bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of Fancc Impairs Antibody-Secreting Cell Differentiation in Mice through Deregulating the Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sertorio Mathieu , Amarachintha Surya , Wilson Andrew , Pang Qishen
Published: February 2016

Fanconi anemia (FA) is characterized by a progressive bone marrow failure and an increased incidence of cancer. FA patients have high susceptibility to immune-related complications such as infection and posttransplant graft-versus-host disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of FA deficiency in B cell function using the Fancc mouse model. Fancc−/− B cells show a specific defect in IgG2a switch and impaired Ab-secreting cell (ASC) differentiation. Global transcriptome analysis of naive B cells by mRNA sequencing demonstrates that FA deficiency deregulates a network of genes involved in immune function. Significantly, many genes implicated in Wnt signaling were aberrantly expressed in Fancc−/− B cells. Consistently, Fancc−/− B cells accumulate high levels of β-catenin under both resting and stimulated conditions, suggesting hyperactive Wnt signaling. Using an in vivo Wnt GFP reporter assay, we verified the upregulation of Wnt signaling as a potential mechanism responsible for the impaired Fancc−/− B cell differentiation. Furthermore, we showed that Wnt signaling inhibits ASC differentiation possibly through repression of Blimp1 and that Fancc−/− B cells are hypersensitive to Wnt activation during ASC differentiation. Our findings identify Wnt signaling as a physiological regulator of ASC differentiation and establish a role for the Wnt pathway in normal B cell function and FA immune deficiency.
Clinicians’ Perspectives on the Use of Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid as a Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A North American, Multidisciplinary Survey
Authors: Rosen Jeffrey , Avram Victoria , Fierlinger Anke , Niazi Faizan , Sancheti Parag , Bedi Asheesh
Published: February 2016

Introduction

This study aims to describe the perceptions of orthopedic surgeons on the efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IA-HA), the influence of IA-HA product characteristics on its efficacy, and to identify patterns and factors related to the use of IA-HA. Additionally, this study examines factors that influence IA-HA brand selection, focusing on Euflexxa¯ (1% sodium hyaluronate).

Methods

We developed survey questions by reviewing the current literature and consulting with experts on the use of IA-HA in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The survey included questions on demographics, previous experience with knee OA treatment, opinions on different treatment methods, and where information regarding treatments is obtained. Additionally, questions specific to opinions regarding IA-HA and the reasoning behind these opinions were asked.

Results

A total of 117 orthopedic surgeons and physicians completed the survey. IA-HA is most frequently prescribed to patients with early-stage (82%) or mid-stage (82.8%) OA, while fewer orthopedic surgeons and physicians use IA-HA for patients with late-stage OA (57.4%). Respondents were generally uncertain of the effects that intrinsic characteristics, such as molecular weight, cross-linking, and production process, had on patient outcomes. Respondents typically use their own clinical experience and results as a deciding factor in utilizing IA-HA treatment, as well as in choosing an IA-HA brand.

Conclusion

Uncertainty regarding the efficacy of IA-HA treatments is likely due to inconsistency within clinical guidelines and the current literature. Additional research investigating the efficacy of IA-HA treatment and how product characteristics affect outcome and safety is required to provide clarity to the controversy surrounding IA-HA treatment for knee OA.
Relevance of Imaging Examinations in the Surgical Planning of Patients with Bowel Endometriosis
Authors: Trippia Carlos H. , Zomer Monica T. , Terazaki Carlos R.T. , Martin Rafael L.S. , Ribeiro Reitan , Kondo William
Published: February 2016

Endometriosis is a benign gynecologic disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The complexity of the disease results from its multiple clinical presentations, the multifocal pattern of distribution of the lesions, the presence of extra pelvic sites of the disease (mainly affecting the urinary and the intestinal tracts), and the difficulty in the preoperative diagnosis (by means of imaging studies) and in the surgical treatment. The preoperative mapping of the lesions, either by ultrasound or by magnetic resonance imaging, allows for an adequate surgical planning and a better preoperative patient counseling, especially in those women with deep infiltrating endometriosis affecting the bowel. Also, the choice of the surgical team that is going to perform the procedure may be based on the preoperative workup. In this paper, we highlight the important findings that should be described in the imaging examination reports for the preoperative workup of patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis of the intestine.
Role of Flippases in Protein Glycosylation in the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Rush Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2016

