aspects of application domains. The inductive definition of this integrated modeling technique will facilitate the implementation of supporting tools for practitioners.
Opinion Mining in Latvian Text Using Semantic Polarity Analysis and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Špats Gatis , Birzniece Ilze
Published: July 2016

In this paper we demonstrate approaches for opinion mining in Latvian text. Authors have applied, combined and extended results of several previous studies and public resources to perform opinion mining in Latvian text using two approaches, namely, semantic polarity analysis and machine learning. One of the most significant constraints that make application of opinion mining for written content classification in Latvian text challenging is the limited publicly available text corpora for classifier training. We have joined several sources and created a publically available extended lexicon. Our results are comparable to or outperform current achievements in opinion mining in Latvian. Experiments show that lexicon-based methods provide more accurate opinion mining than the application of Naive Bayes machine learning classifier on Latvian tweets. Methods used during this study could be further extended using human annotators, unsupervised machine learning and bootstrapping to create larger corpora of classified text.
An Approach for Multi-Artifact Testing Through an Ontological Perspective for Behavior-Driven Development
Authors: Silva Thiago , Hak Jean-Luc , Winckler Marco
Published: July 2016

In a user-centered development process, artifacts evolve in iterative cycles until they meet users’ requirements and then become the final product. Every cycle gives the opportunity to revise the design and to introduce new requirements which might affect the specification of artifacts that have been set in former development phases. Testing the consistency of multiple artifacts used to develop interactive systems every time that new requirements are introduced is a cumbersome activity, especially if it is done manually. This paper proposes an approach based on Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) to support the automated assessment of artifacts along the development process of interactive systems. The paper uses an ontology for specifying tests that can run over multiple artifacts sharing similar concepts. A case study testing Task Models, Prototypes, and Final User Interfaces is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach from the early phases of the design process, providing a continuous quality assurance of requirements, and helping clients and development teams to identify potential problems and inconsistencies before commitments with software implementation are made.
Tagging motor memories with transcranial direct current stimulation allows later artificially-controlled retrieval
Authors: Nozaki Daichi , Yokoi Atsushi , Kimura Takahiro , Hirashima Masaya , Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate that human motor memories can be artificially tagged and later retrieved by noninvasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Participants learned to adapt reaching movements to two conflicting dynamical environments that were each associated with a different tDCS polarity (anodal or cathodal tDCS) on the sensorimotor cortex. That is, we sought to determine whether divergent background activity levels within the sensorimotor cortex (anodal: higher activity; cathodal: lower activity) give rise to distinct motor memories. After a training session, application of each tDCS polarity automatically resulted in the retrieval of the motor memory corresponding to that polarity. These results reveal that artificial modulation of neural activity in the sensorimotor cortex through tDCS can act as a context for the formation and recollection of motor memories.
The histone H3K9 demethylase KDM3A promotes anoikis by transcriptionally activating pro-apoptotic genes BNIP3 and BNIP3L
Authors: Pedanou Victoria E , Gobeil Stéphane , Tabariès Sébastien , Simone Tessa M , Zhu Lihua Julie , Siegel Peter M , Green Michael R
Published: July 2016

Epithelial cells that lose attachment to the extracellular matrix undergo a specialized form of apoptosis called anoikis. Here, using large-scale RNA interference (RNAi) screening, we find that KDM3A, a histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) mono- and di-demethylase, plays a pivotal role in anoikis induction. In attached breast epithelial cells, KDM3A expression is maintained at low levels by integrin signaling. Following detachment, integrin signaling is decreased resulting in increased KDM3A expression. RNAi-mediated knockdown of KDM3A substantially reduces apoptosis following detachment and, conversely, ectopic expression of KDM3A induces cell death in attached cells. We find that KDM3A promotes anoikis through transcriptional activation of BNIP3 and BNIP3L, which encode pro-apoptotic proteins. Using mouse models of breast cancer metastasis we show that knockdown of Kdm3a enhances metastatic potential. Finally, we find defective KDM3A expression in human breast cancer cell lines and tumors. Collectively, our results reveal a novel transcriptional regulatory program that mediates anoikis.
A host basal transcription factor is a key component for infection of rice by TALE-carrying bacteria
Authors: Yuan Meng , Ke Yinggen , Huang Renyan , Ma Ling , Yang Zeyu , Chu Zhaohui , Xiao Jinghua , Li Xianghua , Wang Shiping
Published: July 2016

Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are sequence-specific DNA binding proteins found in a range of plant pathogenic bacteria, where they play important roles in host-pathogen interactions. However, it has been unclear how TALEs, after they have been injected into the host cells, activate transcription of host genes required for infection success. Here, we show that the basal transcription factor IIA gamma subunit TFIIAγ5 from rice is a key component for infection by the TALE-carrying bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the causal agent for bacterial blight. Direct interaction of several TALEs with TFIIAγ5 is required for activation of disease susceptibility genes. Conversely, reduced expression of the TFIIAγ5 host gene limits the induction of susceptibility genes and thus decreases bacterial blight symptoms. Suppression or mutation of TFIIAγ5 can also reduce bacterial streak, another devastating disease of rice caused by TALE-carrying X. oryzae pv. oryzicola. These results have important implications for formulating a widely applicable strategy with which to improve resistance of plants to TALE-carrying pathogens.
Amplified spontaneous emission of phonons as a likely mechanism for density-dependent velocity saturation in GaN transistors
Authors: Khurgin Jacob B. , Bajaj Sanyam , Rajan Siddharth
Published: July 2016

We show that density-dependent velocity saturation in a GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) can be related to the stimulated emission of longitudinal optical (LO) phonons. As the drift velocity of electrons increases, the drift of the Fermi distribution in reciprocal space results in population inversion and gain for the LO phonons. Once this gain reaches a threshold value, the avalanche-like increase in LO phonon emission causes a rapid loss of electron energy and momentum and leads to drift velocity saturation. Our simple model correctly predicts both the general trend of decreasing saturation velocity with increasing electron density, and the measured experimental values of saturation.
Development of a prototype T-shaped fast switching device for electron cyclotron current drive systems
Authors: Sekiguchi Kenji , Nagashima Koji , Honzu Toshihiko , Saigusa Mikio , Oda Yasuhisa , Takahashi Koji , Sakamoto Keishi
Published: July 2016

A T-shaped high-power switching device composed of circular corrugated waveguides with three ports and double dielectric disks made of sapphire was proposed as a fast switching device based on a new principle in electron cyclotron current drive systems. This switching device has the advantages of operating at a fixed frequency and being compact. The design of the prototype switch was obtained by numerical simulations using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The size of these components was optimized for the frequency band of 170 GHz. Low-power tests were carried out in a cross-shaped model.
Quantification and attribution of errors in the simulated annual gross primary production and latent heat fluxes by two global land surface models
Authors: Li Jianduo , Wang Ying‐Ping , Duan Qingyun , Lu Xingjie , Pak Bernard , Wiltshire Andy , Robertson Eddy , Ziehn Tilo
Published: July 2016

Differences in the predicted carbon and water fluxes by different global land models have been quite large and have not decreased over the last two decades. Quantification and attribution of the uncertainties of global land surface models are important for improving the performance of global land surface models, and are the foci of this study. Here we quantified the model errors by comparing the simulated monthly global gross primary productivity (GPP) and latent heat flux (LE) by two global land surface models with the model‐data products of global GPP and LE from 1982 to 2005. By analyzing model parameter sensitivities within their ranges, we identified about 2–11 most sensitive model parameters that have strong influences on the simulated GPP or LE by two global land models, and found that the sensitivities of the same parameters are different among the plant functional types (PFT). Using parameter ensemble simulations, we found that 15%–60% of the model errors were reduced by tuning only a few (<4) most sensitive parameters for most PFTs, and that the reduction in model errors varied spatially within a PFT or among different PFTs. Our study shows that future model improvement should optimize key model parameters, particularly those parameters relating to leaf area index, maximum carboxylation rate, and stomatal conductance.
Substantial overnight reaeration by convective cooling discovered in pond ecosystems
Authors: Holgerson Meredith A. , Zappa Christopher J. , Raymond Peter A.
Published: July 2016

