bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of minimal carbon sequestration in the productive Amundsen Sea polynya
Authors: Lee SangHoon , Hwang Jeomshik , Ducklow Hugh W. , Hahm Doshik , Lee Sang H. , Kim Dongseon , Hyun Jung‐Ho , Park Jisoo , Ha Ho K. , Kim Tae‐Wan , Yang Eun J. , Shin Hyoung C.
Published: July 2017

The Amundsen Sea polynya (ASP) is reportedly the most productive among the coastal polynyas around Antarctica. However, observational constraints limit our understanding of the biological pump and carbon cycle in the ASP. We measured various carbon‐related parameters such as primary production, bacterial production, sinking flux of particulate organic carbon (POC), and accumulation of organic carbon in the sediment as well as hydrographic parameters during field observations and by instrument moorings. Over 95% of the photosynthetically produced POC was converted to suspended POC and/or dissolved carbon forms in the upper ~400 m layer. We postulate that most of the carbon transported to the water column by the biological pump in the ASP was flushed out of the shelf without being sequestered for long‐term storage in sediments. Lack of bottom water formation due to intrusion of Circumpolar Deep Water in the lower layer reduces carbon sequestration efficiency.
Eruptive event generator based on the Gibson‐Low magnetic configuration
Authors: Borovikov D. , Sokolov I. V. , Manchester W. B. , Jin M. , Gombosi T. I.
Published: July 2017

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs), a kind of energetic solar eruptions, are an integral subject of space weather research. Numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling, which requires powerful computational resources, is one of the primary means of studying the phenomenon. With increasing accessibility of such resources, grows the demand for user‐friendly tools that would facilitate the process of simulating CMEs for scientific and operational purposes. The Eruptive Event Generator based on Gibson‐Low flux rope (EEGGL), a new publicly available computational model presented in this paper, is an effort to meet this demand. EEGGL allows one to compute the parameters of a model flux rope driving a CME via an intuitive graphical user interface. We provide a brief overview of the physical principles behind EEGGL and its functionality. Ways toward future improvements of the tool are outlined.
Investigations of conjugate MSTIDS over the Brazilian sector during daytime
Authors: Jonah O. F. , Kherani E. A. , De Paula E. R.
Published: July 2017

This study focuses on the daytime medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) observed at conjugate hemispheres. It is the first time that the geomagnetical conjugate daytime MSTIDs are observed over the South America sector. To observe the MSTID characteristics, we used detrended total electron content (TEC) derived from Global Navigation Satellite Systems receivers located at Brazilian sector covering the Northern and Southern Hemispheres along the same magnetic meridian. The geographic grid of 1°N to 14°S in latitude and 60°S to 50°S in longitude was selected for this study. The cross‐correlation method between two latitudes and longitudes in time was used to observe the propagation of the MSTID waves. The following features are noted: (a) MSTIDs are well developed at both hemispheres; (b) the peak MSTIDs amplitudes vary from one hemisphere to another; hence, we suppose that MSTIDs generated in Southern Hemisphere or Northern Hemisphere mirrored in the conjugate hemisphere; (c) the gravity wave‐induced electric fields from one hemisphere map along the field lines and generate the mirrored MSTIDs in the conjugate region. To investigate the hemispheric mapping mechanism, a rough approximation for the integrated field line conductivity ratio of E and F regions is calculated using digisonde E and F region parameters. We noted that during the period of mapping the decrease in E region conductivity results in an increase in total conductivity. This shows that the E region was partially short circuited; hence, electric field generated at F region could map to the conjugate hemisphere during daytime: daytime MSTIDs at conjugate regions; mechanisms responsible for daytime electrified MSTIDs; gravity wave‐induced electric field role in daytime MSTIDs.
Bounding the moment deficit rate on crustal faults using geodetic data: Methods
Authors: Maurer Jeremy , Segall Paul , Bradley Andrew M.
Published: July 2017

The geodetically derived interseismic moment deficit rate (MDR) provides a first‐order constraint on earthquake potential and can play an important role in seismic hazard assessment, but quantifying uncertainty in MDR is a challenging problem that has not been fully addressed. We establish criteria for reliable MDR estimators, evaluate existing methods for determining the probability density of MDR, and propose and evaluate new methods. Geodetic measurements moderately far from the fault provide tighter constraints on MDR than those nearby. Previously used methods can fail catastrophically under predictable circumstances. The bootstrap method works well with strong data constraints on MDR, but can be strongly biased when network geometry is poor. We propose two new methods: the Constrained Optimization Bounding Estimator (COBE) assumes uniform priors on slip rate (from geologic information) and MDR, and can be shown through synthetic tests to be a useful, albeit conservative estimator; the Constrained Optimization Bounding Linear Estimator (COBLE) is the corresponding linear estimator with Gaussian priors rather than point‐wise bounds on slip rates. COBE matches COBLE with strong data constraints on MDR. We compare results from COBE and COBLE to previously published results for the interseismic MDR at Parkfield, on the San Andreas Fault, and find similar results; thus, the apparent discrepancy between MDR and the total moment release (seismic and afterslip) in the 2004 Parkfield earthquake remains.
Northern Hemisphere winter warming and summer monsoon reduction after volcanic eruptions over the last millennium
Authors: Zambri Brian , LeGrande Allegra N. , Robock Alan , Slawinska Joanna
Published: July 2017