Glycosylation is essential to the synthesis, folding, and function of glycoproteins in eukaryotes. Proteins are co- and posttranslationally modified by a variety of glycans in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); modifications include C- and O-mannosylation, N-glycosylation, and the addition of glycosylphosphatidylinositol membrane anchors. Protein glycosylation in the ER of eukaryotes involves enzymatic steps on both the cytosolic and lumenal surfaces of the ER membrane. The glycans are first assembled as precursor glycolipids, on the cytosolic surface of the ER, which are tethered to the membrane by attachment to a long-chain polyisoprenyl phosphate (dolichol) containing a reduced α-isoprene. The lipid-anchored building blocks then migrate transversely (flip) across the ER membrane to the lumenal surface, where final assembly of the glycan is completed. This strategy allows the cell to export high-energy biosynthetic intermediates as lipid-bound glycans, while constraining the glycosyl donors to the site of assembly on the membrane surface. This review focuses on the flippases that participate in protein glycosylation in the ER.
Compromised Trust: DHS Fusion Centers’ Policing of the Occupy Wall Street Movement
Authors: Craven Krista , Monahan Torin , Regan Priscilla
Published: February 2016

State surveillance programs often operate in direct tension with ideals of democratic governance and accountability. The fraught history of surveillance programs in the United States, for instance, illustrates that government agencies mobilize discourses of exceptional circumstances to engage in domestic and foreign spying operations without public awareness or oversight. While many scholars, civil society groups, and media pundits have drawn attention to the propensity of state surveillance programs to violate civil liberties, less attention has been given to the complex trust dynamics of state surveillance. On one hand, in justifying state surveillance, government representatives claim that the public should trust police and intelligence communities not to violate their rights; on the other hand, the very act of engaging in secretive surveillance operations erodes public trust in government, especially when revelations about such programs come to light without any advance notice or consent. In order to better understand such trust dynamics, this paper will analyze some of the competing trust relationships of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ‘fusion centers,’ with a focus on the role of these organizations in policing the Occupy Wall Street movement of 2011 and 2012.
It's who you Know. Political Influence on Anti-Immigrant Attitudes and the Moderating Role of Intergroup Contact
Authors: Bohman Andrea
Published: February 2016

This study examines whether political frames influence anti-immigrant attitudes among native populations in 21 European countries, and if this relationship is somehow moderated by personal experiences of intergroup contact. Using data from the Comparative Manifesto Project and European Social Survey, two indicators of intergroup contact are tested: immigrant friends and immigrant colleagues, to see whether they can counter the effect of nationalistic political framing. The analysis reveals a positive relationship between nationalistic frames and anti-immigrant attitudes that is moderated by experiences of intergroup contact. In this sense, extensive contact with immigrants seems to inoculate individuals against political influences. The results contribute to a better understanding of both the role of political contexts and of the consequences of intergroup contact.
What's Gay about Being Single? A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experiences of Older Single Gay Men
Authors: Suen Yiu Tung
Published: February 2016

This paper contributes to the theorization of ‘choice’ within sociological understanding of singlehood. Previous sociological research on singlehood has largely focused on the lives of heterosexual singles. A choice narrative permeates such literature, depicting singlehood as a celebratory story that brings about the potential to disrupt the couplehood culture in society. Based on in-depth interviews with 25 self-identified single gay men over the age of 50 in England, this article finds that although gay singles share similarities with straight singles, there are gay-specific features of singlehood that can be identified, in terms of the limit of ‘choice’. Although some older single gay men drew on the cultural discourse in the gay community, which decentres the conjugal couple, and claimed freedom of sexual exploration as a positive aspect of being single, there was also a strong sense that many older gay men's status of being single was shaped by a larger history, and hence, they were afforded no choice in choosing whether to be single or not. Taking these findings together, this paper suggests that there are ideological, historical and cultural factors that distinguish the lived experiences of single gay men as being different from those of heterosexual singles. This paper argues that although the discourse of ‘choice’ helps sociologists to understand that singlehood need not be understood as necessarily a negative experience, older gay men's experiences of singlehood caution that the choice narrative shall not mislead the analysis to focus singlehood merely on the individual level. Instead, singlehood needs to be understood as deeply socially and historically embedded.
Are Marginalised Populations More Likely to Engage in Undeclared Work in the Nordic Countries?
Authors: Williams Colin C. , Horodnic Ioana
Published: February 2016

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the validity of the ‘marginalisation thesis’, which holds that marginalised populations are more likely to participate in the undeclared economy, in relation to Nordic societies. To do this, a 2013 special Eurobarometer survey is reported on who engages in undeclared work conducted in three Nordic nations, namely Denmark, Finland and Sweden involving 3,013 face-to-face interviews. Using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis, the finding is that the marginalisation thesis is valid in relation to some marginalised populations, namely those having difficulties paying their household bills, younger age groups, those defining themselves as working class and those who hold non-conformist norms, values and beliefs on tax compliance. Other marginalised populations however, including the unemployed, those living in rural areas and with less formal education, are revealed to be no more likely to engage in undeclared work than the employed, those in urban areas and with more years in education. Yet others marginalised populations, including women and people living in less affluent Nordic nations, are significantly less likely to participate in the undeclared economy than men and those living in more affluent Nordic countries, thus supporting the reinforcement thesis that undeclared work reinforces, rather than reduces, the disparities produced by the declared economy. The outcome is a call for a more nuanced understanding of the marginalisation thesis as valid for some marginalised populations but not others. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for theory and policy of this more variegated assessment of the marginalisation thesis.
Escalation of Governance: Effects of Voluntary Standardization on Organizations, Markets and Standards in Swiss Fair Trade
Authors: Arnold Nadine , Hasse Raimund
Published: February 2016

