bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal pattern of rotation‐affected internal seiches in a small temperate lake
Authors: Bernhardt Juliane , Kirillin Georgiy
Published: August 2016

The aim was to disclose the seasonality in the internal seiches during summer stratification in 2010 within the small, 3 km long, ellipse‐shaped, temperate Lake Arendsee (Germany) with simple morphometry. We used observations of temperatures from two thermistor chains (09 April to 24 September), conductivity and temperature profiles, and wind speeds and directions (January to December). To analyze the seasonality in the periods, appearance and modal structure of the seiches, and the wind forcing, we applied spectral analysis on monthly time series of isotherms and wind speeds, and wavelet analysis on 6 month long time series of integrated potential energy and wind speeds. To determine the effect of earth's rotation on seiches, we applied two analytical models based on three‐layer density stratification. Earth's rotation affected internal seiches significantly even in a small lake. That was shown by the models and the Burger number being < 1 during stratification. Vertical mode 1 Kelvin‐type seiches dominated the internal seiche weather in Lake Arendsee, with their periods changing because of seasonal variations in stratification. Weak, free seiches of vertical mode 2 were amplified during three episodes: (1) in mid‐summer, when their periods coincided with the inertial period at the lake's latitude, (2) in late spring, and (3) in autumn, both when their periods approached 24 h. The amplifications were caused by resonance between free seiches and wind‐forced oscillations at diurnal and inertial periods. Such short‐term resonance events, associated with enhanced mixing, are inherent for the seasonal stratification cycle in the most temperate lakes.
Depth distribution of ammonia oxidation rates and ammonia‐oxidizer community composition in the Sargasso Sea
Authors: Newell Silvia E. , Fawcett Sarah E. , Ward Bess B.
Published: August 2016

Ammonia oxidation rates and ammonia‐oxidizer community structure were examined in a depth profile (20–2000 m) at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐Series Study site in December 2009. Ammonia oxidation rates, measured from trace additions of 15 (12–18 nmol L−1), ranged from undetectable at the surface and 2000 m to 2.0 ± 0.1 nmol L−1 d−1 at 120 m, the depth of the primary nitrite maximum (PNM). Nitrification was not detectable in the photic zone in December, perhaps in part due to the density structure of the upper water column at this time. Ammonium oxidation rates varied with ammonium concentration and yielded an estimate for the half‐saturation constant of 65 ± 41 nmol L−1 for the assemblage at 100 m. This value is similar to that reported for the cultivated marine ammonia‐oxidizing archeon Nitrosopumilus maritimus (134 nmol L−1), confirming the high affinity for ammonium of the in situ community in the Sargasso Sea. Ammonia‐oxidizing archaeal (AOA) amoA gene copy numbers were two orders of magnitude higher than ammonia‐oxidizing bacterial (AOB) amoA gene copy numbers at the PNM depth, suggesting that AOA were responsible for most of the ammonium oxidation, which was in turn responsible for the formation of the PNM. AOB abundance exceeded AOA at depths below 140 m, where both groups were much less abundant. Application of an AOA amoA functional gene microarray showed a diverse and even community distribution. A single archetype (AOA24, representing sequences originally from a coral reef) had the highest fluorescence ratio at depths of 0–1000 m.
Agricultural land use alters the seasonality and magnitude of stream metabolism
Authors: Griffiths Natalie A. , Tank Jennifer L. , Royer Todd V. , Roley Sarah S. , Rosi-Marshall Emma J. , Whiles Matt R. , Beaulieu Jake J. , Johnson Laura T.
Published: August 2016