Observations show that all recent large tropical volcanic eruptions (1850 to Present) were followed by surface winter warming in the first Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter after the eruption. Recent studies show that climate models produce a surface winter warming response in the first winter after the largest eruptions but require a large ensemble of simulations to see significant changes. It is also generally required that the eruption be very large, and only two such eruptions occurred in the historical period: Krakatau in 1883 and Pinatubo in 1991. Here we examine surface winter warming patterns after the 10 largest volcanic eruptions between 850 and 1850 in the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project 3 last millennium simulations and in the Community Earth System Model Last Millennium Ensemble. These eruptions were all larger than those since 1850. Though the results depend on both the individual models and the forcing data set used, we have found that models produce a surface winter warming signal in the first winter after large volcanic eruptions, with higher temperatures over NH continents and a stronger polar vortex in the lower stratosphere. We also examined NH summer precipitation responses in the first year after the eruptions and find clear reductions of summer Asian and African monsoon rainfall.
Spatial variation in concentration and sources of organic carbon in the Lena River, Siberia
Authors: Kutscher Liselott , Mörth Carl‐Magnus , Porcelli Don , Hirst Catherine , Maximov Trofim C. , Petrov Roman E. , Andersson Per S.
Published: July 2017

Global warming in permafrost areas is expected to change fluxes of riverine organic carbon (OC) to the Arctic Ocean. Here OC concentrations, stable carbon isotope signatures (δ13C), and carbon‐nitrogen ratios (C/N) are presented from 22 sampling stations in the Lena River and 40 of its tributaries. Sampling was conducted during two expeditions: the first in July 2012 in the south and southeastern region and the second in June 2013 in the northern region of the Lena basin. The data showed significant spatial differences in concentrations and major sources of OC. Mean subcatchment slopes were correlated with OC concentrations, implying that mountainous areas in general had lower concentrations than lowland areas. δ13C and C/N data from tributaries originating in mountainous areas indicated that both dissolved and particulate OC (DOC and POC) were mainly derived from soil organic matter (SOM). In contrast, tributaries originating in lowland areas had larger contributions from fresh vegetation to DOC, while aquatically produced OC was the major source of POC. We suggest that these differences in dominant sources indicated differences in dominant flow pathways. Tributaries with larger influence of fresh vegetation probably had surficial flow pathways, while tributaries with more SOM influence had deeper water flow pathways. Thus, the future export of OC to the Arctic Ocean will likely be controlled by changes in spatial patterns in hydroclimatology and the depth of the active layers influencing the dominant water flow pathways in Arctic river basins.
Active transpressional tectonics in the Andean forearc of southern Peru quantified by10Be surface exposure dating of an active fault scarp
Authors: Benavente Carlos , Zerathe Swann , Audin Laurence , Hall Sarah R. , Robert Xavier , Delgado Fabrizio , Carcaillet Julien , Team ASTER
Published: July 2017

Our understanding of the style and rate of Quaternary tectonic deformation in the forearc of the Central Andes is hampered by a lack of field observations and constraints on neotectonic structures. Here we present a detailed analysis of the Purgatorio fault, a recently recognized active fault located in the forearc of southern Peru. Based on field and remote sensing analysis (Pléiades DEM), we define the Purgatorio fault as a subvertical structure trending NW‐SE to W‐E along its 60 km length, connecting, on its eastern end, to the crustal Incapuquio Fault System. The Purgatorio fault accommodates right‐lateral transpressional deformation, as shown by the numerous lateral and vertical plurimetric offsets recorded along strike. In particular, scarp with a 5 m cumulative throw is preserved and displays cobbles that are cut and covered by slickensides. Cosmogenic radionuclide exposure dating (10Be) of quartzite cobbles along the vertical fault scarp yields young exposure ages that can be bracketed between 0 to 6 ka, depending on the inheritance model that is applied. Our preferred scenario, which takes in account our geomorphic observations, implies at least two distinct rupture events, each associated with ~3 and ~2 m of vertical offset. These two events plausibly occurred during the last thousand years. Nevertheless, an interpretation invoking more tectonic events along the fault cannot be ruled out. This work affirms crustal deformation along active faults in the Andean forearc of southern Peru during the last thousand years.
Pliocene‐Quaternary orogenic systems in Central Mediterranean: The Apulia‐Southern Apennines‐Tyrrhenian Sea example
Authors: Milia Alfonsa , Torrente Maurizio M. , Iannace Pietro
Published: July 2017