Voluntary standards are a ubiquitous phenomenon in modern society that has recently started to attract sociologists’ profound interest. This paper concentrates on formal standardization over the long term and seeks to understand its effects on the coordination of an organizational field. Using an institutional approach we see standards as a form of governance that can be analytically distinguished from other modes of coordination, such as markets and hierarchical organizations. To empirically ground our understanding of formal standards’ consequences on field-level governance, we conducted a case study of the historical development of the Swiss fair trade field since the 1970s. Evidence used in this case study is drawn from 28 expert interviews, documentation and fair trade standard documents. While a formal set of voluntary standards was absent in its early development, in 1992 fair trade organizations started to use written standards as a means of achieving their objectives. Paradoxically, the introduction of a rational standardization system has led to escalating governance structures in the field. In the long run the launch of formal standards has caused more organizations, more markets, and even more standards. The use of standards as a means of creating differentiation instead of generating uniformity is thereby seen as the main reason for increased coordination demands. As a consequence, this article highlights standards’ potential to boost additional governance efforts and directs attention to the mutual enforcement of distinct modes of coordination.
Muslims, Racism and Violence after the Paris Attacks
Authors: Britton Joanne
Published: February 2016

The aim of this short article is to consider ways in which violence, and the threat of it, is integral to the lived experience of Muslims. The article reflects on how violence is intrinsic to forms of racism and explores how it features in the study of racism as it relates to Muslims. In doing so, it briefly examines similarities between forms of racialisation experienced by Muslims and Jews and draws attention to how, in the wake of the Paris attacks, resulting fear and insecurity shape the routine, day-to-day lives of both Jewish and Muslim people. The article focuses on the multi-faceted ways in which experiencing violence is a key component of Muslims’ everyday lives, in contrast to dominant narratives characterising Muslims as perpetrators of violence. It argues that exploring the threat and experience of violence, and its effects, is an important part of sociological endeavour to understand and explain the position of Muslims in European societies.
‘Justin Bieber Sounds Girlie’: Young People's Celebrity Talk and Contemporary Masculinities
Authors: Allen Kim , Harvey Laura , Mendick Heather
Published: February 2016

In this article, we explore the ways that contemporary young masculinities are performed and regulated through young people's relationship with celebrity. We address the relative paucity of work on young men's engagements with popular culture. Drawing on qualitative data from group interviews with 148 young people (aged 14-17) in England, we identify ‘celebrity talk’ as a site in which gender identities are governed, negotiated and resisted. Specifically we argue that celebrity as a space of imagination can bring to the study of masculinities a focus on their affective and collective mobilisation. Unpicking young men's and women's talk about Canadian pop star Justin Bieber and British boyband One Direction, we show how disgust and humour operate as discursive-affective practices which open up and close down certain meanings and identities. We conclude that while there have been shifts in the ways that masculinities are performed and regulated, hierarchies of masculinities anchored through hegemonic masculinity remain significant.
The Monstrous ‘White Theory Boy’: Symbolic Capital, Pedagogy and the Politics of Knowledge
Authors: Burton Sarah
Published: February 2016

This article presents a critical uncovering of the continued dominance of whiteness and maleness in processes and practices of knowledge formation. Tracking the figure of the ‘white theory boy’ or ‘dead white man’ across experiential accounts of theory, scholarship on canonicity, and pedagogical strategies, the article demonstrates his enduring authority in theoretical knowledge making and dissemination. Where this article moves somewhere different is its suggestion that a space of sympathy be extended to this hegemonic figure. Though the dominance of the ‘white theory boy’ undoubtedly perpetuates inequalities throughout social theoretic thought, it is necessary to locate a new method of tackling such ingrained problems. Though extending sympathy to the ‘white theory boy’ is perhaps initially counter-intuitive, my suggestion is that he does not hold the sort of monolithic power we might first assume. Bringing an intersectional analysis of gender, class, ‘race’ and ethnicity to bear on this figure, creates a space in which a more critical and fine-grained account of the relationship between power, knowledge, and social status can be uncovered. It is through extending this space of sympathy and mutual cooperation to ‘white theory boys’ that the practical and conceptual machinations of their power are further revealed. From here a more thorough dismantling of this power becomes possible.
Un/making the British Asian Male Athlete: Race, Legibility and the State
Authors: Burdsey Daniel
Published: February 2016