Trends in freshwater dissolved oxygen (DO) reflect whole‐ecosystem properties and influence organismal survival and behavior. Here we show that small ponds have unique oxygen dynamics that differ from larger lakes. We discovered that ponds undersaturated in DO experienced substantial increases in oxygen concentration overnight. Nighttime increases in DO occurred on 45% of the nights sampled and resulted in DO saturation increasing 12‐fold (22% saturation) on average. Oxygen spikes were likely to occur when ponds became at least 1.8°C warmer than the air and later in the season when oxygen levels were low (<31% saturation) and the air was warm (≥5.8°C). We demonstrate that overnight increases in surface water DO resulted from atmospheric oxygen invasion as opposed to internal production. Convective cooling enhanced turbulence and air‐water gas exchange, leading to intense bursts of oxygen invasion during nighttime hours. This mechanism has not been demonstrated before and has important implications for the biogeochemistry of these systems, as well as understanding how organisms survive in hypoxic small ponds.
Solvent mixtures [Air Monitoring Methods, 2014e]
Authors: Tschickardt M. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of many solvents in solvent mixtures for monitoring their Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) or MAK values at workplaces. Sampling is performed by drawing air through a tube filled with Chromosorb106 using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. After thermal desorption of the Chromosorb 106 the sample is analysed by means of gas chromatography fitted with two detectors a flame ionisation detectors (FID) for quantification and a mass selective detector (MSD) for qualitative evaluation. The quantitative determination is based on calibration functions obtained by means of multiple‐point calibrations using the external standard method with comparative standards. The limits of quantification (LOQs) are determined on the basis of aliquots from 1 to 10 mL of the calibration gas in the lower concentration range. The expanded uncertainties for these parameters are between 13 and 22% for the individual solvent component.
Addendum to 2‐Butoxyethanol (Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) [BAT Value Documentation, 2009]
Authors: Angerer J. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

2‐Butoxyethanol (Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether): Addendum BAT value documentation (2008)

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) for 2‐butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether), considering butoxyacetic acid in urine to characterise the internal exposure. Available publications are described in detail.

In male and female individuals exposed to 2‐butoxyethanol, irritant effects to eyes, nose and throat as well as a disturbed taste, headaches and vomiting were observed. The main systemic adverse effects of 2‐butoxyethanol are on the haematopoietic system (haemolytic effects), followed by possible teratogenic and testicular effects. In addition, effects on the central nervous system, the liver and the kidneys were discussed. 2‐Butoxyethanol was classified in category 4 for carcinogenic substances. It can pass through the skin so biological monitoring is necessary.

Human studies on exposure and effects, however, are still not available. In more recent animal studies for the haemolytic effects a NOAEC of 25 ml 2‐butoxyethanol/m
3
after chronic exposure of rats was obtained. In vivo and in vitro data indicate that regarding to the haemolytic effects rats are more sensitive than humans. At 20 ml 2‐butoxyethanol/m
3
and the correlating BAT value of 100 mg butoxyacetic acid/l urine, no haemolytic effects are to be expected according to these recent studies. Also no other systemic effects are to be expected, as no prenatal toxicity was observed up to 100 ml 2‐butoxyethanol/m3 and no effects on male reproductive organs occurred even at 125 ml/m
3
(rats) or 250 ml/m
3
(mice). In addition, the correlation between 100 mg butoxyacetic acid/l urine and 20 ml 2‐butoxyethanol/m
3
is supported by a recently available study with individuals.

The previous BAT value of 100 mg free butoxyacetic acid/l urine*, which intended to protect against systemic effects (especially haemolytic effects), is therefore retained. The sampling time is at the end of exposure/shift after several previous shifts.

A considerable part of the absorbed 2‐butoxyethanol is excreted in the form of the glutamine conjugate of butoxyacetic acid, i. e. N‐butoxyacetyl glutamine varying intra‐ and inter‐individually. According to published data, about twice as much total butoxyacetic acid as free butoxyacetic acid is excreted. Therefore, a further BAT value of 200 mg butoxyacetic acid (after hydrolysis)/l urine* is established for the sum of free and conjugated butoxyacetic acid.

These BAT values apply for both 2‐butoxyethanol and 2‐butoxyethylacetate.