In the Central Mediterranean the Africa‐Eurasia convergence led to the development of complex orogenic systems and back‐arc basins. Throughout Pliocene‐Quaternary times the Southern Apennines accretionary prism migrated toward the Apulia foreland and, contemporaneously, the Tyrrhenian Sea back‐arc basin opened. In this study, we investigated the offshore of the southern Apulia foreland and the Southern Apennines. Using seismic reflection profiles and well data in a dedicated GIS software, we made a detailed stratigraphic analysis, reconstructed the structural pattern, and built 2‐D geological models of the main geological surfaces. The structure of the Apulia region formed during two main tectonic stages: lower Pleistocene complex extensional faulting developed in a transtensional regime and middle‐upper Pleistocene transpression/shortening. The Southern Apennines accretionary prism developed through the Pliocene‐early lower Pleistocene and was overprinted by late lower Pleistocene‐middle Pleistocene NW‐SE sinistral faults. Through linking new data from the accretionary prism and the foreland with previous information from the Tyrrhenian Sea back‐arc, we provide an original interpretation for the relationships between the various provinces that make the Central Mediterranean crustal puzzle and reconstruct the main phases of the evolution of its Pliocene‐Quaternary orogenic cycle. We recognized collisional stages of uncoupled plates, followed by late lower‐middle Pleistocene postcollisional stages of coupled continental plates. This Pleistocene plate reorganization of Central Mediterranean was probably due to the rupture of the Apulia/Ionian slab or to NNW intraplate shortening transmitted from Africa.
Copper(I) Thiocyanate (CuSCN) Hole‐Transport Layers Processed from Aqueous Precursor Solutions and Their Application in Thin‐Film Transistors and Highly Efficient Organic and Organometal Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wijeyasinghe Nilushi , Regoutz Anna , Eisner Flurin , Du Tian , Tsetseris Leonidas , Lin Yen‐Hung , Faber Hendrik , Pattanasattayavong Pichaya , Li Jinhua , Yan Feng , McLachlan Martyn A. , Payne David J. , Heeney Martin , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: July 2017

This study reports the development of copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) hole‐transport layers (HTLs) processed from aqueous ammonia as a novel alternative to conventional n‐alkyl sulfide solvents. Wide bandgap (3.4–3.9 eV) and ultrathin (3–5 nm) layers of CuSCN are formed when the aqueous CuSCN–ammine complex solution is spin‐cast in air and annealed at 100 °C. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the high compositional purity of the formed CuSCN layers, while the high‐resolution valence band spectra agree with first‐principles calculations. Study of the hole‐transport properties using field‐effect transistor measurements reveals that the aqueous‐processed CuSCN layers exhibit a fivefold higher hole mobility than films processed from diethyl sulfide solutions with the maximum values approaching 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1. A further interesting characteristic is the low surface roughness of the resulting CuSCN layers, which in the case of solar cells helps to planarize the indium tin oxide anode. Organic bulk heterojunction and planar organometal halide perovskite solar cells based on aqueous‐processed CuSCN HTLs yield power conversion efficiency of 10.7% and 17.5%, respectively. Importantly, aqueous‐processed CuSCN‐based cells consistently outperform devices based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate HTLs. This is the first report on CuSCN films and devices processed via an aqueous‐based synthetic route that is compatible with high‐throughput manufacturing and paves the way for further developments.
Supercritical Fluid Technology: An Emphasis on Drug Delivery and Related Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kankala Ranjith Kumar , Zhang Yu Shrike , Wang Shi‐Bin , Lee Chia‐Hung , Chen Ai‐Zheng
Published: July 2017

During the past few decades, supercritical fluid (SCF) has emerged as an effective alternative for many traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Operating active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) alone or in combination with various biodegradable polymeric carriers in high‐pressure conditions provides enhanced features with respect to their physical properties such as bioavailability enhancement, is of relevance to the application of SCF in the pharmaceutical industry. Herein, recent advances in drug delivery systems manufactured using the SCF technology are reviewed. We provide a brief description of the history, principle, and various preparation methods involved in the SCF technology. Next, we aim to give a brief overview, which provides an emphasis and discussion of recent reports using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) for fabrication of polymeric carriers, for applications in areas related to drug delivery, tissue engineering, bio‐imaging, and other biomedical applications. We finally summarize with perspectives.
Atomic Force Microscopy as a Tool to Assess the Specificity of Targeted Nanoparticles in Biological Models of High Complexity
Authors: Gomes Carla P. , Lopes Cátia D. F. , Leitner Michael , Ebner Andreas , Hinterdorfer Peter , Pêgo Ana P.
Published: July 2017

The ability to design nanoparticle delivery systems capable of selectively target their payloads to specific cell populations is still a major caveat in nanomedicine. One of the main hurdles is the fact that each nanoparticle formulation needs to be precisely tuned to match the specificities of the target cell and route of administration. In this work, molecular recognition force spectroscopy (MRFS) is presented as a tool to evaluate the specificity of neuron‐targeted trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles to neuronal cell populations in biological samples of different complexity. The use of atomic force microscopy tips functionalized with targeted or non‐targeted nanoparticles made it possible to assess the specific interaction of each formulation with determined cell surface receptors in a precise fashion. More importantly, the combination of MRFS with fluorescent microscopy allowed to probe the nanoparticles vectoring capacity in models of high complexity, such as primary mixed cultures, as well as specific subcellular regions in histological tissues. Overall, this work contributes for the establishment of MRFS as a powerful alternative technique to animal testing in vector design and opens new avenues for the development of advanced targeted nanomedicines.
Malnutrition‐related early childhood exposures and enamel defects in the permanent dentition: A longitudinal study from the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Masterson Erin E. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Enquobahrie Daniel A. , Mancl Lloyd A. , Conde Esther , Hujoel Philippe P.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

We investigated the relationship between early childhood malnutrition‐related measures and subsequent enamel defects in the permanent dentition.