This article explores the social construction of the British Asian male sport star. It foregrounds an analysis of the racial state, primarily its biopolitical function in (re)affirming racialised models of citizenship and contemporary hierarchies of belonging. Drawing on conceptualisations of legibility, the article argues that this relationship between race and the state is necessary to understand the processes by which such athletes are made intelligible in the popular imagination. Empirically, the article focuses on the articulations, experiences and performativity of British Asian Muslim international cricketer, Moeen Ali, during the summer of 2014. It suggests that these examples reflect the contestation and de/legitimisation of various forms of social, cultural and political attachment and embodiment within the public sphere. The article argues that the extent to which athletes such as Ali are made il/legible in sport is linked inextricably to the way in which British Asians and British Muslims are made il/legible in society. Finally, the article considers the spaces, contexts and discourses within which British Asian athletes can(not) represent themselves; and the dominant forms of being, speaking and thinking with which they must conform to meet the requirements of elite sporting citizenship.
For a Sociological Reconstruction: W.E.B. Du Bois, Stuart Hall and Segregated Sociology
Authors: Back Les , Tate Maggie
Published: February 2016

Racism and intellectual segregation limit and divide the sociological tradition. The white sociological mainstream historically ignored the contribution of black sociologists and today it confers the discussion of racism to a specialist sub-field. Black sociologists by contrast have long been attentive to white sociology. Through a detailed discussion of the writings of W.E.B Du Bois and Stuart Hall and their respective dialogues with figures like Max Weber and C Wright Mills, an argument is made for a profound reconstruction of sociology at both the level of analysis and of form that changes the way sociology tells about racism and society as a whole.
Reflexive Ethnicities: Crisis, Diversity and Re-Composition
Authors: Hussain Yasmin , Bagguley Paul
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an analysis of how people reflexively relate to their ethnicity in the context of cultural and political crisis after the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005. Introducing a differentiated conception of reflexivity following Archer and Lash, the paper shows how cognitive, hermeneutic and aesthetic reflexivity (Lash) are expressed autonomously, communicatively and in a meta-reflexive manner (Archer) variably across and within ethnicities. Differentiated reflexive expressions of ethnicity are rooted in the politics and histories of ethnicities in relation to dominant discourses of whiteness and Britishness. The data is from a qualitative interview study of how different ethnic groups in West Yorkshire were affected by the 7/7 London bombings, with people of African-Caribbean, Black- African, Bangladeshi, Indian Pakistani and White backgrounds. The increased reflexivity of ethnic identity is seen to be rooted in the political crises generated by Britain's role in and response to, the war on terror, but also biographical experiences of contextual continuities, discontinuities and incongruities of migration.
Rethinking Intersectionality and Whiteness at the Borders of Citizenship
Authors: Byrne Bridget
Published: February 2016

This article critically engages with the concept of intersectionality, beginning with an account of its roots in Black feminist’ theorizing and critical legal studies. The article argues that it is important to understand the origin and roots of the term in order to track its radical potential. Whilst intersectionality as a concept has been perhaps one of feminism's most successful exports, the article also considers some of the potential pitfalls in the widespread usage of the language. It asks: has intersectionality lost something in its travelling and re-interpretation? The article argues that there is a risk that intersectionality has, in some contexts of its usage, lost its critical, anti-racist and feminist edge. Considering the campaigns against changes in the spousal visa regulations in Britain, the article tracks the production of whiteness and of citizens and non-citizens in Britain. This example is used to argue for the maintenance of a more flexible and complex range of vocabularies with which to examine exclusion and oppression.
The Role of Human Capital in the Economic Development and Social Welfare In Albania
Authors: Mitaj Arjola , Muco Klodian , Avdulaj Jonida
Published: February 2016

Continuously, the relation between education and economic development has been the focus of development researchers’ studies that study long-term growth. While theoretical models recognize education as the key to a country's economic growth (Bassanini and Scarpetta, 2001; Fuente and Ciccone, 2003; Jones, 2005 Bassanini, 2007), the importance of education is very low in empirical models.The reason for this discrepancy is that for a long time education is measured by the years attended in school and not by the knowledge and skills gained, which according to an OSCE study, a student competences growth of 100 points (measuring unit) produces an increase of 2% of GDP per capita. Thanks to this identification, education is recognized as one of the main keys to development.Various empirical studies show that productivity can be increased through training (Barrett and O'Connell, 2001; Scrutinio et al., 2006). In sum, these studies show that pre university, university education and training courses positively affect the increase of production, which in turn can positively affect the economic development of a country.Thus, this article tends to evaluate the role of Albanian human capital in economic development of the country considering the relationship between education and productivity.
Job Enrichment and Work-Related Attitudes of Non-Academic Staff of Selected Public Universities in Lagos State
Authors: Azeez Rasheed Olawale , Abimbola Motunrayo Mutiat
Published: February 2016

