bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of sudden stratospheric warming on general circulation of the thermosphere
Authors: Miyoshi Yasunobu , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Jin Hidekatsu , Shinagawa Hiroyuki
Published: November 2015

Impacts of sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) on the thermosphere were studied using a gravity wave (GW)‐resolving whole atmosphere model. During an SSW event, the mesosphere at high latitudes cools, and the lower thermosphere becomes warm. At the peak of the SSW event, a temperature drop occurs above an altitude of 150 km at high latitudes. Our results indicate that the SSW event strongly affects meridional circulation and GW drag in the thermosphere. In the lower thermosphere, upward wind in the Arctic region, southward wind in the region between the North Pole and the South Pole, and downward wind in the Antarctic region are dominant before SSW occurs. The SSW event reverses meridional circulation at altitudes between 90 and 125 km in the Northern Hemisphere. During the SSW event, downward wind in the Arctic region and northward wind in the Northern Hemisphere prevail in the lower thermosphere. A detailed analysis revealed that during the SSW event, the change in meridional circulation is caused by the attenuation of the GW drag, and we identified the mechanism responsible for this attenuation. Moreover, we assessed the impacts of SSW on temperatures in the equatorial region and Southern Hemisphere.
Effects of meteoric smoke particles on the D region ion chemistry
Authors: Baumann Carsten , Rapp Markus , Anttila Milla , Kero Antti , Verronen Pekka T.
Published: November 2015

This study focuses on meteor smoke particle (MSP) induced effects on the D region ion chemistry. Hereby, MSPs, represented with an 11 bin size distribution, have been included as an active component into the Sodankyä Ion and Neutral Chemistry model. By doing that, we model the diurnal variation of the negatively and positively charged MSPs as well as ions and the electron density under quiet ionospheric conditions. Two distinct points in time are studied in more detail, i.e., one for sunlit conditions (Solar zenith angle is 72°) and one for dark conditions (Solar zenith angle is 103°). We find nightly decrease of free electrons and negative ions, the positive ion density is enhanced at altitudes above 80 km and reduced below. During sunlit conditions the electron density is enhanced between 60 and 70 km altitude, while there is a reduction in negative and positive ions densities. In general, the MSP influence on the ion chemistry is caused by changes in the electron density. On the one hand, these changes occur due to nightly electron scavenging by MSPs resulting in a reduced electron‐ion recombination. As a consequence positive ion density increase, especially water cluster ions are highly affected. On the other hand, the electron density is slightly increased during daytime by a MSP‐related production due to solar radiation. Thus, more electrons attach to neutrals and short‐lived negative ions increase in number density. The direct attachment of ions to MSPs is a minor process, but important for long living ions.
Concurrent observations at the magnetic equator of small‐scale irregularities and large‐scale depletions associated with equatorial spread F
Authors: Hickey Dustin A. , Martinis Carlos R. , Rodrigues Fabiano S. , Varney Roger H. , Milla Marco A. , Nicolls Michael J. , Strømme Anja , Arratia Juan F.
Published: November 2015

In 2014 an all‐sky imager (ASI) and an Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar consisting of 14 panels (AMISR‐14) system were installed at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory. The ASI measures airglow depletions associated with large‐scale equatorial spread F irregularities (10–500 km), while AMISR‐14 detects small‐scale irregularities (0.34 m). This study presents simultaneous observations of equatorial spread F (ESF) irregularities at 50–200 km scale sizes using the all‐sky imager, at 3 m scale sizes using the JULIA (Jicamarca Unattended Long‐term Investigations of the Ionosphere and Atmosphere) radar, and at 0.34 m scales using the AMISR‐14 radar. We compare data from the three instruments on the night of 20–21 August 2014 by locating the radar scattering volume in the optical images. During this night no topside plumes were observed, and we only compare with bottomside ESF. AMISR‐14 had five beams perpendicular to the magnetic field covering ~200 km in the east‐west direction at 250 km altitude. Comparing the radar data with zenith ASI measurements, we found that most of the echoes occur on the western wall of the depletions with fewer echoes observed the eastern wall and center, contrary to previous comparisons of topside plumes that showed most of the echoes in the center of depleted regions. We attribute these differences to the occurrence of irregularities produced at submeter scales by the lower hybrid drift instability. Comparisons of the ASI observations with JULIA images show similar results to those found in the AMISR‐14 and ASI comparison.
A global electric circuit model within a community climate model
Authors: Lucas G. M. , Baumgaertner A. J. G. , Thayer J. P.
Published: November 2015