Materials and Methods

This cohort study included 349 Amerindian adolescents (10–17 years, 52% male) from the Bolivian Amazon. Exposures included: stunted growth (height‐for‐age z‐scores), underweight (weight‐for‐age z‐scores), anemia (hemoglobin), acute inflammation (C‐reactive protein) and parasitic infection (hookworm). We measured the occurrence (no/yes) and extent (<1/3, 1/3–2/3, >2/3) of enamel defects. We estimated associations between childhood exposures and enamel defect measures using log‐binomial and multinomial logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of an enamel defect characterized by an orange peel texture on a large central depression on the labial surface of the central maxillary incisors was 92.3%. During childhood (1–4 years), participants had a high prevalence of stunted growth (75.2%), anemia (56.9%), acute inflammation (39.1%), and hookworm infection (49.6%). We observed associations between childhood height‐for‐age (OR = 0.65; P = 0.028 for >2/3 extent vs. no EH) and gastrointestinal hookworm infection (OR = 3.43; P = 0.035 for >2/3 extent vs. no defects or <1/3 extent) with enamel defects.

Discussion

The study describes a possibly novel form of enamel hypoplasia and provides evidence for associations of malnutrition‐related measures in early childhood, including stunted growth and parasitic helminth infection, with the observed enamel defects.
Biomarkers in subtypes of mild cognitive impairment and subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Eliassen Carl F. , Reinvang Ivar , Selnes Per , Grambaite Ramune , Fladby Tormod , Hessen Erik
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Preclinical Alzheimers disease (AD) patients may or may not show cognitive impairment on testing. AD biomarkers are central to the identification of those at low, intermediate, or high risk of later dementia due to AD. We investigated biomarker distribution in those identified as subjective cognitive decline (SCD), amnestic (aMCI), and nonamnestic (naMCI) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes. In addition, the clinical groups were compared with controls on downstream neuroimaging markers.

Materials and Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid‐β42 (A β42) and total tau (t‐tau), phosphorylated tau (p‐tau), fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), positron‐emission tomography (PET), and MRI neuroimaging measures were collected from 116 memory clinic patients. They were characterized as SCD, aMCI, and naMCI according to comprehensive neuropsychological criteria. ANOVAs were used to assess differences when biomarkers were treated as continuous variables and chi square analyses were used to assess group differences in distribution of biomarkers.

Results

We did not find any between group differences in Aβ42, nor in p‐tau, but we observed elevated t‐tau in aMCI and SCD relative to the naMCI group. Significantly lower cortical glucose metabolism (as measured by FDG PET) was found in aMCI relative to SCD and controls, and there was a trend for lower metabolism in naMCI. Significant thinner entorhinal cortex (ERC) was found in aMCI and SCD. As expected biomarkers were significantly more frequently pathological in aMCI than in naMCI and SCD, whereas the naMCI and SCD groups displayed similar pathological biomarker burden.

Conclusions

aMCI cases show the most pathologic biomarker burden. Interestingly naMCI and SCD subjects show similar levels of pathological biomarkers albeit the former displayed neuropsychological deficits. That the latter group may represent a risk group is supported by our observation of both elevated CSF tau and thinner ERC relative to controls.
Parents' Self‐Reported Use of Corporal Punishment and Other Humiliating Upbringing Practices in Finland and Sweden – A Comparative Study
Authors: Ellonen Noora , Lucas Steven , Tindberg Ylva , Janson Staffan
Published: July 2017

Sweden and Finland were the first countries to ban corporal punishment 30 years ago. Since then, the prevalence of attitudes supporting the use of corporal punishment and the practice itself have decreased. This study examines the current frequencies of corporal punishment and other humiliating upbringing practices in Finnish and Swedish families. The analysis is based on survey data among 3170 Finnish and 1358 Swedish parents with children from newborn to 12 years of age. Data were analysed using univariate tests (chi‐square) and logistic regression. According to the analysis, a larger proportion of Finnish parents, and especially mothers, use humiliating upbringing practices compared to Swedish parents. This difference is not found with regard to corporal punishment. A larger proportion of Finnish parents push their children compared to Swedish parents, while a larger proportion of Swedish parents shake their children. In both countries, corporal punishment is more frequently used by fathers, boys are more often victimised than girls, toddlers are more often exposed to corporal punishment and school‐age children are more often subjected to psychologically abusive practices. Corporal punishment and other humiliating upbringing practices are strongly correlated in both countries. The differences found between countries were not explained by socio‐demographic factors.

‘This study examines the current frequencies of corporal punishment and other humiliating upbringing practices in Finnish and Swedish families’

Key Practitioner Messages

Use of corporal punishment is still quite common among Finnish and Swedish parents.

Parents use corporal punishment more often towards children aged two to six years while other humiliating upbringing practices are used more often towards children above age six.