*no longer valid
Addendum zu Brommethan (Methylbromid) [BAT Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Hallier E. , Müller M. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK‐Kommission
Published: July 2016

Brommethan (Methyl bromide): Addendum BAT value documentation (2016)

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the “Biologischer Leitwert” (BLW) for methyl bromide, using bromide in serum/plasma to characterize the internal exposure. The critical effect of methyl bromide is a high acute and chronic neurotoxicity. It can pass through the skin so that biological monitoring is highly recommended.

On the basis of results of a human study the occurrence of abnormal findings in the EEG is comparable for unexposed persons and persons with exposure to methyl bromide in concentrations below 12 mg bromide/l plasma. Thus the BLW value of 12 mg bromide/l plasma or serum was confirmed. The sampling time is at the end of exposure/shift after several previous shifts.
Merkaptursäuren des 2‐Chloroprens, des Epichlorhydrins und des 1,3‐Butadiens im Urin [Biomonitoring Methods in German Language, 2015]
Authors: Eckert E. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The analytical method permits simultaneous determination of the mercapturic acid of epichlorohydrin i.e. N‐acetyl‐S‐(3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl) cysteine (CHPMA) and of four mercapturic acids of 2‐chloroprene in urine: N‐acetyl‐S‐(4‐chloro‐3‐oxobutyl) cysteine (Cl‐MA I), N‐acetyl‐S‐(3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐butenyl) cysteine (Cl‐MA III), N‐acetyl‐S‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐oxobutyl) cysteine (HOBMA) and N‐acetyl‐S‐(3,4‐dihydroxybutyl) cysteine (DHBMA). The mercapturic acids HOBMA and DHBMA are also formed after exposure to 1,3‐butadiene.

For determination, the urine samples are buffered to pH 2.5, spiked with isotopelabeled internal standards (d3‐CHPMA, d3‐Cl‐MA I, d3‐Cl‐MA III, d3‐HOBMA and d7‐DHBMA), processed using online solid phase extraction (online SPE) and LC–MS/MS. For that purpose the analytes are enriched on a C18 pre‐concentration column [RAM (Restricted Access Material) phase]. Subsequently, the analytes are transferred in backflush mode from the RAM phase to the analytical column, separated chromatographically and finally subjected to tandem mass spectrometric detection. Calibration is carried out using standard solutions in pooled urine which are processed and analyzed in the same way as the samples to be analyzed.
Hämoglobinaddukte von Ethylenoxid (N‐(2‐Hydroxyethyl)valin), Propylenoxid (N‐(2‐Hydroxypropyl)valin), Acrylnitril (N‐(2‐Cyanoethyl)valin), Acrylamid (N‐(2‐Carbonamidethyl)valin) und Glycidamid (N‐(2‐Hydroxy‐2‐carbonamidethyl)valin) [Biomonitoring Methods in German Language, 2015]
Authors: Schettgen T. , Müller J. , Ferstl C. , Angerer J. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: July 2016

The method permits the simultaneous quantification of the N‐terminal haemoglobin adducts N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)valine (HEV), N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)valine (HPV), N‐(2‐cyanoethyl)valine (CEV), N‐(2‐carbonamide ethyl)valine (AAV), and N‐(2‐hydroxy‐2‐carbonamide ethyl)valine (GAV) of the carcinogens ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, as well as of glycidamide the metabolite of acrylamide in blood.

The adducts which are covalently bound to the N‐terminal valine of the globin chain are cleaved off from the globin chain by a modified Edman degradation. The resulting pentafluorophenyl thiohydantoine derivatives of the valine adducts are extracted with diethyl ether, purified and then subjected to tandem mass spectrometric detection. To protect the vicinal hydroxyl group of the glycidamide adduct, the modified Edman degradation is followed by a second derivatization using sulphuric acetone. For calibration, standards are prepared in non‐smoker pooled globin, adding solutions of dipeptide standards simulating the adduct‐bearing latter two N‐terminal amino acids of the haemoglobin chain. They are processed in the same way as the samples to be analyzed. As internal standards, solutions of isolated globin, which has prior been transformed with the deuterated compounds d3‐acrylo‐nitrile, d3‐acrylamide or d3‐propylene oxide, are used. As internal standard for glycidamide, the d8‐labeled, acetonized pentafluorophenyl thiohydantoine of the glycidamide valine adduct is used.