We present a comprehensive data set of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) in open‐canopy, nutrient‐rich streams draining row‐crop agriculture in the midwestern United States. We used two approaches to characterize temporal and spatial variation in whole‐stream metabolism: continuous measurements in one agricultural stream for 1 yr, and periodic daily measurements in six agricultural streams on six dates spanning summer, autumn, and winter. Continuous measurements revealed high rates of GPP (range: 0.1 to 22.0 g O2 m−2 d−1) and ER (range: −0.9 to −34.8 g O2 m−2 d−1) that varied seasonally with light availability and temperature. GPP and ER were correlated during periods of high autotrophic production, suggesting that autotrophic respiration comprised a large portion of ER; however, the GPP : ER ratio exceeded 1 for only 4% of the year. While there were distinct temporal patterns in metabolism in one agricultural stream, rates of GPP and ER were similar among six streams when assessed via periodic daily measurements, and 26% of all periodic daily measurements were autotrophic with GPP : ER > 1. However, these periodic measurements were collected under baseflow conditions and may have overestimated the extent of autotrophy in agricultural streams. Overall, the open canopy and elevated nutrients of agricultural streams resulted in higher rates of GPP and ER compared with more pristine systems. Estimates of metabolism are needed from underrepresented systems to accurately quantify carbon fluxes from fluvial ecosystems.
High-resolution simulation of link-level vehicle emissions and
concentrations for air pollutants in a traffic-populated eastern Asian city
Authors: Zhang Shaojun , Wu Ye , Huang Ruikun , Wang Jiandong , Yan Han , Zheng Yali , Hao Jiming
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Vehicle emissions containing air pollutants created substantial environmental impacts on air quality for many traffic-populated cities in eastern Asia. A high-resolution emission inventory is a useful tool compared with traditional tools (e.g. registration data-based approach) to accurately evaluate real-world traffic dynamics and their environmental burden. In this study, Macau, one of the most populated cities in the world, is selected to demonstrate a high-resolution simulation of vehicular emissions and their contribution to air pollutant concentrations by coupling multimodels. First, traffic volumes by vehicle category on 47 typical roads were investigated during weekdays in 2010 and further applied in a networking demand simulation with the TransCAD model to establish hourly profiles of link-level vehicle counts. Local vehicle driving speed and vehicle age distribution data were also collected in Macau. Second, based on a localized vehicle emission model (e.g. the emission factor model for the Beijing vehicle fleet – Macau, EMBEV–Macau), this study established a link-based vehicle emission inventory in Macau with high resolution meshed in a temporal and spatial framework. Furthermore, we employed the AERMOD (AMS/EPA Regulatory Model) model to map concentrations of CO and primary PM2.5 contributed by local vehicle emissions during weekdays in November 2010. This study has discerned the strong impact of traffic flow dynamics on the temporal and spatial patterns of vehicle emissions, such as a geographic discrepancy of spatial allocation up to 26 % between THC and PM2.5 emissions owing to spatially heterogeneous vehicle-use intensity between motorcycles and diesel fleets. We also identified that the estimated CO2 emissions from gasoline vehicles agreed well with the statistical fuel consumption in Macau. Therefore, this paper provides a case study and a solid framework for developing high-resolution environment assessment tools for other vehicle-populated cities in eastern Asia.
LOAC: a small aerosol optical counter/sizer for ground-based and balloon
measurements of the size distribution and nature of atmospheric particles – Part 2: First results from balloon and unmanned aerial vehicle
flights
Authors: Renard Jean-Baptiste , Dulac François , Berthet Gwenaël , Lurton Thibaut , Vignelles Damien , Jégou Fabrice , Tonnelier Thierry , Jeannot Matthieu , Couté Benoit , Akiki Rony , Verdier Nicolas , Mallet Marc , Gensdarmes François , Charpentier Patrick , Mesmin Samuel , Duverger Vincent , Dupont Jean-Charles , Elias Thierry , Crenn Vincent , Sciare Jean , Zieger Paul , Salter Matthew , Roberts Tjarda , Giacomoni Jérôme , Gobbi Matthieu , Hamonou Eric , Olafsson Haraldur , Dagsson-Waldhauserova Pavla , Camy-Peyret Claude , Mazel Christophe , Décamps Thierry , Piringer Martin , Surcin Jérémy , Daugeron Daniel
Published: August 2016

