bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Indian summer monsoon variability on the surface waves in the coastal regions of eastern Arabian Sea
Authors: Kumar V. Sanil , George Jesbin
Published: October 2016

Abstract. We assess the influence of monsoon variability on the surface waves using measured wave data covering 7 years and reanalysis data from 1979 to 2015 during the Indian summer monsoon (JJAS) in the eastern Arabian Sea. The inter-annual comparison shows that the percentage of higher wave heights ( >  2.5 m) is higher ( ∼  26%) in 2014 than in other years due to the higher monsoon wind speed (average speed ∼ 7.3 m s−1) in 2014. Due to the delayed monsoon, monthly average significant wave height (Hm0) of June was lowest (∼ 1.5 m) in 2009. The spectral peak shifted to lower frequencies in September due to the reduction of wind seas as a result of decrease in monsoon intensity. The study shows high positive correlation (r ∼ 0.84) between average low-level jet (LLJ) for the block 0–15° N, 50–75° E and Hm0 of eastern Arabian Sea in all the months except in August (r ∼ 0.66). The time series data on wave height shows oscillations with periods 5 to 20 days. Wavelet coherence analysis indicates that the LLJ and Hm0 are in-phase related (phase angle 0°) almost all the time and LLJ leads Hm0. The monsoon seasonal anomaly of Hm0 is found to have a negative relationship with the Oceanic Niño Index indicating that the monsoon average Hm0 is relatively low during the strong El Niño years.
Can the comprehensive model phase 4 (CM4) predict the geomagnetic diurnal field for days away from quiet time?
Authors: Onovughe Elvis
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The most recent comprehensive model (CM4) of the geomagnetic field (Sabaka et al., 2004) has been used in conjunction with geomagnetic ground observatory station data to analyse and study the geomagnetic diurnal variation field for days away from quiet time and the CM4 prediction for these times. Even though much has been learnt about many components of the geomagnetic field, the diurnal variation field behaviour for days away from quiet time (moderately disturbed time) has not been intensively studied. Consequently, we analyse these, and the predictive ability of the CM4 for ground variations, and whether the CM4 prediction of the diurnal variation (whether at quiet time or away from quiet time) is valid outside the period of reference that from which the data were used in modelling. In carrying out the study, we compared the observatory station data and the CM4 prediction directly. Using the CM4 code, well-characterised internal and magnetospheric components were subtracted from the data, plots and global maps of the residual field generated and then compared with the CM4 to see how well the model performed in predicting the data at moderately disturbed time (Kp  ≤  5). The results show that the CM4 is valid and produces useful predictions outside the period covering the timespan of the model and during moderately disturbed time, despite the lack of active data in the original model dataset. The model predictability of the data increases as we move to higher spherical harmonic degree truncation, as the model–data misfit is reduced, but with increased roughness as a result of small-scale features incorporated. The observed results show that this relationship between the increase in spherical harmonic degree truncation and reduction in misfit can be restricted by data quality or quantity and global coverage or spread.
Landslide susceptibility assessment of the part of the North Anatolian Fault Zone
(Turkey) by GIS-based frequency ratio and index of entropy models
Authors: Demir Gökhan
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Abstract: In the present study, landslide susceptibility assessment for the the part of the North Anatolian Fault Zone is made using index of entropy models within geographical information system. At first, the landslide inventory map was prepared in the study area using earlier reports, aerial photographs and multiple field surveys. 63 cases (69 %) out of 91 detected landslides were randomly selected for modeling, and the remaining 28 (31 %) cases were used for the model validation. The landslide-trigerring factors, including slope degree, aspect, elevation, distance to faults, distance to streams, distance to road. Subsequently, landslide susceptibility maps were produced using frequency ratio and index of entropy models. For verification, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn and the areas under the curve (AUC) calculated. The verification results showed that frequency ratio model (AUC = 75.71 %) performed slightly better than index of entropy (AUC = 75.43 %) model. The interpretation of the susceptibility map indicated that distance to streams, distance to road and slope degree play major roles in landslide occurrence and distribution in the study area. The landslide susceptibility maps produced from this study could assist planners and engineers for reorganizing and planning of future road construction.
Holocene erosion triggered by climate change on the central Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Liu Gang , Liu Puling , Xiao Hai , Zheng Fenli , Zhang Jiaqiong , Hu Feinan
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Understanding changes in Holocene erosion is essential for predicting soil erosion in the future. However, the quantitative response of natural erosion to Holocene climate change is limited for the Loess Plateau of China. In this study, two soil profiles were investigated in Luochuan and Yanchang sites on the central Loess Plateau of China, and four climate indicators, i.e. magnetic susceptibility, calcium carbonate content, total organic carbon content, and clay content (
A probabilistic approach to quantifying soil property change through time integration of energy and mass input
Authors: Shepard Christopher , Schaap Marcel G. , Pelletier Jon D. , Rasmussen Craig
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Soils form as the result of a complex suite of biogeochemical and physical processes; however, effective modeling of soil property change and variability is still limited, and does not yield widely applicable results. We suggest that predicting a distribution of probable values based upon the soil-forming state factors is more effective and applicable than predicting discrete values. Here we present a probabilistic approach for quantifying soil property variability through integrating energy and mass inputs over time. We analyzed changes in the distributions of soil texture and solum thickness as a function of increasing time and pedogenic energy (effective energy and mass transfer, EEMT) using soil chronosequence data compiled from literature. Bivariate normal probability distributions of soil properties were parameterized using the chronosequence data; from the bivariate distributions, conditional univariate distributions based on the age and flux of matter and energy into the soil were calculated, and probable ranges of each soil property determined. We tested the ability of this approach to predict the soil properties of the original soil chronosequence database, and soil properties in complex terrain at several Critical Zone Observatories in the U.S. The presented probabilistic framework has the potential to greatly inform our understanding of soil evolution over geologic time-scales. Considering soils probabilistically captures soil variability across multiple scales and explicitly quantifies uncertainty in soil property change with time.
Training “Blue-Blooded” Canadian Boys: Athleticism, Muscular Christianity, and Sports in Ontario’s “Little Big Four” Schools, 1829–1930
Authors: Bennett Paul W.
Published: October 2016

