bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal Asphyxia: A Review from a Metabolomics Perspective
Authors: Fattuoni Claudia , Palmas Francesco , Noto Antonio , Fanos Vassilios , Barberini Luigi
Published: April 2015

Perinatal asphyxia is defined as an oxygen deprivation that occurs around the time of birth, and may be caused by several perinatal events. This medical condition affects some four million neonates worldwide per year, causing the death of one million subjects. In most cases, infants successfully recover from hypoxia episodes; however, some patients may develop HIE, leading to permanent neurological conditions or impairment of different organs and systems. Given its multifactor dependency, the timing, severity and outcome of this disease, mainly assessed through Sarnat staging, are of difficult evaluation. Moreover, although the latest newborn resuscitation guideline suggests the use of a 21% oxygen concentration or room air, such an approach is still under debate. Therefore, the pathological mechanism is still not clear and a golden standard treatment has yet to be defined. In this context, metabolomics, a new discipline that has described important perinatal issues over the last years, proved to be a useful tool for the monitoring, the assessment, and the identification of potential biomarkers associated with asphyxia events. This review covers metabolomics research on perinatal asphyxia condition, examining in detail the studies reported both on animal and human models.
Phytochemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Xanthium strumarium L.
Authors: Sharifi-Rad Javad , Hoseini-Alfatemi Seyedeh , Sharifi-Rad Majid , Sharifi-Rad Mehdi , Iriti Marcello , Sharifi-Rad Marzieh , Sharifi-Rad Razieh , Raeisi Sara
Published: April 2015

The chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from fresh cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) leaves was investigated by GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the EO was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Scolicidal activity was assayed against Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices. In total, 34 compounds were identified, accounting for 98.96% of the EO. The main compounds in the EO were cis-β-guaiene (34.2%), limonene (20.3%), borneol (11.6%), bornyl acetate (4.5%), β-cubebene (3.8%), sabinene (3.6%), phytol (3.1%), β-selinene (2.8%), camphene (2.2%), α-cubebene (2.4%), β-caryophyllene (1.9%), α-pinene (1.8%) and xanthinin (1.04%). The antibacterial and antifungal screening of the EO showed that all assayed concentrations significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger (MIC = 0.5 ± 0.1, 1.3 ± 0.0, 4.8 ± 0.0, 20.5 ± 0.3, 55.2 ± 0.0 and 34.3 ± 0.0 µg/mL, respectively). The scolicidal assay indicated that the EO exhibited a significant activity against E. granulosus protoscolices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the scolicidal activity of X. strumarium. Because of the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance, the study of new effective natural chemotherapeutic agents, such as the X. strumarium EO, possibly with low side effects, represents a very promising approach in biomedical research.
Spirituality and Creativity in Coping, Their Association and Transformative Effect: A Qualitative Enquiry
Authors: Corry Dagmar , Tracey Anne , Lewis Christopher
Published: April 2015

While the beneficial effects on mental health of spirituality and creativity as separate entities have been well documented, little attention has been given to the interactive effect of the two constructs in coping. Recently, the theory of transformative coping and associated Transformative Coping Model have been developed and examined from both theoretical and quantitative perspectives. To extend this work, the present study critically examined the theory of transformative coping and associated Transformative Coping Model from a qualitative perspective. Ten interviews were conducted among Northern Irish and Irish artists, contemplative prayer group members, and mental health service users. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The results showed that the majority of participants had experienced stress and trauma, and have suffered mental ill-health as a consequence. Most defined themselves as both creative and spiritual, and resorted to a spiritual attitude along with creative expression in order to cope with traumatic events and ongoing stressful situations. Most participants believed that their creativity was rooted in their spirituality and that the application of both helped them to transform negative emotional states into positive ones. This, in turn, gave them increased resilience to and a different perspective of stressful events, which aided and improved their coping skills throughout the lifespan.
Optimal Combination of Classification Algorithms and Feature Ranking Methods for Object-Based Classification of Submeter Resolution Z/I-Imaging DMC Imagery
Authors: Cánovas-García Fulgencio , Alonso-Sarría Francisco
Published: April 2015

Object-based image analysis allows several different features to be calculated for the resulting objects. However, a large number of features means longer computing times and might even result in a loss of classification accuracy. In this study, we use four feature ranking methods (maximum correlation, average correlation, Jeffries–Matusita distance and mean decrease in the Gini index) and five classification algorithms (linear discriminant analysis, naive Bayes, weighted k-nearest neighbors, support vector machines and random forest). The objective is to discover the optimal algorithm and feature subset to maximize accuracy when classifying a set of 1,076,937 objects, produced by the prior segmentation of a 0.45-m resolution multispectral image, with 356 features calculated on each object. The study area is both large (9070 ha) and diverse, which increases the possibility to generalize the results. The mean decrease in the Gini index was found to be the feature ranking method that provided highest accuracy for all of the classification algorithms. In addition, support vector machines and random forest obtained the highest accuracy in the classification, both using their default parameters. This is a useful result that could be taken into account in the processing of high-resolution images in large and diverse areas to obtain a land cover classification.
Vertical Height Errors in Digital Terrain Models Derived from Airborne Laser Scanner Data in a Boreal-Alpine Ecotone in Norway
Authors: Næsset Erik
Published: April 2015