To determine the complex dependencies of currents and electric fields within the Global Electric Circuit (GEC) on the underlying physics of the atmosphere, a new modeling framework of the GEC has been developed for use within global circulation models. Specifically, the Community Earth System Modeling framework has been utilized. A formulation of atmospheric conductivity based on ion production and loss mechanisms (including galactic cosmic rays, radon, clouds, and aerosols), conduction current sources, and ionospheric potential changes due to the influence of external current systems are included. This paper presents a full description of the calculation of the electric fields and currents within the model, which now includes several advancements to GEC modeling as it incorporates many processes calculated individually in previous articles into a consistent modeling framework. This framework uniquely incorporates effects from the troposphere up to the ionosphere within a single GEC model. The incorporation of a magnetospheric potential, which is generated by a separate magnetospheric current system, acts to modulate or enhance the surface level electric fields at high‐latitude locations. This produces a distinct phasing signature with the GEC potential that is shown to depend on the observation location around the globe. Lastly, the model output for Vostok and Concordia, two high‐latitude locations, is shown to agree with the observational data obtained at these sites over the same time period.
Air pollution and climate response to aerosol direct radiative effects: A modeling study of decadal trends across the northern hemisphere
Authors: Xing Jia , Mathur Rohit , Pleim Jonathan , Hogrefe Christian , Gan Chuen‐Meei , Wong David C. , Wei Chao , Wang Jiandong
Published: November 2015

Decadal hemispheric Weather Research and Forecast‐Community Multiscale Air Quality simulations from 1990 to 2010 were conducted to examine the meteorology and air quality responses to the aerosol direct radiative effects. The model's performance for the simulation of hourly surface temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and direction was evaluated through comparison with observations from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center Integrated Surface Data. The inclusion of aerosol direct radiative effects improves the model's ability to reproduce the trend in daytime temperature range which over the past two decades was increasing in eastern China but decreasing in eastern U.S. and Europe. Trends and spatial and diurnal variations of the surface‐level gaseous and particle concentrations to the aerosol direct effect were analyzed. The inclusion of aerosol direct radiative effects was found to increase the surface‐level concentrations of SO2, NO2, O3, SO42−, NO3−, and particulate matter 2.5 in eastern China, eastern U.S., and Europe by 1.5–2.1%, 1–1.5%, 0.1–0.3%, 1.6–2.3%, 3.5–10.0%, and 2.2–3.2%, respectively, on average over the entire 21 year period. However, greater impacts are noted during polluted days with increases of 7.6–10.6%, 6.2–6.7%, 2.0–3.0%, 7.8–9.5%, 11.1–18.6%, and 7.2–10.1%, respectively. Due to the aerosol direct radiative effects, stabilizing of the atmosphere associated with reduced planetary boundary layer height and ventilation leads to an enhancement of pollution. Consequently, the continual increase of aerosol optical depth (AOD) in eastern China leads to an increasing trend in the air quality feedback which exacerbates air pollution, while emission reductions in eastern U.S. and Europe result in a declining trend in both AODs and feedback which make the air pollution control strategies more effective.
CALIPSO‐inferred aerosol direct radiative effects: Bias estimates using ground‐based Raman lidars
Authors: Thorsen Tyler J. , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2015

Observational constraints on the change in the radiative energy budget caused by the presence of aerosols, i.e., the aerosol direct radiative effect (DRE), have recently been made using observations from the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite (CALIPSO). CALIPSO observations have the potential to provide improved global estimates of aerosol DRE compared to passive sensor‐derived estimates due to CALIPSO's ability to perform vertically resolved aerosol retrievals over all surface types and over cloud. In this study, uncertainties in CALIPSO‐inferred aerosol DRE are estimated using multiple years of observations from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program's Raman lidars at midlatitude and tropical sites. We find that CALIPSO is unable to detect all radiatively significant aerosol, resulting in an underestimate in the magnitude of the aerosol DRE by 30–50% at the two ARM sites. The undetected aerosol is likely the consequence of random noise in CALIPSO measurements and therefore will affect global observations as well. This suggests that the global aerosol DRE inferred from CALIPSO observations are likely too weak. Also examined is the impact of the ratio of extinction‐to‐backscatter (i.e., the lidar ratio) whose value CALIPSO retrievals must assume to obtain the aerosol extinction profile. It is shown that if CALIPSO can reproduce the climatological value of the lidar ratio at a given location, then the aerosol DRE there can be accurately calculated (within about 3%).
Incorporating microbial dormancy dynamics into soil decomposition models to improve quantification of soil carbon dynamics of northern temperate forests
Authors: He Yujie , Yang Jinyan , Zhuang Qianlai , Harden Jennifer W. , McGuire Anthony D. , Liu Yaling , Wang Gangsheng , Gu Lianhong
Published: November 2015

Soil carbon dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems play a significant role in the global carbon cycle. Microbial‐based decomposition models have seen much growth recently for quantifying this role, yet dormancy as a common strategy used by microorganisms has not usually been represented and tested in these models against field observations. Here we developed an explicit microbial‐enzyme decomposition model and examined model performance with and without representation of microbial dormancy at six temperate forest sites of different forest types. We then extrapolated the model to global temperate forest ecosystems to investigate biogeochemical controls on soil heterotrophic respiration and microbial dormancy dynamics at different temporal‐spatial scales. The dormancy model consistently produced better match with field‐observed heterotrophic soil CO2 efflux (RH) than the no dormancy model. Our regional modeling results further indicated that models with dormancy were able to produce more realistic magnitude of microbial biomass (<2% of soil organic carbon) and soil RH (7.5 ± 2.4 Pg C yr−1). Spatial correlation analysis showed that soil organic carbon content was the dominating factor (correlation coefficient = 0.4–0.6) in the simulated spatial pattern of soil RH with both models. In contrast to strong temporal and local controls of soil temperature and moisture on microbial dormancy, our modeling results showed that soil carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio (C:N) was a major regulating factor at regional scales (correlation coefficient = −0.43 to −0.58), indicating scale‐dependent biogeochemical controls on microbial dynamics. Our findings suggest that incorporating microbial dormancy could improve the realism of microbial‐based decomposition models and enhance the integration of soil experiments and mechanistically based modeling.
Statistical analysis and verification of 3‐hourly geomagnetic activity probability predictions
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhong Qiuzhen , Liu Siqing , Miao Juan , Liu Fanghua , Li Zhitao , Tang Weiwei
Published: November 2015

