bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descripción y cálculo de índices de fragmentación urbana: Herramienta IndiFrag
Authors: Sapena Moll M. , Ruiz Fernández L. Ángel
Published: June 2015

En este trabajo se estudia el concepto de fragmentación del paisaje y su análisis a través de técnicas de teledetección y SIG. Se presenta una nueva herramienta, llamada IndiFrag, que calcula índices y variables que describen de forma cuantitativa el nivel de fragmentación y la distribución espacial de los usos del suelo provenientes de mapas de coberturas en formato vectorial. La herramienta compila un gran número de índices de fragmentación y permite su cálculo para objetos cartográficos según varios niveles de jerarquía. Los índices están divididos en cinco grupos en función de los atributos que describen: área y perímetro, forma, gregación, diversidad y contraste. Esta herramienta se aplica de forma práctica a datos de usos del suelo de la ciudad de Valencia derivados de una clasificación orientada a objetos, generando mapas de índices de fragmentación a nivel de barrio, obteniendo así los resultados de la fragmentación urbana de los barrios de Valencia. El desarrollo de IndiFrag constituye un paso preliminar para la creación de una metodología que cuantifique la evolución de las zonas urbanas a lo largo del tiempo desde el punto de vista de su fragmentación y de la relación de esta propiedad con determinadas variables geográficas.
Aplicación del Estimador de Parámetros de Segmentación por Media-desplazada (EPSM) a las imágenes de satélite de muy alta resolución espacial: Tetuán (Marruecos)
Authors: Raissouni N. , Benarchid O. , Sobrino J. A. , El Ayyan A.
Published: June 2015

La segmentación de imágenes constituye un paso crucial en el Análisis de Imágenes Basado en Objetos (AIBO). Combinando distintos valores de los parámetros de entrada de los algoritmos de segmentación se obtienen diferentes resultados. En general, los parámetros óptimos seleccionados se determinan mediante interpretación visual; por lo tanto, la definición de las combinaciones óptimas es una tarea considerablemente difícil. En la presente investigación, se propone una herramienta analítica que denominamos Estimador de Parámetros de Segmentación por Media-desplazada (EPSM) aplicada a la selección automatizada de los valores de los parámetros de segmentación en las imágenes de satélite de muy alta resolución espacial en la región de Tetuán (norte de Marruecos). El estimador EPSM necesita como entradas la Base de Datos Vectorial existente (BDV) y los datos espectrales con el fin de definir automáticamente los valores de los parámetros de segmentación. La aplicación del método EPSM a diferentes paisajes proporciona valores mínimos del índice de sub-segmentación (US) ≤0,20 en zonas industriales, residenciales y rurales, mientras que para la zona residencial densa muestra valores de 0,35.
Consejo de redacción, editorial, información autores
Authors: RAET Revista
Published: June 2015