This study investigated effects of job enrichment on work-related attitudes in selected public universities in Lagos State. It noted that job enrichment is that type of development in the job environment which may give a worker more challenge, more complete task, more obligation, more prospect for progression, and more effort to contribute his or her ideas for the betterment of the organization. It explores the connection between job enrichment, satisfaction, motivation and performance of employees using the descriptive survey design and utilizing the correlational and regression statistical tools. The study drew its sample from the non-academic staffs of Lagos State University and the University of Lagos which are the public university in Lagos State.The findings revealed that job enrichment is a strong predictor of work-related attitudes (employee satisfaction, motivation, and performance). This study concludes that job enrichment provides skill variety, job identity, feeling important in the eyes of others, responsibility, challenge, realizing ones competence, freedom, participation in decision making, performance feedback from the job done, growth and sense of achievement which leads to internal motivation, satisfaction, and high performance of the non-academic staff.
Enhancement of Fixation Nitrogen in Food Legumes
Authors: Wiraguna Edi
Published: February 2016

Increasing the capability of nitrogen fixation in legumes is crucial because the population has been risen dramatically and predicted to be doubled by 2050. In order to feed this high population, food productivity needs to be increased. A solution to overcome this problem is through improvement of crop productivity by applying fertilizer. However, the application of fertilizer such as nitrogen is over the recommended amount and the cost is high at approximately $US 40 billion per year. Therefore, legumes are important in order to minimize the cost and enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation (nodulation). To achieve high nitrogen fixation, agriculture managements such as minimum tillage, breeding programs and induced mutants have been developed. In breeding program, it was found that BT-477 had high nitrogen fixation and drought tolerant based on selection among 7 common bean genotypes. Induced mutants were applied by soaking swollen seeds in EMS and resulted to higher number of nodules (10x).
Possibilities of Using Landfill Biogas for Heating Agricultural Greenhouses in Crete-Greece
Authors: Vourdoubas John
Published: February 2016

Biogas is currently produced in Crete-Greece from the two existing landfills in the island, as well as from the sewage treatment plants in Chania and Heraklion. Biogas produced in the two treatment plants is already used for co-generation of heat and power. However, since the quantities of landfills biogas and its energy content are significant, it can be used in the future either for heat production or for heat and power generation. Generated power can be fed into the grid and the produced heat can be used from a heat consumer. Since large heat consumers are not located nearby the existing landfills, there is the possibility for the creation of agricultural greenhouses in the surrounding agricultural areas which can utilize the generated heat. Landfill in Heraklion has an average biogas production of 1.43x107 NM3/year, almost five times higher than the landfill in Chania and the totally recoverable biogas from the two landfills can generate 16.73 GWh/year of electricity, in the case of a CHP plant, and enough heat for heating 15.4 hectares of modern greenhouses. In the case of direct heat generation, recoverable landfill biogas can heat 24.41 hectares of modern greenhouses. Since the global warming potential of methane is much higher than CO2, energy exploitation of landfills biogas in Crete will result in environmental benefits compared with its direct emission to the atmosphere.
Human Governance for Teaching at Higher Learning Institution in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Gee Nee , Lee Mun Seng
Published: February 2016

Human governance is getting rampant in many professional bodies, it involves personal behaviour, thinking and conduct. Teaching at higher learning institution is very crucial to our younger generation, human governance could provide a holistic wholeness approach for higher learning institution to yield a group of dynamic graduate that could find jobs earlier and work happily.
Good Governance and Leadership: Pathway to Sustainable National Development in Nigeria
Authors: Olanike Sharon Nicholas Omoregbe , Oladele Joseph Kehinde , David Imhonopi , Idowu Kikelomo Evbuoma
Published: February 2016

The concept of governance and leadership are intertwined. Good governance and leadership is critical for the achievement of results.  It is often said that no country can develop beyond the level of its leadership. The predicament of Nigeria in terms of underdevelopment and corruption can be adduced to the problem of leadership and governance. Nigeria needs committed leaders who will govern with integrity and doggedly influence its human and natural resources toward the actualization of sustainable national development. This paper is descriptive; it looks at the place of leadership and good governance in the actualization of overall national development in Nigeria. Transformational leadership theoryand contingency theory of leadership viewpoints are examined vis a vis diverse impediments to national development in Nigeria, as vital to feasible and substantial national development; The paper recommends that; The leaders who govern should be made accountable by publicly declaring what they have been able to achieve in terms of performance as well as how much was expended in every sector on a yearly basis; Auditors with integrity should be made to verify their claims in order to ascertain the genuineness of the claims; Corrupt leaders should be brought to book and made to face necessary and lawful penalties without fear or favour; and elections made free and fair and not rigged. When citizens are allowed to choose their leaders, leaders would in turn have a sense of responsibility that they owe the people good governance.
1MDB: The Auditor General Office’s Questions
Authors: Ali Azham Md.
Published: February 2016