The Space Environment Prediction Center (SEPC) has classified geomagnetic activity into four levels: quiet to unsettled (Kp < 4), active (Kp = 4), minor to moderate storm (Kp = 5 or 6), and major to severe storm (Kp > 6). The 3‐hourly Kp index prediction product provided by the SEPC is updated half hourly. In this study, the statistical conditional forecast models for the 3‐hourly geomagnetic activity level were developed based on 10 years of data and applied to more than 3 years of data, using the previous Kp index, interplanetary magnetic field, and solar wind parameters measured by the Advanced Composition Explorer as conditional parameters. The quality of the forecast models was measured and compared against verifications of accuracy, reliability, discrimination capability, and skill of predicting all geomagnetic activity levels, especially the probability of reaching the storm level given a previous “calm” (nonstorm level) or “storm” (storm level) condition. It was found that the conditional models that used the previous Kp index, the peak value of BtV (the product of the total interplanetary magnetic field and speed), the average value of Bz (the southerly component of the interplanetary magnetic field), and BzV (the product of the southerly component of the interplanetary magnetic field and speed) over the last 6 h as conditional parameters provide a relative operating characteristic area of 0.64 and can be an appropriate predictor for the probability forecast of geomagnetic activity level.
A pseudo genetic model of coarse braided‐river deposits
Authors: Pirot Guillaume , Straubhaar Julien , Renard Philippe
Published: November 2015

A new method is proposed to produce three‐dimensional facies models of braided‐river aquifers based on analog data. The algorithm consists of two steps. The first step involves building the main geological units. The production of the principal inner structures of the aquifer is achieved by stacking Multiple‐Point‐Statistics simulations of successive topographies, thus mimicking the major successive flooding events responsible for the erosion and deposition of sediments. The second step of the algorithm consists of generating fine scale heterogeneity within the main geological units. These smaller‐scale structures are generated by mimicking the trough‐filling process occurring in braided rivers; the imitation of the physical processes relies on the local topography and on a local approximation of the flow. This produces realistic cross‐stratified sediments, comparable to what can be observed in outcrops. The three main input parameters of the algorithm offer control over the proportions, the continuity and the dimensions of the deposits. Calibration of these parameters does not require invasive field measurements and can rely partly on analog data.
Novel FANCI mutations in Fanconi anemia with VACTERL association
Authors: Savage Sharon A. , Ballew Bari J. , Giri Neelam ,   NCI DCEG Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Chandrasekharappa Settara C. , Ameziane Najim , de Winter Johan , Alter Blanche P. ,   NCI DCEG Cancer Sequencing Working Group
Published: November 2015

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome caused by mutations in DNA repair genes; some of these patients may have features of the VACTERL association. Autosomal recessive mutations in FANCI are a rare cause of FA. We identified FANCI mutations by next generation sequencing in three patients in our FA cohort among several whose mutated gene was unknown. Four of the six mutations are novel and all mutations are likely deleterious to protein function. There are now 16 reported cases of FA due to FANCI of whom 7 have at least 3 features of the VACTERL association (44%). This suggests that the VACTERL association in patients with FA may be seen in patients with FANCI mutations more often than previously recognized. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dual genetic diagnoses: Atypical hand‐foot‐genital syndrome and developmental delay due to de novo mutations in HOXA13 and NRXN1
Authors: Wallis Mathew , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Burgess Trent , Borzi Peter , Matsumoto Naomichi , Miyake Noriko , True Deanna , Patel Chirag
Published: November 2015

We describe a male patient with dual genetic diagnoses of atypical hand‐foot‐genital syndrome (HFGS) and developmental delay. The proband had features of HFGS that included bilateral vesicoureteric junction obstruction with ectopic ureters, brachydactyly of various fingers and toes, hypoplastic thenar eminences, and absent nails on both 4th toes and right 5th toe. The atypical features of HFGS present were bilateral hallux valgus malformations and bilateral preaxial polydactyly of the hands. Chromosomal microarray analysis identified a de novo 0.5 Mb deletion at 2p16.3, including the first four exons of the NRXN1 gene. Whole exome sequencing and subsequent Sanger sequencing identified a de novo missense mutation (c.1123G>T, p.Val375Phe) in exon 2 of the HOXA13 gene, predicted to be damaging and located in the homeobox domain. The intragenic NRXN1 deletion is thought to explain his developmental delay via a separate genetic mechanism. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcranial direct current stimulation reduces food‐craving and measures of hyperphagia behavior in participants with Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Bravo Gabriela L. , Poje Albert B. , Perissinotti Iago , Marcondes Bianca F. , Villamar Mauricio F. , Manzardo Ann M. , Luque Laura , LePage Jean F. , Stafford Diane , Fregni Felipe , Butler Merlin G.
Published: November 2015