Athleticism, masculinity, and sports are intimately connected in most boys’ schools. Colonial versions of the famous British public school sprang up over the nineteenth century in an overwhelmingly Protestant, Anglo-Saxon Ontario. Foremost among them were what came to be known as the “Little Big Four” group of schools, Upper Canada College (Toronto, 1829), Trinity College School (Weston, 1865), Bishop Ridley College (St. Catharines, 1889), and St. Andrew’s College (Chestnut Park, Toronto, 1899). Training boys on the sports fields in Ontario’s elite boys’ schools provides an intriguing case study of athleticism, muscular Christianity, and class formation. While critically re-examining previous assumptions, this paper demonstrates that, from 1829 until 1930, the Ontario schools were active agents of “manly” character development. The Canadian “blue-bloods” were a colonial breed apart—exhibiting a strange skepticism about school traditions and practices that were “too British,” favoring Canadian rugby football and American baseball over cricket, and fond of satirizing “Rhubarb Kippering” in popular playground rhymes. This small circle of schools even appropriated the moniker “Little Big Four,” a junior version of the “Big Four,” the original name of the Eastern Conference of the Canadian Football League.
“The Color of My Writing”: Reflections on Studying the Interconnection among Race, Sport, and American Culture
Authors: Wiggins David K.
Published: October 2016

In this essay, I reflect on my many years of researching and analyzing the interconnections among race, sport, and American culture. To some extent, it is a look back at my experiences as a white academic studying African American athletes and how they have navigated the racial lines in their efforts to become full participants in sport. The essay is also my assessment of the role of sport in African American communities and what part it has played in the larger civil rights struggle and quest for equal rights. Lastly, I share insights about my personal background and the trials and tribulations I have faced as a historian attempting to understand the complexities of race and how it has impacted sport and American society.
Polish Language and Literature at Columbia University in New York: Early History (1915–1948)
Authors: Mikoś Michael J.
Published: October 2016

The article describes the early history of Columbia University’s Slavic Languages Department, established in 1915. Special attention is given to the Polish language and literature programs, inaugurated in 1916, and to the contributions of many faculty members, especially Arthur P. Coleman (1887–1974), who taught at Columbia from 1928 to 1948. It lists Coleman’s published writings on several Slavic languages and literatures, namely his books and papers, translations, and articles in Polish and American newspapers as well as his contributions to the profession, most notably his work leading to the foundation of the American Association of the Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages (AATSEEL). The article concludes with a summary of Coleman’s achievements in propagating Polish language, literature, and culture in the United States.
Pediatric and Adolescent Forearm Fractures: Current Controversies and Treatment Recommendations
Authors: Pace James Lee
Published: October 2016

Pediatric and adolescent forearm fractures continue to present treatment challenges. Despite high-level evidence to the contrary, traditional guidelines for nonsurgical treatment have been challenged in favor of surgical intervention, but it is unclear if this results in improved outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that certain open fractures in children may be successfully treated nonsurgically. Good results have been achieved with closed reduction and appropriate casting and clinical follow-up. Further research investigating functional outcomes into adulthood is needed.
Pediatric Phalanx Fractures
Authors: Abzug Joshua M. , Dua Karan , Bauer Andrea Sesko , Cornwall Roger , Wyrick Theresa O.
Published: October 2016

Phalangeal fractures are the most common type of hand fracture that occurs in the pediatric population and account for the second highest number of emergency department visits for fractures in the United States. The incidence of phalangeal fractures is the highest in children aged 10 to 14 years, which coincides with the time that most children begin playing contact sports. Younger children are more likely to sustain a phalangeal fracture in the home setting as a result of crush and laceration injuries. Salter-Harris type II fractures of the proximal phalanx are the most common type of finger fracture. An unmineralized physis is biomechanically weaker compared with the surrounding ligamentous structures and mature bone, which makes fractures about the physis likely. A thorough physical examination is necessary to assess the digital cascade for signs of rotational deformity and/or coronal malalignment. Plain radiographs of the hand and digits are sufficient to confirm a diagnosis of a phalangeal fracture. The management of phalangeal fractures is based on the initial severity of the injury and depends on the success of closed reduction techniques. Nondisplaced phalanx fractures are managed with splint immobilization. Stable, reduced phalanx fractures are immobilized but require close monitoring to ensure maintenance of fracture reduction. Unstable, displaced phalanx fractures require surgical management, preferably via closed reduction and percutaneous pinning.
International Judicial Position: A Chance to Express Effective Ideas in the International Legal System
Authors: Ebrahimi Roghieh , Tarazkouhi Hossein Sharifi
Published: October 2016