It has been suggested that airborne laser scanning (ALS) could be used for operational monitoring of vegetation changes in the alpine tree line caused by climate change. Because the vegetation is low in such tree-less areas close to the alpine zone, the accuracy of the digital terrain model (DTM) becomes crucial for early detection of, e.g., pioneer trees representing an ongoing tree migration given that the height of the vegetation may be on the same order of magnitude as the DTM uncertainty. The goal of this study was to assess and exemplify the vertical height errors of DTMs derived from ALS data under varying flying altitudes and pulse repetition frequencies (PRF). Important effects in the analysis were local terrain form, terrain surface, ground vegetation height, and terrain slope, because they may be correlated with recruitment patterns of pioneer trees. Based on 426 ground control points collected in a boreal-alpine ecotone, a standard deviation of 0.07–0.08 m was found for the lowest flying altitudes and lowest PRFs. For the highest PRF the standard deviation was 0.13 m. There were statistically significant mean errors for the different terrain forms and ground vegetation heights (−0.11 to 0.13 m).
A Quantitative Inspection on Spatio-Temporal Variation of Remote Sensing-Based Estimates of Land Surface Evapotranspiration in South Asia
Authors: Li Ainong , Zhao Wei , Deng Wei
Published: April 2015

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a key role in water resource management. It is important to understand the ET spatio-temporal pattern of South Asia for understanding and anticipating serious water resource shortages. In this study, daily ET in 2008 was estimated over South Asia by using MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products combined with field observations and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) product through Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) model. Monthly ET data were calculated based on daily ET and evaluated by the GLDAS ET data. Good agreements were found between two datasets for winter months (October to February) with R2 from 0.5 to 0.7. Spatio-temporal analysis of ET was conducted. Ten specific sites with different land cover types at typical climate regions were selected to analyze the ET temporal change pattern, and the result indicated that the semi-arid or arid areas in the northwest had the lowest average daily ET (around 0.3 mm) with a big fluctuation in the monsoon season, while the sites in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and in southern India has bigger daily ET (more than 3 mm) due to a large water supplement. It is suggested that the monsoon climate has a large impact on ET spatio-temporal variation in the whole region.
Highly Sensitive and Selective Colorimetric and Off-On Fluorescent Reversible Chemosensors for Al3+ Based on the Rhodamine Fluorophore
Authors: Mergu Naveen , Singh Ashok , Gupta Vinod
Published: April 2015

A series of rhodamine derivatives L1–L3 have been prepared and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and ESI-MS. These compounds exhibited selective and sensitive “turn-on” fluorescent and colorimetric responses to Al3+ in methanol. Upon the addition of Al(III), the spiro ring was opened and a metal-probe complex was formed in a 1:1 stoichiometry, as was further confirmed by ESI-MS spectroscopy. The chemo-dosimeters L1–L3 exhibited good binding constants and low detection limits towards Al(III). We also successfully demonstrate the reversibility of the metal to ligand complexation (opened ring to spirolactam ring).
Research on the Multi-Period Small-Signal Stability Probability of a Power System with Wind Farms Based on the Markov Chain
Authors: Ge Rundong , Liu Wenying , Li Huiyong , Zhuo Jianzong , Wang Weizhou
Published: April 2015

In the traditional studies on small-signal stability probability of a power system with wind farms, the frequency of wind speed was often assumed to obey to some extent a particular probability distribution. The stability probability that is thus obtained, however, actually only reflects the power system stability characteristics on long time scales. In fact, there is a direct correlation between the change of wind speed and the current state of wind speed, resulting in the system stability characteristics in different time periods having a great difference compared with that of long time scales. However, the dispatchers are more concerned about the probability that the power system remains stable in the next period or after several periods, namely the stability characteristics of the power system in a short period or multi-period. Therefore, research on multi-period small-signal stability probability of a power system with wind farms has important theoretical value and practical significance. Based on the Markov chain, this paper conducted in-depth research on this subject. Firstly, the basic principle of the Markov chain was introduced, based on which we studied the uncertainty of wind power by adopting the transition matrix and the wind speed−power output transformation model and established the probability distribution model of multi-period wind power. Then the boundary-based small-signal stability probability evaluation method was used to establish an evaluation model of multi-period small-signal stability probability of power system with wind farms. Finally, taking the power system with two wind farms as an example, we analyzed its small-signal stability probability and studied the influence of the initial states of wind speed and different periods on the probability of stability. This study provides a new method and support for analyzing the small-signal stability probability of a power system with wind farms.
Delivering a Multi-Functional and Resilient Urban Forest
Authors: Hale James , Pugh Thomas , Sadler Jon , Boyko Christopher , Brown Julie , Caputo Silvio , Caserio Maria , Coles Richard , Farmani Raziyeh , Hales Chantal , Horsey Russell , Hunt Dexter , Leach Joanne , Rogers Christopher , MacKenzie A.
Published: April 2015