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disabilities and insatiable appetite with compulsive eating leading to severe obesity with detrimental health consequences. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to modulate decision‐making and cue‐induced food craving in healthy adults. We conducted a pilot double blind, sham‐controlled, multicenter study of tDCS modulation of food drive and craving in 10 adult PWS participants, 11 adult obese (OB) and 11 adult healthy‐weight control (HWC) subjects. PWS and OB subjects received five consecutive daily sessions of active or sham tDCS over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), while HWC received a single sham and active tDCS in a crossover design. Standardized psychometric instruments assessed food craving, drive and hyperphagia by self‐report and caregiver assessment over 30 days. Robust baseline differences were observed in severity scores for the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Dykens Hyperphagia Questionnaire (DHQ) for PWS compared to HWC while obese participants were more similar to HWC. Active tDCS stimulation in PWS was associated with a significant change from baseline in TFEQ Disinhibition (Factor II) (Ƶ = 1.9, P < 0.05, 30 days) and Total Scores (Ƶ = 2.3, P < 0.02, 30 days), and participant ratings of the DHQ Severity (Ƶ = 1.8, P < 0.06, 5 days) and Total Scores (Ƶ = 1.9, P < 0.05, 15 days). These findings support sustained neuromodulatory effects and efficacy of tDCS to reduce food drive and behaviors impacting hyperphagia in PWS. Transcranial direct current stimulation may represent a straight‐forward, low risk and low cost method to improve care, management and quality of life in PWS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms of growth inhibition of primary prostate epithelial cells following gamma irradiation or photodynamic therapy include senescence, necrosis, and autophagy, but not apoptosis
Authors: Frame Fiona M. , Savoie Huguette , Bryden Francesca , Giuntini Francesca , Mann Vincent M. , Simms Matthew S. , Boyle Ross W. , Maitland Norman J.
Published: November 2015

In comparison to more differentiated cells, prostate cancer stem‐like cells are radioresistant, which could explain radio‐recurrent prostate cancer. Improvement of radiotherapeutic efficacy may therefore require combination therapy. We have investigated the consequences of treating primary prostate epithelial cells with gamma irradiation and photodynamic therapy (PDT), both of which act through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Primary prostate epithelial cells were cultured from patient samples of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer prior to treatment with PDT or gamma irradiation. Cell viability was measured using MTT and alamar blue assay, and cell recovery by colony‐forming assays. Immunofluorescence of gamma‐H2AX foci was used to quantify DNA damage, and autophagy and apoptosis were assessed using Western blots. Necrosis and senescence were measured by propidium iodide staining and beta‐galactosidase staining, respectively. Both PDT and gamma irradiation reduced the colony‐forming ability of primary prostate epithelial cells. PDT reduced the viability of all types of cells in the cultures, including stem‐like cells and more differentiated cells. PDT induced necrosis and autophagy, whereas gamma irradiation induced senescence, but neither treatment induced apoptosis. PDT and gamma irradiation therefore inhibit cell growth by different mechanisms. We suggest these treatments would be suitable for use in combination as sequential treatments against prostate cancer.
Percutaneous coronary intervention with the TandemHeart™ percutaneous left ventricular assist device support: Six years of experience and outcomes
Authors: Nascimbene Angelo , Loyalka Pranav , Gregoric Igor D. , Kar Biswajit
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Our study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of TandemHeart™ assistance during percutaneous coronary intervention, specifically in relationship to pre‐procedural clinical and hemodynamic risk factors in patients ineligible for surgical revascularization.

Background

We have used the TandemHeart™ percutaneous left ventricular assist device during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients for whom conventional PCI and aorto‐coronary bypass would pose substantial risk owing to comorbidities and/or clinical presentations.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 626 consecutive PCIs at the Texas Heart Institute from 2005 to 2011. Among these, 74 interventions were performed with TandemHeart™ support. Mortality and morbidity were analyzed in relationship to presentation status (elective, urgent, emergent, or emergent salvage), and then we recorded outcomes and survival rates over the course of six years.

Results

At 30 days after PCI, survival rates were 94%, 88%, 79%, and 55% in the elective, urgent, emergent, and emergent salvage groups, respectively. Survival rates at one year were at 75% in the elective, 64% in the urgent, 52% in the emergent, and 45% in the emergent salvage groups. Survival rates at 6 years were 68% in the elective, 53% in the urgent, 31% in the emergent, and 41% in the emergent salvage groups, respectively. In elective and urgent groups, successful weaning from mechanical support was possible in all patients. In the emergent and emergent salvage groups, successful weaning from mechanical support was possible in 84% and 55% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

TandemHeart™ assisted PCI is a viable option for revascularization in cases of profound cardiogenic shock or extremely risky intervention due to complex anatomy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydraulic performance of Winpak‐C modular catalytic structured packing
Authors: Li Jinming , Ding Huidian , Xiang Wenyu , Tao Min , Liu Chunjiang
Published: November 2015