The differences between Finland and Sweden in the use of corporal punishment and other humiliating upbringing practices are not explained by traditional socioeconomic characteristics, nor by the parents' own experiences.
Chemically Deposited Cobalt‐Based Oxygen‐Evolution Electrocatalysts on DOPA‐Displaying Viruses
Authors: Rho Jihun , Lim Sung Yul , Hwang Inseong , Yun Jeongse , Chung Taek Dong
Published: July 2017

Filamentous bacteriophages were engineered to display 3,4‐dihydroxy‐l‐phenylalanine (DOPA) onto which a cobalt oxide based oxygen‐evolution catalyst (Co‐OEC) spontaneously deposited at room temperature. Relative to the electrodeposited Co‐OEC, the catalyst formed on the virus exhibited improved durability and current density in a small overpotential region, as well as decreased oxidation states for the formation of Co(OH)2, as confirmed by electrochemical and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Chemically deposited Co(OH)2 on the virus was oxidized to CoOOH during the water‐oxidation process. Thus, the DOPA‐displaying virus illustrates the affordability of a genetically engineered bacteriophage as a molecular support that can improve the catalytic performance of inorganic materials without any additional electrical energy.
Quantitative structure‐selectivity relationship (QSSR)‐based molecular insight into the cross‐reactivity and specificity of chemotherapeutic inhibitors between PI3Kα and PI3Kβ
Authors: Ding Xi , Liu Xingcai , Zhu Lixia
Published: July 2017

Selective inhibition of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) isoforms α and β with small‐molecule inhibitors can result in distinct biological effects on anticancer chemotherapy. However, many existing PI3K inhibitors have moderate or high promiscuity and cross‐reactivity between the 2 kinase isoforms. Here, a quantitative structure‐selectivity relationship–based statistical modeling scheme was used to characterize the relative contribution of independent kinase residues to inhibitor selectivity and to predict the selectivity and specificity for existing PI3K inhibitors. It is found that the residue type and distribution of kinase's active site play an important role in inhibitor selectivity, while rest of the kinase may contribute to the selectivity through long‐range chemical interactions and indirect allosteric effect. The selectivity is also determined by the configuration difference between PI3Kα and PI3Kβ kinase domains. Larger inhibitor compounds have lower binding potency to PI3Kβ than PI3Kα and thus possess higher selectivity for PI3Kα over PI3Kβ.
Model driven generation of mobility traces for distributed virtual environments with TRACE
Authors: Carlini Emanuele , Lulli Alessandro , Ricci Laura
Published: July 2017

Avatars' mobility is an essential element to design, validate, and compare different distributed virtual environment architectures. It has a direct impact on the management of such systems because it defines the workload associated with the areas in the virtual world. Currently, a relevant part of this evaluation is conducted by means of synthetic traces generated through mobility models. Despite that, in the last decade, several models have been proposed in literature to describe avatars mobility. However, a standard methodology that drives researchers in their evaluation does not yet exist. In order to alleviate this issue, we present TRACE, an open source tool supporting the generation and analysis of traces by means of embedded mobility models. TRACE's ultimate aim is to facilitate the evaluation and comparison of virtual environments and allow researchers to focus on developing their solution rather than spend time to code and test custom mobility traces. TRACE provides a unified format to describe the traces. It enables scalable and efficient trace generation and analysis for thousands of avatars with seven built‐in models. Also, it defines APIs enabling the integration of additional models, different configurations of the environment, and several built‐in metrics to analyze the generated traces.
A randomized controlled trial comparing EMDR and CBT for obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Marsden Zoe , Lovell Karina , Blore David , Ali Shehzad , Delgadillo Jaime
Published: July 2017

Background

This study aimed to evaluate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), by comparison to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based on exposure and response prevention.

Method

This was a pragmatic, feasibility randomized controlled trial in which 55 participants with OCD were randomized to EMDR (n = 29) or CBT (n = 26). The Yale‐Brown obsessive–compulsive scale was completed at baseline, after treatment and at 6 months follow‐up. Treatment completion and response rates were compared using chi‐square tests. Effect size was examined using Cohen's d and multilevel modelling.

Results

Overall, 61.8% completed treatment and 30.2% attained reliable and clinically significant improvement in OCD symptoms, with no significant differences between groups (p > .05). There were no significant differences between groups in Yale‐Brown obsessive–compulsive scale severity post‐treatment (d = −0.24, p = .38) or at 6 months follow‐up (d = −0.03, p = .90).