Tree planting is widely advocated and applied in urban areas, with large-scale projects underway in cities globally. Numerous potential benefits are used to justify these planting campaigns. However, reports of poor tree survival raise questions about the ability of such projects to deliver on their promises over the long-term. Each potential benefit requires different supporting conditions—relating not only to the type and placement of the tree, but also to the broader urban system within which it is embedded. This set of supporting conditions may not always be mutually compatible and may not persist for the lifetime of the tree. Here, we demonstrate a systems-based approach that makes these dependencies, synergies, and tensions more explicit, allowing them to be used to test the decadal-scale resilience of urban street trees. Our analysis highlights social, environmental, and economic assumptions that are implicit within planting projects; notably that high levels of maintenance and public support for urban street trees will persist throughout their natural lifespan, and that the surrounding built form will remain largely unchanged. Whilst the vulnerability of each benefit may be highly context specific, we identify approaches that address some typical weaknesses, making a functional, resilient, urban forest more attainable.
Les carrières de roches marbrières de la péninsule du Magne. Géographie et Histoire
Authors: Le Tallec Yohann
Published: April 2015

Presque exclusivement étudiées au temps de la domination romaine, les carrières de roches marbrières du cap Ténare et de la péninsule du Magne jouèrent un rôle essentiel dès le haut archaïsme. S’incrivant dans une relecture de la vie de relations en Méditerranée dans l’Antiquité et privilégiant une logique d’emboîtement des différentes échelles géographiques, cet article essaie de poser les différentes séquences chronologiques d’exploitation de ces carrières du VI e siècle au second siècle av. J-C.
Les relations d’Argos avec ses voisines. Repentirs et mises au point
Authors: Piérart Marcel
Published: April 2015

Les nouveaux documents financiers d’Argos en cours de publication nous obligent à récrire une partie de l’histoire de la cité au IV e s. avant J.-C. Dans cet article, on corrige ou complète quelques hypothèses dépassées sur les relations d’Argos avec ses voisines : Cléonai, Sparte, avec la Thyréatide, et Épidaure. Les faits suivants sont établis désormais 1˚ Argos s’arrogea dès qu’elle le put la présidence des Concours Néméens, même si elle en a laissé l’organisation aux gens de Cléonai, au moins aussi longtemps que le sanctuaire les a accueillis. 2˚ Argos s’empara de la Thyréatide dès 370/69, comme le prouve Diodore de Sicile, XV, 63,4-65, même si elle n’a probablement pas pu la garder. 3˚ Argos put établir pendant quelque temps à Épidaure dans le courant du IV e siècle une forme de clérouquie.
192-182 avant J.-C. : regards et réflexions sur dix ans d’histoire spartiate
Authors: Texier Jean-Georges
Published: April 2015

On situe généralement l’adhésion de Sparte à la confédération achéenne en 192 avant J.-C. Un réexamen des sources peut conduire à une autre hypothèse : celle d’une simple alliance de 192 à 189, dont la rupture conduisit à l’intégration forcée de Sparte dans la confédération en 188. La plupart des Spartiates n’admettant pas la rudesse avec laquelle Philopœmen les soumettait au système achéen, les appels à Rome se multiplièrent. La situation de la cité fut alors au cœur des relations entre Romains et Achéens jusqu’en 182, date à laquelle un compromis aboutit à l’adhésion de Sparte à la confédération avec un régime dérogatoire.
Poids et étalons au Levant à l’époque hellénistique
Authors: Finkielsztejn Gérald
Published: April 2015

Les aspects esthétique, épigraphique et, surtout, métrologique des poids du Levant hellénistique – Syrie, Phénicie et Levant sud – sont présentés globalement. Les séries sont attribuées à des régions administratives ou à des cités aux noms ou symboles parfois présents. Les dates sont séleucides plutôt que locales et l’onomastique des magistrats locaux est grecque. Les étalons, mines et shekels, suivent les traditions de l’Égypte ou de la Mésopotamie anciennes, avec la drachme attique récemment identifiée. Les références des poids à un ou plusieurs étalons sont résumées dans des tableaux.
Théologie et écologie
Authors: McCarthy John
Published: April 2015

La tradition offre à la question écologique un fondement théologique des plus riches. Celui-ci s’enracine dans la doctrine trinitaire, mystère central de la foi chrétienne. La création et l’autocommunication du Dieu un et trine constituent deux moments d’une unique expression de l’Amour divin. L’immanence réciproque des personnes divines fonde le caractère interrelationnel de la création entière. De ce constat découle une appréciation de la création en termes de promesse tournée vers son accomplissement final. La tradition chrétienne de l’amour des pauvres est compatible avec l’émergence d’un amour renouvelé pour la nature.
Primer registro fehaciente de Nopachtus coagmentatus (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Glyptodontidae) en la región Pampeana, Argentina. Contexto estratigráfico
Authors: Zamorano M. , De los Reyes M. , Poiré D. G. , Scillato-Yané G. J.
Published: April 2015