Información sobre los créditos, índice y editorial de este nº43 de la revista.
Wet-season spatial variability in N2O emissions from a tea field in subtropical central China
Authors: Fu X. , Liu X. , Li Y. , Shen J. , Wang Y. , Zou G. , Li H. , Song L. , Wu J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Tea fields emit large amounts of nitrous oxide (N2O) to the atmosphere. Obtaining accurate estimations of N2O emissions from tea-planted soils is challenging due to strong spatial variability. We examined the spatial variability in N2O emissions from a red-soil tea field in Hunan Province, China, on 22 April 2012 (in a wet season) using 147 static mini chambers approximately regular gridded in a 4.0 ha tea field. The N2O fluxes for a 30 min snapshot (10:00–10:30 a.m.) ranged from −1.73 to 1659.11 g N ha−1 d−1 and were positively skewed with an average flux of 102.24 g N ha−1 d−1. The N2O flux data were transformed to a normal distribution by using a logit function. The geostatistical analyses of our data indicated that the logit-transformed N2O fluxes (FLUX30t) exhibited strong spatial autocorrelation, which was characterized by an exponential semivariogram model with an effective range of 25.2 m. As observed in the wet season, the logit-transformed soil ammonium-N (NH4Nt), soil nitrate-N (NO3Nt), soil organic carbon (SOCt) and total soil nitrogen (TSNt) were all found to be significantly correlated with FLUX30t (r = 0.57–0.71, p < 0.001). Three spatial interpolation methods (ordinary kriging, regression kriging and cokriging) were applied to estimate the spatial distribution of N2O emissions over the study area. Cokriging with NH4Nt and NO3Nt as covariables (r = 0.74 and RMSE = 1.18) outperformed ordinary kriging (r = 0.18 and RMSE = 1.74), regression kriging with the sample position as a predictor (r = 0.49 and RMSE = 1.55) and cokriging with SOCt as a covariable (r = 0.58 and RMSE = 1.44). The predictions of the three kriging interpolation methods for the total N2O emissions of 4.0 ha tea field ranged from 148.2 to 208.1 g N d−1, based on the 30 min snapshots obtained during the wet season. Our findings suggested that to accurately estimate the total N2O emissions over a region, the environmental variables (e.g., soil properties) and the current land use pattern (e.g., tea row transects in the present study) must be included in spatial interpolation. Additionally, compared with other kriging approaches, the cokriging prediction approach showed great advantages in being easily deployed and, more importantly, providing accurate regional estimation of N2O emissions from tea-planted soils.
Ecosystem model-based approach for modelling the dynamics of 137Cs transfer to marine plankton populations: application to the western North Pacific Ocean after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Belharet M. , Estournel C. , Charmasson S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Huge amounts of radionuclides, especially 137Cs, were released into the western North Pacific Ocean after the Fukushima nuclear power plant (FNPP) accident that occurred on 11 March 2011, resulting in contamination of the marine biota. In this study we developed a radioecological model to estimate 137Cs concentrations in phytoplankton and zooplankton populations representing the lower levels of the pelagic trophic chain. We coupled this model to a lower trophic level ecosystem model and an ocean circulation model to take into account the site-specific environmental conditions in the area. The different radioecological parameters of the model were estimated by calibration, and a sensitivity analysis to parameter uncertainties was carried out, showing a high sensitivity of the model results, especially to the 137Cs concentration in seawater, to the rates of uptake from water and to the radionuclide assimilation efficiency for zooplankton. The results of the 137Cs concentrations in planktonic populations simulated in this study were then validated through comparison with the some data available in the region after the accident. The model results have shown that the maximum concentrations in plankton after the accident were about two to four orders of magnitude higher than those observed before the accident depending on the distance from FNPP. Finally, the maximum 137Cs absorbed dose rate for phyto- and zooplankton populations was estimated to be about 10−2 μGy h−1, and was, therefore, lower than the 10 μGy h−1 benchmark value defined in the ERICA assessment approach from which a measurable effect on the marine biota can be observed.
A sequential Bayesian approach for the estimation of the age–depth relationship of Dome Fuji ice core
Authors: Nakano S. , Suzuki K. , Kawamura K. , Parrenin F. , Higuchi T.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A technique for estimating the age–depth relationship in an ice core and evaluating its uncertainty is presented. The age–depth relationship is mainly determined by the accumulation of snow at the site of the ice core and the thinning process due to the horizontal stretching and vertical compression of ice layers. However, since neither the accumulation process nor the thinning process are fully understood, it is essential to incorporate observational information into a model that describes the accumulation and thinning processes. In the proposed technique, the age as a function of depth is estimated from age markers and δ18O data. The estimation is achieved using the particle Markov chain Monte Carlo (PMCMC) method, in which the sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) method is combined with the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. In this hybrid method, the posterior distributions for the parameters in the models for the accumulation and thinning processes are computed using the Metropolis method, in which the likelihood is obtained with the SMC method. Meanwhile, the posterior distribution for the age as a function of depth is obtained by collecting the samples generated by the SMC method with Metropolis iterations. The use of this PMCMC method enables us to estimate the age–depth relationship without assuming either linearity or Gaussianity. The performance of the proposed technique is demonstrated by applying it to ice core data from Dome Fuji in Antarctica.
Dynamics of turbulent western-boundary currents at low latitude in a shallow-water model
Authors: Akuetevi C. Q. C. , Wirth A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The dynamics of low latitude turbulent western-boundary currents (WBCs) crossing the Equator are considered using numerical results from integrations of a reduced-gravity shallow-water model. For viscosity values of 1000 m2 s−1 and greater, the boundary layer dynamics compares well to the analytical Munk-layer solution. When the viscosity is reduced, the boundary layer becomes turbulent and coherent structures in the form of anticyclonic eddies, bursts (violent detachments of the viscous sub-layer, VSL) and dipoles appear. Three distinct boundary layers emerge, the VSL, the advective boundary layer and the extended boundary layer. The first is characterized by a dominant vorticity balance between the viscous transport and the advective transport of vorticity; the second by a balance between the advection of planetary vorticity and the advective transport of relative vorticity. The extended boundary layer is the area to which turbulent motion from the boundary extends. The scaling of the three boundary layer thicknesses with viscosity is evaluated. Characteristic scales of the dynamics and dissipation are determined. A pragmatic approach to determine the eddy viscosity diagnostically for coarse-resolution numerical models is proposed.
Magnetic observatories: biases over CHAMP satellite mission
Authors: Verbanac G. , Mandea M. , Bandić M. , Subašić S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Taking advantage of 9 years of the CHAMP (CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload) satellite mission (June 2000–August 2009), we investigate the temporal evolution of the observatory monthly magnetic biases. To determine these biases we compute X (northward), Y (eastward) and Z (vertically downward) monthly means from 42 observatory 1 min values or hourly values, and compare them to synthetic monthly means obtained from a G field model (Lesur et al., 2015). Afterwards, the average of biases at all observatories over 9 years is calculated and analyzed. Both the long-term trends and short-period variations (hereafter ε variations) around these averages are then investigated. The simple oscillatory pattern of ε, found at all observatories and in each component over the entire considered period, indicates that the crustal field has not changed. A comparison with both MAGSAT and Ørsted biases given for epochs 1979.92 and 1999.92 which are based on 2 single months (November and December) of MAGSAT and Ørsted satellite data, respectively, further shows that the crustal field has probably remained constant over last 3 decades. The long-trend seen in ε reflects the changes within the solar cycle 23. The short period variations observed in the ε time series are related to the external field. The amplitudes of these variations are found to be in phase with solar cycle periods, being remarkably larger over 2000–2005 than 2006–2009. Furthermore, clear semi-annual variations are observed in ε, with larger extremes appearing mostly around October and November, and around May and June of each year in X, and vice versa in Y and Z. A common external field pattern is found for the European monthly biases. The dependence of the bias monthly variations on geomagnetic latitudes is not found for non-European observatories. The results from this study represent a base to further exploit the magnetic biases computed for observatories and repeat station locations together by using data from the new satellite mission Swarm.
Impact of gravels and organic matter on the thermal properties of grassland soils in southern France
Authors: Calvet J.-C. , Fritz N. , Berne C. , Piguet B. , Maurel W. , Meurey C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Soil moisture is the main driver of temporal changes in values of the soil thermal conductivity. The latter is a key variable in land surface models (LSMs) used in hydrometeorology, for the simulation of the vertical profile of soil temperature in relation to soil moisture. Shortcomings in soil thermal conductivity models tend to limit the impact of improving the simulation of soil moisture in LSMs. Models of the thermal conductivity of soils are affected by uncertainties, especially in the representation of the impact of soil properties such as the volumetric fraction of quartz (q), soil organic matter, and gravels. As soil organic matter and gravels are often neglected in LSMs, the soil thermal conductivity models used in most LSMs represent the mineral fine earth, only. Moreover, there is no map of q and it is often assumed that this quantity is equal to the volumetric fraction of sand. In this study, q values are derived by reverse modelling from the continuous soil moisture and soil temperature sub-hourly observations of the Soil Moisture Observing System – Meteorological Automatic Network Integrated Application (SMOSMANIA) network at 21 grassland sites in southern France, from 2008 to 2015. The soil temperature observations are used to retrieve the soil thermal diffusivity (Dh) at a depth of 0.10 m in unfrozen conditions, solving the thermal diffusion equation. The soil moisture and Dh values are then used together with the measured soil properties to retrieve soil thermal conductivity (λ) values. For ten sites, the obtained λ value at saturation (λsat) cannot be retrieved or is lower than the value corresponding to a null value of q, probably in relation to a high density of grass roots at these sites or to the presence of stones. For the remaining eleven sites, q is negatively correlated with the volumetric fraction of solids other than sand. The impact of neglecting gravels and organic matter on λsat is assessed. It is shown that these factors have a major impact on λsat.
National Wealth and National Intelligence as Determinants of National Productivity and National Innovation
Authors: DiPietro William
Published: June 2015