Each system component, which is in relation with human social life, is in mutual interaction with its environment and in a constant evolution and change. This uninterrupted move, which always led to the upswing whole system at the end, is implemented in the wake of its components with the requirements of human life. So it can be said that organizational development of international law that one of its achievements is the emergence of international tribunals as an embodiment of the maturity of relations between political units and their collective life, was a value flow and its result was the development of normative system of international law; an effective relationship between the structure and norm-cross in which each other will equip and grow. In this study, a thorough investigation into all aspects and intricacies of this effect is not desired. But only review the corner of the ocean in terms of cause and effect is included developing rules of international law.In spite of the general meaning of "International Judicial Position" in this topic, our focus will be on the position of the Judges at the International court of justice as the main judicial organ of United Nations organization.
Numerical Simulation of Critical Velocity in Ventilation
Authors: Kesadian Jabar , Adamian Armen
Published: October 2016

Given the importance of the safety and health of passenger’s in underground tunnels, analysis and simulation of fires in tunnels is to design a ventilation system. Longitudinal ventilation systems are widely used in tunnel ventilation and are one of the most important parameters for fire safety in this type of critical velocity system. Critical velocity of ventilation is minimum longitudinal velocity flow of air that prevents the smoke from the fire to the upstream flow.In this study, the effects of the distance between the fire source of the tunnel, obstacle before and after the fire, several sources of fire in the tunnel and ventilation shaft tunnels will be discussed on the critical velocity. Each effect parameter according to a correlation analysis of numerical results obtained using the solver FLUENT software Airpak and then the relationship between dimensionless critical velocity and dimensionless heat release are stated.
Water Use Efficiency of Maize Varieties under Rain-Fed Conditions in Zambia
Authors: Mudenda Ethel Muleya , Phiri Elijah , Chabala Lydia M. , Sichingabula Henry M.
Published: October 2016

This study evaluated water use efficiency (WUE) of selected hybrid maize (Zea Mays L.) varieties in Zambia under rain-fed conditions. A randomized complete block field experiment was carried out during the 2014/2015 rainy season at the University of Zambia Agricultural Demonstration Centre. Treatments were 30 maize varieties from the early, medium and late maturity classes. WUE was calculated as the ratio of yield to evapotranspiration (ET) and transpiration (T). Results showed significant differences in WUE dry matter (DM) for transpiration (T) of early maturing varieties. However, no significant differences were observed in WUEDM for evapotranspiration (ET), WUE grain yield (GY), T and WUEGY, ET. WUEDM, T, WUEDM, ET, WUEGY, T, and WUEGY, ET were statistically the same among medium maturing varieties. Results further showed that among the late maturing varieties, WUEDM, T, WUEDM, ET and WUEGY, T showed significant differences but no significant differences were observed in WUEGY, ET. It was concluded that maize varieties from the same maturity classes have different WUEs. The study thus provided options in variety selection based on which varieties performed better, particularly SC 525, SC 513 and PAN 4M 21 from the early maturity class; PHB 30G19, ZMS 606, MRI 634 and SC 637 from the medium maturity class; and PAN ZM 83, SC 709, PAN 8M 93 and SC 719 from the late maturity class. It was recommended however, that repeated experiments over time should be done to validate the findings given that the trial was only conducted in one season.
Theoretical and Experimental Testing of the Factors of Mortar Projectiles Trajectory for a New Fire Control System
Authors: GACEK Józef , LEŚNIK Grzegorz
Published: October 2016

The paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental tests aimed at developing sets of data. These sets are necessary for compiling firing tables and the operating algorithm for the ballistic computer of a fire control system intended for the mortar system currently used by the Polish Armed Forces as well as the mortar system currently under development. Economy, time saving and the development of numerical methods justify the use of computer simulations for the process of developing software for fire control systems. The theoretical results can only be used for this purpose if their level of compliance with experimental results of live fire tests is acceptable.
Continuous lateral oscillations as a core mechanism for taxis in Drosophila larvae
Authors: Wystrach Antoine , Lagogiannis Konstantinos , Webb Barbara
Published: October 2016