La especie Nopachtus coagmentatus fue reconocida por Ameghino en 1888, basándose en porciones del tubo caudal y la coraza dorsal; estos restos proceden de los Valles de las Sierras de Córdoba, en las cercanías de Villa Cura Brochero; y, estratigráficamente, de la Formación Brochero (Montehermosense - Chapadmalalense [Plioceno temprano - Plioceno tardío]). Ameghino también la menciona para la Formación Monte Hermoso (Montehermosense), pero la determinación es altamente dudosa. La explotación de rocas precámbricas en el núcleo central de las Sierras Bayas de Olavarría (provincia Buenos Aires) posibilitó el reconocimiento de la Formación El Polvorín (Plioceno) y, suprayacentes a esta, otras dos: Formación Esperanza y Formación El Búho (Pleistoceno tardío). El material que se da a conocer en esta comunicación fue exhumado en la Cantera Alcancía (36°58′40′′.06 S; 60°12′23′′.92 O), en niveles correspondientes al Chapadmalalense Superior de la Formación El Polvorín. El material mencionado consiste en osteodermos de la región dorso-lateral de la porción posterior de la coraza dorsal de N. coagmentatus. Se da a conocer el primer registro fehaciente de N. coagmentatus para la región Pampeana, se describe el material hallado, se detalla su procedencia y se presenta el perfil estratigráfico detallado correspondiente.
Optimization of α-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate addition for the stabilization of sardine oil
Authors: Morales-Medina R. , García-Moreno P. J. , Muñío M. M. , Guadix A. , Guadix E. M.
Published: April 2015

The purpose of the present work was to optimize the addition of natural antioxidants (α- tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate) for the stabilization of sardine oil rich in omega-3 PUFA. The optimal values for peroxide value (PV), which minimizes primary oxidation products, were obtained at low concentrations of α-tocopherol (50–207 ppm), high content of ascorbyl palmitate (450 ppm) and 50 ppm citric acid. On the other hand, optimal values for p-anisidine value (AV), which minimizes secondary oxidation products, were found at medium concentrations of α-tocopherol (478–493 ppm), high contents of ascorbyl palmitate (390–450 ppm) and 50 ppm citric acid. The conflicting effect of α-tocopherol on the individual optimization of PV and AV motivated the generation of a Pareto front (set of non inferior solutions) employing the weighted-sum multi-objective optimization technique.
Enzymatic interesterification on the physicochemical properties of Moringa oleifera seed oil blended with palm olein and virgin coconut oil
Authors: Dollah S. , Abdulkarim S. M. , Ahmad S. H. , Khoramnia A. , Ghazali H. M.
Published: April 2015

The enzymatic interesterification (IE) of palm olein (PO) and virgin coconut oil (VCO) with the high oleic acid (86%) Moringa oleifera seed oil (MoO) could yield a good source of oleic acid fat stock that may contain desirable nutritional and physical properties. Lipozyme RMIM resulted in different functionalities for the MoO/PO and MoO/VCO blends due to inherent changes in triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions which, in turn, led to different trends in DSC thermograms and solid fat contents (SFC). The enzymatic IE of MoO/VCO increased U2S and S2U (up to 20% medium and long chain, MLCT) while it decreased U3 (triunsaturated) and S3 (trisaturated) TAGs. The IE of the MoO/PO blends increased U2S and S3 (MMP, myristic, myristic, palmitic) and decreased S2U, resulting in a lowering of melting points and SFC for MoO/VCO, while showing an increase in them for MoO/PO. A 2.55% increase in S3 after 24 h MoO/PO 30:70 IE revealed a 6.5% harder oil at 10 °C which may imply a wider application compared to the original liquid oils. Novel MLCTs with improved nutritional and physical properties were generated in the MoO/VCO blends after IE due to the incorporation of oleic acid and medium chain fatty acids. MoO/PO 50:50 and 70:30 w/w after 12 h IE and MoO/VCO 30:70 are suitable for incorporation into the fat phase in ice-cream formulations while, the spreadability and plasticity of MoO/VCO 70:30 improved at low temperatures. Both interesterified blends could be used as high oleic acid frying oils.
Optimization of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction of sardine (Sardinella lemuru Bleeker) oil using response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Gedi M. A. , Bakar J. , Mariod A. A.
Published: April 2015

Oil was extracted from freeze-dried sardine (Sardinella lemur) fillets using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and a few milliliters of ethanol were optimized with response surface methodology (RSM). The impact of extraction pressure (200–400 bars) and temperature (40–70 °C) were studied on the total extraction yields, ratios of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The results were compared with those of Soxhlet and modified Kinsella methods (MKM). The oils obtained using the SC-CO2 and MKM methods were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in oil yield (8.04% and 6.83%), EPA (5.43% and 5.45%) and DHA (18.76% and 18.54%), respectively, compared to the Soxhlet yield (5.10%), EPA (2.17%) and DHA (06.46%). Of the two independent variables, pressure had a critical effect on yield while EPA and DHA ratios were notably influenced by temperature. The combined optimal values were pressure at 328 bars and temperature at 40 °C, with corresponding responses of 7.20%, 5.68% and 20.09% for yield, EPA and DHA, respectively. The experimental values in this study were reasonably comparable to their predicted counterparts.
Essential oils from Egyptian aromatic plants as antioxidant and novel anticancer agents in human cancer cell lines
Authors: Ramadan M. M. , Ali M. M. , Ghanem K. Z. , El-Ghorabe A. H.
Published: April 2015