The use of catalytic distillation (CD) in chemical production has gained popularity in recent years, as it results in minimized installation costs and increased efficiency. However, the design of suitable modular catalytic structured packing (MCSP) for CD processes remains a challenge. This paper presents a novel MCSP named Winpak‐C. The hydraulic performance of Winpak‐C is investigated in a 400‐mm diameter column with an air‐water system. Predictive models for the pressure drop and liquid holdup are proposed, which provide reasonably close predictions. The models describe the gas loading point, which reflects the transition from the liquid loading regime to the unstable flooding regime. Further, a visual experiment is performed to determine the maximum liquid load of the catalyst‐containing bags, and the flow behaviours around the liquid load point are described. In addition, a tracer method is employed to determine the liquid residence time distribution (RTD). The Peclet number and axial dispersion coefficient deduced from RTD curves are discussed and compared with those for traditional MCSP. This study on the hydraulics of Winpak‐C is significant for the design and scale‐up of CD processes.
Dense motion field estimation from myocardial boundary displacements
Authors: Morais Pedro , Queirós Sandro , Ferreira Adriano , Rodrigues Nuno F. , Baptista Maria J. , D'hooge Jan , Vilaça João L. , Barbosa Daniel
Published: November 2015

Minimally invasive cardiovascular interventions guided by multiple imaging modalities are rapidly gaining clinical acceptance for the treatment of several cardiovascular diseases. These images are typically fused with richly detailed pre‐operative scans through registration techniques, enhancing the intra‐operative clinical data and easing the image‐guided procedures. Nonetheless, rigid models have been used to align the different modalities, not taking into account the anatomical variations of the cardiac muscle throughout the cardiac cycle.

In the current study, we present a novel strategy to compensate the beat‐to‐beat physiological adaptation of the myocardium. Hereto, we intend to prove that a complete myocardial motion field can be quickly recovered from the displacement field at the myocardial boundaries, therefore being an efficient strategy to locally deform the cardiac muscle. We address this hypothesis by comparing three different strategies to recover a dense myocardial motion field from a sparse one, namely, a diffusion‐based approach, thin‐plate splines, and multiquadric radial basis functions.

Two experimental setups were used to validate the proposed strategy. First, an in silico validation was carried out on synthetic motion fields obtained from two realistic simulated ultrasound sequences. Then, 45 mid‐ventricular 2D sequences of cine magnetic resonance imaging were processed to further evaluate the different approaches.

The results showed that accurate boundary tracking combined with dense myocardial recovery via interpolation/diffusion is a potentially viable solution to speed up dense myocardial motion field estimation and, consequently, to deform/compensate the myocardial wall throughout the cardiac cycle. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moss and peat hydraulic properties are optimized to maximize peatland water use efficiency
Authors: Kettridge N. , Tilak A. S. , Devito K. J. , Petrone R. M. , Mendoza C. A. , Waddington J. M.
Published: November 2015

Peatland ecosystems are globally important carbon and terrestrial surface water stores that have formed over millennia. These ecosystems have likely optimized their ecohydrological function over the long‐term development of their soil hydraulic properties. The optimization of peat hydraulic properties is examined to determine which of the following conditions peatland ecosystems target during this development: (i) maximize carbon accumulation, (ii) maximize water storage, or (iii) balance carbon profit across hydrological disturbances. To identify this control, the short‐term hydrological response of a 0.5‐m‐deep peat profile was simulated during a 50‐day rain‐free period. A total of 5000 Monte‐Carlo model realizations were conducted, with peat hydraulic properties differing between each realization (values derived from known probability distributions). Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and empirical van Genuchten water retention parameter α were shown to provide a first order control on simulated water tensions. For hypothetical combinations of Ks and α, the probability that water tension exceeds the ecologically important threshold of 100 mb within 24 h showed a bimodal distribution. A peak at high probabilities was associated with profiles of high Ks and low α. Such a profile is optimized for water storage. A peak at low probabilities is associated with low Ks, high α, and is optimized for carbon accumulation. Actual hydraulic properties from five northern peatlands fall between this binominal distribution, balancing the competing demands of carbon accumulation and water storage. We argue that peat hydraulic properties are thus optimized to maximize water use efficiency and that this optimization occurs over a centennial to millennial timescale. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hindbrain regional growth in preterm newborns and its impairment in relation to brain injury
Authors: Kim Hosung , Gano Dawn , Ho Mai‐Lan , Guo Xiaoyue M. , Unzueta Alisa , Hess Christopher , Ferriero Donna M. , Xu Duan , Barkovich A. James
Published: November 2015