Conclusions

EMDR and CBT had comparable completion rates and clinical outcomes.
Broadband‐Emitting 2 D Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskite Based on Cyclohexane‐bis(methylamonium) Cation
Authors: Neogi Ishita , Bruno Annalisa , Bahulayan Damodaran , Goh Teck Wee , Ghosh Biplab , Ganguly Rakesh , Cortecchia Daniele , Sum Tze Chien , Soci Cesare , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh Gautam
Published: July 2017

A new broadband‐emitting 2 D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite (CyBMA)PbBr4 based on highly flexible cis‐1,3‐bis(methylaminohydrobromide)cyclohexane (CyBMABr) core has been designed, synthesized, and investigated, highlighting the effects of stereoisomerism of the templating cation on the formation and properties of the resulting perovskite. The new 2 D material has high exciton binding energy of 340 meV and a broad emission spanning from 380 to 750 nm, incorporating a prominent excitonic band and a less intense broad peak at room temperature. Significant changes in the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum were observed at lower temperatures, showing remarkable enhancement in the intensity of the broadband at the cost of excitonic emission. Temperature‐dependent PL mapping indicates the effective role of only a narrow band of excitonic absorption in the generation of the active channel for emission. Based on the evidences obtained from the photophysical investigations, we attributed the evolution of the broad B‐band of (CyBMA)PbBr4 to excitonic self‐trapped states.
Modeling plant interspecific interactions from experiments with perennial crop mixtures to predict optimal combinations
Authors: Halty Virginia , Valdés Matías , Tejera Mauricio , Picasso Valentín , Fort Hugo
Published: July 2017

The contribution of plant species richness to productivity and ecosystem functioning is a longstanding issue in ecology, with relevant implications for both conservation and agriculture. Both experiments and quantitative modeling are fundamental to the design of sustainable agroecosystems and the optimization of crop production. We modeled communities of perennial crop mixtures by using a generalized Lotka‐Volterra model, i.e., a model such that the interspecific interactions are more general than purely competitive. We estimated model parameters ‐carrying capacities and interaction coefficients‐ from, respectively, the observed biomass of monocultures and bicultures measured in a large diversity experiment of seven perennial forage species in Iowa, United States. The sign and absolute value of the interaction coefficients showed that the biological interactions between species pairs included amensalism, competition, and parasitism (asymmetric positive‐negative interaction), with various degrees of intensity. We tested the model fit by simulating the combinations of more than two species and comparing them with the polycultures experimental data. Overall, theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the experiments. Using this model, we also simulated species combinations that were not sown. From all possible mixtures (sown and not sown) we identified which are the most productive species combinations. Our results demonstrate that a combination of experiments and modeling can contribute to the design of sustainable agricultural systems in general and to the optimization of crop production in particular.
Carbon and nitrogen allocation shifts in plants and soils along aridity and fertility gradients in grasslands of China
Authors: Luo Wentao , Li Mai‐He , Sardans Jordi , Lü Xiao‐Tao , Wang Chao , Peñuelas Josep , Wang Zhengwen , Han Xing‐Guo , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2017

Plant carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stoichiometry play an important role in the maintenance of ecosystem structure and function. To decipher the influence of changing environment on plant C and N stoichiometry at the subcontinental scale, we studied the shoot and root C and N stoichiometry in two widely distributed and dominant genera along a 2,200‐km climatic gradient in China's grasslands. Relationships between C and N concentrations and soil climatic variables factors were studied. In contrast to previous theory, plant C concentration and C:N ratios in both shoots and roots increased with increasing soil fertility and decreased with increasing aridity. Relative N allocation shifted from soils to plants and from roots to shoots with increasing aridity. Changes in the C:N ratio were associated with changes in N concentration. Dynamics of plant C concentration and C:N ratios were mainly caused by biomass reallocation and a nutrient dilution effect in the plant‐soil system. Our results suggest that the shifted allocation of C and N to different ecosystem compartments under a changing environment may change the overall use of these elements by the plant‐soil system.
How shrub encroachment under climate change could threaten pollination services for alpine wildflowers: A case study using the alpine skypilot,Polemonium viscosum
Authors: Kettenbach Jessica A. , Miller‐Struttmann Nicole , Moffett Zoë , Galen Candace
Published: July 2017

Under climate change, shrubs encroaching into high altitude plant communities disrupt ecosystem processes. Yet effects of encroachment on pollination mutualisms are poorly understood. Here, we probe potential fitness impacts of interference from encroachingSalix(willows) on pollination quality of the alpine skypilot,Polemonium viscosum. Overlap in flowering time ofSalixandPolemoniumis a precondition for interference and was surveyed in four extant and 25 historic contact zones. Pollinator sharing was ascertained from observations of willow pollen on bumble bees visitingPolemoniumflowers and onPolemoniumpistils. We probed fitness effects of pollinator sharing by measuring the correlation betweenSalixpollen contamination and seed set in naturally pollinatedPolemonium. To ascertain whetherSalixinterference occurred during or after pollination, we compared seed set under natural pollination, conspecific pollen addition, andSalixpollen addition. In current and past contact zonesPolemoniumandSalixoverlapped in flowering time. After accounting for variance in flowering date due to latitude,SalixandPolemoniumshowed similar advances in flowering under warmer summers. This trend supports the idea that sensitivity to temperature promotes reproductive synchrony in both species.Salixpollen is carried by bumble bees when visitingPolemoniumflowers and accounts for up to 25% of the grains onPolemoniumpistils.Salixcontamination correlates with reduced seed set in nature and when applied experimentally. Postpollination processes likely mediate these deleterious effects as seed set in nature was not limited by pollen delivery. Synthesis: As willows move higher with climate change, we predict that they will drive postpollination interference, reducing the fitness benefits of pollinator visitation forPolemoniumand selecting for traits that reduce pollinator sharing.
The estimation of growth dynamics for Pomacea maculata from hatchling to adult
Authors: Sutton Karyn L. , Zhao Lihong , Carter Jacoby
Published: July 2017