Taxis behaviour in Drosophila larva is thought to consist of distinct control mechanisms triggering specific actions. Here, we support a simpler hypothesis: that taxis results from direct sensory modulation of continuous lateral oscillations of the anterior body, sparing the need for ‘action selection’. Our analysis of larvae motion reveals a rhythmic, continuous lateral oscillation of the anterior body, encompassing all head-sweeps, small or large, without breaking the oscillatory rhythm. Further, we show that an agent-model that embeds this hypothesis reproduces a surprising number of taxis signatures observed in larvae. Also, by coupling the sensory input to a neural oscillator in continuous time, we show that the mechanism is robust and biologically plausible. The mechanism provides a simple architecture for combining information across modalities, and explaining how learnt associations modulate taxis. We discuss the results in the light of larval neural circuitry and make testable predictions.
Growth of rocksalt-structured MgxZn1−
xO (x > 0.5) films on MgO substrates and their deep-ultraviolet luminescence
Authors: Kaneko Kentaro , Onuma Takeyoshi , Tsumura Keiichi , Uchida Takayuki , Jinno Riena , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Honda Tohru , Fujita Shizuo
Published: October 2016

Single-phase rocksalt-structured Mg
x
Zn1−

x
O (x > 0.5) alloy films were grown on MgO substrates using the mist chemical vapor deposition method. A specular surface with a step and terrace structure was obtained. The bandgap was tuned from 5.9 to 7.8 eV as x varied from 0.5 to 1. Deep ultraviolet cathodoluminescence, stemming from near band edge transitions, was observed for Mg0.57Zn0.43O in the 4.8–5.5 eV range, peaking at ∼5.1 eV (∼240 nm) in the 12–100 K range.
Photocurrent enhancement of graphene phototransistors using p–n junction formed by conventional photolithography process
Authors: Shimatani Masaaki , Ogawa Shinpei , Fujisawa Daisuke , Okuda Satoshi , Kanai Yasushi , Ono Takao , Matsumoto Kazuhiko
Published: October 2016

A p–n junction was developed in a graphene transistor by a simple photolithography process used in typical semiconductor processes. The p- and n-type regions were formed by coating photoresist on part of the graphene channel and immersion of the uncovered graphene region in alkali developer, respectively. A 3-fold enhancement of the photocurrent was observed at the maximum field effect mobility. It is therefore important to maximize the field effect mobility by doping to maximize the photocurrent. The results obtained here are an important step toward the production of high-sensitivity graphene-based phototransistors compatible with conventional industrial procedures.
VSEARCH: a versatile open source tool for metagenomics
Authors: Rognes Torbjørn , Flouri Tomáš , Nichols Ben , Quince Christopher , Mahé Frédéric
Published: October 2016

Background

VSEARCH is an open source and free of charge multithreaded 64-bit tool for processing and preparing metagenomics, genomics and population genomics nucleotide sequence data. It is designed as an alternative to the widely used USEARCH tool (Edgar, 2010) for which the source code is not publicly available, algorithm details are only rudimentarily described, and only a memory-confined 32-bit version is freely available for academic use.

Methods

When searching nucleotide sequences, VSEARCH uses a fast heuristic based on words shared by the query and target sequences in order to quickly identify similar sequences, a similar strategy is probably used in USEARCH. VSEARCH then performs optimal global sequence alignment of the query against potential target sequences, using full dynamic programming instead of the seed-and-extend heuristic used by USEARCH. Pairwise alignments are computed in parallel using vectorisation and multiple threads.

Results

VSEARCH includes most commands for analysing nucleotide sequences available in USEARCH version 7 and several of those available in USEARCH version 8, including searching (exact or based on global alignment), clustering by similarity (using length pre-sorting, abundance pre-sorting or a user-defined order), chimera detection (reference-based orde novo), dereplication (full length or prefix), pairwise alignment, reverse complementation, sorting, and subsampling. VSEARCH also includes commands for FASTQ file processing, i.e., format detection, filtering, read quality statistics, and merging of paired reads. Furthermore, VSEARCH extends functionality with several new commands and improvements, including shuffling, rereplication, masking of low-complexity sequences with the well-known DUST algorithm, a choice among different similarity definitions, and FASTQ file format conversion. VSEARCH is here shown to be more accurate than USEARCH when performing searching, clustering, chimera detection and subsampling, while on a par with USEARCH for paired-ends read merging. VSEARCH is slower than USEARCH when performing clustering and chimera detection, but significantly faster when performing paired-end reads merging and dereplication. VSEARCH is available athttps://github.com/torognes/vsearchunder either the BSD 2-clause license or the GNU General Public License version 3.0.

Discussion

VSEARCH has been shown to be a fast, accurate and full-fledged alternative to USEARCH. A free and open-source versatile tool for sequence analysis is now available to the metagenomics community.
Viral recombination blurs taxonomic lines: examination of single-stranded DNA viruses in a wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Pearson Victoria M. , Caudle S. Brian , Rokyta Darin R.
Published: October 2016