Premature birth globally affects about 11.1% of all newborns and is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disability in surviving infants. Histology has suggested that hindbrain subdivisions grow differentially, especially in the third trimester. Prematurity‐related brain injuries occurring in this period may selectively affect more rapidly developing areas of hindbrain, thus accompanying region‐specific impairments in growth and ultimately neurodevelopmental deficits. The current study aimed to quantify regional growth of the cerebellum and the brainstem in preterm neonates (n = 65 with individually multiple scans). We probed associations of the regional volumes with severity of brain injury. In neonates with no imaging evidence of injury, our analysis using a mixed‐effect linear model showed faster growth in the pons and the lateral convexity of anterior/posterior cerebellar lobes. Different patterns of growth impairment were found in relation to early cerebral intraventricular hemorrhage and cerebellar hemorrhage (P < 0.05), likely explaining different mechanisms through which neurogenesis is disrupted. The pattern of cerebellar growth identified in our study agreed excellently with details of cerebellar morphogenesis in perinatal development, which has only been observed in histological data. Our proposed analytic framework may provide predictive imaging biomarkers for neurodevelopmental outcome, enabling early identification and treatment of high‐risk patients. Hum Brain Mapp 37:678–688, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water isotope characteristics of a flood: Brisbane River, Australia
Authors: Adame Maria Fernanda , Fry Brian , Bunn Stuart E.
Published: November 2015

Flooding associated with tropical storms can cause extreme perturbations in riverine and coastal ecosystems. Measuring isotope variability of tropical storm events can help investigate the impacts of flooding. We measured the water isotope composition (δD and δ18O) of rain and associated floodwater collected during two storms and subsequent major and minor flooding events in the subtropical coast of eastern Australia. Compared with baseline regional rainfall isotope values of −15.0 ± 1.9‰ for δD and −3.3 ± 0.2‰ for δ18O, floodwater had lower values with −33.8 ± 2.5‰ δD and −5.1 ± 0.4‰ δ18O for the major flood and −29.4 ± 1.0‰ δD and −4.6 ± 0.1‰ δ18O for the minor flood. The low isotope composition of the floodwater was associated with the transport of large quantities of suspended sediments, with sediment loads 30 to 70 times larger than during base flow conditions. Floods carried up to 35% of the annual phosphorus and up to 208% of the currently calculated average annual nitrogen load of the Brisbane River. The dramatic changes caused by a rapid increase in discharge from 2 to 2015 m3 s−1 over 2 days in the major flood would have major consequences in riverine and coastal ecosystems of the region. These changes could potentially be traced using the isotope composition of the floodwaters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations of FGF23 With Change in Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk in Older Individuals
Authors: Isakova Tamara , Cai Xuan , Lee Jungwha , Katz Ronit , Cauley Jane A , Fried Linda F , Hoofnagle Andrew N , Satterfield Suzanne , Harris Tamara B , Shlipak Michael G , Sarnak Mark J , Ix Joachim H ,   for the Health ABC Study
Published: November 2015

Elevated levels of the phosphate-regulating hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) have been linked to greater risk of fractures in some studies, especially among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated FGF23 as a risk factor for bone loss and fractures in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study, which is a prospective biracial cohort of well-functioning adults aged 70 to 79 years recruited at two clinical centers in the United States. The sample for the bone mineral density (BMD) analyses consisted of 2234 participants who had at least two serial total hip areal BMD measures. The fracture analyses included 2786 participants, 567 of whom sustained a fracture during a median follow up of 4.95 years. Linear mixed-effects models were used for longitudinal measurements of total hip areal BMD and the proportional subdistribution hazard regression model subject to competing risks of death was used for risk of fracture. The median FGF23 was 46.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 36.7 to 60.2) pg/mL. The mean annualized percent change in total hip areal BMD did not vary significantly according to FGF23 quartile in all participants (p for trend = 0.70), but the effect was modified by CKD status (adjusted p for interaction <0.001). Among participants with CKD, the unadjusted mean annualized percent change in total hip areal BMD was greater with higher levels of FGF23 (unadjusted p for trend = 0.02), but the trend was attenuated with adjustment for estimated glomerular filtration rate and parathyroid hormone (adjusted p for trend = 0.30). FGF23 was not significantly associated with fracture risk in crude (hazard ratio [HR] per doubling of FGF23, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.12) or adjusted models (HR per doubling of FGF23, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.22), and these findings were not modified by gender or CKD status. FGF23 levels are not associated with bone loss or fracture risk in older adults with low prevalence of CKD. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evodiamine Suppresses ABCG2 Mediated Drug Resistance by Inhibiting p50/p65 NF‐κB Pathway in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sui Hua , Zhou Li‐Hong , Zhang Ya‐Li , Huang Jian‐Ping , Liu Xuan , Ji Qing , Fu Xiao‐Ling , Wen Hao‐Tian , Chen Zhe‐Sheng , Deng Wan‐Li , Zhu Hui‐Rong , Li Qi
Published: November 2015