Abstract. In the companion (Part I) paper, we have described and evaluated a new versatile optical particle counter/sizer named LOAC (Light Optical Aerosol Counter), based on scattering measurements at angles of 12 and 60°. That allows for some typology identification of particles (droplets, carbonaceous, salts, and mineral dust) in addition to size-segregated counting in a large diameter range from 0.2 µm up to possibly more than 100 µm depending on sampling conditions (Renard et al., 2016). Its capabilities overpass those of preceding optical particle counters (OPCs) allowing the characterization of all kind of aerosols from submicronic-sized absorbing carbonaceous particles in polluted air to very coarse particles (> 10–20 µm in diameter) in desert dust plumes or fog and clouds. LOAC's light and compact design allows measurements under all kinds of balloons, on-board unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and at ground level. We illustrate here the first LOAC airborne results obtained from a UAV and a variety of scientific balloons. The UAV was deployed in a peri-urban environment near Bordeaux in France. Balloon operations include (i) tethered balloons deployed in urban environments in Vienna (Austria) and Paris (France), (ii) pressurized balloons drifting in the lower troposphere over the western Mediterranean (during the Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment – ChArMEx campaigns), (iii) meteorological sounding balloons launched in the western Mediterranean region (ChArMEx) and from Aire-sur-l'Adour in south-western France (VOLTAIRE-LOAC campaign). More focus is put on measurements performed in the Mediterranean during (ChArMEx) and especially during African dust transport events to illustrate the original capability of balloon-borne LOAC to monitor in situ coarse mineral dust particles. In particular, LOAC has detected unexpected large particles in desert sand plumes.
Variations of leaf N and P concentrations in shrubland biomes across northern
China: phylogeny, climate, and soil
Authors: Yang Xian , Chi Xiulian , Ji Chengjun , Liu Hongyan , Ma Wenhong , Mohhammat Anwar , Shi Zhaoyong , Wang Xiangping , Yu Shunli , Yue Ming , Tang Zhiyao
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Concentrations of leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are two key traits of plants for ecosystem functioning and dynamics. Foliar stoichiometry varies remarkably among life forms. However, previous studies have focused on the stoichiometric patterns of trees and grasses, leaving a significant knowledge gap for shrubs. In this study, we explored the intraspecific and interspecific variations of leaf N and P concentrations in response to the changes in climate, soil property, and evolutionary history. We analysed 1486 samples composed of 163 shrub species from 361 shrubland sites in northern China encompassing 46.1° (86.7–132.8° E) in longitude and 19.8° (32.6–52.4° N) in latitude. Leaf N concentrations decreased with precipitation, while leaf P concentrations decreased with temperature and increased with precipitation and soil total P concentrations. Both leaf N and P concentrations were phylogenetically conserved, but leaf P concentrations were less conserved than leaf N concentrations. At the community level, climate explained more interspecific variation of leaf nutrient concentrations, while soil nutrients explained most of the intraspecific variation. These results suggested that leaf N and P concentrations responded to climate, soil, and phylogeny in different ways. Climate influenced the community chemical traits through the shift in species composition, whereas soil directly influenced the community chemical traits. New patterns were discovered using our observations on specific regions and vegetation types, which improved our knowledge of broad biogeographic patterns of leaf chemical traits.
Low methane concentrations in sediment along the continental slope north of Siberia: Inference from pore water geochemistry
Authors: Miller Clint M. , Dickens Gerald R. , Jakobsson Martin , Johansson Carina , Koshurnikov Andrey , O'Regan Matt , Muschitiello Francesco , Stranne Christian , Mörth Carl-Magnus
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The Eastern Siberian Margin (ESM), a vast region of the Arctic, potentially holds large amounts of methane in sediments as gas hydrate and free gas. Although this CH4 has become a topic of discussion, primarily because of rapid regional climate change, the ESM remains sparingly explored. Here we present pore water chemistry results from 32 cores taken during Leg 2 of the 2014 SWERUS-C3 expedition. The cores come from depth transects across the continental slope of the ESM between Wrangel Island and the New Siberian Islands. Upward CH4 flux towards the seafloor, as inferred from profiles of dissolved sulfate (SO42−), alkalinity, and the δ13C-dissolved inorganic Carbon (DIC), is negligible at all stations east of where the Lomonosov Ridge abuts the ESM at about 143° E. In the upper eight meters of these cores, downward sulfate flux never exceeds 9.2 mol/m2-kyr, the upward alkalinity flux never exceeds 6.8 mol/m2-kyr, and δ13C-DIC only slowly decreases with depth (−3.6 ‰/m on average). Additionally, dissolved H2S was not detected in these cores, and nutrient and metal profiles reveal that metal oxide reduction by organic carbon dominates the geochemical environment. A single core on Lomonosov Ridge differs, as diffusive fluxes for SO42− and alkalinity were 13.9 and 11.3 mol/m2-kyr, respectively, the δ13C-DIC gradient was 5.6 ‰/m, and Mn2+ reduction terminated within 1.3 m of the seafloor. These are among the first pore water results generated from this vast climatically sensitive region, and they imply that significant quantities of CH4, including gas hydrates, do not exist in any of our investigated depth transects spread out along much of the ESM continental slope. This contradicts previous assumptions and hypothetical models and discussion, which generally have assumed the presence of substantial CH4.
Vertical profiles of sediment methanogenic potential and communities in two plateau freshwater lakes
Authors: Yang Yuyin , Li Bingxin , Xie Shuguang , Liu Yong
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Microbial methanogenesis in sediment plays a crucial role in CH4 emission from freshwater lake ecosystem. However, knowledge on the layer depth-related changes of methanogens and their activities in freshwater lake sediment is still limited. The present study was conducted to characterize the methanogenesis potential in different sediment layer depths and the vertical distribution of microbial communities in two freshwater lakes at different trophic status on the Yunnan Plateau (China). Incubation experiments and inhibitor studies were carried out to determine the methanogenesis potential and pathways. McrA and 16S rRNA genes were used to investigate the abundance and structure of methanogen and archaeal communities, respectively. Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis was mainly responsible for methane production in sediments of both freshwater lakes. The layer depth-related change pattern of the methanogenesis potential in Dianchi Lake was found to be different from that in Erhai Lake. mcrA and archaeal 16S rRNA genes displayed the similar abundance change pattern in either lake, and the relative abundance of methanogens decreased with increasing sediment layer depth. Archaeal communities differed considerably in Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake, but methanogen communities showed a slight difference between in these two lakes. However, methanogen communities illustrated a remarkable layer depth-related change. Order Methanomicrobiales was the dominant methanogen group in all sediments, while Methanobacteriales showed high proportion only in upper layer sediments.
Observing river stages using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Niedzielski Tomasz , Witek Matylda , Spallek Waldemar
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We elaborated a new method for observing water surface areas and river stages using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is based on processing multitemporal five orthophotomaps produced from the UAV-taken visible light images of nine sites of the river, acquired with a sufficient overlap in each part. Water surface areas are calculated in the first place, and subsequently expressed as fractions of total areas of water-covered terrain at a given site of the river recorded on five dates. The logarithms of the fractions are later calculated, producing five samples, each consisted of nine elements. In order to detect statistically significant increments of water surface areas between two orthophotomaps, we apply the asymptotic and bootstrapped versions of the Student's t test, preceded by other tests that aim to check model assumptions. The procedure is applied to five orthophotomaps covering nine sites of the Ścinawka river (south-western (SW) Poland). The data have been acquired during the experimental campaign, at which flight settings were kept unchanged over nearly 3 years (2012–2014). We have found that it is possible to detect transitions between water surface areas associated with all characteristic water levels (low, mean, intermediate and high stages). In addition, we infer that the identified transitions hold for characteristic river stages as well. In the experiment we detected all increments of water level: (1) from low stages to mean, intermediate and high stages; (2) from mean stages to intermediate and high stages; and (3) from intermediate stages to high stages. Potential applications of the elaborated method include verification of hydrodynamic models and the associated predictions of high flows as well as monitoring water levels of rivers in ungauged basins.
Development of super-ensemble techniques for ocean analyses: the Mediterranean Sea case
Authors: Pistoia Jenny , Pinardi Nadia , Oddo Paolo , Collins Matthew , Korres Gerasimos , Drillet Yann
Published: August 2016