Inhibitors of tumor growth using extracts from aromatic plants are rapidly emerging as important new drug candidates for cancer therapy. The cytotoxicity and in vitro anticancer evaluation of the essential oils from thyme, juniper and clove has been assessed against five different human cancer cell lines (liver HepG2, breast MCF-7, prostate PC3, colon HCT116 and lung A549). A GC/MS analysis revealed that α-pinene, thymol and eugenol are the major components of Egyptian juniper, thyme and clove oils with concentrations of 31.19%, 79.15% and 82.71%, respectively. Strong antioxidant profiles of all the oils are revealed in vitro by DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assays. The results showed that clove oil was similarly potent to the reference drug, doxorubicin in prostate, colon and lung cell lines. Thyme oil was more effective than the doxorubicin in breast and lung cell lines while juniper oil was more effective than the doxorubicin in all the tested cancer cell lines except prostate cancer. In conclusion, the essential oils from Egyptian aromatic plants can be used as good candidates for novel therapeutic strategies for cancer as they possess significant anticancer activity.
Comparative chemistry and biological properties of the solid residues from hydrodistillation of Spanish populations of Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Authors: Sánchez-Vioque R. , Izquierdo-Melero M. E. , Polissiou M. , Astraka K. , Tarantilis Petros A. , Herraiz-Peñalver D. , Martín-Bejerano M. , Santana-Méridas O.
Published: April 2015

Solid residues from the hydrodistillation of selected Spanish populations of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) have been analyzed for their polyphenol composition, and antioxidant and bioplaguicide activities. The objective was to evaluate and select the most suitable plant materials as sources of natural antioxidants and crop protectants. Total polyphenol content and polyphenol composition of rosemary populations were very dependent on the growth location: populations from Aranjuez showed a higher content of total polyphenols and were richer in rosmarinic acid as compared with their equivalent populations from Cuenca, whereas these latter were characterized by an overall higher content in genkwanin and carnosol. Most of the antioxidant activities were highly correlated with the total content of polyphenols although some polyphenols like carnosic acid and carnosol seemed to favor such activities. The extracts from R. officinalis were strong antifeedants against Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say and moderate against Spodoptera littoralis Boisd and Myzus persicae Sulzer, according to their feeding ecologies. The biological effects of the active samples cannot be accounted by their chemical composition, suggesting additive or synergistic effects. Both the phytotoxic and stimulating effects on Lactuca sativa L., and Lolium perenne L. leaf and/or root growth were observed.
Comparison of analytical techniques for the determination of the positional distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerols. Relationship with pig fat melting point and hardness
Authors: Segura J. , Ruiz-López N. , Menoyo D. , Cambero M. I. , López-Bote C. J.
Published: April 2015

This study was conducted to compare two of the most widely used methods for the determination of the positional distribution of fatty acids within the triacylglycerol molecules from fats of animal origin. Method A involves incubation of the triacylglycerol fraction with an aqueous suspension of the lipase enzyme, separation of the reaction products by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and analysis of fatty acid methyl esters by gas-liquid chromatography. Method B eliminates the need for TLC. This technique makes use of the fact that methanolic-NaOH methylates only fatty acids esterified to glycerol. Our results demonstrated that method A data were in line with previous literature. Additionally, method A showed good correlations between fatty acid positional distribution and fat melting point and hardness. However, method B showed an underestimation of palmitic acid and lacked correlation with selected physical properties.
Nomenclature of Toso, Fas Apoptosis Inhibitory Molecule 3, and IgM FcR
Authors: Kubagawa Hiromi , Carroll Michael C. , Jacob Chaim O. , Lang Karl S. , Lee Kyeong-Hee , Mak Tak , McAndrews Monica , Morse Herbert C. , Nolan Garry P. , Ohno Hiroshi , Richter Günther H. , Seal Ruth , Wang Ji-Yang , Wiestner Adrian , Coligan John E.
Published: April 2015

Hiromi Kubagawa and John E. Coligan coordinated an online meeting to define an appropriate nomenclature for the cell surface glycoprotein presently designated by different names: Toso, Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule 3 (FAIM3), and IgM FcR (FcμR). FAIM3 and Faim3 are the currently approved symbols for the human and mouse genes, respectively, in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Ensembl, and other databases. However, recent functional results reported by several groups of investigators strongly support a recommendation for renaming FAIM3/Faim3 as FCMR/Fcmr, a name better reflecting its physiological function as the FcR for IgM. Participants included 12 investigators involved in studying Toso/FAIM3(Faim3)/FμR, representatives from the Human Genome Nomenclature Committee (Ruth Seal) and the Mouse Genome Nomenclature Committee (Monica McAndrews), and an observer from the IgM research field (Michael Carroll). In this article, we provide a brief background of the key research on the Toso/FAIM3(Faim3)/FcμR proteins, focusing on the ligand specificity and functional activity, followed by a brief summary of discussion about adopting a single name for this molecule and its gene and a resulting recommendation for genome nomenclature committees.
What season suits you best? Seasonal light changes and cyanobacterial competition
Authors: Cascallares G. , Gleiser Pablo
Published: April 2015