Evodiamine (Evo), extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Evodia rutaecarpa, has cytotoxic effects on different types of human cancer cells. However, its effects on drug resistance and their molecular mechanism and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer are not well understood. In the present study, we observed that Evo inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in adose‐and time‐dependent manner in HCT‐116/L‐OHP cells. Moreover, Evo treatment reduced Rhodamine 123 accumulation and ATPase activity in HCT‐116/L‐OHP cells, indicating that Evo decreased the efflux function in HCT‐116/L‐OHP cells. Interestingly, phosphorylation of NF‐κB pathway, particularly p50/p65, was also inhibited by Evo treatment. Furthermore the effect of Evo in reversing drug resistance and suppressing phosphorylation of NF‐κB pathway were attenuated after treatment with the NF‐κB activator (LPS). Additionally, Evo inhibited the tumor growth in a colorectal MDR cancer xenograft model and down regulated p‐NF‐κB level in vivo. Our study provided the first direct evidence that Evo can attenuate multidrug resistance by blocking p‐NF‐κB signaling pathway in human colorectal cancer. Evo could be a potential candidate for cancer chemotherapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1471–1481, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure of the lepidopteran proboscis in relation to feeding guild
Authors: Lehnert Matthew S. , Beard Charles E. , Gerard Patrick D. , Kornev Konstantin G. , Adler Peter H.
Published: November 2015

Most butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) use modified mouthparts, the proboscis, to acquire fluids. We quantified the proboscis architecture of five butterfly species in three families to test the hypothesis that proboscis structure relates to feeding guild. We used scanning electron microscopy to elucidate the fine structure of the proboscis of both sexes and to quantify dimensions, cuticular patterns, and the shapes and sizes of sensilla and dorsal legulae. Sexual dimorphism was not detected in the proboscis structure of any species. A hierarchical clustering analysis of overall proboscis architecture reflected lepidopteran phylogeny, but did not produce a distinct group of flower visitors or of puddle visitors within the flower visitors. Specific characters of the proboscis, nonetheless, can indicate flower and nonflower visitors, such as the configuration of sensilla styloconica, width of the lower branches of dorsal legulae, presence or absence of dorsal legulae at the extreme apex, and degree of proboscis tapering. We suggest that the overall proboscis architecture of Lepidoptera reflects a universal structural organization that promotes fluid uptake from droplets and films. On top of this fundamental structural organization, we suggest that the diversity of floral structure has selected for structural adaptations that facilitate entry of the proboscis into floral tubes. J. Morphol. 277:167–182, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parameter identification of simplified common‐mode equivalent circuit for inverter‐fed motor drive systems by applying computer‐aided optimization software
Authors: Tang Yizhanyi , Ogasawara Satoshi , Takemoto Masatsugu , Tokiwa Tsuyoshi , Kanamori Masaki
Published: November 2015

This paper deals with common‐mode (CM) electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an inverter‐fed motor drive system. A simplified CM equivalent circuit including π‐type equivalent circuit for the motor winding is proposed by using the waveform of the common‐mode current flowing in the ground conductor. Moreover, a parameter identification method applying the computer‐aided software modeFRONTIER is proposed to decide objectively the circuit parameters of the proposed simplified equivalent circuit. Validity and effectiveness of the proposed equivalent circuit are confirmed by comparing the measured impedance characteristics with the calculated ones. Finally, the possibility of a nonlinear phenomenon is discussed in this system. It is shown that the accuracy of simulation result can be improved by introducing the nonlinear element. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
mTOR inhibition by rapamycin protects against deltamethrin‐induced apoptosis in PC12 Cells
Authors: Park Yun Sun , Park Jae Hyeon , Ko Juyeon , Shin In Chul , Koh Hyun Chul
Published: November 2015

The autophagy pathway can be induced and upregulated in response to intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we explored a novel pharmacotherapeutic approach involving the regulation of autophagy to prevent deltamethrin (DLM) neurotoxicity. We found that DLM‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, as demonstrated by the activation of caspase‐3 and ‐9 and by nuclear condensation. DLM treatment significantly decreased dopamine (DA) levels in PC12 cells. In addition, we observed that cells treated with DLM underwent autophagic cell death, by monitoring the expression of LC3‐II, p62, and Beclin‐1. Exposure of PC12 cells to DLM led to the production of ROS. Treatment with N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) effectively blocked both apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors attenuated apoptosis as well as autophagic cell death. We also investigated the modulation of DLM‐induced apoptosis in response to autophagy regulation. Pretreatment with the autophagy inducer, rapamycin, significantly enhanced the viability of DLM‐exposed cells, and this enhancement of cell viability was partially due to alleviation of DLM‐induced apoptosis via a decrease in levels of cleaved caspase‐3. However, pretreatment of cells with the autophagy inhibitor, 3‐methyladenine (3MA), significantly increased DLM toxicity in these cells. Our results suggest that DLM‐induced cytotoxicity is modified by autophagy regulation and that rapamycin protects against DLM‐induced apoptosis by enhancing autophagy. Pharmacologic induction of autophagy by rapamycin may be a useful treatment strategy in neurodegenerative disorders. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 109–121, 2017.
Adverse reproductive effects of maternal low‐dose melamine exposure during pregnancy in rats
Authors: Chu Ching Yan , Tang Ling Ying , Li Lu , Shum Alisa Sau Wun , Fung Kwok Pui , Wang Chi Chiu
Published: November 2015