This paper proposes that both national productivity and national innovation depend positively on two key variables, the amount of national wealth and the extent of national intelligence. To test these ideas, the paper employs cross country regression analysis on a large set of countries from around the world. Overall, the regression results of the paper lend support to the idea. Empirically, it appears that national productivity is positively related to national wealth and national intelligence, and that national innovation is positively related to national wealth and national innovation. 
Cuba’s Agricultural Transformations
Authors: González Armando Nova , Gonzalez-Corzo Mario A
Published: June 2015

The Cuban government has implemented a series of agricultural transformations since 2007 to increase the country’s agricultural self-sufficiency and reduce its dependency on food imports. These include the transfer (in usufruct) of State-owned land to non-State producers (e.g. cooperatives and private farmers), moderate price reforms, the decentralization of decision making, and the gradual relaxation of existing forms of agricultural commercialization.  As a result of these measures, the area planted, as well as physical output and agricultural yields (in selected non-sugar crop categories) have shown mixed results, but still remain below desired levels. There are three (3) fundamental unresolved aspects that have prevented Cuba’s agricultural sector from achieving the desired outcomes: (1) the need to achieve the “realization of property,” (2) the recognition and acceptance of the market as a complementary economic coordination mechanism, and (3) the absence of a systemic focus to achieve the successful completion of the agricultural production cycle.  These unresolved aspects should be addressed through: (1) the consolidation of input markets, where producers can obtain essential inputs at prices that correspond to the prices they can obtain for their output, (2) greater autonomy to allow agricultural producers to freely decide when, where, and to whom they could sell their output, after social contracts have been fulfilled, (3) the diversification of the forms of agricultural commercialization to permit greater participation by non-State economic actors, (4) allowing agricultural producers to freely hire the labor necessary to sustain and increase production, and (5) providing agricultural producers with the financing and technical assistance necessary.
Predictors of Mortality in Patients Undergoing Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: Khan Muhammad Farhan , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Bawany Faizan Imran , Dar Mudassir Iqbal , Hussain Mehwish , Farhan Saima , Fatima Kaneez , Hamid Khizar , Arshad Mohammad Hussham , Aziz Maira , Siddiqi Uswah , Aziz Nashit Irfan , Musharraf Muhammad Bazil , Khan Abdul Bari
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE: Although mitral valve replacement is frequently performed in patients of all age groups, there are few studies available which determine the causes of operative mortality in mitral valve replacement especially in our region. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify factors that are significantly associated with operative mortality in mitral valve replacement.

METHODS: From August 2012 to March 2013, 80 consecutive patients undergoing mitral valve replacement in a single tertiary hospital were included. Patients with a history of previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery or congenital heart problems were excluded from the sample. The included patients were observed for a period of 30 days. Pre and post-operative variables were used to identify significant predictors of mortality.