Abstract. A super-ensemble methodology is proposed to improve the quality of short-term ocean analyses for sea surface temperature (SST) in the Mediterranean Sea. The methodology consists of a multiple linear regression technique applied to a multi-physics multi-model super-ensemble (MMSE) data set. This is a collection of different operational forecasting analyses together with ad hoc simulations, created by modifying selected numerical model parameterizations. A new linear regression algorithm based on empirical orthogonal function filtering techniques is shown to be efficient in preventing overfitting problems, although the best performance is achieved when a simple spatial filter is applied after the linear regression. Our results show that the MMSE methodology improves the ocean analysis SST estimates with respect to the best ensemble member (BEM) and that the performance is dependent on the selection of an unbiased operator and the length of training. The quality of the MMSE data set has the largest impact on the MMSE analysis root mean square error (RMSE) evaluated with respect to observed satellite SST. The MMSE analysis estimates are also affected by training period length, with the longest period leading to the smoothest estimates. Finally, lower RMSE analysis estimates result from the following: a 15-day training period, an overconfident MMSE data set (a subset with the higher-quality ensemble members) and the least-squares algorithm being filtered a posteriori.
Wavelet analysis for non-stationary, nonlinear time series
Authors: Schulte Justin A.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Methods for detecting and quantifying nonlinearities in nonstationary time series are introduced and developed. In particular, higher-order wavelet analysis was applied to an ideal time series and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) time series. Multiple-testing problems inherent in wavelet analysis were addressed by controlling the false discovery rate. A new local autobicoherence spectrum facilitated the detection of local nonlinearities and the quantification of cycle geometry. The local autobicoherence spectrum of the QBO time series showed that the QBO time series contained a mode with a period of 28 months that was phase coupled to a harmonic with a period of 14 months. An additional nonlinearly interacting triad was found among modes with periods of 10, 16 and 26 months. Local biphase spectra determined that the nonlinear interactions were not quadratic and that the effect of the nonlinearities was to produce non-smoothly varying oscillations. The oscillations were found to be skewed so that negative QBO regimes were preferred, and also asymmetric in the sense that phase transitions between the easterly and westerly phases occurred more rapidly than those from westerly to easterly regimes.
CALCULATION OF TIMES AND TEMPERATURES FOR PRESS VULCANIZATION OF THICK RUBBER PADS
Authors: Gough Julia
Published: August 2016

Rubber manufacturers need simple rules to enable them to find the correct cure time and temperature for thick articles. To this end finite element analysis, controlled by Python scripting, has been used to calculate press times that meet specifications for adequate cure for uniaxial heat flow through molded rubber pads over a range of thicknesses. Three press temperatures, the effect of first preheating the rubber, and the rate of cooling were investigated. A low press temperature, preheating of the rubber, and fast cooling were required to achieve a reasonably even state of cure through thick moldings. The heat of vulcanization was included in some of the models. Its effect was small. Unified plots of the simulation results for five commercial rubber compounds are presented, and simple equations are provided to enable the cure time at any cure temperature to be estimated. The applicability of the results to fast cures of thin sections is discussed.
Did the Stock Market Regime Change after the Inauguration of the New Cabinet in Japan?
Authors: Tsuji Chikashi
Published: August 2016

This paper explored whether the Japanese stock market regime changed after the inauguration of the new Abe cabinet in Japan. Our application of Markov switching models to the Japanese stock price index returns and examinations of the price spreads in terms of the Japanese stock price indices derive the following evidence. First, (1) after the Abe cabinet started, regime of the Japanese stock markets changed. Second, (2) the regimes as to the JASDAQ Index and Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) Mothers Index more strongly and earlier changed than that of TOPIX. Third, (3) in our full sample period from January 4, 2011 to March 20, 2014, average positive price spreads over TOPIX were observed as to the JASDAQ, TSE Mothers, TOPIX Small, and TSE Second Section Index.
From Environmental Awareness to Environmental Responsibility: Towards a Stewardship Curriculum
Authors: Omoogun Ajayi C. , Egbonyi Etuki E. , Onnoghen Usang N.
Published: August 2016