Pomacea maculata is a relatively new invasive species to the Gulf Coast region and potentially threatens local agriculture (rice) and ecosystems (aquatic vegetation). The population dynamics of P. maculata have largely been unquantified, and therefore, scientists and field‐workers are ill‐equipped to accurately project population sizes and the resulting impact of this species. We studied the growth of P. maculata ranging in weights from 6 to 105 g, identifying the sex of the animals when possible. Our studied population had a 4:9 male:female sex ratio. We present the findings from initial analysis of the individual growth data of males and females, from which it was apparent that females were generally larger than males and that small snails grew faster than larger snails. Since efforts to characterize the male and female growth rates from individual data do not yield statistically supported estimates, we present the estimation of several parameterized growth rate functions within a population‐level mathematical model. We provide a comparison of the results using these various growth functions and discuss which best characterizes the dynamics of our observed population. We conclude that both males and females exhibit biphasic growth rates, and thus, their growth is size‐dependent. Further, our results suggest that there are notable differences between males and females that are important to take into consideration in order to accurately model this species' population dynamics. Lastly, we include preliminary analyses of ongoing experiments to provide initial estimates of growth in the earliest life stages (hatchling to ≈6 g).
On the controls of abundance for soil‐dwelling organisms on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhao Ke , Jing Xin , Sanders Nathan J. , Chen Litong , Shi Yu , Flynn Dan F. B. , Wang Yonghui , Chu Haiyan , Liang Wenju , He Jin‐Sheng
Published: July 2017

After decades of research, we are starting to understand more about why the number of species varies from place to place on the planet. However, little is known about spatial variation in abundance, especially for soil‐dwelling organisms. In this study, we aimed to disentangle the relative influences of climatic factors, soil properties, and plant diversity on the abundance of soil‐dwelling invertebrates (i.e., nematodes and soil arthropods) at 48 alpine grassland sites on the Tibetan Plateau. We found that the abundance of these two groups of soil organisms was negatively correlated with soil pH and temperature seasonality, and was positively correlated with soil organic carbon (SOC), mean annual precipitation, and plant species richness; there was no effect of mean annual temperature or seasonality in precipitation on the abundance of nematodes or soil‐dwelling arthropods. When we considered only the nematodes, we found that soil pH, mean annual precipitation, temperature seasonality, and SOC were the best predictors of abundance. However, plant species richness was the best predictor of the abundance of soil‐dwelling arthropods. Different orders within the arthropods responded differently to the suite of factors we examined. Taken together, our results suggest that increases in temperature alone might not alter the abundances of soil organisms in these alpine grasslands. Instead, altered precipitation regimes and increases in intra‐annual variation in temperature, changes in plant community diversity, and the resulting changes in soil characteristics (e.g., pH and organic carbon) could reshape soil communities in the Tibetan grassland ecosystems, and likely elsewhere on the planet.
A Cyclam‐Based Fluorescent Ligand as a Molecular Beacon for Cu2+ and H2S Detection
Authors: Mirra Silvia , Strianese Maria , Pellecchia Claudio
Published: July 2017

A pentadentate cage‐like cyclam‐based fluorescent ligand has been designed, synthesized, and characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. To further characterize the title ligand, ESI‐MS, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence experiments have been also performed. Its suitability as a chemosensor for the detection of Cu2+ ions has been successfully explored with a variety of spectroscopic techniques (i.e., ESI‐MS, UV/Vis, and fluorescence). A Job's plot experiment, together with ESI‐MS experiments, indicate a 1:1 stoichiometry for the binding of Cu2+ to the cyclam‐based ligand. Fluorescence experiments corroborate this hypothesis. The resulting system is selective in the recognition of copper and is stable for a week, as assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The CuII complex has been isolated and tested as a fluorescent probe for the detection of H2S. NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS investigations have provided evidence that H2S recognition occurs through a copper‐displacement mechanism, as reported in the literature for different copper complexes. The system functions with a selective response to HS–, harnessing a concentration‐dependent “turn‐on” of the initial fluorescence intensity.
Amperometric L‐cysteine Sensor Using a Gold Electrode Modified with Thiolated Catechol
Authors: Xu Haitao , Li Chaorong , Song Dongcheng , Xu Xiaolin , Zhao Yan , Liu Xiaoying , Su Zhaohong
Published: July 2017