Understanding the structure and dynamics of microbial communities, especially those of economic concern, is of paramount importance to maintaining healthy and efficient microbial communities at agricultural sites and large industrial cultures, including bioprocessors. Wastewater treatment plants are large bioprocessors which receive water from multiple sources, becoming reservoirs for the collection of many viral families that infect a broad range of hosts. To examine this complex collection of viruses, full-length genomes of circular ssDNA viruses were isolated from a wastewater treatment facility using a combination of sucrose-gradient size selection and rolling-circle amplification and sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq. Single-stranded DNA viruses are among the least understood groups of microbial pathogens due to genomic biases and culturing difficulties, particularly compared to the larger, more often studied dsDNA viruses. However, the group contains several notable well-studied examples, including agricultural pathogens which infect both livestock and crops (CircoviridaeandGeminiviridae), and model organisms for genetics and evolution studies (Microviridae). Examination of the collected viral DNA provided evidence for 83 unique genotypic groupings, which were genetically dissimilar to known viral types and exhibited broad diversity within the community. Furthermore, although these genomes express similarities to known viral families, such asCircoviridae,Geminiviridae, andMicroviridae, many are so divergent that they may represent new taxonomic groups. This study demonstrated the efficacy of the protocol for separating bacteria and large viruses from the sought after ssDNA viruses and the ability to use this protocol to obtain an in-depth analysis of the diversity within this group.
Seasonal constraints on inferred planetary heat content
Authors: McKinnon Karen A. , Huybers Peter
Published: October 2016

Planetary heating can be quantified using top of the atmosphere energy fluxes or through monitoring the heat content of the Earth system. It has been difficult, however, to compare the two methods with each other because of biases in satellite measurements and incomplete spatial coverage of ocean observations. Here we focus on the the seasonal cycle whose amplitude is large relative to satellite biases and observational errors. The seasonal budget can be closed through inferring contributions from high‐latitude oceans and marginal seas using the covariance structure of National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model (CESM1). In contrast, if these regions are approximated as the average across well‐observed regions, the amplitude of the seasonal cycle is overestimated relative to satellite constraints. Analysis of the same CESM1 simulation indicates that complete measurement of the upper ocean would increase the magnitude and precision of interannual trend estimates in ocean heating more than fully measuring the deep ocean.
The thermodynamic effect of atmospheric mass on early Earth's temperature
Authors: Chemke R. , Kaspi Y. , Halevy I.
Published: October 2016

Observations suggest that Earth's early atmospheric mass differed from the present day. The effects of a different atmospheric mass on radiative forcing have been investigated in climate models of variable sophistication, but a mechanistic understanding of the thermodynamic component of the effect of atmospheric mass on early climate is missing. Using a 3‐D idealized global circulation model (GCM), we systematically examine the thermodynamic effect of atmospheric mass on near‐surface temperature. We find that higher atmospheric mass tends to increase the near‐surface temperature mostly due to an increase in the heat capacity of the atmosphere, which decreases the net radiative cooling effect in the lower layers of the atmosphere. Additionally, the vertical advection of heat by eddies decreases with increasing atmospheric mass, resulting in further near‐surface warming. As both net radiative cooling and vertical eddy heat fluxes are extratropical phenomena, higher atmospheric mass tends to flatten the meridional temperature gradient.
A model for stealth coronal mass ejections
Authors: Lynch B. J. , Masson S. , Li Y. , DeVore C. R. , Luhmann J. G. , Antiochos S. K. , Fisher G. H.
Published: October 2016

Stealth coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are events in which there are almost no observable signatures of the CME eruption in the low corona but often a well‐resolved slow flux rope CME observed in the coronagraph data. We present results from a three‐dimensional numerical magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulation of the 1–2 June 2008 slow streamer blowout CME that Robbrecht et al. (2009) called “the CME from nowhere.” We model the global coronal structure using a 1.4 MK isothermal solar wind and a low‐order potential field source surface representation of the Carrington Rotation 2070 magnetogram synoptic map. The bipolar streamer belt arcade is energized by simple shearing flows applied in the vicinity of the helmet streamer's polarity inversion line. The flows are large scale and impart a shear typical of that expected from the differential rotation. The slow expansion of the energized helmet streamer arcade results in the formation of a radial current sheet. The subsequent onset of expansion‐induced flare reconnection initiates the stealth CME while gradually releasing the stored magnetic energy. We present favorable comparisons between our simulation results and the multiviewpoint SOHO‐LASCO (Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph) and STEREO‐SECCHI (Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation) coronagraph observations of the preeruption streamer structure and the initiation and evolution of the stealth streamer blowout CME.
Discrete element modeling of indentation tests to investigate mechanisms of CO2‐related chemomechanical rock alteration
Authors: Sun Zhuang , Espinoza D. Nicolas , Balhoff Matthew T.
Published: October 2016

During CO2 injection into geological formations, petrophysical and geomechanical properties of host formations can be altered due to mineral dissolution and precipitation. Field and laboratory results have shown that sandstone and siltstone can be altered by CO2‐water mixtures, but few quantitative studies have been performed to fully investigate underlying mechanisms. Based on the hypothesis that CO2‐water mixtures alter the integrity of rock structure by attacking cements rather than grains, we attempt to explain the degradation of cementation due to long‐term contact with CO2 and water and mechanisms for changes in rock mechanical properties. Many sandstones, including calcite‐cemented quartzitic sandstone, chlorite‐cemented quartzitic sandstone, and hematite‐cemented quartzitic sandstone, contain interparticle cements that are more readily affected by CO2‐water mixtures than grains. A model that couples the discrete element method and the bonded‐particle model is used to perform simulations of indentation tests on synthetic rocks with crystal and random packings. The model is verified against the analytical cavity expansion model and validated against laboratory indentation tests on Entrada sandstone with and without CO2 alteration. Sensitivity analysis is performed for cementation microscopic parameters including stiffness, size, axial, and shear strength. The simulation results indicate that the CO2‐related degradation of mechanical properties in bleached Entrada sandstone can be attributed to the reduction of cement size rather than cement strength. Our study indicates that it is possible to describe the CO2‐related rock alteration through particle‐scale mechanisms.
Air pressure effects on sea level changes during the twentieth century
Authors: Piecuch Christopher G. , Thompson Philip R. , Donohue Kathleen A.
Published: October 2016