The period of environmentalism heightened environmental concern and subsequently the emergence of Environmental Education that is anchored on awareness. It is thought that increase in environmental awareness will reverse the misuse of the environment and its resources. Four decades after the international call for Environmental Education, Earth’s degradation is far from abating as it’s pristinity is consistently and irreversibly being eroded by no less than from anthropocentric activities. Humans have seen themselves as the dominant species that is apart and not part of the organisms that constitute the environment. The philosophical value free nature concepts and the theological assumption that human are the ultimate species together with the rise of capitalism and its surrogates consumerism together conspire to diminuate environmental health. To protect the environment therefore, we must refocus EE to change human’s view of the environment and attitude towards the utilization of its resources. Environmental education can become more effective in creating respect for the environment. This paper examined the failure of efforts at addressing environmental issues via environmental education. The paper posits that environmental problems are on the increase due to lack of deliberate responsibility and stewardship, lack of a unique EE curricula and ineffective pedagogy. We suggest therefore that EE can target human perception and attitude and direct then towards biocentric stewardship for the environment. This can be achieved through a deliberate pedagogy of environmental values that promotes sustainable attitude and respect for the environment. Humans must bear the burden of responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of the environment. We must replace the philosophical value free nature concepts that nature is a common commodity and the theological assumption that humans are the ultimate species. We must also rethink our consumerism nature and the endless faith in the efficacy of technology to solve reoccurrence human induced ecological problems. These issues must be embedded in the school curriculum. Pedagogical approach to EE should essentially be the experiential model. The school curriculum must be the carrier and doer of these values that are crucial to the sustainability of the environment. Environmental ethics, environmental code of conduct, environmental nationalism, nature as manifestation of God, ascetic consumerism are recommended as key component of environmental curricula and pedagogy.
The Impact of Peer Group Interaction on Training Effectiveness: Mediating Role of Training Motivation and Transfer Climate
Authors: Elembilassery Varun
Published: August 2016

This conceptual article proposes a new research model to examine the relationship between Peer Group Interaction and Training Effectiveness. It is hypothesized that the relationship between Peer Group Interaction and Training Effectiveness will be moderated by conducive Transfer Climate and positive Training Motivation. The article begins with a description of the enormous investments done and the accompanying ambiguity in the field of Training and Development to establish the need for studying Training Effectiveness. Further, the theoretical background of each variable is explained in detail. Based on the recent studies in this field, alternate arguments are deduced and a new model for research is proposed. Finally, the plausible limitations of the proposed model is discussed and the article concludes by asserting that the variables in study are lesser focused but easier to implement in real time.
AVALIAÇÃO DO NÍVEL DE USO DAS TICS EM ESCOLAS BRASILEIRAS: UMA EXPLORAÇÃO DOS DADOS DA PESQUISA “TIC EDUCAÇÃO”
Authors: Albino Raphael , Souza Cesar Alexandre De
Published: August 2016

No contexto do ensino, as Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs) assumem importante papel como apoio pedagógico para auxiliar na melhoria da estrutura básica da educação. A incorporação das TICs nas escolas contribui para expandir o acesso à informação atualizada e, principalmente, para promover a criação de comunidades colaborativas de aprendizagem que privilegiam a construção do conhecimento, a comunicação, a formação continuada e a gestão articulada entre as áreas administrativa, pedagógica e informacional da escola. No Brasil, é possível observar a existência de propostas de incentivo ao uso das tecnologias digitais na educação, no entanto, é importante salientar que a ênfase das discussões recai sobre a disponibilidade de hardware e software nas escolas. Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar o nível de uso das TICs em escolas brasileiras. Para isso, foi proposto e construído um índice que demonstrou a existência de diferenças quanto ao nível de uso das escolas investigadas à luz da perspectiva regional e administrativa. Foram utilizados os microdados de da pesquisa “TIC Educação”, realizada periodicamente pelo Comitê Gestor da Internet no Brasil (CGI.br), com dados de escolas públicas e privadas em todas as regiões do país. Entre os resultados estão o desenvolvimento do índice de uso das TICs pelas escolas e a classificação dos estabelecimentos de ensino de acordo com seu nível de uso.
APLICAÇÃO DE TÉCNICA DE REDUÇÃO DE VARIÂNCIA NO PRÊMIO DE OPÇÕES ASIÁTICAS DE ELETRICIDADE POR SIMULAÇÃO DE MONTE CARLO
Authors: Moraes Luciano De Paula , Maia Paulo Roberto Bastos , Pinto Antonio Carlos Figueiredo , Klotzle Marcelo Cabus , Gomes Leonardo Lima
Published: August 2016

As opções financeiras são instrumentos derivativos utilizados na gestão de risco de mercado das empresas e investidores. O apreçamento das mesmas, segundo a literatura, se dá por meio de diversas metodologias que podem se basear no desenvolvimento de expressões analíticas, que fornecem soluções fechadas para a determinação dos preços, bem como no emprego de métodos numéricos, tais como as árvores e as simulações. A proposta desse trabalho é simular o prêmio de uma opção de compra europeia asiática, com payoff calculado sobre a média aritmética da trajetória do preço do ativo-objeto (commodity eletricidade e preço por MWh - submercado sudeste) em diferentes cenários de preços de exercícios e volatilidades. Nesta proposta, está incluído o emprego das técnicas de redução de variância da amostra, utilizandose Variáveis Antitéticas e Variáveis de Controle, para corrigir erros de precisão decorrentes da simulação de Monte Carlo.
Towards an integrated approach to food behaviour: Meat consumption and substitution, from context to consumers
Authors: Graça João
Published: August 2016

Background

Human diet is increasingly acknowledged as a critical issue in global health and sustainability challenges.