Nearly all living organisms, including some bacterial species, exhibit biological processes with a period of about 24 h called circadian (from the Latin circa, about and dies, day) rhythms. These rhythms allow living organisms to anticipate the daily alternation of light and darkness. Experiments carried out in cyanobacteria have shown the adaptive value of circadian clocks. In theseexperiments, a wild type cyanobacterial strain (with a 24 h circadian rhythm) and a mutantstrain (with a longer or shorter period) grow in competition. In different experiments, the external light dark cycle was chosen to match the circadian period of the different strains, revealing that the strain whose circadian period matches the light-dark cycle has a larger fitness. As a consequence, the initial population of one strain grows while the other decays. These experiments were made under fixed light and dark intervals. In Nature, however, this relationship changes according to the season. Therefore, seasonalchanges in light could affect the results of the competition. Using a theoretical model, we analyze how modulation of light can change the survival of the different cyanobacterial strains. Our results show that there is a clear shift in the competition due to the modulation of light, which could be verified experimentally.Received: 20 Novembre 2014,  Accepted: 29 March 2015; Edited by: C. A. Condat, G. J. Sibona; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.070005Cite as: G Cascallares, P M Gleiser, Papers in Physics 7, 070005 (2015)This paper, by G. Cascallares, P. M. Gleiser, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0.
Atmospheric black carbon and sulfate concentrations in Northeast Greenland
Authors: Massling A. , Nielsen I. E. , Kristensen D. , Christensen J. H. , Sørensen L. L. , Jensen B. , Nguyen Q. T. , Nøjgaard J. K. , Glasius M. , Skov H.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Measurements of Black Carbon (BC) in aerosols at the high Arctic field site Villum Research Station (VRS) at Station Nord in North Greenland showed a seasonal variation in BC concentrations with a maximum in winter and spring at ground level. The data was obtained using a Multi Angle Absorption Photometer (MAAP). A similar seasonal pattern was found for sulfate concentrations with a maximum level during winter and spring analyzed by ion chromatography. A correlation between BC and sulfate concentrations was observed over the years 2011 to 2013. This finding gives the hint that most likely transport of primary emitted BC particles to the Arctic was accompanied by aging of the aerosols through condensational processes. This process may have led to the formation of secondary inorganic matter and further transport of BC particles as cloud processing and further washout of particles is less likely based on the typically observed transport patterns of air masses arriving at VRS. Additionally, concentrations of EC (elemental carbon) based on a thermo-optical method were determined and compared to BC measurements. Model estimates of the climate forcing due to BC in the Arctic are based on contributions of long-range transported BC during spring and summer. The measured concentrations were here compared with model results obtained by the Danish Hemispheric Model, DEHM. Good agreement between measured and modeled concentrations of both BC and sulfate was observed. The dominant source is found to be combustion of fossil fuel with biomass burning as a minor though significant source. During winter and spring the Arctic atmosphere is known to be impacted by long-range transport of BC and associated with the Arctic haze phenomenon.
Carbon isotope (δ13C) excursions suggest times of major methane release during the last 14 kyr in Fram Strait, the deep-water gateway to the Arctic
Authors: Consolaro C. , Rasmussen T. L. , Panieri G. , Mienert J. , Bünz S. , Sztybor K.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We present results from a sediment core collected from a pockmark field on the Vestnesa Ridge (~ 80° N) in the eastern Fram Strait. This is the only deep-water gateway to the Arctic, and one of the northernmost marine gas hydrate provinces in the world. Eight 14C AMS dates reveal a detailed chronology for the last 14 ka BP. The δ 13C record measured on the benthonic foraminiferal species Cassidulina neoteretis shows two distinct intervals with negative values termed carbon isotope excursion (CIE I and CIE II, respectively). The values were as low as −4.37‰ in CIE I, correlating with the Bølling–Allerød interstadials, and as low as −3.41‰ in CIE II, correlating with the early Holocene. In the Bølling–Allerød interstadials, the planktonic foraminifera also show negative values, probably indicating secondary methane-derived authigenic precipitation affecting the foraminiferal shells. After a cleaning procedure designed to remove authigenic carbonate coatings on benthonic foraminiferal tests from this event, the 13C values are still negative (as low as −2.75‰). The CIE I and CIE II occurred during periods of ocean warming, sea-level rise and increased concentrations of methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. CIEs with similar timing have been reported from other areas in the North Atlantic, suggesting a regional event. The trigger mechanisms for such regional events remain to be determined. We speculate that sea-level rise and seabed loading due to high sediment supply in combination with increased seismic activity as a result of rapid deglaciation may have triggered the escape of significant amounts of methane to the seafloor and the water column above.
Millennial-scale precipitation variability over Easter Island (South Pacific) during MIS 3: inter-hemispheric teleconnections with North Atlantic abrupt cold events