A thiolated catechol (CA) consisting of 1,6‐Hexanedithiol (HDT) and CA was modified on a gold (Au) electrode to obtain an amperometric L‐cysteine sensor with detection limit of 60.6 nM. The preparation of thiolated CA was conducted via a thiol addition between HDT and electro‐oxidized CA (EOCA). Briefly, the thiol addition reaction was accomplished by potential cycling of HDT/Au electrode in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (PB, pH 7.2) containing CA, and an EOCA‐HDT/Au electrode was produced. The obtained EOCA‐HDT/Au electrode exhibits a pair of well‐defined redox peaks (at 0.22/0.10 V) of o‐quinone moiety, which effectively mediates the oxidation of L‐cysteine in a 0.1 M PB (pH 7.2), with an over‐potential decrease by ca. 0.12 V (versus bare Au electrode). Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, cyclic voltammetry and surface‐enhanced Raman spectra were used to study relevant processes and/or film properties. The amperometric L‐cysteine sensor has good anti‐interferent ability and reproducibility. It also has acceptable recovery for detection of L‐cysteine in urine samples.
Assessment of Heat Exchangers for the Integration of Concentrated Solar Energy into the Catalytic Hydrothermal Gasification of Biomass
Authors: Viereck Sebastian , Keller Jonas , Haselbacher Andreas , Jovanovic Zoran R. , Steinfeld Aldo
Published: July 2017

Using concentrated solar energy to power a hydrothermal gasification (HTG) of biomass requires thermal energy storage (TES) to compensate for the inherent intermittence of solar irradiation. The energy transfer from the TES to the HTG process is accomplished through a heat‐transfer fluid (HTF) passing through a heat exchanger (HX) incorporated into the salt‐separation step of the HTG process. The HX performance determines the temperature profile inside the salt separator, thereby influencing the removal of the salts from the feedstock. In this work, we compare the performances of three HX types based on exploiting fluidized beds, porous media, and axially finned tubes. The effect of the HX configuration on the temperature profile inside the salt separator is assessed through CFD simulations considering pure water as the model feed to the separator. We find that all considered HX types could provide the desired temperature profile within the separator. However, the estimate for the power required to pump the HTF through the fluidized‐bed HX is roughly two orders of magnitude higher than those for the axially finned tubular and porous‐media HXs.
Social Rank and Rejection Sensitivity as Mediators of the Relationship between Insecure Attachment and Disordered Eating
Authors: De Paoli Tara , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Halliwell Emma , Puccio Francis , Krug Isabel
Published: July 2017

Aim

The current study assessed a new interpersonal model for eating disorders (EDs), in which interpersonal rejection sensitivity (RS), appearance‐based RS and social rank were hypothesised to mediate the relationship between insecure attachment and disordered eating.

Method

The sample comprised a clinical ED group (N = 122) and a control group (N = 622). Participants were asked to complete a number of self‐report measures related to the variables of interest.

Results

Invariance testing indicated that the model was structurally non‐invariant (different across groups). For the ED group, appearance‐based RS and social rank were significant mediators of the relationship between insecure attachment and disordered eating. For the controls, the relationship between insecure attachment and disordered eating was mediated through multiple pathways involving interpersonal RS, appearance‐based RS and social rank.

Conclusion

These findings may inform existing therapies such as interpersonal psychotherapy for EDs, by emphasising the role of sensitivity to rejection in the development and maintenance of disordered eating. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Nonparametric Linkage Regression I: Combined Caucasian CSGA and German Genome Scans for Asthma
Authors: Langefeld Carl D. , Davis Cralen C. , Brown W. Mark
Published: July 2017

In this paper we applied the nonparametric linkage (NPL) regression approach to the combined Caucasian genome scan data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Asthma (CSGA) and German family studies to search for regions of the genome that exhibit evidence for linkage to putative asthma‐predisposing genes. The multipoint single‐locus model identified three regions of the genome with LOD scores of approximately two or greater. These regions were on 6p near D6S291 (LOD = 2.78), 2p near D2S2298 (LOD = 2.11), and 1p near D1S1597 (LOD = 1.92). Modeling multiple loci together and testing for interactions among loci yielded stronger evidence for linkage in these regions. We observed a potential epistatic interaction between 2p and 14p (p = 0.0003) and conditional LOD scores of 2.75 on 1p, 3.89 on 6p, 1.64 on 7p, and 1.64 on 15q. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping of Serum IgE in an Isolated Hutterite Population
Authors: Alarcón Maricela , Cantor Rita M.
Published: July 2017

Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a quantitative trait associated with asthma. A variance components approach to the analysis of data from a subset of a founder population of Hutterites indicated that over half the variability in IgE levels may be due to genes. Two variance components methods suggest that the genetic model underlying IgE does not consist of a single major gene, but of multiple loci with more modest effects. Both approaches identified putative quantitative trait loci on chromosomes 1 and 21. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effect of Pedigree Complexity on Quantitative Trait Linkage Analysis
Authors: Dyer Thomas D. , Blangero John , Williams Jeff T. , Göring Harald H.H. , Mahaney Michael C.
Published: July 2017

Due to the computational difficulties of performing linkage analysis on large complex pedigrees, most investigators resort to simplifying such pedigrees by some ad hoc strategy. In this paper, we suggest an analytical method to compare the power of various pedigree simplification schemes by using the asymptotic distribution of the likelihood‐ratio statistic. We applied the method to the large Hutterite pedigree. Our results indicate that the breaking and reduction of inbreeding loops can greatly diminish the power to localize quantitative trait loci. We also present an efficient Monte Carlo method for estimating identity‐by‐descent allele sharing in large complex pedigrees. This method is used to facilitate a linkage analysis of serum IgE levels in the Hutterites without simplifying the pedigree. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.