Aim

This article draws on meat consumption and substitution to illustrate how two features facilitate an integrated approach to understanding food behaviour: (1) framing such behaviour in a wider historical, sociocultural and environmental context; and (2) acknowledging the role that psychological processes play in consumer willingness and propensity to engage in a given diet.

Conclusion

To mobilize large-scale changes towards healthier and more sustainable dietary choices, the article concludes with a call for developing conceptual, methodological and delivery tools that: (1) consider the context in which food habits take place; and (2) identify and engage with different groups of consumers.
Dynamic mental representations of habitual behaviours: Food choice on a web-based environment
Authors: Gaspar Rui , Palma-Oliveira José Manuel , Corral-Verdugo Victor
Published: August 2016

Aim

Rather than being rigid, habitual behaviours may be determined by dynamic mental representations that can adapt to context changes. This adaptive potential may result from particular conditions dependent on the interaction between two sources of mental constructs activation: perceived context applicability and cognitive accessibility.

Method

Two web-shopping simulations offering the choice between habitually chosen and non-habitually chosen food products were presented to participants. This considered two choice contexts differing in the habitual behaviour perceived applicability (low vs. high) and a measure of habitual behaviour chronicity.

Results

Study 1 demonstrated a perceived applicability effect, with more habitual (non-organic) than non-habitual (organic) food products chosen in a high perceived applicability (familiar) than in a low perceived applicability (new) context. The adaptive potential of habitual behaviour was evident in the habitual products choice consistency across three successive choices, despite the decrease in perceived applicability. Study 2 evidenced the adaptive potential in strong habitual behaviour participants – high chronic accessibility – who chose a habitual product (milk) more than a non-habitual product (orange juice), even when perceived applicability was reduced (new context).

Conclusion

Results portray consumers as adaptive decision makers that can flexibly cope with changes in their (inner and outer) choice contexts.
Therapeutic Prospective of Infused Allogenic Cultured Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Traumatic Brain Injury Mice: A Longitudinal Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Assessment
Authors: Mishra Sushanta Kumar , Rana Poonam , Khushu Subash , Gangenahalli Gurudutta
Published: August 2016

Improved therapeutic assessment of experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), would immensely benefit its therapeutic management. Neurometabolite patterns at injury site, measured with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) after MSCs transplantation, may serve as a bio-indicator of the recovery mechanism. This study used in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and 1H-MRS to evaluate the therapeutic prospects of implanted MSCs at injury site in experimental mice longitudinally up to 21 days. Negative tissue contrast and cytotoxic edema formation were observed in susceptibility-based contrast (T2*) and an apparent diffusion coefficient map, respectively. Lesion site showed decreased N-acetylaspartate, total choline, myo-inositol, total creatine, glutamate-glutamine complex, and taurine neurometabolic concentrations by 1H-MRS investigation. There was a considerable decrease in locomotor activity, depression index, and cognitive index after TBI. It may, therefore, be inferred that MSC transplantation prompted recovery by decreasing negative signals and edema, restoring metabolites to baseline concentrations, and enhancing behavioral activity. Overall findings support the potential of MSC transplantation for the enhancement of endogenous neuroprotective responses, which may provide future clinical applications for translating laboratory research into therapeutic clinical advances.
The 3Rs of Cell Therapy
Authors: Caplan Arnold I. , Mason Chris , Reeve Brock
Published: August 2016

The 3Rs for a good education are “reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic.” The basis for good health care solutions for the emergent field of cell therapy in the future will also involve 3Rs: regulation, reimbursement, and realization of value. The business models in this new field of cell therapy will involve these 3Rs. This article brings forth realities facing this new industry for its approaches to provide curative health care solutions.
The Tombs Which Stood Almost out of Sight of Visitors are Now Seen by Anyone who Wishes: Marcantonio‘s Lion Hunt and the Study of Antique Sculpture
Authors: Bartlett-Rawlings Bryony
Published: August 2016

What was the process by which an antiquity found on the streets of Rome became
the subject of a Renaissance engraving? How did engraving preserve the memory of
such antiquities as they vanished into the homes of private collectors, were
plundered or destroyed? This article focuses on Marcantonio Raimondis Lion Hunt
to explore the relationship between ancient sculpture and the medium of print in
Raphaels Rome.
A shared numerical representation for action and perception
Authors: Anobile Giovanni , Arrighi Roberto , Togoli Irene , Burr David Charles
Published: August 2016

Humans and other species have perceptual mechanisms dedicated to estimating approximate quantity: a sense of number. Here we show a clear interaction between self-produced actions and the perceived numerosity of subsequent visual stimuli. A short period of rapid finger-tapping (without sensory feedback) caused subjects to underestimate the number of visual stimuli presented near the tapping region; and a period of slow tapping caused overestimation. The distortions occurred both for stimuli presented sequentially (series of flashes) and simultaneously (clouds of dots); both for magnitude estimation and forced-choice comparison. The adaptation was spatially selective, primarily in external, real-world coordinates. Our results sit well with studies reporting links between perception and action, showing that vision and action share mechanisms that encode numbers: a generalized number sense, which estimates the number of self-generated as well as external events.
Conserved functional antagonism of CELF and MBNL proteins controls stem cell-specific alternative splicing in planarians
Authors: Solana Jordi , Irimia Manuel , Ayoub Salah , Orejuela Marta Rodriguez , Zywitza Vera , Jens Marvin , Tapial Javier , Ray Debashish , Morris Quaid , Hughes Timothy R , Blencowe Benjamin J , Rajewsky Nikolaus
Published: August 2016