Authors: Margalef O. , Cacho I. , Pla-Rabes S. , Cañellas-Boltà N. , Pueyo J. J. , Sáez A. , Pena L. D. , Valero-Garcés B. L. , Rull V. , Giralt S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3, 59.4–27.8 kyr BP) is characterized by the occurrence of rapid millennial-scale climate oscillations known as Dansgaard–Oeschger cycles (DO) and by abrupt cooling events in the North Atlantic known as Heinrich events. Although both the timing and dynamics of these events have been broadly explored in North Atlantic records, the response of the tropical and subtropical latitudes to these rapid climatic excursions, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, still remains unclear. The Rano Aroi peat record (Easter Island, 27° S) provides a unique opportunity to understand atmospheric and oceanic changes in the South Pacific during these DO cycles because of its singular location, which is influenced by the South Pacific Anticyclone (SPA), the Southern Westerlies (SW), and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) linked to the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ). The Rano Aroi sequence records 6 major events of enhanced precipitation between 38 and 65 kyr BP. These events are compared with other hydrological records from the tropical and subtropical band supporting a coherent regional picture, with the dominance of humid conditions in Southern Hemisphere tropical band during Heinrich Stadials (HS) 5, 5a and 6 and other Stadials while dry conditions prevailed in the Northern tropics. This antiphased hydrological pattern between hemispheres has been attributed to ITCZ migration, which in turn might be associated with an eastward expansion of the SPCZ storm track, leading to an increased intensity of cyclogenic storms reaching Easter Island. Low Pacific Sea Surface Temperature (SST) gradients across the Equator were coincident with the here-defined Rano Aroi humid events and consistent with a reorganization of Southern Pacific atmospheric and oceanic circulation also at higher latitudes during Heinrich and Dansgaard–Oeschger stadials.
Stochastic bias correction of dynamically downscaled precipitation fields for Germany through Copula-based integration of gridded observation data
Authors: Mao G. , Vogl S. , Laux P. , Wagner S. , Kunstmann H.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Dynamically downscaled precipitation fields from regional climate models (RCMs) often cannot be used directly for regional climate studies. Due to their inherent biases, i.e., systematic over- or underestimations compared to observations, several correction approaches have been developed. Most of the bias correction procedures such as the quantile mapping approach employ a transfer function that is based on the statistical differences between RCM output and observations. Apart from such transfer function-based statistical correction algorithms, a stochastic bias correction technique, based on the concept of Copula theory, is developed here and applied to correct precipitation fields from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. For dynamically downscaled precipitation fields we used high-resolution (7 km, daily) WRF simulations for Germany driven by ERA40 reanalysis data for 1971–2000. The REGNIE (REGionalisierung der NIEderschlagshöhen) data set from the German Weather Service (DWD) is used as gridded observation data (1 km, daily) and aggregated to 7 km for this application. The 30-year time series are split into a calibration (1971–1985) and validation (1986–2000) period of equal length. Based on the estimated dependence structure (described by the Copula function) between WRF and REGNIE data and the identified respective marginal distributions in the calibration period, separately analyzed for the different seasons, conditional distribution functions are derived for each time step in the validation period. This finally allows to get additional information about the range of the statistically possible bias-corrected values. The results show that the Copula-based approach efficiently corrects most of the errors in WRF derived precipitation for all seasons. It is also found that the Copula-based correction performs better for wet bias correction than for dry bias correction. In autumn and winter, the correction introduced a small dry bias in the northwest of Germany. The average relative bias of daily mean precipitation from WRF for the validation period is reduced from 10% (wet bias) to −1% (slight dry bias) after the application of the Copula-based correction. The bias in different seasons is corrected from 32% March–April–May (MAM), −15% June–July–August (JJA), 4% September–October–November (SON) and 28% December–January–February (DJF) to 16% (MAM), −11% (JJA), −1% (SON) and −3% (DJF), respectively. Finally, the Copula-based approach is compared to the quantile mapping correction method. The root mean square error (RMSE) and the percentage of the corrected time steps that are closer to the observations are analyzed. The Copula-based correction derived from the mean of the sampled distribution reduces the RMSE significantly, while, e.g., the quantile mapping method results in an increased RMSE for some regions.
Diagnostic calibration of a hydrological model in a mountain area by hydrograph partitioning
Authors: He Z. H. , Tian F. Q. , Gupta H. V. , Hu H. C. , Hu H. P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Hydrological modeling can exploit informative signatures extracted from long time sequences of observed streamflow for parameter calibration and model diagnosis. In this study we explore the diagnostic potential of hydrograph partitioning for model calibration in mountain areas, where meltwater from snow and glaciers is an important source for river runoff (in addition to rainwater). We propose an index-based method to partition the hydrograph according to dominant runoff water sources, and a diagnostic approach to calibrate a mountain hydrological model. First, by accounting for the seasonal variability of precipitation and the altitudinal variability of temperature and snow/glacier coverage, we develop a set of indices to indicate the daily status of runoff generation from each type of water source (i.e., glacier meltwater, snow meltwater, rainwater, and groundwater). Second, these indices are used to partition a hydrograph into four parts associated with four different combinations of dominant water sources (i.e., groundwater, groundwater + snow meltwater, groundwater + snow meltwater + glacier meltwater, and groundwater + snow meltwater + glacier meltwater + rainwater). Third, the hydrological model parameters are grouped by the associated runoff sources, and each group is calibrated to match the corresponding hydrograph partition in a stepwise and iterative manner. Similar to use of the regime curve to diagnose seasonality of streamflow, the hydrograph partitioning curve based on a dominant runoff water source (more briefly called the partitioning curve, not necessarily continuous) can serve as a diagnostic signature that helps relate model performance to model components. The proposed methods are demonstrated via application of a semi-distributed hydrological model (THREW, Tsinghua Representative Elementary Watershed) to the Tailan River basin (TRB) (1324 km2) in the Tianshan Mountains of China. Results show that the proposed calibration approach performed reasonably well. Cross-validation and comparison to an automatic calibration method indicated its robustness.