Following the prime minister’s instruction on March 4, 2015, the Auditor-General Office (AGO) began its audit 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) on March 10, 2015. But there are some very important questions left unanswered with the conduct of the audit including: What are the objectives of the audit by the auditor-general? Why the prime minister declaring no wrongdoing at the 1MDB while at the same time wanting AGO audit? Why the failure to specify the necessary such as the probe’s terms of reference and timeframe? And last but certainly not the least is: Should the auditor-general be the one to audit the IMDB?
Application of the Concept of Nuclear ud Pair Clusters
Authors: L. Bhuiyan Abdul
Published: February 2016

In a previous paper, the author of this paper presented a model in which it was proposed that the nuclei consist of clusters of ud pairs, where u and d are u quark and d quark, respectively. In this paper, the author has used the model in elucidating several phenomena, such as binding of u and d in ud by the exchange of electron-positron pairs or photons between them, energy of the exchanged photons, nature of forces between u and d, interaction of energetic photons with nuclear ud pairs, existence of nuclear quadrupole moment, creation of dark matter via simultaneous increase of h and decrease of c as the universe expands, etc.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number variation across human cancers
Authors: Reznik Ed , Miller Martin L , Şenbabaoğlu Yasin , Riaz Nadeem , Sarungbam Judy , Tickoo Satish K , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat A , Lee William , Seshan Venkatraman E , Hakimi A Ari , Sander Chris
Published: February 2016

Mutations, deletions, and changes in copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), are observed throughout cancers. Here, we survey mtDNA copy number variation across 22 tumor types profiled by The Cancer Genome Atlas project. We observe a tendency for some cancers, especially of the bladder, breast, and kidney, to be depleted of mtDNA, relative to matched normal tissue. Analysis of genetic context reveals an association between incidence of several somatic alterations, including IDH1 mutations in gliomas, and mtDNA content. In some but not all cancer types, mtDNA content is correlated with the expression of respiratory genes, and anti-correlated to the expression of immune response and cell-cycle genes. In tandem with immunohistochemical evidence, we find that some tumors may compensate for mtDNA depletion to sustain levels of respiratory proteins. Our results highlight the extent of mtDNA copy number variation in tumors and point to related therapeutic opportunities.
A continuum model of transcriptional bursting
Authors: Corrigan Adam M , Tunnacliffe Edward , Cannon Danielle , Chubb Jonathan R
Published: February 2016

Transcription occurs in stochastic bursts. Early models based upon RNA hybridisation studies suggest bursting dynamics arise from alternating inactive and permissive states. Here we investigate bursting mechanism in live cells by quantitative imaging of actin gene transcription, combined with molecular genetics, stochastic simulation and probabilistic modelling. In contrast to early models, our data indicate a continuum of transcriptional states, with a slowly fluctuating initiation rate converting the gene between different levels of activity, interspersed with extended periods of inactivity. We place an upper limit of 40 s on the lifetime of fluctuations in elongation rate, with initiation rate variations persisting an order of magnitude longer. TATA mutations reduce the accessibility of high activity states, leaving the lifetime of on- and off-states unchanged. A continuum or spectrum of gene states potentially enables a wide dynamic range for cell responses to stimuli.
Formation of layers of methane in the atmosphere of Mars after surface release
Authors: Viscardy S. , Daerden F. , Neary L.
Published: February 2016

Simulations with a general circulation model for the atmosphere of Mars show that surface emissions of methane can result in a highly nonuniform vertical distribution throughout the atmosphere, including the formation of layers, during the first weeks after the release. The fate of the released methane is determined by the global circulation pattern at the time of the release, and the methane can be transported to locations over the planet that are remote from the emission site. It typically takes several weeks for the methane to become more uniformly mixed, implying that the detection of vertical layers of methane can be indicative of recent surface emission. This puts the existing observations in a new perspective and will allow instruments on the upcoming ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter mission to detect signatures of surface emission activity as they are designed to measure the first vertical profiles of methane on Mars.
Electron heating in the exhaust of magnetic reconnection with negligible guide field
Authors: Wang Shan , Chen Li‐Jen , Bessho Naoki , Kistler Lynn M. , Shuster Jason R. , Guo Ruilong
Published: February 2016