In contrast to transcriptional regulation, the function of alternative splicing (AS) in stem cells is poorly understood. In mammals, MBNL proteins negatively regulate an exon program specific of embryonic stem cells; however, little is known about the in vivo significance of this regulation. We studied AS in a powerful in vivo model for stem cell biology, the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. We discover a conserved AS program comprising hundreds of alternative exons, microexons and introns that is differentially regulated in planarian stem cells, and comprehensively identify its regulators. We show that functional antagonism between CELF and MBNL factors directly controls stem cell-specific AS in planarians, placing the origin of this regulatory mechanism at the base of Bilaterians. Knockdown of CELF or MBNL factors lead to abnormal regenerative capacities by affecting self-renewal and differentiation sets of genes, respectively. These results highlight the importance of AS interactions in stem cell regulation across metazoans.
A comparison of blood gases, biochemistry, and hematology to ecomorphology in a health assessment of pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides)
Authors: Collins Sara , Dornburg Alex , Flores Joseph M. , Dombrowski Daniel S. , Lewbart Gregory A.
Published: August 2016

Despite the promise of hematological parameters and blood chemistry in monitoring the health of marine fishes, baseline data is often lacking for small fishes that comprise central roles in marine food webs. This study establishes blood chemistry and hematological baseline parameters for the pinfishLagodon rhomboides, a small marine teleost that is among the most dominant members of near-shore estuarine communities of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Given their prominence, pinfishes are an ideal candidate species to use as a model for monitoring changes across a wide range of near-shore marine communities. However, pinfishes exhibit substantial morphological differences associated with a preference for feeding in primarily sea-grass or sand dominated habitats, suggesting that differences in the foraging ecology of individuals could confound health assessments. Here we collect baseline data on the blood physiology of pinfish while assessing the relationship between blood parameters and measured aspects of feeding morphology using data collected from 37 individual fish. Our findings provide new baseline health data for this important near shore fish species and find no evidence for a strong linkage between blood physiology and either sex or measured aspects of feeding morphology. Comparing our hematological and biochemical data to published results from other marine teleost species suggests that analyses of trends in blood value variation correlated with major evolutionary transitions in ecology will shed new light on the physiological changes that underlie the successful diversification of fishes.
Temporal dynamics of the developing lung transcriptome in three common inbred strains of laboratory mice reveals multiple stages of postnatal alveolar development
Authors: Beauchemin Kyle J. , Wells Julie M. , Kho Alvin T. , Philip Vivek M. , Kamir Daniela , Kohane Isaac S. , Graber Joel H. , Bult Carol J.
Published: August 2016

To characterize temporal patterns of transcriptional activity during normal lung development, we generated genome wide gene expression data for 26 pre- and post-natal time points in three common inbred strains of laboratory mice (C57BL/6J, A/J, and C3H/HeJ). Using Principal Component Analysis and least squares regression modeling, we identified both strain-independent and strain-dependent patterns of gene expression. The 4,683 genes contributing to the strain-independent expression patterns were used to define a murine Developing Lung Characteristic Subtranscriptome (mDLCS). Regression modeling of the Principal Components supported the four canonical stages of mammalian embryonic lung development (embryonic, pseudoglandular, canalicular, saccular) defined previously by morphology and histology. For postnatal alveolar development, the regression model was consistent with four stages of alveolarization characterized by episodic transcriptional activity of genes related to pulmonary vascularization. Genes expressed in a strain-dependent manner were enriched for annotations related to neurogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, and Wnt signaling. Finally, a comparison of mouse and human transcriptomics from pre-natal stages of lung development revealed conservation of pathways associated with cell cycle, axon guidance, immune function, and metabolism as well as organism-specific expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix organization and protein modification. The mouse lung development transcriptome data generated for this study serves as a unique reference set to identify genes and pathways essential for normal mammalian lung development and for investigations into the developmental origins of respiratory disease and cancer. The gene expression data are available from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) archive (GSE74243). Temporal expression patterns of mouse genes can be investigated using a study specific web resource (http://lungdevelopment.jax.org).
Probing the origins of human acetylcholinesterase inhibition via QSAR modeling and molecular docking
Authors: Simeon Saw , Anuwongcharoen Nuttapat , Shoombuatong Watshara , Malik Aijaz Ahmad , Prachayasittikul Virapong , Wikberg Jarl E.S. , Nantasenamat Chanin
Published: August 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease which leads to the gradual loss of neuronal cells. Several hypotheses for AD exists (e.g., cholinergic, amyloid, tau hypotheses, etc.). As per the cholinergic hypothesis, the deficiency of choline is responsible for AD; therefore, the inhibition of AChE is a lucrative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AD. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that is essential for cognition and memory. A large non-redundant data set of 2,570 compounds with reported IC50values against AChE was obtained from ChEMBL and employed in quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study so as to gain insights on their origin of bioactivity. AChE inhibitors were described by a set of 12 fingerprint descriptors and predictive models were constructed from 100 different data splits using random forest. Generated models affordedR2, ${Q}_{\mathrm{CV }}^{2}$ and ${Q}_{\mathrm{Ext}}^{2}$ values in ranges of 0.66–0.93, 0.55–0.79 and 0.56–0.81 for the training set, 10-fold cross-validated set and external set, respectively. The best model built using the substructure count was selected according to the OECD guidelines and it affordedR2, ${Q}_{\mathrm{CV }}^{2}$ and ${Q}_{\mathrm{Ext}}^{2}$ values of 0.92 ± 0.01, 0.78 ± 0.06 and 0.78 ± 0.05, respectively. Furthermore, Y-scrambling was applied to evaluate the possibility of chance correlation of the predictive model. Subsequently, a thorough analysis of the substructure fingerprint count was conducted to provide informative insights on the inhibitory activity of AChE inhibitors. Moreover, Kennard–Stone sampling of the actives were applied to select 30 diverse compounds for further molecular docking studies in order to gain structural insights on the origin of AChE inhibition. Site-moiety mapping of compounds from the diversity set revealed three binding anchors encompassing both hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interaction. Molecular docking revealed that compounds13,5and28exhibited the lowest binding energies of −12.2, −12.0 and −12.0 kcal/mol, respectively, against human AChE, which is modulated by hydrogen bonding,π–πstacking and hydrophobic interaction inside the binding pocket. These information may be used as guidelines for the design of novel and robust AChE inhibitors.
Contrast‐Enhanced Sonographic Characteristics of Hepatic Inflammatory Pseudotumors
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , Tang Shaoshan , Huang Liping , Yu Hongwei
Published: August 2016

A hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor, which can be misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor, is a relatively uncommon tumor with nonspecific imaging manifestations. As a new diagnostic technique, contrast‐enhanced sonography has become increasingly important in the diagnosis of liver focal lesions. Here we present 3 cases of histologically confirmed hepatic inflammatory pseudotumors diagnosed with contrast‐enhanced sonography. “Fast‐in and centrifugal‐out” may be a characteristic contrast‐enhanced sonographic enhancement pattern in the diagnosis of hepatic inflammatory pseudotumors, which needs confirmation in further studies.
Comparison of methods: Attributing the 2014 record European temperatures to human influences
Authors: Uhe P. , Otto F. E. L. , Haustein K. , van Oldenborgh G. J. , King A. D. , Wallom D. C. H. , Allen M. R. , Cullen H.
Published: August 2016

The year 2014 broke the record for the warmest yearly average temperature in Europe. Attributing how much this was due to anthropogenic climate change and how much it was due to natural variability is a challenging question but one that is important to address. In this study, we compare four event attribution methods. We look at the risk ratio (RR) associated with anthropogenic climate change for this event, over the whole European region, as well as its spatial distribution. Each method shows a very strong anthropogenic influence on the event over Europe. However, the magnitude of the RR strongly depends on the definition of the event and the method used. Across Europe, attribution over larger regions tended to give greater RR values. This highlights a major source of sensitivity in attribution statements and the need to define the event to analyze on a case‐by‐case basis.
A probabilistic study of the return of stratospheric ozone to 1960 levels
Authors: Södergren A. Helena , Bodeker Gregory E. , Kremser Stefanie , Meinshausen Malte , McDonald Adrian J.
Published: August 2016

Anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and ozone‐depleting substances are expected to continue to affect concentrations of ozone in the stratosphere through the 21st century. While a range of estimates for when stratospheric ozone is expected to return to unperturbed levels is available in the literature, quantification of the spread in results is sparse. Here we present the first probabilistic study of latitudinally resolved years of return of stratospheric ozone to 1960 levels. Results from our 180‐member ensemble, simulated with a newly developed simple climate model, suggest that the spread in return years of ozone is largest around 40°N/S and in the southern high latitudes and decreases with increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The spread in projections of ozone is larger for higher greenhouse gas scenarios and is larger in the polar regions than in the midlatitudes, while the spread in ozone radiative forcing is smallest in the polar regions.
J(Si,H)‐Kopplungskonstanten in nicht‐klassischen Übergangsmetallsilankomplexen
Authors: Scherer Wolfgang , Meixner Petra , Batke Kilian , Barquera‐Lozada José E. , Ruhland Klaus , Fischer Andreas , Eickerling Georg , Eichele Klaus
Published: August 2016

Wir werden herausarbeiten, dass das Vorzeichen und der Betrag der J(Si,H)‐Kopplungskonstante hochsensible Kriterien zur Bestimmung des Fortschritts der Si‐H‐Bindungsaktivierung in nicht‐klassischen Silankomplexen darstellen. Bisher war die Analyse dieser wichtigen Struktur/Eigenschafts‐Beziehung durch fehlerhafte J(Si,H)‐Vorzeichen in der Literatur erschwert. Die hier vorgestellten neuen Erkenntnisse helfen dabei, ausgewählte Kontrollparameter der Si‐H‐Bindungsaktivierung auch in nicht‐klassischen Silankomplexen zu identifizieren.