Interpretation of tide gauge data in terms sea level (η) and ocean dynamics requires estimates of air pressure (pa) to determine the ocean's isostatic response—the inverted barometer effect (
). Three gridded pa products (HadSLP2, NOAA‐20CRv2, and ERA‐20C) are used alongside meteorological station pa and tide gauge η records to evaluate the contribution of
to η changes over the twentieth century. Agreement between gridded products is better during more recent periods and over regions with good historical data coverage, whereas it is worse for earlier time periods or in ocean areas with poor observational data coverage. Comparison against station data reveals the presence of systematic errors in the gridded products, for example, such that uncertainties estimated through differencing the gridded products underestimate the true errors by roughly 40% on interannual and decadal time scales. Notwithstanding such correlated errors, gridded products are still useful for interpretation of tide gauge data. Removing gridded estimates of
from η records reduces spatial variance in centennial trends across tide gauges by 10–30%, formal errors in centennial trends from individual gauges by ∼5%, and the temporal variance in detrended records by 10–15% on average (depending on choice of gridded product). Results here advocate for making the
correction to tide gauge records in studies of ocean circulation and global η over long, multidecadal, and centennial time scales using an ensemble mean taken across several gridded
products.
Deriving global parameter estimates for the Noah land surface model using FLUXNET and machine learning
Authors: Chaney Nathaniel W. , Herman Jonathan D. , Ek Michael B. , Wood Eric F.
Published: October 2016

With their origins in numerical weather prediction and climate modeling, land surface models aim to accurately partition the surface energy balance. An overlooked challenge in these schemes is the role of model parameter uncertainty, particularly at unmonitored sites. This study provides global parameter estimates for the Noah land surface model using 85 eddy covariance sites in the global FLUXNET network. The at‐site parameters are first calibrated using a Latin Hypercube‐based ensemble of the most sensitive parameters, determined by the Sobol method, to be the minimum stomatal resistance (rs,min), the Zilitinkevich empirical constant (Czil), and the bare soil evaporation exponent (fxexp). Calibration leads to an increase in the mean Kling‐Gupta Efficiency performance metric from 0.54 to 0.71. These calibrated parameter sets are then related to local environmental characteristics using the Extra‐Trees machine learning algorithm. The fitted Extra‐Trees model is used to map the optimal parameter sets over the globe at a 5 km spatial resolution. The leave‐one‐out cross validation of the mapped parameters using the Noah land surface model suggests that there is the potential to skillfully relate calibrated model parameter sets to local environmental characteristics. The results demonstrate the potential to use FLUXNET to tune the parameterizations of surface fluxes in land surface models and to provide improved parameter estimates over the globe.
Multidecadal climate and seasonal snow conditions in Svalbard
Authors: van Pelt W. J. J. , Kohler J. , Liston G. E. , Hagen J. O. , Luks B. , Reijmer C. H. , Pohjola V. A.
Published: October 2016

Svalbard climate is undergoing amplified change with respect to the global mean. Changing climate conditions directly affect the evolution of the seasonal snowpack, through its impact on accumulation, melt, and moisture exchange. We analyze long‐term trends and spatial patterns of seasonal snow conditions in Svalbard between 1961 and 2012. Downscaled regional climate model output is used to drive a snow modeling system (SnowModel), with coupled modules simulating the surface energy balance and snowpack evolution. The precipitation forcing is calibrated and validated against snow depth data on a set of glaciers around Svalbard. Climate trends reveal seasonally inhomogeneous warming and a weakly positive precipitation trend, with strongest changes in the north. In response to autumn warming the date of snow onset increased (2 days  decade−1), whereas in spring/summer opposing effects cause a nonsignificant trend in the snow disappearance date. Maximum snow water equivalent (SWE) in winter/spring shows a modest increase (+0.01 meters water equivalent (mwe) decade−1), while the end‐of‐summer minimum snow area fraction declined strongly (from 48% to 36%). The equilibrium line altitude is highest in relatively dry inland regions, and time series show a clear positive trend (25 m decade−1) as a result of summer warming. Finally, rain‐on‐snow in the core winter season, affecting ground ice formation and limiting access of grazing animals to food supplies, peaks during specific years (1994, 1996, 2000, and 2012) and is found to be concentrated in the lower lying coastal regions in southwestern Svalbard.
Favorable Molecular Orientation Enhancement in Semiconducting Polymer Assisted by Conjugated Organic Small Molecules
Authors: Kang Minji , Yeo Jun‐Seok , Park Won‐Tae , Kim Nam‐Koo , Lim Dae‐Hee , Hwang Hansu , Baeg Kang‐Jun , Noh Yong‐Young , Kim Dong‐Yu
Published: October 2016