Melamine is a heterocyclic, aromatic amine and nitrogen‐enriched environmental toxicant, found in not only adulterated foodstuffs but also industrial household tableware and paints. Previous studies demonstrated adverse effects of high‐dose melamine on human infants and pregnant animals, but effects of low‐dose melamine on pregnancy have not been reported. In this study, reproductive effects of low‐dose melamine were investigated in pregnant rats. Melamine in the range of 12.5–50 mg/kg was administered to pregnant rats at different gestational stages. Maternal weight gain was not significantly affected, and other maternal morbidity was not observed. Low‐dose melamine exposure during pregnancy increased fetal size but reduced somite number in gastrulation (GD8.5–GD10.5) and organogenesis (GD10.5–GD16.5) periods, and increased incidence of stillbirth in whole gestational period (GD0.5 to delivery). Embryotoxicity of melamine was further confirmed by whole embryo culture in vitro that melamine retarded embryonic growth, impaired development of brain and heart, and induced open neural tube and atrioventricular defects with increased apoptosis. In conclusion, adverse reproductive effects of low‐dose melamine during pregnancy were identified in the developing rat embryos and the perinatal effects of melamine were gestational and developmental stage dependent. Detailed hazard and risk assessment of melamine in reproduction system are warrant. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 131–138, 2017.
Exposure to the mixture of organophosphorus pesticides is embryotoxic and teratogenic on gestational rats during the sensitive period
Authors: Yu Yan , Yang Yuxuan , Zhao Xiaodan , Liu Xiaofei , Xue Jianjun , Zhang Jinghua , Yang Aimin
Published: November 2015

Mixture of organophosphorus pesticides (MOPs) has been used worldwide to increase food production. The MOPs are harmful, and the exposure to them is both agricultural and nonagricultural through contaminated food. The neurotoxicity of MOPs has received more consideration recently due to the increased cases of malformed fetuses suspected to be caused by the MOPs exposure during gestation; however, relevant studies in animal model are rare. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis and demonstrated potential perinatal embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of MOPs exposure. As results, we found that MOPs decreased in utero fetal growth and alter the ratio of organs to whole body weight of the pregnant rats. MOPs also had been shown to disturb the balance of sex hormones and affect the reproduction of rats. Furthermore, we found various significantly elevated deformities in MOPs exposed embryos, confirming the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of maternal exposure to MOPs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 139–146, 2017.
Spatial capture–recapture models allowing Markovian transience or dispersal
Authors: Royle J. Andrew , Fuller Angela K. , Sutherland Chris
Published: November 2015

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models are a relatively recent development in quantitative ecology, and they are becoming widely used to model density in studies of animal populations using camera traps, DNA sampling and other methods which produce spatially explicit individual encounter information. One of the core assumptions of SCR models is that individuals possess home ranges that are spatially stationary during the sampling period. For many species, this assumption is unlikely to be met and, even for species that are typically territorial, individuals may disperse or exhibit transience at some life stages. In this paper we first conduct a simulation study to evaluate the robustness of estimators of density under ordinary SCR models when dispersal or transience is present in the population. Then, using both simulated and real data, we demonstrate that such models can easily be described in the BUGS language providing a practical framework for their analysis, which allows us to evaluate movement dynamics of species using capture–recapture data. We find that while estimators of density are extremely robust, even to pathological levels of movement (e.g., complete transience), the estimator of the spatial scale parameter of the encounter probability model is confounded with the dispersal/transience scale parameter. Thus, use of ordinary SCR models to make inferences about density is feasible, but interpretation of SCR model parameters in relation to movement should be avoided. Instead, when movement dynamics are of interest, such dynamics should be parameterized explicitly in the model.
Interspecific hybridisation of cytoplasmic male-sterile rapeseed with Ogura cytoplasm and Brassica rapa var. pekinensis as a method to obtain male-sterile Chinese cabbage inbred lines
Authors: Kamiński Piotr , Podwyszyńska Małgorzata , Starzycki Michał , Starzycka-Korbas Elżbieta
Published: November 2015

During 2011–2014, three self-compatible Chinese cabbage inbred lines (Brassica rapa, genome AA 2n = 20) were sexually hybridised with cytoplasmic male-sterile (CMS Ogu-INRA) and fertile lines of rapeseed (Brassica napus var. oleifera, genome AACC 2n = 38). Interspecific F1 hybrids and their consecutive back-crosses (BCs) toward B. rapa were obtained, and their morphological and commercial characteristics, as well as their ability for generative propagation, were analysed. Cytometric and morphological analyses confirmed the interspecific character of the F1 hybrids in comparison with B. napus and B. rapa parental lines. All interspecific F1 hybrids had intermediate morphological characteristics typical of both parental components in the generative and vegetative stages. The F1 hybrids of CMS B. napus × B. rapa were sterile, as were those of fertile B. napus × B. rapa. Good seed productivity from CMS B. napus × B. rapa and consecutive back-cross 1 (BC1)–BC3 generations with Chinese cabbage as the recurrent parent was obtained. Plants of the BC1 generation of CMS B. napus × B. rapa were sterile and had highly diversified morphological characteristics, both in the vegetative and generative phases. The BC3 generation of CMS B. rapa was also sterile and more uniform than BC1, with good vigour and most of the typical Chinese cabbage agronomic traits. As a result, a collection of Chinese cabbage genotypes having the CMS trait, which is valuable for the breeding of commercial F1 hybrids, was obtained for the first time in Poland.