RESULTS: The overall hospital mortality (30 days) was 15%. High post-perative creatinine (P =0.05), high ASO titre (P=0.03), young age (P=0.011), low cardiac output (P=0.0001), small mitral valve size (P=0.002) and new onset of atrial fibrillation (P=0.007) were the significant independent predictors of operative morality.

CONCLUSION: Mitral valve replacement can be performed in third world countries with limited resources with low mortality. However, optimal selection of mitral valve size can help to improve operative mortality.
Survey of Nursery Errors in Healthcare Centers, Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Ayoubian Ali , Habibi Mansooreh , Yazdian Pouria , Bagherian-Mahmoodabadi Hossein , Arasteh Peyman , Eghbali Tannaz , Emami Meybodi Tohid
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND & AIM: Nurse’s mistakes usually have a strong effect on the patients trust and satisfaction in the health services systems, and it can also lead to stress and moral contradicts among nurses. This study has aimed to survey the rate of nurses’ mistakes, according to documents in the Isfahan Province during 2007-2012.

METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample population consisted of all complaints concerning nursing services provided in hospitals, private clinics and other health service centers between 2007 and 2012, submitted to the Forensic Medicine Commission Office, in Isfahan. The data were collected by a cheklist and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software.

RESULTS: Out of 708 complaints, 70 (9.8%) cases were related to nurses. Twenty-four cases led to awards. The age range of nurses was 35-40 (25.7%).  Out of 70 nurses with a record, 75% (53 people) were female and the rest were male. Sixty four nurses (91.4%) were working in hospitals. Negligence was the first basis of the court rulings (16 cases out of 24). Nurses’ recklessness in providing services was due to their convictions among 66.7% of the cases

CONCLUSION: Although efforts to reduce and control nurses’ faults and mistakes depends on using a system for studying  and removing the factors which lead to faults, human error is inevitable in every occupation and a 100% accurate operation is unreachable.
Quality of Life for Saudi Patients With Heart Failure: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study
Authors: AbuRuz Mohannad Eid , Alaloul Fawwaz , Saifan Ahmed , Masa'deh Rami , Abusalem Said
Published: June 2015

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is a major public health issue and a growing concern in developing countries, including Saudi Arabia. Most related research was conducted in Western cultures and may have limited applicability for individuals in Saudi Arabia. Thus, this study assesses the quality of life of Saudi patients with heart failure.

MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational design was used on a convenient sample of 103 patients with heart failure. Data were collected using the Short Form-36 and the Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey.

RESULTS: Overall, the patients’ scores were low for all domains of Quality of Life. The Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary mean scores and SDs were (36.7±12.4, 48.8±6.5) respectively, indicating poor Quality of Life. Left ventricular ejection fraction was the strongest predictor of both physical and mental summaries.

CONCLUSION: Identifying factors that impact quality of life for Saudi heart failure patients is important in identifying and meeting their physical and psychosocial needs.
The Relationship Between the Customer Relationship Management and Patients’ Loyalty to Hospitals
Authors: Hajikhani Shadi , Tabibi Seyed Jamaledin , Riahi Leila
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND & AIM: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) with its various components has been considered as a tool causing customers' loyalty. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between the various components of customer relationship management and patients' loyalty to the place of their treatment.

METHODS: This cross sectional and descriptive-analytical study was conducted among nurses and hospitalized patients in inpatient wards in selected hospitals in 2014. Using the stratified random sampling method, 224 valid and reliable researcher-drafted questionnaires were completed for CRM by nurses and 359 questionnaires were completed by patients for patients' loyalty in the studied wards. Data were analyzed using the SPSS20 software.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant relationship between the level of patients' loyalty and organizational indicators, information technology and knowledge management (P Value>0.05). However, there was a statistically significant relationship between loyalty and the dimensions of the service process (P Value=0.04), human resources (P Value=0.002) and CRM (P Value=0.038). The strength of these relationships were 34, 40 and 36 percent, respectively all of which were positive.

CONCLUSION: Customer Relationship Management is a tool for improving influencing factors on patients’ satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, attempts to implement customer relationship management as a process for improving hospitals performance and improving communication between service providers in hospitals and customers leading to enhance patients’ loyalty should be taken into account by managers and policy makers in the health sectors.
La evaluación de la alfabetización académica
Authors: Guzmán-Simón Fernando , García-Jiménez Eduardo
Published: June 2015

La alfabetización académica se  ha convertido en uno de los objetivos de la Educación Superior, donde la escritura se transforma en una herramienta de aprendizaje. El Marco Español de Cualificaciones para la Educación Superior (MECES) gradúa los resultados de aprendizaje esperados en los estudiantes universitarios en relación a la alfabetización académica en los títulos oficiales de Grado, Máster y Doctorado. La evaluación de la alfabetización académica se plantea como una comunidad de discurso donde el objeto y objetivo, las tareas, las modalidades, los criterios y los estándares de evaluación se centran en el proceso de la escritura epistémica en un contexto académico. Una evaluación para el aprendizaje y la implicación de los estudiantes en los procesos de retroalimentación y proalimentación facilitarían su inclusión en una comunidad de discurso académico. En este trabajo se revisa el concepto de alfabetización académica y las perspectivas de investigación que lo sustentan, se analiza la naturaleza de la escritura académica y se despliegan los elementos que conforman un proceso de evaluación para el aprendizaje de la alfabetización académica desde la perspectiva de las comunidades de discurso académico. Finalmente, se ofrecen algunas orientaciones para afrontar la formación de la alfabetización académica de los estudiantes en la Universidad actual.
Motivos de uso de las redes sociales virtuales: Análisis de perfiles de mujeres rurales
Authors: Jiménez-Cortés Rocío , Rebollo-Catalán Mª Ángeles , García-Pérez Rafael , Buzón-García Olga
Published: June 2015