A bimodal texturing effect of semiconducting polymers is investigated by incorporating conjugated small molecules to significantly improve the charge transport characteristics via formation of 3D transport pathways. Solution blending of the electron‐transporting polymer, poly{[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐bithiophene)} (P(NDI2OD‐T2)), with small molecular crystals of tetrathiafulvalene and tetracyanoquinodimethane is used, and the thin film microstructures are studied using a combination of atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, 2D grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction, and surface‐sensitive near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure. Blended thin films show edge‐on and face‐on bimodal texture with long‐range order and microstructure packing orientation preferable for electron transport through the channel in organic field‐effect transistors, which is confirmed by high electron mobility 1.91 cm2 V−1 s−1, small contact resistance, and low energetic disorder according to temperature dependence of the field‐effect mobility. Structural changes suggest a 3D network charge transport model via lamella packing and bimodal orientation of the semiconducting polymers.
Electrically Tunable Scattering from Devitrite–Liquid Crystal Hybrid Devices
Authors: Butt Haider , Yetisen Ali K. , Khan Ammar A. , Knowles Kevin M. , Qasim Malik M. , Yun Seok Hyun , Wilkinson Timothy D.
Published: October 2016

Devitrite is normally an unwanted crystalline impurity in the soda‐lime‐silica glass making process. Thin needles formed by heterogeneous nucleation of devitrite on the glass surface provide unique birefringence properties for potential applications in tunable optical devices. Here, devitrite and a liquid crystal are combined to create an electrically variable optical diffuser. The magnitude and scattering angle of the transmitted light propagating through the diffuser are tuned by varying the voltage between the graphene and indium tin oxide electrodes on either side of the liquid crystal. The threshold voltage to switch the transmitted light from a predominantly horizontal diffusion to a random order is 3.5 V. Angle‐resolved measurements show broad diffusion angles of transmitted light with a maximum deflection of ±60°. The dynamically tunable devitrite‐liquid crystal hybrid devices may advance the development of currently less viable technologies including beam shaping and automatic light transmission control.
Methamphetamine‐induced psychosis is associated with DNA hypomethylation and increased expression of AKT1 and key dopaminergic genes
Authors: Nohesara Shabnam , Ghadirivasfi Mohammad , Barati Mahmood , Ghasemzadeh Mohammad‐Reza , Narimani Samira , Mousavi‐Behbahani Zohreh , Joghataei Mohammadtaghi , Soleimani Mansoureh , Taban Mozhgan , Mehrabi Soraya , Thiagalingam Sam , Abdolmaleky Hamid Mostafavi
Published: October 2016

Methamphetamine, one of the most frequently used illicit drugs worldwide, can induce psychosis in a large fraction of abusers and it is becoming a major problem for the health care institutions. There is some evidence that genetic and epigenetic factors may play roles in methamphetamine psychosis. In this study, we examined methamphetamine‐induced epigenetic and expression changes of several key genes involved in psychosis. RNA and DNA extracted from the saliva samples of patients with methamphetamine dependency with and without psychosis as well as control subjects (each group 25) were analyzed for expression and promoter DNA methylation status of DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, MB‐COMT, GAD1, and AKT1 using qRT‐PCR and q‐MSP, respectively. We found statistically significant DNA hypomethylation of the promoter regions of DRD3 (P = 0.032), DRD4 (P = 0.05), MB‐COMT (P = 0.009), and AKT1 (P = 0.0008) associated with increased expression of the corresponding genes in patients with methamphetamine psychosis (P = 0.022, P = 0.034, P = 0.035, P = 0.038, respectively), and to a lesser degree in some of the candidate genes in non‐psychotic patients versus the control subjects. In general, methamphetamine dependency is associated with reduced DNA methylation and corresponding increase in expression of several key genes involved in the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders. While these epigenetic changes can be useful diagnostic biomarkers for psychosis in methamphetamine abusers, it is also consistent with the use of methyl rich diet for prevention or suppression of psychosis in these patients. However, this needs to be confirmed in future studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dihydro‐β‐agarofurans from the Australian Endemic Rainforest Plant Denhamia pittosporoides Inhibit Leucine Transport in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Wibowo Mario , Wang Qian , Holst Jeff , White Jonathan M. , Hofmann Andreas , Davis Rohan A.
Published: October 2016

Two previously unknown dihydro‐β‐agarofuran sesquiterpenoids, denhaminol I (1) and denhaminol J (2), together with four related and known metabolites, 1α,2α,6β,15‐tetraacetoxy‐9α‐benzoyloxy‐8‐oxodihydro‐β‐agarofuran (3), wilforsinine F (4), 1α,2α,6β,8α,15‐pentaacetoxy‐9α‐benzoyloxydihydro‐β‐agarofuran (5), and 1α,2α,6β,15‐tetraacetoxy‐9β‐benzoyloxydihydro‐β‐agarofuran (6), were isolated from the leaves of an Australian rainforest plant, Denhamia pittosporoides. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by analysis of their 1D/2D NMR and MS data. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 4 were shown to inhibit leucine transport in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, with IC50 values of 51.5 and 95.5 μm, respectively. Both compounds 1 and 4 were more potent than the l‐type amino acid transporter (LAT) family inhibitor 2‐aminobicyclo[2.2.1]‐heptane‐2‐carboxylic acid (BCH). This is the first report of dihydro‐β‐agarofurans from D. pittosporoides.
Wasserbasierte Redox‐Flow‐Batterie mit hoher Kapazität und Leistung: das TEMPTMA/MV‐System
Authors: Janoschka Tobias , Martin Norbert , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: October 2016