Electron heating in the magnetic reconnection exhaust is investigated with particle‐in‐cell simulations, space observations, and theoretical analysis. Spatial variations of the electron temperature (Te) and associated velocity distribution functions (VDFs) are examined and understood in terms of particle energization and randomization processes that vary with exhaust locations. Inside the electron diffusion region (EDR), the electron temperature parallel to the magnetic field (Te∥) exhibits a local minimum and the perpendicular temperature (Te⊥) shows a maximum at the current sheet midplane. In the intermediate exhaust downstream from the EDR and far from the magnetic field pileup region, Te⊥/Te∥ is close to unity and Te is approximately uniform, but the VDFs are structured: close to the midplane, VDFs are quasi‐isotropic, whereas farther away from the midplane, VDFs exhibit field‐aligned beams directed toward the midplane. In the far exhaust, Te generally increases toward the midplane and the pileup region, and the corresponding VDFs show counter‐streaming beams. A distinct population with low v∥ and high v⊥ is prominent in the VDFs around the midplane. Test particle results show that the magnetic curvature near the midplane produces pitch angle scattering to generate quasi‐isotropic distributions in the intermediate exhaust. In the far exhaust, electrons with initial high v∥ (v⊥) are accelerated mainly through curvature (gradient‐B) drift opposite to the electric field, without significant pitch angle scattering. The VDF structures predicted by simulations are observed in magnetotail reconnection measurements, indicating that the energization mechanisms captured in the reported simulations are applicable to magnetotail reconnection with negligible guide field.
Scalings of Alfvén‐cyclotron and ion Bernstein instabilities on temperature anisotropy of a ring‐like velocity distribution in the inner magnetosphere
Authors: Min Kyungguk , Liu Kaijun , Gary S. Peter
Published: February 2016

A ring‐like proton velocity distribution with ∂fp(v⊥)/∂v⊥>0 and which is sufficiently anisotropic can excite two distinct types of growing modes in the inner magnetosphere: ion Bernstein instabilities with multiple ion cyclotron harmonics and quasi‐perpendicular propagation and an Alfvén‐cyclotron instability at frequencies below the proton cyclotron frequency and quasi‐parallel propagation. Recent particle‐in‐cell simulations have demonstrated that even if the maximum linear growth rate of the latter instability is smaller than the corresponding growth of the former instability, the saturation levels of the fluctuating magnetic fields can be greater for the Alfvén‐cyclotron instability than for the ion Bernstein instabilities. In this study, linear dispersion theory and two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulations are used to examine scalings of the linear growth rate and saturation level of the two types of growing modes as functions of the temperature anisotropy T⊥/T|| for a general ring‐like proton distribution with a fixed ring speed of 2vA, where vA is the Alfvén speed. For the proton distribution parameters chosen, the maximum linear theory growth rate of the Alfvén‐cyclotron waves is smaller than that of the fastest‐growing Bernstein mode for the wide range of anisotropies (1≤T⊥/T||≤7) considered here. Yet the corresponding particle‐in‐cell simulations yield a higher saturation level of the fluctuating magnetic fields for the Alfvén‐cyclotron instability than for the Bernstein modes as long as
. Since fast magnetosonic waves with ion Bernstein instability properties observed in the magnetosphere are often not accompanied by electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, the results of the present study indicate that the ring‐like proton distributions responsible for the excitation of these fast magnetosonic waves should not be very anisotropic.
Observation of TEC perturbation associated with medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbance and possible seeding mechanism of atmospheric gravity wave at a Brazilian sector
Authors: Jonah O. F. , Kherani E. A. , De Paula E. R.
Published: February 2016

In the present study, we document daytime total electron content (TEC) disturbances associated with medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs), on few chosen geomagnetically quiet days over Southern Hemisphere of Brazilian longitude sector. These disturbances are derived from TEC data obtained using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver networks. From the keograms and cross‐correlation maps, the TEC disturbances are identified as the MSTIDs that are propagating equatorward‐eastward, having most of their average wavelengths longer in latitude than in longitude direction. These are the important outcomes of the present study which suggest that the daytime MSTIDs over Southern Hemisphere are similar to their counterparts in the Northern Hemisphere. Another important outcome is that the occurrence characteristics of these MSTIDs and that of atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) activities in the thermosphere are found to be similar on day‐to‐day basis. This suggests a possible connection between them, confirming the widely accepted AGW forcing mechanism for the generation of these daytime MSTIDs. The source of this AGW is investigated using the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite system (GOES) and Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate satellite data. Finally, we provided evidences that AGWs are generated by convection activities from the tropospheric region.
Rayleigh wave azimuthally anisotropic phase velocity maps beneath western Canada
Authors: Bao Xuewei , Eaton David W. , Gu Yu Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