En el presente trabajo, se muestran los resultados de una investigación cuyo objetivo es conocer los motivos de uso de las redes sociales virtuales de las mujeres rurales y determinar perfiles en función de sus respuestas. Para ello, se realiza un estudio de encuesta, cuyo cuestionario se aplica a 478 mujeres de entornos rurales de Andalucía de 18 a 65 años. Los resultados muestran dos perfiles de mujeres en función de sus motivaciones de uso de las redes, encontrando que las que usan las redes con una mayor variedad de motivos, muestran mayores niveles en intensidad, habilidad y autonomía de uso, mientras que las que la usan exclusivamente por motivos relacionales presentan niveles inferiores en estas variables. Esto sugiere que los motivos de uso es una variable explicativa de la inclusión digital de las mujeres rurales en las redes sociales. Los resultados permiten repensar las propuestas educativas de alfabetización digital
Autoevaluación del estudiante: ¿qué hemos aprendido y cuáles son los desafíos?
Authors: Taras Maddalena
Published: June 2015

Este artículo examina los principales temas que han sido una preocupación constante para los investigadores en el tema de la auto-evaluación de los alumnos en el mundo de habla inglesa. Estos incluyen si los estudiantes deben calificar su propio trabajo y si lo hacen adecuadamente, si hay bastantes precisión en la calificación y si la autoevaluación les empodera. Presentamos estos temas dentro de su contexto histórico, el análisis incluye los contextos y las creencias que motivaron su desarrollo. Los datos demuestran que la poca aceptación de autoevaluación está en contra de la investigación sobre la teoría y la práctica, la cual pone de relieve su importancia para apoyar el aprendizaje de los estudiantes y para posibilitar a los tutores un curriculum coherente y consistente con las normas y objetivos.  Mediante el examen de las definiciones es posible deshacer los prejuicios sobre el proceso y las cualidades de auto-evaluación de los alumnos y hacer la pregunta - ¿son nuestros procedimientos aptos para el siglo 21? Por último, mediante la presentación de la comprensión de las topologías y categorías de procesos de autoevaluación de los estudiantes tanto en la enseñanza obligatoria como en la educación superior, es posible proponer las opciones puestas a disposición por la investigación para permitir la integración de la auto-evaluación de los alumnos en nuestras aulas
Impatiens pathakiana (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, north-eastern India
Authors: Gogoi Rajib , Borah Souravjyoti
Published: June 2015

Impatiens pathakiana Gogoi & Borah, a new species is described and illustrated from Arunachal Pradesh, north-eastern India. The species is restricted to hilly slopes along margin of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved montane forests of Chaglagam (Dalai Valley), Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Diagnostic morphological characters distinguishing the new species from the morphologically similar species, I. fenghwaiana Y.L.Chen and I. wuyuanensis Y.L.Chen are discussed.
Isotope meteorology of cold front passages: A case study combining observations and modeling
Authors: Aemisegger F. , Spiegel J. K. , Pfahl S. , Sodemann H. , Eugster W. , Wernli H.
Published: June 2015

This study investigates the role of below‐cloud evaporation and evapotranspiration for the short‐term variability of stable isotopes in near‐surface water vapor and precipitation associated with central European cold fronts. To this end, a combination of observations with high temporal resolution and numerical sensitivity experiments with the isotope‐enabled regional weather prediction model COSMOiso is used. The representation of the interaction between rain droplets and ambient vapor below the cloud is fundamental for adequately simulating precipitation isotopes (δp) and total rainfall amount. Neglecting these effects leads to depletion biases of 20–40‰ in
and 5–10‰ in
and to an increase of 74% in rainfall amount. Isotope fractionation during soil evaporation is of primary importance for correctly simulating the variability of continental low‐level vapor
H and
O and particularly of the secondary isotope parameter deuterium excess (dv).
Deep and shallow sources for the Lusi mud eruption revealed by surface deformation
Authors: Shirzaei Manoochehr , Rudolph Maxwell L. , Manga Michael
Published: June 2015