Redox‐Flow‐Batterien (RFBs) sind geeignet, große Mengen elektrischer Energie zu speichern und somit die schwankende Stromproduktion erneuerbarer Energiequellen auszugleichen. Im Rahmen der Diskussion einer verbesserten Netzstabilität werden sie als Speicherlösung zur Ergänzung von Wind‐ und Solarparks gehandelt. Die Mehrheit der konventionellen RFB‐Konzepte basiert jedoch auf stark sauren Lösungen von Metallsalzen oder organischen Verbindungen mit relativ schlechten Leistungsdaten. Hier wird eine Batterie vorgestellt, die das gut lösliche N,N,N‐2,2,6,6‐Heptamethylpiperidinyloxy‐4‐ammoniumchlorid (TEMPTMA) und das Viologenderivat N,N′‐Dimethyl‐4,4‐bipyridiniumdichlorid (MV) in einer sicheren, wässrigen Lösung als redoxaktives Material einsetzt. Die RFB nutzt Elektrolytlösungen mit einer Kapazität von 54 Ah L−1, die bei einer Zellspannung von 1.4 V eine Energiedichte von 38 Wh L−1 ermöglichen. Mit Peak‐Stromdichten von bis zu 200 mA cm−2 ist das TEMPTMA/MV‐System ein geeigneter Kandidat für kompakt gebaute RFBs in Anwendungsbereichen, die eine hohe Kapazität und Leistung erfordern.
Asymmetric Induction by a Nitrogen 14N/15N Isotopomer in Conjunction with Asymmetric Autocatalysis
Authors: Matsumoto Arimasa , Ozaki Hanae , Harada Shunya , Tada Kyohei , Ayugase Tomohiro , Ozawa Hitomi , Kawasaki Tsuneomi , Soai Kenso
Published: October 2016

Chirality arising from isotope substitution, especially with atoms heavier than the hydrogen isotopes, is usually not considered a source of chirality in a chemical reaction. An N2,N2,N3,N3‐tetramethyl‐2,3‐butanediamine containing nitrogen (14N/15N) isotope chirality was synthesized and it was revealed that this isotopically chiral diamine compound acts as a chiral initiator for asymmetric autocatalysis.
An Aqueous Redox‐Flow Battery with High Capacity and Power: The TEMPTMA/MV System
Authors: Janoschka Tobias , Martin Norbert , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: October 2016

Redox‐flow batteries (RFB) can easily store large amounts of electric energy and thereby mitigate the fluctuating output of renewable power plants. They are widely discussed as energy‐storage solutions for wind and solar farms to improve the stability of the electrical grid. Most common RFB concepts are based on strongly acidic metal‐salt solutions or poorly performing organics. Herein we present a battery which employs the highly soluble N,N,N‐2,2,6,6‐heptamethylpiperidinyl oxy‐4‐ammonium chloride (TEMPTMA) and the viologen derivative N,N′‐dimethyl‐4,4‐bipyridinium dichloride (MV) in a simple and safe aqueous solution as redox‐active materials. The resulting battery using these electrolyte solutions has capacities of 54 Ah L−1, giving a total energy density of 38 Wh L−1 at a cell voltage of 1.4 V. With peak current densities of up to 200 mA cm−2 the TEMPTMA/MV system is a suitable candidate for compact high‐capacity and high‐power applications.
Structural evolution and reactivity of coal chars during combustion in oxyfuel atmosphere
Authors: Fei Hua , Li Peisheng , Liu Yang , Li Yuanlin
Published: October 2016

The coal chars were characterized by laboratory scale fixed bed, thermogravimetric analysis, ultimate analysis, N2 isothermal adsorption/desorption method and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. The specific surface area of two coal chars obtained by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method could be estimated with the help of random pore model. It showed that random pore model had good ability to depict coal char combustion in oxyfuel, and the higher temperature increased the combustion rate of coal char. Specific surface area followed a similar trend to the micropore, indicating that the specific surface area was mainly determined by the micropore, which increased at the initial stage because of a large number of micropore expansion and generation of new pores. Total pore volume showed a maximum at a carbon conversion range of 0.2–0.4. The activation energy (AE) of Jiaozuo anthracite chars varied between 72 and 85 kJ/mol during combustion, and the values of the AE range between 46 and 77 kJ/mol for YBC. At the carbon conversion of >40%, the AE of two coal chars displayed a linear relationship, which was probably attributed to the pore structure variations of coal chars during combustion in oxyfuel. Copyright © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.