The lithospheric evolution of western Laurentia spans several billion years of Earth history and provides an exceptional opportunity for investigating continental deformation during Archean and Proterozoic assembly of the craton and subsequent Phanerozoic orogenic processes along its western margin. In this study we present fundamental‐mode Rayleigh wave azimuthal anisotropy in the period range 20–150 s for western Laurentia and the southern Canadian Cordillera. The surface wave phase velocity maps offer new constraints on the depth distribution of seismic anisotropy in this region. At short periods (20–25 s), strong anisotropy with an orogen‐parallel fast direction is evident in the Cordillera and neighboring foreland belt, suggesting pervasive ductile deformation in the lower crust during Laramide orogenesis. At periods of 70 s and higher, a zone of low‐to‐null azimuthal anisotropy is evident in the southern part of the Cordillera. This apparent null region is interpreted to reflect complex asthenospheric flow due to the combined effects of the Juan de Fuca slab window, lithospheric delamination, and small‐scale edge‐driven convection. Depth‐variant azimuthal anisotropy is evident beneath the cratonic part of the study region. The dominant direction of fast wave propagation in the southeastern part of the craton changes from N‐S at periods of <120 s to NE‐SW at 150 s period. This depth dependence is inferred to arise from different origins of the observed anisotropy, with “frozen” anisotropy within cratonic lithosphere underlain by flow‐driven anisotropy in the asthenosphere. The frozen N‐S trending fabrics in the middle to lower cratonic lithosphere most likely reflect processes of Paleoproterozoic assembly of western Laurentia.
Tropical West Pacific moisture dynamics and climate controls on rainfall isotopic ratios in southern Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Permana Donaldi S. , Thompson Lonnie G. , Setyadi Gesang
Published: February 2016

Understanding the controls on stable isotopologues of tropical rainfall is critical for paleoclimatic reconstruction from tropical ice core records. The southern Papua region, Indonesia, has a unique climate regime that allows for the evaluation of the influence of precipitation and convective activity on seasonal rainfall δ18O. The influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on interannual rainfall δ18O variation is also important for paleoclimate reconstruction. Here we present stable isotope analyses of 1332 rain samples collected daily during the period from January 2013 to February 2014 (ENSO‐normal) and December 2014 to September 2015 (El Niño) at various elevation stations (9 to 3945 m above sea level) on the southern slope of the central mountain ranges in Papua. The results suggest an altitude effect with an isotopic lapse rate for δ18O (δD) of −2.4‰/km (−18.2‰/km). The temporal δ18O variability (daily to interannual) is controlled mostly by regional convective activity rather than local/regional precipitation amount. The intraseasonal δ18O variation resembles the Madden‐Julian Oscillation cycle with major δ18O depletion events associated with active (wet) phases. Moisture origins, transport pathways, moisture convergence, and raindrop evaporation appear to have no significant seasonal effects on δ18O, leading to the conclusion that condensation temperature controls δ18O depletion associated with convective activity. Seasonal δ18O variation is likely associated with atmospheric temperature at the mean condensation level as indicated by the altitude of latent heat release in the troposphere. Rainfall δ18O (δD) is generally enriched by 1.6‰–2‰ (11‰–15‰) during El Niño than during ENSO‐normal periods.
Spatial patterns and source attribution of urban methane in the Los Angeles Basin
Authors: Hopkins Francesca M. , Kort Eric A. , Bush Susan E. , Ehleringer James R. , Lai Chun‐Ta , Blake Donald R. , Randerson James T.
Published: February 2016

Urban areas are increasingly recognized as a globally important source of methane to the atmosphere; however, the location of methane sources and relative contributions of source sectors are not well known. Recent atmospheric measurements in Los Angeles, California, USA, show that more than a third of the city's methane emissions are unaccounted for in inventories and suggest that fugitive fossil emissions are the unknown source. We made on‐road measurements to quantify fine‐scale structure of methane and a suite of complementary trace gases across the Los Angeles Basin in June 2013. Enhanced methane levels were observed across the basin but were unevenly distributed in space. We identified 213 methane hot spots from unknown emission sources. We made direct measurements of ethane to methane (C2H6/CH4) ratios of known methane emission sources in the region, including cattle, geologic seeps, landfills, and compressed natural gas fueling stations, and used these ratios to determine the contribution of biogenic and fossil methane sources to unknown hot spots and to local urban background air. We found that 75% of hot spots were of fossil origin, 20% were biogenic, and 5% of indeterminate source. In regionally integrated air, we observed a wider range of C2H6/CH4 values than observed previously. Fossil fuel sources accounted for 58–65% of methane emissions, with the range depending on the assumed C2H6/CH4 ratio of source end‐members and model structure. These surveys demonstrated the prevalence of fugitive methane emissions across the Los Angeles urban landscape and suggested that uninventoried methane sources were widely distributed and primarily of fossil origin.