The Lusi mud eruption, in East Java, Indonesia, began in May 2006 and continues to the present. Previous analyses of surface deformation data suggested an exponential decay of the pressure in the mud source but did not constrain the location, geometry, and evolution of the possible source(s) of the erupting mud and fluids. To map the surface deformation, we employ multitemporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar and analyze a well‐populated L‐band data set acquired by the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) between May 2006 and April 2011. We then apply a time‐dependent inverse modeling scheme. Volume changes occur in two regions beneath Lusi, at 0.3–2.0 km and 3.5–4.75 km depth. The cumulative volume change within the shallow source is ~2–3 times larger than that of the deep source. The observation and model suggest that a shallow source plays a key role by supplying the erupting mud, but that additional fluids do ascend from depths >4 km on eruptive timescales.
Positive priming of terrestrially derived dissolved organic matter in a freshwater microcosm system
Authors: Bianchi Thomas S. , Thornton Daniel C. O. , Yvon‐Lewis Shari A. , King Gary M. , Eglinton Timothy I. , Shields Michael R. , Ward Nicholas D. , Curtis Jason
Published: June 2015

The role of priming processes in the remineralization of terrestrially derived dissolved organic carbon (TDOC) in aquatic systems has been overlooked. We provide evidence for TDOC priming using a lab‐based microcosm experiment in which TDOC was primed by the addition of 13C‐labeled algal dissolved organic carbon (ADOC) or a 13C‐labeled disaccharide (trehalose). The rate of TDOC remineralization to carbon dioxide (CO2) occurred 4.1 ± 0.9 and 1.5 ± 0.3 times more rapidly with the addition of trehalose and ADOC, respectively, relative to experiments with TDOC as the sole carbon source over the course of a 301 h incubation period. Results from these controlled experiments provide fundamental evidence for the occurrence of priming of TDOC by ADOC and a simple disaccharide. We suggest that priming effects on TDOC should be considered in carbon budgets for large‐river deltas, estuaries, lakes, hydroelectric reservoirs, and continental shelves.
Introduction to special section on pulsating aurora and related magnetospheric phenomena
Authors: Hosokawa Keisuke , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Li Wen
Published: June 2015

Pulsating aurora (PsA) is known as one of the major classes of aurora, which almost always appears during the recovery phase of substorm. Since 1960s, PsA has been extensively studied by using ground‐based observations combined with rocket and satellite measurements. Still, however, the underlying processes creating auroral pulsations remain to be understood. Because of these, vast numbers of ground‐based optical and radio instruments have been employed during the last decade to better observe the dynamic nature of PsA. In addition, there are several ongoing and planned ground‐based and satellite collaborations aimed at understanding the electromagnetic coupling between magnetospheric processes (whistler mode chorus and ECH waves) and PsA seen on the ground. This special section focuses on observational (ground‐based/satellites), theoretical, and modeling aspects of PsA and related phenomena in the magnetosphere.
Emerging Trends in Abdominal Wall Reinforcement: Bringing Bio‐Functionality to Meshes
Authors: Guillaume Olivier , Teuschl Andreas Herbert , Gruber‐Blum Simone , Fortelny René Hartmann , Redl Heinz , Petter‐Puchner Alexander
Published: June 2015

Abdominal wall hernia is a recurrent issue world‐wide and requires the implantation of over 1 million meshes per year. Because permanent meshes such as polypropylene and polyester are not free of complications after implantation, many mesh modifications and new functionalities have been investigated over the last decade. Indeed, mesh optimization is the focus of intense development and the biomaterials utilized are now envisioned as being bioactive substrates that trigger various physiological processes in order to prevent complications and to promote tissue integration. In this context, it is of paramount interest to review the most relevant bio‐functionalities being brought to new meshes and to open new avenues for the innovative development of the next generation of meshes with enhanced properties for functional abdominal wall hernia repair.
A Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complex‐Modified Nanoprobe for Hypoxia Bioimaging Via Time‐Resolved Luminescence Microscopy
Authors: Lv Wen , Yang Tianshe , Yu Qi , Zhao Qiang , Zhang Kenneth Yin , Liang Hua , Liu Shujuan , Li Fuyou , Huang Wei
Published: June 2015

Oxygen plays a crucial role in many biological processes. Accurate monitoring of oxygen level is important for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Autofluorescence is an unavoidable interference in luminescent bioimaging, so that an amount of research work has been devoted to reducing background autofluorescence. Herein, a phosphorescent iridium(III) complex‐modified nanoprobe is developed, which can monitor oxygen concentration and also reduce autofluorescence under both downconversion and upconversion channels. The nanoprobe is designed based on the mesoporous silica coated lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles, which contains oxygen‐sensitive iridium(III) complex in the outer silica shell. To image intracellular hypoxia without the interferences of autofluorescence, time‐resolved luminescent imaging technology and near‐infrared light excitation, both of which can reduce autofluorescence effectively, are adopted in this work. Moreover, gradient O2 concentration can be detected clearly through confocal microscopy luminescence intensity imaging, phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, and time‐gated imaging, which is meaningful to oxygen sensing in tissues with nonuniform oxygen distribution.
A Delicate Nanoscale Motor Made by Nature—The Bacterial Flagellar Motor
Authors: Xue Ruidong , Ma Qi , Baker Matthew A. B. , Bai Fan
Published: June 2015

The bacterial flagellar motor (BFM) is a molecular complex ca. 45 nm in diameter that rotates the propeller that makes nearly all bacteria swim. The motor self‐assembles out of ca. 20 different proteins and can not only rotate at up to 50 000 rpm, but can also switch rotational direction in milliseconds and navigate its environment to maneuver, on average, towards regions of greater benefit. The BFM is a pinnacle of evolution that informs and inspires the design of novel nanotechnology in the new era of synthetic biology.
Jamming of cellulose ether solutions in porous medium
Authors: Marlière Claire , Faure Paméla , Coussot Philippe , Vlassopoulos Dimitris , Larsen Antje , Loppinet Benoit
Published: June 2015