Infrasound array criteria for automatic detection and front velocity estimation of snow avalanches: towards a real-time early-warning system
Authors: Marchetti E. , Ripepe M. , Ulivieri G. , Kogelnig A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Avalanche risk management is strongly related to the ability to identify and timely report the occurrence of snow avalanches. Infrasound has been applied to avalanche research and monitoring for the last 20 years but it never turned into an operational tool for the ambiguity to identify clear signals related to avalanches. We present here a new method based on the analysis of infrasound signals recorded by a small aperture array in Ischgl (Austria), which overcome now this limit. The method is based on array derived wave parameters, such as back-azimuth and apparent velocity. The method defines threshold criteria for automatic avalanche identification considering avalanches as a moving source of infrasound. We validate efficiency of the automatic infrasound detection with continuous observations with Doppler Radar and we show how dynamics parameters such as the velocity of a snow avalanche in any given path around the array can be efficiently derived. Our results indicate that a proper infrasound array analysis allows a robust, real-time, remote detection of snow avalanches that could thus contribute significantly to avalanche forecast and risk management.
Effects of pumice mining on soil quality
Authors: Cruz-Ruíz A. , Cruz-Ruíz E. , Vaca R. , Del Aguila P. , Lugo J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. México is the worl's fourth most important maize producer; hence, there is a need to maintain soil quality for a sustainable production in the upcoming years. Pumice mining, a superficial operation, modifies large areas in Central Mexico. The main aim was to assess the present state of agricultural soils differing in elapsed-time since pumice mining (0–15 years), in a representative area of the Calimaya region in the State of Mexico. The study sites in 0, 1, 4, 10 and 15 year-old reclaimed soils were compared with adjacent undisturbed site. Our results indicate that soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon and microbial quotients were greatly impacted by disturbance. A general trend of recovery towards the undisturbed condition with reclamation age was found after disturbance. Recovery of soil total nitrogen was faster than soil organic carbon. Principal components analysis was applied. The first three components together explain 71.72 % of the total variability. First factor reveals strong associations between total nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon and pH. The second factor reveals high loading of urease and catalase. The obtained results revealed that the most appropriate indicators to diagnose the quality of the soils were: total nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon and soil organic carbon.
Future permafrost conditions along environmental gradients in Zackenberg, Greenland
Authors: Westermann S. , Elberling B. , Højlund Pedersen S. , Stendel M. , Hansen B. U. , Liston G. E.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The future development of ground temperatures in permafrost areas is determined by a number of factors varying on different spatial and temporal scales. For sound projections of impacts of permafrost thaw, scaling procedures are of paramount importance. We present numerical simulations of present and future ground temperatures at 10 m resolution for a 4 km long transect across the lower Zackenberg valley in northeast Greenland. The results are based on stepwise downscaling of future projections derived from general circulation model using observational data, snow redistribution modeling, remote sensing data and a ground thermal model. A comparison to in situ measurements of thaw depths at two CALM sites and near-surface ground temperatures at 17 sites suggests agreement within 0.10 m for the maximum thaw depth and 1 °C for annual average ground temperature. Until 2100, modeled ground temperatures at 10 m depth warm by about 5 °C and the active layer thickness increases by about 30%, in conjunction with a warming of average near-surface summer soil temperatures by 2 °C. While ground temperatures at 10 m depth remain below 0 °C until 2100 in all model grid cells, positive annual average temperatures are modeled at 1 m depth for a few years and grid cells at the end of this century. The ensemble of all 10 m model grid cells highlights the significant spatial variability of the ground thermal regime which is not accessible in traditional coarse-scale modeling approaches.
Charles Fourier Versus the Gastronomes:
Authors: Levi Jane
Published: April 2015

This article discusses the ways in which Charles Fourier subverted and reelaborated early nineteenth-century gastronomic ideas to develop one of the most important aspects of utopian life in his Harmonic world: the social science and semireligion of gastrosophy. With the reinvention of “good taste” for the postrevolutionary bourgeoisie, freshly codified knowledge about the art and science of gastronomy became an important means of shaping these new consumers—literally and figuratively—via a stream of popular literature, scientific treatises, etiquette handbooks, and gastronomic guides. For Fourier, however, gastronomy was merely superficial and conspicuous overeating, its self-obsessed and selfish consumerism reflecting everything wrong with “civilized” society. His formulation of gastrosophy, in contrast, encapsulated a complete understanding of food production, cookery, and health, using all of these to make the world a better place by pleasurably and harmlessly realizing one's own desires and sharing them with others. This article examines gastrosophy, often skipped over as a frivolous diversion in his work, arguing that Fourier deliberately chose it as a wittily accessible means of both encapsulating his fully realized vision of Harmony and utterly refuting the emerging market-led model of society exemplified by Parisian gastronomy.