The flow of aqueous cellulose ether solutions through a bead packing is investigated using magnetic resonance imaging and filtration measurements. A rather complex behavior dominated by jamming (clogging) and unjamming phenomena in time is observed. With the help of several characterization techniques (laser grain sizing, dynamic light scattering, optical microscopy, and rheometry), we find that the particular methyl(hydroxyethyl) cellulose prepared with a specific protocol, tends to form aggregates in water, even at the lowest achievable concentration. These aggregates are highly polydisperse, ranging from 100 nm to 100 μm in size, and are deformable. Their origin appears to be the hydrophobic links among molecules and the related local crystallization. It is suggested that these features play a key role in the observed jamming/unjamming during filtration tests. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 61: 3923–3935, 2015
A breakage and adhesion regime map for the normal impact of loose agglomerates with a spherical target
Authors: Nguyen Duy , Rasmuson Anders , Thalberg Kyrre , Niklasson Björn Ingela
Published: June 2015

Discrete element method‐based analysis is conducted to investigate the effects of interface energy between particles on the breakage and adhesion of loose agglomerates upon impact with a spherical target. A mechanistic approach is tested to find a relationship between particle properties, kinetic energy, and the agglomerate structure after the impact, which resulted in a new dimensionless number, the ratio of the two interface energies. In combination with Δ, a dimensionless number relating incident kinetic energy to agglomerate strength (Moreno‐Atanasio and Ghadiri M, Chem Eng Sci. 2006;61(8):2476–2481), a good description of the agglomerate impact is obtained. The agglomerate structure after impact is mapped using the two dimensionless numbers and is in good agreement with experimental observations. The constructed regime map can serve as a guide for selecting preliminary process parameters in adhesive particle mixing. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 4059–4068, 2015
Azacitidine treatment for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia with chromosome 3q abnormalities
Authors: Wanquet Anne , Prebet Thomas , Berthon Céline , Sebert Marie , Roux Clémence , Kulasekararaj Austin , Micol Jean‐Baptiste , Esterni Benjamin , Itzykson Raphael , Thepot Sylvain , Recher Christian , Delaunay Jacques , Dreyfus François , Mufti Ghulam , Fenaux Pierre , Vey Norbert
Published: June 2015

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and myelodysplasia (MDS) with chromosome 3q abnormalities have a dismal outcome either untreated or with conventional treatments. Azacitidine (AZA) is now considered as the standard of care in high‐risk MDS and oligoblastic AML patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of azacitine treatment in this cytogenetic subgroup. We report here a multicentre retrospective study of 157 patients treated with AZA for AML/MDS with chromosome 3q abnormalities and 27 patients with isolated EVI‐1 overexpression. Median age was 65 years, 40 patients (25%) had inv(3)(q21q26.2) or t(3;3)(q21;q26.2), 36 patients (23%) had other balanced 3q26 rearrangements, 8 patients (5%) had balanced 3q21 rearrangements and 73 patients (46%) had other 3q abnormalities. The overall response rate was 50% (29% CR). Median overall survival was 10.6 months. By multivariate analysis, patients with lower bone marrow blast counts, higher platelet counts, non‐complex cytogenetics, and absence of prior treatment with intensive chemotherapy had a better outcome. 27 patients were allo‐transplanted and achieved a 21‐month median OS. Balanced 3q21 translocations were associated with a better response rate and overall survival. Outcome of patients with isolated EVI‐1 overexpression was comparable to that of patients with chromosome 3q lesions. Thus, AML/MDS patients with 3q abnormalities appear to be a heterogeneous group in their response to AZA, and AZA may represent a suitable option in particular as a bridge to allogeneic transplantation. Am. J. Hematol. 90:859–863, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of changing housing conditions on mangabey behavior (Cercocebus atys): Spatial density, housing quality, and novelty effects
Authors: Crast Jessica , Bloomsmith Mollie A. , Jonesteller Trina
Published: June 2015

The separate influences of spatial density and housing quality on the behavior of captive animals are difficult to measure because the two factors are often intrinsically linked. Here, we recorded affiliative and agonistic behavior in adult sooty mangabeys in various housing situations, testing spatial density and housing quality changes separately (N = 26 experienced spatial density changes; N = 12 experienced housing quality changes). We varied spatial density by 50% while holding housing quality constant and we varied housing quality while holding spatial density constant (achieved by comparing two types of run‐housing that varied in the amount of visual privacy and outdoor access). Each housing condition was one month in duration. Prior to collecting data in each housing condition, we evaluated the subjects’ initial responses to the change in housing environment during 2‐week novelty periods. Affiliative behavior did not change during the novelty periods. Agonistic behavior initially increased slightly when spatial density increased and it decreased significantly when spatial density decreased; it also decreased when subjects moved to housing that offered more visual privacy and outdoor space, indicating that the mangabeys were sensitive to these housing changes. After the novelty periods, affiliative behavior increased under higher spatial density, but remained unchanged across housing quality conditions; agonistic behavior remained unchanged across all conditions. Results suggest that a prolonged increase in spatial density led the mangabeys to adopt a tension‐reduction coping strategy, in which the increase in affiliative behavior alleviates a presumed increase in social tension. Reducing visual privacy and choice did not affect the mangabeys’ behavior, post‐novelty period. Thus, like many other primates, the mangabeys managed tension by flexibly adapting to changes in their housing environment in ways that reduce the risk of severe aggression. This study highlights the importance of controlled behavioral studies in facilitating data‐driven management decisions that promote animal welfare. Am. J. Primatol. 77:1001–1014, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Die präzise Synthese von Phenylen‐erweiterten cyclischen Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronenen ausgehend von polyarylierten [n]Cycloparaphenylenen mithilfe der Scholl‐Reaktion
Authors: Quernheim Martin , Golling Florian E. , Zhang Wen , Wagner Manfred , Räder Hans‐Joachim , Nishiuchi Tomohiko , Müllen Klaus
Published: June 2015

Die longitudinale Erweiterung von Cycloparaphenylenen (CPPs) hin zu ultrakurzen Kohlenstoffnanoröhren (CNTs) ist entscheidend für die lösungsbasierte Bottom‐up‐Synthese von CNTs. In dieser Arbeit wird die longitudinale Erweiterung des CPP‐Grundgerüsts zu polyarylierten [n]CPPs durch die Einführung von Hexaphenylbenzoleinheiten beschrieben. Des Weiteren wird die Anwendbarkeit der Scholl‐Reaktion zum selektiven Aufbau von graphenischen Seitenwänden demonstriert. Ringgröße und Substitutionsmuster der polyarylierten [n]CPPs wurden variiert, um spannungsinduzierte Nebenreaktionen während der oxidativen Cyclodehydrierung zu vermeiden, und cyclische para‐Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronen‐Trimere ([3]CHBCs) wurden auf diesem Weg selektiv erhalten. Dieses Konzept bietet einen Zugang zu ultrakurzen Kohlenstoffnanoröhren, sofern weitere Benzolringe mit der richtigen Konnektivität eingebracht werden.
Highly Stereoselective Intermolecular Haloetherification and Haloesterification of Allyl Amides
Authors: Soltanzadeh Bardia , Jaganathan Arvind , Staples Richard J. , Borhan Babak
Published: June 2015

An organocatalytic and highly regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective intermolecular haloetherification and haloesterification reaction of allyl amides is reported. A variety of alkene substituents and substitution patterns are compatible with this chemistry. Notably, electronically unbiased alkene substrates exhibit exquisite regio‐ and diastereoselectivity for the title transformation. We also demonstrate that the same catalytic system can be used in both chlorination and bromination reactions of allyl amides with a variety of nucleophiles with little or no modification.
Hoch enantioselektive nukleophile Dearomatisierung von Pyridinen durch Anionenbindungskatalyse
Authors: García Mancheño Olga , Asmus Sören , Zurro Mercedes , Fischer Theresa
Published: June 2015

Die asymmetrische Dearomatisierung von N‐Heterocyclen ist ein wichtiges Verfahren zur Synthese bioaktiver und präparativ wertvoller chiraler Heterocyclen. Allerdings stellt die katalytische, enantio‐ und regioselektive Dearomatisierung der einfachsten sechsgliedrigen N‐Heteroarene, der Pyridine, immer noch eine Herausforderung dar. In dieser Arbeit präsentieren wir die erste hoch enantioselektive, nukleophile Dearomatisierung von Pyridinen durch Anionenbindungskatalyse mit Triazol‐basierten H‐Donor‐Katalysatoren. Im Vergleich zu den geläufigen NH‐basierten H‐Bindungsdonoren zeigt dieser Organokatalysator eine sehr viel höhere C2‐Regioselektivität. Er ist in der Lage, hohe Enantioselektivitäten zu induzieren, indem er einen chiralen Ionenpaar‐Komplex mit einem ionischen N‐Acylpyridinium‐Intermediat bildet. Die Methode bietet eine direkte und nützliche Synthese von chiralen N‐Heterocyclen ausgehend von kommerziell erhältlichen Pyridinen.
Black Gold: Plasmonic Colloidosomes with Broadband Absorption Self‐Assembled from Monodispersed Gold Nanospheres by Using a Reverse Emulsion System
Authors: Liu Dilong , Zhou Fei , Li Cuncheng , Zhang Tao , Zhang Honghua , Cai Weiping , Li Yue
Published: June 2015

A facile approach for the fabrication of novel black plasmonic colloidosomes assembled from Au nanospheres is developed by an emulsion‐templating strategy. This self‐assembly process is based on a new reverse water‐in‐1‐butanol emulsion system, in which the water emulsion droplets can dissolve into 1‐butanol (oil) phase at an appropriate rate. These Au colloidosomes possess hexagonal close‐packed multilayer shells and show a low reflectivity and intense broadband absorption owing to the strong interparticle plasmonic coupling, which is further investigated by a finite‐difference time‐domain method. This method is universal and is suitable for self‐assembly of different noble‐metal nanoparticles into different colloidosomes. These colloidosomes have important applications in photothermal therapy, biosensors, and drug delivery.